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Here's a news release from Todd Haight at Batavia Downs.

Congratulations to Florence Ferrando, of Churchville, the winner of the Sept. 18 Batavia Downs Casino $1,000 Handicapping Contest.

She bested 312 other contestants with a top score of 47 points to claim the $500 top prize.

Frank Camiola, of East Rochester, took home $250 for finishing second via the tiebreaker over Dan Dickens, of Batavia. Each finished with 46 points but Camiola’s tiebreaker total of $92.40 was well ahead of Dickens, who received $125.

Six contestants finished with 44 points. Once again the tiebreaker -- $2 to win on every winner selected -- helped vault Jeff Grabowski into the fourth place and William Park into fifth. Grabowski’s tiebreaker total of $32.30 was good enough to win $75 while Park’s $27.30 tiebreaker total earned him $50.

All prize money can be picked up beginning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at Players Club. The final free handicapping contest of the season takes place Oct. 9.

Here's a news release from Todd Haight at Batavia Downs.

The 2010 New York Sire Stakes season ended with a bang on Saturday night with a pair of track records set and another impressive appearance by Jezzy, now a perfect 10 for 10 lifetime.

The evening featured four divisions of 3-year-old colt and gelding trotters and three events for 2-year-old trotting fillies. More than $275,000 in stakes money was offered.

The Credit Winner colt, Stimulus, started the fireworks when he trotted to a new track record for 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings in the very first race.

Leaving from the rail, Stimulus with Marcus Johansson in the bike, sat the two-hole until the top of the stretch and roared out of the pocket to a 1:57.3 score, lowering Russell Hill’s record, set last season, by a fifth of a second.

Stimulus is owned by the contingent of Christina Takter, John Fielding and Falkbolagen Ab. Jimmy Takter is the conditioner.

However Stimulus’s name didn’t stay in the record books long, as another son of Credit Winner, Whata Winner, would annihilate that standard later in the evening.

Leaving from the rail with Hall of Famer Jim Doherty in the sulky, Whata Winner was sent right to the front and never looked back, turning back heavily favored Blacktuxwhitesox’s (Jeff Gregory) stretch bid to notch his name in the record books with a 1:56.2 clocking.

His time was just two-fifths of a second off Earl’s all-age record. The fractions were :28-:58-1:26.2. Whata Winner is trained and co-owned by Jim Doherty along with Thomas Dillon and Terrax, Inc. Whata Winner scored his eight win of the campaign and raised his 2010 earnings to more $247,000.

The much heralded trotting sensation Jezzy had no problem remaining unbeaten heading to next Saturday's Yonkers Night of Champion finals for 2-year-old trotting fillies when she cruised to the best 6-1/2 length score in 2:03 for trainer/driver Ray Schnittker. Not that she needed any help, but five early breakers made her appearance basically a training mile.

Ray Schnittker, Jerry Silva, Jeffrey Gural and Theodore Gewertz own the Credit Winner-Ladylind freshman. Gural’s Little E farm bred Jezzy who has earned over $222,000 for her connections.

Dreamy Dawn become the new track record holder for 2-year-old trotting fillies at the Downs when she easily lowered Princess Maddie’s (2:00.4) record by almost two seconds.

Sent right to the top from post-two by reinsman Jeff Gregory, Dreamy Dawn put up all the numbers en route to 4-1/2 length, 1:59 victory to establish the mark. The fractions were :29-:59-1:29. The quickly improving Dream Vacation - Divine Eos juvenile is owned/trained and was bred by Ed Lohmeyer.

“What a fantastic New York Sire Stakes season we’ve had,” Mike Kane, vice president of Live Racing said. “We had six track records set and the fans came out to watch. Our on-track handle was up 16 percent tonight thanks to a great racing card.”
 
The final NYSS late closers of the season take place when racing resumes on Tuesday night. Two-year-old colt and gelding trotters compete in four divisions worth $13,200 each. Two of the late closers will be raced as non-wagering events starting at 6 p.m.
 
Veteran reinsman Ken Holliday starts the new race week just two wins shy of career milestone 5,000. Post time for the first of 12 is 6:40 p.m.

Genesee Community College continues its commitment to providing students with cultural-awareness events with a second presentation in the "Wealth and Poverty" series. "Defining Poverty: A State of Need" will be presented by Deborah Naybor on Thursday, Oct. 7.

It will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Batavia campus in room T119. It is free and open to the public.

Poverty is often measured with numbers. Earning less than $18,000 a year or earning less than two dollars a day may place a family under the "poverty line," but these somewhat arbitrary limits fail to look at the basic needs of human beings.

Naybor has worked around the world to create sustainable income for poor families, to improve education and health for communities and to make a difference. She will discuss food security, housing, land rights and other aspects of global poverty in defining a person as "poor." Naybor will talk about what has been done at a grassroots level to reduce poverty and give the audience an opportunity to provide their own solutions to reduce extreme poverty at home and globally.

