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The 21st annual bowling tournament known as the Betty Ellison Memorial "Strike Out" for Crossroads House will take place next weekend -- Friday, Saturday and Sunday Feb. 17-19 -- at Mancuso Bowling Center, located at 214 Main St. in the City of Batavia.

This year it is dedicated in memory of Joe Gerace, longtime Crossroads House supporter and champion in community service and volunteerism.

Each five-person team fee is a total of $100 ($20 per person).

Lane times are: Friday at 6 p.m.; Saturday at 3 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Secure registration and payment can be made at the Crossroads House website: www.crossroadshouse.com (choose the Events tab).

Registration forms are also available at MBC or at Crossroads House, 11 Liberty St., Batavia.

For additional information, call Cindy at 993-0584 or Tara at 409-0136.

A chimney fire is reported in a residence at 2109 Angling Road, Corfu. The Corfu fire chief on scene says it's currently contained to a "three-inch chimney pipe." Corfu and East Pembroke fire departments are responding. Other units were called but were subsequently told to go back in service.

A person was reportedly attacked by a dog on State Street in the city and has multiple bite wounds. Police and Mercy medics are responding to 160 State St., lower apartment. The dog is now confined.

UPDATE 12:24 p.m.: An animal control officer is on scene and working to determine the status of the dog that bit a man. The dog is in the basement of the building where it lives. It is an older golden retriever/Labrador retriever mixed breed. It was playing inside with a newly acquired puppy that is a boxer mixed breed. The couple who owns both dogs was at home. The animal control officer said he was told the dogs have not been getting along well. Their play began to get aggressive and there was growling. The male resident tried to break up what became a dog fight and was subsequently bitten by the older dog, said the animal control officer. The man suffered bites on an arm and a leg, which will likely need stitches, and he was transported to UMMC.

Thomas A. Carson, 40, of Wood Street, Batavia, is charged with first-degree coercion, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and criminal obstruction of breathing. Carson was arrested on Feb. 2 following a domestic incident at 4:59 a.m. on Wood Street. He was put in jail on $10,000 bail and is due in City Court on Feb. 6. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Darryle Streeter, assisted by Officer Eric Bolles.

Morgan L. Cox Sr., 48, of Dellinger Avenue, Batavia, is charged with third-degree menacing and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. Cox was arrested on Feb. 1 following an investigation into a domestic incident which occurred at 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 30 on Dellinger Avenue. Cox was put in jail in lieu of bail and was due in City Court on Feb. 2. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Nicole Salamone.

Shuvon J. Williams, 41, and Daniel M. Carter (no age provided), both of Hutchins Street, Batavia, are charged with second-degree harassment. They were arrested on Batavia City Court warrants issued on Dec. 30 in regard to an unspecified incident at 4 p.m. on Dec. 2 on Hutchins Street. They were both issued appearance tickets for Feb. 7 in Batavia City Court, then released. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Stephen Cronmiller, assisted by Officer Chad Richards.

Melissa M. LeSage, 37, of 31 Gilbert St. in Le Roy, was charged with DWI in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 29, by the Le Roy Police Department. She was stopped at about 11:42 p.m. for allegedly speeding on East Main Street in the village. LeSage was found to be allegedly intoxicated. LeSage was also charged with DWI-BAC .08 percent or more, speed in zone, unlicensed operation, and aggravated unlicensed operation in the second degree. LeSage was issued appearance tickets and is to appear in the Town of Le Roy Court on Feb. 27.

Robin Dart, 44, of Carroll Lane, Commerce, Mich., is charged with driving while intoxicated, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and driving without headlights. At 1:27 a.m. on Feb. 2, on Park Road in Batavia, Dart was arrested for DWI following a traffic stop for vehicle and traffic law violation. Dart was issued an appearance ticket for March 6 in Town of Batavia Court. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kyle Krzemien, assisted by Deputy Howard Carlson.

Nikayla Cheyenne Jackson, 19, of Slusser Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree. The defendant was arrested for allegedly taking and subsequently using her mother's credit card information to make unauthorized purchases at 9:40 p.m. on Jan. 15 on East Main Street in Batavia. Jackson is due in City Court on Feb. 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Christopher Parker, assisted by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Brian J. Hawkins, 37, of Pries Avenue, Buffalo, is charged with prohibited sale of alcoholic beverage. Hawkins was arrested for allegedly serving alcohol to a person under 21 at midnight on Jan. 31 on Oak Street in Batavia. He was issued an appearance ticket for Feb. 7 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Matthew Wojtaszczyk, assisted by Officer Darryle Streeter.

