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Announcements

Master Gardener “Spring into Gardening” Series

By Jan Beglinger

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their popular Coffee and Dessert Series this spring.  Participants enjoy a variety of gardening topics taught by Master Gardeners along with coffee, tea and dessert.

 

April 9 – “Herbs & Edibles”.  Growing a kitchen garden with herbs and other plant edibles is a great way of combining two of our favorite pastimes, gardening and eating!  After a long winter and checking the food prices on the grocery shelves, there is so much reward in starting your own garden of herbs and plant edibles.  With little space and $$, you can start this spring project with the kids, family and friends!  Call to register.  Space still available.

 

April 16 – “Square Foot & Container Gardening”.  Would you like to grow nutritious, great tasting vegetables but always come up with the same excuses?  Too much work – too many weeds – takes too much space – bad soil…  Square Foot Gardening solves all these problems in a simple, easy and logical manner.  Let us show you how it is done.  Still not sure?  Try growing your veggies in a container.  We will share with you the basics of container gardening.  Registration deadline is April 11.

 

April 23 – “Groundcovers - the Rodney Dangerfield of the Plant World”. -  Ground covers are more than the plants of last resort for difficult to grow areas.  Find out when and where to use these versatile plants to both benefit and enhance your gardens and landscapes.  Registration deadline is April 18.

 

April 30 – “Nobody Eats Nightshade, Everyone Eats Potatoes”.   Even within the same plant family, parts of one plant can be eaten while another plant should be avoided.  Learn to know the difference to keep your pets and family safe.  Registration deadline is April 25.

 

All programs are from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 East Main Street, Batavia.  Cost is $10 per person per class.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.  Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia to register.  For more information visit our website at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

Insource Urgent Care offers free seminar for professionals on ACA & new model of healthcare delivery

By Billie Owens

Insource Urgent Care is offering a free seminar on Friday morning, April 11, on how to survive the Affordable Care Act, and to demonstrate a new model of healthcare delivery that coordinates our patients with their physicians while at the same time dramatically reduces their “cost of care” across the spectrum.

The target audience for this seminar is: physicians, practice managers, administrators, personnel/HR managers, employee benefits administrators, educational administrators, government leaders, CEOs and COOs.

It will take place at the Homestead Event Center inside City Centre. Registration starts at 8 a.m.; continental breakfast is available from 8:15 to 8:45; seminar runs from 8:45 to 10; optional tours available afterward.

RSVP: TinaWilson@insourcehealthcare.com or by calling 585-750-2794.

In New York State, Insource Urgent Care Centers operate in Auburn and Batavia; and are co-located with a full spectrum of diagnostic imaging; 100 percent of patients seen at these centers are immediately referred back to their primary care providers.

Advanced Telemedicine equipment is in place to have immediate access to clinical specialists such as Orthopedics, Cardiology, Dermatology and others. Specialists and PCPs can have “real time” instant access to their patients through a smartphone, a computer or iPad, or, with visual communications into the patient exam / procedure room.

If you would like to join us, please register for the upcoming seminar, or let us know when you might like to have a one-on-one meeting. If at any time, you and your staff would like to tour our centers, facilities and capabilities, we would be happy to set this up for you.

Please call Tina Wilcox at 585-750-2794 or e-mail her at: tinawilcox@insourcehealth.com for a follow up conversation or for us to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

A new round of applications being accepted for GCEDC's Food Processing Training Program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that a third round of applications is now available for GCEDC’s Food Processing Training Program <http://www.gcedc.com/index.php/about/workforce-development/>. The program provides individuals with a certification to work in the food processing industry, including many regional food and beverage companies across Western New York. The deadline for submitting applications is April 18.

Applications can be picked up at the Genesee County Career Center at 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Eastown Plaza in the City of Batavia. The application is also available at the GCEDC Web site (www.gcedc.com <http://www.gcedc.com>). Applicants must be New York State residents, have completed high school or equivalent, and submit an up-to-date resume with their application.

“We want to build off the success of the first classes and get more individuals trained and ready to work in food processing,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “It is a burgeoning industry in Western New York and especially here in Genesee County with the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.”

