Announcements

Press Release:

Four very special individuals from Genesee County have taken on an important role in our community as Volunteer Long Term Care Ombudsmen. ‘Ombudsman’ is an unusual word with Swedish roots, defined as a person who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements.  Under federal and New York State law, all residents of long term care facilities (nursing homes, adult care facilities, assisted living facilities and family-type homes) have the right to speak confidentially with an ombudsman about their concerns.
Ombudsmen are volunteers who enjoy working with the elderly. They are charged with resolving complaints, monitoring quality of life issues and helping to preserve the dignity of residents living in long term care facilities. Their primary goal – protecting the rights of residents.

Richard Neth, a Batavia resident who has been a volunteer Ombudsman for over six years, attests, “It’s very rewarding to know the residents appreciate our help. I really look forward to seeing them each week.” 

Catherine Stone, a LeRoy resident who has been with the Ombudsman Program for eight years, covers two different facilities, visiting residents each week and helping where she can. She talks modestly of her role. “It really isn’t much,” says Stone. “Some people can’t speak for themselves, so I help wherever I can.” Stone especially enjoys weekly visits to a new family-type home in LeRoy. “They truly are a family there, and it brings such joy to me to visit with them.”

Neth, Stone and three other volunteers each spend 2-4 hours per week visiting residents in the long term care facility to which they are assigned. Together, they visit over 600 residents at 7 different facilities every week. In 2008 alone, they investigated and resolved over 77 complaints.

“A very big job for our small group of dedicated volunteers,” admits Leanne Rorick of Lifespan, the Program’s local Coordinator. The Genesee County Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is managed by Lifespan, a senior service agency in Rochester, NY. Other counties covered by Lifespan include Livingston, Wyoming, Monroe, Ontario and Yates.

Complaints range from minor to major and can include lost laundry issues, care-related concerns, food complaints, and even abuse allegations, neglect, or mistreatment.

“We’re friendly visitors, but we’re so much more,” says Rorick. She reflects on the past few months and some of the cases she and the team of volunteers have assisted with.

“Privacy issues, lost laundry, emergency call bells not being answered in a timely manner, and staffing issues are just some of the situations that we’ve dealt with recently.”

Complaints are given to ombudsmen during their regular weekly visits with residents. Staff members sometimes request the assistance of the ombudsman to mediate difficult situations, as well. Residents, staff, family members and friends can contact the regional Ombudsman Program office at Lifespan with concerns and complaints, at (585)244-8400 x114. Discussions with ombudsmen are always confidential.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was developed as a demonstration program in 1972, and is currently established in all states under the Older Americans Act. Over 1,000 volunteers serve more than 150,000 long-term care residents in New York State, alone.

Volunteers for the Ombudsman Program have come from all backgrounds and experiences, including but not limited to the banking and finance industry, the legal field, teaching, nursing, social work and homemaking. They are people who enjoy the elderly, who are dedicated to helping others and who can commit to weekly visits to their assigned facility.

Certification is free, and includes a 36-hour training course provided by Lifespan of Rochester, where experts cover topics such as the aging process, levels of care, the inner workings of long term care facilities, advocacy strategies, and more. The next annual training program will be held May 13-20.

An application process, interview and background check are necessary to begin training for the Certification Program. Volunteers are assigned after successful completion of training. A one year commitment is recommended, but most ombudsmen continue long after.

If you interested in becoming a Certified Volunteer Ombudsman, or if you would like more information about the Ombudsman Program, please contact Marie Frey, Ombudsman Program Coordinator at Lifespan, at (585) 244-8400 x114 or local Coordinator, Leanne Rorick at 402-8480 or lrorick@lifespan-roch.org.
 

MAMMOTH Indoor Garage Sale

Saturday, April 18th 9AM-4PM

St. Joseph School
corner of Main (Route 5) & Summit
Batavia

*  "It's a widely-acclaimed, super-enormous, ultra-gigantic quality sale!"

*  Everything from A-to-Z (clothing excluded)

*  New this year: a wide variety of quality, used furniture

Please call Kathy Stefani at 585-344-2701 with any questions.
Hope to see you there!

