Announcements

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will officially kick off its 2011 Membership Drive at 8 a.m. tommorrow, April 26, its office on Main Street.

Chamber President Lynn Freeman and Director of Membership and Special Events Kelly Bermingham will be joined by board members Lori Stupp and Chad Zambito for the kick-off, which will include an overview presentation for volunteers.

Five years afo, the chamber had nearly 1,000 members. That number has dwindled down to less than 800 today. Freeman believes that the current economic conditions have contributed to the decline.

“In today’s business climate, business owners are looking to trim expenses, he said. "Unfortunately, they sometimes fail to realize that a chamber membership can add to your bottom line in the long run so the campaign is really focused on educating the public on member benefits."

According to Freeman, the most popular benefits include the ability for chamber members to purchase health insurance for themselves and their employees. The chamber also offers “Member 2 Member” discounts which provides a 10 percent discount to chamber members and their employees at local businesses like Turnbull Heating and Air, Oliver’s Candies and Alex’s Place.

Freeman also said the chamber is currently working on an additional savings program that he believes will be very popular with members. Bermingham expects to train more than 20 volunteers who, along with chamber staff, will then visit nearly 200 perspective businesses during a three-day blitz scheduled for May 10-12.

“It’s been a while since we have done a membership drive and we are really excited to get out in front of perspective members and explain our benefits,” Bermingham said.

Along with health insurance and the “Member 2 Member” program, the chamber provides business promotion, consulting and advocacy.  If you are interested in participating in the drive or in joining the chamber, contact them today at 343-7440.

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

In his last year as President of Genesee Community College, Stuart Steiner, Ed.D, -- leader of the school for more than 37 years -- will give students one last farewell before he heads into retirement. At the request of the Student Government Association, Steiner has agreed to serve as commencement speaker at graduation on Sunday, May 22.

Commencement ceremonies begin at 1 p.m. in the Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium of the Batavia campus.

Since Genesee Community College was founded in the 1960s, Steiner has been a tireless leader ever-focused on the future of the college and student success. Originally, he served as Dean of Students for a short period and then became Dean of Instruction/Executive Dean until 1975. That year, he became president of the college. He is the second-longest serving community college president in the nation.

When announcing his retirement earlier this year, Steiner pointed out that he felt comfortable handing the reins to someone else because in so many measurable ways, Genesee is truly in the best shape it has ever been.

Enrollment has reached an all time high and Genesee finds itself fiscally sound thanks in part to record breaking fundraising efforts over the past year. The School of Nursing is up and running in the new Med-Tech building across from the Batavia Campus building. There is new campus center in Lima, and the sophisticated Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery – located next to the Stuart Steiner Theatre – was met with enthusiasm when it opened earlier this month.

Steiner has managed all this recent prosperity and growth without raising tuition for the past two years.

"We've asked Dr. Steiner to speak at graduation, not only because we look up to him as an educational professional, but because we want to thank him for what he's done for us as students here at Genesee," said Ian Dries, president of the Student Government Association. "Without him, our education wouldn't have been the same."

While the event is open to the public, seats in the gymnasium are reserved for family and friends of graduates. The ceremony will be streamed live throughout the campus through a video cast to the Stuart Steiner Theatre, T102 and on every monitor on campus – including the Student Union and cafeteria for those who would like to tune in. Tickets are not necessary to watch the ceremony in these areas.

Immediately following commencement, a reception with punch and light refreshments will be hosted in the Forum for all guests and graduates.

The college is also offering free child-care services during commencement for children 8 weeks to 5 years of age. Please sign your children up in the Student Activities office or call 585-343-0055, ext 6261.

Show you care about the Earth and pitch in for a clean-up day at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.

Stop at the Nature Center for children's crafts and "orienteering" with the Sea Cadets after clean up. Free tree seedlings. Pizza will be served for lunch.

Call 344-1122 to sign up. The Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced his fourth annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C. It is scheduled for Sept. 22-25.

“The Patriot Trip is an event that I look forward to with great anticipation every year,” Hawley said. “As a veteran, the son of a veteran, and a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, supporting New York’s veterans is a source of both pride and responsibility.

"While I continue to advocate for legislation supporting veterans, the Patriot Trip allows me to share my appreciation for the sacrifices made by the heroes protecting our way of life. Over 375 people have participated in this trip over the years, and I am overjoyed to add another chapter to this story with the veterans of the 139th
Assembly District.”

Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and FDR Memorials as well as Arlington Cemetery and the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum.

Most meals are included with the trip. The total cost is approximately $300.

For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. and the Bank of Castile are pleased to announce the 2011 Honorees as Fabulous Females.

They are: Elisa Di Pietro, of Batavia, Michelle Fuller, of LeRoy, Jane Scott, of Stafford, and Dorothy Taylor, of Batavia.

The four women will be honored at the YWCA’s 13th annual Fabulous Females Luncheon on May 7 at Genesee Community College.

Tickets are $25 person. Reservations may be made by contacting the YWCA at (585) 343-5808.

Honorees are women selected from a pool of nominations based on their community, professional or personal achievements and association with YWCA. The selection committee was made up of a panel of past Fabulous Females award recipients and chaired by YWCA board member, Esther Leadley.

