Announcements

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) continues its popular Salon Series with “The ‘Toons Producer: Fredrick Armstrong” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The program takes place at GO ART!, Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St. in Batavia and includes supper and beverages.

A "Going to the Movies" themed menu will be served: popcorn, assorted grilled pizzas (white veggie, red with three cheeses, red with mushrooms and pepperoni), antipasti, garlic bread, and old-fashioned ice cream bars.

A contribution of $25 for non-members and $22 for GO ART! members is requested. A discounted rate is available for those wishing to also attend the April 5th Salon, "The Comic Illustrator: Lauren Barnett."

Reservations are required and can be made by phone at (585) 343-9313, e-mail at info@GOart.org, or by stopping in to GO ART! in Downtown Batavia (open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays). The GO ART! Salon Series is sponsored by the Bank of Castile.

Havens for those who craved intellectual conversation and stimulation for centuries, salons became fashionable when French kings showed their art treasures in the reception room of the Palace of Louvre.

This month's salon the president and founder of Animatus Studio & The Animation Workshop in Rochester. Armstrong will present several short cartoons produced at award-winning Animatus Studio along with some clips of his “live action” acting roles.

Interspersed among the videos, Armstrong will entertain attendees with the background on each of the animations and his journey into the field of animation and film.

Bio: For more than 35 years, Armstrong has worked on feature films, documentaries, industrials, commercials and music videos. He began his professional film career in 1975 creating animated segments for a local retail store, the House of Guitars.

In 1980, he moved to New York City where he apprenticed and worked as an Oxberry animation cameraman under Francis Lee of Film Planning Associates. In 1989, Armstrong founded Animatus Studio, Rochester’s only full-service animation studio that specializes in 2D and Flash animation. He also founded The Animation Workshop in 1992, which continues to teach the joys of animation to students of all ages.

Continuing to work in live action as well as animation, Armstrong produced and co-directed “The End of the Line - Rochester's Subway.” This award-winning documentary tells the story of the smallest city in America to build and abandon a subway. It has aired on PBS and The History Channel and was recently re-released on DVD with 45 new minutes of material and extras.

Animatus Studio has been a sponsor of the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival (formerly the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival) since its inception in 2001. Armstrong has also acted as animation program director for the 360 | 365 GEH Film Festival.

He was instrumental in bringing filmmakers such as Faith Hubley (Oscar winner), Vicky Jenson (director of Shrek,) and voice talent Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson) to the festival. Through collaboration with the 360 | 365 George Eastman House Film Festival, Animatus Studio has also hosted animation workshops for disadvantaged and at-risk youth for the last eight years.

He is currently vice president of RAVA (Rochester Audio/Visual Association), a renowned organization of professional filmmakers and media industry people founded in 1956.

Over the last three decades, Armstrong has also worked on hundreds of live action film shoots as a key grip, where he specializes as a crane and dolly operator. He has even been an actor in many commercials and several feature films.

He recently taught “Business in Animation” as an adjunct professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Today, he continues to be involved in all aspects of filmmaking and animation for commercials, documentaries, music videos and businesses throughout the region.

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is a private nonprofit organization, which believes that art and culture enriches, inspires and educates, while strengthening a community's identity.

Therefore, GO ART! initiates a broad range of opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and facilitates cooperative efforts among the cultural, business, service and educational communities for the people who live in and visit Genesee and Orleans counties. GO ART! exhibits are made possible, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra will perform a concert entitled "Love Notes" at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, at Genesee Community College. It will feature special guest violinist Michael Ludwig.

This performance, to be held in the Stuart Steiner Theatre, is in partnership with the Cancer Services Program of Genesee & Orleans. It is being partially underwritten by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is dedicated to education and research about the cause and treatment of breast cancer.

Tickets are: $12 adults; $8 seniors 62 and over; $5 students 18 and under, including GCC students with valid I.D.; $30 for families, including children 12 and under.

Tickets are available at the GCC Box Office, or at the door one hour prior to the performance and at these locations: Hi-Tek Graphics in Oakfield; Bank of Castile in Le Roy; Roxy's Music Store; GO ART!; and The Enchanted Florist.

