Announcements

This is an e-mail from Sandy Gillard, the longtime children's librarian at Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia, who recently retired.

I would like to thank Dan Crofts for the beautiful pictures and article about my retirement from the Richmond Memorial Library. I would also like to thank all of the people who sent cards, stopped in to see me, or expressed good wishes for my future.

It is so gratifying to know what a generous and thoughtful community we live in. I would like to share any recognition I have received with my family (especially my husband, Craig) and with the staff and board of the library both past and present.

As a group these people have worked hard to create one of the most outstanding libraries in the country. Lastly, it is important to remember the taxpayers who have supported our library and have made all of this possible.

As I look forward to the future, I plan to continue to live and volunteer in Batavia because it is a wonderful place to call home.

Sandy Gillard
Retired Children's Librarian of the Richmond Memorial Library

Care to spend a few hours in a simpler, less complicated era? If so, then it might be worth the twenty minute ride to West Jackson Corners this Sunday, July 18th. Olde Tyme Days festivities will begin at approximately 11 a.m. right across the road from East Shelby Community Bible Church. There will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand, none costing more than a penny! Hot dogs, homemade pies (rhubarb, cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, blackberry etc.) homemade ice cream, homemade bread and more will be available.

Here the ladies are serving up homemade bread and other snacks. Note the open hearth in the background.

One of the woodworkers diplaying his craft. In addition to woodworking, Olde Tyme Days offers demonstrations in blacksmithing, tinsmithing, weaving, candlemaking and much more - and the opportunity to try your hand at any or all.

There will be horse-drawn wagon rides through the countryside and pony rides for the kids.

Lots of singing....

and laughter-inducing entertainment...   is the order of the day.  If you've got a free hour or two come Sunday, come on out to Olde Tyme Days where the food is a penny and the activities are free! Located on East Shelby Rd. two miles north of Swallow Hollow Trail.  

"Sand Between Your Fingers" was the third program for teens in the Richmond Memorial Library's Summer Reading Program.

They got to try their hand at sand art, mixing a variety of colored sands to make "sand pens," which they could then take home and use for writing and drawing.

The library's Teen Program is open to students entering grades six through 12. The program extends through Aug. 4, so sign up soon if you haven't done so already!

Visit the library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, or call 343-9550 for more details.

It's not to late to sign up and be a part of the Second Annual Caring for the City Day.

Last year Care-A-Van Ministries and Dr. Russ Marchese and his staff held the first Caring for the City day. 58 folks received free dental care, 37 received free hair cuts from Continental Beauty Salon, staff from United Memorial Medical center was on hand for free blood pressure screenings and education on breast cancer, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Lake Plains joined in too with offering their free services.

Local Pastors partnered together as well to offer a prayer table.

Many volunteers were on hand to help out as well.  The date for this years Caring for the City Day will be Friday, August 20th from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM at 401 East Main Street, back parking lot behind Dr. Marchese's office.

While Dr. Russ and his staff are busy offering the free dental service inside, we are hoping that more agencies, churches and volunteers will be on hand out in the parking lot offering their services. 

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together to be a blessing to others and to help educate the community of the services you offer.

If you or your agency or church are interested in being a part of this awesome day, please call Paul Ohlson at 343-0328 by this Friday, July 16th.

The Batavia Rotary Club has pledged $25,000 to the Genesee Community College Foundation over the next five years. The club's gift will be matched by the federal government.

The Endowment Challenge Fund of the U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the college a matching grant for its endowment fund -- up to $80,000 per year for the next five years. The money helps support, retain and aid deserving student facing financial hardships.

"As a long-time Rotarian and college employee, I was delighted the Rotary recognized the benefit of doubling the scholarship fund under the Endowment Challenge grant," said Ray Chaya, a long-term member of the Batavia Rotary and a former president.

Chaya has also been a member of the college's staff for more than 30 years.

"Year in and year out, we see how scholarships change students' lives – empowering them to become productive members of our community," Chaya said. "It is a win-win for everyone."

The Genesee Community College Foundation was formed in the mid-eighties as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing service to and support of the college. Its 34-member board of directors is comprised of business and civic leaders. Last year, the foundation's philanthropic support provided 536 scholarships to Genesee students totaling $284,184.

