There's quite a sight on Lewiston Road, Batavia -- MY T Acres has planted acres and acres and acres of potatoes, which are now in flower.

Rep. Chris Collins told graduating Oakfield-Alabama students Sunday: slow down.

Collins recounted all that might be taken for granted today that didn't exist when today's seniors were born: DVRs, GPS, iPhones, Google, Twitter, text messaging, satellite radio. The pace of life has quickened, but students can navigate the fast pace of 21st Century life if they have core values and take time to weigh their decisions against those values.

"With all of these advances in your lifetime, can you imagine what the next 18 years are going to bring?" Collins said. "Now that I've spent the past several minutes preparing you to think about the speed of life, I'm going to give you some advice that may seem counterintuitive: slow down."

The young men and women of the 2013 graduating class should take time to write a personal vision statement to guide them as they go forward in life, Collins said.

"As everything around us moves faster, or at least it appears to, I think it is all the more important that you take time for what really counts," Collins said.

Graduates should take time, he said, to ask themselves, "What do you stand for?"

"Life is all about choices," Collins said. "What you do, what you say, how you make people feel are all choices."

Collins closed with a quote from Elbert Hubbard, the WNY writer and thinker from the 19th Century.

The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.

Today's graduates should take action, get involved and make a difference, Collins said.

O-A's top 10 graduates: Paige Chatt, Jessica Cherry, Chelsea Cleveland, Jennifer Crossen, Brittany Denton, Kerry Mills, Teresa Natalizia, Alyse Shamp, Katie Spence and Morgan Zakes.

Valedictorian Jennifer Crossen

Salutatorian Brittany Denton

The chiefs Jason Matve Braces himself after a hit.

The Lyndonville Tigers, who play their home games in Pembroke, ran a defense Saturday that shut out the Jamestown Chiefs and helped secure a 40-0 victory at Pembroke Town Park.

Leading the defense was both Howie Wilson and Mike Schepis who each had a fumble recovery that turned over possession in favor of the Tigers.

Helping out on both defense and scoring on the offensive side was AJ Cleaveland who had two interceptions turning over the possession to the Tigers to start scoring drives.

On the offensive end Derick Adams had a total of three touchdowns, one catch and two runs to score. Other scorers in the game were Rob Williams and Clay Johnson with a touchdown each and Matt Mackintosh with a two-point conversion run.

The Chiefs (left) and Tigers line up for a play.

Tigers Matt Mackintosh runs past the Chiefs' Edward Jadlowski.

The Chiefs' Larry Hicks returns a kick off.

Chiefs' quarterback Dwaayne Vanderwork throws a pass.

The Tigers' Clay Johnson celebrates during his touchdown run.

Tigers' Rob Williams cradles the ball after taking a hit from the Chiefs' Shawn Battle.

More photos after the jump (click on the headline).

The Chiefs' Jason Matve takes on the Tigers' Jon Grann.

Tigers' Clay Jonson Runs the ball downfield.

Jason Johnson catches a pass over the Tigers' Derrick Adams.

The Tigers' Aj Cleveland intercepts a Chiefs pass.

The Tigers' Matt Mackintosh runs the ball.

The Tigers' Matt Mackintosh tries to escape the Chiefs defense.

The Tigers' Derrick Adams and Branden Eaton celebrate Adams' touchdown.

The Tigers' defender Mike Schepis blocks a Chiefs pass.

The Tigers' Nate Wright runs the ball through a gap.

It was another smokin' night of music at Frostridge Campground on Saturday night as the summer concert series Jam at the Ridge saw its second installment.

The headliner tonight was Blackberry Smoke, a band that's been winning fans in the year since the group last visited Le Roy, but for me, the highlight of the night was Blackjack Billy, the second act on the bill.

Blackjack Billy's country rock is fun and infectious, and they're also incredibly nice guys, giving fans all the time they needed for autographs after the show.

The band has one single out, which I was told is being downloaded 5,000 times a day on iTunes. The song is The Booze Cruise. The band played four or five other original tunes in their 90-minute set, mostly pretty much in the same vein -- rockin' country.

