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Announcements

March at HLOM: Irish history, No Blarney concert, learning about Amelia Jenks Bloomer

By Press Release

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum will be hosting its next Trivia Night at the Museum on Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, the topic will be Irish History. You can either join us in person at the museum or via Zoom.

Our in-person audience will be limited to 12 people, and masks and social distancing will be required. If you would like to attend in person, please preregister by calling the museum at 585-343-4727.

If you would like to come in person we are asking for a donation in place of the regular admission. For the links to attend via Zoom please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com, for more details.

The Holland Land Office Museum welcomes back No Blarney on Wednesday, March 17th at 7 p.m. for another St. Patrick’s Day concert. No Blarney will play all of your favorite Irish tunes from every era.

The concert will only be available via the museum’s YouTube channel, Holland Land Office Museum, as it will be livestreamed thanks to Paul Figlow. Please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandoffice.com, for the details to watch the livestream of the concert.

The Holland Land Office Musuem welcomes Nellie Ludemann of the Seneca Falls Historical Society on Tuesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. for its next edition of its Guest Speaker Series. The presentation will be on the life of an early women's rights activist, Amelia Jenks Bloomer.

The presentation will be available via Zoom and in person to a small group of up to 12 people to come to watch on our big screen.

All those in attendance must wear masks and follow social distancing protocols. If you would like to attend in person, please contact the museum by phone at (585) 343-4727 to preregister. Please visit the museum’s Facebook page or website, www.hollandlandoffice.com for more details.

North Darien Bible Church debuts its free closet this Saturday: clothes, coats and shoes for 'all ages and sizes'

By Billie Owens

Starting this Saturday morning, March 6, free clothes are being offered at the North Darien Bible Church.

The church, located at 9762 Simonds Road in Corfu, has two rooms chock full of clothing, coats and shoes for all ages and sizes.

Your window of opportunity is from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month.

Don't be shy, come on down and take your pick!

Mark Your Calendar: And note that in a month, on Saturday April 3, there will also be the church's premier Easter Egg Hunt starting at 10:30 in the morning -- sharp -- for kids through grade five (age 10 and under).

Alexander Fire Department holds virtual gun raffle April 10

By Press Release

Press release:

The Alexander Volunteer Fire Department Inc. Spring Gun Raffle, via Facebook Live, will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 10th.

Prizes include 10 rifles, six shotguns and two pistols. Grand Prize is a Barrett Firearms Model 99 rifle .50 BMG w/bi-pod and case.

All previous tickets drawn will be re-entered for the grand prize drawing.

Guns are supplied by Sugarbush Armory, Attica.

Tickets are $20 each and are available at Alexander Country Deli, JDubs Pizza and Subs, Sunnyside Cycle or by calling (716) 870-6431 or (585) 507-9930.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School announces second quarter 2020-21 honors

By Billie Owens

From the Byron-Bergen Central School District:

The second quarter High Honor and Honor Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Principal Pat McGee.

McGee and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students.

Additionally, the District would like to correct three mistakes in the original publication of the first quarter Honor Roll listings (published on The Batavian Dec. 1, 2020). Logan Czachorowski achieved High Honor Roll, Kayden Crocker and Pearl Jolliff both earned Honor Roll. Their absence from the original publication of first quarter listings was a data input error and the District congratulates them on their hard work and academic dedication. 

Grade 7

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Katelyn Ball, Sara Bishop, Liam Boyle, Sarah Campbell, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Laura Curts, Justin Deleo, Cole DiQuattro, Gary Donofrio, Ava Goff, Gianna Graff, Mia Gray, Megan Jarkiewicz, Carter Kuipers, Sidney Maher, Grace Mundell, Bradley Pocock, Colin Rea, Allison Rimmerman, Katherine Rogoyski, Simone Scharvogel, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Evan Williams, Emma Wolfe.

HONOR ROLL -- Kayden Crocker, Logan Czachorowski, Grace DiQuattro, Nial Johnson, Malacai McGrath, Maryn Meier, Paige O'Brien, Evan Orto, Solomon Smith.

Grade 8

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Ryan Benstead, Zachary Brookhart, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Abigail Cook, Amber Cromey, Isabella Davidson, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Samuel Hersom, Eli Kupfer, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin Mac Connell, Anna McLaughlin, Connor Moran, Meghan Muscarella, Adam Piper, Sydney Salmonds, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Trent Sheard, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, Rose Wilson, Mikayla Yohon

HONOR ROLL -- Isabelle Best, Noah Clare, Chesney Fregoe, Haylee Gartz, Landon Kent, Arianne McLaughlin, Kasey Pagels, Natalie Prinzi, Ian Pulcini, James Starowitz, Ruger Starowitz.

