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GCC offers summer scholarship for students of Supply Chain Management - deadline to apply is May 21

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tuition Scholarship. Online, flexible study times. Great career potential. These are just the first three reasons why anyone considering a new career direction that almost guarantees job opportunity should explore the Genesee Community College's Supply Chain Management (SCM) summer scholarship program.

GCC's $500 SCM Summer 2014 Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for the Principles of Business Logistics (BLM101) course and is open to anyone interested in a future business career. (The book and college fees are not covered by the tuition scholarship.) The SCM Scholarship application deadline is May 21.

The U.S. Labor Department forecasts 26-percent growth in SCM jobs through the year 2020. Perhaps most dynamically for older students who may be juggling many other responsibilities, SCM concentration is part of the GCC's Business Administration program and is available 100 percent online -- giving students full flexibility to study on their own schedule.

SCM deals directly with procurement, manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, inventory and customer service. Supply chain managers manage the successful coordination of all these elements. Today's business savvy companies rely as much on their supply chain personnel as they do their CFO to positively impact their bottom line.

Current or returning GCC students just need to complete the SCM Scholarship worksheet and essay by going to: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/. A single page essay reflecting on the applicant's interest in SCM should be sent to Tanya Lane-Martin, Genesee Community College Admissions, One College Rd., Batavia, NY 14020. Applicants can also scan and email their essay to tmlanemartin@genesee.edu.

New GCC students need to contact the College's Admissions Office and complete the College's admissions application by calling 1-866-CALL-GCC or by completing the online application at: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/admissions/apply/

Dennis Sullivan, GCC's lead SCM faculty member is a seasoned supply chain professional and currently serves as president, vice president or principal with three management consulting firms including Supply Chain Optimizers, LLC. He carefully covers the course curriculum in a pace that allows students to appreciate the massive growth in today's global commerce which has given rise to enormous new opportunity for supply chain managers.

"We've developed an excellent curriculum for the SCM program at GCC," Sullivan said. "It addresses all the key elements of SCM. Students will be prepared for a variety of career options when they complete this program."

With top notch faculty, high-end technology and a summer scholarship, now is the time to explore GCC's online SCM concentration. For further information about this program go to: http://www.genesee.edu/academics/programs/business/ or contact Judith Littlejohn at 585-343-0055, ext. 6158 or e-mail: JMLittlejohn@genesee.edu.

United Memorial Hosptial earns AABB accreditation

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center announced that it has received AABB accreditation for Transfusion Activities (Blood Bank Services). The accreditation is valid for two years. Formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks, the AABB is an international not-for-profit accrediting association.

This accreditation, the highest any blood bank or transfusion service can achieve, is not usually pursued by smaller, rural hospitals. To meet the rigorous requirements of the AABB, United Memorial reworked all policies and procedures related to Transfusion Activities and worked closely with nursing units and the medical staff.

Accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment by specially trained AABB assessors and establishes that the level of technical and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by AABB. By successfully meeting the requirements, United Memorial joins other facilities located throughout the United States and around the world that also have earned AABB Accreditation.

“The AABB’s Accreditation procedures are voluntary,” Mark C. Schoell, CEO of United Memorial explained. “United Memorial sought AABB Accreditation because this program assists hospitals in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and technical expertise that contributes to quality performance and patient safety.”

AABB’s Accreditation Program contributes to the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products. The Accreditation Program assesses the quality and operational systems in place within a facility. The basis for assessment is compliance with AABB standards, Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidance documents.

The AABB Accreditation program has been recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (ISQua). In June 1995, AABB was granted “deemed status” as an accrediting organization under the clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA ’88) program.  This granting of “deemed status” indicates that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid program (CMS) has found the AABB accreditation process to provide reasonable assurance that the facilities accredited by it meet or exceed the conditions required by federal law and regulations.

Batavia Allstate Agency named a 2014 Premiere Agency

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Batavia area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Jason Juliano has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014.