The final meeting of the school year for the Woolly Book Worms is set for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 14, in the Children's Room of Richmond Memorial Library.

This is a book discussion group for students in grades 3 to 5 and their favorite adult.

On May 14th, the group will discuss "Erie Canal Sal" by Gretchen Murray Sepik. She is a local author and storyteller who will be attending the meeting to portray her historical costumed narrative of "Surly Sal the Erie Canal Cook."

After her performance, Sepik will lead the book discussion and sign books.

Please register adults and students online at <http://www.batavialibrary.org/>

Discussion titles are available at the Children's Room desk. For more information call the library at 394-9550, ext. 4 or consult the Web site. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Batavia Cub Scouts Pack 6069 is having a chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 14.

This is to help support the pack's plans to go to Gettysburg, Pa., in September. The boys and their families are very excited about this big trip, so please come out and help them get there.

Tickets are $8.50. If you want to buy a ticket in advance, please give Heather a call at 585-300-9195.

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announces that surplus food distribution is back!

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, food will be distributed in the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds to qualified residents. You may pick up for someone else with a signed permission slip.

You must bring the following:

• Proof of residence, which can be a water, gas, electric or telephone bill.
• Some form of identification.
• Proof of Income. Please bring one of the following: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) grant award letter; Social Security Disability (SSD) award letter; Social Security (SSA) end-of-the-year letter; Heap Grant award letter; WIC card; Department of Social Services budget sheet; or your most recent income tax return.

In determining eligibility, these are the maximum income guidelines:

One person -- Weekly $385.31 / Monthly $1,669.67 / Yearly $20,036

Two people -- Weekly $518.37 / Monthly $2,246.25 / Yearly $26,955

Three people -- Weekly $651.42 / Monthly $2,822.83 / Yearly $33,874

Four people -- Weekly $784.48 / Monthly $3,399.42 / Yearly $40,793

Five people -- Weekly $917.54 / Monthly $3,976 / Yearly $47,712

Six people -- Weekly $1,050.60 / Monthly $4,552.58 / Yearly $54,631

Seven people -- Weekly $1,183.65 / Monthly $5,129.17 / Yearly $61,550.00

Eight people -- Weekly $1,316.71 / Monthly $5,705.75 / Yearly $68,469.00

For each additional person add: Weekly $133.06 / or Monthly $576.58 / or Yearly $6,919.00.

The eligibility guidelines reflect 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Guidelines last revised 7/1/09.

Please call Community Action with any questions 343-7798, ext 16.

Terry Hills Restaurant is OPEN FOR THE SEASON!

Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Sunday Brunch.

It is offering new and improved menu items, draft beers and spirits, too! Be among the first in the Genesee County to visit us for lunch or dinner. Daily features will be highlighted. Reservations are always suggested, 343-0642, or dine@terryhills.com.

Be sure to sign up for the Birthday Club. You will receive a free round of golf, or a free Sunday brunch on your special day.

The staff hopes to see you at “The Hills” soon.

The restaurant, banquet facility and golf course are located at 5122 Clinton St. Road in Batavia.

Oakfield resident Julie Caton will sign copies of her new book "White Heart" at Present Tense at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Based on the actual life of Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone, "White Heart" is a compelling story of faith, love, and recovery.

Trapped in the extravagance and the artifice of the French Court during the reign of the Sun King, Louis the XIV, Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone becomes desperate for an escape. When the king himself offers her the opportunity to flee to the New World, Madeleine eagerly accepts.

Madeleine soon embarks on a new life in Ontario, but the trials of her past are not so easily left behind. Life on the frontier is fraught with its own opportunities and danger. Madeleine explores roles such as teacher to the Hurons, lady voyageur, and proprietor of a fur-trading post on Lake Ontario. Yet when the Iroquois attack her homestead and take her captive, her life and spiritual faith change forever.

The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. For more information or to reserve a copy of the book ahead of the event, call (585) 815-7640, or visit  <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Caton is a licensed psychologist certified by the State of New York and has completed a doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Buffalo. Providing psychotherapy to children and adults is the primary focus of her Oakfield practice.

Beginning Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to Noon, Woodward Memorial Library is having its annual used book sale. It continues through Saturday, April 23. Hardcover books $1, children's and paperbacks $.50.

From 10 a.m. until Noon on the last sale day (Saturday, April 23) there will be a $1 a bag sale. The library is located at 7 Wolcott St., Le Roy.

This information is from Tara Pariso, executive director of CASA for Children.

CASA has teamed up with PartyLite to raise much needed funds to continue advocating for abused and neglected children in Genesee County. Due to budget cuts, we are in need of your support now more than ever!!

Please consider purchasing candles from the fundraiser flyer which can be veiwed at http://www.partylite.biz/sites/heidirichmond/fundraisers-products. 

You can place your order by emailing Executive Director Tara Pariso at tpariso24@yahoo.com, or by calling  at (585) 813-3987. Please send checks made payable to CASA at 1 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

We are super excited about this fundraiser as we get 50% of the total sales!!!  There is no shipping costs or tax on any items ordered!!!  Please pass this along to help support CASA for Children and the work done to find abused and neglected children safe, permanent homes!!!

