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Author Jeff Schettler visits Present Tense

By Daniel Crofts

Jeff Schettler, author of "Red Dog Rising," will be at Present Tense, at 101 Washington Ave. in Batavia, from 5 until 6 p.m. on Friday, July 9.

Schettler's presentation will include a slide show of K9 training as well as a trained K9 on site.

For more information, contact Present Tense at 815-7640, or e-mail info@presenttensebooks.com.

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First Presbyterian of Batavia welcomes Knox Youth Choir

By Daniel Crofts

The Knox Youth Choir of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio -- famous for its musical heritage -- will put on a concert at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 7 in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church, at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia.

These young singers are touring the Northeast to share their musical talent, entertain and inspire. Their concert in Batavia is free and open to the public.

Please contact Erin Schubmehl at 343-0505, ext. 5 for more info.

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Town of Batavia Fire Department hosts 'Harley Raffle'

By Daniel Crofts

On Saturday, July 24, the Town of Batavia's Volunteer Fire Department will hold its 11th annual Harley Davidson raffle drawing at the Rec Hall, at 8382 Lewiston Road in the Town of Batavia. It will last from 7 until 11:59 p.m. Participants need not be present to win.

There are 2700 tickets available on a first-come-first-served basis. If you are interested, send a $20 check or money order to the following address:

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Genesee County Fair is less than a month away

By Daniel Crofts

The annual Genesee County Fair will be held from Tuesday, July 20 until Saturday, July 24 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, at 5056 E. Main St. Road in Batavia. Admission is free, but there will be a $5 charge for parking.

The fair will last from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. each day, with rides starting at 4 p.m. Kids and families can ride as much as they want for $10.

Grandstand events, a car show, parade, food, animals, a queen contest and entertainment will also be included.

Additionally, this year's fair will have a new feature: people are invited to sell crafts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Call 344-2424 for further details.

'Surfer Kelly' invites young readers to the library this summer

By Daniel Crofts

The Richmond Memorial Library is about ready to kick off its 2010 Summer Reading Program. The theme this year is "Make a Splash at Your Library."

Things are hectic at the library, because they just got a memo that the Richmond Reader is missing! The library will need the help of all young readers to find him this summer:

Visit the library, at 19 Ross St. in Batavia, to register for the Summer Reading Program.

Genesee County Fair

By Daniel Crofts

The annual Genesee County Fair will be held from Tuesday, July 20 until Saturday, July 24 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, at 5056 E. Main St. Road in Batavia. Admission is free, but there will be a $5 charge for parking.

The fair will last from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m. each day, with rides starting at 4 p.m. Kids and families can ride as much as they want for $10.

Grandstand events, a car show, a parade, food, animals, a queen contest and entertainment will also be included.

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First Baptist Church of LeRoy hosts a Country Breakfast Buffet

By Daniel Crofts

The First Baptist Church, at 5 E. Main St. in LeRoy, will hold a Country Breakfast Buffet from 7:30 to 19 a.m. on Saturday, July 17. Proceeds will benefit the church.

Items to be served include: ham, sausage, scrambled eggs, pancakes, coffee cake and beverages. Takeouts will be available as well.

The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 4-12 and free for children 3 and under.

Call the church at 768-7600 for more details.

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Retiring children's librarian admired by children, families and colleagues

By Daniel Crofts

Sandy Gillard, center, hasn't not worked in 38 years.

She has worked at Batavia's Richmond Memorial Library since 1972, went back to school for her bachelor's and MLS (Master of Library Science) degrees while raising three sons about 20 years ago, and has worked very hard to make the library a fun and welcoming place for kids and their families. 

Gillard is retiring this year, and Tuesday of next week will be her last day as children's librarian at Richmond.

On Wednesday, families and friends gathered at a reception -- held in the library's Children's Room -- to express their appreciation for her years of service.

Gina Bergman was one of the parents in attendence. She had a lot to say about what Gillard has meant to her family -- especially to her 7-year-old daughter, Amanda.

"Amanda adores her," Bergman said. "She always treats her like a rock star whenever we see her in public -- like at a restaurant she'll say, 'Oh my gosh, it's Mrs. Gillard! Let's go say hi!' She's really instilled in Amanda a love for the library."

