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Announcements

St. James church to host fish fries six Fridays in a row

By Billie Owens

St. James Episcopal Church in Batavia will host fish fries for six Fridays in a row from March 11 through April 15.

Take-outs begin at 4:30 p.m. and eat-in seating begins at 5 p.m.

The menu is haddock -- batter-dipped and fried or seasoned and baked -- French fries or baked potato, cole slaw or applesauce, assorted breads and butter.

Beverage and dessert are extra. Free delivery to seniors and shut-ins
within the City of Batavia. The church is located at 405 E. Main St. Phone is 343-6802. All proceeds benefit the Tower Restoration Fund.

GCC to hold Ducky Derby to benefit United Way

By Billie Owens

Ask yourself. Do I feel ducky?

Well, you're in luck. It's nearly time again for the Ducky Derby Fundraiser at Genesee Community College to benefit the United Way.

The third annual race will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 10. Students will be selling duck tickets until the day of the race.

Students in Rick Dudkowski 's Professional Sales and Advertising classes and the Business Forum Club were given the assignment of creating a fundraiser to increase giving to the United Way.

The Ducky Derby was what they came up with. It's modeled after a similar race held a few years ago in the Tonawanda Creek as a fundraiser for youth activities at the old Royal Rink (now Falletti Ice Arena).

Ticket purchasers will be assigned to a numbered rubber duck. The ducks will then be "set free" in the Olympic-size pool at GCC in Batavia. With the help of a "current" created by the college's Swim Team, the first duck to make it to the end of the swimming pool wins.

The prize will depend on what each person paid for his or her ticket. Students are selling the tickets in one-dollar increments from $1 to $5. Participants win a percentage of the money raised based on how much they paid for the ticket.

For example, if a $1 duck wins, the winner will receive 10 percent of the funds raised. If a $2 duck wins, the winner gets 20 percent, and so on, up to 50 percent for a $5 duck.

The students' goal is raising more than $1,000 to beat -- or at least match -- the amount students raised last year for the United Way.

"We really hope to exceed our goal this year," said Kristyna Jaquin, Genesee student and a member of the Rubber Duck Promotion Team. "Since this is the third year of this race, we hope more people will support our efforts because they know they can have a chance at winning some money while helping other members of our Genesee community who will benefit from our donations."

Ducks will be available for purchase at the Batavia campus in the forum, up until the start of the race. For further information or to purchase a duck, please contact Rick Dudkowski, Business faculty member, at 343-0055, ext. 6390 or at  <http://mrdudkowski@genesee.edu.>.

Assemblyman Hawley hosts 4-H participants in Albany

By Billie Owens

Here's a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley proudly hosted more than 150 4-H participants from the 139th Assembly District and various other regions of New York during a visit to the state capitol in Albany.

The assemblyman relished the opportunity to explain the way that government affects everyday life and he encouraged the young visitors to become involved with their local representatives.

“As an elected official, there are few ventures more gratifying than sharing your love of public service with young people,” Hawley said. “The young adults that I had the privilege of meeting have limitless potential. To be given an opportunity to speak with them about the positive role that a truly representative government can play in the lives of each and every citizen was an immense honor."

All of the young people in attendance are active in 4-H, a national organization that prepares America’s youth to become community and world leaders. The 4-H features more than 54,000 volunteers that work with more than six million young people across the nation. In attendance at the event were participants from Genesee and Orleans counties.

“The 4-H organization does phenomenal work across the country, and the results are no different here in Western New York,” Hawley said. “Having an opportunity to meet with the future leaders of my own town and community was a riveting experience. The positive role that 4-H plays in the lives of our community’s youth cannot be overstated."

"Interfaith Peace Witness", Thursday, March 3, 12:30-2:00 PM, at GCC

By James Renfrew

An “Interfaith Witness for Peace” will take place on Thursday, March 3, 12:30 – 2:00 PM at Genesee Community College (Technology Building, Room T-119). Representatives from many of the different faith traditions found throughout Genesee County will share reflections, prayers, and a common yearning for peace. There will be no speeches, sermons, homilies or political activity. The event will include music, a brief video, and light refreshments. The program is free, and all are welcome.

