Announcements

From the Batavia VA Medical Center:

Veterans in Dunkirk and surrounding areas can learn about their VA health care and other veterans benefits at an event being held at the VA clinic in Dunkirk, 166 East Fourth Street, Saturday, January 24 from 10am to 1pm. Staff and veterans benefits counselors will assist veterans with eligibility for VA health care, and other state and federal benefits that veterans may have coming to them that often go unused. Benefits have recently been extended for veterans returning from combat that includes five years of free medical care for most conditions from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The five year window is also open to activated Reservists and members of the National Guard, if they served in a theater of combat operations after November 11, 1998 and were discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. The five year limit has no effect upon veterans with medical conditions related to their military service. Veterans may apply at any time after their discharge from the military, even decades later for medical care for service-connected health problems.

Representatives from the VA Dunkirk Clinic, NY State Division of Veterans Affairs, Chautauqua County Veterans Service Office and VA Western New York Healthcare System will be available to answer questions. Photo identification cards will be provided to eligible veterans.  Bring discharge papers and financial records for accurate benefits counseling.  For more information, you may contact the VA clinic in Dunkirk at 203-6474.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is kicking off the start of the spring semester with a Blood Drive on February 5 and 6 in the Forum at the Batavia campus. It is sponsored by the Student Government Association along with the American Red Cross. Each day the drive will run from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

As an added incentive to students and community members, the Red Cross is offering participants who donate blood during the drive a chance to win a year's subscription to NetFlix, an online DVD rental service that offers flat rate rental-by-mail and online streaming to its customers. This service offers over 100,000 DVD titles to rent with no late fees.

To give blood for transfusion to another person, a person must be healthy, be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not have donated whole blood in the last 8 weeks. "Healthy" means that a person feels well and can perform normal activities. If a person has a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, "healthy" also means that they are being treated and the condition is under control.

"Sponsoring a Blood Drive is an excellent way to start the spring semester off on the right foot," said Joanna Barefoot, Assistant Director of Student Activities at Genesee. "We hope to encourage not only faculty and students to donate, but also the community to come together to donate for a great cause."

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged for donors. Signup sheets for donors and volunteers to work either day are available in the Student Activities office at the Batavia campus. Donors and volunteers can stop by the office, or call 585- 345-6832 to register.

For further information, please contact the office of Student Activities at 585-345-6832, or visit www.donatebloodnow.org.

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Chris Lee (NY - 26):

Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) today commented on Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States:

“It is inspiring to see Americans from all walks of life come together to mark this historic moment for our country. Today is certainly much more than another orderly transfer of power.

“President Obama’s inaugural address set the right tone for the work that lies ahead in repairing our economy and restoring the public’s trust in their government. I am hopeful that today marks the beginning of an era of progress grounded in a commitment to bipartisan solutions.

“I know my constituents join me in congratulating our new president, vice president, and their families.”

The “Take Charge” Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is an evidence-based program that was developed at Stanford University.  This program is 2.5 hours, once a week, for six weeks.  Take Charge is open to anyone in the community who is dealing with a chronic condition and wishes to enhance their ability to manage their own health care.  The program is also open to family members, friends and caregivers of those with chronic conditions.  Participants will learn how to:

Work with their doctor

Goal Setting

Problem-solving

Brainstorming

Communication Skills

Manage Fatigue and Frustration

Manage Symptoms

Relaxation Techniques

Eat well/Develop Exercise Program

The Program is FREE!

If a participant would like to keep the book and additional supplies at the end of the program, it will be $40

Follow the instructions at the website listed below to view a video about this program:

http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/livingwell/video.shtml

 For more information contact:

Christi Hayden

Consumer Engagement Assistant

Lake Plains Community Care Network

56 Harvester Avenue, Third Floor, Suite 1

Batavia, NY 14020

(585)409-9077

chayden@lakeplains.org

From the Historical Society of Elba:

The Historical Society of Elba has removed the Christmas display at the Pinehill Fitness Center on Main St. in Elba.  In it's place is a display of all the items that the Society has for sale.  Many of them are at discounted prices.  The maroon and blue Elba throws are now $35.00 including tax.  T-shirts $5.00 and sweatshirts $10.00.  "Give a Gift of Elba History" for birthday, anniversary, graduation, shower, wedding or any occasion that you may have to celebrate.  The Walk Way Bricks originaly were sold to raise money to move an 1842 home(the Griffin-Hill house)into Elba.  It was set next to the Museum that was erected in the 80's.  In 2008, the Society was able to build a barn to add to the Museum complex.  We are using the money from the current sale of the bricks to help offset the cost of the barn. These are great for a permanent memorial for a loved one, organization, family etc.