The training program is being funded by an Area Development grant obtained by the GCEDC from the National Fuel Gas Corporation with additional financial support from the Finger Lakes Food Cluster Initiative — funded by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration in the amount of $38,000 or 28 percent of the program.

In addition to receiving a non-credit certificate and certificates in Team Building and OSHA Safety in a Manufacturing Environment from Genesee Community College, participants will receive certificates in Lean Systems Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Rochester Institute of Technology) and Basic Dairy Science & Sanitation Certificate (Cornell University).

“This program is so effective because students get hands-on training, four certificates, and complete mock interviews with real companies at the conclusion,” Hyde said. “Anyone looking for a new career pathway should check out the training program.”

Oakfield Historical Society kicks off its 2014 season Saturday, April 5

By Billie Owens

The Oakfield Historical Society will be open for the season beginning Saturday, April 5.

The public is invited to the Oakfield Historical Society Research Center on Maple Avenue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the kick off that day. There will be demonstrations based on the two main exhibits for 2014, which focus on women of the 1800s and local veterans.

Sue Conklin will be doing a weaving demonstration and members of the local War of 1812 Reenactment group will also be there. Native American bead work on loan from the Tonawanda Reservation will be displayed, too.

The Local Veterans display has several bits of memorabilia from World War I and II, Vietnam and Korea. Plus, there will be a large display from Steve Cianfrini, whose helicopter was shot down in Iraq and he and the crew had to be rescued.

GCC holds Job Fair on Thursday, April 10

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce another exciting Job Fair with more than 30 companies expected from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

Genesee's Career Services Center continues to solicit businesses from all types of industries to join the popular, two-hour event that introduces potential new employees to employers, and also provides businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. The event is free to employers and attendees.

Employers must register; job seekers are not required to register prior to the event but must sign-in upon arrival.

The following employers are scheduled to be in attendance:

  • ADT Security Services
  • All Star Energy, Inc. / Home Comfort Heating and Cooling
  • ATB Staffing
  • Avon Products
  • Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center
  • Claims Recovery Financial Services
  • Coastal Staffing
  • Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
  • Fidelis Care
  • Genesee County AmeriCorps, Genesee County Youth Bureau
  • Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
  • Independent Living of the Genesee Region
  • KR Communications
  • Monroe County Sheriff's Office
  • New York Army National Guard
  • NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
  • NYS Unified Court System
  • Pembroke Travel Plaza
  • Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc.
  • Perschke Business Group (Amway)
  • Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc / Sallie Mae
  • Premier Designs, Inc.
  • Premiere Credit of North America
  • Professional Driver Institute
  • Rent-A-Center, LLC
  • Rochester City Police Department / City of Rochester
  • Sutherland Global Services
  • The College at Brockport Army ROTC
  • Thirty-One
  • US Customs and Border Protection
  • US Department of Agriculture
  • US Department of Homeland Security – ICE – ERO
  • US Marine Corps
  • WBTA Radio
  • WCJW: Radio Stations: 1140 AM Warsaw; 103.7 FM Warsaw; 105.5 FM Batavia; 100.9 FM Geneseo; 104.3 FM Avon

Employers who cannot attend but will be posting job opportunities:

  • Country Max
  • Genesee County Human Resources
  • OATKA Milk Products Cooperative

For more information, visit: http://www.genesee.edu/career/events/

For a detailed listing of job opportunities by employer, please e-mail a request for the list to career@genesee.edu

GCC's Alumni Hall of Fame gets two new inductees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College celebrated this year's Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on  Wednesday, March 19 at a reception that filled room T119 of Conable Technology Building with family and friends, some who arrived as a surprise from as far away as Alaska.

"We were delighted to have so many visitors join the celebration that recognizes the success of our alumni and extols their many accomplishments and community service," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator said. "It was a moving moment listening to memories and how these GCC graduates find their way in the world with so many incredible achievements."

