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Former Batavian sentenced for welfare fraud

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Department of Social Services reports that a former Batavia resident, Alexis Oberlander, now residing in Buffalo, was sentenced in Genesee County Court on Monday on welfare fraud charges.

She bilked the Genesee County Department of Social Services out of $60,523.50 and was sentenced as a second-felony offender and will serve one-and-a-half to 3 years in prison.

The case has a long history.

Oberlander was originally arrested on March 23, 2006 and charged and convicted in December 2006 on 12 counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree and one count of Grand Larceny in the 2nd Degree.

She filed an appeal and was given a stay on her sentence. In March 2009 the Appellate Division overturned 12 of the 13 counts and granted her a new trial on the remaining count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree.

After a jury trial, she was convicted last August of one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree.

Anyone wishing to report suspected cases of Welfare Fraud in Genesee County can contact the Genesee County Department of Social Services at (585) 344-2580 ext 6417 or 6416. All calls are confidential.

Syntec Optics unveils new clean room in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Syntec Optics has unveiled a new clean room at its Pavilion location. The company, located at 7100 Junction Road, is the largest independent manufacturer of custom polymer optics in North America.

The A-Class 10,000 sq. foot clean room at this facility will be used for assembly and testing of precision polymer and glass optical systems that are highly sensitive to particles in the environment.

“Not only will the new clean room allow us to continue to deliver exceptional quality on current projects, we now have the capabilities to take on new projects that require the purest of production and testing processes," said Lori Steffenilla, VP of manufacturing operations. 

"This is especially key for us as we continue to grow in the medical, biometrics and defense industries where precision, superior function and reliability are critical.”

The in-house clean room is the latest in a long line of advancements and creates new opportunities for Syntec to expand its customer base. It strengthens the firm’s ability to provide a complete range of contract-manufacturing services including design, molding, diamond turning, assembly, metrology and supply-chain management.

“We are always looking for ways to improve and enhance both our processes and capabilities which allow us to continue to deliver the excellence that our customers have always expected from Syntec and more," said Rick Arndt, vice president and general manager.

"The addition of clean-room capabilities is another step in the process of continuous improvement."

Syntec Optics has been widely recognized as the industry leader in the polymer optics field. Syntec was the recipient of the prestigious 2008 North American Polymer Optics Growth Excellence of the Year Award.

Two-part snowmobile safety course this Tuesday and Saturday

By Billie Owens

A New York State Snowmobile Safety Course will be taught at Darien Fire Hall, Rt. 77 Darien, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday Jan. 5. Part 2 of the course is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9.

The course is free to adults and children age 10 or older. Children under 18 must take the course as required by the New York State Parks and Recreation in order to drive a snowmobile. The instructors for Snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

Event Date and Time
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Big rally in Albany Jan. 12 for outdoorsmen and hunters

By Billie Owens

Attention outdoor sportsmen and hunters, there's going to be a Legislative Awareness Rally in Albany Jan. 12. Bus transportation has been arranged by SCOPE Genesee County chapter and the Shooter's Committee on Political Education of New York.

Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb invites those concerned about the right to keep and bear firearms, hunting and shooting sports in New York to attend this statewide effort. The bus is limited to 56 travelers, so car pooling to the rally is encouraged.

The keynote speaker at the rally will be Wayne Lapierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association.

The bus ride costs $25. Sign up at either of the departure locations, Batavia Marine in Batavia, or Sheard's Antiques and Guns in Bergen.

The bus departs from Batavia Marine, 411 W. Main St., at 4:10 a.m. and from Sheard's in Bergen, 7451 S. Lake Road -- Route 19, at 4:50 a.m.

Once at the state capitol, participants will gather in the Lobby Well of the Legislative Office Building at 9 a.m.

Departure back to Genesee County is at 1:30 p.m.

 

 

 

Adopt-a-Pet: Panda, Lynx and Coco

By Billie Owens

I suppose because I'm black and white, they named me Panda. And while I'm not going to be as big as a panda bear, they say I'm going to be a big boy. If you think you could love and nurture a cat with the small outline of Chile, South America, on his face, then let's not monkey around. Let's start 2010 on the sugar foot, shall we?

