Announcements

Press release:

Looking for a cash infusion just before the holidays? Have a flair for drawing, cartooning, visual design? Genesee Community College invites designers of all persuasions to submit ideas for updating and expanding the graphic look of the GCC Cougar mascot. The deadline for entries is Dec. 2. First-place winner receives $200 cash, with $50 going to the runner-up.

The Cougar, affectionately and unofficially known as G-Dub (for G Double C), is in need of a "facelift." The College introduced a new logo in 2010 and is ready to update the Cougar's look. The competition is open to GCC art and design students, alumni, cartoon artists and all friends of GCC's Cougar.

Entrants must:

• Develop original and carefully executed design concepts that expand GCC's Cougar image beyond what exists currently;
• Provide one expanded head shot graphic;
• Provide full-body, full-color mascot poses expressing two of the following themes:

Cougar in athletic stance with aggressive, winning facial expression
Cougar standing in a welcoming and cheerful manner
Cougar professionally dressed and ready for the job market
Cougar wearing graduation cap and holding a diploma

Your original, creative idea

• Incorporate all of or parts of the GCC College logo and the College's Blue (Pantone 2945) and Gold (Pantone 117) color palette;
• Include samples of previous work or a link to an online portfolio.

Hand-drawn paper designs will be accepted but electronic submissions are preferred and can be e-mailed to Christie (Hale) Shirk, Recruitment Publications and Communications specialist at clhale@genesee.edu. Entrants must include full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address. Submissions will not be returned. All entries become the property of GCC. Those who wish to mail in submissions can send them to:

Christie Shirk
GCC Office of Enrollment Management, Room B201
Genesee Community College
One College Road
Batavia, NY 14020

"We have a great digital arts program here at the College," Shirk said. "So we expect to receive outstanding entries from students. But we know the Cougar has a lot of fans in the community as well, so we wanted to welcome entries from everyone."

The College may hire the winning artist to develop complete Cougar Mascot schematics.

"So the contest has immediate financial reward with the potential for additional economic benefits," said Donna Rae Sutherland, Associate Director of Marketing Communications.

The contest is being sponsored by GCC's Marketing Communications and Admissions/Enrollment Management/Recruitment Departments.

Press release:

High Tunnel School Offered to Area Farmers  -- Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1

School will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet growing Eat Local demand.

Batavia, NY – Vegetable growers with or considering high tunnel production are invited to attend High Tunnel School on Dec. 4-5 in Batavia at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The two-day High Tunnel School, organized by the Cornell Vegetable Program, will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet the growing Eat Local demand. Focus will be placed on cool season production on Dec. 4 whereas Dec. 5 will focus on tunnel management basics and warm season production. Information presented on Dec. 5 may also be relevant to small fruit producers.

Growers can sign up for either day of the school, but are highly encouraged to attend both days.  DEC pesticide re-certification credits and CCA credits are available for each day.

A full agenda and more information can be found on the Cornell Vegetable Program Web site at cvp.cce.cornell.edu. Cost is $25 for one day only or a discounted rate of $40 to attend both days.  Lunch and any program materials are included in the registration fee.

Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1 to reserve a seat. Seating is limited. Please register online at cvp.cce.cornell.edu or contact Vivian Flynn at 315-536-5123.

Dec. 4 – Winter Greens Production and Farm Tour
Consumer attitudes are changing, and there is an increasing demand for local greens throughout the winter. Crop plans and markets are critical to success, but holistic planning is the basis for a sustainable system. Topics covered include:

* Profitable Winter Greens Productions in High Tunnels for Farmers' Markets - Paul and Sandy Arnold
*  Cool climate pest management
*  How and why we are growing winter crops with tunnels - Ken Bowman
*  Winter greens production tour at Bowman and Hill Micro Farm, Kent, NY

Dec. 5 – Warm Season Production and High Tunnel Basics
This program is designed for commercial growers new to or considering high tunnels. NRCS cooperating farms are particularly encouraged to attend. All who are interested in improving their crop yield, quality and profitability by using high tunnels are welcome. Though focused on vegetable production, fruit producers will benefit from the site, structural, and irrigation information.

