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New York-Penn League's charitable foundation invites college-bound seniors to apply for scholarships

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs have announced that the league’s philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award more than $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league’s 14 markets.

The 2012 NYPL Scholarship Program is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league’s footprint, who has been accepted at any two- or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball has had on their lives.

The Scholarship Program will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly with their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional round. The 14 finalists will be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL’s three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.

“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation initiated the scholarship program in 2009 as a way to assist high school seniors from within our league’s footprint who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but have also demonstrated the positive benefits their local NYPL club has had on their life,” said Ben J. Hayes, president of the New York-Penn League. “The Foundation is pleased to have this scholarship program in place and to support our 14 member clubs in their year-round community outreach efforts.”

Applications are available by contacting your local New-York Penn League club or by visiting the official NYPL Web site, www.newyork-pennleague.com

The deadline to submit the application to your local NYPL team is June 22 and each team’s winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.   
 
The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its clubs, and their staff.

Car vs. truck accident at Alleghany and Sumner roads in Darien

By Billie Owens

A car vs. truck accident with injury is reported at Alleghany and Sumner roads. One engine from Darien Fire Department and an ambulance are responding. One person is said to have a head injury. It is blocking traffic.

UPDATE 1:21 p.m.: A person is being transported to Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Turns out there were multiple injuries in this accident. At least three ambulances are transporting patients. Another person is going to Sisters of Charity Hospital and four are inbound for UMMC.

UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Darien fire went back in service a few minutes ago.

Genesee Symphony Orchestra to hold its annual meeting at Bohn's

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra has scheduled its annual meeting for 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 13, at Bohn's Restaurant, 5256 Clinton St. Road, in the Town of 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 355-0987;  by mail -- 4 Lincoln Ave., Batavia, NY 14020, or e-mail eweoffice@aol.com

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee food distribution at fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announced that the next surplus food distribution event begins at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Kennedy Building at the county fairgrounds. It is located at 5056 E. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Distribution will take place until the food runs out but no later than 3 p.m. You may pick up food for someone else with a signed permission slip. For questions, please call 343-7798, ext. 116.

Everyone is required to bring:

Proof of residency in the form of a water, gas, electric or telephone bill;

Event Date and Time
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Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announces food distribution in June

By Billie Owens

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee announced that the next surplus food distribution event begins at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 6, at the Kennedy Building at the county fairgrounds. It is located at 5056 E. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia.

Distribution will take place until the food runs out but no later than 3 p.m. You may pick up food for someone else with a signed permission slip.

For questions, please call 343-7798, ext. 116.

Everyone is required to bring:

  • Proof of residency in the form of a water, gas, electric or telephone bill;
  • Some form of personal identification;
  • Proof of income, which can be any ONE of the following -- SSI Grant Award letter, SSD Award letter, SSA End of the Year letter, HEAP Grant Award letter, WIC card, DSS budget sheet, most recent income tax return.

The following annual income guidelines apply.

Family Size/Annual Income Limit

1 --- $20,036

2 --- $26,955

3 --- $33,874

4 --- $40,793

5 --- $47,712

6 --- $54,631

7 --- $61,550

8 --- $68,469

(*** For each additional person add $6,919 to annual income limit.)

Oakfield GCC student named to Western New York All-Conference Second Team

By Billie Owens

Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, was one of three members of the Genesee Community College Softball Team named to the Western New York Athletic Conference All-Conference Team. She was named to the All-Conference Second Team.

Chatt was second on the team with a .433 batting average and delivered 42 base hits. She drove in a team high 20 runs and also scored 20 runs. She appeared in all 30 games and led the team with two homeruns this year.

The Lady Cougars finished the season with a 13-19 overall record. They finished third in the regular season Western New York Athletic Conference standings and qualified for the Region III playoffs.

Genesee Community College athletics program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of the college. Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete.

The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

College faculty member promoted by board of trustees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees promoted 16 members of the faculty on May 14 in recognition of their teaching and scholarly accomplishments.

Promoted to the rank of Professor from Associate Professor effective with the new academic year were Jeannie L. Burdick, of Corfu, counselor; and Rebecca L. Dziekan, of Pavilion, Health and Physical Education.

