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Hawley attends forum to address 'middle-skills gap' of teens entering workforce

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Assemblymen Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River), Mike Norris (R,I,C,Ref-Lockport), Mark Johns (R,C,I,Ref-Webster) and Peter Lawrence (R,C,I-Greece), alongside other members of the Assembly Minority Conference, hosted a forum Thursday evening in Rochester to discuss the best ways to transition students from high school into the workplace and ensure they possess the skills required to obtain a career in the trade or field of their choosing.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) attended the forum.

The Assembly Minority Task Force on Learning for Work hosted the last of six regional forums at Monroe Community College. Specifically, the forum sought feedback from educational, trade and industrial leaders, students and the public in regard to the proposed Learning for Work Program (A.4255, Ra) and its role in helping to address the “middle-skills gap” in the state.

“Our Conference’s ‘Learning for Work’ legislation would create an apprenticeship program aimed at furthering students’ workplace education through hands-on experience, helping to prepare them for a wide variety of technical careers,” said Assemblyman Blankenbush, task force co-chairman. “There are available jobs out there, and if we can successfully combine coursework with real-world training, we can pair up skilled workers with those vacant positions. Our state’s economic health, viability and competitiveness depend on a well-trained, skilled workforce.”

“Four-year degrees are a great tool for some individuals to achieve their career goals, but too many young people are told at an early age they must obtain one in order to succeed. That’s simply not the case,” said Assemblyman Norris, task force co-chairman. “As early as middle school, we must start encouraging more students to enroll in technical and trade-school programs, and that starts with proper messaging. Success should not be measured by how long someone goes to school; it should be measured by how well-suited an individual is for the program and career path they’re on.”

“There is no single path to success in life. Endless opportunities exist for people of all ages, backgrounds and skill sets; the trick is to match the person to the career that best suits them,” said Assemblyman Johns. “Our task force is designed to help figure out systemic solutions to workforce shortages in skilled-trade jobs that we desperately need filled. I am proud to work alongside labor and education experts to help get those jobs stocked quickly and with the right people.”

“Not every student has the desire to pursue a four-year degree,” said Assemblyman Lawrence. “We are seeing a resurgence in manufacturing and the need for skilled labor is in high demand. Business leaders are telling me that they cannot fill positions due to the lack of skilled workers. It is crucial that we show students that they can be successful and thrive in their pursuit of these well-paid and rewarding jobs. Our state and the demands of our workforce are looking to these students to be the next leaders in manufacturing and building trades. I am proud to be a part of this important conversation and believe the outcome of these forums will only make New York a better place to live and work.”

The feedback and firsthand information gathered during the task force forums will be used to better understand the strengths of, and areas in which to improve, current legislation to ensure all students are well equipped to enter the 21st century workforce. At the conclusion of the forums, a report, including a summary of findings and targeted policy solutions, will be generated and brought to the Legislature.

“A labor force works best when its workers efficiently fill positions in high demand. Often, this means laborers performing a diverse array of work, with a diverse array of skills,” Assemblyman Hawley said. “This task force aims to help match demand to positions and ensure the job force is operating at peak effectiveness. There are so many incredible, high-paying jobs that are going unfilled for no other reason than a lack of awareness and education. We seek to remedy that though this effort.”

“We must shrink the skills gap and reduce the massive amount of student loan debt that too many of our young men and women are acquiring,” said Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes (R,C-Caledonia). “The cost of college tuition continues to rise and student loan debt is one of the highest consumer debt categories in the nation. We need to start taking a more proactive approach when speaking to students about options for their future.”

“I am confident that through these forums, we will learn more about the needs of our businesses and how to better bridge the middle-skills gap,” said Assemblyman Brian Manktelow (R,C,I,Ref-Lyons). “Opportunities are out there. We just need to make the information available to students and businesses alike and help to bring them together. New York state’s economic well-being depends on it.”

Schumer calls for parity in USDA farm market aid, says Upstate NY is left 'in the dust'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today (Nov. 15) released a report detailing how the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Market Facilitation Program (MFP) has treated Upstate farmers unfairly—and launched a new effort to restore parity to the system.

The MFP is designed to reimburse the farms that have been damaged by the turbulent trade climate across the globe, and has distributed $25 billion in mitigation payments to help farmers recover in recent months.

However, Schumer explained, this funding was distributed unevenly, sending 95 percent of the top payment rates to Southern farmers, who have been harmed less than other regions, and helping farms owned by billionaires and foreign-owned companies.

