Announcements

From Genesee Community College:

he Global Education Committee and the Student Government Association at Genesee Community College are sponsoring a panel discussion on the Current Issues in Immigration. The panel discussion will take place on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Batavia Campus in room T102. The event is free and open to the public.

Guest speakers include: Sophie Feal, Supervising Immigration Attorney at the Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project; Samson Olaode, Director of Grant Services at Genesee and a native of Nigeria; Betty Svitavsky, Principal of Brockport Migrant Education Project; and Nada Brooks, an international student at Genesee from Mongolia. The panel discussion will discuss the challenges and issues involved in becoming a citizen, interpreting and navigating current immigration laws and living as a migrant worker.

As part of the efforts of the Global Education Committee at Genesee, the group will also be sponsoring collection drives for reading glasses, eye glasses and sun glasses on behalf of the Lions Club. There is also a collection for glasses for New York Help Honduras, a non-profit organization that sponsors mission trips to Honduras to aid in medical, agricultural and educational improvements. Collection boxes will be available at the panel discussion as well as in the Social Sciences suite at the Batavia campus.

The Global Education Committee at Genesee Community College is dedicated to recognizing, embracing, and celebrating the diversity of the human family. Through its varied activities, the Global Education Committee fosters multicultural awareness, understanding and appreciation, and provides opportunities to demonstrate global citizenship.

For further information, please contact Karen Kovach-Allen, Dean of Human Communication and Behavior at Genesee Community College at 585-343-0055 ext.6298 or by email kekovachallen@genesee.edu.

From Genesee Community College:

The annual Encore event is a holiday tradition featuring a performance by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at approximately 7:45 PM in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Guests will be welcomed by Edgar and Mary Louise Hollwedel, chairpersons of the event.

A pre-concert Gala Reception from 6:00 to 7:30 PM takes place in the William W. Stuart Forum where guests will savor sensational gourmet foods from various stations, and listen to the festive sounds of Derek Reiss' Jazz Quartet. After the RPO concert, guests will enjoy a coffee bar including a selection of delectable desserts.

A few tickets for the event are still available for $100 by calling 585-345-6809.

FREE energy saving and financial management workshops will be offered in December at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.

Save Energy, Save Dollars will be offered at 9 a.m. on December 12th and will be followed by Making Ends Meet at 11:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend one or both of these informative sessions.

The Save Energy, Save Dollars session helps participants learn about low-cost and no-cost ways to reduce energy bills, learn about programs that can help you afford energy-efficiency improvements with subsidies, low-interest loans, or free services to qualifying households.  All attendees receive an assortment of energy saving items.

Making Ends Meet shows participants how to develop a household-spending plan, ways to maximize resources and how to reduce energy usage. Money management kits will be provided to all in attendance.

Pre-registration required.  For more information or to register, contact Kristine Fisher at 343-3040, ext. 114 or kaf35@cornell.edu,  or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

7th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner

Saturday, March 21, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Alexander Fire Hall, Rt. 98 in Alexander

Dinner tickets may be ordered for $25 each or $230 for a table of ten from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County.

The event is open to the public. You are encouraged to purchase tickets early as only 400 will be sold and last year the event sold out by mid-January.

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.
This year the event will wrap up National Agriculture Week, which will run from March 15-21.

To order tickets stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia. For more information, call Michelle Dills at 585-343-3040 ext. 107.

This event is coordinated by the following partners
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce
Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District
Genesee County Farm Bureau

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Annette Zuber has been named Employee of the Month for November 2008. Annette has worked at Genesee for nine years and is currently a Technical Specialist in Institution Research and Assessment. While working at Genesee, she has completed two Associate's degrees and is on her way to completing a Master's Degree.

Before coming to Genesee, Annette was a stay-at-home mom to her three children when she came to Genesee to update her business skills to get a job. Her first position at the College was a math mentor and she assumed her present position in Institutional Research and Assessment in 2004. She has made great contributions to the College's ability to track students and graduates by creating and maintaining databases. She is a self -starter who repeatedly demonstrates the capacity to organize complex tasks, gather and interpret information, and to research and understand complicated regulations and directions from external agencies.

Annette began her educational career at Cornell University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Food and Nutrition in 1972. While working at the College, she found time to obtain an Associate's Degree in Accounting in 2000 and an additional Associate's Degree in Computer Information Systems in 2002. Annette is currently working on a Master's degree in Mathematics at SUNY Brockport.