Jaylyn S. Strong, 21, of Holland Avenue, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear after an appearance ticket was issued. Strong turned himself in on an outstanding City Court warrant after initially failing to appear for a scheduled court date. Strong posted bail and was released on an appearance ticket for Jan. 31 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Ian C. Lawlis, 36, of Central Avenue, Batavia, was arrested on Feb. 2 on an outstanding Batavia City Court bench warrant. It was for an unspecified incident which occurred at 12:52 p.m. on Sept. 24 on West Main Street, Batavia. He was processed at BPD headquarters and released on an appearance ticket for Feb. 7 in City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Eric Foels, assisted by Officer Jason Ivison.

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our first Garden Talk of the year, “A Photo Garden Tour of Hillwood Estates,” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

Get rid of the winter blues with a look at Hillwood’s spectacular gardens which contain a diverse and fascinating array of plants. Nestled in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., we will explore the beauty and tranquility of the formal gardens that were the vision Marjorie Post.

Bring your lunch to the CCE office (420 E. Main St., Batavia) and join us during the “lunch hour.” This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Other topics planned for the year include “Night Blooming Plants” on March 7, “Dahlias 101” on April 4, learn how to make a copper wire hummingbird feeder on May 2 and scouting for pests in the garden on June 6.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/ and also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.

Press release:

Each new year brings with it the opportunity to recognize more outstanding community members for YWCA’s Women of Distinction Awards. Worthy candidates not only exemplify YWCA’s mission and vision but also represent a wide cross section of people working toward the good of others.

These awards are about honoring women while also serving to acknowledge all of those deserving people, organizations and businesses that help to eliminate racism, empower women and/or encourage economic independence, healthy relationships and a community free from violence.

Your nominations are wanted. Nominations are due March 1 and may be emailed to: jwalton@ywcagenesee.org or sent to YWCA of Genesee County, 301 North St., Batavia, NY, 14020. Please include your name and contact information, the award category, name of nominee, some background and reasons for your nomination.

“It’s hard to believe that we are here again seeking nominations for our six awards, but we are confident that this community is ripe with commendable candidates,” Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. “Please take a few moments of your time to think about those people, agencies and companies that cross your path. Have they made a difference? Is the community better for their good deeds? Then let us know!”

Traditionally a weekend event, this year’s Gala has been changed to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15 at Genesee Community College, 1 College Road. The Women of Distinction Committee hopes that a weeknight will better suit people’s busy lives while still serving as a great time to showcase our local talent, dedication and philanthropic efforts, Walton said.

The selection committee is looking for nominations of men, women, companies and organizations that have gone above and beyond in the following categories:

Racial Justice: Supporting diversity through one's initiatives, philosophies and/or programs. This may include service in a leadership role, with commitment to racial justice and a high standard of courage, integrity and commitment to YWCA's mission to empower women and eliminate racism.

Economic Empowerment: Helping women to face the challenge of economic inequality or hardship. This is done with programs or initiatives that create opportunities for women to lift themselves from their current circumstances and gain more options to improve their lives.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Making a continuous effort to recruit, develop and promote a diverse work force and foster an inclusive  environment where women leaders thrive.

Military/Veteran: A veteran or related agency that has worked on behalf of veterans and continues to serve through civic, personal and/or professional improvements.

Advocacy/Civic Engagement: Working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. Promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Peace: Striving to make the world a better place by emphasizing the importance of kindness, compassion and peace.

For more information, go to ywcagenesee.org or call (585) 343-5808.

Kyle R. Shea is indicted for the crime of criminal sexual act in the first degree, a Class B violent felony. It is alleged that in June or July of 2015, at a residence on South Main Street in the City of Batavia, that Shea engaged in "anal sexual conduct with another person by forcible compulsion."

In count two, Shea is indicted for the crime of criminal sexual act in the third degree, a Class E felony. It is alleged in count two that, in the same time frame and place, Shea engaged in anal sexual conduct with another person without the person's consent, where such lack of consent was by reason of some factor other than incapacity to consent.

In count three, the defendant is indicted for the crime of first-degree sexual abuse, a Class D violent felony. It is alleged in count three, in the same time frame and place, that Shea subjected another person to sexual contact by forcible compulsion.