Snuggle up with the kids and relax with Richmond Memorial Library’s February Family Movie Afternoon series.

Bring the whole family, pack a blanket, pillow and picnic lunch.

The library will be showing G- and PG-rated newly released to DVD films in the Children’s Room at 1:15 p.m. each Saturday in February.

This is a free program and open to the public.

Call the Children’s Room 343-9550, ext. 4, for title information. The library is located at 19 Ross St. in the City of Batavia.

Every Thursday morning at 11 a.m. now through the end of May, Richmond Memorial Library will have Baby Bounce Story Time.

This is a great opportunity to visit the library with your infant, make new friends, learn new songs and finger plays. Baby Bounce Story Time is the perfect prescription for cabin fever for pre-walkers and their caregivers.

Please call to register or for more information, 343-9550, ext. 4. The Richmond Memorial Library hosts many toddler, preschool, family and evening story times. A complete listing can be found on www.batavialibrary.org <http://www.batavialibrary.org>.

The library is located at 19 Ross St.  in the City of Batavia.

Here's a news release from Elba Central School.

Elba high-school students debuted its Course Presentation Fair on Friday.

"The event was designed so that our parents and students can hear firsthand from teachers the courses that will offered be in 2011-2012," said Principal Jason Smith.

Following a rotating schedule, attendees circulated by grade level to nine different departments throughout the morning to learn about courses available. Among the new courses to be offered are:

• America at War in the 20th Century
• College Algebra
• Introduction to Engineering
• Music Composition 

In addition, the school will continue to offer and expand upon the variety of GCC and Advanced Placement Courses. The 2011-2012 course handbook is available on the school website.

"The number one factor that college admissions look at in accepting students is the rigor of courses students take while in high school," Smith said. "Many teachers shared this information at the course fair. Students will now be able to use what they learned at the course fair as they start to make decisions for classes next year.

Seniors took part in a workshop on college preparation hosted by Bryant & Stratton, and seventh-graders participated in Academic Gaming in the Media Center.

The Elementary School also hosted the annual Parent Luncheon later in the day. Those in grades K-6 had the opportunity share a special lunch with their family in their own cafeteria and at their special tables. Parents look forward to this event each year at Elba, and as usual, the luncheon was well attended.

The Elba Central School District is grateful to the parents who attended the Course Presentation Fair and Parent Luncheon.

Hannah Davis, of Le Roy, will be honored in March at the 8th Annual Student Leaders Dinner at Cazenovia College, located near Syracuse. She will receive the Helping Hand Award for her commitment to making a difference for those need.

She served on the college's executive board of the "Up 'til Dawn" event, serving as the Outreach Committee chair. During the current academic year, the fundraiser collected more than $10,600 to benefit research and care at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Last October, participants sent letters to friends and family asking them to join the fight against childhood cancer by donating to St. Jude. Attendees of "Up 'til Dawn" also enjoyed food, games and nonstop entertainment. Since 2008, the Cazenovia College's "Up 'til Dawn" event has raised a total of $44,536 for the hospital.

Davis is a freshman majoring in criminal justice and homeland security studies, and psychology, at Cazenovia College. Davis was outreach chair of the program.

"Up 'til Dawn" is a student-led, student-run program that has been hosted by more than 375 colleges and universities across the country since the program's inception in 1999. The program unites faculty, staff and students in the fight against pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases.

To date, the "Up 'til Dawn" program has raised more than $24.5 million nationwide for St. Jude.

The world-renowed hospital freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the globe. It is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay.

Cazenovia College was named one of "America's Best Colleges" by US News & World Report. It is an independent, co-educational, baccalaureate college offering a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Batavia artist Jolene Beckman will showcase mixed-media paintings featuring the "tasteful artistry of Chocolate and Vines," Feb. 4-28 at A Different Path Gallery in Brockport.

An opening reception is also scheduled from 6 to 9.m. on Feb. 11 at the gallery, located at 27 Market St.

Learn more about these works online <http://www.chocolateandvines.com>.

