Archives - Week of May 29, 2011

Local News - Week of May 29, 2011

Two towns meet to discuss fire district plan

by Kristina Gabalski

Members of the Clarkson and Sweden Town Boards met jointly, Tuesday, May 24, to discuss and bring the community up to date on fire services

The two town boards and the Brockport Village Board had been investigating forming a joint fire district, but discussions came to an end May 9, when the village voted to pull out.

Special Counsel, Ray DiRaddo, who the towns hired to help assist with the fire district formation process, told those in attendance that Clarkson and Sweden have been acting as fire protection districts for many years. Clarkson created its fire protection district in 1955 and Sweden created its fire protection district in 1933.

For more than 30 years, the towns have contracted with the Village of Brockport/Brockport Fire Department for fire protection services. There was an assumption, DiRaddo said, that fire protection districts could not purchase fire apparatus, but that law has changed. Fire protection districts are now allowed to acquire apparatus and the town boards could act as commissioners for a Clarkson/Sweden fire protection district, DiRaddo said.

“This is not another layer of government,” he said. “You have the opportunity to go out and buy equipment.”

This method of delivering fire services is “ ... much more common in New York than you know,” DiRaddo noted.

As a local example, DiRaddo pointed to the Irondequoit Town Board which acts as the board of commissioners for the Seabreeze fire protection district.

“This is good news for all of you,” DiRaddo told town board members. “This will allow you to look ahead and do what you need to do ... the umbrella has already been created.”

Clarkson Councilperson Allan Hoy reported on the work of a committee that over the last month and a half has studied the costs of outfitting and maintaining a fire department.

The committee looked into all costs involved, Hoy said, including apparatus, clothing, radios, computers, chiefs’ cars and legal fees.

“The price of start-up would cost within what we are paying today,” Hoy said.

Hoy also reported that the committee had found the cost of maintaining a fire department would also be “ ... within what we’re already paying today.”

Hoy said the committee looked into used fire equipment (8-12 years old), as well as leasing equipment and refurbished equipment.

Sweden Councilperson Robert Carges said the Town of Sweden is ready to put up money for a firehouse, if need be, with a site to be determined.

Clarkson Councilperson Sheldon Meyers asked about staffing. “We’ve been happy with Brockport (fire department) personnel,” he said.

Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball responded that the towns are looking into whether or not Brockport Fire Department personnel can serve both.

Kimball said both towns will not continue to work together on budget and contractual issues.

Facilities Master Plan for College Campus presented to Brockport Village Board

by Kristina Gabalski

Officials from The College at Brockport presented their Facilities Master Plan (FaMP) to Brockport Village Board members during the board’s regular meeting May 11.

Thomas Dreyer, PE, Assistant Vice-President Facilities and Planning, made a 20 minute Power Point® presentation and then took questions from the board.

Dreyer explained that the Facilities Master Plan is a comprehensive study of the campus’s existing conditions combined with needs and vision of the future. The Master Plan prioritizes and provides a sequence for the facilities design and construction projects that support the academic mission.

Facilities Master Plans are being performed at all SUNY campuses, Dreyer said. “Student demographics are changing,” he explained, “we want to make sure (SUNY Brockport) becomes a nationally recognized institution.”

Planning principles of the FaMP focus on enhancing the learning environment and quality of place, Dreyer said.

Those principles include optimizing the efficiency and utilization of the existing facilities and identifying the potential for new facilities to accommodate programmatic needs; organizing the campus to strengthen the academic mission; improving the pedestrian experience with walkways that are intuitive, safe and accessible; connecting the campus perimeter to enrich the academic core; strengthening the entrances and defining campus edges.

Dreyer’s presentation focused on portions of the FaMP that pertain to the interface between the college and the village.

Near-term actions include traffic calming, pedestrian and vehicle safety improvements on Holley Street, Dreyer said. The speed limit would be reduced from 30 to 25 MPH and three sets of stop signs would be set up: a four way stop at Commencement Drive; at the crosswalk to and from D parking lots and at the crosswalk at the Tower Fine Arts Center.

Dreyer said the college would also like to close Kenyon Street from Residence Drive to Monroe for a pending utilities project and after construction retain the closure of Kenyon in front of Morgan for safety and community use.

“Emergency access would be retained,” Dreyer said.

The final configuration would enable new buildings as well as create a quad, enhance pedestrian safety and calm traffic.

The college is proposing that ownership of Kenyon Street be transferred to the college from the railroad tracks to Monroe, Dreyer said. The college would then assume all maintenance.

That idea did raise concerns with some village board members.

Trustee Scott Hunsinger told Dreyer he had spoken with the village DPW superintendent and that “… if (Kenyon) were to close and be given to the college, the village will lose (in today’s figures) $1,000 in CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) money.”

Hunsinger noted that otherwise, “the plan looks great.”

“I like the plan,” Trustee Kent Blair said. He added that he would be supportive of better signage on Route 19 (Main Street) in the village to direct visitors to campus.

Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn also raised concerns over the Kenyon Street closing in regards to emergency traffic planning. He noted Kenyon does provide a way over the railroad tracks west of Main Street and asked if Kenyon could be made two-way in that section.

Dreyer said Kuhn’s idea would be taken into consideration. He said the college would like to work with the village on the near term actions.

The future of the college and the village are certainly linked together,” Dreyer said.

Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship celebrates Charter Sunday

Unitarian Universalist dignitaries, members of area congregations and area residents attended Charter Sunday making the Brockport congregation a legal entity in New York State. Provided photoOn Sunday, May 15, 2011, over 60 Unitarian Universalist (UU) dignitaries, members from other congregations, families and friends attended a ceremony held at the Historic Garland Church, on Sweden-Walker Road near Ridge Road, in the Town of Clarkson. The event, Charter Sunday, celebrated the Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (BUUF) becoming a legal church entity in the State of New York and, a new Congregation in the St. Lawrence District (SLD) of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA).

Before BUUF, UUs traveled 25 miles from Brockport, to either Albion or Rochester. Of the 50 plus people from Monroe and Orleans Counties who attend BUUF church services regularly, 30 individuals “signed the book” as founding or “Charter” members. Others, who are currently attending as “Friends” of the church, may join any time if they wish.

The congregation’s minister, Reverend Peggy Meeker, officiated at the service. Assisting were: Worship Associates Donald Zimmer, Matt O’Donnell and Bonnie Beiswenger; Guest Preacher Reverend Connie Goodbread, Interim Executive Director of the SLD; Guest Musician Timothy Burns, Doctoral Student at the Eastman School of Music; Song Leader Cora Schrader; and Children’s Faith Development Director Karen LoBracco.

During her remarks, Reverend Goodbread noted that, “ ... the day is even more significant because, May 15, 2011 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Unitarian Universalist Association.” The two denominations - Unitarianism and Universalism (each is several hundreds of years old) came together as one Church in 1961.

At the end of the program, Reverend Meeker acknowledged and thanked several people including: Imagineer David Markham who she said had the dream for a UU Church in Brockport two years ago; the members of the Steering Committee who brought the dream to reality; special guest ministers, lay officials, and friends from the St. Lawrence District; First Universalist Church, Rochester; First Unitarian Church, Rochester; Pullman Memorial Universalist Church, Albion; and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Can-andaigua, NY. She gave special thanks to the Brockport United Methodist Church for their generosity and support in making the Historic Garland UM Church available to BUUF. A reception was held in the Fellowship Hall following the service.

The first official congregational meeting will take place following the service on Sunday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at the Historic Garland UM church. At that time, voting members will elect a Treasurer and four members for the Board of Trustees.

For other information about BUUF visit the website, www.brockportuu.org.

Provided information

Brockport Fire Department receives Patriotic Employer award

The office of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has recognized the Brockport Fire Department as a Patriotic Employer for contributing to National Security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting participation in the National Guard and Reserves.

The award was presented by SSG Stephen Zdunczyk, US Army. He provided the following information:

“The Patriot Award is an honor given out by the ESGR, the Employee Support for the Guard & Reserve. It’s an award for those who support their employees or department members when they are deployed. The men and women of the Brockport Fire Department went beyond the norm in taking care of me while I was in Iraq. I do not have family in Western New York, so when I deployed, my brothers and sisters of the department jumped in to help. They took care of me by watching my house, which I closed up for a year. Members of the department cut my grass, shoveled my driveway, and landscaped my lawn. They even scraped mold off the walls of my house because I was not there to do it myself. It helped me to be able to focus on my mission abroad knowing I had an entire department looking out for me back home. The Chief’s Office even sent me emails and newsletters so I could keep up with everything happening with the department. They constantly volunteered to help out anyway they can and expressed pride in me and my fellow soldiers. These are men and women who act selflessly everyday and put themselves in harm’s way to help others. Their support meant everything to me and I wish I could do more for them.”

Cub Scouts complete Park Clean-up

On April 30, the Spencerport Cub Scout Pack #92 completed a park clean up at Pineway Ponds Park.

The scouts and their families ventured far and wide to all areas of the park and collected numerous bags of garbage.

This annual clean-up project welcomes in the start of the busy season at the park, and is a great service to the community.

Provided photo

Work nears completion on Spencerport Dock

Final touches to the new Spencerport Dock are near completion. May 12, workers from the Village of Spencerport’s Department of Public Work (DPW) along with help from DPW workers from Brockport and Churchville paved the walkway along the new dock near the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum.

Thomas West, Spencerport’s DPW Superintendent said workers from Brockport, Churchville, and Spencerport along with other municipalities in the area are part of an Intermunicipal Agreement for shared services. These shared services include helping each other out so the towns and villages don’t have to hire contract services to do various tasks such as the paving of the new Spencerport dock’s walkway.

After all the finishing touches to the new dock are complete, Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene said a dedication will be held Saturday, June 11 at 2 p.m. Dignitaries associated with the Erie Canal from New York State have been invited to the event.Workers from the Village of Spencerport’s Department of Public Works (DPW) along with help from DPW workers from Brockport and Churchville pave the walkway along the new dock near the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum. A dedication ceremony for the new canalside feature is planned for Saturday, June 11.

Photo by Dave Knox

Feature Stories - Week of May 29, 2011

Area residents invited to “Remember the Homestead”

Photo from Remembering Hamlin: 1802-2002 by former Historian Mary Smith. Used with permission.Lots of memories will be shared at A Remembrance Celebration on Sunday, June 5 at the Hamlin VFW (3 to 8 p.m.) The Homestead Hotel had a rich history as a local gathering place in Hamlin until its destruction in a fire 25 years ago. Former Hamlin Historian Mary Smith wrote the following in her book: Remembering Hamlin: 1802-2002.

The Homestead Hotel

Across from Duffy Mott in Hamlin, was the Penner Hotel. That was part of the Coulthurst Farm in 1875-76, when the railroad went through the property. At that time it was their home and it was just a small one-story building. Then Frank Penner bought it.

Frank ran the Garland Hotel for one year, and then Clarkson voted to go dry. Hamlin was wet, so Penner bought this and moved his business down here. About 1907, he raised the roof and added on to it. After the building was enlarged, dry house workers and Standard Apple workers and some hoboes rented rooms there. He called it the ‘Old Homestead Hotel.’ During Prohibition he bought barrels of cider in the fall and fermented it for his customers. At that time you went in the old bar room door on the east side of the hotel.

That big barn northeast of it was used as a livery stable for the hotel. There was an ice pond in back, where they cut their own ice for the hotel. Penner dug that off the creek. It’s all grown over now, but it still fills with water in the spring and when the creek is flooded. There was an apple orchard there, too.

Then, before 1922, Percy and Phyllis Allard from Canada ran it.

Ross Dingman had it about 1923-24 and people called it ‘Dinger’s.’ Mostly hoboes stayed there when Dingman had it. He had it during Prohibition, too, but the back door was still open to customers. They served hard cider mostly.

Then Fay and Helen Knapp (‘Shaker’s’ parents) bought it from Dingmans after World War II. First they lived in the hotel and then they bought the house north of the hotel and lived there. (‘They had good food there,’ Jack Prince commented. ‘Helen Knapp and Mary Snyder did the cooking. Liz Daily and Jane Prince waitressed. They had hot lunches and a lot of workers and visitors from Duffy’s ate there. On Friday nights there were so many people you had to wait outside to get in. Gladys Knapp lived in an apartment upstairs. She was an invalid. She was the first dispatcher for the fire department.’)

Knapps sold the hotel in 1967 to David Leslie and he had it a couple years before Michael Courtney bought it. He only had it a few years and he sold it to Bernard and Jeannie Czebatul in 1972. John Polle bought it five years later, about the time Duffys shut down, but he didn’t live there. It had a bar and restaurant and a party room. It burned down (in June 1986.)

Local canal communities get national attention

by Kristina Gabalski

Travelers in various watercraft visit ports along the Erie Canal. Here, boaters stop for a visit in Spencerport. Photo by Dave KnoxA section of the Erie Canal from Holley to Seneca Falls gets top billing in the June 2011 issue of Country Living magazine.

The two-page article entitled “80 Miles on the Erie Canal” is in the “Out and About” section and features six stops including Holley, Brockport, Fairport and Pittsford for vacationers who might enjoy renting a houseboat (available from a business in Macedon) for touring the canal.

The article refers to the 80-mile section as “our favorite ... of the canal,” and Country Living executive editor Shelly Ridenour told Westside News Inc. during a phone interview that it was, “really hard to narrow down” which stops to include.

The excursion suggested in the article takes one week and Ridenour says the magazine wanted to highlight stops within a reasonable radius of Macedon with good docking locations that featured connections to activities their readers love.

The local section chosen “hits all the notes for a great summer vacation,” she said.

Although there are no photos of Brockport, the article mentions the village’s historic district and “fun” places to browse on Main Street including Seaward Candies, Bittersweet and the Lift Bridge Book Shop.

“There’s so much fun to be had,” Ridenour says.

There are photos of the canal path near Holley, produce at the farmers market in Fairport and a concert in the Port of Pittsford Park. The two other stops featured are Palmyra and Seneca Falls/Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

One of the magazines’ editors who had traveled the canal years ago on a family vacation, suggested the article, Ridenour says.

“It’s a lazy trip down the Erie Canal,” she said. “You can make as many stops as you feel like. It’s so nice the (villages) have made (the canal) so user friendly.”

Sports - Week of May 29, 2011

Brockport

Brockport gymnast earns gold at regional championships

Gymnast Megan Stevens with her Coach Colleen Merchant at the USAG Regional Championships. Provided photoBright Raven gymnast Megan Stevens earned one gold and two silver medals at the USA Gymnastics Level 8 Regional Championships held in North Andover, Massachusetts on May 1.

Megan Stevens, age 14, of Brockport took first place in floor exercise competition with a score of 9.40. She was second on balance beam with a 9.30 and second all around with a total score of 36.50. Stevens also placed sixth on both vault and the uneven parallel bars scoring 9.05 and 8.75, respectively.

Teammate Nikole VanWie, age 16, of Brockport also qualified for Regionals and finished in seventh place on two events: vault with a score of 8.95 and balance beam with an 8.45.

The Regional Championships included gymnasts from all of the New England States in addition to New York. Both Stevens and VanWie qualified for Regionals by earning high all around scores at the State Championships held in Rochester last month. They are both members of Bright Raven Gymnastics of Gates.

Provided information and photo

Byron-Bergen

Bees softball falls in Sectionals

by Warren Kozireski

Trailing 4-2, Byron-Bergen rallied for a run in the sixth inning, but could not get the equalizer as their season ended with a 4-3 loss to host Bishop Kearney in girls softball.

The Bees took an early 2-0 in the first inning when Trisha Shingleton led off with a single and advanced to third on a double by Haley Howard. Kizzy Heale plated the first run with an RBI sacrifice fly and Howard later scored on an error.

The Kings took a 3-2 lead and later threatened to break the game open, but Bees pitcher Kristin Hohn got out of a first-and-third no out situation allowing just one run in the fourth resulting in a 4-2 lead.

In the top of the sixth, Hohn led off with a double to left-center, went to third on a passed ball and scored on a dropped third strike throw to first base to bring Byron-Bergen to within one run at 4-3.

Senior catcher Steph Dilcher reached base with a two-out single in the seventh, but was stranded to end the comeback hopes.

Five seniors completed their high school playing careers - Howard, Heale, Amanda Brown, Dilcher and Rita Burasai - as the Bees finished the campaign with a 7-10 record.

Churchville-Chili

Saints netters advance to semi’s

by Warren Kozireski

Third-seeded Churchville-Chili received two wins in both singles and doubles play to defeat sixth-seed Gates Chili 4-3 and move on to the Section Five boys tennis semi-finals.

The Saints, now 11-1, got singles victories from juniors Jon Barta and Zach Wing at second and fourth singles respectively. Barta was victorious 6-2, 6-3 while Wing won a 6-2, 6-0 decision.

The top doubles team of senior Connor Magiera and junior Ben Cheal won 6-3, 6-0 and seniors Brian Lang and Casey Chamberlain took a relatively easy 6-1, 6-2 third doubles match to secure the team victory.

C-C will next face second seeded Webster Thomas (8-3) in the 2 vs. 3 semifinal with top seed Fairport (11-1) meeting #4 Penfield (7-4) in the other.

Kendall

Memorial Walk raises $2,500 for cancer research

Kendall students Kate Richardson, Carley Lester and Jessica Kuhn participated in the 21st Annual Memorial Walk on Thursday, May 19. The event raised $2,500 for cancer research. Provided photoThe David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School’s National Honor Society’s 21st Annual Memorial Walk on Thursday, May 19 raised $2,500 for cancer research. The event was dedicated to Grace Lang, a nurse at Kendall High School for 17 years who died in the spring of 1990, as well as Amber Liese, a Kendall graduate who died from cancer in fall of 2010. Family members and friends of Grace and Amber both participated in the walk, in addition to many students, teachers, faculty and staff.

“I don’t think they should ever be forgotten,” said Amber’s mother, Karen Liese.

Kendall freshman Lizzie Pierson said she wanted to participate in the walk to honor her grandmother who died of lung cancer.

“It was for a good cause and people need to know about the types of cancers you can get,” said Kendall freshman Alexa Wolf.

Last year’s event raised $1,700. All proceeds will benefit the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Kendall Volunteer Ambulance and the Kendall Senior and Junior National Honor Society.

Provided information

Schools - Week of May 29, 2011

BOCES

Center for Workforce Development celebrates the success of 37 GED students

Houston Daniels (right), a graduate of the Center for Workforce Development's GED program, was recognized at this year's graduation ceremony for being named Student of the Year at the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education held in Latham, NY earlier this year. He is shown with Mary Ellen Spennacchio-Wagner, CWD director, and Joseph Kelly, BOCES 2 assistant superintendent for Instructional Programs. Provided photoIn a ceremony in May, 37 graduates walked across the stage at the BOCES 2 Educational Services Center to receive their General Education Diplomas (GED). Each graduate had taken his or her own special journey to get to that proud moment. Several students shared their stories.

Janice Snipes said she didn’t even finish the ninth grade. Her son and her mother inspired her to begin studying for her GED test with the help of Center for Workforce Development (CWD) instructors. “My mother told me that I had great potential, so I decided on Mother’s Day to begin the program here,” said Janice. “Ray Marks was my favorite teacher. He helped me conquer my fears.”

“Each of you honored graduates has had the foresight to take advantage of this pathway to achieving this important credential,” said Joseph Kelly, assistant superintendent for Instructional Programs. “And as unique as each of you is and as unique as your stories might be, it is readily apparent that there are some important unifying and common similarities among you. You all have displayed great character, courage, persistence, commitment and fortitude.”

In addition to awarding 37 diplomas, the ceremony featured recognition for graduate Houston Daniels, who was named Student of the Year at the 28th Annual Awards Ceremony of the New York Association for Continuing/Community Education held in Latham, NY earlier this year.

Concluding the ceremony was a special presentation to CWD Teacher Kathleen Schneider, who is retiring after 20 years of helping students obtain their GED.

Provided information

Churchville-Chili

Two students inducted into Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame

Churchville-Chili Board of Education President Sheryl Johnson, Marcus Blythers, Jared Wilson and Dr. Pam Kissel, Churchville-Chili Superintendent, at an awards presentation earlier this month. Provided photoChurchville-Chili Seniors Marcus Blythers and Jared Wilson were inducted into the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce 2011 Youth Hall of Fame on Monday, May 16 at the Riga Town Hall.

The Youth Hall of Fame award recognizes those youths who have demonstrated, through contributions to the community and outstanding achievements, their personal growth and development.

Marcus Blythers will receive a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation in June and he is a member of the football and the basketball teams. He also participates in Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers, a high school program that gives students an opportunity to learn about careers in teaching. Marcus plans to study early childhood education at Roberts Wesleyan College. He was recently injured in a car accident that took the life of his best friend. He was nominated by Churchville-Chili High School counselor Molly Wallace, who wrote in her nomination letter: “Marcus would be a fine role model for his future students - teaching is a profession that would suit him well. Marcus has had to face a great deal of adversity over the pas couple months. He has faced this challenge with bravery and perseverance. Everyone who knew Marcus before the accident knew that he was a special young man - this experience has shown him to also be an inspiration to those around him.”

Jared Wilson is an excellent student at Churchville-Chili High School and at BOCES 2 WEMOCO in the Digital Communications and Media Production course. He will attend Monroe Community College and then SUNY Purchase to pursue a degree in studio recording. Jared is legally blind. He was nominated by Churchville-Chili School Counselor, Margie Rudy, who wrote in her nomination letter: “What makes Jared worthy of this honor is his incredible kindness, his maturity, his ability to connect with the people in his life. Here is a young man who has every reason to be bitter about what life has thrown his way, yet I have never heard him speak a harsh word about anyone nor have I ever witnessed him trying to use his situation as an excuse as to why he cannot do something. Jared is compassionate, extremely respectful, and grateful to anyone who has helped him along the way.”

Provided information

Churchville-Chili senior Marcus Blythers selected as Outstanding Senior

Senior Marcus Blythers was recognized at the 16th Annual Monroe County Council of School Superintendents’ Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner as the Outstanding Senior from Churchville-Chili High School. Superintendent

Dr. Pamela Kissel presented Marcus with a crystal paperweight on an engraved wooden base at the dinner which was held at The College at Brockport on May 18. Seniors in each district are selected for this honor based upon their scholarship, service, and character.

Provided photo

Hilton

Hilton ESL students’ writing to be included in anthology, “Everybody Has a Story”

Shown (l to r) Khin Shwe, Fom Tin Tial and Natasha Voronina from Hilton High School"s ESL program, will have their writing included in a soon-to-be published anthology. Provided photoThree Hilton High School juniors, Khin Shwe, Fom Tin Tial, and Natasha Voronina, will have their writing included in a new anthology, “Everybody Has a Story,” published by the Rochester Area Literacy Council. English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESL) teacher at Hilton High School Michelle Kirchgraber-Newton said, “The students were inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem “Mother to Son.” After studying the poem, they decided to write their own poems and letters to their future children, telling their stories and how they have survived adversity at such a young age. These poems and prose will also be included in an ESL class project of student memoirs, to be compiled and printed in June. This is a great accomplishment for these students. The two students from Burma had only been in the USA for two-and-a-half years when they wrote the poem and prose, and Natasha came to the United States when she was 11 years old.”

