From Criminal Minds to Railroads Instructor Offers Unique Classes at GCC's BEST Center

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Max Szemplenski

BATAVIA, NY (10/31/2014)(readMedia)-- By day, he worked as a counselor in some of New York's most notorious correctional facilities. Away from work, he pursued a passion for trains that has spanned five decades. In November, Mike "Max" Szemplenski brings his professional and personal knowledge to Genesee Community College. He will offer two distinct and unique seminars that draw on both his work life and his hobby.

Beyond the Criminal Mind

Thursday, November 13, 2014 ~ 6:30 - 9 p.m., T119 A&B

Friday, November 14, 2014 ~ 8:30 a.m., Tour of Wende Correctional Facility, Alden, NY

Szemplenski spent more than 30 years working in New York prisons including the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center, Attica Prison and Wende Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison located in Alden, NY. In this seminar he will explore the legal history of criminal insanity in New York State and how the criminal justice system deals with new insanity laws. He will share his personal insights gained from "face to face" contact with, as he describes it, "Pure Evil." The seminar concludes with a tour of the Wende Correctional Facility, where you'll learn how inmates with serious mental illness are cared for in prison. Don't miss this seminar if you're interested in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or Psychology. Class fee is $54. Enrollment is limited.

History of Railroads in the Attica & Batavia, NY Area

Saturday, November 15, 2014 ~ 10 a.m. - 12 noon, T119 A

Szemplenski has been a train fanatic for more than 55 years. He worked on the Erie-Lackawanna and Garden Railroads, and for ten years hosted a cable TV program on the subject. In this seminar, he'll explore railroad history in the area, including the Tonawanda Valley Railroad's arrival in Batavia in 1837 and Attica in 1842. He'll also discuss other railroads in the area and share some of the best places to study, view, photograph and ride the rails. You're encouraged to bring in your own railroad treasures to share. Szemplenski plans railroad music, stories, videos and pictures, as well as trivia and prize giveaways. It's a great way to start the holiday season. Fee is $20 for adults; children under 12 are free. Enrollment is limited.

To register for either session, contact The BEST Center at GCC at 585-345-6868 or register online at http://www.genesee.edu/best/.

For more information, contact Marketing Communications Associate Director Donna Rae Sutherland at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616, or via email: dsutherland@genesee.edu.

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Editor's Note:

A photograph of Max Szemplenski is available here:

http://marketing.genesee.edu/images/Max_Szemplenski.jpg