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Announcements

Warrior Resource and Engagement Summit for post-9/11 vets to be held in Cheektowaga

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A Warrior Resource and Engagement Summit featuring programs and services available to post-9/11 veterans will be held in Cheektowaga on Saturday, Aug. 23.

Time is 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with breakfast and lunch provided, at the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 4201 Genesee St.

Various agencies will be on hand to provide information and services for warriors and their families. Presentations will be conducted throughout the day.

The summit is being presented by the Wounded Warrior Project and Veternas One-stop Center of WNY.

For more information, and to register, go to:

http://vocwny.org/warrior-resource-engagement-summit-registration/

Sports Plus Physical Therapy is newest BID member, grand opening is Aug. 28

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Sports Plus Physical Therapy, a new member of Batavia's Business Improvement District, is proud to announce its Grand Opening Celebration of its new building at 5 Alva Place, Batavia.

Formerly the Genesee County ARC administrative office building, we're situated at the corner of Alva Place and State Street, right in between the entrance to the movie theatre and Dr. Canzoneri's podiatry office.

The public is invited to attend our open house and ribbon cutting on Thursday Aug. 28, 3-7 p.m. Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Senator Michael Ranzenhofer will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony around 4 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. The building has undergone extensive renovation, and we're excited for you all to meet our staff!

Sports Plus Physical Therapy is open daily, including Monday and Wednesday evenings, under the direction of Keith Bailey, PT. We pride ourselves in friendly and expert care of orthopedic and neurologic conditions.

Common conditions we encounter in our office include lower back and neck pain, shoulder and rotator cuff problems, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist/hand tendinitis, sciatica, hip and knee pain, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, post-operative rehabilitation, and much more.

We accept most insurance plans, and treatment can often be started without a physician's prescription. Please contact our office at (585) 343-9496 with any questions or to schedule an appointment.

Local republicans host party's gubernatorial candidate for meet and greet Aug. 12

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Women's Republican Club and the Genesee County Republican Committee will be hosting a meet and greet with Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Rob Astorino on Tuesday, Aug. 12th at the Batavia Downs Clubhouse, 8315 Park Road, Batavia.

Time is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per person with tickets available at the door and each person will receive $25 voucher for free play. Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar will be available. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Mental Health Association presents free seminar by Sammy Violente, who recovered from OCD

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Mental Health Association in Genesee County will present an amazing recovery story on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the City Church Generation Center on Center Street Downtown.

Sammy Violente, a highly sought-after inspirational speaker, with more than 1,200 workshops and seminars to his credit, will share his mental health challenge and how he recovered from it.

There is no cost at attend.

Violente was a successful investment broker for more than 20 years, earning more than $100,000 annually. Then he struggled with a major mental health problem -- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, often called OCD.

Through his incredible recovery journey, he has found his true purpose and ultimate passion in life.

He represents true hope and inspiration for peers throughout WNY, helping people believe in their own recovery.

Time is 1 to 3 p.m. and the Generation Center is at 11 Center St.

Due to limited space, registration is required. For questions or to register, please call Cheryl at 344-2611, ext. 211, or via e-mail to:  cnetter@mhagenesee.org

Seneca zoo and Bergen Swamp preservationists to hold public social at Gillam Grant

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Residents in Genesee County and surrounding areas know the Bergen Swamp is a special place. But how many have actually seen some of the swamp’s most famous denizens? Now’s your chance!

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, the Seneca Park Zoo and Bergen Swamp Preservation Society will hold an Endangered Species "Meet and Greet" at the Gillam Grant Community Center. Refreshments will also be served.

Meet some of these fascinating animals in person with Zoo herpetologists. Learn about the natural history of the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, among other reptile species found in the swamp, as well as what to do if you encounter one!

Bergen Swamp Preservation Society trustees will also be on hand to answer any questions about the swamp’s special flora, fauna and geology.

The Gillam Grant Community Center is located at 6966 W. Bergen Road in Bergen.

WNY Boys of Summer League accepting team registrations for Fall Travel Baseball

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Fall Travel Baseball: WNY Boys of Summer League is accepting team registrations for our fall travel baseball season for full teams only -- ages 11  thru 16 (based on 2015 playing age).

Teams will play 10 games in September and early October.

For more information or to register see www.wnyboysofsummer.com <http://www.wnyboysofsummer.com>  or contact New Era Park at 716-681-3001.

Deadline is Aug. 15th.

