education

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College offers two new noncredit community classes this fall.

They are the Library Assistant/Technician Certificate Program and Exploring Your Family History workshop this September at Genesee's Batavia Campus.

The first course, Library Assistant/Technician Certificate Program, is a noncredit professional course sponsored by the New York Library Association (NYLA). It is open to individuals already working or newly hired in libraries, or people interested in working in a library setting.

It is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Sept. 21-24 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. To receive a certificate, participants must complete the entire 18-hour program, which includes a survey of libraries from their beginnings in pre-history to the dynamic institutions they are today.

Special attention is given to the various aspects of library work and the distinctive role of the library assistant/technician in today's libraries as well as the current employment situation. The course costs $250 and financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.

Additional topics include public/circulation services, reference and technical services.  Public/circulation services will introduce circulation systems, reserves, special collections, shelving, stack maintenance, customer service, public relations, confidentiality and security. The reference topic will tackle organization of information, the reference question and search strategies, electronic reference products, trends, library/bibliographic instruction, information literacy, and the role of a library technician.

Lastly, the technical services topic will provide an overview of technical processing services used in libraries to ensure growth, development and bibliographic control of all collections and materials. In addition, individuals will learn the procedures required to acquire, catalog, process and preserve materials in all formats and impact of computers on technical services in libraries.

The second course, Exploring Your Family History is a noncredit genealogy workshop for those interested in learning about their ancestors.

Not that long ago, genealogy was considered strange and slightly morbid, because it often required trips to cemeteries and delving into the sometimes shady past. In recent years, however, genealogy has gone mainstream and new technology is available to facilitate both the search and the storage of genealogical information.

There is new appreciation for the stories that connect people to their ancestors. Participants in the workshop will learn how to trace their own genealogy and help others trace theirs. Individuals will go beyond names, dates, and places to gather the stories of their ancestors and pass them on to future generations. Topics will also include the proper storage and organization of the materials and artifacts used to develop a family history. This workshop cost is $74 and is offered in eight sessions from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays starting Sept. 30 and running through Nov. 18.

Exploring Your Family History is taught by Connie Constantine, who has been exploring the history of her family and helping others do the same since she was 16. After helping friends and acquaintances with their genealogy for decades, she developed a curriculum for a course in Family History at the Larkin Center in Buffalo. She has written a book of family recipes and stories and is currently working on a book based on her mother's diaries. She practices and teaches pre-industrial arts including spinning, cheese and soap making, hearth cooking, butter making and other skills that past generations depended upon.

"These community classes and workshops are designed to serve all people in our region," Ray Chaya, director of The BEST Center said. "Community really is our middle name here at Genesee. Whether it is a professional skill building seminar that may help someone enter a new career, or a community workshop on genealogy - these courses illustrate that there really is something for everyone at Genesee Community College."

For more program information, course descriptions, or to register online, please visit www.bestcenter.org <http://www.bestcenter.org> . For enrollment information, contact The BEST Center at 585-345-6868.

 

Modern Think, a national research firm, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, have named Genesee Community College as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For." 

GCC was the only community college in the State University of New York system to be included in the "Great Colleges to Work For" list.

As part of the "Great Colleges" project, faculty and staff members at Genesee and almost 250 other leading colleges and universities across the nation described their attitudes toward their positions and their institutions in a lengthy survey.

Modern Think, the research firm, tabulated the results on behalf of The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's leading higher education professional periodical. As part of the survey process, the college also had to complete a detailed institutional profile.

Chronicle editors used the survey results and institutional profiles to identify several dozen colleges and universities as "great places to work." Genesee scored exceptionally high in the quality of facilities, and the safety and security of the campus environment.

Genesee faculty and staff ranked the college highly in numerous categories, including institutional pride, relationships with supervisors, and overall job satisfaction.

Six members of the College's Buildings and Grounds staff were on hand, and applauded, at the Board of Trustees meeting last month to hear the survey report given by Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gina M. Weaver.

