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fundraiser

Terrific Treasures Sale at First United Methodist Church Friday and Saturday

By Steve Ognibene

Press Release:

The Batavia First United Methodist Church at 8221 Lewiston Road, Batavia will be having a "Terrific Treasures Sale" this week on Friday Sept. 29, and Saturday Sept.30th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

There will be a bag sale on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and lots of various items to choose from -- dishes, small appliances, toys, baby items, clothing, furniture, books and baked goods.  

This fundraiser will help benefit the church and promote programs and lunch will be available!

WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network will hold chicken BBQ fundraiser instead of bike ride this Saturday because of road construction

By Billie Owens

The Western New York Perinatal Bereavement Network Inc. presents the fourth annual "Ride to Remember" this Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Oakfield Alabama Baptist Church. But due to local road construction, there will be a chicken BBQ instead of a ride this year.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and chicken BBQ will be served starting at noon until sold out (300 dinners available). The church is located at 2210 Judge Road in Oakfield.

To purchase presale BBQ tickets for $10 each, go online to www.wnypbn.org

Tickets will be $12 on the day of the event.

There will also be a basket raffle. Prizes include Disney tickets, Seaworld tickets, Southwest Airline tickets, and a "Jim Kelly autographed mini."

All proceeds benefit the network and the "Remembering Love in a Heartbeat" Project.

For questions, more information or to make a donation, contact John J. Ritter Jr. at John.Ritter@irco.com

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club annual Basket Raffle & Live Auction is Oct. 14

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Please support the next fund-raising efforts of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club by joining us on Saturday Oct. 14 for the Basket & Live Auction and Dinner being held at the Ascension Parish Hall at 15 Sumner St. in Batavia. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Dinner will be served at 6. Basket drawings and live auction to follow.   

Tickets are pre-sale only on sale now until Oct. 7th for $20 each or two for $35, which includes an appetizer, dinner, dessert and a sheet of basket raffle tickets. All proceeds from this event will benefit the 2018 Genesee County scholarships and the service organizations awards.

This is sure to be a FUN event! Theme: Black & White. This is not a formal event.  his event is for men, women and is open to the public. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year.

To purchase tickets or if you cannot attend and would like to donate a basket, gift card or other item(s) to the auction, please contact Michelle at 585-297-0779 or send an email to:   bataviabpw@gmail.com

Statement from the BBPW:

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club (BBPW) has been an active part of the community now for 96 years. The group works together to help improve the lives of others. Throughout the year, they raise money through various activities to provide scholarships for local high school seniors, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students and adult GCC students as well as provide Service Award donations to several local charitable organizations.  

This June 2017 Scholarship Award winners were: Olivia George (Alexander), Paige Hameister (Batavia), Alyssa Juliano (Batavia), Emma Smith (Le Roy), Riley D'Alba (Oakfield-Alabama) and Madison Rogers (Pavilion). Tyler Weaver (GVEP), Owen Thompson (GVEP) and Stacy Daniel (GCC ). The high school Students each received a $750 check to support their educational and career goals. The Genesee Community College (GCC) adult student received a $500 scholarship award and the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students each received a $250 scholarship award.  

Additionally, BBPW club members awarded four Service Awards to be distributed this year. The $300 awards were given to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Crossroads House, Operation Injured Soldiers, and MS.

Pictured above from left are: Vice President Peggy Johnson, President Vicki Wolak, and Event Chairperson Michelle Gillard.

Town of Bethany Republican Committee to host pulled pork BBQ Friday afternoon at GC Park

By Billie Owens

The Town of Bethany Republican Committee will host a pulled pork BBQ at Pavilion A of Genesee County Park from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 8.

Food is catered by Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew in Le Roy.

Tickets are $12 each; $6 for children ages 5 to 12; free for kids under 5.

There will also be prize raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Take-outs available.

Genesee County Park & Forest is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany.

Photos: BHS students painted parking spaces

By Steve Ognibene

Some Batavia High School seniors have completed the design and painting of their parking spaces. Here are a few photos to share before the official full day of school starting this Thursday Sept. 7th.

Photos: Design your own parking spot at Batavia High School

By Steve Ognibene

Starting today at Batavia High School, seniors started laying out the base design for their new parking spots in the student parking lot. Pictured above Mikey Lullo and Anand Patel working together preparing a spot.