"Food as Art/Art as Food" is a continuing series by Beckman. She uses juices, spices, extracts and stains derived from food products to examine the nature of indulgence and temptation.

Imagery of foods typically associated with extravagance and “wasted calories” such as desserts and delicacies, explore not only Beckman’s own sweettooth, but questions the media's role in sending mixed messages about food.

People are warned about the negative effects of indulging too much, however, the attractive appeal of the products’ marketing contradict those warnings.

Beckman’s reactions to this struggle are playfully depicted in lush, colorful images of foods as well as some faces hiding from, or giving into, the seduction.

Beckman, a recent MFA graduate from the University of Buffalo, has participated in many group and solo exhibitions locally and nationally. For artist information visit: www.jolenebeckman.com <http://www.jolenebeckman.com/>.

For gallery information and full schedule of its upcoming events visit: www.differentpathgallery.com <http://www.differentpathgallery.com/>.

Here's a news release from Assemblyman Steve Hawley's office:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley recently participated in the Assembly's second annual Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day, held in the “Well” of the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

The assemblyman met with local outdoor enthusiasts and sporting vendors to discuss how to honor and support the proud traditions of New York’s sportsmen and sportswomen.

“Since the state’s inception, outdoor sporting activities have been an integral part of life for New Yorkers, and those traditions are continued with a special reverence here in Western New York,” Hawley said. “Not only are hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities woven into the fabric of our state, but the benefits of these practices have a far-reaching impact.

"Sporting industries create jobs while attracting revenue and investment to Western New York. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts spur economic growth at the state and local levels as a result of increased tourism, contributing more than $6 billion annually to New York’s economy.”

Hawley was joined at the event by outdoor enthusiasts from Genesee, Monroe, Niagara and Orleans counties. He applauded those in attendance for helping to make the second annual Sportsmen’s Day such a success.

“I am honored to be a part of such a successful event that connects the proud sportsmen and sportswomen of this state directly with the decision makers in charge of legislative policies regarding outdoor activities,” Hawley said. “Sportsmen’s Day is a reminder that the power truly rests in the hands of the people. I am grateful to have received so much input from those with the deepest understanding of outdoor issues.”

Genesee Community College's international Nursing and Biotechnology exchange program to Queensland, Australia has been awarded a 2011 Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education.

It is bestowed by the Institute of International Education. Genesee's Australia exchange program won Honorable Mention in the Internationalizing the Community College category.

The awards honor the most outstanding initiatives in international higher education among the members of IIE Network, an association of more than 1,000 higher education institutions.

IIE will present the awards at a ceremony in New York City on March 18 as part of its  Sixth Annual Best Practices in Internationalization Conference.

Genesee sent its first class of Nursing students to Brisbane, Australia in March of 2010 and its first Biotechnology student in August of 2010. Throughout their time abroad, the students worked in the field and studied their respective programs in a rigorous eight-week schedule.

Nursing students worked in local hospitals, while the Biotechnology student worked in medical pathology labs.

Biotechnology student Leah Reino documented her time in Australia in a blog that features photos of her pathology experience as well as her travels in Australia and New Zealand. The blog and photographs can be found at <http://www.gccblogs.wordpress.com>.

With the success of these programs, Genesee has expanded its international reach to Brazil, the Netherlands, Ireland, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica.

"Our relationships with international partners such as Australia and Brazil are strengthening," said Eunice M. Bellinger, EdD, executive vice president for Academic Affairs at Genesee Community College. "These programs advance a shared vision and philosophy of providing international experiences to the student body, thus broadening their horizons and global citizenship."

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, nonprofit organization founded in 1919, IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations and corporations.

IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.

For further information please contact James Goodwin, Genesee's director of Curriculum Development and Review at 343-0055, ext. 6322.

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

Sergeant Michael Defreze from Batavia has reenlisted to continue service with the 152nd Engineer Support Company.

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

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

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

The Batavia Business Improvement District is looking for fresh faces in 2011.

“We need volunteers more than ever,” said Don Burkel, executive director of the B.I.D. “ As we continue to grow and develop new programs and events we are looking for people to help us implement them in our community.”

