Announcements

A community project aimed at encouraging reading for pleasure and building relationships has earned kudos for a learning specialist at Genesee Community College.

Sue Chiddy, of Elba, was honored recently by the Nioga Library System for her efforts to engage GCC with the public library initiative called "A Tale for Three Counties." The outreach project encourages people to read a chosen book, discuss it with friends and neighbors at local libraries or in chance meetings on the street, and then meet the author at the conclusion of the program.

It was launched by public libraries in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties nine years ago, and Chiddy brought the college onboard in 2005. Her efforts earned her Nioga's Outreach Award, which was given to her during the Nioga Board of Trustee's annual dinner last month at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Chiddy helps GCC students embrace reading for pleasure through the college's developmental reading classes. She says "A Tale for Three Counties" is a dynamic and motivating program that she hopes instills the value of reading in her students, and motivates them to build relationships by discussing what they've read with classmates and neighbors.

"I am honored to receive the award, but I feel honored every time I notice students, faculty and staff reading the year's selected 'Tale for Three Counties' book," Chiddy said. "It's a pleasure to see the college community participating in the community at large."

The award, which includes a $75 honorarium to be used for the purchase of library materials to further outreach goals, is granted to nominees who show a commitment to providing library services to populations that have limited access to such services.

This past year, GCC's participation included the reading of Yannick Murphy's "The Call," which details the life of a small town veterinarian. Instructors in 21 of GCC's classes used the book as a learning resource and the library distributed more than 400 copies.

My name is Elizabeth and I hope you will join me in support of the

National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout!

Donations will be accepted until July 31, 2012

Let's play some GABC trivia! 

Question: What percentage of kids play outside daily?

A) 50%   B) 10%

C) 25%   D) 75%

Answer: C 25%

Yes, that is sadfully correct.  Only 25% of kids play outside daily—as opposed to 75% a generation ago!

On Saturday, June 23rd, I’ll be joining thousands of families across the country to help American children explore the great outdoors and take the first steps to happy, nature-filled, healthy lives.

National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout will provide an opportunity to open the door and spend a night filled with exploration and fun under the stars all while helping our nation’s kids!

That’s where you come in. NWF’s Great American Backyard Campout is family fun with a purpose: helping American kids benefit from outdoor time. By supporting my fundraising efforts, you can help raise awareness of the important work of NWF programs like Green Hour, Nature Find, Trees for the 21st Century, Certified Wildlife and Schoolyard Habitats that help get kids outside and connected with nature.

Find out how you can make a difference by visiting my personal fundraising page or join me along with the thousands of people who will gather in backyards, neighborhoods, communities and parks to take part in a night that can mark your family’s first step into a lifetime filled with healthy, outdoor fun.

Donations will be accepted through July 31 and are tax deducatible.

I would like to thank you in advance for your support!

- Elizabeth

Press release:

Despite numerous stories and reports about the escalating cost of college tuition, a degree from Genesee Community College remains affordable to anyone seeking to establish a career. GCC is making the goal of earning a college degree ever more accessible with a number of new opportunities and options aimed at helping students pursue their dreams without forsaking financial health.

"We don't want any potential new student, regardless of age or interest, to be deterred by the many news reports that college tuition is skyrocketing and college students are graduating under an unbearable debt load," said Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ed.D, vice president of Student and Enrollment Services said.

"GCC is still very affordable. There are still many summer courses open and there is still time to register for the fall semester. And, we have numerous welcoming and insightful people at our seven campuses throughout GLOW waiting and wanting to help. Just walk in and come see us!"

While tough economic conditions in New York State recently forced GCC to raise its tuition by $75 per semester, this was the college's first tuition hike in four years, and college officials are doing everything possible to create new avenues for students to save money and help defray costs. These are among the options students can take advantage of in this current challenging fiscal climate:

•    No deposit application process– GCC offers FREE online registration at: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/apply/.

•    Financial Aid– GCC advisors are ready to help students explore and maximize the best financial options by applying for grants such as federal PELL and NYS TAP, which do not have to be re-paid: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/grants.cfm.

•    College bookstore reduced shipping costs– In a special arrangement with Barnes and Noble, GCC is now offering a flat rate of $1.95 per package for all textbooks and all other items shipped from the campus store, such as flash drives, clothing and general supplies. Items are shipped directly to students' homes, usually within a day or two. The store is also the best source for discounted prices on rented textbooks (50 percent off the purchase price), used textbooks and new books.

