Announcements

The HomeCare & Hospice Guild is accepting pre-sale orders for the 18th Annual Spring Bouquet Sale. Proceeds will benefit the HomeCare & Hospice Foundation.

Pre-sale orders and payment must be placed by Feb. 1. Flowers will be delivered to businesses on March 6 and 7. On-site sales at local businesses will begin March 7. Flowers can also be purchased at HomeCare & Hospice offices and online at www.homecare-hospice.org.

“By purchasing a Traditional Bouquet for $8 or a Bouquet of Hope for $16, you can make a difference," said Linda Cummings, development manager. "Your dollars help support home care and hospice patients in your community."

Volunteers are needed to help sort on the day of delivery and to help deliver flowers to businesses in Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. Persons willing to help should contact Cummings at (585) 343-7526.

HomeCare & Hospice, a nonprofit United Way agency, provides specialized medical care and social/emotional support for patients and families coping with life-limiting illness in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Wyoming counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Holland Land Office Museum presents its Winter Lecture Series at 10 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month at the Museum.

Saturday, Jan. 21, Max Szemplenski will speak on railroads and the demise of the caboose. There is no charge and everyone is welcome.

The museum is located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-4727.

This information. and much more, can be found at The Animal Rescue Site.

To vote for Volunteers for Animals, please click HERE!

Hi!  I'm writing to tell you about The Animal Rescue Site $300,000 Shelter+ Challenge of 2012 - together with Petfinder.  The Animal Rescue Site is awarding $300,000 in grants to eligible Petfinder.com member rescue organizations to help animals.  The grand prize in each voting round is a $5,000 grant, and there are many other prizes!  Visit The Animal Rescue Site to vote every day and learn more.  You don't have to register, and voting is FREE!  Support your favorite shelter and vote today! 

How long is the Challenge, and how can we increase our chances?
This voting round begins on January 9, 2012, and ends at midnight (PT) on March 18, 2012. There will be other voting rounds throughout the year - more chances for your organization to win! The more friends you can rally to vote for your favorite rescue organization, the better its chances of winning. Every vote, every day counts - shelters can pull ahead even during the last few days with enough support. Get people involved! Your favorite rescue organization is counting on you!

What kind of grant could my shelter win?
Seventy (70) grants will be awarded for a total of $75,000 to eligible Petfinder.com members during the very first voting round of the 2012 Challenge. The grand prize will go to the eligible Petfinder.com organization with the highest accumulative votes for the duration of the Challenge as specified in the rules.

The Prizes Are:
Grand Prize:  One $5,000 grant!
Dark Horse Grand Prize:  One $2,000 grant!
Dark Horse Runners Up:  Five $1,000 grants.
State Winners:  Fifty-one $1,000 state grants
  (50 U.S. states and Washington D.C.)
Canadian Winners:  One $1,000 grant will be awarded.
International Winner:  One $1,000 grant will be awarded.
Weekly Winners:  Ten $1,000 grants will be awarded, one for each week of this voting round of the Shelter⁺ Challenge.

Press release:

A new student-faculty initiative that encourages Genesee Community College students to complete their studies and earn their associates degrees is under way, the board of trustees learned Monday evening.

The "commit to complete your degree pledge," also known as "C-4" or the Community College Completion Corps is part of wider community college movement hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Iota Upsilon. That's the local chapter of the national honor society for community colleges, according to Elise Banfield, GCC assistant professor of Psychology and advisor to PTK.

Professor Banfield was joined by two students in sharing the benefits of the program and the Spring 2012 promotional plans. Both PTK President Devin Kleinbach, of Batavia, and Vice President Michael Anauo, of Elba, reflected on last semester's enthusiastic display of support for the C-4 program. Students not only signed their names to the pledge but were also signing the posters with additional comments, such as "I'm committed!" More than 45 students pledged to complete their degrees at the special event in November.

Statistics show the surest way for anyone to land a job in their chosen field is to finish college and earn a degree or certificate. And that's exactly what GCC students are promising to do by signing a collective pledge to complete their degrees and certifications before leaving to transfer their credits elsewhere or to enter the job market.

