Stories from

Author, blogger and editor Ken Wheaton will bring his creative writing talents to Genesee Community College on Wednesday, Oct.13, for a reading from his first novel, "The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival."

The reading will take place at the Batavia Campus from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in T102. Afterward, Wheaton will have a question-and-answer period, followed by a book signing. This event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book are for sale in the Barnes and Noble Campus Book Store at Genesee's Batavia Campus.

In "The First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival," Father Steve Sibille has come home to the bayou to take charge of St. Pete's church. Among his challenges are teenybopper altar girls, insomnia-curing confessions, and alarmingly alluring congregant Vicky Carrier. Then there's Miss Rita, an irrepressible centenarian with a taste for whiskey, cracklins, and sticking her nose in other people's business.

When an outsider threatens to poach Father Steve's flock, Miss Rita suggests he fight back by staging an event that will keep St. Pete's parishioners loyal forever. As the First Annual Grand Prairie Rabbit Festival draws near, help comes from the strangest places. And while the road to the festival may be paved with good intentions – not to mention bake sales, an elephant, and the most bizarre cookout ever – where it will lead is anyone's guess. (Excerpt from www.KenWheaton.wordpress.com)

Wheaton's writings include editing and writing for Advertising Age and his essay "Bombs! Anthrax! Gas! Ho, Hum," appeared in The Subway Chronicles anthology alongside the work of Calvin Trillin and Jonathan Lethem. Born and raised in Opelousas, La., he now lives in Brooklyn. To find out more visit www.KenWheaton.wordpress.com.

"It is imperative that our students have the opportunity to speak with successful writers and poets who are working in the real world," said Shawn Adamson, instructor of English at Genesee. "Not only does it inspire our students to continue with their education, but it also inspires students to never give up on their career aspirations."

This author visit is funded by the President's Innovation Award. The PIA Program provides funding for innovative activities and projects that promote community involvement in the life of Genesee Community College, stimulate student and community pride in the college, or help establish pilot programs or initiatives with the potential for positive, long-term impact on the college.

For further information contact instructor Adamson at 343-0055, ext. 6156 or spadamson@genesee.edu.

For the third time in five years, the Cougar Baseball Team won the Western New York Athletic Conference Championship.

In game one on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia, the Cougars defeated Jamestown Community College 3-0. The team was led by pitcher Greg Rapp who threw a one-hitter in all nine innings while striking out five and walking three. Nate Smith and Adam Grace each had two hits to lead the offense.

In the championship game later that day, Genesee defeated Niagara County Community College 7-1 to win the WNYAC championship.

The Cougars took the early lead scoring in the second inning. John Broll led the inning off with a walk and then scored off a single by Jacob Featherstone. NCCC came back to tie the game in the top of the sixth inning, but Genesee was determined to battle back as they continued to score throughout the game to make the score 7-1.

Adam Grace led the team in offense going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI's. Genesee starting pitcher Shaun Slemko pitched 5 2/3 innings giving up two hits while walking one. Dan Sharpe entered the game and got the win pitching the rest of the way, striking out four and walking one.

The team will play at SUNY Brockport on Saturday, Oct. 9, in an "all day" game with SUNY Brockport and Finger Lakes Community College. The team will play three games on Saturday.

On Sunday, Oct. 10 the team will hold its annual Eastern Great Lakes Baseball Showcase at Dwyer Stadium. The team invites high school students, as well as junior college players, to workout in front of four-year colleges and professional baseball scouts.

This is one of the ways Genesee successfully sends its players up to other colleges. In the last five years, the program has had 32 players get baseball scholarships from colleges and universities around the country. Genesee has also had three players drafted or sign to play professional baseball.

The team finished its Conference fall season with an impressive 11-3 record. Coach Skip Sherman says, "I could not be more proud of this team. They have worked very hard and this a well deserved championship for this group of players."

All Conference players should be announced in the next couple of weeks and the team will then begin getting prepared for a competitive spring season.

