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Announcements

Baseball sign-up dates announced for Batavia Minor Leagues

By Billie Owens

Registration for Batavia Minor Leagues baseball will be inside the Batavia Country Mall, outside of Sunny's Restaurant, on the following dates:

  • 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday Feb. 28th
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday March 1st
  • 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday March 7th

Registration fee is $50 due at time of sign-up. The fee will increase to $75 for any player registered after March 7th.

YWCA launches 2014 appeal for donations to help support domestic violence outreach services

By Billie Owens

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County has launched a 2014 appeal to help support the Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program.

There are an estimated 6,000 victims of domestic violence in Genesee County, and YW staff plans to serve at least 1,000 of them this year. That is 300 more than the average number served, Executive Director Jeanne Walton says.

"Our goal is to open a door of hope for victims of domestic violence," Walton said. "They often can't even imagine the freedom and joy waiting for them. All campaign donations will go a long way in helping us to get the job done."

YWCA has scheduled a year of fundraisers to not only fuel the nonprofit's programs but to recognize, honor and celebrate special people in the community. Events include a Fabulous Females dinner on May 10, Wheels & Heels party on July 26, and the Stiletto/Sneaker Walk and Community Harvest Supper on Oct. 1. More details are to come.

Tucked into these special events is The YES! Cafe, a lunchtime program on the second Wednesday of each month.

Tomorrow, Feb. 12, patrons can "Follow Your Heart" with last-minute Valentine's gifts starting at noon. A lunch of a baked potato with assorted toppings, salad bar and a red velvet cookie sandwich will be served as various gift vendors display and sell their goods. Items will include body contour wraps, infinity scarves, soaps, lotions, flameless candles, purses, jewelry, specialty vinegars and much more.

For more information about any programs and services at YWCA, call (585) 343-5808.

Batavia financial advisor offers free estate planning seminar

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Michael R. Marsh, of Batavia, is hosting a free 60-minute educational seminar titled "Preparing Your Estate Plan" at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6th at the branch office, 7 Jackson St. in Batavia.

Michael will present this seminar along with Bonarigo & McCutcheon, Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr.,Esq., a local estate planning attorney.

Many people tend to put off or ignore developing a sound estate plan, but it's one of the most important things an investor can create. During the seminar, participants will learn more about:

  • What to consider when creating a will;
  • Benefits of trusts in estate planning;
  • How to help reduce taxes on one's estate;
  • How insurance can help protect one's family.

The seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Robin Ettinger at 585-345-1773.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work.

The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Deadline for volunteer firefighters seeking tuition assistance is Feb. 3

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reminding his constituents that the deadline for volunteer firefighters to apply for college tuition aid through the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP) is February 3. This program has been developed to encourage volunteerism and help college students pay for the ever-increasing cost of a college education. Hawley does not want any young firefighters in his district miss out on tuition aid because they were not aware of the FASNY HELP program.

“The fine people at FASNY have a great program to help volunteer firefighters with their college tuition. If you are a volunteer firefighter trying to put yourself through college, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the program,” said Hawley. “The time and sacrifice our volunteer firefighters give to their communities is commendable, and the FASNY HELP program is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their service.”

The FASNY HELP program allows community college students to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades. To be eligible for the FASNY HELP program, you must first complete your local fire department’s volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

For information on the program and how to apply, visit http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/, email HELP@fasny.com,
Attn: John D’Alessandro, Deputy Volunteer Programs Coordinator or call FASNY toll free at (855) 367-6933.

Clear Your Energy with a Charka Workshop at Blue Pearl Yoga

By Patricia Hawley

A chakra workshop designed to relieve stress and increase energy is scheduled for February 1 at Blue Pearl Yoga. Rich Hayden, a certified yoga, meditation, and chakra instructor will lead the class on a path to renewed wellness. This class is suitable for all ages; pre-registration is required.

