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Possible structure fire on Darien-Alexander TL Road

By Billie Owens

A possible structure fire is reported at 10820 Darien-Alexander Townline Road. A vehicle is on fire close to a residence there.

Darien Fire Department is responding along with mutual aid from Alexander.

The location is between Broadway and Buffalo Street roads.

UPDATE 11:38 p.m.: The vehicle fire is "well involved" and about six feet from the house.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: Darien chief reports the car fire is out and the structure was not involved.

Vendors sought for Byron Heritage Festival

By Billie Owens

This was sent from reader James Renfrew. It is also listed on the events calander for July 30.

Byron Heritage Festival

Byron Fireman’s Park

Saturday, July 30, 2011

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

To:   Vendors interested in participating in the Byron Heritage Festival

From: Town of Byron

 Re:  Booth reservations and deadlines

 The Town of Byron will hold its 5th annual “Byron Heritage Festival” on Saturday, July 30, 2011

 Thanks to your support and the support of our sponsors we continue to grow every year. We look forward to a wide variety of arts and crafts, games and attractions for the children, live music,  and great food  including a chicken BBQ. We are also welcoming back the classic car show. The parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. and the evening will end with a fireworks extravaganza for all to remember.

We would like to extend an invitation to you to participate in the Byron Heritage Festival. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to reserve your space. Please contact the Town Office, at 548-7123. to obtain a vendor application sheet with more information. You may return the vendor application to:  Town of Byron,  7028 Byron Holley Road, Byron NY 14422

There is also a Town-Wide Garage and Yard Sale taking place in Byron on Saturday, July 30th, with various residences around the town involved.  Free table space in the center of town next to the church for anyone wishing to participate in the yard sale may be reserved by contacting the Byron Presbyterian Church (548-2800).   

  Thank you for your interest in our event. We look forward to your participation.

A detailed schedule of the Heritage Day events will be posted in the next week. 

Laura Bestehorn, Byron Heritage Festival Committee

Elderly Canadian man dies in Route 63, Batavia-Oakfield TL Road accident

By Billie Owens

An elderly Canadian man died shortly before noon in the two-car collision at Route 63 (Lewiston Road) and Batavia-Oakfield Townline Road. He was traveling northbound on Route 63 when his car crossed the center line for reasons unknown, striking a southbound car head on.

The struck vehicle was occupied by a couple from Williamsville and they were transported to UMMC with minor injuries.

Names will be forthcoming.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: The name of the Williamsville couple is Michael and Diane Zakes, former funeral directors in Oakfield. It will be some time before investigators determine the cause of the accident, if they ever do. Sgt. Kurt Schmitt requests that any witnesses who haven't been interviewed to please call State Police. Schmitt said, "(The elderly driver) was well into the left lane. We don't know why he crossed. That's part of our investigation." He added later, "There are clear indications that tell us he crossed into the left lane. There are indications in the roadway."

Van on fire on eastbound Thruway

By Billie Owens

A working vehicle fire is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 389.5. Fire units from the Town of Batavia are called to the scene. State Troopers are handling traffic control.

Multiple emergency calls to dispatch are prompting requests for all available manpower to help with emergency coverage, including traffic control at Veteran's Memorial Drive and Route 63. The latter is needed due to the two-car accident at Route 63 and Batavia-Oakfield TL Road.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: The fire is under control.

UPDATE 12:33 p.m.: The fire is out. The burned vehicle is a mini-van.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: All Town of Batavia fire units back in service.

Man reportedly exposed himself at Kiwanis Park

By Billie Owens

State Troopers are looking for a tan (or gold) 1996 Buick Le Sabre sedan heading eastbound (toward the city) on Route 5 after it was seen leaving a park where the driver is suspected of exposing himself.

The incident reportedly happened moments ago at the Kiwanis Park on West Main Street in the Town of Batavia.

The car is registered to a Buffalo resident.

UPDATE 12:57 p.m.: Two calls were received on this. The man allegedly acted in a lewd manner and then tried to "cover it up" by pretending to urinate. "You never see many gold Buicks until you're looking for one. I've got five in the area all with different plates (than the one being sought)," says an officer.

