Archives April 2011
Archives - Week of April 24, 2011
Local News - Week of April 24, 2011
Design A Bookmark Contest winners recognized
Shown, (l-r), Row 1: Jordan Miller, Maddy Cherwonik, Gianna Tribotte, Dylan Yott. Row 2: Ray Bardol and Samantha Spagnola. Provided photoThe Kiwanis Club of Brockport and the Seymour Library announced the grand prize winners of their 4th annual “Read Around the World” Design-a-Bookmark Contest and celebrated with an Ice Cream Social and special guest readers on March 18. Grand prize winners were Dylan Yott for the kindergarten and first grade category, Jordan Miller for second and third grade, and Samantha Spagnola for fourth and fifth grade. Each received a $25 gift certificate to the Lift Bridge Book Shop, courtesy of the Friends of the Seymour Library, as well as a printed supply of their winning bookmark. Gianna Tribotte, Maddy Cherwonik and Alyssa Ouelette received honorable mentions for the kindergarten and first, second and third, and fourth and fifth grade categories, respectively.
Judges for the contest were Kiwanis members Elaine Bader, Wanda Miller and Charley Duschen; Town of Sweden Councilperson Pat Conners; Brockport Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn; Hill School Librarian Cathy Mangan; Seymour Library Board of Trustees member Linda Sanford; and Seymour Library employees Pat Good and Jodi Wilcox.
Over 150 children entered the contest and each child who submitted an eligible entry received a free book at the grand finale. Special guest readers Charlotte Wright, President of the Friends of the Seymour Library, and Kiwanis Members Dave Jewell and Ruth Ann Tryka, shared stories and poetry. Ray Bardol, president of the Kiwanis of Brockport, announced the three grand prize winners and presented a check to the Seymour Library on behalf of the Kiwanis of Brockport.
Organizers remind children who submitted eligible entries but who have not yet picked up their books to do so at their school libraries.
Projects for college students’ Saturday of Service sought
Before they even crack a book, new students at The College at Brockport will have a chance to get their hands dirty. Plans are already underway for the college’s second annual Saturday of Service, August 27. Now the college is looking for new sites in the community at which the students can serve.
Last year, about 800 students worked at more than 50 locations doing everything from yard work to painting projects.
“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about local agencies,” said Amy Kruppenbacher, Brockport’s Student Organization coordinator. “We’re hoping this will become a tradition for our first year and transition students.” To make that happen, Kruppenbacher said, college staff are working to form new relationships with local agencies that have service opportunities to offer. Hamlin Beach State Park, the Hamlin Town Hall and the Fairport Music and Food Festival were some of the larger opportunities last year.
Kruppenbacher said the college began this endeavor as a way to introduce students to the community beyond the campus, and because many students are coming with a desire to find opportunities for community service. The Saturday of Service is for all incoming freshmen and transfer students.
To participate, organizations need only to supply the projects and the tools. Interested organizations are encouraged to call Brockport’s Community Development Office at 395-5245.
Brockport holds public hearings
Code enforcement reporting and village budget topics draw comments
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Village Board members heard from their community about the proposed change in supervision for the code enforcement officer and the preliminary 2011/2012 village budget which includes a tax levy increase of 16.45 percent during two public hearings held Wednesday, April 13 at the A.D. Oliver Middle School auditorium.
The first hearing was on a proposed local law that would change who supervises the village code enforcement officer and code enforcement inspector from the mayor to the chief of police.
Christopher Martin, a former deputy mayor of Brockport, said he was against the change. Martin said the change was a waste of village tax dollars. “I’m curious to understand how this is going to improve the quality of life in the village,” he told board members.
Other residents said they would not feel comfortable going to the police department for code enforcement office related business. Rodney Davis, who owns property in the village, warned the change could potentially result in litigation. “The code enforcement officer is doing a great job,” Davis said, “every property owner I know is glad to work with Scott (Zarnstorff).”
Those in favor of the change in supervision said the current system is not working.
One homeowner commented that as he walks around the village, he sees the need for code enforcement. “Sometimes change is a good thing,” he said. “Maybe this is one of those times.”
Resident Pam Ketchum said she sees things everyday that are not enforced. “You don’t have enough people paying enough attention. We need to bolster the efforts and take this seriously,” she said.
Mayor Connie Castaneda clarified for the audience that the office of the code enforcement officer has already been moved to the police department - the local law is needed in order to change who supervises the CEO. She said that if the village board passes the proposed law that it would go before voters in a mandatory referendum in June.
Village budget
Village Treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy gave a presentation at the opening of the second public hearing which was held on the $5.1 million preliminary budget accepted by the village board in March.
She said salaries are projected at current levels - except for the education allowance for police officers. Dispatch and ambulance departments have been removed and the fire department is in the budget for the entire fiscal year.
In the area of employee benefits, health and dental costs have increased 15 percent for the five months of 2012. Lovejoy said unemployment costs are due to recent layoffs from the ambulance and existing claims, but those costs do not include funding for the layoff of the current treasurer.
The total preliminary budget is $15,770 less than the current budget year, Lovejoy said, and does not fund reserve funds other than the fire department. The budget also does not include benefits for a full time treasurer should the current treasurer be replaced, funds for a village court or sewer fees.
On the revenue side, state aid is expected to be cut by two percent, Lovejoy said; the preliminary budget also reflects a decrease of $75,794 in revenues.
During the public hearing, many residents said that a tax levy increase of 16.45 percent would be difficult for them to afford, some said they might have to consider moving out of the village.
“This increase is ridiculous,” Ken Rombaut said. “I’m very dissatisfied with the board for even considering this.”
Another resident said the village is, “ ... looking for different ways to get your hand in our pocket.” He questioned how long the village can exist while trying to raise more and more money, “How much longer can you sustain this?” he said.
“It’s very apparent you have a tax rate problem,” Tony Perry said. He questioned what the village has done during the past year to address double-digit tax rate increases, “ ... other than raising fees which is just another guise of a tax,” he said.
Bernie LoBracco said he is not happy with the size of the tax levy increase, and that he is in favor of a sewer fee. “People should pay their fair share,” he said. “We can raise a large chunk (of money) with a sewer fee.”
Tom Mangan suggested the village board should consider increasing revenue by bringing parking ticket fines up to nationwide levels and also increase fees on C of Os (certificates of occupancy).
The board can still make changes to the budget which must be adopted by May 1. The village’s fiscal year begins June 1.
Note: Mayor comments on emergency meeting
A press release from Brockport Mayor Maria (Connie) Castaneda was received at Westside News Inc. after press time for the April 17, 2011 issue. It is here in part:
At the regular board meeting of the Village of Brockport held on April 13 a resolution to hold a public hearing for the establishment of a sewer fee was blocked as a result of a 2 to 2 tie with Trustee Blair being absent from the meeting, Deputy Mayor Kuhn and Mayor Castaneda casting the opposing votes. In an effort to alter the outcome of the vote, Trustee Hannan called for a special meeting for Friday, April 15 at 9 a.m. in the Village Hall. The sole purpose of the meeting (was) to vote again on the resolution for public hearing for the establishment of a sewer fee. Deputy Mayor Kuhn and Mayor Castaneda are unavailable to attend the unscheduled meeting, Trustees Hannan, Blair and Hunsinger (were) present. Without the public hearing a sewer fee cannot be imposed on the residents as Village Law does not currently permit it.
Two new members join Lakeside Foundation Board
According to Susan Parrino, Executive Director of the Lakeside Foundation, two new community members have joined to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Kevin G. Johnson, an attorney and partner with Klafehn & Heise, P.L.L.C., says he is involved with Lakeside because he wants to give back to an organization which has meant a great deal to the community. A graduate of Brockport High School, Johnson went on to study at St. John Fisher and the University of Buffalo Law School. He serves as a member of the Brockport Fire Department and the Seymour Library Board of Directors.
Marne Johnson graduated from Kendall High School and The College at Brockport. She enjoys serving the community in which she lives and supporting the hospital that she uses. She is the director of the Brockport Food Shelf. Her previous work experience has given her organizational and people skills that she uses on a daily basis, she says.
Provided information
Canal Clean Sweep in Brockport
On Friday, April 15, NYS Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton (shown left) joined volunteers from the History Club of Brockport, the Environmental Sciences Department at SUNY Brockport, along with members of the Canalway Trails Association as part of the 6th annual Canal Clean Sweep.
According to Janice Madhu, History Club of Brockport canal trail clean up coordinator, the History Club of Brockport has been cleaning the Erie Canal Trail in Brockport from the Main Street lift bridge to the Smith Street bridge for several years and the recent Canal Clean Sweep gathering kicked off their 2011 once a month cleaning of the Canal Trail.
Canal Clean Sweep is part of the annual celebration of Earth Day. Along with the Brockport volunteers, volunteers from more than 90 organizations team up with New York Parks and Trails, the New York State Canal Corporation and the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to clean up and improve the lands around the Canal system which will reopen for navigation in May.
Photograph by Dave Knox
Wal-Mart Foundation Grant check presented to Brockport Historic Preservation Society
Bill Andrews, chair of Brockport’s Historic Preservation Board, left, accepts a check from Drew Coleman, manager of Brockport’s Wal-Mart Supercenter.
The $1,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation will be used to buy bronze plaques to be presented to the owners of properties designated historic landmarks by the board.
Provided photo
Columns
WN’S Family Guy
New career calls for adjustments
by Rev. Mark Ball
A few months ago, standing in church surrounded by family and friends, I said “I do,” and life for the Ball family changed forever. My vow this time didn’t result in another Mrs. Ball, but instead made the one I’ve come to know and love a pastor’s wife, and our four biggest blessings can now be referred to as pastor’s kids.
It was a new chapter that we have been preparing to write, since agreeing to go on this journey together about four years ago. Often times over the last few years I’ve had to encourage Leslie that this would be a good fit for us. Our kids could handle a little extra scrutiny. She would find the grace to grin and bear it when times were a little tougher. After all, I assured her, being a pastor wouldn’t change everything.
Now I just need to assure myself, because there are days when that collar feels a little extra tight.
Two nights ago we invited a couple of Leslie’s co-workers over for an informal get together to celebrate a baptism. On my way home from church, I decided to pick up a couple bottles of wine. As I walked into the store, I was greeted by a family friend who I hadn’t seen in years. She was excited to see me and congratulated me on my most recent accomplishments. She was so happy to have heard that I had become a pastor. What a holy endeavor.
As I turned to set the wine bottles on the counter, the clerk asked me, “Weren’t you in here just the other night buying the same thing?” He might as well have announced it over the PA system, while triggering the burglar alarm. I could feel my collar tightening. It took everything in me not to pretend that these bottles were headed for a communion cup somewhere. I checked out as quickly as possible and side stepped my way out of the store, to avoid further eye contact.
This was one small, awkward moment among many over the last few months. However, I got a good feel for my new life right away.
The week after ordination, Leslie and I decided to take a day trip to celebrate our new journey together. Part of our celebration included getting massages. As a back surgery survivor, I relish the opportunity to get a good back rub.
Moments into the hot towels, melodic music and faint lighting, the anxiety of our major life transition was a distant memory. As the masseuse worked on my shoulders she offered small talk to pass the time. We talked about kids, the weather, other topics that I faded in and out on. As my eyes began to close for the last time she asked me what it was that I did for a living. I told her I worked in a church.
“Doing what?” she asked.
“I’m a pastor,” I replied, not prepared for the pain that would follow.
Her grip on my shoulders became noticeably tighter. My eyes opened wide. Small talk was brushed aside as she shared the troubles of her world. With each account, her handiwork became more ferocious. Her knuckles went through my spine and rattled around my rib cage.
She talked about life’s hurts and sorrows. She had no idea how well I could now relate.
She wanted to know where God was during her trials. I wanted to know when He would make her relinquish her death grip on my torso. When she turned to grab some new type of torture device, I rolled off the table and grabbed my belongings.
Take massages off the list of activities for future pastor retreats.
It wasn’t long after saying “I do,” that I realized that “I can’t.” Don’t get me wrong, serving people as a pastor is the biggest thrill I have ever had and an honor I hope to have for my lifetime. But being a pastor is the fastest way to brush up on all your shortcomings - to realize just how human we all are.
And it is a good reminder this Easter of what we gather to celebrate - God’s love for us, not our own personal accomplishments. I think this will be the best Easter celebration at the Ball house yet, no wine, but much joy.
Briefly
Westside News Inc. plans Memorial Day events coverage for the issue of May 22
Information about services, parades and tributes involving veterans are invited for printing.
See page 4 of this newspaper for contact information. The deadline is May 17.
Provide the following: What is happening, who is sponsoring it, when it is, where it is, raindate if there is one and daytime contact phone number.
Patriot Trip IV - annual trip to Washington, D.C. scheduled for September 22-25
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C - Batavia) is planning his fourth annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C. This honored tradition will take place from September 22 through 25.
“The Patriot Trip is an event that I look forward to with great anticipation every year,” said Hawley. “As a veteran, the son of a veteran, and a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, supporting New York’s veterans is a source of both pride and responsibility. While I continue to advocate for legislation supporting veterans, the Patriot Trip allows me to share my appreciation for the sacrifices made by the heroes protecting our way of life. Over 375 people have participated in this trip over the years, and I am overjoyed to add another chapter to this story with the veterans of the 139th Assembly District.”
Patriot Trip IV will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C. and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and FDR Memorials as well as Arlington Cemetery and the Udvar Hazy Aerospace Museum. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $300.
For information about trip details, pricing, or to sign-up, call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.
Lakeside Hospital Emergency receives new ultrasound machine
Thanks to the support provided by the Davenport-Hatch Foundation and the Lakeside Twig Association, a state of the art ultrasound machine for use in the Lakeside Hospital Emergency department has been purchased. According to Dr. Steven Wolfe, Chief of Emergency Services, “An ultrasound machine in the ED is essential for the care of patients coming to the hospital. It helps us to make decisions on treatment and further work up for the patient in the ED, along with eliminating unnecessary tests.
Procedures are much safer when using the ultrasound machine because you can visualize what you are doing rather than the “blind” approach which was done in the past. To sum it up, the ultrasound machine is the modern day Emergency physician’s stethoscope.”
Lyell Avenue reconstruction ready to begin in late June
The long awaited reconstruction of Lyell Avenue in Spencerport is expected to begin this summer. The targeted start date is June 27, according to Karen Cox, field director for Monroe County.
The highway work was to be done last year but was held up because federal Stimulus money which is being used to complete the project had certain provisions that had to be met by the county. This has now been done and work is scheduled to begin at the end of June, according to Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene.
The roadway surface has deteriorated greatly during winter plowing. Area residents have complained to village officials about potholes, water accumulation and questioned the proposed infrastructure repair prospects.
Features - April 24, 2011
Hamlin Earth Day at the Park happens despite rain, wind
Hardy volunteers organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences at The College at Brockport, weather the rain and less-than-springlike cold to clean-up areas around Hamlin Beach State Park during Hamlin Earth Day April 16.On a rainy and windy Saturday, April 16, more than a hundred people and families came out to Hamlin Beach State Park to join in the happenings at the 4th Annual Hamlin “Earth Day at the Park.” The event was hosted by the Town of Hamlin, Hamlin Beach State Park, the Department of Environmental Sciences at The College at Brockport, and the Hamlin and Hilton Lions Clubs.
Activities included a free tree seedling giveaway by the Hamlin Conservation Group, a beach clean-up organized by the Department of Environmental Sciences at The College at Brockport, and poetry readings by Just Poets.
Inside the Area 4 Shelter, food was provided all day by local sponsors. There were also numerous environmental booths with topics ranging from green building technology, to alternative energy, to recycling. In addition, other vendors also presented their crafts and antiques. Fuel efficient cars from local car dealerships were on display in the parking lot next to the shelter.
Tom Jensen (left) and Paul Nau (center) of the Hamlin Conservation Group offer free Douglas Fir and White Pine tree seedlings to Bunnie Beardsley (right) from the Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park. Photographs and text by Dave Knox.A guided tour of the Hamlin CCC/POW Camp site planned at the conclusion of the event was canceled because of the weather. The tour has been rescheduled for May 1 at 3 p.m. People interested in going on the tour should meet at the CCC/POW Camp site off Moscow Road. A surviving member of the Civilian Conservation Corps who was stationed at the Hamlin camp in 1939 will be on the tour.
New annuals add even more color options for flower gardens
"Pretty Much Picasso" is a supertunia which has been found to combine well with other colors. Pink with a chartreuse edge, the mid sized plants flower abundantly. Photo by Proven Winners provided by garden journalist Jane Milliman.by Kristina Gabalski
“There are tons of new annuals out there,” says Kathy Kepler of Sara’s Garden Center in Brockport, about new plant introductions for 2011 that add to the excitement of an anticipation of the upcoming growing season.
“There is a black petunia that is really gorgeous,” she says. “Black Velvet” is the world’s only black petunia and Sara’s has baskets of the eye-catching plants growing in their greenhouses.
In addition to “Black Velvet,” Sara’s also has many other exciting new varieties including the “Phantom Petunia” which has a yellow star pattern in the center and black around the edges of the flower.
Million Bells and Superbells petunias also have several exciting new varieties, Kepler says, including luscious looking “Coralberry Punch” and “Blackberry Punch.”
The newer petunia varieties are low maintenance, Kepler says, they do a great job of “cleaning themselves” and need no dead-heading like older varieties.
Jane Milliman, a gardening columnist and publisher of “Upstate Gardeners’ Journal,” says her favorite introduction in the petunia realm is a Supertunia called “Pretty Much Picasso.”
"Black Velvet" petunias is a new, dramatic, color choice for flower gardens and hanging baskets. This one is sheltered for the time being in Sara's Garden Center greenhouse. Photograph by Kristina Gabalski.“I trialed it last year in my garden and loved it,” she says. “It’s a vigorous, floriferous grower, pink with a chartreuse edge which makes it really easy to combine with almost any other color. It looks stunning with a dark purple sweet potato vine.”
Impatiens enthusiasts can rejoice over a new variety that is sun tolerant. “For years,” Milliman says, “lovers of impatiens who don’t have shady yards have had to make due with New Guinea inpatiens. There’s a new cross between the two, however, that looks really promising and will be available in stores this spring (including Sara’s): Sunpatiens, by the breeder Sakata.”
"Phantom Petunia" displays a yellow star pattern with black. Photograph by Kristina Gabalski.Sunpatiens are very much sun tolerant, “ ... in fact they need the sun to look their best,” she says, “but also are a little more mellow in color. The New Guineas tend to have a tropical look to them, whereas these are more traditional in appearance.”
Milliman also offers some tips for those preparing to grow vegetables this year. Containers are great for vegetables, Milliman says. “If you’re just getting started with vegetables, forget staking out a huge plot, rototilling, etc., unless you have a lot of time on your hands.”
She advises to look for “patio” tomatoes and other varieties that “sound” small. “Carrots and radishes are great for whiskey barrels and kids love growing them,” Milliman says.
Greens are also perfect for containers, she notes. “Squash can be incorporated into the garden as a big, leafy ground cover, if you have the space, and asparagus will disappear visually into the back of the perennial border when its time has passed. Herbs can be tucked in almost anywhere and look good. Try basil, chives, thyme, rosemary - you name it.”
New All-American Selections (AAS) winners for 2011 include:
•Gallardia “Arizona Apricot” - an AAS Flower Award Winner. Flowers are deep apricot in the center and yellow at the edge and are lighter in color than traditional gallardia.
•Ornamental Kale “Glamour Red” - an AAS Cool Season Bedding Plant Award winner. “Glamour Red” is the first kale to win in 78 years of AAS trialing. The plant has vivid color and shiny, wax-less leaves.
