Skip to main content

Stories from

Workshop for smal business: 'standout in the marketplace'

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Batavia Business Improvement District are calling for exhibitors to participate at this year’s Small Business Workshop.

Titled “Standout in the Marketplace," it will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Rick Segel, a nationally recognized marketing expert, will be the keynote speaker at this informative and entertaining workshop. Topics he will be discussing include:

  • ways to differentiate and stand out in a big box community;
  • creating an environment to gain lifetime customers;
  • ways to get customers to notice and find you;
  • and using traditional and new media in innovative ways.

Businesses are invited to set up a table-top display to this captive audience to show what they do and network with fellow attendees and exhibitors.

Cost is $40 per display table for BID and chamber members and $50 for non-members. This price includes lunch for one person. Set up will be between 7:30 to 8 a.m. and tear down after 1:30 pm.

The Workshop will take place in at the Generation Center located 15 Center St. in Batavia. 

If you are interested in attending the event as a participant, the cost is $15 per person for chamber and BID members and $20 for non-members.

To participate as an exhibitor or to make your reservations, please call Kelly J. Bermingham, director of Membership & Special Events at 343-7440, ext. 26. All applications are first-come-first-serve basis due to limited space, so don’t miss out.

New dog-grooming shop to open in Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A new dog-grooming shop is opening on Monday, Sept. 13. It is located at 60 Main St. in Oakfield (next to M&T Bank).

The groomers/owners are:

  • Nina -- D.A.S. Pet Tails , phone 813-2757
  • Mary - Pals With Tails, phone 356-5482

Please call for appointments.

Tompkins Insurance and Selective Group donate to crisis hotline

By Billie Owens

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., and The Selective Group Foundation joined forces to support the positive efforts of RAP (Regional Action Phone, Inc.) in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties through a $1,000 grant.

“We strongly support and believe in the programs this organization provides for our neighbors and customers in our communities” said David Boyce, Tompkins Insurance president and CEO.

The grant represents a $500 donation from Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., matched by a $500 grant from The Selective Group Foundation.

“The matching grant program allows us to partner with our agents to support the needs of the communities in which we serve and operate,” said Tony Albanese, Selective’s senior vice president, bonds, flood and agency development.

RAP is a private, nonprofit United Way agency started in 1986 with a crisis-hotline service. The agency’s services have grown to include crisis intervention, suicide prevention, referrals to support agencies, food pantry clearinghouse, education, outreach, and relay services to connect callers to agencies when immediate help is needed in times of crisis.

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc. has 14 offices in western New York plus
six offices in central New York. As part of Tompkins Financial Corporation (trading as TMP on the NYSE Amex), the agency is affiliated with the Bank of Castile, Tompkins Trust Company and AM&M Financial Services.

It is an independent insurance agency offering coverage through more than 25
different companies for businesses and consumers. Further information is available by
visiting the agency’s website at www.tompkinsins.com.

Car accident with injuries in Byron

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with injuries is reported at Byron Road and Route 262.

Byron and South Byron fire are responding. First responder requests Mercy EMS advanced life-support ambulance to respond.

UPDATE 8:43 p.m. (by Howard): Two sign offs. No ambulance transport. Byron and South Byron back in service.

Leadership Genesee seeks applicants for its Class of 2011

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Leadership Genesee.

Leadership Genesee, a community leadership program uniting a diverse group of people from business, government and nonprofit organizations to study local issues is seeking applicants for its 2011 class.

Our community needs succession planning for leadership, not just elected, appointed or paid employment leadership, but the kind that receives no "paycheck." Community volunteers who work tirelessly for organizations that improve the health of the human condition must understand the issues facing the community in order to be effective.

Leadership Genesee provides the education and training for leaders as it creates an experience promoting active leadership for Genesee County.

Each year, it selects 25 individuals to participate in a unique form of adult citizenship education. The year-long curriculum is designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and enhance individual leadership skills through practice with a focus on civic responsibility and community stewardship. 

Through group activities, tours and presentations by key community leaders, Leadership Genesee is developing leadership for our community, with our community and in our community. 

Annual tuition is $1,950.

