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Press release:

The 8th annual David R. Millis Memorial Golf Tournament will be hosted on Sunday, June 1st, at the Batavia Country Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

This tournament is in memory of David Millis who passed away with pancreatic cancer at the early age of 54. Dave was the superintendent for the Pollution Control Facility in the Village of Albion for 32 years and was an active member of the community.

The cost for a single golfer is $85, which includes, lunch, beverages and dinner. Guests not golfing are also invited to buy dinner only tickets for $25, which will start at 5:30 p.m. All participants, whether golfing or dining will be entered into a drawing to win a TV and have the opportunity to buy 50/50 and raffle tickets. The following sponsorships are also available: Corporate, Major, Awards, Lunch Beverage, Longest or Shortest Drive, Closest to the Pin and hole sponsors. We also have several volunteer opportunities available. 

This tournament features, men and women’s longest drive and closest to the pin and putting contests. There are great raffle prizes, which include local sports tickets, autographed memorabilia, gift certificates and many more items. Don’t miss your chance to win two-year lease on a 2014 Chevy vehicle and other great hole in one prizes sponsored by Don Davis Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Albion.

The proceeds from the tournament will again benefit the Knights/Kaderli Memorial Fund which is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to assisting local families with their fight against cancer.  The money assists with prescriptions, medical insurance, nutritional supplements, hospital beds, and other needs. In the past seven years, this tournament has raised more than $89,000 thanks to the support and generosity of many friends, sponsors and participants and we hope to reach the $100,000 mark this year.

To register please fill out the form below and return by May 18th. For questions or more information please email millismemorial@yahoo.com or visit us on www.facebook.com/DavidRMillisMemorial.  Thanks and hope to see you there!

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce four students have been named 2014 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. They are Michelle Nagle, Yuki Sasao, Emmeline Vacanti and Kelly Wetherby were recognized recently at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at Commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence and extracurricular achievements. Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

This year's honorees from Genesee Community College:

Michelle Nagle, 19, is a key member of the GCC women's volleyball team. She has earned honors as athlete of the week and was named the Western New York Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2013, when she helped the Cougars capture their 18th consecutive Region III Division II title. Nagle, a native of Randolph, is studying Tourism and Hospitality and dreams of one day becoming an event planner. She's spent spring semester 2014 in Orlando, Fla., participating in the Disney College program. Michelle plans to continue her education at Niagara University. She's glad to have started at GCC. "I enjoy the small class sizes and the teachers are friendly and caring." Michelle is the daughter of Tim and Loni Nagle. She has a brother, Travis, and a sister, Jessica.

In Japanese, Yuki Sasao's full name looks like this 笹尾 侑希. The 20-year old came to GCC from Fukuokoa, Japan. She's pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts and Business Administration and plans to continue her education at a SUNY four year school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Yuki plays lacrosse for GCC and earned Academic All Conference from the Western New York Athletic Conference and Exemplary Academic Achievement from the National Junior College Athletic Association. She is also a work study student, an officer in three clubs and an active member of the college's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, for which she is the web developer. At GCC Yuki says she has found "lots of help from faculty and staff, unlimited possibilities and affordable tuition!" She is the daughter of Matsumi and Kiyotaka and has two siblings, a sister Haruki and a brother Kouki.

Emmeline Vacanti is a Teacher Education Major at GCC and hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher. She is a President's List student and an active member of Education Club, through which she has participated in many service-learning projects and professional development workshops. This semester she is participating in the Disney College Program, working at the theme park in Orlando, Florida. Emmeline loves GCC for "all of the diverse opportunities including numerous clubs and studying abroad." Upon graduation, she plans to continue her studies at Nazareth College. A native of Alexander, Emmeline graduated from Alexander Central School in 2011. Emmeline is the daughter of Michael and Peggy Vacanti and has two siblings, Eliza and Ben.

Kelly Wetherby, 20, came to GCC because of its highly regarded Fashion Merchandising program. She's studying both Fashion Merchandising and Event Planning and dreams of one day being a wedding planner. Following her studies at GCC, she plans to transfer to Buffalo State for one year and then complete her senior year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She's grateful for GCC professors. "They take the time to not only teach us the material but motivate us to continue learning outside of the classroom as well," she says. Kelly hails from Allegany, NY and is a 2012 graduate of Allegany-Limestone High School. She is the daughter of Dean and Deanna Wetherby.

