Announcements

"Greening Your Business" is the focus of a free workshop on incentive programs for improving energy efficiency in your business.

It will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Downtown Batavia (across from the Smoke House restaurant).

It is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District Management Association, Inc.

Participants will learn about National Grid's Small Business Program. This is for business customers with an average demand use of 100 kW or less. National Grid can help you reduce your company's energy costs by installing energy efficient equipment.

It can provide a free energy audit and report of recommended energy efficiency improvements. The program pays up to 70 percent of the cost of installing energy efficient equipment and can finance your share of the cost, interest free for up to 24 months.

Cost-cutting, energy efficient equipment available through this program include: lighting upgrades, occupancy sensors and walk-in cooler measures.

NYSERDA offers Pre-Qualified Incentives to encourage applicants to purchase and install more energy-efficient equipment for small-sized energy projects and equipment replacement projects.

These incentives are available on a $/unit basis for pre-qualified energy efficiency measures. Applicants can receive up to $60,000 in pre-qualified incentives ($30,000 – electric, $30,000 – natural gas) per facility per calendar year.

National Fuel Gas customers using less than 12,000 Mcf per year can receive a maximum natural gas incentive of $25,000 per facility per calendar year.

Also learn about the Energy Audit Program, which provides energy audits to small businesses and other facilities to help them make informed electrical energy decisions and implement energy-efficiency strategies. Audits help identify economically viable improvements that yield substantial annual energy savings.

RSVP by Friday, Jan. 14 by calling Don Burkel at the BID office at 585-344-0900. Or e-mail him at: dburkel@downtownbataviany.com

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, the Genesee County Department of Motor Vehicles will provide an overview of its agency and explain the services it provides. This is a free information session for everyone and it runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Genesee County Office for the Aging/NY Connects.

The overview will include:

• Documents that are processed and recorded documents that are of “public record”;
• ID and authorization needed to obtain information birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates;
• Passports vs. Enhanced Driver’s License Senior Driver Testing.

NOTE: If you have specific questions, send them ahead of time to: ofa@co.genesee.ny.us

The Genesee County Office for the Aging/NY Connects is located at 2 Bank St. in Batavia. Phone is 343-1611. Please call to make a reservation. Seating is limited!

This program is made available through grants from the New York State Office for the Aging, the Federal Older Americans Act and the support of the Genesee County Legislature.

The agencies involved offer special thanks to the Genesee County Clerk's Office.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council has new exhibits in Genesee County for January and February.

GO ART! Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia – An exhibit entitled “A Retrospective of Roz Hayes” is on display. It features 50-60 works by the late Rosalind Zeis Hayes, most of which are available for purchase.

An Opening Reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8, from 2-4 p.m. Exhibit dates: Friday, Jan. 7 through Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and by appointment.

GO ART! Batavia Satellite Gallery, Genesee County Senior Center, 2 Bank St., Batavia – “Young at Art,” an exhibit by the “senior” students in Lorie Longhany’s classes held at this location is on display.

A Meet-the-Artists Reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 20, from 5-7 p.m. Exhibit dates: Monday, Jan. 10 through Thursday, Feb. 24. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.

GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State agency. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313, info@GOart.org or visit www.GOart.org.

John and Margaret Volpe, husband and wife, and teachers for more than 20 years at St. Joseph School in Batavia, will be honored later this month at a WNY Catholic Education Dinner.

They will receive the "Making a Difference Award" on Thursday, Jan. 27 at the Adam's Mark Hotel, Buffalo.

The award was established by Buffalo native and NBC newsman Tim Russert, as a way of honoring his former teachers for the difference they made in his life. It is given to a Catholic schoolteacher in the Buffalo diocese.

This is the first time two teachers will be recipients.

The Batavia Lions Club "Bryant Generator Raffle" winner was Batavia resident Ed Leising. He decided to take the $2,000 rather than the generator since he already has one.

The Batavia Lions Club would like to thank all who purchased tickets for the raffle.

The club also thanks Bill Hayes at Turnbull Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. for providing the generator.

All profits from the raffle will be used by the Lions Club to fund their many local activities. 

