Get ready, mark your calender and go to the annual fun, free Community Skate on Thanksgiving morning, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

It's from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Falleti Ice Arena on Evans Street in Batavia.

Admission is free, rentals are free (while supplies last) and so's the hot chocolate.

This is one way the club says thanks for supporting its fundraisers and programs throughout the year.

Happy Turkey Day!

The Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (GO ART!) is proud to host Mike Randall in Batavia on Sunday, Dec. 20 for “Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol.”

The program will take place at 2 p.m. at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St. (Route 5) in Batavia.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased at GO ART!, Roxy’s Music Center, The Enchanted Florist, Genesee County Senior Center or at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.GOart.org under “Events.” All seating is general admission.

Randall’s production of “Charles Dickens Presents: A Christmas Carol” has been a big success since its premiere in 2007. A lover of Buffalo history and presenter of one-person shows, when Mike Randall discovered that Charles Dickens himself performed in Buffalo in 1868, he decided to recreate Dickens’ most well-known story -- “A Christmas Carol.”

Although more readily renowned as an author, Charles Dickens was also a highly popular performer. According to author Matt Shinn “Dickens developed a new, composite art form in his stage performances, acting out specially adapted passages from his own works and varying his expressions and speech patterns, so that it seemed as if he were becoming possessed by the characters he created.”

What Randall finds most intriguing about Dickens and his Readings is the way the author threw himself into the performances, by not just reading the words, but becoming the characters on stage.

Randall has performed a variety of roles in theaters around the country. He continues to perform his critically acclaimed, one-man portrayal of “Mark Twain Live!” He also spent time as the Marvelous Magical Burger King where he perfected his abilities as a magician and live family entertainer. Randall is also a member of the Puppeteers of America.

Meanwhile, Meteorologist Mike Randall covers the weather duties for WKBW-TV in Buffalo each weeknight. He's also an award-winning feature reporter, having interviewed celebrities like Willie Nelson, Jerry Lewis, John Candy, Steve Allen, Red Skelton, Gregory Peck and Robert Goulet. Mike has been with the station since 1983.

For additional information, contact the Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council at 585-343-9313, email info@goart.org or visit www.GOart.org or www.CharlesDickensLive.com.

Mike Randall can be reached at (716) 840-7751, mrandall@charlesdickenslive.com
 

Downtown Batavia businesses are wanted to join in the holiday spirit at the 14th Annual Christmas in the City Festival, which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.

Activities will include entertainment in the stores and on the main stage at the Batavia City Centre, a variety of vendors selling food and holiday gifts. There will be free horse and wagon rides, coupons for Saturday shoppers and lots more for all ages.

For more information and applications for being a vendor please contact Don Burkel, Batavia Business Improvement District at 585-344-0900 or visit our website: www.downtownbataviany.com

Tomorrow is National Memory Screening Day. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of American (AFA) and Assemblyman Steve Hawley encourage all seniors in the City of Batavia and the surrounding region to have a memory screening.

The free screening will available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Kmart Pharmacy, located at 8363 Lewiston Roadin Batavia.

"Memory loss is one of the first signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s and it is imperative we do everything in our power to protect seniors from this devastating disorder,” Hawley said in a press release.

At the screening, qualified healthcare professionals will offer confidential memory screenings and information about Alzheimer’s disease, along with information regarding local resources for healthy aging.

Approximately 4.5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or related illness and it is estimated that the number will triple to more than 16 million by mid-century. The greatest risk factor for memory loss and Alzheimer’s is age, with this risk doubling every five years after the age of 65.

As part of this year’s awareness campaign, AFA also hosted commemorative candle lighting ceremonies nationwide on Nov. 15. For more information about any other memory loss questions, please visit

or call 866-AFA-8484.

The Genesee Center for the Arts at Genesee Community College is holding open auditions for two musicals, scheduled for the spring of 2010.

Auditions for "Chicago" and children's theater "Anansi the Spider and the Middle Passage" are scheduled at 6 p.m. for Monday, Dec. 14 and Tuesday, Dec. 15 in the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus. These auditions are open to the public and all ages and types of actors are welcome.