Lawrence Saupe, a 1989 GCC graduate, is now a Major in the New York Air National Guard, and anticipates being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of this year. He began his military service after graduating from Pembroke High School in 1982. He served as a crew chief for C-130 transport planes in Germany, graduating with honors from Flight Engineer School. After four years of active military service, Larry came to GCC in 1987, earning his associates degree in Engineering Science in 1989. He continued his studies at the University at Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Systems and bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His senior year was delayed when he was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He earned two air medals and his crew received a special honor for rescuing three critically injured Marines under hazardous conditions.

Larry was a research and development engineer at Graham Corporation in Batavia for 10 years before taking a position in 2002 with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. After five years with GE, he joined the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY, in 2007 where he currently serves as a thermal test engineer. While pursuing his professional career, Larry has remained in the Air Force as a reservist and currently serves as an Air Operations Strategist with the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.

"Overall I have always strived to build on previous education and experience and also to share what I have learned with others," Larry said. During his time at Graham he taught a Physics course at GCC. He is currently president of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Adirondack chapter and speaks often to groups about aircraft performance and weather.

Larry lives in Galway, NY, with his wife, Shelli, and stepdaughter, Allison. Besides flying, he also enjoys biking, kayaking, sailing, boating and snowmobiling. He will be introduced by his sister, Jeannie (Saupe) Burdick, a 1981 GCC alumna who is a professor/counselor at GCC.

Stephen Tarbell took to heart the advice of his Criminal Justice Professor Ronald Hallman who told his students to know their community, get involved, volunteer and be part of the problem-solving. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from GCC in 1978, Tarbell went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department. Over a 23-year career, he served as a deputy sheriff, scientific evidence technician, technical sergeant and investigator specializing in crime scene and fire investigations.

While working for the Sheriff's Department, Steve earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Accounting from Empire State College and a master's degree from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Criminal Justice at the University of Albany.

At the same time Steve began his career in public service. He served on the Warsaw Central School Board, on the Village Board and as deputy mayor of Silver Springs and as Wyoming County Youth Court coordinator. He served as town councilman for the Town of Castile and currently serves as the town supervisor. He is also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and the Wyoming County Community Hospital Board of Managers.

Steve completed Leadership Wyoming and in 2013 received the program's Alumni Leaders Award. He has received numerous other awards including Wyoming County Deputy of the Year and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department Commendation Award, local, state and national awards for his service to youth, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Commendation.

Steve lives in Silver Lake with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Pamela, who says "he still finds time to be a great father, husband and grandfather to his granddaughter who he adores." Steve's son and daughter-in-law, residents of Alaska, made a special surprise trip to Batavia for this ceremony.

The GCC Hall of Fame featuring photos of all inductees is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor. For more information visit GCC's Hall of Fame Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/halloffame/

Vendors wanted for YWCA's weekly Market at North Street this summer

By Billie Owens

The YWCA's farmer's market is seeking vendors for the season.

"The Market @ North Street" runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday July to October.

Seeking vendors, crafters, entertainers. $10 per week or $7.50/week for full season commitment.
Phone (585) 343-5808.

 

Genesee County Dairy Princess to be crowned at GCC Tuesday evening

By Billie Owens

The 2014-15 Genesee County Dairy Princess will be crowned at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College.

The public is welcome to learn about the county's dairy industry and watch the crowning of the Princess.

There will be cheese, ice cream, cake and punch served, too!

The Genesee County Dairy Princess Court is comprised of:

  • Georgia Luft
  • Emily Mikel
  • Becca Slattery
  • Mary Sweeney
  • Carolyn Sybertz
  • Kayla Wormut

Le Roy PTSO hosts weeklong Scholastic Book Fair starting Monday

By Billie Owens

The Le Roy Parent Teacher Service Organization will host a weeklong Scholastic Book Fair beginning Monday, March 24, at Wolcott Street School.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 24-25; from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 26-27; and from 4 to 8 p.m. March 28.

Wolcott Street School is located at 2-6 Trigon Park. Find the Book Fair in Room 103.

Students, faculty and the community are invited to attend the event, which helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. Funds raised will help purchase books for classroom libraries at the school.

The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, adult bestsellers, and other great reads from more than 100 publishers.

The Book Fair helps celebrate the monthlong Parents As Reading Partners initiative. Parents As Reading Partners — or PARP — is a collaborative effort among parents, staff, and community to build a reading partnership between the home and school. PARP programs encourage parents to read with their children for at least 15 minutes per day. Experts say learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education.

