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Announcements

BEST Center offers new online course on Microsoft Word for Mac users

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is excited to offer a new online course for Macintosh computer users: Introduction to Microsoft Word 2011 for Mac.

Participants in the course will learn how to use the world's most popular word processor on the Mac, creating documents and formatting text. They'll master tips and techniques for editing and formatting documents, adding images, sharing documents, and much more.

This course is part of The BEST Center's growing catalog of more than 300 instructor-facilitated online courses, offered through a partnership with ed2go. These high quality, noncredit courses feature well-crafted lessons from an expert instructor, as well as interaction with fellow students. The instructor facilitates every course, pacing learners, answering questions, giving feedback, and facilitating discussions.

The courses are entirely Web-based with comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and assignments and new sessions of each course run every month. They last six weeks, with two new lessons being released weekly (for a total of 12).

Participants in these online courses gain valuable knowledge at their convenience with the flexibility to study at their own pace, but with adequate structure and support to complete the course. The classroom is accessible 24/7 from any Internet connection.

For more information, call The BEST Center (Business Employee Skills Training) at GCC at 585-345-6868 or visit www.bestcenter.org.

Batavia Concert Band accepting applications for conductor

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band is already preparing for their 2013 Summer Concert Series in Centennial Park.  As part of those preparations, the Board of Directors is currently soliciting applications for the position of Conductor. Interested applicants may contact President Jill Arent for more information, including application materials.  Jill may be reached at lizllij@gmail.com.

Le Roy's Robert Boyce elected president of GCC Foundation Board of Directors

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Robert L. Boyce, of Le Roy, has been elected president of the Genesee Community College Foundation, continuing his longstanding commitment and dedication to the institution.

Boyce has served as a member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors since 2005, most recently as first vice president. He has also volunteered his time and energy in a number of different capacities including serving on the Finance Committee and the Fund Development Committee as chairman, the Risk Management Committee, several Annual Campaign committees, as well as the search committees for GCC's annual fund director.

Boyce, now an independent licensed insurance broker for Tompkins Insurance Agencies, was the president and CEO of Ernest Townsend and Son, Inc., from 1972 through 2000, when he sold his interest in the firm to the Tompkins Holding Company.

His other civic leadership commitments include nine years on the United Memorial Medical Center Group Board including a term as president; 10 years serving as president with the Le Roy Emergency Ambulance Service; and 27 years as a member and past president of the Le Roy International Rotary Club where he is also a Paul Harris Fellow.

Boyce served in the Army and graduated with a Business degree from the University of Buffalo.

In his spare time, Boyce enjoys time with his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), their three adult children and six grandchildren. He is also a 40-year veteran season ticket holder for both the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres.

Donate blood at UMMC, get a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee

By Billie Owens

A blood drive at United Memorial Medical Center is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28. It will be held at the hospital’s main campus on North Street in Batavia. The American Red Cross mobile unit will be parked near the front entrance of United Memorial. Each presenting donor will receive a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.

United Memorial, through a contractual agreement with the Red Cross, sponsors a number of blood drives throughout the year. Donors help the hospital reach donor goals, which offset and help reduce the cost of blood products received through the American Red Cross.

Appointments for Monday's blood drive may be made by calling 344-5474. Walk-ins are welcome.

Byron-Bergen School crowned winner of GCC's 'Play to Get Fit Challenge'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Health and Physical Education department at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce that Byron-Bergen Elementary School has been crowned the winner of the 2012 "Play to Get Fit Challenge."

The Genesee Play to Get Fit Program was created for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region to show how many minutes they spend active outside of school. Children kept track of the time they spent in physically active play when they were not in school through a specially designed "Play to Get Fit" calendar log. Walking, biking, running, skating, swimming, playing a sport, playing tag, playing on a swing set and other active, creative games were all eligible for active "credit."

However, video fitness games such as Wii Fit and Wii Sports were not eligible.

Byron-Bergen Elementary won with an average total of 2,778.95 minutes spent active outside of school. Principal Brian Meister was presented with a plaque by Becky Dziekan, GCC's director of Health and Physical Education and the students at Byron-Bergen were rewarded with a pizza party.