To address this disparity that is negatively impacting Upstate farmers, who are in dire need of assistance, Schumer urged USDA to improve the MFP to better support small New York farmers.

“This report shows that as Upstate farmers are grappling with extreme uncertainty caused by the chaotic global trade climate, USDA is using a flawed formula that helps big, wealthy farms and billion-dollar foreign-owned companies, while our small and family farms in New York have been left in the dust,” Senator Schumer said.

“The USDA must stop picking winners and losers in such an unbalanced way, and instead ensure all of America’s and Upstate New York’s farmers get the help they need and deserve—not just a lucky few.”

Farmers across New York State are being treated unfairly in many ways, including:

  • Farmers in New York are receiving $41.10 less per acre than farmers in Georgia and other Southern states;
  • Even within New York the difference in payments from county to county can be significant and cause similar farms to get vastly different payments. For example, Orleans County has a payment rate of $48 per acre, yet Warren County has a rate of $15 per acre. For an average-sized farm this is a difference in payments of $9,936 and $3,105 for Upstate farms that likely have very similar growing conditions;
  • At a county level, the average payment rate in New York was $28 per acres. However, many counties in Southern states received the maximum payment rate of $150 per acre. With more than 33,400 farms across New York, averaging about 207 acres each, NY farmers would receive a payment of about $5,796, while the same sized farm in one of these other Southern counties would receive $31,050(delta: $25,254).
  • USDA currently ignores any trade damage not related to its own chaotic trade actions and largely shuts out Upstate New York’s specialty crops from direct assistance.
  • Instead of taking steps to support small and beginning operations, USDA doubled the payment limit for row crop payments from $125,000 to $250,000. This change will concentrate payments even more in the large complicated farming conglomerates.
  • Rather than using current production numbers, USDA based payments to dairy farmers on data that are 6 to 8 years old.

In the bipartisan 2018 Farm Bill, Congress provided balanced support to help farmers manage market instability across the country and provided permanent support for USDA export market development programs.

Schumer raised concerns that the administration’s policy upends this careful compromise, replaces income from markets with government payments, creates vast inequities, and does not address the actual trade damage to farmers who have been hit the hardest.

NY County

USDA MFP Payment rate

Warren

$15

Allegany

$17

Delaware

$18

Washington

$18

Essex

$19

Lewis

$19

Sullivan

$19

Wyoming

$19

Herkimer

$20

Steuben

$20

Westchester

$20

Chenango

$21

Cortland

$21

Franklin

$21

Madison

$21

Schuyler

$21

Tioga

$21

Clinton

$22

Jefferson

$22

Schenectady

$22

Albany

$23

Ulster

$23

Albany

$23

Saratoga

$24

Otsego

$25

Broome

$26

Cattaraugus

$26

Schoharie

$26

St. Lawrence

$26

Tompkins

$26

Broome

$26

Cattaraugus

$26

Chemung

$27

Erie

$27

Chautauqua

$28

Dutchess

$28

Onondaga

$28

Rensselaer

$28

Fulton

$30

Montgomery

$31

Genesee

$32

Oneida

$32

Yates

$35

Columbia

$36

Cayuga

$38

Livingston

$38

Ontario

$38

Cayuga

$38

Niagara

$39

Oswego

$39

Orange-Rockland

$43

Monroe

$45

Greene

$47

Orleans

$48

Seneca

$48

Wayne

$52

Ride the wave: County planners OK second waterslide at Darien Lake

By Mike Pettinella

wahoo_wave.jpg

The “Wahoo Wave” waterslide made a big splash with Genesee County planners on Thursday night as they recommended approval of the site plan for the state-of-the-art 60-foot attraction that will be coming to Darien Lake in the spring.

The planning board, at its monthly meeting at County Building No. 2 on West Main Street Road, said the ride should pose no significant impact to the amusement park’s landscape.

“It’s the latest and greatest,” said Ed McCarthy, director of maintenance and construction at Darien Lake. “Now, we’ll have one (a waterslide) on each side of the park, and this will definitely decrease the wait times (for guests).”

In September, Darien Lake officials announced the addition of the waterslide, which propels water at a rate of 3,400 gallons per minute, to their newly named Hurricane Harbor water park.

Touted as the only four-person curved wall ride in the world, the waterslide is actually branded as the TornadoWAVE 60 Water Ride and is made by ProSlide Technology Inc.

