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Traffic delays expected Thursday for more resurfacing on key streets

By Press Release

Press Release:

All motorists, please be aware the following streets (listed in the following predicted order) will experience traffic delays on Thursday, October 3, between the hours of 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. for resurfacing operations:

Thursday, October 3

  • Jefferson Avenue
  • Porter Avenue
  • Dellinger Avenue
  • Thomas Avenue
  • Douglas Avenue

While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.

This work is weather dependent and will continue on the next business day if necessary.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.

Batavia VA Medical Center to offer walk-in, drive-through flu clinics

By Press Release

Press Release:

Fall is here and now is the time to prepare for flu season by getting an influenza vaccine. The Batavia VA Medical Center is holding walk-in flu clinics on Thursdays and Fridays, and on Thursday, October 10, is holding a drive-through clinic from 4 - 6:30 p.m.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

Flu vaccination has important benefits. It can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Batavia VA Medical Center Walk-in clinic is located at 222 Richmond Ave. Batavia on Thursdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Batavia VA Medical Center Drive-thru clinic is located at 222 Richmond Ave. Batavia on Thursday, October 10, from 4 - 6:30 p.m.

Cooperative Extension of Genesee County to highlight volunteers at annual recognition dinner

By Press Release

Press Release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Genesee County will hold its Annual Meeting and Recognition Dinner on Tuesday, October 29, at 5 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Rd., Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for dinner and help us recognize our Volunteer of the Year recipients.

Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers, and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Please register by October 21st by visiting our website or contacting Yvonne Peck at dp3@cornell.edu or 585-343-3040 Ext. 123.

GO Health announces final rabies vaccination clinic for 2024, scheduled for October 10

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments (GO Health) are offering their final 2024 free drive-thru rabies vaccination clinics in October. Funding for the rabies clinics are provided by the New York State Department of Health.

  • The Genesee County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Thursday, October 10 from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Genesee County Fairgrounds (5056
    East Main Street, Batavia)
  • The Orleans County Rabies Vaccination Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 19 from 9 - 11:30 a.m. at the Orleans County Fairgrounds (12690 State Route 31, Albion)

Vaccinations are free for dogs, cats, and ferrets. Animals must be at least 3 months old. Each animal must be leashed or crated and accompanied by an adult who can control the animal. Limit 4 pets per car maximum.

“We encourage all Genesee and Orleans County residents to take advantage of our last rabies immunization clinics of 2024 and ensure their pets are protected against rabies,” stated Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “Rabies continues to be a serious public health concern in both counties and is a preventable viral disease.” 

To prevent the spread of rabies, the health department reminds residents to take the following precautions:

  • Keep your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
  • Obey leash laws. Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact the health department.
  • Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, touch, or attract wildlife (raccoons, skunks, bats, bunnies, rabbits, and foxes) or stray dogs and cats.
  • Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home. 
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters. If you find a bat in your home, safely capture it and call the health department. DO NOT release it! For a video on how to safely capture a bat, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puP8qbATPKg 
  • Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood or if you see an animal showing signs of rabies. Signs of rabies in animals may include aggression, excessive drool or saliva, confusion, hair loss, and loss of movement or function.

For more information about GO Health Programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org or contact your local health department at:

Follow GO Health on Facebook, Instagram, and X at GOHealthNY.

Hawley partners with Adelphi to promote breast cancer awareness and support

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of 
Steve Hawley.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is teaming up with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program as a part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign. Since 1980, the program, a project of the Adelphi University School of Social Work, has provided New Yorkers with information and emotional support as they battle breast cancer.

The campaign encourages individuals to take care of their breast health in three ways: getting a mammogram, learning about breast cancer programs in their community and talking to someone who can help. This year’s motto is “When Survivors Unite, Hope Ignites.” The hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, directs callers to resources and provides a listening ear.

The program can be reached by phone at 800-877-8077 or online at breast-cancer.adelphi.edu.

“I’m proud to be partnering with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to spread awareness and increase support,” said Hawley. “Every year, more than 2 million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer. This is why it is important to know the risk factors and get regular screenings. I encourage all residents of the 139th Assembly District to take advantage of these free resources as we continue to raise awareness this month.”

