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Announcements

Rising Americana star Natalia Zukerman performs on Valentine's Day at GCC

By Billie Owens

Americana artist Natalia Zukerman performs at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre at 7 p.m. on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14. Tickets are adults $12; GCC alumni, seniors, staff $10; and GCC students with valid ID are $6.

“Natalia’s voice could send an orchid into bloom while her guitar playing can open a beer bottle with its teeth.” The New Yorker

“...a strutting brass band one minute, a sighing lover the next.” The Boston Globe

“...a wise mix of rootsy styles from torch blues to country swing. If you’re a fan of Madeleine Peyroux, Bonnie Raitt or even Amy Winehouse, you’ll find stuff to connect with here.” Philadelphia Daily News

Press release:

As singer, songwriter and guitarist, Natalia Zukerman shares her “rootsy warmth” through a blend of folk, jazz, blues, rock, bluegrass, country and classical music.

This “Dusty Valentine” concert will be a special night for all, as she plays her unique slide guitar with her seductive vocals, unapologetic lyrics and sharp wit.

Zukerman is also a visual artist who allows her artistic and creative instincts to move, shape and influence one another. She is a mural painter and designer, and while living in San Francisco she had her own mural company, Off the Wall. Now a resident of Brooklyn, Zukerman has numerous murals in restaurants and public spaces in and around Brooklyn, as well as across the U.S. and in Cuba.

She passed through this region last summer impressing audiences at a "blue moon" concert at the Silver Lake Institute.

Her new album is titled “Gypsies and Clowns.”

The GCC Box Office phone number 345-6814 or boxoffice@genesee.edu

Free tax prep assistance available by appointment only

By Billie Owens

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in under way to help people prepare their taxes. Trained volunteers will be in the office of Community Action of Orleans & Genesee on Tuesdays now through April 15.

This is a FREE service, by appointment only, and E-FILE is available.

The office is located at 5073 Clinton St. Road in Batavia. Please call 343-7798 to schedule your appointment.

Batavia Players present Pulitzer-prize winning play 'The Gin Game'

By Billie Owens

Batavia Players, Inc., presents D.L. Coburn's Pulitzer-prize winning tragicomedy "The Gin Game" at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 7-9 at Harvester 56 Theater.

Seating is reserved. Call ahead -- phone is 343-9721; or buy tickets online at <www.showtix4u.com>. General admission is $10. Students and seniors pay $8.

The two-person, two-act play features Peg Marone and Norm Argulsky.

According to wikipedia, it's about Weller Martin and Fonsia Dorsey, two elderly residents at a nursing home for senior citizens, who strike up an acquaintance. Neither seems to have any other friends, and they start to enjoy each other's company.

Weller offers to teach Fonsia how to play gin rummy, and they begin playing a series of games that Fonsia always wins. Weller's inability to win a single hand becomes increasingly frustrating to him, while Fonsia becomes increasingly confident.

While playing their games of gin, they engage in lengthy conversations about their families and their lives in the outside world. Gradually, each conversation becomes a battle, much like the ongoing gin games, as each player tries to expose the other's weaknesses, to belittle the other's life, and to humiliate the other thoroughly.

Oatka Hose Company in Le Roy hosts BBQ dinner on Sunday

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Fire Department's Oatka Hose Company will have a chicken BBQ beginning at noon on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 11 North Ave. in Le Roy (between North Street and the dead end). It lasts until sold out.

The BBQ benefits the Oatka Hose Company.

Tickets are $9. Eat in, drive up, take out available.

To get tickets, order online at <www.showtix4u.com> or by calling 1-866-967-8167.

Fashion Tea at GCC to focus on trends, careers in fashion industry - RSVP deadline Feb. 5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Sew, what's happening" in the world of fashion?" Genesee Community College Fashion Design, Business and Computer Information Systems Professor Donna Ehrhart is bringing leading voices together to share insights with students and the community at a Fashion Tea on Friday, Feb. 8.

