Announcements

Press release:

Batavia High School Class of 2015 will be hosting the Dodge Test Drive Fundraiser and a Clor's Chicken Barbecue, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Batavia High School.

This fundraiser is open to all community members, age 18 and over, and is extremely easy to participate in. For every community member who comes to Batavia High School on May 10, and test drives a new Dodge and fills out a brief survey, the BHS Class of 2015 will receive a donation from Dodge toward the class senior trip and prom. Participation is free and takes less than 10 minutes.

The test drive will also coincide with the class chicken barbecue, which will be sold during the event.

Please come out to support the Class of 2015 and their exciting plan for their senior year by participating in the Dodge Test Drive and purchasing some delicious Clor's barbecue. 




Batavia High School


260 State St., Batavia

(585) 343-2480

Press release:

From the Village of Le Roy to Florida's Treasure Coast, John Scanlan may now live far from his childhood home, but the lessons he learned in Western New York and at Genesee Community College are still with him. A police officer in Palm Beach, Fla., Scanlan is also a writer. His second crime novel, "Victims of Circumstance," has just been published by Sunbury Press, Inc. His first book, "Of Guilt and Innocence," was Sunbury's best seller for February and March 2013.

Scanlan grew up in Le Roy, where his parents Mary and John Jr., and siblings, Beth, Tim and Tom still live. He now lives in Stuart, Fla., with his wife, Jessica, and children Alexandra (5), Taylor (4), and Ben (9 months).

After graduating from Le Roy High School in 1999, Scanlan came to Genesee Community College where he majored in Computer Science and played on the Cougar baseball team. He graduated in 2001 and continued his studies at the College at Brockport.

"Two great spring training trips to Myrtle Beach, SC., and Cocoa Beach, Fla., as well as the everyday camaraderie with my teammates really enhanced my time at GCC," he recalls. "Though I changed my major to Criminal Justice after leaving GCC, the things I learned while earning an associate degree in Computer Science have really helped me in my job as a police officer.

"Having more than just a working knowledge of computers certainly gives me an advantage in law enforcement, not to mention helps with my other job as a writer."

From 2001-2004, Scanlan worked for the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Border Patrol. In 2005 he joined the police department in the Town of Palm Beach where he serves on the Crisis Intervention Team and regularly encounters material that inspires his writing.

His first book, "Of Guilt and Innocence," tells the story of a 5-year-old girl's kidnapping from an affluent community in Boca Raton, Fla. Reviewers on Amazon call it an "amazing book" with a "really exciting conclusion." "I could not put it down." There are similar reviews for his second novel, "Victims of Circumstance," which chronicles how new evidence sets a convicted killer free and how that impacts the victim's husband.

Scanlan believes his ability to write about the emotions involved in a criminal investigation sets his writing apart.

"I know what investigators go through when they deal with difficult situations. And as a father...I know how that then affects your perspective on things," he said in an interview on the blog Author Quiz.

Scanlan says his writing began as a "secret hobby" that he pursued further when he found himself with some quiet hours at home. Depending on his schedule, he writes between one and three hours a day, but sometimes doesn't write at all.

"I never push it and that keeps it fun and me looking forward to it," he said on another blog.

Copies of both of Scanlan's books will soon be available at GCC's Alfred O'Connell Library.

Press release:

Genesee Community College photography students will once again exhibit their work at the Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Center in East Bethany. Following last year's successful display, "Around the Bend: The Shared Landscape," students this year will share "Environmental Portraits of Western New York."

The show opens with a receptionfrom 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the Genesee County Park and Forest Interpretive Center, 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany. Refreshments will be provided.

Photography instructor Joe Ziolkowski introduced his students this semester in both COM 105 (Intermediate Photography) and COM 118 (Introduction to Digital Photography) to portrait photography. The students, from both the main campus in Batavia and GCC's Albion Campus Center, were assigned to photograph a subject in an environment that helped illuminate that subject's life and surroundings.

The portraits reveal characters in a variety of settings. There's a farmer with cattle in a barn who appears to be doing early morning chores; a mother surrounded by the detritus of a busy day with small children; an artist pencil drawing a portrait of her own.

