Announcements

This notice of special recognition is for the set production crew who worked behind the scenes to make Batavia High School's musical last weekend a success.

These individuals' contributions were a key reason the show, "Once Upon A Mattress," was eyecatching and entertaining, according to Mary Elise Isler, choral director of the Batavia City School District. But, until now, they received no public recognition of their efforts.

Isler sent us this:

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a well known and understood proverb. This is also true for a musical show. There are many people, hands and talents responsible for making a good production.

Last weekend the students at Batavia High School performed “Once Upon A Mattress." The show was a wonderful success thanks to the many hands that contributed to it.

In our program, we acknowledge our thanks and give our recognition. However, it was brought to my attention today that a large part of our production crew was not even listed in the program.

I am sure if you came to our performance, the work of their hands and talents was very obvious. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to BHS art teacher, Mrs. Linda Chadwell and many of her art students, who created the visual scenery and painted the sets for our show.

Mrs. Chadwell spent many hours guiding the students, drawing the scenery, and then using the paints to build brick walls, grow vines and add detail to our beautiful sets. Day by day the wood slowly transformed to become a beautiful castle yard complete with moat walls and a tower.

Special thanks to students: Andrea Raphael, Ashley Elmore, Whitney Case, Megan Jacques, Steve Larkin, Tamalyn Brown-Penders, Nikki Suozzi, Missy Fite, Maria Yefremenko, Ilsy Cruz, Becca Meloon, Shamiqua Hickman, Chantal Hickman, Miranda Moore, Samantha Mitchell, Rachel Henrici, Helen Zickl, Keith Welch, Niha Idrees, Alexis Logsdon, Maria Robusto, Kelsey Hill, Dana Torcello, Lindsay Wrobel, Shelby Fryer, Tylin Torcello, Jenny Schultz, Tilar Clark, Rachel Piacente, Brett Wolf, Stephanie Falcheck, Kelly Jones, A.J. Sanchez, Natalie Allen, Ronnie Murray, Mikala Phillips, Nate Palmer, Rebecca Hall, Hailey Sundown, Leah Cargill, Devon Nichols, Kaelie Grazioplene, Taylor Muoio, Sara Weiss, Natalie Allen, and Mrs. Chadwell.

The BHS Production Club extends kudos to Mrs. Chadwell, her team of artists and everyone else who made this show a success.

World-renowned hunter and speaker Chad Schearer is the keynote speaker at First Baptist Church in Pavilion at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend "Outdoor Evening with Chad Schearer."

For more information visit <www.1stbaptistpavilion.com>.
 

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair dedicated to careers in the health career industry on from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at the William Stuart Forum.

The event will introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides healthcare businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. More than 40 local and regional health care companies will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company.

For more information please contact the Career and Transfer Center at 345-6888.

GCC is located at One College Road in Batavia.

This Friday, March 12, the troopers from the New York State Police in Troop “A” will challenge the faculty from Byron-Bergen School District to a charity basketball game. This will be the fourth year that the two groups have squared off on the court.

The Byron-Bergen faculty won the three previous games, but the troopers hope to end that winning streak and come home with a victory this time around.

The game will take place this at 6 pm at the Byron-Bergen High School Gymnasium, 6917 W. Bergen Road, Bergen. Admission is $1 for students and children and $2 for adults. The Byron-Bergen Sports Booster Club is sponsoring the game and all proceeds will benefit the Katelin Ivision Fund.

The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to enjoy a night of fun and laughs -- and fierce competition!

Five Batavia churches will open their doors to view and learn the history of their beautiful stained glass windows. Batavia’s Stained Glass Window Tour is from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 11.

Tickets are $10 and include a tour book and dessert reception at 4 p.m. at St. James Church.

The churches participating are First Presbyterian, First Baptist, St. Mary’s Roman Catholic, St. Paul Lutheran and St. James Episcopal. The event is sponsored by the Landmark Society of Genesee County and all proceeds benefit the St. James Restoration Fund. 

For ticket information, please call 343-6802.

 

This information was provided by Tim Yaeger, emergency services coordinator for Genesee County.

Flood Awareness Week is next week, March 15-19.

Spring’s arrival in New York State is always a welcome sight to those who have braved months of harsh winter conditions and its chilling winds, blowing snows and frosty ice. However, it is important to remember that this is also the time of year when flooding can occur quickly and without much warning.

