Announcements

Press Release:

The New York State Police will be participating in Roadcheck 2009, an international commercial vehicle enforcement event, June 2-4.

This important safety event, which began in 1988, is sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, North America’s leading commercial vehicle safety enforcement organization.

Roadcheck 2009 promotes safety and security on North American highways through the inspection of commercial vehicles and drivers. Truck and bus safety inspectors will be on the job night and day during the 72-hour period checking vehicles and their drivers at inspection sites along major highways. In addition, roving patrols will inspect vehicles and drivers traveling other highways.

Roadcheck 2009 will also emphasize enforcement of commercial vehicle drivers who fail to wear their safety belts. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently released an updated study on safety belt use by commercial vehicle drivers indicating that safety belt use by commercial drivers is 72% compared to 83% for passenger car drivers.

Press Release:

Paving work slows traffic on Rte 77 in Pembroke, Darien and Corfu

A project to resurface a section of Rte 77 in the towns of Darien and Pembroke and a section of Rte 33 in the Village of Corfu began May 26. Variable message signs have been placed along the corridors to notify motorists. The scheduled completion date is this fall.

Motorists should expect one-way alternating traffic patterns controlled by flaggers during daytime hours. Due to the large traffic volumes along Rte 77 bound to and from the nearby theme park, camping resort and concert venue, restrictions have been incorporated into the contract to prohibit lane closures after noon on Fridays and all day Saturdays, Sundays and select special event days. Crews plan to start at the northern project limits.

Final plans are to resurface the 8.5-mile section of Rte 77 from Rte 5 in Pembroke to just south of Rte 20 in Darien and the 1.5 mile-section of Rte 33 within the Corfu Village limits. The top layer of worn, deteriorated asphalt will be removed with a milling machine and replaced with a new layer of asphalt and fresh pavement markings. The six-foot-wide shoulders will also be resurfaced. This paving work will extend the life of the pavement 8-10 years.

Motorists are advised to travel slowly and carefully through the work zone area.
Daily traffic reports can be accessed at www.travelinfony.com<http://www.travelinfony.com/

Press Release:

State Police Conducts Nighttime Safety Restraint Enforcement
Statewide: Campaign Will Target Unbuckled Motorists at Night

Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop A Commander, has announced the start of New York’s latest “nighttime” safety restraint enforcement efforts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the odds of being killed in a motor vehicle crash are three times higher at night, which is when seat belt use declines substantially. In an effort to save lives, the State Police will be conducting nighttime safety restraint enforcement details.

Troopers across New York State will be staffing nighttime safety restraint checkpoints in the ongoing “Click It or Ticket” campaign. Given the increasing number of traffic crashes at night, all New Yorkers should be reminded of the need to wear their seatbelts, not only during the day but every time they travel in a vehicle.

“Buckling up all the time clearly saves lives, and if you don’t, you will be ticketed,” Major Cummings said.  “Unfortunately, too many New Yorkers still need a tough reminder, and we’re going to provide it.” 

Recent statistics indicate that roughly 10 percent of motorists in New York still fail to wear safety restraints and it is likely that number is even higher during nighttime hours.  “It’s tragic and unnecessary, but someone we know will likely die or be unnecessarily injured for failing to take one simple step – buckling up. It really is a matter of life and death.” Cummings added.

According to NHTSA, in 2005 more than 15,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.; nearly two-thirds of those killed were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. In addition, nighttime seat belt use is often 10 percent lower than the nationwide average of 82 percent daytime seat belt use. Crashes also are the leading cause of death for every age from 3 through 33.

Major Cummings stressed that all vehicle occupants, regardless of age, should be properly restrained.  “Kids and young adults learn best by example, and parents set that example,” he said.  “Infants and toddlers are even more vulnerable, because they can’t buckle up themselves – they must rely on adults to do it for them.”  National studies have shown belted drivers are far more likely than unbelted operators to restrain their children.

Law enforcement agencies in New York State initiated the Buckle up New York Campaign in 1999. Although the state’s safety belt usage rate has hovered around 85 percent over the last three years, highway safety advocates are encouraged to report that New York has reached a historic high rate of 89 percent in 2008.

Press release:

Kaitlin Skelton, 2009 class valedictorian at Batavia High School, was
named New York State Outstanding Young New Yorker and
awarded an $1,800 scholarship.

The scholarship competition was held May 16 during the New York State JAYCEES Convention in Liverpool. Skelton plans to attend the University of Rochester in the
fall to study international relations and possibly a foreign language.

For over 30 years the OYNY Scholarship Program has honored top high school
seniors nominated by New York State JAYCEE Chapters based on their scholastic achievement, school and community activities, leadership capabilities, interview and public speaking abilities.

