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Lunchtime Book Group

By Darrick Coleman

We will be reading The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd for our September meeting. Bring your lunch and enjoy a lively discussion!

http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/lunchgroup.php

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Cooperative Extension Celebrates Achievements & Volunteers

By Kimberly Amey

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has announced the date of the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event. This year the celebration will be held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia on October 8th at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and in lieu of payment, Extension is asking the public to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to a local food pantry. 
 
Donna Morrill has been named the 2009 “Friend of Extension”. The “Friend of Extension” award is an honor bestowed upon an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to aid in the success of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Donna has been an avid supporter of Extension, has served on the extension board for the past five years and is a graduate of the Leadership Genesee Program.
 
Other highlights of the evening include a tribute to Extension’s many dedicated volunteers, elections to fill positions on the board of directors, recognition of retiring board members Andrea Aldinger, Eric Adams, Mike Stroll, and Shelley Stein, as well as celebration and recognition of 4-H youth. Light hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be available.  
 
For more information or to reserve a seat please call Barb at 585-343-3040 ext. 101 or stop by the Extension office by October 1st.

Everything's game for Elba artist Patricia Burr

By Gretel Kauffman

When asked how old she is, Elba artist Patricia Burr has to think about it a minute.

"Well," she says, "I was born in 1918, so that would make me...my goodness, that would make me 91. But," she adds with a laugh, "I don't feel it."

She doesn't look it or act it, either. Burr, who has resided in Elba for the past 68 of those 91 years, is still a working artist.  

"I've enjoyed drawing for as long as I can remember. But in fifth grade, my teacher noticed that I would always draw in my books after I finished my homework. She called my parents and said, 'You know, it would be nice if your daughter could go to the art school.' Of course, I was all atwitter. I think that was really the beginning of it all."

The art school that her teacher recommended was the Albright Art School, now the Albright Knox Gallery. It was there that she took lessons every Saturday throughout grade school for 50 cents a week.

In 1939, after graduating from Buffalo State College, Burr was hired as Elba High School's first art teacher. Two years later, she moved from her native Buffalo to her current home.

Her love of art is evident just by opening up one of her 14 "fun books," which are filled with photographs and sketches of everything from carefully arranged fruit to strangers seen in restaurants. 

"Always bring a pen or pencil with you wherever you go," Mrs. Burr advises, pointing out to me an impromptu drawing of the back of a friend's house. "You see a lot of different, interesting things."

She says that one of her greatest influences was Don Getz, a well-known Ohio watercolor painter from whom she took some classes.

"He was always very well-prepared for everything. We would all watch him and say, 'Wow, this guy knows how to do it!'  We all hoped that someday we could be as good as Don. My friends and I would go on short road trips to find interesting things to draw, and sometimes Don would come with us. We all had a blast."

Now, Burr paints about three days a week and it usually takes her two days to finish one painting. She tends to work with acryllics and paints mostly landscapes and portraits, although she has been known to paint everything from pets to whiskey bottles, as pictured below.

"There's nothing I don't like to draw," she declares.

 

 

Meet this week's dog and cat

By Billie Owens

I'm Cletus, an adult, neutered, male hound mix. They found me wandering around a dog competition. I was the wrong breed for the show, but I didn't care. I have a sweet personality and would make a great member of your family. Although I have tested positive for heartworm, I will be treated for it by Volunteers for Animals.

I'm Lucky, an orange and white female whose family had to move. They couldn't take me. I'm the kind of cat that needs very little to make me happy -- a soft bed, a sunny spot in the window. I'm a loving companion with much to offer. Please stop in and see me soon.

Adoption fee is $30

Unspayed/unneutered animals also require a $35 refundable deposit

The animal shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Visit Volunteers for Animals on the Web at <vol4animals.org>

Hours are:

Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Wednesday 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GCC gets national recognition as a great place to work

By Billie Owens

Modern Think, a national research firm, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, have named Genesee Community College as one of the nation's "Great Colleges to Work For." 