City of Batavia Fire Department works to add users of Community Connects app

By Press Release

Press Release:

The City of Batavia Fire Department released a new technology to assist in emergencies back in 2022. In honor of Fire Prevention, which starts in October, we are working to add more participants in our free Community Connect application. This application is focused on protecting residents and their property in the most effective way possible during an incident or major disaster. 

Community Connect is a secure, easy to use platform that allows residents to share critical information about their household in order to aid first responders and emergency service personnel to respond more efficiently and effectively; ultimately resulting in better incident outcomes.  

In addition to the residential portal, Community Connect also helps business owners and managers keep people at their commercial properties safe by giving First Responders access to critical documents such as evacuation procedures, occupant rosters, hazardous material lists and more. 

Additionally, designated contacts at properties that joined the program will receive immediate alerts via text message when First Responders are dispatched to the building address or home. 

Community Connect is completely voluntary and residents are individually able to decide which information they are comfortable sharing. Residents simply create a profile and enter critical property and occupant information which is then made available to public safety agencies at the time of dispatch.

Data provided by residents within Community Connect is 100% secure and is used only for the purpose of better serving the resident during emergency situations. 

To learn more about the program and to create your profile, please visit City of Batavia Community Connect.

About First Due:

First Due is on a mission to end first responder and citizen injuries due to a lack of information. First Due is focused on providing solutions for fire and EMS agencies and the communities they serve, all with the goal of ensuring optimal preparedness for disaster situations.

About City of Batavia Fire Department:

The City of Batavia's Fire Department is ready to respond to emergency calls 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. In addition to fire suppression and emergency medical services, the Department also provides first responder EMT-Defibrillator training services, hazardous materials response and several technical rescue services. At any hour of the day, City of Batavia firefighters can be found at the City's fire station cleaning and maintaining the City's investment in emergency apparatus, conducting training exercises, assisting citizens and/or visitors, performing preplans, conducting public education classes, commercial fire safety inspections and multi-dwelling inspections, or a number of other activities that enhance the public’s safety. 

For any questions related to the Community Connect program, please reach out to Jeff Whitcombe, Lieutenant at 585-345-6375 or jwhitcombe@batavianewyork.com

Tenney votes against three-month funding bill to extend ‘bloated’ spending

By Press Release

Press Release:

File photo of
Claudia Tenney.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) voted against a three-month funding bill that would extend bloated government spending and maintain current levels of excessive funding.

H.R. 9747 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025 passed the House by a vote of 341-82.

"With over $35 trillion in national debt, it is unfortunate that we continue to write a blank check to the Biden-Harris administration, allowing them to spend at current levels," said Congresswoman Tenney. "Once again, instead of making serious cuts to excessive federal spending, Congress is merely putting a band-aid on the problem. House Republicans have passed five of the Fiscal Year 2025 spending bills, covering nearly 71% of overall discretionary spending. This includes the Defense Appropriations Bill and the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which provides $600 million for building the wall along the Southern Border and funding for a record 22,000 Border Patrol Agents. Yet, Senator Schumer and Senate Democrats have refused to pass any of these bills, forcing a potential government shutdown. Schumer shut the government down in 2018, but he's threatening to do it again with a refusal to include priorities that the American people want and need in this dangerous world.

"Unlike my Democratic colleagues in the House, I voted for a continuing resolution last week that would keep the government open while securing our elections and provide necessary supplemental funding to the Virginia Class Submarine program. However, unlike last week, this continuing resolution fails to include the SAVE Act, which would close loopholes requiring proof of citizenship to vote, thus enhancing election security at a critical time just weeks before the 2024 election. As Co-Chair of the Election Integrity Caucus, this legislation is paramount in ensuring that noncitizens, especially illegal aliens, cannot undermine or dilute the sacred right to vote, which is the heart and soul of our Constitutional system where we must protect self-governance against authoritarian joint control. Furthermore, this continuing resolution omits vital initiatives to strengthen border security, despite our border agents facing an unprecedented crisis, and does not provide supplemental funding for Virginia Class Submarines, threatening our supply chains and our military readiness.

