The Old Hippies, Bill and Kay McDonald, will perform at Jackson Square starting at 1 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.
Batavia - The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County Board of Directors meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on August 3, 2021. The meeting will be held at the Extension Center at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia and is open to the public.
Any questions should be directed to Yvonne Peck at 585-343-3040, ext. 123.
Press release:
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is announcing that this year’s annual Patriot Trip, taking place from September 16-19, will be the most affordable ever. Hawley will join veterans and their guests on his annual trip to Washington D.C., visiting various landmarks and historical sites.
Thanks to the generous contributions of many organizations and individuals, the cost to veterans and their selected guest for this year’s trip will be lower than ever in the trip’s fourteen-year history. The cost to veterans and their guest will be far below the original $475 per person, and includes all food, accommodation and travel expenses required for the trip. Although costs are not yet finalized, Hawley is hoping a cost of $350 or less per person will be attainable.
“Following an outpouring of financial support from the community at large, individuals, businesses and veteran-advocacy groups, I am elated to announce the cost to veterans and their guests for this year’s Patriot Trip will be lower than ever, and I’m hopeful the final cost will be between $300 and $350. With confirmed stops this year at Gettysburg, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Veterans Memorials around the National Mall, the National Marine Museum, the Arlington National Cemetery with Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many other landmarks and museums, it’s going to be a trip to remember for all who attend.”
Any interested veterans or their family members are encouraged to reach out to Hawley’s district office at 585-589-5780 or HawleyS@nyassembly.gov to learn more about the trip and to make reservations.
Above, Jason Bartlett steers Town Gossip out front.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs begins the second week of their meet on Wednesday (July 28) and the New York Sire Stakes will once again be in town. This time it’s a two-for-one deal as both male and female divisions of 3-year-old pacers will convene at the Genesee County track for a total purse of $225,000. With the Excel A and B races also carded, the money distributed by the NYSS alone on Wednesday is $319,800.
Looking at ladies first, eight will go postward in their first division for $58,000. Summer Rae (Roll With Joe-Solar Eclipse) kicked off her stake season well, scoring a win and a second in three NYSS starts. And in between she took a speedy 1:53 lifetime mark at Yonkers in an overnight event. The filly is the top money winner in this race, drew post one and looks to have all the advantages.
Trainer Tom Fanning has her regular driver Jason Bartlett up and has been tabbed 5-2 by the track handicapper.
Think Of Galaxies (So Surreal-Lightning D Dube) looked sharp in winning back to back starts in overnight races at the Meadowlands in June, including her lifetime best 1:51.3 mile. In her last start in NYSS action at Yonkers, she left from post seven and tripped-out to finish second behind Test Of Faith, who won in 1:52.2. She gets major post relief here as she moves into post three.
Jim Morrill Jr. will drive for trainer John Mc Dermott and starts at 3-1.
The second $57,000 split has seven starters and Heart Of Mine (Roll With Joe-Aquavella) is the prohibitive favorite.
Heart Of Mine has won seven races out of eight starts this year and her only loss was to Test Of Faith in the $150,000 final of the Park MGM stake at Yonkers, in what was then a battle of the unbeatens. Heart Of Mine bounced back last week and won in NYSS action with her seasonal best effort of 1:53.3. The filly likes the front and that should be easily attainable from post four.
Hall of Fame trainer Linda Toscano sends the 7-5 Heart Of Mine out with Scott Zeron in the bike.
Tava (American Ideal-Major Harmony) who starts from post one, will be looking to capitalize with a trip and should sit the pocket here. Although she only has one win in seven 2021 starts, Tava has not missed the board since her first start of the year and that includes three NYSS starts. Her win was a 1:53 jogger at Harrah’s Philly in an overnight event which was her lifetime mark. She’s spotted well here and has a chance to close the deal.
Matt Kakaley drives the 3-1 Tava for trainer Scott DiDomenico.
The colts and geldings are split into two five-horse, $55,000 fields and both have prohibitive co-favorites.
The first group features I’ll Drink To That at 7-5 and King James Express at 8-5.
I'll Drink To That (American Ideal-Margarita Monday) got his first NYSS win this year at Buffalo in June before heading into the Messenger Stake at Yonkers. He fared well in the elimination where he cut the mile and finished second to Abuckabett Hanover in 1:51.3. In the final he got away third and after racing covered, got out coming off the last turn but could not advance on the leading American Courage who won in 1:51.4 over the off track.
