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RSVP Volunteer Placement Program helped prepare almost 1,200 tax returns in Genesee County this year

By Billie Owens

Above, a photo from the RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon May 8 at the GC Office for the Aging; volunteers received certificates and longevity pins. 

Submitted photos and press release:

RSVP Volunteer Placement Program of Genesee County announced the results of this year’s Tax Assistance Program. A total of 21 RSVP volunteers prepared nearly 1,200 federal and state tax returns, bringing back to the community over $1 million in refunds.

The volunteers served 3,750 hours through RSVP in collaboration with AARP and the IRS, who provide training, materials and equipment.

Each year, the program is open to all individuals in need of basic tax preparation and is designed to assist low to moderate income households. There is no charge for the service, but donations are accepted.

For many people, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides peace of mind along with their filings.

A recipient commented, “I am very satisfied with the service. I don’t know what I would do without it! The volunteers were very thorough, professional and friendly…THANK YOU!”

The RSVP Volunteer Placement Program helps individuals 55+ find meaningful volunteer opportunities with 25 different agencies in Genesee County.

If assisting with tax preparation sounds interesting to you, please call Courtney Iburi, RSVP coordinator, at 343-1611 to learn more about how you could help those in need next tax season.

In photo below, Vern Rupert, longtime RSVP Volunteer and AARP Tax-Aide Foundation coordinator, reads a thank you card from a grateful program participant.

United Way Day of Caring kicks off Wednesday morning, 38 groups to spruce up 37 project sites

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Wednesday, May 16th, the United Way of Genesee County will be hosting the 11th Annual Day of Caring.

This year, 38 local businesses and service organizations will be volunteering at 37 project sites throughout Genesee County. In total, more than 375 volunteers will be working on service projects involving, painting, landscaping, spring cleanup and other small projects.

The event will kick-off at 8 a.m. at Dwyer Stadium, with donuts and coffee, complements of Batavia Dunkin Donuts. Following a brief ceremony that will include a presentation about the United Way Backpack program, the volunteers will head to their work sites.

The day will wrap up with a community celebration at Terry Hills Restaurant at 3 p.m. Stories will be told, volunteers will be fed and everyone can enjoy the slideshow of the day provided by Carlson’s Studios.

In total, more than 2,250 man hours will be spent making the Genesee County community a better place to live.

Some of the workplaces this year include:

Genesee County Fairgrounds – Exhibition building

ABCD Day Care on Brooklyn Avenue

Community Garden – Batavia Youth Center

Village of Elba Park

Peace Garden

Grandview Cemetery

Gillam Grant Community Center

Business Improvement District – Downtown Batavia

Volunteers at Office for the Aging RSVP program recognized for National Service Recognition Day

By Virginia Kropf

The Genesee County Office for the Aging’s RSVP program observed National Service Recognition Day April 3 by highlighting its Medical Transportation service. From left, Courtney Iburi, RSVP Volunteer Placement coordinator; Maureen Estabrooks, specialist, Aging Services; and County Manager Jay Gsell are shown with Medical Transportation volunteer driver Linda Smith. In the passenger’s seat is John Dempski, former Genesee County Nursing Home administrator, who volunteers with the OFA’s tax program.

 

The sixth annual National Service Recognition Day was observed April 3, and this year the Genesee County Office for the Aging chose to highlight its RSVP volunteers and the Medical Transportation program.

RSVP is in its 32nd year with 300 active volunteers age 55 and older who serve 25 partner agencies in Genesee County, said RSVP coordinator Courtney Iburi.

“I try to connect seniors with volunteer opportunities in the community, based on their skills and meeting the needs of our partner agencies,” Iburi said.

The Medical Transportation program is a vital service which is made possible through the dedication of a core group of volunteers, Iburi said.

The Office for the Aging Transportation Coordination program, which includes medical transportation, is funded by the Rochester Community Foundation’s Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging in Genesee County, in addition to county funds.

The Marshall Fund was created by Batavia native Roxanne Marshall who left $7 million 20 years ago for programs to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Genesee County.

“Many other areas are envious of us,” said County Manager Jay Gsell, who also volunteers as an RSVP driver when needed.

Since its inception, RSVP volunteers have provided more than 1.2 million hours of service, valued at $21.9 million. Last year, RSVP volunteers provided more than 35,000 hours of service, valued at almost $850,000.

“Without this organization, our county wouldn’t have the ability to do what we do,” Gsell said.

Linda Smith decided to become a volunteer driver in the Medical Transportation program after she retired three years ago as a guidance counselor with Social Services.         

“I enjoy meeting people and I enjoy driving,” Smith said. “I’m not afraid to drive in the city.”

