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Elba Historical Society hosts author of two books about the Civil War

By Billie Owens

The Historical Society of Elba will present a program on the Civil War beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at the museum.

The museum is located on the Maple Avenue Extension in the Village of Elba.

Wilbur Dunn, who has written two books on the 8th New York Heavy Artillery, will speak. His book "The Full Measure of Devotion" will be available for purchase.

Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will follow the program as will a short meeting for the society's members.

***Members should also note that prior to the Civil War presentation, there will be a meeting starting at 5:30 in the Elba Fireman's Rec Hall to discuss the upcoming Roast Beef Dinner and Chinese Auction (Thursday, Oct. 6) and the Barn Dance (Saturday, Oct. 15) Torrey's Barn on Route 98, south of Elba.

Stafford Historical Society's annual summer ice cream social

By Billie Owens

The Stafford Historical Society is having its annual summer ice cream
social beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25 at the town hall, located on
Route 237.

Our featured speaker will be architect Rick Hauser, of Perry. His program will be on the subject of inventing new business models for building rehabilitation: short term versus long term.

All are invited to attend.

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Regional YMCA selects Ohio Y executive as its new leader

By Billie Owens

The Genesee/Livingston/Orleans/Wyoming (GLOW) YMCA announced today that it has ratified the selection Scott Taylor to be its new CEO. He is passionate about the mission of the YMCA and brings 18 years of experience to his new role, which he begins on Oct. 17.

He says he is excited about the opportunity to serve the community and make a difference in people's lives.

The search committee, chaired by John Riter, looked nationwide for a successor to Wess Audsley, who is now the vice president of Association Resources with the YMCA of the USA.

“We are very pleased to have completed the selection process and identified a leader of Scott’s caliber," said Mary Ann Moore, president of the GLOW YMCA Corporate Board of Directors. "Scott’s broad range of skills and training, as well as his 18 years of experience in various senior level positions at YMCAs, have prepared him well to meet the challenges of our association.

"He will be a great asset to the volunteer leadership, staff and members of our GLOW YMCA. We look forward to working with Scott as we move forward in advancing the mission of the Y in our communities.”

Taylor began his YMCA career in 1986 as the physical director at the Tiffin YMCA in Ohio. In 1989, he became a branch executive director in the YMCA of Greater Toledo association. In 1992, he accepted the position as associate executive director for the Butler YMCA in Butler, Pa., when he became very passionate for the Big Brother/Big Sister program.

In 1996, he left the YMCA to become the executive director of the Mahoning Valley Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in Girard, Ohio. In 2003, Taylor came back to the YMCA as the executive director of the Firestone Branch YMCA of Akron.

Over the past eight years, he has held many leadership roles within the Akron, Ohio, area YMCA, where he was known for providing visionary leadership and outstanding management for one of the Y’s largest branches.

Taylor holds a bachelor's degree in Physical Education/Exercise Physiology from Kent State University and a master's degree in Human Services, Organizational Leadership and Development from Springfield College.

He and his wife, Sarah, have two children and will be making their home in the GLOW service area.

Bergen resident participated in C-SPAN broadcast with former DNC chairman

By Billie Owens

Jennifer Vereecken, of Bergen, participated in C-SPAN's "Washington Journal" this summer with former Democratic National Committee Chair Tim Kaine.

Jennifer is a senior this year Byron-Bergen High School and took part in the live taping of the broadcast program as a correspondent for the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) from George Mason University's Arlington campus.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, WJMC offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week-long program encourages and inspires young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

The National Youth Correspondents were members of the live broadcat "Washington Journal" having the opportunity to ask questions. The show featured Former Democratic National Committee Chair Tim Kaine and Tucker Carlson.

Kaine, the former governor of Virginia, took a series of questions from the correspondents that ranged in topics from how social media effects the political landscape to his take on the current economic crisis and debt ceiling debate.

WJMC is a highly competitive program. Just 150 high-school seniors were selected as correspondents representing their cities, states and high schools. Correspondents were selected or nominated based on demonstrated leadership and interest in journalism and the ever-changing landscape of media, in addition to their academic excellence.

George Mason University is located in Northern Virginia, minutes from the nation's capitol. In addition to environmental science and policy, Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care, and visual and performing arts.

Four local resident earn degrees from Ithaca College

By Billie Owens

Four local residents recently received degrees from Ithaca College.