According to a press release, Wahoo Wave takes riders, settled into a four-person tube, through a hairpin turn, then a corkscrew turn and finally a three-story drop that takes them on the top of a massive water wall before landing in a pool.

Construction is expected to be completed by May of next year.

In other action, the board recommended:

-- Approval of a downtown design (site plan) review requested by Vance Group LLC to make exterior changes to a mixed-use building at 242 Ellicott St., at the corner of Liberty Street.

Members of the Valle and Lawrence families, owners of the structure, plan changes that include two fixed awnings, six new window sections to replace the storefront, stucco finish throughout and new upper floor windows. The building is located in the Batavia Improvement District.

-- Approval of a special use permit to convert the first story of an historic South Lake Avenue mixed-use building in the Village of Bergen from offices to a gym.

Mike and Kelly Marsocci (Mike’s Gym LLC) will be leasing the space from the Masonic Temple Association of Bergen to operate a commercial fitness center in the Central Commercial (C-2) District.

The couple’s report to the planning board showed that the gym will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for those at least 15 years old.

Members will be able to enter the premises with a key fob or similar entry mechanism, with exercise equipment ranging from cardiovascular and pre-loaded machines to free weights.

-- Approval of a site plan review and area variance to construct a 2,160-square-foot addition to the Churchville Fire Equipment Corp. building at 10246 Perry Road, Pavilion.

Documentation from the applicant indicates that the company is investing $500,000 on the 36- by 60-foot addition to house a paint booth.

-- Approval with modifications of a special use permit for Samantha Volkmar to operate the Great Expectations Dog Grooming business in her home on Big Tree Road in Pavilion.

The board OK'd the plan as long as the business sign does not exceed 4 square feet and is not located closer than 10 feet to any lot line.

According to her business plan, Volkmar, in the dog grooming business since June 2018, plans to convert an existing mudroom to provide services such as full grooms, bath and blow dry, touch-ups and nail trims.

Hours of operation are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

-- Approval of the Bethany Town Board’s request to amend its zoning text to establish a six-month moratorium prohibiting solar farms.

The board, in its endorsement, noted that the moratorium gives the municipality “enough time to study and draft changes to its zoning law to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.”

This action paves the way for the town to enact a local law barring large scale solar installations.

Video: Arc of Genesee Orleans opens Go To Hub

By Howard B. Owens
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'Pronipoti' from Valva, Italy to meet at T.F. Brown's Nov. 29

By Billie Owens
From reader Carmen Del Plato:
 
"Amici di Valva Festa"
 
Descendants from Valva, Italy will be meeting to share stories, compare family trees and to make new connections at T.F. Brown's restaurant on Friday Nov. 29, from 2 'til 4 o'clock in the afternoon.
 
Light refreshments will be served. Please buy your own beverage!
 
T.F. Brown's is located at 214 Main St. in the City of Batavia.
 
RSVP to Carmen Del Plato at  carmdp@gmail.com.
 
"Just to give you a little insight...many families immigrated to Batavia from Valva," Del Plato says. "In some social circles Batavia was referred to as Little Valva!"
 
("Pronipoti" is Italian for great-grandchildren or descendants.)

GVEP's School of Practical Nursing has 32 new graduates

By Billie Owens

Above photo: Sarah Worley, valedictorian, receives an award from Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs coordinator.

Submitted photos and press release:

The Genesee Valley Educational Partnership (the Partnership) School of Practical Nursing graduated 32 students during a ceremony at Pavilion Central School on Nov. 7.

Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs coordinator, offered congratulatory remarks on the dedication and hard work the graduates displayed throughout the yearlong program.

Sarah Worley, the class valedictorian, addressed the crowd during the ceremony. Sarah Lewis and Michelle Ramsdell were named co-salutatorians.

Brandon Davidson received awards for both leadership and professionalism.

Instructors Janet Green, Frank Dana, Krista Copeland, and Amanda Milligan assisted throughout the ceremony. Seventeen of the graduates were named Students with High Honors, a designation for averages of 90 or above. 

According to Mix, there is a huge need for practical nurses in the healthcare system.

The Partnership’s LPN Program currently has 23 clinical contracts with different hospitals, nursing facilities, and primary care practices. This allows students exposure to many different types of facilities, and many of these sites hire the students prior to graduation.

