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Announcements

Bonarigo & McCutcheon welcomes new staff member

By Howard B. Owens

Jenna Engel has joined the law office of Bonarigo & McCutcheon as a paralegal.

Born and raised in Batavia, New York, Ms. Engel is a 2005 graduate of Batavia High School and a 2009 Graduate of Hilbert College with a degree in Legal Studies.  Her previous employment was as a litigation secretary with Nixon Peabody, LLP in Buffalo, NY. A resident of the City of Batavia, Jenna is a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at her alma mater, Batavia High School as well as for The Batavia Club Volleyball team.  She is an active member of the WNY paralegal Association having received its 2008 scholarship. 

Ms. Engel is assigned to the real estate department at Bonarigo & McCutcheon however, she will be available to assist clients in all aspects of the services provided.  Bonarigo & McCutcheon is a successful law firm, established in the City of Batavia with and has provided legal assistance for over two decades.  The firm’s specialty areas are: business and corporate; criminal; family; matrimonial; municipal; DWI; custody; visitation; civil litigation; real estate; vehicle and traffic; wills and estate planning. 

Bonarigo & McCutcheon is located at 18 Ellicott St., Batavia. Phone is (585) 344-1994.

Contestants sought for coveted 'Pet of the Week'

By Billie Owens

Is your pet special? Do you think your pal is worthy of the decidedly prestigous designation Pet of the Week? Then let Pachuco know! Winners get ten bucks to spend at Genesee Feeds!

All entrants will be taken into consideration, be they four-legged, fowl or amphibious. They can tell our readers their story or you can tell it for them, your choice. Please send submissions, along with a digital photo, to:  billie at the batavian dot com

She handles correspondence for Pachuco, a 130-pound Rottweiller/Doberman who was found at the pound as a pup. Be assured this handsome, gentle giant makes the actual selections. Being an animal himself, he is discerning about their qualities and qualifications.

The onus of selection is something he takes very seriously. It's not as hard as mastering the preparation of French cuisine, which he doggedly pursues despite his limited ability to make pate without sampling it. But it's not a snap either. 

He had such a hard time recently when considering the goldfish Steve, Phineus the ferret and a burro named Burrito. He almost resorted to pulling names out a Stetson. He managed to get ahold of himself and went for a dog named Althea instead.

But he thinks this is all worthwhile because he likes reading the stories and seeing the pictures and knows you will, too.

Be sure to include your family's name and address (addresses will not be published) so we can send you the gift certificate.

 

 

Anglicans Welcome New Priest

By Karen Clement

Anglicans Welcome New Priest and Family

The Anglican Community Church in Batavia will welcome Rev. Gus Calvo

as their new priest. Father Gus' first service will be on Sunday, January 24th,

at 10:00 a.m. Please join us and get to know this great man and his family. 

The service is held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at 101 Richmond Ave.

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Thousand dollar reward for missing pet

By Tasia Boland

It was a usual morning for Lydia and her siblings. They went outside while it was still dark to roam around and play in their big country yard. Every morning when the English Bull Terrier Lydia, the St. Bernard Beauregard and the Basset Hound Lily hear Dad’s voice they coming running in for their breakfast, except this time Lydia didn’t follow the pack.  

The Presutti family searched their Geneseo property and adjacent farms for several days. It has been five weeks since they last saw their family pet. They are offering a $1,000 reward for their 3-year-old spayed English Bull Terrier in hopes to attract some attention. She is wearing a collar with her identification number along with an invisible fence collar. Owner Sharon Presutti believes there is a chance she was stolen.

“She is not a wanderer at all,” Presutti said. “This is not her normal behavior.”

Presutti said Lydia is so friendly, she would jump up into the UPS driver’s truck.

The family has put up flyers all over Livingston County, where they live, Genesee County and elsewhere. So far, no tips but lots of support from the community.

“We have been overwhelmed by all the phone calls from people with support and offers to help. We have our fingers crossed and are so thankful for all the support.”

If you have any information that may be helpful to the Presutti family, please contact them at 585-243-2846 or 585-752-0300, or 585-764-3004.

Free hip hop dance workshop offered

By Billie Owens

Do you think you can dance? The City of Batavia is calling all youth ages 10-16 to come out and show off their moves!

The Youth Connection Saturday’s program will be featuring a FREE Hip Hop workshop led by Erin Martin and Janea Raines, both of Divine Dance Studio in Batavia. Each class will teach a new routine. Previous dance experience helpful, but is not required.

