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Announcements

ILGR seeks volunteers to assemble art supply kits for the disabled March 31

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is seeking public-spirited citizens to spend a couple hours assembling bundles of materials that can be used to create artworks, to go to artists with disabilities.

The “Second Annual ARTcovz® Packaging Party” will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 31, at the ILGR office, 113 Main St. (near Center Street), Suite 5, in Batavia.

The Agency offers participants a light breakfast and the opportunity to make new friends, as they assemble: clay art packages; card boards, colored pencils and paint for drawing and painting; folding paper for origami projects; glue and binding materials for creating books, etc.

This is made possible thanks to the generosity of the North-Buffalo-based University Heights Arts Association (UHAA), a group of artists that serve as a driving creative force and educational resource to make a positive difference in people’s lives through the arts.

UHAA has stocked an ARTcovz® self-serve kiosk of art supplies in the ILGR lobby since March 2016, which has included: colored pencils, watercolor pencils, drawing (graphite) pencils, watercolor/ drawing paper, craft paper, origami paper, polymer clay, and art-oriented audio books on CD.

Having placed many ARTcovz® booths in public areas around Western New York, UHAA has partnered with ILGR to expand their outreach to people with disabilities.

While not mandatory to participate, those who plan to attend are encouraged to preregister, so there will be enough food on hand. For questions, or to RSVP, please call Bridget Mosman at (585) 815-8501, ext. 400.  

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

New recycling procedures announced for Bethany Transfer Station users

By Billie Owens

Press release from the Town of Bethany:

Beginning Saturday, April 7, all recyclables such as plastic, cardboard, glass, tin cans and aluminum cans are to be bagged and disposed of the dumpster designated for recyclables. These items may be bagged together. There will be a charge of $4 per bag.

If a container can be easily flattened, please do so. This will take up less space in the dumpster resulting in fewer hauls.

All items must be rinsed; labels do not have to be removed. 

More information is available at the Town Hall or at the Transfer Station.

Carl Hyde Jr., Bethany Town Supervisor

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club calls for applications for scholarship and service awards

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club announces its annual scholarship and Community Service Awards and calls for applications.

Scholarships are open to all Genesee County High School Seniors (male or female). The students need to have maintained an 85-percent average, must complete the one-page application and attach a letter of recommendation from a school staff member.

The students will also need to submit a personal essay discussing their achievements and future goals as well as an essay from a parent. The application and details can be found and printed at the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Website here.

All schools in Genesee County have been emailed packages on this program, which included the eligibility requirements, guidelines and applications. Parents and students are advised to seek out their school’s guidance counselor/department to receive the needed information and application.

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club has established a scholarship for a returning student from Genesee Community College also. The recipient is chosen by a college representative and the award is applied to their account in the fall.

Recognition is also given to two outstanding students from Genesee Valley Educational Partnership in a form of cash awards for their outstanding scholarship performance.

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club has given scholarships since 1961. The number and amount of scholarships given are dependent on the club’s annual fundraiser. 

In addition, the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club will offer monetary awards for Service Groups in June. Any Service Group in the county may apply for this by sending a letter of request on the organization’s letterhead.

Deadline for both the Scholarship Applications and the Service Awards Letters are to be postmarked by Saturday, April 14.

Batavia Business and Professional Womens’ Club

P.O. Box 1778

Batavia, NY 14021

Any questions contact Peggy Johnson through email at bratvfm@hotmail.com or 585-409-8769.

Paid summer internship available at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

New York State’s First County Forest has an Environmental Education Assistant Internship position open for May – August of 2018.

The position is administered through the Student Conservation Association (SCA) and is located at Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED and be a U.S. citizen.

Environmental Education Assistants develop, organize, plan and lead environmental education programs to audiences of all ages in a wide variety of settings under the guidance of park staff. Environmental Education Assistants also coordinate the efforts of park volunteers.

