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Two county residents earn honors for Garfinkel Essay Contest

By Billie Owens

Two local Genesee Community College students were recently honored for their entries in the Annual Garfinkel Essay Contest. It's sponsored by the Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York.

GCC student Kevin Volk, of Batavia, was awarded Second Place for his essay, "A Brief Examination of the Difficulties in Finding Justice for the Victims of the Triangle Factory Fire, 1911."

Volk's essay points out the importance the 1911 Triangle Factory Fire had in New York State, and how this tragedy began the wheels of change to protect factory employees and improve working conditions.

His award-winning essay can be found on the following Historical Society of the Courts Web site: http://www.courts.state.ny.us/history/essay/2011/essay11.htm

Phyllis Washburn, of Le Roy, received an honorable mention.

The Historical Society of the Courts was chartered to preserve the legal history of New York state and foster understanding and public appreciation of court history.

Man unconscious after motocross mishap at Area 51

By Billie Owens

A 30-year-old man is unconscious following a motocross accident at Area 51.

East Pembroke Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding. Mercy Flight in Batavia is on ground standby.

Area 51 is located at 3500 Harloff Road.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: Mercy Flight is requested to the scene.

UPDATE 6:06: Mercy Flight is canceled.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: Howard was told by the manager of Area 51 that the man was knocked unconscious but provided no other details. This was not a fatality, but we have no further details about his condition, where he was transported or if he was transported.

Apartment on fire on Pearl Street in the city

By Billie Owens

A fire in an upstairs apartment is reported at 107 Pearl St. City of Batavia Fire Department is responding. Medics, too.

UPDATE 12:50 p.m.: City command reports fire is knocked down. They are checking for "extensions" of the fire.

Mental Health Association names 2011 honorees

By Billie Owens

Two women will be honored Monday at the annual meeting of the Mental Health Association in Genesee County, which is being held at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Award of Excellence -- Maryanne Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts, Genesee Community College
 

Special Recognition Award -- Brenda Westhoven

Mental health experts discuss depression & bipolar illness

By Billie Owens

A panel of doctors and other professionals will discuss the topic of "Managing the High and Lows of Depression & Bipolar" from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 10, at City Church Generational Center.

It's located at 15 Center St. in the City of Batavia.

May is Mental Health Month in Genesee County and this presentation is a partnership between City Church and the Mental Health Association in Genesee County.

Event Date and Time
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Mental health experts to discuss depression and bipolar illness

By Billie Owens

A panel of doctors and other professionals will discuss the topic of "Managing the High and Lows of Depression & Bipolar" from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 9, at City Church Generational Center.

It's located at 15 Center St. in the City of Batavia.

May is Mental Health Month in Genesee County and this presentation is a partnership between City Church and the Mental Health Association in Genesee County.

Panelists are:

  • Dr. Beth Allen and Pat Sine, director, of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Rochester
  • Rosalie Sawyer, peer advocate
  • Dr. Joseph Langen, retired psychologist
  • Dr. Lawrence Guttmacher, clinical director, Rochester Psychiatric Center

This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to ask the panelists questions.

The Mental Health Association in Genesee County can be reached at 344-2611.

Michael Napoleone Foundation video contest - deadline June 1, cash prize 1K

By Billie Owens

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation is sponsoring a Create-a-Video Contest and the winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize.

The contest consists of creating an original/amateur video depicting the mission and vision of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation, incorporating its motto to "Lend a Hand for Hope."

The creator/creators of the winning video will win the cash prize in exchange for the rights to use the video to enhance the foundation's marketing efforts. The contest is open now until June 1.

Create a one to three minute Youtube video outlining the mission and purpose of the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation (all information about the organization is located on the Web site below). For full details, go to the Web site: www.michaelshope.org

See the related video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0W0yE6INA

The contest is open to everyone. Entrants under age 18 will need parental consent.

The winner to be announced this fall.

