Announcements

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.

There will be a Winter Guard Competition at Batavia High School Gymnasium from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22.

Tickets are $6; $5 for seniors.

Eighteen winter guards will be competing from Western New York and Canada in this 10th annual "Fantastic Visions."

It is hosted by the Batavia Winter Guard and Batavia Band Boosters.

The school is located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.

United Memorial Medical Center has scheduled a Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011 in Cary Hall, 211 E. Main St., Batavia.

Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments may be made by calling Mary Canterbury, UMMC’s Blood Bank coordinator, at 344-5474.

Each presenting donor will receive a free pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee!

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and the college's deans recently recognized students who excelled academically during the Fall 2010 semester.

"It is impressive to see the diversity of students who have succeeded at SUNY Canton," Kennedy said. "Students from all of the over the world and here in New York are represented on the college's honor rolls. Each of these students has demonstrated that they are committed to getting the most out of their career-driven education."

To receive President's List honors, full-time students must earn a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale. For Dean's List, full-time students must receive a GPA of 3.25. Part-Time Honors are awarded to students earning at least a 3.25 GPA on six to 11 credit hours.

These local students made the President's List at SUNY Canton:

• Stacy E. Holley, of  Bergen, a Criminal Investigation major. Holley is a 2008 graduate of Byron-Bergen Jr.-Sr. High School.
• Alicia L. Morgan, of  Alexander, a Criminal Investigation major. Morgan is a 2008 graduate of Alexander Central School.
• Justin A. Richardson, of Pavilion, an Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems major. Richardson is a 2009 graduate of Pavilion Central School.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor's, associate and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton's new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 150 courses online each semester.

The college's athletic teams belong to the NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction of the college's new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center nicknamed "Roos House" is nearing completion, while the new apartment-style residence hall, featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms, is under construction and will open in August.

The Batavia Area Jaycees are planning now for the 58th Annual Home, Garden & Trade Show at Batavia Downs.

They are seeking vendors for the event, which is March 19 and 20.

Space is available for $325 per booth until Jan. 31. Thereafter it will cost $375 to reserve a booth.

Download an application form at www.jci.cc/batavia, then going to the download section. Or contact Cathy via e-mail at bajhomeshow@yahoo.com.

Seven Genesee County residents were named to the Deans' List for the fall semester at SUNY Oswego. Showing this academic achievement, with their major in parentheses, are:

Samantha L. Yager, of Richmond Avenue, Batavia, a junior (history);

Lindsey C. Glazier, of Caswell Road, Byron, a junior (elementary education);

Jennifer L. Aylsworth, of Scribner Road, Corfu, a senior (accounting);

Emily C. Mahaney, of Indian Falls Road, Corfu, a sophomore (journalism);

Nikki M. Parlato, of Seven Day Road, Darien Center, a sophomore (public justice);

Sarah E. Olear, of North Street, Le Roy, a senior (zoology);

Vincent S. Kovach, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, a freshman (wellness management).

To be included on the Deans' List, students must have a semester grade-point average of 3.30 to 3.79, on a 4.0 scale.

Admission to SUNY Oswego is competitive. U.S. News & World Report named the college among the Top Regional Universities in the North for 2011 and includes it in its annual guidebook "America's Best Colleges." The Princeton Review counts Oswego among "The Best Northeastern Colleges."

A 149-year-old comprehensive college in the State University of New York system, Oswego enrolls more than 8,300 students in its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Business; School of Communication, Media and the Arts; and School of Education.

Elmira College boasts of having the longest-running Honor Scholarship program in the nation and two of this year's winners are from Genesee County.

Amy Schmidt, of Batavia, has received the Presidential Scholarship.

Jessica Pcionek, of Oakfield, has been awarded the Salutatorian Scholarship.

Elmira College awards in excess of $14.5 million in Honor Scholarships each year. Scholarships are awarded regardless of financial need and are renewable based on full-time status and continuous enrollment for three additional years with the appropriate grade-point average.