UPDATE 1:11 p.m.: The man is described as "older" and possibly wearing a blue shirt. So far, officers have found about 10 similar Buicks, most of which are unoccupied and parked in parking lots. None of the vehicles have plates close to the one being sought.

Local United Way campaign exceeds goal

By Billie Owens

The United Way of Genesee County announced this week that it surpassed its goal for the 2011 campaign by 6 percent. The annual campaign, which ended May 15, raised $414,702. 

“We are so grateful to the people of Genesee County for their support and generosity," Executive Director Jamie Rada said. “We will be able to invest these resources into programs that do the most good to help our community.”

United Way annually supports 15 community agencies that provide emergency services and programs that are vital to the quality of life for Genesee County residents. A United Way donation ensures that the best resources remain available to those who are in of assistance.

In addition, the United Way sponsors the annual Day of Caring that draws more than 260 volunteers who help with projects that assist local not-for-profit agencies. The United Way also initiated and funds the successful backpack program in the City of Batavia schools.

United Way officials announced that the 2012 campaign chaircouple will be Jay and Ann Marie Gsell.

Dancer with integrity earns $5,000 scholarship

By Billie Owens

Claudia Germuga, a Batavia High School senior, has won a $5,000 Student of Integrity Scholarship from the Upstate New York Better Business Bureau.

She is a very accomplished dancer and art student who has received lots of recognition from her school. She is described as a student with strong convictions who is determined to set a good example for her peers.

Conservation funds available for farmers in Oak Orchard, Oatka, Black Creek watersheds

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in coordination with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is available to provide information about the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the special funding that is available to farmers within the Oak Orchard, Oatka and Black Creek watersheds.

The two funding sources that are available to eligible farmers within the Great Lakes priority watersheds include the Black and Oatka Creeks Sediment Reduction Grant and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Funding from both programs will provide financial and technical assistance for installing conservation practices aimed at protecting water quality in the streams and tributaries of Lake Ontario.

“The Great Lakes are an important part of our region supplying drinking water to more than 40 million people and supporting many different sectors including manufacturing, tourism, energy, and agriculture,” said Heath Eisele, district conservationist for the Batavia NRCS field office. “Continued protection of the Great Lakes will take a multipronged approach."

Applications are currently being accepted for both funding programs. The deadline for submitting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program is July 1. The deadline for submitting applications for the Black and Oatka Creek Sediment Reduction Grant is Aug. 1.

To contact the Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District, phone 343-2363. For more details or additional conservation program information contact Heath Eisele at heath.eisele@ny.usda.gov.

Pembroke's Holiday Hollow offers first dinner theater

By Billie Owens

Here's a press release from Holiday Hollow in Pembroke.

After 20 years of family oriented Halloween entertainment and three years of Christmas and "tea tasting" shows, the George Walker family at Holiday Hollow in Pembroke has added dinner theater to their repertoire.

On Saturday, July 16, they will premiere "13 Memento Mori Lane," a comedy/mystery/farce, at their new theater, Yorkshire Hall.

Author/director Zachary Walker says that "the show begins the moment you enter the door, as the villain greets you...as you sit down do a delicious dinner, mind your belongings, and get ready for poison brandy, tangled tangos, crashing chandeliers -- and broccoli. What murder would be complete without broccoli?"

Yorkshire Hall shows are usually limited to group bookings and tour buses.

"This is a chance for the general public to get to see our elegant new hall and have a great dinner and show as well," said George Walker, senior member of the family.

But he says that this presentation is unique and future "general public" presentations will depend on response.

"We receive many requests to open our shows to local residents, and this will be a chance to see if there's enough community interest to make future offerings possible," Walker said.

The July 16 "world premiere" of "13 Memento Mori Manor" is scheduled for just one performance at this time, but will feature a "super discount price" of $19.95, which includes dinner, the show, and gratuity.

Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 762-8160. Additional information is available at www.Yorkshire-Hall.com.

Corfu student earns award at Catholic college in Vermont

By Billie Owens

Matthew-Sausner, of Corfu, a student at Notre Dame High School was named the 2011 recipient of the Saint Michael's College Book Award for Academic Achievement with a Social Conscience.

The award recognizes students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership in volunteer service and academic achievement. Saint Michael's, located in Burlington, Vt., was founded on the belief that serving others is part of its Catholic tradition, and through the award seeks to honor those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism.