The band is based in Nashville and is comprised of Noll Billings, lead vocals, Jeff Coplan, lead guitar, Rob Blackledge, rhythm guitar, Patrick Cornell, bass guitar, and Brad Cummings, drums.

Next up for Frostridge is Molly Hatchet, July 13.

Before the show, fans who purchased VIP passes were able to go back stage and meet members of Blackberry Smoke, get autographs and get a souveniar picture with the band.

Jim Maier, of Brockport, won the drawing for the autographed guitar.

First slide show, Blackjack Billy, second slide show, Blackberry Smoke.

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Batavia's legendary landmark diner the Pok-A-Dot turned 60 today with a few hundred people turning out for the celebration.

Above, owners Joe Marone and Phil Pastore are congratulated by one of the regular customers, James Pero, on the anniversary.

Driving back from Darien Lake's 5K this afternoon, I stopped on Richley Road, Darien, for these two photos.

Stan's Harley Davidson hosted a car and bike show today at its location on West Saile Drive. More than 100 classic cars and show-quality motorcycles were on display throughout the afternoon.

Above, Stafford resident Don McDonald with his 1932 Ford, "Lucky Lady." McDonald bought the car in 1957 for $250, which was not only a lot of money in 1957, but it was a lot of money for a 1932 Ford, which in some cases could be picked up for $50 in those days, McDonald said. Some of his friends teased him then about overpaying for the car, but it's worth substantially more now.

Darrell Mase, of Batavia with his '57 Ford. The continental kit on the back is painted with a tribute to a late friend.

Paul Horton, of Lockport, with a '31 Ford Roadster Pickup that he restored and rebuilt with the help of some friends.

John Peck was serving up hotdogs and hamburgers.

Our DSL service at our house has gone out. We have an appointment for a service call on Monday. I can tether my phone, and I can go up to the office if necessary, but Billie's ability to post anything until it's fixed is limited. Since I won't always be around, this could mean delays with breaking news posts, and even some things that we might normally post not getting posted at all.

More than 8,500 people showed up at Darien Lake Theme Park today for the Color Me Rad 5K Technicolor Run and Walk. The event, which benefits Special Olympics, puts participants through a course filled with "color bombs" -- storms of colored cornstarch.

Press release:

The New York State Senate yesterday passed the Nonprofit Revitalization Act (S5845), sponsored by Senator Michael Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst), that would – for the first time in 40 years – overhaul state laws that govern charities and other not-for-profit organizations.

“The state laws that apply to not-for-profits were enacted in 1969 and, since that time, there has been no comprehensive review and update --until now,” Senator Ranzenhofer said. “Millions of New Yorkers depend on not-for-profits to respond in times of emergency, provide health care, and offer vital community assistance, among many other services.

In listening to the concerns of these organizations and officials across the state, we have developed comprehensive legislation that will help the not-for-profit sector continue to fulfill its essential mission in a streamlined and cost-effective way, while also reducing the opportunities for fraud and financial abuse.”

More after the jump. Click on the headline to read more:

Not-for-profit organizations play a critical role in New York’s economy and account for one in every seven jobs in the state. There are more than 103,000 nonprofits in New York that employ 1.25 million people and generate billions of dollars in annual revenue.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Senator Ranzenhofer helped develop the Nonprofit Revitalization Act after extensive meetings with stakeholders and the convening of multiple public hearings to examine comprehensive amendments to the state’s Not-For-Profit Corporation Law.  The Law covers a diverse array of entities, including membership corporations, cemetery corporations, fire corporations, religious societies, medical societies, alumni corporations, historical societies, agricultural societies, trade organizations, as well as charitable organizations, hospitals and not-for-profit nursing homes. Many of these entities are also regulated by other state departments, including the Department of Health, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Education Department.

“Piecemeal changes over the years have created an antiquated and intrusive regulatory environment that has even caused some nonprofits to leave New York and incorporate in other states,” Senator Ranzenhofer said. “In addition, the heightened scrutiny due to a few publicized acts of fraud and financial abuse, the slow economic recovery, and recent weather-related disasters have presented unprecedented challenges for nonprofits. The time is right to cut red tape, ensure greater accountability, and make New York a truly business-friendly environment for these important organizations.”

