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Press release:

GO ART! is happy to announce the 2012 Student Poetry Contest in Genesee and Orleans counties. The contest is open to all students from kindergarten through college age. Prizes and
certificates will be awarded in categories by grade range in each county.

GO ART! sponsors this contest in conjunction with Present Tense Books, Bindings Bookstore, and The Book Shoppe.

Guidelines and Entry forms are available on the GO ART! website (www.goart.org). They may also be picked up at:

• GO ART! -- Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Batavia
• Present Tense Books -- 101 Washington Ave. in Batavia
• Bindings Bookstore -- 28 W. Bank St. in Albion
• Book Shoppe - 519 Main St. in Medina.

The entry deadline is April 20.

For more information, contact GO ART! at 343-9313 or  email: info@goart.org; Present Tense Books at 815-7640; Bindings Bookstore at 283-4498, or The Book Shoppe at 798-3642.

The contest is made possible, in part, by the New York State Council for the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Press release:

Genesee Community College announces an open call for visual art exhibitors for the Roz Steiner Art Gallery located in the Genesee Center for the Arts in Batavia. The call is open to individual artists and group exhibitions in all media interested for the 2013-14 academic year.

The mission of the Roz Steiner Art Gallery is to foster community involvement in the arts while enhancing the learning experience for all Genesee students, faculty and staff. Proposals are selected by the GCC Gallery Committee, which seeks out exhibitions that are both rich in content and quality craftsmanship.

According to Gallery Director Shirley Verrico, "The Roz Steiner Gallery serves a large audience and we need to provide that audience with meaningful experiences. Although a small percentage of our audience may pursue a career in the arts, 100 percent of our audience is asked to process visual culture every day. Learning to think creatively and critically is a skill everyone needs in the 21st Century."

The new gallery opened last spring and offers 1,700 square feet of exquisite exhibit space featuring 25-foot walls, movable island walls, bamboo flooring, and multimedia capabilities.

Interested artists and groups should complete the submission process available on the gallery website at: http://www.genesee.edu/gallery. The website also features videos and photographs of past exhibitions. The deadline for consideration for the coming academic year is May 1.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) and the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will host a free business energy breakfast workshop from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Friday, March 9, at the MedTech Centre across from the college.

The purpose is to help small businesses and not-for-profits learn about free energy audits, incentives for energy efficiency improvements and low-cost financing opportunities to help them reduce their energy bills.

Saving energy is an excellent way for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to reduce overhead costs. It’s also an opportunity to set a powerful example of good environmental stewardship.

A qualified energy auditor can help companies and organizations understand their current energy usage and identify energy efficiency improvements for their buildings. Organizations that get energy audits may also take advantage of Green Jobs – Green NY financing, which offers access to low-interest rate loans to finance energy efficiency improvements. And many energy improvement projects are eligible for cash-back incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), National Fuel, National Grid and NYSEG.

The workshop will feature opening remarks by GCEDC Vice President of Business Development Chris Suozzi and Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Lynn Freeman. Expert presentations will be made by: Lee Loomis of the New York Energy $mart Communities Program on behalf of NYSERDA to discuss energy audits, low-cost financing and incentives for energy improvements; Andy Szajta of National Fuel regarding small business rebates/incentives for high-efficiency gas equipment; and Bob Trembath of Lime Energy on behalf of National Grid’s Small Business program.

Organizations that provide program support and business financing, such as the Small Business Development Center and Pathstone Corporation, will also be available to answer questions.

All local and regional small businesses and not-for-profits are encouraged to attend. The first 50 participants to pre-register and attend will receive a free Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb from NYSERDA and an energy kit from National Fuel.

Pre-register for the workshop at www.GreenGeneseeCounty.org or call toll free at 1-866-495-2959. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Dr. Bruce A. Holm Upstate MedTech Centre is located at 99 MedTech Drive (across from the main Genesee Community College campus [1 College Drive] in Batavia). The workshop will be on the second floor, inside the School of Nursing Lecture Hall.

