Press release:

Businesses throughout the GLOW region have a new outlet for safety training for their employees thanks to the innovative efforts of The BEST Center at Genesee Community College.

The BEST Center was recently awarded nearly $100,000 from SUNY's Workforce Development Grants to implement various safety training courses and seminars into their collection of course offerings. The grant allows The BEST Center to provide an all-new opportunity for safety awareness to companies of all sizes throughout the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming) region.

Several local companies have already committed to enrolling their employees in various safety courses over the next year. More than 1,600 participants have been confirmed, earning over 700 hours in training classes. The grant funding is dedicated to the development and delivery of a wide range of safety programs, and to offset the enrollment cost of the courses.

The nearly 40 different courses are being offered both at The Best Center locations, as well as on-site at area businesses. The safety courses are OSHA approved and include many topics such as: general industries outreach, NFPA70E electrical training, material handling, construction industry standards, emergency response and many others. For a comprehensive list please go to: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/best/safetytraining.cfm.

"There has been a gap in our region for safety training," Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center said. "External safety consultants can be very costly. With this grant, we are offering local businesses safety training at a very reasonable cost and we can bring it right to the workplace."

Genesee Community College's BEST (Business and Employee Skills Training) Center is a local provider of business consulting, community training and workshops for companies of all sizes and in all industries. The BEST Center offers a variety of tailored programs on-location at businesses across the GLOW region, or at any of Genesee Community College's seven campus locations (Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw).

For further information on The BEST Center, please contact Lina LaMattina, director, at 343-0055 ext. 6299 or visit the BEST Center online at www.bestcenter.org.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesees-BEST-Center-Awarded-100-...

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance celebrates its 20th Anniversary at its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. It will be at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. 

From the inception of the BEA, numerous partnerships have been formed between education and businesses, and many of them continue to this day. Its continuing mission is to foster partnerships and assist students in preparing for the world of work.

At the breakfast, there will be an exciting program to commemorate 20 years of working with businesses and schools. 

If you have any questions, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at mchamberlin@geneseeny.com or at 343-7440 ext. 25.

Genesee Community College has announced that Christopher Caputi, instructor in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, has earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy. It was granted by Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Caputi came to Genesee in the fall of 2007 as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time instructor in January 2008. He currently teaches Kinesiology and Physical Therapy Patient Care courses to first-year students. He is also the academic coordinator of Clinical Education for the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program and is the advisor of the PTA Club.

He has been a physical therapist since 1992 when he worked in hospitals, outpatient clinics and sports medicine. He has also worked as an adjunct instructor at D'Youville College's Physical Therapist program.

He holds a bachelor's as well as a master's degree from D'Youville College in Buffalo and is a certified spine-care specialist by the McKenzie Institute International and a certified clinical instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.

"Chris is a great asset to the Physical Therapist Assistant department here at Genesee," Peggy Kerr, director of the Physical Therapist Assistant program said. "He has a wealth of information to share with his students and empowers students on a daily basis. His doctoral degree truly enhances his abilities as an engaging and well-respected faculty member."

A resident of Tonawanda, Caputi is married to his wife, Melissa, and has a son, Cameron, and a daughter, Nicole. His hobbies include athletics and in his spare time he can be found in the newly renovated gym at Genesee.

Permalink: https://readme.readmedia.com/news/show/Genesee-Community-College-Profess...
 

A lot of times, people think of life-science workers as some nerds in white lab coats enthralled with Petri dishes and gaseous vials of God-knows-what simmering on Bunsen burners.

Of course, that's a stereotype and one that regional educators, employers and professionals are actively working to erase. They have a plan as to how to accomplish this and to enlightened people about the plethora of job opportunities available in life sciences.

The cornerstone was announced Tuesday by the Genesee County Economic Development Center. It's dubbed "iSciWNY," a collaborative effort out of the University of New York at Buffalo.

Touted as a "comprehensive life-sciences workforce development program," it's designed to prepare Western New Yorkers -- not just scientists -- for new positions in the region’s growing life-sciences industry.

