Announcements

Press release:

Robert Joy, managing principal of JMZ Architects and Planners, PC presented an aggressive construction project schedule to Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees earlier this month. With a large series of bar graph (Gannt) schedules to illustrate the various project phases and key milestones, Joy explained how the 2015 – 2017 construction program takes into consideration the academic calendar along with the seasonality of construction.

With a $24 million appropriation for GCC's capital project included in the recently passed New York State budget, JMZ Architects and Planners are now carefully preparing a construction schedule featuring three major phases. The project follows the College's Facilities Master Plan developed several years ago and approved by the GCC Board of Trustees and State University of New York. The major project components include:

•    Student Success Center -- a 9,000-square-foot facility will accommodate core student services including the Placement Office, Testing, Career and Transfer Centers, Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar and other offices currently scattered across campus in makeshift, inefficient spaces. The two-story building will connect through a second-story bridge to the Conable Technology Building and nearly enclose the Clock Tower Plaza on the westside. Proposed construction cost is $5.2 million.

•    College and Community Event Center -- the 43,000-square-foot facility will become the largest meeting space in the region and will offer flexible floor space not only for student gatherings, but also for community events such as trade shows, charitable events, athletic competitions and exhibitions. It will be located adjacent to the College's current athletic fields and will house both classrooms and office space, as well as food services and a wellness center. Construction cost is projected to be $13.9 million.

•    Retrofitting Existing Space – With the creation of the new Student Success and Events centers, the existing space will be reutilized resulting in the net increase of 15 to 20 new classrooms and labs, with particular interest in launching new instructional career programs such as STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) Agri-business, Health Sciences and Food Processing.

JMZ's proposed construction schedule begins with the site work in approximately one year (May 2015) to establish safe walkways and driving lanes, as well as designated parking and construction staging areas. The two major new facilities, the Student Success Center and multipurpose Event Center, would be constructed simultaneously and the proposed completion and occupancy of the new buildings is targeted for Fall 2016. The retrofitting of the existing building and total project completion is projected for Summer 2017.

Joy also described the design of construction bid packages giving local contractors the maximum opportunity for bidding the projects combined together, or separately as individual projects. Contractors will have option to bid and bond the whole project, specific project components, or to work as subcontractors under a general contractor through a larger contract. It is hoped the first bidding documents for the site work that reorganizes the parking lots will be released early 2015 and work will begin after next year's commencement ceremony.

"With the right leadership, the right goal, and the right objectives including student success, retention, measured outcomes, and economic development, we now have a 'golden moment,' " Joy said. "This project represents the largest infusion of capital into the College since this [main] building was built [in 1972]. It is transformative and remarkable. Congratulations to all!"

The Genesee County Agricultural Society is sponsoring the Genesee County Fair Queen and Princess Pageant to be held this year at the 175^th Genesee County Fair, July 15 – 19.

Officials have outlined the criteria and categories for the pageant offering winners in four age groups: Queen ages 17 – 19; Princess ages 14 – 16; Jr. Princess ages 11 – 13; and Little Miss ages 8 – 10.

All contestants must be female, reside in Genesee County, attend a Genesee County School or be a member of the Genesee County 4H Program.

The contestants will be judged on oral presentation, talent showcase, poise and personal interaction. All age groups will compete for a cash award and prizes.

For pageant applications, visit the Genesee County Fair Web site at www.gcfair.com or contact Pageant Coordinator Deb Baris at debrabaris@yahoo.com.

The Batavia High School Class of 1984 will be celebrating its 30^th class reunion with two gatherings in July.

Alumni of the class and their guests are invited to attend informal get-togethers on the nights of July 18^th at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, Clinton Street; and July 19^th at Batavia Country Club, Batavia-Byron Road. There will be a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening.

The reunion committee is in the process of mailing out information to classmates.

To RSVP or if you have any address changes or questions contact either Kelly J. Bermingham, 585-356-4722, kbermingham@geneseeny.com or Jane Roach Johnson, 585-739-0378, peerless@rochester.rr.com.

