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Dog bites jogger in Alabama, gets Tased

By Billie Owens

A jogger was reportedly bitten by a loose dog in the vicinity of Knowlesville and Ham roads in Alabama.

A law enforcement officer happened upon the scene and attempts to control the dog were unsuccessful. The officer used a Taser gun to subdue the dog. Then the owner came to the scene and secured the dog.

An ambulance was called for the bite victim and an Animal Control officer is en route to kennel the dog.

No word on the kind of dog involved. The dog had been on a leash, but managed to get free of it.

UPDATE 2:03 p.m.: Mercy medics have been cancelled.

Lucky local lady wins nearly $33,000 in NY lottery

By Billie Owens

From the NY State Lottery Commission:

The New York Lottery recently announced that a Batavia Take Five player won $32,994. Lori Siedlecki purchased the winning ticket at the Wilson Farms store at 355 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, earning more than $39.3 billion in education support statewide since its founding more than 40 years ago.

It contributed nearly $2.67 billion in fiscal year 2009-2010 to help support education in New York State, which was more than 12 percent of total state education funding to local school districts.

Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school district's size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding.

6th annual Cool Kids Eco-Fest set for April 9 at college

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

Genesee Community College's Earth Club, Student Activities Office and College Village are once again joining Cool Kids to collectively produce the 6th annual Cool Kids Eco-Fest.

This free, fun-filled, yet educational event aims to increase awareness of important environmental issues and it celebrates Earth Day.

From alternative fuel cars to kites, solar power displays to a big plastic bag bash, water bugs to a giant map of the Earth, Eco-tips to Eco-button making -- it's all at the Batavia campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.

Both indoor and outdoor activities will be happening throughout the four-hour event, which winds down with the Eco-Raffle of great green prizes, including the Grand Prize -- a mountain bike provided by Adam Miller Bikes and Toys. (You must be present to win.)

While many of the popular eco-opportunities will be back -- such as the annual residential E-Waste Collection and Sloat Tires Inflation Station outside in the parking lot -- there will also be many wonderful new green alternatives to explore and enjoy.

New to this year's celebration will be the collection of worn American flags for honorable disposal by Sheppard, Maxwell and Hale. In addition, this year's ECO-Tips Illustration Contest, sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union, features fun and unique prizes in the following six categories:

  • Children's Coolest Category: Pre K through Sixth Grade
  • Most Unique Reused Item
  • Best Illustration
  • Longest Term Impact for the Environment
  • Greatest Innovation / Absolutely Cool Awesome Idea
  • Most Fun or Funny

Last year, we had some incredibly clever contributions to the Eco-Tips Contest and we are looking forward to seeing what local citizens, from pre-K classes to senior citizens' groups will create.

"It's a great way to 'get your green on,' " said Donna Rae Sutherland, Genesee's Earth Club co-advisor and associate director of Marketing Communications. "Eco-Fest continues to grow each year and the upcoming festival promises to be the best ever."

Entries for the ESL Eco-Tip Illustration Contest are being accepted now through to 11 a.m. April 9 for the Eco-Fest by sending them to Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

All entries will be on display at the event, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. contest judges will review entries and select the six prize winners. There is no limit on the number of Eco-Tip entries any one person or group can submit, and there is also no limit on the size of paper or form for each submission.

For Eco-Tip guidelines and the official entry form go to: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/eco_tip_guidelinesform.pdf

Also new this year will be the bird-banding demonstration by Tom Klotzbach, a local birding expert and researcher, as well as a GCC alumnus and employee. He is currently in the second year of a three year bird-tracking project featuring more than 60 bird boxes located at GCC and on the western portion of the Ontario State Parkway.

The seasonal outdoor effort starts in early April when he will once again begin tracking various species of native and non-native birds. Through banding and bi-weekly nest box checks, Klotzbach is collecting bird data such as age, sex, fat score, and body mass. The collected data is used to study migration patterns with the U.S. Geological Survey, and is the foundation for his research on nest site fidelity.

The 6th annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest also includes more than 35 exhibits, presentations and activities, including the Cool Kids Wild Life Show and the Big Bag Bash.

