ARCHIVES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2012

Senator Chuck Schumer urges CSX to remove railroad bridges

U. S. Senator Charles E. Schumer points to the deterioration of the CSX railroad bridge over Union Street in the Village of Spencerport and is joined at the podium by Spencerport Village Trustees, Ogden Town Supervisor Gay Lenhard, and Spencerport's Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Kelly.U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer was in the Village of Spencerport on Tuesday, November 20 and called a news conference at the CSX Spencerport bridge to demand and support the village’s effort to have CSX prioritize the removal of the three abandoned and graffiti-ridden railroad bridges in the Town of Ogden including the CSX bridges over Manitou Road and over Washington Street in addition to the Route 259 village overpass.

In his remarks, Senator Schumer said, “CSX can’t put abandoned bridges on the back burner.” He went on to say, “These low-hanging bridges have been abandoned for decades, and CSX has failed to fulfill its commitment to the Ogden and Spencerport communities to remove these deteriorating structures that pose serious danger to motorists and residents.”

Last February, Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene reported that she had been informed that CSX hired a contractor to remove all three bridges and the CSX railroad bridge over Union Street in the village would be taken down by the end of the month, but that never happened. Senator Schumer went on to say that CSX ended their railroad service on these tracks in 1982, and with that ended all upkeep and maintenance. Now, the local community widely regards these bridges as unattractive eyesores and safety hazards. Senator Schumer is urging CSX to live up to its commitments and swiftly remove these structures.

Representatives from Tops Supermarket and Rite Aid pharmacy, both of which have had delivery trucks get stuck under the Union Street bridge, joined area residents, elected officials and town and village safety personnel for the news conference.

Photograph by David Knox

11/25/12

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Area residents lend a hand

by Kristina Gabalski

Lineman Mat Gartz from Spencerport repairing electrical wires after Hurricane Sandy.A small army of caring people from all over the area left the comforts of home and family in the wake of super storm Hurricane Sandy and answered the call to help relieve suffering, restore power and assist those devastated by the storm in the work of cleaning up and rebuilding their lives.

Village of Spencerport Electric Superintendent Owen McIntee says line foreman Mike Myers, lineman 1st class Mat Gartz and lineman apprentice Chris Drzewiecki traveled to Long Island to help restore power.

McIntee acted as a storm coordinator for this area, sending men as well as numerous trucks which left early on the morning of October 31 and returned late on the evening of November 9.

Spencerport and the Village of Churchville (which sent two linemen) are both members of the Municipal Electric Utilities Association (MEUA) which provided aid to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) following the storm.

McIntee says the villages of Arcade, Groton and Marathon also teamed up with Churchville and Spencerport to send linemen who worked 16-hour days during the disaster to restore residential power, mainly in the areas of Smithtown and Centereach.

“While the conditions were very hazardous for these linemen, they all exercised extreme caution, worked very safely and followed all of their safety procedures as they removed trees, replaced broken utility poles and reinstalled downed power lines,” McIntee says.

Two linemen from Churchville helped restore electricity on Long Island.“It can be a slow process turning the lights back on,” he continues, “and it was further complicated when the nor’easter storm rolled through Long Island on November 7, dumping six inches of heavy snow and creating blizzard-type conditions. As a lineman or a person in a supervisory role, our biggest goal is not only restoring power, but to ensure that our employees work safely and return home safely to their families.”

McIntee notes local crews traveled to Long Island on the heels of dealing with a two day storm here.

“I’m so proud of these guys,” he says, “they did an awesome job and I am so proud of them. I told them you will remember (the experience) forever. They are talented men and they made a difference.”

While on Long Island, the Spencerport crew was given the task of repairing downed power lines and getting power back to Suffolk County Community College and the surrounding area. The crew was able to restore power by Monday, November 5.

“In doing so, they re-energized our Village of Spencerport Code Enforcement Officer Kevin Kelly’s daughter’s home, who lives adjacent to the college. With one million people living on Long Island and 900,000 without power along with upwards of 14,000 line crews and tree crews providing mutual aid, who would have ever thought that our own Spencerport Electric Crew (would) restore power to one of our own employee’s family member’s homes?”

McIntee adds that he and electric superintendents from Bergen, Churchville and Fairport established a plan together, so that all could share the remaining resources and equipment in order to meet their own local electric customers’ requests and keep the lights on.

“It was business as usual,” McIntee says of local electric service while crews were downstate, “folks never knew.”

Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene commends the Spencerport crew members who made the trip. “Mike and Mat both have young families and I am proud of them and their families for being so giving,” she says.

Shown with Mayor Nancy Steedman, Deputy Major Don Suter and DPW Superintendent Paul Robinson are Village Electric employees Eric Heeg and Ken Yoffredo. Both men went to the NYC area with equipment to help restore power outages from Hurricane Sandy.Village of Churchville DPW Superintendent Paul Robinson says Lineman 1st class Eric Heeg and Lineman 1st class Ken Yoffredo worked in the area of Bethpage State Park on Long Island.

He says a “bird dog” person from the Long Island Power Authority helped to direct the crew. “A ‘bird dog’ knows the area,” Robinson explains. “He arranges for things like meals. It worked out well.”

Like McIntee, Robinson points out the priority placed on safety for the crews. He says the two linemen from Churchville returned home safely on November 9.

He says Churchville sent a digger truck and a chase truck to assist with power restoration.

He, too, notes the mutual aid provided by the Village of Bergen while linemen for Spencerport and Churchville were downstate.

“Even though Bergen didn’t go, they helped to keep things working here. Spencerport needed to use Bergen. It works like mutual aid for fire departments,” Robinson says.

Rick Stacy of Bergen traveled to New York City on New York Naval Militia call-up helping with relief efforts.

He assisted in a number of ways including distributing food and water, helping with clean-up on storm ravaged Staten Island and checking on residents (many elderly) in a high-rise building. His unit also helped to guard Fire Island with boats to prevent nighttime looting.

“It was my first trip to New York City,” Stacy says. “Our mission changed (everyday). We didn’t know what we would be doing until we woke up - we were part of a quick response force.”

At the Lexington Armory in Manhattan, Stacy helped with food and water distribution. On Staten Island the second storm - the nor’easter - hit with rain that turned to snow.

His crew followed sanitation trucks, picking up garbage.

“There was five to six feet of water in the houses,” Stacy says and people were being evacuated again due to the nor’easter. “We were soaking wet to the bone,” he says, “but it was a very satisfying day.”

Another day, Stacy was at the Jacob Javitz Center to break down pallets of cleaning supplies donated by Home Depot.

“We had to divide the supplies into buckets and load them back onto tractor trailers for distribution,” he says.

Rockaway was hit especially hard, Stacy notes, and it took his crew two hours to get there in what normally would be a 15 to 20 minute ride.

“I noticed cars all over the place,” Stacy says, “.... up-rooted trees and sand.”

He and his crew were taken to a parking lot full of ambulances from all over the country. He rode with an EMT crew to check on people who did not evacuate a 25-story building that was still without power.

“Many elderly residents had been climbing stairs with water - one step at a time,” he says.

Jeff Weber of Holley traveled to Tom’s River, New Jersey with Samaritan’s Purse International Relief from Tuesday, November 6 through Tuesday, November 13.

He worked with volunteers who helped homeowners by installing tarp to cover wind-damaged roofs, removing unsalvageable belongings and cleaning out debris and muck from flooded homes. Ruined flooring was ripped up and damaged sheetrock stripped from walls. The exposed studs were then sprayed with a solution that kills mold.

All work is being done at no cost to homeowners.

Weber says he helped unload three tractor trailers of donations of food and clothing and mucked out houses.

A Bible, with volunteer signatures, was given to each household.

The Weber family says two-thousand volunteers are on the waiting list to help in New Jersey and New York City through Samaritan’s Purse.

Just this past summer, the family visited Seaside Park in New Jersey located across the bridge from Tom’s River.

“The boardwalk and amusement park we visited are completely gone,” family members say. “Homeowners have to be bussed over to their properties with police escorts to spend two-to-three hours gathering salvageable possessions. It will take three-to-five years for things to get back to ‘normal.’ It has only been 13 months since they recovered from Hurricane Irene.”

Terry Werth helped out locally at a Red Cross shelter set up in Brockport during the time the impact of Hurricane Sandy was felt here. She then traveled to New York City for the Red Cross to help with disaster relief from November 2 through 12.

“Disaster relief is an odd mix,” she explains. “The adrenalin rush of the unknown, the anxiety about spontaneous challenges and new experiences, the life-changing opportunity to be of service to people whose lives have been brutally and unfairly up-ended, the chance to meet thousands of compassionate human beings doing their best to provide basic human needs, comfort and hope.”

Werth says she and her roommate, Kristine Uribe of Ithaca, drove and navigated a 16 foot box truck to bring blankets, heater meals, clean-up kits, water, gloves, batteries, flashlights and other necessities to the affected areas.

“Over our twelve days together, we made many trips with our truck, mostly to Long Island,” Werth explains, “Long Beach, Lido Beach, Nickerson Beach, Rockaway and Far Rockaway where the damage was devastating. Most of the homes cannot be lived in, businesses are boarded up and ruined. We passed police-monitored gas lines that were hours long.”

She vividly describes what people in the hardest hit areas are facing in the wake of the powerful storm.

“Imagine that tomorrow your house is in water five feet deep. Everything the water has touched is ruined and must be thrown out. In front of your house sits a mountain of garbage: carpeting and padding, wall board, bedding, furniture, appliances, clothing, dishes, kitchenware, pictures, knick-knacks. Mixed in is the dark muck of sewage, debris and sand, piled more than several feet high on many streets. Your car has floated blocks away and won’t run when you find it washed up on top of two other cars. Where do you start?”

“Our bulk distribution staging area was outside in the parking lot of Aqueduct Racetrack and Casino in South Ozone Park,” she continues. We helped unload box trucks, remove wooden pallets and plastic out of returning trucks and went out on deliveries, all while trying to keep warm.”

Bulk distribution was later moved to a huge indoor warehouse in Jersey City, New Jersey and Werth’s team was housed in a hotel in Times Square.

“We worked alongside state and local police,” Werth says, “National Guard and firefighters. Volunteers came from around the world to help. We met wonderful Red Cross volunteers from just about every state, Canada and Mexico and felt an instant kinship with each one.”

Werth says it was an emotional experience - at times she would laugh until she cried and other times just cry.

“The times I hated the most were when I was handing out our last blanket or tarp or cleaning kit and there were dozens of outstretched arms wanting that last item. I couldn’t process how to decide who to give it to, so I just closed my eyes and somebody grabbed it,” she says. “It is a life-changing experience for everyone involved. I kept thinking of one of my favorite quotes: We are all just walking each other home. It is going to be a long, sad part of that walk for too many.”

Mark Evans, who owns the Underground Paint Shop on Manitou Road, closed down his business after collecting needed items and cash donations for storm victims and personally traveled to Staten Island with helpers Jason Sobb, Shane O’Leary and Tom O’Leary Monday, November 12 to Thursday, November 15.

Mark’s wife, Heather, coordinated their efforts from here at home.

She says Mark got the idea the weekend after the storm and decided to take a pick-up truck load of supplies to New York City.

The couple started out by asking close friends and family for donations, but after going on Facebook, the project snowballed. Exposure on Facebook and stories on local television stations brought in many donations from people Mark and Heather didn’t even know as well as old friends and people they hadn’t seen in years.

“People from high school - a school in Webster made a donation, the Walker Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in Hilton” - are just a few of the many who came forward to help, Heather says. Mark ended up needing his 24-ft. car trailer to accommodate all the supplies.

In addition, the Evans’ purchased items including a generator and cleaning supplies like shovels and brooms. “It’s amazing how big it got,” Heather says.

She researched and contacted people in the New York City area via email and Facebook to see where the help was needed most.

They decided to focus on Staten Island, “Which ended up being a perfect choice,” Heather says, “because there was more need.”

Mark’s crew was also able to work very efficiently and avoid red tape by working independently of an established organization, she adds.

It was difficult just driving around the city, Heather says. The streets are narrow and storm-wrecked cars were everywhere. “The storm surge hit at high tide; it was like a tidal wave,” she says. “Navigating with the truck and trailer was a task.”

Mark and his crew spent Monday afternoon and Tuesday on Staten Island and then answered a call for help in Far Rockaway Wednesday morning for a 24-year old woman with a two-year old daughter whose husband is in the Marines. Following that job, the crew returned to Staten Island Wednesday af-ternoon and were able to come to the aid of a woman whose entire first floor needed to be gutted.

Heather says she set up an Underground Paint Shop page on Facebook which has numerous photos of the trip. The page was also a way for people who made donations to follow the progress of Mark’s crew while they were in New York City.

Provided photos

11/25/12

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Town Board hears Stone Store plans

The Clarendon Town Board has directed its attorney to draft a purchase agreement with Joseph and Susan Fertitta of Parma for the Old Stone Store building that the town currently owns. The Fertittas made a presentation of their plan for the historic structure during the regular meeting of the town board Tuesday, November 20. The agreement is contingent upon approval of the septic system by the Orleans County Health Department and NYS Department of Transportation written approval for a front porch that would be restored to the structure. The Fertittas’ plan includes office/retail space to suit tenant’s needs on the first floor and a two bedroom apartment on the second floor. The Suburban News will have more details in the December 2 edition.

11/25/12

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Hamlin adds information for veterans to town website menu

According to Hamlin Town Supervisor Thomas Breslawski, the town has launched the Hamlin Veterans Services page on the Hamlin website. The Veterans Services page, located at www.hamlin.org/veterans-services.html, lists the many programs and services offered by the Town of Hamlin, Monroe County and New York State for the benefit of United States military veterans. The page includes information on the Monroe County Veterans Discount Card Program, and links to Honor Flight Rochester and the Monroe County Clerk’s Office.

At a Monroe County Supervisor’s Association meeting this past summer, Peter J. Glennon, Director and Legal Counsel of Honor Flight Rochester, introduced the group to the town supervisors and asked them to help publicize their cause of flying World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial.

Honor Flight Rochester is free to all WWII veterans and any veteran who suffers from terminal illness. Honor Flight Rochester’s goal is to take every veteran who otherwise would not or could not fly. Veterans typically travel in the order their applications are received. Medical priorities are the exception. The flying season is April to November. Applications are now being accepted for 2013.

Breslawski said he was especially moved by Honor Flight Rochester’s presentation on that day. “My grandfather was a World War II veteran. He lived a good clean life and gave so much back to his community. It was very inspirational to see a group like Honor Flight Rochester recognizing those efforts so many years later,” said Breslawski. This sparked Breslawski to immediately put the Honor Flight Rochester link up on the Hamlin website. Then he began to think of even broader possibilities. “It occurred to me that there are many other veterans of all ages in our community and so many programs available to them that they might not be award of. Creating the Veterans Services page on the Hamlin website is the perfect way to address all veterans and their needs within our community,” Breslawski stated in a press release.

On Veteran’s Day, November 12, the Town of Hamlin Veterans Services page went online and will serve to publicize and promote veterans programs at all levels of government.

Provided information

11/25/12

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Byron-Bergen community-wide food drive underway

Hesperus Lodge No. 837 Free & Accepted Masons invites the residents of the Byron-Bergen community to donate any non-expired, non-perishable food items (for example, canned vegetables and fruit, spaghetti sauce, Jello-O, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, pasta) - no dented cans or glass packaging - to a community wide food drive. Bring donations to the Byron-Bergen Central School District Office or Elementary School Office by December 18 (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.). New toys or gift card donations are invited and can be dropped off at the district office.

Food baskets and gifts will be delivered on December 22 by school district and community volunteers.

Provided information

11/25/12

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Brockport Firefighters upgrade lifesaving “Jaws of Life” extrication equipment

Brockport Fire Officers with upgraded extrication equipment. From L: Captain Tim Russell, Captain Chris Mros, Assistant Chief Mike LaDue, Safety Officer John Alexander and Captain Kyle Boyst.Seconds can mean the difference between life and death. Having the proper tools makes all the difference in the world to responders during an emergency.

In 2011, the Brockport Fire Department responded to 141 motor vehicle accidents, 11 of which required the use of hydraulic extrication equipment. While today’s vehicles are constructed with stronger metals for added safety, it necessitates new technology in extrication equipment for responders.

Due to the increased risk to trapped patients, whether it be in a motor vehicle accident or a person trapped in a piece of machinery, of a prolonged extrication, the Brockport Fire Department, in cooperation with the Village of Brockport Board of Trustees, has invested in upgrading it’s extrication equipment to the newest technology. This equipment will free a trapped victim more quickly and safely than the older, outdated equipment these responders had been using. In addition to updating the equipment on the rescue truck, the department has added extrication equipment to two of the pumpers at outside stations.

Provided information

11/25/12

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FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2012

Spencerport Community Chorus Christmas concert in new venue

The Spencerport Community Chorus will be presenting its Christmas concerts on Saturday, December 1, at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, December 2, at 3 p.m. Both concerts will be held at a new venue, the Spencerport Wesleyan Church, 2653 Nichols Street (Route 31 between Gillett Road and Union Street), Spencerport.

The 40 member chorus under the direction of Margaret Page Colucci and accompanied by Margaret Johnson is comprised of singers from Spencerport and surrounding communities. This community group of friends and neighbors will sing music which includes a variety of holiday pieces such as the rousing “Spirit of the Season” by Ballard and Silvestri, Morten Lauridsen’s “Sure on This Shining Night,” the beautiful “Pavane for a Silent Night,” Rutter’s “Candlelight Carol,” “Believe” and “Hot Chocolate” from the Polar Express and others.

Members of the Amadeus Chorale will join in as guest performers at each concert.

Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Refreshments follow both concerts. Spencerport Wesleyan Church is handicapped accessible.

Spencerport Community Chorus is a member of the Greater Rochester Choral Consortium.

For information call 352-6223.

Provided information

11/25/12

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Village of Holley makes changes to holiday festival

This year the Village of Holley is working hard to expand and improve the Memory Bulb Tree Lighting Ceremony. New this year is a Festival of Lights Parade that will begin Saturday, December 1, at 6 p.m. forming at the Elementary School and proceeding down Main Street to the traffic light and through the Public Square, ending at the Fire Hall.

This year’s parade will feature the Holley High School Band, the High School Chorus, the Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies, decorated floats, fire trucks and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus and other favorites. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated entries.

Any group or individuals who like to decorate a truck, car or float and enter the parade can do so by calling the village office at 638-6367 or by contacting Trustee David Dill at 943-9188,

Immediately after the parade the annual Lighting of the Memory Bulb Tree will be held. A reception will be held at the Holley Fire Hall. The reception is free for those who purchase Memory Bulbs. They will be issued five tickets per adult bulb and one free ticket per child bulb. The reception is open to the public for a donation of $1 per person. Pizza and snacks will be provided and entertainment will be provided by the Holley High School Band and Chorus.

Also new this year, the Murray Holley Historical Society will be holding an Open House and Holiday Bake Sale on Saturday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Depot Museum next to the Save-A-Lot.

Jonathan’s Bakery at 23 Public Square will be open from 5 to 7 p.m. and will provide coffee, hot chocolate and pastries for sale. This year’s Festival is sponsored by the Village of Holley, Save-a-Lot, Jonathan’s Bakery, First Niagara Bank and Sam’s Diner.

Provided information

11/25/12

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GCC’s Encore Express holiday gala raises funds for scholarships

by Kristina Gabalski

Community members are invited to “Climb Aboard the Encore Express” for Encore 2012 - the annual holiday gala at Genesee Community College that supports student scholarships.

The event is set for Tuesday, December 11 at the main campus in Batavia. A Gala Reception is planned with the music of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) which will perform in the Stuart Steiner Theatre.

The “Encore Express” begins its journey at 5 p.m. with a private Prelude Reception with BPO conductor Paul Ferington and artist Dale Inglett.

