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Alexander United Methodist Church Kids Art Studio has debut exhibit now on display at GO ART!

By Billie Owens
Submitted photo and press release:
 
Alexander United Methodist Church (AUMC) Kids Art Studio presents their first exhibit on display now at GO ART! through May 4.
 
There will be an artist reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23.
 
The gallery is open:
 
Thursday & Friday -- 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday -- 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
 
GO ART! is located in the historic Seymour Place building in Downtown Batavia at 201 E. Main St.

Reminder: City conducting household survey to support grant application for home improvements

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The City of Batavia is “All In” to revitalize our city through economic development and housing programs that will raise our standard of living and make our community one of the most attractive places, to live, work, and play.

The City is considering applying for Federal grant assistance to help income eligible owner-occupied single-family homeowners with essential home improvements.

Sometimes the smallest things we can do for our neighborhoods can have the biggest impact. Home improvements are a catalyst for changing the look and feel of a neighborhood and improving residents’ quality of life.

Here in Batavia, Summit Street is a perfect example of a street coming back to life with vibrancy and is now a model for other transformations across our City. When one resident makes improvements to their home, others follow.

Grant funds would enable homeowners to make home repairs with grant and deferred-loan funding. Any single-family homeowner is encouraged to apply.

If you own a single-family home in need of repairs please download the survey from the City’s “Useful Links” tab on the City’s homepage at www.batavianewyork.com. Click on Residential Rehabilitation Survey or pick up a survey in the City Manager’s office at City Hall.

The deadline to submit surveys to the City Manager is April 19.

The City’s goals include the following:

1.        Create a viable urban community with decent housing.

2.        Ensure a suitable living environment for all (safe, sanitary and habitable dwellings).

3.        Expanding economic opportunities for all including persons of low to moderate income.

4.        Rehabilitate the City knowing that it starts with one building at a time.

The City of Batavia is requesting your full cooperation to help us obtain housing rehabilitation grant funding. Please complete and mail in or drop off the surveys to: City Manager’s Office, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY, 14020.

Richmond Memorial Library's 38th year of 'Books Sandwiched In' begins next month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Richmond Memorial Library starts its 38th year of the "Books Sandwiched In" program in the month of May. "Books Sandwiched In" is a book-review program where community members share their reviews of new, popular or relevant books, often nonfiction.

Attendees of the program are not expected to read the books before attending; instead, they will discover if it is something they are interested in reading or learning about. 

Each program begins at 12:10 p.m. and goes until 1 p.m. on Wednesdays during the month of May. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch; coffee, tea and cookies will be served. 

This year’s series brings another eclectic round of books and reviewers:

May 1: Library Director Bob Conrad reviews Susan Orlean’s "The Library Book" (2018)

May 8: Kathy McAllister reviews Tara Westover’s "Educated" (2018)

May 15: Elizabeth White reviews Maxwell King’s "The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers" (2018)

May 22: David Beatty reviews Michael Pollan’s "How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression and Transcendence" (2018) 

May 30: The "Books Sandwiched In’"Committee shares their reviews of fiction titles! The committee comprised of members Richard Beatty, Sue Chiddy, Robert Knipe, Frances McNulty, Sandy Seyfried and Beth Stich will share short reviews of various fiction titles. 

This year’s program includes a few new additions. The first is a 50/50 cash raffle to benefit the Barker Public Library, a fellow library in the NIOGA system.

In January of 2019, the Barker Public Library was completely destroyed by a fire. To help support them as they recover, we will hold a 50/50 cash raffle at each Books Sandwiched

In session in May. Anyone wishing to make a donation by cash or check made out to Barker Public Library may do so as well during the month of May at the circulation desk. All funds will go directly to Barker Public Library. 

A door prize will also be presented at each session! All participants can enter for a chance to win a copy of our Richmond Reads title, "Southernmost" by Silas House. One copy will be given away at each of our five sessions. 

"Books Sandwiched In" is generously supported by the Friends of Richmond Memorial Library. 

More adult programs coming soon:

Thursday, April 11: Lynn McGrath, Ph.D., a world-renowned musician and faculty member at Eastman Community Music School at the University of Rochester will present a free classical guitar concert at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 12: Free computer classes! “Manage Your Digital Life” from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. “Gadgets and Gear” from 1 – 3 p.m. For more information and to register, call the library at 585-343-9550. Registration is required.