"Creating a portrait of a subject in its natural surroundings adds elements to their character, and therefore portrays the essence of their personality, rather than merely a likeness of their physical features," Ziolkowski said.

Students in COM 118, Introduction to Digital Photography, learn how to use the manual functions on a digital camera to control light and color. They also learn software workflow to enhance their digital files. With a digital camera, results can be seen instantly on the liquid crystal display (LCD).

"As they progress through various assignments during the course, they continue to improve on composing images in camera and reading the light available to make effective photographs," Ziolkowski said.

The COM 105, Intermediate Photography course helps students refine their photographic skills by exploring more advanced technical techniques while on location and adding studio lighting, advanced printing and camera techniques and portfolio development. Students in COM 105 have already taken COM 118 and COM 103, Introduction to Black and White Photography.

"This class combines elements of both of those classes to offer a unique experience in both analog and digital photography," Ziolkowski said.

In photography classes students learn about photographic elements, including composition, foreground/background relationship, color schemes, values, shades and contrast. They also refine the use of "Qualities of Light" such as silhouette, rim, accent, radiant, dramatic shadow, and Chiaroscuro. In addition, they exercise time management and workflow skills.

For more information about photography coursework at GCC, contact Joe Ziolkowski at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6558, or jlziolkowski@genesee.edu.

"Environmental Portraits of Western New York" will be on view through Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Interpretive Center at Genesee County Park and Forest. The Center is open from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon to 4 on Sundays. For more information about the center, contact Conservation Education Program Coordinator Judy Spring at (585) 344-1122 or jspring.geneseeconsed@yahoo.com

The Holland Land Office Museum offers a program called "Have History will Travel" and invites schools and organizations that would like a history presentation to contact the musuem at 343-4727.
 

SADD -- Students Against Destructive Driving -- is holding a fundraiser night of bowling at the Mancuso Bowling Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25.

Cost is $12.50 per person and includes two hours of bowling and shoe rental.

Pre-register by calling the Genesee County Youth Bureau at 344-3960.

Have the profits will go to the countywide SADD chapter, which is supported by GC STOP-DWI & the Youth Bureau.

The annual Global Premier Soccer New York Summer Festival returns to Batavia Sports Park on May 17.

As in years past, it is expected to attract teams from throughout Upstate and Eastern Canada.

This promises to be another great soccer tournament, so get your team signed up today!

Each team is guaranteed three games with a cost of $300 per team.

It's a great opportunity to get some game practice before your season starts.

For more info contact Declan Doherty via e-mail  ddoherty@globalpremieresoccer.com or 716-380-5080.

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners on April 16th for “Square Foot & Container Gardening.”

Would you like to grow nutritious, great tasting vegetables but always come up with the same excuses? Too much work – too many weeds – takes too much space – bad soil…

Square Foot Gardening solves all these problems in a simple, easy and logical manner. Let us show you how it is done. Still not sure? Try growing your veggies in a container. We will share with you the basics of container gardening.

Fee for the class is $10. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St., Batavia. Pre-register by April 15 by calling Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext 101.

This program is part of the Genesee County Master Gardeners popular Coffee and Dessert Series. Participants enjoy a variety of gardening topics taught by Master Gardeners along with coffee, tea and dessert.

For more information visit our Web site at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com <http://www.genesee.shutterfly.com

Press release:

The BEST Center at Genesee Community College has the training that can land you a job. In a recent report, the Job Development Bureau at the Genesee County Career Center cited 20 openings for service desk technicians at a Batavia computer firm. The positions require A+ Certification, for which The BEST Center provides the essential training and test-preparation courses.

The A+ Certification from CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) is the industry standard for validating the skills expected of entry-level computer technicians. This certification opens doors to exciting career options in computer technology. The BEST Center offers this training through ed2go, the industry leader in online learning for adults. The program is convenient, interactive and enjoyable.

Students can start this course at any time. Online learning offers maximum flexibility to fit the coursework into your life schedule. Students who successfully complete the program will: understand operating systems and software for both desktop and mobile devices; know how to install computer hardware; perform routine troubleshooting and more. They will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare themselves to take the A+ exams to attain certification.

