Batavia Kiwanis Club

In the Lynn E. Browne Library Instruction Room, students at Genesee Community College not only learn skills that will help them successfully complete their education, but they receive lessons that will last them a lifetime.

That was the legacy Lynn Browne wanted, according to Rick Ensman, who said that when Browne was asked which room he wanted his name on in the Conable Technology Center while it was under construction, he insisted his name go on the little room in the library.

The room, named after Browne, who died in 2011, was officially dedicated Friday afternoon.

Browne was born and raised in Batavia, but college and a business career took him away from his native soil. He made his fortune in the button business, but returned to his hometown in retirement. He became a fixture in Batavia, involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors and volunteering with several community groups.

Browne's service included 14 years as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors (1996-2010), 12 of those as treasurer. He was instrumental in overseeing substantial growth in the foundation's assets, its endowment fund, and had an unwavering commitment to student housing at College Village.

A contingent of Kiwanis members attended the ceremony because Browne was a dedicated Kiwanian who gave generously to the Batavia club both of his time and money. One member remembered how Browne used to randomly pass out silver dollars to fellow members. Browne was also a big supporter of the annual Kiwanis law enforcement awards.

Bill Kauffman (inset, left), local author and screenwriter, was the keynote speaker and recalled Browne as a friend and a tireless advocate for his hometown.

"Lynn told me that he’d never wanted to leave town in the first place," Kauffman said. "He wished to commute to the University of Rochester, but his mother insisted he attend the University of Pennsylvania. She rode the train to Philadelphia with him because she was afraid he’d get off at one of the stops and come back."

Kauffman served with Browne on the Holland Land Office Museum Board of Directors.

"He took up these responsibilities with a sense of duty but also with a real joy: these weren’t grim obligations to him; they were opportunities to express his love of his community," Kauffman said. "He served as our treasurer, as he served as treasurer for other organizations, and it was a fitting title in more ways than one: he really treasured these groups, treasured his neighbors. Lynn brightened his little corner of the world; he left it a richer place, and I don’t mean monetarily. He was a citizen of his place. He was a man to be emulated."

If you've been to Tops in the past couple of weeks you've seen members of your community there ringing little red bells as part of the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle Campaign.

Today, members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia volunteered in shifts to ring bells and maybe even sing Christmas carols, as Allison Chua and Ross Chua are doing above.

The Salvation Army always needs volunteers to help support the campaign. To volunteer, contact Patricia Kurtz, at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org.

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia are collecting donations today for the people downstate effected by Superstorm Sandy.

The drop-off location is on Veterans Memorial Drive, between Michael's and the former Lowe's location.

Canned goods, bottled water, and other non-perishable items along with blankets are welcome donations.

Donations will be collected until 2 p.m., when a truck that is making the rounds throughout New York will stop and pick up all of today's donations.

Photo: Andre Dunlap, left, Mike Rich and Paul White. Below, Harold Kilthau, of Batavia, drops off a donation.

Batavia Kiwanis hosted another successful Pancake Days pancake breakfast at the First Presbyterian Church today.

This Saturday, you can get your flapjacks flipped by Sheriff Gary Maha and served table side by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Saturday is the annual Pancake Days sponsored by the Batavia Kiwanis Club. Maha and Friedman are both Kiwanis members and they will be joined by a couple dozen more Kiwanis members who will ensure you get a hot, tasty breakfast for the low price of $5 (children 10 and under, and seniors, $3).

The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Main and Liberty streets, in Batavia.

Arrive early. There's always a big turn out.

To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Anita at 585-813-5371, or ask a local Kiwanian.

Pictured are Anita Strollo, left, Friedman, Club President Ed Minardo, Maha, Immediate Past President David Chua and Joe Forsyth.

Below, an article about the breakfast from Anita Strollo:

It’s been a long year sampling pancakes all over Western New York to insure that this year’s Kiwanis Club of Batavia’s 54th Annual Pancake Day lives up to the reputation it had in years past.

Last year our suppliers got changed unexpectedly and we thought we were getting comparable product only to find out that the pancake batter and sausages were less than satisfying. It was too late at that point and we counted on our understanding community and the fact that so many other treats were available at the annual event which raises funds for area children’s projects.

This year Serena, Joe and I sampled a lot of pancakes! I am a notorious pancake hater so we were looking for a pancake that even I liked. When Sheriff Maha (our chief pancake cook and longtime Kiwanian) offered that he and his wife recommended a local stop for pancakes, we ventured there. They had a similar situation with pancake mixes years ago and had to go on the same type of quest!

