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Announcements

GCC and Tops team up for environmental initiative

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

The latest program organized by Genesee Community College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) to benefit the general community is a one-day plastic bag collection effort at the Batavia Campus on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the cafeteria. All members of the College and local community are encouraged to participate, and those participants who bring in "bags of bags" (35 bags or more) will receive a free Tops Market reusable shopping tote.

"Every year millions of plastic bags are dumped in landfills and thousands more litter our streets, steams and waterways. Plastic bags destroy our marine life and our environment," Jennifer Bryant, student president of Phi Theta Kappa said. "Our goal with this plastic bag collection and recycling initiative is to promote a healthy alternative."

Tops Markets is not only donating 100 reusable shopping totes to the recycling effort, but they are also accepting the multitude of bags from PTK's one-day collection and will ensure that they are properly processed and recycled into other items.

Another green opportunity sponsored by PTK includes signing up for the "End Junk Mail" project wherein PTK members will fill-out and mail in the special postcard in the ‘opt out' of junk mail database. Participants in this initiative help eliminate the volumes of unwanted junk mail most Americans receive daily. In addition, PTK will be selling the special Chico reusable totes which are made from 100% natural products. Proceeds from the $5 Chico totes support the Hites Foundation scholarship fund for PTK members who are transferring to 4-year colleges.

Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honors, leadership, and service programming.

For more information about PTK, contact Dr. Alicea-Maldonado, faculty advisor for Phi Theta Kappa at 585-343-0055 x6391 or email: ralicea-maldonado@genesee.edu.

Boys and Books

By Philip Anselmo

From the Richmond Memorial Library:

*Boys and Books:* The GRO program of the Richmond Memorial Library will offer a parent workshop that addresses the gender literacy gap and offers suggestions to parents of boys for fostering reading. This program will be held at 7:00 on Thursday, November 6, in the Gallery Room at the library. To register, call 343-9550 extension 4. Limited child care is available.

PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE at GCC

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

The Fine Arts Committee at Genesee Community College is pleased to welcome PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE to our campus this holiday season. Hailing from Rochester, New York, PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE will be performing at the Genesee Center for the Arts on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 8:00PM, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Batavia's main campus.

Gravity defying, PUSH has been called a cross between fine art sculpture and The Matrix. Athletic and entertaining, this theatre of the body features performers who appear to manipulate time and space in a live environment. "Once you've experienced PUSH, you will know the strength of the human soul expressed by the power of the human body."

Husband and wife team Darren and Heather Stevenson founded PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE in 2000 out of a desire to push the boundaries of conventional theatre. "It's all about the stories. The narratives of our lives played out with hope, strength and optimism." PUSH's unique form has transformed it into a national company that has performed all over England, across the United States and Mexico and has appeared on PBS and NPR.

PUSH's unconventional artistic process can currently be viewed at its MySpace Project Page (www.myspace.com/pushtheatre), where the online community is given an opportunity to view video of works-in-progress and offer comments and opinions, which are taken into consideration and influence the finished work. For more information, including images, videos and downloads, visit www.pushtheatre.org.

General admission ticket prices are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors/students/faculty. For ticket reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at (585) 343-0055 x6814, or by email to BoxOffice@genesee.edu. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only, credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions to the Genesee Center for the Arts, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

For further information contact: Christopher M. Montpetit, 585-343-0055 x6814, BoxOffice@genesee.edu.

Open House at VA Western New York

By Philip Anselmo

From the VA Western New York:

VA Western New York Healthcare System is holding an open house for the newly renovated cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation and fitness center, Friday, November 7, 2008 from 1:30- 3:30pm.

The $1.2 million project included the renovation and increased space for cardiac rehabilitation and patient therapy on 4B. Veterans who have had open heart surgery, myocardial infarction (heart attack), angioplasty, congestive heart failure, and those who are medical management history of heart and lung diseases utilize the facilities.  The fitness center is also available to all veterans at no cost who are referred by their provider. “We expect that this modern area with state of the art equipment will enhance the participation in our cardiac and pulmonary rehab programs as well as improve our veteran and employee satisfaction,” states Dr. Miguel Rainstein, acting Chief of Staff.