"These skills are very marketable right now," said Rosemary Jonientz, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center. "Technology is essential for almost every business today and these positions are in demand."

The A+ certification training program can be completed in 230 hours. The program costs $1,695.00. Scholarship training funds may be available for dislocated workers and low income earners. For more information on training scholarships, contact the Genesee County Career Center at (585) 344-2042.

"For those looking for a career change or in need of a new job, this is a terrific opportunity to retrain yourself in a field that will be growing well into the future," Jonientz said.

For more information, contact The BEST Center at Genesee Community College at (585) 345-6868 or bestcenter@genesee.edu.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 6-13, United Memorial Medical Center held a dinner on April 8 at Bohn’s Restaurant to recognize volunteer service within the organization. Their gifts of time were spent assisting visitors, comforting family members waiting for a loved one in surgery, helping patients on Hope Haven, serving coffee at the refreshment kiosks at the Hospital and at the Jerome Center, and helping someone choose just the right item in the gift shop.

Their dedication and compassion assists United Memorial in caring for patients and visitors every day. Volunteers are part of our team and part of our UMMC family. We depend on them and turn to them when we need assistance on large projects or a helping hand. Last year, 85 individuals volunteered more than 13,500 hours. While we can measure the time they have donated, their true gifts of compassion, empathy and care is limitless.

This year, United Memorial and its auxiliaries, the UMMC League and St. Jerome Guild, Inc., honored volunteers who reached milestones in the cumulative number of hours they have volunteered. Guild members Sandy Colson, Jamie Kendall, Donna Morrow, and Mary Dee Ognibene received 100-hour pins; Jerry Pollino and Ann Valone were honored for 500 hours; Anita Rynkowski for 1,000 hours; Jeanette Attardi, Donna Condello and Geri Wiess  for 2,000 hours; Guild Secretary and Gift Shop Cochair Marilyn Dickinson received her pin for 3,000 hours. Carmela Gualtieri has achieved 4,000 hours and Frances Scafetta 6,000 hours. Donna Morrow was also honored as the 2014 Guild Honorary Member.

United Memorial Medical Center League members who were honored include Bev Bennett, Joyce Diegelman, Carole Grooms, and Mary Sage for 300 hours; Norma Meyers for 500 hours; Nancy Arras, Carol Balaz, Anna Barone, and Kathy Bender for 1,000 hours; Diane Buchholtz and Lynn Houseknecht for 1,500 hours; Sharon Andrews and Diane Fraser for 2,000 hours; Kay Wickson for 3,000; and Linda Pembroke for 4,000 hours.

Augustine Fleming, has volunteered at United Memorial’s Hope Haven unit for over 7,500 hours. Her dedication to assisting patients recovering from addiction equals four years of full-time employment.

Volunteer recognition services are organized by United Memorial’s Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Tennity. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at United Memorial, call (585)344-7465 or visit us online at www.ummc.org/join-our-team/volunteers

Genesee County Master Gardeners will be offering their popular Coffee and Dessert Series this spring.  Participants enjoy a variety of gardening topics taught by Master Gardeners along with coffee, tea and dessert.

April 9 – “Herbs & Edibles”.  Growing a kitchen garden with herbs and other plant edibles is a great way of combining two of our favorite pastimes, gardening and eating!  After a long winter and checking the food prices on the grocery shelves, there is so much reward in starting your own garden of herbs and plant edibles.  With little space and $$, you can start this spring project with the kids, family and friends!  Call to register.  Space still available.

April 16 – “Square Foot & Container Gardening”.  Would you like to grow nutritious, great tasting vegetables but always come up with the same excuses?  Too much work – too many weeds – takes too much space – bad soil…  Square Foot Gardening solves all these problems in a simple, easy and logical manner.  Let us show you how it is done.  Still not sure?  Try growing your veggies in a container.  We will share with you the basics of container gardening.  Registration deadline is April 11.