"We salute these exemplary students," said GCC President James Sunser. "They have maximized the opportunities GCC offers and serve as an example to all students. With hard work comes success."

Recipients of Chancellor's Awards have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities. This year 274 students were recognized for their remarkable achievements.

"Students honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence truly embody the power of SUNY," said Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. "As proven leaders and role models, scholar athletes, creative artists and civic volunteers, each student is recognized not just for academic achievement, but also for the profound impact they have on college campuses and local communities across New York State."

Press release:

May is Mental Health Month, and the Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are working to raise awareness of the role mental health plays in our lives, and providing tips and resources so anyone can take steps to promote good mental health.

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming county health departments are encouraging residents to “Think Health.” Taking time to think about your health and taking positive health steps will lead to healthier outcomes. Learning something new every day is one way to “Think Health."

We all know about the importance about taking care of our health — eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising. Healthy habits positively influence how a person feels and how their body functions.

But good health involves not only caring for our body, but also our mind.

The fact is our mental health is vital to our overall health. Far too many Americans fail to incorporate a principal component into their health choices. Yet overall health and wellness are not possible without it.

What is mental health? If you were to ask your office mate, spouse or neighbor, they may respond that it is a “state of mind,” “being content with life” or “feeling good about yourself.” Simply put, mental health is the ability to cope with daily life and the challenges it brings.

When a person has “good” mental health, they deal better with what comes their way. By contrast, “poor” mental health — such as feeling overwhelmed by stress — can make even day-to-day life difficult.

Poor mental health can also significantly harm a person’s physical health. For instance, research shows that stress is closely linked to high-blood pressure, heart disease and obesity.  It also shows that people who feel depressed or chronically stressed may have a greater risk of physical illnesses.

The good news is there are many healthy choices and steps that individuals can adopt to promote and strengthen mental health — and overall health and well-being.

A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems. It can also help people recover from these conditions.

A healthy lifestyle includes building social support, eating with your mental health in mind, recognizing the signs of stress, and knowing when to reach out for help.

Just as Americans have learned there are things they can do to reduce their risk of heart disease and other illnesses, the health departments want to help people learn what they can do both to protect their mental health in tough times and also to improve their mental well being throughout their lives.

We need to care for both our body and mind. Talk to your health care provider about your mental health at your next visit. You can also learn about mental health services through your County Mental Health Department or the local Mental Health Associations (MHA).

County Mental Health phone numbers are: Genesee County Mental Health is 344-1421; Orleans County Mental Health is 589-7066; and Wyoming County Mental Health is 786-8871. In Genesee County the MHA number is 345-1418 and in Orleans County the MHA number is 589-1158.

If you are having a mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or the Regional Action Phone (RAP) line at 800-359-5727 (Genesee County); 800-889-1903 (Orleans County); or 800-789-3300 (Wyoming County).

The Business Education Alliance will be hosting their Spring Breakfast and Annual Meeting at 7:30 a.m. on May 16. The theme of this year’s breakfast is “Agribusiness Career Paths in Our Region” and will highlight area agribusiness education programs for students in kindergarten through college.

The breakfast will feature speakers from Pavilion CSD, Cornell Cooperative Extension, WNY Tech Academy, The Ag Academy, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, and Genesee Community College.

The breakfast will be held at the Genesee County Fairgrounds in the Kennedy Building. Reserve your spot online at www.beagenesee.com <http://www.beagenesee.com>. The cost is $15/pp.

Press release:

Oakfield Family Medical Care is being recognized by the Genesee County Health Department for achieving a 100-percent influenza (flu) vaccination rate among the facility’s employees during the 2013 – 2014 flu season and is a designated FluSafe facility through the local FluSafe Campaign.

The FluSafe Campaign originated from the Minnesota Department of Health where it began in 2007, and has successfully grown while focusing on increasing influenza immunization rates in hospitals and nursing homes.

Studies have shown that vaccinating employees reduces the rate of disease in health care facilities. Unvaccinated staff can pass highly contagious flu to patients, many of whom are at high risk for complications. High-risk populations include children younger than 5, adults older than 65, pregnant women, American Indians and Alaskan Natives, as well as those who have various medical conditions. Ultimately, low rates of influenza vaccination among staff can be very concerning for patients and the public.

