Announcements

Genesee County United Way is more than halfway to its goal of $392,000 for the 2011 campaign. According to Regional Director Jamie Beedham-Rada, they are currently at 58 percent and "need your help to reach 100 percent."

Beedham-Rada says that United Way's mission is "to give back to our community, advocate for those in need, and receive funding to support local non-profit agencies."

Their five chief service categories are early childhood, school-age children, elderly, crisis and disability services.

"I believe by giving to United Way we are 'paying it forward,'" Beedham-Rada said, "because most of us have probably utilized services from one of the many agencies United Way supports at some point in our lives.

"Whether you had a child in Boy Scouts, an aging parent in need of assistance, no food for your family, or you just needed someone to talk to, one of the many amazing agencies in our county was there to assist you."

She also stressed that all money donated to United Way "stays right in our community to help the people we care about most."

For more information, contact Beedham-Rada at 343-8141. To donate, make checks payable to:

United Way

335 Ellicott St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Graphic submitted by Jamie Beedham-Rada

Here's a news release from Tender Loving Family Care.

Tender Loving Family Care (TLFC), a local care provider with offices in Brockport and Batavia, is donating 100 hours of services to members of the community that may need care this holiday season.

TLFC, which is owned and operated by Anikka and David D’Andrea, is also encouraging caregivers and family members of elderly residents to be on the lookout for signs of depression in seniors during the holidays.

According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression. Another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20 percent of the senior population.

Depression in the elderly is difficult to diagnose and is frequently untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.

If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you may notice a change in your loved one's mood as the holidays approach. Perhaps you are one of many, who visit elderly parents and family during the holidays who live a distance away. When you visit you may notice that loved ones are not as physically active, or they show symptoms of fatigue or sadness and have no interest in the holiday or in their surroundings.

You can help by recognizing the signs of depression and getting seniors out and about.  Invite them to do things with you such as helping with holiday tasks and encourage them to talk with their healthcare provider if you are concerned about them.

Keeping with the theme of volunteering and giving during the holiday season, TLFC is offering free service to help individuals that will be home alone, in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility during the holidays. TLFC, which provides affordable, comprehensive, non-medical care services, will make 100 hours of service available to those in need.

According to President and CEO Anikka D’Andrea, the goal is to help those in need while calling attention to the special needs of seniors.

“We have a large aging population that needs special attention and the care is often provided by family members that already have a number of responsibilities,” D’Andrea said. “We are here to help them and offer them a break from demands of care giving.”

To find out more about TLFC or to suggest someone that could benefit from free care, please call 637-0333.

The Batavia Area Jaycees invite you to brighten holiday spirits by taking part in a Holiday Home Lighting Contest.

Judging will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The winners will be chosen from six categories:

• Most Traditional Decor
• Most Colorful
• Overall Display
• Friends of the Lighting Company
• Most Commercial
• Simple and Elegant

Judging will take place within City of Batavia limits. However, if you feel a house within the Town of Batavia limits is worth judging, please leave a message with the address by phoning 343-5775.

The Batavia Area Jaycees is a community service organization for ages 21 to 39. It has provided local individual development and leadership training since 1943.

Visit on the web at <http://www.jci.cc/local/batavia#>.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office will have extra patrols on the highways this holiday season and their focus will be on DWI, seat belt use and aggressive driving.

Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble wants people to remember that driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. He says "Please give driving your undivided attention and pull off the road to accomplish everything else."

Seatbelt questions and answers:

What is the law regarding seat belt use?

According to the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Laws, seat belts must be worn as follows:

• All passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt according to Section 1229-c (2) and (3) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#2>.
• All children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt in the back seat <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#1>.
• Children from birth through age 8 are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system.
• All children under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.

What if I am driving and my passengers are not buckled up?

• Drivers can be fined up to $100 for each passenger under the age of 16 who is not properly restrained in their vehicles. See Section 1229-c (5) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#5">.
• The driver will also receive three violation points on his or her driver record. See the on-line seatbelt brochure <http://www.safeny.com/media/belt-bro.htm>.

Circle of Love Foundation is collecting gently used winterwear: coats, jackets, mittens, gloves, scarves, snowpants, boots, snowsuits for men, women and children. All sizes needed.

