Announcements

The Second Annual Collin Crane Memorial event to raise money to help young hockey players is at 9 a.m. Saturday March 15 at Falleti Ice Rink, located at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.

The scholarship fund helps pay fees for Ramparts hockey when a child's family is financially strapped.

There will be basket raffles for a Chinese auction, including special raffle items such as autographed sports memorabilia and gift certificates, 50/50, a bake sale and concessions.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (a.k.a. GO ART!) is proud to present "COMFORT ZONE," a new feature-length documentary exploring the effects of climate change on Upstate New York, to be shown at 3 p.m. on on Saturday, April 12, in the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College.

This will be following the Kids ECO-fest, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day at GCC.

The film was produced and directed by Upstate New York residents Kate Kressmann-Kehoe, Sean P. Donnelly and Batavia native David S. Danesh. The screening (67 mins.) will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers.

GO ART! is delighted to be partnering with Genesee Community College on this special screening. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members and will be available for sale at GO ART! and online at www.goart.org <http://www.goart.org>. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or info@goart.org.

"COMFORT ZONE" takes an in-depth look at what happens when global climate issues come to our backyard. It candidly examines the pragmatic reality of climate change’s effect on everyday life in a Northeastern setting.

“There are a lot of things here we take for granted that could be gone, and it would be a very different place,” said co-producer Kressmann-Kehoe.

The film highlights how New York residents' daily lives will be affected, from winter sports to apple picking to gardening.

“If we take New York and we warm it up four degrees that’s like moving it to almost Virginia,” said Art DeGaetano, professor of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University.

John Tarduno, professor of Geophysics, University of Rochester, said: “I used to teach my students in introductory classes that when we had climate change issues, that these were things that could take hundreds of thousands of years. We now know from the ice core records that decade time scales can be involved, which changes everything.”

Arming the community with the right information was a goal for the filmmakers.

“I want to see us do the right thing as a society and we are not going to do the right thing if we don’t have the right information,” said co-producer Donnelly.

The film doesn’t shy away from the difficulty of changing course.

“The threat to our way of life is huge," said Rochester-based author Bob Siegel. "Everything we do is completely dominated by the use of fossil fuels. It’s pulling the rug out from under all of us."

Despite the serious topic, the film has a light touch. Viewers are coming along on a journey of discovery with the filmmakers, not being lectured at or told what to do. Humorous animated sequences provide both information and relief.

The film also explores deeper spiritual and psychological dimensions of our responses to the issue.  “If the people on this planet need to change the way they live, how will they? I believe this is the burning question of our time,” said co-producer Danesh.

"Comfort Zone" is an independently produced documentary. It was funded by the three filmmakers and a crowd-sourcing campaign via Indiegogo. No organization or outside funder had input on the content or message.

Press release:

The Coalition for Healthy Children and Families asks for your support for an afternoon of bowling and fun to support a healthy, active lifestyle and prevent childhood obesity. Individuals, businesses and organizations -- please consider sponsoring the "Get Fit Bowl-A-Thon" on Sunday, March 23, at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

There will be two bowling sessions: 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. The cost to bowl is $12 per person or $60 per lane (group of six). Included in the above costs are shoe rentals, food, and beverage. If you are interested in sponsoring a lane, the cost is $100 for one lane or $150 for two lanes.

There will also be raffles and a grand prize drawing for participants. If you’re interested in donating toward our raffles or sponsoring a lane, please contact Holly Sharpe via phone at 344-1664 or e-mail at hsharpe@glowymca.org

“Get Fit” is a 12-week healthy lifestyle program offered by the Coalition for Healthy Children and Families incorporating physical activity & nutrition education. The coalition consists of community organizations and medical professionals in Genesee County, including United Memorial Medical Center, YMCA of Genesee Area, Batavia Pediatrics (Dr. Lalit Jain), Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, and Genesee County Health Department. They are all committed to making a difference in the lives of local residents and families.

Donations and sponsors can be dropped off or mailed to:

YMCA-Batavia
Attn: Holly Sharpe
209 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Press release:

BATAVIA -- YWCA is seeking vendors to sell assorted products including vegetables, meats, cheeses, honey, jams, jellies, maple syrup, baked goods, fruits, herbs, flowers and other agricultural-related items for its weekly Market at North Street set to begin early this summer. It
will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays from July to October.

