ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

OONA hosts New York DEC representatives

On Monday, May 14, the Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association (OONA) held a membership meeting at Point Breeze in Carlton. Following its regular business meeting, OONA members, non-members from Point Breeze and surrounding communities, and local/state representatives from the towns of Carlton and Yates and from Orleans county, were invited to join in a presentation by representatives from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Nearly 100 people were on hand to hear background information on, and the status of, many initiatives that have significant impact on the Lake Ontario shoreline, its tributaries and its residents.

In attendance were Jim Ward representing State Senator George D. Maziarz, Eileen Banker representing Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, for the Town of Carlton were Supervisor Gayle Ashbery, and Board Member Jim Shoemaker; and representing the Town of Yates were Supervisor John Belson and Council Member Stephen Freeman.

The special guest speakers from NYSDEC were: Sue McCormick, Chief, Coastal Erosion Management Section, NYSDEC Central Office in Albany, along with her assistant, Matt Chelbus; Raymond Yacuzzo, an active boater from the Oak Orchard Yacht Club, and Special Assistant to the Commissioner, NYSDEC Region 8 Office in Avon; and Donald Zelazny, Great Lakes Program Coordinator, NYSDEC Region 9 Office in Buffalo.

Those in attendance learned more about the St. Lawrence Seaway International Joint Commission’s (IJC) latest proposals to regulate Lake Ontario water levels. They learned the IJC is conducting public hearings locally to better inform residents and to receive vital input to help lead to the best informed decision on lake level management, scheduled to be made by the end of 2012. Donald Zelazny, DEC Buffalo, who has remained close to the IJC’s process over the last 10 years, encouraged all to attend at least one of these hearings, either in Olcott at the Fire Company, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, in Hilton at Quest Elementary School, 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, or in Williamson at Williamson High School Auditorium, 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7.

They also learned that regardless of the outcome of the IJC’s proposal, scientists predict Lake Ontario to continue to be on the rise, with highs and lows along the way based on “mother nature” and “climate change.” This generated very interesting discussion on shoreline protection from erosion, facilitated by Sue McCormick, DEC Albany. She gave an overview of the types of erosion protection, the permitting process, and the use of reputable, experienced engineers and construction companies for design and installation of adequate shoreline protection, with a 30-year life. NYSDEC has contracted to have an extensive survey made of shoreline protection along Lake Ontario’s South Shore, which will commence within the next few months. Property owners should receive notification of this process in the near future.

Another vital aspect of the lake and waterways is the navigability of rivers, the links to Lake Ontario for recreational and commercial use. Raymond Yacuzzo, NYSDEC Avon, talked about the misuse of Federal funds over the years, funds designated for harbor and waterway maintenance, resulting in most rivers of the Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario, to not be properly dredged. Currently, there are Congressional committees working to finalize legislation that recognizes the need to include small harbors like Oak Orchard, Olcott, and Wilson under the same maintenance plan as larger commercial harbors, and force harbor tax revenues to be expended properly on dredging plans and other maintenance activities to keep our waterways navigable.

For information on the St. Lawrence Seaway Joint International Commission, visit http://www.ijc.org/loslr/en/background/. For information on OONA as well as draft letters to representatives regarding harbor maintenance, and contacts for NYSDEC on lakeshore issues, visit http://www.oakorchard.org/.

Provided information

5/27/12

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

Cruise-In for Wheel Fest show adds Swap Meet

15th Annual Hamlin Wheel Fest Cruise-In and Antique/Classic Outboard Motor and Boat Display - boating participants will be eligible for trophies in the following classes: Best Outboard Motor, Best Wooden Boat, Best Non-Wooden Boat, Saturday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For Outboard and Boat Display information, contact wnyaomci@yahoo.com or call (585) 366-4528.Hamlin Wheel Fest Cruise-In, presented by Monroe Extinguisher Company of Rochester, is June 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1658 Lake Road, Hamlin, (Hamlin Town Hall). The event is co-sponsored by Spurr Dealerships and Mann Insurance Agency, both in Brockport.

Same day registration is $5 and includes dash plaques and goodie bags for the first 150 entries, lots of great door prizes and award plaques.

Returning again are the antique boats and motors, children’s bicycle class (free; ages 1 to 12) and music by “DJ 12 horse.” Sixteen awards will be presented to a variety participants. Goodie bags and dash plaques to the first 150 entries. Lots of door prizes, great food, and just plain fun for everyone, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 2 at the Hamlin Town Hall. Same day registration $5, spectators free.

This year’s Wheel Fest Cruise-In promises to be bigger and better with the addition of an Automotive Swap Meet. Looking for that special part? Walk through the vendor area and you may just find it.

All these events are held in conjunction with the Wheel Fest Celebration, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For information: 964-2935 or gchouse66@rochester.rr.com.

5/27/12

Murray Holley June Fest adds parade to day’s fun

June Fest 2012 will be held on June 2 and each year the festival gets bigger and better. New this year will be a Parade at 10:30 a.m. The parade will feature The Holley High School Band, The Prime Time Brass Drum Corps, The Ghost Riders Drum Corps, The Marktime Marchers and many others. Anyone interested in being in the parade can contact David Dill at 943-9188 or the Village Office at 638-6367.

Other June Fest events include:

•8 a.m. Jim Ferris 5K Memorial Race - Holley Elementary School

•9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Community Yard Sales - throughout the village

•9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Vendors and Food Court in Canal Park

Bounce House in Canal Park

•10:30 a.m. - Parade starts at VFW through the village square to the canal park

•11 a.m. til - St. Mary’s Chicken BBQ, St. Mary Social Center, 13 South Main Street.

Center State Live Entertainment at Canal Park Playground includes:

•11 to 11:45 a.m. - Family Zumba - Whole Approach

•Noon to 1:30 p.m. Rick Hendal and Woody Nicholson

•2 to 4 p.m. The Who Dats - Sponsored by Holley Save-A-Lot

•2 to 6 p.m. Cruise-In with Music by Don Newcomb Band on East Avenue

•7 p.m. Free Drum Corps Show at Soccer Field off West Albion Street

•9:30 Fireworks, Soccer Field off West Albion Street

Anyone interested in making a donation should send checks payable to: Murray Holley June Fest, 3840 Fancher Road, Holley, NY 14470. Also, returnable containers can be donated to help defray festival costs. Drop off returnables in the marked container at: Danny’s Equipment, 122 West Albion Street, Holley, NY 14470.

For other information call the Village of Holley, at 638-6367. Entry forms can be found at Villageofholley.org.

5/27/12

House tour raises funds for Lakeside Hospital equipment

by Kristina Gabalski

This year’s Lakeside Hospital Twig Association Tour of Homes is set for Sunday, June 3 from noon to 5 p.m. It features three unique homes in the Brockport/Sweden community as well as a loft apartment on Main Street and the Sweden Farmers Museum on Route 19.

Vivian May, who organizes the event, says this year’s homes offer a mix of architectural styles and interiors. “One year we featured lake homes, one year it was strictly older homes... many people like a variety,” she says. Homes featured this year include the Duane Beckett home at 45 State Street. The historic Victorian/Italianate house built in the 1860s has undergone extensive interior renovation. It now features rich, saturated colors, faux finishes and contemporary artwork and furnishings. The kitchen features a “water wall” with changing light patterns and the master suite on the upper floor includes an open rain shower and steam shower.

The 3,000 sq. ft. home of Bill and Nancy Plews at 235 Hollybrook Road was completed in 2002 and features an open floor plan with a cathedral ceiling in the living room and a 14 ft. ceiling in the family room. Furnishings include many mission-style pieces.

The Ryerse home at 61 Monroe Avenue in the village is designated as a historic landmark. The kitchen has been remodeled and a master bath added. New landscaping includes perennial gardens and planters.

The Farmers Museum at 4988 Lake Rd. (Rt. 19) is circa 1820s. The farmhouse is being restored to its original condition and serves as a museum of the town’s agricultural history, a place for educational programs and to celebrate the importance of local farming to the community. The restored barn features displays of agricultural artifacts and will also be open during the home tour.

Kurt’s loft apartment at 67 Main St. in the historic downtown business district is located on the third floor of the old Masonic Lodge building. The loft includes 2,000 sq. ft. of living space, 16-ft. tin ceilings, a new kitchen, tile and hardwood floors and hardwood moldings and doors.

“Money raised goes towards equipment for Lakeside Hospital,” May says. Funds from this year’s home tour will be used towards the purchase of a digital mammography machine, she says.

Tickets are $12 each and are available at Dunn’s Furniture, the Sweden, Clarkson and Hamlin Town Halls, Danielle Windus-Cook Properties, Country Treasures and the gift shop at Lakeside Hospital.

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the homes on the tour, May says.

5/27/12

Heritage Day in Spencerport

The Village of Spencerport celebrated Heritage Day in Spencerport Saturday, May 19 with activities at the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum and at Spencerport’s Gazebo on the Canal.

Heritage Day in Spencerport was part of Heritage Weekend in New York State, a kick-off to the tourism season, and in Spencerport the reopening of the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum. The event was sponsored by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Parks & Trails New York, and the Village of Spencerport.

At the Depot & Canal Museum visitors were able to talk with local Spencerport authors who were available and show their books. Visitors were also able to look in on the reopened museum and see the many historical items related to the Erie Canal.

Activities at the Spencerport Gazebo on the Canal began in the afternoon with a series of drum rolls by the Spencerport High School Drumline. The Boone’s Farm Band continued with a concert, the first of the season, for the rest of the afternoon where people could bring a chair and listen to their music. The Spencerport Fire District also had old apparatus on display.

Photography by David Knox

5/27/12

Girl Scouts earn Gold Award

Two local Girl Scouts, members of Spencerport Troop 60733, earned their Gold Awards, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. Both girls are Seniors at Spencerport High School.

Melissa HolkoErika BuonemaniMelissa Holko designed and created a reflecting garden for the Aurora House, a hospice facility in Spencerport. Through donations from the Knights of Columbus and community members, Melissa was able to lead several groups of volunteers in the construction and installation of a patio and outdoor furniture, as well as the landscaping and creation of a garden around the patio. The garden and patio will provide a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors at the Aurora House.

Erika Buonemani led a team that created over 50 Doodle Bags that were donated to the Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Using fabric donated by a local quilt shop, the Doodle Bags were sewn together by area quilters. Inside each bag were coloring books, crayons, a pencil pouch made by younger Scouts and other various art supplies. The Doodle Bag will be given to young patients to make their hospital stay a bit more pleasant.

Provided information

5/27/12

Mission 26: A WWII POW’s story

by Rick Stacy

It was a clear, sunny August day over Germany as B-17 Bomber pilot, Bill Rohrbacher, led his squadron toward Berlin. Their target was an engine factory. His typical crew of ten men was one heavy -- they were breaking in a rookie navigator. It was Rohrbacher’s 26th bombing mission -- four more and he could go home. But fifty miles from the target the blue skies suddenly filled with black puffs of exploding flack.

The number three engine on the right side of the plane was hit first. Then the number four engine was knocked out and the right wing was on fire. Following protocol, Rohrbacher pulled out of formation so his wing plane could take over the lead. Away from the protection of the other bombers, the German fighter planes came after him like a pack of wolves preying on the wounded of the herd. A German fighter coming straight at him took out one of the two remaining engines and the decision was made to bail out.

Unwelcome landing

Surprisingly, every man made it out. They were at 27,000 feet (about five miles up). “At that height there’s not enough oxygen,” explains Rohrbacher, “so I delayed pulling my rip cord until about 5,000 feet.” As he approached the ground he was headed for some trees and wires. Rohrbacher yanked in on part of his chute to steer away from them but the chute didn’t fill back up full in time. “I hit the ground hard -- like jumping off a two-story building,” he says.

The landing broke his right ankle and knocked him out. When he came to, he was surrounded by German civilians pelting him with rocks, and the local farmer, whose field he had landed in, was heading for him with a pitch fork. “The planes were still dropping bombs overhead and these people were, rightfully, pretty upset at me,” he says. Ironically, he was rescued in the nick of time by German Gestapo soldiers who herded him off to a car. Because of his ankle, Rohrbacher was forced to crawl to the car, all the while getting kicked, hit with rocks and spit on. By the time he reached the car he was bruised all over.

They took him to a small town and got out of the car and headed toward a large tree in the town square. A crowd was beginning to gather. The 22-year-old Rohrbacher thought that this was it -- they were going to hang him then and there on that tree. But after a delay they got back in the car and drove on to another town to an overgrown boy scout camp with Hitler Youth all around. There he met up with his bombardier with a seriously shattered ankle and his navigator who had been beaten beyond recognition.

Interrogation

It was August 6 when Rohrbacher was shot down, a month after the D-Day invasion. In his initial interrogation they were interested in what Rohrbacher knew about how far the Allied lines had progressed. The German interrogator pointed on the map where he thought the Allies were. Rohrbacher, who understood some German, kept telling him to move his finger farther inland. “Before I was done I had them convinced that the Allies had made it all the way to Paris,” Rohrbacher says. This, of course, was far from the actual truth.

Later he was taken to an old prison in Berlin and put into solitary confinement in a room about six by eight feet. “They had a little flap in the door where they checked up on you and fed you bread and “sawdust” coffee for breakfast and a bean gruel soup for lunch and dinner. Rohrbacher was worried when he counted up the markings on the wall from the last guy, they added up to 45 days. But after a few days he was sent by train to Oberursel, the main interrogation center for Allied airmen, where he was again put into solitary.

He was pulled out for interrogation once or twice a day. Noting his German name, the interrogator told him, “You’re on the wrong side, Rohrbacher.” It was a young interrogator who could speak English well, Rohrbacher says. “At first I got away with just name, rank and serial number, but after a few days they started telling me things they knew about me that even I didn’t remember.” He says they knew things like when he went into the service, when he completed various flight schools, when he graduated from high school, and names of his family members. Rohrbacher explains that they had spies who would get this information from hometown newspaper clippings and send the information to Germany. Rohrbacher says he had little information to offer them, anyway, except radio call signs which were changed on a regular basis and worthless to them.

Life in Stalag 3

After four days of interrogation, Lt. Rohrbacher was moved to a collecting camp. As he was walking into the camp someone yelled: “Ho, Ho, Ho, it’s Rohrbacher!” It was Harry Scully, Rohrbacher’s good friend from pilot training. He had been shot down the day before. “It was nice to see someone you knew,” Rohrbacher says.

They were moved to Stalag 3, a permanent POW camp, southeast of Berlin, for Allied Air Force officers. Stalag 3 was where the Great Escape had taken place (depicted in the movie of the same name). This happened only a few months prior to Rohrbacher’s arrival. Only three of the eighty men who attempted the escape through multiple tunnels had made it to freedom. Most were recaptured and fifty of those were executed. The guards clamped down after that and middle of the night bed checks were the norm, says Rohrbacher. “They even had one on Christmas day,” he says.

The barracks had about ten men each, with triple bunks up against the wall and a table and chairs. There was a pot belly stove for heat and cooking. Fuel was short though. “You’d get two coal briquets a day so you would let the room go cold at night. Our room was the meeting room, we always had about twenty guys that would hang out. We had a wind up record player and the spring had broke. One guy in our room from Oregon was a wizard at putting stuff together and improvising. He rigged a weighted powdered milk container with rope and wooden spools stretched around the perimeter of the room that would run that player. It wasn’t exactly perfect but it was music,” he says.

Food was always scarce. Even the German people were suffering so the POWs relied heavily on the intermittent deliveries of Red Cross boxes. “We’d get a tin of Spam from them and we’d split it ten ways -- you didn’t get more than a thin slice. We got one loaf of bread a day for the ten of us. We would cut it so thin you could see through it! The crumbs we saved and put in a can. When we had enough we would add some margarine and powdered chocolate and make a cake out of it. One Christmas we got plum pudding from a British care package. We got about one spoonful each of it. We would take margarine, powdered milk and chocolate and mix it up with snow and that was ice cream. If you ate it today you’d probably throw up, but it tasted pretty good then,” he says.

There were always packs of cigarettes included in the packages, Rohrbacher says. “We could’ve done without them because you can’t eat cigarettes. But everybody smoked so we made good use of them. Guys who never smoked in their life started smoking there.” The cigarettes were also great for trading with the guards who would sneak stuff to the POWs under their coats.

Books, bats, balls and even ice skates also came with the Red Cross boxes Rohrbacher says there were two barbed wire fences surrounding the compound with razor wire in between them. A few yards inside of these was another low fence that was off limits to POWs. “Once we were playing a ball game and the ball got hit over this small fence so I jumped over it without thinking, bent down to pick up the ball and a bullet hit the dirt near my hand,” he says. The guard in the tower gave Rohrbacher a threatening look. “I got out of there in a hurry,” he says.

Midnight Evacuation

By January of 1945, the Battle of the Bulge was taking place to the west of the camp and the Russians were closing in on the east. Hitler did not want the prisoners liberated. “In the middle of the night they came around and told us we had fifteen minutes to get ready to leave. Of course we knew we were going to be moved sooner or later, or else they were going to shoot us, one or the other,” Rohrbacher says. So he and the other 11,000 POWs were put on a forced march in the middle of a blizzard with temperatures that dropped as low as twenty below zero.

“We walked all night and the next day and they finally sat us down in this little town. We were paired up in barns to sleep. Scully and I stuck together,” he says. After a rest, they marched another fifteen plus miles to Spremburg where they were herded into boxcars and sent to Nuremberg.

Rohrbacher spent about four days in the cattle cars. “The cars were meant to hold forty people or eight cattle -- they had eighty of us packed in a car. It was so tight you couldn’t lay down or sit down. You slept standing up, if you could sleep, and it was cold, I mean cold. We were strafed a few times by aircraft. Luckily our car didn’t get hit. They were steam trains. Whenever they stopped they allowed one guy to go to the back and get hot water from the steam and bring it back to us. It was rusty but it warmed you,” he says.

“I had two pairs of long johns, a winter shirt, pants, an Air Force overcoat, scarf and knitted hat. I made a pair of gloves out of shirt sleeves. About every two or three days I would switch the long johns from the outside with the inside pair.After a couple of weeks like that, you really stink, especially when you were on the train. In the train, you went in your pants because there was no where else to go. You can imagine (the smell) with 80 guys pooping in their pants. I never smelled anything like that in my life. You were permanently sick to your stomach from smelling it. These are the things they don’t show in the movies, but they are the things that stick in your memory,” he says.

Four days of Freedom

They settled into Stalag 8 in Nuremberg and were put in barracks of 50 to 60 men. Food and fuel were scarce. “We had a little pot belly stove (but little fuel) so we ripped boards off the latrine till only the framing remained. The Germans were so mad. They tried to catch us. They had a guy watch but the minute he left we’d get more. The English were bombing us at night, the Americans by day. They were hitting pretty close, it was a scary time,” he says. The Germans had just developed jets and they would fly over the camp. “The first time we heard it go over we all hit the deck. We thought it was a bomb,” he says.

After a couple months they were put on the march again to Mooseburg. At one point they were getting strafed by American planes. Some guys were killed or injured. “They didn’t know who we were, they figured we were German troops,” he says. “I happened to have a roll of toilet paper, I can’t remember where I picked it up but I was guarding it with my life because not many people had toilet paper. So I ran out into a field and in big letters wrote P O W. So they quit shooting at us, then I ran out and got my toilet paper again. Thank God the ground wasn’t wet!”

There were about 10,000 prisoners on the march, spread out over ten to fifteen miles, separated into groups of 100 or 200 men with one or two guards per group, Rohrbacher explains. “So Scully and I decided we were going to try and escape. We went over and sat in the ditch. A German guard came over and asked in German, why we were sitting there, I said “fuy ist krank” which means my “foot is sick.” He scratched his head and said, “Well, okay.” All of a sudden we were all by ourselves, so Scully and I went off into the field. We were on the loose for four days. We were sleeping by day and moving at night. We had no idea where we were going because we had no compass. We ran into so many different things you wouldn’t believe. Call it dumb luck but we never got stopped by anybody, or shot, like a lot of the POWs who tried the same thing,” he says.

“We would take turns checking out places to sleep and one time it was Scully’s turn to check out this barn. It was four or five in the morning, just about daylight. So I’m sitting in this ditch alongside the road smoking a cigarette waiting for him to give me the okay sign and here comes this guy and a girl walking down the road. The guy sees the glow of my cigarette and he asks me for a light, so I held up my cigarette and lit his. He didn’t know what I was doing in the ditch. He probably didn’t care, he was more interested in the girl he had with him,” says Rohrbacher.

“I’m wondering what the heck happened to Scully because it shouldn’t have taken this long so I go to the barn and peek through the door and there is Scully eating and drinking with a half dozen (drunken) German fighter pilots! Scully sees me and says ‘Come on in’ and they hand me a bottle of beer and a bologna sandwich. I hadn’t had a bologna sandwich in a long time. Their planes are sitting in the field because they had no gasoline to fly them. When they found out Scully and I were both pilots, well this made us all buddies. We were sitting there enjoying ourselves and of course I could speak a little German -- you could understand some of it anyway. After a while we figured that when they sobered up and realized we were the enemy they might turn us in so we got out of there,” he says.

“We tried to stay out of towns as much as we could and just kept wandering around. We didn’t have anything in mind because we didn’t know where we were and even if we did we wouldn’t know where to go. We came to a bridge and there was a guard house at one end and a German soldier came out and asked us who we were. We just told him we were POWs. The guy took his hat off and scratched his head. He didn’t know what to make of us -- why we were out by ourselves and not in a compound or something. He didn’t know what to do with us. It was something he didn’t expect, so he just told us to go ahead.”

Rohrbacher says he and Scully ultimately just found their way back to their fellow POWs still marching. “We were nervous and we weren’t really doing ourselves any good. We were safer with the whole gang,” he says.

Liberation

Rohrbacher and the other prisoners finally arrived at Mooseburg, Stalag 7, outside of Munich, along with about 100,000 other POWs. “The front lines were getting smaller and smaller and the Germans were trying to keep us from getting liberated so they had something to bargain with. The order had gone out from Hitler to not allow any of the prisoners to be freed. In other words we were supposed to get machine gunned before the end of the war, rather than be freed. We were more or less prepared for something like that. Over time we had collected clubs and things. If you stage a rush with enough guys you can overcome them. A lot of guys would get killed or injured but eventually we could’ve taken over a few of their guns and we could have done some good on our side. So we were prepared for that, but we naturally hoped it wouldn’t happen,” he says.