Megan Suttell, daughter of John and Kathleen Suttell, of Oakfield, received a degree from the Division of Interdisciplinary and International Studies.

Allyce Barron, daughter of Bruce and Marie Barron, of LeRoy, received a degree from the School of Music.

Chad Condidorio, son of Joseph and Christine Condidorio, of Le Roy, received a degree from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance.

Cody Chittenden, son of Franklin and Susan Chittenden, of Corfu, received a degree from the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Coeducational and nonsectarian, Ithaca College is a nationally recognized independent college of some 6,300 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. The college offers more than 100 degree programs.

A dozen local residents named to Deans' List at Alfred State College

By Billie Owens

Stephen J. Havlovic, Ed.D, vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State College, has announced the Deans' List of students for the Spring 2011 semester.

The following local residents made the list.

Basom

Brandon Richardson

Corfu

Nicole Binns

Darien Center

Stephen Ward

Ethan Willard

Le Roy

Quentin Humphrey

Morgan Presher

Edward Cigno

Christopher Locke

Jonathon Locke

Oakfield

Josh Harloff

Kailynn Post

Stafford

Stephen Trond

Alfred State College offers associate degrees in 52 programs in the fields of agriculture, health, business, vocational, and engineering technology, as well as liberal arts and sciences. There are also 19 baccalaureate degree offerings.

Pembroke resident earns scholarship from insurance pros

By Billie Owens

Genesee Region Insurance Professionals (the local affiliate of Federation of New York Insurance Professionals) awarded their 2011 Harry K. Lown Memorial Scholarship to Megan Patterson, a 2011 graduate of Pembroke High School.

Megan is attending Niagara University this fall as an Accounting/Finance major.

 

Semi-truck and bicycle accident, with injuries, on Clinton Street Road

By Billie Owens

A semi-truck versus bike accident with injuries is reported in front of Terry Hills Golf Course, 5122 Clinton St. Road in the Town of Batavia. The bicycist is conscious and complaining of a head injury. Town of Batavia Fire Department and Mercy medics are responding.

UPDATE 11:26 a.m.: The bicyclist is being transported to Strong Memorial Hospital. Town of Batavia Fire Department is back in service.

Two local students named to Deans' List at Ithaca College

By Billie Owens

Two local residents were named to the Deans' List at Ithaca College for the Spring 2011 semester.

Allyce Barron, daughter of Bruce and Marie Barron, of Le Roy, attends the School of Music.

Alana Amorese, daughter of Frank and Laurie Ann Amorese, of Linwood, attends the School of Humanities and Sciences.

Coeducational and nonsectarian, Ithaca College is a nationally recognized independent college of some 6,300 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. It offers more than 100 degree programs.

First anniversary celebration Friday for UMMC's physical therapy center

By Billie Owens

The public is invited to a celebration marking the one-year anniversary of UMMC's Summit Physical and Occupational Therapy Center from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 26.

The center is located at the MedTech Park, 99 MedTech Drive in Batavia.

There will be tours, giveaways and demonstrations of the new aquatic therapy pools, and birthday cake, too!

Clor's Meat Market will offer full chicken BBQ dinners for $5. For dinner tickets, call 344-5278.

You can enter for a chance to win a 40-inch flat-screen TV. No purchase necessary and you need NOT be present to win.

Two local students named to Deans' List at Paul Smith College

By Billie Owens

Two local students were named to the Deans' List at Paul Smith's College during the Spring 2011 semester. Each earned a semester average of 3.3 or higher to receive this distinction.

Craig Holland, of Bergen, who is enrolled in the School of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Mercedes Mosher, of Le Roy, who is enrolled in the School of Hospitality, Resort and Culinary Management.

At Paul Smith's College is on the shores of Lower St. Regis Lake and it's the only four-year institution of higher education in the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park of New York State. Its programs include hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship, the sciences, and more. The college draws on industries and resources available "in our own backyard" while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.

Two local students graduate from Cornell

By Billie Owens

Two local residents recently graduated from Cornell University in Ithaca.

Ethan Richenberg, of Linwood, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.

Michael Gould, of Pavilion, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Independent Living of Genesee Region has two new employees

By Billie Owens

Earlier this summer, Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR) hired two new people.

Melissa Golpl is the new full-time outreach specialist/disability rights advocate. She has experience as an advocate for policies which serve to eliminate discrimination and promote inclusion using the "Independent Living Philosophy."

