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Announcements

Contestants sought for GC County Fair Queen Pageant

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Agricultural Society, Inc., is holding its annual County Fair July 19-23. As part of the fair’s annual tradition there will be a Genesee County Fair Queen chosen on July 22.

The pageant is open to girls that live in Genesee County and are ages 15 to 18. They have to be in 10th, 11th or 12th grade starting the 2011-2012 school year.

For information regarding the pageant or to get an application please feel free to contact the Genesee County Fair Queen Pageant coordinator at 813-5570 or by email at vrictoriarippel@yahoo.com.

All forms must be received no later than Friday, June 24.

Don Carroll Run/Fun Walk to benefit Toys for Kids campaign

By Billie Owens

The 30th annual Donald R. Carroll Run/Fun Walk will be held at 5 p.m. sharp on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011 as part of the activities scheduled for the 2011 Summer in the City.

Registration will take place from 2 p.m.. until 4:50 p.m. in Jackson Square the day of the run/walk. Registration forms will be available online at doncarrollrace.com. The entry fee is $20 prior to the run/walk and $25 the day of the event.

The race/walk will start and end at Wendy's on Main Street in Batavia.

The first 200 individuals with paid registrations will receive race/walk T-shirts. A post run/walk party will be in Jackson Square following the event where participants will be treated to a chicken bbq, hot dogs, fruit, munchies, water and soda.

Friends and guests may also attend the run/walk post party by making a $5 donation. Music and dancing will also be available.

Proceeds from the run/walk will go toward Don Carroll's Toys for Kids campaign. Anyone interested in volunteering the day of the race may contact Don Carroll at donaldrcarroll@yahoo.com.

Spring ghost tour: Women 'Ahead of their Time'

By Billie Owens

A Spring Ghost Tour is planned at the Historic Batavia Cemetery on Saturday June 4.

It will highlight the women -- "some of the finest ladies who ever graced the community."

The guided ghost walk costs $10 and includes iced tea and cookies. Tickets are available at the cemetery gate, located on Harvester Avenue, on the day of the event.

Tours begin at 2 p.m. and run every 15 minutes. The last tour begins at 4 p.m.

All proceeds benefit the cemetery.

For more information, call the history department at 344-2550, ext. 2613.

Genesee Lancers Youth Soccer Camp offered

By Billie Owens

Children and teens interested in honing their soccer skills are encouraged to attend the Genesee Lancers Camp offered by New York Premiere Soccer.

It provides full-time professional, licensed coaches from around the world; primarily UEFA B licensed coaches from the United Kingdom and Ireland. NYPS also has a full-time technical department responsible for curriculum development and player education.

Coaches will conduct a comprehensive week-long program with your team. They will work in conjunction with the team in many of the following areas: team building, team fitness, SAQ work, team shape, team tactics as well as individual player techniques.

NYPS coaches will meet with the local coaches prior to camp to assess what areas of the game they want to work on. A curriculum will be tailored for this week based on the feedback from the coach.

Date: July 11-15

Times: 9 a.m. to Noon (Open Camp); 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Team Camp -- minimum of 10 players)

Cost: $50 Open Camp; $600 Team Camp

Location: Batavia Sports Park, 8069 Bank St. Road, Batavia

Age Group: 6 to 12 years old for Open Camp; 13 to 18 years old for Team Camp

To register visit: www.newyorkpremieresoccer.com

Contact information:

New York Premier Soccer

3195 Brighton Henrietta Townline Road

Rochester, NY 14623

Phone: 292-0788

Email: info@newyorkpremieresoccer.com

 

Middle-schoolers invited to college's summer Sport and Wellness Experience

By Billie Owens

Genesee Community College will hold its second annual summer youth camp focusing on health and wellness July 18 – 29.

The Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience is geared toward middle school aged-students  and will take place at the college's Batavia Campus.

The summer program includes instruction and skill development in the areas of golf, tennis, soccer and volleyball targeted specifically for local middle-school students. While the program includes plenty of hands-on instruction and experiential learning on the field, courts and gymnasium, there is also a variety of wellness topics such as nutrition, fitness, stress management, peer pressure, and drug and substance abuse issues to be presented and discussed.

"Today's sport and wellness education goes far beyond knowing the rules and regulations of each sport by embracing a holistic approach to the human body's total performance," said Becky Dziekan, director of GCC's Health and Physical Education department and the coordinator of the program.

