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Announcements

John Kennedy Intermediate School invites families and students to Community Night

By Billie Owens

John Kennedy Intermediate School will be hosting its annual Community Night on from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14 in the gymnasium.

Last year 23 businesses/associations participated. This free event is sponsored by the John Kennedy Parent Group and it's their first event of the year – where students and their parents are welcomed back to JK, along with new students and their families.

Parents are encouraged to bring their family and enjoy free pizza in the cafeteria and then head down to the gym for some games and information from the local organizations and businesses. The school is located at 166 Vine St. in the city.

Highland folk and lowland blues will be performed at GCC this month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Delta blues and Scottish folk tunes, two distinct and expressive music styles, will be showcased in two concerts this month at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Travelling the world with his guitar, harmonicas, and entertaining wit, Jim Malcolm sings the traditional melodies of Scotland and his own masterfully crafted folk songs in a style which is modern and accessible, yet presented in an authentic highland spirit.

He performs at 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21.

Malcolm was lead singer of the phenomenal Scottish band Old Blind Dogs for seven years, touring extensively throughout Europe and North America and playing at many of the biggest folk festivals. He plays guitar in mainly DADGAD tuning (an alternative guitar tuning practice most associated with Celtic music), and simultaneously plays harmonica to a seldom heard standard.

In 2004, Malcolm was "Songwriter of the Year" in the Scots Traditional Music Awards, been nominated three times for "Scots Singer of the Year," and is renowned for his musical interpretation of the poetry of Robert Burns.

"Given the right song, he'll melt you in your seat," raved one critic. What's more, Jim's engaging between-song wit has developed into an art form of its own. To visit Jim Malcolm's Web site, go to http://www.jimmalcolm.com/.

Jim Malcolm concert ticket prices:
Adults -- $8
Seniors (aged 55+) -- $5
Students (under age 18) and GCC faculty/staff -- $5
GCC students with college ID -- $3
GCC Alumni -- $2 discount with alumni card

(Malcolm's show is appropriate for students 12 and older, and children under age 5 will not be permitted.)

Then at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, Rory Block will sing blues and folk music like she was born on the banks of the Mississippi.

Although she hails from New Jersey, Block began plumbing the depths of the Delta sound at the age of 12. She learned by jamming with legendary bluesmen Eddie "Son" House and Skip James, and by absorbing the style of the late, great blues master Robert Johnson.

Block has spent years honing her craft through her own original and affecting country blues tunes, and by performing and recording with some of today's leading musicians, including Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby and Keb Mo. She earned awards for Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year and Best Acoustic Blues Album of the Year. For Rory Block's Web site, visit: http://www.roryblock.com/

Rory Block concert tickets cost:
Adults -- $10
Seniors (aged 55+) -- $8
Students (under age 18) and GCC faculty/staff -- $5
GCC students with college ID -- $3
GCC Alumni -- $2 discount with alumni card

(Block's show is appropriate for students aged 16 and older, and children under age 5 will not be permitted.)

Tickets will move quickly, so order them today by calling the Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814 or via email at boxoffice@genesee.edu.

Roz Steiner gallery to feature alumni artworks

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Amid the joy of reuniting with friends and professors, the big hair and '80s tribute bands, and the great food and good times that will mark Homecoming at Genesee Community College in September, will be inspiring artwork created by GCC alumni.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery will showcase a variety of media from talented graduates: digital photography, nature paintings, ceramics, realistic portraiture, serigraphs and watercolors, photography and multimedia works.

The exhibitors for the Alumni Exhibition include:

Amanda J. Adams, from the GCC class of 2007, is a digital photographer and certified art educator. She earned her associate degree in Fine Arts after graduating from Greece Athena High School. In 2009, Adams completed her bachelor's degree in Art Education, and is currently working toward a master's degree in Art Education from Nazareth College in Rochester.