This Spring, students in Genesee's PTK chapter will be speaking in classrooms throughout the college on the importance of completing their degrees and visiting campus center. They will also have a table or booth set up at the Transfer Fair.

In other business Monday evening, the board of trustees:

•    Approved a technical amendment to the board's staff appointment policy, requiring board approval for the employment of two additional members of the college's managerial staff.

•    Approved four-year continuing appointments for 26 members of faculty and staff. Reappointed were: Meredith L. Altman, professor of Mathematics; Maryanne C. Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts; Vicky L. Aubert, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Joanna E. Barefoot, technical specialist, Student Activities; Marjorie N. Blondell, assistant professor of Nursing; Charles A. Boyd, professor of English; William S. Brewer, professor of Economics; Jeannie L. Burdick, counselor/associate professor; Jean M. Chenu, associate professor of Office Technology; Kristine Dassinger, assistant professor of English; M. Richard Dudkowski, professor of Fashion Business; Cindy A. Francis, associate professor/collection development librarian; Patti S. Furness, technical assistant, GCC at Albion; Barry J. Garigen, professor of Criminal Justice; Michael L. Garrett, technical specialist, Marketing Communications; Norman R. Gayford, professor of English; James R. Habermas, professor of Computer Information Systems; Timothy Hinz, associate professor of Computer Information Systems; Mary C. Knappen, professor of Mathematics; Lina M. LaMattina, director, Business Skills Training; Maureen A. Leupold, professor of Biology; Susan Ryan, technical specialist, Admissions; Barbara A. Shine, associate professor of Business; Dennis G. Shine, associate professor of Drafting; Amy L. Slusser, assistant professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management; and Nina T. Warren, director of Library Services.

•    Approved first-time four-year continuing appointments for 18 members of faculty and staff: Shawn P. Adamson, instructor of English; Valerie C. Bello, instructor of Communications and Media Arts; Christopher D. Caputi, instructor/coordinator of Clinical Education, Physical Therapist Assistant Program; Amy L. Cleveland, technical assistant/international student academic advisor; Kathleen T. Gurak, instructor of Health and Physical Education; Edward R. Hallborg, technical specialist/theater technician/technical director; Jessica L. Hibbard, technical assistant, GCC at Warsaw; Heather S. Jones, instructor of Fine Arts; Josephine B. Kearney, instructor of Sociology and Human Services; Amy A. Masters, technical specialist, Student Financial Services; Christie McGee Ross, technical assistant/head Women's Basketball coach; Eleanor B. Nixon, instructor of Nursing; Samson A. Olaode, director of Grant Services; Kathy L. Palumbo, director of Nursing; Amy J. Schnettler-Zak, instructor of Nursing; Charles L. Scruggs, instructor of History and Political Science; Catherine C. Wall, instructor of Nursing; and Karen K. Wicka, instructor of Criminal Justice.

•    Heard President James M. Sunser report that spring semester classes will begin next Tuesday, Jan. 17. He predicted strong enrollment.

•    Heard that Josh J. Escudero will join the staff as director of Respiratory Care, and Lezli D. Giancarlo will join the staff as instructor and clinical education coordinator. Escudero has served as a staff member of Inspired Medical Solutions and Tri-Anim Health Services, and as supervisor of the Respiratory Care Department at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He holds a B.A. degree from Hamilton College, a B.S. degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Rochester. He is a resident of Victor. Giancarlo has served as the supervisor of respiratory care at Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, and as a staff member of the Visiting Nurse Association, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, and Mercy Medical Homecare. She holds A.S. degrees from California College for Health Sciences and Community College of the Air Force, and a B.S. degree from Southwest Texas State University. She is a resident of East Aurora.

•    Heard that Robert M. Swinarski Jr. will join the faculty as instructor of Computer Systems and Network Technologies. He holds an A.S. degree from Genesee Community College and a B.S. degree from SUNY Brockport. He is a resident of Batavia.

A Dodgeball League for youth is being formed by the Salvation Army. It will be held on Saturdays beginning Feb. 4 at the Salvation Army Community Center, located at 529 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Play for fourth- through sixth-graders will begin at 10 a.m.

Play for seventh- and eighth-graders will begin at 1 p.m.

