Announcements

Oakfield resident Julie Caton will sign copies of her new book "White Heart" at Present Tense at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14.

Based on the actual life of Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone, "White Heart" is a compelling story of faith, love, and recovery.

Trapped in the extravagance and the artifice of the French Court during the reign of the Sun King, Louis the XIV, Madeleine de Roybon D'Allone becomes desperate for an escape. When the king himself offers her the opportunity to flee to the New World, Madeleine eagerly accepts.

Madeleine soon embarks on a new life in Ontario, but the trials of her past are not so easily left behind. Life on the frontier is fraught with its own opportunities and danger. Madeleine explores roles such as teacher to the Hurons, lady voyageur, and proprietor of a fur-trading post on Lake Ontario. Yet when the Iroquois attack her homestead and take her captive, her life and spiritual faith change forever.

The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave., Batavia, NY. For more information or to reserve a copy of the book ahead of the event, call (585) 815-7640, or visit  <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Caton is a licensed psychologist certified by the State of New York and has completed a doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Buffalo. Providing psychotherapy to children and adults is the primary focus of her Oakfield practice.

Beginning Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to Noon, Woodward Memorial Library is having its annual used book sale. It continues through Saturday, April 23. Hardcover books $1, children's and paperbacks $.50.

From 10 a.m. until Noon on the last sale day (Saturday, April 23) there will be a $1 a bag sale. The library is located at 7 Wolcott St., Le Roy.

This information is from Tara Pariso, executive director of CASA for Children.

CASA has teamed up with PartyLite to raise much needed funds to continue advocating for abused and neglected children in Genesee County. Due to budget cuts, we are in need of your support now more than ever!!

Please consider purchasing candles from the fundraiser flyer which can be veiwed at http://www.partylite.biz/sites/heidirichmond/fundraisers-products. 

You can place your order by emailing Executive Director Tara Pariso at tpariso24@yahoo.com, or by calling  at (585) 813-3987. Please send checks made payable to CASA at 1 West Main St. Batavia, NY 14020.

We are super excited about this fundraiser as we get 50% of the total sales!!!  There is no shipping costs or tax on any items ordered!!!  Please pass this along to help support CASA for Children and the work done to find abused and neglected children safe, permanent homes!!!

Let's help light the light of hope for children in need.

Orders and payment must be received by Friday April 29, 2011.

An Outreach Conversation for Genesee County Legislature District 4, which includes residents of the towns of Batavia and Stafford, is planned for 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday, April 16, in the Batavia Town Hall.

District 4 Legislator Mary Pat Hancock will talk about the impact of the state budget on the county, the status of the suggested options to improve the fiscal health of the Genesee County Nursing Home, and other topics of interest to residents.

There will be plenty of time for questions. The public is encouraged to come and participate. The town hall is located at 3833 W. Main St. Road.

Genesee Community College Toastmasters Club

Cordially Invites You to be our Guest at

EAST MEETS WEST

An Evening of Global Communication and Dining

Menu: Sushi, Wraps, Salad, Pizza, Dessert, Beverages

Keynote Speaker:

Patrick Ho, Founder and CEO of Rochester Optical

Speech Contest:

Best Impromptu – Best Speaker – Best Evaluator

GCC TOASTMASTERS CLUB CHARTER CEREMONY

Basket Raffle!  Door Prizes!  Entertainment!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Genesee Community College

Conable Technology Building – Room T119

One College Drive, Batavia, NY 14020

Purchase tickets in the Student Activities office!

(585) 343-0055 x6261

$5.00 for GCC Students/Employees

$10.00 for Non-GCC Students/Employees

Free Admission to all Toastmasters International Club Members

RSVP by April 25, 2011 to:

Aoi Kitagawa, AKitagaw@my.genesee.edu

The Holland Land Office has two new exhibits for visitors to enjoy.

One is called "Industries in Batavia Past & Present" and the other is "Women in History."

For more information please contact the Holland Land Office Musuem at 343-4727.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia and the Genesee County Bar Association will hold their annual Law Day Observance and dinner on Thursday, April 28 at Bohn's Restaurant.

The speaker for the evening is Victor I. Vieth, JD, director of the National Child Protection Training Center at Winona State University in Minnesota.

The Genesee County Bar Association will present the Charles L. Mancuso Mock Trial Award to this year's winning Mock Trial Team.

The Kiwanis Club will present its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Awards.

Cost is $20 per person for a buffet-style dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m. One hour prior, at 5:30 p.m., there will be a social hour. Please make reservations prior to April 22.

Make checks payable to "The Kiwanis Club of Batavia" and return to Lawrence Friedman, County Courts Facility, One Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

Phone is 585-344-2550, ext. 2250.