Grade 9

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- HannahRae Amador, Brody Baubie, Tyler Chapman, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Mackenzie Hagen, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Stephanie Onderdonk, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Emma Starowitz, Gabriel Vallese.

HONOR ROLL -- Jeffrey Borycki, Chloe Gilbert, Callista Kinkelaar, Lincoln McGrath, Travis Shallenberger, Liliana Vanegas, Connor Windhauser, Lydia Zaffrann, Megan Zwerka.

Grade 10

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Alyssa Ball, Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips. Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Emily Yun. Sydney Zastrocky.

HONOR ROLL -- Jack Benstead, Jason Bleiler, Hailey Canfield, Caris Carlson, Robert Gaylord, Andrew Rimmerman, Alexandria Schuck, Julia Will, Nicholas Zwerka.

Grade 11

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Corin Abdella, Jared Barnum. Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson. Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Connor Gale, Christian Haller, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Sasha Schramm, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg. Alexandra Vurraro, Ashley Weit, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Corden Zimmerman.

HONOR ROLL -- Camryn Brookhart, Alexander Donnelly, Makenzie Eccleston, Meghan Kendall, Mikaylah Pocock, Elyssa Robbins, Jorie Strzelecki, Kaitlyn Zastrocky.

Grade 12

HIGH HONOR ROLL --Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Richard Denson, Jay Doyle, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, Julia Pangrazio, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada. Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter. Devon Zinter

HONOR ROLL -- Carleigh Buell, Zoey Chambry, Adriana Guzman. Aiden Kulikowski, Jaden Pocock. Joshua Swapceinski.

Stafford couple flat-out disputes 'Prognosticator of all Prognosticators'

By Billie Owens

For the record, people of Genesee County please know that at least one couple residing here takes issue with the 2021 foretoken of the season's weather revealed Tuesday.

That would be Stafford denizens Walt and Kathleen Kershenski.

"My Wife and I are going to dispute Punxsutawney Phil’s Prognostication regarding six more weeks of Winter," Walt declared in an email to The Batavian.

They have evidence, they claim, that puts the lie to the outlook of a world-famous woodchuck in the state below ours.

As everyone knows, on Feb. 2 furry Phil is awoken early by members of his "inner circle," all dressed to the nines, at Gobbler's Knob, borough of Punxatawney, Jefferson County, Pa. The rodent, a member of the family Sciuridae (belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots), manifests itself outside his earthen den to see if he can see his own shadow.

If the little seer does, as was the case the day before yesterday, lore has it that the end of this drear is not near.

In fact, there's suppose be a winter storm tomorrow and Saturday, dumping up to nine inches of lake effect snow, with wind gusts up to 45 mph, prompting the staunchly prescient Kershenskis to, hypothetically, yodel in unison "Pshaw!"

"To our surprise, on Groundhog Day this week we saw a flock of birds land in our crabapple tree next to our bird feeders," says Walt. "It was a flock of at least 20 to 25 robins. They stayed for a while and feasted on the crabapples and then left. Unfortunately I did not have my camera nearby, so I could not get a picture."

But we can imagine it nonetheless.

And know that monotonous chill will give way to green and warmth, that forsythia will suddenly sprout -- yellow as Harvey Ross Ball's original Smiley Face, and we'll be the happier for it.

"We just wanted to boost people's spirits," Walt says, adding hopefully "and maybe there will be an early spring after all?"

Independent Living of the Genesee Region hires coordinator for homeless services

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) welcomes Alan Huntington to its staff to be their Program Specialist to coordinate Continuum of Care for Western New York (CoC) services in partnership with the Homeless Alliance of Western New York in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties.

A concept introduced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a Continuum of Care is a collaborative funding and planning approach that helps communities plan for and provide, as necessary, a full range of emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for homeless as well as other resources to address their needs.

He will encourage participation in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as well as regularly meet with Warming Shelters and other organizations to provide information on resources to their direct service staff.

Huntington brings useful experience from his recent work with the City of Amarillo, Texas, where he was trained on HMIS and worked with the CoC committees to end homelessness for veterans in that area.  He was also assisting the social workers on the Coming Home housing project there which helped those who are chronically homeless and have complex needs.