For example, at the annual Christmas Day Dinner T. F. Brown's -- provided in conjunction with Ben, Rick and Mark Mancuso, and Joe Teresi -- the club helped pay for hundreds of turkey dinners that were served to local individuals and families who could use a helping hand during this busy time of year. Along with the meal, each child attending received a beautiful new Christmas toy.

The Batavia Lions would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year.

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

Volunteers will be making -- no sewing required -- blankets that will be given to the Agri-Business Child Development Center. Volunteers can also help to create cards for the military.

The activities are suitable for ages 10 and up. The project will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17 at the Senior Center, located at 2 Bank St., Batavia.

Please contact the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960 for information, or to sign up.

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

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 Tuesday, Feb. 1 will be considered by the Selection Committee.

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

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.

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.

For further details please contact Jackie Christenson, alumni coordinator at 585-343-0055, ext. 6265, or <http://alumni@genesee.edu>.

Genesee Community College's BEST Center (Business and Employee Skills Training) now offers a new menu of fully online real estate education and training courses. It is made possible through a partnership with Career WebSchool.

The BEST Center provides a variety of real estate courses that prepare individuals to become licensed real estate agents and brokers or acquire continuing education credentials all while studying online in the comfort of their home.

These courses include:

Real Estate Sales Pre-license -- Prior to becoming a certified real estate agent in New York, individuals must pass multiple requirements. With the 75-hour Salesperson qualifying course, the educational portion will be satisfied and help to prepare for the New York State licensing examination.

Remedial -- Bridge the 30-hour gap for the new qualifying course requirements for a real estate license in New York with this course.

Broker Pre-license -- Everything needed to prepare and pass the New York Real Estate Broker License Exam. This 75-hour Broker Package consists of the 45-hour NY Broker qualifying course and the 30-hour NY remedial qualifying course. Already have the 30-hour remedial course completed? Then choose the 45-hour NY Broker qualifying package.

Exam Prep -- Choose from NY Salesperson or NY Broker online exam review.

Continuing Education -- Renew a NY real estate license by completing this 22.5-hour course.

Appraisal courses offered online:

Continuing Education – This New York Appraisal Continuing Education Course has everything required to satisfy the 14-hour-per-year appraisal continuing education requirement.

Exam Prep -- Study for the New York real estate appraisal course exam.

Mortgage courses offered online:

Exam Prep -- Designed specifically to prepare for the national S.A.F.E. Mortgage Loan Originator Exam.

Our local residents now have the option to change their career path all with a click of a button," says Lauren Cummings, business training specialist at The BEST Center. "These real estate courses are approved by the New York Department of State and can be completed at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home."

Genesee Community College's BEST Center (focused on Business and Employee Skills Training) is a local provider of business consulting, community training and workshops for companies of all sizes and in all industries.

It 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 Lauren Cummings, at 343-0055, ext. 6602, or visit the center online at <http://www.bestcenter.org>.

Is this your kitty?

He showed up at our house on Christmas Day and is still here - safe, snug, fed, watered and happily using a litter box.  I don't think he had eaten in a few days, and he seemed genuinely freaked out by being outside in the cold.

Now, he's a great guy, but he can't stay.   We've got five existing adoptees and a baby; it's already Crazy Town here and we're playing musical rooms to keep everybody separated.

He's super affectionate and well-behaved.  He's clean, no ear mites or eye junk or apparent respiratory problems.  It's clear that he is a well-socialized and loving house cat.

If you are one of my neighbors in northeast Pembroke, you will have already gotten a flier about this.  If his home is further abroad than the exotic confines of Mogadore/Phelps Road, please contact me at fromtheboonies at gmail dot com.

If you dumped him, well, who am I to judge you.  He provided me the opportunity to take in a stranger in need on Christmas Day, and I'm grateful for the experience.  In any case the good folks at the Genesee County Animal Shelter (Volunteers 4 Animals) have 'room at the inn' for him, and he'll be taken there tomorrow unless his humans claim him sooner.

I'd also like to plug an organization I discovered while researching my his options: Spay Our Strays.   They rehabilitate feral cat colonies.  They run monthly clinics and the general idea is Trap, Spay/Neuter, and Release (or placement on a farm as a barn cat).