These will be passed out individually to people in need. Founder Billie Ball says "we have many families in need of winter outerwear."

Drop off your donations to: Circle of Love, located inside of Country Clippers Dog Grooming, 3286 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Or call and they can pick up five items or more. Phone is 345-7412.

Students at Genesee Community College now have the opportunity to expand their leadership skills through a new non-credit Leadership Certificate Program.

It is a new initiative to help students improve upon their existing skills and ability to be a leader. Open to all students, this program is designed to prepare students as leaders in the workplace and in their community.

While students do not receive academic credit for attending these seminars and workshops, they will receive recognition for completing it on their final academic transcripts.

Students must complete a series of courses, seminars, workshops and volunteer work in five areas to complete the certificate program. These include:

One Introductory Course (Student choose one of the following)

• LEAD 101: Your Life and Leadership (designed for first year students)
• LEAD 102: Foundations of Leadership (designed for non-traditional students)

One Capstone Course (Student choose one of the following)

• LEAD 201: Modern Leadership Issues Seminar
• LEAD 202: Student Paraprofessional Development Seminar (designed for student leaders)
• LEAD 203: Orientation Leadership Seminar
• LEAD 204: Resident Assistant Seminar Experience In Leadership. Students complete 120 hours over two semesters of actively participating in one of the following four categories: Internship, Part-time Position, Volunteer Position, or Summer Job.

Service Learning – students must complete four service learning projects, such as an alternative Spring Break, Student Volunteer position at GCC, or Student Leadership position at GCC.

LEAD 206: Leadership Certificate Portfolio.

• Over the course of three sessions, students develop an electronic or E-portfolio. Student Development Series Presentations take place during common hours and evenings and students choose 10 on-campus or online sessions from the following seven modules: LIFE, Business and Commerce, Cross Cultural, Volunteerism and Service Leadership, Professional, Transitions, and Financial Wellness.

"Leadership is key to the future of individuals, organizations, communities and nations," Jennifer Newell, dean of Students at Genesee said. "Organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors are moving away from traditional management functions toward models of employee empowerment based on various leadership models. We want to prepare students to not only be dynamic in their future workplaces, but effectively serve their communities as well."

To find out more contact Newell at 343-0055, ext. 6314, or jmnewell@genesee.edu.

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 4 begins Winterfest in Le Roy. Santa will be coming to town at 1:00. Bring the kids to see him at Pontillo's on Main Street.

The second annual Holiday Bazaar will take place at the Knights of Columbus (behind Save-a-lot).

There will be a coloring contest for the kids at the movie store on Main St. and hot chocolate at the Library on Wolcott Street. There's always something super yummy brewing at Java's on Main and baking at Scratch Bakery (in the Java's store). The Main Street stores will be having sales. We have many lovely shops, including Vintage and Vogue and The Hobby Horse.

Come see Le Roy decorated for the holidays and shop too! Remember when you spend money in Genesee County your taxes stay here to support the county, city, villages and towns AND you support your neighbors by helping them stay in business!

Buy local!

Thank you to Michelle Fuller for her vision and coordination of decorating on Main Street for the holidays this year, to the DPW for their assistance, the Le Roy Business Council and the Village of LeRoy for sponsoring the new holiday banners, and everyone for participating in lighting.

Thank you for supporting OUR businesses!!!

A Corfu man who is a New York Army National Guard Soldier has been promoted -- given a new rank and responsibilities.

Brandon Burgess, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry, is promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announced the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.state.us or www1800goguard.com.

There will be a Drug-Free Communities Coalition Board meeting at Terry Hills Restaurant from 8:45 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14.

Please RSVP by Dec. 10 by contacting Carol Nicometo at 815-1873 or via e-mail at <cnicometo@gcasa.org>.

The restaurant is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Genesee Community College along with the Genesee County Career Center will host a workshop titled "Adults in Career Transition: Are You a Purple Squirrel?" on Thursday, Dec. 2. It will be held at the Batavia Campus  from 5 to 7 p.m. in T119. This event is free and open to the public.

"Purple Squirrel" is a human resource term for the elusive candidate, with exactly the right qualifications and experience, to match an employer's need. The term is synonymous with "ideal candidate."

