Milestones

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, The Adjutant General for the State of New York, announces the promotion of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their capability for additional responsibility and leadership.

Devonte Rolle, from Batavia, and serving with the 152nd Engineer Support Company is promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

John Capellini, from Batavia, and serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry is promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Kevin Czachorowski, from Byron, and serving with the Company B, 642nd Support Battalion is promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Beth Britton, from East Bethany, and serving with the Company F, 1-169th General Support Aviation Battalion is promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Army National Guard promotions are based on overall performance, attitude, leadership ability, and development potential.

These promotions additionally recognize the best qualified Soldiers and attract and retain the highest caliber Citizen Soldiers for a career in the New York Army National Guard.

For more information about the New York Army National Guard, visit www.dmna.ny.gov or www.1800goguard.com.

Press release:

Scott German, Genesee County treasurer, recently attended the annual meeting of the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers (NACCTFO) in Charlotte, N.C., on July 8th and 9th, completing professional certification coursework in public policy administration.

The conference included education courses in policy and management, offered by the Public Policy Administration program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) as part of their Chancellor’s Certificate program and in partnership with NACCTFO.

“Our Chancellor’s certificate program allows NACCTFO members to learn about cutting-edge practices, and share their experiences,” said Deborah Balser, Ph.D., associate professor, and director of the Public Policy Administration program at UMSL. “Members come away from these sessions with valuable ideas to implement in their own office.”

The coursework included short-term investing, diversity in the workplace, evaluating employees, and courthouse security. German’s participation in these sessions demonstrates his commitment to carefully manage scarce county resources, Balser said.

Chance Alexyn, of Corfu, has been named to the dean’s list for the Spring 2015 semester at Monroe Community College in Rochester. Alexyn was also named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2014 semester; majoring in Occupational Therapy.

SUNY Oswego recently recognized those who completed baccalaureate studies in spring 2015, including several area residents.

A student who graduates with honors is indicated by the traditional Latin phrases summa cum laude, with highest honor (grade averages of 3.8 to 4.0); magna cum laude, with great honor (grade averages of 3.6 to 3.79); and cum laude, with honor (grade averages of 3.30 to 3.59).

Commencement to honor the more than 1,000 recipients of undergraduate degrees and more than 100 who earned graduate degrees and certificates took place May 16 at Marano Campus Center Convocation Hall.

Katherine Hilburger, of West Avenue in Elba, bachelor of science degree in biology, cum laude

Ryan Carley, of Bradnell Avenue in Le Roy, bachelor of arts degree in theater

About SUNY Oswego

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News Media Group counts SUNY Oswego among the top public regional universities in the North for 2015, and the Princeton Review includes Oswego in its 2015 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges," as well as its 2015 list of "best value" colleges and universities nationally. Kiplinger's also named SUNY Oswego a 2015 Best Value College.

A 154-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls about 8,000 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Visit oswego.edu for more information

Shelby F. O'Neill, of Corfu, was named to the dean's list at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, for his outstanding academic achievement during the spring semester of the 2014-15 year. O'Neill, a member of the Class of 2015, is the son of Philip O'Neill and MaryAnn Wiater, of Corfu, and attended Pembroke Central School.

The dean's list at Colby is highly selective, this spring reserved for students with a semester grade point average of 3.76 or higher.

Founded in 1813, Colby is one of America's most selective colleges. Serving only undergraduates, Colby offers a rigorous academic program rooted in deep exploration of ideas and close interaction with world-class faculty scholars. Students pursue intellectual passions, choosing among 57 majors or developing their own. Independent and collaborative research, study abroad, and internships offer robust opportunities to prepare students for postgraduate success. Colby is home to a community of 1,825 dedicated and diverse students from around the globe. Its Waterville, Maine, location provides access to world-class research institutions and civic engagement experiences.

