Announcements

From Richmond Memorial Library:

Mystery Lovers’ Mondays, a book discussion group for adults, will meet on Monday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia.  The book to be discussed is SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD by P.L. Gaus, which is also the selected title for “A Tale for Three Counties” 2009.  Copies of the book may be borrowed at the front desk.   For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

From the School for the Blind:

On January 28, 2009 the New York State School for the Blind will host a Community Day in celebration of the School’s 140th Anniversary. The Community Day will be open to the public from 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.  The event will feature a variety of activities including a “Glimpses of Our Past” slide show, hourly tours, and activities with the goal of the participants gaining an understanding of individuals with visual impairments.

From the City of Batavia:

Please be advised that Batavia City Council will hold a budget work session on Saturday,
January 10, 2009.  The meeting will be from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm in the Council Board Room on the second floor of City Hall.

Two beagles missing since Friday, Jan 2. Large male beagle and a small female beagle. Last seen Putnam/Creek Road area, south of Batavia. Any info appreciated. Reward. Please call (585) 344-0787

Dave Moscicki was the winner of the TV raffled by Sears and Genesee County Habitat for Humanity. A big thanks to all that bought tickets to support Habitat.

Heidi Parker sold the winning ticket and Tammy Phillips drew the winning ticket. Tami will be the newest Habitat home owner as soon as the rehab at 6 Columbia Ave. is complete.

The Genesee Amateur Soccer Association is pleased to announce that open registration for the 2009 season has begun.

GASA is also excited to announce that we are going green. There will be no paper registration forms mailed to players this year. Instead, GASA is developing a new website that will allow registration and payment via the Internet.  Details will be posted on our current website www.eteamz.com/gasabatavia.

GASA is a recreational soccer club with players from Batavia and surrounding towns.  About 500 kids age 5 to 19 participate in several different age divisions.  Teams in the younger divisions (5-10 yrs) practice and play all their games in Batavia.  GASA is a member of the Genesee Youth Soccer League for the older, travel divisions along with clubs from other towns in the area.

The 2009 season will run from May through July 2009.

Walk in registration will take place on Friday January 9 from 5:30 - 7:30PM and again on Saturday January 10 from 10AM to 2PM at John Kennedy School in Batavia.

The fees have not increased from 2008 and we still offer discounts for families with multiple registrants.

Sample uniforms will be available to preview. Members of the GASA board and coaching staff will be on hand to answer your questions.

Questions may be emailed to gasabatavia@yahoo.com

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From Genesee Community College:

Arguably the most relevant blues artist of our time (Guitar Player magazine), Otis Taylor brings his unique instrumentation and sound to Genesee Community College on Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 PM in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus. Now promoting his latest album, Recapturing the Banjo, this critically-acclaimed singer and songwriter captivates audiences with his original music and poignant storytelling.

Taylor was born in Chicago in 1948 to a family that embraced music and was surrounded by jazz performers and musicians. After the death of his uncle, his family moved to Denver where he was allowed to let his love of blues and folk music blossom. Taylor learned to play guitar and harmonica, and by his mid-teens was performing in his first band. He went on to perform in London, but soon returned to the United States in the late 1960's to work on many musical projects with various blues artists. In 1977, Taylor decided to take a break from the music business and went on to be a successful antiques dealer, as well as coaching an amateur bicycling team.

After much persuasion from his fellow musicians, Taylor returned to music in 1995. He released his first album two years later, titled Blue Eyed Monster, which the blues world embraced and admired. Now promoting his eighth album, Recapturing the Banjo, he is part-musician and part-storyteller taking his audiences on an emotional journey of truth and relevance in history. His original lyrics and haunting voice weave a story of pain, joy and the human condition.

"Bringing Otis Taylor to Genesee Center for the Arts continues the College's long-standing tradition of hosting some of the world's best blues artists," Frank Mayo, professor of speech and theatre arts said. "Genesee's Stuart Steiner Theatre is a perfect venue for this kind of performance offering exceptional acoustics, as well as an intimate setting. Western New York is in for a real treat."