The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed on less than 48 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country. This designation is being presented to Juliano for his outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency’s work.

“The Premier Agency designation is not just about Jason’s successful business results,” said Eva McIntee, Allstate New York’s field vice president. “The honor also demonstrates Jason’s commitment in being accessible to customers and using knowledge to help ensure customers have the insurance products they need to protect themselves and their family.”

Juliano’s agency is located at 590 E. Main St. in Batavia and can be reached at (585) 344-1400 or http://agents.allstate.com/jason-juliano-batavia-ny.html <http://agents.allstate.com/jason-juliano-batavia-ny.html>

Batavia Muckdogs offer reading program for children

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs offer a reading program, designed to promote reading with the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2014 will mark the second year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across the area with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book.

When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game! If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following libraries:

  • Richmond Library (Batavia)
  • Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
  • Byron-Bergen Public Library
  • Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
  • Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
  • Hoag Library (Albion)
  • Pavilion Public Library
  • Corfu Free Library
  • Warsaw Public Library
  • Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
  • Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming of tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005. The Muckdogs home opener is set for Saturday, June 14th vs. Auburn at 7:05 p.m.. Tickets are on sale now. They can be purchased at Dwyer Stadium or by calling (585)343-5454.

City scores well on State Comptroller’s Fiscal Stress Initiative

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In a monitoring system that has evaluated 2,300 local governments fiscal condition statewide, the City of Batavia has been ranked better than most cities across Western New York. Last week New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced the completion of the initial scoring for all local governments and school districts in New York in the Fiscal Stress Monitoring System.

Last week the Comptroller issued Batavia a fiscal stress score of 0 percent for 2013, the lowest possible score. Other scores for fiscal years ending in 2013 that were released last week included Buffalo (15.8 percent), Corning (15.8 percent), Olean (11.7 percent), Rochester (20 percent), Syracuse (34.2 percent) and Watertown (9.6 percent). Other Western New York communities included the cities of Canandaigua (1.7 percent), Geneva (28.8 percent) and Oneonta (15.8 percent).

The system uses a 100-point scale to classify whether a municipality is in significant fiscal stress (65 to 100 percent), in moderate fiscal stress (55 to 65 percent), is susceptible to fiscal stress (45 to 55 percent), or no designation (below 45 percent).

“This confirms that the City has and continues to take the necessary steps to ensure the City is on solid financial footing,” said City Council President Brooks Hawley. “Building a solid financial foundation has been a priority in the City’s Strategic Plan and provides the City with the ability to accomplish more in the future, and build a stronger community long-term.”

The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System was created by the Office of the State Comptroller to identify local governments and school districts that are in fiscal stress as well as those showing susceptibility to fiscal stress. The Fiscal Stress Monitoring System is based on financial information provided to the Comptroller’s Office by local communities and uses financial indicators that include year-end fund balance, cash position and patterns of operating deficits, to create an overall fiscal stress score. To date the Comptroller’s monitoring system has identified a total of 142 municipalities in some level of fiscal stress. This includes 16 counties, 18 towns, five cities, 16 villages and 87 school districts.

The City of Batavia’s Strategic Planning process is the foundation from which the City’s Business Plan for services and annual budget are based. The intent of the Strategic Plan is to allocate City resources to best meet the needs of our residents, while balancing the environmental factors that may affect the City in the future. The City’s reassurance that they were on the path to financial recovery was seconded in July 2012 when Moody’s upgraded the City’s bond rating from “A2” to “A1."

Third Ward City Councilmember John Canale, and a member of the City’s Audit Advisory Committee, shared his thoughts on the City’s score, “Once again we have received confirmation that the City is headed in the right direction financially. I think accomplishments like this only contribute to the City’s efforts to improve services, strengthen our infrastructure and provide greater opportunities for Batavia.”