GCC was the only community college in the State University of New York system to be included in the "Great Colleges to Work For" list.

As part of the "Great Colleges" project, faculty and staff members at Genesee and almost 250 other leading colleges and universities across the nation described their attitudes toward their positions and their institutions in a lengthy survey.

Modern Think, the research firm, tabulated the results on behalf of The Chronicle of Higher Education, the nation's leading higher education professional periodical. As part of the survey process, the college also had to complete a detailed institutional profile.

Chronicle editors used the survey results and institutional profiles to identify several dozen colleges and universities as "great places to work." Genesee scored exceptionally high in the quality of facilities, and the safety and security of the campus environment.

Genesee faculty and staff ranked the college highly in numerous categories, including institutional pride, relationships with supervisors, and overall job satisfaction.

Six members of the College's Buildings and Grounds staff were on hand, and applauded, at the Board of Trustees meeting last month to hear the survey report given by Associate Vice President of Human Resources Gina M. Weaver.

They included: Timothy Landers, director of Buildings and Grounds; Martin Cross, senior custodial worker; Jason Reardon, senior groundskeeper; Erik Will, senior custodial worker; Diane Marchese, Buildings and Grounds secretary; and Wayne Gruendike, Buildings and Grounds supervisor.

Board of Trustees Chair Laurie Miller said that she was pleased with the survey results. 

"We know we're a great college, but it's very nice to be recognized nationally," she said.

Turkey dinner and a look back at 75 years of service at V.A. Medical Center

By Billie Owens

Seventy-five years of activity at the V.A. Medical Center will be highlighted during the Holland Purchase Historical Society's monthly dinner at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. 

The public is invited for a full turkey dinner and dessert at the Elba Methodist Church. Tickets are $8 and are available by telephoning (585) 343-4727 or at info@hollandlandoffice.com. RSVP by Sept. 10.

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TVFCU's "Pay it Forward" Event

By Bre Roz

You’ve heard people say, “a penny for your thoughts”.  Visit Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union on Thursday, October 15th when we will be giving you 1,000 pennies - $10.00 - just for telling us how you would use it to help someone else!  All entries will be videoed.  Finalists will be selected from these entries and posted on-line for voting. The winner will be awarded $1000 to use however they wish in contributing toward their cause. Stop by October 15th, when videoing will take place between 10 am and 2pm, to tell us how you would “Pay it Forward”.

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August chamber mixer is at the beauty school

By Billie Owens

The Continental School of Beauty will host the Aug. 20 Genesee County Chamber of Commerce get-together.

It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at 215 East Main St. Cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. There'll be a 50/50 raffle to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc. Plus doorprizes, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments.

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College adds eight new faculty and staff members

By Billie Owens

Eight new faculty and staff members will join Genesee Community College this fall semester.

They are: 