Inglett, an Alfred University assistant art professor, will be displaying his artwork in the Rosalie “Roz” Steiner Art Gallery. The Transient Beings exhibit will be open all evening and includes large-scale canvasses, drawings and videos that examine both the connections and divisions between the mind and body.

The Prelude Reception is open to all conductor and engineer level sponsors.

For all guests, the Encore Express Station Reception featuring sensational food selections begins at 6 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum. An Encore Guest Conductor Chance drawing to win the opportunity to be a BPO Guest Conductor will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Guests will then proceed to the Stuart Steiner Theatre for a holiday pops concert at 8 p.m. Afterward, guests stroll back to the Forum to enjoy the Caboose Dessert Finale.

Chairpersons for Encore 2012 are Dan and Debbie Fischer, owners of WBTA Radio in Batavia.

“There is no greater gift that a community can give its young people than a quality education,” Dan Fischer says. “We are pleased and proud to be a part of this year’s Encore Celebration.”

Proceeds from Encore support the Genesee Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund. The Foundation recognizes Five Star Bank, the lead corporate benefactor for its support of Encore. The Foundation is also grateful to Dr. and Mrs. Michael (Sharon) Kubiniec for their sponsorship of the Prelude Reception and to Peter Zeliff of Innovative Energy Systems, Inc. for sponsoring the cocktail bar.

Tickets are limited and patrons are encouraged to purchase them as soon as possible. The conductor level is $1,000 and entitles the donor to six tickets for the event and the Prelude Reception. The engineer level is $600 and entitles the donor to four tickets and the Prelude Reception. The station master level is $300 for two tickets and the single passenger patron level is $100 per ticket. The evening is black tie optional. For tickets call the Foundation at (585) 345-6809.

11/25/12

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Photograph of Carmen Basilio captured another great Kodak moment

Helen displays two pictures of Carmen Basilio; one, the boxing pose was an autographed photo Carmen gave to his customers. The other is a picture of her son-in-law Bob Muesebeck and the famous boxer, taken the day Carmen visited Bob's store.Carmen BasilioAfter 48 years as a photographic artist in downtown Brockport, I retired in 2007. A variety of people and memorable moments still remain vivid in my mind from those years.

Upon the recent passing of Carmen Basilio, Hall of Fame boxing champ, I was reminded of a moment in the 1980s when my son-in-law and daughter, Bob and LeeLee, owned Muesey’s Grocery & Deli on Market Street in Brockport. At that time, Carmen Basilio was the representative for Genesee Brewery and was calling on Muesey’s store. On that day, Bob made a quick phone call to me - would I like to photograph Carmen, and if so he would bring him right over to the studio.

My dad, Earl Magin, an avid boxing fan, was immediately notified of the visit, and quickly arrived to meet the famous boxer. Needless to say, my dad did chat with Basilio. I was able to capture a moment in time on Kodak film and produce an 11x14 portrait using Kodak Ektalure paper, another great Kodak moment.

Helen E. Simpson

Photograph by Walter Horylev

11/25/12

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Anonymous donor leaves 230 plates at local church

One hot day last June, the mission team at Spencerport United Methodist Church was prepared for their annual rummage sale fundraiser. Items were cleaned, sorted, and priced. Everything was ready and waiting for the Saturday sale. Dean Phelps, stopping by the church to check on the lawn mower, was the first to make an unexpected discovery - 30 boxes of collectible plates had been left outside the garage door. “Wait, check each one before selling them!” was his advice to the team after moving all of the boxes safely inside. Hidden away, the boxes remained out of sight for the rummage sale.

After the commotion and mess of the sale had been cleared away, mission team members began to unpack, list and research the surprise donation: 230 collectible plates dating from 1977 through 1990. Almost all were still in their original boxes, with certificates of authenticity. Translating some of the certificates from Russian, Italian, French, German and Japanese proved to be quite a challenge. Worn out storage boxes revealed perfectly preserved plates from “Gone With the Wind,” “Annie” and “The King and I.” Other series included: Americana Holidays, Children and Pets, Csatari Grandparent, Mother Goose, Sulamith’s Love Song (from Bavaria), Treasured Songs from Childhood, a complete Japanese Floral Calendar set of twelve plates and works by artists Francis Hooke and Donald Zolan. Some of the more unusual plates are crystal, boxed with a pair of white gloves for handling. Two plates are three dimensional, created in Italy from ivory alabaster.

One final challenge remained: how to sell the plates to raise money. The SUMC mission team will be traveling to Kentucky next August to serve at the Red Bird Mission in the Appalachian Mountains, and each member must pay for the accommodations and food provided. After considering an online option, leaders decided instead to first have a sale in the fellowship hall for the local community. On Sunday, December 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. the plates will be sold (along with Christmas baked goods and small gifts). Most of the collectibles will be priced at just $5.

If the mysterious stranger who left this collection at Spencerport United Methodist Church, 32 Amity Street, Spencerport, is reading this article, please know that your gift was greatly appreciated and it will help the mission team to serve those living in poverty in Appalachia.

11/25/12

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Joe’s stories -- old, new, mostly true

The Home Place

by Joe Reinschmidt

The Shag Bark Hickory where we took many breaks and shared a snack.When folks learn that I am currently living in the house I was born in, their response is, “Really?” or “Awesome!” or “Very rare in this day and age,” or even “Unbelieveable.”

Recently someone asked me how I felt about that - were there any special emotions?

Not being a person who ranks very high on the emotional pyramid, I said I’d have to think about it for a while. I had to admit there were special feelings for this place in Parma which was a big part of my life.

I was told it was cold and snowy on that last day of January when the time had come. The doctor, Knox Brittain, and a midwife were called. My father Joe related how he had shoveled snow over an hour just so the doctor could pull his car into the driveway and get to the door. I never heard how long the birthing process was. I’m sure glad it was successful especially in light of the fact that my parents had suffered the agony of a full term still born boy a few years earlier.

The maternity/delivery bed was the dining room table, presumably outfitted with a mattress, sheets and some pillows, not that it made any difference to me. The dining room was chosen since it was the warmest place in the 13 room house. The heat for the house was a wood burning, Round Oak, pot bellied stove in a corner of the dining room. It was supplemented by a wood/coal stove in the kitchen which was also the cooking stove.

After the delivery, Doc was asked what they should do with the baby. His answer was “wrap him in some clean bed linen, put him in the laundry basket and set it near the stove.” My wife Heide believes that explains a few things about me. She thinks my head must have been too close to the stove and some brain matter was overheated. Whatever!

Helping Dad with the field work in fall 1937.Despite that possibility I did survive and grew up. Over the years that room was the scene of countless holiday dinners and other special gatherings. It was where homework was done, board games and cards were played and stories were told. Often the table would be covered with a clean bed sheet and mother Anna’s homemade rolled out noodle dough was placed there for drying before being cut into thin “soup” noodles or broader ones for general use. Other times the table was taken over by Anna’s dress making efforts with material and patterns filling it up for a few days.

Occasionally, especially during the winter, if someone was sick a temporary bed might be located there for the comfort of that individual. In July of 1970 it became a hospice room for three days. My father, Joe, was nearing the end of his struggle with lung cancer and the debilitating effects of radiation treatment. He had been in the hospital a few weeks but wanted to come home. Arrangements were made and he was transported by ambulance on a Friday afternoon. On Sunday he began to suffer episodes of choking which he attributed to Anna’s forcing him to eat her homemade chicken soup. When the doctor came he told him “she must have made that soup from the oldest chicken we had.” Our Pastor came, prayed with us, talked to Dad and gave him a blessing to prepare him for his final journey. An hour or so later he died. This was one illness Anna’s chicken soup was not going to cure. Some might think of it as a morbid event but we felt we were blessed to be an integral part of his last hours on earth right here at home. He did have a devilish, sly side to him so I’m almost convinced he planned it that way.

One of the many happy memories I have is when he was working in the fields with the horses and I was permitted to take his afternoon snack to him. It was often a Limburger sandwich and a mason jar full of our own milk which Anna would pack. If the field was across the creek she would go with me until I and the snack were safely across the creek. I would then proceed to the shag bark hickory tree which still stands in the middle of the field and wait there until Joe came around with the horses. He would rest them in the shade while we sat on the ground and enjoyed the snack. He always shared it and though I didn’t especially care for Limburger it tasted pretty good on those occasions. We shared the milk, too, even though it was never real cold and wasn’t pasteurized. How did we ever survive that?

These Reinschmidts in Germany and Parma's Joe Reinschmidt share a common great-great-great-grandfather. They live on property which has been in the family for several generations. Werner Reinschmidt with wife, Monika and daughter, Simone, photographed when Joe visited in 2010, are joined by Rowley (bottom center).The memories of Anna singing German nursery songs as she held me on her lap, and letting me help with baking, cooking, noodle making and many other activities can never be replaced. Her insistence on us helping with various chores in the house, garden and farm fields was not always enjoyable, but it was a lesson in the necessity of learning to do your part in life, for the good of all. To continue many of those things with our children and now with our grandchildren, in the setting where I learned them, is a blessing.

At Christmas time we didn’t put up our tree until the day before Christmas, and decorated it in the evening. At some point Dad would say “let’s go upstairs and watch for Santa Claus.” While up there, peering out the often frosted window pane, I strained to see Santa first. Suddenly Dad would say, “There he is - did you see him?” I never did. Then we’d hear Mom saying “Thank you and goodbye Santa” and the porch door would close.

When we came down year after year, there were gifts under and around the tree.

Of course life itself is a gift, the first and the greatest one we are all given. Some of us had the special opportunity to have good, loving parents in a setting that provided many lessons of the importance of that life. If I had to describe my experience with one word, it would be “privileged.” So yes, there is great sentiment on my part regarding this house and the farm. It wasn’t always easy. The chores were at times hard, hot, dusty and difficult. However, just how good it was overall becomes more evident with the passing of time.

There a number of reminders of Anna to be seen, such as her Maytag wringer type washer and the one bar of her homemade lye soap that remains. There are dozens of now empty canning jars that by this time of year would mostly be full of canned goods for the coming winter.

 

Joe’s presence here is also remembered through the carpenter tools that he used for years and some of the things he made. He also left some unique evidence of his activities such as the 10 or 12 empty Camel cigarette packs that tumbled out of the kitchen wall in 2002, when we remodeled the area he had remodeled in the early 1940s. The best item was a cedar shingle we found while removing some from the west wall of the house. On the back he had inscribed with his carpenters pencil, J. Reinschmidt, November 1939. Could he possibly have thought that I would someday find it?

This place has been in our family for 83 years but we have a long way to go to catch up with Werner Reinschmidt, in Buehlertal, Baden, Germany who is still living on and operating the vineyards of our common great-great-great-grandfather Lukas Reinschmidt (1766-1837) who was perhaps influenced by his father Joannis who was a vintner. Two years ago, while in Germany, I had the pleasure of being invited to Werner’s beautiful home, adjacent to some of the vineyards. We met his wife and daughter, enjoyed a delicious dinner, a few glasses of his mighty fine wine and conversed as if we had known each other for a long time. It appears that kinship doesn’t have a time frame. I hope that can be said for many of you, too, and that you also enjoy your family and their history as much as I do mine.

11/25/12

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SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2012

AREA

Fall college sports notes

by Warren Kozereski

•Hilton grad and Cortland sophomore Tim Beauvais was named the men’s soccer ALL-SUNYAC Second Team goalkeeper while Brockport freshman Collin Goettel (Spencerport) was named to the Third Team on defense.

•Midfielder Annie Terilli from Brockport was named Third Team All-SUNYAC in women’s soccer.

•Former Spencerport Ranger Brandon Bianchi scored one of two goals to help Roberts Wesleyan’s men’s soccer team advance to the NCCAA National Championship, which will be held November 28 - December 1 in Kissimmee, Fla.

•Junior forward Brittany Kinmond (Spencerport) was selected to the 2012 East Coast Conference Women’s Soccer All-Conference Second Team. After transferring to Roberts Wesleyan from Syracuse University this season, led the Redhawks with 28 points (10 goals, 8 assists) and also led with six game winning goals.

•Roberts Wesleyan sophomore forward Michael Cunningham was named to the 2012 East Coast Conference All-Conference Second Team. Cunningham paced the Redhawks with a team-high 23 points (9 goals, 5 assists) this season. The forward from Derbyshire, England also picked up a game-winning goal against Buffalo State on September 26

•Former Churchville-Chili hockey goaltender Dylan Niewiemski earned a roster spot with the SUNY Oswego club hockey team. He was the Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 2011 and was the Class B West player of the year for the past two years.

•College at Brockport sophomores Jessica Senek and Jamie Snyder were named First Team All-SUNYAC West Division while junior Hannalee Fordyce was a second team choice.

•Roberts Wesleyan women’s volleyball sophomore Jordan Wilson was named East Coast Conference All-Conference First Team with classmate Kendall Havener Second Team. Maggie Concannon was conference Rookie of the Year and co-head coaches Jon and Kristen Meyers were named Coaches of the Year.

•College at Brockport sophomore Rachel Malone became the first female in Brockport cross country history to earn All-American honors after the sophomore placed 34th at the 2012 NCAA Division III Championship in Terre Haute, IN.

•The College at Brockport Women's Soccer head coach Joan Schockow was name SUNYAC Coach of the Year. Schockow led the Golden Eagles to a 14-2-2 overall record and the No. 1 seed in the SUNYAC Tournament in 2012. Schockow put together one of the most successful seasons in program history, leading the Golden Eagles to a 7-1-1 regular season conference record to earn the team’s first-ever SUNYAC regular season championship.

•Ten players from The College at Brockport Football team were selected to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference teams. Quarterback Joe Scibilia earned first-team honors along with his top two receivers in Andrew Mrozek and Jake Spalik. The three Golden Eagles were a part of the top offensive team in the NJAC in 2012, racking up a league-leading 476.4 yards of offense per game. The last time Brockport put three players on the first-team All-NJAC was 2009.

Tyrone Nichols was named to the offensive second-team along with two offensive linemen, Bruce Doyle and Ben Woolston.

Derek DeCandia and Colby Morabito (Hilton) were named to the second-team defense while linebacker John O’Hagan and offensive lineman Zach Roberts were named to the honorable mention team.

11/25/12

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SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2012

AREA

CWD director appointed to national council on Occupational Education

Mary Ellen Spennacchio-WagnerMary Ellen Spennacchio-Wagner, director of the BOCES 2 Center for Workforce Development (CWD), has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Commission for the Council on Occupational Education (COE). She was elected at the COE Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia on November 3.

The COE, originally founded in 1971 as a regional accrediting agency of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is the successor to the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions (COEI). In 1995, the Council became a national accrediting agency. In 2006, the Council celebrated its 35th year of assuring quality and integrity in career and technical education. The Council’s accreditation process is conducted on behalf of more than 360,000 students across the nation who pursue careers in a variety of technical fields.

Spennacchio-Wagner started her career in adult education when she joined BOCES 2 in 1989 and has served as CWD director since 2006. She believes that blending literacy and career education is the only way to serve the adult learner. “We’re helping to rebuild our country’s workforce and helping to bring non-traditional learning opportunities to the adult student,” she said. Spennacchio-Wagner also serves as a NYS Regional Coordinator for the New York Association for Community/Continuing Education (NYACCE) and is the first person in the Northeast to be asked to serve on the COE Commission.

Provided information

11/25/12

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BYRON-BERGEN

Students and staff at Byron-Bergen honor veterans

Army veteran Edward Brady shows third graders a variety of his Army uniforms during the district-wide Veterans Day activities, November 14 at Byron-Bergen Elementary School.Students and staff at Byron-Bergen Central School District spent November 14 honoring the men and women who have served the United States during its Veterans Day district wide activities.

During the day, veterans visited classes at both the Jr./Sr. High School and the Elementary School to talk to students about their service years.

Army Veteran Edward Brady, also a retired Byron-Bergen Senior High School technology teacher, discussed his service years with third graders at the Elementary School. Brady told students how the Army has impacted his life.

Elementary School Principal Brian Meister said that many students, staff and community members are or have veterans in their families.

“We would like to show our appreciation for these men and women by learning about them and offering thanks,” he said.

Meister said the district recognizes the enormous sacrifice our nation’s veterans have made to ensure our freedom.

 

FIRST® Tech Challenge kicks off year with science, technology

Tenth-graders Matt Hilbert (left) and Nick Kelly (right) showed off their FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) robot at the New York State School Board Association (NYSSBA) conference, recently in Rochester. Here the students explained FTC to Forestville Central School District Board President Sylvester Cleary (center).Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School’s newly formed FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC®) club, a high school robotics competition, is preparing for competition at the end of November.

Committed to promoting science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational opportunities, Byron-Bergen started its FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge club, part of US First®, last year as an opportunity for students to design, build and program a robot - based on engineering principles - for competition using a sports model, according to Technology Teacher and Club Advisor Richard Walker.

Byron-Bergen has 10 students, in grades 9-12, participating in the club this year.

Awards are given for the competition and for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

“As a team, we travel to Clarkson University to compete against 23 other teams from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania,” said Walker.

To align with its community in partnership, Liberty Pumps supports Byron-Bergen’s club financially and by allowing one of the company’s engineers to work with the team as a mentor.

“Last year was the first year our club competed, taking fifth place,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Aaron Johnson. “Our club is an example of our school-community partnership in action, which affords our students an enrichment opportunity in STEM.”

In preparing for the club’s upcoming competition on November 30 at Clarkson University, two students from Byron-Bergen’s club showed of their FTC® robot at the New York Sate School Board Association (NYSSBA) conference, recently in Rochester.

Tenth-grader Nick Kelly said his favorite part of being a part of the club is building the robot, while tenth-grader Matt Hilbert said he enjoys programming.

Provided information and photo

11/25/12

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HILTON

Hilton hosts 33rd Annual Model UN Conference

Secretary General Tom Hanley welcomes delegates to the 33rd Annual Model UN Conference at Hilton High School. Students from over 30 area high schools were in attendance.The 33rd Annual Model United Nations Conference at Hilton High School on November 9 and 10 drew hundreds of students from over 30 area high schools. Tom Hanley and Mohini Sharma, who both served as secretary general, addressed the packed auditorium during the Opening Ceremony Friday afternoon. “What I love about Model UN is that it brings passionate, kind, creative people together and gives them an opportunity to listen to their peers and work toward a common goal,” said Sharma, a Brighton student.

Students sold carnations and competed in jar wars to raise money for the Catherine Bertini Trustee Fund for Girls’ Education. This initiative was started with a donation from former World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Catherine Bertini - her entire $250,000 World Food Prize. The Bertini Fund aims to improve access to training and education for women and girls, primarily by supporting innovative efforts by WFP country offices to reach girls who are not currently participating in school meal programs.

Bertini also was the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony on Saturday. Bertini transformed WFP into the world’s largest humanitarian organization. She led the efforts to end famine in North Korea, avert starvation in Afghanistan, ensure food was delivered effectively during the crisis in Bosnia and Kosovo, and prevent starvation in the Horn of Africa. Currently, she is professor of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

The Model United Nation simulates the real United Nations with debates following parliamentary rules; resolutions being presented at the General Assembly and working their way through committees; and delegates from each Model UN school prepared to represent ‘their country.’ Students are judged on diplomacy, speaking, representation, quality of debating, and overall ability. All students are encouraged to speak at the conference and if a crisis should arise (which it often does), delegates are expected to give an accurate representation of their country’s views on that area.

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Obituaries - week of November 25, 2012

Special Tribute to...

Herbert MacNaughton, artist, writer, and general good guy

Herb MacNaughtonYou could trust Herb. MacNaughton would have a different take on things. Once characterized as an affable curmudgeon, he stylized his writing with humor and wit, often giving it a very localized spin.

