Announcements

Press release:

The opportunity to enjoy it all at The YES! Cafe with Genesee Community College Fashion students, ARC Culinary Arts folks, upbeat tunes and your own coworkers, friends and family!

So spread the word -- "In Tune With Fashion" is happening from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9 at YWCA, 301 North St., Batavia.

Meal includes veggie or meat panini, salad, sweet and russett potato wedges, lemon cake, beverage. Cost is $10.

For more information or to reserve your seat by April 5th call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs announced Thursday a new reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of local communities.

Along with the help of Smoke Free NOW, 2013 will mark the first year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program.

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book.

When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday-Thursday (excluding July 3rd) Batavia Muckdogs’ game!

If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win autographed memorabilia, opportunities to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game and other great prizes.

Bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

• Richmond Library (Batavia)
• Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)
• Byron-Bergen Public Library
• Stevens Memorial Community Library (Attica)
• Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)
• Perry Public Library
• Holley Community Free Library
• Hoag Library (Albion)
• Pavilion Public Library
• Warsaw Public Library
• Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)
• Wyoming Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Press release:

Sam Scarborough, of Basom, won $5,000 that will be used to benefit two local organizers. He was selected a winner in America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponored by the Monsanto Fund.

The winnings will go to Care-A-Van Ministries and the Genesee County Cornell University Cooperative Exchange.

America's Farmers Grow Communities allowed farmers in 1,271 eligible counties in 39 states to sign up for an opportunity to win a $2,500 for their favorite nonprofit organization. In addition, winning farmers in counties declared disaster areas by the USDA due to historic drought -- such as Genesee County -- received double the donation.

This year, the Monsanto Fund will invest more than $5 million to help support rural areas through the America's Farmers Grow Communities program.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce Karlyn Finucane has been named March 2013 Employee of the Month. Karlyn is a native of Akron. She currently lives in Lancaster with her husband, Tim, and children Shaun and Teagan.

Karlyn has been a program specialist with the ACE (Accelerated College Enrollment) staff at GCC for nearly two years. She has also served as an adjunct instructor in the MSCE (Math, Science, Career Education) Business Division since Fall of 2009.

In awarding her employee of the month, the College noted that Karlyn "demonstrates dedication, creativity, and innovation in her work." She developed and implemented the Math Science Prep (MSP) Program for area seventh- and eighth-graders. The program provides gifted students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)-oriented education and the opportunity to earn an associate degree almost as soon as they complete high school. The first cohort of MSP students is on its second successful semester and there are more than 70 students ready to begin the program next year. She is also developing a math summer program for middle school students, "Middle School Math Survivor."

Karlyn is inspired by the work environment at GCC. She sees "the unlimited learning potential created when one is surrounded by people committed to educational excellence."

Prior to her work at GCC, Karlyn served as business manager for the Akron Bugle newspaper. She also worked in the Akron Central Schools as community education director, writing grants and coordinating enrichment activities. She has worked in human resources and run her own consulting firm.

Karlyn earned a bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Wells College and master's degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College. She maintains her lifelong love of music as choral director for the Akron Community Chorus. She is also principal flute and treasurer for the Akron Community Band.

Genesee Community College is also pleased to announce Jamie Tyrrell has been named the March 2013 Student of the Month. Originally from the London borough of Enfield, Jamie found GCC through his passion for football (soccer), business and fashion.

"I decided to get out of my bubble and take on new challenges to further develop myself and grow as a person," Jamie said of his decision to come to the U.S. He is studying Fashion Merchandise Management.

At GCC, Jamie plays on the soccer team, which reached the NJCAA national final. In addition, he has built an outstanding academic record. His positive attitude, leadership skills and consistent follow-through on projects has benefitted the many things with which he's been involved; including DECA Club, College Village as a Resident Assistant, the GCC Fashion Advisory Board and the Fashion Blog. He is project manager for the Fashion Program's 32nd annual Spring Fashion Show, "Fashion Forward." Last year, he served as commentator for the show "Soiree."

"My interest in fashion was sort of an accident," Jamie said. He began college in England as a Mechanical Engineering major but fairly quickly realized it wasn't for him. About the same time he took a job at a men's clothing store to earn some "pocket change." The store was launching a Web site, which provided an opportunity for Jamie.

"By working both smart and hard, I was made manager of the Web site by the time I was 21." He found he enjoyed fashion. Jamie has also enjoyed the cultural differences he's encountered here in the United States and finds the people at GCC to be very friendly.