As in years past, hundreds of people of all ages are expected to attend the event enjoying environmental fun and educational opportunities, and the more green things they do – the more Eco-Raffle tickets they collect to increase their chances of winning the mountain bike.

Among the ways to earn Eco-Raffle tickets:

  • Donating residential E-Waste or electronics such as old computers, monitors, calculators, TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, video games, and microwave ovens (No other kitchen appliances, please.);
  • Donating paperbacks books for American troops overseas;
  • Donating worn American flags for proper disposal by Sheppard, Maxwell and Hale;
  • Donating cell phones and ink cartridges for Oakfield-Alabama Schools collection;
  • Creating an Eco-Tip for the ESL Eco-Tip Illustration Contest;
  • Getting your tire pressure checked by Sloat Tires Inflation Station;
  • AAA mercury hood lamp switch-out (for 2002 or older cars);
  • Being an Eco-Fest volunteer;
  • Wearing green.

 For further information contact Donna Rae Sutherland at 343-0055, ext. 6616.

Two Byron men named winners in ACORN photo contest

By Billie Owens

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. -- ACORNS -- announced the winners of its second black and white nature photography contest.

Top honors went to Mark Kulikowski, of Byron, for his photo titled “Butterfly," a close-up of a Monarch butterfly on milkweed blossoms.

“I took the photo while at the park for a family reunion," Kulikowski said. "I go to the park often with my family.”

Second Place went to George Squires, also of Byron, for “Winter in the Park,” a photo capturing the majesty of the park in winter.

Honorable Mention went to Peggy Tirrell, of Avon, for “Through the Trees II” and to Kulikowski for his photo titled “Frog."

The winners were selected by a panel of judges, including Jim Taillie, president of ACORNS.

“We were impressed with the quality of the entries," Taillie said. "The photos truly reveal the beauty and diversity in the Genesee County parks. Our panel of judges had a difficult time choosing the winners.”

The contest encourages visitors to enjoy Genesee County parks. Photographers were required to submit photos that were taken at either the Genesee County Park and Forest in East Bethany or the DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia.

The winning photos are displayed at the Nature Center in the Genesee County Park and Forest and are available for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on weekends as staff and volunteers are available.

The Nature Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany. All photos can be also viewed on-line at: http://acorns.shutterfly.com/pictures.

For more information contact Julia Garver at 343-8514 or jagarver@yahoo.com, or go to http://acorns.shutterfly.com/.

ACORNS  is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer organization formed to support the Genesee County parks by assisting with environmental programs and park maintenance, offering recreational opportunities and promoting the parks. Call 344-1122 for more information.

Master gardeners announce spring Coffee and Dessert Series

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their Coffee and Dessert Series this spring, along with the ever-popular container gardening class.

Participants enjoy a variety of gardening topics taught by certified Master Gardeners along with coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per person per class.

Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

All programs are from 6 to 8 p.m. at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia, unless otherwise noted.

April 13 – “Plan for Autumn Awesomeness." Is your garden smashing in the springtime but looking worn out by mid-August? Spent by September? Start planning and planting now for a garden overflowing with Autumn Awesomeness! Peek in on six, local fall gardens to discover amazing autumn plants and combinations to try in your garden this year. Registration deadline: April 8.

April 20 – “Landscaping Difficult Sites." Do you have shade, slopes or other challenging areas in your garden? Let us show you how to deal with these difficult situations. Learn how to add garden “bling” to those tricky backyard places. Registration deadline: April 15.

April 27 – “Backyard Birds." Spring is the time to adjust your bird-feeding system to accommodate springtime migrants, as well as the permanent resident birds that have been visiting your feeders all winter. Learn about some of the interesting birds that may show up in your backyard this spring and summer. Registration deadline: April 22.

May 11 – “Creative Container Gardening!”. When it comes to choosing containers for plants, why opt for the typical terra cotta pot? A wealth of more intriguing objects is just waiting to be transformed into creative container gardens. Join us for some inspiration, so you can learn to fashion container gardens from unexpected sources this season. Registration deadline: May 6.