The class also has a Facebook Event page that you can RSVP to at https://www.facebook.com/events/1387730391449332/  (BHS Class of ’84 Reunion).

Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Jon Ehrmentraut, of Landscape Concepts, LeRoy, will present a program on identifying and growing native plants in this area.

Registration is required and can be done online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary,org or by calling 585-768-8300.

Press release:

An exciting, hands-on learning opportunity returns to Genesee Community College on Tuesday, May 20, as the College's ACE Programs hosts the 7th annual Tech Wars for students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties) region.

The event brings area middle and high school students to GCC's Batavia campus where they'll demonstrate their technology knowledge through innovative, mind-expanding competition. Students arrive on campus at 8:30 a.m. The competition runs from 9:30-12:30. The event is open to the public. Tech Wars had originally been scheduled for March 13 but was cancelled due to a snowstorm.

Students participate in a variety of challenges, generally in groups of two or more. Some of the competition involves bringing to campus projects they've been working on. This year students have been challenged to create a power-producing sculpture that utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal or hydroelectric. The sculpture is meant to be a functional piece of art, both utilitarian and aesthetically appealing.

Other competition involves working onsite, such as drawing with CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) software. From a robotic tractor pull to CO2 truck designs and the ever popular sumo robots, Tech Wars offers fun and challenging events.

"Tech Wars gives students a chance to really exercise creative problem solving skills," said GCC Career Pathways Director Debbie Dunlevy. "Working in groups also helps them understand what it takes to collaborate successfully. And these challenges give them insight into what types of jobs they might pursue in the future."

Last year 450 students from 16 schools participated in Tech Wars.

Batavia's Graham Corporation and Liberty Pumps of Bergen return as Gold Level ($500+) sponsors this year along with Northeast Industrial Technologies, of Lima. Other sponsors include Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, Allen-Bailey Tag & Label, Lapp Insulators. OXBO, American Douglas Metals and Milherst Construction.

"The support of these businesses is essential to putting on this event," Dunlevy said. "We thank them for investing in what could be future employees."

The Career Pathways Program helps students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately to professional careers. Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals.

Two local Nazareth College graduate students were among a class of 185 earning master's or doctoral degrees at the 87th Annual Commencement ceremony that took place at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester on May 11.

They are Colleen Swinton and Heather Currier, both of South Byron.

Press release:

From American Cinema to Statistics, Psychology to Public Speaking, Digital Photography to Sign Language, Genesee Community College offers a variety of learning opportunities this summer for students of all ages. Register now for Summer Session I. Classes begin May 27.

More than 150 courses are available this summer during three separate sessions:

~    Full Summer Session: May 27, 2014 - Aug. 9

~    Summer Session 1: May 27, 2014 - June 28

~    Summer Session 2: July 7, 2014 - Aug. 9

Many courses are available fully online to make the summer session even more convenient to learn on your own time. "We have more than 50 online courses scheduled for summer," said Craig Lamb, dean of Distributed Learning at GCC. "Our excellent student services and 24/7 technical help desk support can assist students with any need associated with their online or technology-enhanced course. We encourage residents in the GLOW region and Western New York to check out what GCC has to offer this summer."

The full class schedule can be viewed online at http://www.genesee.edu/courses/schedule/?term=201406&pace=first.

The College offers several summer scholarship programs. The Genesee Promise Plus Summer Scholarship program provides tuition scholarships to high school juniors and seniors and adults new to college. Specific information about who's eligible and how to apply can be found online at: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise/. In addition, the Supply Chain Management Scholarship is also available for students interested in starting the 100-percent online program. For details go to: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/

In addition to the main campus in Batavia, Genesee Community College offers classes at six campus centers located in the four counties of the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region. The campus centers are conveniently located in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw. GCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs in a high-tech, personalized setting. Learn more at www.genesee.edu.

The first Batavia Pickleball Tournament is being held at the Batavia YMCA from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Registration is $15, $5 of which will go to support the Batavia WMCA. Double elimination format. Partner blind draw on day of tournament.