Additional contributions to support for the foundation may be sent to the Genesee Community College Foundation, One College Road, Batavia, NY, 14020. For more information contact the foundation at 345-6809 or <http://foundation@genesee.edu>.

Cargill Animal Nutrition and its employees in the Northeast Region helped to contribute more than $77,000 to United Way chapters in communities throughout New York and Vermont last year.

To be exact, employee donations and corporate matches raised $77,856.

Local United Way donations came from employees at Cargill facilities in Albany, Batavia, Gouverneur, Jamestown, Liverpool and Salem, NY; plus and Swanton, VT.
 
United Way works across the United States and in 45 countries worldwide on programs that support youth education, workforce training, increased access to health care, and more.

Cargill Animal Nutrition, Northeast Region employs 341 people at 14 facilities in New York and Vermont and surrounding areas.

Last year, Cargill Northeast Region gave a total of $105,381 in donations, from high school scholarship programs to contributions to nonprofit organizations.

Genesee Community College's Criminal Justice Program has added special concentrations within its Associate's in Applied Science curriculum.

Forensics as well as Homeland Security/Emergency Management join the traditional Policing, Corrections Counseling and the general concentrations already offered.

"Genesee's Criminal Justice Program has a strong history of excellence," said Barry Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice and program coordinator.

"The concentrations will enhance learning and allow students to focus on emerging areas within the field while still continuing to receive the traditional educational foundation necessary to become successful criminal justice professionals."

The Forensics Concentration includes two science electives and two specialized courses. They are taught by Criminal Justice faculty member Karen Wicka.

Introduction to Forensics (CRJ125) is a three-credit course that will familiarize students with the basic principles of CSI (crime scene investigation) and the scientific concepts and techniques used in a forensic laboratory.

Students participate in crime-scene analysis, evidence collection and evidence preservation. They also work in a number of forensic crime labs involving various branches of forensic science including fingerprinting, toxicology, serology (the study of blood serum) and impression evidence.

This fall, the class is offered from 12:20 to 1:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and from 12:25 to 2:25 p.m. on Fridays.

Forensic Anthropology, (CRJ118), also a three-credit course and it examines human skeletal remains in the context of medico-legal issues.

Students analyze the scientific evidence of skeletal or badly decomposed remains to establish circumstances of death, and identify the decedent by estimating age, gender, racial affinity, stature, pathologic conditions, and traumatic injury.

The course also introduces human osteology (the study of bones), and presents methods and techniques used in forensic anthropology. The course discusses case reports, contexts in which human remains are found, and methods of recovery.

Forensic Anthropology is taught by Kristi Krumine and will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Kristi has extensive experience in both the practice of and teaching of forensic anthropology and archaeology.

Another new and exciting concentration of Genesee's growing Criminal Justice program is Homeland Security /Emergency Management.

Introduction to Emergency Management (CRJ122) will be offered on Tuesday evenings this fall.

This course examines the need for, and principles of, emergency management in formulating and implementing effective responses to all hazards including natural and man-made disasters.

Students will review contingency planning, hazard and risk assessment, joint operations, law and ethics, mitigation, prevention, emergency response and recovery procedures. CRJ122 will be instructed by Brad Mazur, a member of the Genesee County Sheriff's Office.

Homeland Security (CRJ119) will be offered during the spring semester and presents a comprehensive overview of homeland security from an all-hazards perspective.

Students examine threats to homeland security stemming from natural and technological disasters, domestic and international terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction. They also review the roles and responsibilities of governmental agencies, not-for-profit and private agencies, and individual citizens concerning homeland security operations.

Students can still enroll for fall in these or any other criminal justice courses.

For further information on Genesee's Criminal Justice program, please contact Barry Garigen, Criminal Justice professor and program coordinator at 343-0055, ext. 6307 or <http://bjgarigen@genesee.edu> or visit <http://www.genesee.edu/legal/crimjust>.
 

The following news release was submitted, along with the photo, by Roula Alkhouri, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia:

"The Galatic Blast Mission Control Center of Vacation Bible School at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia is inviting children between the ages of 5 and 11 to board the Starship Galactic Praise on Aug. 9 for an exciting voyage to Galactic Blast: A Cosmic Adventure Praising God.

