Announcements

Press release:

Genesee Community College salutes its director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman Jr. who has been recognized by Batavia Rotary Club as a Paul Harris Fellow. Ensman was among five local citizens who received the honor this past week. He was joined by Gregg McAllister, of Tompkins Investment Services, Carol Grasso, a community volunteer, New York State Assemblyman Stephen M. Hawley, and Susan Schuler, of First Niagara Bank.

"Batavia Rotary wanted to recognize Rick's outstanding commitment to the Club and to the community," said Rosalie Maguire, who presented his award.

The awards ceremony was Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Rotary Paddlewheel Awards Event held at Terry Hills. Ensman was caught off guard when he was called to the podium. Recipients are not notified in advance. He was chosen for his overall Club participation and his leadership on the Paddlewheel Committee.

Mike Hodgins, chair of the Batavia Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship Committee, shared the history of this prestigious award beginning with the founding of the Rotary by Paul Harris in Chicago in 1905. Named after the founder, the Paul Harris Fellowship was established in 1957. Rotarians and members of the community who are not Rotarians can receive the honor. Those recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow are presented with a certificate signed by the president of Rotary International and the chairman of the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, as well as a lapel pin and medallion. The local Club also makes a $1,000 contribution to the Rotary Foundation in the awardees' names.

There are more than one million Paul Harris Fellows worldwide, which is the highest distinction Rotarians receive for their service to the club and/or the community.

Press release:

WNY Pediatric Gastroenterology (WNYPG) announces the opening of their Batavia practice focusing on the care of infants, children and adolescents with gastrointestinal, liver and nutritional disorders.

With the escalation of autoimmune disorders in WNY children, including celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, the physicians and other medical staff at WNYPG want Western New Yorkers to know that they are accepting new patients without long wait times.

The medical practice is located at 166 Washington Ave. Phone is 225-4132. (Web: wnypedgi.com)

They are committed to see patients within 48 hours. Dr. Daniel Gelfond focuses a significant portion of his practice on celiac disease and is a medical advisor to the WNY Gluten Free Diet Support Group.

Gelfond completed his residency at Long Island College Hospital and Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, and completed his fellowship at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where he worked with world renowned, Dr. Alessio Fasano at the Center for Celiac Research.

A nationally recognized physician scientist, Dr. Gelfond conducts clinical investigations studying gastrointestinal disorders in patients with cystic fibrosis. He is board certified in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and accredited by the Royal College of Physician Educators. He has contributed to numerous publications, and recently published a textbook titled Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Dr. Humaira Hashmi completed her residency in Pediatrics at Cooper University Hospital in New Jersey, and her fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at Women & Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. Dr. Hashmi enjoys teaching, and has a special interest in managing children and adolescents with Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She also focuses on childhood obesity and helps families educate and manage their children’s nutrition.

Dr. Hashmi is actively involved in local and national clinical studies, is a member of the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, and a member of the Gastroenterology Women’s Coalition. Dr. Hashmi is board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and accredited by the Royal College of Physician Educators, and contributes to numerous publications.

Both physicians are excited to be working together to help children and families throughout Western New York with gastrointestinal and nutritional issues. Dr. Gelfond lives with his wife and three children in East Amherst. Dr. Hashmi also lives in East Amherst with her husband, and their three children.

Press release:

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting two trips in 2015.

The first is a 12-day tour of National Parks of America from Aug. 8 - 19, 2015. Some highlights on this tour are Scottsdale,Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Mount Rushmore and lots more!

The second is an 11-day tour of Spain's Costa del Sol & the Portuguese Riviera from Nov. 5 - 17, 2015. Some highlights on this tour are Madrid, Granada, Costa del Sol, Cascais, Lisbon and so much more!

More details on all of the trips the Chamber has to offer can be found on their Web site: www.geneseeny.com/trips. You can also contact Melissa at the Chamber at (585) 343-7440, ext. 27, or e-mail at chamber@geneseeny.com for more information.

The Holland Land Office Museum is offering a Senior Bus Trip on Wednesday, Aug. 27, to the Lockport Locks, with an Erie Canal Cruise, and a visit to Black Bird Cider Works.

Cost is $45 per person, which includes the cruise and lunch. Hard cider tasting costs $3.

The bus will leave the museum at 8:30 a.m. and return no later than 5 p.m.

For reservations and information, call the Holland Land Office Museum 585.343.4727.

