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Photo: Bob Yates, Batavia CTE Center Auto Technology instructor, with Ryan George and Cassidy Cater.

Submitted photo and press release:

Despite a tough contest, Cassidy Cater and Ryan George, Batavia Career and Technical Education Center Auto Technology students, placed fourth in the Ron Smith Auto Tech Competition, sponsored by the Niagara Frontier Automobile Dealers Association.

Cassidy and Ryan are seniors from Attica Central Schools.

Beforehand, Cassidy and Ryan worked every school day for two weeks at Basil Ford in Cheektowaga. There they practiced with a technician on a 2018 Ford Escape.

During the competition, Ryan and Cassidy worked through timed stations where they were required to complete tasks such as precision measurement, drop voltage, balancing a tire, splicing a wire, and soldering. In order to receive points, these assignments needed to be completed in less than 10 minutes.

“I was comfortable doing these tasks because I was familiar with this work,” Ryan said. 

“These are things that we learned in our class. Mr. Yates prepared us for what we might have to do during the competition,” Cassidy said.

A total of nine teams competed, all from schools and career and technical education centers across Western New York. Cassidy and Ryan were in the senior division. The daylong event was held at Erie Community College Vehicle Technology Training Center in Orchard Park. 

Competition was fierce said Bob Yates, Auto Technology Instructor at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center.

Ryan and Cassidy were required to diagnose and repair a 2018 Ford Escape that was bugged with many mechanical issues.

“There were very intricate and technical bugs that were set up in the car," Yates said. "Even a seasoned technician would have struggled with some of these problems. The rear hatch would not open and Ryan had to reprogram it and he got it to work. Very few teams got the car to operate and Ryan and Cassidy got the car to start and run."

“We also had to do a pinpoint test, which is a step-by-step procedure on how to fix the car. We got a perfect score on the alignment and the alignment test,” Cassidy added.

“The competition was scored on a total of 1,000 points," Yates said. "The difference between the first-place score and fourth-place was only 21 points." 

Ryan described the event as a great experience.

“It was fun, hands-on and taught me a lot about electrical systems in cars.” Cassidy said “It gave us a taste of what working in the real-world will be like.”

About Batavia CTE 

The Batavia Career and Technical Education Center is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services offering shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York State.

The Batavia City School District Board of Trustees honored several people at the start of Tuesday's meeting with certificates of appreciation for the difference they're making at the Batavia schools.

Above, Board President Pat Burk with Lucy Lefevre.

Amelia Tripp

Luca Garland

Landon Minuto

Ottoniel Ramirez-Garcia

Camden Reimer

Members of the STAR staff.

Detective Richard Schauff

A winter storm warning has been issued for Genesee County starting at 7 p.m. with heavy snow and strong winds expected throughout the region.

Snow accumulations could range from eight to 14 inches.

Gusty winds are expected to accompany the snow, which could cause tree branches to fall.

A significant reduction in visibility is possible at times.

The warning is in effect until 1 p.m., Friday.

Press release:

On Thursday, March 22, the City of Batavia and Genesee County Youth Boards will sponsor their 22^ndannual Youth Recognition Dinner at Terry Hills Restaurant & Banquet Facility.

Sixteen young people will be honored for their commitment to community service and/or their impressive role in their family. Additionally, the dinner will recognize one Adult Youth Worker and two Adult Youth Volunteers. 

The following young people will be recognized for their outstanding service in the community and/or family: Evan Amberger, Camryn Arthur, Madalynn Augello, Ryan Bowen, Lydia Daley, Summer Jeschke-Dean, Sheron Perez-Fuentes, Connlan Hotnich, Camden King, Nathan Knickerbocker, Jillian Menzie, Julia Menzie, Justina Pruski, Isabella Riner, Benjamin Slenker and Eric Stroud.

• Arron Brown is receiving the Adult Youth Worker Award from his position as a fourth-grade teacher at Pembroke Intermediate School for going above and beyond his job requirements to do whatever he can do for his students and their families.
• Stan Kaus is receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for his extensive time spent forming and coaching independent girls 12 and under fast pitch softball team called the Batavia Stingers.
• Laura Luft is also receiving the Adult Youth Volunteer Award for devoting countless hours to bettering the lives of young people in Elba and Genesee County.

