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Milestones include engagement, wedding and birth announcements as well as job promotions, military service and similar personal accomplishments of you and your family that you wish to share with the community.

Batavia Food Science major earns spot on the dean's list at Clemson University

By Billie Owens

Sweta Kolisetti, of Batavia, whose major is Food Science, has been named to the dean's list at Clemson University for the Spring 2014 semester.

To be named to the dean's list, a student achieved a grade-point average between 3.50 and 3.99 on a 4.0 scale.

Ranked No. 21 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit, and a competitive drive to excel.

Genesee County youth participate in State 4-H Horse Communications Event

By Billie Owens

From the Cornell Cooperative Extention of Genesee County

Congratulations to the Genesee County 4-H youth who competed in the 2014 State 4-H State Public Presentations and the State 4-H Horse Communications Event at Cornell University in Ithaca on Saturday, May 17, 2014!

Representing Genesee County at the 4-H State Public Presentations event was Melissa K., who gave an illustrated talk titled "Meat Madness" in which she classified the various cuts of pork in a bracket to see which cut would come out on top. She received a 182 out of 190, which earned her a Gold Seal award.

Representing  Genesee County at the 4-H State Horse Communications Event was Alexandria (Jomni) T., who gave an illustrated talk titled "No Hoof, No Horse" in which she discussed the importance of maintaining horse hooves along with describing the types of tools a farrier uses to keep horse hooves healthy. She received 6th place out of 10 in the Junior Individual category.

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

Bergen grad is now a private first class in the Marine Corps

By Billie Owens

Bergen’s newest Marine is PFC Aaron K. Inzinca, who graduated on May 23rd, 2014 from the United States Marine Corps, Mike Company Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island, S.C.

Aaron is a 2013 graduate of Byron Bergen Central School and is the pride of Brian & April Stone of Bergen. Following SOI training at Camp Geiger, PFC Inzinca will be furthering his education in aviation mechanics in Jacksonville, Fla.

Wedding Announcement:

By shelly mathers


Mr and Mrs Marc Unger

Erika Sobczak and Marc Unger were married April 11, 2014, at Veterans Memorial Park in Henrietta.

The Rev. Jack Porcello performed the private outdoor ceremony.
The best man was Michael Dionese of Rochester. The maid of honor was Tara Pariso of Elba.

The bride is the daughter of William and Kim Sobczak of Batavia.
The groom is the son of Dave Unger of Attica and the late Michele Unger.

The newlyweds reside in Batavia NY.

Two local students earn master's degrees from Emporia State Uniersity

By Billie Owens

Nearly 300 students were candidates for graduate degrees during commencement exercises May 17 at Emporia State University. Students from this area and their degrees are:

  • Brennan James Briggs, of Batavia, master of science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation;
  • Julie M. Savage, of Bergen, master of science degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Founded in 1863 as Kansas State Normal -- the state's premier institution to educate teachers -- Emporia State University offers 42 undergraduate and 27 graduate degrees in the School of Business, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Library and Information Management and The Teachers College. SLIM also offers a Ph.D. program.

Batavia native receives Ithaca College's Professional Excellence Award

By Billie Owens

Batavia native David Wolcott, a senior Clinical Health Studies major in the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance at Ithaca College, was recently awarded the Professional Excellence Award.

The Professional Excellence Award is given in recognition of undergraduate student(s) who exhibit excellence in one or more of the following areas: leadership, clinical practice, service, professionalism, academics, or scholarship.

Pavilion grad to attend RIT this fall

By Billie Owens

Dakota Kegler, son of Cindy Kegler and Bill Kegler, of Pavilion, has enrolled for 2014-2015 admission at Rochester Institute of Technology. Dakota is in the Mechanical Engineering Technology -- BS program in RIT's College of Applied Science and Technology and is a 2014 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. In addition, the university offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. RIT enrolls 18,000 full- and part-time students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, and its cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

Batavia student earns bachelor of science degree from SUNYIT

By Billie Owens

Elisha Myers, of Batavia, received a bachelor of science degree in Network and Computer Security at SUNYIT's 40th annual Spring Commencement May 10 in the Wildcat Field House on the SUNYIT campus in Marcy.