Herb. wrote best when he could put his perspective in play. He was a columnist for Suburban News long before there were four editions of the newspapers and several different advertising publications bonded together under the company name Westside News Inc. For some of that time, Jim O’Connor was the owner of the company, Julia Hahn the editor, Keith Ryan was an advertising representative and the offices were located across from the NYSDOT building on Route 259 south of Route 31.

A sample of “The PAssing PArade” column is copied below.

He wore his signature Commodore’s cap just about every where he went. He was an accomplished artist who captured with oils on canvas places he had visited in his travels and scenes he envisioned. In one of his last writing assignments for Westside News Inc. he defined for readers how the newspapers are put together in a thorough fashion representative of his attention to detail.

He loved the converted barn studio on West Avenue in Hilton which he and Elsie called home for many years. Herb. died peacefully on October 31, 2012. He is survived by his children, Pam (Fred) Roy, Chali (James) DiCataldo and Barry MacNaughton; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company.

His Funeral Service was held November 3 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Parma-Greece United Church of Christ in his memory.

Westside News Inc. staff

 

The PAssing PArade

by Herb. MacNaughton

April Fool’s Column, March 30, 1982

The publishing world floods the reading public with a continuous flow of materials but some of the books that never made it, and never will, bear intriguing titles. Would-be authors are everywhere and the following list just scratches the surface.

I myself set out to make the best cellar list with “Procrastination -- Sooner or Later” but I never got to it. The Reverend David Knopp was working on a book, “The Point of Having Church Steeples” but says he couldn’t get inspired. Tom Burger had two works in preparation: “Cemeteries Are Forever” which he discovered was a grave mistake and “The Art of Dying” which he felt might cause him to get carried away.

“Writing Your Last Bequest” was being authored by Frederick Holbrook but he lost his will. Jim O’Connor was preparing a tome on the “History of Movable Type” but couldn’t get the lead out. Laurie Allen and Judy Allen were collaborating on “Hairdressers Make Waves” but it wasn’t permanent. Dave Rowley did some preliminary work on “Your Plumbing and You” but found it drained him.

“Delicatessen Delicacies” was submitted to a publisher by Huey but the editor returned it because it had no hero. Another editor made cutting remarks about Bill Gavigan’s “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.” “Carpeting the Home” by Doug Marple just didn’t cover the subject. John Heinrich  started on “Counting Your Tows” but soon found that the plot broke down. Kilo Watt sent to the publishers “Understanding Electricity” but they felt it was too shocking. Rick Holden prepared a definitive work, “Stock Cars -- They Are Driven” but it was too racy. Pat Cleary finished “Copy Cat” but it was returned for being too repetitious. Seal tried to get started on “Clowning Around” but couldn’t make up a plot. Roger Buda authored “Potholes, We’ve Had Our Fill” but got into a rut. Dale Austin published “Today’s Pharmacy” but it was a drug on the market. … Joe Clement did some work on “School Administrators I Have Known” but the principal principal had no principles. Mary Lou Rockow was working on “You Are What You Eat” but she couldn’t stomach it. “Laundromats -- Today and Tomorrow” was tried by Ron Waterstraat but it didn’t wash. Marilyn Brown submitted “Gardening Is Not For Everyone” but the editors felt it had been raked over too many times. Mike and Peg Naughton launched “Restaurants We Have Known” but it didn’t serve the purpose. “How To Drive In Reverse” by Winnie Bago bombed because she couldn’t back up her facts. Paul Wadsworth began “Wound Up On Old Clocks” but ran out of time. “Beer is Heady Stuff” was chosen by George Bauman and Robert McCurdy but the first draft was terrible.

11/21/12

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BROCKPORT

•Eastman, Anne Martel, November 17, 2012. Predeceased by her husband, G. Sidney Eastman. She is survived by her sons, Richard Eastman of West Henrietta and Lawrence (Christine) Eastman of Long Island, NY; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She taught High School Latin, French and English in the states of Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She was Dean of Girls and Head of the Language Department at East Greenwich Academy, Rhode Island. After moving to New York, she was Head of the French Department at Spencerport High School. She was involved in a variety of community endeavors in Brockport. She was a member of the Foreign Language Association, the New York State Teachers and Western Monroe County Teachers Association and National Education Association.

A Memorial Service is planned for the spring of 2013.

 

•Schmidt, Loretta M., died November 15, 2012, at age 102. Wife of the late Rufus Schmidt. Mother of Joan Berman, Enid Nagel and Constance Umland. Survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Sister of Olive Essex and Celia Paquette and several nieces and nephews. Loretta was a member of the Brockport United Methodist Church for over 70 years.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 1, at 1 p.m. from the Harry A. Wedekindt Funeral Home, 280 Grover Cleveland Highway, Amherst, NY. Friends invited. If desired, memorials can be made to the Brockport United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 247, Brockport, NY 14420 or the American Cancer Society.

 

CHILI

•Perger, John B., November 15, 2012, age 81. Survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Nina; daughters, Sandy (Russell) Coleman and Susan Griffin; five grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Toth of Hungary; several nieces, nephews and friends. John was a longtime member of Hungarian Club.

A Funeral Mass was said November 20 at St. Pius the Tenth Church, Chili. Interment, St. Pius Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Red Cross or to the church in his memory.

 

HAMLIN

•Gaesser, Shirley M. (Preiss) RN, on November 12, 2012, in West Chester, Ohio while visiting her daughter Mary. She was born in Rochester in 1935 and graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing as a RN in 1955. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Walter George; seven children, Michael (Kathleen), Edward (Valerie), Mary, James (Rona), Daniel (Sandra), Ronald (Tammy), and Karen (Linda); 22 grandchildren and six great grandchildren; sister and brothers, Carol, William (Katie) and Richard Preiss. She was the daughter of and is predeceased by Albert and Lou (Catherine) Preiss.

A Memorial Service and Mass was held November 24 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Hamlin. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in her memory.

 

HILTON

•O’Keefe, David J., peacefully on November 13, 2012 at age 79. David is survived by his wife Joanne; son Stephen (Patti Serio); daughters Patricia (Bill) Hannaway and Karen (James) Limardo; three granddaughters, Laura Serio, Alexandra Hannaway and Jessica Limardo and a loving extended family. David was a teacher in the Rochester City School District and then executive director of the Rochester Teachers Association, from which he retired in 1996.

A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

 

•Statt, Ruth A., on November 14, 2012. Predeceased by her husbands, Joseph Gervasi, Leslie Gillette and George Statt. She is survived by her children, Karen (Joseph) Tubiolo, Ruth (Danny) Armstrong of Huntersville, North Carolina, Patricia Gervasi, Keith Gillette of Apache Junction, Arizona, Eugene Gillette and Susan (Grayson) Shoun of King, North Carolina; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren; her brother Charles (Lucy) Eygabroad; sisters, Phyllis Eygaboard and Nancy (Richard Barnes) Eygabroad; several nieces and nephews.

Her Memorial Service was held November 16 at Ogden Presbyterian Church. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation or the Multiple Sclerosis Society in her memory.

 

HOLLEY

•Papaleo, Richard “Ric,” November 3, 2012 suddenly at age 62. The son of Antoinette Barbera-Papaleo and the late Dominic Papaleo. Survived by his wife, Cindy (Furguson) Papaleo; children, Michelle (Doug) Armstrong, Renee Papaleo; granddaughters, Alexa and Kylie Armstrong; step children Christine, Jon and Mike Schneider; foster son Dean (Veronica) Quick; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Ric served his country during 2 tours in Vietnam for the US Army and as an Orleans County NY Mounted Sheriff. Recipient of the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars (one with Valor) and Good Conduct Medal.

A Military Service was held November 24, 2012 at The Brockport Veterans Club, Brockport.

 

•Rowley, Donna S. (Miller), Age 45, died November 16, 2012. Predeceased by her husband John. Survived by her children, James, Jeremy (Elissa), Heather, Benjamin, Andrew, Madeline; grandchildren, Kailyn, Jonah, Cameron; parents, Douglas and Sherilyn Miller; brothers, Richard, Douglas (Yolanda), Jeffrey (Carolina); sister Dawn Theil; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Funeral Service was held November 20 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Burial in Hillside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans in her memory.

 

KENDALL

•Pawlaczyk-Merrick, Carla Ann, “Sugarbear,” age 40 years, peacefully passed after a long battle with cancer, November 13, 2012. She graduated from Kendall High School in 1991. After graduation she enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years as an MP in Germany. After returning home she lived in Blackhawk, Colorado. She was predeceased by her father Carl A. Pawlaczyk Jr. She is survived by her loving husband John Merrick; loving mother of Caleb, Ariel and Siera Plank; parents Janet Craig Herman; siblings Kevin Ross, Serena Buchiere (Ross), Trease Killian (Ross); several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends.

A remembrance of Carla will be held on Saturday, December 1 at 1 p.m. at Concordia Lutheran Church, 1769 Kendall Road, Kendall.

 

•Robb, Harold J., age 78, died November 19, 2012 at his home. He was born in Hamlin, the son of Edgar and Nina Robb and has been a lifetime resident of the area. He was a truck driver for Eastman Kodak until retirement and then drove for Lynette & Sons Farm. Harold was a longtime member of the Palmyra Moose Lodge #1420. He is survived by his wife Ileane (Bailey) of 49 years; three daughters, Terry (David) Wolfe of Hamlin, Ileane Malachowski (Timothy) of Lyndonville, Joyce Robb-Arvai of Albion; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Catherine Staples of Florida; brother, Frank (Sue) Robb of Brockport; sister-in-law, Lynn Robb of Kendall; many nieces, nephews, friends and his buddy Charlie. He was predeceased by great granddaughter, Autumn Lynn and brothers, George, Theodore and Howard.

Funeral Services were held November 23 at the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home, Holley. Interment, Sandy Creek Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Morton Fire Department in his memory.

 

NORTH CHILI

•Marcello, Benjamin, November 18, 2012. Predeceased by his daughter, Angela Paolozzi Allocco; brother, John Marcello; sister, Elizabeth Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Peggy Marcello; children, Donna (John) Wall, Marie Ilardo, BenG (Jodi) Marcello; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, George (Terri) Marcello; sister, Mary (Frank) Monachino; sisters-in-law, Clara Marcello, Barbara Fischer, Eleanor Stutz; many nieces and nephews. Mr. Marcello was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company and an Army Veteran of WWII.

His Funeral Mass was said November 21 at St. Christopher’s Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be directed to Heritage Christian Services, 349 Commercial Street, Suite 2795, East Rochester, NY 14445 or to St. Christopher’s Church, 3350 Union Street, North Chili, NY 14514 in his memory.

 

•Pierson, Ruth K., November 15, 2012 at age 79. Survived by her husband of 55 years, Donald; son, Tad (Silvia) Pierson; daughter, Heidi (Warren) Kozireski; siblings in Germany, Waltraud (Eberhard) Mayer, Gert (Alicia) Nyenhuis; siblings in the US, Hans (Inge) Nyenhuis, Marie Luise Moschini; several nieces and nephews.

Her Funeral Ceremony was celebrated November 19 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation, Rochester. Donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 4043 Maple Road, Suite 105, Amherst, NY 14226 in her memory.

 

OGDEN

•Benson, Joseph A. “Joey,” on November 19, 2012. Survived by his loving wife, Jorja; stepson, John; parents, Joseph Jr. and Andria Benson; father-in-law, George Moon; sister, Marjorie (Stephen) McIlwaine; his brother, Mark (Amy) Benson; brothers-in-law, Ronald, Richard (Christina), Gerald (Julie) Moon; nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Prayer Service was held November 21 at James R. Gray Funeral Home, Gates. Private interment. Donations can be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center in his memory.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Powell, Lillian Kaye (Gregory) “Chickie,” on November 15, 2012. She was born in Lexington, New York on July 13, 1934. Chickie graduated from Hunter-Tannersville Central Schools and received a Bachelor of Arts from Albany State University, a Masters of Education from the University of Rochester’s Warner School of Education and a Certificate of Administration from SUNY Brockport. Chickie had a successful career as an English and Social Studies teacher at both the Spencerport Central School District and with the Churchville Chili Central School District. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James J. Powell; her daughter, Diana (Keery); son-in-law Brian; granddaughters Alexandra and Caitlyn; brothers-in-law Claude (Shirley) Powell and Ralph (Wanda) Powell; sister-in-law, Joyce Simms; nieces and nephews, friends and extended family. She was a member of the Spencerport United Methodist Church and a 50 year member of Etolian Chapter #308, Order of the Eastern Star, and Daughters of the Nile. Until the time of her illness she was active in several charities, especially those involving people with disabilities, the homeless and animal welfare.

Lillian’s Funeral Service will be celebrated 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 25 at Spencerport United Methodist Church, 32 Amity Street, Spencerport.

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ARCHIVES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Larceny at Holley Village Office reported

It was reported to the Holley Police Department Friday, November 9 that an undetermined amount of money was stolen from the cash register in the Village of Holley Office, 72 Public Square, Holley. According to information from Holley Police Chief William Murphy, the theft appears to have occurred between Wednesday, November 7 and Thursday, November 8.

The Holley Police Department in cooperation with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft.

Provided information

11/18/12

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Area Social Security offices change hours

Effective November 19, the Greece and Rochester Social Security offices will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. In addition, beginning January 2, 2013, each office will close to the public at noon every Wednesday.

While agency employees will continue to work their regular hours, this shorter public window will allow them to complete face-to-face interviews and process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime, according to a press release from the Social Security Administration. The significantly reduced funding provided by Congress under the continuing resolution for the first six months of the fiscal year makes it impossible for the agency to provide the overtime needed to handle service to the public as it has done in the past, according to the press release.

In addition, on November 23, the day after Thanksgiving, all Social Security field offices will be closed to the public. Employees working that day will focus on backlogged workloads, according to the press release.

Many services, including applying for retirement, disability or Medicare benefits, signing up for direct deposit, replacing a Medicare card, obtaining a proof of income letter or informing of a change of address or telephone number are available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by dialing our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. Many of the online services also are available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov.

Provided information

11/18/12

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Village to Village Challenge could be springtime canal opener

by Kristina Gabalski

The first Village to Village Challenge was a great success, Brockport Village Trustee Margaret Blackman said during her report at the regular village board meeting November 13.

Blackman said the race - held November 3 on the Erie Canal between the Village of Brockport to the Village of Spencerport - consisted of 25 participants including the U of R rowing team.

“We gave them a rousing welcome,” Trustee Blackman said. Refreshments, including contributions from the Stetson Club, were provided to participants. Police Chief Daniel Varrenti volunteered, Blackman said, and members of both the Brockport and Spencerport Fire Districts were, “actively involved in keeping rowers safe,” she said. Additional volunteers also helped keep participants safe by manning the canal bank between the two villages.

The rowers would like to come back in the spring, during an event Blackman is planning for the annual opening of the canal, she said.

Feedback about the race has been overwhelmingly positive, Blackman said. “The success was due to the willingness of volunteers,” she noted.

The event has the potential of “growing into a destination regatta, she said.

Trustee Blackman has spoken with officials at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and has been encouraged to apply for a $500 sponsorship grant.

Blackman also said she met recently with Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene to discuss coordinating the spring canal opening event with the next Village to Village Challenge.

In other business, village board members decided to table adopting an updated Emergency Operations Plan. The original version was adopted in 2002 and the update includes feedback by department heads and the fire chief who recently reviewed the plan.

“We’re close ... but this is missing many things which need to be put into place,” Trustee Kent Blair said.

The positions of deputy mayor (or designated trustee), emergency coordinator, public information officer and site media spokesperson all need to be designated.

“We’re really not ready to approve yet without appointments in place,” Trustee Carol Hannan said.

The Emergency Operations Plan provides for the extraordinary arrangements and measures that may have to be taken to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Brockport residents during times of disaster.

Blair said the village should also consider staging a “mock emergency event to ... put the plan in motion under a test.”

11/18/12

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Joseph and Susan Fertitta accepted the Walt Horylev Civic Beautification award from Hilton Mayor Joe Lee at the November Village Board meeting. They were recognized for their work in making major improvements in three run down homes in the business district including the building that housed Braeview Realty, now home to Monroe Tech, and for renovating the former Crazy Egor’s building on South Avenue, now home to Book Jewels. They share this year’s award with Tops Friendly Markets.

 

 

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FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Dog Control Officer for 26 years

“I still enjoy it as much as I did on the first week I started.” - Kathy Beaumont

by Doug Hickerson

At the Sweden-Clarkson Dog Shelter, Kathy Beaumont stands with the senior beagle she named Toby. Early last week she located his owners who will take him back home.“They are all my kids,” Kathy Beaumont says about the dogs she rescues and temporarily places in the Sweden-Clarkson Dog Shelter on White Road. It is an affectionate and protective attitude she has had for 26 years on the job. Kathy is the Sweden-Clarkson Dog Control Officer on call 24/7 for the two towns, including the Village of Brockport.

The most typical call for Kathy is the sighting of a stray dog. Placing the stray in the shelter, she waits for a possible phone call from the owner and she posts flyers in the community. She also scans for an ID chip in the dog’s neck, but not many people register their pet’s chip, she says. After about 10 days, the dog is put up for adoption. Meanwhile, Kathy goes to the shelter twice every day to feed the dog.

“Tango” is one example of rescue and adoption to a happy home. Last March, Mr. and Mrs. Vandertang phoned about a stray in Northampton Park. Kathy picked up the dog in very sickly condition with no hair on the back half of his body and nails overgrown. “He was skin and bones and you could see every rib.” She took him to Clarkson Veterinary Hospital “who are always on call for us and provide a generous discount.” The dog could not be admitted because mange was suspected and could infect the premises.

Pleading “What can I do?” Kathy was advised to feed him chicken or hamburger with rice every two hours until he improves. “I went to the shelter to feed him every two hours throughout the night,” Kathy says. By morning, he was up and bouncing back. She named him “Tango” in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Vandertang who initiated the rescue. It turned out Tang had fleas, not mange. With the needed vet treatments, Tang was adopted out, still underweight and needing care. Kathy stops by Tang’s new home once in a while. “He weighs over 100 pounds, now. He is a gorgeous dog with a shiny coat,” she says. “When Tang sees me, he goes crazy and runs to me,” remembering he was first one of her kids.

Happy ending - "Lucy" enjoys her parents, Brockport residents Jack and Chris Mazzarella. Now seven years old, they adopted Lucy in 2006. Lucy had been found abandoned and pregnant, then was rescued, and delivered six puppies at the Sweden-Clarkson Dog Shelter. "She is just the sweetest thing," Chris says. "Did we ever win out with this one."Kathy also receives complaint calls, typically a neighbor’s dog continuously barking. Her approach with the complainant and the dog owner is to negotiate a resolution. “I go out to educate, not beat up,” Kathy says. “We are friends and we are going to talk this out,” she adds about her approach. She discusses options for the dog owner to relocate the dog on his property or some other kind of behavior control. In almost every case, the dog owner takes reasonable measures. Where there is resistance, the dog owner is also made aware of possible citations under the municipal dog ordinance, a court appearance, and fines up to $300 in the extreme case.

Kathy feels the community’s support for her work. Asked how she thinks the community would rate her over 26 years, from 0 to 100, she says “90.” Some have put themselves on her “want list” to be called if a dog is up for adoption. Kathy receives community contributions to supplement dog supplies. On Thanksgiving 2006, “Lucy” the Beagle had six puppies at the shelter, after being found pregnant and abandoned. Many contributed supplies and local Scout troops helped care for the puppies.

“Twenty-six years and I am still going strong,” Kathy mused. “I still enjoy it as much as I did on the first week I started. I have run into a lot of nice people, and I have learned how to handle people.” As for her “kids,” she says, “I see them as tiny, then grown up and I usually hear when they pass away.” She sometimes checks the town dog license records that show current and deceased, asking, “Does so and so still have that dog?” “I don’t remember the people’s names, but I remember their dog, where he came from, and the home where he lives.”