In New York State, a new Flu Mask Requirement was adopted by the Public Health and Planning Council in July 2013. The requirement states that all personnel in healthcare and residential facilities/agencies must where a surgical mask if not immunized, during the formally declared flu season, at all times in areas where patients or residents may be present.

The locally scaled version of the FluSafe Campaign assists physicians’ offices to achieve the goal of 100-percent influenza vaccination coverage for employees, who do not have medical exemptions, because despite the great efforts of preventing flu by mandating surgical masks be worn by healthcare personnel, vaccination remains the #1 way of preventing the flu.

Under the FluSafe Campaign, offices can receive guidance and access to tools and promotional materials through the Genesee County Health Department to help them increase their rates. For a facility to be designated as FluSafe, 70 percent, 80 percent or 90 percent plus of personnel must immunize against the flu and document vaccinations through the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS).

The Genesee County Health Department hopes participation in the campaign grows as FluSafe is a great way for physicians’ offices to emphasize patient safety, like Oakfield Family Medical Care has. If your facility is interested in participating in the FluSafe Campaign for the 2014-2015 flu season contact the Genesee County Health Department at (585) 344–2580, ext. 5000.

HomeCare & Hospice Chief Executive Officer Carol L. Mahoney, right, and Mrs. Shirley LeSeur cut a ribbon to officially recognize the opening of the new Batavia HomeCare & Hospice office at 29 Liberty St., Suite 6, during an Open House on May 8.

Mrs. LeSeur is the widow of late Batavia attorney J.D. LeSeur, whose vision and leadership helped establish a certified hospice program in Genesee County. HomeCare & Hospice moved from 550 E. Main St. to Liberty Street last fall to better meet the needs of its operation and improve access for employees and the general public.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council is delighted to host the 11th Annual Genesee-Orleans Student Art Show, featuring works by more than 60 students from six different Genesee and Orleans county schools distributed between two GO ART! galleries.

The Genesee County Student Art Show winners are:

1st Place: Bailey Groth for "Cullen" -- 11th grade, Pembroke High School
2nd Place: Siena Pullinzi for "Minus and Counting" -- 12th grade, Batavia High School
3rd Place: Shelby Wilmet for "Giacometti Figure" -- 11th grade, Batavia High School
Honorable Mention: Amanda Castaneda for "Op Art Design" -- 9th grade, Elba Central School
Honorable Mention: Cassondra DeLelys for "Bird Posed" -- 8th grade, Elba Central School
Honorable Mention: Celia Mercovich for "Oaxacan Alebrejes" -- 9th grade, Byron-Bergen Central School
Honorable Mention: Erika Weis for "Untitled" -- 12th grade, Batavia High School
Honorable Mention: Jacob Chapman for "Caution Wet Floor" -- 12th grade, Pembroke Central School

Genesee County students with work in GO ART!  inside the Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia , are listed below. Exhibit Dates: Now through June 6. Complimentary Reception 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 14. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and by appointment.

