Announcements

Mayhem Riders

we are a new motorcycle club in the batavia area,we have members from all over western new york.we currently have 18 members and we are growing everyday.we are accepting new members.this is our first year,we have 2 runs planned for 2009.on june 21 2009 -autumn run,to benefit the ronald mcdonald house in rochester.on july 18 2009 bikers for hope poker run to benefit the con kurr cancer foundation.please go to our website,to learn more about the club,and visit the links for these great charitys.we are also looking for volunteers for these events to man sign in tables and other dutys.we are also looking for donations for raffles at both these events.all of the proceeds go directly to these charitys and the money stays in this area to help our own.

http://www.mayhemriders.com

webmaster@mayhemriders.com

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From the VA Medical Center:

In the giving spirit of the holidays, members of the 82nd Airborne Niagara Frontier Chapter will be distributing gifts to patient units at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue.  The gift distribution will take place on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25 at 1:30 pm.  The group will sing carols along with accordionist as they visit patient units.

With a donation to Habitat , you could be the winner of this TV. (the

New Year's Eve ball will not drop on the TV)  Genesee County

Habitat for Humanity will be in their 10th. year in 2009. We will be

completing our 7th. house.  Volunteers are always welcome.

Officer John Zola stated that it goes back to the home where children should be safe and not have access to guns.  I couldn’t agree with him more.  Whenever something like this happens, it shocks our community and for a short while our intentions are to take precautions to lock up the guns and to do whatever is necessary to keep this from happening in our own home. Then we let our guard down and history repeats itself.   Anyone who owns a gun should have it under lock and key regardless if children are in the home or not!

Here at GCASA, we have a SafeHomes program.   The intent of the program is to promote awareness in our schools and community, by encouraging parents to create a safe and healthy environment for their children in their own homes.

The pledge promise is as follows:

        I PLEDGE TO PROVIDE A SAFEHOME                                                                        

• I will provide adult supervision for all children visiting my home.              

• I will provide a secure storage place for all forms of alcohol, firearms, and other potentially hazardous items; including over the counter and prescription medications.

• I will maintain a smoke-free home.

• I will not allow parties or gatherings in my home when I am not there.

·          I welcome communication with any parent who personally observes my child using alcohol or other drugs.

·          I will communicate with any SafeHomes parent of a child I personally observe using alcohol or other drugs

• I will talk with my child(ren) about the dangers of drug use and my    expectations of them being drug-free.

Our goal is to reduce the number of children that are negatively impacted when these guidelines are not followed.

This pledge is not legal or binding by law.  If you would like to get the SafeHomes program in your school or to find out more about SafeHomes, log on to www.gcasa.net  or you may contact Carol at 815-1873  

From Richmond Memorial Library:

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

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Barbara Shine has been named Employee of the Month for December 2008. Barb has worked at Genesee for over seven years and is currently an assistant professor of business for traditional and online courses. Her endless energy and enthusiasm has made her stand out as a faculty member at Genesee.

Before coming to Genesee, Barb worked in corporate management at Fisher-Price, as an entrepreneur in her own family business located in Arcade, NY, as well as an executive director of a non-profit industry education foundation. Her first position at Genesee was director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center, which she held for three years. She currently teaches various business administration courses, is a College committee volunteer, and is a management skills trainer for The BEST Center.

Barb is a faculty advisor for Genesee's CEO (Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization) Club where her leadership and hard work enabled students to create the "Scholars" brand of new products including its inaugural Apple Cider Syrup, which is now on sale . At $9.99 per bottle, the product is a perfect holiday gift and can be purchased at Genesee's college bookstore, or simply email scholars@genesee.edu.

Additionally, Barb has also been central player in the development of the WIRED Emerging Entrepreneurs (WEE) scholarship program at Genesee. With funding secured through the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) group, Barb is now helping students and community members explore business opportunities and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams by completing two Genesee business courses tuition-free.

"One of my favorite aspects of working at Genesee is I really enjoy the energy working with students and the continuous support of my co-workers," Barbara said. "I also enjoy the opportunity to work with local businesses as a trainer for The BEST Center."