The tournament is open to the first 32 players.

Format: Each match will be 11 points by 2 except for finals. Consolation round winner will play one 15-point game against the winner's bracket. If the winner's bracket triumphs, they win the tournament. If not, then there will be a 2-out-of-three game match to determine the champion. These games will be 11 points by 2.

For more information, contact Timothy Pickering at (585) 219-4686 or at  timothy77777@hotmail.com

Registration deadline is Friday, May 16.

The Genesee Chorale, under the direction of Ric Jones and accompanied by Joanne Cole, is wrapping up preparations for their Spring concert, a presentation of Antonin Dvorak’s Requiem Mass, complete with full orchestra accompaniment and soloist.

Their first performance will be a unique one: the Mass will be performed at the historic Pillars Estate in Albion on Friday, June 6, in their Grand Ballroom. There, patrons will be able to enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7. Besides featuring a full-ensemble orchestra, the Mass will feature renowned soloists Maureen DeGolyer – Soprano; Pat Fussell -- Alto; Mark Ross -- Tenor; and Jim Ellison – Bass. The Pillars Estate is located at 13800 W. Country House Road in Albion.

The price for this performance is $20. Tickets are available online at Geneseechorale.com, or patrons may purchase tickets at the door. Reservations through online ordering are strongly recommended.

The Chorale’s second performance of the Requiem will be Sunday, June 8, and will take place in the Chorale’s home at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St. Batavia, beginning at 4 p.m.  Once again, patrons will be treated to the rare treat of full-orchestral accompaniment alongside the soloists and the Chorale. Tickets for this performance are also available online or at the door.These tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students or seniors.

The members of the Genesee Chorale look forward to seeing you at one of o their performances and they are grateful for the extended community’s longstanding support and patronage. They invite you to visit their Web site at geneseechorale.com to learn more about the group and its history. They meet every Monday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church from September through the end of May, and are always seeking new voices to join them in their musical endeavors.

Press release:

You are invited to a Ladies Night Out! from 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday at My Sister's Closet at YWCA, 301 North St. in the City of Batavia.

Every event is to include refreshments, special promotions, personal shoppers, double punches on your Loyalty Card and camaraderie with fellow shoppers!

Pick up your Loyalty Card and get it punched for every $5 you spend. Once your card is filled with 10 punches, you will get $5 of free merchandise.

The Closet is filled with colorful spring clothing and accessories, so come check it out! All proceeds go toward YW's Domestic Violence Crisis & Prevention Services program.

The Closet's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

Treating stroke quickly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death; a complete recovery or a lifetime of disability. United Memorial Medical Center is pleased to announce that it has received designation as a Stroke Center from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH). By meeting the specific and stringent criteria established by the State, this designation is a testament to the strength of collaboration between United Memorial’s stroke program and emergency medicine, and to the excellence of the entire stroke team.

"Speed of treatment for stroke is critical. As a Stroke Center, United Memorial has demonstrated that from the time a patient arrives in an ambulance, we are able to evaluate and treat them within minutes," said CEO Mark C. Schoell. "When clot-busting drugs are given intravenously to patients within three hours of stroke symptom onset, it has been shown to significantly reduce the number of negative outcomes in stroke. This eliminates the need to drive to a larger, urban facility for initial treatment, and saves precious minutes.”

This designation is the result of a great deal of commitment and effort on the part of many individuals at United Memorial to align policies and procedures with best practice models. United Memorial’s application for designation was approved by the Public Health and Planning Council. The Department of Health’s on-site visit found no deficiencies and validated that the hospital is fully prepared to operate as a Stroke Center.

As a Stroke Center, United Memorial will continue to improve the quality of care available to stroke patients and to implement best practice standards. United Memorial continues to take pride in our on-going efforts to provide “quality care, right at home.”