The Genesee/Wyoming YMCA and Five Star Bank are launching a collaborative initiative called “Five Star KIDS!” designed to help youths served by both organizations.

It kicked off in the Batavia City Elementary Schools and is, or will soon be, at Warsaw Elementary School. The City of Batavia and Warsaw School districts are, of course, also participating.

Five Star KIDS! targets fifth-graders with a goal of engaging them and empowering them through fun events, positive role models and challenging activities. Its central theme throughout the school year is character building.

"Five Star Bank and the YMCA have a long-standing partnership and this program is an extension of that collaboration,” said Five Star Bank Regional President John Witkowski. "Having the opportunity to advance the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to improve health and wellness as well as promote teamwork and leadership in our kids is part of what being a community bank is all about.”

The program will culminate in June with an all-day program at the YMCA’s Camp Hough on Silver Lake. For Batavia City School fifth-graders, that will be the first time they are all together before they going on to Middle School next fall.

Five Star KIDS! works to develop their spirit, mind and body and be supportive of their family and community. Participants will be encouraged to: become active in community organizations or causes; work hard at school and improve their grade; respect their bodies by eating right, exercising and making healthy decisions, strengthen family ties and; get involved and make a difference in their community.

The fifth-graders get Five Star KIDS! "passports" which they display during program days but get to keep throughout the year. YMCA staff and teachers will focus on promoting the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and will recognize demonstrations of character-driven behavior from individual students as well as entire classes.

Students will be able to accumulate recognition stickers throughout the year and turn them in for program rewards in the spring.

The Five Star KIDS! passports represent a ticket to the future,” said Genesee County YMCA branch director Erik Fix. “We hope to show that good behavior, good decisions and hard work can add up and help get kids where they want to go.”

Five Star Bank has made a $7,500 contribution to the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to develop and deliver the Five Star KIDS! initiative during the 2009/2010 school year.

Free parenting classes are being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, focusing on positive child rearing and healthy lifestyles.
 
Parents who participate in these classes learn about key parenting communication skills including setting limits, responsibility, communication and positive discipline strategies. In addition, they gain knowledge about nutrition for healthy growth and development.
 
This six-part series is taught by Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice. There is no cost for Genesee County residents but there is a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties.
 
For more information or to register, contact Mariellen by calling 585-343-3040 ext. 105 or stop by the Extension Center at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
 
Classes are from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays at the Cornell Cooperative Extension building on E. Main. Street of Genesee County, 420 East Main Street in Batavia.
 
Here's the line-up:

Oct. 13 - Anger in the Family: Learn to diffuse anger, encourage positive behavior at the table and about the basics of family nutrition.
 
Oct. 20 - Responsibility and Your Children: Learn to encourage responsibility, teach kids about kitchen safety and how to cook as a family.
 
Oct. 27 - Disciplining Your Children: Learn parenting styles and techniques and how to encourage good food choices.
 
Nov. 3 - Setting Limits and Expectations: Learn to set effective limits and age-appropriate expectations and to reduce cravings with healthy snacks.
 
Nov. 10 - Winning Ways to Talk with Kids: Learn to improve communication with active listening, to educate children about meal planning and how commercialization affects your budget.
 
Nov. 17 - Family Enrichment: Learn to problem solve, teach cooperation, evaluate routines and develop self-esteem.

Three students at Batavia High School have been named Commended Students for 2010 by the National Merit Scholarship Corp..

They are Kristen A. Klein, Devon R. Kleinbach and Allison M. Schelemanow.

They are among 34,000 Commended Students nationwide, out of 1.5 million students who competed in the 2008 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Only students scoring in the top 5 percent received the distinction by demonstrating exceptional academic promise.

The students will receive a Letter of Commendation from Principal Christopher J. Dailey and the National Merit Scholarship Corp..

"Recognition of high-achieving students is essential to advancing educational excellence in our nation," said a spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship in its announcement. "As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country. We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success."

Genesee Community College will conduct the annual fall Nursing Job Fair from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 in the Forum at the Batavia Campus.

