Announcements

Press release:

GED Testing Service, based in Washington, D.C., announced the launch of its campaign, Your Future is Calling, to alert test-takers who need to finish the GED test by the end of 2013. The current version of the test—the 2002 Series GED Test—will expire at the end of 2013, along with incomplete test scores.

“More than a million adults have started but not finished the current GED test,” said Nicole Chestang, executive vice president of GED Testing Service. “As a nation, we cannot afford to let millions of working-aged adults miss this opportunity to complete and pass the GED test, opening doors to college, training, and better jobs.”

Those interested in joining the campaign can sign up online at GEDtestingservice.com/jointhecampaign.

On the campaign site you can find talking points, outreach strategies, and print materials to help inform test-takers of this deadline and opportunity. GED test-takers can find more information at finishtheGED.com, or by visiting one of their local adult education or GED testing centers.

The GED test contains five parts that can be taken separately, but must all be passed to receive a high-school credential. GED test-takers who have started the 2002 Series GED Test, but not finished and passed every section, have until the end of 2013 to do so. Otherwise, their scores will expire, and they will have to start over again with the new 2014 GED test.

The new test will be based on emerging national and state standards. It will offer dual performance levels where test-takers can earn the high-school equivalency credential as well as an additional endorsement that indicates career- and college-readiness. The test will be delivered solely on computer and offered only in official testing centers.

Last year, nearly 800,000 adults sat for the GED test, which is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the only official GED test, GED Testing Service has a responsibility to ensure that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for the millions of adults without a high-school diploma.

Currently, 24 states offer the GED test on computer at authorized testing centers. The GED test on computer is the same 2002 series GED test that is currently offered on paper and pencil. Test-takers must take the GED test – whether on paper or computer – in person at an official GED testing center. The GED test is never offered online.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, at 1 p.m., members of the public are invited to a dedication of an historic marker for the Trumbull Cary Mansion, formerly at 211 E. Main St.

Ceremonies will begin at Go-Art, 201 E. Main St.

Nicole Walter of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, the organization that funded the marker, will speak briefly. Her remarks will be followed by those of Larry D. Barnes, Batavia city historian. Barnes will present a biographical sketch of Trumbull Cary and outline the history of the mansion.

Afterward, the event will move to 211 E. Main St. where Sallie Fogarty, a great-great-great granddaughter of Trumbull Cary will unveil the marker. The mansion was built in 1817 and torn down in 1964.

This information is from Genesee Community College:

Skilled workers are in great demand for good-paying advanced manufacturing jobs. Unlike traditional production or "unskilled labor" jobs, they require specialized skills, a higher level of training and offer a more flexible approach to creating products.

Anyone interested in a new career to meet this growing demand should attend an information session at Genesee Community College at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28. It will be held in T119 of the Conable Technology Building.

Find out about a new GCC scholarship for a one-credit class in engineering and also a new government grant that covers the costs of a two-year degree in engineering, biotechnology or computerized drafting.

"This is a terrific program for anyone interested in launching an in-demand and profitable career," said GCC Engineering instructor Ronald Schumacher. "An engineering background opens a lot of doors, and with the grants and scholarships offered by GCC, there's no better time to take advantage of this opportunity!"

The new GCC Scholarship covers the cost of the one-credit course, EGR 100 (Introduction to Engineering), which is be offering for the first time during the Spring 2013 semester.

Qualified applicants can receive a $200 scholarship that covers tuition for the eight-week course, which examines the pathway of engineered products from concept and design to production and marketing.

Engineering concepts in all disciplines will be reviewed -- including aerospace, architecture, biomedical, civil, chemical, computer, electrical, environmental, mechanical and nuclear -- and there will be presentations by working engineers and visits to production facilities.

The class will be held from 1:25 to 3:25 p.m. on Wednesdays in room D362 from March 17 through May 11 at the Batavia campus.

To apply for the EGR100 Scholarship go to http://www.genesee.edu/offices/finaid/scholarships/ and complete the online Foundation scholarship.

In addition, a one-page essay is required that reflects on why the applicant is interested in the field of engineering and in the Spring 2013 EGR 100 course. It should be sent to Ronald Schumacher, GCC's instructor of Engineering at rschumacher@genesee.edu. The scholarship application deadline is Feb. 19.