Huntington holds a law degree from the University of Colorado Law School, Class of 2011. His defense of an innocent homeless man in one of his trials led to his desire to further serve the homeless. He says that, “You will find a passionate advocate for my home county and area homeless individuals in me.”

ILGR is delighted that Alan Huntington is bringing his passion and experience in helping homeless people to serve the GOW region in his new capacity.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

Homemade Christmas cookie sale at Batavia First United Methodist Church, order by Dec. 10

By Billie Owens

There will be assorted fresh-baked Christmas Cookies boxed and ready for pick up at the Batavia First United Methodist Church on Dec. 19.

This fundraiser offers 16-20 cookies in a one-pound box for $10.

Please order in advance by phoning the church office at (585) 343-4708. Orders must be received by Thursday, Dec. 10.

Drive-thru pick up will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 19, at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia.

Additional cookies may be available on the 19th until sold out.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls released for first quarter 2020-21

By Press Release

The first quarter of Jr./Sr. High Honor, Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Pat McGee, 7-12 principal.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Honor and Effort Commendation Rolls*

Grade 7

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Katelyn Ball, Liam Boyle, Sarah Campbell, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Logan Czachorowski, Justin Deleo, Cole DiQuattro, Gary Donofrio, Estelle Dumuhosky, Ava Goff, Gianna Graff, Mia Gray, Megan Jarkiewicz, Carter Kuipers, Evianna Marts, Maryn Meier, Grace Mundell, Bradley Pocock, Colin Rea, Allison Rimmerman, Katherine Rogoyski, Rayne Sheard, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Evan Williams, Emma Wolfe.

HONOR ROLL -- Kayden Crocker, Laura Curts, Savannah Heick, Elijah Hiscutt, Pearl Jolliff, Sidney Maher, Evan Orto, Simone Scharvogel.

Grade 8

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Abigail Cook, Isabella Davidson, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Peyton Goodenbery, Ava Gray, Samuel Hersom, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Martin Mac Connell, Anna McLaughlin, Connor Moran, Meghan Muscarella, Adam Piper, Natalie Prinzi, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Olivia Senf, Trent Sheard, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, James Starowitz, Rose Wilson, Mikayla Yohon.

HONOR ROLL -- Ryan Benstead, Isabelle Best, Zachary Brookhart, Jake Carlson, Noah Clare, Amber Cromey, Annabelle Erion, Jack Farner, Chesney Fregoe, Sophia Frongetta, Haylee Gartz, Aryan Klein, Eli Kupfer, Kasey Pagels, Ian Pulcini, Sydney Salmonds, Ruger Starowitz, Abigale West.

Grade 9

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- HannahRae Amador, Brody Baubie, Tyler Chapman, Grayson Erion, Gabrielle Graff, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Hanna Loewke, Colin Martin, Stephanie Onderdonk, Carter Prinzi, Victoria Rogoyski, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Gabriel Vallese.

HONOR ROLL -- Carlee Barons, Jeffrey Borycki, Chloe Gilbert, Autumn Hafner, Mackenzie Hagen, Callista Kinkelaar, Lincoln McGrath, Travis Shallenberger, Emma Starowitz, Connor Windhauser, Lydia Zaffrann.

Grade 10

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Cassidy Ball, Jack Benstead, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Zoey Shepard, Matthew Tanner, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies.

HONOR ROLL -- Alyssa Ball, Hailey Canfield, Robert Gaylord, Alexandria Schuck, Sydney Zastrocky, Nicholas Zwerka.

Grade 11

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Connor Gale, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Mikaylah Pocock, Elli Schelemanow, Sasha Schramm, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Ashley Weit, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Kaitlyn Zastrocky, Corden Zimmerman.

HONOR ROLL -- Corin Abdella, Jared Barnum, Rachel Best, Camryn Brookhart, Sadie Cook, Alexander Donnelly, Christian Haller, Meghan Kendall, Molly Simms.

Grade 12

HIGH HONOR ROLL -- Nicholas Baubie, Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Jonathan Hahn, Devon Heick, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Trebor Johnston, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, Julia Pangrazio, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Mason Singer, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Amanda Stutzman, Joshua Swapceinski, Xavier Thomas, Devon Zinter.

HONOR ROLL -- Bianca Brumsted, Zoey Chambry, Jay Doyle, Matthew Gonyea, Mitchell Gonyea, Jaden Pocock, Julia Schlenker-Stephens.