"House Republicans are committed to passing spending bills through regular order, allowing for robust debate and giving the American people a voice in the appropriations process. Therefore, I could not support this resolution that continues excessive spending, which, in many ways, prioritizes Democrats' initiatives over the needs of hardworking families – while also adding to the national debt and fueling the cruelest tax on all Americans – Inflation." 

GC Board of Elections announces local registration hours and Bergen polling site change

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Board of Elections is offering residents a local registration opportunity to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming election. On Saturday, October 5, from 2 - 9 p.m., the Board of Elections office in County Building 1 at 15 Main St., Batavia, will be open for residents to register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot.

This extended weekend schedule provides a convenient time for residents to take care of their election-related needs. Please note that only the West Entrance of County Building 1 will be accessible. This entrance is off the central courtyard between County Building One and the Old Courthouse. Look for the “1999” next to the door.

In addition, the Board of Elections would like to inform voters in the Town of Bergen of a change to their polling location. On Election Day, November 5, voters who previously voted at Bergen Town Hall will now cast their ballots at the Gillam Grant Community Center, located at 6966 W. Bergen Rd., Bergen, directly across from the school.

For more information or questions about registration, absentee ballots, or polling locations, please contact the Genesee County Board of Elections at (585) 815-7804.

Get ready for the next Richmond Reads with events leading up to author Peter Heller's visit

By Press Release

Press Release:

Richmond Reads presents programs in advance of author visit The Richmond Memorial Library is excited to announce a slate of events in advance of the 2024 Richmond Reads author visit on Thursday, October 24.

Richmond Reads is a community one-book program designed specifically for the Richmond Memorial Library community. The goal of the program is for the community to join together in reading the chosen title, and then to participate in subsequent discussions and programs.

This year’s Richmond Reads selection is The Last Ranger by Peter Heller. Published in July of 2023, The Last Ranger is described as “a lush and vivid mystery set in Yellowstone National Park where a skirmish between a local hunter and a wolf biologist turns violent, and a park ranger, facing his own personal demons, sets out to determine what really happened.” (publisher description)

Heller is the best-selling author of The Guide, The River, Celine, The Painter, and The Dog Stars, which has been published in twenty-two languages. Heller is also the author of four nonfiction books, including Kook: What Surfing Taught Me About Love, Life, and Catching the Perfect Wave, which was awarded the National Outdoor Book Award. He holds an MFA in poetry and fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Denver, Colorado. 

Peter Heller will visit the Richmond Memorial Library at 7 pm on Thursday, October 24. He will give a talk, reading, and sign books. There is no registration for this event, but space is limited and will be first come, first served.

Copies of The Last Ranger are available for sale at the front desk at RML for $20 (hardcover) and $15 (paperback). Several of Heller’s other books are also available for sale for $15. Books will be for sale the night of the author visit.

The Richmond Reads committee is pleased to offer several other programs leading up to the author visit:

Wednesday, October 2 at 7 p.m.: Join the International Wolf Center for their “Wolves at Our Door” program on Zoom. Register at batavialibrary.org/calendar 

Monday, October 7 at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, October 9 at 9:30 a.m.: Community Book Discussions. Join us to discuss The Last Ranger. Copies are available to borrow or purchase at the library. The only requirement to attend is to read the book!

Thursday, October 10 at 6 pm: Movie Screenings at RML: Richmond Reads Edition- Join us to watch the first episode of Ken Burns’ documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea as we learn about the advent and history of America’s National Parks. Refreshments served. 120 minutes, rated TV-G.

Richmond Reads Review Contest: Write a review of The Last Ranger for a chance to win dinner with Peter Heller and the Richmond Reads committee on Thursday, October 24, courtesy of the Friends of the Library! Contest closes on October 16 at 5 pm. All information, contest rules and entry form are available at the library or at batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.

For more information, visit batavialibrary.org/richmond-reads.

Richmond Reads is sponsored by the Richmond Memorial Library and The Friends of Richmond Memorial Library with special sponsorship from the Alfred C. O’Connell Library at GCC.