This is the first academic year that two nursing classes will be graduating from Genesee, one in December 2009 and the second in May 2010.

More than 20 local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company's nursing employment and continued educational opportunities.

Job seeking participants are encouraged to come dressed to impress with resumes in hand. This year's participants include:

Adecco Medical & Science
Catholic Health System
Eastern Niagara Hospital
Erie County Home
Erie County Medical Center Corp. - SNF
Finger Lakes DDSO
Genesee County Nursing Home
Kaleida Health, Buffalo General Hospital Lifetime Care
Medical Staffing Network, Inc.
Med-Scribe, Inc.
NYS Office of Mental Health
Roberts Wesleyan College
Samaritan Medical Center
Sibley Nursing Personnel Services
Strong Memorial Hospital
The College at Brockport (SUNY)
The Village of Orleans
Thompson Health
United Memorial Medical Center University of Rochester School of Nursing
V.A. WNY Healthcare System
WNY Rural Area Health Education Center
Wyoming County Community Health System

Nursing is an area in which jobs are currently growing, unlike other areas of the workforce. On March 6, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the healthcare sector is continuing to grow, despite steep job losses in nearly all major industries. Hospitals, long-term care facilities and other ambulatory care establishments added 27,000 new jobs in February 2009, a month when 681,000 jobs were eliminated nationwide.

"The fall job fair is an opportune time for our December graduates," said Kathy Palumbo, R.N., director of nursing at Genesee. "This is often a desirable group of graduates because hospitals and other institutions may need to fill positions in the spring and most programs graduate in May or June only."

The job fair is free and open to the public. For a full list of participants, directions and additional details, please visit www.genesee.edu/ctc <http://www.genesee.edu/ctc>  or contact John McGowan at 585-343-0055 ext. 6383.

Universities have a reputation of being bastions of liberalism. Even in my private, evangelically oriented college, there was little evidence that the faculty considered conservatism to have much of an intellectual underpinning. Everything I learned about  Edmund Burke I studied in a community college or after entering the work world.

And of course, the epicenter of liberalism is the University of California at Berkeley. So, would you be surprised to learn that Berkeley is adding a course on the study of "right wing movements."

Of course, "right wing" has become pejorative among progressives in the same way liberal has become "the L word."  But a major university treating conservative intellectual thought with any amount of seriousness is a major step toward students being exposed to a broader range of ideas.

The diary (American Conservatism: Thinking It, Teaching It, by Paul Lyons) is fascinating and reassuring, at least about our students. Lyons's class was split almost evenly between liberal and conservative students, who had no trouble arguing with each other. They seemed to understand what thin-skinned professors wish to forget: that intellectual engagement is not for crybabies. The students had loud debates over Reagan's legacy, Bush's foreign policy, religious freedom, abortion, even the "war on Christmas" — and nobody broke into tears or ran to the dean to complain. And the more the students argued, the more they came to respect one another. According to Lyons, liberal students learned that that conservative guy was no longer just the predictable gun nut or religious fanatic. And the conservative students learned that they had to make real arguments, not rely on clichés and sound bites recycled from Fox News or Rush Limbaugh.

I think on The Batavian we've had some good debates on healthcare reform recently. Many people of various ideological perspectives have brought some thoughtful arguments and competing facts to the discussion. There has been little rancor. That's how policy should be debated in an open society.

I do think there needs to be a greater understanding among the politically minded of how broad and intellectually diverse the right side of the political spectrum is.

In his essay on the Berkeley course, Mark Lilla wonders how many liberal professors can distinguish between the American Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation, and the Cato Institute -- three ideologically different think tanks. I wonder, too, how many self-identified conservatives know the difference?

Or that not all conservatism favors intrusions into bedrooms or into foreign countries.

