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YWCA

Grillmaster from Clor's offers BBQ lesson and lunch at YWCA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WHO:   YWCA of Genesee County, Batavia
WHAT:  Get Chill With the Grill at The YES! Cafe
WHEN:  Noon Wednesday, June 12
WHERE: 301 North St., Batavia
COST:  $10 lunch and program. Call 343-5808

Known by most people as "Chuck from Clor's," renowned grillmaster Chuck Gugel will fire up the coals for a tasty presentation about how to successfully barbecue all summer long.

"People might pick up a few ideas on outdoor, back yard cooking," Chuck says. "And learn some secrets on making meat tender."

Genesee ARC's Culinary Arts staff will serve grilled chicken-veggie shish kabobs, garden pasta salad, corn on the cob, salad bar and some ooey-gooey chocolate and toasted marshmallow s'mores.

"What more can I say? It's going to be a fun and yummy lunchtime program," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Chuck obviously has the skill and expertise to share, and people should take advantage of it during The YES! Cafe!"

Lunch and program is $10. For those unable to spend the time, take-outs are now available. To reserve your seat or get more information, call 343-5808.

(There will also be specially themed grill package auctions just in time for Father's Day. Next will be a tribute to veterans with guest host state Assemblyman Steve Hawley at noon Wednesday, July
10.)

RSVP by April 5 for YWCA fashion show and luncheon - 'In Tune with Fashion'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The opportunity to enjoy it all at The YES! Cafe with Genesee Community College Fashion students, ARC Culinary Arts folks, upbeat tunes and your own coworkers, friends and family!

So spread the word -- "In Tune With Fashion" is happening from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.

Meal includes veggie or meat panini, salad, sweet and russett potato wedges, lemon cake, beverage. Cost is $10.

For more information or to reserve your seat by April 5th call (585) 343-5808.

YWCA names Elba vet the Fabulous Female of the Year

By Billie Owens

Press release:

YWCA of Genesee County has announced this year's Fabulous Females recipient.
Beth Allen, DVM, of Elba, has been chosen for her courage, dedication and willingness to share her life's experience with the community.

The yearly award goes to a woman who has given exemplary service and has served as a role model through personal or professional endeavors. Allen fit the bill through her work as a veterinarian and animal advocate and her volunteer work as facilitator for a bipolar support group at Mental Health Association in Genesee County.

A victim of domestic violence and sexual abuse, Allen has dealt with her own mental illness, including bipolar disorder and depression.

"I believe with all my heart I am here for a purpose," Allen said. "And to pass on as much as I can about what I learned through all this to others going through recovery from trauma or mental illness."

She has also been active in Crossroads of Harmony, as a photographer and artist.

The 14th Annual Fabulous Females brunch is set for noon Nov. 17 at Batavia Downs on Park Road. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and the event includes a delicious sit-down meal and white chocolate raspberry torte.

The event will serve to honor Allen and offer some inspirational moments from guest speakers Diana Beechler, of Oakfield, who will give an update on how she is recovering from a horrific farm accident and Melinda Rath Sanderson, who heads the Women's Business Center at Canisius College.

Tickets are $25 each or $160 for a table of eight. For more information or to reserve seats, call  343-5808.

Community Harvest Supper at the YWCA, deadline to reserve seats is Oct. 5

By Billie Owens

A Community Harvest Supper will be held under tents on the lawn of the Batavia YWCA from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10.

The event celebrates local agriculture and our community. It will include face-painting, pumpkin painting and live entertainment.

The autumn supper will include beef and vegetable stews, stuffing, potatoes, breads, mac 'n' cheese, and desserts.

Cost is $6 per person, or $20 for a group of four. Reservations are required and the deadline is Friday, Oct. 5.

Got mums? Friday's the deadline to order them to benefit YWCA Domestic Violence Program

By Billie Owens

If you'd like to get some mums to look festive for autumn, the YWCA of Genesee County, in cooperation with the Enchanted Florist downtown, is offering beautiful ones for sale to benefit its Domestic Violence Program.

A container of these lovely flowers in all the great fall colors costs $6.50 and there's no limit in how many you can order.

To order, please call the YWCA at 343-5808 by Friday, Sept. 28 at the latest.

Orders will be available for pick-up at the YWCA, located on North Street, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7.

YWCA seeks nominees for 2012 Fabulous Female

By Billie Owens

YWCA of Genesee County is seeking nominations for this year's Fabulous Female.

The recipient will be honored during the annual Fabulous Females brunch, which has moved to a new venue. It is set for noon, Saturday, Nov. 17, in the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs & Casino, 8315 Park Road.

Deadline for nominations is Oct. 1.

Criteria to be considered includes the candidate's background, interests, achievement and/or any unique obstacles that she has overcome; how she actively serves as a role model for women and girls, contributes to her community (volunteer, civic or in other ways) and how her background or achievements are consistent with the YWCA's mission. That is, to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

The committee represents a cross-section of business and community leaders. They will review all nominations and announce the honoree(s) prior to the event date.

