The Rotary Club of Batavia has contributed $7,635 in disaster relief to aid persons impacted by the recent hurricanes in the southeast portion of the country.
The total donation was fueled by a $5,000 contribution from members of the Batavia Rotary Club. The remainder was raised over a five-day period from members of the Batavia and Genesee County Community.
Batavia Rotary Club President Michael Hodgins explained that the original appeal provided for a Rotary Club “match” of community donations up to $5,000.
“Given the tight time frame, Batavia Rotarians decided to contribute the full $5,000 to go along with more than $2,600 from the community at large,” said Hodgins.
The local funds were sent to the Rotary International Zone 33/34 Foundation. This foundation was established to provide disaster relief in hurricane prone areas. These two zones encompass 10 states in the U.S. and 29 countries across the Caribbean.
Hurricane Milton made landfall on 9 October in Florida as a powerful Category 3 storm. Mere weeks before, Hurricane Helene battered areas in and around the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the United States’ Eastern Seaboard.
Storm surges and heavy rains produced extreme flooding throughout the region. More than 250 people have died in the U.S. states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Genesee Community College (GCC) is pleased to announce the GCC Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center recently welcomed three new staff members to its team with the addition of Christa Palmer, Corinne Saluste, and Maria Velazquez de Machado in the roles of assistant director, coordinator of community education, and coordinator of technical programs, respectively. Palmer began her new role on July 1. Saluste and Velazquez de Machado began their new roles with the College in September.
"The BEST Center is extremely pleased to welcome Christa, Corinne and Maria," Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of workforce development and The BEST Center said. "All three individuals bring outstanding professional credentials to our team, including new program development and training design experiences, and creative and innovative ideas to further expand our presence in the GLOW area."
Christa Palmer
Palmer, a Batavia native, is the assistant director of workforce development. Christa has over 26 years' experience in education and in her former role at GCC, developed programming for the new technical programs in HVAC, Refrigeration, Industrial Electric and Computer Numerical Controls (CNC). In her new role as assistant director, she will oversee corporate training contracts for The BEST Center. Christa holds a bachelor's degree in communications, master's degree in elementary education and educational administrative certification from SUNY Brockport.
Corinne Saluste
Saluste, also from Batavia, is the coordinator of community education, specializing in courses designed for personal and professional growth. Corinne collaborates closely with the GLOW community to provide courses that promote both personal and professional advancement to strengthen the workforce. Her programs cater to a wide range of learners, offering everything from driving courses for new drivers to leadership, healthcare, and public safety courses for emerging professionals. Corinne, also a GCC alumna, has an associate degree in Business Administration.
Maria Velazquez de Machado
Velazquez de Machado, originally from Venezuela, is the coordinator of technical programs. Maria oversees the development and management of various technical courses and training programs. Her role includes increasing non-credit enrollment and expanding program offerings to meet the needs of the regional economy. She brings extensive experience in program management, strategic communications and content creation. Maria holds Social Communications and Business Administration degrees and is bilingual in Spanish and English. Her commitment to serving underrepresented communities and proficiency in digital tools makes her an asset to The BEST Center.
The BEST Center at GCC is the recognized regional leader in developing the skilled workforce that powers local economic growth. The Center serves individual employees as well as businesses large and small with seminars, workshops and trainings designed to improve the performance of people and processes.
For more information contact Vice President, Development, Admissions and External Affairs Justin Johnston at (585) 345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.
On October 20, Resurrection RC Parish and Ascension Parish Faith Formation students and families heard a presentation from Janice Spiotta, who percent went on pilgrimage to Italy.
In anticipation of All Saints Day on November 1, Janice enthusiastically inspired the group with powerful messages about the faith of St. Frances of Assisi and soon to be a saint Carlo Acutis, to be known as the first millennial saint.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Pal-Mac 4-3 on Tuesday in an exciting sectional matchup.
Batavia was down 1-3 and rallied with three unanswered goals in the second half to secure the win.
The win was highlighted by a goal by Trevor Tryon (#8), assisted by Troy Hawley (#5), goal by Rylan Bohn (#24) assisted by Finn Halpin (#2), game-tying goal by Finn Halpin (#2), assisted by Hezekiah Doane (#22), and the game-winner scored by Troy Hawley (#5), assisted by Finn Halpin (#2).