Play for high-schoolers starts at 3 p.m.

Registration forms are available at the Salvation Army or by calling 343-6284 or email <patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org>.

Press release:

Fashion Business students can get a jump start on their bachelor's degree requirements thanks to administrators at Genesee Community College and LIM College (Laboratory Institute of Merchandising).

A new articulation agreement between the two institutions has been created so that GCC students have course and degree requirements defined early in their college careers, enabling them to enter as a junior in the program of their choice at LIM College.

Devoted exclusively to the business of fashion, LIM College offers a unique combination of strong academics and extensive hands-on experience to prepare students for a successful future in the fast-paced fashion industry. At the undergraduate level, LIM College offers majors in Fashion Merchandising, Management, Marketing and Visual Merchandising. Genesee's Fashion Business degree program aligns well with these Bachelor's of Business Administration degrees.

This agreement enables GCC students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at LIM. Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to LIM in their desired major, provided they maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA.

"This is an exciting agreement for many of our Fashion Business students," said Patrick Walter, transfer coordinator at GCC. "With LIM's location in New York City, a major fashion hub, students will get extensive hands-on experience of the fashion industry, making them better prepared to enter the workforce."

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with over 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430, or go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Transfer.

St. James Episcopal Church is having a pasta dinner and basket raffle on Jan. 16 for a seventh-grader who has Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Brandon Johns attends Batavia Middle School and was diagnosed last October. He has gone through a series of powerful chemotherapy sessions and now radiation treatments, all at Strong Hospital in Rochester.

There are so many expenses that insurance does not pay for.

So please join us at 4:30 p.m. on Monday in the Parish Hall. Dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for students and 5 yrs. and under free. Eat-in or take out. (Dinner is until 7 p.m. or sold out.)

Many items have been donated for the basket raffle, which will be held the same afternoon. Anyone who would like to donate items may call Carol Queal at 343-5177 or the church at 343-6802.

The church is located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Research suggests that gifted and talented students are more likely to reach their full potential if they are immersed in an enriched curriculum that matches their aptitude rather than their age. In order to assist the GLOW region in providing such opportunities, ACE Programs of Genesee Community College is pleased to announce a new program available to students demonstrating early signs of high potential in math and science.

The Math Science Preparatory program for students in seventh and eighth grade will be taught by full-time GCC math and science faculty and expand upon the NYS math and science standards with content designed to prepare students for the academic rigor of college level science and mathematics.

Students who successfully complete the two-year program will be eligible to participate in the Accelerated College Enrollment STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Enrichment Program at GCC, including an option to complete an associates (AS) degree in Engineering Sciences within months of high school graduation.

The goal of the preparatory program is to provide students with the opportunity to prepare for successful participation in this accelerated course of study.

Participating in any of the ACE Programs allows students to gain transferable college credit at a greatly reduced tuition rate (a third of the regular in-state tuition charged by GCC). ACE programs have always provided opportunities for exceptionally motivated students to achieve enough college credits to potentially earn an associate degree. But the STEM enrichment program will be the first opportunity for high school students to pursue a specific AS degree through GCC.

Although there are many gifted and talented students who would benefit from this type of preparatory instruction, ACE can only select 48 participants for the first semester of Math Science Prep to ensure the highest quality experience for each student.

All applicants must be nominated by a math or science teacher and approved by a school counselor or principal. Nominations must be submitted by March 15. Students will be invited to complete the application process after review of the nomination. The application deadline is March 30. Those accepted into the program will be notified by May 1 and activities will begin during the summer of 2012.

While the ACE Programs office has shared this information with all area middle schools and is seeking nominations, parents and students are encouraged to be proactive and submit the nomination by contacting the ACE Programs office or their school counselor. Additionally, GCC will award two students one-year scholarships to the program through the first annual GCC sixth grade Math/Science Scholar awards.

For more information contact: Karlyn M. Finucane, program specialist, ACE Programs, 343-0055, ext. 6320, or email kmfinucane@genesee.edu.

