Announcements

The Festival of Fur is noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at Genesee Feeds and Needs, located at 3860 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. (Across the street from the animal shelter.)

It is a good time for pet people, former residents, new residents, supporters of the Genesee County Animal Shelter and families to get together and talk pets, have some BBQ chicken and all the fixins (sold until sold out), get Fido microchipped, etc.

The Amazing Kayden will demonstrate his prowess catching freestyle discs. Microchipping dogs and cats is available for $30. There will be fun raffles and a 50/50 drawing.

If you'd like a caricature of your pet, bring a photo. In addition to Genesee Feeds, the event is sponsored by Dave's Ice Cream, which is giving away free doggie ice cream cups (only one per pooch!). There will also be T-shirts for sale.

This event takes place rain or shine. Come on over with Rover! All proceeds benefit Volunteers for Animals.

Here's a news release aimed at college students from the WNY Tri County Chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Here's a class you really should take!

Renter’s Insurance 101

Logic #1: I am in school; my parent’s insurance covers my stuff.

Reasoning: If you live on campus, your parent’s policy MAY cover your belongings, but if you have your own apartment, you are out of luck!

Logic #2: I can’t afford it and I don’t really have anything in my apartment.

Reasoning: According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a renter's insurance policy with $25,000 of property coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage only cost around $16 per month.

If you don’t think you own enough stuff to justify that, look around your room. CDs bedding, computer equipment, YOUR BOOKS! You can’t afford not to get it!

Logic #3: My roommate has renter’s insurance so I am covered.

Reasoning: Ah, good for you for getting a smart roommate. Too bad you think
his policy will cover your things -- it won’t!

Logic #4: My building is totally secure. No one can break into here!

Reasoning: Are you willing to bet your new Mac on that? Renters are 79 percent more
likely to be victims of burglary than homeowners.

Logic #5: My landlord is great -- he has my back!

Reasoning: Your landlord’s insurance covers structural damage. It doesn’t cover your belongings or legal obligations if something is damaged or someone gets hurt inside of your apartment.

PUT RENTER’S INSURANCE ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST TODAY!

Fifteen students from Genesee County are attending summer medical camp today at VA WNY Healthcare in Batavia.
 
The daylong session was sponsored by the Genesee Valley Business Education Alliance, which partnered with VA to provide the seventh and eighth graders this opportunity.

The children got to see what it takes to run a medical facility and observed a variety of careers in action throughout the facility, including engineering, environmental management service, medical units, dental, police, nutrition and food, and education.

These students participated: Ross Chua, Baylee Noelle Desjardins, Bethany Ezard, Bekah Ireland, Rebecca Krenzer, Abby Lyons, Jordan Mangefrida, Daniel Meloon, Mary Purdy, Cole Sherman, Kate Simmons, Zachary Swapeceinski, Cassie Winspear, Haley Wise and Sara Zakes.

Genesee Community College has named Kathryn Seweryniak, of Batavia, as director of Veterinary Technology. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in animal and biomedical science to the college's new academic program.

Seweryniak comes to Genesee from a successful nine-year tenure at the University of Rochester as a technical associate in the Environmental Medicine/Lung Biology and Disease program.

Previously, she served as a licensed veterinary technician in several small and large animal clinics. Her academic career started at Medaille College where she was an adjunct faculty member in the Veterinary Science/Laboratory Animal technology program.

She has also instructed at SUNY Delhi and in Purdue University's Large Animal Teaching Hospital. Seweryniak previously served on the NYS Board for Veterinary Medicine, and currently is a member of the NYS Association of Veterinary Technicians.

She earned an associate's degree in Veterinary Science Technology/ Laboratory Animal Science from SUNY Delhi, a bachelor's degree from Medaille College in Liberal Studies/ Veterinary Science Technology and a master's degree in Natural Science (Epidemiology/Oncology) from SUNY Buffalo in the Roswell Park Graduate Studies program.

In addition to her degree work, she has also been extensively published in the areas of platelet research, COX-2 inhibitors, prostaglandins, Graves eye disease, cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and cancer research.

Seweryniak officially joined the Genesee faculty earlier this month. For further information contact Michael Stoll, associate vice president for Academic Affairs/dean of Math Science and Career Education at 343-0055, ext. 6326.

Deacons of First Presbyterian Church Batavia are hosting a golf tournament on Aug. 7 at Batavia Country Club.