Briana Coogan-Bassett was raised in Warsaw in a family of artists. Her collection of nature paintings brings to light the plight of endangered animals. Coogan-Bassett earned a Fine Arts associate degree from GCC in 2009, where she says she "learned basic photo developing skills, hand building techniques, how to construct and prepare a canvas, and the importance of drawing what you see." Her work has been featured in solo exhibits with both the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts and the Arts Council for Wyoming County.

Megan Dembinski is ceramist from the GCC class of 2009 who lives in Silver Springs. After completing her studies at Genesee, Dembinski earned a bachelor's degree in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from SUNY Geneseo in 2011. The Arts Council for Wyoming County awarded her the Rising Star Scholarship, which included a solo exhibition and a booth at the Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show and Sale. Dembinski plans to pursue a master's degree in either Art Conservation or Art Education.

Heather Gleason, from Elba, focuses on historical photographs in creating her realistic portraits. She earned an associate degree in Fine Arts from GCC in 2009 and then completed a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from SUNY Brockport in 2011.

Chris Held has spent most of his life in Leicester, where the rural community has shaped his collection of watercolors and serigraphs featuring nature scenes. Held graduated from GCC in 2003 with an associate degree, and completed his bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo in 2008. He was the first recipient of the Rising Star Scholarship Award from the Arts Council for Wyoming County.

Michael Mulley is a Batavia native who owns the College Street Gallery in the historic Allentown District of Buffalo. The freelance photographer earned his associate degree in communications in 1988 and completed a bachelor's degree in Fine Art Photography from RIT in 1991. Mulley's photos have been published in The Buffalo News Sunday Magazine, Buffalo Spree magazine, Artvoice, Hallwalls' publications, The Art Laboratory of Berlin and the jazz magazine Coda.

Mary Jo Whitman graduated from GCC in 2009 with an associate degree in Fine Arts. She uses a variety of materials to produce interesting and meaningful two- and three-dimensional artworks. Whitman is currently working toward a bachelor's degree in Studio Arts from SUNY Brockport, with a dual concentration in sculpture and photography, as well as minors in art history and psychology.

"As I looked over the resumes and portfolios of this group of artists, I was impressed with the quality of the artwork, as well as the breadth of both subject and media," said Gallery Manager Shirley Verrico. "These artists clearly developed excellent foundation skills at GCC, but perhaps more importantly, each found a creative voice with which they could express themselves in a unique and personal way."

The exhibit runs from Sept. 14 through Nov. 8, with a reception planned from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 during homecoming weekend.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday but it's closed on Tuesday. Admission to the Roz Steiner Art Gallery is FREE.

To learn more about the gallery and the upcoming exhibit, visit: http://www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts/gallery/calendar.cfm.

GCC's Bringin' Back the '80s Homecoming Weekend Sept. 28-29 has something for everyone and for all ages, including live bands, a car show, soccer games, brunch, Athletic Hall of Fame inductions and an Oktoberfest mixer with the Batavia Rotary Club at the Batavia Downs.

The complete rundown of activities, and registration forms for key events, are available on the GCC homecoming Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/alumni/homecoming/

Nominations sought for annual health and humanitarian award

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Jerome Foundation and United Memorial Medical Center Foundation are seeking nominations for the 28th annual Health and Humanitarian Award of Genesee County. 

The award recognizes outstanding men and women whose volunteer efforts have improved the physical, emotional or spiritual well-being of the greater Genesee County area.   “We are fortunate to have many caring and committed volunteers devoted to the sick or to those in need, and helping build a stronger, healthier community for all of us”, said Justin Calarco-Smith, president of The Jerome Foundation.  He noted the accomplishments of Dorothy Baker, the 2011 Health and Humanitarian recipient, whose volunteer efforts and leadership with The Jerome Center Gift Shop have raised funds to support improvements at UMMC.

Nomination forms are available from UMMC Foundation Office at 127 North Street, calling 585-344-5300, or online at www.ummc.org. Organizations or individuals may nominate candidates.  Consideration will be given to actual accomplishments achieved through volunteer service and subsequent improvements to quality of life.  Nominations should be submitted on or before September 28.