•    STAP- Arts and Humanities Scholarship still have funds available for Fall 2012. The Special Talent Award Program Scholarship in the Fine and Performing Arts recognizes students who excel in the classroom, and on stage or in an art gallery. Talented students who graduated from high schools in the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region should contact Fine and Performing Arts Director Maryanne Arena immediately for information: mcarena@genesee.edu.

•    General Scholarships – GCC has numerous options for awards based on academic excellence and financial need in its scholarship program. Some funds are still open for fall 2012. Click here for more information: http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/financial/scholarships.cfm.

•    Genesee Promise Plus- The college has extended the registration deadline to June 27 of this incredible opportunity for 2012 GLOW-area high school graduates to earn a full-tuition scholarship for two summer classes at any GCC location for Summer Session II starting July 2. This program is also available for GLOW area juniors who successfully pass GCC's placement test, homeschooled or other persons who have successfully passed their GED in 2012. For information go to http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/promise/.

The first step in meeting the goal of a better, brighter future is just walking into any of GCC's seven locations in Albion, Arcade, Batavia, Dansville, Lima, Medina or Warsaw, and meeting with a friendly GCC advisor. It's easier and more affordable than ever. There is an online FAQ Web page that answers many of the basic questions (http://www.genesee.edu/depts/admissions/faq/), but GCC staff is renowned for its friendly demeanor and willing to go beyond students' expectations to assist.

The Fishers of Men Fishing Derby will be held at the Genesee County Park Dewitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in Batavia on June 23.

Fishing will begin at 8 a.m. with lunch and prizes at noon. The event is free to the public and open to the youth up to age 16. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring their own fishing gear and bait.  Some bait will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

This is the NYS Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing licenses are required for adults so come and join the fun! There will be prizes based on age categories with free hotdog, chips and drink for lunch.

The event is sponsored by local churches, businesses and the New York Conservation Officers Association.

WNY Aviation Adventure Camp for all ninth- and 10th-grade students interested in learning about aviation, aerodynamics and mechanical sciences will be held July 7-13 at the Genesee County Airport.

Registration deadline is June 22.

This weeklong, overnight camp is a fun-filled opportunity that includes a complete ground school course, some flight time, flight simulator time and field trips to the Geneseo Airshow, Niagara Falls Air Force Base, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park and the Rochester Airport!

Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Cost is $345 per camper for the week and includes all meals and camp T-shirts. The camp will be instructed by certified flight instructors and NYS certified teachers during the day. The nighttime supervision will be provided by camp counselors. A limited numbers of scholarships are available.

Go online to <http://www.wnyaviationadventurecamp.org> to register.

Press release:

Prominent local businessman and Army veteran John Dwyer, who has served Genesee Community College for many years in various leadership roles, was honored recently with GCC's Alpha Medal of Service Award.

Individuals honored with an Alpha Award are selected for their extraordinary philanthropic support of GCC programs and goals, and serve as an inspiration not only to students, but to the greater community, according to Rick Ensman, GCC's head of development and external affairs.

"John's commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring," Ensman said. "He believes deeply in the mission and programs of the college, and never misses an opportunity to tell GCC's story and advocate for our students."

Among his many accomplishments at the college, Dwyer served as president of the GCC Foundation for four, one-year terms and worked tirelessly on all foundation committees, chaired the campaign that supported construction of the Student Union and helped steer the fundraising campaign for the Conable Technology Building, which serves the business community through The BEST Center (Business and Employee Skills).

Dwyer's commitment to service also reaches deeply into the broader community. During the past 40 years, he has served on numerous economic development committees, including the GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Genesee County Local Development Corporation; he has volunteered his time and expertise to guide the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency and the Batavia Associated Retailers Board; and he has shared his knowledge and civic pride with a number of public, school and religious associations, including the Children's Home Association, Notre Dame High School, and the Buffalo Catholic Diocese.

A Batavia resident, Dwyer retired as president of Thomas & Dwyer, Inc., Retail Shoe Stores and executive director of the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency in recent years. The Alpha Medal of Service was bestowed during GCC commencement ceremonies on May 20.

GO ART! is kicks off its new workshop series "Embracing Innovation" with "Marketing and Best Practices for Social Media" -- at 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 14, at GO ART!