“The writing I did is about not forgetting who you are, your culture, your home,” Khin Shwe said. Khin and Fom are sisters from a remote region of Myanmar (Burma). Natasha, one of 11 children, is from the Ukraine. There are students from the Yemen, China and the Philippines also in Newton’s class in Hilton. Improving literacy is the goal of our community and of the Rochester Area Literacy Council (RALC). For the second year, RALC has collected and published the writing and art from students in Rochester and the surrounding area. This year the project, “Everybody Has a Story,” includes two books; one showcasing the work of students in kindergarten through sixth grade and the second edition which highlights the work of students in grades 7-12, representing the work of about 100 area students.

In addition, English Language Arts teacher Melanie Krebs served as a reader for the secondary book project. “The Council is a professional organization dedicated to strengthening literacy and literacy instruction in our community,” Krebs said. “The Student Publishing Project is a way for RALC to foster writing and art and to allow students the opportunity to share their work with a broader audience. Each student whose work was published will be honored at a special book celebration and also received a copy of the book compliments of the Rochester Area Literacy Council. RALC is currently planning for the 2011-2012 book offering which will be entitled “Storytellers All: Voices and Visuals from Rochester Area Students.” Students in grades kindergarten through 12 are invited to submit their stories and visuals for review,” Newton said.

Provided information

Holley

Getting ready to go off to Kindergarten

The preschoolers from the Schoolhouse of Brockport spent a recent morning visiting the Holley Elementary School. The children had the opportunity to see the art room and gym, meet the nurse, and go through the lunch line. They also toured a kindergarten class and met Mrs. D’Angelo, who answered many of their questions.

Holley Central schools helped the preschoolers understand what they will encounter next year. This kindergarten visit was part of the schoolhouse’s readiness program that involves kindergarten meetings and kindergarten workshops.

Provided photo

Kendall

Urban Steel Band brings Caribbean music to Kendall HS

Students from the John Marshall Urban Steel Band brought the sounds of the Caribbean to the David J. Doyle Jr./Sr. Kendall High School on May 20. The program was sponsored by the district’s AFS Club.

The group of about a dozen students performed many popular favorites including songs by Cold Play, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga on close to 20 steel drums.

In the 1960s, President John Kennedy formed the “Partners of the Americas” organization to improve relations between peoples of North America, South America and the Caribbean Islands. Rochester is partnered with the island of Antiqua, West Indies through the local chapter of the Partners of America. Through this partnership, three musicians came to John Marshall High School in 1999 to build a set of steel drums. Shortly after, the Urban Steel Band was formed and the group has been performing all over the Rochester community to great success ever since.

Provided photo

Kendall senior Tyler Raufeisen selected as Outstanding Senior

Senior Tyler Raufeisen was recognized at the 16th Annual Monroe County Council of School Superintendents’ Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner as the Outstanding Senior from the David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School.

Superintendent Julie Christensen presented Tyler with a crystal paperweight on an engraved wooden base at the dinner which was held at the College at Brockport on May 18. Seniors in each district are selected for this honor based upon their scholarship, service, and character.

Provided photo

Spencerport

Spencerport musicians win top award in D.C.

Spencerport musicians competed in Washington, D.C. Provided photoThe Spencerport High School Jazz Ensembles, Vocal Jazz and Treble Choir traveled to Washington, D.C. in early April to compete in the national Heritage Music Festival. Each ensemble was judged by three appointed adjudicators and received a written and aural “real time” evaluation and ratings based on an extensive set of performance criteria. The Saturday night awards banquet placed a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of the Spencerport music program.

The Jazz Ensemble, directed by John Viavattine, received a Gold rating and a first place in the 3A Jazz Ensemble category. In addition they received the Outstanding Band Group trophy with the highest score of all the bands in the festival. Brennan Cockey was given a Maestro Award for his outstanding individual achievement in his featured sax solo with the jazz ensemble.

Ben Osborn directed the Friday Jazz Ensemble, which received a Silver rating and a first place ranking in the 2A Jazz Ensemble category. The Spencerport bands received the Instrumental Sweepstakes trophy for the highest combined scores by a district with two or more bands.

Vocal Jazz, directed by Alan Jones, received a Gold rating and the highest score in the vocal jazz category. Enrico Iraci was presented a Maestro Award for his outstanding individual performance as vocal percussionist for Vocal Jazz. The Treble Choir under the direction of Ann Murphy received a Gold rating and second place in the Women’s Choir division.

Spencerport brought home the top award of the festival. The Festival Sweepstakes trophy is presented to the school with the highest combined choral/instrumental score in the festival.

The Spencerport Music Association, The Spencerport Credit Union, the Spencerport Retirees Association, parents and friends of music provided support and donations that helped defray the cost of the trip.

Provided information

New high school assistant principal named at Spencerport

The Spencerport Board of Education has appointed Steven Lysenko as assistant principal at Spencerport High School effective July 1.

Lysenko, who fills the vacancy left from the retirement of Laurie Boughter, joins the Ranger staff with 11 years of education experience. He has worked in the Bloomfield School District for the past four years as coordinator of the middle school program. Prior to that, he has worked in the Webster School District as a science teacher and enrichment specialist and at St. John Fisher College as part of their adjunct faculty.

Lysenko earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Geneseo, his master’s in math, science and technology education from St. John Fisher College, and his certificate of advanced study in educational administration from SUNY Oswego.

He is also active in the community as a judge for the NYS Central Western Regional Science Olympiad and a volunteer in the Lake Placid Iron Man triathlon.

Obituaries - Week of May 29, 2011

BERGEN

•Wall, Eric C., May 20, 2011 at age 16; son of Brad Wall and Marjorie Arva Wall, both of Bergen; brother of Kevin and Grady Wall, both of Bergen; grandson of Gerald (Missy) Wall of Inlet and Earle (Margaret) Foster of Bergen; and the late Connie Wall; also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services were held May 25 at Bergen United Methodist Church. Contributions can be made to the Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, NY 14416 in his memory.

BROCKPORT

•Eaton, Marilyn A. (nee Wahl), May 24, 2011. Beloved wife of Larry N. Eaton; dearest mother of Christine Bucelli, Robert Bucelli and Michael Bucelli; step-mother of William Eaton and Tabetha (Christopher) Crysel; grandmother of Andrew and Elizabeth Crysel; daughter of the late Charles and the late Ruth (nee Witucki) Wahl; sister of Kenneth (Sara) Wahl of San Diego, California and Norman (Maria) Wahl; also survived by nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held May 27 at The Urban Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., East Amherst and at St. Christopher Church. Contributions can be made to CP Rochester and Lance Armstrong Foundation in her memory.

•Schofield, Dorothy A., Formerly of Palm Bay, Florida on May 23, 2011. She is survived by her husband, Harold; her children, Cynthia (Robert) Syrocki, Diana (David) Simon and Harold S. Scholfield; five grandchildren, Cristy, Hugh, Karen, Heather and Jacob; her sisters, Audrey (Teddy) Wardell and Nancy (Bill) Gleason; several nieces and nephews.

Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.

CHURCHVILLE

•Wallace, Merle W., On May 23, 2011. He was born January 24, 1923. Merle was an Army Veteran. He was also a long time teacher in the Bath Central School District. He is survived by his children, David (Christine) Wallace, of Bath, Elaine Wallace, of Albany, Dr. James (Cynthia) Wallace, of Pittsford, Ann (John) Dietz of Churchville; and his grandchildren.

Funeral Services were held May 28 at Fagan’s Funeral Home, Bath, NY. Burial in Nondaga Cemetery, Bath, with Full Military Honors.

CLARKSON

•Fahmer, Allen W., Peacefully, May 20, 2011 after a nine year battle with cancer at age 83. Predeceased by his infant son, Mark Allen. Survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Marilyn; his children, Melanie (Ken) and Marty (Ann); other relatives and friends.

At his request, a private service was held. Contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church, 124 Main Street, Brockport 14420 or Lifetime Hospice, 3111 South Winton Road, Rochester 14623 in his memory.

HAMLIN

•McNulty, Gerard F. “Jerry,” May 19, 2011, at age 73. Survived by his wife, Gail; his sons, Bruce (Chris), Tom (Lisa) and Scott (Donna) McNulty; step-son, Ken (Sharon) Carpenter; step-daughter, Donna (Rick) Hendricks; his brother, Ronald (Kathy) McNulty; sisters, Marie (William) MacGregor and Carol (Michael) Schneider; grandchildren, Jacqueline, Katelyn, Melissa, Karl, Joe and Jenna McNulty, Brent Carpenter and Stephanie Hendricks. He was predeceased by his wife Rita, 1999.

A Memorial Service was held May 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hilton. Private interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hamlin Lions Club, P.O. Box 91, Hamlin 14464 in his memory.

•Ramsdell, Dennis B., On May 22, 2011. Predeceased by his wife, Donna and is survived by his wife, Felicia; three children, Dennis Jr. (Sherry), Shawn (Michelle), Lori (Tim) Waz; seven grandchildren. Dennis was a member of the AVA Post #1 Hamlin.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, June 11 at 1 p.m. at the V.F.W. Post 6703, 1749 Lake Road, Hamlin. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory.

HILTON

•Barlow, James H., Suddenly, May 20, 2011, at age 82. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean (Frisby); sons, Jeffrey (Cynthia) and Jonathan; grandchildren, Adam and Jessica (John Paul Lanni); great-grandson, Joshua Lanni; sister, Betty (James) Brooks; brother, William (Joan) Barlow; sister-in-law, Bea (Gene) Dewey; several nieces, nephews and feline companions.

A Memorial Service was held May 27 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

•Hoefen, Michael E., May 23, 2011, age 68. Predeceased by his first wife, Rhonda, 2001. Survived by his wife, Carolyn; his sons, Todd (Kimberley) and Jeffrey (Heather) Hoefen; step-children, Brenda (Donald) Ehinger, Bret (Kim Marie) Hagenbach; his brother, John (Michelle) Hoefen; his sister, JoAnne (William) Camann; grandchildren, Morhea and Parker Hoefen, Hannah and Lauren Ehinger, Kali, Emma and Tyler Hagenbach; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

A Memorial Service was held May 26 at Hilton Baptist Church. Private interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hilton Baptist Church Memorial Fund in his memory.

HOLLEY

•Ranger, Michael D., age 23, died May 23, 2011 in Strong Memorial Hospital following a long illness. He was born March 27, 1988 in Brockport to William and Sheila (Maynard) Ranger and was a lifetime resident of this area. Michael attended Holley High School. Michael was predeceased by his grandfather Michael Amstein. He is survived by his parents, William and Sheila Ranger of Holley; brother, William “Will” Ranger, Jr. of Hilton; grandparents, William and Kathleen (Heisler) Strickler of Hilton; Donna Amstein (McDonald) of Vermont; great grandmother, Laura Maynard of Vermont; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at the Covers Funeral Home, Dundee, Michigan. Interment in Northside Cemetery, Maybee, Michigan. Donations can be made to the Cure Childhood Cancer Association, 200 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in his memory.

NORTH CHILI

•Foley, Pauline A., On May 19, 2011 at the age of 76. Pauline is survived by her husband, Donald; children, Donald (Elaine) Foley, Karen (Roland) McVige, Kevin Foley, Kathleen (Rodney) Champagne; grandchildren, Irene, Denise, Kristen and Brittney; great-grandchild, Jaedon; sisters, Mary Jane (Edward) Ferris and Frances Ernest; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

A Funeral Service was held May 24 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery, Churchville. Donations can be made to Unity Health System, St. Mary’s Hospital, Oncology Department in her memory.

•Lucero, James E. (Urbano), May 21, 2011; born Durango, Colorado in 1941. Deeply loved by his wife Patricia (Barrus); sons, John (Kelly) of West Henrietta; David (Kristy) of Laie, Hawaii; grandsons, Tyler and Zachary; lovingly missed by brothers, Richard (Carol), Jerry (Stella), Jesse; sisters, Anna Morrill, Silvia (Joseph) Cummings; dear family and friends. Predeceased by parents, Gomez and Bernardita; sister, Phyllis; brother, Patrick.

Interment at Bath National Cemetery. His Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 6 p.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (4088 Lake Road North, Brockport) Donations can be made to Palliative Care-Advancement, P.O. Box 278996, 300 East River Road, Rochester, NY 14627 in his memory.

RIGA

•George, Paul, May 18, 2011 at age 84. Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Marion George; sister, Dorothy Paul. Survived by his wife of 29 years, who will forever hold him in her heart, Carol George; children, Debbie George, Dr. Paul (Karen) George and David (Lori) George, Ron Rogers and Randy Rogers; grandchildren, Nicholas George, Sara George, David Paul George and Sam Procopio; brother-in-law, Jack Paul; many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Paul was retired after 40 years in the insurance business. Paul served as a National Board Member for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for 23 years.

A Celebration of his life was held May 21 at his home in Riga. Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Irwin, Robert Tait, May 21, 2011. Robert is predeceased by his wife Gloria Reitz Irwin, and brother Richard Irwin. He is survived by his children, Allan (Suka) Irwin, Karen (David) Teske and Carol (Kenneth) Soprano; grandchildren, Michael Teske, Kara Teske (fiance Jason Amore) and Thomas Irwin; sister, Dorothy Van Zandt; several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was celebrated May 28 at Pearce Memorial Church, North Chili. Private family interment will be held at White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be sent to the American Heart Association or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626 in his memory.

•Romano, Pauline M. (D’Angelo), May 22, 2011. Predeceased by her son James Romano. She is survived by her husband, Louis P. Romano; children, Bernadette (Richard) Petitte, Louis M. (Diane) Romano, Geralyn (Sam) DiPaola; grandchildren, Jeremy Petitte, Sam DiPaola, Joe DiPaola and Matthew Petitte; great-granddaughter De Anna Rose Petitte; brother Rinaldo D’Angelo; several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated May 25 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations of blood can be made to the American Red Cross or contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 in her memory.

Archives - Week of May 22, 2011

Local News - Week of May 22, 2011

Work nears completion on Spencerport Dock

Photo by Dave Knox

Brockport Village Board sets tax and sewer rates

by Kristina Gabalski

Following some heated discussion, Brockport Village Board members approved, by a 3-2 vote, the 2011-2012 tax levy including the tax rate and set a new sewer fee rate during their regular meeting May 11.

The tax levy of $2,420,565.52 for the 2011-2012 fiscal year results in a tax rate of $12.28 per thousand of assessed valuation. The current tax rate is $11.66 per thousand, Village Clerk Leslie Morelli said.

The sewer fee rate for the 2011-2012 fiscal year is $1.16 per thousand gallons of water usage. The new sewer usage fee was established by the Village Board following a public hearing on April 27.

Trustees Scott Hunsinger, Carol Hannan and Kent Blair voted yes for the tax levy/sewer fee rate; Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn voted no.

In discussion before the vote, Castaneda said any tax increase is unacceptable. “Taxes have gone up about 40 percent in the last six years,” she said. “Has our income gone up that much?”

She was also critical of the sewer usage fee, which she voted against, calling it a tax.

“The money is all coming out of the same pocket,” she said. The mayor said the fee would hurt some members of the community including churches, businesses and disabled veterans. Trustees Hunsinger, Hannan and Blair disagreed. “I’m a single-family home owner with an in-ground pool,” Trustee Scott Hunsinger said. “I (have) got no problem with it.”

Trustee Carol Hannan said the new sewer usage fee should not be equated with a tax. She noted a fee was the fairest way to cover the cost of maintaining sewers.

Castaneda said the board needs to be fiscally responsible, must live within its means, and stop spending if the village is to remain sustainable.

Both Hannan and Blair told the mayor she has to offer solutions.

Castaneda said she has offered solutions, but, “ ... they have fallen on deaf ears.”

Feature Stories - Week of May 22, 2011

Honoring those who served is core of Memorial Day’s purpose

by Kristina Gabalski

Many people celebrate Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start to summer, but the real meaning of the day of observance is far from that. Memorial Day gives the nation a chance to remember, reflect and honor those who have died serving our country in war.

Pamela Moore, secretary of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at the Harvey C. Noone Post #954 in Churchville, says most Americans are not clear about the purpose of Memorial Day.

“I feel it is so important we stop and reflect on the sacrifices made so we can all enjoy the freedoms we have,” she told Westside News Inc.

May is also Poppy Month, Moore says. “All the Legion Auxiliaries distribute poppies in memory of those who died in service to our country. If someone chooses to make a donation, then we graciously accept it and that money is earmarked in a special fund designated to go toward supporting veterans. For example, we use some of the money donated to us to go to the VA Hospital in Batavia three times a year. In April, we do bingo with prizes and sandwiches, in August we do bingo and an ice cream social and in December we do caroling and Christmas cookies and small gifts.”

The poppies are made by hospitalized veterans and purchased by American Legion Auxiliary units, Moore said. The poppies have become a way to honor the brave and selfless men and women who gave their lives for our country.

The Harvey C. Noone Post #954 recently held a Veterans Open House. The afternoon event included free hot dogs, refreshments and door prizes. Information was provided on veterans benefits and training opportunities and was also an opportunity for veterans and their families to learn what the American Legion can do for them and how they can serve fellow veterans and their community. New members are always welcome, Moore says.

Jeanette Ess (left), president and Pamela Moore, secretary, of the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post Ladies Auxiliary in Churchville have poppies in hand for reminders of the meaning of Memorial Day. The photo was taken May 7 during the Veterans Open House held at the Harvey C. Noone Post Home. Photograph by Kristina GabalskiShe explained that the Harvey C. Noone Post has many activities supporting Americanism, youth, the community, the Legion Family, U.S. troops and veterans. Those activities include Memorial and Veterans Day Services; collecting and properly disposing used American flags; sponsorship of Boy Scouts and baseball teams and Boys and Girls State candidates; distributing Christmas baskets and stockings to needy families; a bowling league and family picnics for members; “Boxes from Home” sent to troops serving overseas; visits to the veterans at the Batavia VA Hospital and partnering with and supporting the Veteran Outreach Center and its programs.

Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 30 in Churchville are set for 10:15 a.m. at the Churchville Elementary School. The service is followed by a parade to the cemetery and concluding services at the Veterans Memorial. Services at the Memorial include the playing of “Taps” by two high school band members; a three gun salute; and the playing of bagpipes. “We now have a couple of hundred folks who are coming to the cemetery and we are getting lots of good feedback from parents and folks like scout leaders,” Moore notes.

The Churchville Elementary School serves as the location for Memorial Day services because Crimson maples are planted there in honor of local students who died while serving the nation in war. Moore explains that after World War II, resident Bessie Chapman, Harvey C. Noone Post 954, and several Junior Red Cross girls planted ten maples in front of the school for ten residents who had died fighting in the war. Additional trees were added following the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Noone Post members consider the spot “hallowed ground,” she says, because each tree memorializes a fallen comrade.

Moore says it is important to teach young people about the significance and solemn nature of the Memorial Day observance. She has many childhood memories of Memorial Day ceremonies in Churchville.

“There is a deep history in this community for honor and service, I am very proud of it and benefited from it,” she says. Moore adds that she wants children growing up now to have the same experience she did and to gain an appreciation for the sacrifices that have been made to preserve and protect the freedoms they enjoy.

Area Memorial Day observances

•Brockport - The Brockport Area Veterans Club will hold a Memorial Day of Rememberance and Celebration at 222 West Avenue, Brockport on Saturday, May 28, starting at 11 a.m. The public is invited to honor and remember those men and women who have paid the ultimate in our nation’s military. After the ceremony, which will include local service organizations, there will be a concert, with music provided by the Brockport High School Band. The Sons of the American Legion will have their annual take-out/eat-in chicken barbecue, hots and hamburgers from noon to gone.

The public is also invited to a short military service at 9 a.m. at the High Street Cemetery and at 9:30 a.m. at the Morgan Manning Monument on Main Street.

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

•Churchville - Memorial Day ceremonies Monday, May 30 at 10:15 at Churchville Elementary School. Parade to cemetery follows. Concluding Ceremony at Veterans Memorial.

•Hamlin - Hamlin VFW sponsored Memorial Day Parade. Lake Road K & K to VFW Post on May 30 at 1 p.m. Memorial Day ceremony will follow at VFW Post. For information contact Jerry at 964-2047. •Hilton - Memorial Day parade Monday, May 30 starting at 10 a.m. at the Hilton High School. It will terminate at the Veterans Memorial on Henry Street where there will be a short ceremony.

Dedication of the new Vetearns Wall of Honor, located in the community center hallway, will take place at the conclusion of the Memorial Day ceremonies.

Memorial Day programs begin at the Parma Union Cemetery at 8 a.m., followed by a short ceremony at the Parma Town Hall immediately following.

•Kendall - The Kendall Town Board sponsors the Kendall Memorial Day Program Monday, May 30. A parade will begin at the intersection of Carr and West Kendall Roads at 7 a.m. Once at the Greenwood Cemetery a memorial srevice will be conducted.

In the event of inclement weather the program will be rescheduled.

•Spencerport - Memorial Day Parade - American Legion Post #330 will hold the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30 in the village of Spencerport starting at 9 a.m. at the corner West Avenue and Union Street and proceeding to the Veterans Memorial on Union Street. In case of rain the event will be held at the Post home on Trimmer Road.

30th Anniversary of Morgan-Manning’s “Old Fashioned 4th of July” brings change and opportunity

Grant money offered in citizens’ contest

Morgan-Manning Houseby Doug Hickerson

This July 4 will mark the 30th anniversary of the “Old Fashioned Fourth of July” at the Morgan-Manning House on Brockport’s Main Street. For decades the event has opened with resounding marches and patriotic music play by the Brockport High School Band. With variations each year, the rest of the program has included local musical groups, folks singers, patriotic readings, children’s stories and games, refreshments, and the famous “Cake Walk.”

The Western Monroe Historical Society, with offices in the Victorian home, has provided the event free to salute the nation’s historic roots and to celebrate some of our American traditions as the Brockport community.

Now, citizens who appreciate this event can enable the Historical Society to receive a grant to fund future improvements.

The first event was in 1981. It was the idea of Eunice Chesnut, the Historical Society’s historian, who said she first suggested to the trustees “a July 4th celebration where people can come, have a hot dog, some music and enjoy game s for kids.” The music was provided by Bill Hullfish and his band. The second year, 1982, started the tradition of opening with the Brockport High School Band concert and ending with the “Cake Walk.”

Changing times

Ironically, on the 30th anniversary, the Brockport High School band will not be playing at the event this year. Budget constraints in the school district have eliminated funding for the summer band. “I am disappointed that we can’t continue with such a fine tradition,” said Gary Skoog who has helped organize the July 4 event for several years. “They were a wonderful draw for the whole community.”

Alicia Fink expressed regret over the loss of the High School Band and acknowledged their generous and faithful contribution each year. She is the new president of the Western Monroe Historical Society’s board of trustees. Fink outlined new plans for this year’s July 4 event which will start at 11 a.m. and end at three. Saying that “we have not had much for the kids to do,” she announced new focus on children and families. “We will have a two-part parade for the children, with strollers, tricycles, and wagons decorated for the 4th of July. Then, a parade of decorated bicycles” which will proceed around the driveway and sidewalk near the home. Details will be announced later.

Opening music this year will be provided by the Brockport Community Jazz Band which has been a feature in the event for several years. There will be a sing-along of patriotic songs. New this year will be two short tours of the Morgan Manning House first floor during the event. The famous “Cake Walk” continues, offering home-made cakes.

