Announcements

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to offer students a new way to share their college achievements online and through social media. The College has posted the first set of achievements, the President's List and Dean's List honors, to student Merit Pages.

Merit is a social media utility developed by readMedia of Albany, NY. GCC has long utilized readMedia to distribute news releases and student accomplishments to local newspapers. Merit allows the College to provide an individual Web page to each student where (s)he can better track and share all of their achievements, both inside the classroom as well as extracurricular accomplishments.

"This new tool will help our students record and share their many successes through their college years and beyond into their careers," said Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications.

How it works

The College has established its main Merit page at http://genesee.meritpages.com. This site posts all of GCC's student achievements collectively, for example, the comprehensive list of all students being recognized on the College's Dean's and President's Lists for a semester. Students won't have their individual Merit Page until their first achievement is announced, and then they "claim" their achievement. Once a student claims his or her first achievement, it is reflected on that student's individual Merit page with a badge and summary. From there, the student can share it on other social media venues, such as Facebook and Twitter. There are now hundreds of students who can claim their Dean's and President's achievements and begin personalizing their individual Merit pages with additional postings, photos and badges.

"Merit pages make it much easier for families to see their student's accomplishments and share them throughout their network of friends and family," said Jackie Vetrano, Web and social media coordinator at GCC. "Students who are already savvy with social media will find this to be an even better way to tell their friends and prospective employers about their accomplishments."

Vetrano advises students who've earned Dean's List or President's List honors for Fall 2013 to check their e-mail and their spam folders to make sure they claim their achievements.

ReadMedia launched Merit in February 2013. GCC is one of many colleges utilizing it.

"We wanted to do our due diligence in making sure this would be beneficial for our students," Sutherland said, emphasizing that students who do not wish to publicize their achievements can easily "opt-out" of doing so.

"We're pleased to offer this opportunity to our students and their families. It's a simple and effective way for them to share all their achievements from academic successes, to participation in athletic teams, student clubs and college events. With the help of social media, Merit helps students build a portfolio that will impress potential employers."

Press release:

On Saturday, Feb. 22, the Genesee County 4-H Youth Development Program held its annual public presentations event at Byron-Bergen Middle/High School. More than 100 4-H youths countywide participated.

Ranging from ages 5 to 18, they gave public presentations in front of their peers and a panel of volunteer judges. Presentations included everything from illustrated talks to live demonstrations and even impromptu topics. Each presentation was at least five minutes, but no longer than 15 minutes.

By participating in this event, 4-H youth improve their public speaking skills while developing self-confidence, poise, self-esteem, stage presence and knowledge, giving them an advantage over their peers in this lifetime skills area. These skills will be useful in their future social, educational and career pursuits.

Congratulations to all of the Genesee County 4-H youth who participated! Great job!
For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 343-3040, ext. 101, or e-mail genesee4h@cornell.edu

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that more than three dozen of its programs have been given the Distance Education designation from the New York State Education Department. This designation is awarded when 50 percent or more of a program's coursework is available online. GCC now has 40 programs with at least 50 percent of their courses available through online learning.

"We're excited to grow our online offerings for students," said Craig Lamb, dean of Distributed Learning at GCC. "Many learners are leaning toward educational options that remove many of the time and place constraints found in higher education. This is especially true for individuals juggling important responsibilities in their lives."

The convenience of learning online, along with GCC's affordability, makes the College an attractive option for a variety of populations:

•    Working adults who have schedules that make returning to college a challenge;

•    Individuals with family and community commitments who need flexible study options;

•    Individuals looking to advance in their career or to transfer who are unable to engage in an on-site educational experience.

"GCC's online courses are of the same high quality as our on-site courses," Lamb said. "The majority of our online offerings are taught by our full-time GCC faculty. Additionally, our online courses cost a fraction of what for-profit online education providers charge."

GCC offers 15 degrees and certificates that can be earned fully online including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Supply Chain Management.

"These are rigorous programs that lead to career advancement and transfer into bachelor's degree programs," Lamb said.

Additionally, there are 10 degree and certificate options with 75 percent of the coursework available online and 15 degrees and certificates with half the coursework available online.

Students interested in exploring online learning options can visit the Online Learning page of GCC's Web site at http://www.genesee.edu/online. There they can easily see all of the programs the College offers and how much of each one can be completed online.

For more information, contact GCC's Office of Online Learning at (585) 345-6969 or online@genesee.edu.