April 23 – “Groundcovers - the Rodney Dangerfield of the Plant World”. -  Ground covers are more than the plants of last resort for difficult to grow areas.  Find out when and where to use these versatile plants to both benefit and enhance your gardens and landscapes.  Registration deadline is April 18.

April 30 – “Nobody Eats Nightshade, Everyone Eats Potatoes”.   Even within the same plant family, parts of one plant can be eaten while another plant should be avoided.  Learn to know the difference to keep your pets and family safe.  Registration deadline is April 25.

All programs are from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 East Main Street, Batavia.  Cost is $10 per person per class.  Pre-registration is required as class size is limited.  Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by our office at 420 East Main Street in Batavia to register.  For more information visit our website at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com.

Insource Urgent Care is offering a free seminar on Friday morning, April 11, on how to survive the Affordable Care Act, and to demonstrate a new model of healthcare delivery that coordinates our patients with their physicians while at the same time dramatically reduces their “cost of care” across the spectrum.

The target audience for this seminar is: physicians, practice managers, administrators, personnel/HR managers, employee benefits administrators, educational administrators, government leaders, CEOs and COOs.

It will take place at the Homestead Event Center inside City Centre. Registration starts at 8 a.m.; continental breakfast is available from 8:15 to 8:45; seminar runs from 8:45 to 10; optional tours available afterward.

RSVP: TinaWilson@insourcehealthcare.com or by calling 585-750-2794.

In New York State, Insource Urgent Care Centers operate in Auburn and Batavia; and are co-located with a full spectrum of diagnostic imaging; 100 percent of patients seen at these centers are immediately referred back to their primary care providers.

Advanced Telemedicine equipment is in place to have immediate access to clinical specialists such as Orthopedics, Cardiology, Dermatology and others. Specialists and PCPs can have “real time” instant access to their patients through a smartphone, a computer or iPad, or, with visual communications into the patient exam / procedure room.

If you would like to join us, please register for the upcoming seminar, or let us know when you might like to have a one-on-one meeting. If at any time, you and your staff would like to tour our centers, facilities and capabilities, we would be happy to set this up for you.

Please call Tina Wilcox at 585-750-2794 or e-mail her at: tinawilcox@insourcehealth.com for a follow up conversation or for us to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that a third round of applications is now available for GCEDC’s Food Processing Training Program <http://www.gcedc.com/index.php/about/workforce-development/>. The program provides individuals with a certification to work in the food processing industry, including many regional food and beverage companies across Western New York. The deadline for submitting applications is April 18.

Applications can be picked up at the Genesee County Career Center at 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Eastown Plaza in the City of Batavia. The application is also available at the GCEDC Web site (www.gcedc.com <http://www.gcedc.com>). Applicants must be New York State residents, have completed high school or equivalent, and submit an up-to-date resume with their application.

“We want to build off the success of the first classes and get more individuals trained and ready to work in food processing,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “It is a burgeoning industry in Western New York and especially here in Genesee County with the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.”

The training program is being funded by an Area Development grant obtained by the GCEDC from the National Fuel Gas Corporation with additional financial support from the Finger Lakes Food Cluster Initiative — funded by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration in the amount of $38,000 or 28 percent of the program.

In addition to receiving a non-credit certificate and certificates in Team Building and OSHA Safety in a Manufacturing Environment from Genesee Community College, participants will receive certificates in Lean Systems Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Rochester Institute of Technology) and Basic Dairy Science & Sanitation Certificate (Cornell University).

“This program is so effective because students get hands-on training, four certificates, and complete mock interviews with real companies at the conclusion,” Hyde said. “Anyone looking for a new career pathway should check out the training program.”

The Oakfield Historical Society will be open for the season beginning Saturday, April 5.

The public is invited to the Oakfield Historical Society Research Center on Maple Avenue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the kick off that day. There will be demonstrations based on the two main exhibits for 2014, which focus on women of the 1800s and local veterans.

Sue Conklin will be doing a weaving demonstration and members of the local War of 1812 Reenactment group will also be there. Native American bead work on loan from the Tonawanda Reservation will be displayed, too.