The Hip Hop workshop will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 23, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20 at Batavia Middle School. Youth can drop in for any one class or come out for all three!

Please contact Janea Raines at  HYPERLINK "mailto:jraines@batavianewyork.com" jraines@batavianewyork.com or (585)-345-6314 with any questions and/or to register.

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

City of Batavia Youth Bureau
ATTN: Toni Funke
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, New York 14020
Phone:   (585) 345-6420
Fax:        (585) 344-0260
E-mail:  funke@batavianewyork.com 


 

Trustees told registration is up, med-tech park work is on schedule

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Virginia Taylor reported to the board of trustees this week that as of Jan. 5, a total of 636 prospective students applied for admission on a full-time basis for the spring semester.

That's up 11.8 percent from the 569 prospective students who applied a year ago.

President Stuart Steiner said that as of this morning, 3,868 students had registered for classes, up 7 percent from the 3,615 students who registered a year ago.

Those registering for courses on a full-time basis numbered 2,813, an increase of 9.3 percent from last year's registration of 2,573 students.

Vice President for Finance and Operations Kevin Hamilton reported that work on the Genesee County Economic Development Center's Bruce Holm Med Tech Park is proceeding on schedule. He said if work continues to be on track, the GCEDC should receive a certificate of occupancy about June 15 and that the college's Nursing Program can move into the facility July 1.

Trustees approve degree program in veterinary technology

By Billie Owens

After almost two years of planning, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees this week approved a new Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Veterinary Technology. It will now be submitted for final approval by the State University of New York and the New York State Education Department.

The program prepares students to work in partnerships with veterinarians as licensed veterinary technicians. Most veterinary technicians work in animal hospitals and clinics, shelters, research labs and zoos.

In recent years, many prospective Genesee students have asked about veterinary technology programs, said Eunice Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs. The demand for veterinary technologists is expected to grow by 20 percent in New York State over the next six years, and 41percent nationwide.

"This is a very high-demand profession," she told trustees. "The high concentration of farms in our region is one factor in local demand for the veterinary technology profession, and the overall popularity of pets is another."

The college anticipates beginning the program this fall and at least 15 students will be admitted to the first class. That number will more than double during the second year, Bellinger said. It's likely that Genesee will receive many more applications than it can accept.

"We anticipate that this will be a highly competitive program, much like other health care programs at Genesee," she said.

Genesee Community College Veterinary Technology students will complete courses in Anatomy and Physiology, Veterinary Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Veterinary Nutrition, Techniques in Laboratory Animals and Exotics, Small Animal Pathology and Nursing, Large Animal Pathology and Nursing, Surgical Nursing and Anesthesiology, Veterinary Radiology and Dentistry, Parasitology, as well as general education courses that include communications and mathematics. Students also complete three "externships" – supervised experience working with animals in a clinical setting.

The entire program consists of 72-credit hours, and can be completed by students pursuing full-time study in two years. Nine of the program's courses include extensive lab work, and the college will develop a veterinary lab at the Batavia Campus, Bellinger said.

The program will prepare students to complete the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which is required for veterinary technician licensure in New York State. Genesee will apply to have the program accredited by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards.

Genesee graduates with an A.A.S. degree in veterinary technology will also have the opportunity to deepen their education in the veterinary management field or even become veterinarians, Bellinger told trustees. The college plans to develop transfer agreements with colleges and universities offering baccalaureate and other advanced veterinary programs.

SUNY Canton, which offers a degree in Veterinary Management Services, and SUNY Delhi, which offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Veterinary Technology, have both expressed interest in developing a transfer program for Genesee graduates. Cornell University and Ross University School of Veterinary Science have also both expressed interest in developing transfer programs for students wishing to become veterinarians.

The new Veterinary Technology Program will be a deep source of pride to Genesee, Bellinger said.

"Our health care programs have long been regarded as among the very best in the northeastern United States," she said. "In our heavily agricultural region, an academic program focusing on animal health is a natural outgrowth of our mission and expertise. We look forward to developing a veterinary technology program that will be held in high esteem by students, the entire veterinary profession and the community."

Trustees approve degree program for diagnosing sleep disorders

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday evening approved a new Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program in Polysomnographic Technology -- the evaluation and diagnosis of more than 100 sleep disorders.

The degree is the first of its kind in any college or university in New York State.

With the Board's approval, the program will now be submitted to the State University of New York for approval, and later, to the New York State Education Department. The college expects the program to begin this fall and anticipates 35 students to be enrolled, according to Eunice Bellinger, Ph.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs.

