Announcements

There is a special Civil War exhibit inside the Alfred O'Connell Library at the Batavia campus of Genesee Community College. It's part of a series of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of America's most divisive conflict.

It features more than a dozen miniature models depicting wartime scenes and situations of the Civil War. There are authentic weapons and war accoutrements, uniforms, a tent, and a selection of framed newspapers dating back to the 1850s.

The exhibit continues through February 17 and is open during normal library hours. Spring hours are:

• Monday through Thursday -- 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Friday -- 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday -- 12 to 6 p.m.

The college is located at 1 College Drive. For more information, call the library at 343-0055, ext. 6419, or visit online at <www.genesee.edu/library>.

February's topic in the ongoing Holland Land Office Museum lecture series is Ely Parker.

The Seneca chief, known by his people at Do-ne-bo-ga-wa, was a Civil War officer and the writer of the Terms of Surrender at Appomattox Court House.

The presentation about Parker will be made by Terry Abrams, of the Western New York Association of Historical Agencies as well as the Tonawanda Indian Reservation Historical Society.

The lecture begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, at the museum, located at 131 W. Main St. in the City of Batavia. Phone is 343-4727.

A new, free brochure is now available from the Genesee County tourism office called the "War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden Trail" map. It encompasses three New York tourism regions -- Greater Niagara, The Finger Lakes, and Thousand Island-Seaway Trail.

Production of the brochure was a collaborative effort between the International Peace Garden Foundation and the tourism offices of Niagara, Erie, Monroe, Wayne and Oswego counties.

The full-color trail map highlights 16 U.S. and three Canadian permanent historical sites, commemorating 200 years of peace between the United States and Canada. It identifies the specific location of each peace garden along with the historic significance of each one.

Special programming is being developed around the gardens to include concerts, art shows, reenactments, festivals and events.

A special audio component at the gardens allow visitors to tune in at any point to get more information about the site. Many sites will also display interpretive story boards.

All gardens are expected to be in bloom this Spring and will bloom annually from May through October. They are all open to the public and admission is free. Special arrangements can be made for groups by calling in advance.

Anyone who would like a free brochure should stop by the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, located at 210 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Genesee County businesses that would like a free supply should call the chamber office at 343-7440. Questions may be directed to Tourism Marketing Director Kelly Rapone at ext. 23 or via email at <krapone@geneseeny.com>.

The International Peace Garden Foundation is the umbrella organization coordinating the development of the trail. A portion of the gardens along the trail are Honorary Peace Gardens. They contain special artwork and have more extensive landscaping. The sites are identified on the map.

The foundation is nonprofit and was established in 1992 to honor nations for their peace-keeping achievements and to develop peace gardens worldwide. More information can be found at <www.ipgf.org>.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) announces a Call for Artists to submit work for its first Digital Art Show, to be exhibited at the Batavia and Medina satellite galleries this March and April.

The registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 17.

Digital art is defined as artwork or prints created or manipulated by digital (computer) means. Artists and art students of all ages in Genesee and Orleans counties are invited to participate. There is no cost.

The exhibit will run from March 7 to April 27 at GO ART! satellite galleries in the Genesee County Senior Center in Batavia and in the Shirt Factory Cafe in Medina.

Information, guidelines and the registration form are available from GO ART! at Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia. They are also available on the “For Artists” page on the GO ART! web site at www.goart.org <http://www.goart.org>.

An opening reception for both exhibit sites is scheduled for Friday, March 16. If you have any questions, please contact GO ART! at 343-9313 or email info@goart.org.

GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. For more information, contact GO ART! at  343-9313, or info@GOart.org or visit www.GOart.org <http://www.GOart.org>.

An event on "extreme couponing" with local "master couponer" Michelle Kelsey will be held this Thursday, Feb. 2, at the YWCA in the City of Batavia. The location is 301 North St.

The free event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and feature a how-to demonstration, and "cash-and-carry" deals and coupons. There will be a Chinese auction, free refreshments and free child care.

"Come learn the dollar$ and cent$ of couponing."

This is sponsored by GROW YWCA (Giving Real Opportunities to Women). For questions, call Jeanne at 343-5808.

Mark your calendars! The St. Paul Lutheran School Annual Benefit Auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 11. Going once, going twice, SOLD!

Each year St. Paul raises more than $80,000 to provide an affordable Christian education for 3-year-old preschool through fifth-grade students in our community. The auction will take place in the St. Paul Lutheran School lunchroom (church basement) at 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Doors open at 4 p.m. and the auctioneer begins at 5.