•Salvia “Summer Jewel Red” - an AAS Bedding Plant Award winner. Bright red generous flower blossoms on dwarf and densely branching plants are a magnet for hummingbirds. Goldfinches love the seeds.
•Pepper “Orange Blaze” - an AAS Vegetable Award winner. A sweet orange bell pepper with early maturity, sweet flavor and disease resistance.
•Tomato “Terenzo” - an AAS Vegetable Award winner. A high yielding, red cherry fruited tomato loaded with flavorful easy to pick fruits.
Sports News - April 24, 2011
Brockport
Eagles win 16th & 17th
by Warren Kozireski
Courtney Claflin and Sarah Rosenbarker each hit home runs during a five-run fourth inning as Brockport defeated visiting Oswego 10-1 in the nightcap of a double-header on a cold, blustery day. They took the first game 5-1 thanks to a two-out, two-run RBI single by Susanna Johnson.
In the first game the Golden Eagles broke open a scoreless tie by scoring three runs in the fourth inning. Jenna Yates led off the inning with a walk and later scored on a wild pitch. Liz Hochman reached on a single and Meghan Power walked and later scored on Johnson single.
In the fifth, Jessica Stahl (Brockport HS) singled and Claflin walked. After a double-steal, Stahl scored on a wild pitch. Yates then singled home Claflin for the final run.
Junior Jean Farrell allowed just one run on four hits, walked three and struck out eight in registering her fourth win of the season.
In game two, Brockport jumped in front in the first inning with a pair of runs. Claflin singled and Yates doubled with one out. Claflin later scored on a balk and Rosenbarker drove in Yates with an RBI groundout.
In the big fifth inning, Melissa Martin walked, stole second and advanced to third on an error. Caitlyn Rana doubled to drive in the first run and Claflin followed with her third home run in five games. After Yates reached on an error, Rosenbarker followed with her two-run home run to left center.
The Golden Eagles tacked on three more runs in the fifth to enact the mercy rule when Stahl had an RBI single and Yates doubled to right field to drive in the final two runs of the 10-1 win.
Erin Fleming pitched the first two innings and got the win before Stephanie Geer threw the final three. Geer came into the contest with a 0.73 earned run average, but missed all of the first game and the beginning of the second to receive an academic award at the college’s annual Honors Ceremony.
“We’re starting to hit the ball a little bit and the freshmen are starting to come into their own,” said 13th year head coach John Dumaw, whose team improved to 17-7 with the sweep.
The SUNYAC tournament is scheduled for May 5 through 7.
Spencerport
Roman, Snider lead Rangers offense
by Warren Kozireski
Spencerport’s offense exploded for seven runs in the fourth inning to break open their game with Greece Odyssey in what became a 15-2 victory.
The Rangers scored one run in the first inning before adding three in each of the second and third.
In the fourth, Roman had a two-run single and Snider later plated two more runs with a triple. Kenny Gill knocked in the final run with a sacrifice fly.
Right-hander Rob Machado started and picked up his first varsity win as he allowed two earned runs and struck out five over six innings. Roman struck out two in pitching the seventh inning to finish the contest.
Roman finished the game four-for-five with a home run and four RBI’s while Snider was two-for-three with four runs batted in. First baseman Dan Baker was also two-for-three with an RBI for the Rangers, who improved to 2-2.
Spencerport headed south for the sixth consecutive season during spring break to play teams from four different states (Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and Maine) at the Disney Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.
School News - Week of April 24, 2011
Area
Spencerport, Hilton and Holley School Boards adopt budgets
by Kristina Gabalski
School boards in the Spencerport, Hilton and Holley Central School districts have given their approval to budgets for the 2011/2012 school year. Residents around the state will vote May 17 on proposed school district budgets.
Spencerport
According to district officials in the Spencerport School District, the budget totals $68,710,230. That’s about $81,000 less than the current year.
The tax rate will increase 1.11 percent or $23.40 per $1,000 of assessed home value. That represents an increase of $0.25 from the current rate, officials say.
“The economy is not much better than a year ago,” District Superintendent Bonnie Seaburn says, “yet we developed this budget based on what was in our control - spending. This proposal may have residents asking why if expenses are less, there is still a slight increase in the tax rate. The answer simply is that we do not have the same level of revenues from state and federal aid. Our revenue stream will continue to be a challenge, and we intend to take a multi-year approach in our use of fund balance and reserves.”
The budget secures class size guidelines and maintains academic programs, Seaburn says, “at the same time, we have made every effort to minimize the tax impact on our district.”
The budget will use $2.1 million in reserves and $916,118 of appropriated fund balance, officials say.
In her Superintendent’s April Message on the district’s website, Seaburn stated the budget includes ten layoffs at the faculty level and 25 layoffs at the staff level.
Hilton
Hilton Central School District Board of Education members have adopted a $69.3 million budget proposal for the 2011/2012 year.
District officials say that is an increase of 0.91 percent over the current budget and results in a 1.2 percent tax rate increase.
“The Board’s decision followed a very challenging budget development process that included input from District Budget Committees, association leadership, the Administrative Cabinet, community members and employees,” Superintendent David Dimbleby said. “The loss of state aid coupled with the slow economic recovery has made this and the past two budget cycles the most challenging in district history. Difficult decisions had to be made in order to confidently present a proposed budget we believe the community can support.”
Residents in Parma, Clarkson and Hamlin vote May 17 at Hilton High School and Greece residents vote at Northwood Elementary. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
In addition to the budget proposition, residents will vote on an $855,250 bus purchase proposition and two open positions on the Board of Education.
Holley
Holley School District Board of Education members have adopted a $19,750,599 budget for the 2011/2012 school year which calls for a 1.76 percent increase in total spending compared with the current budget.
The district is facing a loss in state aid of roughly $1.5 million, district officials said. The budget cuts one administrator, 10.5 instructional positions and 11 support staff positions, saving the district over $795,000. Non-mandated program cuts include conferences and some extracurricular activities including intramurals, ski club and the middle school/high school newspaper. Cuts will also be made in purchases of supplies and equipment for a total reduction in spending of $538,409. The district will also save $24,242 due to a voluntary salary freeze for administrators.
Tax levy and tax rate information will soon be available, district officials say.
Holley School District residents will also vote May 17 on three propositions. The first is on the purchase of three full-size school buses and two 30-passenger buses at a cost not to exceed $430,000. The second proposition authorizes the district to raise $99,643 to be used in support of maintenance and operations of the Community Free Library and the third proposition authorizes the district to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the future purchase of school buses with the ultimate amount of the fund to be $500,000, plus earnings, for a term of five years.
Three seats on the Board of Education are open. The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will serve three year terms beginning July 1.
Byron-Bergen
Senior National Honor Society Induction held at BBHS
Byron-Bergen Senior National Honor Society inductees (left to right): Kelsey Swinter, Lacey Sloat, Kylie Britt, Alexandra Walker, Erica Hickey, Rachel Kobel, Heather Holland, Rachel Winter, Brandi Giambrone, Sarah Donovan, Nicole Fore, Jennalyn Long, Kara Hall, Adam Kendrot, Mark Lancaster and Benjamin Ezard. Provided photoSixteen students were recognized at the annual Senior National Honor Society Induction Ceremony (NHS) at Byron-Bergen High School on March 23. This brings the total number of members to 35 who have displayed specific criteria and hard work to become part of the organization. Members of the Singing Silhouettes, under the direction of Kathy White, opened the ceremony and performed several selections during the evening. Dr. Scott G. Martzloff, Superintendent of Schools, and Aaron Johnson, High School Principal, welcomed everyone. Kaitlynn Frisby, Nicholas Prospero, Briana Strassner, Anna Long, and Katherine Schrenker conducted the Candle Lighting Ceremony.
Eleven senior members were given special recognition and past graduate Bobbi Nelson was the guest speaker. She addressed the students and how they should take an active role in education, “An education is not simply information ... it is learning how to think about that information and how to apply it to the world around you,” she said. Alana Parnapy and William Fitzpatrick, NHS advisors, presented each inducee with a membership certificate and pin.
Provided information
Representatives chosen for Girls State and Boys State
Boys and Girls state representatives from Byron-Bergen High School - Briana Strassner, Madeleine Audsley, Matthew List and Nicholas Prospero. Provided photoThe Bergen American Legion has announced school representatives who will be attending Empire Girls State and Boys State this summer. Representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Girls State at The College at Brockport, will be Madeleine Audsley, daughter of Michelle Geiger. Brianna Strassner, daughter of Todd and Beth Strassner, was selected as alternate.
Two boys will attend the Boys State program. Representing Byron-Bergen at Empire Boys State in SUNY Morrisville, will be Matthew List, son of Mark and Debra List, and Nicholas Prospero, son of John and Denise Prospero.
Representatives to Boys and Girls State will participate in a week-long program held during the last week of June 2011. In one week, hundreds of young women and men from across New York state will “participate in a practical government course designed to develop in the young citizens a working knowledge of the structure of government and to impress upon them the fact that their government is just what they make it. They will create bills, and participate in campaigns, rallies, speeches, platforms and various legislative committees.”
Provided information
Byron-Bergen Elementary student’s artwork chosen for publication
Miranda Lyon displays her artwork chosen for publication, which shows a cat, flowers and the sun, with her Teacher Melissa Chamberlain at Byron-Bergen Elementary School. Provided photoOne Byron-Bergen Elementary School student’s artwork has been chosen for publication in the 2011 “Young Writers’ Anthology,” sponsored by the Western New York Writing Project (WNYWP) at Canisius College, and she will be honored at the Young Writers’ Reception at Canisius College in June.
Miranda Lyon, a kindergarten student, is being honored by WNYWP for an illustration she created. While over 600 submissions were considered for the recognition, only 100 writing and artwork entries were published.
“This award shows that Miranda and her family are willing to work outside of the classroom to further her learning since this project was completed at home,” said Kindergarten Teacher Melissa Chamberlain. “Miranda’s family values reading, writing and artistic endeavors. All of the children in my class this year are very interested in reading and writing and it is a joy to see.”
The WNYWP is a well-established site of the National Writing Project - a nationwide education program that works to improve student writing and thinking in area schools.
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Churchville-Chili
High schoolers get a taste of teaching
First-graders at Fairbanks Road Elementary School, Zachary Kilgore and Michael McCue, create chickens' nests during a science lesson presented by Churchville-Chili Senior High School students in Linda Judd's Popular Science class. Provided photoFairbanks Elementary School cafeteria was packed with about 100 first-graders all very excited to learn science from a group of 16 Churchville-Chili Senior High School students on Friday, April 15. Attempting to be heard above the noise and excitement that filled the room, sophomore Jen Seeman and junior Matt Unger presented a lesson plan on deer to a group of 10 first-graders.
“Where do deer live?” Jen asked. Immediately, a flurry of hands shot up into the air, ready and waiting with responses such as “in the United Sates” or “in the woods.”
“Bingo! That was good,” Jen responded to the correct answer. Then she asked students, “Where do you live? In the city, in the suburbs, in the country?”
Students in two of teacher Linda Judd’s Popular Science classes are studying plants and soils in their curriculum. As part of the unit, the class recently visited Fairbanks Elementary to present lesson plans about agriculture and animals. Fairbanks Elementary first-graders will be taking a trip to the zoo soon, Judd said, so the high school science students shared information about the food chain, plants, and domestic and wild animals. The goal of the lessons was to help the young students connect the dots to see how the community, land, plants and animals are all related.
Churchville-Chili Senior High School science students presented materials in a lesson plan designed to meet NYS Science, English and reading requirements. Topics included domestic and wild cats and dogs, worms, trees, deer, the food chain, alpaca and chickens. Lessons tied in everything from ecology to science, reading and writing, technology and event art, with activities like making puppets and chickens’ nests.
“We tried to take in all modalities of learning,” said Judd.
Senior Marcus Blythers’ group presented a lesson on domestic and feral cats which included a new dance and a coloring activity.
“We knew we’d have to work to keep their attention and make sure everything was fun because they’re in first grade,” he said.
What the high school students learned is even the best lesson plan doesn’t guarantee success. Jen said the activity made her question if she could cut it as a teacher.
“It can be fun to hear their answers, but it’s a little tiring trying to get them to calm down and listen,” she said. “It gave me an appreciation for my teachers and the job they do.”
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Vietnam veterans share their stories
The child of two Ukrainian immigrants, Vietnam veteran Geno Lenyk grew up in the 1950s, which was a very peaceful era, up until the Cold War and the threat of nuclear holocaust. Everyone was very patriotic, said Lenyk. He was a freshman at Monroe Community College in February 1966 when he received word that a fellow Ukrainian immigrant had been killed in Vietnam.
“Emotionally, as a 17-year-old, all I wanted was revenge,” he said.
Vietnam veterans Geno Lenyk and Ronald Trovato spoke to Churchville-Chili High School juniors about their war experiences on April 15. Provided photoLenyk quit school and enlisted in the Marines. About 150 Churchville-Chili High School juniors got a first-hand glimpse into the Vietnam War through the eyes of two veterans on Friday, April 15. Lenyk served in the Marines, and Ronald Trovato was in the Army.
Lenyk and Trovato talked about why they enlisted, what day-to-day life was like in the field, how they coped with homesickness, their feelings on the anti-war movement, and their difficulties finding direction in life after the war. After the war, the men said they both struggled with finding jobs and battled with alcohol and depression. Lenyk and Trovato told students, being a Vietnam veteran does not make them victims.
“We went through an experience that made a very large impact on our lives, and it made us who we are today,” said Lenyk. “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger. Vietnam was very much that way.”
While many students had likely heard of the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Lenyk and Trovato told students they were plagued with “survivor guilt.” Lenyk has also been diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of Agent Orange exposure. Students asked the veterans how they felt about the anti-war movements that were taking place during the war. Trovato was home on leave when members of the Ohio National Guard killed four students and wounded nine others May 4, 1970.
“It hurt me that people were being killed at home over the war,” said Trovato, who enlisted in the Army two weeks after graduating from high school in 1968. “The tragedy was monumental, that the war was tearing the country apart that way, because that wasn’t the country I left behind when I entered Vietnam.”
One student asked about how the veterans were treated when they returned home from war. Lenyk said the general public took out their anger and protest-mindset on the people in uniform. What was most surprising, however, was how veterans from previous wars treated soldiers returning from Vietnam.
“We expected that kind of treatment from the protestors and long-haired hippies, but we felt betrayed by our fellow veterans because those organizations didn’t reach out,” he said.
That’s why Lenyk joined the Vietnam Veterans of America, founded in 1978 on the principal that “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another.” He is chairperson of the Vietnam Veterans Association #20 Speaker’s Bureau.
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Obituaries - Week of April 24, 2011
BROCKPORT
•Hyde, Mary T., On April 16, 2011. Predeceased by her parents. She is survived by her loving daughters, Debra Webster, Kristen (James) Richardson and Lori Hyde; grandchildren, Justin Kyle Webster, Jacob and Nickolas Richardson; brother James and niece Ahna.
Funeral Services were held April 20 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Robinson, Kim P., Suddenly on April 13, 2011 at the age of 55. Kim was predeceased by her parents, Kenneth and Wilda Robinson. She is survived by her sisters, Shari (Jim) Harrison and Brenda (Gary) Adam; French sister, Pat Steadman and German sister, Christa Goldstein; nieces and nephews, Mark (Judy) Harrison, Robin (Corey) Ha, Ken (Kim) Stewart, Shaun (Danielle) Adam, Chris Adam and Caitlin Adam; great nephew and niece, Zachary and Evelyn Ha.
A Memorial Service was held April 16 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Churchville. Contributions can be made to Nolatka Chapter of Eastern Star, c/o Carol Wynings, 76 Helmar Drive, Spencerport 14559 in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Baase, John F., On April 16, 2011 at the age of 71. Predeceased by his parents, William and Marion. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sandra; children, Jeffrey (Amy) Baase, Tricia (Christian) Kennedy; grandchildren, Nicholas, Lindsay and Alexander Baase; brother Charles (Eunice) Baase; sister, Ann (Allan) Engelbert; several nieces, nephews and many friends. John was a lifetime member of the Hamlin Fire Department.
A Memorial Service was held April 23 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hamlin. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Lollypop Farm in his memory.
•Wing, Neva N., of West Chester, Pennsylvania, wife of the late Roswell B. Wing and a longtime resident of Kensington, Maryland, died April 16, 2011. Born in 1927, in Brockport, Neva grew up in Hamlin, the daughter of Carl and Marion Newman. Neva married Roswell Wing of Kendall, in 1950. Neva worked as the Executive Assistant to the President of the National 4-H Foundation from 1974 until 1990. She is survived by her son, David Wing and his wife Tracy of West Chester, Pennsylvania, daughter, Kathy Goetsch and her husband Todd of Germantown, Maryland, along with four grandchildren: Daniel and Connor Wing and Brittany and Bryan Goetsch. She is also survived by her two brothers, Richard and Neil Newman and their loving families.
A Memorial Service was held April 20 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Hamlin. Private interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin 14464 in her memory.
HILTON
•Bower, Michael J., On April 12, 2011, age 57. He is predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Lucille Bower. He is survived by his fiance, Lynn Lemmon; children, Matthew (Joann), Timothy (Stephanie) and Sarah (Robert) Bower and their mother, Sheryl Bower; grandchildren, Austin, Timothy and Ashley Bower; brothers, Gerald, John and Ricky (Terry) Bower; sister, Lena (Don) Bower; niece, Elizbeth; and nephew, Ricky Bower.
A Memorial Service was held April 16 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation in his memory.
HOLLEY
•Brunelle, Wallace L., age 69, died April 8, 2011 doing what he loved most - hunting. Surviving is his wife of 47 years, Diane Barron Brunelle; two sons, Willard and wife Pam of Churchville, Jeffrey and wife Kelly of Pisgah Forest, North Carolina; grandchildren, Matthew, Erin, Laura, Lee, Nole, and Samantha; many siblings, nieces, nephews and friends.
A Memorial Celebration was held April 17 at the Knollwood Lodge, North Hampton Park. Contributions can be made to Lakeside Memorial Hospital, 156 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420 in his memory.
•Collins, James K. Sr., age 83, died April 16, 2011 in Gowanda while visiting his daughter. James was born December 17, 1927 in Rochester and had lived in this area for the past 36 years. He was a United States Veteran of WWII, a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church and a member of the Holley American Legion. Predeceased by his wife Mary, three brothers, Robert, Thomas and John and two sisters, Elizabeth Keon and Molly Ungaro. He is survived by his son, James (Denise) Collins Jr. of Naples; daughters, Joanne (Rev. Charles) Scanio of Gowanda, Barbara (Thomas Stauffer) Collins of Macedon; eight grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held April 20 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Entombment, Holy Cross Mausoleum.
•Messmer, Louis E. Jr., On April 14, 2011. Predeceased by parents and brother. Survived by his loving and devoted wife, Eileen; children Scott (Kim) Messmer and Lisa Messmer; grandchildren David Nacco, Christopher Messmer, Brittani Messmer; siblings Joan Burgio, Richard (Barbara) Messmer, Charles (Carol) Messmer; sister-in-law Patty Light; nieces, nephews and many good friends; best friend Nick.
A Celebration of his life was held April 20 at Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Private interment.
KENDALL
•McDonald, James S., April 15, 2011. He is survived by his mother, Betsy McDonald; father, John McDonald; two sisters, Melissa Anne McDonald, Margaret O’Reilly McDonald (Stephen Baker); grandmother, Anne Tarr Getman; beloved girlfriend, Ashley Burge; and many loving family members and friends.
A Funeral Service was held April 20 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, Churchville. Donations can be made to Lollypop Farm in his memory.
NORTH CHILI
•Bower, Jonathan G., On April 11, 2011. Predeceased by his father Atwood G. Bower and mother Gwendolyn J. Bower. Survived by his wife Gillian K. Bower and children Blythe Bower and Daniel Bower.