This workshop will feature two professionals from Genesee Community College: Kevin Manne, new media specialist and Shirley Verrico, art gallery director. It is targeted for nonprofit organizations, cultural groups and individual artists.

GO ART! is located at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., in Downtown Batavia.

GO ART! recently received a grant from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to present a series of workshops, entitled “Embracing Innovation,” offering a variety of technical assistance.

“Social media can be a valuable resource for your business or organization,” Manne said. “It’s no longer just for college students or teens looking to make connections with friends.

"Your group or business should also have a presence and voice in social media to connect with new customers, employees and potential partners. And, the majority of sites and tools are free to use and have great potential reach, making them invaluable for marketing – with the right plan.”

GO ART! members are free to attend this workshop. There is a nominal fee for non-members or organizations wishing to attend: individuals - $10; organizations (maybe bring up to three people) $20.

Light refreshments will be available. The workshop will be approximately two hours.

Please register in advance by calling 343-9313 or email info@goart.org

Future “Embracing Innovation” Workshops:
 
Aug. 21: Fundraising and Development for the Small Town Organization presented by Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise.
 
Oct. 16: Business Planning with the Artist in Mind presented by Sam Campanella, SBDC certified business advisor, GCEDC
 
January 2013 (date TBA): Volunteerism and Board Development
 
(date TBA) Engaging Youth: Preserving the Past with our Future

The Batavia Lacrosse Club is pleased to announce its third annual Youth Lacrosse Camp from June 27 to July 19. There will be no session on July 4.

The camp is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at Van Detta Stadium.

Students entering grades two through seven are eligible to participate. They will work with current coaches and players to learn the fundamentals of "the fastest game on two feet."

There are three payment options*:

1) $50 -- Covers registration and entrant gets to keep a lacrosse stick, ball and Batavia Lacrosse jersey;

2) $30 -- Covers registration and entrant gets to keep a reversible lacrosse jersey;

3) $10 -- Covers registration.

*No athlete will be turned away due to financial limitation.

For more information go to <http://www.batavialacrosse.com> or call Coach Joe Hussar at 343-2480, ext. 7429.

Press release:

Once again, Genesee Community College will welcome middle school aged-students to participate in the annual summer Sport and Wellness Experience. The popular weeklong camp focuses on helping children develop the skills and mindset necessary to compete in various sports, but also to help them appreciate the value of good health and wellness habits.

"We are going into our third year of this camp and it has really been a lot of fun," says GCC Health and Physical Education Director Rebecca Dziekan. "The kids have been great and the feedback has been so positive. Combining a variety of different sports with a little education on some important wellness topics provides a nice experience for all the participants."

GCC's Sport and Wellness Experience runs one full week and each day is filled with a well-rounded lineup of activities and great collection of contemporary topics that face young adults today, including but not limited to bullying, relationships, alcohol and drug abuse.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 23-27, with all activities taking place on the Batavia campus at One College Road. Participants have full access to GCC's new athletic facilities including the new turf soccer field, Fitness Center, Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium and the tennis courts. The $120 cost covers instruction in tennis, soccer and volleyball as well as all of the educational discussions, a daily lunch in the college cafeteria, and a program T-shirt. A variety of GCC instructors lead the classes and discussions with guest speakers also sharing their expertise.

"The program in the past two years have 'wowed' both the student participants as well as their parents, and many attendees return for a second year," Dzeikan said. "From experiencing the college's high-end athletic facilities to the working with coaches and staff, we believe the program offers everyone involved a very engaging and fulfilling experience."

To learn more about the camp, and to download a registration form, visit this Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/wellness/.

Press release:

The best and brightest sixth-grade math and science minds in the GLOW region were honored during an awards breakfast at Genesee Community College today.

In February, school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming county region nominated 70 students for the inaugural cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC. Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC for their first year in the program.

Two students were selected from among 21 Scholar of the Year finalists to win the first-ever award, and all the finalists were recognized today (May 29, 2012). The scholarship winners and 2012 Inaugural Math Science Scholars of the Year are Triton Adamski of Pembroke Central School, and Kiera Gross of Pavilion Central School.

