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As the 75th anniversary of Genesee Symphony Orchestra quickly approaches, the planning of its concert this weekend has been anything but rushed.

In fact, Conductor Shade Zajac has been thinking about the event for the last few years.

“I’ve been so looking forward to this particular season for so long, not for any personal reason. I just want the orchestra to be celebrated, for people to know that this incredible thing exists,” Zajac said during an interview with the Batavian. “I am not the same guy I was when we started … and the orchestra is not the same. GSO will always be part of my history and part of my family.”

The 75th celebration concert titled Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at Genesee Community College’s Stuart Steiner Theatre, 1 College Rd., Batavia. 

Years in the making ...
Zajac, whose first season was in 2016, has been mulling the 2021 musical season “for a lot of years now,” he said. He had discussed it with Co-President Roxie Choate and had several ideas amidst a pandemic that had canceled many public events. 

“It was touch and go whether or not we would actually be having a season,” he said. 

Once venues began opening up, Zajac and staff plunged ahead with mapping out an agenda of nostalgic and meaningful pieces. History has been the focus of the orchestra’s return to the stage, exactly 75 years to the date it first debuted as Batavia Civic Orchestra. 

A letter in Richmond Memorial Library’s archives demonstrates just how delicate GSO’s formation really was. Zajac stumbled upon it, he said, while scouring the vast relics for concert ideas. It was fairly early on after the orchestra’s 1947 founding, and it was an ominous musing about whether it was worth it to carry on.

“Do you want the Civic Orchestra to continue? If so, will you work for it?” the letter began. “It will be a sad loss to the community to end the orchestra. It seems better, though, to end it quickly than to drag on to a slow death.”

Written by then-President Virginia Trietly, the letter ended with a hopeful encouragement to “muster up enthusiasm — lasting enthusiasm” that would allow the group to survive longer than 11 years. It’s safe to say that community members rallied to carry on and endure the next several decades.

“And here we are 75 seasons later. Yeah, through this horrible pandemic where many orchestras haven't been able to do a thing, and we've been fortunate enough to continue to make music. That's a really incredible thing,” Zajac said. “And it's a testament to the musicians, of course, to all the people that have worked on the board of directors and also to this community that continues to support us through tough times, and through great times. Without all of these components … we wouldn't be having this conversation.” 

As for the music, a concert lineup is chock full of classical compositions, a guest performance, and a piece of freshly crafted work. Mikhail Glinka’s “Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla” is not unfamiliar to orchestras, as it has been performed “many, many, many times” by GSO and others, Zajac said.

“Because it's just a complete fireworks spectacular showcase for the orchestra,” he said. “It’s breakneck fast, and then it gets even faster at the end. It’s a statement to start a program with that piece.”

“Prelude to Act III, Dance of the Apprentices, Final Prelude and Intermezzo,” from Cavalleria, was featured in the very first orchestra performance. Zajac discovered the musical score in library archives labeled with the group's original name. Considered a “classical repertoire,” the prelude is “just gorgeous,” he said.

“I really wanted to do something different, something from the very early season … the librarian gave me the score. And the coolest thing is, stamped on the cover is the Batavia Civic Orchestra, which is, of course, the name before,” he said. “So that is a cool find. And that's a really great piece.”

Then and Now ...
Guest soloist Mia Fasanello will also become part of the orchestra’s history by performing a concerto 75 years after her own grandfather, Sebastian Fasanello, played one during the first concert. No stranger to the GSO, Fasanello won its Young Artist competition for her oboe performance and was a featured soloist with the group for “Concerto for Oboe and Strings” in 2017. Currently studying with the Juilliard School, Fasanello’s talent prickled the judges’ ears from the very first tuning note.

“Oboe is a really tricky instrument to play. And for such a young person to have such a mature sound, it was a no-brainer that she had to be the winner,” Zajac said.  “So it's really great for us to have her come and perform, and to work with us in this collaboration. And it just plays into the whole idea that this is a generational thing.”

From the past of a musician’s grandfather, the concert also includes the present with a “world premiere” of Nancy Pettersen Strelau’s original piece, “A Simple Beautiful Idea.” 

Zajac wanted someone connected to the orchestra to compose a piece for the celebration but wasn’t initially sure who that should be. He chose Strelau for her role as his teacher, mentor, and sounding board throughout his education at Nazareth College School of Music. She even nudged him into applying for the conductor position when it became vacant in 2015. 

“I owe so much to her, she’s an incredible human being; she’s always been there,” he said. “It’s a really beautiful piece … the idea of back when they first wanted this orchestra, how daunting it must have been. It’s a very special piece to me.”