High School Principal Scott Wilson (who accepted a position in Churchville-Chili starting Sept. 1st) said the students presented this as a fundraiser to our school board for seniors who were interested to be a part of something that is going around the country.

Thirty-six students have chosen to paint their spot, which costs $20, and they get preferred parking that is closer to the building. For seniors who chose the no-paint option B, they would pay $5 but be next in choice of the parking lot and the remaining spots would be no charge for seniors or juniors.

Donating paint was local business Mosman Wallpaper & Paint. The project will continue through the weekend into next week.

Tanner Kolb laying down a base coat of paint.

Alaina Bowman is in the early stages of her scenic theme that will include sun, mountains, ocean.

Seniors Makayla Oderkirk and Joe Marchese working on painting their parking spots.

Car wash fundraiser today for BHS cross-country team

By Steve Ognibene

Some members of Batavia High School's cross-country team would like you to slide into their carwash today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

There is no set price per vehicle but donations will be accepted to help toward their annual New York City trip coming up this fall.

Local unite@night Walk Offers Hope to those Affected by Neurological Disorders

By Steve Ognibene

A local unite@night fundraising walk will be held tomorrow Saturday, July 29th with registration starting at 6:00 p.m and a 1 mile casual evening walk starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Park on West Main Street Road in Batavia.  There will be a Silent Auction and more than 100 items/baskets that will be raffled off.  

Rachel Fisher, local unite@night walk chairperson explains why she organizes this event.  “My daughter Maire, who is 5 years old, was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation and syringomyelia in 2014 and hydrocephalus in 2017.  In December 2014 Maire underwent a 6-hour brain surgery to help reduce the effects of the Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.  Surgery is not a cure and she will have annual neurosurgical appointments for the rest of her life.  Each day brings a new challenge as these conditions affect how her body responds to things like the weather, noises, light, and physical activities. 

My daughter and our family would really appreciate your support as we strive to find answers for individuals living with these disorders.  The goal is to help them live better, more pain-free days while raising awareness throughout the medical and lay communities.”

This walk is one of many around the country that will provide awareness, support, and important funding for the education and research programs of the Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation (CSF).  Chiari (kee-AR-ee) is a malformation in which the back compartment of the skull is too small, causing the lower part of the brain to hang down into the spinal canal, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid from flowing properly, causing a wide range of symptoms. Syringomyelia (sear-IN-go-my-EEL-ya) occurs when a cavity, or “syrinx”, is formed inside the spinal cord from fluid build-up. A syrinx may injure nerves, causing pain that is hard to manage medically.

Currently, the only treatment for Chiari and Syringomyelia is highly invasive and expensive surgery. There is no cure.

If you want more information or to register, visit: http://unitenight.kintera.org/Batavia  You can also contact Rachel directly at rachel.fisher1980@gmail.com or 585-300-3159.

New Hope Ministries seek help for Ugandan children once parasitic fleas are removed from feet

By Steve Ognibene

New Hope Ministries Pastor Tammy Smith (left) and Michelle Gillard from Essentials of Life (right) will be hosting a Sole Hope Care Kit Assembly Party at New Hope Life Center 8052 Bank Street Road, Batavia, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6th.

The public is invited to help assemble care kits to help children in Uganda heal after their "jiggers" -- parasitic fleas that burrow into the soles of feet -- are removed. The Sole Hope nurses will hand these kits out along with a washbasin, soap and clothing before the patients return home from their stay at the Sole Hope Outreach House.

Items that are needed for donation:

Each Kit will be packed in a quart-sized freezer bag and will contain:
1. One tube of triple antibiotic cream
2. Ten Band-aids (various sizes)
3. Five sturdy, large safety pins
4. One snack-size Ziplock bag of cotton balls
5. One page of children’s stickers (no holiday-themed ones please)
6. Ten alcohol wipes
7. A card/letter to the recipient (optional)
8. $2  (This helps with the washbasin, soap & clothes)

Deadline for donation of supplies is Friday, June 2nd, to give enough time to calculate and obtain any shortages of a particular item.