"After a high-energy opening on the Starship Galactic Praise, the cadets will spacewalk to the Good News Galaxy. The Cadets will also take spacewalks to the Moons and Tunes Asteroid, the Orbital Observatory, the Rocket Rec Comet, and the Astro Café.

"Starship Galatic Praise will begin its voyage at 9 a.m. on Aug. 9 and return daily at noon. The last day of the voyage will be Aug. 13. Parents are invited to attend the closing voyage Friday, Aug. 13.

"This camp experience is open to the public and free of charge. To register, please go to www.firstpresbny.com or call us at 343-0505."

Here's a news release from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County about this year's fair and the 4-H Club.

It’s summer. And it’s been awesome! Looking for something to do? Something that will support our community, and our youth, and our roots? Something that will be fun, relaxing, easy to do, and, if you aren’t careful, you might even learn something?

It’s the Genesee County Fair – July 20 through 24. Five bucks per carload to park, and then free admission. Where else are you going to get a deal like this?   

The Genesee County Fair has been in existence for 170 years! That’s 170 years of countless volunteers working to entertain each of us, right here in Genesee County.

These numbers speak to the rich history of our community, its foundation, and the drive of countless residents collaborating to make our community stronger, involving youth in positive activities, and trying to give each of us something positive to experience and remember.

The fair is sponsored by the Genesee County Agriculture Society, a non-profit organization, made up of farmers, businesses, and concerned citizens, dedicated to preserving and promoting agriculture in an effort to enhance the quality of life in our community.

Why is this important? Well, if you like to eat, drive, wear clothes, use blankets, live in any kind of structure, agriculture should be important to you – since everything begins with agriculture.


The fair – it brings up all kinds of memories for each of us. The fair has certainly changed over time, but then, what hasn’t? Regardless of what you might think of the fair, I happen to know that there are many 4-H youths and their families and their leaders and their educators that work all year long for the opportunity to show everyone what they have been learning.

4-H is just one component of the fair. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, the home for the 4-H program in our county, is celebrating its 90th Anniversary - 90 years of educating youth in our community.

During the fair, 4-H members have the opportunity to showcase their projects. These hands-on experiences help youth improve skills, learn the importance of following rules carefully, gain confidence in interacting with judges and speaking with confidence about their project, all while handling the excitement and nerves that come from public presentations.

Please show your support for this event. The fair is an important staple in the 4-H program. Projects and animals are judged according to county standards with a select few being awarded the opportunity to be displayed at The New York State Fair in Syracuse.

In case you don’t know about 4-H, it is the world's largest, dynamic, informal educational program for young people and is based on democratic principles. Nearly 7 million youths, ages 5-19, participate in 4-H Youth Development experiences.

For more information, please contact Paul Webster at  HYPERLINK "mailto:pvw7@cornell.edu" pvw7@cornell.edu, or 343-3040, ext. 117.

See you at the fair!

Bob Swanson took the reins of the Batavia Lions Club last night from outgoing President Steve Watson an an induction ceremony at Bohn's Restaurant.

As the club's new president, Swanson outlined his plans for the upcoming year which, of course, includes continued involvement in the Batavia community and continued efforts to serve local residents with vision problems.

In addition, Swanson spoke about two specific projects in which he has a special interest and would like the Lions to pursue during his upcoming tenure. Those are “Project New Hope” and the “Lions Hearing Conversation Society.”

The former assists veterans and their families facing the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The latter helps community members to afford quality hearing aids.

The primary aim of Lionism is best expressed in its motto, “We Serve.”

Each year, Lions perform services and provide goods for thousands of people throughout the world. Lions Clubs are non-political, non-sectarian service organizations composed of community members from all walks of life.

The Batavia Lions Club has 53 men and women who enjoy good fellowship while working to assist their fellow Batavians and to make Batavia a better community.

The club currently meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Bohn’s Restaurant. For more information, please write to: Membership Chairman, Batavia Lion Club, P.O. Box 456, Batavia, NY 14020 or simply speak to any member.

Magician Ted Burzynski had some tricks up his sleeve -- and in a balloon -- when he came to perform for summer readers at Batavia's Richmond Memorial Library on Friday.