Topics include:
* What to look for when selecting a tunnel
* Site considerations
* Which crops work for tunnels?
* Our Warm Season Tunnels - Paul and Sandy Arnold
* Best Management Practices to improve your profits
* Growers' perspectives, lessons learned

Cornell Lake Ontario Fruit Team, Cornell Vegetable Team and Cornell Cooperative Extension, along with assistance from NYS Dept. Ag & Markets, will be presenting farm food safety training - GAPs (including Harmonized GAPs) this winter.

The first will be held in Batavia on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Fire Training Center, 7690 State St. Road, Batavia.

A new program, Harmonized GAPs, has been developed to combine several food safety certifications into one program. New York’s retail produce buyers, such as Wegmans, are asking growers to adopt Harmonized GAPs certification in many cases. In response, Cornell National GAPs Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension have developed a multi-day workshop.

The first day of training will focus on the details of what GAPs is, how it works and what it means for your farming operation. The second day will be devoted to helping you write a food safety plan as required for audit certification. A laptop computer is required for the second day. (If you need to borrow a computer, please let us know in advance.)

The registration fee of $60 per person includes educational materials, lunch and refreshments. Add $15 for each additional attendee from the same farm. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.; program runs 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.

Pre-register for the Batavia class by Dec. 3. Register online at cvp.cce.cornell.edu <http://cvp.cce.cornell.edu>  or mail in your registration form and payment to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, Attn: Angela Parr, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424. Make checks payable to: “Cornell Cooperative Extension”.

For more information, contact Craig Kahlke at cjk37@cornell.edu or 585-735-5448.

To see a full listing of upcoming farm food safety trainings, go to www.gaps.cornell.edu <http://www.gaps.cornell.edu> . These workshops are partially funded through a grant from the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority.

Press release:

High Voltage Tattoo & Piercing will be holding its 3rd annual charity fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 14th from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

We will have three tattoo artists and a body piercer working all day. We will be offering $30 tattoos and $15 piercings.

One-hundred percent of the funds raised from tattoos, piercings, tips, donations and after-care products will go to charity.

We will post pictures of designated tattoo designs and lettering styles that we will be offering on the 14th very soon.

We have decided to split the funds this year between three organizations:

• Don Carroll’s Toys for Kids (http://thebatavian.com/scobokamrochesterrrcom/don-carroll-leaves-legacy-generosity/39596  )
• Golisano Children’s Hospital (http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/giving/Make-a-Gift.aspx  )
• and Crossroads House in Batavia (http://www.crossroadshouse.com  )

With everyone’s generous support we were able to raise more than $3,000 last year and we are hoping to raise even more this year. We are also looking for a couple volunteers to help get people signed in and help around the shop.

Please message us on Facebook if you are interested in helping out. Thanks and we hope to see you all soon.

Press release:

The community is invited to hear firsthand about Japanese holidays, culture and landmarks from Japanese students who are attending Genesee Community College. The Experience Japan lecture begins at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building on the Batavia Campus.

It will also include a presentation by the college's Director of Video/Telecommunications Barry Chow.

The event is free and open to the public. It's sponsored by GCC's Global Education Committee and Student Government Association.

Five GCC students from Japan will share personal experiences from their country and culture.

They include:
Yuuki Sasao -- Strange Country, Japan
Ayaka Yamaguchi -- Famous Sightseeing Sites in Japan
Mizuki Maeda -- Coming of Age
Mai Wantanabe -- Famous Holidays Celebrated in Japan
Shiori Naya -- Let Me Introduce a Young Girl from Osaka

"Genesee Community College is blessed to have a number of international students who bring great diversity to our campus community," said Karin Kovach-Allen, Ph.D, dean of Human Communications and Behavior. "Learning about another country and culture through the experiences of a native enhances the experience immeasurably. We're grateful our Japanese students are willing to share their personal observations of their homeland."

Press release:

A business with a local office has stepped up and offered to be a drop-off station for anyone interested in donating to the food drive sponsored by the ninth-graders at Pavilion School.