A majestic and lively “Hungarian Rhapsodies no. 2” ends the lineup with a melody often heard during popular cartoons Tom and Jerry, and Bugs Bunny. Don’t be surprised if your mind conjures up a sneaky little rodent wreaking havoc during portions of the song, Zajac said. 

The program includes proclamations from state Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Genesee County Legislator Rochelle Stein; and a display that highlights “certain aspects of our history,”  said GSO librarian and second chair clarinet Joanne Tumminello. A GSO calendar will be available for purchase to support the orchestra and provide a cherished collection of photos across the decades, she said. 

A member since 1995, Tumminello has been in charge of gathering and preserving tidbits of time in the form of news articles, photos, videos and other materials. This year has brought with it a sense of celebration to the wide assortment of members young and old and from all walks of life, she said.

“It’s definitely brought excitement to the orchestra,” Tumminello said. “It has brought us together.”

Shirts with the new GSO logo — selected from entries of a prior logo contest — have been made for members to wear during rehearsal, she said, noting that the 75th will be removed for next season and beyond. That’s a sign that “we can endure anything,” she said.

“The community has a love of history and enjoys supporting us, and that tells us to keep going,” she said. 

Zajac emphasized that although he may be the “face” of the orchestra, it takes the whole body of musicians, board of directors and community support to make a concert, and this celebration, happen. One musician in particular has become part of the 27-year-old conductor’s future: his wife Nicole. Before they were married, she filled in as a pinch-hitter for a vacant French horn seat. The late Bob Knipe, heavily active in the GSO and local music scene, had also “invited her to come and play” in the group. She eventually became a permanent member of GSO.

“I was in the thick of my first season with GSO and knew I needed a sub for Horn. And she turned me down, and we kind of kept talking,” he Zajac said. “And then as that particular concert approached, we needed an extra horn player last minute. So she stepped up, played, and then they kept inviting her back.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Tickets are $15 adults, $10 seniors and free to students with a student identification card, and may be purchased at Holland Land Office Museum, YNGodess or online at www.geneseesymphony.com.

Photos: File photos from previous seasons' rehearsals.  All photos by Howard Owens. Top photo, S. Shade Zajac in 2019.  Videos below from 2019.

Press release:

Batavia Community Schools is hosting a Fall Expo on Tuesday, November 9, at its Robert Morris location.

The event will include a job fair from 2-7 pm, in conjunction with the Genesee County Business and Education Alliance (BEA), and the annual “Warm the Night” activities from 5-7 pm.

Addition information on the Fall Expo events:

FALL EXPO

Date: Tuesday, November 9

Location: Robert Morris: 80 Union Street, Batavia, NY

• Enter through the Richmond/Vernon Avenues entrance
• Parking is available across the street at VanDetta Stadium
• Transportation Available (Bus locations/times available here)
• Click here to see participating businesses, agencies and organizations

JOB FAIR @ the FALL EXPO

Time: 2-7 pm

Location: Robert Morris Multi-Purpose Room

• Representatives from local businesses and organizations will be on-hand to discuss job opportunities and answer questions
• Eligible students will be able to obtain their working papers from 5-7 pm
• Open to all

WARM THE NIGHT @ the FALL EXPO

Time: 5-7pm

Location: Outdoors in the parking lot on the corner of Richmond/Vernon Avenues

• Donated coats, scarves, gloves, and hats will be available for children and families
• Local agencies and organizations will have tables set up to educate the community on the services they offer
• Food will be served by BCSD Administration, and all registrants will be eligible for raffle prizes

COVID PROTOCOLS

• Masks will be required in the building
• Tables will be socially distanced
• All participants will need to register before entering

Batavia Community Schools was launched in 2020 with a vision of building a better Batavia by promoting equitable learning opportunities, cultivating healthier families, and establishing a stronger community. The program aims to unite the community through shared resources, working partnerships, and open, collaborative communication.

Batavia Community Schools, located at 80 Union Street, also includes a Family and Community Engagement Center run by District Social Worker Julie Wasilewski. The Center hosts a Community Closet, which provides free clothing, hygiene products, food, and household items to those in need. The Center is also set up for meetings, computer access, and a children’s reading area.

Additional information on our Batavia Community Schools can be found here.

After 26 years of being cautious, solo beauty stylist Cheryl Fisher has decided to take the plunge into entrepreneurship. Her new business, Wisteria Studios Inc., is open for business at 617 East Main St., Batavia.