The Adults in Career Transition workshop will focus on introducing transition skills and career opportunities for adults returning to the workforce or attending college. Guest speakers include John McGowan, Career Services coordinator at Genesee Community College and Veronica Frost, senior employment and training counselor at the Genesee County Career Center.

"We want to encourage adults of all ages and skill sets to come to this workshop," McGowan said. "Employers are now looking for the ideal candidate and we want to inform adults transitioning back in to the workplace on how they can be that 'purple squirrel.'"

Interested participants should RSVP to the Adults in Career Transition workshop by calling the GCC Career Services Office at 345-6888, by e-mailing slburns@genesee.edu or registering online at <http://www.genesee.edu/career/events >.

Learn how to make a Christmas ornament using wool felt and decorative stitching at the Richmond Memorial Library.

This class for adults will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 14. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Jen Reardon is the instructor. This session is a repeat of the Nov. 23 class.

Registration is required to attend and $6 is due at the time of registration to cover the cost of materials. Participants also need to bring straight pins, fabric scissors, and a pen or pencil.

Please register in the library. More information is available in the library and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Present Tense Books and Gifts will host a book fair to benefit the St. James Episcopal Church Restoration Fund from Nov. 30 through Dec. 4.

A percentage of purchases made during that period with a voucher will benefit the church. Vouchers may be picked up at the church, located at 405 E. Main St., Batavia, or by calling 343-6802.

They are also available on the bookstore's website: www.presenttensebooks.com.

Present Tense Book and Gift Shop is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Hours are: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday; closed on Sunday and Monday.

Genesee Community College will present the third segment in the Wealth and Poverty Around the World cultural series on Thursday, Dec. 9.

Sonja Livingston, award-winning author of "Ghostbread," will discuss her memoir and highlight childhood poverty in Western New York.

The presentation and discussion will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in T102 at the Batavia campus. This event is free and open to the public. After the discussion, Sonja will be available to sign books (outside of T102) and the GCC Barnes and Noble bookstore will have her book available for purchase.

"Ghostbread" uses a poetic approach to chronicle a childhood stricken with poverty in Western New York. Ghostbread has won an AWP Book Award and it was named a book of the year by "ForeWord" magazine.

One of seven children brought up by a single mother, Livingston moved from an old farming town to an Indian reservation to a dead-end urban neighborhood. She and her siblings followed their nonconformist mother from one ramshackle house to another on the perpetual search for something better.

Along the way, the young Sonja observes the harsh realities her family encounters, as well as small moments of transcendent beauty that somehow keep them going. While struggling to make sense of her world, Livingston perceives the stresses and patterns that keep children--girls in particular--trapped in the cycle of poverty. (www.Sonjalivingston.com)

"Ghostbread" is being featured in Human Services Field Experience classes at Genesee, under the instruction of Connie Boyd.

"'Ghostbread' is an excellent memoir that provides Human Services students with a firsthand account of what it is like to grow up in poverty in our area," said Connie Boyd, director of Human Services at Genesee.

"After reading the poetic novel, students will be doing a reflective paper, and having the opportunity to speak with the author will help our students gain knowledge and understanding in the Human Services field."

Livingston has earned a NYFA Fellowship, an Iowa Award, and Pushcart Prize nomination for her nonfiction writing. Her work has appeared in several textbooks on writing, as well as many journals, including "The Iowa Review," "Spoon River Poetry Review," "Alaska Quarterly Review," "AGNI" and others.

She holds a master's degree in education from SUNY Brockport and a master of fine arts degree from the University of New Orleans. She also teaches in UCLA Extension's Creative Writing Program. Livingston is an elementary school counselor in Rochester, where she lives with her husband, artist Jim Mott.

For further information, please contact Nina Mortellaro at Genesee Community College at 343-0055, ext. 6228 or nimortellaro@genesee.edu.

There will be a Business After Hours from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the newly renovated and remodeled Travelodge.

It is located at 8204 Park Road in Batavia.

Come take a tour and see why you will want to stay overnight!