St. Joseph School chosen as Enhanced-STEM School by Diocese of Buffalo

By Billie Owens

Press release:

St. Joseph School of Batavia has been chosen by the Diocese of Buffalo as one of 10 diocesan‑schools to pilot their enhanced STEM program. STEM within the educational community has come to refer to enriched programming emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

The Diocese’s enhanced program adds Religion and the Arts to create the STREAM initiative. The STREAM program consists of two facets: “STREAM teaching” and “STREAM Academy.” STREAM teaching is deliberate subject integration. For example, students might be studying ancient Greece in their Social Studies class, column design in Art class and participate in an Olympics-based unit in their Physical Education class.

Stream-teaching is not a new curriculum, but instead a framework for teaching that formalizes what great teachers are inclined to do naturally, integrate across the curriculum. STREAM Academy is the adding of supplemental, project-based courses to the curriculum.

One day a week, during the final period of the day, the entire school (K-8) will participate in various grade-appropriate STREAM project-based courses from robotics to future-city-competition.

“We are completely thrilled that the Diocese chose St. Joseph School to pilot this program,” said Principal Karen Green. “We have worked diligently over the last several years to update our technology and improve our facilities in anticipation of offering new and exciting programming.

"Our goal remains to prepare our students to excel as they grow from their high schools to colleges and eventual careers.”

St. Joseph School currently serves 280 students from 14 school districts within three counties.

Applications for the upcoming school year are still being accepted. Interested families may call 585‑343‑6154 or visit www.sjsbatavia.org

Winners announced for the 2014 Duck Derby in Le Roy

By Billie Owens

Vietnam Veterans of America 2014 Le Roy Duck Derby Winners

  • Luke Yauchzee -- $500
  • Rich Nobles --  $100
  • Jeri Costantino -- $50
  • Kate Ireland – 1 Family Membership to Seneca Park Zoo
  • Ethan Houck -- Laser Autographed Picture of New York Jets # 74 Nick Mangold
  • D.J. O’Geen -- 1 Family Fun Pack to the Rochester Museum & Science Center
  • Mark Hunneyman -- 2 Cruise Passes for free admission for a family  (2 adults and up to 2 children) for the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park
  • Marley Parker -- 4 lower Reserve adult tickets to any one 2015 regular home season game, 1 autographed program for the Rochester Razorsharks
  • Fred Perrine – 2 green fee vouchers for the Silver Lake Country Club
  • Becky Beswick, Le Roy -- 2 green fee vouchers for the Silver Lake Country Club
  • Corinne Heschke – 2 tickets for any Rochester night Hawks 2015 Game
  • T. Strollo Byron – Gift bag from Peebles Store in Batavia
  • Hunter Emenck --  4 Complimentary Tickets for 4 Adults on “The Maid of the Mist"
  • Ann Liberatore -- 1 Family Pass for 2 Adults and 3 Children at the N.Y. Museum of Transportation
  • Anna Kent -- 1 Bufalo Sabres Yearbook Autographed by #65 Bryan Flynn
  • John Johnson, Le Roy -- $50 Gift Card From “Park Avenue Pub and Restaurant,” Rochester
  • Jen Heaney -- 1 Free Det Laser signed Photos of Buffalo Bills # 28 C.J. Spiller and #22 Fred Jackson
  • Rita Mehan -- Autographed Photo of James Beresford, of the Rochester Red Wings
  • Dan Robinson, Le Roy – Laser signed Photo of N.Y. Giants  # 80 Victor Cruz
  • Rick Blood, LeRoy --  $20 gift certificate to the Pok-A-Dot in Batavia
  • Alexis O’Geen -- $10 gift certificate to Applebee’s
  • Lawerence Taylor, Palmetto, Fla. -- $10 for the Last Place Duck
  • Colleen Czubinski, Batavia -- $25 for the 25th Place Duck in honor of our 25th Anniversary of the Duck Derby

Get your pet microchipped at Hogs for Paws at Stan's Aug. 16

By Billie Owens

Information from Volunteers for Animals:

For $30, you can have the peace of mind that if your pet gets lost, there's hope it can be reunited with you. It's called microchipping and there will be a clinic set up at the Hogs for Paws animal shelter fundraiser on Aug. 16 at Stan's Harley-Davidson.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., your cat or dog can be microchipped, which includes the injection, a collar ID tag and national registration with AVID.

