Archives March 2011
Archives for March 27, 2011
Local News - Week of March 27, 2011
URMC/Lakeside Memorial Hospital to collaborate
by Kristina Gabalski
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has signed a “Collaborating Institution” agreement with Lakeside Health System in Brockport.
U of R Medical Center officials say this represents its first formal Collaborating Institution agreement. URMC works with virtually every hospital in the region to provide speciality care - faculty physicians provide neurology, neurosurgery and pediatric care at Rochester General Hospital, for example, officials say.
Rural community hospitals are provided with a wide range of outpatient consultations, officials add, as well as a broad range of consults, testing and surgery based on each community’s specific needs.
But these relationships have grown mostly as a result of specialists at URMC working directly with doctors at those hospitals. “The difference in the case of Lakeside is that URMC and Lakeside have agreed at a leadership (Boards, Medical Staff, CEO’s) level to work together to identify which services we should collaborate on to benefit the community,” URMC Public Relations and Communications Director Teri D’Agostino says. She notes many hospitals in the area would be eligible for that same status if they so choose.
“We are very excited,” URMC CEO Dr. Brad Berk says. “It’s going to be great for the community of Brockport.”
Lakeside Health System Interim CEO James Wissler agrees: “It will be beneficial and an exciting opportunity.”
“We currently provide Lakeside with three different services,” Dr. Berk says, “cardiology, orthopedics and urology. When we provide a hospital with three or more services, we provide the opportunity to become a collaborating institution. If the community requires additional services, we try to provide them.”
James Wissler says the agreement will be an opportunity for the community and medical staff to “ ... work in a cooperative effort with the University of Rochester Medical Center.”
Lakeside medical staff will now work to identify needs and where to expand services. “It will allow people to stay close to home and still get services,” Wissler says. The agreement also benefits the communities around Brockport, he says. Lakeside Health System serves residents in Monroe, Orleans and Genesee counties.
The University of Rochester Medical Center also reaps benefits from the agreement, Dr. Berks notes. URMC provides a large region from Buffalo to Syracuse and much of the Southern Tier access to highly specialized services like pediatric heart surgery, he says.
“The Rochester area alone would not provide enough patients,” Dr. Berk says, but with an agreement like the one signed with Lakeside, a sufficient volume of patients is created, allowing URMC to maintain specialized services.
Lakeside will continue to have its own Board of Directors and CEO, officials say. “It will continue to be a community hospital as it is right now,” Wissler explains, “ ... the Board, the Foundation, everything is still independent.”
“With all the health care changes coming from the federal and state governments, it benefits Lakeside to work as a collaborating institution with the university, to meet the changes coming that we don’t have the ‘band-width’ or manpower to deal with,” Wissler says. He adds that with the closing of the birthing wing at Medina Memorial Hospital this summer, Lakeside Health System assures the community that Lakeside Hospital will continue to deliver babies in Brockport.
“We are there to assist and pick up those patients,” Wissler says.
“Looking down the road at the needs of the OB/GYN service, it will be nice to have the collaborating agreement in place,” he says.
Officials say Lakeside’s strategic plan is the continued growth of its OB/GYN service and new patients are welcome.
Rose delivery
Members of the Hamlin Lions Club took time on Valentine’s Day to spread cheer and give long stemmed red roses to patients and staff at Lakeside Hospital and Beikirch/Lakeside Nursing Home.
Thirty-five dozen roses were handed out.
In the photo, with staff members are Lion Anita Kile (partially hidden) and Lion Josie Rickert. (Lions not shown are PDG Marv Hankinson, President Tim Crawford, members Bill Battey and Don Rickert).
Provided photo
Brockport School Board to review cuts to security
by Kristina Gabalski
The Brockport Central School Board of Education will delay adoption of the 2011-2012 budget to review changes to the draft budget and provide an opportunity for public comment, district officials say.
Adoption of the budget was originally scheduled for March 29, but because of concerns expressed by residents and Board of Education members during a special meeting March 22 over proposed security cuts, a second draft budget will be presented on March 29. That meeting is set for 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The board will adopt the 2011-2012 budget during the Board of Education meeting April 5 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.
At the March 22 meeting, Board of Education members asked administrators to review security reductions and come back with options for restoring some security positions, officials said.
The budget proposal originally called for reducing the district’s security director position, shifting some security duties to the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Darrin Winkley, and having staff members monitor the hallways during the school day.
“I respect people for coming forward to voice their concerns,” said Superintendent Garry Stone. “Safety continues to be a priority at Brockport Schools. It is a tough situation because everyone is having to do more with less. Our main focus during the budget development process is on our students. We want to keep the educational program as intact as possible to continue the opportunities we provide for our students.”
Stone added that the district has a great process. “The Board and administration have reviewed all the feedback for cost-savings submitted by staff members and the community. It is never easy to have to cut positions,” he said.
The district is working to close an initial $8.1 million budget gap with the least impact to students, district officials said.
The draft 2011-2012 budget was presented March 15 during the regular meeting of the Board of Education. The $69,632,889 draft budget reflects a decrease of $34,952 from the current year budget.
District officials said the draft budget includes utilizing $4.8 million in reserves and fund balance and a two percent tax levy increase. Spending cuts are across the board and include field trips, equipment, supplies, BOCES services, contractual and staffing to close the remaining $2.7 million gap.
Proposed staffing reductions include 10 instructional, 25.4 support services and two administrators/directors.
Stone said the reductions have not been easy to recommend as all employees are integral to what makes the school system what it is today. “I am steadfast in my resolve to continue a quality educational program for children within the economic times we find ourselves,” he said.
During the district budget vote May 17, a school bus purchase proposition of $970,500 will be on the ballot to maintain a 10-year replacement cycle. One trustee will be elected to serve on the Board of Education for a five-year term.
Former Byron-Bergen board member honored by NYSSBA and State Senate
Accepting the Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA) is Lorie Nelson's husband, Robert, and daughter, Regina. Provided photoLori Nelson, former Vice-President of the Byron-Bergen Central School District Board of Education, was posthumously honored with the Lifetime Advocacy Achievement Award by the New York State School Boards Association (NYSSBA). The award was presented to Nelson’s family at the annual NYSSBA State Issues Conference, March 13 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albany.
Nelson, who died suddenly in October 2010, served on the Byron-Bergen board for more than 10 years. As a board officer, she chaired the board’s budget, audit, policy, facilities, and academic committees.
“Lori believed wholeheartedly in board education and development,” said Ernest Haywood, Byron-Bergen Board of Education President. “Lori’s commitment to advocacy for doing the right thing for children consumed an incredible amount of her time.”
She was also active in the Genesee Valley School Boards Association during her tenure, serving as president for two years. Also as a member of the Federal Relations Network, she travelled to Washington, D.C. once per year for several years to assure federal representatives were aware of the issues facing public schools in New York state.
“Lori lived and breathed legislative advocacy,” said Dr. Scott Martzloff, Byron-Bergen CSD Superintendent. “She was tireless in her efforts to make sure elected officials at the village, town, county, state, and federal levels were aware of the issues and needs of our district, and most importantly for our children.”
In addition to the NYSSBA Award, Nelson has also been recognized by the New York State Senate. Senator Ranzenhofer sponsored Resolution Number 791 in her honor on March 15.
Martzloff said in honor of Nelson, the district will begin a scholarship fund this year in her name to help in “motivating and encouraging students to realize their full potential.”
Provided information
Main St. reconstruction in Brockport will result in move of crosswalk
by Kristina Gabalski
The new roundabout that will be constructed at the Main Street (Route 19)/East Avenue/West Avenue intersection in Brockport as part of the Main Street (Route 19) Reconstruction project wasn’t the only facet of work that raised concerns of residents during a public information meeting held by the New York State DOT March 15.
NYSDOT Region 4 Project Design Engineer Dan Schwind told community members that the crosswalk now situated just south of the lift bridge will be re-located to just north of the lift bridge as part of the reconstruction project.
The current cross walk is “not safe,” Schwind said. He explained that visibility for pedestrians is blocked by the structure of the bridge, making it difficult for them to see traffic approaching from the north.
He said the DOT decided to move the crosswalk to the north side, in part, because the canal path is located there. Pedestrians and bicyclists currently are directed to cross the lift bridge, cross Main Street on the south side, and then cross the lift bridge again to return to the path.
Community members at the March 15 meeting expressed concerns that the new location would have the same safety concerns as the current location. Residents asked about the possibility of keeping the current crosswalk in addition to the new crosswalk and if it might be possible to have a push-to-cross button installed at the new location or perhaps flashing yellow lights to warn motorists.
Schwind said the crosswalk on the south side is not safe and will be removed. DOT officials at the meeting also said the new crosswalk on the north side would be located, “right at the bridge” where they felt pedestrians would be most visible.
David Goehring, NYSDOT Regional Traffic Engineer told Westside News, “Having a crosswalk on the north side of the bridge is most desirable since the canal path crosses on this side. We will be able on this project to improve the sight distance for pedestrians by bringing the curb out closer to the edge of the lane. Having an adequate crossing here eliminates the need for the crosswalk at the south side of the bridge.”
Goehring pointed out that pedestrians have a marked crosswalk located just south of the current crosswalk on the south side of the bridge, that provides another crossing opportunity in that vicinity.
“We do not believe any measures beyond the newer crossing signs and crosswalk pavement markings will be necessary,” Goehring said. “If concerns arise after construction, we would certainly assess conditions at that time and make any necessary adjustments.”
Rotary members collect food for outreach
President Ernestine Kamp challenged members of the Rotary Club of Gates-Chili to collect at least 150 items of food for the SWEM Food Bank during the month of February through March 16.
Some 332 items weighing 297 pounds of food were collected, donations which helped during February and March, which are high demand months for food banks.
Member Deborah Ralston, manager of the Five Star Bank, North Chili, set up a collection station in the bank and collected over 180.
Shown: Rotary President Ernestine Kamp; James Miller, SWEM; Deborah Ralston, Five Star Bank. Kamp presents a cake to the bank staff for their efforts. The Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. at Garlock Hall, Ellen Stowe Room on the Roberts Wesleyan College campus. Visitors are welcome.
Provided photo
Brockport Rotary adds third new member in seven weeks
Rotary District 70 Governor Jeff Krans watches as new Brockport Rotary Club member (l-r) Kristen Acquilano and her Rotarian sponsor Chris Bergman listen to Club Induction Chair Gene Wood present a Club Directory.
Bergman and Krans are Penn Yan Rotarians while Wood lives in Gates. Acquilano, a social work graduate of the College at Brockport, lives in Hamlin and works for Orleans County in the area of mental health.
Provided photo
Smaller districts hard hit by state aid cuts
by Kristina Gabalski
HOLLEY - KENDALL -- The Holley and Kendall Central School districts are finding ways to do more with less in light of state aid cuts in the proposed state budget.
The Holley Central School District is dealing with a proposed cut of over $1.5 million in state aid. That’s almost 12 percent less than last year, Superintendent Robert D’Angelo says.
“Unfortunately, Holley is no different than any other district,” he notes, “most are touched by this and we have to deal with reality, but at the same time it’s a juggling act.”
The district is making recommendations to the Board of Education for the 2011-2012 budget, D’Angelo says, but nothing is final at this time. “They will adopt a budget April 11. We’ve provided a lot of information and we intend to provide more,” he says.
The district faces increased costs that are contractual in nature, D’Angelo says, including raising pay and dealing with increasing health insurance costs. “We have to consider all that,” he notes.
The district has healthy reserves, but D’Angelo points out that $4.2 million of those reserves are for the district’s capital project. “We are recommending in this budget to take $500,000 from remaining reserves,” he says.
In regards to cuts, “We will stay as far away as possible from the classroom,” D’Angelo says, but at the same time he notes, “ ... everything is on the table.”
“Almost 60 percent of our revenue is generated by state aid,” he explains.
Because Holley is a rural district, it doesn’t have things like shopping centers to draw on for its tax base like urban district have, D’Angelo says. “As a rural district, we rely on state aid.”
He says that 48 percent of district students receive free/reduced cost lunches. “That indicates a need,” D’Angelo says, “a degree of poverty is attached to that need. We have an additional obligation to our kids because we are a rural district ... it’s not affluent, it’s a different ball game. We take pride in offering students breakfast and lunch. If they’ve got something in their belly, they’re going to learn better.”
“As superintendent, I have a deep obligation to the kids,” D’Angelo says. “The kids are the reason why I come to work everyday and I will do everything in my power in light of the cuts to make sure I’m doing the best job I possibly can for the kids.”
Kendall
Like Holley, the Kendall Central School District relies heavily on state aid. The state’s proposed budget includes a cut of approximately $1.4 million, or a 13 percent decrease from last year.
District officials say they have been setting aside monies to help make up for that reduction and the impact on instructional programs will be negligible.
Kendall is using a variety of means to off-set the state aid reduction,” Superintendent Julie Christensen says.
The district plans to draw on reserve funds and last year set aside $360,000 in funds from a Job Education Bill passed by the federal government. Refinancing of a bond by the district last year will also save the district money in payments, officials said.
“We have reduced supplies, equipment and professional development costs,” Christensen says. “Staff has shared other cost saving strategies such as transportation routing and creative field trips which benefit tax payers with reduced costs. Over the last few years, when a staff member resigns, we may not have filled that position and have re-assigned those duties to other staff.”
Because of these practices, Christensen says, this year’s staff reductions are more through attrition than layoffs - although there were some layoffs last year.
“All staff from administration to teaching to building and grounds has taken on additional duties without additional compensation,” she says. “We have reduced our BOCES budget by taking on more responsibilities internally and re-assigning staff, as well as reducing some of our support costs for management systems.” Thankfully, all staff at KCS have been active partners in controlling skyrocketing health insurance costs by changing to health plans with a lower premium and higher co-pays, allowing us to use these ‘savings’ to fund positions,” Christensen says.
This strategy has been in place for the last three years and has kept the health insurance budget line relatively flat, Christensen notes. Members also contribute 20 percent towards the premiums.
“The message for the public is staff at KCS are part of the solution when dealing with the problem of reduced revenue, but we are maxing the limits as to how much we can do with diminished funds,” she says.
New Art Gallery opens at GCC
The new Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery at Genesee Community College will celebrate its grand opening on Friday, April 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. The gallery is situated adjacent to the Genesee Center for the Arts at the college’s Batavia campus.
Named in honor of the late Roz Steiner, President Stuart Steiner’s wife, who died unexpectedly in 2008, the Gallery’s grand opening celebration will feature the work of two professional regional artists, Eric Serritella and Carol Acquilano in a dual exhibit.
Eric Serritella is a nationally exhibiting ceramic artist specializing in hand-carved trompe l’oeil vessels transformed into birch and weathered logs.
Painter, printmaker and book binder, Carol Acquilano is an award-winning artist based in Rochester. She paints the landscape in and around her native city of Rochester, but her favorite place to paint is Italy, where she feels the connection to her ancestral roots.
Acquilano’s selections for the Roz Steiner Art Gallery exhibit include paintings featuring cultivated landscapes of Cortona, Italy, that have been painted over the last three years.
The two hour grand opening is free and open to the public and includes music by the Tom Monte Trio. Light refreshments will be served. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by calling 585-345-6809 or at foundation@genesee.edu.
Part-time gallery manager named
Emily Pfeiffer, a native of Honeoye Falls and a campus center associate at GCC’s Dansville Campus Center, has been selected as the part-time Roz Steiner Art Gallery manager.
Pfeiffer, who lives in Geneseo, will focus on organizing calls for art submissions and managing the exhibition calendar; communicating with artists to plan professional exhibits; communicating with faculty and staff to schedule student exhibitions; work with students and artists to hang and take down gallery shows; prepare for art receptions; and work with faculty to integrate gallery experiences into coursework. Pfeiffer will also continue to work part-time at the Dansville Campus Center where she is an advisor and teaches an Art History class.
Pfeiffer’s interest in art began in high school when she shadowed at the George Eastman House. She majored in Art History at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and interned in the Curatorial Department at the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG).
After graduation, she worked for about a year and a half as a curatorial assistant at MAG before attending graduate school at the University of Florida.
“I am really looking forward to increasing community involvement and awareness of the arts in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) region and to allow our students and staff to see the quality of work being produced in our area,” Pfeifffer says. “It is a wonderful opportunity to get students involved in the arts, not only for Fine Arts majors who will have the opportunity to show their work and be involved in the installation of exhibitions, but for students of other majors to be exposed to new experiences.
includes reporting by K. Gabalski
Artist to lecture about Holocaust art
Marty Kalb, an Ohio-based artist and educator, wants to ensure that no one forgets the Holocaust. He will give a talk about his artworks in “Holocaust Series: Victims Perpetrators Witnesses” on Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. The free lecture, sponsored by the College at Brockport Department of Art, will take place in Edwards Hall, Room 104 (The “Green” Room). Edwards Hall is located on Holley Street, east of Commencement Drive.
According to Kalb, the purpose of his Holocaust Series is “to present dramatic, powerful visual images that confront today’s viewer with the reality of the Holocaust as it is revealed in the faces of its victims of torture and death, the perpetrators, the witnesses, and its bystanders.” Kalb’s works are mostly charcoals, which are presented alongside digitally manipulated documentary images. He explains that “some changes and enhancements are obvious but even those images that appear to be straight documentary photographs have been significantly changed from their original source appearance through adjustments to texture, color, value, focus and composition.”
Though altered, the art is graphic in the ways it captures the brutality and gruesomeness of the Holocaust. One of Kalb’s main focuses are eyes. In the series, the eyes of many of the Nazi perpetrators can be characterized as mean or evil, though occasionally there will be one image where they appear contrite or conscionable. Similarly, eyes of the Jewish victims appear sad or knowing, but occasionally defiant.
As a college professor, Kalb endeavors to use his art to teach a valuable lesson: “If we are ever to have a more humane society, people must finally and fully accept the truth that prejudice and militarism result in gore, not glory. Each of us can in some way make a contribution to that effort.”
In addition to his lecture, Kalb will be on the Brockport campus to adjudicate the Annual Student Art Exhibit, opening on Friday, April 15 at the Tower Fine Arts Gallery, 180 Holley Street.
Features - Week of March 27, 2011
Lots of ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Genesee Community College’s Earth Club, Student Activities Office, and College Village are once again joining Cool Kids to collectively produce the annual Cool Kids Eco-Fest - a fun-filled, yet educational event aimed at increasing awareness of important environmental issues and celebrating Earth Day. All portions of the event are free and open to the public and scheduled on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Genesee’s Batavia Campus. Bot indoor and outdoor activities will be happening throughout the four hour event, which winds down with the Eco-Raffle of great green prizes, including the grand prize, a mountain bike provided by Adam Miller Bikes and Toys. (Must be present to win.)
While many of the popular Eco-opportunities will be back, such as the annual residential E-Waste collection and Sloat Tires Inflation Station outside in the parking lot, there will also be many new green alternatives to explore and enjoy, according to a press release. New to this year’s celebration will be the collection of worn American flags for honorable disposal by Shepard, Maxwell and Hale. In addition, this year’s ECO-Tips Illustration Contest, sponsored by ESL Federal Credit Union, features fun and unique prizes in the following six categories:
AdBuilder•Children’s Coolest Category: Pre K-6th grade
•The Unique Reused Item
•Best Illustration
•Longest Term Impact for the Environment
•Greatest Innovation/Absolutely Cool Awesome Idea
•Most Fun or Funny
“Last year we had some incredibly clever contributions to the Eco-Tips Contest and we are looking forward to seeing what local citizens, from pre-K classes to senior citizens groups will create. It’s a great way to ‘get your green on,’ ” Donna Rae Sutherland, Genesee’s Earth Club co-advisor and associate director of Marketing Communications said. “Eco-Fest continues to grow each year and the upcoming festival promises to be the best ever.”
Entries for the ESL Eco-Tip Illustration Contest are being accepted now through to 11 a.m. on April 9 at Eco-Fest by sending them to Donna Rae Sutherland, GCC, One College Road, Batavia, NY 14020. All entries will be on display at the event, and from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. contest judges will review the array of different entries to select the six prize winners. There is no limit on the number of Eco-Tip entries any one person or group can submit, and there is also no limit on the size of paper or form for each submission. For Eco-Tip guidelines and the official entry form go to: http:// marketing.genesee.edu/images/eco_tip_guidelinesform.pdf.
Also new this year will be the bird banding demonstration by Tom Klotzbach who is a local birding expert and researcher, as well as a GCC alumnus and employee. He is currently in the second year of a three year bird tracking project featuring more than 60 bird boxes located at GCC and on the western portion of the Ontario State Parkway. The seasonal outdoor effort starts in early April when he will once again begin tracking various species of native and non-native birds. Through banding and bi-weekly nest box checks, Klotzbach is collecting bird data such as age, sex, fat score, and mass. The collected data is used to study migration patterns with the U.S. Geological Survey, and is the foundation for his research on nest site fidelity
The Sixth Annual Cool Kids ECO-Fest also includes over 35 exhibits, presentations and activities, including the Cool Kids Wild Life Show and the Big Bag Bash. As in years past, hundreds of people of all ages are expected to attend the event enjoying environmental fun and educational opportunities, and the more green things they do - the more Eco-Raffle tickets they collect to increase their chances of winning the mountain bike. Among the ways to earn Eco-Raffle tickets:
•Donating residential E-Waste or electronics such as old computers, monitors, calculators, TVs, VCRs, stereo equipment, video games, and microwave ovens (No other kitchen appliances, please.)
•Donating paperback books for American troops overseas
•Donating worn American flags for proper disposal by Shepard, Maxwell and Hale
•Donating cell phones and ink cartridges for Oakfield-Alabama Schools collection
•Creating an Eco-Tip for the ESL Eco-Tip Illustration Contest
•Getting your tire pressure checked by Sloat Tires Inflation Station
•AAA mercury hood lamp switch-out (for 2002 or older cars)
•Being an Eco-Fest volunteer
•Wearing green
Provided information
Briefly - Week of March 27, 2011
Learn about Bluebirds
Male Bluebird - Provided photoThe New York State Bluebird Society will sponsor a Bluebird Workshop in Western New York on Saturday, April 9 at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia. The free workshop includes a presentation by John Ruska, current president of the Bluebird Society and a lifetime director. “All About Bluebirds, Purple Martins and More” includes the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that nest in bluebird boxes, nest box management, and other topics. Ruska has maintained an extensive trail of bluebird boxes for over 17 years in southwestern New York state. His presentation will include items for both novice and experienced Bluebirders.
Other items on the agenda will include a display and discussion on various types of nest boxes and an opportunity to ask all Bluebird-related questions to a panel of experienced Bluebirders. A bonus to those who sign up for a three-year membership to the society ($25) will be a free next box. With a one-year membership ($10), new members will receive a free bird feeder. Displays and free literature will also be available.
Area residents can take the NYS Thruway to Batavia exit 48, then take Route 98 South to Batavia and turn left onto Route 5 heading east. The First Presbyterian Church is 0.7 miles on the right (300 East Main Street). Contact Dave Hofer at 716-592-5735 or email dhofer@hughes.net.