They lived in tents in Stalag 7. “There must have been 100 guys to a tent. When we laid down to sleep we were head-to -toe, side-by-side from one end of the tent to the other, with just a little aisle up the middle. Thank goodness by that time it was beginning to get warmer and we weren’t freezing like we were. It was tough because we weren’t getting anything to eat from the Germans. All we had to eat was what we had ourselves. Of course you’re like a pack rat when you are a POW. Everything that comes your way goes into your pocket for future use, so just about every body had a can or a packet of something in their pocket, so we managed,” Rohrbacher says.

“The war began to get hot where we were. The Germans were on one side of us and the Americans on the other and they are shooting artillery at each other. It was the Fourteenth Armored Division of the General Patton’s Third Army that was coming in. We were in slit trenches. You can actually see the shells going over sitting in the middle like that,” he says.

It was only four hours from the time they began their shooting to the time they put up the flag over Mooseburg, Rohrbacher says. After that Patton came in and gave the POWs a pep talk. Rohrbacher says he was struck by how he really looked like a general. “If you are going to go to war, he’s the kind of guy you want in the front,” he says.

So in April of 1945, after almost ten months of captivity, Rohrbacher was free. The Third Army came in and set up a field kitchen but there were too many POWs to feed. “They finally brought in reinforcements and they started making white bread. We hadn’t had white bread since we’d been shot down. It was just like eating cake. That was a real treat, I’ll never forget that,” he says. It was three or four days before he was moved to a German air base to await a flight to France. “While we were there waiting we’d go out and watch the guys getting on the planes to leave ahead of us. The Germans were flying in with their planes surrendering and coming out with their hands in the air. The MPs would hustle out and take them in. When one German fighter plane came in, the pilot came out and opened up a storage bin behind the cockpit and his girlfriend came out!”

Rohrbacher was finally flown out to Camp Lucky Stripe in France and had his first real meal in a long time. “Right off the bat we got Chicken a la King. They fed us everything they shouldn’t have because we weren’t used to eating rich food. Everybody was going to the toilet every five minutes. There were lines for half a block waiting to get into the latrine,” he says

Going Home

Rohrbacher finally got put on a Liberty ship to head home. He says they couldn’t wait to get back to New York. They were an hour and a half from NYC when, to the dismay of all aboard, the ship was unexpectedly diverted to Trinidad to deliver cargo. It was a week or more before he would arrive home.

After recuperation leave, Rohrbacher was in Atlantic City awaiting reassignment and that’s where he met his wife, Mary, who was vacationing there. He asked her to dance out on the pier and they were married the next month. “That was true of a lot of war romances, you met and got married,” says Mary Rohrbacher. “When you met someone you didn’t even ask where they came from. There is something about having a world war like that -- eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die. That really was everyone’s attitude. And a lot of them stayed married,” she says. WWII ended just days before they were married.

Note: Bill and Mary Rohrbacher were married almost 65 years and lived in Spencerport. Retired Air Force Major Bill Rohrbacher died in July 2010. Much of the content of this story was excerpted from a video interview with Bill conducted by Chip Compertore, and from interviews with Mary Rohrbacher of Spencerport.

Earlier this year, the Rohrbacher family donated Mr. Rohrbacher’s POW flag to the Spencerport Post Office where it now is flown.

5/27/12

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

Bubba Watson selected as Hickok Belt™ Award Winner for April

2012 Masters Champion Bubba Watson has been selected as the Hickok Belt Award winner for the month of April 2012. Voting was conducted by a select national panel of members of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA). Watson was selected based on his thrilling victory in the 2012 Masters in which he defeated Louis Oosthuizen on the second hole of sudden-death playoff. Watson, currently ranked fourth in the world, shot a final-round 68 for a 10-under-par 278 total on his way to winning his first major championship and the tournament’s coveted Green Jacket.

Other finalists for the month of April in order of how the NSSA voters ranked them included: Matt Kemp (baseball), Kevin Durant (basketball), Claude Giroux (hockey), Josh Hamilton (baseball), Stephen Strasburg (baseball), Jonathan Quick (hockey), Greg Biffle (auto racing), Lee Westwood (golf) and Al Miyazato (golf).

Bubba Watson’s selection as the Hickok Belt Award winner for April not only recognizes him as “the best of the best” in professional sports for the month, it also marks another milestone in the return of the award given to the top professional athlete across all sports. As a monthly recipient Watson becomes the fourth of twelve finalists for the overall annual award, joining previous monthly award winners including Eli Manning, Jeremy Lin and Lindsey Vonn. Winners as selected by the NSSA will be announced each month throughout 2012. The overall winner will then be announced in early 2013, as the Hickok Belt Award, the crown jewel of sports, will be presented for the first time in over 36 years.

5/27/12

BROCKPORT

DiMartino perfect for Blue Devils

by Warren Kozireski

Freshman hurler Julia DiMartino struck out 17 batters and retired four others to register the first perfect game in her varsity career - a 3-0 victory over Spencerport as the regular season came to a close.

DiMartino took advantage of a great off-speed delivery to keep the Rangers batters off stride the entire game.

But the winner was far from determined until late as the teams remained tied 0-0 until Brockport scored three times in the fifth inning.

Taylor Zinkiewich reached and stole second base to begin the rally. After a sacrifice bunt by DiMartino to send Zinkiewich to third, Brianna Bunch also bunted and continued on to second base. The throw to second allowed Zinkiewich to score.

Shelby Perry followed with an RBI single to score Bunch and Perry later came across on a sacrifice bunt by Anna Fisher, an error and a wild pitch.

Spencerport pitcher Elaina Evinsky allowed just four hits as the Rangers dropped to 7-12.

Brockport finished the regular season 17-2 and were the top seed in Class AA as the Section V softball playoffs began. They beat 16-seed Irondequoit 8-0 in the quarterfinals while Spencerport dropped a 7-2 decision against second seed Penfield to end their season.

5/27/12

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

VanDongen sends C-C to quarterfinals

by Warren Kozireski

With his team trailing 4-3 after two innings, Churchville-Chili’s Kevin VanDongen pitched seven shutout innings and drove in the winning run in the ninth to lead the Saints to a 5-4 nine-inning victory over Irondequoit in first round Section V baseball playoff action.

Irondequoit led 2-0 in the first inning before the Saints got one back on an RBI single by Anthony Bertolani to drive in Greg VanDongen. The Eagles then made it 4-1 plating two more runs in the second.

The Saints again pulled back in their half of the second started by a one-out triple by Drew Scharney and walks to Troy Taladay and Greg VanDongen to load the bases. Bertolani again delivered with a two-out single to drive in two runs.

Kevin VanDongen then came on to pitch for the Saints and was masterful allowing only one base-runner to reach scoring position, three hits and one walk while striking out nine batters over his seven innings of work.

The Saints were finally able to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh with Greg VanDongen leading off with a single followed by a bunt single from Jimmy Latona with VanDongen moving to third on a throwing error. He came on to score on a Bertolani RBI groundout sending the game into extra innings.

After C-C failed to convert on a bases-loaded, no out situation in the eighth, they again loaded them in the ninth on a leadoff double off the right-center field wall by Latona, a walk to Bertolani and an infield single by Steve Schworm. Kevin VanDongen then laced his game-winning single down the left field line scoring Latona.

Churchville-Chili advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class AA playoff bracket to play top-seed Victor.

5/27/12

Zimmerman sets career high

by Warren Kozireski

Junior Carley Zimmerman scored six goals and added five assists for a career-high 11 points to lead Churchville-Chili to a 19-9 win over host Gates Chili in girls lacrosse.

With the game tied 3-3, the Saints went on a 6-1 roll with Zimmerman netting three of them and Kassiani Strembenis, Gina Akel and Kayla Brahm each scoring once in the rally.

Leading by four at halftime, C-C put the game out of reach with four unanswered over a four minute span to begin the second half. Katherine Woo passed to Zimmerman, who dropped the puck over the head of the Spartans goalie; Taylor Fletcher scored an unassisted goal, Woo found Olivia Kuter and Akel assisted on a Zimmerman goal in the four-goal run.

Brahm had five goals while Akel finished with three goals and three assists to help the Saints improve the regular season record to 13-3.

C-C’s season came to an end with a 13-3 loss to West Irondequoit in the quarterfinals of the Section V playoffs.

5/27/12

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

Mentors, counselors, and BOCES 2 New Visions students reflect on a year of learning and growing

New Visions Justice Professions Teacher Marc Ouzer (l-r, standing), Spencerport School Counselor Amy Gillett, New Visions student Steven Tucker, Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn, Undersheriff William Sanborn, New Visions student Christine Glover (l-r, seated) and Monroe County Sheriff's Department Corporal for Standards and Compliance Andrienne Dandrea talked with students about their internships with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department. Provided photoThe BOCES 2 New Visions annual end-of-year celebration brings together students, their mentors, school counselors and New Visions Teachers to discuss and reflect on a year of student learning and growth. New Visions Teachers Marc Ouzer, Pam Suess, Todd Pschierer, Paul Root, and Candie Adamczyk teach the four components of the New Visions program. They are the Justice Professions, Emerging Professions, Education Professions, and Health Professions. College bound high school seniors are able to explore professional career interests, while accruing high school and college credit through the statewide New Visions Program.

The New Visions Program confirms for many students their college or career path decision and for some a professional internship is an opportunity to learn which career isn’t right for them. “There is nothing wrong with that decision,” said WEMOCO Executive Principal Joseph Salemi. He told students how proud he was that they have become self-reliant and focused learners through their career internships. “You have successfully integrated the responsibility and independence you will need in college into your senior year of high school,” he said.

Provided information

5/27/12

Having learned safe-riding rules through materials provided by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, students at Ready, Set, Grow! Preschool put them into practice by participating in a Trike-A-Thon fundraiser, raising $345 for St. Jude’s.

Provided photo

5/27/12

BROCKPORT

Brockport Ginther students welcome baby chicks

Students greet the newly hatched chicks. Provided photoThere was a welcome sign of spring in Tracy Brew’s first grade classroom at the Ginther School on April 18. Students observed excitedly as the second and third out of four chicks hatched right before their eyes.

“While the children were also prepared in case the eggs didn’t hatch, seeing the looks on their faces when the chicks hatched was priceless,” said Brew. “They were talking to the chicks and encouraging them as they worked so hard to hatch from their eggs.”

Hatching the chicks included a series of enrichment lessons that correlated with the Life Cycles unit of the first grade science curriculum. Students experienced the 21 day life cycle of a chicken, from egg to chick. They read many non-fiction books about the life cycle of chickens and how to care for chicks. Each day they looked at a picture of what the developing chick looked like inside of the egg. Throughout the unit, the budding scientist made observations and predictions. The students also helped to create the habitat used once the chicks had hatched.

The lesson also extended into language arts as the students created their own non-fiction books titled “All About Chickens.” The books were complete with contents, headings, photographs and a glossary.

All first grade classrooms do a similar unit with the life cycle of earthworms as part of their science curriculum.

5/27/12

BYRON-BERGEN

B-B students chosen for unique programs

Clayton Lovelace was selected to play soccer abroad this spring. Provided photoByron-Bergen senior student Clayton Lovelace was chosen to the Section V European Select Soccer Team had the chance of playing soccer abroad this spring. As a representative of New York State, Clayton not only participated in international soccer matches in Barcelona, Spain, but also gained knowledge of the country by the various cultural opportunities and events in which he participated. EuroSports Network provided the opportunity for Clayton and approximately 50 other soccer players from Western New York “to learn what soccer at the international level is all about.” Clayton played against top teams in Spain April 6 through 13, and says he came away from this experience enriched with the experience and the new friendships that were made.

Mark Lancaster, a Byron-Bergen junior, will attend the 2012 U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar in Annapolis, Maryland. Provided photoThe U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) invited a select group of approximately 2,250 young men and women from across the nation and abroad to attend the Naval Academy Summer Seminar program this year. Junior Mark Lancaster will participate in the 2012 U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar program which is a teaching experience for prospective applicants about life at the Naval Academy. In a six-day session, students participate in academic and leadership programs along with daily physical exercises. Mark will attend academic classes and participate in seamanship and navigation training. At the end of the workshops, Mark will take a cruise aboard a Navy Yard Patrol Craft to apply what he learned in class.

Provided information

5/27/12

HILTON

Hilton CSD staff members ride for missing children

Students at Hilton’s Village Elementary School waved, clapped and supported riders May 18 as they passed their school. Sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children/NY Chapter (NCMEC/NY), the 2012 Ride for Missing Children is a 100-mile ride made by over 180 pledged bicycle riders or “Friends of Missing Children” that raises funds to support prevention education programs and to remember all missing children.

The ride around Monroe County made two stops in Hilton: at the Village Elementary School and Quest Elementary School.

Hilton CSD staff members who rode were: Dave Budgar, Margie Emler, Suzanne Pilon, Greg Booth, Samantha Powley and Scott Moon from Quest Elementary; Juliann Klafehn from Hilton HS; Tracie Czebatol from the Village Elementary; Ed Donnelly from Northwood Elementary; and Debra Ortiz-Pardi who is a NCMEC staff member and Hilton CSD parent.

Provided photo

5/27/12

Plummer to join Lady Lakers 2013 roster

Katlyn Plummer, a resident of Hilton has decided to join the Finger Lakes Community College Lady Lakers roster for the 2013 season.

As a member of the softball team at Hilton High School, Plummer turned in solid performances defensively year after year at the first and third base positions. The right handed athlete displayed a golden glove effort at both positions throughout high school on a constant basis. She has a unique ability for creating highlight reels thanks to her great athleticism.

Plummer attributes her solid glove to the hard work that she has put into developing her lateral and vertical movements. With her versatility, she provides Finger Lakes with an added multi-dimensional and talented infielder.

At Hilton, Plummer was a major run producer. She chose to become a Lady Laker for several reasons. Plummer wanted to be a part of a growing softball program and also felt that Finger Lakes academic programs are of competitive nature.

Provided information

5/27/12

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

•Panarites, Mary, 81, of Columbus, Georgia, formerly of Rochester, died May 14, 2012 at her home. Survivors include her husband, Manuel Panarites; her daughter, Marlane Boyle (Tom); her granddaughter, Nicole Thibeault; two sisters, Joan Comeau and Connie Hatfield (Archie); one brother, Tom Nebbia and a number of nieces and nephews.

Online condolences at www.coxfh.com.

•Wagner, Edward Robert, age 97, died May 18, 2012 at C.C. Young Retirement Community in Dallas, Texas. After serving as a liaison officer to the French Army and commanding a U.S. Army Field Artillery Battery during World War II, Ed was a resident of Brockport, where he taught mathematics at Brockport High School and later worked at the Eastman Kodak Company. Upon retiring from the Eastman Kodak Company, Ed and his beloved Mary lived in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Edward was pre-deceased by his wife of 70 years, Mary, and by his son Midshipman E. Robert Wagner, Jr., United States Naval Academy, 1964. He is survived by daughters, Carolyn Wagner Ellman of Rochester, and Jocelyn Wagner Sodoma and husband Randy of Fort Wright, Kentucky; son Richard Cameron Wagner and wife Susan Anne Stryker of Dallas, Texas; and numerous grandchildren; great- grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Burial will be held at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Brockport. The family requests memorials to the Lakeside Memorial Hospital, 156 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420 in his memory.

BERGEN

•Sapienza, Jean R., May 19, 2012, age 88. Predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Joseph L. Sapienza on January 27, 2005. Mother of Dennis (Anne) Sapienza of Bergen; Donald (Kathleen DeLaney) Sapienza of Williamsville, Lee Sapienza of Albany, Joann (Michael) Starowitz and Karen (Joel) Sapienza-Hall, both of Bergen; grandmother of William and Andrew Sapienza, Kaitlyn (Paul) Chmielowiec, Matthew Starowitz, Kara and Ethan Hall; sister of Jane (late William) Vickers of Florida and the late James Tuohey and the late Mary (late Tony) D’Ambrosio; sister-in-law of Nancy Tuohey of Chili. Also survived by her beloved dog and companion Mr. Ted, and several nieces and nephews.

Her Mass of Christian Burial was held May 23 at St. Brigid’s Church, Bergen. Burial St. Anne’s Cemetery, Palmyra. Memorials can be made to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 or in the form of mass intentions.

BROCKPORT

•Hartman, Carol A., May 20, 2012 at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, Brockport. Predeceased by her parents Irene and Cletus Hartman, she is survived by a sister, LuEllen Sullivan, brother William “Bill” (Gail) Hartman, nephews Christopher (Susan), W. David (Beth). Carol was a graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing. Carol worked her entire nursing career in the Pediatric nursing unit at St. Mary’s before retiring in 1996.

No calling hours; burial at the convenience of the family. Remembrances in Carol’s name can be made to Lifetime Care Hospice, 311 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623.

•Shetler, Donald R., May 19, 2012, age 70. Survived by his children, Brenda (Tony) DeBona, Mike (Mridula) Shetler, Laurie (Jeff) Twombly and Janet (Mark) Rabjohn; his grandchildren, Joshua, Jonathan and Melissa DeBona, Anand and Asha Shetler, Ryan and Ben Twombly, Justin and Owen Rabjohn; his sister, Lois (Lauren) McCracken; devoted friend Sandie Syke; several nieces and nephews; many friends.

Services were held May 26 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Those wishing can contribute to C.U.R.E., 200 Westfall Road, Rochester 14620 in his memory.

CHILI

•Case, Betty Ellen, May 8, 2012 at age 90. Predeceased by her brother, Donald Soper; grandsons, Jonathan Zauner and Paul Bright. Survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Robert M; children, Judith Ann (Ronald) Zauner, Anita Joy (Donald) Ciarico, Norman Paul (Mary) Case, Marlene Betty Iak; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; ten nieces and ten nephews. Betty Ellen was a member of The United Methodist Church of Churchville and Anchor Christian Church Women’s Bible Study.

Her Memorial Service was held May 26 at the United Methodist Church of Churchville, Churchville. Donations can be made to the church, 24 West Buffalo Street, Churchville 14428 in her memory.

•Lootens, John F., May 21, 2012. Survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Dottie; four children, Karen (George) Odden, Kevin (Lori) Lootens, Kristin (Eric) Griffin, Jennifer Lootens; five grandchildren, Julie and Kyle Odden, Justin and Amanda Lootens, Everett Griffin; brother, Gerald (Pat); sister-in-law, Marilyn Lootens; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Victor and Ruth; brother, Victor and sister-in-law, Muriel. John was a graduate of the U of R and the Eastman School of Music. He was a volunteer at RWCLC and an organist for the Diocese of Rochester for 60 years.

His Funeral Mass was held May 26 at St. Pius the Tenth Church. Contributions can be made to Roberts Wesleyan Cultural Life Center, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624.

CHURCHVILLE

•Baldeck, Gladys H., January 24, 1927 to May 16, 2012. Wife for 62 years to Robert J. Baldeck, residing in Churchville, mother of Alan (Melanie) and Andrea (Bill Hollis), grandmother of four and great-grandmother of five, succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 85. A native of Easton, Pennsylvania, she finished high school in Caledonia before going on to earn her bachelor of arts at Albany State Teachers College (now SUNY Albany) and her masters at the University of Rochester in Romance Languages. For twenty-five years she taught French and Spanish at the high school level, and English at the college level, before embarking on a second career as Director of Volunteer Services at Moses Taylor Hospital in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Music was her avocation. She sang in community and church choirs and played the piano until the last year of her life, performing in recitals and at the Century Club in Rochester, of which she was a member. A gift has been made of her piano to the Music Department of Nazareth College, where she studies with professor Gary Fisher.

A Memorial Service for family and friends will be announced at a future date.

•Gioia, Mary (Dermody), May 17, 2012. Predeceased by her husband, Thomas; brothers, Thomas, George, Norman. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Gioia; many nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated May 19 at St. Vincent DePaul Church. Inurnment St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Churchville Fire Department, 24 Washington Street, Churchville, NY 14428 in her memory.

GREECE

•Lattuca, Frank, 81, May 20, 2012. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Frances (Ingrao); and children, Vincent (Christine), David (Carol) Pogoda, Connie (Tim) Pearce; grandchildren, Frankie, Jacqueline, Andrew, Samantha and Jonathan; many nieces and nephews.

A Remembrance and Celebration was held May 24 at First Bible Baptist Church, Hilton. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. The family asks that donations be made to Hope Hall, 1612 Buffalo Road, Rochester 14624 in his memory.

HAMLIN

•Nichols, Dale A., May 16, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, Junior and Virginia Nichols. Survived by his children, Dale Junior Nichols and Michalina Nichols; his granddaughter, Piper Marie Nichols; his brother, Gene Nichols Sr.; mother of his children, Marty Nichols; his nephew, Gene Nichols Jr.; his uncle, Elmer VanOrden; good friend, Gary Blumenstock; several cousins.

Funeral Services were held May 19 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Clarkson-Union Cemetery.

HILTON

•Brice, Naomi E., May 16, 2012, age 76. Predeceased by her husband, William, 1996. Survived by her children, Pam (David) Knoeferl, Liz (Edward) Brown, Bonnie (Keith) VanGelder, Bert (Barbara) Canute; two sisters, Betty Schryer, Mary Ellen Roenke; her brother, Raymond Sergent; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.

A Private Graveside Service was held at Clarkson-Union Cemetery, Hamlin.

•Pettis, Erma, May 18, 2012. An inspiration to many, she was predeceased by her loving husband Larry. Survived by her children, Stephen (Peggy), Tracey (Tom Ryan) of California and Julie (Nick Faruch); grandchildren, Abbey and Molly; sister Betty Beals; brother Robert Omce and many nieces and nephews. She and her husband co-founded Pettis Pools and Patio in 1962. She was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and was active in the Brockport College Alumni Class of 1953. Erma was a living example of compassion, strength, the power of determination and hard work. Her wisdom, generosity, values and her love made a great difference in many lives.

Funeral Services were held May 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hilton. Friends wishing can contribute to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 158 East Avenue, Hilton in her memory.