 

Chakras are points in the subtle human body located at the physical counterparts of arteries, veins, and nerves. Since charkas are not part of the human body they can most accurately be described as energy centers connected by channels. Each Chakra has its own characteristics, responsible for receiving and expressing energy. Through a series of simple yoga poses and breathing exercises students will learn how to activate energy while relieving stress, tension, and depression. “Keeping these energy field clear and balanced is one of the best form of preventative medicine and self-care,” according to Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga.

Workshop facilitator Rich Hayden has been a yoga instructor at Blue Pearl Yoga for 8 years and has lead several Chakra Workshops. He says that participants will learn to attend to their Chakra through meditation, poses, and chanting to “establish health on a solid basis and increase energy.” During meditation, he says, “we focus on color and sound. Each chakra has a corresponding color connected to it and has a tremendous strengthening effect on the physical body.” The resulting outcome of this workshop is “peace, joy, and a true love of life.” 

The Chakra Workshop with Rich Hayden is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 East Main Street, third floor. Cost is $35.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information contact Karen Reisdorf at 585.813.5430.

Red Cross blood drive at UMMC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Red Cross will conduct a blood drive at United Memorial Medical Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The mobile unit will be in front of the hospital at 127 North St., Batavia. All presenting donors at the blood drive will receive a free gift card to Dunkin’ Donuts. Appointments may be made by visiting www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Generally to be eligible to donate, individuals must be 17 years of age or older, healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds. On the day of the donation, the American Red Cross recommends drinking an extra 16 ounce glass of water before and after the donation. They also suggest eating a healthy meal, avoiding high fat foods, before donating.

For the appointment (walk-ins are welcome) bring a driver’s license or two other forms of identification and a list of any current medications. After registration, presenting donors will have their blood pressure, temperature, pulse and hemoglobin measured. They will also be asked for a brief health history and asked about their travels to foreign countries.

The donation process itself usually lasts 8-10 minutes, but can be longer based on the donation. After donating, refreshments are provided. The entire process usually takes less than an hour to complete.

People can donate multiple times but must wait eight weeks/56 days between donations of whole blood.

Jack Hirsch Comedy Hypnosis act is Jan. 24 at Batavia High School Auditorium

By Billie Owens

Enjoy an evening of laughter at the auditorium at Batavia High School on Friday, Jan. 24. That's when the Jack Hirsch Comedy Hypnosis act will take place, starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and can be obtained at Big Pauly's Pizza, all Batavia schools, varsity basketball games and from members of the Batavia High School Alpine Ski Team, which is hosting the event. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12.

And look whose going to get hypnotized...Mrs. Wasilewski, Mr. Weicher, Coach Briggs, Mr. Sloan, Michael DiBracco, Mr. Kirkwood and Pauly from Big Pauly's Pizza.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Applications sought for funding from groups that provide emergency food and shelter

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Genesee County has been chosen to receive $2,800 to supplement emergency food and shelter programs in the county. The selection was made by a National Board that is chaired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency and consists of representatives from: American Red Cross; Catholic Charities, USA; National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA; The Jewish Federations of North America; The Salvation Army; and, United Way Worldwide.

The Local Board was charged to distribute funds appropriated by Congress to help expand the capacity of food and shelter programs in high-need areas around the country. A Local Board made up of (the Mayor, United Way, et al.) will determine how the funds awarded to Genesee County are to be distributed among the emergency food and shelter programs run by local service agencies in the area. The Local Board is responsible for recommending agencies to receive these funds and any additional funds made available under this phase of the program.

Under the terms of the grant from the National Board, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary nonprofits or units of government, 2) be eligible to receive Federal funds, 3) have an accounting system, 4) practice nondiscrimination, 5) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs, and 6) if they are a private voluntary organization, have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies are urged to apply.

Genesee County has distributed Emergency Food and Shelter funds previously with Community Action, The Salvation Army and Ministry of Concern participating. These agencies were responsible for providing meals and lodging.