The Nonprofit Revitalization Act reduces unnecessary, outdated, and costly burdens to help not-for-profit organizations focus resources on providing services. It will improve oversight of operations which will have the dual role of providing organizations with better financial management and increasing the public trust that donations and taxpayer funds are being put to proper use. Key provisions of the Act include:

• Reducing bureaucracy and costly requirements by amending rules governing not-for-profit property sales, mergers, corporate formations, and dissolutions to create a more welcoming environment for new not-for-profits and a more business-friendly environment for existing ones. It will also increase efficiency by modernizing board procedures, such as enabling not-for-profits to use e-mail and video technology for meetings, and allow boards to delegate the approval of small transactions to committees.

• Strengthening accountability and enhancing charitable governance by setting forth clearer expectations of board duties in key areas, such as providing better financial management and oversight over financial audits. It includes new provisions to limit and, when necessary, remedy self-dealing to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure transactions are performed in the organization’s best interest. Employees of a nonprofit will also be prohibited from serving as chair of the board to help promote clear lines of accountability between management and the board and ensure independent board leadership.

"New York’s nonprofit sector rivals any other in the nation, providing crucial services to families and institutions across the state,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “But for too long, it’s been hamstrung by red tape in some areas, while lacking oversight in others. Today’s vote, the first reform to our charities law in decades, will allow charities to do what they do best — powering our economy, supporting vulnerable citizens and our most treasured institutions, while helping prevent abuse. I am grateful to Senator Ranzenhofer, Assemblyman Brennan, Majority Leader Skelos and Speaker Silver for their leadership in guiding this bill to passage.”

Assemblyman James F. Brennan (D, Brooklyn), said: “The reform of the state’s Not-For-Profit corporation law was much-needed and long-overdue. This legislation represents the right balance between ridding the current law of unnecessary and burdensome requirements, strengthening the governance structures of nonprofit corporations and enhancing oversight over them. I am confident that this new law will make it easier for nonprofits to incorporate in this state.”

Susan K. Hager, president and CEO of United Way of New York State, said: “United Way of New York State commends Senator Ranzenhofer for his thoughtful and bipartisan approach to getting this bill passed. He and his staff spent countless hours talking with many stakeholders and holding three hearings around the state -- the very model for what a policymaking process should be. The end result is a compromise, which is not surprising, however this bill is a very welcome reboot of the state's not-for-profit corporation law. The bill's provisions, including a commonsense reclassifying of charities, a stronger role for boards of directors in financial oversight, permitting the use of e-communications, and simplifying the merger and consolidations process, among others, represent significant reforms, which United Way strongly supports.”

David  M. Schraver, New York State Bar Association president, said: “We commend Senator Ranzenhofer for recognizing that not-for-profit organizations play a vital role in our economy and the lives of all New Yorkers. This measure would make it more attractive to create nonprofits in New York rather than in other states. It would help nonprofits thrive -– by reducing government red tape while not compromising government oversight. The New York State Bar Association long has called for modernizing the Not-for-Profit Corporation Law. We congratulate Senator Ranzenhofer on his leadership.”

Jennifer Leonard, president and CEO at Rochester Area Community Foundation, said: “Daily, every New Yorker benefits from the hard work of countless nonprofit organizations. The Nonprofit Revitalization Act, developed by an innovative partnership of nonprofits and state government, modernizes outdated state laws to simplify operation and strengthen governance of our caring, creative, faith-based and educational institutions. We all stand to benefit from its passage.”

Michael Stoller, executive director of The Human Services Council, said: “The Human Services Council, representing the nonprofit human services sector in New York, is a longtime advocate of reform in the way New York State monitors and does business with the sector. We deeply appreciate the work of Attorney General Schneiderman, Senator Ranzenhofer, and their staffs in generating the political will to take this important step toward a more rational and efficient framework for governing nonprofits. We look forward to working with them, as well as with the Governor and the Comptroller, on further improvements.”

Peter J. Kiernan, chair of the New York State Law Revision Commission, said: “I salute Senator Ranzenhofer for his leadership in pursuing meaningful reform to the state’s Not-For-Profit Corporations Law. The Legislature’s passage of amendments to the outmoded statute represents progress for the over 100,000 not-for-profit corporations in New York. The Commission was pleased to participate in the process that led to the legislation and hopes the dialogue about reform will continue.”

