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Announcements

Festival of Hope for cancer at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

The 15th Annual “Festival of Hope,” hosted by Genesee Cancer Assistance, takes place 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday June 5 at Batavia Downs.

It benefits cancer patients in Genesee County. The festival will include Time Warner “Kids Zone,” a 5-K Run for Hope, the traditional Walk for Hope, a Chinese Auction and the “Lighting of the Luminaries."

Contact Gregg Torrey at 507-8139 or Rachael Millspaugh at 409-4008 for details.

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Hunter's Hope gets first Jack Kemp award

By Billie Owens

Darien Lake Theme Park Resort and the PARC Foundation presented the inaugural Jack Kemp Community Service Award to Hunter's Hope Foundation on June 1.

The award is given in recognition of the life and public service of the late Jack Kemp.

Hunter's Hope is a charitable organization committed to increasing public awareness of, and early detection and treatment for, Krabbe Leukodystrophy (and related conditions), which is a fatal, inherited disease of the central nervous system.
   
PARC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of PARC Management, operator of Darien Lake Theme Park Resort. It gives its employees, patrons, vendors, partners and parks  an inspiring way to give back to their communities and strengthen local children and families.

On hand at the award ceremony were: Randy Drew, CEO of PARC Management; members of the PARC Foundation board of directors; Chris Thorpe, General Manager of Darien Lake Theme Park Resort; Jill Kelly, co-founder of Hunter’s Hope; Jacque Waggoner, CEO of Hunter’s Hope; Jimmy Kemp, son of Jack Kemp; and Jack Kemp, grandson of Jack Kemp.

Batavia Concert Band to begin 85th season

By Billie Owens

Press Release:

Batavia Concert Band Announces Annual Concerts in the Park

The Batavia Concert Band’s 85th anniversary season of music-making and free public concerts begins June 24 in Batavia’s Centennial Park. Additional concerts and parades will feature the Band at other locations and times, including Batavia’s popular July 4 Picnic In the Park and Trigon Park in LeRoy.

The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: Sousa-style marches, Broadway show tunes, classical adaptations, fun songs for kids of all ages, big-band and swing numbers, popular songs from hit musicals and movies, rock favorites arranged for concert band… and everything in between.
 
The Band consists of 40 to 55 or so brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, and the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.

The conductor’s podium will be shared this season by veterans Wayne Burlison, Jane Haggett, Phil Briatico, Brad Meholick, Bob Pastecki and Derek Reiss. Derek and Dizzy again cap this year’s Concerts in the Park on Aug. 12, as a benefit fundraiser for the Batavia Concert Band.

Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during WWII. It currently enjoys financial support from GO-ART, concert sponsors, program advertisers and individual patrons. The Band itself sponsors a “Taste of Western New York” gift certificate raffle from selected area restaurants, 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other fundraisers.

Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings, in Centennial Park, Batavia (in case of rain, in the Genesee County Nursing Home). 

All concerts are free to the public of all ages. Light refreshments are usually available. Bring the family, some friends, lawn chairs or a blanket… and enjoy!

GCC expands youths' eligibility to take two free summer classes

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College has expanded the eligibility for high school graduates and GED graduates to take two free college courses this summer at any of the seven campus locations. Application deadline is June 15.

Under the Genesee Promise Plus Scholarship program, any 2009 high school graduate is eligible to take up to two free college courses during the June 29 - Aug. 1, five-week summer session if they attended high school in Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming counties.

Those eligible include:

  • Students who live in the four-county GLOW service area who earned a GED Diploma, regardless of age.
  • GLOW area graduates from home-school programs.
  • High-school graduates who attended high schools outside the GLOW service area yet accumulated college credits through GCC's ACE Program.

Eligible students can take up to two free summer courses at any of the seven campus locations including Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lakeville, Medina and Warsaw. The scholarship pays all tuition and fees but the student pays for textbooks. Credits earned can be used to get a head start on college and can transfer to all State University of New York (SUNY) schools as well as most other colleges and universities.

The one-page application form is available at all seven Genesee Community College campus locations, as well as on-line at www.genesee.edu/promise <http://www.genesee.edu/promise>.

For more information, contact Tanya Lane-Martin through email, tmlanemartin@genesee.edu or call the Admission's Office at 585-345-6800 or 1-866-CALL-GCC. You can also stop in at any GCC campus location:
GCC at Albion, 456 West Avenue (Rte 31), Albion, NY 14411 / 589-4936
GCC at Arcade, 25 Edward Street, Arcade, NY 14009 / 492-5265
GCC at Batavia, 1 College Road, Batavia NY, 14020 / 345-6800
GCC at Dansville, 9221 Robert Hart Drive, Dansville, NY 14437 / 335-7820
GCC at Lakeville, 5999 Big Tree Road, Lakeville, NY 14480 / 346-5070
GCC at Medina, 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Rte. 31A), Medina, NY 14103 / 798-1688
GCC at Warsaw, 115 Linwood Avenue, Warsaw, NY 14569 / 786-3010

Perry man earns GCC Alpha Medal of Service

By Billie Owens

Lewis J. Serventi was named the 2009 recipient of Genesee Community College's Alpha Medal of Service at the 41st Commencement Ceremony in May. The recipient is selected annually by the college's foundation board.

