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Darien Lake hosts annual Father's Day Car Show this weekend

By Billie Owens

Darien Lake will host its annual Father’s Day Car Show this weekend, June 15-16.

Hundreds of car enthusiasts are expected to gather to share in this family tradition, and compete for the People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice awards.

Dad and the whole family will also have the opportunity to vote on the coolest cars from rods, sports, customs, convertibles, antiques, and tuners for the People’s Choice Awards, which will be given out during Saturday’s show. On Sunday, the Special Judge’s Choice awards will be announced at 2:30 p.m.

To register your vehicle in the show, visit the campground gate from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. each day. Registration is $25 and includes admittance to the amusement and water park for the driver and a guest.

The show runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Darien Lake is located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center.

The amusement park boasts more than 45 rides including six thrilling roller coasters, dozens of family rides, a 10-acre, million-gallon water park, a full slate of in-park entertainment, and a 20,000-seat performing arts center (operated by Live Nation) that hosts some of the hottest music artists. The park is open May through October, and welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of on-site accommodations including the 160-room Lodge on the Lake Hotel, modern cabins, high-end “Glamping” sites, rental RVs, RV pull-through sites, and tent campsites.

Season passes and daily admission tickets are available at all Tops Friendly Markets, at the Darien Lake ticket office, and online at www.DarienLake.com.

College board appoints 383 residents to its 27 community and advisory committees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees appointed 383 community residents as members of the College's 27 community and program advisory committees on Monday evening. The Board met at the Batavia Campus for its regular monthly meeting.

Advisory committees provided guidance and assistance to College faculty members and deans on curriculum, student internship opportunities, emerging trends in business and industry, and business and community needs. Most career-oriented programs at the College have advisory committees, as well as the College's campus centers.

Advisory committees are important in maintaining a strong college-community connection, President James M. Sunser said. "These committees help our faculty and staff members understand the concerns of area employers, and the current and future needs of our communities. The committees help ensure that what happens in our classrooms directly prepares students for their futures."

Members are appointed to one-year terms, and meet periodically throughout the year at the Batavia Campus or one of the College's campus centers.

The Board of Trustees appointed advisory committees for the Albion and Medina campus centers; Arcade Campus Center; Dansville Campus Center; Lima Campus Center; Warsaw Campus Center; Advanced Studies and Tech Prep; Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication/Media Arts; Computer Technology program; Criminal Justice program; Digital Art program; Fashion Merchandising Management program; Health and Physical Education; Hospitality and Tourism program; Human Services program; LIFE (Liberty Increases Future Experience) program; Nursing program; Office Technology program; Paralegal Studies program; Perkins III Grant program; Physical Therapist Assistant program; Polysomnographic (Study of Sleep Disorders) Technology program; Respiratory Care program; Theatre Technology program; and Veterinary Technology program.

The community advisory committees are another example of Genesee Community College's long tradition of community involvement, according to Dr. Sunser.

"This college was founded by community residents who had deep civic pride and a strong vision," he said. "That volunteer tradition continues to this day, and is certainly one of the reasons that our college maintains such strong ties to the communities we serve."

In other business Monday, the Board of Trustees:

•    Approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe, who is retiring from Genesee later this month after 23 years of service to the College. Board members complimented Dean Knipe on the dramatic expansion of distance education (eLearning) courses at Genesee, his innovative work as a member of the multi-college Online Western New York (OWL) initiative, and his deep commitment to the College.

•    Heard Nominating Committee Member Donna M. Ferry report that the Nominating Committee has recommended the reelection of current board officers for the 2013-2014 year: Maureen T. Marshall, chair; Diane D. Torcello, vice-chair; and Laura J. Bohm, secretary.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Craig Lamb will join the College's administration in August as dean of Distributed Learning. He is coming from SUNY Empire State College, where he serves as director of Academic Support for ESC's Center for Distance Learning. Lamb is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He holds a bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University; a master's degree from SUNY Plattsburgh; and he is currently completing a Ph.D. from SUNY Albany. He currently resides in the Albany area.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Jennifer L. Sisbarro will join the faculty this fall as instructor of Music. Sisbarro currently teaches at Finger Lakes Community College and Empire State College. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo and an M.M. degree from Ithaca College. She is a resident of Dundee.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Shana M. Flow will join the faculty as instructor of Nursing. She has served as a staff nurse at Highland Hospital and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and currently serves as clinical educator at Unity Health Systems in Rochester. She holds an associates degree from Genesee Community College, a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester, and a M.N. degree from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a resident of Holley.