Registration and refreshments will begin at 5 p.m. The program and dinner will commence at 6. Seating is limited.

If you are interested in attending the banquet, contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at (585) 344-3960 no later than March 8^th.

A big part of Elba's game plan going into Tuesday night's Section V semifinal playoff game against Romulus in Dansville was to stop point guard Mary Ellen Querrie.

That proved a tough task. Her leadership and her 19 points kept Romulus in the game up until the closing minutes.

"We had a tough time with her," said Head Coach Tom Redband.

Even so, Elba was able to regain the lead in the fourth quarter after giving it up in the third and held on to win, 58-55.

Redband said a lot of credit for the win goes to Leah Bezon. The freshman scored 18 points, which included hitting a trio of threes.

Romulus ran a press all night, which produced some turnovers, but Redband said Brynn Walczak, Isabella Riner, and Maddie Muehlig did an effective job of breaking it.

"Those three girls, specifically, did a good job," Redband said.

Walczak finished with 12 points, as did Muelig. Riner scored five.

Redband said after Romulus made its third-quarter run, "It was looking a little bleak for us," but the Lady Lancers held it together.

"Another key (to the game) for us was not getting down on ourselves," Redband said. "We had some an adversity. Romulus went on a good run and the girls stuck with it, made some big shots and didn’t give up."

Elba faces Andover on Friday at Letchworth for the Section V Class D2 championship. Game time is 6 p.m. 

Pavilion also has a Section V Class D1 championship game that night at Letchworth at 8 p.m. against Wheatland.

Semifinals tonight, Notre Dame plays Red Creek in Class C1 and Oakfield-Alabama plays South Seneca in Class C2.

This is the third in a series of five stories about the honorees at this Saturday's annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is being held at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Renowned purebred cattle auctioneer William “Bill” Kent says there’s a straightforward explanation for his Town of Stafford company’s nearly half a century of success.

“It’s pretty simple, really. I said to the kids, 'don’t fib and don’t do anything wrong, or it will come back to bite you,' ” said Bill, who founded William Kent Inc. in 1970 and has since turned it over to his son, Dave.

Bill, Dave and Dave’s son, Josh, spoke about the business and its role in the community in light of the family being named Geneseeans of the Year for 2017 by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a heck of an honor, and certainly unexpected,” said Dave, who joined forces with his father in 1976 after graduating from St. Bonaventure University. “We’re very pleased.”

Over the years, several members of the Kent family have participated in the auctioneering, appraisal and real estate brokerage firm, including Bill’s wife, Jean, and daughters, Debbie and Connie.

Currently, Bill (at 85 he’s still on the job), Dave and Josh, who came into the business in 2006 after attending Cornell University, handle the day-to-day responsibilities, with assistance from trusted employees Mike Cody and George Heins.

The family was nominated for the award by Stafford neighbors Rick and Jane Scott, who said the Kents are “well known for their community spirit, love of agriculture and generous nature. They deserve to be recognized not only as a business but for all they do in this community and beyond.”

The Kents have displayed their generosity through the numerous benefit auctions they conduct (at no charge) for civic organizations and charities, rarely turning down a request.

“Dad has always done this, and it is one of the ways we can give back,” said Dave, a former New York State Auctioneer of the Year.

In 1971, Bill gave of his time and talent to run the first Genesee County Fair auction, and the company has been involved ever since.

“Kids raise and sell their 4-H project animals at the Fair, and we help them out,” Bill said, adding that they also participate in the Wyoming County 4-H.

He then went on to name other organizations that have raised funds through their benefit auctions – churches, Kiwanis Club, Batavia Business Women, Le Roy and Stafford historical societies, Salvation Army and Hunter’s Hope, Spirits & Skivvies underwear project, plus many more.

Josh, whose children, Landon, 10, and Ainsley, 7, could be destined to join the business someday, said he has embraced his grandfather’s philosophy.

“Western New York is a fairly tight-knit community, and to be in business for any length of time, you have to treat people right,” he said.