Provided photo and information
Cheer for Spencerport for bridge rehab funds
Spencerport has a second chance in the Readers’ Digest Contest, We Hear You America! Voters put Spencerport in 17th place but not high enough on the list to qualify for prize money (needed to be in top 10). Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene says thanks to a new effort on the part of the promoter, Spencerport has another chance to qualify by tallying votes for the village. The deadline for this new effort is May 14.
Lobene launched the campaign in January to get financial support for refurbishing the railroad bridge over Route 259 near Lyell Avenue, a spot she says is a gateway to the community.
Lobene says removal of the span is cost-prohibitive but the structure could be refreshed to project a better image. The nemesis of many tractor trailer drivers, the bridge’s 11’ 7” clearance height limits traffic flow and has received no maintenance in many years.
The owners of the now-abandoned railroad line claim no responsibility for the span, according to Lobene, who adds the village does not have the money to pursue the rehab project with the owner in court.
Voters can visit http:/wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com to cheer for Spencerport.
Provided information
Workshop helps farmers, operators increase energy efficiency
Farm owners and operators interested in increasing energy efficiency will have an opportunity to attend a free workshop sponsored by Monroe Community College’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute and the Town of Parma. The free workshop, Farm Energy Audits and Energy Options for Agricultural Buildings, will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at VFW Post 6105, 550 Peck Road, Hilton. Seating is limited. Contact Bob King, Ph.D. at rking@monroecc.edu or 585-292-2065 to reserve seats.
Participants will learn ways to improve energy efficiency and integrate green energy options in compliance with permit and zoning codes. Renewable energy options, NYSERDA grant opportunities for energy audits and efficiency improvements, and more will be covered.
Provided information
Deaf Mission welcomed to Gates
The Ephphatha Mission for the Deaf was welcomed to the Church of the Epiphany at 3285 Buffalo Road on Sunday, March 6. Ephphatha Mission for the Deaf is part of a national Episcopalian ministry for those who are hard of hearing and deaf. The mission will worship with the church and sign language interpretation will be offered at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday mornings. Other opportunities such as Bible Study are available at other times.
For questions or other information, contact coeoffice@frontier.net.
Provided information
Sports - Week of March 27, 2011
Area
Freshwater fishing season kicks off with trout and salmon opener
Conditions may be tough for early season anglers
Unlike last year when opening day trout anglers were greeted with relatively tranquil conditions, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) finds this winter’s heavy snows and resultant high, cold stream conditions will not be friendly to early season trout anglers.
“After a long, cold and snowy winter, we know that anglers are anxious to hit the water,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “Unfortunately, a good portion of the state remains covered with snow, which may restrict access to streams and cause very high stream flows making early season angling difficult.”
Trout, lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon seasons all begin on April 1.
According to a press release, DEC plans to stock over 2.3 million catchable-size brook, brown and rainbow trout in more than 300 lakes and ponds and roughly 3,000 miles of streams across the state. Spring stockings include 1.77 million brown trout, 390,000 rainbow trout and 147,000 brook trout. Approximately 97,000 two-year-old brown trout 12-13 inches in length will also be stocked into lakes and streams across the state. Stocking of catchable-size trout generally commences in late March and early April in the lower Hudson Valley, Long Island, and western New York and then proceeds to the Catskills and Adirondacks as stream conditions permit.
Early season trout fishing recommendations by DEC staff in each region, including suggestions on where to find good opportunities to fish for wild trout can be found in the 2011 Coldwater Fishing Forecast at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7749.html. Anglers searching for publicly accessible streams can find maps of DEC public fishing rights holdings on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9924.html. The Bureau of Fisheries web pages are some of the most popular on the DEC website and contain a wealth of information that anglers will find helpful. Anglers are also encouraged to contact the DEC Regional Office in the region they plan on fishing for additional information.
Anglers 16 years of age and older must have a New York state fishing license available on line at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html or by calling 1-86-NY-DECALS.
Fishing licenses can also be purchased from the 1,500 license issuing agents located throughout the state (town and county clerks, some major discount stores and many tackle and sporting goods stores). An interactive map providing the locations of these agents is now available on line. By law, every dollar spent on a fishing license helps fund the DEC fish stocking program and other programs conducted by the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources. Purchase of a Habitat/Access Stamp helps fund access and habitat projects. For information on the Habitat/Access Stamp Program, go to www.dec.ny.gov/public/329.html.
Anglers are reminded to be sure to disinfect their fishing equipment, including waders and boots before entering a new body of water. Since 2007, Didymo, an invasive algae species, has been discovered in the Battenkill and Kayderosseras Creek in DEC Region 5, Esopus Creek and Rondout Creek in Range 3 and the Little Delaware River, West Branch Delaware River and East Branch Delaware River in Region 4. Didymo can attach to waders, particularly felt soles, and this is believed to be the primary mechanism for its spread from its initial discovery location. Wading anglers are encouraged to use readily available alternatives to felt-soled waders and wading boots. All gear should be dried and/or disinfected before it is used in a new body of water. Methods to clean and disinfect fishing gear can be found on DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/50121.html.
Provided information
Gymnastics girls win at Niagara Cup
Bright Raven's winning Level 4 Team at the Niagara Cup: Front (left to right) Gianna DeCamella (Chili), Kaylin Keenan (Caledonia), Ruth Henry (Gates), Elizabeth Ferrari (Spencerport), Katie Mae Thomas (North Chili), Jadasia Lee (Gates), Nia Williams-Matthews (Rochester), Bria Danesi (Greece), Jada Moore (Spencerport). Back: Mya Fisher (Rochester), Madeline Burress (Chili), Hannah Cubiotti (Spencerport), Isabella Antonini (Hilton), Emily Brown (Chili), Emily Field (Greece) holding trophy, Ava Hubbard (Caledonia), Indya Richards (Gates), Kristina Riggio (Spencerport), Chloe Parmelee (West Irondequoit), Ashley Rissew (Rochester), Emma Arnold (Avon). Provided photo Bright Raven Gymnastics girl’s teams traveled to Buffalo March 11-13 for the 30th Annual Niagara Cup at Canisius College where they finished on top in many divisions.
Thirteen-year-old Megan Stevens of Brockport captured first place all around in the Level 8 Senior Competition with an all around total of 36.125. Stevens also took place in floor exercise scoring 9.55 and second place on the uneven parallel bars. Teammates Carly King of Churchville was second on balance beam. In the Level 7 Senior competition, Gabriella Garcea of Churchville placed second on vault and Raelyn Smith of Hilton was second on floor exercise.
Bright Ravel’s Level 4 team took first place in a field of five teams scoring 189.25 with the top five scores in each event comprising the team total. Bright Raven gymnasts swept the top places in the Level 4 competition for ages 9-11 with Jadasia Lee of Gates taking first place all around and first on vault. In the 6-8 age division, Katie Mae Thomas of North Chili was first on balance beam and third all around. Jada Moore of Spencerport was second all around. In the 11 and up age group, Hannah Cubiotti of Spencerport took first place on both balance beam and floor exercise and second all around. Emily Brown of Chili was third all around.
Megan Stevens The Bright Raven Level 5 team finished in second place in a field of 10 teams with total score of 187.725. In the 11 and older age division, Hannah Krautwurst of Rochester was first all around and first on the uneven parallel bars. Darcy DeAngelis of Spencerport took first place on vault. Savannah Thesing of Chili was first on floor and third all around. In the 10-year-old division, Marisa Kyle of Brockport was the winner on the uneven bars. Keilei Latragna of Hilton was first on floor exercise and third all around.
In the Level 6 competition for ages 12 and older, Julianna Gatto of Gates took first in three events: vault, balance beam and floor exercise and was also the first place all around winner. Jada Sanders of Rochester was second all around. In the 11-year-old division, Taylor Pohleven of Spencerport was first all around and first on vault. Julia Wade of Chili was first in floor exercise competition. The Bright Raven Level 6 team finished third among 10 teams with a team score of 182.05.
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Churchville-Chili
LEOs win charity game
LEO Club alum and Churchville Fire Department member Jamie Giovannini presents a check for $4,120, basketball game proceeds, to Todd and Jamie Wainwright at the club's March 21 meeting. Provided photo.The Churchville-Chili LEO Club rallied and overcame a late five point deficit to defeat the Churchville Lions Club 56-51 in the 13th annual March Madness benefit basketball game. This year’s game was played for the Todd Wainwright family. Todd is a long time member of the Churchville Fire Department and his son, Jake, age 13, is battling numerous physical and developmental challenges. Jake attends school at the Mary Cariola Center.
The game featured numerous lead changes due to the expanded rosters which included not only Lions and LEO Club members but also members of the Churchville Fire Department and Student Explorers Program as well as members of the Chili Lions Club.
The student rally was sparked by senior class members Jimmy Koch, Chad Hardy, and Steven Kressman with balanced scoring support from Caroline Bennett, Ryan Hardy, Nate Hare, Justin Montagno, Tim Pietzkowski, Colbey Pfendler, and Kyle Kent. The students used superior quickness at the end to overtake the Lions.
The Lions team was sparked by Andy Barnard and Bill Brunelle and Fire Department members Chris Buss, Mike Mogray, Adam Vogler, Shane Leibeck, Pete Spyra and Andy Vargo.
Through sponsor pledges, donations and raffles, a total of $4,120 was raised for the family and the check was presented at a Churchville Fire Department meeting.
Organizers thank Churchville Lions Mike Hammel and Guy Pugliese who served as scorer and clock operator, Mary Urbon for homemade raffle items and Churchville-Chili teacher Doug Becker who donated his 50-50 winnings back to the Wainwright family.
Started in 1998 and sponsored by the Churchville Lions Club, the LEO Club is now comprised of students in grades 7 through 12, and was formed to introduce the students to various forms of community service activities. The students are now involved in a number of ongoing activities including preparing a meal monthly at the Ronald McDonald House, attending functions and social interaction with the students at the Batavia School For The Blind, and various environmental and recycling efforts. The students also assist at various school functions, Riga Recreation events, The Purpose Pony Farm, School of the Holy Childhood and St. Luke’s clothing outreach.
In addition to the basketball game the students also help the Lions at their August Country Fair and help serve at all the Lions Club barbecues. The LEO Club has now had a team at the Westside Relay For Life for nine years and will be doing a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, May 7 at the Churchville Fire Department to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and the Relay. The club advisors are teacher Cyndy Taladay and Lion Marty Molinari.
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Spencerport
Spencerport Track Team Participated in Nationals Meet
Members of the Spencerport Rangers Indoor Track Team participated in the New Balance Indoor Nationals track meet, in New York City on March 10.
Competing in the “Emerging Elite” class, the 4 x 200 relay team of Nicole Tomasso, Madeline Kopp, Rachel Cooper, and Nicca Lattuca, won their race with a time of 1:48.92. They finished 17th out of 31 teams from nine states, and had the best time of Monroe County teams competing.
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Schools - Week of March 27, 2011
Byron-Bergen
B-B Elementary partners with Credit Union to open in-school branch
Branch Liaison Leora Brown and student volunteer Rick Hubbard (right) work with students Logan Pocock and Novalee Pocock on depositing money, March 3 at Byron-Bergen Elementary School. Provided photo.Students at Byron-Bergen Elementary School have been learning financial literacy skills since January, when a Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union (TVFCU) branch opened in the school’s cafeteria as part of the credit union’s Youth Banking Program.
At the grand opening celebration for the new branch on March 3, seven new accounts were opened and 27 deposits were made. Since the branch opened, 33 new accounts and 108 deposits were completed.
“The goal of opening the credit union branch is to increase the financial literacy of our younger students, and to teach them about the rewards of saving and managing money, and goal setting,” said Leora Brown, TVFCU branch liaison and Elementary School Clerk-Typist. “The younger a child is exposed to the good habits of saving, then the greater the likelihood that it will be- come a lifelong adventure for them.”
The branch is staffed by 45 third- and fourth-grade students, and supervised by Brown. Due to the large turnout of student volunteers, each student is assigned to a four-week rotation for the available positions (president, treasurer, auditor, teller, and customer service representative) for the remainder of the school year.
“Our student workers are eager to learn their responsibilities within the bank branch, and our students seem to really enjoy the program,” said Elementary Principal Keith Wing. “This program is a great opportunity for our students to learn valuable life skills.”
Kimberly Bates, TVFCU youth banking coordinator, said the in-school branch will provide students with the knowledge of financial responsibility. “Byron-Bergen has so many eager students who want to become involved in banking,” said Bates. “This is great because over time students are learning how to save money.”
The branch is open to Byron-Bergen students and staff, and the community (anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Genesee County) every Thursday from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. and offers basic financial services including new accounts and deposits.
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Byron-Bergen Middle School celebrates Pi Day
Eighth-graders at Byron-Bergen Middle School celebrated Pi Day during their math classes with trivia, circular treats, and concluding the day with a Pi digit memorization contest, March 14.
Students celebrate Pi Day, which was planned this year by mathematics teacher Molly Emmi and her students, every March 14 because that date can be written as “3.14”, the first three digits in the mathematical constant commonly used to calculate the circumference, diameter, and radius of a circle.
Student Colleen Clay won the memorization contest by reciting out the first 221 digits from memory that make up Pi. Runners up were Adam Strassner with 170 digits, Makayla Fee with 165 digits, and Emily Bowman with 56 digits.
“As an educator with a math background, I love Pi Day because it is a creative way to engage our students,” said Dan Bedette, principal of Byron-Bergen Middle School. “Most of us know that Pi is equal to 3.14. Our winning student demonstrated that she knew Pi to 221 decimal places. That is very impressive!”
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Hilton
Hilton freshman in Shakespearean competition with “Othello” monologue
Becca HebingHilton Drama Club member Becca Hebing competed in the English Speaking Union (ESU) Shakespeare Competition on Saturday, February 12 at the Multi-Use Community Cultural Center in Rochester. A member of the Hilton High School Drama Club, Hebing competed in the Rochester Branch Competition performing both a Shakespearean monologue and a sonnet: Emilia from “Othello,” Act IV, Scene 3, lines 86-103 and Sonnet #1, “From fairest creatures.”
“Becca was the winner of the annual Hilton High School Shakespeare Competition that was held on December 20,” said Hilton HS Drama Club advisor Leah Oltean. “She competed against the school winners from five local high schools. Although she did not place, Becca represented Hilton well with her moving portrayal of Emilia. She is a featured actress in this year’s Drama Club production of Fantastical Friends, which will be performed in the high school auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on April 8 and at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 9. Tickets are $7.00 and seating is general admission.” Fantastical Friends features dramatizations of the classic works of Lewis Carroll, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stocker, Mark Twain and others.
The ESU Shakespeare Competition requires students to participate in three qualifying stages at the school, branch, and national levels. Hilton High School competition judges were Drama Club Director Leah Oltean and English teachers Kara Penna and Jon Emerson. The judges awarded first place to Becca Hebing, second place to Tori DePalma, and third place to Daniella Scarantino.
Every year around Shakespeare’s birthday, the winners of the local Branch Competitions travel to New York City to take part in the ESU National Shakespeare Competition held at Lincoln Center. In the semi-finals, all of the contestants perform a monologue and a sonnet on stage. In the last phase of the competition, those students selected as finalists present a cold reading in addition to their monlogues and sonnets. The Branch Competition winners will compete at the ESU National Competition on May 2 in New York City at Lincoln Center. Previous distinguished ESU National Competition judges have included Sarah Jessica Parker, Christopher Reeve, Phylicia Rashad and Blythe Danner. The winner of the ESU National Shakespeare Competition receives a full tuition scholarship to study acting in Shakespeare’s homeland, England. The runner-up receives a full tuition scholarship to attend the American Shakespeare Centre’s Theater Camp in Staunton, Virginia. The third place winner is awarded $500 by The Shakespeare Society.
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Hilton High School's "Breakfast with a Scientist"
Meteorologist and 13 WHAM TV Hilton High School graduate Jeff Najder '99 speaks to students during the annual "Breakfast with a Scientist" March 23. He holds a bachelor's degree in meteorology from The College at Brockport. Provided photo.
Science was on the table at Hilton High School’s fourth annual “Breakfast with a Scientist” held Wednesday, March 23, at the school. About 150 students in 11 different science classrooms during first set (7:25 to 8:20 a.m.) hosted a different scientist.
Two of the visiting scientists are Hilton High School graduates: Nicci Adams ‘97 and Jeff Najder ‘99.
Among the guests were: biophysicist Dr. Lea Vacca Michel from RIT; biotechnology patent attorney Carissa Childs, Ph.D. from the US Patent and Trademark Office; environmental engineer Michele Kharroubi from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation; forensic biologist Jody Davis from the Monroe County Crime Lab; fuel cell Engineer Robert Lysiak who works for General Motors; medical residents Dr. Julie Pasternack and Dr. Ryan Bodkin, third year medical residents from URMC/Strong Memorial Hospital in the pediatric emergency department and Peter J. Miles, R.Ph. from the Hilton Family Pharmacy.
Kendall
Kendall hosts Academic Challenge Bowl
The Kendall Central School District hosted the final round of Academic Challenge Bowl on Thursday, March 17. All four games were very close, according to a school representative. Kendall won the first game against Spencerport’s Cosgrove Middle School and lost game three against Brockport’s Oliver Middle School by a mere 10 points. Brockport and Albion will be going to regional playoffs.
The final standings are as follows: Oliver - 6 wins, 2 losses, 1820 points; Albion - 4 wins, 4 losses, 1510 points; Cosgrove - 3 wins, 5 losses, 1510 points; Kendall - 3 wins, 5 losses, 1510 points.
Kendall’s team includes seventh-graders Abby Rice, Jacob Richardson, Tyler Sheffield, Austin Clay, Evan Gaesser, Julia Smith, and eighth graders Taylor Clay, Jon Price, Brad Bobzin, Marisa Hanlon, Sarah Gardner and Katie Richardson.
Academic Challenge is a team competition for students in seventh and eighth-grades covering a wide variety of subject areas. The season consists of eight games plus play-offs leading to a championship match.
Both Academic Challenge and the high school program MasterMinds are Project ADEPT (A Diversified Enrichment Program for the Talented) programs offered through the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Department of Gifted and Talented Education. Kendall’s teams are coached by Math teacher Renee Cliff and Social Studies teacher Kristine Stumpf.
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Obituaries - Week of March 27, 2011
Obituaries
ALBION
•Neri, Charles E., Age 88, March 17, 2011. Predeceased by his brother Pat (Vera) Neri; brother-in-law Melvin Quagliana. Survived by his brother Sam (Sandra) Neri of Albion; sister Antoinette “Lena” Quagliana of Albion and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral Services were held March 19 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Albion. Interment, St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Holy Family Parish or St. Vincent DePaul in his memory.
•Slade, Ronald W., March 17, 2011. Predeceased by his wife, Rosemary (Izzo) and daughter, Maureen. He is survived by his sons, Ronald, Robert and Thomas; two sisters, Carol Giordano and Jeanne Wandtke. Graveside Services were held March 19 at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester.
•Traub, Shirley M., Age 77, March 16, 2011. Predeceased by her husband Ray Howard in 1994. Survived by her daughters Deborah C. Traub of Brockport, Sharon (James) Smith of Albion, Laurie (Robert) Ballard of Albion, Rae (Scott) Edwards of Spencerport; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother Martin (Evelyn) Spink of Brockport; and several nieces, nephews and cousins; best friend “sis” Dorothy Dickinson. A Mass of Christian Burial was said March 21 at Holy Family Parish. Burial in Hillside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans or Albion Fire Department in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Campling, Marguerite L. (Fahy) (Kerxhalli), On March 21, 2011, age 95 years. Predeceased by her husband, Ernest. Survived by her children, Gary Campling, Carol (Michael) Fahy, Bill (Ginny) Campling and Sharon (Chris) Kerxhalli; grandchildren, Tracy (Kenneth) Merkel, Kelly Wilkins, Alan (Kimberly) Wilkins, Michelle (Chris) Godfrey, Bill Campling, Michael, Brian and Adam Kerxhalli; great-grandchildren, Jake, Brett and Alana Wilkins, Elijah and Jackson Godfrey. A Service Celebrating her Life was held March 24 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be made to Al Sigl Center in her memory.
HILTON
•Burgio, Salvatore, on March 20, 2011 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Josephine; daughter, Jean (Gary) Horwitz; sons, James (Phyllis) Burgio and Steven (Karen) Burgio; several grandchildren; brothers, Joseph and Paul Burgio. He was a United States Marine Corps WWII Veteran. A Prayer Service was held March 25 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation in his memory.
•DeMor, Robert J. Sr. “Bucky,” On March 15, 2011, age 87. He is predeceased by his son, Robert Joseph DeMor Jr. Survived by his children, Leonard (Dina) DeMor, Shelley (Scott) Roegner, and Kristine (Paul) Penna; grandchildren, Anthony, Matthew, Nicholas, Stacey, Joseph, Brian and Amy; his sisters, Josephine Laurie and Eleanor (Richard) Sylvester; many nieces, nephews and friends. A Memorial Service was held March 24 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton.
•Lauth, Michael R., On March 18, 2011, age 61 years. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Jeanne Lauth of North Carolina; his son, Adam Lauth of Brockport; son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Kerry Lauth; granddaughters, Krysta and Meghan Lauth all of Lexington, Kentucky; brothers and sister, Greg (Rhoda) Lauth, Patti Ann (Fran) Smith, Steven (Robin) Lauth, Christopher (Lisa) Lauth; many loving nieces and nephews; a special friend, Mary Mayo; and many friends at Villager Construction. Services were held March 21 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
•Moline, Sr., John A., on March 21, 2011, age 64. He was predeceased by his mother, Marjorie Munn and brother, Franz Albert Moline, Jr. Survived by his wife, Linda Moline (Gadomski); children, John (Michelle Saxman) Moline, Jr., Kimberly (Brian) Jaggi, Carey (Michael) Gee, Lisa (Justine Brown) Kyler, Robert (Amanda Heizyk) Kyler, Jr.; 11 grandchildren; sisters, Donna (Bill) Reese, Frances (James) Stine, Sharon (Ray) Adams, Sonny (Jim) Ingold; brothers- and sisters-in-law; many cousins; nieces and nephews. John was a U.S. Navy Veteran. Services and Interment will be held in Corry, Pennsylvania at a later date.
NORTH CHILI
•Abraham, Emanuel C., “Uncle Manny,” March 23, 2011 at age 81. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Barbara; children, David (Lori), Richard (Lynn), Michael (Maribel), Barbara, Mark (Michelle); grandchildren, Amanda, Jennifer, Danielle, Jamie, Ricardo, Cristen, Libby, Dylan, Connor, Luke; sister-in-law, Janet (Norbert); nieces and nephews and his beloved pets, Benji and Abby. Emanuel was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Korean War and a member of the Avon American Legion Post #5292 Russell Robinson Post. A Memorial Service will be held March 28 at 1 p.m. at the New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment with Military Honors at Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport.