Promoted to the rank of associate professor from assistant professor were Elise C. Banfield, of Rochester, Psychology; Maureen E. Dugan, of Penfield, Fine Arts and Ceramics; Ruth A. Gliss, of Akron, Nursing; and Lauren K. Paisley of Middleport, Business.

Promoted to the rank of assistant professor from instructor were Shawn P. Adamson, of Batavia, English; Valerie C. Bello, of Lancaster, Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, of Tonawanda, Physical Therapist Assistant; Kathleen T. Gurak, of Groveland, Health and Physical Education; Heather S. Jones, of Conesus, Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, of Lockport, Sociology and Human Services; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, of Alden, Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, of Geneseo, History; Catherine C. Wall, of Hilton, Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, of Hamburg, Criminal Justice.

College board approved tuition increase

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College will raise tuition by $75 per semester with the 2012-2013 academic year under the college's budget plan approved last Monday evening by the board of trustees.

Current tuition for New York State residents is $1,700 per semester, and it will rise to $1,775 per semester. Tuition for students pursuing study on a part-time basis will rise $5 per credit hour, from $140 to $145.

The board's $37 million budget is a maintenance-of-effort budget, President James M. Sunser told trustees. The budget holds staffing at current levels and minimizes purchases of all but essential equipment. It is the tightest GCC budget in recent memory, Sunser noted.

The board of trustees is requesting that Genesee County, sponsor of the college, increase its support of the college by $50,000 annually, from the current $1.936 million to $1.986 million. Sponsor support represents 5 percent of the college's budget. Over each of the last 30 years, Genesee has operated with the lowest or second-lowest level of sponsor support among all SUNY community colleges.

In recent years, New York State has cut aid to community colleges to pre-2000 levels, putting increased fiscal pressure on SUNY's 30 community colleges. Earlier this year, the State Legislature restored some funding, but aid levels stand where they were 10 years ago.

Genesee's low tuition and fees continue to make Genesee Community College one of the most affordable colleges within the SUNY system, Sunser noted.

In other business May 14, the board of trustees:

•    Named retiring Genesee Community College Professor Carl M. Wahlstrom to the rank of Professor Emeritus. The rank of Professor Emeritus is honorary, and signifies long and distinguished teaching service. Professor Wahlstrom began teaching at Genesee in 1975 and has become of one of the nation's leading authorities on First Year Experience programs and student success. He is a popular speaker at academic conferences and the author of numerous books and papers. He is the recipient of two SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence, and is one of only a handful of community college professors to hold the rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor.

•    Approved a one-year renewal of the college's contract with the Genesee Community College Educational Support Personnel Association, which represents secretaries, clerks, buildings and grounds personnel, safety officers, and other staff. The renewal calls for wage increases of 2.75 percent.

•    Approved the granting of 633 degrees and certificates to students, subject to their satisfactory completion of spring semester studies. This spring, Genesee expects to award eight Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees; 307 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; 281 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; and 37 certificates. Students who completed their studies during the 2011-2012 year will be honored at commencement ceremonies today at 1 p.m. at the Batavia campus.

•    Nominated Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino for the New York Community College Trustees Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Service. The Marvin A. Rapp Award recognizes New York community college trustees who have demonstrated extraordinary service and commitment. Ruffino's colleagues on the board cited his strong leadership, participation in college events, and heavy involvement in campus center development, the Med Tech Centre, construction of the Humphrey Student Union and the GCC Foundation as examples of his commitment and contributions to the college. Trustee Maureen T. Marshall said that Ruffino has exhibited "extraordinary leadership in so many ways."

•    Named 395 area residents to 28 program and campus center advisory committees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Most career-oriented programs at the college, as well as the college's campus centers, have community advisory committees that provide guidance to faculty and staff on curriculum issues, internship and job opportunities for students, and overall program direction. The board named advisory committees for the Arcade Campus Center; Rosalie (Roz) Steiner Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication and Media Arts; Computer Technology; Criminal Justice; Dansville Campus Center; Digital Art; Computerized Drafting and Design; Fine and Performing Arts; Advanced Studies and College Tech Prep; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; LIFE (Life Increases Future Experiences/Liberty Partnership) program; Lima Campus Center; Nursing; Office Technology; Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Paralegal Studies; Perkins Grant program; Polysomnographic Technology; Physical Therapist Assistant; Respiratory Care; Fashion Business; Hospitality and Tourism; Veterinary Technology; and Warsaw Campus Center.

