ARCHIVES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

Banners of returning service members retired

by Kristina Gabalski

Joshua Unterborn with Brian Winant during the presentation. During a ceremony held Saturday, December 22, Brockport Police Stetson Club President Brian Winant presented Hometown Hero banners to five local residents who have completed their service commitment in the U.S. military.

The ceremony was held at the Brockport Area Vet’s Club on West Avenue. Jacob Bettilyon, U.S. Marines; Joshua Unterborn, U.S Army; Sean Coyle, U.S. Army; Rachael Juby, U.S Army; and Kandee Curl, U.S. Air Force, were thanked by those in attendance for their selfless service to their country.

Winant said that the Hometown Hero Banner project, which began two years ago with 16 banners, has grown to include 60 banners which hang mainly along Route 19 through the Town of Sweden, the Village of Brockport and the Town of Clarkson.

“We must never forget,” Winant said, that it is because of the brave service of local men and women that we continue “to have the freedom that we have today. Thank you, and thank you to your families for the sacrifices they make.”

Two of the Hometown Heroes - Joshua Unterborn and Sean Coyle - were able to personally attend the ceremony and receive their banners.

Also in attendance were Brockport Village Trustees Bill Andrews, Kent Blair and Carol Hannan.

Sweden Town Supervisor Patricia Connors told the gathering she has a niece currently serving in the U.S. military in El Salvador and a nephew in the military who is being assigned to Jordan.

“I would like to thank all of our military who have served or are currently serving,” Connors said.

Sean Coyle receiving his banner from Brian Winant. Winant read a message from Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda, who was unable to attend the ceremony. She thanked the Stetson Club for their support of the banners project and local members of the military.

“Thank you for your service to our country. Our community is proud of you,” she wrote.

The ceremony also included a moment of silence for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas J. Reid, a 2004 graduate of Brockport High School who died December 13 after suffering injuries supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Winant said losing a loved one, particularly at Christmastime, is difficult and losing a child “is something no parent should have to endure.”

He told Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald that donations in support of the Hometown Heroes Banners (which are produced without cost to families) are welcome. Contact the Stetson Club at thestetsonclub@yahoo.com for details as well as information about how to honor a family member currently serving in the military with a banner.

12/30/12

---

 

Hamlin town offices extend hours of service

At the December Hamlin Town Board meeting, Supervisor Thomas Breslawski presented to the board the concept of creating a town business night. “Over the past month I’ve asked the assessor, building inspector and recreation departments to join me in staying open on Monday evening for the benefit of those residents who have difficulty getting to Town Hall during regular business hours.” Councilmen Marty Maier and David Rose stated they fully supported the idea, according to a press release from the town.

Beginning in January 2013, under the new schedule, the assessors and recreation offices will remain open until 6 p.m. on Monday nights instead of closing at the normal 4 p.m. closing time. The building department will stay open until 7 p.m. and Breslawski will continue to hold office hours until 8 p.m., according to the press release.

The Hamlin Town Clerk’s office will be open until 6 p.m. each Monday in January (except for Martin Luther King Day), and the first two Monday in February. The clerk’s office also has a night drop box for residents to leave payments, and is available after hours by appointment for Passports and marriage licenses.

In addition to the extra hours of service, Breslawski also commented during the meeting on recent changes to the town website in an effort to provide better service. Residents can renew dog license online, print building permit applications which will allow residents to expedite their building process, and, beginning January 2, residents will be able to sign up for Hamlin Recreation programs through the town website: www.hamlinny.org.

“I’ve asked these departments to stay open the extra hours and be available for our taxpayers with no additional cost to our budget, and I’m pleased to say that each department head has agreed to those terms in order to better serve the Town of Hamlin and its residents,” Breslawski stated in the press release.

Provided information

12/30/12

---

 

Neighborhood produce stands get OK in Hamlin

On December 10, over 20 Hamlin residents attended a public hearing on a new local law which would define and allow neighborhood produce stands in all zoning districts in the town of Hamlin. Four residents, including Karen Hoffsneider and her son, Joe, whose produce stand was shut down this past summer as a result of a neighbor complaint, spoke in favor of the law. In addition, Supervisor Thomas Breslawski read a letter of support from another Hamlin resident into the minutes, according to a press release from his office.

The public hearing was followed by the town board’s monthly business meeting, where the board passed the new law into effect by a vote of 3-0. Supervisor Breslawski and Councilmen Marty Maier and Dave Rose voted in favor of the bill, Councilmen Craig Goodrich and Jason Baxter were not in attendance at the meeting.

“This new law is a result of the town board’s monthly zoning review meetings, which take place in an effort to modernize our local codes to more accurately reflect the wants and needs of the community,” said Breslawski in the press release.

During the public hearing, resident Kevin Baxter thanked both the town board and Building Inspector Chad Fabry for working with residents to find a positive resolution, and for educating the residents on the process, the press release stated.

Under the changes in the law, neighborhood produce stands not exceeding 5’ by 10’, or 50 square feet of area are permitted in any zoning district from April 1 until November 30. Contact the Hamlin Building Department at 964-8181, or www.hamlinny.org for information.

Provided information

12/30/12

---

 

Brockport to seek grant for mural

by Kristina Gabalski

Village board members in Brockport are hoping to obtain grant money to help fund a historic mural that would be painted on an exterior wall of the village DPW building.

During the regular meeting of the Village Board December 11, Trustee Margaret Blackman said the $2,800 matching grant from the Arts and Cultural Council for Greater Rochester would help fund the mural depicting the reconfiguration of the Erie Canal as the Barge Canal in Brockport.

She noted the Walk/Bike Brockport group would be involved in raising matching funds.

Blackman called the reconfiguration project “one of the most important public works in the history of the village DPW.”

Local artist Stacey Kirby has already been asked to paint the mural and is excited about the project, Blackman said.

The village recently hired a grant writing firm to assist with seeking out and applying for grants.

This particular grant “is a testament to what a grant writing institution can do for the village,” Blackman added.

12/30/12

---

 

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

A precious gift: Live kidney donation aids another’s quality of life

by Kristina Gabalski

L to r: Mackenzie, Chelsey and Laurie LoMonaco.Gift giving is a big part of the holidays, but Laurie LoMonaco of Brockport has spent 2012 preparing to give a very precious gift: a better and longer life for someone else.

On January 23, 2013, Laurie is tentatively scheduled to donate her left kidney to a recipient who has been on dialysis for some time and would likely have spent four to five years on a waiting list for a transplant.

The process which brought Laurie to this point has been a long one.

Laurie says it was more than two years ago that she began researching live kidney donation, including speaking with other live donors.

“It was January of 2012 that I just woke up one day and decided to get the ball rolling,” Laurie recalls.

She contacted the National Kidney Registry (NKR) through which she wanted to make the altruistic donation.

Medical testing commenced in February with a full blood panel, urine collection, “and my primary physician even needed to sign-off that I am of sound mind,” Laurie says.

Through a medical board, NKR then cleared Laurie to proceed with more required tests.

Laurie says she initially was not interested in knowing the recipient, but someone mentioned to her a potential recipient whom Laurie had met once ten years ago.

She talked with him and after more blood work at Strong Hospital, the two were found to be compatible.

During July, Laurie spent two full days at Strong for a barrage of tests including pulmonary, CAT scans, EKG, chest X-rays, a stress test and Glo-fil testing to see how well her blood filtered radioactive iodine.

Laurie also met with people on her donor team including a dietician, social worker, donor coordinators, a nephrologist and her surgeon, Dr. Carlos Marroquin.

The testing is rigid and exhausting, Laurie says, “But it has to be in order to be certain that a donor’s body can physically withstand the surgery. Meeting with the social worker and others on my donor ‘team’ is also to be sure I can mentally withstand the surgery.

“I think it’s important to note,” Laurie says, “that when I initially was speaking with Strong about becoming a donor for this particular recipient, Strong was not affiliated with the National Kidney Registry. I’m so happy to say they now are, and that gives access to so many others in the central and Western New York area for a paired donation and to become part of the kidney ‘chain’.”

Laurie says several factors played a roll in her decision to go head with the donation, including the fact she has a universal blood type and tends to bounce back well from surgery.

“Being able to give of yourself is important,” she says. “When I am long gone, I hope it is something that both my daughters will remember about me. I’ve never questioned this decision.”

 

Learning about the process

Laurie explains that she alleviated the initial concerns of her children by educating them about the process.

Her daughter, Chelsey, says she was concerned at first, “but then I really took the time to think about it and how selfless it is. Someone out there is going to have a much better and longer life because of my mom, and that makes me so proud to be her daughter.”

The support she has received has been nothing less than positive, Laurie says. She will need the assistance of family and friends for several weeks following surgery and has assembled a support team to help with daily tasks like walking her dogs.

“This surgery wouldn’t be happening without two tremendous daughters and a litany of friends and family who will be with me through the entire process. There is no way I could even begin to thank my friends and family, who mean so much, for supporting me,” she says. “If sharing this story educates others about the live donation process and if just one other person steps up and says ‘I can do that too,’ then I’m okay with throwing my privacy to the wind. Even better: if Strong and the National Kidney Registry are bombarded with phone calls about people wanting to become a live donor.”

Laurie is keeping a journal to keep track of everything about the process, she adds. “It definitely helps to be able to write and sort out thoughts,” she says.

The surgery initially was scheduled for October 2012, but has been delayed twice.

The first time was because of Laurie’s work schedule and the second time, in November, was because of issues with the recipient’s pre-operative blood work.

Even with surgery re-scheduled for January 23, there is still the possibility of another delay, Laurie says.

She expects to do just fine with one kidney once the surgery is over.

The live donor is always left with the better of the two kidneys, Laurie explains.

“Everyone knows there is risk with every surgery. That being said, there is every reason to believe that I will function normally and be fine with one kidney. In my research, I’ve found studies that conclude that live donors live longer and physically healthier lives than non-donors with two functioning kidneys.”

Daughter Chelsey says if someone is capable of taking time off of work, is very healthy, and has the support of family and friends, she would encourage them to consider being a live kidney donor. She notes it’s not for everyone. “To be honest,” she says, “I don’t think it’s something I could do. It’s for special people, and my mom is most definitely special.”

Laurie enthusiastically encourages others to consider being a donor.

“I don’t see me not advocating live donation of any organ, particularly a live kidney donation,” she says. “The incentive is to improve the quality of someone’s life, maybe even save a life. What more incentive is needed?”

12/30/12

---

The Hilton Lions Club packs fresh fruit bags to be added to the other food in the community food baskets for Christmas. Apples, grapefruit and oranges were packed this year for 84 families.

Pictured left to right are: Lion Jack Fiero, chairman; Lion Steve Frisbee, club president, and Lion Ken Robertson, as they were on their way delivering the fruit to the food shelf.

Provided photo

12/30/12

---

 

 

 

 

On Christmas Eve Day, Jesse, a Therapy Dog in training, visited Lakeside Beikirch Care Center to deliver gifts to his friends there.

Eleven month old Jesse, a Goldendoodle, visits Beikirch every week to bring companionship and cheer to the residents.

In this photo, Betty Eksten holds her present, a stuffed dog looking much like Jesse. In the background are Santa’s elves, Brennan and Alec Delmerico, grandsons of Jesse’s Mom, Dianne Hickerson.

Provided photo

12/30/12

 

---

 

 

 

Thanks to everyone who donated yarn and craft supplies to the Ogden Senior Center allowing members to knit more than 25 warm winter hats and scarves from those generous donations.

The hats and scarves, along with gloves, mittens, winter socks, filled Christmas stockings, and boxes of household goods donated by members at the Center, have been given as Christmas gifts to the veterans at the new Spencerport veteran’s residence. Projects will continue throughout the year, and donations of leftover yarn and craft supplies are still invited. Contact Sue Mears at 293-0562.

12/30/12

 

---

“Bread Time Stories” to be told at Morgan-Manning House

On Thursday, January 10, Chet Fery, known as “The Bread Man,” will discuss bread making and tell stories that will inspire, instruct and motivate. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Morgan-Manning House located at 151 Main Street in Brockport. Refreshments will be served and attendees receive a loaf of bread to take home.

Talking with people, telling and hearing stories, and handing out loaves of bread is what Fery has been doing in since 2001. Retired in 2006 from Gates Chili School District as director of student services, he has baked and given away a total of “30,000 loaves and counting,” Fery said on a recent day when he baked 50 loaves of Orange Craisin and 50 loaves of Country White. He also has expanded to rolls, pizzas, and pretzels in his presentations to certain audiences.

“I truly believe the message of kindness has a universal connection and offers an alternative to the many challenges we face in our lives,” Fery said about his expanding project. I am humbled by the response and excited that I can make a difference in the lives of others ‘one loaf of bread at a time, one act of kindness at a time.’ ”

His schedule is full through the end of March, with an average of four events per week. In the past year, he presented at a Quilting Conference, a “Pink Hatters” Cancer Support Dinner, conducted a staff development activity entitled “A Survival Kit for Service Providers,” and participated in the opening day address at Brockport Central Schools. In addition, “I have found an active audience with adults with medical issues like: Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Aphasia and Multiple Sclerosis,” Fery said. “The smell of fresh baked bread, kneading dough, along with the theme of ‘special moments’ in our lives allows lost memories to re-surface in a very memorable and gratifying fashion.”

For information, phone the Western Monroe Historical Society at (585) 637-3645.

Provided information

12/30/12

---

 

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

AREA

DEC stocks lake herring

Lake herring was stocked into Irondequoit Bay on Lake Ontario by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and partner agencies. Until the mid 1950s, Lake Ontario was home to a diverse group of whitefish that included as many as seven species that occupied varying depths of the lake.

Only three species are known to remain, the lake whitefish, round whitefish and lake herring. The abundance and distribution of these species in the lake is now greatly reduced. DEC recently announced the first re-introduction of the bloater, a deep water form of whitefish, into Lake Ontario. Lake herring occupy and spawn in shallower water relative to the bloater, and spawn earlier in winter.

Re-establishing self-sustaining populations of native whitefishes in Lake Ontario is the focus of cooperative efforts between DEC, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, with supporting research conducted by The Nature Conservancy.

Trout and salmon that feed primarily on invasive alewife can experience reproductive failure due to a vitamin B deficiency. Predators that feed on native species like lake herring and bloater are less likely to experience reproductive failure.

Michael Morencie, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, said that Ontario has a strong commitment to restoring native species in Lake Ontario. This stocking event represents another pivotal benchmark in the efforts to restore native species diversity in the lake.

Lake herring were once an important prey fish in Lake Ontario, and supported important commercial fisheries that collapsed in the early 1950s largely due to over-harvest. In New York waters of Lake Ontario, lake herring historically spawned in Irondequoit Bay, Sodus Bay, the Sandy Pond, and Chaumont Bay. Ongoing research has documented current lake herring spawning only in Chaumont Bay.

The juvenile lake herring that will be stocked this week originated from eggs collected by DEC staff in Chaumont Bay during November and December 2011. Lake herring eggs were hatched and juveniles reared at the USGS Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences in Cortland, NY. Irondequoit Bay is adjacent to the Rochester Area of Concern (AOC), and is the focus of international efforts to restore habitats and human uses impacted by historic chemical contamination.

Russ Strach, Director of the USGS Great Lakes Science Center, said, “We’re proud to be a partner in restoring lake herring spawning populations in Lake Ontario. It is fitting that we have selected Irondequoit Bay as our first stocking site, as we hope to re-establish a self-sustaining lake herring population associated with the Rochester AOC.”

Provided information

12/30/12

 

 

Hit the Trail on New Year’s Day

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sponsors free “First Day” family hikes in State Parks across New York on New Year’s Day, as a way to connect children and parents with the great outdoors even - or maybe especially - in winter.

The hikes in Letchworth State Park are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Trailside Lodge. Participants are urged to arrive half an hour early to register. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow at 3 p.m. along with certificates and bookmarks. There are two levels to choose from:

•Families with younger children: Journey on a wooded loop less than one mile on nearly level terrain near Trailside Lodge past the Trout Pond and frozen bogs.

•Families with older children: Two mile loop to Inspiration Point, the Glen Iris Fountain and Middle Falls with more than 200’ descent and 200’ ascent along trails, roads and stairs.

First Day hikers can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, with views and vistas unimpeded by foliage. Wildlife that might be spied along these walks will almost certainly include the tough and sturdy chickadees and a variety of woodpeckers. Keep an eye out for the tracks of deer, squirrels, mice or fox and maybe catch a glimpse of the track maker.

In preparation for each hike, pay close attention to the details of starting time and location. Dress warmly; wear layers of clothing and sturdy, warm hiking boots or shoes, as well as hats and gloves; bring water.

Many interpretive programs meet at Trailside Lodge. The lodge can be reached via the Castile Entrance. (The Portageville entrance is often closed in the winter. The park road between Perry and Castile entrances is also closed.) Vehicle use fees (only at Castile entrance) are in effect snowy weekends and holidays, when Trailside Lodge is operating, December - March, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cars $8. Buses $35/$75.

12/30/12

---

HOLLEY

Hawks tame Attica Bulldogs Silvis, Grillo honored

by Warren Kozireski

One-by-one several dozen Holley wrestling alumni were introduced, approached the mat and shook hands with longtime head coach John Grillo. Some arrived with family members, some were Grillo family members and two came in uniform. Three-time state champion Quinton Murphy was there on break from his Division I career at Indiana University.

Their weight class may be much different from their days of competition, but their pride was evident in their part in building what has become a dominant, small school wrestling program that can compete with large schools.

And the timing couldn’t have been better for Alumni Night as head coach John Grillo was honored for reaching the 600 career win mark the previous week at the Pioneer Duals.

Senior Mike Silvis was also honored for reaching the 100-career win mark in the same tournament.

The current version of the Hawks then did not disappoint as Andrew Flanagan and Kevin Avery registered falls while six other weight classes were won via forfeit as Holley romped 67-6 over Attica.

Flanagan took just 1:51 to pin his man in the 106 lb. bout before Avery beat the clock getting his fall with just 30 seconds remaining in his 145 lb. match.

Mick Shenck used a reverse and near fall in the final period to turn around a 7-5 decision at 113 lb., Dan Flanagan registered a take down in overtime to win 4-2 at 126 lb., Martin Beadle made his four-point first period stand up in a 4-2 victory at 132 lb. and Sam Beadle took an easy 11-0 win at 138 lb.

Caleb Deip began the match at 160 lb. with a convincing 9-2 decision and Alan White had the most exciting decision getting a reverse with just 12 seconds left to eke out a 14-13 win at 120 lb.

Isaac Miler, Nick Winkley, Ross Pinson, Mike Silvis, Lucas Silvis and Brandon Morrill all won via forfeit for the Hawks.

Grillo, who has coached the past 26 years at Holley, has recorded 12 sectional championships including eight in a row from 2001-2008. He has had four state champions with Murphy taking three and Andrew Grillo the other.

12/30/12

---

SPENCERPORT

Prince returns for “Home” Game

by Warren Kozireski

Spencerport native Shane Prince left home in the summer of 2008 at the age of 16 to play hockey north of the border for the Kitchener Rangers in Ontario Hockey League.

Four years, a junior trade to Ottawa, being drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the second round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft and the first two months of his professional career later, Prince returned to Rochester December 21 as a member of the Binghamton Senators to play his former hometown team.

“I was excited going into this game and had so many family and friends out to support me,” said the just turned 20 year old (November 16). “Your whole career you work hard to get to this level and to be able to come back and play a game in my hometown is awesome and not something everyone gets to experience.”

Prince had injury trouble earlier this season, but is rounding into form showing the offensive skill set he was drafted for. In 16 games this season, he has scored four goals with four assists and has earned one of the coveted spots on the Senators power play unit.

Included among the four goals was a third period game-winning goal to beat Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-3 December 19 completing the first multi-goal game of his professional career. He had a three-assist game against Syracuse December 2 in just his eleventh pro contest.

“Every time you come into a new league things are going to be different and you need to get used to a few things, but I’m back from my injury and back to 100% now.”

Prince arrives to his professional career with an offensive pedigree. He set career highs last season with the Ottawa 67s of 43 goals and 90 points and added seven more goal and 16 points over 18 playoff contests. He finished the regular season fourth in the league in goals and points and was named co-winner of the team’s Humanitarian Award.

Prince and Binghamton will be back in Rochester December 29 and March 13.

“I went to a lot of games here (Blue Cross Arena) when I was growing up and you always have the mindset that you’ll play here some day and that time came tonight and it was a lot of fun.”

12/30/12

---

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

AREA

Students get a lift in learning 

Students in the Automotive Technology class at BOCES 2 WEMOCO use the lifts in their class to perform job tasks required by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

The WEMOCO Automotive Technology class received its accreditation through NATEF. In this class, the students learn to repair brakes, suspension and steering, electrical systems, the engine, engine performance, automatic transmissions, manual transmissions, drive axles and heating and air conditioning.

Dennis Velazquez (holding tire) and Mitch Loughborough put a tire on a car. Earlier in class, they had a car on the lift and were grinding the rotors on the brakes.

Provided photo

12/30/12

---

BYRON-BERGEN

Senator Gallivan visits his alma mater, Byron-Bergen CSD

Byron-Bergen CSD Superintendent Casey Kosiorek (left) and School Business Official Bill Snyder (right) welcome New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (center) to Byron-Bergen CSD, December 18.New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-Elma) visited with students and staff at his former school district - Byron-Bergen Central School District in December.

During the district tour, Gallivan stopped to visit Art Rohe’s U.S. History class at the Jr./Sr. High School with Superintendent Casey Kosiorek and School Business Official Bill Snyder. Students had an opportunity to ask him questions.

One question asked if the Senator had any advice for students.

“How you live your life matters, and the decisions you make today impact your life whether it’s in college or your job,” Gallivan said to the students.

Kosiorek and Snyder said their goal for Gallivan’s visit was to echo the district’s continuous efforts to advocate for all students and encourage community involvement.

“Even though our Board of Education does a very good job in providing what we have, we’re advocating to make sure our students have every opportunity they can,” Snyder said to Gallivan.