Coastal Staffing will be collecting non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations at the firm's three locations. They are also collecting from their employees and surrounding businesses. Items can be dropped off at any of their three locations, until 5 p.m. on Nov. 21:

The drop-off locations are:

• 5568 East Avon Plaza, #7, in Avon
• 56 Harvest Ave., in Batavia
• 333 Metro Park, Suite 103, in Rochester

Tickets are now on sale for the 12th Annual Wonderland of Trees Gala. It will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, at the Holland Land Office Museum.

This year's theme is "Visions of Gingerbread."

Cost is $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the museum, located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. For information call 343-4727.

The Artisans at North Street and YWCA of Genesee in Batavia seek artisans and crafters for the upcoming Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The Artisans at North Street gift shop is located at 301 North Street in Batavia inside the YWCA building. We offer locally made handcrafted soaps, journals, scarves, quilts and more at reasonable prices.

The upcoming Holiday Bazaar ends our first anniversary celebration with a raffle. Tables are $15 each. For more information call: YWCA office at 585-343-5808.

Press release:

Area residents are invited to honor their loved ones at the holidays during HomeCare & Hospice’s 18th annual Tree of Life ceremonies.

The Tree of Life provides an opportunity for persons who have experienced loss to memorialize a family member or friend during the holiday season. HomeCare & Hospice annually offers an ornament as an option for remembrance.

This year’s ornament is a pewter heart with glitter and can be engraved to bear the name of a loved one. The ornament is available for a suggested donation of $15, with engraving, shipping and handling included. Additional options include giving an ornament as a gift or purchasing a memory tag bearing a name for $5.

Orders must be received by Nov. 15 to ensure availability for the Tree of Life ceremony. Trees will be displayed throughout the holiday season. Ornaments hung on the Tree of Life can be taken home after the ceremony or they will be mailed in January.

The Tree of Life ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at GO ART! & Sweet Ecstasy Bakery, 201 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia. The tree lighting is open to the public.

Also available are a limited number of Classic Tree of Life ornaments from years past. These ornaments can be purchased and engraved at the special price of $10. While the Classic Ornaments will not be hung on the Tree of Life, they can be picked up or mailed with 2013 ornaments. These ornaments include the 2011 Silvertone Wreath, 2009 Goldtone Photo Frame Tree, 2008 Silvertone Snowflake, 2006 Goldtone Wreath.

For more information or an order form, contact Rosemary Conroy at HomeCare & Hospice, 1-800-719-7129, or order online at www.homecare-hospice.org

HomeCare & Hospice, a non-profit United Way member agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with terminal illness in Cattaraugus, Allegany, Wyoming and Genesee counties. The institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

The Salvation Army will be presenting Billy Graham’s 95^th birthday message “My Hope America,” on Thursday Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.  The location is the headquarters / chapel building on East Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

“There will be a light dinner served at 6 p.m. and then we will watch Graham’s 30-minute message,” Major Robert Kurtz said.

This event is free of charge and ALL ARE WELCOME.

For further information call the office at 343-6284 or Major Bob’s cell phone 585-861-0676.

Press release:

Ride the “Liberty Taxi”!

The Genesee County Libertarian Party wants everyone to have a chance to vote in Tuesday’s City Council election, and they don’t want a lack of transportation to prevent that from happening! The GCLP will be providing rides at no cost to voters of all political affiliations within the city from 8 a.m. until polls close at 9 p.m.

“It doesn’t matter who you are voting for," said Phil Ricci, chair, Genesee County Libertarian Party. "This is not about just getting more Libertarian votes. This is about making sure that every person has the ability to exercise their choice. Too many have given their lives so you can have that -- lack of a car should not take that away!”

If you need a ride to your polling station within the City of Batavia on Tuesday, Nov. 5, please call Debbie Rosenbeck at 585-356-8623.

“This is the first year of our party, but we hope to expand this service even more into the future! We look forward to helping our neighbors!” Ricci said.

The Genesee Libertarian Party encourages everyone to get out and vote! Freedom is the culmination of Education and Choice, exercise your voice on Tuesday!

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Phil Ricci at (Company Phone) or e-mail at gclp.ny@gmail.com.