Barb's extensive educational career actually began at Genesee where she studied Liberal Arts Humanities and earned her degree in 1970. She continued her education at Buffalo State College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1972, and then later received her Master's degree in Organizational Management at Robert's Wesleyan College.

A resident of Holland, NY, she enjoys gardening, walking and learning to play the piano. She lives with her husband Dennis, who is also a faculty member at Genesee and they have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Genesee Community College is pleased to name Danielle Collins Student of the Month for December 2008. Danielle, a 2007 graduate of Pavilion High School, is in the Fashion Merchandising Management Program at Genesee. She is very active on campus and has been awarded many honors including President's List, Dean's List and being inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Danielle is President of Genesee's chapter of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) and she co-produced the 27th Annual Fashion Show. Through her work with DECA, she led the group in a jewelry sale fundraiser as well as running the Thanksgiving 50/50 raffle. She has helped to orient freshmen students in the Fashion Merchandising program and has made several "best practices" presentations. Danielle has even been asked to make off-campus presentations to students at BOCES because of her high level of professionalism and enthusiasm.

Danielle, 19, a resident of Wyoming, NY is the daughter of Rick and Kim Collins. Danielle plans on attending the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan following her course work at Genesee. Her dream job is to be able to own a retail store that was designed to make customers feel comfortable with their size and make shopping an enjoyable experience, instead of a chore.

Danielle chose to attend Genesee Community College because of the Fashion Merchandising program and the ability to transfer onto a four year school. "My favorite aspect of attending Genesee is the excellent transfer opportunities made available to students," said Danielle. "I also like that they can offer scholarships to students with high academic achievement."

From Genesee Community College:

In a world that seems to get smaller yet spin faster every day, Genesee Community College has already benefited from the global perspectives and experiences of its new executive vice president for Academic Affairs. Dr. Eunice Bellinger began her tenure with Genesee this past August and as she marches past her 100-day anniversary, a moment of reflection for what's ahead and deeper appreciation of her past is warranted.

A native of Buffalo, NY and a 1969 graduate of Kenmore-East High School, Dr. Bellinger has spent over a decade teaching and administering academic programs abroad. From England, to Kuwait, to the United Arab Emirates, she has taught sociology, anthropology, psychology, ceramics, and developed curriculum as well. She returned to Western New York to oversee all of Genesee's academic programs and non-credit and business instruction, develop new programs, and provide general guidance to a dynamic team of over 200 full and part time faculty members.

She began her career teaching internationally in 1992 at Exeter College in Devon, England as a Fulbright Award participant where she taught sociology. From 1993 until 2002, Dr. Bellinger spent her time in Kuwait teaching and developing curriculum for the Public Authority for Education and Training as well as teaching for the University for Maryland's European Division, where she taught U.S. military personnel.

While teaching in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger led the life of any normal Kuwaiti citizen. She lived in an apartment and her two children attended the American School of Kuwait where they learned to be fluent in Arabic. She participated in the very routine and collective culture, which included enjoying weekends on Thursdays and Fridays, and occasionally patronizing a variety of western-franchised restaurants. During the years she spent with her children abroad, she found that she became accustomed to the Middle Eastern culture and began to enjoy it and appreciate the calming abilities of a routine-filled life.

"Even if we take part in different cultures, and may not share the same language, we understand that we all have hopes and dreams and sorrows," said Dr. Bellinger. "At the end of the day, we realize we are more alike than we are different."

After a decade in Kuwait, Dr. Bellinger moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become the dean and associate professor of Liberal Arts at the American University in Dubai. She went on to Abu Dhabi University to become the director of Graduate Studies in Education and director of the English Language Institute. Throughout her time as an educator overseas, she has worked with a diverse group of students and faculty. She still maintains a keen interest in international programs and the development of curriculum that includes both knowledge and cultural awareness.

More recently, Dr. Bellinger has held positions state-side at SUNY Empire State College and Massachusetts Bay Community College. She came to Genesee Community College with a wealth of knowledge, a vibrant understanding of international academics, and a strong interest in academic development and advancement.