Full-time students can complete the intensive 66-credit program in four semesters. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination. New York State is expected to soon require licensing of polysomnographic technologists, and Genesee graduates will be eligible for licensure.

Polysomnographic technology is one of the fastest growing fields in medicine. Its technicians work closely with physicians to diagnose sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients. They usually work in "sleep laboratories," where patients with sleep problems spend one or more nights under intensive clinical observation. Technologists monitor patients' breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone and other clinical variables. They use a variety of highly specialized clinical equipment, such as electroencephalograph, electrooculograph, electromyograph and electrocardiograph machines to assist in diagnosis. Technologists also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Physiology of Sleep Medicine, Sleep Study Instrumentation, Sleep Disorders, Environmental Chemistry, General Psychology, as well as four courses in Polysomnography and general education courses. The academic program also includes two clinical practice courses giving students the opportunity practice their skills in a sleep lab.

Sleep disorders are getting increased attention throughout the medical community. Bellinger told trustees that "sleep disorders are often associated with other medical conditions, such as obesity. Medical technology has given us a variety of ways to assess and diagnose neurological, cardiac and muscular problems during sleep and, ultimately, help patients lead healthier lives. We are looking forward to adding this Polysomnographic Technology program to our academic offerings, and making valuable new contributions to the health of people in our local communities."

Steve Hawley included in NY Farm Bureau's 2009 Circle of Friends

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C - Batavia) has been named to the New York
Farm Bureau's 2009 "Circle of Friends" for the fourth consecutive year
.

This award is given to distinguish an individual lawmaker's support of the state's agriculture and Farm Bureau initiatives, as exemplified in the lawmakers' voting record on issues of importance to New York agriculture and other legislative actions, including sponsorship of legislation.

Hawley, who was one of 84 legislators named to the circle for 2009, said: "This honor is very gratifying for me as a former hog and crop farmer who served as the former Genesee County Farm Bureau president, continual Farm Bureau member, and former Farm Bureau host of the radio program 'Tri-County Commentary' on WBTA.

"As a legislator, I have worked very hard to promote and protect the farms and agri-businesses throughout our state, but most especially those in Western New York which are so important to our economy and quality of life."

According to New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton, in the 2009 legislative session Hawley was one of the most vocal legislators who opposed the Farm Labor Bill, which many dubbed the "Farm Death Bill." Hawley also was active in the fight for farmers by holding a rally to raise awareness for the plight of dairy farmers, testifying at a United States Senate hearing on the subject and calling on the Governor to appropriate some of the remaining federal stimulus dollars toward the cause.

The Assemblyman, who is also a member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee,
said at the time, "Here, in Western New York, agriculture is the backbone of our economy and I firmly believe that our rural economy deserves the same support given to failed Wall Street companies, like AIG."

First Workshop in New Artian Center this Friday

By

Do these gray days leave you craving a little color? Well chase away the winter doldrums this Friday at The Artisan Center!

Kim Argenta, owner of Art Ah La Carte is offering an acrylic painting class at 6:30 p.m. at the site of the newly established Artisan Center at 56 Harvester Avenue in Batavia. The four-week workshop is $12 per class and can accommodate both beginners as well as more advanced painters.

Kim says, “I spend time with everyone so I can work at their level.” Art Ah La Carte is located on the first floor, street-side level next to Hot Shots Café & Bistro. Cost of the workshop includes supplies.

Other classes offered this month at Art Ah La Carte include:

ALTERED TINS - A FUN WAY TO RECYCLE OLD TIN BOXES INTO KEEPSAKES FOR YOUR SMALL TREASURES: Tuesday, January12TH and 19TH @ 6:30 PM TO 7:30 PM/ 2 week class; cost is $20. (Suitable for teens and adults)

ACRYLIC PAINTING- Beginners or more experienced invited to attend. Cost is $12 per class. Fridays, starting January 15th running 4weeks @ 6:30pm class runs 1hour.

WATERCOLOR- Wednesday, January 13th & January 27th @ 6:30 pm-8pm. Cost is $10. For beginners or more advanced.

PRIVATE PARTIES: Private parties for adults and children. Also badge earning for 4H and Scouts. Or plan a girl’s night out at your place or mine!

Reservations are required; for additional information, including details about hosting special events or birthday parties, contact Kim Argenta at 585.245.1655 or visit artalc.vpweb.com

For more information about The Artisan Center, contact Patricia Hawley at phawley@mancusogroup.com or by calling 585.343.3329

Genesee County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Children, Inc. receives Kelly For Kids Foundation Grant.

