Announcements

ART AH LA CARTE  is having a soft opening from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 12.

There will be a gift-basket giveaway, gallory showing, music from local guitarists and refreshments.

Come and "CELEBRATE ART" with us. Enjoy local artists and student works, too.

The following ART CAMPS will be offered this summer:

• Ages 6-9 -- July 19-23
• Ages 10-12 -- July 26-30
• Ages 13-17 -- Aug. 2-6.

Children will complete five art projects. Multimedium,  mosaic, watercolor, junk art and and texture painting.

Must register by calling 245-1655 no later than two weeks prior to camp. Class size is limited.

Here are summer events offered by the Genesee County Youth Bureau:

June 16: Genesee County-wide SADD 20th Anniversary Dinner

June 18: Reality Check FREE Outdoor Family Movie -- "Percy Jackson & the   Olympians" (PG) (Dwyer Stadium at dusk)

June 23: Reality Check FREE Outdoor Family Movie -- "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (PG) (Jackson Square at dusk)

June 29: WNY Tobacco-Free Programs Recognition Event, Dwyer Stadium, 6-7:30 p.m.

July 4: Picnic in the Park, Centennial Park, Batavia, 11 a.m. -5 p.m.

July 17: Oatka Fest, Trigon Park, LeRoy

July 21: Reality Check FREE Outdoor Family Movie -- "The Tooth Fairy" (PG), Jackson Square at dusk

Aug. 3: National Night Out — Austin Park Batavia 5:30-8:30 p.m. Plus FREE Reality Check Movie at dusk! "The Blind Side" (PG)

Aug. 18: Reality Check FREE Outdoor Family Movie -- "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (PG), Jackson Square at dusk

Aug. 21: Summer in the City, Kids Zone, Main Street, Batavia

Please call the Genesee County Youth Bureau for more information about these or other Youth Bureau events/activities at 344-3960.

Bring your family to enjoy these activities or volunteer your time to help out!

Beginning this fall, The Campus Shop, Genesee Community College's on-campus bookstore, will give students the opportunity to take advantage of a textbook-rental program designed to deliver maximum savings and convenience.

It will allow students to rent their textbooks for less than 50 percent of the cost of purchasing a new printed textbook. Plus, as an added convenience, students will be able to rent their books either in the store or from the store's website, <http://www.geneseecc.bncollege.com>.

This decision to offer a textbook-rental program was a joint decision made by the college administration and Barnes & Noble College Booksellers.

"The college is taking on this initiative to help students afford the rising costs of textbooks," Kevin Hamilton, vice president of Finance and Operations at Genesee Community College said. "We understand that not all students can afford to buy new books during these times of economic uncertainty and we're pleased to be working with Barnes and Noble to address those concerns."

Here are some additional features:
Students can pay the rental fees using any form of tender currently accepted by the bookstore – including student financial aid. (Note: For security purposes, a valid credit card must also be provided regardless of the tender used for the rental fee.)

Students can highlight or mark the rented books just as they would if they purchased a book and planned to sell it back to the bookstore.

Students can convert their rental to a purchase during the first two weeks of class.
The rental period is for the duration of the term/semester. Books are due back at the bookstore no later than 10 days after the last day of finals. Students can return the books in person or mail them to the bookstore.

Courtesy e-mails will go out as the end of the term/semester approaches reminding students to return their books. Books not returned (or returned in unusable condition) will be subject to replacement and processing fees.

About 25 percent of the textbooks assigned by Genesee's faculty will be eligible to be rented. Textbooks that have a consumable element such as an Internet access code or a study guide are not part of the textbook-rental program.

For more information about Genesee Community College Bookstore visit <http://www.geneseecc.bncollege.com>.

The annual Ramble Arts & Music Fest returns to Batavia from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 3 at Jackson Square.

This year’s reunion of past and present musicians and artists sees performances from more than 25 bands including: The Ghost Riders, Red Creek, Penny Whiskey, and Old Hippie Reunion.

In addition, a raffle for a Yamaha acoustic electric guitar will be drawn during the Ramble. More information can be found at www.ramblemusic.com.

Here's the upcoming class schedule for Blue Pearl Yoga studio in Downtown Batavia.

There are two different four-week sessions for yoga. One is from May 31 to June 19. The other is June 21 to July 24.

