Press release:

Genesee Community College will raise tuition by $75 per semester with the 2012-2013 academic year under the college's budget plan approved last Monday evening by the board of trustees.

Current tuition for New York State residents is $1,700 per semester, and it will rise to $1,775 per semester. Tuition for students pursuing study on a part-time basis will rise $5 per credit hour, from $140 to $145.

The board's $37 million budget is a maintenance-of-effort budget, President James M. Sunser told trustees. The budget holds staffing at current levels and minimizes purchases of all but essential equipment. It is the tightest GCC budget in recent memory, Sunser noted.

The board of trustees is requesting that Genesee County, sponsor of the college, increase its support of the college by $50,000 annually, from the current $1.936 million to $1.986 million. Sponsor support represents 5 percent of the college's budget. Over each of the last 30 years, Genesee has operated with the lowest or second-lowest level of sponsor support among all SUNY community colleges.

In recent years, New York State has cut aid to community colleges to pre-2000 levels, putting increased fiscal pressure on SUNY's 30 community colleges. Earlier this year, the State Legislature restored some funding, but aid levels stand where they were 10 years ago.

Genesee's low tuition and fees continue to make Genesee Community College one of the most affordable colleges within the SUNY system, Sunser noted.

In other business May 14, the board of trustees:

•    Named retiring Genesee Community College Professor Carl M. Wahlstrom to the rank of Professor Emeritus. The rank of Professor Emeritus is honorary, and signifies long and distinguished teaching service. Professor Wahlstrom began teaching at Genesee in 1975 and has become of one of the nation's leading authorities on First Year Experience programs and student success. He is a popular speaker at academic conferences and the author of numerous books and papers. He is the recipient of two SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence, and is one of only a handful of community college professors to hold the rank of SUNY Distinguished Professor.

•    Approved a one-year renewal of the college's contract with the Genesee Community College Educational Support Personnel Association, which represents secretaries, clerks, buildings and grounds personnel, safety officers, and other staff. The renewal calls for wage increases of 2.75 percent.

•    Approved the granting of 633 degrees and certificates to students, subject to their satisfactory completion of spring semester studies. This spring, Genesee expects to award eight Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees; 307 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; 281 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; and 37 certificates. Students who completed their studies during the 2011-2012 year will be honored at commencement ceremonies today at 1 p.m. at the Batavia campus.

•    Nominated Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino for the New York Community College Trustees Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Service. The Marvin A. Rapp Award recognizes New York community college trustees who have demonstrated extraordinary service and commitment. Ruffino's colleagues on the board cited his strong leadership, participation in college events, and heavy involvement in campus center development, the Med Tech Centre, construction of the Humphrey Student Union and the GCC Foundation as examples of his commitment and contributions to the college. Trustee Maureen T. Marshall said that Ruffino has exhibited "extraordinary leadership in so many ways."

•    Named 395 area residents to 28 program and campus center advisory committees for the 2012-2013 academic year. Most career-oriented programs at the college, as well as the college's campus centers, have community advisory committees that provide guidance to faculty and staff on curriculum issues, internship and job opportunities for students, and overall program direction. The board named advisory committees for the Arcade Campus Center; Rosalie (Roz) Steiner Art Gallery; The BEST Center; Business Administration and Accounting programs; Communication and Media Arts; Computer Technology; Criminal Justice; Dansville Campus Center; Digital Art; Computerized Drafting and Design; Fine and Performing Arts; Advanced Studies and College Tech Prep; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; LIFE (Life Increases Future Experiences/Liberty Partnership) program; Lima Campus Center; Nursing; Office Technology; Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Paralegal Studies; Perkins Grant program; Polysomnographic Technology; Physical Therapist Assistant; Respiratory Care; Fashion Business; Hospitality and Tourism; Veterinary Technology; and Warsaw Campus Center.

•    Honored Student Trustee Phyllis A. Washburn with a Resolution of Appreciation for her service during the 2011-2012 academic year. Washburn's colleagues thanked her for her active participation in board activities and her constant presence at a variety of college events.

•    Heard Board Chair Charles R. Ruffino appoint a three-member Nominating Committee, which will recommend a slate of board officers for the 2012-2013 year. Named to the Committee were Laurie J. Miller, Chair; Benjamin J. Bonarigo; and Donna M. Ferry.

•    Heard Board Chair Ruffino thank and compliment individuals involved with Inauguration Week for their efforts. Ruffino called the week, April 29 to May 5, "impressive," and said he was especially pleased with the number of community residents who participated in Inauguration Week events. President James M. Sunser thanked the board of trustees and Inauguration Committee for the work they did on Inauguration Day. "I will never forget this," he said. "My whole family was overwhelmed by what you did."