The B.I.D. has committees that are looking for volunteers. They are: Business Development; Design; Promotions; Public Market; Christmas in the City; Summer in the City; and Wine Walk.

“All of these play an integral part of enhancing not only our downtown, but our quality of life in Batavia,” said Krysia Mager, a B.I.D. Board and Promotion Committee member since 2009.

"It’s a great feeling to watch one of your ideas come to life,” said Leanna DiRisio, chairperson of the Wine Walk and also a Promotion Committee member. “It makes it worthwhile to watch the people come downtown to enjoy our community.”

If interested in joining a committee and making our community better, then contact Don Burkel at (585) 344-0900 or log onto www.downtownbataviany.com for more information.

The Batavia Business Improvement District was established in 1998 as an independent 501 (C)(6) not-for-profit business association. Its mission is to retain and attract new business, and promote business and events in downtown Batavia. There are 179 retail and professional businesses that make up the Downtown District.

In an effort to raise awareness about the deadly effects of binge drinking, Genesee Community College has launched the Red Watch Band campaign in conjunction with GCASA.

The Red Watch Band (RWB) campaign began as an initiative at Stony Brook University and is now a national alcohol intervention campaign. Its mission is to provide campus community members with the knowledge, awareness and skills to prevent student toxic drinking deaths and to promote a student culture of kindness, responsibility, compassion, and respect.

In June 2008, a Stony Brook University faculty member lost her son to acute alcohol overdose while he was finishing his freshman year away at college. Upon hearing this news, President Shirley Strum Kenny commissioned an education-awareness campaign on preventing drinking deaths on college campuses.

Alcohol and other drug specialists and student leaders at Stony Brook developed a comprehensive bystander intervention program offered to all students.

Genesee Community College's office of Student Activities, as well as the Health and Physical Education department have joined with GCASA to launch the Red Watch Band program that will provide students with the tools necessary to make healthier, potentially lifesaving decisions when it comes to alcohol use.

A training day for interested students will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12 in room T102.

The primary component of the program is a four-hour training session in which participants learn how to recognize alcohol emergencies and respond effectively. The training program will consist of two and half hours of CPR/AED training and one and a half hours of Alcohol Emergencies taught by Alcohol and Other Drugs Specialists. Participants will receive a free lunch during the training.

"We really want to coordinate an effort to educate our students on the perils of excessive drinking," said Cliff Scutella, director of Student Activities. "We want to inform students on what to do if someone they know has an alcohol overdose. Having this alcohol intervention training could mean the difference in someone living or dying."

For further information about the RWB campaign visit <http://www.redwatchband.org> or contact GCC's Student Activities office at 343-0055, ext. 6261.

After a quiet fall theater season, the spring season at the Genesee Center for the Arts will feature plenty of live performances due, in part, to brand-new, state-of-the-art lighting and rigging upgrades in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

The Center for the Arts, located on the Batavia Campus of Genesee Community College, has undergone improvements totaling over $200,000, not including the adjacent art gallery that is currently in the finishing stages of construction.

Ed Hallborg, the theater's technical director, said the upgrades improve lighting quality and controls to current technical standards, and they also made safety improvements for the rigging to support both light fixtures and stage curtains.

(A video of the "behind the scenes" workings of the new equipment can be viewed at www.youtube.com/SUNYGCC <http://www.youtube.com/SUNYGCC>  under the video "Making Theater Magic.")

The rigging improvements addressed new safety and building codes, while the lighting upgrade consist of a new dimming system and a new lighting console. A new sound recording system called ProTools allows for state-of-the-art recordings for not only theater performances, but for student classroom use.

"Although many of the upgrades were certainly needed, much of the new technology is behind the scenes," Hallborg said. "Regular patrons may not even notice the improved lighting and sound equipment, but the cast and crew who work behind the curtain or up in the control room, as well as Fine Arts students, will be grateful for the new, easy-to-use, modern technologies."

Genesee's modern facilities allow for increased hands-on experience for students in the Fine Arts curriculum, specifically Technical Theater majors. Demand is high for qualified, skilled and talented technical theater professionals in communities nationwide.