Costs are:

Four classes, four weeks = $40 (1 class a week)
Eight classes, four weeks = $75 (2 classes a week, or both sessions)
Eight classes, eight weeks = $75
16 classes, eight weeks = $136 ($8.50/ per class)
        or
Unlimited classes with Karen = $188 for eight weeks. That is up to 32 classes -- four days a week for under $6/ per class.

(Note: This Saturday's class (May 29)is canceled. It is Buddha's Birthday and there is a huge celebration in Rochester. Paula and Karen will be leaving at 9:30 a.m. from the yoga studio and returning around 2:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend. Here is the link to the event <http://rzc.org/sites/default/files/file/Buddha>.

Here's a list of upcoming classes at the American Red Cross, 109 Main St., Batavia:

• Babysitting -- Cost: $35 -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, June 12
• Adult CPR -- Cost: $35 -- 6 to 9 p.m., Monday, June 14
• CPR for the Professional -- Cost: $62 -- 6 to 10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday, June 15-16 (Attendance is for both nights is mandatory.)
• Infant & Child CPR -- Cost: $35 -- 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, June 17

Pre-registration is required for all classes. Payment is due at time of registration. To register, stop in any American Red Cross office or call 343-6098.

Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship recipients Emily Hopkins, Danielle Hirtzel and Ashlea Harmon with Scholarship Committee Chair, Charles Graney.

Teens from Batavia, Oakfield-Alabama and Churchville-Chili High Schools are the recipients of the 2010 Genesee ARC Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarships.  The $1,000.00 scholarship awards were presented May 25 at the Genesee ARC Community Center to Ashlea Harmon, Danielle Hirtzel and Emily Hopkins.

A member of the Batavia High School Class of 2010, Ashlea plans to attend Genesee Community College, then transfer to a four-year school to complete her course of study in Elementary Education, specializing in Special Education. Ashlea has given her time and talent to several volunteer opportunities such as Special Olympics, Challenger Sports, the Down Syndrome Parent Support Group Auction, Salvation Army and numerous Genesee ARC community events. She is also an active member of the National Technical Honor Society.

Danielle is graduating from Oakfield-Alabama High School and intends to pursue her career in Childhood Special Education. Danielle has dedicated many hours of community service helping with Challenger Sports, Stephen’s Table, Friends of Rachel program and other worthy causes. She is active in Girls Scouts, high school band, swim team, Library Club and a member of the National Honor Society.  She will be attending SUNY Brockport in the fall.

The third recipient, Emily Hopkins, plans to attend SUNY Oneonta, to study Psychology, with aspirations of obtaining her Master’s Degree in School Psychology.  A student at Churchville-Chili High School, Emily has volunteered many hours of service with Special Olympics, Batavia YMCA, Ronald McDonald House, Challenger Sports and Genesee ARC special events. She is very active in extra-curricular activities with her school and is a member of the National Honor Society.

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, Charles Graney, “The scholarship is a living memorial, honoring Mary Anne’s commitment to Genesee ARC and enriching the lives of people with disabilities.”

From the Batavia Lions:

The Batavia Lions Club recently presented its annual scholarships and awards to several local students at a ceremony held at the Batavia Party House.

Each spring, several graduating seniors at Batavia High School and Notre Dame High School apply for these scholarships, are interviewed by a committee of Lions Club members, and are chosen by the committee to receive $1,000 Scholarships.

In addition, selected students from both schools are awarded the Arthur Roth Fine Arts Award and the Bill Cook Scholar-Athlete Award.

A final award is the Batavia Lions Club Award in Communications which is awarded to a Genesee Community College student in memory of two former Batavia Lions and local media legends – Paul Bostwick, the former managing editor of the Batavia Daily News and James H. Gerrety, the former News Director of WBTA.

During the high school football season each fall, members of the Batavia Lions Club man the refreshment stands at both the Batavia and Notre Dame High School home football games to sell snacks. All of the proceeds are used exclusively for the scholarship and awards program.

The primary aim of Lionism is best expressed in our motto, “We Serve.” Each year, Lions perform services and provide goods for thousands of people throughout the world. Lions Clubs are non-political, non-sectarian service organizations composed of community members from all walks of life. The Batavia Lions Club has 53 men and women who enjoy good fellowship while working to assist their fellow Batavians and to make Batavia a better community. We currently meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM at Bohn’s Restaurant.

For more information, please write Membership Chairman, Batavia Lion Club, P.O. Box 456, Batavia, NY 14020 or simply speak to any member. The Batavia Lions Club congratulates all of these fine students as well as their parents and wishes them the very best in all of their future endeavors. It is comforting to know that our future rests in the very capable and talented hands of such outstanding young people.