VA WNY Healthcare System provides care to over 40,000 veterans in Buffalo, Batavia, and seven community based clinics located in Lackawanna, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Olean, Dunkirk, Jamestown and Warsaw.

More walk-in flu vaccine clincs for veterans

By Philip Anselmo

From the VA Medical Center:

Additional walk-in clinics have been scheduled for veterans enrolled in VA health care at VA WNY Healthcare System, 3495 Bailey Avenue in Buffalo.  The vaccines will be available at Desk 4 located on the first floor Saturday, November 8 from 8am -1pm, Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) noon – 3:30pm, Saturday, November 15, 8am – 1pm, and Sunday, November 23, 9:00am – 2pm. Enrolled veterans may also contact their primary care provider to obtain the vaccine.

There is no charge for the flu vaccine for veterans enrolled in VA health care.  Eligibility will be verified prior to administration of the vaccine.  For information regarding VA Healthcare eligibility call 1-888-823-9656.

Nursing Career Job Fair at GCC

By Philip Anselmo

From Genesee Community College:

Genesee Community College continues to demonstrate a commitment to student success and community connections on Thursday, November 13, 2008 when more than 25 of the area's top health care employers and four-year universities will attend the first annual Fall Nursing Job Fair to explore educational and career opportunities.

Health care institutions represented include Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Strong Memorial Hospital, and Kaleida Health. In addition, representatives from educational divisions such as Niagara University's Department of Nursing and Roberts Wesleyan College will also be in attendance.

Despite the current economic crisis, the nursing field is experiencing rapid growth, which is projected to continue for the next few years. "This event will provide our students and community members with networking and career opportunities, and get people excited about this ever-expanding field of work in an otherwise challenging job market," said John McGowan, Career Center Coordinator. "We are always excited to see the various successes that come out of this event for both employers and potential employees."

The event is free, open to the public, and will be held at the Batavia Campus of Genesee Community College in the Forum from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. on November 13. Attendees are encouraged to bring their resumes and come prepared to interview. For a full list of attendees, directions and additional details, please visit www.genesee.edu/ctc or contact John McGowan at 585-343-0055 ext. 6383.

Present Tense Holiday Open House

By Philip Anselmo

Local bookstore Present Tense has planned a fun and festive event to kick-off the holiday season this year! Three authors will sign books as part of the store’s two-day Holiday Open House, scheduled for Friday, November 14 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Saturday, November 15 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The weekend event features authors Christopher Norment, Jennifer Ford Berry, and Peggy Thomas, who will appear at 1:00 pm on Saturday, the 15th.

Christopher Norment is the author of Return to Warden’s Grove: Science, Desire, and the Lives of Sparrows. A perfect book for outdoors enthusiasts, it chronicles three seasons of field research studying Harris’s Sparrows in the Northwest Territories. In a series of essays that explore the wild splendor of a harsh landscape, the often hilarious antics of a man alone in the bush, and the importance of nature in human lives, Norment gives readers a glimpse of the beauty of biological fieldwork as a vital way to pay attention to the world and be connected with something outside the self.

Dr. Norment is a professor of environmental science and biology at SUNY College at Brockport. Return to Warden’s Grove has just been nominated for the John Burroughs Award, which recognizes well-written and illustrated natural history publications.

Jennifer Ford Berry is the owner of Mothertime Marketplace, a semi-annual event for children and moms in Western New York and former owner of Berry Patch Kids, which was an upscale consignment store in Batavia, NY. Her new book, Organize Now!: A Week-by-Week Guide to Simplify Your Space and Your Life provides simple and effective tools to organize every aspect of life. The book is not only easy-to-use but covers a wide variety of topics from paperwork, time management, mental clutter, pets and specific rooms to special events such as moving or vacation planning. The advice is proactive, straightforward and presented in checklists so that readers can see immediate results as they work.