Public or private voluntary agencies interested in applying for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds must contact Major Patricia Kurtz at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org or 585-343-6284 for an application. The deadline for applications to be received is FRIDAY, JAN. 20, 2014 by 3 p.m.

Art show at Richmond Library of Western New York plein air painters runs until Jan. 25

By Billie Owens

The All Weather Gang, a group of plein air (outdoor) painters who wander the back roads of Western New York, has a show at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia, through Jan. 25. The official opening of the show is from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, and all are welcome.

Beginning in the late 20th Century, the gang (currently seven members) meets for
breakfast every Saturday morning. They then travel in caravan formation in search of the day’s painting location. Should you see them, feel free to stop and say hello. The group includes Batavians Don Grieger and Kevin Feary, Gilbert Jordan, of Wyoming, and artists from the Rochester area.

No tickets left for Annual Agriculture Dinner - sold out

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 12th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner, set for March 22, is a celebration of the number one industry in Genesee County – Agriculture.
 
Tickets to the dinner are currently sold out!
 
Thank you to the following farms and businesses that are sponsoring this year’s event:

Lamb Farms, Inc., William Kent, Inc., Stein Farms, Farm Credit East, Windy Acres Farm, Five Star Bank, Clark Patterson Lee, Z&M Ag and Turf, United Memorial Medical Center, Torrey Farms, Inc., Muller Quaker Dairy, Arctic Refrigeration Co., Baskin Livestock, Carolina Eastern Crocker, LLC, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, National Grid, The Southcott Agency Inc., The Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance, Porter Agency - Farm Family Insurance, Del Mar Farms, Java Farm Supply and Geer Farm Services.
 
Proceeds from the dinner help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County.
 
The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.

Batavia Youth Center announces holiday hours

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Youth Bureau/Youth Center is pleased to announce this year’s Winter Recess schedule. To accommodate both parents and youth our regular program hours have been adjusted to the following. For the week of Dec. 23 – Jan. 3 the center will be opened from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Special activities as well as a snack will be offered each day. The schedule is as follows:

Monday, Dec. 23rd – Trivia Game Show

Tuesday, Dec. 24th – Closed!

Wednesday, Dec. 25th – Closed!

Thursday, Dec. 26th – Movie Day – Breakfast foods for snack today!

Friday, Dec. 27th – Tournament Triathlon

Monday, Dec. 30th – The Minecraft Games

Tuesday, December 31st – Cookie Decorating

Wednesday, Jan. 1st – Closed!

Thursday, Jan. 2nd – Board Game Olympics

Friday, Jan. 3rd – Crafts and Science Experiments

The Batavia Youth Center is located at 12 MacArthur Drive, right next door to Batavia High School and is open to youth from the ages of 10-19. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact the Batavia Youth Bureau at (585) 345-6420.

Free snowmobile safety course offered in Darien

By Billie Owens

NYS Snowmobile Safety course will be taught at Darien Fire Dept. Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 7 and Part 2 will be given from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 11. The Fire Hall is located on Route 77 in Darien.

The course is free to children from 10 to 18 years of age. New York State’s Snowmobile Law requires that youngsters ages 10-18 acquire a safety certificate before they may lawfully operate a snowmobile. Youngsters may qualify for their safety certificates by taking a safety course and passing the examination given at the end of the course. The course and all materials are furnished free. The course is also open to adults.

The instructors for snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes where you register. All materials for the Snowmobile Safety Course will be furnished. Those that pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate, and a license.

If your child is interested in taking the course and would like to lawfully drive a snowmobile, pre-register by calling 585-599-6431 or 585-937-9536 after 5:30 pm.

The class is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsmen Club, Genesee Sno-Packers Snowmobile Club and CoPeDa Snowmobile Club. Snowmobile trails officially opened on Dec. 18.

