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Come to the 'Caberet!'

By Billie Owens

"Come to the Caberet, old chum..."

You are invited to an evening of entertainment and cuisine at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday, Feb. 12. The church is located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

"Caberet!" will be from 7 to 10 p.m. and feature entertainment from: Encore! Theatre Arts; The Blue Belles; and The Bataviators. There will be basket raffles, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a cash wine bar.

Cost is $15 per ticket, available only in advance at the church, Community Action and The Insurance Center.

This event is sponsored by Community Action Angels of Genesee County and the St. James Restoration Committee.

GCC names January's Employee of the Month

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College has named Carla Guiste as the January Employee of the Month.

Guiste is said to provide outstanding service in the Copy Center to faculty and staff. She processes duplicating jobs with ease and professionalism and is continually willing to run rush jobs for faculty, particularly at the beginning of the semester when extra copies may be needed due to increased enrollments.

Her turnaround time for work is phenomenal, regardless of the complexity of the job at hand. She does what she can to accommodate requests and does so with a friendly, positive attitude and a smile.

Guiste has worked at the college for more than five years, six months of which were at part-time status. Before coming to Genesee, she worked at Kauffman Footwear for 15 years. After Kauffman's' closed, she worked at a greenhouse and at a gym for women.

At her current position at Genesee's Copy Center, she performs printing and copying for all seven campus locations, including simple printing, brochures, pamphlets, bound books and much more.

"I love so many aspects of working at GCC," Guiste said. "I love the people here, my job and the whole atmosphere here. What a great place to work!"

Guiste is a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School and lives in Oakfield with her husband, Jerry Guiste. She has two children Justin Ball (Patty) and Ashley Ball. Outside of work, Carla enjoys gardening, cross-country skiing, walking, spending time with her family and with her dogs that are her pride and joy.

Former Byron student makes Dean's List

By Billie Owens

David  Kenward, a sophmore from Byron, made the Dean's List at Lycoming College for the fall 2010 semester.

The distinction recognizes superior scholarship. Students make the Dean's List if they complete at least four letter-graded courses and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.50 for the semester.

Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.

College offers new Toastmasters Club for everyone

By Billie Owens

The Career Services Center and Student Activities is sponsoring a new GCC Toastmasters International Club. The first meeting is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2, in room T102 (Technology Building).

As a community club, it is open anyone from the area.

Event Date and Time
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College offers new Toastmaster Club for everyone

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from GCC:

When employers speak, Genesee Community College listens!

Recent studies indicate that employers want schools to hone in on "soft skills" such as communication, teamwork and leadership. Communication is a premium 21st Century aptitude and individuals who excel in public communication readily secure leadership roles in today's complex organizations.

At least 90 percent of GCC students are required to take a public speaking course, but the college realizes that the 15-week course does not give ample time to make all individuals great public speakers. The best way to improve public speaking is to keep speaking to the public!

To that end, and beginning, the college's Career Services Center and Student Activities is sponsoring a new GCC Toastmasters International Club.

The first meeting is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in room T102 (Technology Building).

As a community club, it is open not only to students, staff and faculty, but also to anyone from the greater Western New York area interested in making new friends and participating in activities, taking chances on new experiences and having fun in the world of communication.

Participants learn how to give impromptu speeches, present prepared speeches and to improve communication skills in a supportive environment. Toastmasters helps remove the fear of public speaking and teaches the skills that help members be more successful in whatever life path they select. The Toastmasters format works in tandem with GCC's public speaking course.

The Toastmasters Club is not a college, trade school or other formal course in public speaking. No one is graded and no tests are administered. Members learn by studying the manuals, practicing and helping one another in a safe club environment. Club meetings are workshops where attendees study and practice communication and leadership skills with others who are there for the same reasons. Research indicates that club members learn by doing and by watching.

During club meetings, members will build "quick thinking" skills, learn how to introduce speakers, conduct meetings and perform other roles that will give plenty of practice in a variety of communication experiences.