Jennifer, a resident of Attica, NY, founded her professional organizing business in 2002.

Peggy Thomas is a well-known children’s author who lives in Middleport, NY. Her books for children include Snow Dance, Joshua the Giant Frog, Farmer George Plants a Nation, and New York: The Empire State. In addition to writing, Peggy is also an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature and a frequent speaker in schools and libraries.

Along with the visiting authors, Santa himself will visit the store from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Saturday.

Present Tense, a locally-owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY.  For more information call (585) 815-7640, or visit www.presenttensebooks.com.

Walk-in Flu Vaccine Clinic for Veterans

By Philip Anselmo

From the VA Medical Center:

Veterans enrolled in VA health care may obtain flu vaccines at walk-in clinics at VA Western New York Healthcare System in Batavia, 222 Richmond Avenue. The vaccines will be available Monday through Friday, between 8:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the outpatient clinic. Enrolled veterans may also contact their primary care provider to obtain the vaccine. There is no charge for the flu vaccine for veterans enrolled in VA Healthcare. Walk-in clinics will be held through December 31.

Eligibility will be verified prior to administration of the vaccine. For information regarding VA Healthcare eligibility call 1-888-823-9656.

Holy Family School Annual 10 Trip Raffle & Party

By Steve Reese

 

Holy Family School in LeRoy is hosting their annual. 10 Trip Raffle & Party on Saturday, November 8th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the school gym, 44 Lake Street in LeRoy. This year’s grand prize is a trip for 2 to Hawaii! 
 
Your $20 donation includes a chance to win one of 10 trips, admission to the party, pasta dinner sponsored by Barilla, beer, wine, pop, and dessert.  Winners do not need to be present.
 
The party will also feature additional floor raffles, blitz raffles, 50/50’s and pull tabs.
 
Tickets are available from any Holy Family student, or by calling Holy Family School at (585) 768-7390.
 
Any businesses or individuals that would like to donate door prizes are welcome to call the school and drop off prizes on the day of the event between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.

Vacancies on city boards and committees

By Philip Anselmo

City residents have been notified. Batavia is taking applications for positions on several of its boards and committees. We received a press release yesterday detailing the openings and the requirements for each volunteer position.

  • Cable TV Advisory Board: There is one opening.
  • Historic Preservation Commission: There is one opening. Any architects, historians, residents of a historic district or residents that have demonstrated a significant interest in the commitment to the field of historic preservation are encouraged to apply.
  • Planning & Development Committee: There are three openings and one opening for an alternate member. Residents from Wards 2, 4, and 6 are needed.
  • Zoning Board of Appeals: There are two openings. At least one resident from Ward 2 and 5 are needed. 

If you're interested or you want more information, contact City Clerk Heidi J. Parker at (585) 343-9221. You can also download an application from the city's Web site. Applications must be submitted to the clerk no later than November 21.

400 Towers' Guest Speaker Program Starts on a Sweet Note

By Bea McManis

The residents of 400 Towers kicked off their guest speaker season on a sweet note. Bob Pacer from Oliver's Candy is the first in the series to discuss the history of Batavia businesses. Mr. Pacer took the residents on a trip to the equator to show where the cocoa beans are grown and discussed the journey embarked by that bean to it's final destination to Oliver's Candy.

Oliver's Candy has been part of the Batavia landscape for 75 years. It started as a small business selling it's product door to door in the village of Batavia. Today, Oliver's can boast of a large mail order business shipping to the four corners of the globe.

The residents learned about the candy making process and which candies are still made by 'hand' and which are made using modern technology.

This year's series is a business tour of the City of Batavia. Speakers from established businesses and those who recently chose to call the city the home of their new ventures will be featured between now to May, 2009. Invitations to the series are currently in the works. Any business who would like to be included on the calendar can contact Bea McManis, 400 Towers Residents' Council Activities Coordinator at 585-297-5512.

