Announcements

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc., is seeking applications for its ninth session of Power UP!  This is a workforce initiative is designed to provide women with the skills and tools they need to advance in their career or seek the job they want.

The Fall session begins Saturday, Sept. 17. To find out more and to sign up, contact the YWCA, located at 301 North St. in Batavia. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone is 343-5808.

Abbey Grinham was a participant last year. At the age of 69 and having sought employment for two years to no avail, she decided that it was time to make a change. The Power UP program was her solution.

By working with her mentor, Sherry Szemplenski, and other professional advisors on the team, Abbey changed her life. She recreated her resume, changed her appearance from head to toe,  improved her computer skills, learned how to manage her money and, overall, felt so much better about herself upon completing the program.

“I loved going every week, the professional presenters were great, and I learned so much," Grinham said. "I learned about the YWCA and was introduced to more people in the community.  Power UP motivated me to move forward. It gave me the confidence to seek and find a job in Batavia. I love the program!"

The St. Jame's Episcopal Church Second Chance Thrift Store, located at 405 E. Main St. in Batavia, will hold its summer clothing giveaway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Everyone is welcome and there are hundreds of free items of good quality clothing and shoes for the whole family.

(Also note that the thrift store will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday starting Sept. 1.)

The Historical Society of Elba will present a program on the Civil War beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the museum.

The museum is located on the Maple Avenue Extension in the Village of Elba.

Wilbur Dunn, who has written two books on the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, will speak. His book "The Full Measure of Devotion" will be available for purchase.

Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will follow the program as will a short meeting for the society's members.

***Members should also note that prior to the Civil War presentation, there will be a meeting starting at 5:30 in the Elba Fireman's Rec Hall to discuss the upcoming Roast Beef Dinner and Chinese Auction (Thursday, Oct. 6) and the Barn Dance (Saturday, Oct. 15) Torrey's Barn on Route 98, south of Elba.

Earlier this summer, Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) hired two new people.

Melissa Golpl is the new full-time outreach specialist/disability rights advocate. She has experience as an advocate for policies which serve to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusion using the "Independent Living Philosophy."

She is very active in local and statewide advocacy. Golpl comes to ILGR from Independent Living of Niagara County, where she served as disability rights advocate. She has also been a community advocate for the Mental Health PEER Connection.

Golpl will coordinate systems advocacy for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. In addition, she is trained as a certified trainer of the American with Disabilities Act and is available to train people upon request. As an outreach specialist, she will work on a program in Niagara and Orleans counties that seeks to identify individuals living in nursing homes who are able to move back into the community.

Edna Painter was hired as a full-time, temporary outreach specialist. Most recently, she has served as a program aide at Stepping Stones Day Treatment in Warsaw and as a meal site manager for the Wyoming County Office for the Aging. She received a diploma from the Olean Business Institute.

As the outreach specialist, Edna will arrange community activities for the agency, including support group development and targeted outreach to various agencies. Painter is available to speak to individuals, groups and organizations about how ILGR can assist individuals with disabilities.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies is located in Batavia at 113 Main Street, Suite 5.

The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region with four "Core Services; Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training and Individual and Community Advocacy."

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call (585) 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The 22nd annual Genesee County Decision-makers' Agriculture Forum will focus on "Homegrown Markets" and it takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at the Batavia United Methodist Church.

The church is located at 8221 Lewiston Road (Rt. 63) in the Town of Batavia.

The ag tour, sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, is free but you must register by Sept. 14.

To register for the tour, call the chamber at 343-7440, ext. 27, or stop by the office at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. You can also RSVP by emailing your name, business and address to: chamber@geneseeny.com.

The day will begin at 7:15 a.m. with registration, breakfast and speaker Stephen Tudhope, chair of the chamber's ag committee.

At 7:50, it's time to load the buses and travel.

(8 o'clock) First stop is First Light Farm & Creamery, a farmstead dairy and creamery that produces artisanal goat and cow milk cheeses. Brothers Trystan and Max Sandvoss learned the art and science of cheese making and animal husbandry in the Pacific Northwest, working for three different artisanal creameries over four years.