Award recipients, named at schools throughout the country, are high school juniors who are inductees of the National Honor Society or an equivalent school-sponsored honors organization. They must demonstrate a commitment to service activities in high school or community organizations, taking leadership roles in these activities.

Sausner was presented the book "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" (HarperCollins 2000) by Loung Ung, a 1993 Saint Michael's College graduate who has become a widely acclaimed author.

Present Tense offering weekly creative writing workshops

By Billie Owens

Present Tense Bookstore in Batavia is offering a series of weekly creative writing workshops focusing on poetry, short stories, novels, creative nonfiction, children’s and young adult books, personal essays, memoirs, among others.

The workshops, taught at the bookstore by retired literature professor and regional novelist Bob Comenole, are generally five weeks in long.

Classes will meet once a week in evening or afternoon sessions. Scheduling is to be determined, depending on how many people sign up for the worskhops and their creative writing interests. But it is anticipated that workshops will begin later this summer or early fall.

They are designed for both beginning writers who wish to learn fundamental techniques and seasoned writers wishing to acquire more advanced skills; there are no prerequisites.

For more than 20 years Bob Comenole has taught writing, literature and communications at several colleges, including Miami University, Siena College, the State University of New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He's the author of "Bushel & Lamp" and the novella "The Long Night of Clement C. Craggogre," and has just completed work on a collection of short stories called "Perplexed by the Egg & Other Stories," as well as a collection of essays. He was also the producer of the children’s television series "StoryBrook."

To view what past students have said about the writing workshops, visit: http://www.infinitelycurious.us/Academy/

The fee is $89 for five 2-hour sessions, plus individual conferences with the instructor. Call or visit the store for further details on the workshops or to sign up.

Present Tense is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 815-7640. <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>

Pastel landscape demo at Go-Art!

By Billie Owens

Batavia Society of Artists is having a pastel landscape demonstration from 7 to 9.m. on Tuesday July 12 at Go-Art!, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

Artist Gail Thomas will be demonstrating. This is open to the public for a $3 fee. New members always welcome, $20 membership fee.

www.bataviasocietyofartists.com

Event Date and Time
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Deadline looms for tech training applications

By Billie Owens

The deadline is fast approaching for people interested in enrolling in the Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology Certificate Training Program.

Applications will continue to be accepted until July 15, and after that people will be placed on a waiting list. The program is FREE of charge and will run for 11 weeks, beginning in September.

Applications for the program are available through the Genesee County Career Center, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, East Town Plaza, Batavia. Updates regarding the program will be posted on the Genesee County Economic Development Center's website at www.gcedc.com

The GCEDC -- in conjunction with Genesee Community College (GCC) and the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) -- developed the program to help bridge the gap between employers and prospective employees.

Funded by a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal, the training program is designed to prepare participants for entry-level manufacturing positions by introducing them to the skill sets necessary to succeed in a high-tech and advanced-manufacturing environment.

“We currently have a tremendous pool of applicants for the certificate program, but will continue accepting applications for the program to ensure that any community member who would like to participate is given an equal opportunity,” said John Jakubowski, education consultant for the GDEDC.

Preparation for employment is crucial in any industry.

“The more prepared students become in advanced manufacturing, the more successful they will be in future endeavors and valuable to employers,” Jakubowski said.

Successful participants will earn a certificate in Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology and have an opportunity to meet with local employers at the end of the program.

Many people who are unemployed have to make a conscious effort to learn a new trade, or go back to school because there are limited opportunities in their desired field.

“When I speak to employers they continually tell me that they need workers," Jakubowski said. "When I speak to the unemployed they want to get back to work. The disconnect occurs between what types of jobs are available and what types of employment is sought; expectations on both sides must be managed."

Relay for Life at Van Detta Stadium

By Billie Owens

The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Batavia will take place noon to midnight on Saturday, July 9 at Van Detta Stadium, 120 Richmond Ave.

The event is an opportunity for the community to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

Event Date and Time
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Making Batavia the color purple for a purpose

By Billie Owens

The American Cancer Society will celebrate the Relay For Life season by painting Batavia purple starting tommorrow. Volunteers will be hanging purple ribbons down Main Street, and have invited Main Street businesses to decorate their storefront windows in an effort to promote Relay For Life of Batavia.