Science projects took center stage for a select group of GLOW region middle school students who were honored by Genesee Community College's Accelerated Enrollment (ACE) Programs during an awards ceremony on June 4, 2015. This winter, ACE Partner school districts across the Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming County region recommended more than 100 students for the fourth annual cohort of the Math Science Preparatory Program at GCC.

Embedded within the competitive application process was an opportunity for two students to earn a full scholarship to participate in their first year of the Math Science Preparatory (MSP) program. Two students were selected from among ten Scholar of the Year finalists to win the annual award, and all the finalists were recognized at the science fair competition and awards event on June 4 at GCC. The scholarship winners and 2015 Math Science Scholars of the Year are Ariana deSa-Frias, of St. Joseph's School, and Kellen Bell, of Perry Central School (See photo).

Ariana Frias earned the highest mark in the competition by performing exceptionally well on the competitive placement examination - scoring well above the entrance criteria for the program. Her score was combined with her exceptional science fair project demonstrating the use of electronics and software to measure and resolve a common problem in dance – precise timing! Outside of the classroom Ariana is a competitive dancer and avid musician, and sings with the Eastman Children's choir.

Kellen Bell's experiment in atmosphere creation astonished the judges. His creative application of biochemistry to generate CO2 inside of a biodome may likely be applied in the future as he pursues his plans to explore the universe. With a strong desire to become an agent of change, Kellen dreams of contributing to a world where knowledge is free to everyone, and he sees science as a means to achieve ambitious goals.

ACE program specialist Karlyn M. Finucane says she and other members of the GCC ACE team are looking forward to working with all of the students who were nominated for the Math Science Preparatory award throughout the next several years. "The application process this year required students to demonstrate their individual interest in learning math and performing science. The results were impressive and the entire Math Science Preparatory Team is looking forward to working with these exceptionally bright and ambitious students," reports Ms. Finucane.

In alphabetical order, students accepted to participate in the 2015 cohort of the MSP Program include:

Isabella Asmus    ~ Akron Central School

Amelia    Beckman ~ Batavia City Schools

Sophie    Beckman    ~ Batavia City Schools

Kellen    Bell *    §    ~ Perry Central School

Jason    Berry    ~ Batavia City Schools

Julianna Bizub    ~ Alden Central Schools

Caleb Carr    ~ Perry Central Schools

Alwyn Cayea ~    Medina Central Schools

Emily Chaback    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Anthony Cometto *    ~ Alden Central Schools

Ricky    Denson    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Zachary Dimick    ~ Attica Central Schools

Eden Dodge    ~ Alexander Central Schools

Ava Flores    ~ Oakfield Central Schools

Tate Fonda    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ariana    deSa - Frias *    §    St. Joseph's Schools Batavia

Katy Geiger *    ~ Akron Central Schools

Sara Goodman *    ~    Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Jared Graham    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Carter    Green    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Hall    ~ Oakfield - Alabama Central Schools

Ashley    Harmon    ~ Attica Central Schools

Autumn Harris    ~ Letchworth Central Schools

Mikayla Hickey    ~    Alexander Central Schools

Paige Jegierski    ~ Alden Central Schools

Natalie    Karmazyn    ~ Akron Central Schools

Ian Kemp    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Colby Leggo    ~ Byron-Bergen Central Schools

Pierce    McPherson    ~    Letchworth Central Schools

Connor Mooney*    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Rowan Nothnagle    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Danica    Porter *    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Derek    Pruski    ~ Oakfield – Alabama Central Schools

Abigail    Richter    ~ Caledonia Mumford Central Schools

Andrew Ricupito    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Ethan    Riggs    ~ LeRoy Central Schools

Victoria Russell    ~ Warsaw Central Schools

Shawn    Searls *    ~ St. Joseph's School Batavia

Bernard Skalny    ~ Batavia City Schools

Ethan Tillotson    ~ Pavilion Central Schools

Elissa Uveino    ~ Perry Central Schools

FaithAnn Vanderwalker *    ~ Medina Central Schools

Zachary Wagner    ~ Batavia City Schools

Lucas    Wicks *    ~    Akron Central Schools

Key:

* Scholar of the Year Finalist

§ 2015 Math Science Scholar of the Year

ACE Programs offer area high school students a variety of opportunities to pursue college credit concurrently with their high school education. MSP is an enrichment opportunity leading to an accelerated degree completion opportunity through which participating students will be able to make significant progress toward an associate degree in Math and Science or Engineering, and a few very determined students can earn their high school diploma with an associate degree later the same year!

