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Reel Discussion at Richmond Memorial Library: ‘Maleficent’

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Reel Discussions Come view the movie and join us for a group discussion afterward. This month’s movie is “Maleficent.” A vengeful fairy is driven to curse an infant princess, only to discover that the child may be the one person who can restore peace to their troubles land. For more information, call the library at 343-9550 or log onto www.batavialibrary.org. ** This month’s movie is scheduled 1 week later in the month.
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Play, Eat and Trick-or-Treat at GCC

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Join 90.7FM (WGCC) on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Genesee Community College for Batavia’s best family Halloween event, the fourth annual Play, Eat and Trick-or-Treat! The fun begins at 10 a.m. and will run until 2 p.m. in the GCC Forum. New this year, youngsters will have a chance to meet and have their photo taken with their favorite Star Wars characters! The event will also feature bounce houses, face painting, movies on the big screen, games, snacks and more! Pizza and beverages will be available for purchase.
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Skid Steer Rodeo at Empire Tractor in Batavia — ‘Prove you’re the best!’ — win prizes!

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Join us for a Skid Steer Rodeo in the parking lot of Batavia’s Empire Tractor store on East Main Street Saturday, Oct. 24. Lunch will be served. Prove you’re the best! Win prizes! Manufacturer’s reps will be on hand to answer all your questions. We offer a three-year/3,000-hour warranty on Skid Steers and CTLs. Serving you since 1891: Reliable equipment, quick parts, smart service.
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Skid Steer Rodeo at Empire Tractor in Batavia — ‘Prove you’re the best!’ — win prizes!

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Join us for a Skid Steer Rodeo in the parking lot of Batavia’s Empire Tractor store on East Main Street Friday, Oct. 23, and/or Saturday, Oct. 24 (Saturday’s rodeo hours are 9 to 2). Lunch will be served both days. Prove you’re the best! Win prizes! Manufacturer’s reps will be on hand to answer all your questions. We offer a three-year/3,000-hour warranty on Skid Steers and CTLs. Serving you since 1891: Reliable equipment, quick parts, smart service.
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Batavia Silver Stars perform square-dancing demo at Darien Lake Theme Park

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The Batavia Silver Stars along with the Chili-based Cloverleaf Squares are Western square dance clubs and they will be performing at Darien Lake Theme Park twice this month. They will have a demo dance from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. For more information about WNY square dance clubs visit squaredancingrochester.org Did you know that square dancing is the national folk dance of the United States? It is a great form of exercise, too. You form lasting friendships and once you learn the basic steps you can dance anywhere in the world.
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Batavia Silver Stars perform square-dancing demo at Darien Lake Theme Park

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The Batavia Silver Stars along with the Chili-based Cloverleaf Squares are Western square dance clubs and they will be performing at Darien Lake Theme Park twice this month. They will have a demo dance from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. For more information about WNY square dance clubs visit squaredancingrochester.org Did you know that square dancing is the national folk dance of the United States? It is a great form of exercise, too.
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February Concert Aids History Club Through New Music by GCC Professor

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The History Club of Genesee Community College is excited to announce a benefit concert. Sponsored by CY Farms, An Evening with Sonny Mayo on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stuart Steiner Theater, and will feature music from Mayo’s newest CD, “Chasing the Chord.” All proceeds from the concert will be dedicated to the History Club’s first-ever spring break history tour. Advance tickets are encouraged by contacting Derek Maxfield. Presale ticked are $10 for adults and $5 for GCC students and children under 12.
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An Evening with SONNY MAYO

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An Evening with Sonny Mayo Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 PM Tickets: $5 for students and kids under 12; general admission $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Sponsored by CY Farms Benefit for the GCC History Club Any further questions call Professor Derek Maxfield at 585-343-0055 ext. 6288 or email ddmaxfield@genesee.edu
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International Harry Potter Book Night