Serena and I sampled the pancakes there and they were fabulous. After some research by us and much help from Batavia Restaurant Supply to locate a supplier on the East Coast, we are now ready to serve up the tastiest pancakes we’ve had in years. Batavia Restaurant Supply is going to be stocking the mix from now on!

Joel Chasteck from the Genesee County Nursing Home located the brand of sausage that we always used, and after we add our “secret ingredient” our customers will be very pleased.

When it looked like the bad apple crop and the closing of our cider supplier’s mill was going to preclude us from serving fresh apple cider for the first time ever, Roanoke Apple Farms quickly jumped into action. They gave us a very fair deal on cider so we can serve and sell it again at this year's breakfast.

We will also be offering a Gluten-Free option. Patricia Hawley from Fountain of Youth Organics in Brockport will be donating some pancake mix as well as lending her gluten-free designated griddle and cooking implements.

Pancake Days is so named because it used to be a two-day event.  Within the last few years, it has become a one day event that still serves the same amount of pancakes and extras as the two-day fundraiser did.

The funds raised allows Batavia Kiwanis to sponsor free community events like the Thanksgiving Day Skate, Easter Egg Hunt, AMBA Blood Screening, Kiwanis Night at the Muckdogs and so many other events.

The all-you-can-eat breakfast is fully served and includes a beverage choice of cider, coffee, milk (chocolate or white compliments of Upstate Milk Cooperative) orange juice or tea.

Pancake Days will be this Saturday, Oct. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church Service Building on the corner of Liberty and Main streets in Batavia from 7 a.m. – 2pm. Cost is $5 for adullts, $3 for seniors 62 and over and children 10 and under.

Any one child in costume accompanied by one adult will also get in free.

There will be entertainment as usual and there are tickets available at the door or from any Kiwanian.

Justice For Children's Advocacy Center's 2nd Annual Bidding On A Brighter Future Auction & Gala will be held on September 22, 2012 at the Batavia Downs Raceways and Casino in the Paddock Room. The cost is $40 per person or $75 for two. 

Special guest honorees are: former Sheriff, Douglas Call & former Genesee Justice Director, Dennis Wittman!

Registration & Social Hour 5:30 - 6:30pm. Grazing stations, free play, raffles, cash bar, live and silent auctions throught the night.

Sponsorship opportunities still available! Some tickets at the door and still accepting donations!!! For details, please call 585-813-5371 or 344-8576.

This morning a couple members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club went to Paul White's place to get a look, and take a ride, on his paraglider.

White is donating a ride on the paraglider to be auctioned off at the club's Bidding on a Brighter Future Auction & Gala at Batavia Downs on Sept. 22.

The event is the club's big annual fundraiser to benefit the Child Advocacy Center, which needs to move into a new home that it will own.

Last year, the event raised $30,000 for CAC. Kiwanis members have set a goal of $150,000.

The center has assisted more than 1,400 children who were victims of physical and sexual abuse over the past 13 years. CAC provides a safe and comforting environment for forensic interviews, medical examinations and advocacy for children who are victimized in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Besides the paraglider ride, this year gala guests will be able to bid on a fully stocked freezer, sea cruises, cigars and accessories, fun in South Carolina -- a Hilton Head stay and a Myrtle Beach vacation, a Batavia Police Department "CSI Experience," a private pistol lesson for two with a sharpshooter from Batavia PD, fresh baked pies, children's scooters, a stained glass work, couch, chairs, sink and vanity, double oven, jewelry and lots more.

Tickets are $40 per person or $75 for a couple. Sponsorship levels range in price from $50 to $5,000. Sponsors must sign up by Sept. 12.

The club is also still accepting donations.

All donations to the foundation are tax deductible.

For more information, contact Anita at 813-5371 or Grace at 344-8576.

Below: Kiwanis member Peter Guppenberger prepares for a ride with Paul White. Photos provided by Grace Flannery.

The Batavia Kiwanis Club and the Genesee County Bar Association held their annual Law Day dinner at Bohn's Restaurant on Wednesday night.

Deputy Brian Thompson (top photo) received the Kathy Seymore Volunteer Service Award.

Winners of Criminal Justice Awards were: Andre R. Dunlap, investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”; David E. Gann, retired from the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (second photo); Edward M. Minardo, currently jail superintendent; Michael A. Messina, chief of police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces, and Colleen M. Marve, coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center.

The Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team was honored for winning the regional championship (third photo).

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

To purchase prints of these photos, click here.

After the jump (click on the headline), the press release for the awards:

Press release:

Kiwanis President David Chua announced the awards during a dinner held at Bohn’s Restaurant on Thursday, April 26, 2012. The awards dinner was held in partnership with the Genesee County Bar Association during its observance of Law Day. The honored speaker at the dinner was Hon. Robert C. Noonan, Genesee County Court judge.

Description of the Award

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia Criminal Justice Award is presented to a member of the community, law enforcement, or a criminal justice agency serving the citizens of Genesee County whose exceptional career achievements and conscientiousness to citizenship have demonstrated a spirit of selfless public service or demonstrated an act of exceptional valor or heroism.

2012 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Andre R. Dunlap – Investigator, New York State Police Troop “A”
Investigator Dunlap is a 21-year veteran of the New York State Police.  Throughout his illustrious career, Investigator Dunlap has received numerous letters of appreciation from the public and partner police agencies for his professionalism and superlative law enforcement service. Investigator Dunlap is a recipient of the Lila McNall Award for his outstanding contribution to the Children’s Services Division of the Genesee County Department of Social Services and a past recipient of Genesee County MADD award for superb DWI enforcement. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and a participant in the Ride for Roswell. Investigator Dunlap continues to serve the citizens of Genesee County in a professional and civic manner and was nominated for this award by New York State Police Captain Steven Nigrelli.

David E. Gann – Genesee County District Attorney’s Office (retired)
David E. Gann was a member of the Genesee County District Attorney’s Office for 31 years prior to his retirement on December 30, 2011. Mr. Gann served as Sr. Assistant District Attorney and had vast trial and case appeal experience. He was responsible for the prosecution of several major felony drug cases and was an authority on D.N.A. evidence. David Gann was an ultimate public servant, never shying away from extra work. He was available on a 24/7 basis for law enforcement agencies and was regularly called out in the middle of the night to draft search warrant applications and provide legal advice to police. His ethics, intelligence, knowledge of the law and dedication to his job earned him the well-deserved respect of the judiciary, law enforcement and colleagues. In January 2012, Mr. Gann was awarded the prestigious Robert M. Morgenthau Award presented to him by the District Attorneys’ Association of the State of New York in recognition of his many accomplishments. Mr. Gann was nominated for this award by District Attorney Lawrence Friedman.

Edward M. Minardo – Genesee County Sheriff’s Office
Edward M. Minardo currently serves as jail superintendent of the Genesee County Jail. He served as director of Genesee Justice from 2005 through 2010 when he voluntarily relinquished his job in order to meet budgetary constraints and keep Genesee Justice programs intact. Mr. Minardo kept a positive attitude and was instrumental in establishing the Genesee Justice Foundation in hopes of raising funds for Genesee Justice. He also plays an important role in raising funds for the Child Advocacy Center and is a believer in restorative justice.   During his tenure as director of Genesee Justice, Ed served as chair of the Genesee County Criminal Justice Council, promoting cooperation and collaboration of all criminal justice and support agencies within Genesee County.  Mr. Minardo is president-elect of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia and was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Michael A. Messina – Chief of Police, Buffalo/Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces
Michael A. Messina is currently chief of police for the Buffalo and Batavia Veterans Administration Police Forces. Under Chief Messina’s leadership, the Batavia V.A. Police Force has become an important partner in our local criminal justice community. Chief Messina has established relationships with area law enforcement and service organizations, which benefits our community. During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, Chief Messina provided resources and information on the topic of “Coming Home….Challenges and Opportunities for Returning Veterans." He also assisted with organizing and participating in this excellent program. Chief Messina exemplifies the conscientiousness to citizenship and spirit of selfless public service. Chief Messina was nominated for this award by Batavia City Police Detective Sergeant Patrick Corona.
       
Colleen M. Marvel – Coordinator, Justice for Children Advocacy Center
Colleen Marvel started working for Genesee Justice in 1999. In 2000, she was assigned to the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and in 2001 became its coordinator. Colleen put her heart and soul into the Child Advocacy Center and worked tirelessly to assist and serve sexually abused children from the GLOW area. She worked very closely with law enforcement, social services, district attorneys and other support agencies in the quest to prevent sexual child abuse and to prosecute those who committed such crimes. She made herself
available 24/7, whenever the Child Advocacy Center was needed. Colleen has a bachelor’s degree in Professional Studies from SUNY Plattsburg and resides in the Town of Pavilion with her 5-year-old daughter, Grace. Colleen will be leaving the Child Advocacy Center on May 11, 2012, as she has accepted a position in Wyoming County. Ms. Marvel was nominated for this award by Sheriff Gary T. Maha.

