Genesee County law enforcement officers are joining forces with the Genesee County STOP-DWI program and agencies across New York State to participate in special efforts to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries, and save lives. This coordinated effort is conducted to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.
The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign runs from Thursday, October 31 until Sunday, November 3.
The Halloween High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
Choices impact lives – impaired driving leads to a dead end.
Berry Fusion, Maui Pineapple, and Cherry Dynamite. These are the candy flavors many young ghouls and ghosts will get while trick-or-treating this Halloween. They are also the same flavors our teens see in flavored little cigars and cigarillos marketed alongside candy at convenience stores and gas stations in their communities.
“They may sound like Halloween treats, but in reality they are Big Tobacco’s tricks for getting kids hooked on their products,” says Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Youth Coordinator for Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming Counties (TF-GOW).
Cigarillos, the more popular product, are short and narrow cigars that usually do not include a filter. Little cigars are the same size and shape as cigarettes, often include a filter, and are packaged in a similar way. Both are taxed differently than cigarettes.
Why flavored cigars are a concern.
Bozzer and other public health leaders across the GOW region, New York State and the country are particularly concerned with the newest generation of cigars, including brand names like Swisher Sweets, Dutch Masters, Phillies and Black & Milds. A Swisher Sweet cigarillo contains about 10.8 milligrams of nicotine per gram of tobacco. That’s more than a cigarette, which typically average 8 milligrams, and fuels youth addiction.
“Our biggest concern is that the sweet flavors improve the taste and mask the harshness of tobacco, making these products easier to use and more appealing to young people,” says Bozzer. “Flavors in cigars means more youth will start smoking them, progress to become regular users and potentially become addicted.”
According to 2023 study from the Truth Initiative, flavors are a major reason why young people use cigars, with 74% of adolescents who used cigars in the past month indicating that they used them “because they come in flavors I like.”
What they don’t know is that these cigars contain the same addictive, toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes. Similar to e-cigarettes, cigars are sometimes marketed as being a healthier alternative to cigarettes but that is untrue. Health risks of flavored cigar smoking include gum disease, cancers of the larynx, esophagus and lungs, with daily cigar smokers having an increased risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Co-use of cigarillos and marijuana.
Studies show that many young people use cigarillos as “blunts,” a term for a cigar emptied of its tobacco and replaced with marijuana. Brands like Backwoods (Imperial Tobacco Brands LLC) even have product features, like honey, Russian creme and dark stout flavors, that enhance the blunt smoking experience as featured in the brand’s Instagram posts. Researchers believe this co-use behavior may play a role in promoting increased tobacco use and nicotine dependence.
Marketing to youth.
As new flavored cigars flood the marketplace, tobacco companies market them in bright, colorful packaging mimicking candy which threatens our teens, as well as New York State’s efforts to reduce tobacco use. According to a report from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, companies have also tricked us and our children by avoiding regulations, including new product marketing restrictions and tobacco taxes, contributing to the ongoing problem of youth use.
Cigar manufacturers use many strategies to attract young people including emphasizing flavors in advertisements, paying to place them on store countertops, engaging in fun and engaging social media trends, keeping prices low and introducing new and limited-edition flavors such as “harvest blend,” “summer fusion,” “sticky sweets” and “spiced rum.”
Good news: FDA proposes rule prohibiting flavored cigars.
In April 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposed rule to prohibit all characterizing flavors in cigars based on clear evidence that all cigars increase health risks, but particularly, flavors. The rule noted that flavors increase the appeal of cigars and make them easier to use, especially for youth, and that removing flavored cigars from the market would reduce the number of youth who smoke cigars.
Why the FDA must act NOW.
Sales of all cigars more than doubled between 2000 and 2021, largely driven by increased sales of smaller types of cigars, many of which are flavored.
More than a half million youth in the U.S. use flavored cigars, and in recent years more young people tried a cigar every day than tried a cigarette.
