Milestones

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the adjutant general, announced the recent reenlistment of members of the New York Army National Guard in recognition of their continuing commitment to serve community, state and nation as part of the Army National Guard.

Staff Sergeant Charles Jensen, of Byron, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

Deborah Gallo, the managing attorney of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates Western New York Office in Batavia, has been reelected president of the Western New York Banking and Credit Association (WNYMBCA) for a sixth term.

She has earned the important distinction of serving as president for the most number of terms in the history of this organization.

Members of the WNYMBCA include bankers, servicers, brokers, vendors, attorneys and other prominent community professionals. The WNYMBCA provides education, legislative information, and networking opportunities in the Western New York region including the areas of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse.

As the longest-serving president in the history of the WNYMBCA, Gallo has amassed an impressive number of achievements and a solid record of service for the organization and the Western New York area.

As a junior partner and the managing attorney of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, P.C., Gallo has helped facilitate numerous volunteer opportunities for the law firm's staff members to give back to the Batavia, Buffalo are Rochester communities.

Since 2004, Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates have coordinated an annual gala to benefit the Hunter’s Hope Foundation and raise money for Krabbe Disease and other leukodystrophies. Gallo and her staff members not only plan the annual fundraiser but also serve as event staff throughout the evening.

In addition to her dedication to the Hunter’s Hope Foundation, she also established teams of employees from the Batavia Office of Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates to participate in the walkathon to benefit multiple sclerosis and The Buffalo News Kids Day. For the latter, RR&A staff members sold special edition newspapers to benefit Variety, the Children’s Charity, Women and Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, the Robert Warner MD Center for Children with Special Needs and Children’s Charities of Western New York.

Gallo is a graduate of Pace University School of Law in White Plains, and she received her undergraduate degree from Iona College in New Rochelle. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association, Monroe County Bar Association, and Erie County Bar Association.

Major General Patrick A. Murphy, the adjutant general of the New York Army National Guard, announced that Staff Sergeant Charles Jensen, from Byron, has reenlisted to continue service with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry.

"Over the past three years, the New York Army National Guard has come from far below authorized strength to 100-percent strength," Murphy said. "Our priority is to provide ready forces for both state and federal missions and readiness starts with maintaining our strength."

"We have more than 16,000 men and women in the Army and Air National Guard with each individual member having an important role."

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

On the Web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Charles-Jensen-Reenlists-for-Continued-Service-in-New-York-Army-National-Guard/4920170.

The following students were named to the Spring 2012 Dean's List at Buffalo State University.

• Valerie Klug, a business administration major, from Corfu

• David Dupre, a business studies major, from Corfu

• Kimberly Schildwaster, a career and technical education major, Oakfield

• Brittany Moose, a fashion and textile technology major, from Le Roy

• Rachel Pettys, a hospitality administration major, from Darien Center

• Stephanie Esten, a hospitality administration major, from Oakfield

To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours. Founded in 1871, Buffalo State is the largest comprehensive college in the SUNY system offering more than 165 undergraduate and 62 graduate programs in the arts, sciences, professions, and education.

Genesee Community College proudly announces that the following students are among 540 students who were named to the President's List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better. (The college also maintains a Dean's List comprised of students who earn a quality point index of 3.50 to 3.74. Genesee's Dean's List will be released in the next several weeks.)

This year's Genesee Community College Spring 2012 President's List honorees, with their hometowns, are listed below:
 

Basom

Danielle Hirtzel
Jessica Pfalzer
Theresa Rainey
Elias Seward
Leah Snyder

Batavia

Russell Jackson

Bergen

Elizabeth Jarnot
Charles Lee
Lindsay Stumpf

Byron

Tiffany Harrington
Richard Lucas
Stacy Maskell
Arlene Olmstead
Adrienne Payne
Danielle Thom

Corfu

Angel Alexander
Stacy Brockway
Rachel Doktor
Tracy Kearney
Michael Kraus
Kyle Maurer
Kayla Meyer
Alyssa Reeb
Dawn Roberto
Dawn Smith
Trevor Spiotta
Dana Wolbert

Darien Center

Shannon Bates
Kylynn Bank
James Erb
Matthew Herod
Hannah Zimmermann

East Bethany

Autumn Atkinson
Julliane Ingalls
Alec Kirch
Bryce Kirch
Sarah Lawson
Janet Gohlke