•Fogg, Lynn S., March 19, 2011, age 93. Predeceased by his brother, David Beverly Fogg. Survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Margaret (Peggy); children, Jane (Roger) Klick, Lynda (Ken) Wildman; brother, Jack (Vera) Fogg; several nieces and nephews. Lynn was a graduate of John Marshal High School, RIT, was a WWII veteran, a retiree of Taylor Instruments, and the founding father of Chili Carvers Club. His Funeral Service was held March 23 at Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church, North Chili. Contributions can be made to Roberts Wesleyan College, Pearce Memorial Free Methodist Church or Park Ridge Free Methodist Church in his memory.
•Meyer, Rev. Melba C., Age 77, March 20, 2011. Survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Donald; children, David (Alice), Paul (Kari), Donnalee Kudla; grandchildren, Adrienne, Kristina, Molly, Julianna, Joshua, Carys, Cameron, Eryn Meyer, Emilee, Kelly and Jayne Kudla; sister, Mary (Tom) Doughty; aunt, Mildred Meyer; niece, Marianne (Doug) Oehlbeck; nephews, Paul Doughty and Tom (Chris) Doughty; son-in-law, David Kudla. Melba graduated from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School with a Masters in Divinity and went on to serve United Methodist Churches in the Western New York area from 1982-1999. A Memorial Service was held March 26 at Asbury First United Methodist Church, Rochester. Donations in her memory can be made to Heritage Christian Services, 349 Commercial Street, East Rochester, NY 14445.
SPENCERPORT
•Czubara, Natalie, on March 22, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Wasyl Czubara. Survived by her children, Mary (Kenny) Koons, Nicholas (Nancy) Czubara, Michael (Linda) Czubara, Steven (Bettyjo) Czubara and Ann (Joseph) Coffey; grandchildren, Cynthia (Herman) Worley, Christine, Colleen, Nicky, Kevin, Kimberly, Cory, Cassandra (Jeff) Caufield, Austin, Alysia and Elisabeth; five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. A Funeral Service was held March 26 at St. Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Rochester. Interment, Mt. Hope Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association in her memory.
Archives - Week of March 20, 2011
Local News - Week of March 20, 2011
Students hear from racer about series competition
NASCAR K&N Series Rookie of the Year Darrell Wallace, Jr. talks to students about his experience as a NASCAR race car driver. Photo by Dave Knox. Revolution Racing’s Drive for Diversity program Competition Director Andy Santerre and NASCAR K&N Series Rookie of the Year Darrell Wallace Jr. addressed BOCES 2 students on Wednesday, March 16 at the WEMOCO facility in Spencerport.
Andy Santerre was the first NASCAR Grand National driver to win four consecutive Busch North Series titles as the Castle Racing Team Captain from 2002-2005. He also earned a series leading four “Most Popular Driver” awards, two “Sportsmanship” awards, and he earned “Rookie of the Year” in both the NASCAR Grand National Division (1993) and the Nationwide Series (1998). Santerre’s remarks focused on the Revolution Racing’s Drive for Diversity program competition that helps to develop the skills and capabilities of women and minorities seeking opportunities in a very competitive sport.
Revolution Racing's Drive for Diversity program Competition Director Andy Santerre answers questions from WEMOCO students about the engine in the Castle Show Car on display in the facility's collision shop. Photo by Dave Knox.Darrell Wallace Jr. in the 2010 season opening event at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, South Carolina, his first ever start, took the checkered flag. He was the youngest driver to win in a NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Race, and the first African American to win in NASCAR K&N series history. Wallace spoke of his experience as a seventeen year old driving in a stock car racing series.
The students were from Dan Boyler, Dave Shalke, and Brian Walczak’s Technical Education (CTE) Center programs: Auto Collision Repair Technology and Automotive Technology Career. They got to ask questions to Andy Santerre and Darrell Wallace about their experiences and see the Castle Show Car which was on display.
The presentation at the WEMOCO facility in Spencerport was just one stop on Andy Santerre and Darrell Wallace Jr.’s Western New York tour sponsored by Rochester-based Castle Products, Inc.
Assemblyman greets Student of the Year -
Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R, I, C - Batavia) visited with Houston Daniels, the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES 2011 Student of the Year.
Daniels, a graduate of the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Center for Workforce Development, earned his GED in 2004. After earning his associate’s degree from Monroe Community College, he went on to Buffalo State, where he is currently a senior working toward his bachelor’s degree in social work. Daniels intends to become a drug counselor upon graduation in August.
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Life Scout Receives Check -
Life Scout Tyler Russo receives a check for $100 from Bob Reusch, representing the Kiwanis Club of Brockport.
Bob’s role in Kiwanis is as Lieutenant Governor for the Genesee Division of the Kiwanis Clubs of New York. Tyler will use this donation to purchase building materials that he will use for his Eagle Project. He plans to lead a construction crew to build and install a footbridge over a drainage ditch on the nature trail at Sweden Town Park.
The Kiwanis Club of Brockport welcomes new members who would like to help children at home and around the world.
To find out more about membership contact President Ray Bardol, 637-4300.
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BISCO donates to Hometown Heroes project -
BISCO president George Dahl (l) presents a check for $1,500 to Brian Winant, President of the Brockport Police Department’s Stetson Club (c) as long-time treasurer Greg Lund looks on.
BISCO believes those who serve their country deserve recognition of varying types. The community Hometown Heroes Project initiated by the Stetson Club and widely supported by community organizations, businesses and individuals is a visible example of that recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices made by service people and their families and friends, according to group members.
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Change in code enforcement supervision would need local law passage
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport village trustees have begun a process that could result in a change of supervision for the village’s building inspector/code enforcement officer.
Trustee Scott Hunsinger brought a motion forward during the March 2 regular meeting of the Brockport Village Board, authorizing the village attorney to put together the proper wording and process to transfer the authority to supervise the Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer from the mayor to the police chief.
Village officials say that change would require passage of a local law which would be subject to a referendum.
Trustees approved the motion by a split vote of 3-2. Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn were opposed. Trustees Kent Blair, Scott Hunsinger and Carol Hannan voted in favor.
The building inspector/code enforcement office is in the process of being moved to the village police department.
During the March 2 meeting, Trustee Hunsinger said a mandatory referendum would be a way to see if community members feel the change would be in the best interest of the village. He said the change in supervision would, “ ... ensure the quality of life and public safety.”
Hunsinger also told Westside News Inc. the change would “ ... be an incredibly positive move.” During the February 9 meeting of the village board, Trustee Kent Blair outlined the cost of moving the code enforcement office from the village hall to the police department. He said the cost for materials would be $1935.00 which would be paid for by the Police Department’s asset forfeiture funds. Labor would be provided by the village DPW and would be charged to the custodian/building budget line which currently has over $25,000, Blair said.
Mayor Connie Castaneda told Westside News Inc. that “when the three trustees initially proposed moving the code enforcer to police headquarters, I stated this move could take away the power given to the mayor to manage the code enforcer, and that taking the power of the mayor to manage employees cannot be done without a referendum.” The mayor said trustees at first indicated the move was not intended to take away the powers of the mayor and that even though the building inspector/code enforcement officer would be in a different location (the police department), he would still be under the management of the mayor.
“At a subsequent village board meeting (March 2, Trustee Hunsinger) made a motion to have a referendum to put the code enforcer under the direction of the chief of police,” she said.
“I do not believe this move will benefit taxpayers in any way,” Mayor Castaneda said “and will diminish the power of the mayor to manage employees efficiently. It will cost money to make this move and it will make it more inconvenient for residents to see and receive the services of the code enforcer.”
Brockport Main Street reconstruction set to begin in April
by Kristina Gabalski
A public information meeting on the Brockport Main Street Reconstruction Project held Tuesday, March 15 drew a large crowd to Fred Hill Elementary School. Residents had many questions for New York State Department of Transportation officials who hosted the session to bring the community up to date on the project and provide a timeline for work scheduled during the upcoming construction season.
Dan Schwind, NYSDOT Region 4 Project Design Engineer, gave a powerpoint summary of the project which is now in the construction phase. Work began in August 2010.
Included in the project is new pavement for the 1.3-mile stretch of Main Street (Route 19) that runs from the south village line to the north village line at East and West Avenues. Over 3.5 miles of new drainage pipe are being installed; curbs, two culverts and more than half of the sidewalks will be replaced. The project also includes improved crosswalks, sidewalk ramps, new signs, two new mast-arm type traffic signals and a modern roundabout at the intersection of Route 19 and East and West Avenues.
“A lot of people ask, ‘Why a roundabout in Brockport?’ ” Schwind said. “The reduction in crash rate is remarkable,” he noted.
Schwind’s presentation included a computerized simulation of the roundabout. “It simulates actual traffic flow in 2030,” he said. “You can see it’s working, people say a roundabout can’t handle the traffic.”
The roundabout was the subject of many questions from the audience. Two audience members questioned the possibility of traffic back-ups in the roundabout when the lift bridge on Main Street is raised for boat traffic on the Erie Canal.
Schwind said the traffic currently gets backed up on both the north and south sides of the canal when the bridge is up, “ ... a roundabout would not be any different than a signal,” he said. Motorists should use common sense, he added, “ ... don’t’ take the intersection (when the bridge is up) and bottle-up the circle.”
An audience member who lives near the Route 19/East/West Avenue intersection said she can’t recall all that many accidents at the intersection. Schwind said the DOT studied accidents at the intersection and found there were about ten each year, “ ... that’s twice the statewide average,” he said.
He was also asked about other alternatives the DOT considered for the intersection. One audience member asked if a left-turn lane and signal had ever been an option.
Schwind said a left-turn lane/signal had been considered, but, “ ... a roundabout came out better for safety.” He explained that the DOT had considered a number of options before deciding to go with a roundabout.
He was also asked about the railroad overpass on Main Street, just north of the intersection of Park Avenue/Adams and Fair Streets. Schwind responded that no changes were planned for the overpass, “We’re not changing the elevation and here’s why,” he said. “We thought about this early in the project, the bridge is still needed ... and we were hearing from residents that you don’t want truck traffic in the village.” He said changing the elevation would only invite more trucks into the village.
An audience member asked about a left-turn lane which will be put in on the south end of Main Street at the intersection of Centennial Avenue.
Schwind said the lane would accommodate three cars at a time. He noted Main Street is not very wide at that point and that there is very little room to work with to create a turning lane.
Scott Sullivan, NYSDOT Region 4 Engineer-in-Charge, gave information on this year’s construction time-line.
“It will be touch and go to get the lion’s share done this year,” he noted, “some construction could push into next year.”
Sullivan said weather permitting, work will begin around April 1 at the south end of Main Street and north of the canal. When that work is completed, the roadway will be excavated beginning at the south end and progressing north.
Work at the south end - from the village line to College Street - will once again result in daytime closures and detours, Sullivan said.
When the work reaches the area between College Street and State Street, traffic will be moved to one side while work is done on the other side of the roadway.
Features - Week of March 20, 2011
Hilton's Hojack History - Part 2 of 3
by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
Train whistles along the lakeshore
On a warm August 10 afternoon in 1876, six years after the first initiative to begin the project in December 1870, there was a celebration. Quoting from former Historian Leith Wright’s 1976 article on the Hojack:
“Everyone was in gala attire to see the first train pass over the completed tracks. The train was made up of an engine, tender, baggage car and one passenger coach on which a few of the railroad officials rode and made short speeches at the various towns along the routes. Cora Stoddard Butcher had the distinction of being the first female to ride on the new railroad line. She sat in the cab of the locomotive operated by Peter Wheeler and proudly waved to all of her envious young friends. Carrie Curtis Smith (great grandmother of former Hilton Mayor Doug Hurlbutt) was the first woman to buy a 26 cent ticket to go to Rochester to buy her wedding trousseau for her approaching marriage to James K. Smith.”
The Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad was incorporated into the New York Central system in 1891, and on April 16, 1913, this company with several others consolidated into the New York Central and Hudson River R.R. Co. The line through Hilton then became known as the Ontario Branch of the New York Central Railroad. This company merged in 1968 with the Pennsylvania Railroad, the company becoming known as the Penn Central R.R. In the early 1970s it became part of Conrail. It was discontinued in 1976.
Interior of Old Hilton DepotAt the time the railroad was completed, North Parma (Hilton) was a small village of farmers and small shopkeepers. Population of the village was 200. There were no houses on the north side of West Avenue except for Mr. and Mrs. Gorton’s farmhouse (now Wilson Farms). Two brothers who had worked on the railroad as contractors and who had been befriended by Charles Efner and John Tennison decided to remain in the community and go into business. They were Allan B. and Evan E. Fraser. They were Scotsmen from Glengarry County, Ontario, Canada. Evan was employed as Paymaster for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, he went into the railroad construction and contracting business. The firm of which he was a partner was awarded the contract for constructing the portion of the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg R.R. between Charlotte and Kendall.
Allan was employed by the firm and given some subcontracts. With the completion of the railroad, the brothers formed a partnership and engaged in the general store business. Later they added a private bank to their business which in 1914 became the State Bank of Hilton. In 1915 they purchased the Upton Mills and formed the Hilton Milling and Warehouse Inc, which included a lumber mill, a cooper shop for making barrels and an apple storage warehouse. The general store operated from 1878 to 1941, and Hilton Mill from 1915 to 1960. The State Bank of Hilton later became Chemical Bank and is now M & T Bank.
The Hojack brought much of the outer world into Hilton. The farmers prospered being able to get their products to lucrative markets in a timely fashion. The apple and peach business flourished. Small shops and businesses were able to grow and support families. Cultural pursuits were able to be enjoyed by villagers with musicals, plays and sporting events both in the village and in the now easily-accessible Rochester. There were two trains a day that would take passengers to the city. The first trains traveled 12 miles per hour, but later service became faster. After the turn of the 20th century, automobiles became more popular and passenger train service began to slowly decline until the last passenger train discontinued service June 1, 1933.
Part three: Why is it called Hojack?
Schools - Week of March 20, 2011
Hilton
All in a good week: poems, fresh bread and music about the Erie Canal
Poet L. John Cieslinski carefully reviews a poem about the color red authored by the kindergarten class. Provided photoThe students, staff and families of St. Paul Lutheran School in Hilton celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week, March 7 through 11.
The week included special workshops by local poet L. John Cieslinksi, bread maker and inspirational speaker Chet Fery, and folk musician and recording artist Mitzie Collins.
The week’s festivities concluded with a family dinner, in which “Bread Man” Fery offered some acts of kindness wisdom gained during his years of sharing homemade bread.
In the weeks to come, the students will continue to develop their poetic styles with the goal of publishing a school-wide poetry magazine.
St. Paul Lutheran, located at 158 East Avenue in Hilton, part of the second largest parochial system nationally, offers a Christian education open to all students in preschool through eighth grade.
Provided information
Holley
Holley celebrates African American History month through music
Shown (l-r) Anthony Cardenas, Melissa Kagel, Coleman Garnier, Kayleigh Neale and Karl Biedlingmaier play African instruments that their teacher was able to purchase with grant money from McDonald's of Western New York. They are students in Loretta Giarrizzo's second grade class. Provided photoHolley Elementary students have been expressing themselves musically using some interesting instruments from Africa that were purchased thanks to a Make Activities Count (MAC) grant from McDonald’s of Western New York.
The instruments are caxixi rattles made from wicker, shekere made from hollowed out gourds with beads strung around them, gonkoque or double bells made from recycled metal and played with a stick, agogo bells made from smooth metal and also played with a stick, and hand held mungu drums. The collection of instruments was added to the school’s tubano drums, which are colorful cylindrical drums.
Sally Martin, music teacher, received $250 to purchase the 12 African musical instruments that are being used by all students in grades K-6, according to a district press release.
The students first learned a basic African rhythm on drums then added this rhythm to an African song playing the other instruments. Once the students learned the music, each grade level performed for the other grades to celebrate African American History Month in February.
This month, the African music will be part of the Elementary Chorus and Band Concert on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. in the Holley Middle School/High School auditorium. Sixth graders will be performing an African piece titled “Banuwa” with the concert band. The elementary chorus will also be performing African songs using some of the same instruments.
Provided information
Kendall
Awesome Algebra: Keeping the Sides Balanced
Retired Mathematics Teacher Carol Turkett distributes paper cups with beans in them to students during an "Awesome Algebra: Keeping the Sides Balanced" workshop on Tuesday, March 8 at Kendall Elementary School. Provided photoA select group of fourth, fifth and sixth-graders at Kendall Elementary took part in an “Awesome Algebra: Keeping the Sides Balanced” workshop on Tuesday, March 8 led by retired mathematics teacher Carol Turkett.
“I’m here to challenge you guys,” Turkett explained to students. “How many times have you been in class and a teacher presents new material, and you already know the answer, and then there’s 45 minutes on the same topic? This is new material. It’s challenging and it’s supposed to be.”
Algebra is one area of mathematics that has its own language and which involves finding an unknown, Turkett explained. Students paired up to work on equations, drew pictures, used inverse operations, and also experimented with a balance, all with the intent of determining the value of X.
“That’s the point of algebra,” Turkett said, “to get X or the variable alone.”
Sixth-grader Lizzi Rath said she enjoyed the workshop because it was a lot more challenging than math in the classroom. “Awesome Algebra” is a Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Project ADEPT (A Diversified Enrichment Program for the Talented) offering.
Provided information
Spencerport
Spencerport High School Participates in Robotics Competition -
The Spencerport High School Ranger Robotics Team participated in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Finger Lakes Regional Competition March 3 to 5 at RIT with over 40 teams from the U.S. and Canada.
Ranger Robotics Team 3015 is the Spencerport chapter in the worldwide organization of FIRST, which promotes critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and gracious professionalism.
SHS Ranger Robotics started their build season on January 8 at the annual FIRST “kick-off” meeting. The team had six weeks to design and build a machine to compete.
Although still a fairly rookie team in its third year of FIRST 
participation, Team 3015 held its own against some of the most experienced robotics teams in North America, advancing to the semi-finals.
Involvement in the Finger Lakes Regional finals was a huge feat for the Spencerport Robotics team, according to school representatives, and all the students and mentors share a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Ranger Robotics will compete in the Philadelphia Regional in April.
Provided information and photo
Obituaries - Week of March 20, 2011
ALBION
•Nicponski, Peter J., age 27, of Fancher Road, Albion, died March 16, 2011 in Blue Springs, Missouri following a brief illness. He was born in Brockport March 31, 1983 and was a lifetime resident of the area. Mr. Nicponski was a graduate of RIT with a degree in economics and was an employee of Manning and Napier of Fairport prior to his illness. He is survived by his parents: Henry Nicponski of Albion and Ramona Dawn Nicponski of Blue Springs, Missouri; his brothers, David (Christine) Nicponski of New York City, Daniel (Leiddy) Nicponski of Indiana, John Nicponski of Buffalo; a sister, Allison Nicponski of Blue Springs, Missouri and one niece, Lydia.
The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., 16650 West Albion Road (Rt. 31), Holley, Monday, March 21 from 5-8 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service Tuesday, March 22 at 11 a.m. in Mt. Albion Cemetery.
BROCKPORT
•Heyen, Wilhelmina (Minni), Died February 7, 2011, age 96. Minni was born in Germany on the day WWI began, August 1, 1914, emigrated to this country as a teen, met her future husband of 60 years here, Henry, who passed in 1996. Also predeceased by several sisters and a brother, and by her oldest of four sons, Werner. Survived by sister Elfriede Pillsbury; daughter-in-law Barbara and by niece Linda Stelling; by sons William (Hannelore) of Brockport, Edward (Miriam) of New Mexico, and Henry Jr. (Janice) of Florida; by eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Minni spent most of her life on Long Island where she was active in the Steuben Society and enjoyed crocheting, singing and other hobbies, and her ashes have joined her husband’s there. For the last seven years, she was a resident on the second floor at the Lakeside Beikirch Care Center in Brockport.
•Hundt, Edmund, Died March 11, 2011 at the age of 78. Predeceased by his daughter Elfriede “Elfie” Chapin and brother Otto. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Leontine “Tina”; children Anita Kaiser, Mona (Bob) Godfrey, Bill (Peggy) Hundt; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; siblings Gertrude (John) Watters, Herman (Virginia) Hundt, Helga Bobb, Elsa (John) McCarty; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held March 14 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Interment, Lake View Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Heart or American Lung Associations, the Edmund and Tina Hundt Scholarship, Foundation Office at the College of Brockport, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420 or Concordia Lutheran Church, 6601 Fourth Section Road, Brockport, NY 14420 in his memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Cronin, Gilbert M. “Gil,” On March 15, 2011 at age 82. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Janet (Wilhelmsen) Cronin; his children, Joseph Cronin, Betty (John) Pettrone, Ann (Bill) DeBottis and John (Traci) Poole; his grandchildren, Joe and Jen Cronin, John and TJ Pettrone, Kirsten Sandow; great grandson, Brenden Saunders; his niece Linda Eldridge. Gil owned and operated Cronin Movers for 20 years and together with his wife, a convenience store in Keene, New Hampshire and Janet’s Hallmark Shops of Rochester.
A Memorial Service was held March 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Spencerport. Private interment. Contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in his memory.
CLARKSON
•Scavuzzo, Helen Mary, March 15, 2011, age 78. Predeceased by her parents, Santo and Maria Scavuzzo; her brother, Joseph Scariza; sister, Catherine Chipre, and cousin, Mary Callari. Survived by her brothers, Frank Scavuzzo of Illinois, George (Ann) Scavuzzo; sisters, Nancy Dini, and Mary Jane DiGiacomo of Syracuse; also many nieces, nephews and her extended family at the Clarkson Apartments by Lifetime Assistance.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated March 18 at St. Cecilia’s Church, Rochester. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Donations can be made to Lifetime Assistance, 425 Paul Road, Rochester 14624 or Hildebrandt Hospice Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester 14626 in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Weddington, John C., On March 13, 2011, age 70 years. He is survived by his son, Dwight (Donna) Weddington; grandchildren Chelsea, Breyauna, John Henry and CariAnne; great-grandson, Roman; his brothers, Bert (Garnett) Weddington and Clayton (Lynn) Weddington; his sister, Suzon Gilliam; many nieces, nephews and friends. John was predeceased by his wife, Emma Julene Weddington; his son, Tim Weddington; and sister, Darlene LeMay.
Funeral Services were held March 16 at Living Hope Assembly of God, Hamlin. Interment, Garland Cemetery.
HILTON
•Baxter, Delores A. “Nan”, March 14, 2011, age 80 years. Predeceased by her husband, Elias Baxter. Survived by her daughter, Linda Hall; sons, Terry (Sylvia) Baxter of Seattle, Randy (Joann) Baxter, and Steven (Catherine) Baxter of Manassas, Virginia; nine grandchildren; five great-granddaughters; many nieces, nephews and close friends.
A Graveside Service was held March 18 in Parma Union Cemetery.