The parents of Michael Napoleone established a foundation in his memory after he died in 2006 from Burkitt's Lymphoma/Leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. During Michael’s yearlong illness, the community rallied around the family to assist with food, gas, medical bills and other necessities.

The foundation was created to give back to those who cared, to give forward to those in need, and to support research efforts in finding a cure for childhood cancer.

The foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization with the mission to “Lend a Hand for Hope” by:

  • assisting families whose children are undergoing cancer treatment with expenses related to hospital stays;
  • providing those children with support during treatment and the means to remain connected with school, family and friends;
  • supporting ongoing research efforts in pediatric blood cancers;
  • offering assistance to youth organizations and community sports programs in Michael’s memory.

E-mail is michaelnapoleonememfoundation@verizon.net

33rd annual Picnic in the Park

By Billie Owens

The 33rd annual Picnic in the Park celebration will be held on Monday, July 4, in Centennial Park, Batavia.

It's a free day-long event featuring activities for families and children, folk art events, entertainment and refreshment stands. Each year, the event draws approximately 3,000 to 5,000 attendees.

Artists and crafters exhibit and sell their work – all handmade by them.

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Call for artists and crafters for July 4th Picnic in the Park

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is issuing a call for artists and crafters, food vendors and nonprofit organizations to participate in the 33rd Annual Picnic in the Park celebration on Monday, July 4, in Centennial Park, Batavia.

Application forms can be downloaded from the GO ART! Web site at www.GOart.org, by e-mailing us at info@GOart.org, or by stopping by GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

Artists and crafters are invited to exhibit and sell their work – which must be handmade by the artist/crafter – in the Arts and Crafts Show. We will provide a fence for fine art displays, however there is ample room to set up individual tents, tables, and chairs.

If received by June 1, the application fee for artists and crafters is $35 for non-members and $30 for GO ART! members. After June 1, but no later than June 30, the application fee is $40 for non-members and $35 for GO ART! members.

The application fee for food vendors is $125 by June 1 -- or $150 after June 1 but by June 30. Non-profit organizations in Genesee and Orleans counties may participate free of charge. All vendors must supply their own tables, chairs, signs, canopy/tent, and extensions cords. The deadline to submit applications is Thursday, June 30.

Picnic in the Park is a free day-long event featuring activities for families and children, folk art events, entertainment and refreshment stands. Each year, the event draws approximately 3-5,000 attendees.

For additional information, call the GO ART! office at 343-9313, visit www.GOart.org, or check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/geneseeorleansarts.

Saturday: Muckdogs' ticket sales, job fair, singing contest, yard sale

By Billie Owens

The Dwyer Stadium Box Office will open for the 2011 season at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14. Tickets for Opening Day and ALL regular season games for the season will be on sale.

The box office will be open until 2 p.m. Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Season seat holders will be able to pick up their season tickets on Saturday. Fans interested in season tickets can also stop by the stadium and pick out their seat for the 2011 season.

The Muckdogs will also host their summer Job Fair on May 14. The event will be held at the stadium from 9 until 11:30 a.m. Positions available include picnic supervisor, cashiers, cooks, bartenders, batboys and ushers. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Additionally on Saturday, the Muckdogs will conduct the fourth annual National Anthem contest. This event will begin promptly at noon. Auditions will take place at home plate and will be performed a cappella.

The winner will sing the National Anthem and "God Bless America" at the July 4th game between the Muckdogs and Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Runners-up will be eligible to sing at remaining home games.

The Muckdogs Booster Club will also be hosting their annual yard sale during the festivities at Dwyer. Various items will be for sale. Remember, "one man’s junk is another man’s treasure!"

The Muckdogs open their 2011 home schedule at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, June 17 against the Auburn Doubledays.

Salvation Army to hold first dodgeball tournament

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army will host its first Youth “May”-hem  Dodgeball Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 28.

The  tournament, for youth in grades 6-8, will be held at The Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St. in Batavia. Trophies will be awarded to the top three teams. A concession stand will be open to sell snacks and drinks.

