Sunlight danced on the leaves while music stirred a sighing breeze, time seemed to stop for awhile as neighbors eased into languid conversation and lilting laughter. Lewis Avenue was the gathering place Saturday evening in what was the first block party for this tight-knit community.
As part of the event, a proclamation on behalf of Brooks Hawley and the City of Batavia was presented to both Stephen and Mike Rosenbeck of Lewis Avenue for their ongoing efforts of keeping the neighborhood together.
“Stephen and Mike have provided outstanding public service, selfless acts of charity, compassion and genuine concern for their fellow Batavians,” Hawley said upon presentation of the Good Neighbor Recognition Certificate.
Leanna DiRisio, community organizer with Vibrant Batavia, partnered with Paul and Bridget Ohlson of Care-a-Van Ministries to make the block party a community event.
“Our mission is to bring communities together and open lines of communication,” DiRisio said.
“We’re building friendships,” Ohlson said. “Some residents may not know each other so this is a way to bridge people together.”
“When we first moved in,” James Bellamy said. “The Ohlsons came over with a cake and introduced themselves. That’s the kind of welcome that brings people together.”
Bellamy moved to Lewis Avenue in May 2009 from Kent County, England. He and his wife, Kathryn (Katie), moved stateside to be closer to Katie’s family, who live in the Batavia area.
“This is the first street party that I’ve been to since I was a kid,” Bellamy said. “My first ever street party was for the (50th anniversary of the) coronation of the Queen.”
There are many services a city has to offer and DiRisio’s job is to inform people of those services to help make the connection for better relations.
While melodies of the band The Old Hippies played in the background, children played in the street and drew pictures with sidewalk chalk as their adult counterparts reacquainted themselves with their neighbors.
“This is our ministry. This is our city,” Ohlson said.
Care-A-Van Ministries has been holding a free community cookout every Thursday night at Austin Park since mid-May and the response by the community has been tremendous. On average, the ministry serves between 350 – 450 meals per event to local community members, seniors from Washington Towers, and families who are enjoying the spray park.
But the event is not only about the food! It is about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those in the community through uplifting music from the all-volunteer Care-A-Van worship team, inspirational words of encouragement from Pastors from various churches and denominations in our local community, and the commitment of local organizations such as the Salvation Army, Total Freedom, Truth Ministries, Living Waters Apostolic Ministries, P.C. Publications, Fidelis Care, GCASA, Mothers Supporting Children and Families, and many others in joining together to meet the needs of their community members.
Ride to Recovery, an organization devoted to reaching youth in need through biking events and activities, provides free bike repairs on Thursday nights. A favorite with the kids is the YMCA and Eagle Fountain Fellowship’s Care-A-Van kids which provides a bounce house, children’s messages, and activities during the evenings activities. Volunteers provide face painting, caricature drawings, and many other activities for the children in attendance.
Anthony “Smokie” LoCastro has brought a large donation of rain boots to the park which has provided free footwear for several hundred individuals within our community.
Most importantly, Care-A-Van wishes to thank all their committed, consistent, and faithful volunteers, because without them we couldn’t put on these cookouts week after week.
We encourage any organization, church, or agency to come out on Thursday night and join in this exciting outreach to our community members.
For more information you can contact Paul Ohlson at 343-0328, see us on Facebook, visit our website at cavministries.org, or email us at cavministries@yahoo.com.
Feel free to visit my gallery at
http://studio16productions.webstarts.com/index.html for more Parade pictures
The Genesee County Libertarian Party sponsored Buffet & Free Play: A Community Celebration will be held at Batavia Downs Gaming, 8315 Park Road, Batavia, NY.
Admission to the celebration is by advance ticket purchase only. Tickets are limited so purchase yours soon!
Complete details are available at:
FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS OFFERED AT BLUE PEARL YOGA IN BATAVIA
BATAVIA…Blue Pearl Yoga will offer free yoga classes to the community on Friday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. These classes are suitable for all ages and skill levels. A DJ will provide music for this fun event. Light refreshments will be served following the class.
Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga and recent recipient of the 2013 City of Batavia Business of the Year award announced that she will teach a yoga class as a way to say thank you to the community for the support they’ve shown during her 14 years in business. “Independent business owners owe everything to their customers, especially when you live outside an urban center,” Reisdorf said. “This is a way for me to give back and show my appreciation to all of the people who’ve supported me and helped me grow Blue Pearl Yoga.”