More than 650 candidates for undergraduate and graduate degrees awarded in 2013-2014 were eligible to participate in the ceremony.

SUNYIT, the State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, is New York State's public institute of technology, offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology and professional studies.

BHS grad named to national leadership honor society

By Billie Owens

Sarah M. DiBacco, of Batavia, was inducted into the St. Lawrence University chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society. A member of the Class of 2016 at St. Lawrence, DiBacco is majoring in chemistry. She graduated from Batavia High School.

Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes students who are successful in academics, athletics, community and campus service, the performing arts, and journalism. The members of Omicron Delta Kappa strive to promote leadership on campus.

Alexander grad among four GCC students honored with SUNY Chancellor's Award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce four students have been named 2014 recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. They are Michelle Nagle, Yuki Sasao, Emmeline Vacanti and Kelly Wetherby were recognized recently at an awards ceremony in Albany. Each recipient received a framed certificate and a medallion, which is traditionally worn at Commencement.

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence and extracurricular achievements. Each year, campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor's Office and are subject to a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

This year's honorees from Genesee Community College:

Michelle Nagle, 19, is a key member of the GCC women's volleyball team. She has earned honors as athlete of the week and was named the Western New York Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2013, when she helped the Cougars capture their 18th consecutive Region III Division II title. Nagle, a native of Randolph, is studying Tourism and Hospitality and dreams of one day becoming an event planner. She's spent spring semester 2014 in Orlando, Fla., participating in the Disney College program. Michelle plans to continue her education at Niagara University. She's glad to have started at GCC. "I enjoy the small class sizes and the teachers are friendly and caring." Michelle is the daughter of Tim and Loni Nagle. She has a brother, Travis, and a sister, Jessica.

In Japanese, Yuki Sasao's full name looks like this 笹尾 侑希. The 20-year old came to GCC from Fukuokoa, Japan. She's pursuing a degree in Liberal Arts and Business Administration and plans to continue her education at a SUNY four year school, with the ultimate goal of becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). Yuki plays lacrosse for GCC and earned Academic All Conference from the Western New York Athletic Conference and Exemplary Academic Achievement from the National Junior College Athletic Association. She is also a work study student, an officer in three clubs and an active member of the college's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, for which she is the web developer. At GCC Yuki says she has found "lots of help from faculty and staff, unlimited possibilities and affordable tuition!" She is the daughter of Matsumi and Kiyotaka and has two siblings, a sister Haruki and a brother Kouki.

Emmeline Vacanti is a Teacher Education Major at GCC and hopes to one day become an elementary school teacher. She is a President's List student and an active member of Education Club, through which she has participated in many service-learning projects and professional development workshops. This semester she is participating in the Disney College Program, working at the theme park in Orlando, Florida. Emmeline loves GCC for "all of the diverse opportunities including numerous clubs and studying abroad." Upon graduation, she plans to continue her studies at Nazareth College. A native of Alexander, Emmeline graduated from Alexander Central School in 2011. Emmeline is the daughter of Michael and Peggy Vacanti and has two siblings, Eliza and Ben.

Kelly Wetherby, 20, came to GCC because of its highly regarded Fashion Merchandising program. She's studying both Fashion Merchandising and Event Planning and dreams of one day being a wedding planner. Following her studies at GCC, she plans to transfer to Buffalo State for one year and then complete her senior year at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She's grateful for GCC professors. "They take the time to not only teach us the material but motivate us to continue learning outside of the classroom as well," she says. Kelly hails from Allegany, NY and is a 2012 graduate of Allegany-Limestone High School. She is the daughter of Dean and Deanna Wetherby.

"We salute these exemplary students," said GCC President James Sunser. "They have maximized the opportunities GCC offers and serve as an example to all students. With hard work comes success."

