Announcements

The Genesee-Orleans Cornell Club is hosting the Cayuga's Waiters Thursday October 15th beginning at 7:00 pm at O'Lacys Irish Pub.  The Waiters are a 14 person, all-male acappella group singing familiar contemporary music along with a few traditional Cornell songs.  The event falls on Cornell's "Spirit of Zinck's Night" which is a long-standing night out for the entire Cornell community for both students and alumni.  Observers of the the annual Zinck's Night will be found in more than 90 locations around the world.  You may be thousands of miles from Cornell, but on Thursday, October 15, you can feel just steps away from the Hill by attending the Spirit of Zinck's event!  No r.s.v.p. required, but a donation is requested.  

The following information is from the Farmer’s Market Federation of New York:

Beginning in 2001, the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Farmers' Market Federation of New York partnered for a pilot project to test wireless handheld Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) terminals for use in open-air farmers' markets. The pilot proved that the wireless technology, although in its infancy, was effective in capturing food stamp sales at farmers' markets in urban settings. The pilot also documented the need for farmers to accept food stamp benefits at farmers' markets, due to customer demand for their products.

As demand for wireless service grew and as the technology evolved, the farmers' market wireless EBT project continued to expand to new cities and more farmers. In 2005, the pilot changed focus from providing terminal access to individual farmers to providing terminal access to market managers.

Under this new paradigm, markets are authorized under FNS to be food stamp agents. They are able to "sell" EBT tokens (specially designed wooden tokens) that can be used with any vendor in the market selling food stamp eligible products. Farmers are able to accept the tokens, same as cash, but with no change back, and then redeem them with the market manager at day's end. Additionally, farmers markets can choose to accept debit and credit transactions on their market’s wireless EBT terminals.

The goal of the program is to increase the demand for locally grown fresh foods at farmers markets among food stamp customers, increase the usage of food stamp benefits at farmers markets and change dietary habits of food stamp customers to include more fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers by helping to change shopping habits over time.

Check with your local farmer's market to see if they participate in this program. For more information on New York's Farmers' Market Wireless EBT Program contact Diane Eggert at (315) 637-4690.

The Elba Town Board will be having a town hall meeting at 7:30 PM on the 15th in the Elba Central School auditorium. 

The town board will be there to answer questions from the community and get residents' input on the 2010 budget. Specific topics will include the transfer station, highway maintenance and the shared court facility. Other topics include the county water project. 

For more information contact Town Supervisor Lucine Kauffman at 757-9921. The school is located at 57 S. Main St.

Northeast berry growers can learn about the latest production techniques and integrated pest management practices from university experts in a series of online web seminars this fall and winter. The first of the dozen interactive, hour-long Œwebinars‚ is scheduled for September 9 and will focus on growing strawberries on plastic and in high tunnels.  The berry IPM webinar series is hosted by the Cornell University Department of Horticulture and funded by the Northeastern Integrated Pest Management Center.
 
The webinars are free, and participation is easy for anyone with a web browser and a high-speed internet connection.  (Pre-registration is required.)  If you can‚t participate from your home or office computer, group viewings are being organized at selected Cornell Cooperative Extension offices around the state and other sites across the northeast region.  Webinars will be recorded and archived for later viewing.
 
Webinar speakers will make their presentations live, and respond to questions and comments that participants type into an online chat box. 
 
The webcasts are divided into 3 mini series focusing on major berry crops: strawberries, brambles, and blueberries/cranberries. Four presentations on each crop group comprise a mini series. 
 
Alternative Production Methods for Strawberries will kick off the strawberry mini series when it airs live September 9th, 2009 at 12:45 PM. Featured speakers for this webcast are Dr. Lewis Jett, West Virginia State University, and Ms. Kathy Demchak, Penn State University. Dr. Jett will be speaking on growing strawberries in high tunnels. Ms. Demchak will be speaking on northeast approaches to growing strawberries on plastic.
 
The first presentation will be offered at a variety of group session locations throughout NYS including CCE Albany, CCE Chautauqua, CCE Clinton, CCE Jefferson, CCE Oneida, and CCE Suffolk counties. Some of these group sessions may include an additional on site speaker or other berry-related event following the webcast, so please contact individual CCE offices for more information.
 