Genesee Community College prioritizes sports and recreation programs as an area of study. Transfer Degree Programs (A.S.) include Physical Education Studies and Sport Management Studies. Career Degree Programs (A.A.S.) include Fitness and Recreation Management, which offers a new Golf Management Concentration to help turn your passion for golf into a career.

"We firmly believe that good healthy living starts in primary school and at the earliest ages and we hope to encourage people having active, fulfilling lives," Professor Dziekan said. "This was our first Play to Get Fit initiative, but we strongly hope it will not be our last. We congratulate Byron-Bergen for this accomplishment and to all the participating students in the GLOW area for their effort and recognition of the value of being physically active."

GCC students form new adult support group

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For adult students who are looking to further their education after past experiences in the workforce, military, raising family, or similar encounters along life's journey -- the uneasiness and anxiety of returning to the classroom may be overwhelming.

Genesee Community College students in that category now have a new outlet and opportunity to share their fears and experiences with others in the same situation.
John Sherman, Brenda Sheflin, Keith Compton, Jeremy Weatherbee, Michelle Taylor and Richard Long teamed up last semester to form the Returning Adult Student Organization (RASO) support group at GCC.

The opportunity to talk to others who have similar fears about returning to school, help build confidence in the new environment, overcome the awkwardness of being in a classroom, and learn what has worked and what has not worked for others in the past are just a few of the many areas the new student group hopes to address.

RASO invites any student 24 years or older to join them in networking, sharing real work experiences, offering advice, creating study groups, offering computer support and other areas of assistance.

For more information on RASO and upcoming meetings and events, contact Brenda Sheflin at 585-343-0055, ext. 6185, or by e-mail at bjsheflin@genesee.edu.

Students can still enroll in the Spring 2013 semester and register for classes, which begin Jan. 14.

County's Justice for Children Advocacy Center awarded re-accreditation

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Justice for Children Advocacy Center has been awarded re-accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first.

Accredited CAC’s must undergo a re-accreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. With accreditation standards being updated in 2010, re-accreditation this year reflects the Justice for Children Advocacy Center’s commitment to providing evidence-based methods practice.

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center provides services to the children of GLOW region-Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. In 2011 the Justice for Children Advocacy Center provided services to 184 children and their families. In 2012, it provided services to 237 children and their families. As an Accredited Member of the National Children’s Alliance, The Justice for Children Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

National Children’s Alliance awards Accredited Membership based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims. Accredited members must utilize a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment. National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and child focused setting.

“As a team of individuals dedicated to responding to child abuse, we recognize the importance of maintaining Accredited status from National Children’s Alliance. Re-accreditation not only validates our organization’s dedication to proven effective approaches of child abuse intervention and prevention, but also contributes to consistency across the child advocacy center movement as a whole,” said Anne Bezon, Justice for Children Advocacy Center Supervisor.

Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance, said: "The Justice for Children Advocacy Center is commended for its continued commitment to effectively serve victims of child abuse. As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration.

"By requiring Accredited Centers to undergo re-accreditation every five years, we ensure that evidence-based practices are being implemented and the highest quality of services is being provided."

The mission of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and Genesee County Multi-Disciplinary Team is to seek to reduce the incidence of child sexual and physical abuse, to minimize trauma to alleged child victims, and to promote healing for victims and their families by coordinating services at a single child-friendly facility.

Free two-part state-certified snowmobile safety course offered in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A two-part NYS Snowmobile Safety Course will be conducted at the Town of Pembroke Town Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. It is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsments Club, Genesee Sno-Packers and Snowmobile Club and CoPeDa Snowmobile Club.

The two hall is located at Route 77 and Route 5 in Corfu.

The course is free to adults and children age 10 or older. Children under 18 must take the course -- required by the New York State Parks and Recreation -- to drive a snowmobile. The instructors for the Snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes, where you register at. All materials for the Snowmobile Safety Course will be furnished. Those that pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate and a license. There is no charge for this course and no instructors make a dime on this course -- it is all volunteer.

Pre-register by calling 585-599-6431 or 585-937-9536 after 5:30 p.m.

Reader recovers ring after posting lost-and-found note on The Batavian

By Howard B. Owens

A reader of The Batavian has helped another recover a ring lost the day after Christmas that was more precious than valuable.

Lynn Halicki posted a lost-and-found notice to The Batavian's "Announcements" section and another reader spotted it, called her and returned the ring.