The hundreds of flavored cigars make up about half of the cigar market and can be as cheap as 3 for 99 cents.
In recent years, cigar makers have also introduced limited edition products described as “new” in flavors likely to be extremely appealing to youth.
Preventing tobacco use among youth is a priority because tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in the world.
This Halloween, let’s hope the FDA will give us a real treat and ban flavored cigars before they hook a new generation of smokers.
Reality Check is a teen-led, adult-run program that seeks to prevent and decrease tobacco use among young people throughout New York State.
For more information about Reality Check, visit realitycheckofny.org.
Willow loses a little weight from a trimming Wednesday at Batavia High School on State Street. Photo by Joanne Beck
Batavia High School’s old faithful willow tree, a longtime staple in the front lawn on State Street, got a trim Wednesday as part of a much-needed and proactive maintenance recommended by arborist company Wyatt Van Buren Tree Service of East Bethany.
Van Buren Tree Service had advised the city school district that the tree had several dead branches, adding too much weight to the trunks, and required some proactive trimming to avoid the risk of future storms irreparably damaging the tree, school officials said.
The Batavian asked why the district opted to use an arborist. Superintendent Jason Smith said that although the district has a buildings and grounds crew, Van Buren was chosen because of his expertise in dealing with trees of this type.
"We selected Wyatt Van Buren Tree Service, based in East Bethany, NY, for this project because they specialize in preservation work for mature trees like this one,” Smith said. “While our buildings and grounds team handles regular maintenance, this project required specialized equipment and expertise that we don't have in-house. The work needed to be handled delicately to protect the iconic tree's health and longevity.”
Did this action have to be approved by the Board of Education, and how much did these services cost?
“The Board of Education was kept informed throughout the process and was supportive, though formal approval wasn't required, as we followed standard purchasing procedures,” Smith said. “The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many alumni and families expressing appreciation for our efforts to preserve this iconic tree that means so much to our school community.”
Smith wanted to be clear that the tree trimming company has a certified arborist on staff who assisted with the process to “make sure all the right steps are taken for the correct preservation of the willow tree.”
“The purchase order was not to exceed $4,000, but we expect it to be less as it took less time than anticipated,” he said.
The goal was to proactively maintain the tree and preserve it “for generations of BHS students and staff to come,” officials said. Work was to only last a few days; however, it went much more quickly and was completed by Wednesday afternoon.
Furthering its commitment to community development, Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has appointed Christian Yunker to its Community Bank Board for Tompkins Western New York. Yunker brings an extensive background in agriculture and economics to his new role. Before returning to his family’s business in 2008, Yunker served as a credit officer and relationship manager at Farm Credit East; currently, he is the managing partner of CY Farms, Batavia Turf, CY Heifer Farm and CY Properties, all operated out of Elba.
“Christian’s agricultural and economic expertise, in addition to his background in public service, will be an asset to our Board,” said Diane Torcello, president, Tompkins Western New York Market. “His knowledge of the area and extensive network will also benefit our board as we continue to expand how we support the communities we serve.”
A dedicated member of the community, Yunker is heavily involved in the Genesee County Legislature. He is a member of several committees, sharing his expertise on agricultural and rural affairs, public service, ag and farmland protection, soil and water conservation and more; Yunker is also a member of the Genesee Association of Municipalities Committee. Most recently, Yunker volunteered as president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau. A graduate of Cornell University, Yunker resides in Elba with his wife and three daughters.
The City of Batavia Water Department is repairing a water main break in the area of Watson Street.
Water loss is to be expected in the surrounding area while repairs are being completed. Work will resume on Thursday morning, Oct. 31, 2024. The amount of time the water will be turned off to complete these repairs is uncertain at this time.
As always, when the water is restored it may be discolored. Please refrain from doing any laundry until the water runs clear.
We apologize for any inconvenience, and the public’s patience is greatly appreciated.
Parishioners of Ascension Parish mailed their appeal to the Bishop on October 28 requesting that he keep our parish open.