How can you tell if someone is having a stroke? Use the F.A.S.T. test: Face - Ask the person to smile; does one side of the face droop? Arms - Ask the person to raise both arms; does one arm drift downward? Speech - Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? Time - If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Press release:

The 8th annual David R. Millis Memorial Golf Tournament will be hosted on Sunday, June 1st, at the Batavia Country Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

This tournament is in memory of David Millis who passed away with pancreatic cancer at the early age of 54. Dave was the superintendent for the Pollution Control Facility in the Village of Albion for 32 years and was an active member of the community.

The cost for a single golfer is $85, which includes, lunch, beverages and dinner. Guests not golfing are also invited to buy dinner only tickets for $25, which will start at 5:30 p.m. All participants, whether golfing or dining will be entered into a drawing to win a TV and have the opportunity to buy 50/50 and raffle tickets. The following sponsorships are also available: Corporate, Major, Awards, Lunch Beverage, Longest or Shortest Drive, Closest to the Pin and hole sponsors. We also have several volunteer opportunities available. 

This tournament features, men and women’s longest drive and closest to the pin and putting contests. There are great raffle prizes, which include local sports tickets, autographed memorabilia, gift certificates and many more items. Don’t miss your chance to win two-year lease on a 2014 Chevy vehicle and other great hole in one prizes sponsored by Don Davis Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Albion.

The proceeds from the tournament will again benefit the Knights/Kaderli Memorial Fund which is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to assisting local families with their fight against cancer.  The money assists with prescriptions, medical insurance, nutritional supplements, hospital beds, and other needs. In the past seven years, this tournament has raised more than $89,000 thanks to the support and generosity of many friends, sponsors and participants and we hope to reach the $100,000 mark this year.

To register please fill out the form below and return by May 18th. For questions or more information please email millismemorial@yahoo.com or visit us on www.facebook.com/DavidRMillisMemorial.  Thanks and hope to see you there!

Press release:

May is Mental Health Month, and the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are working to raise awareness of the role mental health plays in our lives, and providing tips and resources so anyone can take steps to promote good mental health.

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are encouraging residents to “Think Health.” Taking time to think about your health and taking positive health steps will lead to healthier outcomes. Learning something new every day is one way to “Think Health."

We all know about the importance about taking care of our health — eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising. Healthy habits positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions.

But good health involves not only caring for our body, but also our mind.

The fact is our mental health is vital to our overall health. Far too many Americans fail to incorporate a principal component into their health choices. Yet overall health and wellness are not possible without it.

What is mental health? If you were to ask your office mate, spouse or neighbor, they may respond that it is a “state of mind,” “being content with life” or “feeling good about yourself.” Simply put, mental health is the ability to cope with daily life and the challenges it brings.

When a person has “good” mental health, they deal better with what comes their way. By contrast, “poor” mental health — such as feeling overwhelmed by stress — can make even day-to-day life difficult.

Poor mental health can also significantly harm a person’s physical health. For instance, research shows that stress is closely linked to high-blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.  It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.

The good news is there are many healthy choices and steps that individuals can adopt to promote and strengthen mental health — and overall health and well-being.

A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems. It can also help people recover from these conditions.

A healthy lifestyle includes building social support, eating with your mental health in mind, recognizing the signs of stress, and knowing when to reach out for help.

Just as Americans have learned there are things they can do to reduce their risk of heart disease and other illnesses, the health departments want to help people learn what they can do both to protect their mental health in tough times and also to improve their mental well being throughout their lives.

We need to care for both our body and mind. Talk to your health care provider about your mental health at your next visit. You can also learn about mental health services through your County Mental Health Department or the local Mental Health Associations (MHA).

County Mental Health phone numbers are: Genesee County Mental Health is 344-1421; Orleans County Mental Health is 589-7066; and Wyoming County Mental Health is 786-8871. In Genesee County the MHA number is 345-1418 and in Orleans County the MHA number is 589-1158.

If you are having a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or the Regional Action Phone (RAP) line at 800-359-5727 (Genesee County); 800-889-1903 (Orleans County); or 800-789-3300 (Wyoming County).