It takes place from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room T119 at the Batavia campus. Tea and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required by Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Ehrhart has lined up a panel of diverse experts from around Western New York to talk about fashion trends and careers. The following guest speakers bring a wealth of expertise from a dynamic array different backgrounds and professions:

•    Jill Bates, of Jill Bates Fashion, a formalwear expert and "fashion physician," Rochester

•    Donald M. Brown, vice president of Charles Men's Shop, Batavia

•    Candace Cooper, a GCC student who has started her own clothing line "Can'de Couture"

•    Raul Siro Ferreira, owner of Each 1 Stitch 1 Fabric Store and Design Studio, Rochester

•    Kathy Healey, owner of Healey Wear, a sworn "fabri-holic" and designer of garments and window treatments, Greece

•    Kristine Iannazzi, CEO of Embrasse-Moi, a lingerie designer, Pittsford

•    Karen Schimpf, president of Sew On-Sew Forth, Depew

The event is specifically developed to give all the attendees, from the guest panelists, to students, and community members the chance to network, mingle and share ideas and information about fashion news, trends and opportunities.

Learning about GCC's new Fashion Design concentration and the upcoming annual GCC Fashion Show, entitled "Fashion Forward" is also part of the agenda.

"I want people to realize what a vibrant fashion community there is in Western New York," Ehrhart said. "This event will be an opportunity for students and the community-at-large to learn, share, and connect with the many outstanding resources we have in our region."

Those interested in attending the tea are asked to RSVP to Professor Donna Ehrhart by Tuesday, Feb. 5 at djehrhart@genesee.edu or 330-9877.

GCC announces Spring lecture series on Civil War

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College has finalized its four-part spring lecture series on the history of the Civil War. All are scheduled at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Batavia campus in Room T102. They are free and open to the public. Pre-registration for each lecture is encouraged by contacting The BEST Center at 345-6868

On Feb. 6 -- "Hanging Henry Wirz: Debating the Meaning of 'War Crimes' during the American Civil War" will be presented by Carole Emberton, assistant professor of History at the University of Buffalo.

Her presentation will explore how the concept of "war crimes" emerged in response to Wirz's trial as commandant of Andersonville Prison. The debate over Wirz's guilt as well as other atrocities committed during the war, including the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre and even the act of secession itself, reveal the anxiety produced by the war's immense devastation and the struggle to control its meaning for future generations. It also highlights the importance of mid-19th Century developments in international law pertaining to the rules of war and justice for those who violate them.

On March 13 -- Stephen McKinley Henderson will speak about "Story-Line Acting" and his experiences as an actor in both film and on stage. The audience will be particularly interested in his role as Abraham Lincoln's personal valet in the film "Lincoln," which was recently nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Henderson is a professor of theater and dance at the University of Buffalo. He was nominated for the Tony Award in 2010 for his work on the Broadway production of "Fences" with Denzel Washington, and he has appeared in Steven Spielberg's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." He also appeared in the comedy "Tower Heist" and the HBO series "The Newsroom."

On April 3 -- A lecture titled "Myths and More at Gettysburg" with George McGaughey.

No Civil War battlefield is more famous (at least in the North) than Gettysburg. To many, it is sacred ground that warrants many visits and careful study, and like any other historical landscape, it is prone to myths and legends. In this talk, McGaughey will discuss the basis of those myths and the many discoveries he has made as a frequent visitor. His findings will surprise even the most knowledgeable Civil War buff.

On May 1 -- The Spring 2013 Lecture series in Batavia concludes with GCC Professor Garth Swanson presenting the "New York's Forgotten War -- The War of 1812 and the Making of the Empire State."

The War of 1812 remains a confusing and little remembered chapter in the history of the United States. New York, as a result of its extensive border with British-controlled Canada, was one of the primary fronts of the war and its residents experienced considerable hardship over the three years of the conflict. In addition, political divisions brought on by the war threatened to tear the state apart internally. Yet, New York quickly emerged from the war stronger and more economically vibrant than ever. In his talk, Professor Swanson will assess the role of New York in the conflict and evaluate the ways the war helped to create a modern New York State.

(In addition to the lecture series, a three-day Civil War encampment will take place at the Medina Campus Center from Friday, April 26 until Sunday, April 28. The encampment will include reenactors in authentic soldier costumes setting up Union and Confederate camps and many other events and reenactments throughout the weekend.)