Citizens can “vote” for grant support

The changes in Brockport’s popular July 4 event coincide with the Historical Society’s opportunity to obtain a grant that could fund improvements in the future. Liberty Mutual Insurance is hosting “Bring Back the 4th,” an on-line contest allowing cities and towns across America to compete for one of ten $10,000 grants to support their 4th of July celebrations. The grants are offered in three population-based categories across the country. Located in the “small” municipality of Brockport, the Western Monroe Historical Society would be eligible for one of four grants in that category.

Residents in the 14420 zip code can “vote” for their July 4 event by taking a brief online history quiz. By choosing from multiple choice answers on eight quiz items, each completed quiz is registered as a vote for Brockport’s July 4th event (thus, only the 14420 zip code) to receive the grant. June 14 is the deadline for voting.

To take the quiz, log on to www.bringbackthe4th.com. The interesting quiz items are about people and places that are significant in the nation’s history; they make you think and appreciate. It does not matter how many questions you get right; just entering counts as one vote. Liberty Mutual states that information submitted for the online quiz will be used solely for the purpose of the contest, and no other purposes.

The Historical Society’s treasurer, Gordy Fox, said the grant money would enable the Society to expand the event with more entertainment and other features that would draw more community interest. He believes that the Liberty Mutual contest purposely avoids “grant writers” and that the company wants to see “how much the community will get behind the celebration.” ... “ It shows the citizens’ dedication to the event,” he said. “It takes only a few minutes to open the site and answer the questions.”

Note: Members of the July 4th event committee are: Alicia Fink, Mary Pat Musselman, Deanna Shifton, Gary Skoog, and Don Voorheis. For information, phone 585-637-3645.

Spencerport Rotary Club Annual Day of Caring

Members of the Spencerport Rotary Club were on hand this past Saturday to participate in the Annual Day of Caring in the Village.

Pictured here from left to right are: George Blickwede, Carol Weston, and Dick Turner.

Provided photo

Brockport Kiwanis Leadership Scholarship winner chosen

Becky Bloom (left) received recognition with a scholarship in the amount of $500 for her outstanding contributions in leadership, service, and scholarship.

Becky is majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies. She served as Vice President of Circle K (the collegiate division of Kiwanis) this past academic year during which she helped guide the club to over 500 service hours.

The Circle K Club at the College at Brockport currently has 35 members and contribute their volunteer efforts to helping children in the community. Becky will be serving as President for the 2011-2012 year.

She is shown with club advisor Dr. Lynda Sperazza (right). The club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Brockport.

Provided photo

Sports - Week of May 22, 2011

Area

Smith is State Champion on uneven bars

Raelyn Smith Bright Raven Gymnast Raelyn Smith of Hilton earned the title of New York State Uneven Parallel Bars Champion at the USA Gymnastics Junior Olympic Level 7 State Meet held April 29 through May 1 in West Seneca. Smith competed among 30 State Meet qualifiers in the 14-year-old age division capturing first place on the uneven bars with a high score of 9.425. She competed in all four of the women’s events to finish in sixth place all around with a total score of 35.75. Teammate Gabriella Garcea of Churchville competed in the same age division and earned third place on balance beam scoring 9.425.

In the 11-year-old division, Megan Winter of Greece placed third in floor exercise with a score of 9.60 and Morgan Adams of Stafford earned fifth place in the same event scoring 9.50. In the 12-year-old division Rebekah Thomas of North Chili placed sixth on vault with a 9.00 competing in a field of 53 gymnasts.

Area/Brockport

Marissa Sell signs with Roberts Wesleyan College

Shown (l to r front) Marissa's mother Vickie; sister Vanessa, Marissa, and father, Dan. In back: Brockportâ��s Varsity Basketball Coach Orlando Benzan, Roberts Wesleyan Soccer Coach Dan Berg, Roberts Varsity Basketball Coach Bob Segave, Brockport's Soccer Coach Kristy Sherman and Athletic Director Chris Bourne. Provided photoBrockport High School senior Marissa Sell recently signed her letter of intent to play soccer and basketball at Roberts Wesleyan, where she will study physical education.

Brockport Girls Soccer Coach Kristy Shearman and Varsity Basketball Coach Orlando Benzan are excited she will pursue both sports at Roberts this fall, at the varsity level. Marissa has been the starting varsity keeper in soccer for the past three years.

“Marissa has been an outstanding player for us for the past three seasons,” said Sherman. “She is a true competitor and a natural athlete. She had an 89.5 save percentage this season but more importantly over the past three years has had 9, 8 and 11 shutouts for a total of 28 in her varsity career.”

Her basketball career at BHS is just as impressive with nearly 700 points. “She would have easily scored over 1,000 for her career, but she was out for most of this season due to an injury,” said Benzan. Her career includes more than 350 rebounds, 25 double doubles, 150 steals, averaging over 12 points per game in three varsity seasons. This year she was Ronald McDonald House Exceptional Senior Game Participant. Highlights from last year include: First Team All County, Birds Eye Player of the Week (twice), Katie Sweeting All Tournament Team, Monroe County All Tournament Team, and Team MVP.

Coach Dan Berg is looking forward to Marissa joining Roberts Wesleyan in the fall.

“She is a great addition to the team but more importantly to the campus,” said Berg. “Her work ethic, willingness to learn, and athleticism will allow her to succeed at the next level. I am looking forward to working with her over the next four years.”

Brockport

Maxon’s three RBI’s lead Devils

by Warren Kozireski

Senior Chelsea Maxon knocked in three runs - two with a single during a six-run explosion in the seventh inning - to lead Brockport to an 11-0 shutout of Gates Chili. The Blue Devils were the visiting team though they played on their home field due to unplayable conditions at the scheduled location.

Brockport got on the board right away in the top of the first inning when Jenna Clarke drove in Emily Centrone with a single for a 1-0 lead.

In the next inning, they made it 4-0 as Kristen Beikirch stroked a two-RBI double driving in Maxon and Alyssa Fisher. Centrone followed with an RBI single of her own plating Beikirch.

In the third, Mary Claire Kopcienski reached on a one-out walk, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch before scoring on an RBI double off the bat of Maxon.

The Blue Devils sent 12 batters to the plate in the seventh and scored six runs. Taylor Zinkiewich scored on an error, Maxon had her two-RBI single, Fisher an RBI double, Shannon Hogan drove in a run on a fielder’s choice and Zinkiewich plated the final run with a groundout.

Senior pitcher Katelyn O’Connell threw all seven innings and registered her first career shutout as Brockport improved to 12-5. They expect to be a fifth seed as they enter the Section Five playoffs in the coming week.

Churchville-Chili

Yunker nets five for Saints

by Warren Kozireski

Senior attack Ryan Yunker scored five goals, including three in the first quarter, and Jeff Gurbacki netted three as Churchville-Chili defeated Brockport 18-1 in a boy’s lacrosse game played at East Rochester due to weather and field conditions.

The Saints jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter starting 1:06 in when Kevin Widzinksi found the net from 17 yards out. Yunker scored his first of the game at 4:37 after Kevin O’Donnell won a ground ball and Nick Gray followed with his first of the game with a shot from 12 yards out at 5:00.

C-C then exploded for five goals over a 2:36 span to close the quarter with Yunker, Gurbacki, Gray, Nolan Jessop and Yunker again tallying goals.

The Saints followed with five more goals in the second quarter. Gurbacki and Adam McWilliams teamed up at 2:08, Trevor Hodgins took a pass from Gray and scored at 3:22 and Hodgins created an offensive zone turnover leading to Gurbacki’s third of the game at 3:42. Yunker and O’Donnell also netted goals as the Saints led 13-0 at halftime.

Brockport opened the second half with their only tally of the game. John Culhane scored off a pass from Ben Madafferi at 2:10 of the third quarter.

Churchville-Chili’s Yunker (his 40th of the season-ranked fifth in the league), Steve Rinck, Hodgins, Ryan Enright and Daniel Traugott scored the final five goals of the game to finish off their 12th win of the season against just three defeats. The school record for wins in a season came in 2007 when the Saints were 15-3.

Junior Jack Corcoran and senior Wolodia Huley split the game in net for the Saints with Huley making five saves during the fourth quarter.

In addition to Yunker’s five goals, Gurbacki finished the game with three goals and one assist, Hodgins had two goals and two assists and Gray two goals and one assist.

The Section Five playoffs begin May 23.

Churchville-Chili Varsity Tennis Team wins Monroe County Divisional Championship

The Churchville-Chili Varsity Tennis Team coached by Phil Wyant claimed the Monroe County Division II Championship with a 4-3 victory over Gates Chili on May 13.

Ben Cheal and Connor Magiera won the clinching doubles match 6-1 and 6-3 to lead the Saints to victory.

The Saints league record is 6-0 with an overall record of 10 wins and 1 loss.

Shown (l-r) first row, Connor Magiera, Rory Weilnau, Tyler Smith, Brian Lang; second row, Mgr. Andrew Freeman, Kyle Kelly, Ben Cheal, Eric Bruton, Justin Moore, Zach Wing, Mgr. Quinn Magiera; third row, Coach Phil Wyant, Andy Becker, John Iacucci, Casey Chamberlain, Adam Reese, Jay Kline.

Provided photo

Schools - Week of May 22, 2011

Area

Banker receives Hollister Educators Award

Jeanette D'Agostino BankerJeanette D’Agostino Banker of Brockport, a 47 year member of Alpha Alpha Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, was the 2011 recipient of the Frederica Hollister Professional Educator’s Award. This award was established in 1988 from the bequest of Past State President Frederica Hollister to recognize a member who exemplifies the best in education, has considerable visibility, and has made a most significant impact on education in New York State.

Banker is a retired associate professor from the Education and Human Development Department at the College at Brockport where she held varied positions of leadership. She was the first female in the history of the college to serve as President of the Faculty Senate. She was a Demonstration Teacher and Student Teacher Supervisor at the Campus School. As Director of International Overseas Programs she directed and supervised a joint educational venture between the College at Brockport and the American School in Brazil. Being responsible for the entire program, she selected students and faculty and planned the curriculum. An appointment as the Coordinator of overseas teaching centers in the American schools in Dusseldorf, Germany and Portugal followed and a former colleague named her an ambassador of New York State Education.

In addition to coordinating overseas teacher centers, Banker developed and implemented a teaching center in the Greece Central School District. She served as the center’s director and supervisor until her retirement. Today, she continues to do volunteer work at the college.

Banker has influenced the creation of more than a quarter of all scholarships provided by the Brockport Foundation and is intimately involved with nearly two dozen of these scholarships, she is being honored this spring with the establishment of a new scholarship in her name: The Jeanette D’Agostino Banker International Scholarship.

Byron-Bergen

B-B Band visits the Big Apple

Byron-Bergen High School band instructor Kevin Bleiler and 45 of his senior high band students and six adult chaperones traveled to New York City during Spring Break.

The band performed on the flight deck of the WWII restored ship - the U.S.S. Intrepid, toured midtown Manhattan, Grand Central Terminal, the construction site of One World Trade Center, Wall Street, and Chinatown.

The group also walked around the city and saw the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and the “Blue Man” off Broadway show.

Some financial help came from the Byron-Bergen Music Boosters and various fundraisers including a citrus sale and bottle and can drives.

Churchville-Chili

C-C senior is National Merit Scholarship winner

Churchville-Chili senior Robert T. Ohman (second from left) has been selected as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. He is shown with Assistant Principal of Churchville-Chili Senior High School Jason Cline, School Counselor Kate Rathbun, and William Geraci, principal of Churchville-Chili Senior High School. Provided photoChurchville-Chili senior Robert T. Ohman has been selected as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship. The National Achievement Scholarship Program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). He plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall.

“Robbie is very deserving of this award,” said Churchville-Chili Senior High School Principal William Geraci. “Earning a National Merit Scholarship puts Robbie in an elite class of achievers. Robbie is not only exceptional in this regard, but he is also an exceptional person. He is talented in so many areas - music included. He is the type of student that really makes everything he touches better.”

Winners of the 2011 National Merit Scholarship have demonstrated the strongest combination of accoplishments, skills and potential for success in rigorous college studies. They were selected by a committee of college adminissions officers and high school couselors based on each candidate’s academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from two standardized tests; contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the finalist; and the recommendations written by a high school official.

Provided information

No ordinary ride to school

Four Chestnut Ridge Elementary School students’ coloring skills won them a ride to school in a fire truck on Friday, May 13.

Third-graders Connor Pocock and Olivia Keefe and first-graders Amanda Chatelle and Owen Bernard submitted the winning entries in the Chili Fire Department’s Coloring Contest.

This is the second year the Chili Fire Department has offered the coloring contest. It was the first time Chestnut Ridge students had participated.

Upon arriving at school, coloring contest winners, third-graders Connor Pocock and Olivia Keefe and first-graders Amanda Chatelle and Owen Bernard, got a full-tour of the fire truck and all the equipment from Chili Firefighter Keith Schwab.

Provided photo

“Hairspray” earns honors at Stars of Tomorrow

The Churchville-Chili Music Department’s April 2011 production of “Hairspray” earned recognition from the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL).

Churchville-Chili students Tony Torcello as ‘Wilbur’, Robbie Ohman as ‘Corny Collins’ and Jonah Martin as ‘Link Larkin’ were all honored as Outstanding Supporting Actors at the Stars of Tomorrow Ceremony at the Auditorium Theatre on May 5.

Photo by Bill Guy

Kendall

Kendall musicians earn Silver Award at Heritage Music Festival

Members of the Kendall Jazz and Concert Bands competed in the Heritage Music Festival in Philadelphia. Provided photoThirty-two Kendall High School Jazz Band and Jazz Choir students met with great success at the Heritage Music Festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 28 through May 1.

Students performed for a panel of widely respected adjudicators who provided scores, rankings, and valuable feedback about their performances. Awards were handed out at a semi-formal dinner dance awards ceremony. The Kendall High School Jazz Band achieved a silver rating and earned 2nd place in a division which included schools that are significantly larger. The Jazz Choir also earned a silver rating and tied for 1st place in the same larger division.

“Because no other schools were as small as ours, we were asked if we would like to bump up to a larger school division in order to compete,” says Jazz Band Director Joe Pompili. “Without hesitation, I said yes! I know our students can compete with any school of any size and that we did. I could not be more proud of the musical and personal maturity of all the students we are able to work with. Kendall is blessed to have them representing this fine district.”

In addition to the awards, Kendall was also the recipient of Heritage Festival Spirit Award which is given to the school which demonstrates the type of positive attitude and character that best represents the city of Philadelphia. This is the second time Kendall has received this award, the first being in Cleveland in 2009.

The students were also able to enjoy themselves with activities such as the Hard Rock Café, a Phillies baseball game, Adventure Aquarium, Mütter Museum, and several walking tours of the historic city.

“The outpouring of support is what makes these memories possible in the lives of the students,” says Pompili. “The students are already looking forward to next year’s trip and like years past, it is sure to be a great success.”

Provided Information

Environmentalists take third at competition

The David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School’s Envirothon Team A came in third place at the 2011 New York State Regional Envirothon on May 5 at Bond Lake.

Sponsored by the State Soil and Water Conservation District, the NYS Envirothon is a competition which tests and cultivates students’ knowledge and understanding of natural resources and environmental issues within the state.

Kendall participants included Riley Youngjohn, Aaron Wright, Pat Murray, Tanner Jubenville, Alex Bosko, Emily Thiel, Justin Lane and Nate Gustke. Members of Kendall’s two Envirothon teams have been preparing for the competition since March.

Kendall has won the soil section of the competition for two years in a row.

Provided photo

Spencerport

Spencerport musicians win top award in D.C.

Spencerport brought home the top award of the festival. The Festival Sweepstakes trophy is presented to the school with the highest combined choral/instrumental score in the festival.

Provided information

Obituaries - Week of May 22, 2011

BROCKPORT

•Francis, Evelyn M., Predeceased by her husbands of 40 years, Earl T. Francis and Paul McColligan; parents, John and Elizabeth Coleman; brother, Robert Coleman. She is survived by her children, Tom McColligan, Janet McColligan, Dan (Carol) McColligan, Betty (Bob) Senseney, Robert (Diane) McColligan, Donna (Dan) Spano, Cynthia L. (Ben) Medina; 34 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters and brothers, Jeanne Romecki, Lolly (Lucky) Dyer, Jack (Cookie) Riebel, Betty (Tom) Clayton, Eugene (Theresa) Riebel; many many nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated May 16 at St.Jude the Apostle Church, Gates. Interment in Bath National Cemetery. Donations can be made to American Cancer Society, Memorial Processing Center, 6725 Lyons Street, P.O. Box 7, East Syracuse, NY 13057 in her memory.

BYRON

•Sadler, Ralph D., May 13, 2011 at age 62 with his family at his side after a courageous two year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was predeceased by parents, Leona and Roy; brother, Randy. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Pamela J. (Gleffe); sons, Dean (Kate), Brent (Christine); his daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Riley, Clayton, Brendon, Meghan, Olivia, and Ashley; sister, Carol (Dan) Loewke; brother, Ronald; father-in-law, Howard Gleffe; sister-in-law, Patricia (Mark) Wilde. Ralph was a United States Navy Veteran, who served aboard the USS Boston during the Vietnam War.

A Memorial Service was held May 17 at the Newcomer Funeral Home, Greece. Private interment. Contributions can be directed to Home Care and Hospice, 550 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020 in his memory.

HAMLIN

•Nichols, Virginia R., May 13, 2011, age 80. Predeceased by her husband Junior Nichols. Survived by her children, Dale, Gene and Karen Nichols; grandchildren, Dale Jr., Gene Jr., Michalina Nichols and Avalon Albright; great-grand-daughter, Piper Marie; several cousins.

Funeral Services were held May 18 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Clarkson-Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm in her memory.

HILTON

•Forberg, Marian J. (Williams), of Port Orange, Florida, formerly of Hilton, died May 8, 2011, at age 66. Survived by her husband of 32 years, Gary M. Forberg. Also survived by two children, James (Linda) Ohls and Dawn Miller; step-daughter, Kimberly Newkirk; step-son, Jeffrey Forberg; her sister, Patricia Williams; loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren; aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services and interment were held May 16 in Florida. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Volusia/Flagler, 3800 Woodbriar Trail, Port Orange, Florida 32129 in her memory.

•Gabriel, Christie C., May 11, 2011, age 66. Her Funeral Mass was said May 16 at St. Leo the Great Church, Hilton. Donations can be made to CURE T.S.T., 11350 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 in her memory.

•Stewart, David B., May 10, 2011, age 63. Survived by his children, Robin (Corey) Ha, Kenneth (Kimberly) Stewart; his mother, Shirley Batcheller; siblings, Linda Gamble, Elizabeth (Richard) Emerson, James (Linda) Stewart; grandchildren, Zachary and Evelyn Ha; mother of his children, Shari Harrison; step-brother, David Cherry; step-sister, Sue Spicer; step-mother, June Stewart; sister-in-law, Brenda (Gary) Adam; many nieces and nephews. David was a former President of Chili Fire Department.

Funeral Services were held May 20 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Contributions can be made to Chili Fire Department in his memory.

•Webster, Robert J., age 44, died May 10, 2011 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Survived by his children, Alyssa and Robert (RJ) Webster, USN; his mom, Helen Foreman; his dad, Robert (Mary Lou) Webster; sisters, Debra Webster, Helen (David) Lemmon; step-brothers, Jeff (Sara), Scott (Liz) Phillips, Bill and Michael (Faye) Foreman; step-sister, Audrey (Tom) Carver; grandmother, Angie Lagona; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, especially his nieces and nephews, David Ray (Deb), Jamie and Jessica Schaller, Andrew, Jacob and Matthew Lemmon; and great-nephew, David James Schaller; best friend, Dean Sylvester. Predeceased by his step dad, William “Butch” Foreman; step sister, Gail Dawes; grandparents, Raymond and Helen McKain, Howard and Mildred Webster and Albert Lagona.

Funeral Services were held May 22 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Corners Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the S. Edelman-H. Gardner C.R.F., Box 97, Hilton 14468 or to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

MORTON

•Hazen, Harold A., age 91, died May 14, 2011. He was born September 29, 1919 to Avery and Lillian Hazen of Morton, where he lived his entire life. Predeceased by his parents; brother, Victor and his beloved wife of 49 years, Mary. He is survived by his son, Scott of Norcross, Georgia; daughter, Kathy (Jeffrey) Lane of Niantic, Connecticut; brother-in-law, Donald Gahan of Middleport; grandchildren, Jeannie (Brian) Decker, Julie, Rachel and Drew Lane; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Kyle Decker; two nieces and his friends and neighbors. Harry was a graduate of Kendall High School and a farmer most of his working life. He also worked at Duffy-Motts and Eastman Kodak and volunteered for the Morton Fire Department.

Funeral Services were held May 17 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans, Inc., P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 in his memory.

NORTH CHILI

•Tuckey, Walter G. “Bud,” May 11, 2011. Walter was predeceased by his wife, Freda M. Tuckey; step-son, Kirt Smith; siblings, Vivian Leach, Fern Hughes, Ida Taylor, Frieda Morrison, Claude Tuckey, Reg Tuckey and Harold Tuckey. He is survived by his wife, Mary H.Tuckey; sons, Ken (Bev) Tuckey, David (Claudia) Tuckey; grandchildren, Vanessa, Derek (Jen) Tuckey; great-grandson, Derek Tuckey; two step-daughters, step-son, Mark W. Smith; six step-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Tuckey; many nieces and nephews. Walter was a lifetime member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.

A Funeral Service will be held June 18 at Church of the Epiphany. Contributions can be made to Church of the Epiphany, 3285 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624 or ABVI, Goodwill Industries of Greater Rochester, Inc., 422 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620 in his memory.

OGDEN

•Nasca, Donald, on May 12, 2011 at age 64 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his father, Nicholas and mother, Jenny (Salerno) Nasca. Survived by his beloved wife, Carmen; brothers, Dick (Judy) and Gary (Kathy); children, Pam (Sean) Delcour and Jeffrey Nasca; Carmen’s children, Carmen (Mike) DelCorvo, Gustavo, Gabriel (Amy) and Ricardo Zajia; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Mark DelCorvo, Justin, Brendan and Marissa Zajia, Matthew and Marisa Delcour, Jenna and Emily Nasca. Don was a Local 85 Carpenter for many years. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his services as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam.

A Memorial Mass was held May 17 at St. Theodore’s Church. Private Interment. Donations can be made in his name to the Unity Cancer Center and McCormick T.C.C., 1555 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626.

PARMA

•McJury, David J., May 16, 2011, age 59. Survived by his loving companion, Joanne Poupore; stepchildren, Suzanne Taggart, David Taggart and Lisa Poupore; step grandchildren, Anthony Mandrino, Kayla Gardner and Max Taggart; his brothers, Lloyd (Diane), Kenneth (Sarah), and John McJury; his sister, Betty (Neil) Marzolf; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services were held May 19 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Contributions can be made to Wilmot Cancer Center in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Eldridge, Dolores L., May 17, 2011 at the age of 84. Dolores was born on June 21, 1926 in Salamanca, NY. Predeceased by her mother and step-father, Flora and Harry Drew. Survived by her husband of 65 years, Thomas Eldridge; son, Michael (Janet) Eldridge; granddaughters, Amy (Joe) Verner, Sheri Sweatland; great grandchildren, Tyler and Tessa Verner; brother-in-law, David (Lori) Eldridge; nieces in the Buffalo area; many cousins in the Salamanca area.