Also at the upcoming information session students can find out if they qualify to earn an associate degree for free through the Advanced Manufacturing Career Pathways Project. It aims to connect students interested in science with existing or emerging new manufacturing industries in the nine-county Finger Lakes region.

GCC is among select colleges now offering Pathways Project grants of up to $8,500 to cover tuition, books and other fees for eligible students to earn a two-year degree in engineering, biotechnology or computerized drafting.

The grants are a new state and federal initiative of the New York and U.S. Department of Labor and are available through Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board, GLOW Workforce Investment Board, and Rochester Works! It is open to those who meet the following criteria:

•     At least 18 years of age

•     High school diploma or G.E.D.

•     Unemployed

For further information or to sign up for the information session on Nov. 28, contact Kelly Stone at 343-0055, ext. 6215, or kmstone@genesee.edu.

Gastroenterologist, Jeffrey Goldstein, MD, will discuss and answer questions related to celiac disease and gluten intolerance at a free community health talk sponsored by United Memorial Medical Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 27.

This event will be held in the Healthy Living Classroom in Cary Hall, 211 E. Main St., Batavia.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the gluten protein, commonly found in wheat products. As many as two million Americans, or one in 133 people, are estimated to be affected by the illness.

Dr. Goldstein has been a member of the United Memorial medical staff for nearly two years. He is board certified in gastroenterology and opened a private practice in Batavia on Nov. 12, which is located at 229 Summit St., suite 8.

To reserve a seat for this community health talk, please call Healthy Living at 344-5331.

A "sock, hat and glove drive" -- with all donations going to benefit Community Action and the less fortunate in our area -- will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Maurices. The clothing store is located on West Main Street in the Tops Market Plaza.

Erin Coles is coordinating the event.

"'Tis the season of giving," Coles said. "Come out and donate a pair of socks, gloves or a hat...We need items for all ages. New and gently used items only please. See you there!"

A cancer benefit for Paul Lamendola will be held at the Batavia Country Club from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27. Cost is a $10 donation per dinner, which includes pulled pork roast and two sides, plus beverage.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction.

Paul has been fighting colon cancer since March. He has been laid off from work, lost his medical insurance, and has very expensive medical costs for medicine, surgery and equipment. Please come out and support Paul in his journey.

Paul is believing for full healing and recovery during this trying time in his life. We want to take this day and celebrate how far he has come through this already!

Come out and have some fun with us! The country club is located at 7909 Batavia Byron Road.

For presale tickets contact Andrea Agan at (585) 813-6586 or Paul Lamendola at (585) 331-0669 or send check to Paul Lamendola at 7470 Batavia Byron Road, Byron NY 14422.

The Grand View Cemetery Board of Directors is selling Christmas wreaths either for your door or a grave. This is a fundraiser with the profits going to fund cemetery care.

Wreaths are 22" with red velvet, weatherproof bow, pine cones and holly berries. Wreaths are $20, including an easel stand if desired. Place orders by Nov. 10.

Pickup will be at the cemetery garage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 10. Orders may be placed by calling 343-0350 or 343-0877.

GO ART! continues its new workshop series “Embracing Innovation: The Business of the Arts” with a presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 14, by Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise.

The approximately two-hour workshop is titled "Fundraising and Development for the Local Organization."

It will begin at 9 a.m. at GO ART!, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Light refreshments will be available.

Peterson will share the knowledge he has gained through his various fundraising and development experiences. He will describe strategies that will be useful for “small-town” organizations and those starting out at the grassroots level.

A certified fund-raising executive (CFRE) since 1992, Peterson has an impressive history of garnering substantial monies at several first-class nonprofit organizations totaling more than $120 million.

This workshop is free for GO ART! members. There is a nominal fee for non-members or organizations wishing to attend: $10/individual or $20/organization (up to three attending).

You may pay over the phone, online, or at the door, but advance reservations are required by calling (585) 343-9313 or email info@goart.org.

For more information on the workshop series and future workshops in the series, please visit www.GOart.org

New York Premiere Soccer is holding "Soccerween 2012" this Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Batavia Sports Park.