Bus provided by the Muriel Marshall Fund for the Aging in Genesee County.

The Holland Land Office Museum has a program called "Have History will Travel." If your school or organization would like a free history presentation, please contact Museum office at 585.343.472.

Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is presenting “Fizz, Boom, READ!,” a Summer Reading Club for Adults from June 23 through Aug. 8. Participants are encouraged to read through the summer, and a small gift is awarded for finishing six books.

In addition, participants receive entry forms for a chance to win some theme-related grand prizes, including laboratory beaker mugs and gift certificates to the library’s café, kitchen science kits, and gift cards.

Other library events related to “Fizz, Boom, READ!” include a “What’s with the Weather?” talk, The Science of Bread demonstration, special movie showings, and an “Upcycle That!” Contest. More information is available at the library, by calling 343-9550, ext. 2, and at www.batavialibrary.org.

Press release:

BERNINA of America, the premier manufacturer of sewing, embroidery and quilting machines, is pleased to announce that Eden Creative Sewing Center, a BERNINA Dealer in Eden, will host Sewapalooza, a hands-on embroidery, and quilting workshop on Friday, June 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

BERNINA educator Kathy Schalda will lead attendees through three projects that use quilting, embroidery and BERNINA’s DesignWorks Software Suite. The event costs $95 and includes use of BERNINA machines and accessories, all supplies, and lunch.

The workshop will take place at Duffy Hall, located at 8791 S. Main St.

To register, call (716) 992-4364 or stop by Eden Creative Sewing Center, which is located at 8386 N. Main St.

BERNINA’s DesignWorks features CutWork, PaintWork and CrystalWork software that can transform a compatible BERNINA embroidery machine into a mixed media tool. With CutWork, shapes, patterns and designs can be cut from multiple layers of fabric. PaintWork allows the application of pen drawings to fabric and textiles. CrystalWork enables users to create crystal appliqué patterns for textiles and garments.

About BERNINA
Founded in Switzerland more than 100 years ago, BERNINA is the world’s premier manufacturer with a proven reputation for offering state-of-the-art sewing and embroidery systems, sergers and embroidery software.

This was sent in by Barb Toal, Friends of Batavia Peace Garden, and Jeanne Walton, YWCA of Genesee County.

PARTNERS IN PEACE

This year for the first time, Friends of Batavia Peace Garden and YWCA of Genesee County combined efforts to throw a fantastic "Garden Party" awards dinner on May 10. We could not have done it without the tremendous and overwhelming support of this wonderful community, and we
offer our heartfelt thanks to all involved.

In attendance was an incredible mix of people from many walks of life, all who were joined together in a mutual effort to support the goal of two organizations: to bring more peace and harmony to our community.

We have learned that a common goal helps to create the common thread that ties us all together to
accomplish great things. Thank you to everyone for helping us to turn our vision into reality.

We can't say it was all easy to merge the desires and goals of two organizations for one big event. But it was a terrific lesson that with change comes challenge, and with challenge comes learning. It was the learning that ultimately gave us the ability to overcome the challenge.

Let’s all learn from our experiences and change the things we often accept without question, because they are familiar and comfortable. That can result in "the greater good," and we all prosper and grow in the end.

Our mantra for the evening, a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, now holds true more than ever: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

This week Le Roy plans to spiff up Main Street. Although Earth Day was April 22, anytime is good for the "Earth Day Clean-up."

This civic project takes place from 3 p.m. "until done" on Thursday, June 5 (or Friday, June 6 if it rains).

• Plans include: Cleaning windows inside and out.
• Window decorating of vacant building with a Spring theme (which can include Knights, HCNY and MSR logos). This is a suitable activity for older kids.
• Chalking drawings on the sidewalks made by little kids.
• Sweep outside
• Pull weeds

Contact is Jennifer Keys at Jennifer.Keys@rochester.rr.com

Check out the Le Roy Healthy Community and Le Roy Main Street Revitalization pages on Facebook.

Wood Carving wth Vince Pagliaroli

Saturday, June 7, 2014

10am-12pm

Cost: $5/person. Registration Required.

Vince Pagliaroli will be showcasing his fine works of art. Vince's creations are made from his own patterns. Duck decoys, birds, and fish are carved from a variety of natural materials. He will be demonstrating the techniques he uses to make his carvings. For more information and to register, call #585-344-1122 or email jsping.geneseeconsed@yahoo.com. The program will be held at Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany. 