New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (center) spent some time reminiscing with Elementary Teacher Richard Merritt (right), along with Superintendent Casey Kosiorek (left), during a recent tour of Gallivan's alma mater, December 18 at Byron-Bergen CSD. Gallivan and Merritt formerly coached basketball together at Byron-Bergen CSD.Kosiorek and Snyder showed Gallivan the closed wing of the former Middle School, which previously housed grades five and six. Currently, there are only sixth grade classrooms in operation while the fifth grade has moved to the Elementary School.

Gallivan said he does understand the struggles rural school districts, like Byron-Bergen, are currently facing.

“More of our people are engaged,” Gallivan said. “We also continue to advocate and campaign.”

Some of the district’s improvements were also highlighted during the tour, from its recent Capital Project in 2010, including the new Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria.

“Everything for our community is right here (showing the new kitchen and cafeteria space),” Snyder said to Gallivan. “Our new cafeteria is in close proximity to the auditorium and gymnasium for school and community events.

“This visit also provided us the opportunity to discuss future steps that the legislature could take to confront the inequitable distribution of state aid,” Kosiorek said. “This is so important for districts like ours that depends so greatly on this funding.”

Provided information and photos

12/30/12

---

HILTON

Hilton High School selected as GRAMMY® Signature Schools semifinalist

Hilton High School is among 129 schools nationwide that have been selected as 2013 GRAMMY® Signature Schools semifinalists. Created in 1998, the GRAMMY® Signature Schools program recognizes top U.S. public high schools that are making an outstanding commitment to music education during an academic school year.

“Just as the GRAMMY Award® recognizes excellence in the recording arts, the GRAMMY® Foundation’s GRAMMY® Signature Schools program recognizes public high schools across the country for their dedication to providing excellent music education programs for their students,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY® Foundation. “These semifinalist schools should be commended for their steadfast commitment to maintaining an arts curriculum that will result in long term benefits for their students.”

The selection process for GRAMMY® Signature Schools begins each year in August when the GRAMMY® Foundation mails notification to more than 20,000 public high schools from districts large and small, urban, suburban and rural, requesting information about each school’s music program. “In order to be selected, I had to complete an application supplying information about budget, demographics, curriculum, assessments, musical honors, community and district support as well as write an essay about why we should be selected,” said Nancy Russo, director of band and program coordinator of music. After the applications are scored, finalists are identified and asked to submit additional documentation, such as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, which is then reviewed by an independent blue-ribbon committee of top music educators and professionals to determine the schools that merit GRAMMY® Signature School status.

In mid-March, the GRAMMY® Foundation will announce the finalists. These schools will receive an award and a monetary grant ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to benefit their music program.

Provided information

12/30/12

---

 

 

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2012

BROCKPORT

•Bissonette, Lorraine, December 24, 2012 at age 85. Predeceased by her daughter, Diane and husband Vernon. She is survived by her son Lyn (Donna) and daughter, Claire (Paul) Tomaino, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services were held privately. Contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

 

•Caperton, Sherry J., December 14, 2012 at age 69. Survived by children, Mark (Janet) Cole, Webster, Debrora (Bob) Cole, Brockport, Timothy (Lynnette) Cole, Rochester; brother, William (Nancee) Caperton, South Livonia; nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.

 

•Kepler, Michael Shawn, December 21, 2012, age 58. He is survived by his wife and partner, Marianne (Wilson); sons, Chris (Tracy), Shawn (Jessica), and Scott Kepler; his parents, Elaine and Victor; grandchildren, Ben, Julia, Katelyn, Alexeea, Ashton and Peyton; brothers, Frank (Donna) and Steve (Kathy) Kepler; sister, Cindy (Randy) Dumas; step-daughter, Laura (Jon) Neubauer; mother-in-law, Betty Wilson and family, a large extended family and Ernie the cat. Mike was owner/manager of Sign Maintenance.

A Memorial Service was held December 29 at Kendall United Methodist Church. Donations can be made to Kendall United Methodist Church, Sandy Creek Seventh Day Adventist Church or Open Door Mission in his memory.

 

•Reid, Staff Sergeant Nicholas J. “Nick,” On December 13, 2012 at age 26 while proudly serving his country in Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents Ken and Dorothy Reid; sister, Susie Reid; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Nick was a 2004 graduate of Brockport High School. He enlisted in the US Army in 2006 as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. Nick was on his second tour of duty to Afghanistan. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

A Funeral Service with full military honors was held December 29 at The Fathers House, Chili. Contributions can be made to the EOD Memorial at www.eodmemorial.org in his memory.

 

CHILI

•Battaglino, Teresa (Conversi), December 22, 2012. Predeceased by her husband, Frank D. Battaglino; son, Joseph A. Battaglino; father and mother, Bernardino and Giuseppa Conversi; sister, Patricia (Ivan) Ranaletta; brother, Bill (Grace) Conversi. She is survived by her children, Linda Noto, Frank (Laurie) Battaglino of Maryland; grandchildren, James H. (Sara) Noto, Heather Noto, Frank, Gabriel and Anthony Battaglino; great granddaughter, Olivia; sisters, Toni Bianchi and Lucille Conversi; sister-in-law, Josephine Veltre; many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends. Teresa was a retiree of the City of Rochester and a chairperson of the Villavallelonga Picnic Association.

Her Funeral Mass was said December 28 at St. Pius X Church, Chili. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

 

•Ceccanti, Albert, December 23, 2012, at age 90. Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Mary; children, Marilyn Bock, Carol (Richard) Caranddo, Christine (Fred) Haase, Carl Ceccanti, and Michael (Tara) Ceccanti; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Al was a member of the VFW Post 1457 and served as Commander of the Greater Rochester Chapter of Ex-POW’s and served as an Army Ranger in WWII with the 5th Ranger Battalion.

A Funeral Mass was held December 28 at St. Monica’s Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Honor Flight or to the church in his memory.

 

•Curtice, Joan D., December 25, 2012, age 80. Predeceased by her husband, Lloyd. Survived by her children, Gary (Cheryl), Jeffrey, Lynn (Charles Berry) and Daniel (Wendy); grandchildren, Kelly (Blake), Kyle and Celeena; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Kody; sister, Barb (Walt) Bittner; brothers, Bill (June) and Ron (June) Dick; several nieces, nephews and friends. Joan was a member of the Chili Ladies Auxillary.

Funeral Services were held December 29 at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Interment, Grove Place Cemetery. Donations can be made to Chili Fire Department or Chili Ambulance in her memory.

 

•Lane, Ronald G., December 20, 2012. Survived by his wife Janet; children, Julie Wittman, Eric Lane, Janeen (Ray) Ornt; granddaughters, Amanda, Alaina and Leah; sisters and brothers; nieces and nephews.

Services were held December 27 at James R. Gray Funeral Home, Gates. Burial December 28 in Grove Place Cemetery.

 

•McElwain, Mary R. (Schreiber), December 24, 2012 at age 93. Predeceased by her husbands, Leslie Schreiber and Raymond McElwain. Survived by her children, Bruce (Susan), James (Wendy), Scott Schreiber, Gary (Elizabeth) McElwain and Bonnie (Elio) Gorgievski; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service was held December 29 at White Haven Memorial Park.

 

HILTON

•Barrow, Elma, December 21, 2012. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, John; her son, Gary Coleburn; numerous other family members and friends.

Funeral Services were held December 26 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.

 

•DiPalermo, Anthony R., December 24, 2012, age 75. Predeceased by parents, Antonio and Anna and sister, Angelina Mankus. Survived by his daughters, Luz Marie (Jeffry) Smeenk, Marlena (Willard) Nivison, Anita (Walter) DiPalermo Sugden; grandchildren, Morgan Nivison, Nicole, Kathryn Smeenk, Nina Owen and Keigan Sugden. He was a retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Funeral Services were held December 29 at Falvo Funeral Home, Rochester. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Golisano Children’s Hospital in his memory.

 

•Kierecki, Sarah J. (Wegman), December 23, 2012, age 81. Predeceased by her husband, John R. Kierecki, 2005. Survived by her children, John (Sandra) Kierecki, Suzan (Ken) Poulton; grandchildren, Jared (Jennifer) Kierecki, Janel (Kevin) Butlin, Jennifer (Cory) Butlin; her brother, William (JoAnn) Wegman; her sister, Mary Curry. She shared her home with many pets over the years; her favorites being Teresa and Shadow.

Funeral Services were held December 29 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Private interment, Riverside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport 14450 in her memory.

 

NORTH CHILI

•VanDerwerken, James, Suddenly, December 19, 2012, age 36. He leaves his children, Elise and James Scott, and their mother, Angela Scott; parents, Guy and Dawn VanDerwerken; siblings, Jerry (Amanda) VanDerwerken, Lisa (Jay) Campbell, Lauea (Brock) Miller, Jason (Bernadette) Zukoski, Marc (Sharon) Zukoski and Cory Zukoski; many nieces and nephews; girlfriend, Amy Street.

Funeral Services were held December 27 at Willard H. Scott Funeral Home, Webster. Contributions can be made to Ronald McDonald House, 333 Westmoreland Drive, Rochester 14620 in his memory.

 

ODGEN

•DiRenzo, Mary, December 24, 2012 at age 90. She was predeceased by her husband, Augie DiRenzo, son, Augie DiRenzo Jr., son-in-law, Bob Segelin. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Ann Beldue, Linda Segelin; son-in-law, John Beldue; grandchildren, Kevin Beldue, Craig Beldue, Renee (Troy) Quale, Stacy Segelin; great-grandchildren, Hannah Rose Beldue, Joshua James Beldue, Robert Segelin, Marley Segelin and nieces and nephews.

All services with respect to Mary’s wishes were held privately. Donations can be made to The Open Door Mission, P.O. Box 14236, Rochester, NY 14608 in her memory.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Alkins, Irene G., December 20, 2012 at the age of 81. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Donald J. Alkins and her parents, Nicholas and Helen Rodak. She is survived by her children, Mary E. (Javier Berrocal) Alkins, James (Bonnie) Alkins, Ann M. (Vincent) Sapia and David (Melissa Gray) Alkins; grandchildren, Melissa (Annie), Christina (Mathew), Jeffrey, Peter, Amanda, Erika, Chiara and Grayson; siblings, George, Nick (Jean), John, William and Peter Rodak; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated December 24 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment, St. John’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.

 

•Hagmier, Gregory L., December 21, 2012 at age 74. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Irene Hagmier; two brothers and one nephew. Survived by his loving wife, Ruth (Kaeselau); children, David (Sherry) and Carole (Greg) Newsome; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Hagmier and Hannah (Cody) Coopenberg; great-grandchild, Landon Hagmier; sister, Mildred Kindt; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held December 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spencerport. Private intemrent. Contributions can be made to the Dialysis Unit at Unity Hospital or Trinity Lutheran Church, 191 Nichols Street, Spencerport 14559 in his memory.

---

---

 

 

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

LOCAL NEWS -  WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

Riga Water Project complete

The Water Benefit Area #1 is complete and well under budget, according to a press release from Riga Supervisor Robert Ottley. At the December 12 town board meeting, final payments to the contractors were made. “I am happy to report that the water project has come in under budget by $1,460,264,” Ottley stated in the press release.

There were also substantial savings to the Water Benefit Area residents, due to the lower than expected interest rate on the bond which was used for partial payment of the project. The $3.75 million bond, which was approved by a special vote of the residents in 2010, was expected to carry an interest rate of 6 percent for 34 years. Due to a continuing sluggish economy, the rates for the bonds were locked in early in 2012 for an effective rate of 4.5 percent for only 29 years. This has resulted in a savings of about $144 per year for an average home with a value of $149,000 in the Benefit Area.

“I was hopeful that this project could come in under budget, but I never expected the kind of savings that we have obtained. I think this is a result of having people involved in this project from the start who had a clear understanding of how the entire process needed to be put together. Our thanks go out to the folks on the steering committee; Chatfield Engineers; Special Council Marcia Havens; and contractors, Blue Heron, Pilon, Highlander, Morsch, Randsco, and Angelica Drilling,” Ottley said in the press release. “We also need to thank all of our residents who voted to authorize the use of the Landfill Reserves to offset project costs. I am happy to let our town residents know that the $1,460,264 that was authorized and not used will remain in the Landfill Reserve account.”

Construction on the project began in the spring of 2011 and by fall of that year, water service was available to all residents living in the Benefit Area. Since that time, contractors have been working to finish lines used for looping the system and for restoration work. All of that work is now complete and has been deemed acceptable by the engineering project managers.

Cost for the project and funding sources are outlined below:

Projected Actual Difference

Total Cost $9,000,000 $7,539,736 -$1,460,264

Landfill Revenue Authorized $5,250,000 $3,789,736 -$1,460,264

Residents Bonding $3,750,000 $3,750,000 0

Interest Rate on Bonding 6% 4.5% -1.5%

Years of Debt Service on Bond 34 29 -5

Average Debt Service Cost

per Residence $833.37/yr. $688.67/yr. -$144.70/yr.

Provided information

12/23/12

---

 

Court case on code violations moved into 2013

by Kristina Gabalski

Attorneys in the case against Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda have until February 12 to submit additional responses to Ogden Town Justice David A. Murante regarding legal issues raised by the case.

Mayor Castaneda appeared in Ogden Town Court Tuesday, December 18 with her attorney, Donald Thompson. Thompson and Assistant Monroe County D.A. Mark Monaghan discussed their interpretation of village statutes with Judge Murante as they continue to work through the motions/arguments phase of the case.

The mayor has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of official misconduct and two counts of falsifying business records stemming from the alleged illegal rental of rooms at her property located at 332 Main Street. She is accused of violating village zoning and building codes and the property maintenance code of the State of New York.

Judge Murante asked Monaghan if any violation of the law by the mayor can be considered official misconduct.

“Yes,” Monaghan replied, “any knowing violation.”

Judge Murante expressed some concern regarding what he called “the chilling effect of a prosecution of this nature,” which might prevent people from seeking public office. He questioned if animosity between a village executive and law enforcement might, “... endanger the independence of the executive.”

However, Judge Murante also noted, “... violators of zoning laws should pay the price. The mayor is not above the law.”

He pointed out concerns over criminal liability, stating the mayor made no effort to cover up any of the accusations against her.

Monaghan stated that perhaps the prosecution was more warranted in this case because the mayor was a trustee when the ordinance she is accused of violating was passed.

The judge and both attorneys discussed a provision in the village statute that calls for a notice of deficiency - giving offenders time to come into compliance with village laws - before charges are filed.

“There was no notice of deficiency provided” to the mayor before she was charged, defense attorney Donald Thompson told the judge.

Monaghan said there is discretion in the village statute allowing law enforcement to forego the notice and charge those not in compliance.

Judge Murante stated he feels village statutes are Constitutional, “but I’m having trouble getting my brain around this - how do you interpret?”

Thompson told the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald that Judge Murante will review responses by attorneys after the February 12 submission deadline and then make a decision on how the case will proceed.

12/23/12

---

 

Bridge removal process underway

by Kristina Gabalski

SPENCERPORT-OGDEN - The persistence of Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene and Senator Charles Schumer regarding the removal of the CSX railroad bridge over South Union Street appears to be paying off.

Mayor Lobene says two CSX officials from Jacksonville, Florida, were at the village hall meeting room Tuesday, December 18, to interview eight wrecking companies regarding bids and specs for removal of the deteriorating span. Two of the companies are from Rochester, the mayor says.

Bids must be in by January 18 and then CSX has five days to assign the job, Lobene explains. After that, the company awarded the job has 30 days to obtain necessary permits. Once all the paperwork is in place, the wrecking company will have 48 days to complete the removal project.

“So we are looking at the beginning of April,” Lobene says, for having the job complete.

Mayor Lobene says Senator Schumer, who recently visited the village to call on CSX to finally move forward with the removal project, was very helpful in getting the railroad to act.

“He not only came that day,” she says, “he forced the issue with these guys. He kept after them every couple of days. I’m so thrilled he came to Spencerport - and the follow-up work of his aide in Rochester was fantastic. I will never forget it.”

The mayor has also repeatedly been calling CSX for updates, she says.

An official from CSX told her that she and Senator Schumer were the “most relentless mayor and senator they have ever met,” Mayor Lobene says.

12/23/12

---

 

On Friday, December 14, Nancy Steedman (left), mayor of the Village of Churchville and Don Suter (far right), deputy mayor, met at the CSX railroad crossing on South Main Street in the Village of Churchville with Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and CSX Railroad’s Roadmaster Eric Wade (on Steedman’s right).

Churchville officials wanted to thank Hawley and CSX for their help in addressing safety concerns at the railroad crossing. Work done by CSX this fall has helped with smoother and safer traffic flow across the crossing.

Photograph by David Knox

12/23/12

---

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

Brockport Firefighter climbs for colleague

Jamie Anderson, right, from the American Lung Association, with Brockport Firefighter Zach Delaney.Zach Delaney has been a member of the Brockport Fire Department for over 10 years. He has a deep commitment to his community. That commitment was the initial drive behind his participation in the American Lung Association’s First Annual Fight for Air Climb on November 10.

However, on October 24, that challenge took on a whole new meaning. That is the day that Zach’s fire department colleague, Roger Smith, died after a seven-year fight with pulmonary fibrosis. Smith, a 42 year veteran of the Brockport Fire Department, became Zach’s inspiration to train harder and raise $2,000 in donations.

Delaney said Roger was “just an all around great guy; the kind of guy that when it’s raining, he’s out dancing in the rain. He’s smiling and cracking jokes. He just kept us all united throughout his service time there.”

Brockport Firefighter Zach Delaney carries fellow firefighter Roger Smith's photo on his back for inspiration during 20-story Fight for Air Climb. Smith died October 24 of pulmonary fibrosis.On Thursday, December 6, with a standing ovation, Delaney was presented his Third Place award by Jamie Anderson of the American Lung Association in front of his personal and fire department families.

“The Lung Association is grateful to Zach, not just for his incredible support and the funds he raised for our mission, but for helping to raise awareness about lung disease and the personal toll it takes on so many of us,” said Jeff Seyler, President and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “The Fight for Air Climb is a way for us to all come together as a community to raise the funds we need to find better treatments and cures. By honoring the life of Roger Smith, Zach has brought us closer to that goal and he’s inspired us at the same time.”

Twenty stories and 450 steps later, Zach finished third in his age group. What made this feat so much more impressive is that Delaney competed wearing his complete firefighting gear, including a 40-pound air pack.

 

 

 

 

---

Santa- Mayor Joe LeeThe Christmas Float traveled through the many streets of Hilton on four evenings, December 16, 17, 22 and again on December 23, bringing loud Christmas songs with 2,600 flashing LED lights synchronized to the music and shouts of “Merry Christmas” from Santa and his helpers on the float. Pulled by a truck, the initial slow-traveling run on a cool and breezy snowless evening was made on December 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. with Rick Bjornholm driving the truck, Santa (aka Mayor Joe Lee) Apple Fest Committee members Linda Viney, Cathy Bjornholm and Jane Mitchell and Westside News Inc. photographer sitting on hay bales and shouting “Merry Christmas” whenever people activity was noticed. This initial trip, begun from the Hilton Community Center, was mostly in the northeast quadrant of the village, and the reception from the residents and passing cars was warm and joyful. Many excited children looked out windows or stepped outside on their porch to wave to Santa and reciprocate our greetings of “Merry Christmas.”

The group (pictured right) is ready to roll! Members include Rick Bjornholm, Jane Mitchell, Linda Viney, Cathy Bjornholm and Santa’s helper, aka Mayor Joe Lee, (all are on the Apple Fest board) and were joined by photographer Walter Horylev.

The Christmas Float idea, initiated by Mayor Joe Lee, was brought to fruition through donations for the LED lights by the Hilton Apple Fest, Lions Club, the Hilton-Parma-Hamlin Chamber of Commerce and the Knights of Columbus, Chapter 9461. Rick Bjornholm, Chairman of the Hilton Zoning Board, programmed the battery-operated computer-controlled lights on the sides of the trailer and the Christmas tree at the end of the trailer to be flashing synchronous to the music, adding greatly to the overall effect. The truck and trailer were provided by the Hilton DPW, who also modified the trailer; the bales of hay were donated by the Eichas Farm.

12/23/12

---

Riga Recreation Home Decorating Contest results

On Thursday evening, December 13, Santa, Rudolph, and his elves got into the recreation sleigh in search of the Best Decorated Home in Riga Recreation’s annual contest.

After view the 15 registered residences, Santa and his elves faced a most difficult task as all the homes were decorated in a most wonderful manner.

Rudolph was called in to try and break a “First Place” tie, but could not do so. It was then determined that the Harveys of 24 Rige-Mumford Road and the Knuuts of 477 Sanford Road South should be declared winners of the 2012 Riga Home Decorating Contest.

The Cosgroves of 2 Royce Drive gamered second place followed by the Fishers of 58 West Buffalo Street and the Ralston-Campbell’s of 651 Churchville-Riga Road in third and fourth place respectively.

Main Street Deli, Pizza Slice, OK Market, The Johnson House, Stone’s Countryside and Tim Horton’s of North Chili donated prizes for this event.

Provided information

12/23/12

---

DEC invites submissions for Arbor Day Poster Contest for 5th graders

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is now accepting submissions for the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. Fifth grade students, especially in science and art, are encouraged to design an original poster depicting the 2013 contest theme: Trees Are Terrific in All Shapes and Sizes.

DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the essential role trees play in our environment. By participating in the annual Arbor Day poster contest, students learn about trees and how they promote a healthy, balanced ecosystem.”

School contest winners will be eligible to compete at the regional level. Regional winners will then compete for the state title. The final winner’s artwork will be replicated as the official 2013 New York State Arbor Day bookmark distributed statewide. The winner will also receive an invitation to the NYS Arbor Day event in Albany in April, and a tree will be planted in the winner’s name at his/her school.

For information about the Arbor Day Poster Contest for fifth grade students, including contest rules, submission application and a list of DEC regional offices, visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/25420.html. Entries are being accepted at DEC regional offices until January 17, 2013.