Kiwanis President Dave Chua presented the awards on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

CHARLES L. MANCUSO AWARD

The Charles L. Mancuso Award was presented to the members of the Pembroke High School Mock Trial Team as winners of the 2012 GLOWS (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming and Steuben counties) District Competition in the New York State Bar Association High School Mock Trial Tournament. The award reads “Dedicated to the Memory of an Outstanding Attorney-Citizen”, Mr. Mancuso, a Batavia lawyer, served as coordinator of the local competition until his untimely death six years ago. The Pembroke High School team members honored at the dinner include: Patrick Burns, Dean Cullinan, Cale Fryer, Rachel Seweryniak, Joelle Fugle, Brett Jones, Andrew Reynolds, Brandon Kohorst, Benjamin Reiner, Christian Burns, Justin Sformo, Eva Reda-Kendrick, Sabrina Sanner and Karen Glomb.

Genesee County District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who serves as coordinator of the local Mock Trial Program, and Genesee County Bar Association President Durin Rogers presented the award.

KATHY SEYMOUR VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD

The Genesee Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (GCASA) presented its Kathy Seymour Volunteer Service Award during the dinner. This award is presented to a citizen, volunteer, law enforcement officer or emergency medical service provider whose actions and commitment have helped to make our community a safer place. This year’s award was presented to Deputy Brian A. Thompson of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Thompson has served for many years as a volunteer on the DWI Victim Impact Panel and speaks of the consequences of being arrested for DWI.

The award was presented by Barbara Maryniak, Victim Impact Panel coordinator, GCASA.

The annual Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt was held at Centennial Park in Batavia this morning.

No matter how many eggs the Kiwanis members put out, they're all gone in about 60 seconds.

If you have trouble viewing the slide show below, click here. To purchase printed copies of these photos, click here.

The U.S Attorney for Western New York was in Batavia today to speak to the Kiwanis Club about the three broad areas of crime he said his office spends much of its time prosecuting: crimes against your kids, your money and your identity.

William Hochul spent much of his time talking about the two things he said that most put kids in danger -- sexual predators and drugs.

It used to be, he said, parents told their children to run from strangers and not take candy from people they didn't know. Now sexual predators often find their victims on the Internet.

He told the story of a high-school teacher in Erie County who identified lonely, vulnerable boys and then pretended to be a girl contacting them online. Eventually, he would lure them into sending sexually explicit pictures.

"Once they did," Hochul said. "He had them." 

From that point, Hochul explained, the teacher blackmailed them into sending increasingly explicit pictures of themselves.

"He will spend 35 years in jail," Hochul said.

Recently, Hochul said his office has taken an interest in so-called synthetic drugs. While many of the compounds used in the drugs are not yet banned in New York, they are being added to the banned substances list by the federal government.

Another big drug problem, he said, is kids getting ahold of prescription drugs, which he said is a growing problem.

"My message to you," Hochul said is, "lock up your prescriptions."

Another growing problem in WNY, Hochul said, is con artists. Most typically, these criminals use various techniques to steal your identity and then steal your money.

"You can't believe how sophisticated some of these scams have become," Hochul said.

One scam he described involved people calling WNY residents claiming they were from a credit agency and that the targets owed them money. The caller would tell the targets that if they didn't pay immediately the police would be right over to arrest them.  The caller would then say the police had arrived and then describe the target's house -- with the description coming from a picture off Google Maps.

If the person agreed to pay, the caller would pretend he told the police to leave and then take a credit card payment.

"Now you might say to yourself, 'well, I would never fall for that,' but we prosecuted two men who got $6 million from 124 victims," Hochul said.

Prior to the Hochul speaking, the club received an award for being a "Distinguished Club" in 2011, primarily because of its long-term project -- raising funds for a new building for the Child Advocacy Center.

Photo below, Kiwanis Genesee Division Lt. Governor Ron Pollack, left, Batavia Immediate Past President Larry Friedman and Kiwanis Genesee Division Immediate Past Lt. Governor Bob Reusch.

