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'Six Characters in Search of an Author' opens tonight at Harvester 56

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

The play "Six Characters in Search of an Author" opens tonight at Harvester 56 Theater.

Here's the synposis of it: “Six individuals come to a stage where a company of actors has assembled for a rehearsal. They are claiming to be the incomplete, unused creations of an author’s imagination. They demand lines for a story that will explain the details of their lives. In ensuing scenes, these 'real life characters' -- all professing to be part of an extended family -- produce a drama with disagreements, interruptions and arguments.” 

Directed by Anthony Baldwin-Giambrone 
Assistant Director: Michele Stamp
Rehearsal Assistant: Jane Burk

Two evening shows, tonight and Saturday at 7:30 and a Sunday matinee at 2 o'clock.
Tickets available online or at the box office. Adults -- $13, students and seniors $10, or to purchase online click here.

Come out and watch this fantastic depiction of the “theater of the theater” by some of our WONDERFUL actors this weekend at the Harvester 56 Theater!

27th JK Annual Pasta Dinner Fundraiser tomorrow

By Steve Ognibene

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John Kennedy Intermediate School Pasta Fundraiser Community Dinner is ready to go tommorrow night. It will be held at 166 Vine St., Batavia. 

Many local businesses contribute with raffle prizes towards this event including teacher basket themes, too. Each year the chorus group sings songs during each dinner and fun for all ages. All proceeds help defray costs for field trips and other activites.

This is the 27th annual dinner that was started by former retired principal John Murray in January of 1992 after taking over for Angelo Branciforte.

Tickets are available at the door for $7 for adults, $5 students ages 5-12, children 4 and under no charge. Presale savings of $1 if purchased before 3 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at the main office at the school. There are two seatings at 5 and at 6:30 p.m.  

Pictured from left is teacher Wendy Federico, parent group leader Jana Kesler, and chairperson Christopher Sputore.

'The Sound of Music' to be performed this weekend

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Oakfield Alabama Central School drama club presents "The Sound of Music" tonight at 7 p.m. with two shows also tomorrow night at 7 and Saturday at noon.

Tickets are Adults $8, students $6 and are available from any cast member or by calling 948-5211, ext. 4515.

Presented through R&H Theatricals.

Any questions contact, Advisor and Director Wendy Bergman at:  wbergman@oahornets.org  

Details are on the school website here.

Timbits Cross-Ice Jamboree this Saturday

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

Genesee Amateur Hockey Association is holding its Beginner Timbits Cross-Ice Jamboree at the Falleti Ice Rink from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. this Saturday. March 10th.

The “draft” has occurred and teams are set. Stop down and see these mighty little hockey players in action.

Please stop into Tim Hortons for a beverage and treats to thank them for the sponsorship of the Timbits Beginner Program.

Genesee County Interagency Council seeks scholarship applicants

By Steve Ognibene

Press release:

The Genesee County Interagency Council is pleased to announce the offering of two $1,000 scholarship for the Fall 2018-2019 semester.

Those eligible will be a high school senior living in and attending high school in Genesee County and a student living in Genesee County and attending Genesee Community College; in good academic standing, and majoring in Human Services, Social Work, Sociology or Psychology. 

Because the goal of this scholarship is to support those students who have a strong drive to contribute to the field of Human Services, special consideration will be given to those students who have already demonstrated a commitment to the field through their employment, volunteer, academic or extracurricular pursuits. 

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 1. The awardee will be notified by June 1; and presented at the council's June 20th picnic meeting.

Applications are available from students’ high school counselors and from the Human Services program at GCC. Potential applicants are also welcome to email Amy Swanson, scholarship committee chairwoman at Amy.Swanson@co.genesee.ny.us

The council looks forward to having the opportunity to support a Genesee County high school and community college student in their pursuit of a degree in the field of Human Services.

Pack 6069 Annual Pinewood Derby

By Steve Ognibene

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Twenty racers from Cub Scout pack 6069 of Batavia were registered with their cars to do their best in the annual Pinewood Derby held at the First United Methodist Church this morning.

Pack den leader Lisa Brown said she has been with the pack for 13 years of its 48 years of existence. Boys competed in their age-appropriate den. Tigers, Wolves, Bears, Weblos I and II. A lot of parents, grandparents look forward to watching the race and it’s a lot of fun for boys to participate.

Track official Paul Crowley said there are four heats and boys get a chance to race in different lanes. Den Leader heather Crowley said all the kids get a trophy in addition to the first-, second-, third-place finishers.

Sixteen extra trophys were also given out to the boys for best color, most Cub Scout pride, super racer and aerodynamic to name a few.

This fall there will be a new "Lion's" den added for kindergarteners.  

