Around Geneseo

Radio host adds spark to Red Cross dinner

Beth Adams Pitoniak provided sparkle for the Northern Livingston County Chapter, American Red Cross 4th Annual Chef’s Dinner on March 4. As morning show host and news anchor on Rochester Radio, she served as Master of Ceremonies at the well-attended dinner and auction.

A slogan- “Ask me how you can change a life” reminded diners that they were helping disaster victims in tornado suffering states and those fortunate worldwide.

Among the many volunteers assisting, Geneseoans were Betsy Ott, Tim Hayes, Becky Lawrence, Ellen Spink, Terri Spurlock, Gary Thompson and Kelly Howard.

Carolyn Lowell and Bonnie Turner were dinner chairpersons.

Heather Fererero from the Livingston County Planning Department reported four nominations for the 2012 Earth Day Award were received. These nominations will be reviewed at a March 14 meeting.

At the March County TRIAD meeting, Deputy Gary Miller told of 56,000 visitors at the Court House during the past year. There was a total of 1,229 adult male inmates during 2011 with an average of 88 daily.

Some were boarded for other counties. Representing Geneseo at the meeting were Lucretia Greene and Rev. Paul Metzger. Deputy Phyllis Applin gave an alert about a questionable vehicle cruising the village streets. A delegate alerted members to home repair persons who become active door-to-door in the spring. Some tend to be aggressive when dealing with senior citizens.

Congratulations to James and Arleen Somerville of Oak Street who recently established the Somerville First Generation Scholarship Endowment at SUNY, Geneseo. Their second family endowed scholarship benefits a history student who demonstrates financial need.

An e-mail explained that Lori McEvoy is seeking volunteers for the Livingston County Coalition of Churches Nursing Home Visitation Program at the Murray Hill Skilled Nursing Facility. (721-3245)

Heard-on-the-Street-recently reported Jasmin Baron, wife of “Livingston News” editor Mark Gillespie is competing in the Pillsbury Bake-off Competition.

It’s worth adding that in addition to being mom to three children, Jasmin commutes to Toronto’s Seneca College every other weekend to teach Aviation. Talk of talent!

Kudos to Claren Kruppner who drove a Geneseo resident for a medical appointment.

It was reported that Fran Servis suffered another fall with a leg injury. Fran was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital. Bill Willer is reported as improving in health after an illness. (“Church Mouse.”)

A Geneseo Central School Elementary visit always produces a new list of artists. Mrs. Weingaertner’s class imagined the fate of Poor Mario. He even met a princess after a volcano experience. “Cool Books to Read” found several nominations for “The Diary of a Whimpy Kid”, awesome according to Jeff Kenney.

“Extremely cool”, relief sculptures blending shape, color, values, and space by second graders. Some future artists and architects among others were Danielle Schuster, William McGran III, Sydney Matthews, Sean McCaughey, Anthony Stevens, Bianca Hawkins, Natalie Johnston, Win Bo, Tiffani L. Aho, and Andrea Hernandez to name a few.

A final message from the beyond. Carol Candeloro e-mailed that “School Spirits” tentatively is scheduled as a SyFy Channel production for early summer. Ms. Candeloro advises Geneseo to “check your TV listings.”

Rotary Cog Grindings

Focus on the Children was the March 5 program subject. Members were reminded that vocal contest winner Ethan Fletcher will sing at the May 18-20 District Conference in Rochester. David Wood was recognized for his March 2 birthday.

Sally Gallivan is pleased with first-response advertising for the Summer Festival. The Club’s Vic Raschi Little League Blue Jays again will be sponsored. Members were looking forward tot eh first-ever early evening meeting at the Big Tree, March 19 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Happy birthdays

Dorothy Topping, March 8; Terry Book, 21; Betsy Matthews, 25; James Merrick, 26; Douglas Linton, 28, Carol Carey, 30.

George Buchanan was honored with a 90th birthday cake at the Young-at-Heart. This has become an honored custom with the Y.A.H. Dr. Harold Wright was serenaded with “Happy Birthday”, his 90th at the March Torch Club Meeting.

14 Years Ago in Geneseo

The Geneseo Community Players presented the “Full Monty” according to Strong’s People’s Choice. (April Fool’s Day) Featured in the photo was “sexy” Hop. Brenda Copeland and Robert McClellan were new Geneseo Foundation directors. Keith Hollis announced his candidacy for the School Board. Bill Louvain and Russ Whalley were MC’s for the Whale Watch Auction.