Monday, April 22: Mystery Readers’ Monday: Join this book discussion group as we discuss Agatha Christie’s "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd." All are welcome, the only requirement is that you read the book prior to discussion. 

Thursday, May 2: Library book sale 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; library budget vote & trustee election; free concert at 7 p.m.! 

For a calendar of all events, visit our website at batavialibrary.org. Spring Program brochures are available at the library.

Richmond Memorial Library continually provides access to physical and virtual resources and services that meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of its diverse community in a safe and comfortable environment.

'Spring Fever Fundraiser Event' at Willow Bend Inn April 28 to support GC shelter animals

By Billie Owens

Volunteers For Animals will host a "Spring Fever Fundraiser Event" from 1 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 28, at the Willow Bend Inn, located at 3489 W. Main Street Road in Batavia.

A $10 entry fee to the fundraiser for animals at the Genesee County Animal Shelter includes a hamburger or hot dog.

There will be 50/50 raffles and a Chinese auction.

Classic rock music will be provided by FOMR.

Is there a better way to spend a Sunday? C'mon out and have some fun to support an awesome cause!

Joe Vernon's collection of model sailing ships on display at GO ART! April 11 through May 4

By Billie Owens
Collection of Model Sailing Ships by Joe Vernon is on exhibit at GO ART! from April  11 through May 4.
 
There will be an artist reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at GO ART!
 
Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
GO ART! is located inside the historic Seymour Place building at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

Double 4-H rabbit and cavy youth show is April 27 at GC fairgrounds

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee County 4-H Fur and Feather Club along with Wyoming County 4-H Rabbit Ears Club are hosting a double rabbit and cavy youth show on Saturday, April 27, at the Genesee County Fairgrounds, 5056 E. Main Street Road, Batavia.

The show is open to all local youth ages 19 and younger (you don’t need to be a 4-H member). Showroom opens at 8 a.m., health checked by 9 a.m., judging promptly begins at 10 a.m.

Entry Fee is $3 per animal if postmarked by April 19; or fee is $4 day of show. Participants may enter in both shows.

For complete show rules and entry forms please visit here, or contact the Genesee County 4-H Office at 585-343-3040, ext. 101.

HLOM needs volunteers to help out at the Batavia Antique Show Friday and Saturday at Call Arena

By Billie Owens
Press release from the Holland Land Office Museum:
 
We are looking for volunteers for our 13th Annual Batavia Antique Show this weekend at the Richard C.Call arena on the Genesee Community College Campus.
 
We are looking for volunteers for Friday, April 5th, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 5-8 p.m. Duties on Friday would be general setup, including setting up tables, helping vendors move their stuff in, and starting at 5 p.m., ticket sales.
 
On Saturday, April 6th, we are looking for people to volunteer from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Duties on Saturday would include ticket sales, runners, general help, and by 3 p.m., take down and clea up.
 
If you are interested in helping, please send an email or call 585-343-4727 and let us know what day you are interested in and what times. You are free to do one hour or more -- up to the entire time, we will be needing help all day.
 
When you arrive on your designated day and time, Ryan Duffy, the director of the museum, will be around to place you and answer any questions you may have.
 
We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your help!
 
Nellie Slocum 

Notice of three public hearings of the GC Legislature

By Billie Owens

Notice of Three Public Hearings

(1) Genesee County shall conduct a public hearing on fair housing practices and to identify any concerns and issues with fair housing practices in Genesee County. The public hearing will be held at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, at 5:30 p.m., April 10. All persons who wish to speak will be heard. Written comments will be accepted upon delivery to: Clerk, Genesee County Legislature, 7 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020 prior to the hearing. The hearing location is in compliance with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(2) There has been introduced before the Legislature of the County of Genesee, a Local Law Introductory No. Two, Year 2019, which regulates the transfer of secondhand articles. The Genesee County Legislature will conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed law at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, at 5:30 p.m. on April 10. All interested persons will be heard.