They included: Timothy Landers, director of Buildings and Grounds; Martin Cross, senior custodial worker; Jason Reardon, senior groundskeeper; Erik Will, senior custodial worker; Diane Marchese, Buildings and Grounds secretary; and Wayne Gruendike, Buildings and Grounds supervisor.

Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Miller said that she was pleased with the survey results. 

"We know we're a great college, but it's very nice to be recognized nationally," she said.

Eight new faculty and staff members will join Genesee Community College this fall semester.

They are: 

• Monica H. Mattioli, associate dean, Lima Campus Center. She has worked as executive director of the Roman Catholic Community of Downtown Rochester, senior director of marketing and public relations for Genesee Country Museum, and director of marketing and recruitment for the Division of Business Management at Roberts Wesleyan College. Mattioli holds a B.A. degree from St. Bonaventure University and a M.S. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of North Chili.
• Michelle E. Tomaszewski, systems and electronic services librarian. She has worked as database administrator for Upstate NY Go Local Project, and in library positions at Finger Lakes Community College, Hobart and William Smith colleges, Pennsylvania State University at Altoona, and Centre County Library and Historical Museum in Bellefonte, Pa. Tomaszewski holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Geneseo and a M.L.S. degree from SUNY Albany. She is a resident of Scottsville.
• Jodi S. Harvey, instructor of teacher education. Harvey comes to Genesee from Pavilion Central School District. She has also taught at Genesee Valley BOCES and Genesee Valley Academy in Leicester. She holds a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport and a M.E. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Geneseo.
• Derek D. Maxfield, instructor of history. He comes to Genesee from Capital Community College in Hartford, Conn. He has also taught at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass., Niagara County Community College, SUNY College at Fredonia, the University at Buffalo, and Canisius College. He holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Cortland and a M.A. degree from Villanova University. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. degree from the University at Buffalo. He is a resident of Dundee.
• Donna A. Lee LaMura, temporary instructor of chemistry and mathematics. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty. She has also taught at Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Nazareth College. She also has been a high school teacherl. LaMura holds B.A., B.S., and M.S. degrees from the University of Bridgeport, Conn. She resides in Fairport.
• Roshani Shrestha, temporary instructor of computer technology. She comes to Genesee from John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill. She has also taught at Monroe Community College and Bryant & Stratton College. Shrestha holds a B.S. degree from Quincy University, IIl., and a M.S. degree from the University of Illinois. She is a resident of West Henrietta.
• Susan M. Chiddy, learning specialist. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty for 10 years. She holds a B.S. degree from D'Youville College and a M.E. degree from the University at Buffalo. Chiddy is a resident of Elba.
• Glenn E. Taplin, academic advisor. He has served as a member of the staff of East High School in Buffalo, retention coordinator for the University at Buffalo's Student Support Services program, and assistant men's basketball coach at Buffalo State College. He holds a B.A. degree from Canisius College and a M.S. degree from Buffalo State College. Taplin resides in East Amherst.

Fall semester at Genesee Community College is quickly approaching and students are taking full advantage of financial-aid opportunities. As economic times get tougher, it is imperative for all students to be able to apply for and receive financial aid.

The federal government has recently launched a campaign to encourage people to attend higher education institutions, especially community colleges, and is now informing current and prospective students of the financial aid opportunities that they may not be aware of.

A letter from Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was sent to Genesee President Stuart Steiner outlining financial aid opportunities. As an instructor at a community college herself, Jill Biden is helping to spread the word about financial aid for people who have suffered during the current economy.

Her letter highlights financial-aid opportunities that many students may be unaware of, including:

• Students or family members of students who have had a change in financial circumstances and are collecting unemployment insurance may have their financial aid adjusted in order to help finance the cost of higher education.
• Pell Grants and Federal student loans are available for tuition and books, but also can be used for the costs associated with transportation and living expenses that help students attend their classes.
• Students may have their incomes adjusted to zero for financial aid purposes if they are now receiving unemployment insurance.

There are  a variety of programs including federal Pell Grants, New York State TAP fund, fiscal loans, and numerous college scholarship programs available. Approximately 84% of Genesee's students receive some form of financial aid.

