Announcements

A Thursday Nite Golf League is planned for May 6 through Sept. 16 at the Batavia Country Club, located at 2909 Batavia-Byron Road in Batavia.

A registration meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22 at T.F. Brown's restaurant, 214 E. Main St. downtown.

Cost is $75 per player or $150 per team. Plus $20 weekly is payable to the Batavia Country Club. There will be four chances per week to win a 50/50 cash raffle.

To join or for more information, contact Jeremy Hunt at 356-1504, or at <jhunt34@yahoo.com>.

This weekend, the big city is coming to the small one in Genesee Community College's production of "Chicago."

"I've always wanted to do 'Chicago,' but we've never had the right people together at the right time," says Director Maryanne Arena. "It's been a dream of mine, and a dream of Patti [Simmons, the choreographer]'s. She's someone that I respect very much, and we just thought that if we don't do it now, we never will."

"Chicago" is an exciting show that is all about jazz, sex and fame -- and the lengths people will go to for all three. Set in the title city during the Prohibition Era, the musical centers around two imprisoned murderesses awaiting trial in Cook County Jail: Roxie Hart (portrayed by Kiara Davis), who dreams of being a Vaudeville star, and Velma Kelly (played by Jessica Francis), who already is one. Both are clients of the smooth lawyer Billy Flynn, and will do anything for the spotlight.

Those only familiar with the movie version, starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, will find the stage version to be slightly different, with a dark, minimalist set and mostly black costumes.

"The stage version is more like a Vaudeville show," says Arena. "The show is traditionally done with practically no sets, and all in black. But that wouldn't transfer to the screen properly; it wouldn't hold anybody's attention. The movie is done as though it's all inside Roxie's head, so it could be done in a very flashy way."

Arena says she doesn't believe the show is as racy as its reputation makes it out to be.

"It's about life in the Twenties," she says. "There was murder then, just like there's murder today."

Johnny Dow, who has the role of Billy Flynn, agrees: "I've seen worse. The reaction will depend on the audience."

Every performance will be unique, as two of the lead characters, Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, have been double-cast. Dow will be portraying Billy in the Thursday and Saturday performances, while Norm Gayford will have the role on Friday and Sunday. Roxie's husband Amos will be played by Richard Torres on Thursday and Friday, and Rob Reiss on Saturday and Sunday. Arena decided to split the parts because all auditioned equally well:

"Each of them approached their role differently, with different voices, even a different way of walking. They all deserve it."

Dow, a GCC student, says that although he and Gayford play the same part, they have created very different characters.

"Norm's more realistic, and I wanted my Billy to be more surreal. Mine is very cheesy."

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. General admission ticket prices are $8 for adults, $5 for students, seniors (55+) and GCC faculty, and $3 for GCC students with a valid ID.

Somebody somewhere once said that parents with grown children should seek revenge by spending the inheritance before checking out. Just something Bill Hume Sr. might want to consider after his son, Junior, gets through with him Saturday night.

The old guy is gonna be roasted but good. And as Genesee County highway supervisor, he darn well oughtta be.

In fact, his son wants people to come to the roast and have some laughs at his poor ol' dad's expense. But be forewarned, the comedy show will feature politically incorrect, adult humor. In other words, it's not fit for normal, modern audiences.

It will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Batavia VFW hall, off of Cedar Street. There will be raffles and giveaways and six "roasters" who plan to rake Hume Sr. over the coals. These heartless clowns are local or have local ties. Some will be cruel enough to drive across state lines to victimize this loyal public servant.

Hey, it's free and promises to be "memorable." Call Bill Jr., heir apparent, for now, at 415-1173 for details.

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming spring fashion show at Genesee Community College. This year's production, entitled "Luxe," will take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 in the Forum at the Batavia campus.

The annual runway show is a much-anticipated event that will provide guests of all ages with a glimpse inside the exciting and glamorous world of fashion. The show includes many original creations and designs, as well as designs from well-known clothing lines.

Viewers will be captivated by beautiful dresses made completely out of recycled newspapers, as well as high-fashion garments that will radiate down the entire runway. Scenes will also include trendy styles in menswear, swimwear, children's attire and even edgy street fashions. The entertainment continues for guests after the show with tasty refreshments and fabulous door prizes.

Tickets are $5 presale or $7 at the door, pre-sale tickets are strongly encouraged. To order tickets or for additional information please contact Fashion Show Secretary Cheryl Young at 345-6830 or visit the Luxe Fashion Show website at <http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/fashionshow/2010/>.