Thursday, June 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m. This class is designed for those wishing to add more peace and serenity into their lives. We will discuss what meditation is, the benefits of doing it, and how to do it.  You will learn several simple but effective meditations and we will try a few during class.  Learning to meditate is one of the simplest and rewarding things you can do for your well-being.

Registration is required. Register at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary or call 585-768-8300.

Led by Tracy Martorana, nutrition and wellness consultant.

It is not uncommon for caregivers to feel frustrated by their difficulty communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter is offering a class in Le Roy to discuss techniques and tips for “Improving Communication in Dementia Care."

Le Roy Village Green at 10 Munson St. is hosting the June 10 presentation from 1 to 2 p.m. The class is ideal for family caregivers who are trying to negotiate their caregiving journey as the needs of their loved ones change, and the disease progresses.

They will leave the class with an understanding of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as concrete tools to help them engage with their loved one. The class is open to the public, but registration is requested by calling the Chapter Office at 1.800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association also offers numerous other programs to help both family and professional caregivers, and those with dementia. Classes are offered at various sites and times across Western New York, and include the basics about the disease, resources available in the community, and efforts on the research front aimed at ending the disease. Details are available by calling the Chapter at 1.800.272.3900 or by visiting www.alz.com/WNY.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. (note new time) on June 18 at Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. Dinner will be pre-selected options from Bohn's menu.

All patrons, board members, orchestra members and season subscribers are welcome. If you are interested, contact Paul Saskowski at pasaskowski@rochester.rr.com

Press release:

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league's philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award more than $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league's 14 markets.

Now in its sixth year, the 2014 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league's footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible.

Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives. The scholarship contest will consist of two stages -- a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round.

The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL's three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

High school seniors interested in entering the 2014 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league's official Web site, NewYork-PennLeague.com.

The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 27. Each club's winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.

The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its Clubs, and their staff.

The Town & Country Garden Club of Le Roy is holding its annual PLANT AUCTION starting at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, at the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Route 5 (Main Street) and Route 19. It is free and open to the public.

The club members will be auctioning perennials, bulbs, houseplants and other miscellaneous garden items. There will be free refreshments, too! Come out and join us for a great night of fun! Proceeds are used for civic beautification in Le Roy.

Press release:

Robert Joy, managing principal of JMZ Architects and Planners, PC presented an aggressive construction project schedule to Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees earlier this month. With a large series of bar graph (Gannt) schedules to illustrate the various project phases and key milestones, Joy explained how the 2015 – 2017 construction program takes into consideration the academic calendar along with the seasonality of construction.

With a $24 million appropriation for GCC's capital project included in the recently passed New York State budget, JMZ Architects and Planners are now carefully preparing a construction schedule featuring three major phases. The project follows the College's Facilities Master Plan developed several years ago and approved by the GCC Board of Trustees and State University of New York. The major project components include:

•    Student Success Center -- a 9,000-square-foot facility will accommodate core student services including the Placement Office, Testing, Career and Transfer Centers, Admissions, Financial Aid, Registrar and other offices currently scattered across campus in makeshift, inefficient spaces. The two-story building will connect through a second-story bridge to the Conable Technology Building and nearly enclose the Clock Tower Plaza on the westside. Proposed construction cost is $5.2 million.

•    College and Community Event Center -- the 43,000-square-foot facility will become the largest meeting space in the region and will offer flexible floor space not only for student gatherings, but also for community events such as trade shows, charitable events, athletic competitions and exhibitions. It will be located adjacent to the College's current athletic fields and will house both classrooms and office space, as well as food services and a wellness center. Construction cost is projected to be $13.9 million.

•    Retrofitting Existing Space – With the creation of the new Student Success and Events centers, the existing space will be reutilized resulting in the net increase of 15 to 20 new classrooms and labs, with particular interest in launching new instructional career programs such as STEM (Science/Technology/Engineering/Math) Agri-business, Health Sciences and Food Processing.

JMZ's proposed construction schedule begins with the site work in approximately one year (May 2015) to establish safe walkways and driving lanes, as well as designated parking and construction staging areas. The two major new facilities, the Student Success Center and multipurpose Event Center, would be constructed simultaneously and the proposed completion and occupancy of the new buildings is targeted for Fall 2016. The retrofitting of the existing building and total project completion is projected for Summer 2017.