Jamie, who will celebrate his 25th birthday on April 1st, graduated from The Latymer School in 2006. He has a diverse background. He is the son of Sayoko and Frank Tyrrell and has one brother, William. His mother is Japanese.

After graduation, Jamie hopes to work in New York City. While pursuing the field of fashion, Jamie lists as his dream job "philanthropist."

Press release:

The Board of Education of the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District will have two vacancies to be filled in this year's election. The new members will be elected to a three-year term commencing on July 1 and expiring on June 30, 2016.

All interested candidates are invited to pick up a Petition for Board Members Nomination form from the District Office, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. All petitions must be filed with the Clerk of the District no later than 5 p.m. on April 22.

Qualifications for membership on a school board include:

• Must be able to read and write;
• Must be a qualified voter of the district; that is, a citizen of the U.S. at least 18 years of age or older;
• Must be and have been a resident (but need not be a taxpayer) of the district for a continuous and uninterrupted period of at least one year;
• May not have been removed from any school district office within the preceding year;
• May not reside with another member of the same school board as a member of the same family;
• May not be a current employee of the school board; and
• May not simultaneously hold another incompatible public office.

Please include a short biography along with your Petition so that we may publish it in our upcoming budget brochure.

Press release:

The City School District of Batavia is accepting applications for the 2013–2014 Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program.  The Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program provides an opportunity for 4 year-old children to be involved in developmentally appropriate pre-kindergarten education classes.

Children who are residents of the City School District and are 4 years of age on or before December 1, 2013 and who are not enrolled in a BOCES Special Education Program are eligible to apply.   

The district will offer the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program pending New York State funding.

Letters will be mailed to residents within the District. 

Families with 4-year old children that do not receive an application are asked to contact Julie Tybor at 343-2480, ext. 7516.  A lottery will be used to select children for the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program.  Selections will be made as soon as possible. 

Application deadline is April 5, 2013.

A note from Michael Welch:

To the Village of Elba:                                                                                                             

I want to thank those who supported my campaign for mayor of Elba on Tuesday, March 19th. I appreciate all that you did and said to encourage me along the way. Though I lost the election, I am so proud of the people who came out to vote. It really shows that there are many who care about their village. This was the biggest turn out for an election here in many years. Great job!

Additionally, I wish to congratulate the honorable Scott Schuler for his victory. I am looking forward to seeing the good things he will do this year to help assist the citizens of Elba.

I will continue to serve the village and town in every way I can. I am committed to being involved in our community. Again, thank you. I consider it a privilege to have received your support.

Michael Welch, West Avenue, Elba

Press release:

More than a thousand young students will visit the Genesee Community College campus between March 20-22 to see a performance of "The Boy Who Tricked the Moon" by the GCC Forum Players Children's Theatre. The cast and crew will then take the show on the road for another six performances in six counties between April 7 and May 11.

In "The Boy Who Tricked the Moon" the audience participates in helping an Orphan Boy rescue Clan Chief's son from the moon, which has spirited him away. It's a mystical adventure that includes characters Sky Grandmother and Little Sky Sister who help the two boys. The folktale, staged using masks and creative movement, shows how ingenuity and friendship can triumph over adversity.

GCC will welcome some 1,200 preschool through third-grade students from Batavia, Le Roy, Pavilion, Brockport and Geneseo to campus for daytime performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday March 20-22.

Following the performances on campus, GCC will take the show on the road for just the second time.

"In these days of limited budgets, many districts cannot afford to bus their children to campus for the show," said Maryanne Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts at GCC. "We still want them to have the chance to experience a live theatre performance, so we're taking the show to them. We like getting out into the community to share the wonderful talent we have at GCC."

The show will be staged at elementary schools in Hilton, Barker and Medina. In addition, there are public performances scheduled as follows:

•    Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m. -- Stuart Steiner Theatre, GCC Batavia

•    Sunday, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. -- The Stage, Warsaw

•    Saturday, April 20, at 2 p.m. --  Theatre 101, Mt. Morris

•    Saturday, May 11,  TBD  --  Springville Center for the Arts

Tickets are $8 or less, and FREE for ages 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information call the GCC box office at 345-6814 or by e-mail boxoffice@genesee.edu.