At 6:30 p.m. on March 13, United Memorial Medical Center will host a free community health talk with Andrea Zucchiatti, M.D., in the Cary Hall Medical Library, 211 E. Main St., Batavia. The subject is thyroid and parathyroid disease.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just above the collarbone. It is one of the endocrine glands, which produces hormones. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many activities in the body, including metabolism and heart rate. Though their names are similar, the thyroid and parathyroid glands are completely different. The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps the body keep the right balance of calcium and phosphorous. If the parathyroid glands make too much or too little hormone, it disrupts this balance.

This event is open to the community and there is no charge for attendance. Light refreshments will be served. Please call (585) 344-5331 to reserve a seat.

United Memorial is pleased to announce a new community outreach program called “Ask a Nurse.”

Ask a Nurse will be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 9 -11 a.m. in the Jerome Center Lobby at 16 Bank St., Batavia, and on the third Tuesday of each month from 9-11 a.m. in the main lobby of the hospital at 127 North St., Batavia.

A registered nurse will be present during these times to answer health-related questions, check blood pressures, review medications, and provide diabetes risk assessments. The program is free and open to the public on a walk-in basis. No appointments are necessary.

Both the Jerome Center and United Memorial Medical Center are handicap accessible and offer convenient parking near the main entrances.

The Ninth Annual Batavia Antique Show & Sale to benefit the Holland Land Office Museum will be held Friday and Saturday, March 14-15, at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia.

Times are 5 to 8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Cost for adults is $5 and children under 12 get in free. Plus, with proof of paid Friday admission, you can attend Saturday at no cost. Parking is free. Also, you can visit www.hollandlandoffice.com/events to print out a coupon for $1 off one admission. (Not valid with any other offer. Expires March 16.)

The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road.

Vendors or those wanting more information can contact HLOM at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia, or by calling 585.343.4727, or visiting the Web site noted above.

The annual Sprout Film Festival will be held Saturday, March 22 at Genesee Community College, BEST Center, Batavia Campus.

Rachel Simon is an award-winning author and nationally recognized public speaker on issues related to diversity and disability. Her presentation will begin at 1 p.m. with a book signing to follow.

The Sprout films relating to developmental and physical challenges are produced and star individuals facing these challenges. The film presentations will begin at 3 p.m. The event includes an art show.

Admission is $5 (staff, students, and Individuals with disabilities $2.50). For more information call Shelley Falitico at 585-343-4203 or visit www.gencoarc.com.

Press release:

On Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Byron Fire Hall, 70 plus attendees came together to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Genesee County’s Adults with Developmental Disabilities Valentine’s Day Dance.

Attendees entered the heart-filled Byron Fire Hall on a beautifully mild February evening. Most folks were dressed in red, some even wore heart-adorned T-shirts. As usual, folks danced to their favorite songs and enjoyed the usual snacks. Uncle Joe snapped photos between filling in as the evening’s DJ.

A highlight of the evening was when our young Byron volunteer firefighters paraded to the dance floor leading the group in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Later on the young men came back to the dance floor in their firefighter’s gear to lead the group in the YMCA dance. February birthdays were recognized prior to our customary circle dances; the chicken dance and the hokie pokie.

The next dance is the St. Patrick’s Dance on Thursday, March 13. The dates for the dances through May are as follows: the April dance is a Pajama Dance on Thursday, April 17; and the last dance of the season is on Thursday, May 15, it will be the Hawaiian Dance.

All dances are 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Byron Fire Hall on Route 262 near the Route 237 intersection. The dances are sponsored by Byron Ladies Auxiliary, and are open to all folks with developmental disabilities ages 13 and up living in Genesee County, family and caregivers are also welcome. Adequate supervision is required. Anyone wanting to volunteer or need more information may call Pat Iamon at 245-2918 or Laura Platt at 548-2245.

Pictured are Justin and Corrinne.

"Aida: The Timeless Love Story" will be presented by the Batavia High School Production Club at 7:30 p.m. on March 6, 7, 8 in the school auditorium, located at 260 St. Street in the City of Batavia.

The musical is based on the popular Broadway version created by Elton John, who wrote the music, and Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics. In turn, that production is based on the book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Fall and David Henry Hwung.

The BHS production is overseen by Caryn Burk, musical drama director.

Cost is $8 for students and seniors, $10 for general admission. Tickets are available at the school office or at the door.

FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS OFFERED AT BLUE PEARL YOGA IN BATAVIA

BATAVIA…Blue Pearl Yoga will offer free yoga classes to the community on Friday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. These classes are suitable for all ages and skill levels. A DJ will provide music for this fun event. Light refreshments will be served following the class.

Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga and recent recipient of the 2013 City of Batavia Business of the Year award announced that she will teach a yoga class as a way to say thank you to the community for the support they’ve shown during her 14 years in business. “Independent business owners owe everything to their customers, especially when you live outside an urban center,” Reisdorf said. “This is a way for me to give back and show my appreciation to all of the people who’ve supported me and helped me grow Blue Pearl Yoga.” 

A class for adults will be held on the 3rd floor of her yoga studio located at the old Masonic Temple on Main Street in Batavia. A special class for families will be held on the fourth floor; both classes begin at 6 p.m. “We’re committed not only to the health of our families but the health of our community,” said Reisdorf. While this is the first time that a free yoga class has been offered community-wide, Blue Pearl Yoga can often be found at local community agencies like the Mental Health Association and the YWCA teaching yoga to their clients.”  

A class for families will be held simultaneously on the 4th floor of the studio. Maryanne Skye will teach a class designed for fun and suitable for adults and children of all ages. Participants can expect light stretching and simple yoga poses that create a delightful flow of energy to an upbeat soundtrack.

No special equipment is required but participants should wear light, comfortable clothing. Yoga mats will be provided by the studio or you can bring your own.  Blue Pearl Yoga is located at 200 East Main Street in Batavia. For more information please call Karen Reisdorf at 585.230.5430 or email bluepearl.yoga@yahoo.com

Registration for Batavia Minor Leagues baseball will be inside the Batavia Country Mall, outside of Sunny's Restaurant, on the following dates:

• 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday Feb. 28th
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday March 1st
• 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday March 7th

Registration fee is $50 due at time of sign-up. The fee will increase to $75 for any player registered after March 7th.

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County has launched a 2014 appeal to help support the Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program.

There are an estimated 6,000 victims of domestic violence in Genesee County, and YW staff plans to serve at least 1,000 of them this year. That is 300 more than the average number served, Executive Director Jeanne Walton says.

"Our goal is to open a door of hope for victims of domestic violence," Walton said. "They often can't even imagine the freedom and joy waiting for them. All campaign donations will go a long way in helping us to get the job done."

YWCA has scheduled a year of fundraisers to not only fuel the nonprofit's programs but to recognize, honor and celebrate special people in the community. Events include a Fabulous Females dinner on May 10, Wheels & Heels party on July 26, and the Stiletto/Sneaker Walk and Community Harvest Supper on Oct. 1. More details are to come.

Tucked into these special events is The YES! Cafe, a lunchtime program on the second Wednesday of each month.

Tomorrow, Feb. 12, patrons can "Follow Your Heart" with last-minute Valentine's gifts starting at noon. A lunch of a baked potato with assorted toppings, salad bar and a red velvet cookie sandwich will be served as various gift vendors display and sell their goods. Items will include body contour wraps, infinity scarves, soaps, lotions, flameless candles, purses, jewelry, specialty vinegars and much more.

For more information about any programs and services at YWCA, call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Michael R. Marsh, of Batavia, is hosting a free 60-minute educational seminar titled "Preparing Your Estate Plan" at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6th at the branch office, 7 Jackson St. in Batavia.

Michael will present this seminar along with Bonarigo & McCutcheon, Benjamin J. Bonarigo Sr.,Esq., a local estate planning attorney.

Many people tend to put off or ignore developing a sound estate plan, but it's one of the most important things an investor can create. During the seminar, participants will learn more about:

• What to consider when creating a will;
• Benefits of trusts in estate planning;
• How to help reduce taxes on one's estate;
• How insurance can help protect one's family.

The seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Robin Ettinger at 585-345-1773.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work.

The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is reminding his constituents that the deadline for volunteer firefighters to apply for college tuition aid through the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York’s Higher Education Learning Plan (FASNY HELP) is February 3. This program has been developed to encourage volunteerism and help college students pay for the ever-increasing cost of a college education. Hawley does not want any young firefighters in his district miss out on tuition aid because they were not aware of the FASNY HELP program.

“The fine people at FASNY have a great program to help volunteer firefighters with their college tuition. If you are a volunteer firefighter trying to put yourself through college, please do not hesitate to take advantage of the program,” said Hawley. “The time and sacrifice our volunteer firefighters give to their communities is commendable, and the FASNY HELP program is the least we can do to show our gratitude for their service.”

The FASNY HELP program allows community college students to receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement for up to 80 credit hours while serving as volunteer firefighters and maintaining their grades. To be eligible for the FASNY HELP program, you must first complete your local fire department’s volunteer membership process and the Volunteer Fire Department Commitment form.

