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!

Our store is adding Thursday 9-12 along with Saturday 8-1 . A time to shop and     drop of donations. Check us out . First United Methodist Church at 8221 Lewiston Rd., Batavia. www.geneseehabitat.com 

Santa is coming to Oliver's Candies at 211 West Main Street Batavia on November 21st. (this Saturday) from 10am till 2pm.   There will be a petting zoo, Santa (every kid gets an Oliver's Candy Cane) and the Jaycees selling hot dogs, popcorn and hot cocoa.

Bring your kids and camera's!

Ribbon Candy is ready!  Hand made candy canes, Christmas gifts and so much more . . .!

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

Genesee Youth Bureau is starting an intergenerational project that will bring together underserved groups in our community. Teams of youth assisted by Genesee County RSVP volunteers will create and care for an indoor garden to help supplement the diets of the senior population in Genesee County.

Youth will take responsibility for building and caring for the garden. They will also learn about and in turn educate the community about how to make the produce part of a healthy diet during tough economic times. Youth will also gain understanding about the environment and the needs of the community while learning more about themselves and building their self-esteem. Youth will have a chance to interact and bond with the senior population.

The bureau is looking for youth between the ages of 5 to 18 to take part in this project. This is a great way for youth to get involved in their community and earn community service hours.

To get involved and learn more, call 344-3960.

The Muckdogs are always looking for community events to strengthen community ties and be good citizens. The baseball team wants schools, businesses and charitable and civic organizations to take advantage of its outreach efforts.

“It’s important for us to assist with area charitable initiatives and give back to the community that supports us,” said Muckdogs General Manager Travis Sick. "This year, the Muckdogs continued to strengthen their community ties by helping local charities raise money, and being a conduit through which $1,600 was raised this past season.  The Muckdogs continue to field requests during the off-season."

Call the Muckdogs office at 343-5454 to find out how your group or event may fit in with the Muckdogs’ Community Outreach.

For example, the Muckdogs’ players have regularly done in-season autograph sessions, while the staff and mascot visit local classrooms and other places throughout the year, getting the word out about the organization, and how it might help charitably.  Homer, in particular, made nearly 20 appearances at local schools, a nursing facility, library and charity tournaments. The Muckdogs have also collected money and food for a local animal shelter. 
 
Prior to the season, the Muckdogs kick off the season’s community relations by hosting a job fair at Dwyer Stadium, where area youth are selected for stadium jobs. Similarly, a National Anthem contest is conducted, giving local singers a chance to show their expertise and sing the National Anthem at a home game.
 
In partnership with the Hillside Family of Agencies, several baseball clinics were organized in conjunction with Muckdogs players. These clinics provide an opportunity for children of all ages to learn baseball fundamentals and meet players. Additionally, the Muckdogs staff conducted seven “Launch-A-Ball” fundraising games on-field, with proceeds for Hillside topping $500.
 
The Muckdogs also hosted a night at the ballpark for Genesee County ARC, to provide ARC members from surrounding counties a chance to participate in a pre-game parade and receive recognition on the field.

It's time once again to call for volunteer bell-ringers to assist in the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign.

The nonprofit Christian charity is seeking anyone interested in ringing a bell to solicit donations for needy families this holiday season to call or log on to find out more.

In Batavia, the phone numbers are 343-6284 or 343-4342. Or you can call this around-the-clock toll-free number 1-877-764-7259 or visit the Web site at www.redkettles.org

These are tough times for a lot of people and your assistance is needed now more than ever.

mayhem riders mc

needs batavia area bussinesses to help in our quest to help area families in need at christmas time.we currently have a fund drive going to collect gently used clothing and toys for these families.we would also like to give each family a night out,thats where your generosity comes in,the ideal scenario would be to send the family to a restaurant then to the movies,or anything like that.so please if you can try and help us make this happen,the families we help very rarely get to take their familys  for a night out.what we do is not a hand out,it is a step up.so please contact us so we can work together to help area families.