•    Heard President Sunser report that Jaclyn Vetrano will join the staff as Web and Social Media specialist. She has served as an intern at SUNY Geneseo and Rootbuzz.com. She holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Geneseo, and is a resident of Amherst.

•    Heard Board Chair Maureen T. Marshall compliment the College's faculty and staff for the "outstanding efforts" they made in preparation for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's recent visit to Genesee.

GCC extends deadline for financial aid application for Summer Session 2

By Billie Owens

If you're still thinking about taking a class this summer through the Genesee Community College Promise Plus program, you have a little more time to submit an application. The College has extended the deadline two weeks to June 28. Summer Session 2 begins July 8.

GCC's Board of Trustees founded Genesee Promise Plus in 2008 to help remove financial barriers to higher education for the citizens of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Since then the program has expanded and now offers scholarships for summer classes to high school juniors (rising seniors), graduating seniors and for the first time -- adults who have never before taken a college course.

The three distinct Promise Plus scholarship opportunities include:

  • High school juniors (rising seniors) are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course during Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10). They may also enroll in the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.
  • Graduating high school seniors are eligible for scholarship funding to take one or two courses in Summer Session 2 up to eight credit hours.
  • Adults are eligible for scholarship funding to take one course in Summer Session 2 (July 8-Aug. 10), and also the 1-credit College Success class for a maximum of four credit hours.

"Each summer since 2008, we have been delighted to offer this Promise Plus to residents in our community," said Tanya Lane-Martin, director of Admissions at GCC. "We've had great response, but we wanted to give people a little extra time to submit applications and be sure everyone has ample opportunity to participate."

Interested parties should discuss their unique situation and interests with the GCC academic advisor as soon as possible. Those interested must submit a Genesee Promise Plus application by Friday, June 28. In addition, they must complete a general GCC admission application, which is always FREE. Adults must submit a copy of their high school transcripts.

For complete details about who is eligible and what is necessary to apply, please visit:http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise.

Summer Youth Lacrosse Camp planned for grades 1-7 at John Kennedy School

By Billie Owens

A Summer Youth Lacrosse Camp is planned for children in grades one through seven at John Kennedy Elementary School on Wednesdays and Thursdays, June 26 through July 18.

The sessions will be 6 to 7:15 p.m. and be supervised by Joe Hussar, Varsity Lacrosse coach at Batavia High School.

Those interested can e-mail Hussar at jhussar@bataviacsd.org or call 343-2480, ext. 7429.

New digital collection available on New York Heritage: GCC History

By Billie Owens

"Genesee Community College History," a digital collection from the Western New York Library Rescources Council, is now available on New York Heritage:

http://www.nyheritage.org/collections/gcc-history

The collection features 49 items about Genesee Community College -- from its inception to the graduation of some of the first graduates.

It highlights the construction of the College Road campus in Batavia, as well as students unwinding and playing football in the snow, and shows the steady progress of the building and development of the College as a whole, amid the transitions in leadership of the College during its continual growth.

New York Heritage is a collaborative project among New York State’s nine Reference and Research Library Resources Councils (NY3Rs): Capital District Library Council; Central New York Library Resources Council; Long Island Library Resources Council; METRO-Metropolitan New York Library Council; Northern New York Library Network; Rochester Regional Library Council; South Central Regional Library Council; Southeastern New York Library Resources Council; and Western New York Library Resources Council.

The NY3Rs, funded by New York State, work with their member institutions (libraries, archives, museums and historical societies) to digitize original research materials and make those materials available for free on the Internet. The councils are continually adding new collections to nyheritage.org and actively seek collections to expand the site.

Principle Conductor, Guest Conductor named for 2013 Batavia Concert Band

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Concert Band Board of Directors is pleased to announce that John Bailey will be the Principle Conductor for the 2013 Batavia Concert Band Summer Concert Series.

A Pembroke native and Akron resident, Bailey is currently a music teacher at the Lyndonville Central School District, where he teaches both general and instrumental music. A French horn player, Bailey is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia, and also serves as conductor for the Pembroke Community Band. 

He was selected after the Board of Directors conducted a search for a Principle Conductor this past winter and spring. 