Disclosure: Howard Owens is a member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club.

Members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club stopped into "My Brother's Garage" after their weekly meeting Thursday. "My Brother's Garage" is a new secondhand store in the YWCA on North Street, where the Kiwanis meet each week. It's patterned after the long-standing and popular "My Sister's Closet" secondhand story at the Y.

There was another big turn out Saturday for the Batavia Kiwanis Club's annual Pancake Day breakfast at the Presbyterian Church in Batavia.

The Pembroke Corfu Darien Kiwanis Fall Festival and Car Cruise took place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 and held something for the whole family at Pembroke Town Park.

In addition to the great turn out of vehicles for the Car Cruise (more than 80 cars), there were vendors, non-profit groups, face-painting for the kids, pony rides, pumpkin patch carriage rides and a chicken barbecue by Krolick's.

More pictures from the event can be found here.

More than 200 people attended the Batavia Kiwanis Club's auction and gala to raise funds for the Child Advocacy Center at Batavia Downs.

There were certainly a lot of laughs and some great deals were struck at the auction, which brought in more than $15,000.

The few somber minutes of the evening where just before the live auction when a video about the Child Advocacy Center turned the talkative room quiet. Watch the video below. It will give you a good idea of what the CAC is all about.

If you're unable to view the slide show below, click here.

Kiwanis members in Batavia have compiled more than 200 items that will be auctioned off Saturday at Batavia Downs to help raise funds for the Child Advocacy Center.

The center provides assistance to children who are victims of sexual or physical abuse and helps with the investigation and prosecution of such crimes.

Kiwanis has set an ambition goal of raising $150,000 to help the CAC move into a non-rental location as a cost-saving measure in an era of tighter budgets and reductions in state and federal grants.

(See previous story).

Tickets for the event Saturday are $40 per person or $75 per couple. The event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are available at the door.

After a jump, a list of the items available at the auction.

Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala 6 p.m. Sept. 17, 2011

1. Picnic Basket (Misc.) donated by gflannery -- value $25
2. Champagne Christmas basket donated by gflannery -- value $25
3. Christmas Basket and Delevan’s GC -- value $45
4. Music Basket (limited CD, Harmonica, etc.) by GF -- value $30
5. Precious Moment Basket donated by GF -- value $30
6. Christmas Basket donated by GF -- value $25
7. Christmas Plate/Sweet Esctacy Gift Certificate -- value $35
8. Misc. Kids Basket/$50 bond donated by First Niagara -- value $15
9. Valentine Basket donated by GF value $20
10. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $20
11. Misc. Kids Basket donated by GF -- value $15
12. Misc. Kids Basket donated byGF -- value $25
13. Points of Harmony Acupuncture Gift Certificate and basket -- value $60
14. Misc. Kids basket donated by CAC -- value $20
15. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $30
16. Photo Album/Candle/Precious Moments/misc. by GF -- value $25
17. Red Hatter Bear/Mother Basket/$20 Delevans GC -- value $40
18. Misc. Kids Basket donated by GF -- value $20
19. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $20
20. Misc Kids Basket donated byCAC -- value $15
21. Man's gift set mug/beer/hat/Buck knife donated by MF -- value $35
22. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $15
23. Misc. Kids Basket donated by CAC -- value $15
24. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $40
25. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $25
26. Precious Moments Basket donated by GF -- value $35
27. Princess Basket donated by GF -- value $20
28. Misc. Kids Basket donated by Flannery’s -- value $25
29. Pet Basket donated by Golden Oak Kennels -- value $75
30. Christmas Basket -- value $15
31. Longaberger Basket -- value $35
32. GCC Basket mugs/shirt -- value $25
33. Picnic Basket -- value $30
34. Fairy Basket -- value $15
35. Wine/Snacks -- value $35
36. Tastefully Simple donated by Deborah Snyder -- value $75
37. Buffalo Bills Basket
38. Chamilia Bracelet donated by Valle Jewelers -- value $115
39. 26” Men’s Mongoose Bike donated by Andre Dunlap NYSP -- value $200
40. Child Rocking Chair donated by Solar Giant -- value $30
41. Child Rocking Chair -- value $30
42. Child Rocking Chair -- value $30
43. Bank of Castile Snack Basket -- value $100
44. Hilton Head House, S.C. -- one week Nov. 5-12 -- value $7,000
45. Sea Glass Tower condo -- one week -- value $1,348
46. Carolina Grande Condo -- one week -- value $1,404
47. Country Comforts B & B, Keuka Lake -- one night -- value $115
48. Deep Blue Pool and Spa -- 4 person -- value $8,000
49. Seneca Niagara Casino bus trip and $35 free play for two -- value $130
50. Free Weight Machine donated by Affordable Floorcovering -- value $450
51. Beaded necklace and bracelet set donated by Batavia Peace Garden
52. Photography Gift Certificate -- value $150, donated by Robert Knipe
53. Bill's Auto: one-week stay at 5 bedroom, 3 bath condo in Myrtle Beach
54. D and R Depot -- 2 chicken pot pies every week for a year!
55. Pancake Breakfast Basket donated by Donna Lougheed -- value $40
56. Chest of lottery tickets, Gen. Co. Clerk's office staff  -- value $25
57. Cooler items donated by Bivona Child Advocacy Center -- value $40
58. Sofa donated by Max Pies
59. Seneca Niagara Casino bus trip and $35 free play for two -- value $130
60. YMCA membership 3-month membership
61. Stay and Play from Batavia Downs food/free play
62. Basket donated by Country Cottage
63. Shop Vac from Donna Ferry -- value $75
64. Party Lite basket from Tara Pariso -- value $50
65. Hardcor Audio -- car starter $270
66. Keurig coffeemaker and 4 boxes of coffee -- value $158
67. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
68. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
69. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
70. Wine/Cheese/Food basket
71. Terry Hills Golf 18 hole, Greens fee for two --  value $90
72. Terry Hills Golf 18 hole, Greens fee for two -- value $90
73. Vintage purse/Valle Jewelery donated by Larry -- value $150
74. Billy Idol album donated by Larry -- value $50
75. Mark Sanchez frame donated by Gary Maha -- value $300
76. Handmade jewelry donated by Mary Pat Magde -- value $100
77. Little Girls Birthday Party donated by From Toes to Bows -- value $40
78. Golf Bag donated by Waste Management -- value $150
79. Wine/Candle Basket -- value $40
80. First Birthday -- value $15
81. Wine/Glasses -- value $35
82. Sport Basket/Digital photo value$40
83. Deluxe Car Basket Donated by Ed Minardo -- value $70
84. Cooking Basket -- value $20
85. Christmas Basket -- value $20
86. Summer Pack -- value $20
87. Christmas Basket -- value $20
88. Salad Bowl -- value $20
89. Child Basket -- value $20
90. Eight bottles wine -- value $100
91. Johnson Guitar donated by Larry Friedman -- value $70
92. Adam Miller Basket -- value $ 30
93. Flower Basket donated by Pavilion, Leroy, Stafford Kiwanis -- value $30
94. Golf pack donated by Mike Flannery -- value $30
95. Wine Basket -- value $30
96. Baby Basket with personalized baby announcement frame -- value $80
97. Wine/Cake Basket donated by Frank Ciaccia -- value $100
98. Back-to-School Basket with Microscope -- value $ 50
99. Paris Hilton Bag donated by Days -- value $100
100. Guys T-Shirt and Beer Basket donated by Eastown Bev -- value $50
101. School Supply Basket donated by Judy Lamanna -- value $50
102. Christmas Mugs -- value $20
103. Garden Bag -- value $25
104. Snowman Basket -- value $ 30
105. Coffee/Chocolate Basket by Ler, Staff, Pav Kiwanis -- value $35
106. Girls night out by Ler, Staff, Pavilion Kiwanis -- value $60
107. The Color Salon Basket -- value $50
108. Chocolate/Wine Wyo. Co. DSS -- value $100
109. Godiva Basket donated by Boshart -- value $100
110. Lottery Ticket and $50 bill donated by Pat Corona -- value $52
111. Bathroom makeover gift basket from Sonya G. -- value $40
112. Victorinox Knife Set from Batavia Resturant Supply -- value $58
113. Harley Davidson Basket from Stan’s H.D. -- value $40
114. Two urns -- value $120
115. Japanese Maple from Pudgie's -- value $89
116. John Hodgins painting value -- $100
117. Chevall Mirror donated by Zeches -- value $89
118. Wine refrigerator from John Forsyth CPA -- value $800
119. Wortzman Sofa
120. four prints of Roy Mason paintings framed, from Pacinos
121. Five small gardens -- value $50
122. One large lamp from Attica Furniture -- value $150
123. Floor mirror donated by Mike and Norma Day -- value $300
124. School Basket donated by Santy's -- value $25
125. Delta Sonic donated by Santy's -- value $60
126. Handmade pottery donated by Practical Potter -- value $40
127. B&B Liquor w/glasses donated by Joan Ferry -- value $25
128. Breakfast Basket donated by Donna Ferry -- value $35.00
129. Perry Farmer’s Market by Megan Hauser -- value $25.00
130. Large dog bed donated by ARC -- value -- $60
131. Wine tray and chocolates donated by Donna Ferry -- value $50
132. Hand-painted glasses Stabell Studios -- value $50
133. Box of 25 cigars -- value $135
134. Godiva Chocolate Liquor, Tequila Rose w/chocolate – Joan Ferry -- value   $40
135. Dog Lover’s Bag from Donna Ferry -- value $35
136. Candle Basket  from Joan Ferry -- value $35
137. Terry Hills greens fees for 4 -- value $180
138. Gas grill w/cover Lowe's -- value $200
139. Bill’s merch. Donated by Oakfield M&T Bank -- value $50
140. Oliver's chocolate basket -- value $30
141. Four box suite seats for Buffalo Sabers game in Nov. 11 or March 12 -- value $500
142. One-year membership to BJ’s Wholesale Club
143. Fountain of Youth Organics gift bag w/kids art supplies
144. Gift basket of 31 bags donated by Greta Barnet -- value $48
145. Baking basket -- Pacinos -- valued at $25
146. Gevalia Coffeemaker and accessories donated by Days Inn -- value $50
147. Christmas lap quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $200
148. Cathedral window lap quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $250
149. Certificate for a handmade memory quilt donated by Caroline Milligan -- value $100
150. Original watercolor by Lucy Norton, Notre Dame student, value -- $50
151. Car detail kit -- value $50
152. (2) Treasures of Batavia Photos donated by St. James church -- value $80
153. Kindle and cover -- donated by Mary Ann Wiater/ Gen. Co. Bar Assoc. -- value 250
154. Tea and cookies -- Pacinos -- value $50
155. Spaghetti dinner -- Pacinos -- $25
156. Wine and sweets -- Pacinos -- value $25
157. Curves Basket -- value $50
158. B. Conable art work
159. B. Conable art work ES
160. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
161. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
162. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
163. Original Lorie Longhany drawing -- value $75
164. Weekend at Beaver River Lodge -- Barry Miller -- value $400
165. ESL promotional items -- value $20
166. Hans Moller Jeweler sterling silver pendant -- value $80
167. YMCA three-month membership
168. Dog bed/grooming basket from DAS PetTails -- value $40