“This is kind of a lifelong dream. I never really expected it to come to fruition,” Fisher said Wednesday at her site. “I got lucky, and I fell upon this building. I’m stepping outside my comfort zone. God has me in this place for a purpose.“

Fisher, an Alexander native and Batavia resident, is proud to show off her business during an open house Friday. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., beauty professionals are welcome to check it out, ask questions and obtain more information about renting one of the two available studios. Friends and family may then also browse the gray marble floor, silver, white and gray-themed decor and a splash of painted lavender accents from 7 to 9 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be part of the celebration, she said. 

Fisher, a licensed cosmetologist, began her career with the late Joseph Gerace, who she credits for her success.

“I would not be where I am without him,” she said. 

She was with Gerace for 10 years before operating a home salon for another eight years. Then life happened, and a divorce prompted her to move her beauty services in 2012 to a shack next to O’Lacy’s on School Street. Nine years later she spotted her next venture: the former Kentucky Fried Chicken-turned-auto shop-turned computer store on East Main Street. 

Major renovations included a complete dig-out of the foundation via Bobcat, removal of the signature KFC cupola and other restaurant memorabilia left behind of the Colonel Sanders fame. Fisher wants to preserve the history of when the Lazarony family bought the building for KFC in 1963, and how it transformed into other businesses up to now.  

Floor space of 2,000 square feet has been subdivided into four studios.

“It’s gorgeous. Hopefully it’s going to stay like that for a long time,” she said. “There’s a common waiting room, a break room, a corridor and each stylist renting a space will be behind closed doors.”

Her dream included a studio salon at which clients aren’t clustered next to each other during services. So the studios — fully equipped with storage cabinets, freestyle dryers, a shampoo station and styling chair — provide a comfortable and private environment for each client, Fisher said. Add to that amenities of on-site laundry, WiFi, garbage removal and snow plowing. She already has one tenant to offer Mary Kay products, facials and classes, and is looking to fill two more spaces with stylists, a barber or esthetician.

Supported by a silent partner, Fisher said this venture has been filled with challenges, from lack of supplies due to COVID-19 to not being able to do hands-on shopping for decor and accessories. She wasn’t certain of what to name the place, and came across some wallpaper with purple wisterias dripping down from ceiling to floor. She liked the color, and locked in her business name after reading a definition of wisteria: “a plant that never settles and never stops growing,” she said. 

“The beauty industry is the same, it never settles and never stops growing. And that’s me,” she said. “I want (tenants) to come in, be happy, have fun and enjoy what they do. Everyone is their own entity, they all do their own thing. I’m looking forward to my own space, but having people in the building. I have put my lifetime investment into it.” 

For more information, call 585-343-1247 or email wisteriastudios.617@gmail.com.

Stylist and business owner Cheryl Fisher works on a customer's hair at her new place, Wisteria Studios Inc. Photos by Jim Burns

Tyler Lynn Vanskiver, 25, of Putnam Road, Bethany, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief 4th, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment 2nd, and menacing 3rd.  Vanskiver was arrested after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence on Putnam Road, Bethany.  He allegedly obstructed the breathing of a woman and prevented her from calling 9-1-1 in the presence of two children.  He was arraigned in Town of Bethany Court.  His release status was not included in the press release.

Catherine Ann Klinkbeil, 53, of Bank Street, Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving while impaired by drugs.  Kilnkbeil was stopped at 4:32 p.m., Oct. 12, by Deputy Chad Cummings.  She was arrested Oct. 28 by Deputy Chad Cummings, processed at the jail, and released on an appearance ticket.

John William Murphy, 48, of Beaver Meadow Road, Bergen, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Murphy is accused of not surrendering a firearm to authorities in accordance with an order of protection.  Murphy was released on his own recognizance.

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District hosted its fourth annual Scarecrow Contest for Downtown Batavia. As a creative way to add some more fall flavor to downtown decorating, the BID invited any business, organization or family to enter the contest. For $20 each business was provided basic supplies of straw, a post, and zip ties along with their pole assignment. Each business could then get creative in creating its scarecrow. All voting for favorite scarecrow ended Sunday, October 31st.

The First Place Winner for 2021 is Veterans Services! Shout out to Verna and everyone over at Veterans Services for the amazing job. They will be donating their winnings to WNY Heroes. (top photo)

Second Place Winner is Charles Mens Shop. They would like to thank the Notre Dame Art Club, Maia Zerillo and Jasmine Wessel for their assistance with the scarecrow this year. (second photo)

Third Place Winner is Eli Fish Brewing Co. (third photo)

First place winner receives $100 cash prize, second place $75, and third place $50. The BID would like to thank Home Depot for sponsoring the scarecrows and to our City of Batavia Fire Department for assembling the posts.