Genesee graduates are ready to work in professional and community theater facilities, as television crew, special events management, musical and opera companies, major touring productions and concerts, and in the travel/cruise entertainment industries.

Technical Theater career opportunities include: stagecraft technicians; theater electricians; lighting designers/technicians; stage director and managers; sound designers/technicians; and set designers/technicians.

Students also have great transfer options to further their education with institutions such as the University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College, Ithaca College and SUNY Brockport.

For further information please contact Edward Hallborg at 343-0055, ext. 6618 or <http://ERHallborg@genesee.edu>.

For photos and updates on the events at the Genesee Center for the Arts visit the Facebook page at <http://www.facebook.com/GCCTheater>.

The Spring 2011 schedule of performing arts events at Genesee Center for the Arts includes:

• "In the Blood" by Suzan-Lori Parks -- Feb. 3, 4, and 5
• Batavia-Bayou Cultural Connection with live music from Mumbo Jumbo and LeeRon Zydeco and the Hot Tamales -- Feb. 19
• Tony Brown and the Faithful -- Feb. 25
• AElinor Oratoria-Chorale Concert -- March 6
• Stone Row -- March 12
• "Nobody Likes Mordacious" Children's Theater by Jack Stokes -- March 23, 24 and 25
• "Blood Brothers" by Willy Russell -- April 7-10

The Salvation Army has announced that its gymnasium is now available for community programs and rental. The gym is 2,816 square feet of useable space and a reimbursement cost of $20 per hour is requested.

“We have been working on minor repairs and the heating system," said Captain Patty Kurtz. "Everything is completed and the facility can be used year round."

The facility can be used for special events, pick up games, group meetings, etc.

“In February we will be posting our Spring schedule with days and times for leagues, open gym, and pick up games," she said. "We have planned teen and youth nights as well."

For more information contact: Capt. Patty at 343-6284 or e-mail at patricia.kurtz@use.salvationarmy.org

"Come to the Caberet, old chum..."

You are invited to an evening of entertainment and cuisine at St. James Episcopal Church on Saturday, Feb. 12. The church is located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

"Caberet!" will be from 7 to 10 p.m. and feature entertainment from: Encore! Theatre Arts; The Blue Belles; and The Bataviators. There will be basket raffles, hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a cash wine bar.

Cost is $15 per ticket, available only in advance at the church, Community Action and The Insurance Center.

This event is sponsored by Community Action Angels of Genesee County and the St. James Restoration Committee.

Genesee Community College has named Carla Guiste as the January Employee of the Month.

Guiste is said to provide outstanding service in the Copy Center to faculty and staff. She processes duplicating jobs with ease and professionalism and is continually willing to run rush jobs for faculty, particularly at the beginning of the semester when extra copies may be needed due to increased enrollments.

Her turnaround time for work is phenomenal, regardless of the complexity of the job at hand. She does what she can to accommodate requests and does so with a friendly, positive attitude and a smile.

Guiste has worked at the college for more than five years, six months of which were at part-time status. Before coming to Genesee, she worked at Kauffman Footwear for 15 years. After Kauffman's' closed, she worked at a greenhouse and at a gym for women.

At her current position at Genesee's Copy Center, she performs printing and copying for all seven campus locations, including simple printing, brochures, pamphlets, bound books and much more.

"I love so many aspects of working at GCC," Guiste said. "I love the people here, my job and the whole atmosphere here. What a great place to work!"

Guiste is a graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School and lives in Oakfield with her husband, Jerry Guiste. She has two children Justin Ball (Patty) and Ashley Ball. Outside of work, Carla enjoys gardening, cross-country skiing, walking, spending time with her family and with her dogs that are her pride and joy.

David  Kenward, a sophmore from Byron, made the Dean's List at Lycoming College for the fall 2010 semester.

The distinction recognizes superior scholarship. Students make the Dean's List if they complete at least four letter-graded courses and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.50 for the semester.

Lycoming College is a national liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. It is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.

Here's a news release from GCC:

When employers speak, Genesee Community College listens!