Triton earned the highest score in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination (placing into college-level mathematics). Combined with his excellent classroom grades in math and science, a thoughtful essay on the role of LEGOS ® in the better understanding of math and science, and an educational Powerpoint presentation, Triton clearly earned top honors. Triton also received awards for reading and character, and has been asked to tutor younger students in reading and math. He is an active member in team sports, his school's band, and the SADD club at Pembroke. Triton's mother, Denise Adamski, told the ACE program that he is looking forward to a wonderful and challenging experience at Genesee Community College.

Kiera demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the scientific method with her essay about the use of crash-test dummies in safety experiments. An active sixth grader at Pavilion Central School, Kiera is a member of PageTurners, as well as Sixth-Grade Band and Chorus. Kiera is also a black stripe belt at Cain's Taekwondo Academy, where she is a member of SMAC Competition Team and GOLD (Guidance on Leadership Development) Team. She also helps run craft activities for kids in grades one through four in Kids Count Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Akron Free Methodist Church. She is a Cadette Girl Scout and a member of 4-H. She enjoys caring for animals, camping, and making her own science experiments.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory Award throughout the next several years.

"While the inaugural cohort was limited to 48 students, the overall quality of the applicants and overwhelming interest expressed by the community for this type of program has prompted the research and development of several additional math and science enrichment opportunities to meet the educational needs of our region's top performing students," says Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students nominated by their school districts in Genesee County for the Math Science Preparatory Program include:

•    Triton Adamski, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Landon Bish, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *

•    Logan Cadieux, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School *◦§

•    Kim Davis, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Cassandra DeLelys, Elba Central School ◦

•    Trevor Fitzgibbon, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Samantha Gibbs, Alexander Central School

•    Cassidy Graham, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Kiera Gross, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Cameron Hausfelder, Alexander Central School *

•    Gabrielle Havens, Batavia Middle School *

•    Kelsey Hilburger, Elba Central School ◦ *

•    Madison Hoerbelt, Batavia Middle School

•    Lauren Hume, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Hutchins, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Tara Jagodzinski, Pavilion Central School *◦§

•    Logan Kellogg, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School

•    Jora Kusmierski, Alexander Central School

•    Jay Lewis, Batavia Middle School *

•    Nathan Loria, Batavia Middle School ◦ *

•    Michal Lullo, Batavia Middle School *

•    Joseph Marchese, Batavia Middle School

•    Aaron Michalak, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Christa Moscicki, Batavia Middle School

•    Madison Murray, Batavia Middle School ◦

•    Jason Normandin, Pavilion Central School ◦ *

•    Callee Norton, Elba Central School ◦

•    Anand Patel, Batavia Middle School *

•    Benjamin Pflaumer, Elba Central School ◦

•    Justina Pruski, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Lauren Reding, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦ *

•    Erik Scharlau, Alexander Central School

•    Kylie Schlagenhauf, Oakfield-Alabama Middle School ◦

•    Jordyn Schmidt, Batavia Middle School

•    Trevor Schoonover, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Chloe Schrier, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Edward Skalny, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Benjamin Slenker, Alexander Central School *◦§

•    Job Smith, Alexander Central School ◦

•    Ethan Stone, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Nicholas Ventola, St. Joseph's School *◦§

•    Grace Vogler, Pembroke Central School *◦§

•    Moira Werner, St. Joseph's School ◦

•    Emma Whalen, Pavilion Central School ◦

•    Claire Zickl, Batavia Middle School *◦§

•    Bethany Zwolinski, Pembroke Central School ◦

Key:

* Accepted for Math Science Preparatory Program

◦ Nominated for Math Science Scholar of the Year Award

◦§ Award Finalist

Press release:

LIFT Summer Program is a summer day camp for children ages 5-10 with special needs such as: sensory processing disorders, learning disabilities, Asperger’s, OCD, ODD, pediatric bipolar disorder and ADD/ADHD as well as siblings of children with special needs. This is our third summer providing services for children with special needs.

Camp days are 12:30-5:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays with extended hours available. The recommended donation is $3.50/hour.

Children will participate in activities that will work on sensory processing, fine and gross motor coordination as well as social and life skills. Additional classes include art, theater, music, math, reading and writing.

Camp takes place at the East Pembroke Grange Hall and will start June 29 and will end Aug. 17. Children are welcome to attend some or all of the camp days.