News from Recruiting Sub-station in Batavia:

Private First Class Ethan Burns, a 24-year-old native of Pembroke recently graduated Marine Corps Recruit Training in Parris Island South Carolina. He was promoted to the rank of Private First Class and has earned the title United States Marine.

All Marines from the Northeast pass through a rigorous 13-week training program in Parris Island on their journey to become Marines. Following recruit graduation, the Marine will attend a military occupational specialty school, where he or she will learn the valuable skills needed to succeed in the Marine Corps.

Billie Elizabeth Hens, of Le Roy, a graduate of Le Roy Central School, will attend Clarkson University in Potsdam as a member of the Class of 2019. Hens, who will be majoring in Chemical Engineering, will begin studying at Clarkson in the fall.

"We look forward to having Billie join us on campus in August," said Dean of Admissions Brian T. Grant.

High school students can schedule a personalized visit to Clarkson, which includes a campus tour tailored to their interests, the opportunity to sit in on a class, a visit with an admissions counselor, and a one-on-one meeting with a professor. Just contact the Admissions Office at 800-527-6577 or admission@clarkson.edu.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Ariana Margaret Aliasso, daughter of Joseph and Stacey Aliasso and granddaughter of Brian and Sandra Clark, of Batavia, is in the top 1 percent of the 600 students in the Lake Orion High School (Michigan) Class of 2015 where she carries a 4.0 un-weighted average from Notre Dame-Batavia High School, Lake Orion High School and Oakland Community College.

Ariana will graduate Summa Cum Laude with an Honors’ endorsement and has earned 30 college credits through Oakland County Community College. Ariana will be attending Gannon University in the Fall where she was awarded a full-tuition Presidential Scholarship. She has been accepted into the honors school with a major in the Physician Assistant accelerated graduate studies program with a minor in Math. While at Gannon, Ariana has been invited to join the Leadership Cadre where she will be completing service opportunities while representing Gannon University in Erie, Pa.

Ariana has been an active member of Mock Trial, Environmental Club, Key Club, Bully Busters and National Honor Society. She has also been part of the Fighting Irish soccer, basketball and softball teams and the Lake Orion swimming, tennis, soccer and cross-country teams earning scholar athlete status in all. She received the Coaches Award in swimming, tennis and basketball and was appointed Genesee Region All-star Honorable Mention status in soccer. She was a constituent of the Mission Club, Ski Club, Drama Club, Jazz/Band and Chorus.

She has been the recipient of the prestigious National Honor Society Service over Self Award/Scholarship, Community Service Award, and Presidential Award for Academic Excellence-Lamp of Learning, and has been named consistently to the high honor roll. She was a delegate to Girls State in Lansing, Mich., and is an active member of the Michigan Impact Soccer Club. During her senior year, Ariana completed internships in Michigan at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Pontiac, McLaren Urgent Care in Clarkston, and Lake Orion Nursing Home.

She is employed as a lifeguard, nursing-home attendant and tutors several students.

Press release:

Thatcher Mowry, of Le Roy, and Kayla Wormuth, of Elba, are among the 29 New York Junior DAIRY LEADERs, representing 17 counties, that will graduate at Empire Farm Days on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. in the Dairy Profit Seminar Center at Empire Farm Days, the Northeast’s largest outdoor farm show at Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls.

Junior DAIRY LEADER Program coordinator Deborah Grusenmeyer and assistant coordinator Betsey Howland, both with the Cornell PRO-DAIRY Program, will welcome families and visitors to the graduation that includes a presentation of the program year by the 29 graduating members, and recognition of the 2015 Junior DAIRY LEADER class sponsors.