I grew up in the Cold War era. The only thing I knew of conservatism was anti-Communism and "the domino effect." It took Bill Kauffman to expose me to pre-Cold War conservatism and I realized there was a sound conservative argument and tradition for non-interventionist, small military thinking. Lilla observes, too, that conservative thinking changed a lot in the 1950s:

"It is a convenient left-wing dodge to reduce 20th-century American conservatism to Cold-War politics, since it implies that conservative ideas are embedded in a world that no longer exists and never should have. In fact, in the 1930s American conservatives were far more obsessed with Franklin D. Roosevelt and his domestic legacy than with Joseph Stalin, and looked askance at all foreign entanglements, including the Second World War. The anti-Communist cause was first conceived by Cold-War liberals, not by conservatives."

I wonder if Kauffman will be taught at Berkeley?

(The quotes from this essay by Mark Lilla (also linked above). Read the whole thing.  Pictured above, Edmund Burke and Robert Taft.)

***NOTICE OF PUBLIC EVENT***

HAWLEY & BURLING ANNOUNCE FREE

HUNTER EDUCATION & SAFETY COURSE

Free 3-Course Series Begins October 1 at Batavia Rod & Gun Club

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) and Assemblyman Dan Burling (R, C, I – Warsaw) will be hosting a free Hunter Education and Safety Course, taught by Carl Hyde, Jr., beginning October 1, 2009 at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Space is limited so interested persons should sign up today.

“I have worked hard to protect and promote our rural traditions, such as hunting, from excessive and overbearing legislative mandates, but I am a firm believer in responsible gun ownership.  That’s why I am pleased to help promote this free Hunter Education and Safety Course and look forward to offering more opportunities like this in our region,” said Hawley, who, as a member of the Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Committee, brought a number of individual sportsmen and groups to Albany to ensure their voices were heard during this year’s annual “Gun Day.”

“As passionate as I have been in fighting for Second Amendment rights, I have been equally passionate regarding gun safety and education.  Having firearms is not only a right, it is a responsibility.  When it comes to hunting or protecting our families, we owe it to our families and communities to ensure gun safety is practiced by all,” said Burling.

            The first Hunter Education and Safety Course, a three-part series, will begin on October 1 and participants must attend all three classes (Thursday, October 1 from 6 pm to 9 pm; Saturday, October 3 from 8 am to noon; and, Monday, October 5 from 6 pm to 9 pm).  All courses will be taught at the Batavia Rod and Gun Club.  Those interested in signing up should do so in person at Batavia Marine and Sporting Goods, located at 411 West Main Street in Batavia.

            For more information or other inquiries, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or Assemblyman Burling’s office at (585) 786-0810.

###

This fall, Genesee Community College is offering tai chi ch'uan lessons and Mandarin Chinese lessons. Tai chi ch'uan lessons will be on Monday and Thursday evenings and Mandarin Chinese lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Both are at the Batavia campus and open to all.

Tai chi ch'uan, translates literally as "supreme ultimate fist," and is commonly known as tai chi. It is a "soft" or "internal" Chinese martial art, an ancient discipline followed by millions of people all over the world.

The college in conjuction with the Red Dragon School of Martial Arts will offer classes on from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday starting Sept.14 and running through Dec. 17. The cost for this 26-session class is $286 and registration can be made through the Records Office at Genesee.

Tai chi is a system of exercises with both physical and mental benefits that everyone can practice regardless of age and physical abilities. Through these classes, students work according to their ability and within their natural range of movement. The movements are extended, natural, gentle, graceful and relatively simple and easy to learn. Tai chi is also a martial art, where embodied within the slow, gentle movements are powerful vigor and force. Tai chi can also be used to improve health and wellness and has been shown to reduce stress, depression, pain, inflammation and blood pressure. It also has been known to improve flexibility, balance, strength, circulation and mental outlook.

The college will also offer free Mandarin Chinese lessons on from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday starting Sept. 21, in room B360 at the Batavia campus. The lessons will focus on integrating speaking and listening as well as reading and writing skills.

Mandarin Chinese is taught by Genesee student Aiwen Yang. Aiwen was born in China and attended Chinese schools until moving to Spain. While in Spain, she studied Spanish and French and taught Chinese to members of the business community. She is currently a resident assistant at College Village, the on-campus student housing.