All applicants for admission who are accepted are then automatically reviewed for Elmira College Honor Scholarships and are awarded the highest scholarship for which they qualify.

Money magazine has named Elmira College in the Top 10 Colleges in the Nation for Academic Scholarships. U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition has named the College a "Great College, Great Prices" institution.

Elmira College, located in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful, historic upstate New York, is one of the great small colleges of the nation. To learn more about what Elmira College has to offer, navigate to www.elmira.edu or call 800-935-6472 to schedule your visit to Elmira College.

Mark your calendars: Genesee County’s annual “State of the County” is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the Chambers of the Old Court House.

The Chair of the County Legislature, Mary Pat Hancock, will deliver the brief address as part of the regularly scheduled Legislature meeting.

Her remarks will include the accomplishments of individual departments during 2010, as submitted by those departments, and point out some of the unique challenges that face the county this year along with "strategies to maximize the impact of a proactive, positive county response during the coming year." The public is invited to attend.

Here's the Spring 2011 new Roz Steiner Art Gallery schedule (subject to change):

The new Rosalie "Roz" Steiner Art Gallery opens this spring with a GCC Fine Arts Student Show. It is scheduled for March 1 through April 5, with an opening reception from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 3. The exhibit highlights current student artwork in GCC courses on drawing, painting, photography, 2D, 3D, and ceramics.

Community members and art enthusiasts should save the date for the Roz Steiner Art Gallery Grand Opening Reception, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, April 15. Complete details will be available soon!

The spring semester will round out with a GCC Digital Arts Student Show from May 11 through, with an opening reception from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 12.

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College has announced the calendar for live performances for its 19th season at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Live Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre:

The Forum Players start the spring season with the performance of In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks, a modern interpretation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, "The Scarlett Letter." The Forum Player's production is set in a post Hurricane Katrina backdrop that follows the daily trials of Hester, an illiterate, single, homeless, African-American woman who must find a way to rise above her situation and care for her five children.

Performance dates are scheduled at 7:30 p.m. onThursday, Feb. 3-5. Ticket prices are: $8 adults; $5 seniors (55+) and students and GCC faculty/staff; $3 GCC students with GCC ID; and a $2 discount for GCC alumni with GCC alumni card.

The Genesee Symphony Orchestra returns to Genesee Community College with its 64th season with two performances at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

"Love Notes" will be performed at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, with special guest Michael Ludwig, violin.

"GSO on Broadway" will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 1, featuring the GSO 2011 String Workshop Orchestra.

Ticket prices are: $12 adults; $8 seniors (62+); $5 students (18 & under or GCC students with a valid ID); or $30 per family (parent plus children 12 & under) and are available at the following locations:

Hi-Tek Graphics in Oakfield; Bank of Castile in LeRoy; Roxy's Music Store; GO ART!; The Enchanted Florist; and the Box Office at Genesee Community College in Batavia. Tickets are also available at the door one hour prior to the performance at the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

Two acts of musical talent and originality will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25. Tony Brown and the Faithful, with opening act Swati.

Tony Brown is a former member of Upstate NY's infamous Ozone, now touring with his band the Faithful -- a gathering of experienced, eclectic musicians hailing from around the globe. Brown's soulful, powerful voice, along with the acoustic world vibe that his band mates bring, creates a sound that mixes blues, folk and alternative rock.

Opening act Swati, a NYC native who began her musical career in the classical world, plays a 12-string guitar that has been fitted with eight. Ticket prices are: $12 adults; $10 seniors (55+); $5 students (18-) and GCC faculty/staff; $3 GCC students with GCC ID; and a $2 discount for GCC alumni with GCC alumni card.

A concert by the Genesee Chorale and Chorale Orchestra, "AElinor, the Oratorio," is also scheduled this spring at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6 at the Stuart Steiner Theatre. Words and music by Ann Reid, and conducted by Ric Jones with the Genesee Chorale and the Chorale Orchestra.