Press release:

In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, Genesee County Drug Free Communities Coalition, a program of GCASA, presents the North American tour of the new hit stage play “Pass It On…An Evening with Bill W. & Dr. Bob.”  The production is a dramatization of the early history of Alcoholics Anonymous, delivered with a message of hope, help and the miracle of recovery.

This highly acclaimed two-man show comes to Batavia for a one-time engagement on Tuesday, October 29^th at 6:30pm, at the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College.

This unique, inspirational and often hilarious theatrical production celebrates sobriety and serves as the centerpiece for an international recovery education project, raising awareness about the solution to North America’s number one public health issue – the disease of alcoholism and addiction.

“Pass It On…An Evening with Bill W. & Dr. Bob” has created excitement among audiences and recovery communities.  The show travels across the United States and Canada, appearing in such cities as Phoenix, Sacramento, Tucson, San Antonio, Delray, Ottawa, Little Rock and now Batavia.  Audiences experience an unforgettable evening of inspirational entertainment that aims to enhance recovery, inspire hearts and reach people who cannot be reached in any other way.

The show transports audiences to the late 1940s to meet Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the beloved cofounders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  They tell their stories, share their experiences, strength and hope, and dramatize key events – such as their legendary drinking sprees and the extraordinary night they met in Akron, Ohio in 1935.

Audiences will be regaled with fascinating and hilarious yarns about the early history of AA – including the writing and publication of "The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous," the creation of the "12 Steps," and how the protagonists overcame tremendous obstacles as they struggled to develop their new recovery program and pass it on to others.

Reservations are suggested; call Diane at 815-1883 or e-mail dklos@gcasa.org.  A $5.00 donation is recommended.

Press release:

The 3rd Annual Bidding on a Brighter Future Gala and Auction, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia, was the largest and most successful thus far. Thank you to all of the incredible people of our local community and surrounding counties for this accomplishment!

As this wonderful event was taking shape on the afternoon of September 21st, it became increasingly apparent that this is an exceptional community: one united, one poised to help, one ready to lend a helping hand and one fully engaged in helping children in need and their families. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia extends heartfelt thanks to all of the individuals, businesses and organizations who stepped up in a collaborative, genuine effort to accomplish the Kiwanis mission of “serving the children of the world” as we make the dream of a new home for the Children’s Advocacy Center a reality!

"Making a difference, one child at a time", has been clearly demonstrated by the visionary residents of our community that continue to support this cause.

With Many Thanks,

Ed Minardo
2012-2013 President
Kiwanis Club of Batavia

Jeanne Walton
2013 Gala Chair

Kiwanis Club of Batavia

Batavia High School will hold its annual Holiday Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 260 State St. in the City of Batavia. More than 125 vendors will be there and admission is free.

Santa Claus will visit and the Christmas Brass Band will provide entertainment.

Pizza will be available from Big Pauly's Pizzeria and there will also be food from Clor's BBQ.

The event is sponsored by the BHS Zonta Z-Club and the BHS Hockey Boosters Club.

Proceeds benefit the Z-Club's "Uganda Water Project" and the BHS Hockey Team.

For more information, contact Lucille DiSanto or Paul Pedersen at 343-2480.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced that registration is  open for two free upcoming training sessions designed to help small business owners identify new opportunities for increasing profitability: “Selling to the Government – The Whole Story,” and “Foreign Trade Zone Basics: What is an FTZ and Does it Make Sense for My Company?”

Selling to the Government – The Whole Story” will offer unique insights and strategies for small business owners to sell their goods and services to the federal government. The seminar, which will be held on Friday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at GCEDC’s headquarters  (99 MedTech Drive, Batavia), will provide the steps necessary to explore the marketplace and existing opportunities, including:

• What the government looks for in a prospective contractor How to research the market to find opportunities and required registrations;
• How to capitalize on those opportunities to generate results.

Presenters will include Paulette Birch, program director of the Monroe County Finger Lakes Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC); and Jean Kase, a government contracting specialist also with the PTAC.

To learn more and to register for the event, please visit: http://www.monroecountyfingerlakesptac.org/node/89

“The federal government is the largest purchaser in the world, spending nearly $540 billion per year on goods and services,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “There are tremendous opportunities for large and small businesses to find success in the market selling goods and services to the federal government.”