Bill said the business has changed over time – “we used to sell 5,000 cows per year, now it’s a lot of machinery and real estate auctions and sales” (and consulting) – but they’re available to “help out where we are needed.”

That was the case when Bill presented auctioneering for a “show and tell” session at the Le Roy Nursery School, where his grandson, Riley, was a student.

“That was more fun than making money,” he said, with a laugh.

“I asked the kids to just do what I do, counting 1, 2, right up to 10. Then I gave them the little microphone and asked each one to come up and count. One little girl was so shy; she hid behind me, clutched my leg and counted really softly. That was something.”

Photo: David Kent, Josh Kent, and Mike Cody.

In July 2017, we welcomed a new business to Genesee County – but its building has history dating back to the 1820s. On Main Street in Le Roy sits the beautiful Farmer’s Creekside Tavern & Inn.

Walk in the front doors and you’ll find yourself in a cozy downstairs tavern and restaurant. Journey upstairs, and you’ll be blown away by the stunning gathering spaces and overnight accommodations. And no matter where you step, you’ll be able to see the view of the Oatka Creek bed – stunning in both the summer and winter months.

With so much beauty and finery, you’d never know that Farmer’s Creekside has a rich and tragic history. The building was constructed in the 1820s and was one of Main Street, Le Roy’s first locations. Over the years, the building served as a hat factory, a bank office, and several private residences. But in 2004, a fire nearly claimed the building for good, destroying almost all of the structure and interior.

Restoring this building and opening Creekside has truly been a labor of love for owner Bill Farmer. He acquired the building in 2007 and is welcoming visitors to enjoy the space – 10 years later.

Now that the wait is over, it’s time to make your reservation. Executive Chef Sean Wolf offers a tavern menu with sandwiches, salads and snacks, and a more upscale dinner menu featuring modern expressions of classic tavern fare. You’re bound to find something to make your mouth water. And with a well-stocked bar featuring 18 beers on tap and a selection of regional and global wines, there are plenty of drink options to complement your meal.

Once you’ve filled your belly, check out the view – or check into one of three brand new suites. Each one is decorated differently and features a modern yet timeless design that perfectly blends into the building’s brick walls, black Marcellus shale, and original wood beams.

On occasion, Farmer’s Creekside will host special events that are open to the public. They also offer space for private events and gatherings with advance reservation.

Support Genesee County’s newest offering! Farmer’s is open for lunch and dinner, Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. The Bar is open for extended hours in the evenings, and overnights can be booked year-round.

Learn more about Farmer’s Creekside and their story at: http://www.farmerscreekside.com/. Or visit www.VisitGeneseeNY.com to learn more about Genesee County's unique attractions and local offerings.

Pam and Mondell Elliott completed their first escape room in Canada a little over five years ago. When their youngest child moved out, Pam Elliott decided it was time to open their own escape room to keep themselves busy and have fun doing it.

Six Senses Escape Rooms in Batavia opened its doors on Black Friday in Batavia City Centre. Both Pam and Mondell work full-time jobs but enjoy the family adventure.  

“The kids come help out when they can,” Pam said.

Six Senses Escape Rooms, located at 106 Main St. in Batavia, is open Friday from 4 until 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are required and can be made through the website located here. Special events, such as birthdays can also be held at Six Senses Escape Rooms.

The hours for Six Senses Escape Rooms do not match the Batavia City Centre hours, so guests should use the back entrance instead of going through the mall.

Each room has its own theme and storyline with a series of challenges that must be solved within 60 minutes. The rooms are designed for people of all ages and skill sets. No special knowledge is needed to solve the puzzles.

Currently, there are two rooms; an Egyptian theme called Pharaoh’s Crossing, and an outdoor woods theme called Cabin Fever.

“When you’re in the escape room, you should feel like you’re in the game,” Pam said. “You solve one puzzle and it will give you a direction, key, combination, or something to take you to the next puzzle.”

There can be crossword puzzles, simple math puzzles, physical puzzles, scrabble tiles. Every escape room is completely different.   

“It is a lot of fun,” Pam said. “It is you, a group of your friends, your family, or complete strangers. It doesn’t matter. You’re all working together to solve a puzzle or clue, and then go to the next one.”