“Our audience and band should be looking forward to the enthusiasm that John will bring to programming exciting concerts for the Batavia community in Centennial Park,” said Jill Franclemont, president of the Board of Directors. 

“I am looking forward to continuing the fine tradition of music in the park in Batavia on sunny July evenings," Bailey said. "I plan to program a wide variety of music that will appeal to the diverse audience that attends our concerts."

John Kresse will be serving as Guest Conductor for the July 4th Concert in Centennial Park.  Currently, Kresse is a Graduate Assistant at the School of Music at SUNY Fredonia.

The Batavia Concert Band will present its first concert on Wednesday, June 26th at Centennial Park in the City of Batavia.

Grillmaster from Clor's offers BBQ lesson and lunch at YWCA

By Billie Owens

Press release:

WHO:   YWCA of Genesee County, Batavia
WHAT:  Get Chill With the Grill at The YES! Cafe
WHEN:  Noon Wednesday, June 12
WHERE: 301 North St., Batavia
COST:  $10 lunch and program. Call 343-5808

Known by most people as "Chuck from Clor's," renowned grillmaster Chuck Gugel will fire up the coals for a tasty presentation about how to successfully barbecue all summer long.

"People might pick up a few ideas on outdoor, back yard cooking," Chuck says. "And learn some secrets on making meat tender."

Genesee ARC's Culinary Arts staff will serve grilled chicken-veggie shish kabobs, garden pasta salad, corn on the cob, salad bar and some ooey-gooey chocolate and toasted marshmallow s'mores.

"What more can I say? It's going to be a fun and yummy lunchtime program," Executive Director Jeanne Walton said. "Chuck obviously has the skill and expertise to share, and people should take advantage of it during The YES! Cafe!"

Lunch and program is $10. For those unable to spend the time, take-outs are now available. To reserve your seat or get more information, call 343-5808.

(There will also be specially themed grill package auctions just in time for Father's Day. Next will be a tribute to veterans with guest host state Assemblyman Steve Hawley at noon Wednesday, July
10.)

College trustees approve new Health Sciences degree program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees voted earlier this month to approve a new Health Sciences degree program.

The program, which will offer an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, must first be approved by the State University of New York and the New York State Education Department. If approvals are received as expected, the College will launch the new degree program in fall 2014.

The program will help students prepare for careers in established and emerging health care fields, such as unit coordinators in health care institutions, members of lab staffs, geriatric specialists, health assistants and wellness educators, health interpreters, medical records administrators, and dozens of other fields, according to Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, dean of Math, Science and Career Education, who helped shape the proposal for the new program.

The program is primarily designed as a transfer program, and students earning degrees will have the opportunity to complete two years of baccalaureate study at other colleges and universities. A number of colleges and universities in Upstate New York offer bachelor's degrees in the health sciences and wellness fields, and Genesee anticipates establishing transfer agreements with at least several of these colleges.

"Thousands of jobs in health sciences fields will be created in Western and Central New York in the years ahead," Alicea-Maldonado said. "An aging population, an increased focus on health and wellness in industry and new medical technology will all spur job growth.

"Even more significantly, the new federal Affordable Care Health Care Act will extend health care coverage to tens of millions of Americans in 2014 and the demand for allied health professionals who can help consumers prevent disease and manage a more complex health care system will be intense."

Courses in the new program will include a variety of biology and chemistry courses, Gerontology, Responding to Emergencies, Statistics, Introduction to Developmental Disabilities, Developmental Psychology Across the Lifespan, General Psychology, Introductory Sociology and a variety of liberal arts courses.

Trustees were enthusiastic about the new program, citing their own observations about the need for memory care providers, eldercare specialists and other professionals in the region.

Genesee currently offers a Health Studies Certificate program, which can be completed in one year of full-time study. Graduates of the program sometimes enter another of Genesee's health care degree programs, or obtain work as patient assistants in hospitals and other health care institutions.

The new Health Sciences program will join Genesee Community College's other prestigious health care degree programs. The College offers degree programs in Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant Studies, Respiratory Care, Polysomnographic Technology and Veterinary Technology. The College also offers degree programs in Human Services and Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies.

Motorcyclists invited on 'Ride to Remember' veterans

By Billie Owens

This Saturday is the “Ride to Remember,” sponsored by Genesee Veterans Support Network (GVSN) and Stan’s Harley Davidson. This ride honors those who served and sacrificed in defense of our freedoms.