The Business Education Alliance will be hosting their Spring Breakfast and Annual Meeting at 7:30 a.m. on May 16. The theme of this year’s breakfast is “Agribusiness Career Paths in Our Region” and will highlight area agribusiness education programs for students in kindergarten through college.

The breakfast will feature speakers from Pavilion CSD, Cornell Cooperative Extension, WNY Tech Academy, The Ag Academy, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and Genesee Community College.

The breakfast will be held at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in the Kennedy Building. Reserve your spot online at www.beagenesee.com <http://www.beagenesee.com>. The cost is $15/pp.

Press release:

Oakfield Family Medical Care is being recognized by the Genesee County Health Department for achieving a 100-percent influenza (flu) vaccination rate among the facility’s employees during the 2013 – 2014 flu season and is a designated FluSafe facility through the local FluSafe Campaign.

The FluSafe Campaign originated from the Minnesota Department of Health where it began in 2007, and has successfully grown while focusing on increasing influenza immunization rates in hospitals and nursing homes.

Studies have shown that vaccinating employees reduces the rate of disease in health care facilities. Unvaccinated staff can pass highly contagious flu to patients, many of whom are at high risk for complications. High-risk populations include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, as well as those who have various medical conditions. Ultimately, low rates of influenza vaccination among staff can be very concerning for patients and the public.

In New York State, a new Flu Mask Requirement was adopted by the Public Health and Planning Council in July 2013. The requirement states that all personnel in healthcare and residential facilities/agencies must where a surgical mask if not immunized, during the formally declared flu season, at all times in areas where patients or residents may be present.

The locally scaled version of the FluSafe Campaign assists physicians’ offices to achieve the goal of 100-percent influenza vaccination coverage for employees, who do not have medical exemptions, because despite the great efforts of preventing flu by mandating surgical masks be worn by healthcare personnel, vaccination remains the #1 way of preventing the flu.

Under the FluSafe Campaign, offices can receive guidance and access to tools and promotional materials through the Genesee County Health Department to help them increase their rates. For a facility to be designated as FluSafe, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent plus of personnel must immunize against the flu and document vaccinations through the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).

The Genesee County Health Department hopes participation in the campaign grows as FluSafe is a great way for physicians’ offices to emphasize patient safety, like Oakfield Family Medical Care has. If your facility is interested in participating in the FluSafe Campaign for the 2014-2015 flu season contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344–2580, ext. 5000.

HomeCare & Hospice Chief Executive Officer Carol L. Mahoney, right, and Mrs. Shirley LeSeur cut a ribbon to officially recognize the opening of the new Batavia HomeCare & Hospice office at 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, during an Open House on May 8.

Mrs. LeSeur is the widow of late Batavia attorney J.D. LeSeur, whose vision and leadership helped establish a certified hospice program in Genesee County. HomeCare & Hospice moved from 550 E. Main St. to Liberty Street last fall to better meet the needs of its operation and improve access for employees and the general public.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is delighted to host the 11th Annual Genesee-Orleans Student Art Show, featuring works by more than 60 students from six different Genesee and Orleans county schools distributed between two GO ART! galleries.

The Genesee County Student Art Show winners are:

1st Place: Bailey Groth for "Cullen" -- 11th grade, Pembroke High School
2nd Place: Siena Pullinzi for "Minus and Counting" -- 12th grade, Batavia High School
3rd Place: Shelby Wilmet for "Giacometti Figure" -- 11th grade, Batavia High School
Honorable Mention: Amanda Castaneda for "Op Art Design" -- 9th grade, Elba Central School
Honorable Mention: Cassondra DeLelys for "Bird Posed" -- 8th grade, Elba Central School
Honorable Mention: Celia Mercovich for "Oaxacan Alebrejes" -- 9th grade, Byron-Bergen Central School
Honorable Mention: Erika Weis for "Untitled" -- 12th grade, Batavia High School
Honorable Mention: Jacob Chapman for "Caution Wet Floor" -- 12th grade, Pembroke Central School

Genesee County students with work in GO ART!  inside the Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia , are listed below. Exhibit Dates: Now through June 6. Complimentary Reception 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and by appointment.