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Gates Presbyterian Church, 1049 Wegman Road. Burial private. Donations can be made to Braddock Bay Bird Observatory www.bbbo.org/adopt.html in Jonathan’s memory.
•Cutaiar, Marjory MacKinnon, April 10, 2011. Predeceased by her “Honey” of 63 years, George L. Cutaiar Sr. and her son, George L. Cutaiar Jr. Survived by her children Mal (Anne), Phyllis (Mark), Emmie (Tom), Frank (Alice) and Marjory. Her memory will always be cherished by her many grandchildren and her love and traditions will be passed on to her great-grandchildren. Marjory retired from Van Curler Trucking Corp. and was active in the Women’s Transportation Club. After retirement, she enjoyed trips and volunteering with the Chili Senior Center.
Services were held privately. Donations can be made to Lifetime Care Hospice in her memory.
•Sacino, Francesco “Frank,” April 16, 2011, suddenly at age 53. He is survived by his loving wife, Wendy Sacino; parents, Michele and Frances Sacino; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jeri Pompa and Michael Pompa Sr.; brother, Anthony (Linda) Sacino; brother-in-law, Michael Pompa Jr.; loving nieces, Gina M. Sacino and Michele D. Sacino. Frank was a native of Brooklyn and he relocated to Rochester in 2000. He was an employee of Verizon Wireless.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated April 20 at Our Mother of Sorrows Church, Rochester. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation, Attn: Memorial Donations, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 in his memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Brown, Jean E. (Bechtold), on Monday, April 18, 2011 at the age of 75, after a brief illness. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Edward L. Brown “Brownie,” her sisters Viola and Geraldine, her brothers Floyd and Raymond. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Terry (Bob Sadler) Hancock; loving son, Christian (Anne) Marks; adored step-children, Terry (Lela Ladd) Brown, David (Joan) Brown, Cheryl (Larry) Barbeto; eight grandchildren, Shawn Wilkinson, Brandy Hancock, Cassandra, Cara, Catherine and Connor Marks, Jason and Jodie Brown, Timothy, Thomas and Peter Barbeto, Delia, Noah, Ralph Brown and Cortney Kidd; nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a retiree of Rochester Products.
Funeral Services were held April 21 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Interment, Fairfield Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Aurora House in Spencerport or to the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester in her memory.
•Capuano, Angelo Jr., April 16, 2011 at age 67. Survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Rita; children, Michelle Walker, Melissa (John) Beedham; grandchildren, Todd Jr., Tiffani and Trisha Walker, Anneliese and Ashlynne Beedham; brothers, Frank, Richard and Thomas (Sue) Capuano; sisters, Helen D’Allesandro and Rose Capuano; several nieces and nephews. Angelo was a member of the Teamsters Union and a retiree of the Empire Beef Company.
Funeral Services were held April 20 at Pearce Memorial Church, North Chili. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.
Archives - Week of April 17, 2011
Local News - Week of April 17, 2011
Volunteer firefighter tradition thriving but threatened
by Doug Hickerson
On Saturday, April 9, the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department displayed its equipment and facility at Fire Department headquarters on Market Street. With demonstrations and many personnel present to answer questions, the event was part of a statewide program entitled “Recruit NY,” an element of National Volunteer Week 2011, to interest residents in becoming volunteer fire fighters or emergency medical services responders.
Volunteer firefighting over the last several years has suffered an overall decline in recruits, impacting a long tradition that has served American communities so well.
Fire Chief Michael Henry’s perspective
Lt. Joe Indelicato, left, and Fire Chief Michael Henry worked on "Recruit NY" at the Market Street fire hall to attract more volunteer firefighters to the Brockport Fire Department. Photo by Dianne HickersonBrockport Fire Chief Michael Henry says that there are 150 people associated with the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department (established 1877), with 80 of them active members. “We are at an even keel right now,” he says. “We might get ten to fifteen recruits a year, but we lose about the same number.” The losses may be people moving away or changing jobs. But, the difficulty in recruiting and retaining firefighter volunteers centers on the demands many families face with both spouses working and other community involvements. “Interest in volunteering is the same as it has always been, but many do not have the time to train once a week and attend calls,” Chief Henry says. “We always stress to potential new members, ‘Your family comes first, then work, then us.’ They have to make the balances.”
Even with the challenge of keeping an adequate volunteer force, “We have done a good job,” Chief Henry says. “Our annual numbers are high as far as volume goes -- the number of calls in the 900 - 1,000 range, almost three calls a day with all volunteers.” He cites fairly recent fires that were successfully handled, including a residence on Spring Street “where the dwelling was pretty much fully engulfed when we pulled up.” A youth was saved from the flames and the structure was saved. A fire above an antiques store on Main Street was put out, the second floor apartment was saved, and the store owner expressed thanks publicly to the firefighters who put tarps over the merchandise and saved it from water damage.
Chief Henry says that, because the volunteers perform so professionally, many people are not aware that the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department is 100 percent volunteer. “A compliment to us is that many people think we are a paid fire department. I have been to people’s houses who have been in the village 30 years and they never knew we were a volunteer department.” Asked about the advantage to the municipalities of a volunteer fire department over a paid department, he says, “It would easily take over a million dollar budget to do that with a paid fire department.” He compares that with a volunteer fire department where tax money is paying for equipment, outfitting the firefighters and building maintenance, not for salaries and other employee benefits.
The volunteer firefighter experience
Although today’s economy and family activities make it difficult for spouses to commit to volunteer firefighting, the historic volunteer firefighter movement has been rooted in the family. One generation of a family would encourage the next in passing on the proud tradition of service and sacrifice for the community.
As part of Recruitment Saturday, the Brockport Fire Department demonstrated the use of the "Jaws of Life" to free a victim from a car after an accident. Photo by Dianne HickersonMany members of the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department are from families with several generations of firefighters. Chief Henry, a manager at AT&T in his day job, has been a firefighter for 23 years, the third generation of firefighters in his family. John Rombaut has been a firefighter for 43 years and is president of the Brockport Volunteer Firefighters Association. He was fire chief in the early 1980s. His brother and his son were fire chiefs. His nephew was a lieutenant. And, he hopes the next generation will follow. “Maybe my grandson one of these days,” he says.
Carrying on such a family tradition was easier in the days when offspring remained in or close to the communities where they were raised. The fire hall sometimes became a social center for firefighter families in those simpler times in America. Comrades in firefighting became a kind of second family, which is still evident today.
Lieutenant Tim Russell doesn’t have family roots in firefighting, but had a compelling inspiration to join several years ago. He was working at Northside Service on Park Avenue,when the Fire Department arrived at the Kleen Brite factory to put out a fire. “The fire trucks came by and I watched the whole thing,” he says with admiration in his voice. “I said, ‘Man, I want to do that,’ ” and he signed up for training soon after. With five years experience as a volunteer firefighter, Russell names some of the rewards: “It’s a learning experience. I get to meet a lot of interesting people. And, I just like helping the community.” In one recent helping moment, he was the firefighter, along with two or three Brockport Police officers, who caught the boy who jumped from the window of his burning home on Spring Street.
Russell says there is a great time demand, including the intense initial training to be certified, drills once a week, and being on call during the day when he is not working nights as a foreman in a machine shop. “It keeps you busy and keeps them busy, too,” he said about his wife and three children who are three, seven and twelve-years-old. “They adjust, and the kids like coming and looking at the fire trucks.”
Lieutentant Joe Indelicato does not come from a firefighter family, but he cherishes being part of the volunteer firefighter’s long heritage. “I am proud to be part of a tradition that started before there was an America,” he says, citing the first “Fire Ordinance” adopted in 1648 in the Dutch Settlement of New Amsterdam, the beginning of organized volunteer firefighting on this continent. He has been a volunteer firefighter since 1993, in Mendon, then Gates, and in Brockport starting in 2008.
Indelicato says volunteer firefighting for him is “a life style choice” that his wife adopted when they married in 2000. They have a six-year-old daughter. “I try to engineer my life to have time to give to the fire department.” His day job is with the state Department of Health in Bio Terrorism Preparedness, traveling to 17 western counties to provide training and technical support for emergency readiness.
Among his rewards as firefighter, “I enjoy camaraderie with brothers and sisters. They are like family,” Indelicato says. “We help each other out with just about anything.”
There is a significant commitment. “We make sacrifices, but it is worth it. We leave family meals, church, and birthday parties to respond to calls. But, I know that I am going to help somebody who is probably having the worst day of their life. I am helping their situation and can come home and share the story with my family.”
Indelicato also likes being “plugged into the community” as a firefighter, getting to meet the public at department open houses and other events like the Saturday for recruiting. He finds kids and adults expressing respect and appreciation for volunteer firefighters. He says, “I am proud to be part of this tradition that has been such a blessing to so many people.”
Note: Besides the Market Street headquarters, the Brockport Fire Department has fire houses in Clarkson Station #2, on West Avenue Station #3, and at Main Street and Park Avenue Station #4 Capen Hose. For more information go to www.brockportfire.org. Phone 637-1030. Leave any questions on extension #8888.
Neighborly “mutual assistance” helps get the job done with volunteer departments in rural areas
by Doug Hickerson
Fire departments in Hamlin, Morton and Walker held their “Recruit NY” events last Saturday and Sunday. Officials report little or no turnout by potential volunteers. However, the volunteer levels in these departments, while not increasing, are providing adequate coverage for fire calls with the help of “mutual assistance.” (In the adjoining article, the Brockport Fire Department had wide mutual assistance for the Main Street fire, with Holley, Hamlin, Spencerport, Morton, Clarendon, Church-ville, Hilton, and Bergen responding and Albion and Walker serving as “fill ins”).
Hamlin has about 45 active volunteers, while Morton and Walker both have about 30. Fire Chief Allen Smith with the Hamlin Fire Department says that his volunteer levels have fluctuated, “but we are in the best shape we have been in over the last five or six years,” as the department gained more volunteers than it lost. “However, our call load is increased, along with more demands for training, so I don’t think we’ve changed anything,” he said.
Assistant Fire Chief Ken Keirn of the Morton Fire Department said their “Recruit NY” brought no new applications. With 30 volunteers, “We’re holding our own,” he says, “especially with relying on neighboring departments to provide equipment and manpower.”
Deputy Fire Chief Ed Barth in Walker says, “We definitely need volunteers” to add to the 30 now active. “It’s just tough, and I don’t know what the solution is today.” He says that the mutual assistance has made all the difference, naming Hilton, Brockport and Hamlin fire departments as examples.
Easter Bunny makes early stop in Hilton-Parma
On Saturday, April 9 Hilton-Parma Recreation held its 2nd Annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Village Community Center.
Over 40 excited children got to sing, dance and play with the Easter Bunny. They enjoyed a breakfast sponsored in part by the Hilton McDonald’s and played Easter games in the gymnasium, which were supervised by Recreation and Leisure students from The College at Brockport.
A three foot tall chocolate bunny rabbit, donated by Furnal’s Fresh Market, went home with four-year-old Joshua Anstett. Ryan Bartek was the winner of the jellybean guessing contest with a guess of 343 (actual total of 350).
Provided photos
Brockport Rotary's 20th Annual Ziti Dinner
Over 500 people attended Brockport Rotary’s 20th Ziti Dinner “Festa Italiano” on April 10.
Sandy Parlato and Friends’ jazz set a celebratory tone while Happy the Clown entranced kids and adults alike.The dancers from Spotlight Dance were the best they have been to date, according to club members, and the Chinese Auction raised over $600 for Club projects.
Members also presented a donation to Wilmot Cancer Center representative Kim Cenzi.
The district governor and the district governor-to-be attended the dinner, the latter winning the coveted luggage donated by Cindy Gibbons, president of the club 20 years ago when the dinner began.
New members of the club-sponsored Boy Scout Troop 111 were on clean up duty and many new pledges to The College at Brockport’s Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity served as experienced wait and serving staff. Some new members of Troop #111 enjoy a meal prior to clean up duty. Cort Fowler watches Happy the Clown entertain his grandchildren, Trey (Cort III) and Ashland.
Photographs provided by Rotary member Patricia E. Baker
Feature Stories - Week of April 17, 2011
Black Creek Watershed Water Quality study continues
Excessive phosphorus levels noted
by Kristina Gabalski
Black Creek is one of the area's most scenic water features. Above, spring runoff and rain increases the water flow over the dam in Churchville village, April 13, looking north from Buffalo Road. Photograph by Dave KnoxResults of an intensive investigation into water quality in the Black Creek watershed were presented to the public during a meeting held Tuesday, April 12 at the Churchville Village Hall.
Representatives from the Center for Environmental Information (CEI) in Rochester and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation presented information gathered over the past year regarding potential sources of phosphorus in Black Creek as well as the most cost effective watershed changes that would restore water quality.
“We want to hear from you before this gets too finalized,” Jim Gerek, project manager for CEI, told more than two dozen people who attended the meeting.
“The DEC considers the water quality in Upper and Lower Black Creek to be impaired,” Gerek said. Black Creek is on the NYSDEC Priority Waterbodies List, officials said, because it has been identified as impaired by excessive nutrients, especially phosphorus.
Gerek explained that Upper Black Creek is primarily in Genesee County and Lower Black Creek is primarily in Monroe County. He presented water quality monitoring data that showed phosphorus concentrations are highest in the upper section of the watershed.
Gerek said land use in the upper watershed is 75 percent agricultural. The lower watershed is also not heavily developed and contains wetlands as the creek makes its way to the Genesee River.
The swamps in Bergen and Byron and the dam in Churchville appear to attenuate the levels of phosphorus as the stream flows from its upper to lower watersheds, officials explained.
The Center for Environmental Information developed a computer model to, “ ... help us understand what’s going on in the watershed,” Gerek said. CEI collected data on Black Creek and was able to utilize the model to mimic water quality in the creek.
The presentation included pie charts of modeled sources of phosphorus for Upper Black Creek that includes 46 percent from farm animals, 17 percent from crop-land and 11 percent from septic systems. Smaller percentages include sources like tile drainage and hay/pasture land.
Modeled sources for phosphorus for Lower Black Creek (without upper middle) include 23 percent from farm animals, 22 percent from cropland and 13 percent from septic systems.
“The model says take a closer look at farm animals,” said George Thomas, executive director of CEI.
He outlined a “suite of practices” that could be used as potential restoration strategies including manure management and run-off control in confined areas, stream bank fencing, stabilization and vegetative buffer strips, nutrient management and a program to get 80 percent of failing septic systems operating properly
The overall goal of the Water Quality Restoration Strategy will be to recommend actions in the watershed, Thomas said.
CEI officials are still collecting information and comments from the public. Jim Gerek can be contacted at 262-2870 or via email at jgerek@ceinfo.org.
Gerek outlined the next steps in the project which include creation of a preliminary draft Water Quality Restoration Strategy (WQRS) which will be reviewed by the NYSDEC and completion of a draft WQRS. A second public meeting will be held before a final WQRS is completed and submitted for NYSDEC and USEPA approval.
The Upper and Lower Black Creek project is part of a larger project that includes seven impaired streams which are tributaries of Lake Ontario, Gerek said. The project is sponsored by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, NY Works and the NYSDEC, he said.
What’s new? Gardening trends 2011
by Kristina Gabalski
AdBuilderAs the new gardening season gets underway, some of the hottest trends include recycling, native plants, and gardens that help capture rainwater and reduce stormwater pollution.
Beth Warren at VanPutte Gardens in Greece says recycling both for decorative and functional purposes is growing in popularity with home gardeners. “People are re-using things for container gardens, like tires and boots - things that are typically thrown away,” Warren says.
On the functional side, shredded newspaper makes a great mulch and gardeners also use full sheets to help inhibit weed growth. It’s best to stick with black and white pages, Warren says.
The possibilities for re-using materials in the garden are limited only by the imagination. “People are re-using old wood - wagon wheels and doors for theme gardens,” Warren says. An old door might act as an entrance to a “secret garden” themed planting, for example.
Utilizing native plants in the landscape has become popular for several reasons, Warren explains. “Native plants tend to be hardier, they take less water and maintenance and they attract birds and butterflies.”
Native plants are well adapted to the geography, hydrology and climate of their region. Cornell Cooperative Extension says native plants are those species that existed in an area prior to European settlement. Native plants are better able to withstand pest and disease and grow more slowly, meaning they require less pruning and dividing.
According to the Stewardship Garden website (stewardshipgarden.org), additional benefits of natives include no need for fertilizers and the promotion of biodiversity as well as stewardship of our natural heritage.
The National Wildlife Federation lists the top ten native plants by region on their website, nwf.org. Included on the list for the Northeastern U.S. are Eastern red cedar, Northern red oak, Winterberry holly (deciduous holly covered with bright red fruit in the fall), red chokeberry and cardinal flower.
Beth Warren says garden centers like VanPutte have staff who can help guide gardeners through the process of selecting native plants for your yard. Rain gardens - which utilize deep rooted native flowers and grasses to capture rain water runoff and prevent it from ending up in storm sewers - are another recent trend for home gardeners.
“The rain garden also tends to filter out pollutants,” Warren says, that can end up in lakes and rivers from rain water that has entered storm sewers.
"It doesn’t have to be big,” she explains, “it just needs to be located in an area that tends to get wet and that is at least ten feet away from your house.”
According to the Western New York Stormwater Coalition, a rain garden collects and absorbs rain and snowmelt from roofs, sidewalks, driveways, and lawns allowing it to seep naturally into the ground. Up to 30 percent more water can be absorbed by a rain garden compared to a typical patch of lawn.
Additional benefits include recharging of local groundwater, reducing mosquito breeding by removing standing water, and reducing potential for home flooding.
The Western New York Stormwater Coalition recommends planting a rain garden in an area with full or partial sun and where there is good drainage.
Rain gardens vary from three to 12 inches in depth depending on the slope. Soil removed is used to create a berm on the downhill side of the garden. The soil can be amended with compost and topped with two to three inches of mulch.
Plants suggested by the Western New York Stormwater Coalition include milkweed, black-eyed Susan, Joe-pye weed, Silky Wild Rye,Winterberry holly and American elderberry.
Other garden trends for 2011 include organic alternatives which Beth Warren says continue to be popular with gardeners. “People are worried about the effects of pesticides,” she says. Warren explains that pesticides kill good insects like bees that are needed for pollination.
Roof gardens are becoming more common as a novel way to keep buildings cooler, Warren adds, and containers are featuring more and more edible plants and flowers like nasturtiums, pansies and marigolds that can be easily harvested and added to salads.
“I designed a tea container garden which included lemon verbena, mint and camomile,” she says. “A pizza container garden contained a small-fruited tomato, oregano and basil.”
“Lawns are disappearing,” Warren says. People who enjoy gardening are choosing to plant gardens and ground covers instead of mowing and maintaining grass. She says she has one friend who has filled his yard with daylilies.
Hilton's Hojack History - Part 1 of 3
by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
Charles EfnerA "mover and shaker" in Hilton/Parma history has gone virtually without official recognition, yet his significant contributions to the area are noted and remembered today in several ways.
Charles Efner prepared his memoir for Hilton Record editor Charles Cooper in September 1913, recounting the development and completion of the Hojack Railroad. His pioneer spirit to get things done is credited with getting railroad builders to bring their line through North Parma (now Hilton) instead of through Parma Center.
Efner's involvement and efforts also inspired the 20th century naming of Hojack Lane which connects East Avenue with Collamer Road on the west side of the village as well as providing the core values which led to the municipality's slogan: "The Little Village With the Big Heart."