Each dog or cat must be accompanied by someone who can control it. Cats MUST be in carriers. Please bring the name of your vet and an alternate contact person (name, address and number) for registration purposes. Accepted payment is either cash or checks (made out to Volunteers For Animals), sorry no credit cards. No preregistration necessary.

What is a microchip?

The microchip is a tiny computer chip which has an identification number programmed into it and is encapsulated within a biocompatible material. The whole device is small enough to fit inside a hypodermic needle and can be simply injected under the skin of our pets, where it will stay for the life of the animal. This provides a permanent, positive identification which cannot be lost, altered or intentionally removed -- a safe, simple and inexpensive way to protect your pet against loss or theft.The computer memory in the microchip contains a unique number -- no two animals will ever have the same number. A radio signal is used to read this number through the skin of your pet. It is routine for animal shelters and veterinarian offices to scan pets for microchips.

Here are two stories to think about.

Chevy the Cat

Chevy was a stray cat that came into the Shelter from Summit Street in Batavia. She had been on her own throughout the winter. She had a BB lodged in her side and patches of fur missing, most likely from a car engine fan. She was posted for adoption on our Web site and within days her family spotted her on the Web site. They came into the Shelter and sure enough it was her. They lived a block away on Tracy Avenue. Chevy had bolted from the house in the fall. They were lucky in many ways: the nice person on Summit took her to the vet for her care and brought her to the Shelter and they spotted her on the Web site. Had Chevy been microchipped we could have found her family more quickly without risk of her being adopted by someone else. Even house cats need to be microchipped!

Molly the Dog

Molly was found in Oakfield after being missing for two years. After setting traps, leaving food and lots of patience, they were finally able to catch this bedraggled dog. Molly was taken to the Genesee County Animal Shelter and that is when they found she was microchipped. They called the owner and gave her the incredible news that her dog who had ran away two years ago was at the Shelter. It was quite a reunion which never would have happened had Molly not been microchipped. Microchips talk for animals when collars and tags go missing.

Genesee region restaurants invited to participate in inaugural Taste of Independence in Downtown Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), the nonprofit agency that helps people with disabilities, is inviting all restaurants in the Genesee Region to participate in the inaugural Taste of Independence, an event scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Jackson Square in Downtown Batavia.

The objective of the Taste of Independence is to spotlight the variety of restaurants and their signature dishes in the Genesee Region. Participation as a vendor will help promote the restaurant and its menu highlights to several hundred expected guests.

In the process, ILGR and its programs and services will benefit from staging this event. Volunteers will be available to help staff the food booths at the event to help alleviate restaurant staffing concerns.

For more information or questions about the event participation details, please contact Donna Becker at 585-815-8501, ext. 411, or by e-mail at dbecker@wnyil.org

ILGR is a part of the Western New York Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies. Over the past four years, the agency has offered people with disabilities in the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) four core services including: information and referral; peer counseling; independent living skills training; and individual and community advocacy through empowerment, education and equality for all, regardless of disability.

Free bus tour of Tonawanda Creek Watershed offered, pre-registration required

By Billie Owens

Information from the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee:

Join us for a free "learn and play" bus tour of the Tonawanda Creek Watershed from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Because the watershed covers over 600 square miles, two separate bus tours are offered -- one with western tour stops, the other with eastern stops.

All are welcome, including families! Rain or shine. Light snacks will be provided but everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic lunch for after the tour.

The tour will show you places for recreation and inform you on how to protect your watershed.

Tonawanda Creek is one of the largest watershed areas in Western New York, spanning portions of Wyoming, Genesee, Niagara and Erie counties and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. It is full of places to boat, hike and fish.

Hard work had helped protect these places and our drinking water. Come and learn about the watershed management challenges and successes.

Western Tour Stops will be:

  • Clarence Escarpment Sanctuary
  • Ellicott Creek Park
  • Ellicott Island Park
  • Great Baehre Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Eastern Tour Stops will be:

  • Big Bend Dam and Peace Garden
  • Attica Reservoir
  • A log jam
  • Local Dairy Farm
  • Darien Lakes State Park

Seating on the tour is limited; pre-registration is required. To register, please e-mail Kim Falbo, Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District at  kfalbo@frontier.com  or call 585-786-5070, ext. 121, and provide the following information:

Name, phone number, e-mail, number of people attending, and preference for Eastern or Western tour.

Parking and check-in will be at Cummings Lodge in Akron Falls Park, Akron (Skyline Drive between Crittenden Road and State Street).