It is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road. Registration for the scramble format begins at Noon. Tee time is 2 p.m. Cost is $65 per person and includes greens fee, cart, lunch and steak dinner.

Shot gun starts at 2 p.m. Indiviuals will be matched with incomplete teams. Hot dogs and drink will be served at the turn. There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Awards will be handed out at dinner.

Proceeds benefit Deacons' local outreach programs. For more information and to receive a registration form, contact the church office at 343-0505.

The Batavia Muckdogs heartily welcome the 3rd Annual Drug-Free Marshals Night at the Ballpark, Friday, July 30. Gates open at 6 p.m. and just before the game starts at 7:05, the entire audience will be sworn in, by Senator Mike Razenhofer, as new "Drug-Free Marshals."

On the field along with Sen. Razenhofer will be Muckdogs players, little leaguers, local officials, local law enforcement and the event planner, Sue Hawley, prevention educator at GCASA Prevention.

“Everyone who participates in becoming a Drug-Free Marshal avows to remain drug-free and also encourages others to remain drug-free as well," Hawley said. "They personally sign a pledge that they bring home to their parents, grandparents or just someone they love, which states they have chosen to, and will, lead a drug-free life.”

When asked at a local park this week why taking drugs is a bad idea, some of the children in attendance replied, “because you can die,” “because they can cause cancer” and “because they can ruin your life."

“Even at such a young age, it shows that these children are well aware of the harmful effects of taking drugs,” said a camp counselor.

Hawley said she always thought that the Drug-Free Marshals program should be brought to this community.

"It is a wonderful program that targets our young children from ages 5 through 13," she said. "Traditionally teenagers are given drug education and a lot of money goes to these programs.

"The mission of Drug-Free Marshals is to talk about this subject to our younger children and have them make a promise to themselves to ‘live a drug-free life’ and ‘show my friends that a drug-free life is my choice and is more fun.'"

For more information about Drug-Free Marshals: Sue Hawley GCASA Prevention, 815-8172, or e-mail: shawley@gcasa.org.

The American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" comes to Batavia on Friday, Aug. 13! This is an overnight event and will take place from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning.

It's at the Van Detta Stadium track, at 120 Richmond Ave. in Batavia, and is open to walkers and runners of all ages.

"Relay for Life" will involve teams of people running or walking around the track. Everyone is encouraged to participate, even if they cannot stay for the whole thing. However, each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times for the duration of the event (since "cancer never sleeps").

The overall event will consist of three parts -- a "Survivors Lap" in which those who have lived through the ordeal of cancer circle the track to celebrate their shared victory, a "Luminaria Ceremony" commemorating loved ones lost to cancer, and a "Fight Back Ceremony" in which participants make a personal commitment to fight cancer.

There is a fee of $10 per person, due at the time of registration. For more information, call Stacie Waddell at 1-800-227-2345 or visit relayforlife.org/bataviany.

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (GRIP) awarded their $1,000 Harry K. Lown Memorial Scholarship to Karrie Mrowczynski (Letchworth Central School).

Patricia Lown, wife of the late Harry K. Lown, was on hand to witness the first time this award was given in his honor. It will be bestowed annually.

The event was held at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Karrie will be studying Business Administration and Entrepreneurship at University of Buffalo in the fall.

Here's some important information from the Disaster Services of Western New York, Tri County Chapter.

Summer Water Safety Guide

Staying safe around water doesn’t mean just having kids wear water-wings.

A recent American Red Cross survey shows that almost half the adults surveyed on water safety say they’ve had an experience where they nearly drowned, and one in four know someone who has drowned.

While more than 90 percent of families with young children will be in the water at some point this summer, almost half (48 percent) plan to swim in a place with no lifeguard.

With so many planning to be in, on or near the water, it is 
important to follow the basics of water safety, maintain 
constant supervision of children and to get trained!

Practice Water Safety

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.
• Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross 
water-orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; 
teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets 
around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
  

Maintain Constant Supervision

• If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers — many children who drown in home pools 
were out of sight for less than five minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time.
• Actively supervise children whenever around water — even if lifeguards are present. 
Always stay within arm’s reach of young children.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.

Know How to Respond to an Aquatic Emergency

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first-aid and CPR courses to learn how to respond.
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first-aid kit.

What You Should Do

Contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out which aquatic facilities in your area offer Red Cross 
courses, and sign up!