Ride registration opens at Stan’s from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Guided rides begin at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Maps and directions are provided for those who wish to ride independently. It will be a 60-mile ride with three stops.

Event Date and Time
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'Corsets, crinolines, and other instruments of torture' is topic of last HLOM's last Spring lecture

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Did you ever wonder who wore corsets? Why did they wear them for over 500 years? Did you know men wore corsets in some time periods? What were the benefits of wearing them? 

A review of the fashion corsetry in the 18th and 19th centuries will be presented by Gail Argetsinger at the Holland Land Office Museum, 131 W. Main St. Batavia, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25.

She is an associate professor and costume designer in the Department of Theatre at SUNY Brockport who designs and builds the costumes for the plays and teaches costume-related courses at Brockport.

A favorite class is History of Costumes, which studies many corseting techniques. Her costumes have been seen frequently onstage in the Rochester area, particularly at National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology and the Jewish Community Center of Rochester. She has designed several outdoor dramas throughout the country, including the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, the musical UTAH! for the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George, Utah, and the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra. She lives in Greece with her husband, Jerry, and two sons.

This lively and informative presentation is the last of the Spring 2013 series of lectures brought to you by the Holland Land Office Museum. It is open to everyone – all ages will enjoy this – general admission is $5 per person or $2 for museum members. Refreshments and a question and answer session with Professor Argetsinger will follow.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call Jeff Donahue, Director, at 343-4727.

School district receives BEA award

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information submitted by Robert Mullen.

The Apple Award - Presented to the Batavia City School District...

...at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce - Business Education Alliance - Annual Spring Breakfast Meeting held on Fri., May 17th, 2013 at the Terry Hills Golf Course, Restaurant, & Banquet Facility.

Accepting the award (pictured L to R) from BEA President Mrs. Kitty Maerten (Superintendent of the Alexander School Distirict) are Mrs. Jillian Thomas - High School Business Teacher and Junior Achievement Coordinator for the Bataiva City Schools, Mr. Shawn Clark - Batavia High School Principaland Mrs. Eileen Ognibene - High School Business teacher and coordinator for the B.E.E.P. (Business Education Employability Profile) offered through the Career and Financial Management course offerings.

The Apple Award is given to schools and/or programs that exemplify the characteristics of authentic learning through educational opportunities that integrate real world business experiences (both in-the-classroom and out-of-the-classroom) for enhanced student learning. Batavia City Schools was recognized for having a superintendent on the BEA board, a liaison who attends the monthly meetings, junior achievement programs offered in the district, a job shadowing program, a CFM class that worked with the BEA to offer mock interviews, job shadows, and an employability portfolio (B.E.E.P.) that students interviewed for in order to qualify for a scholarship.

Community Action Angels Vendor Blender

By Kim Gloskowski

The Community Action Angels will host a Vendor Blender on Saturday, June 8th from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Genesee Community College One College Road in Batavia.  There will be a nice variety of over 50 crafters & vendors, Chinese auction, 50/50 and lunch will be available.  For more information call 585-343-7798 ext. 114

Event Date and Time
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GC hosts last tour of China in October, info meeting about it is Wednesday, June 5

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Oct. 23-31 trip to China will be the last the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will be hosting.

This is the last opportunity to take advantage of the exceptional value this trip offers. Walking across the Great Wall, standing in Tian Am Men Square, and viewing the gardens where the leaning Yanyan Pagoda that pre-dates the leaning tower of Pisa are just a few of the stops on the tour.

There is also an opportunity to see “up close and personal” the terracotta army in Xian. Dating from the third century B.C., the terracotta warriors were discovered in 1974 and are still being unearthed today.

Similar to the successful yearly trips since 2007, the Chamber is offering the community the unique opportunity to travel to China for the low price of $2,299. Price includes air fare (from JFK), bus to/from JFK, 4-5 star hotels, three meals a day, bus tours (with guides), admission to tourist spots, and airport taxes throughout the trip.

Of professional interest, this trip will present opportunities to learn a great deal about how the Chinese business system operates.

An information meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. June 5 at the Chamber Office in Downtown Batavia. To sign up or for more details call Melissa at the Chamber at (585) 343-7440, ext. 27.
Details on the trip can also be found at www.geneseeny.com/trips

Gasser Racing Series with antique & vintage cars begins at Empire Dragway, Leicester

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Gasser Racing Series begins at 1 p.m. Satruday, May 18, at Empire Dragway, 2011 New Road in Leicester. This is a fantastic group of adults, many senior citizens, who race antique and vintage cars from the 1930s to the 1960s.

