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Announcements

Book sale slated for the Masonic Temple next week

By Howard B. Owens

June Lee, left, and Janet Lee were outside of the Masonic Template 200 E. Main St., which also happens to be the location of The Batavian office, this afternoon, so I asked what was going on.

"We're waiting for the photographer from the paper," June said.

"Well, how would you like to have The Batavian take your picture, too?" I asked and she said "sure."

The book sale, sponsored by the Batavia Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, is Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., "rain or shine."

Proceeds will benefit various local charities.

One thing I was curious about: Whether Batavia has chapters of Demolay (I was a member for a short time in my youth), or Rainbow Girls.  The Lees said there is an effort ongoing right now to reconstitute a Rainbow Girls chapter in Genesee County.

GENESEE COUNTRY FARMER’S MARKET PARTNERS WITH OLIVER’S FOR FREE GIVEAWAY

By Patricia Hawley

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market, in cooperation with Oliver’s Candies, will give away a $50 gift card to the popular West Main St. candy store as part of a series of cross-promotional events that couple the Farmer’s Market with local, independent retailers. No purchase is necessary to win the gift card. Anyone may register to win at the Genesee Country Farmer’s Market, Park Road (Batavia Downs parking lot), Batavia, on Tuesday, July 6 and Friday, July 10. The drawing will be conducted on Friday. The winner need not be present to claim their prize.

 According to Market Manager Patty Hawley, “Fruit and chocolate is a popular pair. Beyond the expected ‘chocolate-covered strawberries’, there are endless combinations that highlight both the sweet-tart nature of fruit and the creaminess of milk or dark chocolate.” Chocolate can be paired with raspberries, cherries (both currently either in season or imminent at the market) and wines & cordials to enhance the flavors of both foods. “Partnering with Oliver’s Candies is a perfect fit since fresh fruits are in abundance in the summertime and representatives from the Niagara Wine Trail will be available each week at the market to offer suggestions on pairing wine with chocolate.” 

Aside from the Oliver’s Candies promotion, there are several other events planned at the market this year. Children from the Batavia Player’s Youth Theatre group will be performing highlights from their upcoming show on Friday, August 7, instructors at Blue Pearl Yoga Studio will present a yoga demonstration on Friday, July 24, and “we’re planning another gift card raffle with Roxy’s Music Store this summer as well,” Hawley noted.

The Genesee Country Farmer’s Market is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through October. For more information on the Oliver’s Candies Gift Card Giveaway or upcoming events at the market, call Patty Hawley at 585.343.3329.


      ###

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Paul Fenton: 585.356.2358
                     fentonfarm@aol.com

Patty Hawley: 585.343.3329
                       pfhawley@gmail.com
 

to all batavia area bussineses-please help if you are able.

By chris johnson

Mayhem Riders MC Club

East Bethany

New York 14054

Phone (585) 356-0889

e-mail mayhemriders@hotmail.com

website: www. mayhemriders.com

 

June 29, 2009

 

Local Businesses Around

Batavia NY

 

The Mayhem Riders MC Club along with other local Clubs, Businesses, Friends, and Family member’s are having a benefit-fund raiser on August 22nd 2009 @ 2:00 p.m. at the East Bethany Fire Hall, for one of our members father, Mr. Patsy Rapone is from Batavia he is also in the local carpenters union, a long time horse owner/racer at Batavia Downs. Mr Rapone was diagnosed with Small Cell Cancer earlier this year, he is currently in the hospital trying his hardest to fight this cancer, we are asking local businesses to please donate what you can to help us raise funds for the family of Mr. Rapone.

With this donation your business will be mentioned on local radio, newspaper, and internet sites.

Please contact us at (585) 356-0889 and we will arrange pickup of your donation. Please check out our website for the benefit flyer

Dear Friend,

Thank you,

Audrey Johnson

Treasurer

Co-Founder Mayhem Riders MC Club

Downtown Public Market opens in the morning

By Howard B. Owens

The Downtown Public Market opens in the morning at 9:30 a.m.

Vendors this year include: Lloyd Christ Farms, S & T Christ Farms, J & W Fresh Farm Produce, Nice Farms, Schwab Farms & Watt Farm, Alston’s BBQ Sauce, Genesee ARC (Handmade) Pet Products, Nonna’s Vegetable Plants & Crafts & Pressed Flowers by L. Regatuso, Posy Power Peddler

Jackson St. Grill & Belladessa’s Pizza will serve hots, hamburgers, pizza & refreshments from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The market runs every Thursday for the season from 9:30 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the corner of Center and Ellicott.