Funeral Services were held May 20 at the Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Contributions can be made to Aurora House Comfort Care, P.O.Box 21, Spencerport 14559 in her memory.

Archives - Week of May 15, 2011

Local News - Week of May 15, 2011

Brockport is out of proposed fire district

by Kristina Gabalski

The Village of Brockport will not be part of a joint fire district with the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson.

All three boards were to have met on Tuesday, May 10 to set a date for a public hearing on forming a fire district in addition to other fire district related business, but during a special meeting held Monday, May 9, by the Brockport Village Board, members voted 3-2 to discontinue all discussion with the towns regarding fire service or a fire district.

Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn cast the dissenting votes.

Back on April 27, village board members voted 4-1 to attend the May 10 meeting. Trustee Scott Hunsinger cast the sole dissenting vote at that meeting.

Castaneda told Westside News Inc. the decisions not to continue with the process of forming a joint fire district could be financially devastating to the village.

“The towns have made it very clear, that as of December 31, village taxpayers will have to support the fire department. The village pays 20 percent of the (current) fire contracts, the towns pay 80 percent,” Mayor Castaneda said. “The village is losing our partners. My concern is a financial concern, (the village) may not be able to fund the fire department.”

The mayor said she is also worried that if the towns form a fire district, Brockport Fire Department volunteers may decide to leave and go with the towns.

During the regular village board meeting on Wednesday, May 11, Mayor Castaneda told trustees that by not attending the May 10 meeting and not voting to hold a public hearing on the fire district issues, they had taken away from residents the opportunity to express whether or not they agree with forming a fire district.

Also during the May 11 regular meeting, Trustees Kent Blair and Scott Hunsinger reported that they had met with fire department officials including Chief Mike Henry to discuss future plans for the department.

Hunsinger said a committee will be formed to assess what a fire department protecting solely the village will and will not need.

Following the meeting, Hunsinger told Westside News Inc. that the decision to pull out of the joint fire district formation process with the towns was not a political one. He said he did not look at the town boards, but rather at what’s best for Brockport residents and members of the Sweden and Clarkson communities.

He said he talked to people on both sides of the fire district issue; people in the fire protection industry; other municipalities and, “came to the conclusion that a fire district is not the right move for Brockport.”

Hunsinger said he is excited about future possibilities for the Brockport Fire Department. “I’m a traditionalist,” he said, “but I don’t hold on so much that it inhibits the future. The Brockport Fire Department is not for sale, it’s not broken. The relationships between the municipalities may be broken ... but I’m a firm believer in the Brockport Fire Department.”

Trustee Carol Hannan said forming a fire district is not in the best interest of the people. “I sincerely regret the necessary action we took in ending discussions with the towns,” she told Westside News Inc. “However, we were being dictated to, in my opinion, from the very beginning, and the entire process set up by the towns was to promote their agenda. I don’t believe that the creation of another taxing entity with very little accountability to the community is in the best interests of anyone involved.

“It is truly unfortunate for every resident in this area that the excellent services of the Brockport Fire Department will be replaced because politicians insist on dictating conditions rather than discussing and resolving concerns,” Hannan continued. “This has been one sorry political mess from the years of unsigned fire contracts to the actions taken against the Brockport Volunteer Ambulance.”

Trustee Kent Blair said that the Brockport Fire Department has been a first class operation for many years and has continued to be professional throughout this entire process.

“I am one that looks at tomorrow as well as today. For the towns to want to create another layer of government and tax all of our residents is not in the best interest of anyone. We have offered and continue to offer suggestions that would not increase taxes or create another tax. The towns’ main concern is how the village has used funds. My suggestion would have the towns join us and become involved in the fire department without another tax burden. We can create a board that handles the day-to-day and the future of the fire department made up of residents of all three communities. Instead, they want to cut ties and go it alone. We have the best fire department in the county when you talk about cost. To interrupt that is plain foolish. I would rather come up with solutions that benefit everyone and check the personal feelings at the door,” Blair said.

Clarkson and Sweden move ahead without village

The town boards of Sweden and Clarkson met jointly on Tuesday, May 10 as planned and Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball said they will move forward without the village.

Brockport Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Daniel Kuhn sat in the audience during the meeting.

The boards met in executive session for about a half an hour. Supervisor Paul Kimball then discussed the history of the current fire protection districts which date back to 1970. He said that until 2003, small surpluses and deficits were added or subtracted the following year.

Kimball also detailed hundreds of thousands of dollars from fire department and third party ambulance billing surpluses since 2003 that the towns have asked to be placed in reserve funds for replacement of vehicles. Kimball said the village has repeatedly refused to place the surpluses in reserves.

“We will move forward with something other than a contract with the village,” Supervisor Kimball said. He added that the decision to move ahead without the village is, “in the best interest of the taxpayers (of Sweden and Clarkson) who have been overcharged these last several years.”

In January, both towns switched from the Brockport Ambulance to Monroe Ambulance as primary responder.

Spencerport Business District displays Purple Bows

The Spencerport business district’s purple bows and bunting serve to remind passersby of an upcoming event - the overnight Relay for Life cancer event scheduled for June 3 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Spencerport High School’s Football Stadium.

Participants at last year’s event included a 90-year-old cancer survivor and a 13-year-old cancer patient and hundreds of others.

Look for more information about the event in a future issue.

Photograph by Dave Knox

Riga breaks ground on water extension

by Kristina Gabalski

Attendees at a ceremonial project launch for Water Benefit Area #1 on Kendall Road in Riga hold cups of water. Shown (l to r) Paul Chatfield, president Chatfield Engineers; Chris Schlieter of Chatfield Engineers; Jonathan Hinman , Project Engineer, Chatfield Engineers; Dave Smith, Riga Town Council Person; Jim Fodge, Riga Town Council Person; Bob Ottley, Riga Supervisor; Debbie Campanella, Riga Town Council Person; Brad O'Brocta, Riga Town Council Person; and C.W. Gregory, Blue Heron Construction, prepare to break ground on construction of contract one for Water Benefit Area #1. Photograph by Kristina Gabalski.The pipes are lined up along Kendall Road in Riga and construction is beginning on contract one for Water Benefit Area #1.

Riga Supervisor Bob Ottley says this is the first section of the Benefit Area to be constructed and Blue Heron Construction Co. was awarded the bid in March.

There are a total of seven sections in the Benefit Area and bids have also been awarded for contracts two through six with construction to begin in those areas by late June, Ottley says.

Ottley thanked Chatfield Engineers for their help on moving the project ahead swiftly and for their attention to detail which led to very competitive bidding on all contracts.

“By moving this ahead this year, I know that we have saved residents money because we beat the expected increase in many of the material costs for this project. We are also taking advantage of low interest rates in the bond market which will help residents by shortening up the expected length of the loan and help reduce the amount of payment. Overall, the timing of this project seems to be on the mark.”

A map of the contract areas is available on the town website - townofriga.org. Click on the link for the Water Benefit Area.

The Monroe County Water Authority has been in contact with residents regarding the process of signing up for water service, Ottley says.

Those residents who have not yet signed up and wish to can contact Rich Episcopo at the Monroe County Water Authority at 585-442-2000.

“If residents to not sign up in advance of the construction, they will not receive a tap on the main line,” Supervisor Ottley says. “Should they eventually decide to hook up to the water, they will incur that additional cost for the tap themselves.”

Adopt-a-Trail volunteers get to work

Sixteen volunteers from six groups joined the start-of-season sweep for the Town of Sweden Adopt-a-Trail program on Saturday, May 7, tidying up the canal bank.

They were joined by five student volunteers from the College at Brockport. Two other groups had opened the season earlier.

In the photo are: Sharon Wheat, Donna Mancuso, Mary Ellen Rich, Mary Ann Fries, Sheila Myer, Carol Rizzo, Dick Rizzo, Mary Lynn Siciliano, Andrea Perry, Skip Perry, Jennifer Rowley, Bill Fitzgerald, Liz Fitzgerald, Jack Milner, Bev Milner, Kevin Conlon, Christopher Wells, Matthew Leader, and Ben Maciewicz.

The groups participating in Sweden’s Adopt-a-Trail program this season are the First Presbyterian Church, the Middle School Retirees, the Brockport Federal Credit Union, the Brockport High School girls swim team, the Walks and Talks, the Brockport History Club, the Brockport Garden Club, and the Cloverleaf Dance Club.

Provided photo

Military and Community Appreciation Day planned for June 11 in Brockport

by Kristina Gabalski

Members of the Stetson Club, Brockport Area Veterans Club and Ladies Auxiliary Post 379 are planning a special first-time event for Saturday, June 11.

Military and Community Appreciation Day will be held at the Brockport Area Veterans Club on West Avenue in Brockport. The event runs from 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Organizers say it will be an opportunity for residents to come out and show their support for area veterans, current military personnel, their families and the Brockport community.

Community service and non-profit organizations have also been invited to participate. Those groups include the Rotary, Lions Club, Kiwanis, BISCO (Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization) and the Sons of the Legion.

Lynette Hibsch, president of the Ladies Auxiliary Unit 379, says the Auxiliary also sees the event as an opportunity to reach out to local veterans and let them know about the Brockport Area Veterans’ Club and the many services available to them.

She said the idea for such an event came to her as a way to connect with the many local veterans who “fall through the cracks.”

“We would like to find veterans and their families that we, as an Auxiliary, can help. It’s a step in the right direction to get the word out,” she says.

Eileen Billings, Ladies Auxiliary Unit 379 vice-president, says there are many services available to veterans and the Auxiliary can help put them in touch with those services.

“There are scholarships, insurance, meals programs,” she explains, “we can provide references to services they might not know how to contact … lawyers that do pro bono work and real estate agents, for example.”

Brockport Police Stetson Club President Brian Winant says the event will be a source of information and support for local veterans and military personnel. “It’s our way to bring more attention to the military community,” he says.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream and more will be served and there will be activities for the entire family including face painting and “Zuper Bounce.”

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks will be in attendance as well as town and village officials. Live entertainment is also planned.

“It will be a fun day,” Lynette Hibsch says and adds that organizers plan to make the Appreciation Day an annual event.

Hilton Citizen-of-the-Year Award

Mayor Joe Lee and recipient Kay Melvin are all smiles as Kay receives the Hilton Citizen-of-the-Year award at a presentation ceremony held in the Village board room last Tuesday.

A crowd of about fifty relatives and friends were on hand to witness the award ceremony.

Kay won the award for her involvement in the Friends of the Public Library, as creator and president of the Mainly Books store and for volunteer work with the Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and the Hilton Apple Festival.

Local Sights in Nature chosen as Spencerport Canal Days contest theme

As they plan the 30th annual Spencerport Canal Days festival, committee organizers have added a new element that augments the opportunities to put the focus on the local community. Applicants are invited to enter their ideas following the theme "Local Sights in Nature" which would be depicted on the side or sides of dumpster containers located in the center village area.

While mural contests are most often designed on sides of buildings, this mural contest has a different twist. Using the dumpster side (or sides) as the canvas, artists can depict their design using paint materials provided by the Canal Days Committee.

A selection committee will choose designs for completion from among those submitted. A complete list of guidelines for the mural contest is available on the Spencerport Canal Days website at www.spencerportcanaldays.com. Some guidelines include the following:

• Artists must submit a colored sketch of their work no later than June 15 to Ginny Swarthout at 130 South Union Street, Spencerport. The proposal must include a written explanation of the work to be done and contain contact information - name, email address, physical address, and phone number.

• A selected committee of five people will judge the colored sketches. The number of proposals selected will be determined by the number of dumpsters to be painted. If there are not enough proposals received to paint the total number of dumpsters, the dumpsters in the area of the Depot will be considered first.

• Artist/Artists will be assigned a specific dumpster to paint.

• Artists must live in the Spencerport-Ogden area and be at least 16 years of age. The Canal Days Committee will provide the paint to complete the designs that are selected for completion. Prizes will be awarded for first ($200), second ($100), and third place ($75).

Since its beginning, the annual summer festival has been a way to showcase the Spencerport-Ogden community. With thousands visiting the festival for events and entertainment that weekend, Canal Days Committee members are always looking for unique ways to involve residents and continue their endeavors to make the area welcoming.

An internet search for “Dumpster Art” shows that towns and cities far and wide across the United States and Canada have sponsored similar trash container decorating contests which results in giving mundane objects a more colorful presence.

Spencerport Canal Days Committee contact for the project is Ginny Swarthout, (585) 352-1350. Email ginnysuniqueshop-@aol.com

Hilton's "Reading Buddies"

Hilton’s Village Elementary School’s “Reading Buddies” are extending reading experience with the help of funding for books donated by the Hilton Rotary Club.

Students are enjoying reading interludes in the school’s library with a cadre of reading buddies. Recently, first grader Gabriella McManus shared a book with her reading buddy, Gary Van Noy. A retired Kodaker, VanNoy and his wife, Gretchen VanNoy, both volunteer as reading buddies. Mrs. VanNoy, who holds a degree in elementary education, says she enjoys the experience and it reminds her of her own grandchildren, some of whom live out-of-state.

The Hilton Rotary Club was a major funder of the book project with Rotarian Jim Maley as organizer.

For information about the Village Elementary’s “Reading Buddies” contact Library/Media Specialist Debra Lynch at 585-392-1000 ext. 5113.

SUNY Brockport Students Volunteer

Five College at Brockport students volunteered on Saturday, May 7, to help tidy up Brockport. They gathered eight large plastic bags of trash from streets and parks in the central part of the village.

Those in the photo are Kevin Conlon, Christopher Wells, and Emily Rossi, with Jane Newcomb, canal bridge tender, who supervised some of their work.

Those who participated but are not in the photo were Matthew Leader and Ben Maciewicz.

Provided photo

Feature Stories - Week of May 15, 2011

2011 Sweden Clarkson Recreation Banquet honors Flash

Michael "Flash" Guerrieri, with wife Michelle, is presented the 2011 Community Service Award by Clarkson Councilperson Christa Filipowicz and Sweden Councilperson Patricia Connors.The Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Department presented the 2011 Community Service Award to Michael “Flash” Guerrieri at the Annual Awards banquet on April 27. Widely known as the proprietor of Flash’s Tavern, a restaurant and bar on Erie Street in the Village of Brockport, it’s Flash’s dedication to the community as a coach, volunteer and sponsor that led to the award nomination.

Flash came to Brockport as a college student and like many others, never left. He earned his master’s degree in education and spent 15 years teaching at St. Joseph’s Villa. Ten years ago he opened Flash’s Tavern after deciding to take a break from teaching. As a phys-ed major, he’s always remained interested in sports and community recreational activities.

Flash has coached track and field for the college, Spencerport and East Ridge schools. He’s taken teams to the Empire State Games and the Pan Am Games. At the youth level, Flash has coached softball, soccer and gymnastics. He sponsors myriad recreation teams - softball, Blizzard Soccer, Tri-County Hockey, Brockport High School booster clubs, Project Graduation and a Mom’s ice hockey team. And he doesn’t sponsor just one team per season - he sponsors many.

2011 Community Service Award Winners Michael "Flash" Guerrieri, Hayley Lown, James Smith, Joan Smith, Natalie Turner and Rick Zaffuto.Sweden/Clarkson Recreation isn’t the first to recognize Flash’s commitment to the community. The Brockport Rotary Club named him Community Citizen of the Year for 2008-2009 for making Brockport a better place to live.

Flash was presented proclamations at the banquet from Sweden Councilperson Patricia Connors and Clarkson Councilperson Christa Filipowicz. Monroe County Legislator Mike Rockow also prepared a commendation for Flash.

Awards for senior volunteers were presented by Ricki DeBaun to James and Joan Smith and to Natalie Turner. Brockport Central School District Dean of Students Neil Czerniak presented youth volunteer awards to Hayley Lown and Ricky Zaffuto.

Memories of Dr. "D" from our readers

Fond and Favorite Memories from an employee of Doctors DiVincenzo and Mazza

•The poem and picture album of the story of the office.

•Seal the Clown kept the reception area decorated with balloon animals.

•The large coffee pot full of hot water, always the first thing on in the morning and the last thing off at night.

•The saltine crackers and peanut butter that Dr. Mazza supplied.

•A bottle of sparkling wine for each staff member every year for the holidays.

•Saturday’s staff defrosted the freezer and brought in donuts.

•Ending each 3rd shift of the day by vacuuming the rugs and emptying the trash.

•Christmas parties each year at a staff member’s house.

And my favorite story: Working late one evening I found a misplaced billing card in the file and told Dr. D. I had found the lost card … his reply, “look under S and see if you can find me a Sandwich.” It was a great place to work.

Linda Annlot

Clarkson

I still remember this visit to the office

I remember at age 14 being brought in to see Dr. Michael DiVincenzo after my mother placed an “urgent” call to the office. Without any hesitation ... they had us come in. I was seen right away (and must have looked really bad). After doing the history and physical, and mixing in good-old fashioned wisdom and experience, I was off to the hospital to have surgery for a ruptured appendix. I still remember how the floor creaked when you walked on it. It was actually a rather comforting, home-like sound. You knew by the atmosphere you were being well cared for.

I made it through the surgery ... and then ultimately made it through medical school. I am now a practicing Ob/Gyn physician on faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Thanks for the memories ... and for taking great care of me. I’ll try to pay it forward.

Christine (Robillard) Isaacs, MD

Associate Professor

Director, General Obstetrics & Gynecology Division

Director of Midwifery Services

VCU Medical Center

Sports - Week of May 15, 2011

SUNY Brockport

Geer a four-time All-SUNYAC pick, Beach named coach of the year

by Warren Kozireski

Spring sports are wrapping up for the College at Brockport and that has brought postseason honors to many individuals as well as postseason appearances for two squads.

The Golden Eagles baseball team, ranked second in the region after finishing the regular season with a 27-12 record, were awaiting their likely entry into the NCAA playoffs. The selection brackets will be announced May 16.

Among team award winners, head coach Justin Beach was named SUNYAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his career and freshman outfielder Kyle Tracy was selected the conference Rookie of the Year after hitting .413 this season with 11 RBIs.

In addition, senior outfielder Max Keado and sophomore third baseman Mike Weakley were named to the All-SUNYAC First Team. Keado led the team in hits, triples and total bases while Weakley topped the squad with 14 stolen bases and was second with 28 RBI.

Senior Kyle Smith and sophomore Jake Coleman (Hilton) were named to the second team.

Women’s lacrosse earned their second consecutive trip to the NCAA playoffs after their 10-6 campaign. They lost to nationally ranked Hamilton in the first round.

Sarah Brown led the team in scoring with 34 goals and 57 points while six others finished with 20 points or more.

Karen Bianchi, Kaila Maguire and Amanda Massmann were named to the All-SUNYAC tournament team.

Senior pitcher Stephanie Geer was named an All-SUNYAC selection for the fourth consecutive season after her 15-5, 1.35 ERA and six shutout performance this season.

Brockport finished the year with a 22-15-1 record, but struggled in conference play at 8-9-1. They were eliminated from the playoffs on the first day as the sixth seed.

The men’s lacrosse team received their first-ever conference postseason bid and placed four players on the all-star team including the program’s first first-team selection.

Senior goalie Jon Fiorillo was named All-SUNYAC First Team and was joined by second-team picks in seniors Mike Tammaro, who set single season school records with 29 assists and 40 points while tying a school record with nine points in a game, Justin Tierney and Mike Sanderson.

Senior Ray Lund led the way winning two of Brockport’s five track and field titles.

Lund won the hammer throw at 175 feet, seven inches - 25’ 8” better than the second place finisher - for his second consecutive championship, and took first in the discus at 140’ 4” to take first and qualify for the ECAC championships.

For the women’s squad, senior Stephanie Powell also won her second title in a row in the hammer throw with a throw of 162’ 2”.

Other first place finishes for the Golden Eagles came from junior Becky Fabbiano, who won the pole vault with a jump of 11’ 1.75”, and sophomore Nicole James, who won the shot put at 40’8.75”.

Schools - Week of May 15, 2011

Area

SUNY confirms GCC’s fourth president

The Board of Trustees of the State University of New York ratified the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees’ choice of Dr. James M. Sunser as Genesee Community College’s fourth president at the board’s regular May meeting in Albany May 10.

Dr. Sunser’s appointment at Genesee is effective August 1, 2011. He replaces Dr. Stuart Steiner, who is retiring after 44 years of service to Genesee, including 36 years as president.

Dr. Sunser has served as a member of the staff of Onondaga Community College for 22 years, as Bursar (1989-1996), Vice President for Finance (1996-2004), and Vice President for Continuing and Extended Learning (2004-2011). Dr. Sunser is also an alumnus (1984) of Onondaga Community College.

A native of Syracuse, Dr. Sunser also holds a B.S. degree from Syracuse University (1989), a M.S. degree from SUNY College at Brockport (1999), a Certificate of Advanced Study from the University of Rochester (2010), and an Ed.D. degree from the University of Rochester (2010).

Dr. Sunser was instrumental to a number of initiatives at Onondaga, including the construction of the Whitney Applied Technology Center, residence halls for 600 students, the creation of a Center for Workforce Development, and development of new degree programs in nuclear technology, sustainability, and overhead lineman studies. He is a recipient of the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service (2000). Since 2004, he has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of Keuka College.

Dr. Sunser is a well-known volunteer in the Syracuse-area community. Among his many volunteer commitments are service with the YMCA of Greater Syracuse’s Education Advisory Board; Syracuse City School District’s Construction Advisory Council; Education Committee of Central New York Works; American Red Cross; and Onondaga Stop DWI.

The appointment of Dr. Sunser concludes a national search that was guided by an 11-member search committee at Genesee comprised of college and community representatives. The search committee reviewed the backgrounds of 42 candidates.

Provided information

Churchville-Chili

C-C senior is National Merit Scholarship winner

Churchville-Chili senior Robert T. Ohman (second from left) has been selected as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. He is shown with Assistant Principal of Churchville-Chili Senior High School Jason Cline, School Counselor Kate Rathbun, and William Geraci, principal of Churchville-Chili Senior High School. Provided photo Churchville-Chili senior Robert T. Ohman has been selected as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 scholarship. The National Achievement Scholarship Program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). He plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall.

Provided information

Final Curtain Call for CCHS auditorium

Seniors Jill Alcorn, Megan Colombo, Jenny Iacucci and Jennifer Cheal are taking part in the Final Curtain Call for the Senior High School Auditorium during the week of May 23. Megan and Jenny will serve as student conductors during the Senior High School Choral Concert Monday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. Jill will be a student conductor at the Senior High School Band Concert, Thursday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m. The Choir will perform a song arranged by Jennifer and she is also the featured Clarinet Concerto at the Band concert. The Final Curtain Call for the Senior High School Auditorium will be marked with three events during the week of May 23.

Construction on a new auditorium is slated to begin this summer. From hosting award-winning theater productions to spectacular musical and vocal concerts, this is the community’s last chance to say goodbye to a facility that has been integral to the life of the community, graduates, and students, said Music Teacher Terry Bacon.

“The auditorium is a living space that has nurtured thousands,” he said.

Churchville-Chili Ninth Grade Academy Principal Richard Dunham said the Senior High School Auditorium stage has been the site of much success.