Cost is $25 a person or $160 for a table of eight. That includes a sit-down brunch, entertainment and entry for a door prize. Sponsors are invited to participate and promote your business for $250 a table, which includes four seats at no charge.

Nomination forms are available at YWCA, 301 North St., in the City of Batavia, or at www.ywcagenesee.org.

For more information or to reserve your seat, call 343-5808.

YWCA offers free 'empowerment' workshops on Tuesdays

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County will offer free workshops this autumn beginning Tuesday, Sept. 18. Say YES to the Y(WCA) E(mpowerment) (S)eries).

If you're a fan of Greek-style yogurt, like throwing great parties, want well-behaved dogs and have healthy teeth, then you won't want to miss out!

Each workshop will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Y, located at 301 North St. in Batavia.

Sept. 18

Learn how to make yogurt with Trystan Sandvoss of First Light Farm & Creamery. There will be materials available for purchase o that you can start making your own tangy, Greek-style yogurt right away!

Sept. 25

Get some tips on how to make your dog behave during walks, with company, and in your home. Trainer Thomas Purcell will offer demonstrations and he invites participants to bring their dogs (must have a copy of rabies certificate).

Oct. 2

Enchanted Florist owner Kathleen Anna-Gonzalez will offer ways to decorate and plan for a fabulous party, whether for a birthday, wedding, Christmas or any other occasion.

Oct. 9

Dental expert Ellie Phillips will talk about the familiar and not-so-well-known ways to keep your teeth and gums in excellent health.

Plus, there are other exciting topics coming up, including how to organize your clutter, transition from one career to another, and map out a solid plan for New Year's wellness.

Advanced registration is appreciated. For more information, go to

www.ywcagenesee.org/empowerment-series/

or call 343-5808.

 

Photos: YWCA's Wheels and Heels fundraiser at the Genesee County Airport

By Howard B. Owens

There was music, food and fashion Saturday at the Genesee County Airport for the first-ever Wheels and Heels fundraiser sponsored by the YWCA.

While models milled through the crowd in gorgeous gowns, attendees could stroll through an event filled with not only jewelry, but also a variety of transportation on wheels, from airplanes to police cruisers to classic automobiles.

The event raised money to help the YWCA expand its services for children who are sometimes the forgotten victims of domestic violence.

The programs will help children deal with the emotional, psychological and relational challenges that come with being in homes where domestic violence takes place.

Memberships offered for organic produce co-op of YWCA and Porter Farms

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The YWCA of Genesee County and Porter Farms are partnering to bring locally grown certified-organic produce to the community.

Anyone can buy a membership through the YWCA for the Community-Supported Agriculture Community Outreach Program. The cost is $330 per membership, and the cost and the produce can be split among families. The cost amounts to less than $1.60 per pound of produce.

Members receive 22 weeks of fresh, organic produce through the growing season. Produce distribution begins in late June and runs through the end of November.

The pick-up site is the YWCA building at 301 North St. in the City of Batavia from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays.

For every 15 new memberships signed up through the YWCA, Porter Farms will donate one membership to a family in need.

For more information or to sign up, call the YWCA at 343-5808 or provide your name and phone number to the Y via email at <YWCA_of_Genesee_County_Inc@mail.vresp.com>

Batavia YWCA seeks artists to demo/display their work for newly forming farmers market

By Billie Owens

Local artists are wanted to participate in a newly forming weekly event sponsored by the Batavia YWCA called "The Market at North Street." It's going to be a farmers market that also showcases art demonstrations and/or displays.

It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sundays on the grounds of the Batavia YWCA, located on North Street in the city. The market will run from June 17 through Oct. 14.

You may participate for the entire five hours or for a limited time as you specify. You may also choose which Sundays to take part. Electricity is available.

The application deadline is Friday, June 1. It consists of basic contact info., a brief description of your display/demonstration, number of artists, size of space needed, and the dates and times you plan to participate.

For more information or to get an application, contact Christine Ditzel at 356-5861 or cjditzel@buffalo.edu

Mail completed applications to:

YWCA of Genesee County

Attn: Christine Ditzel

301 North St.

Batavia NY 14020

Vendors sought for YWCA's first 'Wheels and Heels' to benefit young victims of domestic violence

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. will hold its first Wheels and Heels event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the Genesee County Airport. This is a fundraiser to assist the YWCA in developing new programs that serve the innocent, forgotten victims of domestic violence -- the children.

The YWCA is still seeking food, beverage, and service vendors to provide samples and sell products; any individual or business that would like to display a unique or luxury vehicle on the airport grounds is also encouraged to register.

Additionally, clothing stores or individuals with special attire may lend or donate an outfit which will be casually modeled throughout the evening.

These new programs will serve as an opportunity for the YWCA to uphold its mission through service to the youngest members of our community. To participate in Wheels and Heels, please contact Anita Strollo at the YWCA at 343-5808.

YWCA's premiere Wheels and Heels event will benefit child victims of domestic violence

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. will hold its first Wheels and Heels event from 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at the Genesee County Airport. Cars and clothes will be showcased.

