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Enjoy wintertime hiking in snowshoes with naturalist at county Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Discover secrets of the wild this winter and/or the serenity of hiking on moonlit snow with naturalist-guided hikes at Genesee County Park & Forest! 

Winter Wonderland Hikes are held on Saturdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Hikes begin at the Interpretive Nature Center and end with hot chocolate and snacks.

Topics:

  • Saturday, Jan. 13th: Animal Tracks
  • Saturday, Feb. 3rd: Whistle Pigs (and other squirrels)

Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family.

Moonlight Hike and Winter Walks -- for adults only -- guided by a naturalist are offered from 7 to 9 p.m. on the dates below. Meet at Pavilion B.

  • Saturday, Jan. 27th
  • Saturday, Feb. 24th

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the forest on a full moon night! 

Moonlight Hikes begin and conclude with refreshments by a warm fire! For ages 18 and over. Snowshoes may be used, weather permitting, and are available for rent or you may bring your own. Snowshoeing lesson provided, no previous experience needed! Rental is included in the price, $5/person, $15 max/family.

Pre-registration is required for ALL naturalist-guided hikes; call 585-344-1122.

Make a memory this winter with your own Private Group Snowshoe Hike! A naturalist guides your group through peaceful woodland trails and open meadows. Listen to winter’s quiet beauty and find signs of wildlife in this 431-acre park. Private hikes are available on Saturdays in January and February from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. by reservation only at the Interpretive Nature Center. No previous experience is needed; snowshoes provided or bring your own. Rental is included in the price, $5/person, minimum group fee is $75. Call 585-344-1122 to book your own adventure!

Snowshoe rentals are available at the Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Center 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, 12 – 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December through March, weather permitting. Rented snowshoes must be used in the park. Fee is $5/pair and all proceeds go to ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the parks!

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website at http://www.co.genesee.ny.us/departments/parks/, or contact Shannon Morley at Shannon.Morley@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center is located at 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany.

City will pick up Christmas trees by the curb throughout January

By Billie Owens

Press release from the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

The City of Batavia will be picking up Christmas trees during the month of January as weather and operations permit.

Important information regarding Christmas tree removal:

  • We can only pick up real trees. No artificial trees.

  • Residents are to place trees in the parkway near the curb. Keep trees out of the roadway and clear of sidewalks.

  • Residents placing trees out will strip the trees of all decorations, lights, stands and bags. These items damage chipping equipment. Contact your waste disposal company for information on the proper disposal of these items.

  • If high winds are forecasted, delay putting trees out until after winds have subsided. Trees in the road and across sidewalks are a hazards to motorists and pedestrians.

  • Keep trees free of snow and ice so they are visible and do not become frozen to the ground.

  • Please, have trees out for pick up before Jan. 31 (last day of pickup).

GCC's Roz Steiner Art Gallery to display 'The Chromatic Nude' by Michael Price starting Jan. 16

By Billie Owens

The painting "Otherworldliness" by Michael Price.

Press release:

"The Chromatic Nude," paintings by Michael Price, will be exhibited in the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery from Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Friday, Feb. 16. In this collection of his work, Price invokes historic methods of preparing paint and pigments using protocols that include naturally occurring minerals to produce his own paints.

Using natural minerals and semi-precious stones, including but not limited to lapis lazuli, azurite, malachite, ochre and cinnabar, he creates natural and luminous colors similar to how Renaissance painters did their work in the 14th to the 17th centuries. Price has published a two volume series of books titled "Renaissance Mysteries" in which he shares his research and discusses the processes.

His works of art explore the nude and human figure conceived within a timeless universe aiming to reveal how archetypal images are carried within ourselves as real, or imaginary - as the physical world we inhabit.

"Slowly, my research into natural color led to major developments in my painting practice. The human figure as a central archetype has remained constant over the last 40 years, but the figures have evolved to convey the essence of my search -- a chromatic figure or nude," says Price. "The chromatic nude is intended to transcend the restrictions of realism.

"They are not symbols, but signs, like the figures of Nicolas Poussin, that indicate universal direction free from social mores. The structural foundation for a composition is established by a specific rectangular format composed of square-root rectangles. This allows the message carried within the image to attain its maximum impact and resonance to unveil the memory of our immortality reflected from the mortal perspective."