Book Fair customers may help the school build classroom libraries by purchasing books through the Classroom Wish List program. In addition, the Book Fair will feature the “All for Books” program, which allows youngsters to share the thrill of reading by donating loose change to purchase books from the Book Fair for students who can’t buy books and for classroom libraries.

Scholastic matches monetary donations with a donation of up to 1 million books, which go to national nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping families in need, such as the Kids in Distressed Situations and Kids In Need Foundation.

Mobile food pantry at Byron Presbyterian Church - no income requirements

By Billie Owens

Byron Presbyterian Church will partner with FoodLink of Rochester to host a Mobile Food Pantry from 10 to noon this Saturday, March 22, at Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St. (Route 262), Byron.

The exact food items available are not known, but fresh produce will be available. No financial documentation is required to receive food items, but those receiving food will be asked to sign in. The food items must be for your household unless you have signed documentation from an individual to pick up items for them.

The Mobile Food Pantry is available to residents of the Byron Bergen School District, but we will distribute to anyone who resides in Genesee County. There is no income verification required, but you must be 18 years old to pick up food from the pantry. Please provide your own bags/cart/vehicle to transport items to your home.

For more information, call Byron Presbyterian Church at (585) 548-2800.

McMahon School of Irish Dance performs at five locations Monday

By Billie Owens

The little lasses from the McMahon School of Irish Dance perform on St. Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17, at the following locations:

  • 9 a.m. / Oakfield-Alabama School, 7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield
  • 10 and 10:40 a.m. / John Kennedy School, 166 Vine St., Batavia
  • 1:15 p.m. / Jackson School, 411 S. Jackson St., Batavia
  • 2:15 p.m. / Manor House, 427 E. Main St., Batavia
  • 6 p.m. / Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia

Sign-ups for Alexander Youth Football & Cheerleading are March 29

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Sign-ups for the Alexander Youth Football & Cheerleading Program -- the Tri-Town Trojans -- will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, in the foyer of Alexander Elementary School. It is located at 3314 Buffalo St.

On this day only entrants can save $20, so football will be $80 and cheer $130 on March 29.

There are no weight restrictions.

Teams, with ages as of Dec. 1, 2014, consist of:

  • Beginner -- Ages 6-7
  • Mini -- Ages 8-9
  • Junior Varsity -- 10-11
  • Varsity -- 12-13

Tri-Town is proud to be a part of the NOFA Youth Football/Cheer League. Our coaches are trained in heads-up football, and teach the proper tackling techniques to our athletes. We are looking forward to an exciting 2014 season.

For questions or more information, contact Ken Proefrock at (585) 794-6034, or Kris Kramer at (716) 892-1441.

Second Annual Collin Crane Memorial Scholarship fundraiser tomorrow at Falletti Ice Rink

By Billie Owens

The Second Annual Collin Crane Memorial event to raise money to help young hockey players is at 9 a.m. Saturday March 15 at Falleti Ice Rink, located at 22 Evans St. in the City of Batavia.

The scholarship fund helps pay fees for Ramparts hockey when a child's family is financially strapped.

There will be basket raffles for a Chinese auction, including special raffle items such as autographed sports memorabilia and gift certificates, 50/50, a bake sale and concessions.

GO ART! presents new documentary about climate change in Upstate New York

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (a.k.a. GO ART!) is proud to present "COMFORT ZONE," a new feature-length documentary exploring the effects of climate change on Upstate New York, to be shown at 3 p.m. on on Saturday, April 12, in the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College.

This will be following the Kids ECO-fest, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day at GCC.

The film was produced and directed by Upstate New York residents Kate Kressmann-Kehoe, Sean P. Donnelly and Batavia native David S. Danesh. The screening (67 mins.) will be followed by a Q&A with filmmakers.

GO ART! is delighted to be partnering with Genesee Community College on this special screening. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members and will be available for sale at GO ART! and online at www.goart.org <http://www.goart.org>. For more information, contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or info@goart.org.

"COMFORT ZONE" takes an in-depth look at what happens when global climate issues come to our backyard. It candidly examines the pragmatic reality of climate change’s effect on everyday life in a Northeastern setting.

“There are a lot of things here we take for granted that could be gone, and it would be a very different place,” said co-producer Kressmann-Kehoe.

The film highlights how New York residents' daily lives will be affected, from winter sports to apple picking to gardening.

“If we take New York and we warm it up four degrees that’s like moving it to almost Virginia,” said Art DeGaetano, professor of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Cornell University.

John Tarduno, professor of Geophysics, University of Rochester, said: “I used to teach my students in introductory classes that when we had climate change issues, that these were things that could take hundreds of thousands of years. We now know from the ice core records that decade time scales can be involved, which changes everything.”

Arming the community with the right information was a goal for the filmmakers.

“I want to see us do the right thing as a society and we are not going to do the right thing if we don’t have the right information,” said co-producer Donnelly.

The film doesn’t shy away from the difficulty of changing course.

“The threat to our way of life is huge," said Rochester-based author Bob Siegel. "Everything we do is completely dominated by the use of fossil fuels. It’s pulling the rug out from under all of us."

Despite the serious topic, the film has a light touch. Viewers are coming along on a journey of discovery with the filmmakers, not being lectured at or told what to do. Humorous animated sequences provide both information and relief.

The film also explores deeper spiritual and psychological dimensions of our responses to the issue.  “If the people on this planet need to change the way they live, how will they? I believe this is the burning question of our time,” said co-producer Danesh.

"Comfort Zone" is an independently produced documentary. It was funded by the three filmmakers and a crowd-sourcing campaign via Indiegogo. No organization or outside funder had input on the content or message.

Sponsors and donations sought for "Get Fit Bowl-A-Thon" at Mancuso Bowling Center March 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Coalition for Healthy Children and Families asks for your support for an afternoon of bowling and fun to support a healthy, active lifestyle and prevent childhood obesity. Individuals, businesses and organizations -- please consider sponsoring the "Get Fit Bowl-A-Thon" on Sunday, March 23, at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

There will be two bowling sessions: 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. The cost to bowl is $12 per person or $60 per lane (group of six). Included in the above costs are shoe rentals, food, and beverage. If you are interested in sponsoring a lane, the cost is $100 for one lane or $150 for two lanes.

There will also be raffles and a grand prize drawing for participants. If you’re interested in donating toward our raffles or sponsoring a lane, please contact Holly Sharpe via phone at 344-1664 or e-mail at hsharpe@glowymca.org

“Get Fit” is a 12-week healthy lifestyle program offered by the Coalition for Healthy Children and Families incorporating physical activity & nutrition education. The coalition consists of community organizations and medical professionals in Genesee County, including United Memorial Medical Center, YMCA of Genesee Area, Batavia Pediatrics (Dr. Lalit Jain), Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, and Genesee County Health Department. They are all committed to making a difference in the lives of local residents and families.

Donations and sponsors can be dropped off or mailed to:

YMCA-Batavia
Attn: Holly Sharpe
209 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Vendors wanted for YWCA's weekly Market at North Street this summer

By Billie Owens

Press release:

BATAVIA -- YWCA is seeking vendors to sell assorted products including vegetables, meats, cheeses, honey, jams, jellies, maple syrup, baked goods, fruits, herbs, flowers and other agricultural-related items for its weekly Market at North Street set to begin early this summer. It
will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays from July to October.

Tables are $10 per week or 25-percent off for vendors who commit to the entire season. The Market has been growing with its offerings and customers, and YWCA staff plans to further that success this year. Crafters may book up to two Sundays each on a first come, first served
basis. This will allow for more variety of artisan-style items each week.

"We welcome anyone interested in selling your locally grown or produced goods as part of our ongoing effort to empower small business in Genesee County and the surrounding area," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Our Farmers’ Market emphasizes an ongoing relationship with all local agricultural producers. It is designed to highlight their work and celebrate their significant contributions to our community."

Entertainers are also invited to participate in the Market with your talents of singing, acting, bellydancing, yoga or whatever it may be. It's a great opportunity for exposure to the public while providing a fun and entertaining Market experience, Walton said.