                                                                                          C.A.J        president/founder

                                                                                                           mayhem riders mc

http://www.mayhemriders.com

webmaster@mayhemriders.com

check out our website to learn more about us,we are a family oriented motorcycle club

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 www.nationalmemoryscreening.org 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

BATAVIA , NY -- With expansion finally complete, The Manor House Senior Community is ready to show off its new apartments.  Anybody interested can tour the apartments and amenities Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Personal tours are available, and suite reservations will be accepted. For more information, call (585) 344-2345.

The Manor House is located at 427 E. Main St, Batavia, NY.

This Saturday, November 14th the Alexander Pack 650 Cub Scout group will be having their annual Round Up for Food Drive. The non-perishable food will be collected, sorted and taken to a local food pantry to hand out to needy families. If you would like to donate items you may by:
1.        If a door hanger was left on your door you may put the items in a bag and place them outside of the door where the hanger was left. Please put the food out by 9am so the scout may pick it up.

2.        If you did not receive a hanger and would like to donate you may bring the item to the Alexander Elementary School Cafeteria from 9:30am till 11am.

3.        You may also call 716-560-1659 and a local scout with his parent will pick them up at your house. If there is no answer please, leave a message and someone will get back to you.

This round up is for the Alexander District but other local scouts may also be doing a food drive. Contact your local Cub Scout pack for details on their drive. 

THANK YOU in advance for helping your community and the scouts working towards their requirements and extra badges.

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.

Ricky Palermo has spent nearly 30 years working tirelessly to help find a cure for spinal-cord injuries.

On Dec. 4, UMMC and the Jerome Foundation will recognize his efforts when he is given the 25th Annual Health and Humanitarian Award at a luncheon at Terry Hills Restaurant in Batavia.

Both foundations are honoring Palermo for three decades as a national research participant, and for his regional advocacy and local fundraising on behalf of curing spinal-cord injuries.

Wes Audsley, CEO of Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs, cited Palermo's tireless efforts to find a cure for spinal-cord injuries when choosing him as a nominee. Palermo was injured 28 years ago in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down.

"This humble man has contacts and influence in all corners of our community, based solely on the content of his character and the sincerity of his work. Everyone takes Ricky's call, everyone contributes to Ricky's cause, and everyone feels better for the experience of knowing and working with Ricky," said Audsley in a press release.

The Miami Project is the world's most comprehensive spinal-cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. It was the inspiration for Palermo's drive to raise funds and awareness for those with spinal-cord injuries.

In 1997, Palermo and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation. Since then, it has raised $500,000 in support of the Miami Project, United Memorial Medical Center and the Genesee/Wyoming counties' YMCAs.

Palermo is a member of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County YMCA, where he has developed an exercise program for those with spinal-cord injuries. His foundation offers free rehabilitative exercise opportunities for people suffering from paralysis, regardless of the level of injury. It also offers counseling and hope, says Audsley. The program is funded by contributions to Palermo's foundation.

The Health and Humanitarian Luncheon is open to the public. Reservations can be made by contacting the United Memorial Medical Center Foundation at 344-5301. Seating will be limited so early reservations are recommended.

The perenially popular fairy tale of "Cinderella" comes to life beginning 7:30 p.m. Thursday, the opening of the 61st annual Rotary Club of Batavia Musical.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will also be performed Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and there's a matinee at 2 on Sunday, Nov. 8.

The production is directed by Patrick D. Burk and takes place in the Batavia High School Auditorium, located at 260 State St., in the City of Batavia.

Tickets are $16, available online at <bataviarotary dot com> or at Hawley & Associates Insurance Center, 260 State St. in downtown Batavia, Lawley Genesee in Jefferson Square, or at the door.

More than 40 friends, students, associates, neighbors, citizens, Americans and so forth have put countless hours and great effort into bringing the community this enchanting story. Ditto dozens more in the orchestra and production crew.

It's very much a family show and little ones are welcome -- encouraged -- to come dressed in a befitting costume.

This stage performance of "Cinderella" is one-hour-45-minutes long and has a happy ending, but there's soooo much to keep you entertained until then!

"Once upon a time there was a young maiden named Cinderella, who lived with her wicked stepmother and two wicked stepsisters..."

You are cordially invited to come reimagine the magic, timeless tale of romance-against-the-odds. And invite someone you care about.

Both photos were taken during rehearsals and provided by the Batavia Rotary Club.