Auditions will include singing and dancing combinations and script reading from both shows. Participants should bring sheet music for their audition, a pianist will be provided.

"Chicago" is a Kander and Ebb musical set in Prohibition Era Chicago. The show begins with murder, greed, violence, treachery and corruption. It is set in the Roaring Twenties that were noted for hot jazz and cold-blooded killers. It is the story of a chorus girl named Roxie. She has killed her lover, however she is acquitted thanks to a sleazy lawyer. She dreams of the leading role in a vaudeville show. Roxie teams up with another murderess, Velma Kelly, and together they form an unusual nightclub act which is aimed at keeping them in the spotlight.

"Chicago" is scheduled for April 8-11 at the Genesee Center for the Arts.

"Anansi the Spider and the Middle Passage" is about Anansi, the celebrated spider from African folklore, who tells the story of an African mother and daughter who are kidnapped and sold into slavery. In prison, and later on a slave ship coming to America, the mother calms her daughter by telling her stories of Anansi. With each story, Anansi springs to life along with other characters for action-packed, light-hearted adventures. Taking comfort in Anansi's stories, she is no longer afraid and makes it through the grueling journey on the slave ship. When mother and daughter arrive in America as slaves, they carry with them the folk tales and wisdom of their homeland.

"Anansi the Spider and the Middle Passage" is scheduled for March 10-12 at the Genesee Center for the Arts.

For more information, please contact Maryanne Arena, director of Fine and Performing Arts at Genesee, at 343-0055 x6439.

There will be a fundraiser for the McMahon School of Irish Dance from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 at St. Joseph School, located at 2 Summit Drive in Batavia.

Teams and solo competitors from the dance school will provide entertainment. Come out and support the dancers in their effort to raise money to compete in the Regional Championships in Philadelphia over Thanksgiving.

Admission is $5 and includes hors d'oeuvres, snacks and soda pop. There will also be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and Chinese auction. All proceeds benefit the McMahon School of Irish Dance Regional Competitors. For tickets and information call 813-8701 or e-mail:   mcmahondance@hotmail.com

Genesee Cancer Assistance will benefit from a big spaghetti dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

The charitable fundraiser will be at the Holy Name of Mary Church hall, located at 8656 Church St. in East Pembroke.

Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children 5 to 12. Takeouts are available.

For tickets call, 343-5553, or just show up and pay at the door.

It's sponsored by Francesco Rinaldi, Tops Market in Batavia and the Batavia Downs Casino.

Sen. Michael H. Ranzenhofer will hold a Veterans Outreach Program from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12  in the auditorium of the Batavia VA Medical Center, located at 222 Richmond Ave.

The focus will be to inform veterans about benefits as well as present special opportunities for veterans, including networking and business start-up programs.

Veterans will be able to with a great opportunity learn firsthand about the most current information from accredited representatives of the VA Medical Center, Genesee County Veterans Service Agency, Vietnam Veterans of America and the New York State Small Business Development Center.

Also, updates pertaining to benefits will be provided and veterans may ask questions pertaining to their individual circumstances.

To RSVP for the program or for additional information, please contact Senator Ranzenhofer’s District Office by phone at (716) 631-8695 or 1-800-597-3517.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C – Batavia) is again partnering with State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer and Congressman Christopher J. Lee to hold a community meeting to better assist Western New York residents.

The next one is set for 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in the legislative conference room at the Old Courthouse on Main Street in the City of 
Batavia
. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend.

The meeting will include representatives from the elected officials' offices.

“These open meetings are an excellent opportunity for our state, federal and, I hope, local governments to partner together so that we can better address the issues facing our communities," Hawley said in a press release. "I look forward to our continued partnership in serving the people of Western New York."

For more information, please contact Assemblyman Hawley’s district office at (585) 589-5780.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Main Road (Route 5) in Stafford will hold a Fall Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct 24. "A wonderful lunch will be served along with baked goods for sale." There will be lots to see, do and buy, too.