For more information about the Tonawanda Creek Watershed Committee, please visit:

www.tonawandacreek.shutterfly.com

Batavia Players Vendor Blender is Aug. 2, table space available and time slots for performers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Players is hosting a Vendor Blender from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 2nd at the theater on 56 Harvester Ave.

This is a fundraiser for the Summer Youth Theatre show "Tommy." We are having a chicken BBQ from SWY's Catering and BBQ for $10. Admission is free to the vendor blender. We are having some entertainment and a raffle.

Table space still available as well as time slots for volunteer performers.

For more information contact Sue Buckley at 343-6931.

Company that made financial aid info video for GCC wins Bronze Telly Award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

A video providing information to prospective students about financial aid at Genesee Community College has earned a prestigious Telly Award. Forest Productions & Photography, Inc., of Buffalo, with whom the College worked on the project, was recognized as a Bronze Winner in the 35th annual contest.

Nearly 12,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries competed for Tellys, the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs; the finest video and film productions; and online commercial video and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world.

The two-minute financial aid video utilizes animation and clever graphics to guide students through all the possible sources of financial assistance and how to pursue them. Michael Mandolfo of Forest Productions & Photography, Inc., began discussing ideas for the video with the College in December 2012. The video, created through a computer and audio recorder, was completed in May 2013.

"GCC challenged us with creating a nontraditional video that would appeal to young people," Mandolfo said. "They wanted a hip and attractive way to get this information across. We thought the animation would help the viewer navigate through the information using techniques like graphics, symbols, color, texture and music."

Working with director of Student Financial Assistance Joe Bailey and admissions staff, Mandolfo crafted a script, narrated by GCC graduate Samantha Vogt ('13), that takes a direct, yet playful, approach to sharing the information.

For example, in one section, the narrator states, "The Federal Pell Grant is free money that you don't have to repay. That's the best kind!" The video advises students on applying for everything from grants to loans, filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student AID) and TAP (NY Tuition Assistance Program), "It's really easy," the narrator offers in a supportive tone.

"Everyone dreads filling out these forms," Bailey said. "We wanted to reduce the intimidation factor through this video." Bailey's name is featured on a "Hello, my name is Joe" name tag in the video as the narrator describes "friendly staff ready to help answer your financial aid questions."

The complete video can be seen here: http://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/.

GCC has worked with Mandolfo's Forest Productions & Photography, Inc., on numerous projects through the past 10 years. "GCC allows me to be creative and explore new ways to convey information," Mandolfo said. "I am proud to share this award with GCC."

Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards are judged by more than 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past winner of a Silver Telly and a member of The Silver Telly Council. The Silver Council evaluated entries to recognize distinction in creative work. Entries do not compete against each other but are judged against a high standard of merit. Less than 10 percent of entries are chosen as winners of the Silver Telly, the highest honor. Approximately 25 percent of entries are chosen as Bronze Telly winners.

"The Telly Awards has a mission to honor the very best in film and video," said Linda Day, executive director of the Telly Awards. "Forest Productions' accomplishment illustrates their creativity, skill and dedication to their craft and serves as a testament to great film and video production."

College board elects new officers, welcomes two new members

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This week, Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees elected Diane D. Torcello as chair for the 2014-2015 year. The Board also elected Laura J. Bohm as vice chair and Donna M. Ferry as secretary.

Torcello, of Pavilion, is a Bank of Castile executive. Bohm, of Batavia, is a retired housing administrator. Ferry, of Darien, is secretary/treasurer of S.J.F. Construction, Inc.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

•    Approved a technical amendment to the College's 2014-2015 operating budget, reducing anticipated sponsor support by $250,000 and increasing fund balance support by the same amount.
•    Welcomed two new members of the Board of Trustees: Robert L. Boyce and Jacalyn F. Whiting, both of Le Roy. Boyce was appointed by the Genesee County Legislature and Whiting was appointed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Both members will serve seven-year terms. The 10-member volunteer Board of Trustees is the governing body of Genesee Community College.

Turbo Thursdays at all GCC campuses offer a one-stop registration opportunity for fall classes

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Need a boost to reach your education goals? Here's your chance to rev things up: Turbo Thursdays at Genesee Community College! Every Thursday through Aug. 21 Genesee Community College gives you a chance to register for fall classes in just one stop. GCC's Fall Semester begins Aug. 25.