Recipients of Chancellor's Awards have an overall GPA of 3.8 and records of significant contributions to their campuses and communities. This year 274 students were recognized for their remarkable achievements.

"Students honored with the Chancellor's Award for Excellence truly embody the power of SUNY," said Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. "As proven leaders and role models, scholar athletes, creative artists and civic volunteers, each student is recognized not just for academic achievement, but also for the profound impact they have on college campuses and local communities across New York State."

Batavia Allstate Agency named a 2014 Premiere Agency

By Billie Owens

Press release:

As a business leader and involved citizen in the Batavia area, Allstate exclusive agency owner Jason Juliano has been designated an Allstate Premier Agency for 2014.

The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed on less than 48 percent of Allstate’s nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country. This designation is being presented to Juliano for his outstanding business performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of his agency’s work.

“The Premier Agency designation is not just about Jason’s successful business results,” said Eva McIntee, Allstate New York’s field vice president. “The honor also demonstrates Jason’s commitment in being accessible to customers and using knowledge to help ensure customers have the insurance products they need to protect themselves and their family.”

Juliano’s agency is located at 590 E. Main St. in Batavia and can be reached at (585) 344-1400 or http://agents.allstate.com/jason-juliano-batavia-ny.html <http://agents.allstate.com/jason-juliano-batavia-ny.html>

Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School Marching Knights wow Disney World's EPCOT Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School “Marching Knights” became stars of their own Disney show on April 25 when they entertained guests at EPCOT Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. They traveled over 1,000 miles from Le Roy to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The student performers, under the direction of Bradley Meholick and Tim Denmark, put on a musically delightful show as they marched through the Canadian Pavilion in World Showcase toward Future World taking them past Space Ship Earth.

Their performance included The Foundations' “Build Me Up Buttercup” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” By being part of this special show production, the students got an inside look at what it is like to be a professional in the entertainment industry.

This was the marching band’s second visit to the resort since their 1997 march at EPCOT Park.

Vocal, instrumental and dance ensembles from around the world apply to perform each year as a part of Disney Performing Arts at both the Disneyland Resort in California and the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Once selected, they are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney Parks in the more than 25-year history of the program.

For more information, visit www.DisneyPerformingArts.com or call 1-800-603-0552.

GC Sheriff's Office hires two new corrections officers

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Sheriff's Office recently filled two vacant correction officer positions with the hiring of East Bethany resident Jeremy J. Cypress and Bergen resident Jason E. Johnston.

The two correction officers graduated in a class of 15 from the Niagara County Basic Corrections five-week Academy earlier this year. Officer Cypress was the Class President.

Training included instruction in the care and custody of inmates, inmate supervision, defensive tactics, firearms training and other topics pertaining to corrections.

Sheriff Gary T. Maha stated, "Correction officers Cypress and Johnston will be great assets to the jail."

Darien Center woman promoted in NY Army National Guard

By Billie Owens

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

Julia Pettys, from Darien Center, serving with the 105th Military Police Company, is promoted to the rank of Private.

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.

UMMC honors local volunteers as part of National Volunteers Week

By Billie Owens

In honor of National Volunteer Week, April 6-13, United Memorial Medical Center held a dinner on April 8 at Bohn’s Restaurant to recognize volunteer service within the organization. Their gifts of time were spent assisting visitors, comforting family members waiting for a loved one in surgery, helping patients on Hope Haven, serving coffee at the refreshment kiosks at the Hospital and at the Jerome Center, and helping someone choose just the right item in the gift shop.

Their dedication and compassion assists United Memorial in caring for patients and visitors every day. Volunteers are part of our team and part of our UMMC family. We depend on them and turn to them when we need assistance on large projects or a helping hand. Last year, 85 individuals volunteered more than 13,500 hours. While we can measure the time they have donated, their true gifts of compassion, empathy and care is limitless.