The "Luxe" lineup includes:

• Eco-Couture -- Eco-friendly and recycled fashions. Scene coordinators - Brittany Moose (LeRoy) and Kayla Palmer (Oneida)
• Adore Millesime -- Vintage-inspired clothing. Scene Coordinators - Janelle Kujawski (Derby) and Michelle Luvisi (Rochester)
• Bare It All -- Trendy swimsuits for men and women. Scene Coordinator - Brittany Rogers (Seneca Falls)
• Flourish -- A blossom of fashions for adults and children. Scene Coordinators- Natasha Napper (Bronx) and Olivia Lennon (Geneva)
• Love & Luxe -- Fashions for the modern bride and groom. Scene Coordinators- Ellen Dagel (Rochester) and Jamie Sutton (Buffalo)
• Urban Chic -- Contemporary looks with an edgy and chic contrast. Scene Coordinators- Briana Alford (Norfolk) and Samantha VanderBrook (Clifton Springs)
• Formally Yours -- Timeless styles in prom wear. Scene Coordinator - April Cipolla (Batavia)
• Fair Play -- Rugged, sexy and bold attire. Scene Coordinators - Stephanie Edwards (Springville) and Kelly Gutzmer (Webster).
• Rouge - Pin-up style lingerie. Scene Coordinators - Danielle Colvin (Marcy) and Alyssa Delplato (Henrietta)
• Sheer Desire -- Romanic mix of light and dark clothing. Scene Coordinators - Alexa Blackmon (Olean) and Mallory Morse (Penn Yan).
• Masked Romance -- Stunning fabrics, unique outfits and dramatic accessories. Scene Coordinators - Connor deGuehery (Buffalo), Katelyn DeSieno (Scotia) and Keera Eiffert (Cohocton).

When Genesee Community College graduate, Kelly Caracciolo walks across the stage to collect her diploma next month it will be her first time setting foot on campus. She is a Distance Learning student from Trinidad and Tobago, who has earned a degree from Genesee completely online. 

She finished a Business Administration degree in August and will attend commencement in May with her family.

Caracciolo is no stranger to the United States. She has family in Brooklyn and has visited the U.S. many times throughout her childhood. She knew she wanted to earn a degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) education system, and was referred to Genesee by the international student advisor at SUNY Plattsburg for efficiency, low cost and convenient scheduling opportunities. She someday hopes to enroll in a management program at a local university in Trinidad to continue her education.

Caracciolo, 25, is from the Borough of Arima on the island of Trinidad, the southernmost island in the Caribbean. The birthplace of the steel pan musical instrument and the limbo dance, Trinidad is a fusion of many different cultures including Spanish, French, Indian and African. She lives in the same house she and her mother both grew up in, which boasts many family memories of island living.

She works as an administrative assistant at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, and originally found that balancing work with academic studies was challenging.

"It was a lot of work," Caracciolo noted. "But all worth it in the end. I believe the whole process has made me a more independent person."

She will graduate as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and with a 3.81 G.P.A. She was also on the part-time student Dean's List. In the beginning, she found online classes were difficult to get accustomed to, but she gradually began to love the opportunity and believes the classes made her more independent.

It was comforting to know that the instructors were just an e-mail away. Her favorite course was BUS 214-Management Principles because it covered all aspects of the Business curriculum, which she readily applies to her professional interests and long-range career plans.

Her dream job would be to manage a hotel or resort. She is passionate about proper customer service and hopes to one day provide this to customers on a daily basis as they visit her island nation.

"I am so glad that I found Genesee Community College, and I am very grateful to the Distance Learning staff," she stated in an e-mail correspondence. "They gave me the opportunity to get started on my career. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the courses were challenging, yet enjoyable."

Caracciolo enjoys sports, especially watching and playing tennis, working out, billiards, and an occasional high-energy spinning class at the local gym. She also loves a good movie with friends, and of course, listening and dancing to native island music.

Genesee is expanding both course and degree earning options of its Distance Learning program. Last semester, 85 online courses were offered, and this semester, 108.

For further information about completing a degree at Genesee via Distance Learning, please visit <http://www.genesee.edu/DL> or contact Judith Littlejohn, Distance Learning advisor at 343-0055, ext. 6158.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a nine-day tour of China late September/early October of this year.

Very similar to its successful trips in 2008 and 2009, the chamber is offering the community the unique opportunity to travel to China for the low price of $1,999. Price includes air fare (from JFK), bus to/from JFK, hotel stays, three meals a day, bus tours (with guides), admission to tourist spots, and airport taxes throughout the trip.
 