A fantastic selection of handmade items, crafts, theme baskets, gift certificates, vacation packages, novelties, and more will be available. A bake sale and concession stand will offer tasty supper
options.

Bring your family and friends for a fun, night out – this is an event not to be missed! To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran School, view the school's new website at www.stpaulbatavia.org/school.html.

Press release:

A total of 55 parish and community volunteers, clergy and lay leaders from 17 local parishes, and staff of Catholic Charities of Buffalo gathered last week for a volunteer training workshop and luncheon to kick off the 2012 Appeal in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The event was held at Bohn’s Restaurant in Batavia in preparation for the 88th annual campaign, which carries a goal of $10.6 million this year.

Appeal Week 2012 will take place March 25 through April 1 to celebrate the support of Western New Yorkers who have made a contribution and to encourage those who have not already donated to do so. Although Appeal Week marks the strongest push for donations, volunteers will work to achieve the final goal throughout the coming months until the conclusion of Catholic Charities’ fiscal year on June 30.

Last year, Catholic Charities provided assistance to more than 2,400 people in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties through its programs and services. Catholic Charities’ 70-plus programs rely on the funds raised during the appeal.

At the luncheon, Bishop of Buffalo Edward U. Kmiec said the theme of this year’s drive is “Protect. Strengthen. Empower.”

“The theme articulates how our many programs, services and activities benefit the community, and those who turn to us for help,” Kmiec said. “The theme also magnifies the link between the generosity of our donors and the results of our efforts.”

The bishop was joined by Sister Mary McCarrick, OSF, diocesan director of Catholic Charities, who further explained the programs that protect, strengthen and empower individuals and the mission behind the theme, depicted by former clients in this year’s poster images.

“Catholic Charities protects children like Curtis from hunger through basic need programs like our food pantries,” McCarrick said. “We offer nutrition assistance and education to strengthen young families like Stephanie, Bryan and their young son who struggle in today’s challenging economy. We empower and educate teens and adults like Khameela through our GED and job readiness programs.

“When any of us give from our heart, we become a refuge to those who are poor and in distress, and we provide shelter and much-needed relief. Through this response, we empower the people Catholic Charities serves to live healthy, meaningful and productive lives. This is our mission, and when the Appeal is supported, our mission is achievable.”

Reflecting on the importance of donations to the Appeal, Kmiec recalled the words of Pope John Paul II, the patron of Appeal 2012, who said serving the mission of the Church by means of charity is the commitment and responsibility of everyone.

“I am convinced Christian charity, in its fullest expression, is the answer to many of the challenges we face as a region, nation, and global society,” Kmiec said. “As followers of Christ, we are all challenged to serve those who are poor and most vulnerable in our community, and we are all asked to support the work of Catholic Charities here in this Tri-County area and throughout the diocese.”

David Nasca, president and chief executive officer of Evans Bancorp, Inc., and chairperson of the 2012 Appeal, commented on the difficult economic conditions of the region and emphasized the increased need for donations.

“The economy remains stalled and this has impacted thousands of our neighbors," Nasca said. "However, we will not accept these challenges as an excuse. Through the hard work of our staff and volunteers, we are well positioned to attain our goal.

"Together, we will overcome these difficult economic times because it is critical we succeed. We are committed to continuing to provide for the more than 140,000 people Catholic Charities of Buffalo served last year.”

Other members of the 2012 Appeal leadership team include Stephen Ulrich, vice chair and parish and large gifts chair, Anthony Delmonte Jr., corporate gifts chair, and Beth Mattimore, community division chair.

Pam Gefell, Catholic Charities therapist, shared the words of a former client who is very grateful for the help she and her children received following their flight from an abusive home situation. Cheryl* and her children have benefitted from counseling, the Common Sense Parenting Program, an evidence-based program, and the Our Kids: Parent Education and Awareness Program (PEAP) program for separated or divorced parents who experience conflicts with custody issues.

Gefell shared Cheryl’s gratitude: “Progress is being able to look back to see where you started and where you are now. I see a different Cheryl and I see two children who are safe because I made it that way with the help of Catholic Charities.”

Catholic Charities provides these services in the tri-county area: Basic assistance, counseling for individuals, children and families, Domestic Violence Offenders program, Our Kids: PEAP, Interfaith Caregivers of Eastern Wyoming County and Preventive Services for children-at-risk placement outside the home.