Jim Morrill Jr. drove him to victory at Buffalo and is back up for this outing for trainer Chris Ryder.
King James Express (Art Major-More Diamonds) was the NYSS 2-year-old male pacing champion last year and earned $209,201 for the season, and after a slower start this year seems to be rounding into form now. After a third place finish to I’ll Drink To That in the first NYSS event at Buffalo, King James Express raced three overnight conditioned events where he showed good closing speed. His last start was back in the NYSS at Saratoga where he went his season’s best mile of 1:53.3 in victory with Jason Bartlett aboard. He draws post one here and will be dangerous.
Bartlett is back in the driver’s seat for trainer Mark Harder.
The second quintet also has co-favorites with Southwind Petyr tabbed at 8-5 and Town Gossip at 9-5.
Southwind Peytr has two second place finishes in NYSS this year, but they bookend two outstanding overnight wins that include a 1:50.1 career best at the Meadowlands in June and followed that up with a 1:52.4 win at Yonkers over an off track. The competition here is stiff, facing off against Town Gossip who beat him in their last start. But Southwind Peytr did finish ahead of Town Gossip earlier this year when he placed at Buffalo. Southwind Peytr drew wideset in here, but there are only five at the gate.
Jason Bartlett steers for trainer Mark Harder.
Town Gossip has come on very strong lately and enters this race razor sharp. After winning an overnight at Yonkers in a lifetime best 1:52.4 by 2-½ lengths, Town Gossip shipped to Saratoga and fired a 1:51.1 mile at the competition. He sat with cover behind Southwind Petyr who tangled with I’ll Drink To That in a :26.4 third quarter before finding room in the lane to win by ¾’s of a length. The time lowered his personal best again and bodes well for his chances in this race.
Joe Bongiorno will drive for sister Jenn Bongiorno and will start from post four.
There are also a total of five $15,000 Excel A races and three $6,600 Excel B events on the card, two of which will go as non-betting races before the pari-mutuel card begins. Post time for the first non-betting event is 4:30 p.m. and the regular card kicks off at 5 p.m.
Top photo of Town Gossip courtesy of Melissa Simser-Iovino.
Press release:
The Batavia City School District’s Registration Office will be located at the Robert Morris Site beginning on Monday, August 2, 2021. Families are asked to use the Community Schools entrance when picking up or turning in registration materials, which is located off of the parking lot at the corners of Richmond and Vernon Avenues. The hours are 8 AM-12 PM and 1 PM-3 PM until August 20. Beginning August 23, hours are 8 AM-4 PM.
The District encourages any families with children entering Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) or Kindergarten in September to please register their child as soon as possible. Children who are residents of the District and who are four (4) years of age on or before December 1, 2021, are eligible to apply for UPK. Children who will be five years old on or before December 1, 2021, are eligible for Kindergarten. Please see the information on our District’s website, https://www.bataviacsd.org/page/electronic-registration, to begin the registration process.
Anyone with questions may call the Registration Office at 585-343-2480 ext 1010.
Press release:
Today, six United Way chapters officially announced their merger and the creation of a powerful and aligned organization: United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, serving the counties of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming.
The organization, which altogether raises and distributes more than $30 million annually, now encompasses 5,144 square miles of rural, suburban and urban neighborhoods, and brings together more than 50,000 donors, 1,300 workplaces, 1,000 nonprofit partners, and thousands of volunteers to address the region’s biggest human services challenges.
All current team members across the six counties remain with the organization, bringing a breadth of hands-on experience, in-depth understanding, and increased people power to the expanded footprint.
Jaime Saunders will serve as the merged organization’s president and CEO, with Cicely Strickland-Ruiz as chief operating officer, Jennifer Cathy as chief impact officer, Barbara Pierce as chief development officer, and Laurie Ganon as chief financial officer.
Former regional directors will continue to serve in leadership roles: Kari Buch as associate director of Community Impact, and Tammy Hathaway and Carol Pettis as senior regional development managers.
The six branches have worked together for decades, with Monroe County providing back-office services including financial, IT, marketing and human resources functions for all. The new structure, proven during theorganization’s Spring 2021 campaign season, streamlines the organization’s front-end processes. Its success helped United Way rebound to pre-pandemic levels of funding for its human services partners.