East Pembroke

Anthony Nati

Elba

Michael Anauo
Nicole Beardsley
Richard Dorf
Chapin Guthrie
Chelsie Pangrazio
Samantha Walker

Le Roy

Kevin Callahan
Andi DeBellis
Eric Hayes
Stephanie Heisler
Jeanice Howard
Gregory Humphrey
Donald Kahm
Mark McAvoy
Cody Niccloy
Willard Prevost
Michele Rast
Bethany Roth
Heather Schroeder
Brenda Sheflin
Denise Simcick
Michael Sullivan
Conor Tomaszewski

Linwood

Deena Hernandez

Oakfield

Della Balduf
Jonathon Cassiano
Lindsay Chatt
Benjamin Cherry
Angela Larmon
Laura Ostrowski
Sara Read
Joseph Sullivan
Meghan Vandersteur

Pavilion

Samantha Barclay
Patricia Brown
Wendy Edwards
Kaleigh Kingsley
Jonathan White

South Byron

Halle Davalos

Stafford

Michelle Jackson

Genesee Community College offers over 60 academic programs and certificates, including the new Veterinary Technology (Vet Tech) and Polysomnography (Sleep Tech) programs. Genesee is accessible through seven campus locations throughout Western New York, as well as through online classes in the Distance Learning program. College housing is available at College Village, just a three minute walk from the Batavia Campus. With small class sizes yet state-of-the-art technology both inside and out of the classroom, Genesee Community College is known for being "high-tech" and "high-touch."

The State University of New York at Potsdam awarded more than 920 undergraduate and graduate degrees during its 2012 Commencement ceremonies on May 19 and 20.

The graduates included Meghan Smith, of Bergen, NY, who earned a bachelor's degree in Biology.

SUNY Potsdam prepares students to act as engaged global citizens and to lead lives enriched by critical thought, creativity, and discovery. Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges.

To find out more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

Christopher Snyder, son of Amy and Wayne Snyder, of Darien Center, has enrolled for fall 2012 admission at Rochester Institute of Technology. Christopher will study bioinformatics in RIT's College of Science and is a 2012 graduate of Alexander Central High School.

Christopher has been awarded: the Robert Hollwedel Technical Scholarship; the Thomas Ricci Jr. Scholarship; the Senior High Student Council Award; the Attica Area Garden Club Scholarship; the Student Council Class Spirit Award; the Joseph M. Collins Scholarship; the Mark Klossner Swimming Scholarship; the Debbie Belz Memorial Environmental Science Scholarship; the A. Warren Dayton Memorial Scholarship; and an RIT Presidential Scholarship.

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

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.

Richard Purse, of Le Roy, serving with the Company A, 2-108th Infantry is promoted to the rank of Specialist.

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.

On the Web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Richard-Pursel-Receives-New-Rank-New-Responsibility/4704600.

Two local residents have reserved places as freshmen at SUNY Oswego. Fall classes will begin Aug. 27. They are:

Olivia Griep, of South Street Road in Le Roy (Pavilion Central School).
Connor Clark, of Junction Road in Pavilion (Pavilion Central School).

Also, Katherine Hilburger, of Elba, who last studied at Niagara University, will begin her studies at SUNY Oswego.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News named it among the "Top Public Regional Universities in the North" for 2012, the Princeton Review and USA Today named SUNY Oswego to their 2012 list of 150 "best value" colleges and universities in the nation, and the Princeton Review included Oswego in its 2012 college guidebook "The Best Northeastern Colleges."

A 151-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 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.

Lauren Burhans, of Elba, has earned High Honors for the spring semester of the 2011-2012 academic year at the University of New Hampshire.

Students named to the Deans' List at the University of New Hamsphire have earned recognition through their superior scholastic performance. Students with a 3.5 to 3.69 average are awarded high honors.

The College at Brockport, State University of New York, recently honored students who excelled academically by naming them to the Deans' List for the Spring 2012 semester. Students who earn a GPA of 3.70–3.99 are named to the Deans' List with Honors (***), while students who achieve a 3.40–3.69 are named to the Deans' List.