2ND ANNUAL ELBA CUB SCOUTS HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

By lori mcclurg

ELBA CUB SCOUTS 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

ELBA FIREMEN'S RECREATION HALL

CORNERS OF ROUTES 98 AND 262

THERE WILL BE:

 

THERE ARE 32 CRAFTERS AND VENDORS 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

SO COME AND BROWSE AND WHEN YOU'RE TIRED

ORDER SOMETHING TO EAT

TAKE A LOAD OFF YOU FEET

AND SIT AND LISTEN TO THE ENTERTAINMENT

SANTA  1:00 - 3:00

KIDS CRAFT CORNER AND FACE PAINTING - ALL DAY

ENTERTAINMENT 11:00 - 3:00

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO FINGERPRINT AND PHOTOGRAPH THE KIDS 10:00 - 1:00

 

THERE WILL BE A 50/50 RAFFLE

(LAST YEARS WINNER  TOOK HOME $125.00)

VENDOR RAFFLES

KEEPING IT LOCAL IN GENESEE COUNTY

HUGH RAFFLE BASKET FILLED WITH GIFT CERTIFICATES FROM

GENESEE COUNTY BUSINESSES

 

THE KITCHEN WILL BE OPEN ALL DAY WITH

BEEF ON WECK, MARK'S PIZZERIA PIZZA, 

CHICKEN NOODLE COURTESY OF CHAP'S DINER

CHILI (BILL'S FAMOUS)

SODA, WATER, COFFEE, TEA, HOT CHOCOLATE

DONOUTS

 

COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CUB SCOUTS

 

10:00am - 4:00pm

2ND ANNUAL ELBA CUB SCOUTS HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

By lori mcclurg

ELBA CUB SCOUTS 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2013

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

ELBA FIREMEN'S RECREATION HALL

CORNERS OF ROUTES 98 AND 262

THERE WILL BE:

 

THERE ARE 32 CRAFTERS AND VENDORS 

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

SO COME AND BROWSE AND WHEN YOU'RE TIRED

ORDER SOMETHING TO EAT

TAKE A LOAD OFF YOU FEET

AND SIT AND LISTEN TO THE ENTERTAINMENT

SANTA  1:00 - 3:00

Event Date and Time
-

Pancake Breakfast with Santa! Hosted by Elba's Boy Scout Troop 6017

By Leela Chadbourne

Please join us for a delicious breakfast with Santa this Sunday at the Elba Fireman's Rec Hall.  The leaders of Troop 6017 will be busy cooking pancakes, sausages and eggs to order for our 'all you can eat' breakfast fundraiser.  Milk, orange juice and coffee will be served and Santa Claus will be in attendance to spread the Christmas joy!

Tickets at the door are $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for students and preschool kids eat free.

Address: Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall

7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba (right on 98 next to M&T Bank)

 

We hope to see you there!

 

Pancake Breakfast with Santa! Hosted by Elba's Boy Scout Troop 6017

By Leela Chadbourne

Please join us for a delicious breakfast with Santa this Sunday at the Elba Fireman's Rec Hall.  The leaders of Troop 6017 will be busy cooking pancakes, sausages and eggs to order for our 'all you can eat' breakfast fundraiser.  Milk, orange juice and coffee will be served and Santa Claus will be in attendance to spread the Christmas joy!

Tickets at the door are $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for students and preschool kids eat free.

Address: Elba Firemen's Recreation Hall

7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba (right on 98 next to M&T Bank)

 

Event Date and Time
-

The YES! Cafe's December program features special cookies and other sweet treats

By Billie Owens

WHAT: The YES! Cafe's December Program
WHEN:  Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11
WHERE: YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia

BATAVIA -- Things are getting sweet at YWCA this month with a special cookies and confections program during The YES! Cafe.

Patrons will have the opportunity to bid on plates of locally made baked goods, purchase some as gifts or for home, sample some sweet treats and get tips for making your own goodies special. It's set for noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the nonprofit, 301 North St.

