Le Roy photographer Darrick Coleman shares his thoughts on what makes a photograph, how he takes one and why he's drawn to the nature of western New York. Coleman's show, DETAILS: An Intimate Look at Western New York, opens August 18 in the Lobby Arts Gallery in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at Genesee Community College. Check out our earlier post for the details.
Genesee Community College has been the site of many goings-on this summer. Here's a brief recap of campus news that's come our way over the past week:
Students from China's Sichuan Province will spend two semesters at the Genesee campus.
Genesee Community College will join 21 other State University of New York campuses in opening SUNY doors to 150 students from the Sichuan Province of western China, the site of a massive earthquake in May. Eight students from the province will attend Genesee this fall.
Gov. David Paterson said last weekend that "on behalf of all New Yorkers, we are pleased to welcome these students to our State University system and to ensure that there is no interruption in their college studies despite the tragic natural disaster that hit Chengdu in May. SUNY will provide these students with valuable leadership training, which will help prepare them to return to China to assist with rebuilding efforts and the aftermath of the earthquake."
A state grant will help boost the nursing program at the college.
A new State University of New York "high needs" program grant of $115,380 will boost the number of licensed practical nurses studying at Genesee to become registered nurses from about 15 to 35 or more each semester, Samson Olaode, Director of Grants Services reported to the College's Board of Trustees Monday evening.
Grant funds will finance the hiring of a nursing lab manager, an adjunct faculty member and nursing tutors.
Students in a three-dimensional design course at the college's Arcade campus took a trip to the Griffis Sculpture Park in Ashford Hollow, which is a little less than an hour south of Buffalo.
From the press release:
"The park features a collection of strange, surrealistic sculptures set among a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, ponds, and forests. Students were able to examine more than 250 works of art created by over 100 artists."
"Park goers are encouraged to interact with the sculptures - touch them, photograph them, even climb on them as they would a jungle gym. Because the sculptures are not confined to a gallery, light shifting over them during the day gives a different affect to viewers over the course of a visit."
GCC's Board of Trustees appointed six new members of faculty and staff, including instructors of sociology, English, fine arts and health and physical education.
"The images range from a wind-whipped tree leaning over a snowy field to a close up of a soft sheep snout." So it's said of the upcoming exhibit from photographer Darrick Coleman at Genesee Community College.
DETAILS: An Intimate Look at Western New York opens August 18 in the Lobby Arts Gallery in the Stuart Steiner Theatre. A reception will be held August 28 from 1:00 to 2:00pm.
Darrick Coleman, 31, now a resident of Le Roy, NY grew up in Albion, NY and his photographs reflect both the continuities and the differences found throughout Western New York. Though some of the shots were taken at well-known local attractions such as Letchworth State Park and Genesee Country Village, they reflect the lesser known aspects of these locations.
For example, there are no shots of the popular waterfalls at Letchworth. Instead, there are photographs showing the intricate details of the ironwork on the train trestle, or the individual beauty of a single tree. Other photographs were taken during walks through the fields and woods around his home, in his grandfather’s aging barn, or in his own backyard.
“I almost always have my camera with me, and I just shoot what I see,” Darrick said. “I like looking closely at things, the way they work, the way they fit together. I guess that tends to come out in my photography too.”
DETAILS runs through September 26.
Genesee Community College lands at Number 19 in the Holland Land Office Museum's countdown of "The Twenty-Five Things That Made Genesee County Famous." Museum Director Pat Weissend tells us that when the county first imagined building a community college — back in the early 1960s — county leaders had little hope that it would ever be a success. In fact, explains Weissend, the Board of Supervisors at the time didn't think enrollment would ever exceed 75 students!
Along came the Batavia Area Jaycees, who were a little dubious of the results, and they put together a survey of their own. Here's what they found out:
1. A community desire for a two year college
2. The need for a community college
3. The financial ability to support the college
4. Favorable economic growth in the region
5. Population Increase
6. A sufficient student population for a college
When the first classrooms opened in September, 1967, the first class numbered 378 full-time and 243 part-time students. Today, there are about 6,500 students enrolled at the institution that now offers nearly 60 degrees and certifcates.