Provided information

12/23/12

---

Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army 

Allyn Parrino, Doug Clare, Sue Parrino and Deb Clare (l-r) did a second Rotarian bell ringing stint recently.

The service clubs all picked their Saturday last March as part of their annual competition to see which club will raise the most money. The three clubs (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions) also share an additional non-competition Saturday.

Here Friends of Rotary Sue Parrino and her daughter, Allyn, take over in front of Mahans for Rotarians Doug and Deb Clare.

Over 90 percent of the money raised by these volunteers remains in the Brockport area.

Provided photo

12/23/12

---

Over the years, the Spencerport Canal Days Committee has funded many projects in the Ogden-Spencerport community. Funds raised at the 2011 Canaligator Race were recently used to purchase two life rings for the Spencerport Fire Department.

The water safety devices will be installed at the Ogden Heritage Park.

Shown here are: Tod Ritzenthaler, chief, Spencerport Fire District; Rebecca Daniels, Canaligator Race team member; Gay Lenhard, Ogden Supervisor; Glynne Schultz, Canaligator Race team member; David Moore, treasurer, Canal Days Committee.

Other Canaligator Race donations include: Spencerport Area Food Shelf, Aurora House, and the covered park benches in Pineway Ponds Park. In addition, proceeds from the Canal Days event (including the Car Show) are also donated to the Ogden/Spencerport community.

Since the first year of the Canal Days event in 1982, these donations total $36,000. Committee members say it’s made possible with support from event sponsors, visitors and vendors.

Provided photo and information

12/23/12

---

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

AREA

Keselowski selected November Hickok Belt™ Award winner

2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Brad Keselowski has been selected as the Hickok Belt Award winner for the month of November 2012.

Keselowski was selected after locking up his first Sprint Cup title in the year’s final race, becoming only the third driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup title within his first three seasons.

Other finalists for the month of November in order of how the NSSA voters ranked them were: Tom Brady (football), Peyton Manning (football), Arian Foster (football), Carmelo Anthony (basketball), Matt Ryan (football, LeBron James (basketball), Chad Kackert (football), Rory McIlroy (golf), Robert Guerrero (boxing).

BROCKPORT

The Brockport High School Varsity Hockey team, the last team in Section V to remain undefeated in their division, raised $677 for the Brockport Toy Shelf by collecting over 11,000 cans and bottles in their annual bottle drive on December 1.

They continued their Christmas spirit by caroling at The Landing of Brockport on December 16. The Hockey Booster Club also did a fundraiser for fellow classmate Taylor Mateo, a current Brockport High School junior battling cancer, and raised $327 on December 15.

They plan to raise more money for Taylor at the Brockport alumni hockey game on December 26.

12/23/12

---

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

Ludwicki scores twice for Saints

by Warren Kozireski

Andrew Ludwicki scored two of Churchville-Chili’s three third period goals to lead a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Hilton at Scottsville Ice Arena.

The Cadets jumped out to a 1-0 lead 4:55 into the first period created by Bobby Vasta. A loose puck in the slot was shot through a maze of legs into the net by Mitch Abbott.

After a scoreless second period, the Saints shortened their bench and it paid immediate dividends. Just 59 seconds into the period, defenseman Kyle Carr fed a pass along the left boards to Justin Alves. He passed to Zach Fodge who found a wide open Ludwicki across the slot to tie the game.

The Saints took the lead at 11:03 of the third as Fodge threw the puck back to the right point where Mike Luciw’s shot slipped into the upper right corner of the net to make it 2-1 C-C.

Just 1:07 later the Saints extended their lead to two goals as Ludwicki converted a Fodge pass off a three-on-one break.

The Saints got into penalty trouble in the late stages of the contest and, with the Hilton goalie pulled for a six-on-three advantage, Hilton scored. Chris DiVasta had his shot from the high slot go in off the post at 13:45 of the third period, but that was as close as the Cadets could get.

“We didn’t have any flow over the first two periods, but we were able to put things together in the third,” said Ludwicki. “My linemates got the first one for me - they did all the work. I was kind of getting worried for a while because we weren’t playing to our potential early on.”

The Saint improved to 5-1 with the victory.

12/23/12

---

HILTON

Cadets run away from Blue Devils

by Warren Kozireski

Eleven different players scored for Hilton as they racked up 35 second half points to defeat Brockport 59-32 in varsity boys basketball.

Brockport held a 7-6 lead early in the first quarter, but the Cadets went on an 18-6 run to lead by 11 at the end of the first quarter.

Hilton held Brockport to just two points in the second quarter while adding 15 of their own to build a 24 point halftime lead.

The Cadets extended the lead to 30 during the third quarter holding the Blue Devils to just five points of offense before both teams emptied the benches in the fourth quarter.

Scotty Eisenmenger led Hilton with 11 points with D.J. Logory scoring ten and Andy Miller adding nine.

Andrew Zimmer led the Brockport scoring with seven points, Nathaniel Caleb had six and Michael Sweeting five.

12/23/12

---

HOLLEY

Hawks defense sparks win

by Warren Kozireski

Holley held visiting Pembroke to just four points in the fourth quarter and Sage Hodge scored ten of his team-high 14 points in the second half to pace a 50-34 victory.

The game was tied at the end of the first quarter and again at halftime before Holley outscored the Dragons 18-12 in the third quarter, including three-point baskets from Hodge, Hunter Keys and Kyle Bell plus an old-fashion three-point play by Will Barniuk.

Six different players scored in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

In addition to his 14 points, Hodge added five assists and five steals. Bell had eight points, eight assists and five steals, Keys ten points and Barniuk seven points with a team-high ten rebounds. Joe Defelice added six points to help the Hawks earn their second win of the season.

12/23/12

---

 

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

AREA

Commissioner of Education visits BOCES 2

 

 

New York State Commissioner of Education Dr. John B. King, Jr. enjoyed breakfast prepared by WEMOCO Culinary Arts students Jessica Berardicurti and Jennifer Seeman during a visit to Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES in Spencerport. Ryan Kittle and William Geer (not pictured) also helped to make the breakfast.

 

 

 

Provided photo

12/23/12

 

 

BOCES 2 WEMOCO dental assisting students volunteer for a good cause 

Dental assisting students in teacher Cindy Christensen class volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Marcia Rachow (left) makes a donation while BOCES 2 WEMOCO student Erica King is ringing the bell at Tops in Spencerport. With Erica were her clsasmates Courtney Case, Jessica Martin, Deanna Piccarreto, Nicole Krahmer, Weedor Bryant, Da’Shay Whitfield, Marissa Kelly, Savanna Merriam, Karley Creamer, Sara Skora and Taylor Davis.

Provided photo

12/23/12

 

 

---

BYRON-BERGEN

Community holiday spirit abounds at Byron-Bergen CSD

B-B Varsity Club members, Danielle Foeller, Kara Hall, Samantha Walker, Rachel Kobel, Michaela Kenward, Brittany Merrell, Club Co-Advisor Danielle Carson, Lindsey Lovett, Matt Drake, Jacob Prospero, Jordan Coffta, and Co-Advisor Nick Muhlenkamp, are pictured with food collected by the winter sports teams.The Byron-Bergen community has provided assistance to families during the holiday for years. The B-B community members, administrators, faculty, staff, and students donated toys and games, clothing items, rolls of wrapping paper, and thousands of non-perishable food items. B-B Varsity Club organized a contest challenging each winter sports team to bring in the most food items - this year bringing in over 600 non-perishable food items.

In addition to the items above, over $2,500 was donated by the community, administrators, faculty, and staff to purchase gifts for families in need from the school district. All the food items will be picked up by the local Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons for sorting and packing into 90+ food baskets for local families (as they have done for many, many years), with several community, Board of Education, and school district members pitching in to help.

Sponsors of this holiday good will were organized by Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons and coordinated by Dick Sands; and include the faculty, staff, and students of Byron-Bergen CSD; and the Byron-Bergen community members. Food baskets and gifts were to be delivered on Saturday, December 22 by the Masons, community and school volunteers. All involved truly say they believe in the magic of the holiday season.

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 23, 2012

BERGEN

•Ireland, Edward James, December 13, 2012, age 52, retired in 2007 from General Motors Corp.; son of James R. and Marlene Maher Ireland of Bergen; father of Katie Ireland of Bergen, James Ireland of Greece and Beth Ireland of Buffalo; long time friend of Phyllis Cologgi of Rochester; brother of Patricia (Kenneth) Stulik of Virginia and Christine (Ronald) Brown of Ohio; former husband of Patricia Brasser Ireland; uncle of several.

A Funeral Mass was said December 18 at St. Brigid’s Church, Bergen. Contributions can be made to Palliative Care Program at University of Rochester Medical Center, Box 687, Rochester, NY 14642 or to St. Brigid’s Church, P.O. Box 219, Bergen, NY 14416 in his memory.

 

BROCKPORT

•Nicosia, Sylvia, December 14, 2012 at age 94. Predeceased by her husband, Angelo; son, Peter and grandson, Paul. Survived by her son, Paul (Carol) Nicosia; daughter-in-law, Felicity; grandchildren, Steve (Luly), Craig (Ada), Dean, Matthew (Jamie), Lisa Nicosia and Nicole (Jim) Shepherd; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren.

Her Memorial Service was held December 18 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Brockport. Donations can be made to Christian Center Church Building Fund, 20 Baders Way, Brockport, NY 14420 in her memory.

 

•Powers, William E., On December 14, 2012. Predeceased by parents, Percy and Helen. He is survived by his wife, Mary E.; seven daughters, Cindy Panzetta, Debra Dwaileebe, Christine Powers, Dawn Lane, Carol (David) Stasaitis, Donna Powers, Ellen Skuse; three sisters, Carol (Bill) Raleigh, Audrey VanDeGenachte, Karen (Thomas) Whitmore; three step-children, John McCormick, Cathy (Wayne) Thayer, Jeffrey McCormick; aunt, Charlotte Aaserud; 22 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren; several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Retiree of Delco Products.

His Funeral Service was held December 19 at the Arndt Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Care c/o Hildebrandt Hospice, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626, or Interlakes Oncology, 1561 Long Pond Road, Suite 120, Rochester, NY 14626 in his memory.

 

CHILI

•Newhart, Edward E. “Sonny,” December 15, 2012, age 71. Born in Urbana, Ohio on October 25, 1941. Predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Dorothea Newhart; brother-in-law, Anthony Comella. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rose Comella Newhart; three sons, Stephen, Daniel (Donna) and Ronald; four grandchildren, Samantha, Nicholas, Elizha and Izaiah; brother, Max (Belinda); sister, Joanna (Jim) Powers; two sisters-in-law, Mary (Robert) Finger, Alethea Comella; many nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. Ed was a member of the Air Force for 6 years, and employed at Genesee Brewery in the Print Shop and Case-Hoyt for over 30 years in the Bindery Department, Assistant Scoutmaster T292 in North Chili; co-president of Chili Lions Youth Football, American Legion Post #330 in Spencerport.

A Funeral Mass was said December 19 at St Christopher’s Church, North Chili. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. Christopher’s Church or the American Legion Post #330, Spencerport, NY in his memory.

 

•Renner, Robert Thomas, died surrounded by his family Nancy, Marissa and Dan on December 12, 2012. Bob was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Madeleine, and his daughter, Alice. He is survived by his children, Tom, Bev, Fred, and Nancy; grandchildren, Rob and Andi Zeh, Missy O’Neill, John, Dan, Joe and David Fingler, Aaron and Katie Renner, and Marissa Mason; beloved great-grandchildren; and numerous family members and friends in the Rochester area. Bob was born in Rochester, and served in the US Air Force during World War II flying eighteen B-17 bombing missions over Germany before being shot down. He survived prison camp, eventually retiring as a Major. After retiring, the family settled in Rochester.

A Funeral Mass was held December 17 at Holy Ghost Church. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery.

 

•Shortino, Edward J. Sr., December 12, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Jennie. Survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Jennie (Marcello); children, Elaine (Tom) Moran, Edward J. (Gabriella) Shortino Jr., Penny (James) Zielke, Thomas (Carol) Shortino; grandchildren, Angela, Bianca, Devon, Anthony, Alexis, Dominic, Olivia, Benjamin, Noah, Travis, Danielle and Sabrina; great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Alise and Coraline; brothers, Joe (Janet), Don (Marcie) and David Shortino; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

His Funeral Mass was said December 17 at St. Pius the Tenth Church, Chili. Internment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association in his memory.

 

•Thompson, Norma Jane (Keagle), December 17, 2012, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease, at age 85. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Richard Thompson; her sister, Marion Keagle; her children Donald (Cheryl), Marion Bulger (Kim Begandy), Stephen (Beth), Kurt (Lisa); seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Norma graduated from Cornell University with a degree in teaching. She devoted her free time to her family and to volunteer work with her church, FISH, Meals on Wheels, the Fresh Air Program and the 4-H Club.

A Memorial Service was held December 20 at Pearce Memorial Church, North Chili. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Pearce Memorial Church in her memory.

 

CLARKSON

•Boehl, Grace R., of Brandon, Florida, formerly of Clarkson, age 74, died July 27, 2012, with her family by her side. Predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend of 53 years, Bruce N. Boehl, only seven weeks prior. She is survived by her loving children, Marguerite Bennett of Brandon, Florida, Debra (Michael) Lester of Hamlin, Bruce S. Boehl of Brandon, Florida; her grandchildren, Clinton, Cody, and Carley Lester, Erin and Veronica Bennett; and her sister Barbara Bernardi, Narragansett, Rhode Island; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held July 30, in Valrico, Florida. Grace lived in Clarkson most of her married life and moved to Florida 14 years ago.

 

HAMLIN

•Dusett, Ada S., on December 18, 2012 at age 81. Predeceased by her husband, Charles E. Dusett Sr., her parents Ernest and Ada Skellen, four brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sons Ernie (Mary), Chuck Jr. (Cheryl), Dave Sr. (Sue) and Scott; 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Velma Roth; brother Will (Marg) Skellen; in-laws Dottie Dusett and Burt Kidney; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held December 21 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association, 1595 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester 14620 in her memory.

 

•Lopez, Sara A., December 12, 2012 at age 31. She is survived by her parents, David and Pamela Knoeferl; daughter, Kaitlyn Lopez; grandma, Shirley Knoeferl; many aunts and uncles including Burt Canute; also best friends, Diane and Derrick Collins.

Funeral Services were held December 22 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Clarkson Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Kaitlyn E. Lopez Education Fund, P.O. Box 745, Hilton 14468 in Sara’s memory.

 

HILTON

•Culverhouse, Edward Fraser, December 13, 2012 after a brief illness in Harvard, Massachusetts, formerly of Hilton. He was born December 25, 1922, son of the late Percy and Margaret (Fraser) Culverhouse. Predeceased by his wife, Anita (Howard) Culverhouse. Ed is survived by his daughter, Julie A. Dickson of New Hampshire and his son, Brian Culverhouse of Massachusetts; four grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ed was a graduate of Hilton High School, class of 1941. He served during World War II in Germany and following the war enrolled in Cornell University from where he graduated in 1949.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Congregational Church in Harvard, Massachusetts at 1 p.m. on January 12, 2013.

 

•Falbo, Frank J., December 15, 2012, age 74. Predeceased by his father, Vincent A. Falbo. Survived by his mother, Celia Falbo; his children, Debbie Falbo, Judy (Mark) Harrison, Kim (Charles “Skip”) Pike, Christine Falbo (Bill Cole); grandchildren, Scott Falbo and Heather Pike; brothers, Vincent (Dina) Falbo, Joseph (Joyce) Falbo; the mother of his children, Carol O’Connell; also many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews.

His Funeral Mass was said December 20 at Holy Cross Church, Rochester. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Unity Health Systems, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester 14626 in his memory.

 

•MacWilliam, Catherine I. “Kay,” Peacefully, December 9, 2012, age 93. Predeceased by her husband, Edgar. Survived by her sons, Alex (Marrilee), Roy and Don (Kate) MacWilliam; grandchildren, Dina (Kevin) Robbins, Gregory MacWilliam and Ashley (Nate) Johnson.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Hilton United Methodist Church. Those wishing can contribute to her Church Memorial Fund in her memory.

 

•Marlatt, Dolores M. Copenhagen/Koch, Peacefully December 17, 2012, age 82. Predeceased by her husband, Jacob Koch and her son, Christopher Koch. Survived by her husband, Bert C. Marlatt; also survived by her children, Dennis (Debi), Jeff (Wendy) Koch, Erika (Glenn) Spiroff; daughter-in-law, Jody; her sister, Gert Shemski; 21 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren. She was Past President of the St. Leo’s Rosary Society and member of St. Leo’s Columbiettes and Hilton Lionesses.

A Funeral Mass was said December 20 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Aurora House in her memory.

 

•O’Keefe, David J., November 13, 2012. A Memorial Service was held December 17, 2012, at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Bacon, Geraldine (Geri), on December 14, 2012 at age 78. Predeceased by her parents, George and Ruby Grattan; brothers, George (Marge) and Arthur Grattan. She is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, Ernest Bacon; son, Terrence (Marcy); grandson, Eirnin; brother Robert (Evelyn) Grattan; cousin Pamela (Michael) McAfee; several nieces and nephews. Extended family Michael, Darlene, Michael, Jeffrey DiBona.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated December 20 at Holy Ghost Church. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to Wilmot Cancer, 300 East River Road, Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 in her memory.

 

•Vidas, Ojars “O.J.,” died December 19, 2012 at age 66 peacefully, after a very courageous and dignified walk with leiomyosarcoma. O.J. grew up in Rochester and was a graduate of John Marshall High School, Monroe Community College, State University of New York at Brockport and SUNY Oneonta for post graduate courses. He was a decorated US Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1969-1970. He was a dedicated social studies teacher, with strong convictions and expectations, who inspired his students to go the extra mile. These qualities earned him the Teacher of the Year award twice in his career. Survived by his loving wife, and best friend, Katherine; his children, son, Jason (Erin Malone) Vidas of LaFarge, Wisconsin; daughter, Kristen (Jason) Kathman of Jamestown, New York and son, Matthew (Emily) Vidas of Syracuse; his grandchildren, Katie (Kate Marie Kathman) and Tommy (Thomas Daniel Kathman); also survived by his parents, Arturs and Nina (Kalnins) Vidas; brother, Ilmars Vidas; sister, Anita (Paul) Najder; sisters-in-law Connie Vidas and Wendy (Michael) Mayer; nine nieces and nephews; beloved godchild, Allison Luebbert (Victor Alves); two grand-nieces and one grand nephew; and many dear friends. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Peteris, sister-in-law, Lynnette (Winnick) Vidas, and father and mother-in-law, Paul and Dorothy (Welch) Rowland.

His Memorial Service with Military Honors was held December 22 at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, Greece. Private Interment at Pine Hill Cemetery. Donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Veteran’s Outreach in his memory.

---

---

 

 

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WWEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

Officials report good turnout of voters for first fire district election

by Kristina Gabalski

Turnout was brisk for the first election in the Brockport Fire District, Tuesday, December 11.

“I would like to thank the community for such a great turnout,” Jim Sauberan, chairperson of the Fire District Board of Commissioners, told Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald. “It says a lot about our community - it can teach other (communities) something.”

Brockport Village Trustee Kent Blair was also impressed by the turnout. “I was amazed by the amount of people,” he said during the meeting of the village board the same evening. “It was fantastic to see that many people. It proves (what) a close-knit community we live in.”

Fire District attorney Raymond DiRaddo said 278 ballots were cast for commissioner. The unofficial results are as follows: 96 votes for Charles Sanford, who is elected to a five year term; 68 votes for Laurence Vaughan, who is elected to a four year term; 56 votes for James Sauberan, who is elected to a three year term; 30 votes for Jarl Boyst, who is elected to a two year term; 21 votes for Debra Finkle, who is elected to a one year term.

There were three blank ballots and four ballots with write-ins.

Harold Mundy received 255 votes for treasurer. He is elected to a three year term. There were 18 blank ballots and four write-ins.

Voters also passed all four propositions by wide margins:

•Proposition #1 - 226 yes; 49 no; 3 blank - creates a vehicle and equipment capital reserve fund;

•Proposition #2 - 206 yes; 66 no; 5 blank - creates a command vehicle capital reserve fund.

•Proposition #3 - 221 yes; 52 no; 4 blank - creates a communications equipment capital reserve fund.

•Proposition #4 - 222 yes; 52 no; 3 blank - creates a building and facilities capital reserve fund.

12/16/12

---

 

Brockport adds tanker to fleet

The 1986 GMC Four Guys Tanker (236).The Brockport Fire District recently purchased and put into service a used tanker. The 1986 GMC Four Guys Tanker (236) boasts a water hauling capacity of 1800 gallons and a 425-gallon per minute pump.

Brockport Fire District covers 63 square miles of western Monroe County, 35% of which does not have water provided by fire hydrants, making it necessary for firefighters to have the ability to quickly bring water to the scene of an incident. The tanker can also be utilized in the event there is an incident where there is hydrant service but there is a problem with the service; for example frozen hydrants or a water main break. In past years, Brockport relied on neighboring fire departments to assist with this task. But, as water accessibility becomes more commonplace for those departments, and manpower and financial restrictions grip the area, many of those departments were liquidating their tankers and it became more difficult to ensure that these resources would continue to be available, according to Brockport Fire Department officials.

This purchase was the result of several year’s study. Two risk assessments were completed that identified a tanker as being the greatest need for equipment that the department was lacking, according to the department officials.

Provided photo

12/16/12

---

Hilton district residents approve Capital Project -

Reserve Fund proposition rejected

In a public vote held December 11, Hilton Central School District residents approved a proposition that authorizes the district to make capital improvements in the amount of $19.5 million. The vote was 785 in favor and 351 opposed. This project will have no impact on local property taxes and addresses renovations to every facility in the district. Revenue will come from available NYS Building Aid, the District Capital Reserve Fund, and NYS EXCEL Aid, according to a district press release.

The second proposition, which would have authorized the district to establish a Capital Reserve Fund with the maximum amount of $2.9 million to help fund future capital improvements, was rejected 546 to 573. The Capital Reserve Fund would have had no impact on local property taxes.