“People and businesses function across local geographic boundaries,” said Jaime Saunders, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes. “Working together more cohesively across the region will make it easier for our business partners and donors to share resources, and our nonprofit partners to get elevated support so they can remain focused on providing services.”
What will not change is United Way’s commitment to local communities.
Dollars raised in an area will stay committed to that area. Donors will also retain the ability to direct their contributions to the causes they feel strongest about. United Way will remain committed to its three core impact areas, providing meaningful Community Impact Fund Impact Grants to its nonprofit partners supporting health, education, and economic mobility, and short-term community impact fund innovation grants for crisis response, synergy and equity.
“The real power of United Way comes from the community,” said Lauren Dixon, board chair of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes, and an Ontario County resident and Monroe County business owner. “As neighbors come together in support of neighbors, United Way becomes a conduit for connecting those resources to the most pressing needs of each community. This merged organization will combine the power of the entire region with an intensely localized focus.”
The combined United Way has created a new Regional Advisory Council and regional cabinets to advise and inform strategies and ensure local communities from across the region are represented in the new organization. In addition, its Board of Directors has added members from the previous United Ways’ leadership, who will work alongside those who already live and work across county boundaries.
In its first public announcement, United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes not only confirmed that it will recover to pre-pandemic levels of Community Impact Fund support totaling $12.9 million to 190 programs region-wide, but also announced $125,000 in new, multi-county allocations to nonprofits in Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
The funding, $25,000 in each county through the organization’s Project Uplift initiative, has been committed to existing nonprofit partners to support and administer direct, discretionary interventions for community members experiencing barriers to well-being and economic stability. It is the first of many multi-county funding initiatives United Way anticipates rolling out across the region in the coming years.
In an effort to hear and learn from the community, over the coming months, United Way’s Community Impact team will conduct a listening tour with human service agencies across the six counties. The effort will be focused on aligning approaches and systems to maximize outcomes without creating additional burden for service providers.
“We will maintain the consistency of funding as we coordinate processes and procedures on our end,” said Jennifer Cathy, United Way’s chief impact officer. “We will take the next few years to synchronize six distinct grant cycles and application timelines into one, all with an eye to improving the experience for – and supporting the outcomes of – our partner agencies.”
Workplaces and donors will notice simplification of some processes immediately, but otherwise United Way’sAnnual Campaign will remain unchanged. It will kick off its region-wide campaign in January, and year-round efforts will continue to help the organization raise needed funds to respond to community needs.
“We remain focused on providing local workplaces, donors and volunteers with easy and meaningful ways tomake a big difference across our region,” said Barbara Pierce, United Way’s chief development officer.
“In addition to maintaining our current channels for giving, we will also continue to innovate and create new funds like our recently introduced Equity Fund, so donors can support the causes that are most important to them.”
United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes has launched its new website in conjunction with the announcement, and more information can be found at http://www.UnitedWayROCFLX.org.
Reminder: There will be a morningtime Open House in Genesee County to mark the milestones this Wednesday, July 28, at GO ART!, located inside the Seymour Building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Time is 8 to 9:30 a.m. A brief presentation will be made at 8:30 a.m.
Press release:
The Batavia Police Department is looking for assistance identifying the pictured male in relation to a residential burglary on East Main Street, where TVs among other property was stolen. The vehicle he was operating had a spare tire on the rear passenger side and a taped-up quarter window on the rear driver side.
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigating Officer Girvin or the City of Batavia Police Department at (585) 345-6350.
Press release:
If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County will be offering Master Gardener training this fall. Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., starting Sept. 7 and running through Nov. 16.
There will also be a full day of classes on Saturday, Oct. 23. We are currently planning to hold classes in-person at the CCE Genesee office, 420 E. Main St., Batavia.
Each class will focus on a different horticulture topic throughout the training. Some of the topics to be covered include: botany, diagnosing plant diseases, entomology, soils & fertilizers, lawn care, herbs, vegetable gardening, woody plants, pruning, fruits, perennials, annuals, integrated pest management and organic gardening.
By attending the Master Gardener training, you will become a more knowledgeable gardener.
Anyone interested in learning more about gardening may attend the course. Preregistration by Aug. 24 is required. Class size will be limited. The fee for this training is $225 per person. The Cornell Master Gardener manual will be provided electronically.
If you have a passion for volunteering and gardening, this training is the first step to becoming a Genesee County Master Gardener volunteer.
Genesee County residents who graduate from the program are then eligible to apply to become a volunteer. (Other county residents should contact their local Master Gardener program.)