The Audit Advisory Committee was established to provide oversight to the financial and compliance reporting process and external audit process. The Committee will be responsible for meeting with the auditors prior to the audit, reviewing risk assessment, reviewing the draft financial statements and making a recommendation on acceptance of the external audit reports to the City Council.

Residents interested in applying for the Audit Advisory Committee can obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office or can visit our Web site at www.batavianewyork.com/Files.

Car strikes pole on West Main Road, Le Roy, no injuries but pole, wires down

By Billie Owens

A car struck a pole at 7115 W. Main Road in Le Roy. There are reportedly no injuries, but a pole and wires are down. Le Roy Fire Department is responding. Law enforcement is on scene and National Grid is called to respond as well.

UPDATE 6:22 p.m.: The location is in front of Upstate Farms Cooperative, Inc. Fire command requests Le Roy ambulance to respond, non-emergency, to evaluate the male driver.

UPDATE: Photo submitted by Kim Antinore.

UMMC and GC War Memorial Committee hold special dedication ceremony for veterans memorial

By Billie Owens

Press release:

United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee County War Memorial Committee will hold a special dedication ceremony for the Genesee County Veterans’ Memorial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia.

In the early 1950’s Genesee Memorial Hospital was designated as the Genesee County War Memorial for wars fought in the 20th Century. A monument was placed near the entrance of hospital at 127 North St. that listed all the names of the men and women from Genesee County who died in service to their country during the two World Wars. Plaques for the Korean and Vietnam Wars were subsequently added to the monument.

The expansion and renovation of the hospital at North Street from 2009-2010, required moving the original 1950’s monument to a new location on the campus. The monument was disassembled and the white metal and aluminum plaques were carefully stored. The stone, made of a composite material, could not be salvaged due to extensive damage from the elements.

Hospital administrators met with representatives from Genesee County Veterans groups to discuss the condition of the monument and where to place it following the completion of construction. During this time, observances for Memorial and Veterans’ Days were moved to the Bank Street Campus. Centrally located Downtown, and out of the way of traffic and construction, attendance at the services on Bank Street increased substantially.

The War Memorial Committee, made up of veterans, requested that the new monument be placed at the Bank Street campus. United Memorial, honored to serve as the Genesee County War Memorial, agreed to the new location at the corner of Bank and Main streets. The Hospital also pledged to give funds, originally allocated for moving the monument during the construction project, to the committee to be used toward the new monument.

In November 2011, the veterans held a special ceremony to inter the original plaques in a vault below where the new monument was to be constructed. There is an engraved granite marker identifying its location at the site. To raise the additional funds necessary for the monument, the veterans solicited for donations and sold granite pavers that could be engraved with any veteran’s name, rank and military branch. The pavers will be permanently placed near the monument when the site work and landscaping are completed following the dedication. This will mark the culmination of a nearly five-year-long project to replace the original monument.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the dedication ceremony on May 17th. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception with light refreshments.

Genesee Area Genealogy Group meets at Richmond library - guest speaks on 'how to spice up your written family history'

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Area Genealogy Group will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at the Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia. It is located at 19 Ross St.

The guest speaker will be Gregory Kinal, well known in the area for his facinating historical programs. Mr. Kinal is a History teacher at Pembroke High School and will be presenting a program called, "How to Spice Up Your Family Written History."

Event Date and Time
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Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School Marching Knights wow Disney World's EPCOT Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School “Marching Knights” became stars of their own Disney show on April 25 when they entertained guests at EPCOT Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. They traveled over 1,000 miles from Le Roy to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The student performers, under the direction of Bradley Meholick and Tim Denmark, put on a musically delightful show as they marched through the Canadian Pavilion in World Showcase toward Future World taking them past Space Ship Earth.

Their performance included The Foundations' “Build Me Up Buttercup” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” By being part of this special show production, the students got an inside look at what it is like to be a professional in the entertainment industry.

This was the marching band’s second visit to the resort since their 1997 march at EPCOT Park.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPerformingArts.com or call 1-800-603-0552.

What're you lookin' at?