“In the past year, our LPN program has had 100-percent job placement for those who have taken their State Boards and passed,” Mix said. “Many of our graduates go on for their Registered Nursing degree and work as an LPN as they go through school.

"Our graduates are able to make a good salary while continuing their education. Many healthcare facilities help support the growth of our LPNs by providing tuition assistance to go on in the nursing profession.”

Students took part in this 12-month, 1,200-clock-hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

This course is offered in three different sites in Western New York: Batavia; Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Mount Morris.

For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.

Photo below, instructor Janet Green helps LPN graduates light candles at the conclusion of the Nov. 7 ceremony. 

Legislature endorses plan to build new 184-bed jail for $60 million

By Howard B. Owens

cowmeetingimg_0676.jpg

Now that a new 40-year sales tax agreement is in place, the County Legislature is ready to move forward with designing and building a new jail on land next to County Building #2.

Assistant County Manager Matt Landers presented an anticipated budget for the new facility with an anticipated expense of $60,000,000 at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday night.

The proposed jail will hold 184 beds in four pods, giving the jail staff space to keep separate jail populations for men and women as well as threat level, mental health issues, or substance abuse issues.

The location is off West Main Street Road in Batavia. 

The actual construction costs are an estimated $49,763,323 million: with more than $2 million in expense for design; $2 million for furnishings; $1.2 million for bonds and insurance payments; $1.2 million for a construction manager; more than $1 million in additional expenses for planning and development; plus $1.8 million set aside for unexpected costs.

Construction will be funded by bonds, which will be paid back over 30 years by the sales tax revenue that has been shifted away from villages and towns as part of the new state-approved sales tax agreement.

Chairman Robert Bausch said that under this plan, there would be no need to raise property taxes to help pay for the jail.

Bausch also noted that the county's consultant initially projected, based on county inmate trends, that Genesee County would need a 215-bed facility but that a new bail reform law is expected to reduce the demand in the county for inmate beds.

However, there is room available on the proposed jail site to add two additional cell blocks if the need arises.

If sales tax revenue falls short in the coming years, Landers noted, there is other county debt that will retire and revenue now going to pay those expenses can be reallocated to the jail debt if necessary.

With the new jail, the county will be able to go from being a tenant in other agencies' facilities -- all female inmates are housed at other jails in the region -- to being a landlord for other counties, the state or the feds.

"Local counties, the federal government, the state, are all short of space right now," Bausch said.

Revenue from other jurisdictions will cover some of the jail's ongoing operating expenses.

Legislators Shelly Stein, Gary Maha, and Gregg Torrey all spoke in favor of proceeding with the proposal.

"I served on the new jail committee," Stein said. "The details were combed through, and it is my recommendation that we proceed with 184 beds ... To not hit property taxes," she added, "is a major win for what we've done together as a legislature."

The need for a jail is beyond dispute, Maha said. 

"I'm not fond of spending $60 million," Maha said but the current jail is in bad shape, is landlocked, and the state is demanding a new facility in compliance with state standards.

"This is the county's responsibility and we have to get a jail done, and we have to do it right," Maha said.

Torrey agreed with Maha and said, "we have one chance to do it right. We hired a consultant, and I think it's best to follow what they recommend we do."

Photo: Members of the legislature listen to incoming Legislator (not in frame) Christian Yunker on his thoughts about the new jail, which he also supports.

CORRECTION: The bonds will be paid back over 30 years, the maximum time period for bond payback under state law.

Modern dance showcase 'BREATHE' to command GCC's Stuart Steiner stage Nov. 22

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Directed and choreographed by GCC Adjunct Professor Tara Pocock, the modern dance showcase "BREATHE" will take over the Stuart Steiner Theater stage of Genesee Community College's Batavia Campus at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

With a cast of 20 dancers comprised of members of GCC's Dance Team, the Spotlight Dance Studio, Divine Dance Studio and GCC students, the show will use fog machines and strobe lighting to highlight a variety of dance genres set to music from popular hip-hop rapper Lil Jon to the pop artist Billie Eilish.

Tickets to see "BREATHE" are $8 for adults, and $5 for seniors (55+) and students (16+) and GCC faculty/ staff. GCC students with ID are $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

All ticket sale proceeds will benefit GCC's Forum Players. Please contact tapocock@genesee.edu with any questions.

