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Toni Ann Petty, Human Resources Specialist at VA Western New York Healthcare System, is the recipient of the 2009 Federal Woman of the Year Award for the Western New York area.

She was selected from among candidates from various federal agencies in the area. This marks the second straight year that the award was given to a VA Western NY Healthcare System employee.

Petty provides retirement and benefits counseling to employees of WNY Healthcare System. Recently a recipient of national certification as a Senior Human Resources Professional, she is also an integral member of the facility's Federal Women's Program Committee. 

In addition, she's a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who advocates for female veterans and employee/patients on VA Western NY Healthcare System's Women Veterans Advisory Council. 

A luncheon in honor of the Federal Woman of the Year and Federal Supervisor of the Year will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at King's Court Restaurant on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

Genesee Community College is offering of a new criminal justice course in forensics this fall.

CRJ161 -- Introduction to Forensics -- is being added to the criminal justice curriculum.  Along with the current CRJ118 Forensic Anthropology course, the new forensics course will enhance student preparation in the CSI field (crime scene investigation).

The class is offered on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 12:20 to 1:15 and on Friday from 12:25 to 2:25 p.m..

Taught by criminal justice faculty member Karen Wicka, Introduction to Forensics is a three-credit course that will familiarize students with the basic principles of CSI and the scientific concepts and techniques used in a forensic laboratory.

Students participate in crime-scene analysis, evidence collection and evidence preservation. They also work in a number of forensic crime labs involving various branches of forensic science including fingerprinting, toxicology, serology (the study of blood serum) and impression evidence.

Specific forensic labs include blood spatter analysis, chromatography and handwriting analysis, blood typing, DNA fingerprinting and developing fingerprints using multiple methods such as Super Glue fuming.

Wicka has taught criminal justice full time at GCC for the past year and has been an adjunct faculty member since 2001. She has also taught criminal justice and forensics with Genesee Valley BOCES for 10 years, where she set up simulated crime scenes for students to solve. She has a law degree from Albany Law School and remains current on the latest innovations in the field by attending continuing-education training sessions with top forensic experts.

In Forensic Anthropology CRJ118, students examine human skeletal remains in the context of medico-legal issues. They analyze the scientific evidence of skeletal or badly decomposed remains to establish circumstances of death, and identify the decedent by estimating age, gender, racial affinity, stature, pathologic conditions, and traumatic injury.

The course also introduces human osteology (the study of bones), and presents methods and techniques used in forensic anthropology. The course discusses case reports, contexts in which human remains are found, and methods of recovery. Forensic Anthropology is taught by Dr. Jennifer Prutsman-Pfeiffer and will be offered on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 this fall.

Prutsman-Pfeiffer is a pathologist's assistant at the University of Rochester Medical Center in autopsy pathology. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at the School of Nursing. In addition to her work at Genesee, she teaches at St. John Fisher College, and is a National Institute of Forensic Nursing faculty member.

Prutsman-Pfeiffer has served as a consulting forensic anthropologist in counties throughout western and central New York State since 2000, and she is a former member of the Disaster Mortuary Operations Response Team, assisting with identification of victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Students in her CRJ118 Genesee class this fall will see and learn about actual cases she has consulted on locally, and possibly participate in some aspect of real case studies that may occur during the semester.

Genesee's growing criminal justice program will soon offer a course called Emergency Management. The program will also soon be adding special concentrations within its Associate's in Applied Science curriculum. Homeland Security/Emergency Management, Forensics, Policing, Corrections Counseling or the traditional general concentration will be among the options for students to consider.

"Genesee's Criminal Justice Program has a strong history of excellence." said Barry Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice and program coordinator. "The new courses and concentrations will enhance learning and allow students to focus on emerging areas within the field while still continuing to receive the traditional educational foundation necessary to become successful criminal justice professionals."

Students can still enroll for the fall 2009 semester for any of the following three Criminal Justice degrees at Genesee Community College: an Associate's degree (A.S.), an Associate's in Applied Science degree (A.A.S.), or a certificate. The A.S. degree program prepares students to successfully transfer to a four-year institution for a baccalaureate degree in Criminal Justice or a related field. The A.A.S. degree program is designed for students preparing to enter the workforce upon graduation for a career in law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, community service or private security. The Criminal Justice certificate program prepares students for employment opportunities, or helps develop a deeper background in the field for those who are already employed within the criminal justice system.

All of Genesee's criminal justice programs may be taken in a distance-learning format.

For more  information on Genesee's Criminal Justice program, please contact Barry Garigen, Criminal Justice professor and program coordinator at 585-343-0055 x6307 or visit www.genesee.edu/legal/crimjust <http://www.genesee.edu/legal/crimjust>.

Tuesday evening Aug. 10 is Super Hero Night at Dwyer Stadium. Join the Muckdogs staff and dress up as your favorite Super Hero. It is also Free Dog Night presented by Zweigle’s. The first 200 fans through the gates receive a free hot dog courtesy of Zweigle’s.

