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Leisure Learning expands at GCC with new courses for adults 50 and older

By Billie Owens

Adults age 50 and over now have more opportunities to pursue leisure-time learning with new courses in history, languages, hobbies, travel, and other subjects at Genesee Community College. Thanks to an initiative of The BEST Center, 15 courses have been added to the Leisure Learning roster.

Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Eunice M. Bellinger reported this to the Board of Trustees on Monday evening.

The courses are designed to help senior adults explore personal interests and build new skills, Bellinger said. They do not carry academic credit, and will be offered during the evenings and weekends, and the summer months.

Over the next four months, Leisure Learning courses will cover such topics as "Quick and Easy Italian," "Geocaching 101," "Quilting," "Watercolor," and a variety of courses in scrapbooking, Civil War history, and family law. A tentative schedule of upcoming Leisure Learning courses is available at http://www.genesee.edu/best/development/leisure-learning/.

The cost for each course varies, and ranges from $10 to $99.

The college is planning educational tours for interested residents. Housing at College Village will be available for out-of-area seniors who want to participate in Leisure Learning courses during the summer.

Faculty and staff are eager to share their skills and knowledge with the community in informal settings.

"We believe our new Leisure Learning program will bring the college's expertise to many residents over the age of 50 who are eager to learn, and eager to explore new interests," Bellinger said.

Area residents are also invited to complete a survey of their educational interests. It is available at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22EGQ7R6K59/.

Learn about astronomy inside 'traveling planetarium'

By Billie Owens

Learn fascinating facts about the stars, planets and constellations in the night sky during a one-day-only program Saturday, March 3, at Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center.

Join Paul Krupinski from Ancient Eyes Productions as he shares his knowledge about
astronomy inside his "traveling planetarium." Preregistration is required by calling 344-1122. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family.

There are two sessions to choose from that day: 10 to 11 a.m., or noon to 1 p.m.

The location is 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany. Space is limited, so sign up early!

Free basic tax prep available at college and Social Services office

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For the third consecutive year, volunteers at Genesee Community College are providing free income tax preparation services. This opportunity is made possible through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in collaboration with Genesee County Department of Social Services (GCDSS).

The services for 2011 taxes are available to anyone whose household income is below $50,000 and does not require the filing of Schedule C or D. Each client leaves with a copy of his or her return that has been prepared.

Business tax returns or complicated capital gains transactions cannot be completed through the VITA program.

Interested participants have access to walk-in sessions at GCC's Batavia campus or appointment-based services at GCDSS, located at 5130 E. Main St. in Batavia.

The three walk-in sessions at the college are held from 4 to 7 p.m. in room T204 on Tuesday, Feb. 7; Tuesday, March 6; and Thursday, March 22.

The appointment-based services available at the Department of Social Services are from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning today, Feb. 9. Call 344-2580, ext. 6552, to make an appointment. Mark Castiglione is the site coordinator.

Through VITA, IRS-certified volunteers prepare free, basic income tax returns for community members with low to moderate income. The volunteers have undergone rigorous online training and provide assistance in communities nationwide. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls and other convenient locations.

"Last year we prepared 114 federal and NYS income tax returns," said local VITA Program Director Cheryl Corke, who is an associate professor of Accounting and Business at GCC.

"Through this effort, our clients received $115,304 in federal income tax refunds, including $23,795 in earned income tax credits, $5,682 in child tax credits and $9,170 in education tax credits."

Corke advises participants to bring all their necessary documents including:

  • W-2 (wage and earning statement(s) from employer(s)
  • W-2G
  • 1099-R
  • 1099-Misc (interest and dividend statements from banks) forms
  • Social Security cards for all persons listed on the tax return
  • A copy of last year's federal and state returns, if available
  • For direct bank deposits, bank account routing numbers and account numbers are needed
  • Other information needed may include total annual payment for daycare providers, plus the daycare provider's tax identifying numbers and address.
  • For married couples filing joint tax returns, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

"I want to personally thank all of those who have been involved in this program," Corke said. "It really is a fantastic opportunity for community members and our students. We have several certified preparers from GCC, including faculty and students, and three people certified from DSS, and many others have put time and effort into this endeavor.

"On behalf of the many users and participants of this program, I send a special 'thank you' to my colleague, Amy Conley, and to her students who worked very hard to become certified intermediate income tax preparers."