•    Heard Joan Nobile, treasurer of the Student Government Association, report that Genesee's student clubs and organizations had a highly successful year. Nobile said that Genesee now sponsors 50 different student clubs. Highlights of the year include the Business Forum's sponsorship of the Ducky Derby, which raised $2,500 for Genesee Country United Way; accomplishments of the Genesee Cougarettes; the Earth Club's Eco-Fest; the Global Education Club's sponsorship of the sand mandala project and other activities focused on Tibet, the Respect Campaign, the Student Health Awareness Group's Relay for Life, student radio WGCC's mobile DJ service, and Phi Theta Kappa's sponsorship of a presentation by a Fordham University speaker on the subject of emotional intelligence. Nobile said that many club leaders were recognized for their efforts and accomplishments at the May 4 Student Awards Banquet.

•    Heard Dean of Learning Technologies Robert G. Knipe report that representatives of Genesee and five other Western New York community colleges officially launched the Online Western New York Learning Alliance earlier this month. The Alliance (known as "OWL") pools all online degree and course information, promotes all online courses offered by the participating colleges, and makes registration easier for students. So, for example, a Genesee student who wishes to participate in an online course offered by one of the other participating colleges can easily do so, Dean Knipe explained. Each college has a "concierge," or advisor, who answers questions about the OWL courses and helps students register.

"This consortium lets us pool our resources, promote all of our offerings across the region, and helps us serve students much better," Dean Knipe told trustees. Participating community colleges include Genesee, Corning, Erie, Finger Lakes, Jamestown, and Monroe.

A two-car accident is reported at the junction of Route 5 and Batavia-Stafford Town Line Road. One person is complaining of neck pain. Traffic is blocked. Stafford Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

Genesee ARC’s Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony was held Friday night at the Clarion Hotel, Batavia. Community members, volunteers, clients and staff were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the local agency that serves people with disabilities and their families.

WBTA owners Dan and Deb Fischer received the Spirit of ARC Award. Their friend Jennifer helped present the award. Jennifer is the daughter of Dan and Deb’s dear friends, Mike and Laura. When Jennifer was born, it sparked Dan and Deb’s journey on the path of advocacy on behalf of all people with disabilities.

Community volunteer Jane Scott was the recipient of Genesee ARC’s Volunteer of the Year Award. A branch manager of Five Star Bank, Scott is an active a volunteer for many community organizations. At Genesee ARC, she is a member of the Finance and Personnel committees and was a cabinet member for ARC’s People Realizing Potential Capital Campaign. She will begin serving on the Genesee ARC Board of Directors in June.

Boy Scout Andrew Fischer, of Batavia, was presented with the Youth Spotlight Award. For his Eagle Scout project, Andrew and his team constructed seven wooden benches, weeded the bike path and planted small trees and shrubs along the path at Genesee ARC’s Hartshorn Road, Batavia residence.

Friend of ARC Awards were presented to:

Mike Sputore, for the many kindnesses he shows to ARC individuals at Mancuso Bowling Center, where he is the manager, and for his for his behind-the-scenes support of the Challenger sports program;

Loretta Stratton, in recognition of her advocacy and support of Genesee ARC programs, services and events;

Mike Strobel, a Rochester area folk singer and guitar player who has been entertaining individuals at the Genesee ARC Day Habilitation Center for nearly 15 years!

Individuals served by Genesee ARC and saff were also recognized for achievement and longevity. The Business Partner of the Year was Yancey’s Fancy, New York artisan cheese makers.

Geoff Redick, YNN reporter, was master of ceremonies.

Dan and Debbie Fischer, owners of WBTA, received the Spirit of ARC Award on Friday night at Genesee ARC's annual awards banquet.

Fischer and Felice families

Jane Scott

Mike Sputore, Loretta Stratton, Mike Strobel

Andrew Fischer

Law enforcement and medics are responding to a call of a 16-year-old male roadside in a vehicle at 5109 Ellicott St. in the Town of Batavia who is vomiting and nauseous due to a possible overdose from smoking incense.

UPDATE 8:25 p.m.: The boy is being transported to UMMC with a complaint of severe overdose of an intoxicant known as "Spice." He is reportedly experiencing "twitchiness" and general nauseousness.

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at Genesee Street and South Lake Road. The eastbound lane is closed. Darien Fire Department and medics are responding.