Genesee County’s eclipse initiative wins New York State tourism excellence award

By Press Release
2024-new-york-state-tourism-excellence-award-geneseetheeclipse-project.jpg
NYSTIA Board Chair - Corey Fram, GeneSEEtheEclipse team members: Matt Mitchell - Corporate Communications, Colleen Onuffer - Travel Alliance Partnership, Glenn Clark - Crafting A Brand, Kelly Rapone and Lauren Humphrey, Genesee County Chambe of Commerce. Also pictured, Ross Levi – I Love New York, Bridget Cerrone – Advance Media New York.
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that the GeneSEEtheEclipse program has received an Excellence Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association. The Tourism Excellence Awards ceremony was held in Saratoga Springs on September 12.

The Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate the most creative and successful campaigns, publications, individuals, and projects from across the state.

“For fourteen months leading up to April 8, our Chamber team was engaged within our community, informing and inspiring residents, community leaders, and area businesses that a significant once-in-a-lifetime event was going to occur. Our community fully rallied around our beloved “Genny The Cow” and the full GeneSEEtheEclipse initiative. Over eighty eclipse-related special events and promotions were created by hundreds of community members representing civic groups, organizations, and area businesses. We thank our community and share this honor with all of you,” said Brian Cousins, Chamber President.

“Although the day was unfortunately overcast, it was still a truly spectacular experience. Visitors from around the world traveled here and watched alongside our residents, and did experience the eerie temperature drop and see the sky become dark, mid-day for 3 minutes and 42 seconds,” said Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing Director. “We would like to thank all of our community members who joined in to commemorate this historic event for our residents,” she said.

HLOM announces October events, including trivia night, speaker Thomas Reigstad, and more

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Wednesday, October 9 at 7 p.m. Thomas Reigstad will be presenting his new book, "The Illustrated Mark Twain and the Buffalo Express," which was just published in February. 

The book collects ten entertaining feature stories published by Mark Twain in the Buffalo Express of 1869 and 1870, accompanied by illustrations drawn by six artists over nearly 115 years alongside my commentary. There are drawings by Twain himself, by his contemporaries John Harrison Mills and True Williams, by Calvin and Hobbes cartoonist Bill Watterson, and by Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonists Tom Toles and Adam Zyglis. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend. 

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

Join the Holland Land Office Museum for the next edition of our Trivia Night @ the Museum on Thursday, October 10 at 7 p.m. This month's trivia will be at GO Art! located at 201 E. Main St. Batavia. You can enjoy a drink there at Tavern 2.o.1. Looking back at Black Tuesday in 1929, our topic will be the Roaring Twenties. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

The Holland Land Office Museum is proud to announce the next edition of its Guest Speaker Series on Tuesday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Museum Director Ryan Duffy will be sharing the details of the most momentous day in the history of the Holland Land Office Museum, "Land Office Day: October 13, 1894." 

On that day, thousands flocked to Batavia, including members of the Presidential Cabinet, to witness the dedication of the Holland Land Office as a museum under the ownership of the Holland Purchase Historical Society. Our history has now stretched 130 years this year and still going strong. Admission is $5 or $3 for museum members. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you would like to attend.

"This project is made possible with funds from the statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by GO ART!"

On October 19, at the Holland Land Office Museum at 11 a.m. our Curator Tyler Angora will present on Victorian Mourning practices. Learn how, during the 19th century, death and mourning practices became huge traditions and practiced by many! Admission is $5 for non-members and $3 for members, contact the museum if you are interested in attending!

The Holland Land Office is proud to announce the next edition of our Java with Joe E. series on Thursday, October 24 at 9 a.m. This month we welcome James Morasco and Bart Dentino as they perform, "Vincenzo's Dream: The True Story of One Family’s Journey From Italy to America Through the Generations." Admission is free with coffee and cookies. Please contact the museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

“By the time of Vincenzo’s death in 1983 he had seen and experienced, among other things, the use of the automobile as it replaced the horse and buggy. Modern medicine. WWI, The Great Depression, WWII, and the Vietnam conflict. And although he did not believe it to be real, he watched TV as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon." 

Using poetry, song, and storytelling Jim and Bart share an intimate and profound tale that to this day, continues to unfold. Listen as Vincenzo’s story is weaved, connecting the threads of time to produce the fabric for each generation that follows. Thank you to Pub Hub Coffee for their sponsorship of Java with Joe E. for 2024.