“It’s got a history, it has educated a lot of children, and we’ve had some very successful careers come out of it,” he said.

The Senior High School Auditorium was part of the original high school, which was constructed in 1959. The current capacity is 724. The auditorium was renovated in 1997.

An artist rendering of the new auditorium. “That made it slightly better, gave it some acoustical changes, added new seats and provided some sound upgrades, but it really didn’t do anything for the stage in terms of fly-sets or being able to put on large musical productions, nor did it bring an air conditioning system as we had hoped,” said Rob Goodling, director of vocal music at the Senior High School from 1974-2001.

Construction on a new 1,200-plus seating capacity auditorium with orchestra-level and balcony seating is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the end of 2013. The new facility will be handicapped accessible for the audience, technicians and performers. There will be a full-size stage, orchestra pit, scenery fly-space and wing space to accommodate large ensembles and outside professional/collegiate performances.

Also included in the new auditorium will be a scene shop and prop/costume shop with changing rooms, and a new sound and lighting system. The auditorium design was created in consultation with a theater design and acoustical engineer from New York City. Student control booths and a state-of-the-art facility will give Churchville-Chili students a chance to work in a venue that matches real-world standards so they can transition to college or careers in performing arts. The construction of the new auditorium is fully aided by New York State and has no additional impact on the local taxes, according to district representatives. Senior Jennifer Cheal will have special roles in both the Senior High School Chorus Concert and Senior High School Band Concerts. “Good Old Lover Boy,” a song she arranged, will be performed by the Choir on May 23. As the winner of the Churchville-Chili School Concerto Competition, she will perform a clarinet concerto of her choosing during the Band Concert on May 26.

Schedule of events

•Senior High School Choral Concert, 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 23 - Led by Senior High School Vocal Teacher Steve Cortese, the Senior High School Choral Concert will feature Churchville-Chili’s Chorus, Concert Choir, Men and Women’s Choirs, Combined Choir, and the Singing Saints Show Choir.

Other highlights will include: Rob Goodling, choir director at Churchville-Chili from 1974-2001, will return to conduct Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” to be sung by the Combined Choir. Alumni in the audience will be invited on the stage to join in the performance. The Concert Choir will perform “Where You Begin Like Rivers,” a piece commissioned specifically for this concert by the Churchville-Chili Music Boosters and written by alumni Dr. Stephen Shewan. The evening will include a flower ceremony for seniors, and a performance of “Go the Distance,” by Hercules. This song will also be performed at graduation.

•Senior High School Awards Program, 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 - Departmental awards, awards sponsored by community organizations, and community and memorial scholarships will be announced at the Senior High School Awards Program.

•Senior High School Band Concert, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, May 26 - The Senior High School Band Concert will feature the Symphonic Band led by Music Teacher Terry Bacon, Wind Ensemble led by Instrumental Music Teacher Kevin Mead, and a Clarinet Concerto performed by senior Jennifer Cheal.

In addition to these events, the Music Department will have photos of past musicals, events and students who’ve crossed the stage on display to commemorate the more than 50 years of music and theater which has taken place on the Senior High School Auditorium Stage. There will also be a special display dedicated to Churchville-Chili graduate Renee Fleming, a world-renowned Operatic Soprano.

Hilton

Hilton CSD named “Best Community for Music Education” by NAMM

The NAMM Foundation of Carlsbad, California has released its annual “Best Communities for Music Education” awards which acknowledge schools and districts across the country for their commitment to and support of music education in schools. Hilton Central School District has been designated a “Best Community” the third time since 2008. Each school district honored demonstrates a commitment to providing music education for their students as well as celebrating schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum. Winning districts were measured across curricular and programmatic criteria as well as public support of their music programs. The survey was developed and administered by The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

“Music education plays a vital role in student success in school and in life,” Hilton CSD Music Program Coordinator Nancy Russo said. “The Hilton School District’s staff and students are engaged on a daily basis in musical activities which enhance all other aspects of a students’ life. This award identifies communities which exemplify a strong commitment to music education.”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the grading process. Applicants answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

The NAMM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry.

Provided information

Obituaries - Week of May 15, 2011

BERGEN

•Neu, Harold William, age 84, died May 10, 2011 at Rochester General Hospital. Mr. Neu was born on April 13, 1927, a son of the late Joseph and Julia (Stack) Neu. Mr. Neu was the father of seven children, Barbara (Paul) Loeb of Webster, Beverly Goff of Greece, William Neu and Debora Smardz, both of Gates, Delores Wilkin of Batavia, Cheryl (Keith) Merrell of Bergen and the late John Neu; father-in-law of Joanne Neu of Penfield; stepfather of Leannah Grimsley of Scottsville, Richard Tripp Jr., of Springwter and Catherine Tripp of Spencerport; brother of the late Albert, Raymond, Charles, Philip and Joseph Neu, Veronica Weins and Dolores Neu.

Funeral Services will be held May 16 at 1 p.m. at H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Bergen. Contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Rochester NY Chapter, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in his memory.

BROCKPORT

•Johnson, John Michael, Died May 6, 2011 at age 55. Predeceased by his parents, Mary G. Johnson and Kirk C. Johnson. Survived by his brother, Don (Janet) Johnson; sisters, Judy Johnson and Ann (Frank) LePore; nieces, Allicia Gerken, Samantha (Wes) Britt; nephews, Nicholas Purvee and Alan Johnson; and lifelong friend, Bill Rowe.

A Funeral Mass was said May 14 at the Nativity Church of BVM, Brockport.

•McKee, Kathryn Ruth (nee Krutenat), May 6, 2011, after a long fight with breast cancer. She was 64 years old. Kathryn was born in Brockport, on February 4, 1947, and attended schools there and in Webster. She was employed in Boston, Massachusetts at a law firm for a few years, and later as a secretary to the director of the blood bank at Massachusetts General Hospital. She retired from MGH in 2006. She leaves her devoted and loving husband, Milton; her sisters, Dorothy J. Vandenbergh, Christine C. Blenninger; and her brothers, Richard, William (Mary), David (Jean) and Donald (Nancy) Krutenat.

Private Burial, Lakeview Cemetery, Brockport. Kathryn was an active member at Tremont Temple Baptist Church, Boston, Massachusetts. Donations can be made to Boston Christian Counseling Center, 88 Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 in her memory. A Memorial Service will be held in Boston at the convenience of the family.

CHILI

•Haak, Joan “Weinman,” May 8, 2011 age 79. Predeceased by her husband, Robert and daughter, Margaret “Peg” Ehrmentraut. Survived by her children, Stephanie (Dan) Leach, Barbara (Peter) Widener and Peter (Pam) Haak; son-in-law, Jim Ehrmentraut; grandchildren, Justin (Kelly) Haak, Ashley Eberhardt (Tom Herle), Amity and Laney Widener, Lindsay (Adam) Vogler, Lauren Ehrmentraut (Ryan Musshafen), Matthew and Robert Haak; step-grandchildren, Danny, Jason and Gordon Leach; great-grandchildren, Oktober Lynn Haak, Izabella Haak and Ella Leach; several nieces and nephews. Joan was a member of the Chili Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and Depression Glass Club.

Funeral Services were held May 13 at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Donations can be made to Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, 840 University Avenue, Rochester 14607 in her memory.

HILTON

•Gabriel, Christie (Gardner), May 11, 2011, age 66, at home following a courageous battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Predeceased by her parents, George and Dorothy (Peterman) Gardner, father-in-law, Stephen Gabriel, Sr. and brothers-in-law, Michael Newport and William Conde. Deeply missed by her husband of nearly 50 years, Stephen Gabriel, Jr. and her children, Tonya (Louis) Lustumbo, Timothy (Julie) Gabriel and Tasha Gabriel. She will always be remembered as a loving grandmother by Leigh and Claire Lustumbo, Jared, Justin and Stephen Gabriel; her sisters, Ila Newport and Renee (Glen) Warner; her mother-in-law, Anna Gabriel; brothers-in-law, Edward (Audrey) and James (Catherine) Gabriel. She was also a special aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews; as well as a good friend with Karen Gabriel.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated May 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Leo the Great Church, Hilton. Donations can be made to CURE P.S.P., Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031-9942 in her memory.

•Zahn, Frances M., May 1, 2011, age 100. Predeceased by her husband, Franklyn; and her son, Bernard. Survived by her son, Peter (Dale) Zahn; her daughter Eleanor Jean (Michael) Kopack; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter.

A Memorial Service was held May 13 at Hamlin United Methodist Church. Interment, St. James Cemetery, Carthage, New York.

HOLLEY

•Connell, Michael A., May 5, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by his grandmother, Molly Stanford; cousin, Catrina Lynne Brancato; nephew, Andrew Hines and niece, Nevaeh Murphy. Sadly missed by his mother, Donna Stanford; step-father, Dennis Murphy; wife, Melissa Reed; brother Dennis Murphy; sisters, Shonna Murphy and Sheri Stanford; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roger and Tammy Reed; brother-in-law, Jason Reed; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services were held May 8 at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Inc., Greece. Donations can be made to the Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Strong Memorial Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14642 in his memory.

•Jollie, Lawrence L., died May 9, 2011 at age 62 after a brief struggle with cancer. Predeceased by his father, Charles. Survived by his mother, Betty Jollie and loving wife, Shirley; sister, Linda Warmerdam (Steve Tartaglia); nephew, Aaron Warmerdam (Renee).

A Memorial Service will be held May 15 at 2 p.m. at Brockport Free Methodist Church, Brockport. Contributions can be made to the Brockport Free Methodist Church, 6787 Fouth Section Road, Brockport 14420 in his memory.

MURRAY

•Weber, John N. Sr. “Jack,” May 9, 2011, at age 79. Predeceased by his brother, Hubert Weber. Survived by his wife of 53 years, Patricia (Holly) Weber; sons, John (Wende) Weber, William (Robin) Weber; daughters, Susan (Mark) Mazzatti and Gail (Todd) Tabone; sisters-in-law, Jane Weber, Nancy (Hugh) Schick, Annette (William) Wakefield, Elaine (Robert) Hummell; brother-in-law, Lawrence (Sandy) Holly; grandchildren, Caitlin and Chase Weber, Jacob Allen and Troy Mazzatti, Roberta, Haley and Wesley Tabone; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; his beloved pets, Miss Kitty and Miss Meow. Jack served as Chief Petty Officer of the Seabees, U.S. Navy for 20+ years. Retired as a Master Carpenter from Eastern Kodak in 1991.

A Funeral Mass was said May 14 at St. Leo Church, Hilton, followed by a Military Graveside Service at Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Veteran’s Outreach in his memory.

NORTH CHILI

•Craver, David B., On May 9, 2011 at age 69 with is family at his side. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Carmella; daughters, Tina (Aaron) Kurtzhalts, Donna (Rick) Dattalo and children in Florida; grandchildren, Michelle and fiance, Eric, Courtney, Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Ava and Alivia; sister, Darleen (Thomas) Ghysel; sister and brother-in-law, Patty (Don) Fuino and many nieces and nephews.

Service to be held at the convenience of the family. Interment, Ascension Gardens Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Aurora House, 2495 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 in his memory.

OGDEN

•Baker, Colin R. “Bud,” May 9, 2011 at age 88. Predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Gladys M. Baker. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra (John) Page; grandchildren, Tamara (Thomas) Burgio, Michael (Marie) Page; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Jacob, Andrew and Colin; special friend, Elizabeth Foti; many extended family members and friends. Bud was an active member of the Ogden Senior Center.

Funeral Services were held May 13 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be made to Honor Flight or Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance in his memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Barkley, Fredrick R. “Fred,” Fred is predeceased by his sons, Daniel, Stephen Barkley and his first wife Inez Barkley. He is survived by his wife Clementine A. “Clem” (Andreano) (Pizzarello) Barkley; children, Cindy (Joe) Trotter, Patricia (Randy) Meek, Marianna (John) Toscano, Leanne (Daniel) DuBois, Fredrick Jr. (Gina) Barkley; Rocco (Ginny) Pizzarello; daughter-in-law Rose Barkley; grandchildren, Jennifer (Adam) Phillips, Danielle, Kristen Barkley, Joe Jr., Gina, Jason, Jamie Trotter, Lisa, Shauna Meek, Thomas Toscano, Andrew DuBois, Michael Castrechino, Freddie, Julia Barkley, Angela, Nicholas Pizzarello; sister Marion Eveland; brother Donald (Lucy) Barkley; several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated May 11 at St. John the Evangelist Church of Spencerport. Interment, St. John’s Cemetery.

•Gardner, Noreen M. (LaBrake), on May 8, 2011 at age 77. She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Roy; children, Thomas (Pauline), Katherine (Brian), Cynthia (William) Fowler, Lorie Gardner-Norgart, Kimberly (Curtis) Spencer and Maureen (Michael) Childs; grandchildren, Michael (Donna), Roy (Christine), Craig (Kristen), Christopher, Melissa (Michael), Jennifer (Andrew), Amy, Michelle, Stephen (Tiffany), Nicole, Brittney, Danielle, Daniel, Tia and Madison; great-grandchildren, Jennifer, Jesse, Jonathan, Christina, Christopher, Destiny, Dakota, Gavin, Austin, Alexandria and Jase; sister, Janet (Jan) LeBrake; several loved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her life was held May 11 at All Seasons Chapel, White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, followed by entombment.

•LaDelfa, Dawn R., (Prevost), unexpectedly on May 6, 2011, at age 57. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Philip; children, Jason P. (Jessica) LaDelfa and Lori A. LaDelfa; grandson, Trystin; brothers, Jeff (Debbie) and Craig (Diane) Prevost and their sons, Carl and Jared; sister, Yvonne (Jon) Dey and their son, Justin; and many friends. Dawn was an employee of Kodak for 27 years. She was an avid quilter and gardener.

A Memorial Service was held May 12 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece.

•Marciano, Joseph, May 4, 2011 at the age of 70. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Jennie Marciano, father-in-law, John Salvato and brother-in-law James Ranelli. Survived by his loving wife, Rosemary Marciano; children, Thomas (Dennise), Doreen, Joe (Sue) and Anthony (Suzi) Marciano; grandchildren, Michele, Brittany, Lindsey, Brooke, Tommy, Jamie, Tyler and Dylan; siblings, Dr. Orry (Clara) Marciano, Marlene Ranelli; mother-in-law Lucille Salvato; brothers-in-law, Pat (Carol) and Jim (Millie) Salvato; sister-in-law, Debbie (Ray) O’Connell.

Funeral Services were held May 10 at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Archives - Week of May 8, 2011

Local News - Week of May 8, 2011

Churchville Elementary students try out a new playground

Churchville Elementary School students from Charlotte Rahn's second grade class try out their new playground for the first time May 2. Photograph by Dave KnoxDuring the week of Spring Break in mid-April, volunteers from the Churchville Elementary School Parents Association (CESPA), including Elementary School Principal Dave Johnson, along with other volunteers from the community and the school district kicked off the installation of a brand new playground for the Churchville Elementary School. The new play system was installed near the Elementary School’s soccer field. It took several days to complete and the finishing touches were added during the last weekend of April. The new play equipment was ready for use Monday, May 2.

Volunteers, including Elementary School Principal Dave Johnson (far left), install the new play system to the Churchville Elementary School playground. Photo by Dave KnoxThe Churchville Elementary School Parents Association is responsible for helping to offer students and staff enrichment opportunities in the school environment and they started fundraising for this project several years ago under the direction of Leon Tucker, past CESPA President and now a board member of the Churchville-Chili Central School District. The parents raised all the funds for the playground themselves through bake sales, pancake breakfasts, and Volunteer Keith Hambley (left) and Leon Tucker (right), past Churchville-Chili Elementary School Parents Association president, check play system parts before other volunteers start assembling the playground. Construction was started during Spring Break in April. Photo by Dave Knoxother events. Brenda Seaman, current CESPA President, said that the students have been waiting for the new playground for a long time. The play system includes climbers slides, bridges, and a venture tube. The installation crew from R.E. Woodson, Inc., the source for the playground equipment, oversaw the installation. Ken Tanner, head groundsman, managed the CCSD facilities crew to prepare the area for the playground.

Brockport villagers to vote on change in CEO supervision

by Kristina Gabalski

Brockport voters will decide at the village election in June who will supervise the village’s code enforcement officer. If passed, the change in local law would mean that the CEO would be supervised by the Chief of Police. The position currently comes under the supervision of the mayor.

Village Board members voted 3-2 at their regular meeting April 27 in favor of the proposed change. The issue will now go to a mandatory referendum during the village election June 21. A public hearing was held April 13 on the change. Trustees Kent Blair, Scott Hunsinger and Carol Hannan voted yes; Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn voted no.

During his report at the April 27 meeting, Police Chief Daniel Varrenti said that regardless of the June vote, the Brockport Police Department would, “ ... start enforcing code enforcement.”

Chief Varrenti explained that the Brockport Police Department would not become, “ ... the paint and broken driveway police,” but would “work together (with the CEO) to give the people of Brockport a better bang for their buck.”

It’s not a landlords versus private citizens issue, Chief Varrenti said. He explained that tickets would go to residents responsible for violations, not necessarily the property owner.

“We’re going to start doing things to make this village a better place to live in,” Chief Varrenti said, “and it’s not going to cost you a dime.”

Before the board vote on the change, Trustee Kent Blair said much thought has gone into the issue.

“We need to enforce the codes we already have,” he said. He noted the change would put the code enforcement officer under the umbrella of other (police) enforcement in the village.

Mayor Connie Castaneda said the proposal is purely political and will not benefit taxpayers. She called the proposed change, “ ... a witch hunt against any citizen who speaks against the police department.”

The office of the village’s code enforcement officer has already been moved from the Village Hall to the Police Department.

Many made Arbor Day events happen

Poet Bill Heyen reads from his Forest Anthem poems. Margay Blackman, Tree Board chair, is in background. Provided photoOn April 29, the Village of Brockport celebrated its 6th annual Arbor Day with the planting of 17 trees on College, Utica and Erie Streets. Held in conjunction with the college’s year-long 175th anniversary, the commemoration included planting a sugar maple tree east of Hartwell Hall on campus to replace the 175-year-old maple that had to be taken down this past winter. Village historian Jackie Morris described the 1835 treescape of the Hartwell lawn, and Poet Bill Heyen inspired the group with his “Forest Anthem” poems.

FLEC and Environmental Club Students from Brockport High School helped plant trees. Provided photoThe Tree Board was joined by village trustees Kent Blair and Carol Hannan, The College at Brockport’s Executive Director of Public & Government Relations, Dave Mihalyov, and community and college members. Twenty-four FLEC and Environmental Club students from Brockport High School and the Hill School’s 4th and 5th grade Arbor group worked with the tree planters to complete the job in just over an hour. Rick Lair’s Facilities and Maintenance crew from the college helped the Village DPW deliver the trees to their sites, demonstrated how to plant a tree, and oversaw that all trees were correctly planted.

College at Brockport Facilities crew demonstrates how to plant a tree for the volunteer tree planters. Provided photoArbor Day would not have been possible without the generosity of the Brockport community who, in the absence of a village shade tree budget, stepped up to provide the resources. The tree fund was started last summer with $52 of lemonade stand proceeds from two young boys, Jack and Nick Mahoney. On April 1, 2011 (many contributions later), a total of $4,000 was in-hand. Our heartfelt thanks to all who made a tree donation, including Rose and George Rich, Carol Hannan, ECOS (college), Stetson Club/VanDerwort Enterprises, and especially Sara’s Garden Center and Nursery who donated $600 worth of trees. Thanks also to those who gratefully received seven new trees, after some rental property owners and a homeowner refused (a few days before the event) to have them planted on public spaces in front of their properties. The village has a legal right to plant in those spaces, but wanting Village trees to thrive, and citing many vacant tree spaces, the Tree Board chose other sites for them.

BCS 4th-5th grade Arbor Group count the 175 rings on a section of a sugar maple tree with Rick Lair. Provided photoSince 2006, the Tree Board has overseen the planting of 180 trees in the Village for the public good. Since trees benefit entire streets and our Village, let’s aim for going over the 200-tree mark next Arbor Day!

Thanks to all who contributed and participated in making this great annual community event such a success.

Hanny Heyen, Secretary

Village of Brockport Tree Board

Hamlin Life Solutions Food Pantry is moving

Life Solutions of Hamlin food pantry clients and volunteers are looking forward to a new location this spring.

A larger building at 1696 Lake Road, Hamlin was purchased in February 2011. There is a great deal of work to be done at the new building before the pantry is ready for service. On Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and sometimes later, dozens of volunteers have been helping to renovate the building. Volunteers are still needed for painting, cleaning, repairs and many other projects. Visitors and community residents are encouraged to stop in during these Saturdays to see the progress and perhaps to help.

Life Solutions’ primary role is to serve the urgent food provision for Hamlin community members who are in need. In addition to food distribution, Life Solutions offers counseling, referrals for emergency funding and help with resumes and joy search.

For assistance or to make donations call 585-964-7420 and someone will return your call.

Life Solutions volunteers are grateful to the Hamlin Methodist Church members. For several years, they have generously allowed the food pantry to use space in the nearby church office building. However, the food pantry has outgrown this space.

With the additional space, ample parking and easy access, Life Solutions will be able to offer more services such as clean, used clothing in many sizes at nominal prices and a “treasures sale” area where the public can purchase household items, books, collectibles and many other items at very affordable prices.

Several fundraising events are planned this year.

Provided information

DOT seeks input on trail development near Rt. 531

Public session set for May 17

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) officials will hold a workshop on Tuesday, May 17 to discuss and seek community input on the multi-use trail associated with the Route 531 Terminus Project that is currently being planned in the towns of Ogden and Sweden, Monroe County.

The workshop will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Visitor Education Center of Springdale Farm, 700 Colby Street in Ogden. Anyone interested in the development of a multi-use trail to safely accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians between Washington Street and Salmon Creek Road is welcome to attend. Goals and other considerations of the trail will be presented followed by a facilitated discussion to receive input. Limited time will be spent discussing the highway aspects of the project to allow ample time to listen to all ideas offered about the trail. A separate public session will be offered later in the summer to provide an update on the highway aspects of the project prior to the public hearing that will be held in the fall. Other information can be found online at www.nysdot.gov/531.

The location for the meeting is accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone who requires special accommodations, including sign language interpretation, to participate in this meeting or wishes to obtain more information about the project can call (585) 272-3360, or via email at 531@dot.state.ny.us by Friday, May 13.

New location for Brockport Arts Festival - a summer favorite

by Magggie Fitzgibbon

Lorrie and Gary Skoog (l-r), representing the Sweden Singers Chorus, George Dahl, representing BISCO, and Mike Myers, representing the Sweden Community Foundation, all signed the Memorandum of Agreement which officially made the three entities equal parties in the 2011 Duck Derby Race to be held on Sunday, August 14 at the 17th Annual Brockport Summer Arts Festival. Members of the hardworking Duck Derby committee also include Chair Cindy Syrocki (BISCO), Norm Knight (BISCO), Chet Fery (Foundation) and the Skoogs. The Duck Derby will be held on a specially constructed raceway on the hillside of the Festival site, the Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Center on Lake Road in Brockport. Provided photo What began in 1994 as a collaborative event supported by three community organizations has evolved into an umbrella organization with a broad community membership that hosts a popular summer festival attended by thousands of visitors.