For more information, please call Laura Kauppi at 233-6155 or email Liftschoolofmusic@gmail.com

Press release:

The Laughing Buddha recently held a piercing benefit to benefit Austin Heineman, a Pembroke High School senior with a rare form of cancer. The drive raised $565 to go to Austin to help pay for medical bills. MTV reality star Johnny Bananas was in town to make an appearance and host the event, which lasted all night Friday and included him meeting everyone who stopped in, taking photos and signing autographs. Bananas also made an appearance at City Slicker's Bar & Grill afterward.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council’s 34th annual family event “Picnic in the Park” takes place this Fourth of July. 

The festivities run from Noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4th, in historic Centennial Park at Richmond and Ellicott avenues in Batavia. As is tradition, the “Picnic in the Park” is kicked off by the Batavia Concert Band performing on the Main Stage at Noon.

This year’s “Picnic in the Park” includes all-day musical entertainment, arts and crafts show, folk arts programs, food vendors, children’s activities, and much more. Admission is free.

Please call GO ART! at 343-9313, email info@goart.org, or visit <http://www.goart.org> for more information. Applications are still available for artists, crafters, food vendors or nonprofits wishing to have a booth.

Press release:

The Richmond Memorial Library is excited to present this year’s children’s Summer Reading Club theme, “Dream Big, READ!”

The 2012 Summer Reading Club is open to all children through 6th grade. During the Summer Reading Club, children can win prizes by reading books or having books read to them, attending programs and playing games.

Programs include; Lego Club, Erin Hunter Book Club, Science Club, both day and evening story times, and special performances every Friday afternoon during Summer Reading Club. Throughout the summer come explore the Children’s Room, which will be decorated with a nighttime theme of stars, camping and nocturnal animals.

Registration starts June 18th. Sign up for Summer Reading Club on Saturday June 23rd during our "Sign Up Extravaganza" and receive a special souvenir cup.

For more information, call the library at 343-9550. ext. 4, or visit our Web site at  <http://www.batavialibrary.org>.

Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club (BBPW), 2011-2012 Scholarship Committee, has awarded scholarships to eight local students.

High School Award winners are: Anna Dombrowski (Alexander), Emily Doherty (Pavilion), Jenna Bauer and Melanie Case (Batavia), and Sarah Hill (Pembroke). Each is receiving a $700 check to support their educational and career goals.

These scholarships are open annually to Genesee County high schools seniors (male or female). Each student maintained an 85-percent average, completed a one-page BPW application with a letter of recommendation from a school staff member. Each student submitted a personal essay discussing their achievements and future goals as well as an essay from a parent. The finalists were interviewed by the BPW Scholarship Committee in late April and were notified by one of the scholarship committee members.

The Genesee Community College $500 Scholarship Award is being presented to Rachel Berardini, (Batavia), who is an adult student, majoring in Business. The selection process for the GCC award is completed by the Genesee Community College Foundation.

Our Genesee Valley BOCES $250 Scholarship Award winners are Gina Caccamise (Le Roy), from the Health Careers Academy program and Charles Eggebrecht (Batavia), from the Legal Careers Academy program. Both were selected through the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, Student Services Committee.

All of the award winners are invited to the BPW June Banquet, which is being held, Thursday, June 7 at Bohn’s Restaurant.

Additionally, BBPW club members voted at their May meeting on the service awards to be distributed and this year five $300 checks were awarded to: The Salvation Army; Genesee Cancer Assistance; Genesee Veterans Support Network; Crossroads House; and Justice for Children GLOW Foundation, Inc.

To be considered for the service award a letter with appropriate letterhead was sent to the BPW requesting consideration. To find out more about BPW scholarships and service awards visit our Web page: http://bataviabpw.wordpress.com/scholarship/

The Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club have two annual events to raise money for our scholarships and service awards, a Fall Live Basket Auction and December Cookie Auction.

Please support the next fundraising event by joining us for our Oct. 6 Live Basket Auction and Brunch being held at Batavia Downs and Gaming starting at 10 a.m. for browsing, brunch at 11:30 a.m. and live auction at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for $20, contact Brenda Miller at 356-3720 or email your ticket requests to bataviabpw@gmail.com. All proceeds benefit Genesee County scholarships and service organizations!

More information on the Batavia Business and Professional Women’s Club Live Basket Auction and Brunch can be found at: http://bataviabpw.wordpress.com/auction/

In order to meet the needs of the community, there will be Warm Line Volunteer Listener Training from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, June 19, at the Mental Health Association, located at 25 Liberty St. in the City of Batavia.