Job duties include but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the Conservation Education Program Coordinator with programs for schools, senior groups, scouts and the general public

  • Providing customer service to park visitors and program participants

  • Planning volunteer and park events

  • Writing articles for the parks seasonal newsletter

  • Marketing of park events, programs and resources

  • Scheduling and coordinating volunteers to assist with park events and projects

  • Recruiting, orientation and training of volunteers

SCA interns earn a stipend of $125/week while serving and are eligible for an education award of $1,538 that can be used to repay student loans, tuition, classes or cover future college costs.

This position requires 12 weeks of 40 hour/week of service from May until August of 2018. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Flexibility is given in order to cover the prescheduled programs that are outside of the normal working hours within the 40-hour work week.

Application deadline is April 15th.

To apply: Send email or resume to Shannon Morley, Conservation Education Program coordinator, at:  Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us.

Online application is available here.

Additional benefits:

  • First Aid/AED/CPR training provided;

  • Experience and on-the-job training in Environmental Education and volunteer coordinating;

  • Deeper knowledge of natural history and ecology;

  • Job duties include volunteer outings (kayaking, hiking);

  • Networking with professionals in Environmental Science and Education.

Mark Your Calendar: Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble performs Spring Concert April 29 at O-A Central Auditorium

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will perform its 2018 Spring Concert in the auditorium of Oakfield-Alabama Central School beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 29. The school is located at 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield.

Conductors are: Mark Flynn, guest conductor, high school band director at Akron Central School; Dan Klinczar, member conductor, elementary band director at Alexander Central School; and Philip J. Briatico, conductor and founder of the GVWE, Warsaw Central School.

Admission cost: Adults -- $10; Seniors (55+) & Veterans -- $8; Students (with ID) -- $5; Children age 5 and under -- FREE; Family Deal -- $25 -- for immediate family and children -- mother and/or father and up to four children.

These works will be featured:

  • "Arabesque" -- Samuel Hazo
  • "Flourish for Glorious John" -- Ralf Vaughan Williams
  • "Joy Revisited" -- Frank Tichelli
  • "The Chimes of Liberty" -- Edwin Franko Goldwin
  • "My Fair Lady" -- Lerner & Loewe
  • "Cherish" -- The Association
  • The Music of Carly Simon
  • "A Childhood Remembered" -- Rossano Galante
  • "Prelude, Siciliano & Rondo" -- Malcolm Arnold

This program is made possible in part by the Reach Grant program administered by GO ART!

The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to creat the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents.

Contact: geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

Universal Pre-K registration is now underway in Elba Central School District

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Elba Central School will once again have a Pre-Kindergarten class for the 2018-2019 school year. Children who reside in the Elba Central School District and who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2018, are eligible to be registered for our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program.
 
The children attend half-day classes, five days a week, from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
 
If your child’s information has previously been provided to the school district, you should have already received the application packet.
 
If you would like an application or need more information, please contact the Elba Elementary Office at 757-9967, ext. 1600 -- ASAP.

Two juniors at Le Roy HS chosen as Empire Girls State reps by Botts Fiorito AL post

By Billie Owens

​

Submitted photo and press release:

The American Legion Auxiliary Botts Fiorito Post 576 in Le Roy announces Empire Girls State program representatives. The auxiliary is honored to have Ava Horgan, pictured left, representing Unit 576 and Samantha Call representing Genesee County.

American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State program will be held July 1- 7 at The College of Brockport in Brockport.

Empire Girls State is a hands-on weeklong educational workshop, focusing on Americanism and the political process, sponsored by the New York State American Legion Auxiliary. The goal of the program is to help students to better understand democratic ideals and the part individuals play in carrying out these ideals.

Ava is a member of Botts Fiorito Post 576 and a junior at Le Roy High School. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council vice president, also an attorney for the Mock Trial Team. She is the daughter of Dan and Sarah Horgan, of Le Roy.

Samantha is also a junior at Le Roy High School. She is a member of the Honor Society, French Club and enjoys playing hockey, dance, and musicials. "Sam" is the daughter of Stephanie and James Call, of Stafford.

Genesee County Interagency Council seeks scholarship applicants

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council is pleased to announce the offering of two $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2018-2019 semester.