GCC Baseball Roster:

Shan Alexander, of Willemstad, Curacao; John Broll, of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Bryan Depew, of Wellsville; Jacob Featherstone, of Ajax, Ontario; Charles Gibbons, of Port Washington; Adam Grace, Niagara Falls, NY; Ross Graham, Kingston, Ontario; Alex Harms, Hamburg, Germany; Manuel Hernandez, Valencia, Venezuela; Josh Hill, Akron; Josh Leavitt, of Kingston, Ontario; Ivan Madafferi, of Albion; Leandro Pereira, of Curacao; John Polonius, of Curacao; Bryan Pyper, of Toronto; Greg Rapp, of Cambridge, Ontario; Adrian Rosellon, of Mexico City; Daniel Sharpe, of Youngstown; Shaun Slemko, of Courtice, Ontario; Nathan Smith, of Brampton, Ontario; Kyle Taylor, of Ajax, Ontario; Jaymee Young, of Pickering, Ontario; Greg Young, Waterloo, Ontario.

For further information please contact Genesee Community College Baseball Team Coach Sherman at 343-0055, ext. 6454 or email: SSherman@genesee.edu.

The United Memorial Medical Center Foundation announces its Fall Auction, to be held Friday, Oct. 15 at the Holiday Inn in Batavia.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and a live auction beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The evening festivities are sponsored by Bank of Castile/Tompkins Insurance Agencies, Inc., Lawley Genesee/Lawley Benefits Group and Manning Squires Hennig.

Proceeds from this year’s auction will be designated to the UMMC Surgical Project, which is expected to be open in January. The cost of the event is $20 per person and includes dinner, wine and beer.

Tickets can be purchased by calling the Foundation Office at (585) 344-5300.

The second annual "Turkey Trot" will take place on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25 in Oakfield. Registration begins at 8:30 at the Caryville Inn on Main Street, followed
by a 5K trot at 9.

The cost to trot is $15 per person, children under 10 can trot for free! Price includes snacks, water, T-shirt, and after the trot, a hot dog and soft drink!

Join us for a fun morning walking the Village of Oakfield before enjoying your turkey dinner later on! Last year we had an amazing turn-out of more than 130 walkers who participated in our 5K (3.1 mile) route, raising $1,600 for the Alzheimer's Association.

We all have been touched by this dreadful disease, and again this year, we hope to raise more money and awareness to help fight this illness.

If you would like to pre-register, please send your name, T-shirt size and check to:

Turkey Trot

PO Box 192

Oakfield, NY 14125

Runners are more than welcome to run our course while the majority of folks walk or "trot." Whatever you choose to do, we hope to see your toes on the starting line, walking for a great cause, and enjoying our beautiful village!

The Republican Party's local headquarters will have its Grand Opening beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. It is located at 5 Jackson St., just around the corner from Main Street downtown.

Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steve Hawley will be there. Refreshments and hors d'ouerves will be available.

So will lawn signs, brochures and bumper stickers supporting Ranzenhofer, Hawley and candidates Carl Paladino and Dan Burling.

The Genesee Country Farmers’ Market celebrates fall with “An Autumn Taste of the Market” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8. Come enjoy free samples of recipes from the GCFM cookbook, "Field Notes: Recipes from the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market."

The cookbook took one year to complete and includes recipes that focus on fresh vegetables and fruits that can be obtained locally.

The market is held in the parking lot of Batavia Downs Casino on Park Road in Batavia.

Patty Hawley, 2009 market manager, was responsible for compiling the recipes.

“Our first 'Taste' was very successful and generated numerous sales of our cookbook," she said. "It made sense to do it again, but this time featuring recipes that are not only indigenous to our region, but also to the season.”

Samples will include: Duo Potato Bake; Butternut Squash Gratin; Cauliflower Cheese Soup; Lazy Golabki; and Apple Crisp.

“These recipes would fit in well with upcoming holiday menus,” according to Gail Christ of Christ Farm in Holley and a contributor to the book.

Sharon Brent of Schwab Farms says, “We’re always looking for new ideas for our Thanksgiving tables and this cookbook give us lots of choices for interesting additions to our menus. 'Field Notes' makes a great gift – especially for friends and family who no longer live in this area. Our 'Taste' is a chance to ‘test drive’ the recipes before you buy the book!”