One escape room can hold 10 people at a time, and the other holds eight.

“Four players are doable in the room,” Pam said. “You do not have to have a huge group of people. Small groups can have fun also.”

The escape rooms have turned out to be a good family night out.

“The kids don’t overthink things and they are so good at the treasure hunt parts,” Pam said. “It’s amazing how much fun the kids and parents are having together. The kids enjoy it just as much as the adults.”

Pam said that most people that come and complete the escape room can’t wait to do another. Escape rooms are a new form of entertainment that people seem to enjoy, she said.

The space that Six Senses Escape Rooms occupies now can hold five rooms, Pam said.

“We’re at the point now where we have two different options for people to come out and give the escape room a try,” Pam said. “We really want to continue to build and continue to make new escape experiences in our space.”

Elliot would like to have a children’s room for the little kids, with basic colors, ABCs, and higher-level entertainment for older children.

“The sky is the limit,” Pam said.

Plans announced this week by Resurgence Brewing to convert an old industrial building in the First Ward of Buffalo into a new brewery, beer garden, and the restaurant doesn't change any plans for the Ellicott Station project in Batavia, said developer Sam Savarino.

Savarino said the Buffalo projects and the Batavia projects are very different and Resurgence has continued to move ahead with plans to occupy space in Ellicott Station for a restaurant and brewery that will specialize in sour beer.

Financing for construction should close at the end of March, Savarino said, with the first shovel in the ground within 30 to 60 days. The Resurgence space in the mixed-use complex, which includes apartments and offices, should be completed by the end of the year, if not the first quarter of 2019. It will be up to Resurgence, Savarino said, when they want to move in and get started with their preparation work to open the business.

He said he didn't have any specifics from them on their plans at this point. Attempts to reach Jeff Ware, one of the co-owners of Resurgence, were unsuccessful this morning.

Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator for the BDC, is traveling but did send a text message saying that Resurgence's expansion in Buffalo has not changed the company's plans for Batavia.

Development of Ellicott Station is being mostly funded by private investors but includes financing through tax incentives and grants because of the environmental remediation necessary at the site. It will be a 64,000-square-foot complex with 51 market-rate apartments in a five-story building next to the restaurant.

The new complex in the First Ward of Buffalo will provide Resurgence with 25,000 square feet of space. They will share the building with a microdistiller and a rock-climbing gym.

"It's right around the corner from where I live and our office," Savarino said, "so I'm happy."

A working structure fire is reported at Hanson Aggregates off Cedar Street in the City of Batavia. City fire is responding.

There are workers who were working on the silo and some material fell onto the roof and started a fire, which they thought they extinguished, but it reignited, according to the initial caller to the dispatch center.

UPDATE 11:42 a.m.: City command calls the third platoon to headquarters to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 11:43 a.m.: The fire is out; working now on overhaul and accessing the damaged area of the building. Command says city police can reopen Cedar Street.

UPDATE 11:52 a.m.: Workers were using a blowtorch to cut some metal and slag fell onto the roof, starting the conflagration.

Joseph Jonathan Kuzma, 37, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with petit larceny. Kuzma is accused of stealing $780 worth of steel from a location in Byron in order to sell it in Monroe County.

Nancy Louise Mordenga, 47, of Huffer Road, Hilton, is charged with bailing jumping, 3rd. Mordenga is accused of not appearing in court following an arrest. She was jailed on $500 bail.

Nefetiria Lialeshia Turner, 35, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping, 3rd. Turner is accused of failure to appear in court following an arrest. Turner was jailed on $250 bail.

Kendra Quinette Thomas, 30, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with bail jumping, 3rd. Thomas is accused of failure to appear in court following an arrest. Thomas was released under supervision by Genesee Justice.

Press release:

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) has introduced legislation (S7815) today in the State Senate to expand New York’s Child and Dependent Tax Credit by doubling the current cap on child care expenses across the board. 

“Child care costs continue to rise for parents," Ranzenhofer said. "These high costs are a major burden for families, even among households with both parents working.

"This legislation would make it a little easier for hard-working parents by doubling the child tax credit. This new proposal makes it more affordable to raise a family in New York State."