Luis Sanchez — Elba grade 10: “Cubist Still Life” — Color Pencil
Brianna Shade — Byron-Bergen grade 7: Word design “Scary” — Sharpie & Color Pencil
Emma Goodman — Byron-Bergen grade 7: Word design “Season” — Sharpie &  Color Pencil
Tessa Busch — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — Oil Pastel on Constr. Paper
Sarah Clay — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Tree Frog” — Acrylic Paint
Allison Zambito — Elba grade 11: “Signs” — Photography
Amanda Castaneda — Elba grade 9: “Op Art Design” — Watercolor
Meaghan Kogut — Elba grade 9: “Pointillist Landscape” — Marker
Cassondra DeLelys — Elba grade 8: “Bird Posed” — Torn Tissue/Acrylic
Ally Richardson — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Seashells” — Acrylics
Amanda Norton — Elba grade 11: “Tranquil Waters” — Acrylic on Canvas
Dannielle Della Penta — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled" — Colored Pencil on Bristol Board
Savannah Bartosik — Pembroke grade 11: “Sunset Beach” — Colored Pencil on Bristol Board
Abbey Hume — Batavia grade 11: “Textural Landscape” — Acrylic
Chercal Smith — Batavia grade 12: “CS” — Printmaking
Hali Gilchrist — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — White Charcoal Pencil on Black Paper
Aracely Barrera — Elba grade 9: “Zentangle Design” — Sharpie marker
Cullen Fisher — Pembroke grade 10: “Enigma” — Student Processed Analog Double-negative Print
Skylar Laesser — Batavia grade 10: “Soccer Ball” — Charcoal
Justine Reed — Batavia grade 11: “Reflected Objects” — Charcoal
Luke Cullinan — Pembroke grade 12: “Still Life” — Charcoal Pencil on Paper
Tessa Busch — Pembroke grade 12: “Untitled” — Styrofoam, Wire, Spray paint, Monofilament
Celia Mercovich — Byron-Bergen grade 9: “Oaxacan Alebrejes” — Papier Mache & Acrylic paint
Alyssa Biaocco — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Acrylic
Kelsey Mauer — Byron-Bergen grade 9: “Oaxacan Alebrejes” — Papier Mache & Acrylic paint
Abbie Noeth — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Rihanna” — Acrylics
Emily DeNise — Batavia grade 12: “Nicki” — Ebony Pencil
Madison Moore — Batavia grade 9: “Avatar” — Color Pencil
Henry Stratton — Elba grade 10: “Sheldon/Value Study” — Pencil
Siena Pullinzi — Batavia grade 12: “Minus and Counting” — Printmaking/Mixed Media
Jacob Perez-Gangi — Elba grade 8: “Clint” — Tempera
Cassidy Miller — Batavia grade 9: “My Face” — Collage
Erika Weis — Batavia grade 12: “Untitled” — Color Pencil
Jessica Bovier — Pembroke grade 11: “Ciera” — Plastilina
Ava Haitz — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Acrylic
Jacob Chapman — Pembroke grade 12: “Caution Wet Floor” — Paper straws
Kali Nichols — Pembroke grade 9: “Waterfall” — Dura-lar film, Acrylic Paint, Wooden Base & Dowel
Bailey Groth — Pembroke grade 11: “Cullen” — Acrylic on Canvas Panel
Sydney Duwara — Batavia grade 11: “Untitled” — Mixed Media Charcoal
Shelby Wilmet — Batavia grade 11: “Giacometti Figure” — Plasticraft, Paper Towel, Wire, Acrylic
Lindsay Lovett — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Mug” — Clay
Sadie Vincent — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Mug” — Clay
Heather Dries — Byron-Bergen grade 12: “Thrown bowl w/wax resist” — Clay
Jaimee Bechard — Byron-Bergen grade 11: “Crazy Coil Pot” — Clay
Michaela Ball — Pembroke grade 11: “Impression: Monet” — Canvas Bd., Acrylic Paint, Computer Print out

Congratulations to all who participated, and thank you to our volunteer judges: Carole LaValley and Kim Argenta in Genesee County. GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343- 9313 or visit  <http://www.GOart.org>.

Press release:

Officials from Western Regional Off-Track Betting and Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning announced the winner of this year’s Belmont Stakes Trip Giveaway at the OTB Corporate headquarters in Batavia this afternoon, May 9.

The winner was chosen from the 8,000 OTB customers that signed-up at their local OTB branch on derby day for a chance to win the Belmont Stakes trip. The winner was Ron DiRose of Webster.

Ron wins hotel accommodations for two nights at the Courtyard Marriott, located 12 miles from Belmont Park and $1,000 in expense money.

“Western OTB would like to thank Bill Hayes, president of Turnbull Heating and Air for sponsoring the Belmont stakes giveaway,” said GM of Live Racing at Batavia Downs, Todd Haight. “It’s something we do each derby day and the number entries and interest in the giveaway grows every year.”

Western OTB posted record wagering handles on this year’s run for the roses, at it’s OTB locations, at Batavia Downs Gaming and it’s on-line wagering platform, Batavia Bets.com.

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Regional OTB is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 30 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility.

Pictured are trip giveaway sponsor Bill Hayes, president of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, and Ryan Hasenauer, director of Marketing at WROTB, with the lucky drawing slip.