Every time I visit the Central Library, perched like some mammoth stone beast on the edge of the Genesee, I'm reminded of how awesome it is that we Rochesterians have our own river, and several waterfalls along it, too. But what does Genny mean to us today, and where is she taking us? Time travel through Rochester's history in both directions by attending two local-interest lectures happening this week.

"Rediscovering The Rambling River" takes place Tuesday, February 9, at the Greece Town Hall (1 Vince Tofany Blvd), 7-8 p.m. Democrat & Chronicle journalists Jeff Blackwell and Max Schulte will discuss their travels along the entire length of the Genesee River, and their visiting of sites from Arch Merrill's 1943 book "The River Ramble." The talk is free, but donations to the Greece Historical Society are welcome.

Shift to the present day and check out the distinct personalities of our neighborhoods at the next edition of Mayor Robert Duffy's "One City Series" of lectures, in which community panelists will discuss the backgrounds and current identities of three dynamic neighborhoods, and also forecast their futures. The lecture on Thursday, February 4, will highlight the less focused-on Neighborhood 14621, and follow up-talks will feature the 19th Ward (February 11) and the South Wedge (February 25). Each of these free lectures begins at 7 p.m. at the Dugan Center at St. Mary's Church, 15 St. Mary's Place. For details, call 232-7140 or visit cityofrochester.gov.