Alabama Hotel, 1353 Lewiston Road, Basom, NY: A historic and legendary tavern and restaurant. The Alabama Hotel is famous for its fish fries, but also serves a variety of top-quality entrees, featuring Certified Angus Beef. Now with expanded hours. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St., Batavia, NY: Fine dining in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Lunch and dinner, steak, prime rib and seafood. Ask about Bohn's catering services and banquet facility. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Rancho Viejo, 12 Ellicott St., Batavia, NY: Traditional Mexican cuisine, from tacos and burritos to pollo norteno, Rancho Viejo brings a bit of "South of the Border" to Batavia's restaurant scene. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alex's Place, 8322 Park Road, Batavia, NY: People come from all over the region for a fine dining experience at Alex's. It's best known for its ribs, of course, but Alex's seafood is also a favorite of the restaurant's diners. We have a $25 gift certificate for $12.50.

Log Cabin Restaurant 1227 Gilmore Rd, Corfu, NY: Overlooking the picturesque Indian Falls on the Tonawanda Creek, the Log Cabin is known for casual dining, beef on weck, burgers, steaks, prime rib and mouthwatering BBQ baby back ribs. The Log Cabin is located off Route 77, 1.7 miles north of Exit 48 on the Thruway. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Jagged Edges Salon, 4140 Veterans Memorial Drive, Batavia, NY: Jagged Edges Salon is a walk-in and appointment salon for men, women and children. It is a fun, welcoming salon that offers all hair care services including cuts, color, highlights, lowlights, perms, styling/updos, treatments, and facial waxing. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. We have a $20 gift certificate for $1

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our jumbo chicken wings, roast beef on weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from super salads, butcher cut strip loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Palm Island Indoor Water Park, 8250 Park Road, Batavia, NY: The newest family fun center in Genesee County, featuring a hot tub, monsoon lagoon pool and play area, tipping buckets, water slides, arcade with 15 games and birthday party rooms. We have a pair of gift certificates worth $40 in merchandise or services for $20.

Viking Valhalla Restaurant & Rose Garden Bowl, 21 Buffalo Road, Bergen, NY: Open for lunch Monday through Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Dinner favorites are our succulent prime rib and Friday fish fries! We are always happy to help plan your special occasion -- wedding, shower, rehearsal dinner, stag party, graduation, company function, banquet, family or class reunion. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

SOLD OUT

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair dedicated to careers in the health career industry from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 8 inside the William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. More than 25 local and regional health care companies and four year schools will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company / school.

Nursing, physical therapy assistants and respiratory care, polysomnographic technology, veterinary technician, and fitness and recreation management businesses will all be represented.

"With the increasing need for qualified health care professionals, this Health Careers Job Fair gives students and employers a great opportunity to connect," said John McGowan, Career Services Center coordinator.

The job fair is FREE and open to the general public. For a current listing of registered employers / schools, please visit the Career Services Web page at www.genesee.edu.career/events. Employers interested in attending the fair should contact the Career Services office at 585-345-6888 to register for this event.

So far, the following employer representatives will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions, and receive resumes: (This list is subject to change.)

All Creatures Animal Hospital
Catholic Health System
Erie County Medical Center Corp
Finger Lakes DDSO
HomeCare & Hospice – Warsaw
Jewish Home of Rochester
Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
Monroe Community Hospital
Monroe Veterinary Associates
New York Army National Guard
NYS Veterans Home at Batavia
Orleans Community Health (Medina Memorial Hospital)
PSA Healthcare
Rainbow Preschool
Rehab Resources & Little Lukes
Thompson Health
United Memorial Medical Center
Unity Health System
University of Rochester Medical Center (Strong Memorial Hospital) – Physical Therapy
Wesley Gardens
Daemen College
Keuka College – Accelerated Studies for Adults Program
Roberts Wesleyan College
St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Nursing
The College at Brockport – Army ROTC
The College Network
Trocaire College
University of Rochester School of Nursing

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the President's List for the Fall 2011 semester. To achieve the honor of being on the President's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 4.0.

Brittany Bills, of Oakfield

Patricia Johnston, of Byron

Kara Miller, of Le Roy

Joel Pitts, of Le Roy

Maureen Weinman, of Le Roy

Jeffery White, of Le Roy

The College at Brockport is a comprehensive four-year public college, located in Brockport. It offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 40 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The college is rated among the "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Regional University" by U.S. News & World Report, and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the Deans' List for the Fall 2011 semester.

Students who earn a GPA of 3.70–3.99 are named to the Deans' List with Honors, while students who achieve a GPA of 3.40–3.69 are named to the Deans' List.

The honorees are:

Deans' List with Honors

Jeff Appis, of Byron
Brian Burgay, of Bergen
Shane Chatham, of Bergen
Kayla Chiocco, of Elba
Carly Crnkovich, of Elba
Samantha Denton, of Oakfield
Samantha Elliott, of Bergen
Zackary Kibler, of Oakfield
Jennifer Lazarony, of Corfu
Christina Mancuso, of Le Roy
Joanna Menzie, of Bergen
James Mignano, of Stafford
Erika Parmenter, of Pavilion
Theresa Raponi, of Pavilion
Rebecca Smith, of Bergen
Lori Stellrecht, of Basom
Patricia Van Buren, of Bergen
Danielle Wojtaszczyk, of Le Roy

Deans' List

Sarah Amico, of Le Roy
Dylan Ashley, of Le Roy
Zachary Bannister, of Elba
Gregory Barron, of Le Roy
Justin Becker, of Le Roy
Nicholas Bonin, of Bergen
AnDrea Carrigan, of Pavilion
Kristen Casper, of Oakfield
Chelsea Dillon, of Le Roy
Emily Drzewiecki, of Bergen
Donald Fonda, of Byron
Danielle Ford, of Le Roy
Molly Geissler, of Elba
Abigail Graham, of Le Roy
Natalie Haas, of Le Roy
Casey Herman, of Corfu
Brittany Kessler, of Byron
Gena Korn, of Le Roy
Emily Kovatch, of Le Roy
Chelsey Macomber, of Le Roy
Antonio Madau, of Le Roy
Jason McElroy, of Le Roy
Danielle Merica, of Le Roy
Melanie Monroe, of Bergen
Joseph Patton, of Le Roy
Ethan Reynolds, of Corfu
Lyman Rhodes, of Le Roy
Krystal Rivers, of Basom
Katherine Rogers, of Le Roy
Peter Subsara, of Darien Center
Christian Townes, of Le Roy
Kelsey Wright, of Pavilion

The College at Brockport is a comprehensive four-year public college. It offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 40 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The college is rated among the "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Regional University" by U.S. News & World Report, and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

Press release:

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football is gearing up for its second season! The league is happy to announce it's been accepted into the Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) for the 2012 Season.

With this exciting change the Bulldawgs will be able to expand to field young players from 6 to 13 years old for tackle football and introduce a Cheerleading Program for cheerleaders 6 to 14 years old.

This year the Bulldawgs will field four teams, which will be age based as of Dec. 1. The four divisions have UNLIMITED weight for all positions.

• Beginner: Age 6-7
• Mini: Age 8-9
• JV: Age 10-11
• Varsity: Age 12-13 (Cheerleading can be 14 years old)

The Bulldawgs will have registration on SATURDAY, MARCH 24 at the Batavia City Centre. Registration is for the first 35 players/cheerleaders per squad.

Registration for RETURNING players: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Registration for NEW players: 1 to 3 p.m.

Registration for CHEERLEADING: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Parent/Guardian and player/cheerleader must be present at time of registration. A copy of birth certificate, proof of insurance and annual physical is required.

The Bulldawgs are taking applications from anyone that is interested in being a coach for either football or cheerleading. There will be an informational coaches meeting on at 7 p.m. on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 at T.F. Brown's. Please contact league to reserve your spot.

To kick off the year, the Bulldawgs are having a Bowling Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Mancuso Bowling Lanes. There are two time slots, noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes unlimited bowling for two hours and two slices of pizza and soda pop. Or reserve a lane for $60 (five people).

Please call Extreme Streetwear at 344-4411 to reserve your bowling lane and support the BULLDAWGS!

For more information, please contact League Commissioner John Reigle at 716-228-5787, Cheer Director Sherri Wahr at 356-0639, or email bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

Genesee Community College and the campus radio station 90.7 WGCC will host "Foam Finger Night" on Tuesday, Feb. 21 during the men's and women's basketball games against Alfred State College.