The proposed expanded tax credit is estimated to provide $225 million in new relief for middle-class families. Most families are estimated to receive a new average credit of $750, an increase of $375 from last year.

Under existing law, taxpayers are eligible to claim the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit to help offset the costs of caring for a child under the age of 13, a disabled spouse or a disabled dependent.

The expense amount allowed toward the credit is limited at various levels depending on the number of children.

Smoke from the piping of a wood-burning stove is filling the residence at 1740 Richley Road, Darien. The location is just east of Colby Road. Residents have been advised to evacuate. Darien Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 10:24 a.m.: A firefighter on scene reports there is a possible leak coming from the wood stove in the basement.

UPDATE 10:26 a.m.: Command says Darien can proceed in non-emergency mode.

This is the second in a series of five stories about the honorees at this Saturday's annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is being held at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

When Jessica Pratt saw a chance to own her own gym, she took it and she hasn't looked back.

Batavia Cross Training has become not only a popular fitness spot for her customers, it's become an important part of Genesee County's charitable community.

This Saturday, the gym will be recognized by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce with a special Service of the Year Award.

Pratt said she was shocked and honored by the award.

“I’ve only owned the gym for two and a half years,” Pratt said. “It’s very humbling to be noticed already. I didn’t expect that.”

Pratt was approached by the old owner two and a half years ago, and said he was moving to Buffalo, and gave her the opportunity to take the gym over.

“I guess I was a risk-taker,” Pratt said. “I committed to it and we’ve done well. It has been my life ever since.”

Batavia Cross Training provides a different type of fitness for anyone and everyone, Pratt said.

The fitness program is for individuals who are committed to improving their fitness, whether it be to lose weight, run a marathon, or have endless energy. Through the program, members are taught to develop nutrition plans, set and reach goals, and how to maintain motivation. The program is for people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels. 

The gym is located at 34 Swan St. in Batavia and offers classes at various points throughout the day. There are different types of membership, including yearly, month to month, and trials. 

“I don’t do this to win awards,” Pratt said. “I do this because I like it and have fun.”

Pratt is 30 years old and lives in Le Roy. She said the community is so involved in helping Batavia Cross Training succeed.

“All of the businesses in Downtown Batavia and in Genesee County have helped out immensely,” Pratt said. “Even those donating to other events have been amazing.”

Pratt said she loves coming up with new ideas and running with them.

“I just want to keep doing what we’re doing and keep coming up with fresh, new, fun ideas,” Pratt said. “I want to keep moving in a good direction.”

Pratt wanted to thank the community and Batavia Cross Training Community members.

“I’m very happy to be able to help them and to have them support me every day,” Pratt said. “They’re the ones that are giving back. I put on the event and come up with the crazy ideas and they just support me. I love them all.”

This is the first in a series of five stories about the honorees at this Saturday's annual Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony. The ceremony is being held at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Quickly deflecting any kudos for herself, Bev Mancuso, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, said it’s the staff, volunteers, and community that should be applauded in conjunction with the agency’s selection as the Agricultural Business of the Year for 2017 by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

CCE, along with several other businesses, will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner on March 3 at the Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

“It’s the specialists and experts on the CCE staff who deserve the recognition,” said Mancuso, who is retiring from her position in June after 15-plus years at the East Main Street facility. “They’re the ones who are out in the field, literally. I do what I can to get them what they need to do their jobs.”

Mancuso also had words of praise for those who give of their time to help the agency reach its goal of “growing minds” through nontraditional, experiential learning.

“All of our internal programs are heavily dependent upon volunteers -- 4-H, Leadership Genesee, Master Gardeners. Much fundraising is due to our volunteers. We would be lost without them.”

She also spoke highly of the board of directors, also volunteers, who have been instrumental in building and maintaining a strong organization of employees “very passionate about their jobs.”

“I continue to be amazed with their (staff) dedication and commitment,” she said. “No one is here to just get a paycheck. It really is their calling in life – they live to be here and do this job, despite the funding cuts we’ve experienced over the past few years.”

Mancuso said the agency (there is one CCE in every county in New York State) primarily reaches the farming community – operations big and small – through its involvement with three regional teams – Northwest NY Dairy, Livestock and Fields Crop, Vegetable and Harvest New York.