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Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is hosting “Harry Potter Book Night” on Thursday, February 2 at 6:00 pm. Join us as libraries and bookstores from around the world celebrate the magic of Harry Potter on this special night! The program is for all ages, although younger children must be accompanied by an adult. There will be Harry Potter activities, crafts, and more. Space is limited; registration is required. Attendees are encouraged to come in costume.
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Blizzard of Reading – Winter Reading Program for Adults

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Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St., Batavia is offering a winter reading program for adults called “Blizzard of Reading.” Be rewarded for your reading! Receive grand prize entries for each book read (up to four). Read anything you want, including the option to read a magazine or issues of local and national newspapers as one of your entries. Prizes are funded by the Friends of the Library. Information is available in the library, on Facebook (@richmondmemoriallibrary,) by calling 585-343-9550 and at www.batavialibrary.org.
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Photos: 'Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone'

By Steve Ognibene

Opening night of "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone" SOLD OUT its first performance at Batavia High School last evening. Students from the Drama Club performed their 16th annual show and had the crowd laughing and on their toes throughout the performance.

Director Caryn Leigh Wood has worked with many students but this was challenging, especially toward the finale. Sorrow was still resonating for the cast, who lost a former BHS student, Tori Nigro, in a sudden accident last week. 

The Drama Club ended the performance with a tribute honoring the memory of Tori.

There are two remaining shows, tonight at 7:30 and a matinee tomorrow at 2 o'clock. Tickets are $8, and $6 for students and seniors.

For more photos go to: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p419033762

Renewed GO ART! Ready for Christmas in the City

By James Burns

When was the last time you were at GO ART!? Well the Genesee Orleans Regional Art Council has been very busy over the last year. You may have noticed the Picnic In the Park on July 4th was a little larger and had more activities. 

GO ART! has been busy behind the scenes, too. At Seymour Place, where GO ART! is located in Batavia (201 E. Main St.), they have increased the galleries from one to four, tripling the amount of art on display at any given time. Currently all four galleries are filled. 

For Christmas in the City, and throughout the month of December, GO ART! has assembled more than 150 pieces of classic and contemporary art, including sculpture and jewelry that are offered for sale.

“GO ART! has been very lucky to have had many great works donated to us through the years," Director Gregory Hallock said. “So much so that we don't have room to store it all and for the first time we are offering those without stipulations and owned by GO ART! up for sale to the public."

They have not just been busy with art. GO ART! has reworked the kitchen, complete with four new Viking ranges, for culinary classes. The ovens received a bit of a workout yesterday as they made cookies for Christmas in the City.

Starting at 5 p.m. on Friday GO ART! will be hosting a Slavic Christmas complete with Santa Claus and an accordion band; sandwiches from Red Osier Landmark Restaurant will also be sold at Seymour Place for the event.  

BHS Drama Club preparing to perform 'Sally Cotter'

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia High School's Drama Club performs "Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone," a parody by Dean O'Carroll, next weekend.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1 and 2, and 2 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door.

The cast:

  • Sally Cotter, Eryn Dunn
  • Sally's Mother, Tanner Kolb
  • Reubenon Ryebread, Cameron Bontrager
  • 1st Censor, Madeline Keenan
  • 2nd Censor, Alicia Scroger
  • Dave, Pierce Corbelli
  • Harmonica, Elise Hoerbelt
  • Ursa Malaise, Parise Ricks
  • Ed Molar, James Weatherbee
  • Professor Athena McDonaldsa, Tanner Kolb
  • Professor Shiftia Shape, Aubrey Towner
  • Professor Albatross Underdrawers, Evan Bellavia
  • Aaron A. Ardvarkovich, Gavin Tucker
  • Shea'mon Canavan, AT Thatcher
  • Navel Longfellow, Samuel Rigerman
  • Polly Pixie, Emily Kilner
  • Poppy Pixie, Riley MacDonough
  • London Liverwurst, Lillian Whiting
  • Val Crabby, Courtney Lougheed
  • Gerry Boyle, Oliver Havens
  • Freesia Chestnut, Jordyn Mott
  • Kitty Ball, Macayla Burke
  • Chloe Crane, Claire Griffith-Sarkis
  • Patty Petronia, Laura Lepkowski
  • Hedgerow the Owl, Phoebe Fryer

GCC's Forum Players stage 'Strong Kids' on Dec. 1

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee Community College's Forum Players will perform "Strong Kids" Children's Theatre at 7 p.m., Dec. 1, at the Stuart Steiner Theater. 