•    Honored Student Trustee Phyllis A. Washburn with a Resolution of Appreciation for her service during the 2011-2012 academic year. Washburn's colleagues thanked her for her active participation in board activities and her constant presence at a variety of college events.

•    Heard Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino appoint a three-member Nominating Committee, which will recommend a slate of board officers for the 2012-2013 year. Named to the Committee were Laurie J. Miller, Chair; Benjamin J. Bonarigo; and Donna M. Ferry.

•    Heard Board Chair Ruffino thank and compliment individuals involved with Inauguration Week for their efforts. Ruffino called the week, April 29 to May 5, "impressive," and said he was especially pleased with the number of community residents who participated in Inauguration Week events. President James M. Sunser thanked the board of trustees and Inauguration Committee for the work they did on Inauguration Day. "I will never forget this," he said. "My whole family was overwhelmed by what you did."

•    Heard Joan Nobile, treasurer of the Student Government Association, report that Genesee's student clubs and organizations had a highly successful year. Nobile said that Genesee now sponsors 50 different student clubs. Highlights of the year include the Business Forum's sponsorship of the Ducky Derby, which raised $2,500 for Genesee Country United Way; accomplishments of the Genesee Cougarettes; the Earth Club's Eco-Fest; the Global Education Club's sponsorship of the sand mandala project and other activities focused on Tibet, the Respect Campaign, the Student Health Awareness Group's Relay for Life, student radio WGCC's mobile DJ service, and Phi Theta Kappa's sponsorship of a presentation by a Fordham University speaker on the subject of emotional intelligence. Nobile said that many club leaders were recognized for their efforts and accomplishments at the May 4 Student Awards Banquet.

•    Heard Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe report that representatives of Genesee and five other Western New York community colleges officially launched the Online Western New York Learning Alliance earlier this month. The Alliance (known as "OWL") pools all online degree and course information, promotes all online courses offered by the participating colleges, and makes registration easier for students. So, for example, a Genesee student who wishes to participate in an online course offered by one of the other participating colleges can easily do so, Dean Knipe explained. Each college has a "concierge," or advisor, who answers questions about the OWL courses and helps students register.

"This consortium lets us pool our resources, promote all of our offerings across the region, and helps us serve students much better," Dean Knipe told trustees. Participating community colleges include Genesee, Corning, Erie, Finger Lakes, Jamestown, and Monroe.

Car wreck at junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford TL Road

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident is reported at the junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road. One person is complaining of neck pain. Traffic is blocked. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Teen reportedly sick because of smoking incense

By Billie Owens

Law enforcement and medics are responding to a call of a 16-year-old male roadside in a vehicle at 5109 Ellicott St. in the Town of Batavia who is vomiting and nauseous due to a possible overdose from smoking incense.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: The boy is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of severe overdose of an intoxicant known as "Spice." He is reportedly experiencing "twitchiness" and general nauseousness.

Car crash at Genesee Street and South Lake Road in Darien

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at Genesee Street and South Lake Road. The eastbound lane is closed. Darien Fire Department and medics are responding.

Injuries are minor. One patient will be taken to UMMC and one will be taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville. Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

Two-car accident at West Main and Oak in the city

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at West Main and Oak streets in the city. Two flatbed tow trucks are called. City fire and Mercy medics are responding. Police are on scene. Fluids are leaking.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m.: City fire is back in service. No one was transported to a hospital; they were "sign offs."

Woman reported injured in ATV accident off Lake Street, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

A 40-year-old female has possibly suffered head and neck injuries in a 4-wheeler accident in Le Roy behind Bob Adams Automotive, located at 59 Lake St. Le Roy fire and ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: Perhaps the information was inaccurate. Le Roy was put back in service a minute ago and that's all we heard.

Howard's in Chicago this weekend, readers invited to submit digital photos taken at their events

By Billie Owens

FYI...Howard will soon board a plane in Buffalo and head to Chicago. He is attending a small conclave of independent online news publishers from across the nation. He returns this Sunday afternoon.