Maureen Estabrooks, specialist/aging services at the OFA, said they have clients who drive but aren’t comfortable driving in the city.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience,” Smith said. “Especially when clients request me. You see the results of your volunteering immediately.”

In spite of the success of the RSVP program, volunteers are always needed, especially drivers for the Meals on Wheels and Medical Transportation programs. Not only does Gsell volunteer occasionally, but Sheriff William A. Sheron Jr. also volunteers one day a week for Meals on Wheels.

“RSVP’s contribution to our county is significant,” Gsell said. “It’s well run and organized. If you don’t have programs like this, people will suffer.”

He said the senior population has been growing significantly in Genesee County, with 21 percent of the population being 60 or older.

Iburi said in a community the size of Genesee County, people don’t have the opportunity to go from bus to bus and must rely on volunteers, such as RSVP.

RSVP is funded by the federal, state and required county matching funds and private funding, while the Medical Transportation program is funded by similar sources, in addition to State Transportation Services funds, which provides mileage reimbursement to volunteer drivers.

Any senior wishing to volunteer for any RSVP-funded program, especially medical transportation, should contact Iburi at 343-1611.

RSVP volunteers and AmeriCorps members honor 9/11 victims and first responders with donations for local food pantries

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo, information from a press release:

Today members of Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs spent the day sorting donated nonperishable food items that they will deliver to three local food pantries.

This was part of a coordinated a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11.

The donated food items were collected at RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices. 

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611. 

RSVP and AmeriCorps collecting non-perishable food items until Aug. 31 for needy to honor 9/11 victims and responders

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County’s RSVP and AmeriCorps programs are coordinating a service project to help community members in need as a way to honor 9/11 victims and those who rose in service in response to 9/11. Non-perishable food items will be collected from Aug. 14 – 31 at the following RSVP volunteer stations, AmeriCorps host sites and County Government offices: 

  • Genesee County Office for the Aging & Youth Bureau, 2 Bank St., Batavia;
  • Genesee County Building I, 15 Main St., Batavia (3rd Floor near elevator);
  • Genesee County Building II, 3837 W. Main Street Road, Batavia;
  • Catholic Charities, 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia;
  • Gillam-Grant Community Center, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen;
  • Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia.

All donations will be delivered to local food pantries during the week of 9/11. 

For more information, please contact Courtney Iburi (RSVP) at 585-343-1611 or Kathy Frank (AmeriCorps) at 585-344-3960.

Volunteers needed to serve on city's Historic Preservation Commission

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is looking for a few good architects (we really need those!), historic district residents (and these!), historians, or volunteers who have significant interest in the commitment to historic preservation.

If this sounds like you, and you are a City resident, submit your application today.

The HPC works toward the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of landmarks and historic districts in the City of Batavia. For about an hour a month you can help preserve our historic community.

Volunteer today to see the difference you can make! Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com in the documents section.

Curious volunteers wanted for City's Zoning Board of Appeals

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Why in the world is there a business sitting next to two private homes in the City? Why do the City’s code enforcement officers allow one property owner to build onto a structure and yet deny another? If these are the kind of questions you find yourself asking as you drive through the City of Batavia, you may be the perfect person to fill an opening on the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

The ZBA needs City residents who are curious about and interested in zoning regulations as it relates to buildings and structures.

The ZBA is responsible for hearing and determining appeals of refusals of building permits or certificates of occupancy when the denial is based on zoning requirements. The ZBA has the authority to change the application of the zoning regulations relating to buildings and structures and helps to address practical difficulties and unnecessary hardships to ensure proper zoning in the City.

The board meets once a month and requires a time commitment of approximately 12 hours per year of its volunteers. Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our website at www.batavianewyork.com and download a Committee/Board Volunteer Application under Documents.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Nov. 30.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (585) 345-6305 or:

Office of the City Manager

One Batavia City Centre

Batavia, New York 14020

Phone:   (585) 345-6330

Fax:     (585) 343-8182

E-mail:   jmolino@batavianewyork.com

City: Consider joining the Youth Board or volunteer for some other committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Have you ever wondered why one permit is approved and the other denied? Or had great ideas about youth programs but didn’t know who to tell? If you volunteer for a committee then you can have those questions answered and have your ideas heard!

For about an hour a month (or sometimes less!) you can be on the inside and help make your community better. There are a variety of committees and boards so find one that meets your interests.

For example, if you want to help provide leadership development programs for City of Batavia youth, consider joining the Youth Board.

You will be part of a group that focuses on preventing juvenile delinquency by providing youth programs, services and activities! The time commitment is minimal at just a few hours a year but consider the impact those hours can have. Volunteers are needed so get your application in today and start making a difference in our City’s youth!  Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com in the documents section.

Volunteer today to see the difference you can make! Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office or online at www.batavianewyork.com in the documents section. 