•Flynn, George Patrick “Bud,” March 11, 2011 at age 81. Predeceased by his loving wife Aurelie, his parents George and Jeanette Flynn, his sister Helen Flynn, and son-in-law Steve Weiss. George is survived by his daughters, Mary (Dale) Scroger, Jeannette Weiss, and Meg (Neal) McDannel; sister, Joan (Lee) Fleckenstein; sister-in-law Jackie Benoit; grandchildren Jennifer Weiss, Melissa (Erich) Ely, Andy, Becky and Dan Scroger, Steve and Liam McDannel; great-grandchildren Zach, Ben and Allison Ely; nieces and nephews; and friends at St. Bridget’s Church. He was a communicant of St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Hilton, a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, a graduate of RIT, and a retiree of Genesee Brewing Company. George was proud of his contributions in the design of projects at the Genesee Country Museum.
A Memorial Service was held March 19 at All Saints Mausoleum, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Catholic Relief Services (crs.org), P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Maryland 21203-7090 or to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.
•North, Scott Richard, March 11, 2011 at age 56. Predeceased by his parents, Scott and Helen Lonsbury North and an older sister. He is survived by his daughters, Jamii M. North and Kira C. North; one brother; two sisters; and a community of friends who loved him dearly. Scott was a member of the IBEW Local 86 for over 30 years, and accomplished his life dream of building his own home on Lake Ontario.
His Memorial Mass was celebrated March 18 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton. Private interment.
•Wilson, Eric Ian, On March 11, 2011, age 22 years. He is survived by his father, Scott (Diana) Wilson; mother, Marcella (Rick Stone) Montanus; brothers, Dustin Wilson, Shane Bartlett and Justin Bartlett; sister, Brandi Bartlett; grandparents, Janice Wilson (predeceased by grandfather Jack Wilson), Heidi Lehr and Dean Lehr; aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
A Memorial Service was held March 17 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton.
HOLLEY
•Costello, Thelma H. (LeRoy), Age 95, died March 11, 2011. She is survived by her daughters, Joan (Edwin) Purvee of Holley, Nancy Saboune of Rochester, Peggy (Hans) Blauen of Texas; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren.
A Funeral Service was held at the Morton Baptist Church on March 13. Private interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Morton Baptist Church, P. O. Box 69, Morton, NY 14508 or C.U.R.E., 200 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in her memory.
•Gillette, Dorothy (Nan), age 92, a lifetime resident of the Holley area, died March 14, 2011. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jesse Gillette, brothers, Stanley, Clayton and Edmond Reamer and sisters, Nellie Olmstead, Annabelle Swanson and Georgetta Carpenter. Dorothy is survived by two daughters Darl (Donald) Ryan and Sandra (George) Bower of Holley; six grandchildren, Kevin (Elaine) Ryan, Edwin (Laurie) Bower, Kelly Ryan, Lisa (Kevin) Logsdon, Randy (Robin) Bower and Michael (Jill) Bower; fourteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said March 18 at St. Mary’s Church. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring. Contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church in her memory.
MURRAY
•Boyce, Raynor E. “Gene,” March 8, 2011 at age 80. He is survived by his wife, Flip A. Boyce; children, Greg (Beth) Boyce, Tim (Diane) Boyce, Becky (Greg) Diltz; step-children, Nicole (Jim) Shepherd, Lisa Nicosia, Steve (Luly) Nicosia, Dean Nicosia; sister, Lois M. Brandt; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held March 12 at Concordia Lutheran Church, Brockport. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the Christian Center Church in memory of Gene, 20 Baders Way, Brockport, NY 14420.
SPENCERPORT
•McGarry, Hedwig E. “Hedy” (Mueller), Predeceased by her husband, Thomas J. McGarry; daughter Kathleen A. McGarry; brothers, Emil Mueller and Fritz Mueller. She is survived by her children, Ellen (Kent) Whitman, Michael (Sharon) McGarry, Patricia (Frank) Mahns, Daniel (Lynda) McGarry, Matthew (Jody) McGarry; grandchildren, Kelley, Lindsey, Karl, Frankie, Emily, Claire, Ian, Michael, Matthew, Tommy; her great-grandchildren; brother Paul (Roberta) Mueller; sister Helen Miles; cousin and friend Betty “sis” Leschhorn; many nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated March 15 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Private interment, St. John’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to WXXI Radio, c/o Reachout Radio, 280 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614 in her memory.
Archives March 13, 2011
Local News - Week of March 13, 2011
A smiling snowman resulted from the efforts of (l to r) Rhianna Tuttle, age 8, friend Jessica Schreck, Autumn Tuttle, age 12, and their faithful dog Denver, who helped by providing fun-loving support on East Avenue, Brockport.
For winter-weary residents, the thought of Spring's official arrival March 20 puts a smile everyone's face.
Provided photo.
Eli LanaRed Cross Bone Marrow Drive March 24 at Hilton High School
Test is a simple cheek swab
All interested persons are invited to participate in a Bone Marrow Drive to help Hilton Central School District Kindergarten student, Eli Lana, who is a student at Quest Elementary in teacher Suzanne Pilon’s class. The drive is scheduled for Thursday, March 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Hilton High School in Commons II.
“The Hilton High School Drama Club is sponsoring the Red Cross Bone Marrow Drive,” said Drama Club Advisor Leah Oltean. “Eli’s older sister, Emma Mason, is a senior at the high school and an active member in Drama Club.”
The minimum general criteria for being a bone marrow donator is age 18-60; available to donate to anyone; general good health including no auto immune disorders, no severe back problems and never been diagnosed with cancer. There is a 5 to 10 minute video explaining the process and donors complete a health questionnaire. The test is a simple cheek swab. No blood is drawn.
According to Oltean, “Eli has recently been diagnosed with Severe Aplastic Anemia (SAA) although the particular form of SAA has not been determined yet. With SAA, bone marrow does not produce the red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets as it should,” she said. “Eli requires frequent blood transfusions and platelet transfusions and is in need of a bone marrow transplant to save his life. He is currently receiving outpatient care through Strong Golisano Children’s Hospital. A donor match may lead to further treatment and a bone marrow transplant requiring a lengthly hospital stay.”
“Eli is an outgoing, amusing, adorable child who loves Star Wars action figures, arts and crafts, and World War II stuff, as his Grandpa, John Potter, is a WWII vet. Eli’s parents, Tim Lana and I, are both Hilton graduates,” Mary Ann (Potter) Lana said. “Eli’s Grandmother, Joan Potter, is retired from the Hilton School District and continues to substitute and volunteer in the schools. Eli’s older brother and sister currently attend Hilton High School; Emma Mason is a senior and Jack Mason is a freshman.”
For information, call Oltean at 585-392-1000 ext. 2359. Hilton High School is located at 400 East Avenue, Hilton, at Bennett Road.
Provided information
Brockport board votes to advertise for new treasurer
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Village Board members have decided by a vote of 4-1 to begin a search for a full-time village treasurer to replace current treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy.
Mayor Connie Castaneda cast the only no vote on the motion to put out an RFP - Request for Proposals - for the post. The motion was brought forward by Trustee Kent Blair during the March 2 regular meeting of the board.
Blair moved that a full-time treasurer be paid $15-$25 an hour based on experience. “We need someone in there full time,” he said. Lovejoy currently works part time.
Trustee Carol Hannan said, “ ... at the time Mary Beth was hired, her skills were needed,” but Hannan said Lovejoy may not be suited to continue with the village in “the long-term.”
Earlier in the meeting, Trustees Blair and Scott Hunsinger expressed their concerns about a report provided by Lovejoy on village overtime expenses. Both were visibly displeased with the report which contained only the total figure for overtime. The two trustees said they needed to see a break-down of where the overtime expenses were.
“I asked for overtime reports for seven weeks and I get one with (just) a dollar amount,” Trustee Blair said. “I asked for salary information and I haven’t received it yet. I want somebody who can come up with solutions and for $51 an hour, (the treasurer) should be able to come up with solutions.”
Lovejoy was not at the March 2 meeting, the agenda indicated she had been excused from attending.
Mayor Connie Castaneda said she did not agree with Blair.
“Mary Beth is a straight shooter. Sometimes trustees are not happy with what they are told. I am not displeased with the treasurer at all, she has done an excellent job.”
Castaneda later told Westside News Inc. that she is concerned the village will have to pay around $30/hr. to get a competent full time treasurer, “ ... which means we will spend as much on salary as we currently do for Mary Beth.” The mayor noted a full time treasurer would also be receiving benefits from the village.
“Her accounting expertise prevented us from having to borrow funds just to cover our budget in 2010,” Mayor Castaneda said of Lovejoy. “Our cash flow position in 2011 continues to be strong. Payroll has been streamlined and processing costs reduced, bank reconciliations are now completed on a monthly basis - there were some accounts that had not been reconciled for the entire year when she arrived. She provides the board with monthly financial information and budget updates, our books are as current as possible.”
New York Farm Bureau Lobby Days gathers farmers to advocate
for NYS agriculture
Monroe and Niagara County Farm Bureau members met with Senator George Maziarz to discuss this year's top agricultural issues. Pictured from left to right - Front row: Paul Bencal, Jim Bittner (both Niagara), Jenny Lundberg (Monroe), Senator George Maziarz, Jamie Wasik (Niagara), Lea Kone (NOFA), Julie Blackman (Niagara); back row - Robert Colby, (Monroe), Peter Smith, Kevin Bittner (both Niagara), Kim Zuber (Monroe), Bob Hall (Niagara) and Rich Breslawski (Monroe). Provided photo.Monroe County Farm Bureau members made a series of visits to our New York State legislators in Albany to deliver their concerns about the state's agricultural industry. The visits were made as part of New York Farm Bureau's annual Lobby Days event, held on February 28 and March 1.
Farmers from across the state participated in this year's Lobby Days. Together they canvassed the state capitol to discuss issues like a property tax cap and restoration of critical agricultural program funding that resulted from a disproportionate cut to the ag budget.
Monroe County Farm Bureau members spoke with Senators George Maziarz, Joseph Robach, and James Alesi and Assemblymembers Sean Hanna, Harry Bronson, Joseph Morelle, Mark Johns, Bill Reilich, David Gantt and Stephen Hawley.
Other Lobby Days highlights included the Taste of New York Reception and Issues Forum. Taking over the Empire State Convention Center, farmers offered legislators and staff samples of a diversity of agricultural products produced in New York State along with information about agriculture.
Provided information
Many speak out about proposed moratorium
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Village Board members heard from over 20 residents, landlords and college students during a public hearing Wednesday, March 9 on a proposed law that would impose a temporary ban on the conversion of residential or commercial properties to rental residences.
Speakers were about evenly split between those in favor of the moratorium and those against. About 75 people attended the public hearing which was held at the A.D. Oliver Middle School. The public hearing was originally scheduled for January 26 at the Village Hall, but had to be rescheduled to a larger venue because more people attended than what the occupancy limit of the Village Hall would allow.
Trustee Carol Hannan read a statement at the opening of the public hearing. She said the moratorium would give the village six months to look into revisions of the village code and comprehensive plan. “The zoning code is out of date ... now is the time to revise,” she said. “Properties are falling through the cracks.”
Hannan said the village needs to develop a plan to revitalize the historic village. She said the village has not taken the time to “... step back and thoughtfully address the issues pro-actively.”
She explained the proposed moratorium would “ ... preserve the status quo,” and would, “ ... not decrease rental housing.” She noted that 200 residents had signed a petition asking the village board for a moratorium.
Residents and landlords who spoke in favor of the moratorium said they want to revitalize and preserve the historic core of the village. “Many people are concerned about the dismantling of our beautiful neighborhoods,” Susan Smith said. “We want to protect and enhance our landmark and historic districts.”
David Markham said he is for the moratorium. The village has “ ... no more family friendly neighborhoods,” he said.
Katherine Kristansen, said she lives in the village and owns rental property. She noted there are “ ... a lot of good landlords.” She spoke in favor of the moratorium. “We need a breather. A period of time to give village trustees a chance to see what they can do ... we need to take six months and step back and see what we can do to make it better.”
Those landlords who spoke out against the moratorium said it would remove buyers from the market causing property values to go down and possibly lead to litigation. Several landlords asked that the village board try a new approach and set up a dialogue between landlords and themselves.
Norm Giancursio said he didn’t believe a moratorium is necessary and that the code in place is sufficient. “You should not cater to a special interest group,” he told the board, “rental properties are inspected every three years, properties are safe.”
Giancursio said owners of single family homes have called him and asked him to buy their properties because they have not been able to sell.
“Why point fingers at landlords or students?” he asked. “Let’s sit down together and talk. The village board needs to sit down with the landlords.”
SUNY Brockport Student Government President Eric May addressed the board on behalf of students. He asked that the board strike points and penalties from the moratorium, calling it unfair and, “ ... a disservice to students.”
Mayor Connie Castaneda said the board will make a decision on the proposed law within 62 days.
Assemblyman Hawley hosts 4-H participants at Capitol
Assemblyman Hawley speaks to 4-H participants in the Assembly Chamber in Albany. Provided photo.Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C- Batavia) welcomed more than 150 4-H participants from the 139th Assembly District and from various other regions of New York state during a visit to the state Capitol in Albany. He explained the way government affects everyday life and encouraged the young visitors to become involved with the workings of government.
"As an elected official, there are few ventures more gratifying than sharing your love of public service with young people," said Hawley. "The young adults that I had the privilege of meeting have limitless potential. To be given an opportunity to speak with them about the positive role that a truly representative government can play in the lives of each and every citizen was an immense honor."
All of the young people in attendance are active in 4-H, a national organization that prepares America's youth to become community and world leaders. The 4-H features more than 54,000 volunteers that work with over six million young people across the country. In attendance at the event were participants from Genesee and Orleans counties.
"The 4-H organization does phenomenal work across the country, and the results are no different here in Western New York," said Hawley. "Having an opportunity to meet with the future leaders of my own town and community was a riveting experience. The positive role that 4-H plays in the lives of our community's youth cannot be overstated."
Provided information
BISCO donates to Hometown Heroes project
BISCO president George Dahl (l) presents a check for $1,500 to Brian Winant, President of the Brockport Police Department’s Stetson Club (c) as long-time treasurer Greg Lund looks on.
BISCO believes those who serve their country deserve recognition of varying types. The community Hometown Heroes Project initiated by the Stetson Club and widely supported by community organizations, businesses and individuals is a visible example of that recognition and appreciation for the sacrifices made by service people and their families and friends, according to group members.
Provided photo
DA’s Office won’t investigate allegations made about Brockport police department
by Kristina Gabalski
The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office will not investigate allegations of wrong doing by members of the Brockport Police Department.
During the March 2 regular meeting of the Brockport Village Board, Mayor Connie Castaneda read a letter from the DA’s Office on the matter. The letter was addressed to Trustee Scott Hunsinger.
The village board had requested the DA investigate anonymous comments made about the Brockport Police Department on the Rochester daily newspaper’s website.
According to the letter, read by the Mayor, the DA’s office does not conduct criminal investigations that involve allegations based on anonymous hearsay. “There is no basis for us to take further action,” the letter stated.
The DA’s Office recommended that complaints regarding the Brockport Police Department would need to come to them from an independent police agency such as the State Police or Monroe County Sheriff’s Office after complaints have come forward from identified sources.
“The kind of investigation we wanted is something they (the DA’s Office) cannot do,” Trustee Scott Hunsinger told Westside News Inc. Hunsinger said he would be reviewing the DA’s response with Trustee Kent Blair and Police Chief Daniel Varrenti.
“We will be working with the chief to see what he feels should be the next course of action,” Trustee Hunsinger said.
Varrenti had asked the village board to request the investigation during the February 1 board meeting.
“I believe the integrity and credibility of the Police Department is beyond reproach,” he said at that time. “The Police Department has nothing to hide and I am confident that the department will be vindicated.”
Service club members, kids and therapy dog visit Beikirch Care Center residents
Making a recent visit to residents at the Brockport facility were: l-r front, Cindy Dumas (Kiwanis), Shea Perry, Elaine Bader (Kiwanis) with her therapy dog Sydney, Leah and Makayla Perry; back row, l-r, Jamie Clare (Kiwanis Key Club), Penny Gillette (Lions), Tammy Deacon (Lions) Cheryl and Al Warner (Lions), George Dahl (Rotary), local Salvation Army Coordinator Dan Perry (Kiwanis).
Provided photo
West Shore Walking Trail getting closer to becoming reality
by Kristina Gabalski
The Village of Churchville is getting close to beginning work on the West Shore Walking Trail that will connect Howard Street near the central business district with Churchville Park.
“It will create a complete trail around the village,” Mayor Nancy Steedman says. The village has been working to make Churchville more walkable.
The Department of Public Works has already begun clearing the area along the trail, the mayor said.
The 1,200 feet long trail runs along the old West Shore Railroad bed which sits south of West Buffalo Street. The trail crosses West Buffalo and links up with Churchville Park.
The village created a trail committee to make recommendations regarding development of the trail as a trail head, when a feasibility study was done regarding a West Shore multi-use trail. The trail was to have run from Churchville west for 12 miles through the towns of Riga, Bergen and Byron.
That larger project has not become reality, but the village has received an $82,500 matching grant from the NYS Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to develop its section of the trail.
Steedman said engineers will present a concept design for the trail to the village board at its regular meeting March 14.
The village also received a $60,000 Community Development Block Grant which will be used for building an ADA compliant comfort station and crossings along the trail, Steedman said.
“We have enough funding to make a beautiful trail,” she said.
Mayor Steedman and Trustee John Hartman, who works with the village’s Trail Committee, say the trail will have a railroad theme and include seating, interpretive areas, lighting and a bike rack, in addition to the comfort station.
In order to develop the trail and to facilitate construction of the village’s new electric substation, the village purchased 23 acres of land on the southwest side of the village.
Recently about 18 acres of that land were put up for sale, a move that resulted in some concerns being raised by members of the Trail Committee.
“We never had a plan for the entire piece,” Steedman said, “and we will certainly have control over what goes in there. We felt now is the time - property doesn’t sell quickly - we might as well list it for sale.”
A portion of the acreage is federal wetland, she noted, and will always remain natural.
The area (including the portion that the village will develop into the West Shore Trail) is zoned light industrial, but now that the trail has received grant money, that portion will “be forever a trail,” Mayor Steedman said.
In addition to the trail area, the village will retain a portion of the acreage along Sanford Road North for the new electric substation. It is also possible, Steedman said, that the village could expand its DPW in the area off Sanford Road North sometime in the future. She also points out that on the Churchville/Riga Comprehensive Plan’s land use map, the area which is up for sale is designated for medium density residential.
Hartman says the parcel has “met a number of needs and we got it for a good price.” He adds that the village never had specific plans for the entire 23 acres, “... we never said we were buying it for a park,” he noted.
Steedman added that it would be “a lot of maintenance” for the village if the 18 acres now up for sale were developed into a park. “We are surrounded by (Churchville) park,” she said, “people have access to parks and we have pocket parks in the village.”
Steedman said she is hopeful that enough work will be completed on development of the West Shore Trail so that a ribbon cutting can be held during the village’s annual Walk About in June.
Randall PaulhamusByron-Bergen student earns Eagle Award
After many yeas of participation in the scouting program, achieving numerous merit badges, and taking part in an intense interview selection process at a Board of Review in Batavia on February 10, Byron-Bergen senior student Randall Paulhamus was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, highest award in Boy Scouts. A member of Bergen’s Boy Scout Troop 6031 of the Seneca District, Iroquois Trail Council, his service project involved the construction of five signs to direct visitors to the Hessenthaler Trail entrance of the Bergen Swamp. He will be recognized in a formal Court of Honor ceremony in late March or early April. On the same day of his Board of Review, Randall also participated in an extensive interview process for acceptance in the Air Force ROTC Program.
At Byron-Bergen, Randall ranks in the top one-third of his class and is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track This past October, he was part of an elite group of high school students across the country selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on National Security in Washington, D.C.
Paulhamus is the son of Dennis and LouAnn Paulhamus and will be attending Rochester Institute of Technology pursuing a career in Aerospace Engineering.
Provided information
Boy Scout Troop 111 thanks Rotary for support
Brockport Rotary Club President Fred Kimmel thanks 16-year-old Eagle Scout Dan Scheda for his presentation of a thank you card signed with every Troop 111 member’s name.
Scheda went on to acknowledge the club’s sponsorship which involves paying its charter fees, a gift of a savings bond to each Eagle Scout and invitations to participate in Rotary events such as the Ziti Dinner (April 10 this year).
Scheda described the prevailing philosophy of the Troop as being a “boy run” organization where the adults are there mainly to advise and protect, the scouts do all the planning and running of endeavors. He also described his own Eagle Scout project and what it takes to rise to that status in scouting.
Soon there will be 20 more new scouts joining the troop which will raise its numbers to 46.
Also present were Troop committee chair Dave Walter and Scoutmaster Roger Kerr, both of whom spoke briefly.
Provided photo
Green fun and games planned for Eco-Fest 2011 at GCC
by Kristina Gabalski
This year’s annual Cool Kids! Eco-Fest and E-Scrap Drive is being called the “coolest Earth Day ever” by organizers.
The event is set for Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Genesee Community College in Batavia.
Over 45 eco-vendors will be taking part with artistic “green” games, activities and demonstrations. Exhibitors include Genesee County Soil and Water, exotic wildlife at Wildlife Educational Encounters, tree seedling giveaway, mining for minerals, geocaching, a recycled art contest, live aquatics at Adopt-A-Stream, solar and wind power displays, Beaver Creek Meadows, and a recycling olympics with the Boy Scouts.
Displays of alternative energy cars will include hydrogen, ethanol, electric and vegetable oil powered cars.
You can get a free tire pressure check and tire gauge and your car can also be checked for a mercury light switch, which will be “switched out” for free.
The public is invited to bring their old electronics for Cool Kids! to recycle. Televisions are $5, other items are free to recycle. Items accepted include: computers, stereos, fax machines, phones, rechargeable batteries, IPODs, printers, microwaves, calculators, typewriters, PDAs, cell phones, wiring, computer mouses, keyboards and cables.
Organizers say kitchen and personal appliances will not be accepted and businesses and agencies are not allowed to donate.
Paperback books will be collected by Operation Paperback (general interest books, no romance novels). Books collected are sent to American soldiers overseas. Sneakers (no metal parts) will also be collected for recycling into astroturf. Other activities include a street clean-up, pizza, party, a Cool Kids! stage show at 1 p.m. featuring exotic wildlife from around the world and a Mountain Bike Raffle Give-Away at 1:45 p.m. Donors of e-scrap and other collection items “earn” raffle tickets on site.
The event is free and open to the public.
Saturday morning owl prowls at Braddock Bay begin March 26
Venture out to the “Owl Woods” at Braddock Bay to look for roosting Saw-whet and Long-eared Owls. An experienced guide from Braddock Bay Raptor Research will show how to look for signs of roosting owls, and teach about their migration through Braddock Bay and the importance of this area for these raptors. Reservations are required and can be made up to the day before the scheduled program.
To register contact BBRR at information@bbrr.org or 585-BOP-LIVE. There is a suggested donation fee of $2/person. www.bbrr.org March 26, April 2, 19 and 23. 7:30 a.m. Meeting Place: The Owl Woods trail on Manitou Beach Road in Greece, just off the Lake Ontario State Parkway.