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce student Leah Reino was a finalist in the Community College Week NISOD Student Essay Contest. The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) and Community College Week magazine together sponsored an essay writing contest for community college students based on their most rewarding learning experience with faculty, staff or administrator at their college. There were over 1,300 entries, and Leah's essay, Professor Weston and the Last Crusade, was one of nine finalists who were recognized.

Leah has been a full time student since fall of 2007, when she was 15 years old. She was home-schooled through middle school and then completed her high school requirements through Genesee in the spring of 2008. She is now working on her associate's degree with plans to graduate in the fall of 2010. She is currently studying Biotechnology and plans to someday earn a doctorate degree in science.

Leah first learned of the essay contest through a posting at the Arcade campus center where she takes most of her classes. Professor Michael Weston also mentioned the contest to Leah and she found it fitting to write about his impact on her as a student. Michael Weston is a history instructor at the Arcade Campus Center and has had a huge impact on how Leah has developed and how she sees the world.

"His classes helped me adapt to college life and becoming an adult, and also formed my opinions about current events and the global situation," Leah said. "In my opinion, these things are essential for any scientist. In order to conduct relevant research or contribute to the scientific community in any way, you have to understand the world around you. Not just in the scientific sense, but also in the political, economic, and social sense."

Mr. Weston's classes have established this groundwork for Leah in a way that is invaluable. Because of him, she is now fascinated by history, politics, and the economy, subjects she previously found dull and irrelevant to her scientific studies. Leah has taken four classes with Mr. Weston in the five semesters she has been enrolled at Genesee. Weston's classes are engaged with thought-provoking debates about current events and he shows his classes how complex the world is. Always questioning the issues presented, he offers alternative viewpoints to his students in order to show them an unbiased view of the current topic at hand.

Leah's essay, Professor Weston and the Last Crusade starts out as a movie trailer-like description of the events happening in Weston's class. He is often compared to Indiana Jones and his classes like an entertaining movie, where students are his audience. She goes on to tell of the effects he has had on her academically and personally and describes him as "a crusader against the forces of ignorance and complacency in the world."

 

In the future, Leah plans on transferring to a university where she can focus on her love of science, possibly studying medical research, biomedical/genetic engineering, forensics or astrophysics. As an alternative, Leah is also interested in global studies and political science, with thanks to Mr. Weston. She also would like to publish a book sometime in her life.

"Because my fields of interest are so grounded in reality, my favorite genre of writing is science fiction and fantasy," Leah noted. "They provide an escape for me from the toils of everyday life. I would love to become a science fiction or fantasy author sometime in the future."

Leah also has plans to someday 'retire' to teach in an academic setting at a college, due in large part to Professor Weston. "He has inspired me; I would want to inspire my own students."

Leah resides on a family farm in Farmersville, NY and lives with her mother and father, David and Gail Reino, and with her brother David Benjamin, who has also started his education at Genesee at 15 years of age. Leah's father, David, is an emergency room doctor in Jamestown, NY, and has been her mentor and inspired her interest in science at a very young age. Leah is an avid horseback rider and competes at fairs and shows throughout Wyoming, Cattaraugus, and Allegheny counties. She also enjoys reading extensively in many genres, from fantasy to historical fiction to science magazines. She is an active member in Genesee's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Alpha Iota Upsilon chapter as the chapter Webmaster.

WAYS &  MEANS AGENDA
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Old Courthouse


4:00 PM    Approval of March 4 minutes

4:00 PM    Lorie Cleveland, Real Property Director
1.    Department Review

4:15 PM    Referrals from Public Service
1.    Budget Transfer-Sheriff/Geodatabase Replication Program
2.    Budget Amendment-Sheriff/Homeland Security Carryover
3.    Airport Advisory Reappointment
4.    Establish Highway Capital Projects-Stimulus Package
5.    Surplus Equipment-Parks

County Manager Report
1.    Contract Renewal-NYMIR
2.    Out-of-state travel request-Undersheriff

Administrative Office Report

Chairman Report


REQUESTED ADDITIONS

    John Demske, Nursing Home Administrator
1.    Award RFP-Professional Design Services-Power Grid
2.    Budget Amendment-Capital Project

    Debbie Kerr-Rosenbeck, Youth Director
    1. Americorps Application-Stimulus Funding

    Matt Landers, Deputy Treasurer
1.    GCC Bonding Recommendation from Bond Counsel

    Karen Marchese, Personnel Officer
1. CSEA Contract Negotiations-expected to be held in Executive Session

The Genesee County Chapter of the American Red Cross needs your help!  