Tables are $10 per week or 25-percent off for vendors who commit to the entire season. The Market has been growing with its offerings and customers, and YWCA staff plans to further that success this year. Crafters may book up to two Sundays each on a first come, first served
basis. This will allow for more variety of artisan-style items each week.

"We welcome anyone interested in selling your locally grown or produced goods as part of our ongoing effort to empower small business in Genesee County and the surrounding area," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Our Farmers’ Market emphasizes an ongoing relationship with all local agricultural producers. It is designed to highlight their work and celebrate their significant contributions to our community."

Entertainers are also invited to participate in the Market with your talents of singing, acting, bellydancing, yoga or whatever it may be. It's a great opportunity for exposure to the public while providing a fun and entertaining Market experience, Walton said.

For an application or to get more information, call (585) 343-5808.

WHAT:  The Market @ North Street
WHEN:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays (July to October)
WHERE: YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia
 

A Civil War Tea Party and Fashion Show will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Cost is $20 per person.

You will be entertained by period music featuring soprano Amy Savino, a 1860s era fashion show by Dona LaValle and learn about “The Language of the Fan” from Rita Reichle.

Please call for your reservation 585-343-4727. Seating is limited. Period dress is optional. You may e-mail us at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com  for more information or check our Web site and Facebook page.

Registration for Batavia Minor Leagues baseball will be inside the Batavia Country Mall, outside of Sunny's Restaurant, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 7th.

Children in the Batavia area between ages 5 and 17 are invited to play.

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

For more information, call 409-6779.

Press release:

First Community Interfaith Institute. Inc., (a spiritual and cultural organization plus a teaching church based in Southeast Rochester) is paying homage to a former Batavia resident for its Women’s History Month observation at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 219 Hamilton St. in Rochester.

Mary Bailey (1932-2005) was a trustee of First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc. She was one of the Institute’s strongest supporters and she worked for the success of First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc.

She was the mother of Sylvester Johnson and the grandmother of Stacey Johnson. In 1986, Sylvester, Stacey and a friend of Stacey were killed in a sudden and tragic car accident involving an emergency vehicle outside the current Six Flags at Darien Lake.

Until she passed, Mrs. Bailey was instrumental in organizing the annual Sylvester and Stacey Johnson Memorial in both Batavia and Rochester. First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc., was founded in 1970 by National Minister Lawrance Lee Evans under the philosophy of “Doology.” It offers spiritual and cultural programs all year round, and as a teaching church, it operates a tutoring program geared to the needs of both youth and adults.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Tracy Merritt has been named February 2014 Employee of the Month. Tracy is a technical specialist in the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research.

In her role, Merritt is focused on Academic Assessment, working with faculty and administrators to collect assessment data, increase awareness of assessment activities and use of assessment results. She also works to maintain and continuously improve tools to aid in collecting assessment data.

"We have a tremendous group of dedicated instructors and staff here at GCC and my position allows me to meet and work with many of them," Merritt said. "I feel fortunate and proud to be part of GCC's Institutional Research and Assessment team."

In naming her Employee of the Month, the College noted that "Tracy is an exceptionally conscientious employee who routinely goes above and beyond to provide service to the faculty, administrators and coworkers at the College. She played a major role in improving several areas of our assessment process over the last year that resulted in improved communication and understanding of the assessment tools."

Merritt is a lifelong resident of LeRoy. She and her husband of 26 years, Gary, have two adult children, Gary and Sarah. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, genealogy, decorative painting and reading.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Jordan Tillotson has been named the February 2014 Student of the Month. A 2012 graduate of Pavilion Central School, he is pursuing degrees in both Liberal Arts and Sports Management at GCC.

Jordan is an outstanding student and has been on the President's List all three of his semesters. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. One of his favorite things about GCC is that it's "such a close-knit community." The College notes that Jordan "is a leader among his peers and often has newer students turning to him for advice."

After graduating from GCC this spring, Jordan plans to transfer to Syracuse University where he'll work toward a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. His dream job would be as a Division One college basketball coach. He currently coaches youth sports in his hometown and serves as a referee as well. Jordan offers special thanks to members of the GCC athletic department "for helping me with whatever it may be." The College salutes Jordan for being "an excellent role model."

Jordan is the son of Chris and Chad Tillotson, and has one sister, Taylor, and a brother Devin.

Press release:

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

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

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

How it works

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road.

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

Pictured are Justin and Corrinne.

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

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

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

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

FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS OFFERED AT BLUE PEARL YOGA IN BATAVIA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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