Note: Contributions such as sheets, towels, biscuits, leashes, and bowls can be left at the Sweden Maintenance Garage office on White Road or at the Town of Sweden office on 18 State Street. Any questions or concerns, call Kathy’s home phone 637-4260. For emergencies phone her cell phone 748-4478. Reports of animal cruelty, abuse, no food or shelter, should go directly to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm which has powers of police enforcement: 223-6500.

Photos by Dianne Hickerson

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Ogden Farmers’ Library sponsors Holiday Food Drive

The Ogden Farmers’ Library sponsors a food drive to benefit the Spencerport Ecumencial Food Cupboard November 26 through December 17.

Donations of non-perishable food items and/or paper goods will be accepted.

The items most needed are: canned corn, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned beans, pasta sauce, spaghetti, jelly, boxed potatoes and toilet paper.

For every item donated, the library will deduct $.25 from a library fine. No expired items will be accepted.

Provided information

11/18/12

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May Elizabeth Howard:  Hilton’s Titanic Survivor

by David Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian

May Elizabeth HowardOn April 10, 1912, a little over 100 years ago, May Elizabeth Howard boarded the ship Titanic at Southampton as a third class passenger. Her ticket was A.2. 39186, and had cost her 8 pounds 1 shilling. Her destination was Toronto, Ontario, Canada to join her brother, Ernest, and to find work as a nanny. May’s destiny turned out quite differently.

May was born on May 2, 1885 in North Walsham, England. In Walsham she was part of a large family some of whom had emigrated to North America. May made her living as a domestic servant. At the age of 27, after her fiancé had been killed in the Boer War, she decided to leave England and join her relatives in America.

According to Titanic records, May described how the ship rocked with the collision following by a ringing of bells. The doctor came and told them “all was well,” but to get their life belts on. During the voyage, May had become friendly with Mrs. Emily Goldsmith, and when it came time to evacuate the sinking liner she left in “Collapsible C” with her and Mrs. Goldsmith’s son, Frankie. Sadly, Mr. Goldsmith went down with the ship. As May later related, “One of the ships officers grabbed Mrs. Goldsmith and myself and pushed us to the edge of the ship where the lifeboat was being filled with women and children. An officer there shouted, “All men back, women come first.” After her arrival on the Carpathia, she sent the following telegram from New York after disembarking.

“Arrived safe will write later. May”

It had been May’s intention to go to Toronto, but after arriving at her sister, Mrs. Hewitt’s, home in Albion, NY, she changed plans. She needed to recover from post trauma and frozen feet. She later found employment in the home of Sheriff Will Kenyon of Albion helping the family with household duties. Sheriff Kenyon’s brother, the Reverend Randall Kenyon, had just returned home from service in World War I where he had developed a debilitating disease that left him needing special care. Reverend Kenyon was the minister for the First Baptist Church in Hilton, NY, and he and Mrs. Kenyon had five young children. Mrs. Kenyon had great need of assistance at this time and May stepped into the picture and became a valued member of the family for the rest of her life. She helped raised the five Kenyon children, and continued her service to Margaret Kenyon Dieckman and her family until her death in 1958 at age 73.

The house where May Elizabeth Howard lived in Hilton.Susan Dieckman Harrison remembers May well, and has helped with this research. She remembers that May did not wish to talk about her harrowing experience on the Titanic, and that the Dieckman children respectfully did not ask her questions. What was remembered is that May did not like to go near water, and that she chose to only take sponge baths, and not enter a full tub of water. Also her feet were affected from the freezing water while in the life boat during the five hour rescue. As a result she suffered pain in her feet as she grew older. She was wonderful with children, and spent many an hour playing cards, board games and reading books to them. She often visited other Kenyon children and helped them rear their families. Her life in Hilton was from 1919 to her death on November 28, 1958 a period of 39 years. She is buried in the Kenyon family plot in Boxwood Cemetery in Medina, NY.

On Thursday, May 2, 1912 the Orleans American, Orleans County’s newspaper, published a first-hand account of May’s harrowing rescue experience from the sinking Titanic. This was only a few weeks after the event. May was not yet recovered, still suffering from shock and exposure, but did never the less grant the interview. Her comments fresh from memory take the reader back to the “fateful day.” The following are excerpts from the article.

“I started from Southampton, England to visit my sister in Albion, NY, and owing to the coal strike, was prevented from shipping on one of the smaller ocean liners that left previous to the Titanic.”

“The trip was uneventful until from within our third class cabin we felt the ship graze the edge of the iceberg, and while the shock was not violent enough to throw us over, there was a violent racking of the boat, which was followed by a terrific ringing of the gongs on the boat.”

“I had not undressed for the night and am today wearing the same clothes I wore at the time of the wreck. After going to the deck we were told all was well and to go back to our cabins. About one half hour later we were called out by the ship’s surgeon, who told us to go up on deck and put on life belts. I started with the others, but on my first attempt to gain the deck was thrown down the stairway by the crush of people who were trying to get out that way.”

“Upon arriving on deck, Mrs. Goldsmith, her son and I were pushed into a lifeboat which carried 28 women and children. We had room for 15 more, but the men were reluctant to get in as they did not believe the ship was in that much danger. We all believed that we were taken in small boats while repairs were being made on the ship. The life boat that I left in was the last to leave the ship. Our life boat was rowed by two men. None of the women assisted them during the four or five hours between the time we left the Titanic and the time when the Carpathia rescued us. We saw none of the dead bodies floating around our boat that some passengers are credited with have told about. In our boat, three ladies and one man died of exposure, and were later buried at sea from the Carpathia.”

“Our lifeboat was not more than one half mile from the Titanic when she sank, but seemed much closer. We could hear the band playing, but could not distinguish the piece being played. When the ship sank the lights went out about 10 minutes before she disappeared from view and all we could hear was the cry of those who were drowning. Our boat had left the Titanic about 15 minutes before she sank. After reaching the Carpathia all those who desired it were given small cards, giving the number of passengers and crew that had sailed on the Titanic: the number of members of the crew that were saved and the number drowned. My card which I show you shows the following, 3,182 on board; 600 passengers saved; 110 members of crew and officers saved, 2,470 drowned.”

Mrs. Goldsmith and Frankie moved on to Detroit. Frankie later wrote his memory of the disaster. He in adult life lived near Tiger Stadium in Detroit. When he heard the crowd’s cheer it reminded him of the collective anguished cry of the doomed who went down with the great ship. Frankie was never able to attend games. May, when she would visit her brother in Kuckville, NY on Lake Ontario in the summer, would always sit with her back to the lake.

As an addendum it was noted via the internet that May’s niece, Gladys Whitwood of Walsham Grange passed away in June 2012. Gladys was the daughter of May’s sister, Emily. Gladys assisted Mr. John Balls in his book about the Norfolk survivors, May being one of the 5. May had become a mystery as she had stayed in America. The others had returned home.

This being the 100th year of the Titanic’s sinking it is only fitting to pay tribute to May Howard, a quiet reserved lady who not many people knew, who lived two thirds of her life in Hilton. Today our village can claim one of the Titanic’s 600 survivors as the 100th anniversary is observed.

Provided photos

11/18/12

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Lakeside Twig sponsors Tree of Lights

Lakeside Memorial Hospital’s Twig Association will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m. outside the Professional Building on West Avenue. Donor lights may be purchased for $5 each in memory of, or in honor of someone, or for a special event. Honorees’ names are entered in permanent books with calligraphy by Avis Ainsworth.

Lights can be purchased from any Twig member, at the desk in the hospital lobby, or by calling 637-6568 or 638-8426. Following the lighting ceremony and caroling, refreshments will be served in the lobby of the Professional Building.

Proceeds to support purchase of new mammography equipment for Lakeside Hospital.

Provided information

11/18/12

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A winter wonderland to be designed at the Depot in Spencerport

by Maggie Fitzgibbon

Doreen Castano, Director of the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum, and Ogden resident Jay Christian view an antique wooden wagon which Jay donated to the Depot earlier this year. "The wagon was given to me by former Ogden Supervisor the late "Bert" Stromquist. The wagon is made of wood, has rubber rimmed tires and was in two pieces. Bert told me that he didn't have time to monkey with it and said that if I wanted it I could have it. I put a bolt in it and attached the handle to the tongue. I think the wagon was probably built in the late 1800s or early 1900s."Located on the southeast bank of the Erie Canal in the Village of Spencerport is the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum. This center welcomes summertime travelers along the canal and is a historic stop for visitors wishing to learn more about the history of the Spencerport/Ogden area.

Normally the Depot closes during the winter season, but new this year is a special slate of holiday activities during late November and into December that will keep the Depot open to the public. Doreen Castano is the director of the Depot. She, along with a team of 80 volunteers, staff the center. Castano and the volunteers wanted to open the Depot to offer holiday-themed activities for the community as a way to say thank you for the public’s support.

“This is our gift back to the community, a way for us to thank you for all the community has done to support the Depot,” Castano said.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, November 24 and 25, the Depot will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. During the month of December, the Depot will be open on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m. The Depot will be festooned with a variety of holiday decor including nutcracker figures, Christmas dolls, mangers, menorahs, Department 56 lighted villages and Kwanza-themed decorations. A lighted path of trees sponsored by area businesses will greet visitors. The Unique Shop, Spencerport Insurance, Brodner Equipment, Nothnagle Realtors, CDL Printing and Café Macchiato have sponsored trees.

Throughout the month, a tree inside the depot will be displayed. Visitors are asked to decorate the tree with new scarves, hats and mittens for both children and adults. “These donations will be given to the needy,” Castano explained.

The century old children's wagon has a festive look with Christmas decorations, providing a focal point for the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum's upcoming program. It will be on display, along with other decorations, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving.The Depot will be open during Christmas on the Canal on Sunday, December 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. On this Sunday, visitors may craft a holiday card for a soldier. The cards will be sent to Armed Forces personnel who can’t be home for the holidays.

On Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m. to noon, children ages 4 to 12 can create a Christmas ornament. The following Saturday, December 15, Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the Depot from 1 to 3 p.m. Just for this afternoon, the reindeer will take a rest from escorting this famous couple. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive in style as a fire truck will safely deliver the couple to the Depot.

Members of area community groups will entertain Depot visitors with Christmas carols on Friday, December 14 beginning at 7 p.m.

A special guest, Joyce Lobene, the mayor of Spencerport, will read “The Night Before Christmas,” at children’s story hour on Saturday, December 22 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Depot.

Depot volunteers, along with other volunteers from the community, will staff the Depot during this holiday season. Some special guests may even be spotted.

“Who knows, visitors might even see some elves dancing around the Depot,” Castano said with a laugh.

All of these activities are free and open to the public, no registration is necessary. Tree sponsorships are also still available. For information about tree sponsorships or any holiday events, call the Depot at 352-0942. Check out their website at www.spencerportdepot.com, for updated information. The Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum is located at 16 East Avenue, in the Village of Spencerport.

Photographs by Walter Horylev

11/18/12

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“Snow Bird” Dinner at Disciples Methodist Church, Clarendon/Holley helped Bea Crary (seated center) celebrate her 100th birthday early. She is joined by Greta Zeller, Sharon and Bill Armbreister of Webster and former choir student Marietta Bradt who attended the gathering October 28.

 

Provided photo

11/18/12

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Hats for Chemo Patients group sends thousands of hats 

Mildred Wiegand says she started a group to make Hats for Chemo Patients and about 10 to 15 seniors attend each meeting at the Sweden Senior Center every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon. Some of the members bring in the hats they do at home but don’t stay. She teaches knitting and crocheting to new learners and everyone helps those who need a little help.

From the hands of the Chemo Hat Group have come over 1,600 hats sent to 10 cancer centers since February 2011. The group is supported by the First Presbyterian Church in Brockport and donations of yarn for the hats. New members are welcome to join at any time.

The members in the picture are wearing hats they made. (Back row), Peggy Hale, Muriel Burns, Bea DeRuyscher, Millie Wiegand, Loraine Butt, Alma Schultz, and Joan Kelly; (front row) Joan DePasquale, Marilyn Fischer, Phillis Tornatola, Helen Estrada, Linda Torok, and Ruth Stahdecker.

Provided photo

11/18/12

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SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

AREA

Pablo Sandoval selected as the Hickok Belt™ award winner for October

San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval has been selected as the Hickok Belt Award winner for the month of October 2012. Voting was conducted by a select panel of members of the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA). Sandoval was selected based on his performance throughout the postseason in which he hit .369 with five doubles, six homers and 13 RBIs. In the World Series, Sandoval hit .500 and belted three home runs in Game 1, as the Giants went on to sweep the Detroit Tigers.

Other finalists for the month of October in order of how the NSSA voters ranked them were: Ryan Vogelsong (baseball), Marco Scutaro (baseball), Justin Verlander (baseball), Tom Brady (football), Jimmie Johnson (auto racing), Adrian Peterson (football), Jason Witten (football), Delmon Young (baseball), and Matt Kenseth (auto racing).

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

Provided information

11/18/12

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HILTON

Hex Lacrosse, a select 7th/8th grade team of Hilton area athletes led by head coach, Lou Goetzman, recently brought home the championship from two outdoor fall tournaments at Total Sports Experience in Gates.

On October 20, the boys won the Skull & Bones Tournament. On November 10, they again came out on top in the Flour City Face Off.

Provided information

11/18/12

 

 

 

Hilton to vote on turf December 11

by Warren Kozireski

The Hilton Board of Education has approved a vote on a 19.5 million dollar capital project including new synthetic turf at LeBeau Field.

As announced on the public address system at recent home sporting events, the list of included projects also includes bleacher replacement with 25 percent greater seating capacity, new lighting and light poles, a new press box and PA system.

Other less noticeable parts of the project include roof replacements, new boilers, emergency generators and sewer connections. The plan states that there will be no impact on local property taxes.

“I am particularly excited about the planned renovation of LeBeau Field,” Athletic Director Michael Giruzzi stated in the release. “Our stadium is the site of some of the largest public gatherings in our community, making it an integral part of the district’s vision of being the heart of our community.”

11/18/12

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SPENCERPORT

Compeer Rochester honors first-ever High School Coach of the Year Award

Coach Nentarz, left and Tori (TK) Kemblowski. Compeer Rochester honored the first-ever recipient of the Compeer High School Coach of the Year Award on November 7. Jackie Nentarz, Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach at Spencerport High School and Girls Modified Soccer Coach in Spencerport, received the award at the Ben R. Giambrone/Compeer Rochester Sports Luncheon on November 7 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

As a coach in Spencerport, Nentarz started the Ranger PRIDE Pals program where varsity student-athletes go into elementary schools and work with students in role modeling and mentoring while providing academic assistance; worked with a student with special needs as the manager of her teams. This has been a huge success both for the student in terms of her social development as well as for the players on the teams in their awareness and understanding of differences in individuals. As Girls Varsity Lacrosse coach she organized a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society’s “Breast Cancer Walk” and they raised over $5,000 and she also founded and organized the Spencerport Day of Lacrosse event “Stick It To Cancer” Lax Fest, raising more than $6,000 for the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

Nentarz has coached at Spencerport for nine years.

Compeer is a local non-profit organization providing mentoring and skill building services for children and adults receiving mental health services.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

BROCKPORT

Hill School students honor veterans

Dick Griswold, a retired master chief who served in Korea and Vietnam, talked about his time serving in the Navy and various rescues he made. He joined the Navy in 1951 on his birthday and here he is posing with students from Randall Yu's and Dave Resseguie's classes on his 78th birthday. In honor of Veterans Day, area veterans visited students at Brockport’s Fred Hill Elementary School on November 7. Navy veterans Ron Ayrault (Korea), John Comins (Vietnam), Dick Griswold (Korea, Vietnam), Dave Yeaw (Vietnam) and Army veteran Dan Fletcher shared stories about their service and answered students’ questions. Pete Barber, who served in the Air Force during World War II, was remembered for his service and annual visits to the school. He died last month.

 

 

 

Provided Information and photo

11/18/12

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BYRON-BERGEN

Byron-Bergen alumni visits with science students

Mike Glazier, a tree arborist and Byron-Bergen alumni, demonstrates rope skills in environmental science class.Mike Glazier, a 2002 Byron-Bergen alumni, talked to students in Stephen Locke’s Sr. High School Environmental Science class about the environmental field in which he works as a tree arborist.

Glazier is a graduate of SUNY Environmental Science & Forestry Ranger School at Wanakena, in the Adirondacks. He is currently employed by Davey Tree Expert Co. as a tree arborist. Part of his job involves trimming and removing trees from residential, commercial, and government properties throughout the northeast.

Glazier’s presentation included discussion and display of equipment, including a special chainsaw and belt used for climbing. He also demonstrated knot tying in ropes specially designed for rappelling, and the correct way to throw a climbing rope over a limb. Glazier encouraged students to become educated in the field of cultivation and care of trees, and possibly consider becoming an arborist. He said some companies pay upwards of $70/hour for these expert services so it is a well-paying field of study to consider.

Provided information and photo

11/18/12

 

 

World War II veteran visits with high school students

World War II Veteran Attilio S. Aloia talks to students at Byron-Bergen Sr. High School about his war experiences.Byron-Bergen Sr. High School recently welcomed World War II Veteran Attilio S. Aloia, father of Byron-Bergen Elementary Teacher Andrea Stasko and Financial Attorney Gregory Aloia, to speak to students in Art Rohe’s WWII history class.

Aloia is a veteran of the European conflict and addressed students with his first-hand accounts of training exercises and war experiences. He described to students combat and the German soldiers, and the harsh living conditions as a front line soldier.

Aloia was assigned to the 97th Infantry Division where he served in France, Germany, and what is today the Czech Republic from 1943 to 1945. The 97th Division is known to have been credited with firing the last shot in the European Theater of Operations during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star and two other special medals.

Born in the Bronx, Aloia was inducted into the army at age 19. Aloia went to college on the GI Bill as a biology and chemistry major and worked as a textile chemist for 38 years.

Provided information and photo

11/18/12

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HILTON

Hilton students, community Make a Difference

Northwood Elementary School students (front to back) Azaliya Odarchuk, Dina Svarishchuk, Liliya Odarchuk, Alyssa Almekinder, and Emily Helfer push wheelbarrows full of mulch to spread along the walking trails at Braddock Bay Park as part of the Make a Difference Day volunteer activities throughout the community. The Hilton School District and many community agencies joined together to sponsor the Fifth Annual Make a Difference Day. The largest national day of helping others through volunteerism, Make a Difference Day is always held the fourth Saturday in October.

“In Hilton, it’s a partnership between businesses, the school district, and the community,” said Chairman George Kauffman, who started the event in Hilton. “Everyone looks forward to it - now it’s almost like a reunion.” Over the years, the event has grown to not only include high school students, but students at all grade levels. The first year, 60 students and 10 adults were involved. This year, 300 students and 30 adults volunteered.

Hilton students were involved in projects throughout the community, including: collecting non-hazardous metals and electronics for recycling; taking bicycle donations for needy children and adults; holding a food drive for the Hilton Food Shelf; volunteering at a blood drive at Hilton High School; beautifying the school grounds and Braddock’s Bay Park; and visiting residents at Hilton East.

“Young children gain a sense of respect for their community because they are really giving back,” said Lisa Coase, a 12th grader who spent the morning painting pumpkins and playing games at Hilton East. “And it makes up feel good about ourselves.”

Volunteers gathered in the cafeteria at Hilton High School both before and after volunteering. There they enjoyed breakfast and lunch donated by the Latta Road Weg-mans store. “Wegmans strives to make a difference in every community we serve and Hilton is served by the Latta Road store,” said Linda Lovejoy, Community Relations manager.

