Wedensday News Brief

Batavia Launches Effort to Provide Beds for Children Sleeping on Floors

Joanne Beck with the Batavian reports, with food insecurity drawing recent attention, local organizers say another urgent need is being overlooked: more than 500 children in Batavia are sleeping on floors or in unsafe or inadequate bedding. In response, First Presbyterian Church of Batavia is partnering with the national nonprofit Sleep in Heavenly Peace to create the Batavia Delivery Hub, which will provide free beds to children ages 3 to 17 in the 14020 zip code.
The Hub will rely entirely on community support. Volunteers are needed to help organize supplies and deliver beds, and monetary donations are encouraged, with each complete bed package costing about $300. New bedding—including twin sheets, blankets, mattress pads, and standard pillows—is also being collected.
Lawley Insurance has launched its own bedding drive, accepting donations at its Jefferson Square office during normal business hours.
Families in need can request beds through the Sleep in Heavenly Peace website by selecting the Buffalo Chapter and Batavia Hub. Donations to support the project can be made through SHP’s Buffalo/Niagara Chapter, and those interested in helping can contact local volunteers by email.

Emmanuel Baptist Church Hosts Free Harvest Dinner Tonight

Emmanuel Baptist Church in Batavia is inviting the community to a free Harvest Dinner tonight from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 190 Oak Street. The church says everyone is welcome to share a warm meal and celebrate the season of Thanksgiving together.
The event is open to all at no cost, and no registration is required. Emmanuel Baptist describes itself as a small but loving congregation hoping to bring neighbors together for food and fellowship.

Christmas in the City Returns to Downtown Batavia December 6

Christmas in the City is back in Downtown Batavia on Saturday, December 6th. Events run from 2 to 6 p.m., and the Christmas Parade steps off at 6 sharp. Families can enjoy activities hosted by local businesses throughout the district.
This year’s lineup includes a holiday scavenger hunt, ornament making, goat petting, horse-and-carriage rides, hair-tinsel stations, a hot cocoa bar, and live brass music. A new highlight this year is the Batavia Concert Band. They’ll be performing holiday music inside the mall during the afternoon. Santa Claus will also make appearances both before and during the parade.
Inside the mall, the Christmas Craft Show runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring handmade gifts and local vendors. Organizers say the event is made possible thanks to support from community sponsors. A full schedule is available on the BID website and Facebook page.
Residents are encouraged to come downtown and enjoy the lights, music, and holiday spirit.

Crossroads House Receives $25K Donation from Annual Golf Tournament

Crossroads House has received a $25,648 donation from the 25th Annual Van Hulburt Memorial Golf Tournament, organized by Hesperus Masonic Lodge #837.
The Aug. 21 tournament included a dedication ceremony honoring the late educator and community leader Van Hulburt, with the lodge unveiling a memorial plaque recognizing his impact on the Bergen community.
This year’s proceeds push the lodge’s total support to more than $200,000 for Crossroads House since the comfort care home opened in 1998.
Executive Director Tracy Ford says the generosity of the lodge, organizer Ralph Marsocci, and the Hulburt family directly supports the home’s mission of providing compassionate, no-cost end-of-life care.

Health officials are reminding residents to test their homes for radon during Lung Cancer Awareness Month.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths nationwide, and while smoking is the main cause, radon gas is the second leading cause and the top cause among non-smokers.
Radon is an invisible gas that can enter homes through cracks in the foundation. One in 15 homes has elevated levels, according to the EPA.
Officials say testing is simple and inexpensive, and free kits are available in limited supply through the Genesee County Health Department. If results are 4 picocuries per liter or higher, homeowners should contact a certified mitigation professional and retest after repairs.