(9 o'clock) Second stop is Grassland Dairy. Brent and Polly Tillotson established their 100-cow, 260-acre organic dairy farm in 2008. Understanding and transitioning their farm to organic took them three years. Brent's experience growing up on his family's farm resulted in acquiring useful skills and knowledge, which helped him with this new venture.

(10:15) Last stop is Fenton Produce, LLC. Fenton's is a family owned and operated, third-generation farm -- the same farm that Paul's uncles bought in the early 1930s. There is a strong heritage of farming on Paul's side -- but this is the first generation to be a produce-only farm. They are strictly a vegetable farm that grows produce for the retail market. In addition to attending farmers markets and running their CSA, they also sell produce to 10 Wegmans stores in the Buffalo area and Tops in Batavia, along with selling to local farm stands in the area.

(11:15) Wrap up and return to the church.

World-renowned fencing referee Jon Moss will be appearing at EnGarde:Batavia, a local fencing school located on Harvester Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 27.

Moss, who holds the highest possible rating for a fencing referee, is a 42-year veteran of the sport.  He currently coaches at the University of New Hampshire and Tanner City Fencing Club and  serves as head referee at Fencing Officials Commission.

Moss will be on hand to certify perspective referees in the sport at the area’s only fencing school, which is owned and operated by Genesee County native, Colin Dentino. 

The sport of fencing requires skilled referees as the official is involved on every call and must adjudicate every action.

“It is vitally important that we train and maintain referees -- especially now since we are currently forming the Genesee Fencing League," Dentino said. "We’ll require skilled officials who are armed with the latest rules and guidelines."

After completing this clinic, and passing the referee exam, participants will be certified with the United States Fencing Association.

EnGarde:Batavia continues to grow since it opened its doors in the Artisan Center one year ago.  Besides the Jon Moss Referees' Clinic, EnGarde:Batavia also offers fencing camps and clinics for all ages/skill levels as well as their popular Molten Sword Tournament.

Dentino believes that fencing is underrated as a sport and has several benefits helping develop stamina, flexibility, strength, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, as well as physical and mental agility.

The First Presbyterian Church, located at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia, will have a Community Clothing Giveaway from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29.

Donations of clothing for infants, boys, girls, men and women are wanted, including shoes, sneakers, purses and hats. Winter clothing and children's clothing are especially welcome!

Please drop off your clean, gently used clothing at the church between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and again in the evening from 6 to 8, tommorrow and Thursday.

If you'd like to help or have questions: please call Nancy at 585-343-9134 or email at brach@brachmachine.com

The third annual Caring for the City Day was a huge success. This day is co-hosted by Care-A-Van Ministries and dentists Russ Marchese and Marcella Morales-Ross and staff. This year the team was joined by 19 local agencies and churches as well. The main event of the day is the free dental clinic. Sixty patients received free dental services ranging from X-rays and cleanings, to fillings and extractions. The patients ranged in age from young children to the elderly. The clinic is held for those who do not have dental insurance.

Batavia Photo Club was on hand and offered free family portraits to the families. The families could actutally have their picture taken and it was printed on the spot. One couple noted that they had not had a family portrait taken in 13 years.  Free haircuts were given by Michelle Andre and Ellen Stanton. P.C. Publications was giving away free books to all who attended. Fidelis Health Care and Lake Plains were on hand to help those who did not have health insurance apply for benefits.

Emmanuel Baptist Church member Heidi Richmond did free face painting for the children. Community Action staff and volunteers offered a variety of goodies. Salvation Army was on the grounds offering their services and a variety of free bread to all. Other agencies and churches participating were: Agri-Business Child Development; Cornell Co-Op; UMMC; Office for the Aging; Indepdent Living; GCASA Smoke Free Program; St. Paul Lutheran Church; Habitat for Humanity; and there was a prayer table hosted by Pastor Charlie Piscitello and his wife, Judy.

Care-A-Van Ministries wants to thank Russ, Marcela and team and all of the agencies, churches and volunteers who helped make this day possible. You all truly made a difference for those living in your community!  Be sure to check out Care-A-Van's Facebook page for all pictures from this event.

Press release:

What:

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort is now hiring actors to make the 2011 Family FrightFest the most fearsome and fun season yet.