"Last year, students at Genesee received $19 million in financial aid," Joseph Bailey, director of Financial Aid at Genesee, said. "There is money available, and we hope we can reach students of all ages and backgrounds to let them know that college is more affordable than they think."

To receive more information, or to apply for Federal Student Aid, visit www.genesee.edu/financial/apply <http://www.genesee.edu/financial/apply> .

The fall 2009 semester starts on Aug. 24, at all Genesee Community College campuses, with the exception of the new Lima Campus Center, which will start classes on Sept. 21.

For further information, please contact Genesee's Financial Aid office at 585-345-6900 or at www.genesee.edu/finaid <http://www.genesee.edu/finaid>.

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees re-elected Laurie J. Miller as chair of the board of trustees for the 2009-2010 year at the board's recent annual meeting. The board also re-elected Charles R. Ruffino as vice chair and Maureen T. Marshall as secretary.

Miller has served as a trustee since 2000. She is one of the owners and operators of Willow Ridge Farm in Alexander.

Ruffino, of Batavia, has served as a trustee since 2002. He is a retired New York State Department of Education administrator.

Marshall has served as a trustee since 2003. She is an owner and operator of Torrey Farms, based in Elba.

From Genesee Community College:

Students will have a chance to take what they learn in the technology classroom and compete in an exciting hands-on event at the second annual Tech Wars competition, scheduled for March 19, 2009 at Genesee Community College in Batavia, NY. Registration for the College Tech Prep event begins at 9:00 AM and the competition starts at 9:30 AM. From catapults to robots, manual drafting to web page design, the imagination and creativity of some of the brightest students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, and Wyoming Counties) region will be showcased during this day-long event.

The competition is open to middle and high school students, who will participate in multiple project-based events of skill, chance, and ability. Students will compete in bridge building, drafting, sumo robots, T-shirt design, and carbon dioxide dragster racing, among other events. The highlight of this year's event will be the Sumo Robot Sled Pull.

"Hopefully, the interest in this competition will help to boost enrollments of technology classes because what is learned there can be transferred to initiatives at home, work and a wide range of careers on almost a daily basis," said Debbie Dunlevy, College Tech Prep Program Director and Coordinator Co-Chair of the Tech Wars competition. "We are very excited to host such a fun and educational event."

The Tech Wars competition, which may become open to school districts outside the GLOW region in the future, was inspired from a similar competition currently held through Niagara County Community College. That event is now in its twelfth year and attracts as many as 600 students from Western New York to compete.

"Ultimately, the interest of some students may go beyond the classroom where they develop such a deep interest in technology that they make a career of it. Someday those students may come back as a teacher or mentor of the technology students of the future," Dunlevy said.

College Tech Prep helps students explore various career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately to professional careers. The Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to work in hands-on learning encounters, often within business settings and with various professionals. College Tech Prep offers several distinctive career academies to high school students including: Heath, Legal, Information Technology, and the newest Theatre Arts Academy starting in September 2009. In addition, there is also a Virtual Enterprise Business program available to high school students.

For more information, please contact Debbie Dunlevy, College Tech Prep Program Director at Genesee Community College, at 585-343-0055 x6316 or dkdunlevy@genesee.edu. More information can also be found at the Tech Wars website, http://www.techwars.org.

From the Batavia City Schools:

Batavia City School District’s Kindergarten Registration for the 2009-2010 school year begins the week of February 23-27. Children who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2009 are eligible to attend kindergarten in the fall.

To register, parents must go to the main office of the nearest public elementary school (see addresses below) on school days between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and bring with them proof of residency such as a current utility bill or formal lease agreement, as well as the child’s birth certificate, Social Security card, and complete record of immunizations. Please note that no child can be registered without the required documentation. At the time of registering, parents should also make an appointment for the kindergarten screening procedure which will be scheduled for late May and early June.

Parents of new first grade pupils are also asked to register their child in the same time frame and with the same documentation.

For more information, please call your elementary school office (see below) or the District’s Director of Learning, Pam Schunk, at 343-2480 x1023.