Top photo: This year’s Lions Club Scholarship winners are Melissa Levins, BHS, Woodams “Woody” Clark, ND, Kristen Drilling, BHS, Benjamin Nowacki, GCC, Carissa Hyde, BHS, Erin Dobbertin, BHS, and Nichole Hart, ND.

Bottom photo: This year’s Bill Cook Scholar-Athlete Awards were presented to Matthew Hoye, BHS and Matthew Thompson, ND. The Art Roth Fine Arts Awards were presented to Angel Ramos, BHS, and Erin Kruppner, ND. Erin is not pictured because she was away on a school sponsored fine arts field trip to New York City.

Genesee Community College has named Connie Boyd the Employee of the Month for May.

Since assuming her current position as director of Human Services, Boyd has committed herself to the success of her students, making herself available to them, and continually demonstrating her compassionate and caring spirit.

Her colleagues continually see how much respect her students have for her. Not only does she make time for the students, but her commitment to visiting the 42 external internship sites covering six counties is astonishing. In addition to her work at the college, Boyd also finds time to be a devoted volunteer for the Volunteers for Animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter. She is a great role model and teacher.

As director of the Human Services program, Boyd coordinates and supervises all aspects related to Human Services courses and curricula, teaches field experience courses, monitors student internships/field placements in the community, conducts program assessments, serves as a liaison to the HUS Program Advisory Committee, and works on various college committees and community-based initiatives.

Boyd came to Genesee as an adjunct instructor and became a full-time faculty member in 2006. Before working at Genesee, she worked for more than 30 years in the human services field as co-executive director of the YWCA, director of the Office for the Aging, plus she was a Genesee County Legislator for six years, the branch director of Planned Parenthood, and has also worked as a vocational rehab counselor, child protection caseworker, and community educator. She holds an associate's degree from Genesee Community College and a bachelor's and master's degree from SUNY Brockport.

"My favorite aspect of working at the college is the opportunity to work with students who are enthused and passionate about the Human Services field and want to make a positive difference in people's lives," Boyd said.

She resides in Batavia with her husband, Charley. She has two daughters, Sasha Boyd and Ashley (Dave) Bateman and one granddaughter, Emmeline. Her hobbies include working at the animal shelter, teaching belly dancing, motorcycling, volunteering as a Ghost Walk guide and as a cemetery character for the cemetery tour (fundraisers for the Genesee County History Department, Batavia Cemetery Association and the Holland Land Office Museum), as well as gardening and reading.

Newly graduated Ben Bakos was named Student of the Month for May. He was a hardworking student in the classroom and out. He was actively involved in campus activities including the Campus Activities Board and the Student Development Series.

Additionally, he served as webmaster for Genesee's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) this year and completely revamped the chapter's website, as well as the New York State PTK website. Bakos also used his creativity to create fliers and posters for PTK activities and he designed the logo "Think Green" for the New York State PTK T-shirt. He was an active officer in PTK and was one of the volunteers who went to New Orleans to help rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. He was a great ambassador for Genesee's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

Bakos, 19 graduated from Elba Central School in 2008. He was an avid member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO Club) where he developed the CEO Club website. He was also a part of a select group of students who traveled to Chicago for the CEO Club. Ben is also a proud member of Christian Students United. He majored in Computer Information Systems. His plans include transferring to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh to study web design and interactive media.

He is a resident of Batavia and is the son of Bernard and Mary Bakos.

The sun is shining and all systems are “go” for the 2010 Tuesday Night Cruises at Batavia Downs Casino.

Cruise director Darrell Mase (pronounced “Mays”) and Batavia’s Lone Wolf Cruisers are supervising the shows in cooperation with Batavia Downs Casino.

Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. in the north end of the BDC parking lot on Park Road (near the OTB Simulcast Center – formerly Matty’s Pizzeria). The cruises will take place every Tuesday – weather permitting - through Aug. 31.

The shows are free and open to cars, trucks and motorcycles. All cruisers receive $5 in casino free play and the chance to win other prizes from the casino’s promotion staff. A cruisin’ soundtrack will be provided by DJ Dennis.

The best and brightest local high school students in Genesee Community College's Advanced Studies classes will be honored at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

In addition, local teachers who have taught in the ACE programs, or Accelerated College Enrollment, will also be recognized for their continuing dedication and commitment.