HOLLEY

•Thom, Norman E., age 87, died May 18, 2012. He was predeceased by his daughter, Gretchen Thom Coleman, brother-in-law, William Daunce. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma Gath Thom; son David (Debi) Thom of Byron, daughter Laura Amor (Thomas Ryan) of Brockport; grandchildren, Rachel (Garett) Schalge of Hamlin, Joseph Amor of Raleigh, North Carolina, Matthew (Kris) Thom of Holley, Martha (John) Thom of Stafford, Staff Sgt. David (Danielle) Thom of Byron, Rosalee (Jeremy) Norred of Phoenix, Arizona; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred Daunce of Lockport. Norman served in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater, retired from Eastman Kodak in 1986 and was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Greece.

Funeral Services were held May 21 at Hope Lutheran Church, Greece. Interment with full military honors at Hillside Cemetery in Holley. Memorials can be made to Hope Lutheran Church or Hospice of Orleans County, P.O. Box 469, Albion, NY 14411 in his memory.

KENDALL

•Lynn, Marcia Ann, Peacefully surrounded by her family on May 22, 2012 at age 71, after a courageous battle with cancer. Survived by her loving and devoted companion, Ward Lewis; children, Tim (Lisa) Lynn, Francine (Ken) Luciano and Michele (Sean) Boyle; grandchildren, McKenzie Lynn, Kristen Luciano and Liam and Madeline Boyle; brother, Arthur (Karen) Podsiadly; sisters, Patricia Bowden and Roslyn Polvino; special niece, Marcia Lewis; special nephew John (Deborah) Lewis; nieces, nephews and cousins; many dear friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Walter and Rose Podsiadly; sisters, Elizabeth “Betty” Lewis and Helen Podsiadly.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated May 26 at St. Mark’s Parish, Kendall. Interment will be in Beechwood Cemetery, Kendall. Contributions can be made to Kidney Cancer Association (KidneyCancer.org) or Lifetime Care (Lifetimecare.org) in her memory.

•West, Gary L., Unexpectedly, May 14, 2012, age 62. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Rosa. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Lee West; sister, Anna (Edward) Fedele; brothers, Bert and Harold Jameson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held May 21 at the New Comer Funeral Home. Private interment. Donations can be directed to Gary’s family in his memory.

ODGEN

•Ralph, Shirley, May 19, 2012. Predeceased by her brother, Laurence Hale, niece Hale. Survived by her husband, Robert M. Ralph; sons, Douglas (Gloria) and David (Charlene) Ralph; granddaughter, Danielle Ralph; nieces, Lisa and Melissa.

Funeral Services were held at Walker Brothers Funeral Home in Spencerport May 24. Interment in Fairfield Cemetery. Donations can be sent to the Salvation Army, 70 Liberty Pole Way, P.O. Box 41210, Rochester, NY 14604-4310 in her memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Martin, Paul R. “Bob,” May 21, 2012. Predeceased by his children Pamela Arva and Bob Martin. He is survived by his wife, Loretta Grose Martin; children, Tom Martin, Cindy (John) DiTucci, Jeff (Yvonne) Martin; son-in-law, Bruce Arva, daughter-in-law, Lisa Brown; grandchildren, Tina (Michael) Ventrella, Brandon Arva, Jennifer (Nathaniel) Powers, Andrea Brown, Matthew DiTucci, Philip Martin; great-grandchildren, Colin, Hayden, Emma Ventrella, Joshua Bruno, Kevin Posadi, Nolan Powers.

His Funeral Service was celebrated May 24 at Parma Baptist Church, Spencerport. Interment private. Donations can be made to Parma Baptist Church in his memory.

•Offen, Dorothy I., May 16, 2012. Predeceased by her husband, William and son, Butch. Survived by her children, Caroline, Cheryl and Harvey; brothers, Frankie and Sammy Iachetta; aunt Bev; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service was held May 22 at Riverside Cemetery. Friends wishing can make contributions to the family.

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

Holley Police investigate suspicious fires

The Holley Police Department is investigating two separate arson fires that occurred on May 14, 2012. The first fire came in at 12:18 a.m. this morning at East Avenue and the Canal Bridge in the village. It involved a houseboat that was docked in the canal and set on fire, fire departments responded to put out the blaze and this houseboat was destroyed by fire.

The second arson fire took place at 8:19 a.m. at 37 East Albion Street, a vacant pizza shop. This fire was observed by people driving by and called into 911. The fire destroyed a portion of the wood siding and was quickly put out by the fire departments that responded.

Both fires are currently under investigation. The Holley Police feel that both fires are related in that they were less than a half mile of each other. Police and fire investigators have not determined the cause of the fires at this point, but officials believe both fires were intentionally set.

Holley Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance. If anyone saw anything concerning these fires or has any information relating to the fires or who did this, they are asked to call the Holley Police Department at 585-638-5308 or Orleans County 911.

Provided information

5/20/12

Parkview project gets underway with apartment complex

by William Matthias

The first phase of development on the property at 120 Big Ridge Road in the village of Spencerport, future home to a 20-unit luxury apartment complex, is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, said Val Visca, co-owner of Big Ridge Holdings and Land Re.

Big Ridge Holdings is constructing eight units in two buildings at Parkview Apartments – four in each building – which will be available for rent in September, with plans to complete the other three buildings by the same time next year. Plans are also in the works for the land surrounding the complex, which is adjacent to the two-year-old Unity at Spencerport building.

A 25-acre senior townhomes complex and an additional 24 acres filled with professional office buildings, “convenience types of establishments,” and off-street parking will make up Land Re’s Parkview Center, Visca said. The Parkview Center development was put on hold when Land Re sold the land for the Unity Health System building, created the private road Land Re Way to give traffic from Big Ridge Road access to the facility, and realized the potential for an apartment complex, Visca said.

Stonewall Construction, owned by Val Visca and his brother Dan, broke ground on Parkview Apartments in early April. The 1,100-square foot apartments, the first eight of which will be two-bedroom units, fall within the boundaries of the village, while Parkview Center is part of the Town of Ogden. The apartments will rent for $1,100 per month with utilities excluded.

Visca said several prospective tenants have already contacted him inquiring about the apartments, as they are being built in a “convenient location,” across the street from Pineway Ponds Park and Barefoot Landing, less than half a mile from the Erie Canal and the Spencerport business district.

“Apartments are going up all over, in nearby towns and villages, but none of them have as quaint of a location as we do,” Visca said. “Not even close.”

Mike Domenico, co-owner of Big Ridge Holdings and Land Re, said the apartments will not only include newer technologies, such as energy efficient furnaces and fire prevention sprinklers, but they will also have “low electrical rates” since they are within the Spencerport Village Electric service area.

The first floor of each building will be handicap accessible. This, along with the “quad” style of the buildings (four units in each building), makes the complex dissimilar from others in the area, said Town of Ogden Building Inspector Jack Crooks.

“There hasn’t been a lot of this type of development in the area for quite some time,” Crooks said. “The demand for handicap accessible housing has really come into fruition in the last few years as the baby boomers begin to age, and a lot of the apartment complexes and senior housing projects in the area pre-date ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements.”

The land surrounding the Parkview Apartments complex was originally zoned as single-family residential. Land Re purchased the property in 2006 and submitted an application for rezoning in 2008, to pursue the Parkview Center plan.

Several Ogden residents expressed concerns about drainage control at the site and traffic back-up on North Union Street during a public hearing prior to rezoning, but the issues have since been resolved, Visca said.

“Regarding any traffic increases, the nearby residents have been understanding,” Visca said. “And the drainage issues have all been addressed by Land Tech and the village engineers. The village and town have been great to work with and the project is moving forward smoothly.”

The Town of Ogden rezoned the area for Parkview Center – “restricted” business to the west and senior citizen housing to the east – after the town’s planning board reviewed the project proposal, with input from Spencerport’s planning board, and expressed its approval by issuing a “Negative Declaration of environmental significance,” according to meeting minutes.

“The rezoning of the area was a reasonable request and the town sees the plan for development as good for the area,” Crooks said. “The development will assist the town’s tax base and it will bring support, services and employment to the community.”

The plan for the “restricted” business area includes ten, 15,000 square-foot medical offices and 100,000 square feet of businesses “slated to serve the neighborhood,” Visca said.

“We are proposing such things as a bank, a deli, a restaurant, a pharmacy, a training center and an insurance office in this area, professional in nature and meeting the code of restricted business,” Visca said.

The plans for Parkview Center include an extensive network of sidewalks throughout, with access reaching to the village and the canal,” said John Sciarabba, land technician and engineer representing Land Re. Visca said there is no date set to break ground on Parkview Center, as the focus for him and his partners is currently on completing the Parkview Apartment project.

Note: For other information, visit www.stonewallconstruction.net or call Val Visca at 585-789-1360.

5/20/12

Black Creek Trail information meeting May 23

Residents are invited to learn more about the Black Creek Corridor Trail Feasibility Study during a public information meeting planned for Wednesday, May 23, at the Churchville-Chili Middle School Cafeteria, 139 Fairbanks Road.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and is the first of two informational meetings planned regarding the project. The public will be provided with a project overview and will be able to provide feedback.

The study will evaluate the feasibility of a multi-use trail system that would run parallel to the Black Creek Corridor.

The trail would link the Genesee Valley Greenway, Black Creek Park, Churchville Park, the Towns of Chili and Riga and the Village of Churchville.

5/20/12

Hamlin Town Clerk awarded 2012 NYS Town Clerk of the Year

Hamlin Town Clerk Kathi Rickman was chosen Town Clerk of the Year for NYSTCA. Photo by Trent HermanOn April 24, Kathi Rickman, Hamlin Town Clerk, was presented the award for 2012 New York State Town Clerk of the Year at the New York State Town Clerk Association’s Annual Banquet held in Saratoga Springs, New York. She was selected by her peers who distinquished her for her superior service and dedication as a professional and recognized for outstanding service above and beyond her duties.

Kathi has completed all the requirements for Master Municipal Clerk. In addition to serving as town clerk, she has been a member of the NYS Town Clerk’s Association for 23 years and a member of the Monroe County Town Clerk’s/Tax Receiver’s Association and has served her Association as Presdient, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Legislative Committee Member, By-Laws Committee Mem- ber, Nominating Committee, Liason to NYSTCA, Scholarship Committee Chair, and NYSTCA District’s Director.

Kathi has gone above and beyond her responsiblities to serve her constituents and all that visit the Town of Hamlin Town Clerk’s Office by serving them as Records Access Officer, Records Management Officer and Notary, Passport Agent Manager, and Tax Collector. She has contributed to her community by her founding the Hamlin Farmers Market, staffing the free Rabies Clinic annually since 1989, founding the Hamlin Wheel Fest and serving as chairman for the past 15 years, Hamlin Republican Commitee, and Youth Recreation Program.

5/20/12

Area libraries awarded grants

Recipients of 2012 Public Library Construction grants have been announced by NYS Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C - Batavia).

The local projects include:

•$311,684 for the Swan Library to build a 14,600 square foot energy-efficient building to improve access, security, parking and collection and meeting space in Albion;

•$8,615 for the Lee-Wheldon Memorial Library to reconfigure the parking lot to add extra parking spaces, as well as increase the distance between rows, for improved access and safety; and

•$7,325 for the Byron-Bergen Public Library to open the wall via a french door to provide easy and secure access to an additional programming and educational resource space, thereby increasing the effectiveness of library service.

Provided information

5/20/12

Brockport trustees continue village court study

by Kristina Gabalski

Village trustees in Brockport continue to study the possibility of establishing a village justice court.

During their regular meeting May 8, Trustee Margaret Blackman made her second in a series of presentations on a village court focusing on how well the Sweden Town Court serves the residents of Brockport.

“This is a fact-finding document,” Trustee Blackman’s report stated, “not a proposal to establish a village court.”

She explained that currently the revenue the village receives is limited to fines from violations of village ordinances and parking regulations. The total fine and forfeiture revenue for 2011 was $56,580. If the village had its own court, it would also receive revenue from fines relating to violations of the village speed limit, New York State vehicle and traffic law and penal law convictions.

“The most common (village ordinance arrests and fines) relate to late night disturbances of the peace - open containers, prohibited noise and littering,” Blackman noted.

The charges are rarely dismissed by Sweden Town Court, she said and the fines are consistent. Far fewer arrests are related to property code violations and “fines are not so clear,” Trustee Blackman said. “The judicial process is also slow. It’s a frustrating situation.”

Trustee Blackman found that the process of prosecuting owners of properties with code violations can go on for years. “There are real problems here with how things are disposed of,” she said.

She then outlined the pros and cons of establishing a village justice court.

Advantages of keeping the court setup as it is now, with just the Sweden Town Court, include the village continuing to net revenues of around $52,000 annually while not having to shoulder the cost of staffing and operating a court.

Blackman said the Sweden Town Court operates on a deficit - which was $35,317 in 2011 - a cost that had to be picked up by Sweden taxpayers. Village taxpayers would still have to pay for the Sweden Town Court if the village had its own court, Blackman added.

Blackman then explained what the village is losing by not having its own court. “Brockport provides the majority of Sweden Town Court business,” she said, “and sees no income from the largest share of police arrests (vehicle and traffic violations, criminal cases).”

She noted that a village court would be more closely tied to the village police department which would mean “a more integrated and responsive justice system.”

“I’m not recommending we form a village court at this point,” Trustee Blackman said.

She did recommend that the Village Board discuss with the village attorney the possibility of periodic reports on the disposition of village ordinance violations.

“Code enforcement of property codes continues to be the weak link,” Blackman said. “I agree that placing code enforcement with law enforcement under the supervision of the police chief will further strengthen code enforcement in the village.”

Blackman said her next report would focus on village courts in the villages of Fredonia and Geneseo, both of which have SUNY campuses.

Mayor Connie Castaneda said courts are meant to dispense justice and not serve as revenue makers. “Many villages have dissolved their village courts to save taxpayers money,” she said.

In other business

Trustees voted unanimously to correct the village tax rate for the fiscal year 6/1/12 - 5/31/13 from $12.10/$1,000 to $12.09/$1,000. Village Clerk Leslie Ann Morelli reported that the county found a minor error that was checked and verified by Village Treasurer Hendricks which necessitated the adjustment.

Clerk Morelli also reported that the village received a surplus dividend check of $85,000 from the Upstate New York Municipal Workers Compensation Program - UNYMWCP. Morelli said the UNYMWCP is a pool of many municipalities and districts of which the village is a member. She recommended at least some of the $85,000 be placed in a Workers Comp reserve fund and noted that the village is losing the fire department which is almost one-half of the premium. “It is unlikely we will get a surplus like this in the future,” Morelli said.

Castaneda confirmed the village is receiving a $37,250 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from Monroe County. The funds will be used for the Barry Street Water Main Replacement Project.

5/20/12

Lyell Avenue project progresses

by Kristina Gabalski

Completion of construction on the Lyell Avenue, Spencerport, project is scheduled for the end of June.

Karen Cox, P.E., a Transportation Project Manager with the Monroe County Department of Transportation, says the one-way westbound traffic pattern was put into effect in early April.

“Since that time, the contractor completed the underground closed drainage system, removed the old roadway pavement and installed granite curbing on both sides of the road,” Cox said.

The granular pavement sub-base course was also installed, she said.

The week of May 7, the first layer of the asphalt pavement system was installed. The second layer of the pavement system has also been installed and work is being done on driveway aprons.

“The contractor will also begin work on sidewalk replacement,” (where needed),” Cox said. “The work is scheduled for approximately two weeks. After that, the contractor plans to begin the landscaping work, installing topsoil, seeding lawns and planting replacement trees.”

She adds that the one-way westbound traffic pattern will remain in effect until the completion of construction.

5/20/12

Memorial Day Observations

Brockport

The Brockport Area Veterans Club will hold a Memorial Day of Remembrance and Celebration at 222 West Avenue, Brockport on Saturday, May 26 starting at 11 a.m. The public is invited to honor and remember those men and women who have paid the ultimate in the nation’s military. After the ceremony, which will include local service organizations, there will be a concert, with music provided by the Brockport High School Band. The Sons of the American Legion will have their annual take-out/eat-in chicken barbecue, hots and hamburgers from noon until gone. The public is also invited to a short military service at 9 a.m. at the High Street Cemetery and at 9:30 a.m. at the Morgan Manning Monument on Main Street.

For information contact the Brockport Area Vets Club, 637-5012.

Churchville

Ceremony and Parade Monday, May 28 beginning at Churchville Elementary School, 10:30 a.m.

Hilton

Hiscock-Fishbaugh American Legion Post #0788, will honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day, May 28, with ceremonies and a parade. The ceremonies will start at 8 a.m. at the Parma Union Cemetery and immediately following that, a ceremony at the Parma Town Hall. At 10 a.m. there will be a parade from the Hilton High School that will proceed west to the Hilton Village Office grounds. After the parade there will be a short ceremony at the Gazebo, which will be followed by refreshments.

5/20/12

Brockport Ambulance reorganizes as independent group

by Kristina Gabalski

When the Towns of Clarkson and Sweden switched to Monroe Ambulance as primary responder nearly 18 months ago, many in the community feared it might mean the end of the Brockport Volunteer Ambulance Corps. (BVAC)

In fact, the decision proved to be what might be considered a new beginning for Brockport Ambulance. Over the past year, ambulance corps leaders have been working through a reorganization for the BVAC, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of continuous service to the Brockport community. As a result, Brockport Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. is now an independent, not-for-profit organization with volunteer members and leaders coming from the community.

Additionally, nine career (part time/ per diem) paramedics have recently been added to the volunteer base, a move which leaders say continues to strengthen the group’s commitment to provide high quality (including Advanced Life Support - ALS) emergency medical services to the Brockport community.

“The Brockport Ambulance didn’t disappear,” Byron Green, BVAC ALS Career Staff Supervisor says. “We’ve been here the whole time.”

BVAC President David Rice says all the regulatory/legal work for the spin-off of ambulance operations from the Village of Brockport is complete. Only “crossing the T’s and dotting the I’s” on final issues like not-for-profit status need to be finished.

“Our primary focus is getting our feet back on the ground,” Rice says.

The process of reaching this point hasn’t been easy, however. The past 18 months have been long and often frustrating for ambulance corps members.

A long-standing dispute between the village and the towns over what to do with third-party ambulance billing surpluses lead the towns to make the switch to Monroe Ambulance at the end of 2010.

BVAC Chief Jim Toole says what happened at that time was outside of the ambulance group’s control.

“Brockport Ambulance was successful at providing EMS services to Brockport and the towns,” he explains.

“We were caught in the middle,” David Rice adds, “it (was) discouraging.”

In the spring of 2011, Rice says the ambulance corps approached the village about spinning-off operations, a move that would make the BVAC its own agency, independent from the village.

“It’s always been about having a community-based organization to provide EMS services,” Rice explains. “It truly is a labor of love.”

Ambulance corps members made many sacrifices in order to keep the ambulance service going while working through the long regulatory and legal process of becoming independent.

“Volunteers had to step up the game, do a little more,” Byron Green says. “They had to keep showing up for calls and be visibly seen.”

“It’s a testament to the organization,” Rice says. “Kudos go out to everybody in the organization. To keep moving forward, we all had to sacrifice.”

But the ambulance also received support and encouragement, sometimes from unexpected places.

“We received support from other EMS agencies,” Green says, “from surrounding villages and even commercial ambulance services(including Monroe). They told us we were doing the right thing.”

The process also meant Brockport Ambulance members often found themselves in unchartered waters at times.

“We were looked at as a new organization by the State Department of Health and Regional EMS,” Rice says. “We had to go through the hoops, the legal and regulatory requirements.”

Green notes that the experience of the BVAC helped to set the standard for how the process will go forward for other agencies attempting to do the same thing. “We broke that ground,” he says.

Financially, the BVAC was fortunate to have, “a fall back position,” Rice says. The Brockport Ambulance and Fire Department had received a sizable donation from the estate of a resident who died in the late 1990s. Rice says the ambulance carefully managed that money and it provided the seed money (in addition to some borrowing) to get the Brockport Ambulance through the reorganization process.

Rice says the BVAC will soon have final approval to bill Medicare/Medicaid and private insurance for services provided. “Once we get the cash flow settled down it will be easier to manage the business as a whole,” he says.

Currently, the ambulance is housed - as it has been for decades - at the main firehouse on Market St. in the village. Once the newly formed joint fire district takes ownership of the building from the village, the ambulance will need to re-negotiate a contract with the fire district in order to stay.

“We would like to stay here,” Rice says. “There is a rich tradition of the ambulance being part of the fire department. That history doesn’t go away overnight.”

“We work very well with the fire department,” Toole says. “The fire chiefs, the board of directors and the fire district commissioners have been very helpful and are wishing to continue the excellent working relationship.”

Rice, Green and Toole also say they hope the towns will switch back to Brockport Ambulance as their primary responder in the near future.

“It’s not our decision to make,” Rice notes, but, “the playing field is a little different now.”

He says the ambulance currently is in a position to show the towns it can be run as an effective and efficient operation.

Members of the ambulance corps just want to “go back to doing what they did before,” Green says.

“We’ve been here, we plan on being here and we really want to see this thing get off the ground so we can give back to the community,” Rice adds.

The Brockport Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. has an operating license for the Village of Brockport and both the towns of Sweden and Clarkson. BVAC continues to provide stand-by response to the towns and residents in the towns who want the Brockport Ambulance to respond should call 911 and request the Brockport Ambulance, Green says.

As Chief Toole puts it, “We’re here and we’re ready and able to provide service.”

5/20/12

Town of Sweden trail dedication June 3

Walk! Bike! Brockport! Action Group hosts a Trail Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, June 3 at 3 p.m. It will take place at the Concession Stand in the Sweden Town Park off Redman Road. The ceremony will announce that the Sweden Town Park Trail is complete and now open for public use.

The event opens with messages by Ray Duncan, Chairman of Walk! Bike! Action! Group of Brockport; Pat Connors, Sweden Town Supervisor; and Jack Milner, Past Sweden Town Supervisor. Following the ribbon cutting, the public is invited to walk the trail to see how it’s laid out and marked, and to get a feel for its beauty and opportunities it offers. The entire trail is just over two miles long and designed for walking, hiking, Nordic Walking, jogging, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

The concept of the trail occurred in 2009, when a member of the Walk! Bike! Brockport! Action Group met with the Sweden Town Supervisor and agreed that a trail in the park would be beneficial. In the spring of 2010, members of the Walk! Bike! Brockport! Action Group with the assistance of the Town of Sweden Highway and Buildings and Grounds employees, began the work of laying out the trail and installing the trail marker stakes. Trail use began by the end of that year. During 2011, an Eagle Scout candidate constructed a foot bridge over a small stream so that people with disabilities could also use that part of the trail. Materials for the trail’s stakes and signs were funded by the Walk! Bike! Brockport! Action Group and the Sweden Community Foundation.