Those eligible will be a high school senior living in and attending high school in Genesee County and a student living in Genesee County and attending Genesee Community College; in good academic standing, and majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology. 

Because the goal of this scholarship is to support those students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services, special consideration will be given to those students who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field through their employment, volunteer, academic or extracurricular pursuits. 

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 1. The awardee will be notified by June 1; and presented at the council's June 20th picnic meeting.

Applications are available from students’ high school counselors and from the Human Services program at GCC. Potential applicants are also welcome to email Amy Swanson, scholarship committee chairwoman at Amy.Swanson@co.genesee.ny.us

The council looks forward to having the opportunity to support a Genesee County high school and community college student in their pursuit of a degree in the field of Human Services.

GC Fair welcomes student applications for $1,000 scholarships

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Fair announces today that up to seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded across New York State to current New York State high school seniors and also students enrolled in college.

The New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs and the New York State Showpeople’s Association sponsor the scholarships.

Qualifying students must be active at the Genesee County Fair, or with the New York State Showpeople’s Association (NYSSA). All applicants from Genesee County must submit their applications through the Genesee County Fair, or the NYSSA, no later than Friday, April 13.

Information is available at the Genesee County Fair office (Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia) through the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and from local high school offices. Applications must be printed and completed from the Web at www.nyfairs.org.

For more information, contact Alton MacDuffie at the Genesee County Fair at (585) 752-3600.

Artist Shauna Blake does demo of acrylic pouring at GO ART! on March 13

By Billie Owens

From the Batavia Society of Artists:

A hands-on demonstration of acrylic pouring on ceramic will be given by Shauna Blake for the Batavia Society of Artists from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 13 at GO ART!

It is located at 201 E. Main St. in the historic Seymour Building in Downtown Batavia.

The drop-in fee for nonmembers is $5. There is no fee for members. To join, you can pay the dues on the night of the demo or by contacting the society to make arrangements. Dues are $30 for one person; $50 per couple; and $10 for a student. The email address is bsa.BataviaSocietyofArtists@gmail.com

All are welcome.

Blake started painting in her early teens and has devoted her entire working life to her artwork. She has a love for nature and uses the energy it provides to inspire her art. In 1994, she graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where she studied graphic design and illustration.

She worked in the graphic design field for seven years before starting a new glass art business with her husband in 2001. She expanded her artistic skill set to include creating a variety of lampwork glass beads. In 2009, Blake discovered the joy of painting on silk and formed a news business Quintessence Silk Art, which is dedicated to creating a variety of silk art products.

This artist found that painting on silk was a natural match to her watercolor painting background and she has enjoyed exploring the medium ever since.

Since 2017, Blake found the art of acrylic pouring and expanded her business to include acrylic abstacts, which she uses in several ways, creating a variety of products, including one-of-a-kind jewelry and paintings.

Her handpainted silk scarves, silk ribbons, art prints and acrylic abstracts worldwide on her website:  www.QuintessenceSilk.com and on the popular Etsy handmade crafts site online.

Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School announces 2017-18 second quarter Honor Roll

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Bergen, NY ~ The Byron-Bergen Central School District is proud to recognize the following students who have been named to the Honor Roll for the second 10-week marking period of the 2017-18 school year:

GRADE 12

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Cameron Brumsted, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Edgardo Guzman, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Dillon Montgomery, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Dana VanValkenburg, Catherine Weaver, Riley White. 
  • HONOR ROLL—Jerra Amesbury, Megan Brown, Jacob Burlingame, Kylar Chambry, Quinn Chapell, Shayla Dearring, Justin Hannan, Brandon Kropf, Benjamin Lathan, Paul McDermott, Ryan Niemi, Riley Sadler, Cameron Shenk, Jonathan Stumpf, Nicole Welka, Esther Wilkins, Emma Wride. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Larissa Ashton, Lauren Burke, Benjamin Chaback, Quinn Chapell, Brionna DeMichel, Jean Denson, Morgan Fuller, Margaret Graney, Ethan Green, Justin Hannan, Tyler Henry, Alyssa Hing, Brian Ireland, Daniel Jensen, Brendon Kendall, Nathan Knickerbocker, Melanie Kulikowski, Shaun LoVerdi, Peyton Mackey, Julia Menzie, Lily Mercovich, Makenzie Muoio, Joshua Phelps, Garrett Sando, Austin Sharpe, Leah Thompson, Chaderic Toal, Dana VanValkenburg.

