Announcements

Members of the Cornell Vegetable Team will be the presenters. Topics to be covered include pest management, controlling mildew & blight, organic vegetable production, intro to high tunnel production, weed management, marketing strategies and food safety. 4.75 DEC credits in category 23 will be available! This meeting is geared towards smaller-scale vegetable growers. All growers and spray applicators are welcome. To register contact Kim Amey at 585-343-3040 ext 112 by March 12. $30 for enrollees of the Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program. $40 if not enrolled. Hot buffet lunch included.

The Care-A-Van Bus will be at State Street this Saturday, February 28th.

The time is 10:30 AM until 12:00 noon.

If  you know of anyone who needs groceries, please do not hesitate to have them stop by.

If you are interested in volunteering for this outing, please call us at 343-0328

Pastor Nikita Collier and wife Carolyn volunteering with Care-A-Van

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On Wednesday, February 25th the public is invited to special program at the Holland Land Office Museum. In celebration of the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Museum will be hosting a lecture called, Lincoln and the Free Soil Movement.

The program will be presented by Garth Swanson. Mr. Swanson is a Professor of History at Genesee Community College. He will put Lincoln in perspective, discuss his views on slavery and dispel some of the Lincoln myths. He will also discuss some of Lincoln’s ties to Western New York.

The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Holland Land Office Museum. Refreshments will be served following the program. Get there early for a good seat, because there will be a full house!

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:

March 6 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm - Winter Dairy Management - Dairy Modernization
Held at the Batavia Party House, Stafford, NY
Topics covered:
>Business Planning for a Successful Project
>Is your Farmstead Master Plan Still Workable?
>Renovating the Old Free-stall for Milking Cows, Heifers or Special Needs
>Replacement Parlor Options (including Robots & Manure handling)
>Evaluating environmental issues on your farm
For more information contact Cathy at 585-343-3040 x138.  Cost is $20 which includes lunch.

March 10 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm - NYS Dry Bean Meeting
Held at BW's Restaurant, Davis' Countryside Meadows Golf Course, 11070 Perry Rd., Pavilion
For more information contact Carol MacNeil at 585-394-3977 x406 or crm6@cornell.edu. For those enrolled in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program cost is $20 pre-registration ($25 walk-in). For those NOT enrolled - $30 pre-registration ($35 walk-in). 2 DEC and CCA credits have been requested. Listen to 1180 WHAM AM Radio in case of bad weather for cancellation notice.

March 11 from 9am to 11am - Weed Management Workshop for Commercial Pea Growers.
Held at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road in Batavia.
Dr. Robin Bellinder, Cornell will be the presenter. DEC/CCA credits available. Cost: $5.00 per person. To register or for more information, contact Julie Kikkert, 585-394-3977 ext. 404 or jrk2@cornell.edu.

March 16 to 20 - 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 or library. This year the program will highlight the NYS Apple Industry and with the help from the NYS Apple Association and their generous donation will also mark the first year in which the book that is used will be written by New York Ag in the Classroom (NYAITC) staff. This book will be the first in a series that will highlight New York Agriculture and is titled: The Empire State Investigator: The Applesauce Bandit. For more information on volunteering or to sponsor a book for Ag Literacy Day, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at bbs28@cornell.edu or you can visit the Ag in the Classroom website at: www.nyaged.org/aitc.

March 20 - Registration deadline for Incubation and Embryology Project for the Classroom
Welcome to the Genesee County 4-H Incubation and Embryology Project. This interdisciplinary project is designed to provide youth with a “hands on” experience while classroom teachers have the opportunity to satisfy science, math and ELA core requirements.  If you have questions or are interested about the Incubation and Embryology project, please contact Barb Sturm at (585)343-3040 x122 or via email bbs28@cornell.edu.

March 21 - 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. This event is sold out!