Of professional interest, this trip will present opportunities to learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates. The group will tour many memorable sites, both ancient and modern, and enjoy a multitude of unforgettable experiences in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. This year, there is also the opportunity to go to the Shanghai Expo. In addition, there is the option to visit Xian (Terra Cotta Warriors) or to Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill) for an additional fee.
 
The chamber believes this trip to be an exceptional value. For more details call Melissa at the chamber at (585) 343-7440, ext. 27 and sign up to attend an informational meeting on April 22.

A press release from GCC:

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Keuka College in Penn Yan re-signed an articulation agreement expanding the opportunity of effectively transferring associate's degree credits earned at Genesee toward a bachelor's degree from Keuka College.

With this updated agreement, courses and program requirements are defined so that students can make a smooth transition to their desired baccalaureate program at Keuka College.

The articulation agreement enables students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at Keuka. Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to Keuka in their desired major.

Genesee Community College offers several programs that align well with many of Keuka's degree programs. In particular, Genesee's Deaf Studies Certificate program works as a building block into Keuka's unique American Sign Language to English Interpretation program. Other popular transfer programs include Education, Social Work and Criminal Justice.

"Re-visiting this agreement allows us to have the most up-to-date course information for our students," said Patrick Walter, career and transfer coordinator at Genesee. "The purpose of this agreement is to allow students to pre-plan their college careers so they can avoid taking unneeded credits and spending money on courses that won't transfer."

Through an articulation agreement, students typically save thousands of dollars on their first two years of tuition, which at Genesee costs $140 per credit for New York state residents. In addition, if they choose to live at home they can also save on room and board. This savings allows students to concentrate more on a transfer school that fits their education needs and career goals, rather than how much that school will cost them.

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with over 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430 or go to: <http://www.genesee.edu/CTC >.

This is a press release from Beverly L. Mancuso, executive director Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County:

National Volunteer Week 2010 is April 18-24. This year's theme, "Celebrating People in Action," honors those who dedicate themselves to taking action and bettering their communities.

It’s also about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities — to put themselves at the center of social change. It’s about demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we can meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. National Volunteer Week is about...discovering and actively demonstrating our collective power to promote positive transformation

Established in 1974, National Volunteer Week has grown exponentially in scope each year, drawing the support and endorsement of all subsequent U.S. presidents, governors and other respected elected officials, including our own Genesee County Legislature.  National Volunteer Week embodies the energy and power volunteers evoke on a daily basis as they lead by example — not only encouraging the people they help, but motivating others to serve as well. 

Well-known humorist and author Erma Bombeck is quoted as saying “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the Earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain love for one another.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is one of the many organizations that depend on volunteers every day. For almost 100 years, we have counted on thousands of volunteers as we provide programming throughout our community, To each and every one of you, thank you – whether Agriculture, Board, 4-H, Leadership Genesee, Master Gardeners, Nutrition, each and every program we have been fortunate enough to provide over the years, please know that we could never do it without you. In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever to realize, recognize and remember our volunteers. 

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Denise Chatt on her nomination for the 2010 New York State 4-H Salute to Excellence Volunteer of the Year award. Thank you, Denise, for sharing your time, talent and efforts and for living the 4-H motto “To Make the Best Better." Denise received honorable mention for efforts in the 4-H program in Genesee County, and will be one of a dozen 4-H Volunteers of the Day at the 2010 New York State Fair.

Let me close by once again thanking all our volunteers, and all volunteers throughout Genesee County. Thank you one and all for sharing your time, talent and efforts in furthering our mission. You truly do make a difference.

Martial arts trainer Miquel Carraballo will offer a new morning class in taekwondo instruction beginning April 26 at Cain's Taekwondo Academy in Batavia. It will be held at 8:15 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Cost is $5 per class, and the first class is free with no obligations. He also offers one-on-one and evening classes.

"I really enjoy helping people take control of their health," Carraballo said. "What I do is not just training; I help people regain confidence, and help them through their struggle."

The academy is located at 214 East Main St., suite 7. Note: parking is actually on Liberty Street. Contact by phone at 344-4414, or via e-mail at <miquel caraballo@yahoo.com> or at <cainstkd@cainstkd.com>.

In 2004, the academy was named one of the Top 200 martial arts schools in the United States by Black Belt Schools International. Its students of all ages and abilities learn discipline and structure, get exercise and are educated about this ancient martial art in a family friendly environment.