Learning from her experiences abroad, and with the existing economic and political environment, Dr. Bellinger has already begun preparing for the next phase of academic progress at Genesee. Concerned with current challenges and the troubling economic climate, Dr. Bellinger notes that the College must respond to these changes and make a strategy for the future. For example, as four-year colleges begin budget cuts and cutting transfer programs, Genesee must develop degrees that are not just transfer based, but can stand alone as two-year Associate degrees. She also believes that the College should respond to the number of adult learners who have been laid off from their jobs and are looking to Genesee to further their business and academic skills.

"It is important that the College has resources for the over 50 population," said Dr. Bellinger. "There has been a culture shift and the College needs to take action to respond to that change."

Looking to the future, Dr. Bellinger would like to see several new academic programs develop at Genesee. "We are looking into green technology, including wind technology, as well as veterinary technician, transportation technology and computer-created virtual environment programs," she stated.

Dr. Bellinger has found great pleasure in her new position at Genesee, admitting that: "I get to do the fun things that I really am passionate about, like curriculum development, because I'm surrounded by efficient people who help get the day-to-day business completed. I'm really enjoying meeting new people. The people at Genesee have reinforced my view that the College is an easy place to communicate. You don't have to go through numerous layers of bureaucracy to get things accomplished here."

After being at the College for over 100 days, Dr. Bellinger's only complaint is the parking. She laughs, "Seriously, I'm enjoying my time here so far. I wake up every day happy to be going to work. I really have no complaints, except the parking!"

When not in her office, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes a son, Christopher who is studying at the University of Buffalo, a daughter, Kirsten who is a staff archeologist with United States Army Corps of Engineers in Manhattan, and a granddaughter, Maggie Kate who is two. She has two well-traveled pets. Gizmo, her cat is from Kuwait, and Molly, her dog is from the United Arab Emirates. Together, they are all currently residing in Clarence.

Twenty Questions and Twenty Answers from Dr. Bellinger:

When not in the office I can be found: "In Saratoga on the weekends visiting friends."

Last three books I read: "Lately, it's been mystery novels. My favorite book of all time is, 'Two Years Before the Mast and Twenty-Four Years After,' by Richard Henry Dana."

In the kitchen I am known for: "Directing and managing the preparations."

What kind of music would we find on your iPod? "A bit of everything! Well, maybe no rap."

Meet my family: "One daughter Kirsten, one son Christopher, and my granddaughter, Maggie Kate."

Favorite Movie/Genre: "Comedies"

Drink of choice: "Iced tea"

Favorite Meal/Cuisine: "Mexican"

Favorite team/sport: "Go Bills!"

Drives: "Along the Hudson River"

Favorite vacation spot: "Maine or Alleghany State Park"

Favorite teacher/professor: "Professor Pete Nye, from Alfred State. He taught me what it means to be a good professor. "

Pets: "One cat 'Gizmo', who came from Kuwait, and 'Molly' a dog, from the United Arab Emigrates"

I like to relax by: "Riding a bike or reading books"

Favorite game: "Bananagram. It's like a version of Scrabble but with no point scores for words."

Interesting Talent: "I'm a decent potter. I really enjoy ceramics."

One thing you'd never guess about me: "I have a tattoo of an otter on my arm. In my next life I want to come back as a river otter living in the Colorado Rockies. It's funny because right now I can't even swim!"

If you could teach anywhere in the world, where would that be? "GCC, of course!"

Complete the sentence: In high school I was... "Voted most artistic and most humorous!"

If I wasn't a college administrator, I would be... "Retired in Tuscany?"

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
January 5 to 8, 2009 - Kiln Drying Workshop: Drying Quality Lumber for Profit. Held at State University of New York - College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse This course will provide practical knowledge about how wood is effectively kiln dried, and scientific background on related wood properties and drying processes. It will have value for novice as well as experienced kiln operators, and sales, purchasing, marketing and manufacturing managers. Instruction will be in the classroom and through hands-on lab exercises using a modern kiln. Fees: received by December 17: $445 OR received after December 17: $495. For more information or go to http://www.esf.edu/outreach/kiln/default.htm
 
Tuesdays, January 6th through February 10th - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin February 24th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
January 9 & 10, 2009 - New York State Maple Producers Winter Conference. Held at Verona-Sherrill High School in Verona, NY. The V.V.S. High School is located between Utica and Syracuse, on State Rte 31 two minutes from NYS Thruway Exit 33.
 
