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Genesee Cancer Assistance to hold Annual Spaghetti Dinner April 19 in memory of Joe Gerace at Ascension Parish

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Cancer Assistance will hold its Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Thursday, April 19, in memory of Joe Gerace, an incredible, dedicated volunteer to the organization for more than 22 years.

This year's event will be held in Batavia from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Ascension Parish Hall on 17 Sumner St.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children and are available at the door or pre-sale from any board member. Takeouts available.

You can also call or stop by the GCA Office to purchase tickets, now located at UMMC hospital, 127 North St, Batavia.

Again this year, there will be raffles on site throughout the night including baskets of wine and chocolate along with a “Money Tree” valued at $100.

Genesee Cancer Assistance Inc. was founded in 1995 and is a community-based, nonprofit organization committed to providing financial assistance and free services to cancer patients in Genesee County.  In its 23 years of continuous service to our community, GCA has given over a half million dollars to more than 200 patients.

GCA depends on successful fundraisers. All money raised stays in Genesee County. Genesee Cancer Assistance reaches out to the community for help through local support, monetary donations, memorials, and volunteers.

This year each cancer patient receives $600 of financial assistance to help lessen the burden that comes with a cancer diagnosis.

For more information about this event, future events, and our organization, please visit us online at www.geneseecancerassistance.com

Girls softball team receives check from Batavia's Original

By Steve Ognibene

Head Coach Jim Fazio (far left) with Assistant Coach Mark Janes (far right) along with members of Batavia High School Girls Softball Team receive a check for $1,000 from owner Kathy Ferrara yesterday afternoon at Batavia's Original Pizzeria, Batavia. 

The girls did a great job promoting this event and in honor of International Womans Day on March 8th, Ferrara said she decided to match their fundraising efforts.

"I believe empowering women is important in our community and these young ladies represent a strong future, so I wanted to help them raise funds towards their trip," she said.

The team has been fundaising since December when they saw an opportunity to play ball in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and add games to their schedule in warmer weather.  

Who will be the next Mr. Batavia? Find out March 23rd

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia High School's sixth annual Mr. Batavia contest is Friday, March 23rd, at 7 p.m. in the school auditorium. Contestants have been in rehearsals for weeks for the annual event.

Here are this year's contestants and their charities of choice: 

  • Nicholas Neid – Salvation Army
  • Chase Monachino – Catholic Charities
  • Brandon Buck – Batavia VA
  • Valentino Zinni – Volunteers for Animals
  • Jon Liciaga – Anna’s Wish
  • Cameron Hardy – Genesee Cancer Assistance
  • Nate Loria – Habitat for Humanity
  • John Kindig – Alzheimer’s Association of WNY
  • Julio Vazquez – Michael Napoleon Foundation
  • Joe Marchese – Crossroads House
  • Evan Bellavia – Lifetime Care, Home Healthcare and Hospice
  • Anand Patel -- Golisano's Children's Hospital 

Previous winners are: Jon Currier (2017), Ross Chua (2016), Jordan Fluker (2015), Spencer Hubbard (2014), Lee Johnson (2013).

A total of $4,646 was raised last year and split among the top three winners.
 
"Every year we have raised more and we hope to surpass this amount again," said advisor Lisa Robinson.
 
Categories are group dance, talent, swim walk, lip sync, tux walk and question to answer and local Batavia members from the community will be judges.
 
Sponsors: Charles Men Shop, Reed Eye; shirts in the picture from Extreme Streetwear. Hosts: Paige Wasilewski, Lauren Leone and Michal (Mikey) Lullo.
 
Tickets are available starting next Monday, March 19th: $7 for adults and $5 for students at Batavia High School; also available during school lunches and at the door the day of the event. Get your tickets early as they sold out last year.

“Step Into Spring” Fashion Show & Basket Raffle Luncheon

By Lisa Ace

FASHION SHOW & BASKET RAFFLE LUNCHEON
“Step Into Spring”
Sunday, April 15, 2018 at Noon
Fashions from JC Penney, Peebles, Marshall’s and Kohl’s
Sponsored by St. Jerome Guild, Inc.
Father Slomba Hall (formerly Sacred Heart Social Center)
19 Sumner St. Batavia
$20.00 Pre-Sale Tickets Only
Tickets available at the Jerome Center Gift Shop, 16 Bank St. Batavia
Funds raised to be used to purchase bassinets for the UMMC Maternity Ward.