A class for adults will be held on the 3rd floor of her yoga studio located at the old Masonic Temple on Main Street in Batavia. A special class for families will be held on the fourth floor; both classes begin at 6 p.m. “We’re committed not only to the health of our families but the health of our community,” said Reisdorf. While this is the first time that a free yoga class has been offered community-wide, Blue Pearl Yoga can often be found at local community agencies like the Mental Health Association and the YWCA teaching yoga to their clients.”
A class for families will be held simultaneously on the 4th floor of the studio. Maryanne Skye will teach a class designed for fun and suitable for adults and children of all ages. Participants can expect light stretching and simple yoga poses that create a delightful flow of energy to an upbeat soundtrack.
No special equipment is required but participants should wear light, comfortable clothing. Yoga mats will be provided by the studio or you can bring your own. Blue Pearl Yoga is located at 200 East Main Street in Batavia. For more information please call Karen Reisdorf at 585.230.5430 or email bluepearl.yoga@yahoo.com
Genesee/Orleans Regional Arts Council (GoArt!) held its Community Awards Gala last night at Terry Hills Banquet Facility. Honorees Linda Blanchet (Board of Directors Special Recognition Award), Patrick Burk, Lorie Longhany, Medina Sandstone Society (represented by Craig Lacy and Robert Waters) and Chris Busch are pictured.
Bill McDonald, center, was another award winner. He performed for the event with "The Old Hippies" -- Jim Sweet, Kay McMahon and James Catino (Bill Pitcher, far right, is not a member of "The Old Hippies," but presented the award to McDonald).
The other winners (not pictured) were the Holland Land Office Museum, the Le Roy Barn Quilt Project and the Mason Family.
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley was Master of Ceremonies for this 12th annual gala honoring community members in Genesee and Orleans Counties who give of their time, talents and treasure to enrich the artistic and cultural atmosphere of their community.
Genesee County
Patrick Burk was recognized for his contributions to community theater and, in particular, for giving the Batavia Players a new and permanent home with the Harvester 56 Theater.
Norm Argulsky, who presented the award to Burk, credited him with introducing Batavia to "the idea of a theater season," which allows people to know ahead of time what shows will be performed over the course of an entire year.
The Holland Land Office Museum was recognized for "enlivening local history and culture through exhibits, engagement and exploration" (as worded in the event program). Museum Director Jeffrey Donahue and Board of Directors Member Jim Dusen accepted the award.
Jim Owen, also on the museum's board of directors, lauded HLOM for "keeping history alive in Genesee County."
"It's very important that people don't forget our history," he said, "because without history our future might be pretty dim."
Lorie Longhany was honored for her passionate commitment to sharing her love of art with "the young and the young at heart" (Longhany's words), inspiring many young people to pursue careers in the arts and many senior citizens to explore their creativity.
Bill McDonald -- aka "Wild Bill" -- a local musician, was honored "for selflessly performing and promoting music and art, now and for the future."
When presenting the award to McDonald, Pitcher called him "a genuine troubadour."
The Mason family, a family of talented artists whose work has drawn national recognition, and whose paintings can be seen in buildings throughout Genesee County (including United Memorial Medical Center, Bank of America, and the Holland Land Office Museum), were awarded for their contribution to the cultural vitality of our area.
Max and Jane Mason were to receive the award for the family, but they could not attend. Beth Carr accepted the award on their behalf.
The Le Roy Barn Quilt Project, which showcases locally embroidered quilts on barns throughout Le Roy, received an award for "blazing a colorful trail to share (Le Roy's) rural heritage through public art."
Linda Blanchet, former GoArt! president and recipient of the GoArt! Board of Directors Special Recognition Award, was recognized "for dedication, drive and direction in pursuit of shining a spotlight on the arts in Genesee and Orleans counties."
It is worth noting that Burk, in his acceptance speech, credited Blanchet in a special way for getting him back into local theater after he had been away from the stage for 10 years.
Orleans County
Chris Busch, a member of the Orleans County Renaissance Group, achieved recognition "for passion and commitment to bringing cultural experiences into the community."