Joy also described the design of construction bid packages giving local contractors the maximum opportunity for bidding the projects combined together, or separately as individual projects. Contractors will have option to bid and bond the whole project, specific project components, or to work as subcontractors under a general contractor through a larger contract. It is hoped the first bidding documents for the site work that reorganizes the parking lots will be released early 2015 and work will begin after next year's commencement ceremony.

"With the right leadership, the right goal, and the right objectives including student success, retention, measured outcomes, and economic development, we now have a 'golden moment,' " Joy said. "This project represents the largest infusion of capital into the College since this [main] building was built [in 1972]. It is transformative and remarkable. Congratulations to all!"

The Genesee County Agricultural Society is sponsoring the Genesee County Fair Queen and Princess Pageant to be held this year at the 175^th Genesee County Fair, July 15 – 19.

Officials have outlined the criteria and categories for the pageant offering winners in four age groups: Queen ages 17 – 19; Princess ages 14 – 16; Jr. Princess ages 11 – 13; and Little Miss ages 8 – 10.

All contestants must be female, reside in Genesee County, attend a Genesee County School or be a member of the Genesee County 4H Program.

The contestants will be judged on oral presentation, talent showcase, poise and personal interaction. All age groups will compete for a cash award and prizes.

For pageant applications, visit the Genesee County Fair Web site at www.gcfair.com or contact Pageant Coordinator Deb Baris at debrabaris@yahoo.com.

The Batavia High School Class of 1984 will be celebrating its 30^th class reunion with two gatherings in July.

Alumni of the class and their guests are invited to attend informal get-togethers on the nights of July 18^th at Terry Hills Golf Course & Banquet Facility, Clinton Street; and July 19^th at Batavia Country Club, Batavia-Byron Road. There will be a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening.

The reunion committee is in the process of mailing out information to classmates.

To RSVP or if you have any address changes or questions contact either Kelly J. Bermingham, 585-356-4722, kbermingham@geneseeny.com or Jane Roach Johnson, 585-739-0378, peerless@rochester.rr.com.

The class also has a Facebook Event page that you can RSVP to at https://www.facebook.com/events/1387730391449332/  (BHS Class of ’84 Reunion).

Wednesday, May 28, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Jon Ehrmentraut, of Landscape Concepts, LeRoy, will present a program on identifying and growing native plants in this area.

Registration is required and can be done online at www.woodwardmemoriallibrary,org or by calling 585-768-8300.

Press release:

An exciting, hands-on learning opportunity returns to Genesee Community College on Tuesday, May 20, as the College's ACE Programs hosts the 7th annual Tech Wars for students in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming Counties) region.

The event brings area middle and high school students to GCC's Batavia campus where they'll demonstrate their technology knowledge through innovative, mind-expanding competition. Students arrive on campus at 8:30 a.m. The competition runs from 9:30-12:30. The event is open to the public. Tech Wars had originally been scheduled for March 13 but was cancelled due to a snowstorm.

Students participate in a variety of challenges, generally in groups of two or more. Some of the competition involves bringing to campus projects they've been working on. This year students have been challenged to create a power-producing sculpture that utilizes renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal or hydroelectric. The sculpture is meant to be a functional piece of art, both utilitarian and aesthetically appealing.

Other competition involves working onsite, such as drawing with CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting) software. From a robotic tractor pull to CO2 truck designs and the ever popular sumo robots, Tech Wars offers fun and challenging events.

"Tech Wars gives students a chance to really exercise creative problem solving skills," said GCC Career Pathways Director Debbie Dunlevy. "Working in groups also helps them understand what it takes to collaborate successfully. And these challenges give them insight into what types of jobs they might pursue in the future."

Last year 450 students from 16 schools participated in Tech Wars.

Batavia's Graham Corporation and Liberty Pumps of Bergen return as Gold Level ($500+) sponsors this year along with Northeast Industrial Technologies, of Lima. Other sponsors include Ken Barrett Chevrolet Cadillac, Allen-Bailey Tag & Label, Lapp Insulators. OXBO, American Douglas Metals and Milherst Construction.

"The support of these businesses is essential to putting on this event," Dunlevy said. "We thank them for investing in what could be future employees."

The Career Pathways Program helps students explore career options and make a smooth transition from high school to college and ultimately to professional careers. Tech Wars is among several dynamic programs giving students the opportunity to learn hands-on, often in business settings and with industry professionals.