Luis Sanchez — Elba grade 10: “Cubist Still Life” — Color Pencil
Brianna Shade — Byron-Bergen grade 7: Word design “Scary” — Sharpie & Color Pencil
Emma Goodman — Byron-Bergen grade 7: Word design “Season” — Sharpie &  Color Pencil
Tessa Busch — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — Oil Pastel on Constr. Paper
Sarah Clay — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Tree Frog” — Acrylic Paint
Allison Zambito — Elba grade 11: “Signs” — Photography
Amanda Castaneda — Elba grade 9: “Op Art Design” — Watercolor
Meaghan Kogut — Elba grade 9: “Pointillist Landscape” — Marker
Cassondra DeLelys — Elba grade 8: “Bird Posed” — Torn Tissue/Acrylic
Ally Richardson — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Seashells” — Acrylics
Amanda Norton — Elba grade 11: “Tranquil Waters” — Acrylic on Canvas
Dannielle Della Penta — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled" — Colored Pencil on Bristol Board
Savannah Bartosik — Pembroke grade 11: “Sunset Beach” — Colored Pencil on Bristol Board
Abbey Hume — Batavia grade 11: “Textural Landscape” — Acrylic
Chercal Smith — Batavia grade 12: “CS” — Printmaking
Hali Gilchrist — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — White Charcoal Pencil on Black Paper
Aracely Barrera — Elba grade 9: “Zentangle Design” — Sharpie marker
Cullen Fisher — Pembroke grade 10: “Enigma” — Student Processed Analog Double-negative Print
Skylar Laesser — Batavia grade 10: “Soccer Ball” — Charcoal
Justine Reed — Batavia grade 11: “Reflected Objects” — Charcoal
Luke Cullinan — Pembroke grade 12: “Still Life” — Charcoal Pencil on Paper
Tessa Busch — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — Styrofoam, Wire, Spray paint, Monofilament
Celia Mercovich — Byron-Bergen grade 9: “Oaxacan Alebrejes” — Papier Mache & Acrylic paint
Alyssa Biaocco — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Acrylic
Kelsey Mauer — Byron-Bergen grade 9: “Oaxacan Alebrejes” — Papier Mache & Acrylic paint
Abbie Noeth — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Rihanna” — Acrylics
Emily DeNise — Batavia grade 12: “Nicki” — Ebony Pencil
Madison Moore — Batavia grade 9: “Avatar” — Color Pencil
Henry Stratton — Elba grade 10: “Sheldon/Value Study” — Pencil
Siena Pullinzi — Batavia grade 12: “Minus and Counting” — Printmaking/Mixed Media
Jacob Perez-Gangi — Elba grade 8: “Clint” — Tempera
Cassidy Miller — Batavia grade 9: “My Face” — Collage
Erika Weis — Batavia grade 12: “Untitled” — Color Pencil
Jessica Bovier — Pembroke grade 11: “Ciera” — Plastilina
Ava Haitz — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Acrylic
Jacob Chapman — Pembroke grade 12: “Caution Wet Floor” — Paper straws
Kali Nichols — Pembroke grade 9: “Waterfall” — Dura-lar film, Acrylic Paint, Wooden Base & Dowel
Bailey Groth — Pembroke grade 11: “Cullen” — Acrylic on Canvas Panel
Sydney Duwara — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Mixed Media Charcoal
Shelby Wilmet — Batavia grade 11: “Giacometti Figure” — Plasticraft, Paper Towel, Wire, Acrylic
Lindsay Lovett — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Mug” — Clay
Sadie Vincent — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Mug” — Clay
Heather Dries — Byron-Bergen grade 12: “Thrown bowl w/wax resist” — Clay
Jaimee Bechard — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Pot” — Clay
Michaela Ball — Pembroke grade 11: “Impression: Monet” — Canvas Bd., Acrylic Paint, Computer Print out

Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you to our volunteer judges: Carole LaValley and Kim Argenta in Genesee County. GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343- 9313 or visit  <http://www.GOart.org>.