GRADE 11

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Benjamin Bowman, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, MacKenzie Rosse, Wade Thompson, Kyong-ae Yun.
  • HONOR ROLL—Aaron Barnum, Sarah Bleiler, Nicholas Brown, Lydia Campbell, Cole Carlson, Alissa Countryman, Anthony DiQuattro, Tabitha Fuller, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Jason Hoehn, Isaac Ladley, Danielle Mason, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, James Roggow, Brianna Shade, Emma Smith, Lucas Stucchio, Colby Taylor.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Sarah Bleiler, Benjamin Bowman, Lydia Campbell, Anthony DiQuattro, Adam Drake, Jared Fregoe, Leah Gale, Emma Goodman, Annaliese Hersom, William Johnson, Hunter Leach, Janae Meister, Erin Parnapy, Sabastian Pawlukewicz, MacKenzie Rosse, Colby Taylor, Wade Thompson.

GRADE 10 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Emily Gonyea, Amaya Gunther, Zachary Hannan, Evan Harter, Rick Hubbard, Mikaela Hubler, Cambria Kinkelaar, Chad Kupfer, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Garrett Swinter, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Ariana Bobzien, Hannah Catalino, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Rose Hubbard, Travis Lambert, Samuel Pringle, Wyatt Sando, Kevin Smith, Brandon Stefanski, Cameron Sweet, Miriam Tardy, Hannah VanSkiver. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Julianna Amesbury, Caitlin Ashton, Justine Bloom, Alexander Brumsted, Siomara Caballero, Alexander Dean, Jacey Donahue, Elizabeth Donnelly, Madison Farnsworth, Sara Fraser, Kelsey Fuller, Chad Green, Zachary Hannan, Rick Hubbard, Cambria Kinkelaar, Melissa MacCowan, Jillian Menzie, Auburn Schwartzmeyer, Caleb Sharpe, Chloe Shuskey, Isabelle Stevens, Miriam Tardy, Annabella Vurraro, Grant Williams, Nathan Zwerka.

GRADE 9 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Julietta Doyle, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Eden Goff, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Aiden Kulikowski, Colby Leggo, John Mercovich, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Streeter, Xavier Thomas.
  • HONOR ROLL—Carleigh Buell, Hallie Calhoun, Zoey Chambry, Jonah Clare, Tylor Coats, Matthew Gonyea, Adriana Guzman, Logan Lewis, Andrew Parnapy, Bryanne Puma, Matthew Rada, Seth Sharp, Devon Zinter.
  • EFFORT ROLL—Mya-Lyn Albanese, Nicholas Baubie, Bianca Brumsted, Carleigh Buell, Emily Chaback, Richard Denson, Veronica Duell, Joshua Fleming, Sara Goodman, Hope Hersom, Kelly Ireland, Carli Kirkwood, Colby Leggo, Logan Lewis, John Mercovich, Bryanne Puma, Alaura Rehwaldt, Skylar Sharpe, Deacon Smith, Sarah Sue Streeter, Xavier Thomas.

GRADE 8 

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Makenzie Eccleston, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Johnathon Klafehn, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman.
  • HONOR ROLL—Jared Barnum, Camryn Brookhart, Destiny Colon, Alexander Donnelly, Connor Gale, Christian Haller, Sarah Hanel, Meghan Kendall, Danyel Nowatchik, Aleigha Shallenberger, Kaden Sheard, Jorie Strzelecki, Ashley Weit, Emma Will, Claire Williams, Kaitlyn Zastrocky, Joshua Zittel. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Corin Abdella, Rachel Best, Madison Burke, Payton Buzzell, Caleb Calhoun, Caleb Carlson, Aidan Clark, Sadie Cook, Leanna Curts, Angelique Heick, Grace Huhn, Brooke Jarkiewicz, Meghan Kendall, Johnathon Klafehn, Danyel Nowatchik, Madelynn Pimm, Elli Schelemanow, Aleigha Shallenberger, Grace Shepard, Alayna Streeter, Ella VanValkenburg, Alexandra Vurraro, Kaitlyn Windhauser, Emily Zastrow, Corden Zimmerman, Joshua Zittel.