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 will be the 2nd webcast in the strawberry series, also airing at 12:45 PM. Dr. Greg Loeb, Cornell University, will speak about managing strawberry sap beetle and tarnished plant bug;  Dr. Richard Cowles, University of Connecticut, will help growers better understand strawberry vine weevil and its management.
 
Wednesday October 7th, 2009, 12:45 PM. Dr. Michael Ellis, Ohio State University, will speak on managing strawberry root diseases; Dr. David Gadoury, Cornell University will speak on strawberry powdery mildew management. 
 
Friday October 30th, 2009, 12:45 PM. Dr. Robin Bellinder, Cornell University, will give an overview of strawberry weed management products; Dr. Marvin Pritts, Cornell University, will speak on cultural approaches to strawberry weed management.
 
There is no charge for webcast participation, but registration is required. Email with URL connection details is only sent to people who have registered. Connection details are sent about two days before the webinars. Please be connected by 12:45 PM.
 
Connections for each webcast are limited to 70 participants so register now by contacting Laura McDermott, lgm4@cornell.edu or calling 518-746-2562.
 

Check the web site for additional program and group viewing location details: www.fruit.cornell.edu/webinar <http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/webinar>  <http://www.fruit.cornell.edu/webinar> .
 
For more information contact Jan Beglinger, Agriculture Outreach Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 126, stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia, or visit our website at htttp://genesee.shutterfly.com <http://genesee.shutterfly.com/> .

 The Genesee County Planning Board meets Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in County Building #2.

Agenda (PDF)

Minutes from previous meeting (PDF)

The Genesee County Legislature meets Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Old Courthouse.

Agenda (PDF)

Resolutions (PDF)

This fall, Genesee Community College is offering tai chi ch'uan lessons and Mandarin Chinese lessons. Tai chi ch'uan lessons will be on Monday and Thursday evenings and Mandarin Chinese lessons on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Both are at the Batavia campus and open to all.

Tai chi ch'uan, translates literally as "supreme ultimate fist," and is commonly known as tai chi. It is a "soft" or "internal" Chinese martial art, an ancient discipline followed by millions of people all over the world.

The college in conjuction with the Red Dragon School of Martial Arts will offer classes on from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday and Thursday starting Sept.14 and running through Dec. 17. The cost for this 26-session class is $286 and registration can be made through the Records Office at Genesee.

Tai chi is a system of exercises with both physical and mental benefits that everyone can practice regardless of age and physical abilities. Through these classes, students work according to their ability and within their natural range of movement. The movements are extended, natural, gentle, graceful and relatively simple and easy to learn. Tai chi is also a martial art, where embodied within the slow, gentle movements are powerful vigor and force. Tai chi can also be used to improve health and wellness and has been shown to reduce stress, depression, pain, inflammation and blood pressure. It also has been known to improve flexibility, balance, strength, circulation and mental outlook.

The college will also offer free Mandarin Chinese lessons on from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday starting Sept. 21, in room B360 at the Batavia campus. The lessons will focus on integrating speaking and listening as well as reading and writing skills.

Mandarin Chinese is taught by Genesee student Aiwen Yang. Aiwen was born in China and attended Chinese schools until moving to Spain. While in Spain, she studied Spanish and French and taught Chinese to members of the business community. She is currently a resident assistant at College Village, the on-campus student housing.

"Tai chi and Mandarin lessons are great examples of the multi-cultural learning opportunities Genesee Community College regularly offers to our students and our community," said Karin Kovach-Allen, dean of Human Communications and Behavior at Genesee. "We're especially pleased that one of our own students has offered to share her culture and language with the community."

For further information about Tai Chi and Mandarin lessons, please contact Nina Mortellaro at 585-343-0055 ext. 6228.

You are cordially invited to join us for the 20th

Annual Genesee County Decision-Maker’s Agriculture Forum,

sponsored by the Agriculture Committee of the
Genesee County Chamber of Commerce

 

“Careers in Action”

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

 

Tour begins at the Elba Fireman’s Recreation Hall located at

7143 Oak Orchard Road (Rt. 98), Elba, NY 14058

 

 

7:15 a.m.         Registration / Breakfast (Eggs, sausage, hash browns, muffins, yogurt, milk, coffee, etc.)