The Alpha Medal of Service medallion is encased in a crystalline sculpture. It  recognizes individuals whose philanthropic or volunteer support has deeply influenced GCC.

Serventi has demonstrated longstanding support of the college, especially with his early and generous support for the construction of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union. Financial contributions have been recognized with plaques in the south foyer of the Conable Technology Building and in one of the Humphrey Student Union vestibules.

Serventi retired as CEO and chairman of the former Lew-Mark Baking Co. of Perry, where he lives. He's well known for his involvement with civic and volunteer activities in the Genesee-Livingston-Orleans-Wyoming region.                              

"Lew and his wife Clelia have worked tirelessly to make our region a better place to live, and they have been unwavering in their support of Genesee Community College," college President John C. Dwyer said.

"They have given their time and financial resources very generously and very humbly. We are proud to recognize them with the Alpha Medal of Service. We hope and believe that they will be an inspiration for the entire College community, especially our students who will be tomorrow's leaders."

Past recipients of the Alpha Medal of Service include Lynn E. Browne (2006), Jerry and Carm Reinhart (2007), and John F. Andrews (2008).

The Genesee Community College Foundation is a charitable organization that marshals financial and volunteer support for the college. It is governed by a 30-member Board of Directors comprised of many of the region's leading civic and business leaders. The Foundation has funded more than 2,000 scholarships over the last decade, and was instrumental in securing support for the construction of two new buildings on the Batavia Campus and the acquisition of student housing at Genesee.

Lake Plains Community Care Network is offering "Take Action for a Healthier Life" for FREE!

By Christi Hayden

"Take Action for a Healthier Life" is a FREE 6 week program designed to help individuals better manage their chronic conditions (Diabetes, Asthma, Arthritis etc.)  Program topics include:

  • Managing stress
  • Medication management
  • Goal setting
  • Communication
  • Managing fatigue
  • Physical activity
  • And much more!

Location: Corfu Community Room- 116 East Main Street Corfu, NY 14036

Time: 4:30pm-7pm

Program dates: July 14,2009, July 21, 2009, July 28, 2009, August 4, 2009, August 11, 2009, August 18, 2009

*Participants will need to attend all 6 classes.  Please feel free to bring a snack or dinner for yourself!

Participants will have the option to purchase a book and/or relaxation CD for $20 a piece if they would like.  Family, friends and caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Registration is required.  Seating is limited so register by July 10th, 2009 by calling or emailing Christi at Lake Plains: (585)345-6110 or chayden@lakeplains.org

Fourth Annual Seth Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament at Chestnut Hill

By Bob Martin

If you're looking for some fun this Sunday, June 7th, get three friends and come play in the "Fourth Annual Seth Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament".  We're playing at Chestnut Hill in Darien.  This is a beautiful course and one of the finest in Genesee County.  It's a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start with a "scramble" format.  Your team can post a score to rival "Tigers".  We'll start you off with a light lunch before golf and a Char-broiled steak afterwards, we'll cap it all off with a Chinese Auction after dinner.  Cost is $75.00 per golfer.

This tournament is in memory of Seth Morrison, a young man who died as a result of a house fire in Darien.  Proceeds benefit the "Field of Dreams" sports park in Alexander.

If you're interested, call me, Bob Martin, at 344-0202 or e-mail to rmartin68@rochester.rr.com.

Rockette Inspired Workshop by Gina Pero

By gina pero

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to “kick-it” with local star, Gina Pero, fresh

off the 2008 Radio City Christmas Spectacular! This is your chance to

experience an authentic Rockette-inspired master class, and learn the ins and

outs and tricks of the trade!

WHEN : June 13, 2009

WHERE : Images In Dance

All participants receive a

free gift from movmnt

29 Liberty Street

Batavia, NY 14020

TIMES : 12:00pm – 1:30pm (Ages 7 to 12)

2:00pm – 3:30pm (Ages 13 & Up)

COST : $20 per participant

Email your registration to gpdancestar@hotmail.com or call 716. 390.8605

Magazine!

SPACE IS LIMITED SO

REGISTER NOW!!!!