The Cornell PRO-DAIRY Junior DAIRY LEADER is a statewide program for youth between the ages of 16 and 19 with an interest in learning more about career opportunities in the dairy industry and gaining hands-on experience in the field.

The Junior DAIRY LEADER graduation ceremony at Empire Farm Days gives young people the opportunity to highlight their year-long experiences and demonstrate to visitors, family, friends, agribusiness professionals, and educators the dynamic aspect of dairy education and career options.

The Junior DAIRY LEADER Program begins in September with a seven day trip to Madison, Wis., to tour dairies and agribusinesses, followed by attending the annual National 4-H Dairy Conference. Throughout the year, class members participate in eight workshops, focusing on team building, personality styles, resume development, change, and leadership skills development, as well as facets of dairy production, tours, and exposure to numerous career options in the dairy field.

Hands-on workshops offer learning opportunities on specific facets of the dairy industry, including veterinary science, dairy nutrition, production management, and on-farm production analysis, plus interaction with dairy producers, industry professionals, and other dairy-interested young people. Building communication and leadership skills enhanced by a team approach to problem solving adds to the Junior DAIRY LEADERS’ personal and professional development.

The 2015 sponsors of the Junior DAIRY LEADERS program are PRO-DAIRY, the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation, Professional Dairy Producers Association, DEHM Associates, SHUR-GAIN USA, Genex-CRI, Select Sire Power, Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Northeast Ag and Feed Alliance, New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association, and the Cornell University Department of Animal Science, and New York’s dairy producers.

The 2015 Junior DAIRY LEADER class members are:
. Chautauqua County: Justin Dye, Trenton Meeder
. Columbia County: Benjamin Gardner, Courtney Dearnley, Emily Ooms
. Delaware County: Dylan Walley
. Erie County: Natalie Strub, Zane Hubbard
. Genesee County: Thatcher Mowry, Kayla Wormuth
. Jefferson County: Krystle Burger, Joshua Chisholm
. Lewis County: Harley Hancock
. Montgomery County: Justin Ryan
. Oneida County: Stephanie Finn, Andrew Smith
. Ontario County: Jacob Maslyn, Thomas Mueller, Alfredo Resendiz-Rojo,
  Robin Smithling
. Otsego County: Rachel Stone
. Rensselaer County: Lindsey McMahon
. Schoharie County: Eric Bates
. Tompkins County: Brian Lampman
. Washington County: Margaret Brownell, Kaylah Gulley
. Wayne County: Jessica Skellie
. Wyoming County: Emily Lampson, Katie Sondericker.
 
Empire Farm Days is the Northeast’s largest outdoor farm show, held on 300 acres at the Rodman Lott & Son Farms in Seneca Falls. Admission is free; parking is $10 car. Find a full schedule of activities and more information for the Aug. 11-13 show at www.empirefarmdays.com

Press release:

Genesee Community College congratulates criminal justice student Jessica Cherry, whose essay earned the Grand Prize in the David A. Garfinkel Essay Contest sponsored by the Historical Society of New York Courts.

Cherry and the other two winners were recognized at an awards ceremony in the New York Court of Appeals Courtroom on Law Day, May 5, 2015. GCC paralegal studies major Connie Eadie was one of eleven students to receive honorable mention.

Both Cherry and Eadie are students of Assistant Professor Charles Scruggs, who has served as faculty mentor for seven of the students who've earned recognition in the Garfinkel Essay Contest.

"The success of our history, paralegal, and criminal justice students in this highly-competitive contest is gratifying," Scruggs said.

The Garfinkel Essay contest invites community college students from around the state to submit essays on topics of legal relevance. This year they were charged with addressing the question: "How have the New York Courts addressed equal human rights for the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) Community?"