Press release:

Genesee County STOP-DWI Coordinator Matt Landers announced today that the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, City of Batavia Police Department and the Village of Le Roy Police Department will participate in a special enforcement effort to crackdown on impaired driving.

The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on Feb. 3^rd and will end on Feb. 5^th. The Super Bowl is America’s most watched national sporting event and Super Bowl Weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. New York State Police, County Sheriffs and municipal law enforcement agencies will collaborate across the state and will be out in force in this coordinated effort to reduce the number of alcohol related injuries and deaths.

You can help to make a difference by Having a Plan!  Download our new mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp. Impaired driving is completely preventable. All it takes is a little planning. If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, designate a responsible driver before the game begins. We want fans to remember that it’s a choice. So root for your favorite team; enjoy your friends and family and remember “DON’T DRIVE, GET A RIDE!

The STOP-DWI Super Bowl Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the STOP-DWI Foundation courtesy of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign also targets St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.

A one-vehicle rollover accident with injuries is reported at 5976 Clinton Street Road. Stafford fire and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 2:05 p.m.: South Byron requested to the scene. There is entrapment.

Press release:

Children who reside in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District and who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2017 are eligible to be registered for our Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for the 2017-2018 school year. Registration packets have been mailed.

If you do not receive a packet by Feb. 3, 2017, please call the elementary office at 585-948-5211, ext. 3211, or email kfisher2@oahornets.org to request one.

The Alfred C. O'Connell Library at Genesee Community College recently recognized and honored several published faculty and staff members of the College with its own local version of the popular READ posters, which are seen in libraries across the country and feature celebrities such as Seth Meyers, Rachel Maddow, Kelly Ripa and others. The library hosted a reception on Jan. 26 to celebrate GCC authors who participated in the library's second READ Poster Project, unveiling custom posters that will be prominently displayed on shelving units in the library's circulating book collection area.

This year's GCC authors honored were Maryanne Arena, Marie Iglesias-Cardinale, JoNelle Toriseva, Joe Ziolkowski and Christopher Montpetit.

Maryanne Arena is the director of Fine and Performing Arts at the College and is an assistant professor of Theatre Arts. She teaches theatre classes and supervises theatre practicums. She has contributed to the book, "What is Theatre?"

Marie Iglesias-Cardinale is a professor of English and is currently teaching several writing and literature courses. She has several published works, including the poem, "My Turn," which was published in the Afro-Hispanic Review; "To Crown a King," in Comstock Reviewand "Many Goodbyes," in Poetry Magazine.

JoNelle Toriseva is the director of English, Communications and Media Arts and is an assistant professor of English. She teaches writing and English courses and has published the books "Rodeo Day" and "Becoming Ballet," and has had many poems published in literary magazines throughout the country.

Joe Ziolkowski is an assistant professor of Photography and Art and author of books, "Walking the Line" and "Pressure."

Christopher Montpetit, who participated virtually, is the theatre/production manager at the University of Toledo, Department of Theatre and Film. He teaches online courses for GCC and is the author of the book, "What is Theatre?"

GCC reference services librarian and assistant professor Cynthia Hagelberger and systems and electronic services librarian and associate professor Michelle Eichelberger put out the call to all published faculty and staff authors in the college community last fall and welcomed the responding participants. The posters will be on display in the library so that the college community, including potential students touring the college, can see a visual celebration of GCC faculty and staff scholarship. The library is planning on continuing the READ Poster Project in the coming years and all published GCC faculty and staff authors are welcome to participate.

The project was initially funded by GCC's Academic Innovations Committee and the poster making software and supplies were funded by an Academic Innovations grant.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) proposed a measure on the Assembly floor on Monday that would require a two-thirds vote of the house for Messages of Necessity to be accepted when issued by the governor. Legislation is usually subject to an “aging” period of three days before it can be voted on, but Messages of Necessity are issued by the governor to forgo this process and rush a vote on important and/or controversial legislation, as was done with the SAFE Act.

“Messages of Necessity should only be used in extreme circumstances, and all legislation should be subject to proper vetting and examination instead of being irresponsibly rushed through the legislative process,” Hawley said. ”This tactic is often used to pass legislation before the public and media have time to criticize it, and that is cowardly. I am disappointed this proposal was voted down by the Assembly Majority but I will continue to beat the drum for ethics reform in Albany.”

