Announcements

Is this your kitty?

He showed up at our house on Christmas Day and is still here - safe, snug, fed, watered and happily using a litter box.  I don't think he had eaten in a few days, and he seemed genuinely freaked out by being outside in the cold.

Now, he's a great guy, but he can't stay.   We've got five existing adoptees and a baby; it's already Crazy Town here and we're playing musical rooms to keep everybody separated.

He's super affectionate and well-behaved.  He's clean, no ear mites or eye junk or apparent respiratory problems.  It's clear that he is a well-socialized and loving house cat.

If you are one of my neighbors in northeast Pembroke, you will have already gotten a flier about this.  If his home is further abroad than the exotic confines of Mogadore/Phelps Road, please contact me at fromtheboonies at gmail dot com.

If you dumped him, well, who am I to judge you.  He provided me the opportunity to take in a stranger in need on Christmas Day, and I'm grateful for the experience.  In any case the good folks at the Genesee County Animal Shelter (Volunteers 4 Animals) have 'room at the inn' for him, and he'll be taken there tomorrow unless his humans claim him sooner.

I'd also like to plug an organization I discovered while researching my his options: Spay Our Strays.   They rehabilitate feral cat colonies.  They run monthly clinics and the general idea is Trap, Spay/Neuter, and Release (or placement on a farm as a barn cat).

In this case their services aren't really appropriate since I think this guy lives in a house.  However, we get feral cats turning up out of the fields all the time and they drive our house cats absolutely nuts.  In one case there was a physical altercation that left us with a $250 vet bill.  I had no idea there was such an organization, but wow am I all for what they do and hope to assist their efforts going forward.

Thanks for reading!

Contact info again:  fromtheboonies at gmail dot com

Buffalo Sabres Hall of Famer Sabre Danny Gare is offering a hockey clinic on Tuesday Dec. 28 at Falletti Ice Arena on Evans Street in the City of Batavia.

Here's the on-ice session times:

• Sqirts -- 9 a.m.
• PeeWees -- 10 a.m.
• Bantams and also Midgets -- 1 p.m.

Gare, a two time 50-goal scorer, will share his expertise on the mechanics of shooting and scoring to young hockey enthusiasts.

Also, his son-in-law, Shawn Pursel -- a certified strength and conditioning specialist
with more than 15 years experience -- will cover strength-training methods for
greater power and speed on the ice. In addition, he'll offer nutritional tips to maximize
player performance.

The clinic is for ages 9-18 and the $30 registration fee includes one hour of on-ice instruction from Danny and 30 minutes of off-ice conditioning and nutrition tips from Shawn.

There will also be handouts and an autographed Hall of Fame picture from Danny. Limited slots are still available.

Contact John Zola at jzola@rochester.rr.com to register.

Earlier this month, recruits at the Rural Police Training Academy at Genesee Community College took the plunge into the icy waters at Hamburg Beach on Lake Erie.

The current class in the 22nd Basic Course for Police participated in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Polar Plunge on Dec. 4. All 24 recruits attended and 17 of them actually braved the 40 degree waters of Lake Erie for the cause.

They generated more than $1,000 in donations, coming in 24th place out of 89 competing teams in this annual event.

"This was a total volunteer event and I appreciate the hard work of this class for a great cause," said Douglas Brooks, director of GC's Rural Police Training Academy Brooks.

The event generates funds and raises awareness to benefit the Special Olympics, with similar events occurring throughout the year at locations across the country.

"It is a very unique way of not only raising funds for a great cause, but also building camaraderie among the recruits," Brooks said.

For the 30th year, the Elba Presbyterian Church will gather in a barn on Transit Road to celebrate Christmas Eve. Time is Friday from 7 to about 7:45 p.m.

One hundred candles in milk jugs will line the roads leading to the Yunker Farm.

A star at the top of the loft window can be seen at the approach. A rough wooden manger will be the focal point, while a newborn baby and the parents will portray the Holy Family. Rows of seats for the congregation will be wooden planks held up by onion crates.

The reading of the story from Scripture and singing of well-known yuletide carols will be followed by a short meditation by the Rev. Barbara Tipton. Finally, the lights will be lowered and the penetrating sound of “Oh Holy Night” -- performed as a flute solo -- will fill the old hay mow, echoing to the ceiling.

The flautist will be church member Fran Woodworth. The Holy Family will be portrayed by Tim and Christine Zipfel and their infant, who are also church members.

At Encore 2010, Genesee Community College Foundation's annual holiday fundraising event, 336 local residents enjoyed a great night out.

