In 1999 Lynn Barbuto had the idea to create "snapshot in time" video, making lasting memories of Geneva for the next millennium. She teamed up with local photographer David O'Malley, who had a video camera, and off they went.
“We went into the stores and asked people who worked there to speak on the new year, the new century that was coming and their wishes for the next hundred years,” said Barbuto, who with her late husband Bob, a music professor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, had organized several talent shows and senior citizen galas at the Smith Opera House. If you are from Geneva, you will know someone in it!
The video has 3 parts:
1. People & Places - 41 minutes
2. Talent Night - 24 minutes
3. Senior Citizen's Gala - 40 minutes
It was a pleasure working with Lynn Barbuto in producing this video. Although we did not shoot any of the footage it was a fun challenge to “salvage” the 25 year old VHS tape & get it converted into an editable state. Then editing, color correcting, brightening, etc. before converting to this digital format for. We hope you enjoy the fruits of Lynn’s efforts and our support of those efforts.
Part 1 includes:
First the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, then located on the lakefront area. Next up was since-closed Area Records on Seneca Street.
Some of the other businesses sharing their messages were Images, Sweet Tooth Café, Super Casuals, the former National Bank of Geneva branches downtown and at the Town & Country Plaza, Country Basket, attorney John O’Malley and his wife Charlotte, the Smith Barney office, C.S. Burrall & Son Insurance Agency, The Copy Shop, Flour Petal Café, Sjoblom Photography, Michael’s Upholstery, the Geneva City Clerk’s office, Vince’s Barber Shop, The Frame Shop, Cam’s New York Pizzeria, and Lynch Furniture.
Barbuto and O’Malley also stopped at the Geneva Bicycle Center, Lake City Hobby, and visited with city Recreation Director Rita Wilson and two staff members.
In a visit to City Hall, Barbuto and O’Malley recorded messages for the new year from then-City Manager Sanford Miller, who cited progress made and his hope that it will continue, and former Mayor Joanne Wisor, who said “Geneva is on the move.”
The late Ralph DeBolt was fire chief in 1999; he gave his best wishes, as did Don Cass, then the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club. Barbuto and O’Malley stopped at the Finger Lakes Times office on Genesee Street to videotape the activities of the newsroom, press room, business office and advertising department.
Barbuto and O’Malley visited many more business and individuals, seemingly stopping at every downtown address along the way.
Part 2 includes the following talent:
Dimensions in Dance - tap — to Anchors Aweigh
Brianna Michalko - vocal "Tomorrow" accompanied by Robert Barbuto
Rianna Baroody — piano solo - Sonatina
Laura Black - vocal - "Rainy Days and Monday"
Ryan Fowler - Medley of songs on the scottish bag pipes
Mac Meyers — vocal/piano - "Baby I'm Amazed"
Jennifer Smolos - vocal -"Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"
accompanied by Robert Barbuto
Paul Robbins - The funny and wonderful juggler
Meredith Beckley - vocal - "Stormy Weather" accompanied by Robert Barbuto
Catherine Lawler - "Fever" accompanied by Robert Barbuto
Joe Salzano and the Blue Devils
Featuring:
Joe Salzano, Sax, Clarinet
George Reed, Drums
Russ Musseri, Tenor Sax
Jeff Stockman, Trumpet
Dave Arenius, Bull Fiddle
Harry Aceto, Guitar
Bob Barbuto, Piano
Part 3 includes:
Senior Citizen's Gala Master of Ceremonies
Mr. Matt Feola
Laura Black - Vocal, Cowboy Sweetheart
Featuring: Chelsea DeBolt, Chelsea Hagen, Julie Newcomb, Melisande McCheyne
Accompanied by: Robert Barbuto, piano, Kevin Dorsey, bass
Bryan Flood, guitar, Kevin Goodman, drums
Lakeshore 4 - of Sweet Adelines International
Featuring:
Shirley DeFrancesco, bass, Charlotte O'Malley, baritone
Midge Kirlan, tenor, Olivia Rising, lead
Anina Olsen - Vocal/Dance, Herando's Hideaway
Featuring: Shannon Combs, Ashley Hamilton,
Jessica McLellan, Melody McLellan, Kara Switzer.
Accompanied by: Robert Barbuto, piano Kevin Goodman, drums, Kevin Dorsey, bass
Dimensions in Dance - Cotton-Eyed Joe
Featuring:
Brianna Altemari, Julie Carr, Chelsea DeBolt, Tiffany DeRidder,
Rebekah Dressner, Sara Ellington, Chelsea Hagen, Alexis Hamilton,
Rebecca Long, Jennifer Lozada, Julie Newcomb, Melisande McCheyne,
Heather Mitchell, Gabrielle Wadhams, Britt Troll.
Brianna Michalko - Vocal, Lullabye of Broadway
Accompanied by: Robert Barbuto, piano
An Evening at the Moonglow Club Venture back in time with music by the Blue Diamond Big Band Featuring Vocals by: Diane Holmes, Catherine Lawler, and Jim Thompson. Special Appearance by: Skye Humphries & Lucy Engle, National Lindy Award Dance Champions. Also Featuring: Greg Lavin, Susanne McNally, Bernadette Lancioux, Eric Neely. Lori Thompson, Heidi Mauer, Dan Day, David O'Malley, Carrie Osborn, Matt Feola.