Turbo Thursdays will be held at GCC's main campus in Batavia, as well as all six of its campus centers in Albion, Arcade, Dansville, Lima, Medina and Warsaw. Turbo Thursdays offer extended hours at each campus location from 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates: July 17*, July 24, July 31, Aug. 7, Aug. 14 and Aug. 21.

Thursday, July 17* is also Food Processing Technology (FPT) Info Day with extended hours to 9 p.m. at all campus locations. The day-long opportunity gives all interested citizens ample time to explore GCC's newest degree as well as the $500 FPT scholarship available for the first class, Introduction to Food Processing.

At Turbo Thursday you can:

•    Complete your free application (bring an ID, high school graduation documents and tax forms)

•    Receive free financial aid advisement or set up an appointment

•    Receive free academic advisement

•    Learn about GCC's 60+ academic programs

•    Learn how easily GCC credits transfer to many other schools

"We invite prospective students of all ages to sit down with one of our experienced and knowledgeable counselors and chart their futures," said Tanya Lane-Martin, GCC's admissions director. "With more than 60 academic programs, there's something for everyone, at every stage in life, to choose from. And with online courses and degrees, GCC helps students even with the busiest schedules."

The Enrollment Check List helps guide students through each step of the enrollment process. To review the Check List go to: http://www.genesee.edu/home/offices/admissions/checklist/

Turbo Thursdays will be held at all seven GCC locations:

•    Batavia (main campus) – One College Road / (585) 343-0055

•    Albion – 456 West Ave. / (585) 589-4936

•    Arcade – 25 Edward St. / (585) 492-5265

•    Dansville – 31 Clara Barton St. / (585) 335-7820

•    Lima – 7285 Gale Road / (585) 582-1226

•    Medina – 11470 Maple Ridge Road / (585) 798-1688

•    Warsaw – 115 Linwood Ave. / (585) 786-3010

To learn more about all that GCC has to offer, visit the college Web site: www.genesee.edu/

GC Youth Court recruitment is under way, deadline to apply is Aug. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Calling all eighth- through 11th-graders, the Genesee County Youth Court is recruiting new members! Applications are due by Aug. 22.

Youth Court is a voluntary alternative for young people who face disciplinary action through school or law enforcement. Youth who are referred admit to the charge and appear before a court of their peers. Three youth judges listen to both sides of the issue and determine an appropriate disposition.

The goal of youth court is to improve youth citizenship skills and decrease problematic behavior.

Youth Court members learn about the judicial process and law enforcement; develop group decision making, leadership and public speaking skills; participate in all roles of the courtroom -- judge, prosecution, defense and bailiff.

County eighth- through 11th-graders who are interested can go online to download an application from the Web site <http://www.co.genesee.ny.us> where you will find a link on the Youth Bureau page.

Interviews of potential candidates will take place during late summer/early fall with the training to begin in October. For more information on the Genesee County Youth Court, please contact Chelsea Dillon at the Genesee County Youth Bureau, 344-3960.

Alzheimer's disease caregivers' monthly support group is third wednesday at Richmond library

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease can be stressful and isolating, but support groups can provide coping tools and a welcoming embrace from others in the same position.

The Alzheimer's Association Western New York chapter sponsors a number of caregiver support group across the region. The groups meet monthly, and are designed to provide emotional and social support for caregivers and help participants develop methods and skills to solve problems. The groups encourage caregivers to maintain their own personal, physical, and emotional health, as well as optimally care for the person with dementia.

In Genesee County, the support group is held on the third Wednesday of the month, beginning at 7 p.m., at the Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., in the City of Batavia.

For more information about these and the other two dozen monthly support group meetings across WNY, call 1.800.272.3900 during regular business hours.

Alzheimer’s Disease Quick Facts:

Every 67 seconds, an American develops Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death in this country. More than 5 million Americans, including close to 55,000 across Western New York, are living with Alzheimer’s.

To learn more, including the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/WNY or call 1.800.272.3900.

Deadline is tomorrow for creative designs to paint on city fire hydrants

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Vibrant Batavia is partnering with GO ART! to sponsor a public art project for the artistic decoration of a selected number of existing fire hydrants in the City of Batavia. The committee is seeking creative designs for painting on fire hydrants in a way that adds interest, but does not compromise functionality.

Applications will be accepted through July 15. The Committee will review all applications for artistic consideration at their July meeting and finalists will be notified by July 21. Applicants must be a resident of Genesee County in order to participate.