Nominations open for city schools' 2020 Musicians Of Note honors March 26

By Billie Owens

From the Batavia High School Music Department:

Musicians Of Note, a Wall of Fame to honor past Batavia graduates in music, debuted at Batavia High School last May. The Music Department's Musicians Of Note Committee spearheaded the long-overdue recognition of the excellence of musicians who have graduated and made careers all over the world in the music field.

“We want to keep recognizing the outstanding musicians that Batavia High School has graduated for many years," said Jane Haggett, chair of the Batavia City School District Music Department. "Along with these excellent musicians, we have had outstanding music educators throughout the years that we will continue to recognize.”

Sean Williams, Middle School Band director, said: “Many famous musicians have graced our stages and our city over the past 90 years, including the inaugural performance last May. Many returning alumni performed a top-notch concert with Batavia High School students to the great delight of the crowd! We will continue to be recognize and salute great musicians from Batavia High School!”

The Batavia Music Department and community members will be working once again as a committee to go through the nomination and selection process.

It will culminate in honoring five alumni and one former faculty member of BCSD. They will be recognized on Thursday, March 26 during the Second Annual Musicians Of Note Ceremony with a dinner for the honorees and guests, the presentation of plaques, and a concert open to the public.

Honorees will have a plaque with their visage and their accomplishments hung from the Musicians Of Note wall in the High School.

Criteria

  1. Recipient should have been an active performer or music educator We will also be including deceased musicians/educators from BCSD in the honor.
  2. Potential recipient must be 10 years out of High School.
  3. Recipients who have passed had a successful musical career in either performance, composition, education, theater, or audio recording.

To nominate a Batavia graduate in music for this prestigious honor, please contact the Music Department through the high school, or click here and go to the fourth link down ("nomination") to access the Batavia City School District's nomination form.

To visit the BCSD's new Musicians Of Note website, click here.

To learn about the inaugural inductees of the Musicians Of Note, click here.

Video: Veterans Day baby born at UMMC

By Howard B. Owens
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At 9:27 p.m. on Veterans Day, Franklin Morales-Monterroso and Taylor Henry, who met while serving in the Navy, welcomed their first child into the world, Julian Michael Morales, at 8 pounds and 28 1/2 inches.

Julian is a Veterans Day baby, born at UMMC, to parents who are veterans and several family members who are veterans, including his grandmother, Tammy Henry, who gave birth to Taylor while serving in the Air Force.

Stafford Garden Club invites all for Christmas tree lighting, holiday merriment - and wassail - on Dec. 7

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Stafford Garden Club, together with the Town of Stafford, will present the Fourth Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6:27 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the gazebo in Ilette Park corner of routes 5 and 237.

We will gather at the gazebo for the special tree-lighting ceremony featuring a brass ensemble. After the lighting ceremony, all are invited to join us across the street at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and the Parish Hall for a fun-filled evening featuring holiday jazz music, singing and storytelling by local talent.

Caroling, bagpipes, wassail bowl punch and holiday cookies will round out the evening.

The public is invited. Come and bring your family, friends and neighbors as we begin the Holiday Season!

Highland Park teen accused of stealing cash and harassing minor

By Billie Owens

Devon A. Wright, 18, of Highland Park, Batavia is charged with: second-degree harassment -- physical contact; fourth-degree grand larceny -- taking property from a person; and endangering the welfare of a child less than 17. Wright was arrested on Nov. 10 following an incident with a juvenile that occurred at Batavia City Centre at 10 a.m. that day. Wright allegedly stole an envelope containing cash from the pant pocket of a juvenile, and then grabbed the person by the wrist, causing them to feel threatened and fear physical harm. Wright was arraigned at 9:37 p.m. in Batavia City Court and jailed without bail. Wright was due back in city court on Nov. 12. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Joshua Girvin, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Casey Lynn Fitch, 30, of North Spruce Street, Batavia, is charged with: having unsafe tires; moving from lane unsafely; leaving the scene of a property damage accident; driving while intooxicated; and DWI with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. Fitch was arrested following a hit-and-run property damage accident that occurred at 9:11 p.m. on Nov. 7 on Naramore Drive in Batavia. Fitch was transported to Batavia Police Department and processed, then issued traffic tickets. She is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Stephen Quider.