Visit the Holland Land Office Museum Web site for more information on Genesee Community College and the other things that made Genesee County Famous.
Students of the Performing Arts Experience at Genesee take the stage this weekend in their production of The Nightmare Before Christmas, adapted and directed by Maryanne Arena.
Arena heads up the three-week long workshop put on by the Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College, a sort of theatre camp for kids ages 7 to 15 from all over western New York. This year's production features a cast of nearly 40 — including a couple of the camp counselors.
Showtimes are: Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm. Admission to the musical is free, though pre-registration is recommended as seats fill up quickly. Call (585) 343-0055 ext.6814 or send an e-mail to boxoffice (at) genesee (dot) edu to reserve yours.
The players gathered for a dress rehearsal Wednesday. The Batavian stopped by to see how it went and chat up a few of the cast members.
Students in the Genesee Community College summer youth theatre workshop will present Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, adapted by Maryanne Arena on Friday, July 25 at 7:00pm and Saturday, July 26 at 2:00pm at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.
This year's Performing Arts Experience at Genesee has attracted 36 youth ages 7-15 from all across Western New York. They have spent several weeks with the musical director and choreographer and have now begun full rehearsals.
Admission is free, though advanced reservations are encouraged as seats may fill up quickly. Call (585) 343-0055 ext.6814 or send an e-mail to boxoffice (at) genesee (dot) edu to reserve yours.
Rochester-based Veterans Outreach Center will be hosting three summits "for improving out veterans' reintegration system" on September 19, 20 and 26 in Rochester, Canandaigua and Batavia (see below for details). From the release:
This is a first-of-its-kind summit that will bring veterans, family members of veterans, and service providers together. The mission: improve upon the health and quality of life for service-members and their families post-Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and/or Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). To accomplish this, we will explore what it is we need, in terms of services and resources, to create a better system of reintegration for all.
Service members and their families are invited to attend, along with providers such as social workers, Veterans Affairs nurses and doctors and clinicians. There does not seem to be any cost to attend, but the center urges folks to register early as space is limited.
For more information, contact Jocene Preston, Director of the center's Operation Welcome Home & Recovery. She can be reached at (585) 295-7854 or (866) 906-8387, or by e-mail at jocene (dot) preston (at) veteransoutreachcenter (dot) org.
Each session will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the following locations:
You can download the registration and information form: here.
Cheryl Lewis of Bliss was recently awarded the Jeanette Rankin Foundation Scholarship of $2,000, which will permit her to switch from part-time to full-time studies to obtain a degree in paralegal studies at Genesee Community College. The Batavian sat down with Cheryl earlier this week to talk about her studies, her struggle to escape an abusive relationship and her plans to give back. Cheryl was kind enough to put that experience in her own words in a follow-up letter, and since I can do no better at expressing her intentions, I've included that complete letter (see below).
"My name is Cheryl. It’s been more than twenty years since I graduated from high school. I would never have dreamed that I’d be in college today. At one time, I was filled with such dreams, such goals. I wanted to make a difference; I wanted to be successful; I wanted to be rich… I wanted it all.
"I thought I had met the man of my dreams, but I was so very wrong. I chose to be with him rather than go to college. The day I made that decision was the day I lost me. I just didn’t know it yet. I am a survivor of domestic violence. After suffering years of emotional and physical abuse I was finally able to escape. I still have the scars, but I also have my freedom.
"My daughter and I had to live in a shelter for battered women and children for a while, but it was there that I suddenly realized that I still do have dreams. Gone was the feeling in the pit of my stomach, the kind that makes you want to cry in self-pity. I looked around me and I saw other women with not only bruises on their bodies, but also on their souls. I knew at that moment that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of these women and others like them.
"Going through the court system with all the legal formalities, I was scared and very confused. There was a lot that had to be done to obtain a restraining order. I knew others had to be just as afraid. Thus, it was my ordeal through the system that gave me the idea to attend college for the purpose of becoming a paralegal. Then I will have the resources to offer assistance to other abused women.