The cast of "The Boy Who Tricked the Moon" includes: Brianna Jones, of Batavia, and Kayli Wilson, of Canastota, sharing the role of Orphan Boy; Aidan Bonacci, of Rochester, and Christian Hoffman, of Hilton, as Clan Chief's Son; Bill Rupp, of Alexander, and Alayna Zimbrich, of Hilton, as Shaman; Jordan Griffiths, of Milford, and Rebecca Truesdell, of Batavia, as Moon; Kathleen Kwasniewski, of Alexander, and Amber Lively, of Barker, as Little Sky Sister; Courtney Amesbury, of Bergen, as Sky Grandmother; Sania Hyatt, of NYC, as Boy #1 and a Thunderbird; Lynnsee McGill, of Rochester, as Boy #2; and Kaori Shinchi, of Japan, as a Thunderbird. Several cast members also play additional roles as Trees, Frogs and Arrows.

Crew members include stage manager Jessica Yost, of Medina. Cameron Pollard, of Mt. Vernon, will handle sound. Lighting is by Eric Moultrie, of Dobbs Ferry, and Kaleb Miller, of Le Roy. And Ali Scharvella, of Copake Lake, will operate projections.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees received a proposed College strategic plan for the 2013-2018 period on Monday. The plan, if approved by trustees, will commit the College to six strategic priorities: Student readiness and access; student success and completion; economic development and impact; faculty and staff success; college culture of collaboration and excellence; and sustainability.

In addition to the broad strategic priorities, the proposed plan includes a variety of outcomes the College would like to achieve in the five-year period beginning Sept. 1.

Executive Vice President for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness William T. Emm told trustees that the strategic plan would be used as the basis for annual College work plans.

"This is intended as a 'living plan'," he said. "Every year, circumstances change, so each year we will develop an annual plan of achievements and implement a 360-degree evaluation process to help assess what we do each year."

Rigorous higher education accreditation standards mean that strategic planning and assessment are more important than ever, said President James M. Sunser. "This strategic plan is a 50,000-foot guiding document," he said. "It will demonstrate to accrediting bodies that we are using data to inform our planning and decisions, to assess, and then to continuously improve."

The Board of Trustees is slated to discuss and consider adoption of the plan at its April meeting.

The proposed strategic plan is the result of the efforts of a 25-member steering committee which examined College programs and activities, as well as emerging student and community needs. Implementation will be a college-wide effort, Emm said.

In other business, the Board of Trustees:

•    Heard President Sunser report that the State University of New York and New York State Education Department have approved the College's new Supply Chain Management academic concentration.

•    Heard Trustee Diane D. Torcello, Chair of the Board's Finance Committee, report that the Committee had reviewed the College's financial statements through February 28. Torcello reported that actual expenses are holding to budget estimates, and that staff members are doing a "very good job" managing expenses.

•    Heard Sunser report that Kathleen Schieffen, Ph.D., will join the College as Provost/Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs July 1. Schieffen currently serves as dean of Academic Services at Monroe Community College's Damon City Campus. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, including service as an administrator and instructor at Monroe Community College and Pima Community College District in Arizona. She holds an A.A.S. degree from Trocaire College; a B.S. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College; a M.S. degree from The University at Buffalo; and a Ph.D. from Capella University.

•    Heard Sunser report that Reid Smalley will join the College's staff as executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center on April 15. He comes to Genesee with more than 30 years of experience in higher education, with extensive involvement providing services to business and industry. He currently serves as dean of Workforce Development at Middlesex Community College in Connecticut. He holds a B.S. degree from Michigan State University and a M.Ed. degree from Pennsylvania State University.

•    Heard Sunser report that Sammy Naji joined the College's staff February 25 as academic advisor. Naji was a member of the advisement staff at Buffalo State College, and has experience in the banking industry. He holds a B.S. degree from The University at Buffalo and a M.S. degree from Buffalo State College.

•    Heard Vice President for Student and Enrollment Services Virginia M. Taylor report that 80 students enrolled for "Winterim" courses this academic year, up from 30 students last year. Winterim is a "mini-term" between the fall and spring semester. Students may complete courses over an intensive three-week period during Winterim. Taylor noted the students had excellent academic outcomes.

•    Heard Taylor report that prospective students may still register for eight-week courses, which begin March 18.

•    Heard Taylor report that the College is gearing up for the Genesee Promise Plus program this summer. Under this program, juniors and graduating seniors in area high schools receive a full scholarship for up to two summer courses at GCC. Credits earned during the summer may be used toward degrees from Genesee Community College or other colleges and universities across the nation.