"We are delighted to spend two weeks introducing these young people to healthy living opportunities and practices that are fun yet informative, which hopefully will last a lifetime.

Students in grades six, seven and eight are invited to attend the two-week program, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cost is $140 and includes lunch every day and a T-shirt.

For the general flyer and registration form for Genesee Sport and Wellness Experience go to: http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Sport_Wellnessflyer 2011.pdf

For further details, please contact Becky Dziekan, director of Health and Physical Education at 585-343-0055 x6424 or rldziekan@genesee.edu <http://rldziekan@genesee.edu>. You can also go to the webpage: http://www.genesee.edu/gcc/wellness/

Community Yard Sale set for June 11

By Billie Owens

Second annual citywide Community Yard Sale to be held in front of your house June 11. Rain date will be June 18. Time is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 344-0276 with your house number and street address.

There is always something out there for everyone. Something new this year -- if you do not want any of your items after the sale they will be picked up by Kathy Stefaniak for the Saint Joseph's Mammoth Sale  to be held next year.

You must call to be placed on our list of house numbers and streets. The phone number is 344-0276.

Big garage sale will benefit shelter animals

By Billie Owens

Volunteers for Animals will hold its fourth annual Garage Sale to benefit the animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter next week.

It runs Thursday June 2 through Saturday, June 4.

The address of the garage sale is 37 E. Main St. in Corfu, Route 33.

Beginning today, donations for the garage sale will be accepted. You can drop off at the shelter during adoption hours. If you have large items, please email VFA first for other arrangements.

The shelter is located at 3841 W. Main St. Road in the Town of Batavia. Phone is 343-6410. Adoption hours are:

1 to 3 p.m. -- Sunday through Friday, but closed on Thursday

7 - 9 p.m. -- Wednesday

11 a.m. -1 1 p.m. -- Saturday

Volunteers For Animals

http://www.vol4animals.org

Muckdogs' Pep Dog Rally is June 15

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend the Second Annual Pre-Season “PEP-DOG RALLY."

Our Batavia Muckdogs Baseball season is only a few weeks away and we NEED your help!

On Wednesday, June 15, just two days before the Season Home Opener, the stadium will be open to the community. We need YOU to come out and get our Batavia Muckdogs PEPPED up for the 2011 season.

Gates open at 6 p.m. Admission is FREE and there will be fun for the entire family. There will be games for the kids, local Mascots, and food concession for you to get your ball park favorites. The merchandise stands will also be open for you to gear up for the season.

Be the first to meet this year’s players!  They will be available to sign autographs and chat with the fans.  

Prizes and raffles will be given throughout the night, including valuable sports memorabilia such as: an 8x10 autographed picture of Nick Markakis; an autographed bat by Hall of Famer Earl Weaver; autographed baseballs by Ryan Howard, Lou Piniella, Jimmy Rollins, Tim McCarver and many more.

Enjoy the music of "23 SkiDOO," a strolling ragtime band sponsored by the Genesee County Baseball Club.

The season opener is at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 17 at Dwyer Stadium.

Time to register for Batavia Lions Club Bike Tour

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Lions Club will host its Second Annual Bike Tour on Saturday, June 11. This year there are two tour options from which participants can chose.

In addition to the 32-mile “Tour Ride," a six-mile “Family Ride” will be available.

Check-in time for the 32-mile ride is 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. for the Family Ride.

The 32-mile ride begins at 8 a.m., and the six-mile ride begins at 9:15 a.m.

Check-in and the start of each event will be at the parking lot on the corner of Alva Place and Bank Street in Batavia.

Pre-registration postmarked by Thursday May 26 is $30. After that date, the registration fee is $35. The fee for all children under 10 years old is $15.

The first 50 riders registered by May 26 will receive a gift bag from our sponsors including an “official” ride T-shirt. All entrants must wear an approved safety helmet. All participants must be 16 years of age or be accompanied by a parent, grandparent or guardian.

The tour route winds through the beautifully rich agricultural area of Genesee County that surrounds the City of Batavia. There will again be water and snack stops, help if needed along the way, traffic guides at busy intersections, and emergency roadside assistance. The tour route is flat with very few hills.

The club's address is P.O. Box 456, Batavia, NY 14020. Email is batavialions@yahoo.com. Or contact Dominic Lovria at 343-7198.   

