City council told about plans for neighborhood 'Coffee Talks'

The City Council was given an update of the community network Vibrant Batavia at its business meeting Monday evening. With the goal of making Batavia better, a series of "Coffee Talks" are planned so residents can discuss ideas for increasing citizen participation to improve neighborhoods.

Five talks are scheduled, all from 10 a.m. until noon on a Saturday. Coffee, hot chocolate and donuts will be provided, along with kid-friendly activities. A short survey will also be distributed to attendees. In a random drawing, a $25 gift certificate will be awarded at each event.

The first one will concentrate on the Northside and is set for Sept. 28 at City Centre, followed by West End on Oct. 5 at Williams Park, Central Park District on Oct. 12 at Lambert Park, Southside on Oct. 19 at Kibbe Park and the West Wedge on Oct. 26 at Williams Park.

Vibrant Batavia was organized to celebrate the past, build on the present and to create a brighter future. Volunteers work side-by-side with the City of Batavia, NeighborWorks Rochester and the business community to strategically improve the City’s neighborhoods and to promote a livable community of choice.

“The focus of Vibrant Batavia is to really foster pride in the neighborhoods of the city, promote and enhance citywide celebrations, improve connections, communication and the story of our community,” committee member Marty Macdonald told the council.

Vibrant Batavia “branded” its efforts by adopting a logo created by Batavia native Christie Hale. It reads “open spaces, vibrant places” and depicts the building skyline, representing the mix of architecture in the area; a hint of a silo, illustrating the rural nature of the community; two roadways, epitomizing Batavia as the crossroads of Western New York; and a leaf, symbolizing the growth and renewal of the city.

“Having lived in Batavia all my life and now raising my children here, I look forward to meeting residents from every neighborhood to bring our community together,” said newly hired Community Organizer Leanna Di Risio.

For more information about Vibrant Batavia or Coffee Talks, contact Leanna Di Risio at leanna@vibrantbatavia.com or call (585) 738-7388.