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”  – Dr. Seuss

Photos: Volunteers making blankets at Senior Center

By Howard B. Owens

Volunteers from RSVP and Americorps were at the Batavia Senior Center today to make blankets to donate to the Agri-Business Child Development Center. Volunteers were also asked to make greeting cards for military personnel.

Above from left, Darian Ely, of RSVP, Loren Penman and Kellie Fairchild work together to make a blanket.

Photo: Le Roy Fire at training center

By Howard B. Owens

Le Roy Fire was at the Fire Training Center on State Street Road this evening for ongoing instruction on how to deal with car fires. The volunteers work on their approach to a vehicle and how to most effectively put out the fire. 

Volunteer firefighters from throughout Genesee County engage in various training and briefings every Monday night.

For more on volunteer opportunities, click here.

Volunteers needed for Rape Crisis Service

By Billie Owens

Do you want to make a difference in your community? One way to do so is by becoming a volunteer for Rape Crisis Service (RCS) and serving as an advocate for victims of sexual assault.

Advocates provide emotional support and information to survivors of sexual assault, significant others and members of their families. Volunteers are on-call for 12-hour shifts, a minimum of four times per month.

Applicants must be at least 19 years old. No experience necessary — all volunteers will complete a training program. Interviews are currently being conducted for our upcoming training in October.

For more information, please call Kathy Pexton at 546-2771, ext. 338, or e-mail at kpexton@pprsr.org.

COVA 2010 Open House

By Steve Ognibene

Tonight I attended the COVA "Central Orleans Volunteer Ambulance" Open House at their headquarters in Albion NY.  Over 150 people were on hand during this occational rainy event to give thanks to all EMT's, Mercy flight, Volunteers, etc. Much of the information is on the website at :www.covaems.com/

I interviewed EMT Patrick Lamka and asked the question, What is COVA?

Here is a quick video of Mercyflight taking off:

Many photos during this event:

Lots of people on hand even though it poured at times but a great turnout !

Yummy popcorn and activities for kids.

Some staff members ...

One of the ambulances from the fleet.

The newest ambulance to the fleet, not yet lettered.  Just arrived.

Patrick Lamka and Tricia Warren

posing near the Mercyflight helicopter ...

The 2010 COVA staff

They thanked everyone who came to support, donate and attend tonight's open house.  Providng services to help others in emergency needs.

CASA honors its volunteers

By Howard B. Owens

From Tara Pariso:

Genesee County CASA for Children, Inc. would like to thank all of its volunteer advocates. Not only is this National Volunteer Appreciation Week,  but our advocates deserve recognition all year long for their hard work,  dedication, and caring for the abused and neglected children in Genesee  County.  The work the advocates do can be stressful, heart wrenching, and  trying at times, but in the end knowing that you are advocating for a child  in need is what makes it worth it.  A huge Thank You to all of the CASA's in  Genesee County.

*In picture: Tara Pariso, Executive Director, Thelma Montreal, Deborah Davis,  Peggy Lamb, Eric Friedhaber, Linda Buzzell, and Donna Machowiak.  Not  pictured: Lisa Cochrane, Fran Moyles, Irene McNutt, Diane Mills, Marilynn  Palotti, Amanda Rissinger, Dawn Jaszko.

 

Richmond Library honors RSVP at 'Friend of the Year Reception'

By Daniel Crofts

The Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., invites people to a reception on Friday, April 16 honoring RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Placement) of Genesee County.

The reception starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be held in the library's Gallery Room. The presentation of the award will be at 4 p.m.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 with any questions.

Event Date and Time
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400 Towers Opens Volunteer Run Snack Shop

By Bea McManis

The 400 Towers Residents'  Council is sponsoring a Snack Shop staffed by resident volunteers.

Featuring a variety of snacks and beverages, available at reasonable prices.  The net proceeds will benefit the Residents' Council General Fund.

Today is our kickoff day and shake down cruise day.  One thing we discovered, we could use a display rack that holds small bags of chips and other snacks.  If you know of any used display racks for sale (or even better, donated), please let me know.

A big thanks our volunteers: Bill Benedict; Bob Clark (purchasing), Alan Galton, Joe Greene, Marie Greenlees, Judy Hale, Bill Heany, Henry Larson, Pat Larson(staffing and purchasing), Dennis Meyers, Barb Odachowski and Barb Villa(staffing and purchasing). 

Also, a big thank you to Sharon in the BHA office and George in maintenance who worked extremely hard to help us get the project off the ground.

Bea McManis, Chairperson - 400 Towers Snack Shop

Volunteers needed for Rape Crisis Service

By Billie Owens

Rape Crisis Services of Planned Parenthood in the Rochester/Syracuse region is currently recruiting volunteers.