Provided information
Features - Week of March 13, 2011
Hamlin CCC letters discovered by antique collectors
by Kristina Gabalski
Ed Evans has studied the letters a CCC camp enlistee wrote during his stay at the Camp. Photograph by Kristina Gabalski. A seemingly simple find by antique collectors in Kendall has proven to be a treasure trove of information for Ed Evans of Hamlin who is spear-heading the effort to clear the former Civilian Conservation Corps/World War II POW camp at Hamlin Beach State Park and develop a "history trail" on the site.
Cora and Robert Bissell purchased ephemera and other materials at an auction in Kendall, Evans says. Included were a number of letters they almost discarded until Cora noticed that the letters were sent to the CCC camp in Hamlin in the late 1930s. She contacted Evans and enthusiastically donated her find.
"There were 140 letters addressed to a young man from Rochester, who enlisted in the CCC at age 17," Evans said.
In addition to the letters, there are meticulously kept diaries with daily entries. "There were eight copies of the CCC camp newspaper we didn't have in our collection and bunches of new information came to light on things we have been wondering about," Evans says. "There were also three copies of the nationally published CCC newspaper. I had heard about that newspaper but had never seen one."
The young man's name was James Giancaterin. He served two tours of duty at Hamlin and one at the CCC camp at Lovelock, Nevada. Giancaterin died in 1987.
The diaries show a "character development that is utterly amazing," says Evans, who has read all the letters and made notes about each one. "He was proud of his stay at Hamlin, if he went to this extent to document it."
Giancaterin, "came out of his shell," while at the Hamlin CCC camp, Evans says. "He discovered the recreation hall and the pool tables and was pulled out of his closed world." Giancaterin also liked poems, collected song sheets and regularly sang at the Wednesday camp nights.
During his tour at Hamlin, Giancaterin worked in the sandstone quarries in Holley "getting rock out of the ground," Evans said. "He ran a jackhammer which would have been a prestigious job."
Giancaterin also took advantage of an opportunity to take a typing course in Brockport and became a member of the production staff of the camp's weekly newspaper, The Hamlin Special.
Information from those papers has "filled a hell of a void," Evans says. History of the camp is included in articles and historically significant information such as the fact there was a camp communication system have come from studying the newspapers.
Jim Giancaterin back home in Rochester after three enlistments in the CCC (two in Hamlin and one in Nevada). He is pictured with his younger brother on the right.Also included in the find are photographic negatives and coupons that were used for spending on necessities in the camp store. "I've never heard of anybody having this many," Evans says.
"I thank Cora Bissell from the bottom of my heart for taking the trouble to get in touch with me," Evans says. "Cora and Robert know not of what they have imparted."
Evans says the CCC obviously developed Giancaterin's personality. "They gave this guy self confidence he never would have had. With all the letters, two diaries, the camp newspapers and the pictures, it's almost like the ghost of James Giancaterin stopped by to help me solve some mysteries. He must have been deeply devoted to the CCC cause."
Work continues on clearing the Hamlin CCC/POW camp site. Evans says it is likely the only site left in the country that has not been covered over by development.
Volunteers have recently unearthed barbed wire and guy-wire posts for light poles, helping them to map out the location of the POW camp fence. A newly formed Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park and CCC/POW Camp will assist with restoration and rehabilitation of the site.
Next year the park will put in gravel trails and signs, and sometime in the future, Evans envisions a museum something like Genesee Country Village which would include two re-fabricated barracks - one depicting a CCC camp barracks and the other a POW camp barracks.
Baking St. Joseph’s Bread a labor of love
by Kristina Gabalski
Emily AntinoreEvery year during the weeks before St. Joseph’s Day, March 19, the kitchen of Emily Antinore turns into an artisanal bread bakery.
Loaf after loaf of St. Joseph’s bread - which is slightly sweet - comes out of the oven for Emily to enjoy with her family and share with her lucky friends.
Some of the loaves are braided, others are simple elongated rounds. Each has a beautiful and enticing top crust that is given a shine by an egg and water wash that is brushed on before baking and melted butter that is brushed over the top when the warm loaves come out of the oven. Sesame seeds are sprinkled on just before the loaves go into the oven.
Emily has been baking the St. Joseph’s bread for 25 years. “I got the recipe from my mother-in-law, she’s 93 now,” Emily says.
It seemed only natural for her to carry on the tradition, Emily adds, “I love to bake.”
“I’ve had a few duds over the years,” she says, but you would never guess that based on the picture-perfect loaves that emerged from Emily’s oven the day this reporter got to visit.
The dough is flecked with whole anise seeds. “Some people say they don’t like anise, but they like the bread,” she notes.
St. Joseph’s bread is a traditional part of a St. Joseph’s table. “It’s a way to wish someone health and happiness for the coming year, that’s why you give it away,” Emily says.
And give away loaves, she does.
Her St. Joseph’s bread is a much anticipated treat at the Westside News Inc. offices where Emily works in the production department. “I baked 60 loaves last year,” she says. “I sent loaves to California, Louisiana, and North Carolina. This year I’m sending some to a friend in Alaska.”
“My husband, Jack, is a great fan of the bread,” she continues. “It brings back memories of his grandmother.” Emily and Jack enjoy the St. Joseph’s bread toasted for breakfast and also with dinner.
Each batch of bread dough makes 14-15 loaves, Emily says. She plans on baking about 60 loaves again this year.
Some people have suggested that she start her own baking business, Emily says, “but I like to do it for fun.”
St. Joseph’s Bread
6 lbs. of flour
3/4 lbs. of Crisco
1 lb. of white sugar
4 packets of rapid rise yeast
4 eggs, room temperature well beaten
1-1/2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons Anise seeds
Sesame seeds for top of bread
Heat 1-2 cups water, add sugar, Crisco. Melt Crisco. Add 3 or so cups of water to cool the liquid to luke warm.
Sift flour, add yeast, Anise seeds and salt. Stir well. Beat eggs. Make a well in flour mixture, add luke warm water mixture and eggs, mix and knead. Let rest for 10 minutes in warm place.
Make loaves of bread, let rise about an hour to an hour and a half. Brush with egg and water mixture, put sesame seeds on top. Bake 22-30 minutes in 350 degree oven. Remove and baste with melted butter.
2-1/4 cups of sugar = 1 lb.
5 lbs. + 3-3/4 cups of flour = 6 lbs. of flour
2 containers of pre-measured Crisco = 3/4 lb.
Recipe by Ruth Antinore
WNY STAMP could be “transformational” for region
by Kristina Gabalski
WNY STAMP - those letters stand for Western New York Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park and over the course of a 15-year period, they could mean thousands of new jobs for the area.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has been working for several years to create the shovel-ready campus-style-mega site in the Town of Alabama located in the northwestern corner of Genesee County.
The site covers over 1,300 contiguous acres of developable land and is situated five-and-a-half miles north of Thruway Exit 48A in Pembroke on Route 77.
The site has all the essentials for attracting hi-tech companies to the area, GCEDC officials say.
It has proximity to a major workforce, GCEDC President and CEO Steven Hyde said. The STAMP site can pull from a population of 1.3 million people within a 45 minute drive and 2.1 million people within a 60 minute drive, he said.
“Genesee County is one of the few communities in the state that has access to the second and third largest cities in the state,” Hyde explained.
The location is also within the New York Power Authority’s Hydro-power zone and the Empire Gas pipeline runs adjacent to the site.
In addition to industrial infrastructure and access to a large workforce, there are other regional assets including capital and educational institutions.
GCEDC Senior Vice President of Operations Mark Masse, CPA, said there are 42 colleges and universities locally with, “ ... 156,000 students who are highly skilled and highly trained.”
The location is also within a 10-hour drive of most major markets in the northeastern United States, and Toronto, Canada, Masse said.
Hyde and Masse maintain the mega-site is ideal for large high-tech/clean tech manufacturing and R&D oriented companies
The site could provide over 9,300 hi-tech/clean tech onsite jobs for the region and with the “supply chain effect” added in, thousands of more jobs could be created between Buffalo and Rochester.
“It will be something transformational” for the region, Hyde noted.
The “supply chain effect” is the additional products and services companies that locate at the site will need to purchase to run their businesses. “The closer the supplies, the better,” he said.
Other support related jobs would also be created.
“Construction, engineering, landscape workers, even cleaning positions for high schoolers,” GCEDC Marketing and Communication Manager Rachael Millspaugh said.
With a build-out period of at least 15 years, Millspaugh notes that those support related jobs will be created over an extended period of time.
The average salary for those who would be employed at the WNY STAMP site is estimated at $58,000, Mark Masse says. “Those would be highly trained, high skilled positions,” he noted.
He says GCEDC saw increased interest last year in its existing shovel ready parks.
“The increase in interest we saw in the fall of 2010 is carrying over into this year,” he said.
Even the STAMP site, which is still in the early phases of development, has gotten attention.
“We’ve already had site visits (of companies looking to build there) because of the potential,” Rachael Millspaugh said.
She adds that local representatives in Albany - Assemblyman Stephen Hawley and State Senators Mike Ranzenhofer and George Maziarz - have been very helpful in moving the project along. “They have been diligent in getting meetings so the high-ups in state government know what this project is.”
A public informational meeting was held on the project in early February in the Town of Alabama. Currently, the draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement is being completed, officials said, and a public hearing is set at the end of April.
Additional News from GCEDC
Genesee County was recently named one of the nation’s top ten Micropolitans by “Site Selection Magazine’s” Governor’s Cup edition. This is the seventh year in a row the county has received the recognition as one of the nation’s fastest growing micros.
A Micropolitan area is defined as a city with a population of 50,000 or less that serves as a seat of a region or county.
In 2005, the Batavia Micropolitan was named the third fastest growing Micropolitan in the nation and the number one location in the Northeast.
In 2010, the Batavia Micropolitan was tied for ninth in the nation.
“Despite the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, the GCEDC was able to participate in 23 projects and again earned honors as a Top Micropolitan,” CEO Steve Hyde said. “It’s an accomplishment we are proud of and that will continue to bring our region national exposure and recognition.”
As a Micropolitan, the area is, “ ... eligible for a lot of grants and funding that major metros don’t have access to,” GCEDC Senior VP of Operations Mark Masse said.
Sports - Week of March 13, 2011
Area
Tri-County Eagle Pee Wee Travel ice hockey team. Provided photo.Tri-County Eagles travel team wins Pee Wee title at International Hockey Tournament
The Tri-County Eagles Pee Wee Travel ice hockey team won all four of its games, outscoring its opponents 17-8 over the course and won the season-ending Gene Harrington International Invitational Tournament, March 4 through 6, in Niagara Falls and Amherst. The 16-team member team, made up of 14 boys and two girls born in 1998 and 1999, beat the Southtowns Stars (Buffalo) 6-2, Team Blizzard (New Jersey) 4-3, and the Amherst Knights 3-2, to reach the Championship game. In the final, Tri-County dispatched of the Webster Cyclones 4-1.
In the title tilt, co-captain and goalie Riley Emmerson made 27 saves, defenseman Noah Andriatch scored twice and forwards Matt Morgott and Anthony Volpe added single tallies to lead the Eagles to the victory. Co-captain and center Dylan Bader (Albion) scored twice in the win over Amherst and had single goals in the first two games. Center Paige McGrath scored twice against Southtowns and center Cam Dony had a pair against Team Blizzard. Right wing Mason Fadale had a goal in each of the first two games, including the winner midway through the third period against Team Blizzard. Forwards Jack Burgoon and Alec Rockow also scored during the tournament and forward Hayden London played strong two-way games each day. On defense, Tyler Martin, Nicky DiFilippo, Braden Ott and Walden Grady limited the opportunities in front of goalies Emmerson and Curtis Acker, who won two games each.
Head coach Steve DiFilippo and assistants Bill McGrath and Steve Martin set the tone and strategy for a victorious run to the title, and Kim Rockow and Aimee Volpe managed the team's success.
Provided information
Bright Raven Gymnastics Level 7 Team: Annika Haber (Brighton), Megan Winter (Greece), Jessica Ficarella (Churchville), Morgan Adams (Stafford), Raelyn Smith (Hilton), Rebekah Thomas (North Chili), Gabriella Garcea (Churchville). Provided photo.Gymnasts compete in Nickel City Classic
More than 600 gymnasts represented 18 gymnastics clubs in the Women’s 2011 Nickel City Classic held in West Seneca February 11-13 where Bright Raven gymnastics of Gates earned three first place team awards and one second place with several team members winning top all around honors.
The Level 4 team took first place and swept the all around titles in every age division. In the 12 and over age division, Emily Brown of Chili was first scoring 37.50. Hannah Cubiotti of Spencerport was the 11-year-old winner with a 37.675. The 10-year-old Level 4 all around winner was Emma Arnold of Avon (37.80). Elizabeth Ferrari of Spencerport was the winner in the 9-year-old division (37.55) and Ava Hubbard of Caledonia was first in the 8-year-old division (36.75). In the 6-7 year-old age group, Katie Mae Thomas of North Chili was first (37.60) and Bria Danesi of Greece was second (34.475).
Bright Raven’s Level 5 team finished in first place with gymnasts taking the top three all around places in the 13 and over division. Amanda Rizzi of Spencerport was first (36.175). Kate Nau of Churchville was second (35.625) and Christina Reilly of Chili was third (34.55). In the 12-year-old division, Hannah Krautwurst of Rochester took first all around (37.45) and Krsiten Godshall of Spencerport was second (36.75). The 11-year-old Level 5 all around winner was Savannah Thesing of Chili (37.50) and Alexis LoBrutto of Spencerport was third (35.65). In the 10-year-old division, Megan Welch of Caledonia was second (36.35) and Keilei Latragna of Hilton was third (35.80).
The Bright Raven Level 6 team was also first with Taylor Pohleven of Spencerport winning the 11-year-old age division (37.25). Madison Conn of Gates placed second in the 7-9 age group (36.025). In the 12-year-old division, Jada Sanders of Rochester was first (35.95) and Carly Dennison of Greece was third (35.10). In the 13 and over division, Julianna Gatto of Gates finished in second place (35.825).
Bright Raven’s Level 7 team took second place with Raelyn Smith of Hilton winning first place all around title in the 13-14 age division (36.125). Gabriella Garcea of Churchville took third in the same division (34.85). In the 9-11 age group, Megan Winter of Greece took second (35.60) and Anneka Haber of Brighton was third (35.35).
In the Level 8 competition for ages 15-16, Nikole VanWie of Brockport took second all around (35.725). In the 17 and over division, Kristina Schiffhauer of Greece was third all around.
Provided information
Byron-Bergen
Along with their donation Varsity Club members presented Ricky Palermo with a Club t-shirt. Pictured (left to right): Jen Doyle, Mackenzie Heale, Kimberly Oliveri, Lucas DeValder, Shannon Dermody, Kristen Guarino, Nicole Adams, and the school's "Bee" Mascot (a.k.a Nicholas Prospero). Provided photo.Lift-A-Thon raises research funds
Byron-Bergen Varsity Club officers presented Ricky Palermo with a donation for the Miami Project through the Ricky Palermo foundation on February 9. Funds were raised by the Varsity Club through their second annual Lift-A-Thon
Palermo is a Byron-Bergen graduate who was injured in an accident which left him paralyzed from mid-chest down. In 1997, he and his family started the Ricky Palermo Foundation which is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money and awareness for The Miami Project, which is researching a cure for paralysis. The foundation is also dedicated to helping local community members’ deal with their paralysis.
Byron-Bergen Acting 5-12 Dean of Students/Athletic Director Jim Doyle said, “The Varsity Club is an organization of student athletes that supports all varsity athletes and athletic programs through fundraising and raising community sport. Student were excited to present Mr. Palermo with the money that they had raised during their annual Lift-A-Thon and their advisors, Nicholas Muhlenkamp and Danielle Carson, do an excellent job supporting these community efforts.”
Provided information
Chili
The soccer field at St. Pius the Tenth School is dedicated to Little Guy Soccer founder, Ed Merante (left) and the founder of St. Pius the Tenth Church, the late Rev. Donald Murphy. Next to Ed is school principal Stephen Oberst, Patoral Administrator Bill Rabjohn, and former Chili Recreation Director Ron Fodge. Provided photo.Chili resident receives recognition for soccer program
The St. Pius the Tenth School/Church soccer field is the same, but now the field is dedicated to two people who helped bring it into existence.
A sign was erected recently honoring the Rev. Donald Murphy, who was the church’s first pastor and founder of the Catholic school in Chili in 1954. The field is co-dedicated to Ed Merante, retired businessman and former Chili councilman who founded the Little Guy Soccer program in 1968. “It’s an honor to even be mentioned, with Father Murphy, in addition to having our names on a sign for all to see,” Merante said. “It’s a privilege and I am grateful to be able to see something like this with your own eyes,” Merante said.
Father Murphy had offered the land to Merante for use as a soccer field, which was used for the soccer program and for the school. This came at a time when the fledgling program could barely afford to pay for two soccer balls let alone a field, Merante said.
The reason for Father Murphy’s generosity was simple. In addition to his work for the church and founding the school, he was always supportive of sports programs, said St. Pius School Principal, Stephen Oberst.
Father Murphy has a brick included as part of the commemorative and fundraising Walk of Fame for the school’s new playground, but Merante said something more should be done for him, Oberst said.
Church and school officials decided that Merante, too, should be recognized for his role. St. Pius the Tenth church Pastoral Administrator Bill Rabjohn said Merante was deserving of the honor for bringing soccer to the community and school. “It was really a no-brainer,” Rabjohn said.
As Chili’s population grew, the community’s youth soccer program eventually built up over time, thanks to a lot of hard work, said former Chili Recreation Director Ron Fodge, who remembers that only 80 or 90 youths participated in the early days. Now thousands of children are playing the sport in town and Monroe County.
“Everybody had to work together, that’s what it amounted to,” Fodge said.
Since the sign was put up, Oberst said more students have been asking, who’s Father Murphy? He’s only too happy to provide a history lesson. “Now, they can put a face and name and everything behind him,” Oberst said. “He’s the guy responsible for having the school and the soccer fields.”
Provided information
Hilton
Hilton Field Hockey team member signs to attend Mansfield University
Hilton High School senior Rebecca Adams signed a letter of intent to play field hockey for Division II Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania.
Her family was on hand, Daniel and Rose Mary, her parents, as well as sisters Lindsay and Mackenzie. She played defense on the team.
Rebecca plans to study elementary education at Mansfield U and will attend pre-season training in August.
Her grandmother, Doris Hazard Adams ‘56 was an early Hilton High School field hockey player. Her father, Daniel ‘76 was a Hilton High School swim team member.
Provided photo.
Spencerport
Welch to play for Jefferson Community College
Jake Welch of Spencerport signed his letter of intent to play baseball for Jefferson Community College in Watertown.
The 6’ 6” senior who attends Spencerport High School has been working out of The Battery in Gates with his pitching Coach Tim Kemp for many years.
Welch will start the fall 2011 college baseball season at first base and be part of the pitching rotation for Jefferson.
Pictured are Coach John Northrop, Jake and his parents, Jennifer and Bob Welch.
Provided photo.
Spencerport athletic teams qualify for scholar awards
Six Spencerport winter varsity athletic teams qualified for the NYSPHSAA Team Scholar Athlete Award during the winter 2010-11 season. In order to qualify, a team must have a team grade point average of 90 percent or above.
Their team grade point averages and their coaches were:
Boys Indoor Track, 92.025, Aaron Johnson; Boys Swim, 91.600, Josh Nellist; Wrestling, 91.420, Tony D’Ambra; Girls Basketball, 91.157 Rick Owczarzak; Hockey, 90.650, Grady Monks; Girls Indoor Track, 90.633, Aaron Johnson.
Boys Indoor Track student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Nicholas Andolina, Michael Bratt, Michael Coburn, William Galetto, Jacob Jackson, Alexander Jermyn, Adam Johnson, John Johnson, Damian Kazior, Hoang Ta, Justin To, Eric Ziegler.
Boys Swim student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Trevor Benson, Leo Buoye, Daniel Costa, Colin Dunn, Austin Nau, Douglas Nichols, Tyler Nichols, Aaron Parysek, Alexander Plummer, Derek Spath, Maxwell Wersinger.
Wrestling student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Scott Barrett, Geoffrey Brown, John Coleman, Grant Egenlauf, Joseph Inzana, Stephen Maier, Michael Morabito, Michael Piedimonte, Michael Roman, Philip Sperandio.
Hockey student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Thomas Allen, Kylee Buchel, Jackson Charron, Andrew Conolly, Dominic Gruttadauria, Frank Lattuca, Joshua Mulhern, Matthew Phillips.
Girls Basketball student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Ashley Alvarez, Chelsea Buoye, Lyndsy Justice, Emily Leone, Shannon Martin, Kelly Peer, Emily Potter.
Girls Indoor Track student-athletes who qualified for this award are as follows: Rachel Cooper, Stephanie DeRue, Brittany Desiato, Madeline Knopp, Nicoletta Lattuca, Katherine Lowe, Elizabeth Maffett, Megan Maffett, Elizabeth Ontiveros, Emma Rakestraw, Katelyn Saxton, Ashley Watson.
Schools - Week of March 13, 2011
BOCES
Fannie Bishop, originally from Liberia, discusses her writing, rich with details, with writer and presenter MJ Iuppa. Provided photo.ESL students learn about themselves at writing workshop
“The whole world in one room” is how BOCES 2 Teacher Suzanne Meyert described the collection of students assembled to participate in a creative writing workshop. The “I of the Beholder” workshop involved students from Churchville-Chili, Wheatland-Chili, Brockport, and Spencerport districts as part of BOCES 2’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Programming.
Presenter and writer MJ Iuppa, of St. John Fisher College, asked students to bring in a picture and then taught the students how to create a descriptive paragraph about the picture. Students were asked to elaborate on the time of day, season, smell, color, sight, feel, or to ask a question about what is going on in the image.
“You’re going to weave the descriptions together into a wonderful writing piece about your picture,” said BOCES 2 ESL Coordinator Charmy Perry.
In addition to learning new writing skills, students had the opportunity to meet other students from neighboring districts for whom English is a second language.
“The best part of the workshop is the writing,” said Fannie Bishop, a freshman at Churchville-Chili High School. “It makes me a better writer and it is interesting and fun meeting students from other places in the world.”
“The students get to interact with each other at the workshop and develop their writing skills,” said Meyert. “At their district they might be the only student from their home country. They now know they are not alone.”
Provided information
Byron-Bergen
(Left to right) Sydni Casper, Laura Bonilla, Melody Bowman, Kayla Curry, join author Matt de la Pena, along with Courtney Bow, Katelin Ivison, Brittany Moore and Kelsey Swinter. Provided photo.Author visits Byron-Bergen High School
Author Matt de la Pena visited Byron-Bergen High School in early February. de la Pena has written four highly acclaimed novels for young adults: Ball Don’t Lie, Mexican Whiteboy, We Were Here, and I Will Save You. His most recent release was a picture book titled A Nation’s Hope: The Story of Boxing Legend Joe Lewis. Originally from San Diego, de la Pena now lives in Brooklyn, teaches writing classes at NYU, and is working on his next book which will be released in 2012.