This is only the first step in the process. We want to thank all the folks who worked on the appeal, that helped to publicize our situation, that gathered and signed mandates, and that are supporting us, and praying for us.
We are grateful to all of you. Please remember to attend Mass at our church, to donate to our parish so we can pay our expenses, and to join us for activities and events.
Reminder, we pray the Rosary weekly at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings in the church. All are welcome.
For more information visit our Facebook Page - FriendsofAscension or email us at FriendsofAscensionParish@gmail.com.
2023 File Photo of Bethany Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. pointing out Water District #5. Photo by Howard Owens
After dealing with several months of drought for the past two years in the town of Bethany, officials and residents have something to look forward to this coming spring, Town Supervisor Carl Hyde Jr. says.
Hyde issued a statement Wednesday that all of the preparation — surveys, applications, legal footwork — the town will begin its next water district this spring.
“After nine years of hard work, the Town of Bethany has received the green light for the construction of public Water District #5 for the residents, farms and businesses in the district,” Hyde said. “The construction is slated to start in early 2025, which will supply 474 units.”
The town had endured a drought severe enough to warrant a State of Emergency in December 2023. That dry condition meant hauling water for miles to and from homes and businesses and resulted in some generous donations of bottled water from local businesses, a water tanker that was loaned from the state for folks to fill up at Town Hall, and at least one farm shutting down due to the water shortage and hardship.
Add to that the Covid pandemic mucking up the process in between, causing delays and price increases and pushing a potential water district more out of reach.
Hyde was able to put Water District #5 on the map after the town received a Water Infrastructure Improvement Award in mid-December 2023 for $5 million. Since the town’s first application had been denied, town officials submitted a second one and anxiously awaited word of whether they would be approved — receiving that good news before end of the year to serve residents north to Route 20.
The Harlem Wizards are coming to Oakfield-Alabama Middle/High School, Wednesday, October 30, at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for this fun-filled family event hosted by the Oakfield-Alabama PTO, and sponsored by Pro Seal & Paving, Care and Landscaping, Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, along with many other generous community sponsors.
This promises to be an awe-inspiring event for all in attendance with all proceeds to benefit the Oakfield-Alabama School District and community.
At a Wizards’ game, fans will witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. It’s two hours of family time where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together. When you’re in the stands, you’re more than a spectator; you’re part of the show with loads of audience participation.
Throughout the game, fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing, and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction.
Tickets are available at www.HarlemWizards.com or by checking out the O-A PTO Facebook page. Student tickets are $10 and General Admission tickets are $15. There are loads of upgrades available for those who want to enhance their Wizards experience. Tickets will also be available at the door.
The Genesee County Health Department is seeking information about the location of a dog and its owner following a dog bite incident on Saturday, October 26th, around 6 p.m. The incident occurred at Genesee County Park, located at 11095 Bethany Center Road in East Bethany, NY.
The dog involved in the incident was running loose in the park. It was described as a medium-sized, short-haired, black dog with a white spot under its chin and paw. The dog was a possible Labrador mix with a collar and tag.
The health department would like to locate the dog as soon as possible to confirm its health. This would indicate that the rabies virus would not have been transmitted at the time of the bite.
If you have information about the dog's location and its owner, please contact the Genesee County Health Department at 585-344-2580 ext. 5555.
Brigette K. Thornton, 33, of Glenhaven Drive, Amherst, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th, grand larceny 4th, and act in a manner injurious to a child less than 17. Deputies responded at 5:41 p.m. to a report of a larceny in progress at Dick’s Sporting Goods on Veterans Memorial Drive. Deputies were told the suspect fled in a white Nissan Sentra. Deputies located a vehicle matching the vehicle description within moments of the initial report. Thorton was allegedly found in possession of stolen goods with a child in the car. The value of the stolen goods was not disclosed. Thornton was issued an appearance ticket.