Genesee Community College will host a dual conservation presentation featuring the Seneca white deer and the local bird-banding efforts by Tom Klotzbach, a senior telecommunications manager for SunGard Higher Education.

Klotzbach will present his research and historical information from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13 in Room T119 at the Batavia Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

He has studied the white deer herd of the Seneca Army Depot for several years and has recently become a licensed bird-bander.

The first part of the presentation will feature the history of the Seneca White Deer, a rare herd of deer living within the confines of the former Seneca Army Depot in Seneca County.

Klotzbach will discuss the history of the herd as well as the military base, population control of the herd, genetics and conservation efforts. As a former tour guide at the Seneca Army Depot, and also a former board member of the Seneca White Deer, Inc. (a non-profit conservation organization), Klotzbach is now working on a research project regarding the Seneca white deer.

When the Seneca Army Depot was created in 1941, a 24-mile fence was erected around approximately 10,000 acres, isolating a small herd of white-tailed deer, some of whom had white coats. With the protection of the fence, the herd inside the depot flourished, but eventually experienced overpopulation and starvation. In the 1950s, a depot commander, Colonel Franklin Kemble, forbid anyone from shooting the white deer during military hunts. Since then, the white deer herd has been protected and has grown to a size of approximately 200 animals. The depot was officially deactivated in 2000 and has since provided tours of the base for various groups. Currently, the Army is conducting environmental remediation at the depot.

The second part of Klotzbach's presentation will feature his bird-banding project at the college's Batavia campus, as well as his work on the western portion of the Ontario State Parkway through the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory.

His research project resumes its seasonal active, outdoor effort in the beginning of April at the college where he will once again begin tracking various species of native and non-native birds. There are 30 bird boxes spread over the campus that he voluntarily starts checking April 7 and continues visiting every four to five days through September to track hatching and premature fledging.

Tom bands juvenile birds prior to fledging and also catches adults via the use of bird traps to collect and track bird data such as age, sex, fat score and body mass, following each bird by its unique band number. Ultimately, the data collected is used to study migration patterns with the U.S. Geological Survey, and it serves as the foundation for Tom's research on nest site fidelity.

Klotzbach is the author of a research project "Cold War Artifacts: The White Deer of Seneca Ordnance Depot." This summer, he will pursue a graduate history degree from SUNY Brockport, with an emphasis on environmental history in militarized environments. A federal and state licensed bird-bander, he participates in the spring and fall banding seasons at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory. For further information about the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory go to <http://www.BBBO.org>.

After the presentations, Klotzbach will allow for a question-and-answer period. He is looking to enlist the help of students or other interested community residents to help with the data-tracking process by acting as a scribe.

For further information, please contact Tom Klotzbach at 590-2022.

 

As of April 1, United Memorial Medical Center offers free television and telephone service to inpatients.

As a result of a new telecommunications contract with Time Warner, patients will have free access to basic cable channels and local telephone service; including free long distance. New flat panel televisions were installed in patient rooms last month.

This change means that patients will no longer have to go through the lengthy process of establishing service through a separate vendor or receive bills for these services following discharge. Both services are readily available to them upon admission to the hospital.

The change was precipitated by comments made on patient satisfaction surveys, which indicated that the former television and telephone services caused a great deal of frustration to patients. The previous service required patients to dial 1-800 numbers and enter financial information to a remote vendor call-site. Customer service issues were difficult for not only patients, but for the nursing staff as well when they were unable to intercede on a patient’s behalf.

Currently, the televisions and telephones are functional; however the full transition to Time Warner will not be complete until mid-May.

For the next six weeks, patients may dial telephone numbers with the 585, 716 and 315 area codes directly. Long distance calls to other area codes will need to be placed through the hospital switchboard although they will not be charged.

In May, following the completion of the transition, patients will be able to make all long distance calls directly from their room without operator assistance.

This initiative was made possible by the UMMC Foundation.

 

Girls age 7 and up get a chance to celebrate being a girl with crafts, outdoor activities and other projects at the Richmond Library.

The library's "American Girl" program, based on the popular children's book series, will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on April 10, 17 and 24.

Here are the names of the sessions:

4/10 - "Meet Julie"

4/17 - "Meet Lanie"

4/24 - "American Girls & their pets"

Please contact the library at 343-9550, ext. 4 for more information.

Genesee Community College Assistant Professor of History Garth Swanson has a lot to be thankful for. Two years ago his toddler son, Anders, underwent treatment for a life-threatening brain tumor at the University of Rochester's Medical Center and he has been brought into remission and cancer-free for two years.