By Tara Pariso

 

At the 3rd Annual Grant Recipient Luncheon for the Kelly For Kids Foundation, held on January 11, 2010 at Ilio Dipaolo’s restaurant in Blasdell, NY, Genesee County CASA for Children received a grant for $2,500 from the Kelly For Kids Foundation. This grant came out of the support of Terry Hills Restaurant and Golf Course. Each year Terry Hills chooses grant recipients that work with children in the community for such funds for hosting the tournament put on by Jim Kelly.
 
Genesee County CASA for Children would like to thank Terry Hills, Mr. Kelly, and the Kelly For Kids Foundation for their generous support. The funds from this grant will assist CASA in continuing our mission to provide trained community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of those children who come to the attention of Family Court as a result of abuse or neglect. CASA’s hope for this upcoming year is to recruit and train at least 5 new advocates that will be able to take case assignment and advocate for the abused and neglected children in our community.
 
If you would like information on becoming a CASA volunteer, contact Tara Pariso at (585) 344-2550 x 2331 or tpariso@co.genesee.ny.us.

Annual Spagetti Dinner and Auction

By Diane Burroughs

Annual Spagetti Dinnner & Auction

St. Paul Lutheran Church & School

31 Washington Ave., Batavia, N.Y.

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010

Dinner 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.  /  Tickets $5.00

Homemade desserts available

Auction 7:00 p.m.

All proceeds will benefit St. Paul Lutheran School

For more information call 585-343-0488

 

 

 

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Nominees wanted for GCC foundation's Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

 The Genesee Community College Foundation is seeking nominations for its Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on the community.

The foundation will induct its fourth group of honorees in a ceremony on March 24 at the Batavia campus.

"We have some outstanding alumni in our communities," said Jackie Christenson, Genesee's alumni coordinator. "This is our opportunity to recognize them and honor them for their service, dedication and success. They serve as great examples to our current students and we hope that they inspire students to be successful and serve their communities as they go out into the world."

The criteria for nominating an individual to the College Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual's contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from Genesee Community College's alumni website: (www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/  <http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/ > ) and emailed or sent to the Genesee Community College Alumni Office.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. All nominations received by Feb.1 will be considered by the Selection Committee.

New inductees will be honored at a reception and their photo and a short biography will be featured on a plaque displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building.

Genesee Community College's Alumni Hall of Fame inductees currently include:

Ann M. Bell, '88, retired executive director of the Genesee Region Independent Living Center; Joseph H. Bell, '79, vice president of Global Process and Product Integrity at Moog, Inc., and managing director for Moog operations in Bangalore, India; Monica H. Dawson, '72, co-owner and secretary/treasurer of Shepard, Maxwell and Hale Insurance Agency; Wanda Frank, '97, WBTA 1490 Radio Host; Steven G. Hyde, '82, president and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center; Gary T. Maha, '76, Sheriff of Genesee County; Jerry Reinhart, '71, founder of Access Rentals and president of Reinhart Enterprises, Inc.; Ellen Ryan,'76, early supporter of Genesee Community College and active community member; Paula Savage, '76, director of tourism for the Greater Rochester Visitors Association; George Schaefer, '76, clerk of the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Norfolk, Virginia; Paula Schaefer, 79, Virginia House of Delegates 87th District – Norfolk; Lori Stupp, '89, regional director of United Way and a member of the AAA Speakers Bureau; and Peggy Weissend, '99, registered Community Health nurse with the Genesee County Health Department.

Byron-Bergen Winter Cheerleaders want your help to raise funds

By Billie Owens

The Byron-Bergen Winter Cheerleaders are asking you to help them raise funds to pay for tumbling and dance clinics and to buy various items the squad needs.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13 Applebee's restaurant on Lewiston Road in Batavia will donate 10 percent of the amount of your check (excluding tax and tip) to the Byron-Bergen Cheerleaders when you dine there from 4 to 7 p.m. and present a voucher.

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YNN Live Breaking News In Batavia

By Robin Walters

Meet Anne Lithiluxa, your local reporter for the television station  YNN ( Your News Now) of Rochester.

Anne is the new local reporter for YNN. Anne is seen above interviewing Paul and Bridget Ohlson, Founders of Care-A-Van Ministries after the morning out in the cold. Anne heard about Care-A-Van Ministries and came out this morning to do a live special on the great things that  Care-A-Van, the Lord and the folks here in Batavia are doing.  She traveled along with the bus over to Central Avenue where 30 famlies received groceries.