Besides being an award winning singer and songwriter, Otis Taylor finds time to give back to the communities that support music in children and young adults. Taylor, along with his wife Carol, have taken on a Blues in the School program called "Writing the Blues." The program consists of visits to schools and universities around the country to advise, enlighten, motivate and educate about the blues. Taylor now resides in Boulder, Colorado with his wife and two daughters. For further information on Otis Taylor or press photographs, visit www.otistaylor.com.

One performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8:00 PM in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia campus. General admission ticket prices are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and Genesee faculty/students. Members of the Western New York Blues Society will receive a $2.00 discount by showing their current membership card.

For ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at (585) 343-0055 x6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only; credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Mayhem Riders

we are a new motorcycle club in the batavia area,we have members from all over western new york.we currently have 18 members and we are growing everyday.we are accepting new members.this is our first year,we have 2 runs planned for 2009.on june 21 2009 -autumn run,to benefit the ronald mcdonald house in rochester.on july 18 2009 bikers for hope poker run to benefit the con kurr cancer foundation.please go to our website,to learn more about the club,and visit the links for these great charitys.we are also looking for volunteers for these events to man sign in tables and other dutys.we are also looking for donations for raffles at both these events.all of the proceeds go directly to these charitys and the money stays in this area to help our own.

http://www.mayhemriders.com

webmaster@mayhemriders.com

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From the VA Medical Center:

In the giving spirit of the holidays, members of the 82nd Airborne Niagara Frontier Chapter will be distributing gifts to patient units at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue.  The gift distribution will take place on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 at 1:30 pm.  The group will sing carols along with accordionist as they visit patient units.

With a donation to Habitat , you could be the winner of this TV. (the

New Year's Eve ball will not drop on the TV)  Genesee County

Habitat for Humanity will be in their 10th. year in 2009. We will be

completing our 7th. house.  Volunteers are always welcome.

Officer John Zola stated that it goes back to the home where children should be safe and not have access to guns.  I couldn’t agree with him more.  Whenever something like this happens, it shocks our community and for a short while our intentions are to take precautions to lock up the guns and to do whatever is necessary to keep this from happening in our own home. Then we let our guard down and history repeats itself.   Anyone who owns a gun should have it under lock and key regardless if children are in the home or not!

Here at GCASA, we have a SafeHomes program.   The intent of the program is to promote awareness in our schools and community, by encouraging parents to create a safe and healthy environment for their children in their own homes.

The pledge promise is as follows:

        I PLEDGE TO PROVIDE A SAFEHOME                                                                        

• I will provide adult supervision for all children visiting my home.              

• I will provide a secure storage place for all forms of alcohol, firearms, and other potentially hazardous items; including over the counter and prescription medications.

• I will maintain a smoke-free home.

• I will not allow parties or gatherings in my home when I am not there.

·          I welcome communication with any parent who personally observes my child using alcohol or other drugs.

·          I will communicate with any SafeHomes parent of a child I personally observe using alcohol or other drugs

• I will talk with my child(ren) about the dangers of drug use and my    expectations of them being drug-free.

Our goal is to reduce the number of children that are negatively impacted when these guidelines are not followed.

This pledge is not legal or binding by law.  If you would like to get the SafeHomes program in your school or to find out more about SafeHomes, log on to www.gcasa.net  or you may contact Carol at 815-1873  

From Richmond Memorial Library:

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s January Family Matinee series. Bring the whole family, pack a blanket and picnic lunch. We will be showing G-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room. Saturday’s at 1:00pm, January 3 & 17 and 31. Call the Children’s Room 343-9550 x4 for title information.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Barbara Shine has been named Employee of the Month for December 2008. Barb has worked at Genesee for over seven years and is currently an assistant professor of business for traditional and online courses. Her endless energy and enthusiasm has made her stand out as a faculty member at Genesee.

Before coming to Genesee, Barb worked in corporate management at Fisher-Price, as an entrepreneur in her own family business located in Arcade, NY, as well as an executive director of a non-profit industry education foundation. Her first position at Genesee was director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center, which she held for three years. She currently teaches various business administration courses, is a College committee volunteer, and is a management skills trainer for The BEST Center.