She is a professional land surveyor and small-business owner in Western New York.  She is the founder and executive director of Both Your Hands, a nonprofit organization which connects caring communities for global self-sufficiency.

This small organization has over 70 projects in 14 countries which create economic and educational opportunities for those in need. In addition, Naybor is a Ph.D. student at the University of Buffalo. Her research focus is on the impact of women's land rights on poverty. She is the winner of more than 20 awards for her ability to overcome obstacles, her business success and her dedication to reduction of extreme poverty around the world.

"We're delighted to have Deborah join us for what is sure to be an enlightening conversation about poverty across the globe," said Karin Kovach-Allen, dean of Human Communications and Behavior at Genesee. "We look forward to not only hearing her presentation, but also the open discussion from our students and what they have to say on the subject."

This event, along with many other cultural awareness events, is developed through the Global Education Committee at Genesee. The Global Education Committee is dedicated to recognizing, embracing, and celebrating the diversity of the human family. Through its varied activities, the Global Education Committee fosters multicultural awareness, understanding and appreciation, and provides opportunities to demonstrate global citizenship.

For further information, please contact Nina Mortellaro at Genesee Community College at 343-0055, ext. 6228 or <http://nimortellaro@genesee.edu >.

Here's a news release from Marc Coppola.

Candidate for the New York State Senate’s 61st District Marc Coppola is honored and proud to announce that former Congressman John J. LaFalce will be the Honorary Chairman of his campaign committee as he seeks to unseat the incumbent State Senator, Michael Ranzenhofer.

“I have always admired the Congressman for his statesmanship and advocacy for the people he has represented for many years as a member of the United State House of Representatives as well as a State Assemblyman and Senator.

"In fact, this is almost the exact senate district he represented when first elected to the New York State Senate in 1970. Mr. LaFalce cares very deeply about this community and I am honored to have his strong support as we try to maintain it, rebuild it, and secure it for generations to come” Coppola said.

As an elected representative of much of the 61st District for many years, the Congressman will be providing advice and guidance to the campaign on many fronts including, strategy and fundraising.

Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party Len Lenihan stated that, “While John has continued to be a supporter of the party and its candidates, he rarely gets involved in individual contests. If he wasn’t 100-percent confident in Marc’s abilities as a legislator, he wouldn’t be doing this. Marc is fortunate to have his support.”
 
In announcing his support for Coppola Congressman LaFalce stated, “Marc is smart, knowledgeable, articulate, hard working, and dedicated to the public interest. He will not be a part-time Senator, but will devote his whole heart, mind, energy, and time to our representation. I endorse his candidacy enthusiastically and sincerely believe he can win.”

Others on the committee include Dan and Christine Christopher, Nick Crocco, former Legislator Michele Iannello (Town of Tonawanda), Vianne Uthman, Michael Szukla, and Councilman Mark Manna (Amherst), Sam Scinta (City of Tonawanda), Councilman Justin Rooney (Town of Newstead) and Lorie Longhany, Chris Charvella, and Lori and Randy Dibble (Genesee County).

This week, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees:

-- Approved a change to the board of trustees by-laws, making the board's Finance Committee a standing committee.

-- Received, with gratitude, a vet test chem machine for the college's new Veterinary Technology Program from the Batavia Animal Hospital. Students will use the machine to learn how to prepare and submit diagnostic samples. Batavia Animal Hospital also donated a horse learning lab kit, large animal training manuals, and a variety of teaching resource materials to the program.

-- Heard President Stuart Steiner report that the opening of fall classes was smooth and successful. He noted that when all fall enrollment is tabulated, it will likely exceed 7,500 – a significant increase over last year's record-breaking enrollment of 7,208.

-- Heard Eunice Bellinger, Ed.D, executive vice president for Academic Affairs, report that 17 students have enrolled in the new Polysomnographic Technology program and 14 students have enrolled in the Veterinary Technology program.

-- Heard Virginia Taylor, Ed.D, say that the college is celebrating "Week of Welcome" this week, designed to build student engagement. Activities include a transfer fair, club information fair, picnic, dinner, movies and athletic events.

-- Heard Trustee Laurie J. Miller report that the School of Nursing Open House, held Aug. 20, was a great success. Trustee Laura J. Bohm encouraged all trustees to visit the nursing labs and learn how the program's patient simulators and other technology helps the students learn patient care skills.

-- Heard Vice President for Finance and Operations Kevin P. Hamilton report that 50 additional parking spaces have been added outside the new School of Nursing, located on the south side of Stephen Hawley Drive. He said that the college has made students, faculty and staff aware of the need to be observant when crossing Hawley Drive. Hamilton said that the college has also requested a speed reduction on Hawley Drive, as
well as pedestrian crossing signs.

-- Heard Hamilton report that the first coat of paint has been applied to the tennis court surfaces. He also said that work on the new art gallery is well under way, and most of the steel has been installed.

-- Heard Director of Development and External Affairs Richard Ensman report that the Branding and Identity Committee has been reviewing possible new visual imagery for college publications and web content. The Branding and Identity Committee has been charged with reviewing the college logo and other visual materials used in college communications.