Johnathan David Fuhrman, 37, of Covington Road, Leicester, is charged with criminal mischief 4th, harassment 2nd, and menacing 3rd. Fuhrman was arrested on a warrant on Oct. 28 in connection with an incident reported at 10 a.m. on Nov. 27, 2023, at a location on Park Road, Batavia. He was held pending arraignment.
Janell M. Sauer, 48, of West Main Street, Pembroke, is charged with burglary 34d and petit larceny, and Sean M. Conway, 47, of Indian Falls Road, Pembroke, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th. On Oct. 23, deputies responded to a report of a theft in progress at Walmart. Sauer allegedly walked out with $101.71 in stolen merchandise. As an asset protection agent approached her, Sauer reported walking away and dropping the bag. Conway is accused of picking up the bag, knowing it contained stolen merchandise, and leaving with it. Batavia patrol officers later located Conway on Lockport Road. Sauer had previously been barred from Walmart property. Conway was released on an appearance ticket. Sauer was located the following day, arrested, and held pending arraignment.
Marissa Bea Torres, 34, no address provided, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Torres is accused of possessing Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia at 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 17 at a location on West Main Street, Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Peter Joseph Mancuso, 36, of Deerfield Drive, North Tonawanda, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Mancuso was arrested based on a complaint received at 9:56 a.m. on Oct. 19 at a location on X Main Street, Batavia (whether it was East or West Main was redacted from the report). No narrative was provided regarding Mancuso's conduct. He was held pending arraignment.
Susan Marie Da Silveira, 43, no permanent address, is charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and trespass. Da Silveira is accused of harassing employees and customers at a gas station on Park Road, Batavia, at 6:36 p.m. on Oct. 10, and she allegedly tried to prevent deputies from arresting her. She was issued an appearance ticket.
Clarence Arthur Johnson, 66, of Griswold Road, Le Roy, is charged with a sex offender, failure to appear for a photo. Johnson was arrested on Sept. 20 on a warrant and held pending arraignment.
Joseph William Freeman, 40, of Oak Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Freeman is accused of reentering Batavia Downs after being barred from the property at 8:52 p.m. on Oct. 19. He was issued an appearance ticket.
Juan Luis Figoura, 21, of Willow Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st. Figoura was the subject of a traffic stop at 2:21 p.m. on Oct. 23. A person he was ordered to stay away from was allegedly in the vehicle. He was held for arraignment.
Candace De Dibartolomeo, 27, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Dibartolomeo is accused of failure to properly take care of a child after deputies responded to a complaint at Big Tree Glen at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. Dibartolomeo was released on an appearance ticket.
Christopher James Johnston, 48, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with trespass. Johnston allegedly entered Batavia Downs at noon on Oct. 26 after previously being barred from the facility. He was released on an appearance ticket.
Jennifer Lynne Fraser, 36, of State Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Fraser is accused of stealing $51.20 in merchandise from Walmart at 4:17 p.m. on Oct. 28. She was released on an appearance ticket.
The Genesee Country Retired Teachers’ Association (RENY)held its fall luncheon meeting on October 9 at the Byron Presbyterian Church. The event began with a wonderful turkey dinner prepared by members of the church. The lunch was thoroughly enjoyed by all those present.
After lunch, Tracy Ford, director of Crossroads House, spoke to our members. She discussed how Crossroads House, a comfort care organization, operates. She also discussed many ways our members who are interested might volunteer to help the organization.
Tracy also recognized the members we have who are already Crossroads House volunteers. Debbie Paine, Lead Executive Assistant, also spoke briefly, explaining her role at Crossroads House and more about volunteering Members had brought needed items to donate to Crossroads House and a monetary collection was also taken up, totaling $383.
Members who have not yet returned their membership cards and payment may still send those by mail. The group will be doing another charitable collection for Domestic Violence prevention in November. Members will receive information on that soon.