The Brockport Summer Arts Festival is the result of the hard work of many community volunteers who support Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization also known as BISCO. The group consists of members from the Brockport Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Fire Department and Elks as well as other businesses and community members. The group’s primary purpose is to raise funds to support worthwhile community organizations or events. In the past, BISCO has purchased playground equipment, sponsored community activities and events for children and purchased equipment for the Brockport Fire Department and Lakeside Health System.

This year, the proceeds from the annual Duck Derby will benefit the Sweden Community Foundation, BISCO and Sweden Singers Chorus.

This summer, the Arts Festival will be held on August 13 and 14 but new this year will be a change in location. Construction along Main Street in the Village of Brockport will not be completed in time for the festival. Festival planners made the decision to move the festival to Sweden/Clarkson Recreation Center, on Lake Road South, located just outside the Village of Brockport.

“We started planning in September 2010 and knew that the festival had to move. We knew Main Street was not available nor was the College at Brockport (site used last year). We looked at several options and determined this to be the best place for this event,” said Patricia Baker, past president and present secretary of BISCO.

As in years past, the festival will also include a host of events for festival goers of all ages including a juried arts and crafts show featuring over 100 artists, children’s activities, events, and entertainment, food to please any palate, wine tasting, and musical performances throughout the weekend. The Duck Derby will wrap up the festival weekend.

This venue change will not stop the ducks from swimming in the annual Duck Derby. Festival planners are determined to float the yellow creatures despite the lack of accessibility to the canal.

George Dahl, president of BISCO, described the Duck Derby, as an event for all to come out to see.

“The Duck Derby will take place on a specially designed course made of black plastic and sandbags. The ducks will be released from a holding tank full of water and they will float down a 300-foot raceway,” Dahl explained. “We’re hoping gravity will wash the ducks down the hill,” he added with a laugh.

Duck tickets can be purchased from any Brockport Lions, Kiwanis or Rotary member or during the arts festival at the Duck Derby tent. New this year is a duck ticket special, five tickets for $20, called a Quack Pack. The Duck Derby is scheduled for August 14 at 4 p.m.

Dahl, a BISCO committee member for over 10 years, encourages people to come out to this annual event.

“This is the 17th year for the annual event. It is an opportunity for people to learn and explore the Village of Brockport and Town of Sweden and enjoy the entertainment, exhibitors, food and fun. And it’s a great way to raise funds for our community,” Dahl said.

Save the date - August 13 and 14 and visit Brockport to enjoy the 2011 Brockport Summer Arts Festival. To find out other information visit the website at www.brockportartsfestival.com.

Thousands of stuffed toys delivered

Churchville-Chili LEO Club members Kaleena Hill and Jamie Giovannini spent a day of her spring break week delivering 1,000 stuffed toys and animals to various locations where they could bring smiles and joy to their recipients.

Kaleena thought of the idea to collect stuffed toys as a way to celebrate her 16th birthday and Jamie, a junior at St. John Fisher College, was happy to help. Together they set up collection points at their schools and collected approximately 2,000 stuffed toys.

The new toys were donated to Strong Memorial Hospital and will also be delivered to Buffalo Children’s Hospital where Kaleena was treated for a serious illness as an infant. The gently used toys were professionally cleaned by Presto Cleaners on East Avenue and were donated to Small Steps Learning Center, Mary Cariola Center and a children’s program at Brockport Nativity Church. Those toys that were less than gently used were donated directly to Lollypop Farm. As soon as the rest of the toys can be cleaned they will also be delivered where needed.

Donations are now needed for more cleaning expenses and can be sent to Churchville-Chili LEO Club, 5786 Buffalo Road, Churchville, NY 14428.

Provided information

Feature Stories - Week of May 8, 2011

Streeters Inn turns 200 years old

by Kristina Gabalski

Streeters Inn is one of Chili's oldest buildings. Photograph by Kristina Gabalski2011 is a very special year for members of the Chili Historical Society. Streeters Inn, located on South Union Street, turns 200 years old.

The Inn served as an early gathering place during the settlement of Chili, Priscilla Beeman, Chili Historical Society President says. It was named after Colonel Elias Streeter who was a leader in the War of 1812.

The Federal style center entrance colonial has served as the headquarters of the historical society since Monroe County purchased the building in 1999. It is constructed of bricks hand made from lime deposits in nearby Black Creek mixed with sand and water, Beeman explained.

The Inn was a successful farm for much of its history with the Pfenninger family purchasing the property in 1922 and running a dairy farm there. Beeman said the historical society is currently working to furnish the interior as it would have been between 1880 and 1890 when it was a thriving farm.

Events planned at Streeters Inn this spring include a Civil War program on Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m. “All are welcome,” Beeman said. The program includes presentations by Rich Ferris, Beth Cade and Cade’s daughter, Jessica on Civil War topics including men’s and women’s clothing and the Christian Commission, which provided medical care to Civil War soldiers in battle, Beeman said. Presenters will also have examples of period clothing as part of the program. 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War.

June 12 at 2 p.m. is the historical society’s annual Garden Talk. Beeman said the event will include strawberry shortcake.

Streeters Inn will be open to the public every Sunday in July and August from 2 to 4 p.m.

“This is the third year we’ve done this,” Beeman said. The historical society will have displays including historic photos of the Inn for the public to view.

The historical society will also be offering a 200th anniversary commemorative plate with a picture of Streeters Inn on it, Beeman said.

Those visiting Streeters between the end of June and late fall should be aware that the Union Street bridge over Black Creek is being replaced and will be closed. Detours will be posted, Beeman said.

The Chili Historical Society always welcomes new members, Beeman adds. The group organizes both educational and social activities.

Cool Kids Eco-Fest 2011 sets records for recycling

Organizers of the 6th annual Cool Kids Eco-Fest held April 9 at Genesee Community College in Batavia say the event was an unbelievable and astounding success.

Many recycling tallies set new records and total approximate attendance reached 1,800-2,000 for the first time.

Over 30,000 pounds of E-Waste (a new record) was collected; 225 pairs of sneakers, 165 ink cartridges and 44 flags were recycled and 700 paperback books were collected for American soldiers overseas, organizers say.

More than 45 people volunteered and more than 65 vendors and presenters took part. Three live animal crews brought more than 50 animals and a live bird banding demo resulted in the banding of four birds near the Nature Trail.

Organizers thanked all who took part, “… you helped all this stuff dodge the dump,” they noted.

Cool Kids! programs in Brockport for Summer 2011 begin June 10 and are held every Friday at 7 p.m. in Sagawa Park, 100 Main Street. Those attending are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The programs are free and include special “green guests” and live shows. Used school supplies and sneakers are also collected each week for recyclying.

Children hunt Easter Eggs in Kendall

The Easter Bunny had a hoppin’ good time at the Kendall Community Easter Egg Hunt. He had a great time watching all his friends splash through the grass looking for eggs.

Lucky prize egg winners were (not in any particular order) Jonathan Esposito, Chase Galletto, Brooke Rodas, Jacob Fleming, Lily Tobin, Josh Esposito, Jacob Esposito, Mackenzie Jenks, Jakob Bilohlabek, Rebeca Banker, Dale Steffen and James Longrod.

Provided photo

Three generations celebrate

Ruth KauffmanOn April 23 three generations of the Kauffman family gathered to celebrate Ruth Kauffman’s 90th birthday.

Her twelve children arranged the party at an area restaurant attended by a hundred well-wishers.

Family memories were shared with stories of the struggles of a family of 14 - homemade dresses for the girls all made from the same pattern and cut from the same bolt of cloth, meal time for the large family and the laughter and fun from growing up in a large family.

Ruth Kauffman’s birthdate is April 22, 1921. Her husband, Tom, died 17 years ago.

Provided photo

Sports News - Week of May 8, 2011

Brockport

Elliott leads Eagles comeback

by Warren Kozireski

Senior Mike Tammaro. Photo provided by The Collage at Brockport Athletic Department.Sophomore Jesse Elliott led Brockport back from a 7-1 first half deficit with five goals, including three in the second half, and senior Mike Tammaro set a school record with seven assists as Brockport defeated Oneonta 14-13 in college men’s lacrosse.

Down 7-1 midway through the second quarter, the Golden Eagles offense came alive with four straight and five goals before halftime to pull back into the game. Elliott began the rally by setting up Nate Thomas at 8:40 of the second quarter. Andy Hilton followed with an unassisted goal at 3:45 before Elliott netted his 12th and 13th goals of the season less than two minutes apart both assisted by Tammaro.

Justin Tierney scored his third goal of the season with just 15 seconds remaining in the first half to continue the momentum shift in favor of Brockport.

After Oneonta began the second half with a goal to give them a 9-6 lead, Brockport tallied five consecutive times to take the lead.

Elliot and Tierney each scored unassisted goals before Elliott tallied twice more in the third quarter to tie the game and then give the Golden Eagles their first advantage.

Hilton scored his second of the game to put the Golden Eagles up by two by an 11-9 score before the Red Dragons converted three straight times to again take a one-goal lead.

But Brendon Rothfuss scored at 11:23 of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 11:23, Thomas put Brockport up 13-12 at 7:49 and Tammaro scored what would prove to be the game-winner with 1:50 left to seal the win.

Senior goalie Jon Fiorillo was credited with ten saves for Brockport as they kept their slim playoff hopes alive by improving their conference record to 2-3.

Kendall

Kendall baseball team does spring training at Disney

David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School's Baseball program recently traveled to Disney's Spring Training in Orlando, Florida for spring training. Team members who went on the trip included (front l-r) Trevor Yantz, Evan Rockow, (middle row, l-r) Richie Swift, Ralph Reis, Levi Mundt, David Makowski, David Hardenbrook, (back, l-r) Coach Tige Noni, Coach Matthew Zimmer, Preston Vick, Aaron Wright, Alex Bosko, Tyler Hardenbrook and Marty Christensen. The David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School’s Baseball program traveled to Disney’s Spring Training at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida from April 18-23. This is the second time the baseball team has traveled south for spring training. While there, the team had several practices, one official game and three scrimmages.

“It was a great opportunity to play on world class fields against a high level of competition,” said Coach Tige Noni.

Parents and Boosters Club members have been working hard for the past two years to make this trip a reality. The 3rd Annual Kendall Dodge Ball Tournament raised nearly $1,400 for the trip, with 11 teams participating. The winning team was “No Big Deal.” A bottle and can drive raised $400 towards individual players’ cost, and a Salsa Sale raised about $700 towards the trip.

Photo Provided

Spencerport

Palvino nets three, but rally falls short

by Warren Kozireski

Senior Marcus Palvino had a three goal game but Spencerport’s rally from a five-goal second half deficit fell short in a 14-8 boy’s lacrosse loss to Bath-Haverling played in wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour.

The Rangers jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first four minutes as Kaser scored his first of the game when he jumped into the slot from behind the net and scored at 2:46 of the first period. Junior Ben Tribunella followed with a goal from ten yards out 28 seconds later.

But Bath-Haverling scored seven unanswered goals while holding Spencerport off the scoreboard for the rest of the first half and for over 22 minutes total to take a 6-2 lead into the break.

Trailing 8-3 in the third quarter, Matt Kaser and Palvino took over as the Rangers scored five of the next six goals to pull within one.

Kaser netted the first at 5:12 of the third into the lower left corner of the net and, 21 seconds later, fed Tribunella a perfect back pass for another tally.

After a Bath tally, Palvino found the net on three consecutive rushes over a 2:38 span to pull Spencerport to within one at 9-8.

Tribunella passed to Palvino who scored from fifteen yards out for the first; Kaser found him for a quick-hitter at 8:12 and then he scored an unassisted goal at 9:57 for the third.

But Bath came out of the quarter break to score three quick ones and five overall while holding the Rangers off the scoreboard again in the final stanza.

School News - Week of May 8, 2011

Area

Retiring GCC president to deliver graduation address

In his last year as President of Genesee Community College, Dr. Stuart Steiner - the leader of the school for over 37 years - will give students one last farewell before he heads into retirement. At the request of the Student Government Association, Dr. Steiner agreed to serve as commencement speaker at graduation on Sunday, May 22 at 1 p.m. in the Anthony B. Zambito Gymnasium of the Batavia Campus.

Since Genesee Community College was founded in the 1960s, Dr. Steiner has been a leader who was focused on the future of the college and student success. Originally, he served as Dean of Students for a short period and then became Dean of Instruction/Executive Dean until 1975. That year, Dr. Steiner became President of the College and he has remained so for over 37 years - slated as the second-longest serving community college president in the country.

When announcing his retirement earlier this year, Steiner pointed out that he felt comfortable handing the reins to someone else because in so many measurable ways, Genesee is truly in the best shape it has ever been. Enrollment has reached an all time high and Genesee finds itself fiscally sound thanks in part to record breaking fundraising efforts over the past year. The School of Nursing is up and running in the new Med-Tech building across from the Batavia Campus building. There is a new campus center in Lima, and the sophisticated Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery - located next to the Stuart Steiner Theatre - was greeted with enthusiasm in April. Dr. Steiner has managed all this recent prosperity and growth without raising tuition for the past two years.

“We’ve asked Dr. Steiner to speak at graduation not only because we look up to him as an educational professional, but because we want to thank him for what he has done for us as students here at Genesee,” said Ian Dries, President of the Student Government Association. “Without him, our education wouldn’t have been the same.”

Commencement will be held in the Genesee Community College gymnasium on Sunday, May 22 at 1 p.m. While the event is open to the public, seats in the gymnasium are reserved for family and friends of graduates. The ceremony will be streamed live throughout the campus through a video cast to the Stuart Steiner Theatre, T102 and on every monitor on campus - including the Student Union and cafeteria for those who would like to tune in. Tickets are not necessary to watch the ceremony in these areas.

Immediately following commencement, a reception with punch and light refreshments will be hosted in the Forum for all guests and graduates. The college is also offering free child care services during commencement for children eight weeks to five years of age. Parents/guardians can register children for the service by contacting the Student Activities office or can call 585-343-0055 extension 6261.

Byron-Bergen

Annual Blood Drive held

Byron-Bergen faculty members Roxanne Wood and Nick Muhlenkamp coordinated the annual High School Blood Drive with the American Red Cross on April 8.

The High School has been the site for blood drives for the past five years and for the last two years, members of the Byron-Bergen Varsity Club assisted in the day. Varsity Club members (front, left) Peter Lanphear, Nicole Bailey, Kristen Guarino, Katherine Schrenker, and Emma Phillips; (back): Teachers Roxanne Wood, Danielle Carson, Nick Muhlenkamp.

Provided photo

Syntec Optics welcomes Byron-Bergen students

Nineteen Byron-Bergen students from physics, AP calculus, business, and engineering classes took advantage of an opportunity to attend a special field trip to Syntec Optics in Pavilion.

Syntec Optics is the largest independent custom plastic optics manufacturer in North America, and winner of the Frost & Sullivan Growth Excellence of the Year award.

Students were hosted by the Marketing Manager Chad Zambito, and also met with Lori Pietrykowski Stefanilla, the vice president of marketing and a 1986 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School.

Students learned about the high tech products that Syntec Optics makes for the medical, defense, and biotech industries and toured the manufacturing, assembly/secondaries, and quality control departments.

Provided photo

Hilton

Hilton’s Northwood Elementary raises a “Rumpus in the Rainforest”

Students in teacher Heide Gombatto’s third-grade classroom at Northwood Elementary School have studied the animals, plantlife, insects and culture of the rainforest biome and with their new knowledge, dramatized a play at the school’s Little Theater April 29.

Characters including a ‘dreamy frog,’ ‘sleepy sloths,’ ‘dizzy toucans,’ and ‘goofy howler monkeys’ were part of a story that put the ecology of the rainforest to test. Kayla Simone as the frog asked toucan, Anna Wiza, for help to “Take me up to see the sky.” Through the various layers of the canopy the animal characters depicted how interdependent they are.

Provided information

Kendall

Kendall National Honor Society inducts 27 New Students

The David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School inducted 27 new students into the National Junior Honor Society on Thursday, April 28.

Founded in 1929, the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students.

More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character and Citizenship.

Kendall’s 2011 National Junior Honor Society inductees include: Zachary Adams, Tania Arellano, Tyler Banker, Blacey Bakutis, Brad Bobzin, Cassidy Borkholder, Taylor Clay, Dustin Furness, Nick Hance, Marisa Hanlon, Skyler Heller, Riley Iqbal, Taylor Kingsbury, Allie Knapp, Maria Knapp, Jessica Kuhn, Carley Lester, Garrett Love, Karlee Merritt, Rebecca Murray, Rebecca Pearson, Jonathan Price, Riley Reis, Katie Richardson, Matthew Schuth, Cody Travis and Jennifer West.

Provided photo and information

Obituaries - Week of May 8, 2011

ALBION

•Wilson, Candace J., On May 1, 2011 at age 66. Predeceased by her parents, Irving and Doris Wilson, son Harold Burgess and daughter Tracy Burgess. She is survived by her loving daughter Angela Peragine (Terry Schuyler); grandchildren David Burgess and Daniel St. George; brother Irving (Nancy) Wilson; aunts, uncles, nephew and cousins.

Interment, Lake View Cemetery, Brockport.

BERGEN

•Scharvogel, Shirley L., May 3, 2011, at age 85. Survivors include her three children, Karen (Richard) Boehly, Pamela (Larry) Goodale and William (Krystyna) Scharvogel, all of Bergen; five grandsons and their wives and three great-grandchildren also survive.

Her Funeral Mass was held May 7 at St. Vincent De Paul Church, Churchville. Contributions can be made to the Human Development Committee at St. Vincent De Paul Church, 11 South Main Street, Churchville, NY 14428 in her memory.

BROCKPORT

•Banzer, Elizabeth H. (Honeyman), On May 1, 2011. She is survived by her loving husband Rob; daughters Emily and Sarah; parents Sandy and Jane Honeyman; brother Brad (Sarah); grandmother Jayne Honeyman; mother-in-law Anna Banzer; brothers-in-law Stephen, Chris (Janet) and John (Susan); several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A gathering of friends was held May 6 at The College at Brockport Alumni House. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the Seymour Library in Brockport or to a library of one’s choice in her memory.

•Kepler, Donald G., May 1, 2011 at the age of 87 with family at his side. Don is survived by his wife of 61 years Doris (Schickler) Kepler; children, Karen (Bill) Gladstone, David (Robin), Lawrence (Marianne), Roger (Carolyn) Kepler, Wendi (Stephen) Richards and Darlene (Paul) Moore; 22 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brothers, Fredrick Kepler, Victor (Elaine) Kepler; sister-in-law, Arlene Kepler; many nieces and nephews. Don was a long time member of Knights of Columbus.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Monday, May 9, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Church of the Nativity of the BVM, 152 Main Street, Brockport. Interment, Lakeview Cemetery. Donations can be made to Open Door Mission, Hope Hall or Lakeside Health Services in his memory.

CHURCHVILLE

•Steg, Donald J., April 29, 2011, age 82. Beloved husband of Margaret; loving father of Suzanne Weiland (Fred VanOrden) and Terry; devoted grandfather to Travis Weiland; brother of Betty Goodfellow.

A Memorial Gathering was held May 4 at The Gatherings, Churchville. Donations can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm in his memory.

HILTON

•Chilson, Marlene E., May 3, 2011, age 60. Predeceased by her parents, LeRoy and Eleanor Chilson. Survived by her brother, Neal (Julie) Chilson of Clay, New York; several cousins and friends and staff at Lifetime Assistance.

Funeral Services were held May 6 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Garland Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Assistance Foundation, Inc., 425 Paul Road, Rochester 14624 in her memory.

•DeLong, Dorothy L., April 30, 2011, age 90. Survived by her sons, Timothy (Dianne) and Robert; grandchildren, Sara and Carli Harris, Carol (Aric) Strusienski, Stephanie, Margie, Robert Jr. and Sean DeLong; great-grandson, Logan; devoted daughter-in-law, Jeannie (Thomas) Harris and her aunt, Helen.

A Prayer Service was held May 7 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Contributions can be made to St. Leo Church, Hilton in her memory.

•Fox, Dorothy (Male), On April 24, 2011. She is predeceased by her husband, Milford “Gene” Fox; her son, Paul Fox; grandson, Stephen Fox; and brothers, Robert Male and William Male. She is survived by her children, David (Elaine) Fox, Elizabeth (Gary) Shultz, Margaret (Richard) Kitson, Michael Fox and Christine (Raymond) Hendershot; grandchildren, Julie (Mike) Best, Paul (Heather) Shultz, Daniel (Amy) Shultz, Elizabeth (Jason) Arnold, Matthew Kitson, Michael Boyer, Kyle Hendershot and Meagan Hendershot; great-grandchildren, Rebekah and Rachael Fox, Owen and Chloe Best, Hayden, Olivia Shultz (great grandchild to be born in September, Garrett Shultz; brothers and sisters, John Shanahan, Alberta Male, Donald (Mary Lou) Male, Charles (Doris) Male, Jack Male and Mary Male; sister-in-law, Lillian (Robert) Rising; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services were held April 28 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm or American Diabetes Association in her memory.

•Hammerl, Donna M. (Rigdon), May 3, 2011 at age 50 after a year battle with stomach cancer. Predeceased by father, Tom Thurley. Survived by mother Mary Ann Bacon (Carl Anslinger); husband, Tom Hammerl; children, Melissa Rigdon (Roberto Rios), Dylan (Stephanie) Rigdon, Corey Rigdon, Jessica Rigdon; sister, Laurie Hamilton (Scott); nephew, Josh Hamilton (Ashley); five grandchildren, Lilianna, Roberto, Thalia Rios, Calab and Clayton Rigdon; paternal grandmother, Irene Thurley; many extended family and friends. Donna had been a manager of McDonald’s on Ridge Road for many years.

Interment at the convenience of the family.

•Hebert, June I., On April 30, 2011 at age 84. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Joseph Hebert; parents, Guy and Alberta Esmay. She is survived by her children, Douglas, Suzanne (Todd) Bickford, Paul (Jeanne), Mark (Lori); grandchildren, Robyn, Ryan, Donnie, Beckey, Heather, Leah and Carie; great-grandchildren, Alessia and Robbie; several nieces and nephews. June was a member of the Spencerport Bible Church.

A Memorial Service was held May 7 at Spencerport Bible Church, Spencerport. Interment was held privately. Contributions can be directed to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201.

•Wahl, William A., Peacefully May 2, 2011, age 83. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia (Flanagan) Wahl; his sons, William (Cathy), Robert, Gregory and Thomas Wahl; his daughters, Janet Avery and Carol (Tom) Johnson; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his daughter Eileen Marie, 1952 and grandson Matthew, 1992.

A Funeral Mass was said May 6 at St. Leo Church, Hilton. Private interment, Holy Sepulchre. Contributions can be made to School of the Holy Childhood in his memory.

HOLLEY

•Charles, Joyce A., April 30, 2011, at age 79. Predeceased by her husband, Louis (January 2, 2011). She will be sadly missed by her daughters, LuAnn (Dan) Brightly, Wendy Davis, Francine (Jack) Spronz; “son,” Gary (Linda) Davis; grandchildren, Joshua (Julie) Davis, Benjamin and Andrea Brightly, Marisa and Nicholas Spronz; sister, Sandy (Joe) Sacco; brother, Liston Robertson; several nieces and nephews. Joyce was a member of St. Mary’s Church, American Legion Auxiliary and a retiree of Holley Central School.