I'm guessing my ears are the reason I'm named Lynx. If you've ever encountered one of these exotic felines in the wild, you'll recognize the distinctive, tufted ears, sort of like mine. If I'm incorrect, I'm all ears, tell me otherwise. I'm a boy in need of a home in the dead cold of winter.

Both Panda and Lynx are in Cage 86.

Not only am I handsome, beautiful and sweet, I'm a kick-back kinda guy who loves attention and, let's face it, warrants it. I am, after all, Coco, a hound mix, adult male who's good on a leash and deserves more than running around like the stray I was.

Love, love me do -- you know I'll love you. I'm a red, but I'm blue in Kennel 21, not having so much fun.


Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter

GCC Foundation's 'Encore 2009' raised more than $55,000

By Billie Owens

More than 300 area residents attended Encore 2009, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event. The Dec. 9 gala continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the college's numerous scholarship programs.

This event was the first time the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) had played at Genesee since the opening of the Stuart Steiner Theatre in 1992.

Batavia residents Todd and Kathy Bender, who attended with their children, chaired Encore 2009, and were assisted by a committee of more than 20 community members. The new elements the Benders and the entire committee brought to Encore were very successful, especially the BPO.

The orchestra was a big hit with all attendees. During the performance, conductor Paul Ferington announced that the BPO was up for its third Grammy nomination. Also, a guest-conductorship was awarded to Mary Alice Yaiko, who conducted a memorable rendition of the holiday tune 'Sleigh Ride.'

The evening began with a private, prelude reception with Ferington. Guests enjoyed gourmet food, featuring all new selections, in the William W. Stuart Forum, then they proceeded to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for the holiday pops concert. Afterward, they enjoyed delectable desserts in the College's Forum.

Contributions totaled more than $55,000 and are still coming in, said foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman. "We deeply appreciate the generous support of our Student Scholarship program. Encore is truly an investment in the future leaders of our communities."

The foundation also thanked Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, it has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Adopt-A-Pet: Tess and Lilla

By Billie Owens

Glad to make your acquaintance, I'm Tess. Happy, healthy and housebroken, too. I'm an adult female, black Labrador retriever/mix. I'm a people dog, a dog's dog and a children's dog. So I get along nicely with all and I'm considered very friendly and playful. Note the word "very."

I do need some structure to learn good manners to help me watch my Ps and Qs, and I need some leash work. I'm in Kennel 36 hoping for some new BFFs.

I'm sweet but a little skittish. You might be too if you were ambling along and got your paw stuck in a "leg hole trap." My paw has healed up and looks good, but now I'm a little nervous about the world we live in.

I need a comforting family who will give me time to adjust. My name is Lilla and I'm a lovely calico. But technically speaking, I'm an adult, spayed female, domestic-shorthair cat. Cage 62.


Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY   14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

College seeks nominees sought for honorary associate degrees

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College is accepting nominations for Honorary Associate degrees that are conferred at the annual commencement ceremony each May. Any person is welcome to make nominations. Nominations are due by Feb. 1.

Genesee seeks individuals associated with the college who have achieved business, professional, civic and scholarly accomplishments, as well as made notable contributions to the college or to academic disciplines taught at the college.

Recipients of honorary degrees are individuals whose accomplishments, contributions or leadership are well beyond ordinary standards, and serve as an inspiration to members of the college community and as role models for students and citizens of the region.

Nomination forms can be retrieved online at the following Internet address: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/HonoraryForm.pdf

For Honorary Degree guidelines, please go to:http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/HonoraryGuidelines.pdf

The completed forms should be submitted to: Cathy Costello, executive assistant to the president and secretary to the board of tustees, Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For further information, please call Cathy at 585-345-6812 or email: cecostello@genesee.edu. <http://cecostello@genesee.edu.>
 

GCC selects new transfer coordinator

By Billie Owens

Patrick Walter has been selected to replace Priscilla DiRisio, who is retiring after serving for more than 20 years as transfer coordinator at Genesee Community College.