Jackson Elementary, 411 South Jackson Street, phone 343-2480 x 4000. Jackson registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for June 3 and 4.

John Kennedy Elementary, 166 Vine Street, 343-2480 x 5000. John Kennedy registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for May 27 and 28.

Robert Morris Elementary, 80 Union Street, 343-2480x 6000. Robert Morris registration begins the week of February 23; screenings will be scheduled for June 10 and 11.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College's Albion campus center is pleased to introduce its first exhibit as a GO ART! satellite gallery, "Abundance" by Patricia Greene, from January 16 - February 26. Artist Patricia Greene is currently displaying oil paintings of local farms, markets and produce of Orleans County. A free "Meet the Artist" reception is scheduled for February 12 at 5:00 pm at the Albion campus center.

"Abundance" displays agricultural images Greene created during her year-long grant funded project through the Ripple Grant program administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council. Artists residing in Genesee or Orleans Counties are eligible to apply for a grant for community-based artistic projects. The goal of the grant is to support the creative work of artists in all disciplines, while encouraging interaction between artists and community members to highlight the role of the artist as a community resource.

The oil painting exhibit features area farms' structures, as well as crops with special attention to scenes such as maple farms in the winter, historic farms and regional fruits and vegetables that are grown by these local growers. From cattle grazing to a farmer's market to picking berries, the exhibit accurately depicts the abundance and variety of foods produced in Orleans county.

A Medina native, Greene traveled to farms, roadside produce stands, and farmer's markets to translate the abundance of the local landscape onto canvas. "I was able to interview local farmers about themselves and their customers," Greene said. "The project acknowledges the abundance of our region and presents it in a way that the entire community can share."

The "Meet the Artist" event is free and open to the public. The "Abundance" exhibit is also available for viewing Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm, until February 26. The Albion campus center is located at 456 West Avenue, Albion. For more information about the exhibit, please contact the Albion Campus Center 585-589-4936 or Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council at 1-800-774-7372, or visit www.goart.org.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Patty Hume has been named January's Employee of the Month. Patty has worked at Genesee since January 2006 and is currently the executive secretary to the Office of Development and External Affairs where she manages a wide variety of details, records, reports and schedules. Patty wears many hats and has many responsibilities in her position; she consistently remains calm and maintains a positive attitude, even during the most stressful of times. She always has a smile for everyone she meets and keeps her sense of humor.

Patty also serves as the executive secretary for Genesee's Foundation Board of Directors and Genesee's Foundation Housing Services Board of Directors. Her work involves providing communication, minutes and general support to both organizations and their respective committees, as well as the reporting and regulatory paperwork for both corporations.

In addition, Patty oversees many special events, including Encore - the Foundation's annual fundraiser; the Wolcott J., Humphrey Symposium - a leadership conference held annually at Genesee; and Cruise at the College - a car/truck show held in July at the Batavia campus. She is also a volunteer member of Genesee's United Way Committee. With the wide range of responsibilities, Patty has shown exceptional organizational skills and a keen attention to detail. She always displays the highest level of professionalism in her interactions, representing the College with the utmost integrity.

Patty received A.A.S. degree from Genesee in 1988 in Office Technology and prior to working at Genesee, Patty worked as the Office Manager at VanDerHorst Geotechnical Engineering in Rochester, was the Donor Relations Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Rochester and was the Executive Secretary at Young Audiences of Rochester.

A resident of LeRoy, NY, Patty enjoys spending time with her husband Ted, son Aiden and stepson Adam. She also enjoys reading, hiking and gardening.

"I really enjoy what I do here at Genesee," said Patty. "The friendly, helpful staff and faculty are my favorite aspect of working here."

Photo Caption: Patty Hume (middle) with President Steiner (left) and Richard Ensman, Director of Development and External Affairs (right)

From Genesee Community College:

The Spring 2009 semester has already started at most colleges, however, it's not too late for 'Late Start Classes' at Genesee Community College's Arcade Campus Center. Late Start classes begin February 17 for prospective students who may have missed the January 20th Spring 2009 semester start, or who may have unexpected career changes in just the last few weeks. There are currently four classes available for Late Start leading students toward new career paths.