GO ART! is holding an Open House to recognize artists participating in the new exhibit: "The Art of Healing: Surviving Psychological Trauma." It will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13 at GO ART! Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

The exhibit is open now through Feb. 27 in the Bank of Castile Main Gallery at GO ART! It features a variety of artists from Genesee and Orleans counties. The artists use art to express their pain, hope and healing in the process of recovering from trauma.

At 6 o'clock during the Open House, a brief presentation will be given on the healing aspects of art by Bobbie Noto, director of Wellness at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Noto’s role is to help move the college culture toward healthier choices in physical, financial, emotional, social and academic areas.

She organizes training sessions and outreach activities for the college community and oversees a Wellness Center available to campus students. She also works as an art therapist in private practice.

Noto has an advanced degree in Clinical Art Therapy and has national certification as an art therapist. She was previously employed as an art therapist with Genesee County Mental
Health Services and has worked in college counseling and graduate-level education.

We have invited her to offer some perspective on the art included in this exhibit.

Please join us for this complimentary event, open to the public. For more information, please contact GO ART! at 343-9313, info@GOart.org, or visit www.GOart.org.

GO ART! exhibits are supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Interested parties, mark your calender:

Oakfield-Alabama Central School District is hosting a “town hall style” meeting on bullying beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 in the middle/high school auditorium. The purpose of the meeting is to educate and engage parents and community about the serious issue of bullying.

The community is invited to learn more about bullying, what our district is doing about it, and what they can do to help. The format of the meeting will consist of a presentation on bullying, current legislation, school programming, various local agencies that can assist, and a Q & A period.

This is an informational meeting and not a forum to address specific incidences of bullying. Those should be addressed through the administration.

Refreshments and child care will be provided.

For more information contact Sara Wilkosz (swilkosz@oahornets.org) 948-5211, ext. 3304,
or Mark Alexander (malexander@oahornets.org) 948-5211, ext. 3203.

Press Release:

Corfu, NY -- On Thursday, January 5, the Pembroke High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team took to the court for a, “Shooting for A Cure,” benefit basketball game against Attica High School.  Their goal was to raise money for breast cancer research.  On Friday, January 6 at 3 pm, the Pembroke High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team will appear at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to present hospital officials with the $4000 they  raised at their Shooting For A Cure Event.  The team will be make the presentation wearing their custom designed Shooting For A Cure pink uniforms, created exclusively by Impressive Marks.

The Pembroke Team partnered with a number of area businesses in their successful fund raiser including Impressive Marks, D & D Printing, Next Generation Vending, Pizza Pantry, Great Erie Federal Credit Union and SUBWAY®.  They were also supported by the internationally renowned, Walt Disney Company, who donated Disney Theme Park passes to be raffled at the game.  According to team’s coach, Mike Wilson, the event far surpassed the team’s initial goals.

“We are a small school in a rural district and our team has to consistently work to raise money for most everything we need, including our warm-ups and team sneakers,” Wilson said.  “But this time, the girls wanted to do something different, something they felt was truly helpful for our school and those affiliated with our Pembroke community who have been so widely impacted by breast cancer diagnoses. To their credit they put together an amazingly successful fundraiser in partnership with some very generous businesses and organizations.”

RPCI officially sanctioned “Shooting For A Cure,” and Cindy Eller, Executive Director of the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, acknowledged the significance of the grass roots fundraiser.  “It’s wonderful when                young people, such as these Pembroke students, come together to make a difference in the lives of those facing cancer,” said Eller. “And for the girls to go out and enlist the support of businesses for donations to help raise such a significant amount of money, truly speaks to the character of the team, their families, the school and the Pembroke community at large. We are honored by their efforts in the name of critically needed breast cancer research.”

Local companies involved in Shooting For A Cure include Impressive Marks (creating custom designed apparel for Pembroke teams and fans,) D&D Printing, (providing game flyers, posters and programs,) Next Generation Vending (donating food to sell during the game,) Pizza Pantry (donating discounted pizzas for sale during game,) Great Erie Credit Union (donating popcorn for sale during the game) and Subway (donating drinks for sale during the game.)

Winter Story Times at the Richmond Memorial Library start Tuesday, January 10th!