A Funeral Mass was said May 4 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Holley. Interment, Hillside Cemetery. Donations can be made to Wedgewood Nursing Home, 5 Church Street, Spencerport, NY 14559 or Lifetime Hospice, 3111 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.

•Faulkner, Debra L., April 26, 2011, age 57. Predeceased by her son, Michael. Survived by her husband, Thomas; daughter, Mindy (Walter) Briggs; mother, Florence Ziarko; sisters, Joni (Wesley) Buisch, Pam (Don) Dolliver and Barb Martin; brother, Russ Dugan; mother-in-law, Gloria Faulkner; brothers-in-law, Paul Faulkner, Larry (Marcy) Faulkner and Richard Faulkner.

A Memorial Service was held May 2 at Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home, Chili. Interment, Grove Place Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in her memory.

•Wence, Robert Garnett, Age 71, died May 4, 2011. He was predeceased by his parents Earl and Edith and brother Charles. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Kathleen (Smith) Wence; three children, Cherylanne (Tim) Bates, Robert Earl (Linda) Wence, Darlene (Jeff) Capamaggio; 11 grandchildren, Erin Herzog, Nathanael (Vicky) Herzog, Kassondra (Amber) Capamaggio, Michael Wence, DeAnna Wence, Devon Capamaggio, Brandi Capamaggio, Brenda Bates, Tara (Richard) Rich, Jacob Rich, Josh Biaselli; three great-grandchildren, Alexander Bates, Aidan Lewandowski, Marleigh Lou Kirstetter; brother, David Earl (Barbara) Wence; sister, Elizabeth (Ed) Shellhas; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services were held May 10 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans County or C.U.R.E. Childhood Cancer in his memory.

NORTH CHILI

•Ritzel, Arlene J., On May 4, 2011 at age 76. Predeceased by her husband Daniel. She is survived by her three sons, Gary (Lori), Wayne (Shelly) and David (Lisa) Ritzel; eight grandchildren, Travis, Curtis (Kristy), Amanda (Sebastian) Gulder, Justin, Steven, Renee, Megan and Matthew; one great grandchild, Sierra.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 7 at St. Christopher Church. Entombment Riverside Cemetery. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

SPENCERPORT

•Bonnes, Robert, February 24, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Elba; his daughters, Karlene Bonnes and Marlaina Neumann; grandchild, Constance Neumann; his son-in-law, Robert Neumann; sisters, Mary, Evelyn, and Haida; brothers, Joe, Victor and Bill.

A Memorial Service was held May 7 at Calvary Assembly of God, 3429 Chili Avenue, Rochester.

•Hendren, James R., Age 57, died April 29, 2011. He is survived by daughter Jeannie and grandchildren Alexander and Janelle; parents Jim and Maggie Hendren of Melbourne Beach, Florida; siblings Deborah (Richard) Wilson, Kathy (William) Thompson, Rexal (Carmen) Hendren all of Florida and David of Rochester; and 11 nieces and a nephew. James served in the US Army.

A private family celebration has been planned.

•Jablonski, Walter, April 30, 2011, age 95. Predeceased by his wife, Barbara Jablonski. He is survived by his daughters, Mary Jane (S. Fawley) Jablonski and Susan Vankerkhove; grandchildren, Jeffrey and Cori Vankerkhove; his special friends and neighbors.

Funeral Services were held May 3 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Private interment.

•Lind, Wilma H., April 29, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Bernard O. Lind; daughter, Beverly Lind Skutt; daughter-in-law, Sharon Lind. Survived by children, Gary Lind, Sharon (Sam LoMando) Thornton; special nieces, Alice Wittman, Caroline Strub; grandchildren, Pamela Sheets, Judith Kipp, Barbara Opett, Holli Hadley. Wilma was a member of the Spencerport Senior Citizen Center and a volunteer at Park Ridge Hospital for 20 years.

Funeral Services were held May 2 at Church of the Epiphany, Gates. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Donations can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm in her memory.

•Ramsdell, Mary Lou, April 27, 2011, 83, peacefully with her family by her side. She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond. She is survived by her children, Terri Ramsdell of Euless, Texas, Robert (Donna) Ramsdell of Malone, New York, Susan (David) Paling of Wareham, Massachusetts, Lisa (Rick) Fonner of Jacksonville, Florida and Rebecca (Mike) Sedita of Spencerport; nine grandchildren; brother, Ronald (Margaret) Hall of Lake Butler, Florida.

After a private family service, interment will be at Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport. Contributions can be made in her memory to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.

Archives Week of May 1, 2011

Local News - Week of May 1, 2011

Orleans County dispatcher retires after 38 years of public service

Retiring dispatcher Michael G. Tsoukatos with Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson and Orleans Sheriff Scott Hess. Photo by Steve SmithMichael G. Tsoukatos has decided to hang up his microphone for the last time on Saturday, April 23 as he finished his final tour of duty as a Public Safety Dispatcher with Orleans County 9-1-1. “Beach,” as he is known to his friends and the many people he has served through his lengthy career, has one of the most recognizable voices to his listening audiences in the public safety communities of Orleans and Monroe counties.

He started his dispatch career in the summer of 1972 when he was hired at SUNY Brockport for their Security Department dispatch office. That department has since evolved into the SUNY Brockport University Police. Tsoukatos served as a short time for the department as a security officer before returning to his dispatch chair under then Monroe County Sheriff William Lombard. He worked as a Sheriff’s Dispatcher from 1976 until 1979.

His true passion was with the fire service so when an opportunity arose for him to serve the Rochester Fire Department in 1979 as a fire dispatcher, he jumped at the chance, working out of their cramped quarters on Cumberland Street in the City of Rochester. He was there until the City of Rochester and the County of Monroe joined forces to develop the 9-1-1 system which would serve all municipalities in Monroe County. He then moved to their new offices on the fifth floor of the Public Safety Building. He continued there as a fire dispatcher until yet another opportunity presented itself.

The Village of Brockport had an opening for a Public Safety Dispatcher. Tsoukatos had what the job required and then some. He had dispatched police with the Sheriff’s Office. He had answered incoming emergency calls. He had been the calm voice they came to rely on for many fire departments across the city and county, and it was an opportunity for him to serve his hometown in a capacity unequaled by few. He also served his friends and neighbors in Brockport as a part-time police officer for several years. Tsoukatos transferred to the village in 1985 and worked there until his last transfer to Orleans County 9-1-1.

Tsoukatos was offered a position to once again serve multiple public safety agencies in another 9-11 Center; Orleans County. This office is a somewhat smaller operation than he was used to in Monroe County with a different set of challenges. With this career opportunity came a move for him both professionally and personally. He moved his entire family to their “new home” of Orleans and has been living with his wife and continued to raise his two children (both adults now) in the town of Clarendon.

On his last weekend of work, Tsoukatos received a visit from Sheriff Scott Hess, Undersheriff Steve Smith and Orleans County Legislator Lynne Johnson (R-District 2), Chair of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee. Sheriff Hess and Johnson presented him with a retirement plaque, Certificate Retirement and congratulatory letter thanking him for his 19 years of service with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center. On his last tour, friends and co-workers, retirees and deputies all stopped by to wish him well in whatever the future holds for him.

Brockport Eagle Scout Honored

On March 13, Daniel Scheda (center) of Troop 111 of Brockport had his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.

His Eagle Scout Project was to finance, organize and construct the ice rink shelter for the Town of Sweden Park. He completed the project in November 2010.

His two brothers, John (left) and Joseph (right), also built projects for the Town of Sweden Park and received their Eagle Scout rank in 2005 and 2008.

The Scheda brothers are the first set of three brothers in the history of Troop 111 to all receive the honor of being an Eagle Scout.

Provided photo

Grandfriends Breakfast Held April 27

A Grandfriends Breakfast was held April 27 at Merton Williams Middle School to honor and recognize the role seniors play in families and education.

Hilton’s Merton Williams Middle School students, from left, Riley Page and Gavin Amos, serve danish at the school’s April 27 Grandfriends Breakfast. Over 100 senior citizens in the Hilton Central School District attended.

Breakfast was provided by Hilton CSD Food Service. “Senior citizens are truly grand friends in the school community,” said Principal Tim Dobbertin. “We want to share the enthusiasm and excitement of our middle school students with them.”

Entertainment was provided by the school’s musical groups in the Multi-Purpose Room. The Hilton Central School District offers free/discounted adult education courses through Community Education. All residents age 55+ can apply for a GAP pass.

For information about GAP: 585-392-1000 ext. 7044.

Provided information

Brockport board members adopt budget 3-2

by Kristina Gabalski

By a split vote of 3-2, Brockport Village Board members adopted a $5.05 million 2011/2012 budget for the fiscal year beginning June 1 during their regular meeting held Wednesday, April 27.

The budget includes a tax levy increase of 6.76 percent, Treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy said. That’s significantly less than the 16.45 percent increase proposed in the preliminary budget.

Board members made a number of cuts just before the vote that helped bring down the increase.

Those cuts included removing paid lunch breaks for non-union employees; elimination of some summer help and elimination of two part-time clerk positions - one at the village hall and one at the police department.

Board members also agreed to a minimum staffing proposal presented by the Stetson Club, the union representing uniformed members of the Brockport Police Department.

The concession reduced the budget by $30,000, Treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy said.

The Stetson Club had proposed concessions of about $50,000, but Lovejoy said the village decided on the $30,000 figure so it, “ ... didn’t strap (the police department) too short.”

Trustees expressed appreciation to the Stetson Club for their efforts.

“They stepped up to help the village,” Trustee Kent Blair said.

“I would like to thank all the members of the Stetson Club for this concession,” Trustee Carol Hannan said. “They make us proud every day.”

Police Chief Daniel Varrenti explained how the concession would impact the department.

“You can’t have cake and eat it too,” he noted.

There could potentially be only one officer working between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m., Varrenti said.

“We will respond to emergency calls,” he explained, “but non-emergency calls may get held.”

The 2011/2012 budget also included a new sewer rental fee that the board adopted during the April 27 meeting following a public hearing on the issue.

Before the budget adoption vote, Mayor Connie Castaneda thanked treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy for the “excellent job” she had done and the ideas she presented to cut costs. Castaneda said the 6.76 percent tax levy increase was still too high, however, and that with the current economy and challenges faced by many village residents, there should be no tax increase.

Trustee Kent Blair said he was “comfortable” with the rate. “Look where we were a year ago,” he said. During his report he added that the village has come so much further than he expected and that Lovejoy had done a very good job. “I appreciate the work she did on the budget,” he said.

Trustee Scott Hunsinger called the final budget a collaborative effort of the trustees, departments, department heads and the community.

“This entire board has done good work, we’re getting better,” he said. He later thanked Lovejoy. “I appreciate (your work) more than my words can ever put forth,” he said.

Trustee Carol Hannan said she would continue to diligently look at cost savings and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn said, “My mind has been changed on a lot of things. I think we are getting there.”

Trustees Blair, Hunsinger and Hannan voted yes on the 2011/2012 budget; Mayor Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Kuhn voted no.

Brockport establishes sewer fee

by Kristina Gabalski

Brockport residents will now pay a sewer rental fee based solely on water consumption. Village Board members voted 3-2 to establish the fee at their regular meeting April 27 following a public hearing.

At the opening of the public hearing, Trustee Carol Hannan reviewed a report of the village’s ad hoc committee which investigated the sewer fee and made recommendations.

She noted that there is no relationship between the value of a home and, “ ... the water you put down the system ... wear and tear is directly related to amount of water use.”

The village had funded the sewer system entirely by property taxes, Hannan said. “Two-thirds (of residents) will pay less money (with sewer fee) to maintain and repair the sewers than with property taxes,” she said.

She gave residents a formula to use to gauge whether the sewer rental fee would save them money. Hannan said to take their home assessment and divide that number by the number of gallons of water consumed annually.

“If the number you get is greater than 1.5, it will be less expensive with the fee,” she said.

The SUNY Brockport campus and most of the schools on the Brockport Central School District campus are not part of the village sewer system, Hannan said. Only the A.D. Oliver Middle School is part of the sewer system, she added.

Residents in favor of the fee said it would be more fair than funding the system with property taxes because tax exempt properties would also have to pay.

“I don’t have money to put down somebody else’s drain,” Susan Smith said.

Those against the fee said it would hurt those who could least afford it.

Rhett King said a sewer fee would reach into the collection plates of churches, and also affect veterans and the hospital. He noted that Brockport has the highest water rate in Monroe County.

Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn questioned the “concept of fairness” regarding the fee. He noted families with children, tenants, and churches stand to be hit harder than wealthy residents.

“I don’t find it fair at all,” he said, “(it will be) put on those who can least afford to pay.”

Trustees Kent Blair, Scott Hunsinger and Carol Hannan voted for the fee, Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Kuhn voted no.

According to the village code changes adopted by the board, the article is effective immediately beginning with the fiscal year which commences June 1, 2011 and will be included with the regular water bills issued by the Village of Brockport beginning June 1, 2011.

Feature Stories - Week of May 1, 2011

Arbor Day celebrated in Churchville

A tri-color beech tree was dedicated to former Village Trustee John P. Snyder during Arbor Day events in Churchville. Provided photoThe Village of Churchville, Town of Riga, County of Monroe, Waste Management and Sunnking partnered together for the annual Arbor Day/Earth Day activities held in the Village of Churchville on Saturday, April 23.

Town of Riga Supervisor Bob Ottley presented Dr. Nancy Weyl with a plaque thanking her for the donation that has created the Riga Arboretum planting at the Town of Riga office building on Buffalo Road.

The Mayor and Village of Churchville Board dedicated a tri-colored beech tree in memory of long time resident and former Village of Churchville Trustee John P. Snyder. During the dedication, Mayor Nancy Steedman shared information about John P. Snyder and his service as village trustee and their family business, H.F. Snyder and Son, which operated in the village for 91 years. The Girl Scout Troops 104, 386, 702 and Boy Scout Troop 133 helped plant the tri-colored beech tree in the Creekside Cemetery. It was planted as part of the Heritage Tree collection in the Churchville Creekside Cemetery. John’s wife, Doris Snyder and his son, John Snyder, gathered with many friends and relatives for this planting and dedication. After the tree was planted, the Girl Scouts read an Arbor Day poem regarding the planting of the tree.

A community e-collection held at the Town of Riga highway garage was coordinated by Waste Management and Sunnking. Monroe County Recycle bags along with an entry form for the drawing for a refurbished desktop computer were handed to each family dropping off e-waste. Over 250 vehicles dropped off TVs, computer CPUs, monitors, keyboards, VHS players and copiers. All of these items will be recycled instead of filling landfills. The drawing was held at a regularly scheduled village board meeting and Susan Walker of North Chili won the desktop computer donated by Sunnking.

Displays at the Village of Churchville office were to encourage and educate the community about ways to save the environment. Barnard Chevrolet displayed the new, energy saving VOLT. The Girl Scouts cleaned up the Newman-Riga Library grounds, and the Boy Scouts cleaned up the former Churchville Fire Hall grounds. Due to the overly wet grounds, the cleanup of Sprucewood Nature Center and the planting of 100 seedlings in the Community Nursery located on Brew Road have been postponed until a later date.

Arboretum established at Riga Town Hall

Dr. Nancy Weyl with Riga Supervisor Bob Ottley. Provided photoAs part of the annual Arbor Day celebration, the Town of Riga recognized Dr. Nancy Weyl for the establishment of an arboretum. By definition, an arboretum is a collection of trees. Dr. Weyl was concerned when news surfaced that the emerald ash borer was quickly approaching the area and threatening woodlots, landscapes, and forests. She made a generous donation to the town to save the ash trees in the town. After identifying only a few American ash trees on town property, the idea came that the gift could be used to plant new trees on town properties.

Town Councilman Dave Smith worked with Dr. Weyl to establish a plan to diversify the plants on town lands. This would help prevent mass destruction of the plantings should evasive insects or disease be present. The native species plants that Dr. Weyl and Councilman Smith selected would also attract native song birds and have year round interest because of flowers, bark or fall color. The arboretum will contain over 25 species of trees. There will be labels attached to the various species and a map to help visitors identify the individual plants.

Dr. Weyl was honored with a dedication ceremony at the Town Hall on April 23. Supervisor Bob Ottley said, “Nancy Weyl is one of the reasons why Riga is a great community. When someone in town sees a need, they don’t just sit idly by. They stand up and take action. This donation from Dr. Weyl is a good example of the spirit of the residents of our town.” Councilman Dave Smith wrote, “as the years go by and more trees are added, our hope is future generations will appreciate this generous and forward-thinking donation to the people and Town of Riga.”

A plaque thanking Dr. Weyl for her generous contribution will be placed in the plantings. The arboretum plantings will be completed in late spring by the Riga Highway Department.

The doctor was almost always in: A tribute to Dr. D

by Joe Reinschmidt

The doctors were all in at this time, left to right, Michael Mazza, Dominic DiVincenzo, Michael DiVincenzo.Dr. Dominic DiVincenzo, his partners and his staff were an integral part of the Primary Care Medical Establishment serving the Spencerport area for many years. The office made several moves over those years but the quality and care with which they served area residents remained dependable and constant.

It was a pleasure to sit down recently and talk with Dr. D, (as he was referred to by the staff) and learn about his origins, how it came about that he chose this area to establish his practice and how that practice evolved.

No doubt when his grandparents arrived from Italy they had the same desires as most immigrants, namely to establish a home, have children and grandchildren, and work hard to provide the best they could for their family. Dr. D’s grandfather, Dominic, and grandmother, Maria, met in Rochester around 1900 and settled in what is now called the Marketview Heights neighborhood. Their DiVincenzo Bakery on Central Park represented the continuation of five or six generations of bakers in the family.

One of their sons, Joseph, married a woman named Mary, and they were blessed with the arrival of a boy child on June 29, 1932, who was named Dominic. Later he was joined by two siblings, Michael and Richard. Dominic attended Rochester City School #11 and #27 and then the original East High School on Alexander Street. The family encouraged the children to get the best education they could. Dominic was accepted at the University of Rochester and while there he developed an interest in medicine. He pursued that path at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, and did his internship at Rochester General Hospital.

Barbara DiVincenzo, NP/RN, checks records for the answer to a phone caller's questions.While at the University of Rochester, Dominic met Barbara, a graduate of the University of Rochester School of Nursing, who was a registered nurse working the labor, delivery and operating areas of the Ob/Gyn department. In August of 1957 they were married and by the time Dominic finished his internship, their first child had arrived. Although the Korean War had ended, the military draft was still in effect. Medical students had a choice of taking a chance on being drafted out of their studies, or signing up for the “Barry” plan under which they could stipulate when they would be ready for service. Dominic chose that option, specifying that he could be activated when he had finished his internship. He was then drafted, sent to San Antonio, Texas for basic and spent the rest of his two years at Fort Myers, Virginia.

During his time at Rochester General, Dominic came in contact with many practicing physicians, one of whom was Dr. Frederick Grainer, who had his office in his home on Maplewood Avenue in Spencerport. They had maintained contact and as Dr. D’s military obligation was nearly complete, he wrote to Dr. Grainer asking where in the Rochester area a good place would be to open a private practice. Spencerport, of course, replied Dr. Grainer, and so with Dr. Grainer as a mentor, the search began for a suitable place to have a home and doctor’s office. The year was 1961 and by now there were two more children in the DiVincenzo family.

At home at the office

Dominic and Barb’s search led them to a split level home on Meadow Drive, off Union Street, north of Spencerport village. The house was only a few years old but had recently suffered substantial damage from a gas explosion. The builder had completed repairs to the structural damage and the exterior, but the interior was a work in progress. This was perfect because they were able to specify that the lower level be rebuilt as office space for the doctor. When it was completed, they moved in and the shingle was hung out. Both Dr. D and Barb have commented on how welcoming the neighbors, the community and the other physicians in the area were. “They all made us feel at home, we knew we had made a good decision.”

So there they were; husband, wife, three young children, doctor and nurse under one roof - with one telephone. Patients started coming and Barb did her best to work in receptionist and nurse duties with her primary role of mother/housekeeper. It quickly became apparent they needed a system to handle patient calls when the doctor was busy. It was pretty basic, Barb would answer the phone in the kitchen and if she determined the doctor needed to talk to the caller she would knock on the wall adjacent to the office. When the doctor heard the knock he would pick up the silent phone extension in his office. That worked out quite well, but one day when he picked up the phone and started talking, the patient with him exclaimed, “Did that phone ring?” No doubt there were others who wondered about this guy who just picked up the phone and started talking but they didn’t have the nerve to ask. New patients kept coming and they soon were so busy that a receptionist was hired, which relieved Barb of some of her duties.

The practice grows

A typical shift of staffing, left to right, Dr. Mazza, Ginny Ainsworth RN, Gail McQuilkin, receptionist and Heide Reinschmidt, RN/receptionist.At Rochester General, Dominic had met Michael Mazza, another intern. Although their families were acquainted, they had not met each other until then. Michael had first completed four years at the University of Buffalo Medical School and then went to Rochester General for his internship. In conversations, they speculated on their futures and it seemed a possibility they might work together sometime. Michael, however, had hopes of becoming a surgeon and therefore needed further studies. He spent a year in Pathology and a year in Surgery and then entered the US Air Force. Shortly after basic training he was sent to Hahn Air Base in Germany as part of the base medical team, where he discovered he was the surgeon for the 5,000 or so troops stationed there. His wife Glenda, a registered nurse he had met at Rochester General, was with him and their first child was born there. Dominic and Michael maintained contact through letters and audio tapes. In 1964, as Michael’s service time was ending, Dominic asked if he would like to join him in his practice. Michael gladly accepted, an addition to the home was constructed and Dr. Michael Mazza began his family practice in the office.

The practice grows, again

A few years later Michael DiVincenzo, Dominic’s brother, who had attended St. John Fisher and Howard University Medical School, was completing his studies and wished to join his brother and Dr. Mazza in the now well established practice. Dominic welcomed him but they realized the home office no longer was suitable and a search for another site was begun. They found a house at 5400 Ridge Road in Parma which was for sale. It had two apartments on the first floor and a third in the walk out basement. After buying it, they set about remodeling the upstairs into a doctor’s office and continued renting the basement apartment. The doctors did almost all of the work, assisted by family and friends, and in 1967 that office was opened.

Taking down the shingle at 5400 West Ridge Road, after closing the office.The Ridge Road location served their patients for about eight years when it was decided to relocate to an office directly in the village of Spencerport. The first floor of the Masonic Lodge building at 133 South Union Street was available and the doctors decided to lease it. They sublet the storefront portions and undertook another remodeling venture to turn the rear portion into a medical office. Again the doctors, family and friends did much of the basic work but this time they were guided by Frank Cilano, a flooring specialist who could handle all types of remodeling work. That office opened on July 24, 1976, after a group of volunteers with pickup trucks, cars and trailers had moved the office furnishings from Ridge Road.

