events

The City of Batavia Fire Department will hold an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. (Adults -- hey, it's a free country!)

There will a demonstration of the Hurst extrication tool, the "Jaws of Life," plus sessions on how to use a fire extinguisher.

Certified city police officers will be on hand to inspect child safety car seats and to install them properly.

There will be fun fire safety activities for children.

PRIZES! CANDY! FREE REFRESHMENTS!

There will be a benefit for the loved ones of Debbie Maniace from noon to 8 p.m. this Sunday at Batavia Downs Casino.

Debbie was 47 when her body was found in Aug. 7 under the Route 33 overpass by the train tracks. Her death remains under investigation.

The Batavia resident left behind children and grandchildren.

Family and friends say she was a loving, caring, giving person who is missed by many.

Sunday's event features a spaghetti dinner, cash bar, Chinese auction and a live band. Cost is $15.

The Batavia High School Baseball Team is trying a new fundraiser this year to help pay for spring training camp in Florida.

Quality mattress sets at 30 to 60 percent off retail prices will be on sale this Sunday in the school's big gym from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They may still have to do other fundraisers, but they hope to raise a good chunk money Sunday.

This novel idea has proven to be successful for sports teams at other schools in the area, including Albion, Medina, Akron and Holley. All profits go directly to the team. 

The blue-and-white sales flier says:

Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies in Le Roy is having its grand re-opening today until 5:30 p.m.

The store boasts new construction and a larger showroom to "better serve its customers."

"We are excited to celebrate with the wonderfully supportive community here in Le Roy," said owner Amy Swanson.

The first 50 people to visit today get a gift bag. The store is located at 42 Main St. Phone is 768-9495.

Ashley Bedard is a graduate of Pembroke Central School and she is battling leukemia. To help Ashley, and her mother, JoAnne McInerney, while Ashley undergoes treatment for the disease, there's going to be a fundraiser this Saturday.

"Bash for Ash" will offer a steak dinner, Chinese auction and music, all for $10 per person. It will be at Holy Name of Mary Church Hall on West Avenue in East Pembroke from 4 to 11 p.m., with dinner served from 5 to 7 p.m.

Author James Lander will be at Present Tense bookstore in Batavia at 5 o'clock today signing copies of his latest book "Lincoln & Darwin: Shared Visions of Race, Science and Religion."

"Murder, Mystery & Mayhem" is the title of this year's Ghost Walk presented by the Genesee County Historians. Tonight walks are scheduled at 8 o'clock, 8:15 and 8:30 p.m., beginning at the Engine House at 3 West Main St. in Batavia.

The cost is $10 per person. Call the history department at 344-2550, ext. 2613 for tickets.

The Historic Batavia Cemetery Candlelight Ghost Tours begin at 7 tonight, departing every 15 minutes until 8:30. Tickets are $10 and are available at the cemetery gate, located on Harvester Avenue in Batavia.

The tours are presented by the Batavia Cemetery Association.

Tours are scheduled at the same times on Saturday, Oct. 23, too. For reservations call 344-2550, 2613 or 343-0248. Groups are welcome.

"Murder, Mystery & Mayhem" is the title of this year's Ghost Walk presented by the Genesee County Historians. Tonight walks are scheduled at 8 and 8:30 p.m., beginning at the Engine House at 3 West Main St. in Batavia.

The cost is $10 per person. Call the history department at 344-2550, ext. 2613 for tickets.

Members of the John Gardner Society and other fans of the late author who was born and raised in Batavia and often made Batavia the subject of his literary work will gather at the Pok-A-Dot, Liberty and Ellicott streets, Batavia. Admission is free. All are welcome.  For more information or to be added to the reading list, call Bill at (585) 757-2455.

The Republican Party's local headquarters will have its Grand Opening beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. It is located at 5 Jackson St., just around the corner from Main Street downtown.

Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be there. Refreshments and hors d'ouerves will be available.

So will lawn signs, brochures and bumper stickers supporting Ranzenhofer, Hawley and candidates Carl Paladino and Dan Burling.

The Oakfield United Methodist Church will hold its annual Pork Roast Dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Cost is $8 and benefits the church. The menu is roast pork, dressing, sauerkraut, potaotes, carrots, roll, dessert and drink.

The church is located at 2 S. Main St. in Oakfield.

Call 948-5550 for tickets and info.

The play, “Tuesdays with Morrie”, based on the book by Mitch Albom, and featuring Norm Argulsky and Jessie Conklin, will be presented at St. James Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17.

The ticket price of $15 includes dessert. All proceeds to benefit the St. James Restoration Fund. The church is located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 343-6802.

The Town Of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department will be holding its 3rd Annual Open House from noon to 3 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 10. The fire department is located at 8382 Lewiston Road.

This year the town "switched it up a little." According to fire Lt. Nathan Fix, they approached several larger businesses in the fire district and asked for donations.

Author, blogger and editor Ken Wheaton will bring his creative writing talents to Genesee Community College on Wednesday, Oct.13, for a reading from his first novel, "The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival."

Afterward, Wheaton will have a question-and-answer period, followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book are for sale in the Barnes and Noble Campus Book Store at Genesee's Batavia Campus.

Important safety tips on how to prevent fires will be presented at the Alabama Fire Hall tonight at 7. The public is invited to attend. It's free. Learn how to keep your family safe during the cold weather months.

The fire hall is located at 2230 Judge Road in Basom. Phone is 948-5760.

The Historical Society of Elba will host a fun night of music and square dancing beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

There will be a barn dance, fiddle competition and square dancing. The fundraiser will be held at the Torrey's new barn on Route 98, halfway between Daws Corners and the Village of Elba, on the east side of the road. Watch for signs. (The barn is Amish-built, red roof, white sides. There's a windmill, too.)

The Elba High School Jazz Band will play at 6, followed by the fiddlers, then the dancing, accompanied by Kelly's Oldtimers Band.

An art demonstration for the Batavia Society of Artists is set for 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at GO ART!, located at 201 Main St., Batavia.

The PUBLIC is WELCOME for a $3 fee. Members are free.

The demo will be on one of two possible subjects pending the availability of the artists: Lisa Langer -- digitizing art work; or Bob Castleman -- rendering textures in graphite.

Check our website to see which demo it will be <www.bataviasocietyofartists.org>.

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer's staff will hold mobile office hours from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bergen Town Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 5. It is located at 10 Hunter St.
 
A representative from Ranzenhofer’s office will be available to discuss bills before the State Senate or to help with questions regarding state agencies. Brochures will be available for: Senior Citizens Guides to Health Care Services; Easy Access to Government; and Focus on Veterans.

WNY Arts Society will hold an audition for its fall/winter production of Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning production of RENT with performances January 13-16 in Batavia.

RENT will be directed by Ashley Bateman with vocal direction by Jacqueline McLean.

The audition is Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday Sept. 26 at the YWCA, 301 North St. in Batavia (enter from rear door).