The bill has passed the Assembly.

There is a fire alarm -- and smoke has been spotted coming from a custodian's closet -- in the Ontario Cottage of the New York State Vet's Home.

City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:41 p.m.: A firefighter has gained entry to the closet and reports, "no fire."

A porch fire is reported at 14 Woodstock Gardens.

City Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 8:04 p.m.: Engine 11 on scene. Nothing showing.

UPDATE 8:05 p.m.: Fire located and fire is out.

UPDATE 8:11 p.m.: City fire back in service.

Press release:

Summer will be a happening place at YWCA, with the start of this year's Market at North Street and the unveiling of its exciting new Summer Adventure Program for children!

The Market at North Street is ready to go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Sunday, June 23, with 15 vendors selling everything from maple syrup and tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and strawberries to flowers, cheese, organic beef, farm fresh eggs, alpaca goods, wines, a variety of meats, artisan-crafted gifts, sweet baked goods, dried herbs, cheese and breads.

Each week will feature seasonal produce and something tempting to buy and eat right on the spot! Clor's will have grilled sausage and peppers, hotdogs and stuffed flatbread and will have assorted meats for purchase.

You may also want to relax for awhile and take in the sights and sounds of belly dancers, musicians and other live entertainment.

Market hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 29. SNAP and EBT accepted.

"Stop by to visit and get a head start on your weekly grocery needs. It's a fantastic opportunity to meet our local farmers and talk with them face to face about the products they grow and sell. That's something you can't do when you buy it off a shelf," says Market Manager Myra Schroeder.

"Agriculture is a big part of life in Western New York, and we are fortunate enough to have so many people willing to share their passion for healthy, fresh, organic foods with the rest of us."

The YWCA is also a pick-up site for Porter Farms' Community Supported Agriculture program. Participants get a bag full of organic produce each week for 22 weeks. The Porter family has graciously offered that for every 15 people the YW gets through its facility, Porter Farms will donate one free bag for a family in need.

What:  Scholarships & Strawberries at YWCA
When:  Starting June 23
Where: 301 North St., Batavia
Call:  (585) 343-5808

Also, for those who haven't heard about the YW's updated Summer Adventure Program, it offers kids opportunities for outdoor enrichment activities in the YW's six-acre back yard and field trips to Genesee County parks, planetariums and other fun places.

They'll also get to hone their culinary skills in the facility's commercial-grade kitchen and explore their green thumbs in the children's garden.

All of it is to teach teamwork, create motivation for learning and, most importantly, give kids a chance to have fun while exploring new things with their peers! But not everyone gets to join in on the fun, Executive Director Jeanne Walton said.

"Sadly, there are many families in our program who will not be able to afford the field trips, and their children will be left out as a result," Walton said. "We are seeking the support of the community to establish a scholarship fund, so that we can help more kids to be part of the full program."

A donation of $250 will allow one child to take advantage of 10 field trips offered during the Summer Program.

Your tax-deductible donation of any amount will go toward the Summer Program Scholarship Fund to ensure that every child may participate. Children may be signed up for a half-day up to five full days each week, depending on family needs.

For more information about these programs, call (585) 343-5808.

Press release:

The nationally recognized tie-dye spectacle and 5K run “Color Me Rad” stops at Darien Lake on Saturday, June 22, and is expected to draw more than 7,000 people, with nearly 6,300 already pre-registered for the race. Proceeds of the event will benefit the Special Olympics of New York.

Racers will be dressed in all white and run through the scenic grounds at Darien Lake while a Color Bomb Squad, made up of volunteers spread along the 3.1-mile course, takes aim at runners’ shirts, faces, and hair with a rainbow array of colors. More than 5,000 pounds of FDA-approved, colored cornstarch will be used during the event!

In addition to the Color Bomb Squad, walkers and runners will also be able to toss their own bags of color into the air, creating an unforgettable Technicolor display across the park.

