Announcements

The City of Batavia will celebrate both Earth Day and Arbor Day from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 24.

The morning will begin at Austin Park on Jefferson Avenue with: a presentation on “Eco-friendly, Cost-Saving Energy Tips” by National Grid; a Seed Starting Display by the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners; a composting display by GLOW; and a proclamation by City Council.

Volunteers will then be assigned a city park or downtown Main and Ellicott Street area to pick up debris. The volunteers will be asked to regroup at Austin Park at 11:30 a.m. for a tree-planting ceremony.

There will be giveaways donated by Target during the main presentation and free reusable shopping bags donated by Lowes for the first 50 volunteers.

The tree for the planting ceremony has been donated by Lowes. ARC is also donating its services and supplies for the event and Tim Horton’s is donating coffee and TimBits for the volunteers.

This event will take place rain or shine. Volunteers are needed to give a couple hours of their time to get out and recognize Earth Day & Arbor Day and to help Clean up & Green up Batavia!  There are additional hours available for students interested in community service hours. 

If there are any questions, please contact:

Jodie Freese
Office of the City Manager
One Batavia City Centre
Batavia, New York 14020
Phone:   (585) 345-6333
Fax:        (585) 343-8182
E-mail:   jfreese@batavianewyork.com
 

Do you remember participating in the incubation and embryology project, either as a student or as an adult?  Odds are you are familiar with this program, just one part of Cornell Cooperative Extensions’ 4-H Youth Development programming.   Extension educator Barb Sturm is again visiting Genesee County classrooms, delivering this exciting hands-on learning experience.  

One component of Barbs’ job is Ag in the Classroom, an effort to help students, teachers and parents learn about agriculture, why it is important, why we should care, and how important agriculture is not only to Genesee County, but to the entire world!

What you may not know is why this program (incubation and embryology) exists, and why it matters. This interdisciplinary project is designed to provide youth with a “hands on” experience while classroom teachers have the opportunity to satisfy science, math and ELA core requirements.  While watching the fuzzy little chicks find their way out of the eggs, youth are increasing their knowledge and developing personal confidence and leadership ability through related project activities.  They are developing an interest in the science of embryology.  And as they learn about incubation, hatching and brooding, they  have opportunities to demonstrate the skills they have mastered in embryology.

This is one of the more well known programs that Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County offers as part of the 4-H Youth Development Program.  There is so much more that 4-H offers to youth.   Through hands-on, experiential learning, youth develop life skills including

Learning to Learn

•          Developing intellectual curiosity

•          Learning through experience

•          Learning by using the five senses

Leading Self and Others

•          Working on a team

•          Identifying one's own competencies

Relating to Others

•          Trusting one's self and others

•          Accepting diversity

Communicating With Others

•          Disagreeing and refusing

•          Speaking before a group

•          Creative expression

Planning and Organizing

•          Setting short-term goals

Whether you are directly involved in this program or not, over the next few weeks, students in Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Corfu, East Pembroke, Leroy, Oakfield and Pavilion will be learning all about it. 

Donations and assistance have been received from Cargill, Harper Hill Farm, and the Genesee County Fur & Feather 4-H Club.  Thank you one and all for your participation and support of this, and all, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County programming.

If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the Incubation and Embryology project, 4-H, or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, please (585)343-3040, or visit our website, www.genesee.shutterfly.com

Volunteers are needed for various outdoor projects at Genesee County Park located on 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

If interested, please contact Judy Spring at 344-1122.

Thirteen-year-old Eric DiLaura was announced as the winner of Roxy’s Guitar Giveaway. Eric is a Batavia resident and guitar student at Roxy’s, studying with instructor Paul Ronfola. Over 400 people signed up to win throughout the month of March.

Roxy’s is a full-service musical instrument dealer, offering new and used instruments, accessories, lessons, instrument repair, rentals and much more. For more information, visit www.Roxys.com

 

The Canisius College Chorale under the direction of Frank Scinta, will continue its 2010  Sacred Spaces Concert Series with a program at St. Mary’s Church in Batavia at 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 18.

St. Mary’s Church, one of two sites of Resurrection Parish, is located at 18 Ellicott Street.

Sacred Spaces stems from an idea the choir proposed five years ago to feature its music in some of Western New York's most beautiful and acoustically resonant environments -- namely, the sanctuaries of our area churches. As a result, the choir has visited more than 25 houses of worship with its repertoire of sacred and secular music.