During an assembly, he talked about his life, what it is like to be an author, and how he comes up with ideas for his novels. He also visited several English classes, and interacted with many students throughout the day in the library. Many of Byron-Bergen’s aspiring writers even had the opportunity to talk with him one-on-one.
This visit was coordinated by Wendy Stephany, Byron-Bergen Middle/High School Librarian.
Provided information
Churchville-Chili
Churchville-Chili's Team 340 is now a six-time Regional Chairman's Award winning team. Provided photo.Churchville-Chili wins sixth Chairman’s Award
Churchville-Chili’s Greater Rochester Robotics FIRST Team is now a six-time Regional Chairman’s Award winning team. Team 340 earned the Chairman’s Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition at the Rochester Institute of Technology on March 4 and 5. This is the fourth year in a row, and the sixth time in the last seven years that the team has earned this honor. Churchville-Chili’s team also won Best Website for the second straight year.
The most prestigious award a team can win at a regional or at the championship, the Chairman’s Award recognizes teams that demonstrate the greatest commitment to spreading passion about science and technology in their communities and schools. Submission involves writing an essay of approximately 2,500 words, documenting the team’s efforts to spread the message of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), as well as student interviews with judges at the competition. The winner receives a reserved spot at the championship event.
Team 340 conducted a Robotics demonstration at the Buffalo Bills pre-season training last year and have been invited back to do another demo at the Bill’s Kids Day and Summer Training Camp events this year. Team 340 also held a demonstration of their robot and handed out information about FIRST at a Rochester Knighthawks Lacrosse game and a Rochester Americans (Amerks) Hockey game in January. The team was invited back to demo their robot again at an Amerks hockey game at the end of February.
“That’s the fun part because you get to show off your creation,” said senior Christa Lawniczak.
Team 340 fared well in competition, and was on the finalist alliance. In the end however, Churchville-Chili lost out to an alliance of two teams which have won multiple world and regional championships, according to Team Advisor Jason Rees. Next up, Team 340 will travel to the Chesapeake Regional in Baltimore, Maryland in late-March and to the FIRST Robotics Championship in St. Louis from April 27 through 30.
Founded in 2000, Team 340 has received assistance from numerous mentors and people throughout the community. Sponsors include Bausch and Lomb, GE Volunteers, Mahaney Welding Supply, Churchville Lions Club, Sturdell Industries, The Paul H. Maffet Family, Klein Steel Service, PKG Equipment, Qualicoat, and Fastenal. The team, which includes students from Wheatland-Chili, Aquinas and Brockport schools, meets throughout the year to work on many different projects.
Provided information
Holley
Special cake celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday
Thing 1 (Tanya Pittinaro, special education teacher) and Thing 2 (Lisa Hendry, third grade teacher) get ready to pour the second ingredient (eggs) in a "cake" for Dr. Seuss' birthday. The first ingredient was Principal Regina Yeo. Provided photo.“Good Sport,” “Team Player,” “Extra Sweet” - these titles all apply to Elementary Principal Regina Yeo especially after the March 2 school-wide celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Read Across America, and the Parents as Reading Partners Program (PARP).
With students and teachers assembled in the gym, the search began for the perfect Dr. Seuss birthday cake. After Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the Cat in the Hat determined that a cupcake was too small, green eggs and ham not sweet enough, and the Grinch’s homemade cake, well ... not pretty enough, Cindy Lou Who and brother, Drew Lou Who, appeared with a tiny recipe for a birthday cake. Luckily, they had a larger version available and the baking began.
Conveniently, Yeo was the first ingredient. After adding the eggs, milk, flour, and sugar, it was time to frost and decorate. Once the Grinch placed a candle on Yeo’s head, Holley Elementary School finally had a Dr. Seuss-worthy birthday cake.
The celebration continued at lunch when students decorated their own cupcakes. In the evening, the school held a Family Literacy Night with plenty of Dr. Seuss-centered learning activities.
The purpose of the annual event is to involve parents in their child’s learning in fun and interactive ways. Students and their parents read together for 15 minutes per day for two weeks leading up to the special day, which culminated with a real Dr. Seuss birthday cake created by Food Service Director Vickie Scroger.
Provided information
Kendall
Tyler BankerBest new delegate awarded to Kendall at Model UN
The David J. Doyle Kendall Junior/Senior High School participated in the annual United Nations Association of Rochester’s Model UN Conference at St. John Fisher College for the sixth-year in a row. This year, ninth-grader Tyler Banker took home The Best New Delegate award within his committee. Tyler represented the nation of Ecuador in the very competitive UNESCO committee.
“His preparation, hard work, creative and meaningful debate and dedication to the solutions of severe global problems helped him to earn this distinguished honor,” said coach and Kendall Social Studies teacher Michael Turbeville.
Model UN is a club that offers students the opportunity to explore world problems through the forum of the United Nations. This year, six Kendall students attended the two day conference, which included nearly 700 students from schools across New York state. Students debate current issues plaguing the world, with a common goal of creating possible solutions to those issues.
Kendall’s Model UN team included Tyler Banker, Sheldon Bidwell, Keersten Galletta, Danielle Rush, Kelsey Hurlbutt, and Molly Horst. Some of the topics they discussed included famine, disarmament, the environment, and the escalating issues facing Libya and Egypt.
Provided information and photo
Obituaries - Week of March 13, 2011
ALBION
•Pellegrino, Rose (Salemi), age 89, died March 8, 2011 at the Villages of Orleans after a long illness. She was a lifelong resident of Albion. She worked for many years at the New York State School before retiring, and was a member of Holy Family Parish and also the Catholic Daughters. She was predeceased by her husband Dominic. She leaves behind two children, Peter (Diane) Pellegrino of Brockport, Elizabeth Westlund of Albion; grandchildren, Jacquelyn (Frank) Chiappone, Gregory (Aimee) Pellegrino, Lisa Westlund, Tim Westlund; great grandchildren, Kendra Morrison, Kaci and John Chiappone, Joshua and Caleb Pellegrino; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said March 11 at Holy Family Parish Church. Interment, St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Villages of Orleans, Dementia Unit Art Project in her memory.
BROCKPORT
•DeTar, Stella O., March 7, 2011 at age 86. Predeceased by husband of 66 years, Francis “Bud” DeTar. Also predeceased by son Jeffrey (at age 17 in 1974), brothers Julius Ostrowski (WWII), Rudolph Ostrowski, Michael Ostrowski and loving sister, Helen Weeks. Survived by children Julie (George) Buckland, James (Cynthia) DeTar, Jon DeTar (Sharon Harding), Janis DeTar (Ron Koch), Joseph (Shari) DeTar; 10 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister Olga Puleo; sisters-in-law Virginia (Peter) DiPasquale and Annabelle (George) Mamo.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said March 12 at the Church of the Nativity of the B.V.M., Brockport. Interment at a future date, Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Sweden Senior Center or a charity of one’s choice in her memory.
•Dispenza, Helen W. (Wimer), on February 27, 2011, at age 93. Predeceased by her husband Bert Dispenza. She is survived by daughters, Barbara Ingrassia and Karen (Randy) Schell; grandchildren, Joseph Ingrassia Jr. and Gia (Ronald) Bock; great-grandsons, Phillip Hurley and Anthony Disanferdinando.
Services were held March 7 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Contributions can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes or Lollypop Farm in her memory.
•Moore, William M., March 4, 2011. Predeceased by his sisters, Nancy Latimer, Frances “Sue” Boudreau; parents, Clifford and Eva Moore. Survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Sandy Moore; his children, Melanie (Joe) Dei Santi, Justin (Giannina) Moore, Caitlin Moore, Travis Moore; grandchildren, Maddie and Joey; brothers, James (Carol) Moore, Sherman (Mary) Moore, Richard (Marilyn) Moore; sisters-in-law, Lynn (John) Shinners, Patricia (Robert) Wherley; brothers-in-law, Karl (Joanne) Sittner, Max Snittner; several nieces and nephews.
Services were held March 7 at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, Greece.
•Reynolds, Patrick J., Pat was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1948 and died March 3, 2011 at the age of 62. Pat was living in Florida but lived most of his life in Brockport. He attended Nativity School and then Brockport High School. He worked at Eastman Kodak Company as a systems programmer and ended his career with Kodak as a networking specialist. His division of Kodak was taken over by Digital Corporation, where Pat was responsible for setting up networks across the country. He later moved to Tennessee to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority as the Vice President of Operations. In his retirement years, he moved to Rockport, Maine, selling real estate and then to central Florida. Pat is survived by his devoted son, Aaron Reynolds of Rochester; daughter, Shannon (Chuck) Youmans of Rochester; his special granddaughter, Nicole Reed; grandsons, Jake and Nicholas Youmans. He is also survived by his mother, Agnes Reynolds of Hamlin; brothers, Bob (Sheila) Reynolds of Canandaigua, Tom (Sue) Reynolds of Hopewell Junction, and Mike Reynolds of Brockport; sisters, Anne Knab of Hamlin and Laurie (Tim) Leverenz of Hamlin; many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Hamlin, on Saturday, March 26 at 11 a.m.
CHURCHVILLE
•Yanney, Thelma C., March 2, 2011 at the age of 84. Thelma is survived by her daughter, Susan (Chris Baron) Merriam; grandson, Benjamin D. Merriam; her siblings, Dr. David R. (Janet) Cross and Lois (Bill) Yanney; many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held March 6 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Churchville. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm - Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or Lifetime Care 3111 South Winton Road, Rochester, New York 14623 in her memory.
HILTON
•Diedrich, Dr. Jason Robert, of Pendleton, Indiana. Died March 6, 2011, age 39 years after an extended illness. He was born May 7, 1971 in Hilton, attended St. Paul Lutheran School, Hilton High School and graduated in 2002 from Sherman College of Chiropractic, Spartanburg, South Carolina. He owned and operated In Line Spine Chiropractic Clinic in Fishers, Indiana. Jason is survived by his wife, A. Kirsten (Bays) Diedrich of Pendleton; his father, Robert “Bob” (Donita Dwyer) Diedrich; sister, Jennifer Diedrich; fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law, Keith and Bonny Clark and Joseph and Sheila Bays; brother-in-law, Kyle Clark; aunts and uncles, Debra (Brad) Martin, Charles (Dale) and Carl (Tessie) Higginbotham, Linda (Ernest) Sanders, Mary (Dave) Schutte, Carol (Larry) Strauss, Joan (Lennie) Palmisano, Luther, Richard (Pat) and David (Kathy) Diedrich; many cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Dianne.
A Funeral Service was held March 12 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to Kirsten Diedrich c/o Bank of Castile, 1410 South Main Street, Medina, NY 14103 in his memory.
•Gilbert, Bernadette L. (Englert), March 7, 2011. Predeceased by her son, Christopher Plummer and her father, Bernard. Survived by her husband, Leslie; daughter, Veronica (Tony) Guzzetta; step-sons, Brian (Chrysta) Gilbert and John Gilbert; grandchildren, Sam, Annaleigh, Chrisanna and Brianna; her mother, Frances Englert; and many loving friends.
A Funeral Mass was said March 11 at St. Andrew’s Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport 14450 in her memory.
•Viapiano, Giovanni F., died March 4, 2011. Predeceased by his parents Anna and Salvatore Viapiano; sister, Mary Adamo; nephew, Joe Adamo. Survived by his wife, Giuditta “Gina” (Lauria) Viapiano; daughters, Mary (Michael) Billitier and Theresa Versluis; son, Salvatore (Sue) Viapiano; grandchildren, Eric (Paola) Billitier, Gina (Tim) Lippa, Paul (Jenna) Latone and Rosalina Viapiano; great-grandchildren, Savanna, Jonathan and Christian; several nieces and nephews. Giovanni was a veteran of the Italian Army, serving in WWII.
His Mass of Christian Burial was said March 10 at St. Leo the Great Church, in Hilton. Entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Padre Pio Institute of Rochester, 141 Frank Dimino Way, Rochester, NY 14624 in his memory.
HOLLEY
•Taylor, Dian B. (Sutter), peacefully on March 8, 2011 at age 78. Predeceased by her granddaughter, Haley Nichole Welch. Survived by her children: Allen (Ann), Raymond Jr., Michael, Mark (Val), and Luci (Brian) Welch; four siblings; a sister-in-law; several grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Dian retired from the Brockport Child Care Center as an infant room teacher after 20+ years of service.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made to the Lakeside Beikirch Care Center-Brockport in her memory.
KENDALL
•Byers, Freida E., on March 3, 2011. Predeceased by her parents Austin and Alice LaClair, brother Leonard and sister Leda. She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years Fred; children Dale (Angela), Paul (Eileen), Lori (Dan); grandchildren; siblings Gerald, Gaylord, Lorraine, Wilma and Donald; sister-in-law Vivian; several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was held March 8 at St. Mary’s Church, Holley. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring. Contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church or Orleans County Hospice in her memory.
KENT
•Efing, Carol A., age 72, died March 7, 2011. Predeceased by her husband Edwin “Butch” Efing. Survived by son Todd (Sue) Efing; daughter Robin (Benito) Efing Bautista; mother Mildred Moss; brother Art (Jean) Coburn; grandchildren Will, Sarah and Emma; and close friends Margaret Neff, Michelle Paddock, and Mary Jo Bentley. She was a registered nurse at Lakeside Hospital for many years and worked as a Home Health Nurse, working up through 2010.
Funeral Services were held March 11 at Gaines-Carlton Community Church, Albion. Contributions can be made to PAWS (People for Animal Welfare Society) of Orleans County, P.O. Box 244, Albion, NY 14411 or the Hospice agency nearest you in her memory.
•Janus, Joan E., died March 6, 2011, age 73. Predeceased by sister, Shirley Walsh. Survived by husband of 52 years Daniel; children Michael (Cindy) Janus, David (Margaret) Janus, Elizabeth Janus, Christy (Arnie Thoreson) Janus; brother Thomas Gavin; grandchildren David, Seth; step-grandchildren Morgan and Tanner Ferris; sister-in-law Josephine Janus, several nieces and nephews; her dog Oscar as well as her grand-dogs.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said March 11 at Holy Family Parish. Interment, St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans or to the Carlton Fire Department in her memory.
OGDEN
•Perry, Judy Ann (Breiner), Monday, March 7, 2011, age 63 after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Geraldine Breiner; sister, Susan Breiner; brother, Ed Breiner; and father-in-law Oliver Perry. Survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Keith; children Jodie Perry and Clint (Jill) Perry; brother, Allen “Dutch” (Sandy) Breiner; sisters, Linda (Mark) Eagan and Donna (Peter) Scheid; mother-in-law, Grace Perry; brothers-in-law, Ron (Diane) Perry and David (Donna) Perry; sister-in-law Donna L. Perry; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Judy and Keith operated Brockport Equipment for many years and were partners in Ontrac Equipment (John Deere dealer).
Her Funeral Mass was said March 11 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Visiting Nurse Hospice, Wilmot Cancer Center or Lupus Foundation of America in her memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Ammering, “Gerry” Geraldine, March 6, 2011 at the age of 82. Gerry was predeceased by her husband, Mark H. Ammering and her daughter, Barbara Tranello. She is survived by her loving family, sons Daniel, James and Michael Ammering; daughters Kathleen (Jerry) Hugelmaier and Susan (Anthony) Uttaro; her sister, Pat Fitzpatrick; brother, R. Michael (Lynne) Fitzpatrick; seven grandchildren; one great granddaughter; several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated March 12 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Private interment. Contributions can be made to Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance or Ferris-Goodridge American Legion Building Fund in her memory.
•Castrechino, Joseph A., on March 3, 2011. Age 83 years. He is survived by his wife, Edythe; children, Steven (Patricia) Castrechino, Valerie (Kim) Colter and Cindy (Bob) Mroczek; his brother, Leonard; sisters, Natalie Maerrill and Virginia Bianco; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held March 7 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Foundation in his memory.
•Degnan, Darci D., March 7, 2011 at the age of 21. Darci is survived by her daughters, Alexa and Ava Cliff; her mother, Kay (Jim Bischoff) Degnan; her father, Dave (Sue Elphick) Degnan; her sister, Ann-Marie Degnan; grandparents, Lou and Ann Fien, Joe Degnan, Donna (Robert) Spaulding; Shaun, Marge and Brian Cliff; aunts, uncles, cousins and many loving, close and dear friends.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated March 11 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment Parma Corners Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Alexa and Ava Cliff Education Fund, SPX Federal Credit Union, 2998 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624 in her memory.
•Kenny, Dorothy Ann “Dot” (Miller), peacefully on March 9, 2011. Predeceased by her husband William E. Kenny; sisters, Margaret Dengal and Marie Miller. Survived by her children JoAnn (John) Chinappi and Patrick (Karen) Kenny; grandchildren, John W., Christina, Michael and Bonnie; great-grandchildren, Michael and Brianna; sister, Louise (George) Miller; brother-in-law, Doug Kenny; sister-in-law, Diane Kemp; several nieces and nephews.
Dorothy’s memorial visitation will be held 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at Spencerport Bible Church, 1948 North Union Street, Spencerport. Her funeral service will be celebrated 6:30 p.m. at the church. Interment at a later date. Donations can be sent to Spencerport Bible Church, 1948 North Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 in her memory.
ARCHIVE - MARCH 6, 2011
Feature Stories - Week of March 6, 2011
Zechariah Merrell, with Head Coach Brian Tatar, participates in the varsity wrestling team's Senior Night festivities recently at Byron-Bergen High School. Provided photo.Byron-Bergen second-grader buddies with district’s wrestling program
Byron-Bergen Elementary School second-grader Zechariah Merrell doesn’t let his cancer diagnosis get him down. Instead he uses his energy and perseverance to help motivate Byron-Bergen CSD’s varsity wrestling team.
In his role as a ‘buddy,’ Zechariah is working with the wrestling team as part of the Muddy’s Buddies nonprofit, charitable organization. The local organization seeks to improve the quality of life of children and their families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other chronic illnesses in the Greater Rochester area through outlets such as school athletic programs, clubs, classrooms, and local theater groups.
Zechariah, who was diagnosed with cancer last year, has a role similar to that of a team manager. He runs the clock at practices, hangs out with the team, and assists Head Coach Brian Tatar.
“It is great to have Zechariah as part of our team because he brings so much positive energy,” said Tatar, also a physical education teacher at Byron-Bergen Elementary School. “Zechariah really gives our student athletes a little extra motivation to perform their best. He has been a source of inspiration to our team.”
Zechariah says he loves wrestling; especially helping Coach Tatar, and watching his school’s team compete against other schools.
“I love wrestling and my dad loves wresting, too,” said Zechariah. “We like to watch wrestling on TV together. Whoever wins is my favorite wrestler.”
Byron-Bergen CSD Acting Athletic Director Jennifer Doyle said it was when Zechariah enthusiastically ran out on the mat during the team’s Senior Night recently that it was clear how the program was positively impacting both Zechariah and the fans.
“I believe that as we connect with the wider Rochester community with partnerships such as Muddy’s Buddies it highlights all the great things that we do as an athletic program, a district, and as a tight knit local community,” said Doyle.
Stephen Lawrence, president and co-founder of Muddy’s Buddies, said he met Zechariah and his family at a fundraiser and everyone was immediately open to the idea of working with the Byron-Bergen athletics program.
“Muddy’s Buddies benefits from Zechariah’s partnership with the Byron-Bergen wrestling program because it helps create a greater awareness of our mission,” said Lawrence. “We attempt to support the child, the family, and the team. Our relationship is important for the children dealing with challenging medical circumstances because it can increase the awareness of their illness. Awareness breeds understanding, acceptance, and compassion.”
Muddy’s Buddies was founded after Lawrence’s brother, John C. Lawrence, aka “Muddy” died in 2008 from Melanoma at age 42. John’s adult life and career were dedicated to improving the life of all children. Muddy’s Buddies is an effort to follow John’s lead and aspirations in a way that will inspire children and enchance their lives, according to a district press release.
“We work to provide an outlet for children to be themselves; to create an opportunity to be with people who love them; to be around positive role models; to share time and stories with them; and to ‘Build Strength in Numbers,” said Lawrence. Visit www.muddysbuddies.org for further information.
Provided information.
DOT to give construction details for Route 19 road project in Brockport
A public open house meeting to provide information about the Route 19 reconstruction project in Brockport is set for Tuesday, March 15 from 5 to 9 p.m.
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) officials host the public information session on Tuesday, March 15 to share details of the ongoing highway project to reconstruct Route 19 (Main Street) in the village of Brockport and towns of Clarkson and Sweden, Monroe County. Work will be resuming in April. The open house will be held in the Fred Hill Elementary School cafetorium, 40 Allen Street. A brief presentation will be given at 6:30 p.m. Project staff will remain available until approximately 9 p.m. to discuss the project one-on-one with attendees, according to a press release.
The NYS DOT plans to resume work in downtown Brockport this spring. Extensive work will include new pavement for the 1.3 mile stretch, signals, sidewalks and curbs. The road work will include the construction of a roundabout at the Route 19 intersection at West and East avenues north of the Main Street Erie Canal liftbridge. The new configuration would allow traffic to enter at four points and would eliminate left-hand turns at the busy intersection. This file photo was taken in April 2010 on Main Street as construction was about to begin for last season.NYSDOT officials will share an overview of the project’s elements and how they will be constructed. Before and after the presentation, project staff will be on-hand to refer to maps and respond to individual questions and concerns in an informal setting.
The $5.6 million project will upgrade a 1.3 mile stretch of pavement along Main Street (Route 19) from the south village line to the north village line. Highlights of the project include full reconstruction, replacement of two large culverts, restoration of the drainage system, and the addition of a modern roundabout at the intersection of Route 19 and East Avenue and West Avenue.
According to the DOT press release, full road construction will include the replacement of the 90-year old pavement, curbs, storm drainage system, more than half of the sidewalks and two large culverts, one at the south village line and one at Liberty Street. New mast-arm traffic signals - steel poles with extension arms over the roadway to hold the signals - will replace the existing traditional signals at the intersections of Adams Street, Park Avenue and Fair Street, and Erie and State streets. To improve safety for pedestrians, two new curb extension areas will be installed in the area of Water, Market and Clinton streets. Improved sidewalk ramps and crosswalks also will be part of this highway upgrade. Approximately 140 new trees and other landscaping items will be incorporated into the project.
Further, the DOT says a roundabout will address safety concerns and improve traffic flow at the Route 19 intersection at West and East avenues, eliminating the existing traffic signal. This roundabout will feature four entrances, at which vehicles will have to yield before entering. The roundabout is designed to force lower speeds and eliminate left-hand turns, reducing accident severity.
A left turn lane will also be added on Route 19 at Centennial Avenue. Educational materials will be available at the meeting.