Saturday night, July 31, marks the first big giveaway at Batavia Downs Casino. (Harness racing returns to the Western New York standardbred track for the 64th season on July 26.)

Batavia Downs Casino and the New York Sire stakes are partnering in a Glass Giveaway. This unique beverage glass has all of the Downs 2010 Sire Stakes dates listed on it.

“We’re again pleased to work with Mr. Goold and the Sire Stakes folks on our first major giveaway of the season," said Michael D. Kane, vice president of Live Racing and OTB branch operations. “We’re confident our racing fans we be pleased with this promotion.”

Beginning at 5 p.m., the first 750 racing fans that swipe there Player's Club card will receive a ticket good for NYSS glass that can then be redeemed in the Paddock Room after the 7th race of the evening.

Racing fans are reminded that first race post time is now 6:40 p.m. For a complete list of the August racing promotions, please visit <http://www.bataviadownscasino.com/>.

Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia will hold Vacation Bible School (VBS) July 25-29.

This year's program is called "Sun Quest Rainforest." Participants follow Jesus on a life-changing adventure, a week full of excitement and new experiences for children ages 4 to 12. Adults are welcome, too!

Heidi Richmond is back for her second year as director of VBS, held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is at 6 p.m.

“I love to see the kids' faces as we bring the word of God to them,” Richmond said.

Parable Falls Bible story, Rockin’ Rainforest assemblies, Toucan’s Tree-mendous crafts, Canopy café snacks and Jumpin’ Jungle games are the five different sections that the children will be going to to learn about Jesus and his disciples.

The children are divided into three groups -- the Amazing Anacondas, Funky Frogs and the Creepin’ Crocodiles. Throughout VBS the children will be learning songs to perform for parents and friends at 8:30 p.m.m Thursday, July 29, the close of VBS.

“Knowing if you bring just one kid closer to God then it makes the whole thing worth it,” Richmond said.

Nursery is also available for children younger than 4. They will also have the opportunity to hear stories and play games.

“If they will sit still for a story, they will hear a story, if all they want to do is play and jump around then that is fine, too,” Richmond said.

Every day the children have to learn a new memory verse and each day has a crazy theme, such as crazy hair day, backwards day and crazy sock day, just to name a few.

At the end of each night, everyone joins together in the sanctuary to watch and listen to the ending skit, led by Pastor Dale Gooch. Each night the children are left with a cliffhanger. They need to come back the following night to find out what happens next.

“Every child has something different they enjoy but the skits are the overall favorite for everyone,” Richmond said.

Emmanuel Baptist Church’s congregation has helped a great deal with VBS. They have given craft supplies, helped build the scenery and served as group leaders during the program.

“It would not be possible without all the volunteers, we have over 30 volunteers,” Richmond said.

Each year VBS has a mission project. This year it is the Care-A-Van toiletry drive. Each child will be bringing in donations such as: Toothpaste; brushes/combs; shampoo and conditioner; deodorant; toilet paper; Kleenex; body wash/hand soap; socks; and underwear.

All these essential items go to needy families in the area. Care-A-Van ministries are headed by Paul and Bridget Ohlson.

Care-A-Van is an outreach program that helps those in need around the city of Batavia. If you have ever seen a big red van or bus driving around Batavia, then you have seen Care-A-Van.

VBS is an opportunity for children to meet new people, get new experiences and learn about God. Come down to Emmanuel Baptist Church and see what it is all about.

The church is located at 190 Oak St. in Batavia. For any questions or information about the program, please call 343-4905.

There has been a change of date for the voter outreach program demonstrating how to use the new electronic voting machines which was scheduled on Wednesday, July 28.

It will still take place in Pembroke Town Hall, but the date has been changed to Thursday, July 29 instead. Hours are the same, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The Pembroke Town Hall is located at 1145 Main Road in Corfu.

The Genesee County Board of Elections apologizes for any inconvenience.

All Genesee County Chamber of Commerce members and their guests are invited to attend the chamber’s annual Member Appreciation Night starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26.

This year, the chamber will host “A Night at the Ballpark.” Ticket price include general admission to the game and an all-you-can-eat buffet under Party Tent in the “The Hot Corner.”

The buffet will be served between 6 and 7 p.m. and includes hotdogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixings, pasta salad, potato salad, watermelon, potato chips, ice-cold beer and soda.

The cost is $18 for adults, $9 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under.