Sadly, our services have been utilized more than ever recently in 

responding to numerous fires, facilitating communication between military 

personnel and their families, and serving the community by teaching CPR,

first aid, emergency preparedness, babysitting, and learn-to-swim classes. 

We understand the challenges of these difficult economic times; we face 

them, too.  In order to keep up with our expenses, the Chapter is planning 

only one major fundraiser for the entire fiscal year:  the 14th Annual 19th 

Hole Golf Raffle on Saturday evening, May 30, 2009 at BWʼs Restaurant 

(Davisʼ Countryside Meadows) in Pavilion.  We are calling upon our good 

friends across Genesee County to support our efforts. 

This year we will recognize contributions of $200 or more to this event by businesses or individuals with a “Red Cross Ace” designation on all advertising for the Golf Raffle (unless, of course, you donʼt wish to be recognized in this way).  Donations can be monetary or in the form of gift cards/certificates/services, but they must be received no later than March 31st in order to be included in the Ace advertising. 

Of course, we are grateful for all gifts, regardless of the size or amount.  

Call the Red Cross office at 343-6098, and a member of the Golf Raffle 

Committee will come to you to pick up your contribution. 

Thank you in advance for your support.  Please know that you are making 

a difference in our community with your gift! 

Press Release:

This year’s Business Showcase will be held Friday, April 24, 2009, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the Batavia City Center.   The Showcase is the culmination of Small Business Week, celebrated April 20th thru the 25th by the New York State Business Council.  All businesses are invited to “show the community what you do”.  Businesses can Display/Showcase & sell their wares.  We also encourage businesses to share employment opportunities they may have with the community.    

Booths (10x10 spaces) are available for table top displays at the cost of $25.00 for Chamber Members and $35.00 for Non Members.  If tables are needed they will be provided at $6.00 per table.  To obtain an application call Kelly J. Bermingham, Director of Membership & Special Events at 343-7440, ext. 26 or stop in at the Chamber Office in downtown Batavia, 210 East Main Street. 

The Batavia Improvement District and Batavia City Center Mall Merchants Association will be sponsoring The Ohms Band as the evening entertainment for the evening. Many restaurants & food vendors will be handing out samples of their delicious specialties to satisfy all your cravings and appetites!
 

Press Release:

Thursday, March 19, 2009; 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM

BATAVIA, NY (03/17/2009; 1023)(readMedia)-- Second Annual Tech Wars Competition

WHO:

More than 250 students from 10 area middle and high school in the GLOW area.

WHAT:

Second Annual Tech Wars Competition

WHEN: Thursday March 19, 2009 at 09:30AM Eastern Time (US  Canada)

WHERE:Genesee Community CollegeOne College RoadBatavia, New York 14020

NOTES:

Students will have a chance to take what they learn in the technology classroom and compete in an exciting hands-on event at the second annual Tech Wars competition. From catapults to robots, manual drafting to web page design, the imagination and creativity of some of the brightest students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) region will be showcased during this day-long event.

The highly visual and adrenaline pumping competition is open to middle and high school students who will participate in multiple project-based events of skill, chance, and ability. Students will compete in bridge building, drafting, sumo robots, T-shirt design, and carbon dioxide dragster racing, among other events.

College Tech Prep helps students explore various career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college, and ultimately to professional careers. The Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to work in hands-on learning encounters, often within business settings and with various professionals. College Tech Prep offers several distinctive career academies to high school students including: Heath, Legal, Information Technology, and the newest Theatre Arts Academy starting in September 2009. In addition, there is also a Virtual Enterprise Business program available to high school students.