Kaitlin gave a 5-minute speech on this assigned topic:

There are many present-day challenges that the United States and the rest of world needs to overcome in near future: environmental concerns, the repercussions of religious extremism, the fallout of financial collapses, the affects of rampant racism, and starvation caused by worldwide food shortages to name only a few. These problems not only threatened our way of life in the past, but continue to do so in the present and will
continue to do so for future generations if left unresolved.

With so many issues that deserve our attention, where do we begin?  In your opinion, what is the most important problem we face today? Why do you believe so?  What would be our first step to solving this daunting predicament, and more importantly, why should your opinion matter?

The New York State Junior Chamber is an affiliate of the United States
Junior Chamber and Junior Chamber International. The JAYCEES are a world
federation of young leaders and entrepreneurs dedicated to create positive
changes in our communities by providing opportunities for business
development, community development, individual development, international
affairs and management development.

Downtown Batavia Public Market is starting its third year on June 25 and it will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 10. It is centrally located at the corner of Ellicott (Rte 63) and Center streets with plenty of convenient parking.

The market will offer a full variety of fresh produce, fruit, bread, cookies, pies, honey, jams, BBQ sauce, cut and dried flowers and lots more.

Vendors include: J & W Fresh Farm Produce, Nice Farms, Schwab Farms, S & T Crist Farms, Alston’s BBQ Sauce, and Pressed Flowers by L. Regatuso. 

Sponsored by: Batavia Business Improvement District Public Market Committee.
Interested vendors can contact the B.I.D. Office at 585-344-0900 or visit our website at  HYPERLINK "http://www.downtownbataviany.com" www.downtownbataviany.com.

Click below to view larger, or visit our website for more information: http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/index.php

Press release

The New York State Police in conjunction with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and Village of Corfu Police Department will participate in a Traffic Safety Corridor to deter aggressive driving in Genesee County beginning this week.

The summer months bring an increase in traffic throughout the roadways of New York.  Congested roadways and increased hours spent driving often leads to aggressive driving. An aggressive driver is someone who operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others.

Throughout the summer, the State Police and local law enforcement agencies will focus attention and dedicate patrols to state routes 66, 77 and 20 in Genesee County.

A high volume of traffic moves along these roadways everyday, increasing the chances of aggressive drivers and traffic accidents. Law enforcement officers will pay close attention to motorists who drive at high rate of speed, fail to signal when changing lanes, tailgate, fail to yield right-of-way and disregard traffic-control devices.

“With increased patrols and visibility along these roadways, we hope to remind motorists to follow safe driving practices,” said Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop “A” Commander.  “Troopers will pay close attention to these designated roadways and enforce the vehicle and traffic laws in an effort to decrease accidents."

Not only can aggressive driving result in a ticket if found violating the law, this type of behavior puts the driver and others in danger. New York State statistics show that aggressive driving behaviors -- chronic speeding, frequent and unsafe lane changes, refusal to signal, tailgating, failure to yield the right-of-way and disregard for traffic -- are a contributing factor in 59% of all crashes and in 66% of fatal crashes, when a cause is attributed.

Aggressive drivers are not a new phenomenon, but the stressful pace of modern life and the ever-growing volume of traffic have combined to make their behaviors increasingly reckless and hazardous. The State Police hopes the Traffic Safety Corridor patrols will make roads a safer place to travel thereby avoiding fatalities.

Chestnut Hill Country Club is sponsoring an after-work get-together from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21 to benefit Genesee County YWCA Domestic Violence Program. (The weather forecast that day is warm and sunny!)

There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and a cash bar.

Cost is $5 for members of Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and $10 for nonmembers.
 
Chestnut Hill Country Club is a family owned and operated semi-private golf course noted for its scenic rolling hills and country setting. The address is 1330 Broadway, Route 20, in Darien.

Please rsvp to chamber@geneseeny.com or call 585-343-7440.

Press release

More than 2,000 attendees witness GCC's 41st Commencement

Genesee Community College's 41st Commencement on May 17 was bittersweet for the audience of more than 2,000 proud parents, friends and family members and President Steiner, Board of Trustees and faculty.

The Commencement speaker was Ruth Andes, PhD, Genesee's professor of sociology and assistant dean of assessment and special projects, who recently announced her retirement after 39 years at GCC.

She compared the turbulent times during her college graduation in 1967, including the Vietnam War and the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., to the difficulties of today with "less than positive economic times." But, Dr. Andes stated: "...Difficult times are also times of fabulous change. I hope that as you go forth, you will be part of that change. There is still a lot of work to be done. We still need peace. We still need civil rights - though we've come a long way. And we still need people committed to making the world a better place."