Event Date and Time
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GCC names February's Employee of the Month

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College has named Lauren Cummings its February Employee of the Month. She s a highly motivated employee working to enhance the effectiveness and profile of The BEST Center.

She has led the center's goal of developing a fresh, new Web site and online presence and she was a key team member in creating the center's new promotional brochure and online program flier.

Cummings has helped increase efficiencies in processing registrations and payments by working closely with the Records and Business office staff members. Following the resignation of one of the center's staff members, she willingly took on extra duties to assist in keeping contract programs running smoothly. She was also instrumental in training and orienting the new person hired to fill the position. Her strong technical and customer service skills help keep The BEST Center's partners and clients engaged.

Cummings began working at Genesee in 2005 on a part-time basis as a clerk typist in the Human Communications and Behavior department and then in the Arts Department. In June 2007, she became a business training specialist in The BEST Center. As a business training specialist, Lauren provides administrative and technical support for the workforce and economic development effort in the GLOW region.

She coordinates and schedules all noncredit courses, creates and updates courses in the college's Banner system, updates and maintains The BEST Center Web site and social media sites. She also develops new, and supervises current, online training program opportunities. In addition, she coordinates and administers the Microsoft Office specialist testing center.

She assists The BEST Center Director Ray Chaya with the Academic Skill Builder program at the Albion Correctional Facility. Through this program, The BEST Center offers evening noncredit classes exploring a variety of high interest academic disciplines in the Albion Correctional Facility. The classes are designed to keep inmates current, informed and better prepared to achieve in future academic or vocational programs.

A resident of Batavia, Lauren earned an associate's degree from Genesee and then transferred on to SUNY Brockport where she earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. She is married to Patrick Cummings and is the daughter of Jim and Marilyn Dickinson and sister to Marissa Dickinson Benzing. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Open Houses and College Visit days scheduled at GCC

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will host two Open Houses this spring to help potential students and their families understand the application process and financial aid opportunities, as well as to explore a wide range of different academic and career options.

They can also tour the college campus and/or housing at College Village. Interested visitors are encouraged to pre-register by going to  <http://www.genesee.edu/OpenHouse>.

Open Houses will take place at the following dates and times at the Batavia campus:

• 9 a.m. Saturday, March 5 (held in conjunction with CoolKids Catskill Puppet Theater)

• 9 a.m. Saturday, May 7 (held in conjunction with GCC's Trek the Trail Walkathon)

Also, there will be College Visit days at the Batavia Campus on a series of Fridays through the spring. These are less formal, but more up-tempo alternatives to Open Houses. Potential students will get an introduction to admissions and find out about the application process and financial aid. In addition, students will have the opportunity to sit in on an actual college class.

  • 9 a.m. Friday, March 4
  • 9 a.m. Friday, March 25
  • 9 a.m. Friday, April 8

For more information, contact Admissions at 585-345-6800 or email at Admissions@genesee.edu <http://Admissions@genesee.edu>.

'A Taste of New York' at Holy Family School, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

"A Taste of New York" will be presented again this year at Holy Family School in Le Roy. It is for adults only, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, March 26.

Sample several great beers, New York State wines and local specialty foods and enjoy live entertainment. There will be raffle prizes all evening.

Tickets are $20 per person, and $15 for designated drivers. Proper ID required, must be 21 to attend.

For tickets and information, contact Sue Bobo at 768-6543. The school is located at 46 Lake St.

Free workshop offered for adults seeking to be the ideal job candidate

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College along with the Genesee County Career Center will host its second workshop on Adults in Career Transition: "Are You a Purple Squirrel?" from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28.

The workshop will be held at the Genesee County Career Center, Eastown Plaza, 587 E. Main Rd – Suite 100, Batavia (behind Aldi's). This event is free and open to the public.

The term "Purple Squirrel" is a human resource term for the elusive candidate, with exactly the right qualifications and experience, to match an employer's need. The term is synonymous with the term "ideal candidate."

The Adults in Career Transition workshop will focus on introducing transition skills and career opportunities for adults returning to the workforce or attending college.

Guest speakers for the workshop include John McGowan, career services coordinator at Genesee Community College and Veronica Frost, senior employment and training counselor at the Genesee County Career Center.