"The ring really has no monetary value - just sentimental value," Halicki said in her post.

After getting her ring back, Halicki posted a comment and wrote, "It made me extremely happy and proud that there are so many GOOD people!!!!!!"

Lost and Found

By Lynn Halicki

I lost a precious silver celtic ring in Batavia on 12/26/2012.  I was in three locations that day - the Rite Aid, M&T Bank and Plaza Spirits.  The ring really has no monetary value - just sentimental value.

If found - I would be so grateful if you could call me at either 585-343-5365 (just ask for Lynn) or email me at lhalicki@aol.com.

 

Thank you.

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights

By Billie Owens

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. There's a small cover charge, with drink specials and food available. The full winter lineup can be seen at <http://bataviacc.com>

Here's the upcoming schedule for the live bands at Batavia CC:

Dec. 28 -- Widowmaker

Jan. 4 -- Amanda's Rage

Jan. 11 -- Unruly Band

Jan. 18 -- Haymaker

Jan. 25 -- Monster Johnson

Feb. 1 -- Red Creek

Feb. 8 -- Amanda's Revenge

Feb. 15 -- Haymaker

Feb. 22 -- Monster Johnson

Brownies donate cookies to the Child Advocacy Center

By Howard B. Owens

Members of Brownie Troop 42001 dropped by the Child Advocacy Center on Christmas Eve with a cookie donation. Pictured are Claire Taylor. Arianna Armstrong, Grace Flannary and Portia Rannalli.

BIG THANK YOU

By lori mcclurg

The Cub Scouts of Elba pack #6017 would like to say.....

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY

for making oru Frist Annual Holiday Craft Show a huge success.  We would lke to thank the following for their donations:

 

Marks Pizzeria

Leela for her French Onion Soup

Chap's Diner

Batavia Restaurant Supply

BJ's Wholesale Club

Tim Hortons

Event Date and Time

Community Surprise Christmas Flash Mob 7 p.m. at Birchwood Village

By Robin Walters

The community will be getting together at 7:00 PM at Birchwood Village outside of Don Carrol's home to sing Christmas Carols. If you would like to bring an ornament or note to be placed on tree outside Don's home that would be great.

Care-A-Van Ministries will be serving hot chocolate.

Event Date and Time
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Community Invited to Participate in Surprise Christmas Flash Mob Saturday, December 22 7:00 PM

By Robin Walters

There is a surprise  Christmas Flash Mob being held at 7:00 PM tonight Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 PM at Birchwood village. Friends and community will be meeting outside the home of Don Carroll to sing Christmas Carols. Everyone is  invited!

If you would like to bring a ornament or a note for the Christmas tree outside Don's home that would be great.  Care-A-Van Ministries will have their bus their and will be serving hot chocolate.

Nic Pelton a friend of Don Carrol had been thinking of a way to minister to Don who is battling cancer. Don has given so much of his heart and soul to this community that Nic thought what better way to bring joy than to have friends gather outside Don's home and sing Christmas carols.

This will be a fun way to get the family out on a snowy evening. Let's all gather to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- loving others.

 

 

 

 

 

IR Systems, locally owned DirecTV rep, receives top dealership award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

IR Systems INC (DIRECTV)  in Batavia, NY was notified on 12/12/2012 from DIRECTV Corp. that out of over 5000 dealerships across the nation we

are ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We also received a free all expenses paid trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl . This award was given off the Matrices of the business, a overall

performance from customer service, technical service, sales representation, customer retention and much more.  

Snowshoe workshops at Genesee County Park & Forest, reservations required

By Billie Owens

Take a guided walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest and learn to snowshoe during a hike Saturday, Jan. 12.

Cost is $8 per session and preregistration and payment are required. Snowshoes will be provided.

Two guided hiking sessions with instructions are available: from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Call 344-1122 to register. The park is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine opens new Batavia location

By Billie Owens

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine has opened its fourth location in Batavia at 39 Batavia City Centre. Leonard Kaplan, D.O., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, is a nerve, muscle and bone expert who treats injury and illness non-surgically to decrease pain and restore function.

Conditions that he treats in partnership with the Genesee County primary care physicians and specialists range from sprains to chronic pains anywhere from head to toe.