Press release:

Genesee Community College Fashion Business major Samantha Vogt has received the Collegiate Sales and Marketing Award from the Buffalo Niagara Sales and Marketing Executives. The West Seneca native was recognized with other winners at the annual Sales and Marketing Awards Gala at Salvatore's Italian Gardens on March 4.

Samantha, a 4.0 student, serves as student representative on the GCC Board of Trustees, is president of the Business Forum Club, and participates actively in Toastmasters, Campus Activities Board and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). In addition, she works at M.A.Carr Bridal in Orchard Park and has produced five bridal fashion shows and a prom fashion show. At GCC, she actively contributes to the Fashion program blog and is project manager for the committee planning the annual Spring Fashion Show.

"GCC has given me all the tools to produce an outstanding fashion show and has shown me how to communicate effectively with others in order to sell a product," Samantha wrote in application for the award. She plans to further her education in direct marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.

"Samantha excels in everything she does," said business, marketing and fashion Professor Rick Dudkowski, who nominated her for the award. "She is organized, professional, pays great attention to detail, gets along well with others and goes the proverbial 'extra mile' in all of her assignments." He calls working with her "absolutely amazing."

Samantha is busy preparing for the 32nd annual GCC Spring Fashion Show, the largest in Western New York. The show, "Fashion Forward," will have two performances on Saturday, April 27 at 3 and 7 p.m. Tickets for the show are available for $5 in advance or $7 at the door and can be purchased by calling 585-345-6830. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.

To stay current on details and information about this year's show, check out the GCC student blog http://gcccampusblog.wordpress.com/category/fashion/ and for a review of last year's "Soiree" Fashion Show go to http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/fashionshow/2012/.

Eligible families can apply for child care that is free or for a minimal charge through the state's Agribusiness Child Development Program.

Children 6 weeks old to 5 years old receive bilingual, culturally appropriate care, including specialized care for children with disabilities.

Eligible Families:

-Have child(ren) from 6 weeks to 5 years old
-Work in Food Service
-Work in Agriculture
-Collect Social Services (DSS)
-Meet income and employment eligibility guidelines

The program employs a knowledgeable teaching staff who promote a creative curriculum

-Meals provided -- breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack
-Diapers and formula provided
-Full-time nurse health screenings
-Large indoor gymnasium
-Free transportation

How to apply?
Call Batavia ABCD (585)-343 -8160 or go online to <http://www.abcdny.org>

Press release:

For the fourth consecutive year, volunteers at Genesee Community College are once again providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the 2012 tax season. Those interested may access walk-in sessions at GCC's Batavia Campus or appointment-based services at Genesee County Department of Social Services (GCDSS).

These are the next walk-in sessions scheduled at the GCC Batavia campus, all in room T204:

•    Thursday, March 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.

•    Thursday, April 4 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The appointment-based services are available through April 9th at the Genesee County DSS at 5130 E. Main St., Batavia. To make an appointment, call 344-2580, ext. 6552.

Through VITA, IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation to community members with household income up to $51,000. Business tax returns or complicated capital gains transactions cannot be completed through the VITA program. VITA offers free electronic filing of returns, but each client also receives a copy of his or her return that has been prepared.

"Genesee Community College is once again pleased to offer this service to our local residents. Our certified volunteers consist of faculty and staff, as well as current and former students," Cheryl Corke, GCC associate professor of accounting and business and VITA program director said. "Last year we prepared 176 Federal and NYS income tax returns. Through this effort, our clients received $214,000 in Federal Income Tax Refunds, including $48,000 in earned income tax credits, $15,000 in child tax credits and $17,500 in education tax credits."

Corke advises participants to bring all necessary documents including W-2 (wage and earning statement(s) from employer(s), W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc (interest and dividend statements from banks) forms and 1098-T (tuition statement) forms; social security cards for all persons listed on the tax return.

A copy of last year's Federal and State returns, if available, is suggested. In addition, bank account routing numbers and account numbers are also needed for direct deposit. Photo identification is required this year. Other information participants may need to provide includes total annual payment for daycare providers plus the daycare provider's tax identifying numbers and address. Lastly, for married-filing joint tax returns both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

Glitz-N-Glamour Salon owner Nicole Voltura will hold a “Cut-a-Thon” for her brother, Batavia resident Dan Nash, on Sunday, March 17 from 1 until 5 pm.