Also on Tuesday, KRAFT Singles presents KRAFT Singles Tuesday Night Tickets. Fans can bring a KRAFT Singles wrapper to the Muckdogs box office for a buy one/get one ticket courtesy of KRAFT Singles. Visit kraftsingles.com for more details.

Well before Tuesday's game time of 7:05 p.m., Muckdogs players Niko Vasquez and Beau Riportella will be signing autographs at Applebee’s in Batavia from Noon to 1 p.m..
 
The second game of the first series, which is against Vermont, starts at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, with gates opening at 6. It's Family Four Pack Night. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and a 2009 program for only $30.
 
There will be the first ever Belly Busters Night on Wednesday, too. Belly Busters features an eating contest between 10 lucky contestants. Fans can sign up at the Muckdogs' concession stand on Tuesday or by emailing tsick@muckdogs.com.

Starting in the 2nd inning, each contestant will attempt to eat a food item during that inning. Food items will start out relatively harmless and become progressively more challenging to the palate. Whoever is left at the end of the game, will be crowned Belly Buster King or Queen and will receive a prize pack from the Muckdogs.
 
Prize pack includes:
      A Baseball autographed by the 2009 Muckdogs
      $20 gift certificate to Alex’s Place in Batavia
      2 golf passes to Brockport Country Club
      2 golf passes to Silver Lake Country Club
      4 free tickets to a future Muckdogs game
      A Muckdogs T-shirt
     
Round three of the series with Vermont will be at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Thursday evening’s promotions will include a Knot Hole Game presented by Turnbull Heating & Air.

Knot Hold Gang members can purchase a General Admission ticket for $2 and Knot Hole Gang parents can receive a buck off their tickets. The Kiwanis Club of Batavia will also be hosting its annual Bike Raffle, with a bike given to one lucky girl and boy.
 
Beginning on Friday, Aug.14 through Sunday, Aug.16, the Muckdogs start a three-game series with the Staten Island Yankees, a New York Yankees affiliate. Games on Friday and Saturday are at 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 6. Sunday’s game time is 5:05 p.m., with gates opening at 4.
 
The Friday Night fireworks are back for another spectacular show on Friday, Aug.14, along with Launch-a-Ball presented by Hillside Family of Agencies. Fans can purchase numbered tennis balls for $1 with the proceeds going to Hillside Family of Agencies. Following the game, fans will then attempt to throw those tennis balls into inflated pools on the field. Each ball that successfully lands in a pool will automatically enter that fan into a chance to win the grand prize, a night in a suite at a Red Wings game next season.
 
Round two of the series with Staten Island is 7:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. The “Rock the Ballpark” pre-game concert series returns, featuring "Papa and Mama Root," presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact. They play jukebox favorites from the '50s and '60s, as well as their own original recordings.

Saturday also features the annual Team Photo Giveaway for the first 500 fans through the gate courtesy of LP Graphics.
 
The Muckdogs finish up their three-game with Staten Island at 5:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, with gates opening at 4. That night is post-game run the bases with Homer, as well as Homer’s Birthday Bash. Local mascots will be on hand to help celebrate this special occasion and the first 300 fans will receive an ice cream novelty.

Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer has announced that applications are available at his district office for the recently created NY Prescription $aver program (NYP$), sponsored by the State Department of Health.

The NYP$ is a free discount card that can reduce the cost of prescriptions by 30% to 60% for eligible lower-income residents.
 
Participants must be a New York State resident between the ages of 50 and 64 or a person of any age who has been determined to be disabled by the Social Security Administration. Annual household income must be below $35,000 for singles and $50,000 for married persons. Medicaid participants are not eligible for the program. 

Applications for the program are available at Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office, 8203 Main Street – Suite 4 in Clarence.  For more information, please contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s office at (716) 631-8695. Applications are also available by calling the NYP$ Helpline at 1-800-788-6917 or by visiting http://nyprescriptionsaver.fhsc.com.

Fall semester at Genesee Community College is quickly approaching and students are taking full advantage of financial-aid opportunities. As economic times get tougher, it is imperative for all students to be able to apply for and receive financial aid.

The federal government has recently launched a campaign to encourage people to attend higher education institutions, especially community colleges, and is now informing current and prospective students of the financial aid opportunities that they may not be aware of.

A letter from Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was sent to Genesee President Stuart Steiner outlining financial aid opportunities. As an instructor at a community college herself, Jill Biden is helping to spread the word about financial aid for people who have suffered during the current economy.

Her letter highlights financial-aid opportunities that many students may be unaware of, including:

• Students or family members of students who have had a change in financial circumstances and are collecting unemployment insurance may have their financial aid adjusted in order to help finance the cost of higher education.
• Pell Grants and Federal student loans are available for tuition and books, but also can be used for the costs associated with transportation and living expenses that help students attend their classes.
• Students may have their incomes adjusted to zero for financial aid purposes if they are now receiving unemployment insurance.

There are  a variety of programs including federal Pell Grants, New York State TAP fund, fiscal loans, and numerous college scholarship programs available. Approximately 84% of Genesee's students receive some form of financial aid.