By this time there was a substantial staff of part-time nurses and receptionists who assisted in the care of patients. Interestingly, there really was no management structure. Work schedules were set up to accommodate availability of the help and if a problem arose someone was always willing to step in and fill the slot. Dr. D was in charge but his intervention was rarely required. Several staff members recall that when you were told to stop in his office you knew he had a concern, but it was always discussed and resolved in a most courteous manner. Although Dr. D spent many hours in his office after seeing patients, it somehow was always in disarray. Often there were dozens of files on his desk which he probably wanted to take another look at just to be sure the patient’s illness was being properly addressed. When a file was missing, the most likely place to find it was on Dr. D’s desk, although the other doctors were not totally immune from that situation.

On call for the community

There were certain principals of service that the office embodied. One was that if a person seeking medical attention was in the office, they would be seen. That led to many patients with an appointment, bringing another family member along who was sick, or someone who happened to be in town just taking a chance on walking in. It wreaked havoc with schedules, but they were seen. As long as someone was in the office the phone would be answered, even if office hours had ended. Many an individual, who had just cut themselves slicing something for supper, was told to come in and in most cases the wound was sutured right there and they were back home in time for the meal.

Phone calls were often made to follow up on a patient’s condition and house calls were made as necessary. People who had financial difficulties were given leniency to pay their bills. Although rebilling was done, it was usually dropped after two or three months, without resort to a collection agency. Interestingly, Dr. Mazza did not recall that they ever had any legal partnership document. The principals simply discussed how the practice would function in terms of income and expense sharing and the general duties such as maintenance that are part of operating any office.

Family matters

Starting with the doctors’ wives, family members were an important part of the office’s operation. Barbara DiVincenzo, RN, returned to the University of Rochester while their children were still growing and completed studies to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. For 14 years, she handled most of the pediatric patients and also did many of the physical exams patients needed. Glenda Mazza, RN, worked as necessary, generally giving shots, and Arlene DiVincenzo handled much of the bookkeeping work. Most of the doctors’ children took their shifts at cleaning the office. It was therefore an office for family care ... operated by families. The doctors also realized their staff contributed to the success of the practice and recognized that fact by initiating a profit sharing program. An annual contribution, based on the employee’s gross income, was put into an investment vehicle on their behalf.

The dispensing of drugs was a permitted service the office provided. The patients had the choice of buying prescribed medicine there or taking the prescription to a drug store. At some point, the state prohibited this activity on the theory that the patients may have felt obligated to buy their medications from the doctor’s office. The doctors complied with this directive much to the dismay of many patients whose single trip turned into two or three before they had their meds, and sometimes at a higher cost.

For a number of years Dr. D had a back problem which was getting progressively worse. In 1992, he had little choice but to have surgery. However, the surgery didn’t provide the outcome he and everyone had hoped for, and he wasn’t able to return to his practice of treating patients. He was, however, available to consult with the staff and assist in operating the business part of running the practice. Perhaps not returning to full time practice had a good side, in view of the changes that were to occur in the coming years. Dr. D seemed to feel that as a long-time independent private practitioner, he would have difficulty practicing in the corporate structure that is prevalent in medical offices today. The expected rate of seeing patients simply doesn’t allow for the time and attention he gave to the person as well as the medical problem the patient was presenting.

Drs. Mazza and Michael DiVincenzo started seeing Dr. D’s patients but realized more help was needed. Affiliation with Park Ridge Hospital was considered and became reality. Thus the office became part of Park Medical Group. In the fall of 1989, St. Mary’s Hospital had opened a primary care office at 377 South Union Street with Dr. Elizabeth Feltner and her husband, Dr. Paul DiEgidio, as the providers. Recalling their warm welcome to Spencerport, Drs. DiVincenzo and Mazza sent a flower arrangement and welcome note to them, which was greatly appreciated. Then in 1997, St. Mary’s and Park Ridge merged into Unity Health Systems and the two primary care offices were also merged and located in the larger facility at 377 South Union Street (the historic Matheos Ice Cream manufacturing facility).

There was a great feeling of sadness on the part of the staff as well as the patients when the office at 133 South Union closed. It had become such an important part of so many lives and the ambiance they felt there would be very hard to replicate elsewhere. The hand and heart of Dr. Dominic played very heavily in the atmosphere that existed in the office, but he would no longer be part of it. However the staff members that joined the merged office brought with them the great sense of caring he had exhibited for so long. The legacy of Dr. Dominic and his family is that of caring and making a difference in many individuals’ lives and in the community.

Thanks to Drs. Michael Mazza and Elizabeth Feltner for their input on this story, and for photos from Dr. Mazza. Thanks also to various former staff members who shared memories and offered comments. All photographs provided.

For the record -- Note to readers: Do you have a fond memory, humorous anecdote or short statement of gratitude to share with Dr. Dominic DiVincenzo, his wife Barb, and others of the medical staff? Send short pieces (approx. 300 words) to Westside News Inc. for possible printing at a future date. All notes must be signed. See "Contact Us" at the top of this page for contact information.

Sports News - Week of May 1, 2011

Brockport

Elliott leads Eagles comeback

by Warren Kozireski

Justin Tierney scored his third goal of the season with just 15 seconds remaining in the first half to continue the momentum shift in favor of Brockport.

After Oneonta began the second half with a goal to give them a 9-6 lead, Brockport tallied five consecutive times to take the lead.

Elliot and Tierney each scored unassisted goals before Elliott tallied twice more in the third quarter to tie the game and then give the Golden Eagles their first advantage.

Hilton scored his second of the game to put the Golden Eagles up by two by an 11-9 score before the Red Dragons converted three straight times to again take a one-goal lead.

Senior goalie Jon Fiorillo was credited with ten saves for Brockport as they kept their slim playoff hopes alive by improving their conference record to 2-3.

Spencerport

Palvino nets three, but rally falls short

by Warren Kozireski

But Bath-Haverling scored seven unanswered goals while holding Spencerport off the scoreboard for the rest of the first half and for over 22 minutes total to take a 6-2 lead into the break.

Trailing 8-3 in the third quarter, Matt Kaser and Palvino took over as the Rangers scored five of the next six goals to pull within one.

Kaser netted the first at 5:12 of the third into the lower left corner of the net and, 21 seconds later, fed Tribunella a perfect back pass for another tally.

After a Bath tally, Palvino found the net on three consecutive rushes over a 2:38 span to pull Spencerport to within one at 9-8.

Tribunella passed to Palvino who scored from fifteen yards out for the first; Kaser found him for a quick-hitter at 8:12 and then he scored an unassisted goal at 9:57 for the third.

But Bath came out of the quarter break to score three quick ones and five overall while holding the Rangers off the scoreboard again in the final stanza.

School News - Week of May 1, 2011

Area

WEMOCO students to compete for Ford/AAA Auto Skills State Title

Winners receive scholarships, trip to national finals at Ford Motor Co. headquarters

Two high school automotive students from the WEMOCO Career and Tech Center will travel to Morrisville State College on May 11 through 12 to participate in the state finals of the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition. Paul Duthoy of Hamlin and Jake Bott of Hilton, both high school seniors, will compete in a timed-contest against nine other teams from around the state to correctly identify and fix intentionally installed “bugs” on identical Ford vehicles.

Winners of the competition will be awarded scholarship money to jumpstart their careers in the automotive industry and advance to the National Finals, taking place June 12 through 14 at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. The competition is especially relevant as today’s vehicle owners are putting more money into auto repair and maintenance as a way of avoiding the big-ticket purchase of a new car.

“In an economy where drivers are looking to extend the lives of their vehicles, the need for skilled automotive technicians is strong,” said Tom Chestnut, President/CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “This competition helps fund automotive education and prepares future automotive professionals for careers in the automotive repair industry, possibly even with Ford or AAA.”

Duthoy and Bott were selected based on high scores from an online qualifying exam that tested the team’s automotive knowledge. Their instructor is David Shalke.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition will offer nearly $12 million in scholarships and prizes to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers automotive service technicians. It challenges more than 10,000 students’ automotive knowledge, workmanship and problem-solving abilities with a written test as well as a race against the clock to diagnose and properly repair intentionally “bugged” Ford vehicles.

Provided information

Brockport

Potatoes go on parade in Brockport

Third grader Zachary Hursh shows his potato that he transformed into a fly from the book Diary of a Fly, for the Barclay Potatoes on Parade event. Provided photoIs that a potato or is it Fly Guy?! It was difficult to tell during the recent Potatoes on Parade event at the Barclay School in Brockport. Potatoes of all shapes, sizes and colors were seen as their third-grade designers paraded them through the building.

Students researched a book character during library time and transformed a potato into that character using paint and objects during art class. Second graders lined the hallway to check out the potatoes and cheer their friends on during the event. Library Teacher Suzanne Shearman encouraged them to be thinking of ideas for a character they would like to feature as a potato next year.

“This was our first Potatoes on Parade - an opportunity for our students to discover new books and book characters and share them throughout the school in a new and exciting Third graders Mason Gouger, Laine Ramsey, and Gabby Merino show off their potato book characters in their Potatoes on Parade event at Barclay. Provided photoway,” said Shearman. “Due to the enthusiastic response of our students, an annual tradition has been born!”

Two hundred pounds of uniquely shaped potatoes were donated by Datthyn & Sons Farms in Sodus, where Food Service Director James Liebow purchases fresh potatoes for the roasted potato menu option, and Fenicchia Farms in Scottsville, the local vendor who delivers the district’s apples, potatoes, onions, pears and honey

Third grader Kaitlyn Fink shows her perfect potato penguin she made for Barclay's Potatoes on Parade event, from the book 365 Penguin. Provided photo“The creative thinking and problem solving the students had to do to create their characters made the event much more than just a parade - the students were developing life skills,” said Superintendent Garry Stone. “It was nice to see the collaborative effort between Library and Art classes, along with Food Services.”

Kendall

A moving lesson

Certified Dance Instructor Sarah Bennett led kindergarteners and first-graders at Kendall Elementary in Choreographed Connections, a Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Project ADEPT workshop, on Tuesday, April 26. Provided photoLiteracy partnered with dance made for an energetic English lesson at Kendall Elementary on Tuesday, April 26. Certified Dance Instructor Sarah Elizabeth Bennett led about 40 kindergarten and first-graders at Kendall Elementary in Choreographed Connections, an offering of the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Project ADEPT, a Diversified Enrichment Program for the Talented. The goal of the enrichment workshop was to show how language can be expressed in movement, how prepositions can influence the meaning of a sentence, and that dance can be used to express ideas and emotions.

“Stand on top of the hula hoop,” Bennett told students.

Then Bennett directed students to move around the outside of the hula hoop, and to work together with their partner to go under the hula hoop, and then inside the hula hoop.

“When children learn words through movement and physical activity, it creates more stimulus and engages more of their synapses, which triggers a deeper understanding,” said Bennett.

According to Rae Pica, an internationally recognized children’s physical activity specialist, when children demonstrate the meaning of words physically, their understanding of the words is immediate and long-lasting. For instance, when children depict words such as stomp, pounce, stalk or slither, the words have more relevance than they would as part of a vocabulary or spelling list.

Provided information

Weddings May 2011

Christielee Bower - Ben Geiger

Christielee Bower and Ben Geiger have announced their engagement.

Both are graduates of Brockport High School.

They reside in the Adirondacks-Childwold, New York, where Ben is the Ranger of Massawepie Boy Scout camp.

A 2012 wedding is planned.

Laura Doan - Zack Roberts

Jim and Alayne Doan of Hamlin are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Laura to Zack Roberts of Rochester.

Laura, a 2007 graduate of Kendall High School, is employed by Doan Family Farms.

Zack, a 2004 graduate of Rush-Henrietta High School, is self-employed.

A September 2011 wedding is planned.

Brittany Johnston - Brian Lang

Larry and Linda Johnston of Churchville are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Brittany to Brian Lang of Lyndonville, New York. Brian is the son of Dave and Gwynne Balcer of Lyndonville.

Brittany is a 2005 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and is graduating in May 2011 from The College at Brockport with a degree in dance, minor in photography.

Brian is a 2005 graduate of Lyndonville High School and 2010 graduate of The College at Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in physical education/teaching. He is pursuing his master’s degree in education at Brockport.

Their wedding is planned for October 22, 2011.

Jessica Arno - Daniel Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Keith Arno of Brockport are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Jessica to Daniel Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Smith of Clinton, New York.

Jessica is a graduate of Kendall Jr./Sr. High School, a 2008 graduate of Oswego State University and is pursuing a career in the communications field.

Daniel is also a 2008 graduate of Oswego, and continued at the university to graduate with his master’s degree in business administration in 2010. He is a Rooms Division Manager at a hotel.

A May 14, 2011 wedding is planned.

Kober - Yarrison

Kristina Yarrison of Bath, New York along with Paul and Michelle Kober of Rochester, are pleased to announce the marriage of their children, Christopher R. Yarrison to Amber C. Kober. Chris and Amber were married March 12, 2011, at Koinonia Fellowship in East Rochester.

The maids of honor were April Kober and Alyssa Kober, sisters of the bride. Acting as bridesmaids were Alanna Kober, Jennifer Yarrison, Jessica Yarrison, Megan Seuffert and Alona Fusco. Flower girl was Bella Griffiths.

Best men were Jason Yarrison, brother of the groom, and Michael Fusco. Serving as groomsmen were Joshua Batjer, Gregory Gleason, Hudson Butterfield, Brandon Smith and Joshua Shoemaker. Ring bearer was Jason Yarrison, nephew of the groom.

Amber is a 2007 homeschooled graduate from Churchville-Chili School District. She is employed at Applebee’s restaurant in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and is working towards a degree in pharmaceuticals.

Chris is a 2004 Bath Haverling High School graduate. He attended Corning Community College and Mansfield University as a criminal justice major. He is serving in the United States Coast Guard and is presently stationed in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

The couple honeymooned in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. They reside in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Stephanie Kitrenos - James Baxter

Dr. and Mrs. Jack G. Kitrenos of Williamsville, New York are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Stephanie to James Baxter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Baxter of Corning, New York, formerly of Spencerport.

Miss Kitrenos graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo where she earned her degree in speech and hearing science and Daemen College where she earned her master’s degree in special education.

Her fiance is a graduate of the D’Youville College School of Nursing and the State University of New York at Buffalo where he will complete his master’s degree in May to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

A September wedding is planned.

Michelle Burke - Cameron Bowers

Michael and Carol Burke of Spencerport are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter Michelle to Cameron Bowers, son of Mark Bowers and Patrice Sims of Tulia, Texas.

Michelle, a graduate of Spencerport High School, is completing dual bachelor’s degrees in history and English from SUNY Brockport, where she is also employed.

Cameron will be graduating from SUNY Brockport with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. He is employed at Lakeside Automotive, and will be continuing his commitment to the Navy by attending officer training school after graduation.

A June 2011 wedding is planned.

Kimberly Hill - Ryan McDanel

Larry and Karlene Hill of Chili are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kimberly to Ryan McDanel, son of Doug and Jackie McDanel of Perry, New York.

Kimmie is a 2003 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and received her bachelor of science and master’s degrees from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a second grade teacher at Perry Elementary-Middle School.

Ryan is a 2001 graduate of Perry High School and earned his fine arts degree at Anderson University. He is a construction worker at Fisher’s Storage Shed.

Their wedding is planned for August 2011.

Heidi E. Hamling - Andrew R. Young

Brenda and John Hamling are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Heidi E. to Andrew R. Young of Malta, New York.

Heidi is a 2001 graduate of Brockport High School and a 2006 graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. She is employed as an engineer at Monroe County Water Authority.

Andrew is a graduate of Ballston Spa High School. He is a Lieutenant with the Brockport Fire Department and employed by Monroe Ambulance.

Their wedding is planned for May 2011 in Monemvasia, Greece.

Kristin M. Jablonski - Jason R. LaDue

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jablonski of Pittsford announce the engagement of their daughter Kristin M. to Jason R. LaDue. Jason is the son of Marsha and Jack Prince and Ronald LaDue, all of Hamlin.

Kristin, a 1993 graduate of Pittsford Sutherland High School, received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Buffalo and a master of science degree in analytical chemistry from R.I.T. She works as a senior supplier quality specialist at Bausch & Lomb.

Jason, a 1991 graduate of Brockport High School and former member of the United States Merchant Marine, received a bachelor of arts degree in history from SUNY Brockport and master of science degree in education from SUNY Geneseo. He teaches high school social studies in the Greece Central School District.

A June 2011 wedding is planned.

Obituaries for Week of May 1, 2011

BROCKPORT

•Lustumbo, Salvatore G. “Sam,” On April 26, 2011. He is survived by his brother Louis Lustumbo; nieces and nephews Catherine Bower, Louis (Tonya) Lustumbo, Kathleen (Michael) Saporito, Barbara (Isolino) Presutti, James (Margaret) Lustumbo and many grand nieces and grand nephews.

Services were held April 28 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family.

•Surridge, Patricia Iannone “Patti,” April 20, 2011 at age 56. She is predeceased by her parents, Norman Iannone and Elsie (Marinilli) Iannone. Survived by her loving stepmother, Rosemary Iannone; husband, David Surridge; children, Shannon, Todd (Lisa), Jeremy Balmer; step-children, David (Dianna) Surridge, Jr. of Arizona and Melissa Surridge; grandchildren, Jaylynn Balmer, Alyssa Aspenleiter, Nicole Rizzo, Mark and Skye Onorato; brother, Lee (Mary Jean) Iannone; sister, Valerie (Mike) Baird; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

A Prayer Service was held April 22 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association, 160 Allens Creek Road, Rochester 14618 in her memory.

CHURCHVILLE

•Deats, Marvin H., Formerly of Maplecrest, New York died April 24, 2011 at age 69. Predeceased by his parents, Howard and Gladys Deats. Survived by his cherished wife of 48 years, Linda; sons, Craig (Jennie) and Michael (Linda); grandson, Jacob; brothers, Hal (Nancy), Doug (Pat), Roger (Cheryl), Maurice (Dena); sisters, Ellie Merwin and Audrey (Jim) Harkenrider; parents-in-law, Ivan and Gertie DeHoff; brother-in-law, Dean (Carolyn) DeHoff; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Marv retired from Windham Ashland Jewett Central School after 31 years of teaching high school English and was very involved in many ministries of the Free Methodist Church.

A Memorial Celebration was held April 30 at Park Ridge Free Methodist Church, Greece. Contributions can be made to Park Ridge Free Methodist Church, 10 Straub Road, Rochester, NY 14626 or Maplecrest Living Faith Community Free Methodist Church, 54 Route 56, Maplecrest, NY 12454 in his memory.

HAMLIN

•Stowe, Sharon M., On April 26, 2011, age 57 years. Predeceased by her father, Richard Gears. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Stowe; a step-son, Glenn Stowe; two grandsons, Geoffrey and Geremy; her mother, Alice Gears; brothers, Kevin (Jacquelyn) Gears and Michael Gears; sisters, Deborah Lowery and Dawn Yaeger; nieces, nephews and friends.

A Prayer Service was held April 30 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Falls Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in her memory.

HILTON

•Ainsworth, Virginia H. (Mayer), On April 26, 2011, age 77 years. She is predeceased by her first husband, John Mayer and step-son, Michael Ainsworth. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ainsworth, Sr.; sons, Steven (Connie) Mayer, Marty (Donna) Mayer, J. Matthew (Marianne) Mayer; a daughter, Lisa M. (Paul) Kroeger, step-son, Ronald E. (Beverly) Ainsworth, Jr.; a step-sister, Marcheta Davidson; seven grandchildren. Virginia was an American Red Cross Disaster Nurse 1958-1960; area practicing R.N. since 1954; member of Greece Choral Society since 1977; Greece Songsters; Hospice Volunteer since 2001.

Funeral Services were held April 29 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Journey Home in her memory.

NORTH CHILI

•Gurski, William J., died April 20, 2011. Survived by three children and step-son.

Services and interment were held privately.

SPENCERPORT

•Chapman, Patricia Ann (Sterosky), April 18, 2011. Predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Mary Sterosky; brother, Joseph Sterosky. Survived by her husband of 40 years, Kenneth Chapman; her children Matthew (Kristie) Chapman and Carrie Chapman; grandchildren, Gavin and Mackenzie Chapman; sister-in-law, Nancy (Andy) Stelnyk; niece, Leigh Alderman and her daughter Lauren; many friends.

Funeral Services were held April 23 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Interment, Fairfield Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance, 116 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport 14559 in her memory.

•Smith, Robert C. “Rupert,” April 15, 2011. Predeceased by his mother, Georgia Smith. Survived by his children, Sara and Wyatt Smith and their mother, Anita Smith; grandchildren, Trenton and Seth; father Charles Smith; sister, Debra Smith; brother, Bradley (Molly) Smith; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations can be sent to Spencerport Ambulance, 116 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport 14559 in his memory.

Archives May 2011

Archives - Week of May 29, 2011

Local News - Week of May 29, 2011

Two towns meet to discuss fire district plan

Facilities Master Plan for College Campus presented to Brockport Village Board

Brockport Unitarian Universalist Fellowship celebrates Charter Sunday

Brockport Fire Department receives Patriotic Employer award

Cub Scouts complete Park Clean-up

Work nears completion on Spencerport Dock

Feature Stories - Week of May 29, 2011

Area residents invited to “Remember the Homestead”

Local canal communities get national attention

Sports - Week of May 29, 2011

Brockport

Brockport gymnast earns gold at regional championships

Byron-Bergen

Bees softball falls in Sectionals

Churchville-Chili

Saints netters advance to semi’s

Kendall

Memorial Walk raises $2,500 for cancer research

Schools - Week of May 29, 2011

BOCES

Center for Workforce Development celebrates the success of 37 GED students

Churchville-Chili

Two students inducted into Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame

Churchville-Chili senior Marcus Blythers selected as Outstanding Senior

Hilton

Hilton ESL students’ writing to be included in anthology, “Everybody Has a Story”

Holley

Getting ready to go off to Kindergarten

Kendall

Urban Steel Band brings Caribbean music to Kendall HS

Kendall senior Tyler Raufeisen selected as Outstanding Senior

Spencerport

Spencerport musicians win top award in D.C.

New high school assistant principal named at Spencerport

Obituaries - Week of May 29, 2011

BERGEN

BROCKPORT

CHURCHVILLE

CLARKSON

HAMLIN

HILTON

HOLLEY

NORTH CHILI

RIGA

SPENCERPORT

Archives - Week of May 22, 2011

Local News - Week of May 22, 2011

Work nears completion on Spencerport Dock

Brockport Village Board sets tax and sewer rates

Feature Stories - Week of May 22, 2011

Honoring those who served is core of Memorial Day’s purpose

30th Anniversary of Morgan-Manning’s “Old Fashioned 4th of July” brings change and opportunity

Spencerport Rotary Club Annual Day of Caring

Brockport Kiwanis Leadership Scholarship winner chosen

Sports - Week of May 22, 2011

Area

Smith is State Champion on uneven bars

Area/Brockport

Marissa Sell signs with Roberts Wesleyan College

Brockport

Maxon’s three RBI’s lead Devils

Churchville-Chili

Yunker nets five for Saints

Churchville-Chili Varsity Tennis Team wins Monroe County Divisional Championship

Schools - Week of May 22, 2011

Area

Banker receives Hollister Educators Award

Byron-Bergen

B-B Band visits the Big Apple

Churchville-Chili

C-C senior is National Merit Scholarship winner

No ordinary ride to school

“Hairspray” earns honors at Stars of Tomorrow

Kendall

Kendall musicians earn Silver Award at Heritage Music Festival

Environmentalists take third at competition

Spencerport