Injuries are minor. One patient will be taken to UMMC and one will be taken to Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Williamsville. Sheriff's deputies are on scene.

Shawn Clark, current principal of Jackson School in Batavia and soon-to-be principal of Batavia High School, got bullied Thursday night. Teachers and students ganged up on him, as parents looked on, in a church no less.

The sham was a demonstration called a "bullying circle," used to help educate people about how bullying tends to work in a school environment.

Clark spoke to the community at Batavia's First Presbyterian Church about a new district-wide anti-bullying initiative.

According to Clark, the district is using the popular Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which has more than 30 years of research behind it.

The vast majority of students who make up that "middle ground" -- that is, those who are neither bullies nor bullied -- is a key focus of the program.

"Most kids want to (help the victims)," Clark said, "but they don't know how."

It is very important, Clark said, for teachers and students to know how and when to respond to incidents of bullying.

"Research shows that when no action is taken, empathy goes down over time."

People then think that either bullying is no big deal or it's the victim's fault, and the problem gets worse.

This program, he said, educates kids and adults on what they can do to help stop bullying in its tracks.

At Jackson, a group of staff have formed a committee called Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports to help build a positive, comfortable and friendly environment where every student can feel safe and welcome.

Once per week, the committee facilitates classroom discussions wherein kids can engage in face-to-face interactions with each other and discuss what's going on in their lives. They can talk about anything from problems at home to what they did on vacation.

"The point is to cultivate a family environment where the kids can feel safe talking about issues," Clark said.

Another function of these discussions, according to Clark, is to encourage an atmosphere of empathy. In talking about this, he made a distinction between sympathy, which is a feeling, and empathy, which is a "learned skill."

"Sometimes if the kids who are bullying know what's going on in the victims' lives, then they'll see them as human beings who deserve respect."

When asked if he has seen a difference as a result of these types of intervention, Clark replied: "Absolutely."

"The kids feel much more comfortable coming to adults and talking to them about their issues (including those that can be symptoms of, or precursors to, bullying)," he said. "And when we get the kids to work things out, the problems tend to be so much more minor than if we had let them go. (This way) we can take care of them before they escalate into something more serious."

The district's bullying prevention initiative has had its critics, though. Clark said that some people have suggested to him that what staff members really should be doing is "toughening kids up" so that they can fend for themselves.

According to Clark, it's not that easy.

"Research shows that kids who are bullied are so traumatized by it that they can't help themselves," he said.

Bullying can cause problems in kids' lives that make it very hard for them to stick up for themselves. The trauma resulting from bullying can lead to psychological disorders like anxiety and depression, and can even cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea and trouble sleeping.

Problems like these can, in turn, lead to frequent absence from school, which negatively impacts the student's overall academic performance.

Another challenge is the stigma attached to "snitching," or telling on a bully. But Clark maintains that there is a huge difference between "tattling," which means telling on others because you want to get them in trouble, and "informing," which is a way of keeping people safe.

"I never understood the (anti-snitching) mindset," Clark said. "It's okay to ignore the situation when someone is being bullied, but it's wrong to tell an adult about it?"

For Clark, this is all about rights.

"Do the kids at our school have the right to come to school and get an education without having to be afraid? I think the answer is yes."

But the concerns surrounding the reality of bullying don't just apply to the victims. Clark also talked about the risks bullies themselves face.

"(Bullying) can be a sign of a behavioral disorder that can escalate," he said. "Kids who bully are four times as likely to be convicted of crimes (by their 20s). They are also four times as likely to join gangs."

He speaks from experience, having formerly taught at an elementary school in inner-city Rochester. One of his former students has since joined a gang, and was recently killed.

As far as what people can do to reach out to kids who bully, Clark warned against the temptation to assume that they are outcasts who need a boost in self-confidence.

"The bullies might be the most popular kids in school," he said. "Many times, a lack of self-confidence is not the problem -- they have too much self-confidence."

These kids tend to have good leadership abilities, but they use those skills in a negative way.

Principal Clark appealed to citizens to do their part to help eradicate this scourge of mistreating others.

"If you have sons, daughters, nieces, nephews or friends in the Batavia schools," he said, "just talk to them about bullying. The more people talk about it, the better. The more information we can get out there, the better."

In addressing parents, Clark pointed out the role modern technology -- which he called the "new playground" -- has in the whole bullying phenomenon.

"It's so much harder for kids to escape bullying now than ever," he said.