"My ultimate goal is to someday reopen a shelter for domestic violence victims in Wyoming County that was closed due to lack of funds. Within this shelter women and their children will be provided with a safe environment in which they can try to piece together their shattered lives. I hope to provide legal assistance, counseling, resources for finding a new place to live, and a second chance at happiness.
"Over the past two years, I have gone through a tremendous transformation. I no longer feel I am worthless and I am so very proud of getting myself and my daughter out of a dangerous situation. And I do make a difference – in the life of my child. I have an awesome responsibility in making decisions that will shape the life of a precious individual. And I am rich – in love and family. I do have it all. Or at least all I need to have.
"There have been many wonderful people who have helped me along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them. Those individuals have inspired me greatly and I want to emulate them and hopefully make a difference even to just one person."
HERE ARE SOME FACTS AND STATISTICS ABOUT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The most common response to domestic violence – “Why doesn’t she just leave?”
Answer: Shelters are often full, and family, friends, and workplace are frequently less than supportive. Faced with rent and utility deposits, day care, health insurance, and other basic expenses, the woman may feel that she cannot support herself and her children. Moreover, in some instances, the woman may be increasing the chance of physical harm or even death if she leaves an abusive spouse.
A few statistics:
• 85-95% of all domestic violence victims are female.
• Over 500,000 women are stalked by an intimate partner each year.
• 1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women. What can each of us do?
• Call the police if you see or hear evidence of domestic violence.
• Speak out publicly against domestic violence.
• Take action personally when a neighbor, co-worker, a friend, or a family member is involved or being abused.
• Reach out to support someone whom you believe is a victim of domestic violence.
• Help others become informed, by inviting speakers to your church, professional organization, civic group, or workplace.
• Support domestic violence counseling programs and shelters.
If you or someone you know needs help: National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE
All of the above information and statistics were provided by Cheryl Lewis.
Gensee Community College's Board of Trustees elected Laurie Miller as its chair in a unanimous vote at its meeting last night. Charles Ruffino was elected vice-chair, and Maureen Marshall was made secretary.
Mrs. Miller has served as a trustee since 2000. She is one of the owners and operators of Willow Ridge Farm in Alexander. Mr. Ruffino has served as a trustee since 2002. He is a retired New York State Department of Education administrator. Mrs. Marshall has served as a trustee since 2003. She is an owner and operator of Torrey Farms, based in Elba.
Not much Batavia news on the front page of today's Daily News that wasn't already featured on The Batavian. In fact, both Batavia stories — one about GCC's $4 million capital project and the other about LeRoy's Oatka Festival — were on our site this morning and yesterday, respectively. (Check out the link on the right to the Buffalo News coverage of the Legislature meeting for more details.)
Inside, the Youth Page features a pair of articles on summer parks programs run by the Batavia Youth Bureau: the 2008 Batavia Summer Youth Program, which features weekly tennis activities. Call (585) 345-6420 for more information.
Tom Rivers has a nice column on today's opinion page about a local man's ties to an Olympic coach, and the wonders of the pole vault.
As always, we encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstands — Main Street Coffee has some, plus they have coffee. Or, better yet, visit BataviaNews.com and subscribe.
Pow! Can you see that sunburst on that sunburst-orange hood? That's hot. Hot!
Genesee Community College's Cruise at the College is right around the corner: July 26. We mentioned yesterday that the Batavia Area Jaycees will be holding a chicken barbecue.
So, what else can you expect?
How about several custom-built trikes from Skull Crusher Trikes of Leicester on display. Or "remote-controlled flying machines" flown by the Batavia Flying RC Club. Plus there's music, "ultra lights" and good, hot picnic-style food. Then, of course, there's the classic cars, motorcycles and trucks.
Dash plaques (see them to the left here) will be granted to the first 200 cruisers. Pre-sale tickets for the chicken barbeuce are available for $8 through the Jaycees — just call (585) 343-5775. Entry to the Cruise is free. Pauly's Pizza will be serving up slices. The Batavia Lion's Club will serve up some dogs and burgers. Abbot's will be serving frozen custard.
The cruise starts at 4:00pm and should go to about 8:00pm.
Call (585) 345-6809 for more information.