So the story goes:
Charles Efner was the liaison between the town (Parma) and the Railroad Board of the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad Co. and negotiated a guarantee that the town would provide a $25,000 stock subscription from various individuals he knew. The Railroad Board was pleased with his initiative and 31 days later he (Efner) was elected a new member of the board. There were 13 members allocated as follows: five from Oswego; three between Oswego and the Genesee River; five between the Genesee River and Lewiston. Efner noted that he felt that Oswego had the advantage as five members lived within a unit while eight other members lived at distances of 15 to 25 miles apart, and, without telephone, communications at best were difficult. The members of the Executive Committee were also the Oswego members, further tipping the board, he believed.
Efner suspected mischief with the Oswego group. He learned from a hotel desk clerk in Rochester that there had been an all night meeting with the Oswego group and men from Lockport who wanted the line to go through that village. Efner quickly borrowed neighbor George Limbocker's horse and buggy and drove quickly from Hilton to Kendall, where he took in board member Marvin Harris. The two drove to Holley where they were joined by another board member, Bert VanHorn. They dispatched a liveryman with a fast horse to get board member Ruben Wilson of Wilson and another board member and they boarded the New York Central train for Lockport. The five called for a meeting in five days independent of the president, Mr. Helmer.
The five board members along with two more from east of the Genesee River met in Oswego for a supper and resolved to have the line go as Charles Efner had originally surveyed, from the Genesee River to North Parma and through the lots north of Kendall Corners.
Hilton Depot sometime between 1911 and 1920. Lynn Paxson is shown in the forecrowd (right) holding the mail bag for the train to pickup. The occasion was the departure of well-liked evangelist Rev. Crabel who had preached a ten week session at a location on West Avenue. Photos on this page from the Historian's office.There was much bickering and squabbling among various landowners on how much they should be paid for rights-of-way. Some gave freely and others wanted outrageous compensation. Arbitrators were called in, among them James Marshall Lowden, John Tennison and Dr. Abdial Carpenter. Landowners were Justice Hovey, Almander Wilder, Denis Taber, Owen Flynn, Elizabeth Gorton and Peter B. Tenny.
The contract to build the railroad was let to Phillips Warren & Co., of Springfield, Massachusetts. The cost of $21,500 per mile from Oswego to Lewiston included grading, bridging, track-laying, ballasting and fencing, except for the Genesee River bridge in Charlotte. Stock was issued, bonds were floated and money was raised. The building of the Lakeshore Railroad commenced. One third was completed when the financial Panic of 1873 occurred, and this prevented the sale of either town, city or first mortgage bonds. The Panic of 1873 killed the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad. The board members resigned and the project was taken over by the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad Co. In the words of Charles Efner -- "we lost our stock, but we gained a railroad."
In his memoir in the Hilton Record, Efner went on to say that he had spent five years of his life working to get the railroad to go through North Parma (Hilton) He spent $3,000 of his own money (in today's value about $100,000), and he did not get one cent in remuneration. Asked why he did it he replied "because my heart was in it."
Earlier historians and village residents credit Charles Efner with the beginning of the Hilton slogan: "The Little Village With the Big Heart."
The Hojack brought in new blood to the community. While the railroad was being built, there were many Irish laborers residing in the village at the Commercial Hotel (located where M &T Bank now stands), and the Leonard Hotel (later called the Hilton Hotel). The thrifty, conservative Baptist and Methodist town folk were "sitting up straight" as they witnessed drunkenness, lewdness and wild shenanigans as the railroad men let off steam after a hard day's work. The temperance ladies were aghast!
Hilton's Hojack History - Part 2 of 3
by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
Train whistles along the lakeshore
On a warm August 10 afternoon in 1876, six years after the first initiative to begin the project in December 1870, there was a celebration. Quoting from former Historian Leith Wright’s 1976 article on the Hojack:
“Everyone was in gala attire to see the first train pass over the completed tracks. The train was made up of an engine, tender, baggage car and one passenger coach on which a few of the railroad officials rode and made short speeches at the various towns along the routes. Cora Stoddard Butcher had the distinction of being the first female to ride on the new railroad line. She sat in the cab of the locomotive operated by Peter Wheeler and proudly waved to all of her envious young friends. Carrie Curtis Smith (great grandmother of former Hilton Mayor Doug Hurlbutt) was the first woman to buy a 26 cent ticket to go to Rochester to buy her wedding trousseau for her approaching marriage to James K. Smith.”
The Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad was incorporated into the New York Central system in 1891, and on April 16, 1913, this company with several others consolidated into the New York Central and Hudson River R.R. Co. The line through Hilton then became known as the Ontario Branch of the New York Central Railroad. This company merged in 1968 with the Pennsylvania Railroad, the company becoming known as the Penn Central R.R. In the early 1970s it became part of Conrail. It was discontinued in 1976.
Interior of Old Hilton DepotAt the time the railroad was completed, North Parma (Hilton) was a small village of farmers and small shopkeepers. Population of the village was 200. There were no houses on the north side of West Avenue except for Mr. and Mrs. Gorton’s farmhouse (now Wilson Farms). Two brothers who had worked on the railroad as contractors and who had been befriended by Charles Efner and John Tennison decided to remain in the community and go into business. They were Allan B. and Evan E. Fraser. They were Scotsmen from Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada. Evan was employed as Paymaster for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, he went into the railroad construction and contracting business. The firm of which he was a partner was awarded the contract for constructing the portion of the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg R.R. between Charlotte and Kendall.
Allan was employed by the firm and given some subcontracts. With the completion of the railroad, the brothers formed a partnership and engaged in the general store business. Later they added a private bank to their business which in 1914 became the State Bank of Hilton. In 1915 they purchased the Upton Mills and formed the Hilton Milling and Warehouse Inc, which included a lumber mill, a cooper shop for making barrels and an apple storage warehouse. The general store operated from 1878 to 1941, and Hilton Mill from 1915 to 1960. The State Bank of Hilton later became Chemical Bank and is now M & T Bank.
The Hojack brought much of the outer world into Hilton. The farmers prospered being able to get their products to lucrative markets in a timely fashion. The apple and peach business flourished. Small shops and businesses were able to grow and support families. Cultural pursuits were able to be enjoyed by villagers with musicals, plays and sporting events both in the village and in the now easily-accessible Rochester. There were two trains a day that would take passengers to the city. The first trains traveled 12 miles per hour, but later service became faster. After the turn of the 20th century, automobiles became more popular and passenger train service began to slowly decline until the last passenger train discontinued service June 1, 1933.
Part three: Why is it called Hojack?
Hilton’s Hojack History - Part 3 of 3
by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
Why is it called Hojack?
Former Hamlin Historian Mary E. Smith wrote about the naming of the Hojack line in her book The “Hojack” Railroad: A Tale of the “White Elephant” Line (published 1976).
“How the branch of the Penn Central, which weaves its way along the lakeshore, became known as the “Hojack Line” is a tale with many variations,” she wrote. “One of the more believable theories was related by Harry Farnham, Rochester division agent of the New York Central, in a newspaper interview in 1947. According to Mr. Farnham, the name originated when the R. W. & O was absorbed by the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad in 1891. Trainmen didn’t know each other’s names when they met at the Central’s Rochester yard soon after the merger, so they hollered at each other with “Hi, Jack!” and thus was born the “Hojack” division of the Central.”
“In the early days of the line, according to another popular legend, there was a mule named ‘Jack.’ Each time the train passed over the tracks through its pasture, ‘Jack’ chased the intruder. Its frantic owner’s repeated pleas to ‘Ho, Jack!’ we are told, gave the line its name.”
“A similar version relates that there was an engineer called ‘Jack.’ When he brought his locomotive to a stop at the end of his run near Suspension Bridge, just east of Niagara Falls, he was greeted with a cordial ‘Ho, Jack!’ and the name is derived from the oft-repeated salutation. But a local trainman points out that ALL engineers were ‘Jack’ to the hobo, and rides were solicited by the transients with a ‘Hey Jack!’ or ‘Ho Jack!’ to the engineer.”
The Hojack was a colorful and robust part of the community’s past, and the old Hojack roadbed is becoming an integral and viable part of Hilton’s future development. When walking along Hojack Lane many of the old businesses are still evident -- Peck and Pratt Heinz Pickle Plant is now Hunt’s Omega Inc.; Hilton’s first school is still standing on East Avenue near the railroad tracks -- it is now the Ciccotti building; the Hilton Packing and Storage Plant building still stands south of East Avenue.
While no trains come and go through Hilton anymore, Hojack Lane keeps the memory fresh of what some of the village fathers did over 130 years ago to help the community grow and prosper and develop into the nice place to live it is today.
End of three part series.
School News - Week of April 17, 2011
Brockport
BHS Students perform at Jazz Festival
The following Brockport High School students performed at the Monroe County Jazz Music Festival held at Spencerport High School on March 4 and 5: Nate Bootes, Andrew Carter, Nick Gennarino, Nate Guarnere, Ed Rubenacker, Daniel Scheda, Joel Mora, JW Cook, Alma Haddock, Ben Hare, Kevin Carges, Nick Tryka, Emma Andriatch, Daniel Walton, and Lyssa Fradella.
Teachers sponsoring the students for this festival were Liz Banner, Shawn Halquist and Andy Stoker.
Provided photo
Byron-Bergen
Handmade quilt on display at Byron-Bergen Elementary School
Third-graders (l-r) Peter Smith, Michael Olander, Siomara Caballero, and Art Teacher Tiffany VanDerBeck stand in front of the school's quilt display at Byron-Bergen Elementary School. Provided photo Art Teacher Tiffany VanDerBeck and third-graders at Byron-Bergen Elementary School created a quilt, which is now on permanent display for the school community in the school’s hallway across from the gymnasium.
Third-graders completed the quilt to coincide with curriculum - raising butterflies for release - they learned in the classroom, according to VanDerBeck.
“In art class we talked about butterflies’ symmetry and color patterns,” said VanDerBeck. “We learned about blending and warm and cool colors, and then each student drew a butterfly on a square of fabric.”
After the butterflies were drawn on each square, VanDerBeck said the students sewed two squares together. Then, VanDerBeck completed the face of the quilt. Finally, students learned how to tie the quilt into the finished product.
“This quilt on permanent display is important for our students to look back years later and see what they have accomplished, and how by working together they can create something greater than working alone,” said Art Teacher Tiffany VanDerBeck.
Sports News - Week of April 17, 2011
Area
Nau it’s time
Coach Terry Nauby Warren Kozireski
Terry Nau has coached hockey at various levels for 28 years including eight years as an assistant coach with Churchville-Chili and five years with Spencerport. With 171 games and 113 different players including 19 sets of brothers at C-C alone, he has had an impact both on and off the ice on several generations of players through almost three decades.
Nau joined the fifth year Saints program for the 2001-02 season after they had won 13 games overall and just two division games over their first three years combined.
“When I first got there, my first game experience with (then head coach) Jim Jackson was at Batavia and we were outshot something like 40-13,” said Nau. “On the bus ride home, I was surprised that he thought it was a good game. I told him that we would start to reduce the number of shots against. We did and we were able to turn the program around in a few years.”
The team managed just three wins again in his second year running the defense in 2002-03 but “the number of shots started coming down and the goal differential kept coming down.”
2003-04 proved to be the Saints breakout season with veteran players such as Tim Barnard, Jeremy Rossignolo and Brad Gurbacki along with underclassmen Ben Rossignolo, Phil Evans, Kyle Easton and Cody Hewitt leading the team to their first winning season at 14-6-1.
“I remember the best time we had was when we won our first sectional playoff game that season against Canandaigua at Brockport. It was great for the program and I’ll never forget the smile on Jim’s face because he doesn’t smile very often.”
Aside from Churchville-Chili and Spencerport, Nau has coached for many years at other levels including Junior B and Peewee and led the 1995 born midget team this past season to a 16-win season.
The Saints players this year presented Nau with a book of memories at the end of the season including a list of players he has coached and “a bunch of one-liners - some I can repeat and some I can’t.”
As for the next few years, the owner with his wife, Bonnie, of Struck Floors in Spencerport, still plans on hockey being a central part of his leisure time.
“I’ll have more time to watch my grandsons skate on Monday night. They’re five years old, so I get to watch them run into the wall and fall down like dominoes.” With likely a little coaching on the side from grandpa.
Obituaries - Week of April 17, 2011
AREA
•Mohnkern, Marion H., of Rochester, April 7, 2011, age 92. Survived by her children, Vicky (Rick) Miner, Richard (MaryAnn) Murphy, Elaine Murphy, David Murphy, Joanne (Dave) Burke; step-children Scott (Jill) Mohnkern, Susanne Mohnkern; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister Ellen Harmon; brother Richard Harmon; nieces, nephews, cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. at Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili. Donations in Marion’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Pearce Memorial Church.
BERGEN
•Metz, Kathleen M. (Downey), April 8, 2011, at the age of 62. Kathleen is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Gary M. Metz; children, April (Brian) Stone, Gary (Rebecca) Metz, Mike (Susan) Metz, Jane (Doug) Kelly; her grandchildren the love of her life, Aaron, Alayna, Lea, Jason, Maria, Mikaela, Nicole and Shawna; devoted brother John Downey; and niece Selina Downey. Kathleen was predeceased by her parents John and Selina Downey. She is also survived by several siblings, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held April 13 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Churchville.
BROCKPORT
•Gallup, Leah Salisbury, April 7, 2011, age 95. Leah was co-owner of Allis TV & Appliance Center, Bank Teller at Lincoln Rochester, Office Manager for McNall’s Furniture. Predeceased by her brother, Milton Salisbury; ex-husband of 35 years, Bert Allis; husband of 20 years, Charles Gallup; nephew, Charles Salisbury and step-daughter, Mallory Wurzburg. Survived by sons, Richard (Janet) Allis of Georgia, Robert Allis of Hawaii, Jan (Sue) Allis of Kentucky, and daughter Diane (Ted) Wurzburg of Brockport; grandchildren, Patrick (Andrea) Allis of New Mexico, Sheryl (John) Young of Ohio, Karen (David) Bridges of Kentucky, Alyssa, Christopher and Jeremy Wurzburg of Brockport; six great grandchildren; nieces, Jane Slack, Gail Heidari; and nephew James Olmstead.
A Service of Remembrance was held April 14 at the Sweden Senior Center, Brockport. Donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse Foundation - Hospice, 2180 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 13580 in her memory.
•Parsons, Mary Jane (Giglio), on April 10, 2011 at the age of 96. Predeceased by her son Joseph Goodsell Jr., grandson Matthew Goodsell, granddaughter Dana Overmyer, 10 brothers and sisters. She is survived by her husband Carlton; son Richard (Mary) Goodsell; daughters Maria Klee, Shirley Overmyer and Carla (Craig) Faganello; grandchildren Thomas (Jennifer) Overmyer, Eric Klee, Jason Overmyer, Kyle Faganello, Amy Jo Goodsell, Joseph Goodsell III; nine great grandchildren; one great grandchild; siblings John Giglio, Margaret Venor, Teresa Ponz; many nieces, nephews, friends, and special friends Mary and Pat.
A Memorial Service was held April 16 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, 170 West Avenue, Brockport 14420 in her memory.
•Rands, Richard E. “Dick”, Died April 10, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer at age 70. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Joan (Stahl); cherished by his children, Brett (Barb) Rands, Lorelei (David) Smith, Renee (Mark) Maisel; grandchildren, Ryan and Alexandra Maisel, Corey Smith, Cameron and Morgan Rands; many beloved relatives and special friends.
A Memorial Service was held April 16 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in his memory.
•Seaman, Edward L., On April 9, 2011, age 84. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemary; his children, Wayne of Texas, Theresa (Roy) Wegener of Retsof, Scott of Brockport and Mark (Betsy) of North Chili; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Ward. Ed was a Navy veteran of WWII and Korea, and a retiree of Rochester Products.
Funeral Services were held April 13 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be made to the Brockport Fire Department in his memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Starwald, Barbara J., suddenly, April 5, 2011 at age 74. Predeceased by husband, Charles; son, Charles; and brother, Lyle Ingerick. Survived by children, Carol Marvin, Teresa Spiller and Lyle Starwald; grandchildren, Rob (Elena) Marvin, Brooke Marvin, Michael Starwald, Selicca Spiller, Matt Spiller, Sean Starwald, Jessica Starwald; great-grandchildren, Samantha and Charlee Marvin, Leanna and Xavier Mateo, Joseph and Lexie Spiller; sisters, Carol Starwald and Marie Fancher and brother, Edward (Barb) Ingerick; special friend, Carol Leblanc.
A Memorial Service was held April 9 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Latno, Sheila A., on April 6, 2011. She is survived by her family, Mark, Rick and Samantha Davis; sisters, Nancy (Gary), Sandy (Diane) and beloved nieces and nephews, Barbie, Bryan, Michael and Shawn.
Services were held April 10 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association in her memory.
HILTON
•Corney, Shirley J. (Dr. DeVoe)(Sha), April 9, 2011. Age 95. Predeceased by husband George M. Corney. Survived by children, Mary J. and Charles Colclough, George E. and Cheryl Corney, Ann M. and Michael White; grandchildren, Elizabeth and Alan Lane, Raymond and Linda Dunn and Daniel and Amy Corney; nieces, nephews and countless friends.
At Shirley’s request there will be no funeral service. There will be a memorial picnic at a later date. Donations can be made to Parma Public Library, Hilton, NY in her memory.
•Tubbs-Heywood, Cynthia (nee Shemski), of Benson, Arizona, April 5, 2011 at age 50. Suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Pre-deceased by father, George Shemski Sr. and brother Ted Shemski. Survived by husband Mark Heywood and son Robert; mother Gertrude Shemski and sister Susan (Brian) Ordway, from North Carolina, brothers, George Jr., Casey, Joseph and other family members, Frank Tubbs, from Buffalo and the Koch and Marlatt families, from Hilton. Cindy was living in Benson, Arizona for the last four years. Her organs were donated as per her wishes.
A gathering of family and friends was held April 17 at the VFW Post, Hilton.
•Tudisco, Madeline J. “Kay,” April 7, 2011. Survived by her loving children, Jim (Betty) Tudisco, Patty (Sam) Tantalo, Cindy (Rick) Lupinetti; grandchildren, P.J. (Erin) Tudisco, Jamie (Dan) Jennings, Ryan and Nick Tantalo, Chris, Andrew and Nicole Lupinetti; great-grandsons, T.J. and Clyde; niece, Joanie Blakeley; special friend, Marie Graham; her beloved cat Smoky.
Her Memorial Mass was celebrated April 16 at St. Leo the Great Church, Hilton. Private interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to K.A.T., Cat Shelter, 62 Gorton Avenue, Hilton or the American Lung Association in her memory.
KENDALL
•Elliott, Marilyn (Herring), Peacefully at home surrounded by her family on April 6, 2011 at the age of 57. Predeceased by her parents, George and Muriel Herring, Sr., brothers George Jr. and Donn Herring. Marilyn is survived by her loving husband, Randy; daughter, Kara; son Randy III; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; brothers Jim (Sybil) Herring, Jack (Joyce) Herring, Bill (Kim) Herring; two sisters, Patricia (Dan) Funk, Barbara Schroeder; sister-in-law Mary Herring; brother-in-law Kevin Elliott; loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends.
A Memorial Service was held April 10 at the Kendall Methodist Church. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to the Knights Kaderli Memorial Fund, c/o Sue Knights, 11079 Furness Parkway, Medina, NY 14103 in her memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Mogray, David G., April 2, 2011, at the age of 52. David is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Jeanette Mogray and his brother, James Mogray. David is survived by his wife of 32 years, Elizabeth E. Mogray; son, Michael David Mogray; brother, Robert J. (Kathy) Mogray; nephew, Michael Robert (Bobbie Jo) Mogray; several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held April 10 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Contributions can be made to the Churchville Fire Department, 24 Washington Street, Churchville, NY 14428 in his memory.