Provided information

5/20/12

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

Body of Spencerport soldier returns home

Spencerport firefighter Corey McElwain backs off after unraveling the American flag; high winds caused it to wrap around the staff when it was suspended from the Spencerport ladder truck in honor of the homecoming of the body of Captain Bruce K. Clark, an Army nurse, May 12, 2012.

The Spencerport resident died in Afghanistan May 1 after collapsing during a Skype® video conversation with his wife. Funeral services were held May 15 at St. Mary’s Church in Rochester; burial Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport.

The Honor Guard awaits the signal to approach the hearse to carry the coffin into the Walker Brother's Funeral Home.

One of the Patriot Guard Riders stands near the entrance to the funeral home. This group creates an impressive patriotic setting in joining funeral processions of service men and women, when requested by the respective family.

5/20/12

Spencerport graduate takes home three awards at the Indie Music Channel Awards

2012 Indie Music Channel Award winner Melia Maccarone. Provided photoMelia Maccarone of Rochester, a 2009 graduate of Spencerport High School, was a big winner at the 2012 Indie Music Channel Awards in Hollywood, California. She won awards for Best Female Rock Artist, Best Rock Song for “Just a Bride” and Song of the Year for “Just A Bride.” She was also a finalist for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for her EP “Soundproof Walls.” A panel of music industry professionals chose the winners.

The awards show was held at the famed House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard on April 29. Emmy award winner and creator of the Indie Music Channel, Christopher Ewing, presented Melia with her awards.

A private nominee pre-party was held on Saturday, April 28, at Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood. Melia performed at the nominee party and also the after party at the House of Blues. Christopher Ewing, while introducing Melia before her performance said “Melia’s song “Just A Bride” has been #1 on my radio show, The Radio Café Countdown, for the last three weeks. It’s tough to get on my show since we get thousands of submissions from all over the world. So, to get on my show and then get to #1, that’s saying something. Melia is a very talented songwriter, singer and guitarist and I’m happy that she’s here to perform for us.”

“The entire weekend was so great,” says Melia. “I couldn’t have asked for it to go better. The talent was just outstanding. Meeting other artist from Australia, Sweden, Peru and many other countries made it even more special. I was so honored to be in the company of such talent and to be nominated. The categories I was nominated in were filled with some unbelievable artists and I have to say I was honored and grateful to win three categories. I think I was especially proud of the Song of the Year since it was chosen among all genres. When you write music and people close to you tell you how great they think it is it’s nice to hear. To be chosen by people in the music industry it gives you the confidence to keep going and validates you.”

Melia thanked her parents and family for their continued support, her band mates, Tim Latus (bass) and James McGowan (drums) for making the trip out to L.A. with her and their support. She also thanked George Collichio (guitar teacher), Brian Moore of Redbooth Studios who recorded and engineered her EP, “Soundproof Walls” and Richard Fink IV her vocal coach who also produced and edited her vocals on her winning song “Just A Bride.”

Melia is in the process of writing new music for an upcoming CD. She has a few local shows lined up this summer including a gig with the Deborah Mangone Band at Sticky Lips in Henrietta on July 20 and the Molson Canal Concert Series in Buffalo on August 24. Melia’s music is available on iTunes and CD Baby.

5/20/12

Andrews and Blackman candidates for Brockport Village Board

Bill Andrews and Margay Blackman have announced their candidacies for Brockport Village Board seats. The election is June 19. Provided photoMargay Blackman and Bill Andrews have announced their candidacies for Brockport Village Trustees. Running on the Revitalize Brockport ticket, the two have worked together on many community projects and plan to apply those same successful skills when serving on the Village Board of Trustees. Blackman is seeking re-election, having been elected in June 2011 to complete an unexpired term on the board. Andrews is a candidate to fill the position left vacant by Scott Hunsinger’s decision not to seek re-election. The Village election is June 19.

Blackman has resided in Brockport since 1977, where she raised her daughter and stepson. She was a member of The College of Brockport faculty for 30 years before retiring in 2007. In addition, Blackman is the former chair of the village of Brockport’s Tree Board (2005-2011), a founding member of Walk! Bike! Brockport!, and a volunteer in various village organizations.

During her first year on the village board, she says she focused on raising non-tax revenue, found a firm that has contracted with the village to collect years of unpaid parking tickets, and secured a two-year NYSDEC tree-planting grant. Furthering town/gown partnerships, she created internships in local government and supervised four college student interns, who worked on economic development, historic preservation, off-campus student housing, and researched options regarding justice courts, according to a press release announcing her candidacy.

When summarizing her role in developing the 2012-2013 village budget, Blackman said, “I believe I took a sensible, prudent approach to the budget, with a focus to protect taxpayers, replenish the reserves, and keep spending down - resulting in a healthier fund balance.” She spearheaded budget initiatives - the hiring of a grant writer and part time code enforcement officer - that represent sound investments with good financial returns to our community, but still kept the tax levy below inflation and the 2% New York State tax cap.

Bill Andrews came to Brockport in 1967 and has resided at 46 College Street since 1970. He taught college students for 41 years, the last 29 at The College at Brockport, where he founded the political science department and was a dean for nine years. He was recently widowed after 42 years of marriage to Monika and has six children and 13 grandchildren. He has been active in local civic affairs for many years as chair of the Historic Preservation Board, founding president of the Brockport Community Museum, vice president of the Greater Brockport Development Corp., organizer of Max’s Mardi Gras Parade, and coordinator of the volunteer program at the Village’s canal side Welcome Center. Also, Andrews is village historian emeritus and has published three books on Brockport history, according to the press release.

Andrews said that he hopes to work, especially, to strengthen village finances, ensure the integrity of the code enforcement process, promote the downtown business community, and promote Brockport as a tourist destination, especially for canal travelers. He has been instrumental in obtaining nearly $700,000 in outside grants for the village and hopes to work with the new grant-writing expert in continuing those efforts, according to the press release.

He described the present Trustees as “a conscientious, hard-working, responsible team” that he hopes to join. “They have accomplished a great deal, but much remains to be done,” he said. “I believe that my experience as a leader and problem solver in many civic and academic roles will enable me to make valuable contributions in tackling the remaining problems.”

As retirees, both candidates emphasize their ability and willingness to give the trusteeships their full attention.

Provided information

5/20/12

Many hear the call to ‘Go Fly a Kite’ at Parma Town Park

In what turned out to be a warm, very windy, sunny day the fourth annual Hilton-Parma Recreation “Kites In The Park Event” had a great turnout.

About 800 people, many of them the younger kind, showed up at the Parma Town Park on Saturday, May 12 to fly all kinds of kites.

Adding to the draw were the donations of 1,000 hot dogs, condiments and rolls and 750 bags of chips by the Hilton TOPS Friendly Market store, and financial support from the Hilton-Parma-Hamlin Chamber of Commerce and Carmestro’s Restaurant for the 750 kites distributed to the children.

Volunteer efforts were coordinated by Hilton’s Mayor Joe Lee; they came from the members of the Lion’s Club, the Apple Fest Committee and the St. Leo Knights of Columbus, Council #9461.

Hilton resident Brian Harris holds an airplane kite. Brian has been flying kites for fifteen years.

Greece residents Olivia Gallipeau, 7, and Anaya Des, 10, had a fun time flying their Lady Bug kite. The Beatles tee shirt provided just the right play on words.

Kevin Reynolds from Canandaigua, New York, has a ready smile as his spectacular hand-crafted kite "Four Corners Eclipse" flies in the distance over the Parma Town Park. His kite won first prize in a national kite flying competition held in Wildwood, New Jersey. It was just one of the attractions at the recent Hilton-Parma Recreation Kites In The Park event held on a sunny, windy Saturday at the Parma Town Park.Janelle Castellana and children Isabella, 3, and Nicholas, 6, try to straighten out their kite lines.

Skylar French, 5, from Hilton, was thrilled to show off her kite.

Photographs by Walter Horylev

5/20/12

Madeline’s first new car

Part one of three

by Joe Reinschmidt

This advertisement for T. M. Rowley's in Hilton was printed in the Thursday, November 4, 1954 Hilton Record, page eight. A Chevrolet dealership in Spencerport was also operated by a member of the Rowley family. That's where Madeline bought her first new car, a BelAir sedan and that is how this story began.Madeline was 30 years old in 1955 when Chevrolet introduced a new design for their cars. It was a significant change from the designs of the early 1950s. This style featured what would best be described as a “wrap around” windshield. It caught the attention of a lot of car owners. Apparently the designers felt it was a good way to see the USA in your Chevrolet. Madeline was just one of many folks who decided that it was for her.

Like most folks who lived in Spencerport and drove Chevys, she went to the local dealer which was Rowley Chevrolet located at 191 South Union Street. In those days there weren’t a bunch of cars on the lot for people to look at or select from. There might be two or three in the showroom and maybe another one or two on the lot that had been ordered but not picked up yet by the customers. Your decision was based on what you could see and the colored brochures that were available. Once you decided, an order was generated instructing the factory to build the car with the accessories and colors you chose. Six to eight weeks was the usual wait time and the customer was kept aware of the progress on their car.

Madeline decided to buy a Chevrolet BelAir 2 Door Sedan with two-tone paint, specifically Glacier Blue and Shoreline Beige, a beautiful combination. Other accessories were a V-8 engine, automatic transmission, radio, rear view mirrors, turn signals, heater, white wall tires, back up lights, windshield washer, undercoat, inside mirror, EZ eye glass, and the optional oil filter since the 1955 V-8 was designed without an oil filter. In today’s world almost all the “options” Madeline wanted are standard equipment. Madeline took delivery of the car on August 30, 1955 in exchange for $2,244 plus some financing charges. She was too nervous to drive it home so her brother did it for her.

Madeline drove the car for 10 years and had accumulated 43,186 miles, when she decided to get another vehicle. Because it was the first and only new car she ever bought she couldn’t bear to part with it. Her family had several properties with garages so the car was parked in one of them for 43 years, from 1965 to 2008. At that time the property where the car was stored was sold, so it had to be taken elsewhere until a decision about its future was made. All the while it was still bearing its 1965 inspection sticker.

Madeline’s Attorney, Dan Schum, was handling her legal affairs and she asked him if he would be interested in acquiring the car. He was, but only if she established a price. Madeline talked to family and friends and arrived at a price which they agreed upon, and Dan took possession of the car. Madeline told him it had not been started in quite a while and the motor might be seized up. Dan trailered it to his garage and began going over it. He was able to turn the engine over manually, so after putting in a good battery and checking the other starting necessities he turned the key and, to his surprise, it started. Dan then told Madeline, and offered to take her for a short ride around the neighborhood. She readily accepted and wore one of her favorite flowered blouses for the occasion.

Sometime later, Dan feeling he needed some advice, contacted Bill Bennett who had worked on several car restorations. After some discussion it appeared the restoration might entail more than Dan wished to pursue so he offered to sell the car to Bill.

Next: Madeline’s Chevy gets restored

5/20/12

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

BROCKPORT

Blue Devils trounce Olympia

by Warren Kozireski

Brockport sent 12 batters to the plate and scoring eight runs in the third inning in an eventual 12-1 victory over visiting Greece Olympia on Senior Day.

The Blue Devils jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Mike Knapp scored on a double-steal after leading off the inning with a single.

Left fielder Frank Mancera threw out a runner at the plate to end the third inning and preserve the lead before Brockport blew the game open in the bottom half.

Knapp led off with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He scored on an RBI single by Ryan Wegner. Wegner and Josh Maier scored on a bases-loaded throwing error making it 4-0.

They plated two more on a second throwing error before Knapp drove in two more with a double to right center. He later scored on a third throwing error to complete the inning.

Knapp finished the contest 3-for-4 with two RBIs. Righthander Bryan Warner started and pitched 5.2 innings striking out three batters to earn the win.

Seniors Knapp, Wegner, Maier, Warner and Cody Armes were honored prior to the game.

Brockport will begin the Section V playoffs next week in search of their fourth title, the last coming in 2004.

5/20/12

HOLLEY

Holley sweeps Pembroke

by Warren Kozireski

The Hawks second doubles unit of Seth DeLuca and Will Barniak swept their match 6-0, 6-0 and Holley lost just four games overall in a 5-0 sweep over Pembroke in Genesee Valley Region play.

Number one singles Eric Mitchell won his match 6-0, 6-3; second singles Tim Gallets had little trouble in a 6-1, 6-0 victory and Corey Winter finished off the individual sweep with a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles.

The top doubles team of Sam Mauro and Zach DeLuca took their match 6-0, 6-1 as Holley improved to 9-1 on the season.

5/20/12

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

AREA

Unity Health System awards scholarships to local students

Unity Health System has announced the recipients of its 2012 Nursing Scholarship Program. The scholarships are awarded to high school seniors intending to pursue an R.N. degree. A total of six scholarships, $1,000 each, will be awarded to the following students who have been accepted into a four-year nursing program and are graduating in 2012:

•Michaela Burns, Hilton Central School District

•Ciera Linder, Greece Central School District

•Lisa Wayda, Spencerport Central School District

•Whitney White, Rochester City School District

•Sereta Williams, Greece Central School District

•Erica Wydra, Hilton Central School District

A reception to honor the 2012 Nursing Scholarship Award winners will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at 6 p.m. at Unity Hospital.

Provided information

5/20/12

BROCKPORT

Oliver Middle School 7-8 grade chorus was awarded a Silver performance rating at the New York State School Music Association Major Ensemble Evaluation Festival held at Spencerport High School on April 25.

From left to right with Silver Certificate: Caroline Wilcox, Sara Dempsey, Emma Moulton and Brianna Halladay.

Provided photo

5/20/12

The Brockport High School Mad Vocals, Triple Voices and Swing Choir performed for Ginther School students,
on May 1.

The Mad Vocals sang the James Bond theme song and the Charlie Brown Theme Song-Linus and Lucy.

The Swing Choir sang and danced to “Ease on Down the Road” and “I’ve Got the Music in Me.”

Ginther students enjoyed the fun dance moves and vocals of this dynamic group.

Triple Voices was the final group to perform. Ginther children were asked to participate by using high, medium or low hand gestures while the songs “Sing a Song of Six Pence,” “Little Jack Horner,” “Little Bo Peep,” and “Rock a Bye Baby” were sung.

Provided photo

5/20/12

Student artwork on display at The College at Brockport

Brockport Central School students in grades K through 12 will showcase their art skills to the community at their annual art exhibit May 21 to 25 at The College at Brockport Tower Fine Arts Building, Holley Street. The opening reception will be held on Monday, May 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tower Fine Arts Auditorium. Recognition ceremonies for students in grades K through 5 begin at 6:15 p.m. and the Awards and Recognition Ceremony for grades 6 through 12 will begin at 7 p.m. The art exhibit in the galleries is also open from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 21.

Regular exhibit hours will be May 21 to 24 from 12 to 4 p.m. and May 25 from noon to 3 p.m. Parking permits are required Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and may be obtained at the Welcome Center. The event is free and open to the public.

5/20/12

Three finalists chosen in Brockport superintendent search

The Brockport Board of Education has identified three finalists for the district’s next top administrator. The finalists, narrowed from a pool of 21 applicants, are Dr. Valerie Burke, superintendent of schools for the Warsaw School District; Dr. Lesli Myers, assistant superintendent of student services for Ithaca City School District; and Dr. Carol Pallas, assistant superintendent of schools and transition coordinator for the Greece Central School District.

•Dr. Valerie Burke has 14 years of experience in education. Since 2010, she has served as superintendent of schools for the Warsaw Central School District. During her career, she has served as an elementary school teacher, assistant principal and principal.

•Dr. Lesli Myers has 19 years of experience in education. Since 2007, she has served as the assistant superintendent of student services for the Ithaca City School District. Her past work experience includes director of student and career support, coordinator of student support and enrichment, high school counselor and house administrator.

•Dr. Carol Pallas has 25 years of experience in education. Employed by the Greece Central School District since 2000, she is currently serving dual roles as the assistant superintendent of schools and transition coordinator. During her career she has served in other assistant superintendent capacities in addition to director of human resources, principal and elementary school teacher.

The three candidates are scheduled for day-long school visits which will include a community forum from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the A.D. Oliver Middle School Library to allow staff and community members an opportunity to meet each finalist and ask questions. The schedule is as follows: May 22, Dr. Lesli Myers; May 23: Dr. Valerie Burke; May 24: Dr. Carol Pallas.

Provided information

5/20/12

BYRON-BERGEN

Children’s book author visits Byron-Bergen Elementary

Children's book author Jim Aylesworth engages his audience of second and third graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School, May 9, with his book Naughty Little Monkeys. Provided photoChildren’s book author Jim Aylesworth shared his experiences on May 9 with pre-kindergartners through fourth-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School as part of the school’s Library Week Celebration.

Aylesworth talked with students about his experiences as a first-grader teacher and author of 34 children books.

“I got started writing books because of my students,” Aylesworth told students. “They helped me.”

One of Aylesworth’s books, Naughty Little Monkeys, coincides with the school’s The Leader in Me character education program, which was implemented for the first time last September.

According to Library Media Specialist Joyce Cullum Byron-Bergen Elementary School read Aylesworth’s books during library class time to help reinforce the seven habits of The Leader in Me.

Aylesworth’s books were written to be read aloud and filled with the things that he has learned that children like - especially rhythm, rhyme and repetition - according to Library Media Specialist Joyce Cullum. His books include some ABC, some fantasies, some based on folk tales or Mother Goose rhymes, and some bedtime stories.

“Jim Aylesworth knows what students enjoy,” Cullum said. “Reading encouragement is about predictability, as students are able to engage quickly based on rhythm, rhyme and repetition. Mr. Aylesworth is successful at this.”

Provided information

5/20/12

Students recognized at Byron-Bergen High School

Marcy Bedette, High School Principal Aaron Johnson, and Katherine Merritt join Sarah Donovan and Nicholas Prospero (front), recipients of the School Community Partnership Award in recognition of their contributions to the Byron-Bergen community. Provided photoThe Byron-Bergen High School Collaborative Improvement Team (HSCIT), comprised of teachers, students, community members, and Board of Education representatives, present a “School-Community Partnership Award” to select students each quarter in recognition of their contributions to the Byron-Bergen community. This special award was created in an effort to recognize students who choose to “go the extra mile” in their community, distinguishing them as “Ambassadors” in the school community.

For the third quarter, the HSCIT presented this award to junior Sarah Donovan and senior Nicholas Prospero. Sarah is actively involved in Girl Scouts, and volunteers a great deal of time at the Gillam-Grant Community Center, her church, and the George Eastman House. Nicholas is also involved in the Gillam-Grant Community Center and the S.T.E.P. Boosters. He has served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board and the Strategic Planning Committee. Both students accomplish all of this and more while maintaining good grades and being involved in many extracurricular activities and sports. The students received a certificate, plaque and lunch as part of their recognition. Quarterly nomination forms for this award can be found on the Byron-Bergen website, www.bbschools.org, and in the high school office.

Provided information

5/20/12

Student to compete at HOSA Nationals in Florida

Jessica Fuller will be competing in the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Nationals in Orlando, Florida, this June. Provided photoByron-Bergen senior Jessica Fuller, who attends the Health Dimensions class at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, participated at the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) State competition in Syracuse, in late April. Jessica placed second for Interviewing Skills and will travel to Orlando, Florida to participate in the National competition in June.

The purpose of the HOSA Organization “is to develop leadership and technical skill competencies through a program of motivation, awareness and recognition, which is an integral part of the Health Science Technology Education instruction program.” At last year’s competition in Syracuse, Jessica placed first in Personal Care. Jessica plans on attending the Genesee Community College 2-plus-2 program in the fall for nursing and will be taking Promise Plus classes in the summer.

Provided information

5/20/12

CHURCHVILLE

Girl Scouts lend a hand

Churchville-Chili Girl Scout Troop 606030 earned their bronze medal by planning and hosting an Ice Cream Social earlier this spring for residents at Westwood Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Community.

The Troop spent 15 hours planning, securing donations and coordinating their own entertainment for the event, according to co-leader Sue Walker. Led by Walker and Missy Beach, the 23 Girl Scouts recently became Cadets.

Pictured here with the Girl Scouts are Westwood Commons residents Grace Meckler, Lorraine Drago and Josephine LaBarbera.

Provided information and photo

5/20/12

HILTON

Hilton High School choruses bring home gold

On April 28, under the direction of Adam Klock and Christine Blonsky, accompanied by Teresa Ludington, the Chorale and the Women’s Choruses competed in New York City at the International Heritage Music Festival. Schools from throughout the United States and Canada participated.

As their voices resonated through the beautiful Riverside Church in Manhattan, Hilton astonished judges with their talented vocals’ winning them first place Gold Women’s Chorus and second place Gold-Chorale within their divisions. They also brought home the prestigious Adjudicators’ Award and an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Shown left to right: Brad Whittmore, Louis Ban, Adam Klock, Wes Rivais, Alan Witlers, Ben Harper, Christine Blonsky and Kelsy Allessi.

5/20/12

Hilton High School ranks in ‘Top Schools’ in nation list

Thirteen area high schools are among the nation’s best, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 edition of the Nation’s Best High Schools. “We are all very proud at Hilton High School to be named on this prestigious list,” said Hilton High School Principal Brian Bartalo. “The hard work done by students and staff is reflected in this national recognition. We plan to continue to be diligent about ensuring that all our students at Hilton High School are challenging themselves with rigorous and relevant work to make them college and career ready and prepared with 21st Century skills.”

Among local schools on the list are: Greece Odyssey #75; Pittsford Mendon #82; Pittsford Sutherland #116; Brighton #180; Bloomfield #278; Honeoye-Falls-Lima #386; Irondequoit #541; Webster Thomas #687; Churchville-Chili #865; Canandaigua #1,025; Rochester School of the Arts #1,222; Brockport #1,236; Hilton #1,341; Gates Chili #1,542.