“Quite often as a school district and around New York State, there is quite a bit of focus on career and college readiness for students,” said Superintendent David Dimbleby. “I would add that another essential element is the development of students as good citizens, good neighbors, and good members of the community. This event provides that opportunity.”

Provided information and photo

11/18/12

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OBITUARIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2012

Special Tribute to...

Herbert MacNaughton, artist, writer, and general good guy

Herb MacNaughtonYou could trust Herb. MacNaughton would have a different take on things. Once characterized as an affable curmudgeon, he stylized his writing with humor and wit, often giving it a very localized spin.

Herb. wrote best when he could put his perspective in play. He was a columnist for Suburban News long before there were four editions of the newspapers and several different advertising publications bonded together under the company name Westside News Inc. For some of that time, Jim O’Connor was the owner of the company, Julia Hahn the editor, Keith Ryan was an advertising representative and the offices were located across from the NYSDOT building on Route 259 south of Route 31.

A sample of “The PAssing PArade” column is copied below.

He wore his signature Commodore’s cap just about every where he went. He was an accomplished artist who captured with oils on canvas places he had visited in his travels and scenes he envisioned. In one of his last writing assignments for Westside News Inc. he defined for readers how the newspapers are put together in a thorough fashion representative of his attention to detail.

He loved the converted barn studio on West Avenue in Hilton which he and Elsie called home for many years. Herb. died peacefully on October 31, 2012. He is survived by his children, Pam (Fred) Roy, Chali (James) DiCataldo and Barry MacNaughton; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company.

His Funeral Service was held November 3 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Parma-Greece United Church of Christ in his memory.

Westside News Inc. staff

 

The PAssing PArade

by Herb. MacNaughton

April Fool’s Column, March 30, 1982

The publishing world floods the reading public with a continuous flow of materials but some of the books that never made it, and never will, bear intriguing titles. Would-be authors are everywhere and the following list just scratches the surface.

I myself set out to make the best cellar list with “Procrastination -- Sooner or Later” but I never got to it. The Reverend David Knopp was working on a book, “The Point of Having Church Steeples” but says he couldn’t get inspired. Tom Burger had two works in preparation: “Cemeteries Are Forever” which he discovered was a grave mistake and “The Art of Dying” which he felt might cause him to get carried away.

“Writing Your Last Bequest” was being authored by Frederick Holbrook but he lost his will. Jim O’Connor was preparing a tome on the “History of Movable Type” but couldn’t get the lead out. Laurie Allen and Judy Allen were collaborating on “Hairdressers Make Waves” but it wasn’t permanent. Dave Rowley did some preliminary work on “Your Plumbing and You” but found it drained him.

“Delicatessen Delicacies” was submitted to a publisher by Huey but the editor returned it because it had no hero. Another editor made cutting remarks about Bill Gavigan’s “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow.” “Carpeting the Home” by Doug Marple just didn’t cover the subject. John Heinrich  started on “Counting Your Tows” but soon found that the plot broke down. Kilo Watt sent to the publishers “Understanding Electricity” but they felt it was too shocking. Rick Holden prepared a definitive work, “Stock Cars -- They Are Driven” but it was too racy. Pat Cleary finished “Copy Cat” but it was returned for being too repetitious. Seal tried to get started on “Clowning Around” but couldn’t make up a plot. Roger Buda authored “Potholes, We’ve Had Our Fill” but got into a rut. Dale Austin published “Today’s Pharmacy” but it was a drug on the market. … Joe Clement did some work on “School Administrators I Have Known” but the principal principal had no principles. Mary Lou Rockow was working on “You Are What You Eat” but she couldn’t stomach it. “Laundromats -- Today and Tomorrow” was tried by Ron Waterstraat but it didn’t wash. Marilyn Brown submitted “Gardening Is Not For Everyone” but the editors felt it had been raked over too many times. Mike and Peg Naughton launched “Restaurants We Have Known” but it didn’t serve the purpose. “How To Drive In Reverse” by Winnie Bago bombed because she couldn’t back up her facts. Paul Wadsworth began “Wound Up On Old Clocks” but ran out of time. “Beer is Heady Stuff” was chosen by George Bauman and Robert McCurdy but the first draft was terrible.

11/21/12

ALBION

•Kirby, Therese “Terri” M., age 87, died November 9, 2012. Therese was a Registered Nurse at Arnold Gregory Memorial Hospital for several years, retiring in 1989. She was predeceased by her husband, George in 2009. She is the loving mother of, Cindy Pileggi of Albion, Gail (John) Stickley of New Jersey, Tim (Linda) Kirby of Albion, Robert Kirby of North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Martin (Kathy) Robillard of California; sister, Edna Christiansen of Oregon; several nieces and nephews.

Her Mass of Christian Burial was held November 13 at Holy Family Parish. Interment, St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Holy Family Parish or Ronald McDonald House in her memory.

 

BROCKPORT

•Booth, Joan H. “Joanne,” November 9, 2012 at age 83. Joan was predeceased by her husband, Paul; her son, Michael; her son-in-law, James Bryant; sister Barbara “Jerry” Burns. She is survived by her children, Suzanne (Dennis) Brozic, Daniel Booth and Kathleen Bryant; grandchildren, Lindsay (Daniel) Wilson, Meagan and Kate Brozic and Nikki (Ryan) Simmons; great-granddaughters, Sophee Wilson and Zoe Bryant; sister, Bonnie (John) Falls.

All services with respect to Joan’s wishes were held privately. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Care Hospice or American Lung Association in her memory.

 

CHURCHVILLE

•Madigan, BettyJo “BJ,” Died suddenly November 13, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, Albert and Mary Armstrong. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Timothy; sons, Shane and Philip (Edith); grandchildren, Kieran, Liam, Gavin, Philip Jr., and Isaac; siblings, Melanie Solone, William Armstrong, Jeanne Montiel, Thomas Armstrong, Albert “Mike” Armstrong Jr., and Kathleen Shafer; in-laws, Kathleen Madigan, Eileen Madigan, Carey Levesque, Tracy Schmitt and Kevin Madigan. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Services were held November 17 at the Alvah Halloran & Sons Funeral Home. Interment, Riga Cemetery.

 

HAMLIN

•Boehly, William, On October 28, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; his children, Dawn (Ron Benson) Boehly, Beth (Scott) Lamb, Bob (Carol) Boehly, Sue (Eric) Kendall, Dr. Katie (Michael Donegan) Boehly, Andy Boehly and Jen (J.R.) Alt; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sisters, Rita (Dick) Wunch and Dot Boehly.

His Graveside Service was held November 15 in Lakeside Cemetery (Moscow Road). Contributions can be made to Morton Fire Department in his memory.

 

•Grimm, Jean P., November 11, 2012. She is survived by her children, Wendell (Diane) and Nelson (Julia) Grimm and Marcia (Ken) Jurs; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah), Ryan (Katie), Andrew (Lyndsay), Alissa and Christopher (Lauren) Grimm; great-granddaughters, Hannah and Clara Grimm. Jean was a lifetime member of the St. John Lutheran Church, a Sunday school teacher for 35 years, she sang in the choir, and volunteered at Lakeside Hospital and Beikirch Care Center from 1963-2008. She was also very active in 4H and Cooperative Extension activities.

Her Memorial Service will be held November 18 at 3 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Hamlin in her memory.

 

HILTON

•Giannotti, Robert Oliver, On November 8, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Valeria; his father, Peter Giannotti; mother, Carol Struble-Sage; step-father, James Sage; brother, Anthony Giannotti; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Laura and Angelo Vellucci; grandmother, Helen Krieger; and many special friends.

Services were held November 11 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, private. Contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

 

HOLLEY

•Maxon, Joyce, November 11, 2012. She was a member of the Holley First Presbyterian Church. On May 2, 1959, Joyce married Glenn Maxon. Joyce was predeceased by her parents Charles and Aurelia Reisig. She is survived by her loving husband, Glenn; children, Charles (Jeanne) Maxon and Amy Marquez; her grandchildren, Cory Maxon, Taylor (Kirsten) Marquez, Rachel and Sara Maxon; brother-in-law, Clyde (Ida) Maxon of Florida; sister-in-law, Jane (Tom) Bowdler of Holley.

Her Funeral Service was held November 15 at the Holley First Presbyterian Church. Interment in Hillside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Holley First Presbyterian Church, 34 East Albion Street, Holley, NY 14470 in her memory.

 

NORTH CHILI

•Romano, Norma A., November 11, 2012, at age 85. Predeceased by her father and mother, Anthony and Teresa Battisto; brothers, Anthony and Joey Battisto; sisters, Mary Ciaccia and Rosalie Bacchetta; sister-in-law, Frances DiNardo. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Joseph C. Romano; daughters, Joann (Richard) Egan, Linda (Dirk) Madden; grandson, Brian Egan; sister, Josephine Genovese; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, John Bacchetta, Rosemary Battisto, Henry Romano; many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Romano was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company.

Her Funeral Mass was held November 15 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Donations can be directed to Memories Disorders Clinic at Monroe Community Hospital, 435 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14620 in her memory.

 

OGDEN

•Everett, Glenn Charles, age 78, of Missouri, died October 19, 2012. Glenn was born in Ogden and graduated from Churchville-Chili High School in 1952 and from Rochester Business Institute. He was employed with American Investment for 23 years, Chrysler Motors for five years and the Rochester daily newspaper for 10 years. He leaves two daughters: Faith Ivey, Hope (Richard) Alwalt and three sons: Glenn (Dee Dee), Michael, Daniel (Chris); seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also, one sister, Carol (Cliff) Wadkins of North Chili, a foster sister, Mickey and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by sister, Iva Mae and brother, Harold (Patti); parents: Lois (Perry) and George Stanley Everett.

Glenn coached little league baseball for over 20 years. He held several posts in the Elks Club. He was a past member of the United Methodist Church of North Chili, National Lions Club and NY Moose Lodge.

Private services were held in Missouri.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Lamb, Donald J., Died peacefully November 7, 2012 at age 63. Survived by his wife, Jeannie; mother, Lilian; brothers, Keith (Diana), Victor (Joanne); sister, Gwen (Michael) Warney; brothers-in-law, George (Lori), John (Betty) Hatch; many nieces and nephews.

 

•Przybycien, Edward, November 6, 2012 at age 77. Ed was predeceased in 2001 by his wife of 39 years, Dianna (Graessle) Przybycien; his parents, John and Sally Przybycien. He is survived by his son Todd (Valerie) Przybycien and his niece Stacy (Ken Picard); grandchildren, Jakob Przybycien, Manya and Ezra Graczyk-Picard; his siblings Mary Frederes, Sally (Ralph) Hamaker, John (Patricia), Walter (Dolores) and Florence Przybycien; his partner later in life Kathleen O’Shaughnessy; many nieces and nephews. Ed was a proud graduate of the Spencerport Schools and the University of Rochester and was inducted into the Sports Halls of Fame of both institutions. He became a teacher and administrator at Spencerport, retiring after 37 years of service in 1996 as the principal of the junior high school. He aimed to make a difference in young people’s lives.

Ed’s Memorial Mass will be held at noon on November 24 at St. Lawrence Church, 1000 North Greece Road, Rochester, NY 14626 with reception to follow from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Contributions in his memory can be made payable to “Spencerport CSD” with a memo stating “Edward Przybycien Scholarship” to the attention of the Treasurer, Spencerport Central School District, 71 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport, NY 14559.

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ARCHIVES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Pineway Ponds Park Fire - Update

Boetcher Lodge fire ruled arson

The Ogden Police Department announced November 9 they were investigating an arson that occurred at the Boetcher Lodge in Pineway Ponds Park in the Town of Ogden. The fire was discovered during the early morning hours of November 4. Police are currently developing information and an active investigation is underway. Call 617-6131 or 911 with any information related to the crime.

11/14/12

 

Pineway Ponds Park Fire

Spencerport Volunteer Firefighters responded to an early morning blaze at Pineway Ponds Park on Route 259 north of the village Sunday, November 4 approximately 6 a.m.

On arrival, firefighters found the Glen Boetcher Lodge at the rear of the park well involved in flames. Personnel from Spencerport with help from Hilton were on the scene for about two and one-half hours, according to Officer in Charge Joe Barretta of the Spencerport department.

Barretta said wind and the advanced stage of the fire were factors in fighting the fire in the Town of Ogden’s largest lodge facility at the park, named for long-time Parks and Recreation Director the late Glenn Boetcher.

The building was fully enclosed and used year-round with cooking and restroom facilities inside. The cause is under investigation by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, according to Barretta.

Photo provided by Roger Ressman

11/11/12

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FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Holiday of Lights Parade 2012 will include fireworks display

by Kristina Gabalski

It’s hard to improve on spectacular, but organizers of the Holiday of Lights Parade in Brockport have found a way.

The second annual event is set for Sunday, December 2 at 5 p.m. on Main Street in Brockport’s downtown business district. To build on the sparkle and spectacle, a fireworks display has been added as the grande finale of the event, organizer and Brockport Stetson Club President Brian Winant says.

“We’ll have lights on the ground and lights in the air,” he explains and adds that the fireworks display is being made possible by Duane Beckett of Sunnking in Brockport.

“We’re excited about it, I hope everybody is,” Winant continues. “The Brockport Choir will be performing at Nativity Church. Families can come and spend the day in Brockport and shop, eat and enjoy the parade.”

The inaugural event last year was a boost for downtown merchants, particularly since they were working to recover following a lengthy road construction project. “The time leading up to the parade and after was their best shopping period,” Winant says merchants have told him. He says downtown restaurants also saw increased traffic during parade day last year.

Brockport Village Trustee Carol Hannan serves as village board liaison to the Brockport Merchants Association. She concurs that the parade is very beneficial to local businesses.

“The economic development aspect is wonderful,” Hannan notes. “It benefits the whole village (when downtown merchants do well). Anything we can do to help village merchants has a huge value to taxpayers. We need to make Brockport a destination. We need to bring people downtown and hopefully they will come back.”

Again this year, the parade will be videotaped and a DVD produced for residents at the Beikirch Care Center, Brian Winant says.

He adds there is still plenty of time to sign up to participate in the parade by calling 585-391-3155 or emailing thestetsonclub@yahoo.com.

“The more participants the better,” he says, and because sponsorship of the event has increased, $450 in prize money is available.

The only restrictions for participants are that there is only one Mr. and Mrs. Claus - which organizers already have - and that some kind of holiday lights are part of the entry.

Jeremy Newman from WBEE and Stacey Pensgen from WROC TV 8 will emcee again this year. Participants will be judged in four categories: Best in Parade, Most Creative, Best Non-Profit and Santa’s Pick.

The annual village tree lighting will be held immediately after the parade and holiday events are also taking place that day at the Morgan Manning House, Winant says.

“We’re excited after last year,” he notes. “We’re looking forward to a great turnout for participants and spectators. We’ll see you at the parade!”

11/11/12

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Boy Scout Troop 90 celebrates Court of Awards and Court of Honor

Alex Hanzlik, Eagle Scout, with friends and family at his Court of Honor. On Tuesday, October 23, Boy Scouts from Troop 90 celebrated their fall Court of Awards honoring 13 scouts who advanced in rank, two new scouts who joined the troop and the presentation of the highest rank of Boy Scouts, Eagle Scout, to Alexander Hanzlik, 18, of Churchville-Chili High School.

Alex earned his Eagle Scout award by completing an intensive community service project for the Westside Cemetery. Alex and his crew created a gravel path in the shape of a figure 8, representing infinity and everlasting life. The path was created so that people could have their loved ones cremated remains placed around the path and have a beautiful outdoor setting to offer their remembrances. The project took five months of planning and one month to complete. Alex said, “I came up with the idea to do this project because I wanted to give back to the community in a way that could not be replaced or removed.”

Alex earned a total of 29 Merit Badges from 2005-2012 as part of his requirement to become an Eagle Scout. Some of the badges he earned were: Archery, Citizenship in the Community, Nation and World, First Aid, Geology and Oceanography. A minimum of 21 Merit Badges are required for any Eagle Scout.

Alex was joined by his parents, Jeff and Sharon Hanzlik, at the ceremony held at the First Baptist Church of Chili, at 3182 Chili Avenue, which was followed by a celebratory reception.

Troop 90 scouts were recognized for advancing in rank and earning various badges at a ceremony held October 23 at the First Baptist Church in Chili.Also at the ceremony, 13 scouts advanced in rank. Scout Master Keith Wimer and Advancement Chairperson, Jeff Bishoping presented the boys with Merit Badges and honors earned over the past several months. New scouts that joined Troop 90 are Michael Graham, Jason Li, Benjamin Lyon and Jonathan Lyon. Scouts earning the rank of Tenderfoot are Louis DelRegno, Kyle Fingar, Mark Greene, Connor O’Hara, Thomas Reynolds and Michael Smith. Scouts earning the Rank of 2nd Class: Alexander Steiner, Scouts earning the Rank of 1st Class: Shayne Auble and Scouts earning the Rank of Life: Kyle Podlaski.

“We are very proud of all of the scouts of Troop 90 who have put in a tremendous amount of effort to advance to each of these ranks in boy scouts,” said Keith Wimer, Scout Master. “We look to advance as many scouts as we can to the rank of Eagle and are always pleased with the creativity, thought and effort that go into the projects. We are very happy with Alex’s project and proud of the efforts of all of the boys in our troop.”

Overall, Troop 90 scouts have earned a total of 63 Merit Badges since their Court of Awards Ceremony last spring.

To support many of their annual activities, Troop 90 will begin their annual Holiday Wreath Sale on Saturday, November 24 at the First Baptist Church in Chili.

For information about Troop 90, or to get information about joining, contact the troop website at www.bsa90.com.

Provided information and photos

11/11/12

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“The Barns of Chili” to be printed in color publication

Ten years ago, there were 104 barns in Chili. Today, nature’s destruction, deterioration and decay have cut that number in half to 56. It takes great effort on the part of the barn owners to keep those structures standing and useful.

A new book which chronicles the struggles and stories of the remaining barns will soon be available to the public.

Two years ago, the Chili Historical Preservation Board took on the task of surveying the existing barns in town. When they realized the rate of fallen buildings, they decided to create a book that would document what they found. They sent out letters to the owners, soliciting information and personal stories. Their collaboration forms the bulk of this project. The book also has several features - “Barns that are no long standing but not forgotten,” types of barns, an aerial map, a map of present barns, a cover painted by local artist Karlene Van Deusen, and vibrant photos taken by board member Phil Supernault.

The board is planning a book launch on Monday, November 19 in the main meeting room of the Chili Town Hall. At that time the barn owners will be presented with their own copy of the publication. Besides refreshments, an old-fashioned barn dance will add to the festivities, courtesy of the Cloverleaf Squares. The book will then be available at the Chili Public Library.

For other information, call 594-2944.

11/11/12

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Hilton church’s fall dinner a long-standing tradition

All efforts combined with prayer come together to make a memorable event

by Carolyn Y. Rickman

Evelyn Seeger and Patti Sullivan deliver cooked turkeys for the annual dinner.As far back as Margaret Freeman can recall, there has always been a fall dinner at Hilton United Methodist Church (HUMC). Soon-to-be 90 years old, Margaret is the oldest life-long member of the church family; her memory is obviously extensive. In Margaret’s youth it was called the Harvest Dinner and served buffet style. Community citizens purchased tickets and enjoyed the meal as well as the fellowship.

Some of the kitchen crew checks the stuffing.Records telling the exact year the Turkey Dinner replaced the Harvest Dinner may have been lost in the church fire of 1981. But existing records confirm that in the early 1960s the Turkey Dinner was a reality and Hilton community residents came to enjoy the “best deal in town.” For at least 50 years an all-you-can eat traditional turkey dinner has been offered at HUMC. It is currently served family-style in three settings to 432 people. In addition, take-out orders are filled, meals are delivered to church family shut-ins and approximately 100 workers are fed, totaling over 600 meals prepared on that memorable night in November.

