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AN EXTRA GIFT — Do you want something different that is fun for the recipient and a wonderful gift for the community? Consider tickets for the Clarence Concert Association Winter Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 18. The dinner includes a meal at Orazio’s Restaurant and a musicale by members of the Clarence Summer Orchestra. It also includes a basket raffle. What better way to start spring.

The early purchase price is $50 per person. For information and tickets, call Sue Fay Allen at 759-6428.

LITTLE PANDAS PRESCHOOL & PLAY — Little Pandas Preschool & Play, located at 8500 Roll Road, Suite K, in Clarence Center, will have a grand opening in January. The preschool is currently enrolling children ages 3 and 4. Space is limited. Call 741-3440 for more information.

FASNY HOLIDAY TIPS — The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York urges all New Yorkers to enjoy the holidays with care, as this time of the year typically sees an uptick in home and house fires.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2010 to 2014, fire departments in the U.S. annually responded to an average of 210 fires that could be traced back to Christmas trees. On average, one of every 34 Christmas tree-related fires resulted in a death, compared to the average of one death for every 142 home fires. A full third of these Christmas tree fires began because of faulty or haphazard holiday lighting and wiring. When disposing of a tree, do not leave it inside a home or building, or place it against the exterior of a home or building. In both cases, the tree is dried out and thus poses an increased fire hazard.

Having working smoke alarms is critical in protecting against fires. Three of every five home fire deaths in the U.S. occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms.

CAREER AND EDUCATION FAIR — Erie Community College’s Cisco Networking Academy will host a Career and Education Fair to promote its degree and non-degree options at South Campus. The fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, in Building 5.

The fair will include free career workshops, presentations, demonstrations and panel discussions. Several informational technology companies will be represented and looking to hire qualified individuals. Advisers from ECC’s Networking and Telecommunications Technology Program will be available to assist prospective students.

Instant admissions will be offered to students who bring in a valid high school transcript, but this transcript is not necessary for individuals wishing only to take a few classes as a non-matriculated student.

The certificate program can be completed either full time or part time. The full-time sequence can be completed in less than nine months while attending class twice per week.

Refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be raffled off throughout the event. For information and reservations, contact program coordinator James Stranz at 851-1737, email stranz@ecc.edu or visit www.ecc.edu/cisco-academy/.