Anne's special story on Care-A-Van will be shown live on YNN News this evening, Saturday, January 9th. Time Warner Cable Subcribers can view the story on YNN. The stations will vary depending on your geographical area.  My understanding is that the story will be shown for 24 hours on YNN.

Please give Anne a warm hearty welcome to the city.

A special thanks to  Anne  and YNN for coming out this morning and showing how the people in Batavia go forth to make a difference to help others in need.

The 24 Hour Hotline for YNN is 1-888-278-9889

Free public clinics for H1N1 flu virus offered

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Health Department is offering free H1N1 flu clinics for the public at its offices in County Building II, located at 3837 W. Main St., Batavia. These are walk-in clinics; no appointment is necessary.

The next clinic is from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. The others are noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13 and Thursday, Jan. 21.

Authorities want snowmobilers to have a safe and enjoyable season

By Billie Owens

With the recent snowfall throughout Western New York, the 2010 snowmobile season is off to a great start. This is a popular recreation throughout Western New York and law enforcement agencies want snowmobile operators to have a fun and safe season.

The New York State Park Police and State Police are working with the local Sheriff’s Offices, Forest Rangers, Department of Environmental Conservation and snowmobile clubs to promote safe driving on the trails throughout Western New York. 

During the 2008-2009 snowmobile season, there were more than 21,000 registered snowmobiles in the Western New York area. There were also a total of 55 snowmobile accidents in WNY, 47 resulted in injuries and three were fatal. According to the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation, there were 323 snowmobile accidents statewide, unsafe speed was the primary cause of 86 percent of the accidents and alcohol was identified as a factor in half of last year’s fatal accidents.

Today, New York State Park Police Major David Page made this announcement:

“The State Park Police and the State Office of Parks are committed to actions that result in a safe and enjoyable snowmobiling experience for snowmobilers, the landowners who host the snowmobile-trail system and motorists who encounter snowmobiles at road crossings and trailheads. Through enforcement actions, education and coordinated planning with other law enforcement agencies and the snowmobile community, we will make every effort to help keep snowmobiling a safe recreational activity. We will continue to prioritize the enforcement of snowmobile speed limits, and operating-while-intoxicated laws, both of which continue to be the primary factors in fatal snowmobile accidents.

"Through a joint effort, law enforcement agencies and snowmobile clubs, hope to provide safe and enjoyable trails for snowmobile enthusiasts. This will be done through education, such as safety courses and reaching out to the community and strict enforcement. Snowmobilers will see law enforcement officers on the trails, providing assistance and enforcing laws. New York State Police Major Christopher L. Cummings, Troop “A” Commander stated, 'Law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York will be committed to ensuring the safety of snowmobilers utilizing the trails this season.  We will be coordinated and unified in our enforcement actions to identify persons who choose to operate a snowmobile in violation of the law.'”

The law enforcement agencies throughout Western New York would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable snowmobile season and also caution snowmobilers to obey the laws for everyone’s safety.

SNOWMOBILE SAFETY TIPS

•    Do not operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•    Follow speed limit signs, the mandatory speed limit is 55 mph unless posted otherwise
•    Always wear a helmet and appropriate clothing
•    Snowmobiles must be properly registered and insured
•    Advise family or friends where you will be sledding and when you plan on returning
•    Have a survival pack or emergency supplies on hand
•    Consider taking a snowmobile safety course
•    Check the weather conditions

'Disney's High School Musical' to be performed this weekend

By Gretel Kauffman

Jocks. Brainiacs. Skaters. Cheerleaders. It may sound like a typical high school experience, but this weekend the spectacle won't be in the Batavia High cafeteria, it'll be on the stage. 

Starting Thursday night, Encore Theatre Arts will be performing "Disney's High School Musical." The play, which is based on the smash-hit movie, follows nerdy Gabriella and jock Troy as they sing and dance their way through falling in love and discovering their place in high school.

Director Lynda Hodgins says that the play is very similar to the movie, with only a few changes, such as a new character and a slightly different setting. Some of the original characters were cut out completely, and others' parts were slightly adjusted.

"The Taylor in the musical has a bigger part than in the movie," says Maureen Edwards, 12, of her role as Gabriella's best friend. "You see her friendship with Gabriella more."

The show will also differ from the movie when it comes to dancing, says choreographer Tara Kaczorowski, who also has the part of mean-girl diva Sharpay Evans. 

"The only dance that's the same as in the movie is for 'We're All in This Together,' because we thought kids would be expecting that. Surprisingly, this has been one of the easiest shows I've choreographed so far, because the music has a good beat and it's fun to dance to," says Kaczorowski.