The public is welcome.

Bohn's Restaurant is located at 5256 Clinton St. Road (Route 33) in Batavia.

Attention plant lovers!

The Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District is still accepting
pre-orders for tree and shrub seedlings and native plants and perennials.

Our brochure is on the Genesee County website:
http://geneseeny.org/dpt/soilandwater/treebrochure2011.pdf.

The seedlings and plants will be distributed at Genesee County Fairgrounds
on the following dates:

Thursday, April 21 – 8:30 to 4:30

Friday, April 22 -- 8:30 to 6:00

Saturday, April 23 -- 8:30 to Noon

Also, a Cash & Carry Sale of excess inventory of seedlings and plants will be held at the fairgrounds during seedling distribution on April 21-23.

Here's a news release from Genesee Community College.

Curious to see a Rube Goldberg Machine in action? Then come down to the Student Union at GCC's Batavia Campus on Thursday, April 14 to catch a glimpse!

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., the Rube Goldberg Machine will be on display and in action! It was built by five GCC students who won the regional contest and competed in nationals at Purdue University. Genesee Community College was one of just two community colleges who competed in the nationals.

The Rube Goldberg Machine Team is looking for recruits for next year's competition.

This year, as dictated by competition rules, the GCC team employed many common items such as a baseball bat and glove, a printer, darts, a derby car, a zip-lining Barbie doll and DVD covers lined up like dominoes. They used these to create more than 20 complex steps to accomplish the simple task of watering a plant.

The concept behind Rube Goldberg Machines aims to make simple things complicated for the sake of science. Rube Goldberg was a cartoonist who drew devices that did just that – used extremely unnecessary levels of complexity and creativity to do accomplish something simple.

GCC engineering students David Simmons, Matt Klotzbach (East Pembroke), Nick Rider, Jen McLure (Pavilion) and drafting student Tom Langley made up the entire Rube Goldberg Team this year and impressed themselves and their coach with what they were able to accomplish in the team's first year.

Now, they invite new students to contribute their creativity, brain power and energy to next year's challenge that includes blowing up and popping a balloon.

According to the Official Rulebook for the 2011 Rube Goldberg Machine Contest, teams must adhere to strict guidelines according to size and time. Each contraption must fit within a 6-by-6-by-6-foot space and complete the assigned task with a minimum of 20 steps -- within two minutes per run.

There are high standards and plenty of pressure in the competition, but it is also a whole lot of fun," said Michael Crittenden, physics professor and Rube Goldberg advisor.

"We are looking forward to making this a new student club and involving students with an array of professional and career interests. Alongside developing practical construction skills, the teamwork fosters creativity and imagination far beyond normal classroom activity. And let's not forget (it's) good resume material. Oh, and did I mention fun?"

The Justice for Children GLOW Foundation will hold a charity chicken BBQ from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April, 17 at Clor's Meat Market, located at 4169 W. Main St. in Batavia.

Tickets are $9 each. For presale tickets, please call 344-8576.

April's Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 28, and this month's movie is the Academy Award winner, "The King's Speech."

Candidates for president and prime minister choose to run, but kings rarely have a choice. Such was the case for Prince Albert, known by family members as "Bertie," whose stutter made public speaking difficult.

Also, on the same date, join us for a Royal Pre-Wedding Reception. Come dressed to see the movie in your Royal finest, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and, of course, wedding cake. (The Royal Wedding is Friday!)

The library is located at 19 Ross St., in the City of Batavia.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org

Twenty-seven seventh-grade students from the Alexander School District toured Time Warner Cable in Rochester on April 5. This field trip was about "cracking the codes in the wireless world™" curriculum.

The visit included a stop in the engineering department and a look behind
the scenes at YNN (“Your News Now” – 24 Hour Local News), including the
newsroom, studio, engineering and the YNN live truck.

This was an exciting time for the students as they were able to see and then learn about this vast technology of communications.

Robert Hollwedel (Alexander Technology teacher) and Samantha Lippmann
(Alexander Science teacher) took the students to the Time Warner Cable
facilities as part of an ongoing effort to foster opportunities for the Alexander students in the STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) curriculum.

Hollwedel and Lippman have been working together in various programs that offer STEM programming for the Alexander students. It is anticipated that their efforts in collaborative programming can develop an ever needed interest in the area of engineering.

Hollwedel has found that U.S. jobs are growing most rapidly in areas that require knowledge and skills stemming from a strong grasp of science, engineering and technology. In some locations, primarily information technology, business leaders are warning of a critical shortage in skilled American workers that is threatening their ability to compete in the global marketplace.

Lippmann cited that currently across America, there is a shortfall of students enrolling in the STEM curricula, especially amongst females.