Provided information

12/16/12

---

Snowplowing issues for village lots resolved

by Kristina Gabalski

BROCKPORT - The snowplowing issue between the Village of Brockport and the Brockport Fire District appears to be resolved.

During their regular meeting November 27, village board members rejected a proposed inter-municipal agreement to allow the village police department use of a fire district van and the village use of meeting rooms at the Market Street Firehouse in exchange for the village providing snow removal at the district’s Market Street, West Avenue and Capen Hose properties.

Fire District Board of Commissioners Chairperson Jim Sauberan met with village board members during their work session December 4 to discuss the agreement and during their regular meeting December 11, village board members authorized the village department of public works to plow snow from the three lots when necessary pending clarifications and changes in the proposed agreement.

The village will plow the Market Street lot at no charge - in return for the use of the meeting rooms and van. A fee will be charged to the Fire District for plowing the West Avenue and Capen lots. During the meeting December 11, village board members were uncertain and will be getting clarification on the fee for plowing - whether it is $500 for both lots or $500 per lot for a total of $1,000 per season.

Board members will also direct village attorney Robert Leni to remove wording in the agreement stating the village must give the fire district a 30-day advance notice for use of the meeting rooms and van.

Trustee Kent Blair said he felt it was important to keep all other wording in the agreement.

He noted that police and fire department explorer posts meet regularly in the rooms at the Market Street Firehouse. “We don’t want to set up roadblocks,” he said.

The Market Street firehouse is also equipped to provide radio communications for police and fire departments in the event of a disaster or emergency, Blair added.

The board will vote on the final agreement after revisions and clarifications are made.

12/16/12

---

Monroe County Farm Bureau wins Silver Key awards at state annual meeting

Monroe County Farm Bureau was presented with seven Silver Key awards at the New York Farm Bureau State annual meeting, held December 4 through 6 in Albany.

The Silver Key Awards are presented to county Farm Bureaus that have exhibited excellence in a variety of categories relating to effectiveness in policy implementation, promoting agriculture amongst the public and in classrooms, leadership development, and membership building.

The awards were presented for excellence in the following categories: Policy Development & Implementation - Local, Policy Development & Implementation - State & National, Information & Public Relations, Agricultural Education & Promotion, Leadership Development, Membership, Distinguished President.

While at the State Annual Meeting, farmer members also took part in the grassroots process of laying the groundwork for the year ahead. More than 100 delegates from across New York proposed, discussed and voted on resolutions that set NYFB’s policy agenda for 2013. They also heard from a number of state and national leaders including Senator Charles Schumer, NY Agriculture Commissioner Darrel Aubertine, and Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Bill Magee.

Provided information

12/16/12

---

 

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

Clarksville becomes winter escape to bygone era

by Terra Osterling

Eighty-six year old Wilberta Clark stands next to her collection of Christmas season buildings that she has been putting together for over twenty years. She is also holding a sign, designed by her granddaughter Jennifer Clark, that describes the Christmas Village collection.Hamlin has a little-known seasonal community named Clarksville. The miniature Christmas village has been on display in 86-year-old Wilberta “Willie” Clark’s living room every holiday season since 1994.

Willie Clark, mother of six, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of four, lives downstairs in the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Butch and Pat Clark. It is here that a dining room set and couch disappear under Clarksville for the season. One side of the room is the quiet countryside of Clarksville. The other side, separated by a small area for Willie’s love seat and television, is the bustling downtown.

It all started with one lighthouse. Today Clarksville is 129 major buildings, plus smaller structures, vehicles, people, and wildlife.

Family and friends helped Willie to add to her collection over the years. Clarksville’s many pieces were purchased at garages sales, specialty shops, online and at local retailers. Some features are handcrafted -- Butch builds bridges and is the “water expert,” creating realistic ponds and waterways using plywood, paint and clear window caulk.

A feat of imagination and resourcefulness, Clarksville is also a winter escape to a bygone era. Soft snow blankets the scene with drifts of white fluff sprinkled throughout.

The Earl's Farmers Market section in Wilberta Clark's collection is named in memory of her late husband, Earl Clark.There are skaters gliding, snowboarders shredding, sledders, snow angels, a tug-of-war match and even a man snowblowing his driveway. Santa Claus can be found riding in a zeppelin, in a hot air balloon, or driving his sleigh and reindeer.

Lights, sounds and moving parts bring whimsical Clarksville to life. Christmas carols play from the revolving carousel at the amusement park while lights twinkle around a junkyard. A light wheel mounted at the ceiling casts the Northern Lights over the diner, bakery and mansions of downtown.

Clarksville is a family affair and team effort: brothers Butch and George begin in mid-October by constructing the two expansive, sturdy wooden platforms that support the display.

George Clark and his wife, Joanne, the set-up team, then spend an estimated 24 hours over several weeks arranging the display. They set it up differently every year. Joanne works on downtown, where her favorite feature, the working drive-in movie theater, is located down the road from a replica of her employer Macy’s New York flagship store.

George’s specialty is the outdoorsman’s corner with hunters, fishermen, a hilltop cabin and a fire tower. The last buildings were placed on Thanksgiving morning.

“Every year we say, ‘No more houses,’ then comes Christmas and we open presents, and she gets more houses,” laughs George. “I’d have to move upstairs if I add any more,” says Willie.

Wilberta Clark's Christmas Village collection of buildings depict many stores decorated for the holidays from around the area.They do add every year, but try to search out unique features, such as this year’s working windmill and a locally-known grocery store. Clarksville is a who’s who of national retailers and restaurants. There is also an airport, casino, fire department and hospital.

“It’s getting tougher to come up with new ones,” says Joanne. The Clarks are contemplating a drag racing strip and a raised train platform.

Every shopping trip throughout the year holds potential for new finds, like a tree house, a maple sugar shack or a working rollercoaster found at a Christmas specialty store in the Thousand Islands.

“Pat will come home and say, ‘Close your eyes Willie,’ and I’ll close my eyes and the next thing I know I have a handful of little things.” Dogs, bears, raccoons, fox, deer, ducks, and a bald eagle roam among the trees and ponds in the countryside of Clarksville. Vendors, shoppers and a chimney sweep are a few of the downtown population. Clarksville has everything, including a running waterfall.

Sharing Clarksville with family and friends every holiday season is the reward for the effort that the entire family puts into maintaining Willie’s display, which stays up through January. The take down team – sisters Bonnie, Trudy and Kathy, often with their grandchildren – carefully wraps and packs every piece into totes for off season storage.

Willie considers each part of the display to be special reminders of her large family. For example, there’s the outdoorsman’s area for brothers George and Todd, Joanne’s Macy’s, a great-granddaughter’s horse farm and a Ford dealership for Butch’s work in the auto industry.

The grandchildren routinely check on a corner of Clarksville not far from Earl’s Farm Market, named in memory of Willie’s husband.

“It’s been fun to watch it grow,” she says. “I’ve had oodles of fun with my kids. As long as they keep doing it, we’ll put it up.”

Photography by David Knox

12/16/12

---

Churchville attorney recognized for half-century of service to village

James B. Fitzsimmons and his wife, Mary Ann, at a recognition dinner.The Village of Churchville has struck gold with its village attorney, Jim Fitzsimmons, who has served the village, the mayor, and the Board of Trustees for 50 continuous years in that capacity.

Village Board members recently recognized and celebrated his half-century of service with a resolution passed during their December 10 regular meeting.

The Mayor and Village Board of Trustees from the Village of Churchville recognized James B. Fitzsimmons, Esq. for 50 continuous years serving as attorney to the Village of Churchville. Here he opens the door to the Village Board room that has been named for him.“James B. Fitzsimmons, Esq., has attended over 600 regular and special board meetings,” the resolution states, “... prepared legal contracts and opinions, provided services in connection with the acquisition of easements and title to real property, prepared local laws, ordinances and resolutions ... represented the village in court proceedings ... (and) has shown the utmost dedication to the community of the Village of Churchville.”

The resolution also states Fitzsimmons has, “... maintained the highest standard of ethical conduct,” as village attorney.

The board room of the Village Hall has been named “The James B. Fitzsimmons Board Room” in his honor and a parking space has also been designated in his name at the Village Hall.

Village officials emphasize that Fitz-simmons is not retiring and that the village is “celebrating and appreciating him for 50 years of service.” Part of the celebration included a dinner held November 20 at Agatina’s Restaurant.

Provided photos

12/16/12

---

Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association seeks entertainers for 2013 summer concert series

The Oak Orchard Neighborhood Association (“OONA”) will be accepting nominations for musical entertainers for the fourth annual Summer Concert Series. The six outdoor concerts will be held Tuesday evenings starting July 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Orleans County Marine Park on Point Breeze Road, Kent.

Bands or musical groups interested in being considered for the concert series can apply at www.oakorchard.org and click on the “Nominations” link or call 585-682-0090 for an application. Nominations from fans will also be considered, along with a fair degree of certainty that the band they nominate will be available to perform during that period for a set fee. Fees will be determined based on several factors including the size of the band, available funding and sponsorship.

The deadline to apply is December 31. Entertainment selection will begin in January 2013 by a committee of OONA members and announced in February.

For information, contact Lynne Menz, concert series coordinator, at 585-682-0090 or email lynne@oakorchard.org.

Provided information

12/16/12

---

 

Brockport firefighters honor assemblyman

Brockport Fire Chief Michael Henry and President John Rombaut present a plaque to Assemblyman Bill Reilich. Brockport firefighters gathered to honor Assemblyman Bill Reilich for his support of the Brockport Community.

His special interest in firefighters and emergency services personnel has been demonstrated across his district, according to a press release from Brockport Firefighter Christopher Martin. From HURST rescue tools to Thermal Imaging Cameras, Assemblyman Reilich has fought for funding in Albany to ease the burden of local taxpayers while at the same time ensuring his rescue people had the best up to date equipment available, according to the press release.

According to Martin, Reilich spent time on the roof of the training center in full firefighter gear watching past Chief Chris McCullough use the new equipment he helped the department purchase. When he wasn’t on the roof, he was sporting a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and was following the firefighters into the controlled burn to experience what they felt. These exercises all aided him in the fight to maintain equipment and supplies and to fully realize why it was needed, Martin said.

Reilich no longer serves the fire district. As a token of appreciation for his efforts, Brockport Volunteer Firefighters Association President John Rombaut and Fire Chief Michael Henry presented Reilich with a plaque bearing the Brockport patch and collector’s coins of historic apparatus owned by the department.

Stephen Hawley is the current assemblyman who serves the fire district.

Provided information

Provided photograph by Christopher Martin

12/16/12

---

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

BROCKPORT

Bartalo, Heitz lead Blue Devils

by Warren Kozireski

Nate Bartalo and Brandon Amthor finished 1-2 in the 500-yard freestyle to put Brockport ahead for good and Nate Heitz had two individual wins in a 95-91 win over Brighton in boys swimming.

Bartalo won the 500 in 5:14 flat and also was first in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:57.27.

Heitz was first in the 50-yard freestyle in :23.46 and the 100-yard backstroke in :59.01.

Other individual winners for Brockport were Adam Wilson in the 100-yard butterfly in :56.85 and Nick Olson in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of :50.53.

The 200-yard medley relay team of Heitz, Josh Sauberan, Wilson and Olson took top honors in 1:47.10 and the 200-yard freestyle relay team including Olson, Dylan Costello, Chris Phillips and Bartalo won in 1:35.35.

The meet was clinched with the first place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay by the team of Bartalo, Wilson, Phillips and Heitz in 3:28.24 - a full ten seconds better than the second place unit.

12/16/12

 

 

 

Henshaw’s two goals pace Brockport

by Warren Kozireski

Brandon Henshaw netted two second period goals as Brockport opened a 4-0 lead to eventually defeat Spencerport 5-1 in high school hockey.

Cody Johnson began the scoring just 1:07 into the contest when he was able to put a loose puck into the empty after the Rangers goaltender came out of his net.

In the second period, defenseman Zachery Coughlin took a pass from Matt Roe and put a low shot from the left point into the net at 1:05 for a 2-0 Brockport lead.

Henshaw then netted his two goals - the first on a tip off point shot from Danny Viscardi at 7:28 and the second at 11:38 after taking a long pass from Coughlin and skating cross crease to put a forehand shot into the back of the net for a 4-0 lead.

Spencerport’s Evan Connolly got the Rangers on the board with a power play goal off a rebound from a Jackson Charron wraparound attempt. Jamie Cammilleri took the initial shot from the left point and also was credited with an assist.

Brockport finished the scoring at 4:40 of the third when Dylan Sharpe redirected a pass from behind the net by Roe for his first varsity goal.

Doug Liebe made 14 saves in net for the Blue Devils while Matt Sahrle and James Maier combined to make 30 saves for Spencerport.

“We had a little letdown after the first period, but it was a long week with a little weight room work and video and teambuilding things,” said Brockport head coach Greg Stahl. “We got some good shots from the point.

“We lost 14 players and only returned four skaters, but we do return two of our goalies which is big for us. Those guys are the catalyst and we’ve been playing them a lot, but they’ve been doing the job.”

Brockport improved to 4-0 with the win.

12/16/12

---

BYRON-BERGEN

Bees pin Alexander

by Warren Kozireski

Byron-Bergen received falls from six different wrestlers plus a one-point decision to defeat Alexander 45-36.

Three of the first four bouts resulted in 18 points for the Bees beginning with Hunter Taylor picking up a second period fall in 3:36 after a reverse at 132 lb.

Senior Dennis Payne followed with a first period takedown and pin in 1:55 at 138 lb. and classmate Josh Hixenbaugh made quick work of his 152 lb. opponent in just 55 seconds.

Jon Levchuk’s 170 lb. bout lasted just 29 seconds before he pinned his man for his 102nd career win. Senior Cole Thompson took 3:45 at 195 lbs. and Charles Otter rebounded from a takedown to reverse his man and pin him in one minute flat at 220 lb.

Mike Saxman had a 3-2 second period lead before a third period escape allowed him to squeak out a 4-3 victory at 285 lb. Anthony Miriaglia won at 106 lb. via forfeit for the Bees, who picked up their first dual meet win of the young campaign.

12/16/12

 

 

 

B-B rally falls short

by Warren Kozireski

After trailing 10-0 to open the contest, Byron-Bergen rallied to within three points of the lead twice and two-points midway through the third quarter before eventually dropping a 58-41 to undefeated Batavia Notre-Dame in girls basketball.

Sam Futter led a second quarter rally with seven points and Lyndsay Lovett added five as the Bees cut the lead down to three late in the first half.

Kristen Hohn took over in the third quarter six points, including a free throw with 4:38 remaining in the third to cut the lead down to two, but that’s the closest the Bees would get in being outscored 23-8 from that point forward.

Futter led all Bees with 12 points with Abbie Kelley adding 11. Hohn finished with eight and Lovett had seven. Notre Dame’s Melanie Taylor led all scorers with 28 points.

12/16/12

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

AREA

BOCES 2 WEMOCO students hosted Skills Night to practice trades 

Kevin Ritchie (left) purchases a bakery item from bakery student Alex Stilson.Career and technical education students at BOCES 2 WEMOCO hosted a skills night to practice their trades and show-off their skills in culinary arts, baking, auto tech, cosmetology, art, carpentry, and precision machining.

All donations were used to help support the SkillsUSA Chapter at WEMOCO. Skills USA is an international organization providing professional development and an opportunity for students to compete in their fields of study at the state, national, and international level.

Skills Nights are open to the public. The next Skills Night is January 31 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center at 3589 Big Ridge Road in Spencerport.

Provided photo

12/16/12

---

BYRON-BERGEN

Byron-Bergen’s FIRST® Tech Challenge competes in state competition

FTC Club members (front, l-r) Chase Bergeron, Matt Hilbert and Nate McCarthy; and (back, l-r) Nick Kelly and Robotics Club Advisor Rich Walker display the team's robot. Not pictured: Gerald Menzie and Zach Swapceinski. Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) club, a high school robotics competition, competed against 26 other teams and then in the semi-finals at the FIRST® Tech Challenge Robotics Competition at Clarkson University, November 30.

The “Bee Awesome” team, along with technology teacher Rich Walker, finished with a 2-2-1 record in the qualifying rounds.

According to Walker, the team enjoyed the experience and came back to Byron-Bergen with a better understanding of problem-solving skills, networking techniques, and team work.

The team also thanks Liberty Pumps, which not only helped the team financially, but also provided mentor and manufacturing engineer David Clark to support the team.

The team plans on participating in the annual “Tech Wars” at Genesee Community College, and is currently planning for a local Robotics competition in the spring, according to Walker.

 

 

 

Live concert kicks off Byron-Bergen’s new anti-bullying program

Jared Campbell talks to students during his live concert at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School, November 30.Students at Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School spent Friday, November 30 enjoying the musical talents of Jared Campbell of The Blue Project in his interactive live concert to kick off the district’s newly launched Olweus anti-bullying program.

Campbell, an award winning singer/songwriter from upstate New York, speaks and performs at hundreds of schools and conferences. His focus is allowing his music to impact the lives of his listeners by experiencing joy, finding comfort through pain, and looking past obstacles toward living a better life.

Campbell’s message involved how the power of words can influence students.

“When you use words in the wrong way, it’s like weapons,” he said to students.

To conquer hurtful words, Campbell told students that even though there are clouds in the sky, there is a blue sky behind those clouds.

Byron-Bergen chose the theme “Rise Above” for their kick-off event to coincide with Campbell’s message of rising above obstacles to find the blue, or motivation. The theme “Rise Above” is the focus of Campbell’s song “Catch a Glimpse of Blue.”

“This [message] is about rising above the things that weight us down,” he said before performing his song “Catch of Glimpse of Blue.”

Also part of his message, Campbell talked to students about what he termed a “white line,” which is a person or persons who are always there for you. “I want you to think about your white line,” he tells students as he performed his song “Beyond the Rain.”

“I want you to think about how you can be that white line for someone - someone at your school,” he continues. “This is about taking down the judgements we have about someone.”

The event is important, according to Byron-Bergen Sr. High School Guidance Counselor Lindsay Kramer, because “we are a small community here and we need to support each and every person; no one is left out and no one is picked on.”

Other than bringing awareness and excitement for the new Olweus program, Byron-Bergen Assistant Principal for Regents Reform and School Improvement Jen Doyle asked students to agree to take action.

“We are agreeing to be friends, good citizens, and good bystanders,” she said.

Provided information and photo

12/16/12

---

HILTON

Hilton eighth graders, staff rally to help children in need

Hilton eighth graders (l-r) Tessa McElligott, Katie Gebo, and Evelina Kalenik with the mountain of toys donated to the Society for the Protection and Care of Children's Teddy Bear Project. Merton Williams Middle School students and staff have been participating in the project for over a decade.For more than a decade, Pam Tenny, a social studies teacher at Merton Williams Middle School, has rallied students, staff and families to help out the Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC) by participating in the Teddy Bear Project. Dozens of little cards with information about a child’s interests, sizes, favorite color, and wish for the holidays are given to Tenny every holiday season. Then students and the Merton Williams’ staff spring into action fulfilling each child’s wants and needs. Toys and clothing are purchased, and wish lists completed for between 75 and 100 children every year. The children range in age from infants to age 17.

“We’re giving to kids that don’t have much and don’t expect to wake up to gifts on Christmas morning,” said eighth grader Katie Gebo.

Evelina Kalenik, also an eighth grader, bought a large set of princess dolls and construction blocks to donate. “I wish I had a camera there so I could see their faces when they open the gifts,” she said.

For information on the SPCC, visit www.spcc-roch.org.

Provided Information

12/16/12

---

 

 

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 16, 2012

AREA

•Cannava, Silvio L. (Nonno), of Irondequoit, died December 8, 2012 at age 98. Mr. Cannava is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Rosina; children, Cathy (Jerry) Kilcrease, Tina (Richard) Mogab, John Cannava, Carmella (James) Heidt, Carla (Kevin) Tydings and Frank Cannava; grandchildren, Kim (Jim) Rick, Kerri Roberts, Monique (Steve) Adamo, Symone (Tom) Daigle, Nicole (Steve) Gasaway, Richard Mogab, Danielle Staffo, Jessica (Jared) Hirt, Matthew (Kristi) Heidt, Brendan and Daniel Tydings; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter.

Funeral and interment were at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong Memorial Hospital, 300 East River Road, P.O. Box 23029, Rochester, NY 14692 in his memory.

 

•Connor, Rev. Gerald T., of Rochester, died December 7, 2012, age 84. Predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Mabel; nieces, Diane Kelly and Darci Degnan. Survived by his sister, Ann (Louis) Fien of Spencerport; nephews and nieces, Tom (Lynda) Fien, Nancy (Paul) Keim, Ken (Marie) Fien, Bob (Nicole) Fien, David (Karen) Fien, Mary Kay Degnan, Beth (Alan) Yost; many great-nieces and nephews; good friend, Ross Hansen. Father Connor was a retired Pastor of St. Pius the Tenth Church, Priest for the Diocese of Rochester for over 54 years and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

His Funeral Liturgy was held December 10 at St. Pius the Tenth Church, Chili with Bishop Matthew H. Clark presiding. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery.

 

CHILI

•Broughan, Robert E., December 10, 2012 at age 58. Predeceased by his sister, Karen Adam. Survived by his mother, Connie M. Broughan; his father, George Broughan; sisters, Valerie Palermo (Bill Adams) and Robin (Mark) Crispino; nieces, nephews, and aunt; cousins and friends.

A Funeral Service was held December 14 at the DiPonzio Funeral Home, Inc., Gates. Private entombment.

 

•Iles, Joseph D. Jr., December 7, 2012 at 82 years old. He was predeceased by his son, David; parents, Joseph and Mabel and brother, John. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Louisa; his children, Beth (Michael), Maira, Christopher (Gina), Richard (Kathryn) and daughter-in-law, Karen (Luke) Iles-Loveys; his grandchildren, Scott, Kevin (Erica), Sarah (Roger), Matthew, Kelly, Jake, Emerson and Cameron; brother-in-law, David (Diane) Jones; nieces and nephews. Joseph was a member of the Chili American Legion and a volunteer at the YMCA.