For more information, contact Debbie Dunlevy, Program Director for College Tech Prep, at   585-343-0055 x6316. Or, visit www.techwars.org.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that it will be hosting three more Open Houses this spring to help potential students and their families understand the application process, the financial aid opportunities, explore a wide range of different academic and career options, and tour the college campuses and/or College Village. Interested visitors are encouraged to pre-register by going to www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse.

Open Houses will take place at the following dates and times at the Batavia campus:

Thursday, March 26, at 5:00 - 8:00 PM - held in conjunction with Experience Genesee at the Batavia Campus only. 

Saturday, April 25, at 12:00 PM - held in conjunction with Recherché, the 28th Annual Fashion Show, which will take place at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Batavia Campus only.

Wednesday, May 6, at 6:00 PM at all Campus Centers in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Medina, Lakeville, and Warsaw.

College Visit days held at the Batavia Campus on a series of Fridays through the spring are less formal but more up-tempo alternatives to Open Houses. Potential students will get an introduction to admissions, as well as find out about the application process and financial aid. In addition, students will have the opportunity to sit in on an actual college class during any of these College Visit days at the Batavia campus:

March 27, 9:00 AM
April 3, 9:00 AM
April 17, 9:00 AM
May 1, 9:00 AM

For more information, contact Admissions at 585-345-6800, by email at Admissions@genesee.edu, or register easily online  for any Open House at: www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse.

In a conscious effort to save our world and landfills from any more destruction, Suzanne Interiors  is pleased to offer Eco-Friendly Products.

This means environmentally friendly paint products with low VOC, that lack odor and deliver better quality air for all of us to breathe. Note that these low-VOC paints are not considered hazardous waste so consumers can take pride in knowing that they are not impacting the environment when disposing of leftover paints.

Most hard window treatments, shades, blinds, etc. provide excellent levels of insulation for energy efficiency and all are most recyclable. A few examples of eco- friendly products would be bamboo, which makes an excellent floor and yes, even bed sheets.Organically grown, processed and colored cotton, renewable hemp and 100% recycled polyester are fine choices for your "Green" home. Natural woven woods and grasses are a great look for blinds and shades.

Wood products are dense materials and highly insulating, meaning that in many cases they will eventually pay for themselves in reduced utility bills. I am sure we have all  felt the skyrocket energy crunch this winter.

Trendsetting fabrics provide superior levels of wear made with these fibers that are eco-friendly. This includes commercial and residential for your application. 

Whether you choose to add ambiance or a casual setting to your home, you are sure to find Earth friendly products at Suzanne Interiors.

Press Release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a nine day familiarization tour of China in November of this year. Very similar to their successful trips in 2007 and 2008, the Chamber is offering the community the unique opportunity to travel to China for the low price of $1,899. Price includes air fare (from JFK), bus to/from JFK, hotel stays, three meals a day, bus tours (with guides), admission to tourist spots, and airport taxes throughout the trip.
 
Of professional interest, this trip will present opportunities to learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates. The group will tour many memorable sites, both ancient and modern, and enjoy a multitude of unforgettable experiences in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. In addition, there is the option to visit Xian (Terra Cotta Warriors) or to Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill) for an additional fee.
 
The Chamber believes this trip to be an exceptional value. For more detail call the Chamber at (585) 343-7440, ext. 27 and sign up to attend an informational meeting on March 25th.

Press Release:

Show that you care about the Earth. Join us for a clean up day at DeWitt Recreation Area or Genesee County Park. Community displays and fun craft activities at the Genesee County Park & Forest Nature Center. Call 344-1122 to sign up.

Genesee County Park & Forest

11095 Bethany Center Rd.

E. Bethany, Ny 14054

Press Release:

In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, United Memorial urges men and women over aged 50 to get screened for colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in New York State.  Approximately, 11,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each year in New York, and 4,000 men and women die from the disease annually.

Colorectal cancer is the term used for cancers that start in the colon or the rectum.  Colorectal cancer often starts as a small growth called a polyp, long before symptoms appear.  A polyp is a non-cancerous growth of tissue or tumor that grows before cancer develops. A polyp grows on the lining of the colon or rectum and may change into cancer.   “Screening tests can prevent cancer by finding it early when the chance of being cured is very good,” said Michael Merrill, MD, VP of Medical Affairs.