This year, United Memorial and its auxiliaries, the UMMC League and St. Jerome Guild, Inc., honored volunteers who reached milestones in the cumulative number of hours they have volunteered. Guild members Sandy Colson, Jamie Kendall, Donna Morrow, and Mary Dee Ognibene received 100-hour pins; Jerry Pollino and Ann Valone were honored for 500 hours; Anita Rynkowski for 1,000 hours; Jeanette Attardi, Donna Condello and Geri Wiess  for 2,000 hours; Guild Secretary and Gift Shop Cochair Marilyn Dickinson received her pin for 3,000 hours. Carmela Gualtieri has achieved 4,000 hours and Frances Scafetta 6,000 hours. Donna Morrow was also honored as the 2014 Guild Honorary Member.

United Memorial Medical Center League members who were honored include Bev Bennett, Joyce Diegelman, Carole Grooms, and Mary Sage for 300 hours; Norma Meyers for 500 hours; Nancy Arras, Carol Balaz, Anna Barone, and Kathy Bender for 1,000 hours; Diane Buchholtz and Lynn Houseknecht for 1,500 hours; Sharon Andrews and Diane Fraser for 2,000 hours; Kay Wickson for 3,000; and Linda Pembroke for 4,000 hours.

Augustine Fleming, has volunteered at United Memorial’s Hope Haven unit for over 7,500 hours. Her dedication to assisting patients recovering from addiction equals four years of full-time employment.

Volunteer recognition services are organized by United Memorial’s Volunteer Coordinator, Karen Tennity. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at United Memorial, call (585)344-7465 or visit us online at www.ummc.org/join-our-team/volunteers

Byron-Bergen students selected for National Junior Honor Society

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

On March 19, a distinguished group of 23 students from Byron-Bergen Jr. High School was welcomed into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) by its President, Lauren Burke. Ms. Burke addressed the audience with a challenge: Continue to excel in the five qualities that members of National Junior Honor Society must represent – Scholarship, Citizenship, Service, Leadership, and Character. “While the recognition [of being a member of National Junior Honor Society] is great, the true reward is the satisfaction in knowing that you are working to be the best person you can be.”

The induction ceremony featured two guest speakers – English Teacher Diana Walther and Music Teacher Laurence Tallman. 

Mrs. Walther focused on the skills needed to be a successful citizen. She shared stories of witnessing the newest members of NJHS exhibiting those skills. “I see perseverance. Each of you has shown me, at one time or another this year that you finish what you start,” she said. “Your character is transparent through your choices. You do what’s necessary to be successful, and are beginning to realize that there is a distinct difference between the ‘easy path’ and the ‘successful path’ in life. Walking down the more challenging path has led you here.”

Mr. Tallman referenced the recent Byron-Bergen musical production “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” which is based on the writings of acclaimed author and philosopher, Robert Fulghum. He reminded the audience that some areas of wisdom, often learned at a young age, play a vital role throughout a lifetime. “We must be reminded of them from time to time, because these are the things that remind us to live not just for the self, but for the better of the whole. They remind us to practice civility, good character, kindness, and love. And, like anything, they must be practiced daily in order to become a regular part of your life.”

The National Junior Honor Society Vice President, Margaret Graney, concluded the ceremony by reading descriptions of the five defining qualities of NJHS members and lighting a candle to signify the importance of each quality in our lives. 

Congratulations to National Junior Honor Society 2014 Inductees.

7th Grade
Sarah Bleiler
Kolbi Brew
Lydia Campbell
Adam Drake
Mariah Fee
Jared Fregoe
Leah Gale
Emma Goodman
Annaliese Hersom
William Johnson
Oliver Kelley
Rayelle Merrell
MacKenzie Rosse
Brianna Shade
Emma Smith
Wade Thompson

8th Grade
Cameron Brumsted
Benjamin Chaback
Brionna DeMichel
Justin Hannan
Brendon Kendall
Adam Swapceinski
Esther Wilkins

GCC's Alumni Hall of Fame gets two new inductees

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Community College celebrated this year's Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on  Wednesday, March 19 at a reception that filled room T119 of Conable Technology Building with family and friends, some who arrived as a surprise from as far away as Alaska.