Street resurfacing this week in the city, expect delays

By Press Release

Press Release:

All motorists please be aware the following streets (listed in the following predicted order) will experience traffic delays on Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3, between the hours of 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. for resurfacing operations:

Wednesday, October 2

  • Williams Street
  • Osterhout Avenue
  • Evans Street
  • Jefferson Avenue

Thursday, October 3

  • Porter Avenue
  • Dellinger Avenue
  • Thomas Avenue
  • Douglas Avenue

While work is being performed in these areas, local traffic will be permitted to and from their residence/property but should plan accordingly for delays.

All residents/businesses within the work area are asked not to park on the roadway during the operation. All motorists that regularly use these streets are asked to seek alternate routes while the delays are in place.

This work is weather-dependent and will continue on the next business day if necessary.

Contact the Bureau of Maintenance at 585-345-6400 opt. 1 if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your cooperation.

TF GOW wants schools and parents to know about vaping and nicotine pouches

By Press Release
zyn-product-sold-in-stores-in-gow-community.jpeg
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

With students back in school this month, public health leaders from Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) say it's important to be aware of the risks of vaping, as well as a new nicotine product called nicotine pouches. Many users say they’re a safer way to use nicotine, but that is not the case. 

“We’ve been working with schools and communities the last several years cracking down on vaping, but there’s another addictive nicotine product gaining popularity among teens: oral nicotine pouches,” says Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Youth Outreach Coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW.

According to Bozzer, the pouches are smokeless, and teens tuck them into their upper lips—making them harder to detect. They are sold in small containers under different brand names, including Zyn, Velo, Rogue, and On!, and come in a variety of youth-friendly flavors including mint, fruit, menthol, coffee, and cinnamon.

How much nicotine is in oral nicotine pouches? 

Nicotine concentrations differ across oral nicotine brands. In the United States. 

  • Zyn (the most popular brand) is sold in 3 and 6 mg.
  • Velo is sold in 2,4 and 7mg.
  • On! is sold in 1.5, 2, 3.5, 4 and 8mg.
  • On! Plus offers nicotine strengths of 6, 9 and 12mg.
  • Youth can get nicotine pouches online that contain up to 17mg per pouch.

2024 Findings on Youth Tobacco Use: Youth vaping less 

In September 2024, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data from the 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) on e-cigarette and nicotine pouch use among U.S. youth: “Notes from the Field: E-cigarette and Nicotine Pouch Use Among Middle and High School Students—United States, 2024.

Findings showed that there was a significant drop in the number of U.S. middle and high school students who reported current (past 30 days) e-cigarette use – a decrease from 2.13 million (7.7%) youth in 2023 to 1.63 million (5.9%) youth in 2024.

Evidence shows that as e-cigarette products have faced federal flavor restrictions recently, high school students are vaping less. But experts at Tobacco-Free GOW are concerned that as kids move away from vapes, they may move toward nicotine pouches because they have appealing
flavors. 

“My tobacco control colleagues across New York State and I have seen different kinds of tobacco and nicotine products rise in popularity all the time, but we’ve learned over the years what works,” says Bozzer. “We're very concerned that the industry continues to find new products, new ways to addict our kids, and we’ll keep focusing on Zyn as well as youth vaping.” 

More on nicotine pouches

  • They are pillow-like pouches that deliver nicotine directly into the bloodstream through the mouth's membrane lining. Created in 2014 by the company Swedish Match.
  • In addition to being perceived as a safer, and therefore, "healthier" addiction than vaping, nicotine pouches directly appeal to children and young people for a few other reasons.
  • Like JUUL pods, nicotine pouches are sold in a variety of "fun" flavors such as peppermint, cinnamon, coffee, and citrus-which makes them pleasant to use.
  • Social media sites like TikTok feature "Zynfluencers," whose content mainly consists of themselves using and promoting the pouches. This is concerning, especially considering 47.4% of all TikTok users in 2024 are under 30 years old.

Harms of Nicotine Pouches and Vapes

  • Nicotine can harm brain development which continues until about age 25.
  • Youth can start showing signs of nicotine addiction quickly, sometimes before the start of regular or daily use.
  • Using nicotine during adolescence can harm the parts of the brain that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
  • Adolescents who use nicotine may be at increased risk for future addiction to other drugs.