Cherry, 20, is from Oakfield and is studying Criminal Justice at GCC. In her essay, "A look at how NYS Legislation has profoundly impacted LGBT Family Law," Cherry writes that "In New York State, family is two women getting married and becoming wives; family is two men getting married and becoming husbands; family is a man and a woman getting married to become husband and wife; and family is all LGBT families being able to legally adopt including if it is their partner's child. New York has done an excellent job in striving for LGBT equality, especially in Family Law, and they have become a role model for many states that have yet to legalize same-sex marriages or certain adoption rights."

She goes on to chronicle the legal evolution of these rights and closes by stating "We can only hope that the states yet to legalize gay marriage and certain adoption rights follow in the footsteps of New York State, and all of the other states that have gotten on the right side of history, and they come to learn that love is love."

Cherry said she was shocked to have won. "It hasn't even fully sunk in yet, but now that it's becoming more real, I am extremely proud of that essay and the message it sends to readers." She said she wrote the essay based on her personal belief in "equal rights for everyone in all aspects of life, regardless of things such as sexual orientation."

The Historical Society provides a link to Cherry's full essay online at:  http://www.nycourts.gov/history/academic-center/garfinkel-essay-scholarship.html.

"While Jessica may have been surprised by her win, I was not," Scruggs said. "I have had the privilege of working with Jessica in two different courses and she has proved to be a conscientious student who consistently submits exemplary work. In this essay, the head and heart have worked in tandem to produce a well-researched and inspiring analysis of the struggle for LGBT equality."

As the Grand Prize Winner, Cherry receives a $1,500 cash award.

The contest also recognized Evan Eckfeld of Westchester Community College who won the $1,000 SUNY Community College prize and Joshua Cruz of Queensborough Community College who won the $1,000 CUNY Community College prize.

Cherry is the daughter of Rebecca Cherry and Michael Cherry. She has one older brother Ben Cherry. Upon graduation from GCC this spring she plans to transfer to SUNY Brockport in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a goal of becoming a police officer.

Gloria and Barry Garfinkel initiated the essay contest in 2008 in memory of their son, David. The competition seeks to draw students with a wide range of interests in law, history, social science and general research writing.

Press release:

The Zonta Club of Batavia Genesee County presented its annual scholarships and awards to several local seniors during a ceremony in May at the Dibble Family Center.

The Muriel Pies Art Scholarship was awarded to Batavia High School student  Marissa Carbonell. She plans to attend Nazareth College for Theater and Music.

Jessica Colopy is from Oakfield-Alabama High School and is the recipient of a Zonta Scholarship. Jessica will be attending Columbia College pursuing a degree in Political Journalism.

Kelsey Milligan of Pavilion High School received a Zonta Scholarship and will be attending Nazareth College and pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

Briana Parker of Batavia High School is the recipient of a Zonta Scholarship. She will be attending Genesee Community College with a transfer to SUNY Fredonia in pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree.

The Mabel Ellis Math Scholarship was awarded to Jordyn Doran, of Pavilion High School. Jordyn who will be attending SUNY Geneseo and will be majoring in Math and Business Administration.

This year the Belva Meyer Scholarship was received by Elizabeth Bolton.  Elizabeth will be attending SUNY Geneseo, and will be pursuing a degree in Child Psychology.

The Ann Robertson Scholarship has been awarded  to Natalie Moulton of Notre Dame High School. Natalie will be attending the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Business.

The Winnie Legg Scholarship is awarded to Jessica Meyers of Alexander High School. Jessica will be attending Nazareth College pursuing a degree in Occupational Therapy.

The Z-Club Special Award was presented to Ivana Marroquin of Batavia High School. Ivana will be attending John Jay College and will be pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

Congratulations to all our 2015 scholarship and award recipients!

If you are interested in learning more about Zonta and our activities, we meet the third Wednesday of the month. Please call Patty at (585)259-0356, for more information.