March 26 1pm to 4pm -Regional Berry Workshop - Pruning and its Impact on Pest Management
Livingston County CCE, Mt. Morris.
Agenda: Pruning Blueberries and Brambles
Pruning and Pests - A Closer Look
Sprayer Calibration's easier to do and more important than you think
NYS DEC pesticide applicator credits will be available for categories 1A, 10, and 22. Registration fee is $10. To register contact Jennifer at 585-658-3250. For more information call David Thorp, 585-658-3250 x109 or email dlt8@cornell.edu.

March 27 - Entries due locally to Barb Sturm for the "Be Aware of NY Agriculture" Contest
The Be Aware of New York Agriculture Contest is a great way to expose students (Pre-K - 6th grade) to agriculture and the food system, and to meet the New York State Learning Standards in your classroom. Students can learn more about where food comes from and why it is important that they understand agriculture in New York State, while creating art and writing projects.

The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 2 Honorable Mentions) are selected for each grade level.
* 1st place individual for each grade level is awarded a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.
* 1st place classroom and school receive agriculture-related books and /or videos.
* 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive T-shirts.

All awardees receive Certificates of Recognition. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Great New York State Fair. If you are interested in more information about this contest or need an entry from, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or check out the New York Ag in the Classroom website at : www.nyaged.org/aitc.

March 28 - Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest
The 2009 Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ontario County, 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., Contest will start at 10:00 a.m.  The primary objective of this event is to provide an educational experience for youth enrolled in a 4-H dairy project to demonstrate their knowledge of dairy related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail.  County Entries are due March 6, 2009. If you are interested in more information about this contest, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at:  bbs28@cornell.edu.

March 28 - Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Horse Extravaganza
The 2009 Finger Lakes Region 4-H Horse Extravaganza will take place at Canandaigua Middle School, Canandaigua, NY.  Local youth wil demonstrate their horse knowledge in Hippology and Horse Bowl Contests. The primary objective of this contest is to provide an opportunity for Region II youth to demonstrate the breadth of their equine knowledge in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. We hope that this contest will generate a rewarding experience for the 4-H members. If you are interested in more information about this contest, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at:  bbs28@cornell.edu.

April 9 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee & Dessert Series - "Organic Vegetable Gardening"
Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts.  Pre-registration is required. Organic Vegetable Gardening will be taught by Dale Jacobs, Master Gardener and owner of an organic fruit and vegetable business "Crooked Creek" Farms.  Vegetables should be part of everyone's diet. If you don't want to spend a little more for those organically grown and sold in the supermarket, perhaps you should consider planting your own garden.  It is very easy and even a project your children can join in on and have fun doing. If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.

April 16 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee and Dessert Series - "Annuals and Bedding Plants"
Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts.  Pre-registration is required. Christine Quataert, Master Gardener will be talking about annuals and bedding plants, with their seemingly infinite variety of flower colors and plant forms fit into almost any landscape situation  They provide the necessary touch of color to an often drab landscape.  These plants can be grown in containers to add a splash of color to a porch, deck or patio area.  They can also be enjoyed as fresh or dry cut flowers, as well as be a very rewarding hobby. If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.

April 23 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee & Dessert Series - "Spring Birds" (Back by popular demand) Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts.  Pre-registration is required. Back by popular demand, Jan Beglinger, Master Gardener and member of the Buffalo Audubon Society, will be talking about Spring Birds.  Spring brings changes at the bird-feeder, but even more exciting birds that visit other parts of the backyard.  Spring often starts with the departure of old friends that have spent the winter with us.  Do you recognize the spring birds that show up at your feeder?  Are they different from the birds you see in the summer, fall and winter?  Our “birding” expert master gardener will help you identify different birds and show you how to attract them to your yard.If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.

April 25 - 4-H Cloverbud Round Up
If you are interested in more information or to register, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.

May 1 - Deadline for 4-H Giant Pumpkin Contest
The contest is open to any 4-H'er/4-H Family in Genesee County.  If you want to have fun, learn about horticulture, and challenge yourself, join 4-H'ers who will grow a giant or tiny pumpkin in spring/summer (125 days to grow) in home gardens or in container gardens all over the county.  We will be using giant and small seeds. The Giant variety is "Dill's Atlantic Giant" or tiny pumpkin varieties includes "Baby Boo" or " Jack-Be-Little".  You can buy your own seeds or we can provide you with them. Educational materials will also be provided to each participant. Weigh-in will be in September (location to be determined).  Register by May 1st.  If you are interested in more information or to register, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via  e-mail at: ame29@cornell.edu.