This concert storyline takes place in 1147, AElinor, Countess of Poitou, Duchess of Aquitaine, and Queen of the Franks leads a band of women on the Second Crusade. In so doing, she learns about earthly love and her marriage to Louis VII, King of the Franks, is annulled. She runs off with Henry Plantagenet, a penniless lord. Six months later, the penniless lord becomes Henry II, King of England.

Developed in the Lehman Engel Workshop, Los Angeles, this project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, administered by the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council.

Ticket prices are: $10 adults; $8 for seniors (62+) and students (18-); $5 GCC student with GCC ID; and $18 family (parent plus children under 17). Tickets are available at the Box Office at Genesee Community College, GO ART! in Batavia, and from all Chorale members.

The Fine and Performing Arts committee is pleased to have Stone Row returning to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for one performance at 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Stone Row is a fusion of Celtic, folk, country and rock that combines the local talent of four dynamically versatile musicians. Each band member brings a whole new spin with diversified attitudes and styles.

Ticket prices are: $10 adults; $8 seniors (55+); $5 students (18-) and GCC faculty/staff; $3 GCC students with GCC ID; and a $2 discount for GCC alumni with GCC alumni card.

The Genesee Center for the Arts continues its commitment to introducing performing art to children, families, and schools throughout the Western New York area with Nobody Likes Mordacious (And That's How He Likes It), a stage fantasy by veteran children's theatre playwright Jack Stokes.

The Forum Players and local grammar-school students present the audience with a girl who needs to rescue her parents from the stratagems of a very wicked fellow. On an epic quest laced with humor, she encounters genies, shadows, monsters, and pirates, and enlists the aid of a witch-fighting guide in order to restore her family.

Not everyone can be redeemed; sometimes evil is just plain evil; as always, bullies of any stripe must be confronted. These are just a few of the things Orafu learns on her quest. This show is appropriate for any audience, particularly elementary and junior-high students.

Performance dates are scheduled for Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24, by invitation only, and there will be one public performance at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25. Ticket prices are: $8 adults; $5 seniors (55+), students, and GCC faculty/staff; and $3 GCC students with GCC ID.

The last live performance at the Stuart Steiner Theatre this spring is Blood Brothers by Willy Russell, performed by the Forum Players. Blood Brothers is one of the longest-running musicals in London theatre, with the 1988 West End production still running.

It is a musical that has a contemporary nature vs. nurture plot, revolving around fraternal twins who were separated at birth. The twins' different backgrounds take them to opposite ends of the social spectrum, leading up to a tragic ending.

Performance dates are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 through Saturday, April 9. A matinee is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Ticket prices are: $8 adults; $5 seniors (55+), students, and GCC faculty/staff; $3 GCC students with GCC ID; and a $2 discount for GCC alumni with GCC Alumni card.

For more ticket information or reservations, contact the Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office at 585/343-6814 or by email at <http://boxoffice@genesee.edu>. All seating is general admission.

The Genesee Center for the Arts Box Office accepts cash and checks only, credit cards are not accepted. For door-to-door directions, sent via email, visit http://www.genesee.edu/

Attention music lovers: The Batavia Concert Band is currently seeking additional board members.

The board meets every other month and oversees band management officers in preparation for the annual summer concert season.

If you are interested, please contact Pam Frisby at 343-8560.

The International Collectors Association presents the Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow at the Comfort Inn in Batavia next week.

Collectors anticipate $300,000 in sales from local residents wanting cash for their antiques, collectibles, and gold and silver items.

The Ohio Valley Refinery & Roadshow travels across the globe in search of rare and unique items. During this event, people will have the exciting opportunity to sit with experts from around the world and sell their items to collectors if they wish to do so.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Jan. 11-14. and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.

The Comfort Inn is located at 4371 Federal Drive.