Currently, 23 specialists from Cornell University interact with all segments of agribusiness, enhancing capacity and infrastructure through on-site farm visits, hours on the muck land, corn and soybean symposiums and newsletter blasts.

Highlights of the work of the three teams include:

-- NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops: Several “Congresses” in the area of forage, calf/heifer, corn, soybean/small grains, as well as educational opportunities for growing malting barley, Ag workforce development and dairy calf managed housing and feeding systems.

-- Vegetable: A Batavia Field Day to capitalize on the increase in new farms in this area, soil health alliance summer field day, good ag practices farm food safety and research into wholesaling for small-scale vegetable growers, organic farming management and climate awareness.

-- Harvest New York: With a goal of spurring agricultural economic development, the focus is on dairy food processing and marketing, local food distribution and marketing, and farm strategic planning. Projects have been developed to promote the craft beverage industry, and to link Ag businesses with the WNY Tech Academy and GVEP BOCES culinary program.

The Master Gardeners program, coordinated by Jan Beglinger, has had a profound impact upon Genesee County residents, Mancuso said.

“On many occasions, someone will come in and want to start a farm, but don’t know what to do,” Mancuso said. “That’s when Jan gets involved. When you see those businesses start, that’s really cool.”

Last year alone, according to a CCE budget report, 71 Master Gardener volunteers donated 4,842 hours, worth $135,867 at current NYS value of $28.06 per hour to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.

The CCE of Genesee County was nominated for the award by Christian Yunker, managing partner of CY Farms and a member of the Genesee County Agricultural Committee, said it’s easy to overlook the agency’s numerous benefits to the area.

“We in the industry many times take it for granted – the work that they do and their teams that provide such high value,” he said. “As producers, without that third-party expertise, we’d be left with only our vendors.”

Yunker said it was apropos that Chamber honor is being bestowed during the CCE of Genesee County’s centennial year.

“We believe that it is well-suited that during their 100th anniversary that they receive this award.”

This year’s 35th annual Labor Days in the park celebration will last for three days from Sept. 1 to 3 and will be held in its original location at Triangle Park in Oakfield.

In prior years, the event has been held in Elroy D. Parkins Town Park in Oakfield, for one day of celebration.

The original Labor Daze was a one-time celebration of the town’s anniversary. The community wanted to turn it into an annual event and a committee was later formed to keep it going.

At a certain point, there was a lack of volunteers, said Jamie Lindsley, the chairperson of the Oakfield Betterment Committee.

“That happens to a lot of volunteer organizations,” Lindsley said. “They appealed to the community to get more volunteers, but that didn’t happen.”

The Town of Oakfield took over, they moved the location, and then the tradition continued.

“It was still a very nice event,” Lindsley said. “We just never really saw the success and public participation at the new location.”

Prior to Labor Daze last year, they decided they would move the location back to Triangle Park and have been working to plan the event ever since.

“We finally have the town and village government officials on board,” Lindsley said. “We knew the first year moving it back, was going to be a lot of work so we were prepared for it.”

Lindsley said there have been lots of volunteers from all walks of life, with the entire community represented.

After deciding to move the location back to Triangle Park, many people expressed interest in the event.

“In the '80s, they used to have a flatbed truck to block off the street and have the bands perform on those,” Lindsley said. “The laws are a bit different now, so we have to go through a much more rigorous process of having the closure of the street approved. We have all of that in the works.”

Also, a professional company will be providing stages, sound and lighting. They’re nationally known, and Lindsley said they’ve really worked with them on the price.

The three-day event will have a magician, face-painting, a 5K race, car cruise, kids' games, dunk tank, a parade, arts and crafts vendors, a DJ, fireworks and more. A full schedule of events and entertainment will be posted on the website when the date gets closer, here. 

All food vendors will be operated by nonprofit organizations, school and community groups. None of the volunteers stand to profit from the event.

“We don’t have any outside people coming in to make money off of this event,” Lindsley said. “It’s all about community organizations and raising money for their needs.”

Funds received from the Kiddie Fun Daze will be going toward a wheelchair ramp for the children’s library.