William C. Hofert, 60, of Dewey Avenue, Batavia, is charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to take a breath test. Hofert was arrested on Nov. 5 following an accident that occurred at 10:03 p.m. on Dewey Avenue. He allegedly drove a vehicle while intoxicated and struck parked cars. He was issued traffic tickets and released and is due in Batavia City Court on Nov. 19. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Felicia DeGroot, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Thomas Scott Flower, 47, of West County House Road, Albion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 percent or more; driving while intoxicated; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 9:08 a.m. on Nov. 12, following the investigation into a one-car accident on Knowlesville Road in Alabama, Flower was arrested on the charges. He was released on appearance tickets and   is due in Alabama Town Court on Nov. 27. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kevin Forsyth.

Alexandrea Lea Fitzwater, 33, of Church Street, Medina, is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third degree, petit larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy. Fitzwater was arrested on Nov. 12 following in investigation into a larceny that occurred at Kohl's department store in Batavia during the afternoon of Sept. 8. She was issued appearance tickets and is due in Town of Batavia Court on Dec. 5. The case was investigated by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Sponsored Post: Batavia Players present: A Charles Dickens Christmas

By Lisa Ace


A Charles Dickens Christmas -tickets on sale now! Please join the Batavia Players for this tender and poignant musical on how Charles Dicken’s life was inspired and shaped while writing one of his most famous stories.  Jam packed with holiday favorites as well as some incredible new music, this is a must-see production for the holiday season featuring a wide ranging in age cast.  A truly gracious and wonderful way to end our 2019 season and to bring about some holiday cheer! Directed by Patrick Burk. Musical Direction by Kathy White

7:30 PM Friday, December 13th & Saturday, December 14th Friday, December 20th & Saturday, December 21st
2:00 PM Sunday, December 15th
Tickets Adults $15 Students/Seniors $13

 

GCC offers 13 online courses for five-week winterim session that begins Dec. 9

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Great news for college students everywhere! Whether they are commuter students to Genesee Community College, or living and attending a college or university far away, GCC has 13 college courses available completely ONLINE during the winterim session that begins on Dec. 9 and runs five weeks through Jan. 8. 

The courses offered during this session help any college student complete their general education requirements, pick up an interesting elective, start an introductory program-specific course, and also transfer SUNY college credit back to their "home-school" institution.

GCC generally sends official college course transcripts to more than 500 colleges and universities across the United States each year, helping college students earn their degrees faster and more affordably! 

"Each year, more and more students from other colleges are joining GCC students to take advantage of our winterim sessions," said Craig Lamb, Ph.D., dean of Distributive Learning, who oversees GCC's Online Learning program. "Winterim at GCC provides the same quality instruction at a much more affordable credit hour rate. This helps students financially, but it also lightens their course load for the spring semester."

In addition to an accelerated timeline to graduation, students looking to retain their New York State Excelsior Scholarship find winterim courses maintain their credit hour requirements and eligibility.

Since the courses are all offered online, students enjoy the flexibility of studying on their own schedule from wherever they choose! Without venturing to a campus location, students can earn college credit and still have time to enjoy their semester break. 

Among the options are College Composition (ENG101), Microeconomics (ECO101), World Civilizations (HIS101), General Psychology (PSY101), Business Communications (BUS106), and Hip Hop Culture (MUS107) provides a fun and fascinating elective!

The complete list of courses being offered during winterim is available online and students are encouraged to sign up quickly as seats are limited.

For more information on winterim classes, contact Online Learning at (585) 345-6969, or via email at GCCOnline@genesee.edu.

City skatepark advocates to hold first meeting at YMCA Saturday to share ideas about public skatepark

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Skatepark Advocates group (BSA) is holding their first public community meeting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16th to discuss possibilities for development of a permanent skatepark for the City.

The meeting will be held at the Genesee County YMCA, located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia. Community members are encouraged to come out to share their thoughts and ideas about a public skatepark.

Batavia has a long history of skateboarding, and previously had a temporary skatepark.

Local community member and skatepark advocate Richard Umlauf, lead advocate for the BSA, says, “We are very excited to get started on a new public skatepark project. The skatepark will be great for the youth of Genesee County and the City of Batavia.

"Public skateparks provide a safe place for young people to meet new people, and can instill drive and determination as they learn new skills in a welcoming, free-to-use public recreation facility.”

Batavia Skatepark Advocates join community advocates from communities across Western New York in pursuing a skatepark for their City’s young people. Like Rochester, Medina, Lockport, Amherst, Buffalo, Jamestown, and Ellicottville, local advocates in Batavia hope to take advantage of the Built to Play Skatepark Grant offered by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation and Tony Hawk Foundation.