Pictured Gillard with Robert Bombard, 11, who presents her with a flower as a token of his esteem.

"I say she's very important [to the library]," Bombard said. "She brings people to the library with her niceness. It's always great to see someone with such laughter and joy."

Gillard has had a similar effect on other library staff members as well. Kathleen Facer, reference and technology librarian at Richmond, has worked with her for many years and come to know her very well, both as a librarian and as a person.

"Whether in working with the public or with fellow staff members," Facer said, "Sandy's knowledge, enthusiasm and kindness have always been an inspiration."

"She has really come to define the Children's Room here at the library," said Library Director Diana Wyrwa. "She's developed it so much over the years, and she's always proven to be very good at literature selection. I've had many librarians tell me that the Richmond Library has one of the best children's literature collections available."

Having begun her job as library director in 2004, Wyrwa says that she came to the library "at the apex" of Gillard's career, "where we have 700 kids coming to the library and many different programs for children."

One of Gillard's major contributions to the library has been the development of the Summer Reading Program, which she admits is one of the aspects of her job that she will miss.

"I love the creativity of planning and collaborating with my husband (who builds set pieces based on each summer program's theme) to transform the Children's Room into a magical place," Gillard said. "I will miss describing an idea and watching Craig make it a reality. We make a good team!"

She will also miss her colleagues and the families she works with, with whom she has formed deep connections.

"She always remembers the kids," Bergman said. "It's amazing. Sometimes someone will come in who she had in Story Hour 30 years ago, and she'll still talk about the things they used to do when they were little."

Amy Joslyn, a former clerk at Richmond and now a children's librarian in Fairport, said that Gillard influenced her decision to go back to school and become a librarian. Part of Gillard's influence was the fact that she "brought the library to the community."

"She's always been the link," Joslyn said. "To the kids, she was the library. She really loves her job, loves the kids and relates well to parents. She was a big influence on me."

Pictured Gillard, far right, back at the beginning of her career (photographer unknown).

In a way, Gillard's retirement marks the end of an era. At 38 years, she is the library's senior staff member. She has seen many changes throughout her career, but some things have stayed the same.

"What I've seen change is the amount of media attention and commercialization books get," Gillard said. "There are dolls, board games, TV characters, movies, etc., based on children’s books. Still, really good books are being published now just like years ago."

She also notes the way technology and the availability of release dates, etc., online has influenced changes in young audiences.

"In the 1970s children came to the library to see what new books were available. Now they come to the library wanting to know if you have the latest title in a series. They know the release date and expect that you will have the book on the shelves ready for them to take home."

But as the decades have progressed and changes have come and gone, one thing has remained constant: Gillard's love for her profession.

"I have been the luckiest person in the world," she said, "because I have been paid to do what I love. Richmond Library is Batavia’s greatest asset. The board (of directors) and staff and Friends of the Library have been a joy to work with, and I am proud to have had a small part in building a Children’s Room that is the envy of people from other communities."

In retirement, Gillard plans to volunteer in the community, spend time with her elderly mother, travel with her husband and read (of course).

For more details about Gillard and her career, have a look at this Q&A, which was conducted about a year ago.

Winemaker visits GoArt!

By Daniel Crofts

Jonathan Oakes, viticulturalist at the Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, will visit GoArt!'s Seymour Place, at 201 E. Main St. in Batavia, on Tuesday, July 13, to talk about the art and science of winemaking. The event will last from 6 until 8 p.m. and costs $18 per GoArt! member and $20 per non-member.

Wine lovers will get to taste samples from the Oakes estate and enjoy a themed dinner to go along with the event.

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Civil War encampment at Holland Land Office Museum

By Daniel Crofts

The Fourth South Carolina Infantry will put on a Civil War Encampment at the Holland Land Office Museum, at 131 W. Main St. in Batavia, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 10.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Marilyn Drilling at 343-4727.

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Lynyrd Skynyrd at Darien Lake!

By Daniel Crofts

The rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, at Darien Lake's Performing Arts Center, at 9993 Alleghany Rd. in Darien Center.