College board decides to seek proposals for new master plan, bathroom upgrades and more

By Billie Owens

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

On Monday evening, the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees conducted the following business:

  • Approved nine faculty and staff promotions.
  • Philip T. Pickering, associate professor of Mathematics, was named professor.
  • Promoted to associate professor from assistant professor were: Michelle D. Abdella (Mathematics), Marjorie N. Blondell (Nursing), Cheryl A. Corke (Accounting), Patricia J. Kendall-Cargill (Nursing), and Nichola J. Lerczak (Librarian).
  • Promoted to assistant professor from instructor were: Candice S. Faulring (Psychology), Pamela Swarts (Digital Art) and Anita Whitehead (Librarian).
  • Approved by acclamation a resolution of thanks and appreciation to President Stuart Steiner, who is retiring this summer after 44 years of service to Genesee, including 36 years as president. The Board also conferred the honorary title "President Emeritus" to Dr. Steiner upon his retirement.
  • Approved the granting of 598 degrees and certificates to Genesee students, subject to their satisfactory completion of Spring 2011 courses. Nine students are expected to receive the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree; 274 students will receive the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree; 258 students will receive the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree; and 57 students will receive certificates.
  • Approved authorization to seek proposals from independent architectural and engineering firms for completion of a new Facilities Master Plan. The State University of New York requires campuses to periodically complete master plans, and proposals for state funding for additions or major upgrading to physical facilities must be based on these plans. Genesee last completed a master plan in 2002 and updated it in 2007. The Board anticipates that the new plan will be finished by early 2012.
  • Approved the appointment of 391 residents of the region as members of 27 program advisory committees. Advisory committees provide guidance to the college's career programs and campus centers on community needs, curriculum, internship and employment opportunities, and other issues.
  • Approved the acceptance of a donation of a baby grand piano for use in the college's arts and theater programs from former Vice President for Student Services George W. Walker and his wife, Barbara. The piano will be placed in the Arts Center music room, and used by students learning piano skills.
  • Approved the acceptance of a donation of a Nikon Super Cool Scan 4000 from Cheryl Boyer, for use in the college's photography classes. The equipment enables students to scan slides and negatives.
  • Heard Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino name Trustee Glenn R. Morton as chair of the 2011 Nominating Committee, and Melvin J. Wentland and Laura J. Bohm as Nominating Committee members. The Nominating Committee will recommend a slate of board officers for the 2011-2012 year.
  • Heard Ruffino request the Buildings and Grounds Committee to develop a plan to refurbish restrooms throughout the Batavia Campus. Ruffino said he hopes the college can install energy-efficient fixtures in the restrooms, which will ultimately save money. He also said that refurbishing restrooms gives the college the opportunity to adopt up-to-date health and sanitation practices, such as the use of automatic soap dispensers and spigots. Ruffino asked trustees Melvin J. Wentland and Donna M. Ferry to join the committee.
  • Heard Ruffino read a letter of resignation from Trustee Kenneth A. Dodd, who plans to leave the Board of Trustees on June 30 for health reasons. Ruffino said he will submit Rev. Dodd's letter to the Genesee County Legislature, which will appoint a new trustee.
  • Heard President Steiner report that Professor of Chemistry Rafael Alicea-Maldonado will serve as Dean of Math, Science and Career Education following the retirement of current Dean Michael S. Stoll this summer.

Batavia Downs will host $7,500 scholarship race with student drivers

By Billie Owens

Once again Batavia Downs will play host to another $7,500 scholarship race for local, college-bound students. The event will feature students from area schools accompanied by professional harness racing drivers in a one-mile dash for the cash on Saturday, Sept. 10.

"We are once again pleased to help support the education of students in our community in such a unique way," said Todd Haight, general manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. "We were so pleased with how well our first dash for cash was received, we immediately went back to our partners and requested we give it another go.

“Not only did the five participating students earn valuable scholarship funds, but also a greater understanding of the sport of harness racing, which was our main goal."

Last year, Kaley Falkowski, of Batavia High School, with professional Jim Mulcahy sitting alongside in a double-seated jog cart, bested four other students.

This year, Batavia, Oakfield-Alabama and Notre Dame high schools will each be represented by one student. The remaining two spots will be chosen by lottery. All schools can use any criteria they wish to pick their students.

During the summer, the students will attend at least five training sessions at the track with their driver to learn the safety and skills needed to drive a horse. Then between the fourth and fifth live harness races on Sept. 10, they will line up behind the starting gate and compete for scholarships of $3000, $2000, $1200, $800 and $500, depending on where they finish.

The approximate time of the competition that evening is between 7:30 and 8:30.