Event Date and Time
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Darien opens water park Saturday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Warm weather is back and Darien Lake is helping Western New York cool off this summer with more than one million gallons of water. Darien Lake’s water park will open this Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

“We made a big splash for our 50-year anniversary with new attractions and upgrades at our opening last weekend,” said Bob Montgomery, general manager at Darien Lake. “Now, with summer weather here again, families can beat the heat and have a blast as we open our water park.”

Free with the price of park admission, the water park is a 10-acre water park keeping park guests cool with more than 1 million gallons of water. There is something for everyone, with slides, tube rides and more.

Take the plunge on the Tornado, which boasts a high-speed 132-foot long tunnel that rockets thrill seekers at speeds of 20 mph or take a break as you relax and float down the lazy river on the Flotation Station. Guests can soak up the sun and ride the waves in Crocodile Isle, a 600,000 gallon wave pool.

At Hooks Lagoon, children will have barrels of fun with pirate ships, water slides and pools. Also perfect for families is the Big Kahuna, a four-person rafting adventure.

The water parkwill be open during every park operating day from now through Sept. 2. For the months of May and June, Darien Lake’s operating schedule is primarily weekends and holidays, with full-season daily operation beginning June 14.

For additional details on the water park and all of attractions and lodging available at Darien Lake, please visit www.DarienLake.com.

Genesee Symphony Orchestra's annual meeting / dinner will be at Bohn's

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will hold its annual meeting at 6 p.m. on June 12 at Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. Dinner will be pre-selected options from Bohn's menu.

All patrons, board members, orchestra members and season subscribers are welcome. If you are interested, contact Ken Pike at Kennethrpike@gmail.com

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Fundraiser Saturday at Batavia YWCA for local Anna's Wish Foundation, Chinese auction donations needed

By Billie Owens

There's a fundraiser this Saturday, May 18, at the Batavia YWCA from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters and other vendors will have a variety of nice items to sell to benefit the Anna's Wish Foundation, named after the daughter of the Batavia High School vice principal.

Anyone willing to donate to a Chinese auction, please contact kellie wade @ kelliew9@yahoo.com!
 

Event Date and Time
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Roths present donation to HomeCare & Hospice

By Howard B. Owens

The Allstate Foundation recently presented two $1,000 grants to the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation, Inc. in honor of local Allstate Insurance agents Mike Roth and Keith Roth, who are both event volunteers for HomeCare & Hospice.  Pictured are Mike Roth Linda Cummings abd Keith Roth.

Darien Lakes tickets available for purchases at GC Chamber Office

By Billie Owens

You can buy tickets for the 2013 season at Darien Lakes at The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. Opening Weekend is May 11.

The chamber office is conveniently located in Downtown Batavia, 210 E. Main St.

Adult Tickets Available Only. 

Prices for “Good Any Day” tickets are, $30 per person for Chamber Members and for Non Members $34.99.  Ticket price includes both Darien Lake Theme Park & Splashtown at Darien Lake. This price includes FREE PARKING.

Children's tickets are NOT available at the Chamber Office -- they can be purchased at the gate for $29.99. Chamber Adult tickets CAN BE USED FOR CHILDREN. Children tickets are priced by height & must be less than 48” tall. Children under 2 years get in free.

Tickets are available at the Chamber Office Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They are not available for purchase on weekends.

Assemblyman Hawley speaks at Independent Living Luncheon on Friday

By Billie Owens

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is presenting its Third Annual Luncheon and Fundraiser on Friday, May 10 at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility, Batavia.

The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. with New York State Assemblyman Stephen Hawley who represents the 139th district. The assemblyman will deliver the keynote address followed by a question-and-answer session.

The Third Annual Luncheon and Fundraiser will support ILGR’s programs and services for people with disabilities throughout the Genesee Region. The assemblyman will focus on the work of his office within the community.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) is a part of the WNY Independent Living, Inc., family of agencies. The ILGR office is located at 113 Main St., Suite 5, Batavia. For more than three years, the agency has offered individuals of the Genesee Region (Orleans, Genesee and Wyoming counties) four core services including information and referral, peer counseling, independent living skills training, and individual and community advocacy, through empowerment, education and equality for all, regardless of disability.

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