The event will include raffle items as well as a 50/50 raffle.  Voltura said there are 26 confirmed baskets for the raffle so far.

Items range from party mixes to wine, a Keurig machine, gift certificates to local restaurants, hair products, etc.

Ticket prices are $1 for three tickets or $10 for arms-length.

As the event name suggests, the salon will also be offering haircuts to those who would like them.  There is no set donation amount for those – people are just encouraged to give whatever they can.

Nash was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February.  According to Voltura, doctors were able to remove 90% of the tumor and are waiting to see if the rest will disappear.

Meanwhile, Nash has had doctor visits two or three times a week and has a long recovery ahead of him.  To make things worse, he is out of work and has health insurance that, according to Voltura, “hardly covers anything.”

Voltura herself is a cancer survivor.  She remembers how the community came together to help her and her family in their time of need, and she sees the “Dan Nash Cut-a-Thon” as a way for her to “give back.”

Even though Nash is her brother, Voltura said she would do this for anybody.

“I like to help however I can,” she said.

Glitz-N-Glamour Salon is located at 319 Ellicott St. in Batavia.  For more information or to purchase raffle tickets – which anyone can do, even if they cannot make the event – call Voltura at 813-9757 or send her a message on Facebook via the event page (

Glitz-N-Glamour Salon owner Nicole Voltura will hold a “Cut-a-Thon” for her brother, Batavia resident Dan Nash, on Sunday, March 17 from 1 until 5 pm.

The event will include raffle items as well as a 50/50 raffle.  Voltura said there are 26 confirmed baskets for the raffle so far.

Items range from party mixes to wine, a Keurig machine, gift certificates to local restaurants, hair products, etc.

Ticket prices are $1 for three tickets or $10 for arms-length.

As the event name suggests, the salon will also be offering haircuts to those who would like them.  There is no set donation amount for those – people are just encouraged to give whatever they can.

Nash was diagnosed with a brain tumor in February.  According to Voltura, doctors were able to remove 90% of the tumor and are waiting to see if the rest will disappear.

Meanwhile, Nash has had doctor visits two or three times a week and has a long recovery ahead of him.  To make things worse, he is out of work and has health insurance that, according to Voltura, “hardly covers anything.”

Voltura herself is a cancer survivor.  She remembers how the community came together to help her and her family in their time of need, and she sees the “Dan Nash Cut-a-Thon” as a way for her to “give back.”

Even though Nash is her brother, Voltura said she would do this for anybody.

“I like to help however I can,” she said.

Glitz-N-Glamour Salon is located at 319 Ellicott St. in Batavia.  For more information or to purchase raffle tickets – which anyone can do, even if they cannot make the event – call Voltura at 813-9757 or send her a message on Facebook via the event's page.

The Elba Central School Junior Class is sponsoring the premiere Elba Central School Square Dance. This will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9.

It's open to the public. Cost is $4 per student and $7 per adult. There will be basket raffles, 50/50 raffles and food available.

This will be at Elba Central School in the Sherwood Gym at 57 Main St., in Elba. There will also be line dancing. Please come and have some old-fashioned fun and support the class of 2014!

The Second Annual Members Exhibition is now on display at the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) Bank of Castile Main Gallery, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia.

The exhibit coincides with March as Arts Awareness Month and it runs through April 26.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 15.

Press release:

Genesee Community College invites visual artists to submit their work for possible exhibition at GCC's Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery located in the Genesee Center for the Arts on GCC's Batavia campus. This call for work is open to individual artists and group exhibitions in all media interested for the 2013-2014 academic year.

The Steiner Gallery's mission is to foster community involvement in the arts while enhancing the learning experience for all GCC students, faculty and staff. Proposals are selected by the GCC Gallery Committee, which seeks out exhibitions rich in content and quality craftsmanship.

According to Gallery Manager Shirley Verrico, "Our gallery attracts both artists and visitors from throughout Western New York. We are currently averaging about 300 visitors each month. Our committee is always looking for artists that can contribute meaningfully to the education of our students while participating in the larger discourse of the contemporary art world."

The Roz Steiner Gallery opened in Spring 2011 and offers 1,700 square feet of outstanding exhibit space featuring 25-foot walls, moveable island walls, bamboo flooring, and multimedia capabilities. See more at the Gallery's facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/gccgallery.