All monetary donations should be in the form of a check and should be payable to Sole Hope. Please write FUN224151 in the memo line of your check so that they know your donation is for the Care Kit-related donations.

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate supplies or are able to give a monetary donation, please contact Michelle Gillard at 585-297-0779 to arrange a pickup.

To watch jiggers being removed, watch this YouTube video here.

For more details visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/615905055266806/

Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation preparing for Derby Day Gala

By laurie napoleone

The Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation Derby Day Gala is at the starting gate and preparing for this year's gala.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 6th, 2017 from 4-9 p.m. at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Center, Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Tickets are $75/per person and Win, Place, and Show Sponsorships are available.

The ticket includes entry into event, hors d'ouevres, grazing stations, beer, wine, soda, a professional photograph and a gaming ticket. Prizes will be awarded for the best Derby Hat for a woman, the best Dapper Derby Apparel Award for a man, and the Dapper Duo Derby Award for the best "Derby-dressed" couple.

This year in celebration of the foundation's 10-year anniversary, we will be having a fireworks display (weather permitting). We have a live and silent auction, basket and reverse raffles, the gold ball drop, and a new purse raffle this year, along with some MobileSchlagen. It is a great evening for a great cause.

All proceeds support the mission of the foundation: assisting families with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, supporting research, and assistance to youth activities. For a sneak peak at some of the amazing prizes or to see sponsorship opportunites, go to www.michaelshope.org. For more information on a sponsorship, a donation or getting tickets, call 585-861-0550 or 585-409-3275.

John Currier wins 5th Annual Mr. Batavia contest at BHS

By Steve Ognibene

A sold-out crowd packed Batavia High School last evening for the fifth annual Mr. Batavia Competition hosted by its student government.

The mission behind the community fundraiser is to “take care of BHS,” said Lisa Robinson, student government advisor.

Twelve seniors participated in these categories: Dance, Talent, Question & Answer, Swimsuit, Lip Sync and Tux Walk.

The contestants were: Jerry Reinhart, Dominic Brown, Campbell Andersen, Casey Radka, Cody Dioogardi, Sam Bartz, Quentin Branciforte, Ryan Bieniek, Casey Ausin, Joe Allegue, Freddie Cunningham and John Currier.

Lisa said they raised a new record of $4,500 for the local charities chosen by the top three winners. Habitat for Humanity is winner John Currier's charity; first runner-up Ryan Bieniek selected All Babies Cherished; second runner-up was Quentin Branciforte, whose charity of choice is Anna’s Wish Inc.

The judges were: Kaitlin Logsdon, cocreator of Mr. Batavia, past BHS student and senior at Ithaca College; Shawna Murphy, Batavia City Schools Board of Education member; Jim DeFreeze, Batavia City Police officer; and Matt Morasco, Batavia City fireman.

Tuxedos for the event were provided by Charles Men's Shop and Reed Eye Associations donated sunglasses to the dozen seniors who competed.

To view and or purchase photos go to: Steve Ognibene Photography

Local Boy Scouts fundraising drive this Sunday

By Steve Ognibene

Some scouts and Committee Chair Paul Marchese, from Troop 6006 from the First United Methodist Church in Batavia, are pictured above preparing for their fundraising drive this Sunday.  

The troop will be going door-to-door locally in Batavia this Sunday, Dec. 4th, in the afternoon between 1-4 p.m. collecting bottles and pop cans to help support their troop efforts to purchase new gear for future camping trips.

If you would like to make a donation of returnables, you can directly make a donation at Eastown Beverage during normal business hours under the Troop 6006 account or contact Steve Ognibene at 585-409-8358 to arrange a pickup in the city anytime.

Holland Land Office annual Wonderland of Trees opens Friday

By Steve Ognibene

The 15th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala opens this Friday Nov. 18th at 7 p.m. at the Holland Land Office Museum at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.

Featuring decorated trees by local area businesses, food, music, a basket raffle and silent auction with proceeds to benefit the museum. The trees will be on display until Jan. 4.

The costs are $25 per ticket or $40 per couple. R.S.V.P. is required to attend. Tickets are available in person at the museum, by phone 585-343-4727 or online at www.dailynewstickets.com

Pictured above is the Batavia Business Professional Women's Club tree.