A resident of Wyoming, NY, she enjoys gardening, crafts and photography, as well as raising puppies for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

"I like the fact that I am allowed to work with my own style in a very supportive environment," Annette said. "I have many different projects, so the job is always interesting."

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College is pleased to name Emily Voss Student of the Month for November. Emily, a 2007 graduate of Fillmore High School, is in the Elementary Education Transfer Program at Genesee. She is a very active student and was named to the Dean's List in the Spring of 2008. She participates in many activities on campus and at College Village, all while maintaining an excellent academic record.

Emily is a work study student in the Accelerated College Enrollment (ACE) programs office where she is punctual and completes her work with responsibility and efficiency. She is a dedicated worker that even goes the extra distance to help out with the multitude of applications for ACE courses.

Emily, 19, a resident of Short Tract, NY plans on attending Roberts Wesleyan upon completing her studies at Genesee to pursue a Bachelor's and Master's Degree. She says her dream job would be to teach the first grade at her hometown school district, Fillmore Central School.

Emily chose Genesee Community College for its small community feel and its low cost of tuition. "My favorite aspect of Genesee is how small it is," said Emily. "This allows you to grow closer to your classmates and your professors, while getting a hands-on education."

From Genesee Community College:

Residents in College Village have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. Beginning at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 25, the Resident Assistants and College Village staff at Genesee Community College will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for students in the Village Hall of College Village. The meal is free to residents and will include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and of course, pumpkin pie.

On average, 100 to 150 students attend the annual dinner. For many, this will be their only Thanksgiving celebration. And for international students, this may be the first time they've experienced the holiday or tasted the traditional fare.

"The RA's and staff get to cook all day for this event and we definitely have fun along the way," said Ellen Brokaw, Assistant Director of Residence Life at College Village. "For some, this is their first try at cooking a full Thanksgiving meal. We hope to have a good turnout of students participating and are looking forward to a fun evening."

This is the fourth year that College Village has provided a free Thanksgiving dinner to students.

For further information, please contact Ellen Brokaw, Assistant Director of Residence Life at Genesee's College Village at 585-343-0163 or by email ecbrokaw@genesee.edu.

From Genesee Community College:

The fourth annual RESPECT Campaign Food Drive at Genesee Community College was a success, despite the recent slower economy. The food drive ran from November 3rd through November 11th, with all collections donated to the local Salvation Army.

In addition to the donations collected by the members of the RESPECT Campaign, the group also purchased 15 turkeys as well as the ingredients to create the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberry sauce were all purchased to complete the meals. The members of the RESPECT campaign anticipated the donations could feed approximately 30 local families this holiday season.

"The members of the Salvation Army we're so surprised with our donations this season," said Ellen Brokaw, assistant director of Residence Life at College Village. "In the face of a slower economy and tighter spending, people still came out and donated so many items. This really shows the type of people we have in our community and the generosity they demonstrated."

The RESPECT Campaign aims to promote and create a more respectful environment throughout the College and among all students, staff and faculty. It is organized by Residence Life at College Village, as well as Student Activities. They promote special events and opportunities for the entire college community, the many different cultures, races, religions, as well as the different genders and various levels of authority, so they can build a dynamic understanding with one another.

Anyone interested in becoming involved are encouraged to call Ellen Brokaw at 343-0163 or Joanna Barefoot at 343-0055 x 6513. Volunteers and contributions from the general community are warmly welcomed.

The parent group at Robert Morris Elementary has completed three of six workshops that are being presented to parents. These workshops are designed to reach out to parents in our community. Workshop topics already covered included a Math Night, Internet Safety Workshop, and Study Skills and the Home Environment.  Future topics include Practical Financial Hints to Help Save on January 27, 2009, Anxiety in Children on February 24, 2009, and Communicating with Your Child on March 31, 2009. All workshops are from 6:30p.m.until 8:00p.m. These presentations are open to all parents and the materials are sent to each principal. F.O.R.M. provides refreshments for each workshop and the parents put forth a great deal of effort to ensure that these workshops are a success. Reaching out to parents and providing opportunities for involvement is the goal of this year's workshops.

Information provided by Allison Chua

From the VA Medical Center:

A special observance will take place Friday, November 21 at VA Western New York Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue, to increase awareness about Native American culture and services. 

The program will take place at 9:30am in Freedom Hall, room 301.  Sheldon Sundown, a mental health peer advocate from Native American Independent Living Services will discuss programs and services available to Native Americans living on area Nation territories and in urban areas to include Independent living, family support services, reimbursement program, to veterans, employees and the public. 