Anyone interested to join contact Cub Master Tony Merica at TONY@koolatron.com  

Pack 6069 meets at Jackson School when in session September through June at 6:39 p.m. on Mondays.

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BHS musical production - Into The Woods

By Steve Ognibene

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Interview with BHS Drama Director Caryn Wood.

"Into the Woods" is a musical comedy written by Stephen Sondheim, (from Wikipedia). This show takes many well-known Grimm Brothers fairy tales and combines them in an interwoven masterpiece.

The blissful serenity quickly unravels however, as the result of a giant run amok in the kingdom. Sondheim is known for his difficult yet emotionally charged music and lyrics; the cast has worked tremendously hard to bring this challenging story to life.

There are 50+ students in the cast, crew, and orchestra combined with 30+ adult directors and staff and volunteers.

Auditions were held back in November. Casting is always a difficult process because we want to make sure you have considered all of the options. People think you can just choose the person who sings the best, but in reality, you have to take many things into consideration when casting a high school production.

You not only have to consider how well a certain individual will handle the difficult music, but also what their characterization abilities are, and how will that person plays off another person. Casting a show is like writing a composition, it's a process that Musical Director Dan Grillo and I take very seriously.

One of the best things about "Into the Woods" and also a big reason why we chose this show has to do with it being an ensemble cast. There aren’t one or two specific leads, but rather a group of people whom the audience follows as the story unfolds.

These characters include The Baker and his wife, played by senior Evan Bellavia and junior Eryn Dunn; you see their relationship on display and their need to undo a curse put on them by a witch -- a key role played by senior Madison Hoerbelt. Others include Cinderella, played by senior Madeline Keenan; Jack, played by junior Sam Rigerman; Jack's Mothe,r played by senior Parise Ricks; and Little Red Riding Hood, played by freshman Kathryn Fitzpatrick.

There are many other recognizable characters as well including Rapunzel, the Wicked Stepmother and Cinderella's stepsisters. We've also added Grimm fairytale characters like the Three Little Pigs, Rumpelstiltskin, the Princess and the Frog, Hansel and Gretel.

Overall, the cast really embraced this show and dug right in working on the difficult music when we started rehearsals back in December. There are great themes woven throughout the show also; sometimes what you wish for the most, doesn't turn out as planned; the love of family and despite their faults, and many others.

One of my favorite moments is when the Baker's Wife realizes that her humble marriage to the Baker is more important than all her fantasies during the song "Moments in the Woods."

With all of the characters there is more to them than meets the eye. A line from the show about this says, "witches can be right, giants can be good."

Watching all of the characters evolve through the plot turns and twists may not be portend the traditional "storybook" happily-ever-after ending you might expect. Yet, in the end everything is tidied up.

Two shows remain this weekend: tonight at 7:30 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased at the door or Roxy’s Music Store in Batavia.

To view or purchase photos click here.

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Batavia loses a close game in final minutes to HFL 45-40

By Steve Ognibene

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A tightly matched game #6 seed Batavia Lady Devils came out playing with heart and soul to the end versus #3 seed Honeoye Falls Lima last evening at Penfield High School. 

Batavia came out flat down by five points but Freshman Kenzie Reigle helped drive them to a 9-9 after the first quarter.

Second quarter Batavia went up on top leading by as much as four points 17-13 but HFL came to tie it before junior Jenae Colkey sunk a two-pointer to give Batavia a lead at the half 19-17.

Batavia came out of the locker increasing the lead by five points 23-18 but Freshman Hannah Selke hit four three-pointers in the quarter to help HFL carry a big lead 30-25 going into the fourth.

Batavia and HFL both exchanged fouls, lead changes and tied the game 36-36 until under two minutes left where Batavia came up short losing 45-40. 

HFL will play #1 seed Aquinas Friday at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.

To view or purchase photos click here.

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Photos: Ramparts blank Eagles, McCarthy gets 11th shutout

By Steve Ognibene

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The Empire Hockey Youth Conference 12 and under Peewee Batavia Ramparts beat the Tri-County Golden Eagles of Brockport 7-0 yesterday afternoon at the Faletti Ice Arena on Evans Street in Batavia.

Tyler McClurg and Greg Narburg both led the game with two goals and one assist each.

Also scoring goals were Logan Narburg, Ian Kepple and Preson Tobolski. Justin Valyear had two assists.

Goaltender Robert McCarthy recorded his eighth league shutout between the pipes for the ramparts and 11th overall to finish the regular season.

Empire Conference this weekend is the playoffs are known as play downs. Friday night and Saturday morning games will be played at the Bill Gray’s Ice Complex in Rochester.  Saturday afternoon the finals will be at SUNY Brockport.