Event Date and Time

'Caring for Kailyn' -- charity event at Sacred Heart center for baby who had brain surgery -- there will be food, cash bar, live music, auctions

By Billie Owens

A fundraiser for a family whose 6-month-old daughter is recuperating from brain surgery will be held this Saturday, Jan. 6, at Sacred Heart Social Center in Batavia. It is located at 17 Sumner St.

"Caring for Kailyn" will take place from 5 to 10 p.m. and feature delicious food catered by the Dibble Family Center as well as a cash bar and live music from the OHMS Band. There will also be a Chinese auction and silent auction.

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Historic Batavia Cemetery Halloween Candlelight Ghostwalk

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Join us for some spooky fun on Saturday, October 21st, when the Batavia Cemetery Association will host a candlelight guided ghost walk through the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Harvester Avenue in Batavia. The tours will feature the famous and infamous movers and shakers who shaped and influenced the City of Batavia. The guided tour will bring guests to meet men and women of Batavia, who, for various reasons, held great power and exerted great influence in their day, were victims of tragic events, or both.
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ST. JOE’S MAMMOTH SALE

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April 22 9AM to 4 PM come to the biggest indoor yard sale. 10’s of 1000 ‘s of items , collectibles, floral, furniture, bake sale, and basket raffle. The proceeds supports St. Joe’s School, which is one of the only remaining Catholic grade schools in the three county area. Tickets: http://www.sjsbatavia.org/.
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Arc of Genesee Orleans Chili & Chowder Fest and Basket Raffle

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Arc of Genesee Orleans Chili & Chowder Fest & Bake Sale 100 Theme Basket Raffle Saturday, November 19, 2016 (Early ticket sales only Friday 11/18 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm) 10 a.m. – 1:30 P.M. Community Center 38 Woodrow Rd, Batavia Benefiting people with disabilities in our communities. Want to donate a basket? Call 343-4203 (Need not be present to win)
Event Date and Time

Terrific Treasures Sale at First United Methodist Church Friday and Saturday

By Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

The Batavia First United Methodist Church at 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia will be having a "Terrific Treasures Sale" this week on Friday Sept. 29, and Saturday Sept.30th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

There will be a bag sale on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and lots of various items to choose from -- dishes, small appliances, toys, baby items, clothing, furniture, books and baked goods.  

This fundraiser will help benefit the church and promote programs and lunch will be available!

WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network will hold chicken BBQ fundraiser instead of bike ride this Saturday because of road construction

By Billie Owens

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. presents the fourth annual "Ride to Remember" this Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. But due to local road construction, there will be a chicken BBQ instead of a ride this year.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and chicken BBQ will be served starting at noon until sold out (300 dinners available). The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

To purchase presale BBQ tickets for $10 each, go online to www.wnypbn.org

Tickets will be $12 on the day of the event.

There will also be a basket raffle. Prizes include Disney tickets, Seaworld tickets, Southwest Airline tickets, and a "Jim Kelly autographed mini."

All proceeds benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

For questions, more information or to make a donation, contact John J. Ritter Jr. at John.Ritter@irco.com

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club annual Basket Raffle & Live Auction is Oct. 14

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Please support the next fund-raising efforts of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club by joining us on Saturday Oct. 14 for the Basket & Live Auction and Dinner being held at the Ascension Parish Hall at 15 Sumner St. in Batavia. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Dinner will be served at 6. Basket drawings and live auction to follow.   

Tickets are pre-sale only on sale now until Oct. 7th for $20 each or two for $35, which includes an appetizer, dinner, dessert and a sheet of basket raffle tickets. All proceeds from this event will benefit the 2018 Genesee County scholarships and the service organizations awards.

This is sure to be a FUN event! Theme: Black & White. This is not a formal event.  his event is for men, women and is open to the public. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

To purchase tickets or if you cannot attend and would like to donate a basket, gift card or other item(s) to the auction, please contact Michelle at 585-297-0779 or send an email to:   bataviabpw@gmail.com

Statement from the BBPW:

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club (BBPW) has been an active part of the community now for 96 years. The group works together to help improve the lives of others. Throughout the year, they raise money through various activities to provide scholarships for local high school seniors, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students and adult GCC students as well as provide Service Award donations to several local charitable organizations.  