All men and women ages 50 and older should be screened for colorectal cancer.  Colorectal cancer can affect anyone, men and women alike, and the risk only increases with age. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 90 percent of colon cancer cases occur in people aged 50 and older.

Some people are at greater risk for the disease than others, though, such as those with a personal or family history of colorectal cancer, history of intestinal polyps or inflammatory bowel disease, and people with a history of certain inherited diseases such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented or detected early through regular screening.  United Memorial Medical Center urges you to lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by:

·         Getting screened- Begin regular screening at age 50. If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or colorectal polyps, or a personal history of another cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your health care provider about getting screened before age 50.

·         Eating healthy- Enjoy a low-fat diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains from breads, cereals, nuts, and beans.  Eat foods with folate such as green, leafy vegetables. A daily multivitamin containing .4mg of folic acid may also be helpful.

·         Kicking the habit-If you use tobacco, quit. If you don't use tobacco, don't start.

·         Skipping the alcohol- If you use alcohol, drink only in moderation. Alcohol and tobacco in combination are linked to colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers.

·         Getting moving- Exercise for at least 20 minutes three to four days each week. Moderate exercise such as walking, gardening, or climbing may help reduce your risk.

“Talking with your healthcare provider is vital when it comes to preventing colorectal cancer, stressed Dr. Merrill, colorectal cancer is easily treated and often curable when detected early.  The tests are often covered by Medicare and many health insurers.”

 If you are uninsured or underinsured there is a program in this community that provides access to free colorectal cancer screening.  For more information about colorectal cancer, contact the Genesee Orleans Cancer Partnership at (585)344-5497 or visit us on-line at www.ummc.org.

Press Release:

Batavia, N.Y. – United Memorial Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate from December 2008 through December 2011.  This award indicates the hospital’s continued commitment in providing high-quality self-management education essential to effective diabetes treatment.

The Association’s Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.  This recognition confirms that United Memorial maintains a staff of knowledgeable health professionals who can provide patients with both diabetes management information and high-quality service.

The American Diabetes Association has determined that diabetes afflicts 20.8 million people; estimated at 7% of the United States population.  While an estimated 14.6 million people have been diagnosed, 6.2 million are most likely unaware of even having this disease.  Many will not initially learn of their diabetic condition until being treated for one of its several life-threatening complications – heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve disease and amputation.

With approximately 4,110 people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, the American Diabetes Associates forges ahead as the nation’s leading non-profit health organization supporting all important diabetes research, advocacy and information for health professionals and the public.  The association’s web site – www.diabetes.org can be accessed online for further information. To inquire about United Memorial’s educational program on diabetes please call the Healthy Living Department at (585) 344-5331.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- The American Bar Association House of Delegates has re-approved Genesee Community College's Paralegal program for a seven-year period, Associate Vice President/Dean of Math, Science and Career Education Michael S. Stoll reported to the Board of Trustees Monday evening.

Approval came after an intensive review of the program's curricula, internship program, and student success. The approval process began in 2006 with faculty members developing a comprehensive "self-study" of the program. An ABA examiner then reviewed the self-study, and an approval team visited Genesee and conducted rigorous interviews with Genesee faculty, staff, and students.

This is the third approval of the program since it began 15 years ago.

ABA approval signifies to students and the general public that the Paralegal program meets high academic standards, and that students are well-prepared for paralegal positions, Dean Stoll told trustees.

Genesee's Paralegal program prepares students to work as legal assistants in a variety of fields. Paralegals provide research, case preparation, and management assistance to attorneys. They also work in the banking, real estate, and insurance fields.

Genesee's Paralegal program can be completed with two years of full time studies. In addition to a variety of general studies courses, students complete courses in such fields as tort law, civil litigation, legal research and writing, real estate law, trusts and estates, and family law.