The musical celebrates confidence and believing in one's self while simultaneously addressing bullying, peer pressure, and rejection often faced by children today. It is a musical compilation of poems, new and original monologues, and some classic favorites from "Hairspray," "The King and I," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," "Wicked," and "The Lion King."

The cast of "Strong Kids" are all GCC students and includes singers, dancers and soloists. 

The cast:

  • Abanoor Abdi, Vocal Ensemble, Rochester
  • Celeste Brownell, president of Forum Players 2017-2018, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Bergen
  • Chrisjon Canty, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Rochester
  • Marissa Carbonell, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Batavia
  • Emily Carey, Vocal Ensemble, Medina
  • Joseph Cartwright II, Dance Ensemble, Hunt
  • Jamie Crawford, Dance Ensemble, Mount Morris
  • Jack Diskin, Vocal Soloist, Le Roy
  • Kayla Lander, Dance Ensemble, Dance Soloist, Mayfield
  • Troy McCrorey, Vocal Ensemble, Chester, S.C.
  • Liliam Montilla, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, New York City
  • Rebecca Naber, Dance Ensemble, Hamburg
  • Erin Phillips, Vocal Soloist, Batavia
  • Cameron Sanzo, Dance Ensemble, Batavia
  • Jennifer Schreiber, Dance Ensemble, Rochester
  • Cody Taylor, Vocal Soloist, Dance Ensemble, Vocal Ensemble, Medina
  • Taylor Wilson, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Dance Ensemble, Cheektowaga
  • Maki Ishikawa, Vocal Soloist, Vocal Ensemble, Japan
  • Sayaka Miura, Vocal Soloist, Chiryu City, Japan
  • Natsumi Sasabe, Dance Ensemble, Vocal Soloist, Japan
  • Akane Hagiwara, Dance Ensemble, Japan

"Strong Kids" is directed by Maryanne Arena.

Tickets to see "Strong Kids" are available now and are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors (55+) and GCC faculty/staff. Students and children pay $3, and GCC alumni with ID will receive a $2 discount on an adult ticket. To reserve seats, contact the GCC box office at boxoffice@genesee.edu or (585) 345-6814.

Five-band Jamboree on Dec. 3 at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

Five-band Jamboree fundraiser at Stafford Fire Hall to benefit Mark Dougherty

By Billie Owens

There will be a Jamboree Benefit Fundraiser for Mark Dougherty at the Stafford Fire Hall from 2 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3. Admission is free; donations accepted.

Five bands will perform:

  • Scott / Ryan
  • Front Porch Pickers
  • Tonk ! Bros.
  • Rick Howe Band
  • KW Does Country

There will also be a basket raffle, 50/50 and Bell Jar tickets.

Special thanks to Bill Pitcher.

The Stafford Fire Hall is located at 6153 Main Road in Stafford.

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Genesee Chorale Ensemble performs at St. Mark's church, Le Roy

By Billie Owens

The Genesee Chorale Ensemble, a select group of 20 singers, will perform at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1 E. Main St., Le Roy on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

The group, under the direction of Ric Jones, will perform sacred and secular music of the season. The evening will also include a vocal quartet of Kim and Tom Cox, Jim Ellison and Pat Fussell.

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Students from throughout region in Batavia today for music festival

By Howard B. Owens

More than 500 music students from the eight-county region were at Batavia High School today for the NYSSMA Zone 2 Area All-State Music Festival.

NYSSMA is the New York State School Music Association.

There were performances by the orchestra, concert band, treble choir, and mixed choir.

Participating local students were:

Alexander: Nicholas Allen, Cayna Bliss, Carson Daley, Kathleen Nolan, Eric Stroud.