Now in its 12th season, the Canisius College Chorale remains one of WNY’s most active collegiate music ensembles. Composed of 120 undergraduate and graduate members, the chorale regularly presents concert programs to school, church and community audiences throughout WNY and Southern Ontario, Canada.

Its repertoire covers more than five centuries of composition and nearly every interpretive style of choral music. In recent years, the chorale has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ars Nova Chamber Musicians, and the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus. In addition, the chorale has made appearances at Toronto’s St. John Latvian Lutheran Church and Holy Rosary Church. The chorale released its fourth CD
recording in February, 2009.

Resurrection Parish and its Music Director Mark Hoerbelt invite you to enjoy an evening of great choral music for all ages and tastes. The concert will feature works by Mendelssohn, Hogan, Bernstein, Hovland, Dawson and others. Admission to all events in the Sacred Spaces series is free.

For more information, please contact Hoerbelt, (585) 343 1842 or Scinta, (716) 838 4252.

Genesee Community College students in the Business Forum Club set their ducks afloat last month with one goal in mind; to raise funds for United Way. The second annual United Way Ducky Derby was held in the college's Olympic-sized pool. The students surpassed their goal of raising more funds than last year, selling 466 ducks for a grand total of $1,065 in ducky donations. Last year, the Ducky Derby earned $862.

Students raised the funds by selling numbered rubber ducks. The ducks then were set free in the pool at the Batavia Campus. With the help of a "current" created by members of the college's swim team, the first duck that made it to the end of the pool won the race to the hooting, hollering and cheers of a captive fan base of staff, students and faculty.

The winner of this year's race was a duck purchased by Robert Knipe, dean of Learning Technologies at the college. His winnings totaled over $500, but he graciously donated all the money back to the students' United Way Genesee Community College Campaign. The overall GCC United Way Goal is $17,000, and the College's campaign runs through next week.

Volunteer Genesee students in the Business Forum Club include Jeweliet Blair, Alyssa DelPlato, Dave Farabella, Amanda Hoffmeister, Adam Hoopengardner, Ben Kibler, Jamal Murphy, Travis Newberry, and John Sciarratta.

The Business Forum students thanked the entire College community for its support, and specifically recognized the following people for their donations and help to make the second annual Duck Derby a success: Roger Loos from Batavia's Falleti Ice Rink (for loaning the rubber ducks), Pauly's Pizza, Darien Lake Theme Park and Resort, Tops Markets, Bio Kleen, Alex's Place, Mike Kroll (GCC swim coach), Leslie Flannery, Doug Nagowski, Claire Vanderberg, GCC swimmers, Donna Rae Sutherland and Mike Perry, GCC staff, GCC bookstore, GCC cafeteria, GCC Student Activities, and GCC Cougar mascot and everyone who purchased a duck.

For further information please contact Rick Dudkowski, Business faculty member, at 343-0055, ext. 6390 or <http://mrdudkowski@genesee.edu>.
 

Batavia's own Joey Pero and his Band will perform at the Curt Anderson Memorial Classic XVII, sponsored by Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps.

It will be held starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 at Greece Apollo Middle School, 700 Maiden Lane, Greece.

St. Joe’s is excited to bring Joey Pero and his Band to the event. Originally from Batavia, now living in NYC pursuing his music career, Joey has close ties to the drum corps world. His father was a member of St. Joe’s Junior Corps in the 1960s, and was one of the original members of Mighty St. Joe’s Alumni Corps when it formed in 1991. Joey has also played with Mighty St. Joe’s throughout the years and in the past has written the arrangements for a few of St. Joe’s’ songs.

Joey will perform music from his recently released solo album, "Resonance," and will be available to sign CD’s during admission and after the show.

For the percussionists in the crowd, CADRE (Canadian Associates Drumming Rudimental Excellence) from Ontario, Canada will entertain with their cumulative energy as they perform classic rudimental drum solos. Also appearing is a fan favorite, and two-time DCA World Brass Ensemble Champions, Prime Time Brass. Having recently returned from Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, they will play a mixture of big band/jazz, pop, and patriotic numbers.

Also performing are “From Parts Unknown,” previous DCA World Champion Mini Corps, and the Ghost Riders will present newest show. Mighty St. Joe’s is also pleased to have the Greece High Schools Marching Band open the show with the national anthems and some of their latest music. Of course, as the corps enters its 20th season, Mighty St. Joe’s is eager to entertain the audience with several new songs.