 

Kiwanis Pancake Day

By Patrick Weissend

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia will be hosting its annual Pancake Day on Saturday, October 25, 2008 from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Service Building on the corner on East Main Street and Liberty Street in Batavia. 

The tickets are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children (Under 10) and $3.00 for senior citizens (62 and over). Tickets will be available at the door or from any Kiwanian.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia has been dedicated to service in our community since 1923. The money raised through this fund raiser and others our reinvested into many community service programs. For more information on Kiwanis and their activities, go to www.bataviakiwanis.com

Redevelopment of Former Hospital to receive Senate Support

By Philip Anselmo

From United Memorial Medical Center:

New York State Senate Majority Leader and President Pro Tem, Dean G. Skelos, Senator Mary Lou Rath and United Memorial Medical Center CEO, Mark C. Schoell will announce New York State Senate support of the Hospital’s planned renovation of the former St. Jerome Hospital.

The former St. Jerome Hospital will be repurposed to a 37-unit affordable senior housing project, revitalizing an important area in downtown Batavia, providing jobs and improving access to healthcare.

United Memorial Medical Center was formed by the merger of Genesee Memorial and St. Jerome hospitals in January 2000. Following the merger, the majority of healthcare services were consolidated at the North Street campus, leaving the St. Jerome facility underutilized and vacant.

During the summer and fall of 2007, the former St. Jerome Hospital Emergency Department and Ground Floor were renovated to create a comprehensive outpatient diagnostic center, primary care and occupational medicine services. The housing project would address the upper four floors of the main physical plant.

WHO: Senator Dean Skelos, NYS Senate Majority Leader and President Pro Tem (9th Senate District), NYS Senator Mary Lou Rath (61st Senate District), and Mark C. Schoell, President and CEO, United Memorial Medical Center

WHEN: 5 pm on Thursday, October 23, 2008

WHERE: United Memorial Jerome Center, Bank and Washington Streets, Batavia

CONTACT: Colleen Flynn, Community Relations, United Memorial (585)344-5415 or email to: cflynn@ummc.org

United Memorial Open House

By Philip Anselmo

From United Memorial Medical Center:

The United Memorial Medical Center League is planning an Open House for Thursday, October 30, 2008 from 2 to 4 pm in the Snack Shop and Gift Shop at the Hospital’s North Street campus. Free cake and punch will be available to the public. The League recently completed renovations to the Snack Shop by investing $2,000 in refurbished décor and new counter stools.
 
The Gift Shop will offer a 40% discount on all Halloween items purchased that day and 10% off all additional gift ware. The UMMC League operates both the Gift Shop and Snack Shop at the North Street campus with all proceeds directly benefitting United Memorial. The League has given over $1 million in support since their inception. This year’s charitable contributions will be earmarked for new equipment in the Maternity Unit.
 
The League is open to new members and volunteers. For information on becoming a volunteer, please contact Karen Tennity at (585)344-7465.

FREE LEAF RAKING!

By Jeffrey R. Bartz
 
FREE LEAF RAKING!

The Youth Group from Grace Baptist Church on Vine Street will be canvassing the surrounding neighborhood on foot, raking leaves for our neighbors for FREE! If you live on the North end of Vine, Ross, Bank, or Evergreen Street you can expect a visit from our friendly, hard-working young people between 5 and 6:30 pm Sunday. There's no catch, just a friendly gesture on behalf of our teenagers.
So leave your leaves for us! :o)

 

Funding Available for Farm Projects

By Jan Beglinger

Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is accepting proposals from local farmers for cost-sharing projects for funding under Round 15 of the Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program (Ag NPSACP).  $13 million in program funds is available statewide for non-point source abatement and control projects that plan or implement agricultural Best Management Practices on New York State farms.  The cost-sharing program is designed to help farmers address and prevent water pollution from agricultural activities by providing financial and technical assistance.  All projects must consist of activities that will reduce, abate, control or prevent non-point source pollution originating from agricultural sources.