The first 50 Genesee fans to the women's game and the first 50 people to the men's game will receive a limited edition WGCC/Cougars foam finger.

Additional foam fingers will be sold for $5, with all proceeds going to the college radio station for new sportscasting equipment. Donations will also be accepted.

"It will be a lot of fun," said WGCC sportscaster Jon White, who will also be broadcasting the games on the radio. "I hope it brings a lot of excitement and a lot of people out to support the Cougars and watch two very good basketball games."

Tuesday will also mark the last regular season home game for both the men's and women's basketball teams. They will honor each member of their sophomore class with a pregame ceremony, recognizing their accomplishments as a member of the program.

Both teams are currently ranked third in their respective Western New York Athletic Conference Coaches Poll and are fighting for better position in the post-season, which begins on Feb. 28.

Admission for both games is free of charge. The women's game will begin at 6 p.m. and the men's game will follow at around 8 p.m. The pre-game ceremonies will begin approximately 15 minutes before tip-off of each game.

Rachael Compton, of Bergen, was named to the Wells College Deans' List for the Fall 2011 semester. Rachael graduated from Belair School and is majoring in English: Creative Writing at Wells. She is slated to graduate this year.

The Deans' List consists of students who earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average for at least 12 hours of coursework in a given semester.

Wells College is a nationally recognized private liberal arts college located on the shores of Cayuga Lake. Founded in 1868, Wells provides an academically rigorous and relationship-based educational experience strengthened by the college's small size, residential atmosphere, and dedication to experiential learning.

Four area residents were named to the Deans' List for the Fall semester at SUNY Oswego.

Showing academic achievement, with their major in parentheses, are:

Lindsey C. Glazier, of Caswell Road in Byron, a senior (elementary education).

Shannon E. Christiansen, of Phelps Road in Corfu, a junior (communication).

Nikki M. Parlato, of Seven Day Road in Darien Center, a senior (public justice).

Courtney M. Brooks, of Washington Avenue in Le Roy, a sophomore (public justice).

The President's and Deans' lists represent the academic top 24.4 percent of the Oswego student body. To be included on the Deans' List, students must have a semester grade average of 3.30 to 3.79.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News & World Report named it among the "Top Public Regional Universities in the North" for 2012, the Princeton Review and USA Today named SUNY Oswego to their 2012 list of 150 "best value" colleges and universities in the nation.

A 151-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Just a reminder...

Press release:

Some local musicians will be giving back while they’re letting the good times roll at HomeCare & Hospice’s Mardi Gras on Feb. 25 at Batavia Downs.

Johnny Starowitz and Savage Cabbage are serving as the host band for the event, which will also feature Mac & Company, The Nichols Brothers Band, The Trolls, and Above the Fog.

Starowitz said he and other members of the band have had family members who received hospice services. When was asked if he would perform at Mardi Gras, as a benefit for the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation, Starowitz told organizers, “You take care of everything else and I’ll take care of the music.”

Savage Cabbage has been around since 1979, playing clubs, parties and benefits, giving them an edge in putting together a lineup of bands for the evening.

“It’s a pay back," Starowitz said. "Hospice is a benefit for the patient and the family. A lot of people in the public don’t know it’s out there. It does a lot a good, so we wanted to help raise money."

The bands are working together to make sure the music fills the entire evening. Mac & Company will start out the night with a mellow sound and the remaining bands will provide a mix of rock 'n' roll and Southern rock.

“There will be enough to please everybody -- continuous music right from the beginning to the end. Everybody is using same equipment, so there won’t be more than five minutes between bands. Each band has six songs to play. At end of the night, if there’s time, we’ll have one big jam with everybody."

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Around-the-World grazing stations, featuring international cuisine, will be open from 6:30 until 8 p.m. and a cash bar will be available all evening. Drawings for prize baskets will be held throughout the night, including a giveaway for an overnight stay at the Del Monte Inn. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing.

Tickets are $35, which includes $10 in free play in the Batavia Downs Casino and one entry in the prize basket drawings. To order, call Linda Cummings, HomeCare & Hospice development manager at 1-877-277-2615 or online at www.homecare-hospice.org.

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.