The Medina Sandstone Society received an award "for embracing the natural as a 'cornerstone' of culture, founding a tradition of community pride."
Guests at the event included representatives from National Grid, Turnbull Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration, O-AT-KA Milk Products, Roxy's Music Store, NYSARC and GCASA, among others.
For more information on GoArt! and its programs and services, call 343-9313, e-mail info@goart.org or visit www.goart.org.
Supplemental note on the Holland Land Office Museum
In his acceptance speech, Donahue mentioned that the museum now has the "V" from the old Batavia Downs sign. People who have driven by and seen it hanging for many years can now go to the museum to "see it in person," says Donahue.
Photos
Lastly, here are samples of the artwork included in the gala's silent auction:
"Holland Land Office" by Lorie Longhany.
"Hand-painted Autumn Leaf Pottery," donated by Kelly Kiebala.
"Barn on Country Road" by Tom Zangerle.
"Iris with Fence" by Dan Cherry.
"Framed & Matted Print" by Brandi Bruggman.
"School's Out" by Diane Phalen.
"Halloween Wall Hanging" by Linda Kozubal.
The 2nd Annual Forgotten Children Walk will be held Saturday, May 21st at Centennial Park. This event includes a display of life-sized cut-outs of children representing each child in foster care in Genesee County, a 1.5 mile walk to benefit CASA, a Batavia Area Jaycees Hot Dog Stand, and community information.
Genesee County CASA for Children is having a Chicken BBQ on August 13th from 12pm-6pm in the parking lot of the CourtHouse at 1 West Main St. Batavia, NY. All proceeds to benefit the abused and neglected children in Genesee County that are served by dedicated volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).
Tickets are $8.00 pre-sale and $8.50 at the event. Dinners include chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, baked beans, and rolls. This event is being catered by Tom Roviso Catering of E. Pembroke. Tickets can be purchased by stopping in to CASA at the Courthouse (inside Family Court waiting area), by calling Tara Pariso at 344-2550 ext. 2331, or from any CASA board member or volunteer.
Please show your support for the hard work that CASA does to ensure that all children find safe, permanent homes.
The mission statement of the Genesee County ARC is "Genesee ARC exists to support people with disabilities in partnership with their families and the community. We embrace the individuals and nurture their social, spiritual, physical and emotional growth."
The ARC employs many people with different types of disabilities to make products, and that gives the people feelings of pride and accomplishment. The ARC has several different product lines including: boxes for filters, jewelry boxes, boxes for Yancy's Fancy cheese, and now they have expanded to include pet products.
"We just celebrated our 1 year anniversary at the end of May."
Paul Saskowski, the Marketing Manager, for the ARC came up with the idea for pet products when he noticed that even during a recession people spend money on their pets. Pets are members of the family and have their own special needs. Saskowski did extensive research on the types of materials used in making pet products such as the dog beds and the prices stores charged. He wanted a high quality product that was durable and would last while keeping the prices competitive.
"We sell the following pet products: pet beds, cat nappers, dog bandanas, dog jackets, and hope to bring back their bark bones."
The pet beds are very durable and will take even the most destructive pet a while to take one apart. The cat nappers are made from fleece and have a touch of catnip sewed into them and are $10. They come in a verity of colors to choose from. The dog bandanas are also made from fleece with many prints to choose from including holiday ones for the change in the season. The price ranges from $2-4.
The dog jackets also come in different colors and the sizes range from x-small, small, and medium. The prices start from $10-15. Each item can be personalized with your pets name for only $5 more. The bark bones are an all-natural dog treat that are baked in an oven. Currently the kitchen is undergoing renovations and as soon as they are, completed production will start once again. These treats are tasty and have been a big hit.
"We are nearing our 100th bed sold."
In the last year, the ARC has sold almost 100 beds. All of the beds are custom ordered and can be personalized to include the name of the pet. The beds come in three sizes: small, medium, and large. There is also the option of fiberfill or the pillow top orthopedic depending on how soft you want the bedding. Prices range from $25-75.
"We only use high quality durable materials."
A heavy water resistant canvas is used for the bottom of the pet beds. The bed can easily be wiped down if it gets wet. There are four colors to choose from brown, khaki, black, and tan. The top is made from a soft fleece and there are six colors to choose from camel, rifle green, dog bones, white paws, red paws, and bow-wow.