Archives Week of April 10, 2011
Local News - Week of April 10, 2011
Change in village parking raises concerns for some Spencerport merchants
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
When the Village Plaza in the Village of Spencerport was reconfigured to include the addition of Tops Supermarket, a new gas station and the new Slayton Place Restaurant, the plaza traffic flow was re-constructed to include two-way traffic lanes. This new traffic pattern required some village parking spots to be eliminated, causing concern for some village merchants.
Rose Alonci, an owner of Grandpa Sam’s Restaurant, is one of the village merchants who is unhappy about the change. The parking spots that were located in front of Grandpa Sam’s were eliminated due to the change in traffic flow.
“My customers are not happy because now they have to park across the street or in the back of our restaurant,” Alonci said. “Some of our customers still park in the front but the police tell us the customers have to move. It’s very frustrating,” she added.
While the change in the plaza traffic pattern has some merchants like Grandpa Sam’s concerned, other business owners like Mike Palozzi are happy with the changes. Palozzi owns The Book Centre located in the Village Plaza.
“The changes to the plaza have helped my business immensely. Parking is right in front of my store; customers don’t have to cross traffic. Handicapped parking is now available for Book Centre and nearby businesses,” Palozzi said. “These changes have helped all of the businesses in the plaza. But I know some of the business owners along Union Street are concerned about the lack of parking,” he added.
In an effort to help businesses located in the Village of Spencerport, Mayor Joyce Lobene held a meeting with village merchants to discuss concerns and ideas to remedy the situation as well as other ideas on how to promote the village.
Palozzi attended this meeting and was very enthused about the ideas discussed.
“We talked about events that would promote the village, the new dock being built along the canal and the parking issues,” Palozzi explained. “The Mayor is looking for solutions to the parking problem,” he added.
Lobene realizes the frustration of the businesses that lost street front parking.
“In order to construct a turning lane from Union Street into East Avenue and Slayton Place Road, the Department of Transportation (DOT) required the removal of the six parking spots along Union Street,” Lobene explained.
At this recent meeting with village merchants she explained the possibility of adding new parking areas.
“There is an area behind Grandpa Sam’s and next to the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum that could be developed for parking. The issue is funding, the cost would be over $20,000,” Lobene said.
Like most of the village merchants, Book Centre owner Palozzi is hopeful the village and merchants can collaborate to create a solution
“What is good for one business will be good for us all - we need to work together,” Palozzi said.
Chili Town Board approves bond funding for proposed Highway/DPW facility construction
At a special meeting held on Wednesday, March 30, the Chili Town Board unanimously passed resolutions to issue up to $8.7 million dollars in bonds for the purpose of constructing a new Highway/DPW facility.
In April 2008 the Town of Chili received a grant in the amount of $6,000,000 for the purpose of constructing a new Highway/DPW facility. The town now has designs and construction plans in place and is ready to move forward with the project. The $6,000,000 dollar grant is one of the largest ever received by the Town of Chili, according to a press release from Town of Chili officials.
“This financing is necessary,” Supervisor David Dunning stated in the press release, “to begin the construction phase. The $6,000,000 in the state’s share of the funding will be used to pay down the balance of the bond.”
A referendum on the project is scheduled for June 7, a the Town of Chili, Town Hall Main Meeting Room, 3333 Chili Avenue.
Work on Erie Canal Trail in Ogden continues
Crews finish the work done this past winter along the canal embankment by cutting down the tree stumps to ground level for a more pleasing appearance to the Canalway Trail and cleaning up the path from the work done. Photograph (April 5, 2011) by David KnoxThe New York State Canal Corporation resumed work started last fall on the maintenance and repair of the Erie Canal embankment around Canal Road and the Trimmer Road bridge in the Town of Ogden.
The original maintenance and repair work removed trees along the high embankment sections of the canal to help monitor water seepage. Tree removal was also thought necessary should the trees fall and open a hole in the embankment and cause further seepage from canal water. Because the work was done in the winter with snow around the embankment, the tree stumps could not be cut to ground level. This left tree stumps that joggers, bikers, walkers, and residents felt were unsightly.
The repair work will include cutting down the tree stumps to ground level for a more pleasing appearance along the Canalway Trail embankment, digging into the embankment to evaluate water seepage from the canal, repair any seepage found, and cleaning up the path from the work undertaken, according to the Canal Corporation.
As a result of the work being done this spring, the New York State Canal Corporation temporary weekday closure of the Canalway Trail in the Town of Ogden is from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Officer recognized
Orleans County Sheriff Scott Hess recognized Sergeant Beverly (Taylor) Woodward, who completed 25 years of service in the county jail on March 31, 2011.
Sergeant Taylor, as she is known to her co-workers, was sworn into the Sheriff’s Office on March 31, 1986 by then Sheriff David M. Green. She was promoted to Sergeant on September 9, 1996.
Sergeant Taylor has already announced her intention to retire later this month. Her first order of business will be taking her grandchildren to Disney World in Florida. Sgt. Taylor is shown receiving her 25-year certificate. She is flanked by Sheriff Scott Hess and Orleans County Legislator Lynn Johnson (R-District 2), who chairs the legislature’s Public Safety Committee.
Provided photo
Sunnking becomes first R2 certified electronics recycler in NYS
Sunnking, Inc., an electronics recycling company with facilities in Buffalo, Brockport and Rochester, is the first and only R2 (Responsible Recycling) Certified recycling facility in New York state.
R2 certification can be compared to the more widely publicized ISO standards, but is specific to the electronics recycling industry, setting requirements relating to environmental, health, safety, and security aspects of recycling electronics and equipment.
The certification is a voluntary practice and includes general principles and specific practices for electronics recyclers that dissemble or reclaim used electronics and equipment.
Some of the highlights of the R2 certification include; high standards regarding the environmentally responsible processing of disassembled electronics from Sunnking’s properly licensed downstream vendors, as well as strict guidelines concerning the secure handling, wiping, and destruction of personal data from storage devices found in electronics such as desktops, laptops, copiers and other devices.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive certification program that captured the operational and environmental concerns of the industry, the EPA convened a multi-stakeholder process to develop the “Responsible Recycling Practices For Use In Accredited Certifications Programs” (R2). The multi-stakeholder group is comprised of the U.S. EPA, regulators from state agencies, electronics recyclers/refurbishers and their trade associations, as well as the manufacturers and customers of electronics recycling services.
The R2 Certification is currently housed at R2 Solutions, (www.r2solutins.org), which is a non-profit organization that conducts educational and outreach services and provides administrative support for the multi-stakeholder Governing Council.
Sunnking’s R2 Certification coincides with the NYS Electronics Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act, which was signed into law on May 28, 2010 by Governor David Paterson and requires manufacturers of electronic equipment (OEM’s) to accept electronic waste for collection, handling, recycling or reuse beginning April 1, 2011.
“This is an exciting time for Sunnking, and the residents and businesses in New York state,” says Duane Beckett, president and owner of Sunnking. “We have always strived for zero waste production through our electronics recycling practices, and achieving our R2 Certification is another way for Sunnking to continually improve our internal process to an even higher degree. Being the first and only R2 Certified electronics recycler in New York state is a great achievement that was not easy to attain, but we couldn’t have done it without the hard work and dedication from every single employee that we have.
Founded in 2000, Sunnking Inc., is an Electronics Recycling, Data Destruction and Asset Management company dealing in end of life electronic equipment. Their recycling facilities, which are located in Buffalo, Rochester and Brockport, specialize in refurbishing, reselling, and recycling electronic products from residential and commercial suppliers throughout New York state and surrounding areas. For information visit www.sunnking.com,. or phone 1-877-860-7866 or email sunnking@sunnking.com.
New Dock in Spencerport on Erie Canal
Work on the foundation of a new dock in Spencerport on the Erie Canal and near the Depot and Canal Museum has begun.
The dock will be approximately 300 feet long and have multiple tiers for small boats, large boats and an area for fishing. The foundation will include 70 caissons, 35 on two levels and is expected to be completed by April 18, before the canal is refilled and opened. Scott W. DeHollander, P.E. of the MRB Group, explains to Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene the work that is being done on the new Spencerport dock’s foundation on April 5.
Photograph by Dave Knox
Feature Story - Week of April 10, 2011
BBRR marks 25th anniversary with events centered on raptors
by Kristina Gabalski
Luke Tiller, the year's Hawk Counter at Braddock Bay State Park, is shown with some of the equipment he uses for spotting and counting hawks. Joining him is a Red-Tailed Hawk affectionately known as "Mr. Grumpy Pants." Photo by Kristina GabalskiThe months of March, April and May are always special ones at Braddock Bay Raptor Research because the annual spring migration is underway. This year is even more special, though, because it marks the 25th anniversary of BBRR, an all volunteer organization which works to preserve the area’s natural resources through focusing research and educational activities on the annual raptor migration.
The milestone will be celebrated during Bird of Prey Days, April 15, 16 and 17 at Braddock Bay Park, East Manitou Road, Greece.
Anne Schnell of Parma is co-chair of BBRR. She says the weekend begins with an opening night program on Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m. Paul Schnell of the Institute for Environmental Learning (and Anne’s husband), will present live Birds of Prey including hawks, owls, and Liberty the Bald Eagle.
Weekend activities are planned for all ages and include scheduled programs, field trips and Hawkwatch! - learn what raptors migrate here and see them in action. Participants can visit the Hawk Banding Station, take an Owl Prowl, play games and listen to stories with the Incredible Hawk and friends, walk a nature trail or broadwalk at Braddock Bay Park, browse displays from BBRR and other local wildlife organizations, support BBRR by shopping the sales table, adopt a hawk or become a BBRR member.
Refreshments are available Saturday and Sunday. Entry fee for the entire weekend is $3/adults (suggested donation); children are free.
Rochesterians Bill and Lauren McGuire do some bird watching from the platform near the hawk watch area. Photo by Walter HorylevA BBRR birthday party is planned for 6 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, and includes free cake and beverages. Live raptors will be on display and there will be a presentation on BBRR’s past, present and future.
“One of the neat things we do as an organization,” Anne Schnell says, “is hire someone to count the hawks that are migrating through.” Braddock Bay is a “hot spot” Schnell says. “It’s one of the best places in the nation to watch the spring hawk migration.”
Information gathered is shared with the Hawk Migration Association of North America, Schnell says. “It’s a national organization which keeps track of hawk watches across the country,” she says and its database allows other people to access trends in hawk migration.
Schnell explains that in the spring, hawks migrate north to their breeding grounds. “The south/south-west winds push the birds up to the lakeshore - they rely heavily on wind and thermals to travel,” she says.
Lake Ontario acts as a barrier as there are no thermals over the lake, so the hawks fly around the lake - some head east, others take the western route.
“At Braddock Bay, there is a spot where the shore dips down, creating a funnel effect,” Schnell says. “It funnels the birds into a larger group that goes right over our Braddock Bay Park and banding stations. The middle of April is the peak of the spring migration.”
At times the sky can be filled with hundreds of birds, Schnell says. In addition to hawks, eagles, falcons and owls also migrate through Braddock Bay.
“The data is really neat to look at,” she notes. Hawk counts at Braddock Bay number in the thousands, “ ... it’s important to preserve (Braddock Bay), song birds use it as well,” Schnell says.
The April 2011 newsletter for members of BBRR, “Inside the Kettle,” includes a summary chart of Spring Raptor Migration at Braddock Bay. According to the chart, which contains data going back as far as 1977, more than 1.6 million birds have been counted. Species include Bald Eagle, Golden Eagle, Osprey, Mississippi Kite, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Northern Goshawk and many more.
Luke Tiller studies a kettle (group) of turkey vultures over Lake Ontario. Photo by Walter HorylevBraddock Bay Raptor Research co-chair Daena Ford encourages people to come out and see for themselves. “We plan a lot of activities,” Ford says. “For Bird of Prey Days, we have all kinds of different things. We take people out into the field and bring out live birds. There are presentations and other programs on wildlife in the area,” she says.
This year’s BBRR Hawk Counter is Luke Tiller, a native of the United Kingdom. Tiller says he has been the hawk watcher at Quaker Ridge in Connecticut since 2009. He will return there for a third season this fall.
“It’s great to be at Braddock Bay,” he says. “It has an amazing reputation as one of the best places to watch migrating hawks. It’s great to be a part of that history. This area is beautiful, it has great birds - what’s not to like?”
Schnell and Tiller say they are seeing more species of birds that have been rare in our area - Sandhill Cranes and Black Vultures, for example.
“Everyday, something interesting happens,” Tiller notes.
A saw whet owl rests in the limbs of an evergreen over one of the muddy routes on the Owl Trail on the eastern side of Braddock Bay. Photograph by Walter HorylevHe says people are always amazed by the birds they see at Braddock Bay - including Bald Eagles. “People who have lived here for 30 years say I have never seen those (Bald Eagles), with some people it just clicks, it changes their lives, really.”
Tiller says he identifies the birds while they are in flight. Some birds may be as far as a mile away, while many others soar right over his head. “The defining characteristic (for each species) is the wing shape,” he says, “the way it flaps its wings.” Tiller says recognizing different species of birds becomes as easy as, “recognizing the people you know.”
Sports - Week of April 10, 2011
Brockport
Brockport basketball players honored at annual banquet
The Brockport Basketball Booster organization sponsored a banquet to honor players on both the boys and girls JV and Varsity teams. These students, likewise, honored their school and community with their dedication and determined play.
Girls JV Coach Christine Princehorn introduced her team and Coach Mike Kemp followed with the boys JV team.
Charlie Hage was presented with the Bill Corbin Award by Pat Corbin. Hage has been involved with Brockport’s basketball program for 40 years. He was JV coach under Bill Corbin and the two worked together for many years. Hage succeeded Corbin as varsity coach in 1988.
Girls varsity coach Orlando Benzan introduced his team. Most Improved Player was Jenna Clark; Alex Fisher was Most Valuable Player. The Katie Sweeting Award went to Marissa Sell, a dominant player who missed most of the season to injuries. Alex Fisher won the Bud Lester award for outstanding guard play. Coach Benzan returns six players and the team should be highly competitive next season.
Boys varsity coach Scott Schleede introduced his team. With an overall team academic average of 94, Brockport once again was recognized as a New York State Scholar Athlete team. Senior Nick Beers was presented with the Doug Westcott Award. Most Improved Player was Julian Ekeze and Most Valuable Player was Markell Collins. Mike Worboys won the Bud Lester Award for his outstanding play at the point. With nine players, including three starters, returning, the Blue Devils should have a successful 2011-12 season.
submitted by Bob Iveson
Churchville-Chili
Picardo, Zimmerman lead Saints
by Warren Kozireski
Sophomore Nicole Picardo scored five goals and classmate Carly Zimmerman scored twice while adding three assists as Churchville-Chili registered their first win of the young season by defeating Spencerport 13-2 in girls lacrosse.
The Saints jumped out to an early lead as Picardo collected a pass from Gina Akel and scored just 46 seconds into the contest.
C-C made it 3-0 with two goals, 1:10 apart, later in the first half. Ally Vaccaro went low to find the net at 9:42 after Akel scored at 8:32. Picardo finished off a triangle passing play that included Lauren Noyes at 16:12 to make it 4-0.
Spencerport got on the board at 18:54 of the first half when Lexi Zicari scored on the break after a pass by Rayna Plouffe.
But the Saints scored twice more before the halftime horn. Picardo found the net after a Zimmerman pass at 21:41 and Zimmerman scored the first of her two after stealing the ball in the final minute of the half.
The Saints scored seven unanswered goals in the second half with Kristi Korn (2), Picardo (2), Kayla Brahm, Zimmerman and Taylor Fletcher all tallying.
The Rangers managed their second goal of the game with three minutes remaining as junior Brianna Morphet and senior Tori Williamson teamed up.
School District News - Week of April 10, 2011
Brockport
BCSD junior performs at Music Educator’s National Conference
Mya Pennington, BHS juniorMya Pennington represented Brockport Central Schools at the Music Educator’s National Conference All Eastern convention March 31 through April 3 in Baltimore. Mya was selected because of her solo scores at recent New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) festivals to be one of only 13 percussionists from the 11 eastern seaboard states to play that weekend. She was a member of the All Eastern Orchestra and performed Jupiter from Holst’s “The Planets” and Michael Abels’ “Global Warming” under the baton of Daniel Long from Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Mya is the daughter of Bruce and Taysie Pennington. She is a student of Andrew Stoker and Shawn Halquist at Brockport High School where she is a junior and studies privately with Jillian Pritchard. Mya plans to pursue a degree in percussion performance.
Submitted photo
Byron-Bergen
Online Classroom expands learning options
Byron-Bergen Central School District partnered with Aventa Learning to offer a range of online courses aimed at expanding learning opportunities for high school students.
In its second year, district representatives report satisfaction with the success its students have experienced with the online curriculum.
Sydni Casper, a 10th grader at Byron-Bergen High School, is currently enrolled in Aventa’s Flash Animation course, which counts as an elective for her high school graduation requirements.
“My experience at first was confusing because I was trying to become familiar with the online environment and the software (Adobe CS4 Flash Animation) I needed,”: said Sydni. “However, the program is pretty cool. I have learned a lot about Flash Animation.”
Byron-Bergen CSD Instructional Technology Specialist Stryker Ostafew is the mentor/liaison between the district and Aventa Learning. Ostafew provides on-site help to students.
“Aventa is great because students can take courses that we don’t offer,” said Ostafew. “For example, students are able to take languages like French, Chinese, or Italian. Aventa is also beneficial for students who need a class that they do not have time for in their schedules. With Aventa they can do the class at home or in a public library.”
The variety of options Aventa Learning offers students, like Syndi, provides them with viable options that align with their interests and college and career goals, according to Byron-Bergen High School Principal Aaron Johnson.
“Another clear benefit of these courses is that they subject our students to instructional methods that are prevalent in almost all colleges,” said Johnson. “Most college courses use an online interface, like Blackboard, for teacher-student and student-student communication. Our goal for Byron-Bergen graduates is to have an experience that will prepare them to thrive on such resources.”
For Sydni, Flash Animation is helping her see the benefits of incorporating the animation software into her other subject areas.
“Flash can help me with English for example - I could make interactive images/movies to go along with my projects instead of just using PowerPoint or something like that,” said Sydni.
Provided information
Churchville-Chili
Churchville-Chili FIRST Robotics Competition students repeat Volunteer Service Award
Ten For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition Team 340 students at Churchville-Chili High School received The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) from the Office of the President of the United States for volunteering more than 100 hours in a year. In the past three years 40 awards have been received by FIRST Team 340 members.
The certificate, letter from President Obama, and pin were awarded from the Points of Light Institute. Students received a bronze pin and certificates for 100 hours, silver pin and certificate for more than 175 hours and gold pin and certificate for more than 250 hours of volunteer service.
Churchville-Chili FIRST Team 340 students participated in the following volunteer projects this year: Peruvian Project 5K, County Executive Day at the Beach, Book Fair at CRS Elementary School, collecting books for Reach Out and Read and demonstrating their robots at Monroe County and New York State fairs.
This year at the regional competition, FIRST Team 340 earned the FIRST Robotics Competition’s (FRC) most prestigious honor and highest award of The Chairman’s Award for volunteering in the community, educate younger students about math, science and technology and being a model team.
The following students from Churchville Chili FIRST Robotics Team 340 received the PVSA award:
•Volunteering in 2009: Matt Apps, Stephanie Bischoping, Erin Brunelle, Matthew Brunelle, Timothy Buckley, John Finn, Juliana Lawniczak, John Maffett, Stephen Williamson and Kathryn Zelak.