Team registration forms and tournament rules are available at The Salvation Army, can be e-mailed or faxed.

For more information contact: Capt. Patty at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Steiner says new grant program will help create jobs and boost economy

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

A new challenge grant program to aid SUNY's four research centers will also create facilities and programs that strengthen the business climate and boost private sector job creation, according to Genesee Community College President Stuart Steiner.

NYSUNY 2020, a new economic development initiative announced earlier this week by SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, aims to spur economic recovery in New York State and create jobs.

The program will rely on a mix of public and private funding, including financing from the Empire State Development Corporation and SUNY Construction Fund.

"We have opportunities right here in Western New York to build thriving industries in such emerging fields as biotechnology, high-tech agribusiness, information technology and many others," Steiner said. "The new SUNY strategic plan commits our university system to help restore an entrepreneurial spirit in New York State. We look forward to NYSUNY 2020 becoming a vital part of this effort.

"Each of our four SUNY university centers -- located in Buffalo, Albany, Binghamton and Stony Brook -- already possesses world-class research and development capabilities. NYSUNY 2020 can help bolster the scientific and technological expertise of these research institutions, and result in business and job creation in their surrounding communities. NYSUNY 2020 is good for SUNY and good for New York.

"Through The BEST Center and through our partnerships with such organizations as chambers of commerce and the Genesee County Economic Development Center, we at Genesee Community College are already working to boost the economic climate of our Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming region. We look forward to the work our great research centers will be able to do through NYSUNY 2020, especially The University at Buffalo, and to be partnering with UB on projects that create businesses and jobs in our local communities."

Todd Haight named new GM of Live Racing at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Todd Haight has been appointed general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs by the Board of Directors of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation that owns the Genesee County racetrack and casino.

Haight began his new duties this week and he replaces Michael D. Kane, who was recently appointed president and CEO of WROTB

In his previous position as promotion marketing specialist at The Downs, Haight served as track handicapper and television host. He also created and implemented racing promotions. He has been with the organization since 2002.

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity and the confidence shown in me by Chairman Richard Bianchi, the board of directors and Mike Kane,” Haight said. “I look forward to working with the racing staff and horsemen and continuing many of the great traditions for which Batavia Downs is known.”

Kane said: “Todd’s knowledge and experience in the horseracing industry and at Batavia Downs should serve him well in his new position.”

In addition to being America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track, the facility at 8315 Park Road in Batavia is home to more than 600 of the most popular slots and the Grandstands Bar & Grille.

Batavia Downs’ 65th harness season begins July 25.

Showcase your organization at Dwyer's little red house

By Billie Owens

Jenna Raphael, a GCASA prevention educator, sent this along:

This is the second year we will be having our “Adopt-the-House” at Dwyer Stadium.

For those of you who sat at our red house last summer, you are familiar with this. It is free advertising/showcasing for your agency or organization. Volunteers tend to arrive an hour before the game starts so they can catch the incoming crowd.

If you volunteer, you can stay free of charge to watch the Muckdogs game afterwards!

Contact Jenna Raphael at (585) 815-1864 or jraphael@gcasa.org for questions and/or a sign-up sheet for the Muckdogs home games. Include your name, agency, and phone number on the sheet, it would be greatly appreciated. You may choose as many games as you’d like!

Two cookbooks are focus of Books Sandwiched In

By Billie Owens

Cookbooks are the focus of Books Sandwiched In, from 12:10 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11 at Richmond Memorial Library.

In the Gallery Room, Jennifer Reardon will review "The Food Matters Cookbook," by Mark Bittman, and "One Big Table: A Portrait of Amercian Cooking," by Molly O'Neill.

The Friends of the Library sponsor this free lunchtime review series. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea and cookies are provided. All welcome. For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8, or log on to www.batavialibrary.org.

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Fourth annual "Bike to Books" is May 20-21

By Billie Owens

"Bike to Books" -- an event that encourages eco-friendly practices, reading, exercise, and plain old fun -- is scheduled for May 20 and 21.