"Tai chi and Mandarin lessons are great examples of the multi-cultural learning opportunities Genesee Community College regularly offers to our students and our community," said Karin Kovach-Allen, dean of Human Communications and Behavior at Genesee. "We're especially pleased that one of our own students has offered to share her culture and language with the community."

For further information about Tai Chi and Mandarin lessons, please contact Nina Mortellaro at 585-343-0055 ext. 6228.

Genesee Community College will hold the 2009 Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life on Monday, Sept. 21.

Fred Grandy, television star, radio personality, former CEO and Congressman will deliver the keynote address on the "Art of Change." It will focus on bringing positive change to local organizations and the community.

"We couldn't have asked for a more appropriate topic for this year's symposium," said 2009 Symposium Chair Lori Stupp. "As the economic and political climates have changed recently, our local businesses and community groups must adapt and change as well."

The symposium will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Campus. Tickets are $25 and reservations must be made by Sept.14. For further information, please call the Genesee Community College Office of External Affairs at 585-343-0055 x6234.

A reception with hearty hors d'oeuvres will follow the keynote address.

Although Grandy may be best known for his acting role as the loveable "Gopher" on The Love Boat comedy series, he has an assortment of career experiences that allow him to present poignant messages on importance of giving back and community involvement.

Upon leaving Hollywood, Grandy successfully campaigned for Congress in his home state of Iowa and served eight years in House of Representatives. Afterward, he became president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and spent the next few years rebuilding the nonprofit chain of retail stores and rehab centers.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard with a Master's degree in Shakespearean studies from The George Washington University, he has been a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Affairs, as well as a consultant to a number of nonprofit organizations.

He now makes his living in talk radio as the host of the popular Grandy & Andy Morning Show on 630 WMAL in Washington, DC, and is the co-host of Retired Living TV's Daily Café, which focuses on news and current affairs and includes viewer participation.

The family and friends of Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III, who died suddenly in September 2001, established the symposium in his memory. Humphrey, who served as president of Pavilion State Bank (now part of Five Star Bank) and was chairman of the Board of Trustees for Genesee Community College at the time of his death, was one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development.

The symposium brings speakers with a national or regional reputation to the college to discuss some facet of leadership. Past speakers have included Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Paychex CEO Thomas Golisano, William Hudnut III, a former Congressman, and Paul S. Speranza, chairman of the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Empire State College have signed an articulation agreement to effectively transfer Genesee Community College credits to Empire State College to earn a prestigious State University of New York (SUNY) bachelor's degree.

As the first formal partner in the new Pathways Program, graduates from Genesee Community College are now able to define an individual degree program tailored to their unique interests, and with the help of a mentor, make a smooth transition to Empire State College to earn a bachelor's degree.

The Pathways Program is a new transfer opportunity where Genesee Community College graduates can take an additional 16 credits of introductory coursework at Genesee to support their bachelor's degree requirements. The remaining 48 credits of required upper division coursework is taken with Empire State College through flexible teaching and learning models. Known commonly as a "5+3 program," students enrolled in the Pathways Program generally take five semesters at Genesee, and three semesters with Empire State College to achieve a bachelor's degree.

With this agreement, students are able to stay within their community and earn a bachelor's degree that is tailored to their career goals. Students are also able to choose a blend of online, independent study and in-person study through one of Empire State College's regional locations, or they can choose to study entirely online.

Pathways Program students not only choose what they want to study, but also how, where and when they want to study. With an Empire State College campus in Batavia, Rochester, Alfred, Canandaigua and Corning, residents across upstate New York can now earn a bachelor's degree with little or no commuting from home.

The flexibility of the Pathways Program includes more than 400 online Empire State College classes, allowing students to continue their studies while fulfilling family, work and community commitments. The joint venture between Genesee and Empire State College reflects a highly individualized approach to degree planning that addresses the varying needs and demands placed upon contemporary students.

"The new Pathways Program increases access to high quality, higher education - meeting the needs of today's adult learners," Alan R. Davis, Ph.D., president of Empire State College. "It offers the flexibility for students to mix and match what they want to take, and where and when they take it. The partnership allows students to hold down a job, stay in their community, continue to fulfill family and community obligations and still earn a SUNY degree."