 

7:45 a.m.                     Welcome:

Shelley Stein, Chair, Agriculture Committee, GC Chamber of Commerce

Steve Lockwood, Chair, Board of Directors, GC Chamber of Commerce

                                   

7:50 a.m.                     Torrey Farms

The current and next generation of Torrey Farms will share how the next generation of the Torrey family is working into the business and the various roles and responsibilities of family and management in running a Top 100 Farm.

 

8:45 a.m.                     Load busses and travel to Lamb Farm, Oakfield

 

9:00                             Lamb Farms, Oakfield

The Lamb and Veazey families will highlight some of the technology in use at their farm and how the second generation of the original partners are working together to share decision making and management to keep their business growing.

 

10:00                           Travel to CY Farms, Batavia

 

10:15                           CY Farms LLC & Provitello, LLC

CY will discuss the role of non-family members in the management of their diverse businesses and how they all work together to make the farm successful.  Jurian Bartelse of Provitello, LLC will talk about his family’s innovative veal raising facility and how technology has influenced the management of their business and the opportunities that it has created.

 

11:15                           Wrap-up and Return to Elba Recreation Hall

 

 

To participate in the 2009 Decision-Makers’ Agriculture Forum, you need to register by September 22, 2009, (there is no charge, but you must register): 

Call Melissa at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce: 585-343-7440, ext. 27 or email: chamber (at) geneseeny (dot) com

 

 

 

The Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K returns to Elba September 19. The 5^th annual event raises money for disability services and helps fund the Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship.  Mrs. Graney was a dedicated parent, a long-time supporter of Genesee ARC, and a strong advocate for persons with developmental disabilities.

The Friends & Family event is made up of a 5K certified course, 5K Walk and a Fun Walk, with the route beginning near and ending at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center, 4603 Barrville Road, Elba. Pre-registration for participants in the 5K is $15.00 by September 12^th or $20.00 on the day of the 5K. Fun Walkers pay $10.00 before September 12^th and $15.00 on September 19^th.

The “out and back” course will begin on Barrville Road, head west, then turn, heading east on Bridge then north on Luddington to the end, then back to the ARC Day Habilitation Center. Affected roads will be closed while runners are on the course. ARC is working with Town of Elba, Highway officials and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department to ensure a safe, fun time for everyone.

Prizes will be presented to the overall male and female runners, with medals awarded to the male and female first and second place runners in the following age categories: 8–12, 13–18, 19–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and 70+. Medals will be awarded to the top three 5K Walkers (regardless of gender). The first 150 registered runners and walkers will receive a Friends & Family 5K t-shirt.

PCR Timing has been hired to time the race and will be using state-of-the-art DAG technology. The DAG system uses a disposable computer component, unlike the “chip” technology in which runners must return the chip or face hefty fees.

After the Run/Walk, participants will be treated to a post race party, with music provided by The Buffalo Road Show. Kid-friendly activities include a bounce house, face painting and Magician, Adam Michael. Again this year, to go along with the country theme, event organizers are planning to showcase the produce from Elba area farmers in a “Taste of Elba.”

Title sponsor of the Friends & Family 5K is the Buffalo Law Firm of Webster Szanyi LLP, with substantial support provided by WBTA Radio and Genesee Valley Penny Saver.

For information on the Genesee ARC Friends & Family 5K, call Sandy Konfederath at ARC at 343-1123 or pick up a registration form at 64 Walnut Street, Batavia. Registration forms are also available at several area locations and in Elba at the town hall and post office.

The best-tasting milk and dip in New York State comes from Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc.’s plants in Rochester and West Seneca, respectively. Genesee County milk suppliers participate in the co-op.

Cornell University’s Department of Food Science honored the cooperative’s Upstate Farms Milk and Bison Creamy Dill Dip products at the New York State Fair’s Dairy Day on Aug. 31.

Company representatives were invited to take home the Gold Medallion, accompanied by the Blue Ribbon. Ken Voelker, director of marketing at Upstate Niagara Cooperative pointed out that “Winning the gold reflects our member farmers’ commitment to produce the best milk and dairy products possible. We look forward to continually enhancing the quality of the products that we deliver throughout the U.S.” 

Bison Creamy Dill Dip, manufactured by Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc., is one of the company’s newest dip flavors, joining its popular flavor line-up. All Bison® dips are made with fresh sour cream and include flavors like French Onion, Southwestern Chipotle, Creamy Ranch, Roasted Garlic & Parmesan, and Reduced Fat French Onion.