The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free education program on understanding the role of caregiver for people living with dementia at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, at the Genesee Office for the Aging, 2 Bank St. in Batavia.
“Understanding the key aspects of caregiving can help to ensure the delivery of person-centered care while managing your own emotional and physical well-being,” says Andrea Koch, director of community engagement for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The program, part of the Association’s new “Empowered Caregiver” education series, will cover how dementia changes relationships over time, the benefit of person-centered care approaches, how to create a supportive care team and steps to identify and manage caregiver stress.
To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, or for help 24/7, call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org.
Organizer Frank Strock talks about establishing a comfort care home to attendees during a Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares meeting Monday night at Stone Church in Bergen. Photo by Howard Owens
As a nurse in long-term and outpatient family care, Joy Hammond has seen the need for more options when it comes to caring for terminally ill people, she says.
“I would say, in general, the staff in hospitals and staff in long-term care do the best that they can. But the reality is, there's just not enough of them. It is simply the fact of the matter. And you can have the biggest heart for the patient, or the resident in that case, who is dying, but you cannot be at their bedside 24/7, which is not possible. And so to be able to have that option to have a comfort care situation where you can have a volunteer or paid staff be there and be focused on that patient, be focused on their family, that is a wonderful, wonderful thing,” Hammond said during a meeting Monday night at Stone Church in Bergen. “Life care is something I have experienced with my nursing career through the years. And so I'm very, very excited about the possibility of bringing comfort care, bringing a comfort care option here to this part of the county, because there really isn't anything here.”
She was one of about 30 people who attended an initial Genesee Valley Regional Community Cares meeting about establishing a comfort care home on the east end of Genesee County. An effort that began in 2019 and was stalled by Covid. It has now surged forward with the Rev. Robert “Mike” Stuart, Louie Crocker, Keven Kent, Clerk of Session Deb Godllove, of Stone Church Presbyterian, professional organizer Frank Strock, who has volunteered to lead the way, and others, including independent end-of-life doula Ashley Manuel.
For anyone unfamiliar with comfort care homes, such as Crossroads House in Batavia, they are two-bed facilities for people diagnosed with three months or less to live. Unlike the typical hospital or nursing home, however, comfort care homes are actually more like one’s home — with no restrictions on visiting hours or what foods and drinks one may have, and individual customized attention to fit that person’s needs and personality. There are nurses on staff and/or on-call and round-the-clock volunteers to be there for companionship, to fix meals, bake cookies, fetch a beer, tell a joke, share some tears, and anything in between.
As Hammond said, from her personal and professional experience, “It just makes the end of life so much … better.”
You know, an all-around experience, it can be truly a beautiful thing, which is kind of crazy in our Western culture; we don’t look at death as beautiful, but it really can be a beautiful thing in the correct environment that supports the family and the person who’s passing,” she said. “So I really am very supportive. I hope that we can make it work.”
She said she's a resident of Bergen and willing to volunteer for this effort once it gets going.
Stuart, a Marine veteran who later entered the seminary, has been so committed to the effort that he donated his salary while working a stint at Stone Church and shared his humble beginnings during an internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was a chaplain during the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, and the blood supply in the city was infected.
"So I was a chaplain for a lot of those kids that were hemophiliacs that died from the blood supply. They were infected, but they had the best treatment they could ever get. So since then, I felt a calling to end-of-life care and served many years in that capacity,” he said, quoting Dr. Emily Smith about loving your neighbor. “It’s about inner work that requires us to ask hard questions and allow that way of being to become part of us, and it requires courage, and means that our lives might look different from how we thought they would. But trust me, friends, if we center on the wrong things to just be good enough type of people, you may be afraid we may be set up for time because I don’t think we’ll ever be who we were meant to be. We can’t redo the past, but we can reimagine the future. That’s what we’re doing now tonight.”
To do that, he said, “We must ask the right questions.” Asking “who” is my neighbor is the wrong one. The right one is “Am I a neighbor?”