May 25 – Hands on Program – "Container Gardening." Select from traditional and unusual plant materials to create your own unique container garden. Bring your own container (no bigger than 12 inches across), hand trowel and gloves. Potting soil, fertilizer and flowers will be provided. (Excessively large containers will be charged extra.) This class will be held at the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, Route 5 in Batavia. Pre-registration is required by May 20. Cost is $20.00 per person.

To register, contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia to register. For more information visit our Web site at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

Holland Land Office Museum hosts free lecture

By Billie Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum has announced a free lecture series beginning Saturday, April 16.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., author Larry Barnes will discuss his book "Batavia Revisited." To reserve your free seat please call the museum at 343-4727.

Donations to the museum are always appreciated.

Mercy Flight crews in Buffalo need an elliptical machine

By Billie Owens

Is your elliptical machine gathering dust? Wanna donate it? FYI...

Jeffrey Mendola, on behalf of the Mercy Flight crews in Buffalo, put this plea on Twitter:

"Looking for a used elliptical (donated or cheap) for our Buffalo flight crews to use between calls. jmendola@mercyflight.org if you can help."

(As you know, Buffalo Mercy Flight often flies into Genesee County to transport critically injured people.)

Richmond library announces spring programs for tots

By Billie Owens

The Spring series of Story Time programs at the Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, begins on Monday, April 4. Here's the line-up:

  • Toddler Time --  10:30 a.m. Tuesdays (walkers – 3 years)
  • Tiny Tots Early Risers -- 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers – 3 years)
  • Tiny Tots -- 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers -- 3 years)
  • Preschool Party --  10 a.m. Thursdays (ages 3 through 5)
  • Baby Bounce  -- 11 a.m. Thursdays (pre-walkers)
  • Pajama Primetime --  6:30 p.m. Thursdays (all ages)

To register for one of these sessions, or to get more information, call the library at 343-9555, ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during library hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Parents may also register online. The Web address is www.batavialibrary.org/

Group size is limited so register early.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Farm Bureau lauds restoration of ag funding in state budget

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release sent Monday from the NY Farm Bureau.

Lawmakers have restored funding for agricultural programs in the state budget, and Dean Norton, president of the NY Farm Bureau, had this to say about the overall budget agreement.

"Just as we're about to roll our tractors into the fields for a new growing season, our allies in the senate and assembly have come through with a budget that will help ensure a brighter future for our farm families.

"Farmers are full of gratitude this morning for Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Skelos, Senate Ag Chair Patty Ritchie and Assembly Ag Chair Bill Magee. Our leaders in Albany have made an investment in rural New York by restoring funding to dozens of vital agricultural programs that will help grow our industry and create jobs.

"Not only were agricultural programs restored, but the overall budget did make a significant start at tackling our state’s larger fiscal problems, caused mainly by mandatory, nondiscretionary spending levels for labor, education and health care.

“I would particularly like to commend our Senate and Assembly Agriculture Committee chairs -- Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Magee. Both the Senate and Assembly Majority budget proposals contained substantial investments in agriculture infrastructure programs, and Senator Ritchie and Assemblyman Magee worked very hard with members of their respective conferences to make sure that the budget was a fair one for the farm community.

"Programs such as the Integrated Pest Management, Pro-Dairy, New York FarmNet, and the New York Farm Viability Institute, as well as several promotion and agricultural education programs and others are crucial to the future success of our farm families throughout Upstate New York and the farm towns of Long Island.

"Other programs like Re-Charge NY will expand low-cost power to businesses, including farms. Re-Charge NY was one of New York Farm Bureau members' priority issues this year and we are very pleased with its accomplishment for our farmers and the food processing industry.

"We are equally excited about regional economic development councils that we expect to include stakeholders in agriculture and food processing.

Farm Bureau members lobbied hard for restoration of our agricultural programs with a message to the governor and legislature that if you want to revive the state economy, a great place to start is with agriculture. Our leaders listened.

"We have nearly 36,000 farms in New York, which means there are 36,000 small businesses employing New Yorkers, stimulating the economy and most importantly, producing food, fuel and fiber for our neighbors."

College hosts job fair April 12

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair with with more than 25 companies expected to participate from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12.