*(Editor's Note: This post was updated on Feb. 1, 2021 to correct three mistakes in the original publication on Dec. 1, 2020 of the first quarter Honor Roll listings. The following corrections for Grade 7 are now reflected in this post: Logan Czachorowski achieved High Honor Roll; Kayden Crocker and Pearl Jolliff both earned Honor Roll. "These students' names were absent from the district's original publication due to a data input error and "the District congratulates them on their hard work and academic dedication.")

Today's Local Deals: Alabama Hotel, Angry Charlie's, Chap's, and more

By Howard B. Owens

Reminders of how the Deal of the Day program works:

  • To make purchases, you must be registered. Deal of the Day uses a registration system that is not connected to the registration for commenting on The Batavian (the main user login in the upper left of the homepage).
  • Once registered, you must sign in using the "sign in" link in this box.
  • You click on the orange button, which appears if the item is not sold out, and it takes you to a PayPal button. This allows you to pay either with your PayPal account or with a credit card/debit card. The login for PayPal is completely separate from our accounts.
  • The first person to successfully complete the PayPal transaction wins the gift certificate.
  • You are eligible to buy the same item only once in a four-month period. We use the registration system to track this for you so you don't have to.
  • Only one gift certificate from the same business PER HOUSEHOLD is allowed in each four-month period. We do not have a way to automatically track duplicate purchases within a household; however, if we notice such a purchase, we reserve the right to cancel the purchase and refund the purchase money. Each individual buyer must use his or her own PayPal account for purchases. It's important that participating businesses not be asked to redeem multiple gift certificates from the same person/family at the same time.
  • Gift certificates should be used within 30 days of receipt.
  • Problems, questions, concerns about the Deal of the Day? Email Billie Owens:   billie@thebatavian.com

Office for the Aging can help with Medicare open enrollment through Dec. 7 deadline

By Press Release

From the Office for the Aging:

Open Enrollment for those on Medicare is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year. The NY Connects/Genesee County Office for the Aging continues to be an unbiased resource that has information on all plans available for Genesee County residents.

Even during COVID-19, we are still here to assist you with your choices. Please call us at 343-1611; Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Hollwedel library to host drive-thru 'Trunk-or-Treat' on Halloween day

By Press Release

Press release:

Families are invited to visit the Hollwedel Memorial Library “Trunk-or-Treat” on Halloween day for a fun drive-thru event. Kids can show off their costumes and pick up some treats as they drive through the loop in front of the library. 

Visiting “Trunk-or-Treaters” are asked to stay in their cars for the safety of all. Treats will be delivered to each car in the loop. 

The library is open for the "Trunk-or-Treat" and regular library services that day from 10 a.m. to noon

Information about this family-friendly event, as well as the other programs and services available at the library, can be found on the library’s website at www.HollwedelLibrary.org.

Residents with questions can also contact the library by phone at (585) 584-8843.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

Mark Your Calendar: Drive-thru chicken BBQ fundraiser at Elba Firemen's Rec Hall Oct. 25

By Billie Owens

A drive-thru chicken barbecue to benefit the Elba Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25 at the fire rec hall on Route 98 in Elba.

It starts at 11:30 a.m. and goes until sold out. Cost is $12.

Coronavirus protocols will be observed. Please wear a face mask and remain in your vehicle.

"Because of the (COVID-19) shutdown, last month was the first chicken barbecue we held this year," said an organizer, Barbie Starowitz, of Star Growers Farm LLC. "It sold out so fast! Now that we can be outside again we wanted to do another one. We're hoping for a nice (weather) day."

The address of Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall is 7143 Oak Orchard Road (Route 98).

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County holds annual meeting Oct. 20 at Terry Hills, RSVP by Oct. 12

By Press Release

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 a.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant, 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

CCE of Genesee County cordially invites you to join us for an early morning of reflection and “New Beginnings."

Presenter for the morning will be Chad Klotzbach, owner of Alleghany Farm Services and Genesee County Legislator. Cornell Cooperative Extension friends, volunteers and members of the community are welcome to attend.

Limited in-person and virtual options are available. Please RSVP by Oct. 12 to Yvonne Peck:   ydp3@cornell.edu or call (585) 343-3040, ext. 123.

NY Council on Problem Gambling hosts 2020 annual conference virtually Oct. 8 and 9

By Press Release

Press release: 

New York Council on Problem Gambling is hosting the 2020 Annual Conference VIRTUALLY. This year, we’re bringing the conference to YOU! We’re offering 20 hours of LIVE problem gambling education for only $20.