Spring rains and winter snow and ice thaws can cause flooding and affect homes, property and, most importantly, your safety. New York's Safety and Emergency Management Office joins the National Weather Service offices serving New York State in observance of Flood Awareness Week.

Use the tips below and on SEMO’s website to learn what to do before flooding occurs, how to stay safe during such an event, and where to find help when you need it.
<www.semo.state.ny.us>

Terms to Know

Flood or Flash Flood Watch: Indicates that flooding or flash flooding will occur within a few hours of heavy rainfall, a dam or levee failure, or that water is being released from an ice jam.

Flood or Flash Flood Warning: Inundation of a normally dry area near a stream or other watercourse, or unusually severe ponding of water has been reported or is imminent. Be prepared! Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
Develop an emergency plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated. Know what to do and when to do it.

Be prepared!

• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing, and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small kit of disaster supplies in the trunk of your car.
• Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
• Have emergency supplies on hand.

Before the flood

• Stay informed! Monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Radio or your local radio and TV station broadcasts of information. Subscribe to NY-ALERT <www.nyalert.gov> to receive the latest information for your location.
• If local officials advise evacuation, do so promptly.
• If directed to a specific location, go there.
• Know where the shelters are located.
• If there is time, move essential items and furniture to the upper floors of the house. Disconnect electrical appliances that cannot be moved. Do not touch them if you are wet or standing in water.
• If you are told to shut off water, gas, or electrical services before leaving your home, then do so.
• Secure your home: lock all doors and windows.

Travel with care

• Leave early to avoid being marooned on flooded roads. Follow recommended routes. Do not go sightseeing.
• As you travel, monitor local radio broadcasts for the latest information.
• Watch for washed-out roads, earthslides, broken water or sewer mains, loose or downed electrical wires, and falling or fallen objects.
• Watch for areas where rivers or streams may suddenly rise and flood, such as highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
• If you are in your car and water begins to rise rapidly around you, abandon the vehicle immediately.

The hidden danger -- crossing low water

• Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are vehicle related! When driving your automobile during flood conditions, look out for flooding at highway dips, bridges and low areas.
• Even the largest and heaviest of vehicles will float.
• Water moving at two mph can sweep cars off a road or bridge.
• As little as six inches of water may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Do not drive through flowing water!
• A hidden danger awaits motorists where a road without a bridge dips across a creek bed.
• Motorists develop false confidence when they normally or frequently pass through a dry low-water crossing.
• Road beds may have been scoured or even washed away during flooding creating unsafe driving conditions.
• Those who repeatedly drive through flooded low-water crossings may not recognize the dangers of a small increase in the water level.
• Driving too fast through low water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane and lose contact with the road surface.
• Visibility is limited at night increasing the vulnerability of the driver to any hidden dangers.
• Heed all flood and flash flood watches and warnings.
• Remain aware of road conditions!

After the flood

• Stay informed! Listen to the radio or TV or bulletins from NY-ALERT for instructions from local officials. And heed them.
• Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering it. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
• Before entering a building, check for structural damage. Turn off any outside gas lines at the meter or tank. Let the building air out to remove foul odors or escaping gas.
• Upon entering the building, use a battery-powered flashlight. Do not use an open flame as a source of light. Gas may be trapped inside.
• When inspecting the building, wear rubber boots and gloves. Watch for electrical shorts and live wires before making certain the main power switch is off.
• Do not turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
• Throw out any medicine or food that has had contact with floodwaters. Test drinking water for potability. Wells should be pumped out and water tested for drinking.
• If the public water system is declared “unsafe” by health officials, water for drinking and cooking should be boiled vigorously for 10 minutes.

Emergency supplies to stock

Food and Water
Bottled water – one gallon per person per day
Ready-to-eat canned foods – vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup, juice
Milk – powdered, canned or shelf-stable brick pack
High-energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meat (for example, jerky), granola, trail mix
Staples – sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa
Instant and small children’s needs – baby food, formula, disposable diapers
Specialty food – for elderly or people on special diets
Pet food

Health & Hygiene
Prescription medication – at least one week’s supply
First-aid kit
Pre-moistened hand wipes – towelettes or baby wipes
Disinfectant no-rinse hand soap
Toiletries
A list of family physicians, important medical information and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers

Personal
A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for each family member
Sleeping bags, bedding or blankets for each family member
An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check the expiration dates)
Identification, credit cards / traveler’s checks / cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information