 

 

Rockette-Inspired

Stafford Fire Dept. waterball & Volleyball tournament

By scott kibler

Stafford Fire Dept., Inc. 1st Annual Waterball Tournament & Co-Ed Volleyball Tournament -Proceeds to benefit the Stafford Fire Dept. Health & Education Fund- Date - July 11, 2009 Time - Waterball will start at 8:00 am Volleyball will start at 11:00 am until ???? Where - Stafford Fire Dept. 6153 Main Road Stafford, NY Cost - $25.00 per team (per event) Prizes -$ Cash $ (to be determined by number of entries) Food and Drinks will be available (Each team entered will receive a lunch ticket good for a hotdog or hamburger and a pop or beer (if 21 years or older) R.S.V.P.

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400 Towers Yard Sale

By Bea McManis

Donations are being accepted for the 400 Towers Residents' Council  Yard Sale to be held June 5, 6 & 7 at the Towers' front lawn.  All are welcome.  Refreshments will be available.  

Please contact Batavia Housing Authority at 400 Towers, 344-1888 or Pat Larson at 993-2851 if you have items to donate.

The public is invited to the Yard Sale  beginning at 9am each day.  Funds raised will benefit the 400 Towers Annual Picnic.

Genesee ARC Scholarship Winners Announced

By Genesee ARC News

Teens from Byron-Bergen and Batavia are the recipients of the 2009 Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships.  The $1,000.00 scholarship awards were presented to Jessica Monroe, Nichole Longhini and Lindsey Penders. 

 

Jessica, a member of the Byron-Bergen Class of 2009, plans to become a Special Education teacher in an elementary school to continue her desire to work with children with special needs.

 

 

 Nichole, a senior at Batavia High, plans on pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in neonatal intensive care. Nichole feels premature babies are at an increased risk for complications and future disabling conditions and she wants to help these babies early in their lives to be healthier and happier.

 

Lindsay, who is also a member of the Batavia High School Class of 2009, plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Special Education.  Her desire to pursue this career field was sparked by an internship at the New York State School for the Blind.

Three $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded to high school seniors each year interested in working in human services, special education or related fields.  The scholarship is in honor of Mary Anne Graney, a special education teacher, who died in 2004. According to Genesee ARC Scholarship Committee Chair, Shelley Falitico, “The scholarship is a living memorial, honoring Mrs. Graney’s commitment to ARC and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.”

Townline Road closed parts of this week

By Timothy Hens

Townline Rd (CR 26) between Rt 63 and Pekin Rd in the Towns of Batavia, Oakfield and Elba will be closed Tuesday, June 2nd to Thursday, June 4th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day for culvert replacements.

Tom Rivers Presentation

By Amy Vlack

There will be a presentation by Tom Rivers in the Barn at the Historical Society of Elba Museum on Thursday, June 4, 2009 on Maple Ave. Ext. in Elba at 7:00 p.m.  The presentation is open to the public and refreshments will be served.  Please join us.

 

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Storyslingers Book Discussion

By Darrick Coleman

Author Lauren Groff will join us via video conference for the August Storyslinger meeting. Lauren was born in Cooperstown, NY and grew up one block from the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Monsters of Templeton is her first novel, published in February 2008. It was a New York Times and IndieNext bestseller and was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for New Writers. The book tells the story of Willie Upton, who returns to her home in Upstate New York just as an enormous monster dies in a nearby lake.

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College Writing Workshop

By Darrick Coleman

If the mere thought of writing a college application essay makes your knees knock and your brow start to sweat, your worries are over! Sign up for the College Writing Workshop at Present Tense and let instructor Patty Hawley show you how to write a winning essay that may be your ticket in to the school of your dreams! Patty has experience writing grants and applications and will show you the do's and dont's for successful essays, share advice and tips for better writing, and help you discover compelling material to include in your college essays.

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Lunchtime Book Group

By Darrick Coleman

We will be reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson for our August meeting. Bring your lunch and enjoy a lively discussion! http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/lunchgroup.php

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Young Adult Book Club

By Darrick Coleman

The Young Adult Book Club at Present Tense will be reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie for our July meeting. This book won the National Book Award. http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/yabookdiscussion.php

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Lunchtime Book Group

By Darrick Coleman

The Lunchtime Book Group will be reading The Art of Keeping Secrets by Patti Callahan Henry for our July meeting. Bring your lunch and enjoy a lively discussion! http://www.presenttensebooks.com/events/lunchgroup.php

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Author Naseem Rakha Book Signing

By Darrick Coleman

Exciting new author Naseem Rakha will visit Present Tense to sign copies of her book The Crying Tree, which has been selected as one of the "Emerging Voices" authors at BookExpo America and has also been selected by Barnes and Noble for their fall "Discover Great New Writers" promotion. Visit http://www.presenttensebooks.com/ for more information.

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