These two instructors from Alexander have been afforded these opportunities through a partnership with Sara Garvey of Time Warner Cable -- who has been a dynamic leader in establishing the hands-on activities for students through their Connect A Million Minds Program.

Time Warner Cable’s (TWC) Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) is a five-year,
$100 million philanthropic initiative to address America’s declining proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which puts our children at a competitive disadvantage.

CAMM leverages TWC assets across cable television and the Internet to drive
awareness of this critical issue and provide simple, easy ways for parents and kids to get involved in their own communities.

Middle school students, teachers, parents and organizations can sign-up to participate in Time Warner Cable's signature program by visiting www.connectamillionminds.com.

A "Ladies Night Out and Pampering Event" is happening at Batavia Downs & Casino from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 6. It will be in the Event Room at the front entrance. Admission is $5 and parking is free.

A fashion show with clothing for all ages is planned for 6 and 8 p.m. and there will be facials, massages, hors d'oeuvres, fencing demonstrations, dancing, prizes, a silent auction to benefit charity, and networking games. Bring your business cards if you want to network -- chocolate and gift bags for all entrants!

Prizes will be awarded from Alex's Place, Cato Fashions, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep -- and more.

Call 317-4046 for further information.

The 30th annual fashion show at Genesee Community College is just around the corner and second-year fashion merchandising students are eagerly preparing for the production titled "A la Mode."

Anticipation and excitement continue to grow as students try to incorporate the theme of "Served with Dessert" while sticking to the traditional 30th annual gift theme of "Diamonds and Pearls."

Two shows are scheduled at 3 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 in the Forum at the Batavia Campus.

Both will be a celebration of fashion as well as a tribute to two retiring, and long-term supporters of the fashion curriculum, according to Professor of Fashion Merchandising Rick Dudkowski.

"The 30th annual fashion show is dedicated to Dr. Stuart Steiner and also Mr. Michael Stoll, who are both retiring this year," Dudkowski said. "The president and dean have always done all they can to support the annual production and the fashion students who work hard every year."

The show provides guests of all ages with a glimpse of the glamorous and ever-changing world of fashion.

"(It) promises to be exciting and also will have a huge assortment of clothing including international, children's, bridal and many original designs," Dudkowski said.

Guests can look forward to original creations from the students as well as designs from known clothing lines around Western New York. Viewers will be captivated by authentic outfits made of all organic or recycled materials along with dazzling high-fashion garments.

Presentations will also include menswear, lingerie, plus sizes, swimwear and street wear. After the show, entertainment will continue with tasty refreshments and spectacular door prizes.

Presale tickets for $5 are strongly encouraged but they will also be available at the door for $7. To order tickets or for additional information please contact Fashion Show Secretary Cheryl Young at 345-6830.

The "A la Mode" lineup includes:

Bollywood Candy -- Fashions from India brought into Western civilization featuring bright colors and embroidery. Scene Coordinator -- Sharon Deviana (India).

Offbeat Sweets -- Punk-themed with a touch of glitzy glamour includes pops of color along with sequins and rhinestones. Scene Coordinator -- Roxanne Browne (Nunda).

Berry Berry Extraordinary -- A plus-size scene featuring all the classic styles and new trends for spring 2011. Scene Coordinators -- Kristyna Jaquin (Syracuse) and Megan Crowley (Medina).

Sweet Creams & Green Seams -- An eco-scene that exhibits casual clothes people can relate to but all are made from organic/recycled fibers/fabrics. Scene Coordinator -- Jessica Veltre (Churchville).

Creme de la Creme -- A little bit hipster and a little bit vintage – this scene fuses all the best elements of street style. Scene Coordinators -- Amy Breuer (Oneonta) and Joanna Stacy (Bergen).

A la de liscious -- Girls night out featuring brightly colored dress. Scene Coordinators Shaday Gibbs (Pittsburgh) and Shartanay Gibbs (Pittsburgh).

Taste of Lace -- All about the latest trends in lace; looking classy with antique-style while being risque and showing some skin. Scene Coordinator -- Michelle Fuller (Trumansburg).

With Sprinkles -- Features the latest children's clothing. Scene Coordinator -- Jessica Veltre (Churchville).

Rocky Road -- Country couture featuring sequin dresses and cowboy boots. Scene Coordinator -- Kristen Tracy (Auburn).

African Sorbet -- Captures the essence of the flavorful and vibrant shades of sorbet while intertwining exotic, playful African-styled attire. Scene Coordinators -- Nana Gyesi (New York).

Sundae Seduction -- Inspired by decadent dessert, this is a peek at all the latest lingerie looks this season. Scene Coordinators -- Kolette Amendola (Long Island) and Megan Crowley (Medina).