Household supplies and equipment
One gallon liquid chlorine bleach
Battery-powered radio or television
Flashlights
Extra, fresh batteries for radio, television and flashlights
Manual can opener
Plastic bags – zip sealing, garbage
Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type)
Food thermometer – able to measure temperature from 0 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit

Tools
Rope
Shovel
Hammer and nails
Utility knife
Work gloves
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Clean-up supplies
Broom
Buckets
Dust masks
Disinfecting spray
Mop
Paper towels
Rags (to clean with)
Rubber gloves
Scrub brush
Sponges
Trash bags

Emergency plan

• Meet with your family members and discuss the dangers of possible emergency events including fire, flood, severe weather, hazardous spills and terrorism.
• Discuss how you and your family will respond to each possible emergency. Know how to contact all family members at all times. Think 24/7 and 365.
• Draw a floor plan of your home. If possible, mark two escape routes from each room.
• Select two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you cannot return home (a real possibility during the day when most adults are at work and children are at school).
• Identify an out-of-town friend or relative as your “emergency family check-in contact” for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Make sure all family members have the correct phone number. It is often easier to call out-of-town during an emergency than within the affected area.
• Post emergency contact numbers near all telephones, including: local police, fire and health departments, poison control, your children’s schools, doctors, child/senior care providers and insurance agents.
• Have your family learn basic safety and first-aid measures.
• Keep family records in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
• Have emergency supplies on hand.
• Teach adults how to turn off the water, gas and electricity at main switches. If, for any reason, you do turn off natural gas service to your home, call your natural gas utility to restore service. Do not attempt to restore gas service yourself.
• Make arrangements for your pets. Most shelters do not allow pets. Prior to an emergency, contact your county or local emergency management office and ask them where you could leave your pet. Have identification, leash and proof of vaccination for all pets. Have current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

The Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc., (ACORNS) is one of nine nonprofit park and trail groups selected to receive a Capacity Building Grant from the statewide advocacy organization, Parks & Trails New York.

ACORNS was formed to provide service and support of the parks owned and managed by Genesee County. Its mission is foster environmental education, recreational opportunities and responsible environmental stewardship of local parks.

The Parks & Trails grants are designed to help groups increase organizational visibility and generate community support, grow membership and attract additional volunteers. ACORNS' grant will be used for membership and volunteer recruitment brochures and banners.

"Grassroots groups play a key role in the development and promotion of our state's many parks and trails, which make such a significant contribution to the economy of our cities, towns and villages as well as to the health and well-being of their residents," said Robin Dropkin, executive director, Parks & Trails New York.

"Made possible by a generous private donor, these nine grants are a small investment in strengthening our state's not-for-profit park and trail organizations that will reap big benefits, enabling these groups to leverage more private funding and marshal more volunteer power to better fill the gaps in government spending created by challenging economic times.

Parks & Trails New York received 55 applications from organizations located in 30 counties throughout the state. This is the second year that Parks & Trails New York has offered funding assistance.

“This grant comes at a critical time as we implement our membership-growth strategy and expand our outreach efforts,” said Julia Garver, President of ACORNS. “Our organization relies on the hard work and commitment of volunteers, and as funding for projects in the parks in Genesee County is jeopardized, we need to continue to grow our volunteer base. We are grateful for the support of Parks & Trails New York, and its recognition of the incredible value of volunteers.”

For 20 years, Parks & Trails New York has helped hundreds of groups and municipalities build, maintain, and promote parks, greenways, and more than 1,200 miles of multi-use trails.

More information on the grant program and Parks & Trails New York can be found on the website, www.ptny.org or by calling 518-434-1583. More information about ACORNS can be found at http://acorns.shutterfly.com/ or by calling 585-343-8514.

Free family movies are offered at the Richmond Memorial Library for its March Family Matinees series.

Snuggle up with the kids and relax while enjoying G- and PG-rated films newly released on DVD. Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch to the Chldren's Room at 1 p.m. on Saturdays this month (6th, 14th, 20th, 27th).

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550 x4 for more information. The library is located at 19 Ross Street in the City of Batavia.

The New York Agriculture in the Classroom program known as Agriculture Literacy Week takes place March 15-19 and is available to second-graders at no cost to them.

It is being coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County and coincides with National Agriculture Week.

Volunteers who are involved in agriculture are needed in classrooms. If you would like to get involved as a teacher or reader, please contact Barb Sturm at CCE-Genesee County at 343-3040, ext.122 or e-mail at <bbs228@cornell.edu>.