Private interment. To share a memory, visit: www.NewcomerRochester.com.

 

CHURCHVILLE

•Moore, Edgar E., After a long and courageous battle with lung cancer, Edgar E. Moore, died December 5, 2012, at age 86. Ed, a WWII veteran, was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, the son of Samuel Percival and Genevieve Nangle Moore. He moved to Rochester to attend RIT for photography. It is here he met his future wife, Jessie Leibeck. They married in 1947 and he took a job with the photo products division of DuPont in Rochester, so his beloved Jessie could live near her family. Soon thereafter, with nothing but a dream and the same determination that they relied upon throughout their over 60 years of married life, they began building, by themselves, a home in Riga where they raised their children and where Ed still lived at the time of his death.

Ed was a fun loving extrovert who loved life and loved a challenge. He dedicated his life to service to God, family and country because he recognized that he was richly blessed; so he enthusiastically accepted the responsibility to serve that accompanies such blessings. He was a life member of, and actively participated in the programs of the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954 that assist veterans and their families and its further its mission to promote the ideals and protect the freedoms upon which America was founded. He co-chaired the building of the Legion Post home and he served five terms as Commander. Ed is a Past President and Past Board of Directors member and a Life Exempt member of the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department; he proudly served as both a volunteer fire fighter and member of the ambulance squad. Ed was an avid sportsman and conservationist. In the 1970’s he founded Citizens to Save Riga, an organization which advocated for responsible environmental stewardship and which evolved into Riga’s Independent Party. Ed was elected and served as Riga Town Supervisor for ten years. Under his leadership, many actions were taken to institute responsible stewardship of the Town’s natural and financial resources. During his tenure, he also served as President of the Monroe County Town Supervisors Association - quite an honor for a renegade independent minded Independent. While Town Supervisor, he also wrote a weekly newspaper column, Preserving Our Heritage. Ed was a dedicated father who did everything from coaching Little League, serving as a boy scout leader and building see saws, doll houses and campfires, but most important in conjunction with Jessie, he instilled in his children, by example, the same values that he and Jessie shared. After a 37 year career with DuPont, Ed retired and he and Jessie opened an antique shop specializing in lamps. Ed loved to fish, hunt, garden, travel and just relax at their Honeoye Lake cottage. At his side, in every endeavor and adventure, was Jessie. In 1998, Ed and Jessie were named Riga Citizens of the Year.

Ed is predeceased by his loving wife of almost 61 years, Jessie Leibeck Moore. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela A. Moore and her husband, Gilbert L. Budd, of Churchville, and his son, Gary E. Moore, his wife Ellen, and their four children, Aaron, Evan, Melissa and Jonathan, all of Concord, North Carolina. He is also survived by his brother Donald, and his wife, Carol, of San Diego; sister-in-law, Dorothy Pharoah, brother-in-law, John Leibeck and his wife, Jean, of Churchville and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated December 10 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Churchville. Burial in St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Veterans Outreach Center Employment Programs, 459 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 or to Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 in his memory.

 

CLARENDON

•VanAtta, Mark D., December 10, 2012 at the age of 50. Predeceased by his father, David. He is survived by his mother, Carol (Bauerschmidt) VanAtta; brother, Daniel (Mary) VanAtta; sisters, Donna Reuter, Linda VanAtta; nephews, Charlie, Gregory; niece, Annaliese; great niece and nephew.

His Funeral Mass was said December 14 at St. Rita’s Church. Private interment. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

 

HILTON

•Braden, Roberta S., December 10, 2012, age 61. Beloved wife of Joseph; devoted mother of Aimee; also survived by her sisters, Kathy (Fred) McMann, Sharon (Joachim) Bunkenburg, Shelly Marzulo, Victoria Laskoski (Lance) Domhoff; brother, David (Lynn) Kausch; many nieces and nephews; and her dog, Jack.

A Memorial Service was held December 15 at Savior’s Chapel, Greece. Contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse.org in her memory.

 

•Hopkins, Harry, on December 9, 2012, age 88. Predeceased by his wife, Betty, 2005. Survived by his children, James (Margie) Hopkins and Linda (Russ) Drummey; grandchildren, Douglas (Gina), Thomas (Kate) Hopkins, Jason and Daniel Drummey; four great-grandchildren; also predeceased by his sister, Edith Friedman.

Funeral Services were held December 15 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton, followed by a Military Graveside Service at Riverside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Masonic Brotherhood Fund or Veteran’s Outreach in his memory.

 

•Wilkins, Joseph F., December 9, 2012. Predeceased by his parents, Albert and Mary (Redmond) Wilkins. He is survived by his children, Tracy (Ken) Merkel, Kelly Wilkins and Alan (Kim) Wilkins; three grandchildren. Joe was a U.S. Army Veteran and a retiree of Kodak.

His Memorial Service was held December 15 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm in his memory.

 

HOLLEY

•Smalley, Irene Christ, age 87, died December 4, 2012. Her Memorial Service will be held in the spring of 2013. Arrangements by Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home, Holley. To share a special memory of Irene, please visit www.christophermitchell.com.

 

NORTH CHILI

•Hasenauer, John H., On December 7, 2012. Predeceased by baby daughter, and son-in-law, Gordon D. Green. He is survived by his devoted wife, Helen C. of 62 years; daughter, Susan H. Hasenauer; four sons, John M., Daniel R. (Sandra), David S. (Tatiana), Steven J. (Stephanie); sister, Margaret Kinney; six grandchildren, Michael, Jessica, Max, Amanda, Kira and Nina. Retiree of Eastman Kodak with 40 years of service.

A Funeral Mass was said December 11 at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

 

•Owen, Karen E., died December 7, 2012. Born and raised in Chico, California. Survived by her husband Doug; sons, Jacob and Nick; her mother, Paula; sisters, Rhonda, Lisa and brother Richard. Liver cancer took her at the young age of 53.

A Celebration of Karen’s life was held December 15 at Jake’s Pub and Grill, North Chili.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Castellano, Joyce “Rosie,” (Russo), December 5, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Angelina Russo; brother, Dr. Michael Russo. Survived by her loving husband of 36 years, John R. Castellano; son, John A. (Teri Devey); step-grandchildren, Crystal and Gia; step-great-grandchildren, Noella and Jovany; several nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and dear friends.

Services were held at the convenience of the family. Donations can be sent to Hildebrandt Hospice, 3111 South Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.

 

•Schultz, Brennan Michael, December 8, 2012, at age 4 months. Predeceased by his grandfather, Michael P. Schultz. He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Beth Schultz; brothers and sisters, Dylan, Gavin, Michaelyn, Aidan and Jordin; grandparents, Rosemarie Schultz, Susan and Dan Dutcher; very special great grandmother, Donna Feenin; many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Funeral Mass was said December 13 at St. Theodore’s Church. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park.

---

---

 

 

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

First Brockport Fire District election December 11

by Kristina Gabalski

The first election for the Brockport Fire District will be held Tuesday, December 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Brockport Exempt Club on West Avenue.

Board of Commissioners Chairperson Jim Sauberan says the only citizens to submit letters of intent to run are the current five commissioners and treasurer: Jim Sauberan, Commissioner and Chairperson; Debra Finkle, Commissioner and Secretary; Charlie Sanford, Commissioner and Vice Chairperson; Larry Vaughan, Commissioner; Jarl Boyst, Commissioner; and Harold Mundy, Treasurer.

The election will be decided as follows: The person receiving the greatest number of votes shall be elected for a five-year term; the person receiving the second highest number of votes shall be elected for a four-year term; the person receiving the third highest number of votes shall be elected for a three-year term; the person receiving the fourth highest number of votes shall be elected for a two-year term; the person receiving the fifth highest number of votes shall be elected for a one-year term.

The person receiving the greatest number of votes for the office of treasurer shall be elected for a term of three years.

Voters will also decide on four propositions which the Board of Fire Commissioners adopted during their meeting October 15.

The propositions regard the establishment of capital reserve funds to finance the cost of acquisition of replacement/additional fire fighting vehicles, command vehicles, communications equipment as well as establishment of a building and facilities capital reserve fund.

Chairman Sauberan says only those people who are registered to vote with the Monroe County Board of Elections and are current residents of the Brockport Fire District can vote.

“We hope to see a good turnout,” he says.

12/9/12

---

 

Canal embankment restoration underway in Spencerport

Rehabilitation work has begun on a portion of the canal embankment in the Village of Spencerport. The work will take place on a 1,200-foot-long area on the south side of the canal just east of Trimmer Road. The repairs require the removal of trees along the edge of the canal in conjunction with the placement of clay and stone to the canal embankment for reinforcement, according to the New York State Canal Corporation.

This project, necessary to ensure the structural integrity of the Canal and protect low-lying areas, is expected to be completed in May 2013 and is part of the Canal Corporation’s system-wide winter work program, according to a press release.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

 

New Spencerport Plaza owners sponsoring contest

David and Albert Pelusio, the new owners of Spencerport’s Village Plaza would like the community to be involved in the exciting new development of the village’s plaza, by coming up with a new name for it.

Their current plan includes removing the two buildings in the back of the plaza and replacing them with a new L shaped structure that will have stores, including a True Value Hardware on the first floor and apartments above which will look out over the Erie Canal. They plan to invest more than $20,000,000 which will include a second exit for the plaza next to the Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance. Eventually, another dock on the canal to serve boaters in season will be added.

They will begin to seek proper building permits soon and hope for approval by sometime this spring.

“This large investment in our village will certainly enhance our economy and will be a boon to not only residents but also to current businesses on Union Street and in the plaza now. Look at what having Tops here has done for us. I believe that what they are planning will be beneficial in more ways than one,” says Mayor Joyce Lobene. “The exit on Lyell, originally planned through a study done some years ago, will now become a reality with no cost to our taxpayers. To me, that is a win-win situation for the village.”

The contest for a new name will run from December 8 to 31, with winners announced on January 4. Prizes are a $200 shopping spree for First Place with two Second Place winners of $50 each for any business in the village. Send an entry to Plaza Name Contest, o/c Schultz Associates, Engineering, P.O. Box 89, Spencerport, New York 14559.

12/9/12

---

 

Hilton CSD residents reminded to vote on Capital Project propositions Dec. 11

Hilton School District residents will be asked to vote on two propositions at the polls Tuesday, December 11. The first proposition authorizes the district to make capital improvements in the amount of $19.5 million. Revenue will come from available NYS Building Aid, the District Capital Reserve Fund, and NYS EXCEL Aid. The second proposition authorizes the district to establish a Capital Reserve Fund with the maximum amount of $2.9 million to help fund future capital improvements. Neither proposition 1 nor proposition 2 will have any current or future property tax impact.

The project addresses renovations to every facility in the district. Residents can find more detailed information on the district website at www.hilton.k12.ny.us, including a Capital Project video. A Capital Project newsletter was also recently mailed to district residents. Voters are encouraged to contact the District Office or Business Office with any questions.

Voting takes place Tuesday, December 11 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Hilton High School, 400 East Avenue, Hilton for Parma, Clarkson and Hamlin residents; and at Northwood Elementary School, 433 North Greece Road, for Greece residents. To be eligible, a resident must be a registered voter with Monroe County Board of Elec- tions (having voted in any general election within the past four years at your current address) and a legal resident of the Hilton Central School District at least 30 days immediately prior to December 11, 2012. Voters do not have to own property or have children in school.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

Court date for Brockport mayor again delayed

by Kristina Gabalski

Ogden Town Court officials say the next appearance date for Brockport Mayor Connie Castañeda is set for December 18.

The mayor’s case has been delayed repeatedly over the last few months.

Her attorney, Donald Thompson, tells the Suburban News, “The District Attorney’s office requested additional time to respond to the motions that were filed and the court granted that request without objection.”

The mayor is charged with 14 separate counts of official misconduct stemming from the alleged illegal rental of her property at 332 Main Street in the village.

The mayor was arrested in March of 2012 and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In August, Ogden Town Justice David Murante expressed concern over the length of time the case has been in the courts, but at that time asked Assistant Monroe County District Attorney Mark Monaghan for a number of clarifications regarding the charges and the Brockport Village Code.

12/9/12

---

 

Feasibility study provides plans for trail connector

by Kristina Gabalski

Although leaders say there is likely very little chance that it will become a reality, the Towns of Riga, Chili and the Village of Churchville now have a feasibility study and final recommendations for alignment of a 15-mile multi-use trail that would connect Churchville Park with the Genesee Valley Greenway.

An open house held Thursday, November 29 at the Churchville-Chili Middle School was well attended by residents, who were able to view presentation materials of the project overview, trail alignment alternatives and the preferred trail alignment and conceptual design. Members of the project team including municipal leaders and representatives from Bergmann Associates, Steinmetz Planning and the Genesee Transportation Council were also on hand to answer questions. Funding for the feasibility study was provided by the Genesee Transportation Council.

There had been hope that the trail would run along Black Creek, but much of the land is privately owned and landowners made it clear at a meeting in May that they were not in favor of the trail crossing through their properties. Members of the committee which was formed to look into the possibility of a trail said seasonal flooding along the creek also made alignment along the creek difficult.

The preferred trail alignment recommendation keeps the trail along public sidewalks and roadways and passes through the Village of Churchville, Black Creek Park, Union Station Park and the Chili Nature Center.

Leaders of the three municipalities say the cost of such a project means it likely will never become a reality.

Chili Supervisor David Dunning, who spear-headed the effort, says originally it was thought the trail could be constructed for about $1.2 million, but final estimates are in the $6 million range.

Dunning says he is disappointed with the conclusions of the study.

“I was excited about the project,” he says. “Black Creek is a beautiful creek. I want the public to be able to enjoy it, but they can’t.” He says the cost of constructing the trail along the recommended alignment makes it unfeasible.

Riga Supervisor Bob Ottley says the results of the study did not surprise him.

“It came out how I thought it would,” he says - with no favorable alignment along the creek.

Supervisor Ottley also cited the issue of seasonal flooding along the creek as a major drawback to aligning the trail along the creek bank, however, “looking at alternatives, I thought, was a good idea,” he added.

Churchville Mayor Nancy Steedman said, “I’m excited about the possibilities within the village. I’m happy the feasibility study included Howard Street.”

Municipal leaders noted there is interest among bicyclists for more bike trails throughout the area and added that the study will be a helpful tool for future improvement of roads and streets included in the preferred alignment. Having such a study in place, they say, is useful when applying for grant money should the municipalities decide at some point to widen roads included in the feasibility study to allow space for bicycle lanes.

Riga Town Board member Deborah Campanella was a member of the committee formed to look into the possibility of the trail.

She said the study is a good thing for all three communities and will help with proper planning in the future.

“It’s good to do planning,” she said, “it provides a vision of change for the future.”

12/9/12

---

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

Fireworks add spectacular ending to Parade of Lights

by Kristina Gabalski

The light drizzle was persistent but spirits remained festive as a large crowd of people lined Main Street in Brockport for the second annual Holiday of Lights Parade Sunday, December 2.

Organizer and Village Trustee Kent Blair said 40 units were included in this year’s event. In addition to floats, units included the Brockport Central School Marching Band, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, the Brockport Police Department, Brockport Fire District, Brockport Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Town of Clarkson, Town of Sweden, Village of Brockport, the village DPW and many others.

Blair said the event this year, which included caroling, the lighting of the village tree and a fireworks finale was, “incredible, I’ve heard so many good things from people.”

People came out early to shop, Blair noted. “I would like to thank everybody for coming out to the village,” he said.

Brockport Police Stetson Club President and parade organizer Brian Winant said the day was a great success. “We hope the merchants had a really great day - we had a good day,” he said.

The list of winners according to Winant is as follows: Santa’s Pick: Spotlight Studio - $75; Most Creative: Dog Wash - $125; Best Non-Profit: Western Monroe Historical Society - Morgan Manning House - $100; Best Overall: Sunnking - $150

“People really stepped-up their creativity this year,” Winant says. “The scoring was close.” Additional notable floats included Partyka Farms, Pro-Brockport, ALPCO (which included Christmas trees made of recyclable materials), the Hilton Sno-Flyers, and the March Masters Band who had lights on their instruments, Winant adds. He notes that although there were 40 units, there were well over 45 actual vehicles, groups and organizations in this year’s parade.

Winant thanked Sunnking for their donation of the fireworks which were “the icing on the cake,” he says.

Again this year WBEE’s Jeremy “Newman” and WROC-TV’s Stacy Pensgen were parade MCs. They were joined by Amanda Ciavarri of WHEC-TV. Santa and Mrs. Claus were also a part of the parade and festivities.

Winant says next year’s parade will be Sunday, December 8 and asks everyone to: Save the Date!

Photographs by Rick Nicholson

12/9/12

---

Holley Festival of Lights Parade brings holiday cheer to village square

With it just being the second year for the Village of Holley’s parade of lights, over 500 area residents lined the Public Square to watch the parade held Saturday, December 1. This year’s parade consisted of the Grinch at the lead with decorated trucks and floats from the village and surrounding area DPW departments, fire departments and local churches. Of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their appearance in the parade in a horse-drawn cart driven by Kateland Farms. Some of the other highlights of the parade were the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies, the Holley High School Band and High School Chorus.

This year’s grand champion winner was the Holley Electric Company’s decorated new hybrid bucket truck and they will have the bragging rights until next year’s parade when the DPW department has promised to outdo the electric company for the title. Other winners were the DPW for best truck and the Cornerstone Church for best float.

After the parade a ceremony was held to remember all the deceased family members of local residents and then the Memory Tree was lighted by Mayor John W. Kenney, Jr. the evening concluded with a reception at the Fire Hall for all and Santa and Mrs. Claus met with all the village children and young.

 

 

 

Provided information and photos

12/9/12

---

Tree lighting and holiday events draw crowd to Hilton

 

 

On a beautiful, warm, December evening, over 700 people came out to enjoy the sights and sounds of the 21st Annual Hilton Village Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Under a beautifully decorated gazebo, all were treated to a Holiday sing-a-long led by Walt Horylev and assisted by the music of Denny and Her Escorts. Hilton native and Country music star Josie Waverly, sang the National Anthem, invocations came from Reverends Jennifer Green, Walter Steenson and Rob Dickerson, and the community celebrated Hilton Citizen of the Year, Dave Tresohlavy, as well as Hilton School District Teacher of the Year, Pam Tenny. The star of the show, Santa Claus, arrived via a Hilton Fire Truck and greeted over 220 children with presents and holiday greetings. A special thank you to the Village of Hilton, Tops Markets, Sheffield Christmas Trees, Hilton Fire Department, Hilton-Parma Recreation, Santa’s elves Betty Keaty and Marilyn Boyce, as well as teachers Mrs. Farrell and Mrs. Tilebein for their help in decorating the tree.

 

 

 

 

Provided information

Photo by Walter Horylev

12/9/12

---

 

Gingerbread House contest at the Parma Public Library

Drop off a Gingerbread House to the Parma Public Library from December 12 to 15 and vote for a favorite from December 17 to January 2.

Due to overwhelming public support, the Parma Public Library is again sponsoring a Gingerbread House Contest which is open to everyone. A 15” x 15” maximum size base should be used for the house or structure. It may be the work of an individual or a group and there are different registration categories for children, teens, adults, and groups. Fill out a registration form at the library when you turn in your entry. Grand prizes for each category will be provided by the Hilton Family Pharmacy and Coffee Corner.

12/9/12

---

 

4-H Wranglers Club selects officers

Officers of the Wranglers Club in the 4-H program are back (l-r): Jamie Scheiber, treasurer; Marisa Hanlon, secretary; Bailey Flint, vice president; and Melanie Klossner, president; and in the front is Kalie Moyer, new reporter.A group of horse enthusiasts from Monroe and Orleans County in the 4-H Horse Program Wranglers Club met recently to plan club meetings and select officers.

During their organizational meeting the following officers were selected: Melanie Klossner, president; Bailey Flint, vice president; Marisa Hanlon, secretary; Jamie Scheiber, treasurer; and Kalie Moyer, news reporter.

The club meets monthly and includes several educational opportunities. Among the activities planned for the year are clinics about dressage and reining, making horse treats, watching a polo match, attending horse shows, attending programs through Cornell Cooperative Extension and fundraising efforts. Throughout the year, members will work on the four values: Head (managing, thinking); Heart (relating, caring); Hands (giving, working); and Health (being, living) through fun and engaging programs.

For additional information, access 4-H Youth development information at www.cce.cornell.edu.

 

 

Provided information and photo

12/9/12

---

 

Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce announces community award winners

The Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce announces its 2012 awards winners, to be honored at the Annual Awards Dinner on Friday, January 25, 2013 at the Plantation Party House, 1875 North Union Street. Spencerport Casual Networking and Social Time will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

•Carol Coburn - recipient of the Clyde W. Carter Citizen of the Year award. Carol Coburn is currently the Historian for the Town of Ogden. The dedication and enthusiasm Carol shows goes “above and beyond” her position. In their nominations, Ogden Supervisor Gay Lenhard and Spencerport Deputy Mayor Ted Rauber referred to Carol’s involvement with the Spencerport Trolley Depot, Canal Museum and Visitor’s Center from project concept to success. Multiple nominations were received; Andrea Hansen noted Carol’s work with “all ages” – from elementary school students to seniors; Alice Sidoti-McCombs mentioned Carol’s assistance with learning the history of her Victorian home as well as Carol’s help with vintage photos displayed in the Tops lobby; Betty Spencer ended her letter with “Carol is a priceless community asset.”

•John and Eugene Romagnola - owners of Pinewood Country Club, Business Person/s of the Year award. Ogden Supervisor Lenhard wrote that the Romagnola family has always been supportive of community projects, including the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce annual golf tournament. In addition, many people from the westside and other communities enjoy the Pinewood Golf Course and the clubhouse venue with its renowned Friday fry dinners.