She is very active in local and statewide advocacy. Golpl comes to ILGR from Independent Living of Niagara County, where she served as disability rights advocate. She has also been a community advocate for the Mental Health PEER Connection.

Golpl will coordinate systems advocacy for Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties. In addition, she is trained as a certified trainer of the American with Disabilities Act and is available to train people upon request. As an outreach specialist, she will work on a program in Niagara and Orleans counties that seeks to identify individuals living in nursing homes who are able to move back into the community.

Edna Painter was hired as a full-time, temporary outreach specialist. Most recently, she has served as a program aide at Stepping Stones Day Treatment in Warsaw and as a meal site manager for the Wyoming County Office for the Aging. She received a diploma from the Olean Business Institute.

As the outreach specialist, Edna will arrange community activities for the agency, including support group development and targeted outreach to various agencies. Painter is available to speak to individuals, groups and organizations about how ILGR can assist individuals with disabilities.

Independent Living of Genesee Region (ILGR), part of the WNY Independent Living Inc., Family of Agencies is located in Batavia at 113 Main Street, Suite 5.

The agency provides individuals of the Genesee Region with four "Core Services; Information & Referral, Peer Counseling, Independent Living Skills Training and Individual and Community Advocacy."

For more information about ILGR or to begin receiving services, please call (585) 815-8501, ext. 400, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Elba resident named an outstanding student at the University at Albany-SUNY

By Billie Owens

Andrew White, of Elba, earned the University at Albany's Spring 2011 Deans' Commendation for outstanding academic achievement.

The University at Albany-SUNY is an internationally recognized research university with 56 undergraduate majors and 115 graduate degree programs. It is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice.

Le Roy student earned perfect grades at SUNY Oneonta

By Billie Owens

Brianna Olsen, of Le Roy, earned a perfect grade-point average of 4.0 during the Spring 2011 semester at SUNY Oneonta and has been named to the college's Provost's List.

Of the more than 5,800 undergraduates enrolled at the college, only 125 qualified for the Spring 2011 Provost's List by earning a perfect GPA while carrying a course load of at least 12 semester hours.

Established as a state normal school in 1889 and incorporated as a founding member of the state university system in 1948, the college is well known for its outstanding faculty, strong academic programs, educational technology, community service and character-building activities, and its scenic campus.

Basom resident named an outstanding scholar at RIT

By Billie Owens

Daniel Crossen, son of Robert and Sharon Crossen, of Basom, was recently named a 2010-2011 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar at Rochester Institute of Technology.

He is a mechanical engineering major and a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School.

Outstanding Undergraduate Scholarship Awards are presented to students who have achieved the distinction of maintaining a minimum university grade-point average of 3.85 out of a possible 4.0 and completed at least 125 quarter credit hours of study, nearly two-thirds of the credit hours required for a baccalaureate degree.

Selection is also based on other factors complementing academic achievement, such as creative work, service on student committees, civic activities, employment and independent research.

Each RIT scholar receives a bronze medallion representing the traditional symbols for wisdom and respect -- the Athenian owl and the olive branch.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging technology, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

RIT enrolls 17,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative-education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

GC Chamber of Commerce announces 22nd annual local ag tour

By Billie Owens

The 22nd annual Genesee County Decision-makers' Agriculture Forum will focus on "Homegrown Markets" and it takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, beginning at the Batavia United Methodist Church.

The church is located at 8221 Lewiston Road (Rt. 63) in the Town of Batavia.

The ag tour, sponsored by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, is free but you must register by Sept. 14.

To register for the tour, call the chamber at 343-7440, ext. 27, or stop by the office at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. You can also RSVP by emailing your name, business and address to: chamber@geneseeny.com.

The day will begin at 7:15 a.m. with registration, breakfast and speaker Stephen Tudhope, chair of the chamber's ag committee.

At 7:50, it's time to load the buses and travel.

(8 o'clock) First stop is First Light Farm & Creamery, a farmstead dairy and creamery that produces artisanal goat and cow milk cheeses. Brothers Trystan and Max Sandvoss learned the art and science of cheese making and animal husbandry in the Pacific Northwest, working for three different artisanal creameries over four years.