Margaret Freeman enjoyed the dinner of November 3 and has memories of many previous dinners at Hilton United Methodist Church. In the early years there was always concern that the food would be enough. Somehow it always was, though occasionally the workers had limited portions after all other meals were served. Through the years a notebook has been compiled with detailed instructions for each committee chairperson, taking away the guess work.

Janeen Gary and daughter, Bethany, cut pies to serve.All generations of the church family and friends come together to prepare for the dinner. Volunteer committee chairpersons begin plans months before the event. Willing contributions of supplies such as coffee, potatoes, pies, and other essentials are noted on sign-up sheets during the weeks prior to the dinner. Every detail from coffee servers to clean up is planned in advance.

An all-day Fall Bazaar and Craft Sale is now offered as well. Craft Circle members and other church people work diligently through the year to provide homemade crafts and gather miscellaneous items for sale. The Bazaar is held in the multi-purpose room adjoining the sanctuary, making a pleasant diversion and early Christmas shopping opportunity for those waiting to be seated in the dining room.

Although the Turkey Dinner raises money for special projects for the Church, it offers a unique opportunity for church members and friends to unite in this industrious project. And it has become a community service outreach as well. The traditional date is the first Saturday in November and people begin calling the church weeks before for adult, senior or youth reservations. Many years all tickets for the three servings and take-outs are sold before the day actually arrives.

The Turkey Dinner is a huge undertaking with all efforts combining with prayer to make it a memorable event. There is a huge collective sigh of relief when everything is accomplished. But there is also an immense sense of pride and gratitude that once again so many have been served and their appetites satisfied - until that special evening in November comes again next year.

Provided photos

11/11/12

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Despite November chill, rowers compete on Erie Canal

The first Brockport to Spencerport 2012 Village-to-Village Rowing Challenge started at Brockport. Rowers lined up to launch their sculling boats near the Welcome Center along the Erie Canal where they could warm up before starting the race.More than a dozen sculling boats and more than two dozen rowers raced eastbound on the Erie Canal from Brockport to Spencerport in the 2012 Village to Village Rowing challenge held on a cold and wet November 3. All but one person competing in the challenge was a hard core experienced sculler who has participated in past challenges come rain, now, sleet or hail. The Challenge was organized by Deb Adams and her husband John Bernfield, and supported by the Rochester Community inclusive Rowing (RCiR).

The first Westside Challenge was dedicated to Mike Bannister, who organized past Village-to-Village Challenges on the east side of Rochester before relocating to Massachusetts.

The rowers came from all over the New York state region and from other states including Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. Pim Goodbody, age 75, from Williamstown, Massachusetts, was the oldest participant. He has been coming to the original Challenge on the east side of Rochester for many years and also competes in many of the major as well as minor regattas in the area as a sculler.

The Challenge started on the east side of the Park Avenue lift bridge in Brockport. Here, Mike Bannister, to whom the Challenge was dedicated and who organized past Village-to-Village Challenges on the east side of Rochester, is about to begin his race. The Challenge is a timed boat race for men’s and women’s singles and doubles racing for the fastest time. The race started east of the Park Avenue lift bridge in Brockport, with the doubles starting first, and ending in Spencerport just past the Martha Street bridge.

Rowers about to pass under the Gallup Road bridge.There were 36 volunteers, with the title “Safety Proactive Spectator,” from across Monroe County working behind the scenes and participating in the Challenge. Volunteer fire fighters from Brockport and Spencerport were also on hand during the entire event watching out for the competitors who could have been in harms way had a boat flipped or collided unexpectedly and the sculler was tossed into the cold waters of the Erie Canal.

The following are the first through third place winners of the first Brockport to Spencerport Village-to-Village Rowing Challenge:

•Doubles: First Place Joseph Prosack, Rochester, and Ross Pedersen, Rochester; Second Place Vince Reynolds, East Syracuse, and Lisa Gesinger, Webster; Third Place Tyler Gomez, Lexington, Kentucky, and Will Green, Rochester.

•Men’s Singles: First Place John Bowen, Rochester; Second Place Marty VanDerHeide, Trumansburg; Third Place Mike Bannister, Lowell, Massachusetts.

•Women’s Singles: First Place Laura Civiletti, Rochester; Second Place Teresa Sukiennicki, Rochester, Third Place Alison Reidy, Honeoye Falls.

Text and photos by David Knox

11/11/12

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Vacant village home focus of unique reclamation project

by Kristina Gabalski

This house in Brockport village dates to 1842. A "reclamation" project will make the building into a showcase single family village residence.It’s a serious issue that is faced by every community: abandoned and vacant properties and the Village of Brockport is no exception. But Village Trustee Carol Hannan is spear-heading a project in her own community which presents a unique approach that may be a possible solution.

Noting that the northeast quadrant of the village has been most impacted by the problem, Hannan recently purchased a vacant house in the Fayette/Lyman St. area and plans to rehab the home (which dates to 1842), put it on the market, and sell it as a single-family residence.

“I hope to complete the project with a profit,” Hannan says, and, “if a partnership can be crafted with the Greater Brockport Development Corporation (GBDC), turn over the profit as seed money to start a volunteer organization to carry on this work.”

The GBDC has 501c3 status, Hannan notes. “It’s very important to have that status,” she explains, because “people who donate services and materials to the project receive a tax write-off for their contribution.”

Hannan has been working to find a suitable house for Habitat for Humanity to rehab, but all properties so far have not fallen within Habitat’s strict standards, she says.

The opportunity for her to purchase the “project house” came about, Hannan says, because the former owner “.... didn’t want his home to go rental, he grew up there. He didn’t want someone to come in and flip it and not do the rehab right. That’s why I got the house.”

Although Hannan says she has faced some criticism from “cynical people who don’t think one person can make a difference,” many community members have already stepped in to volunteer and help with jobs like yard clearing and interior demo work.

In true “Field of Dreams” fashion, “I have not had to ask one person,” Hannan says. “People came to me and said, ‘If you do this, we will help you,’ and they have.”

Valerie Ciciotti and Kevin McCarthy, neighbors who have experience rehabbing properties, have lent their expertise. “They said this is our neighborhood, we want to help our neighborhood,” Hannan says.

Brockport Police Chief Daniel Varrenti showed up at the house with a sledgehammer and chainsaw, Trustee Hannan says. “He helped demolish the kitchen and remove weed trees.”

Other trees in the backyard have been taken down by members of the Brockport Police Stetson Club and even Hannan’s lawyer gave a generous donation of a “greatly reduced fee” when she realized the reason her client was purchasing the property. Brockport resident Pam Ketchum has volunteered her gardening skills to help with landscape installation in the front yard of the house, Hannan adds.

According to Hannan, the project house has three possible outcomes: “I lose money and it’s my own financial loss; I break even; or I sell at a profit and donate the profit to GBDC - the best case scenario.”

Hannan emphasizes she will sell the house as a single family home and that she will work to continue the program even if an agreement with GBDC cannot be reached.

“The neighbors are ecstatic,” she notes, and says when the house is finished, it will be a “turn-key” property with a new roof, heat, insulation, new kitchen and bathrooms.

“I could never be a landlord,” she admits. “It’s a hard job.” Trustee Hannan says the rental market is down while the number of available rentals continues to increase, over-saturating the market.

She says there is a need for rental property, but the over-saturation of rentals puts a drain on the village.

“Brockport is sitting on a gold mine in these old houses,” Hannan says. “They are built to last forever and have character you can’t put in a new house.”

She points out the village offers families many perks not found in a subdivision - sidewalks, mature plantings and village amenities. “The village is very walkable,” she says.

“I’m not the future of the village,” she muses. “Young families are the future of the village.

“We need to convince people this is a family community. Fairport and Spencerport haven’t exploited their properties for profit,” Hannan continues, “and it has brought up the value of everything.”

She sees great potential for her project and also hopes service organizations at The College at Brockport will get involved.

Already the renovation/rehab work has turned up a few surprises - interesting artifacts that literally “fell out of a ceiling.”

The items include a pair of spectacles dating to the 1870s, various chair spindles and full-color illustrated fold out reaper pamphlets and catalogs. Hannan says she plans to donate them to the Emily L. Knapp Museum & Library of Local History along with old newspapers and photographs she “inherited” with ownership of the house.

Former owner Fran Welch worked as a correspondent and photographer for a Brockport newspaper as well as the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

The photos, dating back to the 1950s, show scenes of the village, people, social events and athletic events at the high school and college.

Renovation work is ahead of schedule, Hannan says. She hopes the property will be ready for the market before next spring.

Photographs by Kristina Gabalski

11/11/12

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On Make A Difference Day October 27, members of Girl Scout Troop #60727 took part in a day of volunteering.

The Junior Troop of 24 fourth grade girls cleaned and sorted dolls and doll clothing for Hilton Baptist Church. The church uses the dolls as donations to their ministry and missions program.

Provided photo

11/11/12

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Veteran recognized

James Billings enlisted in May 1775 in Stonington, Connecticut and served six months as a private in Captain James Eldredge’s Company, Colonel Samuel H. Parsons’ Regiment. He re-enlisted in the fall of 1776 and served three months as a private in Captain Oliver Grant’s company, Colonel Ely’s Connecticut Regiment. He enlisted again in February 1777 and served as a private in Captain William Belcher’s company in the 1st Connecticut Regiment. He was discharged in February of 1780.

He was living with his son Walter in what was then Murray (now Clarkson) when he died in 1829 at the age of 78 and was buried in the Sage Cemetery on Parma-Clarkson Townline Road. If there was a gravestone originally, it no longer existed.

The Rochester Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution searched to find a descendant that would apply to the Veterans Administration for a gravestone for this Revolutionary War patriot. Mark Goslin from Sarasota, Florida made the application and a stone was eventually delivered to the cemetery.

On November 5, Sons of the American Revolution members, with the help of John Toal, a nearby resident, installed the stone to commemorate one of the oldest veterans, according to Robert Coomber, Treasurer, Rochester Chapter, Empire State Society, National Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

 

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SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

AREA

Beers wins MAAC Diver of the Week

Siena College freshman Hailey Beers was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Diver for the first time in her young career. The award is the first for the Saints this season and the first Diver of the Week accolade for the Green and Gold since 2010.

Beers helped the Saints to a sweep of Holy Cross by sweeping both diving events. It was the first full sweep for Siena since 2008. She did not attempt a dive less than a degree of difficulty under 2.0. In the one meter-Beers scored a 211.55 and averaging a D.D. of 2.16. Her best event came on the three meter board where she had a season best score of 246. In this event the degree of difficulty spanned from 2.1 - 2.4 and she won by over 100 points.

Beers also qualified for the recognition a second time the week of November 5.

Beers is a 2012 graduate of Brockport High School and a Pre Med/Biology major at Siena.

11/11/12

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BROCKPORT 

Golden Eagles hockey off to quick start

by Warren Kozireski

Brockport ice hockey has won two of their first four conference games for the first time in three seasons after their 5-3 victory over Cortland on home ice.

Trailing 1-0 after a final minute first period tally by the Red Dragons, freshman Shane Cavalieri netted his first collegiate goal 2:05 into the second period to tie the game.

Cortland retook a one-goal lead on the power play before Brockport scored four unanswered to put the game out of reach. Troy Polino scored two of the four with Chris Cangro and Mike Hollander getting the others.

The roster features just two seniors in Mike Hayward and Colby Spooner (Hilton) with 14 freshmen, including goaltender Jared Lockhurst, who stood 21st in the nation in goals against average (2.01) and 8th in save percentage (.944). He was second and first in the conference in both categories.

“He has done exceptionally well for four straight games, he is calm, cool and collected and the guys like having him back there,” said head coach Brian Dickinson, who picked up his 120th Brockport coaching win. “If he continues to play like he is, there is no reason to make a change in net,”

Freshman forward Jeremy DeFazio was tied for first in SUNYAC in rookie scoring with four assists over his first five games.

The Golden Eagles host Potsdam and Plattsburgh November 16-17.

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Schockow named SUNYAC Coach of the Year

The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) has selected The College at Brockport Women’s Soccer head coach Joan Schockow as the conference’s Coach of the Year. Schockow led the Golden Eagles to a 14-2-2 overall record and the No. 1 seed in the SUNYAC Tournament in 2012.

Schockow put together one of the most successful seasons in program history, leading the Golden Eagles to a 7-1-1 regular season conference record to earn the team’s first-ever SUNYAC regular season championship. During the 2012 season, the Golden Eagles earned their first-ever national ranking. Brockport appeared in the final three National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) regular season polls, coming in as high as No. 18 nationally. Brockport was also ranked as high as No. 3 in the East Region.

The Golden Eagles led the conference on both sides of the ball, leading the SUNYAC in goals scored with 57 and fewest goals allowed with 15. Brockport placed five players on the All-SUNYAC team, including the conference’s leading scorer in Vanessa Gillette (Fredonia, NY/Fredonia) and two players on the All-Tournament team.

The Coach of the Year honor is the fifth in Schockow’s career. The all-time winningest coach, men’s or women’s, in Brockport history won the award in 2008, 2006, 1993 and 1989. Following the 2012 season, Schockow’s career record stands at 269-162-35 for a .615 winning percentage.

The Golden Eagles earned the top overall seed in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Upstate New York Tournament. Brockport took on No. 4 seed Cazenovia on Saturday, November 10 at St. John Fisher.

Provided information

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HILTON

Hilton coaches Lipani and Harmon recognized for 150th win 

 

 

Hilton’s Head Football Coach Rich Lipani (left) and Defensive Coordinator Bill Harmon were recognized for their 150th win as varsity coaches at the October 12 game against East High School.

Lipani and Harmon have coached together throughout Lipani’s entire varsity football coaching career.

Athletic Director Mike Giruzzi and Hilton High School Principal Brian Bartalo presented Lipani and Harmon with plaques commemorating their milestone.

Provided photo

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Coach Troy Prince and several of his varsity basketball players visited the Hilton Parma Recreation boys basketball program on November 3 to run free instructional clinics for junior and senior division participants.

The program has scheduled a total of four clinics during this fall season which focus on individual drills designed to enhance the development within the sport.

Shown in photo is Coach Troy Prince addressing the Jr. Division program while his players demonstrate the skill drills.

Provided photo

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St. Paul Sabres Soccer streak sees third consecutive championship

The Sabres gather with their opponents in prayer prior to a recent game.The St. Paul Lutheran School Sabres Soccer Team won its third consecutive league title defeating Rochester Christian School 3-2 in overtime. The Sabres reached the final on an identical overtime victory two days earlier against another opponent.

This year’s team was led by the following 8th grade players: Katie Rose, Ethan Weigel, Sarah Bishop, Jacob Vinch (team captain) and Joe McNulty (defensive MVP); Honorable mention to 7th grader David Stirpe leading scorer and offensive MVP.

Coach Joe Stirpe said this season will stand out in his memory. “It is always a joy to see our students go out and give their best,” said Stirpe. “But when I think about how much this team matured in ability and effort, this was truly an exercise in living out their faith.”

The Sabres compete in the Western New York Christian Athletic Association. The team is a co-ed 5th through 8th grade team with a three year record of 37-2-0.

Provided information and photo

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SPENCERPORT

Rangers win third straight title - DeJohn named MVP

by Warren Kozireski

The Spencerport boys soccer team swept through West Irondequoit, Churchville-Chili and Greece Athena in the Class AA Section V playoff to win their third consecutive championship before falling to Webster Schroeder 5-0 in the state play-in game ending their season.

The only other time the Rangers won three consecutive boys soccer titles was from 1969-1974 when they won six straight culminating with the state title in 1974 under head coach Ron Broadbent.

“We gave up the one goal early, but we had a chance from six yards out and, if we make that, I think it’s a different game,” said head coach Tom Etsler about the state play-in loss. “We were playing well, but they scored on a counter-attack and things fell apart after that.”

“They’re a great team and we didn’t play well tonight. They deserved to win.”

The Rangers had four players named to the All-Tournament Team in Most Valuable Player junior forward Drew DeJohn, junior midfielder Emre Serbecti, senior forward Louis Giuliano and senior midfielder Justin Ferron.

Other area players named to the All-Tournament Team were Brockport junior forward Stephen Montfort, Churchville-Chili seniors Luke Pavone and Billy DeHond, Byron-Bergen seniors Austin Richardson, who finished the season tied for third with 21 goals and fourth with 52 points, and Dennis Payne along with Holley senior defender Jake Bower.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

HILTON

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

The Hilton Board of Education unanimously approved two resolutions that will be presented to Hilton School District residents in a public vote on Tuesday, December 11.

The first proposition authorizes the district to make capital improvements in the amount of $19.5 million. This project will have no impact on local property taxes, according to district officials. Revenue will come from available NYS Building Aid, the District Capital Reserve Fund, and NYS EXCEL Aid.

The second proposition authorizes the District to establish a Capital Reserve Fund with the maximum amount of $2.9 million to help fund future capital improvements.

According to the district, the board approval followed a two-year process by the district’s capital project planning committee studying the improvement needs of the district and making its recommendations. The committee, comprised of community members and school district representatives, made its recommendations based on the building condition reports submitted to New York State, findings from the district Go Green Committee, and department and school committee recommendations identifying and prioritizing needed facilities improvements. The project addresses improvements to every facility in the district.

Among the items to be addressed are: boiler replacement at Hilton High School, replacement of the generators at Merton Williams Middle School and Village Elementary School, and replacement of the roofs at Quest Elementary School and the Village School.

Residents can find more information on the district website and in a Capital Project newsletter mailed to homes in late November. Community information meetings also have been scheduled throughout November and early December. For a list of meetings, visit Hilton.k12.ny.us.

Provided information

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Hilton High School presents “Anything Goes”

All aboard for the Hilton High School production of “Anything Goes” - Friday and Saturday, November 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. at the Hilton High School auditorium, 400 East Avenue, Hilton.

The musical by Cole Porter is set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal, Billy Crocker, has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime, Erma. With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart.

Tickets are $10 each and available by calling the Ticket Hotline at 585-392-1000, ext. 3163. For informatin, visit www.hilton.k12.ny.us.

Provided information

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SPENCERPORT

Cosgrove Middle School students mix-it-up during lunch

Cosgrove Middle School students participated in Mix-it-Up lunch on November 2, when they were given a card upon entering the cafeteria which corresponded to an assigned table.Cosgrove Middle School students participated in the Mix-it-Up lunch campaign on November 2, when they sat at a different table than their norm. Mix-it-Up is a national effort launched a decade ago to encourage students to identify, question and cross social boundaries.

Students nationwide have acknowledged the cafeteria as the place where divisions are most clearly drawn. So on Mix-it-Up day, students move out of their comfort zones and connect with someone new over lunch with the hope that interactions across group lines can help reduce social barriers and foster new friendships.

Cosgrove Principal Ned Dale said, “Mix-it-Up day was another planned activity to increase the students’ ability to connect to other students. We have spent time focusing on the concept of tolerance and it is important for students to become familiar with people other than their primary group of friends. Statistics also show that if more students have more connections to more students, the likelihood of bullying decreases. I was proud of how our students handled the seating changes.”

Provided information and photo

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OBITUARIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 11, 2012

BROCKPORT

•Kwiatkowski, Mary Anne I., November 3, 2012. Predeceased by her parents, John and Anna Meyers; her husbands, Andrew Simko and Henry Kwiatkowski; siblings, Jack, Francis, Donald Murphy, Margaret Andrews Pope, Irene Costigan. Survived by her nieces, Irene “Cookie” (Dennis) Pierce, Marianne Palmer; nephew, Louis (Christine) Palmer; other loving family and friends.