"It's Magic of Course" was the first in a series of weekly Summer Reading Program presentations for young children, which will continue through Aug. 20. The RML staff has fun events like this scheduled for every Friday afternoon at 2:30 this summer.

There is still time to sign up for the Summer Reading Program, and the library staff invites all adults, teens and children who enjoy reading, participating in cool activities and winning prizes to come on board. 

Visit the library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, or call 343-9550 for more information or to register.

A new DVD of interviews of Elba citizens telling about their connection to the history of Elba is available at the Historical Society of Elba Museum for $10. 

The museum is open 2 to 4 p.m. on Sundays, or by appointment by calling June C. at 344-2707.

This DVD was put together by James Earl as a project to obtain his Eagle Scout Badge. He graduated as Valedictorian of the Elba Class of 2010.

Other books on the history of Elba are available at the Museum as well as T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps and Elba throws.

The Elba Historical Society welcomes new members. Here are some of the upcoming activities:

• We are planning a float for the Elba Onion Festival in August;
• Helen Batchellor will present a program in September on a local "Lady of Questionable Occupation." All are welcome to attend;
• On Thursday, Oct.7, we will have our Roast Beef Supper and Chinese Auction at the Elba Fireman's Recreation Hall;
• Also, a Barn Dance is being planned for Oct. 16 with Kelly's Old Timers.

Suzanne’s School of Dance, in Batavia, will be hosting two dance workshops with Kent State University dance education major, Lindsay Chmielowiec.

She just returned from Seattle where she participated in the International Dance Festival, "Beyond the Threshold." She has worked with numerous choreographers as a member of the Kent Dance Ensemble and her choreography was presented at the 2010 American College Dance Festival at Ohio University.

Chmielowiec says she's thrilled to share her experience and expertise to assist dancers in comprehension of technique and body awareness.

Classes will be taught in ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz. The first workshop is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, July 17 for ages 8 to 11.

The second workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, July 24 for ages 12 and up.

For more information or to register please call 344-4060.

The GLOW Region's 14th household hazardous waste collection event, which was held in May, was successful in getting tons of stuff disposed of properly -- that's healthy and good for the environment.

In addition to the array of household chemicals, cleaning products, vehicle batteries, tires and electronics that have been collected in the past, pharmaceuticals (outdated, unwanted and unused prescription and over-the-counter drugs), were accepted for the first time.

The event is overseen by the GLOW Region's Solid Waste Management Committee.

AAA of Western and Central NY was on hand to check residents' vehicles for mercury trunk and hood light switches and replaced them with mercury-free switches as necessary.

The system of appointments was continued. This system allows GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) to control costs and get residents through the unloading process in as little as 15 minutes.

Because disposal costs have been stable over the past few years, 505 appointments were scheduled -- a record number -- and 470 people attended.

The following are some statistics provided by Peggy Grayson, recycling administrator.

One hundred and ninety four people brought pharmaceuticals, including 168 lbs. of solids (pills, etc.), seven gallons of liquids and 104 lbs. of packaging.

Examples of other materials collected were:

• 1,852 lbs. of resins and adhesives
• 2,229 lbs. of pesticides
• 10,604 lbs. of paint
• 341 TVs
• 258 monitors
• 238 computers
• 233 tires
• and 92 vehicle batteries

GLOW uses licensed, permitted vendors and obtains permits from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation and the NYS Dept. of Health for these events.

The pharmaceutical portion of the collection required that police be on site to take possession of the drugs, secure them and deliver them to Covanta Niagara in Niagara Falls for incineration. This service was generously provided by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department.

Many of the other items collected get recycled. Others are incinerated or go to a hazardous waste landfill.

These collections offer residents an environmentally sound way to dispose of materials that have the potential to pollute the environment and harm human health.

Regarding the collection of pharmaceuticals Genesee County Sheriff Gary Maha stated: “This is a vital program that assists law enforcement in keeping prescription drugs off the street. Without such a program, these prescription drugs may have ended up in our schools, communities or environment.”

Total costs for the program are estimated to be slightly more than $27,000. Funding comes from GLOW’s county contributions and a NYS Household Hazardous Waste Assistance Grant.