The conference starts Friday evening with a featured speaker at 7:00 PM and industry trade show highlighting maple equipment, manufacturers, and vendors scheduled from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Saturday’s trade show opens at 8:00 AM with workshops starting at 9:00AM. Saturday’s program features 30 of the industry’s leading maple experts from throughout North America and Canada presenting in a variety of concurrent workshops. The conference is open to the general public, as well as maple producers, and is geared to all levels of sugar makers.
 
For additional information contact V.V.S. FFA advisor Keith Schiebel at kschiebel@vvsschools.org. Registration forms will also be available at the New York State Maple Producers Website: www.nysmaple.com or the Cornell Maple Program Website http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/ .
 
January 12th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
January 14th - WNY Corn Congress. Held at the Holiday Inn, Batavia. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
January 17th - Western NY Maple School. For more information contact Lutie Batt, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, 401 North Main Street, Warsaw NY 14569, Phone: 585-786-2251.
 
January 17 and 31, 2009 from 9 am to 3 pm - Beginning a Successful Small Farm Operation. Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension 4487 Lake Avenue, Lockport, NY. Pre-registration is required by January 9th. Cost $100.00 per family/farm enterprise. If you would like to learn more about the opportunities for small scale farming, please join us at the next workshop series. This introductory course is designed for small, part-time or perspective farmers with little to no previous agriculture experience. Contact Paul Lehman at 716-433-8839 x241 (E-mail: pel5@cornell.edu) for more information.
 
January 20 - 21 - Best Management Practices for Potato Production. Held at the Holiday Inn, 441 Electronics Parkway in Liverpool NY. This annual "Potato Short Course" is intended to provide more in depth education for potato growers and associated industry personnel in selected topics of major importance to potato production and utilization. This January we will provide extensive information on how to best use production inputs, reduce crop risk and produce a quality crop. Biology and physiology of the potato plant and disease/pest organisms will be discussed to help growers understand what conditions are most favorable for good crop production or are more favorable for disease or pest development and potential for spread. Management strategies will be illustrated which incorporate aspects of the pest’s biology, grower cropping history and control options. Potato varieties will be discussed which have multiple attributes such as various levels of disease or insect resistance, offer excellent competition to weeds and are well adapted to NYS growing conditions and hence require fewer chemical inputs. DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits have been requested.  There is no fee to attend. Sponsored by the Empire State Growers, Inc. Contact Don Halseth, Cornell University, if you plan to attend at 607-255-5460 or deh3@cornell.edu.
 
January 28th - Ontario County Maple Beginners Workshop. For more information contact Russell Welser, Cornell Cooperative Extension Ontario County, 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424, Phone: 585.394.3977
 
January 29th from 7 to 9pm - Farmland Protection and Purchase of Development Rights. Held at Genesee County Building II, 3837 West Main Street Rd. in Batavia. Designed for community leaders, farmers, grant writers, town planners, town attorneys, appraisers and anyone with an interest in farmland protection in our region. The workshop provides a comprehensive review of the process for creating successful Purchase of Development Rights projects and programs in your communities including a review of grant applications and case scenarios. Please RSVP to Holly McAllister, Genesee County Planning Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5467 or hmcallister@co.genesee.ny.us.
 
February 4th - WNY Soybean/Small Grains Congress. Held at the Batavia Party House in Stafford. Contact Cathy Wallace at (585) 343-3040 x138 for more information.
 
February 9th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St. in Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
February 10th - Becker Forum on Ag Labor. To be held at the Holiday Inn Liverpool, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
February 11th and 12th - Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo. Held at the Oncenter Convention Center, Syracuse, NY. Contact NYSVGA@twcny.rr.com for more information.
 
Saturdays beginning February 14th - NYS Tractor and Farm Machinery Safety Course - Course instruction and intensive training in tractor and farm  machinery safety, leading to  certification is being planned for Saturday mornings at various dealerships in Genesee County  beginning on February 14, 2009.  Classes include general tractor maintenance, safe farm equipment operation and safety issues in general.  This training is offered only once a year and is for youth ages 14-16.  Please take a look at the flyer on our website for more details (http//genesee.cce.cornell.edu). Please call Amy Berry at 343-3040, ext. 106 to register to receive further information about the class when it becomes available.
 