To purchase or view game photos click here.

For a list of team divisional standings click here.

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Photos: Batavia Cheer Squad takes second place in competition

By Steve Ognibene

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Eastridge High School held its annual "Battle on the Ridge" cheer competition this past Saturday in Rochester. The Batavia Varsity squad finished second place in its division. 

Judges score on difficulty and execution in the following catagories: Jumps, pyramid, stunts, tumbling and cheer.

This Saturday Rochester Institute of Technology hosts the Section V competition. 

For more photos to view or purchase click here.

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Batavia Track wins back to back sectional titles

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia High School Indoor Track Team won the boys and girls Section V -- Class C Titles last night at Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester.

This makes 31 sectional titles for the batavia track team and back-to-back indoor titles in the last two years.

Seniors Anthony Ray won both shot put and weight throw. Eric Davis won the 55 hurdles, Kiaya Franklin won the 300 and took third in the 600m. Kaitlin Ange took third in weight throw.

Juniors Emily Caccamise won the 1500m race walk, Briana Bromley won the 3000meters. Evan Bartz came in third in weight throw. Elizabeth Cohen took second in the pole vault and third in the 55 hurdles. Jalesa Smith took third in the long jump.

For more results click here: http://live.yentiming.com/#/results/meet/364

Photos submitted by Donna Tourville-Kabel.

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Photos: Section V Hockey Canandaigua 5, Batavia Notre Dame 2

By Steve Ognibene

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Canandaigua’s Evan Best scored late in the third period to break a 1-1 tie as Canandaigua defeated Batavia Notre Dame 5-2.

First period Ethan Hutchins scored first for the Irish assist from brother Max Hutchins. Minutes later the Knights' Sam Burley got a pass from Carter McWilliams to tie the game. 

The 1-1 score remained through the second and near the end of the third period. Both teams were evenly matched through the entire contest, had opportunities and came down to either a penalty or player out of position.   

Notre Dame’s Coach Marc Staley was very proud of his players and team this season and is looking forward to next year.

Canandaigua improves to 13-7-1. Batavia Notre Dame ends the season 12-8-1.

For more photos click here.

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Photos: Boys Basketball - Batavia 51, Greece Odyssey 48

By Steve Ognibene

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Steven Gilebarto (pictured above) led the Blue Devils in the second half with 16 points to help his team win 51-48 over Greece Odyssey in their final regular season game last night at Batavia High School.

Senior point guard Naziyhar Pratt had five rebounds and three assists. Junior Antwan Odom had 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Odyssey's DJ Billings and Jaden Hartsford both tallied 13 points on the night.

Batavia gets a first-round bye in the Section V Tournament and will play Saturday, Feb. 24th, time T.B.A. at home versus the winner of Honeoye Falls Lima and Vertus game.

For more photos, click here.

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BHS Alpine ski results from Thursday January 18th

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia High School Varsity Ski Team posted four top 20 finishers in both boys and girls slalom from this past Thursday hosted by Livonia Central School at Swain. 

Seniors Brandon Bradley (pictured above) finished 13th, time 1:46:19 and Alec Wagner (pictured below) finished 14th time 1:48:07 for the slalom race.

Also finishing for the boys was freshman Ryan Bowen time 2:27:61 and Matt Grover and Zack Wagner.

In the girls race sophmore Aubrey Towner finished 15th, time 2:08:27, and freshman Lily Whiting finished 17th, time 2:10:83.

Next race is Tuesday at Swain Ski Resort for the Southern Tier Slalom ski teams.

For more photos go to: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p903126067

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Girls Aubrey Towner pictured below and Lily Whiting in last photo.

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BHS girls basketball team wins close contest against rivals HFL 53-52

By Steve Ognibene

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In a close game last evening the Batavia girls basketball squad beat last season’s sectional champions Honeoye Falls Lima by a narrow 53-52 margin.

HFL came out of the gate up by four points after the first quarter 14-10 led by seniors Taryn Wilson and Paige Smith. Batavia was playing catchup through the first half and not making defensive plays, but sparked right near the end of the half to come within one point of HFL’s lead 26-25.

After the first half, Batavia needed a much stronger quarter and played better defense to take the lead 40-34 after three quarters. Batavia continued the streak to lead at one point by 10 points in the fourth but then got into foul trouble.

Taryn Wilson hit 13 out of 15 free throws, and with 9 seconds left on the clock, Kara Oatman who was 7 for 8 missed her eighth free throw and Batavia finished winning by one at regulation.

Junior Ryann Stefaniak led the team with 18 points, Sophmore Emma Krolczyk finished with 15 points and freshman Bryn Wormley tallied 11 points.  