•Volunteering in 2010: Matthew Apps, Alex Bischoping, Zach Bischoping, Erin Brunelle, Laura Brunelle, Bryan Doung, Christa Lawniczak, Juliana Lawniczak, John Maffett, Luke Nobles, Taylor Nobles, Tyler Poole, Dillan Sayers, Ian Shelansky, Stephen Williamson, Jennifer Wilson, Kathryn Zelak, and Michele Zyla.
•Volunteering in 2011: Jackson Anderson, Zach Bischoping, Erin Brunelle, Laura Brunelle, Joel Ferrigno, Christa Lawniczak, Benjamin Maysick, Dilan Sayers, Rebecca Wasmer and Michelle Zyla.
Provided information
Churchville-Chili 5/6 Service Club 2nd Annual Food Drive
The Churchville-Chili 5/6 Service Club celebrated their second annual food drive for Aurora House, a hospice that opened in 2010.
Teaching assistant and advisor Susan Prevost created the Food and Paper Good Drive last year, and the Service Club decided to make it their annual event. More than six boxes of donated items were presented to Karen Kuebler, the registered nurse for Aurora House. Students were eager and excited to collect and present their donations to Aurora House.
The Churchville-Chili 5/6 Service Club gives students the opportunity to volunteer their time and efforts to help others.
Provided photo
Hilton HS Drumline’s Percussion Places at NYS Circuit Championship
Under the direction of Hilton CSD faculty member Tim Stodd, instrumental music teacher at Northwood Elementary School, the Hilton HS Drumline Percussion group completed their 2011 competition season April 3 by placing second in the New York State Percussion Circuit Championships held at the Gordon Field House at RIT.
Hilton competed in the Percussion Scholastic Regional Open division, the highest scholastic division in the NYSPC. Twenty-one ensembles competed in the annual event. Competing ensembles represented western and upstate New York, as well as Pennsylvania.
Hilton also advanced to the Finals at the WGI Percussion Regional in Norristown, Pennsylvania held on March 26.
Hilton has now placed first or second in every NYSPC Championship since its inception in 1996.
Provided photo
Hilton’s Village Elementary School sixth graders perform “Gymnastics Around the World” March 23
Sixty-eight Village Elementary School gymnasts directed by PE teachers Shannon Ingles and Pam Stadtmiller performed intricate gymnastic numbers which represented landmarks from around the world including the Statue of Liberty (pictured) as well as Niagara Falls and the Eiffel Tower.
Over 200 parents, teachers and family members were in attendance.
Provided photo
Holley
Holley inducts 28 into National Junior Honor Society
Holley Middle School/High School held its 23rd Annual Induction Ceremony on March 17 to welcome 28 seventh and eighth graders into the Holley Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. During the ceremony, current members went into the audience and brought new members up on stage. NJHS officers then described the qualities required for membership - character, scholarship, leadership, service and citizenship - and lit a candle symbolizing each of the qualities.
Superintendent Robert D’Angelo and Director of Student Services Susan Cory welcomed the new members with certificates, and the new inductees recited the NJHS oath.
Amy Ostrom, Holley teacher, coach and graduate, was the guest speaker. She spoke about the five qualities of National Junior Honor Society membership. “Scholarship is much more than getting straight A’s. It is a lifelong love of learning,” she said. “Knowing that you mastered a difficult subject is an awesome reward.”
In order to be eligible for the National Junior Honor Society, students must have an academic average of at least 90 percent; they must apply for the honor, and be selected by a faculty council based on the five qualities of membership.
The new inductees are: eighth graders Gabrielle Adams-Rodriquez, Jonathan Bower, Maria DeGuzman, Sarah Lusk, and Andrew Rowley; and seventh graders Helen Alemu, Xander Apicella, Emily Bailey, Braden Clark, Flint DiLella, Gillian Gallets, Mikayla Hargreaves, Anne Jewell, Melanie Klossner, Salina Merriam, Kristen Nenni, Jessica Riis, Alaina Roniger, Riley Sanger, Jared Scherer, Brittney Shattuck, Ricci Shenck, Nikki Siplo, Mikala Smith, Zachary Trask, Courtney Winkley, Heather Winkley, and Ann Yaroshchuk.
Current members are: President Claudia Passarell, Vice Presidents Nicole Boyle and Taylor DeSimone, Secretary Nicole Mauro, Treasurer Nicole Blackburn, Leah Baker, Elenna Bibby, Brianna Davis, Joseph DeFelice, Tyler Dibelka, Daniel Flanagan, Bailey Flint, Gunter Hotchkiss, Ethan Jutrowski, Shannon Kelly, Alicia Lutes, Tessa McArthur, Savannah Merriam, Bailey Papaj, Ian Penders, Emily Radford, Lexi Reyngoudt, Andrianna Shepherd, Emily Skehan, Jessica Skehan, Darlene Sommerfeldt, Jade Underwood, Sarah Wharram, and Morgan Zona.
Provided information
Holley students share love of reading
Holley Elementary School’s Character Club recently created bookmarks to send to the Golisano Children’s Hospital along with over 100 used books that were donated by Holley families and the PTSA.
The students wrote on each bookmark, “Holley Elementary Kids with Character” and their names.
Each month, a group of students, who have been recognized for demonstrating good character, is selected to spend about 30 minutes on a community service project together. Here, Brianna Glover, who is in Katie Trupo’s first grade class, works hard on creating her bookmark.
Provided photo
Kendall
Kendall senior ranks among top 100 in region
Kendall senior Emily Thiel has been among this year’s list of the 100 most outstanding high school seniors in the eight-county region.
“This is a truly impressive honor,” said Jack Connors, president and publisher of Business First. “The Academic Team is an extraordinarily exclusive group. There are roughly 20,000 seniors in Western New York’s high schools, and only 100 have met the stringent standards to make this year’s Academic Team. That’s the top one-half of one percent, the best and brightest students we have.”
The Business First Academic Team program is designed to spotlight students who pursue excellence both in and out of the classroom. The committee chose this year’s winners based on their records of academic achievement, school leadership and community involvement. The top 25 were named to the First Team, 25 runners-up to the Second Team, and another 50 to the Special Mention list.
Emily, 17, is involved in band throughout the year, as well as track, MasterMinds and 4-H. She’s currently got a GPA of 99.21. Her secret to success is to “stay on top of things” and to take on new challenges.
“Challenge yourself, and if there is a course that seems too difficult, take it anyways because your teachers will help you,” Emily said. “Just don’t let yourself fall behind in your school work.”
Emily is currently earning college credits through SUNY Brockport’s 3-1-3 program and she works at the College at Brockport Bookstore. The daughter of Warren and Gail Thiel, Emily said she plans to attend Elmira College this fall where she’d like to major in Environmental Studies.
“I don’t feel there’s enough being done on climate change,” said Emily. “My family’s always been big on the environment. When you are from a rural community like Kendall, it’s clear the people in this community have a tie to nature.”
Emily’s family owns Black North Farms in Kendall.
Schools throughout the eight-county region were asked to nominate their smartest and most accomplished students for consideration by a 10-member committee, which included eight admissions directors at area colleges and two Business First editors. A total of 113 schools responded with 410 nominees. The complete list of 100 honorees, along with their photos and profiles, will be published in Business First’s 2011-2012 Guide to Western New York Schools, which will hit newsstands on June 10.
Provided information
Obituaries - Week of April 10, 2011
ALBION
•King, Eloise L., age 93 of Oak Orchard Estates, died March 31, 2011 in The Village of Orleans following a brief illness. She was born September 18, 1917 in Rochester to Harold and Anna (Phelps) Wahl and had lived in this area for 26 years. Eloise was a member of the Albion Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Mrs. King was predeceased by a brother Glenn Wahl and a sister June Jeunesse. She is survived by her sons, Stanley (Cora) King of California, Wayne King of Oakfield; her daughters, Susan Dowe of Albion, Gertrude VanEps of Fancher; grandchildren, Stephanie, David, Diane, Kenneth; two great grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Albion. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the Albion Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in her memory.
BERGEN
•Burns, Pauline, April 3, 2011, at the age of 94. She is survived by her daughters, Marie Ryan and Carole (Edward T.) Conte; her granddaughters, Jennifer Ryan, Jan (John) Conte-Kelly and Jill Coakley; eight great grandchildren and two great great granddaughters; several nieces and nephews. Pauline was a member of Rochester Telephone Pioneers and Past President of American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Bergen.
A Prayer Service was said April 7 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Interment, North Byron Cemetery.
BROCKPORT
•Ryan, Madeline B. (Buckley) (Lamb), April 4, 2011. Predeceased by her husbands, John Lamb and Maurice Ryan. She is survived by great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Madeline is a 42 year retiree of Kodak; was active in the American Legion and V.F.W. Auxiliaries, Brockport Elkettes and a member of the Rosary Society of Nativity B.V.M.
A Funeral Mass was said April 8 at the Nativity B.V.M., Brockport. Interment, Riverside Cemetery. Masses said and donations to Lollypop Farm in her memory would be appreciated.
•Spoth, Rosemarie, April 2, 2011 at age 75. She is predeceased by her husband, Robert J. Spoth and sister, Margaret Jones. She is survived by her children, Robert J. (Irene) Spoth, Linda (Daniel) Burns; grandchildren, James Robert Gunn, Michael J. Gunn and fiancee Trish Kelley, John Robert Spoth; great-grandson, Jesse James Gunn; sister, Mary (Bob) Symonds; brother, Edward (Kathy) Jones; several nieces and nephews. Rosemarie was a retiree of Genesee Region Homecare after 10 years of service.
Funeral Services were held April 7 at the New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment Lakeview Cemetery, Brockport. Contributions can be directed to the Beikirch Care Center, 170 West Avenue, Brockport 14420 in her memory.
CLARKSON
•Kluge, Kathleen “Kathy,” Suddenly on March 30, 2011 at age 63. She is predeceased by her mother, Margaret Kluge (Knobel). Survived by her father, Otto E. Kluge; sister, Elaine (Alan) Kluge Townsend; nephew, Evan (Chris Berg) Townsend; niece, Lissa (Mike Jasinowski) Townsend; cousins, Linda (William) Oette and Judy Hamberger; long-time friend, Gloria Honan and many close childhood friends. Kathy was an active member of the Genesee Valley Orchid Society.
A Memorial Service was held April 2 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the Rochester Eye and Tissue Bank, 524 White Spruce Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Fagan, Douglas N., On April 1, 2011, age 68. He is survived by his wife, Renee; daughter, Kimberly A. Kruger; son, Patrick (Lucy) Fagan; brother, William (Donna) Fagan; sister, Marilyn (Edward) Costich; grandchildren, Tricia, Kassandra and Jason Kruger, Brianna and Makenna Fagan; many nieces, nephews and friends. Douglas was a past chief and commissioner of the Morton Fire Department.
A Memorial Mass was said April 9 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to the Rochester Veterans Outreach Center in his memory.
HILTON
•Bell, James J. “Jim” Sr., March 29, 2011. Predeceased by his parents, John and Gertrude Bell; brother, Thomas “Tom” Bell. Jim is survived by his wife, Beverly A. “Bev” (McDonald) Bell; children, Christine (fiance Mike Gurski) Janas, James “Jim” Jr. (Karen) Bell, Erin (Patrick) Palmer, Shannon Bell; grandchildren, Zachary, Hannah, Noah and Emma Janas, Jimmy III, Kylie, Justin, Kaitlyn and Jack Thomas Bell, Maura, Conor, Bridget and Liam Palmer, Aidan James Bell, Cory and Ryan Gurski; siblings, John P. “Pat” (Kathy) Bell, Robert “Bob” Bell, Joseph “Joe” (Mary) Bell, Richard “Dick” (fiancee MaryAnn Bittner) Bell, Lawrence “Larry” (Eileen) Bell, Elizabeth “Beth” Pisa; cousin, Father Jack O’Connor; sisters-in-law, Linda Bell, Maureen (Mark) Vahue; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 4 at St. Mark’s Church, Greece. Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimers Association, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in his memory.
•Denaro, John A., March 30, 2011. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Louise; daughters, Marie (Mike LiPary) Nelson and Bonnie (Glenn) Fleischhauer, sons, John (Nerissa) and James; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sisters and a brother; also nieces, nephews, dear friend, Kim Henchen; many other dear friends.
His Funeral Mass was said April 4 at St. Lawrence Church, Greece. Contributions can be made to Geriatric Neurology Education Gifts, 300 East River Road, Suite 208, Rochester, 14627 Att: Katie Bresnan in his memory.
•Hutchey, Michael D., Suddenly February 4, 2011 in Dublin, Georgia. Predeceased by parents, Betty and Don Hutchey. Survived by daughter Jennifer (Anthony) Florio; three grandchildren, Mia, Alex and A.J.; sister, Betty (Lee) Henner; three nieces, Leanne (Joseph) Polvino, Susan (Cory) Mee and Michelle (Dale Marshall) Henner.
A Memorial Mass was said April 9 at St. Leo the Great Church, Hilton.
KENDALL
•Knobloch, Max (Bernie), of Ronald, Washington, formerly of Kendall. Died March 23, 2011. Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, parents Max E. and Louise Knobloch, brother, Karl Knobloch and niece Karen Fleming. He is survived by stepsons David (Kathy) Smith, Richard (Deborah) Smith; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; nieces Carla (Paul) Hennekey and Patty (Terry) Fleming. Bernie was a past master of Social Lodge #713 F.&A.M.
Bernie and Dorothy spent many years living in the Cascade Mountains enjoying hiking, camping, horseback riding and snowmobiling.
OGDEN
•Bauer, Amy C., April 3, 2011 at age 52. Predeceased by her mother, Christina Plasschaert. She is survived by her husband, Albert Bauer; father, Cy (Dolores Schmidt) Plasschaert; sisters, Debby (Walter) Williams, Donna (James Koch) Plasschaert; uncles, Dr. Charles (Sue) and Michael Thomas; sisters-in-law, Marybeth (Brian) Swiderski, Sharon (Mark) Bauer, Melinda (Matt) Abate, Patricia (Chris) Adamkowski.
A Memorial Mass was said April 7 at Blessed Kateri at St. Margaret Mary Church. Interment private. Contributions can be directed to American Diabetes Association, 160 Allens Creek Road, Building 160, 1st Floor, Rochester, NY 14618 or Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.
SPENCERPORT
•DeWaters, Lois Davis (Britton), On April 1, 2011, age 89. Predeceased by Ward A. Britton Sr. (husband); Lynn DeWaters (step-daughter). She is survived by her husband, Charles L. DeWaters; children, Dianne (Everett) Weaver, Allen (Cathy) Britton, Gail Hoffman and Mary (Marshall) Reazor; sister, Onylee Gratzer; step-children, Robert (Lori) DeWaters, Sharon (Francis) Schwalm, Lori (Jay) Johnson; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service was held April 4 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be sent to the Hilton United Methodist Church or National Kidney Foundation in her memory.
•Handley, Ralph A., Suddenly, April 2, 2011 at age 73. He is predeceased by his parents, Elizabeth and Howard Handley; brother, Richard, sister, Dianna. Survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Nancy; sons, Mark (Kim) Handley, James (Nancy) Handley; grandchildren, Travis, Sarah and Janelle Handley; brothers, Howard (Marie), Carl (Kary) Charles (Nora) of Las Vegas, John (Mary Jane), Dennis (Cindy) Morley, Frederick Morley; sisters, Shirley Beam, Denise (Lenny) Gentile of Naples, Florida, Debra Morley, Charlene Handley, Sharon, Patricia (Dan) Panek of North Carolina and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was a retiree of the US Navy after 24 years of service; also a retiree of the Xerox Corp. He was active in Cure Childhood Cancer Association, a board member of Our Lady of Victory in Lackawanna (Father Baker’s); past Grand Knight, former District Deputy and a former Master 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus.
A Funeral Mass was held April 7 at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Gates. Interment, Arlington National Cemetery. Contributions can be directed to Our Lady of Victory, Baker Victory Services in Lackawanna, NY, 767 Ridge Road, Lackawanna, NY 14218 or to Cure Childhood Cancer Association, 200 Westfall Road, Rochester NY 14620 in his memory.
•Weber, Frederick R., April 3, 2011. Survived by his wife of 44 years, Odile Weber; son, Frederick (Heather) Weber; daughter, Caroline (Douglas) Bartell; grandchildren, Samantha and Benjamin Weber; sisters, Elaine (Ted) Schoonmaker, Arlene Crane; brother, Bill Weber; many nieces and nephews and many loving pets. Fred was a member of the Genesee Conservation League.
Funeral Services were held April 8 at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm in his memory.
ARCHIVES - April 3, 2011
Local News - Week of April 3, 2011
Braddock Bay Raptor Research Celebrates 25th Anniversary
On the late March Friday when the photo was taken, the vast skyline at Braddock Bay Park was bird-less, but such is not the case lately as migratory birds including raptors such as hawks migrate along the Lake Ontario shoreline.
Braddock Bay Raptor Research (BBRR) celebrates its 25th anniversary with activities for everyone Friday evening, April 15 and Saturday and Sunday, April 16 and 17 at Braddock Bay Park Lodge, 199 East Manitou Road, Greece.
Photo of the hawk watch platform at Braddock Bay by Kristina Gabalski.
Control Board considers recent rise in levels of Lake Ontario
The International St. Lawrence River Board of Control (Board) recently reviewed conditions in the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system. The Board has decided to continue to release outflows in accordance with the regulation plan as much as possible. Outflows will be adjusted as needed to manage the remaining ice cover in the river. Flows may also be adjusted to avoid flooding or other extreme water level conditions in the river, or to meet critical hydropower and navigation needs, according to a press release.
The supply of water received by Lake Ontario was below average in January and February. Heavy rains, accompanied by the melting of much of the snow pack, caused a sharp rise in levels both on Lake Ontario and in the Montreal area the first half of March. Lake Ontario went from well below average to reaching its long-term average in mid-March. The level of Lake Ontario is presently at 74.73 m (245.18 ft.), which is about 3 cm (1.2 in.) below average for this time of year. With much of the snowpack melted and now in the lake, any further seasonal rise in levels will depend largely on the amount of spring precipitation. Some additional rise may be expected from rainfall as the ground is wet and unable, right now, to absorb the rains. However, there is almost no risk of Lake Ontario reaching either its upper or lower level limits in 2011. Water levels on Lake St. Lawrence have generally been above average the past three months, and are currently about 3 cm (1.2 in.) above average for this time of year.
Levels of the St. Lawrence River near Montreal have generally been near or below average the past three months, except for the recent heavy rains and snowmelt, when they rose sharply before falling back to near average. Levels remained below the flood alert levels.
Water levels on both Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River can vary considerably from year to year. The Board urges everyone to be prepared to live within the range of levels specified in the Orders of Approval. For Lake Ontario, the upper limit for monthly mean levels is 75.37 m (247.3 ft.), the lower limit (from April to December) is 74.15 m (243.4 ft.), a range of 1.22 m (4 ft.). Levels on the river can vary more widely.
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Village Court still an issue in Brockport
PD Investigation goes to police agencies
by Kristina Gabalski
Members of the Brockport Village Board continue to discuss the possibility of forming a village court.
During their regular meeting on March 23, board members voted down creating the position of village justice and acting village justice/part-time by a split vote of 3-2. Trustee Scott Hunsinger and Carol Hannan voted yes, Mayor Connie Castaneda, Deputy Mayor Dan Kuhn and Trustee Kent Blair voted no.
Creating the positions would be the first step in creating a village court, Hunsinger said.
Trustee Kent Blair said he feels a court is needed. He voted no at the time because, “… I need to understand it more,” he said.
Village board members have been debating the costs and benefits of a village court for weeks. The village court ad hoc committee concluded that a village court is feasible.