ACE allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit from Genesee while attending classes at their high school. More than 120 students from high schools throughout Western New York were nominated for the award, of which 60 were chosen as semi-finalists. The 32 student finalists will be announced at the Awards Ceremony.

Two new components will be featured at this year's event. First, Joan Cole, superintendent of Elba Central School District, will give the first keynote address at the Outstanding Scholars Awards Ceremony.

She has been working within the Elba Central School district for 29 years and will be retiring as superintendent at the end of this school year. She will share some insights on ACE Programs and offer some words of inspiration and encouragement to students.

In addition, the ACE Program will recognize high school teachers who have taught Advanced Studies courses through the years. Advanced Studies courses are taught by teachers who serve as Genesee Community College adjunct faculty at their respective high schools. The following Genesee County teachers will be recognized:

18 Years
Christine Nickerson -- Pavilion High School

17 Years
Thomas Trosey -- Batavia High School

16 Years
Suzanne Halas -- Batavia High School

15 Years
Jean Bartholomew -- Pavilion High School
Edward Brady -- Byron-Bergen High School
Jennifer Korpanty -- Batavia High School
Donna Thompson -- Genesee Valley BOCES (Batavia)

13 Years
Jim Dziemian -- Genesee Valley BOCES (Batavia)
Greg Kinal -- Pembroke High School

11 Years
Douglas Hollinger -- Pavilion High School
Loraine Mazza -- Genesee Valley BOCES (Batavia)
Chris Therrien -- Oakfield-Alabama High School
Shawnie Woeller -- Alexander High School

10 Years
John Mangefrida -- Batavia High School
Stacy McCarthy -- Batavia High School
Ryan Mosier -- Pavilion High School
Amy Sparrow-Percy -- Oakfield-Alabama High School

For more information about the Advanced Studies program at Genesee Community College call 345-6801, or go to <http://www.genesee.edu/ACE>.

Attention parents in the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District. There will be a PRACTICE evacuation drill for all students, K-12, on Thursday, May 27.

Dismissal for grades six through 12 is at 10 a.m.

Dismissal for grades K through five is at 11:30 a.m.

Any questions please call Merritt Holly, middle school principal, OACS.

Because of the major success the 2009 photo contest, the New York State Association of Counties has decided to hold the contest again this year.

NYSAC officials said more than 100 photos were submitted by 30 counties last year.

Genesee County Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock is opening the contest to local photographers, giving them the opportunity to submit their photos.

“With all the beautiful spots in Genesee County and all the talented photographers, this contest seems made to order for us!," Hancock said. "Please take the time to submit your photographs."

This time, NYSAC is looking for pictures that set Genesee County apart from other counties in day-to-day activities. The association is looking for pictures ranging from farm fields and barns to ice rinks and cityscapes.

Send in a photo that best represents our community. Submitted photos should be high resolution (at least 300dpi) at 4-by-6 inches. Deadline for submission is June 11 and photos should be emailed to legis@co.genesee.ny.us.

Should you desire additional information, please contact Carolyn Pratt, clerk of the Legislature 344-2550, ext, 2202 or <cpratt@co.genesee.ny.us>.

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance (BEA) is offering three career-exploration camps this summer Genesee County middle-school students.

Brand-new this year is a camp exploring careers related to math, science and technology. The MST Explorer Camp is July 20 and 21 and it is for students who are currently in 6th, 7th and 8th grades.

The MST camp on July 20 is for boys and the girls camp is July 21.

The camp fee is $25 and will run all day, 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch and snacks are included. It will be held at Batavia Middle School.

Students will learn how math, science and technology can translate to exciting career options. Some of the activities will include: designing and building bridges; testing CO2 cars; exploring aerodynamics through a hot-air balloon, a real race car, and an ultralite aircraft; experiencing energy; and learning about the future of alternative energy sources, and much more.

The MASH (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp will be July 27-30 for current sixth- and seventh-graders. The camp fee is $40 and includes lunches and snacks. The camp will be held at a variety of locations. including United Memorial Medical Center and Genesee Community College.

The MASH Camp explores careers related to health and health-care fields, including the new career clusters, life sciences and biotechnology. The camp is hands-on and offers a variety of interactive activities for students to gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be in some of these careers. The activities are led by dedicated professionals who are excited about their jobs and who want to share that with students.