For more information -- including cost -- call the Performing Arts Center at 599-5040.

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Students' artistic abilities showcased at close of academic year

By Daniel Crofts

For a year-end project, I thought it would be cool to take some video and pictures of music- and arts-related activities -- respectively -- in the Genesee County schools.

The following video is 20 minutes long and divided into two parts (Youtube limits most users to about 10 minutes per video). It features concert footage from various schools in the county.

PART 1

PART 2

I have to make a quick apology for the poor video quality in a couple of instances. I had to be very careful to protect the identity of the kids (the ones photographed without parental approval), so I made sure none of the students' faces appeared too clearly on camera; plus, to be honest, the first camera I used turned out to be pretty awful when it came to taking video (even while taking decent pictures).

I also feel bad that I couldn't include every group I filmed in the video. My selections were based on a combination of different criteria, including:

  •  making sure the best songs were included
  •  making sure all of the schools I visited were included
  •  arranging the selections in a way that flowed nicely

So there's the music part. Here are some pictures I was able to take of art work done by Elba and Leroy students:

ELBA ELEMENTARY ART

Kindergartener Cody Soules stands in front of his drawing of a tree branch (top right).

First-grader Taylor Augello stands with her rendition of Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" (right above her head).

 

ELBA HIGH SCHOOL ART

Both of the following pictures were submitted by Dan Carnevale. Sophomore Sydney Gallup (top photo) and two unidentified students stand with their drawings.

LEROY JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (art and artists)

 

Also, see the May 27 announcement on the winners of the Architectural Drawing contest for fourth-graders.

Congratulations all of the students for a job well done!

New summer camp lets middle schoolers go techie for a day

By Daniel Crofts

The Genesee County Business/Education Alliance (BEA) is holding the first of what they hope will be an annual summer camp this year. It's called the "MST Explorer Camp," and will engage middle-schoolers in hands-on activities related to careers in math, science and technology.

This is a first for BEA, which hosts a "MASH (Medical Academy of Science and Health) Camp" and a "Culinary Camp" every summer (see last month's announcement for more details on these and for pictures).

BEA Coordinator Melinda Chamberlin started planning the MST camp in the spring, along with Debbie Dunlevy, who works with GCC's Tech Prep Program, and Bob Hollwedel, a technology instructor at Alexander Middle School.

Clay Maderer, a technology teacher at Batavia Middle School and a member of the MST camp's development team, said that the idea arose, in part, from the success and popularity of GCC'S Tech Wars.

"We wanted to see that type of activity carry over into the summer," Maderer said.

Current job market trends, both in the Western New York area and in the nation as a whole, were also a factor.

"We hope this brings home to students the relevance of these subjects in the real world," Chamberlin said. "We also hope it shows them that math, science and technology can be cool and interesting."

All of BEA's camps are geared toward middle-schoolers. According to Chamberlin, those students are at a stage of development at which they can start to become passionate about certain subjects and find out what they like.

"They're at an age where you can really start to influence their career interests," she said. "That doesn't mean forcing them into anything, it just means that we can, and should, help them to become more well-informed about career choices (before they spend a lot of money on college)."

Although the MST has not been done before, the MASH and Culinary camps have both gotten great responses from students.

"They love it," Chamberlin said. "Some of them will even go from one camp to another."

The MST camp will include presentations given by professionals in a variety of different fields, exposing the kids to specific math, science and technology-related careers. For instance, representatives from Time Warner Cable will do a session on how the company delivers information to the world.

Additionally, a middle-school-age race car driver (along with others) will be there to help teach them about aerodynamics.

But these "instructors" are not just going to be feeding kids information, like in a stereotypical classroom setting. All of the planned activities are hands-on, so the students will be able to learn by direct, personal engagement.

Charles "Chip" Malone of Cornell Cooperative Extension will be in charge of an energy exhibit where the kids will try to activate various appliances -- including cell phones, lights and kitchen appliances -- by peddling stationary bicycles (thus generating an air current)...

"...which is really cool," Malone said. "They'll have a lot of fun with that."

The idea, according to Hollwedel, is to help them gain an "appreciation of how much energy the things they own use."