To determine the 2012 rankings, U.S. News and World Report and American Institutes for Research analyzed data from more than 22,000 public high schools across the country. Schools were first analyzed at a state level for how well their students perform on state assessments, then were ranked nationally based on how well the schools prepare students for college-level work, according to U.S. News and World Report.

In 2012 Hilton High School ranked 171st within New York State. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® and International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The AP participation rate at Hilton High School is 43 percent.

Provided information

5/20/12

Village Elementary students work together in “Day of Caring”

Hilton’s Village Elementary School turned out for their annual Day of Caring, May 10. Students Casey Gibbs and Ryan Danzig in Krisann Craney’s fifth grade class worked on doing a clean-up on the path that edges the northern school boundary and then continued along the path near Merton Williams Middle School.

In addition, teacher Joe Kuhn’s sixth grade class did a clean-up of the southern grounds of Village Elementary and Quest Elementary school grounds as well. “We couldn’t believe how much we gathered,” Craney said. “Hilton CSD Buildings and Grounds crews removed the really big things including the three tires for us. We sorted what we found and then cleaned the recyclables. We were surprised to find three tires along with other large pieces of metal.

The kids joked that we could almost build a car.”

Provided photo

5/20/12

KENDALL

Kendall JNHS donates items, visits Golisano Children’s Hospital

On Monday, April 16, the current officers of Kendall’s Junior National Honor Society (JNHS) visited Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center to deliver donated items collected by JNHS and to take a tour of the facilities.

JNHS President Olivia Welch, Vice President Jorden Ammerman, Treasurer Maria Albanese and Co-Advisor Mrs. Ellen Heed represented Kendall on the trip.

As part of the community service project, Junior Honor Society members collected a large supply of art and craft supplies, books, toddler cups and infant teethers for patients at the hospital.

After delivery of the items, the officers and their co-advisor were given a tour of the various hospital units including pediatric intensive care, cardiology, oncology and out patient treatment for children.

Michael Fahy, the assistant director of advancement and community affairs at the hospital, heaped praise on the contribution by the JNHS and acknowledged amazing difference it makes for the hospital’s patients.

The JNHS induction ceremony for new members was held on Thursay, April 26.

Provided information

5/20/12

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

BROCKPORT

•Eldred, Veeda (Cotter), A Graveside Service was held May 19 at the Garland Cemetery followed by a reception at the Brockport Exempts, 248 West Avenue, Brockport.

•Sodoma, Robert D., Passed away peacefully on May 9, 2012, age 82. Predeceased by parents, Andrew and Anne, brothers, Edward (Gwen) and John, son-in-law Michael Schafer, brother-in-law, Dick Beeman. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carol; children Tracey Schafer, Robert a. (Kimberly) and Michael (Sue); his grandchildren, David and Jennifer Schafer, Justin, Brendon, Tyler and Emma Sodoma, Zachary, Christopher, and Laney Sodoma; special sister-in-law Priscilla Beeman; cousin, Edward Waz; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Bob was the owner of Sodoma Farms, a 1951 graduate of Cornell University, past president of the Brockport School Board, past president of the NY Apple Growers Association and a charter member of the B.O.P.E. (Elk’s Lodge 2010).

A Graveside Service was held May 16 at Garland Cemetery. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

CHILI

•Brixner, Irene M. (Mignano), Died suddenly, May 7, 2012. Predeceased by parents, Michelo and Teresa Mignano, sister Marie Salemi, and brothers Frank and Anthony Mignano. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Jerome “Jerry” Brixner, brother, Paul (Nora) Mignano; sisters, Angelina (James) DiLorenzo and Anna (Thomas) Lewandowski; sister-in-law Laverne Rash; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews. Irene was a retired art teacher with the Penfield School District and was actively involved in politics in the Town of Chili.

A Funeral Mass was held May 17 at St. Jude the Apostle Church. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

•Levering, Daniel Ray, May 13, 2012. Daniel was born September 12, 1943 to Ray Follin and Mary (Thomas) Levering of Mt. Vernon Ohio. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1967 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. Dan moved his family to Rochester to begin his career at Eastman Kodak Company. From 1980-1994 Dan worked as a supervisor in the Manufacturing Engineering Department of Clinical Products Division on the EKTACHEM Analyzer. In 1994, the Clinical Business Unit of Eastman Kodak was purchased by Johnson & Johnson where Dan continued his work until his retirement in 1998. A devoted worker for his church, Dan served in the position of Deacon and Elder and played in the hand bell choir. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing Euchre and watching his Ohio State Buckeyes play football and basketball. He was a member of the Rochester Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Mayflower Society. Dan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carole (Davis) Levering and his daughter, Elizabeth (Levering) Weaver of Wilton, Connecticut.

A Celebration of his life was held May 17 at the Rochester Christian Reformed Church, Penfield. Donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or the Rochester Christian Reformed Church in his memory.

CHURCHVILLE

•Allen, Dorothy B., May 12, 2012 age 80. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband of almost 58 years, Marvin V. Allen and her parents Lester and Lorraine Burling. She is survived by her children, Sheryl (Rob) Kruse, Jacqueline Gallup, Barbara Derleth, Burton and Barry Ross; grandchildren, Shawn (Clarissa) Kruse, Amber (Robert) Signore, Stephanie (Antoine) Williams, Ashleen (Daniel) Bennett, Jamie (Christopher) Lander, Nicole Gallup, step-grandchildren, Margie Gallup, Robert (Jennifer) Gallup Jr., Tricia (Rich) Ramell and Michelle (Bryan) Whipple; great grandchildren, Layla and Camilla Williams; five step-great grandchildren; brother, Lester (Shirley) Burling; nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends, including great-granddogs, Toby and Jack.

Funeral Services were held May 17 at Union Congregational UCC, Churchville. Interment Creekside Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Churchville Fire Department or Lifetime Assistance Inc. in her memory.

CLARKSON

•Blodgett, Charles H., May 15, 2012, age 78, after a courageous battle with cancer. Son of the late Floyd and Margaret Blodgett, also predeceased by his brother, Irving. Survived by sisters and brothers, Floyd (Theresa) Blodgett, Jeannine (George) Plender, Phyllis Blodgett, Edward (Jo Ann) Blodgett; many nieces and nephews. He was an Army Veteran and a Kodak retiree.

Private family services with Military Honors will be held at Parma Union Cemetery.

HAMLIN

•Petrie, Richard T., Passed peacefully at home May 12, 2012 at age 61 with his family at his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Diane; son Adam (Kimberly); step-children, Michael (Michelle), Anthony, Kristan and Jenine; grandchildren, Nicholas, Angelina, Jade and Michael; sister, Betty Parker. Richard was a respiratory therapist at Rochester General Hospital and a United States Marine Corps Veteran where he served his country during the Vietnam War.

Funeral Services and interment were held privately. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Rochester Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester 14620 in his memory.

HILTON

•Bauer, Betsy S. (Diedrich), May 12, 2012, age 53. Survived by her husband, Mark; her children, Arron and Morgan Bauer; her father, Luther Diedrich; two brothers, Jeffrey (Laurie) and Andrew (Gia) Diedrich; father and mother-in-law, Harold and Shirley Bauer; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Betty Lou Diedrich, 2002.

Funeral Services were held May 16 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, East Avenue, Hilton, followed by interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642 in her memory.

•Palmeri, Victor C., May 14, 2012. Survived by his children, Jason (Laura) Palmeri, Ryan Palmeri, Liam Palmeri; companion, Debbie Lawson;. granddaughter, Peyton Palmeri; sister, Sherry Kelly; brother, Dan; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held May 18 at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, New York 13220-3049 in his memory.

•Thompson, Donna Jean Marie, On May 10, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, Donald and Viola Maisenbacher. She is survived by her husband Gary and Sparky; one brother, Richard (Joanne) Maisenbacher; nieces and nephews; special friends, Darin and Deanna Maxwell and family; Marissa and Aden, Dean and Carol Thompson, David and Michelle Hughes, John and Vicki Clement, Chuck and Steacy McGarvey, Tibby and Art Fritz, Gloria and Jim Lash, Peggy Smith, Cindy Merrow, Denise Tucker, Sharon Prince, Walter Zimmerman, Ed and Tammy Baker, Joannie Gates, Norm and Pat Harris, Ladies Auxiliary VFW #6105. Donna loved bingo and quilting.

Funeral Services were held May 16 at the Arndt Funeral Home. Interment, Falls Cemetery. Donations can be made to Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance or Walker Fire Department or VFW #6105 in her memory.

HOLLEY

•Catlin, Thomas E. “Tom”, age 55, May 11, 2012. Survived by brother, Rick (Bernadette) Catlin of Brockport; three nieces, Stephanie (Harvey) Rakoski, Renee and Elyse Catlin; nephew, Geoffrey Catlin; three great nephews; many friends. Predeceased by parents, George and Pauline Catlin.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 16 at St. Mary’s Church, Holley, followed by burial in Lakeview Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Attn: Trial Net, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or online at www.JDRF.org in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Clark, Captain Bruce Kevin, September 10, 1968 to May 1, 2012. He was born in Addison, Michigan and as a Chief Army Nurse, died in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan. He is the beloved husband of Susan and devoted father of two daughters, Camille 9 and Catherine 3; Cherished son of Lucinda Hallenbeck and the late James Hallenbeck, as well as Bruce and Bev Clark; son-in-law of Nancy Taber; brother of Amy Zacharias (Patrick), Jason Hallenbeck (Jessica), Justin Hallenbeck, Jamie Hill (John), Katie Yoder (Will), Joe Clark (Amber), and Christal Jones (Nate), and brother-in-law of Alexandra Newman (Logan), Mariana Barry (Gavin) and Sarah Taber-Thomas (Bradley); many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by grandparents Bernard and Harriet Bowman, LaMoine and Alice Clark.

Bruce was born and raised in Addison, Michigan. Growing up there, he enjoyed 4-H, Little League Baseball, and Trap Shooting. He graduated from Addison High School in 1986. He enjoyed volunteering as an EMT and Fireman for Addison Fire Department. Married in 1999 to Susan Orellana of Spencerport, they moved to Spencerport in 2000. Working as a surgical technician at Highland Hospital, as well as volunteering at the Spencerport Fire Department, he then graduated, cum laude from State University of New York College at Brockport in 2006 with a bachelor of science in nursing. Bruce joined the United States Army Medical Corps in the fall of 2006. He and his family were stationed in Hawaii and Texas. In March 2011 Captain Clark was recruited into a team competition and completed the grueling 26.2 mile annual Bataan Memorial Death March and considered an invaluable member of his unit.

He was deployed to Afghanistan with Joint Services in March 2012, and was assigned as Chief Nurse of the Forward Surgical Element in Tarin Kowt. His passions were his family, fishing with his daughters, snorkeling, hiking, stained glass, framework, a love for his faith, and the outdoors.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated May 15 at St. Mary’s Church, Rochester. Interment in Fairfield Cemetery in Spencerport. Donations can be made to the Memorial Fund for his daughters to Susan Orellana-Clark, P.O. Box 84, Spencerport, NY 14559 in his memory.

•Hess, David Lawrence, May 15, 2012, age 78, formerly of Spencerport, died in Henderson, Nevada after a long illness. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Terri Hess; four children: Victoria Hess, David Hess (Charmaine), Diana (Kevin Gallagher), Ave (Jeff Terzich), eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Burial was held at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada.

•Hubbard, Norman, On May 10, 2012, age 94. Norman was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy and granddaughter, Amber Throumoulos. He is survived by his children, Virginia VanAtta, Robert Hubbard and John (Kathy) Hubbard; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his sister, Jean Reitz.

Funeral Services were held at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to the Byron-Bergen Library or ABVI in his memory.

•Scorse, Edwin “Ted” Jr., May 15, 2012, age 57. Ted is predeceased by his father, Edwin T. Scorse Sr. He is survived by his mother, Mildred Scorse; his wife of 32 years, Mary L. Scorse; his daughters, Melanie (Jim) Scacchetti and Jennifer (Eric) Knittel; grandchildren, Vincent and Dominic Scacchetti and Sarah and Eric (Jr.) Knittel; siblings, Thomas (Marla) Scorse, Mary Beth (Bob) Thompson, Terry (Peggy) Scorse, Mary Lou (Mike) Colletta, Todd Scorse, and twins, Tim Scorse and Mary Ann Webb; many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and dear and close friends. Ted retired in November of 2009 from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after 32 years of service.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on May 19 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. Those wishing to send expressions of sympathy can consider the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642 in his memory.

•Slowe, Gerald Sr., On May 8, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, Harold and Eleanor Slowe and his brother, Larry Slowe. Survived by his children, Julie (Don) Hughes, Jerry (Barb) Slowe, Jr., Danny (Krystal) Slowe and Amy (Jen) Beers; sister, Charlotte Staples; brother, Terry (Christine) Slowe; sister-in-law, Fay Slowe; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service was held May 18 at Parma Union Cemetery.

•Wasserbauer, Harry Joe, December 20, 1924 to May 8, 2012. Survived by beloved wife of 55 years, Charlotte; children, Diane, Mark (Susan) and Lynn; granddaughters, Martha and Alison; many cousins in Lakewood, Ohio. Harry was an Army Paratrooper during WWII serving in the Pacific Theater.

A Memorial Service was held May 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Route 31, Spencerport. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. Donations can be made to www.honorflightrochester.org in his memory.

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 13, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 13, 2012

Brockport mayor enters not guilty plea in Ogden court

by Kristina Gabalski

Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda pleaded not guilty for a second time to 14 counts of official misconduct and two counts of falsifying business records - all misdemeanors - during an appearance in Ogden Town Court May 8.

Castaneda was originally arraigned in Sweden Town Court March 26, but the case was transferred to Ogden when all three Sweden justices recused themselves.

Ogden Town Justice David A. Murante released Mayor Castaneda on her own recognizance.

Norman Giancursio also pleaded not guilty to second degree reckless endangerment charges on May 8. He was released on his own recognizance.

Both Castaneda and Giancursio are scheduled to be back in Ogden Town Court June 12.

The two were arrested March 9 by Brockport Police. Mayor Castaneda is accused of illegally renting out rooms in her home to college students. Giancursio allegedly told a tenant in Castaneda’s home not to leave the house during a fire in March of 2011 allegedly to keep authorities from finding out about the rental set-up.

Attorneys for the mayor and Giancurscio have stated that the charges are politically motivated and were brought by the police chief in retaliation against the mayor.

Police Chief Daniel Varrenti has stated that the charges will speak for themselves.

During the regular meeting of the Brockport Village Board, also held on May 8, two residents continued their call for the mayor to resign during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Linda Ketchum said the mayor should “do the right thing and step down now.”

John Cohen of Utica Street said the charges are evidence that the mayor has violated her oath of office.

“I hope maybe she will see what the right thing to do is and resign,” Cohen said.

The mayor has stated she will not step down and that the village attorney advised her the charges would not affect her ability to carry out her duties in her position as mayor.

5/13/12

Some Diamond Pet Food products recalled

Diamond Pet Foods has announced an expanded voluntary recall of some brands of dry dog and cat food because of a possible salmonella contamination. Reports are that 14 people have been reported sick as a result in nine states. Five people were hospitalized from handling the food as reported by the Centers for Disease Control to the Associated Press. The recalled foods were produced in a plant in Glaston, S.C. facility between December 9, 2011 and April 7, 2012.

The Diamond Pet Foods-and companies that co-manufacture their food with Diamond- recall includes many brands of food, including Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Country Value, Diamond, Diamond Naturals, Premium Edge, Professional, Natural Balance, 4Health, Taste of the Wild, Apex, Kirkland Signature/Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain, Wellness Complete Health, Solid Gold, and Canidae.

According to Cornell University, salmonella poisoning in humans can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/colic or cramps and diarrhea. People may experience moderate fevers and chills. The elderly and young, those with decreased gastric acidity, those with altered gastrointestinal bacteria, those who are immunosuppressed HIV patients, and those whose bowel movements are decreased are at higher risk.

All CountryMax Stores were alerted of the recall as of Friday, May 4 and immediately pulled affected product from their shelves. Consumers who may have purchased recalled food are welcome and encouraged to bring back any recalled bags of food to any CountryMax location. “We want consumers and their pets to be safe.” Stated Bob Lehman, a pet food Buyer for CountryMax Stores. “We are an official collection point for the recall, so we will take back any product in the recall, even if it was not purchased from us. We also have some supply of these brands that were produced in a different plant, and we have several alternative brands to keep your dog or cat fed.”

Provided information

5/13/12

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 13, 2012

The Spare Seat Kayak Expedition on an Erie Canal adventure

Arriving in Spencerport, Richard Harpham with Mike Schaffer, a professor at The College at Brockport and spare seat rider, in the front kayak, with Glenn Charles with Rosie Fuller in the second kayak. Richard Harpham and Glenn Charles, two adventurers from the United Kingdom, are making a 500 mile trek across New York State from Niagara Falls to the Statue of Liberty. Traveling in two two-seat kayaks starting in Buffalo along the Erie Canal to Albany, they recently stopped in Holley, Brockport and Spencerport. The Spare Seat Kayak Expedition is so named because they have a spare seat in one of their kayaks for others along the way to share in the adventure. The trip will take about three weeks from Buffalo to Albany as they kayak along and explore the historic Erie Canal.

Traveling along with Richard and Glenn are Simon Bevan, who is documenting the adventure on video and British adventure writer Rosie Fuller. They kicked-off The Spare Seat Kayak Expedition on May 1 in Buffalo and spent the first night in Lockport. On day two, they kayaked through Medina to Holley where they spent their second night.

Day three of their adventure started early in Holley with Wayne Hale, Orleans Tourism Director, in the spare seat and arrived at the Brockport Welcome Center about 9 a.m. The adventurers were greeted by Bill Andrews, who currently manages the Welcome Center. Andrews then took Richard, Glenn and Rosie on a tour of the village providing them with historical facts about the area.

Departing from the boat dock in Spencerport, with Claire Wysokowski, Manager of Communications and Public Relations VisitRochester, in Richard Harpham's spare seat white kayak and with Rosie Fuller and Glenn Charles in their kayak on their way to Pittsford and Fairport. The Spare Seat Kayak Expedition arrives in Brockport near the Welcome Center dock and is greeted by Bill Andrews, who manages the Welcome Center and is former Brockport Historian.

The next stage along the Erie Canal was to kayak to the Village of Spencerport for lunch and tour the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum with Mike Schaffer, a teacher at The College at Brockport, another spare seat rider. Along the way they were invited to stop and tour the Adams Basin Inn with owner David Haines. In the Spencerport village, they were greeted by Jacqueline Sullivan, Village of Spencerport Clerk, Tom West, Superintendent Village of Spencerport Public Works Department, and by David Haines who is also President of the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, who then took them on a tour of the Spencerport Depot & Canal Museum.

Follow their travels on Spare Seat Blog www.thespareseat.com.

Photos and text by David Knox

5/13/12

Dunbar Road Cemetery restoration project launched

by David Crumb

The picturesque old country cemetery located on the south side of West Creek north of Hilton on Lake Avenue and the corner of Dunbar Road is the resting place of Hilton’s pioneer founding fathers.

Parma Union Cemetery did not exist until 1850, and the Parma citizens buried their dead either in six small cemeteries scattered around the town or on their own land in family plots. The Dunbar Cemetery as it used to always be referred to, and now known also as the Smith Family Cemetery, served old Unionville (now Hilton) and North Parma (Bartlett’s Corners at the intersection of North Avenue and Curtis Road). The earliest grave on record is Lucy Cheney, wife of John Cheney. She was interred on August 11, 1811. The last interment was about 1900.

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 between the young United States and Great Britain and Canada, it brings to mind some of the Parma men who served the nation in that historic conflict. Six 1812 veterans from Parma are buried in the Dunbar Cemetery and some of them still have descendants in the area. Some of their graves are noted and faithfully marked with a new flag each Memorial Day, thanks to the efforts of Tom Burger and other historians, but other stones lay in a sad state of disrepair.

The War of 1812 veterans in the Dunbar Cemetery are: William Henry who was 56 when he served; John Henry, Ezra Tyler, Ira Cheney, George Dunbar, and William Raymond. William Henry, for whom Henry Street in Hilton was named, also served in the 1776 American Revolution. Parma raised a Militia during the War of 1812 and the soldiers drilled on the land by Salmon Creek now a parking lot for Tops Market, CVS, and other commercial establishments. Colonel Johnson Servis was in charge of the Parma Company. Major Lockwood, Captain Jonathan Leonard Sr., and Sgt. John Henry were the officers. None of the soldiers saw active combat, but were none the less prepared for British and Canadian raids on frontier settlements close to Lake Ontario. History relates according to O.S. Turner’s 1851 account in The History of Monroe County: “Never at any period, in any situation, did men more cheerfully or promptly take up arms and from citizens become soldiers, than did most of the able bodied men from this region.”

During Parma’s Bicentennial year (2009) a great effort was made to restore all of Parma’s small historic cemeteries. Five of the six cemeteries were renovated. Fallen and lopsided stones were straightened. Stones long forgotten and buried underground were righted in their proper place. Footstones were reunited with their proper headstone. These five cemeteries never looked so good. Sadly for some reason the Dunbar cemetery never received the same attention. While the lawn is mowed, and the fence kept in repair, many stones remain broken and askew due to years of frost and shifting of the earth. Two family plots are enclosed with 1860 vintage cast iron Victorian fences. Those neglected fences are becoming rusted, disconnected and otherwise deteriorated.

The Hilton Parma Historical Society is focusing their immediate attention on raising funds and initiating volunteers to put the Dunbar Cemetery back in its proper and respectable condition. Through the leadership of John Toal, many stones were straightened to their upright position last year, and mason Joseph Rauber skillfully repaired the stone of Nero Vond, Parma’s first African American and former slave. The Historical Society has created a Dunbar Cemetery fund to receive donations for the restoration project. Parma residents, and family members of the old pioneers, are encouraged to make a donation to this historic landmark project. Those wishing to do so should make checks payable to the Hilton Parma Historical Society, and to the attention of Parma Historian, Donald Stilson, 1300 Hilton-Parma Corners Road (Route 259), Hilton, NY 14468.

5/13/12

The Legacy of Mikey the Therapy Dog

by Dianne Hickerson

The residents at Beikirch Care Center celebrated Mikey's birthday in October when he came by for one of his usual visits.Monday, May 7, we lost a very special friend, the kind you can’t replace. For more than six years Mikey the Therapy Dog brought smiles to the faces of so many elderly residents of Lakeside Beikirch Care Center in Brockport. He passed away quietly after a brief fight with cancer.