Gift Certificates

1. TF Brown-s -- $20
2. Alabama Hotel -- $25
3. Center Street Smoke House -- $20
4. Alex’s Place -- $25
5. Delevan’s -- $20
6. Spa by Artemis -- $50
7. Genesee Carquest -- $20
8. Village Inn -- two brunches -- $20
9. Darien Lake -- two passes -- $85
10. Rancho Viejo dinner for two -- $30
11. O’Lacy’s -- $20
12. O’Lacy’s -- $20
13. Tops Market -- $20
14. Continental School of Beauty -- $25
15. S & S Limo -- $50 off future rental
16. S & S Limo -- $50 off future rental
17. Batavia Tailors & Cleaners -- $50
18. Carlson's Studio -- $100
19. Sport of Kings -- $10
20. Sport of Kings -- $10
21. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
22. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
23. Twilight Meadows Restaurant -- $15
24. Mt. Morris Furniture -- $25
25. S & S Limousines -- $50 off future rental
26. Carlson's Studio -- $100
27. Kravings Kafe -- four $5 off coupons
28. Scooter's Family Restaurant donated by Gui’s -- $10
29. Scooter's Family Restaurant donated by Gui’s -- $10
30. M and M Meats -- $25
31. Radiance Spa -- $80
32. Blue Pearl Yoga -- seven classes -- $70
33. Select Collision Detail -- $175
34. Tops Market Gift Card -- $20
35. Oil Change donated by Santy's -- $30
36. Oil Change donated by Santy's -- $30
37. Bourbon & Burger Co. -- $25
38. First Choice Travel -- $250
39. Hot Head Salon -- $20
40. Red Osier -- $15
41. (3) Mark's Pizzeria gift certs good for one large pizza each
42. (2) Adult passes for Hidden Valley Animal Adventures -- $32
43. Lambert’s Design Jewelers -- $100
44. Larry’s Steakhouse -- $20
45. Gerace’s Hair Care Center -- $25
46. Alex’s Restaurant -- $15
47. The Mane Attraction -- $20
48. JCPenney -- $20
49. Alex’s Restaurant -- $20