A Master Gardener volunteer should have a willingness to give back to the community and help put into practice what they learned at training. Enthusiasm for sharing their gardening skills and knowledge is a must.
For an application or to register contact Jan Beglinger at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, or stop by the Extension office at 420 E. Main St. in Batavia.
From Julie Tarbell:
There will be a lineup of LOCAL Christian bands performing live music at the Genesee County Fair on Thursday, July 29, starting at 4 p.m.
"Faith at the Fair" admission is free with your paid admission to the fair; $10 parking per car load.
Christian performers include:
Press release:
ITHACA -- Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSE American:TMP) announced today that its Board of Directors approved payment of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.54 per share, payable on Aug. 13, 2021, to common shareholders of record on Aug. 3, 2021.
Press release:
ITHACA -- Tompkins Financial Corporation (NYSE American: TMP) reported diluted earnings per share of $1.54 for the second quarter of 2021, up 6.9 percent from $1.44 per share in the second quarter of 2020. Net income for the second quarter of 2021 was $22.8 million, compared to $21.4 million for the same period in 2020.
For the year-to-date period ended June 30, 2021, diluted earnings per share were $3.26, up 65.5 percent from $1.97 for the same year-to-date period in 2020. Year-to-date net income was $48.5 million for the six month period ended June 30, 2021, up 64.9 percent compared to $29.4 million for the same period in 2020.
President and CEO, Stephen Romaine, said, "We are pleased to continue our favorable earnings trends in 2021 with another strong quarter of earnings. Though the current interest rate environment resulted in a narrowing of our net interest margin, our revenue for the first half of 2021 compared favorably to the prior year in all three of our primary business lines of banking, insurance, and wealth management.”
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER:
NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income was $54.8 million for the second quarter of 2021, compared to $56.4 million reported for the second quarter of 2020. Interest income for the second quarter of 2021 included $1.9 million of net deferred loan fees associated with PPP loans, compared to net deferred loan fees of $2.3 million in the second quarter of 2020. Interest expense for the second quarter of 2021 was negatively impacted by an accelerated non-cash purchase accounting discount of $650,000 related to the redemption of $5.2 million of trust preferred securities.The net interest margin was 2.91 percent for the second quarter of 2021, compared to 3.45 percent reported for the same period in 2020, and 3.01 percent for the first quarter of 2021.
For the year-to-date period ended June 30, 2021, net interest income of $109.9 million was in line with the comparable six month period in 2020. For the year to date period in 2021, net deferred loan fees associated with PPP loans were approximately $4.7 million as compared to $2.3 million in the same period of 2020.
Average loans for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 were in line with the same period in 2020. Asset yields for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 were down 71 basis points compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2020, which reflects the impact of reductions in market interest rates over the trailing 12-month period as well as a greater percentage of earning assets being comprised of lower yielding securities and interest bearing balances due from banks, when compared to the same period in 2020.
Average total deposits for the second quarter of 2021 were up $622.1 million, or 10.1 percent compared to the same period in 2020. Average noninterest bearing deposits for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were up $294.0 million or 16.4 percent compared to the three months ended June 30, 2020. Average deposit balances continue to benefit from the PPP loan program, as the majority of the proceeds of the PPP loans we funded were deposited in Tompkins checking accounts.
For the second quarter of 2021, the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposit products decreased by 20 basis points from the same period in 2020 due to the overall decline in market interest rates. The total cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.40 percent at June 30, 2021, a decline of 19 basis points from June 30, 2020.
NONINTEREST INCOME
Noninterest income of $18.9 million for the second quarter of 2021, was up 9.8 percent compared to the same period in 2020. For the year-to-date period, noninterest income of $38.8 million was up 7.5 percent from the same period in 2020. Growth over the same quarter last year was supported by increases in all fee income categories (insurance commissions and fees were up 11.0 percent, while investment services income was up 20.3 percent, service charges on deposit accounts increased 17.9 percent, and card services income was up 29.3 percent).
Noninterest income represented 25.6 percent of total revenues for the second quarter of 2021, as compared to 23.4 percent of total revenues for the second quarter of 2020.