For an application or to get more information, call (585) 343-5808.

WHAT:  The Market @ North Street
WHEN:  10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays (July to October)
WHERE: YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia
 

 

Civil War Tea Party and Fashion Show at HLOM, call for reservations

By Billie Owens

A Civil War Tea Party and Fashion Show will be held at the Holland Land Office Museum from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. Cost is $20 per person.

You will be entertained by period music featuring soprano Amy Savino, a 1860s era fashion show by Dona LaValle and learn about “The Language of the Fan” from Rita Reichle.

Please call for your reservation 585-343-4727. Seating is limited. Period dress is optional. You may e-mail us at hollandlandoffice@gmail.com  for more information or check our Web site and Facebook page.

Baseball sign-ups for Batavia Minor Leagues are Friday evening at the mall

By Billie Owens

Registration for Batavia Minor Leagues baseball will be inside the Batavia Country Mall, outside of Sunny's Restaurant, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 7th.

Children in the Batavia area between ages 5 and 17 are invited to play.

Registration fee is $50 due at time of sign-up. The fee will increase to $75 for any player registered after March 7th.

For more information, call 409-6779.

Women's History Month homage to former Batavia resident is Sunday in Rochester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

First Community Interfaith Institute. Inc., (a spiritual and cultural organization plus a teaching church based in Southeast Rochester) is paying homage to a former Batavia resident for its Women’s History Month observation at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 219 Hamilton St. in Rochester.

Mary Bailey (1932-2005) was a trustee of First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc. She was one of the Institute’s strongest supporters and she worked for the success of First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc.

She was the mother of Sylvester Johnson and the grandmother of Stacey Johnson. In 1986, Sylvester, Stacey and a friend of Stacey were killed in a sudden and tragic car accident involving an emergency vehicle outside the current Six Flags at Darien Lake.

Until she passed, Mrs. Bailey was instrumental in organizing the annual Sylvester and Stacey Johnson Memorial in both Batavia and Rochester. First Community Interfaith Institute, Inc., was founded in 1970 by National Minister Lawrance Lee Evans under the philosophy of “Doology.” It offers spiritual and cultural programs all year round, and as a teaching church, it operates a tutoring program geared to the needs of both youth and adults.

GCC names Employee and Student of the Month for February

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Tracy Merritt has been named February 2014 Employee of the Month. Tracy is a technical specialist in the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research.

In her role, Merritt is focused on Academic Assessment, working with faculty and administrators to collect assessment data, increase awareness of assessment activities and use of assessment results. She also works to maintain and continuously improve tools to aid in collecting assessment data.

"We have a tremendous group of dedicated instructors and staff here at GCC and my position allows me to meet and work with many of them," Merritt said. "I feel fortunate and proud to be part of GCC's Institutional Research and Assessment team."

In naming her Employee of the Month, the College noted that "Tracy is an exceptionally conscientious employee who routinely goes above and beyond to provide service to the faculty, administrators and coworkers at the College. She played a major role in improving several areas of our assessment process over the last year that resulted in improved communication and understanding of the assessment tools."

Merritt is a lifelong resident of LeRoy. She and her husband of 26 years, Gary, have two adult children, Gary and Sarah. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, genealogy, decorative painting and reading.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Jordan Tillotson has been named the February 2014 Student of the Month. A 2012 graduate of Pavilion Central School, he is pursuing degrees in both Liberal Arts and Sports Management at GCC.

Jordan is an outstanding student and has been on the President's List all three of his semesters. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. One of his favorite things about GCC is that it's "such a close-knit community." The College notes that Jordan "is a leader among his peers and often has newer students turning to him for advice."

After graduating from GCC this spring, Jordan plans to transfer to Syracuse University where he'll work toward a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. His dream job would be as a Division One college basketball coach. He currently coaches youth sports in his hometown and serves as a referee as well. Jordan offers special thanks to members of the GCC athletic department "for helping me with whatever it may be." The College salutes Jordan for being "an excellent role model."

Jordan is the son of Chris and Chad Tillotson, and has one sister, Taylor, and a brother Devin.

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