The project started in September 2010 to relocate water, telephone and other utilities as well as to replace much of the drainage system. The highway project will resume in April. Traffic will be directed around the work zone as space allows and parking in the work zone will be limited. When work progresses south to the narrower section of Route 19, south of College Street, the road will be closed during work hours and detours will be posted around village side streets. A detour for larger vehicles will be posted using Redman Road and Sweden Walker Road (Route 260).
To minimize the impact on businesses and traffic, excavation and paving work in the central business district will occur during the overnight hours. The project is scheduled to be complete by December, according to the DOT.
The location for the meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone who requires any other special accommodations to participate in this meeting or wishes to obtain more information about the project should contact NYSDOT Construction Engineer-In-Charge, Scott Sullivan, at 585-637-7293, or via email at ssullivan@dot.state.ny.us.
Provided information
Ogden re-zoning request withdrawn
by Kristina Gabalski
The residential/single family zoning on a land parcel on the westside of Ogden will not change.
Supervisor Gay Lenhard told Westside News Inc. that the applicant who was seeking a change in zoning to part restricted business/part light industrial has, “ ... sent me a letter indicating his desire to withdraw the application. Zoning will remain the same, which is R-1,” she said.
The proposed change in zoning had met with strong opposition from residents who live in the area along Brockport-Spencerport Road, just east of Washington Street.
A developer had requested the zoning change in order to construct two commercial buildings and 18 storage units on a 12-acre parcel situated between the Route 531 expressway and private homes.
Members of the Highway View Neighbors of Ogden (HVNO) had been opposed to the change saying they were concerned that the proposal didn’t fit with the Town of Ogden Comprehensive Plan and that re-zoning would change the rural and historic character of the area.
Community gardeners gathering offers networking event
The Monroe County Fair & Recreation Association’s Flower and Vegetable Department, in conjunction with Rochester Roots, Inc. Foodlink and Freshwise Farms, is holding a gathering of community gardeners and people interested in learning more about how these gardens aid our community on March 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Welcome Court at the Fair & Expo Center, 2695 East Henrietta Road, Henrietta. This gathering is an informal awareness event for the public and an opportunity for community gardeners and others interested to get to know one another and to network. Community garden participation in the Monroe County Fair’s Flower and Vegetable Show is encouraged as well as the use of the Fair and Expo Center as a central location for community gardening exchanges.
The program includes a keynote address by Jan McDonald of Rochester Roots followed by a panel discussion including Foodlink and Freshwise Farm (a Foodlink social enterprise), Rochester Roots, the City of Rochester, suburban, urban gardens and CSA gardens and food cupboards.
The event is free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Call the Fair & Expo Center Office at 334-4000 to register or for information.
Provided information
Boat dock construction will continue to revitalize canalside in Spencerport
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Ten years ago, revitalization to the canal area in the village of Spencerport brought new upgrades to the gazebo and canal dock as well as a new park and pavilion. This revitalization continues with the construction of a new boat dock that will be located on the southeast side of the canal in front of the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum.
This new project will be partially funded through a grant from the New York State Division of Coastal Resources which the village received in 2008 and matching funds from the village. According to Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene, “The matching funds from the village will include in-kind services and money previously designated for this new dock. The grant also includes funds to develop engineering plans for the East Avenue extension,” Lobene explained.
Village officials as well as community volunteers are hopeful this project will give residents and boaters an opportunity to visit and experience the many amenities offered by the village and area businesses.
“Each year we see more and more visitors arrive by boat and bike. We welcome these visitors who help to enhance our economic vitality. More importantly however, is the increased usage by our own residents, who can be seen walking or biking along the Canal Towpath, enjoying the gazebo and Lester C. Merz Towpath Park and Pavilion,” said Lobene.
Ginny Swarthout, Director of Spencerport Canal Days, is also enthused about the project, “We are looking forward to it being built as we feel it will be a great new venue for Canal Days,” Swarthout explained.
The project is slated to begin as soon as bids are awarded and the plans include water and electric accessibility for overnight boaters. The plans call for a 300-foot dock that will accommodate seven to eight larger size boats and a 20-foot dock section for recreational fishing.
Lobene described the design of the new project. “It is board walk design and promenade for residents and visitors alike,” she said.
Like Lobene and Swarthout, Doreen Castano, Director of the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum, is excited about the possibilities this new development will bring to the village.
“This new dock will allow more people to visit the Depot and enjoy all our community has to offer. We have been waiting for this project to be completed since the Depot opened in 2007,” she said.
The project is scheduled for completion by Memorial Day 2011.
Workshop helps farmers, operators increase energy efficiency
Farm owners and operators interested in increasing energy efficiency will have an opportunity to attend a free workshop sponsored by Monroe Community College’s Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute and the Town of Parma. The free workshop, Farm Energy Audits and Energy Options for Agricultural Buildings, will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 at VFW Post 6105, 550 Peck Road, Hilton. Seating is limited. Contact Bob King, Ph.D. at rking@monroecc.edu or 585-292-2065 to reserve seats.
Participants will learn ways to improve energy efficiency and integrate green energy options in compliance with permit and zoning codes. Renewable energy options, NYSERDA grant opportunities for energy audits and efficiency improvements, and more will be covered.
Provided information
Interim CEO hired at Lakeside Health System
James E. Wissler begins work as Interim CEO for Lakeside Health System on March 7.
Wissler has served 13 years as CEO of Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital, in Dansville. Under his leadership Noyes Hospital partnered with the county to develop and build a Dialysis Center and additionally, he spear-headed a $10 million project at the Noyes Hospital which expanded and modernized both the O.R. facilities and the I.C.U., according to a press release from the Lakeside Health System. Prior to his years as CEO at Noyes Memorial Hospital, Mr. Wissler held administrative leadership positions from 1988 to 1997 at Putnam Memorial Health Corporation in Burlington, Vermont and Marlboro Hospital in Marlboro, Massachusetts.
Wissler holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston as well as master’s degrees in both business administration and hospital administration. He replaces Michael Stapleton who resigned in January to pursue other employment in the medical administration field.
Provided information
Brockport Village Board moves to be part of “conversation” about fire district
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Village Board members have agreed to participate with the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson in considering the formation of a fire district.
The vote was 4-1, with Trustee Scott Hunsinger casting the only no vote. The decision was made during the regular meeting of the village board held March 2.
Board members then voted unanimously in favor of a companion resolution to participate in a joint municipal meeting March 29 at the Sweden Town Hall for the purpose of calling for a joint public hearing to consider the formation of a Brockport/Clarkson/Sweden Fire District on May 3 at the Middle School auditorium.
Village officials said they wanted to make it clear that the board has NOT voted yes on fire district, but on being part of the “conversation.”
“I don’t know if we have any other choice,” Mayor Connie Castaneda said, during discussion at the March 2 meeting. She said she didn’t know how the village would be able to afford to run the fire department without the revenue from both towns.
Trustee Kent Blair said he has lots of questions and that “ ... a public hearing is definitely warranted. Residents need to take part in this.” Blair added that the Brockport Fire Department has been one of the least expensive to run in Monroe County and has always maintained service that is first class. “It’s a control issue, a political issue,” he said, “I’m looking forward to hearing what the answers are.”
Deputy Mayor Dan Kuhn said the quality of service has never been an issue. He expressed concern that the village has not heard anything about the cost of starting a fire district. “The fact that we have no concrete figures with respect to cost is troubling,” he said.
He added, however, that, “We don’t do anybody a service to continue to stay out of the process.”
Trustee Carol Hannan noted a recent workshop session the board had with members of the Spencerport Fire District. “When they merged, they did it as equals,” she said of the creation of a fire district in that village. “This is not the same situation. If Clarkson and Sweden form their own district in the future, we might merge as equals. That is not the case now. I would like to hear what people have to say,” she said.
Trustee Carol Hannan also noted that her yes vote on the two resolutions March 2 “ ... doesn’t reflect how I would vote to join a fire district. Don’t assume anything for the future,” she said.
EMTs lose jobs due to ambulance provider switch
by Kristina Gabalski
It has been just over two months since the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson switched from the Brockport Ambulance Corps to Monroe Ambulance as primary responder and the move has taken its toll on the Brockport Ambulance.
As of March 11, all paid EMTs will be laid-off. Officials say the layoffs are a direct result of the towns switching to Monroe.
“Call volume has decreased significantly since the towns switched to Monroe,” Fire Chief Mike Henry says. “Approximately 20 people have lost their jobs due to this layoff.”
Brockport Village Trustee Kent Blair said there are not enough revenues coming in to pay for the paid EMT staff. “It’s a very sad situation,” Blair says. “I believe the move to Monroe was to simply remove revenues from the village and nothing more.”
Blair notes Monroe provides a great service and he supports their efforts. He also strongly supports the Brockport Ambulance becoming its own identity. “Politics should not play a role in safety and that is just what happened here with the ambulance and now the fire department,” Blair says.
A committee has been formed to work on the separation of the ambulance service from the village and fire department. The ambulance corps needs approval from the regional medical council, Chief Henry says, and if that is approved, then approval needs to be secured from the New York State Department of Health. It is unknown how long the process will take, he says.
The layoffs would not have an effect on the ambulance becoming independent, Blair explains.
“I hope that once the Brockport Ambulance is run separate of the village, that the two towns will change their minds,” Blair says. “Let their neighbors, friends and family provide the service. I think that if all goes as planned, the EMT’s that will lose their jobs will be able to be hired directly from the Brockport Ambulance Corps, removing the village from the equation and putting safety first.”
Local shop & museum featured in national magazine
The Chili Doll Hospital & Victorian Doll Museum in North Chili was recently recognized by the “Saturday Evening Post.” A story about this unique local business appears in the March/April 2011 issue. Linda Greenfield, while a student attending Gates Chili Senior High School, established the business in 1967 and felt it appropriate to name the business after the town she lived in. Now, 44 years later, her unique talents and expertise in the field of doll collecting and restoration is being recognized by this time honored national magazine. For many years it was well known for its covers designed by Norman Rockwell.
Greenfield says this is the most notable honor she has ever received in her career.
Provided information
Features - Week of March 6, 2011
Ice Storm Photo Essay -
Hilton's Hojack History
by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
Charles EfnerA "mover and shaker" in Hilton/Parma history has gone virtually without official recognition, yet his significant contributions to the area are noted and remembered today in several ways.
Charles Efner prepared his memoir for Hilton Record editor Charles Cooper in September 1913, recounting the development and completion of the Hojack Railroad. His pioneer spirit to get things done is credited with getting railroad builders to bring their line through North Parma (now Hilton) instead of through Parma Center.
Efner's involvement and efforts also inspired the 20th century naming of Hojack Lane which connects East Avenue with Collamer Road on the west side of the village as well as providing the core values which led to the municipality's slogan: "The Little Village With the Big Heart."
So the story goes:
Charles Efner was the liaison between the town (Parma) and the Railroad Board of the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad Co. and negotiated a guarantee that the town would provide a $25,000 stock subscription from various individuals he knew. The Railroad Board was pleased with his initiative and 31 days later he (Efner) was elected a new member of the board. There were 13 members allocated as follows: five from Oswego; three between Oswego and the Genesee River; five between the Genesee River and Lewiston. Efner noted that he felt that Oswego had the advantage as five members lived within a unit while eight other members lived at distances of 15 to 25 miles apart, and, without telephone, communications at best were difficult. The members of the Executive Committee were also the Oswego members, further tipping the board, he believed.
Efner suspected mischief with the Oswego group. He learned from a hotel desk clerk in Rochester that there had been an all night meeting with the Oswego group and men from Lockport who wanted the line to go through that village. Efner quickly borrowed neighbor George Limbocker's horse and buggy and drove quickly from Hilton to Kendall, where he took in board member Marvin Harris. The two drove to Holley where they were joined by another board member, Bert VanHorn. They dispatched a liveryman with a fast horse to get board member Ruben Wilson of Wilson and another board member and they boarded the New York Central train for Lockport. The five called for a meeting in five days independent of the president, Mr. Helmer.
The five board members along with two more from east of the Genesee River met in Oswego for a supper and resolved to have the line go as Charles Efner had originally surveyed, from the Genesee River to North Parma and through the lots north of Kendall Corners.
Hilton Depot sometime between 1911 and 1920. Lynn Paxson is shown in the forecrowd (right) holding the mail bag for the train to pickup. The occasion was the departure of well-liked evangelist Rev. Crabel who had preached a ten week session at a location on West Avenue. Photos on this page from the Historian's office.There was much bickering and squabbling among various landowners on how much they should be paid for rights-of-way. Some gave freely and others wanted outrageous compensation. Arbitrators were called in, among them James Marshall Lowden, John Tennison and Dr. Abdial Carpenter. Landowners were Justice Hovey, Almander Wilder, Denis Taber, Owen Flynn, Elizabeth Gorton and Peter B. Tenny.
The contract to build the railroad was let to Phillips Warren & Co., of Springfield, Massachusetts. The cost of $21,500 per mile from Oswego to Lewiston included grading, bridging, track-laying, ballasting and fencing, except for the Genesee River bridge in Charlotte. Stock was issued, bonds were floated and money was raised. The building of the Lakeshore Railroad commenced. One third was completed when the financial Panic of 1873 occurred, and this prevented the sale of either town, city or first mortgage bonds. The Panic of 1873 killed the Lake Ontario Shore Railroad. The board members resigned and the project was taken over by the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad Co. In the words of Charles Efner -- "we lost our stock, but we gained a railroad."
In his memoir in the Hilton Record, Efner went on to say that he had spent five years of his life working to get the railroad to go through North Parma (Hilton) He spent $3,000 of his own money (in today's value about $100,000), and he did not get one cent in remuneration. Asked why he did it he replied "because my heart was in it."
Earlier historians and village residents credit Charles Efner with the beginning of the Hilton slogan: "The Little Village With the Big Heart."
The Hojack brought in new blood to the community. While the railroad was being built, there were many Irish laborers residing in the village at the Commercial Hotel (located where M &T Bank now stands), and the Leonard Hotel (later called the Hilton Hotel). The thrifty, conservative Baptist and Methodist town folk were "sitting up straight" as they witnessed drunkenness, lewdness and wild shenanigans as the railroad men let off steam after a hard day's work. The temperance ladies were aghast!
Coming -- Part two of three: Train whistles along the lakeshore
Briefly - Week of March 6, 2011
Pharmaceutical collection at Ogden Police Department headquarters--
Held the first Friday of every month until further notice, unwanted, outdated and unusable pharmaceuticals may be brought to the Ogden Police Department offices, Ogden Community Center, 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport between 1 and 3 p.m. Pet medications can also be dropped off at these collections. Sponsored by OPD, Monroe County Department of Environmental Service and Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
At the last collection held in February, OPD staff report about 25 people came with items to dispose of and two trash containers full were collected.
Coming soon
Cool Kids! Eco Fest on Saturday, April 9
Save your old electronics, paperbacks suitable for general reading, sneakers that have no metal parts in them (wheels, metal reinforcements, etc) and new this year -- American flags for recycling at Eco Fest at Genesee Community College.
Plenty of “fun shops” for kids according to Cool Kids organizer Steve Appleton. Watch for details in Suburban News and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald.
Graphic provided by Cool Kids
Columns - Week of March 6, 2011
WN’S Family Guy
When a family icon comes crashing down
by Rev. Mark Ball
When the structure was first erected it towered over its next closest neighbor. I can remember like it was yesterday standing beside Leslie, arms folded, just taking it all in with awe. It is hard to believe that it was nearly 10 years ago.
That’s why it was oddly bittersweet this weekend to stand by and witness as it imploded. First the left side came crashing down, then with a mighty groan the ride side gave way. Finally, the back fell forward with great boom. Bright light immediately filled the space that had been occupied for so long.
I tried to help out by moving pieces that I could lift to clear the space. Who knows what will go there in its place? If Sadie, our four year old, has her way, it will be a new princess kitchen set. Haley has now officially left the crib.
But unlike her predecessors’ milestone transitions before her, this may be the end of an era. When Leslie packed baby clothes away, I didn’t truly believe her. When she donated some infant toys, I considered it a bluff. Maybe a break? However, this weekend when she actually took the crib apart (I was there to help if needed), I started to believe her for the first time.
That crib has had more than its fair share of tenants. I’ve teased Leslie about putting out a McDonald’s-like sign in front of it announcing how many have been served. It began with the world’s most precious baby girl, Molly Jean, and it ended with a baby (Haley Mae) who is out of this universe. In between, it has had six other residents, each one special in his and her own way. Not to mention an occasional visitor from time to time.
We’ve always been proud of our crib, as it was one of the only new pieces of furniture we have ever owned. Over time, my back has naturally curved to the perfect design to be able to gently place a baby up and over the side rail and down onto the mattress. I’ve become adept at doing a late night military crawl in the pitch black to reach deep into the recesses of the under crib only to dig through the graveyard of Barbie parts and emerge triumphantly with the golden pacifier. I’ve actually moved the crib from one side of the room to the other without waking a sleeping baby.
There’s nothing like the comfort of knowing that our little angel will be right there when you return. It brought many nights of peaceful rest knowing that all was secure. And there is nothing like the shock of first witnessing a chubby little leg hoisted over the great wall marking the beginning of an adventure to parts unknown.
While I have made many cracks about Leslie’s constant state of pregnancy, or the number of little people occupying our home, I wasn’t prepared for that uneasy feeling when the crib walls came down. As Leslie hoisted the crib down the stairs into the basement (I was available to open a door or let her know if she was coming close to hitting a wall), there were moments when I wanted to try to dissuade her.
It was a stark reminder that 10 years can travel too fast for comfort. When the walls come down you may realize that waiting for the best time in life may mean you are missing it. Here we come toddler bed!
Sports - Week of March 6, 2011
Brockport
Blue Devils advance to Class B final
by Warren Kozireski
Senior defenseman Troy Allen scored a pair of goals and Zach Stahl added another as Brockport defeated top seed Churchville-Chili 3-0 in the semi-finals before falling to Webster Thomas in the Section V championship hockey game.
“I was pretty excited to see it go in,” said Allen about his first of two goals. “I got the puck and saw the screen in front so I was just trying to get it off my stick.”
After a scoreless first period in the semi-final win, Brockport broke through at 4:44 of the second when defenseman Kyle Wallenhorst held the puck in at the left point and put a shot on net that was deflected just under the crossbar by Zach Stahl standing in front.
Two minutes later, Allen scored on the power play with Stahl assisting. He scored again at 9:28 of the period after taking a pass from Dylan Garlock and threading the puck through traffic.
“We started moving our feet,” said Allen about the second period scoring outburst. “We knew we were the better team, we just needed to score.”
Blue Devils goaltender Justin Keene didn’t enter the playoffs with gaudy statistics, but he held the Saints off the scoreboard making 14 saves in registering his first career playoff shutout.
“I knew we would score eventually so I was just trying to keep things even until then,” said Keene. “At 0-0 after the first period, it was me versus him and we got the better of him tonight.”
“We got momentum after the first one and the key was getting traffic in front of the net,” said Brockport head coach Greg Stahl. “We played playoff hockey and our defense really controlled the play and moved the puck.”
Allen and Zachery Coughlin scored the two Brockport goals in their 3-2 loss to Thomas in the finals. The Blue Devils finished with a 16-7-1 record.
Golden Eagles’ Dewey leads nation
by Warren Kozireski
Brockport senior Kaitlin Dewey is ranked first in the nation in all-around, uneven bars and floor as she leads Golden Eagles women’s gymnastics into March and the postseason as the top-ranked team in the country.
After the ECAC Championships in Cortland this past weekend, the team hopes to head to the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championships in Eau Claire, Wisconsin March 25 to 26.
Prior to their final home meet of the season, Dewey was ranked first in the all-around with a 38.0938 average score and bettered that by finishing with 38.125 in the 187.725-186.925 loss to Cortland.
Dewey finished tied for first on the vault with a 9.625 score, first on the uneven bars with a 9.700, ninth on the balance beam and first on the floor exercise with a 9.825 to surpass her season average of 9.7063.
Sophomore Elizabeth Levy, ranked fifth in the nation in the all-around, also bettered her season average by finishing third with a 37.900. She also tied for third on the vault, took second on the bars, fourth on the beam and third on the floor.
Also nationally ranked for Brockport is senior Nicole Horodyski, who entered the meet fifth on the bars.
Other top finishers for Brockport on Senior Day were Amy Taylor, who tied for third on the bars with a 9.400 and Amanda Giannone - third on the beam with a 9.550.
Dewey, Horodyski and Taylor were All-Americans last season. Three weeks ago Dewey set a new school record by scoring a 9.775 on the uneven bars at Southern Connecticut University.
“Brockport and Cortland have a good rivalry, but they were just a little better than us today,” said Brockport head coach John Feeney after the meet. “We need to stay on the beam; that’s been a killer for us all year.”
“Heading into the ECAC’s, I like the fact that we are in the early group so we don’t have to wait around to compete. If we do well we put the pressure on the other three teams (competing in the afternoon group of the six team tournament).”
The top three teams at the ECAC move on to compete in Wisconsin.
The team and crowd honored seniors Dewey, Giannone, Horodyski, Chrissy Scaffidi and Taylor after the meet.
Basketball ends season with loss
Brockport picked a poor time to play poorly and as a result Canandaigua knocked them out of the sectional tourney with an easy 71-52 win at Brockport February 23.
Markell Collins dunked on a breakaway to start the scoring, Brockport’s only highlight. It didn’t phase the Braves, who scored 10 straight for a 17-5 first quarter lead. Canandaigua constantly - and easily - got behind Brockport’s defense for easy layups and back door put-ins. The Braves had another 14 point run just before the half to lead 36-17.
After Alex Alvarez’ basket brought Brockport to within 28-43 - as close as they would get - Canandaigua hit three straight “threes” (they had 9 for the game) and it was 57-30 after three.
Senior forward Nick Beers led Brockport with 11. Beers has consistently been a rugged presence for the Blue Devils, and the senior will be missed. Mike Worboys, Kyle Zaffuto, and Markell Collins each had 8. Alex Alvarez had 6, Marlin Myers and Frank Marcera 3 each. Julian Ekeze and Paul Cripe had 2, and Tyler Breshue 1. Sharpshooting guard Tyler Serafine led the Braves with 22, Colin McGlynn 12, and Matt Scharr 10.
Ironically, Canandaigua, a 9 seed, had only one win - against Brockport early in the season. They were highly motivated to do it again, against a Brockport team that looked tired, especially on defense.
This was the last game for seniors Mike Worboys, Rick Zaffuto, Paul Cripe, Marlin Meyers, and Nick Beers.
Despite adversity, they played hard and gave it their all. So ends the season without a great record, but
improved from last. Coach Scott Schleede has a lot of potential in nine returning underclassmen, with size, quickness, and now experience.
Submitted by Bob Iveson
Hilton
Hilton wins girls sectional basketball title
by Warren Kozireski
Heather Hebert scored 16 points and senior captain Biz Reinhardt rebounded from early foul trouble to net 12 points and be named tournament Most Valuable Player to lead the Cadets to a 48-34 win over Canandaigua to earn their first Section V girls basketball championship since 2003.