“It was the unanimous decision of the ad hoc committee to move forward,” Hunsinger said.
He noted that the state is pulling back on grant money formerly available to help establish courts. “We are not looking to make money (with a village court),” Trustee Hunsinger said, “we are looking at providing the village with a complete circle of justice.”
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Susan Smith, who served on the Village Court ad hoc committee, said the village would benefit from a village court - “… we need to have a more efficient and effective village focused court system,” she said.
Mayor Connie Castaneda has been critical of the idea of forming a court. “The public needs to be aware of exactly what is going to be done and what it will cost,” she said.
Mayor Castaneda said village treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy spoke with the state Office of Justice Court Support and found there is no money available for creating a court. The mayor said the village was also told, “ … submitted to New York state … the village has no discretion in distribution of fines.”
Deputy Mayor Dan Kuhn said, “… we are going in the wrong direction. Village courts cost money.”
Hunsinger told Westside News Inc. that if the village does eventually approve the justice positions, “ … the process of creating a village court begins.” A public hearing would be scheduled and voters could petition for a permissive referendum allowing them to vote directly on the issue.
Also during the March 23 regular meeting, Trustee Scott Hunsinger gave an update on the investigation into allegations of wrongdoing by members of the Brockport Police Department.
The allegations were made on the Democrat and Chronicle daily newspaper website and the village board requested that the Monroe County District Attorney investigate.
The DA’s Office responded that they do not conduct criminal investigations of anonymous hearsay.
Trustee Hunsinger said the same information originally sent to the DA should now be sent to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, “… for further investigation of the allegations against the police department,” he said.
Board members voted unanimously to send the information packet to the two police agencies.
Brockport village seeks more input in fire district creation
by Kristina Gabalski
The towns of Sweden and Clarkson and the Village of Brockport are taking more time before proceeding with a process that would form a joint fire district.
During a joint meeting of all three boards held Tuesday, March 29, leaders agreed to form a committee that would allow the village an opportunity to be more involved in discussions regarding fire district formation.
The meeting was originally scheduled to call for a public hearing on the creation of a joint fire district.
“We felt it was important to sit down and talk with the village,” Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball told Westside News Inc. “The outcome will be whatever the outcome will be. We hope to work to a mutual conclusion.”
He said that the committee discussions would create a 30-day delay in the joint fire district formation process.
Supervisor Kimball added that both the towns of Clarkson and Sweden will continue to study possible alternatives should the village decided not to participate in formation of a joint fire district. “If it fails, we can then move forward by ourselves,” he said.
Each board has chosen two of its members to be a part of the newly formed committee. Supervisor Jack Milner and Councilmember Pat Connors will represent the Town of Sweden. Supervisor Paul Kimball and Councilmember Christa Filipowicz will represent the Town of Clarkson and Mayor Connie Castaneda and Trustee Scott Hunsinger will represent the Village of Brockport. Attorneys for each of the three municipalities will also be a part of the committee.
The first committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5 at 4 p.m. in the Board Room of the Sweden Town Hall.
“Let’s get it going,” Sweden Supervisor Jack Milner said during the meeting. “We’ll start from the beginning, lay a few things on the table and see what we can do with it.”
C-C district surveys residents on budget priorities
by Kristina Gabalski
Officials in the Churchville-Chili Central School District say they are waiting until April 12 to announce final budget reductions.
“We are delaying the final numbers for two reasons,” says Frank Nardone, Assistant Superintendent for Business. “We are waiting for the governor to let us know about state aid and we are reviewing the survey.”
The district has been conducting a survey of residents to see what items they feel should be a priority and what should be cut. “We are looking at the survey very closely,” Nardone says.
He says by April 12, the district also hopes to have final figures on what state aid will be. The initial proposed figures mean a net loss of $1.8 million for the district, Nardone says.
The current proposed 2011/2012 budget is $71.8 million. That reflects an increase of slightly over two percent from the prior year, he says. Nardone adds that all figures will likely change by April 12.
The preliminary budget includes cutting of six staff positions, which will be accomplished by attrition. Fourteen teachers are retiring and only ten will be replaced, Nardone says, five non-instructional staff are retiring and only three will be replaced. Those numbers, too, are subject to change, he says.
The district is working to close a projected budget gap of $5.6 million, Nardone says. A combination of reductions, use of reserves and raising taxes are being considered to close that gap.
The district will work to keep the tax levy increase to around two percent, he said.
“We are in a state that is in a financial crisis,” Nardone notes. “We have received significant cuts in our aid.”
Over the last few years, he says, the district has lost $4 million due to cuts while at the same time costs for items like benefits and retirement have increased.
The district does not want to close the gap solely through taxes, Nardone says. “We feel for the community, we want to keep taxes at a conservative level,” he says. “We are putting a lot of reserve money on the table.
The final budget will be presented at a Board of Education meeting April 12, Nardone says, and the board will vote on the budget at that time.
Hilton restores funding for hockey in proposed budget
by Kristina Gabalski
Although district officials at Hilton Central are working to find ways to deal with proposed state budget cuts, they have been able to make some restorations to the second draft of the budget, including Varsity Ice Hockey.
Assistant Superintendent for Business Steve Ayers said when the governor’s budget numbers were released in February, the district thought the calculated BOCES aid amounts were erroneously low.
“We have worked with our local BOCES and the state and have determined that New York state had based their projections on incorrect data, and we have had these amounts corrected,” Ayers said. “That will result in an increase in the amount of aid to be received over the amount projected by the state in February. That was the major change in available revenues in the second draft budget that made several restorations possible, including ice hockey.”
The community rallied around the ice hockey program and Randy Jensen, president of the Hilton Hockey Booster Club, said he is very happy to have the funding restored. “We worked with the administration and the Board of Education,” he said. “It was not adversarial. These are tough budget times, we worked together on it.”
Jensen said the community needs to do better to preserve athletic, music, drama and other programs beyond next year.
“The administration and organizations need to come up with solutions,” he said. “We can be leaders. The kids are looking for leaders to solve these problems.”
The Varsity Ice Hockey team is comprised of 28 players, Jensen said. He noted $29,117 was restored to the 2011/2012 budget to save the program.
“We lost one of the assistant coaches,” he said. “The Booster Club will take care of that cut with additional fundraising to help the assistant coach come back. If we need to hold an extra car wash ... we will do that. The boys are raising funds to help the program out. It’s about them being responsible and making sure they have the program. It also teaches them to respect other peoples’ opinions and teaches kids about being active in their community.”
Jensen’s son graduated from Hilton in 2006. Jensen said he has remained actively involved with the ice hockey team because, “I believe in the program and the coaches. We need athletics,” he said.
Jensen credits his son’s post-high school success to the education he received at Hilton Central and to his participation on the ice hockey team. He said his son was able to become a Congressional page and White House intern thanks to recommendations written by his former ice hockey coaches.
“I can never, ever repay the program,” Jensen said. Playing ice hockey “ ... taught my son how to be a man.”
Hilton plans wall display to honor area veterans
by Mark Ball
The fight for freedom has many faces. The Village of Hilton is organizing an effort to immortalize some of those faces in a display located on the first floor of the Community Center at 59 Henry Street. The village is now accepting photos of men and women who have served, or are serving, in a branch of the military.
The goal is to bring attention to these heroes by placing this display in a high traffic area of the center.
“This will help us to never forget,” said Hilton Mayor Joe Lee. There is no fee to contribute a photo for the display, but the village is accepting donations to help support the effort. Lee said the project is already receiving strong support from local community groups.
Lee said the village historian will be providing photos of some Parma Civil War veterans to include in the display.
The goal is to have the wall prepared by Memorial Day. Lee said he has had this idea for a long time and he is pleased that the village is supporting this effort. Lee described a “void” that he feels for not being able to serve in the military due to health reasons.
“I’ve got to be able to do something (to support the military),” he said. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to stop by the Community Center, download an application from the web at www.hiltonny.org, or call Lee at 794-7045.
When sending a photo make sure to include the name of the service person, branch of the military, rank and dates of service, along with a phone number to be used if needed.
There is also an outdoor display located near the gazebo in which people can purchase bricks to be engraved to honor military personnel. Applications to participate in that display are also available in the Village Office, 59 Henry Street.
Spencerport budget still in revision
by Kristina Gabalski
The Spencerport School District 2011-2012 proposed budget is “ ... still a work in progress,” Superintendent Bonnie Seaburn says. “We are looking at making some revisions. We are operating under the governor’s state aid proposal.” That proposal cuts the district’s aid by $1.8 million.
“We are working to keep the community informed every step of the way,” Seaburn says. “Changes can still be made along the way.” The district is considering a plan that includes $2.5 million in reductions. “We want to keep cuts away from the classroom,” Seaburn says.
The district has developed a three-tier system for reductions that helps to prioritize and fine-tune where cuts might be made without completely eliminating programs.
•Tier 1 includes reductions that relate to declining enrollment and service programs that were purchased using stimulus funds which have been used up.
As an example, Seaburn points to the district’s literary coaches which will be cut. “We no longer have stimulus money for those positions,” she says.
•Tier 2 is made up of finely-tuned reductions in programs, as opposed to elimination.
As an example, Seaburn cites Kindergarten through Grade 5 Music/Art and Physical Education programs which are currently on a six day rotation.
The proposal would reduce those classes, Seaburn says, but not eliminate them. Instead of 60 classes each of music, art and physical education each year, K-5 students would receive 45, she says.
Seaburn says the music classes proposed to be reduced are general music classes and not band. “Parents are worried about band,” she says. “It is not being touched, band has been left intact.”
The district plans to add library and computer technology to the K-5 curriculum, Seaburn says. “Kindergarten through grade 5 needs this curriculum including computer technology as a skill set for middle school. We are adding what we feel is valuable curriculum,” she says. “Library and technology will be added to the mix.”
•Tier 3 is “purely staff reductions,” Seaburn says. She notes the Family Support center housed at the district office which provides free counseling, will be reduced to one counselor, for example.
“Our single focus has been not impacting class size,” Seaburn says. “We want to keep class size the same. The teacher makes the primary difference for students.”
She notes the district is currently refining the number of staff cuts proposed. “If we do receive money back from the state,” she says, “the district will work backwards, restoring funds first to Tier 3 then 2 then 1.”
The board is reviewing potential reductions in staff which might total 10. Changes in state aid could affect the final outcome on staff cuts.
There will be a tax rate increase, Seaburn says. The district doesn’t know the number yet, she adds.
“Nothing is definite, it is still a work in progress,” Seaburn says.
Incoming Superintendent Michael Crumb, who currently serves as deputy superintendent, says he expects a smooth transition. “I’ve been involved with the budget the last three years,” Crumb says. “As incoming superintendent, I’m committed to the mission of the district to educate and inspire each student.”
Crumb says that the district is working to make sure the reductions have a minimal impact on the education of the district’s students.
Seaburn says she appreciates the support of the community during the annual budget process. “We are trying to keep the community informed and remain transparent,” she says, “we want people to understand the decisions we are making.”
Cooperative Extension wins grants from NYS 4-H Foundation
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has been awarded a $12,255 4-H program grant for the “4-H Sustainable Energy, Get Up and GO” program and the Institute for Resource Information Sciences (IRIS) and the NYS 4-H Geospatial Sciences “Learning from a Distance - Seeing New York from a New Perspective” program which will receive a grant of $8,700. 4-H Youth Development Educator Charles “Chip” Malone has been an instrumental partner in both of these new programs, according to a press release.
“The 4-H Foundation is genuinely pleased to be able to award these program grants, which will provide 4-H youth throughout the state with more opportunities to gain knowledge, learn skills and develop positive character traits,” said Tom Facer, chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees. “These grants are only possible through the support of our donors who are committed to 4-H because they believe in the results it achieves with young people.”
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County program, “4-H Sustainable Energy, Get Up and GO,” will give youth the opportunity to actually produce small amounts of renewable energy. Youth and leaders will learn about the sources of renewable energy, and see how it is generated and converted into usable power by creating energy from solar, wind and bio fuel sources on a small scale.
In addition to the creation of curriculum and training on sustainable energy, the grant from the NYS 4-H Foundation will help to develop four portable sustainable energy demonstration units that can be used with youth across the state. Each unit will include solar, wind and bio fuel modules that youth and volunteers can use to create small amounts of sustainable energy.
“This grant will make it more accessible for youth, leaders and volunteers around the state to learn how renewable energy can be generated by actually experiencing the process,” said Charles Malone, 4-H Youth Development Energy Program Coordinator.
The project from the Cornell IRIS and the NYS 4-H Geospatial Sciences Program, “Learning from a Distance - Seeing New York from a New Perspective,” will harness the expertise of both NASA and Pictometry, Inc., an industry leader in the collection of geo-referenced oblique aerial images, to give 4-H youth and leaders the opportunity to learn about and experience remote sensing technology and how it can be used to study our world.
Pictometry, Inc. has provided 4-H leaders and youth with free licenses to access their online software and images of New York and the world. NASA educators support 4-H by offering imagery and resources.
“We are so excited to get started on this project and begin partnering with Pictometry, which is one of the leaders in the industry,” said Susan Hoskins, Senior Extension Associate. “By giving us access to their software and images, youth will be able to view their own communities from a new perspective. They will learn how this technology has been developed and how it can be used to help visualize problem-solving solutions for community issues.”
Hoskins said that the technology can help youth understand the history of a location and also identify, assess and even solve environmental, economic development, and transportation issues. The grant will be used to help develop new curriculum and train 4-H educators across New York in the use of science.
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Feature Stories - Week of April 3, 2011
A piece of world history to give remembrance locally
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
The photo shows the WTC Steel I beam on the trailer and ready to come to Spencerport. The tag shown in the photo reads "The Port Authority of NY & NJ WTC Archive Interim Storage Facility JFK International Airport. Spencerport (NY) FD G-0154."About a year ago, Terry Brown, then Spencerport Fire Chief, received an email from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. This email outlined how any United States emergency services agency could obtain steel from the World Trade Center in order to create a public memorial. Intrigued, Brown inquired about this opportunity. One year later, Spencerport firefighters traveled to New York City to attain a piece of history from the World Trade Center.
The tragic events of September 11, 2001 will never be forgotten. It is with those hopes that the Spencerport firefighters plan to resurrect a memorial at the Lyell Avenue fire station in the Village of Spencerport to honor those fallen comrades.
“Our goal is to create a memorial that will give appropriate remembrance to not only those lost in the 9/11 tragedy but also those significant events where multiple firefighters have been killed,” Brown explained.
Earlier in March, Brown, along with three other members of the Spencerport Association, Lt. Bill Hallinan, Adrian DeJesus and Matt Lewandowski, drove to New York City to a protected hanger at John F. Kennedy airport to retrieve a six-foot piece of steel.
“As we drove into the secured area to pick up the piece of steel, I felt a feeling of humbleness and high respect as we viewed the pieces of buildings and the pieces of steel from the World Trade Center. This steel symbolizes so much more than what it is,” Brown said.
Construction of the memorial, which will be located in the front of the firehouse, will commence sometime this spring. A public dedication ceremony will be planned once the project is completed.
“The plans have not been finalized but we hope for completion sometime in 2012 dependent upon funding. The memorial will be dedicated to all firefighters who have died in the line of duty including Spencerport Firefighter Robert Fowler, who died in 1997, the department’s only line of duty death,” Brown said.
Since his passing, Fowler’s widow, Gail Fowler, has committed herself to a national organization called The National Fallen Firefighter Foundation (NFFF). The mission of this agency is to provide education and prevention efforts to fire departments in order to reduce the number of preventable firefighter fatalities, as well as give support and assistance to the spouses and families of fallen firefighters.
“In 1992, the United States Congress created this foundation which now provides support to those who have lost a loved one, a firefighter who had died while on duty. This foundation provides job assistance for spouses, scholarships for spouses and children, grief counseling and safety education programs for fire departments,” Fowler explained.
The Life Safety Initiative is one of the key objectives of the NFFF. The overall goal is to reduce firefighter deaths by encouraging best practices.
“The foundation created 16 safety initiatives which include improvement of safety and training practices, improvement in the design of fire apparatus, and development of community fire safety education programs,” Fowler said.
The Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association hopes to incorporate this foundation’s goals along with the group’s educational outreach.
“The events of 9/11 were tragic to our country; we hope this memorial can provide a learning experience for all the members of our community.”
For other information about The Fallen Firefighters Foundation, go to www.everyonegoeshome.com, and for more information about the memorial, email Jim Lobene, president of the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association at jlobene@spencerportfire.org.
Five generations gather
Francis Dohtery Zahn, turned 100 years old on February 16 and her family that extends to five generations gathered at the Hurlbut Nursing Home in Rochester, to celebrate the event.
Francis raised two sons and one daughter. She has 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild and one great-great-grandchild.
Mrs. Zahn was born in Carthage, New York. She spent most of her life as a homemaker who was also a bookkeeper for the family run hardware store which they owned and lived upstairs. In 1967 the store was sold and she and her husband moved to Florida. Frank died and Francis moved back to New York to be with her family in 1993.
Provided photo
The Klock Oil building in Hilton recently demolished
Winter snow fall caused a roof collapse and prompted the need to remove the vacant building. Photographer Walter Horylev shot the building in February, prior to the winter damage, and again in mid-March as it was torn down.
According to historian David Crumb, the business was once known as the Hilton Service Co., a gasoline and oil storing station. It is shown on a 1930 map of the Village of Hilton created by the Sanborn Map Co. of Pelham, NY, loaned to the village historian’s office by John Foster. Crumb speculates the structure was probably built around 1910-1915.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
Briefly - Week of April 3, 2011
Lakeside Memorial Hospital to hold annual meeting
Lakeside Memorial Hospital will hold its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. in 3rd floor Conference Room in the hospital. Discussion will include current and future ways in which Lakeside will continue to meet the health care needs of the community. The public is invited to attend and interact with Lakeside’s Board of Directors.
Written requests for placement on the evening’s agenda must be submitted in writing to James E. Wissler, CEO, Lakeside Health System, 156 West Avenue, Brockport, NY 14420, by April 22. Agenda items should be limited to five minutes. Contact Lakeside Health System Business Development with any questions or comments, (585) 395-6095 extension 4386.
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Holley Board of Education petitions due April 18
Any person interested in running for one of the vacancies on the Holley Board of Education must submit a petition on or before Monday, April 18. Petitions are available in the Superintendent’s Office or by calling Connie Nenni at 638-6316, ext. 2003. The petition must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the Holley Central School District and filed with Ms. Nenni in the Superintendent’s Office anytime between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any business day through April 18 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18). The three candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to three-year terms of office commencing July 1, 2011 to fill the expired terms of Norman Knight, Charles Michael Patton, and Robin Silvis.
The School Budget Vote and Board of Education Election is Tuesday, May 17 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School foyer, 16848 Lynch Road.
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Sports News - Week of April 3, 2011Area
Bright Raven gymnasts are state champs
Daniel Carter
Nathan DanielsThe Bright Raven Gymnastics boys teams traveled to West Point March 19-20 to compete in the USA Gymnastics Championships where three team members were named New York State Champions.
Nathan Daniels of Churchville was named USAG Level 9 Vaulting State Champion for ages 16-18 with a score of 13.10. In the Level 5 competition for ages 12 and over, William Bergeman of Gates won the gold medal for his performance in floor exercise with a score of 14.80 and placed third on vault (14.80). Teammate, Daniel Carter won the gold for his performance on rings scoring 15.00. In that same division, Matthew Miller of Spencerport placed second on vault (14.90) and sixth all around (82.90). Seth Daniels of Churchville was fourth all around (83.40) and finished in third place on pommel horse (13.80). Level 5 gymnasts needed to score a minimum of 74.00 all around at the State Meet to advance to the USAG Regional Championships. Every member of the Bright Raven Level 5 tam qualified, including Ian Kalb and Marek Costner, both of Gates.