Cornell University’s Department of Food and Science conducted the tests. Analysis focused on appearance, mouth feel and overall taste. The annual selection is a part of the New York State Quality Improvement and enjoys participation from nearly all commercial dairy producers in New York.   
   
Upstate Niagara Cooperative (formerly Upstate Farms) is owned and operated by a close-knit family of over 390 local dairy-farm families who care deeply about quality and freshness. The cooperative has been supplying a wide variety of fresh, high-quality dairy products under the Upstate Farms, Bison and Intense brands, for more than 40 years.

Genesee Community College will hold the 2009 Wolcott J. Humphrey III Symposium on Leadership and Community Life on Monday, Sept. 21.

Fred Grandy, television star, radio personality, former CEO and Congressman will deliver the keynote address on the "Art of Change." It will focus on bringing positive change to local organizations and the community.

"We couldn't have asked for a more appropriate topic for this year's symposium," said 2009 Symposium Chair Lori Stupp. "As the economic and political climates have changed recently, our local businesses and community groups must adapt and change as well."

The symposium will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Batavia Campus. Tickets are $25 and reservations must be made by Sept.14. For further information, please call the Genesee Community College Office of External Affairs at 585-343-0055 x6234.

A reception with hearty hors d'oeuvres will follow the keynote address.

Although Grandy may be best known for his acting role as the loveable "Gopher" on The Love Boat comedy series, he has an assortment of career experiences that allow him to present poignant messages on importance of giving back and community involvement.

Upon leaving Hollywood, Grandy successfully campaigned for Congress in his home state of Iowa and served eight years in House of Representatives. Afterward, he became president and CEO of Goodwill Industries and spent the next few years rebuilding the nonprofit chain of retail stores and rehab centers.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard with a Master's degree in Shakespearean studies from The George Washington University, he has been a visiting professor at the University of Maryland's School of Public Affairs, as well as a consultant to a number of nonprofit organizations.

He now makes his living in talk radio as the host of the popular Grandy & Andy Morning Show on 630 WMAL in Washington, DC, and is the co-host of Retired Living TV's Daily Café, which focuses on news and current affairs and includes viewer participation.

The family and friends of Wolcott J. (Jay) Humphrey III, who died suddenly in September 2001, established the symposium in his memory. Humphrey, who served as president of Pavilion State Bank (now part of Five Star Bank) and was chairman of the Board of Trustees for Genesee Community College at the time of his death, was one of the region's foremost civic leaders and a strong proponent of leadership development.

The symposium brings speakers with a national or regional reputation to the college to discuss some facet of leadership. Past speakers have included Syracuse University Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim, Paychex CEO Thomas Golisano, William Hudnut III, a former Congressman, and Paul S. Speranza, chairman of the board of directors of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The office of Alumni Affairs at Genesee Community College has named Jacqueline Kay Christenson as the new alumni coordinator. "Jackie" began her new position earlier this month after the retirement of Patti Pacino.

Previously, Christenson  was director of alumni programs at Roberts Wesleyan College, where she also served as the assistant director of alumni relations. She was responsible for organizing the Homecoming events, as well as many other alumni initiatives and communication efforts. In addition, she served in other capacities, including office manager and tutor coordinator.

She received her bachelor's degree in organizational management and a master's degree in business from Roberts Wesleyan College. She attended college as a nontraditional-aged student and started her professional career later in life. As an adult student, she had to balance the responsibilities of home and family with her college studies. She enjoyed being around students of all ages. She's eager to hear about the success of nontraditional Genesee students who have graduated and started their own careers.

"I'm really looking forward to connecting Genesee's alumni," Christenson said. "It will be interesting to meet the many different graduates and hear their stories. I hope to bring as many alumni back to campus as possible, so they can see how much the college continues to grow and how their support and involvement with their alma mater adds an incredible dynamic to the life and times at Genesee."

One new opportunity she plans to develop in her first year is an Alumni Mentoring program. Funded by a grant, she hopes to match successful alumni with current students to foster relationships and help to guide students with career advice and possible job shadowing.

Christenson is a resident of North Chili and has two sons, Jeff (34) and Steve (29). She enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters, Claire and Maggie. She also enjoys camping, Cajun Zydeco music and swing dancing.

For further information, or to contact the Office of Alumni Affairs, please call 585-343-0055 x6265 or email at alumni@genesee.edu.