  • Monica H. Mattioli, associate dean, Lima Campus Center. She has worked as executive director of the Roman Catholic Community of Downtown Rochester, senior director of marketing and public relations for Genesee Country Museum, and director of marketing and recruitment for the Division of Business Management at Roberts Wesleyan College. Mattioli holds a B.A. degree from St. Bonaventure University and a M.S. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of North Chili.
  • Michelle E. Tomaszewski, systems and electronic services librarian. She has worked as database administrator for Upstate NY Go Local Project, and in library positions at Finger Lakes Community College, Hobart and William Smith colleges, Pennsylvania State University at Altoona, and Centre County Library and Historical Museum in Bellefonte, Pa. Tomaszewski holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Geneseo and a M.L.S. degree from SUNY Albany. She is a resident of Scottsville.
  • Jodi S. Harvey, instructor of teacher education. Harvey comes to Genesee from Pavilion Central School District. She has also taught at Genesee Valley BOCES and Genesee Valley Academy in Leicester. She holds a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport and a M.E. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Geneseo.
  • Derek D. Maxfield, instructor of history. He comes to Genesee from Capital Community College in Hartford, Conn. He has also taught at Western New England College in Springfield, Mass., Niagara County Community College, SUNY College at Fredonia, the University at Buffalo, and Canisius College. He holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Cortland and a M.A. degree from Villanova University. He is a candidate for a Ph.D. degree from the University at Buffalo. He is a resident of Dundee.
  • Donna A. Lee LaMura, temporary instructor of chemistry and mathematics. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty. She has also taught at Monroe Community College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Nazareth College. She also has been a high school teacherl. LaMura holds B.A., B.S., and M.S. degrees from the University of Bridgeport, Conn. She resides in Fairport.
  • Roshani Shrestha, temporary instructor of computer technology. She comes to Genesee from John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill. She has also taught at Monroe Community College and Bryant & Stratton College. Shrestha holds a B.S. degree from Quincy University, IIl., and a M.S. degree from the University of Illinois. She is a resident of West Henrietta.
  • Susan M. Chiddy, learning specialist. She has served as a member of Genesee's adjunct faculty for 10 years. She holds a B.S. degree from D'Youville College and a M.E. degree from the University at Buffalo. Chiddy is a resident of Elba.
  • Glenn E. Taplin, academic advisor. He has served as a member of the staff of East High School in Buffalo, retention coordinator for the University at Buffalo's Student Support Services program, and assistant men's basketball coach at Buffalo State College. He holds a B.A. degree from Canisius College and a M.S. degree from Buffalo State College. Taplin resides in East Amherst.

The Batavia Area Jaycees 23rd Annual Labor Day Run & Walk

By Melissa George

The Batavia Area Jaycees 23rd Annual Labor Day Run & Walk

 

Batavia, NY: The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 23rd Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on September 7, 2009 at MacArthur Park in Batavia. 

 

The route is USA Track & Field certified course #NY-06038-JG. This year’s event proceeds will benefit Regional Action Phone, Inc. (RAP).

 

Participants should check in from 8:00 am to 9:30 am. Race time is 10:00 am. The registration fee for runners is $12 if preregistered by August 28th and $15 afterward, including the day of the event.  Walkers can register for $10. The first 50 registered participants will receive a free t-shirt and awards will be presented to the top finishers.

 

Registration forms are available online at www.geneseeny.com/bataviajaycees or by calling the Jaycee hotline at 585-343-5775.

 

The race committee is actively seeking sponsors for this event.  If you are interested in learning more about sponsorship, please leave a message at 585-343-5775 or e-mail to batjcs@wnynet.net

Festival of Fur this Saturday for pets and their people

By Billie Owens

A  fun, family event called the Festival of Fur takes place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday Aug. 16 across from the Genesee County Animal Shelter -- rain or shine.

Genesee Feeds & Needs and Dave's Ice Cream are teaming up with Volunteers for Animals to offer lots of enjoyment to people and the pets who own them, so to speak. The address is 3860 West Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Here's the lineup:

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Giant event for cat adoptions at Petco this Sunday

By Billie Owens

It's raining kittens right now and their human friends are swamped. So they're sending out an S.O.S. to any goodhearted soul who can give these little guys a home.

Currently, there are more than 80 cats and kittens either in the Genesee County Animal Shelter, at Batavia Petco or in foster homes awaiting adoption. Another 40 are on the shelter's waiting list.

From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16, the Batavia Petco (located in the Target Plaza on Veteran's Memorial Highway in the Town of Batavia) will be hosting its second major adoption event.

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Federal Woman of the Year named

By Billie Owens

Toni Ann Petty, Human Resources Specialist at VA Western New York Healthcare System, is the recipient of the 2009 Federal Woman of the Year Award for the Western New York area.

She was selected from among candidates from various federal agencies in the area. This marks the second straight year that the award was given to a VA Western NY Healthcare System employee.

Petty provides retirement and benefits counseling to employees of WNY Healthcare System. Recently a recipient of national certification as a Senior Human Resources Professional, she is also an integral member of the facility's Federal Women's Program Committee. 

