Lisa’s Dance Boutique had seven acts qualify for fair

SYRACUSE – Lisa’s Dance Boutique in Holley had another impressive showing at the State Fair in the talent competition. There were seven numbers from Lisa’s competing at the fair after performing at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in late July.

The top photo shows dancers that performed to “Burnin Up” in the maxi division, ages 13 and older. They advanced to the finals, which included the top 25 acts at the fair.

Four of the seven numbers from Lisa’s advanced to the finals, which includes the top 25 in the state in the mini (ages 12 and under) and maxi (ages 13 and older). This photo shows the Lisa’s dancers that competed in the finals on Labor Day.

Allison Amoroso, left, danced to “Slay” and Savanna Isenberg danced to “Queen Bee” in the mini division in the finals at the State Fair. They made it to the final 25 acts (Allison placed fifth in the semifinals). The semifinals included the top 80 in each division.

Bailey Amoroso also competed in the mini division, performing “Perfect Day For Fun.”

“Bosa Nova Baby” also made it to the finals, competing against the top 25 acts in the maxi division.

This group of dancers performed “Special Angel” in the maxi division.

“Salute” made it through the preliminary rounds and competed in the semifinals of the maxi division.

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Photos courtesy of Missy Call, 4-H program coordinator in Orleans County

SYRACUSE – Several Orleans County 4-H youth are competing at the State Fair in Syracuse, 4-Hers Nicole Mrzywka, Natalie Mrzywka and Riley Lear, who are participating in the 4-H State Goat Bowl Challenge. Competitions take place throughout the week.

This pillow made by Makenzie McGrath won a blue ribbon along with a purple rosette. Purple rosettes are for “special recognition for outstanding exhibits.” Riley Seielstad’s angel food cake also won a purple rosette.

Sadie Gregoire’s hedgehog was a huge hit at the Orleans County 4-H Booth and won a blue ribbon.

Riley Seielstad participates in Prix Caprilli.

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Provided photo: Barry Flansburg, center with plaque, was honored on Aug. 12 at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg by being inducted in the Erie County Agriculture Education Center’s Hall of Fame.

Flansburg has been attending the fair since 2000 with his family. His kids – Ben Flansburg, now 32, and Chris and Amanda Flansburg, 27 – all showed dairy animals at the fair and won the master showman title.

Barry Flansburg goes to the fair every year, spending 12 days there. He volunteers in the Agriculture Discovery Center, explaining modern agriculture to the public. This year seven calves were born at the fair, and Flansburg is there to emcee the births and also calf feedings.

He was presented the award by members of the Fair Board and an the Agriculture Committee at the fair. A plaque with his name will be on permanent display at the fairgrounds.

“I was very surprised,” Flansburg said. “It’s quite an honor.”

Flansburg, a Barre resident, also has been an active volunteer with the Orleans County 4-H Fair for many years.

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File photos by Tom Rivers: Frozen Vidal grapes are pictured on Jan. 7, 2015 at Leonard Oakes Estate Winery. The winery harvests grapes in a deep freeze, and uses those grapes to produce award-winning ice wine.

MEDINA – Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the award-winning wines today in the 32nd New York Wine & Food Classic. An Orleans County winery won the award for the top ice wine.

The competition is a nationally recognized event highlighting the best of New York’s wine, spirits and ciders. This year, the coveted Governor’s Cup trophy, the most esteemed award given at the Classic, was presented to Buttonwood Grove Winery from the Finger Lakes Region for their 2016 Riesling wine.

The Leonard Oakes Estate Winery won for best ice wine. The winery grows its grapes in Lyndonville and has its wine-tasting room and retail business on Ridge Road in Medina.

Leonard Oakes has won numerous awards in the past for its ice wine. The grapes have to be harvested during a deep freeze, typically with temperatures in the single digits.

Ice wine is a popular dessert wine. The frozen fruit will be pressed several times and a drop from those grapes has a high concentration of acid, giving it double the sweetness of regular wine.

Not too many regions work for producing ice wine. It can’t get too cold where the vines won’t survive, and it needs to get to at least 18 degrees for four hours at a harvest.