For an application or information, call Peggy Marone, Leadership Genesee director at 343-3040, ext. 118 or visit our web site at  HYPERLINK www.leadershipgenesee.shutterfly.com.

Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension which provides equal program and employment opportunities.

GCC volunteers will help clean up Oatka Creek

By Billie Owens

Oatka Creek is the target of a clean up project, the first group service project of the academic year for Genesee Community College's Earth Club and Environmental Studies.

It takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25. The students will cover one and a half miles of the Oatka Creek Park on Union Street in the Town of Wheatland.

The Creek Clean Up is part of a national initiative sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Clean-up and the American Littoral Society's Annual New York State Beach Clean Up.

This is the third time Genesee students and faculty members have volunteered for the cause.

Students and volunteers will break into teams, with each team equipped with a data recording card and a trash bag. Teams will gather trash and record what they find. At the end of the day, the trash will be totaled and weighed.

Last year, the volunteers collected eight bags of trash, totaling 190 pounds of debris. The data will be compiled and will be sent into the national Coastal Clean-up organizers.

"It's wonderful to see these students spend their Saturday helping out for a great cause," said Maureen Leupold, Earth Club member and professor of Biology at Genesee. "Although this may be one small creek clean-up, it is all part of the bigger picture of environmental responsibility."

The Ocean Conservancy is the world's foremost advocate for the oceans. Through science-based advocacy, research, and public education, they inform, inspire and empower people to speak and act on behalf of healthy oceans.

Ocean Conservancy is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has offices in Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific, with support from more than half a million members and volunteers.

The American Littoral Society is a national, nonprofit, public-interest organization comprised of over 6,000 professional and amateur naturalists, with headquarters in Sandy Hook, New Jersey.

The society seeks to encourage a better scientific and public understanding of the marine environment, provide a unified voice advocating protection of the delicate fabric of life along the shore, and has been protecting coastal habitats since 1961.

Genesee Community College is on the forefront of this exciting and important industry with recent enhancements to its Environmental Studies degree program. This program offers an excellent introduction to the field, with plenty of hands-on learning, and small class and laboratory sizes offering exceptional instruction.

Environmental Studies students have access to an on-campus nature trail featuring plants and other wildlife demarcated with signage along the way. Students also have the opportunity to go out in the field for hands-on experience within the rural region that surrounds the GLOW region.

To find out more about Genesee's Environmental Studies program visit <http://www.genesee.edu >.

For further information about Genesee's Environmental Studies program or to volunteer at the Creek Clean-up, please contact Biology Professor Leupold at 343-0055, ext. 6394.

Elba in the 1940s is topic of presentation

By Billie Owens

The 1940s is the topic of a presentation Sept. 16 by Helen Batchellor, of Stafford, including stories related to Elba.

She is a native of Elba and will bring items from that era to view. According to the host, the Elba Historical Society, her programs are always entertaining.

It will be at the Historical Society of Elba's Museum on Maple Avenue.

Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation is at 7. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Event Date and Time
-

Elba in the 1940s is topic of presentation

By Billie Owens

The 1940s is the topic of a presentation Sept. 16 by Helen Batchellor, of Stafford, including stories related to Elba.

She is a native of Elba and will bring items from that era to view. According to the host, the Elba Historical Society, her programs are always entertaining.

It will be at the Historical Society of Elba's Museum on Maple Avenue.

Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the presentation is at 7. Everyone is welcome to attend.

A meeting of the historical society will follow the program. It is important that all members
try to attend as nominations for all offices will be taken and a board member will be
selected.

If you wish to nominate a member for an office this will be the meeting to do it. Voting will take place at the Oct. 14th meeting.

Man in horseback riding accident in Darien

By Billie Owens

A 42-year-old man suffered back injuries after a horsebacking riding accident in Darien. The accident occurred at 9711 Ridge Road.

Darien fire and Mercy EMS are responding. It is reported that the he was on the horse, which reared up, he fell off and the horse sat on him.

UPDATE (1:55 p.m.): Mercy EMS is transporting the injured man to Erie County Medical Center. Darien fire is back in service.

12-year-old motocross rider injured at Area 51

By Billie Owens

A 12-year-old motocross rider is reported to have neck and back injuries after crashing at Area 51.