Once again, the scholarship event is sponsored by the horsemen, breeders, owners and raceways of Western New York through the Harness Horse Breeders of New York State, the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association, Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs Casino.

Batavia Downs Casino, America’s oldest lighted harness track, opens for its 65th racing season on Monday, July 25, for 72 racing dates.

Post time is 6:40 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in August. There will also be a special 1:15 matinee on Sunday, Aug. 29; Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day), which features a day-night doubleheader; and Monday, Oct. 10 (Columbus Day). For more information, visit <http://www.batavia-downs.com/>

College announces summer events in music, theater, art

By Billie Owens

This information is from Genesee Community College.

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College has announced its calendar of this year's summer events, including new exhibitions at the Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery and new theatrical events.

"The facilities here at Genesee Center for the Arts are so spectacular for listening, learning, pondering and participating in the fine arts that we have expanded our offering to include summer time events," Maryanne Arena, director of the Fine and Performing Arts program at GCC. "We look forward to seeing our friends and patrons of the arts throughout the summer."

Live Performance in the Stuart Steiner Theatre:

One of the hottest jazz bands in Buffalo, Babik (pronounced Bah-Beek) is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 23 in the Stuart Steiner Theater. The progressive gypsy jazz band is inspired by the legendary guitarist, Diango Reinhardt. All four members – Stuart Fuchs on lead guitar, Geoffrey Fitzhugh Perry on violin, Joshua Assad with his rhythm guitar and Kevin O'Brien playing the upright bass – are full-time professional musicians. The success of their collaboration both on and off the stage is evident in their lighthearted, improvisational performances.

Tickets: $10 Adults, $8 Seniors (55 and over), $5 Students (18<), and $3 for GCC faculty/staff and students with valid GCC ID. There's a $2 discount for GCC alum with GCC alum ID. For ticket reservations contact the BOXOFFICE@genesee.edu or 345-6814.

For general information regarding this event, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu.

Workshops at the Genesee Center for the Arts:

Memoirs from the Stage – "Making a play from your life" Workshop

With the creative guidance and theatrical expertise of Wanda Frank, one of Batavia's most experienced theater matriarchs, "Memoirs from the Stage" allow participants to take the story of their own lives and transform it into a written memoir suitable for the stage or screen. The six-week program begins on June 23 and continues through July 28 with the class meeting every Thursday morning from 10 a.m. until noon. Cost is $150, registration by June 17th.

Frank has spent the majority of her life in Batavia. For 23 years, she has been hostess of WBTA1490AM "Frankly Speaking," that currently airs from 9 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday. She served for 10 years as executive director of Genesee Arts Council and has 30 years of involvement with Batavia Players as director, actress and board member.

The Honesty Theatre Workshop and Performances

Exciting and unpredictable "One Act Plays in 24 Hours" are possible for those attending The Honesty Theatre Theatrical Workshop. Developed and coordinated by a GCC alumnus, the two-day program includes how to write and perform in the "Theatre of Spontaneity." The short, one-act plays will be written and produced in 24 hours, creating great fun for serious actors, as well as those who are just getting started or looking for a new avenue to develop original theatrical ideas. The program will take place at the Stuart Steiner Theater on Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9 and there is a registration fee of $100 by July 1st.

Theatrical Stage Combat Workshop

The Theatrical Stage Combat Workshop at the Stuart Steiner Theatre is an introductory five-day course designed to instruct students in the basic techniques, skills, illusions and vocabulary of weaponless unarmed stage combat. The instruction is Adriano Gatto, who has returned to Niagara University as the current Artist-in-Residence (Stage Combat) and recruiter for the Department of Theatre and Fine Arts, where he teaches both unarmed and armed stage combat courses. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 1 and runs through Friday, Aug. 5, in the Theatre Building Studio and E113. Those attending must be 16 years of age or older. Registration is $150 by July 25th.

For workshop registrations, contact the Best Center by email bestcenter@genesee.edu or by phone at 345-6868.

The Roz Steiner Art Gallery Exhibitions

GCC Digital Arts Student Exhibit highlights artwork in the digital arts through July 9.

Kuchera Art: The Joy of Doing

Award-winning artist and illustrator John Kuchera will be celebrating his 80th year with a commemorative exhibit at GCC featuring a collection of work spanning his entire career. From painting Macy Day Parade balloons to creating Dick Tracy cartoon villains, working at American Greeting Cards (where he met his wife) to illustrating books such as "Golf Sonnets" by James Long Hale – this dynamic show is a must-see. It promises to enrich the new visual space of the Roz Steiner Art Gallery while enthralling its visitors and viewers. July 13 – Sept. 3. The artist's reception will be announced at a later date.