“The children’s library is on the basement level,” Lindsley said. “We would like it to be accessible for everyone.”

The gazebo in the middle of the park is also being revamped for the event.

“It’s 30 years old and needs some attention,” Lindsley said. “The electric in the park is going to be updated, and the stage, sound and lights will be updated.”

The costs to operate the free, family-friendly, alcohol-free event are significant, and the Oakfield Betterment committee is looking for donations and sponsors.

In the late '80s, the budget to run this event was $6,000, Lindsley said.

“We are keeping it less than that, but it still costs a lot of money to run the festival,” Lindsley said. “We welcome any and all support we can get.”

Donations can be made by check to: Oakfield Betterment Committee, PO Box 2, Oakfield, NY 14125 with “Labor Daze” in the memo line, or directly to the GoFundMe campaign located here. 

“The event is free, there’s a great sense of community, you get to dance in the street, and support a number of great causes,” Lindsley said.

Press release:

As the deadline to file federal and state taxes approaches on April 17, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is helping residents navigate the often cumbersome state tax filing system by providing ways to access forms and instructions.

“There are many citizens who choose to file federal and state taxes themselves instead of going to a tax preparer or using an online program,” Hawley said. “Unfortunately, the tax rules, regulations and method by which we are required to file are often confusing and complicated.

"The state should be consistently assisting residents with tax preparation and working on ways to clarify this burden. Residents can pick up tax forms at my district office by emailing or calling ahead of time.”

To access IT-201 Tax Forms and Instructions:

1. Use this link to access and print IT-201 instructions online

2. Use this link to access and print IT-201 tax forms online

3. Visit www.tax.ny.gov for more information  

4. Call your local library.(Many libraries have access to current tax forms available to residents) 

*Residents are encouraged to pick up tax forms at Hawley’s district office by emailing hawleys@nyassembly.gov or calling (585) 589-5780 ahead of time.  

**A refund will usually be issued more quickly if residents fill out forms online and submit electronically.                  

Assemblyman Hawley represents the 139^th District, which consists of Genesee, Orleans and parts of Monroe County. For more information, please visit Assemblyman Hawley’s Official Website.

Press release:

Ready to begin your college experience? Not sure where to start? GCC is truly the place to be! At Genesee Community College, our admissions team and student success coaches, know how daunting it can be to begin a degree or certificate program. So, we're here to help!

To get started, attend a Spring Open House! The first will be on Wednesday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. If evenings are difficult for you, then join us on Saturday, April 14, from 9  to 11 a.m.

Representatives from GCC's student services offices will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, career and transfer services, student activities, athletics and you can even attend a financial aid session. Tours of the campus will be available, including the new Student Success Center, Richard C. Call Arena and College Village -- GCC's apartment-style residential housing.

To register for either Open House visit www.genesee.edu/openhouse or call 1-866-CALL-GCC!

Can't make it to either session? Consider attending a Friday Visit Day! You can learn about GCC's simple application and admissions processes, financial aid opportunities, take a campus tour, and even sit in on a college class! Friday Visit Days begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon on the following dates:

• March 2
• March 23
• April 20
• May 4

You can also visit www.genesee.edu/VT for a virtual campus tour!

GCC offers a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs! Dedicated to student success and accessibility, GCC offers a totally FREE application process, FREE career counseling, FREE tutoring and FREE parking! With more than 100 courses available online every semester and 15 degrees that can be earned completely online, GCC is more convenient than ever.

GCC's Campus Centers located in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw provide additional options to attend class close to home.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/.

Press release:

How does a team of volunteers help baby birds?Join us for Bluebird Babysitters: Nest Box Monitoring for Science on Saturday, March 10th, from 1 – 3 p.m. as we look out for the Bluebird families at Genesee County Park & Forest!

Learn about NestWatch -- a nationwide nest monitoring program -- and find out what YOU can do to keep baby bluebirds and their friends happy and healthy. Get all the latest tips about bluebird nest boxes and the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare the boxes for nesting season 2018!

Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at Genesee County Park & Forest, located at11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

This event will go on, rain or shine. The program is FREE! Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122!

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Morley at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us