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Announcements

The Batavia Society of Artists hosts free Artist Mixer at GO ART! on Feb. 12

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Society of Artists will host its kick-off event for 2019-- a free Artist Mixer -- from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at GO ART! 

It is located in the historic Seymour Place building in Downtown Batavia, 201 E. Main St.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a piece of their artwork to display for the evening.

Enjoy some wine and cheese and talk with other artists from the area.

All levels and mediums welcome.

An Art Book Sale will be available to benefit The Batavia Society of Artists.

Dues to join the society are $30 a year for an individual; $50 for a couple; $10 for students; the drop-in fee for events, programs and demos is $5.

The Board of Directors is comprised of: Teresa Tamfer, Nicole Tamfer, Nancy Brown*, Carole LaValley, Shauna Blake*, Amy DiSalvo and Karen Crittenden. They meet on the second Tuesday of the month.

(*New Board Members)

Here's the rest of the year's lineup; all demos (except En Plein Air) are held at GO ART!:

  • March 12 -- Colette Savage Demo of warm undertone painting with pastels, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • April 9 -- Mike Killelea Demo of adding people and animals to finished watercolors for interest, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • May 9 -- Spring Art Show Reception at Richmond Memorial Library, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • May 18 -- Saturday Sketch Out -- Genesee County Park & Forest Nature Interpretive Center in East Bethany, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • June 11 -- Linda Metcalf Hands-on Demo of encaustics, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • July 9 -- Picnic at Kiwanis Park & En Plein Air Demo with Sue Meyer -- Bring a dish to pass, 6 to 9 p.m.
  • Aug. 15 -- GO ART! Show Reception -- Upstairs in the Batavia Rotary Club Gallery, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Sept. 10 -- Shauna Blake Hands-on Demo of alcohol inks, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Oct. 8 -- Chris Humel Hands-on Demo of caricatures, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Nov. 12 -- Becky Maynard Demo of acrylic pour ornaments, 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Dec. 5 -- Winter Art Show Reception at Richmond Memorial Library, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  • Dec. 10 -- Christmas Dinner Party at Dibble Family Center, $20 per person, 6 p.m. - 'til ?

'Help Your Neighbor Find Hope' is theme of 2019 Catholic Charities' Appeal

By Billie Owens

Above, the Resurrection Parish team from Batavia at the 2019 Catholic Charities Appeal workshop.

Press release:

About 50 Appeal parish volunteers, clergy, and Catholic Charities’ staff attended a volunteer training workshop on Jan. 23 to help kick off the 2019 Appeal in support of Catholic Charities in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The event was held at Batavia Country Club in preparation for the annual campaign, which carries a goal of $11 million.

During this month's training workshop, a Hero of Hope Partner Award was presented to Wyoming County Court Judge Michael Mohun. Judge Mohun was selected for his work in collaborating with area human service agencies and community organizations to find resources to help those who come before him having committed a crime to move towards a healthy, safe and law-abiding life.

In addition, former client Sarah Veazey shared how her and her daughter have benefited from counseling received from Catholic Charities.

The patron saint for the 2019 Appeal is Saint Faustina. Working under the theme “Help your neighbor find hope,” Appeal volunteers from Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties will begin reaching out to individuals and businesses in the community to encourage their support of the Appeal.

It helps fund Catholic Charities’ 70 programs and services across 61 sites in Western New York, along with a number of programs and ministries through the Fund for the Faith. 

“Funding is critically important in Catholic Charities’ efforts to continue providing programs and services to our most vulnerable neighbors across Western New York,” said John and Ruthanne Daly, 2019 Appeal general chairs.

“Achieving this year’s goal takes a significant amount of hard work and commitment by our parish volunteers, but with our collective strength and support, we can ensure that the communities of Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties can continue to turn to Catholic Charities for help.”