For general information regarding the art gallery, contact the Roz Steiner office at 343-0055, ext. 6490, or by email at GCCGallery@genesee.edu. Admission is always free.

For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Leadership Genesee all set for annual Golf & Bocce Ball Tournament

By Billie Owens

Leadership Genesee’s eighth annual Golf & Bocce Ball Tournament is set for Monday, June 13.

It begins at 11:30 a.m. at Terry Hills Golf Course. The Gold Sponsor of the tournament is Innovative Energy Systems.

Teams may sign up for the four-person scramble that includes lunch, green fee, cart and buffet dinner for $100 per person by May 27. On June 8, the price is $110.

Registration for Bocce Ball is $50 per person by May 27 and $60 by June 8. Bocce registration includes lunch and dinner. Dinner only is $30 per person and must be pre-paid by June 8.

For team registration, sponsorship information, or information about Leadership Genesee, contact Leadership Genesee Director Peggy Marone at 343-3040, ext.118.

Registration forms are available at leadershipgenesee.shutterfly.com or you can pick up a registration form at Cornell Cooperative Extension Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Leadership Genesee creates an experience promoting active leadership for Genesee County and is a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension that offers equal program and employment opportunities.

United Way hosts annual Day of Caring

By Billie Owens

(This is a reminder. This announcement was originally published May 14, last Friday.)

The United Way of Genesee County will hold its annual Day of Caring from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18.

The kick-off will be at Dwyer Stadium. After the send-off, volunteers will go to designated work sites to paint, landscape, clean attics, wash window, fill flower boxes and do other essential chores.

Afterward, they will meet at Terry Hills Restaurant to celebrate their accomplishments.

Last year, more than 275 volunteers from area businesses and organizations worked on 48 projects at nonprofit agencies. A total of 1,675 hours of donated labor resulted in the completion of many much needed and long overdue projects.

To find out more about the Day of Caring, please contact the United Way office at 343-2874.

Muckdogs' Pep Rally is June 16

By Billie Owens

Mark your calendars! Come and meet your 2011 Muckdogs on June 15. Admission is free. Be the first to meet this year's players, who will be available to sign autographs, take pictures and chat.

Gates at Dwyer Stadium open at 6 p.m. (rain date is June 16).

Come show your support for our Muckdogs and get "Pepped up" for the home opener on Friday, June 17!

FREE games for the kids and concession stands will be open.

Whiffle Ball Tournament -- Anyone in attendance can participate!

Prizes and raffles throughout the night, including valuable sports memorabilia.

Live, strolling ragtime band called "23 SkiDOO" will perform, sponsored by the Genesee County Baseball Club.

For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact Kelly J. Bermingham at 343-7440, ext. 26.

"Today a Batavia Muckdog...Tomorrow a St. Louis Cardinal."

College board OK's revamped fitness and rec management degree progam

By Billie Owens

This is a news release from Genesee Community College.

The Genesee Community College Board of Trustees this week approved a revamped Fitness and Recreation Management degree program proposed by Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Eunice M. Bellinger and Director of Health and Physical Education Rebecca L. Dziekan.

The program adds an academic track for students wishing to pursue a career in personal training, as well as a track for students interested in golf management. Both fields are rapidly growing throughout Western New York.

The redesigned program will now be submitted to the State University of New York, and then to the New York State Education Department, for review and approval.

Students completing the program receive the Associate in Applied Science degree, and possess the academic credentials necessary to immediately find employment. As part of their academic requirements, students complete a semester-long co-op or internship in a work setting.

Graduates in the personal training track can work as coach assistants or athletic assistants, or as personal trainers. Personal trainers, often employed by health and fitness centers, health organizations, and recreational agencies, help people of all ages learn fitness skills, including weight loss, cardiovascular strength, and general conditioning. A growing number of physicians and health professionals recommend the use of personal trainers to individuals who face illness or health challenges, as well as to healthy individuals seeking to meet new fitness goals.

Graduates in the golf management track can work as staff members or managers of golf clubs, golf instructors, or contractors to golf clubs and other recreational facilities. Golf is a rapidly growing sport, and golf facilities and golf-related programs continue to expand across the region. The growing popularity of golf among senior adults, an increasing portion of the area's population, means that employment opportunities in the field will continue to grow over the next decade.