Here's the line-up starting next week:

• Toddler Time -- Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. (walkers – 3 years)
• Early Tot Time -- Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (walkers – 3 years)
• Tot Time -- Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. ( walkers -- 3 years)
• Preschool Party -- Thursdays at 10 a.m. (ages 3 to 5 years)
• Pajama Primetime -- Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (all ages)

To register or for more information call the library 343-9550, ext. 4, or stop in at the Children's Room desk during library hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Parents may also register online: www.batavialibrary.org <http://www.batavialibrary.org/>

Group size is limited.

Press release:

In keeping with Genesee Community College's ongoing mission of prioritizing student success and giving them a competitive edge across all curriculum, a new course called Creative Problem Solving will be offered exclusively at the Batavia Campus.

It will focus on the interactive elements involved in deliberate creativity and innovation; specifically the creative person, the creative process, the creative product and the creative environment. It can enhance job security and long-term economic stability in the Innovation Era.

CPS190: Creative Problem Solving is a three-credit, 12-week elective and will be offered Feb. 13 through May 12. It's open to students in all curriculum and academic programs.

Students interested in this course are encouraged to register quickly since seats are limited. It will be taught by adjunct instructor Michaelene Dawson and offered on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1:25 to 3:15 p.m. To apply for classes visit www.genesee.edu/Apply.

Further emphasis on individual application for personal and professional growth will be developed throughout the course. The goal is to recognize, understand and nurture each student's creative potential.

Students will use the creative problem-solving (CPS) process through a prototype project. First, the CPS students identify and explore a difficult problem or challenge, and apply the CPS process toward a workable prototype solution.

At the culmination of the course, students present their identified problem and challenge, and explain how the CPS process lead to their prototype resolution. An oral presentation is shared with their fellow students and other interested parties.

"Whether students wind up working in manufacturing, health care, business or the service industry, creative problem solving is a skill that all employers are seeking," said Lina LaMattina, director of Business Skills Training of The BEST Center.

"Both Business Week and Fortune magazines have proclaimed innovation is key to achieving a strategic advantage in today's rapidly changing global marketplace. Through CPS190, GCC students will develop new leadership skills, helping them navigate and thrive under all economic conditions. In the end, creative problem-solving skills create better thinkers and citizens in the communities in which we live."

A new Dodgeball League is forming in Pembroke. This league is for people 18 and over. League play starts Jan. 21 and runs every Saturday night for seven weeks. A dozen teams will be excepted with a maximum of 10 people per team and a minimum of six people.

Registration with payment is due by Jan. 13. Cost is $200 per team. If you do not have a team, we can put you on a team that needs players at a cost of $20. For all information go to www.pembrokedodgeball.com.

The league is a fund raiser for PYA Pembroke Indoor Soccer.

Press release:

Administrators at Genesee Community College and Medaille College in Buffalo have created an articulation agreement expanding the opportunity for international students to transfer associates degree credits earned at GCC toward a bachelor's degree from Medaille College.

With this updated agreement, courses and program requirements are defined so that international students can make a smooth transition to their desired baccalaureate program at Medaille.

Currently, more than 100 international students from 27 countries are pursuing their academic goals at GCC. The contributions made by these students, both socially and academically, have significantly enriched the diversity and culture of GCC.

This articulation agreement enables international students to take advantage of unique opportunities and benefits such as knowing the recommended course selections that secure acceptance into a four-year program at Medaille. Upon successful completion of the outlined requirements in the agreement, students will be guaranteed admission to Medaille in their desired major.

Genesee Community College offers several programs that align well with many of Medaille's degree programs. The ideal pathway from GCC to Medaille for internationals students is GCC's Liberal Arts and Science: General Studies (A.S.) program. In addition, Accounting, Business Administration, Communications, Criminal Justice and Sport Management are other program-specific options for international students.

"After graduation, many of our international students choose to continue their education here in the United States," said Patrick Walter, GCC transfer coordinator. "This agreement will aid so many of our students from around the globe in achieving their dreams of higher education."

Genesee Community College has transfer agreements with more than 45 different institutions. For further information, please contact Patrick Walter at 343-0055, ext. 6430, or go to: http://www.genesee.edu/Transfer.