The 2012 award winner will be honored at a luncheon on Friday, December 7 at Terry Hills Restaurant.

Brick House Corners Fair

By Nicole Begin
Join us at the Brick House Corners Fair this Saturday September 8th, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the corners of Route 5 & 77. Crafters, demonstrators, food, chinese auction, music, pie contest, historical displays, fire department displays, seat belt checks, book signings and fire works at dusk by the High Point Church who also have many activites going on that day. Pre-sale Chicken BBQ tickets available at the Town Clerks office to support the Pembroke Swim team and will also be available at the fair. Other food includes hamburgers, hotdogs, roast beef, maple syrup products, kettle corn, bake good sale, fresh squeezed lemonade, french fries, etc... Many crafters and Friends of the fair - Corfu Library book sale. Music by Craig Wilkins, Alexander Firemans Band, and the Pembroke Community Band.

12th Annual Public Swiss Steak Dinner

By Kim Gloskowski

Saturday, September 15th serving 5-7 p.m.

Emmanuel Baptist Church, 190 Oak Street, Batavia

Adults  $9    6-12  $4     5-under  Free

Carry-outs available at 4:30 p.m.

Dinner includes: Swiss steak, real mashed potatoes/gravy, coleslaw,
      green beans, rolls, dessert & beverage.

All you can eat                 Served family Style

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Cops & Rodders Poker Run for charity

By Billie Owens

Sunday Sept. 9th @ Pizza Land in LeRoy NY. Open to cars and motorcycles.

Contact Bob Mattice at <bobgs212@rochester.rr.com> if you are interested.

Beloved Batavian folk/acoustic duo Ken and Jeannie Veltz perform here Sunday

By Billie Owens

One of Batavia's favorite homegrown musical duos -- Ken and Jeannie Veltz -- will be downtown to perform at Coffee Culture on Sunday evening. Sept. 2 is Ken's birthday!

There will be time to socialize with them beginning at 6:30 and they will perform from 7 to 8:30. (It's free, but donations are gladly accepted.) The eatery is located at 6 Court St. in Batavia.

The folkie, acoustic couple is traveling and performing wherever the wind takes them and they are planning to travel in six states within the next month.

Here's a link to copy and paste in the URL of a new song of their's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Rz-JMx0BU&feature=youtu.be

Or just visit veltzmusic.com

Le Roy Nursery School's information and registration night is Sept. 6

By Billie Owens

Le Roy Nursery School will hold a parents' information and registration night beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6.

The school is located in the lower level of the First Presbyterian Church, 7 Clay St., in the Village of Le Roy.

Pre-K Classes offered are:

9 to 11:20 a.m. OR  12:30 to 2:50 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday

Nursery School Classes offered are:

9 to 11:20 a.m. OR 12:30 to 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday

  • 5-day program available
  • Early drop-off & late pick-up available
  • Flexible hours
  • Highly qualified teachers

For registration questions, please call Stacy Gabbey, registrar, at 734-5824.
Visit us online at: www.leroynurseryschool.com

More restaurants wanted for 'Taste of Genesee' at St. Joe's Popcorn Ball

By Billie Owens

St. Joseph Catholic School will hold its 53rd annual Popcorn Ball beginning at 6 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the school at 2 Summit St. in the City of Batavia. The theme will be “A Taste of Genesee” and will feature food from several area restaurants.

Those that have already agreed to participate include TF Brown's, Center Street Smoke House and Alex’s Place. Organizers are still hoping to add a few more restaurants in the next few weeks.  Those interested in participating should call 409-3558.

Outstanding alumni will be honored and the first “Spirit of St. Joseph” award will be presented. Nominations are still be accepted on the school’s Web site.

New this year to St. Joseph School is the extended day program, which will give students the chance to participate in activities such as Art, Sign Language, Fencing, Yoga and Youth Fitness.  There will be a nominal charge for the after-school programs.