Det. Crossett runs first marathon to benefit youth group

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Police Youth Det. Todd Crossett completed his first marathon May 25 in 4 hours and 4 minutes, and it was for a worthy cause.

Crossett ran into the Buffalo Marathon to raise funds for the Royal Rangers, a scouting group of 30 boys supervised by Crossett.

He raised $400, which will help boys participation in the Royal Rangers.  Many would not be able to attend camp outs without the funds, according to a BPD press release.

Elba Central School Class of 1989 Reunion

By Amy Vlack

I am in the process of planning a 20 year high school class reunion at Elba Central School.  There is only one person I have not been able to find any contact information for.  His name is Steve Hall.  If you know him or his whereabouts, please comment so that I can get in contact with you.

Downtown Batavia rocks on Fridays

By Billie Owens

Downtown Batavia Rocks  -  The Jackson Square Concert Series, “Friday Night In The Square” runs weekly through Aug. 28. The concerts are held in historic Downtown Batavia’s Jackson Square (located in the alleyways off of Jackson and Center streets). The concerts are free and start at 7 and end at 9. Come early to get a good seat. Check out the Square and dine and shop in downtown Batavia.  

The musical entertainment ranges anywhere from blues, country, celtic/folk, to classic rock. On June 26, “Ghost Riders” (country) perform. The rest of the lineup is:

  • Craig Wilkins (country), July 3rd,
  • Ghost Riders / Sierra & Friends, July 10th, 
  • Westside Blues Band (blues), July 17th,
  • Red Creek (classic rock), July 24th,
  • The OHMS Band (rock), July 31st, 
  • The Flying Sideburns (classic rocks), August 7th,
  • Penny Whiskey (Celtic/folk), August 14th
  • Jack Civiletto (Singing Sinatra), August 28th. 

There is something for everyone! More than 5,000 people from all over western New York attend this event annually.

Also, don't miss the The Ramble Music & Art Fest in Jackson Square on from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 11. More than 20 different groups and individuals will be performing. There will be chalk art on the streets, other activities and food and refreshments.

This series of concerts is brought to you by the Batavia Business Improvement District.  The major sponsor for this event is M & T Bank.

Rain days the concerts will be held in the Batavia City Centre (formerly Genesee Country Mall). Bring your own seating. A variety of food and refreshments will be available. For more information contact Don Burkel, Batavia Business Improvement District, at 585-344-0900. For downtown events visit www.downtownbataviany.com..

College Village residents sound off

By Billie Owens

Residents of College Village, Genesee Community College's student residence, especially like their appliances, responsiveness of safety staff members, and evening and weekend programs offered to students, according to the results of a recent survey of College Village students.

But residents would also like to see faster internet service, changes to the discipline and conduct code, and different styles of furniture, according to the same survey.

The second annual College Village Resident Satisfaction Survey was completed by 249 students in April and the results released earlier this month.

Director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman said the survey gives students an opportunity to express their views about life at College Village and helps staff members shape priorities in the years ahead.

College Village is home to 380 students during the academic year. Located at the northeastern end of the Batavia Campus, it consists of 95 apartment-style suites located in nine residential buildings. Students who live there are all full-time students at Genesee. Most live more than 50 miles from the Batavia Campus, although a growing number of local students are choosing to live at College Village. Last year, about 50 international students lived at the residence. College Village is operated by the Genesee Community College Foundation, a charitable organization that provides volunteer and philanthropic support to the College.

Seventy-one percent of residents living at College Village completed this year's survey, up from 53% of residents who did so in 2008. Students responded to questions about their satisfaction with College Village, their reasons for choosing College Village as student housing and they had the opportunity to offer open-ended comments about their likes and dislikes.

Other results include:

  • Resident satisfaction increased on all 10 satisfaction measures between 2008 and 2009.
  • Students reported significant increases in satisfaction with student discipline, perceptions of safety, and ability to talk to staff members about problems and concerns.
  • Length of residence does not appear to influence satisfaction, except that satisfaction with internet service and maintenance request turnaround time declines among residents who have lived at College Village three or more semesters.
  • Three out of four students chose College Village because living on campus was important to them.
  • Three out of four returning Genesee students have chosen College Village again.