As she recounted the early stages of her career, she reflected on her initial reluctance to accept a teaching assistantship because she felt research was her strength. Nonetheless, she persevered and "by mid-October, I found I was enjoying it ...that was one of the greatest surprises of my life."

"When people tell you the odds aren't very good, don't listen to them. Tell them they are wrong. Go ahead and do it anyway...Listen to your heart. Trust in yourself."

After thanking President Steiner for encouraging her professional growth,  Andes also thanked her colleagues.

Then, she told the students: "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have taught me. Teaching is a two-way street and I have learned as much from you as I have tried to share with you. It mattered that you opened your eyes and expanded your horizons."

The Commencement Ceremony also included special recognition of the College's 20,000th graduate. Jennifer Bryant of Batavia received an award representing Genesee Community College's 20,000 graduates, and her many accomplishments as a Genesee student.

After four years in the military as an MP with two tours in Iraq, Jennifer's efforts at Genesee have been equally impressive. She served as president of Alpha Iota Upsilon chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and was named to the President's list for three consecutive semesters. She actively promoted green alternatives in the community, and participated in the College's Honors Program and school newspaper.

Jennifer was nominated for the Coca-Cola and USA Today sponsored All-USA Academic Team and was named as a Gold Scholar. She was also named one of 10 students to make the All-New York State Academic 1st Team. She is a SUNY Chancellor's for Student Excellence honoree and she received the College's Board of Trustees Award. Jennifer was nominated to take part in the International Scholar Laureate Program on International Relations and Diplomacy. She now plans to attend SUNY Brockport majoring in International Relations with a minor in Environmental Studies and one day she hopes to attend Columbia Law School.

Press release

Master Gardener Column by Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Consider a cutting garden

Everyone loves to give and receive flowers. For gardeners, the ultimate pleasure is to be able to cut flowers from their own garden to bring indoors and to give away to friends and family. Many also love to have homegrown blossoms, foliage and seed heads handy for fresh or dried floral crafts and cooking. However, the problem is that picking flowers from the garden reduces the floral show in the yard. It is a tough decision whether to cut flowers for indoors or leave them on display outdoors. The perfect solution to this problem is to establish a separate cultivated area specifically as a cutting garden. Then you can have your flowers and pick them too!
   
Fill your cutting garden with plants that produce the flowers and foliage you love. Use it as an area to experiment with new plants and colors. Place it where it is not on public display and indulge your fancy. Consider making it part of your vegetable garden. This is a production garden, created to be cut down, so do not worry about design correctness.

Create a cutting garden much the same way you initially establish a flower garden. Choose a site that receives generous sun and prepare the soil so that it drains well. Add humus in the form of compost, peat moss or chopped leaves to improve clay or sandy soil. Create one or more beds of whatever size and shape to accommodate the available space. They can be tucked into sunny spots along the back boundary, in a neglected corner or behind the garage. By their very nature, they are transient, so they can be easily changed or reconfigured next season if necessary.
   
While cutting gardens often look beautiful at the peak of the season, this is incidental. So, because they are not intended for display, a purely utilitarian layout makes the most sense. Once they are established, they are easier to maintain and require much less attention than ornamental beds. For this reason, cutting gardens usually resemble traditional vegetable gardens. They are typically planted in widely spaced rows that are easy to move through and between while planting, thinning, fertilizing, deadheading and of course, harvesting.
   
Be sure and mix into the soil a granular, slow‑acting fertilizer at the beginning of the season. This will provide consistent, balanced nutrition to the plants over many, many weeks. Periodic doses of diluted liquid fertilizer sprayed on plant foliage will boost the energy of certain heavy blooming plants during peak production.
   
Rather than interplant seeds or young transplants of many different kinds of flowers, group the species of plants for efficient use of space and easy harvest. To get maximum production, plant annuals in succession ‑‑ early season, mid‑season and late-season bloomers grouped together. Cluster plants with similar requirements for sun, water and drainage for easier maintenance. Plant tall types together, away from where they might shade smaller ones.
   
To minimize watering and weeding maintenance, spread a 2- or 3-inch layer of some organic mulch on the soil around the plants in the cutting garden as soon as they are a few inches tall. It does not have to be attractive, so use whatever is inexpensive and at hand, such as chopped leaves, shredded newspaper or straw. The mulch will discourage weeds, keep the soil moist longer and contribute nutrients to the soil as it decomposes in the summer heat. Add to the mulch layer if it breaks down to less than an inch. If you grow plants that are notorious self‑seeders, such as spider flower (cleome), removing the mulch at the end of the season will help to clear away most of the seeds as well.
   