(Submitted photo: Cazenovia College Valedictorian -- Anneliese Rae Aliasso)

Anneliese R. (Anni) Aliasso, the daughter of Joseph and Stacey Aliasso and granddaughter of Sandra and Brian Clark, of Batavia, is the Valedictorian of Cazenovia College Class of 2015, graduating with a bachelor’s of arts in International Studies, with minors in Philosophy and Pre-Law.

Anni is a 2012 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Batavia and received the Presidential, Emerson and John S. and Enid Morris Endowed Scholarship to attend Cazenovia College. On May 16, 2015, Anneliese graduated Summa Cum Laude with All College Honors, achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.98. She was inducted into Alpha Lamda Delta, the first-year honor society in the Spring of 2013 as well as Alpha Chi, the All-College Honors Society and Sigma Ito Rho, an International Studies Honor Society in the Spring of 2014.

In the Spring of 2013, Anneliese volunteered at the Mohawk Valley Refugee Resource Center, assisting incoming refugees in gaining citizenship in the Utica area. In the Spring of 2014, Anneliese interned with the Syracuse Office of Senator Charles E. Schumer, assisting with secretarial needs and set-up of press conferences in Central New York. In the Fall of 2014, Anneliese traveled abroad to Canterbury, England, to study for a semester, where she traveled to 12 countries across Europe. In the Spring of 2015, Anneliese completed a second internship with InterFaith Works, another refugee resettlement agency, based out of Syracuse. She assisted the office with incoming refugee families, specifically those with legal or governmental problems. Additionally, in the Spring of 2015, Anneliese completed her Senior Capstone titled, U.S. Relations with Vietnam, a Possible Normalization Pathway for Cuba?, assessing the possibility of using the pathway used to normalize relations with Vietnam as an option in the current debate over lifting the embargo against Cuba.

Throughout her three years at Cazenovia College, Anneliese was a member of Women’s Soccer, Women’s Swimming and Diving, which won the NEAC Conference Championships in February of 2015. She also participated in Campus Keys, volunteered at Freshmen Orientation  and was named a Scholar Athlete and on the dean’s list all six semesters.

Upon graduation, Anneliese received numerous awards, including the Stephanie Leeds All College Honors Program Award, Alpha Lambda Delta Excellence Award and the Excellence in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences Award. This Summer, Anneliese will complete an internship in the Law Office Shapiro, Dicaro and Barak in Rochester. Anni will continue her studies In the Fall of 2015 at Albany College of Law earning a full-tuition scholarship while she pursues a joint degree in Law and a master's in Public Administration (JD/MPA.)

Anneliese hopes to continue to serve the refugee and immigrant populations through clinical work throughout law school and to continue to advocate for this population in the future.

Genesee Community College celebrates its "women of the arts," three of whom recently have been recognized for their exemplary work. The College named Fine and Performing Arts secretary Jeanie Thompson was Employee of the Month for April; Fine Arts Associate Professor Heather Jones has been selected to receive a SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities; and Director of the Fine and Performing Arts program Maryanne Arena has been selected to receive the YWCA Women of Distinction Racial Justice Award. Arena will be recognized at the Awards Gala on Saturday, June 13, at GCC.

Thompson, of Attica, is a GCC alumna who earned her Administrative Assistant AAS in 2007. She also has a bachelor's degree in English from SUNY Geneseo and previously worked as a newspaper reporter and copy editor before pursuing a career in the secretarial arts. "My primary job is keeping everyone in my department organized!" she said. Jeanie handles everything from supply orders to payroll authorizations, facility usage to budget maintenance. Her colleagues compliment her excellent record-keeping and editing skills and her skill as a liaison to the college community for the Fine Arts Department, where she has worked for five years.

Jones began teaching as an adjunct instructor at GCC's Dansville Campus Center in 2002. A Livingston County resident, she has also taught at Livonia High School and Dansville Primary School as well as RIT, Empire State College and SUNY Geneseo. She joined GCC full time in 2008 and was named Associate Professor in 2014. Heather is active with numerous college committees including the Sustainability, Arts Event Planning and Gallery Management Committees.