The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce invites the community to attend its Annual Meeting to be held 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Bohn’s Restaurant.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State.

It is the state's largest and most influential business association representing more than 3,000 member businesses, chambers of commerce, and professional and trade associations.

Its mission is to create economic growth, good jobs and strong communities throughout New York by shaping public policy to improve the state's economy. Insight on the inner workings of Albany and what can be done to improve the Upstate economy will be Ken’s focus.

Cost is $20. Please call Executive Assistant Melissa George at the chamber to make a reservation. Her number is (585) 343-7440, ext. 27.

The 4-H Achievement/Fun Night will be held on Friday, Oct. 30 at the Genesee County Fairgrounds – Kennedy Building. This fun-filled event starts at 5:30 p.m and is open to all 4-H families. "4-H appropriate" Halloween Costumes are encouraged.

Come enjoy an evening of games and crafts, hotdogs, snacks, hayrides, pumpkin and face painting, and lasershot. Following the activities, there will be 4-H member awards and recognition. The evening will end with s’mores and songs around a campfire.
 
A nominal fee of $2 per person or a family of five or more pays $10. This will help to cover the cost of food (hotdogs, rolls, etc.). The fee will need to be paid the night of the event at the door.
 
Families are also encouraged to bring a bag of candy, chips, or dish/dessert to pass to share with all attending.
 
Pre-registration for this event is required by calling Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106. When you register please provide names of family members attending, as well as the number.
 
For more information about this event, contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040 x106, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main Street in Batavia, or visit our website at: www.genesee.shutterfly.com <http://www.genesee.shutterfly.com/> .
 

The third biennial “Meet the Candidates Night” will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday Oct. 29 at the Stafford Town Hall Courtroom on Route 237.
 
The candidates for office of Town Council include: Ronald Panek (R), of Thwing Road; Don Mullen (R), of Sweetland Road; and Michelle Macan Mouery (D), of Main Road.

For Highway Superintendent: Steven Boldt (R, D,C ), of Clipnock Road; and James Pontillo (C), of Griswold Road.

For Town Clerk: Walter Kershenski (D), of East Main Road.
 
Margaret DeBellis of Horseshoe Lake will preside and introduce the participants. Moderator Ralph Garnish of Stafford Country Club will organize written questions from residents and pose them to the candidates for discussion.
 
At 8:45 P.M. all attendees are invited to mingle and enjoy local cider and doughnuts with the candidates, friends and neighbors.
 
For additional information, contact Margaret DeBellis at 585-943-0674.

 

The Genesee County Business Education Alliance celebrates its 20th Anniversary at its annual breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. It will be at Terry Hills Golf Course and Banquet Facility in Batavia. 

From the inception of the BEA, numerous partnerships have been formed between education and businesses, and many of them continue to this day. Its continuing mission is to foster partnerships and assist students in preparing for the world of work.

At the breakfast, there will be an exciting program to commemorate 20 years of working with businesses and schools. 

If you have any questions, please contact Melinda Chamberlin at mchamberlin@geneseeny.com or at 343-7440 ext. 25.

The Volunteers for Animals of Batavia will hold the 7th annual Fur Ball beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Holiday Inn.

It is located at 8250 Park Road in Batavia.

The public is invited to attend and enjoy desserts and refreshments with friends.

There will be oodles of fun, including a Chinese auction, door prizes, raffles, including a 50/50 and special ones to win a cat tree and a wireless "invisible" fence.

Tickets are $20 in advance for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. ALL tickets cost $25 each at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Genesee County Animal Shelter, 3841 W. Main St. Road in Batavia.

All proceeds go to spay and neuter dogs and cats before adoption. Last year, the event raised $5,000 for this purpose.

For more information, contact the Volunteers for Animals at www dot vol4animals dot org or phone 409-4309.

The annual Popcorn Ball to benefit St. Joseph School is being overseen by Jill Kratz. The Nov. 14 event will celebrate the school's Golden Anniversary -- 50 years of excellence in education.