It will be held at the college's centrally located William Stuart Forum. Genesee's Career Services Center continues to solicit businesses from all types of industries to join the popular, three-hour event that introduces potential new employees to employers. It also provides businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community.

This is event is sponsored by WBTA AM1490. Any company interested in attending the Job Fair should call (585) 345-6888 to register immediately. The following employers are scheduled to attend:

  • Affordable Payroll
  • Hyatt Regency Rochester
  • U.S. Army & Army Reserve
  • 4-H Camp Wyomoco
  • Living Opportunities of DePaul
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • City of Batavia Youth Bureau
  • Maurices
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Darien Lake
  • NYS Department of Agriculture
  • U.S. Marines Corps
  • ESL Federal Credit Union
  • NYS Police
  • Verizon Wireless
  • Geico
  • NYS Unified Court System – Buffalo Office
  • WBTA AM 1490
  • Genesee ARC
  • Professional Driver Institute
  • Western New York AmeriCorps
  • Genesee Area Family YMCA (Camp Hough)
  • SUNY Brockport
  • ROTC
  • Genesee County Personnel Department
  • The ARC of Monroe County

"Once again, we anticipate that our Spring Job Fair will provide an excellent opportunity for job seekers and employers to connect," said John McGowan, Career Center coordinator. "As the economy continues its gradual uptick, we hope everyone in the market for a job or with a job opportunity will attend. This is an excellent opportunity for job seekers to meet with potential employers."

Potential employees are also encouraged to review GCC's Job Tips overview which offers excellent guidelines to develop strong interviewing skills and tips on interfacing with potential employers. Go to: http://www.genesee.edu/_content/depts/career/events/JobTips.pdf

In addition, Genesee Community College's Career Services Center sponsors several preparatory job search workshops, such as Resume & Cover Letter Writing and Credential File & Interviewing Skills. These workshops are FREE and open to the general public.

A complete list of upcoming workshop dates and times can be found at www.genesee.edu/career <http://www.genesee.edu/career>. To attend the workshops students and community members MUST register in advance by calling the Career Services Office at (585) 345-6888 or registering on-line (see the events page).

Syntec Optics reports a near-record year for 2010, expects 15 new hires this year

By Billie Owens

Syntec Optics -- a manufacturer of quality, precision molded plastic optics for the medical, defense and biometric industries -- had a near record year in 2010.

It fell just shy historic numbers reached in the 2008-2009 fiscal year and the company is currently on pace to increase sales by 13.5% in 2011.

“We missed having a record year by 1 percent,”General Manager Lori Steffenilla said. “Despite the worldwide economic conditions, we invested in our facility and our people and were able to increase our year-over-year sales by 20 percent.”

Syntec Optics is the largest independent manufacturer of custom plastic lens in the nation. Last year, the company completed an expansion and renovation project that included the addition of a new 77-ton Arburg injection molding machine equipped with a Yushin robot.

This will enable Syntec to hire another 15 employees in 2011. It also successfully added seven new customers in 2010, including an exciting eye-tracking project partnership with Eye-Com that could change the way we interface with technology.

Syntec also upgraded its ISO certification in 2010 to ISO 9001:2008 and was able to complete “Design of Experiment” training in conjunction with the Rochester Institute of Technology.

“We had 12 employees each complete 40 hours of training,” Quality Manager Dan Morgan said. “It gave us the tools to use a systematic and methodical approach to solving engineering challenges. Those efforts enabled us to reduce both cost and lead time for a number of our customers."

Syntec Optics was also able to set an impressive benchmark for on-time deliveries by meeting deadlines nearly 99 percent of the time.

“We are extremely proud of this accomplishment since our customers depend on us to deliver their products as promised," Steffenilla said. "It’s just another example of Syntec’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction."

Syntec Optics currently employees 100 people at its two facilities located in Pavilion and Rochester and produces "Precision Plastic Optics for Tomorrow’s Technologies.” To find out more, visit www.syntecoptics.com.

Beginning April 1 clothing and footwear under $55 will be tax free

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently applauded the return of the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear.

In 2010, Assemblyman Hawley voted against a measure to enforce a 4 percent sales tax on clothing and footwear under $110.

As of April 1, clothing and footwear under $55 will be tax free until the exemption is extended in 2012 to include items under $110.

“I voted against this regressive tax last year because it served only to push consumers across state lines when they could have otherwise supported small businesses right here in our own community,” Hawley said. “Increasing taxes on clothing hurt those who could least afford it, like working families who are trying to feed and clothe their children.

"I encourage all Western New Yorkers to take advantage of this fee’s sunset by frequenting the locally owned and operated clothing stores that help build the regional economy.”

Reenactment of British soldiers and Native Americans at Oakfield museum

By Billie Owens

History buffs young and old are invited to the reopening of the Oakfield Historical Society Museum on Saturday. There will be a reenactment group there called "Tice's Rangers," who portray British soldiers and Native Americans.

They will also have a camp set up for the public to explore.

This free event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is located at 7 Maple Ave. in the Village of Oakfield.

Event Date and Time
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Loose horse gallivanting on Roanoke Road near Route 63

By Billie Owens

There's a horse on the loose in the area of 1467 Roanoke Road, near the junction of Route 63 in Pavilion. A person there is trying to keep it from going into the roadway.

A Sheriff's deputy is en route, but first must make a stop at the animal shelter for a rabies shot, presumably for an animal.

UPDATE 1:40 p.m.: The horse, which is brown, and possibly a second horse, are said to be contained behind a fence now. The owner could not be reached.

Tractor-trailer rollover on Thruway on-ramp.

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer rollover accident is reported in the eastbound lane -- on-ramp 47 -- of the Thruway. The driver is conscious and talking but is possibly entrapped. Mercy Flight is on standby.

Le Roy Fire and Ambulance are responding and a crew from Bergen Fire Department is requested to standby in their quarters.

The rig is leaking fuel. It is on its side and the on-ramp is blocked.

UPDATE 12:51 p.m.: Medics are told to proceed in nonemergency mode. The rig is loaded with scrap metal.

UPDATE 12:55 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled. Traffic is backing up. The driver has been extricated.

UPDATE 1:08 p.m.: State Police have completely shut down the eastbound on-ramp and it is expected to remain closed for some time. The Bergen crew, which was standing by in quarters, is put back in service. Le Roy medic is taking the victim to Strong Memorial Hospital. Le Roy fire is released from the scene by State Police.

Rochester woman wins new Cadillac at casino Saturday

By Billie Owens

UPDATE: The woman's last name has now been provided.

This is a news release from Batavia Downs Casino.

Marilyn Brightman from Rochester doesn’t drive -- but she may learn now that she’s the owner of a 2011 Cadillac CTS.

She and her husband were among the thousands of Player’s Club members who crowded into Batavia Downs Casino Saturday night for the chance to win the shiny new Caddy or $25,000 in cash.

“I was thrilled when I learned I won,” Brightman said.

She and her husband are still deciding on whether to take the car or the cash.

The big drawing at 10 p.m. topped off the Genesee County casino’s second-busiest day for coin-in since opening in May 2005.

Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac of Batavia partnered with Batavia Downs Casino on the grand prize.

Batavia Downs Casino is licensed by the New York State Lottery to conduct casino operations, including slots. Batavia Downs Casino is owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation.

Students show support for Kick Butts Day

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Kevin Keenan, Smoke Free NOW coordinator at GCASA.

Local students braved the cold to show their support of Kick Butts Day and stood on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets holding signs depicting the negative impact of tobacco -- especially for youth.

Students for Cain's Tae Kwon Do Academy took part Monday and about 22 teens in Oakfield-Alabama’s Leadership Class did so Wednesday.

Kick Butts Day is the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ annual celebration of youth advocacy, leadership and activism. On Wednesday, thousands of youth in every state and around the world decided to STAND OUT…SPEAK UP…and SEIZE CONTROL AGAINST BIG TOBACCO.

The Cain’s academy participation was organized by Smoke Free NOW -- a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA) – as part of a campaign to protect kids from the impact of tobacco marketing in stores where 75 percent of teens visit each week.

More young people across the state are recognizing the powerful influence of tobacco marketing and saying no to the addictive habit.

Smoke Free NOW congratulates the efforts of these students who’ve set a good example for their peers.

Studies show that exposure to cigarette advertising leads nonsmoking adolescents to initiate smoking and to move toward the habit of smoking. Each year in New York State, 20,900 kids under 18 will become new regular, daily smokers and more than 380,000 kids now under 18 will ultimately die prematurely from smoking-related illnesses.

We can’t afford to lose anymore youth to tobacco addiction. To learn more and get involved, contact Smoke Free NOW at 815-1875 or visit www.smokefreenow.org

Dryer fire at house in Village of Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A dryer fire is reported inside a house at 25 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy.

Le Roy fire is responding, along with mutual aid from Pavilion and Churchville.

Le Roy medics are also going to the scene.

Firefighters on scene in Le Roy say it is "a working fire."

UPDATE 1:12 p.m.: The fire is knocked down and crews are working to check  extentions.

UPDATE 1:13 p.m.: There's a natural gas leak inside the structure.

UPDATE 1:18 p.m.: Rochester Gas & Electric is requested to the scene.

Fresh Air Fund children from NYC need host families

By Billie Owens

When summer arrives this year, Fresh Air children from New York City will
once again visit volunteer host families in the Batavia area, some for the
first time and some reuniting with long-time host.

Kate Bogan, of Bergen, whose family first hosted through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Town program when she was a child, will be an instrumental part of this summer’s success. As a local Fresh Air chairperson, Bogan works hard to recruit hosts so that as many children as possible can enjoy a memorable experience.

The Fresh Air Fund is an independent, not-for-profit agency, which has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.

Volunteer host families in suburban and small town communities in 13 Northeastern states and Canada open their homes for up to two weeks to Fresh Air children through the Friendly Town program, allowing them to enjoy many first-time experiences, such as swimming or running barefoot through the grass.

Kate was 5 years old when her parents first signed up to be Fresh Air Fund hosts, and her life was changed because of it. When Lauren Grady, who is similar in age to Kate, showed up that first summer, it was clear that each girl had found a new best friend. Their summers were filled with trips to the drive-in movie theatre (a completely new concept to Lauren), Letchworth State Park, local festivals and parades.

Perhaps most memorable were evening cooking lessons with Kate’s grandmother. After Lauren stopped visiting each summer when she became older, the girls lost touch. But thanks to e-mail when they were in college, it became easier to stay connected and they’ve been close again ever since.

This past summer, Kate, along with her husband and son, hosted a Fresh Air child for the first time together, and they look forward to continuing the tradition again this coming summer!

If you are interested in becoming a Fresh Air Fund host in 2011, please call Kate Bogan at 716-560-2847 or 800-367-0003. You can also visit the fund Web site at www.freshair.org to learn more. Open your heart and your home to a Fresh Air child this summer!

Zonta Club honors Oakfield-Alabama student

By Billie Owens

Zonta Club of Batavia-Genesee County has named an Oakfield-Alabama High School student as a winner of the Young Women in Public Affairs Award.

Kasey Edgerton won and will be presented with a check for $500 to
encourage her to achieve her educational and career goals. Her application
will be entered in the Zonta International District #4 award competition.

The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award competition,
established in 1990, is open to young women who are seniors in high school.
The program is designed to encourage women to pursue decision-making
positions in their communities in order to impact the policies that affect the lives of women in the community and throughout the world.

Applicants are asked to reflect on their lives, their commitment to the communities in which they live, and the issues that the nations of the world must address to
improve the lives of their people.

The Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs program looks to the young women of today who will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Edgerton was selected for this honor because of her commitment to her school and her community. Throughout high school she has been a participant in Drama Club, Scholastic Bowl, Future Business Leaders of America, Batavia Player Youth Theater and volunteering as a Junior Counselor for HOBY.

In addition, she has been a member in Student Council, Elementary and Community School Organization (E.C.S.O.) and the Reach Out program.

She plans to continue to serve her community and aspires to study English and Japanese Studies at SUNY Albany to establish a career as an ESL teacher.

Zonta International, with headquarters in Chicago, is a worldwide service organization of executives in business and the professions working together to advance the status of women.

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