Price was born in Stoke-on-Trent, England and he attended the London Central School of Art and Design, and Stoke-on-Trent College of Art. He has exhibited worldwide, including solo shows in the Post Gallery in Houston, Texas, Galerie Poller in Frankfurt, Germany, and David Findlay Galleries in New York City.

Several opportunities to meet the artist are scheduled on Thursday, Jan. 25 at the Roz Steiner Art Gallery. Price will lecture at 12:30 p.m. in the Gallery, and receptions will follow at 1 p.m. and again 5 p.m. Additional artist exhibit history and work is displayed on his website at www.michaelprice.info.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery is open to the public Monday -- Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and during special events as published at www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts. Admission into the Gallery is always free and open to the public.

HLOM hosts Society Members Open House, vote for favorite in Wonderland of Trees, enjoy refreshments

By Billie Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum will host a Society Members Holiday Open House from 1 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28.

The Wonderland of Trees is underway and will be through the end of the month. While viewing trees during the open house, you can voted for your favorite.

It will also be a perfect time to renew your membership in the HLOM Society. Forms will be available in the Joseph Ellicott Book Store.

Light refreshments will be served. Every member attending will receive a holiday gift.

The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Labyrinth Walk for Peace and Compassion Meditation to be held at First Presbyterian Church

By Billie Owens

There will be a free, public Open Labyrinth Walk for Peace from 4 to 8 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia on Friday, Dec. 29.

A Community Group Compassion Meditation will take place at 7 p.m. at the church, located at 300 E. Main St.

(Inclement weather date for both events is 4 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30.)

Blue Pearl Yoga is sponsoring the walk and the meditation -- "mind-body practices."

Regarding the self-directed Labyrinth Walk, Blue Pearl says "moving meditations are a beautiful way to experience stillness while still in motion."

Donations welcome, which support the Labyrinth Project.

bp-yoga.com

bpyoga@gmail.com

813-8623

Author of new Emory Upton book to speak at HLOM and also GCC

By Billie Owens

The Holland Land Office Museum will host a presentation and book signing by David Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., author of "Emory Upton Misunderstood Reformer," at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12. The museum is located at 131 W. Main St., Batavia.

Admission is $5 per person, which helps support the HLOM Speaker Series. RSVP by Jan. 10th due to limited seating.

Fitzpatrick is facility resident and professor of History at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich. He attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he was also a history instructor.

He has authored several military journal articles and published essays. His current work is one of the definitive texts on the life of Upton and his post-war contributions to reforming the Army.

In addition, a panel discussion with Fitzpatrick and local historians, will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13th, at the new Student Success Center, Room G200, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Discussion will focus on the various aspects of General Upton’s character and life. Free to the public. Hosted by the Holland Land Office Museum and GGC History Club.

For more information about the programs or purchasing his book contact:

Holland Land Office Museum at 585-343-4727 or hollandlandoffice@gmail.com

GCC's 'Play to Get Fit Challenge' results announced

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Congratulations to Perry Central School for winning Genesee Community College's 2017 Play to Get Fit Challenge! The Health and Physical Education department at Genesee Community College has been rewarding schools and students for their Get Fit Challenge efforts since 2011.

The Play to Get Fit Program was created for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties) region to effectively illustrate how many minutes young people spend engaged in physical activity outside of school.

Children record their active minutes on a five-week calendar log specially designed for the "Play to Get Fit" challenge. Walking, biking, running, skating, swimming, playing a sport, playing tag, playing on a swing set and other active, creative games are all eligible for active "credit" minutes. However, video fitness games utilizing Wii or Xbox Kinect are not eligible.

This year, the Perry Central School recorded a whopping 3,021 average active minutes based on the number of students enrolled in third, fourth and fifth grades. Last week, the school was awarded the 2017 winning plaque and each student received a certificate recognizing their participation and effort.

