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Pavilion elementary students put on holiday concert

By Billie Owens

Pavilion Elementary School's fourth- and fifth-graders will perform in a chorus and band Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16 in the high school auditorium.

Pavilion Central Middle/High School is located at 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

 

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Batavia Jaycees hold holiday lights contest

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Area Jaycees invite you to brighten holiday spirits by taking part in a Holiday Home Lighting Contest.

Judging will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The winners will be chosen from six categories:

  • Most Traditional Decor
  • Most Colorful
  • Overall Display
  • Friends of the Lighting Company
  • Most Commercial
  • Simple and Elegant

Judging will take place within City of Batavia limits. However, if you feel a house within the Town of Batavia limits is worth judging, please leave a message with the address by phoning 343-5775.

The Batavia Area Jaycees is a community service organization for ages 21 to 39. It has provided local individual development and leadership training since 1943.

Visit on the web at <http://www.jci.cc/local/batavia#>.

Mane Attraction hosts Community Action fundraiser

By Billie Owens

The Mane Attraction salon will host a fundraiser for Community Action of Genesee and Orleans Counties from 2 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 11.

There will be mulitple vendors, food, raffles and a Chinese auction.

The salon is located at 99 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-3377.

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GC Drug Free Communities a Top 10 finalist for international honor

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from GCASA.

Genesee County Drug Free Communities (DFC) was recently selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the 2010 Out of the Box Prize, honoring “innovative approaches to promoting community health and development worldwide."

The first prize winner will be awarded $5,000 and a free customized WorkStation; the second prize winner will receive $2,000 and a WorkStation.

Genesee DFC, which is a coalition of individuals, agencies and organizations from almost all community sectors (schools, media, business, youth-serving organizations, etc.), works toward reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use among youth in grades six through 12.

The nine other finalists were chosen from among 309 applicants from 42 countries. Fellow finalists include two others from the United States – one from Arkansas, the other from California – two from India, two from Kenya, one from the Philippines, one from Malawi, and one worldwide initiative.

Out of the Box is sponsored by Community Toolbox, an organization based in Lawrence, Kan., that provides resources for community-building groups around the world.

"We were deeply moved by the stories we received from around the world,” said Christina Holt, associate director for Community Tool Box Services. “It is evident that there is an abundance of good work being done to improve community health and well-being (in Genesee County). Members of this coalition should be extraordinarily proud of their efforts.”

The DFC is a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA). Maryann Bowman, director of prevention at GCASA, expressed deep gratitude to Community Toolbox for their recognition.

The Out of the Box Award is an opportunity for the Drug Free Communities Coalition to share its success story with the world,” Bowman said. “It highlights the fact that we have done excellent work, and comes on the heels of our selection in 2007 by Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America as the national Coalition of the Year."

She attributes the success of the coalition to the dedication of its members, who generously volunteer their time and efforts to foster a safe, healthy and drug-free community for youth and families.

"People from law enforcement, business, faith-based groups, seniors and schools, among others, are the reason we can document positive outcomes through 10 years of data collection and incorporating our own environmental strategies,” Bowman said.

People are encouraged to go online and vote for the coalition between now and Jan. 31.  To do so, and to read the submission on behalf of the DFC, go to: <http://ctb.ku.edu/en/out_of_the_box/finalists/finalist4.aspx>.

Click on the “Vote” tab in the lower left corner to place your vote.

Tractor-trailer and car collide in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A tractor-trailer and car collision is reported at routes 19 and 5 in Le Roy. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding.

The driver of the car is a woman who is six-months pregnant and she is complaining of abdominal pain. She has a 1-year-old infant with her.

Kingdon Family Market in Pavilion is closing

By Billie Owens

UPDATE 12/10  11:12 a.m.: See correction below.

After just over a year in business, Kingdon Family Market in Pavilion will soon close. The economy proved too tough, the customers too few and the big-box competition too fierce.

Sometime this month, Vicki and Jeff Kingdon will no longer be the green grocer entrepreneurs they have been.

"I'll be looking for a job," Vicki said this afternoon. "We tried, but it just didn't work out. We can't afford to keep it open. We're throwing out more money than we're taking in."

The couple had no prior grocery experience, but the building came at a good price and so they made a "spur of the moment" decision to operate a full-service store, with fresh produce, meat, bread -- the works.

They had no employees so they did everything themselves.

"It's tough," Vicki said. "We spent a lot of money, but people are going to Walmart and Tops. We are not in a co-op."

Meaning, they aren't able to pool collective resources and buy in bulk like chain stores.

The last time Pavilion had an independent grocery store was about four years ago.

The Kingdons aren't sure what they'll do with the building at this point, which is located at 6946 Ellicott St. Road.