For more information, contact Cheryl Corke, VITA program director at GCC, at cacorke@genesee.edu.

Traditional Irish music performed for adults at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Traditional Irish Music with Rich Conroy will be performed at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13.

Enjoy an evening of Irish music in preparation for St. Patrick’s Day in this free event geared for adults. More information is available at the library by calling 343-9550, ext. 2, and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Event Date and Time
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Book 'The Call' inspires adult craft class at Richmond Library

By Billie Owens

Richmond Memorial Library is offering “The Call” Craft Challenge Pouch class from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 6.

In this class for adults, Jen Reardon will teach how to sew an appliquéd wool felt pouch in an original design inspired by “The Call” by Yannick Murphy.

Event Date and Time
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Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner is set for March 2

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Baseball Club will hold its annual Batavia Muckdogs Hot Stove Dinner and auction from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 2 at the Terry Hills. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour followed immediately by dinner. The Hot Stove Dinner is a time for good food, friendship, baseball talk, and silent and live auctions of baseball-related memorabilia (including signed bats and balls), work by local artists, and gift certificates from a variety of local businesses.

Tickets may be purchased in Batavia at Dwyer Stadium, Gerace’s Hair Care, the Williams Law Firm, and the offices of Dr. Ross Fanara and Dr. Alan Barcomb.

Terry Hills is located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Le Royan admitted to Alfred State College

By Billie Owens

Jesse Brennan, of Le Roy, has been admitted to Alfred State College for the Spring 2012 semester in the Computer Science program.

Alfred State is one of eight University Colleges of Technology within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It offers educational opportunities in nearly 52 associates degree programs, 19 baccalaureate degree programs, and three certificate programs in the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business Management and Engineering Technology, and Applied Technology. The college is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Elba student graduates from Ithaca College

By Billie Owens

Ashley Chiocco, daughter of Stephen and Mary Chiocco, of Elba, graduated with a major in Television-Radio from Ithaca College's Roy H. Park School of Communications. The degree was awarded in December 2011.

Ithaca College prepares students for personal and professional success through hands-on experience with internships, research and study abroad. Its integrative curriculum builds bridges across disciplines and uniquely blends liberal arts and professional study.

Located in New York's Finger Lakes region, the college is home to 6,100 undergraduate and 400 graduate students and offers over 100 degree programs in its schools of Business, Communications, Humanities and Sciences, Health Science and Human Performance, and Music.

Lost in Batavia: Sterling silver cuff bracelet, reward offered

By Billie Owens

Lost: In Coffee Culture parking lot area an artisan-crafted cuff bracelet. Approximately 2-inches wide, sterling silver with an oxidized wavy pattern. Large center stone of malachite. Designer stamped: Dominique Dinouart and .925.

Has sentimental value. Please call Patti Lynn at 305-3151 if found. A reward is offered.

Two local students earn academic accolades at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments for the Fall 2011 semester.

To receive President's List honors, full-time students must earn a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For Deans' List, full-time students must receive a GPA of 3.25. Part-Time Honors are awarded to students earning at least a 3.25 GPA on six to 11 credit hours.

Among the students who earned honors for academics were:

Tarry M. Fluker, of Oakfield, a Legal Studies major made Part-Time Honors. Fluker is a 1988 graduate of Le Roy Central School.

Justin A. Richardson, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major made President's List. Richardson is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

SUNY Canton offers 22 career-driven bachelor's degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 190 courses online each semester. The college's athletic teams belong to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The College is home to a brand-new athletic facility, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites, offering students single rooms in apartment-style settings while they live on campus.

Two local students earn academic honors at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic accomplishments for the Fall 2011 semester.

To receive President's List honors, full-time students must earn a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For the Deans' List, full-time students must receive a GPA of 3.25. Part-time Honors are awarded to students earning at least a 3.25 GPA on six to 11 credit hours.

Two local students earned honors for academics. They are:

Tarry M. Fluker, of Oakfield, a Legal Studies major made -- Part-time Honors. Fluker is a 1988 graduate of Le Roy Central School.