For information on the program and how to apply, visit http://www.fasny.com/index.php/resources/fasny-help/, email HELP@fasny.com,
Attn: John D’Alessandro, Deputy Volunteer Programs Coordinator or call FASNY toll free at (855) 367-6933.

A chakra workshop designed to relieve stress and increase energy is scheduled for February 1 at Blue Pearl Yoga. Rich Hayden, a certified yoga, meditation, and chakra instructor will lead the class on a path to renewed wellness. This class is suitable for all ages; pre-registration is required.

Chakras are points in the subtle human body located at the physical counterparts of arteries, veins, and nerves. Since charkas are not part of the human body they can most accurately be described as energy centers connected by channels. Each Chakra has its own characteristics, responsible for receiving and expressing energy. Through a series of simple yoga poses and breathing exercises students will learn how to activate energy while relieving stress, tension, and depression. “Keeping these energy field clear and balanced is one of the best form of preventative medicine and self-care,” according to Karen Reisdorf, owner of Blue Pearl Yoga.

Workshop facilitator Rich Hayden has been a yoga instructor at Blue Pearl Yoga for 8 years and has lead several Chakra Workshops. He says that participants will learn to attend to their Chakra through meditation, poses, and chanting to “establish health on a solid basis and increase energy.” During meditation, he says, “we focus on color and sound. Each chakra has a corresponding color connected to it and has a tremendous strengthening effect on the physical body.” The resulting outcome of this workshop is “peace, joy, and a true love of life.” 

The Chakra Workshop with Rich Hayden is scheduled for Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 East Main Street, third floor. Cost is $35.00 and pre-registration is required. For more information contact Karen Reisdorf at 585.813.5430.

Press release:

The Red Cross will conduct a blood drive at United Memorial Medical Center on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The mobile unit will be in front of the hospital at 127 North St., Batavia. All presenting donors at the blood drive will receive a free gift card to Dunkin’ Donuts. Appointments may be made by visiting www.redcrossblood.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Generally to be eligible to donate, individuals must be 17 years of age or older, healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds. On the day of the donation, the American Red Cross recommends drinking an extra 16 ounce glass of water before and after the donation. They also suggest eating a healthy meal, avoiding high fat foods, before donating.

For the appointment (walk-ins are welcome) bring a driver’s license or two other forms of identification and a list of any current medications. After registration, presenting donors will have their blood pressure, temperature, pulse and hemoglobin measured. They will also be asked for a brief health history and asked about their travels to foreign countries.

The donation process itself usually lasts 8-10 minutes, but can be longer based on the donation. After donating, refreshments are provided. The entire process usually takes less than an hour to complete.

People can donate multiple times but must wait eight weeks/56 days between donations of whole blood.

Enjoy an evening of laughter at the auditorium at Batavia High School on Friday, Jan. 24. That's when the Jack Hirsch Comedy Hypnosis act will take place, starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 in advance and can be obtained at Big Pauly's Pizza, all Batavia schools, varsity basketball games and from members of the Batavia High School Alpine Ski Team, which is hosting the event. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $12.

And look whose going to get hypnotized...Mrs. Wasilewski, Mr. Weicher, Coach Briggs, Mr. Sloan, Michael DiBracco, Mr. Kirkwood and Pauly from Big Pauly's Pizza.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

The All Weather Gang, a group of plein air (outdoor) painters who wander the back roads of Western New York, has a show at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia, through Jan. 25. The official opening of the show is from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, and all are welcome.

Beginning in the late 20th Century, the gang (currently seven members) meets for
breakfast every Saturday morning. They then travel in caravan formation in search of the day’s painting location. Should you see them, feel free to stop and say hello. The group includes Batavians Don Grieger and Kevin Feary, Gilbert Jordan, of Wyoming, and artists from the Rochester area.

Press release:

The 12th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner, set for March 22, is a celebration of the number one industry in Genesee County – Agriculture.
 
Tickets to the dinner are currently sold out!
 
Thank you to the following farms and businesses that are sponsoring this year’s event:

Lamb Farms, Inc., William Kent, Inc., Stein Farms, Farm Credit East, Windy Acres Farm, Five Star Bank, Clark Patterson Lee, Z&M Ag and Turf, United Memorial Medical Center, Torrey Farms, Inc., Muller Quaker Dairy, Arctic Refrigeration Co., Baskin Livestock, Carolina Eastern Crocker, LLC, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, National Grid, The Southcott Agency Inc., The Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance, Porter Agency - Farm Family Insurance, Del Mar Farms, Java Farm Supply and Geer Farm Services.
 
Proceeds from the dinner help support agriculture educational events in Genesee County.
 
The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District and Genesee County Farm Bureau.