The Museum is closed now for the winter but will reopen on Memorial Day following the services at the Maple Lawn Cemetery in the morning. Coffee and donuts are served at the Museum.

If anyone is interested in any Historical Society of Elba memorabilia please call Ann at 585-757-9356 or June at 585-757-2791 for more information.

Alabama Fire Dept. Chicken Barbeque

Sunday, March 22, 2009 at the Alabama Recreation Hall on Judge Road in South Alabama.

Cost is $8.00 an adult for complete meal.  Chicken only is $4.50 per half.

Menu:

1/2 Chicken, Salt Potatoes, Baken Beans, Hot Vegetable, Roll and Butter, Drink and a HOMEMADE Dessert.

Eat in or  Take Out.  Serving starts at 12 Noon.

Call the Fire Dept. to purchase tickets.  948-5760.

Attention all Batavia HS Link Crew members:

Link Crew is sponsoring Cocoa and Cram on Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. in the BHS cafeteria. This is a Freshmen-only study session for upcoming Mid-Term Exams. Cocoa and Cram is an excellent opportunity to set everything aside and prepare for midterms.   Link Leaders will be on hand to help Freshmen study and review material that will be on their exams. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. Cocoa and Cram is sponsored by Dunkin Donuts and Mr. Pat Burk.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the BHS Counseling Center at 585-343-2480 ext. 2002.

Enjoy a short stack for a tall cause! You're invited to an Applesbee's Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast to support BHS ICE DEVILS

Tickets: $5.00 and available from BHS ICE DEVILS Players.  Or call 343-0157 for tickets.

When: Feb 1, 2009, 8a.m. - 10a.m.

Were: Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill 8322 Lewiston Road Batavia NY

 Come enjoy a good breakfast and help us out...Thanks!

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Chris Lee (NY-26):

Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) issued the following statement after voting to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP):

“I am proud to support legislation that strengthens SCHIP’s ability to provide children living in poverty with access to affordable health insurance. This program has a solid track record of covering children in families who don’t have enough resources to keep pace with the rising costs of health care.

“Ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly is one of my highest priorities, which is why I am pleased that this measure does not add to the federal budget deficit. At the same time, I have concerns about whether this legislation does enough to focus coverage to help children most in need. We cannot tolerate any loopholes or abuses, especially now in the middle of an economic crisis, when the situation for many families is dire. I hope the legislative process will yield a better final product that addresses these concerns and ensures that SCHIP continues to serve the needs of low-income children first.

“Today’s vote is a victory for Western New York families, but it is only a first step in our efforts to reform America’s broken health care system.”

SCHIP is a bipartisan program first established in 1997 as a joint venture between the federal government and the states to provide low-cost health insurance for children living in poverty. The measure Congressman Lee supported, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, reauthorizes the program through September 30, 2013. The bill passed the House by a final vote of 289-139; it now advances to the Senate.

To learn more about Congressman Lee and the 26th district, visit http://chrislee.house.gov.

From Genesee Community College:

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is proud to announce new online career training programs. The BEST (Business Employee Skills Training) Center, along with ProTrain, will provide over 180 courses and several certificate programs that will help participants attain increased job productivity and new career skills. These in-demand career courses will help conquer the evolving challenges that face small businesses by increasing productivity and ROI (return on investment).

ProTrain courses are affordable and self-paced, and feature online certification to train participants for the latest job skills. The new program areas include:

• Leadership, Management, and Accounting
• IT Certifications
• Trade and Industrial
• Internet, Web, and Multimedia Design
• Healthcare Field
• IT Security
• Homeland Security
• Green, Renewable Energy

Online training programs offer flexible, anytime, anywhere learning. Nearly every program includes mentor support from an industry expert. With these online courses, participants can earn a wide variety of career skills or certificates. From a medical billing certificate to an interior design certificate, job seekers can earn a certificate to achieve today's in-demand jobs or current career-minded people can take additional courses to further their job skills, such as website development or income tax preparation.

"Online courses are an excellent opportunity for first-time career endeavors, or for people who want to switch career paths," said Jerry Kozlowski, Dean of the BEST Center. "Earning a certificate online is a cost-effective pathway to career success."

For more program information and course descriptions, please visit www.bestcenter.org and click on "Online Training". For enrollment information, contact The BEST Center at 585-345-6868 or Lauren Dickinson at 585-343-0055 Ext. 6602 or lmdickinson@genesee.edu.

