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'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.

Genesee Cancer Assistance welcomes new marketing coordinator

By Billie Owens
From left, Sue Underwood, Teresa Potrzebowski, Joe Zoccali.

 

Submitted photo and press release:

Genesee Cancer Assistance is proud to welcome Joe Zoccali as the organization's new marketing coordinator. In an effort to assist more individuals battling cancer, the GCA team is revitalizing its branding and marketing approach, and anticipates significant outreach growth as a result.

Zoccali brings 30-plus years of graphic design and marketing experience to Genesee Cancer Assistance. His start in the sign trade as an apprentice has provided opportunities over the years for him to expand into related areas of a commercial art career, including copy layout/sign design consulting, copywriting, print and digital advertising, website design, and marketing.

As marketing coordinator for Genesee Cancer Assistance, Zoccali is looking forward to employing his experience and talents in the interest of helping others.

Genesee Cancer Assistance, cofounded in 1995 by Dorothy Schlaggel and Russ Romano, is a community-based, volunteer organization through which cancer patients and their families living in Genesee County have access to financial aid and a variety of support services. Since its founding, Genesee Cancer Assistance has been fortunate to assist thousands of individuals; hundreds each year.

To learn more about the services offered, or to get involved, join GCA at their upcoming fundraiser: Joe Gerace's Annual Spaghetti Dinner at 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11. It will be held at Ascension Parish's Sacred Heart Social Center, located at 17 Sumner Place, Batavia. Tickets for the dinner are $10 for adults and $7 for children; eat in or take out.

To find out about GCA online visit GeneseeCancerAssistance.com.

Preregister for upcoming programs at GC Park & Forest

By Billie Owens

Here are three upcoming programs offered at Genesee County Park & Forest:

Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring

How can you help baby birds? Join us at Genesee County Park & Forest for Bluebird Nest Box Monitoring from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 23rd.

Come discover NestWatch -- a nationwide nest monitoring program that helps scientists track wild bird populations. Help bluebirds at the park and learn how to keep them healthy in your own backyard!

Dress for the weather and meet at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest. Learn about the secret life of the Eastern Bluebird, then head outside to prepare next boxes for nesting season 2019. This event will go on, rain or shine.

This program is FREE. Please preregister by calling 585-344-1122.

Call (585) 344-1122 to register. For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Amphibian Adventure

Listen to the chorus of spring and get to know your small, slimy singing neighbors with Amphibian Adventure at the Genesee County Park & Forest from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Saturday April 13th.

Meet us at the Interpretive Nature Center to learn how to identify our pest-eating pals. Then we will venture into the wetlands and forest at night to search for amphibians in their habitat! Hear their many calls as they welcome spring and find out what you can do to help your tiny big-eyed friends.

Dress for the weather, amphibians love rainy nights and this program will go rain or shine! Cost is $5/person, $10/family. Preregistration is required, call 585-344-1122 to reserve your spot.

Summertime Environmental Science Camp for Seventh- through 10th-graders

Registration is open for Environmental Science Camp at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This hands-on outdoor camp is for students entering seventh through 10th grades. Camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, July 8th – 12th at the Interpretive Nature Center at the Genesee County Park & Forest.

This weeklong adventure includes wildlife surveys, field and stream studies, outdoor recreation, a field trip and more.

Cost is $95/camper for the entire week. All materials, lunch and snacks are provided each day along with a camp T-shirt.

Maximum 25 campers, registration deadline is Monday, June 24th.

To register, download the registration form from our website here.

Return completed forms with payment to:

Main Office
Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center 153 Cedar St.
Batavia, NY 14020

For more information visit our website here, or contact Shannon Lyaski at Shannon.Lyaski@co.genesee.ny.us or (585) 344-1122.

Three Le Roy families will get pool scholarships thanks to Women of the Moose 'Cake Walk'

By Billie Owens

The Le Roy Women of the Moose held their annual “Cake Walk” on Feb. 16. This fun and decidely carefree event consisted of dessert donations by Le Roy Moose members.

Participants entered for a chance to choose one of the toothsome desserts, enjoy the DJ and other raffles. A real fun time was had by all. The money -- $240 -- raised will give three Le Roy families a pool scholarship at the Town of Le Roy Recreation Center this summer.

Pictured from left are: Jennifer Swartz; Jackie Whiting with the Town of Le Roy Recreation Program; Martha Bailey, chairperson; Sharyll Hume, senior regent; and Cathy Campbell, club recorder.

If you would like to become a part of this vibrant and giving organization, ask any Le Roy Moose member for details.

(Submitted photo and press release.)

Mark Your Calendar: American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party is May 18

By Billie Owens
Press release:
 
Strength In Numbers Entertainment announces the American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party will be held Saturday, May 18th, at the Botts Fiorito American Legion Post 576 at 53 W. Main St. in the Village of Le Roy. It is free to attend and is for all ages.
 
It will benefit the Botts Fiorito post, which is celebrating its centennial this year. In addition to live music and bowling, there will be a military vehicle/aircraft display (vehicles being provided by the Rochester National Guard and private owners) and a Cornhole tournament and more. 

