Richard C. Call Arena

Press release:

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will host the 102nd “Great Batavia Train Show & Sale” along with the “Batavia Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet” on Sunday, March 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Richard C. Call Arena, Genesee Community College, 1 College Road, Batavia.

Admission: $6 (Adults), $3 (under 18 yrs.), Free (under 13 yrs.)

The popular train show typically attracts 1,200 to 1,500 model railroad enthusiasts and railfans from across Western and Central NY, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and Southern Ontario. There are over 100 vendors occupying 250 tables offering merchandise ranging from antique railroad artifacts to the most modern digitally controlled model trains.

The GSME began hosting Train Shows in the early 70s at the Holland Land Office Museum. The bi-annual show has steadily grown to become one of the premiere events of its kind in Western New York.

The train club hosts two shows each year, a Spring show and a Fall show. A free Open House is held, typically, on the first Saturday of December at the Club’s facilities in Oakfield, where club members maintain operating layouts in O Gauge (Lionel), HO & N scale.

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers is located at 50 Main Street (Rte. 63), Oakfield, N.Y. (above the M&T Bank) and is open Tuesdays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Business meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month. Visit www.gsme.org. Like us on Facebook. Visitors welcomed. (Stair access only.)

File photo by Howard Owens.

As the ceiling of the Richard C. Call Center rumbled from 75-mile-an-hour winds Saturday evening, a group of about 70 people gathered to pay tribute to one of Genesee County’s finest. 

Larry Friedman was bid farewell and best wishes amidst of stream of anecdotes, remembrances, friendship, and his professional career accomplishments as the county’s district attorney for the last 40 years. 

“Larry’s a good man. He’s a hard worker, tenacious, and passionate about his cases, that’s why I enjoy working with him,” said Theresa Asmus Roth, program coordinator of the Children’s Advocacy Center, which she fondly described. “It’s a child-centered place, an environment that’s meaningful to our families on the worst days of their lives. They get to come to a place that looks like it was built for them.”

The advocacy center hosts children of suspected abuse during their examinations. It was one of Friedman’s many projects and goals for Genesee County, so that abused children could find safety and comfort in their first steps toward justice. Once a case was developed by medical, psychological, and law enforcement staff, it was fought by Friedman in the courtroom.

As state Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “we’re all here because of Larry Friedman and the job he’s done in Genesee County.” 

“We can expect him and all of law enforcement to uphold the law, and they’re working strongly with all kinds of folks,” Hawley said. “No one wants you to leave. This Legislature takes great pride in recognizing and applauding Lawrence Friedman.”

Hawley presented one of many citations to Friedman, of Batavia, for his efforts to “strive to improve the lives of citizens.” Filling the DA position for six unopposed consecutive terms, with 140 felony jury trials and an 82 percent conviction rate, Friedman demonstrated his “steadfast commitment” to the role, Hawley said. 

Nearly two hours of speakers comprised a who’s who of Genesee County, which also included members of the county Legislature, management, Sheriff's Office and BAR Association, city police and various members of legal systems in Genesee and Wyoming counties. They listed his myriad attributes, from providing “faithful, conscientious service” and being “smart, quick-witted and flexible,” to being willing to share his professional enthusiasm  as mentor to kids and adults alike. 

Peter Guppenberger spoke of Friedman’s civic contributions as a Batavia Kiwanis president, secretary and “keeper of secrets.” The district attorney was instrumental in helping to not only meet the club’s goal of raising $150,000 for a new CAC site, but exceeding it to $212,000, Guppenberger said. 

“The power of one, times by like-minded people; that’s Larry’s legacy in Kiwanis,” Guppenberger said. 

While most speakers took to the podium that was front and center, Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun opted to mill about the room regaling the audience with a story about how Friedman once loaned Mohun his three-cylinder, impressively powerful motorcycle after Mohun’s new Mustang convertible got towed away after being parked in the front of the courthouse. 

Following several weeks of abiding patience, Friedman finally asked where his motorcycle was, as Mohun was enjoying it. Mohun eventually retrieved his vehicle from impound and returned Friedman's motorcycle, he said with a smile. Mohun spoke highly of his colleague and friend and said he believes that Genesee County is “a hell of a lot better place to live” because of Friedman’s presence.

“Because of that man right there,” he said, pointing out Friedman at a nearby table. 

Incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, who will begin his term in 2022, acknowledged that his predecessor will be “a tough act to follow.” Friedman’s enthusiasm stems from his love of the law and to serve as prosecutor, Finnell said, adding that the entire county legal system deserves credit.

“I’ll do my best to continue their legacy in Genesee County,” he said. “You’re out here enduring this weather because of what Larry did. He’s loyal, to the staff and to the people who worked with him. He’s humble; he never wanted the spotlight; he would share it with the rest of us. Thank you Larry for taking the time to work with me for the last two years.”

When it was Friedman’s turn at the microphone, he dispersed the spotlight once again by asking anyone who has worked with him over the years to join him at the podium. One by one, he recognized their “phenomenal assistance” and thanked them for it. He also acknowledged aspects of the 16 departments that have worked with him over the years, from probation and information technology to county management and the defense department.

“I’m very grateful to the County Legislature … the Legislature realizes the need for public safety. They understand it, they respect it,” he said. “I feel so privileged to be able to serve this county. Thank you to all of you to be here despite COVID, despite the weather. And thank you to Jeanne (Walton) for being responsible for all of this, and for the committee.”

He had joked that he initially wasn’t going to retire, but he then saw that a Committee to Retire Larry Friedman had been formed by Walton, so he had to do it. He and Walton, (photo below with Friedman), plan to move west to California to be closer to family, which includes his daughters Suzanna and Rebecca.

The committee also includes Vicky Muckle, Lacie Snell, Mary Ann Wiater, Kevin Finnell, Fred Rarick, and Tom Williams. 

Top photo: Wyoming County Judge Michael Mohun shares stories about his friend and colleague, Genesee County District Attorney Larry Friedman during a retirement gathering Saturday at the Richard C. Call Center in Batavia. Guest speakers also included incoming District Attorney Kevin Finnell, Genesee County Legislature members Gary Maha and Shelley Stein, Assistant City Police Chief Chris Camp and City Judge and attorney Tom Burns. Friedman thanked the roomful of attendees, which included a portion of colleagues he has worked with, above, over the last 40 years of his legal career. 

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers Inc.'s Giant Train Show made a spectacular return Sunday to Call Arena at GCC growing 1,150 attendees and 100 vendors.

"The event was the first major train show in our area, post-pandemic, and attracted one of the largest number of patrons that we’ve seen in the past 5 years," said Mike Pyszczek, the show's chairman.

He praised GCC for providing a safe and supportive environment for the event.

The next train show, the organization's 100th, is scheduled for April 3, 2022.

The club was founded in Batavia and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. 

"We have been holding spring and fall train shows since the early ’70s at various venues in the Batavia area," Pyszczek said. "We began using the Richard C. Call Arena at GCC when it first opened in 2018 and have grown the event to be one of the largest hobby shows in Upstate NY."

The Club's annual open house is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 4, at its clubhouse in the Village of Oakfield during the village holiday celebration.

Press release:

Last weekend Genesee Community College welcomed more than 300 alumni, students, friends and community members from all around the GLOW region and the world to celebrate Homecoming Weekend in Batavia.

From the annual Cougar Crawl to the Car Cruise, plus the Alumni Soccer Game and the 5K Race for the Future -- the perfect weather gave way to a perfect weekend at GCC. 

This year, the occasion also kick-started something new -- the Cougar Pride Campaign -- which officially began on Saturday evening at the "Tap Off" -- a term with a double meaning that is used in basketball but also in beer brewing. Therefore, event planners borrowed the term for Cougar Pride kick-off, inviting the Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew of LeRoy to provide appropriate refreshments of locally brewed Roger's Beer and a few wings. 

The program is chaired by Mickey J. Hyde, GCC Class of 1987, a 2010 inductee of GCC's Athletic Hall of Fame, and vice president at the Bank of Castile's Le Roy Branch.

The goal of the Cougar Pride Campaign is to raise the necessary funds to create a new Athletic Hall of Fame inside the Richard C. Call Arena to recognize the accomplishments of past and future student-athletes, coaches and GCC sport teams.

Guests at the "Tap Off" were the first to see the proposed design of a new Athletic Hall of Fame destined for the second floor of the Arena, and also a short video about the campaign.

The major components of the new design will include: a 10-foot-long header to welcome visitors; a timeline of athletic achievements dating back to 1967; many photographs; a dynamic display in the trophy case; and an interactive, digital kiosk full of information and photographs about GCC's athletic program. 