In addition, the Home Visitation program offers weekly visits by trained volunteers to homebound Genesee County seniors age 60 years and older for socialization, companionship and assistance. In 2011, its first year of service, the program assisted 64 seniors.

In Batavia, services are provided at 25 Liberty St., Suite 7. Contact number for Batavia is 343-0614.

District director of services for the three counties is Dan Greene, who moved into the position in July 2011. He has been with Catholic Charities for 15 years, most recently serving as a supervisor in Erie County.

Catholic Charities is the most comprehensive direct human service provider serving all eight counties of Western New York, with 70 programs and 61 locations. Founded in 1923, Catholic Charities also provides, without regard to religious affiliation, comprehensive counseling services for children and families, anti-domestic violence programming and emergency services, among other social and mental health services.

For more information on the 2012 Appeal or to make a donation, contact Catholic Charities at (716) 218-1400 or go to www.ccwny.org.

Check out Catholic Charities on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccbuffalo and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccbuffalo.

*Name changed for anonymity.

Press release:

Holy Family School in LeRoy is busy this week with activities held in conjunction with Catholic Schools Week. Check out the launch of our new and more informative website, www.hfsleroy.org, Monday, Jan. 30 (where current and prospective families can now also enroll their children online).

HFS wants the community to know we are not only open — we are thriving! The school ranked highest in the area for Catholic grade schools by Business First and many former students have gone on to great academic, athletic, and professional success.

Many prospective families are not aware of how many surrounding areas our students come
from (Brockport, Pavilion, Batavia, Caledonia, York, Byron-Bergen and Warsaw, in addition to Le Roy), and that our tuition package is the most affordable in our area.

Families are always welcome to schedule a personal tour or shadow day by calling 768-7390.

An Open House and Registration Night is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 2.

Current families as well as prospective families are encouraged to attend this event. There will be a brief presentation made by Principal Kevin Robertson, followed by tours of the two buildings on campus, meet-and-greets with teachers, and an informal opportunity to learn more from current parents about student activities, parent activities, tuition, transportation and financial aid.

The Holland Land Office Museum Historical Society will hold a dinner at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Sacred Heart Social Center, located at 17 Sumner St. in the City of Batavia.

A golumpki dinner will be served and there will be a presentation titled "Life of Father Baker," by John Koerner, a professor of American History.

Tickets $15, pre-sale only. To purchase tickets call the museum at 343-4727. Everyone is welcome to attend. All proceeds go to the Holland Land Office Museum.

UPDATE: Artifacts will be on display and books will be available for purchase after the discussion.

Press release:

Tickets are now on sale for HomeCare & Hospice’s Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 25 at Batavia Downs. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Homecare & Hospice Foundation.

“Join us for the best night of the year," said foundation Development Manager Linda Cummings. "You will be supporting one of our community’s most needed services. Hospice has touched the lives of so many in our community. Your support will help us to continue providing outstanding services."

Doors will open at 6 p.m. Around-the-World grazing stations, featuring international cuisine, will be open from 6:30 until 8 p.m. and a cash bar will be available all evening. Drawings for prize baskets will be held throughout the night, including a giveaway for an overnight stay at the Del Monte Inn. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing.

Providing live music will be John Starowitz with host band Savage Cabbage, as well as Mac & Company, The Trolls, The Nichols Brothers Band, and Above the Fog.

Tickets are $35, which includes $10 in free play in the Batavia Downs Casino and one entry in the prize basket drawings. To order, call Linda Cummings at 1-877-277-2615 or online at www.homecare-hospice.org.

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 Genesee, Wyoming, Allegany and Cattaraugus counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

St. Joseph Catholic School in Batavia will kick off Catholic Schools Week with a family mass at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, followed by a family luncheon, followed at 2 p.m. with an open house for prospective students and families. The school is located at 2 Summit St.

The theme for this year's Catholic Schools Week, which is celebrated nationally Jan. 29 through Feb. 5, is "Faith, Academics, Service." These three priorities of Catholic schools stand out from other educational institutions.

Children are taught faith – not just the basics of Christianity, but how to have a relationship with God. Academics, which in Catholic schools are held to very high standards, help each child reach his or her potential. Service, the giving of one’s time and effort to help others, is taught both as an expression of faith and good citizenship.

St. Joseph Catholic School of Batavia has a long history with its roots dating back to 1873 when Rev. Thomas Cunningham settled on Jackson Street in Batavia, bringing with him six Sisters of Mercy. The school later moved to Ross Street before opening on Summit Street in 1882, operating there until 1959. At that time, the original building was torn down due to safety concerns and a new building was constructed.