In addition to the presentation, A Native American drum group will provide entertainment.

James P. Cody, interim medical center director stated, “VA WNY Healthcare System salutes and honors all American Indian and Alaska Native contributions to the Department and our society.

During this month’s observance, we specifically express our appreciation for these contributions and for the dedicated service by our American Indian and Alaska Native veterans."

From Genesee Community College:

John C. Dwyer of Batavia was re-elected President of the Genesee Community College Foundation, Inc. at Wednesday night's annual meeting of the Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Dwyer will serve his third one-year term in that office. For many years, Mr. Dwyer was a well-known Batavia retailer. He also served as executive director of the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency (now known as the Genesee County Economic Development Center)

Also elected to one-year terms as officers were:

• Timothy D. Woodward, of Batavia, First Vice President. Mr. Woodward is a President of Gilmartin Funeral Home and a member of Genesee's Class of 1971.
• Stuart Steiner, of Batavia, Second Vice President. Dr. Steiner is President of Genesee Community College.
• Toni Ann Moore, of Leicester, Secretary. Mrs. Moore is a court administrator and Livingston County farm operator.
•Brian M. Daviau, of Batavia, Treasurer. Mr. Daviau is Accounting Manager of Markin Tubin Co. and a member of Genesee's Class of 1981.

New members of the Board of Directors include:

• Richard L. Fish of Perry. Mr. Fish is Chairman of Complete Payroll Processing.
• Monica Hale Dawson of Batavia. Mrs. Dawson is Secretary-Treasurer of Shepard Maxwell Hale Insurance.

Re-elected to the Board of Directors were Robert J. Bennett of LeRoy, Vice President, Bank of Castile; Robert L. Boyce of LeRoy, Vice President of Tompkins Insurance Co.; Lynn E. Browne of Batavia, retired manufacturing and distribution exec utive; Roger F. Christiano of Batavia, President of Christiano Cellular Group; Mr. Dwyer; Vito J. Gautieri of Attica, President of V.J. Gautieri Development of Batavia, Inc.; Jerry L. Reinhart of Batavia, retired President of the former Access Rentals and local entrepreneur; Thomas McCormick of Bliss, President of McCormick Farms.

At a special meeting of Genesee Community College Foundation Housing Services, Inc., (the Foundation's real estate and student housing corporation), members elected officers for one-year terms:

• Norbert J. Fuest of Attica as President of GCCFHS. Mr. Fuest is Director of Human Resources at Morton Salt.
• Mr. Bennett, Vice President.
• Dr. Steiner, Secretary.
• Mr. Browne, Treasurer.

Re-elected to three-year terms on the GCCFHS Board were Marcia H. Noonan of Batavia, Administrator of Victorian Manor and Mr. Browne.

From the VA Medical Center:

Thanksgiving dinner will be served to homeless and other needy veterans and their families, Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Buffalo VA, 3495 Bailey Avenue. Judi Kaczmarek, Human Resources Specialist has organized the event for the last eight years. 

She has been gratified with the response received by both the staff and the veterans served from previous years.  The event occurs the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day in order to provide a hot meal to those in need.   Admission is by ticket only.  Homeless veterans and veterans in need can call 881-5855 to obtain a ticket and learn more about transportation.

About 150 veterans and their families will be treated to a turkey and ham dinner with all the trimmings that will be served by staff in the VA Food Court located in the hospital's lower level. Veteran Service Organizations and other community groups have made donations for the event.

Entertainment by children of staff and a magic show will highlight the festivities this year. VA health care and other veterans’ benefits information will be provided to veterans with the opportunity to enroll in VA health care at the event.

From the Batavia Business Improvement District:

Join in the holiday spirit at the 13th annual Christmas in the City is Friday, December 5, 2008, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Batavia. 

Activities include entertainment by the Batavia Concert Band and In Jest, over twenty vendors selling food and gifts, free horse and wagon rides, Batavia Muckdog & Red Wing mascots and lots more for all ages.  Winners of the Holiday Ornament Contest will be announced that evening in Batavia City Centre.

More than twenty downtown merchants will have in store entertainment, special sales & drawings, along with refreshments for the holiday shopper.

For more information about the event or to be a vendor contact the Batavia Business Improvement District at 585-344-0900 or visit www.downtownbataviany.com.