"Last year, students at Genesee received $19 million in financial aid," Joseph Bailey, director of Financial Aid at Genesee, said. "There is money available, and we hope we can reach students of all ages and backgrounds to let them know that college is more affordable than they think."

To receive more information, or to apply for Federal Student Aid, visit www.genesee.edu/financial/apply <http://www.genesee.edu/financial/apply> .

The fall 2009 semester starts on Aug. 24, at all Genesee Community College campuses, with the exception of the new Lima Campus Center, which will start classes on Sept. 21.

For further information, please contact Genesee's Financial Aid office at 585-345-6900 or at www.genesee.edu/finaid <http://www.genesee.edu/finaid>.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is searching for the next generation of CEOs. Students interested in creating their own business, product or non-profit organization still have time to apply for the YEA! Class of 2009-2010 at the University of Rochester and SUNY Geneseo locations.

Applications will be accepted until Aug. 21, or until such time as the class cap is achieved. The nine-month program teaches middle and high school students how to start and run their own business or social movement.

YEA! class meets weekly from 4 to 7 p.m. this October  through June 2010. Tuition includes all books, field trips and events. Scholarships are available. No prior business experience is required only the drive and desire to succeed! To apply, visit www.yeausa.org  or call YEA! at 585-272-3535.

Bob Fix, a reader of this site as well as a firefighter and paramedic wrote the following for The Batavian about a summer program for children:

Batavia’s Youth Bureau got a first hand look recently at the tools the City of Batavia Firefighters, IAFF Local 896, use at emergencies. Approximately 20 children ranging in age from 6 to 14, that are participating in the City’s summer youth program, attended a tour given by Firefighter/EMT Anne Kleinbach  and Firefighter/Paramedic Robert Fix.

The kids were reminded that family fire drills are important to practice. Each family should have an exit plan with a safe meeting place. This allows the first arriving firefighters to quickly check with the family to make sure all occupants are accounted for.

Firefighter Kleinbach demonstrated what a fully turned out firefighter will look like when doing a search of a building and how a TIC or Thermal Imaging Camera is used. She told the kids not to be afraid of the fireman and to stay low to the ground while exiting the building.

The 45-minute tour also included a show-and-tell of the equipment on Engine 12 and Truck 15. It was concluded by firefighter Fix assisting each child in using a fire hose to spray water on the 80-degree day.

Have an idea for a new product or better service? Genesee Community College is seeking individuals with big dreams, innovative ideas and a desire to be their own boss to take part in a new entrepreneurship scholarship program.

As part of the collaborative WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) grant, Genesee Community College will be reimbursing participants for the cost of tuition and books for two college entrepreneurship courses. These scholarship grants are valued at approximately $500 per semester and will be allotted over the next two years for students attending two targeted entrepreneurship classes.

Eligible Emerging Entrepreneurs program courses at Genesee Community College are:  Business 111 / Exploring Business Opportunities, and Business 225 / Entrepreneurship.

The latter is offered this fall and is a fundmental course about the critical process of developing a bona fide business plan. Topics include concept development, management, legal issues, regulation, marketing research and penetration, pricing, and financial perspectives.

At the completion of this program, participants will have a business plan to take to a lender. (All BUS225 courses are 16-weeks long.)

• Albion Campus, Wednesdays starting Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Arcade Campus, Fridays starting Aug. 28 from 12:30 to 3:25 p.m.
• Batavia Campus, Wednesdays starting Aug. 26 from 6 to 9 p.m.
• Warsaw Campus, Mondays starting Aug. 24 from 2 to 4:50 p.m.

Another entrepreneurial based course, Business 111, will also be available at the Batavia Campus this fall. It will be held Thursdays starting Sept. 21 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. for 12 weeks.

Business 111 explores personal characteristics of an entrepreneur, investigates and identifies business opportunities, and presents business criteria prior to start-up as a basic foundation for success.

"We hope that this scholarship program raises awareness that entrepreneurship is a viable career option," said Barbara Shine, assistant professor of business and entrepreneurship. "With the current state of the economy, people have to turn to alternative job opportunities, like starting your own business, to deal with changing career plans."

There are a limited number of scholarship seats for this program. Applicants must be a resident of Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, or Wyoming counties for the past six months, and a U.S. citizen, national, refugee alien or permanent resident alien.

Interested individuals should submit the scholarship application form and related materials as soon as possible. The application deadline is Aug. 20. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholarship awardees will be notified prior to the start of each course.

For more information or application forms, go to www.genesee.edu/wee <http://www.genesee.edu/wee>, or contact Barb Shine at (585) 343-0055 x6319 or bashine@genesee.edu.

Attica High School's Class of '74 will hold its 35th Class Reunion Aug. 7 and 8.

Pre-reunion casual night will take place at the Attica American Legion Lawn Fete on Friday evening. 

The Class Reunion will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Batavia Downs Gaming & Racing. No prepaid fees are required. Menu will be available, along with live music
and fun. 

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Cathy(Schum) Uhly at 344-0165 or Gary Sphar at 592-1237; or visit our event posted on Classmates.com and Facebook. Hope to see everyone there!