Mikey was born to be a therapy dog. He was naturally gifted in gentleness and loving and at 115 pounds he quickly became known as the gentle giant. He had the perfect personality and suitability to bring comfort and companionship to the elderly residents of Beikirch Care Center. He visited every week, and greeted each resident with a wag of the tail, a gentle paw shake, and his head on their lap. Broad smiles beamed across their faces, and of course Mikey did all his silly routines to make them smile even more. I could tell that he brought a sparkle to their day, and perhaps rekindled old memories of previously owned pets.

Mikey was definitely heaven sent. Each week he amazed me with his ability to bring comfort and happiness to the residents. He reacted differently to each person he visited. One resident he visited regularly was feeling depressed, so Mikey immediately went to her bedside, jumped up with his front paws on the edge of the bed, and began giving puppy kisses on both cheeks. The resident started to laugh and continued laughing until she was nearly crying. It was just so unexpected and so funny. I told Mikey to get down, and that he had given enough kisses, but the resident insisted that he stay right where he was, and said, “I haven’t laughed like that in years. Thank you so much.”

Mikey gets a dog treat from his friend. Ruth Werth.Mikey knew just how to react to each resident. He had the innate ability to know just what they needed from him, whether it be gentle petting or silliness. If they were a little reticent, he would quietly sit next to them and after a while, he would offer his paw. If the resident was excited to see him, he was more animated and did some cute routines. In the activity room, he actually sat at a table with a group of people who were working on an art project. There was one space left at the table, and he just took that place and became part of the group. They all laughed.

It has been clinically proven that through petting, touching, and talking with dogs, patients’ health is improved. There are so many Mikey stories to prove this. One week, the physical therapist asked Mikey to visit a new resident who loved dogs. She had suffered a stroke and had difficulty using her right arm. Her speech was also affected. When Mikey entered her room, she was so excited that she seemed to forget about her infirmities. She petted Mikey with her right arm, and spoke to him with ease. The therapist was amazed.

One resident said about Mikey, “I love it when Mikey visits. He makes me remember things I haven’t thought about in years, like my poodle, my children when they were babies, my life long ago.” Another resident had difficulty remembering things, but asked every day if Mikey was coming. One man worked on jig-saw puzzles, and would have a new one completed each week to show Mikey and me. He kept Mikey’s photo by his bed.

One time we visited a new resident who eagerly reached out to Mikey with delight. She told me many tales from her youth, including a story about finding a small puppy in the woods, nursing it to health with a baby bottle and heating pad and finding out, when it matured, that it was really a fox. We later discovered that this resident normally did not socialize with anyone, but she had spent more than 30 minutes with Mikey and me. Isn’t it amazing how people can be reached through the love of animals?

Mikey was honored by Therapy Dogs International with their Outstanding Volunteer Award, and their Remarkable Volunteer award. He was a very special boy. Everybody loved him. So many people will miss him. We love you, Mikey.

Our heartfelt and deepest appreciation to all who knew Mikey, loved him, and cared for him, especially Dr. Jess Buttery and Clarkson Veterinary Hospital.

5/13/12

George and Rosie Rich named Brockport Foundation Volunteers of the Year

Rosie Rich is joined by Adam Shoff, winner of The George and Rosie Rich Volunteer of the Year Scholarship. Provided photoA couple that has long been a part of the fabric of The College at Brockport community was honored April 27 for their commitment to the college. Long-time Brockport resident Rosie Rich and her husband George, who died in December, were named the Brockport Foundation Volunteers of the Year at the College’s sixth annual President’s Donor Recognition Dinner.

The award, which is in its fifth year, is presented annually to an individual or couple who has been generous with their time and talent in order to contribute to the success of the college and its students. Approximately 200 donors and friends of the college attended the dinner, the most in the event’s history. Another mark was set as more than $13,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation.

“George and Rosie Rich have indelibly left their mark on our campus,” says Brockport President John R. Halstead, PhD. “The way they have inspired our students has been nothing short of remarkable. They are truly deserving recipients of this prestigious award.”

George Rich had served as President of the Brockport Alumni Association for longer than anyone in its history. Rosie Rich volunteers on the Brockport Hall of Fame committee and for booster events. She frequently organizes and runs fundraisers to support these initiatives.

“The Volunteer of the Year was established by the Brockport Foundation in appreciation of the significant role volunteers play in the life of the college and to recognize exceptional individuals for their volunteer efforts on Brockport’s behalf,” says Roxanne Johnston, Brockport’s Vice President for Advancement and President of the Brockport Foundation. “George and Rosie are widely known and recognized as leading supporters of the College. We are grateful for all they have done and continue to do for Brockport.”

In honor of George and Rosie Rich, the Brockport Foundation awarded The George and Rosie Rich Volunteer of the Year Scholarship to a student who best exemplifies the ideals of commitment and service to others. This year’s recipient is Adam Shoff, a senior who is majoring in exercise physiology.

Another highlight of the evening was a speech given by senior Justin Jackson of Spencerport, who is this year’s recipient of the President’s Citation Award, the most prestigious academic award offered by the college.

5/13/12

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 13, 2012

AREA

Beikirch named Sage’s softball team rookie of the year

The Sage College’s department of athletics honored members of the varsity teams at the Athletic Awards Banquet. Rookie infielder and catcher Kristen Beikirch (Brockport), a member of the softball team at Sage, was named the recipient of the 2012 Rookie of the award.

Head coach Jamie Brown said of Beikirch, “She was an obvious choice for Rookie of the Year. Brown continued, “With her numbers, she has made a case for being one of the best players in our conference. And she will only get better as her career continues.”

In addition to earning Rookie of the Year honors as picked by Sage’s coaching staff, she was also tapped as the 2012 Skyline Conference All-Star First Team at second base. Her selections to the all-star team and as Rookie of the Year are both the first for a Sage’s softball player.

A multiple weekly award winner this spring, she set a Sage single-season hit record with her team-best 57 hits. She also leads the Gators with her .445 batting average in 41 games started. She has scored 36 runs and driven in another 29, while sporting a .641 slugging percentage. She also leads the Gators with her 16 to 18 effort on stolen bases. She hit successfully in 37 of Sage’s 41 games this year and tied together a 19-game hit streak mid-season as well as 19 games with a multiple-hit effort at the plate.

The Gators are currently 26-15 on the year after finishing the season as the Skyline Conference Runner-up and earning the No. 2 seed in the league’s tournament. Sage is among the teams in contention for the 2012 ECAC Division III Championship Tournament.

5/13/12

Riding the waves

Some prefer rocking chairs, but Kevin Daly of Hilton is perfectly at home in an inboard hydroplane, going 100 miles per hour. Provided photo“You’re on the edge of almost losing control - yet you have it.” That’s the way Kevin Daly describes roaring through the waves in his vintage inboard hydroplane.

Daly, who lives in Parma, first became interested in hydroplane racing in 1970, when he entered competition with a half-homemade boat his dad and brother helped him with. “But I always tinkered around boats with little motors.”

Daly had gained stature steadily in the racing field with newer hulls, he won C-stock hydro State Championship in 1972. Today’s boats are quite a bit more sophisticated than the first model. He admits he’s “been swimming a few times” but the special life jacket and helmet protect me.”

Now he runs in the 5 liter Inboard Vintage circuit, following the regular Inboard circuit, running the northeast and Quebec circuit.

5/13/12

BROCKPORT

Audrey Hayward signs with the University of Tampa

Audrey Hayward signs of letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Tampa. She is pictured with her brother, Trevor, and parents Nancy and Ken Hayward. In back (l-r) are her coaches Chris Arnold, Kristy Sherman and Bob Jones. Provided photoBrockport High School senior Audrey Hayward signed her letter of intent to play soccer at the University of Tampa, where she will study marketing.

Audrey has been a four year varsity player for Brockport and a captain her senior year. She ended her career with 20 goals and 27 assists. She was named All-Greater Rochester her senior year, made all county her junior year and was Player of the Year for Monroe County AA this past season.

Brockport girls soccer coach Kristy Sherman, assistant coach Bob Jones and JV coach Chris Arnold are happy she will pursue soccer at the University of Tampa this fall.

“Audrey has been a true pleasure to coach,” said Sherman. “Her natural talent and sheer athleticism make Audrey an outstanding player and fun to watch. She is among the finest players to graduate from Brockport and it was truly an honor to have coached her.”

Provided information

5/13/12

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

Churchville-Chili’s Ortiz signs with Roberts Wesleyan

Tasia Ortiz, center, has signed her letter of intent to Roberts Wesleyan College. Her father, Carmelo, and mother, Rose flank her high school coach, Mike Mayer, future college coach Bob Seagave and AAU coach Tim Jackson stand behind the family. Provided photoTasia Ortiz, a 5’ 10” senior from Churchville-Chili, signed her letter of intent to become a member of the Roberts Wesleyan women’s basketball team. Ortiz, who played power forward for the Saints and will most likely move to small forward/guard for the Redhawks, will major in biology at the Rochester college.

“Tasia will fit into the style that we play with her strong inside skills and versatility,” said Roberts Wesleyan Head Coach Bob Segave. “She has a tremendous work ethic and we will continue to develop her outside game and unlock even more potential. She’a great rebounder and we look forward to having her.”

Ortiz’s high school coach Mike Mayer described her as intense, hard working and an indivudal that always wants to succeed, both academically and on the court. Ortiz’s AAU coach Tim Jackson was also in attendance at the signing.

Ortiz is the daughter to Carmelo and Rose Ortiz.

Roberts Wesleyan will make its debut competing at the NCAA Division II level this fall.

5/13/12

HILTON

Kimble nets 200th career point for Cadets

by Warren Kozireski

Junior midfielder Briana Kimble had a three-goal, six assist effort and classmate Sarah Johnson had four goals to lead Hilton to a 15-9 girls lacrosse victory as part of Spencerport’s Lax Fest supporting the More Than a Game Foundation that featured five games in one day.

After the Rangers used a patient approach of ball control and took a 1-0 lead on a goal by freshman Brianna Morphet assisted by Alexis Zicari, Hilton ran off five unanswered goals.

Monica Messina, Kimble, Leia Hayward, Johnson and Lexi Graham all tallied within 3:37 of each other for a 5-1 lead.

The Rangers then scored four of the next five goals to pull back into the contest. Aubrianna Benedetto used her speed off a draw for one tally, Rayna Plouffe scored twice and Morphet scored on a spin move to cut the Cadet lead to one.

Andrea Pascucci scored twice to start the second half while Benedetto added another for the Rangers while Hilton got goals from Anai Flanagan and Maddie Siclair as the game was tied 8-8 with twelve minutes remaining.

But Hilton ran off seven consecutive goals - two from Kimble, three from Johnson and another by Danielle Wilkin to put the game out of reach.

The Cadets improved their season record to 10-2 while Spencerport fell to 5-6.

5/13/12

HOLLEY

Hawks take own Booster Tourney title

by Warren Kozireski

Holley defeated Kendall in the first game 7-1 and used a seventh inning rally to beat Warsaw 10-7 in the championship game to win their SportsBoosters Tournament held last weekend.

The Hawks led the first game 2-1 after the first inning on a Donnie Brice two-out RBI double scoring Jake Bower who had singled and Hunter Keys who drew a walk.

Joel DeFelice knocked in Kyle Bell with an RBI single in the third and the Hawks added two more in the fifth inning on an RBI sacrifice fly from Bower and Keys, who scored on an error after doubling.

Holley’s final two runs came in the sixth on a long two-run home run to left.

Kendall scored their only run in the first inning as DeAndre Alauden single and stole second. He was sacrificed to third by Daniel Hardenbrook and scored on a sacrifice fly by Alex Sutphen.

Holley wrapped up the title scoring three runs in the seventh inning to break a 7-7 tie. Eddie Kane scored on a Mike Silvis single for the game-winner and DeFelice had two RBI’s on three hits.

Holley improved to 7-5 with the two victories.

SPENCERPORT

Spencerport’s Alex Bertino, a third grader at Bernabi Elementary, served as the Zweigle’s Honorary Coach of the Game tonight at Frontier Field for the Red Wings’ matchup with the Empire State Yankees.

Bertino, 8, accompanied manager Gene Glynn out to the home plate area to present the Red Wings’ lineup to the umpires and Yankees coach Frank Menechino.

Bertino’s favorite Red Wing is mascot Spikes. He is a catcher in the Spencerport Little League.

Provided photo

5/13/12

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK 0F MAY 13, 2012

HILTON

Hilton “Jr. Cadet Tee” shirt product designed, marketed and developed at Hilton High School

A senior project was the inspiration for the creation of Jr. Cadet Tee shirts.The “Jr. Cadet Tee Shirt” was the marketing idea for Hilton High School Business student Shawn Cervini’s Senior Project. Shawn began working on his senior project in October 2011 and is currently checking on the final printing stage of what will be the Jr. Cadet Tee shirts. The order forms were sent to the teachers in grades 1 through 4 of each of the elementary schools. The students and parents had until April 16, to submit their payment. The shirts cost $10 and came in four colors: red, black, tie-dye red and tie-dye black.

“Shawn wanted to create a product that would create Cadet Spirit for our elementary students that would transcend into the middle and high school years,” said James Colacecci, Hilton High School business teacher. “Shawn knew that in order for the shirt to be successful he would need to have a strong image of a young cadet.”

Shawn recruited senior Danielle Bradant, an art student at Hilton High school to create the image of the Jr. Cadet. Danielle, who will be attending RIT in the fall to study in illustration, came up with her concept of the friendly young cadet and his trusted horse by having a unique understanding of children and how they relate to fun things, friends and animals. Under the mentoring of Art Program Coordinator Jan Dentino, Danielle has produced a number of outstanding drawings and illustrations that she has displayed at both RIT and at the Village Gate in Rochester. The Jr. Cadet Tee Shirts are expected to arrive at the elementary school by the end of May.

Provided information

5/13/12

Hilton Board of Education recognizes nine “Friends of Education”

At their May 8 meeting, the Hilton CSD Board of Education recognized nine outstanding volunteers whose work in the school district has made an important difference.

From left are: Tonya Melrose for her volunteering efforts at the Merton Williams Middle School including “Student of the Month” activities; John Abbott, past HCSD Board of Education member and president and currently member of the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Board of Education; Richard ‘Rick’ Alexander, Parma Town Judge, attorney and advisor for Hilton High School’s Mock Trial Team; Jim Branciforte, Sports Booster volunteer; Joann Shearn, Co-President of the Village Elementary School Volunteer Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization [VEPTO]; Bob Viavattine, Music in the Arts representative who has volunteered at the Evening of Jazz; Bonnie Gargano, volunteer at Northwood Elementary School VEPTO; and [not pictured] Ann Lacey and Kathleen Richard for the “Tales for Tails” therapy dog program at Quest Elementary School - award accepted by Tales volunteer Diane Weaver.

Provided information

5/13/12

SPENCERPORT

Spencerport Alumni Association holds annual banquet June 1

The Spencerport Alumni Association was established in 1939. It is a unique organization for all Spencerport High School graduates. At the annual banquet, members renew old friendships, award three scholarships and honor classes of 50 and 60 years.

All Spencerport graduates are invited to attend the annual banquet on Friday, June 1, at Lodge on the Green, 2888 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester. Social hour 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m. The cost of dinner is $20 per person.

For information and to make a reservation for the banquet call JoAnn Maier, 352-1287 or Helen Moore, 617-4542.

5/13/12

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF MAY 13, 2012

BERGEN

•Austin, Linda L., May 1, 2012 at age, 64. As per her wishes, there will be no Funeral Services. Contributions can be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida 33607 in her memory.

•Ward, Walter B., May 7, 2012 at age 79. Survived by his wife, Sandra Ward; daughter Becky Statt; son, Kevin (Jeanne) Ward; grandchildren, Marshall (Rosi) Statt, Shane Ward and Lee Ward; brothers John Ward and William (Joan) Ward; brother-in-law, Michael Oneil and several nieces and nephews. He is a brother of the late Yvonne Oneil, Lila Campbell and Richard Ward.

Memorials can be made to the American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Rockville, Maryland 20852 or online at www.kidneyfund.org/give-now/. Condolences at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

BROCKPORT

•Robinson, Glenn F., January 19, 1915 - January 27, 2010. A Mass of Celebration was held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Nativity BVM Church, Brockport.

CHILI

•Goodberlet, George L. “Papa George”, May 4, 2012. Survived by his fiancé and best friend Ellie Mansfield; children Paul, Glenn (Sharon), Michael (Donna), Daniel (Kathy) Goodberlet, Georgeanne (Mike) Hogan, Jennifer (Jim) Daley, Judi (Damon) Finegan; many grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass was said May 8, 2012 at St. Christopher’s Church. Burial in Stryker Road Cemetery.

•Pedeville, Scott F., Friday, May 4, 2012, at age 49. Predeceased by his daughter, Ashley Pedeville; father, Frank J. Pedeville. He is survived by his wife, Kathi (Yonce) Pedeville; sons, Eric, Josh and Zach; mother Barbara Pedeville; brothers, Michael (Karen) Pedeville, Todd (Barbara) Pedeville of Virginia, David Pedeville (Barbara Golamb); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Patsye Yonce, brother-in-law, Michael Yonce; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was said May 8 at Holy Ghost Church. Interment, private. Donations can be made to the Pedeville Children’s Education Fund, c/o Barbara Pedeville, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624 in his memory.

CLARKSON

•Blodgett, Irving, Suddenly, May 2, 2012, age 76. He is survived by brothers and sisters, Floyd (Theresa) Blodgett, Jeannine (George) Plender, Phyllis, Charles, Edward (JoAnn) Blodgett; many nieces and nephews.

A private family Funeral Service was held at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery.

GATES

•Gionta, Sylvester B., May 3, 2012. Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Antoinette; his children, Linda Adamski, Sam (Penny) Gionta, Sylvia (Michael) Hagler, Joe (Bonnie) Gionta; nine grandchildren, Kimberly (Brian) Smith, Joseph W. (Alicia) Gionta, Lisa Adamski, Jeffrey (Alexandra) Reidmiller, Brian (Harvest) Gionta, David (Kerra) Reidmiller, Stephen (Kaitlin) Gionta, Joseph S. and Michael J. Gionta; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers Sam (Niki) and Vincent (Sandy); sisters-in-law, Kay Gionta and Brenda Calisto; many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is predeceased by his siblings, Frank, Rosemary (Alfred) Trotta, Dorothy (Tony) Federico and brother-in-law, Victor Calisto.

Sylvester was a 57 year member of St. Helen Church, an army Veteran of WWII and a retiree of General Motors.

A Funeral Mass was said May 12 at St. Helen Church, Gates. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

HAMLIN

•Reeves, Floyd A. Jr., May 9, 2012, age 66. Survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Robert (Lynn) Reeves, Tammy Porter, Mark Mageary, Rhonda (Douglas) Tobey and Michelle (Corey) McElwain; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

Services were held May 12 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Donations may be made to Lifetime Care, 3111 Winton Road S., Rochester, NY 14623.

HILTON

•Bates, Shirley J., May 3, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, Phillip and Ruby Seavert; step-father, Charlie Slade; aunts, Ethel and Eleanor Seavert; sisters and brother-in-law, Cleta (Ted) Underhill, Georgia Rosen, Jenny Slade; grandsons, Jordan DeClerck and Davyd Eggleston. Survived by her husband of 55 years Robert; children, Jeff (Norma), Linda (Glenn), Tom (Bonnie); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Ellen (Ray) Purvee, Thelma (Bob) Murray, Dorothy (Don) Naylor.

Funeral Services were held May 7, 2012 at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital in her memory.

HOLLEY

•Stazie, Elsie, age 92, of Orchard Street, Holley, died May 5, 2012 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital. She was born April 2, 1920 in Brockville, New York, a daughter of the late Jack and Lily (Passarell) Nenni.

Elsie was a very active and involved member of St. Mary’s Church in Holley for many years. She loved to bake and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was predeceased by her husband, William, in 2002. She is survived by daughters Marsha (Jerry) Hickey of Brockport; Suzanne (William) Scotti of Long Island; grandchildren Billy (Megan) Scotti, Caitlin (James) Hickey-Simboli, Jack Scotti, Brendan Hickey; great-grandson Grayson Scotti; her group of devoted friends; several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Her Mass of Christian Burial was held May 9 at St. Mary’s Church. Burial Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

KENDALL

•Barthel, Christian R. “Dick”, On Saturday, May 5, 2012 at the age of 83. Predeceased by his son Charles William “Chub” Barthel, his parents and many brothers. He is survived by his children Nanci (Bill) Bogan, Richard Barthel, Russell (Jeanine) Barthel, Don (Lisa) Barthel, Catherine (Pete) Loran, Cynthia (Blaine Timmerman) Barthel and their mother Johanna McMullen, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, sister Loretta Smith, several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.

A Funeral Mass was held May 10 at St. Mark’s Parish, Kendall. Interment private. Those wishing may contribute to the Kendall Fire Department in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Bachmann, Glen G., May 8, 2012 at age 84. He is survived by his wife, Adah M. (Worden) Bachmann; children, Lisa Gauthier, Geoffrey (Maria) Bachmann; grandchildren, Joshua Gauthier, Jenna, Ryan and Seth Bachmann; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wayne (Jan) Worden, Gail Worden. Glen was a WWII Army Veteran and was retired from Eastman Kodak.

Funeral services were held May 10 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Spencerport. Interment private. Donations can be made to the Samaritan’s Purse Medical Equipment & Supplies, P.O. Box 3000 Boone, North Carolina 28807-3000 U.S.A. in his memory.

•Hahn, James A. (Mosher), March 30, 2012 at age 71, of lung cancer. His Funeral Mass was celebrated April 4, 2012 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Jeffersonville, Indiana, with burial in Charlestown, Indiana Cemetery.

Jim was born August 6, 1940 in Rochester to Edward J. and Dorothy (Walz) Hahn Sr. He was a graduate of Aquinas Institue (1958) and St. John Fisher College (1962) and was a retired accountant.