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. 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 Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that second year student Moses Nhial has become a United States citizen. A celebration for this significant occasion took place on February 19 with students, faculty, friends and local legislators in attendance to congratulate Moses on his remarkable achievement.

The celebration took place in the library at the Batavia campus and many library staff members, as well as friends and College Village roommates of Moses, were present. Local legislators on hand were Genesee County legislature chair, Mary Pat Hancock, Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees chair, Laurie Miller, and Genesee County legislator, Jerome (Jay) Grasso on behalf of New York State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer.

Moses was presented with a Certificate of Recognition from Senator Ranzenhofer, as well as gifts from Genesee's library staff. Moses took a few moments to express his gratitude and speak on his past and future plans. "When I came to the United States, they called us the Lost Boys," Moses said. "But now I feel as if I have been found."

Moses Nhial, a refugee from Sudan and a full-time student at Genesee Community College, has experienced trials and suffering that most Americans can hardly imagine, much less endure. Moses overcame incredible adversity to become an ambitious young man, flourishing in an environment very unlike what he experienced growing up. Born in 1987 in Sudan, Moses' childhood was filled with attacks on his village and constant fleeing to new refugee camps and other countries to avoid violence and brutality. With help from the United Nations and Catholic Charities, Moses came to the United States in 2001 and ever since has been thriving as an extraordinary young adult. For more information on Moses' past and future plans, please visit http://web.genesee.edu/news/dspArticle/2554/.

Photo caption: Standing left to right are at Moses Nhial's U.S. Citizenship celebration: Mary Pat Hancock, chair of Genesee County Legislature; Jerome J. Grasso, Genesee County Legislator standing in for Michael Ranzenhofer of the New York State Senate; Moses Nhial, Genesee Community College student and recent US citizen; Laurie J. Miller, chair of Genesee's Board of Trustees; and Genesee's President, Stuart Steiner.

From the Batavia Players:

To begin its 77th Year as one of New York State’s oldest continuous Community Theater organizations, Batavia Players, Inc. is pleased to announce it’s first offering this 2009 Season.  The Annual Shakespeare in Springtime Program this year will feature “A Comedy of Errors”.   The uproarious mistaken identity misadventure opens on the stage at John Kennedy Elementary School on March 19th and runs until Saturday, March 21st.  Show time is 7:30 each evening.  Tickets are available at the door or at Go Art!, 201 East Main Street in Batavia.  Ticket Prices are $10 for Adults and $8 for Students and Senior Citizens.

“A Comedy of Errors” is the shortest of Shakespeare’s plays and perhaps the most humorous.  It revolves around the story of two sets of identical twins that get separated shortly after birth.  The fun and frivolity ensues when both sets appear in the same town 30 years later.  Directed by E. Jane Burk, the play consists of a cast of 25 professional and community theater actors.  “Comedy’s” set is designed by Kevin Partridge and Patrick Burk.   Both Mr. Burk and Mr. Partridge also appear in the show.  Costumes are designed by Patrick Burk, Beth Ann Hooker and Alice Judkins.

Batavia Players, Inc. is starting its second year of a five-show season.  They also are looking to establish a permanent performance space by the 2011 Season.  This year’s season includes Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe - to be performed in June, Summer Youth Theater Production of The Wiz – August 20th – 22nd, A Wilder Evening – One Act Plays by Thornton Wilder  - September 18th – 19th and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown which will feature the City of Batavia All Elementary Chorus as its holiday offering in December.

Anyone interested in Batavia Players can call 585-343-9313 ext 31 or call Patrick Burk directly at 585-343-9721.

From Present Tense bookshop:

Present Tense now has a Facebook page! We will be updating it frequently with store events, book recommendations, and all the interesting, unusual, and amusing news and notes from the world of books! Here's the link: Facebook.