February 21st from 9 am to NOON - 4-H Public Presentations. Genesee County 4-H members will have an opportunity to make 15-minute presentations on a topic of their choice.  Held at Byron-Bergen Central High School. Free and open to the public.  For more information call Barb Sturm at 343-3040, ext. 122 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
March 16th to 20th - Ag Literacy Week. Ag Literacy Week unites communities and schools.  Volunteers bring New York agriculture into local schools by sharing a special story and leading educational activities.  Volunteer in your community and get this year's book donated to your school of library.  For more information on volunteer for Ag Literacy Day, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at bbs28@cornell.edu.
 
March 21st - 7th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner – Held at the Alexander Fire Hall, Route 98 in Alexander, NY. Sponsors of the event include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District. This extremely popular community tradition has become firmly established as a festive, fun filled get-together, and an opportunity to come together and socialize before the beginning of another growing season. Open to the general public. Tickets are $25 per person or $230 for a table of 10.  Only 400 tickets will be sold and no tickets will be sold at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call Michelle at 343-3040, ext. 107.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of "emergency information" for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association's annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
4-H Local Government Intern Program - Designed for high school Juniors & Seniors. Orientation meeting 7 pm on February 2nd at the Old County Courthouse in Batavia.
For more information on this program contact Chip Malone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 130.
 
Coffee and Dessert Series - If you want to socialize and learn about gardening, why not consider participating in the Coffee and Dessert Programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.  This is the fourth year of this popular program of classes presented by Community Educator Gail Culver and Genesee County Master Gardeners.  During the program participants will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with desserts homemade by the Master Gardeners. For more information and to register call Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York - This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners - Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management. Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service - Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more. Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour. Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers' Bureau - Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more. Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs. Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties. For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

From Richmond Memorial Library:

As you plan your New Year schedule don’t forget the importance of reading. The best way to prepare your child for school is to introduce books at an early age. The Richmond Memorial Library is here to help by offering story sessions at a variety of times and for many age levels. The staff at the library realizes young children are not ready to just sit quietly and listen to stories. Even if they are great listeners at home - a group situation is much different. In a group setting there are many exciting things to look at and distractions of all kinds. We also know that all children are all different, especially when they are very young. The storytime programs try to accommodate these differences and make reading a fun experience for parent and child. A quiet story session is held for the shy child on Tuesdays with Wednesday sessions for the more exuberant child. All storytimes contain music, puppets, and various activities to allow interaction between the children and adults. These activities are free and open to the public. The programs include:

Baby Bounce held Tuesdays at 9:30am (pre-walkers)

Toddler Time held Tuesdays at 10:30am (quieter walkers –3 years)

Moms & Moppets held Wednesdays at 9:30am (active 1-3 years)

Tiny Tots held Wednesdays at 10:30am (active 1-3 years)

Preschool Party held Thursdays at 10:00am (3-5 years)

Pajama Primetime held Thursdays at 6:30pm (all ages)

Registration for all of these series will begin on January 2, 2009. Storytime sessions will begin the week of January 12th.

To register for one of these sessions, or for more information, parents may call the Library at 343-9550 ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during Library hours: (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) 9AM - 9PM, (Friday ) 9AM - 5PM and 9am-5pm. Register early, as group size is limited.

The Genesee Region Independent Living Center would like to thank everyone in the community who came to our Holiday Open House on December 12th. We would also like to thank all the area merchants for their generous donations.To everyone,,Thank you from the bottom of our heart.