This year’s Appeal Week will take place April 7-14 throughout the eight counties of Western New York to celebrate the support of those who have made contributions to the Appeal, and to encourage those who have not already donated to do so. Volunteers will continue to work to achieve the final goal until the conclusion of the 2019 Appeal on June 30. 

To make a donation to the 2019 Appeal or for more information contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to ccwny.org.

Catholic Charities provides a range of services in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. These services include basic assistance; counseling for individuals, couples and families; Domestic Violence program for men; Our Kids: Parent Education and Awareness Program; and outreach to homebound seniors through Friendly Phones in Orleans County and Friendly Phones and Home Visitation in Genesee County.

Catholic Charities provided assistance which impacted more than 152,000 individuals, Catholics and non-Catholics alike during the past year, including nearly 3,300 individuals in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Donors from these three counties contributed $474,408 to the 2018 Appeal.

Catholic Charities’ offices are located at:

  • 25 Liberty St., Suite 7, Batavia
  • 243 S. Main St., Albion
  • 6470 Route 20A, Bldg. 1, Perry

About Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities has helped individuals and families in need since its founding in 1923. That need is varied and widespread – from emergency assistance to mental health counseling and treatment, and from specialized services for older adults to help with job training and education. Catholic Charities empowers children, families and seniors to achieve meaningful, healthy and productive lives. In all situations, Catholic Charities delivers support to meet immediate needs, and then assesses clients for other needs to ensure long-term success.

An excellent steward of the contributions it receives, Catholic Charities earns highest-possible ratings from Charity Navigator for transparency and sound fiscal management and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Catholic Charities also receives highest ratings from the Council on Accreditation for quality service. For more information, visit ccwny.org.

Below, John Dwyer opens the Appeal workshop with a introductory remarks. He is a trustee emeritus on the Catholic Charities Board of Trustees and has been involved with the Appeal for years.

Dessert in the Stacks at Woodward library is Feb. 8, advance tickets only

By Billie Owens

Dessert in the Stacks is back! It will be held a Woodward Memorial Library in Le Roy from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8. Sample delicious desserts and visit with friends.

Local restaurants, bakeries, caterers, and stores donate the desserts and you get to sample as many of them as you would like!

Desserts so far include: assorted chocolates from Oliver's Candies; apple and cherry pies from Gre'gry's Bakery; vanilla raspberry and lemon torte cakes from Elegant Cakes; chocolate lush pie and peanut butter pie from Red Osier Original Landmark Restaurant; and savory pizza from Pastore's.

There will also be delectable treats from D & R Depot, Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn, GAMS Simply Sweet and Savory Bakery, The Divine Tree, and Tops Friendly Market.

New this year are samples of coffee, hot chocolate, and Munchkins from Dunkin' Donuts.

We are still adding to the list of desserts as area caterers, restaurants, and bakeries donate to this event.

Tickets for this adults-only event are $8 each or 2/$15 and must be purchased in advance.

Get your tickets now! This is an event you don't want to miss.

Woodward Memorial Library is located at 7 Wolcott St. in the Village of Le Roy

Phone is 768-8300.

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo seeks nominees for 'living change makers'

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo – a local nonprofit organization committed to helping individuals, families and organizations make their charitable goals a reality – is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2019.
 
To mark this milestone, the Community Foundation will award $1 million in honor of 12 local change makers who have made a difference in the lives of Western New Yorkers through a community-wide nomination process.
 
Beginning Feb. 11, individuals can nominate living change makers who have made an impact in the eight counties of Western New York (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming) for The Centennials. Nomination forms can be found online at CentennialAwards.org or at your local public library. Nominations are due by 4 p.m. on March 22.
 
“The Community Foundation has helped ignite change in Western New York alongside our clients for 100 years and our Board of Directors felt strongly that our celebrations in 2019 should reflect the people who have committed to make Western New York a vibrant and inclusive region with opportunity for all,” said Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president/CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. “The Centennials will celebrate everything we stand for as an organization – focused forward.” 
 