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The Young Adult Book Discussion group meets at Present Tense on Friday, January 16 at 4:30 pm to talk about The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. Click here for more information: http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/yabookdiscussion.php

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Lunchtime Book Group at Present Tense meets tomorrow, January 14, at noon. The book for this month is The End of the Alphabet by CS Richardson. The Lunchtime Book Group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at Present Tense.

From the Office of U.S. Rep. Chris Lee (NY - 26):

Congressman Chris Lee (NY-26) has been appointed by House Republican leaders to serve on an economic recovery solutions working group that has been tasked with developing constructive ideas to help put the nation’s economy on the path to recovery. Congressman Lee is the only newly elected member named to the working group.

“This working group provides Western New Yorkers with an opportunity to have their voices heard on the front lines of our economic recovery,” Congressman Lee said. “I believe that my business experience will help me bring to the table new ideas for creating jobs and easing the strain on middle-class families and small business owners.”

The working group is being headed up by Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA), the House Republican Whip, who commented on Congressman Lee’s appointment: “I am pleased to announce that Congressman Lee has been selected to serve as a member of the economic solutions working group. The group was formed in response to President-elect Obama’s request that Republicans offer ideas to help put America back on the path to prosperity.”

Congressman Cantor is the second-ranking House Republican.
 
“The ultimate goal of this working group is to present ideas to the President-elect and Democrat leaders that could be included in a bipartisan economic recovery package,” Congressman Lee added. “We should not squander this opportunity to work across party lines and craft an economic recovery package that strikes the right balance between short-term stimulus and long-term growth.”

As part of his participation in the working group, Congressman Lee will attend a hearing on Thursday morning featuring top national experts and leaders, including former Gov. Mitt Romney. Gov. Romney and other panelists will offer innovative ideas and solutions to help revitalize America’s economy.
 
“As a business leader and former governor, Mitt Romney knows what Washington should – and should not – be doing to create jobs and spur future growth,” Congressman Lee added. “I look forward to hearing his ideas for how we can revitalize our economy.” 

Congressman Lee’s appointment to the working group comes less than a week after he was named to the House Financial Services Committee, which will play a leading role in creating new jobs and strengthening our economy. Financial Services is the go-to panel on housing, insurance, and banking issues; it oversees the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The committee is expected to have a robust legislative agenda in addressing the severe challenges facing America’s economy and financial institutions.

To learn more about Congressman Lee and the 26th district, visit http://chrislee.house.gov.

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College's growing Nursing Program may relocate to the first building in Batavia's new Med Tech Park, Vice President for Finance and Operations Kevin Hamilton reported to the Board of Trustees Monday evening. The Board met for its regular January meeting at the Batavia Campus.

The Med Tech Park is located on about 30 acres on the south side of Assemblyman R. Stephen Hawley Drive. Genesee's Board of Trustees, with the consent of the Genesee County Legislature, ceded the parcel to the Genesee County Economic Development Center for the creation of a new business park that can house medically-oriented firms in biotechnology, telemedicine, and other emerging health care technologies.

The Genesee County Economic Development Center is now planning the first building in the new park, Mr. Hamilton said. Preliminary plans call for the Nursing program to occupy the second floor of the new building. The second floor would consist of four classrooms, three nursing labs, a large group instruction room, and seminar space.

Genesee's Nursing program now admits students twice each year. The program has grown by about 70% in the past year in an attempt to help meet the growing demand for nurses in area hospitals and other health care facilities.

If negotiations progress well, the Nursing Program could occupy the new space in the 2009-2010 academic year, Mr. Hamilton said.

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

• Approved four-year continuing appointments for 29 faculty and staff members. Receiving their first continuing appointments were: Michelle Abdella, Instructor, Math; Elise Banfield, Instructor, Psychology; Michele Bokman, Technical Assistant, Albion Campus Center; Cheryl Corke, Instructor, Accounting; Melissa Dussault, Technical Assistant, Lakeville Campus Center; Patricia Kendall-Cargill, Instructor, Nursing; Judith Littlejohn, Technical Assistant, Distance Learning; Nina Mortellaro, Technical Assistant, Human Communications and Behavior; Lisa Papke, Technical Specialist, Office of Financial Assistance; Carrie Sputore, Technical Specialist, Admissions; and Christopher Stercula, Instructor/Coordinator for Clinical Education, Respiratory Care.