If you already have a Facebook account you can automatically get our updates by clicking the Become a Fan link. You can still view our page even if you are not a Facebook member, just follow the link above.

We hope you find our new Facebook page interesting, useful, and entertaining!

From the VA Healthcare System:

Nationwide, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities use the creative arts as one form of rehabilitative treatment to help Veterans recover from and cope with physical and emotional disabilities. Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA medical centers compete in local creative arts contests. This competition includes 50 art categories, ranging from oil painting to leatherwork to paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, drama and creative writing. The creative writing division is a more recent addition to the competition and includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing.

VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Avenue, will host the local Veterans Creative Arts Festival on Thursday, February 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Freedom Hall (Room 301).  The public is invited to attend the local festival and enjoy a wide variety of creative art forms displayed by local Veterans.

The winning entries will be sent to be judged by a national selection committee, which chooses first, second and third place winners among all of the entries. Select winners are invited to attend the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, taking place in San Antonio, Texas, October 5-11.

In 2008, 3100 Veterans from 113 VA facilities entered the contest nationwide, with nearly 150 of the medal-winning Veterans earning an invitation to participate.  The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival is a week of learning, exploring, fellowship and celebration of the healing power of the arts.

From the VA Healthcare System:

On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, veterans with disabilities will be treated to a day of skiing hosted by the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program at Holiday Valley Ski Resort in Ellicottville, New York.   Several local veterans will use this opportunity to warm up for the 23rd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, taking place March 29 – April 3, 2009 at Snowmass, Colorado.

At the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, veterans who have spinal cord injuries, amputations, are visually impaired, or have other physical disabilities are given instruction in adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing, and introduced to a number of other adaptive recreational activities and sports. For many newly injured Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom military service men and women, the Clinic offers their first experience in winter sports and gives them the inspiration to take their rehabilitation to a higher level.

Each year, The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) sponsors six national events for U.S. military veterans served by VA medical facilities nationwide. Each program enhances the physical, social, and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate. Other events include the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, and National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, National Veterans Tee Tournament and National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic.  Anyone interested in donating to this worthy cause for our nation’s local heroes should contact the Voluntary Service Office at VA Western New York Healthcare System at 862-8667.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is proud to announce the addition of the Theatre Arts Academy beginning in the Fall 2009 semester. As the fifth Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) Academy Program, the Theatre Arts Academy is a six-college credit program of study that gives high school students the opportunity to hone their theatre arts skills while earning transferrable college credit, and also help ease the transition into the college atmosphere.

With trained seasoned professionals, the Theatre Arts Academy combines classroom theory with extensive hands-on experiences to refine individual talents and develop creativity both on stage and behind stage. High school students will attend integrated classes with current Genesee students and earn high school elective credits, as well as college credits. Students in the ACE programs are offered a discount from the regular Genesee Community College tuition rate.

"We are very excited about giving high school students interested in Theatre Arts the opportunity to enrich their knowledge base of theater, as well as their comfort zone in acting or performing in front of others," said Maryanne Arena, director of Genesee's Fine and Performing Arts program. "Even someone who doesn't plan to make a lifetime career on stage will find this program valuable."

The ACE Program is a partnership between Genesee Community College and Western New York high schools to provide college courses to secondary students during the school day. These programs offer high school students the opportunity to enroll in college level courses and to earn college credits from Genesee Community College while still in high school. The goal is to enhance the high school learning experience and prepare students for the transition to college and career. ACE includes Advanced Studies, College Today, and the other Academy Programs including Health Careers Academy, Legal Careers Academy, Business Career Focus and Information Technology Career Focus.

Course work for the Theatre Arts Academy includes Fundamentals of Acting (THE103) and Stagecraft (THE106). Fundamentals of Acting will teach basic acting techniques and will help students become more comfortable with monologues and auditioning. Stagecraft will teach basic theories and techniques of design, construction and painting of theatre sets, as well as appreciation of the organization and operation of production crews.