Batavia: Margaret Andersen, Cameron Bontrager, Eryn Dunn, Lydia Geiger, Elise Hoerbelt, Madison Hoerbelt, Karissa Kesler, Mary Murphy, Adeena Riedel.

Byron-Bergen: Stephanie Buell.

Le Roy: Margaux Carmel, Katie Dessert, Caleb McGee, Megan Privatera, Alex Wynn.

Notre Dame: Sam Bowman.

Oakfield-Alabama: Jules Hoepting, Justina Pruski, Lauren Reding.

Pembroke: Eli Fox.

 

Appeals court upholds ruling in favor of continued live music concerts at The Ridge

By Howard B. Owens

A three-year legal battle for the owners of The Ridge (aka Frost Ridge Campground) appears to have come to a close with a state appeals court upholding prior court decisions allowing the campground to host live music concerts, rent campsites and run a restaurant.

The ruling was handed down today by the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department.

David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell haven't missed a concert season since 2010, even though the legal challenges to their concert series -- Jam at the Ridge -- started in 2014 when the Town of Le Roy, and David and Mary Cleere, and Scott and Besty Collins, first brought legal action to stop live music at the campground.

They were able to continue after winning motions in 2014 to allow an already-booked season to go forward, and as they continued to win court decisions -- including a Sept. 2016 decision by Judge Emilio Colaiacovo, presiding at the time over Genesee County Supreme Court, that ruled in favor of the owners.

The Town of Le Roy had dropped out of the lawsuits after losing a prior decision.

At the heart of the defense of Luetticke-Archbell's use of the property is that Frost Ridge -- going back to the ownership of David Frost, father of Mary Cleere and Betsy Collins --and its campground long hosted live music, rented campsites and served food, and that these uses fit within the meaning of a recreational area. The property was used in this fashion, they argued, before the Town of Le Roy changed the area's zoning to residential-agriculture in the 1990s.

In ruling in favor of Luetticke-Archbell, the appellate division concluded that contrary to the plaintiffs' contention, the Zoning Board of Appeals did not reach an arbitrary and capricious decision when the board ruled that the owners' use of Frost Ridge was a prior, non-conforming use. The plaintiffs contended that the ZBA failed to follow its own precedent and did not explain their reasoning. 

"We reject that contention," the court ruled. "In 1998, the ZBA interpreted the Code to provide that a preexisting nonconforming use of land as a campsite runs with the land pursuant to section 165-13, notwithstanding section 165-39 (B), which requires that an existing campsite of record be brought into compliance with the Code upon being sold. Contrary to petitioners’ contention, the ZBA’s determination is consistent with that precedent."

The court ruled that there was substantial evidence for the prior, non-conforming use.

"That evidence included the affidavit of a former employee of Frost Ridge’s predecessor, who averred that the Property had been used for skiing and other recreational purposes since the 1950s," the court wrote. "He averred that he began working there in the 1960s and observed numerous recreational activities on the Property, including winter sports, live music, and campsite rentals."

It's common sense, the court concluded that the term "campsite" includes recreational activities, which might include live music, and this definition complies with the Town's own codes.

"The ordinance does, however, require that any large campsite “provide a common open area suitable for recreation and play purposes” (§ 165-39 [C] [8]), and thus expressly contemplates that a campsite is a place for recreation," the court ruled.

"Although the kind of recreation is open to interpretation, it is rational in our view to conclude that live music, along with swimming and other outdoor activities, is the kind of recreation to be enjoyed at a campsite."

The court also cited evidence of witnesses who said live, amplified bands played every summer at the campground in the 1970s and 1980s, and the plaintiffs failed to prove that use ever stopped for an extended period of time to constitute a break in the prior, non-conforming use.

"Here, it is undisputed that the Property functioned continuously as a recreational facility and campsite since the 1950s," the judges wrote. "To the extent that petitioners contend that use of the Property to host live music was abandoned in 2008 and 2009, we note that there is evidence in the record that live concerts were hosted on the Property during those years."

Photo: File photo of David and Greg Luetticke-Archbell

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