(3) A public hearing will be held at 4:30 p.m. on April 11 at the Old Courthouse, 7 Main St., Batavia, to discuss the implementation of the HP Hood LLC Project that received Community Development Block funding from the New York State Office of Community Renewal (Project No. 444ED893-17). The purpose of the hearing is to obtain citizen views regarding any aspect of the project’s implementation including, but not limited to any construction, financing, and employment opportunities resulting from the project. The hearing facilities are handicapped accessible. Written comments are invited and will be accepted upon delivery to the courthouse address above. The hearing location is in compliance with accessibility standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

City's Law Street Yard Waste Station opens for season on Monday, April 1

By Billie Owens

From the city's Bureau of Maintenance:

The Law Street Yard Waste Station will open for the season on Monday, April 1st, for City residents.

The station will be open from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday until November when open hours change to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The station will also be closed on May 27th -- Memorial Day, July 4th -- Independence Day, Sept. 2nd -- Labor Day, and Nov. 28th -- Thanksgiving. The station will close for the season in early December.

City residents may bring yard waste material (grass, leaves and limbs) to the Law Street Yard Waste Station as there is no spring curbside pickup of these materials.

The following items cannot be accepted at the station: tree stumps, building materials, rock, fill (soil and stone) other debris.

Yard waste shall be free of trash (paper, plastic, bottles, cans...etc.), as this material cannot be processed.

Use Law Street entrance to enter and exit the City Yard Waste Station only.

'Four Poets in Search of an Answer' read poetry at MoonJava Cafe on Harvester Avenue April 11

By Billie Owens

"Four Poets in Search of an Answer"

MoonJava Café, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia

7 p.m., Thursday, April 11

Jen Ashburn is the author of "The Light on the Wall" (Main Street Rag, 2016) and has work published in numerous venues, including the podcast "The Writer’s Almanac with Garrison Keillor." Her poem “Our Mother Drove Barefoot” was selected for the 2018 Public Poetry Project by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book and distributed on posters across the state. She holds an MFA from Chatham University, where she taught creative writing to women in the Allegheny County Jail through Chatham’s Words Without Walls program. She’s currently working on her second full-length poetry collection, tentatively titled "Our Own Thin Ways," and a memoir.   

Jason Irwin is the author of "A Blister of Stars" (Low Ghost, 2016), "Watering the Dead" (Pavement Saw Press, 2008), winner of the Transcontinental Poetry Award, and the chapbooks "Where You Are" (Night Ballet Press, 2014), and "Some Days It's A Love Story" (Slipstream Press, 2005). He grew up in Dunkirk, NY, and now lives in Pittsburgh.  

SUNY University at Buffalo Professor Emeritus Scott W. Williams, Ph.D., is a poet and author of short stories. He has been featured in New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Ontario, Canada and the Virgin Islands. His poems appeared in "Sunday Review," "Coffeehouse Writings" “From the Web," "Juniper," "Peach Mag," "Ground & Sky," "Scryptic Magazine," "Le Mot Juste," "Punch Drunk Press," "Journal of Humanistic Mathematics." The most recent of his six books are "Bonvibre Haiku" (CWP Press-2017) and a book of micro-fiction "Natural Shrinkage" (Destitute Press-2018). Williams edits the syfy poetry and flash-fiction anthology series, "A Flash of Dark" (Writers Den-2018) and "A Flash of Dark vol 2" (Writers Den-2018). Williams hosts workshops of the poetic forms Ghazal and Haiku and cohosts the series "Second Stage Writers" (with Max Stephen, Ph.D., in Buffalo) and "Poets Soup" (with Victoria Hunter in Canandaigua).

Eric Zwieg is the author of "A Killer, A Victim, A Mourner," and "Summer Portrait," community-based performance plays funded through the New York State Decentralization Ripple Grant Awards for individual artists (2018, 2019). His poetry has been featured in the "Metropolitan Review" (2017), and the forthcoming "Batavialand: A Workingman's Paradise." Music recordings include: "Durkheim’s Rule," "Wish I Was Cool," "Dance of the Sugarpug," "Maggie’s Drawers," "Drift," and "Regrets." Zwieg is currently working on his master's thesis, "Solitude, and the Art of Creativity." 

19th annual Earth Day Celebration at DeWitt Recreation Area is April 20

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Earth Day is your chance to give back to your community and take care of the Earth! Join us at DeWitt Recreation Area in Batavia for the 19th annual Earth Day Celebration and help with park cleanup from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20.

Let's celebrate Earth Day early (it's actually Monday, April 22) and help keep the park beautiful and the habitat safe and healthy for wildlife.

Leanr to make cool things from recycled materials and enjoy a naturalist-guided hike to discover the natural wonders in the park.