GCC would also like to congratulate the three most active (based on the total number of minutes recorded) participants in the GLOW region this year were:

Grant Grahagan, of Batavia, with 11,876 minutes

Sam Pies, of Batavia, with 9,895 minutes

Madison Needham, of Batavia, with 9,600 minutes

In addition, the program recognizes the three most active students from each participating school district:

Le Roy: 1st -- Isaac Stella; 2nd -- Cameron Riggi; 3rd -- Adam Woodworth

Batavia: 1st -- Grant Grahagan, 2nd -- Sam Pies; 3rd -- Madison Needham

Warsaw: 1st -- Parker Cartwright; 2nd -- Jacob McCormick; 3rd -- Jakob Cornell

York: 1st -- Brody Pangrazio; 2nd -- Connor Boyd; 3rd -- Havyan Wetmore

Pavilion: 1st -- Nicholas Deland; 2nd -- Kiara Gonzalez; 3rd -- Ella Tillotson

Perry: 1st -- Reagan Moroz; 2nd -- Aja Le Harvey; 3rd -- Tysen Deaton

Elba: 1st -- Noah Calarco-Smith; 2nd -- Tristan Snell; 3rd -- Ty Reilly

Oakfield-Alabama: 1st -- David Schichler; 2nd -- Alexis Roggen; 3rd -- Avery Watterson

"Play to Get Fit is a powerful way to expose kids to an active lifestyle and encourage them to have fun while being active," said Becky Dziekan, GCC's director of Health and Physical Education. "The participation from various school districts is proof that the program works! Congratulations to Perry and all of the students who participated."

The Health and Physical Education program at Genesee Community College offers several areas of study. The Sports Management Studies transfer degree programs or associate of science (A.S.) program includes foundations in accounting, marketing, sports facility management and more. The Fitness and Recreation Management applied associate of science degree (A.A.S.) program offers a Personal Trainer concentration and the opportunity to earn the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredited credentials through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a certified personal trainer.

In addition, GCC offers both an A.S. and an A.A.S in Physical Education Studies in which students have the opportunity to earn a coaching certificate for NYS non-Certified Physical Education Teachers.

Premier Genesee names new staff, announces plans to expand services in 2018

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Premier Genesee (the former Genesee County Nursing Home) has named a new administrator, Christine Schaller, and a new Director of Nursing, Mihael Toole, RN.

Schaller, who served at the administrator of the home between 2012-16, lives in Batavia.

Toole, who most recently served as director of Quality Assurance for Avanti, resides in Hamburg.

The new management team plans a series of new services and community events in 2018 to serve the care needs of seniors in Batavia and our Western New York neighbors.

There are plans to offer Respiratory Therapy Services and expended in-patient and out-patient therapy programs.

Adult Day Health Services will continue to be offered as well as skilled nursing and long-term care.

Premier Genesee welcomes the opportunity to be a part of the fabric of Batavia.

Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School one of only 26 statewide to make the College Board's AP District Honor Rolll

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Principal Tim McArdle announced Monday that Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School is one of 447 (only 26 schools in NYS) school districts in the United States and Canada being honored by the College Board with placement on the eighth Annual AP District Honor Roll!
 
It is the only school in Genesee County listed on the Honor Roll.
 
This is the second time the school has received this honor in the last four years for increasing the number of students enrolled in AP courses and also increasing overall performance on the exams.  
 
Along with increasing AP course opportunities, Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School has also seen significant gains over the last five years in the AP classroom: 
  • student participation by 85 percent
  • numbers of exams given overall by 31 percent
  • percentage of students scoring a 3+ by 60 percent
The link to the Honor Roll is here.

The Elba Craft Show folks offer 'huge shout out' to those who made this year's event successful

By Billie Owens

A Letter of Thanks from the Elba Craft Show folks:

Thank you, MR. Palmer, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Cusmano, Mrs. Cronkovich, Glennda, Mr. Tower, Mrs. Stucko, Ms. Bush, Mrs. Pedro, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Christopher, the booster clubs that showed up, all the volunteers from National Honor Society, Student Council, we could not have done it without you. 

Mel, I just want to let you know that you went above and beyond and w so appreciate you. Thank you again for everything you do for us.

This is why I always say ELBA ROCKS…..