In addition to the Color Me Rad 5K, families and participants of all ages are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous race weekend activities, including a Friday evening all-you-can-eat pasta dinner with live entertainment and Saturday post-race festivities in the amusement park.

On race day:
8:30 a.m.- - Onsite registration for the race begins
9 a.m. -- The first color bombs fly and waves of runners hit the course. (*Waves of runners depart every 20 minutes.)
11 a.m. -- Race ends

The amusement park is located at 9993 Alleghany Road in Darien Center

About "Color Me Rad"

Inspired by the Holi Festival of India, "Color Me Rad" is in its second year of turning runners into color revelers. This is the first year Color Me Rad comes to Western New York, and Darien Lake marks the 27th stop on this year’s nationwide tour. Color Me Rad™ will hold races across the U.S. and Canada in more than 50 cities. For more information and to see additional race locations, visit www.colormerad.com or check out what fans have to share on Facebook at www.facebook.com/colormerad.

Press release:

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 35th annual family event “Picnic in the Park” will take place on the Fourth of July from Noon until 5 p.m. in Batavia's historic Centennial Park on Richmond Avenue.

As always, this year’s “Picnic in the Park” is a free, family friendly event that will once again include all-day live musical entertainment, an arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more!

New this year is a Kiddie Parade, which will be held preceding the event. Harkening back to earlier times, families with children ages 12 and under are invited to bring their bikes, scooters or strollers to the northwest corner of Centennial Park – between the Main Stage and Richmond Avenue -- at 11a.m. to decorate them for an old-time “kiddie parade." Decorations will be provided, compliments of Kmart, and the parade will take place at 11:30 starting at Ellicott and Park avenues.

As is tradition, Main Stage entertainment commences at Noon with the Batavia Concert Band playing its traditional mix of Sousa-style marches and Big Band numbers. Founded in 1924, the Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during World War II. The Concert Band itself consists of 40 to 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from advanced high school musicians to 50-year veterans. Many have professional performance experience; the rest are advanced amateurs.

All members of the concert band love to play. Their repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, style and period, and includes marches, Broadway show tunes, favorites from hit musicals and movies, pop, jazz and even rock numbers arranged for band. Join the band for weekly concerts during the summer on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 in Centennial Park.

At 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 4,  “The Town Pants” take the stage with their own unique brand of rollicking Celtic roots music. With Genesee County native Mike Mastin on drums, this Vancouver, Canada-based band combines aspects of Irish traditional, folk rock and roots Americana, fusing their signature dual lead vocals to create their own unique brand of high energy "West Coast Celtic" that remains in the heart and head long after the music stops.

There are lots of Celtic folk rock bands out there, but rarely does a band have this combination of passion, energy, animation and spirit that makes for some of the most imaginative songwriting you’ll find in the genre.

Then at 2:30 p.m., Trio Los Arpegios takes the stage. They have been performing Latin American music for the past 24 years, specializing in the typical trio style of close vocal harmonies with guitar accompaniment. Led by Marcos Santiago, the members include Jesus Gracia Montes and Pedro Santiago, all on vocals and guitar. They will be joined for our Picnic performance by Latin percussionists Fermin Sanchez and Juan Collazo.

They perform traditional music from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Central and South America. The Trio performs frequently in the Rochester and Monroe County area, and has traveled from Buffalo to Albany, from Watertown to Binghamton and even to New York City.

At 4, The BossTones round out the afternoon with a wide variety of music ranging from traditional fiddle tunes, Irish, bluegrass, and Southern Appalachian to jazz and swing. The BossTones are a fiddle music trio comprised of Jessica Boss Collins (fiddle), Darcy Collins (guitar), and Jack Metzger (bass).

Jessica was first exposed to fiddle music through her grandfather, Roland Huehn, a musician himself. When she was growing up Roland took her to a local fiddle club, The Fiddlers of the Genesee, where she met another musical mentor, Jack Metzger. Starting in the mid 1990s, Jessica, her sister Meghan and Jack formed a smaller ensemble, The BossTones, and began performing throughout New York State. Darcy Collins, the newest addition of the trio, was immersed in many musical activities starting at a young age, and has been playing the guitar for 18 years. Jack Metzger, a veteran musician, has performed with various bluegrass and other acoustic music bands throughout New York State. In addition to playing bass, Jack is also an accomplished guitar player.