•Aurora House of Western Monroe County - receive the Civic Beautification Award. The comfort care home is located at 2495 South Union Street, Town of Ogden. In 2010 Aurora House opened its doors to serve the dying, by providing compassionate end of life care with dignity. From an empty lot donated by Ogden Presbyterian Church, following hours of commitment, construction, and fundraising by many people, an attractive, compliant, pleasant building resulted. Inside, in a home-like setting, focused on two suites with balconies, comfortable furnishings welcome residents, families, friends and staff. Outside, in front and in back, gardens and park-like landscaping with benches offer places for reflection and serenity. Planted and maintained by volunteers, flowers bloom and lawns are mowed. Seasonal decorations enhance the surroundings tastefully, and memorial commemorations often bring tears to one’s eyes. Shining through the bricks and sticks is the heart of a community’s passion.

Also, to be recognized at the Regular Membership December Chamber Luncheon December 19: Colby Homestead Farms - 210 years, Town of Ogden - 195 years, St. John’s Church - 145 years, Village of Spencerport - 145 years, Spencerport Wesleyan Church - 55 years, Spencerport Federal Credit Union - 50 years, Plantation Party House - 45 years, LaMont Awards & Apparel - 40 years, Adams Basin Inn - 40 years, David Moore, Accountant - 35 years, Friendly Motel - 35 years, The Unique Shop - 30 years and Bella Salon - 25 years. Krony’s Pizza, Inc./owner Steve Enos and employees will be recognized with the 2012 Green Business award.

2012 Chamber officers include: President David Haines, Vice President Peter Feltner, Secretary Joann Carr, and Treasurer Nancy Bodhorn.

The Chamber officers and Board of Directors invites the community to attend the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce dinner evening to honor these community contributors. This year the Chamber is “going green” by eliminating paper tickets. Instead, you may register on an Attendee Registration List, with names to be added at the time of payment.

Dinner registration is available at: Receptionist’s Desk at the Ogden Community Center, The Unique Shop, Spencerport Village Offices and/or Spencerport Credit Union. January 18 is the deadline for dinner registration. Contacts: by phone 352-0877, Maria Parina or Lisa Versteeg or by mail: Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 7, Spencerport, NY 14559, Attn: Awards Dinner Tickets. Cost is $25 per ticket. Seating in tables of 8.

12/9/12

---

 

Donations accepted for Brockport Toy Shelf

The Brockport Toy Shelf provides gifts to over 500 children each year. The mission of the outreach project is to provide children in the community with toys in a manner to maintain dignity and respect family traditions.

Residents of the Brockport School District can make an appointment to shop to pick out gifts for children by calling Doris at 637-5087.

Donation drop boxes are located at: Brockport Wegmans, Kelly Lewis State Farm Agency, Five Star Bank, Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Center. Donations of toys for boys and girls ages 10 to 17 appreciated by December 19.

Monitary donations should be mailed to: Charlene Veltz, 12 Glendale Road, Brockport, 14420.

12/9/12

---

Many from Ogden served in Civil War

by Maggie Fitzgibbon

It was a war of devastating defeat, one that resulted in the loss of over 600,000 soldiers and the destruction of countless homes and villages. The Civil War, also known as the “War Between the States,” began 150 years ago. Earlier this year, Spencerport attorney Fred Holbrook shared his knowledge of the war during tours of the Fairfield Cemetery in Spencerport, where many Civil War soldiers are buried.

Fairfield Cemetery contains 66 Civil War soldier graves. “I asked Fred to do these tours because we had so many soldiers serve in the Civil War who were from here (Ogden), and Fred is an expert on the Civil War,” said Ogden Historian Carol Coburn. “These tours are a way to recognize those local soldiers,” something that is especially significant in this anniversary year, Coburn said. She also notes that Ogden was a stop on the Underground Railroad route for slaves escaping from the South, a fact which reinforces the area’s historical significance in the war.

Holbrook is a Civil War history buff who says his father fostered his interest. “In the 1950s, my father took me to Gettysburg and over time my curiosity grew. I love to educate people about the history of the Civil War and its effect on society,” Holbrook said.

Holbrook’s comprehension and understanding of the Civil War is extensive and the reason Coburn asked him to lead tours of graves of Civil War soldiers buried in Fairfield Cemetery.

“In 1861, the population of Monroe County was approximately 100,000 and approximately 10,000 men from our area served in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865,” he said.

Through years of research and visiting battlefields, Holbrook has built an archive of historical facts. One of his favorite stories to share is that of his relative, Silas Holbrook.

“I was able to obtain Silas’ enlistment papers from the National Record and found that he served in the Seventh New York Mounted Rifles in October 1861 in Troy, New York. He served until June 1865 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Brockport. Per family lore, Silas built houses in Brockport after moving there in 1875. He later served as the custodian of the Brockport Normal School for several years until his death in 1915,” Holbrook said.

Many of the Civil War soldiers buried in Fairfield Cemetery came from well-known Spencerport-Ogden families including Sidney Brown and Woodruff Brown, Oscar Colby, William Seward Millener and Samuel Vroom. Holbrook’s research finds that Millener’s grandfather, Alexander, was supposedly George Washington’s drummer boy. Millener was the assistant surgeon of the 11th United States Infantry.

A confederate soldier, DeWitt C. Guy, is buried at Fairfield Cemetery. After the war he married Martha Flagg of Ogden. They lived in his home state of Virginia until his death in 1889. Her family had his body disinterred from his grave in Virginia and reburied in Fairfield Cemetery in 1903. In the recent past, Confederate re-enactors have visited Guy’s grave and conducted memorial services.

Local Spencerport resident and former village mayor Bob Kincaid has a connection to one of the Civil War soldiers buried in Fairfield Cemetery. His great great uncle, Henry Kincaid, is one of these soldiers.

“Henry was born in 1842 in London, England and immigrated to America with his parents sometime in the 1850s. He enlisted at the age of 20 and was wounded in the Battle at Bethesda Church in early June 1864. He was transferred to Washington, D.C., for medical care. He was 21 years old when he died on June 19, 1864,” Kincaid said.

Bob Kincaid refers to a book of family history to give the account of these important details. However, it’s the family stories that have kept this connection alive.

“I remember my grandma and aunts telling me this family story when I was in my 20s. This book of family history keeps the details for the next generation,” Kincaid said.

Fairfield Cemetery is not the only local cemetery where Civil War soldiers are buried.

“There are 48 graves in other town cemeteries. Six at the Colby Street Cemetery, nine at Locust Grove Cemetery, 20 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Ogden and eight at St. John’s Cemetery in Spencerport. There are also five at Maple Grove Cemetery in nearby Chili,” Coburn said.

For those who wish to research these soldiers and other historical information, Coburn encourages researching information at the Ogden Farmers’ Library.

“Visit the local history section of the Ogden Farmers’ Library or contact me for references. There are publications that will tell more about the soldiers. There are also many online sources of material including the National Archives Military Records,” Coburn said.

The Fairfield Cemetery tours of the Civil War soldier graves will resume in the spring. The tours are free of charge and open to the public. Contact Coburn at 617-6127, the Ogden Historian’s office or at carcob@rochester.rr.com to be placed on a list for notification for future tours.

 

There are 66 Civil War soldier graves in Fairfield Cemetery in Spencerport. Shown right foreground is a memorial marker engraved with the name of Woodruff H. Brown who was a member of the 140th NY Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War and who died at the Battle of the Wilderness. In the background is a Grand Army of the Republic statue engraved with the words: “In the memory of the brave men who gave their lives for the preservation of our union.” Photograph by David Knox.

 

 

 

 

Among the Civil War soldier graves in alleged to have been Fairfield Cemetery is that of William Seward Millener. Millener’s grandfather, Alexander, was alleged to have been George Washington’s drummer boy. Millener was the assistant surgeon of the 11th United States Infantry. Photography by David Knox.

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, November 29 Ferris Goodridge Legion Post #330 and its members welcomed home Spencerport Hometown Heroes Chris Spallina, U.S. Army National Guard, Bradley O’Keefe USMC, and Sgt. Ron Meyer with applause from a large number of legion members. After their introduction by Mayor Joyce Lobene, Commander Joe Laught presented their banners that have been on the light poles throughout the village, back to them. After a few words from Sgt. Meyer who thanks everyone for their support, he, along with Chris and Bradley, led their families and legion members to the food and dessert table that was supplied by the legion members. Provided photo.

12/9/12

---

Adams Basin residents commit to Hunter Institute support

Wil and Judy HunterWillard W. and Judith P. Hunter have made a gift commitment of $500,000 in support of The College at Brockport’s Institute on Young Children.

The Hunter Institute fosters collaboration within the early childhood professional community in an effort to forge partnerships for future work. Each year, the Institute, which they founded in 2007, hosts a conference to address the critical issues facing preschool and elementary school teachers. This year’s conference drew 300 participants - its largest audience to date.

“The Hunters are long time friends of the college and this momentous gift is just the latest example of their generosity toward the College,” said Brockport President John R. Halstead, PhD. “Judy and Wil’s passion for early childhood education is exemplary and we’re honored that they have chosen Brockport as their vehicle to help improve the way our children learn.”

Wil Hunter is the retired CEO of Optem, a Rochester-based custom optical instrument design and manufacturing company that he co-founded in 1984 following a 19-year career at Bausch and Lomb, Inc. He served on The Brockport Foundation Board for 18 years, and previously funded the restoration of the piano in the College’s Department of Theater as well as donating an OptiGrid confocal optical device to Brockport’s science departments to be used in research microscopy. Judy Hunter was a teacher for 20 years at the Ogden Community Christian Pre-school and saw firsthand the challenges facing young children and the people who work to educate them.

“We want to give teachers concrete things they can take back to the classrooms and use,” she said. “The whole idea of (the Institute) is to reach as many children as possible.”

In the long-term, the Hunters would like to make the conference available to a national audience through the use of live streaming and video capture technologies. Childcare professionals who attend the conference are eligible to earn continuing education credits. The Institute is also considering expanding by hosting annual “think tank” sessions for early childhood research professionals. More information about the Hunter Institute on Young Children can be found at www.brockport.edu/hunter/.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

HILTON

Juergens, Norris register third period falls for Cadets

by Warren Kozireski

Harold Juergens and Dan Norris pinned their opponent in the first minute of the third period in consecutive matches to launch Hilton to a 37-31 victory over Lockport in wrestling.

Juergens escaped and had a takedown in the third leading to his fall in 4:28 at 182 lb. and Norris followed at 195 lb. with takedowns in each of the first two periods before closing the bout in 4:20.

John Diakomihalis (99 lb.) pinned his man in 3:07 and Lou DePrez followed at 120 lb. after a six point first period with a fall in 3:32.

Other winners for the Cadets were a convincing 12-1 major decision at 138 lb. by Vincent DePrez, Austin Hertel with an 8-3 win at 106 lb. and Anthony DePrez by a 4-2 count at 145 lb. on a pair of third period escapes.

Mike Spallina won the most exciting bout of the match winning on a takedown with just 15 seconds remaining to take a 6-4 decision at 152 lb.

The victory extends Hilton’s record to 2-0 following their season-opening win at Byron-Bergen.

Before the match, Anthony DePrez was recognized for his 100th career win in the Byron-Bergen match.

12/9/12

 

 

 

Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame to induct four new members

The Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame will recognize four outstanding athletes for their achievements at Hilton High School and at the college level. This year’s honorees are: Tammy Page Gouger ‘88 (Soccer, Volleyball); Jonathan Crumley ‘95 (Football); Aprille Sweeting Burton ‘95 (Volleyball) and Cal Palumbo ‘07 (Volleyball, Basketball).

The Hilton High School Sports Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton athletic program and in some cases, at a higher level, through their participation as athletes, coaches or administrators. The 2012 Induction Ceremony will be held during the Hilton High School Hall of Fame Boys Basketball Tournament on Friday, December 28. The community is welcome to attend a reception at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation of inductees in the auditorium at 6 p.m. The inductees will also be recognized in the gym at halftime during the Hilton varsity game vs. Greece Athena at approximately 7:45 p.m.

Those qualifying for admission to the Sports Hall of Fame are graduates of Hilton High School who have been out of school a minimum of five years or coaches who have been retired from coaching for five years; individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the Hilton sports program or have established themselves in the field of athletics at the local, state, national or international level (professional, Olympic, college athlete, coach, etc.); and students who, while in high school, received athletic honors such as All-American, All-State, All-Greater Rochester, State/Sectional Championship, Athlete of the Year, or All-County (overall team success and multiple-sport participation may also be considered). Any student who participated in Hilton High School athletics may be considered under special circumstances.

Members of the selection committee are: Brian Bartalo, Hilton High School principal and former swim coach; Tom Coach ‘55, former Hilton statistician and record keeper; Jeff Merkel ‘84, athlete and track, cross country coach; Mike Whelehan ‘75, Hilton athlete and coach; Dick LeBeau, retired Hilton athletic director and coach; and Michael Giruzzi, Hilton director of athletics.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

KENDALL

Kendall drops basketball opener

by Warren Kozireski

The Eagles came back from a five-point deficit to tie visiting Alexander 37-37 with 5:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, but managed just one more field goal the rest of the way in a 47-39 loss in their home and season basketball opener.

With Alexander up by two after the first quarter, Kendall came out of the team huddle scoring four of the next five baskets to take a six point lead. Taylor Kingsbury hit a layup and a free throw with captain Ashley Makowski hitting a three-pointer and Nicole Bowe a layup and free throw in the run.

Ashley David hit on a runner to tie the game in the fourth, but Alexander ran off a 12-2 to finish the contest.

Makowski had a team-high 12 points including two three-pointers and a pair of rebounds while David led with six rebounds to go with her eight points. Bowe came off the bench to add seven points and two assists with Jamie Smith adding six rebounds and four points for the Eagles.

Kendall has won seven league titles in girls basketball with the last coming in 2004-05. The team has just three seniors on the roster under first year head coach Jeff Parizek.

12/9/12

---

SPENCERPORT

DeBack game-winner beats buzzer

by Warren Kozireski

Senior Mike DeBack hit his only basket of the contest with one-half second remaining to give Spencerport a 60-58 victory over Irondequoit in their season-opener.

The Rangers trailed most of the first half and by as many as fifteen points midway through the third quarter before rallying.

Senior Devon Pascoe scored seven straight points and Devon Marshall hit a scoop shot late in the third to pull the Rangers to within eight points.

A Shawn Martin jump shot opened the fourth with Jake O’Connell knocking down a three-pointer and Pascoe a pair of free throws to cut the Irondequoit lead to four points with six minutes remaining.

Marshall, who returned in the second half from an ankle injury suffered in the second quarter, hit a layup with 1:42 left to cut the lead to two and, after an Eagles free throw, hit two clutch free throws with 41 seconds left to cut the deficit to one.

After a timeout, Irondequoit was called for a five-second violation trying to inbound the ball leading to the DeBack three-pointer off a broken play and scramble.

“Marshall’s return allowed us to take some of the ball-handling responsibilities away from Martin which freed him up to guard their best guards or a forward,” said Spencerport head coach Chris Crowell about Marshall’s return from injury.

“This was the best first game by both teams I’ve seen in years.”

O’Connell finished with a double-double at a team-high 18 points and ten rebounds. Pascoe had 15 points, eight rebounds and six blocks while Martin netted 11 points with six assists and six steals. Marshall also was in double-figures with ten points with DeBack adding three assists.

12/9/12

 

 

 

Rangers raise thousands at third annual Laps for Life

by Warren Kozireski

The swimming results were secondary as five schools came together for the annual Laps for Life held at Spencerport on the first day of December.

The event, with Albion, Harley Allendale-Columbia, Irondequoit and Livonia, was originally organized in 2010 to raise support funds for the son of former Spencerport swimmer Jay Kovaleski, whose son Nicholas was diagnosed and later died of childhood leukemia. Harley is coached by former Rangers teammate Pete Mancuso, Spencerport is coached by former Albion swimmer Josh Nellist and Livonia head coach Steve Dzina formerly was the Rangers coach when Kovaleski and Mancuso were swimming.

Pre-event team fundraising netted $1,400 and another $700 was raised on site with clothing and paraphernalia sales with more orders in process. All money is now donated to the WNY Chapter of Make Some Noise: Cure Kids Cancer Foundation.

The Rangers boys swimming team used depth to finish the meet second behind Livonia. Max Wersinger was the only individual event winner, taking the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:03.97. He also finished second in the 200-yard individual medley and was part of the winning 200-yard medley relay with Jared Kettinger, Kameron Keyes and Trevor Benson winning in 1:48.36.

Benson and Zach Mulvihill finished 3-4 in the 200-yard freestyle, Leo Buoye and Chad Colby were 3-4 in diving, Keyes took third in the 100-yard butterfly, Matthew Cordaro third in the 100-yard freestyle, Benson third in the 500-yard freestyle and Kettinger third in the 100-yard backstroke.

12/9/12

---

 

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

AREA

Scholarship applications for Margaret McGrath Foundation due by March 1

Scholarship applications for the Margaret A. McGrath Charitable Foundation are due March 1, 2013 for the 2013-2014 Academic School Year.

The Foundation offers two types of scholarships to the residents of the towns of Sweden and Hamlin. The Philip and Margaret Dollard Business Scholarship is awarded to qualifying college students who major in business. The Marie Dollard McGrath Elementary Education Scholarship is awarded to qualifying college students who major in elementary education.

Qualifying 2013 graduating high school seniors and current college students are encouraged to apply. A total of $321,000 in scholarships has been awarded since 2005.

For information contact Richard Dollard, Executive Director and Trustee at 585-637-7170 or refer to the Foundation’s web site at www.frontiernet.net~mcgrathfound/scholarshipfund.htm.

12/9/12

---

 

BROCKPORT

Hill students create rocks and minerals display

Hill student geologists (l-r): Ryan Strassner, Michael Vandetta, Patrick Kiesow, Liliya Grego, Emily Vergari.The Fred Hill School has a new student -created display of mysterious crystals and dazzling natural artwork of the wonders of what time, heat and pressure can create. Agate geodes, amethysts, a pipestone bear carving, garnet, and borax crystals glisten under high intensity, low energy light emitting diodes. Over the last two years, students of the Rocks and Minerals group have been collecting specimens, learning about their structure and classifying their collection based on the Dana/Strunz classification system. This year the young geologists took their work to a new level under the tutelage of mentor Karen Rakoski, lapidarist; Hollis Heinzerling; and world renowned mineralogist William Pinch. One of Pinch’s former collections can be seen at the Canada Museum of Nature. Students visited his home in Pittsford on a Saturday afternoon to tour his current collection.

Students were amazed with Mr. Pinch’s collection.

“His whole basement is like a rock museum!” said Emily Vergari. Ryan Strassner explained that one of the more interesting specimens in the collection is a one-of-a-kind mineral known as Pinchite, which Mr. Pinch discovered and named in 1974. Liliya Grego described the Pinch collection in one word: “Awesome!”

The students were able to follow up with Pinch during the recent Rocks and Minerals show at the Dome in Rochester. Students traded with and bought specimens from collectors gathered from around the world.

Provided photo

12/9/12

---

BYRON-BERGEN

Byron-Bergen students win awards in FIRST® LEGO® Robotics competition

Teams of students from Byron-Bergen Elementary and Jr. High Schools won awards at the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League competition, November 17 at Churchville-Chili Middle School.

The Elementary School team, “The Lego® Bees,” won an award for completing the most missions and achieving the highest amount of points in the robotic portion of the competition.

The Jr. High School team, “The Robotic Bees,” won the award for best project.

The students designed a cane to help senior citizens rise from a kneeling or laying down position. To help achieve this project, the team attended a senior supper at the Gillam-Grant Community Center in Bergen and distributed a survey. They formed a focus group, and partnered with seniors who helped them come up with the winning design.

FIRST® is a robotics program for students age 9 to 16 designed to get them excited about science and technology. The theme this year was “Senior Solutions” and a total of 15 teams from around the area participated. Teams explore a problem that scientists and engineers are trying to solve, then they develop an innovative solution to that problem, and finally share their findings.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

CHURCHVILLE-CHILI

State Education Commissioner visits C-C school

Dr. King sits down with a group of students in Mrs. Serpe's third-grade classroom as the students work collaboratively during a literacy lesson.Fairbanks Road Elementary School had a special visitor on Tuesday, December 4 and was able to show off its implementation of the Common Core Standards. State Education Commissioner Dr. John B. King, Jr. visited the CCCSD elementary school, observing two classrooms and sitting in on a meeting.

At Fairbanks Road School, Dr. King spent time in Laurie Serpe’s third-grade classroom and later visited Brooke Donnelly’s second-grade classroom. He also sat in on a Literacy Team meeting, during which he heard from teachers and staff about strategies across grade levels and district support for the Common Core.

Dr. King was in the area to visit local schools for observations related to the Common Core Standards. Dr. King also observed classrooms in Greece Olympia High School and Webster Thomas High School. The commissioner also spent some time at Monroe #1 BOCES and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES.

Deputy Commissioner Ken Slentz was also in the area and visiting schools. He made stops at Batavia Middle School and East Rochester Union Free School District, as well as visiting the BOCES locations with the commissioner.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

HILTON

Northwood fifth graders collect 200 pajamas for Hurricane Sandy victims

The Hilton fifth grade classes and a second grade class at Northwood Elementary school held a pajama drive for children and teens affected by Hurricane Sandy. The result is 400 pairs of pajamas and 200 books being sent to the New York City area. The students collected 200 pairs and that was matched with a donation by Carter’s. In addition, Scholastic Book Clubs donated one children’s book for every pair of pajamas donated.

“Our students really took this pajama drive to heart and many used their own money to purchase new pajamas for such a wonderful cause,” said Fifth Grade Teacher Brenda Mashiotta. “What an amazing opportunity for our students to help others in need.”

The donation was made to The Pajama Program, which supplies new pajamas to children and adults around the U.S. who live in shelters, group homes, and orphanages. Currently, the program is specifically helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy. For more information about the Pajama Program, visit www.pajamaprogram.org.

Provided information

12/9/12

---

HOLLEY

Holley Rotarians meet SLAPSHOT students

The Holley Rotary Club heard a report from three of the students they sent to Rotary District 7090’s Youth Leadership Program SLAPSHOT.