Mark Newton, 53, of Hamburg, is charged with petit larceny. Newton was arrested on a warrant issue in 2014. Newton allegedly accepted a sum of money to complete contracting work and then failed to complete the work and never returned the money.  He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Ray Spencer Lindquist Saile, 19, of Judge Road, Tonawanda Indian Reservation, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd. Saile is accused of being in the residence of a protected party at 1:38 a.m., Oct. 28.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Thomas Tacito, 61, of Batavia, is charged with failure to appear.  He was arrested on six warrants for failure to appear on multiple charges including criminal contempt, harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief. He was arraigned in City Court and ordered held on $5,000 bail, $10,000 bond, or $20,000 partially secured bond.

Samantha L. Hoy, 30, of Niagara Falls, is charged with DWI.  Hoy was arrested on Oct. 26 after allegedly driving off the road in teh area of 205 Oak St., Batavia. She was issued an appearance ticket.

George J. Budzinack, 41, of Batavia, is charged with criminal mischief 4th. Budzinack is accused of damaging the door of an apartment on Mill Street following a fight. He was released on an appearance ticket.

Cody L. Pahura, 30, of Darien, is charged with Driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Pahura was stopped by Batavia PD at 1:21 p.m., Oct. 21, on West Main Street, Batavia.  He was arraigned in City Court and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Philip Escobar, 32, of Kirvin, Texas, is charged with DWI and failure to submit to a chemical test. Escobar was arrested following a complaint of a man sleeping in a truck that was in the drive-through line at McDonald's at 2:30 a.m., Oct. 24.  He was released on an appearance ticket.

Phoenix Garcia-Sobczak, 30, of Elba, is charged with grand larceny. At 2:12 p.m., Oct. 14, Garcia-Sobczak allegedly took a vehicle from another person without permission. He was issued an appearance ticket.

Antonia Goodson, 31, of Batavia, is charged with petit larceny.  Good was arrested on warrants out of City Court.  He was arraigned and released under supervision of Genesee Justice.

Jason Shaffer, 41, of Perry, is charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, uninspected motor vehicle, and insufficient turn signal. Shaffer was stopped at 1:05 a.m., Aug. 23, in the City of Batavia.  He was charged following an investigation, arraigned inn City Court, and released on an appearance ticket.

Jillian Antinore, 44, of Batavia, is charged with felony DWI, felony driving with a BAC of .18 or greater, refusal to take breath test, aggravated unlicensed operation, and following too closely.  Antinore was charged following an investigation into a motor vehicle accident at 4:15 p.m., Oct. 12, on Ellicott Street.  She was issued traffic tickets and released.

Heather Davis, 44, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Davis is accused of violating an order of protection by having contact with the protected person. She was released on an appearance ticket.

Cody A. Bush, 35, of Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd, criminal possession of a controled substance 7th, burglary 2nd, and resisting arrest. At 3:08 a.m., Oct. 11, Bush was allegedly found in the residence of person he was ordered by a court not to contact. He was arraigned and ordered held without bail.

Jeremy Olsen, 48, of Bergen, is charged with criminal mischief 4th.  Olsen is accused of cutting a tree in a City park on Oct. 16.  He was issued an appearance ticket.

Jesse Lord, 21, of Batavia, is charged with DWI and driving with a BAC of .08 or greater. Lord allegedly fled from a bar fight at 10:28 p.m., Oct. 16, in a vehicle and police observed him leaving the scene and stopped his vehicle. He allegedly failed a field sobriety test.  He was processed at the jail and released on traffic tickets. 

Shelby Fryer, 26, of Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, unlicensed operation, and no or inoperable headlights. Fryer was stopped at 2:27 a.m., Oct. 17, by Batavia PD and released on appearance tickets.

Images from around central Batavia on Halloween October 31st.

Aaron Michael Reagan Hatt, 25, no disclosed address in Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 1st, criminal obstruction of breathing/blood circulation, unlawful imprisonment, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.   Hatt is accused of applying pressure to a woman's neck during a dispute at 11:59 p.m., Oct. 29, at a location on Federal Drive, Batavia. He allegedly resisted arrest while deputies attempted to place him in custody.  He was jailed on $5,000 bail.

Erica Ann Hanley, 33, of Pratt Road, Batavia, is charged with criminal contempt 2nd.  Hanley is accused of violating an order of protection at 10:26 p.m., Oct. 29.  She was released on an appearance ticket.

A caller at 9644 Putnam Road, Batavia, reports coming out of his house this morning to find an abandoned vehicle stuck in his front yard.

The caller reports who ever drove the vehicle into the yard attempted to get it out but couldn't.  

There is no one around the vehicle now.

A state trooper is dispatched.

Press release:

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., annual "Noel Nook" will take place at The Jerome Center at 16 Bank Street, Batavia, NY on November 5 -12, 2021 from 9 am - 4 pm, Saturdays, November 6 and 13 from 9 am – 2 pm and closed Sunday, November 7.  Please wear a mask.  All customers will enjoy a 10% discount on the entire order (some exclusions apply). We invite parents and their children to post their Santa’s letters in the North Pole Post located outside the gift shop.

‘Tis the season to wear customer favorites of home interiors and stylish ponchos, capes, and shawls, woven caplets, fur-trimmed, and knit hats and gloves, gorgeous scarves, from K & K, Carmen & Coco, Mud Pie, Simply Noelle, and Gantz, to name a few. Our updated selection of Petite Ginger Snaps, which are interchangeable with bracelets, necklaces, and rings come in a variety of colors, shapes, and stones.  We continue to carry our selection of stylish handbags.  Our reasonably priced 'Jerome Jewelry Collection’ includes rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces sets, some with semi-precious stones, and a wide assortment of watches, and children’s jewelry.  Popular items are cozy baby jackets in blue, pink, and leopard, tummy blankets, picture frames, milestone items, and a variety of children's toys and plush animals.  Patrons love our Famous Beekman Brothers’ products of hand creams, soaps, facial makeup remover, and lip balms.

You will find a bar and wine accessories, eclectic and wine caddies depicting doctors, golfers, nurses, firefighters, musicians, athletes, and gardeners are customer favorites.  Enjoy the expressions of wall and counter art, holiday wreaths, kitchen towels, spatula sets, mugs and aprons, Santas, snowmen, Snowbabies, crystal candle holders and warmers, angels, elegant glittered and country trees, hundreds of gorgeous ornaments, cardinals, flags, throws, centerpieces, and night lights.  Gift cards are also available.  

The St. Jerome Guild, Inc., a not-for-profit volunteer organization has been serving the healthcare community for decades and celebrated their 100-year Jubilee a few years ago and the group continues to be an active organization donating vital equipment to UMMC. The Guild’s 2020 Hometown Heroes Star Initiative honoring all UMMC employees for their efforts during the height of the pandemic raised $3000. These funds contributed toward the Guild’s $7000 purchase of an urgently needed freezer to store the Covid vaccines! 

For decades, the Guild offers to UMMC employees pursuing educational careers, our annual Health Professional Scholarships.  Children who visit the Jerome Center Urgent Care are comforted with plush animals. Cancer patients receive care bags of personal items. The Guild sponsors the Jerome Center Annual Employee Recognition Day to thank employees for their efforts in serving the community. Guild members donate thousands of volunteer hours working at the Shop and for UMMC events, including the Teddy Bear Clinic.  The Guild has set up a satellite gift shop at the UMMC Kiosk on North Street open at various times offering our inventory of home goods, giftware and clothing.  

St. Jerome Gift Shop business hours vary and Monday through Friday from 9 am – 3 pm, and Saturday from

9 am - 12 noon managed and operated only by Guild volunteers.  New members are welcome to join the Guild throughout the year and a membership tea is held in September.  Members attend regular monthly meetings that include a program and guest speakers.  The Guild manages a monthly lottery and the community is invited to participate. Please join our Facebook page to view our inventory at: St. Jerome Gift Shop.

Article submitted by: Marilyn C. Dickinson, Secretary
St. Jerome Guild, Inc. Board of Directors

Press release:

Come and experience the 20th annual Wonderland of Trees, sponsored in part by WBTA! The opening gala will occur on Friday, November 19th from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Holland Land Office Museum. This year's theme to honor this milestone year is "Through the Years." Visit the museum to see all the wonderfully decorated trees and displays by local businesses and organizations. This year's opening gala will feature many great gift baskets to win and a Silent Auction. The night will also feature holiday music by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra and hors d'oeuvres provided by the D & R Depot. Tickets for this event are on sale at the museum. Tickets are $15 per person/ $10 for museum members and $5 for children under 12. For more details contact the museum or visit www.hollandlandoffice.com.

The Wonderland of Trees will run through the end of December. The basket raffle winners will be drawn Friday, December 17th. Further holiday events will also be held throughout the season. If you would like to participate by decorating a tree or contributing a basket, or general sponsorship, please contact the museum or visit www.hollandlandoffice.com.