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GCC students form new adult support group

By Billie Owens

Press release:

For adult students who are looking to further their education after past experiences in the workforce, military, raising family, or similar encounters along life's journey -- the uneasiness and anxiety of returning to the classroom may be overwhelming.

Genesee Community College students in that category now have a new outlet and opportunity to share their fears and experiences with others in the same situation.
John Sherman, Brenda Sheflin, Keith Compton, Jeremy Weatherbee, Michelle Taylor and Richard Long teamed up last semester to form the Returning Adult Student Organization (RASO) support group at GCC.

The opportunity to talk to others who have similar fears about returning to school, help build confidence in the new environment, overcome the awkwardness of being in a classroom, and learn what has worked and what has not worked for others in the past are just a few of the many areas the new student group hopes to address.

RASO invites any student 24 years or older to join them in networking, sharing real work experiences, offering advice, creating study groups, offering computer support and other areas of assistance.

For more information on RASO and upcoming meetings and events, contact Brenda Sheflin at 585-343-0055, ext. 6185, or by e-mail at bjsheflin@genesee.edu.

Students can still enroll in the Spring 2013 semester and register for classes, which begin Jan. 14.

County's Justice for Children Advocacy Center awarded re-accreditation

By Billie Owens

Genesee County Justice for Children Advocacy Center has been awarded re-accreditation by National Children’s Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children’s Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision.

As the accrediting agency for Children’s Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children’s Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first.

Accredited CAC’s must undergo a re-accreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. With accreditation standards being updated in 2010, re-accreditation this year reflects the Justice for Children Advocacy Center’s commitment to providing evidence-based methods practice.

The Justice for Children Advocacy Center provides services to the children of GLOW region-Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. In 2011 the Justice for Children Advocacy Center provided services to 184 children and their families. In 2012, it provided services to 237 children and their families. As an Accredited Member of the National Children’s Alliance, The Justice for Children Advocacy Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive, coordinated and compassionate services to victims of child abuse.

National Children’s Alliance awards Accredited Membership based on a CAC’s compliance with 10 national standards of accreditation to ensure effective, efficient and consistent delivery of services to child abuse victims. Accredited members must utilize a functioning and effective multidisciplinary team approach to work collaboratively in child abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment. National Children’s Alliance also considers standards regarding a center’s cultural competency and diversity, forensic interviews, victim support and advocacy, medical evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and child focused setting.

“As a team of individuals dedicated to responding to child abuse, we recognize the importance of maintaining Accredited status from National Children’s Alliance. Re-accreditation not only validates our organization’s dedication to proven effective approaches of child abuse intervention and prevention, but also contributes to consistency across the child advocacy center movement as a whole,” said Anne Bezon, Justice for Children Advocacy Center Supervisor.

Teresa Huizar, executive director of National Children’s Alliance, said: "The Justice for Children Advocacy Center is commended for its continued commitment to effectively serve victims of child abuse. As the national association and accrediting body for Children’s Advocacy Centers across the country, our goal is to ensure that every victim of child abuse has access to high quality services that result from professional collaboration.

"By requiring Accredited Centers to undergo re-accreditation every five years, we ensure that evidence-based practices are being implemented and the highest quality of services is being provided."

The mission of the Justice for Children Advocacy Center and Genesee County Multi-Disciplinary Team is to seek to reduce the incidence of child sexual and physical abuse, to minimize trauma to alleged child victims, and to promote healing for victims and their families by coordinating services at a single child-friendly facility.

Free two-part state-certified snowmobile safety course offered in Corfu

By Billie Owens

A two-part NYS Snowmobile Safety Course will be conducted at the Town of Pembroke Town Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19. It is sponsored by the Millgrove Sportsments Club, Genesee Sno-Packers and Snowmobile Club and CoPeDa Snowmobile Club.

The two hall is located at Route 77 and Route 5 in Corfu.

The course is free to adults and children age 10 or older. Children under 18 must take the course -- required by the New York State Parks and Recreation -- to drive a snowmobile. The instructors for the Snowmobile Safety Course are certified by NYS.

You must sign up for the course and attend both classes, where you register at. All materials for the Snowmobile Safety Course will be furnished. Those that pass the written exam will be issued a patch, certificate and a license. There is no charge for this course and no instructors make a dime on this course -- it is all volunteer.

Pre-register by calling 585-599-6431 or 585-937-9536 after 5:30 p.m.

Reader recovers ring after posting lost-and-found note on The Batavian

By Howard B. Owens

A reader of The Batavian has helped another recover a ring lost the day after Christmas that was more precious than valuable.