The kids will also work at designing their own bridges, modifying/adapting CO2 cars to run more efficiently and racing them to find out whose is the best.

MST is a one-day camp. There will be two sessions -- one on July 20 for boys, and another on July 21 for girls. Both sessions will be at Batavia Middle School, at 96 Ross St. in Batavia, and last from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The decision to devote one day to each gender group was based on the observations of middle-school teachers and made for the benefit of the kids.

"Girls tend to be resistant in technology class," Hollwedel said, "because boys are stereotypically more inclined toward technology, tools, etc. So with guys around, the girls can become intimidated and afraid to try things on their own."

"If the camp were co-ed, the girls would be more likely to just go along with what the guys say," said Samantha Lippman, a science teacher at Alexander Middle School and a member of the MST development team. "This way they can work independently, pitch in and come up with their own ideas. And with all the hands-on activities, they'll be able to see that they can do it."

"What we want to do for both boys and girls," Chamberlin said, "is give them an opportunity to excel and to work without having to worry about intimidation or pressure."

The MST Camp is open to all students in Genesee County who will be entering grades 7, 8 and 9 in the fall. There is room for 11 more students, and registrations will be accepted until July 2.

There is a $25 admission fee to cover operating expenses and lunch for the students.

For details, call Chamberlin at 343-7440, ext. 25, or e-mail mchamberlin@mail.geneseeny.com.

Stafford Fireman's Carnival runs through the weekend

By Daniel Crofts

The Stafford Volunteer Fire Department's annual four-day carnival starts at 6 p.m. tonight and ends at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The carnival takes place at the fire station, at 6153 Main Road in Stafford, and will include rides, games, refreshments, parades, live music, a drawing for a 1965 Nassau Blue Corvette Convertible, a clam stand, a flea market, a fireman's chicken BBQ, a Kiddie Tractor Pull and Saturday evening fireworks and more.

The dates/times are as follows:

6 to 10 p.m., Thursday, June 17

6 to 11 p.m., Friday, June 18 (there will also be a fish fry at 4 p.m. in the Fire Hall)

Noon to 5 p.m., and 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 19

Noon to 5 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m., Sunday, June 20

Fore more details, including costs, visit the Stafford Volunteer Fire Department's website at www.staffordvfd.org, call 343-2909 or e-mail svfd@rochester.rr.com.

Stafford Fireman's Carnival starts tonight

By Daniel Crofts

The Stafford Volunteer Fire Department's annual four-day carnival starts at 6 p.m. tonight and ends at 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The carnival takes place at the fire station, at 6153 Main Road in Stafford, and will include rides, games, refreshments, parades, live music, a drawing for a 1965 Nassau Blue Corvette Convertible, a cam stand, a flea market, a fireman's chicken BBQ, a Kiddie Tractor Pull and Saturday evening fireworks and more.

The dates/times are as follows:

6 to 10 p.m., Thursday, June 17

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Churchgoers get down and dirty with planting project

By Daniel Crofts

From left: Two unnamed memebers of the Batavia's First Presbyterian Church, Beth Stich and Judy Tomkinson.

 A plot of land on South Main St. Road will once again be the site for the second annual "God's Little Acre" planting project of Batavia's First Presbyterian Church.

Members will be growing a variety of crops throughout the summer and into the fall, including tomatoes -- regular, cherry, Roma and beef steak -- pumpkins, winter and summer squash, cucumbers, zucchini and corn. All products will be donated to community members in need (shut-ins, for example).

"We'll probably be out here a couple times a week," Stich said. "It'll be on an as-needed basis."

More pictures:

 

 

The land is owned by J.C. Riley, who has allowed First Presbyterian to use it for this project the past two years.

Volunteers are welcome to assist with planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office at 343-0505.

Flooding causes damage at Oakfield library, books lost

By Daniel Crofts

It appears that when Mother Nature heard that "Make a Splash at Your Library" was going to be the theme of the Haxton Memorial Library's upcoming summer reading program, she took it a bit too literally.

Interim Library Director and Children's Librarian Kimberly Gibson met with a surprise when she came into work on Monday morning. She went downstairs to the children's room, followed by a group of youngsters eager for story hour...only to find the place flooded up to her ankles.