Enjot wild ganes, free fun and more.

Service groups, students, 4-H'ers and Scouts can earn community service hours and meet badge requirements.

Don't miss a special presentation by theBuffalo Zoomobile from 2 to 3 p.m., weather permitting!

Special thanks to the Genesee Finger Lakes Cahpter of the Air & Waste Management Association for their generous support of this Earth Day celebration.

Meet at Pavilion 2 for all activities. DeWitt Recreation Area is located at 115 Cedar St. in the City of Batavia.

This event and all activities are free and open to all. Please preregister for activities by calling (585) 344-1122.

Here's the day's schedule of activities:

  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Park Cleanup Projects
  • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- Recycled Crafts
  • 12 to 1 p.m. -- Wild Planet Games
  • 1 to 2 p.m. -- Wild Planet Guided Hike
  • 2 to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) -- Special Guest: World Safari by the Buffalo Zoomobile -- Meet fascinating animals from all different places on planet Earth!

Genesee Chorale celebrates nature and the planet with two concerts next month

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Spring is a season when thoughts often turn to Earth. It is thus fitting that the Genesee Chorale celebrates nature and the planet in its April 5 and 7 concerts, “Voices of the Earth.”

The April 5 concert begins at 7 p.m. at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion.

The April 7 concert begins at 4 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia., and will have the added feature of a display of art work by area students created in connection with GO ART!

In a time of concern about climate change the future of our planet, “Voices of the Earth” was a theme that came easily to Ric Jones, who directs the 70-member Chorale.

“As a lover of nature and spending time outdoors, I am always drawn to themes of nature in music,” he said. “As I was researching music, I found myself selecting music with themes of nature, and music that centered around beautiful poetry.

"It was a natural step from there to decide to make a program focused on the Earth. And with the devastation we are seeing in our world, I think it is important to draw attention to it, and our responsibilities for it.”

He looked for music that would challenge singers, and that would be both enjoyable and inspiring for singers and audience. Several of the selections are taken from poetry. For example, “There Will Come Soft Rains” and “The Cloud” are poems by Sara Teasdale, and “The Peace of Wild Things” is a poem by Wendell Berry.

Another poem, “Little Birds” by Octavio Paz in Spanish, was set to music by Eric Whitacre, who incorporated bird calls into the piece, as well as a surprise ending.  Listeners may also be surprised by special effects in “Whispering Waters.”

“I think the audience will really enjoy some of the nontraditional things we are doing with the choir,” Jones said. “Bird calls, sounds of water, etc. I also think they will really enjoy our special guest musicians, Bob Holley on bongos and Fran Woodworth on flute. The bongos help give 'Gently (Walk on the Earth)' a pop/world beat feel."

More traditional pieces include “The Pasture,” which invokes a pastoral America; “Linden Lea,” a Dorset (a coastal county in Southwest England) folk song; “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” an Anglican hymn; and an arrangement of “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

“I most want the audience to listen to the words,” Jones said. “The text is so important in these works. There are many moving words and much poetry designed to make us, as humans, stop and think  about the world around us.”

Tickets are $10 each. They may be purchased via credit card or PayPal through Chorale’s website box office, www.GeneseeChorale.com. They are available as “will call,” or from Chorale members, or at the door. Further information is available on Chorale’s website.

Watercolorist Michael Killelea to conduct demo at GO ART! on April 9

By Billie Owens
Above, Killelea's "Casper Barn."
 
Submitted art and press release:
 

The Batavia Society of Artist is hosting artist Michael Killelea from 7 to 9 p.m. on April 9th at GO ART! inside Seymour Place, 201 E. Main St., Batavia

Killelea is going to demonstrate how at add a figure or animal in a completed watercolor painting to add interest and help the composition.

Non-members welcome for a $5 fee.

Killelea: About the upcoming demo

"Painting en plein air has some obvious drawbacks. One problem is that compositional flaws sometimes aren't clear until some time has passed. Since landscapes or buildings rarely move they make great still life subjects.

"But they can sometimes seem a bit lifeless, so adding some live thing often makes sense. I try to keep the “add life” idea in mind as I paint, even if I don’t incorporate it as I paint. I do that by adding an animated figure of some kind, even after the painting is done.