Lynn Halicki posted a lost-and-found notice to The Batavian's "Announcements" section and another reader spotted it, called her and returned the ring.

"The ring really has no monetary value - just sentimental value," Halicki said in her post.

After getting her ring back, Halicki posted a comment and wrote, "It made me extremely happy and proud that there are so many GOOD people!!!!!!"

Lost and Found

By Lynn Halicki

I lost a precious silver celtic ring in Batavia on 12/26/2012.  I was in three locations that day - the Rite Aid, M&T Bank and Plaza Spirits.  The ring really has no monetary value - just sentimental value.

If found - I would be so grateful if you could call me at either 585-343-5365 (just ask for Lynn) or email me at lhalicki@aol.com.

 

Thank you.

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights

By Billie Owens

Batavia Country Club now has live entertainment on Friday nights from 8 p.m. to midnight. There's a small cover charge, with drink specials and food available. The full winter lineup can be seen at <http://bataviacc.com>

Here's the upcoming schedule for the live bands at Batavia CC:

Dec. 28 -- Widowmaker

Jan. 4 -- Amanda's Rage

Jan. 11 -- Unruly Band

Jan. 18 -- Haymaker

Jan. 25 -- Monster Johnson

Feb. 1 -- Red Creek

Feb. 8 -- Amanda's Revenge

Feb. 15 -- Haymaker

Feb. 22 -- Monster Johnson

Brownies donate cookies to the Child Advocacy Center

By Howard B. Owens

Members of Brownie Troop 42001 dropped by the Child Advocacy Center on Christmas Eve with a cookie donation. Pictured are Claire Taylor. Arianna Armstrong, Grace Flannary and Portia Rannalli.

BIG THANK YOU

By lori mcclurg

The Cub Scouts of Elba pack #6017 would like to say.....

THANK YOU TO THE COMMUNITY

for making oru Frist Annual Holiday Craft Show a huge success.  We would lke to thank the following for their donations:

 

Marks Pizzeria

Leela for her French Onion Soup

Chap's Diner

Batavia Restaurant Supply

BJ's Wholesale Club

Tim Hortons

Event Date and Time

Community Surprise Christmas Flash Mob 7 p.m. at Birchwood Village

By Robin Walters

The community will be getting together at 7:00 PM at Birchwood Village outside of Don Carrol's home to sing Christmas Carols. If you would like to bring an ornament or note to be placed on tree outside Don's home that would be great.

Care-A-Van Ministries will be serving hot chocolate.

Event Date and Time
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Community Invited to Participate in Surprise Christmas Flash Mob Saturday, December 22 7:00 PM

By Robin Walters

There is a surprise  Christmas Flash Mob being held at 7:00 PM tonight Saturday, December 22 at 7:00 PM at Birchwood village. Friends and community will be meeting outside the home of Don Carroll to sing Christmas Carols. Everyone is  invited!

If you would like to bring a ornament or a note for the Christmas tree outside Don's home that would be great.  Care-A-Van Ministries will have their bus their and will be serving hot chocolate.

Nic Pelton a friend of Don Carrol had been thinking of a way to minister to Don who is battling cancer. Don has given so much of his heart and soul to this community that Nic thought what better way to bring joy than to have friends gather outside Don's home and sing Christmas carols.

This will be a fun way to get the family out on a snowy evening. Let's all gather to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas- loving others.

 

 

 

 

 

IR Systems, locally owned DirecTV rep, receives top dealership award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

IR Systems INC (DIRECTV)  in Batavia, NY was notified on 12/12/2012 from DIRECTV Corp. that out of over 5000 dealerships across the nation we

are ranked in the top 20 in the nation. We also received a free all expenses paid trip to New Orleans for the Super Bowl . This award was given off the Matrices of the business, a overall

performance from customer service, technical service, sales representation, customer retention and much more.  

Snowshoe workshops at Genesee County Park & Forest, reservations required

By Billie Owens

Take a guided walk through the Genesee County Park & Forest and learn to snowshoe during a hike Saturday, Jan. 12.

Cost is $8 per session and preregistration and payment are required. Snowshoes will be provided.

Two guided hiking sessions with instructions are available: from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Call 344-1122 to register. The park is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine opens new Batavia location

By Billie Owens

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine has opened its fourth location in Batavia at 39 Batavia City Centre. Leonard Kaplan, D.O., a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, is a nerve, muscle and bone expert who treats injury and illness non-surgically to decrease pain and restore function.

Conditions that he treats in partnership with the Genesee County primary care physicians and specialists range from sprains to chronic pains anywhere from head to toe.