For further information on the Civil War and the initiative at GCC, check out the Civil War blog at http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com/.

Kids can learn about animal tracks at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Do you know which animal has been here? Many different animals leave tracks in the snow. Come to the Richmond Memorial Library from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 to discover the animals in our area and the types of tracks they leave behind.

We'll play games, listen to a story, create a craft and enjoy a snack. This Animal Tracker Program is perfect for children in grades 2 - 4. Please register by calling 343-9550, ext. 4, or register online!

Winter Grazing Conference for dairy farmers set for Feb. 27 in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Press release:

It’s time to make plans to attend the Step It Up in 2013 Winter Grazing Conference on Feb 27. Keynote Speaker Cliff Hawbaker will make two presentations “Green is Grass, a Journey of Our Farms and Grazing Experience Focusing on Grass” and “Business Planning for Graziers, Focusing on Where You Are and Where You Want to Go."

The conference will be held a BW’s Restaurant, 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hawbaker and his wife, Maggie, own and operate Hamilton Heights Dairy Farm and Emerald Valley Farm in South Central Pennsylvania. The certified organic dairies consist of 689 acres with an additional 140 acres rented land. There are 300 dairy cows and 50 head of replacement heifers. For several years their focus has been on intensive grazing management and other dairy-related issues including once-a-day milking.

Cliff has served on numerous farm related boards and committees. Presently he is the chairman of Pennsylvania Grazing/Forage Lands Conservation Coalition and past chairman of DPAC (Dairy Policy Action Coalition). His activities have included past president of Franklin County Farm Bureau, Franklin County Farmland Preservation and Franklin County Soil Conservation and AgChoice Farm Credit Board. He is also active in his local church, Chambersburg Mennonite, and The Gideons International.

Other topics to be addressed at the conference are:

  • Managing the Soil to Manage the Pasture
  • Planning for Drought: Alternative Water Sources
  • Economics of Grazed vs. Stored Feed, Economic Analysis for Decision Making
  • Pasture Plant Selection
  • Need Updates? Modernizing Grazing Dairies

Presenting these topics will be: Bill Verbeten, forages specialist; Nancy Glazier, small farms specialist; John Hanchar, farm business management specialist from the Cornell Cooperative Extension North West New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team; and Beth Dahl, dairy modernization specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York Program.

Registration includes handout materials and lunch. The cost of registration is $40 for the first person and $25 for each additional person from the same farm. A discount of $10 is available to Cornell Cooperative Extension enrollees for the first registrant who registers by Feb. 20.

To register please contact Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mail cfw6@cornell.edu <mailto:cfw6@cornell.edu>. A flier and registration form is available at www.nwnyteam.org Please register early space is limited.

GCC to dedicate Library Instruction Room to Lynn E. Browne

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the dedication of the Library Instruction Room to the memory of Lynn E. Browne and members of the Browne Family. A dedication ceremony is planned at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

Refreshments will be provided for the event, which is free and open to the public. Interested attendees are asked to RSVP by calling the GCC Foundation office at 585-345-6809.

Lynn E. Browne was a native of Batavia and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance. After serving in the Army with distinction during World War II, he married Phyllis Shiekman and they settled in Philadelphia where he built a successful career in the garment industry, eventually owning one of the nation's leading button distribution companies. After his wife's death, Browne returned to his beloved hometown and immersed himself in serving the Batavia community.

Browne's service included 14 years as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors (1996-2010), 12 of those as treasurer. He was instrumental in overseeing substantial growth in the foundation's assets, its endowment fund, and had an unwavering commitment to student housing at College Village.

In 2006, the Genesee Community College Foundation honored Browne as the first recipient of its Alpha Medal of Service, a prestigious honor now bestowed annually on one individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the college. Last May, college trustees designated the library classroom to his honor.

"Throughout all of Lynn's efforts and service to Genesee Community College and the foundation students were consistently a common denominator. He continuously focused on enabling the success of students by removing the barriers that might be in their way -- whether that was student housing, scholarships or other financial concerns," said Rick Ensman, director of Development and External Affairs.