The stuffing is made from a cotton blend. In addition to help with recycling and cut down on unused material, the excess padding from the jewelry boxes, is included in the stuffing. This produces little waste and makes the beds softer. The beds are machine washable, just throw the bed in the washing machine and follow the care instructions.
"We have flyers in the State St. Animal Hospital and in Mount Morris."
Currently the pet product line gets all of its business through the flyers in various animal hospitals and shelters and by word of mouth. Saskowski is anticipating on getting a website created soon. This way the products will become easier to order and more people will have access to the products. Saskowski has several organizations already lined up waiting for him to have the website available because they will post a link to his site and more people will be aware of the products. He has also attended fairs and the Batavia Market in an effort to get his product out to the people.
"All orders are custom made."
Each order is filled as Saskowski receives it. This way the custom can choose which pattern and even add the name of the pet. One person sews the pet products and she can make 2-3 beds per day. Once the order is ready, either the person will pick up the product or Saskowski will drop it off. On the rare occasions, an order comes in from out of state the product is packaged and mailed. Most of the orders come from within the area; the farthest one they shipped is Florida.
"All money stays with the Genesee County ARC."
All the proceeds go directly to the ARC, helps support the people, and the programs involved in creating a better living for people with disabilities. By buying products from the ARC, you are helping to support a local business, and because the workers are members of the community, you help support the community as well.
To submit an order you can email Paul Saskowski at pasaskowski@rochester.rr.com.
Tomorrow will be an important day for our county. Nearly 20 agencies have worked together to bring information to the hands of individuals that may have not known where to turn when help was needed. The Forgotten Children Event will include a display in front of the Courthouse of cut-outs representing children in foster care in Genesee County, a processional walk starting at 12:15pm from City Hall to the Courthouse, a Batavia Area Jaycees $1 Hot Dog Stand, free healthy snacks to the public, and information bags filled with brochures & program information. This event is to raise awareness of all the children in Genesee County that live in foster care, services that are available to men, women, and children, and a chance to show support of all the wonderful people that our county has working to make this a better place to live. A sample of agencies include Genesee County Dept. of Social Services, YWCA, Girl Scouts, RAP, Inc., Genesee Justice, GCASA, WIC, Community Action, All Babies Cherished, and Cornell Cooperative Extension. This event is open to the public and is FREE!
Here is a fun and easy way to show your support of Genesee County CASA for Children. On May 12th starting at 11am, with every voucher turned in at check-out, Applebee's will donate 10% of the check amount to CASA for Children. These funds will assist CASA in advocating for abused and neglected children in Genesee County. By being a positive, constant role model for children of abuse, CASA volunteers are able to advocate for safe, permanent homes for children, increasing their chances at future life success.
To show your support, come out and enjoy great food at Applebee's in Batavia on May 12th. A voucher is needed in order for funds to be donated to CASA. The voucher can be located and printed at : www.co.genesee.ny.us. Click on the CASA link and scroll to the bottom where you'll see Abblebee's Voucher link. For more info or to learn how you can become a CASA volunteer, contact Tara Pariso at (585) 344-2550 ext. 2331 or tpariso@co.genesee.ny.us.
Tomorrow 4/26/10 6-7pm there will be an information session at 430 E Main St. Batavia (GCASA) for anyone interested in learning more about CASA for Children and how to become a volunteer CASA. If you are interested and can't make the information session please call Tara Pariso at (585) 344-2550 ext. 2331 or email at tpariso@co.genesee.ny.us
I wrote about Batavia, NY woes at the ends of 2009. Three months into 2010 the status quo seems to be unfazed. I being a loyal, democrat and resident of Batavia, now heading into my tenth year can't believe how disappointing this city has turned out.