GCC invites all community members to mark on their calendars and consider bringing along a friend to this new club. Genesee Community College is located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

For more information contact: John McGowan, Career Services coordinator at 343-0055, ext 6383, <http://jmmcgowan@genesee.edu> or Jackie DiBella, instructor, at 278-8851, <http://jedibella@genesee.edu>.

GCC names local students on fall 2010 President's List

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College has announced the names of Genesee County students who were named to the President's List for the 2010 fall semester.

Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The honorees are:

From Alexander

Charles Kwasniewski
Chelsey Brinkman
James Blanchard
Marissa Laney
Tammy Rebmann

From Basom

Brian Pillo
Daniel Schmigel
Kimberly Mills
Xiaoling Sliker

From Batavia

Alicia Gray
Amanda Florian
Angela Puccio
Anne Kleinbach
Ashley Gerace
Cady Hume
Chad Richards
Chelsea Carrubba-Benson
Christopher Cummings
Cody Mulcahy
Corey Kocent
Dana Torcello
Daniel Dawson
David DiSalvo
David Dupre
Deanna Johnston
Derquile Qualcen
Devon Kleinbach
Elizabeth Geuss
Emily Davis
Emily Middlemiss
Erika Johnston
Erin Kruppner
Heidi Dempsey
Jaclyn Giuliani
Jamie Borkholder
Janelle Larsen
Jason DiMartino
Jennifer Curry
Jennifer Dorf
Jennifer Merle
Joshua Stendts
Julia Cole
Karen Crane

Former hostage Terry Anderson to talk about Middle East peace at chamber dinner

By Billie Owens

Former hostage Terry Anderson will discuss peace in the Middle East at Terry Hills Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 18.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is hosting this dinner and presentation to benefit the War of 1812 Peace Garden being established here in Batavia. There will also be a silent auction.

Seating is limited so people are encouraged to buy tickets early. Cost per ticket is $25 and includes a full course dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber, located at 210 E. Main St. or the Stagecoach Florist in Batavia City Centre.

Social hour is 5 to 6 p.m. with dinner and presentation to follow.

Groundbreaking for the garden is planned for September. It will be part of a trail of Peace Gardens commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Batavia became instrumental in the war after Buffalo burned, playing a major role in holding back the British, according to historians.

The Peace Garden will commemorate the past and play an active part in the future of Batavia and Genesee County. The hope is that in sharing what makes us uniquely human, we'll strengthen our understanding of one another and forge a bond of peace that will never be broken, according to supporters.

For more information contact Barb Toal at 344-2458.

10th annual Winter Guard Competition at Batavia High School

By Billie Owens

There will be a Winter Guard Competition at Batavia High School Gymnasium from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Tickets are $6; $5 for seniors.

Eighteen winter guards will be competing from Western New York and Canada in this 10th annual "Fantastic Visions."

It is hosted by the Batavia Winter Guard and Batavia Band Boosters.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

10th annual Winter Guard Competition at Batavia High School

By Billie Owens

There will be a Winter Guard Competition at Batavia High School Gymnasium from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Tickets are $6; $5 for seniors.

Eighteen winter guards will be competing from Western New York and Canada in this 10th annual "Fantastic Visions."

It is hosted by the Batavia Winter Guard and Batavia Band Boosters.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

Event Date and Time
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Blood drive at UMMC

By Billie Owens

United Memorial Medical Center has scheduled a Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 in Cary Hall, 211 E. Main St., Batavia.

Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling Mary Canterbury, UMMC’s Blood Bank coordinator, at 344-5474.

Each presenting donor will receive a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee!

Minor injury, rollover accident in Elba

By Billie Owens

A one-vehicle rollover accident is reported at 4591 Batavia-Elba Townline Road in Elba. There are reportedly minor injuries.

The location is between State Street and Norton Road.

Elba Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 12:14 p.m.: The female driver has wrist and leg injuries. The car is on its side. She is not trapped, but needs assistance to get out of the car.

UPDATE 12:17 p.m.: The victim is out of the car. A flatbed tow truck is called. The westbound lane is shut down.

UPDATE 12:26 p.m.: Route 98 is being closed at its juncture with Batavia-Elba Townline Road (Daws).

UPDATE 12:47 p.m.: All units back in service. Road is reopened.

Accident at Main and Oak in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident, without injuries, is reported at the intersection of Main and Oak streets in the City of Batavia. It is blocking the intersection.

Police are on scene and requesting additional manpower to handle traffic. Two flatbeds tow trucks are requested.

UPDATE 6:34 p.m.: The Batavia Fire Department is called to the scene because one of the vehicles is leaking fluids.

Fire alarm: meat case is smoking at the Walmart

By Billie Owens

A fire alarm has sounded at the Walmart on Veterans Memorial Drive. A caller reports the meat case in the grocery section is smoking, but no fire is present.

Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

No announcement about evacuating the store has been mentioned on the scanner, but pedestrian traffic at the scene is said to be heavy.

"There's definately the odor of electrical smoke," says a firefighter.

The meat cooler is on the west side of building. Responders say they may need to dismantle the meat case to reach the source of the problem.

The firefighters are asking for a thermal imaging camera and other appropriate equipment.

UPDATE 3:07 p.m.: A firefighter says there's definately an electrical fire in either the cooling or lighting element in the meat cooler. They are working to isolate the problem.

UPDATE 3:15 p.m.: More manpower is called to the scene. A firefighter says the problem is in the lighting element. They have "shut down the main power to the whole building." They want a couple of people to get shopping carts and go to the meat cooler and load them up with product so as to cut Walmart's loss. They are going to use "CO," chemicals, to fight the fire. They want tarps to protect surfaces. They are working to isolate the lighting breakers so other power in the store can be restored.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: They are working with management to contact an electrician to go to the scene.

UPDATE 3:30 p.m.: A local contractor has been called and is en route. Meanwhile, the state Department of Agriculture and Markets has been notified, per protocol when food products are involved in a fire emergency.

UPDATE 3:37 p.m.: The state Department of Health has also been notified and will be in touch with Walmart management.

Smell of natural gas prompts Le Roy school evacuation

By Billie Owens

As a precautionary measure, the children at Wolcott Street School in Le Roy are being evacuated because of the smell of natural gas.

Rochester Gas & Electric Co. has been notified. Le Roy fire and ambulance crews are responding in case they are needed.

UPDATE 11:56 a.m.: Wolcott Street is being shut down. RG&E is on location. All Le Roy manpower is called to the scene. The school is at 6 Trigon Park.

UPDATE 12:08 p.m.: RG&E has pinpointed where the natural gas smell is coming from and is fixing it. But the children are continuing to exit the school as instructed. An officer asks if a group of kids wearing T-shirts from gym class can be escorted to the nearby church and/or MacDonald's to keep warm. A supervisor says "I think we're going to have to put everybody in the far building on Trigon Park." A fire truck is told to park at an intersection close by, not sure which one, to help control traffic.

UPDATE 12:19 p.m.: All Le Roy ambulance units are put back in service, leaving the scene.

UPDATE 12:23 p.m.: Fire police are reopening the intersection at Main and Wolcott, and Wolcott Street as well.

Assemblyman Hawley continues fight over DEC trash-burning rules

By Billie Owens

Assemblyman Steve Hawley has announced that he will become the prime sponsor of a proposed bill to prevent the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from increasing restrictions on landowners that burn refuse on their property.

The legislation was originally introduced in January of 2010. At the end of last year’s legislative session, the bill was being held in the Committee on Environmental Conservation for further consideration.

The DEC began their efforts to eliminate trash burning with a ruling in October of 2009 that Hawley says irrationally tightened guidelines on who is allowed to burn refuse and what sort of materials are allowed to be burned.

The proposed bill focuses on landowners in small, rural communities that rely on this safe and time trusted method of disposal, according to Hawley.

“In Western New York, there are a number of small, rural communities that don’t have the waste-management structures in place to dispose of certain waste materials,” the Assembyman said. “That is why members of my district have burned refuse on their open land for generations and why this legislation is so vital.

"The DEC has continually displayed a lack of understanding when it comes to our rural way of life, and they cannot be allowed to overstep their bounds by banning this widely accepted practice.”

Three local students make President's List at SUNY Canton

By Billie Owens

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and the college's deans recently recognized students who excelled academically during the Fall 2010 semester.

"It is impressive to see the diversity of students who have succeeded at SUNY Canton," Kennedy said. "Students from all of the over the world and here in New York are represented on the college's honor rolls. Each of these students has demonstrated that they are committed to getting the most out of their career-driven education."

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 Dean's 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.

These local students made the President's List at SUNY Canton:

  • Stacy E. Holley, of  Bergen, a Criminal Investigation major. Holley is a 2008 graduate of Byron-Bergen Jr.-Sr. High School.
  • Alicia L. Morgan, of  Alexander, a Criminal Investigation major. Morgan is a 2008 graduate of Alexander Central School.
  • Justin A. Richardson, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major. Richardson is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton's new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 150 courses online each semester.

The college's athletic teams belong to the NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction of the college's new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center nicknamed "Roos House" is nearing completion, while the new apartment-style residence hall, featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms, is under construction and will open in August.

Congressman Lee to co-chair Dairy Farmers Caucus

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Congressman Chris Lee's office.

Congressman Chris Lee was chosen to serve as a co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Dairy Farmers Caucus for the 112th Congress

Lee served as vice-chair during the 111th Congress until its adjournment last year. He will lead the caucus with fellow co-chairs Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Timothy Walz (D-MN), Devin Nunes (R-CA) and Thomas Petri (R-WI).

The bipartisan caucus works to aid dairy farmers across the United States, and last Congress worked closely with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on important issues affecting Western New York’s dairy farmers.

“Western New York has some of the finest family farms in the country, and since coming to Congress in 2009 I’ve been focused on ensuring our region’s agricultural producers have the resources they need to survive,” Lee said.

“Dairy farmers in particular have been hard-hit during the tough economic times, but they are a resilient group of families closely tied to the land they farm and the industry they love. I look forward to working with the other co-chairs and members of the Caucus who share my commitment to strengthening family farms for this and future generations.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Lee’s congressional district is the 22nd highest dairy producing district in the nation, with a market value nearing $500 million.

New York State as a whole produces about 12.5 billion pounds of milk each year. For more information on Congressman Lee’s commitment to Western New York’s dairy farmers, visit www.chrislee.house.gov/familyfarms <http://www.chrislee.house.gov/familyfarms>.

Vendors wanted for spring home show

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Area Jaycees are planning now for the 58th Annual Home, Garden & Trade Show at Batavia Downs.

They are seeking vendors for the event, which is March 19 and 20.

Space is available for $325 per booth until Jan. 31. Thereafter it will cost $375 to reserve a booth.

Download an application form at www.jci.cc/batavia, then going to the download section. Or contact Cathy via e-mail at bajhomeshow@yahoo.com.

Rollover accident with injuries, entrapment in Alexander

By Billie Owens

A two-car rollover accident with injuries and entrapment is reported in Alexander on Broadway Road near Brookville Road.

One vehicle is upside down, the other is near a creek. Mercy Flight Batavia is on standby.

Alexander Fire Department and Mercy EMS are responding.

UPDATE 5:04 p.m.: There are two patients. One man is in a truck which landed upside down. He is conscious and alert but his leg is trapped.

UPDATE 5:09 p.m.: Mercy Flight is cancelled.

UPDATE 5:14 p.m.: Fire chief on scene reports a stop sign was knocked down and the state Department of Transportation has been notified. Two flatbed tow trucks are being dispatched for the vehicles involved in the accident.

UPDATE 5:16 p.m.: The man whose leg was trapped in his upside-down truck is now out.

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