I WOULD LIKE TO Thank the Brayden Salvaterra Memorial Foundation for bringing in the bounce house. The 50/50 raised $154.00 to be donated to this wonder foundation. The foundation gives back to the school and community in so many ways and we are grateful.

Thank you to the Boy Scouts for showing what scouting is all about. I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of young men. You worked hard all day and all I heard was wonderful things about you guys. You were polite, courteous, respectful and funny at times. (yeah, I know, doesn’t sound like our boys). Thank you to Jamie Belluscio, you are awesome with the boys helping them keep on track and getting the orders to the vendors. You definitely had more patience than I. Thank you to the kitchen crew Frank, Brian and Shawn.You guys did a fantastic job considering the boys brought you 30 orders all at once hahaha.

Thank you to the parents for letting us have their boys all day and thank you for instilling in them good behavior. Our scouting program would not work without your continued support. Also would like to thank Ron and Herm for setting up and all their behind the scenes work. Also, a shout out to Lauren Zuber, thank you for coming and helping set up on Friday night it was greatly appreciated.

I would like to thank each and every one of the vendors that came out and supported the Elba Scouting program, without you this event would not have been possible. Thank you to all the customers/shoppers that came out and supported us and the crafter/vendors. I would also like to thank the Sheriff’s Department for coming out and fingerprinting and photographing the children. And thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Claus for surprising us with a visit.

I would like to thank all our businesses that donated to our Grand Door prize which was worth well over $800. Thank you for your generosity.

Thank you to Harvester 56 for letting us borrow the chairs.

To My dear friend Ruth, thank you for setting up my booth and selling my baked goods all day. Luv u.

And as always last but not least my Queen Kim, there are no words to explain my gratitude. I luv you to the moon and back.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

If I have left anyone out I am truly sorry it was an oversight, so many to thank to make this a success.

Thank You

Mark your Calendars

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Lori McClurg

Chairperson

GC 4-H to offer Youth Tractor Safety Program starting next month

By Billie Owens

Press release: 

The Genesee County 4-H Program will be offering a Youth Tractor Safety Program beginning in January. The program is open to all youth ages 14 to 15 and covers farm safety, tractor safety, tractor operation and other related topics.

The National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program is a certification program that enables youth be certified to operate farm equipment for hire. After completing the training course, youth will need to pass a written knowledge test and driving test to receive the certification.

The program is scheduled to run Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., January through March. The fee for the program is $25.

Youth are also required to be current enrolled 4-H members. To request a registration packet or more information, please call the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or visit our website here.

Free computer classes offered this winter at Richmond Memorial Library, registration required

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Once again Richmond Memorial Library in Batavia will be offering a series of computer classes designed for those who are finally ready to take the plunge and learn the ins and outs of computers and those who would like to improve their computer skills. There is no charge.

Registration is required and can be done by stopping at the library or calling 343-9550.;

The library is located at 19 Ross St.

Email Start to Finish: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m on Tuesday, Jan. 16

  • Learn about email and sign up for a new account, if desired. If you already have an email address log into it and let’s get the most from it.

​​Windows 10: from 1 to 4 p.m.​ on Tuesday, Jan. 16

  • Introduction to Windows 10, the latest operating system from Microsoft. Use our machine or bring your Windows 10 machine.

Facebook Combo: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18

  • Learn about Facebook and sign up for an account, if desired. If you already have an account, let’s get the most from it.

​Gadgets and Gear/Open Access: from 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18

  • Bring your questions and gadgets! Ereaders, phones, laptops, tablets!

Gaga for Google! Cut, Copy, Paste!: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5

  • Do you use Google? This powerful tool is more than a search engine! We’ll explore some of its many uses. Please note: This class is for people who are very comfortable using the Internet, and also navigating Web pages. We will also copy information from the Internet into the Microsoft Word program.

Internet Resources: Safety, Security, Fun!: from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5

  • Take your Internet experience to the next level! Examine Youtube, Twitter, Wikipedia, and your Library Catalog! Help keep your computer, yourself, and your loved ones safer while surfing. Class includes Downloadables with Apps.

Flash Drives/File Management: from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6

  • This class focuses on saving, moving, and retrieving any file on a Windows-based computer. We will learn how to add new folders to the computer, and rename both folders and individual files, with a focus on saving, renaming and deleting documents.