It was a total team effort with all players stepping up to give 100%. Batavia moves on to the quarterfinals where they will face Pittsford Mendon at 7 p.m. on Friday.
Genesee County residents who receive Medicare should look out for new Medicare cards in the mail in the coming weeks. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued these new cards after a cybersecurity breach affected nearly one million beneficiaries nationwide. If you were one of the individuals affected, you will receive a new card in the mail.
The new cards will include a different Medicare number to protect personal information. It is important to know that this is a legitimate process, and you do not need to take any action to receive your new card. However, please be aware of potential scams during this time.
Important Reminders:
No One Will Call You for Your Medicare Number: Medicare will not contact you to verify your new Medicare number or request personal information. If you receive such a call, it is likely a scam.
Protect Your Personal Information: Do not share your Medicare number or any other personal information unless you have initiated contact with a trusted source.
Genesee County Office for the Aging is Here to Help:
If you have questions about the new cards or need assistance, the Genesee County Office for the Aging is available to support you. Visit us at 2 Bank Street, Batavia, contact us at 585-343-1611 or go to geneseeny.gov/ofa.
Stay vigilant, and if you have concerns about your Medicare coverage or card, you can also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
UConnectCare has promoted Jessica Ferry to the position of Assistant Chief Fiscal Officer.
John Bennett, chief executive officer of the nonprofit agency (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse), announced the promotion of Ferry, who was hired as a finance manager in June.
“Jessica’s ability to tackle pressing financial issues, including budget planning, and her can-do attitude set her apart,” Bennett said. “We are very fortunate to have her on our fiscal team.”
Ferry graduated from Honeoye High School in 2010 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Brockport. She became interested in office administration while working for a firearm restoration business in Victor, and later served as office manager and treasurer for SJF Construction in Darien.
Before coming to UConnectCare, she worked as a bookkeeper for a marketing company and staff accountant for a public accounting firm in Buffalo.
Ferry said she is impressed by UConnectCare employees’ dedication and “sense of pride” in helping people struggling with substance use disorders and in recovery.
“For me, working here is a breath of fresh air,” she said. “Our work is important in that there is a dire need for these type of services in the GLOW (Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming) region.
A sports fan and fitness enthusiast, Ferry lives in Darien with her two young children, Molly and Hudson.
This year, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) takes place from October 20-26. NLPPW is a call to unite individuals, organizations, and government to reduce childhood lead exposure by raising awareness about lead poisoning prevention.
This week emphasizes various ways parents, caregivers, and communities can reduce children’s exposure to lead and protect them from its harmful effects.
“Lead poses a significant danger to children because their developing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more vulnerable to its harmful effects”, stated Darren Brodie, Environmental Health Director of the Genesee and Orleans County Health Department (GO Health).
These effects can include developmental delays, learning disabilities, weight loss, hearing loss, seizures, and more. Children can be exposed to lead from paint used in homes before 1978, contaminated water or soil, and products from other countries (spices, pottery, toys, etc.).
According to the 2023 American Community Survey, approximately 73.6% of housing units in Genesee County and 73.0% of housing units in Orleans County were built before 1978 and may have lead exposure hazards. Homes built before this year are at higher risk for having contaminated lead-based paint, which can deteriorate over time and release toxic lead dust or chips, posing significant health risks, especially to young children.
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. We encourage parents and community members to learn about the dangers of lead exposure by exploring the three key messages of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week:
Get the Facts
Any exposure to lead hazards can be dangerous, particularly for children.
The only safe blood lead level is zero!
The most common way children are exposed to lead is by ingesting tiny dust particles or paint chips, often too small to see.
Other potential sources of lead include metal toys, wooden toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint, metal jewelry, lead-glazed pottery, certain candles, spices, and even makeup.
Get Your Child Tested
A blood test is the way to determine if your child has lead poisoning.
Most children with detectable levels of lead in their blood show no noticeable symptoms.
If you think your child may have been exposed to lead, talk to their healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test.
Blood lead tests are also recommended for pregnant women who believe they may have been exposed to lead.
Get Your Home Tested
Many homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint. If your home was built before that year it is important to have it tested for lead paint.