In the Level 6 competition for ages 10-11, Josiah Nowak of Brockport took second place on vault (15.40). Benjamin Thomas of North Chili competed in the 6-8 age division and placed third on vault (13.10). In the 12 and over Level 6 competition, Corey Zimmerman of Bergen took second place on vault (15.30). Joshua Sokolowski of Greece was third on vault (15.20) and sixth all around (83.00). Other Bright Raven Level 6 gymnasts competing at the State Championships included Gabriel Nowak of Brockport and Robbie Cavuoto of Greece. Every member of the Bright Raven Level 6 team also qualified for the Regional Championships to be held in Allentown, Pennsylvania this April.
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Freshwater fishing season kicks off with trout and salmon opener
Conditions may be tough for early season anglers
Unlike last year when opening day trout anglers were greeted with relatively tranquil conditions, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) finds this winter’s heavy snows and resultant high, cold stream conditions will not be friendly to early season trout anglers.
“After a long, cold and snowy winter, we know that anglers are anxious to hit the water,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Unfortunately, a good portion of the state remains covered with snow, which may restrict access to streams and cause very high stream flows making early season angling difficult.”
Trout, lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon seasons all begin on April 1.
According to a press release, DEC plans to stock over 2.3 million catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout in more than 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 3,000 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings include 1.77 million brown trout, 390,000 rainbow trout and 147,000 brook trout. Approximately 97,000 two-year-old brown trout 12-13 inches in length will also be stocked into lakes and streams across the state. Stocking of catchable-size trout generally commences in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York and then proceeds to the Catskills and Adirondacks as stream conditions permit.
Early season trout fishing recommendations by DEC staff in each region, including suggestions on where to find good opportunities to fish for wild trout can be found in the 2011 Coldwater Fishing Forecast at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html. Anglers searching for publicly accessible streams can find maps of DEC public fishing rights holdings on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html. The Bureau of Fisheries web pages are some of the most popular on the DEC website and contain a wealth of information that anglers will find helpful. Anglers are also encouraged to contact the DEC Regional Office in the region they plan on fishing for additional information.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must have a New York state fishing license available on line at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS.
Fishing licenses can also be purchased from the 1,500 license issuing agents located throughout the state (town and county clerks, some major discount stores and many tackle and sporting goods stores). An interactive map providing the locations of these agents is now available on line. By law, every dollar spent on a fishing license helps fund the DEC fish stocking program and other programs conducted by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. Purchase of a Habitat/Access Stamp helps fund access and habitat projects. For information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, go to www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html.
Anglers are reminded to be sure to disinfect their fishing equipment, including waders and boots before entering a new body of water. Since 2007, Didymo, an invasive algae species, has been discovered in the Battenkill and Kayderosseras Creek in DEC Region 5, Esopus Creek and Rondout Creek in Range 3 and the Little Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River and East Branch Delaware River in Region 4. Didymo can attach to waders, particularly felt soles, and this is believed to be the primary mechanism for its spread from its initial discovery location. Wading anglers are encouraged to use readily available alternatives to felt-soled waders and wading boots. All gear should be dried and/or disinfected before it is used in a new body of water. Methods to clean and disinfect fishing gear can be found on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50121.html.
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School News - Week of April 3, 2011
Brockport
Brockport district holds transportation facility dedication
Cutting the ribbon are (l-r) Tom Langelotti, board president; April VanGelder, trustee; Marjorie Focarazzo, former trustee; Ray Gabriel, trustee; James Fallon, former superintendent; Joe LaMarca, transportation director; Garry Stone, superintendent of schools; Darrin Winkley, assistant superintendent for business; Joan Fenton, former board member; Gary Zimmer, trustee; Gerry Maar, trustee; and Mike Andriatch, board vice president. Provided photoThe Brockport Central School District celebrated the opening of its new transportation facility with the community on March 5, the two-year anniversary of when voters approved the project. Approximately 200 people attended the dedication ceremony to tour the new facility.
Superintendent Garry Stone opened the presentation by thanking the community and many people instrumental in the process including the Board of Education and former board members. He thanked his predecessor, Jim Fallon, for his vision and effort in bringing this project to fruition. He also recognized the community members representing the Towns of Sweden, Clarkson and Hamlin and the Village of Brockport and district staff who served on the transportation facility committee. The committee spent many hours determining the need for a new facility, evaluating potential sites and ultimately presenting their recommendations to build a new bus garage to the Board of Education. He recognized officials from surrounding towns and the village and thanked Monroe County Sheriff’s Department for the cooperative agreement to utilize the facility to fuel their sheriff’s vehicles.
“It’s hard to believe looking back that we came from a building that was built in 1957, originally accommodating a fleet of 16 buses, 20 staff members and serving approximately 1,500 students,” Stone said in his speech. “Over the years the number of buses, staff members and students increased dramatically, outgrowing the old facility. Now we are in a facility that fulfills the needs of the transportation department and will serve the community well for many years to come.”
Transportation Director Joe LaMarca thanked his staff for all their hard work and Allied Frozen Storage and MJ Dreher Trucking for being such accommodating neighbors throughout the construction process.
Work began in February on the former bus garage. Phase II of the project, expected to be complete by August 2011, including utility upgrades, site reconstruction and building modifications. Work will include removing the fence and connecting the sidewalks between the middle school and high school to provide safe walking routes, removing the fuel island and any contaminated soil, making energy improvements and addressing the NYS Education Department unsatisfactory building rating and ADA compliance concerns.
The space will be renovated to include storage and training areas and will house some buses in case of breakdowns and potential emergencies. Already approximately 300 parking spaces have been realized on campus by moving the buses to the new location.
Provided information
Byron-Bergen
Hoops For Heart raises funds for American Heart Association
From, left: Kerri Smith, Michael Jeffords, Jordan Coffta, and Kristen Partridge. In back: Alva English, Jason Blom, Steele Truax, Andrew Williams, Jay Wolcott, Abigail Kelley, Ken Gropp, and Christine Stevens. Provided photo. From February 8 through March 24, 2011, sixty-one 7th and 8th grade students at Byron-Bergen Middle School took some real shots at heart disease and stroke by participating in the 3 on 3 Tournament for Hoops For Heart. The students raised $1,617 for the American Heart Association.
“Hoops For Heart” promotes physical fitness and heart health through practicing and demonstrating the skills of one of America’s most popular games. It is suggested that children ages 2 and older should get at least an hour of physical activity, like basketball, every day. Hoops for Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. The donations raised help fund research into heart disease and stroke and support the American Heart Association’s public and professional education programs. Heart disease is the number one killer in America and stroke is number three.
The 2011 Byron-Bergen Middle School Hoops For Heart 3 on 3 Tournament champions were the Exhibit B Team, Jordan Coffta, Steele Truax, and Abigail Kelley. The All Stars, Andrew Williams, Michael Shanley, Colby Pocock and Christine Stevens, placed second. Congratulations to both teams and all the students who participated in this year’s event. “I want to commend the student-athletes and Miss Partridge for their efforts to support a great cause,” said Dan Bedette, Middle School Principal. He added, “Hoops For Heart is an excellent program and our students have a lot of fun participating in it.”
“This year was our sixth year of the Hoops For Heart 3 on 3 Tournament here at Byron-Bergen Middle School, and it was a huge success with sixteen teams in our event,” said Kristen Partridge, Hoops For Heart Coordinator. “We’re very proud of all the students who participated in the tournament and we had a lot of fun for a good cause.”
Provided information
Hilton
Hilton High School Annual Writers Seminar draws special guests
Hilton High School’s Second Annual Spring Seminar for Writers was held March 23 for students in grades 7-12, According to organizers Melanie Krebs and Marie Ward, English Language Arts teachers.
“Eight local authors shared their craft with students,” Krebs said. “Students listened as authors described their writing life and how they were published, then students did their own writing.”
On hand to help students focus on writing and help them with projects were, David Ruekberg (left), published poet and Hilton High School English teacher, whose work has appeared in “Yankee,” “Poet Lore,” “North American Review,” “Mudfish, and “HazMat Review;” Peter Tarkulich, a webcomic and creator of “Bardsworth;” Debra Ortiz-Pardi, author of “My Friend Zach;” Ruth Herne Blodgett (pen name Ruth Logan Herne), romance novelist and author of “Winter End;” Michelle Cardulla, publisher of “Lake Affect” magazine and Executive Director of the Museum of Kids Art (MoKA); Allie Larkin, author of “Stay;” Peter Lovenheinm, journalist, essayist, author of “In the Neighborhood,” a narrative non-fiction; and (not pictured) James Johnson, sports writer for the Rochester daily newspaper.
Provided photo
Hilton High School Varsity Volleyball player signs to play at Div. 2 Roberts Wesleyan
Hilton High School senior Judy Schultz, a three-year varsity volleyball player and 2010 Monroe County Public School Athletic Conference Division 2 “Player of the Year,” signed a Letter of Intent to play Volleyball at Division II Roberts Wesleyan College next year.
Present at her signing at Hilton High School were her mother, Sharlene Schultz, Varsity Head Coach Kevin Hunt and JV Head Coach Mike Brooke-Gay and her team members, the Hilton HS Girls Volleyball program.
Provided photo
Kendall
Build a flower assignment fosters creativity
Seventh-grader Bryce Gaesser created his tulip using felt, wooden dowels and pipe cleaners, among other materials, for a Plants Project assigned to him by Kendall Science teacher Kristin Flint. Provided photoSponges and a wooden spoon, duct tape, Fruit Roll-Ups, licorice and Oreos are not the types of things you would typically associate with a flowering plant. That’s what Kendall science teacher Kristin Flint’s seventh-grade students recently came up with when they combined their knowledge of plant systems with creativity to complete extraordinary Plant Projects.
The Assignment: build a flower from the roots up without using any real plant parts, or any pre-manufactured artificial flowers or plants.
“The best projects are usually made of things that are pulled out of a junk drawer,” Flint said. “I try to encourage their creativity as much as possible. It’s more important that they have a creative project that is accurate than a project that looks identical to the actual flower.”
Grades are determined by a rubric which Flint shares with her students. The plants must have a minimum of seven labels identifying the various parts of the flower. Flint suggests a total of 13 labels. Anything beyond that are bonus points. Parts of the flower include the leaf, stem, pistil, anther, petal and sepal, among others.
Seventh-grader Bryce Gaesser used pipe cleaners, wooden dowel rods, and “lots of felt” to create his tulip model.
“It was hard at first because I didn’t know where to start, but once I got the materials, it came together,” he said.
Bryce said the project took about five hours to complete, and it helped him understand the parts of the flower better than just reading about it in a textbook. This is Flint’s 10th year assigning the Plant Project. From water lilies and bleeding hearts to tulips and roses, every one of 72 of Flint’s students turned in a project this year.
“This year was the best ever,” she said. “Their creativity and attention to detail really comes out. They’re really proud of their projects and they should be.”
Weddings for April 2011
Angela Cavalcanti - Matthew Wahl
Denise L. Wahl of Rochester and Robert Wahl of Hilton are delighted to announce the engagement of their son Matthew R. Wahl to Angela Cavalcanti. Angela is the daughter of Janet Toney and Waldir Cavalcanti of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Matthew is a member of the Philadelphia Carpenters Union and Angela studies English at Temple University.
An August 6, 2011 wedding is planned in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.
Jessica L. Littlefield - Gregory J. Colavecchia
Patrick and Sally Littlefield are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jessica L. Littlefield to Gregory J. Colavecchia, son of Frank and Maureen Colavecchia of Gates.
The bride-to-be is a 2004 graduate of Aquinas Institute. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from SUNY Geneseo and her master’s degree in education technology from Nazareth College. She is employed as a math teacher at East Irondequoit High School.
Gregory graduated from Gates Chili High School in 2003 and the University of Rochester in 2007. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University at Buffalo Law School and is employed with The Law Firm of Janice M. Iati, P.C.
An August 2011 wedding is planned.
Lauren Moscicki - Michael Barnhard
Gene and Ann Moscicki announce the engagement of their daughter Lauren to Michael Barnhard, son of Leroy and Marylynn Barnhard of Cheektowaga, New York.
Lauren is a graduate of Spencerport High School and the University of Buffalo. She is a Senior Financial Aid Coordinator at ITT Technical Institute.
Michael is a graduate of Cheektowaga High School and Pennsylvania Culinary School. Mike was a chef at several five star restaurants before he joined Wegmans as a chef.
A September wedding is planned in Buffalo.
Susan Mellor - Robert Geiger
Robert Geiger of High Bid Farm, Brockport and Susan Mellor of Spencerport are pleased and excited to announce their engagement.
An August 2011 wedding is planned.
Elizabeth B. Bower - Jamie E. Thulin
Rick and Terry Bower of Hilton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Elizabeth B. to Jamie E. Thulin, son of Bob and Barb Thulin, also of Hilton.
Elizabeth is a graduate of Hilton High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Utica College of Syracuse University. She is employed at State Farm Insurance.
Jamie, also a graduate of Hilton High School, is an electrician, operating his own business, Lighthouse Electrical.
A September 2011 wedding is planned.
Kaitli
n Schulz - Michael Burgstrom
John and Sheri Burgstrom of Spencerport are pleased to announce the engagement of their son Michael to Kaitlin Schulz of Central Square, New York.
Kaitlin is a 2005 graduate of Paul V. Moore High School in Central Square, and a 2009 graduate of the University of Rochester with a master’s degree from Warner Graduate School. She is employed as a science teacher in the Rochester City School District.
Michael is a 2004 graduate of Spencerport High School and a 2008 graduate of the University of Rochester with a degree in engineering. He is employed at ITT in the Geo Spatial Systems Division.
Their wedding is planned for June 25, 2011 in Syracuse.
Obituaries for Week of April 3, 2011
ALBION
•Buongiorne, Patricia (Miller), age 77, formerly of Eagle Harbor, died March 24, 2011 at the Villages of Orleans. She was born in Albion, a daughter of Elwood and Helen Miller and has been a lifetime resident of this area. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion. Pat was predeceased by her husband Ralph in 1997. She is survived by two children, Rachel (Angelo) Marasco and Michael (fiancée Christine Marks) both of Albion; three grandchildren, Trisha (Chad) Byler, Katherine Clark, Elijah Buongiorne; step granddaughter, Dakota Marasco; brothers, Donald (Karen) Miller, Richard (Pearl) Miller; sister, Sharon Miller, all of Rochester; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Madge Frascarella, Art (Mary), John (Joyce) Buongiorne; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held March 29 at the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home, Albion. Interment, Mt. Albion Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Villages of Orleans Activities Fund or to the University of Rochester Medical Center, Office of Gift and Donor Records, 300 East River Road, P. O. Box 270032, Rochester 14627 in her memory.
BROCKPORT
•Bower, Theresa E., On March 23, 2011 at the age of 78. She is survived by her loving husband George; children Doug (Vicki), John; two grandchildren; three great grandchildren; brother Charlie (Millie) Henson; and several nieces and nephews.
Interment will be at the convenience of the family.
CLARKSON
•von Rathonyi, Heidi K., March 22, 2011. Heidi is survived by her parents, Karl and Mary; sisters, Maria and Erika (Robert), and brother, Karl John (Shana); nephew, Ian and niece, Madelyn; her maternal grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Memorial Service/picnic will be scheduled for a later date. Donations can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Heberle, Joseph F., On March 25, 2011. Predeceased by his parents Joseph and Consuelo Heberle, son Joseph A., infant daughter Maureen and sister Edna Madden. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Helen; their children Joseph E. (Paula), Daniel F. and Elizabeth A. (Daniel) Offhaus, and children from a previous marriage Robert, James, Michael, Bernard, Mary Jo, Kathleen, Ann, Joan, Maureen; three step children Mary, John and James; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; six loving sisters; several nieces and nephews. Joe operated farms in Penfield, Hamlin and Kendall for the past 70 years.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Hamlin Ambulance in his memory.
•Sullivan, Bonnie J. (Massey), March 30, 2011 at the age of 51, after a long courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her mother, Wanda Massey, and father-in-law, Lyle Sullivan. She is survived by her husband, Kyle; daughter, Amy; son, Barry (Rosalind); grandchildren, Lillian and Jaydan; father, Arthur E. Massey Sr.; sisters, Aileen (Bob) Beach, Barb (Phil) Flemming, Connie (Bob) Braun; brother, Arthur E. (Gene) Massey Jr.; mother-in-law, Shirley Sullivan; brother-in-law, Dan (Lyndy) Sullivan; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
Her Memorial Service was held April 2 at St. John Lutheran Church, Hamlin. Donations can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1400, New York, NY 10122 in her memory.
•Unterborn, Ida M., On March 28, 2011, age 83. Predeceased by her husband, Harry. Survived by her sons, Glen (Pat), Randy (Helen) and Jeff (Cheryl) Unterborn; her grandchildren, Aaron (Alana), Sara, Jared (Nicole), Brian (Betsy) Unterborn, Amy (Aaron) Mengel; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Alexis Unterborn; brother, William Young Jr. of Arkansas; sisters, Betty Wright of Texas and Helen (Angelo) DeBona of Tennessee; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
A Memorial Service was held April 1 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hilton. Spring Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester 14626 in her memory.
HILTON
•Dailey, Frances (Stone), On March 29, 2011, age 91 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Lyle F. Stone (1970). She is survived by her son, Marshall (Linda) Stone and daughter, Kathleen (Thomas) Gleason; granddaughters, Heather (Gary) Bryant, Michelle (Matt) Stergio, Stephanie (Neil) Kendrick and Kelly (Jason) Billiot; great-grand-children, Sydney and Madison Bryant, Nathan and Ashton Kendrick; many nieces, nephews and close friends.
A Memorial Service was held March 31 at the Episcopal Church Home. Contributions can be made to the Episcopal Church Home in her memory.
•Miller, Raymond J., On March 21, 2011, age 98 years. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor and his daughter, Deina Elizabeth Miller. He is survived by his brother, George C. Miller; several nieces, nephews and friends.
A Graveside Service was held March 30 in Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Eleanor E. Miller Memorial Fund c/o Hilton Baptist Church in his memory.
HOLLEY
•Mawn, Gerald S., Age 85, March 25, 2011. Predeceased by daughter Kathleen Miller in 2001; brothers Stephen, David, Tom, Dick, Jack. Survived by loving wife, Arlene of 63 years; sons Robert, Daniel, both of Holley; daughters Susan (Mark) LaPoint of Corinth, NY, Wendy (John) Kenney of Holley; grandchildren Chad (Dionne) Mawn, Amy Mawn, Michael (Kristen) Kenney, Elizabeth Kenney, Jill and Christopher LaPoint; great-grandchildren Hillary Mawn, Owen Kenney; brothers Bob (June) of Penfield, Gene (Joyce) of Henrietta; sister Mary Ann (Jerry) VandeWater of Rochester; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins.
A Memorial Service was held March 30, at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans or American Legion Jewell Buckman Post #529, Holley, in his memory.
KENDALL
•Wais, Eva G. (O’Mara), March 22, 2011. Predeceased by her parents, William and Gertrude O’Mara; son, John Wais; brothers, William and Albert O’Mara. Survived by her children, Diane Hennekey (Joe Recco), Paul (Vicky) Wais; grandchildren, Megan and Carrie Hennekey, Tanya Larsen, Jennifer and Stephanie Wais; five great-grandchildren; nephews. Eva owned a family operated commercial fruit farm. She was a life member of the Concordia Lutheran Church, Kendall.
Her Memorial Service was held March 28 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Kendall. Private interment, Hillside Cemetery, Holley. Contributions can be made to Concordia Lutheran Church of Kendall or the Isaiah House in her memory.