This is a fundraiser to assist the YWCA in developing new programs that serve the innocent, forgotten victims of domestic violence -- the children.

These new programs will serve as an opportunity for the YWCA to uphold its mission through service to the youngest members of our community. To participate in Wheels and Heels, please contact Anita Strollo at the YWCA at 343-5808.

Event Date and Time
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Extreme couponing seminar, plus deals and Chinese auction at YWCA

By Billie Owens

An event on "extreme couponing" with local "master couponer" Michelle Kelsey will be held this Thursday, Feb. 2, at the YWCA in the City of Batavia. The location is 301 North St.

The free event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and feature a how-to demonstration, and "cash-and-carry" deals and coupons. There will be a Chinese auction, free refreshments and free child care.

"Come learn the dollar$ and cent$ of couponing."

This is sponsored by GROW YWCA (Giving Real Opportunities to Women). For questions, call Jeanne at 343-5808.

YWCA aims to foster unity, community and good will for children on MLK Day

By Howard B. Owens

The local YWCA will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day next Monday by opening up day care at Robert Morris School (correction: YWCA, 301 North Street, Batavia, on Monday).

Typically, day care is closed on holidays, but YWCA Director Jeanne Walton said the Y is going to start changing that, and Monday's daycare will be a "very affordable" $20, she said, and will include 12 hours of care, breakfast, lunch and a snack.

Children not currently enrolled in day care are welcome to attend Monday, Walton said.

John Canale, center of the photo, will conduct a drum circle for the children, teaching them about the history of African hand drumming.

A second drum circle session will be held in the evening that anybody in the community can attend.

Walton said the Y wants the day to reflect unity, community spirit and good will.

“It’s all about fostering the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr.," Walton said. "We’re doing it in a slightly different fashion, but we feel this is something that is important for us to do.”

Photos: My Brother's Garage at the YWCA

By Howard B. Owens

Members of the Batavia Kiwanis Club stopped into "My Brother's Garage" after their weekly meeting Thursday. "My Brother's Garage" is a new secondhand store in the YWCA on North Street, where the Kiwanis meet each week. It's patterned after the long-standing and popular "My Sister's Closet" secondhand story at the Y.

Event at YWCA shines spotlight on domestic violence

By Howard B. Owens

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc. celebrated a community Domestic Violence Awareness event on Tuesday evening at their facility at 301 North Street in Batavia.  They served a Spaghetti dinner to over 150 people.  To honor the Victims of Domestic Violence the YWCA staff had a special candle lighting ceremony outside their facility, they lined the driveway and walkways with  60 candles.  Each candle represented 4 new victims of Domestic Violence that were seen in our office in 2010.  That represents 240 victims!   Volunteers  helped to prepare and serve the dinner, and in thanks for their assistance were given  Domestic Violence T-shirts and a meal.    

The YWCA works to assist victims of Domestic Violence through awareness, advocacy and resource referral efforts.  For more information, please contact the YWCA of Gensee County, Inc. at 585.343.5808.

YWCA seeks applicants for upcoming employment skills training

By Billie Owens

The YWCA of Genesee County, Inc., is seeking applications for its ninth session of Power UP!  This is a workforce initiative is designed to provide women with the skills and tools they need to advance in their career or seek the job they want.

The Fall session begins Saturday, Sept. 17. To find out more and to sign up, contact the YWCA, located at 301 North St. in Batavia. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone is 343-5808.

Abbey Grinham was a participant last year. At the age of 69 and having sought employment for two years to no avail, she decided that it was time to make a change. The Power UP program was her solution.

By working with her mentor, Sherry Szemplenski, and other professional advisors on the team, Abbey changed her life. She recreated her resume, changed her appearance from head to toe,  improved her computer skills, learned how to manage her money and, overall, felt so much better about herself upon completing the program.

“I loved going every week, the professional presenters were great, and I learned so much," Grinham said. "I learned about the YWCA and was introduced to more people in the community.  Power UP motivated me to move forward. It gave me the confidence to seek and find a job in Batavia. I love the program!"

Gospel & Grace

By Lorie Longhany

YWCA's Racial Justice Committee invites you to join us for an evening of --

Gospel & Grace

Saturday, March 19, 2011

6 - 9 PM

At the YWCA, 301 North St. Batavia

 

Pre-registration is appreciated for table set up. Please RSVP: 343-5805 or by emailing ywca@rochester.rr.com  Event will include gift basket raffles.

Bring your family and friends and a dish to pass. Enjoy words of inspiration and entertainment from community groups. Speakers include: Melissa Thurston and Selina Smith.

Event Date and Time
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Photos: Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at YWCA

By Howard B. Owens

About 70 people were on hand at the YWCA on North Street today to honor Martin Luther King Jr. and give tribute to his legacy.

Alex Nesbeth, below, read King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Above, Grace Marthrel sings a gospel song with Raymond Doward on piano. After the jump, another picture of Marthrel and Doward as well as one of Marthrel singing with her daughter, Lashonna Mims.

Marthrel gave an outstanding gospel performance. She said she sings regularly at the Prayer Room Church of Christ on North Lyon.

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