The event is sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for potential members.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

Come share some holiday cheer! PLEASE RSVP by phoning 343-7440 or via e-mail: chamber@geneseeny.com

Here's a news release submitted by Elba resident Chantal Zambito, co-coach of Elba's FIRST Lego team; please see the Aug. 5 article:

On Saturday, Nov. 20 the NXT Lancers Team from Elba competed in the Finger Lakes Regional Foundation for the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Qualifier Tournament.

It took place at Churchville-Chili High School.

Five students made up the Lancers' team: Christian Gerould, Garrett Sinemus, Evan Hare, Colin Hunt and Johnny Zambito.

They used LEGO kits to build robots programmed to perform specific tasks.

Over the course of eight weeks, they designed, researched, built, programmed, tested and refined a fully autonomous robot capable of completing various missions.

This year’s theme, "Body Forward Challenge," explored the cutting-edge world of biomedical engineering.

Participants learned about innovative ways this science is used to repair injuries, overcome genetic predispositions, and maximize the body’s potential -- with the goal of helping people lead healthier, happier lives.

The NXT Lancers designed a hockey helmet with a visual warning, airbag, and damping system to help a player avoid a concussion if they were body checked during a game.

The boys performed a newscast skit using themselves as "emergency medical technicians" and expert "doctors" to present their invention to a panel of judges. They were limited to five minutes.

The team was then asked questions about their project for another five minutes. The judges commented, “Great presentation and teamwork. We really like how you researched concussions and included an explanation of them in your skit.”

Next, the robot design judges interviewed the team. They talked about the construction of the robot and its programming. The judges were interested in what the team came up with to solve problems and what they considered to be the best parts of the robot.

The NXT Lancers demonstrated several of the robot's programs during their interview. The technical presentation judge commented: “Sturdy robot, nice consistency with the robot arm and good documentation.”

Then it was on to the robot performance rounds. Each team performed in three rounds, each lasting two-and-a-half minutes.

The team scored a total of 205 points, winning one of the three rounds -- an exceptional accomplishment for their first qualifier event.

In all, there were 21 teams, seven of which will go on to the RIT competition.

Saturday was a nonstop day of preparing and presenting. The team members worked hard and their determination was amazing, according to co-coach Evelyn Hunt.

Next, they will be preparing for an exhibition competition at Genesee Community College on March 17 during the GLOW region Tech Wars.

The Elba team is looking for more members, especially girls. Robotics are not just for boys! (In fact, there were two all-girl teams at the Nov. 20 competition and one of them earned the highest award. Both are going on to the next round.)

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerse will hold its Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday Nov. 30 at the Batavia Party House, located at 5762 E. Main St. Road, Batavia.

Registration begins at 11:15 a.m. Buffet lunch begins promptly at noon. Cost is $20 per person.

Agenda topics include "Health care reform and how it impacts small business" and a review of 2010 and selection of 2011 board members.

The event is sponsored in part by: Clark Paterson Lee, Freed Maxick & Battaglia; Key Bank; Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance Agency.

The guest speaker is Patrick Reilly from Impact Employee Benefit Solutions.

Please call or e-mail the chamber office at 343-7440, ext. 27, or e-mail to chamber@geneseeny.com. The chamber office is at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

The Senior Spice Committee, a program of Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism & Substance Abuse (GCASA), invites Genesee County senior citizens to the “All That Glitters Dinner Dance” on Saturday, Dec. 4. It will be at First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St. in Batavia, from 5 until 8:30 p.m.

Registration must be received no later than Friday, Nov. 26.

Admission is $10 per person and includes dinner, dancing, and holiday and dance music from the Batavia Swing Band. Individuals and couples can also have photos taken by Bill Moon, free of charge.

The evening will follow this schedule: 5-5:30, social time with punch; 5:30-6:30, dinner; 6:30-8:30, dancing. Dinner will include salad, Swiss steak, potatoes, vegetable, dessert and beverage.

For more information about “All That Glitters” or the Senior Spice Committee – which will hold its next meeting at GCASA, 430 E. Main St. in Batavia, at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 – call or e-mail Sue Hawley at 815-1872, shawley@gcasa.org.

RSVP of Genesee County and the Genesee County AmeriCorps program are asking for donations for a service project they will be holding to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

We need donations of fleece (1 yard or more) or contributions to help purchase the fleece.

The fleece will be used to make blankets that will be given to the Agri-Business Child Development Center.