By Billie Owens

Reader Patti Williams sent in this picture of an owl that her son, Andrew Williams, took while he was out turkey hunting. She says her son, who lives in Byron, saw the owl several times, then was able to get close enough to take this photo.

Three-car crash on eastbound Thruway, minor injuries, Le Roy responding

By Billie Owens

A three-car accident with one person suffering minor facial and leg injuries is reported on the eastbound Thruway at mile marker 383.3. Le Roy fire and ambulance are responding along with mutual aid from Mercy Medics.

UPDATE 3:03 p.m.: Le Roy medics are en route to Strong Memorial Hospital. A second patient complained of back and neck pain and was also transported to a hospital. The Le Roy assignment is back in service.

Images in Dance students danced their way to high honors in Rochester competition

By Billie Owens

Pictured from left, top row: Samantha Balbi, Tia Stone, Lauren Halle, Ava Reinhart, Kaetlyn Andrews. Middle row: Jessica Sosnowski, Panorea Tsoukalos, Evelyn Chadbourn, Taylor Lundfelt. Bottom row: Melania Frias, Londyn Hume, Ariana Frias.

Press release:

Images in Dance students achieved excellent ratings at the Star System National Talent Competition last month in Rochester. They competed against dancers from throughout Western New York and Canada.

Among the 17 top performances included a routine by Batavia High School Senior Taylor Sanders, who achieved Platinum and was named First Overall dancer of her division. Taylor, the daughter of Gerry and Lynn Sanders, of Batavia, will be attending Niagara University in the fall and intends to continue with her dance opportunities while studying Pre-Medicine. Another top performer, Amanda Boss, the daughter of Dan and Sue Boss, of Pembroke, will be attending Genesee Community College in the fall. She intends to continue her dance career while studying Health Studies at GCC.

Highlights of the Rochester event included:

Amanda Boss -- Elite High Gold and 4th Overall

Ariana Frias -- Elite High Gold and 10th Overall

Melania Frias -- Platinum and 3rd Overall

Tia Stone -- Elite High Gold and 8th Overall

Samantha Balbi -- High Gold

Panorea Tsoukalos -- Elite High Gold and 1st Place

Lauren Halle and Ava Reinhart -- Duet Elite High Gold

Taylor Sanders and Amanda Boss -- Duet Platinum and Platinum and 1st Overall

Road Trip & We've Got The Beat (Twinkle Team) -- 2 Elite High Golds

Up, Vacation & Jai Ho (Juniors) -- 3 Elite High Golds

Wrecking Ball (Teens/Akron) -- High Gold and 3rd Overall

Breath of Life (Teens/Perry) -- High Gold

Images in Dance owner Robin Cotler will coordinate two additional competition opportunities for her students this spring. All dance routines will be performed at the Images in Dance recitals. Recital dates are posted in our newsletter at imagesindance.com

Three-day garage sale in Corfu to benefit GC Animal Shelter

By Billie Owens

A garage sale to benefit the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 12-14 at 60 E. Main St. in Corfu. All proceeds will go directly to the animals. Volunteers for Animals is hosting the sale.

Event Date and Time
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'Real Encounter' Christian ministry hosts demo of BMX motorcycle stunts - free, fun for all

By Billie Owens

A Christian outreach ministry aimed at youth -- "Real Encounter" -- will present BMX motorcycle stunts demonstrated by expert riders and personal faith testimonials at this venue May 22. It is free and fun for all. Demo starts at 6:30 p.m.

May 22 -- Attica -- Attica High School parking lot

Event Date and Time
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'Real Encounter' Christian ministry hosts demo of BMX motorcycle stunts - free, fun for all

By Billie Owens

A Christian outreach ministry aimed at youth -- "Real Encounter" -- will present BMX motorcycle stunts demonstrated by expert riders and personal faith testimonials at these local venues May 21-22. It is free and fun for all. Each demo starts at 6:30 p.m.