Empire State College offers the following 11 areas of study for a bachelor's degree: Nursing (BSN); Social Theory/Social Structure and Change; Science/Mathematics and Technology; Human Development; Historical Studies; Educational Studies; Cultural Studies; Community and Human Services; Business Management/Economics; and the Arts. These bachelor's degree study areas overlap with all of the associate degrees offered at Genesee, but particularly coalesce with Genesee's Business, Human Services, Communications, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts and Nursing programs.

For more information on the Pathways Program between Genesee Community College and Empire State College, visit www.esc.edu/geneseecc <http://www.esc.edu/geneseecc>  or contact any of the following representatives:

EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE
Ed Warzala, Unit Coordinator/Mentor
                36 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY 14020

                585-343-2307

                E-mail: ed.warzala@esc.edu
Laura Lee Jezsik, Recruitment and Outreach Specialist
    1475 Winton Road North, Rochester, NY 14609

    585-224-3299

    E-mail: laura.jezsik@esc.edu

GENESEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Career and Transfer Center
                Priscilla DiRisio

                One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020

                585-343-0055 x 6423

                E-mail: CTC@genesee.edu
 

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College offers two new noncredit community classes this fall.

They are the Library Assistant/Technician Certificate Program and Exploring Your Family History workshop this September at Genesee's Batavia Campus.

The first course, Library Assistant/Technician Certificate Program, is a noncredit professional course sponsored by the New York Library Association (NYLA). It is open to individuals already working or newly hired in libraries, or people interested in working in a library setting.

It is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Sept. 21-24 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. To receive a certificate, participants must complete the entire 18-hour program, which includes a survey of libraries from their beginnings in pre-history to the dynamic institutions they are today.

Special attention is given to the various aspects of library work and the distinctive role of the library assistant/technician in today's libraries as well as the current employment situation. The course costs $250 and financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.

Additional topics include public/circulation services, reference and technical services.  Public/circulation services will introduce circulation systems, reserves, special collections, shelving, stack maintenance, customer service, public relations, confidentiality and security. The reference topic will tackle organization of information, the reference question and search strategies, electronic reference products, trends, library/bibliographic instruction, information literacy, and the role of a library technician.

Lastly, the technical services topic will provide an overview of technical processing services used in libraries to ensure growth, development and bibliographic control of all collections and materials. In addition, individuals will learn the procedures required to acquire, catalog, process and preserve materials in all formats and impact of computers on technical services in libraries.

The second course, Exploring Your Family History is a noncredit genealogy workshop for those interested in learning about their ancestors.

Not that long ago, genealogy was considered strange and slightly morbid, because it often required trips to cemeteries and delving into the sometimes shady past. In recent years, however, genealogy has gone mainstream and new technology is available to facilitate both the search and the storage of genealogical information.

There is new appreciation for the stories that connect people to their ancestors. Participants in the workshop will learn how to trace their own genealogy and help others trace theirs. Individuals will go beyond names, dates, and places to gather the stories of their ancestors and pass them on to future generations. Topics will also include the proper storage and organization of the materials and artifacts used to develop a family history. This workshop cost is $74 and is offered in eight sessions from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Sept. 30 and running through Nov. 18.

Exploring Your Family History is taught by Connie Constantine, who has been exploring the history of her family and helping others do the same since she was 16. After helping friends and acquaintances with their genealogy for decades, she developed a curriculum for a course in Family History at the Larkin Center in Buffalo. She has written a book of family recipes and stories and is currently working on a book based on her mother's diaries. She practices and teaches pre-industrial arts including spinning, cheese and soap making, hearth cooking, butter making and other skills that past generations depended upon.

"These community classes and workshops are designed to serve all people in our region," Ray Chaya, director of The BEST Center said. "Community really is our middle name here at Genesee. Whether it is a professional skill building seminar that may help someone enter a new career, or a community workshop on genealogy - these courses illustrate that there really is something for everyone at Genesee Community College."