Health officials urge public to get flu shot to protect against 'the ruthless virus'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Flu season is here, whether we’re ready for it, or not. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has declared the first week in December National Influenza Vaccination Week. This week heightens awareness that the flu vaccine is still available for those who have not protected themselves against the ruthless virus.

According to Mari Hamilton, public health educator for the Genesee County Health Department, the latest weekly influenza surveillance report of the Center for Disease Control confirms cases of the flu in Genesee County.

The flu has the ability to infect each and every one of us, even those who claim they “never get the flu.” The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. Symptoms of the flu include:

  • Cough
  • Fever Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (very tired)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea

The flu virus spreads by tiny droplets produced when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. A person can contract the flu by breathing in these tiny droplets. It is also possible for an individual to pick up the flu by touching an item that has the flu virus on it, such as a phone, door knob, or keyboard and then touch their mouth, nose or face.

It is important to not only protect yourself from the flu but also protect the ones you love as well. Anyone who develops the flu can pass it along to someone at high risk of severe illness, including the elderly and infants younger than 6 months who are too young to get the vaccine.

Brenden Bedard, director of Community Health Services of Genesee and Orleans Counties, explains that “children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease), and people aged 65 years and older are at a much higher risk for developing critical health issues due to the flu.

These individuals may have a weakened immune system, therefore making it more difficult for them to fight off the flu. These individuals are more likely to be hospitalized due to severe flu complications.”

In 2016 there were 282 reported lab cases of the flu confirmed in Genesee County and 83 reported lab cases of the flu confirmed in Orleans County. These numbers are projected to increase this flu season. The New York State Department of Health already has lab cases of the flu confirmed in Genesee County. Receiving an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against this very serious disease.

“The flu vaccine is altered each year based on the surveillance data that experts collect to predict what strains of the virus will cause the most illness," Bedard said. "That means that the flu vaccine you received last year may be different than the one created this year. It is also notable to state that over time the flu vaccine does wear off, making it necessary to receive it annually.”

After you receive your flu shot, it is important to take preventative measures to continue staying healthy.

  • Good handwashing is a habit that should be practiced all year round. During flu season, it is crucial to scrub your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Use a paper towel to open the door.
  • Wipe off surfaces with a disinfectant solution regularly to get rid of germs.
  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
  • Be courteous to dispose of used tissues into a waste bin and wash your hands after.
  • Stay home if you are sick!
  • Eat a diet rich in healthy nutrients such as fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants and vitamins.
    • Sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, and citrus fruits are great examples.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Receive about 7-9 restful hours of sleep each night.

Getting the flu vaccine not only protects yourself, but the people around you as well. With the flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine if you have not already received one this season. To find a location near you to receive your flu shot, please visit: https://vaccinefinder.org/

For information about services that your local health department provides visit:

This is 'Don't Shave December' for Batavia PD to raise money for cancer aid

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Police Department participated in the national campaign for "Mo-vember" and received rave reviews. Money raised from the month’s follicle festivities will be donated to Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The Department has extended the Mo-vember campaign into “Don’t Shave December” for another nominal fee to its participants.

The Batavia Police Department will be raising additional funds to donate to Nicholas Bender, a Genesee County Sheriff’s Jail Deputy who has been battling a long term illness to help with added medical expenses. If you would like to donate to this cause, please contact the Bender Family at 716-462-8486.

Anyone with questions may contact the Batavia Police Department at 585-345-6350, the confidential tip line at 585-345-6370 or online here.

Pancake breakfast & Pictures with Santa tomorrow at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, East Pembroke

By Billie Owens

Press release:

There will be a Pancake Breakfast & Pictures with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 10th at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish in East Pembroke.

Please bring your camera for a picture with Santa and receive a gift bag.

Time is 9 a.m. to noon. Church is located at 8656 Church St., East Pembroke.

Breakfast includes: pancakes, sausage, applesauce and a beverage.

Adults -- $6; children 5 to 12 -- $4; and children 4 and under eat free.

Any questions, please contact Penny at 356-3413.