For two days, anyone who rides his or her bike to Present Tense Books on Washington Avenue in Batavia will receive a discount on their entire purchase and a discount coupon for bike accessories from Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle.

In addition, they will be entered to win a Cateye® cycle computer courtesy of Adam Miller. A gift certificate to Present Tense will be awarded to the person(s) who bikes the farthest.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, cycling as little as four miles can prevent 15 pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. In addition, the average cyclist burns between 400 and 550 calories during an hour of cycling.

“This is a really fun event that is great for the whole family,” said Erica Caldwell, owner of Present Tense. “With gas prices skyrocketing, this is an inexpensive way to enjoy the outdoors and get in shape while encouraging your kids to read.”

This year marks the fourth such collaboration between the two stores. In previous years, participants biked in from as far away as Akron, NY. The event began in 2007 as a creative spin on May as National Bike Month, which encourages people to ride to work, ride to the grocery store, or, in this case, ride to read.

“Bike to Books is a great way for independent businesses to team up and offer a unique event to the community,” said John Roche, owner of Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle, a cornerstone Batavia business for nearly 100 years.

The two business owners have worked together on several events and promotions in the past, an effort that emphasizes the importance of keeping shopping dollars in the local economy. "Bike to Books" is one such collaborative event that yields rewards for all participants.

“Bicycling means good exercise, environmentally friendly travel, and a way to really appreciate the sights you see along the way,” Caldwell said. “We want to see bikes lined up all along the front of our store during this event!”

The "Bike to Books" event is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle is located at 8 Center St., Batavia NY. For more information call (585) 815-7640, or visit www.presenttensebooks.com <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Free, two-day Health Fair at GCC

By Billie Owens

A two-day Health Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 in the Forum of Genesee Community College's Batavia campus.

It was developed and managed by the students and faculty of GCC's three major health care divisions -- Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Respiratory Care.

Local residents are invited to this free event to not only gather important information about cutting-edge healthcare needs, treatments and diagnostic developments, but also enjoy learning some preventive tips for maintaining healthy lifestyles.

Event Date and Time
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Free, two-day Health Fair at GCC

By Billie Owens

A two-day Health Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 in the Forum of Genesee Community College's Batavia campus.

It was developed and managed by the students and faculty of GCC's three major health care divisions -- Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Respiratory Care.

Local residents are invited to this free event to not only gather important information about cutting-edge healthcare needs, treatments and diagnostic developments, but also enjoy learning some preventive tips for maintaining healthy lifestyles.

The opportunity to learn about lung disease, alcohol toxicity, stroke recognition, hypertension, diabetes, sun safety, skin cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, prenatal care, pregnancy, sleep apnea and much more will be offered.

Nursing students will be performing blood-pressure screenings while physical therapy students will provide information on workplace ergonomics, lifting techniques, heart-rate monitoring for exercise, and sports injury prevention. Information about respiratory care and sleep disorder issues will also be provided.

"The Health Fair gives the larger community an opportunity to better understand their own health and wellness needs, and also provides potential new students and healthcare workers a chance to explore some fantastic career opportunities," said Assistant Nursing Instructor Marilyn Brennan, RN, MSN, CNS. "We hope to make this annual event."

The topics being presented are most applicable for young adults and adults -- teenagers to seniors. Some of the information may not be suitable for children.

Master gardeners to hold Spring Garden Gala

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Master Gardeners will host their annual Spring Garden Gala from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

The plant sale starts promptly at 10. It will feature indoor and outdoor plants.

The features also includes a Chance Auction, free soil pH testing, gardening advice by certified Master Gardeners, children’s activities and refreshments for a nominal fee.

New this year – handmade bird feeders by Cindy Smith.

The Chance Auction drawing begins at 12:30. Don’t miss your chance to pick up some great plants for your own garden!

For more information contact Amy Berry at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 343-3040, ext. 101, stop by the extension office on East Main Street, or visit our Web site at www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

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