Area Merchants:

Applebee's- Batavia

Arby's- Batavia

Batavia Downs Gaming- Batavia

Bob Evens- Batavia

Corfu IGA- Corfu

Denny's- Batavia

Domino's Pizza- Batavia

D & R Depot- Leroy

Ficarella's Pizza- Batavia

Kutter's Cheese Factory- Corfu

Matty's Pizza- Batavia

O-At-Ka Milk- Batavia

Peking Buffet- Batavia

Ponderosa- Batavia

Quality Markets- Attica

South Beach- Batavia

Subway- Batavia

Tim Horton's- Batavia

Tops Markets- Batavia

Troyer Farms- Medina

Walmart Super Center- Batavia

Yancy's Fancy- Corfu

Volunteers & Staff of GRILC

From the VA Medical Center:

Dr. Miguel Rainstein was appointed Chief of Staff, VA Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY effective December 7, 2008.  In April 2008, Dr. Rainstein began serving as Acting Chief of Staff.  He came to VA WNY Healthcare System as Chief of Surgery in July 2005. Prior to coming to VA WNY Healthcare System, he was the Chief of Surgery at Kenmore Mercy Hospital for 14 years.

As Chief of Staff, Dr. Rainstein has the responsibility of providing quality patient care and coordinating all professional activities to fulfill that mission. He supervises the operation of both the Buffalo and Batavia sites, as well as community based outpatient clinics in Jamestown, Dunkirk, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lackawanna, Olean and Warsaw.

Dr. Rainstein received his undergraduate degree and his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires.  He completed his surgical residency at Millard Fillmore Hospital in 1979. He is currently Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and also holds membership in the Buffalo Surgical Society.  “We are fortunate to have Dr. Rainstein within VA WNY Healthcare System with his years of expertise in the community and VA,” said David J. West, Interim Medical Center Director.
 
Dr. Rainstein lives in Williamsville with his wife.

From December 15^th-30^th, communities across the country will be holding meetings to discuss local ideas for improving health care policy.  December 17^th at 7PM at the Batavia City Centre (in the community meeting room) Genesee County will get its chance to be part of the effort.  Those who attend will be part of a group that will come up with a set of reccomendations which will be turned into a position paper.  That position paper, like the others being submitted nation-wide, will be reviewed by the Obama-Biden transition team and will help shape national health care policy in the next administration.

The event is free and all in the community are welcome to attend and share their ideas, stories and thoughts.  This is our chance to make a difference on a pressing national issue.

Check out www.change.gov or contact me at djones14020@gmail.com for more information.

From the Richmond Memorial Library:

Date: December 10, 2008

Re: Nearly New Year’s Party

Why should adults have all the fun on New Year’s Eve? This year children can help ring in the New Year at the Richmond Memorial Library. Families are invited to the Children’s Room on December 31 from 11am –12 (noon of course) to celebrate at a “Nearly New Year’s Party”. Festive games, foods, and crafts are planned for this special occasion. So don’t let 2009 come without some fanfare. Call the library at 585-343-9550 ext. 4 and make your reservation today.

From the Batavia City School District:

Students at Attica Central School donated 150 holiday ornaments to the patients of United Memorial Medical Center.  Children in Mrs. Goliszek and Mrs. Nowak’s fourth grade classes created candy cane reindeer ornaments for hospital patients as part of a project to demonstrate compassion, the theme for the month of December. The goal of the project is to provide compassion to friends and neighbors who are unable to be home for the holidays.

The ornaments will be placed on patient meal trays at United Memorial where they will certainly brighten the spirits of those who are hospitalized during the holiday season.

Over 600 ornaments were completed by the students and donated to United Memorial, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Wyoming County Community Health in Warsaw. Attica Middle School students annually donate pillowcases to United Memorial’s Pediatric Department which they make using fun juvenile fabrics.

From the Richmond Memorial Library:

Sponsor:  Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia

Event:  Adult Book Discussion

Place:  Richmond Memorial Library

Date & Time:  Wednesday, January 14 7:45 a.m.*

Other Information:  The Adult Book Discussion Group will meet at Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross Street, Batavia on Wednesday, January 14 at 7:45 a.m. to discuss THE GREAT GATSBY by F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Books are available at the front desk. Refreshments served.  For more information, call the library at 343-9550, ext. 8 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org.

*a.m. is correct—we meet early!

From Genesee Community College:

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the calendar of events for its 17th season at the Stuart Steiner Theatre. The Center for the Arts is proud to bring in a variety of artists and productions that raises the standard for years to come. Live performances at the Genesee Center for the Arts begin with:

Arguably the most relevant blues artist of our time (Guitar Player magazine), OTIS TAYLOR brings his unique instrumentation and sound to Genesee Community College in early 2009. A genre defying, critically-acclaimed singer and songwriter, this former antiques dealer is currently on tour promoting his eighth and newest album Recapturing the Banjo. For more information, visit www.otistaylor.com. His performance is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 8:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Otis Taylor are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty/students.