Help for quitting: DropTheVape and Vaping Conversation Guide from the American Lung Association (ALA) DropTheVape is a free text-based youth and young adult vaping cessation service for smokers aged 13-24 provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). The service is evidence-based and was developed by the Truth Initiative® with input from young people who wanted to quit vaping.

This program makes it easier to stop. Any New York State resident in the targeted age bracket can text “DropTheVape” to 88709. Enrollees receive interactive daily text messages tailored to their sign-up date or their target quit date. Messages include motivation, tips, coping strategies, and exercise to help build their belief that they CAN quit.

The American Lung Association (ALA) also has resources for talking to kids about vaping, including a conversation guide and a campaign available at https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/helping-teens-quit/talk-about-vaping/conversation-guide

Boys Soccer: Batavia defeats Greece Odyssey 6-1

By Press Release
batavia boys soccer

Press release:

The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Greece Odyssey 6-1 on Friday evening at Van Detta Stadium. The decisive victory was highlighted with two goals by Troy Hawley (#5), both assisted by Devin Hughes (#20), one goal by Jaziah Ayala (#20), assisted by Hezekiah Doane (#22), one goal by Rylan Bohn (#24), assisted by Trevor Tryon (#8), one goal by Hezekiah Doane (#22), assisted by Aiden Reimer (#14), and finally, one goal by Trevor Tryon (#8), assisted by his brother, Trey Tryon (#16). Odyssey were limited to one goal thanks to the outstanding effort of Batavia's defensive line of Brandon Currier (#10), Will Fulton (#6), Jeremiah Childs (#15), Teddy Cswaykus (#18), and Brody Ditzel (#9), as well as goalkeepers Harry Mellander and Ben Morton. 

 
 


 

Join the fun at the 21st annual family game night October 4

By Press Release

Press Release:

The Genesee County Youth Bureau will be hosting its 21st annual Family Game Night! The event will take place on Friday, October 4 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Batavia City Centre, Batavia (Please use the entrance of City Hall). 

The night will consist of interactive booths with activities, games and prizes for families and youth serving organizations. This event is free and includes pizza and a beverage. Each family will take home one brand new board game after they visit the booths so they can start their own family game night!  

Just for attending you will be entered into a raffle to win one of several prizes from businesses all around Genesee County. Adults must be accompanied by a child to receive the board game. 

Please call the Youth Bureau for more information at 344-3960. The Genesee County Youth Bureau would also like to thank Alabama Hotel, Batavia Kiwanis, and Batavia’s Original Pizzeria for sponsoring the event & the Batavia City Centre for hosting the event.

Tobacco-Free GOW staff attends Batavia Downs employee health fair to help educate people

By Press Release
brittany-and-julie-bd-health-fair.jpg
Julie Calvert and Brittany Bozzer, team members of Tobacco-Free GOW, share information and resources on the impacts of tobacco use and how to get support with quitting. 
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

Batavia Downs held its annual Employee Health Fair yesterday. Staff from Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (TF-GOW) answered questions and provided educational materials about the dangers of vaping and tobacco use.

“Attending employee health fairs like this is the best way for us to reach community members and help improve their heath,” said Julie Calvert, community engagement coordinator for Tobacco-Free GOW. “We can address concerns people have about smoking, about their kids vaping and help them get the information, resources and support they need.” 

The health fair gave the TF-GOW team the opportunity to connect with their Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center colleagues from the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health. 

Indigenous communities face some of the greatest cancer health disparities, higher mortality rates and persistent challenges in health equity. Together, their goal is to reduce the impact of cancer.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome dependence on commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Free offerings include individualized coaching and assistance with quit-planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support and free shipping of stop-smoking medications such as nicotine patches, nicotine lozenges or nicotine gum for those 18 and older.

Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. In addition, the Quitline encourages teens and young adults (ages 13-24) to text “DROPTHEVAPE” to 88709 to join “This Is Quitting,” a free texting support program for help with quitting vaping.

For more information, text QUITNOW to 333888 or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

gow-health-fair.jpg
Members of Tobacco-Free GOW and the Department of Indigenous Cancer Health, both programs of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, share information on cancer screening, as well as how to live a tobacco-free life.
Submitted photo.