Students will have the opportunity to learn and perform in the Genesee Center for the Arts, a state-of-the-art performing arts space located on Genesee's Batavia campus. At the culmination of the Academy program, students will produce a live performance in the spectacular Stuart Steiner Theatre, the heart of the Arts Center. The 328-seat facility is accessible for special needs audiences and hosts a wide array of performances throughout the year. Among the many amenities are contemporary lighting and sound systems, state-of-the-art acoustics, complete scene and costume shops and an art gallery in the lobby of the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Acceptance into the Theatre Arts Academy is limited and requires a recommendation by the student's high school guidance counselor. Students must also possess a desire to explore career opportunities in the performing and theatre arts.

For more information on the ACE Theatre Arts Academy, visit www.genesee.edu/ace or call the ACE Programs department at 585-345-6801.

From Richmond Memorial Library:

The National Education Association is once again sponsoring Read Across America. This is a nationwide reading celebration held annually in conjunction with Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. Now in its twelfth year, the program focuses on the importance of motivating children to read and helping them master the skills necessary for reading literacy.

Dr. Seuss is turning 105 this year! Join Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Richmond Memorial Library will be joining thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers across the nation on March 2^nd to promote the importance of reading across America.

Please join us at the library to celebrate this exciting event. Special visitor, the Cat in the Hat will be visiting the library for stories, games, crafts and fun. We will be celebrating with a birthday cake and beverages. The library will also be giving away treat bags for every child in attendance. Please RSVP for this exciting event being held in the children’s room at Richmond Memorial Library March 2^nd at 6:30 P.M. To register call the library at 343-9550 extension 4.

*On March 2, the National Education Association is calling for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult. We hope you can join us!*

From Richmond Memorial Library:

Celebrate Women’s History Month with the American Girls at the Richmond Memorial Library. Every Saturday in March we will explore the era of a different American Girl through games, skits, crafts, and snacks. We will discuss the character’s book and time period, so be sure to start reading or re-read the series. 3/7 @ 10:30am *Meet Molly, *3/14 @ 10:30am *Meet Addy, *3/21 @ 10:30am *Meet Kirsten, *3/28 @ 10:30am *Meet Felicity.* Recommended for ages 7 and up. Please be sure to register early 585-343-9550 x4.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College and the American Red Cross have partnered together to provide Family Care Giving Classes at the Lakeville campus center located at 5999 Big Tree Road. The classes will provide instruction to families caring for loved ones of any age. Four classes will be offered on various Saturday mornings, starting Saturday March 14, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. The cost for all four classes is $25.

The first class, scheduled for March 14, will focus on Home Safety and Healthy Eating. The second class, on March 28, will focus on General Care. The April 4 class will concentrate on Personal Care, and the last class in the series will take place on April 25 and will discuss Caring for the Caregiver, Legal and Financial Issues and Alzheimer's.

"These classes are an excellent way to serve our community members who may be caring for a loved one and have many questions," Serena Cooke, Campus Associate at the Lakeville campus center said. "With the growing number of elderly parents being cared for by their children, due to personal choice or economic reasons, training and support needs to be available for these families."

The Lakeville campus center is located at 5999 Big Tree Road (Route 20A) in Lakeville. Class sizes are limited, and registration is required. Please call the Lakeville Campus Center for further information or to register at 585-346-5070.

From the Genesee County Democrats:

Two Democrats were unanimously endorsed for the upcoming Village of Corfu election. Todd "Skeeter" Skeets, incumbent mayor, and Al Graham, incumbent trustee, received the endorsements at the Committee's monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 10th. Democratic Committee Chairwoman Lorie Longhany expressed the members impression of the two men. "The Genesee County Democratic Committee proudly endorses Todd Skeets for Mayor of Corfu and Al Graham for Village Trustee.  These gentlemen represent public servants who have dedicated their time and talent for the betterment of the Village of Corfu with the kind of no nonsense approach that is needed in local government."

Committee members were impressed by the considerable resume of accomplishments the two share as public servants and their record of fiscal responsibility. "We reduced the hauling of sludge from at least once a week, but sometimes more often, at a cost of $400 to $800 to not having to haul at all for 18 months." said Mayor Skeets. "In addition, we're working very hard on establishing relations with surrounding municipalities for the use of our sewer plant as well as other shared services."