"I look for a place to add that figure in the composition like birds, animals or people. In watercolor that might mean scrubbing out a particular area to add a figure, or adding a darker figure into a light area.Obviously the figure can be positioned anywhere for maximum impact, and that’s what I’ll demonstrate."

About Michael Killelea

He is an artist, author, teacher and traveler whose "exquisite watercolors" from a trip to China were featured in American Artist's "Watercolor" magazine.

This Long Island native currently lives among the cows, cornfields and farms of Western New York where he divides his time between painting, teaching and lecturing. But he paints anywhere and everywhere, at home and around the world.

Killelea is a signature member, on the Board of Directors, and Secretary to the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA). He’s also a signature member as well as program chairman for the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, and is a signature member of the Buffalo Society of Artists.

He paints weekly with the All Weather Gang in Genesee County. Killelea is a graduate of SUNY Farmingdale and has attended Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts.

His artwork is in numerous private collections and is featured in two books he wrote and illustrated about Long Island's rural North Fork. Killelea's work and biography have been included in the Smithsonian Institution's Library for the American Art Museum/National Portrait Gallery and have become the basis for a permanent file on him there.

Below: Killelea's "Potter Lumber."

St. Jerome Guild to host 'Step into Spring' fashion show May 5 at Slomba Hall, presale tickets only

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The St. Jerome Guild will host the annual “Step into Spring” fashion show, basket raffle, with a luncheon prepared by Michael Tomaszewski, on Sunday, May 5.

The Guild and Genesee Community College will host "Fashion Show Weekend" with Genesee’s annual fashion show, “Limitless” scheduled on Saturday, May 4. 

The Guild is excited to highlight several clothing stores in Batavia: JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Marshalls. More than 20 models will feature the Jerome Jewelry Collection and fashions for toddlers, teens, women, men and seniors. 

The event will be held at noon at Father Slomba Hall, 19 Sumner St., Batavia.

Presale only tickets are available for $20 at the Jerome Center Gift Shop, 16 Bank St., Batavia. For more information call 585.343.6030, ext. 4198.

The Guild continues to support UMMC/Rochester Regional Healthcare as a corporate donor giving thousands of dollars to capital fundraising initiatives over the years and has contributed countless volunteer hours on a variety of fundraising events.

The proceeds in the amount of $5,000 from last year’s fashion show purchased four natal bassinets.

The Guild has offered an annual Health Career Professional Scholarship to hospital employees and high school seniors for decades. Currently, the scholarship is being awarded to outstanding employees who are continuing their education in the medical field.

The Guild’s volunteerism has served the medical community for more than 100 years. In years past, the Guild sponsored fundraisers for St. Jerome Hospital, such as, casino nights, formal dances, fashion shows, and Mother’s Day breakfasts to name a few.

Elba Sports Boosters hold Meat Raffle March 30 at Elba Firemen's Rec Hall

By Billie Owens

Elba Sports Boosters will hold a Meat Raffle on Saturday, March 30, at Elba Firemen's Rec Hall. It is located at 7143 Oak Orchard Road, Elba.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and first pull is at 6 p.m.

$10 per person donation to attend, or reserve a table for eight for $70. Price includes beer, soda pop, wine and a door prize raffle ticket.

There will also be a Freezer Full of Meat Raffle, a Wheelbarrow of Booze Raffle, and a 50/50 Raffle.

"Grab your family and friends, bring snacks, a cooler for your winnings, and plenty of $1 bills!"

For tickets, contact any Boosters member.

For advance table reservation or more information, call Lea Ann Hall at (585) 409-1312.

Grant applications accepted until April 12 for WNY nonprofits that perform ballet and opera

By Billie Owens
The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts is accepting grant applications for its 2019 granting cycle. The Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and awards annual grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located within the eight counties of Western New York that specialize in the classical arts sector.
 
Applications are due Friday, April 12, 2019, and are available here. 
 
The  Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts was established in 1996, by Sarah Bauman Baxter as a unique way to memorialize her father, Oliver Bauman. Sarah Bauman Baxter and her father shared a love of the classics, including classical languages, ballet and opera. At the end of her life, she translated that love into a legacy gift, which Sarah Bauman Baxter hoped would help “perpetuate the appreciation of such fine arts as an important and integral part of our culture.” 
 
In accordance to her wishes, priority will be given to applications that focus solely on the performance of “traditional, classical ballet and opera on the living stage, and preferably of the English, European or Russian schools.” 
 