To spur and maintain flower production of annuals, pick blossoms regularly. Deadhead those that remain and become faded. This prevents them from forming seeds, which slows flower production. Water about an inch per week if rainfall is unreliable.  Unmulched beds will need more frequent watering, especially in the summer. Keep a lookout for aphids on tender young growth or plants that are stressed and unhappy. Pinch infested tips off or wash the foliage with a strong stream of water from the hose. Insecticidal soap spray will take care of stubborn infestations.
   
As soon as the blossoms from a stand of flowers have been cut and/or the plants begin to weaken, pull them, cultivate the bed and plant new seedlings to provide cut flowers for the weeks to come. For instance, plant only pansies in an area for an early season supply of flowers. Then, when summer heat arrives, replace them in that area with American marigolds or zinnias.
   
Lots of different kinds of flowering plants are suitable for a cutting garden. Long‑stemmed annuals or perennials are most useful. Typically, colorful annual flowers dominate these gardens, because they are such enthusiastic bloomers. Cutting their blossoms only encourages them to produce more. All kinds of daisies are enormously popular and combine well with lots of other flowers.
   
Long-blooming perennials have a place in the cutting garden as well as in the more formal flower border. Plants such as coral bells and fringed bleeding heart will produce flowers all season, especially if they are regularly picked. Some, such as purple coneflowers and black‑eyed Susan’s produce bold, bristly seed heads that are ideal for floral crafts. Of course perennials can be depended upon to bloom next season so there is no need to replant that part of the cutting garden.
   
Don't forget foliage plants that contribute texture and color to both fresh and dried arrangements. Silver‑leafed Artemisia varieties, lamb's ears and herbs such as lavender contribute grayish‑silver foliage that is both handsome and aromatic. (The source of this information is Professor Raymond T. Fox, Department of Floriculture, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.)
   
For gardening tips and assistance, Master Gardeners are available Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Cooperative Extension office, 420 East Main Street, Batavia. They may be reached by calling 343-3040, ext. 127, or by stopping in at our office, or by email  HYPERLINK "mailto:geneseemg@cornell.edu" geneseemg@cornell.edu.

Press release:

MASTER GARDENER COLUMN by Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension

CONTAINER GARDENING

One of my favorite forms of gardening is container gardening. My container gardens are only limited by imagination and the plants available. Anything that can grow in a garden can also be grown in a container. Just provide those plants with a few basic needs: a suitable container, a growing medium, water, nutrients and light and they will grow. 

Of America’s 60 million gardeners, probably 90% of them grow plants in containers.   Some gardeners don’t have a yard. Also, container gardening is a smart alternative if you are restricted by too much shade, poor soil, too little time, limited mobility or a difficult climate. Best of all, growing in containers brings your garden right up close, creating a sense of intimacy that you just don’t get in an ordinary backyard garden.

Here are some simple tips to help you with your container gardening:

Containers for your plants must be big enough to support your plants when they are fully grown, hold soil, and have adequate drainage. Without proper drainage, the plants can suffer from inadequate root aeration and excessive moisture. They will literally rot.  Have drainage holes on the sides of pots rather than the bottom so excess water can drain away and roots won’t get waterlogged. Line the bottom of your pot with newspaper (a coffee filter works in smaller pots) to prevent soil loss. Also, line the hanging baskets with sphagnum moss for water retention.

Anything and everything that fulfills these basic requirements can be used. Use your imagination! For example, among the containers that can be used are clay pots, plastic pots, terra cotta pots, bushel baskets, hanging baskets, wooden crates (lined with plastic so that they will hold soil), barrels, heavy gauge wire baskets, glazed ceramic, hay racks (again lined with plastic), wooden planters, concrete containers, and even old boots or shoes. As you can see, you do not need to spend a lot of money on containers. Keep your eyes open for suitable containers at garage sales. Watch discarded household items put out for collection. If you want something fancier, try building your own planting box out of wood.

Scrub old pots with a 10% bleach solution before reuse. This will kill disease, pests, and accumulated fertilizer salts. Season new clay pots by submerging them in water for 15 minutes before you fill them with soil. This forces air out of pore spaces and will aid in keeping soil moist.

Most plants, especially annuals, require at least 5-7 hours of sun per day. Grow plants together that have the same light and moisture requirements. When planting large pots you may want to place the container on a caddy before you fill it.

Hawley Drive will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily from May 26 through May 28 for road repairs. The closure will be between Bank Street Rd and Genesee Community College.

There will be no access to GCC from the west during these time periods. GCC
will still be accessible from Batavia-Stafford Townline Road via Route 33 (Clinton Street).

Crews will be digging ditches and replacing culverts. The culvert replacements are in advance of repaving work to be done later this summer with Federal Stimulus Aid.