"We want to encourage adults of all ages and skill sets to come to this workshop," McGowan said. "Employers are now looking for the ideal candidate and we want to inform adults transitioning back in to the workplace on how they can be that 'Purple Squirrel.'"

Interested participants should RSVP to the Adults in Career Transition workshop by calling the Genesee County Career Center, (585) 344-2042. ext. 217, or e-mail vfrost@co.genesee.ny.us <http://vfrost@co.genesee.ny.us>.

Conservation district taking plant orders for spring delivery

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District is now taking orders for spring delivery of plants.

Many varieties of trees, wildlife shrubs, berry bushes, vines, ornamental grasses, native wildflowers and perennials are available. Bare root or plugs for economical conservation planting.

For a brochure and order form, contact Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District at 585-343-2362 or visit the Web site at
http://geneseeny.org/dpt/soilandwater/treebrochure2011.pdf

Little/Junior/Senior League sign-ups this Friday and Saturday

By Billie Owens

Sign-ups/registration for 2011 Little League and Jr./Sr. leagues are this Friday and Saturday.

This will take place at Genesee Country Mall, by the entrance to Sunny's restaurant.

On Friday, Feb. 25, the time is 6 to 8 p.m. On Saturday, Feb. 26, the time is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Please bring a copy of the player's birth certificate, the registration fee and proof of Genesee County residency.

Costs are:

Little League (ages 9 to 12) -- $75

Junior League (ages 13 to 15) -- $90

Senior League (ages 16 and under) -- $90

Senior League-ages 16 and under-$90

Any questions?
Little League call Larry Hale 585-409-3485
Junior/Senior leagues call Mike Dobbertin 585-233-3577

Reunion committee seeking members of BHS Class of '81

By Billie Owens

The Batavia High School Class of 1981 Reunion Committee is gathering information for the 30th class reunion. If you were a member of the Class of '81 and would like
to participate, visit the "Batavia High School Class of 1981 30th Reunion"
Facebook group.

Two Le Roy students named to Elmira College Dean's List

By Billie Owens

Elmira College named two Le Roy students to its Dean's List for academic achievement for the fall 2010 term. The Dean's List recognizes students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester.

Matthew Gale is majoring in childhood education, sociology and anthropology and is the son of Mr. Christie and Mrs. Cynthia Gale.

Megan Lowe is majoring in adolescence education -- mathematics, and is the daughter of John and Lynda Lowe.

Elmira College is located in the Finger Lakes Region. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 1-800-935-6472.

Daytona Party

By Howard B. Owens

Town of Darien hosts its annual Daytona Party and Raffle at 11 a.m.

Tickets are $20 and available at Darien Auto.

For more information, call Joe at (585) 356-7492.

Event Date and Time
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Day of Caring: Volunteers do chores to help nonprofits

By Billie Owens

The annual United Way Day of Caring will kick off at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 18, at Dwyer Stadium. The day will be filled with chores to benefit more than 15 nonprofit groups in the community.

More than 300 volunteers are expected to pitch in for painting, yard work, construction and many more practical tasks for the Day of Caring.

For information or to volunteer, please call the United Way office at 343-8141.

Two local students earn degrees online from Kaplan University

By Billie Owens

Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its winter 2011 class during a live graduation ceremony on Feb. 5 in Miami. Bill Richardson, former two-term governor of New Mexico, ambassador to the United Nations, Energy secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.

Two Genesee County students earned degrees:

Janette Pickard, of Alexander, NY was awarded a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies.

Laura Pitcher, of Oakfield, was awarded an associate degree for Applied Science in Business Administration.

The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees – as well as professional certificates – completely online.

The university strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. For more information about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

 

Get a Zumba groove on for Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Billie Owens

Zumba -- the fun fusion of Latin and international music and dynamic, effective fitness dance moves -- is the focus of a Party of Hope to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance, Inc., on Saturday, Feb. 26.

Participants will do some booty shaking for a good cause, with sponsorships of $20 for one hour or $50 for all day. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (Even watching this is a hoot!)

Registration begins at 10 a.m. inside the Genesee Country Mall on Main Street in Downtown Batavia.