Lunch includes chicken marsala, salad bar, roll and butter and Italian cookies. $10 includes meal and program. Take-outs are available for those who can't stay. To register or get more information, call (585) 343-5808.

"Linden Murders...Solved" author to sign copies of his book Friday at Coffee Culture

By Billie Owens

Attica author Rob Thompson will be signing copies of his book "The Linden Murders…Solved" from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday Nov. 29, "Black Friday," at Coffee Culture, 6 Court St. in Batavia.

At the signing Friday, books will be $20 each, 2 for $35, and the first 25 on Black Friday will receive a free medium coffee.

Coffee Culture's phone number is 201-7101.

Thompson says "We’ve been very pleased with how the book has been received. It did reach #9 on Amazon True-Crime shortly after its release, and for a year or so now we’ve also been working on a novel regarding the Linden murders. I felt it was important to tell the facts of the case first, then build a novel around those events. I think this novel will allow the reader’s imagination to run wild about those days. That book will be released June 1, 2014.

"Another opportunity that has come our way is the filming of a mock trial. In March 2014, the 90th anniversary of the triple murders, we will put the individual I named as the guilty party on trial before a jury. We will present in detail the evidence and let the jury decide guilty or not guilty.

"Joining us during that filming will be Mike Dion who appeared on the SyFy Channel's "Ghost Hunters" during its first three seasons."

Rare cadre experienced with widespread disaster and death brought real-life experience to training in Albany

By Billie Owens

Responding to tragedy involving widespread disaster and death is something Randy McIntire has done on several occasions and last week he attended training with other veteran emergency responders in Albany.

He is a funeral director at H.E. Turner and former chief of the Town of Batavia Volunteer Fire Department who brought a lot of experience to share with peers taking part in the "Mass Fatality Incident Response Course" presented by the NYS Office of Emergency Management.

As a member of the New York State Funeral Directors Association's Family Assistance Commission (FAC), a nonprofit, volunteer group of licensed funeral directors, he attended the Albany workshop.

"The whole premise is to train for the dignified return of victims to their families, and to learn how different agencies work together to accomplish that goal," McIntire said.

FAC members are prepared to assist local governments in the event of a disaster occurring within their borders and they work in tandem with others tasked with the recovery, handling, identification, and return of remains following a mass fatality incident.

His extensive background in emergency training began in the mid-1970s. And he was at the scene of Egypt Air flight 990 in 1999, the World Trade Center bombing, Hurricane Katrina (made worse by Hurricane Rita), and the crash of Continental Airlines' flight 3407.

Whether the catastrophe is a plane crash or a hurricane, the process varies little. FAC members help recover the dead, protect their dignity, take them to a morgue, where a coroner conducts scientific tests for identification, and through that process the victims are returned to their families.

A myriad of skills must be employed quickly, smoothly and under intense stress -- interviewing survivors/next-of-kin, processing paperwork to assist in identifying and facilitating the release of remains to the next-of-kin or other representatives, and more -- all vital services during a time of extreme confusion and grief.

The training is not new -- McIntire took the course in 1997 -- but he says over the years the state had pretty much done away with it and is now rekindling its efforts.

"It was unique training (last Thursday and Friday) because a high number of participants were mass fatality responders," McIntire said.

Their broad experience added some boots-on-the-ground pragmatism that was useful, especially for other responders, each with different responsibilities.

“Trainings such as this allow us to ... properly care for the dead as well as the living,” said Douglas R. Brueggemann, FAC committee chair.

Assemblyman Hawley's office hours on Friday at GCC are rescheduled to Dec. 6

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is preempting his regular office hours for Genesee County residents at Genesee Community College. The office hours will resume their normal schedule on Friday, Dec. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Constituents can reach Assemblyman Hawley at his district office, located at 121 N. Main St. in Albion, by calling 585-589-5780 or by e-mailing hawleys@assembly.state.ny.us

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