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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press release:

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

Live Performances in the Stuart Steiner Theatre:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Present Tense Books in Batavia will offer four new creative writing courses during the winter semester, beginning at the end of this month.

They are:

• Writing Memoir & Autobiography
• Constructing Your Novel
• The Art of the Short Story
• Writing Poetry

Classes are held Saturdays at the bookstore, located at 101 Washington Ave. The morning class runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The afternoon class runs from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m.

Two five-week sessions of instruction will be offered:

• Session I: Jan. 28 – Feb. 25
• Session II: March 3 – 31

The fee for each course is $89 and includes individual conferences with the instructor, retired literature professor and regional novelist Bob Comenole.

The workshops are scheduled based on demand — that is, the first class to fill up will be the first taught, and so on. Participants will have the opportunity to express their preferences for which class time and which sessions they desire.

To register, please visit the registration site by clicking here:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/winter2012batavia

Classes are limited to only 12 students, so sign up today!

They are designed for both beginning writers who wish to learn fundamental techniques and seasoned writers wishing to acquire more advanced skills; there are no prerequisites.

About the instructor: For more than 20 years Bob Comenole has taught writing, literature and communications at several colleges, including Miami University, Siena College, the State University of New York and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is the author of "Bushel & Lamp" and the novella "The Long Night of Clement C. Craggogre" and has just completed work on a collection of short stories, "Perplexed by the Egg & Other Stories," as well as a collection of essays. He was also the producer of the children’s television series, StoryBrook.

To view what past students have said about the writing workshops,
visit: http://infinitelycurious.us/Waterline/students.html

For a description of each course, visit:

http://infinitelycurious.us/Waterline/courses/

Call or visit the store for further details on the workshops or to sign up. Phone is 815-7640.

http://www.presenttensebooks.com

The Genesee Community College Foundation is seeking nominations for its Alumni Hall of Fame, which recognizes those alumni who have achieved outstanding success and made a lasting impact on the community. The foundation will induct its sixth group of honorees in a ceremony on May 2 at the Batavia campus.

"We are eager to honor more of Genesee Community College's best and brightest graduates," said Jackie Christenson, GCC's alumni coordinator. "Each year we have the great pleasure of recognizing alumni supporters of the college that have contributed significantly to the vitality of their communities."

The criteria for nominating an individual to the Alumni Hall of Fame are based on the individual's contributions to his or her profession, distinguished service to the community and/or service to Genesee Community College.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from GCC's alumni website (www.genesee.edu/alumni/HallofFame/) and emailed or sent to the college's Alumni Office.

Nominations may be submitted by the nominee or by friends, family, work associates or other colleagues who are familiar with the nominee. All nominations received by Wednesday, Feb. 1 will be considered by the selection committee.

New inductees will be honored at a reception, and their photo and a short biography will be featured on a plaque displayed in the Alumni Hall of Fame, located on the second floor of the Conable Technology Building.

For the full list of previously inducted Alumni Hall of Fame members please visit www.genesee.edu/Alumni/HallofFame.

Kelsey Lauren Diehl, of Elba, recently graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Diehl earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Advertising.

The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution conferring bachelor's and master's degrees to prepare talented students for professional careers. As the most comprehensive art and design university in the United States, SCAD offers more than 40 majors and more than 50 minors.

SCAD professors emphasize learning through individual attention in an inspiring university environment. The innovative curriculum is enhanced by advanced, professional-level technology, equipment and learning resources and has garnered acclaim from respected organizations and publications, including 3D World, American Institute of Architects, BusinessWeek, DesignIntelligence, U.S. News & World Report and the Los Angeles Times. For more information, visit scad.edu.

A Genesee County resident has been awarded approximately $4,350 per year for the "All-American Scholarship" to attend Alfred State College.

Sutton Carhart, of Stafford, is slated to graduate in 2012 from LeRoy Jr.-Sr. High School and intends to enroll in the construction management engineering technology program.

The "All-American Scholarship" (free board) is awarded to students who possess an 88 or better high school average through their junior year and who have achieved at least a 1,100 combined SAT score or a composite ACT score of 24. Recipients must maintain a required GPA (grade-point average) to continue to receive free board in subsequent semesters.

Fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Alfred State offers some 52 associate degree programs, 19 baccalaureate degree programs, and three certificate programs.

John Lamond of WYRK will emcee the annual Corfu-Pembroke Community Winterfest. This year's focus is the Town of Pembroke's Bicentennial, hosted by Town historian Al Starkweather.

The event will be held from 1 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the community center, 116 E. Main St. in Corfu.

Entertainment includes the musical talents of the Craig Wilkins Band and the local community band.

Special free activities for the children include: K-9 demonstration; ice skating; sledding; bonfire; Boy Scout campsite; snake and reptile display; clowns; balloons; magic shows; Mr. Scribbles cartooning; and Bopping Heads videos.