Pre-registration is available from Genesee Cancer Assistance, located at 214 E. Main St., or at The Insurance Center, 50 Main St., both in Batavia.

 

Genesee ARC Presents the Sprout Film Festival

By Genesee ARC News

 

In celebration of our 45th anniversary year Genesee ARC is sponsoring a local screening of the Sprout Film Festival. The event, which showcases films by and about people with developmental disabilities will be held Saturday March 19 at the Batavia High School auditorium.

Sprout is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1979. The mission of the New York City-based organization is to provide innovative programming that raises the profile and showcases the work of people with developmental disabilities.

The local showing will include a selection of short films, ranging from documentaries to music videos. Some films are moving, enlightening and inspirational; others are humorous, whimsical and fun.  Each film will be introduced by a Sprout representative.  There are two show times, and 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.and donations are gratefully accepted.

The Sprout Film Festival is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.  Any one with questions may call ARC Director of Development, Shelley Falitico at 343-1123 ext. 231.

Spaghetti Dinner - Elba Cub Scouts Pack 6017

By Leela Chadbourne

Please come out and help support our Pack and help send our scouts to camp. Last year was a huge success and everyone raved about our dinner. Our scouts will be serving up Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with meatballs, bread, salad, cake and refreshments and take out dinners will be available. 

Event Date and Time
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College hosts job fair for health care industry

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair dedicated to careers in the health career industry from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 10 at the William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community.

More than 30 local and regional health care companies and four-year schools will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company or school. Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistants and Respiratory Care businesses will all be represented.

To date, the following employer representatives will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions, and receive resumes (This list is subject to change.):

  • Batavia Nursing Home
  • Catholic Health System
  • Chautauqua Physical & Occupational Therapy
  • Eastern Niagara Health System
  • Erie County Medical Center Corp
  • Finger Lakes DDSO
  • Freedom Therapy Services
  • Hamot Medical Center
  • HCR Home Care
  • Heritage Centers HomeCare & Hospice - Warsaw
  • Jones Memorial Hospital
  • Med-Scribe, Inc.
  • Monroe Community Hospital
  • Niagara University
  • NYS Veterans Home at Batavia
  • PSA Healthcare
  • Roberts Wesleyan College: RN to BS Program
  • SUNY Empire State College
  • Supplemental Health Care
  • The ARC of Monroe County The College at Brockport (SUNY)
  • Army ROTC
  • Trocaire College
  • United Memorial Medical Center
  • Unity Health System
  • University of Rochester School of Nursing
  • VA WNY Healthcare System
  • Wyoming County Community Health System

"With the increasing need for qualified health care professionals, this Health Careers Job Fair gives students and employers a great opportunity to connect," said John McGowan, Career Services Center coordinator. "Careers in health care are one of the few areas of continuing growth in these tough economic times."

The Job Fair is FREE and open to the general public. For a current listing of registered employers/schools, please visit the Career Services Web page at <http://www.genesee.edu/career/events>.

 

GCC renews transfer agreement with Houghton College

By Billie Owens

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Houghton College in Houghton re-signed an articulation agreement earlier this month, expanding the opportunity of effectively transferring associate's degree credits earned at Genesee toward a bachelor's degree from Houghton College.

With this updated agreement, courses and program requirements are defined so that students can make a smooth transition to their desired baccalaureate program at Houghton.

The articulation agreement enables students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at Houghton.

Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to Houghton in their desired major.

Genesee Community College offers several programs that align well with many of Houghton's degree programs. In particular, Houghton's PACE (Program for Accelerating College Education) allows a smooth transition from Genesee to Houghton for adult students over the age of 23. Other popular transfer programs include Business, Human Services and Teacher Education Transfer.

"Updating this agreement with Houghton allows us to have the most up-to-date course information for our students," said Patrick Walter, transfer coordinator at Genesee. "Knowing what is expected at a student's desired transfer institution helps students save time and money when selecting courses to take."

Through an articulation agreement, students typically save thousands of dollars on their first two years of tuition, which at Genesee costs $140 per credit for New York state residents. In addition, if they choose to live at home, they can also save on room and board. This savings allows students to concentrate more on a transfer school that fits their education needs and career goals, rather than how much that school will cost them.

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with more than 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430 or go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Transfer.

 

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