Girls Tennis: Batavia loses to Hilton 4-3

By Press Release

Press release:

Batavia girls tennis lost to Hilton by a score of 4-3.  Notable wins for Batavia include Kelsey Kirkwood who had a long three set match coming back to win the third set 6-2 decidedly.  Rahmeto Reinhardt and Drew Stevens also represented well, winning at first doubles against a talented Hilton team.  This was a very competitive match vs. Hilton all around, and I'm proud of the girls for battling.  

Singles

  • 1-Kelsey Kirkwood defeated Sarah Lissow 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
  • 2-Elly Cossitt lost to Hartley Lenhard 6-0, 6-0
  • 3-Frankie Tomei  won by forfeit

Doubles

  • 1-Rahmeto Reinhardt/Drew Stevens  defeated Jayleigh Esposito/Abby Kemp 6-4,7-6 (7-4)
  • 2-Kayla Richenberg/Maddy Ohlson lost to Summer Cordone/Mika Vargas 6-4, 4-6, 6-1
  • 3-Mikenna Durawa/Brooklyn Mazur lost to Kara Brone/Elizabeth Guittard 6-2, 6-1
  • 4-Abi Bestine/Mya Odom lost to Lindsay Bleir/Delilah Gilmore 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-0

Le Roy officers save driver's life during medical emergency, giving family chance to be with him at end

By Press Release
image001.jpg
Submitted photo.

Press Release:

The LeRoy Police Department would like to commend Officer Smith and Matthew Nielson for their actions during a recent emergency call, which ultimately provided a critical window of time for a driver experiencing a medical emergency to spend precious final moments with his family.

On August 23 at approximately 10:40 a.m., Officer Terrez Smith and Matthew Nielson responded to a report of a car accident on State Route 19 near North Road in the Town of LeRoy. 

The scene revealed a vehicle that had gone off the road, and the driver, a 79-year-old male, was found unresponsive inside.

Quickly realizing that the situation was more than just an accident, Officer Smith and Nielson conducted a swift assessment and determined the driver was experiencing a severe medical event. 

Demonstrating exceptional training and composure, Officer Smith and Nielson administered first aid, performed CPR, and utilized their department-issued Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to stabilize the individual. These immediate actions successfully revived the driver, who regained a pulse and began to show signs of life.

The driver was then transported to Strong Memorial Hospital by LeRoy EMS for continued medical treatment. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team and the immediate care provided by Officer Smith and Nielson, the driver passed away nearly a week later. Crucially, the life-saving measures taken at the scene afforded the driver the valuable opportunity to be with his family, who remained by his side during his final days.

The quick response exhibited by Officer Smith and Nielson exemplifies the highest standard of service and dedication. While the outcome is deeply saddening, we take comfort in knowing that his actions allowed the family to have a meaningful time together during these difficult days.

Our condolences go out to the driver's family and loved ones. Officer Smith and Nielson’s swift intervention underline the importance of the continuous training and preparedness of our first responders.

Georgia-Pacific is conducting annual water pump testing today

By Press Release

Press Release:

Georgia-Pacific, located at 4E-Treadeasy Avenue in Batavia, will be performing its annual water pump testing on Friday, September 27, at 11:30 a.m., as required by applicable fire protection codes. 

This test may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about 5 minutes or until it is clear."

Annual BID Wine Walk is set for October 5 with a 'masquerade'

By Press Release

Press Release:

The theme for this year’s annual downtown Wine Walk is "masquerade," and the Batavia Business Improvement Distric invites you to join us for an evening of fun and entertainment during the event from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 in Batavia.

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) will host registration from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m., and ticket holders can stroll, sip, and shop 23 participating downtown businesses during the four-hour walk.

Only 600 tickets are being sold and they are going fast, BID Director Shannon Maute says.

“Come downtown, taste great wine, meet new people, see old friends, and create memories while you shop small and support your local businesses,” she said. “You must be 21 years of age or older to attend, and please no children.”

Tickets are $35 and are available at Yngodess Shop, TVFCU, Adam Miller Toys & Bicycles and at Eventbrite. For more information, go to BID’s Facebook page for the link and details.

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