That's on Harloff Road in Batavia. East Pembroke fire and Mercy EMS responded. Mercy Flight is deemed not needed.

 

Winds blow live wires onto Stafford rooftop, it's smoking

By Billie Owens

High winds blew live electrical wires onto a roof at 9418 Roanoke Road in Stafford. It's smoking and the fire has spread to the kitchen. It's now a second-alarm fire.

Stafford, Bethany, Le Roy, Town of Batavia and Pavilion are responding to fight the fire and control traffic. National Grid has been notified.

The location is between Sweetland and Westacott roads. The homeowner is outside with fire personnel.

UPDATE (3:12 p.m.): All available manpower in the area is called to the scene. There are three areas on fire inside the home. More traffic control is called for.

UPDATE (3:28 p.m.): Wyoming County is asked to standby in their own quarters with a full crew in case they are needed. Tankers, pumpers, hydrants are all being used and at the ready to fight the fire. Countywide, more crews are called to stand in at the responders' stations. Caledonia is called to help out. National Grid is at the scene. Power inside the house is out. The fire has spread to the garage.

UPDATE (3:40 p.m.): This is now a three-alarm fire. Firefighters were ordered out of the garage, which was "buckling" due to fire damage. There are four fire sites inside the structure now. It has spread to the second floor.

UPDATE (3:46 p.m.): A thermal-imaging camera is requested at the scene. Fire is now in the attic, too.

UPDATE (3:53 p.m.): Inside fire crews are getting out of the structure. They will be fighting it now from the outside only.

UPDATE (4:48): Fresh crews have been called in to replace tired firefighters. The structure is still smoking. The Wyoming County Correctional Facility Fire Brigade is being contacted to aid with equipment, we believe additional lengths of fire hose. Refreshments for the firefighters are requested. The modest, brick home appears to be a total loss. It was built in 1823 and for the past 40 years it has been the home of Terry and Betty Smart.

UPDATE 7:33 p.m.: All units back in service.

Three-car collision, with injuries in Bethany

By Billie Owens

A possibly serious three-car motor-vehicle accident is reported at 5870 Ellicott Street Road in Bethany. There are injuries.

Bethany fire, Mercy EMS are responding.

Mercy Flight is on in-air standby.

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.): Mercy Flight is going to the scene. A landing zone is suggested in the parking lot of the Immaculate Conception Church.

UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): The accident scene is cleared and the roadway is re-opened.

UPDATE (4:55 p.m.): In reply to a question from emergency personnel, dispatch says Mercy Flight went to Strong Memorial Hospital.

Motor-vehicle accident in front of Denny's

By Billie Owens

A two-vehicle accident is reported at 385 W. Main St., in front of Denny's Restaurant in Batavia.

One person is reported to have a neck injury.

Batavia fire and Mercy EMS are on scene.

Motor-vehicle accident at West Main and Kelsey

By Billie Owens

East Pembroke Fire and Mercy EMS are responding to a motor-vehicle accident with injuries at West Main Street and Kelsey Road. A victim is, or was, in the roadway. 

Mercy Flight is on ground standby, with a 50/50 chance of being able to go to the scene, if called, due to weather conditions.

UPDATE (3:18 p.m.): Emergency responders report the injuries are not life threatening.

UPDATE (3:26 p.m.): Six people and two vehicles were involved. Four people were taken to hospital(s) via ambulance and two others were evaluated/treated at the scene.

Senate candidate calls for government aid to audit public employees' healthcare benefits

By Billie Owens

Here's a new release sent to us today from Marc Coppola, Democratic candidate for state Senate in the 61st District.

In a letter to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Senate candidate Marc Coppola, is asking for assistance to local governments (cities, towns, villages) in conducting an audit of the healthcare benefits paid by taxpayers for public employees.

Coppola acknowledges in his letter that most local governments do not have the resources to conduct such an audit.

He cites a New York “dependent eligibility” audit that is estimated to save the state $25 million per year. He also cites news of the City of Buffalo paying benefits for years for more than 150 deceased individuals.

“This is not an indictment on any administration or public servants," Coppola said. "It is simply a process that should be done periodically because the amount of employees and dependents can be so vast that nobody can keep track of every dollar."