How many kids really understand where the food on their table comes or, for that matter, where the kitchen table comes from? The importance of trees in our everyday lives is the learning focus this year.

Second-graders will be with visited by a community member involved in agriculture. This year, "The Tree Farmer," written by Chuck Leavell and Nicholas Cravotta, will be read to the class and then donated to the school library. Teachers will also receive a resource packet including additional lessons and information on the timber industry.

New York Agriculture in the Classroom is a partnership of Cornell University, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, NYS Education Department, and NY Farm Bureau. The program works with cooperative extension educators, teachers, farm bureau members, and others throughout the state to foster an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of agriculture and the total food and fiber system.

There will be a summer opportunities and activities fair at Alexander Central School on March 19. 

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance is looking for local agencies, groups and organizations from Genesee and Wyoming counties that are holding summer activities and opportunities for middle school students. 

You are invited to set up a booth or table to promote and give information to students. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at 343-7440 ext. 25 or at <mchamberlin@geneseeny.com>.
 

Despite predictions of a snowstorm, 18 brave souls made it to the Richmond Memorial Library Thursday for "Reel Discussions," a monthly program -- free and open to the public -- for library patrons who like to watch and discuss movies (as well as enjoy refreshments).

RD is run by Rita McCormack, media services librarian at RML, and takes place at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month. During each meeting, patrons watch a feature-length film from the library's collection and discuss it afterwards. Refreshments include bottles of water and treats ranging from cookies to cupcakes to cake (and sometimes bags of white cheddar popcorn).

For more information on the program, please see RML's Media Services page or call the library at (585) 343-9550.

An essay competition sponsored by the Cornell Club of Buffalo is open to all 11th graders in Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada. This means all juniors in public or private schools, as well as home-schooled students in their penultimate year of schooling.

The Cornell Club believes that participation in this contest will aid students in the development of their critical thinking and writing skills. Development of these skills is vital to the maturity of a well-rounded lifelong learner and will make one a much more attractive applicant during the college admissions process.

The club says: "One of the most important skills that you will continue to develop during the balance of your high school years and in college is the ability to thoughtfully evaluate opposing viewpoints - in other words, to think critically. This skill is important not only for students and scholars, but also for nearly every occupation you might choose, as well as for your personal mental growth and maturity."

The Grand Prize will consist of $100, a certificate, a letter of award and a limited edition copy of  Cornell University’s Reading Initiative book of the year, “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. Each Second Prize and Honorable Mention prize will consist of: a certificate, a letter of award and a limited edition copy of the “Grapes of Wrath.”

There will be one Grand Prize awarded, and as many second prizes and honorable mentions as the club sees fit. The Cornell Club of Buffalo offers the prize; winning or placing favorably in the essay contest in no way implies a favorable admission decision by any of Cornell's seven undergraduate colleges.

The Rules:

• Answer the PROMPT below as completely as you can in 1,000 words or fewer. There are no limits to the range of your response, but it should give a picture of your personality and beliefs, and should imaginatively include your own life experiences including, but not necessarily limited to: reading, school, travel, work, personal successes, personal failures, sense of humor, current events, family history, etc.
• If you refer to another author’s work in a manner that would require citation, you may include footnotes or end-notes in any commonly accepted format. These citations will not count toward your 1,000-word limit.
• Finally, on the last page of the document include:

1. Your name
2. Your parents’ or guardians’ names
3. Your home address, telephone number, and e-mail address where we may contact you
4. The name of your school
5. The name of your English teacher with his/her school phone number.
6. Please do not include any identifying information (your name, your teacher's name, etc.) on any page other than the last page.
7. All entries must be in Microsoft Word format or text format.
8. Submit your essay as a single e-mail attachment to the following e-mail address:

c.sasiadek@gmail.com with the subject line “Cornell Club Essay Competition.”All entries must be e-marked no later than April 1.

PROMPT:
There are some who argue that the purpose of higher education is to train individuals in immediately practical skills with an eye toward fulfilling the perceived needs of society and the economy -- by training students in fields such as agriculture, medicine and engineering. There are others who argue that the purpose of higher education is to develop general learning skills and to add to human knowledge whether in an immediately practical manner or not. They believe that fields such as art, philosophy and the classics are more important than practical fields of study.
What is your opinion regarding these two educational philosophies?