Whereas bullying used to be more or less confined to the schools, now bullies can reach their victims through computers, cell phones, etc. Even at home, over the weekend, and on vacations, someone can make comments about a schoolmate on Facebook or send him/her a harassing text message.

"Parents should monitor what their kids are doing," Clark said. "The kids are not necessarily doing anything wrong, but someone else might be doing wrong to them."

Clark noted the very positive, caring environment at Jackson Schooland and its great group of students, teachers and staff.

There are more than 400 kids at Jackson, and Clark knows them all by name.

Clark's talk was part of a free spaghetti dinner hosted by Peaceful Genesee, a coalition of local community members and organizations dedicated to fostering nonviolence as a way of life in Genesee County.

Photos taken by Steve Ognibene

A two-car accident with unknown injuries is reported at West Main and Oak streets in the city. Two flatbed tow trucks are called. City fire and Mercy medics are responding. Police are on scene. Fluids are leaking.

UPDATE 11:42 p.m.: City fire is back in service. No one was transported to a hospital; they were "sign offs."

A 40-year-old female has possibly suffered head and neck injuries in a 4-wheeler accident in Le Roy behind Bob Adams Automotive, located at 59 Lake St. Le Roy fire and ambulance are dispatched.

UPDATE 9 p.m.: Perhaps the information was inaccurate. Le Roy was put back in service a minute ago and that's all we heard.

FYI...Howard will soon board a plane in Buffalo and head to Chicago. He is attending a small conclave of independent online news publishers from across the nation. He returns this Sunday afternoon.

The Batavian welcomes digital photos taken by readers at events this weekend. We will take a look at submissions and may post them on the Home Page on Sunday -- or on Saturday if time permits.

Meanwhile, I'll be listening to the scanner and posting items as warranted.

Have a great weekend! The weather is supposed to be really nice.

A 40-year-old Batavia woman who bilked two elderly patients out of more than $308,000 faces up to seven years in prison and significant restitution after pleading guilty this morning to four felonies.

Heidi L. Schollard, 161 Bank St., Batavia, entered a guilty plea to three counts of grand larceny, 3rd. Each Class D felony carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, but under the plea deal, Schollard's sentences will be served concurrently.

She also entered a guilty plea to grand larceny, 4th, a Class E felony with a maximum sentence of four years.

Schollard is ordered to repay $265,131 to one elderly victim and $43,000 to another, plus $23,414 to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance and $2,485 to the Department of Labor.

Schollard was initially arrested in December 2010 for allegedly stealing about $250,000 from a Batavia resident.

She was out of jail during the proceedings in that case and was arrested again in March and accused of defrauding another elderly person. The alleged victim in this case is a resident of Alabama.

In both cases, Schollard was reportedly a caregiver for the victims.

Sentencing is set for 9 a.m., Aug. 9.

The Sheriff's Office is looking for assistance in locating Paul J. Doctor. Doctor allegedly failed to comply with a release under supervision contract and an arrest warrant was issued by Genesee County Court related to two counts of burglary.

Warrant Officer Eric Olson asks that anyone with information that may assist in locating Doctor to call (585) 343-0911.

UPDATE:  Paul Doctor turned himself in May 21.

Pembroke, Indian Falls, Corfu and Darien fire departments all participated in a demonstration this morning at Pembroke Town Park for the benefit of the students at Pembroke High School of what happens at a serious motor-vehicle accident.

The demonstration recreates an accident scene in which four students on a prom night are seriously injured -- and one is killed -- because of drinking and driving, or inattention or speeding.

The demonstration is meant to remind students to drive safely on prom night.

Photos submitted by Toby Beahan.

UPDATE: Below are some pictures sent by Greg Brockway.

Press release:

The Dwyer Stadium Box Office will open for the 2012 season at 9 a.m. Monday, May 21. Tickets for Opening Day and ALL regular season games for the 2012 season will be on sale. The box office will be open until 5 p.m.

Normal box office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Season seat holders will be able to pick up their season tickets on Monday. Fans interested in season tickets can also stop by the stadium and pick out their seat for the 2012 season.

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have also released their 2012 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, theme nights and daily promotions.

The fun will kick off three days prior to Opening Day with an exhibition game vs. the Newark Pilots of the Perfect Game League. The aim of this game is not only to get the players acquainted with the stadium but also to give fans the first opportunity to meet the team. Tickets for the exhibition game will be discounted off the already low box office prices and season tickets holders will receive a free ticket to that evening’s ball game.

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

Tuesday features a new addition to the lineup. This year, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2012 season and is presented by M&T Bank. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12 oz. sodas and a 2012 program for only $30, a savings of $14.