Her Funeral Mass was celebrated November 8 at St. Theodore’s Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

 

•Schuyler, Shirley, November 3, 2012, age 91, of Webster. Predeceased by her husbands, Edward Rehbach and Howard Schuyler. She leaves two sons, Edward (Anita) and John Rehbach; two step-daughters, Kathleen (Les) Wilde and Anita Amsler; seven grandchildren, David, Lisa, Chad, Leigh, Heidi, John and Jodi; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Abby Rogers; nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass was said November 8 at St. Rita’s Church, Webster. Interment, Garland Cemetery, Brockport. Contributions can be made to St. Rita’s Church, 1008 Maple Drive, Webster 14580 in her memory.

 

•Wright, Wilson Henry, 88, of Colbert, Georgia, formerly of Brockport, died October 24, 2012 of natural causes. He was born in Brockport, the son of the late Orville and Doris Wright. Mr. Wright was predeceased by brothers, Robert, Dick and Orville; sister, Ruth Prest; son Douglas; and daughter and son-in-law, Lorraine and Steve Fleming, and his first wife Helen. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Wright; his son, David (Ann) Wright of Hilton; stepson, Dale (Catlyn) Vickers of Colbert, Georgia, Thelma Ellis of Brockport; grandchildren Michael (Audra) and Andrew (Karlee) of Rochester, Robert and Dennis, of Tennessee.

A “Celebration of Life” memorial was held October 27 in Colbert, Georgia at the family residence.

 

CHILI

•Boyce, Luke “Nick”, November 5, 2012 at age 74. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Virginia Boyce; his children, Lisa (David) Pettine, Keith Boyce and James (Marcie) Boyce; his grandchildren, Amy Fagan, Hollie Fagan, Alyssa (Jon) Houck, Nicholas Fagan, William Boyce, Zachary Boyce, Luke Green, Alexandria Boyce, Madison Boyce, Emma Boyce and Nathan Boyce.

His Memorial Mass was said November 10 at St. Pius The X Church, Chili. Private interment. Contributions to the National Kidney Foundation can be made in his memory.

 

•Clar, Doris, November 4, 2012. Survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Donald; children, Donald Jr. (Nancy), Gary (Dawn), Barbara (Richard) Loftus, Kevin (Carrie), Rich (Lisa), Steve (Janet) Russ-Clar, Linda Clar and Bob (Cathy); 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Margaret Dingfelder; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Wolf and Nancy Clar; brothers-in-law, Austin “Bubbs”, Bob, Bill and Jim Clar; several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was said November 8 at St. Pius the Tenth Church, Chili. Private interment, St. Pius Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the School of the Holy Childhood in her memory.

 

HAMLIN

•Hueser, Florence J. (Klafehn), November 6, 2012, age 91. She is survived by her children, Howard (Mary) Hueser, Barbara (Donald) Baase, Gary (Rhonda) Hueser, Roger (Linda) Hueser and Larry Hueser; grandchildren, Kim (Michael) Ettinger, Michelle (Richard) Wood, Marie (Ryan) Webster, Scott, Brian and Andrew Hueser; great-grandchildren, Dakota (Rebecca), Michael and Noah Ettinger, Richard and William Wood, Patrik, Luke and Jacob Webster; soon to be great-great grandchild, Bentley James Ettinger; and several nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service was held November 10 at St. John Lutheran Church, Hamlin. Interment, Lakeside Cemetery. Donations can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in her memory.

 

HILTON

•DeLee, Charles F., November 4, 2012 at age 75. He is survived by his wife, Barbara DeLee; children, Thomas (Karen Karales) DeLee, Sharon (Douglas) Maley, Jennifer (John) Crowley; grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, Blake DeLee; Juliana, Alexandria, Victoria Maley; Padraig, Noel, Eloise Crowley. He was predeceased by a grandson, Cian Crowley; a daughter-in-law, Jann DeLee.

Funeral Services were held November 10 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Irondequoit Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Small Paws Rescue, 3316 South 72nd West Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74107 in his memory.

 

•Gabriel, Calla June, 96 years, died October 30, 2012 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pearl and John Bloom, where she had resided for three years. In 1937 she married Stephen Malinowski who died in 1945. In 1950 she married Rev. A. Howard Gabriel, pastor of the DeKalb Methodist Church. Rev. Gabriel died in 2004. Rev. and Mrs. Gabriel served many churches in the Northern and Western NY United Methodist Conferences, including New Haven, Harrisville, Frankfort, Theresa, Mt. Pleasant, Millville, Knowlesville, Darien and Andover. In addition to her parents, June was predeceased by her daughters, Kathleen (Lloyd) Clark in 1988 and Barbara (Keith) Carrio, on September 17, 2011. Also brothers, David, Clyde and James Holland; sisters, Ruth Payne, Helen Weegar, and Elma Marshall. Surviving are daughters, Patricia (Joseph) Murphy, of Ogdensburg, Dianne (James) Balch, of North Rose, Marcia (Harold) Brown, of Alexander, and Pearl (John) Bloom of Hilton; 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held in June 2013 at the DeKalb United Methodist Church with burial to follow at the Old DeKalb Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Hilton United Methodist Church or to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

 

•O’Shea, Gerald F., November 1, 2012. He is survived by his children, Gerald (Julia), Robert (Jacquelyn), Steven (Carol) O’Shea, Donna (Mark) Buechel, Christopher O’Shea, Jeanne Lemcke (David Watkins), Jeffrey (Emily), Thomas (Raquel) O’Shea; his loving companion, Cherry Hoyt; two brothers, Patrick O’Shea and Daniel (Joyce) O’Shea; brother-in-law, Carl Sauer; 21 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Lucille Ruth O’Shea; two sons, Andrew and Michael O’Shea; a son-in-law, Douglas Lemcke; a brother Jack O’Shea, and sister, Maureen Sauer.

A Funeral Mass was held November 6 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to the American Lung Association in his memory.

 

•Pfarrer, Donna S., November 5, 2012 at age 80. Survived by an aunt Marion Westfall; sisters, Anne Hall, Mary (Tom) Tilebein; niece, Susan (Bill) Doran; nephews, Michael (Joanie) Hall, David Hall, Jeffrey (Laurie) Diedrich, Andrew (Gia) Diedrich; brother-in-law, Luther Diedrich; nephew-in-law, Mark Bauer; several great-nieces, nephews, cousins and many special friends.

A Funeral Mass was held November 8 at St. Leo’s Church, Hilton followed by interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to Edelman-Gardner CRF, P.O. Box 97, Hilton, NY 14468 in her memory.

 

HOLLEY

•Carpenter, Stanley L., Age 86, died October 30, 2012. He was born March 23, 1926 in the Town of Greece, a son of the late Charles and Isabelle (Clark) Carpenter. Stanley served in the US Navy during WWII and was a member of the Holley VFW. He was an avid hunter. He was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, brothers and sisters. He is survived by five sons, Bill (Anne), Stanley C. “Skip” (Cindy), Robert (Paula), Russell (Sarah), Paul (Kathy) all of Holley; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; brother, John of Brockport; nieces, nephews.

Services and interment were private. Contributions can be made to Lakeside Memorial Hospital in his memory.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Gray, Helen E. (Deen), November 2, 2012. Predeceased by her parents Glenn and Frances Deen, brothers, Daniel Deen and Paul Deen. Survived by her daughter, Patty (Scott) Nau-Hix and Tim (Agnieszka) Nau; grandchildren, Chase, Cassidy, Carter, Nathan, Daniel and Jennifer; sister, Peggy Deen.

Her Funeral Service was held November 5 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Interment in Moore County Cemetery, Dumas, Texas. Donations can be made to Leukemia Society, 4053 Maple Road, Suite 110, Amherst, NY 14226 in her memory.

 

•Mowers, DeForest “Dee”, November 3, 2012, age 77. He is predeceased by his brother Berton. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly; sons, Jeffrey (Laurie Bell), Steven (Marti) Mowers; six grandchildren; brothers, Verne (Nancy), George (Patricia) Mowers; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service was held November 10 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to the Palliative Care Program-Strong Hospital or the Michael J. Fox Foundation in his memory.

 

•Player, Gale L., October 30, 2012 at age 77. Gale is survived by her children, Joanne R. Hall, Jeanne (Gary Lamphron) Howard, Jacquelyn Linn and James W. (Claire Vosburgh) Player; her 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Gale retired after 33 years of service as a secretary for SUNY Brockport. She was also a church organist for many churches in Western Monroe County.

At family’s request, all services were held privately with respect to Gale’s wishes. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice or a charity of one’s choice in her memory.

 

•Pulley, Jahva S., October 31, 2012 at age 18. He is survived by his family: Richard and Nancy Huussen; their children: Dirk, Diana, Cindy, Mark, Jennifer, Matt, Ryan, Erika, Zach, Katrina, Casey, Grace and Maddy. He is also survived by Avery Pulley, Angela Williams and Alfonzo Pulley.

Private interment at Lakeview Cemetery. Donations can be directed to CASA of Rochester/Monroe County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) or the 2013 Senior Class of Spencerport High School in his memory.

 

•Ryan, Dorothea “Nan” (Davies), November 1, 2012. Survived by her children, Matt Ryan, Kathie Ryan, Bill (Laurie) Ryan, Tim (Rachel) Ryan, Judy Wyrick, Pat (Debbie) Ryan and Jayne Ryan; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nephew John (Yolanda) Butler.

Her Funeral Mass was said November 10 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Donations can be sent to St. John the Evangelist Church or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049 in her memory.

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ARCHIVES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

LOCAL NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

Nominations invited for volunteer award

Brockport Mayor M. Connie Castaneda has announced the establishment of an award for volunteers in the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson and invited residents of those towns to nominate candidates for the award. Nominees must be residents of the two towns (including Brockport.) Individuals and organizations may submit nominations. Self-nominations are acceptable.

The three municipalities established the Monika W. Andrews Creative Volunteer Leadership Award as a memorial to the late Brockport resident. Its rules require that the award be given annually to one or more persons “who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in volunteer work by undertaking important innovative activities or creating significant new ways to serve the greater Brockport community.” A trust fund has been established to provide cash awards for the winners. The winners will be selected by a committee composed of one member appointed by each of the municipal boards. Nominations must be submitted to the Village Clerk, Village of Brockport, 49 State Street, by noon, December 28. A complete set of the rules for the award is available at the clerk’s offices of the three municipalities or on the village website, www.brockportny.org.

Provided information

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Parma adds new transport vehicle

Shown in photo (l to r) Hilton Mayor Joe Lee, NYS Senator Joe Robach, senior center member Bob Strong, Monroe County Legislator Dick Yolevich, Parma Town Supervisor Carm Carmestro and Transport Driver Gary Twentymon.At a special ceremony on October 25, the Town of Parma initiated the use of their 14-passenger senior citizen transport.

The transportation bus designed by Shepard Brothers of Penn Yan, NY was recently purchased with a grant secured from the New York State Department of Transportation Section 5310 program. It replaces the town’s 2003 transport vehicle, and will continue to provide the service of offering rides to Parma Seniors to and from the Nutrition Center, shopping and social functions.

Provided photo

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Clarkson law would offer ‘insurance’ for future budget needs

by Kristina Gabalski

Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball says town board members have never had any intention to override the state’s two percent property tax cap.

Many concerned citizens attended a public hearing October 23 on a proposed local law that would authorize a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in the state’s general municipal law, but Kimball explains the town feels it needs the law in place to protect itself in case the state decides to change the numbers down the road.

“It’s never been our intent to go over the two percent,” Supervisor Kimball says. “We’re doing everything right today,” he notes, but adds that if the state changes the rules, the town would need the law in place.

Other towns have passed the law as “insurance,” Supervisor Kimball says.

In the Town of Sweden, Finance Director Leisa Strabel says they were well below the cap but she sympathizes with municipalities which feel they must pass the local law to avoid computational errors.

“It’s a complex formula,” Strabel says, “not just a simple two percent over the previous year’s tax levy.”

In Clarkson, the current 2013 budget proposal is up 1.9 percent over last year, but Supervisor Kimball says board members have worked to cut back from an original increase of 2.8 percent.

“It’s been a difficult budget year. We’ve eliminated one full-time position from the general fund,” Kimball says and adds that the town faces increases of $56,000 for pension costs, $24,000 for health care costs and $9,000 in workers comp costs, over which the town has no control.

Former Town Board member (2008-2011) Sheldon Meyers says he and other taxpayers in Clarkson are concerned about the financial direction in which they see the town moving.

“As a taxpayer, I ask why are taxes going up?” he says, and notes that taxes went up slightly last year, but the tax rate did not increase for more than a decade before that. He says he voted against the budget last year.

Meyers points to the purchase of the property on Ridge Road which is now the Clarkson Recreation Park calling it a “frivolous expense” which removed the property from the tax rolls. He says during his time on the board, members were warned by the town’s financial advisor to be careful with spending because of the economic times and future increases in expenses like pensions and health care.

Meyers says as a council member he worked to be, “prudent with the taxpayers’ money,” and notes he feels it’s important for taxpayers to be aware of what is going on in their town.

A public hearing on the budget will be held at the next regular meeting of the Clarkson Town Board, November 13 at 6 p.m., Kimball says.

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Area fire and utility personnel travel to NYC to help with storm cleanup

Superstorm Sandy has left much of the East coast reeling in its wake and local municipal electric departments and fire departments have already headed to New York City to help in the work to return things to normal.

Sandy’s 80-mile per hour winds slammed into New York City Monday evening, October 29, sending an unprecedented 13 feet wall of seawater into the city. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers lost power with more than five million total losing power across the East during the storm.

Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene tells Suburban News the Spencerport Electric Department, Churchville Electric Department and Fairport Electric Department have joined forces and sent three crews down to New York City to help with the clean up. The crews left Wednesday morning, October 31.

The Spencerport Fire Department has also sent a crew down to volunteer, Mayor Lobene says.

The effects of Sandy have been felt over a large area of the eastern part of the U.S., as far west as Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.

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Town of Riga schedules special storm related brush pick up

The Town of Riga is extending its town wide brush pick up to help residents who have storm related tree debris. Residents should call the Highway Department before November 20, 2012 at 293-2530 to schedule a pick up date. Residents should follow the normal procedures for sizing and types of debris and then place the material next to the curb. Residents must contact the Highway Department to insure that they are on the list for pick up.

For other information, please call Bob Ottley, 293-3880, or Tom Klafehn, 293-2530.

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FEATURE STORIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

Stockings for Soldiers aims for 2,000 packages

Ferris-Goodridge Legion Post #330 and its members, will again this year be working with Walker Brothers Funeral Home with their annual Stockings for Soldiers program. Last year, 900 stockings were sent out to military men and women overseas. This year’s goal is 2,000. That is a very large number of troops who will not be home enjoying the holidays with their families. With the support of the communities of Spencerport and its surrounding neighbors, organizers hope to make a difference for these military people for the holidays. It is also a chosen project for an Eagle Scout candidate in the Town of Greece.

Anyone wanting to help out with this project can pick up a stocking at Walker Brothers Funeral Home in Spencerport along with the suggested list of items to go into the stocking and return the filled and secure stocking back to Walker Brothers before December 1 for shipping.

Anyone wanting to make a donation of items can do so by dropping them off at the American Legion Post, 691 Trimmer Road during post hours or at the Spencerport Village Mayor’s office, 27 West Avenue.

The items requested are as follows: gum, paperback books, crossword, soduko or search-a-word books, cards, dominoes, travel size items. The stockings will be filled with those donations and taken to Walker Brothers so they can be shipped by or around December 1.

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City castle fortress for gardeners

by Kristina Gabalski

The last hydrangea of summer, a deep rose, was in bloom October 18. The gardens are well protected by the castle and surroundings.A small group of avid gardeners enjoys their own “brown bag lunch” while Patty Love, the owner of Barefoot Permaculture and Program Director of the Rochester Permaculture Center discusses permaculture - a garden design system that works to create a harmonious integration of people and landscape in a sustainable way.

The setting is idyllic and one that any gardener would relish: Warner Castle in Rochester, the home of the Rochester Civic Garden Center (RCGC).

On this afternoon in mid-October golden sunshine streams through the brightly colored foliage outside the window and gardeners inside listen intently while Patty defines terms like polyculture, keyhole garden beds and easy bed creation with sheet mulching.

It’s one of the regular Brown Bag Lunch-time Talks hosted by the Civic Garden Center and is free to members of the RCGC. Participants can bring their own bagged lunch to enjoy during the presentation.

The sunken garden at the RCGC was designed by the same person who designed gardens at the George Eastman House.The RCGC is host to many events and activities year-round including Horticulture, Arts and Crafts and Floral Design classes, an annual symposium, the Castle Soiree held near the summer solstice in June, a summer garden tour, a seed and houseplant swap in late January, garden consultation and coaching, horticulture and floral design certificate programs and more.

Warner Castle, home to the RCGC since 1964, was built in 1854 by Horatio Gates Warner and was used as his family’s private residence. It is located a 5 Castle Park in Highland Park across from Mt. Hope Cemetery off Reservoir Avenue. RCGC is a not-for-profit horticultural education center founded in 1945 and chartered by the NYS Board of Regents in 1950. RCGC leases the castle from the Monroe County Parks Department and it is open to the public year-round.

Executive Director Christine Froehlich says the RCGC has gone through many changes over the years, starting out as an “arts and crafts” type place to what it is today, “a really good horticultural institution. We always have something going on.”

The castle also houses RCGC’s Horticultural Library which serves as the Horticultural Education Center for the Genesee Region. It offers a fascinating array of material including books from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, periodicals dating back to the early 1900s and reference materials. Froehlich notes the library’s holdings also include extensive information on Rochester’s horticultural history.

The garden view through a grated arch in the sunken garden.“We have old books and the latest new books,” she says. “People make contributions so we are able to order new books that you wouldn’t find at a regular library.

“We have a partnership with the Monroe County Library System,” Froehlich adds, meaning it is possible for members to pick up and return books at their local library branch.

Upcoming RCGC events include the annual Holiday Sale November 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Warner Castle. Seasonal floral arrangements and wreaths made by the floral design certificate students will be available for purchase and demonstrations are planned throughout the weekend with floral designers Alana Miller and Charlie Lytle.

November horticulture classes include organic composting, a light and trim the tree holiday demo, and low-maintenance trees and shrubs to jazz up your landscape.

Education Coordinator Judy Hubbard says ideas for classes come from instructors, participants and her own imagination. “There’s something for everyone,” she says whether you are a landscape professional wanting to beef up your skills or a beginner looking for some expert guidance and inspiration. “The garden is never really done,” she muses, “...it always keeps changing.”

Warner Castle, home of the Rochester Civic Garden Center.The next Seed and Houseplant Swap is set for January 26, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Froehlich says the event includes garden talks on dried floral and herb arrangements and terrariums. Refreshments will be served. A $15 fee includes both talks, the swaps and refreshments.

Those participating are encouraged to bring seeds or houseplants to swap, although it is not required.

All kinds of flower and vegetable seeds are available, Froehlich says. “You get to meet all these people in a laid back and fun Saturday morning.”

The public is welcome to come and tour the castle and its surrounding gardens. Extensive landscape work was completed in 1932 and includes the stunning sunken garden designed by Alling S. DeForest who also designed George Eastman’s garden. Froehlich says the RCGC and its volunteers are working to restore the gardens to their original glory and “we’re working to have classes in the gardens to provide hands-on experience.”

To register for classes or to find out more about the opportunities the RCGC provides, you can check out their website: www.rcgc.org. Class catalogs are available at the RCGC and at all libraries in Monroe County. The Rochester Civic Garden Center is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A full RCGC membership is $35 per year for individuals and $45 for families. Library only memberships are available for $5 per year.