"Field Notes: Recipes from the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market" is on sale now. It can be purchased at the market, which is held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays until Oct. 29. Cost is $10 and benefits the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market Association.

For additional information, contact Patty Hawley at 343-3329.

The Historical Society of Elba will host a fun night of music and square dancing beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16.

There will be a barn dance, literally, fiddle competition and square dancing.

The fundraiser will be held at the Torrey's new barn on Route 98, halfway between Daws Corners and the Village of Elba, on the east side of the road. Watch for them road signs. (The barn is Amish-built, red roof, white sides. There's a windmill, too.)

The Elba High School Jazz Band will play at 6, followed by the fiddlers, then the dancing, accompanied by Kelly's Oldtimers Band.

Refreshments will be available. Don't miss this wingding! Call Ron Komar at 757-2590 to sign up for FIDDLE contest or to get more information.

"...Rosin up yer bow and play yer fiddle hard!" -- Charlie Daniels Band ("The Devil Went Down to Georgia")

The Historical Society of Elba will be serving its slow-cooked Roast Beef Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 7 at the Elba Fireman's Recreation Hall.

That's on Route 98, corner of Route 262 in Elba.

The dinner will also include real mashed potatoes, homegrown winter squash, cabbage salad, pickled beets, assorted desserts, coffee, tea or milk.

Takeouts at start at 4:30 p.m., serving begins at 5 until gone. Adults $8.50, 12 and under $4.50. Children 4 and under FREE. If you wish, coffee and dessert only may be purchased for $3.

You may reserve tickets at the door by calling June Chamberlain at 757-2791.

Dinner numbers are given as you arrive -- no standing. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee, and beginning at 5, browse the Chinese Auction items.

You may participate in the Chinese Auction without purchasing a dinner. Items will be given at 6 p.m.

Auction items include fresh local produce, baskets of canned and boxed food products, paintings, things for kids, gift certificates and much more.

GO ART! will feature the artwork of Alfie Batt at its 10th Annual Community Arts Awards Gala on Oct. 2.

Batt’s original artwork on the event theme “A Prelude to a Winter Solstice” will be seen on all the gala materials and also on display there.
 
He has an eye for artwork and enjoys showing his creative side, especially making mosaics. He entered his mosaics on display by participating in the GO ART! exhibit at The Shirt Factory in Medina.

Alfie attends The Arc of Orleans County’s Day Habilitation Program during the day and enjoys sharing his artwork with all visitors. Alfie is well known for his love of animals and volunteering for the Orleans County 4-H Fair. He also enjoys taking scenic photographs of the landmarks in Orleans County and sharing its history with residents and visitors.

Recently, GO ART! introduced Alfie to art classes at Shawn’s Gate Studio in Medina and his discovery of acrylics opened a whole new world to him. Batt is quite proud of his accomplishments and has enjoyed sharing the opportunity with his peers.

For more information on the GO ART! Gala, call 585-343-9313, email info@GOart.org, or visit www.GOart.org.

Organized locally, the Genesee County CROP Hunger Walk has set a goal of 150 walkers, and hopes to raise $8,000 to help stop hunger and poverty, in our community and around the world, through self-help initiatives.

CROP is an acronym for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 and the walk starts at 9. It's at the Salvation Army offices at 529 E. Main St. in Batavia.

The walk is approximately 3K in length, an easy walk on city sidewalks, beginning and ending at the Salvation Army, with an optional restroom stop at the YWCA on North Street. Maps will be provided.

Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will stay in Genesee County, to be used for Community Action and the LeRoy Pantry and Help Fund.

Each walker is also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item the morning of the walk for the Food Pantry at the Salvation Army.

The remainder of funds raised will go to Church World Service, the sponsor of the CROP Walk, to be distributed in the United States and around the world to fight hunger. If sponsors wish to designate a different recipient for the funds, the list of alternative organizations will be provided. Funds may also be designated for Catholic Relief Service.

A Pancake Breakfast will also be held at the Salvation Army from 8 to 11 a.m. on the morning of the walk. The breakfast is open to the community, not just walkers. Cost is $3 for adults, $1 for children 10 and under.

