Weekend News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on December 10, 2022
A new law affects how gift cards work in the empire state. Businesses are no longer allowed to have gift cards expire within 9 years of purchase starting December 10th. Gift cards cannot reduce in value over time because of fees. And, if you have less than 5 dollars left on your gift card, you are allowed to redeem it for cash. Governor Hochul says she wants consumers to be able to enjoy their gift cards without worrying about expirations or fees.
All employers must make accommodations for their workers to breast feed according to a new law. Signed Friday, a new law requires safe, hygienic, and convenient spaces in all workplaces for mothers to go and either pump or breastfeed. Specifically it requires all employers in New York to ensure that pumping spaces are convenient and private, as well as include seating, access to running water and electricity, and a working space. It will also require employers to develop and implement a written policy regarding employee rights when breastfeeding in the workplace. The new legislation will ensure that all employees across the state will receive the same basic accommodations that public employees currently receive.
Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments are calling on local businesses to install Naloxone boxes at their workplaces. Naloxone boxes are wall mounted metal boxes containing 2 doses of the drug Naloxone which is used to prevent overdoses of Opioids. Like an AED, they can be placed in high traffic locations to be used in an emergency to save lives. There are only 8 boxes set up so far and they are all in Batavia. If you are a business or organization located in Genesee County and are interested in receiving more information about having a Naloxone Box at your location, contact: Kaitlin.Pettine@co.genesee.ny.us.
The Byron-Bergen Senior High School proudly announces that every fall varsity Byron-Bergen sports team achieved the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Team award. The fall sports teams are boys cross-country, girls cross-country, football, gymnastics, boys soccer, girls soccer, and girls volleyball. The Scholar-Athlete program recognizes athletes for their academic success. NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team awards go to teams whose average GPA of 75% of the athletic team equals 90 or above.
Emmanuel Baptist Church on Oak Street in Batavia is inviting the public to their annual Christmas Cantata, The Love of God At Christmas, at 2 pm on Sunday. Come catch the Christmas spirit and join in listening to and singing along with many songs you know and some you’ll be happy to know. There will be a free supper after the concert. The choir is lead by Debbie Prosser.
The Buffalo Sabres lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins 4 to 3 on Friday night. The game at the KeyBank center went into overtime but the Sabres couldn’t secure the victory. Victor Olofsson, Jeff Skinner, and Kyle Okposo scored for Buffalo.