Treatment will be provided for:

  • Spine injuries
  • Occupational injuries
  • Degenerative and painful joint/muscle conditions
  • Spasticity/dystonia conditions Chronic migraine headaches

Diagnostic testing will include:

  • Electromyogram (EMG)
  • Ultrasound

Interventional Pain Alleviating Injections will also be offered:

  • Fluoroscopic-guided spinal injections
  • Ultrasound-guided join injections
  • Botox injections for pain

Dr. Kaplan and his team look forward to helping people “take back their lifestyles.”

Buffalo Spine and Sports Medicine is a nonsurgical physical medicine and rehabilitation practice. For more information, visit www.buffspine.com or call (716) 626-0093.

HOLM hosts book signing for local authors - just in time for Christmas

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop presents a local author book signing just in time for Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. HOLM is located at 131 W. Main St. Batavia.

The following authors will be present to sell and sign their books:

William F. Brown Jr. (of Batavia) – “ The Stafford Story – A golf Club at Ninety.” This is a story of the 90th anniversary of the Stafford Country Club. Pictures and story of the founding and history of the club. Bill has written many interesting history books over the years. A must have for golfers.

Bridgette ni Brian (of Bethany) --  “Azure Maris." What does it mean to be a fish out of water... or a mermaid out of water? Azure Maris, princess of Deep Waters is grounded in the Chesapeake Bay Region and tries to learn how to navigate life above the waves while striving to return home. 

Pam Covert (of Elba) – “And so this is Christmas” is her first published book, which takes place in Colton, NY – in the Adirondacks -- where she grew up. Everything is fiction except the town names. She says “ A blank page looks completely different depending on where you are in life and that page appears in front of you. For Jillian Francis, who prefers to quietly and privately mourn the loss of the father of her unborn child, her blank page becomes filled with “everything baby” and “everything Christmas.” Believing herself to be in one of those spaces between life, when life isn’t really happening, she soon discovers that there is no such space, that life is always happening. With the help of friends and family and her own tendency toward wit and sarcasm, Jillian finds her way back to a life she never expected to live, and never expected to love.  

Rob Thompson (of Attica) -- “Attica: Gateway to the West” and “Attica: Gateway to the Civil War.” He will be signing the books already published and will be talking about his new book “Linden Murders Solved,” which will be available in June 2013.

These books will make great Christmas presents or purchase one for yourself to keep!  

Do your special shopping at the Holland Land Office Museum Gift Shop, which will be offering 10 percent and more off holiday items. We have unique items, antiques, large variety of history books and others – new and used. You will be able to find that perfect gift for special people.

The Wonderland of Trees exhibit continues through Jan. 5. A great family event for the holidays.

BID lauds volunteers who made 'Taste of the Holidays' lots of festive fun

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Volunteers made the second annual “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District (Friday, Dec. 7th and Saturday, Dec. 8th) a huge success.

The BID is proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to help out with this event. We wish to thank all of the following for their outstanding efforts and commitment:

Nancy Bachulak -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / O’Lacy’s Irish Pub )

Brenda Richardson -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / Coffee Culture)
Larry Barnes -- (City of Batavia)
Madeline Bialkowski -- (BID Design / Batavia City Centre)

Sharon Burkel -- (Genesee County)

Anthony Condello -- (BID Board)
John Cascell -- (Community Volunteer)
Stephanie Cummings -- (Tompkins Insurance)
Anita Dziekan -- (Community Volunteer)
Dorian Ely -- (Genesee County Senior Center)
Brady Fowler -- (Student, Williamsville South)
Jeff Gillard -- (BID Board)
Donna Gillard -- (Community Volunteer)
Dawn Ireland -- Monsees (Chamber of Commerce)
James Isaac -- (BID Board / Crossroads Abstract)
Krysia Mager -- (BID Board / Bank of Castile)
Paul Marchese -- (BID Board / Marchese Computer)
Michael Marsh -- (BID Promotion / Edward Jones)

John Roche -- (BID Board / Adam Miller Toy & Bike)
Mary Valle -- (BID Board / Valle Jewelers)

A special thanks to BID Assistant Laurie Oltramari for all her hard work.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of our events -- Downtown Public Market, Jackson Square, Summer In The City, Downtown Wine Walk, and Taste of the Holidays -- please contact the Downtown Business Improvement District at: 344-0900. Visit us at www.downtownbataviany.com or Like Us On FaceBook: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. Happy Holidays!

BID deems second annual 'Taste of the Holidays' a success

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Dec. 7 and 8, the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays.

Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse and wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses. Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street.