Survey results indicate that changes in student programming and safety procedures had a positive impact on students, Mr. Ensman told the college Board of Trustees. Survey results also indicate that, in the future, students might be involved in the selection of furniture and programs about conduct and discipline.

A strong student housing program is vitally important Mr. Ensman said. "Students come here from across the globe because of the programs we offer, and the College's excellent reputation," he said. "Students need quality housing. It supports and enhances the college experience of each of our students."

College president earns Friend of Education Award

By Billie Owens

The Albion School Board bestowed its "Friend of Education" Award on Genesee Community College President Stuart Steiner earlier this month.

The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to education and the well-being of Albion School District students.

Albion School Superintendent Ada Grabowski, Ed.D, cited the partnerships that Steiner established with the school district and other community groups as the reason the nine-member school board gave him the award. Steiner has demonstrated exemplary support of Genesee Community College's Albion Campus Center, Genesee Promise Plus program and the college's new career coaching initiative.

The Genesee Promise Plus program gives area high school seniors the opportunity to attend up to two summer college courses through a scholarship at Genesee after graduation. Albion students were among the heaviest users of this scholarship program when the program was instituted last year.

Under the career coaching initiative, the college will locate a career coach at the high school at least two days a week. The career coach will help students navigate the increasingly complicated financial aid application process, provide information about college opportunities, and help students identify career options. This program is designed after a highly successful cooperative model implemented between community colleges and high schools in Virginia.

Steiner, Ed.D, was one of the first college presidents in the northeastern United States to spearhead the establishment of campus centers -- free-standing college facilities that offer college courses and a variety of student services to college students living in a local community. Genesee has six campus centers, located throughout its four-county service area, in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Medina, Warsaw, and Lakeville (soon to be relocated to Lima).

"The success of anything an educator does is measured by its impact on the lives of individual students," Steiner said. "I am very proud of the work that I, and the faculty and staff of Genesee Community College, have done with students in the Albion School District."

GCC's United Way campaign a solid success

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Community College United Way employee campaign was an enormous success raising $16,214 from 126 donors during the spring fundraising drive. The total included seven Leadership gifts greater than $500, and $1,000 raised by students.

The Genesee Community College/United Way Committee was led by associate vice president of Human Resources, Gina Weaver. "The enthusiasm displayed again this year was overwhelming, and all the committee members and I are grateful to all, students, faculty, staff, retirees, and administrators of the College who participated in and supported the Genesee Country United Way," Weaver said.

Through a series of presentations at departmental meetings, the College faculty and staff learned about the wide array of local service agencies -- many of which serve the College's students and employees. But, employee contributions were not the only means of support.

"Student involvement in campaign planning and implementation added immensely to the United Way campaign success," said Ruthann Richardson, a Genesee student, who was joined by another Genesee student Tim Walton. Both were second year marketing students in professor Rick Dudkowski's Business Problems and Management class, and they were also members of the GCC's Business Forum Club. Together, they initiated the Ducky Derby as a fun and competitive way to raise support for Genesee's United Way agencies. Students sold tickets for the chance to select the winning duck in the swimming pool race that was coordinated by the GCC swim team members: Mike Hoerbelt, Ricardo Jimenez, Dustin Shepard and Josh Sullivan and Swim Coach Scott Hunsinger.

Barbara Shine, Genesee Community College / United Way committee member and an assistant professor in the College's Business division added, "Learning about community service is an important part of our curriculum. Students actively participated in our United Way campaign and they brought meaning to "Live United," the Genesee Country United Way theme."

Genesee's United Way committee members include: Gina Weaver, Barbara Shine, Patricia Hume, Richard Tiede, John McGowan, Anne Feary, TaShonda Gerald, Valerie Pawlowski, Robert Knipe and Alice Weather.  For further information on Genesee Community College's 2009 United Way Campaign, call Weaver or another committee member at 585-343-0055.

Muckdog fans encouraged to wear denim Wednesday

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs will host the first Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Night at 7:05, gametime, Wednesday, June 24.

The head-to-toe denim fashion affair will take place as the Muckdogs take on the Williamsport Crosscutters.

Fans and staff alike are encouraged to show their support for the Muckdogs by donning the denim and committing a JOJO (Jeans-On-Jeans Offense). Urban Dicitonary.com defines the Canadian Tuxedo as “an outfit consisting of a denim jacket and denim jeans.”