The selection of Kratz was not happenstance for this momentous occassion. It was made in no small part because of her roots in the community.

She is the granddaughter of the original Popcorn Ball organizers -- Anthony and Teresa Peca.

Although the world is vastly different from the way it was in 1959, some things remain constant. One of them is the care and attention that volunteers and parents contribute to St. Joseph's.

Kratz is active in the Home School Association, which is sponsor of this year's Popcorn Ball. Jill and her husband, John, have three children, one at home and two attending St. Joseph School.
 
The organizing committee would like to encourage alumni to join in the 50th anniversary celebration. Jill Kratz says any photographs of past galas would be gratefully appreciated.

The Popcorn Ball will be held from 6 p.m. until midnight at the school, located at 2 Summit Drive in Batavia. Music will be provided by Rochester’s The RatPack. Dinner will be catered by Alex’s Place.

For further information please call Mrs. Kratz at 585-219-4405 or email her at jcjk2003@aol.com.

Notre Dame High School will play host to the 2009 Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, Oct. 28, sponsored by the City of Batavia Democratic Committee.

It will be an informal night of discussion and an opportunity to get to know the candidates who are running for County Legislature and City Council. It will begin at 7 p.m. in the Cafeteria at Notre Dame School, located at 73 Union St. in Batavia.

“This a wonderful opportunity for the candidates to meet one-on-one with their neighbors and constituents concerning local issues," said City Democratic Chairman Patrick Burk in a press release. “It allows for dialogue and sharing.” 

The event will include coffee and refreshments and all city residents are invited to attend. 

City Council-at-Large Candidates Sara Burk-Balbi, Phil Ricci and Julie Wallace will be available along with Rose Mary Christian, Chris Charvella and Ed DeJaneiro, the County Legisilature candidates who represent the City of Batavia.

“We hope neighbors and friends and all city residents do stop in and let us know their ideas and concerns,” Burk said. “It is an open forum and everyone is invited to attend. It is our hope that our representatives on City Council and County Legislature will continue to look into and discuss issues as they are brought forward. Communication is the key.”

The Pavilion Public Library will hold its annual Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17. It takes place at the Pavilion Fire Department/ Recreation Hall, located at 11302 S. Lake Road.

The sale will make more room for a large amount of new books.

Prices are as follows:
Hard Cover -- $1 each
Paperback -- .50 cents each or five for $2
Videos -- $1 each

On Saturday, whatever is left will be offered for a buck a bag.
 
Also, on Saturday only, the Friends of the Pavilion Public Library will be on hand offering baked goods for a suggested donation.

For more information please contact the Pavilion Public Library Director, Suzanne Schauf at 585-584-8843.

Local artist Victor Corey brings his talents to Genesee Community College's Lobby Art Gallery with "Watercolor Landscapes." The exhibit will run Oct. 15 through Dec. 1 and feature large-scale watercolor paintings that capture nature and the outdoors in beautiful detail. 

An opening artist's reception is scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. when the exhibit opens next Thursday.

Corey is a Batavia native and has worked in the arts his entire life. He previously worked as a technical illustrator and has taken up painting as a hobby over the last few years. His exhibit in the Lobby Art Gallery is his first public showing and will consist of approximately 16 pieces.

His works depict landscapes, various sportsmen-themed panoramas, including fishing and hunting, as well as travel-themed pieces from his travels throughout Germany.

"We're pleased to have Victor's inaugural showing at the Lobby Art Gallery," said Heather Jones, instructor of Fine Arts. "Genesee Community College is a wonderful outlet for our community members to showcase their creative talents. Whether it's a first-time exhibitor, or a seasoned artist, Genesee welcomes an assortment of exhibitors to the gallery."

The Watercolor Landscapes Exhibit is free and open to the public. The Lobby Art Gallery is housed inside the Stuart Steiner Theatre at the Batavia Campus and is open during normal academic hours.

For further information, please contact instructor Jones at 585-343-0055 x6448, or at hsjones@genesee.edu.