GRADE 7

  • HIGH HONOR ROLL—Cassidy Ball, Olivia Best, Jason Bleiler, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Emma Dormann, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Sage Johnson, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, Alexandria Schuck, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Nicholas Zwerka.
  • HONOR ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Molly Belknap, Hailey Canfield, Grace Capostagno, Elizabeth Cramer, Jonny Fooks, Kailee Gurtler, Sege Kalmbacher, Ethan Lewis, Autumn Mathisen, Andrew Rimmerman, Aidan Townsend, Julia Will, Emily Yun. 
  • EFFORT ROLL—Alyssa Ball, Cassidy Ball, David Brumsted, Fiona Burke, Dayanara Caballero, Cameron Carlson, Caris Carlson, Evan Cuba, Kendan Dressler, Frank Hersom, Alec Kulikowski, Ryan Muscarella, Matthew Olander, Victoria-Pearl Parnell, Valerie Pastore, Kendall Phillips, Elizabeth Piper, Austin Salmonds, Brianna Salmonds, Emily Salmonds, MacKenzie Senf, Zoey Shepard, McKenna Shuskey, Matthew Tanner, Joshua Tardy, Ava Wagoner, Lillian Walker, Leyna Wheeler, Hannah Wies, Kaya Wildschutz, Emily Yun, Nicholas Zwerka.

Two dozen county fire personnel completed hazmat incident command training on Feb. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Twenty-four Genesee County fire personnel completed the Hazardous Material Incident Command program on Feb. 22.

This 24-hour program, held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center, was presented by Fire Protection Specialist Lawrence E. Babcock. It provides the hazardous materials incident commander with the skills necessary to successfully and safely manage the incident.

The course focused on the need for an organized approach to managing hazardous materials incidents, the required elements for an employer’s emergency response plan and site-specific pre-incident emergency planning.

Incident analysis, development of site safety plans, strategic goals for hazardous materials incidents and development of a plan of action and its application and tactical objectives to accomplish the strategic goals were also addressed.

Participants included: 

Alabama

Aron Kehlenbeck

Alexander

Nathan L. Fix

Tom Green

Sean M. McPhee

Lance Scharlau

City of Batavia

Stefano Napolitano

Bethany

Kyle L. Rombaut

Corfu

Mitchell  Bates

Kristen M. Gaik

Gregory S. Lang

Lori Ann Santini

Brian D. Schollard

Daniel P. Smith

Benjamin P. Trepani

Elba

Michael J. Schad Jr.

George M. Underhill

Caitlin E. Zipfel

Pavilion

Kelly Kraft

Bryen Murrock

John P. Weis

Nick J. Wright

Stafford

Rodney B. Bobo

Stephanie E. Call

Timothy E. Eckdahl

Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge class attended by 37 local volunteer firefighters

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The second Leadership, Accountabiity, Courage & Knowledge (L.A.C.K.) class of 2018 was attended by 37 Genesee County volunteer firefighters.

The L.A.C.K. program held at the Genesee County Fire Training Center on Feb. 15 was a four-hour program providing  an opportunity for fire officers, training officers and chief offers to improve their personal and organizational skill set.

Ongoing eduction and training of our first responders is essention for awareness, prevention and safe and effective response.

Visit the Genesee County Office of Emergency Management FACEBOOK or department Web page for future training opportunities.

