Announcements

This year, the Elks National Foundation will fund $3.6 million in college scholarships through its scholarship programs.

The Elks National Foundation’s Most Valuable Student (MVS) scholarship is available to all high school seniors who are United States citizens. Applicants do not need to be related to a member of
the Elks. Male and female applicants compete separately, and are judged on scholarship, leadership and financial need.

Completed applications must be turned in to the applicant’s nearest Elks Lodge no later than Dec. 2.

Applications for the 2012 contest are available at Elks Lodges, local high schools, and for download on the Elks National Foundation website. For complete Most Valuable Student scholarship contest details, visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.

Batavia Downs Casino is moving its first race post time on Saturday, Nov. 5 from 6:40 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. to accommodate the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which has a 7 o'clock post time. Post time will remain at 6:40 p.m. for all other race nights.

“We didn’t want to go head-to-head with the Breeders' Cup classic, so we decided to start our live program a half and hour later,” said Todd Haight, general manager of live racing. “We want our customers both at the track and at our 35 OTB’s to enjoy the classic before we get under way.”

Racing fans are reminded that the final Tuesday night of the summer-fall meet takes place on Oct. 25.

Racing will be conducted at America’s oldest lighted harness track on a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday night basis through Dec. 3.

When racing resumes on Friday night the Pick-6 will start out with a carryover pool of 3,023. The Pick-6 wager begins on the 7th race.

“We could have over $5,000 in there (the pool),” Haight added. “We had a strong advance sale of programs and I think many are going to be focusing on the Pick-6.

The public is invited to hear the powerful and inspirational account of a Genesee Community College graduate's battle with a rare form of cancer.

"Life is Tough But I Am Tougher" is alumna Suzanne Smith's (Class of '09) story of the challenges she met and overcame following her diagnosis, which occurred shortly after she graduated from GCC as a nontraditional student.

Her speech will be given from 5 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the GCC Multicultural Communications Club, Toastmasters International, meeting in the Conable Technology Building T102 at the Batavia campus, located at 1 College Road.

The meeting will also feature speeches by GCC students Tim Duboy and Sean Hale as they work toward their communication certification. There will also be a 50/50 raffle for participants.

For further information, please contact Jackie DiBella at 343-0055, ext. 6266, or at jedibella@genesee.edu.

Press release:

SYRACUSE, N.Y., (October 22, 2011) – USDA Rural Development (RD) and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) celebrated with Angelina Pellegino, a single mom and her two daughters for the purchase of their new home.  USDA Rural Development provided a low interest direct loan to purchase a recently rehabilitated home from Habitat for Humanity for the Pellegrino family. Angelina Pellegrino, and her two daughters Mikalina and Carmelina spent the past 8 years renting an apartment in “Cardboard City,” aptly named because of the lack of insulation and sky high heating costs.

Leveraging funds and resources, USDA Rural Development provided a $63,500 loan; which, along with a $30,000 forgivable mortgage from HFH allowed her to purchase the rehabilitated home. The help of over 90 volunteers and 300+ hours of sweat equity by Ms. Pellegrino, drastically improved the house to include energy efficient features such as new thermal pane windows, high efficiency furnace and new siding.  Several community members assisted in the efforts including home improvement stores, local housing inspectors, and even the neighborhood donut shops that provided free coffee and doughnuts each day to the volunteers, making this a truly collaborative project.

“This project is illustrative of how Habitat for Humanity and USDA can work together to rehabilitate existing housing stock and build new homes, essential to increasing economic opportunities in New York’s rural communities,” Harvey added. “Jobs are created, communities come together, neighbors help neighbors and affordable homeownership is made possible for this family in Batavia.” 

The Pellegrino family was chosen for the HFH project from a pool of almost 40 applicants.  While Angelina admits the process took almost 2 1/2 years, she says it was worth every minute and has come to know many of the volunteers.  “Everything happens for a reason, this house was a labor of love.  With every single person who dedicated their precious time to help improve a stranger’s life, I call them Angels on Earth.”