Chris Oakes, the orchard manager, drives a tractor with a load of frozen Vidal grapes on Jan. 7, 2015.

“Across the state, New York’s wineries, distilleries and cideries are driving tourism, creating jobs and strengthening our economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “The annual New York Wine & Food Classic celebrates and recognizes the best of the best of this booming industry. I congratulate the winners and encourage New Yorkers to try these world-class products for themselves.”

Known as “The Oscars” of New York wine competitions, the Classic is organized by the New York Wine & Grape Foundation and is open to the more than 420 New York wineries across the state. This year’s competition included 958 individual entries: 915 New York wines, 27 hard ciders and 16 craft spirits from Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Western New York and other regions.

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James Simon, dean of Orleans campus centers, among the winners

Press Release, GCC

BATAVIA – Nine members of the Genesee Community College faculty and staff team have been recognized by State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher for outstanding contributions to their profession, the campus and the community.

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence is given in recognition of consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence.

The following faculty and staff members earned the 2017 award and will be honored at a reception on the Batavia Campus on Aug. 17 at 3 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. A reception for the recipients, their friends and family and the college community will be held immediately following the ceremony in the Theatre Lobby.

Award for Excellence in Teaching

Gary W. Glaser, Associate Professor of Biology – Gary came to Genesee as a full-time instructor in the fall of 2009 and was promoted to assistant professor in 2013 and to associate professor in 2015. He began his teaching career as an adjunct instructor in Health, Physical Education and Recreation at Erie Community College in 2005, a fate that was influenced early on after going to work with his father, who was a college professor. Recently appointed to the National Faculty Advisory Board for Pearson Education, Gary was also selected as one of two GCC faculty members to be an OPEN SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador. He serves on many college committees including the Academic Senate, Innovation Committee, Assessment Committee, GCC College Foundation Scholarship Committee and the Teaching, Learning and Technology Committee. Gary earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Studies and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences, both from the University at Buffalo. He resides in North Tonawanda.

Kathleen T. Gurak, Assistant Professor of Health and Physical Education – Kathleen began teaching in the public K-12 setting, serving as a teacher, coach, department head, cycle chair, and as an administrator for several years, mostly at Geneseo Central Schools. She has been with GCC since 2007 and is committed to helping her students succeed. She challenges them in many ways, always encouraging and enhancing their problem solving skills while applying what they have learned. Kathleen regularly teaches extra sections of classes, averaging seven to eight courses each semester, teaching summer courses and willingly taking on an independent study when a student requests. She helped develop new courses in the Sports Management program, mentors other full-time and adjunct faculty and volunteers for campus workshops and committees. Kathleen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education/Teacher Certification from The College at Brockport, and returned to Brockport to obtain a Master’s in Education and a CAS in Educational Administration, graduating with honors. Kathleen currently resides in Groveland, New York.

Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

Danny C. Hamner, Adjunct Instructor of History – Over the past 16 years, Danny Hamner has taught several different courses at GCC in several instructional settings – at the main campus, at campus centers and in a correctional facility. Highly respected by his teaching colleagues, Hamner was nominated and received a National Institute for Staff and Organization Development (NISOD) Award in 2015 for his demonstrated excellence in teaching. Noted as a strong ambassador for the College through his frequent public lectures and assistance with the popular Civil War Encampments, Danny is widely regarded as the most popular lecturer for GCC’s Historical Horizons Lecture Series and holds the record for most presentations. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and Philosophy and a Master’s degree in American History, both from the University at Buffalo. Outside of the classroom, Hamner, who resides in Middleport, is a modified wrestling coach at Medina Central School District and holds membership with Amnesty International and with the Old Fort Niagara Volunteer Association.