Tickets along with an additional event wristband MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE, 210 E. Main St., Batavia. If you do not purchase your tickets at the Chamber Office you will NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE PARTY TENT.

Chamber office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. Please call Kelly B. at 343-7440 for any questions.

Batavia Downs Casino will hold its annual Weiner Dog Races and Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 29.

The whole family is invited to visit with Mr. Scribbles, Pringles the Clown, and get free pony rides 2 to 4 p.m. for the kids. Sahlens hot dogs and sodas will be just $1 at the Paddock Room concession stand beginning at noon.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., the Weiner Dogs will take to the track! Petco of Batavia is the official sponsor of the event and will supply doggy bags to the owners of the participating dogs.

This year, six separate heats will be held with the fastest dachshund that dashes down the track in each heat declared the winner. The winners will be given an opportunity to race in the championship following the final heat and compete for prizes. Last year, Jean Smart’s 2-year-old dachshund, “Jake Arnold," was a narrow winner.

If you would like to enter your dachshund, please contact Arna Tygart at 343-3750, ext 437 beginning July 26.

At the Genesee County Fair, the local chapter of MOPS -- Mothers of Preschoolers -- has a tented booth at the far end of the bathroom that is a changing station.

Say the MOPS, "We offer a clean place to change the little ones and also a nice clean comfortable place to breastfeed.

"Stop by and get info about joining our MOPS family with your little one or just stop in, say 'Hi!' and use our facility.

           In an effort to keep our community safe from drugs and crime, GCASA and the City of Batavia Police Department will be kicking off the sixth annual National Night Out event at Austin Park in Batavia. The event is set for Tuesday, August 3^rd from 5:30-8:30pm with a family friendly movie to follow afterwards.

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees elected Trustee Charles R. Ruffino as board chair for the 2010-2011 year at its annual meeting Monday.

Ruffino has served as vice chair for the last two years. He is a resident of Batavia and a retired New York State Department of Education administrator.

Trustees elected Maureen T. Marshall as vice chair. She lives in Elba, and is owner and operator of Elba-based Torrey Farms.

Diane D. Torcello was named secretary. She resides in Pavilion and works as a Bank of Castile branch manager.

In other business, the board of trustees:

• Heard President Stuart Steiner report that State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher sent him a letter expressing her pleasure at serving as Genesee's 2010 commencement speaker in May.

• Heard Steiner report that Genesee will receive $417,424 in Perkins Vocational and Technical Education funding for the coming year. The grant will provide support for career-oriented programs at the college.

• Heard Steiner report that the New York State Education Department has given final approval for the college's new Veterinary Technology degree program and Polysomnographic Technology degree program. The college may now accept students for both programs.

Batavia Downs has announced a brand-new scholarship race to give away $7,500 for college-bound students. The event will feature students from area schools, accompanied by professional drivers, in a "dash for the cash" on Saturday, Sept. 11.

“We are really pleased to be able to help support the education of students in our community in such a unique way,” said Batavia Downs General Manager Michael D. Kane. “We hope the students who participate not only walk away with scholarship funds, but also a greater understanding of the sport of harness racing.”

The students and their professional driving partners are: Emily Sallome, of Batavia High School, with Mike Pokornowski; Kaley Falkowski, of Batavia High, with Jim Mulcahy; Eric Harrower, of Batavia High, with Ron Beback, Jr.; Michael Norway, of Oakfield Alabama High School, with Mike Baumeister; and Tyler Pingrey, from Notre Dame High School, with Jim Graham.

This summer, the students will attend at least five training sessions at the track with their driver to learn the safety and skills needed to drive a horse. Then between the fourth and fifth live harness races on Sept. 11, they will line up behind the starting gate and compete for scholarships of $3,000, $2,000, $1,200, $800, and $500, depending on their finish.

“Five organizations came together to sponsor these scholarships as an investment in the youth of this community,” Kane said. “This scholarship event is sponsored by the horsemen, breeders, owners, and raceways of Western New York through the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs Casino.”

Harness Horse Breeders is partnering with other New York tracks this summer to offer scholarships to students across the state.

Batavia Downs, America’s oldest lighted harness track, opens its 64th racing season on Monday, July 26, for 72 racing dates. Racing will be at the new post time of 6:40 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be a special 1:15 p.m. post on Sunday, Aug. 29.

For more information, visit <http://www.batavia-downs.com/>.