The Local Veterans display has several bits of memorabilia from World War I and II, Vietnam and Korea. Plus, there will be a large display from Steve Cianfrini, whose helicopter was shot down in Iraq and he and the crew had to be rescued.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce another exciting Job Fair with more than 30 companies expected from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

Genesee's Career Services Center continues to solicit businesses from all types of industries to join the popular, two-hour event that introduces potential new employees to employers, and also provides businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. The event is free to employers and attendees.

Employers must register; job seekers are not required to register prior to the event but must sign-in upon arrival.

The following employers are scheduled to be in attendance:

• ADT Security Services
• All Star Energy, Inc. / Home Comfort Heating and Cooling
• ATB Staffing
• Avon Products
• Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center
• Claims Recovery Financial Services
• Coastal Staffing
• Darien Lake Theme Park & Resort
• Fidelis Care
• Genesee County AmeriCorps, Genesee County Youth Bureau
• Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
• Independent Living of the Genesee Region
• KR Communications
• Monroe County Sheriff's Office
• New York Army National Guard
• NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets
• NYS Unified Court System
• Pembroke Travel Plaza
• Perry's Ice Cream Company, Inc.
• Perschke Business Group (Amway)
• Pioneer Credit Recovery, Inc / Sallie Mae
• Premier Designs, Inc.
• Premiere Credit of North America
• Professional Driver Institute
• Rent-A-Center, LLC
• Rochester City Police Department / City of Rochester
• Sutherland Global Services
• The College at Brockport Army ROTC
• Thirty-One
• US Customs and Border Protection
• US Department of Agriculture
• US Department of Homeland Security – ICE – ERO
• US Marine Corps
• WBTA Radio
• WCJW: Radio Stations: 1140 AM Warsaw; 103.7 FM Warsaw; 105.5 FM Batavia; 100.9 FM Geneseo; 104.3 FM Avon

Employers who cannot attend but will be posting job opportunities:

• Country Max
• Genesee County Human Resources
• OATKA Milk Products Cooperative

For more information, visit: http://www.genesee.edu/career/events/

For a detailed listing of job opportunities by employer, please e-mail a request for the list to career@genesee.edu

Press release:

Genesee Community College celebrated this year's Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on  Wednesday, March 19 at a reception that filled room T119 of Conable Technology Building with family and friends, some who arrived as a surprise from as far away as Alaska.

"We were delighted to have so many visitors join the celebration that recognizes the success of our alumni and extols their many accomplishments and community service," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator said. "It was a moving moment listening to memories and how these GCC graduates find their way in the world with so many incredible achievements."

Lawrence Saupe, a 1989 GCC graduate, is now a Major in the New York Air National Guard, and anticipates being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of this year. He began his military service after graduating from Pembroke High School in 1982. He served as a crew chief for C-130 transport planes in Germany, graduating with honors from Flight Engineer School. After four years of active military service, Larry came to GCC in 1987, earning his associates degree in Engineering Science in 1989. He continued his studies at the University at Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Systems and bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His senior year was delayed when he was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He earned two air medals and his crew received a special honor for rescuing three critically injured Marines under hazardous conditions.

Larry was a research and development engineer at Graham Corporation in Batavia for 10 years before taking a position in 2002 with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. After five years with GE, he joined the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY, in 2007 where he currently serves as a thermal test engineer. While pursuing his professional career, Larry has remained in the Air Force as a reservist and currently serves as an Air Operations Strategist with the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.

"Overall I have always strived to build on previous education and experience and also to share what I have learned with others," Larry said. During his time at Graham he taught a Physics course at GCC. He is currently president of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Adirondack chapter and speaks often to groups about aircraft performance and weather.

Larry lives in Galway, NY, with his wife, Shelli, and stepdaughter, Allison. Besides flying, he also enjoys biking, kayaking, sailing, boating and snowmobiling. He will be introduced by his sister, Jeannie (Saupe) Burdick, a 1981 GCC alumna who is a professor/counselor at GCC.