With the impact of the economy on local businesses, many industrial and manufacturing plants have been forced to down-size or close their doors all together. Many of those employees have few options for alternative employment. Numerous workers are now turning to new careers, sometimes with the help of training funds offered in their lay-off packages or by a local unemployment office.

"Retraining funds are an excellent way to explore or start a new career path, but the funds often have limited use periods," Deborah DiNoto, associate dean of the Arcade Campus Center said. "We hope every person who is looking at a lay-off will consider the opportunities that await them by getting a degree or immersing themselves in higher education."

Four Arcade Campus Center classes that begin on February 17 and continue for 12 weeks until May 16 are:

• Public Speaking (SPE108) - Tuesdays and Thursday, 10:50 AM - 12:45 PM
• General Psychology (PSY101) - Fridays, 8:30 - 11:45 AM
• 3D Design (ART127) - Fridays, 12:05 - 4:15 PM
• Human Nutrition (BIO108) - Tuesdays and Thursday, 1:40 - 4:00 PM

Many of these courses are the foundation or building blocks to a new degree that can be earned completely at the Arcade Campus Center such as: Human Services, Office Technician, Teacher Education Transfer or a degree in Criminal Justice.

For example, PSY101: General Psychology is a requirement for the Human Services curriculum and still has many seats available. A Human Services degree can lead to many exciting job opportunities in the local communities. Numerous careers are available with a Human Services degree, such as:

• Early Childhood Education Aide and Teacher Aide
• Nursing Home Activity Aide
• Social Work Aide
• Special Education/Developmentally Disabled Child Care Aide
• Social Services Youth Worker or Parent Aide
• Alcohol/Substance Abuse Program Aide: Rehabilitation and Prevention Program
• Recreation Youth Worker
• Mental Health Therapy Aide

There may be a limited window of opportunity for employees to take advantage of training funds from previous jobs and College officials advise individuals to check with the employer or the local Job Corp or Unemployment Office to investigate all available training funds and expiration dates for using these funds.

To apply online for classes at any Genesee Community College campus location, new students should go to http://www.genesee.edu/index.cfm/general/dspArticle/admissions.apply/default.cfm or stop by the Arcade Center at 25 Edward Street in Arcade, NY or call 585-492-5265.

From Music Education Centers:

Music Education Centers at Uncle Andy's Place is a privately operated organization, dedicated to providing personalized, adaptive musical instruction for students of all ages and abilities; especially those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and other developmental or learning disabilities. 

Realizing that finding support, understanding and community resources is at times difficult, Music Education Centers provides individuals with another avenue of communication and development.  At Musical Education Centers, the instructors know the importance of working one on one with the students in order to establish a fun, friendly learning environment where students can feel at home while they expand their horizons and develop new skills or uncover hidden talents.

Music Education Centers opened in 2004 under the name Uncle Andy’s Place Music Studios.  Founder and Owner, Christian Schenk, has dedicated the past five years developing the studio into a business that can support the needs of the whole community and not just a few members.  The diagnosis of his son in late 2007 has energized the spirit of a life’s mission that began 12 years ago when he began working with Autistic children in the Greece Central School District. 

The goal of Music Education Centers is to fulfill unmet service needs of the community. Recently, they received many inquiries about community-based group lessons and classes, prompting the development of a new program called Music to You, in which our instructors go to different communities to bring musical activities to those in school, daycare or group-home settings.

At the Webster, NY Location a staff of experienced and caring professionals offer personalized private lessons and group classes to those residing in the Greater Rochester Area.  As of January first, the Music to You Program is available in the Batavia area. 

More information about our program is available on our website, www.MusicEdCenters.com or by calling 585-671-7926.

From Richmond Memorial Library:

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s January Family Matinee series. Bring the whole family, pack a blanket and picnic lunch. We will be showing G-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room. Saturday’s at 1:00pm, January 3 & 17 and 31. Call the Children’s Room 343-9550 x4 for title information.