"It is therefore, very appropriate to have a room in our college library dedicated to Lynn, and we are grateful to the Browne family for sharing his crystal Alpha Medal of Service Award for this unique space."

Today and tomorrow sales Main Street Pizza Co. help fund spay and neutering

By Billie Owens

Vic's Pizza for Paws is going on today through midnight and on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. through midnight. A percentage of sales at the Main Street Pizza Company will go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter for spaying and neutering animals that are adopted.

The pizzeria is located at 206 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Phone is 343-0007.

St. Paul Lutheran School holds benefit auction tomorrow

By Billie Owens

St. Paul Lutheran School will hold its annual Benefit Auction on Saturday, Feb. 2. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the auctioneer begins at 4. It will be held in the school lunchroom (the church basement), located at 31 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

The auction raises money to provide a Christian education for 3-year-old preschoolers through fifth-graders in our community. There's a fantastic selection of handmade items, crafts, theme baskets, gift certificates, vacation packages, novelties, and more.

A bake sale and concession stand will offer tasty supper options and homemade desserts. Bring your family and friends for a fun, night out – this is an event not to be missed!

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran School, please view the school's Web site at www.stpaulbatavia.org/school

The 10th Anniversary Fin-Wyn Seisiun Gathering is Feb. 10 at O'Lacy's

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Back in 2002, Mark Warford of Buffalo and Dave Halligan of Rochester chatted at a Buffalo ceili dance about how great it would be to get Buffalo and Rochester traditional Irish musicians together for a seisiún somewhere between the two cities. O´Lacy´s Irish Pub, located in equidistant Batavia provided the perfect locale for such a project.

What has emerged from that initial conversation is what has been dubbed The Fin-Wyn Seisiún Gathering (c. 2003). Named for the Rochester (Tom FINuncane) and Buffalo (Martin WYNne) Branches of the international Irish arts organization, Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, the Fin-Wyn gathers traditional enthusiasts from all over Western New York and beyond at O'Lacy's Irish Pub.

The 10th anniversary gathering starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10 at O'Lacy's, located at 5 School St. in the City of Batavia.

As the word connotes, seisiún is an Irish word that corresponds somewhat to the American notion of the "jam session." It hearkens back to the folk revival of the later half of the 20th Century, which promoted the spread of Irish dance music from ceili halls to corner pubs.

United by a common vocabulary of "chunes," musicians the world over regularly gather to string together the traditional Irish dance tunes into "sets" at their local Irish pub. There is a term in Irish for the mystical quality of a good seisiún: craic; though it is hard to define, the sense of it is instantly known by regulars.

At this 10th Anniversary Gathering, the Fin-Wyn is honored by the participation of guest of honor, Brian Holleran, a student of the legendary flutist, Mike Rafferty, who was among the regulars featured in the premiere live recording of an American Irish seisiún, "Live at Mona´s." In addition to leading off the seisiún, Holleran will facilitate a pre-seisiún, advanced-level flute workshop. More information is available on the Facebook page, ´The Fin-Wyn Web´

Volunteers, especially drivers, needed for hospice foundation's spring bouquet sale

By Billie Owens

Winter may still have Western New York in its grip, but the HomeCare & Hospice Guild is looking for some extra hands to help provide an early taste of spring.

To make the event a success, volunteers are needed help sort flowers on March 3 or deliver flowers on March 4 and 5 to businesses that have pre-sale orders or even assist with on-site sales beginning March 5.

The guild is celebrating 19 years of flower power and members plan on distributing Traditional Spring Bouquets ($8) and Bouquets of Hope ($16) throughout Genesee and Wyoming, Allegany, and Cattaraugus counties.

Proceeds will benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation.

Drivers for flower delivery are the greatest need. Anyone who can volunteer to help should contact Linda Cummings at 585-343-7596 or 1-877-277-2615.

To order bouquets or learn more about HomeCare & Hospice services, visit <http://www.homecare-hospice.org>.