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Noninterest expense was $47.4 million for the second quarter of 2021, up $1.8 million, or 3.9 percent, from the second quarter of 2020. For the year-to-date period, noninterest expense was $92.0 million, up $1.0 million or 1.1 percent from the same period in 2020. Salaries and employee benefits for the second quarter of 2021 were up 5.9 percent when compared to the same quarter last year. The increase in noninterest expense for both the second quarter and year-to-date periods was primarily attributable to normal annual increases in salaries and wages, and increases in health insurance expense.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
The Company's effective tax rate was 22.1 percent for the second quarter of 2021, compared to 20.5 percent for the same period in 2020. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was 21.3 percent, compared to 20.2 percent reported for the same period in 2020.
ASSET QUALITY
The allowance for credit losses represented 0.92 percent of total loans and leases at June 30, 2021, down from 0.93 percent at March 31, 2021, and 0.98 percent at Dec. 31, 2020. The ratio of the allowance to total nonperforming loans and leases was 88.3 percent at June 30, 2021, down compared to 103.4 percent at March 31, 2021, and 112.9 percent at Dec. 31, 2020.
The provision for credit losses for the second quarter of 2021 was a credit of $3.1 million compared to an expense of $877,000 for the same period in 2020. Net recoveries for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 were $884,000 compared to net recoveries of $26,000 reported for the same period in 2020. Provision expense for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was a credit of $4.9 million, compared to an expense of $17.6 million for the same period in 2020.
Nonperforming loans and leases totaled $53.8 million at June 30, 2021, compared to $47.7 million at March 31, 2021, and $45.8 million at Dec. 31, 2020. The increase in nonperforming loans and leases compared to prior year were mainly related to one commercial real estate relationship totaling $9.1 million, which was previously reported as Substandard, and downgrades of credits in the loan portfolio related to the hospitality industry, which was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonperforming assets represented 0.67 percent of total assets at June 30, 2021, up from 0.59 percent at March 31, 2021, and 0.60 percent at Dec. 31, 2020.
Special Mention and Substandard loans and leases totaled $171.3 million at June 30, 2021, reflecting improvement from $185.2 million at March 31, 2021, and $189.9 million reported at Dec. 31, 2020.
As previously announced, the Company implemented a payment deferral program in 2020 to assist both consumer and business borrowers that may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. As of June 30, 2021, total loans that continued in a deferral status amounted to approximately $129.4 million, representing 2.5 percent of total loans. At March 31, 2021 loans in deferral status totaled $195.6 million, and at Dec. 31, 2020 loans in deferral status totaled $212.2 million. Included in nonperforming loans and leases and Substandard loans and leases at June 30, 2021, were 9 loans totaling $22.1 million that remained in deferral status.
The Company began accepting applications for the PPP loans on April 3, 2020, and had funded 2,998 loans totaling approximately $465.6 million when the initial program ended. On Jan. 19, 2021, the Company began accepting both first draw and second draw applications for the reopening of the PPP program and as of July 19, 2021, the Company had funded an additional 2,481 applications totaling $261.2 million.
Out of the total$695.2 million of PPP loans that the Company had funded through July 19, 2021, approximately $471.4 million had been forgiven by the SBA under the terms of the program.
CAPITAL POSITION
Capital ratios at June 30, 2021 remained well above the regulatory minimums for well-capitalized institutions. The ratio of Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets was 14.62 percent at June 30, 2021, unchanged from March 31, 2021, and up from 14.39 percent at Dec. 31, 2020. The ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets was 8.79 percent at June 30, 2021, compared to 8.89 percent at March 31, 2021, and 8.75 percent at Dec. 31, 2020.
During the second quarter of 2021, the Company repurchased 80,004 common shares at an aggregate cost of $6.5 million. These shares were purchased under the Company's previously announced 2020 Stock Repurchase Program. During the first six months of 2021, the Company repurchased 101,535 shares at an aggregate cost of $8.0 million.
Press release from AAA:
Today’s national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.16, down 1 cent in the past week. One year ago, the price was $2.18. The New York State average is $3.19 – down 1 cent from last week. A year ago, the NYS average was $2.27.
AAA Western and Central New York (AAA WCNY) reports the following averages:
- Batavia -- $3.17 (no change since last week)
- Buffalo -- $3.13 (up 1 cent since last week)
- Ithaca -- $3.17 (no change since last week)
- Rochester -- $3.16 (no change since last week)
- Rome -- $3.24 (down 1 cent since last week)
- Syracuse -- $3.16 (no change since last week)
- Watertown -- $3.21 (down 1 cent since last week)
The national average price for gasoline dropped from $3.17 a week ago to $3.156 (rounded up to $3.16) today. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that gas demand continues to increase, but only slightly.