The Assembly also took the next step toward stripping pension and retirement benefits from corrupt lawmakers today by passing a constitutional amendment which has been championed by the Assembly Minority for years.

“I was pleased that the Assembly passed our pension forfeiture bill today and took an important step toward breaking down Albany’s culture of corruption and malfeasance,” Hawley said. “Corrupt lawmakers should never be allowed to collect a taxpayer-funded pension after betraying the public trust, and I am proud to have voted for this measure.”

If the bill passes the Senate this year, it must be approved by voters as a statewide referendum before becoming law.

Press release:

With a schedule that includes children's theater, works of art, music and dance performances and scholarly exhibitions, the spring arts and cultural events schedule at Genesee Community College is sure to offer something for everyone! Make plans now to enjoy the many fun and entertaining events that GCC is hosting in the coming months!

"An Evening with Sonny Mayo" kicks off the spring schedule at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11. Hear some of the music from "Chasing the Chord," the latest CD from GCC Professor of Speech and Theatre Arts Frank Mayo, who has a long history of playing folk, blues and Americana music that is rich with vivid sound and lyrics. All proceeds benefit GCC's History Club. General tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased by calling (585) 343-0055, ext. 6288, or by email: ddmaxfield@genesee.edu. Tickets at the door are $12.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will enchant audiences of all ages with Brahms and Marquez at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 12. Guest soloist Brian Preston will be joining the performance on piano. Purchasing advance tickets is strongly advised and can be done by visiting one of several Batavia business locations including: Vinyl Record Revival, YNGODESS, GO ART! or the Bank of Castile in Le Roy. Adult tickets are $15, seniors (62 and older) $10, students (age 18 or under) $7 and a group family ticket is $35.

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 31, Stone Row returns! Experience Celtic and world music in a seamless fusion of traditional folk and contemporary genres. This will be the last Stone Row performance as the group plans to pursue separate enterprises after this final concert. The GCC audience can meet and greet the band after the show and wish them well in their new endeavors.

The GCC Forum Players will hold a fundraiser beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 called "A Night of Dance." The performance is being choreographed by GCC adjunct instructor Tara Pocock, and stars Anastasia's Spotlight dancers. Proceeds from the event will benefit the GCC Forum Players.

The Stuart Steiner Theatre will be transformed into the deep jungle, allowing audiences to follow three cheeky monkeys, Seeno, Hearno and Sayno, on their journey to wisdom as they swing through the trees without a care, learning to survive as people encroach upon their idyllic world. "Three Wise Monkeys" is presented by the Forum Players Children's Theatre Ensemble and is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 28. Audiences of all ages will enjoy watching Seeno, Hearno and Sayno in their quest to find their lost baby monkey, Dono, and return him to his rightful place -- while eating bananas, of course!

Tickets for most shows are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on adult ticket. To reserve seats contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

In addition to GCC's lineup of performing art events occurring in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, the sixth annual Arts Fest will take place in the GCC Batavia campus forum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. Experience art through participation with numerous workshops demonstrating creativity in drawing, painting, weaving, henna tattoos, origami, printmaking and much more! The event is free and open to the public and all are welcome to attend!

The second annual Scholars' Symposium celebrates the accomplishments of GCC students and faculty, on Thursday, March 30. Sponsored by the Genesee Community College Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (CURCA), the event will include students, faculty, staff, community leaders and friends sharing and demonstrating scholarly achievements in all disciplines through presentations, poster exhibits and performances. Fulbright Scholar John Covach, a writer, distinguished professor and chair of the College Department of Music at the Eastman School of Music/University of Rochester, will serve as the keynote speaker. He has published dozens of articles and co-edited numerous books about music, and is an active musician, including being the guitarist with the progressive rock band Land of Chocolate.

At the Roz Steiner Art Gallery, Stacey Robinson's "Binary ConScience" is currently on display through Thursday, Feb. 16. Robinson examines Black culture from the past to speculative future by illustrating the conflicts of integration, miseducation, unresolved slavery and unresolved emancipation. The other spring exhibitions in the Roz Steiner Art Gallery include the GCC Student Fine Art Exhibit from March 1-31, with the artists' receptions on Thursday, March 2 at 12:30 p.m. and also at 5 p.m., and the GCC Student Digital Art Exhibit from April 24 through May 21, with artists' receptions on Thursday, April 27 at 12:30 p.m. and again at 5 p.m.