Swanson is showing his gratefulness and "paying it forward" by donating his stem cells to a complete stranger. He recently donated stem cells at the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester and a 58-year-old man with leukemia will receive the cells. The Wilmot Cancer Center offers the only program in the area for bone-marrow or stem-cell transplants.

Swanson, from Stafford, is familiar with donating marrow, as his 4-year-old son did it during treatment for a pineoblastoma at Golisano Children's Hospital. Doctors retrieved Anders' cells early in his treatment regimen of high-dose chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery and later used the stem cells to jump-start his bone-marrow production.

Swanson's act of kindness was recently featured on channel 13 WHAM News. The full
story as well video can be found at:
<http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story/Giving-a-Precious-Gift-to-Someone-Hes
-Never-Met/ELUjUpuI4EG858nsvE0kHA.cspx>.

Swanson and his wife, Amy, joined the Be The Match Registry, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, a few years back in support of a girl from Elba in need of a transplant. He was contacted as a potential donor once before, but wasn't a perfect match. To join the Be The Match Registry or to find the nearest marrow drive, visit: <http://www.marrow.org>.

"I would love to encourage everyone to sign up for the National Marrow Donor
registry," Swanson said. "It is my hope that we can hold a donor drive event
at the college in the near future."

For the University of Rochester Medical Center's coverage please visit:
<http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2798>.

The half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. will be on display from June 24-28 on the grounds of the Batavia VA Medical Center, 222 Richmond Avenue.

Volunteers are needed to man information tables, help visitors locate the names of loved ones and assist with daily site clean-up.

Vietnam veterans are particularly encouraged to volunteer for this special event.

Those interested in volunteering may call Bill Davis at (585)297-0055 or e-mail <thewall2010@yahoo.com>.

Genesee County AmeriCorps will host a planting project at Batavia's DeWitt Recreation Center, 119 Cedar St., from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 24. Around 50 volunteers are needed.

The goal of this project is to remove invasive plant species from the park and to raise plants designed to reduce soil erosion, provide the wildlife with food and shelter, and give visitors something more aesthetically pleasing to look at.

Supplies and water will be available, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own water as well.

The day will include activities for youth and lunch will be provided.

Anyone interested in participating in or making a donation to this project should call the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 and ask to speak to Lauren. Information is also available on Facebook (search "DeWitt Planting Project").

You are all invited to the Care-A-Van Ministries 10th Annual Easter Celebration Dinner.

The dinner is being held Easter Sunday, April 4th from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. It will be held at the Assembly of God Church at 24 North Spruce Street, Batavia. 

There is no charge. Please call Paul and Bridget at 585-343-0328 for reservations.

Last year Care-A-Van served over 90 Easter dinners! I hear the chocolate fountain is out of this world!

Also, All are invited to come and be a part of the Care-A-Van family as they celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the 10:30 AM Easter Sunday Service. Rides are available.

God Cares and So Do We!

Also if anyone is interested in helping with with the dinner, please give Care-A-Van a call at 585-343-0328

Have a Very Blessed Easter!

The New York Farm Bureau Foundation for Agricultural Education is now collecting short personal stories to assemble in a collection called, "A Day in the Life of a Farmer."
 
"The most influential way for farmers to educate the non-farming public about agriculture is by telling their unique stories," said foundation Director Sandra Prokop. "There are few things more compelling and engaging than the story of what farmers do and why they do it."

The foundation invites all farmers and farm families to participate in this project. Stories should focus on a personal experience connected to agriculture and/or a story that tells about a day in the life of an active agriculturist.

Stories can portray any sector of agriculture and should be able to carry the message of family farming, regardless of the size of the operation.

This project will be part of an education process to engage the public and raise awareness about the different roles within the agricultural community, what agriculture really is, what an average day might include, and form an impression of good stewardship, family strength and commitment to a strong work ethic.

The first round of submissions is requested by Aug. 15. Stories should be from New York residents (past or present) or based on New York agriculture.

They should be a maximum of one page in length (with at least a 10-point font) and a signed release must accompany all submissions and high-resolution photos. The use of "family" in submissions is strongly encouraged to communicate the true value of family in New York farming.
 
Complete guidelines for submissions and a copy of the release can be found at <www.nyfbfoundation.org/storiesofagpage.htm> or call the Foundation at 1-800-342-4143.

Stories may be submitted to Sandra Prokop at <sprokop@nyfb.org> or by mailing to NYFB Foundation, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, NY  12205, or faxed to her attention at 518-431-5656.