There will also be fire department displays and an open house to see the equipment!

Food and beverages are a available for purchase with all proceeds going to local organizations such as Dollars for Scholars, Corfu Free Library, Pembroke Youth Association, Kiwanis Club, High Point Church and the Pembroke Class of 2012.

Food items include: chicken BBQ (presale tickets available at the Corfu Free Library), beef on weck, pizza, hot dogs, smoked turkey sandwiches, taco-in-a-bag; and a host of other items.

With so much good food for lunch and dinner it is easy to make a day of it and you nor your children will be bored! Bring a canned good or other non-perishable food item and be entered into the drawings for door prizes.

This event is made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program, a re-grant of the New York State Council on the Arts, the Town of Pembroke and the Village of Corfu.

This information was provided by James Renfrew.

Free Spaghetti Dinner: Pasta for Peace

The third “Pasta for Peace” free spaghetti dinner, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., in Batavia. Former Sheriff Doug Call will be the featured speaker.

Call was recently honored by Genesee County Democratic Party leaders for his long commitment to public service.

He will be drawing upon his many years in Criminal Justice including:  7 years Air Force Judge Advocate; 4 years as Assistant County Attorney prosecuting cases in Family Court (400 appearances per year); 7 years as County Sheriff; 2 years as Director of Public Safety in Rochester; many years in the private practice of Law; and his 12 years as Town Justice adjudicating criminal cases.  He was a recognized innovator and demonstrated his concern for all parties.

Mr. Call says that the principal step to peace is "To Walk in the Other's Moccasins." He adds, “The promotion of peace among peoples, in my experience, requires a level of understanding and empathy for one another (the golden rule in action).” Known and respected by many in Genesee County for years, accepts Ralph Waldo Emerson’s summary as the path to peace, “"Peace cannot be achieved through violence. It can only be gained through understanding.”

The event is sponsored by Pax Christi Genesee County. Pax Christi is part of the International and National Catholic Peace Movement, but operates on an interfaith basis locally. Pax Christi hopes that increased local understanding will reduce violence.

Clor's Meat Market, 4169 W. Main St. Road, Batavia, NY: For the best, most flavorful, juiciest chicken or hamburger in town, hands down, stop by Clor's. Oh, and the steaks are great, too. And the sausage. Clor's also serves lunch and dinners from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Kravings, Valu Plaza, 4152 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Kravings offers soups, salads and sandwiches, fresh and flavorful; Monday through Saturday. We have a $10 gift certificate for $5.

Salsa & Curry, 13 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: An authentic Mexican restaurant, offering all of your favorite dishes from enchiladas and burritos to tacos and fajitas, as well as daily Indian food specials. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Settler's, 353 W. Main St., Batavia, NY: Settler's has a 25-year history of serving great, affordable breakfasts, lunches and dinners to Batavians. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Spirits, 78 Lake St., Le Roy, NY. Le Roy's favorite sports bar, where fun and good food are always on tap. Come try one of our many delicious burgers that we have to offer, as well as our HUGE Bomber Sandwich, homemade chicken fingers made to order, and the all-time favorite Dumpster Plate with many choices. We deliver. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Bourbon & Burger Co., 9 Jackson St., Batavia, NY: Batavia's newest burger joint offers more than two dozen different types of tasty hamburgers. Our menu also includes a variety of sandwiches, appetizers and an extensive beer list, plus a full bar. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Center Street Smoke House, 20 Center St., Batavia, NY: Authentic Southern BBQ, from ribs to brisket with all the fixin's. We have a $20 gift card for $10.

Ficarella's Pizzeria, 21 Liberty St., Batavia, NY: Dine-in, drive-thru or delivery. Featuring fresh, hearth-baked pizza since 1985, plus wings, pasta and more. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10. (Good only at the Batavia location.)

T.F. Brown's, 214 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: T.F. Brown's is a great place for a good meal, good friends and to catch up on what's going on in the sports world. "If it happens in sports, it happens at Brown's." Stop in and check out our jumbo chicken wings, roast beef on weck and Friday night fish fry. The original family spaghetti sauce still adorns all of our Italian specialties. The other popular selections from our menu range from super salads, butcher cut strip loin and South of the Border items. We offer daily lunch and dinner specials as well as a full adult and children’s menu. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Alli's Cones & Dogs, 7063 Lewiston Road, Oakfield, NY: Full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; all-you-can-eat salad bar; ice cream served year-round; eat-in or take-out. We have a $20 gift certificate for $10.

Blue Pearl Yoga, 200 E. Main St., Batavia, NY: Exercise your soul as well as your body in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. We have a gift certificate for five weeks of yoga, five classes for $30.

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