-- Heard President Steiner report that Malinda E. Stulba of North Tonawanda is joining the college's staff as enrollment specialist for Health Studies/Nursing. She has served as a staff member of Niagara County Community College and Bryant & Stratton College. She holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University at Buffalo.

-- Heard President Steiner report that Melanie L. Jones of Rochester has been named to a temporary appointment as academic advisor. Jones has served as a counselor and tutor coordinator for the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and also served as a member of the staffs of SUNY College at Brockport and Wilberforce University, Ohio. She holds a B.A. degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and a M.Ed. degree from the University of Vermont.

-- Heard President Steiner report that Robert Frail, currently of New Jersey, has been named to a temporary appointment as International Programs specialist. Frail has taught and managed a variety of MBA programs in China, and he established a bachelor's degree program there at Shandong University. He's a visiting professor of English and Communication at Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College in Fuzhou, China. He has also managed educational programs in Korea. He holds a B.S. degree from Manhattan
College, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Columbia University.

-- Heard Instructor of Fine Arts Heather S. Jones and Instructor of Sociology Josephine B. Kearney report that 16 Genesee students participated in the college's six-credit interdisciplinary course offered in Amsterdam, the Netherland, over the summer. Students spent three weeks studying social problems, and documenting the city's character with digital images. Students also visited such sites as the Anne Frank House, World Press Photo Exhibit, Rembrandt House, Artisan Zoo, and many other locations. Students brought more than 2,500 digital images back with them. Jones noted that some students had never been outside of Western New York or on an airplane before.

Genesee Community College Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino named an 11-member Presidential Search Committee at the Board of Trustees' monthly meeting Monday.

College President Stuart Steiner announced six weeks ago that he plans to
retire effective Aug. 31, 2011 after 45 years of service.

Named to the Presidential Search Committee were:

• Diane D. Torcello, college trustee and secretary of the Board of Trustees, who will serve as committee chair; Michael A. Crittenden, professor of Physics and chair of Genesee's Faculty Senate;
• Norbert J. Fuest, director of Human Resources, Morton International, Inc., and a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors;
• Norman R. Gayford, professor of English;
• Ada D. Grabowski, retired Albion school superintendent;
• Laurie J. Miller, college trustee;
• Glenn R. Morton, college trustee;
• Lori A. Mould, student trustee;
• Michael S. Stoll, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and
  dean of Math, Science, and Career Education;
• Raymond J. Strzelecki, Building Maintenance supervisor;
• and Charles N. Zambito, Genesee County attorney.

Ruffino and Robert J. Bausch, Genesee County Legislative liaison to the
college, will serve as ex-officio members.

The committee will guide the search process for Genesee's fourth president, review the backgrounds of candidates, arrange for finalist candidates to visit the campus, and recommend three to five finalists to the board of trustees.

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees this week named Robert E. Parilla, Ed.D, of Academic Search, Inc., as consultant for the college's upcoming presidential search.

Academic Search, Inc., is based in Washington, D.C., and is a nonprofit organization that provides search services to colleges and universities nationwide. Parilla and ASI will assist the board of trustees and the college's Presidential Search Committee in identifying and screening outstanding candidates for Genesee's fourth president.

President Stuart Steiner announced on July 30 that he plans to retire effective Aug. 31, 2011. He has been associated with the college since its founding, serving first as Dean of Students and then as Executive Dean/Dean of Instruction. He was named Genesee Community College president in 1975, and is believed to be the second longest-serving community college president in the U.S. He is 73.

Board of Trustees Chair Charles R. Ruffino said that most community college boards use search consultants to assist in recruiting presidential candidates. The consultants maintain records of exceptional higher education leaders across the country, and actively seek out candidates they believe would be a good fit for the colleges they serve.

Search consultants also assist trustees in researching the backgrounds and capabilities of candidates. Ruffino said that Genesee's board of trustees wanted a search consultant familiar with the SUNY system, particularly with SUNY community colleges.

ASI has provided search and recruitment services in the higher education field for more than three decades. Since 2004, ASI has been involved with the recruitment of 177 college presidents and 256 other senior college leaders.

Parilla joined ASI in 1999. He is a former president of Montgomery College in Maryland, and prior to his service at Montgomery, held faculty and administrative positions at Cuyahoga Community College in Ohio. He has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of the University of Maryland. He holds academic degrees from Kent State University, the University of New Hampshire, and Florida State University.

In addition to his professional service in higher education, Parilla has served on numerous education-related boards, including: the Maryland High Technology Council; the Education and Human Resources Directorate of the National Science Foundation; Montgomery County Economic Advisory Council; National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission; Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools; Commission on Higher Education of Middle States Association; Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation; and Associate Degree division of the National League of Nursing.

He is also the author of many articles and papers on college leadership, and was recognized by the University of Texas as one of the nation's 50 transformational leaders in American community colleges.