For more program information, course descriptions, or to register online, please visit www.bestcenter.org <http://www.bestcenter.org> . For enrollment information, contact The BEST Center at 585-345-6868.

 

Modern Think, a national research firm, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, have named Genesee Community College as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For." 

GCC was the only community college in the State University of New York system to be included in the "Great Colleges to Work For" list.

As part of the "Great Colleges" project, faculty and staff members at Genesee and almost 250 other leading colleges and universities across the nation described their attitudes toward their positions and their institutions in a lengthy survey.

Modern Think, the research firm, tabulated the results on behalf of The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's leading higher education professional periodical. As part of the survey process, the college also had to complete a detailed institutional profile.

Chronicle editors used the survey results and institutional profiles to identify several dozen colleges and universities as "great places to work." Genesee scored exceptionally high in the quality of facilities, and the safety and security of the campus environment.

Genesee faculty and staff ranked the college highly in numerous categories, including institutional pride, relationships with supervisors, and overall job satisfaction.

Six members of the College's Buildings and Grounds staff were on hand, and applauded, at the Board of Trustees meeting last month to hear the survey report given by Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gina M. Weaver.

They included: Timothy Landers, director of Buildings and Grounds; Martin Cross, senior custodial worker; Jason Reardon, senior groundskeeper; Erik Will, senior custodial worker; Diane Marchese, Buildings and Grounds secretary; and Wayne Gruendike, Buildings and Grounds supervisor.

Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Miller said that she was pleased with the survey results. 

"We know we're a great college, but it's very nice to be recognized nationally," she said.

Eight new faculty and staff members will join Genesee Community College this fall semester.

They are: 

• Monica H. Mattioli, associate dean, Lima Campus Center. She has worked as executive director of the Roman Catholic Community of Downtown Rochester, senior director of marketing and public relations for Genesee Country Museum, and director of marketing and recruitment for the Division of Business Management at Roberts Wesleyan College. Mattioli holds a B.A. degree from St. Bonaventure University and a M.S. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of North Chili.
• Michelle E. Tomaszewski, systems and electronic services librarian. She has worked as database administrator for Upstate NY Go Local Project, and in library positions at Finger Lakes Community College, Hobart and William Smith colleges, Pennsylvania State University at Altoona, and Centre County Library and Historical Museum in Bellefonte, Pa. Tomaszewski holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Geneseo and a M.L.S. degree from SUNY Albany. She is a resident of Scottsville.
• Jodi S. Harvey, instructor of teacher education. Harvey comes to Genesee from Pavilion Central School District. She has also taught at Genesee Valley BOCES and Genesee Valley Academy in Leicester. She holds a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport and a M.E. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Geneseo.
• Derek D. Maxfield, instructor of history. He comes to Genesee from Capital Community College in Hartford, Conn. He has also taught at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass., Niagara County Community College, SUNY College at Fredonia, the University at Buffalo, and Canisius College. He holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Cortland and a M.A. degree from Villanova University. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. degree from the University at Buffalo. He is a resident of Dundee.
• Donna A. Lee LaMura, temporary instructor of chemistry and mathematics. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty. She has also taught at Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Nazareth College. She also has been a high school teacherl. LaMura holds B.A., B.S., and M.S. degrees from the University of Bridgeport, Conn. She resides in Fairport.
• Roshani Shrestha, temporary instructor of computer technology. She comes to Genesee from John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill. She has also taught at Monroe Community College and Bryant & Stratton College. Shrestha holds a B.S. degree from Quincy University, IIl., and a M.S. degree from the University of Illinois. She is a resident of West Henrietta.
• Susan M. Chiddy, learning specialist. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty for 10 years. She holds a B.S. degree from D'Youville College and a M.E. degree from the University at Buffalo. Chiddy is a resident of Elba.
• Glenn E. Taplin, academic advisor. He has served as a member of the staff of East High School in Buffalo, retention coordinator for the University at Buffalo's Student Support Services program, and assistant men's basketball coach at Buffalo State College. He holds a B.A. degree from Canisius College and a M.S. degree from Buffalo State College. Taplin resides in East Amherst.