Enrollment of the farm in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program is required.  The AEM program provides a cost free, confidential environmental risk assessment of the farm (Tier II).  After the farm assessment, the planning phase (Tier III) follows, this can include such projects as barnyard improvements, rotational grazing plans, livestock fencing, watering facilities, manure management and agrichemical mixing facilities.  Cost-sharing of up to 75% of the cost of implementation of the project (Tier IV) is available through this grant.
 
Genesee County SWCD will apply for the competitive grant on behalf of farmers and coordinate funded projects.  Farmers are invited to submit proposals for farm projects to be included in this grant application by December 5, 2008.  For more information or to schedule an AEM farm assessment, contact Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District at (585) 343-2362.

Wonderland of Trees at the Holland Land Office Museum!

By Holland Land Office Museum

I know its only October, but let’s start thinking about trees!

The Holland Land Office Museum is looking for community groups, businesses and other organizations help us in this annual event by setting up a tree.

This year, the theme is Frosty’s Holiday, but that doesn’t mean you have to follow the theme. Trees can be decorated in any style you want. It doesn't cost to participate and the only restrictions are: it has to be less than nine feet tall and artificial.

For more information and to see pictures of last year’s trees, check out the Museum website at http://www.hollandlandoffice.com/Wonderland%20of%20Trees.htm

If you have any questions, call the Museum at 343-4727.

Upcoming events at the Extension

By Philip Anselmo

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has announced events through the end of the year. Check the Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu for more details about these and other programs.
 
Tuesdays, November 4 through December 16- Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin in 2009. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Thursdays, October 2 through November 13 - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 1st from 9 am to 2pm - New York Agriculture In The Classroom “Food, Land, And People Educator Training”. Held at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue in Buffalo, NY. Food, Land & People (FLP) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world. Food, Land & People’s science-and social-science-based curriculum, “Resources for Learning”, currently serves Pre-K to 12th grade students with 55 hands-on lessons, developed and tested be more than a thousand educators. Attendees will  receive Food, Land and Peoples Resources for Learning CD-Rom (includes 55 lessons), Various NY Ag in the Classroom Materials including lessons plans, book lists, brochures, and more. Four hours of professional development credits and a participation certificate are included in a fun-filled day at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens (including lunch and tour of the gardens). If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more about the program contact Barb at 343-3040 ext. 122, visit the Cooperative Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu or stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 6 at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 20 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Feed Dealer's Meeting. Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center, Varysburg, NY. For more information contact Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040 x 138 or by email at cfw6@cornell.edu.

December 4 at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 8 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
December 9 - 11 Northeast Region Certified Crop Advisor Training. Holiday Inn, Waterloo, NY (Just off I-90 exit 41, south on Rt. 414) New Crop Advisers: Individuals seeking certification should attend CCA Basic Training to prepare for the regional and international certification exams. Basic Training does not include exam registration. Basic Training registration is for all three days.  The 3-day training event costs $225, and includes all coffee breaks, 3 lunches and one dinner. Register before November 8 for early discount! Next CCA Exam Date: February 6, 2009. Registration Period: October 1 - December 12. For registration materials, visit https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/become-certified/exams/registration/ . Contact: Jeanette Marvin at 315-986-9320, jmarvin@rochester.rr.com
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment -
This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

Town Board meets Wedenesday

By Philip Anselmo

Here are the resolutions that will be voted on at the Batavia Town Board meeting Wednesday. That meeting will be held at Town Hall, 3833 W. Main Street Road.

Holiday Hollow -- final shows

By Howard B. Owens

The final shows for Holiday Hollow in Corfu will be this weekend, Oct. 25 and 26.

Shows run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Accoding to the Holiday Hollow web site, the show is the only "Halloween Shire" in the U.S., and has been featured on CBS and HGTV.

For more information, visit the web site.

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