If you rent, request that your landlord have the home or apartment tested.
For more information on testing your home, contact GO Health.
The Genesee County Health Department has a Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes Grant, funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that can address lead-based paint hazards and other health concerns in homes and apartments in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties.
“This funding is designated for lead-based paint remediation as well as other health-related home repairs," said Gabrielle Lanich, Lead Program Coordinator for GO Health. "Eligible homeowners and property managers with qualifying tenants can apply for these funds."
For more information or to determine eligibility for these programs, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555 or Health.GOlead@geneseeny.gov.
For more information about GO Health Programs and services and eligibility details for lead programs, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:
Genesee County: 585-344-2580 ext. 5555
Orleans County: 585-589-3278
Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram and X at GOHealthNY.
The Chamber’s Annual Awards Committee has announced the “2024” Annual Award Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Batavia Downs Gaming, Park Road, Batavia. This is the County’s premier event that honors businesses and individuals for their achievements in business, community service, and volunteerism.
Please note that a brief write-up will qualify your nominee for consideration. Nominations are now being accepted for Business of the Year, Entrepreneurial Business of the Year, Agricultural Business of the Year, Innovative Enterprise of the Year, Special Service Recognition & Geneseeans of the Year. Business Nominees must be a Chamber Member (If unsure of your nominee, call the Chamber to verify).
Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 8276 Park Road, Batavia, and can also be downloaded from the Chamber Website at www.geneseeny.com.
Nominations MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 13 to be eligible for consideration.
If you would like more information, feel free to call or email Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Member Relations & Special Events at the Chamber office, 343-7440, ext. 1026, kbermingham@geneseeny.com.
The 5th Annual Rotary Club of Batavia Trick or Trot fun run and walk will be held on Saturday, October 26.
Over 100 runners and walkers are expected to participate, according to Co-Chairman and Batavia Rotarian Jamie Mott. The event will begin and end at the Dewitt Park Recreation Area on Cedar St., in Batavia.
Runners can begin to assemble in the Upper Pavilion at 3:30 p.m. and walk the course beforehand if they wish.
“In keeping with the season, the route will travel through Batavia’s St. Joseph’s and Elmwood Cemeteries,” Mott said. “The course is 5km or 3.1 mi.”
The Rotary Club Trick or Trot was founded by Rotarian Douglas Forsyth as a family oriented fun event for persons of all ages. Forsyth encouraged participants to dress in Halloween costumes and not to be surprised by “spirits” that may jump into your path.
Registration for Trick or Trot is $25. Runners can sign-up on-line or the day of the event. Registration includes pizza after the race and water along the route. Swag bags will be given out as supplies last.
The Trick or Trot is one of many fundraising events held by the Batavia Rotary Club throughout the year. The local club supports dozens of Batavia area non-profit organizations, many involved with activities for young people. This year Batavia Rotary awarded over $20,000 in Community Grants.
The club is also sponsoring a collection of household items to benefit Eagle Star Housing in Pembroke providing safe and comfortable housing for veterans. Donations can be made at the race or dropped off at Lawley Insurance at 20 Jefferson Ave. in Batavia.
The “scene” is set for UConnectCare’s Prevention Department to “direct” local school and community projects during this month’s Red Ribbon Week, which is draping itself in the theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free.”
Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign, will take place from Oct. 23-31. The observance has touched the lives of millions of people around the world since its inception nearly 40 years ago.
This year's theme, “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free," encourages everyone to contribute to creating safe, healthy, and drug-free communities,” said Sheila Harding, UConnectCare assistant director of Prevention. “It highlights the significant impact that healthcare professionals, educators, parents, and others can have through their dedication and commitment.”
The campaign was started as a response to the 1985 murder of Drug Enforcement Agency Agent Enrique Camarena in Mexico by members of the Guadalajara drug cartel.
Angered by this terrible act, parents and youths in communities across the United States began wearing red ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise awareness of the killing and destruction caused by drugs.
Today, Red Ribbon Week, which is sponsored by the National Family Partnership, serves to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities.
UConnectCare Prevention educators reported that numerous schools in Genesee and Orleans counties have scheduled Red Ribbon Week activities. Furthermore, red ribbons are being placed in the City of Batavia and the cupola at the Old Courthouse will be lit up in red during that week.