In this case their services aren't really appropriate since I think this guy lives in a house.  However, we get feral cats turning up out of the fields all the time and they drive our house cats absolutely nuts.  In one case there was a physical altercation that left us with a $250 vet bill.  I had no idea there was such an organization, but wow am I all for what they do and hope to assist their efforts going forward.

Thanks for reading!

Contact info again:  fromtheboonies at gmail dot com

Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer Sabre Danny Gare is offering a hockey clinic on Tuesday Dec. 28 at Falletti Ice Arena on Evans Street in the City of Batavia.

Here's the on-ice session times:

• Sqirts -- 9 a.m.
• PeeWees -- 10 a.m.
• Bantams and also Midgets -- 1 p.m.

Gare, a two time 50-goal scorer, will share his expertise on the mechanics of shooting and scoring to young hockey enthusiasts.

Also, his son-in-law, Shawn Pursel -- a certified strength and conditioning specialist
with more than 15 years experience -- will cover strength-training methods for
greater power and speed on the ice. In addition, he'll offer nutritional tips to maximize
player performance.

The clinic is for ages 9-18 and the $30 registration fee includes one hour of on-ice instruction from Danny and 30 minutes of off-ice conditioning and nutrition tips from Shawn.

There will also be handouts and an autographed Hall of Fame picture from Danny. Limited slots are still available.

Contact John Zola at jzola@rochester.rr.com to register.

Earlier this month, recruits at the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College took the plunge into the icy waters at Hamburg Beach on Lake Erie.

The current class in the 22nd Basic Course for Police participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Polar Plunge on Dec. 4. All 24 recruits attended and 17 of them actually braved the 40 degree waters of Lake Erie for the cause.

They generated more than $1,000 in donations, coming in 24th place out of 89 competing teams in this annual event.

"This was a total volunteer event and I appreciate the hard work of this class for a great cause," said Douglas Brooks, director of GC's Rural Police Training Academy Brooks.

The event generates funds and raises awareness to benefit the Special Olympics, with similar events occurring throughout the year at locations across the country.

"It is a very unique way of not only raising funds for a great cause, but also building camaraderie among the recruits," Brooks said.

For the 30th year, the Elba Presbyterian Church will gather in a barn on Transit Road to celebrate Christmas Eve. Time is Friday from 7 to about 7:45 p.m.

One hundred candles in milk jugs will line the roads leading to the Yunker Farm.

A star at the top of the loft window can be seen at the approach. A rough wooden manger will be the focal point, while a newborn baby and the parents will portray the Holy Family. Rows of seats for the congregation will be wooden planks held up by onion crates.

The reading of the story from Scripture and singing of well-known yuletide carols will be followed by a short meditation by the Rev. Barbara Tipton. Finally, the lights will be lowered and the penetrating sound of “Oh Holy Night” -- performed as a flute solo -- will fill the old hay mow, echoing to the ceiling.

The flautist will be church member Fran Woodworth. The Holy Family will be portrayed by Tim and Christine Zipfel and their infant, who are also church members.

At Encore 2010, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event, 336 local residents enjoyed a great night out.

Extra seating was brought into the William W. Stuart Forum and the Stuart Steiner Theatre to accommodate the overflow audience. The Dec. 15 celebration continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening, with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the college's numerous scholarship programs.

Batavia residents Joe and Mary Beth Teresi chaired Encore 2010, and were assisted by a committee of almost 20 community members.

The evening began with a gourmet reception in the forum. Guests then proceeded to the theater for a holiday pops concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Emily Helenbrook, a 16-year-old soprano and Alexander native, joined the BPO for an enchanting performance that wowed the crowd. The evening concluded with a delectable dessert reception in the forum.

"When all contributions are counted, they will possibly exceed a record-setting $60,000," said Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman. "In these difficult and economically challenging times, the overwhelming turnout and contributions should be a source of pride to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success.

Ensman also thanked Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, it has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Photographs of Encore 2010 can be viewed by visiting the college's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege <http://www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege>.

With our normal distribution day falling on Christmas day, Care-A-Van wants to make sure families have groceries for the holiday season.

We will be at State Street Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 PM. If you or anyone you know needs groceries, clothing or prayer, please stop by.