STAGE II, the “family stage,” features two rotating acts this year -- at 12:30 and 2 p.m. The Traveling Dressup Theatre entertains with their family friendly dressup storytelling; and at 1:30 and 3 p.m. The Stringmen perform their delightful mix of folk and participatory music for kids of all ages.

Throughout the day in Centennial Park, other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides and petting zoo by Hartland Carriages, and the Wildlife Educators Coalition returns with its wide assortment of animals. Geoffrey Clough presents his popular interactive program of children’s songs called “Cookie Songwriting,” and don’t miss juggling by Picnic fave Brian Kozody and new this year, Owen Gould. The GLOW Area YMCA will have its bounce house and inflatable obstacle course on site, and recycling is generously provided by Genesee County ARC. Also new this year is My Cowboy Miniature Golf with a nine-hole course, putters, balls, scorecards and pencils.

In the Explore Art! Tent families are invited to decorate paper flower pots and create paper flowers to be delivered to area nursing homes and hospitals. Also, kids can try their hand at decorating white paper bags to be used in delivery of Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. All materials are provided. AmeriCorps volunteer Beth Ely will help kids and adults explore art! Free face painting will also be available at the Explore Art! Tent.

Along the Richmond Avenue side of Centennial Park, artists and crafters are again featured in an Arts & Crafts Show & Sale. An amazing variety of arts and crafts are represented, such as hand-beaded jewelry, photography, seasonal indoor/outdoor woodcrafts, homemade soap, hand-woven textiles, tie-dyed apparel, ceramics, and much more.

Additional attractions consist of booths by community nonprofit organizations, including Genesee County ARC information and recycling education, Genesee County Historians Association, Batavia Assembly of God dunk tank and sand art, Volunteers for Animals with dogs and cats for adoption, St. James Church garden tour tickets and plant raffle, Habitat for Humanity, GO ART!’s Picnic in the Park prize giveaway and many others.

The Picnic always offers up tantalizing food by a variety of vendors, such as Abbott’s cones, sundaes, milkshakes and root beer floats, Lonsberry fresh-squeezed lemonade and soft pretzels, Kernel Cravin’ Kettle Corn, and, of course, the Batavia Jaycees famous "dog and burger stand" in its traditional location.

The event is funded, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts Folk Arts Program with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Picnic Sponsors include the County of Genesee and Rotary Club of Batavia.

Table Sponsors include: Batavia Area Jaycees; The Batavian; CY Farms/Batavia Turf; The Daily News & The Drummer Pennysaver; Stephen M. Hawley & Assoc., LLC.

Contributors include: Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C.; and WBTAi.com.

Flag Sponsors include: Bouchard Financial Services; Genesee ARC; Bob and Linda Knipe; McGinnis Excavation & Plumbing; SJF Construction, Inc.; and Tonawanda Valley FCU.

Friends include: DelPlato/Casey Law Office; Max & Jane Mason; Paula R. Schumann; Roger & JoAnn Triftshauser; and Wortzman Furtniture, Inc.

Additional support provided by City of Batavia DPW, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and the Porter Family.

Please call GO ART! at 585-343-9313, or e-mail info@goart.org, or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information.

Kermit Arrington, town justice in Le Roy for more than 20 years, community booster for his entire life, was laid to rest today Machpelah Cemetery.

Press release:

Through financial support provided by National Fuel and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), the first class of 25 graduates received certificates as part of a workforce development program targeting the food processing industry.

Certificates were awarded to the graduates in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt through RIT, basic dairy science and sanitation through Cornell University, as well as team building and OSHA training in a manufacturing environment through The BEST Center at Genesee Community College.

“This program is just another example of the high level of collaboration in our region between the public and private sectors and in this instance, our centers of higher education and food processing companies,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the Genesee County Economic Development Center. “If we are going to create a world-class industry cluster in the food processing industry, then we need to make sure our workforce is highly trained and educated.”

Cornell University’s Department of Food Science and Cornell Cooperative Extension has been a long-term resource to the food growing and dairy processing industry in Western NY.