February L.A.C.K. participants in Genesee County included: 

ALABAMA FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Richard Brunea                 

Sidney N. Eick

Aron J. Kehlenbeck                 

Ryan Thompson                 

Todd M. Thompson                 

BATAVIA, TOWN FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott T. Maloy                 

BERGEN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Scott R. Mayne                 

BETHANY VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Jeff R. Fluker

Christopher M. Page

Jeff Pietrzykowski

BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Justin T. Baxter                 

Robert A. Mruczek

CORFU VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Gregory S. Lang                    

Matthew R. Lenhard

Rob G. McNally

Daniel P. Smith

DARIEN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY

Joe T. Marino                 

David W. McGreevy                 

Timothy E. McGreevy                 

EAST PEMBROKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Lloyd J. Casselbury                    

Destin G. Danser                 

James R. Gayton                    

Paul J. Kirsch                 

Donald E. Newton Jr.                    

Jocyelyn Perry                    

Julie Waldron                    

David A. Winters            

ELBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Kevin W. Dart                    

Nicholas J. Esten                    

Leonard  Peterson                    

Caitlin E. Zipfel                  

INDIAN FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Edwin F. Mileham Jr.                  

LE ROY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Timothy L. Hogle                          

PAVILION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dewey A. Murrock

Donald A. Roblee                          

SOUTH BYRON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Dean L. Bates                  

Scott A. Blossom

Reminder: GCC hosts Spring Open House March 7 and April 14

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Ready to begin your college experience? Not sure where to start? GCC is truly the place to be! At Genesee Community College, our admissions team and student success coaches, know how daunting it can be to begin a degree or certificate program. So, we're here to help!

To get started, attend a Spring Open House! The first will be on Wednesday, March 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. If evenings are difficult for you, then join us on Saturday, April 14, from 9  to 11 a.m.

Representatives from GCC's student services offices will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, career and transfer services, student activities, athletics and you can even attend a financial aid session. Tours of the campus will be available, including the new Student Success Center, Richard C. Call Arena and College Village -- GCC's apartment-style residential housing.

To register for either Open House visit www.genesee.edu/openhouse or call 1-866-CALL-GCC!

Can't make it to either session? Consider attending a Friday Visit Day! You can learn about GCC's simple application and admissions processes, financial aid opportunities, take a campus tour, and even sit in on a college class! Friday Visit Days begin at 9 a.m. and end at noon on the following dates:

  • March 2
  • March 23
  • April 20
  • May 4

You can also visit www.genesee.edu/VT for a virtual campus tour!

GCC offers a comprehensive selection of over 70 degree and certificate programs! Dedicated to student success and accessibility, GCC offers a totally FREE application process, FREE career counseling, FREE tutoring and FREE parking! With more than 100 courses available online every semester and 15 degrees that can be earned completely online, GCC is more convenient than ever.

GCC's Campus Centers located in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw provide additional options to attend class close to home.

For more information about the Open House, contact GCC's Admissions Office at 585-345-6800 or email Admissions@genesee.edu. For online, door-to-door driving directions go to: http://www.genesee.edu/about/visit/maps/.

Pavilion Republicans seeking person to run for Town Supervisor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals interested in serving as the Town Supervisor for the Town of Pavilion. The term would start in 2019. 

If you are interested in running, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee, c/o Kevin Clary, Box 28, Pavilion, NY 14525 or email  kevron1@frontiernet.net

Republicans seek council person for the Town of Pavilion

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Pavilion Republican Committee is seeking civic-minded individuals interested in serving as a Council Person for the Town of Pavilion. The term would start in 2019.

If you have questions or if you are interested in running, please send a letter of intent and resume to:

Town of Pavilion Republican Committee, c/o Kevin Clary, Box 28, Pavilion, NY 14525 or email kevron1@frontiernet.net

Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation sponsoring St. Joseph's Table at Sunny's March 15, benefits scholarship fund

By Billie Owens

The Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation is doing a St. Joseph's Table at Sunny’s Restaurant at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. A traditional meatless meal will be served. Profits will go to the foundation's high school senior Scholarship Fund. 

Cost is adults $20, children $5.

Tickets are available at Sunny's Restaurant in the Centre City mall, or from Paolo Busti board members.