Fall semester at Genesee Community College is quickly approaching and students are taking full advantage of financial-aid opportunities. As economic times get tougher, it is imperative for all students to be able to apply for and receive financial aid.

The federal government has recently launched a campaign to encourage people to attend higher education institutions, especially community colleges, and is now informing current and prospective students of the financial aid opportunities that they may not be aware of.

A letter from Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was sent to Genesee President Stuart Steiner outlining financial aid opportunities. As an instructor at a community college herself, Jill Biden is helping to spread the word about financial aid for people who have suffered during the current economy.

Her letter highlights financial-aid opportunities that many students may be unaware of, including:

• Students or family members of students who have had a change in financial circumstances and are collecting unemployment insurance may have their financial aid adjusted in order to help finance the cost of higher education.
• Pell Grants and Federal student loans are available for tuition and books, but also can be used for the costs associated with transportation and living expenses that help students attend their classes.
• Students may have their incomes adjusted to zero for financial aid purposes if they are now receiving unemployment insurance.

There are  a variety of programs including federal Pell Grants, New York State TAP fund, fiscal loans, and numerous college scholarship programs available. Approximately 84% of Genesee's students receive some form of financial aid.

"Last year, students at Genesee received $19 million in financial aid," Joseph Bailey, director of Financial Aid at Genesee, said. "There is money available, and we hope we can reach students of all ages and backgrounds to let them know that college is more affordable than they think."

To receive more information, or to apply for Federal Student Aid, visit www.genesee.edu/financial/apply <http://www.genesee.edu/financial/apply> .

The fall 2009 semester starts on Aug. 24, at all Genesee Community College campuses, with the exception of the new Lima Campus Center, which will start classes on Sept. 21.

For further information, please contact Genesee's Financial Aid office at 585-345-6900 or at www.genesee.edu/finaid <http://www.genesee.edu/finaid>.

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees re-elected Laurie J. Miller as chair of the board of trustees for the 2009-2010 year at the board's recent annual meeting. The board also re-elected Charles R. Ruffino as vice chair and Maureen T. Marshall as secretary.

Miller has served as a trustee since 2000. She is one of the owners and operators of Willow Ridge Farm in Alexander.

Ruffino, of Batavia, has served as a trustee since 2002. He is a retired New York State Department of Education administrator.

Marshall has served as a trustee since 2003. She is an owner and operator of Torrey Farms, based in Elba.

I work for a college, it'll remain unnamed. In the office where I work our students are primarily adults. We offer different degree options, and full-time status so that our students qualify for financial aid. On top of my normal office duties, I also tutor students in writing.

I attended a traditional (private) four-year instutition in New York State. I have a BA and I consider myself pretty intelligent. I could probably teach some social studies courses and have a healthy experience teaching high school, if I so desired.

I'm attending graduate school to get my Master's in Educational Leadership, I want to work with college students, specifically (eventually) adult students at a traditional 4-year institution.

Through these experiences I am always amazed at the lack of reading and writing comprhension. Even at the Master-level, students do not read or comprehend the reading. They do not engage with the reading. They have no questions or comments about the reading. It's sad. The students I work with have no idea how to form an academic argument or even write the traditional 5-paragraph essays.

Here on the boards I'm amazed at what is considered fact and reliable. It's not that there are "bad" sources out there (well, there are, but pretend for a moment there aren't any) but what we use to back up our arguments here on the internet (all over the internet) would never be accepted academically. They wouldn't be accepted in the high school curriculum in NYS. But, my main point is, here on the internet are "real" people, those that actually exist in this world without the help of an academic sitting on their shoulder. It amazes me how our education system has failed so many people.

Here's an article that really sums up my feelings, and frustrations, as a student and educational leader (you may or may not be able to read the whole thing, I'm at work so I'm not sure what's private on the site). http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2009/06/2009063001c.htm (and I realize this post might make me sound high-and-mighty, but it's really just about observations I've had through my experiences)