The Warm Line is a peer-to-peer award-winning program of the MHA that provides support and encouragement to individuals in our community.  The Warm Line is in operation from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., 365 days a year.

If you would like to find out more about this training opportunity or general Warm Line services, please contact Charley DelPlato, Warm Line coordinator at 344-2611.

Series of free classes at Richmond Memorial Library: "Introduction to the computer and Internet."

Learn the basics of using a computer and surfing the Internet at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays, July 2 through Aug. 27.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Please contact the library at 343-9550 to register.

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees recognized the extraordinary service and contributions of the late Lynn E. Browne by dedicating the college's Library Instruction Classroom in his honor.

Browne served as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 1997 to 2010, including nine years of service as treasurer. He was deeply involved in the fund raising initiatives that led to the expansion of the college's scholarship programs, and the construction of the Conable Technology Building and the Humphrey Student Union. He was a member of the committee that facilitated the foundation's acquisition of the former College Meadows, renamed College Village.

A native of Batavia, Brown was a graduate of the Wharton School of Business. After serving as an Army officer during World War II, he married Phyllis Shiekman, of Philadelphia, and relocated there. For many years, he owned and operated one of the nation's leading button distribution businesses. After the death of his wife in the 1980s, Browne returned to his hometown and immersed himself in community activities.

He was the first recipient of the Alpha Medal of Honor (2006), bestowed on area citizens during commencement ceremonies in recognition of outstanding philanthropic and volunteer support of Genesee Community College. His family returned his Alpha Medal to the college after his death, and it will be displayed in or near the Library classroom.

Browne contributed funds to assist in the renovation of the college's Alfred C. O'Connell Library during 1999-2000, and asked that the plaque recognizing his contribution be displayed outside the Library Instruction Classroom. The classroom is often used by students learning how to use library resources and conduct research, and it had a special meaning to Browne, according to Foundation Executive Director Richard Ensman.

Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino called Browne an extraordinary citizen who "poured his heart and soul into Genesee Community College."

The college foundation will host a public dedication event honoring Mr. Browne and the naming of the Library Classroom in the near future.

Press release:

The second annual Darien Lake Baseball Tournament Series scheduled for June is expected to draw more than 160 teams from across the Northeast and Canada to Genesee County. Each of the first four weekends in June will feature competition between different school-age club baseball teams at a number of local facilities.

The 10 & 11 Under teams kick off the series on June 1-2, with the 14 & Under teams scheduled for June 8-10. The series wraps up with the 12, 13, & 15 Under teams on June 15-17 and the 16 & 18 Under teams on June 22-24.
 
Tournament coordinator Neal Turvey, of Pitch 'n' Hit Events, is excited to build on last year's momentum to create an ongoing "don't miss" event for each of the teams that attend.

"This series features a variety of teams with a high level of competition at quality facilities," Turvey said. "We want each team to have a great experience and walk away already planning to attend next year. We've worked very closely with the Town of Batavia, local school districts, and parks to secure enough facilities that we are able to keep the entire event in Genesee County."
 
Tom Lichtenthal of the Town of Batavia has been instrumental in the planning process through coordinating field locations and layouts as well as connecting the dots between the tourism department of the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce and Pitch 'n' Hit events to ensure that local hotels and attractions are prepared to welcome the influx of visitors.
 
"We're excited to see the economic impact of this event, especially as it's grown from last year," Lichtenthal said. "Events like this are instrumental in showcasing the Town of Batavia and Genesee County as a destination for sporting events and tournaments. The Batavia hotel base and number of sporting facilities across the county make us a great place to host an event."
 
Tournament attendees will arrive in Genesee County each Friday to register and check in at Darien Lake Theme & Water Park who has signed on to sponsor the event.

"We're happy to have Darien Lake back for a second year of sponsorship," Turvey said. "They're a great fit for the event and we appreciate their continued support."
 
For more information and a full tournament schedule visit:  http://www.pitchnhitevents.com

Volunteers for Animals are pleased to announce new co-vice presidents.

Brenda Cromwell and Andre Miller will be sharing the duties, which include assisting Secretary Sylvia Dimick, fundraising, and maintaining VFA Facebook.

Appointed by Kathie Barnard, president, Rich Pearson, treasurer, and Mrs. Dimick, Andre and Brenda fill the vacant vice-president position.
 
The appointments are effective immediately and extend through general elections in November 2013.