Age groups are U7 through U13 and all participating teams are guaranteed three games and all teams compete in Halloween costumes. The best dressed teams for each age will win a prize.

For more information, contact Brian Patterson at bpatterson@newyorkpremieresoccer.com or 292-0788.

St. James Episcopal Church presents a special holiday Spooktacular by showing the silent movie classic "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Charles Bradley will play the organ in concert with the movie.

It starts at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, at the church, located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Tickets are $10 and the money will benefit the bell tower restoration fund.

The 1923 American film released by Universal Pictures is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It centers on the tortured life of Quasimodo, a deformed, deaf and half-blind bell-ringer at the Cathedral of Norte Dame in Paris in the 15th Century.

It is known for its spectacular sets and the performance and makeup artistry of Lon Chaney Sr. He was a well-known actor but his portrayal of Quasimodo made him a star and his grotesque characterization set a new benchmark for film makeup. Patsy Ruth Miller plays the lovely Esmeralda.

Phone 343-6802 for tickets or other information. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Batavia-born novelist John Gardner will be celebrated with a night of readings, food and fun on Saturday, Oct. 27.

The John Gardner Society, in conjunction with Genesee Community College, is sponsoring the Halloween-themed celebration at 8 p.m. at the Pok-a-Dot diner at Ellicott and Liberty streets in Batavia.

Gardner, who died in a motorcycle crash near his Pennsylvania home in 1982, was a novelist, poet, critic and teacher, whose best known works include "The Sunlight Dialogues," a novel set in Batavia about brooding police chief Fred Clumly and his pursuit of a magician known as the Sunlight Man, and "Grendel," a retelling of the Beowulf legend from the monster's point of view.

He also penned three influential works on the art of writing: "On Becoming a Novelist," "The Art of Fiction," and "On Moral Fiction." For more information about the celebration, contact Bill Kauffman at (585) 757-2455 or GCC English Professor Charley Boyd at caboyd@genesee.edu.

You can also learn more about the writer by visiting the John Gardner Appreciation page on GCC's website: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/gardner/.

The HIstorical Society of Elba would like to thank all of the sponsors of the Third Annual Barn Dance that was held on October 13 In Memory of Ron Komar.  We truly appreciate our sponsors: John and Carol Torrey, Chap's Elba Diner, Boyle's Motor Sales, L&L Transmission, Earl Roth, CPA, Michelle's Bakery, Monroe Tractor, Mike Ranzenhofer, State Street Animal Hospital, Harrington's Produce, Riexinger Crop Spraying, R&W Trucking, Underhill Farms, S&S Restorations.  Thank you also to MAC & Friends, ECS Jazz Ensemble, and Kelly's Old Timers.  A big Thank you to all who attended the dance.  Thank you for your support of the Historical Society of Elba.

Press release:

The Genesee County Republican Committee and the Genesee County Women’s Republican Club invite everyone to attend their 56th annual Fall Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Terry Hills Banquet Facility, 5122 Clinton St. Road, Batavia.

Keynote speaker will be Thomas Doherty, a partner of Mercury – an industry leading, high stakes public strategy firm.

The evening starts with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Cost is $30 per person or $55 per couple.

For more information or to make a reservation please call Michele Smith at 494-1548.

All Catholic students in grades eight through 12 are invited to participate the 2012-13 Knights of Columbus essay contest. The contest is sponsored locally by Our Lady of Batavia Council 11728.

The topic of the 500-750 word essay this year is "The Responsibility of the Catholic Citizen in a Free Society." Applications for the contest are available from the various church religious education directors and the Catholic schools in Genesee County.

The essay deadline is Dec. 17.

Judging is based on grammar, contest and creative writing. The winning essays in the local contest will be sent on to be judged at the New York State and National contest. Monetary awards are presented to the winners of local as well as National levels.

The Knights of Columbus is an international Catholic family fraternal service organization with more than 1.8 million members in over 14,000 local councils. In 2011, Knights donated more than 70 million volunteer hours and $154 million to charitable and benevolent causes sponsoring projects to benefit their church, communities, culture of life, families and young people.