Service honoring heroic Four Chaplains is Feb. 3 at United Methodist Church, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A service to honor four Army chaplains who gave their lives to save fellow soldiers 70 years ago, will be held at the Le Roy United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 3, and the public is invited.

The service will feature music, an Honor Guard, the National Anthem, hymns, the story of the Four Chaplains read by Jim Neider, Adjutant of the Genesee County American Legion and Scripture readings by various clergy. At the conclusion of the indoor ceremony there will be wreath laying and taps at the Four Chaplains Monument in Trigon Park, only one of three in New York State.

A reception will follow at the Le Roy Servicemen’s Club, 53 W. Main St.

On Feb. 3, 1943 the U.S.A.T Dorchester was sunk by a German torpedo only 150 miles off the coast of Greenland. Of the 902 young men on board, only 230 survived. Many of those survivors owe their lives to the courage and leadership exhibited by the heroic Four Chaplains who, in sacrificing their lives, created a unique legacy of brotherhood.

Since 1951, the Chapel of the Four Chaplains has spread the message of interfaith cooperation and selfless service, touching the lives of people across this great country. Thousands of Four Chaplains Memorial services are held across the nation on or near Feb. 3rd each year to pay tribute to their act of courage.

The Four Chaplains -- rabbi Alexander D. Goode, Methodist minister George L. Fox, Dutch Reformed pastor Clark V. Poling and Catholic priest John P. Washington -- met in November 1942, while attending chaplain’s school at Harvard University. They became good friends and were aboard the Dorchester when it was torpedoed.

It was just after midnight on Feb. 3, 1943. An enemy submarine fired a torpedo toward the U.S.A.T. DORCHESTER’s aging flank. The missile exploded in the boiler room, destroying the electric supply and releasing suffocating clouds of steam and ammonia gas. Many on board died instantly; some were trapped below deck. Others jolted from their bunks, groped and stumbled their way to the decks of the stricken vessel. Taking on water rapidly, the ship began listing to starboard.

Overcrowded lifeboats capsized; rafts drifted away before anyone could reach them. Men clung to the rails, frozen with fear, unable to let go and plunge into the dark, churning water far below.

The testimony of survivors tells us that the sole order and the only fragment of hope in this chaos came from the Four Chaplains, who calmly guided men to their boat stations. They opened a storage locker and distributed life jackets. Then they coaxed the terrified men over the side.

Soon the supply of life jackets was exhausted. Several survivors report watching in awe as the Four Chaplains either gave away or forced upon other young men their own life jackets. These four men of God had given away their only means of saving themselves in order to save others. The chaplains gathered together, and led the men around them in a prayer and a hymn. They linked their arms together as the slant of the deck became severe. And just that way, with their arms linked in brotherhood and their heads bowed in prayer, they sank beneath the waves.

“It is the timeless message of selflessness and sacrifice for one’s fellow man that needs to be repeated and remembered even today,” Neider stated.

Free workshops on solar power and 'Solarize Genesee' program

By Billie Owens

Arista Power and the Genesee County Economic Development Center will be having FREE educational workshops on solar energy and how the Solarize Genesee program works.

Solar energy, the installation process, financing, and a variety of other topics regarding solar energy will be covered.

The workshops are open to all of the community. Solarize Genesee is a new community solar program that is offering solar buyers a discount by bulk purchasing as a community. The more solar systems that are purchased, the more the cost will go down for everyone!

The education workshop schedule follows:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at GCEDC, Room 214
  • Thursday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at GCEDC, Room 214
  • Monday, Feb. 11, from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Batavia Town Hall
  • Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at GCEDC, Room 214

BEST Center offers new online course on Microsoft Word for Mac users

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is excited to offer a new online course for Macintosh computer users: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac.

Participants in the course will learn how to use the world's most popular word processor on the Mac, creating documents and formatting text. They'll master tips and techniques for editing and formatting documents, adding images, sharing documents, and much more.

This course is part of The BEST Center's growing catalog of more than 300 instructor-facilitated online courses, offered through a partnership with ed2go. These high quality, noncredit courses feature well-crafted lessons from an expert instructor, as well as interaction with fellow students. The instructor facilitates every course, pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback, and facilitating discussions.