The second free seminar, “Foreign Trade Zone Basics: What is an FTZ and Does it Make Sense for my Company?”, will provide an detailed introduction to and description of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), offering insights into how business owners leverage Genesee County’s FTZ status to receive tax breaks and other benefits such as avoiding customs duties or government excise taxes.

This seminar will be held on Oct. 23 from 9:30-10:30am at Moon Java Café, located at 56 Harvester Ave. in Batavia. To register, contact Chris Suozzi, vice president at the GCEDC, at 585.343.4866 or csuozzi@gcedc.com ; or Julie Pacatte, economic development coordinator at Batavia Development Corporation, at 585.345.6380 or jpacatte@bataviadevelopmentcorp.org

“Understanding what Genesee County’s FTZ status means as far as tax incentives and other benefits is absolutely critical for business owners whose goods are transported to and/or from this area,” Hyde said. “Because an FTZ is considered to be outside the customs territory of the United States, there are huge cost savings that potentially exist for those conducting business in this region, and we want to make sure business owners understand and take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

Cain's Taekwondo Academy is proud to introduce "Refuse 2 Lose Martial Arts Classic," a tournament for competitors age 4 and up from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Canada and elsewhere.

Event organizer Nick Cain said competitors include black belts as well as novices, all equipped with martial arts training plus an average of six months of practice for the tournament.

The competition is set for Saturday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. It will take place at the St. Joseph School gym, at 2 Summit St. in Batavia, and is open to the public.  Anyone who knows martial arts is welcome to take part in it.

Cost of admission is $10 for children and $12 for adults.

Cain, of Batavia, said this is his first time running a tournament in Batavia, though his parents have done it before.

"It's a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization I'm starting," he said. "(The nonprofit) is a martial arts team that will travel around to teach."

At age 21, Cain himself has a great store of knowledge to draw from. The son of taekwondo parents (his father, Ron, founded Cain's Taekwondo Academy in 2001), he has been taking taekwondo since he was 4 years old.

For more information, call 344-4414 or 245-1443.

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce the beneficiaries of the 27th Annual Labor Day 5k Run/Walk. 5k Chair Melissa A. George said that money raised from this event will be used for various community projects tripling the projected amount; the following will be receiving donations this year.

$300 to Don Carroll Memorial Fund – Don was a great supporter of the Jaycee 5k Run/Walk by helping for years and will be greatly missed.

$200 to Batavia Cemetery Association. Jim Roth was a past Batavia Area Jaycee Member and past Liverpool Jaycee President. This donation will provide maintenance of the Arboretum named in Jim’s memory.

$200 to Genesee Cancer Assistance.

$200 to the Genesee County Park for maintenance on the Blind Trail and the DeWitt Park Pavilion (a Batavia Area Jaycee project from 1995)

$200 to the Genesee County Youth Bureau for future Halloween Parade entertainment/activities.

$300 for Thanksgiving Baskets. This will allow us to double last year’s donation to Stephen’s Table.

$100 to the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

$300 for Christmas shopping of clothes, food, toys for families in need.
 
The Batavia Area Jaycees is a community service organization for young people between the ages of 18 and 41. We provide individual development and leadership training and are members of a state, national and international organization.

If you would like more information about becoming a Jaycee, give us a call at 585-343-5775 or e-mail us at bajny@yahoo.com

Press release:

The Town of Alexander Republican Committee seeks candidates interested in being appointed to the following vacancies due to resignations:

• Town Justice, four-year term
• Town Republican Committee Member, District #2 (must reside east of Route 98)

Send letters of interest no later than Nov. 4 to:

Barbara J. Eddy, chairperson

11054 Alexander Road

Attica, NY 14011

The Annual Fall Harvest Auction, sponsored by the Stafford Historical Society, will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 in the courtroom of the Stafford Town Hall, located at 8903 Route 237, Stafford.

Included will be various attic treasures, gift certificates, fall produce, two Roy Mason Prints, other nautical prints and other articles.

Donations of gently used, or new articles or produce is greatly appreciated. Please contact Sue at 344-0834 or Phyllis at 343-1928.