Donations can be dropped off to the Genesee County Youth Bureau at County Building Two located at 3837 W. Main St. Road, in Batavia. Office Hours are from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information please call 344-3960.

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

The foundation will induct its fifth group of honorees in a ceremony on March 30 at the Batavia campus.

"We are once again looking for successful Genesee alumni who should be recognized for their accomplishments," said Jackie Christenson, Genesee's alumni coordinator. "There are many alumni who have outstanding careers or have given back to their communities who can be an inspiration to all students at Genesee Community College."

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

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

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. All nominations received by Friday, Feb. 4 will be considered by the Selection Committee.

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

Genesee Community College's Alumni Hall of Fame inductees currently include: Ellen Ryan ('76), early supporter of Genesee Community College and active community member; Wanda Frank ('97), WBTA 1490 Radio Host; Paula Schaefer ('79), Virginia House of Delegates 87th District – Norfolk; George Schaefer ('76) clerk of the Norfolk Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Virginia; Joseph H. Bell ('79), vice president of Global Process and Product Integrity at Moog, Inc., and managing director for Moog operations in Bangalore, India; Monica H. Dawson ('72); co-owner and secretary/treasurer of Shepard, Maxwell and Hale Insurance Agency; Jerry Reinhart ('71), founder of Access Rentals and president of Reinhart Enterprises, Inc.; Paula Savage ('76), director of tourism for the Greater Rochester Visitors Association; Lori Stupp ('89), regional director of United Way and a member of the AAA Speakers Bureau; Peggy Weissend ('99), registered community health nurse with the Genesee County Health Department; Ann M. Bell ('88), retired executive director of the Genesee Region Independent Living Center; Steven G. Hyde ('82), president and CEO of Genesee County Economic Development Center; Gary T. Maha ('76), Sheriff of Genesee County; James Fraser ('73), president of the Population Health Consulting Services, Inc.; Cecilia A. Stearns ('80), nurse practitioner/midwife at the Women's Care Center in Batavia; and Dorothy Wentland ('91), founding member and past director of the Genesee County Mental Health Association.

Here's a news release from the Genesee Community College Foundtion.

Batavia residents Joseph and Mary Beth Teresi have been named chairpersons of Encore 2010, an annual holiday celebration that supports student scholarships at Genesee Community College.

The Teresis would like to invite residents to an "Evening of Traditions" at Encore 2010 on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The festivities begin with a Gala Reception and continue with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) performing in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus.

The Teresis are looking forward to this year's BPO concert after having served on the organizing committee for many years.

"Encore ushers in the holiday season, while also serving as GCC's premier community social event and raising awareness to the importance of scholarships for the deserving students as well as raising scholarship funds," said Joe Teresi.

They are proud parents of a current Genesee Community College student and are vested in the local community.

Joe has served on several local boards and committees including GCC Foundation's Encore; Genesee - Wyoming YMCA;  Regional Action Phone; ARC; and The Notre Dame Educational Foundation, as well as both a board member and coach of various sports teams and leagues.

He is currently a vice president of Tompkins Insurance Agency and Mary Beth is the Work Study Program coordinator at Batavia High School. The Teresis have three children including Joe III -- currently serving in the Air Force -- Michael and Paul.

The evening's events will begin with a private Prelude Reception with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra conductor, Paul Ferington. For all guests, a Gala Reception Grandioso with sensational food selections will follow at 6 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum.

An Encore Energico Chance drawing to win an opportunity to be a BPO Guest Conductor will be held at 7:30 p.m. Guests will proceed to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a holiday pops concert at 8 p.m. with the two-time Grammy Award winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and afterward enjoy Delectable Dessert Finale back in the William W. Stuart Forum.

Proceeds from Encore support Genesee Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund. The foundation would like to thank Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.

For ticketing and sponsorship information, please contact the foundation office at 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu <http://foundation@genesee.edu>.

For reservations please call the Genesee Community College Foundation at 585-345-6809.

Sponsorship support is welcome at the following levels: Conductor's Circle provides six tickets for $1,000; Golden Baton Society provides four tickets for $600; and the Inner Circle provides two tickets for $300. Singular Platinum Patron tickets are $100 each. The evening is black tie optional.