The innovative financing is unique to this HFH chapter.  Rather than HFH holding the mortgage, Angelina was able to purchase the home with the assistance of a low interest loan from USDA Rural Development.  This enabled HFH to replenish its revolving loan fund.  “The success of our next house, which we've just started, hinges on the proceeds of this current houses' sale.” said Tammy Hyman, HFH, Genesee County President.  Remarkably, Ms. Pellegrino’s mortgage payment will be lower than her rent payment.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs, contact Rural Development’s state office at (315) 477-6400, or visit the Rural Development web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny.

There will be a spaghetti dinner and raffles to benefit the Ireland family from 6 to 9 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. Brigid Church Hall in Bergen.

The church is located at 18 Gibson St.

Cost is $12 for adults, $5 for children, and children under 2 pay nothing. Cost per family is $30. Contact Jan Bausch for tickets and reservations, including the number of diners, at 315-2717.

Checks should be made payable to Patty Ireland, P.O. Box 81, Bergen, NY 14416.

Prayers for Patty Ireland will be said at 6 p.m. followed by a spaghetti dinner, raffles and a 50/50 raffle.

Patty remains in serious condition at Strong Memorial Hospital following a serious traffic accident on Sept. 30. It occurred on Route 19 near the Thruway while she was heading to work. Her Chevy Impala was struck head on by a tractor-trailer hauling gravel.

Funds raised will help the family with medical expenses.

Members of Batavia Kiwanis are gearing up to serve pancakes at the club's annual Pancake Day breakfast Oct. 29 at the Presbyterian Church in Batavia. Breakfast is from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under and $3 for seniors, 62 and over.

Press release:

The Genesee County Community College and the Genesee County Bar Association have partnered together to offer the community the “Citizen’s Law Series,” a legal educational series designed to educate residents with practical legal information on a number of common legal actions. 

“The legal series is designed to increase public awareness and knowledge of the legal system and how it works.  Each two hour seminar will give the attendees practical information about timely legal issues including topics such as criminal law, wills and estates and small claims and civil actions.  We are hoping that we can continue this series in the future on different topics as well,” noted Durin B. Rogers, Esq, President of the Genesee County Bar Association (GCBA). 

Raymon Chaya, GCC’s Director of the BEST Center, approached the GCBA with the collaborative idea earlier this year after hearing about the great success the Jamestown community had with its program. 

“Big decisions require first knowing what information you need to know and what questions you need to ask.  Making a decision to take legal action is serious and knowing basic information about a specific area of law and the legal process involved can save time and money in addition to minimizing personal, emotional, and social difficulties,” said Chaya. 

This valuable educational outreach opportunity will be presented by experienced practicing attorneys who can describe in common terms what an appropriate action is, what the law covers as well what you are likely to experience during the process.   

GCBA’s Citizen’s Law Series Committee Chairperson, Lisa M. Kroemer, Esq. noted why she became involved in the program. 

“I feel very strongly that as attorneys we should spend some of our time educating the public . . .”    Formed in 1912 for the purposes of promoting reform in the law, facilitating the administration of justice, and elevating the standards of integrity, honor and courtesy in the legal profession , the GCBA today boasts a membership of approximately 100 attorney members.

The first of three seminars will occur on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 from 7-9pm at GCC and will take up the topic of Criminal Law, moderated by local Criminal Defense Attorney, Frederick M. Rarick, Esq. 

The second series titled “Putting Your House in Order-Wills, Estates, and other things you should know” will occur on Tuesday, November 15, 2011 and the third series, “Small Claims, Big Claims and other Civil Matters” will take place on Tuesday, December 13, 2011. 

All times will be 7pm-9pm at GCC and cost $10 for each 2 hour course attended.  Those interested in attending may register by contacting the BEST Center at 585-345-6868.