There is an urgent need in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties for individuals to assist with this important service, which offers free and confidential assistance to victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. It's the only service of its kind in the area.

Rape Crisis Service (RCS) offers sexual assault victims referrals, short-term counseling, and support during medical exams, police investigations and court proceedings.

Being a RCS volunteer is a very rewarding experience, and without these important individuals who volunteer their time, the 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week service that RCS offers would not be available. 

No prior experience is needed, as RCS provides all volunteers with New York State Department of Health mandated training that educates them on how to provide support to victims and their families, assist in the legal process, and how to work with RCS counselors and other volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering for RCS must be at least 20 years of age and be comfortable working with victims in a crisis situation.

Further information about how to volunteer and become involved in Rape Crisis Service can be found on the internet at www.pprsr.org or by contacting Kathy Pexton, regional volunteer coordinator of Planned Parenthood, at 585-546-2771 ext 338. You can also contact Theresa Asmus, Rape Crisis Service area supervisor at 344-0516 ext. 111.

Cooperative Extension Celebrates Achievements & Volunteers

By Kimberly Amey

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has announced the date of the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event. This year the celebration will be held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia on October 8th at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and in lieu of payment, Extension is asking the public to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry. 
 
Donna Morrill has been named the 2009 “Friend of Extension”. The “Friend of Extension” award is an honor bestowed upon an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to aid in the success of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Donna has been an avid supporter of Extension, has served on the extension board for the past five years and is a graduate of the Leadership Genesee Program.
 
Other highlights of the evening include a tribute to Extension’s many dedicated volunteers, elections to fill positions on the board of directors, recognition of retiring board members Andrea Aldinger, Eric Adams, Mike Stroll, and Shelley Stein, as well as celebration and recognition of 4-H youth. Light hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be available.  
 
For more information or to reserve a seat please call Barb at 585-343-3040 ext. 101 or stop by the Extension office by October 1st.

City looking to fill vacancies on various committees and boards

By Howard B. Owens

For residents looking for volunteer opportunities in the city, Batavia has five openings on four different boards/committees.

The Neighborhood Improvement Committee has an opening in Ward 1. The Planning & Development Committee has an opening in Ward 6. The Plumbing Board has an opening in Ward 6 for a master plumber. The Zoning Board of Appeals has an openings in Ward 2 and Ward 5.

From the City Clerk's press release:

Residents interested in applying can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our website at www.batavianewyork.com and download a Committee/Board Application under Downloadable Forms.  The City is hoping to fill these vacancies as soon as possible.  Applications will be taken for any board to be kept on file for future use.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact:

Office of the City Clerk
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, New York 14020
Phone:   (585) 345-6305
Fax:        (585) 343-9221
E-mail:   hparker@batavianewyork.com
 

From door to door: Canvassing for a Congressional candidate

By Philip Anselmo

"This past Saturday morning, the weather in Batavia was threatening ahead of approaching rain and the wind was already shaking the tree branches back and forth. It wasn't as chilly as it looked, but it might've dampened some peoples' spirits."

So begins the journal-style report by Russ Stresing, of Elba, about Saturday's rally in support of Congressional candidate Jon Powers. Stresing's narrative is posted in full at The Albany Project. He writes with an infectious enthusiasm about the invigorated volunteers, battling the chilly wet afternoon to drum up support for their candidate of choice.

There was understandable nervousness among several of the volunteers. For some of them, especially the college and high school students, this would be their first time going out to talk to people they've never met to enlist them in an effort that will likely affect their very future. Its intimidating enough for adults to go door to door in neighborhoods they're not familiar with, but its an even more daunting task for (let's face it) kids who may not even have sold greeting cards to raise money for band or 4H. But, they threw their lot in with the more experienced and outgoing volunteers with the confidence that what they were about to do mattered. Not only to them, but also to the very people they would be meeting on their trek up and down Batavia's streets.

Stresing's narrative is at its best when he gets down to the details you just won't find in a mainstream media report — such as, say, his description of Powers' attire.

The meeting was to have begun at 10:30, and with professional timing, Jon and his staff arrived at 10:10. Casually dressed, down to his well-worn desert combat boots, he greeted people individually, obviously delighted with and appreciative of their help. After expressing his gratitude, he got down to business and laid out the day's plan and attitude.

Stresing goes on to tell the story of the volunteers going door-to-door up and down Batavia streets, nervous, in the rain. It all has such a literary flair, I can't keep from quoting one last bit. For the rest, please check out his post.

Canvassing teams began returning to Main Street Coffee around 1:30, some beating the rains, others returning with wet clothes, but spirits undampened. It was an even more cheery group that gathered at base camp than started out the morning. ... And history shows, they'll keep following through. Nothing determines an American's sense of civil responsibility as much as starting early. And starting well.

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