To find out more about the school visit www.sjsbatavia.org <http://www.sjsbatavia.org> or call 343-6154.

Turnbull wins dealer of the year award from York

By Howard B. Owens

Bill Hays, president of Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning accepts the York Residential Dealer of the Year Award from Jon Beato, sales manager for Upstate Systems.

Calling all Handymen/women we need you!

By Tasia Boland

Habiat for Humanity of Genesee County needs volunteers during our build days at 104 North Street Batavia.

Volunteers work alongside experienced construction leaders and partner families to help build decent and affordable homes.

 

 

We welcome volunteers of ALL skill levels and we provide the training that you need! 

 

You must be at least 16 years old to work on the construction site; additionally, you must be at least 18 to work on roofs and/or scaffolding and use power tools. All minors under the age of 18 must arrive with a waiver  signed by their parent or guardian. 

We have waivers available on site.  We meet every Wednesday and Saturday from 9a-3p. Any time you can committ to would help us out greatly!

Coffee, donuts, and lunch provided!

 

We look forward to meeting you! 

For more information please contact us at info@geneseehabitat.com or 585-345-1656. Or follow us on Facebook: GeneseeHabitat

A Pastor's Passion for Embracing Ecuador

By Robin Walters

On October 6th a team of 17 men and women from Batavia Assembly of God church will be traveling to Quito, Ecuador on a mission’s trip. The pastor of the church, Dan Schmidt, has a passion for missions and reaching others for Christ. His desire is to help others with the financial needs that are necessary to make this trip. Since his source of exercise to stay healthy is bike riding, he will be making a 215 mile bike ride in two days to help raise money. People are signing up to sponsor the pastor as he rides his 10 speed bike to help the team “Embrace Ecuador”. His trip begins on Monday, August 27th, and will start in Warren, Ohio and end at 24 North Spruce Street in Batavia where the church is located.

Along with Pastor Dan, the rest of the team is looking forward to the trip to Quito, Ecuador.  For some it is their first mission’s trip. It will include a building and renovating project at a Teen Challenge Program where men go to get help for alcohol and drug abuse. It helps to free them from these addictions as well as teaches them about Christ and the principles of the bible. For more information about Teen Challenge, please go to www.teenchallenge.com

We will also visit a Compassion International project to meet the children there and see the work that Compassion does. Compassion is a holistic, faith-based program where people can sponsor a child who lives in dire poverty. It offers them weekly bible lessons and helps to assist them with medical needs, food and clothing. Some members of the team sponsor a child in central Quito and will get to visit his home and project.  For more information on Compassion International go to www.compassion.com

The Mission’s Team is hosting a Spud Night fund raiser at the church on September 7th from 5pm to 7pm.  The cost is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children 10 and under.
Come and bring your whole family for a big baked potato dinner with chili and all the fixings to go with it. The meal includes salad, bread, and homemade desserts!

I have heard people say when talking about mission trips, that when they are not able to go, they like to be a part by helping financially. If you would like to be a part of this trip financially, and would like to sponsor Pastor Dan as he takes this bike riding challenge to help others meet the financial needs to Embrace Ecuador, you may call the church at
585-343-8521, or go to the web site at bataviaassemblyofgod.com

Another way to support this missions trip is through prayer - please be praying for those going on the trip and for those whom they will be ministering to. Thank you and God Bless!

Tracy Byrnes

Prayer Coordinator

BataviaAssembly of God

24 North Spruce Street

BataviaNY 14020

585-343-8521

HLOM offers senior bus trip to tour Buffalo's Central Terminal

By Billie Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum is offering a senior bus trip to the Central Terminal Tour in Buffalo on Sunday. Sept. 16. The bus will depart at 10 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. the tour will be two hours.

Cost is $15 and will include the admission to the Central Terminal.

We will stop in Buffalo for lunch at your own expense, before returning back to Batavia.

There only 40 seats available so please call 343-4727 to make your reservations and payment. For more information please call the Holland Land Office at 343-4727.