Stephen Tarbell took to heart the advice of his Criminal Justice Professor Ronald Hallman who told his students to know their community, get involved, volunteer and be part of the problem-solving. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from GCC in 1978, Tarbell went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department. Over a 23-year career, he served as a deputy sheriff, scientific evidence technician, technical sergeant and investigator specializing in crime scene and fire investigations.

While working for the Sheriff's Department, Steve earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Accounting from Empire State College and a master's degree from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Criminal Justice at the University of Albany.

At the same time Steve began his career in public service. He served on the Warsaw Central School Board, on the Village Board and as deputy mayor of Silver Springs and as Wyoming County Youth Court coordinator. He served as town councilman for the Town of Castile and currently serves as the town supervisor. He is also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and the Wyoming County Community Hospital Board of Managers.

Steve completed Leadership Wyoming and in 2013 received the program's Alumni Leaders Award. He has received numerous other awards including Wyoming County Deputy of the Year and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department Commendation Award, local, state and national awards for his service to youth, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Commendation.

Steve lives in Silver Lake with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Pamela, who says "he still finds time to be a great father, husband and grandfather to his granddaughter who he adores." Steve's son and daughter-in-law, residents of Alaska, made a special surprise trip to Batavia for this ceremony.

The GCC Hall of Fame featuring photos of all inductees is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor. For more information visit GCC's Hall of Fame Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/halloffame/

The YWCA's farmer's market is seeking vendors for the season.

"The Market @ North Street" runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday July to October.

Seeking vendors, crafters, entertainers. $10 per week or $7.50/week for full season commitment.
Phone (585) 343-5808.

 

The 2014-15 Genesee County Dairy Princess will be crowned at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, in Room T102 of the Conable Technology Building at Genesee Community College.

The public is welcome to learn about the county's dairy industry and watch the crowning of the Princess.

There will be cheese, ice cream, cake and punch served, too!

The Genesee County Dairy Princess Court is comprised of:

• Georgia Luft
• Emily Mikel
• Becca Slattery
• Mary Sweeney
• Carolyn Sybertz
• Kayla Wormut

The Le Roy Parent Teacher Service Organization will host a weeklong Scholastic Book Fair beginning Monday, March 24, at Wolcott Street School.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 24-25; from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 26-27; and from 4 to 8 p.m. March 28.

Wolcott Street School is located at 2-6 Trigon Park. Find the Book Fair in Room 103.

Students, faculty and the community are invited to attend the event, which helps inspire children to become lifelong readers. Funds raised will help purchase books for classroom libraries at the school.

The Book Fair offers specially priced books and educational products, including popular series, award-winning titles, new releases, adult bestsellers, and other great reads from more than 100 publishers.

The Book Fair helps celebrate the monthlong Parents As Reading Partners initiative. Parents As Reading Partners — or PARP — is a collaborative effort among parents, staff, and community to build a reading partnership between the home and school. PARP programs encourage parents to read with their children for at least 15 minutes per day. Experts say learning to read is the single most important activity in a child’s education.

Book Fair customers may help the school build classroom libraries by purchasing books through the Classroom Wish List program. In addition, the Book Fair will feature the “All for Books” program, which allows youngsters to share the thrill of reading by donating loose change to purchase books from the Book Fair for students who can’t buy books and for classroom libraries.

Scholastic matches monetary donations with a donation of up to 1 million books, which go to national nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping families in need, such as the Kids in Distressed Situations and Kids In Need Foundation.

Byron Presbyterian Church will partner with FoodLink of Rochester to host a Mobile Food Pantry from 10 to noon this Saturday, March 22, at Byron Presbyterian Church, 6293 W. Main St. (Route 262), Byron.

The exact food items available are not known, but fresh produce will be available. No financial documentation is required to receive food items, but those receiving food will be asked to sign in. The food items must be for your household unless you have signed documentation from an individual to pick up items for them.

The Mobile Food Pantry is available to residents of the Byron Bergen School District, but we will distribute to anyone who resides in Genesee County. There is no income verification required, but you must be 18 years old to pick up food from the pantry. Please provide your own bags/cart/vehicle to transport items to your home.

For more information, call Byron Presbyterian Church at (585) 548-2800.