Four students from Holley were part of 100 students from southern Ontario and western New York who attended a weekend leadership institute at Canterbury Hills Concerence Center in Ancaster, Ontario. The primary focus for the weekend was the promotion of leadership, self esteem, and team work. Students also received training in how to make a difference in their local schools.

Pictured (left to right): Samantha Zelent, high school contact; students Mike Silvis and Katie Wolf; Roger DeFrancesco, Holley Rotarian and committee member, student Melissa Qualey and Robert Miller (club president). Missing from photo are John Heise, committee member, and Samuel Mauro, student.

Provided photo

12/9/12

---

 

 

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 9, 2012

BROCKPORT

•Fallon, Irene A., December 4, 2012 at age 93. Predeceased by her husband John C. Fallon, sister Winifred Snell, brother Walter Snell and daugher-in-law Anne M. Fallon. She is survived by her son Jim (Kelly) Fallon; grandchildren Mike Fallon, Michelle Mayfield, Katie Fallon, Christine Farris, Tyler Fallon, Tori Fallon; five great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Jane Snell and Marie Fallon.

A Graveside Service was held December 7 at the North Chili Rural Cemetery, Buffalo Road, North Chili.

 

•Yeager, Philip J. “Phil,” November 29, 2012, on his 51st birthday. Philip is predeceased by his father, James Yeager. He is survived by his mother, Helen Yeager; siblings, Sue DeCoursey, Cindy (Pat Roth) Gielow and Debbie (Scott Saylor) Richardson; loving aunts and uncles; nieces and nephews, Danielle, Nicole, Matt and Jamie DeCoursey; great-nephews, Jayden and Talan; close friends, Jane Newsome and Stephanie Holohan; staff and friends from Lifetime Assistance.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated December 4 at St. Mark’s Church, Greece. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Assistance (Lifetime Assistance.org) in his memory.

 

CHILI

•Downes, Ronald W., November 30, 2012, age 86. Predeceased by his wife, Irene and son, Thomas. Survived by his children, Robert (Ellen) Downes, Linda Downes (Marshall Mutnick) and Jayne Downes (Richard Jones); granddaughter, Kellie Downes (Greg) Wicker; great-grandson, Graham Wicker. Ron was a retired Teacher from BOCES, member of the British American Club, the American Legion, the Masons, Coldstream Guards and a life-long resident of the town of Chili.

Funeral Services were held December 3 at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Donations can be made to The Brighton Senior Center or Chili Town Senior Center in his memory.

 

•Gamble, James C., December 3, 2012, age 88. Predeceased by his wife Anne. Survived by his daughter JoAnn Griffin and grandson James. Jim was a World War II Army Veteran and a member of the Chili American Legion Post 412. Former police officer in Pennsylvania. Worked for 84 Lumber and was a retiree of Ritters. He was “The Honey Man,” a beekeeper for more than 40 years. He bought and sold things during that same period, and was also known as “Junkman Jim.”

Funeral Services were held December 5 at the Open Door Baptist Church. Interment, Grove Place Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Strong Memorial Hospital, c/o Palliative Care Unit in his memory.

 

CHURCHVILLE

•Grolemund, Donald E., December 3, 2012 at age 79. Survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Audrey; children Kir sten Grolemund, Amy (Troy) Soeder and Heidi Grolemund; several nieces and nephews. Don was a member of the Chili American Legion Post #1830.

A Memorial Service was held December 8 at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home. Donations can be made to Another Chance Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 67962, Rochester, NY 14617 in his memory.

 

CLARENDON

•Ornt (Butterbaugh), Shirley May, Age 72, died November 28, 2012 following a long illness. Shirley was a former employee of the Holley Central School. She was predeceased by her son Alfred Jr. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Alfred Sr.; her children Christine Ornt, Doris Ornt, Linda Pecora, Kim Kilmer, John; daughter-in-law, Lorrie Simons; 17 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; brothers, Donald, David, William; sisters, Helen Massey, Louise Hess, Virginia LaBoy, Nancy Sayles; aunts and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service was held December 1 at the Clarendon Recreation Hall. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 in her memory.

 

HILTON

•Barthelmann, Fred W., Suddenly, November 30, 2012. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan; son, Fred (Maria) Barthelmann III; his grandchildren, Dallas, Christian and Ian; nieces, Joan Miller and Gerry Ann Westcott. Fred was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company and Forest Hill Restaurant.

A Funeral Service was held December 6 at Hope Lutheran Church. Entombment, Riverside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hope Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 1301 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626 in his memory.

 

•Lemcke, Shirley A., December 2, 2012. Survived by her husband, Harold “Bud;” her children, Bob (Kathryn Saucke) Lemcke and Julie Lemcke. Predeceased by her son, Chuck, 1992; also survived by her granddaughters, Mary and Sarah Lemcke; and her beloved companion, “Kasey;” brother, Robert (Em) Blair; her sister, Nancy (Ralph) Ingraham; sister-in-law, Joan Blair; many nieces and nephews; also predeceased by her brother, Gary Blair and sister, Pat Kirchgessner.

Funeral Services were held December 8 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Kathleen Tenny Animal Shelter or North Greece Fire Department in her memory.

 

•Tilebein, Catherine “Kay,” November 30, 2012, age 83. She is predeceased by husband, Harry J. Tilebein; and daughter, Ellen Bleier. She is survived by sons, Tom (Mary), Jerry (Cathy) Tilebein; a sister Nora (Charlie) Amos; grandchildren, Brittany Bleier (Steve), Ashley Bleier (Michael), Ryan Tilebein (Ashley), Tyler and Ethan Tilebein and one great-granddaughter, Riley Prebola; several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was said December 6 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Fund in her memory.

 

HOLLEY

•Kohmann, Rosina I. “Rose,” November 29, 2012. Predeceased by her loving husband, Elmer. She is survived by her son, John “Jak” and daughter-in-law, Taryn; grandson, Derek and best friend, Betsy Cook.

Services were held December 1 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Donations can be made to Batavia Veteran’s Hospital, 222 Richmond Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020 or to the Orleans County Hospice, 14080 Route 31 West, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 in her memory.

 

NORTH CHILI

•Foos, Myra A., December 4, 2012, age 85. Predeceased by her brother, William Shewbridge. Survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Robert; children, Myra (Paul) Diotte, Stephen, Roberta (Mark) Browning, William (Dorinda) and Diane (Kurt) Schroeder; grandchildren, Sarah, Thomas, Jessica, Marisa and Jenna; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Myra was a member of the Chili Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #412.

Her Funeral Mass was said December 7 at St. Christopher’s Church, North Chili. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Donations can be made to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post #412 in her memory.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Pozzuolo, Enrico A. “Ed,” December 2, 2012, at age 86. Predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Adeline and Anthony DiCecco. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary (DiCiaccio) Pozzuolo; sons, Edward (Rosella), Gerald (Michele), Richard (Cathy), Raymond (Sharon) Pozzuolo; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; stepsister, Theresa Sullivan; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Jean DiCiaccio, Jane Denton; many nieces and nephews. Mr. Pozzuolo was a retiree of the U.S. Postal Service, an Air Force Veteran of WWII, and a member of the Piccolo Post.

His Funeral Mass was said December 5 at St. John the Evangelist Church of Spencerport. Interment, private. Donations can be directed to Wilmot Cancer Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642, or to Hildebrandt Hospice Care, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626 in his memory.

 

•Priestley, Helen M. (Frisbee), Peacefully, December 1, 2012, age 94. Predeceased by her husband, Alburton, in 2003. Survived by her children, Sharon (Bob) Hefner, Karen “Kay” (Bob) Conrad, William (Libby) and Mike (Char) Schwartz; her step-children, Eleanor Morgenberger, Dolores Yeaton, Alburton, Maynard, Wayne, Edward and Terry Priestley; her brother, Larry (Janet) Frisbee; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Helen was a four-time Past Matron of Hesperus Chapter #823 O.E.S.

Funeral Services were held December 5 at Spencerport United Methodist Church. Private Interment, Garland Cemetery. Contributions can be made to her Church Memorial Fund, 30 Amity Street, Spencerport or Lakeside-Beikirch Care Center in her memory.

---

---

 

 

ARCHIVES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

Section of Parkway to close for winter as money saver

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has closed a two-mile portion of the Lake Ontario State Parkway between Lakeside Beach State Park and Route 98 in the town of Carlton, Orleans County for the winter months effective November 28. The highway will be re-opened upon conclusion of the winter weather.

NYSDOT maintains the Parkway and has been gathering data on the amount of traffic that uses this section of the Parkway and associated maintenance and operating expenses. Closing this short stretch will save an estimated $70,000 by eliminating plowing and salting during the winter months. This will also eliminate damage that plowing causes to the pavement and the bridges over Oak Orchard Creek, saving on springtime repairs and reducing the amount of wear and tear on snowplowing equipment, according to a press release from the NYSDOT.

NYSDOT Regional Director Bob Traver said, “Closing a small portion of the Parkway that gets relatively little use during the winter months translates into significant cost savings that can be applied to other highway maintenance needs in Orleans County.”

During the summer, about 800 cars travel this section of the Parkway every day and the amount of traffic driving this section of the Parkway during the winter months is even lower, according to the DOT. The Parkway already prohibits commercial truck traffic. Motorists will be directed to use Route 18 as a parallel detour route.

Provided information

12/2/12

---

 

Clarkson Town Board adopts 2013 budget

by Kristina Gabalski

Clarkson Town Board members have adopted a 2013 budget that includes a 1.9 percent increase in the tax levy, within the two percent state mandated property tax cap.

Supervisor Paul Kimball said total appropriations in the budget are $2.88 million with $1.13 million to be covered by the tax levy. The 2013 tax rate is $3.68/$1,000 assessed valuation, up seven cents from the 2012 budget.

Despite coming in under the tax cap, board members also passed a local law to exceed the cap.

Town Attorney Richard Olson advised the measure to cover the town in the event. “The folks in the state comptroller’s office say we exceed it,” he said.

Supervisor Kimball noted that the Town of Ogden - where the tax levy is going down - passed the same local law, “out of fear the comptroller’s office might be changing the numbers.”

“We don’t change the budget after tonight,” he explained, noting there has been some concern from residents that the town was passing the law to exceed the cap in order to make a change in the levy down the line. The 1.9 percent increase will not be altered.

Town board members separately passed additional resolutions regarding special districts in the town which will exceed the 2 percent cap.

Olson and Kimball explained only people in the eight districts will be affected.

The districts are mostly lighting districts and Kimball says the increases in those districts come directly from Niagara Mohawk - the town has no control over them.

12/2/12

---

 

Schumer secures CSX agreement to move forward with bridge demolition

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced last week that he has secured a commitment from CSX to prioritize the removal of three abandoned and graffiti-ridden railroad bridges in the Town of Ogden and Village of Spencerport. In addition to the Union Street Bridge at the entrance to the Spencerport business district, two other low hanging bridges over Manitou Road and Washington Street have been abandoned for decades. At Schumer’s urging, CSX provided assurances to Schumer that it intends to fulfill its commitment to the Ogden and Spencerport communities to remove these deteriorating structures that pose serious danger to motorists and residents. CSX is hopeful that the work will be underway by the second quarter of 2013.

12/2/12

---

 

Clarendon board considers Stone Store project plans

by Kristina Gabalski

Members of the Old Stone Store Preservation group say they are encouraged by the most recent proposal to purchase and restore the historic Medina sandstone building which sits at the corner of Routes 237 and 31A in the hamlet of Clarendon.

On Tuesday, November 20, the Clarendon Town Board directed its attorney to draft a conditional purchase agreement with Joseph and Susan Fertitta of Parma, who presented their proposal to the board during its regular meeting that day.

The town owns the building and will sell it for $1 to the developer who will meet the town’s criteria for preserving and restoring the structure built in 1836.

The town extended its deadline for finding a new owner by six months last July. If the right owner cannot be found, the town plans to demolish the building.

Susan Fertitta told board members she and her husband’s rehab proposal includes a new front porch (original size and style) and new doors and windows/shutters on the front of the building. An exterior staircase, entrance door and basement entrance on the east and west sides will be removed and the old septic system will be removed and a new system relocated to the rear yard. Parking will be located on the east side of the building and mortar covering the stone work will be repaired. The porch on the east side of the building will either be repaired or moved to the rear of the building and all overhangs will be rebuilt and repaired. New gutters and new windows and doors will be installed around the entire building, both chimneys will be rebuilt to the original size and style and landscaping work will be completed.

Inside, the couple plans office/retail space to suit tenant’s needs on the first floor and a completely remodeled two bedroom, one bathroom apartment on the second floor. The first floor will also have one bathroom.

The biggest hurdle facing the plan appears to be approval by the Orleans County Health Department of the septic system and the purchase offer is contingent both upon that approval and written approval by the NYS Department of Transportation of the new front porch.

Old Stone Store Preservation Committee leader Erin Anheier says she is hopeful the septic will receive approval.

“It’s an issue faced by everyone in the hamlet,” she notes.

The Fertittas have been restoring and renovating older homes for the last 15 years and currently own 15 properties with a total of 26 residential and commercial units. They were recently awarded the “Walter Horylev Civic Beautification Award” by the Village of Hilton for their extensive work on residential and commercial buildings in the village. They also recently purchased a condemned home on Bennett’s Corners Road in Clarendon and are in the final stages of renovation work at that property.

“We take pride in what we do,” Susan Fertitta told town board members during her presentation. “As landlords, we run a tight ship.”

The couple says they are ready to begin work on the stone store and approximate the cost of both interior and exterior work to be $44,000. Joseph Fertitta would complete all the work himself and he says the project would be complete within one year.

Clarendon Town Board member Paul Nicosia asked the Fertittas about some of the challenges they face, including the size of the lot, the septic system issue and the possibility they may never be able to rent the first floor space.

“It’s something we would have to deal with,” Susan Fertitta responded. She noted that saving the building could be a catalyst for bringing more businesses to the community. “It would be very positive,” she said. “Other people may want to come in.”

Town Board members discussed the possibility of having the Fertittas pick up closing costs.

Clarendon Historical Society President Jim Moore advised against it.

“We have lost many very nice historical properties,” he said. “By covering the closing costs, we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. It’s a double win -the town gets it back on the tax rolls and defers the cost of tearing it down.”

Town board members reminded those in attendance that there are taxpayers in the town who want to see the building gone and don’t want to see any taxpayer money spent on it.

One member of the audience pointed out the building will cost the taxpayers in either case. If it is torn down and taken off the tax rolls, there will still be demolition costs the town will have to cover.

At the end of the discussion, Supervisor Richard Moy thanked Erin Anheier and town ordinance inspection officer/CEO/historian Melissa Irelan for their efforts.

12/2/12

---

 

Refurbished billboard again welcomes all to Brockport

by Kristina Gabalski

The distinctive mural billboard which welcomes all to the Village of Brockport is now looking as good as new. A cooperative effort has resulted in the restoration of the billboard which sits just south of the railroad overpass on Main Street.

The Village and the Walk! Bike! Brockport! action group worked together to complete the work.

Village Trustee Bill Andrews says painting was completed by Brian Read of Bergen (Paramount Painters). Lettering was done by Don Riling. Repair of the structure was completed on a volunteer basis by George Dahl and Art Appleby, and Chris Stocks of Edge Color Graphics in Rochester replaced the mural.

The cost of the work was also split between the village, which paid for lettering on its half of the billboard; Trustee Andrews covered the cost of the painting (from his trustee salary) and the Walk! Bike! Brockport! action group, which covered lettering on its half and materials used for repairs, preparation of the surface for the mural, and the mural.

“It’s completely revamped - all the work is done,” Trustee Andrews reported at the November 13 regular meeting of the Brockport Village Board. “We would like to have the lighting restored, to have it visible at night.”

The village turned off electric to light the sign, Andrews said, but now, “We only need to turn the switch.”

Trustees decided to hold off on lighting until it can be determined how much the electricity will cost.

“We pulled a lot of things together to get this job done,” Andrews tells the Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald. “It got done and it looks great.”

Village resident Pam Ketchum will install landscaping around the billboard next spring, Andrews says.

Ketchum says it is a harsh spot for plantings so she plans to use colorful and long-blooming perennials that can flourish under the conditions, such as Knockout roses, low ornamental grasses and sedum.

Photograph by Rick Nicholson

12/2/12

---

 

Smith Street bridge will be open this winter

by Kristina Gabalski

BROCKPORT - The Smith Street Bridge in the Village of Brockport will remain open this winter. Village Board members made the decision during their regular meeting November 27.

The village now owns the bridge and had closed it last winter in an effort to preserve its lifespan. But many residents on the village’s northwest side asked that it remain open year-round.

Mayor Connie Castaneda said she felt the bridge should remain open and Trustee Margaret Blackman agreed, “with the condition that the DPW wash down the bridge annually after the salting of roads is done,” she said.

The mayor said the DPW will be directed to do so.

Mayor Castaneda asked DPW Superintendent Harry Donahue for his opinion. “Honestly, I think we can leave it open,” he said.

In other business, board members unanimously rejected a proposed inter-municipal agreement with the Brockport Fire District that would have allowed the village police department use of a fire district van and the village use of meeting rooms at the Market Street Firehouse in exchange for the village providing snow removal at the district’s Market Street, West Avenue and Capen Hose properties.

Trustee Kent Blair was clearly not pleased with the proposal, “This is the most absurd thing I have ever read in my life,” he said.

He added that this is another example of how the fire district was formed without looking into all the costs of maintaining fire district properties.

Village Attorney Robert Leni noted the village DPW has the plowing of the Market Street lot already on its schedule because of municipal parking spots located there and because the village routinely plows excess snow behind the firehouse for removal.

“Plowing is the big issue here,” he told board members.

The proposed agreement stated that the village would need to give the fire district a 30-day notice of the need for the van or facilities and that the village would be responsible for costs should anything happen to the van while in the village’s possession.

“I can’t believe the district paid an attorney to write up a nine page contract,” Trustee Blair said.

Board members did pass a new local law to establish a real property tax exemption for non-residential property upon conversion to mixed-use property. The vote was unanimous and followed a public hearing during which no one spoke against the law.

The purpose of the law is to encourage the conversion of non-residential real property to mixed-use property in order to expand and promote downtown residential uses, improve the quality of such property, and to preserve and expand the tax base of the village.

Finally, during her report, Trustee Carol Hannan showed those in attendance an artifact from the “project house” on Fayette Street that she is currently renovating to sell as a single family home.

The long, narrow wooden tool was discovered in the cellar of the house and is marked “CF 1865.” A sailing ship is also carved on the tool.

Trustee Hannan said after researching the unusual item, she found it likely is a handmade vise used by saddlers and cobblers for stitching leather.

The tool belonged to Charles Farmer, she said, who was a cobbler and lived in the house.

“These are very rare,” Trustee Hannan noted. “They tended to break and get lost. It’s the most interesting thing to come out of that historic house.”

12/2/12

---

FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

Doing something to help out

by Walter Horylev

John O'Brien and wife, Suzanne, a remarkable couple who help other people.Ogden resident John O’Brien is a big man, literally and figuratively, a quiet person who is determined to help others by trying to help the Aurora House, a hospice located in Ogden. Normally, organizations do this sort of thing but John has chosen to go it alone but with the help of many others, including his wife, Suzanne. Wheelchair bound and on oxygen 24 hours a day, (he suffers from COPD, scleroderma and hammer toes), John is an imposing figure as he related efforts to raise money for the hospice by collecting pop cans and bottles for the deposit money and aluminum pull tabs to sell to a recycling center.

John last worked as a truck driver for Frontier Linen Supply for 12 years and retired in the late 1970s. He eventually moved to Wellington Woods in Brockport. Suzanne moved into that development about six years ago and became a neighbor; they married a year later. John, 78, and Suzanne, 77, now reside in a neat townhouse in Ogden, not far from Lugia’s Ice Cream. He drives a specially equipped van.

John transfers a load of aluminum pull tabs into a larger box.In spite of having lymphocitic leukemia, Suzanne helps John in his endeavers and they both volunteer at Lakeside Hospital in Brockport; they are there for four hours on Tuesday and on Friday.

About a year ago, John was sitting in the lobby of the hospital when he learned that the Kidney Foundation and Ronald McDonald House were no longer collecting pull tabs. He decided to step in and continue that work but for a different cause. He had been impressed with a tour of the Aurora House and thought the people had done a beautiful job with that building. He enlisted a number of people to help collect the items and he picks them up. Parma resident Elaine DeRue is one of his helpers, as is Miss Kenny, a teacher at the Hilton High School; Martin Molinari, Churchville Lions Club, is another; he has two collection bins in Spencerport and Brockport and 14 buckets in Churchville. When he accumulates a sizeable amount, (he stores the scrap metal at the Ogden Baptist Church), John sells them to a local recycler, Metalico Rochester, Inc., but only when the price is reasonable. He is hoping that the current price increases substantially.

So far he has made three donations of money, $65, $165 and $95 to the Aurora House. With a sense of pride, John stated: “I am now a part of the Aurora House volunteer organization.”

He continued: “My understanding is that the Aurora House exists on donations alone; I thought it was a good cause and I’d go there eventually if I needed it.” Suzanne interjected: “We thank the people of Spencerport and Brockport and others for their help in this project.”

“I’d appreciate the people saving pull tabs and cans; I’d like people to continue to do this for me. Whatever happens to me, I hope someone will take over this operation. I enjoy doing what I am doing but I want to provide for the future. It all goes to Aurora House.”

Note: Westside News Inc. regularly prints John O’Brien’s call for returnable container donations and pull tabs: “Fundraiser to benefit the Aurora House - Save cans and pull tabs (aluminum only). The collection is on-going. Call John, 352-7866.”

12/2/12

---

 

More than 2,000 Stockings for Soldiers shipped

Ferris Goodridge American Legion Post 330, in conjunction with Walker Brothers Funeral Home, have finished their Stockings for Soldier Drive.