The auction and gala to benefit the Child Advocacy Center is just around the corner -- Sept. 17 -- and auction items are rolling in. Above, Anita Strollo shows off a group of cigars in a traveling humidor that will be among the items offered up by auctioneer Seth Kent (white shirt, center), of William Kent, Inc., of Stafford.  From left are: Grace Flannery, CAC; Strollo; Tiffany Szymanek, Genesee Justice; Kent; Assemblyman Steve Hawley, who will emcee the evening's festivities; and, District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, president of Batavia Kiwanis.

The Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a "Bidding on a Brighter Future" Gala and Auction at 6 p.m., Sept. 17 at Batavia Downs. Donations of items for the auction are still being accepted. Tickets for the gala are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Checks can be mailed to: Justice for Children GLOW Foundation, Inc., 108 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Disclosure: As of Thursday, Howard Owens is a member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club.

There was a time when a child who was victimized would have to go through a gauntlet of police and medical exams while a case was built against the perpetrator.

And at the end of the process, the child and his or her family was left alone to figure out how to deal with trauma and its aftermath.

Then a group of leaders in the local criminal justice system got together and created Justice for Children and the Child Advocacy Center.

Today, when a child is sexually or physically abused, the child is no longer brought to an intimidating police station for an interview, then driven up to Strong Memorial Hospital for a physical and forensic exam, and then perhaps put through interviews with another investigator or two.

Rather, at the CAC on Bank Street, the child is welcomed into a kid-friendly environment where the investigators, medical examiners and other specialists are brought in to simplify the process for the child.

The CAC also provides ongoing counciling, support and even clothing and school supplies to families that need the assistance.

"I can't imagine going back to the way that it was before," District Attorney Lawrence Friedman said. "It's just a great place."

Friedman is also president this year of the Batavia Kiwanis Club. As a national organization, Kiwanis has a mission of engaging in charitable and civic work on behalf of children. The Batavia Kiwanis adopted the CAC as its long-term project.

The first order of business is to raise $150,000 to buy a new building to house the CAC. The club's goal is to raise $100,000 itself and is asking other Kiwanis clubs to contribute a combined $50,000.

"It's hard for me to imagine a more worthwhile long-term project for our club," Friedman said. 

Currently, the CAC pays $1,300 a month in rent -- down from $1,500 when the landlord provided lawn care that is now performed by volunteers -- mostly Kiwanis members. 

Friedman said that $1,300 a month that could be used to benefit children directly, and it's also a big expense in an age when state and federal grants are being reduced.

According to Genesee Justice Director Tiffany Szymanek, the CAC receives money from three primary grants -- National Children's Alliance, NYS Office of Child and Family Services and NYS Office of Victims' Services.

A new formula for state grants has more funds going to CACs in larger cities and cuts to smaller cities, Szymanek said.

Cuts have forced CAC to reduce staffing from two full-time employees to one and a half, with the hours of Grace Flannery, a child advocate (pictured) having her hours cut in half.

Flannery's job is to help guide a child and family through the process, from the day the child first walks into the toy filled waiting room through the criminal investigation, the court proceedings and any counseling.

The waiting room, Flannery said, "at least makes them feel a little more comfortable."

It's a symbol of what the CAC tries to accomplish -- avoid victimizing children again by putting through the trauma of reliving their experiences in sterile, adult environments.

"If they are escorted from service to service, they are just re-victimized and re-victimized," Szymanek said.

In a tour, Flannery showed off the CAC's child-friendly exam rooms, the clothes closet, the school supplies stacked in the employee break room and a boardroom filling up quickly with donations for an upcoming fundraiser. She said many times she thinks the community needs to know about the work the CAC does to help victimized children.

"The CAC is a marvelous resource that the community should know about," Flannery said. "Anything you can do to help get the word out, we really appreciate."

The Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a "Bidding on a Brighter Future" Gala and Auction at 6 p.m., Sept. 17 at Batavia Downs. Donations of items for the auction are still being accepted. Tickets for the gala are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Checks can be mailed to: Justice for Children GLOW Foundation, Inc., 108 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Disclosure: As of Thursday, Howard Owens is a member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club.