Barb is a faculty advisor for Genesee's CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization) Club where her leadership and hard work enabled students to create the "Scholars" brand of new products including its inaugural Apple Cider Syrup, which is now on sale . At $9.99 per bottle, the product is a perfect holiday gift and can be purchased at Genesee's college bookstore, or simply email scholars@genesee.edu.

Additionally, Barb has also been central player in the development of the WIRED Emerging Entrepreneurs (WEE) scholarship program at Genesee. With funding secured through the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) group, Barb is now helping students and community members explore business opportunities and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams by completing two Genesee business courses tuition-free.

"One of my favorite aspects of working at Genesee is I really enjoy the energy working with students and the continuous support of my co-workers," Barbara said. "I also enjoy the opportunity to work with local businesses as a trainer for The BEST Center."

Barb's extensive educational career actually began at Genesee where she studied Liberal Arts Humanities and earned her degree in 1970. She continued her education at Buffalo State College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1972, and then later received her Master's degree in Organizational Management at Robert's Wesleyan College.

A resident of Holland, NY, she enjoys gardening, walking and learning to play the piano. She lives with her husband Dennis, who is also a faculty member at Genesee and they have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Genesee Community College is pleased to name Danielle Collins Student of the Month for December 2008. Danielle, a 2007 graduate of Pavilion High School, is in the Fashion Merchandising Management Program at Genesee. She is very active on campus and has been awarded many honors including President's List, Dean's List and being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Danielle is President of Genesee's chapter of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and she co-produced the 27th Annual Fashion Show. Through her work with DECA, she led the group in a jewelry sale fundraiser as well as running the Thanksgiving 50/50 raffle. She has helped to orient freshmen students in the Fashion Merchandising program and has made several "best practices" presentations. Danielle has even been asked to make off-campus presentations to students at BOCES because of her high level of professionalism and enthusiasm.

Danielle, 19, a resident of Wyoming, NY is the daughter of Rick and Kim Collins. Danielle plans on attending the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan following her course work at Genesee. Her dream job is to be able to own a retail store that was designed to make customers feel comfortable with their size and make shopping an enjoyable experience, instead of a chore.

Danielle chose to attend Genesee Community College because of the Fashion Merchandising program and the ability to transfer onto a four year school. "My favorite aspect of attending Genesee is the excellent transfer opportunities made available to students," said Danielle. "I also like that they can offer scholarships to students with high academic achievement."

From Genesee Community College:

In a world that seems to get smaller yet spin faster every day, Genesee Community College has already benefited from the global perspectives and experiences of its new executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Eunice Bellinger began her tenure with Genesee this past August and as she marches past her 100-day anniversary, a moment of reflection for what's ahead and deeper appreciation of her past is warranted.

A native of Buffalo, NY and a 1969 graduate of Kenmore-East High School, Dr. Bellinger has spent over a decade teaching and administering academic programs abroad. From England, to Kuwait, to the United Arab Emirates, she has taught sociology, anthropology, psychology, ceramics, and developed curriculum as well. She returned to Western New York to oversee all of Genesee's academic programs and non-credit and business instruction, develop new programs, and provide general guidance to a dynamic team of over 200 full and part time faculty members.

She began her career teaching internationally in 1992 at Exeter College in Devon, England as a Fulbright Award participant where she taught sociology. From 1993 until 2002, Dr. Bellinger spent her time in Kuwait teaching and developing curriculum for the Public Authority for Education and Training as well as teaching for the University for Maryland's European Division, where she taught U.S. military personnel.

While teaching in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger led the life of any normal Kuwaiti citizen. She lived in an apartment and her two children attended the American School of Kuwait where they learned to be fluent in Arabic. She participated in the very routine and collective culture, which included enjoying weekends on Thursdays and Fridays, and occasionally patronizing a variety of western-franchised restaurants. During the years she spent with her children abroad, she found that she became accustomed to the Middle Eastern culture and began to enjoy it and appreciate the calming abilities of a routine-filled life.