She called in Warren's Carpet Cleaning Service to take care of the problem -- which was no easy task.

"It took two full days to to dry the place out," Gibson said. "And they had to use 10 huge blowers and two humungous dehumidifiers."

The water extended from it's point of origin (which is inside the room slightly right of center, behind the table) all the way to the carpet used for story hours and also sideways to where the stairs are located.

The Warren's employees on the job told Gibson it was lucky she contacted them when she did, because the humidity was already at a very dangerous level.

"We probably would have lost all of our carpeting and everything if we'd waited much longer," Gibson said.

Things could have been a lot worse, and the place is steadily drying out. The saddest part of this whole ordeal for Gibson, though, is that she had just purchased 22 ocean-related books for the summer reading program, and 13 of them were completely ruined.

"I don't think we're going to be able to salvage them," she said. "It's crushing, because I worked so hard to plan these programs, and I bought these books because I thought the kids would really like them. In fact I was just getting ready to put them on display."

The flooding resulted from this past weekend's continual torrential rain -- which, according to Library Trustee Ann Engel, Oakfield residents are saying amounted to about two and a half inches.

Gibson said the same thing happened six years ago.

"We've been lucky not to have anything happen in six years," she said. "But this time it was worse than before."

In spite of this misfortune, Gibson has tried to remain upbeat and to keep her leadership mentality all along. After the initial shock of discovery on Monday morning, she immediately resolved to "just stay focused and get things taken care of as soon as possible." 

"She's a trooper," another library trustee said of Gibson.

Still, Gibson, the library's two other staff members, and the board of trustees would gladly accept any assistance the community would be willing to provide. Gibson said that monetary donations would be especially helpful.

"We have a small budget here at Haxton, and this is obviously going to cost more money than we had planned on spending. With the cost of the books [that were ruined] and the bill for Warren's services, we would certainly welcome any monetary assistance."

The Haxton Library has basic insurance, but they are hoping that they will not need to turn to that to pay for the damages.

"We have a $2,500 deductible," Gibson said, "so we don't want to go to our insurance unless we have to. We don't know what the overall cost will be yet, but hopefully it won't exceed that. Plus, I'm not sure if flood damage is covered, since that kind of thing is fairly unusual in this area of the country."

Gibson arranged for all children's activities to be held upstairs this week, but she hopes to have the children's room open to patrons again on Monday.

Rides, food and fun for the whole family at St. Joe's Lawn Fete

By Daniel Crofts

You are invited to St. Joseph's Lawn Fete, which will be held on the Church grounds, at the corner of Main and Summit in Batavia.

This annual event includes a car raffle, carnival rides, food and games for children.

Lawn Fete times are as follows:

6 to 11 p.m., Friday, June 11

1 to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 12

12 to 10 p.m., Sunday, June 13

For more information, including ticket purchase information, please call St. Joseph's Church at 343-5800.

GCC and Genesee Center for the Arts offer improv workshop for actors

By Daniel Crofts

An improvisation workshop will be offered on Wednesday, June 23, for people 15 and older at Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre, at 1 College Rd. in Batavia. It will start at 6 p.m. and last about four hours. Cost is $25.

This is part of a series of "Summer Theatre Workshops" that GCC is offering until June 30, in conjunction with the Genesee Center for the Arts. These workshops give aspiring actors the chance to learn from people who have acted professionally. The improvisation workshop is geared toward helping people learn to act spontaneously and playfully.

For more information, call GCC at 343-0055. For more details on the Summer Theatre Workshops, go to: http://www.genesee.edu/index.cfm/general/dspArticle/campuslife.arts/calendar.cfm

Correction: 'Batavia native brings fresh creative energy to local theater'

By Daniel Crofts

In the June 6 article, "Batavia native brings fresh creative energy to local theater," Heather Ackerman was quoted as saying that the East Bethany Old Town Hall (her theater company's venue) has seating for 100 people.

The East Bethany town supervisor has since stated that the venue can really only seat 50 people. Because of the building's age, town officials do not feel comfortable with it being advertised for too large a crowd.

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