Who:

Friendly and fear-provoking actors are needed for scenes taking place at Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. Join the team of ghouls to shock and horrify guests inside Manic Mansion and out in the campgrounds for the Fright Night Field Trip. Take kids through a Halloween adventure while painting pumpkins and handing out treats. Not an actor? Positions are also available in ride operations, food service and retail.

When:

The Family FrightFest kicks off Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 17 through Oct. 9.

Where:

Applicants should visit DarienLakeJobs.com and complete an application.

THE BATAVIA AREA JAYCEES 25^TH
ANNUAL LABOR DAY RUN AND WALK

Batavia, NY: The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce the 25^th Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk being held on September 5, 2011 at MacArthur Park in Batavia, NY. 

Registration will begin at 8:00am and the race will begin at 10:00am.  The race fee is $12 for runners and $10 for walkers, with the fee going to $15 for the day of the race.  Medals and prizes will be given out to the top male and female runners after the race.  Sign up early to receive your free t-shirt.

The Batavia Area Jaycee’s 5K course is USA Track & Field certified #NY-06038-JG.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are also still looking for sponsorships for this event; if interested in participating or being a sponsor call 585-343-5775 or email us at bajny@yahoo.com

Care-A-Van Ministries will be hosting the 3rd annual "Caring for the City Day" free community dental clinic with Dr. Russell Marchese, Dr. Marcela and their team.

This dental clinic is for those who do not have dental insurance. Cleanings, fillings, and extractions will be offered.

17 other local agencies and churches will also be on site to offer free services, information and assistance to those attending  Caring for the City day.

Batavia  Photo Club will be offering free family portraits to the families. The families will go home with their just taken photo.  Other agencies on hand will be Circle of Love, Community Action, Agri- Business Child Development, Cornell Co-op, Emmanuel Baptist church, Fidelis Care, UMMC, PC Publications, Lake Plains, Office for the Aging, Indpendent Living, Smoke Free Now, Salvation Army, and  Prayer Table by Pastor Charlie Piscitello. We are also hoping to be offering free hair cuts.

There will be face painting and games for the children as well.  The time is from 8:00 A.M until 3:00 PM at 401 East Main street. It is on a first come first served basis. Last year, Dr. Russ, Dr. Marcela and team gave free dental care to 68 patients.  We truly do appreciate everyone's support and prayers for this special community day!

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced that the American Legion Auxiliary #332 Batavia has contributed $1,000 to his annual Patriot Trip, a program that brings area veterans to Washington, D.C., for a tour of military monuments and memorials.

The crucial funding will be used to help provide a profound experience available to as many local veterans as possible.

“The contribution made by American Legion Auxiliary #332 will directly serve the veterans participating in this year’s Patriot Trip, and I cannot thank the people of this organization enough for their generosity and commitment to supporting Western New York’s veterans,” Hawley said.

“The Patriot Trip is an inspiring, moving experience for everyone involved, and donations such as the one presented by Auxiliary President Brenda Burg are vital in the effort to provide a trip that will have a lifelong impact on our proud veterans.

"Contributions go directly to enhancing this experience for our local veterans, and it is groups like Auxiliary #332 that make the Patriot Trip affordable for our patriots.”

Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War and FDR memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery, the Marine Museum, the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum and the U.S. Capitol.

Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $300.

Individuals and organizations interested in making a contribution, as well as those looking for more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780. Approximately 20 openings remain!

Press release:

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is pleased to announce that Director James C. Moody has been selected to serve as the program coordinator / facilitator for “Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County.”

Moody will coordinate activities of four workgroups (Exercise, Community Education, Home Assessments and Health Fairs) and manage partner accountability to carry out the project plan.

Local partners include the Genesee County Office for the Aging, University of Buffalo, Genesee Community College Nursing Program, Summit Physical Therapy – UMMC and Catholic Charities of Western New York. These partners are working with several other Genesee County agencies.

Moody will also work with the project's executive leader, Office for the Aging Director Pamela Whitmore, to develop long-term plans that involve all community residents.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations and emergency department visits among adults 65 and older. Falls can result in lasting, serious issues, affecting mobility, independence and mental health.

Genesee County residents age 65 and older average more than 425 visits per year to the emergency department because of falls. Typically, 177 of those incidents result in a hospital stay. The annual cost for these services is more than 3 million dollars!