The Genesee Democratic Committee is looking forward to supporting these outstanding local candidates and many more in upcoming elections.

From the Batavia City Schools:

Batavia City School District’s Kindergarten Registration for the 2009-2010 school year begins the week of February 23-27. Children who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2009 are eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall.

To register, parents must go to the main office of the nearest public elementary school (see addresses below) on school days between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and bring with them proof of residency such as a current utility bill or formal lease agreement, as well as the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, and complete record of immunizations. Please note that no child can be registered without the required documentation. At the time of registering, parents should also make an appointment for the kindergarten screening procedure which will be scheduled for late May and early June.

Parents of new first grade pupils are also asked to register their child in the same time frame and with the same documentation.

For more information, please call your elementary school office (see below) or the District’s Director of Learning, Pam Schunk, at 343-2480 x1023.

Jackson Elementary, 411 South Jackson Street, phone 343-2480 x 4000. Jackson registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for June 3 and 4.

John Kennedy Elementary, 166 Vine Street, 343-2480 x 5000. John Kennedy registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for May 27 and 28.

Robert Morris Elementary, 80 Union Street, 343-2480x 6000. Robert Morris registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for June 10 and 11.

Notre Dame High School has extended the ticket deadline for its 17^th Annual Trip Night on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Genesee Community College.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College and the Xerox Foundation have successfully combined their efforts to fund and support the President's Innovation Award (PIA) program. The President's Innovation Award provides funding for innovative activities and projects that promote community involvement in the life of the College, stimulate student and community pride in the College, and help establish pilot programs or initiatives with the potential for positive, long-term impact on the College. The Xerox Foundation was supportive of the PIA concept and gave $5,000 in support of the award program this year.

One of the recipients of the award was the Collegiate Entrepreneurial Organization (CEO Club) in the development of their SCHOLARS brand project. The project began two years ago to produce and market a gourmet food product that would provide practical, hands-on business and entrepreneurial learning opportunities for the students. The club developed and now markets SCHOLARS brand Apple Cider Syrup; an apple pie flavored syrup used over pancakes, waffles, French toast, pork recipes and even ice cream. Profits from the syrup sales will be put back into the program, as well as used to fund student scholarships. SCHOLARS Apple Cider Syrup is available in Genesee Community College's book store or contact the CEO Club at scholars@genesee.edu.

Other PIA projects in progress this year are: Student Story Corps Project, Shushing 21st Century Style, Genesee Community College's Formal Exploration of the Educational Uses of Second Life, and Cougar Pride Day.

For information on PIA projects, or for financial support of Genesee Community College Foundation programs, please contact foundation@genesee.edu.

From the VA Healthcare System:

Beginning Monday, March 2, 2009, VA Western New York Healthcare System’s Jamestown community based out-patient clinic will be moving to a new location; 610 3rd Street.  The clinic, under a new contract with Sterling Medical Corporation will be serving Veterans only at this location.  Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with free parking. Veterans have had the opportunity to get VA health care in Jamestown since 1995, the first of seven community based outpatient clinics under VA Western New York Healthcare System.

Primary care, behavioral health services and on-site laboratory services will continue to be available at the new site.  In addition, nutritional counseling, social work, and urgent care services will be available with prescriptions to be mailed directly to Veterans’ homes.  “We want Veterans to stay healthy and encourage them to receive VA care available in Chautauqua county.  It is an opportunity to be a provider of choice for almost 2,000 Veterans in Jamestown last year and we look forward to serving more,“ said Dr. Bradford Mersereau, Primary Care Service Chief.

To enroll in VA health care call 1-888-823-9656 and to make an appointment at the Jamestown clinic, call 716-338-1511 after February 23. 

Last year VA Western New York Healthcare System provided care to more than 40,000 veterans at medical centers in Buffalo and Batavia as well as community-based outpatient clinics in Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lackawanna, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Olean, and Warsaw.