May 21 -- Pembroke -- Pembroke High School parking lot

May 22 -- Attica -- Attica High School parking lot

Event Date and Time
-

'Real Encounter' Christian ministry hosts demo of BMX motorcycle stunts - free, fun for all

By Billie Owens

A Christian outreach ministry aimed at youth -- "Real Encounter" -- will present BMX motorcycle stunts demonstrated by expert riders and personal faith testimonials at three local venues May 20-22. It is free and fun for all. Each demo starts at 6:30 p.m.

May 20 -- Batavia -- on Center Street in the parking lot (unspecified)

May 21 -- Pembroke -- Pembroke High School parking lot

May 22 -- Attica -- Attica High School parking lot

Event Date and Time
-

GC 4H Swine Club holds pulled pork fundraiser Saturday at the fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This Saturday, May 10, the Genesee County 4H Swine Club will be holding its 2nd Annual Pulled Pork Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 and walk-ins are welcome. It is eat in or take out. The dinner includes pulled pork, potatoes, cole slaw, baked beans, dessert and beverage. It is at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, in the Kennedy Building.

Tim Adams and Heather Weber are heading up this fundraising effort. With Tim being named Genesean of the Year, the Genesee County 4H has recieved great publicity this year, which was well needed and we hope to continue that. Last year, this was the biggest fundraiser in Genesee County 4H history.

This is truly a great fundraiser for these kids. It teaches them team work, accountability, responsibility and most importantly it gets them involved with the community. Our business community has been great to us to for this event as well. More than 20 local businesses donated various items for this event.

They include: Java Farm Supply; Lawley Genesee Insurance; Empire Tractor; D.J. Custom Meat Cutting; Red Osier Landmark Restaurant; Adams Welding and Fabrication; Scott Adams Trucking; Save-a-Lot; Batavia Restaurant Supply; Target; Eastown Beverage; S.J. Starowitz Farm; Oak Ridge Farm; Josh and Heather Weber; Sweet Pea's Cupcakery Cafe; Sweet Endings Bakery; Sweet Ecstasy Bakery & Bistro; Agri-Fab; Bimbo Bakery Outlet; Farm Credit East; H.L.W. Acres; and many more individuals and businesses.

Without the help and support of these businesses and our community, great organizations like 4H would not be as successful as they are.

Single-game Muckdogs tickets go on sale Monday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Single-game tickets for all 2014 Muckdogs’ home games at Dwyer Stadium go on sale Monday, May 12 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Dwyer Stadium Box Office or over the phone by calling (585) 343-5454. Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The same great, affordable ticket prices are back again in 2014. Tickets range from $7.50 for box seats to just $6.50 for adult General Admission tickets and $5.50 for kids and senior General Admission tickets.

During the season, the ticket office opens on game days at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday and closes at the end of the fifth inning. On Saturday and Sunday, the ticket office will open at 10 a.m. and close after the fifth inning.

Season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages, and group tickets are on sale now.

For more information, visit Muckdogs.com or call (585)343-5454 and press zero, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Muckdogs open their 2014 home schedule on Saturday, June 14 vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. The annual Independence Day celebration is on July 3rd this year.

In addition to their Pinckney Division rivals, the Muckdogs will welcome the New York Yankees (Staten Island), Boston Red Sox (Lowell), New York Mets (Brooklyn) and the Detroit Tigers (Connecticut) farm teams to Dwyer Stadium in 2014.

'Mother's Day Madness Shopping Spree & Flower Fundraiser' at Harvester 56 Theater

By Billie Owens

The premiere of "Mother's Day Madness Shopping Spree & Flower Fundraiser" will be held at the Harvester 56 Theater from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10.

There will be multiple crafters and vendors, basket raffles, 50/50 and lunch items will also be available for purchase.

It is sponsored by the Batavia Players, who intend to make this an annual event.

For more information, contact Kellie Wade at 314-3301 or at <kelliew9@yahoo.com>

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