Treatment will be provided for:

  • Spine injuries
  • Occupational injuries
  • Degenerative and painful joint/muscle conditions
  • Spasticity/dystonia conditions Chronic migraine headaches

Diagnostic testing will include:

  • Electromyogram (EMG)
  • Ultrasound

Interventional Pain Alleviating Injections will also be offered:

  • Fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections
  • Ultrasound-guided join injections
  • Botox injections for pain

Dr. Kaplan and his team look forward to helping people “take back their lifestyles.”

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine is a nonsurgical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. For more information, visit www.buffspine.com or call (716) 626-0093.

HOLM hosts book signing for local authors - just in time for Christmas

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop presents a local author book signing just in time for Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. HOLM is located at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

The following authors will be present to sell and sign their books:

William F. Brown Jr. (of Batavia) – “ The Stafford Story – A golf Club at Ninety.” This is a story of the 90th anniversary of the Stafford Country Club. Pictures and story of the founding and history of the club. Bill has written many interesting history books over the years. A must have for golfers.

Bridgette ni Brian (of Bethany) --  “Azure Maris." What does it mean to be a fish out of water... or a mermaid out of water? Azure Maris, princess of Deep Waters is grounded in the Chesapeake Bay Region and tries to learn how to navigate life above the waves while striving to return home. 

Pam Covert (of Elba) – “And so this is Christmas” is her first published book, which takes place in Colton, NY – in the Adirondacks -- where she grew up. Everything is fiction except the town names. She says “ A blank page looks completely different depending on where you are in life and that page appears in front of you. For Jillian Francis, who prefers to quietly and privately mourn the loss of the father of her unborn child, her blank page becomes filled with “everything baby” and “everything Christmas.” Believing herself to be in one of those spaces between life, when life isn’t really happening, she soon discovers that there is no such space, that life is always happening. With the help of friends and family and her own tendency toward wit and sarcasm, Jillian finds her way back to a life she never expected to live, and never expected to love.  

Rob Thompson (of Attica) -- “Attica: Gateway to the West” and “Attica: Gateway to the Civil War.” He will be signing the books already published and will be talking about his new book “Linden Murders Solved,” which will be available in June 2013.

These books will make great Christmas presents or purchase one for yourself to keep!  

Do your special shopping at the Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop, which will be offering 10 percent and more off holiday items. We have unique items, antiques, large variety of history books and others – new and used. You will be able to find that perfect gift for special people.

The Wonderland of Trees exhibit continues through Jan. 5. A great family event for the holidays.

BID lauds volunteers who made 'Taste of the Holidays' lots of festive fun

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Volunteers made the second annual “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District (Friday, Dec. 7th and Saturday, Dec. 8th) a huge success.

The BID is proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to help out with this event. We wish to thank all of the following for their outstanding efforts and commitment:

Nancy Bachulak -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / O’Lacy’s Irish Pub )

Brenda Richardson -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / Coffee Culture)
Larry Barnes -- (City of Batavia)
Madeline Bialkowski -- (BID Design / Batavia City Centre)

Sharon Burkel -- (Genesee County)

Anthony Condello -- (BID Board)
John Cascell -- (Community Volunteer)
Stephanie Cummings -- (Tompkins Insurance)
Anita Dziekan -- (Community Volunteer)
Dorian Ely -- (Genesee County Senior Center)
Brady Fowler -- (Student, Williamsville South)
Jeff Gillard -- (BID Board)
Donna Gillard -- (Community Volunteer)
Dawn Ireland -- Monsees (Chamber of Commerce)
James Isaac -- (BID Board / Crossroads Abstract)
Krysia Mager -- (BID Board / Bank of Castile)
Paul Marchese -- (BID Board / Marchese Computer)
Michael Marsh -- (BID Promotion / Edward Jones)

John Roche -- (BID Board / Adam Miller Toy & Bike)
Mary Valle -- (BID Board / Valle Jewelers)

A special thanks to BID Assistant Laurie Oltramari for all her hard work.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of our events -- Downtown Public Market, Jackson Square, Summer In The City, Downtown Wine Walk, and Taste of the Holidays -- please contact the Downtown Business Improvement District at: 344-0900. Visit us at www.downtownbataviany.com or Like Us On FaceBook: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. Happy Holidays!

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