HFL Senior Taryn Wilson scored 25 points, Paige Smith had 13 points and Kara Oatman finished with 8 points.

Batavia remains undefeated with a 5-0 record in class A2 and HFL drops to 2-4.

Next game for Batavia is home this Monday vs. Greece Athena.

For more game pictures to go: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p789755086

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Photos: 'Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone'

By Steve Ognibene

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Opening night of "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone" SOLD OUT its first performance at Batavia High School last evening. Students from the Drama Club performed their 16th annual show and had the crowd laughing and on their toes throughout the performance.

Director Caryn Leigh Wood has worked with many students but this was challenging, especially toward the finale. Sorrow was still resonating for the cast, who lost a former BHS student, Tori Nigro, in a sudden accident last week. 

The Drama Club ended the performance with a tribute honoring the memory of Tori.

There are two remaining shows, tonight at 7:30 and a matinee tomorrow at 2 o'clock. Tickets are $8, and $6 for students and seniors.

For more photos go to: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p419033762

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Photos: Batavia Kiwanis Club's 10th Annual Free Skate

By Steve Ognibene

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A few hundred people came out this morning getting their excercise in before today's Thanksgiving holiday sponsored by The Kiwanis Club of Batavia. This has been a great tradition enjoyed by many people.

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BHS cheerleading squad captures Section V title

By Steve Ognibene

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Section V Girls Championships were held yesterday Rochester Institute of Technology college. The Batavia cheerleading team won the Division 2, Small A school sectional title, which ended the nine-year drought since back in 2008.  

"We had a rough start," said Co-Coach Stacy Squire. "We had to change everything the day before homecoming when unveiling the new routine. Placed second in our first two competitions but kept improving our scores and working hard.

"These kids worked so hard this season and wanted this more than anything. Justine and I couldn't be more proud and happy for them!"

Senior Elisa Swinehart, pictured below with both coaches, was chosen for the Nancy Saxton Leadership Award, which is given to a senior on the championship team. 

Coach Squires spoke of how Elisa was chosen for this award. She is the definition of dedication to her team. Cheerleading is her passion, it shows in practice and performance times. She is first to be ready to start practice and the last to make sure the mats are rolled every day. She inspires her team to push themselves and get what her coaches ask of her done.

Pictured above, from left, in front row: Kelsey Verton, Natalie Clark, Bethany Ruffino, Felicity Anderson, Lydia Wahr, Taylor Smith​.

Back row, from left: Coach Stacy Squire, Elisa Swinehart, Morgan Olverd, Karleigh Amthor, Julie Wetsell, Kendra Cook and Coach Justine Briggs.

Not pictured: Kristen Corp.

Story and photos submitted by Stacy Squire and Sherri Buchholz Wahr​.

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Photos: Dash in the Dark – Oakfield-Alabama High School

By Steve Ognibene

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The eighth annual Dash in the Dark at Oakfield-Alabama High School, where high school cross-country runners run their races at night under the lights, took place last night (Sept. 8).

Thirty-five schools, more than 1,000 competitors from Section V and VI, and one from Pennsylvania, attended this year's event.

Cross-country participants call this the “Super Bowl” of races which runners start and finish under the football stadium lights along with construction towers to help guide them on the course.

Teams consist of three runners and will be split up into two divisions depending on school size. Each school can enter three teams in the Gold Race (fastest race) and unlimited teams in the Blue Race.

The course is a fast, flat, grassy, 1,600-meter loop around the school grounds. Each leg will run two loops, starting and ending inside the football stadium.

Medals are awarded to the top 10 fastest individual times, both girls and boys, for both divisions.

Team trophies are given to the top three teams in both divisions in the Gold Race.

Team awards go to the top three teams in the Blue Race, for both divisions and genders.

For final results go to: http://yellowjacketracing.com/results

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Boy Scout seeking community volunteers for Eagle project Friday

By Steve Ognibene

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Batavia Boy Scout Troop 6006 Thomas Ognibene is posing in the bus loop behind John Kennedy Elementary School, 166 Vine St., Batavia, where he plans to expand the area pictured above to create a memorial garden as part of his Eagle project.  

Currently there are two trees planted in memory of Mike Houseknecht and the Raines, Physical Education teachers who contributed to the school. The scout is looking for community help and volunteers this Friday morning starting at 9.

The project will continue on Saturday at 9 a.m. pending the progress of the garden. To participate, please meet behind the school off Elm Street's dead end extension.  Supplies suggested to bring are pointed shovel, gloves, metal rake and safety glasses, if needed.

Any questions please contact Thomas at 585-344-4790 or email him at tognibene17@gmail.com. Refreshments will be provided during the day and food.

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