Recent studies indicate that employers want schools to hone in on "soft skills" such as communication, teamwork and leadership. Communication is a premium 21st Century aptitude and individuals who excel in public communication readily secure leadership roles in today's complex organizations.

At least 90 percent of GCC students are required to take a public speaking course, but the college realizes that the 15-week course does not give ample time to make all individuals great public speakers. The best way to improve public speaking is to keep speaking to the public!

To that end, and beginning, the college's Career Services Center and Student Activities is sponsoring a new GCC Toastmasters International Club.

The first meeting is scheduled from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 2 in room T102 (Technology Building).

As a community club, it is open not only to students, staff and faculty, but also to anyone from the greater Western New York area interested in making new friends and participating in activities, taking chances on new experiences and having fun in the world of communication.

Participants learn how to give impromptu speeches, present prepared speeches and to improve communication skills in a supportive environment. Toastmasters helps remove the fear of public speaking and teaches the skills that help members be more successful in whatever life path they select. The Toastmasters format works in tandem with GCC's public speaking course.

The Toastmasters Club is not a college, trade school or other formal course in public speaking. No one is graded and no tests are administered. Members learn by studying the manuals, practicing and helping one another in a safe club environment. Club meetings are workshops where attendees study and practice communication and leadership skills with others who are there for the same reasons. Research indicates that club members learn by doing and by watching.

During club meetings, members will build "quick thinking" skills, learn how to introduce speakers, conduct meetings and perform other roles that will give plenty of practice in a variety of communication experiences.

GCC invites all community members to mark on their calendars and consider bringing along a friend to this new club. Genesee Community College is located at 1 College Road, Batavia.

For more information contact: John McGowan, Career Services coordinator at 343-0055, ext 6383, <http://jmmcgowan@genesee.edu> or Jackie DiBella, instructor, at 278-8851, <http://jedibella@genesee.edu>.

Genesee Community College has announced the names of Genesee County students who were named to the President's List for the 2010 fall semester.

Students honored on the President's List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a quality point index of 3.75 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

The honorees are:

From Alexander

Charles Kwasniewski
Chelsey Brinkman
James Blanchard
Marissa Laney
Tammy Rebmann

From Basom

Brian Pillo
Daniel Schmigel
Kimberly Mills
Xiaoling Sliker

From Batavia

Alicia Gray
Amanda Florian
Angela Puccio
Anne Kleinbach
Ashley Gerace
Cady Hume
Chad Richards
Chelsea Carrubba-Benson
Christopher Cummings
Cody Mulcahy
Corey Kocent
Dana Torcello
Daniel Dawson
David DiSalvo
David Dupre
Deanna Johnston
Derquile Qualcen
Devon Kleinbach
Elizabeth Geuss
Emily Davis
Emily Middlemiss
Erika Johnston
Erin Kruppner
Heidi Dempsey
Jaclyn Giuliani
Jamie Borkholder
Janelle Larsen
Jason DiMartino
Jennifer Curry
Jennifer Dorf
Jennifer Merle
Joshua Stendts
Julia Cole
Karen Crane

Former hostage Terry Anderson will discuss peace in the Middle East at Terry Hills Restaurant on Friday, Feb. 18.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is hosting this dinner and presentation to benefit the War of 1812 Peace Garden being established here in Batavia. There will also be a silent auction.

Seating is limited so people are encouraged to buy tickets early. Cost per ticket is $25 and includes a full course dinner. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber, located at 210 E. Main St. or the Stagecoach Florist in Batavia City Centre.

Social hour is 5 to 6 p.m. with dinner and presentation to follow.

Groundbreaking for the garden is planned for September. It will be part of a trail of Peace Gardens commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Batavia became instrumental in the war after Buffalo burned, playing a major role in holding back the British, according to historians.

The Peace Garden will commemorate the past and play an active part in the future of Batavia and Genesee County. The hope is that in sharing what makes us uniquely human, we'll strengthen our understanding of one another and forge a bond of peace that will never be broken, according to supporters.

For more information contact Barb Toal at 344-2458.