Honorary WALK Chair Tom Rivers will be at the breakfast signing copies of his book, “Farm Hands." Books will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to CROP.

Genesee County joins some 2,000 cities and towns nationwide in community CROP Hunger Walks, proclaiming solidarity with millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live -- as well as with those served by local food banks, which share in the funds raised by CROP Walks.

For more information about the Genesee County CROP Walk, or for sponsor forms, contact Beth Stich at 344 3176, or any of this year’s team members (below).

The 2010 Genesee County CROP Walk Team: Roula Alkhouri -- Nancy Arras -- Dorian Ely -- Ron Hallman -- Bob Knipe -- Robert & Patricia Kurtz -- John McGowan -- Jim & Martha Morasco -- Beth Stitch -- Jackie Wilson.

Genesee Community College has named Patti Cassatt as the September Employee of the Month. Patti is the office manager of the GCCA Child Care Center at the Batavia Campus. She is also currently serving as the center's interim director.

Cassatt started on a temporary basis as a substitute child care worker in the Child Care Center in 1999, moving to teacher assistant, then teacher, and in 2002 to her current position as office manager.

During this past summer and beginning of the fall semester, due to the resignation of the center's director, Patti stepped up to the plate by not only performing her own duties, but working diligently to take on the extra duties of the director. She ensured that the center opened for "business as usual" with the start of the fall semester.

Her leadership and attention to detail helped alleviate the anxiety of the center staff as well as that of parents and children in the Child Care Center. Her extra efforts have helped tremendously in making this as smooth a transition as possible for all involved.

Part of Cassatt's duties as office manager and interim director include overseeing the SUNY Grant, supervising 10 full-time workers and eight work-study students. She completes the center's time cards, immunization audits, CACFP food program, submits DSS vouchers and all purchase orders, grocery shopping and other necessary tasks. She also manages to be hands-on with the children of the center when she serves lunch to the children each day.

Before working at Genesee, she served as an executive secretary for 12 years for Prudential Insurance Company in Batavia. She holds an Executive Secretary A.A.S. degree from Genesee Community College and was also named Employee of the Month in February 2007.

"My favorite aspect of working at Genesee is the people here who make it a nice place to work," Cassatt said. "And of course, our child care teachers are awesome!"

She resides in Elba with her husband, Larry, son, Robert (22), and daughter, Stacie (19). Both of her children attended Genesee, and her daughter was a President's Scholarship awardee and is now completing her second year in the Physical Therapist Assistant program. In her spare time, Cassatt enjoys working with the Elba Sports Boosters where she organizes the concessions for the sports programs. She also enjoys spending time boating on Silver Lake with her family and friends.

The Genesee Community College Office of Alumni Affairs along with the Athletics Department are pleased to announce the first class of inductees into the newly established Athletic Hall of Fame.

The first class of honorees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a reception at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 in room T119 at the Conable Technology Building, Batavia Campus. This will be part of GCC's inaugural Homecoming celebration. Family and friends of the inductees are welcomed to attend.

The Selection Committee identified six outstanding individuals, as well one team, to be inducted into the inaugural class.

Inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the highest athletic honor that the college bestows on its alumni and supporters, and recognizes the outstanding athletic achievements of individuals and teams of every era who have fostered athletics and sportsmanship at the college.

The six individuals and one team inducted into the 2010 Athletic Hall of Fame are:

Anthony Cory: Athletic Coordinator 1970-1997

Anthony "Tony" Cory coached many sports during his tenure at GCC. He is recognized for his work with the 1971 Bowling Team, which won a national championship. He is the founder and past president of the Penn York Athletic Conference and has won many team and coaching awards in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), including: Region III Regional and National Championships in Wrestling and Cross Country; Region XV Regional and National Championships in Bowling; NJCAA Region XV Coach of the Year 1971; and NJCAA Region XV Man of the Year 1997. Tony earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport and a master's degree from the University of Maryland.

Robert Santini (Class of 1984): Bowling

Robert "Bob" Santini is recognized for his accomplishments in the sport of bowling. He was named Athlete of the Year and named a NJCAA First Team All-American. He is a National Singles Champion and a National All-Event Champion. Throughout his career, he has bowled five 300 games as well as one 800 series. He competed in collegiate level bowling at GCC and Buffalo State College. He currently competes in amateur bowling events at the local, state and national levels. Bob earned an associate's degree from GCC in Business Marketing and a bachelor's degree in Business Studies from Buffalo State College.