Receiving renewals of continuing appointments were Katherine Brown, Technical Specialist, Office of Financial Assistance; James Bucki, Director, Academic Computer Technology; Robert Cooper, Assistant Professor, Photography; Michael Crittenden, Professor, Physics; Priscilla DiRisio, Technical Specialist/Transfer Coordinator; Mary Jo Dumuhosky, Technical Assistant/Academic Advisor; Donna Ehrhart, Professor, Business and Computer Information Systems; Julie Jackson-Coe, Assistant Professor, Reading; Kathleen Kimber, Associate Professor, Spanish; Nichola Lerczak, Assistant Professor/Instructional Services Librarian; Roger Majeski, Technical Assistant/Head Volleyball Coach; Frank Mayo, Professor, Speech and Theatre; Jennifer Mroz, Technical Assistant, Student Resource Center; Traci Phillips, Technical Specialist, The BEST Center; David Sink, Technical Assistant, Arcade Campus Center; Ronald Spiotta, Technical Assistant, Athletics; Pamela Swarts, Instr uctor, Digital Arts; and Jane Weston, Professor, Biology.

• Approved a three-year Comprehensive Technology Master Plan. The plan commits the College to maintaining leadership in instructional and administrative technology. Key components of the plan include additional technology for online instruction, greater use of "smart" technology in classrooms, emphasis on the purchase of environmentally-sound equipment, and three-year cycling of computers in all labs. The plan follows the vision of a "unified digital campus," providing easy access to instructional and administrative applications and strong technology-based communication tools, according to John Reina, Director of Computer Services.

• Heard Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Virginia Taylor report that 564 individuals have applied for admission as full-time students for the Spring 2009 semester as of January 4, up 23% from the 459 individuals who had applied one year earlier. Also as of January 4, 473 individuals had applied for admission on a part-time basis, up 8.2% from the 437 individuals who had applied for admission a year earlier. President Stuart Steiner predicted that course registrations would be up approximately 5%.

• Heard President Stuart Steiner report that Eleanor Nixon will join the faculty as a temporary Instructor of Nursing for the Spring 2009 semester. Ms. Nixon comes to Genesee from Family Choice in Cheektowaga. She has experience at the Veterans Administration of Western New York, Hospice Buffalo, Lifespan Home Health and Hospice in Michigan, Battle Creek Health System in Michigan, and Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Ms. Dixon holds an A.A.S. degree from Goshen College (Indiana), and B.S. and M.S. degrees from D'Youville College. She is a resident of Buffalo. Dr. Steiner also reported that Margaret A. Sisson, who has been serving as Acting Director of Athletics since July 2007, has been permanently appointed to the position. Kathy Palumbo, who has been serving as Acting Director of the Nursing Program since August 2008, has been permanently appointed to the position.

• Heard Dr. Steiner report that Dr. Ruth E. Andes plans to retire at the close of the current academic year. Dr. Andes has been a member of the faculty for the past 38 years, serving as Professor of Sociology and more recently, as Assistant Dean of Assessment and Special Projects. Dr. Steiner noted that Dr. Andes has also served as chair or co-chair of each of the institutional self-studies required by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in preparation for reaccreditation.

• Heard Vice President for Finance and Operations Kevin Hamilton report that the architectural firm of Joy, McCoola and Zilch is preparing plans for the planned upgrade of the Batavia Campus athletic fields and that the College is nearing the conclusion of the planning process for a new campus center in northern Livingston County.

From the VA Medical Center:

VA Western New York Healthcare System will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a ceremony, Friday, January 16, 2009 at 11:30am in Freedom Hall, room 301 at the Buffalo site, 3495 Bailey Avenue.  Pastor Betty Williams, who served in the US Air Force, will speak about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Dee L. Perry will deliver Dr. King’s historical speech “I have a dream” and musical entertainment will be provided by Darcel Blue, a local gospel singer.

On January 20, 1986, America observed the first national holiday commemorating Dr. King’s birthday.  In 2009, we celebrate the 23rd anniversary of that date and 40 years after his passing, Dr. King’s birthday has become not only a day of celebration and remembrance but also a day of service. During his lifetime, Dr. King sought to forge common ground on which people from all walks of life could join together to address important community issues. Working alongside individuals of all ages, races and backgrounds, he encouraged Americans to come together to strengthen communities, alleviate poverty, and acknowledge dignity and respect for all human beings. Service to others, he realized, was the great equalizer. The event is free and open to the public.

Please click here to download the agenda for the upcoming Bethany Town Board meeting on January 12.

The February meeting for the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club will meet on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at St. James Church, E. Main St., Batavia. A Fish Fry dinner will be served for $10.00. Social time begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner to follow at 6:15. The program will be "A Cake Walk." Bring a cake to participate in this fun activity. Contact Diane Burroughs at 343-0759 for reservations by Feb. 2.

St. Paul Lutheran School

31 Washington Ave., Batavia

is now accepting applications for Pre-School & Grades K-5

Please contact 343-0488 for more information.