The “Take Charge” Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is an evidence-based program that was developed at Stanford University. This program is 2.5 hours, once a week, for six weeks. Take Charge is open to anyone in the community who is dealing with a chronic condition and wishes to enhance their ability to manage their own health care. The program is also open to family members, friends and caregivers of those with chronic conditions. Participants will learn how to:

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Community members of all ages should save the date for Genesee Community College's 28th Annual Fashion Show. This year's much anticipated show is entitled "Recherche" (pronounced ra-share-shay) and is French for rare, exquisite or lavishly refined.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the program, the event continues to offer two shows scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM, in the William W. Stuart Forum of the Batavia Campus. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

"Each year it is so exciting to watch the Fashion Merchandising students spend the year blending their ideas, talents and enthusiasm together toward the common goal of producing Western New York's largest professionally produced Fashion Show," said Rick Dudkowski, Genesee Community College's business professor who oversees the entire two-semester capstone project. "This year we've got some fantastic talents coordinating and participating in this project. This event will not disappoint!"

The event combines the interests and academic pursuits of several other College departments as well. The College's Hospitality Management students work under Genesee instructor Amy Bowles to coordinate extensive 'front of house' operations such as refreshments, décor, door prizes, music and light refreshments, and the overall festive ambience. In addition, Genesee's Criminal Justice students will be behind the scenes ensuring safety and security from the moment visitors arrive in the parking lot to the very end of the night, when the show has long been over. Graphic Art students at Genesee, under the direction of Pamela Swarts, have also contributed art work for the posters and programs.

Sponsors for the production are still being accepted. Business donations of $10.00 or personal donations of $5.00 are available. To extend appreciation, the business or personal name will be included in the souvenir program and the fashion show's website. If writing a check please make checks payable to GCCA. To schedule a time for pick up or to make special arrangements for your donation, please contact Alexandrea Biermann at abierman@genesee.edu.

Further information will be forthcoming, but save the date April 25 for Genesee's Annual Fashion Show. Contact Fashion Show student representative Katie Norton at 585-746-8170 for additional information.

Press Release:

BATAVIA, NY - The talents of many Genesee student artists take center stage with the Genesee Community College Fine Arts Student Exhibition. This exhibit will be on display in the lobby art gallery of the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus from February 24 until March 24, 2009. This massive exhibit features over 100 pieces of sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, photography and design projects, highlighting student works (both art and non-art majors) at Genesee.

There is a wide arrangement of works of art from 10 different art classes taught by four different faculty members. Included in the exhibit are works from: Drawing I and II, Painting I and II, and Digital Photography all taught by Heather Jones; 2D Design taught by Melissa Newcomb; Ceramics I and II and 3D Design taught by Moi Dugan; and Photography taught by Robert Cooper.

Art work submitted from Drawing I and II display various pencil drawings, portraits, and negative and positive space projects. The 2D Design classes offer pieces detailing elements such as texture, balance, color, line and emphasis. Plaster, paper and cardboard sculptures adorn the gallery from the 3D design class. The glass display cases are filled with unique and intricate ceramic pieces from the Ceramics I and II classes. Rounding out the immense student exhibit is an assortment of photographs from the photography classes depicting people, places and artistic interpretations.

"We really have some talented students at Genesee," Heather Jones, instructor of Fine Arts at Genesee said. "The students have really shown the depths of their creativity and ability. This year's student exhibit is also one of largest showings we've had. Both art and non-art majors have brought their best works to be displayed."

