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State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer honored Millie Tomidy-Pepper this week as the 2011 Woman of Distinction for the 61st Congressional District at the 14th Annual Senate Women of Distinction ceremony.

She was honored for her outstanding contributions in enriching the quality of life for the community and beyond.

"Without women such as Millie, there would be a huge void in Genesee County," Ranzenhofer said. "Her initiative and tireless advocacy has led to the creation and development of so many services at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County...these programs have served the needs of the community and have had a positive impact on a countless number of lives."

In response to the recognition, Tomidy-Pepper said: "To have an honor such as this bestowed upon me by Senator Ranzenhofer and be included among a group of women that have inspired me and whom I hold in the highest regard has left me speechless. I owe a great deal of gratitude to the countless women who came before me and worked tirelessly to pave the way so that I could be blessed with opportunities in my life  to do work that I find both meaningful and rewarding."

Tomidy-Pepper has worked at the Mental Health Association in Genesee County for more than 17 years, serving the past 10 years as executive director. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association of New York State. During her tenure, she has established numerous support groups and programs, including Trauma Services program, Transportation Services, and Mental Illness/Chemical Abuse Services program.

She is a contributor to the Community Services Board-Mental Health Subcommittee, Mental Health Court, Crime Victims’ Rights Week Planning Committee, Genesee Veterans Support Network, GCC Human Service Committee and the Genesee Area Personnel Association.

In addition, she volunteers at the Batavia Animal Shelter and has traveled to New Orleans four times after Hurricane Katrina to help with rebuilding efforts.

She and her husband, David, reside in Le Roy.

In her spare time, Millie enjoys spending time with family and participating in outdoor activities, including skiing, kayaking, hiking and flying.

The Women of Distinction program was created in 1998 to honor great New York women. Past honorees include the late comedienne Lucille Ball, 19th Century suffragist Katherine Davis and other women accomplished in sciences, academics, business and the arts.

The Mental Health Association in Genesee County promotes mental wellness through education, advocacy and support for the community thereby improving quality of life and instilling hope.

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.

The following local residents were among more than 555 graduate students from Nazareth College who received master's and doctoral degrees during the college's 84th Commencement Exercises held on May 8.

Laura Hungerford, of Bergen, received a BS degree in Nursing.

Sara George, of Byron, received a  BS degree in Nursing.

Kristin Glazier, of Byron, received a MSW degree in Social Work.

Kimberly Barber, of  Leroy, received a BA degree in History.

Kristine Wolcott, of Oakfield, received a MSE degree in Art Education.

Melissa Cutcliffe, of Pavilion, received a DPT degree in Physical Therapy.

Jessie Janes, of Pavilion, received a BA degree in Sociology.

Riley Carhart, of Stafford, received a BS degree in Accounting.

Sara Churchill, of Stafford, received a MSE degree in Inclusive Education.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

James Ireland, of Bergen, participated in the 2011 Commencement Ceremony at SUNY New Paltz on May 22.

He received a bachelor of science degree in Geology.

Located in the heart of a dynamic college town, 90 minutes from metropolitan New York City, the State University of New York at New Paltz <http://www.newpaltz.edu> is a highly selective college of about 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

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.   

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.

This information comes from Genesee Community College.

Seven members of Genesee Community College's faculty and staff will receive the State University of New York' s Chancellor's Award for Excellence this year, the Board of Trustees learned Monday evening.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award is bestowed on faculty and staff members who make significant contributions to their campuses and SUNY, and whose work is marked by high accomplishment and a commitment to excellence.

Named as 2011 recipients of the award are:

Michelle D. Abdella, instructor of Mathematics, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She resides in Batavia.

Maureen E. Dugan, assistant professor of Fine Arts and Ceramics, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. She resides in Penfield.

Carla L. Guiste, reproduction services operator, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service. She resides in Oakfield.

Kathleen A. Kimber, professor of Spanish, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. She resides in Rochester.

Rafael Alicea-Maldonado, professor of Chemistry, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Alicea-Maldonado resides in Buffalo.

Donna Rae Sutherland, associate director of Marketing Communications, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service. She resides in Batavia.

Anita Whitehead, reference librarian, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Librarianship. She resides in Geneseo.

This year's recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Excellence bring the total number of faculty and staff honored in the history of the college to 105.

"Our  2011 recipients bring an extraordinary record of accomplishment to our students and our college as a whole," President Stuart Steiner told trustees. "We extend our congratulations to these faculty and staff members, and our thanks for the significant contributions they make to our success."

Corfu resident Pamela Ware was honored for her 10 years of service to the Nioga Library System at the 52nd annual dinner held at the Hickory Ridge Country Club in Holley on May 17.

Ware served as chair of the Personnel Committee and as the state and national liaison. She was also trustee-at-large for Genesee County libraries.

She received a Trustee Certification Award for her advocacy efforts on behalf of Nioga and the member libraries of Niagara, Orleans and Genesee Counties. She also received a stone plaque engraved with Thomas Jefferson’s famous quote in 1815 --  “I cannot live without books.”

Ware quipped, “The 1815 refers to how much this weighs!”

The Genesee trustee-at-large position remains open. Anyone interested in this appointment is urged to contact their local library.

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/>

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.

Elmira College has released its Dean's List for Academic Achievement for the Winter 2011 term, which was from January through April.

The Dean's List recognizes students that have a grade point average of 3.6 or highter.

Alicia Hough, of Elba. Alicia is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Valeria Moore and Albert Hough.

Alicca Vigneri, of Elba. Alicca is majoring in Business Administration and is the daughter of Phil and Janette Vigneri.

Matthew Gale, of Le Roy. Matthew is majoring in Childhood Education and Sociology and Anthropology and is the son of Mr. Christie and Mrs. Cynthia Gale.

Megan Lowe, of Le Roy. Megan is majoring in Adolescence Education: Mathematics and is the daughter of John and Lynda Lowe.

Elmira College, located in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful, historic Upstate New York, is one of the great small colleges of the nation. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 800-935-6472.

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.