Open house festivities on Sunday will be followed by a week's worth of activities. On Monday, parents will join students for lunch, followed by a game of bingo. On Tuesday, students will participate in group activities at the YMCA and the Faletti Ice Rink. Wednesday will be Pajama Day with students making fleece-tie blankets for the VA Nursing Home. On Thursday, students will attend a special movie day at the Dipson Theatre.

The celebration wraps up on Friday with a basketball game and Jump Rope for Heart event. That evening, the school will hold a Family Dance from 7 to 10 p.m.

Current school enrollment totals nearly 200 including pre-K through eigthth grade, with the average class size being 16. Nearly 60 percent of families receive some type of financial assistance. Nationally, 99 percent of Catholic school students graduate from high school, and 98 percent of those students go on to college.

To find out more about St Joseph Catholic School or the open house, please call 343-6154.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is hosting his regular monthly outreach meeting for Genesee County residents at the Batavia City Centre on Thursday, Jan. 26.

It will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Community Room, second floor.

“The meeting will provide the people of Western New York with an opportunity to share their thoughts on how to improve the quality of life in our area,” Hawley said. “I strongly encourage all local citizens to attend this event.”

Press release:

Anyone who loves animals and is considering a veterinary career should mark Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 at Genesee Community College on the calendar.

The Veterinary Technology program of Genesee Community College will be holding an information session at the Batavia campus from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Conable Technology Building, room T102, followed by a special presentation of "The Reptile Guys" at noon in the Forum.

The "two-legged" program allows attendees to first learn about careers in Veterinary Technology, the value and benefits of GCC's new Vet Tech program, and a fitting opportunity to enjoy a reptile show featuring local experts in the field of ectothermic vertebrates.

The Veterinary Technology program is one of the newest degrees added to GCC's curricula, and recently introduced a cooperative agreement with the Genesee County Animal Shelter to include a wealth of hands-on learning opportunities.

The information session will explain the two year curriculum careers available after graduation, NY state licensure requirements, and the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE). Understanding GCC's application and admissions process, as well as the academic requirements and program pre-requisites will also be covered.

"The Reptile Guys," Gary and Scott, own a pet shop in Spencerport and have been refining their reptile show for the past nine years. They include all types of reptiles in their shows such as pythons, boa constrictors, alligators and many types of lizards providing a "fun, hands-on, experience for both children and adults." They not only introduce numerous reptiles, but also educate attendees on the best care for them.

GCC's Vet Tech students learn about veterinary nutrition, pharmacy, pharmacology, surgical nursing and anesthesiology pertaining to animal care, as well as general studies such as communication and mathematics. The cooperative agreement with the Genesee County Animal Shelter provides students with hands-on training in clinical and agricultural settings.

Under the extensive oversight of GCC's Vet Tech program, second-year students enrolled in the College's Veterinary Technology program work alongside the staff and volunteers at the Animal Shelter located on West Main Street in Batavia.

The agreement is beneficial to students and also the inhabitants of the Genesee County Animal Shelter as GCC students aid in most facets of the shelter's daily operation including such as feeding, cleaning, and kennel duty, as well as reception, client education, transport and record keeping.

They also work closely with the on-duty licensed veterinary technologist or veterinarian in checking vital signs, collecting and processing of blood and fecal samples, ear cleaning, administering medications, and diagnostic testing.

The program is overseen by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) which ensures each and every procedure is documented, follows appropriate animal protocol and that the facilities are inspected a minimum of two times a year. The shelter is also inspected by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA/ APHIS).

Genesee students do not perform animal experiments of any kind. All animals cared for by GCC students are supervised by a NYS licensed veterinarian and licensed veterinary technician, each with more than 20 years of veterinary clinical experience.

For further information, please contact Kathy Seweryniak at 343-0055, ext. 6187, or keseweryniak@genesee.edu.

For further information on The Reptile Guys, go to: http://thereptileguys.com.

The annual benefit Cabaret is set for 7 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at St. Jame's Episcopal Church. It's located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

The event is for adults. Cost is $20 and includes desserts and hors d' oeuvres. There will be basket raffles and entertainment by Jon Seiger and Bev Miller.

Proceeds benefit the church's restoration fund and Community Action of Orleans & Genesee.

Phone 343-7798 for tickets.

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.

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

To vote for Volunteers for Animals, please click HERE!

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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.