Justin A. Richardson, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major -- President's List. Richardson is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

SUNY Canton offers 22 bachelor's degree programs, in addition to its associate and certificate programs. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 190 courses online each semester. The college's athletic teams belong to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. The college is also home to a brand-new athletic facility, nicknamed "Roos House," and the Grasse River Suites, offering students single rooms in apartment-style settings while they live on campus.

Bergen student named to University at Albany's Deans' List

By Billie Owens

Jessica Langer, of Bergen, was named to the University at Albany's Fall 2011 Deans' List for outstanding academic achievement.

Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 56 undergraduate majors and 115 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice.

RSVP of Genesee County marks one million hours of volunteerism

By Billie Owens

RSVP of Genesee County has reached a milestone -- one-million hours of free community service. Coordinator Dorian Ely made the announcement today.

The program’s volunteers, all aged 55 and older, have given a total of 1,007,797 hours of service. This translates into a contribution valued at $16.6 million according to the volunteer value rates set by the Independent Sector.

“We are fortunate in Genesee County to have so many individuals who want to give back to their community," Ely said. "This number is actually conservative; we know that many of the volunteers give more time than we are able to capture statistically.”

The RSVP volunteer placement program is part of the nation’s Senior Corps. It has been operating in Genesee County since 1985. The program places volunteers with more than 40 agencies countywide, matching their interests and talents with the needs of the organizations. The program currently has 425 active volunteers ranging in age from 55 to 96.

Ely noted that the program has changed through the years, moving from trying to be everything to everyone, to focusing on national social-impact areas such as aging in place, service to veterans, and disaster preparedness.

While there are many ways to serve, volunteers are currently needed to help senior citizens stay in their homes by providing medical transportation, friendly visiting, and delivery of library materials.

Coordination and administration of these programs are made possible by the Rochester Area Community Foundation’s Muriel H. Marshall Fund for the Aging, but they rely on volunteers to be an active part of delivering these services. Additionally, volunteers are being sought to become co-facilitators for Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) workshops.

For information on RSVP of Genesee County, Marshall Fund programs, or CDSMP, contact the Office for the Aging at 343-1611.

Info meeting for youth football and cheerleading program planned in Alexander area

By Billie Owens

Tri-Town Youth Athletics is planning to start a youth football program and has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, Feb. 16 to provide more information to interested parents. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Alexander Elementary School Gym, located at 3314 Buffalo St. between routes 20 and 98.

Tri-Town Youth Athletics primarily serves the Alexander Central School District -- covering Alexander, Darien and Bethany -- but kids from all over the area are welcome to take part. It also offers baseball, softball, basketball and soccer programs.

Event Date and Time
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New youth football and cheerleading program planned in Alexander area

By Billie Owens

Tri-Town Youth Athletics is planning to start a youth football program and has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, Feb. 16 to provide more information to interested parents. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Alexander Elementary School Gym, located at 3314 Buffalo St. between routes 20 and 98.

Tri-Town Youth Athletics primarily serves the Alexander Central School District -- covering Alexander, Darien and Bethany -- but kids from all over the area are welcome to take part. It also offers baseball, softball, basketball and soccer programs.

The new football and cheerleading programs, which the organization last sponsored more than 20 years ago, are open to boys and girls ages 6 to 13.

Tri-Town Youth Football will be led by several experienced football coaches and youth sports administrators. Additional football and cheerleading coaches, as well as a cheerleading commissioner, are wanted.

Anyone interested should call 356-7571 or email Tritownyouth@hotmail.com. Other opportunities for parents to take part in planning, fundraising and game-day operations are also available.

46th Annual WNY Reunion in Palmetto, Florida set for March 7

By Billie Owens

You are cordially invited to the 46th Annual Reunion of Western New York to be held on March 7 in Palmetto, Fla.

It will take place at the Tropic Isles Park Auditorium, located at 3100 10th St. and 28th Ave. There is a $3 per person donation at registration.

Coffee and donuts will be served at 10:30 a.m., lunch at noon. Please bring a dish to pass that will serve eight and bring your own table ware.

A short business meeting and door prize giveaways will follow lunch.

For further information, call Chuck at (941) 721-9748 or Joan at (941) 727-1665.

 

Batavia Downs Casino boasts newly expanded gaming floor, now with 640 machines

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs Casino is pleased to announce the opening of its newly expanded gaming floor.  With construction complete, it now boasts 640 machines in the entire facility, up from just over 600.

The expanded gaming space, located at the rear of the facility, has 60 new machines including the popular “Wheel of Fortune Secret Spins” and additional “Sex and the City” gaming machines.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7 with members of the Batavia Downs Casino staff.

The casino is part of the complex at Batavia Downs, home of America's oldest lighted harness-racing track. It is in owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation.

Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Casino include: the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, and the counties of Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Wyoming.

Batavia Downs Casino is located less than one mile from Thruway Exit 48 and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Country music's Ramblin' Lou Family Band and Canada's 'Polka King' to play at GCC

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Center for the Arts is delighted to be welcoming the First Family of Western New York's country music scene, the Ramblin' Lou Family Band. Special guest will be Canadian "Polka King" -- Walter Ostanek.

They will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Those who love country-Western music should get their tickets soon since this one-show-only event will likely sell out!

Ramblin' Lou Family Band has delivered a lifetime of good country music, family fun and entertainment across Western New York and the nation to audiences of all ages. They have, in fact, become a mainstay at Erie County Fair playing for more the 45 consecutive years! They also draw loyal audiences to many other local events including Canal Fest, West Seneca Town Park, Cheektowaga Seniors, and countless festivals.

Self-taught Ramblin' Lou sings and plays guitar; his wife, Joanie, a trained and accomplished musician, sings and plays lead guitar, their son, Lou Jr., plays the drums, while daughter, Linda Lou, sings and plays the bass. Lynn Carol plays keyboards.

Together, their cheerful disposition and down-home friendliness can't be beat. Through their many years of performing, audiences have consistently remarked how joy and happiness radiate from this fun-lovin' family and their talented friends.

Ramblin' Lou (whose seldom-heard last name is Schriver), grew up in Tonawanda and fell in love with the beat and melody of country music when he was a boy. He and his granddad would travel around Pennsylvania on Saturday nights entertaining the locals at fire halls with square dances. At the age of 9, he got his first guitar. As a teenager he approached a local radio station about a live music show and his original 15-minute program eventually grew to three hours.

He now owns and operates WXRL-AM (1300) radio and tours national country music events. He is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville and the Broadcasters Hall of Fame. In addition, he and his wife are members of the "Walkway of Stars" in the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lou is also in Nashville's D.J. Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 seniors (55+), $5 for GCC staff and high school students and $3 for GCC students. Don't wait long, tickets are going fast!

For ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash, checks and credit cards. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Executive director of local ARC chapter named Geneseean of the Year

By Billie Owens

The Geneseean of the Year for 2011 is Donna Saskowski, executive director of the local chapter of NY ARC. The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce made the announcement today.

Saskowski will be among the honorees at the chamber's 40th Annual Awards Ceremony on April 14 at the Clarion Hotel in Batavia. The other recipients were announced Friday.

She is renowned for her service to people with developmental disabilities, her leadership skills and commitment to community development. In addition, she is praised for her ability to forge partnerships and collaborations, strengthen existing services and integrate people with disabilities into the community, thereby maximizing their opportunities for full participation.

A lifelong resident of the Town of Darien, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in Social Work from the University of Buffalo School of Social Work and has been on staff at Genesee ARC since 1989 and executive director since 2004.

Saskowski was named Social Worker of the Year in 2010 by the Western Division of the New York State Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). In 2006, she was a member of the Community Health Foundation Leadership Fellows and she is a member of Leadership Genesee’s Class of 2005.

The other 2011 chamber award recipients (previously announced) are:

Business of the Year: Arctic Refrigeration Company of Batavia, Inc.  

Agricultural Business of the Year: Baskin Livestock, Inc.

Industry of the Year: Graham Corporation

Entrepreneurial Business of the Year: Adept Equipment Services

Innovative Enterprise of the Year: Palm Island Indoor Waterpark at the Clarion Hotel

If you'd like to attend the event, call Kelly J. Bermingham, at 343-7440, ext. 26, to make your reservations or with any questions you may have.

Today's Deals: Bourbon & Burger Co., Bohn's, Palm Island Indoor Water Park, Settler's, and more!

By Billie Owens

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.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

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.

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.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Delavan's, 107 Evans St., Batavia, NY: To me, Delavan's is one of those restaurants where you want to eat frequently until you try everything on the menu. 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 $10.

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.

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