Let's help light the light of hope for children in need.

Orders and payment must be received by Friday April 29, 2011.

An Outreach Conversation for Genesee County Legislature District 4, which includes residents of the towns of Batavia and Stafford, is planned for 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday, April 16, in the Batavia Town Hall.

District 4 Legislator Mary Pat Hancock will talk about the impact of the state budget on the county, the status of the suggested options to improve the fiscal health of the Genesee County Nursing Home, and other topics of interest to residents.

There will be plenty of time for questions. The public is encouraged to come and participate. The town hall is located at 3833 W. Main St. Road.

 

 

Genesee Community College Toastmasters Club

Cordially Invites You to be our Guest at

EAST MEETS WEST

An Evening of Global Communication and Dining

Menu: Sushi, Wraps, Salad, Pizza, Dessert, Beverages

 

Keynote Speaker:

Patrick Ho, Founder and CEO of Rochester Optical

 

Speech Contest:

Best Impromptu – Best Speaker – Best Evaluator

 

GCC TOASTMASTERS CLUB CHARTER CEREMONY

 

Basket Raffle!  Door Prizes!  Entertainment!

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Genesee Community College

Conable Technology Building – Room T119

One College Drive, Batavia, NY 14020

 

Purchase tickets in the Student Activities office!

(585) 343-0055 x6261

$5.00 for GCC Students/Employees

$10.00 for Non-GCC Students/Employees

Free Admission to all Toastmasters International Club Members

 

RSVP by April 25, 2011 to:

Aoi Kitagawa, AKitagaw@my.genesee.edu

 

 

The Holland Land Office has two new exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

One is called "Industries in Batavia Past & Present" and the other is "Women in History."

For more information please contact the Holland Land Office Musuem at 343-4727.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia and the Genesee County Bar Association will hold their annual Law Day Observance and dinner on Thursday, April 28 at Bohn's Restaurant.

The speaker for the evening is Victor I. Vieth, JD, director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University in Minnesota.

The Genesee County Bar Association will present the Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award to this year's winning Mock Trial Team.

The Kiwanis Club will present its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Awards.

Cost is $20 per person for a buffet-style dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m. One hour prior, at 5:30 p.m., there will be a social hour. Please make reservations prior to April 22.

Make checks payable to "The Kiwanis Club of Batavia" and return to Lawrence Friedman, County Courts Facility, One Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Phone is 585-344-2550, ext. 2250.

The public is welcome.

Bohn's Restaurant is located at 5256 Clinton St. Road (Route 33) in Batavia.

Attention plant lovers!

The Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District is still accepting
pre-orders for tree and shrub seedlings and native plants and perennials.

Our brochure is on the Genesee County website:
http://geneseeny.org/dpt/soilandwater/treebrochure2011.pdf.

The seedlings and plants will be distributed at Genesee County Fairgrounds
on the following dates:

Thursday, April 21 – 8:30 to 4:30

Friday, April 22 -- 8:30 to 6:00

Saturday, April 23 -- 8:30 to Noon

Also, a Cash & Carry Sale of excess inventory of seedlings and plants will be held at the fairgrounds during seedling distribution on April 21-23.

Here's a news release from Genesee Community College.

Curious to see a Rube Goldberg Machine in action? Then come down to the Student Union at GCC's Batavia Campus on Thursday, April 14 to catch a glimpse!

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the Rube Goldberg Machine will be on display and in action! It was built by five GCC students who won the regional contest and competed in nationals at Purdue University. Genesee Community College was one of just two community colleges who competed in the nationals.

The Rube Goldberg Machine Team is looking for recruits for next year's competition.

This year, as dictated by competition rules, the GCC team employed many common items such as a baseball bat and glove, a printer, darts, a derby car, a zip-lining Barbie doll and DVD covers lined up like dominoes. They used these to create more than 20 complex steps to accomplish the simple task of watering a plant.

The concept behind Rube Goldberg Machines aims to make simple things complicated for the sake of science. Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who drew devices that did just that – used extremely unnecessary levels of complexity and creativity to do accomplish something simple.

GCC engineering students David Simmons, Matt Klotzbach (East Pembroke), Nick Rider, Jen McLure (Pavilion) and drafting student Tom Langley made up the entire Rube Goldberg Team this year and impressed themselves and their coach with what they were able to accomplish in the team's first year.

Now, they invite new students to contribute their creativity, brain power and energy to next year's challenge that includes blowing up and popping a balloon.

According to the Official Rulebook for the 2011 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest, teams must adhere to strict guidelines according to size and time. Each contraption must fit within a 6-by-6-by-6-foot space and complete the assigned task with a minimum of 20 steps -- within two minutes per run.

There are high standards and plenty of pressure in the competition, but it is also a whole lot of fun," said Michael Crittenden, physics professor and Rube Goldberg advisor.

"We are looking forward to making this a new student club and involving students with an array of professional and career interests. Alongside developing practical construction skills, the teamwork fosters creativity and imagination far beyond normal classroom activity. And let's not forget (it's) good resume material. Oh, and did I mention fun?"