A new youth program is being offered in the City of Batavia. It engages youth in various activities that have them using their skills and ideas while making an impact in their quest for a successful life.

This program is at the Richmond Memorial Library from 3 to 4 p.m. on Mondays and at the Salvation Army Gym from 5 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

The library is located at 19 Ross St. and the gym is at 529 E. Main St.

For more info please call Wittnes Smith at 716-390-1274.

Press release:

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, Genesee Community College is proud to announce two new history and political science courses for the spring semester. The American Civil War (HIS290) will be offered from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Batavia and Lima campuses via V-link. The American Presidency (POS210) will be offered from 11 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Batavia campus.

Taught by History faculty member Derek Maxfield, The American Civil War examines the coming of the Civil War, tracing the causes from the rise of slavery in America and the creation of the Constitution to westward expansion and diverging economic bases, as well as the military, political and cultural aspects of the war itself.

"It is a great time to be offering this, as we are now commemorating the 150th anniversary of that war," Maxfield said. "In addition to the normal political and military narrative, I will also ask students to consider how Victorian culture influenced both the coming of the war and the way it was fought.

"This course is very personal for me, as I have five great-grandfathers that served. One of those, William Reese, fought with the 149th PA Infantry 'Bucktails' at Gettysburg on the first day. He was wounded but survived the battle and the war."

The American Presidency examines the historical foundations, theoretical aspects and the powers of the presidency. Students will explore the various models of presidential power, the major issues scholars are investigating, and will complete a project based on observation, hypothesis development, collection of data, evaluation of evidence, and interpretive analysis.

"Although the course is a Political Science offering, I will be taking an interdisciplinary approach that explores the evolution of the presidency since its beginnings," Maxfield said. "It is exciting to be offering the course at the same time that the caucuses and primaries are in full swing. We will be able utilize current events as we go along.

"I can also share with students my own experiences working on a presidential campaign. I worked for Senator Paul Simon of Illinois when he ran for the Democratic nomination in 1988. It was an exciting time and I learned how much I did not know about the realities of national politics."

Both courses are three-credit courses and are offered to full- and part-time students. Senior citizens can also audit these courses for free, if space is available. For further information contact Derek Maxfield at 343-0055, ext. 6288, or DDMaxfield@genesee.edu.

Press release:

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the calendar of spring events for its 20th season at the Stuart Steiner Theatre. The Center for the Arts is proud to bring in a jam-packed schedule with a variety of artists and productions to the community at large.

Live Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre:

"Extremities" by William Mastrisimone, staged by the Aegis Project of Buffalo, for one performance at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16. The Aegis Project is an initiative to raise rape awareness through theatrical productions on college campuses throughout the region. Tickets are $3 for all ages and all proceeds go to the Aegis Project for local rape awareness projects. Please note this production is appropriate for ages 16 and over.

Hailed as "WNY's Father of Country Music," Ramblin' Lou brings his Family Band, to the Genesee Center for the Arts for an afternoon of classic country music beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19. Tickets are $10 adults, $8 seniors (55+), $5 students and GCC faculty/staff, $3 GCC students with valid ID and $2 discount for GCC alumni with alumni card.

Genesee's Forum Players present "God's Favorite," a Neil Simon comedy, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, March 29 - 31, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on April 1. Directed by Maryanne Arena, this is a modern tale, loosely based on the Book of Job, in which God and Satan make a bet, and God puts his trust in Joe, a wealthy businessman living with his family in suburban Long Island, to keep his faith. God's messenger, sent to test Joe's faith, is a wisecracking guy from Queens. Simon poses questions about life, but never loses his sense of humor! Tickets are $8 adults, $5 seniors (55+), students, and GCC faculty/staff, $3 GCC students with valid ID. No children under the age of 5 permitted. Please note that this production is appropriate for ages 16 and over.

The Genesee Center for the Arts continues its commitment to introducing performing arts to children, families, and schools throughout the Western New York area with "The Princess and the Goblin" by Stuart Paterson, a magical tale of young Princess Irene finding the strength to take on the world. Packed with fun and adventure, it's a rich and magical play for the entire family! The Genesee Forum Players featuring GCC students as the cast and crew, and Norm Gayford, GCC English professor will be directing. Daytime performance dates are scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, Thursday, April 19 and Friday, April 20, with invitations sent to all the local schools. There will be one public performance at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20. Tickets are $8 adults, $5 seniors (55+), students, and GCC faculty/staff, and $3 GCC students with valid ID and $2 discount for GCC alumni with alumni card. Children under the age of 12 free!