In addition to her teaching work, Heather owns GlassFeather Studio in Conesus where she creates her own artwork, teaches community workshops, takes on commissioned projects and volunteers as a juror for local art shows. She is also a co-founder of Good Nature Press, which develops original writing and illustration for educational and professional publishing companies. Heather has travelled extensively to study art and leads a study abroad program to The Netherlands through SUNY Brockport.

Arena came to GCC in 2004. A native of Brooklyn, Maryanne at one time worked as a New York City police officer. Her theatre career has taken her to colleges in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. In every role Maryanne has taken on, she has brought a dedication and commitment to community and a willingness and desire to work with all people.

In nominating her for the YWCA's 2015 Women of Distinction Racial Justice Award, GCC Audience Services Manager Cathy DeBellis noted that Maryanne is a champion of equal rights for all students. She is also not afraid to pursue less popular and socially uncomfortable topics instead of more light-hearted entertainment. Among the topics addressed in her shows: racial inequality, domestic violence, schizophrenia and suicide. "Maryanne believes that it is her social responsibility to encourage her students to grow, not just as students and performers, but as responsible individuals in our society," DeBellis said.

Arena will be honored June 13th along with the other Women of Distinction award winners who include Eve Hens for Economic Empowerment, Kathy Panepento for Peace, Heather Cummings for Military/Veteran, Theresa Asmus-Roth for Advocacy/Civic Engagement and Lawley Genesee for Corporate/Social Responsibility. The Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, followed by a reception in the William W. Stuart Forum.

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2015 New York State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 16! 4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in the NYS 4-H  Horse Communications Contest, which is an event for qualifying youth (decided at the Regional Level) to compete and show off communications and public speaking skills. The event is centered around the horse world, encompassing a wide variety of topics. The communications program offered by 4-H is one of the most beneficial programs, allowing youth to learn and practice public speaking skills that can be used in future.
 
Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Junior Individual Presentations was Alexandria Tarbell, who placed 3rd and has been invited to the NYS Fair Horse Communications Invitational.
 
Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Senior Individual Presentations were Emily Boldt, who placed 6th, and Jennifer Clarke, who placed 7th.
 
Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cornell University, and the NYS Horse Program are proud of all the youth who participated in this educational event. Congratulations ladies!

Press release:

The Paducah Arts Alliance (PAA) is pleased to welcome Jim Morris from Batavia as the current participant in the Artist-in-Residence Program. Morris is a professor in the Art Department at The College at Brockport in Brockport. He began his studio/residence in the LowerTown Arts District at Pinecone Gallery, 421 N. 7th St. on April 24, where he will be creating new works through May 13.

A professional artist, Morris uses mylar to create collaged, mixed media works that emphasize the idea of transparency and obfuscation of information. He often begins his creative process by making an ink drawing on paper, which he scans to produce a computerized image tracing or vector file. He continues to build upon this base by laser cutting the digitized drawing, hand drawing over the prints in acrylic ink or layering this imagery over official documents. Morris’ collaged, mixed media works force the viewer to look closer by emphasizing the concept of transparency.

Morris received his MFA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and is an alumnus of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture. His work has recently been featured in group exhibitions at The Fowler-Kellogg Art Center, Chautauqua Institution; and internationally at The Kunstverein Tiergarten/Galerie Nord, Berlin, and a solo exhibition at Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey.

Morris has also received fellowships that include a summer Fulbright to Malaysia and Singapore, a Pollock-Krasner Fellowship, a NEA/Mid Atlantic Artist’s Fellowship, and a fellowship from the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in North Carolina.

Though he’s only been in the neighborhood for a short time, Paducah’s creative placemaking efforts have left a favorable impression.

“The Artist-in-Residence program is brilliant,” says Morris. “The buildings are handsome and the people are very generous and kind. The artists who visit here will spread the good word about Paducah and the Paducah Arts Alliance and encourage others to visit.”