Designs: 
Potential design themes could include:
· Designs inspired by the work of famous artists;
· Designs with a whimsical, humorous or ironic twist that will make viewers smile;
· Context-sensitive designs that would uniquely connect a particular fire hydrant with its immediate surroundings; 
· Colorful, abstract designs.
Use of existing art is acceptable
Locations: 
Any fire hydrant in the Business Improvement District is a potential candidate. Hydrants on Main Street and Jackson would appear to be particularly good candidates.
Materials: 
Paint and Materials will be provided to each of the artists. The Fire Department’s color code on the top of the hydrants cannot be painted over.

Schedule:
Selected artist will be expected to execute the work between July 21 – Aug. 8.
Final Art Work. Is expected to be created in a professional manner that is safe for the environment, respectful of its surroundings and executed to last for approximately 3 years.
Payment: 
Stipend of $50 per hydrant will be paid to each selected artist upon completion of work.
GO ART! will host a reception on Friday, Aug. 15 from 5-7 p.m. where they will showcase the original artwork that was submitted for each of the selected fire hydrants from each of the participating artists.
 
Applications are available at the City of Batavia, GO ART! (201 E. Main St.) and online at www.goart.org <http://www.goart.org>. For more information, contact Leanna with Vibrant Batavia at Leanna@VibrantBatavia.com or 585-738-7388.

Free workshops begin this month to help 2015 art and culture grant applicants

By Billie Owens

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council announces a series of free workshops designed to assist applicants with the process of applying for the 2015 Reach, Ripple & Spark Grant Programs.

These programs offer funding to assist in the creation and presentation of arts and cultural programming throughout Genesee and Orleans counties. Intent to Apply forms are due Sept. 2 for arts and cultural projects scheduled to take place in 2015.

Reach Grants are available to all nonprofit organizations, local government agencies or tribes and individual artists with a sponsoring organization. Reach projects should be artistic or cultural in nature and should demonstrate a significant community benefit. Deadline for Reach Grant Applications is Oct. 2.

Ripple Grants are specifically for individual artists from Genesee or Orleans counties. Artists who wish to create a new project that in some way reflects community life or culture and/or engages the local community are encouraged to apply. Deadline for Ripple Grant Applications is Oct. 9.

Spark Grants (previously known as Arts Education Grants) are directed to cultural organizations and/or individual artists working in partnership with public schools within Genesee or Orleans counties. Projects must focus on the exploration of art and the artistic process. Inter-curricular collaboration is encouraged but not required. Deadline for Spark Grant Applications is Oct. 16.

Registration is recommended and all workshops are free. Application forms, guidelines and instructions will be distributed at the workshops and will be available for download from the GO ART! Web site at www.goart.org.

The Decentralization Regrant Program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

To register for any of the workshops or for additional information, contact Heather Grant at 585.343.9313, ext. 26, or e-mail at hgrant@goart.org

All new applicants are required to attend one of the following workshops, all begin at 6 p.m.:

Monday, July 28

Byron-Bergen Public Library

13 South Lake Ave., Bergen

Tuesday, July 29

Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

620 West Avenue, Medina

Wednesday, July 30

Pavilion Public Library

5 Woodrow Drive, Pavilion

Monday, Aug. 4

GO ART!, Seymour Place

201 E. Main St., Batavia

Tuesday, Aug. 5

Yates Community Library

15 N. Main St., Lyndonville

Wednesday, Aug. 6

Haxton Library

3 N. Pearl St., Oakfield

Wednesday, Aug. 13

Hoag Library

134 S. Main St., Albion

Free, 12-week course for loved ones of those with mental illness offered this fall

By Billie Owens

The National Alliance On Mental Illness of Rochester will be presenting Family to Family, a no-charge, 12-week educational course for families and friends (parents, spouses, partners, siblings ) of people living with mental illness.

Classes will be held each Tuesday Sept. 9 through Tuesday Dec. 2 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Mental Health Association 25 Liberty St., Unit 4, Conference Room, Batavia.

The classes will provide information, insight, empathy and empowerment based upon factual information on mental illness, medications, crisis intervention, accessing the mental health system and self care which is taught by NAMI trained family members.

Pre-registration required; participants register for the entire 12 weeks. Deadline to register is Sept. 2.

Go to www.namirochester.org or call NAMI Rochester at 585-423-1593, or Mental Health Association at 585-344-2611 for more information and registration.

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