For more information on the Oliver G. & Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts grant process, please visit here.
 
About the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Celebrating its centennial year in 2019, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo was established in 1919 to enhance and encourage long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation’s mission is: Connecting people, ideas and resources to improve lives in Western New York. For 100 years the Community Foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation’s care. Learn more at www.cfgb.org.

Only local Rubik's Cube Competition comes to East Pembroke April 13

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
A Rubik's Cube Competition, sponsored by Upstate Cubing and the World Cube Association, will be happening on Saturday, April 13, in the St. Maximillian Kolbe Catholic Church Hall, located at 8556 Church St. in East Pembroke.
 
This is the only local competition this year.
 
If you are interested, sign up early because this event will sell out. The competition is limited to 100 participants.
 
Cost is $15 and that includes pizza and drink for lunch.
 
Spectators can attend for free.
 
Online registration for competitors is open but closes at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.
 
On the day of the event, registration begins at 8 a.m. and the first tournament -- 2" by 2" cube -- starts at 9. The top 12 advance to the next round. The competition continues until awards are presented at 5:45 p.m.
 
For full details, please click here (then click the "schedule" tab at the top of the page to find specific information about the East Pembroke event).
 
Editor's note -- To get some help, avail yourself of this You Tube instruction video for beginners with more than 17 million views:
 
At the other end of the spectrum is Rubik's Cube artist Giovanni Contardi:

Nominations sought for GO ART!'s second annual Genean Awards, deadline is March 29

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
This year, nominations are now open for the public to vote on GO ART!'s "Genean Awards." Why "Genean" you ask?
 
Well, simply put, we decided that we needed to have our own unique awards (like the Oscars or Tony awards) for GENesee and OrlEANs counties, to recognize a few of the amazing people and organizations we have within our counties.
 
So there you have it! Genean it is!
 
Nominations Deadline: March 29th
 
There are three categories:
 
1. ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR -- This award honors an not-for-profit or for-profit arts organization for its achievements in 2018.
 
2. INDIVIDUAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR -- This award honors an individual artist in any discipline for their achievements in 2018 or career-long body of work
 
3. SUPPORTER (OF THE CULTURAL SECTOR) OF THE YEAR -- This award honors an individual or an organization outside of the arts and cultural sector for their work directly aiding in the arts and/or cultural sector.
 
To nominate please visit online here.
 
Winners will be announced at our Spring Fling on April 27th.

Spring chicken BBQ dates set at Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Spring is in the air and so is chicken BBQ season! Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany announces its 2019 chicken BBQ schedule:

  • Sunday, March 17
  • Sunday, April 28
  • Sunday, May 19

Meals are available starting at 10:45 a.m. until sold out.

Meals include: a half chicken (barbecued to perfection on our outdoor grills), a baked potato, vegetable, coleslaw, roll, coffee, tea, with piece of cake or pie for dessert.

Cost is $11 for adults; $7 for children 12 and under.

A $7 chicken-only take-out is also available.

The church is located at 5865 Ellicott St. Road (Route 63) in East Bethany.

'Music in Our Schools' -- free, public concert is March 26 at BHS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Music in Our Schools Month" will be celebrated this year by the Batavia High School Music Department’s annual Music In Our Schools Concert. It will be held in the High School (260 State St.) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26th and will feature music from every school and grade level in the district.

It is free and open to the public.

Emily Caccamise, a graduating senior, has performed in this concert for many years.

“I think the concerts are fantastic!" Emily said. "I love performing for my school and my district, but I especially think it is important that younger kids get to see what is possible.

"They watch the older kids play and, if they stick with it, they will grow and get better with practice.”

Freya Mellander and Lily Burke are both Middle School students who will be performing that night.

Lily said, “It’s really fun when you’re a younger kid and you get to play for and alongside the older kids! It’s great to see where you’re headed and exciting to see what you’ll do and grow into!”

Freya added, “One favorite memory was when I saw Mary Murphy (a senior) as a singer. I’ve only known her from Winter Guard, so it’s fun to see kids that you know perform on their instruments when you usually don’t hear them in that way!”

Jane Haggett is a strong advocate for the music program at Batavia. As department head, she strives to find many ways for music to enrich the community. She points out that the National Association for Music Education -- AKA NAfME, states “All Music All People,” that everyone is affected by music not just during the month of March.

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