"We were delighted to have so many visitors join the celebration that recognizes the success of our alumni and extols their many accomplishments and community service," Jackie Christenson, alumni affairs coordinator said. "It was a moving moment listening to memories and how these GCC graduates find their way in the world with so many incredible achievements."

Lawrence Saupe, a 1989 GCC graduate, is now a Major in the New York Air National Guard, and anticipates being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of this year. He began his military service after graduating from Pembroke High School in 1982. He served as a crew chief for C-130 transport planes in Germany, graduating with honors from Flight Engineer School. After four years of active military service, Larry came to GCC in 1987, earning his associates degree in Engineering Science in 1989. He continued his studies at the University at Buffalo where he earned a bachelor's Degree in Aircraft Systems and bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering. His senior year was delayed when he was deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He earned two air medals and his crew received a special honor for rescuing three critically injured Marines under hazardous conditions.

Larry was a research and development engineer at Graham Corporation in Batavia for 10 years before taking a position in 2002 with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. After five years with GE, he joined the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna, NY, in 2007 where he currently serves as a thermal test engineer. While pursuing his professional career, Larry has remained in the Air Force as a reservist and currently serves as an Air Operations Strategist with the 174th Attack Wing in Syracuse.

"Overall I have always strived to build on previous education and experience and also to share what I have learned with others," Larry said. During his time at Graham he taught a Physics course at GCC. He is currently president of the Experimental Aircraft Association's Adirondack chapter and speaks often to groups about aircraft performance and weather.

Larry lives in Galway, NY, with his wife, Shelli, and stepdaughter, Allison. Besides flying, he also enjoys biking, kayaking, sailing, boating and snowmobiling. He will be introduced by his sister, Jeannie (Saupe) Burdick, a 1981 GCC alumna who is a professor/counselor at GCC.

Stephen Tarbell took to heart the advice of his Criminal Justice Professor Ronald Hallman who told his students to know their community, get involved, volunteer and be part of the problem-solving. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from GCC in 1978, Tarbell went to work for the Wyoming County Sheriff's Department. Over a 23-year career, he served as a deputy sheriff, scientific evidence technician, technical sergeant and investigator specializing in crime scene and fire investigations.

While working for the Sheriff's Department, Steve earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice/Public Administration/Accounting from Empire State College and a master's degree from the Nelson A. Rockefeller School of Criminal Justice at the University of Albany.

At the same time Steve began his career in public service. He served on the Warsaw Central School Board, on the Village Board and as deputy mayor of Silver Springs and as Wyoming County Youth Court coordinator. He served as town councilman for the Town of Castile and currently serves as the town supervisor. He is also a member of the Wyoming County Board of Supervisors and the Wyoming County Community Hospital Board of Managers.

Steve completed Leadership Wyoming and in 2013 received the program's Alumni Leaders Award. He has received numerous other awards including Wyoming County Deputy of the Year and Wyoming County Sheriff's Department Commendation Award, local, state and national awards for his service to youth, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice FBI Commendation.

Steve lives in Silver Lake with his wife of more than 30 years, Mary Pamela, who says "he still finds time to be a great father, husband and grandfather to his granddaughter who he adores." Steve's son and daughter-in-law, residents of Alaska, made a special surprise trip to Batavia for this ceremony.

The GCC Hall of Fame featuring photos of all inductees is located in the Conable Technology Building of the Batavia campus on the second floor corridor. For more information visit GCC's Hall of Fame Web site: http://www.genesee.edu/alumni/halloffame/

UMMC president named Fellow of the College of Healthcare Executives

By Billie Owens

Daniel P. Ireland, FACHE, president of United Memorial Medical Center, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 9,100 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional/community involvement.

Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

“The healthcare management field plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to the people in our communities, which makes having a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization critically important,” says Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, president and chief executive officer of ACHE. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and earning the distinction of board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders demonstrate a commitment to excellence in serving their patients and the community.”

Ireland may now use the FACHE credential, which signifies board certification in healthcare management and ACHE Fellow status. He attended the ACHE 80 Convocation Ceremony in Chicago on March 23.

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