Former Crossroads board member and longtime volunteer Jamie Charters explained how these homes work and what goes into running them: at least 60 volunteers in shifts 24/7, 365 days a year; a few paid staff members of an executive director and director of residential services and perhaps someone for marketing; and a nonprofit that operates on donations.
When his father-in-law was at Crossroads House, family was there two days prior making and eating pizzas, drinking some wine, telling stories, reminiscing and spending quality final moments with their loved one, he said.
“I could see the smile on his face,” Charters said. “None of this nursing home (stuff).”
There’s no charge to the resident who spends those final days at the comfort care home, and there are no insurance payments, Medicaid, or Medicare, he said.
“It simply lives on donations, grants, a lot of fundraising,” he said. “But for some reason for this correct business model is incredibly successful. It really takes everybody.”
One attendee asked if organizers have a piece of property for this comfort care home. No, not yet, and organizers are seeking a donation of land, ideally in the Bergen area. They checked out the schoolhouse next to the church but discovered that there was no septic system, and the health department ruled it out as a potential site, Godlove said.
Strock emphasized that “you are the resource” for the effort, as it will take many people to help, from board members to volunteers with ideas and healthcare, design, construction, clerical, technical and bookkeeping experience. He cited a facility in Ogden that has been operating through the efforts of one woman’s inspiration for the last 13 years.
Allen Edwards of Brockport was ready to be a resource. He was familiar with this area, he said, because his late wife was a bereavement counselor and coordinator for lifetime care for the last 20 years of her career and then was also in at-home hospice before she died. And Edwards has his own experience.
“As she used to always say, ‘as a veterinarian, you've been doing hospice longer than I have, because, unfortunately, animals die more frequently than people.’ So it's something that I'm just curious about; I'm certainly interested in being a volunteer. I don't know what else I do, but I have a varied skill set, so we'll see," he said. "I'm not a Genesee County resident, but that doesn't matter. It's been said that if there's a need and you don't help them, what are you doing? You're wasting your time on earth.”
Strock was pleased with this first showing of support and curiosity. Bart Dentino, an advocate of comfort care homes, even performed a musical number after sharing that both of his parents were residents of Crossroads House. Jim Morasco of United Church of Christ in Morganville discussed volunteering at Crossroads House.
“It's an inspiration that people came out because people want to know what's happening with a concept like this, and they want to know where we're at with it. So, that communication, which we're both involved in, is basic; I think we have to find out where we're all at in this project. Many people, including the fellows who are up there now who were invited to see me, are giving testimonials. Bart is giving a testimonial … the same thing with Jim. So it's just that constant inspiration that came through the group,” Strock said. “Sure, we would have liked to have had more people. I'm hoping that I can get the presbytery of Genesee Valley behind this project. Yes, they definitely believe in the concept, but with our new leadership, it's going to take a little bit of development.
“So, yes, I believe it's a good beginning. It's a good start. You can see the questions and ideas that came out of it, and I think in a group like that, I think it's always people who are a little hesitant. But I think now that people are on a personal basis, I think they'll relate a little better … and then I think that's how our communities meet here,” he said. “I think that's how I found it back when I first came here in 1964. That's how it started, and that's how it continues to this day. We'll take all the resources we have from people who came. We'll be in touch with them.”
End-of-life doula Ashley Manuel shares her passion for the importance of ending life just as how birthing doulas welcome babies at the beginning. She talked about how she used guided imagery with one man and took him on a drive down a country road and painted the picture with words so that he could fully imagine it from his bed. When he was at a moment of peace out in the serene countryside, she left him there, and he drew his last breath. Photo by Howard Owens
The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Genesee and Leadership Genesee offices will close for the day at 12 p.m. on November 14 for a staff in-service. The offices will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15.
Photo of the Stuart Steiner Theatre, courtesy of Genesee Community College.