The event is brought to you by the premiere sponsor: The Original Red Osier Landmark Restaurant.
 
The 2018 event was a success and everyone is looking forward to making it bigger and better in 2019! The American Warrior Festival is known for serving as a tribute to honor our military's active and retired personnel. 
 
This event also donates to a nonprofit veterans' organization of its choice. This year's event beneficiary will be Le Roy's American Legion Post 576.
 
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
 
It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
 
American Warrior Festival Rock 'n' Roll Bowling Party will feature live music, a military aircraft and vehicle display, bowling, cornhole tournament, prizes, food, drinks, etc. 
 
American Warrior Festival Owner/Founder Dan Clor, who served in Iraq with the Marine Corps sums up the event: "A celebration of our troops, veterans, and American way of life." 
 
Additional local American Warrior Festival 2019 sponsors are: Oliver's Candies, JoshEDesigns.com, Le Roy Hardware, Batavia Legal Printing, Ken Barrett Chevrolet-Cadillac, Watson Guitars, Welding's Most Wanted, I Need Oils.
 
If you are a local business that would like to be involved with our American Warrior Festival as a sponsor or contributor please contact Dan Clor at:
(714) 742-0204 or email  DanClor@strengthinnumbersent.com
 
For more information visit www.StrengthInNumbersEnt.com 
 
To "Honor A Vet" on our Honor Wall please click here.

Genesee Chorale presents 'Voices of the Earth' April 5 in Pavilion and April 7 in Batavia

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Chorale sings a celebration of the planet with a concert called “Voices of the Earth” at 7 p.m., April 5, at Pavilion High School, 7014 Big Tree Road, Pavilion, and at 4 p.m., April 7, at St. James Episcopal Church, 405 E. Main St., Batavia.

The April 7 concert will also feature a display of area students’ art work with a recycling theme.

Come hear “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” “For the Beauty of the Earth” and other selections by the 70-member Chorale under direction of Ric Jones.

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

Hollwedel library in Pavilion to hold Open House March 16 to honor retiring manager

By Billie Owens

From Hollwedel Library Trustee Deb Davis:

The Hollwedel Memorial Library Friends and Trustees will be hosting an Open House from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 16 honoring their retiring manager, Suzanne Schauf.

Schauf has been the Library Manager since 2003 and has worked at the library since 1999.

She will be greatly missed.

Please stop in to wish Suzanne well and enjoy some refreshments with us.

The library is located at 5 Woodrow Drive in Pavilion.

A search for a new library manager is underway.

(Photo of Suzanne Schauf courtesy of Richard Schauf.)

John Kennedy students promote annual pasta night fundraiser

By Steve Ognibene

Second-grade students pictured above are promoting the annual John Kennedy School Pasta Night fundraiser, which is this Friday, March 8th, in the school cafeteria, 166 Vine St., Batavia.

The money raised supports the parent group to fund future activities for students that include: Father Daughter Dance, Mother Son mud event, community night, field trips and much more. 

There are two seatings available, at 5 p.m. and 6:30. (The 5 p.m. seating is a great options for those who are attending the “Sound of Music” at Batavia High School the same evening.)

Take-outs are available.

Presale tickets can be purchased at the main office, and table reservations for eight or more must be made in advance. Costs are: $6 adults and $4 for students ages 5-12; children under 4 are free. 

Depending on seating availability tickets may be purchased at the door. Adults $7, students ages 5-12 $5 and children under 4 are free. We recommend you purchase tickets in advance.

Parent volunteers are still needed. Email Christopher Sputore at coach_sputore@yahoo.com prior to the event.

Batavia Business & Professional Women to host meat auction April 5 for scholarships, service groups

By Billie Owens

There will be a meat auction on Friday, April 5, at Ascension Parish in Batavia to benefit Genesee County scholarships and service organizations. It is hosted by the Batavia Business & Professional Women's Club Inc.

Cost to attend is $10 and includes food, beer and soda pop. No outside food or drink allowed.

Tables for eight can also be reserved for $64.

Tickets are presale only and the deadline to buy them is April 3.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the first drawing is at 6:45.

Bring your dollar bills and a cooler for your winnings.

There will also be a 60/40 raffle and more.

The church is located at 17 Sumner St. in the City of Batavia.

Contact any BBPW member or Michelle Gillard at 297-0779 or email  michelle@essentialsoflife.org

Or Alice Chapell at 344-2193 or email babycakes1017@yahoo.com

St. James church holds 25th annual Lenten Fish Fry starting Friday

By Billie Owens
St. James Episcopal Church of Batavia is holding its 25th Annual Lenten Fish Fry every Friday from March 8 through April 12.
 
Eat-in meals are served starting at 5 p.m. or takeout starting at 4:30 p.m.
 
Meals feature large servings of either fried or baked fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce all for $10. St. James is famous for its fantastic home-baked desserts for $4.
 
Last year more than 2,000 dinners were served over the six week Lenten period! Come early to make sure you get your favorite dessert!
 
St. James church is located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

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