"Even if we take part in different cultures, and may not share the same language, we understand that we all have hopes and dreams and sorrows," said Dr. Bellinger. "At the end of the day, we realize we are more alike than we are different."

After a decade in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become the dean and associate professor of Liberal Arts at the American University in Dubai. She went on to Abu Dhabi University to become the director of Graduate Studies in Education and director of the English Language Institute. Throughout her time as an educator overseas, she has worked with a diverse group of students and faculty. She still maintains a keen interest in international programs and the development of curriculum that includes both knowledge and cultural awareness.

More recently, Dr. Bellinger has held positions state-side at SUNY Empire State College and Massachusetts Bay Community College. She came to Genesee Community College with a wealth of knowledge, a vibrant understanding of international academics, and a strong interest in academic development and advancement.

Learning from her experiences abroad, and with the existing economic and political environment, Dr. Bellinger has already begun preparing for the next phase of academic progress at Genesee. Concerned with current challenges and the troubling economic climate, Dr. Bellinger notes that the College must respond to these changes and make a strategy for the future. For example, as four-year colleges begin budget cuts and cutting transfer programs, Genesee must develop degrees that are not just transfer based, but can stand alone as two-year Associate degrees. She also believes that the College should respond to the number of adult learners who have been laid off from their jobs and are looking to Genesee to further their business and academic skills.

"It is important that the College has resources for the over 50 population," said Dr. Bellinger. "There has been a culture shift and the College needs to take action to respond to that change."

Looking to the future, Dr. Bellinger would like to see several new academic programs develop at Genesee. "We are looking into green technology, including wind technology, as well as veterinary technician, transportation technology and computer-created virtual environment programs," she stated.

Dr. Bellinger has found great pleasure in her new position at Genesee, admitting that: "I get to do the fun things that I really am passionate about, like curriculum development, because I'm surrounded by efficient people who help get the day-to-day business completed. I'm really enjoying meeting new people. The people at Genesee have reinforced my view that the College is an easy place to communicate. You don't have to go through numerous layers of bureaucracy to get things accomplished here."

After being at the College for over 100 days, Dr. Bellinger's only complaint is the parking. She laughs, "Seriously, I'm enjoying my time here so far. I wake up every day happy to be going to work. I really have no complaints, except the parking!"

When not in her office, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes a son, Christopher who is studying at the University of Buffalo, a daughter, Kirsten who is a staff archeologist with United States Army Corps of Engineers in Manhattan, and a granddaughter, Maggie Kate who is two. She has two well-traveled pets. Gizmo, her cat is from Kuwait, and Molly, her dog is from the United Arab Emirates. Together, they are all currently residing in Clarence.

Twenty Questions and Twenty Answers from Dr. Bellinger:

When not in the office I can be found: "In Saratoga on the weekends visiting friends."

Last three books I read: "Lately, it's been mystery novels. My favorite book of all time is, 'Two Years Before the Mast and Twenty-Four Years After,' by Richard Henry Dana."

In the kitchen I am known for: "Directing and managing the preparations."

What kind of music would we find on your iPod? "A bit of everything! Well, maybe no rap."

Meet my family: "One daughter Kirsten, one son Christopher, and my granddaughter, Maggie Kate."

Favorite Movie/Genre: "Comedies"

Drink of choice: "Iced tea"

Favorite Meal/Cuisine: "Mexican"

Favorite team/sport: "Go Bills!"

Drives: "Along the Hudson River"

Favorite vacation spot: "Maine or Alleghany State Park"

Favorite teacher/professor: "Professor Pete Nye, from Alfred State. He taught me what it means to be a good professor. "

Pets: "One cat 'Gizmo', who came from Kuwait, and 'Molly' a dog, from the United Arab Emigrates"

I like to relax by: "Riding a bike or reading books"

Favorite game: "Bananagram. It's like a version of Scrabble but with no point scores for words."

Interesting Talent: "I'm a decent potter. I really enjoy ceramics."

One thing you'd never guess about me: "I have a tattoo of an otter on my arm. In my next life I want to come back as a river otter living in the Colorado Rockies. It's funny because right now I can't even swim!"

