Ricky Palermo has spent nearly 30 years working tirelessly to help find a cure for spinal-cord injuries.

On Dec. 4, UMMC and the Jerome Foundation will recognize his efforts when he is given the 25th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Both foundations are honoring Palermo for three decades as a national research participant, and for his regional advocacy and local fundraising on behalf of curing spinal-cord injuries.

Wes Audsley, CEO of Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs, cited Palermo's tireless efforts to find a cure for spinal-cord injuries when choosing him as a nominee. Palermo was injured 28 years ago in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

"This humble man has contacts and influence in all corners of our community, based solely on the content of his character and the sincerity of his work. Everyone takes Ricky's call, everyone contributes to Ricky's cause, and everyone feels better for the experience of knowing and working with Ricky," said Audsley in a press release.

The Miami Project is the world's most comprehensive spinal-cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. It was the inspiration for Palermo's drive to raise funds and awareness for those with spinal-cord injuries.

In 1997, Palermo and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation. Since then, it has raised $500,000 in support of the Miami Project, United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs.

Palermo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County YMCA, where he has developed an exercise program for those with spinal-cord injuries. His foundation offers free rehabilitative exercise opportunities for people suffering from paralysis, regardless of the level of injury. It also offers counseling and hope, says Audsley. The program is funded by contributions to Palermo's foundation.

The Health and Humanitarian Luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5301. Seating will be limited so early reservations are recommended.

The Genesee/Wyoming YMCA and Five Star Bank are launching a collaborative initiative called “Five Star KIDS!” designed to help youths served by both organizations.

It kicked off in the Batavia City Elementary Schools and is, or will soon be, at Warsaw Elementary School. The City of Batavia and Warsaw School districts are, of course, also participating.

Five Star KIDS! targets fifth-graders with a goal of engaging them and empowering them through fun events, positive role models and challenging activities. Its central theme throughout the school year is character building.

"Five Star Bank and the YMCA have a long-standing partnership and this program is an extension of that collaboration,” said Five Star Bank Regional President John Witkowski. "Having the opportunity to advance the YMCA’s ongoing efforts to improve health and wellness as well as promote teamwork and leadership in our kids is part of what being a community bank is all about.”

The program will culminate in June with an all-day program at the YMCA’s Camp Hough on Silver Lake. For Batavia City School fifth-graders, that will be the first time they are all together before they going on to Middle School next fall.

Five Star KIDS! works to develop their spirit, mind and body and be supportive of their family and community. Participants will be encouraged to: become active in community organizations or causes; work hard at school and improve their grade; respect their bodies by eating right, exercising and making healthy decisions, strengthen family ties and; get involved and make a difference in their community.

The fifth-graders get Five Star KIDS! "passports" which they display during program days but get to keep throughout the year. YMCA staff and teachers will focus on promoting the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and will recognize demonstrations of character-driven behavior from individual students as well as entire classes.

Students will be able to accumulate recognition stickers throughout the year and turn them in for program rewards in the spring.

The Five Star KIDS! passports represent a ticket to the future,” said Genesee County YMCA branch director Erik Fix. “We hope to show that good behavior, good decisions and hard work can add up and help get kids where they want to go.”

Five Star Bank has made a $7,500 contribution to the Genesee/Wyoming YMCA to develop and deliver the Five Star KIDS! initiative during the 2009/2010 school year.

The Genesee Area Family YMCA is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day Event
from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. It's free and gives families a chance to visit the YMCA and see all it has to offer children and adults. There will be a Bounce House and you can climb our rock wall, swim, prepare healthy snacks, play games and experience virtual fitness games.

The YMCA is located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia. Phone is 344-1664.
 

YMCA Preschool is holding an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8.

Open enrollment begins for the fall semester. Class offerings include a playgroup for 2-year-olds (must be 2 by Sept. 1, 2009) and 3-year-olds' preschool (must be 3 by Dec. 1, 2009).  Please contact the YMCA if you are looking for a half-day program for your 5-year-old child in the fall. Phone 344-1664.

In addition, all parents of children aged 4 by Dec. 1, 2009 are encouraged to register their children for Universal Pre-Kindergarten through the Batavia City School District.


 

The YMCA of Genesee County is receiving a $7,500 grant from the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley, according to the Democrat & Chronicle.

The grant is part of $67,000 the foundation is handing out.  It will support the YMCA's "Power Up! Project."