The Muckdogs would like to use their platform and standing within the Batavia community to orchestrate the comeback of the Canadian Tuxedo. Muckdogs general manager of baseball operations, Travis Sick said: “The Canadian Tuxedo has been unfashionable for far too long, and the Muckdogs would like to be the first to rally support for denim-on-denim and shock the fashion world. Change has obviously been a major topic this past year, and we decided what better way to contribute than to bring back denim?” 

Fans who dress up will have the opportunity to be a part of the “Best Dressed” Competition with prizes for the winners. In addition, fans who accessorize their Canadian Tuxedo with flare from the 1980s (i.e. mullets, mustaches, REO Speedwagon T-shirts, etc.) will be awarded Cool Points and render the judging process biased and favorable toward their cause.

For more information, or questions regarding Canadian Tuxedo Appreciation Night contact the Muckdogs Front Office at (585) 343-5454, or visit StocktonPorts.com.

Bethany revs up for Family Cruise Night

By Billie Owens

Muscle cars, big rigs, antique cars and motorcycles will be on display from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 27 during Family Cruise Night at Bethany Airport Field.

Those wanting to show off their rides are welcome to do so. There will be People's Choice judging.

If it rains, the event will be held Sunday, June 28 instead. The airport is located across from the BVFD headquarters at 765 Amity Road.

Family Cruise Night is put on by the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department, with all proceeds benefiting them.

Event Date and Time
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GO ART! Reach and Ripple Grants 2010

By Heather Grant

Yes it is that time of year again!  The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!)  is preparing for the 2010 cycle of the Reach and Ripple Grant Program and I am excited to be a part of it this year.  I recently accepted the position of Decentralization Regrant Coordinator at GO ART! and I am looking forward to meeting all of the organizations and individual artists who are interested in working on new artistic and cultural programs throughout Genesee and Orleans Counties. 

The Decentralization Regrant Program is an excellent program offered by the New York State Council on the Arts and administered locally by GO ART!.  This will be the 31st year for GO ART! to provide this program to the local community.  Although the funding amount has not been announced yet- we are expecting about an 8% cut due to the economic downturn and the cuts made to NYSCA this year.  But this should not deter any organization or individual from applying to the program! 

This program is unique in our region because it offers two separate types of grants.  The first is called the Reach Grant.  This funding is available to nonprofit organizations or individuals sponsored by a fiscal agent that meets NYSCA and GO ART! criteria.  Awards in this category may range from $400-$5000.  The second is the Ripple Grant.  This funding consists of two grants of equal value (last year's amount was $2250) awarded to individual artists residing in Genesee or Orleans Counties who wish to create new arts and cultural projects with a community context. 

Free grant application workshops are being scheduled now and will begin June 18th!  Applications materials will also be available beginning June 18th.  For further information you may go to www.goart.org or contact Heather Grant, Regrant Coordinator at hgrant@goart.org

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

By Robin Walters

We at Care-A- Van had received the following flyer.. just wanted to share this information as a reminder.

 

FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK

FEATURING:  HOTEL FOR DOGS-  PG

WHEN: JUNE 20TH

TIME: DUSK (8:30-9:00 PM)

                         GATES OPEN AT 7:30                     

WHERE:  DWYER STADIUM

Please bring a blanket or a lawn chair to sit on .

Concession stands will be open at your cost

Sponsored by:  Genesee & Orleans County Reality Check Programs, Genesee County Youth Bureau and the Batavia Muckdogs

For more information please call 344-3960

 

 

Happy Birthday Howard

By Bea McManis

A very happy birthday, Howard.  Many happy returns of the day.

So nice to finally meet you last night.

Youth Cheer Camps Scheduled For This Summer

By Patricia Hawley

Cheerleading Camps for children ages 5 through 18 are being scheduled for this summer, beginning June 29 and continuing through August 12. Various age levels can participate in the cheerleading camps, which will be held at the Community Park located on Bank Street Road (at the E. Saile Dr. intersection) in Batavia. Camps include:

· Youth Cheer: Three levels for ages 5 – 7, 8 – 10, and 11 – 13. Participants will learn the fundamentals of cheerleading, sideline cheers, dance, and basic stunting and tumbling. One-week camps runs Monday through Wednesday from

9:00 a.m.- Noon. Cost: $100.
5-7 year old Cheer Academy Camp: June 30 – July 1 OR July 20 – 22
8-10 year old Cheer Academy Camp: July 6 – 8 OR July 27 – 29
11-13 year old Cheer Academy Camp: July 13 – 15 OR August 3 - 5 
 