He is survived by his daughters Theresa Hahn of Jeffersonville, Indiana; Christine Hahn and Maureen Lewis (Dean) of New Albany, Indiana, their mother Eileen H.DiSalvo; brothers Edward (Rosemary), Robert (Shirley), Gerard (Frances), Herbert (Carolyn) of Rochester; sisters Virginia Mosher (Donald) of Spencerport and Lorraine of Miramar, Florida; grandson Jackson James Lewis of New Albany, Indiana; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and dear friend Elizabeth Elliot. Jim was a loving, devoted and caring father. His warm smile, thoughtful quotes and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all of his family and friends.

A Memorial Service was celebrated on Saturday, May 12 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, 1595 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester 14620 or to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

Arbor Day Tree Planting in the Village of Churchville

Jim Fitzsimmons (holding shovel), Churchville Mayor Nancy Steedman, Jim's family (on Jim's right) and Churchville Village Trustees, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts participated in a tree planting ceremony April 27.Arbor Day in New York state was April 27 and, as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has indicated, it is a day to celebrate the role of trees and promote tree planting and care. Nancy Steedman, mayor of the Village of Churchville, led the village’s observation of Arbor Day for the 11th time and dedicated a scarlett oak tree in the honor of Jim Fitzsimmons who is celebrating 50 years as attorney for the Village of Churchville.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 133 and Girl Scout Troop 508 from the Churchville area finish the planting of the scarlett oak tree in the honor of Jim Fitzsimmons as Jim looks on in the background.

Friends and the family of Jim Fitzsimmons, Boy Scout Troop 133 and Girl Scout Troop 508 from the Churchville area, along with the village trustees and community members joined in the day’s events. Music was provided by the Churchville-Chili High School brass ensemble led by Kevin Mead.

Mayor Nancy Steedman opened the dedication by talking about the devotion Jim Fitzsimmons has given to the Village of Churchville and the work he has done since becoming attorney for the Village of Churchville in 1962. The highlight of the celebration was planting the scarlett oak tree by Jim and his family. The dedication ended with the reading of an Arbor Day poem by the Boy and Girl Scouts and the scouts finishing the planting of the tree.

Photos by Dave Knox

5/6/12

New Orleans County Jail superintendent appointed

Shown, left to right, David Callard - Chairman of Orleans County Legislature, Orleans County Jail Superintendent Lt. Scott Wilson, Alex Wilson, Tammy Wilson (Superintendent Wilson's wife) and Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess. Provided photoOrleans County Sheriff Scott Hess promoted Lieutenant Scott D. Wilson to the position of Superintendent for the Orleans County Jail.

Wilson, who is a fourteen (14) year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, has been the acting Superintendent for several weeks, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Kevin Hale. Wilson’s permanent appointment took effect on April 26.

Wilson was officially sworn-in May 2 in a ceremony held at the County Jail. Several of Wilson’s family members, co-workers, and friends were in attendance. Wilson’s son Alex (age 6) held the bible as his father took the oath of office.

5/6/12

Following remediation, canalside site ready for new use

by Kristina Gabalski

Constructed of Medina sandstone and originally the site of Hiel Brockway's boat and brick yard, the Whiteside Barnett and Company buildings date to 1850, and are rare surviving examples of industrial buildings along the Erie Canal. The historic former Whiteside Barnett and Company warehouse at 60 Clinton Street in the Village of Brockport is ready for a developer.

The Greater Brockport Development Corporation (GBDC), which owns the complex of three inter-connected buildings - two of them constructed of Medina sandstone - removed 200 tons of contaminated soil from the site in mid-April.

“We’re thrilled the community has it back as a viable development-ready property,” GBDC president Gary Skoog says.

GBDC acquired the property several years ago with the help of a HUD grant and a goal of working to preserve and redevelop the rare Erie Canal era buildings. Skoog says HUD grant funds also helped with the cost of the clean-up of the site.

The clean-up is now complete, Skoog says, with the excavation and removal of soil which was contaminated with petroleum distillates from the years the buildings were used as an automotive repair shop.

“We’re thrilled that this is over,” Skoog says of the clean-up. He explains that officials from the New York State DEC and engineers from LaBella Associates were at the site while the contaminated soil was being removed.

Digging for soil samples.“Every single scoop of soil was monitored for level of contamination,” he explains.

The contaminated soil was trucked to the Mill Seat Landfill in Riga for disposal, Skoog says, and the site was leveled-off with clean fill. “Fortunately, the village had some stockpiled fill for just such a use. It didn’t cost the village a dime,” he notes.

Local businesses and contractors were used for the excavation and removal of contaminated soil, Skoog says.

The way is cleared for re-development of the buildings, which stand on the south bank of the Erie Canal just west of the historic downtown business district.

“We’re talking with developers,” Skoog says. “Three people are interested in the property right now.”

GBDC vice-president Bill Andrews says the Whiteside Barnett site serves as “the anchor” for the re-development of the Clinton Street area. “It’s the largest area in the village that is underused,” he says and notes that the location on the canal adjacent to the business district and near The College at Brockport campus and residential areas, is ideal.

Both Andrews and Skoog say they want the community to “look at Clinton Street in a different way. We hope that people will look at Clinton Street more kindly.”

The complex is part of the Clinton Street District Revitalization Plan which recommends small-scale mixed use of buildings in the area. Re-development of the Whiteside Barnett complex must incorporate the Erie Canal and the historic character of the neighborhood, Andrews and Skoog say.

The interior of the Whiteside Barnett and Company warehouse offers about 10,000 square feet total of space in a business use zoning district. Contaminated soil on the site has been removed and clean fill leveled around the building. The buildings are also listed on the state and national historic registers.The three buildings include 10,000 sq. ft. of space and sit on approximately one-third of an acre. The lot has approximately 185 ft. of canal frontage and about the same on the street and is in a business use zoning district, Skoog says. He and Andrews say GBDC would like to see a mix of retail shops/cafes at the site.

Originally the site of Hiel Brockway’s boat and brick yard, the Whiteside Barnett and Company buildings date to 1850, Andrews says, and are rare surviving examples of industrial buildings along the Erie Canal. The buildings are also listed on the state and national historic registers.

The Whiteside Barnett buildings were used for a variety of businesses over the years. First as a farm implement factory and later as a flour mill, lumber yard, canning factory and finally as an auto repair shop, Andrews says.

Gary Skoog notes that there is “an energy in the village” now and that the Whiteside Barnett buildings offer a wonderful opportunity for development along the canal.

“We’re all in this together,” he says. “The community depends on all of us doing something to make this a better place to live.”

Photos by Rick Nicholson

5/6/12

Brockport Tree Board planting

Margay Blackman gives Ian Blount, new head of Brockport's Tree Board, a hug after he presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for her work as founder and former head of Brockport's Tree Board. This is the seventh year that the Tree Board has sponsored a tree planting event and the fourth year that Brockport has been recognized as a Tree City.It was a brisk morning, 36 degrees and windy, for the Brockport Tree Board tree planting event but there were still enough volunteers from the high school, The College at Brockport students and facilities maintenance ground crew and Tree Board members to complete the Arbor Day tasks: seventeen trees planted along Barry Street and in the Barry Street Park.

Following the opening ceremonies in the Barry Street Park, featuring a talk by new Tree Board Chairman Ian Blount, a presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation for former chair Margay Blackman, a poem composed and read by Bill Heyen and instructions on how to plant a tree by Rick Lair, Supervisor of Facilities Maintenance, The College at Brockport, the volunteers had a short walk to warm up for digging holes along the street.

Bailey Kline, a sophomore at Brockport High School, claims a shovel from a batch supplied for the volunteers who planted 17 trees on Barry Street and the Barry Street Park on April 27.Aided by a grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation that covers the cost for the purchase of trees both in 2012 and 2013, the Brockport Tree Board was able to provide 17 trees this year. Over the past seven years, the Tree Board has planted 200 trees in Brockport. The village has been declared a Tree City for the last four years.

Bill Heyen contributed to the opening ceremonies for the seventh annual Arbor Day event in Brockport as he read from an appropriate poem entitled Emancipation Proclamation, a poem about trees, while members of the ground crew from The College at Brockport and other volunteers listened. Surrounding a hole they dug that will contain a Syringas Reticulata Ivory Silk tree are Yisei Na, a junior, Shannon Allen, a sophomore, Bailey Kline, a sophomore, (all at Brockport High School), and Carol Hannan, a village trustee.The poem will be inscribed on a plaque to be placed on the Poet’s Walk near a tree adjacent to the Memorial Art Gallery in Rochester later this year.

Photos by Walter Horylev

5/6/12

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

Nine-year-old sets out to make a difference

Mikayla, (seated) and several of her friends at the end of Mikayla's Hubbard Park clean up with several bags filled with trash and recyclables to be disposed of properly. Text and photo by David Knox.Nine-year old Mikayla Tolliver, the daughter of Kitty and Michael Tolliver of Chili, came home from school one day with notebook in hand and shared with her mother that she wanted to organize a park clean up to do something to help make the world a better place. According to her mother, Mikayla had all the details for what she wanted to do written down including a list of friends she wanted to invite, a list of supplies needed, and what they all should wear to the clean up: green or blue earth colors. Mikayla’s mother, in addition, felt Mikayla was inspired by her Girl Scout troop leader Becky Hurst and her daughter, Lauren, who, at a meeting, had a conversation about endangered animals.

Mikayla’s mother said she felt it was important to support her daughter because it’s not very often a child of Mikayla’s age is so concerned about the environment and wanting to make a difference. She contacted Chili Recreation to inform them of Mikayla’s plan.

Mikayla’s park clean up took place on Monday, April 30 at Hubbard Park in North Chili. Many friends, family members of friends, her scout leader, and scouts showed up for the clean up. Teams spent about an hour covering all areas of the park. Several bags were filled with trash and recyclables to be disposed of properly. At the end of the clean up, Mikayla and her friends were happy with what they had done to make the world a better place.

5/6/12

Go Fly a Kite at Parma Town Park

Hilton-Parma Recreation invites everyone to “Kites in the Park” at Parma Town Hall Park on Saturday, May 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free family event will have on hand 750 easy to assemble kites to fly and bring home as well as a hot dog lunch.

Pre-registration is not necessary - organizers invite participants to just show up ready to have some fun. Expect kite enthusiasts will also be at the park on May 12 flying some spectacular kits.

Sponsors and supporters of the event include Hilton Tops Friendly Markets, the Hilton-Parma-Hamlin Chamber of Commerce and Carmestro’s Restaurant and Catering.

5/6/12

Delta Sigma Fraternity from The College at Brockport helped with the Canal Clean Sweep in Brockport village on April 20. They are shown with Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda.

Provided photo

5/6/12

Discover Brockport’s hidden gems theme of Historic Preservation Month programs

Citizens in Brockport can join thousands of individuals across the country to celebrate National Preservation Month this May for a month-long celebration sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Since the National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America, it has grown into an annual celebration observed by small towns and big cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities. Due to its overwhelming popularity, in 2005, the National Trust for Historic Preservation extended the celebration to the entire month of May and declared it Preservation Month to provide an even longer opportunity to celebrate the diverse and unique heritage of our country’s cities and states and enable more Americans to become involved in the growing preservation movement.

Programs at the Seymour Library in Brockport will mark National Preservation Month with the theme “Discover Brockport’s Hidden Gems.”

•Historic Preservation in Brockport: Join Bill Andrews, Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, in a whirlwind tour of Brockport’s Past, Present and Future, Wednesday, May 9, 6:30 p.m.

•Beyond the Brockways and Seymours: Join Carol Hannan and Pam Ketchum in a historical exploration of Brockport’s historic houses and their owners; the little-known people who shaped this village, Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m.

•Fatal Flames at the Morgan Homestead: Join Eunice Chesnut as she speaks about the founding of the Western Monroe Historical Society and the 1964 fire at what is now known as the Morgan-Manning House, Wednesday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.

5/6/12

Bridge traffic gets the green light --

The Route 259 Erie Canal bridge in the village of Spencerport was out of service for barely a month but motorists rejoiced on Monday afternoon, April 30, when NYSDOT removed the barricades and vehicles were once again allowed to traverse the lift bridge span. Repairs were made to decking on the bridge during this closure, but the DOT has warned village officials that more repairs to the span sometime in the future will require detouring traffic once again and likely for a longer period.

Photographs by David Knox

5/6/12

Holley Rotary Club supports Crime Victims Recognition Week

At its last meeting the Holley Rotary Club listened to a presentation from Terri Sue Drennen, Crime Victim and Witness Coordinator for Orleans County and Carrie O’Neill, Juvenile Adjustment Coordinator for Orleans County. They spoke about Crime Victims Week and the events planned.

The Holley Rotary Club made a donation to support the week’s events.

Pictured (left to right) are Rotarian Stephen Smith (Undersheriff for the county), Terri Drennen, Carrie O’Neill, and club president Roger DeFrancesco.

Provided photo

5/6/12

Family members of the Ross family, the Maier family and members of the Can-Ale Biking Club participated in the Canal Clean Sweep on Saturday, April 28. They collected garbage, trimmed branches and created a garden between Adams Basin and Spencerport as part of an Adopt-a-Trail project.

Submitted photos

5/6/12

War of 1812 Battle of Chippewa (July 1814) British and U.S. Troops met on the plain at Chippewa, Canada. The battle lasted three hours and resulted in an American victory. It was the first time in the War of 1812 that regular forces of both countries faced each other across an open field in major action. It showed the world that the young country of America had become a professional military arm capable of holding its own. View the display by Ron Zorn at the Newman Riga Library, 1 Village Park, Churchville.

5/6/12

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

BYRON-BERGEN

Four-run seventh lifts Bees

by Warren Kozireski

Trailing by three runs in the seventh inning, Byron-Bergen strung together two RBI hits and took advantage of two Kendall errors to plate four runs in the seventh inning in a 12-11 come-from-behind victory in a steady rain.

Trisha Shingleton stroked an RBI double and Kristen Hohn followed with a run-scoring single to lead the late rally. Shingleton and Sam Futter each led the Bees with three runs scored.

Kendall rallied from a three run deficit scoring three runs in the fifth on RBI hits by Tayler Butterfield, Ally Christenson and Kari Hurlbutt and added three more in the sixth as Jourdan Heller stroked an RBI triple and Jordan Helms knocked in another run with a double to give the Eagles the lead.

Kendall had the tying run at second base with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but could not get the key hit.

The Bees scored three times in the second inning with Chelsea Hartman getting an RBI and two more runs in the third as Hohn had an RBI single.

Hohn got the win for B-B striking out 12 batters as the Bees improved their record to 5-3.

5/6/12

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

C-C Saints fall to Spartans

by Warren Kozireski

Tied 3-3 going in to the final match, Churchville-Chili’s boy’s tennis team fell in three sets in a 4-3 loss at Gates Chili.

Ben Cheal and Quinn Magiera won their first doubles match 6-2, 6-1 while second doubles John Iacucci and Andrew Messinger took a 6-4, 6-1 decision.

Fourth singles player Andrew Freeman won 6-3, 6-1 to even the match at 3-3 with the third doubles match to decide the winner.

The Saints dropped the first game 6-2 but rallied to win the second 6-3. The Spartans went up 3-0 early in the third set before Churchville-Chili won four straight to go up 4-3. But Gates-Chili won three games in a row to seal the match win.

5/6/12

HILTON

Three Hilton High School seniors sign letters of intent

Hilton High School interscholastic sports teams turned out April 25 to show their support and pride for three of their teammates who signed Letters of Intent: Pat Meyer, Decathlete who will attend the University of Connecticut in Storrs to participate in their Track and Field program; Morgan Burns, swimmer who will attend Florida Southern College in Lakeland - Swimming; and Kate Steger, volleyball player who will play for Roberts Wesleyan College.

On hand for the signing were parents, coaches and members of the Hilton High School administration.

Pat Meyer, right, is All-American in the Pentathlon taking fourth place at the March 2012 Indoor Nationals at the NYC Armory. He will continue in the pentathlon and decathlon at Division I UConn. He plans to study kinesiology in order to become a physical therapist. Morgan Burns, center, will swim breaststroke and IM at Division II Florida Southern. She plans to study nursing. Kate Steger, left, will attend Division II Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester where she plans to major in business.

Provided photo

5/6/12

SPENCERPORT

Spencerport’s Machado tosses no-hitter

by Warren Kozireski

Senior Rob Machado struck out 13 batters allowing no hits in pitching the first no-hitter for Spencerport in almost 10 years in an 8-1 win over Greece Olympia.

Machado, a First Team All-County selection last season, allowed two walks in the contest with the only Spartan run scoring on a walk, advancing two bases on a pair of groundouts and coming home on an error. Only nine batters managed to put the ball in play during the contest.

Mike Roman had three RBI’s on two hits including a solo home run while Aaron Cole drove in two runs.

That victory launched the Rangers on a three game winning streak that included a 3-2 win over Hilton and a 10-5 win over previously 11th ranked in New York State Brockport.

Alex Dent closed out the Hilton win entering with the one run lead in the seventh inning with runners at first and second with one out. He struck out both batters he faced to earn the save.

The junior followed up that performance with the win as the starter against Brockport to even his record at 2-2. Eli Adler and Roman both had three hit games for the Rangers, who scored three in the first inning and six more in the third to lead 10-0.

“We went to Florida and played some quality teams,” said head coach Craig Bodensteiner. “We have a lot of returning starters so expectations were high, but came back with a 2-6 record. But out of the six losses, all were two or three run games.”

The last no-hitter thrown by a Spencerport pitcher was Jamie Pozzulo against Greece Athena almost 10 years ago.

5/6/12

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

BROCKPORT

Ed Blank retires from Brockport Central Schools after 27 years

Ed Blank, grounds and equipment operator, loads up the lawn mower to take to the transportation facility on Owens Road, on his last day of work, April 27. Provided photoEd Blank started a recent work day like he normally would - up at 4 a.m. to feed the cattle and finish some farm work before heading to work as a grounds equipment operator for Brockport Central Schools. While he will continue to rise at 4 a.m., his schedule changes since his retirement from the district on April 27.

Blank began his career with the district as a watchman in 1985. He transferred to the Grounds department the following year, trading in his security duties for grounds maintenance duties, including snow removal, mowing the grass, and excavation projects.

The change from security to grounds- keeping was a seamless transition for the Cornell University graduate with a degree in agriculture and a background in farming. Blank worked on farms for a number of years before buying his own farm in 1979 where he raises cattle and cash crops of soybeans, corn and hay.

While his job varied and was often dependent on the weather, Blank could always be seen working around campus. Over the years, he recalls several memorable weather events including the time when it was thundering, lightning and snowing at the same time, the ice storm in 1991 and the time when a wind shear took off the high school roof in 1999.

Blank said he loved his job for the variety and changes from one season to the next - but most of all he loved the people.

“I will miss the people the most,” Blank said. “There is a camaraderie among staff that makes it so special.”

Blank’s supervisor Christian Hansen, director of Building and Grounds, will always remember his dedication to the job, superior work ethic and respect for all faculty, staff and students.

“Ed’s dedication to the district and our students, along with his personality and respect for others will be greatly missed,” said Hansen.

Similar to his work changing with the seasons at Brockport, so will his farm work as he readies the fields to plant corn this spring, prepares to bale hay all summer and plant soybeans in the fall. Though his decision to retire was not an easy one, Blank admits he has about 10 years worth of work to catch up on at the farm. Blank looks forward to spending more time at his Barre farm with his wife, Nancy.

5/6/12

Community invited to Brockport CSDs budget presentation

Voters of the Brockport Central School District are invited to attend a Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. in the Hill School Cafetorium to learn more about the 2012-2013 proposed budget.

The budget of $69,093,035, which is a decrease of $539,854 from the current year’s budget, reflects a 2.54 percent tax levy increase. The proposed budget includes utilizing $3.6 million in reserves and fund balance, along with reductions in athletics, supplies, contractual, equipment, computer purchases, BOCES services and 16.8 staffing positions to close the $6.7 million budget gap.

In addition to the annual budget vote, a school bus proposition of $861,000 will go before voters to purchase 10 buses and trade in 14 buses, to maintain a 10 year replacement cycle. A video about the school bus proposition and other budget materials are posted at www.bcs1.org/2012-2013budget.

Also on the ballot is the selection of a school board trustee. Board trustee Bob Iveson is completing his 10th year on Brockport’s Board and is not seeking re-election. Former board member Marjorie Focarazzo is running for one five-year term on Brockport’s Board of Education. The community will have a chance to meet Focarazzo during the PTSA Meet the Board Candidate Night on May 9 at 7 p.m. in the Technology and Training Center (former bus garage).

The proposed budget vote, school bus proposition and election of one Board of Education trustee will be held on Tuesday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the A.D. Oliver Middle School gymnasium, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the High School Main Lobby and the Barclay School. The community will have the opportunity again this year to provide feedback by completing an exit poll after voting.

Provided information

5/6/12

HILTON

Hilton High School Juniors and Seniors presented mock DWI scenario

Using the Jaws of Life, members of the HFD prepare to force open the driver's side door so they can extract the driver.Volunteer firefighters from the Hilton Fire Department (HFD) arrive at the scene of the accident dramatization.A very effective mock DWI scenario was presented to Hilton High School juniors and seniors on Monday, April 27. As it has for the 10 years the dramatization has been presented, the scenario brought home a message to the students about what happens when someone drives drunk or is distracted and crashes into another vehicle. This year’s enactment, organized by the co-chairs of SADD, Students Against Distracted Decisions, Claire Dresler and Lacey Blodgett, portrayed a post-prom party incident where a drunk student driver crashed into another car, “killing” a student sitting in the front passenger seat of that car. Both the student actors made the presentation very effective, informative, sad and moving.

Making a sizeable contribution to the enactment were members of SADD, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the Hilton Fire Department, Burger Funeral Home and Heinrich Collision. Also contributing were: Bob Johnson Chevrolet, which donated the Dodge Intrepid that was demolished for accident portrayal, Impact Print Solutions provided a banner to be placed on the wrecked car, John Duggan and DDS for their generosity and commitment to the project and Spencerport for allowing the use of a portable grandstand.

Photographs and text by Walter Horylev

5/6/12

HOLLEY

Holley Band and Chorus compete in Annapolis, Maryland

The Holley High School Band and Chorus traveled to Annapolis, Maryland where they competed in the Heritage Music Festival. The band received a silver third place award and the chorus received a silver second place award even though they chose to compete against much larger schools. Both groups practiced months prior to the competition. “The music was hard, but we were well prepared,” said clarinetist Samantha Korber.