On Thursday nights, The Williams Law Firm will once again sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 4th.

Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock 'n' roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Denny’s of Batavia. Every child that runs the bases will receive a coupon for a free Kids Meal at Denny’s.

Other games of note on the 2012 promotional schedule include:

• Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway                            Monday, June 18th
• Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway                                             Wednesday, June 27th
• Prostate Cancer Awareness Day                                           Saturday, June 30th  
• Independence Day Celebration Fireworks                            Wednesday, July 4th
• Classic Rock band “The Strikeouts” pregame concert          Sunday, July 8th                      
• Bark in the Park                                                                    Saturday, July 21st   
• Synch Backpack Giveaway -- Friday, July 27th 
• In Plain View pregame concert (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.)      Friday, August 10th
• Team Photo Giveaway                                                          Saturday, August 11th 
• Genesee Valley Penny Saver Giveaway                               Tuesday, August 21st 
• 15th Anniversary Poster Giveaway                                        Sunday, September 2nd

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 22nd, July 4th, July 6th, July 20th, July 27th, August 10th, and August 24th.

The Muckdogs open their 2012 home schedule on Monday, June 18th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2012 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.

Jonathan E. Garcia, 19, of 101 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful imprisonment, and Sandra L. Fry, 41, of 101 State St., upper, Batavia, is charged with criminal nuisance, 2nd. The charges stem from an investigation into the whereabouts of a missing 14-year-old girl. Garcia is accused of forcibly preventing the victim from leaving his apartment. Fry, his mother, is accused of maintaining a place where persons gather for the purpose of engaging in criminal conduct. Both were arraigned in city court and released under the supervision of Genesee Justice.

Rae C. Cook, 23, of 121 Liberty St., Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt, 1st. Cook is accused of striking a protected person several times during an altercation May 5. Cook was arraigned in city court and jailed on $5,000 bail.

Mike and Laura were doing a little yard clean up when Mike went to grab a fallen tree branch. It stopped when he spotted a bunny hiding in the wedding bells. Laura ran in, grabbed her camera, attached a long lens and was able to snap this shot before the bunny hopped away.

Press release:

John Weber and his Genesee ARC family care provider, Lynda Domnissey, experienced memories of a lifetime during a May 13 concert in Boston featuring The Go-Go’s. They had VIP tickets for the Wilbur Theater show, but Domnissey said, “This was over the top!” 

“We met everyone from all of the roadies, right up to Belinda Carlisle and the rest of the band,” she added, saying it’s something they will never forget!

John has been a part of Domnissey’s family care home for the past eight years.

“My husband, Mike Grosshans, and I love music and so does John,” she said.

John summed it up with, “The Go-Go’s are AWESOME!”

Group members took the time to pose for photos and sign John’s self-advocacy backpack 

The Go-Go’s formed in Los Angeles in 1978. Their hits include "Our Lips are Sealed," "We Got the Beat" and "Vacation."

Pictured above: John Weber (seated); with Gina Schock, drummer; Belinda Carlisle, singer; Charlotte Caffey, guitar; Jane Weidlin, guitar; Lynda Domnissey and Kathy Valentine, base guitar.

A one-vehicle rollover accident has been reported on the Thruway in the area of mile marker 386.

Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy EMS responding.

UPDATE 6:41 a.m.: Very minor injuries. The location is just east of the Clinton Street Road overpass.

UPDATE 6:44 a.m.: Rescue 20 back in service. Engine 24 to the scene to secure the vehicle.

UPDATE 6:46 a.m.: At the request of the NYS Thruway Authority, Engine 24's response cancelled. Town of Batavia back in service.

The early spring cold snap was a set back for some of the strawberry plants at Duyssen Family Farm in Le Roy.

The plants growing in the hoop houses, however, are coming on strong, according to John Duyssen. He expects strawberries ready for picking by Memorial Day.

The different growing cycles of the two groups of plants, however, should extend the amount of time strawberries are available at the farm.

The farm is located at 9187 Bater Road, Le Roy, and as soon as the strawberries are ripe, customers will be welcome to pick their own.

Previously:

• Duyssens keep 'the family' in family farming
• Strawberry and honey farm in Le Roy going solar

Village of Le Roy residents are wondering why a security guard suddenly appeared at the Bank of America branch on Main Street.

Speculation centers around concern over protests against B of A, but those took place during the bank's shareholder's meeting May 9 and mostly in other parts of the country.

A spokesman for B of A said the bank doesn't discuss bank security.