Press release:

Tuition Scholarship. Online, flexible study times. Great career potential. These are just the first three reasons why anyone considering a new career direction that almost guarantees job opportunity should explore the Genesee Community College's Supply Chain Management (SCM) summer scholarship program.

GCC's $500 SCM Summer 2014 Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for the Principles of Business Logistics (BLM101) course and is open to anyone interested in a future business career. (The book and college fees are not covered by the tuition scholarship.) The SCM Scholarship application deadline is May 21.

The U.S. Labor Department forecasts 26-percent growth in SCM jobs through the year 2020. Perhaps most dynamically for older students who may be juggling many other responsibilities, SCM concentration is part of the GCC's Business Administration program and is available 100 percent online -- giving students full flexibility to study on their own schedule.

SCM deals directly with procurement, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, inventory and customer service. Supply chain managers manage the successful coordination of all these elements. Today's business savvy companies rely as much on their supply chain personnel as they do their CFO to positively impact their bottom line.

Current or returning GCC students just need to complete the SCM Scholarship worksheet and essay by going to: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/. A single page essay reflecting on the applicant's interest in SCM should be sent to Tanya Lane-Martin, Genesee Community College Admissions, One College Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Applicants can also scan and email their essay to tmlanemartin@genesee.edu.

New GCC students need to contact the College's Admissions Office and complete the College's admissions application by calling 1-866-CALL-GCC or by completing the online application at: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/admissions/apply/

Dennis Sullivan, GCC's lead SCM faculty member is a seasoned supply chain professional and currently serves as president, vice president or principal with three management consulting firms including Supply Chain Optimizers, LLC. He carefully covers the course curriculum in a pace that allows students to appreciate the massive growth in today's global commerce which has given rise to enormous new opportunity for supply chain managers.

"We've developed an excellent curriculum for the SCM program at GCC," Sullivan said. "It addresses all the key elements of SCM. Students will be prepared for a variety of career options when they complete this program."

With top notch faculty, high-end technology and a summer scholarship, now is the time to explore GCC's online SCM concentration. For further information about this program go to: http://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/business/ or contact Judith Littlejohn at 585-343-0055, ext. 6158 or e-mail: JMLittlejohn@genesee.edu.

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center announced that it has received AABB accreditation for Transfusion Activities (Blood Bank Services). The accreditation is valid for two years. Formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks, the AABB is an international not-for-profit accrediting association.

This accreditation, the highest any blood bank or transfusion service can achieve, is not usually pursued by smaller, rural hospitals. To meet the rigorous requirements of the AABB, United Memorial reworked all policies and procedures related to Transfusion Activities and worked closely with nursing units and the medical staff.

Accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors and establishes that the level of technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB. By successfully meeting the requirements, United Memorial joins other facilities located throughout the United States and around the world that also have earned AABB Accreditation.

“The AABB’s Accreditation procedures are voluntary,” Mark C. Schoell, CEO of United Memorial explained. “United Memorial sought AABB Accreditation because this program assists hospitals in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety.”

AABB’s Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. The Accreditation Program assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

The AABB Accreditation program has been recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In June 1995, AABB was granted “deemed status” as an accrediting organization under the clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) program.  This granting of “deemed status” indicates that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid program (CMS) has found the AABB accreditation process to provide reasonable assurance that the facilities accredited by it meet or exceed the conditions required by federal law and regulations.

The Batavia Muckdogs offer a reading program, designed to promote reading with the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2014 will mark the second year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across the area with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book.

When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game! If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following libraries:

• Richmond Library (Batavia)
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
• Byron-Bergen Public Library
• Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
• Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
• Hoag Library (Albion)
• Pavilion Public Library
• Corfu Free Library
• Warsaw Public Library
• Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
• Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming of tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005. The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05 p.m.. Tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.