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. celebrated a community Domestic Violence Awareness event on Tuesday evening at their facility at 301 North Street in Batavia.  They served a Spaghetti dinner to over 150 people.  To honor the Victims of Domestic Violence the YWCA staff had a special candle lighting ceremony outside their facility, they lined the driveway and walkways with  60 candles.  Each candle represented 4 new victims of Domestic Violence that were seen in our office in 2010.  That represents 240 victims!   Volunteers  helped to prepare and serve the dinner, and in thanks for their assistance were given  Domestic Violence T-shirts and a meal.    

The YWCA works to assist victims of Domestic Violence through awareness, advocacy and resource referral efforts.  For more information, please contact the YWCA of Gensee County, Inc. at 585.343.5808.

Teachers, caregivers and librarians are invited to a workshop conducted by Betsy Zahniser, creator of "The Music Box: Songs, Rhymes and Games for Young Children."

It will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at Richmond Memorial Library, located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia. Phone 343-9550.

Songs, rhymes and movement are vital to early childhood development, especially in regard to a preschooler’s literacy skills. Music fosters language, imaginary play and shared human experiences, therefore it is important to expose children to music at a very early age.

Successfully using music when dealing with groups, depends upon having a varied, age-appropriate repertoire, and a skillful, flexible plan.

“Down-Up-Down,” led by Zahniser, provides participants with these skills. This free, interactive workshop includes information on planning musical activities for young children, songs that are fun and engaging, and it foster the confidence to try these activities. Participants learn how they can sprinkle songs and rhymes into their daily routine more effectively, even if they are not musically predisposed.

Registration is required.

Press release:

On Oct. 15, St. Joseph’s School will hosting the 52^nd Annual Popcorn Ball. This year’s event will feature dinner from D & R Depot of Le Roy.

Cocktail hour starts at 6 p.m. with dinner being served at 7 p.m. Dinner will include sliced turkey, beef burgundy tips, a mashed potato bar, pasta and other great sides.

Entertainment will be provided by the Rochester-based party band, Up 2 Somethin’, featuring local bass player Rickey Ellis. The group will perform from 8 p.m. to midnight playing old-school hits like "Mustang Sally" (The Commitments) and "Ladies Night" (Kool & the Gang) to Top 40 hits like "I Gotta Feeling" (Black Eyed Peas), "Break Even" (Script) and "Forget You" (Cee Lo Green).

Many of you know Rickey from the days of working at Pontillo’s making pizzas and whatever else Sam and Betty asked him to do. Others will remember him from Duke Jupiter and most recently from Me & the Boyz. Rickey has had a great following throughout the years and we are hoping that this local connection will bring some of you out.

Come have a night out with your friends, good food, and great entertainment!

Tickets for this year’s event are $35 per person and can be purchased by calling St. Joseph’s School at 343-6154.

www.Up2somethin.com

www.sjsbatavia.org

Feeding the birds is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby in the midst of chilly winter weather. Join our expert birding Master Gardener on Oct. 12 as she shares backyard feeding tips and shows you the birds that may visit your yard this winter.

The class will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Cost is $10 class and includes handouts, coffee and dessert. Pre-registration is required, as class size is limited. Pre-register for the classes by stopping by the Extension Center or by contacting Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101.

Press release:

Students in grades 7-12 and their parents are invited to discover career opportunities in the skilled trades from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Genesee Valley Career & Technical Center, 8250 State St. Road, Batavia.

The Genesee County Business/Education Alliance and the Genesee Valley Educational
Partnership (a BOCES organization) are co-sponsoring the Skilled Trades Fair/Open House in collaboration with several area employers.

Community businesses report a severe shortage of young people entering the skilled trades, according to BEA Director Eve Hens.

“We are co-hosting this event to bring the many career opportunities available in the skilled trades to the forefront, and to encourage our young people to pursue these careers,” Hens said.