His responsibilities include: creating smooth transitions for students interested in earning bachelor's (or higher) degrees; establishing and retaining articulation agreements with baccalaureate granting institutions; and guiding students through course selections to help ensure a smooth transfer process.

"I hope I can help any student who walks through my door make a seamless transition to a four-year institution without any hiccups," Walter said. "I anticipate continuing the great transfer programs we have here, along with facing the challenges of preparing students to select the appropriate courses and programs of study to be able to transfer without the loss of credits."

He will also focus on the unique educational needs of veterans going back to school.

"Genesee needs to be 'vet friendly' to troops returning from abroad and to our vets who served several years ago," Walter said. "I am working with various departments to make sure we are recruiting, retaining and assisting many different types of veterans."

Walter hails from Hilton, NY, but has lived in Tennessee for the last 18 years. For the past six years, he has worked at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville as an educational specialist and a student-athlete mentor and tutor. His work with high school students, veterans and student-athletes has prepared him to take the position of transfer coordinator at Genesee's Career and Transfer Center.

Walter began his education and career in the hospitality and restaurant industry. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Penn State and worked as a professional chef for five years. He later moved into the food sales industry where he was an account executive until 2003. He enjoyed training and educating the people through his sales position, but the corporate environment wasn't as appealing. As a result, he turned to the educational arena, and went back to school and earned his Master's of Science in Educational Psychology from the University of Tennessee.

He lives Rochester, while his wife, Deanna, is still living in Tennessee with their three hound dogs Nutmeg, Mandy and Augustine. Together, the Walters enjoy rescuing and fostering dogs as well as hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities. Patrick also likes cooking and entertaining and visiting his family now located in Rochester and in the Finger Lakes region. Plus, he restores old cars.

Patrick Walter can be reached at (585) 343-0055 x6430.

Colleges offer 'Pathways' to boost access to bachelor's degrees

By Billie Owens

An innovative new program called "Pathways" is offered by Genesee Community and Empire State colleges. It gives Genesee students the opportunity to earn bachelor's degrees by spending an extra semester at Genesee and three semesters pursuing study at Empire.

Jonathan R. Franz, Ph.D., dean of Empire State College's Genesee Valley Learning Center, told the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees about Pathways on Monday evening.

Under the program, Genesee students can earn up to 83 credits toward a bachelor's degree at the Batavia Campus, at any of the college's six campus centers or via the online  equivalent of five semesters of study. Most Genesee associate's degrees require between 62 and 64 credits of study.

Students then enter Empire State's program of individualized study for the balance of their baccalaureate education. They can complete their studies at Empire through independent study, group studies or online studies, all guided by highly qualified local mentors. Those who have gained college-level learning through the workplace or other experience may apply for college credit by evaluation.

Although Empire does not offer traditional "classes," the Empire program is rigorous and requires a high level of academic commitment.

"We expect a lot of writing and a lot of reading," Franz told the trustees. "Students are expected to engage in critical thinking, and participate in discussions with mentors and other students, whether face-to-face or online."

The program is especially appropriate for students who may not have the flexibility to drive to a distant campus for classes or participate in a fixed class schedule, Franz said. Students will be able to complete coursework in their own communities, usually on their own schedules. They will participate in designing their own Empire degree programs. The most popular degrees are in Community and Human Services, Business Administration, and Human Development.

Empire State College, a college of the State University of New York, was founded in 1971 to serve motivated adult learners. Originally dubbed a "college without walls," Empire has become widely recognized as an innovative and respected college focusing on the needs of mature students.

Empire State College has about 19,500 students enrolled statewide but does not have traditional "campuses." Instead, it houses operations in seven "learning centers" located throughout the state. In turn, these centers sponsor local "units," which bring Empire services to their respective service areas.

The Genesee Valley Learning Center, which Franz leads, is based on the east side of Rochester and has about 1,200 enrollees. It sponsors units in Canandaigua, Alfred, Corning and Batavia.

The Batavia Unit was originally located at Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus, but moved to Ellicott Street three years ago due to space constraints. It serves almost 200 students each year.

"The quality of GCC students is excellent and GCC students who come to Empire are very well prepared," said Edward Warzala, Batavia unit coordinator. "I feel great confidence when I see a student with a Genesee Community College transcript. I know that if they can succeed at Genesee, they can succeed at Empire."

Warzala noted that Steven Schutt, Genesee's student trustee, will be one of the first students to enter the Pathways Program after graduating from Genesee next month.

Anglicans invite you to Christmas Eve service

By Billie Owens

The Anglican Community Church invites everyone to its 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service. The traditional Anglican service will include the Holy Eucharist, Lighting of the Advent Wreath and Choir.

Coffee and treats follow the service, which is held at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at 101 Richmond Ave. in Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Adopt-A-Pet: Ben and Guido

By Billie Owens

If you like to have fun and have the energy to romp around, please consider adopting me, Ben. I'm a German shepard/Siberian husky/Labrador retriever mix. What a combo! I do need some leash work. I'm a young, neutered male who would love to brighten the lives of an active family. Let's go! I'm in Kennel 38.


I'm suave and dashing. See my smart red kerchief, it adds a touch of -- hmm, je ne sas quois -- glamour that women find irresistible. I could prove that, but as it is I'm languorously counting the days until Christmas in this dreary facility. Me, Guido. I can't believe it. I'm an adult, neutered male, a coal-black domestic shorthair cat with mesmerizing eyes. Come and gaze into them at Cage 87.

Volunteers For Animals
P.O. Box 1621
Batavia, NY 14021
www.vol4animals.org

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main St. Road
Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday through Friday: 1 to 3 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Car-into-pole accident with injuries in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A car-into-pole accident with minor injuries is reported at 11345 Transit Road in Pavilion, near the Wyoming County line, east of Dublin Road.

The victim is inside the residence there awaiting emergency responders. There were three occupants in the car.

Salvation Army's goal of helping 760 families is only half funded

By Billie Owens

The Salvation Army has sent out an S.O.S. in an effort to shore up a big gap in giving this holiday season. Here's the press release:

The Salvation Army of Batavia is $6,000 behind in its Red Kettle Campaign, compared to this time last year, and is barely half-way to its $65,000 goal, reported Captain Robert Kurtz, director.

Describing the situation as urgent, he attributed the shortfall to the tough economy, not enough outdoor bellringers, the weather, and, with the prevalence of debit/credit cards, fewer people carrying cash.

“We need more bellringers, especially in the evening,” the captain said. “Even though we are quite a bit behind, we trust in the community to help us serve those in need. We have committed to provide food and toys for 760 needy families this Christmas.”

The community can help in three ways, he noted.

  1. Become a bellringer (especially groups). Call 585-343-6284; call The Red Kettle  Center toll free at 1-877-764-7259, or go online to redkettles.org.
  2. Become a virtual bellringer by going to onlineredkettle.org.
  3. Send a tax-deductible check directly to the local Salvation Army, 529 East Main St., Batavia, NY  14020

He added: “We thank everyone who has volunteered or made a donation, and we are grateful to our community and neighbors who remember those less fortunate.”

Motor vehicle accident in Stafford

By Billie Owens

Emergency crews are handling a two-car accident with injuries at 6212 Route 5 (Main Street) in Stafford, just east of Transit Road.

College foundation launches "Extraordinary" campaign

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College Foundation's Annual Campaign is underway. This year's theme is "Extraordinary."

"Everyone has a vested interest in making this campaign a success," said Le Roy resident Robert Boyce, foundation board director and general chair of the campaign. "A stronger Genesee Community College helps make our Western New York region a better place to live and work for all of us. Campaign division chairs share the responsibility to attract and retain students and to promote the value of the college to the community."

He added that there are several divisions in the Extraordinary Campaign. Each division chair is responsible for a portion of the overall $459,000 goal. Division chairs include:

Associates Division: Jane Scott, of Stafford, branch manager, Five Star Bank

Batavia Faculty and Staff Division: Marirose Ethington, of Pavilion, professor of biology

Genesee Division: Michael Grammatico, of Batavia, vice president, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisors

Heritage Division: Patrick Forsyth of Batavia, CPA, John J. Forsyth, CPA, PC and foundation board director

Leadership Division: Roger Christiano, of Batavia, president, Christiano Cellular and foundation board director

"Independent auditors estimate a $501 million dollar impact of the college on our region," Boyce said. "The figure includes college spending, faculty, staff and student spending and the increased earning power of graduates who remain in the region.

"This extraordinary impact alone is justification for encouraging students to attend Genesee as high school students obtaining college credit, as potential transfer students to a four-year college, or as students seeking degrees or certificates to prepare for specific careers. As community members, we encourage enrollment at the college through our involvement and our financial support of the foundation's programs."

Leadership Chair and foundation Board Member Christiano said the new campaign theme, Extraordinary, reflects the many positive and special aspects of the college.

"Our financial gifts support excellence in the classroom through scholarship incentives to students with the potential for high academic achievement, and we make higher education available to all area residents who are capable, regardless of their ability to pay," Christiano said. "The economic vitality that the college brings to our region is tremendous as tomorrow's leaders are trained and our local workforce is strengthened through career and certificate programs such as nursing, respiratory care, physical therapy assistant, human services, business, criminal justice, marketing and retail."

The college's enrollment is at a record level this year with over 7,200 full- and part-time students. The Extraordinary campaign's overall goal of $459,000 includes $80,000 for an endowment challenge grant from the federal Department of Education.

"Only a small number of community colleges across the nation receive the endowment challenge grant each year," said Professor Ethington, Chair of the Faculty and Staff Division. "Fortunately, Genesee Community College was awarded one this fall and for five successive years the endowment challenge grant will match, dollar for dollar, every dollar we raise on behalf of students in need, up to $80,000 a year.

"Each year, as we achieve our goal, we will build our endowment by $160,000. This means that after five years the endowment will have $800,000 to support awards to deserving students. Our 2009-2010 campaign is committed to meeting the endowment challenge grant. We are paying ahead for future students and to do this, college employee, corporate and community support is vital."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-'80s as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 30-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders, and last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Contributions for support for the college programs and students may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. For more information contact the foundation (585) 345-6809 or foundation@genesee.edu.  <http://foundation@genesee.edu>

College CEO Club now offers apple cinnamon pancake mix

By Billie Owens

Just in time for the holiday season! Genesee Community College's Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO Club) has expanded its SCHOLARS brand line of products to include the brand new Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix.

The pancake mix is sold as a gift pack with the popular Apple Cider Syrup that was developed last year. The two products combine not only as a delicious meal, but as a great holiday gift.

The syrup and pancake mix gift packs retail for $14.99 and can be purchased from local retailers as well as the Barnes and Noble Book Store at Genesee Community College. The Apple Cider Syrup alone retails for $9.99. Profits from the syrup and gift pack sales will be put back into the program, as well as used to fund student scholarships.

The Apple Cider Syrup project began over two years ago to produce and market a gourmet food product that would provide practical, hands-on business and entrepreneurial learning opportunities for Genesee 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. The Apple Cinnamon Pancake Mix is an expansion of their line, and a complimentary product to the Apple Cider Syrup.

"The goal of the SCHOLARS brand was to give students hands-on experience marketing and selling a product in the real-world," said Barbara Shine, professor of business and advisor of the CEO Club. "The expansion of the line is doing just that, and at a perfect time for holiday gift giving."

For further information, please contact Professor Shine at 343-0055 x6319.
 

Two-car crash with injuries in Alabama

By Billie Owens

There's a two-car accident with injuries reported at Alleghany and Ledge roads in Alabama. Air bags were deployed. Alabama Fire Dept. and Mercy EMS are handling the call.

Get pet photo with Santa until 4 p.m. today at Petco

By Billie Owens

Oops! Time's running out! Santa is at Petco in Batavia today until 4 p.m. giving pet owners a photo op for their critters. Cost is $8.95, with $5 of that going to Volunteers for Animals to assist animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

The Petco is located at 4226 Veterans Memorial Drive.

2010 callendar of historic Genesee County churches on sale now

By Billie Owens

St. James Church has 2010 Calendars of Historic Churches of Genesee County available for sale. The full-color calendar is $15 and can be purchased by contacting the church at 343-6802. The proceeds will benefit the Restoration Fund of St. James Church.

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