“We invite you to celebrate not just this week, but to embrace healthy choices throughout the year and inspire those around you to do the same,” Harding said.
For more information about Red Ribbon Week and the substance use prevention efforts at UConnectCare, contact Harding at sharding@uconnectcare.org.
Senator George Borrello has introduced legislation to establish the Green Energy Anti-Corruption Act, which authorizes local municipalities to have the final say on whether a renewable energy power plant can be sited in their jurisdiction.
“This legislation is designed to ensure that renewable energy projects are developed with responsibility, transparency, and adherence to local and state regulations, thereby fostering public trust and promoting sustainable development,” said Senator Borrello.
Under this bill, project applications that do not comply with local laws will be denied, empowering municipalities to enforce their regulations and retain control over developments within their jurisdictions. Additionally, the bill prohibits compensation or host agreements with local officials and their immediate family members, while requiring recusal from votes related to any compensation received.
The legislation specifies that all host agreements and land contracts must be publicly accessible, enhancing transparency and enabling public oversight in order to deter unethical practices.
“It’s important that taxpayers have full access to all relevant documents related to projects since virtually all these projects involve taxpayer subsidies. All contracts and agreements should be public,” said Senator Borrello.
The bill clarifies that for major renewable energy facilities, municipalities can impose various requirements for development and operation, which requires them to hire independent attorneys for agreement reviews. This requirement ensures unbiased legal counsel and addresses local concerns by promoting better integration with community standards.
“Frequently, wind and solar companies supply their own attorneys to negotiate agreements with municipalities. This often results in deals that favor the developers over the municipalities,” said Senator Borrello.
An important provision states that landowners will no longer be required to relinquish mineral rights when signing host agreements.
“We need to protect landowners’ control over their resources and prevent exploitation by renewable energy developers,” said Senator Borrello. “Developers will sometimes sell their projects, and the new owners might decide to extract minerals or drill for gas and oil, keeping all the profits. This occurs because the landowner had to give up their mineral rights to the previous owner for the initial project. However, there’s no reason why hosting a wind turbine or solar panel installation should require landowners to relinquish their mineral rights.”
Lastly, under this new bill, clear boundaries are established for renewable energy solicitors. This is to prevent impersonation of law enforcement or government officials and to curb abusive communication practices. Violations of these boundaries will be classified as misdemeanors, with penalties aimed at deterring such behavior.
“Overall, this bill is vital for ensuring responsible development of renewable energy projects, protecting local governance, and fostering an environment of trust and accountability within communities,” Senator Borrello concluded.
Granges throughout NYS support FFA. Each local FFA chapter received $600 from Genesee County Pomona Grange to use toward their chapter programs and events. Photo of (from left to right): Joan Phelps, President of Genesee County Pomona Grange #10; Jeffrey Parnapy, Byron-Bergen Central School FFA Advisor; Tracey Dahlhaus, Elba Central School FFA Advisor; Maggie Winspear, Elba FFA; Bing Zuber, Elba FFA; Eli Williams, Oakfield-Alabama FFA; Amora Mabon, Oakfield-Alabama FFA; Todd Hofheins, Oakfield-Alabama Central School FFA Advisor, and Earl Roth, Treasurer of Genesee County Pomona Grange #10. Submitted photo.
Press Release:
At the recent meeting of Genesee County Pomona Grange, FFA Chapter advisors and officers from area schools in Genesee County were present. Each presented the program offered in their respective school district.
Jeff Parnapy teaches Agriculture and Home Economics at Byron-Bergen. Forty-five students are members of the High School FFA Chapter. Many of the students will be competing at the upcoming National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN late October.
The Ag Mechanics Team placed first in NYS, the Poultry Evaluation Team placed second in NYS and sixth place at the Big E, the Horticulture/Vegetable ID Team placed first in NYS, and Taylor Lundfelt placed sixth in the Individual category. Byron-Bergen will be well represented at the National competition. The Columbus Day Apple Cider Sale, the Spring Strawberry Sale, and the Career Speaking Contest are annual events at Byron-Bergen.