"Our student-athletes have always been a source of great pride at GCC and now, through the generosity of the Call family, the College has an amazing sports complex with high-tech PE classrooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a regulation turf field with a press box, the field house and so much more," Kristen Schuth, GCC's athletic director said.

"An Athletic Hall of Fame worthy not only of this facility, but of our students' accomplishments is truly needed to round-out this incredible space."

Donations to support the Cougar Pride Campaign can be made online here, by mail with checks payable to Genesee Community College Foundation and mailed to GCC Foundation, C212, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020.

To discuss specific arrangements, contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs, Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email: jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

"The 'Tap Off' was the perfect kickoff. Stepping out of the heat on Saturday for a cold beverage from The Smokin' Eagle and to hear about this campaign was exciting," Wakefield said. "Our student- athletes work so hard and deserve to be recognized appropriately.

"The GCC coaches do so much to support them and help them succeed not only on the fields and courts, but in life overall. I'm excited that this new Hall of Fame will be able to tell these stories in a relevant and interactive way."

(Photo above from GCC of an artist's rendering of the college's proposed Athletic Hall of Fame inside the Richard C. Call Arena.)

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers, founded in Batavia 50 years ago, hosted their biannual Model Train Show at the Richard C. Call Arena at Genesee Community College today.

The next show is Nov. 10, at the Call Arena, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Richard C. Call epitomized community, speakers noted yesterday at the dedication of two new facilities at Genesee Community College, and he was an avid supporter of agriculture, so it's only appropriate, they said, that the new athletic and community center on the college campus be named after him.

"This is a great day," said Peter Call, son of Dick Call, a member of the board of trustees for five years (top photo). "It just doesn’t get any better than this and this building exceeds all of our wildest expectations. It seems like two minutes ago we were having the campaign, trying to raise a few bucks and now it’s all done and it’s ready for students."

It was Dick Call, said College President Jim Sunser, who recognized the need for an event center that could serve both community and student athletic needs. When the plan was drafted for the building and the Student Success Center, it was Call who had the vision to turn to the community, especially fellow farmers, to raise $5 million to help fund the project. And it was Call who recognized Craig Yunker was just the person to lead the fundraising campaign.

"I’m grateful to have been mentored by Dick Call," Yunker said. "He convinced me to be involved with this effort and I’m grateful. It’s been a great honor."

From Dick Call's original vision to planning for the facility, the need to recognize agriculture's central role in the community was a big part of the effort, speakers said.

"Early on in the campaign," said Peter Call, "during one of our campaign meetings, Jim Vincent made a very strong, encouraging comment that the college needs to have some kind of permanent agriculture exhibit on display so that all of our students and all of our visitors can understand what the history of agriculture is in Western New York, what agriculture is today and the future of agriculture. I think you can see the message got through and the college put together just an amazing exhibit."

Dick Call didn't live to see his vision become reality. He died in 2014.

"When I think of community life, I’m reminded of Dick Call and the values he lived by each day," Sunser said. "It is most fitting that this structure bears his name."

The central role of agriculture in the region is on display in the front hallway of the new arena.

"Those visitors will immediately grasp the values and traditions that define our community and make it so special," Sunser said. "Our community has thrived in a large part because of the agriculture. We all know that agriculture is the driving economic engine and force in our GLOW county region and agriculture is the driving force behind the values that we cherish in our community."

Peter Call said the dedication was a proud day for his family and the community and he thanked the community members who turned out for the event.

"I’ve traveled around and been to many community colleges and certainly our campus and now, with these two new buildings, we are above everyone, any community college anywhere as far as facilities," Peter Call said. "It’s very easy to say but it’s just a fact. It’s wonderful."

Laura J. Bohm, chair, board of trustees

GCC President Jim Sunser

Craig Yunker

Genesee Community College’s new Student Success Center and Richard C. Call Arena are finished with construction just in time for the start of the academic year and the 50th anniversary.

The dual construction project of the new facilities began last spring, costing $25 million. Donna Rae Sutherland, the associate director of Marketing Communications, said more than $5 million was raised by the community.

“We’re very proud, grateful and pleased to have this new space available for community use, as well as student use,” Sutherland said.

The 18,478-square-foot Student Success Center is an addition of the Technology building, becoming the new “front door” of the campus.

Sutherland said the plan was to take all of the student services and bring them in a more cohesive place. The new building is home to GCC’s success coaches, staff members who are specifically trained and assigned to designated students to assist them throughout their entire academic career. These coaches assist students from the first phase of admissions, financial aid and academic advisement, through the process of earning their degrees, graduation, or helping them transfer or secure career placement.