“Workforce development is now a key to the growing industry and we are continuously developing and improving our training programs and accessibility to meet industry needs and to support economic development," said Tristan Zuber, Dairy Foods Processing Extension associate with Cornell University.

The first graduating class of 25 individuals was from a pool of 78 applications. Sixteen graduates were from Genesee County; three from Livingston County; two from Orleans and Monroe counties; and, one from Wyoming and Cattaraugus counties.

One graduate has been hired while 18 graduates will visit and tour Yancey’s Fancy, an artisan cheese maker in Corfu, as part of a job application project at the company. Alpina and Muller Quaker Dairy are also interviewing and considering the graduates at their yogurt manufacturing facility in the Genesee Agri-Business Park.

“This is just the first step in a process to ensure that as the food processing industry grows there is an ample supply of labor to fill jobs,” said John Jakubowski a workforce consultant hired by GCEDC. “The certificate program provides a short-term solution to fill a gap, but we need to continue working on a longer term plan so that people who want a career in food processing have the skills and training to be successful.”

As part of this process, Genesee Community College has asked the New York State Education Department to approve a two year Food Processing Technology associates degree. The program has already been approved by the GCC Board of Trustees and is now under review by the State University of New York as well as SED.

“While anticipating the implementation of GCC’s full credit Food Processing Technology program, The BEST Center will be offering three more sessions of the two-week, intensive certificate program,” said Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training at The BEST Center. “We are also reaching out to numerous companies within all segments of the food industry to expand employment opportunities for the program participants. After a very successful first class, we are looking forward to the next session which starts September 23, 2013.”

Those interested in applying to be part of next training cohort should contact the Genesee County Career Center (One Stop) in the Eastown Plaza, 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Batavia, (585) 344-2042. Applicants take ability tests in math and reading. If needed, assistance with these skills is available.


May 2013 GCEDC Food Processing Training Program Graduates (all of New York):

Craig Barnes – Le Roy
Dawn Czaja – Oakfield
Victor DiGregorio – Byron
Mark Ebersole – Mt. Morris
Mary Fulkerson – Rochester  
Jeffery German – Batavia
Laurie Gerstenslager – Delevan
Donna Heininger – Batavia  
Elizabeth Horner – Darien Center
Jeanne Jansch – Dansville
Kevin Jones – Batavia  
Sharon Joyce – Batavia 
Jake Kent III – Henrietta
Steven Lindsley – Warsaw
Donald Lowe – Batavia  
Catherine MacConnell – Bergen   
Jacob MacConnell – Bergen
David Minervino – Medina
Thomas Misisco – Pavilion  
John Mosher – Bergen
Rachel Neilans – Alexander
Elise Prevost – Leicester
Daniel Sobczak – Batavia
Paul Stack – Elba
Jamie Unger – Kent
 

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTBC), owner/operator of Batavia Downs has pledged its support of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act and the referendum that will be put to the citizens of New York State in November.

“This legislation keeps Batavia Downs Gaming as a vital partner to state and local governments,” said Michael Kane, president and CEO of WROTBC and Batavia Downs Gaming. “This act will allow us to continue providing good paying jobs and generating significant funding for schools and our municipalities. Governor Cuomo and the legislature recognize the significant contributions made by racetrack casinos in Western New York to state education funding and job creation.”

Genesee County saw no increase in the number of jobs based in the county year-over-year, May 2012 compared to May 2013, according to data just released by the NYS Labor Department.

In both months, the department counted 23,200 jobs based in Genesee County.

There was a 100-job increase from April 2013 to May 2013.

The County's May unemployment figures are not yet available, but the state's unemployment rate from one year to the next dropped from 8.6 percent to 7.6 percent.

New York as a whole added 85,700 jobs, increasing to 8,937,200 jobs in the state in May 2013.

For Genesee County, the total number of private sector jobs increased from 17,300 to 17,400.

Goods producing jobs remained unchanged at 4,000. Manufacturing jobs remained unchanged at 3,000. Service jobs remained unchanged at 19,200. Trade, transportation and utilities increased from 4,400 to 4,500. Government jobs decreased from 5,900 to 5,800.