Check out WBTA for this and other stories:
Pavilion Central School Pre-K teacher Betsy Collins was honored with the Partners in Education Award, the first of its kind bestowed by the students of Genesee Community College's Teacher Education program.
Students in the program nominated teachers as a way to recognize not only the important work teachers do in individual classrooms, but also the tremendous mentoring service they provide for future teachers.
"The mentorship students receive in these teachers' classrooms provides a relevant real-life experience that not only helps our pre-service teachers learn and practice valuable skills but also assists them in formalizing their decision and commitment to becoming a teacher," said Christine Belongia, Genesee's Teacher Education program coordinator. "We are so grateful to each and every teacher who generously opens his or her classroom to our students. The educational benefit is immeasurable!"
Call Christine Belongia at (585) 343-0055 ext.6278 for more information about GCC's teacher education.
Check out WBTA for these and other stories:
From a press release issued by Genesee Community College:
A defensive driving course is scheduled for July 16 and 23 from 6:00 to 9:00pm at Genesee Community College's Medina Campus Center, located at 11470 Maple Ridge Road (Route 31A). Participants may receive up to a four-point reduction on their driving record and a minimum 10% reduction in the base rate of their automobile and motorcycle liability insurance premiums each year for three years.
Points will remain on participant's records but are not counted in determining administrative actions. Point reduction does not affect mandatory actions such as license revocation for three speeding convictions within 18 months or existing suspensions or revocations. To receive lower insurance rates, participants must be listed as the principal operator of a vehicle.
Sponsored by the National Safety Council, this six-hour course has a fee of $44. Register online or call the Medina campus at (585) 798-1688.
From a press release issued by Genesee Community College:
Two Genesee Community College students in the Tourism & Hospitality Management program have been awarded scholarships. Dana Landers received a $500 scholarship from the New York State Business Travel Alliance and Nicholas Bennett received a $1500 award from Destinations of New York State.
You can find more information about Dana and Bennett at ReadMedia.
Check out WBTA for this and other stories:
Genesee Community College 2007 graduate Sarina Dorazio didn't waste time after she was awarded funds through the National Science Foundation's Technology Opportunity Pathway scholarship. Fresh off graduation, Sarina took off for the west for an intensive 10-week internship at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Washington.
From there, it was off to the University of Buffalo, where she picked up her BA in Chemistry. She has already been accepted to the PhD program there.
"When I applied for the internship, I was still not sure exactly what path I wanted to take for a career," Sarina said. "After working at [the national laboratory] for the summer I decided that I definitely wanted to continue in a science-related field."
Scholarship funds are still available for full-time students at GCC.
From the press release:
TOP Scholarship resources are still available for full-time students enrolled this fall in the following programs: math / science; engineering, computer support and operations, computer information systems, computer systems and networking, and computerized drafting.
Visit the scholarship Web site or call Ken Mead at (585) 343-0055 for more information.
Check out WBTA for these and other stories:
A little over a week ago, Rochester's Downtown Fitness Club kicked off its second Celebrity Boot Camp. From the club's Web site:
Do you think you could beat local personalities in a weight loss contest?
Here’s your chance to find out.
The Downtown Fitness Club’s Rochester Celebrity Boot Camp is a 6 week “team” weight loss contest to see which 2, 3 or 4 person team can lose the greatest percentage of body weight in the period between Monday, June 9th and Monday, July 14th.
There is a $25 donation to charity per person to enter and membership at the Downtown Fitness Club is not required (anyone who participated in the first RCBC must be a DFC member to participate again).
The team that loses the greatest percentage of body weight from their starting weight between the initial and final weigh-ins will win the title of Rochester Celebrity Boot Camp Champions.
Well, it just so happened that Batavia's favorite Rock Jock-ette was tuned into a Rochester radio station when they announced that several on-air personalities would join up, and she couldn't keep from roping in a teammate and signing up herself. We're talking, of course, about WGCC 90.7 FM DJ Robyn. But let's not take the spotlight from her. Here she is, in her own words:
Robyn's got five weeks to slim down and tone up, and you can be sure The Batavian will be there in July when Robyn hits the scales to see if she won.
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