Students involved in the Fine Arts Exhibit are: Abrianna Adler, Susan Alessi, Alyssa Almete, Janet Arney, Peter Badami, Stacie Ball, Adaline Ballord, Christina Barnes, Rebecca Batt, Corey Bennett, Philip Berggren, Sierra Biegasiewioz, Krystal Skye Brisson, Karen Bryant, Jennifer Byrgett, Justin Calmes, Emille Carducci, Hoemi Chin, Grant Claypool, Briana Coogan-Bassett, Carrie Crawford, Joan Dalba, McKenzie D'Angelo, Megan Dembinski, Alicia Derefinko, Marcus Dixon, Chris Douglas, Mary Dukes, Holly Gardner, Jessica Gates, Andy Gibbs, Heather Gleason, Erin R. Guest, Markus Hall, Brittney Helsdon, Heather Hildebrant, Nate Hillabush, Dawn Holbrook, Danielle Hoskins, Jillian Hunt, Haruka Inove, Jamila Jordan, Annalis Kaminski, Casandra Kelsey, Brittany Kessler, Gary King, Ashley Kingsley, Susan Kinney, Heather Klimeck, Weiling Lazik, Heather Magrid, Jeanette Menzie, Carl Militello, Phil Mordenga, Lori Mould, Michael Moultrup, Mariko Nomura, Julie O'Connor, Gustavo Otera, Calvin Patrick, Nicole Pierce, Megan Reckahn, Libby Rennard, Amanda Ripton, Carrie Riter, William Rupp, Ellen Saile, Lynette Schunacher, Greg Scoins, Samantha Seewaldt, Maria Seewaldt, Kaely Shepard, Gwendolen Shepard, Julie Shuaffer, Timothy Sisson, Howen Smart, Haven Smart, Aquantis Smith, Leslie Statt, Lori Stellrecht, Kelly Stone, Carolyn Stroka, Michelle Taylor, Cory Thomas, Kelsey Trybushyn, Anne Vandenbosch, Rachel Wall, Kevin Wallace, Natalie Welch, Mary Jo Whitman, Elizabeth Woodruff, Martha Zuber, and Lydia Zwierzynski.

The Fine Arts Student Exhibit is free and open to the public. For further information, please contact Heather Jones at 585-343-0055 x6448 or at hsjones@genesee.edu.

Press release:

BATAVIA, NY -- Genesee Community College is proud to announce that 19 classes have integrated A Tale for Three Counties reading initiative program into their classrooms. The 2009 program features the novel, Separate from the World: An Ohio Amish Mystery by P.L. Gaus and has been read by over 300 Genesee students. A 'Meet the Author' presentation and book signing is scheduled for Thursday, March 12 at 1:00 PM in Room T102 at Genesee's Batavia campus.

A Tale for Three Counties community reading initiative was organized in 2003 by librarians in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, as well as with other interested partners, including Genesee Valley BOCES School Library System and the Daily News. The goal of A Tale for Three Counties is to encourage reading among area adults and teenagers and to develop interest and discussion groups for works of fiction that focus on rural family themes, local history, or other related topics and issues.

A wide range of subjects have incorporated the book into their lesson plans at the College. Six subject areas are represented, including: Reading, English, Sociology, Human Relations, Biology and The First Year Experience (FYE). Students at the Batavia Campus, many Campus Centers, and high school students in Genesee's ACE program are taking part in this collaborative reading initiative. Students participating in the reading program were given the book free of charge with funding from a grant through Genesee's Foundation and Student Activities.

Separate from the World is a story of a rift between two Amish factions, one that favors the use of medicine and that participates in a college study of genetic traits particular to the Amish community, and the other that rejects any outside influence. P. L. Gaus takes the reader inside a separate culture and, in a manner both gentle and grim, highlights the complex relationship of the Amish and the "English" as they live inside or outside each other's orbits.

Students, faculty and community members are invited to participate in various book discussions preceding the 'Meet the Author' presentation, on Monday, March 9 at 7:00 PM in the Library at Genesee and Tuesday, March 10 at 12:30 PM in room S103 in the Student Union. The book discussions and author presentation are part of 18 different discussions held at 15 community libraries through A Tale for Three Counties area-wide reading program. Amish inspired refreshments will be available at discussions, and at the author's presentation and book signing.

"This really is a record- setting year for this reading initiative at Genesee," Sue Chiddy, co-chair of the Genesee committee said. "This novel is an excellent piece for discussion in an academic setting because it touches on so many compelling topics. From bio-genetic issues to sociological dialogue on communal living, the students here are engaging in interesting and thought-provoking discussion."

For more information on A Tale for Three Counties community reading program, visit www.taleforthreecounties.org or contact committee chair person Leslie Delooze at 585-343-9550 Ext.8.

The 'Meet the Author' presentation, book sale and signing event at Genesee are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Genesee Community College's A Tale for Three Counties co-chairpersons Michele Asmus or Sue Chiddy at 585-343-0055 Ext. 6256.