Renowned soprano Emily Hellenbrook to perform tomorrow at First Presbyterian Church in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Renowned soprano Emily Hellenbrook, who is a native of Alexander, will be the featured soloist at the First Presbyterian Church of Batavia this Sunday, Dec. 10.

The service begins at 10:45 a.m. and will also feature the Women's Choir, congregational singing, and a message by Rev. Dr. Roula Alkhouri.

Join us at this special time of the year as we celebrate the advent of Christ's earthly ministry. We are located at 300 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

BHS Z-Club is collecting unwrapped toys and cash donations for Toy Drive

By Billie Owens
Press release:
​​
​​This is the fourth year the Batavia High School Z-Club will be doing a Toy Drive for the YWCA.
 
BHS students will be collecting unwrapped toys for area children through Thursday, Dec. 14th.
 
As students and parents arrive at BHS in the morning between 7:30-8 a.m., Z-Club members will be in the traffic circle collecting toys and financial contributions to help purchase toys.
 
Your donations will help to make this season a little brighter for some little girls and boys!
 
The Z-Club is affiliated with Zonta International, a service organization for young women and men that provides service for international, national, local and school initiatives. 

Dec. 12-16 get $5 off haircut at Clean Cut Barbershop on Ellicott Street with donation of new, unwrapped toy or gift

By Billie Owens

Clean Cut Barbershop in the City of Batavia is offering $5 off a haircut from Dec. 12-16 IF you donate a new, unwrapped toy or gift suitable for a child age 6 months to 16 years old.

The donations received will benefit the nonprofit Hillside Children's Center in Batavia (located at 50 City Centre).

Bring your donation to the city's newest barbershop at 466 Ellicott St.

Co-owner Joey Williams says the guys there are "always looking to spread love in the city and do positive things for kids."

The event that starts next Tuesday will add to their list of good deeds, which also includes giving away back-to-school supplies, breast cancer awareness month events, customer appreciation days and more.

"We want to make this event as big and impactful as possible," Williams says.

GCC welcomes public input for 2018-23 Strategic Planning Process, new website makes it easier

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College has begun its 2018 - 2023 Strategic Planning Process and welcomes input from the community!

While GCC is continuously evaluating itself against numerous measures, this planning process is a chance to realign the institutional priorities with the ever-changing environment of higher education and the complex economic demands of the communities it serves.

Written in 2013, the current 2013-2018 Strategic Plan focused on "Success Through Collaboration" and identified six priorities:

  • Student Readiness and Access;
  • Student Success and Completion;
  • Faculty and Staff Success;
  • Economic Development and Impact;
  • College Culture;
  • Sustainability.

This new planning process is not only evaluating the progress made in these key areas, but helping to identity the next phase of GCC's strategic growth.

"We are very proud of the work we've accomplished in the last five years and are energized and excited to launch the strategic planning initiative to prepare for the next five," says College President James Sunser. "Our approach to the planning process is designed not only to allow our community members to evaluate the successes we've had under prior strategic plans, but to voice their hopes and directives for the future.

"Students seeking higher education face an array of challenges and through this collaborative process, we can build a plan to continue to help our students and community partners for years to come."

Professor and Program Director of Social Sciences Tim Tomczak, and Dean of Distributed Learning, Craig Lamb Ph.D., have been named co-chairs of the strategic planning efforts.

Under their leadership, the steering committee, which includes faculty, administrators, students, staff and community partners, will perform assessments of the progress made under prior plans and using the feedback collected, identify new strategic priorities for the next five years. The assessment process will include a formal S.W.O.T. analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) and several forums for feedback.

In an effort to ensure the next Strategic Plan addresses the primary needs of the communities GCC serves, the College has established a new webpage with an online forum to collect comments, suggestions and ideas from the general public.

Citizens, business leaders, alumni, students, supporters, stakeholders and the general public are invited to visit www.genesee.edu/strategicplan to complete the input form, and remain informed about the progress of the College's Strategic Planning process.

These information input forms can remain anonymous, and the data collected will be shared directly with the steering committee. Any questions regarding the Strategic Planning process can be directed to strategicplanning@genesee.edu.

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