Elizabeth A. Slocum, Adjunct Instructor of Foreign Language – Elizabeth “Beth” Slocum has been a devoted instructor of foreign languages at GCC for five years teaching both French and Spanish at all levels. She employs a variety of teaching formats to accommodate many different learning styles including visual, auditory, hands-on and tactual-all focused on the best ways to empower her students’ success. One recent graduate noted that, “Ms. Slocum was beyond amazing! Hands-down the best teacher in my entire degree!” Beth holds Permanent New York State Certification in French and Spanish, as well as certification as a School District Administrator/Supervisor, and she maintains membership in a variety of professional organizations specific such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. She has taught foreign languages at the University of Rochester, The Warner School and Canandaigua City School District. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in French from Nazareth College, and a Master’s degree in French Literature from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Beth resides in Pavilion.

Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

Donna J. Ehrhart, Professor of Business and Computer Information Systems – Donna Ehrhart has been with the College since 1989, carrying a diverse course load that includes Business, Computer and Information Technology, noncredit courses at The BEST Center, as well as Fashion Business and Design curriculum, which is her true passion. A presenter at numerous national, state, and local conferences over the years, Donna was awarded an Innovation for Research and Development Grant and she helped inspire the development of the unique GCC Tartan or plaid design that is now being introduced on a variety of GCC products including ties, scarves, socks, vests and other items that help support extracurricular activities and events of Fashion students. Professor Ehrhart earned an associate degree from Erie Community College, a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Buffalo State College, and a C.A.S beyond a master’s from Syracuse University in Adult Education. Donna has also completed all but the final dissertation of Doctor of Education from Syracuse University in Adult Education. Donna is a resident of Rush.

Award for Excellence in Faculty Service

Kenneth J. Mead, Professor of Mathematics and Computer Information Systems – During his 25 years at GCC, Kenneth “Ken” Mead has provided outstanding service both in and out of the classroom. Through the years, he helped secure grant funding that was instrumental in the College securing its first internet connection all the way to student scholarship funding and a recent Title III grant. Admired for his high energy, outstanding leadership skills and intense interest in others, Ken goes above and beyond in serving GCC, his community and his profession. Professor Mead has served on the Executive Board for the Genesee Education Association (GEA) since 2000 in a number of different capacities, including treasurer, membership committee chair, and also president, a role he assumed after an unexpected resignation. Ken received his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from the University at Buffalo. With a tremendous thirst for continuing education, he constantly takes new courses and participates in many training workshops. Ken resides in Snyder.

Award for Excellence in Professional Service

James J. Simon, Associate Dean, GCC at Medina and Albion Campus Centers – James “Jim” Simon joined GCC in 2005 as an instructor of history. He received appointment to the associate dean of the Medina Campus Center in 2007, and in 2014, took on the responsibility of the College’s other Orleans County campus center in Albion. Through his leadership, Jim has built strong relationships with faculty, students, staff and the community. His on-campus responsibilities include more than 100 classes, 400 students, 30 faculty and 12 staff. He was been instrumental in the College’s accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and was a key member of the first-ever GCC Strategic Plan, Strength Through Collaboration Strategic Plan (2011-2013). Prior to GCC, Simon had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, amassing teaching and leadership credentials with the U.S. Air Force Academy. His effort to help students is evidenced by his influence in developing service learning opportunities for students within the community. His passion for history and cultural literacy is proven through his support of Global Education Committee activities and events such as the Orleans County Heritage Festival, and the Civil War Encampment and Living History Weekends held at the Medina Campus Center. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in History from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his Master’s in Middle East History from the University of Utah. Jim resides in Lyndonville.

Award for Excellence in Librarianship

Cynthia S. Hagelberger, Reference Librarian – Cynthia “Cindy” Hagelberger came to Genesee as a part-time librarian in 1996 and received full-time appointment in 2012. She immediately made significant contributions to the services provided by the College Library as a part-time employee and she has increased her level of commitment in her full-time role. Cindy co-ordinates, schedules and manages Information Desk staff, and her organization and attention to detail greatly contribute to the library’s efforts to maintain a high level of student satisfaction. Creativity plays a big part in her approach, as she creates displays, programs, graphic materials and even approaches instruction with the eye toward making learning appealing and interesting. Cindy has written successful grants for library initiatives, and coordinates the Library’s Student Poetry Contest each year as well as a project to celebrate GCC faculty and staff authors by producing local versions of the popular American Library Association READ posters seen in libraries across the country. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts/Literature from Grove City College (Pa.) and a Master’s degree in Library Services from the University at Buffalo. Cindy resides in Darien Center.