More than 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families and children, with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more. The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event.

The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…” The letters included straightforward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”  
 
The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 344-0900 or e-mail dburkel@downtownbataviany.com

Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

Order of Eastern Star for WYN made Christmastime merry for local vets

By Billie Owens

On Nov. 30, members of the Order of the Eastern Star from the Western New York State districts converged at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Batavia. Joining the group of 33 were Keri Rhebergen, Grand Matron, OES, State of New York from Ticonderoga and Kenneth Milner, Grand Patron, O.E.S., State of New York, from Livonia.

As an expression of respect for the service provided by these brave men and women, Christmas greeting cards and gifts were distributed, and Christmas songs were sung to the veterans. The corresponding exchange of conversation was enlightening to many O.E.S. members, and the veteran residents expressed appreciation for the thoughtfulness of O.E.S.

Local participants included: June Lee, L. Janet Lee, Harry and Kathy Tyson, David and Marilyn Liles, Don and Elaine Keys.
 

 

K-Kids at St. Joseph's are raising money by selling pies

By Billie Owens

The K-Kids from St. Joseph's School are having a fundraiser by taking orders for Bob Evans pies. They are $10 and will be ready in time for Christmas.

The pies will be unmarked so you can serve them and take credit for making them!

Order forms are available at the school or you can order from Anita Strollo via e-mail <mommyneetz@yahoo.com>

Orders need to be placed by Dec. 17 and pick up for pies will be at Bob Evans restaurant on Dec. 21. All Checks should be payable to Bob Evans.

Your pie choices are:

  • Apple Crumb
  • Pumpkin
  • Pecan

Let's help make this a success for our K-Kids! Thanks!

GCC expands math/science prep program for middle-schoolers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

This fall, ACE Programs of Genesee Community College welcomed its first cohort of Math Science Preparatory Students to campus. Area seventh-graders who have demonstrated high potential in math and science, participated in weekly classroom and lab experiences, visited the Formula SAE club at RIT, and will conclude the fall semester with a fun, on-location experiment with potential and kinetic energy while enjoying a game of bowling.

Due to the interest expressed in this program, ACE Programs is pleased to announce the expansion of openings available to students demonstrating early signs of high potential in math and science from 48 students to 72. Requests for nominations have been sent to all area school districts, and applications will be accepted from both current sixth- and seventh-grade students.

Although there are many gifted and talented students who would benefit from this type of preparatory instruction, ACE has raised the minimum requirements for nominations to ensure the highest level of success experienced by each student.

All applicants must be nominated by a math or science teacher and approved by a school counselor or principal.

Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 7. Students will be invited to complete the application process after review of the nomination. The application deadline is March 29. Those accepted into the program will be notified by May 1 and activities will begin during the summer of 2013.

The Math Science Preparatory program for students in seventh and eighth grade is taught by full-time GCC math and science faculty and expands upon the NYS math and science standards with content designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college-level science and mathematics.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible to participate in the Accelerated College Enrollment STEM Enrichment Program at Genesee Community College, including the expanded option to complete either an Associate (AS) Degree in Engineering Sciences or an Associate (AS) Degree in Math/Science with a focus on either Chemistry or Biology within months of high school graduation.

Participating in any of the ACE Programs allows students to gain transferable college credit at a greatly reduced tuition rate (one-third the regular in-state tuition charged by GCC). While ACE programs have always provided opportunities for exceptionally motivated students to achieve enough college credits to potentially earn an associate degree, the STEM enrichment program will be the first opportunity for high school students to pursue specific AS degrees through GCC. The goal of the preparatory program is to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for successful participation in this accelerated course of study.

While ACE Programs office has shared this information with all area middle schools and many have begun submitting nominations, interested parents and students are encouraged to contact the ACE Programs office or their school counselor for more information. Additionally, GCC will award one-year scholarships to two sixth-grade students through the second annual GCC sixth grade Math/Science Scholar awards.

For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist, ACE Programs at 343-0055, ext. 6320, or e-mail kmfinucane@genesee.edu.

Hawley speaks to Troop 64 Boy Scouts

By Howard B. Owens

From John Summers:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley visited East Pembroke Boy Scout Troop 64 on November 28.  He was invited as a guest speaker for the 3 separate Citizenship in the Community, Nation, and World Merit Badges.  Assemblyman Hawley spoke to the Scouts on his background and the importance of public service.  In the photos the Assemblyman was presented with a certificate of appreciation from Troop 64 Boy Scout Alex Summers, Scoutmaster Ken Frey, Committee Chairman John Summers, and Troop 64 Scouts.

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