In addition to the group awards, senior Brianna Blackburn took home one of six prestigious Maestro Awards for her performance on the mallets/xylophone. Flutist Alyssa Lasch and alto saxophone player Andrew Health also had the opportunity to play the “Washington Post March” with the Naval Academy Band.

The students earned money for the trip by selling candy bars, holiday wreaths, and holding a bowlathon. “It’s been decades since our student musicians have gone out of the state to compete,” said Band Director Dan Wakefield. Both the band and chorus at Holley Middle School/High School have grown exponentially over the past couple of years.

Besides performing, the students had a chance to take a dinner cruise on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, tour Washington, D.C. and the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and experience the Medieval Times Dinner Theater where they received their awards. Seventy-five students, 10 parent and teacher chaperones, the two music directors, and Principal Susan Cory made the trip. “The trip was a chance to bond with our classmates and fellow musicians,” said senior clarinetist Jessica Schenk.

Provided information

5/6/12

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS - MAY 2012

Fox - Carroll

Maria Fox and Neil Carroll were united in marriage March 31, 2012 at Karpeles Manuscript Library, Buffalo, New York.

The bride is the daughter of Mary Beth and Michael Fox of Spencerport. The groom is the son of Sharon and Kevin Carroll of South Wales, New York.

Tessa Fox, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. Eliza Gough, friend of the bride, acted as bridesmaid.

The best man was Michael Carroll, brother of the groom. Elizabeth Carroll, sister of the groom, served as attendant.

The newlyweds reside in Buffalo.

Nicole Wing - Eric Gallert

Christopher and Denise Wing of Holley announce the engagement of their daughter Nicole to Eric Gallert, son of Gerald and Dawn Gallert of Brockport.

Nicole, a 2008 graduate of Holley High School, will receive her bachelor’s degree in nursing from The College at Brockport in May 2012 and will be working as a registered nurse.

Eric is a 2007 graduate of Brockport High School and a 2011 graduate of The College at Brockport. He is employed by Firestone.

Their wedding is planned for July 5, 2013.

Catherine Goodwin - Ryan Turco

Dennis and Sherie Pickering of Spencerport and Michael and Cheri Turco of Penfield are happy to announce the engagement of their son Ryan Turco to Catherine (Cat) Goodwin, daughter of Terri Kozier of Elmira.

Ryan is a 2002 graduate of Spencerport High School and a 2007 graduate of Brockport State College with a degree in communications-broadcasting. The future groom is employed by News 8 & FOX Rochester as a Videographer/Editor for the Creative Services Department, 98 PXY as On Air Talent, and is co-owner of Wildbyrd Productions DJ Service.

Cat is a 2003 graduate of Horseheads High School and a 2009 graduate of Brockport State College with a degree in English. The bride-to-be is employed by Care-a-Lot Childcare Center as an Infant Toddler Coordinator and Management Trainee.

A September 15, 2012 wedding is planned.

Kimberly Doney - Christopher Eppeira

Rich and Patty Doney of Gates are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kimberly to Christopher Eppeira. Christopher is the son of Pete and Kathy Eppeira of Spencerport.

Kimberly, a 2007 graduate of Spencerport High School, is a 2012 graduate of SUNY Cortland, with a degree in education.

Christopher, a 2006 graduate of Spencerport High School, is employed at Bio Works.

A spring 2014 wedding is planned.

Kimmie Scheg - Mike Reap

Dan and Laurie Scheg of Hilton are thrilled to announce the engagement of their daughter Kimmie to Mike Reap, son of Peter and Rosalie Reap of Syracuse.

Kimmie is a 2003 graduate of Nazareth Academy and Mike is a 2003 graduate of Bishop Luden High School. The couple met while attending St. John Fisher College and both received their bachelor’s degree in 2007.

Kimmie is a teacher at Chestnut Ridge Elementary School and Mike is an Assistant Manager at Sherwin Williams.

A July 2012 wedding is planned.

Colleen MacEwan - Stephen Thorndike

Daniel and Diane MacEwan of Spencerport are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Colleen MacEwan to Stephen Thorndike, son of Evelyn Thorndike of Dewittville, New York and the late Samuel Thorndike.

Colleen graduated from Brockport High School in 2002 and SUNY Geneseo with a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education and a master’s degree in reading and literacy education. She is teaching at St. Pius Tenth School in Chili.

Stephen graduated from Chautauqua Lake Central High School in 1999 and Alfred University with a bachelor’s degree in physics and astronomy. He earned two master’s degrees from the University of Rochester in physics and astronomy and in secondary science education. He is developing and teaching science curricula at BOCES 2 in Spencerport.

A July 2012 wedding is planned.

Kathleen McLallen - Paul MacEwan

Daniel and Diane MacEwan of Spencerport are very happy to announce the engagement of their son Paul MacEwan to Kathleen McLallen, granddaughter of Doris Finn and the late Jim Finn of Canon City, Colorado.

Paul graduated from Brockport High School in 2004 and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida with a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science.

Kathleen graduated from Canon City High School in 2003 and Colorado State University-Pueblo with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Both Paul and Katie are working at CRFS in Albion.

A December 2012 wedding is planned.

Jackson - Hinchey

Katie E. Jackson and Jeffrey A. Hinchey were united in marriage August 19, 2011 at Plantation Party House, Spencerport.

Katie is the daughter of Jeff and Barb Jackson of Spencerport. She is a 2001 graduate of Spencerport High School and a 2003 graduate of Bryant & Stratton College. Katie is employed at University of Rochester Sports Medicine.

Jeff is the son of Doug and Paula Hinchey and AJ and Dick Caudle of Spencerport. Jeff, also a 2001 graduate of Spencerport High School, is a 2004 graduate of Alfred State College. He is employed at Griffith Energy.

They honeymooned at the Sandals Resort in Jamaica and reside in Chili, New York.

Christine Jackson - John Cummings

Jeff and Barb Jackson of Spencerport are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Chrissy to John Cummings. John is the son of James and Sharon Cummings of Brockport.

Chrissy is a 2003 graduate of Spencerport High School and a 2007 graduate of SUNY Geneseo. She earned her master’s degree from Nazareth College in 2009.

John is a 2000 graduate of Notre Dame High School, Elmira, New York. He is a 2005 graduate of the University of Buffalo and also earned his master’s degree from the University of Buffalo in 2007.

An August 11, 2012 wedding is planned.

Sarah VandenBosch - Ken Mariotti

Tom and Shelley VandenBosch of Hilton are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter Sarah to Ken Mariotti, son of Jim and Diane Mariotti of Greece.

The couple reside in Rochester. A July 2012 wedding is planned.

Tiffany Steffen - Joseph Burke

Rhonda and Doug Steffen of Brockport are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Tiffany to Joseph Burke, son of Chalie Burke of Hamlin and the late Robert Burke.

Tiffany is a 2000 graduate of Brockport High School. She earned a degree in paralegal studies at Genesee Community College and a bachelor’s degree in English from the State University College at Brockport. Tiffany is employed at Lifetime Assistance.

Joe is a 1999 graduate of Brockport High School and is self-employed.

A September 2012 wedding is being planned.

Emily Ranieri - Jason Bosch

Lisa and Albert Ranieri, formerly of Spencerport, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Emily Sue to Jason Thomas Bosch, son of Patty and Tom Bosch of Spencerport.

Emily graduated from Spencerport High School in 2005 and St. John Fisher Wegman’s School of Nursing in 2010. She is a registered labor and delivery nurse at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.

EM2(SW) Bosch is a 2004 graduate of Spencerport High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 2005 and following extensive travel is currently stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.

The couple are planning a September 2012 wedding in Rochester and will continue to reside in the Norfolk, Virginia area.

Fitzgerald - White

Joanna S. Fitzgerald and Kevin J. White were married November 25, 2011 at Artisan Works, Rochester.

The bride is the daughter of Michael and Susan Fitzgerald of Watertown. The groom is the son of James and Candice White of Spencerport.

The bride is a 2001 graduate of Watertown High School. In 2006, Joanna received a bachelor of science degree in both adolescent education and English from the State University of New York at Oswego and in 2009 received a master’s degree in education from Nazareth College. Joanna is a reading teacher assistant at Canandaigua Academy.

The groom is a 1999 graduate of Spencerport High School. In 2006, Kevin received a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Rochester Institute of Technology. Kevin is a packaging consultant with Sealed Air.

Kevin and Joanna honeymooned in the Costa Rica rain forest and reside in Gates, with their dog Malbec.

Virginia Reed - Patrick McDonald

Lucia (Almeter) Shean and Alan Reed are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Virginia Anne Reed to Patrick Sean McDonald, the son of Gregory and Debra McDonald.

Patrick is a 2008 graduate of Northstar Christian Academy where the couple met in elementary school. He is employed by Town and Country Pest Solutions in Gates.

Virginia is a 2009 graduate of Canandaigua Academy, and received a degree in liberal arts and sciences from Monroe Community College. She is pursuing a degree in fine arts and is employed at Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, Farmington.

Their wedding is planned for August 11, 2012.

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF MAY 6, 2012

AREA

•Dalberth, George E., of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, died February 9, 2012 at age 85 after a brief illness. Formerly of Hilton and Nunda. Predeceased by his parents, James and Alice Dalberth; brothers, Arthur and James, and sister Lillian Wells. Survived by his wife of 20 years, Iris (Sundberg) Dalberth; children James, Joanne Anderson and Karen (Donald) Butler; stepchildren, Karen (Greg) Brown and Lisa (James Gardner) Bassett of Pennsylvania; good friend, Jack Sherman; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Dalberth; several nieces and nephews. George was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and retired from Rochester Products.

George was an organ and body donor to Humanities Gifts of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in his memory.

•Drake, Crystal, age 39, died in a house fire in Rochester on April 21, 2012. She is survived by her mother, Carol Ozminkowski of Brockport; her three children, Timothy Drake, 13, Brook Drake, 12, and Halley Drake, 10, of Albion; and her sister Annmarie (Joe) Merkley of Holley; nieces and nephew.

Funeral Services were held April 28 at Church of the Nativity, Brockport.

•Hess, David Lawrence, died April 15, 2012, at age 78. Formerly of Spencerport, he died in Henderson, Nevada, after a long illness. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Terri Hess; four children, Victoria Hess, David Hess (Charmaine), Diana (Kevin Gallagher), Ave (Jeff Terzich); eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Burial was in Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Boulder City, Nevada. Letters of condolence can be sent to Terri Hess, 2115 Tiger Links Drive, Henderson, Nevada 89012.

•Kemp, Deborah A., of Lyndonville, died April 23, 2012 at Strong Hospital, Rochester, of cancer. Deborah was born November 1958 in Rochester. Deborah is survived by her loving son, Matthew Barry of Holley. Also survived by her parents John and Betty Kemp of Holley; seven siblings: sisters, Susan Kemp of Henrietta, Cheryl Watson (James) of Lyndonville, Lori Starkweather (Dave) of Medina, Patricia Seamans (Michael) of Holley; three brothers, Arnie Mahnke (Terry) of Medina, John Kemp Jr. of Rochester and Scott Kemp of Pittsford. Also survived by nine nieces and nephews, one great niece and one great nephew.

Donations can be made to CURE Cancer in her memory.

ALBION

•Gibbs, Clara C. (Draper), Age 93, died April 22, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband Clayton “Pete,” daughter, Marcia Smith, grandson, Robert Gibbs, sister Hazel Waldo. She is survived by her children Nancy (Larry) Gallipeau of Albion, Donald (Margaret) Gibbs of Brockport, Clayton “Butch” (Joanne) Gibbs Jr. of Spencerport, Gary (Kathy) Gibbs of Colorado; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister Joyce Gavenda of Medina; nieces, nephews, cousins.

Her Memorial Service was held May 5 at the Barre Center Presbyterian Church, Albion. Private interment in Beechwood Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Miles for Hope, 1684 North Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33765 in her memory.

BERGEN

•Kingsbury, Ethel S., On April 12, 2012 at age 89. She is survived by her daughter, Lori Ochoa; son and daughter-in-law, Dean and Judy Kingsbury; grandchildren, Meghan and Logan Ochoa, Katelyn and Kara Kingsbury; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Richard and son, Todd Kingsbury.

A Memorial Service was held May 5 at the Stone Church Presbyterian Church, Bergen. Interment Stone Church Cemetery, Bergen. Contributions can be made to Stone Church Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in her memory.

BROCKPORT

•Brocksopp, John “Jack,” age 81, died May 1, 2012 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital. He was predeceased by his son William, siblings Doris Schrader, Ferne Weishaupt, Alice Kuehn, Robert Brocksopp. He is survived by the love of his life of 59 years, Mary; children James of Boise, Idaho, Thomas of Hopewell Junction, New York, Kathy Brocksopp of Hamlin, Julie Walker of Lyndonville, Cindy Mitchell of Holley, Daniel (Cheryl) of Albion, Patty Jo (Timothy) Groenendaal of Hamlin; 17 grandchildren; three+ great-grandchildren; his 92 year old sister, Helen Brinkman of Dunkirk; several nieces, nephews. Jack served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was employed at Great Lakes Color Printing in Dunkirk, Gannett Newspapers in Rochester as a Pressman and also a Chemical Operator at Diaz Chemical in Holley retiring in 1995. Jack enjoyed being a 4H leader and an ABA coach for children with Autism.

Funeral Services were held May 5 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Interment with full Military Honors at Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Autism Society, 4340 East Wing Highway, Suite 350, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 in his memory.

•Hoag, Daniel J. “Danny,” on May 2, 2012. Predeceased by his son Paul Hoag. He is survived by his loving wife Joyce Hoag; children Jaime (Gavin) Duff, Kelly Moreta, Brian Hoag; grandchildren Jayden Moreta, Aliyah and Kailah Duff; stepson Corey Brown; step grandson, Aaron Brown. Survived by many cousins and his devoted friends Mark Depferd and Jerry Edwards.

A Memorial Service was held May 5 at Fowler Funeral Home, Brockport. Contributions can be made to the Paul Hoag Memorial Fund, or Visiting Nurse Service Hospice in his memory.

•Miller, Henry R., April 14, 2012. A Memorial Service celebrating Henry’s life was held May 5 at Holley First Presbyterian Church.

CHILI

•Barney, Freda Catherine, May 1, 2012 at age 95. She is predeceased by her husband, Homer C. and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons, Homer (Patricia), David (Jacqueline); grandchildren, Sandy, Karen (Larry) and Jason; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Ethan, Brayden; sister, Loretta Zemel; nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service was held May 4 at White Haven Memorial Park (Creation Chapel). Entombment, White Haven Memorial Park. Contributions can be made to the Shepherd Home, 1959 Five Mile Line Road, Penfield, NY 14526 in her memory.

•Bishop, Ronald V., May 1, 2012. Predeceased by his sister, Annabelle Hoyt. Survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Marian; two children, Michael R. Bishop and Cynthia A. Bishop; two nephews, William Hoyt of Endicott and Gary Hoyt of Newark Valley, NY; two sisters-in-law, Carol McCarthy of Hazelton, Pennsylvania and Mildred Lipinski of Conyngham, Pennsylvania. Ron was a P51 Fighter Pilot in the Army Air Corps during WWII, a graduate of RIT, a commercial artist, builder of industrial displays and a retired bus driver from RTS.

Interment, private.

GREECE

•Brooks, Louise G., Suddenly, May 1, 2012, age 85. She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Edgar Brooks, 2002 and her son-in-law, John Cappello. Survived by her children, Barbara Cappello, William (Marie), Stephen (Eileen) and Douglas (Eileen) Brooks; her grandchildren, April VanGelder, Megan (Kevin) Payne, Andrew, Adam, Matthew and Lauren Brooks; great-grandchildren, Abigail and Nicholas VanGelder, Jacob and Emma Payne; her sisters, Theresa Jonasse and Catherine (Richard) Flanagan; her brother, Paul (Barbara) Gefell; many nieces, nephews and friends. Also predeceased by her brothers, Edward, Alfred, Charles and John; sisters, Alice, Rose and Ann.

A Funeral Mass was held May 5 at St. Lawrence Church, Greece. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery.

HAMLIN

•Hare, Beverly (Quinn), April 28, 2012, age 77, after a brave battle with lung cancer. Survived by her husband of 59 years, Cyril; son, Lenny; daughters, Cindy Hare (Doug Haslip) and Scarlet (David) Moore; grandkids, Michelle, Michael and Brandy Hare, Philip (Alexis), Heather and Jacob Moore (Kasey Cyr); eight+ great-grandkids; brother, Van Quinn; sisters, Barb Hanf and Marion Lang; sisters-in-law, Ruth and Laura Quinn, Dorothy Heise, Bette Cummings and Sandy Hare; brother-in-law, Stan Hare; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

A Memorial Service was held May 5 at the First Baptist Church, Brockport. Contributions can be made to First Baptist Church or Eastern Star, Mary Jane Homes Chapter in her memory.

HILTON

•Haus, Jean (Williams), On April 26, 2012, age 98. Predeceased by her husband, George, daughter and son-in-law, Alice and Gary Rodwell. She is survived by her children, Arthur (Sandra) Haus and Sally (Mark) Herington; grandchildren, Tim (Sarah) Haus, Kristin (Rich) Niles, Kara (Chad) Roggow and Jenna Herington; great-grandchildren, Connor, Madison, Karissa, James, Joshua and Sophie; nieces and nephews including a very special niece, Karen Streb. Jean was a member of Hilton Methodist Church, Parma Steppers and Hilton Senior Center.

A Memorial Service was held May 1 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Private interment, Falls Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lakeside Beikirch Care Center or Lifetime Assistance (Hospice) in her memory.

•Heidrich, George H., April 26, 2012, age 88. He is predeceased by infant daughter, Helen; first wife, Evelyn. Survived by wife, Patricia; daughters, Laura and Katie Heidrich; step-sons, Dwight, Miles (Michelle) Bliss; grandchildren, William (BJ) Wells, Casey Reichhart, Molly and Miles Bliss; sister, Jane Wilcox; surrogate family, Cheryl (Greg) Heizyk and their daughter, Amanda (Robert) Kyler. George served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a B-17 and B-29 pilot. He retired from Kodak in the film emulsion coating division.

Services were held May 5 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Donations can be made to WXXI Public Broadcasting, 280 State Street, Rochester, 14614 in his memory.

•Sherman, Catherine Mary, April 27, 2012 at age 88. Predeceased by her husband, Ellory “Pete;” and her daughter, Joan Riffle. Survived by her son, John (Mary) Sherman; her daughter, Sharon (Steve) Shideler; she leaves behind much loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and dear friends.

A Memorial Celebration was held May 4 at the Hilton Baptist Church. Private Interment Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hilton Baptist Church Memorial Fund in her memory.

•Tomassi, Anthony, Funeral Services were held May 4 at Miller Funeral Homes, Winton Road South, Rochester.

SPENCERPORT

•Beldue, Gary William, 63: Predeceased by his parents, William and Lorraine. Survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Marjorie; beloved father of Shawn (Hillary) and Rachel (Adam); sister Gail (Fred) Babinger; in-laws, Paul and Rose Israel; feline companions Skyler and Casey; nieces and nephews, cousins and many supportive friends. Gary worked at the Eastman Kodak Company for 35 years and upon retirement was a courier, first for the Association for Retarded Citizens and then for Arieno’s Dental Lab.

His Memorial Service was held May 1 at White Haven. Entombment, private. Donations can be made to Lollypop Farm, Lung Cancer Alliance, or an agency of one’s choice in his memory.

•Pohl, Ryan C., Suddenly on April 25, 2012 at age 29. He is predeceased by his father, Gerald Pohl; grandfather, Harry Johnston; grandmother, Onalee Pohl. Survived by his mother, Debra Pohl; daughter Natalie; brother, Jeffery (Emily Giannopoulos); many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends. Ryan was a loving father, son and brother who had an artistic soul and very big heart, he will be missed by all.

A Memorial Mass was celebrated May 1 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport.

Archives May 2012

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

OONA hosts New York DEC representatives

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

Cruise-In for Wheel Fest show adds Swap Meet

Murray Holley June Fest adds parade to day’s fun

House tour raises funds for Lakeside Hospital equipment

Heritage Day in Spencerport

Girl Scouts earn Gold Award

Mission 26: A WWII POW’s story

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

Bubba Watson selected as Hickok Belt™ Award Winner for April

BROCKPORT

DiMartino perfect for Blue Devils

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

VanDongen sends C-C to quarterfinals

Zimmerman sets career high

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

Mentors, counselors, and BOCES 2 New Visions students reflect on a year of learning and growing

BROCKPORT

Brockport Ginther students welcome baby chicks

BYRON-BERGEN

B-B students chosen for unique programs

HILTON

Hilton CSD staff members ride for missing children

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF MAY 27, 2012

AREA

BERGEN

BROCKPORT

CHILI

CHURCHVILLE

GREECE

HAMLIN

HILTON

HOLLEY

KENDALL

ODGEN

SPENCERPORT

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

Holley Police investigate suspicious fires

Parkview project gets underway with apartment complex

Black Creek Trail information meeting May 23

Hamlin Town Clerk awarded 2012 NYS Town Clerk of the Year

Area libraries awarded grants

Brockport trustees continue village court study

Lyell Avenue project progresses

Memorial Day Observations

Brockport Ambulance reorganizes as independent group

Town of Sweden trail dedication June 3

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

Body of Spencerport soldier returns home

Spencerport graduate takes home three awards at the Indie Music Channel Awards

Andrews and Blackman candidates for Brockport Village Board

Many hear the call to ‘Go Fly a Kite’ at Parma Town Park

Madeline’s first new car

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

BROCKPORT

Blue Devils trounce Olympia

HOLLEY

Holley sweeps Pembroke

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF MAY 20, 2012

AREA

Unity Health System awards scholarships to local students

BROCKPORT

Student artwork on display at The College at Brockport

Three finalists chosen in Brockport superintendent search

BYRON-BERGEN

Children’s book author visits Byron-Bergen Elementary

Students recognized at Byron-Bergen High School

Student to compete at HOSA Nationals in Florida

CHURCHVILLE

Girl Scouts lend a hand

HILTON

Hilton High School choruses bring home gold

Hilton High School ranks in ‘Top Schools’ in nation list

Village Elementary students work together in “Day of Caring”