It has been an amazing week for the ministry with sharing the love during this holiday season. Thank you to all of you who donate your time, your financial donations and prayers. We could not go forth without your love and encouragement.

Who knows, you might just see the Care-A-Van dancers there! It truly has been a fun week!

Submitted by Kimberly Schiefer:

The second-grade class of Pembroke Primary School teacher Kim Altmann is raising money for "Wings Flights of Hope."

So far they have raised $75 and Mrs. Altmann is going to match whatever they raise by Dec. 23. The children decided on their own not to exchange gifts with each other and decided to do something good for someone else this Christmas instead.

There are 21 kids in her class and "they are such special children this year," notes Kimberly Schiefer.

The organization the class is raising money for is 100-percent donation supported -- it uses no government funds. Its volunteer pilots use their skills and passion for flying to help people get medical care who otherwise lack the means or ability to access transportation.

Wings Flights of Hope also makes "compassion flights" so loved ones can visit those receiving medical treatment.

The organization's slogan is "Help Wings Give People a Lift."

To make a donation, write a check payable to Wings Flights of Hope, and mail it to:

Pembroke Primary School

Atten: Kim Altmann

2486 Main Road

Pembroke, NY 14054

Mark your calendar...

Forty-three-year-old Tim Rittersback, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 12, 2010
leaving his wife and three boys ages 2, 10 and 13. This tragic event has left
them with many unexpected expenses, according to his aunt Teresa Tamfer, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists.

There is going to be a Benefit & Raffle for them beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Attica Owl Building, 639 Exchange St., in Attica.

There will be a spaghetti dinner, open bar from 3 to 4 p.m., live music, basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing.

Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 14, and kids under 4 eat for free.

If you have questions or would like to make a donation to the Rittersback family, call Teresa Tamfer at 506-2465.

GO ART! Salon presents "Without a Net: A Show Biz Odyssey" with comedian Hiram Kasten at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia. Reservations are required.

Kasten is a familiar face on many of television's most popular programs. He has guest starred on "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "My Wife and Kids," "Sabrina The Teenage Witch," "Mad About You," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and many, many more.

He was a regular on the fifth season of "Seinfeld" as Elaine's office chum Michael, and was regularly befuddled as the friendly pharmacist Mr. Piel on "Seventh Heaven." Kasten has also guest starred on several hour-long dramas such as "Without A Trace" on CBS along with "Dirty, Sexy Money" on ABC. He has been on Ray Romano's new series, "Men of a Certain Age."

As a comedian, he has performed all over the country and starred in the hit show, "The Rat Pack is Back" in Las Vegas. As a regular opener for old friend Jerry Seinfeld, amongst others, Kasten is known for his storytelling skills that make each evening's show special and new.

Now, alone on stage with nothing but his mouth, Hiram Kasten takes us on the unique odyssey of a poor kid from the Bronx, who only wanted to be on television and, while never at a loss for detractors, he traveled the road less taken to see his dream come true.

With his sharp wit unleashed, he shares the story of a passionate life lived each day without a net, all the while befriending some of the biggest names in show business.

From the nightclubs in New York City, to the casinos of Las Vegas, to standing on the immortalized sound stages of Hollywood, the personal and behind-the-scenes moments that Hiram Kasten shares are at turns hilarious and touching, instructive and inspirational, and as true and beautiful as the human comedy itself.

A themed light supper and beverages are served with this Salon.

A contribution of $22 for GO ART! members, $25 for non-members is requested...or enjoy the series of three at $60 for members, $70 for non-members.

To make reservations, please contact GO ART! at 343-9313 or info@GOart.org. For more information on the series, visit www.GOart.org.

The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting a Children's Gala from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 18.

Cost is $3 per child; $10 per family.

Call 343-4727 to reserve a place.

The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Congressman Chris Lee with New York Farm Bureau President and Genesee County resident Dean Norton, right, accepting an award from the American Farm Bureau for being a "Friend of the Farm Bureau." Lee announced the award this evening on Twitter.

FOUND: Child's stuff animal at Oakfield Wilson Farms on Friday, Dec. 10. Identify to claim. 948-5631 or odyssey7@rochester.rr.com