Through collective-bargaining contacts, public employees are given healthcare benefits paid for by local property taxes. Employees and their dependents are eligible for these benefits as well, and in many cases the total cost for local governments is the second highest of all expenses (after wages).

Coppola said that as a (Townawanda) councilmember in 2003, he sponsored legislation calling for an audit of dependents because he knew than that this was a way to save money, control costs and realign healthcare expenses.

“We can no longer tax our way out of some of these financial issues," he said. "Services supplied at the local level are of the most important services offered by government and we need to find ways to be more effective and cost efficient.

"We can’t just cut services or raise property taxes. I believe that with the assistance of the State Comptroller local governments would save millions for taxpayers.”

Assembly candidate says NY should scrap property and sales taxes

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release sent in today from Democrat Chris Barons, a candidate for state Assembly in the 39th District.

The cost of local government and schools is the fastest growing taxpayer burden. That burden is magnified by basing local taxes on real property value. Property tax is unfair and punitive. It establishes a recurring, non-transactional fee on ownership.

Taxes should be a measure of prosperity. Property ownership is an investment not a benchmark of prosperity. Only 54.4 percent of New Yorkers own homes. Property taxes contribute to neighborhood blight when property owners opt against upkeep to avoid increasing taxable value.

In our fragile economic climate, with as many as 17.5 percent unemployed, millions laid-off, and New York leading the nation in first-time unemployment claims, local governments cannot ignore the fact: property taxes do not adjust for fixed or reduced incomes.

My solution to New York’s tax burden is to scrap property taxes AND sales tax. Replace both with a 4 percent residential flat tax and 3.8 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) for business.

With a state GSP of $1,144,481,000,000 and personal income at $828,443,000,000, the net result would be over $74 billion in tax revenue.

With renters direct-paying local taxes, rent bills that include the cost of property tax must be adjusted. To encourage landlords to reduce rent bills, a Rent Adjustment Credit for landlords who lower rent in lieu of property tax will be built into Form IT-214, Claim for Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners and Renters.

Value Added Tax is misunderstood by many. Essentially it taxes profits on products or services.

Example: a sump pump company buys castings at $5 apiece, tools and assembles them as a sump pump at a cost of $15. The finished pump is sold to a retailer for $40. The value added is $20, which is taxable. The retailer sells the pump to a customer for $80. The value added is $40, which is taxable.

In the case of service providers, the cost of sending a cleaner to a business for eight hours is $60. The cleaning company charges the business $75. The value added is $15, which is taxable.

For financial institutions, the banks pay a VAT on disposal of mortgaged securities, investment and financial services.

The elimination of property-based taxation would especially benefit farmers -- for whom land ownership is a critical investment.

Besides alleviating the unfair burden placed upon taxpayers, eliminating property taxes would jettison the bureaucracy necessary to administer it. A 4 percent residential tax and 3.8 percent commercial VAT would also generate sufficient revenue to accelerate satisfaction of New York State’s overwhelming debt.

Volunteers needed for Rape Crisis Service

By Billie Owens

Do you want to make a difference in your community? One way to do so is by becoming a volunteer for Rape Crisis Service (RCS) and serving as an advocate for victims of sexual assault.

Advocates provide emotional support and information to survivors of sexual assault, significant others and members of their families. Volunteers are on-call for 12-hour shifts, a minimum of four times per month.

Applicants must be at least 19 years old. No experience necessary — all volunteers will complete a training program. Interviews are currently being conducted for our upcoming training in October.

For more information, please call Kathy Pexton at 546-2771, ext. 338, or e-mail at kpexton@pprsr.org.

Insurance 'rock star' will be keynote speaker at GRIP dinner

By Billie Owens

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (GRIP) will hold a special networking
event and dinner at Larry's Steakhouse in Batavia on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

It starts at 5 p.m. and features the nationally recognized "rock star" of the insurance industry, Chris Amhrein. He's the co-founder of www.insuranceisfun.com.

To make a reservation, please contact Sherry Ford (sfordtss@aol.com or 716-560-2667).

Larry's is located in downtown Batavia at 60 Main St.

Subscribe to Stories from

Authentically Local