Extra seating was brought into the William W. Stuart Forum and the Stuart Steiner Theatre to accommodate the overflow audience. The Dec. 15 celebration continued the tradition of a fun and festive evening, with new and old friends coming together in the spirit of raising funds for the college's numerous scholarship programs.

Batavia residents Joe and Mary Beth Teresi chaired Encore 2010, and were assisted by a committee of almost 20 community members.

The evening began with a gourmet reception in the forum. Guests then proceeded to the theater for a holiday pops concert with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Emily Helenbrook, a 16-year-old soprano and Alexander native, joined the BPO for an enchanting performance that wowed the crowd. The evening concluded with a delectable dessert reception in the forum.

"When all contributions are counted, they will possibly exceed a record-setting $60,000," said Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman. "In these difficult and economically challenging times, the overwhelming turnout and contributions should be a source of pride to everyone who worked so hard to make the event a success.

Ensman also thanked Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor, for its continued support of Encore.

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to providing volunteer and philanthropic support to Genesee Community College. Formed in 1986, it has been instrumental in providing more than 3,000 scholarships over the last decade, assisting in the funding of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union, and the expansion of College Village, Genesee's student residence.

Photographs of Encore 2010 can be viewed by visiting the college's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege <http://www.facebook.com/GeneseeCommunityCollege>.

With our normal distribution day falling on Christmas day, Care-A-Van wants to make sure families have groceries for the holiday season.

We will be at State Street Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 PM. If you or anyone you know needs groceries, clothing or prayer, please stop by.

It has been an amazing week for the ministry with sharing the love during this holiday season. Thank you to all of you who donate your time, your financial donations and prayers. We could not go forth without your love and encouragement.

Who knows, you might just see the Care-A-Van dancers there! It truly has been a fun week!

Submitted by Kimberly Schiefer:

The second-grade class of Pembroke Primary School teacher Kim Altmann is raising money for "Wings Flights of Hope."

So far they have raised $75 and Mrs. Altmann is going to match whatever they raise by Dec. 23. The children decided on their own not to exchange gifts with each other and decided to do something good for someone else this Christmas instead.

There are 21 kids in her class and "they are such special children this year," notes Kimberly Schiefer.

The organization the class is raising money for is 100-percent donation supported -- it uses no government funds. Its volunteer pilots use their skills and passion for flying to help people get medical care who otherwise lack the means or ability to access transportation.

Wings Flights of Hope also makes "compassion flights" so loved ones can visit those receiving medical treatment.

The organization's slogan is "Help Wings Give People a Lift."

To make a donation, write a check payable to Wings Flights of Hope, and mail it to:

Pembroke Primary School

Atten: Kim Altmann

2486 Main Road

Pembroke, NY 14054

Mark your calendar...

Forty-three-year-old Tim Rittersback, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 12, 2010
leaving his wife and three boys ages 2, 10 and 13. This tragic event has left
them with many unexpected expenses, according to his aunt Teresa Tamfer, a member of the Batavia Society of Artists.

There is going to be a Benefit & Raffle for them beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Attica Owl Building, 639 Exchange St., in Attica.

There will be a spaghetti dinner, open bar from 3 to 4 p.m., live music, basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing.

Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 14, and kids under 4 eat for free.

If you have questions or would like to make a donation to the Rittersback family, call Teresa Tamfer at 506-2465.

GO ART! Salon presents "Without a Net: A Show Biz Odyssey" with comedian Hiram Kasten at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21 at Seymour Place, 201 East Main St., Batavia. Reservations are required.

Kasten is a familiar face on many of television's most popular programs. He has guest starred on "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "My Wife and Kids," "Sabrina The Teenage Witch," "Mad About You," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" and many, many more.

He was a regular on the fifth season of "Seinfeld" as Elaine's office chum Michael, and was regularly befuddled as the friendly pharmacist Mr. Piel on "Seventh Heaven." Kasten has also guest starred on several hour-long dramas such as "Without A Trace" on CBS along with "Dirty, Sexy Money" on ABC. He has been on Ray Romano's new series, "Men of a Certain Age."

As a comedian, he has performed all over the country and starred in the hit show, "The Rat Pack is Back" in Las Vegas. As a regular opener for old friend Jerry Seinfeld, amongst others, Kasten is known for his storytelling skills that make each evening's show special and new.

Now, alone on stage with nothing but his mouth, Hiram Kasten takes us on the unique odyssey of a poor kid from the Bronx, who only wanted to be on television and, while never at a loss for detractors, he traveled the road less taken to see his dream come true.

With his sharp wit unleashed, he shares the story of a passionate life lived each day without a net, all the while befriending some of the biggest names in show business.

From the nightclubs in New York City, to the casinos of Las Vegas, to standing on the immortalized sound stages of Hollywood, the personal and behind-the-scenes moments that Hiram Kasten shares are at turns hilarious and touching, instructive and inspirational, and as true and beautiful as the human comedy itself.

A themed light supper and beverages are served with this Salon.

A contribution of $22 for GO ART! members, $25 for non-members is requested...or enjoy the series of three at $60 for members, $70 for non-members.

To make reservations, please contact GO ART! at 343-9313 or info@GOart.org. For more information on the series, visit www.GOart.org.

The Holland Land Office Museum is hosting a Children's Gala from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 18.

Cost is $3 per child; $10 per family.

Call 343-4727 to reserve a place.

The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Congressman Chris Lee with New York Farm Bureau President and Genesee County resident Dean Norton, right, accepting an award from the American Farm Bureau for being a "Friend of the Farm Bureau." Lee announced the award this evening on Twitter.

FOUND: Child's stuff animal at Oakfield Wilson Farms on Friday, Dec. 10. Identify to claim. 948-5631 or odyssey7@rochester.rr.com

Genesee County United Way is more than halfway to its goal of $392,000 for the 2011 campaign. According to Regional Director Jamie Beedham-Rada, they are currently at 58 percent and "need your help to reach 100 percent."

Beedham-Rada says that United Way's mission is "to give back to our community, advocate for those in need, and receive funding to support local non-profit agencies."

Their five chief service categories are early childhood, school-age children, elderly, crisis and disability services.

"I believe by giving to United Way we are 'paying it forward,'" Beedham-Rada said, "because most of us have probably utilized services from one of the many agencies United Way supports at some point in our lives.

"Whether you had a child in Boy Scouts, an aging parent in need of assistance, no food for your family, or you just needed someone to talk to, one of the many amazing agencies in our county was there to assist you."

She also stressed that all money donated to United Way "stays right in our community to help the people we care about most."

For more information, contact Beedham-Rada at 343-8141. To donate, make checks payable to:

United Way

335 Ellicott St.

Batavia, NY 14020

Graphic submitted by Jamie Beedham-Rada

Here's a news release from Tender Loving Family Care.

Tender Loving Family Care (TLFC), a local care provider with offices in Brockport and Batavia, is donating 100 hours of services to members of the community that may need care this holiday season.

TLFC, which is owned and operated by Anikka and David D’Andrea, is also encouraging caregivers and family members of elderly residents to be on the lookout for signs of depression in seniors during the holidays.

According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression. Another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20 percent of the senior population.

Depression in the elderly is difficult to diagnose and is frequently untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.

If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you may notice a change in your loved one's mood as the holidays approach. Perhaps you are one of many, who visit elderly parents and family during the holidays who live a distance away. When you visit you may notice that loved ones are not as physically active, or they show symptoms of fatigue or sadness and have no interest in the holiday or in their surroundings.

You can help by recognizing the signs of depression and getting seniors out and about.  Invite them to do things with you such as helping with holiday tasks and encourage them to talk with their healthcare provider if you are concerned about them.

Keeping with the theme of volunteering and giving during the holiday season, TLFC is offering free service to help individuals that will be home alone, in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility during the holidays. TLFC, which provides affordable, comprehensive, non-medical care services, will make 100 hours of service available to those in need.

According to President and CEO Anikka D’Andrea, the goal is to help those in need while calling attention to the special needs of seniors.

“We have a large aging population that needs special attention and the care is often provided by family members that already have a number of responsibilities,” D’Andrea said. “We are here to help them and offer them a break from demands of care giving.”

To find out more about TLFC or to suggest someone that could benefit from free care, please call 637-0333.

The Batavia Area Jaycees invite you to brighten holiday spirits by taking part in a Holiday Home Lighting Contest.

Judging will take place starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18. The winners will be chosen from six categories:

• Most Traditional Decor
• Most Colorful
• Overall Display
• Friends of the Lighting Company
• Most Commercial
• Simple and Elegant

Judging will take place within City of Batavia limits. However, if you feel a house within the Town of Batavia limits is worth judging, please leave a message with the address by phoning 343-5775.

The Batavia Area Jaycees is a community service organization for ages 21 to 39. It has provided local individual development and leadership training since 1943.

Visit on the web at <http://www.jci.cc/local/batavia#>.

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office will have extra patrols on the highways this holiday season and their focus will be on DWI, seat belt use and aggressive driving.

Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble wants people to remember that driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. He says "Please give driving your undivided attention and pull off the road to accomplish everything else."

Seatbelt questions and answers:

What is the law regarding seat belt use?

According to the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Laws, seat belts must be worn as follows:

• All passengers in the front seat of a motor vehicle must wear a seat belt according to Section 1229-c (2) and (3) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#2>.
• All children under the age of 16 must wear a seat belt in the back seat <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#1>.
• Children from birth through age 8 are required to ride in an appropriate child restraint system.
• All children under the age of 16 are required to be buckled up when traveling in recreation vehicles, mobile homes and campers if they are equipped with seat belts.

What if I am driving and my passengers are not buckled up?

• Drivers can be fined up to $100 for each passenger under the age of 16 who is not properly restrained in their vehicles. See Section 1229-c (5) <http://www.safeny.com/seat-vt.htm#5">.
• The driver will also receive three violation points on his or her driver record. See the on-line seatbelt brochure <http://www.safeny.com/media/belt-bro.htm>.

Circle of Love Foundation is collecting gently used winterwear: coats, jackets, mittens, gloves, scarves, snowpants, boots, snowsuits for men, women and children. All sizes needed.

These will be passed out individually to people in need. Founder Billie Ball says "we have many families in need of winter outerwear."

Drop off your donations to: Circle of Love, located inside of Country Clippers Dog Grooming, 3286 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Or call and they can pick up five items or more. Phone is 345-7412.

Students at Genesee Community College now have the opportunity to expand their leadership skills through a new non-credit Leadership Certificate Program.

It is a new initiative to help students improve upon their existing skills and ability to be a leader. Open to all students, this program is designed to prepare students as leaders in the workplace and in their community.

While students do not receive academic credit for attending these seminars and workshops, they will receive recognition for completing it on their final academic transcripts.

Students must complete a series of courses, seminars, workshops and volunteer work in five areas to complete the certificate program. These include:

One Introductory Course (Student choose one of the following)

• LEAD 101: Your Life and Leadership (designed for first year students)
• LEAD 102: Foundations of Leadership (designed for non-traditional students)

One Capstone Course (Student choose one of the following)

• LEAD 201: Modern Leadership Issues Seminar
• LEAD 202: Student Paraprofessional Development Seminar (designed for student leaders)
• LEAD 203: Orientation Leadership Seminar
• LEAD 204: Resident Assistant Seminar Experience In Leadership. Students complete 120 hours over two semesters of actively participating in one of the following four categories: Internship, Part-time Position, Volunteer Position, or Summer Job.

Service Learning – students must complete four service learning projects, such as an alternative Spring Break, Student Volunteer position at GCC, or Student Leadership position at GCC.

LEAD 206: Leadership Certificate Portfolio.

• Over the course of three sessions, students develop an electronic or E-portfolio. Student Development Series Presentations take place during common hours and evenings and students choose 10 on-campus or online sessions from the following seven modules: LIFE, Business and Commerce, Cross Cultural, Volunteerism and Service Leadership, Professional, Transitions, and Financial Wellness.

"Leadership is key to the future of individuals, organizations, communities and nations," Jennifer Newell, dean of Students at Genesee said. "Organizations in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors are moving away from traditional management functions toward models of employee empowerment based on various leadership models. We want to prepare students to not only be dynamic in their future workplaces, but effectively serve their communities as well."

To find out more contact Newell at 343-0055, ext. 6314, or jmnewell@genesee.edu.

Tomorrow, Saturday, December 4 begins Winterfest in Le Roy. Santa will be coming to town at 1:00. Bring the kids to see him at Pontillo's on Main Street.

The second annual Holiday Bazaar will take place at the Knights of Columbus (behind Save-a-lot).

There will be a coloring contest for the kids at the movie store on Main St. and hot chocolate at the Library on Wolcott Street. There's always something super yummy brewing at Java's on Main and baking at Scratch Bakery (in the Java's store). The Main Street stores will be having sales. We have many lovely shops, including Vintage and Vogue and The Hobby Horse.

Come see Le Roy decorated for the holidays and shop too! Remember when you spend money in Genesee County your taxes stay here to support the county, city, villages and towns AND you support your neighbors by helping them stay in business!

Buy local!

Thank you to Michelle Fuller for her vision and coordination of decorating on Main Street for the holidays this year, to the DPW for their assistance, the Le Roy Business Council and the Village of LeRoy for sponsoring the new holiday banners, and everyone for participating in lighting.

Thank you for supporting OUR businesses!!!

A Corfu man who is a New York Army National Guard Soldier has been promoted -- given a new rank and responsibilities.

Brandon Burgess, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry, is promoted to the rank of Private 1st Class.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announced the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability and development potential. These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber citizen soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.state.us or www1800goguard.com.