Carl M. Vander, 22, of Spring Street, Bergen, is charged with third-degree burglary, fourth-degree criminal mischief, and petit larceny. He was arrested on Jan. 24 in the Town of Covington following a burglary complaint at Empire Livestock on Route 19. The initial complaint was of a suspicious male in the area at 10:09 p.m. on Wyoming Road near Route 19. Deputies responded and checked the area and found footprints around the Empire Livestock building leading to the back door. The company was contacted, and a follow-up investigation the next morning determined the business had in fact been burglarized and damage had been caused to the interior of the business. Then on Jan. 25 at 3:23 p.m., Wyoming County deputies located a suspicious male walking on Route 19 at Mungers Mill Road in the Town of Warsaw. Upon approaching the male, he was observed wearing a baseball cap with "Empire Livestock Marketing" embroidered on it. A subsequent investigation allegedly determined the male, identified as Vander, had burglarized Empire Livestock the night before. Vander allegedly damaged the business inside and stole a baseball cap from inside a dump truck parked in a garage on the property. He was put in Wyoming County Jail and bail was set at $5,000 cash. He is due in Town of Covington Court on Feb. 27. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan, Deputy Renee Ficarella and Investigator Aaron Anderson.

Meghan Kathleen Gould, 33, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny. Gould was arrested following an investigation into employee theft at the Batavia Target store. It is alleged that over the course of time she stole $1,130 in revenue from Target while employed there. The incident report is dated 1:59 p.m. on Oct. 4. Gould is due in Town of Batavia Court on Feb. 9. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joseph Graff.

Steven R. Colombo, 30, of Ellicott Street, Batavia, is charged with: criminal contempt in the first degree with a prior conviction; strangulation in the second degree; and criminal contempt in the first degree with physical contact. Colombo was arrested at 3:12 a.m. on Jan. 25 on East Main Street in Batavia following a domestic incident wherein he is accused of punching the victim in the mouth and choking her to the point where she nearly lost consciousness. There is an order of protection in effect ordering Colombo to stay away from the victim and he has previously been convicted -- within the last five years -- of violating that order of protection. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Jason Ivison and Officer Darryle Streeter.

Ryan R. Hernandez, 20, of Albion Road, Oakfield, is charged with first-degree coercion, second-degree aggravated harassment, and criminal possession of a weapon. Hernandez was arrested at 11:55 a.m. on Jan. 24 on Walnut Street in Batavia following a domestic incident wherein he allegedly threatened a former significant other via text message. At the time of his arrest, metal knuckles were allegedly located inside his vehicle. He was put in jail in lieu of $10,000 cash or bond and was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer James DeFreze, assisted by Officer Jason Davis.

Carlton L. Beardsley, 22, of Walnut Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny and attempted petit larceny. Beardsley was arrested at 11:15 a.m. on Ellicott Street in Batavia. Patrols were attempting to arrest Beardsley for allegedly attempting to steal property from a local business. Shortly after this complaint, patrols located Beardsley after he allegedly stole property from a second business. He was arrested and jailed in lieu of $5,000 cash bail or $10,000 bond. He was due in City Court this morning. The case was handled by Batavia Police Office Jason Davis, assisted by Officer Jamie Givens.

Adam Jacob Warren, 30, of Manhatten Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree. Warren was arrested at 4 p.m. on Jan. 24 on West Main Street Road, Batavia, following an investigation that allegedly revealed he was in violation of an order of protection. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy McClellan.

A 16-year-old who lives on Farnsworth Avenue in Oakfield is charged with second-degree criminal contempt. The teen was arrested at 7:52 a.m. on Jan. 24 on Judge Road in Oakfield after allegedly contacting a protected party in violation of a Genesee County Family Court order. The defendant is due in Town of Oakfield Court on Feb. 6. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Minuto, assisted by Dpeuty John Dehm.

Jennifer Lynne Greck, 47, of Seven Springs Road, Batavia, is charged with trespass. She was arrested at 1 p.m. on Jan. 18 on West Main Street Road after she was allegedly found trespassing on Mark Trail Motel property after being told she wasn't welcome there. She is due in Town of Batavia Court this afternoon to answer the charge. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Howard Wilson, assisted by Andrew Hale.

Zoe Anne McClure, 47, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Following the investigation of a larceny complaint, McClure was arrested at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 25 for petit larceny for allegedly shoplifting from a department store on Veterans Memorial Drive in the Town of Batavia. She is due in Town of Batavia Court on Feb. 13. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Rachel Diehl.