What:  "Annual Cookie Auction." Members bring their favorite cookies, pies, cakes, candy or fudge to raise money for the Scholarship Fund.

When: Dec. 4, 2008 - 5:30 p.m.

Where: Bohn's Restaurant, Clinton St. Batavia.

Dinner: Chicken Parmesean, Pasta, Rolls, Coffee and Dessert.

Cost: $15.00

RSVP by Nov. 28 to Connie 343-4603 or Sarah 343-3096

Guests are always welcome!

At 6 p.m., Monday, the Richmond Library will host a discussion, lead by Paul McCullough, on computers. The subject is whether you should buy a new computer or just upgrade or repair your current computer.

Learn the things to consider when making this potentially costly decision. Learn some of the software issues to consider. The class if free. Contact the library at 343-9550, ext. 3 to register.

We received this notice for parents of Batavia City school students:

Our school district will soon be able to contact you by an automated telephone/voice messaging system to notify you of emergency closings, important notifications, and specific school events.

We believe that this notification system is important as it will help to:
• Support safety and security in our schools
• Improve communication among our students, their families and the school district
• Contact our families and community about important events in a timely manner
• Increase family involvement in school activities and programs

In order to ensure that you receive these vital messages, it is necessary that we have your current phone number(s) on file. If you have already provided us with your revised phone numbers, we thank you. If you would like to update your telephone number(s), please contact the Main Office of the building your child attends.  If you have children in multiple buildings, you will only need to call one building to update your parent contact information for all your children’s records. Please contact us at 585-343-2480.

Ext. 2000 – High School
Ext. 3000 – Middle School
Ext. 4000 – Jackson Elementary
Ext. 5000 – John Kennedy Elementary
Ext. 6000 – Robert Morris Elementary

Please also let us know if you have any special needs to help us better communicate with you using this messaging system.  We thank you for your efforts to develop a strong partnership for our students.

Information submitted by Pam Buresch

It’s been just about a year since members of Miss Betsey Bodine's ND Environmental Awareness Club started actively filling up the large, green and yellow Abitibi recycling container which is located in the parking lot behind Notre Dame! Who says every little piece of paper doesn't add up!

Members of the ND family -faculty and staff, students, parents and friends of ND - can be proud of the fact that 25.27 tons - yes, tons!!! - of paper have been recycled during the past year through our Abitibi!

Congratulations on a job well done and keep up the good work!

Please pass the word . . . you do not have to be a member of the ND family to recycle in our recycling bin! Please encourage your friends, neighbors and relatives to use our Abitibi for recycling their papers and magazines and join us in our attempt to keep our campus - and our little bit of the world - GREEN!

Picture caption:  Student recyclers pose next to the Abitibi pickup truck on Friday, October 3, 2008. (L to R):  Haley Alexander '10, Alex Sandra Morgan '10, Sidney Moag '11, Sophia DelPlato '11 and Paul Teresi '11.

Item submitted by Notre Dame.

Elizabeth Fischer, daughter of Michael and Mary Anne Fischer of Medina, and a member of the ND Class of 2009 has been designated a Commended Student in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program.  Commended students are recognized for having demonstrated outstanding academic potential by their strong performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) which our current Juniors and Seniors took last October.  Our current Sophomores and Juniors will take the 2008 version of the NMSQT on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. 

Beth’s high Selection Index score on the PSAT exam last October places her among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students in over 21,000 high schools who entered the 2009 competition.  Commended students are named on the basis of a national selection index of 200 which is applicable to all participants, without regard to state-by-state distribution.

A member in good standing of the ND Chapter of the National Honor Society since her Sophomore year, Beth has earned High Honor roll status in each quarter of her ND career, as well as highest average recognition in Biology and Global Studies 9 (2005-2006); Chemistry, Math 10, and Global 10 (2006-2007), and Physics, Math 11, AP US History, Spanish III and Theology (2007-2008).  She has also been an active member of the ND Student Senate, Science Club, and Mission Club and also currently serves as a morning PA announcer.

Beth is also very active in her parish (Holy Family) where she serves as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and altar server.

Beth plans on pursuing a career in Biomedical Engineering and lists Cornell University, RIT, and Roberts Wesleyan as possible college choices. She will receive recognition for her Commended Student achievement at Notre Dame’s annual end-of-the-year Celebration of Gifts and Talent in May 2009.

Congratulations, Beth on this noteworthy achievement!

Information submitted by Notre Dame