Culinary Camp will be Aug. 2-6, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for students currently in sixth- and seventh-grades. The camp fee is $25. Students will receive chef hats and aprons.  This camp will be held at a variety of locations including Tops Food Market in Batavia, Genesee Valley Educational Partnership’s Batavia Campus, and restaurants in downtown Batavia.

Culinary Camp is a career-exploration camp for students interested in experiencing and learning about careers related to culinary arts and the hospitality field. Students will have a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of Tops and how the staff works to meet the local community's needs.

Students will spend three days learning cooking techniques and creating meals under the direction of the culinary arts instructor from Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The camp will conclude with a tour of restaurants in downtown Batavia.

For more information on these camps or to register, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at <mchamberlin@geneseeny.com> or at 343-7440, ext. 25. Information is also available through the school district counseling offices.

Tomorrow will be an important day for our county.  Nearly 20 agencies have worked together to bring information to the hands of individuals that may have not known where to turn when help was needed.  The Forgotten Children Event will include a display in front of the Courthouse of cut-outs representing children in foster care in Genesee County, a processional walk starting at 12:15pm from City Hall to the Courthouse, a Batavia Area Jaycees $1 Hot Dog Stand, free healthy snacks to the public, and information bags filled with brochures & program information.  This event is to raise awareness of all the children in Genesee County that live in foster care, services that are available to men, women, and children, and a chance to show support of all the wonderful people that our county has working to make this a better place to live.  A sample of agencies include Genesee County Dept. of Social Services, YWCA, Girl Scouts, RAP, Inc., Genesee Justice, GCASA, WIC, Community Action, All Babies Cherished, and Cornell Cooperative Extension.  This event is open to the public and is FREE!

On June 14th at 6PM the American Legion Post 332 will conduct a Flag Day ceremony at the Post Home on RT. 98 just South of the city line.

The colors will be posted by the Honor Guard Team at 6PM and Commander Ronald P. Konieczny will read the order of the day.  Post Chaplain, Paul LaValley will give a prayer before the burning ceremony begins.

All tattered flags to be retired may be dropped of at the J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home on 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia from 9AM  to 4PM.  All flags will be respectfully folded prior to being transfered to the ceremony area.

If you have questions or need any type of assistance, please call Commander Konieczny at 585-343-6158 and he will assist you. 

The public is requested to participate in this solemn service.

Leadership Genesee’s 7th Annual Golf & Bocce Ball Tournament is at 11:30 a.m., Monday,  June 14 at Terry Hills Golf Course. Gold Sponsor of the tournament is Clark Patterson Lee.

Teams may sign up for the four-person scramble that includes lunch, green fee, cart and buffet dinner for $100 per person by June 1, but the price is $115 after June 1. Registration for Bocce Ball is $50 per person and it includes lunch and dinner. Dinner only is $30 per person.

For team registration and sponsorship information, contact Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone at 343-3040, ext. 118, register on-line at www.leadershipgenesee.shutterfly.com or pick up a registration form at Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County, 420 E. Main St.

Leadership Genesee creates an experience promoting active leadership for Genesee County and is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension that offers equal program and employment opportunities.

Steve and Crystal Hawley present Annie Watts, a server at Larry's Steakhouse in Batavia, with a restaurant promotion card to benefit Genesee ARC. On Sundays through Wednesday until June 9, eleven area businesses will give a percentage of proceeds to the Genesee ARC Capital Campaign underway to complete work at the agency’s Woodrow Road site, the former St. Mary’s Elementary School.

Genesee ARC will receive a donation equal to 10% of each purchase when the customer presents a promo card or ad at participating businesses.   Clip and save promo ads were published in The Daily News, area penny savers and are available online at www.wbta1490.com.

Along with Larry’s Steakhouse, the following businesses are participating: Alabama Hotel, Alex’s Place, Batavia Restaurant Supply, Bohn’s, Clor’s, D & R Depot, Delavan’s, Sport of Kings, TF Browns and Terry Hills. 

 Money raised in this promotion will go towards the creation of a Culinary Arts Training Program at the Genesee ARC Community Center for people with disabilities. The goal is to train individuals in all phases of food preparation and serving for placement at jobs in the community.  

Donations to support Genesee ARC’s Capital Campaign may be made on line at www.peoplerealizingpotential.com.  Anyone with questions may contact Genesee ARC Director of Development, Shelley Falitico at 343-1123, ext. 231 or sfalitico@rochester.rr.com.