Award for Excellence in Classified Service

Rebecca S. Patterson, Office of Student Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs – Rebecca “Becky” Patterson’s strong desire to help students is evident in the work she does with the College’s Financial Aid Office and Office of Veterans Affairs. As a key, front line member of both offices, she deals directly with students each and every day. Becky frequently goes above and beyond in her assistance to ensure that students’ needs have been met – whether that means physically walking a student to another office to make sure he/she speaks with the correct person, or answering the same question time and time again. Becky has volunteered to assume additional responsibilities to ensure that the needs of students are met without delay. As a mother of three servicemen, she takes her role as a Veterans Affairs certifying officer very seriously. She continuously advocates for the veterans to ensure that they receive all of the benefits they are due, and works closely with the VA representatives to ensure veterans get the benefits they deserve. Becky is a graduate of GCC and has been with the College for over 15 years. She resides in Varysburg.

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Provided photo

HOLLEY – The Holley Rotary Club presented five graduating seniors with $500 scholarships for their record of community service and academic achievement.

The following, from left, earned scholarships: Katie Morgan, Claudia Drechsel, Jessica Mandigo, Brooklyn Bartholomew and Andie Carpenter.

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Photos by Tom Rivers

KNOWLESVILLE – Two Orleans County 4-Hers won calves at the Orleans County 4-H Fair last week as part of a scholarship program through the Dairy-Beef Club. Justin Robinson, 17, of Albion won this Hereford calf.

He will care for the animal over the next year and then show it at next year’s fair.

Kaitlin Bennett, 8, of Barre won this Jersey calf.

The calf winners submitted applications that were by a committee that included representatives from the local ag industry.

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Photos by Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVILLE – Saturday capped off a busy week at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. One of the special events included the crowning of the 2017 royalty for the fair.

The following were recognized, from left: John Gabalski, Duke Alternate; Duke Eli Pask; (front) Celes Paratore, Princess Alternate; Zayda Moyle, Dutchess Alternate; Dutchess Allison Mathes; Prince Jack Cecchini; King Aeddon Cayea; (front) Princess Makenzie McGrath; Queen Riley Seielstad; and Queen Alternate Nicole Mrzywka.

Five of the six participants in the Small Animal Grand Master Showman Competition – Audry Pask and Eli Pask of Barre, Amelia Sidonio of Holley, Rori Higgins of Waterport and Zayda Moyle of Lyndonville – relax in the Wachob Building while Will Gregoire of Murray finishes up the competition.

The event featured the top showmen in the small animals at the fair.

Gregoire and Sidonio are 4-H rabbit master showmen; Moyle and Higgin are 4-H dog program master showmen; and the Pasks (who are siblings) are 4-H poultry master showmen.

Will Gregoire of Murray competes in the 2017 Small Animal Grand master Showman Competition  Saturday at the Fairgrounds.  Gregoire qualified for the competition after winning master showman for rabbits.

Zayda Moyle of Lyndonville, a master showman from the 4-H dog program, shows a lionhead rabbit during the Small Animal Grand Master Showman Competition.

Will Gregoire, left, won grand master showman for small animals and EIi Pask won reserve grand master showman.

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Photos courtesy of Amanda Mrzywka

KNOWLESVILLE – Rylie Lear, right, of Waterport won the grand master showman title today at the Orleans County Fair. She is pictured her showing a llama next to Nicole Mrzywka, the reserve master showman. Nicole has been the reserve grand master showman the last there years.

The title is one of the most prestigious honors at the fair. The contest includes the top showman in eight different animals: horse, dairy goat, meat goat, sheep, swine, llama, dairy cattle and beef cattle.

Rylie Lear, left, and Nicole Mrzywka are pictured showing pigs during the grand master showmen event. All of the participants had to show eight different kinds of animals in one of the fair’s most grueling competitions.

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