The best part of the whole thing?

"Meeting new people."

Officer's attempt to restrain stray billygoat fails

By Billie Owens

Didn't catch the location, but a law enforcement officer went on a mission a little while ago to catch a stray goat.

"I'll be out in the area attempting to wrangle a goat," he said.

A short time later, he says "Mr. Billygoat doesn't want to be wrangled today. Any other ideas?"

"Maybe someone could help you with a noose?"

"No, maybe a tranquilizer gun, but we don't have one."

"Maybe your partner could catch 'em?"

The outcome is unknown, so presumably the goat is still at large.

This holiday season, deputies to focus on DWI, seat belt use, aggressive driving

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office will have extra patrols on the highways this holiday season and their focus will be on DWI, seat belt use and aggressive driving.

Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble wants people to remember that driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. He says "Please give driving your undivided attention and pull off the road to accomplish everything else."

Seatbelt questions and answers:

What is the law regarding seat belt use?

According to the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Laws, seat belts must be worn as follows:

  • All passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt according to Section 1229-c (2) and (3) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#2>.
  • All children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt in the back seat <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#1>.
  • Children from birth through age 8 are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system.
  • All children under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.

What if I am driving and my passengers are not buckled up?

  • Drivers can be fined up to $100 for each passenger under the age of 16 who is not properly restrained in their vehicles. See Section 1229-c (5) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#5">.
  • The driver will also receive three violation points on his or her driver record. See the on-line seatbelt brochure <http://www.safeny.com/media/belt-bro.htm>.

Batavia Society of Artists kicks off Winter Art Show

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Society of Artists will host free, public reception for its 2010 Winter Art Show this Thursday, Dec. 9.

It is set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Gallery Room of the Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St., in the City of Batavia.

The artworks will remain on display until Dec. 28, but the society says it will be "able to release art work early for UNIQUE Holiday Gifts!"

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Pediatrician talks about 'winterizing' your child

By Billie Owens

Pediatrician Yeong Lee, MD, will discuss what steps parents can take to keep their children healthy in winter, especially children with asthma, at a free community education class.

It takes place at United Memorial Hospital’s Healthy Living Department, 211 E. Main St., Batavia, at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Also, United Memorial’s Respiratory Therapy Department will perform free simple spirometry tests.

Light refreshments will be served.

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Wanted: winterwear - no one wants to be cold

By Billie Owens

Circle of Love Foundation is collecting gently used winterwear: coats, jackets, mittens, gloves, scarves, snowpants, boots, snowsuits for men, women and children. All sizes needed.

These will be passed out individually to people in need. Founder Billie Ball says "we have many families in need of winter outerwear."

Drop off your donations to: Circle of Love, located inside of Country Clippers Dog Grooming, 3286 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Or call and they can pick up five items or more. Phone is 345-7412.

Seeking applicants for Consolidated Charter Task Force

By Billie Owens

The Town of Batavia and the City of Batavia are still looking for candidates to be appointed to the Consolidated Charter Task Force.

The deadline to apply is this Friday, Dec. 10.

It will be responsible for preparing a revised City Charter to continue the joint effort by the town and city to investigate the possibility of consolidating the town and city into one Batavia.

The Consolidated Charter Task Force, with the assistance of a facilitator, will be expected to draft a Consolidated City Charter, to be reviewed by the public, town board and city council.

The selection process for the Consolidated Charter Task Force shall consist of interviews conducted by an Interview Committee consisting of three town board members and three city council members. Upon the Interview Committee's recommendations, the town board and city council will jointly appoint the Consolidated Charter Task Force.

It will consist of four town residents and four city residents. All task force members must be at least 18 years old.

Individuals in the following categories shall not be considered for inclusion on the task force: all members of the town board and the city council; all members of the planning boards and the zoning boards of appeals for both the town and the city; all employees of the town and the city and the spouses of any individual in the above categories.

Applications for the Consolidated Charter Task Force are available at the Town Clerk's Office, 3833 W. Main St. Road, in the Town of Batavia, and at the City Clerk's Office, One Batavia City Centre, in the City of Batavia.

Applications can also be downloaded from the town website: www.townofbatavia.com or the city website: www.batavianewyork.com.

Applications must be returned to the Town Clerk's Office or the City Clerk's Office. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 10.

College offers new Leadership Certificate Program

By Billie Owens

Students at Genesee Community College now have the opportunity to expand their leadership skills through a new non-credit Leadership Certificate Program.

It is a new initiative to help students improve upon their existing skills and ability to be a leader. Open to all students, this program is designed to prepare students as leaders in the workplace and in their community.

While students do not receive academic credit for attending these seminars and workshops, they will receive recognition for completing it on their final academic transcripts.

Students must complete a series of courses, seminars, workshops and volunteer work in five areas to complete the certificate program. These include:

One Introductory Course (Student choose one of the following)

  • LEAD 101: Your Life and Leadership (designed for first year students)
  • LEAD 102: Foundations of Leadership (designed for non-traditional students)

One Capstone Course (Student choose one of the following)

  • LEAD 201: Modern Leadership Issues Seminar
  • LEAD 202: Student Paraprofessional Development Seminar (designed for student leaders)
  • LEAD 203: Orientation Leadership Seminar
  • LEAD 204: Resident Assistant Seminar Experience In Leadership. Students complete 120 hours over two semesters of actively participating in one of the following four categories: Internship, Part-time Position, Volunteer Position, or Summer Job.

Service Learning – students must complete four service learning projects, such as an alternative Spring Break, Student Volunteer position at GCC, or Student Leadership position at GCC.

LEAD 206: Leadership Certificate Portfolio.

  • Over the course of three sessions, students develop an electronic or E-portfolio. Student Development Series Presentations take place during common hours and evenings and students choose 10 on-campus or online sessions from the following seven modules: LIFE, Business and Commerce, Cross Cultural, Volunteerism and Service Leadership, Professional, Transitions, and Financial Wellness.

"Leadership is key to the future of individuals, organizations, communities and nations," Jennifer Newell, dean of Students at Genesee said. "Organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors are moving away from traditional management functions toward models of employee empowerment based on various leadership models. We want to prepare students to not only be dynamic in their future workplaces, but effectively serve their communities as well."

To find out more contact Newell at 343-0055, ext. 6314, or jmnewell@genesee.edu.

Car crash blocks traffic on Ross Street

By Billie Owens

A two-car property damage accident, which is blocking the roadway, is reported at 288 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

City fire is responding.

UPDATE 8:35 p.m.: Mercy EMS is asked to respond in nonemergency mode to evaluate two children involved in the accident.

Pole arcing on Center Street, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A utility pole is reported to be arcing at 33 Center St. in the City of Batavia.

City fire is responding. The location is between School and Ellicott.

Tractor-trailer and car crash on Thruway at Pembroke exit

By Billie Owens

A car and tractor-trailer accident is reported on the Thruway, eastbound, at the Pembroke exit.

The tractor-trailer jacknifed and the car is underneath. But the car's driver is out and walking around. No injuries are reported.

The eastbound on-ramp lane is blocked and is shut down.

Indian Falls Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 11:28 a.m. (by Howard): The truck still wasn't cleared of the scene this morning. Kevin Switzer sent in this picture.

Genesee Justice likely to be spared, says county manager

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Manager Jay Gsell has told WBTA that the Civil Service Employees Union has agreed to a pay cut for Genesee Justice employees.

He also said that Genesee Justice Director Ed Minardo's proposal is "revenue neutral" and therefore likely to be approved by the county legislature when it meets this afternoon.

Minardo has offered to give up his job as head of GJ to help save the organization.

More weather-related accidents

By Billie Owens

Three cars got into an accident at 439 E. Main St. in Batavia. One is stuck in the roadway, two went into a ditch -- but one of those just managed to get out of it.

Batavia fire and Mercy EMS responded.

No injuries are reported.

In an another accident, one car crashed at the Oak Street turnabout. No injuries.

Head-on collision on Byron Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car head-on collision with minor injuries is reported at 7980 Byron Road, near School Road, in Stafford.

Stafford fire and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 11:58 a.m.: Responders are urged to use caution on approach because of slippery road conditions.

UPDATE 12:01 p.m.: Byron ambulance is asked to respond to provide mutual aid to Stafford. Traffic is blocked in the northbound lane at Byron and School roads and traffic control is needed.

UPDATE 12:10 p.m.: Stafford has cancelled the assistance from Byron, which was en route and is now returning to quarters. Traffic is being blocked off at Bryon Road and the Prole Road extension.

UPDATE 12:22 p.m.: A fire official on scene calls for a snowplow to help clear the roadway. It's on the way.

Two-car accident on Veterans Memorial Drive

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported on Veterans Memorial Drive, near Walmart, in the Town of Batavia.

Mercy EMS and Batavia fire are responding.

UPDATE 6:23 p.m.: The actual address is 4133 Veterans Memorial Drive. A second ambulance is requested out of Oakfield.

UPDATE 6:45 p.m.: A 44-year-old woman who was a front passenger is being transported to UMMC complaining of sternum pain. There was air-bag deployment in the accident. Another woman is also being taken to that hospital complaining of pain in an arm and lower abdomen.

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