Community members are excited to partner with the City of Batavia to create a skatepark that will not only be great for the local citizens, but also be a destination skatepark for regional enthusiasts.

The public is welcome to come out to the Genesee County YMCA on Saturday to brainstorm and discuss public skatepark possibilities for the City of Batavia.

Notre Dame honors newest inductees into its Athletic Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens

Notre Dame High School held its 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday (Nov. 9).

Above, from left, are Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Dick O'Connor -- Class of '64, John Dwyer*, Christopher Sabato -- Class of '97, Maureen Del Plato Braunscheidel -- Class of '98, Lou Cinquino** -- Class of '80, and Jennifer Sutherland Forsyth -- Class of '00.

*[John Dwyer represented his father Edward Dwyer, who was inducted as a Contributor, and John's daughter Amy Dwyer -- Class of '83, who was unable to attend.]

**[Lou Cinquino represented Sacramento Kings NBA Assistant Coach Bob Beyer -- Class of '80.]

Above are Notre Dame High School 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Service Award recipients, from left, Patty Daansen, Dan Coughlin and Kris Coughlin.

Above are members of Notre Dame Wrestling Teams [1967 - 1968 - 1969] inductees.

Front row, from left: Rick Tepedino, John Sorenson, Tony Peca, Dave O'Connor, Bob Balbick, Mike Cinquino and Sal Cintorino.

Back row, from left: Dan O'Connor, Dave Jamalkowski, Tony Forti, Don Linsey, Tony Cinquino, Charlie Mullen, Ron Kelly and Bob Cline.

Not pictured: Dennis O'Connor, Bruce Briggs, Mike Carragher, Joe Chimino, Bill Fava, Bill Gear, Bill Johnson, Tim Lippold, Tom Murray, John Yanilk [Mgr.], Don Kelly* and Dave Dudek* [Deceased *].

Notre Dame Father -- Daughter Hall of Fame members Bill Sutherland -- Class of '67 [HOF 1995] and daughter Jennifer Sutherland Forsyth -- Class of '00, who was inducted into this year's Athletic Hall of Fame.

Bill and Jennifer are the first father - daughter inductee combo in the history of ND's Hall of Fame Inductions!

The four Darien Center O'Connor brothers are now ND Athletic Hall of Fame Members!

Congrats to brothers (from left) Dick -- Class of '64 [HOF '19], David -- Class of '67 [HOF '17], Dan -- Class of '69 [HOF '16], and Dennis -- Class of '72 [HOF '96] O'Connor!

For more information about the inductees, including school photos, bios and their achievements, click on the previous story here.

Local students in Transitions Program competed in Special Olympics Regional Bowling event

By Billie Owens

Above photo: Douglas Nickerson (right) celebrates his first-place win with the Town of Gates Police Chief James VanBrederode. 

Submitted photos and press release:

Students in the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Transitions Program participated in the Special Olympics Regional Bowling Series event that was held at AMF Gates Lanes in Gates on Nov. 1.

During this two-day event, bowlers competed against students in their age bracket. Shanna O’Donovan, Special Education/Transition teacher noted.

“The students cheered each other on and met other students from different schools," O’Donovan said. "Our students learned the importance of good sportsmanship, and teamwork."

Transitions students Miranda Higgins, Todd Claud, Gabriella Pratt, Olivia Bevacqua, Douglas Nickerson, Joe Caito, Kyah Huette and Elizabeth Rex participated in the Special Olympics Regional Bowling Series event.

Douglas Nickerson earned a first-place award and Joe Caito received third place.

“I was so happy to earn first place,” Nickerson said. "I never practiced."

“This was my first time going to a Special Olympics event," Rex said. "I learned a lot and it was so much fun.”

“This was my first-time bowling!" Caito said. "I was very surprised that I won third place.”

The Special Olympics Bowling event allows for the use of bowling ball ramps by athletes who do not have the physical ability to roll a ball with their hand or hands. Additionally, Special Olympics allows bowlers who complete at least three frames and cannot continue to receive 1/10th of their average per remaining frames toward their event score.

The Transitions Program offers a 12:1+1 (12 students, with one certified special education teacher and one teaching assistant) continuum of career awareness, exploration, preparation and work-based experiences to prepare students for entry-level employment.

Photo below: the group of Transitions/Special Education students at the Special Olympics Regional Bowling Series in Gates earlier this month.

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