Additionally, total domestic gas stocks saw a slight decline. These trends have helped to stabilize price increases; however, crude oil prices have fluctuated in the past week over market concerns regarding the COVID-19 delta variant, and if they stay less expensive, it could mean cheaper prices ahead.
Though, AAA expects the national average to remain above $3 per gallon throughout the summer.
From GasBuddy:
"With oil prices struggling under the weight of a rise in new COVID-19 cases thanks to the Delta variant and OPEC's increase in oil production, average gas prices in most states finally drifted lower," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy.
"However, we aren't yet in the clear -- U.S. gasoline demand last week surged to a new 2021 high, besting the week prior to the July 4 holiday. This shows that motorists aren't slowing their appetite for hitting the road just yet, and that could further boost prices should demand remain hot.
For now, motorists should enjoy the perhaps brief respite at the pump and buckle up for what might be a bumpy finish to summer."
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs has announced that with the approval of the New York State Gaming Commission, the special twilight card of live harness racing that was originally scheduled for Monday (July 26) has been canceled due to a lack of entries.
Racing will resume at the Downs on Wednesday (July 28) at 5 p.m. as was originally scheduled. That night will feature the New York Sire Stakes 3-year-old colt and filly pacers.
Press release:
Labor shortages across nearly all industries are making headlines, but this is a topic community colleges have tackled for years. With increased urgency, local institutions prioritize course and program offerings to meet workforce demands.
The results build strong communities and make some great success stories.
Ryan Vogt, who thought he hated math in high school, said the personal attention his Finger Lakes Community College math professor gave him changed his whole outlook on the subject. Now, Ryan has a doctorate in mathematics and works at a U.S. Department of Energy lab.
Like many scholarship recipients at Genesee Community College, Claire Gardner was inspired and determined when she entered the Nursing Program. Upon graduation in 2019, she was prepared to be effective on the frontlines battling COVID-19, transferred her associate degree to SUNY Brockport to continue her education and landed her dream job as a NICU nurse at Rochester General Hospital.
When his first year at a university fell short of his expectations, Evan Baldwin shifted his educational path. He knew Monroe Community College's precision machining program was the right fit for him. Evan was hired as a full-time CNC operator a month before earning his associate degree in May.
Though each of their experiences is unique, they represent the stories of thousands of students who start and complete their studies at community colleges every year. Thousands more inspiring stories of how community colleges have transformed students' lives are waiting to unfold.
Dreams -- not debt -- are why individuals go to college. Like Ryan, Claire and Evan, New Yorkers go to college to achieve their goals, whether earning an associate degree for an in-demand job, learning new skills to change careers, or pursuing a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D.
That's exactly what the State University of New York's 30 community colleges, including FLCC, GCC and MCC in the Western New York region, are designed for.
At a time when student loan debt is rising across the country, nearly two-thirds of SUNY community college associate degree graduates have zero student loan debt. That means they leave campus with no student debt, but have an accredited SUNY degree, and a pathway to a career or an advanced degree.
Simply put, community college is the most affordable way to earn a college degree, no matter how far they want to go.
New York State is rebounding and rebuilding after the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means job opportunities in many industries will return to full vitality and new, future-looking jobs will be created.
With deep ties to their communities and regions, SUNY community colleges can help residents seize this moment -- and make education work around a busy life, with flexible on-campus and online associate degree programs for full-time or part-time students.
Applications can be completed online, are easier than ever and free at FLCC, GCC and MCC, like at most community colleges. Knowledgeable faculty and staff are available to guide students through the process.
Anyone interested is encouraged to visit flcc.edu, genesee.edu, and monroecc.edu for information on special enrollment opportunities.
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
It was the first Saturday night (July 24) card of the meet at Batavia Downs and driver Jim Morrill Jr. and trainer Maria Rice put on a clinic on the track for the fans in the stands.
Morrill had a natural Grand Slam in races six, seven, eight and nine and Rice had a natural Hat Trick in races seven, eight and nine and between the pair, they swept the top three feature races of the night.
In the $11,200 Open I Handicap pace, Morrill sent Art Scene to the front and never looked back. Cutting fractions of :27.4, :56 and 1:24.1 with as much as a three length lead, Art Scene turned for home looking solid. But Endeavors Pride (Kevin Cummings) had been tracking the leader from the pocket and left that spot for the stretch drive. Endeavors Pride cut into the 1-½ length deficit as Cummings drove him down the lane, but Art Scene had enough in the tank and hit the beam in front by a neck in 1:53.4.