Press release:

Independent Living of the Genesee Region will be holding a series of FREE Anger Management Workshops at their 113 Main St. office in Batavia, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 31^th.

Those who attend will be shown practical steps: to learn to manage anger; to stop violence and the threat of violence; to develop self-control over thoughts and actions; and to receive support and feedback from others in the workshops.

This workshop will be co-facilitated by Jim Strollo and Debra McKnight who bring experience and perspective to the endeavor. McKnight is a New York State Certified Peer Specialist who has a degree in Human Services and holds a Mental Health First Aid Certificate. She is trained to provide help to people experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. Strollo has a Master in Psychology degree and is a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). He has conducted the Impaired Driver Program in Wyoming County for the past 26 years. He retired from the New York State Department of Corrections after a career of 25 years in counseling inmates. Together, they will create a welcoming and supportive environment.

Among the specific topics to be addressed are: an Overview of Group Anger Management Treatment; A Conceptual Framework for Understanding the Events and Cues that can produce Anger; Helping Group Members Develop a Plan for Controlling Anger; How to Change the Aggression Cycle; The A-B-C-D Model of Cognitive Restructuring and Thought Stopping; Alternatives for Expressing Anger through Assertiveness Training and the Conflict Resolution Model; How Past Learning can Influence Present Behavior in Family Situations; Reinforcing Learned Concepts; Graduation and the Awarding of Certificates of Completion.

Independent Living of the Genesee Region serves people with disabilities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Participants must attend all 12 workshops to earn their certificates. Pre-registration is required. You can receive more information, and sign up for the workshops, by contacting Jim Strollo at (585) 815-8501, ext. 410, or by email at jstrollo@wnyil.org. Again, please be sure to RSVP if you are interested!

Tickets are still available for the 15th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner! The dinner will take place Saturday, March 18 at the Alexander Fire Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m.  This event is a celebration of Genesee County’s number one industry – Agriculture. The highlight is a delicious meal using locally produced foods prepared by Penna’s Catering.

The dinner is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce (8276 Park Road, Batavia) for $30 each. A table of 10 can be purchased for $275. Sponsorships are available for $350 and help to support agriculture educational events in Genesee County. Tickets will not  be sold at the door.

The Celebrate Ag Dinner is coordinated by the following partners: Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District. Many local farms and businesses sponsor or donate products to this event.

For ticket information contact the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce at 585-343-7440, ext. 1027 or chamber@geneseeny.com

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners for our monthly garden series, “Garden Talk." We plan to hold a variety of garden related topics on the first Tuesday of the month starting in February and running through November. (Please note: the July program will be held on July 11.)

Taught by Master Gardeners, these programs will be held during the “lunch hour” from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. We invite you to join us and bring your lunch to the CCE office at 420 E. Main St., Batavia. This series is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

“A Photo Garden Tour of Hillwood Estates” will be the first program in the series, on Feb. 7. Get rid of the winter blues with a look at Hillwood’s spectacular gardens which contain a diverse and fascinating array of plants. Nestled in the hills of northwest Washington, D.C., we will explore the beauty and tranquility of the formal gardens that were the vision of Marjorie Post.

Explore the mysterious world of “Night Blooming Plants” on March 7. Night-blooming plants in your garden can add another dimension of enjoyment to summer evenings. While many plants bloom around the clock, many prefer the coolness of the night to release their most intense fragrance. Varieties with white flowers and foliage also reflect moonlight and give the garden a glowing beauty. Join us to explore some new ideas and learn about the flowering beauties of the night shift!

New to dahlias? Dahlias are easy to grow and yield beautiful flowers from midsummer through fall. They are also an affordable way to add spectacular blooms and brilliant color to your garden this summer. We will cover dahlia types, tuber sourcing, planting, growing, harvesting and storage. Join us on April 4 for “Dahlias 101.” Be warned, once you try growing a few dahlias, you may end up hooked.

Who doesn’t love hummingbirds! Learn how to make a copper wire hummingbird feeder on May 2. We’ll show you how to make your own feeder just in time for the hummingbirds to return.

On June 6 join us for a walk around the CCE Gardens as we take a look at the plants and scout for insect pests and diseases. Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies in the garden can help you find a pest before it becomes a real problem.

Future topics and other Master Gardener events will be posted on the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/ and also on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CCEofGenesee.