The event is an opportunity for the community to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding cures and by fighting back.

Relay For Life of Batavia will take place noon to midnight on Saturday, July 9 at Vandetta Stadium, 120 Richmond Ave.

Individuals and teams camp out, eat, dance and take turns walking or running around a track “relay” style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants light hundreds of luminaria candles around the track in a touching ceremony honoring cancer survivors as well as paying tribute to those lost to the disease.

To join Relay For Life, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.relayforlife.org/bataviany

The American Cancer Society is the largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.4 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year.

Today's Deals: O'Lacy's, Red Osier, Alabama Hotel and more!

By Billie Owens

Batavia Downs Grandstand Bar & Grille, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY: A full menu, salad bar and drinks in one of the region's most popular entertainment venues. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50. (Must be new or current Players Club member to redeem.)

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Red Osier, Route 5, Stafford, NY: Truly, one of the landmark restaurants of the area. Red Osier features prime rib carved table side. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alli's, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have $20 gift certificates for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Stafford Trading Post, 6173 Main Road, Stafford, NY: Lunch or dinner, Stafford Trading Post offers a variety of fresh, homemade meals, as well as snacks and drinks. Now in a new, expanded location. We have a $25 gift card for $12.50.

Larry's Steakhouse, 60 Main St., Batavia, NY: The name says it all -- Larry's is a great place for steak. Larry's has a fine dining atmosphere with a great menu and outstanding service. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY. Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have $25 gift certificates for $12.50.

T.F. Brown's, at 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." We have a $10 gift card for $5.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kraving's offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have $10 gift certificates for $5.

O'Lacy's Irish Pub, 5 School St. Batavia, NY: In Irish pubs, it doesn't get more authentic than O'Lacy's. Be sure to try the homemade chips. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

SOLD OUT

Novel Destinations begins at Woodward Memorial Library

By Billie Owens

Novel Destinations is the theme of the 2011 Adult Summer Reading Program. Sign up begins at 10 a.m. Monday, June 27 and continues throughout the summer months.

Read books from our destination categories and receive tickets to win prize baskets. We will also do a weekly mystery photo contest. Call 768-8300 for more information or stop in the library!

Tobacco-free group launches new campaign

By Billie Owens

This information is from Community Partnerships for a Tobacco Free New York.

The Community Partnerships for a Tobacco Free New York has launched a campaign to educate New Yorkers about the benefits of tobacco-free outdoor recreational areas: "Keep butts away from where we play!"

The campaign helps raise awareness of the environmental impact of tobacco litter, dangers of secondhand smoke and influence on children when tobacco use is not restricted.

Tobacco litter is poisonous to children and wildlife. Discarded cigarette butts are the most common form of litter. Studies show they are toxic, slow to decompose and costly to remove. Cigarette butts have been found in the stomachs of fish, whales, birds and other marine animals and can cause digestive blockages. Children routinely pick up these toxic butts and try to put them in their mouths.

“The Community Partnership has designed a paid media campaign to educate communities about why we need to adopt more tobacco free outdoor policies,” said Kevin Keenan, Genesee County program coordinator for Smoke Free NOW; a program of GCASA. “Family recreation for children should not mean having to play among cigarette butts or being exposed to secondhand smoke."

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

“When we consider that children have smaller lungs than adults and consequently breathe in 50 percent more air pollution, it’s clear that we need to do everything we can to expand smoke-free outdoor areas so we can reduce exposure and prevent tobacco-caused disease," said Dr. Irwin Berlin, board chair of the American Lung Association in New York.

Public support for outdoor tobacco use restrictions is growing. Currently, outdoor tobacco use policies have been enacted in more than 280 local municipalities throughout New York State. Local Community Partnerships can provide sample policies, signage and/or assistance in creating outdoor tobacco-use policies. Visit www.TobaccoFreeNYS.org to learn more.

One-day garage sale to benefit shelter animals this Saturday

By Billie Owens

Volunteers for Animals will be having a one-day-only Garage Sale to benefit the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. It's this Saturday, June 25, at 54 River St. in Batavia.

They were rained out on the last day of their regular sale and still had some good stuff left. They made more than $1,000 in the two and half days!

Come out and support the animals.

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