The honorees, and their hometowns, are:

Basom

Krystal Rivers

Lori Stellrecht

Bergen

Mary Cocking

***Joanna Menzie

***Samantha Elliott

***Melanie Monroe

***Shane Chatham

Danielle Lovett

Kathleen Lovett

Harjit Singh

***Brian Burgay

Byron

***Patricia Johnston

Melissa Dilcher

Melissa Hale

Darren Kwiatkowski

Capri Sullivan

Corfu

Casey Herman

East Bethany

Amanda Boulden

Elba

Torianne Cavallo

Bronson Cole

Le Roy

***Danielle Ford

***Gena Korn

***Antonio Madau

***Christina Mancuso

***Joseph Patton

***Emily Kovatch

***Abigail Graham

Katlyn Brooks

Chelsea Dillon

Chelsey Macomber

James Mangefrida

Jason McElroy

Danielle Merica

Joel Pitts

Justin Toland

***Lyman Rhodes

***Katherine Rogers

Oakfield

Kristen Casper

***Samantha Denton

Zackary Kibler

Shelby Kielbasa

Pavilion

***Theresa Raponi

Sarah Merritt

South Byron

Kallee Stein

Stafford

***James Mignano

The College at Brockport offers 50 undergraduate majors, more than 40 graduate programs as well as 24 teacher certification programs. The college has been rated among the "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Regional University" by U.S. News & World Report, and a "Best Value" by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.

A community project aimed at encouraging reading for pleasure and building relationships has earned kudos for a learning specialist at Genesee Community College.

Sue Chiddy, of Elba, was honored recently by the Nioga Library System for her efforts to engage GCC with the public library initiative called "A Tale for Three Counties." The outreach project encourages people to read a chosen book, discuss it with friends and neighbors at local libraries or in chance meetings on the street, and then meet the author at the conclusion of the program.

It was launched by public libraries in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties nine years ago, and Chiddy brought the college onboard in 2005. Her efforts earned her Nioga's Outreach Award, which was given to her during the Nioga Board of Trustee's annual dinner last month at Terry Hills Banquet Facility in Batavia.

Chiddy helps GCC students embrace reading for pleasure through the college's developmental reading classes. She says "A Tale for Three Counties" is a dynamic and motivating program that she hopes instills the value of reading in her students, and motivates them to build relationships by discussing what they've read with classmates and neighbors.

"I am honored to receive the award, but I feel honored every time I notice students, faculty and staff reading the year's selected 'Tale for Three Counties' book," Chiddy said. "It's a pleasure to see the college community participating in the community at large."

The award, which includes a $75 honorarium to be used for the purchase of library materials to further outreach goals, is granted to nominees who show a commitment to providing library services to populations that have limited access to such services.

This past year, GCC's participation included the reading of Yannick Murphy's "The Call," which details the life of a small town veterinarian. Instructors in 21 of GCC's classes used the book as a learning resource and the library distributed more than 400 copies.

Erin O'Connor, of Stafford, has been placed on the Gettysburg College Deans' Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in Spring 2012.

Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester's work are placed on the Deans' Honor List.

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition that includes Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate and other distinguished scholars among its alumni. The college is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

This was submitted by a private citizen.

Jason D. Reese, of 332 W. Main St., #4, Batavia, made the Dean' List at Genesee Community College for the Spring 2012 semester.

Reese is a Physical Education major and very proud of his accomplishment.

"I showed up on time, did all assignments, passed the exams, I earned this feat," said Reese, who will turn 50 on June 25.

He says being a minority in Batavia is tough business.

"There are all sorts of people who want me to be a criminal statistic -- sorry to bust your bubble -- they are not that good plus you're going to have to raise your game to keep up with me," Reese said.

He graduated from Pavilion Central in 1982 and received an associate degree from GCC in 1988.

"I was immature back then. I will make up for that time now. I am a late bloomer, but I am not stopping now, my best years are yet to come," says Reese.

Several student-athletes from Genesee Community College were named to the NJCAA Academic All-Region List for the 2011-2012 athletic seasons. Students honored on the NJCAA Academic All-Region List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a grade point average of 3.5 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Those who made the list include:

• Summer Bliss, of Bethany, a member of the women's soccer team;
• Lauren Hughes, of Elba, a member of the volleyball and swimming and diving teams;
• Cody Niccloy, of Le Roy, a member of the men's soccer team;
• Emily Mott, of Oakfield, a member of the swimming and diving team;
• Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, a member of the softball team;
• Amanda Brown, of Bergen, a member of the women's soccer team.

Genesee Community College Athletics Program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College.

Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Left to right: Col Jack Ozer, Cadet Rachel Hyatt, Cadet Meghan Duell, Captain Diana Hyatt, 1Lt Valerie Duell, Cadet Derek O'Sullivan and Cadet Shaun Coburn. Kneeling is National Legislative Officer Lt Col Larry Brinker.