The Centennial Awards will recognize individuals in four award categories:
 
• The Community Award -- This change maker saw the hidden potential in a place and took a leadership role to transform it.
 
• The Cause Award -- This change maker has dedicated time and passion to addressing a pressing issue facing our region.
 
• The Champion Award -- This change maker has made a meaningful change for a group of people.
 
• The Up and Comer Award -- This change maker is an emerging leader currently mobilizing action around a place, an issue or people.
 
Here is how the $1 million will be awarded:
  • Four winners (one per category) will each be honored with $200,000: $100,000 to make a one-time grant to a WNY nonprofit and $100,000 to create an endowment that will allow them to make grants in their name forever.
  • Eight finalists will each grant $25,000 to a WNY nonprofit of their choice. 
Once the nomination process closes, all nominations will be reviewed and 12 finalists will be chosen by a Centennials Selection Committee. This distinguished group of community leaders represents what the Community Foundation has committed to as an organization – excellence, experience, racial and ethnic diversity, the arts and culture sector, education, the environment and our geographic footprint. The full list of selection committee members can be viewed at CentennialAwards.org.
 
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are honored that so many highly regarded individuals in our community have enthusiastically joined our effort to honor change makers in our community,” said Francisco M. Vasquez, Ph.D., chair of the Community Foundation Board of Directors. “We want this celebration to really highlight the fact that everyone can have an impact through the Community Foundation.”
 
The Community Foundation is a foundation of foundations. Today, it has over $485 million in charitable assets, serves more than 400 active clients, and is carrying on the legacies of an additional 500 clients. In 2018 alone, the organization awarded $22 million at the request of its clients to create a lasting impact in Western New York and beyond.
 
Winners of The Centennials will be announced in September at a celebration event at Kleinhans Music Hall.
 
For more information on The Centennials, please visit CentennialAwards.org and for more information on the Community Foundation, visit cfgb.org.
 
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Celebrating its centennial year in 2019, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For 100 years, the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at cfgb.org.

Health department seeks your input for public health planning over the next few years

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming County health departments and hospitals are currently working with community partners to gather information from residents and those who work in these counties to help with public health planning for the next three to four years.

The information will inform and guide documents called the Community Health Assessment (CHA), Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), and Community Services Plan (CSP).

This initiative is part of the New York State Prevention Agenda, which is the blueprint for state and local action to improve the health of New Yorkers.

To fully assess the health status of our communities we are asking for your input because your health counts! These organizations are asking the public to participate by taking a survey and sharing their viewpoints during community conversations.

An online survey is available, as well as paper copies at various locations in each county. You can access the survey here.

The survey is anonymous, only takes about 15 minutes to complete and focuses on the health of the person taking it. If you are under the age of 18 years old, be sure to receive permission to take the survey from your parent(s) or guardian(s).

“As chief health strategists the health departments are working toward assessing current capacity, resources, and services,” said Paul Pettit, director for Genesee and Orleans County health departments.

“This will also help identify community health needs and current gaps, ultimately helping to develop our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for the next few years.”

The health departments are also seeking to schedule "Community Conversations" with willing groups to learn what they feel are the greatest health concerns or issues in their community and thoughts on how they can be improved.

Responses from the confidential surveys and conversations will help identify services that are working, need improving, or to be created. The more members of the public who participate, the larger and stronger the “building block” of these plans will be.

To participate in a community conversation, obtain hardcopies of the survey, flyers that promote completing the survey online, or have any questions please contact your local health department:

  • Genesee County Health Department at: 344-2580, ext. 5555, or visit their website here.

Volunteer advocates needed to help sexual assault victims, training begins in March

By Billie Owens

Press release:

RESTORE Sexual Assault Services, a program of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, is recruiting volunteers for an upcoming training cycle in March. There is an urgent need for volunteers in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

Volunteer Advocates are responsible for taking crisis phone calls from their home and accompanying sexual assault survivors to the hospital or police station. Volunteers offer support, information and resources to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones.

The time commitment is flexible, and at the volunteer’s discretion. All applicants will be screened and must complete 32 hours of training prior to beginning their volunteer commitment.

Those interested in volunteering for RESTORE must be at least 20 years of age, have reliable transportation, and be comfortable working with those in a crisis situation. 

For further information about volunteering with RESTORE, email restore@ppcwny.org. 

# # #

RESTORE leads the community response to sexual violence through advocacy and education, by providing the safety, support and validation that changes the lives of all those affected.  

RESTORE 24-hour hotlines:

1-800-527-1757 (Livingston, Wyoming, Orleans and Genesee counties)

585-546-2777 (Monroe County)

Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York provides high quality, nonjudgmental reproductive health care; promotes responsible and healthy sexuality; advocates for access to comprehensive health care; and supports those affected by sexual violence.

City seeks nominees for 2018 Recognition Awards, deadline is March 8

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations for the following 2018 Recognition Awards:

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

An outstanding individual in the community that demonstrates excellence in volunteerism. This individual goes above and beyond normal responsibilities creating a lasting and beneficial impact.

HOMEOWNER OF THE YEAR

An engaged resident who has given extra effort to go above and beyond in maintaining their home and enhance their neighborhood.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has demonstrated community involvement and represents entrepreneurial spirit while providing exceptional customer service, professionalism and integrity.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT/SERVICE ORGANIZATION

Providing service to the people of the City by demonstrating commitment in improving quality of life throughout the community.

***************

If you know of someone that you would like to nominate please complete the nomination form and submit to Lisa Casey by Friday, March 8.

The awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Meeting.

Nomination forms available by the following:

  • City website: www.batavianewyork.com under the home page;
  • Can be picked up at the City Manager’s Office;
  • Call (585) 345-6333 to have form emailed to you;
  • Email at Lcasey@batavianewyork.com;

Mail nominations to: Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020.

Fax nominations to (585) 343-8182.

GO ART! Creative Arts Camp for first- through sixth-graders to be held next month

By Billie Owens
Press release:

The GO ART! Creative Arts Camp is an amazing opportunity for students in grade 1-6 to explore all things artistic. From fine art to performing arts, we will discover our inner artists together in a safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Students will have the opportunity to draw, paint, dance, sing, play, build and so much more.

Fine arts, performing arts, literary arts, culinary arts, design arts, tech arts -- experience it all!

Camp will be held at GO ART! in Downtown Batavia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, Feb. 18-22. Drop off for participants begins at 8:30 a.m.

Only 30 spots are available.

Fee is $135 for GO ART! members (or $125 each child for multiple family members).

Fee is $150 for nonmembers (or $140 each child for multiple family members).

All materials included; deadline to register is Feb. 14. First come, first serve.

GO ART! is located in the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St.

For further information please contact GO ART! at 585-343-9313 or register online here.

Don't forget: Tickets on sale for 'Winter Escape' at Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany Feb. 2, pre-sale only

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
"Winter Escape" tickets are on sale now! Escape the winter blues with family, friends, delicious food and live music on Feb. 2 at Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany.
 
The third annual fundraiser will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Hall with a delicious Farmer's Wife Turkey Dinner. From 6:30-10 p.m. there will be live music from Red Creek Band. There will be a Gift Basket Raffle. This fun-filled family event is not to be missed!
 
Tickets are $20 for adult tickets; $10 for children 12 and under.
 
Remember, tickets are pre-sale only so get yours now so you don’t miss out! For tickets please contact Jill Gould at (716)-474-0850.

Registration underway for Byron-Bergen UPK and kindergarten

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Registration is now underway for the 2019-2020 school year for prekindergarten and kindergarten students in Byron-Bergen Central Schools.

Universal Prekindergarten
The Byron-Bergen School District hopes to once again offer a half day Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) program for the 2019-2020 school year. The class will be held at the Byron-Bergen Elementary School, located at 6971 W. Bergen Road, Bergen.

Students eligible for the program must turn 4 years of age by Dec. 1, 2019. If you have a child eligible and are interested in having him/her attend our UPK program, please send a letter of interest by Friday, April 5 with your child’s name, parents’ names, address, phone number, and date of birth to:

Brian Meister, Elementary School Principal, 6971 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

Parents who have already contacted the Elementary School by phone will still need to send in a letter to be eligible for UPK. Please note that if we receive more than our allowed capacity, we will select students using a lottery system.

What are the Program Goals of the UPK at Byron-Bergen?

  • To meet the NYS learning standards by using a curriculum that is thematically based and supported using literature, songs, and exploration;
  • To foster an environment that promotes happy, confident children who are willing to take risks, make independent choices, and ask questions;
  • To create an inclusive community that builds upon the student’s strengths and accommodates their needs.

Philosophy of UPK

The UPK program at Byron-Bergen is focused on socialization, learning through play, and self-exploration. Children learn through a hands-on learning environment that includes activities, learning centers, concrete materials, and manipulatives. Students learn through a nurturing environment that is enriching, challenging, and developmentally appropriate.

Kindergarten Registration Reminder

Children who will be five years of age, on or before Dec. 1, 2019, are eligible for entrance to kindergarten in September of 2019. New families in the school district should notify the school if they have a child that will enter kindergarten in September of 2019.

Parents may contact the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Office by calling 494-1220, ext. 1301. Information may also be sent to:

Byron-Bergen Elementary School, 6971 W. Bergen Road, Bergen, NY 14416.

All children registering for kindergarten will be scheduled for a screening appointment this summer. The results of this screening will be used to plan for the 2019-2020 Kindergarten Program.

The following items are necessary to complete the registration process:

  1. Your child’s Birth Certificate
  2. Certificate of Immunization – New York State law requires that every child entering school must have received a minimum of 5 doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine (DPT) and 4 doses of polio (IPV) vaccine, 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), 3 doses of Hepatitis B, and 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox). Those children born on or after 1/1/2008 must have 4 doses of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). Their immunizations must be completed prior to entering school.
  3. Proof of Residency– If this is the first time you have a child entering Byron-Bergen Central School District, please bring proof of residency to your screening appointment. This can be a copy of your mortgage statement, rental/lease agreement or a copy of your tax bill.

For more information or to register your child, please contact:

Elementary School Office  -- (585) 494-1220, ext. 1301

Information may also be sent to:

Byron-Bergen Elementary School 

6971 W. Bergen Road 

Bergen, NY 14416

Oakfield Republican Committee seeks candidates, reply by Feb. 4

By Billie Owens

The Oakfield Republican Committee is seeking candidates for the following:

  • Superintendent of Highways (four-year term)
  • Town Clerk (four-year term)
  • Councilpersons (two positions, four-year terms)
  • County Legislator (two-year term)

Interested residents of the Town or Village of Oakfield can send a Letter of Intent no later than Feb. 4 to:

Alan R. Dennis, Chairman of the Republican Committee

6916 Fox Road, Oakfield, NY  14125

Village of Elba Republican Caucus to be held on Jan. 28

By Billie Owens

Notice

Village of Elba Republican Caucus -- Jan. 28

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a Republican Caucus is to be held at the Village of Elba, on Monday, Jan. 28, for the following offices that are up for reelection on March 19.

Office

  • Village Trustee -- four-year term
  • Village Trustee -- four-year term
  • Village Trustee -- one-year term (finish out existing term)

Notice of the scheduled date of the caucus is being given at least 10 days before the caucus as required.

Please contact Laurie Itjen Republican Chairperson at (585) 757-2257 with any questions.

Town of Alexander Republican Committee seeks candidates for office

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
The Town of Alexander Republican Committee is seeking registered party members that are interested in being selected as the endorsed Republican candidate for the following offices in the November General Election:
  • County Legislator District #6 (Alexander, Bethany and Pavilion)
  • Town Supervisor
  • Town Highway Superintendent
  • Town Council -- two seats
  • Town Clerk
All the above offices are four-year terms.
  • Also seeking registered party members for Town Republican Committee Member District #2 (east of Route 98).

Those interested please send letter of intent and resume by Jan. 31st to: Barbara Eddy, 11054 Alexander Road, Attica, NY 14011, or contact at 585-507-9930.

City of Batavia Republican Committee seeks candidates

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Republican Committee is seeking City Republicans interested in running for the positions of City Court Judge, City Council in wards 1-6 and County Legislators in districts 7-9.

Letters of interest can be mailed to City Republican Chairman David Saleh at 116 Naramore Drive, Batavia, NY 14020. Chairman Saleh can also be reached at 585-599-3540.

If you are interested in getting involved in making Batavia a better place to live and work then we want to hear from you!

GO ART!: Call for entries for annual juried art show, 2019 theme is 'Art of the Rural'

By Billie Owens

GO ART! announces its third annual juried art show entitled "Art of the Rural." Entries will be accepted March 7 –  9. No entries will be accepted after March 9.

Exhibit dates are March 14 -- May 4.

There will be an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at GO ART!, located in the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

This juried show is open to all artists. All works must be ORIGINAL and created by the submitting artist. Previous entries are not permitted. Any media is acceptable, no larger than 3' X 4'.

All entries must be accompanied by an entry form, and dropped off to GO ART! at Seymour Place.

Fees are due at drop off. GO ART! members may submit up to five works for $30; $5 for each additional work. Non-members may submit up three works for $30; $5 for each additional work.

A jury of selection will review all entries and will choose artwork to be displayed in the exhibit. Notification of the jury's decisions will be made March 12. All results will be sent via email unless otherwise requested. Please make sure to provide a valid email address to receive your jury results.

Cash prizes will be awarded and announced at the opening reception.

For questions please call585-343-9313 or email info@goart.org

For application: visit  www.goart.org/juriedshow

Free college and financial aid application assistance available

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Adult Educational Opportunity Center (AEOC) is visiting every Genesee Community College campus center in January to help any current or potential student through College Entry Point and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Workshops.

The remaining events are listed below; any current or potential student can attend these workshops:

Batavia Campus -- 1 College Road, Batavia

  • Wednesday, Jan. 30, from 9 a.m. 'til 5 p.m.

Albion Campus Center -- 456 West Ave, Albion

  • Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 9 a.m. 'til 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. 'til 12 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 9 a.m. 'til 12 p.m.

Arcade Campus Center -- 25 Edward St., Arcade

  • Thursday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. 'til 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 31, from 11 a.m. 'til 7 p.m.

Dansville Campus Center - 31 Clara Barton St., Dansville

  • Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 11 a.m. 'til 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 17, from 11 a.m. 'til 4 p.m.

Lima Campus Center -- 7285 Gale Road, Lima

  • Tuesday, Jan. 22, from 9 a.m. 'til 2 p.m.

Medina Campus Center -- 11470 Maple Ridge Road, Medina

  • Thursday, Jan. 17, from 9 a.m. 'til 12 p.m.
  • Thursday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. 'til 12 p.m.

The complete calendar of AEOC support workshops, financial aid sessions, College Entry Point events and more is available at www.genesee.edu/aeoc/.

One of the most popular workshops the AEOC offers are the "FAFSA Fests" (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). During these sessions, anyone can receive help in completing the FAFSA and TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) forms. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the AEOC office at 1-888-394-2362 or via email at AEOC@genesee.edu to reserve a seat in any session and to learn about what information and materials are required for participation. 

All of the AEOC services are free and available to anyone, not just students of Genesee Community College. With dozens of events taking place throughout the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties, the AEOC is readily available. For a complete list of AEOC workshop and other events, visit the new calendar of events online here.

To learn more about any of these AEOC services, please visit here or contact the AEOC office at 1-888-394-2362 or via email at AEOC@genesee.edu.

Northgate Free Methodist Church donates more than $2.7K to Genesee Justice

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee Justice office, part of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, received a nice donation Wednesday from Pastor Vern Saile at the Northgate Free Methodist Church in the amount of $2,732.11 from a day of giving they did through the church.

The money will be used partly for staff trainings and also for program expenses not covered by any other funding received by the office.

"We are very appreciative to be chosen as the recipient of this check to fill existing gaps in our programs," said Tammy Schmidt, financial management assistant, Genesee Justice / Child Advocacy Center.

Top photo: Pastor Vern Saile, of Northgate Free Methodist Church, and Cathy Uhly, program coordinator for Genesee Justice.

Reminder: 'Winter Escape' tickets on sale for Feb. 2 event at Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany

By Billie Owens
"Winter Escape" tickets are on sale now! Escape the winter blues with family, friends, delicious food and live music on Feb. 2 at Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany.
 
The third annual fundraiser will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Hall with a delicious Farmer's Wife Turkey Dinner. From 6:30-10 p.m. there will be live music from Red Creek Band. There will be a Gift Basket Raffle. This fun-filled family event is not to be missed!
 
Tickets are $20 for adult tickets; $10 for children 12 and under.
 
Remember, tickets are pre-sale only so get yours now so you don’t miss out! For tickets please contact Jill Gould at (716)-474-0850.

Youths invited to submit logo design for planned Teen City, deadline is 4 p.m. Jan. 28

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia Youth Bureau and the Genesee County YMCA invites all 6th through 12thgrade students in the City of Batavia to submit a logo design that will be used with the opening of Teen City.

The contest guidelines are as follows:

  • Contestants must be enrolled as a 6th– 12thgrader who resides within the City of Batavia or attends Batavia City School District, St. Joseph Catholic School, Notre Dame High School or GVEP.
  • Poster should be no larger than 9”x12” and must leave the bottom 2 inches blank.
  • Artists should include Teen City in the logo design.
  • Artwork should be submitted in portrait (vertical) orientation.
  • Each submission should be the original student’s work.
  • Each entry must include the artist’s full name, address, phone number, grade, age and school on the back of the poster.
  • Designs can be in any medium, including computer-generated. They should be clear and concise, easy to read.

Entries must be received in person or by mail by 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 28. Submissions can be sent to the Batavia Youth Bureau, Attn: Teen City Logo Contest, 12 MacArthur Drive, Batavia, NY 14020.

The winning logo will be used for all signage of Teen City and on staff shirts. The winner will be recognized at the Teen City Kick-off Event in 2019.  For more information contact the Batavia Youth Bureau at 345-6420.

Richmond library announces new community reading project 'Richmond Reads'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library is thrilled to announce a new initiative entitled “Richmond Reads -- A Community One Book Program”!

Since the end of "A Tale for Three Counties," the community has frequently asked if there will be a replacement program. We are happy to share that a committee has been hard at work to make this a reality, which will begin with an inaugural program this fall.

Richmond Reads is a community reads project created especially for the Richmond Memorial Library community. Much like the Tale program, we will invite our community to read a book and join in discussions about it -- culminating in a visit from the author!

Adult & Community Services librarian Samantha Stryker says that “the author chosen by the committee has received prestigious recognition for their work and we are excited to bring this program to our vibrant community of readers!”

We will host a reveal event to announce the chosen title and author for Richmond Reads on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Reading Room at the library. More information about the program will be shared at this event. The event will include light refreshments and a chance to win a copy of the chosen title.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.

Learn more here.

Richmond Memorial Library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

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