The City Manager and the City Council plus the Genesee County Legislature seem to be content with their jobs. These people and their familys are finacially stable. They don't care about anyone or thing except themselves. They will say they care, they may pose like they care, but look at the results. The City and the County believe handing out welfare checks, Social Security checks and unemployment checks is the staus quo, here in Batavia, NY, rather than creating jobs. Look at how many people who recieve these checks, have no self asteem or pride, knowing they can do absolutely nothing, and recieve this type of income. While on the other side, using my own status. Have been working parttime for ten years, ask for help from the City, County and State and Feds "We can't help you." Disgraceful, but not surprised. Batavia, like all other current American flag Communities, are divided by the haves and have nots. But yet, support the troops, pay your taxes, do the right thing. Why? Especially if your a have not. Our current State Federal Politicians are flat out clowns. They help out third world nations with my tax money, but yet, I ask for their help and support they say no. I call them traitors. You may have even Fought for America, you may have been elected into office, you may call yourself a patriot, you are, in your own megar minds. That includes all of you current, Fedreal, State, County and Local Politicians, your a bunch of disgraceful yellow back traitors. You have sold out the United States, to fill your pockets from Special Interest, and Foreign goverenments. Thats not even mentioning, the corrupt acts you hear and see every day. The Pharmecutical companies, have doped out the United States so bad, people just sit and let the status quo run Willy Nilly. Guess what special interest group gets mega dollars from the US Goverenment? Pharmacuticals. Thinks these Ceo's and others are poor like me, not even close. In a way i'm glad i have nothing to do with giving away the United States, like the Feds are doing today. We'll help Hati, Well help Chile, says the United States goverenment. When are you going to start helping United States Citizens whom need and deserve help, from the goverenment were paying takes to? This is a reflection of Batavia, New York. The politicians in Batavia, NY are just followers, of their traitors Counterparts.
The Leadership-In-Action Class at Oakfield-Alabama will be hosting a Going Bald for Bucks event for the Roswell Cancer Institute. You will have to collect donations from sponsors, and in return for these donations you will have the choice to have your head shaved to a clipper setting of one inch or you can have ten inches of non-chemically damaged hair which will be donated to Locks of Love. The shaving of the head is to honor cancer patients who lose their hair due to radiation or chemotherapy.
If you are interested, the application/pledge form can be found at the Oakfield-Alabama High School location and on the Hornets website; www.oahornets.org. There will be a link called Bald for Bucks which will take you to the forms.
The forms and money are due to the Oakfield-Alabama High School office by March 12, 2010. Make sure the pledge form is signed, and has sponsors listed for you.
The date of the event will be March 26th, 2010 from 1:15pm-2:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Tracy Schlagenhauf or Cindy Kowalik at 948-5211.
Oakfield-Alabama School Address:
7001Lewiston Road
Oakfield, NY 14125
The Leadership-In-Action Class at Oakfield-Alabama will be hosting a Going Bald for Bucks event for the Roswell Cancer Institute. You will have to collect donations from sponsors, and in return for these donations you will have the choice to have your head shaved to a clipper setting of one inch or you can have ten inches of non-chemically damaged hair which will be donated to Locks of Love. The shaving of the head is to honor cancer patients who lose their hair due to radiation or chemotherapy.
If you are interested, the application/pledge form can be found at the Oakfield-Alabama High School location and on the Hornets website; www.oahornets.org. There will be a link called Bald for Bucks which will take you to the forms.
The forms and money are due to the Oakfield-Alabama High School office by March 12, 2010. Make sure the pledge form is signed, and has sponsors listed for you.
The date of the event will be March 26th, 2010 from 1:15pm-2:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Tracy Schlagenhauf or Cindy Kowalik at 948-5211.
Oakfield-Alabama School Address:
7001Lewiston Road
Oakfield, NY 14125
The Leadership-In-Action Class at Oakfield-Alabama will be hosting a Going Bald for Bucks event for the Roswell Cancer Institute. You will have to collect donations from sponsors, and in return for these donations you will have the choice to have your head shaved to a clipper setting of one inch or you can have ten inches of non-chemically damaged hair which will be donated to Locks of Love. The shaving of the head is to honor cancer patients who lose their hair due to radiation or chemotherapy.
If you are interested, the application/pledge form can be found at the Oakfield-Alabama High School location and on the Hornets website; www.oahornets.org. There will be a link called Bald for Bucks which will take you to the forms.
The forms and money are due to the Oakfield-Alabama High School office by March 12, 2010. Make sure the pledge form is signed, and has sponsors listed for you.
The date of the event will be March 26th, 2010 from 1:15pm-2:30pm.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Tracy Schlagenhauf or Cindy Kowalik at 948-5211.
Oakfield-Alabama School Address:
7001Lewiston Road
Oakfield, NY 14125
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