“A few months ago, Financial Aid was in one part of the building, Admissions is across the hallway and down a little bit, the Career Services is on another floor,” Sutherland said. “We had all these student services in one building, which is great, but then you have to climb the stairs and find them. People weren’t sure where to start.”

Having offices in different parts of buildings was hampering student success, Sutherland said.

“The Student Success Center is a model that we think is going to become something other colleges may be interested in,” Sutherland said. “Maybe it will become a model for the nation.”

Now that the old space is vacated, the next step is to repurpose that space for student success and need, Sutherland said.

Shelitha Williams, the associate vice president of Student Services, said students are excited about the new center because of “the idea that their experience is now streamlined. They don’t have to go to five offices, they have seven departments now under one roof.”

The coaches will proactively introduce themselves and identify themselves as a resource to the students of GCC.

“What sets us aside is the intentional engagement, instead of reacting to students' concerns,” Williams said.

The new Richard C. Call Arena is located on the west side of the Batavia Campus and is not connected to the main building. Sutherland said the new facility is the largest, open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region. The 45,000-square-foot arena will be open to the community to rent for events, but the student need will come first.

“We talked to the people in the community and it was recognized that there’s not really a big events center,” Sutherland said.

Some of the athletics were moved into the new building, while some are in the main building. They are currently working out the logistics of being able to rent out the facility in order to make the public space available.

“We are just getting ready to open up the facilities towards other types of events,” Sutherland said. “Anything from a home show, to a tractor show, to a coin show, to all kinds of public events. Whatever a convention center might offer in Buffalo or Rochester, we will be looking for the same.”

There may be some limitations due to it being a college campus, but they are open to different events.

The first big public event in the new Richard C. Call Arena will be on Sept. 23. The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will put on a special concert with new music. The concert is free and will be open to the public. 

Photos above taken by Maria Pericozzi.

Photo above provided by Donna Rae Sutherland.

Press release:

Genesee Community College's Board of Trustees on Monday formally dedicated the new Event Center, to be located on the College's Batavia Campus, in honor of longtime College supporter Richard C. Call, who passed away in August 2014.

President James M. Sunser had announced at the April 28 groundbreaking ceremony for the Event Center and the Student Success Center the trustees' intention to name the 45,000 square foot structure the Richard C. Call Arena. 

Trustee Maureen J. Marshall introduced the resolution to name the building in honor of Mr. Call, which trustees quickly approved to resounding applause.

Call was an advocate of the new Event Center and Creating Our Future Together, the fund-raising campaign sponsored by the Genesee Community College Foundation in support of the Event Center and the new Student Success Center. Call was a member of the GCC Foundation Board from 2001 until his death in 2014. He was a strong proponent of volunteerism and philanthropy, and was one of the earliest supporters of the Conable Technology Building in the late 1990s. 

Over many decades, Richard Call and his brother, Robert, built Call Farms into a highly innovative and nationally-known agricultural enterprise. Richard Call's brother and the children of the two families continue to operate the farm. Not surprisingly, Call encouraged other agricultural leaders across the region to get behind the Creating Our Future Together campaign and make the Event Center possible. 

Richard Call was also a strong supporter of many community causes, and had a special interest in youth. In addition to his local volunteer commitments, he was well-known across the United States for his leadership in agricultural organizations. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees of Cornell University. 

Call usually worked quietly, and never sought recognition for his efforts, said Brian M. Daviau, president of the Genesee Community College Foundation.

"Dick listened much more than he spoke during Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings, but I learned over the years that he worked very hard on GCC Foundation business behind the scenes before and after every meeting," Daviau said. "He was so deeply committed to the mission of Genesee Community College, and he did everything possible to build our programs and facilities, and provide for the needs of generations to come."

Sunser said that Call epitomized the ideals of generosity and citizenship.

"Dick believed that individuals could always make a difference, and should make a difference," Sunser said. "He was an outstanding leader in his industry, and an outstanding community leader. He believed that service to others helps make our communities and our nation great. He was and is a role model for every one of us."

The Richard C. Call Arena will be completed in early summer 2017. It will house a variety of athletic, business and regional events, and contain the largest expanse of open, flexible floor space in the GLOW region. The Richard C. Call Arena and the Student Success Center are being funded through a combination of New York State and Genesee County appropriations, as well as contributions from more than 500 local residents and business organizations. 