Tickets are $15 each (general admission) and can be ordered in advance by sending a SASE to Rae Shults, 52 Wind Way Circle, Rochester, NY 14624, or they can be purchased at the box office on the day of the show.

The Salvation Army will offer emergency disaster training at the Batavia Salvation Army, 529 E. Main St. this month.

Introduction to Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) will be offered from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 16. This course is designed for new disaster workers who have limited disaster experience and who have just begun their association with The Salvation Army's emergency disaster services program.

The course provides participants with an overview of The Salvation Army's mission and its role within disaster work. Participants will also be taught how to prepare and equip themselves for a disaster deployment.

Then on Saturday, April 17 there will be a class on the Incident Command System (ICS). It takes place from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and provides participants with a general orientation to The Salvation Army Incident Command System (ICS) and explains how it is used to command, control and coordinate disaster relief operations.

Here's a notice from Volunteers for Animals:

We are looking for a volunteer(s) to create videos of available animals. You must be willing to make a long-term commitment (at least six months). We have two small Flip all-digital cameras that can be used to take pictures.

Typically, the videos are two to three minutes long minutes and put to music, but we're open to different formats and ideas. You must be able to do all the editing and uploading at home. You can go You Tube and view videos currently posted for an example of what has been done (VFAGCAS is the account name or there are links on our Website).

We are not looking for a video on every animal -- periodically we do a video on a group of cats or dogs or more challenging to place animals. On average, if you could post one or two videos a month, we would be quite happy. In order to photograph animals, you would need to come in during adoption hours so that other volunteers can assist with the animals.

There is no pay for this job but lots of satisfaction that you are helping to get animals into good homes. Photos and videos have proven over and over that they help get animals homes. If you are interested or would like more information, please email us at vfa@rochester.rr.com

Thank you for your support and interest in the animals at the Shelter.

Volunteers For Animals
PO Box 1621
Batavia, NY   14021
www.vol4animals.org <http://www.vol4animals.org>

Working in partnership with:
Genesee County Animal Shelter
3841 W. Main Street Road
Batavia, NY  14020
(585)343-6410

Adoption Hours:
Sunday - Friday 1 - 3 pm (closed on Thursdays)
Wednesday 7 - 9 pm
Saturday 11 - 1 pm

Adopt a New Friend at the Genesee County Animal Shelter!

DO YOU HAVE CABIN FEVER? Here's just the cure for you! Come to the Holy Family School Brew Fest from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 17 in Le Roy.

We'll have Beer, wine and local restaurant food samplings, a live band, 50/50s, door prizes and basket raffles. The school is located at 46 Lake St.

Tickets are $20, call 768-7390 or email hfsbrewfest@yahoo.com.

A Thursday Nite Golf League is planned for May 6 through Sept. 16 at the Batavia Country Club, located at 2909 Batavia-Byron Road in Batavia.

A registration meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 22 at T.F. Brown's restaurant, 214 E. Main St. downtown.

Cost is $75 per player or $150 per team. Plus $20 weekly is payable to the Batavia Country Club. There will be four chances per week to win a 50/50 cash raffle.

To join or for more information, contact Jeremy Hunt at 356-1504, or at <jhunt34@yahoo.com>.

This weekend, the big city is coming to the small one in Genesee Community College's production of "Chicago."

"I've always wanted to do 'Chicago,' but we've never had the right people together at the right time," says Director Maryanne Arena. "It's been a dream of mine, and a dream of Patti [Simmons, the choreographer]'s. She's someone that I respect very much, and we just thought that if we don't do it now, we never will."

"Chicago" is an exciting show that is all about jazz, sex and fame -- and the lengths people will go to for all three. Set in the title city during the Prohibition Era, the musical centers around two imprisoned murderesses awaiting trial in Cook County Jail: Roxie Hart (portrayed by Kiara Davis), who dreams of being a Vaudeville star, and Velma Kelly (played by Jessica Francis), who already is one. Both are clients of the smooth lawyer Billy Flynn, and will do anything for the spotlight.

Those only familiar with the movie version, starring Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, will find the stage version to be slightly different, with a dark, minimalist set and mostly black costumes.

"The stage version is more like a Vaudeville show," says Arena. "The show is traditionally done with practically no sets, and all in black. But that wouldn't transfer to the screen properly; it wouldn't hold anybody's attention. The movie is done as though it's all inside Roxie's head, so it could be done in a very flashy way."

Arena says she doesn't believe the show is as racy as its reputation makes it out to be.

"It's about life in the Twenties," she says. "There was murder then, just like there's murder today."

Johnny Dow, who has the role of Billy Flynn, agrees: "I've seen worse. The reaction will depend on the audience."

Every performance will be unique, as two of the lead characters, Billy Flynn and Amos Hart, have been double-cast. Dow will be portraying Billy in the Thursday and Saturday performances, while Norm Gayford will have the role on Friday and Sunday. Roxie's husband Amos will be played by Richard Torres on Thursday and Friday, and Rob Reiss on Saturday and Sunday. Arena decided to split the parts because all auditioned equally well:

"Each of them approached their role differently, with different voices, even a different way of walking. They all deserve it."

Dow, a GCC student, says that although he and Gayford play the same part, they have created very different characters.

"Norm's more realistic, and I wanted my Billy to be more surreal. Mine is very cheesy."

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. General admission ticket prices are $8 for adults, $5 for students, seniors (55+) and GCC faculty, and $3 for GCC students with a valid ID.

Somebody somewhere once said that parents with grown children should seek revenge by spending the inheritance before checking out. Just something Bill Hume Sr. might want to consider after his son, Junior, gets through with him Saturday night.

The old guy is gonna be roasted but good. And as Genesee County highway supervisor, he darn well oughtta be.

In fact, his son wants people to come to the roast and have some laughs at his poor ol' dad's expense. But be forewarned, the comedy show will feature politically incorrect, adult humor. In other words, it's not fit for normal, modern audiences.

It will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 10, at the Batavia VFW hall, off of Cedar Street. There will be raffles and giveaways and six "roasters" who plan to rake Hume Sr. over the coals. These heartless clowns are local or have local ties. Some will be cruel enough to drive across state lines to victimize this loyal public servant.

Hey, it's free and promises to be "memorable." Call Bill Jr., heir apparent, for now, at 415-1173 for details.

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming spring fashion show at Genesee Community College. This year's production, entitled "Luxe," will take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 in the Forum at the Batavia campus.

The annual runway show is a much-anticipated event that will provide guests of all ages with a glimpse inside the exciting and glamorous world of fashion. The show includes many original creations and designs, as well as designs from well-known clothing lines.

Viewers will be captivated by beautiful dresses made completely out of recycled newspapers, as well as high-fashion garments that will radiate down the entire runway. Scenes will also include trendy styles in menswear, swimwear, children's attire and even edgy street fashions. The entertainment continues for guests after the show with tasty refreshments and fabulous door prizes.

Tickets are $5 presale or $7 at the door, pre-sale tickets are strongly encouraged. To order tickets or for additional information please contact Fashion Show Secretary Cheryl Young at 345-6830 or visit the Luxe Fashion Show website at <http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/fashionshow/2010/>.

The "Luxe" lineup includes:

• Eco-Couture -- Eco-friendly and recycled fashions. Scene coordinators - Brittany Moose (LeRoy) and Kayla Palmer (Oneida)
• Adore Millesime -- Vintage-inspired clothing. Scene Coordinators - Janelle Kujawski (Derby) and Michelle Luvisi (Rochester)
• Bare It All -- Trendy swimsuits for men and women. Scene Coordinator - Brittany Rogers (Seneca Falls)
• Flourish -- A blossom of fashions for adults and children. Scene Coordinators- Natasha Napper (Bronx) and Olivia Lennon (Geneva)
• Love & Luxe -- Fashions for the modern bride and groom. Scene Coordinators- Ellen Dagel (Rochester) and Jamie Sutton (Buffalo)
• Urban Chic -- Contemporary looks with an edgy and chic contrast. Scene Coordinators- Briana Alford (Norfolk) and Samantha VanderBrook (Clifton Springs)
• Formally Yours -- Timeless styles in prom wear. Scene Coordinator - April Cipolla (Batavia)
• Fair Play -- Rugged, sexy and bold attire. Scene Coordinators - Stephanie Edwards (Springville) and Kelly Gutzmer (Webster).
• Rouge - Pin-up style lingerie. Scene Coordinators - Danielle Colvin (Marcy) and Alyssa Delplato (Henrietta)
• Sheer Desire -- Romanic mix of light and dark clothing. Scene Coordinators - Alexa Blackmon (Olean) and Mallory Morse (Penn Yan).
• Masked Romance -- Stunning fabrics, unique outfits and dramatic accessories. Scene Coordinators - Connor deGuehery (Buffalo), Katelyn DeSieno (Scotia) and Keera Eiffert (Cohocton).