Step Up to Stop Falls in Genesee County is a prevention project funded by the Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York to provide Genesee County elderly residents with information needed to help reduce the risk of falling and thus, reduce costs to the community.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies, has primary offices at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) with four core services: information and referral; peer counseling; independent living skills training and individual and community advocacy.

For more information about ILGR, to become involved in the Falls Prevention Project or to begin receiving services, please call 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Like to hear a good banjo and fiddle? Well, you're in for a treat. The Wissmann Family will perform live bluegrass music starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12, at the Oakfield-Alabama Baptist Church.

The church is located at 2210 Judge Road. A free-will offering is appreciated.

    Tim Tetrick, also known as "The Bionic Man," makes his first-ever Batavia Downs & Casino appearance on Wednesday night (Aug. 3) when the New York Sire Stakes' 2-year-old pacing fillies roll into town.
    First race post time is 6:40 p.m.
    The 30-year-old Tetrick is currently leading all of North America in wins with 457 and purse earnings totaling $7,773,683. Throughout a career that began in 1998, he's won 6,425 and his drives have earned $98,024,539.
    His best year came in 2007 when he won 1,189 races. In 2008 his drives earned more than 19 million dollars.
    Tetrick is listed to drive in the first race, a $9,000 Open for fillies and mares and all five New York Sire Stake races, carded as races 2,5,7,8 and 11, with each division worth over $24,000 in purse money. Tim will have a long day as he is scheduled to drive in the first 11 races at Harrah's Chester, located in Chester, Pa., in the afternoon.
    Racing fans unable to attend the races can watch all the action via live streaming video at www.bataviadownscasino.com. Simply click on the "Live racing" section and then on the "streaming video" link.

A customer appreciation and grand reopening celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Santy's Tire & Service. There will be a car wash, too, and proceeds will go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The business is located at 56 Ellicott St. in Batavia. Phone is 343-1885.

WBTA will broadcast live there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a free hot dog lunch and lots of giveaways.

A set of four tires, with a retail value of up to $450, will be raffled along with a $100 prize package from Batavia Downs & Casino.

You can either buy a raffle ticket(s) or get it by bringing one item(s) from the shelter's wish list: dry cat/dog/kitten food, canned dog/cat food, paper towels, bleach, non-clumping cat litter, dog collars and leashes, laundry soap, and cat toys.

If you're thinking ahead to winter, there will also be a representative from Sno-Way International to answer all your snowplow questions.

Come on down!

The 11-year-old Batavia Little League All Stars play at 6 p.m. Monday in a championship game at McArthur Park.  Parents are hoping for a good turn out of local residents to support the team.

This information is from the Batavia Players.

Come join the Kids Summer Youth Theater Camp at the Harvester 56 Theater, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia, from Aug. 1-11.

Cost, including all material and a daily snack, is $110. Of that, $55 is nonrefundable and due at registration. The balance is due on the first day of class.

Offered to kids from 6 to 12 years old, there are two sessions per day, Monday thru Friday. The first session is for 6 to 9 year olds from 9 a.m. to noon. The second session is fro 9 to 12 year olds from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Both groups will be introduced to, and learn about, the basics of theater and performance: development of characters; interact in theater games; and perform in their own production complete with lights, sound and costumes at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Each group will have its own lead teacher and supervisor. Special instruction is fencing, stage combat and dancing will be provided.

To register, either call Patrick D. Burk, 343 9721 or visit www.BataviaPlayers.org to access a registration form. Space is limited in both sessions, submit your registration today!

The Batavia Music and Arts Advocacy Group (B-MAA) will hold an organizational meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the GOArt! building (corner of Bank and Main streets in Downtown Batavia.

For this meeting, RSVPs are encouraged for seating purposes.

All parents of children involved in music and art in the Batavia City School District are encouraged to attend.

Our mission is to increase community awareness of the importance of the arts as core education as defined by the U.S. Department of Education, and to motivate and guide local efforts to
maintain and improve music and art education in the Batavia City Schools.

For more information, to RSVP, and to get involved, please e-mail: artsadvocacy14020@yahoo.com or call Cheri Kolb (344-1735) or Lauren Hoerbelt (343-1842).