Margaret Sisson (Class of 1971): Athlete, Coach, Administrator

Margaret "Peg" Sisson has had a tremendous career while at Genesee. She began here as a student athlete, then returned to coach and teach, and is now the college's Athletic Director. She was a student athlete from 1969-1971, when she played field hockey, volleyball, basketball and softball. She has coached women's basketball and softball while at Genesee. She has coached five All-Americans, 90 All-Region players, 101 All-Conference players, nine Players of the Year and seven 1,000-point scorers. She has led the women's basketball team to six National Championship appearances, has been named NJCAA Region III Coach of the Year six times and been named District C women's basketball National Coach of the Year five times. Peg earned her associate's degree from GCC, a bachelor's degree from Parson's College in Fairfield, Iowa, and a master's degree from SUNY Brockport.

David Spiller: Basketball

"Dave" Spiller was a highly decorated athlete during his tenure at GCC. He went on to coach at many colleges across the United States including D'Youville College, Canisius College, Fordham University, St. Joseph's University, Boston College and Ohio State University. While at GCC he was named 1975 Athlete of the Year and was an All-Region player. He holds 10 records at Genesee including total season points (609) and career points (1,058). His career scoring average was 22.5 and his career field-goal percentage was 53. He was a second-leading scorer in Region III and was awarded several coaching, service and sportsmanship awards. He went on to play at Canisius College where he was the leading scorer in the 1976-1977 season. He currently runs basketball skills training camps for individuals and teams in Columbus, Ohio. He attended Genesee Community College and earned a bachelor's degree in Communications from Canisius College.

Mickey Hyde (Class of 1987): Baseball

While playing baseball at GCC, Mickey Hyde was named to the All-District, All-Region, and a two-time member of the All-Conference teams. He is proud to have been named the Scholar-Athlete of the Year at GCC in 1987, while participating in baseball and bowling. After graduating from GCC, he played five seasons of professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, culminating in a call up to Triple A Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 1993. During his caree, he was named the Philadelphia Phillies Minor League Player of the Month in April of 1991, the Florida State League Player of the Week, and the Phillies "Outstanding Player of Spring Training" also in 1991. He holds an associate's degree in Business Administration from GCC and a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Delores Chiocco: Coach 1968-1989

Dolores Chiocco began her time at Genesee as a Health and Physical Education instructor in 1968. She coached the 1969-1970 women's basketball team that went undefeated with an 18-0 record. In 1975, she assisted the college in hosting the first New York State Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Field Hockey Tournament.  In the summer of 1978, she helped host the United States Field Hockey Association National Olympic Trials. Also in 1978, she led the women's Field Hockey team to a victory in the NJCAA Region III Field Hockey Tournament. Throughout the 1980s Dolores led the women's Field Hockey and Basketball teams to multiple state, regional and national tournaments. She retired from coaching in 1989 and retired from teaching in 1996 to work part-time at the college as an academic advisor. In 2002, she was inducted into the Ithaca College Athletic Hall of Fame. She holds a bachelor's degree from Ithaca College and a master's degree from SUNY Brockport.

1971 Bowling Team

The 1971 Bowling team is the only bowling team in GCC history to win an NJCAA National Championship, beating out 20 teams from as far away as South Texas, including runner-up Erie Community College. Led by coach Tony Cory, the team won by a narrow three-pin margin, 5377-5374, to make history at Genesee Community College. The six- member team included: Joe Macaluso, Gary Nowak, Frank DelPlato, Bob Davis, Bob Kwiecien and Tom Andronico.

"These individuals as well as the team have truly brought honor to the college with their athletic contributions," Cliff Scutella, director of Student Activities and selection committee member said. "This is the college's way of giving back to those who have been great role models for the student-athletes at Genesee Community College today."

For further information, please contact Jackie Christenson, alumni coordinator at 585-343-0055 x6265 or email: <http://jkchristenson@genesee.edu>.