Continuing to present innovative programming for the enrichment of the community, the GENESEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA finishes its 62nd season with two final performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. General admission ticket prices for Genesee Symphony Orchestra concerts are $12.00 for adults, $8.00 for senior citizens (62 & over) and $5.00 for students (18 & under and GCC students with a valid ID). Orchestra tickets are also available through GO-ART 585/343-9313 and Roxy's Music Store 585/343-7222.

Concert #3: "Magnificent" is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 4:00PM.
Concert #4: "Exhilarating" is set for Sunday, May 3, 2009 at 4:00PM.

TThe Center for the Arts continues its commitment to introducing the performing arts to children and families by presenting the modern children's fable, THE INCREDIBLE JUNGLE JOURNEY OF FENDA MARIA. Written by Jack Stokes, Fenda Maria is the story of a young girl who, with the help of a village doctor, must travel through the jungle in order to save a prince from an evil witch. With help from the audience, Fenda Maria and her friends ultimately learn what's important ... the meaning of being a good person. Daytime school performances of The Incredible Jungle Journey of Fenda Maria are scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 through Friday, March 27, 2009, with one final performance for the public on Friday, March 27 at 7:30PM. General admission ticket prices are $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty, and $2.00 for GCC students with a valid ID. For more information on the daytime school performances of Fenda Maria, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 585/343-0055 x6814.

Weaving a rich tapestry of Celtic and World music, STONE ROW presents a unique style of old classics and captivating originals, by blending traditional and contemporary genres. From traditional Celtic songs and World music to a combination of folk, country and hard rock, goes beyond the normal Irish/Celtic stereotype. For more information, visit www.stonerow.com. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Stone Row are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty/students.

The hilarious farce NOISES OFF depicts the onstage and backstage antics of a fifth-rate acting troupe touring in the awful sex farce, Nothing On. The play-within-a-play follows the acting company's antics, both on stage and off, from the disastrous final dress rehearsal through months of performances, that include deteriorating relationships, collapsing scenery, exploding props and general hilarity. Performance dates are scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 7:30PM, Friday, April 24, 2009 at 7:30PM, Saturday, April 25, 2009 at 7:30PM and Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 2:00PM. General admission ticket prices for Noises Off are only $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students, senior citizens and GCC faculty, and $2.00 for GCC students with a valid ID.

The talent of both local artists and Genesee students fill the Lobby Art Gallery at the Genesee Center for the Arts this spring. Open during normal college hours, admission to the Lobby Art Gallery is free. The Spring 2009 performances at the Stuart Steiner Theatre include the following Lobby Art Gallery exhibitions:

The 2008-2009 LOBBY ART GALLERY SEASON celebrates the New Year with JOSEPHINE KEARNEY: PHOTOGRAPHS FROM CHINA, an exhibit introducing vibrant and unconventional photographs throughout China. Scheduled to run from January 15, 2009 to February 24, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

The talents of Genesee student artists take center stage with the GCC FINE ARTS STUDENT EXHIBITION, an exhibit featuring sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and design, highlighting student works (both art and non-art majors) at Genesee Community College. Scheduled to run from February 25, 2009 to March 24, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

The season continues with VIRGINIA MARTIN: PAINTINGS EXHIBIT. Scheduled to run from March 25, 2009 to April 28, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

In tandem with Genesee's Fourth Annual ECO-Fest celebration of Earth Day, a RECYCLED ART COMPETITION AND EXHIBIT will be on display from April 29 to May 1, 2009. A reception for the artists and recyclers will be with ECO-Fest on Thursday, April 30th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.

The academic year concludes with the GCC DIGITAL ART STUDENT EXHIBITION, an exhibit of works from the best of Genesee's digital art students, including theatrical posters, advertising, marketing concepts and more. Scheduled to run from May 5, 2009 to August 25, 2009, an opening reception is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 1:00-2:00PM.

For more ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 585/343-0055 x6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only, credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.