Batavia Girl Scouts Tree

Robin Weinstein is pictured with a menorah, "The Festival of Lights."

The ARC of Genesee Orleans tree

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club annual Basket Raffle & Live Auction is Oct. 15

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Please support the next fund-raising efforts of the Batavia Business and Professional Women's Club by joining us for our Oct. 15 Basket & Live Auction and Dinner. It's being held at the Ascension Parish Hall on Sumner Street in Batavia. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6. Tickets are on sale now for $20 each or two for $35 and include appetizer, dinner, dessert and a sheet of basket raffle tickets. 

This is sure to be a FUN event! Theme:  Mexican Fiesta. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. We encourage both men and women  to attend. We have had some amazing donations to date with more coming in each day. 

To purchase tickets or if you cannot attend and would like to donate a basket, gift card or other item(s) to the auction, please contact Michelle at 585-297-0779 or send an email to bataviabpw@gmail.com. Tickets are pre-sale only.

Statement from the BBPW:

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club (BBPW) has been an active part of the community now for 95 years. The group works together to help improve the lives of others. Throughout the year its members raise money through various activities to provide scholarships for local high school seniors, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students and adult GCC students as well as provide Service Award donations to several local charitable organizations. 

The BBPW chose five high school students to each receive a $750 check to support their educational and career goals, one Genesee Community College (GCC) adult student received a $500 scholarship award and two Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (GVEP) students each received a $250 scholarship award.

Additionally, BBPW club members voted at their May meeting on the Service Awards to be distributed and this year. Four $300 checks were awarded. The awards were given to Genesee Cancer Assistance, Crossroads House, Operation Injured Soldiers and Bethany Volunteer Fire Department.   

Rotary Fly-In Father's Day Breakfast & Grand Opening Tour

By Steve Ognibene

Batavia Rotary Club’s 14th annual Father’s Day Fly-In Pancake breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to noon this Sunday, June 19, at the Genesee County Airport, 4701 Saile Drive, Batavia. The menu consists of pancakes, scrambled eggs, omelets, sausage, coffee, tea, milk and juice.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 4-12; children under 4 are free.

"We normally serve about 1,500 people but expect over 2,000 people because it coincides with the grand opening of the new Genesee County Airport terminal," said breakfast Chairman Paul Marchese.

Presale tickets are available from any Rotarian, Marchese Computer, or can be purchased at door for the same price.

All of the proceeds are used by Batavia Rotary to support many local agencies as well as help fund our college scholarships given to three outstanding high school graduates from Batavia, Notre Dame and Genesee Valley Educational Partnership.

Treat your dad, grandpa and yourself to a great breakfast at the Genesee County Airport this Father’s Day.

Pictured from left, Rotarian Susie Ott, Paul Marchese, chairman of the breakfast event, and Batavia Rotary Co-President Paul Saskowski.

Tickets on sale now: Fourth annual Casablanca Casino Night Fundraiser to benefit CASA for Children is April 29

By Billie Owens

Tickets are on sale now for the fourth annual Casablanca Casino Night Fundraiser on Friday, April 29, to benefit abused and neglected children served by Genesee County CASA for Children.

The fun starts are 6:30 p.m. at the Terry Hills Banquet Facility, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road, Batavia.

Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple and can be purchased at the door or at the CASA for Children office. It is located in the Genesee County Courts Facility Bldg., 1 W. Main St., Batavia. Hours there are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Price includes $500 in casino chips, foodm beer, wine and $10 free play at Batavia Downs Casino. Cash in your "winnings" for tickets in the Chinese auction and a chance to win valuable prizes.

The event is sponsored by Main St. Pizza Company, Batavia Downs Gaming, Terry Hills and CASA for Children.

Vets Night

By Robert Brown

Batavia Downs Gaming at 8315 Park Rd. Batavia is hosting Vets Night at the races.

Cost is $20 (half of all proceeds will benefit the Monroe County Veterans Court Mentor Program) per person and includes: Clubhouse Buffet, $2 Horse Wager Voucher, $15 free play, FREE racing program ($2 value) including a $5 free play coupon, T-shirt, No Ride Poker Run Entry (prize for best hand).

The buffet opens at 5:30 PM - you will be asked for your arrival time when you make your reservation.

Event Date and Time
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