So is it difficult taking on the roles of some of the most beloved actors in recent 'tween media? 

"Well, I based some of my character off of Zac Efron's," says Brian Bodgan, who plays jock-turned-actor Troy Bolton. "I try to give him the same passion and pizzazz that Zac did, but I'm definitely a different Troy."

Bogdan, 24, says he was attracted to the role right away because of similarities between him and his character. 

"I was a lot like Troy in high school. I grew up playing sports year-round, and also doing theater. They always went hand-in-hand for me, and Troy is trying to find the balance between them. So I see a lot of myself in the character."

Justin Ryan, 22, who plays Sharpay's equally attention-loving sidekick, brother Ryan Evans, also has no trouble getting into his role.

"I basically am Ryan in real life," he laughs. "You know, theater geek, classy dresser. I actually used a lot of stuff from my own closet for my costumes." 

The cast, which is mostly composed of high school and college students as well as twenty-somethings, is proof that the story is popular among all ages, not just children.

"I love the movie," Edwards confesses. "I used to listen to the soundtrack every day."

"When it first came out, I thought it was fantastic, and I was in college!" says Ryan.  "There was so much hype for it, and I thought it was really great."

When asked if it was his favorite movie, Paul Teresi, 16, replies, "Duh!"

And Bogdan said "It's a story I think everyone can relate to. The characters are going through this journey of discovering themselves, and everyone goes through that in high school. It's a time for finding who you are. I think that's what makes the show so successful and recognizable."

"Encore is a new company," says Hodgins, "and they wanted to do something with a wide appeal that's a big ticket seller."

Sell tickets it surely will. After all, everybody loves a high school musical.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7-9 and 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at Batavia High School. Tickets are $10 when purchased at Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles and $12 at the door.

UMMC held mock Code Amber drill last week to test emergency preparedness

By Billie Owens

United Memorial Medical Center held a Code Amber drill on Dec. 29 at the main hospital facility on North Street in Batavia. The mock scenario involved a 10-year-old child who walked away from her patient room under the premise that she did not want to have surgery.

Kaylee MacIntyre, a fifth grader at Alexander Central School and her mother, Stacy Wirth, volunteered to portray the missing child and worried mother. The drill was not announced to the hospital staff prior to the actual event. The child’s absence was noticed immediately and in order to test the hospital’s emergency protocols, the drill was allowed to proceed.

United Memorial frequently holds drills to test its emergency preparedness and assess the readiness of staff if a real incident occured. This event was held in collaboration with the City of Batavia Police Department, which responded to the call and assessed the efforts of the facility in carrying out lockdown and search efforts. Video monitoring of public-access areas was beneficial in tracking the path of departure used by the child and the response of staff in search efforts. The drill also allowed the hospital to test its radio operations.

UMMC apologizes for any inconvenience the drill process may have caused visitors, and hopes they understand the importance of practicing and drilling for possible emergency situations. The safety of patients, staff and visitors is a priority for the organization. Additional drills are held throughout the year pertaining to fire, evacuation, contamination, and multiple casualties.

Longtime UMMC employee promoted to V.P. of operations

By Billie Owens

United Memorial Medical Center has promoted Daniel P. Ireland from vice president of clinical support services to the position of vice president of operations.
 
Ireland has had a long and varied career at United Memorial. He began in 1990 as an orderly/medic and progressed to floor nurse on a medical/surgical unit. He worked as the emergency department nurse manager at the time of the Amtrak train disaster in 1994. In 1998, he was IT clinical analyst, an administrative analyst in 2001 and director of quality management in December 2004. He assumed the administrative duties of ancillary departments and Hope Haven and was promoted to vice president of clinical support services in 2005.
 
Ireland has oversight of many of UMMC’s capital improvement projects including the Jerome Center diagnostic and housing renovations, the surgical expansion project, and the physical therapy relocation project at Genesee Community College. He also serves as the administrator of all emergency preparedness activities at UMMC and as a liaison to the Genesee County Health Department.
 
While employed full time at United Memorial, Ireland completed his Associate's Degree in Nursing from Genesee Community College in 1992, his BSN from SUNY Brockport in 1994, and received an MBA from RIT in 1997. He is a member of the Leadership Genesee class of 2006 and a recipient of Business First of Buffalo's first 40 Under 40 Award in 2007. He's a lifelong resident of Genesee County and lives in Byron with his wife, Amy, and their three children.

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