When Genesee Community College graduate, Kelly Caracciolo walks across the stage to collect her diploma next month it will be her first time setting foot on campus. She is a Distance Learning student from Trinidad and Tobago, who has earned a degree from Genesee completely online. 

She finished a Business Administration degree in August and will attend commencement in May with her family.

Caracciolo is no stranger to the United States. She has family in Brooklyn and has visited the U.S. many times throughout her childhood. She knew she wanted to earn a degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) education system, and was referred to Genesee by the international student advisor at SUNY Plattsburg for efficiency, low cost and convenient scheduling opportunities. She someday hopes to enroll in a management program at a local university in Trinidad to continue her education.

Caracciolo, 25, is from the Borough of Arima on the island of Trinidad, the southernmost island in the Caribbean. The birthplace of the steel pan musical instrument and the limbo dance, Trinidad is a fusion of many different cultures including Spanish, French, Indian and African. She lives in the same house she and her mother both grew up in, which boasts many family memories of island living.

She works as an administrative assistant at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, and originally found that balancing work with academic studies was challenging.

"It was a lot of work," Caracciolo noted. "But all worth it in the end. I believe the whole process has made me a more independent person."

She will graduate as a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and with a 3.81 G.P.A. She was also on the part-time student Dean's List. In the beginning, she found online classes were difficult to get accustomed to, but she gradually began to love the opportunity and believes the classes made her more independent.

It was comforting to know that the instructors were just an e-mail away. Her favorite course was BUS 214-Management Principles because it covered all aspects of the Business curriculum, which she readily applies to her professional interests and long-range career plans.

Her dream job would be to manage a hotel or resort. She is passionate about proper customer service and hopes to one day provide this to customers on a daily basis as they visit her island nation.

"I am so glad that I found Genesee Community College, and I am very grateful to the Distance Learning staff," she stated in an e-mail correspondence. "They gave me the opportunity to get started on my career. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the courses were challenging, yet enjoyable."

Caracciolo enjoys sports, especially watching and playing tennis, working out, billiards, and an occasional high-energy spinning class at the local gym. She also loves a good movie with friends, and of course, listening and dancing to native island music.

Genesee is expanding both course and degree earning options of its Distance Learning program. Last semester, 85 online courses were offered, and this semester, 108.

For further information about completing a degree at Genesee via Distance Learning, please visit <http://www.genesee.edu/DL> or contact Judith Littlejohn, Distance Learning advisor at 343-0055, ext. 6158.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a nine-day tour of China late September/early October of this year.

Very similar to its successful trips in 2008 and 2009, the chamber is offering the community the unique opportunity to travel to China for the low price of $1,999. Price includes air fare (from JFK), bus to/from JFK, hotel stays, three meals a day, bus tours (with guides), admission to tourist spots, and airport taxes throughout the trip.
 
Of professional interest, this trip will present opportunities to learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates. The group will tour many memorable sites, both ancient and modern, and enjoy a multitude of unforgettable experiences in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou. This year, there is also the opportunity to go to the Shanghai Expo. In addition, there is the option to visit Xian (Terra Cotta Warriors) or to Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill) for an additional fee.
 
The chamber believes this trip to be an exceptional value. For more details call Melissa at the chamber at (585) 343-7440, ext. 27 and sign up to attend an informational meeting on April 22.

A press release from GCC:

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Keuka College in Penn Yan re-signed an articulation agreement expanding the opportunity of effectively transferring associate's degree credits earned at Genesee toward a bachelor's degree from Keuka 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 Keuka College.

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

Genesee Community College offers several programs that align well with many of Keuka's degree programs. In particular, Genesee's Deaf Studies Certificate program works as a building block into Keuka's unique American Sign Language to English Interpretation program. Other popular transfer programs include Education, Social Work and Criminal Justice.

"Re-visiting this agreement allows us to have the most up-to-date course information for our students," said Patrick Walter, career and transfer coordinator at Genesee. "The purpose of this agreement is to allow students to pre-plan their college careers so they can avoid taking unneeded credits and spending money on courses that won't transfer."

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 over 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430 or go to: <http://www.genesee.edu/CTC >.