Reinhardt hit a pair of early baskets to give Hilton the lead, but got into foul trouble just three minutes into the contest which put her on the bench for the remainder of the first half.
That helped Canandaigua take the lead in the first quarter and extend it to as many as four points late in the second before the Cadets came roaring back with a 12-2 run.
Heather Hebert scored six points and Maria Jackson added a pair of field goals during the run to give second-seeded Hilton a six point halftime lead.
They extended that to 12 points in the third quarter as Reinhardt returned with a pair of layups and free throw.
Then the Cadets defense dictated play as they limited the Braves to just four points over the final 9:01 of the game.
“All I could think about (while sitting out most of the first half in foul trouble) was how stupid the second foul was after missing a lay-up and that there was no way we were going to lose this,” said Reinhardt.
“Heather (Hebert) sees the floor so well and is one of our best defenders and makes great cuts - a great team player.”
“We started communicating a little better and slowed down their drives to the basket (in the second half),” said Hilton head coach Jeff Eichas, who won his first championship. “We moved our defense out a little farther in the second half as well.”
“We never expected to get this far with the young team we have. But this group worked hard. Heather (Hebert) carried us in the second quarter, which she has done many times during the season and the tournament.”
Hebert finished with a game-high 16 points including 8-for-10 from the free throw line and was named to the tournament all-star team. Reinhardt scored 12 and Jackson, back for her first game after a winter break trip to France, added ten. Senior co-captain Alex Bennett, also named to the all-star team, score five points.
Hilton advanced to play Class A champion Gates Chili in the state play-in game for the right to advance to the regionals.
Spencerport
Rangers fall in quarterfinals
by Warren Kozireski
Spencerport fell behind 15-0 over the opening minutes of the game and never recovered in dropping a 75-48 game to third seed and defending Class AA2 champion East High in boys basketball.
The Orientals used a full court press for most of the first half along with their speed and height advantage to limit the Rangers to just three field goals - two by junior Joe Maier - and a free throw in the opening eight minutes.
Maier scored six points in the second quarter while Luke Zulauf added four, but Spencerport trailed by 15 at halftime.
Hank Wedow scored on consecutive put-backs and Kameron Heyward scored three of his game total of five points in the fourth quarter, but an East High 12-0 run late put the game well out of reach.
Maier netted 18 points and Zulauf eight while Heyward, Wedow and Mike Schreiner each added five points in the loss.
Spencerport finished the season with a 7-12 record as Heyward, Maier, Zulauf, Schreiner, Brian Anderson, Malcolm Jenkins and Michael Ward all completed their high school basketball careers.
Welch to play for Jefferson Community College
Jake Welch of Spencerport signed his letter of intent to play baseball for Jefferson Community College in Watertown.
The 6’ 6” senior who attends Spencerport High School has been working out of The Battery in Gates with his pitching Coach Tim Kemp for many years.
Welch will start the fall 2011 college baseball season at first base and be part of the pitching rotation for Jefferson.
Pictured are Coach John Northrop, Jake and his parents, Jennifer and Bob Welch.
Provided photo.
Schools - Week of March 6, 2011
Hilton
Hilton School District Board of Education seeks input on budget development
Residents of the Hilton Central School District are invited to take an online Budget Survey on the HCSD website www.hilton.k12.ny.us which will be used to help the Hilton CSD Board of Education prepare the 2011-12 budget proposal.
“Due to the state’s ongoing budget deficits, the Board of Education of the Hilton Central School District is once again faced with making many difficult funding decisions regarding its programs and services for the coming year,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business Steven Ayers. “The survey provides the public an opportunity to help shape those decisions in the areas of expenditures, reserves and property taxes as they affect any potential reductions in programming, staffing, activities, use of available reserves, and/or some level of increase in the local school tax rate in the 2011-12 school budget.”
Provided information
Hilton Central School’s pool to be closed for maintenance beginning April 15
The Hilton Central School District’s pool located at Merton Williams Middle School will be closed for maintenance repairs beginning April 15 and is expected to reopen for school by Labor Day in the fall, according to Director of Buildings and Grounds Tom Oaks.
“We are re-grouting the pool and expect to have to additionally replace about 10 percent of tile,” Oaks said in a press release from the district. The cost for this repair is being funded by the district’s capital project, EXCEL II-A.” No classes will be held in the pool after Spring Recess (student instruction, Community Education Aquafit or Hilton-Parma Recreation programs).
The repair project is slated to last roughly 12 to 14 weeks with summer recreation swim a possibility, according to district officials.
Provided information
Holley
Holley pre-K and Kindergarten registration March 23 only
Registration for children starting pre-kindergarten or kindergarten in the Holley Central School District in September 2011 will be Wednesday, March 23 from 1 to 7 p.m. only in the Elementary School library classroom. Those attending should bring the following documents: birth certificate, immunization record, and proof of residency (utility bill, etc.) Parents will not be able to register their child without these documents. No appointment is necessary to register. No pre-K registration will be allowed before March 23.
In order to register for pre-K, children must be four years of age by December 1, 2011. In order to register for kindergarten, children must be five years of age by December 1, 2011.
Pre-K and kindergarten physicals are required by September 1.
For other information, call the Holley Elementary School Office at 638-6391, ext. 2580.
Provided information
Kendall
Kendall Media Club gets “on air” time
Every weekday morning at 8:40 a.m., members of Kendall Elementary School’s Media Club gather in the television studio in the basement to prepare the set for the morning announcements.
The studio is abuzz with activity as background designers set up cue cards for the anchor and refresh the backdrop art, some of which they’ve created themselves. The camera man checks the equipment is set up properly, while students in the sound booth complete the microphone check. The anchors, meteorlogist and sportscaster practice their lines while advisors Kristen Hamm, Grace Adams and Leanne Swaciak standby, ready to offer assistance.
“We’re very serious about it, and it’s really fun,” said set designer and anchor Jenna Lasapio.
Media Club members at Kendall Elementary School prepare for morning announcements. Provided photo.By 8:50 a.m., a switch is flipped in the sound booth, the televisions throughout Kendall Elementary come to life, and as they say in Hollywood, it’s lights, camera, action! Students watching in their classrooms learn the lunch special, which grades are on bus duty, the weather, sports, and school announcements. The technicians in the sound booth cue up a video of a flag waving in the wind, and the anchors lead the school in the pledge of allegiance. From the perspective of a viewer, the production looks effortless; however, much work goes on behind the scenes.
“The reporters, technical crew and set designers spend Thursday afternoons preparing reports, special videos and backdrops for the broadcast,” said Hamm.
Sixth-graders have been producing the morning announcements at Kendall Elementary School for more than a decade now. Media Club members are recommended by teachers in fifth-grade. Students selected for the announcements must possess strong communication skills, work well with others, and have good academic standing, said Hamm.
“They have made a great commitment and they work very hard to keep up their grades and show up early for Media Club every morning,” Hamm said.
A student-run announcement program is in the making at the David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School. The hope is to get it up and running by next fall. Programming and videos would be produced by members of the Communication Systems Class, taught by Technology teacher Jeff Decker.
“It would help them develop the interpersonal skills and public speaking skills which they need to communicate effectively,” said Decker. “And for any student that is considering this as a career path, this will help give them a head-start before college.”
Provided information
Weddings - March 2011
Kristy Ellsworth - Kevin DeConinck Jr.
Rocky and Patricia Ellsworth of Hilton are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter Kristy L. to Kevin J. DeConinck Jr., son of Kevin DeConinck Sr. and Grace DeConinck of Spencerport.
Kristy is a 2005 graduate of Hilton High School. She received her A.A.S. in veterinary technology from Alfred State College. She is employed by the Hilton Veterinary Hospital as a veterinary technician, and is employed by Roc-Ells Farm.
Kevin is a 2003 graduate of Brockport High School. He attended Alfred State College for agricultural business. He is employed by DeConinck Farms, Spencerport.
An April 16, 2011 wedding is planned.
Heather M. Wahl - Jason J. Benza
Heather M. Wahl and Jason J. Benza are pleased to announce their engagement.
Heather is the daughter of Denise L. Wahl of Rochester and Robert Wahl of Hilton. Jason is the son of Sandra M. Benza of Greece and the late John Benza Jr.
A June 4, 2011 wedding is planned.
Meghan M. Rossitz - Craig Mullen
Melisa and Jeffrey Rossitz announce the engagement of their daughter Meghan M. of Spencerport to Craig Mullen, the son of John and Marilyn Mullen of Big Flats, New York.
Meghan is a 2005 graduate of Spencerport High School, a 2009 graduate of RIT, and works for John Larkin Photography in Rochester.
Craig is a 2005 graduate of Horseheads High School, a 2009 graduate of RIT, and is employed with Crystal Pix Inc. of Fairport.
A July 15, 2011 wedding is planned.
April M. McGrath - William C. Guilford
Ron and Roseanne McGrath of North Chili and Daryl and Lori Chang from Oahu, Hawaii announce the engagement of their daughter April M. McGrath to William C. Guilford, son of William and Ann Guilford of Clarendon.
April graduated from Churchville-Chili Central School in 2008 and from Monroe Community College in May 2010. She is attending Medaille College in Buffalo, majoring in veterinary technology.
William graduated from Holley Central School in 2002 and from Monroe Community College in May 2010. He is attending SUNY Brockport, majoring in psychology.
They plan to be married July 2, 2011.
Alaina A. Casey - Daniel G. Moore
George and Gail Moore of Hilton are pleased to announce the engagement of their son Daniel G. to Alaina A. Casey, daughter of R. Dennis and Brenda Casey of Allegany, New York.
The future groom is a 2005 graduate of Hilton High School and a 2008 graduate of Alfred State College. He is employed by the University of Rochester Medical Center as a HVACR mechanic.
The bride-to-be is a 2004 graduate of Allegany-Limestone High School and a 2009 graduate of Alfred University. She is employed by Paychex, Inc. in Penfield, as a HR Online Advisor.
Their wedding is planned for July 2011 in Olean, New York.
Michelle E. Roller - Keith A. Topper
Brian and Ann Roller of Brockport are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Michelle E. to Keith A. Topper, son of William and Mary Topper of Spring, Texas.
Michelle is a graduate of SUNY Fredonia and received a master’s of education degree from Walden University. She is a fifth grade reading specialist as well as a dyslexia and Irlen specialist in the Aldine School District in Houston, Texas.
Keith is a graduate of firefighter school and is employed by the City of Houston, Texas as a firefighter and EMT.
A June 2011 wedding is planned in Houston, Texas.
Carolyn M. Keenan - Kyle J. Drerup
Steve and Terri Keenan of Spencerport are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Carolyn M. to Kyle J. Drerup. Kyle is the son of Fred and Janice Drerup of Ft. Jennings, Ohio.
Carolyn, a 2007 graduate of Spencerport High School, will graduate in June 2011 from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, with degrees in mathematics and computer science.
Kyle is a 2007 graduate of Ottoville High School, Ottoville, Ohio and will receive a degree in electrical engineering in June 2011 from Ohio University.
Their wedding is planned for July 2011.
Andrea N. Holtz - David P. Farnan Jr.
Dave and Darlene Holtz of Spencerport announce the engagement of their daughter Andrea N. to David P. Farnan Jr., son of Dave and Kim Farnan of Greece.
Andrea is a 2004 graduate of Spencerport High School. She graduated from Monroe Community College with a degree in legal assisting. Andrea is employed by Nixon Peabody LLP.
David is a 2004 graduate of Greece Olympia High School. He is a graduate of Alfred State with a degree in auto services. David is employed at Hoselton Auto Mall as an auto technician.
A September 10, 2011 wedding is planned.
Kellie Stack - Michael Ottley
The engagement of Kellie Stack and Michael Ottley has been announced.
Kellie is the daughter of Kathy Stack of Batavia. Mike is the son of Bob and Patti Ottley of Riga.
Kellie is a 2001 graduate of Batavia High School. She received a degree in elementary education from Buffalo State College and will receive her master’s degree in May 2011.
Mike is a 2001 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School. He attended Finger Lakes Community College and earned an associate’s degree in natural resources conservation. He is employed by NYS Park Police.
Their wedding will take place April 2, 2011.
Hartnett - Mahns
Elizabeth A. Hartnett and Gregory C. Mahns were married Saturday, August 21, 2010 at Holy Family Church in Auburn, New York.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hartnett of Elmira, New York. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Mahns of Hilton.
Rebecca Hartnett, sister of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Erin Tucker, Shannon Neild, Kristen Hazard, Catherine Ayers, Dana Ayers, and Meghan Ayers.
Marc Fernandes served as best man. Groomsmen were Christopher Mahns, Brian Mahns, brothers of the groom, Blaise Smeltzer, Jason Marshall, Paul Goodrich and Kenneth Hartnett, brother of the bride.
Elizabeth, a 2001 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, received her bachelor of science degree in mathematics from St. Bonaventure University in 2005. Gregory, a 2001 graduate of Hilton High School, received his bachelor of science degree in biology from St. Bonaventure University in 2005. Both Elizabeth and Gregory received their master’s degree in adolescent education from St. Bonaventure in 2006. Elizabeth is a mathematics teacher in Watkins Glen and Gregory is a biology teacher in Clifton Springs.
The couple resides in Penn Yan.
Angelyn E. Cater - Jonathan M. Walling
Kevin and Joyce Foley of Holley and Harry and Patricia Walling of Sparta, Tennessee, are pleased to announce the engagement of their children Angelyn E. Cater of Satellite Beach, Florida, and Jonathan M. Walling of Merritt Island, Florida.
Angelyn graduated from Holley Central School in 2000 and from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee in 2005, where she received a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance. She is the Children’s Director at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Indialantic, Florida.
Jonathan graduated from Calvary Academy in Lakewood, New Jersey in 1997 and received a bachelor of arts in theology from Life Christian University in Florida in 2006.
A July 9, 2011 wedding is planned.
Obituaries - Week of March 6, 2011
ALBION
•Parker, Brandon Raymond, age 9, died suddenly February 23, 2011 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital. He was born in Brockport, son of Barbara (Walczak) and Mark Parker.
Brandon attended Ronald Sodoma Elementary School and was in Mrs. Sheehan’s 4th Grade class. He loved riding his 4-wheeler and snow mobile, and you could always find him with his PSP in hand. He loved watching wrestling on TV ... John Cena and Ray Mysterio were his favorites. He was loved by many and will be missed. Along with his parens, he is survived by maternal grandparents, Edward (Christine) Walczak Sr. of Albion; paternal grandmother, Arlene Parker of Brockport; maternal great grandmother, Alice Sills of Rochester; maternal great grandfather, Dan Clark of Florida, uncle, Edward Walczak Jr. of Medina; aunts, Pam (George) Parker-Villaneuva and Rebekah Karls, both of Albion; cousins, Taylor Walczak of Albion and Hunter Walczak of Medina; many great aunts, uncles, friends and beloved cat, Pooh Bear.
Funeral Services were held February 28 at the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home, Albion. Interment, Mt. Albion Cemetery. Contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.
BROCKPORT
•Burley, Eleanor R. (Redinger), February 23, 2011. Predeceased by her husband Herbert, daughter Barbara Shoemaker, parents Arthur and Gertrude Redinger. She is survived by her children Stacey Cook, Herb Burley, Shirley Shoemaker; grandchildren Whitney Cook, Billy Collins, Brandon Burley; great grandchildren Julie and Derrick Woodward; sister Mildred Shrank; many beloved nieces and nephews.
Interment, Garland Cemetery in the spring. Contributions in her memory can be made to her family, c/o Stacey Cook.
•Butler, Alberta J., On February 26, 2011, at the age of 71. Predeceased by her husband, Patrick; brother, Richard and brother-in-law, Walter. She is survived by her children, Daniel (Marla), Brenda (Charles) Welch, Shawn (Val) and Christopher; 15 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; sister, Roberta Prosser; brothers, Raymond (Ann) Secor, Gary (Mary Jo) Secor, Jerry (Nina) Secor, Rod (Kathy) Secor; and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was said March 2 at the Church of the Nativity BVM, Brockport. Interment, White Haven Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Brockport Lions Club in her memory.
•O’Brien, Daniel W., of Estaceda, Oregon, suddenly on February 7, 2011 at age 53. Predeceased by his parents, Wayne and Joan (Keable) O’Brien. Survived by his loving wife, Lani; son, Dennis (Laura); brother, Richard (Laurinda); sisters, Tammy (David) Strine and Patty (Michael) Jurhs; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, step-mother, step-sisters, many friends. He was a USAF veteran.
A Memorial Service was held March 5 at the Brockport Area Vets Club, Brockport.
•Quackenbush, James C., On February 24, 2011 at the age of 75. Predeceased by his daughter, Kimberly; his parents, Henry and Mary; three sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anita; his son, Michael (Takia); granddaughters, Savannah, Emily, Abigail; his brother, John (Pat); several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held March 1 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family.
CHURCHVILLE
•Fuller, Arietta W., February 27, 2011, at age 97. Survived by two sons, Bruce Fuller and Kenneth (Elaine) Fuller, both of Churchville; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held March 4 at Churchville United Methodist Church. Burial in Creekside Cemetery, Churchville. Contributions can be made to Churchville United Methodist Church, 24 West Buffalo Street, Churchville 14428 or to Odd Fellow & Rebekah Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, 104 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY 14094 in her memory.
•Zinkie, Margaret (Nailima), January 7, 2011, age 89, while visiting family for the holidays in Las Vegas. Originally from Hawaii, moved to Rochester in 2005 to live with daughter Shirley (Kehaulani) and son-in-law Richard Vigilante.
A Memorial Mass was held March 5 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Churchville.
HAMLIN
•Balbi, Mary Louise (Viscardi), died February 24, 2011 at age 87. Predeceased by husband, Alexander, and grandson, Nicholas. Survived by son, Salvatore (Janet); grandsons, Alexander (Sara) and Salvatore (Erica); great-grandchildren, Samantha, Salvatore, Julianna, Gavvin and Makel; brother James Viscardi; compari’s Joseph and Mary Bonaccio; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral Services were held February 28 at Peace of Christ Parish at St. Ambrose Church. Entombment, White Haven Cemetery. Contributions can be made to C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer in her memory.
HILTON
•Chinappi, August J. Sr. “Augie,” February 26, 2011, at age 78. Predeceased by his children’s mother, Ruth; son, Thomas and grandson, Nicholas. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ann (Scally) Chinappi; children, Augie Jr., Nick (Laura), John (JoAnn), Tony (Ed), Flo (Bob) Ventola, Margaret (Dean) D’Angelo; stepdaughters, Linda (Don) Wilkins, Carol Klem, Diane (Mickey) Treat; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Serafina “Dolly” Chinappi; brother-in-law, Anthony Ferro; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Augie was a veteran of the Korean War, and a retiree of the US Post Office and Vanderstyne Ford.
A Memorial Funeral Mass was said March 4 at St. John Evangelist Church, Greece. Private interment. Augie dearly loved his family. Celebrate Augie’s life by doing something special with your family.
•Lill, Florence, February 11, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, George Lill. She is survived by her sons, James (Bonnie) Lill and Richard (Mary) Lill; grandchildren, Adam, Ryan and Megan; great-grandchild, Kameron; many other relatives and friends.
Services and interment held privately in White Haven Memorial Park.
•Sellitto, Anthony J. “Butch” “Tony,” February 24, 2011. Predeceased by his parents, Louis and Jennie Sellitto; sister, Mary Sanguedolce; nephew, Joseph Sanguedolce. Survived by his wife, Dianne (Sendera) Sellitto; children, Richard Granata and Robert Granata; grandchildren, Andrew Granata, Anthony Granata and Marisa Granata; sisters, Ann (Patrick) DiStefano, Angela Sellitto and Geraldine Sellitto (caregiver); special niece, Joanne (Michael) Pelano; sister-in-law, Christine Sendera; nieces and nephews, Michael (Joyce Owings) Cumbo, Mark (Lori) Cumbo, Dianne (Steve) Couch, Terie Kunkle, Frank DiStefano, Elizabeth (Sam) Cubiotti, Louis (Martine) DiStefano and Anthony DiStefano; several great-nieces, nephews and cousins.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated March 2 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made to MCH Foundation, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 or Unity Health Foundation, Dialysis Unit, 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626-4122 or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 in his memory.
•Smith, Thomas Stanley, of Grapeland, Texas, age 68, died unexpectedly February 25, 2011. Tom is the brother of James (Jeanette), Susan, Daniel (Beth) Smith and Sarah (Michael) Watkins. Survived by his sweetheart, Kathryn Baxter; her son William (Lecel) Baxter, and their four children, Grace, Jacob, John and Hope; also survived by his aunt Betty Kintz; nieces and nephews, Kevin Cleary, Brandon, Cameron and Alicia Smith, Matthew, Ryan and Megan Watkins; several cousins including, Beverly and Melanie Burritt. Predeceased by his father, Fahy Smith; mother Mary; stepmother, Lois; and brother, Gregory Smith. Tom graduated from Hilton Central High School Class of 1960, and from RIT in 1978 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.
Funeral Services were held March 4 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association, or Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2306 Appleby Sand Road, Nacogdoches, Texas 75965 in his memory.
HOLLEY
•Watson, Phyllis J., age 76, died March 1, 2011 at The Crossroads House in Batavia after a long illness. She was born in Bloomfield, a daughter of Rachel (Bates) and Walter Tompkins and has lived in this area most of her life. She worked as a Secretary for Mills-Talbot in Rochester for many years. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, William; two children, Robert A. Watson of Rochester, Donna (Frank) Hynes of Florida; grandson, Anthony J. (Barbara) Watson; great granddaughter, Elise Watson; sister, Ortha P. Wright of Bloomfield; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a granddaugher Carolyn.
Services will be at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans or the American Cancer Society in her memory.
KENT
•Glerum, Susan B. “Sue”, died February 27, 2011. Survived by husband John C. Glerum; beloved daughter Kimberly A. (Oiy) Sihavong; granddaughter Kassana Sihavong; sisters Betsy Toombs, Patricia (Alfred) Kempf, and brother Joseph (Kathleen) Dorety; three aunts; one uncle; nieces, nephews, and many friends including her special “lake friends”. Predeceased by her parents Jim and Betty.
Services private at the convenience of her family. Contributions can be made to Love the Children, 221 West Broad Street, Quakertown, Pennsylvania 18951 in her memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Cerra, Nellie P. (Perrotta), March 1, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Sam Cerra. She is survived by her children Mary Ellen (Richard) DiMarco, Donald (Sandra) Cerra, Nancy (Frank) Carra; grandchildren, Lisa (Anthony) Ellis, Jodie (John) Francis, Scott (Julie) DiMarco, Alysia (Charles) Chapin, Michele (Michael) Reing, Richard (Jennifer) DiMarco, Tracy (Douglas) Rich, Danielle (Christopher) Roach, Meghan (Brian) Cleversey, Frank (Nicole) Carra; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Fannie Constantino, Dora (Sal) DiSchino, Anna (George) Giuliano; several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated March 5 at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Gates. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Notre Dame Learning Center, 71 Parkway, Rochester 14608 or to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.