If you could teach anywhere in the world, where would that be? "GCC, of course!"

Complete the sentence: In high school I was... "Voted most artistic and most humorous!"

If I wasn't a college administrator, I would be... "Retired in Tuscany?"

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
January 5 to 8, 2009 - Kiln Drying Workshop: Drying Quality Lumber for Profit. Held at State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse This course will provide practical knowledge about how wood is effectively kiln dried, and scientific background on related wood properties and drying processes. It will have value for novice as well as experienced kiln operators, and sales, purchasing, marketing and manufacturing managers. Instruction will be in the classroom and through hands-on lab exercises using a modern kiln. Fees: received by December 17: $445 OR received after December 17: $495. For more information or go to http://www.esf.edu/outreach/kiln/default.htm
 
Tuesdays, January 6th through February 10th - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin February 24th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
January 9 & 10, 2009 - New York State Maple Producers Winter Conference. Held at Verona-Sherrill High School in Verona, NY. The V.V.S. High School is located between Utica and Syracuse, on State Rte 31 two minutes from NYS Thruway Exit 33.
 
The conference starts Friday evening with a featured speaker at 7:00 PM and industry trade show highlighting maple equipment, manufacturers, and vendors scheduled from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Saturday’s trade show opens at 8:00 AM with workshops starting at 9:00AM. Saturday’s program features 30 of the industry’s leading maple experts from throughout North America and Canada presenting in a variety of concurrent workshops. The conference is open to the general public, as well as maple producers, and is geared to all levels of sugar makers.
 
For additional information contact V.V.S. FFA advisor Keith Schiebel at kschiebel@vvsschools.org. Registration forms will also be available at the New York State Maple Producers Website: www.nysmaple.com or the Cornell Maple Program Website http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/ .
 
January 12th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
January 14th - WNY Corn Congress. Held at the Holiday Inn, Batavia. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
January 17th - Western NY Maple School. For more information contact Lutie Batt, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, 401 North Main Street, Warsaw NY 14569, Phone: 585-786-2251.
 
January 17 and 31, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm - Beginning a Successful Small Farm Operation. Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY. Pre-registration is required by January 9th. Cost $100.00 per family/farm enterprise. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities for small scale farming, please join us at the next workshop series. This introductory course is designed for small, part-time or perspective farmers with little to no previous agriculture experience. Contact Paul Lehman at 716-433-8839 x241 (E-mail: pel5@cornell.edu) for more information.
 
January 20 - 21 - Best Management Practices for Potato Production. Held at the Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway in Liverpool NY. This annual "Potato Short Course" is intended to provide more in depth education for potato growers and associated industry personnel in selected topics of major importance to potato production and utilization. This January we will provide extensive information on how to best use production inputs, reduce crop risk and produce a quality crop. Biology and physiology of the potato plant and disease/pest organisms will be discussed to help growers understand what conditions are most favorable for good crop production or are more favorable for disease or pest development and potential for spread. Management strategies will be illustrated which incorporate aspects of the pest’s biology, grower cropping history and control options. Potato varieties will be discussed which have multiple attributes such as various levels of disease or insect resistance, offer excellent competition to weeds and are well adapted to NYS growing conditions and hence require fewer chemical inputs. DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits have been requested.  There is no fee to attend. Sponsored by the Empire State Growers, Inc. Contact Don Halseth, Cornell University, if you plan to attend at 607-255-5460 or deh3@cornell.edu.
 
January 28th - Ontario County Maple Beginners Workshop. For more information contact Russell Welser, Cornell Cooperative Extension Ontario County, 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585.394.3977
 
January 29th from 7 to 9pm - Farmland Protection and Purchase of Development Rights. Held at Genesee County Building II, 3837 West Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Designed for community leaders, farmers, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, appraisers and anyone with an interest in farmland protection in our region. The workshop provides a comprehensive review of the process for creating successful Purchase of Development Rights projects and programs in your communities including a review of grant applications and case scenarios. Please RSVP to Holly McAllister, Genesee County Planning Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5467 or hmcallister@co.genesee.ny.us.
 
February 4th - WNY Soybean/Small Grains Congress. Held at the Batavia Party House in Stafford. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
February 9th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
February 10th - Becker Forum on Ag Labor. To be held at the Holiday Inn Liverpool, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
February 11th and 12th - Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Held at the Oncenter Convention Center, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
Saturdays beginning February 14th - NYS Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Course - Course instruction and intensive training in tractor and farm  machinery safety, leading to  certification is being planned for Saturday mornings at various dealerships in Genesee County  beginning on February 14, 2009.  Classes include general tractor maintenance, safe farm equipment operation and safety issues in general.  This training is offered only once a year and is for youth ages 14-16.  Please take a look at the flyer on our website for more details (http//genesee.cce.cornell.edu). Please call Amy Berry at 343-3040, ext. 106 to register to receive further information about the class when it becomes available.
 
February 21st from 9 am to NOON - 4-H Public Presentations. Genesee County 4-H members will have an opportunity to make 15-minute presentations on a topic of their choice.  Held at Byron-Bergen Central High School. Free and open to the public.  For more information call Barb Sturm at 343-3040, ext. 122 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
March 16th to 20th - Ag Literacy Week. Ag Literacy Week unites communities and schools.  Volunteers bring New York agriculture into local schools by sharing a special story and leading educational activities.  Volunteer in your community and get this year's book donated to your school of library.  For more information on volunteer for Ag Literacy Day, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at bbs28@cornell.edu.
 
March 21st - 7th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner – Held at the Alexander Fire Hall, Route 98 in Alexander, NY. Sponsors of the event include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District. This extremely popular community tradition has become firmly established as a festive, fun filled get-together, and an opportunity to come together and socialize before the beginning of another growing season. Open to the general public. Tickets are $25 per person or $230 for a table of 10.  Only 400 tickets will be sold and no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call Michelle at 343-3040, ext. 107.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of "emergency information" for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association's annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
4-H Local Government Intern Program - Designed for high school Juniors & Seniors. Orientation meeting 7 pm on February 2nd at the Old County Courthouse in Batavia.
For more information on this program contact Chip Malone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 130.
 
Coffee and Dessert Series - If you want to socialize and learn about gardening, why not consider participating in the Coffee and Dessert Programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  This is the fourth year of this popular program of classes presented by Community Educator Gail Culver and Genesee County Master Gardeners.  During the program participants will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with desserts homemade by the Master Gardeners. For more information and to register call Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York - This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners - Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management. Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service - Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more. Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour. Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers' Bureau - Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more. Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs. Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties. For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

From Richmond Memorial Library:

As you plan your New Year schedule don’t forget the importance of reading. The best way to prepare your child for school is to introduce books at an early age. The Richmond Memorial Library is here to help by offering story sessions at a variety of times and for many age levels. The staff at the library realizes young children are not ready to just sit quietly and listen to stories. Even if they are great listeners at home - a group situation is much different. In a group setting there are many exciting things to look at and distractions of all kinds. We also know that all children are all different, especially when they are very young. The storytime programs try to accommodate these differences and make reading a fun experience for parent and child. A quiet story session is held for the shy child on Tuesdays with Wednesday sessions for the more exuberant child. All storytimes contain music, puppets, and various activities to allow interaction between the children and adults. These activities are free and open to the public. The programs include:

Baby Bounce held Tuesdays at 9:30am (pre-walkers)

Toddler Time held Tuesdays at 10:30am (quieter walkers –3 years)

Moms & Moppets held Wednesdays at 9:30am (active 1-3 years)

Tiny Tots held Wednesdays at 10:30am (active 1-3 years)

Preschool Party held Thursdays at 10:00am (3-5 years)

Pajama Primetime held Thursdays at 6:30pm (all ages)

Registration for all of these series will begin on January 2, 2009. Storytime sessions will begin the week of January 12th.

To register for one of these sessions, or for more information, parents may call the Library at 343-9550 ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during Library hours: (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) 9AM - 9PM, (Friday ) 9AM - 5PM and 9am-5pm. Register early, as group size is limited.