SUBMITTED ITEM.

Batavia, NY - Several members of the Batavia Composite Squadron were recently recognized at the New York Conference held in Lake George, NY for their participation in Civil Air Patrol's Legislative Day in early March.

Each year as part of the Winter meeting of the Civil Air Patrol in the Washington, DC area, members of each wing meet with their Congress Representatives and Senators on Legislative Day.

During the meetings members of CAP discuss the 3 missions of CAP, what events and missions CAP had supported in their Representatives area and what the impact it was. In 2011, members of NYW support Hurricane Ike and Irene.

CAP members also discuss the budget impacts and other topics of interest. It also a chance for the members to thank the representative for support to CAP members. This includes nominations to Armed Forces Academies for Cadets.

As with last year, one of the topics was the Congressional Gold Medal for the original members of CAP.  Representatives were asked to support this Bill to help recognize our members with this Medal.

For the last few years members of the Batavia Squadron having been participating with the New York Wing staff at Legislative Day.

This year, Cadets Derek O'Sullivan and Shaun Coburn walked around with Wing Commander Jack Ozer, while cadets Rachel Hyatt and Megan Duell joined National Legislative Officer Lt Col Larry Brinker on meetings.

Senior member Captain Diana Hyatt, and 1LT Valerie Duell also participated in meetings with various Representatives.

Local representatives met with included: Congressman Timothy Reed, Congresswomen Louise Slaughter, Congresswomen Kathy Huchel and Senator Jillian Gilderbrand.

For the remaining time in Washington, the cadets attended the National Cadet Advisory Council meetings, visited museums and toured Washington.

Lt. Col. Scott C. Woodward was installed as the Battalion Commander of the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment in ceremonies held recently at Ft. Riley, Kan.

The ceremony included a reenactment of the Calvary Charge and the firing of canons. A reception was held at the Custer House, which was the home of General George Armstrong Custer and one of the oldest buildings on Ft. Riley.

Lt. Col. Woodward is a 1989 graduate of Batavia High School and also a graduate SUNY Brockport and the Army Command and General Staff College. He is the son of Tim and Maria Woodward, of Batavia, who attended the ceremony.

His military assignments include three overseas tours: as Battalion Assistant S3 to Bosnia-Herzegovina; he commanded E Troop, 9th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division during the invasion of Iraq 2003; and he was Battalion Operations Officer, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor deployed to Mahmudiyah, Iraq.

His most recent assignment was Armor Colonels Assignment Officer, Office of the Chief of Staff, Army, Washington, D.C.

Lt. Col. Woodward’s awards and decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device; the Bronze Star Medal (2nd award); Meritorious Service Medal (4th award); Army Commendation Medal (3rd award); Army Achievement Medal (2nd award); the Combat Action Badge; the Parachutist Badge and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

He is married to the former Judith Herring and they have two daughters, Sydney and Savannah.

Press release:

Prominent local businessman and Army veteran John Dwyer, who has served Genesee Community College for many years in various leadership roles, was honored recently with GCC's Alpha Medal of Service Award.

Individuals honored with an Alpha Award are selected for their extraordinary philanthropic support of GCC programs and goals, and serve as an inspiration not only to students, but to the greater community, according to Rick Ensman, GCC's head of development and external affairs.

"John's commitment and enthusiasm is inspiring," Ensman said. "He believes deeply in the mission and programs of the college, and never misses an opportunity to tell GCC's story and advocate for our students."

Among his many accomplishments at the college, Dwyer served as president of the GCC Foundation for four, one-year terms and worked tirelessly on all foundation committees, chaired the campaign that supported construction of the Student Union and helped steer the fundraising campaign for the Conable Technology Building, which serves the business community through The BEST Center (Business and Employee Skills).

Dwyer's commitment to service also reaches deeply into the broader community. During the past 40 years, he has served on numerous economic development committees, including the GLOW Workforce Investment Board and the Genesee County Local Development Corporation; he has volunteered his time and expertise to guide the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency and the Batavia Associated Retailers Board; and he has shared his knowledge and civic pride with a number of public, school and religious associations, including the Children's Home Association, Notre Dame High School, and the Buffalo Catholic Diocese.

A Batavia resident, Dwyer retired as president of Thomas & Dwyer, Inc., Retail Shoe Stores and executive director of the Genesee County Industrial Development Agency in recent years. The Alpha Medal of Service was bestowed during GCC commencement ceremonies on May 20.