While in Paducah, this internationally connected artist will be building personal and professional relationships, collaborating with Paducah artists, visiting museums and galleries and experiencing the artistic assets of our UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art. He is looking forward to opening up a creative connection with his hometown of Batavia, which has a population of 15,269 according to the 2013 figure by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The public is welcome to visit Pinecone Gallery, Tuesday through Thursday from 3-5 p.m. through May 8 to meet Morris and talk about his creative processes and the thoughts/meanings his work evokes. Pinecone Gallery will host an exhibit of his work on Second Saturday, May 9, from noon-5 p.m.

For more information regarding the artist, visit his Web site at www.jimmorris-art.com.

About Paducah Arts Alliance
PAA initiated the Artist-in-Residence Program in 2008 with funds provided by the City of Paducah. The program was established to enhance Paducah’s identity as an international art community and to promote the growth of individual artists through education and outreach programs. Since January 2009, PAA has hosted nearly 40 visiting American and international artists from 13 states and four countries. Over the past five years, resident artists have conducted more than 50 events, which include workshops, lectures, exhibitions, performances and installations. The Paducah Arts Alliance is a 501c3 organization.

Press release:

The dedication of the Private Conrad Litt memorial headstone will take place at 5 p.m. this Memorial Day, May 25, in the Old Section of Indian Falls Cemetery.

The Civil War veteran was killed at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner, S.C.

Members of Col. John B. Weber Camp No. 44 (NY Dept., Sons of Union Veternas of the Civil War) and the Weber Guard will honor and mark the memorial headstone at the cemetery located at Indian Falls Road, a quarter mile east of Route 77, Pembroke.

This service is part of the Memorial Day Ceremony to be held at the Litt gravesite. This cemetery is adjacent to the newly acquired VA National Veterans Cemetery.

Conrad Litt enlisted in the 100th New York Volunteer Infantry, 2nd Brigade, Company C., on Oct. 24, 1861 as a Private. 2nd Brigade was known as the “Eagle Brigade,” which was sponsored by the Buffalo Board of Trade.

He experienced conflict in Virginia at the Battle of Fair Oaks, where more than half of his Regiment were killed or wounded. Conrad was killed in action on July 18, 1863 during the Union’s night assault on Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S.C., when he was struck in the breast and died instantly.

Conrad’s bodily remains were never recovered for a proper burial, as the fighting continued for another month by laying siege to take control of the Rebel held fort and battery, which was the key to entering Charleston Harbor and the Federal reclaiming of Ft. Sumter, where the first shot of “The War Between The States” had commenced in 1861, announcing the formal Secession of the State of South Carolina from the Union.

The Brothers of Weber Camp No. 44 are honoring him for his actions during the Civil War.
This memorial service in honor of Conrad Litt is adapted from a 1917 Service used by the Grand Army of the Republic to re-dedicate a member’s headstone. The G.A.R. service is scheduled to coincide with the 150 Sesquicentennial celebration of sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

Memorial Day was established to honor the veterans on the fourth Monday in the month of May. It was originally known as "Decoration Day," in the terrible aftermath of our American Civil War, with the decorations of wreaths, flags and flowers, laid upon the graves of those fallen soldiers by their loved ones.

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2015 New York State 4-H Horse Bowl Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, April 17! 4-H youth from across New York State came together to compete in 4-H Horse Quiz Bowl, in which youth compete as a team in answering horse-knowledge-based questions.

Representing Genesee County 4-H in the Junior Horse Bowl Event were: Elizabeth Rindell, Gabriella Rindell, Alexandria Tarbell. A special acknowledgement to Gabriella Rindell, who individually placed 1st out of 51 youths from across the state at the Junior Level.

For more information regarding local opportunities in 4-H Youth Development call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or e-mail genesee4h@cornell.edu

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is pleased to announce that David Wolcott, of Batavia, was recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Wolcott was initiated at Ithaca College.

Wolcott is among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, more than $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org