· Cheerleading Boot Camp: For ages 13 – 18. This camp is designed for the cheerleader who wishes to prepare for high-school try-outs this fall. The camp includes intense stretching and conditioning, jump & sequence, tumbling and basic stunting. (Note: this camp runs twice a week – on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 – 3 p.m. from July 6 - 29.) Cost: $200; Two-week option (July 20 – 29) $125 

All camps are organized by GeneseExcel Sports and will be run by Krista Shamp, former Batavia High School Cheerleading coach. Shamp led two teams to championship titles; the first-ever win in Section V history for Batavia Cheerleading. She also is a five-time Section V Coach of the Year. “My staff and I are devoted to inspiring young athletes to understand and enjoy the sport of cheerleading. We have many years of experience collectively ranging from high school cheerleading to college national teams, All-Star performances to professional cheerleading. My hope is that we can bring a new level of expertise and spirit to local cheerleading.”

GeneseExcel is a privately owned company dedicated to providing Genesee County with recreational opportunities. Ted Hawley, owner of GeneseExcel, has been involved with youth soccer for over 15 years. He also has 30 years of experience with rugby – as a player and a referee. “I think there’s a need for athletic camps and clinics in this area, especially during the summer months, when many kids are training for school sports. GeneseExcel is committed to providing building blocks to not only develop skills, but to enhance the skills they may already have.

Applications will be accepted until July1. For additional information about cheerleading camps, or GeneseExcel soccer camps, please contact Ted or Patty Hawley at 585.343.3329 or email info@geneseexcelsports.com.

Summer Soccer Camps Planned for Area Youth

By Patricia Hawley

 YOUTH SOCCER ADACEMY PROVIDE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR YOUNG ATHLETES

 GeneseExcel Sports is pleased to offer soccer camps for children ages 8 – 18 this summer. Four separate sessions begin Thursday, July 16 and continue through Saturday, August 8. All camps are held from 9:00 a.m. – Noon and include a free t-shirt for participants.
 
“Our youth camps will focus on the building blocks of soccer, particularly the habit-forming fundamentals of the game,” according to Ted Hawley, GeneseExcel owner and camp coach-coordinator. Practices will cover dribbling & first touch; passing techniques; shooting & finishing; understanding & movement off the ball; and more. In addition, teamwork and sportsmanship will be emphasized daily.
 
Camps include:
  • First Session: Ages 8 & 9 boys and girls July 16 - 18. Cost: $100
  • Second Session: Ages 10 & 11 boys and girls July 23 - 25. Cost: $100
  • Third Session: Ages 12 & 13 boys and girls August 6 - 8. Cost: $100
  • GeneseExcel’s 2009 Premier Soccer Camp featuring former Lady Rhino’s Captain and current Elmira College Varsity Women’s soccer coach Liz Masterson. Ages 9-17, July 30 – Aug. 1. This camp is designed for the advanced player who wishes to strengthen his/her skills while improving their technical and tactical awareness in a competitive environment. They will learn the work ethic that will take them to the next level. Cost: $130
 Masterson was a four year member of the Women’s Soccer program at St. Lawrence University. Throughout her time with the Saints, Masterson garnered a variety of honors both on and off the field. She was a four-time First Team All-Liberty League award winner, a First Team East Regional honoree in 2002, and a First Team NSCAA All-American selection in 2003. In the summer of 2005, Masterson made the jump to the professional level playing for the Massachusetts Stingers of the Women’s Professional Soccer League. After one season with the Stingers, she then joined the Rochester Rhinos in April of 2006 where she captained the Semi-Professional team through its first two seasons of existence.  
 
GeneseExcel is a privately owned company dedicated to providing Genesee County with recreational opportunities. Hawley has been involved with youth soccer for over 15 years and is past Coaching Director and President of Genesee Lancer’s – the area’s elite travel club. He presently serves as assistant coach for the Lancers’ U-15 league as well. He coached in the Genesee Amateur Soccer Association for seven years and served as assistant for the Batavia High School Girls Varsity soccer team. A long-time devotee of local rugby, Hawley has over 30 years of experience as both a player and a referee and currently serves as treasurer for the NYS Rugby Referee’s Society.  
 
Applications will be accepted until July 10. Free T-shirt for participants who register by July 1. For more information call: 585-343-3329 or info@geneseexcelsports.com

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