Tracey Dahlhaus is in her sixth year at Elba teaching Agriculture to Middle & HS students. Fifty students belong to the FFA chapter. Elementary Ag classes are taught by the STEM teacher. Two years ago, Elba’s Dairy Judging Team competed at National. This year Maggie Winspear will compete in the National Prepared Speech competition as the NYS first place winner. Her topic was researched and her speech on “Reintroducing Whole Milk into the School Lunch Program” was presented to those present. Elba students participate in the Ag Explore Program each year. Bing Zuber and Maggie Winspear represented the Elba chapter.
Todd Hofheins, Agriculture teacher and FFA Oakfield-Alabama advisor attended with students, Eli Williams & Amora Mabon to talk about their program. A very busy chapter at Oakfield-Alabama has seen its membership double to 100 students. There is a barn on the school property that houses steers and pigs, cared for by the students. Last year, 1,200 students attended Glow with Your Hands to see O-A students present the NYS Maple Program. This past summer, the Welding Contest was held at the Genesee County Fair under the leadership of Todd Hofheins and his Oakfield-Alabama chapter. A second Agriculture teacher has joined Oakfield-Alabama this year, teaching Grades 6-8.
Pavilion FFA will share its program on November 4 at its monthly Board of Education meeting. Kylie DeBerardinis is the Pavilion FFA advisor.
Each of the chapters received a $600 check from Genesee County Pomona Grange to further their program. We are certainly PROUD of these FUTURE FARMERS and wish them well at the 2024 National FFA Convention.
If interested in joining FFA, contact your school advisor or officers. If interested in joining the Grange, contact Joan Phelps at 585-762-8503.
Genesee Valley BOCES (GV BOCES) is excited to announce two upcoming Fall Open Houses designed to welcome students, families, and community members to explore the variety of career and technical programs available. These events will be held at Batavia and Mt. Morris campuses, providing an opportunity for future students to learn more about career pathways and for current students to showcase their work.
Batavia Campus Open House
Date: Wednesday, October 23
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: 8250 State Street Road, Batavia
Programs Featured: Career & Technical Education, ITP, Alternative Education, Transitions, WEST, and other future student opportunities.
At the Batavia campus, families will have the opportunity to visit classrooms, meet instructors, and explore the hands-on learning environments offered through GV BOCES' diverse programs. Career and Technical Education (CTE) students will also be able to connect with industry representatives and learn about the pathways available in trades and technical careers.
Mt. Morris Campus Open House
Date: Thursday, October 24
Time: 5 to 7 p.m.
Location: 27 Lackawanna Ave., Mt. Morris
Programs Featured: Career & Technical Education, ITP, and Alternative Education
The Health Careers and Sports Science programs will be located at the GCC Dansville Campus – 31 Clara Barton St., Dansville
Health Careers Academy – Room 115
Sports Science Academy – Room 114
Other off-campus programs will also be featured, with separate locations highlighted below:
Diesel Mechanics Program – 28 Mill St., Mt. Morris (off-campus)
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program – 3360 Gypsy Lane, Mt. Morris (off-campus)
Both the Diesel Mechanics and EMS programs are located off-campus at their respective addresses, providing hands-on learning in real-world environments. Visitors are encouraged to stop by these off-site locations to see the specialized equipment and training available in each program.
At the Mt. Morris campus, families and prospective students will have the opportunity to explore different programs on the Academy and CTE side.Each of these programs will offer students valuable insights into potential career paths and educational opportunities that prepare them for success in skilled trades, healthcare, emergency services, and beyond.
Come Join Us! GV BOCES encourages all parents, guardians, and prospective students to attend these informative open houses. Whether you are interested in exploring a career in health, technology, mechanical trades, or emergency services, these events provide an excellent opportunity to see the resources and opportunities available through Genesee Valley BOCES.
GENESEE AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION (GAHA) invites children to the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena on Evans Street on Saturday, November 2 for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of Hockey Week Across America.
Starting at 10:40 a.m. to Noon local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.
“We look forward to welcoming families to David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena to try our great sport of ice hockey for free” said Sharon Gray, Coordinator of the Event. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”
USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform for introducing children to the sport, free of charge.
All your youngster needs is a helmet (bike or sports) and winter gloves. Skates are available at the Rink free of charge (due to the generous offering of the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena). The GAHA organization does have some used hockey helmets available for the event as well as a few hockey sticks (which need to be returned at the end of the event).
Players in attendance will be given a free hockey jersey to take home. To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit www.TryHockeyForFree.com (Use zip code 14020) For more information, please contact: Sharon at svgray@rochester.rr.com or 585-344-2248 (Coordinator for Try Hockey For Free).
The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at the Jerome Center at 16 Bank Street, Batavia, on November 1 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and November 2 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The Guild operates a second gift shop at the UMMC Kiosk at 127 North Street Campus, Batavia, and Noel Nook at the Shoppe on North Street, which will be held on November 7 – 8 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Customers will enjoy a 10% discount on the entire order (a few exclusions apply). We invite parents and children to mail their Santa’s letters in the North Pole Post located outside each gift shop location.
‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of stylish coats, ponchos, capes, and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed hats and gloves, tops, slacks, and gorgeous scarves, from K &K Interiors, Carmen & Coco, Mud Pie, Demdaco, Simply Noelle, Gantz, and Gift Craft, to name a few.
Our updated selection of Petite Ginger Snaps, are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces, and rings that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones.
We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags. Our reasonably priced 'Jerome Jewelry Collection' includes rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklace sets with semi-precious stones. Popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink and leopard, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys, plush animals, clothes, and handmade baby blankets and hats.
Patrons love the well-priced Beekman 1802 products of all-natural goat milk, sulfate-free body products for men and women of lotions, soaps, facial cleansing wipes, and lip balms.
You will find bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners. Enjoy lighted wall art, holiday wreaths, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs, nutcrackers, Santas, snowmen, Snowbabies, crystal candle holders and warmers. Popular are lighted, glittered angels, trees and amazing tree toppers. Included are gorgeous lighted ornaments, cardinals, flags, throws, centerpieces, decorative lighting, night lights and Thanksgiving items. Gift cards may also be purchased.
The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the local healthcare community for decades and celebrated its 100-year Jubilee a few years ago. The group continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC. The Guild’s Hometown Heroes Star Initiative honoring all UMMC employees for their humanitarian efforts during the height of the pandemic raised $3000. These funds contributed toward the Guild’s $7000 purchase of an urgently needed freezer to store the Covid vaccine.
In 2022, the Guild pledged $20,000 over five years toward the Intensive Care Unit Expansion at UMMC North Street, and donated $5000 towards the Foundation Cornerstone initiative. The Gift Shop is excited to be moving from Bank Street to Rochester Regional / UMMC’s new medical campus on Oak Orchard Road this winter!
For decades, the Guild continues to offer our annual Health Professional Scholarship to UMMC employees pursuing higher education and who will continue to serve our healthcare community. Children who visit Urgent Care and the Emergency Department are comforted with plush animals. Cancer patients have received personal care bags.
The Guild participates in the UMMC Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts serving the community. Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at both shops, events, and have worked on UMMC Foundation projects.
Over the years the Guild has hosted many fundraisers including fashion show luncheons and hopes to sponsor another next summer. St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours vary Monday through Friday from 9 am – 3 pm.
New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and our annual Membership Tea is held in September. Members attend monthly meetings with interesting programs and presenters. The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please check out the St. Jerome Gift Shop Facebook page for updated news, highlights, and products you will find at the shops.
The Batavia Muckdogs are excited to announce their fourth annual Muckdogs Trick or Treat at Dwyer Stadium. The event is Saturday, October 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. It is free to enter and trick or treat around Dwyer Stadium.
“We started this tradition during our first season as owners of the Muckdogs in 2021 and we are so glad the community has come together to grow this event to what it is today. It is a kind of curtain call for Dwyer Stadium before we gear up for High School baseball in the spring of 2025 and then of course Muckdogs Baseball. An event like this is great because it really showcases how this great Stadium can be utilized for the community and by the community. Muckdogs Trick or Treat is made possible by all our great sponsors and we can’t thank them enough for providing a fun day for local families” says Owner Robbie Nichols.
The previous year’s event had over 2,000 families Trick or Treat around the field. It is free for attendees to enter and Trick or Treat around Dwyer Stadium and the Muckdogs are encouraging you to bring out your best Halloween costumes. There will also be music, activities, and food at the Stadium.
For questions, please call the Muckdogs at 585-524-2260.
If you are a local business looking to be involved with the event, please email Marc Witt, Muckdogs General Manager, at mwitt.canusa@gmail.com.
The Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club proudly celebrated a momentous occasion on October 9 as they honored founding member Janet Fitch on her remarkable upcoming 105th birthday. Surrounded by friends and fellow garden club members, Janet was greeted with heartfelt wishes, a beautifully decorated cupcake, and a vibrant bouquet of flowers.
Janet Fitch has been a cornerstone of the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club since its inception in 1954. Members expressed their gratitude for her guidance and passion for environmental stewardship. Her passion for gardening and her commitment to nurturing both plants and relationships have left a lasting impression on all who have had the privilege to know her.
For more information about the Le Roy Town and Country Garden Club and upcoming events, please contact LeRoyNYGardenClub@gmail.com.
GO ART! is pleased to welcome the public to view the work of Linda Miranda Fix, Kelly Herold, and Melita Guild at the reception of three exhibitions on Thursday, October 17.
Three uniquely different bodies of work will offer multiple visual and mental stimulation for individuals as they move from one gallery to the next.
Linda, who “loves working with different mediums and substrates,” said the collection "The Heart of the Universe" represented in the show was inspired by the Solar Eclipse in April 2024. Hence, “she began to think about celebrating the earth and all its glory, the strength and resilience of 'Mother Earth,' and the similar fervor and power of women.”
Linda Fix wants the public to know that her “paintings represent The Sisterhood of Women as we celebrate birth, accomplishments, and love; as we grieve with the tragedy of loss; as we continue to rise after many times that we fall.” “I believe that Women are the 'Heart of the Universe”.
This exhibition is filled with vibrant colors, styles, and multiple-media representations, including Acrylics, Mixed Media, Watercolor, and Alcohol Ink. She will give a brief artist’s talk at 6 p.m.
Kelly Herold is a contemporary artist who has, for the last three years, focused on the “transformative potential of everyday objects”. She says her “3D designs are crafted from recycled and repurposed materials, including frames, bottles, cans, smashed glass, glasses, ceramics, and various trinkets sourced from thrift stores, yard sales, or donated by friends. Each piece undergoes a meticulous process of cutting, shaping, and assembling, often utilizing a modified wet saw for precision”.
She also shares her process, which includes the final step in her creative process, “which involves coloring and pouring resin to encapsulate the assembled materials, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind artwork. Through this method, I aim to give new life to discarded items, highlighting the beauty and potential found in the overlooked and forgotten”.
We invite you to see why Kelly says, “My art is a testament to sustainability, creativity, and the endless possibilities inherent in repurposing material.”
Melita Guild ceramic masks are exceptional and definitely have a place on the walls during the month of October. Melita will not be present at the reception but the time spent viewing her work will be meaningful.
GO ART! invites the public to meet Linda & Kelly during the reception and hear both artists’ talk on Thursday, October 17, starting at 5 p.m.
This event is free, but the experience will be invaluable! We look forward to welcoming you to this event!
Uneven Bars: 1. Ella Lamberson (Corning): 7.85, 2. Roan Finn (Genesee): 7.05, 3. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 6.25, 4. Edison Betances (Genesee): 6.15, 5. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.05, 6. Carsyn Good (Genesee): 5.95, 8. Ava Pellegrino (Genesee): 5.1
Balance Beam: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.8, 3. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.2, 6. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.725, 7. Nee'Kay Smith (Genesee): 6.5, 8. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 6.05, 10. Chloe Garner (Genesee): 5.55
Floor Exercise: 1. Roan Finn (Genesee): 8.575, 4. Sophia Matthews (Genesee): 7.25, 5. Mikayla Yohon (Genesee): 7.05, 6. Lei St.Clair (Genesee): 6.75, 7. Carsyn Good (Genesee): 6.7, 13. Emma Cooper (Genesee): 6.25
The next meet is: Friday, Oct. 18 at MCA Gymnastics Club at 6:30 p.m. It is Senior Night, honoring: Kendall Chase, Roan Finn, Lei St.Clair & Mikayla Yohon