In addition, she's a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who advocates for female veterans and employee/patients on VA Western NY Healthcare System's Women Veterans Advisory Council. 

A luncheon in honor of the Federal Woman of the Year and Federal Supervisor of the Year will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at King's Court Restaurant on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

Tomato Preservation Class Offered

By Jan Beglinger

 

Do you have an abundance of tomatoes that you would like to enjoy throughout the coming winter months? Have you ever wanted to get started with preserving the wonderful bounty of summer fruits and vegetables from you garden?
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering a hands-on food preservation class on Saturday, September 5th from 9am to Noon at the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia. The focus of this session will be preserving tomatoes and will be led by Extension food preservation experts Judy Price and Katherine Humphriey.
 
Cost is $25 per person and reservations must be made by Wednesday, September 2nd. Space is limited so reserve your seat now by calling Leigh at 585-343-3040 ext. 114 or by stopping by the Extension office which is located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia and open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Batavia resident, true guardian angel

By Tasia Boland

When people have a strong motivation that drives them to devote all their time and effort to something worthwhile, they are bound to find happiness; at least this is the case for Batavia resident Donald R. Carroll, who has spent countless hours helping local youth.

He is one of four inductees for the Oakfield-Alabama High School Hall of Fame ceremony, which takes place the first weekend in October.

For the last 35 years, Carroll has lived by his motto, “Pay it forward.” He graduated from Oakfield-Alabama Central School in 1974. Instead of following the trend of going off to college after getting his diploma, Carroll decided to join the workforce and focus on his passion for helping less fortunate children.

For his first organized project, he partnered with the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to raise money to send kids to camp. The fundraiser was successful for 23 years.

Erik Fix, branch director of the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA said Carroll has collaborated with the organization over the years on many different occasions. Fix said most recently they have combined efforts on Don’s Secret Santa fundraiser to give gifts to children at Christmas time.

This fundraiser started because Carroll wanted to ensure every underprivileged child he was aware of was not disappointed on Christmas morning. This project has recently been expanded to provide grade school kids with supplies for school and winter coats.

Shortly after the camp fundraiser, Carroll switched his focus to helping students with college expenses. He started a 5k and 10k run in Batavia that ended in 2005 to support the Genesee Community College Foundation.

In 1997 he was named Geneseean of the Year (A person who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, contributed or volunteered beyond the call of duty and who is a resident of Genesee County) by the Chamber of Commerce.

Donald R. Carroll, the quiet, shy orphan who by chance grew up in Oakfield, NY, has become a true “Guardian Angel” of the less fortunate children of Genesee County.

Donald credits his success to having grown up in Oakfield and attending OACS where one individual in particular took a special interest in him. Donald will always be indebted to Coach Bill Burns for guiding him in high school, and getting him his first job as a counselor at YMCA Camp Hough. Coach Burns taught him by example about lending a hand, "paying it forward."

OA Alumni HOF dinner details: 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3. at OA Middle High School. Tickets are $17. How to get tickets:

  • 1. Write your check to "Dollars for Scholars"
  • 2. Put "Hall of Fame" in the memo area
  • 3. Mail check to -- Hall of Fame Treasurer, OACS, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield,  NY 14125

SADD car wash will feature Dancing Derek

By Billie Owens

Genesee Countywide Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) will be holding a fundraiser car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

It will take place at Center of Attention Auto Spa, located at 8318 Park Road, right next to Alex’s Place. People are asked bring donations of school supplies or money to help buy school supplies for local youth.

Also come out and see Dancing Derek from So You Think You Can Dance while getting your car washed!

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Wanted: nominations for Community Volunteer of the Year

By Billie Owens

Attention friends of do-gooders...Batavia City Manager Jason Molino wants to hear from you -- and soon!

The City of Batavia is seeking nominations for the Community Volunteer of the Year recognition award to be presented by City Council at its Sept. 14 business meeting. 

Nomination Forms can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office or by phone at (585) 345-6333. Nominations will be accepted through Aug. 17.

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