Art Scene ($2.80) got his first win for his new owners Team Rice Racing, who claimed the gelding at Yonkers in June for $25,000.
In the $10,000 Open II pace, Morrill sent Surfer Beach down the road from post one and led a field that stayed single-file for most of the mile. With Stratosphere (Drew Monti) on his back, Surfer Beach got to three-quarters in 1:26.3 and his lead never looked in doubt. Stratosphere took a shot at him down the lane but couldn’t get closer than his bike in the :28 last quarter and Surfer Beach won by 1-¼ lengths in 1:54.3.
Surfer Beach ($3.90) is another new acquisition for the Rice stable, as he was privately purchased on July 16 by his new owners Vogel and Wags Nags Stable, Team Rice Racing and Adelphi Bloodstock.
The sweep was finalized with the $9,000 Open III victory by JM’s Delight. Morrill was parked out over a quarter mile to get the lead before opting to yield it back to Reggiano (Ray FIsher Jr.) who hung him originally. Reggiano backed down the half but hastened the pace to three-quarters, getting there in 1:26.3. The whole time JM’s Delight was raging with pace in the two-hole just begging to get out. Morrill gave him that chance off the last turn and JM’s Delight went right on by to win by ½ length in 1:55.1.
It was the second win in a row for JM’s Delight ($4.30) who is owned by Greg Merton.
Morrill rounded out his four win night with Lucky King (1:57.1, $6.50).
There was another dynamic trio making hay at the Downs on Saturday. Driver Kevin Cummings, trainer Gerry Sarama and owner Mike Torcello teamed up to send three horses to the Purple Haze winner’s circle, Their Hat Trick consisted of Percy’s Z Tam (1:54.1, $5.60), Dondoubtthelakers (1:57.2, $10.40) and B’sYankee (1:54.4, $8.70).
Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Sunday (July 25) with a matinee card that starts at 1:15 p.m.
Press relaese:
It was so nice to be able to have in person events back at the museum this past week. It felt like things are finally getting back to normal, for the first time since March 2020.
Thank you to Steve Kruppner for his wonderful concert Wednesday night (in case you missed it check out this link HLOM Concert Series: Steve Kruppner - YouTube) and Erica Wanescki for her informative presentation on polio.
Be sure to come out to the museum on Wednesday, July 28th to see Bill Kauffman discuss his new edited work "The Congressional Journal of Barber Conable."
We have now reached 85 percent of the way to our membership goal of 200 people for 2021. If you know of anyone who hasn't joined the historical society yet and is a fan of local history tell them to check us out. Our members are our best ambassadors. Again, thank you everyone for your support for 2021.
This Month:
If you would like to join us in person for any of our events please preregister by calling the museum at (585) 343-4727.
Upcoming Summer Events:
Artifact Video Series:
This week's video details the history of our Herschede Hall Grandfather Clock from the White Family. Holland Land Office Museum Artifact Video Series: White Family Grandfather Clock -- YouTube. If you missed any of the previous videos there are links on the homepage of our website and Facebook page. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel, Holland Land Office Museum.
Joseph Ellicott Book & Gift Shop:
We are always adding new things to our inventory. The store is available at the following link HLOM Gift Shop Site.
This week's focus is a popular title that we recently got back in stock "The Linden Murders...Solved" by Rob R. Thompson ($15).
"Countless have speculated over the years and still, even today many wonder was there a maniac wandering the backroads of Genesee and Wyoming counties? Was he, by modern definition, a serial killer? Was his identity known, but his neighbors too fearful to expose the name behind the deeds?
Did he die alone in his Attica home clutching ever last to the haunting memories of his bygone days? Did he, before the final sheet was pulled offer even the lightest of hints? Did his wife know...did his mother...brothers and children know the secret behind the face at Christmas dinner?"
AmazonSmile Program:
AmazonSmile donates .5 percent of every applicable purchase made through the AmazonSmile website. You can assist us through this manner by following the link below and choosing the Holland Purchase Historical Society as your noprofit of choice: smile.amazon.com.
Call for Volunteers:
We are in need of more volunteers to keep the museum going strong. If you have just a few extra hours and have an interest in history consider donating your time to the HLOM:
Promoter members: Eric Adams, Mr. & Mrs. Brian Daviau, Thomas & Marcia Duffy, Matthew & Jessica Jolliff, and Dr. Paul Stomper.