Community members donated items and supplies desperately needed by troops overseas to fill Christmas stockings. A goal of 1,000 stockings was set and, through the community’s generous giving, over 2,000 stockings were sent, with 550 being packaged and stuffed through Ferris Goodridge Post 330. Twenty-eight holiday boxes were shipped to service members overseas.

As a reminder, Ferris Goodridge continues to send care packages to local service members as needed items are donated. Visit www.fgpost330.org, click the banner link to Auxiliary News to see what is needed.

12/2/12

---

 

Gates Police Chief David DiCaro and Lieutenant James Van Brederode presented Tyler Pratt, of Bergen, with a letter of commendation from the police department.

As an intern with the Gates police force, the Roberts Wesleyan College student demonstrated a calm demeanor and willingness to help while rendering aid to an unresponsive male.

Shown (left to right) Lieutenant James Van Brederode, Chief of Police David DiCaro, and Roberts Wesleyan student Tyler Pratt.

Provided photo

12/2/12

---

 

Spencerport resident receives Brockport alumni honor

William M. Setek, Jr. is a 2012 recipient of The Hall of Heritage Award from The College at Brockport, State University of New York.

The Hall of Heritage is the Association’s most prestigious award, designed to honor alumni who have distinguished themselves by their exceptional contributions to the Alumni Association and/or the College and/or the community and/or have shown outstanding professional achievement.

Setek, a two-time Brockport graduate (1962 and 1965) was a long-time professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at Monroe Community College. He has authored two successful textbooks, one of which is currently in its 11th edition. While at MCC, Setek received the school’s highest teaching honor - the Distinguished Professor for Excellence in Teaching award. Setek organized an annual baseball card show at MCC for 23 years, which has raised more than $50,000 for the school’s baseball program. He is an inductee in MCC’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Setek has continued to support Brockport by regularly donating funds, serving on the Class of 1962 Scholarship Committee, and helping to organize the Class of 1962’s 50th reunion.

Provided information

12/2/12

---

 

Celebrate the season with a holiday concert

Brian E. Bohrer and Christine (Pratt) Blonsky, former classmates at Ithaca College, are teaming up once more to offer the gift of music. Brian is a 1995 graduate of Greece Arcadia High School and is the Interim Director of Music and Art for the Rush-Henrietta School District. He also directs the women’s vocal group, the BelCanto Singers. Christine Blonsky is a 1996 graduate of Hilton High School and is the director of the Hilton High School Women’s Chorale. Together the vocal groups will be presenting a holiday concert, “Celebrate the Season,” on Friday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3450 Ridge Road West.

The students from each choir will perform music that will include holiday favorites and challenging concert repertoire, along with a holiday sing-along. Suggested donation is $5 per person. Trinity is handicap accessible and hearing impaired devices are available.

Provided information

12/2/12

---

 

Infant layettes needed for new arrivals in the year ahead

Welcoming a new baby is a joyous event in the life of a family. Sometimes, however, the new mom lacks the financial means to purchase clothing and other items needed to keep her newborn comfortable and warm.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Brockport, working with Unity Health System, offers complete layettes to moms in need. The layettes are distributed throughout the year with the assistance of Unity’s social worker. Since it began, dozens of moms and babies from Brockport and the surrounding area have benefitted from the program.

Twice a year - at Christmas and Mother’s Day - St. Luke’s reaches out to the community for assistance in restocking the nursery shelves with much-needed items in sizes newborn and 0-3 months.

Items needed for this year’s A Very Merry Baby campaign include: white T-shirts and onsies, gowns and sleepers, shirt and pant sets, sweaters, socks and hats, receiving and crib blankets, baby bath towels and wash cloths, small bibs, diapers for newborn or size 1, and diaper rash cream. Body lotion for the new moms is also needed. Gift cards to stores that sell diapers and/or baby clothes are also welcome.

To help new moms and their infants throughout the year, support St. Luke’s A Very Merry Baby campaign and drop off new items at St. Luke’s, 14 Main Street, Brockport between 9 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday, or at the Seymour Library, West Avenue, Brockport during regular library hours. The campaign ends December 22.

For information, contact St. Luke’s at 637-6650, or via e-mail at stlukes@frontiernet.net. Visit St. Luke’s Web site at www.stlukesbrockport.org.

Provided information

12/2/12

---

 

Brockport Firefighter receives Ray Emma Educator of the Year Award

Brockport Firefigthter Peter DeToy, 2012 recipient of the Joint Fire Service Leadership of Monroe County Ray Emma Educator of the Year Award.

 

Brockport Firefighter Peter DeToy has made fire prevention awareness among children in his community a top priority, and for those efforts he was recently presented the Ray Emma Educator of the Year Award by the Joint Fire Service Leadership of Monroe County.

DeToy’s dedication through countless hours of preparation and presentation was evident in the nomination submitted by Fire Chief Michael Henry and Association President John Rombaut, who recounted DeToy’s year-round initiative that along with an organized fire prevention education program also includes follow up with youth whose families are victims of fire.

Provided information and photo

12/2/12

 

 

---

 

SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

BROCKPORT 

Athletes raise funds for classmate

Players and coaches who played in the "CRUSHCancer" Game for Taylor. The JV boys and girls combined and played against each other, then the Varsity boys and girls and the final game consisted of modified, JV and Varsity coaches and alumni players. According to organizers, it was a fun evening for a good cause.On October 19 the Brockport Boys and Girls JV and Varsity Volleyball teams and coaches paired up to play co-ed volleyball for fun and entertainment to help support a classmate recently diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma.

The event to honor Taylor Mateo, themed “CRUSHCancer,” was held at Brockport Middle School and included students, teachers, family and friends. The Boys Varsity Football team made a special appearance before their Sectional home opener game that night and the girls Varsity Cheerleading Squad led cheers specially arranged for Taylor.

With the combined efforts from the Brockport community, school, athletic department and volleyball boosters, the event was a smashing success and Taylor and her family were able to be there to give a heart warming “thank you” to all the participants. Items were donated for a raffle, donations were accepted at the door, and along with a 50/50 raffle the event raised over $1,800.

12/2/12

---

 

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

BROCKPORT

Some of the students who participated in this year’s Peace Poster contest are pictured with members of the Brockport Lions Club, sponsors of the contest, and Art Teacher Tim O’Connell.

Art students from O’Connell’s classes at Oliver Middle School are part of an annual initiative run by Lions Club International to promote world peace. Winners from the local contests have the opportunity to compete on regional and international levels with over four million contestants worldwide.

This year’s winner, Kaylin Weitz, (right) was represented with a gift certificate, as were the other finalists and the art classes were treated to cider and donuts by the Lions.

12/2/12

---

 

WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS DECEMBER 2012

Main - Dawson

Erica Main and Kyle Dawson were united in marriage November 5, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, Geneva.

The bride is the daughter of Richard and Elaine Main of Chittenango. The groom is the son of Kevin and Michelle Dawson of Williamsburg, Virginia.

The maid of honor was Amanda Sisti, friend of the bride. Bridesmaids were Erin Main, sister of the bride, and friends Kristy Phelps Rodriguez and Nicole Scuteri.

The best man was friend Mark Frisicano. Groomsmen were Chris Somers, Eric Wavrek and Jesse Kling, friends of the groom. Norah and Patrick Kaufman, cousins of the groom, were flower girl and ringbearer.

Erica is a 2005 graduate of Chittenango High School and received her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Rochester Institute of Technology. She is a graphic designer at Willow Group Ltd. while pursuing her master’s degree in art education at RIT.

Kyle is a graduate of Essex High School in Vermont and earned a bachelor’s degree in MIS from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a mitigation team manager at ShoreTel Cloud Division.

The couple honeymooned in the Hawaiian Islands. They reside in Spencerport.

 

 

 

MacEwan - Thorndike

Colleen L. MacEwan and Stephen L. Thorndike were joined in marriage July 28, 2012 at St. Feehan’s Church, located within the Genesee Country Village and Museum. The bride’s gown and veil were handmade by her mother. The ceremony was officiated by the bride’s cousins, Father Edward Heidt of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Deacon Joseph Placious of Rochester. Fr. Heidt had presided at Colleen’s parents’ wedding 34 years ago.

Colleen is the daughter of Daniel and Diane MacEwan of Spencerport. Stephen is the son of Evelyn Thorndike of Dewittville, New York and the late Samuel Thorndike.

The wedding party included maid of honor Meredith Lewis, best man Charles Naser, bridesmaids Pauline Thorndike, Meghan Sweeney and Kathleen McLallen and groomsmen Eric Mamajek, Richard Sarkis and Michael Thomas. Colleen’s brothers, Paul and Mark MacEwan, served as ushers.

The couple honeymooned in Vancouver and the scenic Canadian Rockies. They reside in Rochester.

 

 

 

Jody Davis - Bryan Haag

 

 

Holly the Boxer would like to announce the engagement of her humans, Bryan Haag and Jody Davis of Brockport.

A 2014 wedding is planned.

 

 

 

 

Nicole Muraco - Charles Bonafede

Ronald and Deborah Muraco of Greece, formerly of Spencerport, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Nicole to Charles Bonafede. Charles is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Bonafede of Webster.

Nicole is the Catering Manager for Campus Auxiliary Services at SUNY Geneseo. She is a 2003 graduate of Niagara University with a bachelor of science degree in business marketing and a 1999 graduate of Spencerport High School.

Charles is a Special Education Teacher at Canal View Elementary in the Spencerport School District. He is a 2009 graduate of St. John Fisher College with a master’s degree in general and special education, a 2006 graduate of Alfred University with a bachelor of science degree in child psychology and a 2002 graduate of Greece Athena High School.

An October 2013 wedding is planned.

 

 

Johnson - Medler

Rachael Johnson and Leo Medler were married July 28, 2012 at the Burgundy Basin in Pittsford.

The bride is the daughter of David and Sharon Johnson of Walworth. The groom is the son of Jeffrey and Barbara Medler of Brockport.

Amy Fowler, friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Friends of the bride, Jessica East, Laura Leckie, Erica Scialdone and Melanie Dyroff, served as bridesmaids. Lifelong friends, Andrew Ehnot and William Schmidt, served as the best men. Friends of the groom, Justin Rister, Nash Bock and Adam Hawley, served as groomsmen. The bride’s cousin, Samantha Benedict, was the flower girl. The groom’s nephew, Miles DeSantis, was the ring bearer.

The bride is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam, and is a music teacher within the Diocese of Rochester.

The groom is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, and is a music instructor at Finger Lakes Community College.

The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

 

 

Steffen - Burke

Tiffany Steffen and Joseph Burke were united in marriage September 22, 2012 at the Gazebo Garden at Golden Ponds Restaurant, Greece.

The bride is the daughter of Rhonda and Douglas Steffen of Brockport. The groom is the son of Chalie Burke of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, formerly of Hamlin, and the late Robert Burke.

Rachael Blair, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Serina and Khurstie Blair and Alissa Bruce. Madison Grady and Elaina Bruce acted as flower girls.

Michael Marchetti served as best man. Groomsmen were Anthony Trino, Kyle Rath and Todd Waye. Noah Harrison acted as ring bearer.

Tiffany is a graduate of The College at Brockport and is employed by the college. Joseph, a 1999 graduate of Brockport High School, is self employed.

The couple honeymooned at Caesar Resorts in the Poconos. They reside in Hamlin with their dogs, Bear, Dallas and Sunny.

 

 

 

Becker - Schmitt

Emily Becker and Martin Schmitt were united in marriage July 28, 2012 at St. Jerome’s Roman Catholic Church in East Rochester. Father William Leone of St. Jerome’s and Pastor Sara Merle of Kendall United Methodist Church performed the ceremony.

Emily is the daughter of Wendy and John Becker of Kendall and Martin is the son of Marilyn and David Schmitt of Cato, New York.

Jason and Brian Schmitt attended their brother as best men along with Matthew Finster, Robert Perkins and Jason Primrose.

Bridgette Barr, Stacey Baxter, Alicia Charland, Melanie Deemer, Lisa Levett and Kathy Schmitt attended the bride. Sarah Williams, sister of the bride, was the soloist.

Emily is a teacher at Lyons Central School and Martin is a production manager at Baldwin-Richardson Foods in Macedon.

The couple honeymooned in Bar Harbor, Maine. They reside in Arcadia, New York.

---

 

OBITUARIES - WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2012

AREA

•Rubiano, Laura, born October 30, 1946; died November 21, 2012. She was a caring friend, a loving mother and dear sister to all of those who knew her. Laura was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Jeff Rubiano. She is sadly missed by her loving husband of 46 years, David; her son Tony (Sally); grandchildren Noah and Abigail; sister Judith (George) Toulaoumis; niece Alexi and nephew Stothi.

 

BROCKPORT

•Juby, David Lee, Age 66, died November 23, 2012 at the home of his brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Paula Juby in Castorland. David is survived by three children and their spouses, Catherine M. and Dwight Winkley of Moreland, Georgia; Lee D. and Samantha Juby of Brockport; James E. and Lisa Juby of Brockport; five brothers and their wives, Alan and Kathy Juby of West Henrietta, Leonard and Paula Juby of Castorland, William Juby of Cazenovia, Thomas and Elizabeth Juby of Castorland, Ronald and Tammy Juby of Lowville; two sisters, Faye Schneider of Castorland, Barbara Hoch of Croghan; 10 grandchildren; an aunt, Nancy Nash of Lake Panasoffkee, Florida; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by a sister, Helen E. Ielfield, and a brother, Charles Juby.

Condolences can be made on line at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

 

•Tavelaris, Agisilaos (Silas), On November 20, 2012 at age 61. Predeceased by his father, Ioannis Tavelaris; brother, Vasili Tavelaris; father-in-law, Christos Tonas; and brothers-in-law, Dimitraki Tonas and Naoumi Nedelkos. He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sofia; his children, Costadinos (Amanda) Tavelaris, Eleni (Rich) Hartman and Ioannis Tavelaris; grandchildren, Ty Hartman and Ruby Tavelaris; his mother, Olga Tavelaris; siblings, Maria (Dimitrious) Pinopoulos and brother, Aristotle Tavelaris; sister-in-law, Artemis Tavelaris; mother-in-law, Emorfia Tonas; brother-in-law, Steve (Kim) Tonas; sisters-in-law, Susy Nedelkos and Sandy Mang; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service was held November 26 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Rochester. Interment, Lakeview Cemetery, Brockport. Contributions can be made to Monroe Community Hospital or Rochester General Hospital Cardiac Unit in his memory.

 

CHILI

•Bonnell, Gary K., On November 20, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Jerri (Rich) Johnson; grandchildren, Nicholas (Nena) Bonnell and Casey (Will) Naylor; great grandchildren, Kaitlin and Jacob Bonnell; mother, Edith Leone; brothers, Dale and Karl (Diane) Bonnell; sisters, Lynn Atkin and Paula (Rick) Roth; four nephews.

A Graveside Service was held November 24 at White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford. Contributions in his memory can be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice, 2180 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580.

 

•Lloyd, Joan D., November 22, 2012. Predeceased by her devoted husband, Douglas Lloyd. Survived by her children, D. Michael (Charlene) Lloyd, Mark Lloyd, Mary Jo (Alexander) LaVilla, Martha (Barry) Nasca, Catherine (Kenneth) Egan and Elizabeth (David) Corcoran; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; loving sister, Norma Dentinger; sister-in-law, Julie Lloyd; several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was said November 27 at St. Pius the Tenth Church, Chili. Interment, St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Churchville. Donations can be made to Al Sigl Center in her memory.

 

CHURCHVILLE

•Beale, Suzanne V., November 12, 2012 at age 82. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Rodney V. Beale. She is survived by many loved and treasured friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 2 at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Chili, 3000 Chili Avenue, Rochester. Interment will be private. Contributions can be directed to the Chili Fire Department Ambulance Fund or First Presbyterian Church of Chili in her memory.

 

HAMLIN

•Mitchell, William W., Died November 27, 2012 at age 81. Predeceased by his parents Warren and Vera and his grandson Chad Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Marian; his children Thomas (Erica), John (Jeanie), Michael (Marilyn), Kathleen (Rick) Eichenberger, Barbara (Jeffrey) Miner, William (Debra), Robert (Millie), David (Joan); 23 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; brother-in-law Fred (Cathy) Ebeling; sisters-in-law Jean (Robert) DiCiaccio, Doreen (Norb) Reese.

Funeral Services were held November 29 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to Visiting Nurse Service or the American Heart Association in his memory.

 

HILTON

•Carter, Malcolm J., November 22, 2012, age 83. Predeceased by his wife Nola, 1989. Survived his son Kelly (Karen) Blackburn; grandsons, Brian (Shane Walsh), Shawn (Jennifer Wallace) and Brett (Jennifer) Blackburn; great grandchildren, Aaron, Justin, Ashley, Tyler, Jacob, Nicholas and Rebecca; sister, Betty Sue Stratton; other step-brothers and step-sisters and many friends. Predeceased by his granddaughter, Nicole Nelvia Blackburn.

Funeral Services were held November 26 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Garland Cemetery, Clarkson. Contributions can be made to the S. Edelman-H. Gardner C.R.F. or Brockport Church of Christ in his memory.

 

•Donofrio, Holly B., November 27, 2012 at age 57. Survived by her husband, Patrick L. Donofrio; children, Nicole (Justin) Russell, Katie (Mostafa) Afyounizadeh, Karey Spinelli; grandson, Kai Afyounizadeh; sister, Mickey (Donald) Darrohn; sisters-in-law, Patricia (Vincent) DelGuidico, MaryAnne (Bob) Sailer; several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Service was celebrated December 1 at Hope Lutheran Church. Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to Lipson Cancer Center, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY 14621 or Hope Lutheran Church, 1301 Vintage Lane, Rochester 14626 in her memory.

 

•Goodrich, J. David, November 26, 2012. Predeceased by his wife, Marilyn, 2011. Survived by his children, John D. (Patrice) Goodrich, Kathy Fisk and Peggy (Christopher) Kirk; eight grandchildren, Justin, Kyle, Lauren, McKenna Goodrich, Robert and Scott Gates, Collin and Celena Kirk; and many friends; also predeceased by his brother, George. Dave was an Ohio State alumni, Past President of Hilton Rotary, Parma-Hilton Historical Society and Hilton Central School Board. Past Master of Clio Lodge #779, local Chairman of Salvation Army, member of Hilton VFW and Hilton-Parma Memorial Honor Guard. Served on many committees of his church. Named Hilton Citizen of the Year in 2007.

Funeral Services were held December 1 at Lakeview Community Church, Long Pond Road, followed by a Military Graveside Service at Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to his Church Memorial Fund, Hilton Rotary or Parma-Hilton Historical Society in his memory.

 

•Goodwin, John “Gary,” November 13, 2012 at age 72. Predeceased by father and mother, Donald (Pat) and Verlina Goodwin; brothers, Thomas and Donald Goodwin. Survived by daughter Kelly and son Gary; brothers, Richard (Debbie) Goodwin of Rochester, Robert (Mike) (Dianne) Goodwin of Caledonia; sister, Carol (Roger) Boas of Fairport; cousins, Gail (Dolly) Phillips and Nancy (Gene) Golden of Florida, James Pritchard of Canandaigua; many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Gary graduated from Aquinas High School and served in the Armed Forces. He lived in Hilton for 15 years and enjoyed spending time with his many friends, especially Sue Pearl and Paul Maynard.

Friends are invited to celebrate his life at Carmestro’s Restaurant, 50 Canning Street, Hilton, Saturday, December 8, 1 to 4 p.m. In his memory, please do a random act of kindness for someone today.

 

•Klimovich, Zinaida, Died November 22, 2012.

Services were held November 26 at the Slavic Pentecostal Church, Parma. Interment, Parma Corners Cemetery.

 

HOLLEY

•Pfeffer, Edna J., on November 25, 2012 at age 89. Predeceased by her husband John. She is survived by her children Gail Pfeffer, Kerry (Mary) Pfeffer, Kathleen Willson, Kurt (Kathy) Pfeffer, several grand and great grandchildren.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, December 15, 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Holley.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Annechino, Edward N., age 88, died November 25, 2012. He is predeceased by his son, Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Josephine; his son, Edward P. (Stacy Luther); daughters, Dr. Paula (Dr. Michael) Giudici of Davenport, Iowa and Lorijean (Donald) Pillittere; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Miller) Annechino; 11 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Marion Favero; sisters-in-law, Lucy Rosati, Libby Rosati and Mickey (Anthony) Quattrone; dear friend, Betty Polizzi; and many nieces and nephews. Edward served as a Pharmacist’s Mate First Class, US Navy, WWII, in Saipan. Edward received his degree from RIT in 1956 and worked as an electronic engineer at Kodak for 32 years. After retirement from Kodak he established ENA Electronics and remained active in the business until 2001.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated December 1 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Private burial. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross in his memory.

 

•Barton, Betty J. (Way), November 25, 2012 at age 82. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Harold Way and Abby Learn. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jerry M. Barton; her children, Joyce A. Barton and Steven G. (Nancy) Barton; grandchildren, Paul M. (Deborah) Wagner, Stacy Lyn (Timothy) Judd and Jeffrey Teike, Michael S. Barton, Randall W. (Jinny) Barton and Adam D. Barton; great-grandchildren, Chelssie, Matthew, Michael, Ryan, Lexy, Jace and Shelby; her sisters, Harriett Barlett, Carol (James) Jackson, Kathryn Ferguson and Dr. Pamela (John) Kissel; many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service was held December 1 at the Union Congregational UCC, Churchville. Interment, Maple Grove Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Aurora House Comfort Care, P.O. Box 21, Spencerport, NY 14559 or Alzheimer’s Association, 435 E. Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in her memory.

 

•Blankfield, Richard B. “Dick”, November 26, 2012. Born in Philadelphia. Predeceased by his parents, William H. and Eleanor J. (Magee); brother, William H. Jr. Survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Anne G. (Koeck); children, Robert B. (Dawn) and Ronald B. (Margaret); seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother, John J. (Elsie); several nieces, nephews and many friends. Dick is a retiree from Kodak, a Korean War Veteran and a longtime member of the American Legion.

A Funeral Mass was said December 1 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Aurora House in Spencerport in his memory.