The courses are entirely Web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and assignments and new sessions of each course run every month. They last six weeks, with two new lessons being released weekly (for a total of 12).

Participants in these online courses gain valuable knowledge at their convenience with the flexibility to study at their own pace, but with adequate structure and support to complete the course. The classroom is accessible 24/7 from any Internet connection.

For more information, call The BEST Center (Business Employee Skills Training) at GCC at 585-345-6868 or visit www.bestcenter.org.

Batavia Concert Band accepting applications for conductor

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band is already preparing for their 2013 Summer Concert Series in Centennial Park.  As part of those preparations, the Board of Directors is currently soliciting applications for the position of Conductor. Interested applicants may contact President Jill Arent for more information, including application materials.  Jill may be reached at lizllij@gmail.com.

Le Roy's Robert Boyce elected president of GCC Foundation Board of Directors

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Robert L. Boyce, of Le Roy, has been elected president of the Genesee Community College Foundation, continuing his longstanding commitment and dedication to the institution.

Boyce has served as a member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors since 2005, most recently as first vice president. He has also volunteered his time and energy in a number of different capacities including serving on the Finance Committee and the Fund Development Committee as chairman, the Risk Management Committee, several Annual Campaign committees, as well as the search committees for GCC's annual fund director.

Boyce, now an independent licensed insurance broker for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, was the president and CEO of Ernest Townsend and Son, Inc., from 1972 through 2000, when he sold his interest in the firm to the Tompkins Holding Company.

His other civic leadership commitments include nine years on the United Memorial Medical Center Group Board including a term as president; 10 years serving as president with the Le Roy Emergency Ambulance Service; and 27 years as a member and past president of the Le Roy International Rotary Club where he is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

Boyce served in the Army and graduated with a Business degree from the University of Buffalo.

In his spare time, Boyce enjoys time with his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), their three adult children and six grandchildren. He is also a 40-year veteran season ticket holder for both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

Donate blood at UMMC, get a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee

By Billie Owens

A blood drive at United Memorial Medical Center is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28. It will be held at the hospital’s main campus on North Street in Batavia. The American Red Cross mobile unit will be parked near the front entrance of United Memorial. Each presenting donor will receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.

United Memorial, through a contractual agreement with the Red Cross, sponsors a number of blood drives throughout the year. Donors help the hospital reach donor goals, which offset and help reduce the cost of blood products received through the American Red Cross.

Appointments for Monday's blood drive may be made by calling 344-5474. Walk-ins are welcome.

Byron-Bergen School crowned winner of GCC's 'Play to Get Fit Challenge'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Health and Physical Education department at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Byron-Bergen Elementary School has been crowned the winner of the 2012 "Play to Get Fit Challenge."

The Genesee Play to Get Fit Program was created for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region to show how many minutes they spend active outside of school. Children kept track of the time they spent in physically active play when they were not in school through a specially designed "Play to Get Fit" calendar log. Walking, biking, running, skating, swimming, playing a sport, playing tag, playing on a swing set and other active, creative games were all eligible for active "credit."

However, video fitness games such as Wii Fit and Wii Sports were not eligible.

Byron-Bergen Elementary won with an average total of 2,778.95 minutes spent active outside of school. Principal Brian Meister was presented with a plaque by Becky Dziekan, GCC's director of Health and Physical Education and the students at Byron-Bergen were rewarded with a pizza party.

Genesee Community College prioritizes sports and recreation programs as an area of study. Transfer Degree Programs (A.S.) include Physical Education Studies and Sport Management Studies. Career Degree Programs (A.A.S.) include Fitness and Recreation Management, which offers a new Golf Management Concentration to help turn your passion for golf into a career.

"We firmly believe that good healthy living starts in primary school and at the earliest ages and we hope to encourage people having active, fulfilling lives," Professor Dziekan said. "This was our first Play to Get Fit initiative, but we strongly hope it will not be our last. We congratulate Byron-Bergen for this accomplishment and to all the participating students in the GLOW area for their effort and recognition of the value of being physically active."

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