(9 o'clock) Second stop is Grassland Dairy. Brent and Polly Tillotson established their 100-cow, 260-acre organic dairy farm in 2008. Understanding and transitioning their farm to organic took them three years. Brent's experience growing up on his family's farm resulted in acquiring useful skills and knowledge, which helped him with this new venture.

(10:15) Last stop is Fenton Produce, LLC. Fenton's is a family owned and operated, third-generation farm -- the same farm that Paul's uncles bought in the early 1930s. There is a strong heritage of farming on Paul's side -- but this is the first generation to be a produce-only farm. They are strictly a vegetable farm that grows produce for the retail market. In addition to attending farmers markets and running their CSA, they also sell produce to 10 Wegmans stores in the Buffalo area and Tops in Batavia, along with selling to local farm stands in the area.

(11:15) Wrap up and return to the church.

Former Batavia resident buys Gambler Pro Tour, now working the circuit to sign up pool players

By Billie Owens

Former Batavia resident Jeff "The Buddha" Van Buren has purchased the Gambler Pro Tour and is on the road following the pool-players circuit in order to visit billiard rooms and sign up players.

“The Gambler Pro Tour is positioned to elevate the sport of billiards to the next level," says Van Buren, in his press release.

The GPT has an ambitious plan for events to take place in Western New York, Northern Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

He says the tour will attract seasoned veterans and amateurs, as well as, reach out to those who are new to billiard competition. Coverage of the events will be taped and edited for local cable broadcasting.

The Gambler Pro Tour was formed last year by Dan Dennis. Two events were held in Florida and Georgia. Ten more were planned with 10K each in added money. In May of this year, Van Buren, with expansion on his mind, struck a deal with Dennis to purchase the tour. The transfer took place with Catherine Jenkins, of the Mt. Dora, Fla.,Chamber of Commerce, recording the transaction.

Room owners will not be required to add money for semi-pro events. Many events will have no added money. This will take the lure away for seasoned players and give amateurs a chance at cashing in on events.

According to Van Buren, Gambler Pro Tour is not seeking to compete with established pool tours and does its best not to enter markets where there is already a popular tour in place like the Lone Star Tour in Texas, Great Southern Billiards Tour, Joss Tour, Tiger SE Tour, and the newly formed Action Pool Tour.

Van Buren, who now resides in Fort Myers, Fla., is the commissioner of the Pool Hustler Series, and founder of the Shooters Tour that covered Upstate New York. In addition to owning a pool room, he operated the Shooters Tour for 10 years. It grew to 1,000 players holding 30 to 40 events per year with all sponsorships coming from outside of the industry. He was well-known for holding charity events, his favorite being the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

To find out more, phone Van Buren at 239-822-5255, email him at poolhustlerseries@yahoo.com, visit online at www.GamblerProTour.com

World-renowned fencing referee to lead referees' clinic at EnGarde:Batavia

By Billie Owens

World-renowned fencing referee Jon Moss will be appearing at EnGarde:Batavia, a local fencing school located on Harvester Avenue, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 27.

Moss, who holds the highest possible rating for a fencing referee, is a 42-year veteran of the sport.  He currently coaches at the University of New Hampshire and Tanner City Fencing Club and  serves as head referee at Fencing Officials Commission.

Moss will be on hand to certify perspective referees in the sport at the area’s only fencing school, which is owned and operated by Genesee County native, Colin Dentino. 

The sport of fencing requires skilled referees as the official is involved on every call and must adjudicate every action.

“It is vitally important that we train and maintain referees -- especially now since we are currently forming the Genesee Fencing League," Dentino said. "We’ll require skilled officials who are armed with the latest rules and guidelines."

After completing this clinic, and passing the referee exam, participants will be certified with the United States Fencing Association.

EnGarde:Batavia continues to grow since it opened its doors in the Artisan Center one year ago.  Besides the Jon Moss Referees' Clinic, EnGarde:Batavia also offers fencing camps and clinics for all ages/skill levels as well as their popular Molten Sword Tournament.

Dentino believes that fencing is underrated as a sport and has several benefits helping develop stamina, flexibility, strength, dexterity, hand/eye coordination, as well as physical and mental agility.

Don Grieger gives oil-painting demo at Go-Art!

By Billie Owens

Artist Don Grieger will be doing an oil-painting demonstration from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at Go-Art!/Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia (old Batavia Club).

Public welcome for a $3 fee and Batavia Society of Artists members are free. New members always welcome.  www.bataviasocietyofartists.org

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