This June 2017 Scholarship Award winners were: Olivia George (Alexander), Paige Hameister (Batavia), Alyssa Juliano (Batavia), Emma Smith (Le Roy), Riley D'Alba (Oakfield-Alabama) and Madison Rogers (Pavilion). Tyler Weaver (GVEP), Owen Thompson (GVEP) and Stacy Daniel (GCC ). The high school Students each received a $750 check to support their educational and career goals. The Genesee Community College (GCC) adult student received a $500 scholarship award and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students each received a $250 scholarship award.  

Additionally, BBPW club members awarded four Service Awards to be distributed this year. The $300 awards were given to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Crossroads House, Operation Injured Soldiers, and MS.

Pictured above from left are: Vice President Peggy Johnson, President Vicki Wolak, and Event Chairperson Michelle Gillard.

Town of Bethany Republican Committee to host pulled pork BBQ Friday afternoon at GC Park

By Billie Owens

The Town of Bethany Republican Committee will host a pulled pork BBQ at Pavilion A of Genesee County Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8.

Food is catered by Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy.

Tickets are $12 each; $6 for children ages 5 to 12; free for kids under 5.

There will also be prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Take-outs available.

Genesee County Park & Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Photos: BHS students painted parking spaces

By Steve Ognibene

Some Batavia High School seniors have completed the design and painting of their parking spaces. Here are a few photos to share before the official full day of school starting this Thursday Sept. 7th.

Photos: Design your own parking spot at Batavia High School

By Steve Ognibene

Starting today at Batavia High School, seniors started laying out the base design for their new parking spots in the student parking lot. Pictured above Mikey Lullo and Anand Patel working together preparing a spot.

High School Principal Scott Wilson (who accepted a position in Churchville-Chili starting Sept. 1st) said the students presented this as a fundraiser to our school board for seniors who were interested to be a part of something that is going around the country.

Thirty-six students have chosen to paint their spot, which costs $20, and they get preferred parking that is closer to the building. For seniors who chose the no-paint option B, they would pay $5 but be next in choice of the parking lot and the remaining spots would be no charge for seniors or juniors.

Donating paint was local business Mosman Wallpaper & Paint. The project will continue through the weekend into next week.

Tanner Kolb laying down a base coat of paint.

Alaina Bowman is in the early stages of her scenic theme that will include sun, mountains, ocean.

Seniors Makayla Oderkirk and Joe Marchese working on painting their parking spots.

Car wash fundraiser today for BHS cross-country team

By Steve Ognibene

Some members of Batavia High School's cross-country team would like you to slide into their carwash today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

There is no set price per vehicle but donations will be accepted to help toward their annual New York City trip coming up this fall.

Local unite@night Walk Offers Hope to those Affected by Neurological Disorders

By Steve Ognibene

A local unite@night fundraising walk will be held tomorrow Saturday, July 29th with registration starting at 6:00 p.m and a 1 mile casual evening walk starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Park on West Main Street Road in Batavia.  There will be a Silent Auction and more than 100 items/baskets that will be raffled off.  

Rachel Fisher, local unite@night walk chairperson explains why she organizes this event.  “My daughter Maire, who is 5 years old, was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in 2014 and hydrocephalus in 2017.  In December 2014 Maire underwent a 6-hour brain surgery to help reduce the effects of the Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.  Surgery is not a cure and she will have annual neurosurgical appointments for the rest of her life.  Each day brings a new challenge as these conditions affect how her body responds to things like the weather, noises, light, and physical activities. 

My daughter and our family would really appreciate your support as we strive to find answers for individuals living with these disorders.  The goal is to help them live better, more pain-free days while raising awareness throughout the medical and lay communities.”

This walk is one of many around the country that will provide awareness, support, and important funding for the education and research programs of the Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation (CSF).  Chiari (kee-AR-ee) is a malformation in which the back compartment of the skull is too small, causing the lower part of the brain to hang down into the spinal canal, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid from flowing properly, causing a wide range of symptoms. Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) occurs when a cavity, or “syrinx”, is formed inside the spinal cord from fluid build-up. A syrinx may injure nerves, causing pain that is hard to manage medically.

Currently, the only treatment for Chiari and Syringomyelia is highly invasive and expensive surgery. There is no cure.

If you want more information or to register, visit: http://unitenight.kintera.org/Batavia  You can also contact Rachel directly at rachel.fisher1980@gmail.com or 585-300-3159.

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