Students in the personal training track will complete courses in health sciences for coaching, personal training, and emergency response. Students in the golf management track will complete courses in teaching methodology, golf course management and planning, turf and pest management, and equipment design. Students in both concentrations will also complete a variety of general education courses, including mathematics, accounting, computer information systems, business, and liberal arts electives.

"Our Fitness and Recreation Management program is strong, but breaking the program into two academic concentrations will be good for students and good for our communities," Dziekan told trustees. "Jobs in both the personal training and golf management fields are on the increase, and this is a great time for students to enter these professions.

"But just as important, these programs will prepare students to become part of what we call the 'fitness infrastructure' of Western New York. Our graduates will help area residents become healthier and improve their overall fitness and lifestyles."

In its new strategic plan, the State University of New York identified "a healthier New York" as one of six key goals for the 64-campus SUNY system. Bellinger said that the new academic concentrations support SUNY's emphasis on improving the health of citizens.

In addition to the Fitness and Recreation Management degree program, Genesee offers a Sport Management degree program (Associate in Science), which focuses on the management of athletic and recreational organizations and business enterprises. The college also offers a Physical Education Studies degree program (Associate in Science), geared toward students interested in coaching or teaching careers. Both the Sport Management and Physical Education Studies programs are ideal for students wishing to transfer to baccalaureate colleges.

Batavia Middle School will benefit from book fair at Present Tense

By Billie Owens

Batavia Middle School will benefit from a Book Fair to be held Tuesday, May 31 through Saturday, June 4 at Present Tense.

Bring in a voucher when you shop at Present Tense that week and a portion of your purchase will be donated to Batavia Middle School.

Vouchers are available on the store's Web site: http://presenttensebooks.com/newsletters/BMSVoucher.pdf

Present Tense is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 815.7640 or visit online at www.presenttensebooks.com

Chamber hosts meeting on Tuesday about planned China trip

By Billie Owens

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce will host an informational meeting about its upcoming nine-day tour of China beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17.

This will be the sixth time the chamber has offered the "familiarization tour" of China. It's set from Nov. 1 through 9.

You can make the trip for $2,099, which the chamber believes is an exceptional value. It includes airfare (from JFK) with a bus ride to and from JFK, hotel stays, three meals a day, bus tours with guides, admission to tourist spots and airport taxes throughout the trip.

For more details, call Melissa at the chamber at 343-7440, ext. 27. Details about the trip can also be found at www.geneseeny.com/china

Muckdogs, NY-Penn League sponsors scholarship program

By Billie Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs and the New York-Penn League announced Thursday that the league’s philanthropic arm, the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, will once again sponsor a scholarship program.

It allows area high school seniors the opportunity to compete for one of three $2,500 grand-prize awards.

The 2011 NYPL Scholarship Program is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school, who has been accepted at any two or four-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program.

Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact the Muckdogs and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.

The Scholarship Program will consist of two stages – a local round and a divisional round.

In the local stage, applicants from throughout the Muckdogs’ home market will compete against each other to determine one winner who will represent Batavia in the final round.

At the divisional stage, the Muckdogs’ representative will compete against the winners from the Auburn Doubledays, Jamestown Jammers, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, State College Spikes and Williamsport Crosscutters for the Pinckney Division’s $2,500 award.

Any finalist who does not win the top scholarship will receive a $250 book award.

In total, the New York-Penn League Scholarship Program will award $10,250 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the NYPL’s 14 markets.

Scholarship applications are available by contacting the Batavia Muckdogs at (585) 343-5454 or by visiting the official Web site of the New York-Penn League, http://www.newyork-pennleague.com

The deadline to submit applications is June 30 and finalists will be selected in late July and honored at an August home game.

Current events in Middle East focus of two-part library series

By Billie Owens

A two-part series focusing on current events in the Middle East is scheduled in the Gallery Room of Richmond Memorial Library on Wednesday May 25 and on June 1.

It is sponsored by Peaceful Genesee and will be led by Barry L. Gan, Ph.D, professor of Philosophy and director of the Nonviolence Program at St. Bonaventure University.

Both sessions run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. They are free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

The series is titled "Peacemaking in Turbulent Times: Making sense of current events in the Middle East."

On May 25, the topic is "Peacemaking in the Middle East." On June 1, the topic is "Nonviolent Peacemaking -- Why it Works."

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

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