St. Joseph School seeks nominees for Outstanding Alumni

By Billie Owens

St. Joseph Catholic School is calling for nominations for Outstanding Alumni. The school, which has roots dating back to 1873, estimates nearly 2,500 students have attended the school since 1940.

“We have a large number of former students that are successful all over the country and we would like to recognize those that have succeeded utilizing the basic fundamentals taught here at St. Joe’s including faith, dedication and service,” Principal Karen Green said.

The school hopes to recognize former students at this year’s Popcorn Ball, scheduled for Oct. 13.

“The Popcorn Ball is our signature event and we would like to use the occasion this year to honor those that have gone above and beyond to serve the school and the community,” said Director of Advancement Chad Zambito.

Nominations can be submitted on the school’s Web site, www.sjsbatavia.orgor by mail.

Submissions should include the former student's name, estimated years of attendance, and a brief description of their accomplishments. Nominations made via mail should be addressed to Outstanding Alumni, in care of the school, 2 Summit St., Batavia, NY 14020.

St. Joseph Catholic School’s enrollment is currently the highest it has been in years with nearly 300 students registered in grades Pre-K through 8. Sixty percent of families receive financial assistance and 20 percent are non-Catholic.

Space for the 2012-2013 school year is still available but spots are filling up quickly. To find out more please call 343-6154.

New brochures offer trail map of 'Barn Quilts of Le Roy'

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce announced the availability of a new Barn Quilts of Le Roy, NY trail map brochure which offers four self-guided driving tours. The Le Roy Historical Society created the trails and Web site, and the chamber produced the new free brochure to promote the trail to visitors.

The Barn Quilts of LeRoy began as a Bicentennial project for the Town on Le Roy, under the auspices of the Le Roy Historical Society. The first quilt, "JELL-O Jigglers" was painted in July 2011 at the annual Oatka Festival. The goal was to have 24 quilts painted and erected in time for Le Roy's Bicentennial event on June 8, 2012. In less than 10 months more than 70 barn quilts were near completion.

Most of the squares were purchased through the Le Roy Historical Society and helped raise money for the Bicentennial event. The quilts have come to represent the pride shared by the people of Le Roy, a town with a rich heritage and a vision for the future that will guarantee quality of life for generations to come.

Many of the quilts are on barns, but some residents have ap­plied their creativity to the sides of sheds, garages and outbuildings. There are also patterns inside local restaurants, Wolcott Street School (painted by second-grade students), the Village Green Nursing Home and The Greens Senior Living Facility.

The Barn Quilt project will continue after 2012 and the Town of Le Roy welcomes visitors to return again and again to explore more scenic barn quilts. Each quilt has a story to tell and these stories can be found online at www.LeRoyBarnQuilt.org.

The brochure is available for pick up at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, the seasonal visitor center on Main Street in Batavia, Crocker's Ace Hardware, the D&R Depot Restaurant, Le Roy Town Hall, and the JELL-O Gallery Museum in Le Roy.

Step-on guides are offered for group tours by the Le Roy Historical Society. Call 585-768-7433 for more information.

'Clean up the Town' is family event to help environment

By Daniel Crofts

Press Release:

I am having a community clean up this Sunday for individuals and families to help our town and the environment.

It is good to teach our kids (our future) that it is important to take care of this earth that takes care of us. If you would like to join us in cleaning up, please contact me for details.

Thank you and I pray you can make time to help such a good cause. God bless.

You can reach me at imortallyone@hotmail.com (or see the event's Facebook page). Thank you for your time.

Fundraiser to Support CASA for Children

By Tara Pariso

Please visit http://​www.mythirtyone.com/shop/​eventhome.aspx?eventId=E209​6633&from=MYEVENTS (make sure that you are on the CASA Fundraiser Party for CASA to get credit, Host name will read Tara Pariso) to order 31 Gifts & I will donate a portion of the sales to CASA for Children.

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