For additional information on the contest or joining the K of C contact the Grand Knight of Council 11728, Bernard Hoerbelt at (585) 343-9122.

Press release:

The Salvation Army announces the beginning of its free Super Sparks After School Program. It is open to children in grades K-8 and meets from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays and 5 to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

Children who attend are invited to participate in homework time, open gym, puppets and drama, rhythm band lessons and dance. A snack and dinner are offered.

Local transportation is available from school to The Salvation Army and home after the program ends. There is no cost for the program or transportation.

For more information contact: Major Patty at 343-6284 or email at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

Press release:

It is that time of the year again -- Harvest Time. The annual Fall Harvest Auction of the Stafford Historical Society will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the courtroom of the Stafford Town Hall.

It is located at 8903 Route 237 in Stafford.

We are accepting contributions of usable-sellable produce and items. Please contact Sue at 344-0834 or Phyllis at 343-1928.

Press release:

Leadership Genesee, a community leadership program uniting a diverse group of people from business, government, and non-profit organizations to study local issues is seeking applicants for its 2013 class.

Our community needs succession planning for leadership, not just elected, appointed or paid employment leadership, but the kind that receives no ‘paycheck’.  Community volunteers who work tirelessly for organizations that improve the health of the human condition must understand the issues facing the community in order to be effective.  Leadership Genesee provides the education and training for leaders as it explores the community and encourages the leader within.

Each year, Leadership Genesee selects 25 individuals to participate in a unique form of adult citizenship education.  The year-long curriculum is designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect Genesee County and enhance individual leadership skills through practice with a focus on civic responsibility and community stewardship.  Through group activities, tours and presentations by key community leaders, Leadership Genesee is developing leadership for our community, with our community and in our community.  Annual tuition is $1,950.

For an application or information, call Peggy Marone, Leadership Genesee director at 343-3040 x 118 or visit our web site at www.leadershipgenesee.shutterfly.com.  Leadership Genesee is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension which provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Press release:

A half-day program aimed at showcasing the quality, diversity and opportunities available at all colleges within the State University of New York (SUNY) system will take place at the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

More than 100 guidance counselors from high schools in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties region are expected to take part in Operation Inform, or OpInform. The program is cosponsored by the College Admissions Professionals at SUNY and Office of Enrollment Services.

It's intended to make sure the high-school counseling community is fully aware of nature and scope of the SUNY system and to provide information on admissions practices, criteria, application processing and special programs.

Information about each SUNY campus will be available the Conable Technology Building of GCC from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a number of workshops will cover a full slate of topics covering the admissions process, including:

•    Eligibility and access

•    The changing face of the SUNY community

•    New programs such as Vet Tech, Golf Management and Fashion Business

•    Student transfer opportunities within the SUNY system

•    The financial-aid process

•    Application processing

Guidance counselors will also be able to network with college admissions officials from the various campuses and will leave the workshops with a better understanding of the value and quality offered by the SUNY system.

"We are delighted to host this annual event, which is critical to the enrollment process and is an excellent way to highlight the exceptional programs offered through the SUNY system," said Tanya Lane-Martin, GCC's director of admissions and assistant dean for enrollment services.

To register for the workshops, high school guidance counselors should contact Christie Thompson at 343-0055, ext. 6380, or via email: clthompson@genesee.edu.

Student members of Phi Theta Kappa at Genesee Community College -- at 1 College Road in Batavia -- will host their second annual "Walk for a Cure" to assist victims of breast cancer on Saturday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. until an unspecified time. The walk itself will last 30-45 minutes, followed by a post-walk event in the student forum beginning around 11 a.m.

The walk will start at GCC's nature trail, which is on the west side of the campus, and then wind through the nearby woods and across the field, ending at the student forum.

Guest speakers will include two people from "Komen for the Cure" and a GCC student who is a breast cancer survivor. Food, drinks, a Chinese Auction and a raffle will be included.

This event is open to the public. The cost is $3 for the walk, or $7 for the walk plus a t-shirt. Tickets and t-shirts will be for sale the morning of the event, but they can be purchased along with Chinese Auction tickets on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not required.

For more information, e-mail Michelle Williams at sixxpup1@yahoo.com.