Additional assistance was provided by the Genesee County Highway Department, Ed Arnold Recycling and a host of dedicated volunteers.

The next collection is tentatively scheduled for September of 2011.

Residents wishing to be notified by mail when appointments are being accepted for that collection, can contact the GLOW office at (585) 344-2580, ext. 5463, or at 1-800-836-1154 or via e-mail at: <pgrayson@co.genesee.ny.us> or <glow@co.genesee.ny.us.>.

Downtown Batavia's 6th annual “Summer in the City” festival will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21.

There will be more than food and craft vendors, a great lineup of entertainment by Terry Buchwald “Elvis," Ghost Riders, Nik & Nice Guys, a KidsZone, plus a Super Car Cruise with more than 400 cars and motorcycles.

This year, there are some exciting new changes.

The main stage will be on Main Street in front of County Building #1. Food vendors and kids activities will be on Main Street as well (from Jackson to Court and Jefferson). All crafts and non-profit booths will be on Court and Jefferson (near the main stage area).

The Super Car Cruise will occupy Main Street from Jackson to Liberty Street, along with sections of Bank and Center Streets.

For more information and applications for the “Summer In the City” festival call 585-344-0900 or visit the B.I.D. website at <www.downtownbataviany.com>.

This event is sponsored by the Batavia Business Improvement District.

Area corn and soybean growers will have an opportunity to see and hear about the latest in seed trait and crop protection technologies as they perform in the field at local Answer Plot® Knowledge Events sponsored by CROPLAN GENETICS® seeds and AgriSolutions™ crop protection products.

The next Answer Plot® Knowledge Event will be held on Aug. 20 in Perry. It begins at 9 a.m. and lasts approximately three hours.

The WNY Answer Plot is located at 7543 Route 20A in Perry.

Attendees will be entered into a national contest to win a $5,000 gift card to Cabelas, a speciality outdoor goods retailer. Winners will be drawn at the end of the Sweepstakes term, which goes through Sept. 31.

Answer Plot® Experts in agronomy will be available to meet with attendees to answer questions about the technology on display, as well as to address each grower’s unique field challenges. Upon request, they will also set up on-farm visits to work one-on-one with growers to develop customized crop production programs.

To find out more about this Answer Plot® and other Answer Plot® Knowledge Events in the area, or to arrange to have an Answer Plot® Expert call you, log on to www.AnswerPlot.com, or call 1-888-295-3011.

The website also features agronomic and product information.

Growers can also contact Perry Denton at pwdenton@landolakes.com or
585-259-9170 for more information.

Genesee Community College's new Polysomnographic Technology program -- the study of sleep disorders -- has received final approval by the State University of New York and the State Education Department.

With the recent hiring of the new director of Polysomnographic Technology, Genesee's newest academic program will be ready for enrollment this fall.

The Polysomnographic Program was approved by Genesee's Board of Trustees back in January. Since then, the program has had a rigorous review by SUNY to ensure the program meets its high learning standards and those of the State Education Department.  It is the first associate degree program for Polysomnographic Technology in the state.

The Polysomnographic Technology, or sleep disorder, study program prepares students to become technologists who work closely with physicians to diagnose sleep-related problems and provide support services to patients.

They usually work in "sleep laboratories," where patients with sleep problems spend one or more nights under intensive clinical observation. As modern medicine takes a closer look at the important role sleep plays in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, there is an increasing demand for technologists to monitor patients' breathing, blood oxygen levels, brain waves, eye movements, muscle tone, and other clinical variables to assist in diagnosis. Technologists also counsel patients in the use of respiratory and sleep devices that aid in sleep hygiene.

Full-time students can complete the intensive 66-credit program in four semesters. The college expects to enroll 35 students in the program. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the national Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination. New York State is expected to soon require licensing of polysomnographic technologists, and Genesee graduates will be eligible for licensure.

After an extensive search for the new director of Polysomnographic Technology, Marshann Y. Thomas of Rochester has been selected to lead the new program. She is a registered polysomnographic technologist and registered respiratory therapist at Unity Health System in Rochester. She has also served Monroe Community Hospital in Rochester and Gadsden Community Hospital in Florida.