All sessions will take place on Oct. 8th and 9th.

Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean we can’t see each other and connect. We’re excited to be offering networking sessions and online tools to support attendees and presenters who want to connect virtually.

Join your local Western NY Problem Gambling Resource Center staff, Jeffrey Wierzbicki and Angela DiRosa for 20 hours of virtual problem gambling education and partnership building. Check out all the exciting training and networking opportunities we are offering at this year's conference; attending is easier than ever!

Click here for more details! 

Or email: WesternPGRC@nyproblemgambling.org for a registration link.

Choose your own course in Nov. 1 walk to raise money to fight Huntington's disease

By Press Release
Press release:

The Huntington's Disease Society of America's (HDSA) New York/New Jersey Region will be hosting the Upstate NY Virtual Team Hope Walk on Sunday, Nov. 1.

HD is a fatal genetic disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain. In New York, the total HD population is more than 19,000.

Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event. Thousands of families, friends, coworkers, neighbors and communities walk together each year to support HDSA's fight to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington's disease (HD) and their families.

A virtual walk is a real walk, but on your terms: You get to choose your own course, you can walk in your driveway, neighborhood, in your house and even on treadmill! 

To donate and/or register for the walk, click here.

Northgate church relaunching help groups this month through year's end

By Press Release

Press release:

Northgate Free Methodist Church in Batavia is continually opening its doors to the community and is inviting everyone to their events throughout September and the rest of this year. In addition to worship services, Northgate offers dozens of volunteer-led small groups, many of which are open to the public.

Several groups relaunch this month, including:

GriefShare, a 13-week group designed to help and encourage those grieving the loss of a loved one due to death. The format is a weekly video presentation and discussion time that offers hope and comfort. Find more information at http://www.griefshare.org/about. Meetings will take place on Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m., starting Sept. 15th. To sign up, visit https://northgatefmc.churchcenter.com/groups/ There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.

DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. DivorceCare seminars and support groups are led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. You will learn how to heal from the deep hurt of divorce and discover hope for your future. A new 13-week session begins on Saturday, Sept. 19th, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. To sign up, visit https://northgatefmc.churchcenter.com/groups/ There is a $15 cost for workbooks, scholarships available.

Mothers of Preschoolers or “MOPS” are women who gather together twice a month to share and support each other in the remarkable journey that is motherhood. Meetings consist of relevant speakers, fun crafts, supportive conversations and fellowship. Moms can choose a 9 o'clock morning group or a 6:30 evening group. MOPS is open to all moms with children from birth until their youngest child finishes kindergarten. Groups will be meeting online through the end of the year, with hopes to meet in person in 2021. Membership is currently $32, scholarships are available. Register at our Popsicles at the Pavilion event on Sept. 19, 11 a.m. at 8160 Bank Street Road, Batavia, or visit https://northgatefmc.churchcenter.com/groups/

Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday evening at 6:30 (including any and all holidays that fall on a Thursday, unless there is a serious snow storm) at our North Campus. Our CR leaders guide and assist those of us who are gaining joy and freedom in Christ as we apply the 12-Steps of Celebrate Recovery to the hurts, habits and hang-ups we all struggle with. All are welcome! We believe anyone and everyone would benefit by attending this group, where we allow God to transform our lives. We are able to share openly and honestly about our struggles with people we come to trust, who will maintain confidentiality, and who will not judge us. For more info, go to: https://northgatecr.weebly.com/

For more information about any of these groups or other events, please contact the Northgate office at (585) 343-4011 or email office@northgatefmc.com

​Genesee County 4-H members complete tractor safety and machinery operation certification

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Genesee County 4-H Program announced that 13 local youths completed their National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification on Saturday, Aug. 22nd.

The NSTMOP Tractor Safety Certification allows youth age 14 and 15 years of age to legally operate farm equipment for hire.

The program includes training on farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics. After completing the training course, youth are required to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

Completion of this year’s program was delayed due to public gathering restrictions prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. The program was able to safely resume in August to allow participants to complete their certification.

The Genesee County 4-H Tractor Safety Program is made possible by the generosity of 4-H Volunteer Instructors and several local tractor and machinery dealerships. The program is typically held January through March.

For information about the 2021 Tractor Safety Program or about joining the Genesee County 4-H Program, please contact the 4-H Office at genesee4h@cornell.edu or (585) 343-3040, ext. 131.

Enrollment forms are also available online here.

Editor's Note: We tried but were unsuccessful in getting the names of those who were certified.

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