In other business Monday evening, the Board of Trustees:

• Approved the promotion of 15 faculty members, upon the recommendation of the Board's Personnel Committee: Maureen (Moi) E. Dugan, from associate professor of Ceramics and 3-D Design to professor; Nichola J. Lerczak, from instructional services librarian/associate professor to professor; Lauren K. Paisley, from associate professor of Business to professor; Valerie C. Bello, from assistant professor of Communication and Media Arts to associate professor; Deborah A. Carrasquillo, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Christopher L. Kemp, from director of Mathematics and Engineering Science/assistant professor to associate professor; Kathleen M. Klaiber, from assistant professor of English/ESL to associate professor; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, from assistant professor of Nursing to associate professor; Marshann Y. Thomas, from director, Polysomnographic Technology/assistant professor to associate professor; Karen K. Wicka, from assistant professor of Criminal Justice to associate professor; Cynthia S. Hagelberger, from reference services librarian/instructor to assistant professor; Dr. Bruce D. Ingersoll, from instructor of Veterinary Technology to assistant professor; Ronald V. Schumacher, from instructor of Engineering, Mathematics and Science to assistant professor; Paul A. Schwartz, from instructor of Chemistry to assistant professor; and Joseph L. Ziolkowski, from instructor of Photography and Art to assistant professor. 

• Approved the granting of 629 academic degrees and certificates to Genesee Community College students completing their studies during the Spring 2016 semester, subject to students' satisfactorily completed course requirements. The College anticipates awarding 12 Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees; 283 Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees; 266 Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees; and 68 certificates.

• Appointed 489 business and professional leaders to 27 GCC community advisory committees. These committees provide guidance to college administrators and faculty members about curriculum, internship opportunities, and workforce needs and trends. Advisory committees include: Accelerated College Enrollment; Albion and Medina Campus Centers; Business; Computerized Drafting and Design; Criminal Justice; Dansville Campus Center; Digital Art; Distributed Learning; Fashion Business; Food Processing Technology; Health and Physical Education; Human Services; Information Technology; Lima Campus Center; Nursing; Office Technology; Paralegal; Perkins Grant; Physical Therapist Assistant; Polysomnographic Technology; Precision Agriculture; Respiratory Care; Teaching Assistant; Theatre Technology; Tourism and Hospitality Management; Veterinary Technology; and Wyoming County Campus Centers.

• Heard Trustee Laura J. Bohm report that the New York Community College Trustees Association annual conference will be held in October. 

• Heard Board Chair Diane D. Torcello appoint Donna M. Ferry, Laurie J. Miller, and Robert L. Boyce as members of the Board's 2016 Nominating Committee. Ferry will serve as chair. The Committee will recommend board officers for the 2016-2017 year. Officer elections will be held at the Board's annual meeting July 11.

• Heard President Sunser report that two individuals are joining the GCC staff. Karyn S. Bryson, of Mt. Morris, will become director of the Paralegal program for a temporary (Fall 2016 semester) period. Bryson holds a B.S. degree from SUNY College at Brockport and a J.D. (law) degree from Southwestern University School of Law in California. Bryson has been a member of both the California and New York State Bar. She has served as a member of GCC's adjunct faculty since 2006, and has taught almost every course in the College's paralegal program during that time. She also assisted in the preparation of the recent application to renew the program's American Bar Association approval of the program. Timothy S. Lawton, of Warsaw, recently joined the staff as online communications specialist. He holds a B.A. degree from the University at Buffalo. Lawton formerly served as a marketing business analyst at Five Star Bank and also has operated his own Web site design company. 

• Welcomed eight faculty and staff members who were appointed to GCC positions in recent months: Bethany A. Aradine, assistant director, Human Resources; Karen S. Bryson, interim director of the Paralegal Program; C. Justin Berg, disability support services coordinator; Felicia Gross, secretary, Distance Learning; Kristen Hargrave, academic advisor; Kari Heidemann, instructor of Human Services; Timothy S. Lawton, online communications specialist; Laura L. Peck, senior library clerk. 

• Applauded Student Trustee Mary-Magdalen (Maggie) T. Gabalski for her service as the student representative on the Board of Trustees during the 2015-2016 academic year. Gabalski will complete her studies at Genesee Community College this month, and plans to attend Buffalo State College in the fall, where she will pursue a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising.