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Press release:

Our 2017 Season will kick off with our Annual Gala on Jan. 7th and include many tremendous performances and interesting works by a varied list of playwrights and musicians. Plays and musicals will include classic literature, Shakespeare and timeless upbeat performances, thus the seasonal theme of “Astonishment, Disbelief & Disclosure.”

This year’s productions range from traditional to avant-garde looks at familiar and not so familiar performances, throwing in a dash of the bizarre and horror and ending with a holiday tradition. Sure to please our theater audiences and provide a comprehensive theatrical experience for all. 

Annual Gala - Une Nuit Blanch A’ Paris (A White Night in Paris) -- Saturday, Jan.  7^th @ 7:30 p.m.

This French-themed evening will pay homage to a traditional Parisian event. White dress, white lights, white decorations and all underlined by flowing champagne, basket raffles and our Annual Harvester 56 Theater Performance Awards and our most memorable performances. A sure not to miss event as we kick off the 2017 Season and celebrate the amazing 2016 Season! 

On Broadway 8 – The Magic Kingdom on Broadway – Feb. 10^th, 11^th, 17^th & 18^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Feb. 12^th @ 2 p.m. – Directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & Kathy White.

Sure to be a huge hit and a tremendous family event, as special performances loved by all come from that Magical Kingdom to our stage. The combination of new songs and longtime favorites are brought alive with colorful costumes, dance and song. Expertly directed by Amanda Melissa Taylor & musically directed by Kathy White, this is sure to be a great spirited start to our 2017 Season.

This Ain’t Your Mamma’s Shakespeare  – March 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – March 13^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced by E. Jane Burk and directed by Susan Buckley, Joan Cirillo & Michele Stamp.

An irreverent look at the English Bard and his works by contemporary authors which include William Shakespeare having inspiring dreams, a community theater’s disaster with the play Hamlet and a college themed farce the night before a very special exam. Full of fun, fantasy and colorful characters, this is a great way to enjoy the themes and of Shakespeare while getting quite a few laughs.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet – April 21^st, 22^nd, 28^th & 29^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – April 23^rd @ 2 p.m. – directed by E. Jane Burk & assisted by Michele Stamp – Shakespeare in Springtime Production.

The perils, clashes and revenge of the young Danish Prince Hamlet as he tries to avenge his father’s murder and subsequent marriage of his mother to his uncle, the play explodes on stage with all the drama of Shakespearean tragedy.  Acutely directed and conceived by E. Jane Burk, this study into love, tragedy, revenge, madness and terror is sure to be incredible.

The Last Five Years  – May 12^th & 13^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – May 14^th @ 2 p.m.  -- Produced by Kathy White & directed and starring Amy Martin and Joe Kusmierczak in this very special performance.

You are sure to enjoy Jason Robert Brown’s musical experience in the life of a five-year relationship from the beginning to the end. This compelling award-winning musical is told in the unique aspect of an aspiring young actress and a novelist meet, fall in and out of love. The actress’ story is told in reverse narrative from the end of the relationship to the beginning and the novelist’s story from the beginning to the end.  Only once do the characters interact in a poignant wedding scene. This is a truly amazing musical offering.

Grey Gardens – June 9^th, 10^th, 16^th & 17^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – June 11^th @ 2 p.m. – Produced, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk with musical direction by Kathy White. 

Based on the Documentary of the same name, this is a compelling look at the lives of Edith Ewing Bovier Beale and her daughter Edith Bouvier Beale, aunt and first cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.  Once the bright lights of East Hampton, Long Island society, this musical delves into the complicated dynamics of this unique and tragic mother/daughter relationship as they diminish from the rich and polished society lovelies to their isolated and demented lives. Written by Doug Wright with Music written by Scott Frankel and Lyrics by Michael Korie this production is set at their palatial estate Grey Gardens as it too declines into disarray.

Kids Camp Presents -- A Midsummer’s Night Eve – July 21^st & 22^nd @ 7:30 p.m. – Kids Camp runs from July 10^th -  22^nd with this musical rendition of Shakespeare’s classic as the culmination of a fantastic program.

Led by trained and knowledgeable staff, our theater opens its doors to the 12 and under crowd to experience all aspects of theater work from conception to design.  This year’s program is a fun curriculum that will expand the experiences of the young actor and musician.  Included will be voice, dance, movement, design and acting.  Auditions will be held for the roles in the performance and campers will work to perfect their final performance for the public.  Lauded as “one of the best summer experiences around,” this summer staple of the Harvester 56 Theater will once again be supervised by Wendy Williams, Education Director & Musical Director, Kathy White. Camp spots are limited so watch for auditions and signs ups on our website.

21^st Summer Youth Theater - FAME – The Musical – August 11^th, 12^th, 18^th & 19^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance – Aug. 13^th @ 2 p.m.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and musical direction by Kathy White. 

This high-energy musical based on the 1980’s television show was conceived and developed by David De Silva.  Book by Jose’ Fernandez, Lyrics by Jacques Levi and Music by Steve Margoshes.  Set in the famed School of the Performing Arts in New York City, this production looks at the highs and lows of the education and training aspect of a career in the arts.  Packed with memorable songs and amazing dance numbers, Fame will become a theatrical highlight for all to see.  Directed by Patrick D. Burk and Musically Directed by Kathy White along with a solid number of professionals, this will make our 21^st Summer Youth Theater, a huge success.  A must see for the entire family this show is jam-packed with great characters and tremendous performances.  

The Laramie Project – Sept. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Sept. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Directed by Norm Argulski as a special 2017 Tribute Performance of this moving American masterpiece.

The Laramie Project is a true American masterpiece that abruptly and pointedly takes on the horrors of prejudice and the tribute of love and resolution. Written by Moises Kaufman and the Tectonic Theater Project, this play explores the aftermath of the torture and murder of a gay University of Wyoming student, Matthew Shepard, in 1998.  This memorable and moving piece of American theater is sure to be a sober and reflective piece in our theater season. Expertly directed by Norm Argulski, who appeared in the first Laramie Project performance in Batavia, this indeed is a Tribute Performance and a very special offering this year.

Frankenstein the Musical – Nov. 3^rd, 4^th, 10^th & 11^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Nov. 5^th @ 2 p.m. Produced, directed  & designed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Mary Shelley’s classic story comes to life at the Harvester 56 Theater stage with a tremendous score and soaring musical numbers. Set in Europe and the Arctic in the late 1790s this spectacle of the stage, with music by Mark Baron and book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson was originally adapted by Gary P. Cohen. Painstakingly performed and adapted for our stage, the audience will be immersed in the horror, madness and tragedy that Shelley put on the pages of her most famous novel. Enter the world of Frankenstein as he creates his creature and realizes the impact this has on his family and all mankind. 

Whispers in the Snow – Dec. 15^th & 16^th @ 7:30 p.m. AND Matinee Performance Dec. 17^th @ 2 p.m.
Written, designed and directed by Patrick D. Burk and musically directed by Kathy White.

Our magical year ends with an astonishing look at the Christmas Season. This production, written by Patrick D. Burk includes this area’s brightest and best performers, our younger artists as well as dance and song to tell a poignant tale of Christmas, community and love. It is a companion piece to last year’s The Christmas Gift. Full of the awe and wonder of the Holiday Season, Whispers in the Snow will be the performance that will put you in the spirit of joy and giving. It is indeed a wonderful and colorful way to end our 2017 Season, perfect for the entire family and kids of all ages.  

Eric Jon Merritt, 27, of Rose Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, driving with a BAC of .08 or greater, speeding and operating out of class. Merritt was allegedly exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph on Route 5 in Batavia at 2:40 a.m. Sunday while operating a motorcycle on a learner's permit when he was stopped by Deputy Ryan Young.

Dashawn Devan Hazel, 22, of Saint Mary Street, Bronx, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. Hazel was arrested on a warrant during a traffic stop.

Treshaun David Perry, 21, of Lewis Place, Batavia, is charged with driving while impaired by drugs and speeding. Perry was stopped on Prole Road, Stafford, at 3:29 p.m. Saturday by Deputy Ryan DeLong.

Le Roy beat Bath-Haverling on Saturday to become Section V champions in Class C1 in volleyball.

The team next plays Cal-Mum in a Far-West Regional playoff. Game time is time is 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, in Avon.

Photos by Tim McArdle.

Now I can reveal a little more about what's been going on the past few days and why Billie and I haven't been around.  I had to be a little cagey in my previous post about our absence a few days ago in the chance that my dad might look at the site.

I just returned from a trip to Bakersfield, Calif., for my dad's surprise 80th birthday party.  He may have had some inkling there was a party, but he had no idea I was coming.

That trip was planned for some time, but what was unexpected was that Billie had to have a medical procedure done the day before I left.  It's nothing serious but needed to be done and she will be fine, but it will be a little while yet before she returns to work.

The main point is, news coverage should largely return to its normal flow.  

As always, thank you for your support.

(Photo by Roberta Jeanne White.) 

A man was struck by a train in Byron.

The train is stopped at Caswell Road.

Byron and South Byron fire responded to the scene.

Mercy Flight was dispatched but then canceled.

UPDATE: David Swinton, 60, was killed after being struck by a train that was traveling southwest on CSX trains near Route 237 at about 10:30 a.m. He had been hunting but may have been photographing deer at the time of the accident, according to State Police.

UPDATE: Additional photos from our news partner, 13WHAM. For 13WHAM's coverage, click here. 

UPDATE: Press release from NYSP, Troop A:

On Nov. 6 at 10:30 a.m., a CSX train was traveling westbound between State Route 237 and Caswell Road in the Town of Byron struck David T. Swinton, 60 of Byron. Investigation shows Swinton was possibly taking pictures of the area when the train struck him. Foul play is not a factor in this investigation.

UPDATE: Statement from BOCES:

On Nov. 6, the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership was made aware of the tragic death of David Swinton, a Crisis Intervention specialist at the Batavia Academy. The Trauma, Illness and Grief team (TIG) team has met and counselors will be available to support students and staff members on Monday, Nov. 7 and throughout the week. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Swinton family at this difficult time.

Press release:

 CNL Lifestyle Properties has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Kansas City-based EPR Properties for the sale of its portfolio of water parks and amusement parks. 

Kieran Burke, CEO of Premier Parks, LLC, which manages the day to day operations of Darien Lake for CNL, and would continue to do so under a long-term lease agreement with EPR if the sale closes, stated “Even though the park may be sold, it’s really business as usual at the park. There will be no changes in park staff or operations.” commented Burke.

Premier Parks, which operates 8 parks for CNL throughout the US, took over management of Darien Lake after the 2014 season. During Premier Parks’ management of the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Darien Lake added several new rides to the park including the addition of Rolling Thunder, Brain Drain, and RipCurl Racer, as well as more concerts and increased value for season pass holders. In that time, the park has experienced meaningful increases in attendance and revenue.

“As the park operator, we are extremely excited about this sale and the positive impact we believe it will have on Darien Lake and our entire company in the future,” Burke commented.

EPR Properties is a New York Stock Exchange publicly traded REIT with substantial resources, more than $5 billion in investments, and a proven track record in the entertainment industry.

“We look forward to supporting the efforts of both CNL Lifestyle Properties and EPR Properties as they advance the sale process, and we remain focused on continuing to grow Darien Lake’s position as a place families love to visit and vacation,” added Chris Thorpe, Darien Lake General Manager.

Robert Michael Markek, 39, of Clapsaddle Road, East Bethany, is charged with grand larceny 4th. Markek allegedly stole items from his employer on East Main Street , Batavia, and sold the items as scrap.

Jacklyn M. Ganzhorn, 29, of Central Avenue, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen property 5th.  Ganzhorn was located at 17 Centural Avenue during an investigation into reports of items stolen from unlocked vehicles.

Rodney A. Barber, 41, of South Main Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of a weapon 3rd, unlawful imprisonmeant 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, assault 2nd, menacing 2nd. Barber was arrested on a warrant.

Brian J. Dorman, 32, of Oak Orcharged Road, Albion, was arrested for alleged failure to answer a summons, Dorman is accused of failure to appear on a charged of haborboring an unlicensed dog in the city.

Joey A. Evans, 26, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, is charged with criminal possession of stolen preopty 5th. Evans was allegedly found in possession of a metal detector that had been reported stolen.

Roberts M. Freeman, 24, no permanent address, is charged with failure to appear. Freeman allegedly failed to appear on a an appearance ticket.

Benjamin G. Evans, IV, 28, of Hutchins Street, Batavia, was arrested on a warrant for alleged failure to appear. Evans was arrested on four separate warrants.

Pamela M. Tiberio, 56, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with dog running at large. Tiberio responded to Batavia PD headquarters and was arrested on multiple complaints of her dog running at large.

Chelsea M. Mutter, 23, of Jackson Street, Batavia, is charged with failure to appear. Mutter was arrested on a warrant.

An unidentified 16-year-old is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana. The tenn was allegedly found in possession of marijuana on the campus of Batavia HS.

Mark Edward Snyder, 54, of School Road, Stafford, is charged with stalking 4th .Snyder alleged displayed odd and threatening behavior toward another person in Stafford over a period of time.

Joey Lee Wells, Jr., 27, of Byron Holley Road, Byron, is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, failed to stop at stop sign and no turn signal. Wells was stopped at 5:32 a.m., Thursday, on Apple Tree Avenue, Bergen, by Deputy Jermey McClellan.

Jacqueline Bettina Jacobs, 33, of West Main Street Road, Batavia, is charged with DWI, introducing contraband into jail 1st, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th. Jacobs was charged with DWI and allegedly found in possession of a controlled substance while being booked into jail. Further charges possible pending completion of an investigation.

A fire is reported in a smokestack at Baskin Livestock on Creek Road, Bethany.

Bethany fire, Town of Batavia and Stafford requested to the scene.

UPDATE 8:39 a.m.: The fire is in the cyclone.

UPDATE 8:51 a.m.: Le Roy to stand by in quarters with ladder truck. 

UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Batavia firefighters, with their hook-and-ladder truck, were able to get up to the top of the cyclone while others worked below. The fire was brought under control at 10:30 a.m.

Photos by Glenn Adams, Bethany FD.

Over the next few days, Billie and I have some personal matters that will disrupt our normal routines. We'll be in and out of town. Nothing serious, just things that will pull us away from 100 percent focus on The Batavian.

We've planned for this and have arranged with Mike Pettinella, Jim Burns, Steve Ognibene, Rob Henry, Rick Franclemont and our news partners at WBTA and 13WHAM to help with coverage.

Timothy Mark Brady, 53, of Jerico Road, Bergen, is charged with resisting arrest. Deputies attempted to arrest Brady on a warrant stemming from charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful growing of cannabis and unlawful possession of marijuana. Brady was confronted outside his residence and allegedly attempted to flee on foot and was taken into custody after a short chase. He was jailed on $5,000 bail or $10,000 bond.

Rosemary R. Jackson, 30, of South Swan Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. Jackson is accused of shoplifting from Walmart.

Shannon Laurer and Jennifer Goss have started Catty Shack, a neighborhood cat rescue and release program serving Genesee County. Yesterday, City Slickers hosted a fundraiser to help cover the costs of dealing with stray cats locally.

Catty Shack is primarily a TNR (trap, neuter and release) program, but tame cats may be adopted to appriopriate homes.

Catty Shack has already captured, neutered and released 16 cats, will trap 18 more next week and have 20 kittens that will soon be ready for adoption.

To find out more, visit the Catty Shack page on Facebook.

Paulie Guglieamo, owner of Guglieamo's Pasta Sauce and a radio personality in Rochester, was the celebrity chef at the Culinary Arts Program at BOCES yesterday.

Guglieamo shared with students how he started his business and talked about some of the challenges and pleasures of starting and owning your own business. He then took the students into the kitchen and showed him how he makes his pasta sauces, which are based on recipes developed by his grandmother during the Great Depression and use garden-fresh ingredients.

He encouraged students to follow their passions as they set themselves on a path toward their eventual careers.

"If you have passion and you truly love it, you can do it," Guglieamo said.

Guglieamo's sauce is now sold in Wegmans, Tops and other retail outlets throughout the northeast. He said he's succeeded because of the passion he has for his product.

"When you actually have something that is an extension of you -- that's my brand, that's me, that's my actual phone number, I put my cell phone number on every jar we sell -- you can't possibly fail," Guglieamo said. "I cannot not sell this jar of sauce. I can't walk into a store and not sell it."

When Guglieamo was first starting his radio career, he was in sales.

"I was very, very, very bad (at sales)," he said.

If a customer offered an objection, he didn't have an answer, but now, selling his own product, he has all the answers.

"I have the answers to everything because this is my life, this is my baby right here," he said.

Le Roy's junior high students participated in the school district's second annual Class Up the Community day on Tuesday.

"I cannot thank our students and staff enough for the hard work and positive attitude they showed all day in our community," said Principal Tim McArdle. "The day represents an amazing learning opportunity about service and helping others, which is the backbone of our country. Now more than every we have to take any opportunity possible to pass on these values to our students!"

Students and staff worked at the following locations: Le Roy Historical Society, Machpelah Cemetery, St. Francis Cemetery, Le Roy Ambulance Base, Methodist Church, Police Station and nine private residences. After the work was done, students enjoyed their lunch outdoors at school and had time for outdoor games and to play on the Le Roy Town Rec huge inflatable. 

To end the event, students watched a video of the pictures that were taken throughout the day! 

McArdle thanked Lynda Lowe, who was the event director, and the junior high staff, bus drivers, cafeteria staff and buildings and grounds staff, "for all of their hard work and efforts to make this day a reality."

Community members donated rakes or loaned rakes for the projects.

"This is a wonderful learning experience for our students, a huge thank you to the community as well as our students and staff for making today a big success," Lowe said.

There were 197 students in the seventh and eighth grades participating, along with 24 staff members as well as bus drivers and building and grounds crew members.

Photos and information courtesy Tim McArdle.

Press release:

Affordable Colleges Online (AC), an informational resource for online learning and college affordability, released its ranking for the 2016-2017 Best Online Colleges and ranked Genesee Community College number one in the New York State community college category.

Under the specific ranking methodology, AC uses independent data provided by IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) created by the National Center of Education Statistics to help determine its ranking. Qualifying colleges were evaluated based on the:

• Published tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students;

• Number of online programs offered for two year degrees or certificates;

• Student-to-faculty ratio;

• Percent of full-time and first-time undergraduate students receiving financial aid;

• Average amount of institutional aid received.

Under this criterion, GCC scored a 91.63 overall, with 15 degrees or certificates available to earn online and more than 100 online courses available each full semester. Student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1, and tuition and fees are below $5,000.

"Online learning at Genesee Community College is not only an area of perpetual growth and development, but it is a point of collegiate pride at GCC," said Craig Lamb, Ph.D., dean of distributive learning at GCC.

"We are continuously reviewing GCC's coursework, curriculum and academic programs as well as students' needs and interests, and also the overall career marketplace to determine which new programs and classes we should develop into an online opportunity. It is both an art and science, and involves a very careful analysis to ensure online students are receiving the same quality education with rigor and engagement. We are delighted that AC has recognized our efforts."

Introduction to Food Processing Technology (FPT101) is one of the newest online courses, and it will be offered during the 12-week spring semester running Feb. 13 through May 13.

In addition, GCC currently offers 15 different online associate degrees, and the next session of online courses is scheduled during the Winterim session that begins Dec. 12 and finishes Jan. 6. From the History of Rock and Roll to Female Role in Film, and more than 10 other courses, students of all ages can make the most of their between-semester break.

An in-depth look at the Most Affordable Online Colleges in New York for 2016 can be seen here by clicking on the two-year college tab: http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/new-york/.

In order for universities to qualify for this ranking they must be a public or private not-for-profit accredited institution. Ranked schools must offer at least three online associate degree programs with an annual tuition fee less than $5,000.

Founded in 2011, AC Online www.AffordableCollegesOnline.org provides quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. As a free resource, it offers materials and tools covering diverse topics such as financial aid and college savings, opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities and online learning resources. Higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success are a particular focus.

A possible chimney fire is reported at 7126 Fisher Road, Elba.

No flames showing, but the residence is filling with smoke.

Elba, East Pembroke and Oakfield dispatched.

UPDATE 6:24 p.m.: Corfu to stand by in quarters.

UPDATE 6:33 p.m.: Fire police are closing Fisher and Drake.

Trick-or-treaters in East Pembroke last night could go house-to-house, but there were also adults in costumes who parked their cars, opened their trunks full of candy, and the kids could "trunk-and-treat" along the row of cars as well. About a block of away, the East Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department provided candy and served cider and donuts.

Press release:

The Red Osier has a goal to become as community-orientated as its owners, Steven Foster and Tim Adam. Together with their staff, they have decided to rename November "Lovember" with a month of promotions to give back to the local community.

In November, bring in a bag of nonperishable goods or new clothing and you will receive a $10 gift voucher toward your next dinner visit. All food will be donated to the Le Roy Food Pantry, while the clothing will be donated to the local homeless community.

Bring in a package of new undergarments and socks during November, receive a complementary chef dessert. All items will be donated to restaurant employee Wendy Cappoli-Frongetta's grassroots organization "Spirits and Skivvies" that donates underwear and garments to local less fortunate throughout the community. Her goal is to restore dignity and comfort to the fellow human one pair of underwear at a time. There is an auction of donated items this Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Byron Fire Hall where all proceeds will support "Spirits and Skivvies."

On Thanksgiving, the restaurant will be open 12 to 5 p.m. This is the first year in the history of the restaurant that it has been open on this holiday. All -- 100 percent -- of the sales proceeds from the day will be split between Genesee Cancer Assistance and The Stafford Monument Committee, which is erecting a monument at the Stafford Four Corners to honor the past and present military personnel from Stafford. Throughout the month, we will have our annual buy a $50 gift certificate and receive a complementary $20 gift certificate as well.

It is extremely important to get our local businesses and their staffs involved in the holiday spirit. If we can make a small difference one can of vegetables or a package of underwear at a time, that's what we will do. We hope that our spirit of "Lovember" will resonate to other businesses within our area.

Photos submitted by Rob Radley.

The parents, children and teachers at Imagination Station celebrated Halloween together yesterday afternoon.