Press Release:
Genesee Community College's (GCC) Stuart Steiner Theatre will stage the chilling thriller Misery, adapted by William Goldman from the iconic Stephen King novel, this November. Performances will take place on November 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on November 10 at 2 p.m.
Goldman's gripping adaptation, which first premiered on Broadway in 2015, brings King's horror masterpiece to the stage, telling the story of novelist Paul Sheldon and his unsettling encounter with fan-turned-captor, Annie Wilkes.
As Paul recovers from a car accident at Annie's isolated home, he soon realizes that her obsession with his work goes far beyond admiration. Held captive and forced to write under terrifying conditions, Paul's survival hinges on his ability to appease his captor-creating a tense and suspenseful psychological battle.
Misery has been described as a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thriller. "There are no lulls in famed screenwriter William Goldman's 90-minute stage adaptation of the Stephen King story, which Goldman himself translated into the 1990 film," said WNBC NY.
Directed by Maryanne Arena, the production will feature Paul Sheldon played by Tony Haitz, and Maryanne Arena taking on the role of Annie Wilkes. Joshua Lang, a fellow graduate of the GCC Theatre Arts program, will portray Buster. Scenic, lighting and sound design will be overseen by Sandor Nagar.
Content Warning: This production contains graphic violence, explicit language, gunshots, frightening moments, adult themes, strobe lights and the use of fake blood. Viewer discretion is advised.
Ticket Information:
General Admission: $10
Non-GCC Students, Seniors (55+), and Children (under 16): $5
GCC Students, Faculty and Staff (with valid ID): Free admission (available only at the box office)
Tickets are available for purchase online at www.genesee.edu/campus-life/center-for-the-arts, at the campus art gallery during operating hours, or at the box office, which opens one hour before each performance.
For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Maryanne Arena at mcarena@genesee.edu or the box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu.
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced that Celebrity Chef Anne Burrell will be hosting “An Afternoon with Anne Burrell” at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel in the Park Place Events Center on Sunday, November 24 at 3 p.m.
Attendees will see Chef Anne prepare an entrée, side, and dessert and hear about all the fun she has hosting her hit show Worst Cooks In America on Food Network. Come see one of America’s favorite chefs!
Following the show, Anne will be hosting a small reception for those with Meet and Greet tickets. Dinner with the same items Anne demonstrated making will be held at two different seating times (5 p.m. and 7 p.m.) in the Genesee Room upstairs.
Show only tickets are $60, Show and Dinner Tickets are $110 (choose seatings at 5 p.m. or 7 p.m.), Show and Meet and Greet Only are $150, and VIP (show, 7 p.m. dinner & meet and greet) are $200.
Tickets are on sale now at BataviaConcerts.com.
“With the Buffalo Bills on a bye week and Thanksgiving the week after, we thought it would be a perfect time for folks to come see this famous upstate New Yorker, “ said Byron Brown, President & CEO of Batavia Downs. “I know our patrons will be looking forward to her demonstrating her culinary skills and hearing stories about her time as a TV Star.”
Photo of Elected Officers (from left to right): Bob Bialkowski - Commodore, Bob Turk - Vice Commodore, Madeline Bialkowski - Treasurer, Marietta Schuth - Secretary, Kevin Tiffany - Port Captain, and Emrys March - Rear Commodore.
Press Release:
The Point Breeze Yacht Club held its annual Members Meeting and Election of Officers at Godfreys Pond on Saturday, October 26. Boaters interested in membership may find information at PBYCNY.com.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1ST CITY OF BATAVIA 4-5 bedroom Duplex apartment with 1 Bedroom, Living room, laundry room, dining room, bathroom, and small kitchen on first floor. 4 bedrooms 2nd floor. Newly painted. Some new carpet. Basement storage. 1/2 garage use for storage/ not parking. Large yard. $1,100/month includes trash pickup, Refrigerator, Gas Stove. You pay gas, electric, water. No dogs. Good references required with background check. Pathstone approved. Near ARC. Mike 585-993-4002