According to Buffalo Folklore Etc., the St. Joseph's Table is a ritual meal done by Sicilians and Sicilian-Americans in fulfillment of a promise made to St. Joseph for his assistance in a time of family or personal crises. The Table is held on or as close to his feast day of March 19th as possible.

It is a very compelling and complex celebration with meaning for the people as a whole and even more specific meaning for the particular group or family celebrating the day.

The Table includes the altar with an image of Saint Joseph, flowers, candles, fruit and bread as well as the special meal of meatless dishes served at what is traditionally an open house at the home of the person/family giving the Table. The St. Joseph's Table tradition was brought to the United States by the late 19th and early 20th century Sicilian immigrants into Louisiana, Texas, California, Colorado and New York.

For more information about St. Joseph's Table, click here.

In 1992, the executive committee of the Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation published a 240-page book titled "The Legacy of Italian-Americans in Genesee County New York" (Heart of Lakes Publishing). Common terms, names and phrases are searchable online here, plus you can read this Google Book and download its contents (directions on how to do so are online), which publishers provide via Google's Library Project.

Agencies likely to encounter the homeless invited to attend 'Continuum of Care' meetings

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) has long worked to assist residents of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties (GOW) who are dealing with homelessness, through the Homeless Alliance of Western New York (HAWNY). ILGR is pleased to announce that Dai Nguyen has joined their staff in the position of HAWNY Program Specialist.

For those who might be unaware of them, Nguyen is inviting representatives of human service or government agencies that are likely to encounter clients who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have problems securing housing, to an ongoing series of GOW Continuum of Care meetings.

These will be held on the third Thursday of every other month, from 10 to 11 a.m., beginning March 15th.  Under HAWNY sponsorship, they take place at the Main Office of ILGR, 113 Main St. at Center Street, Suite 5, in Batavia.

While the gatherings are primarily open discussions on the needs of the homeless, likely topics include updates on:

  • The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Continuum of Care (CoC), a program designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness;
  • The Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), a database that keeps track of homeless people;
  • Rapid Rehousing, HUD's model for alleviating homelessness;
  • Grant applications;
  • Housing updates in GOW;
  • Plus new events and services. 

In addition, attendees can get assistance with HMIS training, HUD procedures, and the multifaceted, non-for-profit PathStone's programs, so that their clients can access these services as soon as possible.

The third Thursday dates set for 2018 are: March 15th, May 17th, July 19th, Sept. 20th, and Nov. 15th.

While encouraged, registering in advance is NOT required to attend. To RSVP or ask questions on the event, please call Dai Nguyen, at (585) 815-8501, ext. 417. 

Independent Living of the Genesee Region (ILGR) is a member of the Western New York Independent Living Inc. family of agencies that offers an expanding array of services to aid individuals with disabilities to take control of their own lives.

St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia will hold Open House March 5, registration underway for 2018-19

By Billie Owens
Above, participants in a Western reading rodeo with a prayer partner.
 
Submitted photos and press release:
 
St. Paul Lutheran School in Batavia will hold an Open House from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, March 5.
 
Registrations are now being accepted for the 2018-19 school year.
 
The school is located at 31 Washington Ave. in the city.
 
If you have any questions please call the school office at (585)-343-0488.
 
About St. Paul Lutheran School
  • Pre-K through fifth grade
  • Student Body: 60
  • Average class size: 13
  • Four full-time teachers
  • Two support staff
  • One nurse
  • New York State certified teachers
  • Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapists available Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 5
  • Instructional technologies: Laptops in 4th & 5th Grades, Mimeo Boards in all elementary classrooms
  • Hot Lunch Program on Wednesdays
  • Spanish classes for Kindergarten to Grade 5
  • Early drop off at 7:45 a.m. – School begins at 8:15 a.m.
  • Busing available from all 11 districts: Albion, Alexander, Attica, Batavia, Byron-Bergen, Elba, Holley, LeRoy, Oakfield, Pavilion, Pembroke & Warsaw

For more information about St. Paul Lutheran School, click here.

Below: St. Paul students during a visit last month at the school by the "super heroes of our community" -- firefighters who drove over in a truck from city fire headquarters.

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