The Batavian welcomes digital photos taken by readers at events this weekend. We will take a look at submissions and may post them on the Home Page on Sunday -- or on Saturday if time permits.

Meanwhile, I'll be listening to the scanner and posting items as warranted.

Have a great weekend! The weather is supposed to be really nice.

Long weekend of fun on tap at Darien Lakes' SplashTown

By Billie Owens

Press release:

With steamy, summer-like weather in the Western New York forecast, this coming weekend will be perfect for cooling off in more than 1 million gallons of water at Darien Lake.

SplashTown, a 10-acre water park free with the price of park admission, opens for the exciting 2012 season on Friday, May 18. Best of all, guests can have extended fun in the water park and the entire park, as Darien Lake celebrates its second weekend of the season with a long weekend, open from Friday through Monday, May 21.

Darien Lake’s water park boasts more than 1 million gallons of water and slides, tube rides, twists and turns for everyone, from Big Kahuna, an extreme tubing experience on a four-person raft, to Cannon Ball Run’s high-speed drop and 160-foot plunge. Crocodile Isle is a 750,000 gallon wave pool, where guests can fight the waves, take a dip or soak up the sun, while Flotation Station offers a relaxing float down the 16-foot-wide lazy river. More details about the water park are available online at www.DarienLake.com.

“Our opening weekend was spectacular, as guests came to see and experience our new attractions and upgrades,” said Bob Montgomery, general manager at Darien Lake. “This weekend will be an even bigger splash, with summer weather in the forecast, SplashTown opening for the season, and the park being open for a fun-filled, four-day weekend!”

SplashTown will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the season on park operating days. Darien Lake’s operating schedule is primarily weekends and holidays throughout May and June, with full-season daily operation beginning June 15.

Car crash at Maltby and Lewiston, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

A two-car accident with minor injuries is reported at Maltby and Lewiston roads in Oakfield. Sheriff's deputies are on scene. Oakfield Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Accidental death reported on Fisher Road, Oakfield

By Billie Owens

An 85 84-year-old man who has been missing since yesterday was found lying in a creek this morning beneath a fallen tree off Fisher Road in Oakfield.

A third-party caller reported this to dispatch around 10 a.m. Oakfield Fire Department was dispatched as were Mercy medics since it was not yet known if the man was injured, but still alive.

Responders discovered the body, which was well off Fisher Road between Lockport and Maltby roads.

The coroner is en route. Family members are at the scene as are Sheriff's investigators.

UPDATE 11:30: (Provided by Howard at the scene) The victim's name is Lavern Bridge, who lived alone at 6624 Fisher Road, according to Deputy Chief Gordon Dibble. The man's son last spoke to him on Wednesday at 3 p.m. A friend told investigators Bridge's normal routine was to have breakfast with him and when Bridge didn't show up this morning, his friend went looking for him and found Bridge's ATV first and then his body nearby. Bridge had been cutting down a tree and a chainsaw was found next to his body. The tree appears to have fallen and hit his head, Dibble said. Emergency responders describe his back yard as "park like." Dibble said that family members told him Bridge loved taking care of his yard and kept it well maintained.

UPDATE 11:41 a.m.: Oakfield is back in service.

Mulch fire next to credit union

By Billie Owens

A small mulch fire is reported on the south side of the ESL Federal Credit Union by the ATM. It's located at 4214 Veterans Memorial Drive. Town of Batavia Fire Department is responding.

UPDATE 6:05 p.m.: The mulch fire is out. Town of Batavia is back in service.

Local artwork on display today at Pembroke High School -- tole painting, Corfu Colorama Art Society pieces

By Billie Owens

Beginning at 3 this afternoon, the Pembroke Historical Association will display pieces of art from local artists at Pembroke High School in the cafeteria during the school district budget vote.

Featured in the display is a history of the Corfu Colorama Art Society, which was prevalent in the 1950s through the 1960s. More than 40 pieces of art from members of the society will be on display along with items depicting the popular style of tole painting.

The high school is located at 8750 Alleghany Road in Corfu.

Event Date and Time
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