The Fine and Performing Arts Committee at the Genesee Center for the Arts is participating in March's Arts Awareness Week with two workshops that are free and open to the public. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 in the Forum of Batavia's main campus, local artists will be demonstrating origami, bookbinding, pottery, needle felting, painting, photography and more in hands-on workshops. On Thursday, March 29, Jeffrey Sweet will be presenting a workshop on playwriting, as well as doing a one-man performance of "You Only Shoot the Ones You Love." Please note that this short play is appropriate for ages 16 and over.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra returns to Genesee Community College for its 64th season with one performance at the Stuart Steiner Theatre: "Musical Safari" at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. A second concert, "Musical Salute," is scheduled at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 29 at the Elba Central School auditorium. Tickets are $12 adults, $8 seniors (62+), $5 students (18 and under or GCC students with a valid ID) or $30 family (parent plus children 12 and under). For full schedule and tickets, visit the GSO at www.geneseesymphony.com

A special GCASA jazz event taking place at the Stuart Steiner Theatre will be the Glenn Miller Orchestra, with an opening act of the Genesee-Orleans All-Star Jazz Ensemble, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. This is a fundraising event for GCASA, and tickets are $30 adults, $15 seniors (65+) and $15 students with ID. All tickets are general seating and expected to sell out early, so get your tickets soon at Roxy's Music Store and the GCASA office in Batavia. The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office will also have tickets available, cash or check only for this event, but call ahead to check tickets availability.

The last event of the season is a collaborative event with the Genesee County Mental Health Association and Maryanne Arena, director of fine and performing arts at GCC. A one-act play by Marsha Norman " 'Night, Mother" will be performed at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11. Starring Maryanne and Jaime Arena, it features a daughter, Jessie, and her mother, Thelma, in a story about suicide. For ticket prices and selling locations, visit GCMHA at www.gcmha.org. All proceeds will benefit GCMHA. Please note that this play is appropriate for ages 16 and over.

For general information, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 345-6814, or by email at boxoffice@genesee.edu. For door-to-door directions sent via email, visit www.genesee.edu.

Organizational expert, best-selling author, and local entrepreneur Jennifer Ford Berry will visit Present Tense at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21 to sign copies of her "Organize Now!" books and provide tips to help you get you organized and on track to meet your goals in the new year.

Berry’s first book "Organize Now: a week-by-week guide to simplify your space and your life" has sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide. The expanded edition, which was released in 2010, includes lots of new tips including money-saving ideas and a new section on creating organized routines. Check lists, tips and goals allow readers to organize quickly and see immediate results.

In addition, Berry recently published "Organize Now: 12 month home and activity planner," the perfect planner to help you effectively organize your schedule and keep track of your appointments and daily to-do lists; and "Organize Now: your money, business and career," which addresses the organizing issues faced in an office environment, in a home-office environment, during a job search, and starting a business. It offers strategies for organizing the paperwork related to personal finances including bill paying systems, tax receipts, insurance papers, investment planning and more. All three titles will be available for purchase at the book-signing event.

Berry is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Fla. She resides in Western New York where she continues to work hands-on with her clients helping them to eliminate clutter and live their dreams.

The book signing is free and open to the public. Present Tense, a locally owned, independent bookstore, is located at 101 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia. For more information call 815-7640 or visit www.presenttensebooks.com <http://www.presenttensebooks.com>.

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions to improve certain areas of your life?

Can you invest six weeks to improve your public speaking abilities? 

Speechcraft is a six week public speaking course developed by Toastmasters International.

Dates:  Tuesdays, January 17 to February 21

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 pm

Place: 1 Mill Street, Batavia NY

Cost: $30.00

Call: 585-343-2640

e-Mail: speakup@rochester.rr.com

Seating is limited so PLEASE sign up quickly if you are interested.