Delicious Animalicious -- The latest bathing suit trends featuring animal prints and, guess what, fur. Scene Coordinator -- Kirsten Razz (Clifton Park).

Le Dolce Amore -- Taking bridal to the next step by using high-fashion trends, sewing techniques and spring colors to brighten up traditional tendencies. Scene Coordinators -- Lorraine Briggs (Rochester) and Kaitlin Patterson (Rochester).

"Students have already started producing their own clothing that will be included in this year's show," Dudkowski said. "They have also created a beautiful quilt that will be on display and they will raffle the quilt at the end of the evening."

Note that this fall, the college will be offering a Fashion Design concentration for students who are serious about making original creations and would like the tools to turn their interests into a career.

From the NY State Lottery Commission:

The New York Lottery recently announced that a Batavia Take Five player won $32,994. Lori Siedlecki purchased the winning ticket at the Wilson Farms store at 355 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The New York Lottery continues to be North America's largest and most profitable Lottery, earning more than $39.3 billion in education support statewide since its founding more than 40 years ago.

It contributed nearly $2.67 billion in fiscal year 2009-2010 to help support education in New York State, which was more than 12 percent of total state education funding to local school districts.

Lottery revenue is distributed to local school districts by the same statutory formula used to distribute other state aid to education. It takes into account both a school district's size and its income level; larger, lower-income school districts receive proportionately larger shares of lottery school funding.

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their Coffee and Dessert Series this spring, along with the ever-popular container gardening class.

Participants enjoy a variety of gardening topics taught by certified Master Gardeners along with coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per person per class.

Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.

All programs are from 6 to 8 p.m. at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia, unless otherwise noted.

April 13 – “Plan for Autumn Awesomeness." Is your garden smashing in the springtime but looking worn out by mid-August? Spent by September? Start planning and planting now for a garden overflowing with Autumn Awesomeness! Peek in on six, local fall gardens to discover amazing autumn plants and combinations to try in your garden this year. Registration deadline: April 8.

April 20 – “Landscaping Difficult Sites." Do you have shade, slopes or other challenging areas in your garden? Let us show you how to deal with these difficult situations. Learn how to add garden “bling” to those tricky backyard places. Registration deadline: April 15.

April 27 – “Backyard Birds." Spring is the time to adjust your bird-feeding system to accommodate springtime migrants, as well as the permanent resident birds that have been visiting your feeders all winter. Learn about some of the interesting birds that may show up in your backyard this spring and summer. Registration deadline: April 22.

May 11 – “Creative Container Gardening!”. When it comes to choosing containers for plants, why opt for the typical terra cotta pot? A wealth of more intriguing objects is just waiting to be transformed into creative container gardens. Join us for some inspiration, so you can learn to fashion container gardens from unexpected sources this season. Registration deadline: May 6.

May 25 – Hands on Program – "Container Gardening." Select from traditional and unusual plant materials to create your own unique container garden. Bring your own container (no bigger than 12 inches across), hand trowel and gloves. Potting soil, fertilizer and flowers will be provided. (Excessively large containers will be charged extra.) This class will be held at the Kennedy Building at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, Route 5 in Batavia. Pre-registration is required by May 20. Cost is $20.00 per person.

To register, contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia to register. For more information visit our Web site at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

The Holland Land Office Museum has announced a free lecture series beginning Saturday, April 16.

Starting at 1:30 p.m., author Larry Barnes will discuss his book "Batavia Revisited." To reserve your free seat please call the museum at 343-4727.

Donations to the museum are always appreciated.

Is your elliptical machine gathering dust? Wanna donate it? FYI...

Jeffrey Mendola, on behalf of the Mercy Flight crews in Buffalo, put this plea on Twitter:

"Looking for a used elliptical (donated or cheap) for our Buffalo flight crews to use between calls. jmendola@mercyflight.org if you can help."

(As you know, Buffalo Mercy Flight often flies into Genesee County to transport critically injured people.)

The Spring series of Story Time programs at the Richmond Memorial Library, Batavia, begins on Monday, April 4. Here's the line-up:

• Toddler Time --  10:30 a.m. Tuesdays (walkers – 3 years)
• Tiny Tots Early Risers -- 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers – 3 years)
• Tiny Tots -- 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays (walkers -- 3 years)
• Preschool Party --  10 a.m. Thursdays (ages 3 through 5)
• Baby Bounce  -- 11 a.m. Thursdays (pre-walkers)
• Pajama Primetime --  6:30 p.m. Thursdays (all ages)

To register for one of these sessions, or to get more information, call the library at 343-9555, ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during library hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Parents may also register online. The Web address is www.batavialibrary.org/

Group size is limited so register early.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.