Artists interested in submitting their work can do so via the submission process available on the Gallery Web site at http://www.genesee.edu/campuslife/arts/gallery/submissions.cfm. The deadline for consideration for the coming academic year is May 1.

Press release:

Congressman Chris Collins (NY-27) is encouraging local high school students to participate in this year's Congressional Art Competition. The winning artist from New York's 27th Congressional District will travel to Washington, D.C., and have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

"Each day, members of Congress and hundreds of visitors to the Capitol walk by the award winning artwork submitted by high school students from around the country," Collins said. "I look forward to great participation from NY-27 schools this year and the opportunity to welcome our wining artist to Washington this summer."

Now in its 31st year, the Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in New York's 27th Congressional District. Local submissions are due by April 19 and will be judged by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Collins' office has notified local high schools regarding contest rules and submission guidelines. Interested students should see their art teacher for details or contact Emily Knight from Congressman Collins' office at (585) 519-4002.

   On March 14, from 5-7 p.m., Batavia Middle School will host a Family Literacy Night for students and their families! This evening is dedicated to promoting literacy by giving parents and students the opportunity to attend exciting learning sessions led by our BMS staff. In addition, we will be joined by the Richmond Memorial Library's Mobile Van, Literacy Genesee, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

   The four major sessions that will be offered include:

• What No Bedtime Story Means… Reading aloud with younger children and encouraging teen and young-adult readers
• Digital Literacy: User-Friendly Electronic Resources: Website exploration and iPads!
• READ 180 Overview and Investigation: Sessions for grades 5/6 and for grades 7/8
• Lexiles - The New Frontier! What Lexile measures are and how to use them with our libraries!

   FREE pizza and other refreshments will be offered along with babysitting provided by the Batavia High School Z-Club for any young children of attendees.

   Another highlight of the night for families will be "Books Galore!" - a chance to select FREE books to take home and enjoy with your families!

   This is a very important community event, and it centers around an issue that truly benefits students and parents. We encourage all family members and students of BMS to join us while we celebrate reading, and provide some helpful tips and tools to take home.

Press release:

Genesee Community College will host a Job Fair dedicated to careers in the health career industry from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, at the College's centrally located William Stuart Forum.

The event is designed to introduce potential new employees to employers, and also provides health care businesses an opportunity to present their trade and services to the local community. More than 25 local and regional health care companies and four-year colleges will be available to answer questions, accept resumes and distribute material relating to their company / college. Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistants and Respiratory Care, Polysomnographic Technology, Veterinary Technician, and Fitness and Recreation Management businesses will all be represented.

As of Feb. 26, the following employer representatives will be available to distribute career information and other printed materials, answer questions, and receive resumes (this list is subject to change):

Catholic Health System, Buffalo
Companion Care of Rochester
Erie County Medical Center, Buffalo
Fidelis Care, Getzville
Finger Lakes DDSO – Nursing, Rochester
Finger Lakes DDSO – Phys. Therapy, Rochester
Genesee County Health Department, Batavia
HCR Home Care, Rochester
Highland Hospital, Rochester
HomeCare & Hospice, Olean
Lifetime Assistance, Rochester
Lifetime Care, Rochester
Monroe Community Hospital, Rochester
NYS Veterans Home at Batavia
Olean General Hospital / Bradford Regional Medical Center
Orleans Community Health, Medina
Precision Scribes, Las Cruces, NM
Rehab Resources & Little Lukes, Oswego
Rochester General Hospital, Rochester
Unity Health System, Rochester
University of Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial Hospital - Physical Therapy Dept
WNY DDSO at West Seneca, Hamburg

The following four-year colleges will be available to discuss their RN to BSN programs (this list is subject to change):

Daemen College, Amherst
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix
Keuka College – Accelerated Studies for Adults Program, Keuka
Niagara University – Department of Nursing, Niagara University
Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester
St. John Fisher College – Wegmans, School of Nursing, Rochester
SUNY Delhi School of Nursing, Delhi
The College at Brockport – Army ROTC, Brockport
The College Network, Indianapolis
Trocaire College, Buffalo
University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester

"With the increasing need for qualified health care professionals, this Health Careers Job Fair gives students and employers a great opportunity to connect," said John McGowan, Career Services Center coordinator.

The job fair is FREE and open to the general public. For a current listing of registered employers / schools, please visit the Career Services Web page at www.genesee.edu.career/events. Employers interested in attending the fair should contact the Career Services office at 585-345-6888 to register for this event.