Students and parents will be able to talk with both employers and teachers of the skilled trades programs offered at the GVEP Career & Tech Center about employment opportunities and ways to pursue these careers.

Approximately 50 businesses will be represented including Graham Corporation, U.S. Gypsum, Oxbo International, Batavia Garage Door Company, Innovative Energy Systems, Liberty Pumps, Milton CAT, Ben’s Appliance, and Turnbull Heating and Cooling.

The first 300 guests will receive free T-shirts. Door prizes will be awarded, including Darien Lake tickets, tools, gift certificates, clothing and more. Refreshments will be provided.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation is pleased to announce Stafford residents Rick and Jane Scott have been named chairpersons of Encore 2011, the annual holiday celebration that supports student scholarships at Genesee Community College.

The Scotts would like to invite community residents to "A Winter Wonderland" at Encore 2011 on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The festivities begin with a gala reception and continue with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) performing in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the college's Batavia Campus.

Chairpersons Rick and Jane Scott are looking forward to this year's Encore gala.

"We have been attending Encore for many years, and it is hard to pinpoint what the best part of the evening is - the beautiful music, the food, the friends you see, the people you meet or knowing that it all benefits the scholarship programs for students at GCC," Rick said. "It is always a magical evening!"

Jane Scott is branch manager/assistant vice president of Five Star Bank in Batavia. She serves on the United Way Board as chairperson and co-chair of the United Way Day of Caring. She also serves on the United Memorial Medical Center's Gala Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Gala Committee, as well as on several committees for the Genesee County ARC. She has worked with GCC proudly serving on the Wolcott J. Humphrey Symposium Committee. She is a member of the Batavia Rotary and a 2004 graduate of Leadership Genesee. In 2011, she received the YWCA Fabulous Female Award.

Rick Scott has been a longtime farmer who worked hard for many years, and is now lucky enough to watch his nine grandchildren grow up, which keeps him very busy. Rick also enjoys building things and donating his time and energy to various charities. Together, Rick and Jane have four children and have been married 38 years.

Proceeds from Encore support the 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 tickets, please call the foundation at 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.

The Crossroads of Harmony, a women's barbershop singing group, is hosting a huge reunion of all women who have sung barbershop harmony and those who wished that they had sung with a barbershop group.

This free event is opened to all women who like to sing. It will be held at Genesee County Nursing Home on Chandler Avenue in Batavia beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 17.

We will be renewing old friendships and are planning an evening of song and fun.

Please contact Joyce Marshek at 344-1990 or Peg Watkins at 591-1293 for information and reservations.

The second annual Farm to Table picnic hosted by the Genesee County Democratic Committee will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9 at Emery Park, located on Route 5 in Stafford. (In case of inclement weather event is being relocated to Stafford Fire Hall.)

Each year the Democrats choose a public servant to honor and dedicate the event to. It is part of recognizing homegrown public servants. Doug Call is the honoree for the 2011 Farm to Table picnic. And he's about as homegrown as they come.

Doug served as Genesee County Sheriff  from 1981 to 1988 and is just completing 21 years as Stafford town justice. Because of the broad countywide bipartisan support for Doug Call, this event will be non-political. Everyone in the Genesee County community is welcome to attend regardless of political affiliation.

Tickets are $15 and $5 for children under 12, and include locally made Clor's Italian sausage, salt potatoes, local side dishes, beverages and dessert. Tickets are available at the Stafford Town Hall, the Presbyterian Church in LeRoy, Stafford Town Chair Sharon Valyear Gray at 344-2248, Lorie Longhany at 409-6373, or any town chairperson.

Bob Boyce and some of his friends are planning a "Classic Car Cruze" again this year at a small used car lot located at 1857 Main Road, Route 5, in Corfu, on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Last year, nearly 40 cars showed up. It starts at about 1 p.m. and by 2 or 3 in the afternoon there should a good turnout.

Everyone who enjoys great old automobiles in all their chrome and glory is welcome!