Business Sponsors: Genesee Patrons Insurance Co., Kleen All Company, Liberty Pumps, and Marchese Computer Products.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
Press release:
GO Health is bringing free COVID-19 vaccination clinics to both the Genesee and Orleans county fairs this year.
The one shot Johnson and Johnson will be available as well as the two-dose Pfizer vaccine. The second dose of Pfizer will be scheduled at the health department.
The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those that are 12 and older, while the Johnson and Johnson vaccine can be administered to people that are 18 and older. Everyone under the age of 18 seeking vaccination must have a parent or guardian with them to provide permission.
“The vaccination rates in both Genesee and Orleans counties are slowly increasing, but we are still lagging behind New York State,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health director for GO Health. “The majority of the cases we are seeing in both counties are people that are unvaccinated.”
Genesee County Fair
Monday, July 26th
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 27th
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 28th
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 29th
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday, July 30th
1:30-4:30 p.m.
Anyone who is interested in being vaccinated can stop by the county emergency preparedness and health department trailers and choose the vaccine that is best for them.
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the vaccines, so health department staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns that residents have.
“The fair is a perfect place to reach members of our community and this is a great opportunity for residents that have not been vaccinated yet, to conveniently get vaccinated while they are visiting the fair,” Pettit said.
The Le Roy Democratic Committee is pleased to announce its 2021 candidates.
After a large turnout at their caucus Tuesday evening, the Le Roy Democrats have chosen their candidates for the Nov. 2 General Election.
Robert Fussel Jr. is a teacher at Attica Correctional Facility. Together with his wife, Stacey, they have raised their two daughters here in Le Roy.
“I am running because I believe in doing the rightthing regardless of what others may think or say about you personally,'' Fussell said after receiving the nomination for Town Board candidate.
Sara Krzemien is a full-time student and mom of two girls as well. She is also running for the Le Roy Town Board.
“I am ready to be that fresh voice at the council table," Krzemien said. "We can have progressive ideas without compromising our small town feel. It’s why many of us have chosen to live here.”
Both candidates are seeking to build a stronger community and allow for more transparent local governing.
Nominated for Town Justice is Carol DiFrancisco, who recently retired from Le Roy High School after teaching there 35 years.
“You have to listen and be fair," DiFrancisco said. "You can’t be partial. I believe that from my experience as a mother, a teacher and as a member of this community, I have the ability to make tough and fair decisions. I am honored to be your candidate.”
There are two seats open for town board and one position for town justice.
Press release:
The City of Batavia Water Department is going to be repairing a water line in front of 13 Holland Ave. today. The street will be closed to through traffic including emergency vehicles. Work began about 8 a.m. and should be completed by 3 p.m.
Residents are asked to find alternative routes.
Press release:
Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners as we jump back into Garden Talk! On Aug. 5 at noon, we will get the lowdown on “Beneficial Insects.” Most of the insects that live in your garden or landscape do little or no harm to you or your plants.
Many of these good guys provide free pest control for you. Who are these six-legged allies? Join Master Gardener David R. to learn about the beneficial insects that could be in your garden!
Sept. 2 – “A Year in the Life of a Garden.” Gardens aren't static, they change as we progress through the seasons, and evolve over the years. Sometimes change comes from losing a major tree in the garden or a change in your lifestyle. Join Master Gardener Lynette S. as we explore the changes that have taken place in her small city garden.
Oct. 7 – “Winter Bird Feeding 101.” Do you enjoy watching the birds in your yard? Winter bird feeding can be entertaining for you and beneficial for the birds. Join us for tips on "setting the table" for your neighborhood feathered friends.
Nov. 4 – “Harvest of Squash.” Do you know what to do with that winter squash that found its way into your home? Master Food Preserver Catherine J. will explain the different types of squash, how to prepare them for use, store them for later, and share a few recipes for that bountiful harvest.
Dec. 2 – “Gifts from the Kitchen.” Join Master Food Preserver Catherine J. as she demonstrates some wonderful ideas that you can use this holiday season.
Currently all Garden Talk programs are being held online via Zoom, from noon to 12:45 p.m. This free series is open to all. Registration is required. A Zoom link will be sent to your email with your personal link to the event.
To register, please visit the events page at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County website.
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