Photographs by Kristina Gabalski

11/4/12

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Residents share their stories in new Care Center publication

by Doug Hickerson

Mary Fessenden, editor of The LBCC Banner, is at work for the next issue.Residents at the Lakeside Beikirch Care Center in Brockport recently launched their own in-house newspaper called the LBCC Banner. Mary Fessenden created it as editor, after just one year as a resident. She thought of B words that would go with “Beikirch,” she said, and landed on Banner, “because it seems to imply some sort of flag, soaring above us all, as we go through our lives here at the Care Center.”

Think of Mary as Beikirch’s Betsy Ross, flag creator and bearer as well, lifting residents and staff above isolation and daily routines to appreciate each other’s stories and human qualities.

How The Banner was born

Mary’s inspiration for starting the newsletter came from self-reflection and a desire to prompt interaction among the residents.

“The idea for a newsletter came from two converging thoughts going through my mind: One was that I didn’t have enough to keep me busy, that is, my kind of busy which involves reading and writing. I was doing both of those things but kind of running out of steam.

“The next was that it seemed like my fellow residents didn’t know each other very well. Their communication with one another seemed limited. I wondered how I could help open things up, get them really talking to each other. I wanted everyone to relax and read about some fellow residents or the staff so that they could become interested enough to perhaps approach that person and ask a few questions. And, that is already happening after just one issue!

“I found out that most people (all, so far) are willing to share their life experiences with others and that the others are curious as can be. Even though most of our residents have lost their life-partners, they aren’t consumed by sadness; rather they are eager to share their joyous memories and their current lives.”

Mary brings her varied background to The Banner. She has a bachelor of science degree in psychology and a master of science degree in Teaching Reading from The College at Brockport. She taught elementary school at Brockport Central for 20 years and put out a newsletter to parents every week. After retirement, she was asked to contribute to “The Literacy News,” a developing newsletter for the College’s Reading Department. She was state editor of the New York State Junior Women’s newsletter in the late 80s.

Mother and daughter in the creative process

“I’ve been absolutely thrilled with the response to The Banner, and … I’m really proud to admit to its authorship, and to my daughter’s part in the layout,” Mary said.

For the first issue Mary wrote all of the text (except for two submitted stories), took the photos, and then sent them by email to daughter Amber who did further editing or corrections in a computer newsletter creation program. About the photos, Mary said, “I took the photos since I’m the only one with a camera. I find it fun to wheel about, camera at the ready, looking for good shots.”

After Amber did some editing on the news and photos, she paid her usual weekly visit from Buffalo. “We sat together, head-to-head, for many hours, sifting and sorting through all of the material to see how it fits,” Mary said. “We work well together on almost anything we try, and this was the most fun of all. Since we think so much alike, this was a very fulfilling process.”

Mary’s daughter, Amber Kallen-Monroe, previously worked as a photographer for a school portrait company where she also did yearbook layout for schools in the Rochester area. She also is a writer of children’s fiction and is working to publish her first book.

Mary’s good camera shots, and the “fulfilling” layout process, resulted in an appealing newsletter with eye-catching articles and photos on each page. The eight pages are filled with interesting personal profiles, information, event announcements, and unique design elements. The photos of residents and staff are in bright, sharp color. The printing was done in the offices of Lakeside Beikirch Care Center.

The Banner’s content and organization

“For the first issue there were no defined subject areas except for interviews of residents, one from each floor,” Mary said. “In going through the gathered material, Amber and I could see that categories were emerging: Three Cheers for Volunteers, CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) of the Month, Resident Spotlight for each floor, staff interviews, and shorter features such as Looking Ahead, Looking Back, Looking Around. Pleased with these unanticipated subject areas, Mary will stick to them for the next issue scheduled for December 1. News will include a name-the-beauty-parlor contest, Christmas announcements, and reports on Family Night and a Halloween social. Being considered for the next or future issues are letters-to-the-editor and possibly jokes and riddles.

New reporters for the next issue

The staff: (left to right) reporters Joanne Nicolucci and Ralph Smith, Editor Mary Fessenden, and reporter Ruth Langdon.“I asked for volunteers to help me on the newsletter,” Mary said, “and three residents stepped forward to be new reporters.” One reporter is Ruth Langdon who taught kindergarten for 24 years, including in Attica, “outside the walls,” she said with a laugh. She likes to write poetry. “I just dabble for my own pleasure.” But, she did write her husband’s life story in poetry. And, “For many, many, many years I wrote and produced all the plays for my church’s Christmas programs at West Middlebury Baptist,” Ruth added.

Another reporter will be Ralph Smith. Ralph worked at golf courses in his early years, then factories such as G.E., Lipton, and Owens-Illinois locally. He retired at 62, and returned to golf course maintenance for 23 more years. He worked on newspapers in Brockport and Albion. As a WWII vet, he wrote and produced a Holley VFW newspaper called “The Reveille”. “It’s hard work but satisfying in a way,” he said about his newspaper work. “When you get it done, you look at it and say, ‘That wasn’t so bad after all.’ ”

JoAnn Nicolucci is also writing for the next issue. With training in secretarial courses at RIT, she worked for General Dynamics, later for J.M. Fields, Bell’s, and the American Legion in Scottsville. At Bull’s Head Clinic in Rochester, she worked on the newspaper, writing about events and the people. Writing a story for the next issue of The Banner, “I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning to get it done. It was on my mind and I wanted to get it out,” she said about the story written in longhand. She is excited about writing after seeing the first issue. “I loved the newspaper and I hope it goes far, I really do.”

The editor reflects on the first issue

“The newsletter has been a very satisfying and rewarding experience,” Mary said. “I have been a resident here at LBCC for one year now. Since I started work on The Banner I feel more a part of my community. I’m really getting to know the people who live around me. I hope The Banner helps other residents feel a part of this community, too.”

Photos by Dianne Hickerson

11/4/12

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Candidates in 62nd Senate campaign in newly defined district

by Kristina Gabalski

The race for the 62nd State Senate District seat features a re-match of the 2010 election between Democrat Amy Hope Witryol of Lewiston and incumbent Republican Senator George Maziarz of Newfane.

This year’s redistricting has changed the shape of the district which now includes the City of Niagara Falls on the western end. On the eastern end, which formerly included much of western Monroe County, only the Towns of Ogden and Sweden remain.

Witryol spent 25 years in business banking and considers campaign finance reform a top priority.

She calls the “pay to play” political system in New York State the greatest obstacle to progress in her district which she says has the worst property tax-to-value ratio in the United States and is in “economic last place.”

“The other thing Niagara, Orleans and (portions of) Monroe County have in common, is that they have had the same state senator for 18 years,” Witryol says.

“It doesn’t matter if they are Republican or Democrat,” she explains of “entrenched” politicians. “Raising large amounts of money for their own personal benefit is not a problem confined to any one party. We need to change that system.”

Witryol says election law in New York State is “the single biggest drain on the economy, creates a property tax burden and (results in) weak job creation. I’m passionate about the gravity of the challenges we face,” she says, and adds she would like to, “help the governor implement a solution.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo would like to end the “pay to play” system, Witryol says, “but he is unable with the current state of the Senate (to implement reform). One district could make a difference.”

Senator George Maziarz has stated he feels the governor has no problem if the Republicans maintain narrow control of the Senate.

Witryol says voters in the 62nd District have told her property taxes, jobs, education and health care are all important issues to them.

“On the local level, there are unique issues,” she notes: school districts, condition of housing and code enforcement, which she recognizes is an issue in the Village of Brockport.

“(While in Brockport) I discussed in detail enhancing the relationship between The College at Brockport and the community,” she says.

Witryol vows to work to take the money out of politics and explains that incumbents like her opponent spend millions of taxpayer dollars on constituent mail that looks like campaign mailings.

She would like to see incumbents and challengers split public financing of campaigns which she says would “save billions of dollars in ineffective spending (and eliminate) pressure from the wealthy and from lobbies.”

Senator Maziarz, who serves as Vice-President Pro Tempore of the Senate and chairs the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, says economic development, job creation, and lowering the cost of energy are all important issues to residents of the 62nd District.

He says his accomplishments as a state senator include the two percent property tax cap, mandate relief, medicaid and pension reform with the creation of the Tier 6 pension plan for newly hired public employees. He helped to create ReCharge NY to enhance business access to hydropower. “ReCharge NY helped out 50 companies in the Rochester area alone,” he says.

Maziarz says he will continue to work for tax relief, restoring Western New York’s economic health and job base, greater crime prevention and victims’ assistance, and increased attention to senior citizens’ needs.

“There’s a lot more that could be done,” he says, “and that’s why I want to get back.”

He notes New York State is making strides in energy efficiency and a rating agency - the American Council on Renewable Energy - scored New York as having, “come far ahead in energy efficiency.”

“We are on the right track,” he says, “but there is a lot more to be accomplished, particularly regarding renewable energy.”

Regarding campaign financing practices criticized by his opponent, Senator Maziarz says, “I follow the rules currently written. I’m not a wealthy person, I have to raise money to get my message out.”

Maziarz has also been criticized by Witryol regarding the tax cap and mandate relief. In Brockport on October 20, Witryol said Maziarz did not deliver on proportional mandate relief in the near term.

“This means boards of education are forced to spend money and tax residents for programs that do not provide the highest benefit to their students. This means that senior citizens are saddled with increasing property taxes, making it difficult to stay in their homes and survive on fixed incomes,” Witryol said.

She has also been critical of the redistricting process that has placed the villages of Brockport and Spencerport in the same district as the City of Niagara Falls.

Witryol says her opponent signed a pledge for independent redistricting prior to the last election, but shortly after the election, voted to change the system in 2022 not 2012.

She says it is “not fair” that the Towns of Sweden and Ogden are now separated from the rest of Monroe County and if elected “will work to pass legislation to ensure that this never happens again. I will work to make sure Ogden and Sweden get the representation they deserve.”

Senator Maziarz says, “there’s never an easy way,” to divide up the districts and that the process is governed by population.

He notes the 62nd District begins in “a corner” - the western and northern boundaries of Niagara County and goes east.

“We have Lake Ontario to the north and the Niagara River to the west. It’s really pretty compact. I wish I could represent more of Monroe County,” Senator Maziarz says and notes he did much work with the Town of Gates when it was part of the district.

Witryol calls the 62nd District “the most beautiful district on earth, with water, the wine trail, farmers markets and quaint canal villages.”

She reminds voters that there is one simple thing they have that can beat the current “pay for play” system in Albany - “It’s your vote,” Witryol says.

Senator Maziarz says he wants to see voters at the polls on Election Day. “I encourage all to come out and vote,” he says.

Amy Hope Witryol is endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families parties. Senator George Maziarz is endorsed by the Republican, Conservative and Independence parties. Jonathon Benedict of Lockport is endorsed by the Green Party.

11/4/12

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Allen Turner was recognized by Orleans Sheriff Scott Hess for his 20 years of service.

Turner was appointed Public Safety Dispatcher on October 25, 1992 by then Sheriff David M. Green. On June 5, 1996 he was promoted to his current position as Communications Coordinator. He oversees day-to-day operations of the county’s 9-1-1 center, a part of the Sheriff’s Office.

Provided photo

11/4/12

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Donate to Aurora House 

 

 

 

Following their 30 year reunion last summer, the Spencerport Class of 1982 donated an HP printer and a Dymo Label Maker to Aurora House, purchased with the remaining reunion funds.

Sheila Tobias and Jill Kenney made the donation to Karen Kuebler, executive director of Aurora House and Jeanne Johnson, treasurer.

 

 

Provided photo

11/4/12

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As part of being a fire safety contest winner, Matthew Lissow, a fourth grader at Village Elementary School, had a Hilton fire truck pick him up at school, take him for a ride around the village, and drop him back off at school thanks to an escape plan he drew for Fire Prevention Week.

The contest was part of the Hilton Fire Department’s Open House and three entries were randomly drawn, one for each elementary school.

Mike Lissow, firefighter and past chief, and Matthew’s dad, was the driver.

Provided photo

11/4/12

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Despite the challenges of Hurricane Sandy making its way into the region, the 2nd Annual Howl-o-ween Costume Contest went on as scheduled at Spurr Subaru on Sunday, October 28.

 

 

A wide array of costumes, from Charlie, the very young toy poodle who scared everyone in his skeleton costume, to Max the black lab dressed as a charging bull. Thing 1 and Thing 2 were there, along with the recently wed couple, Gypsy Bride and Gypsy Groom.

 

 

Duffy’s Friends thanks Spurr Subaru with a special thanks to Randy Spurr and Jillian Seaton, for organizing, sponsoring and holding this event. Brockport Animal Hospital co-sponsored this event, with Dr. Allan Edwards and his staff volunteering to make it a success. Wegmans made a generous donation that provided cider and donuts for all.

 

“A very big thank you to Randy Spurr’s nephew, Brett Seamans and his business partner, Lucy Lott. Brett and Lucy are both professional photographers from NYC and came to Brockport to photograph the event. As if those efforts weren’t enough, they had no idea how or when they would be getting home to NYC.

 

 

Duffy’s Friends is forwarding a portion of the proceeds to Pilots N Paws to support their efforts in rescue. Duffy’s is so appreciative of everyone who participated in any way,” says Lorie LoMonaco, a Duffy’s Friends volunteer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SPORTS NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

AREA

S&S Fitness Fit Test Competition

S&S Fitness Gym and Martial Arts held their first Fit Test Competition on September 29.

There were 21 participants.

Sponsors included Krony’s, Tru Colours, Brockport Golf Club, Mark’s Pizza, Hamlin Home Town Café, Century Martial Arts & USA Sports.

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HILTON

Hilton-Parma Recreation organizes Ski Club

Hilton-Parma Recreation is gearing up for another snow filled season at Bristol Mountain with five dates booked. Ski Club includes children that are in Hilton schools in grades 7 through 12.

The dates for Ski Club are Wednesdays, January 9, 16, 30; February 6 and all day on January 21 - Martin Luther King Day (no school). Students at Merton Williams would be transported at 2:20 p.m. to the High School where the bus would then pick up all students in grades 9 through 12 and head to Bristol. The bus would then return to the High School at approximately 10:30 p.m. Ski Club is chaperoned by teachers in each school respectively.

Packages vary and the forms can be found on the homepage of the website at www.parmany.org/Recreation. All registrations are handled through Hilton-Parma Recreation. Call the Hilton-Parma Recreation office at 392-9030 and ask for Sherry for other information.

11/4/12

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SPENCERPORT

For Spencerport Jr. Rangers teams and organizers - A dream comes true, and then some

In January 2010, four gentlemen decided to start an organization that would benefit the Spencerport community and be better aligned with the goals of the Spencerport School District’s football and cheerleading programs. Never could they have dreamed or expected for what took place on Sunday, October 28. In just their third season, all three tackle football teams won the Championship, finishing a combined 24-1 for the season.

The ‘C’ Team (ages 7-9) led by Head Coach Joe Burns beat Webster 21-0 in the first game played on October 28. In the second contest, the ‘B’ Team (ages 9-11) led by Head Coach Bill Guzik, beat a tough Webster team 6-0. Not to be outdone by their younger counterparts, the ‘A’ Team (ages 11-13) led by Head Coach Michael Indelicato, came from behind in the second half to beat Victor 30-18 in the wildest of the three games.

Founders Michael Indelicato, Bill Guzik, Anthony DiNitto and Ken Laubacher could only sit back and smile from ear-to-ear with the realization of what had been accomplished in such a short amount of time. In addition to the success in football, the Jr. Rangers Cheerleading Squads have won several competitions over the past three seasons.

The Spencerport Jr. Rangers are a member of the American Youth Football & Cheerleading League (www.ayfcl.org). Registration for both football and cheerleading opens online at www.spencerportjrrangers.org to Spencerport School District residents on Thursday, November 1.

'A' Football (ages 11-13).

 

 

 

 

 

 

'B' Football (ages 9-11).

 

 

 

 

 

 

'C' Football (ages 7-9).

 

 

 

 

 

Provided information

11/4/12

 

 

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SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

BROCKPORT

Brockport students and staff recognize work of Board of Education

Board Vice President Mike Andriatch went to Barclay School to personally meet and thank Aiden McGrath, the third grade artist who drew his portrait.During the Board of Education meeting on October 16, the Brockport Board was thanked for their dedication and service to the school district. Principals of the five schools presented artwork and videos from students and thanked members for their presence at numerous events throughout the year in support of students and educators.

Oliver Middle School Art Club students show off the posters they made to thank the Board of Education.Ginther Principal Deb Waye presented a student-made “thank you” banner and wrote a poem; Barclay Principal Rhonda Steffen presented portraits of the board members drawn by students; Hill School Principal Sean Bruno presented a survival kit from Student Council, a video thank you from student musicians and paper flowers made by students in art class; Oliver Middle School Principal Melody Martinez-Davis presented posters and a video made by Art Club students; and High School Principal Dana Boshnack presented student photography to thank the board for their continued support of hands-on learning opportunities.

The board expressed their appreciation for the kindness and shared how much they valued the student messages and the hand-made gifts.

“What a fantastic surprise to have the artwork, videos and thanks from our students to start our meeting tonight,” said Mike Andriatch, BOE Vice President. “We really need to thank all of the students, teachers, staff and administrators for all they do to make this district so great. It was a very special night for all of us.”

Provided information and photos

11/4/12

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BYRON-BERGEN

Byron-Bergen’s APPR Plan approved by NYSED

Byron-Bergen Central School District’s Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Plan, an evaluation system for all teachers and principals, was approved for the 2012-13 school year by the New York State Education Department (NYSED), in an October 22 letter sent from Commissioner Dr. John B. King, Jr. to Superintendent Casey Kosiorek.

“This was a time consuming and rigorous process,” said Kosiorek. “I am very pleased with the professionalism and collaboration that took place between the Byron-Bergen Faculty Association, the Administrators and Supervisors Association, and our district.”

APPR plans are mandatory under the teacher and principal evaluation law, which is a foundation of the Regents Reform Agenda.

Since April 2012, the district and administrators have worked collaboratively with the Byron-Bergen Faculty Association to complete an APPR in advance of the January 17, 2012 deadline.

The approval guarantees continued funding from New York State. The 2012 State Budget requires districts to have an approved APPR in order to receive their 2012-13 state aid increase. If districts do not meet the January 17 deadline, they will lose 4 percent of their funding, which for Byron-Bergen would have been approximately $350,000.

“I am optimistic that we will continue to refine the procedures to impact the quality of classroom instruction and untimately improve student success,” said Kosiorek.

Moving forward, Kosiorek said that district administrators and the leadership of the Byron-Bergen Faculty Association are working together to develop training for all faculty.

“I look forward to collecting data to progress monitoring in our first year as this is an annually developed plan,” he said.

The Byron-Bergen CSD APPR Plan is available at http://www.bbschools.org.

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HILTON

Northwood’s “Books for Len” promotes literacy near and far

Elaine Iabone (left), a teaching assistant at Northwood Elementary school, and Derya Inan, a McDonald's employee, work together behind the counter during the Books for Len event, which raises money for Northwood's library and brings in book donations for the Books on Buses program. For 12 years, the staff at Hilton’s Northwood Elementary School have been pitching in at the McDonald’s Restaurant on Long Pond and Latta Roads to help children become better readers. The Books for Len program honors former teacher Len O’Lare, who died unexpectedly in 2000. Teacher Pam Rapp started the event because of the difference O’Lare made in her daughter’s life by helping her develop a love for reading.

Rapp paired with Elaine Rode, McDonald’s supervisor, to get the restaurant to donate a portion (20 percent) of the proceeds from the two-night event for the purchase of books for the Northwood library and to bring in guest authors. Teachers volunteer to work behind the counter and their students get a kick out of having their teachers wait on them. Even retired teachers come back to volunteer for the event.

Each new book purchased from the proceeds receives a stamp that reads, “Books for Len” and a starfish picture. The starfish refers to a story that O’Lare told his students about a man walking along a beach throwing starfish back in the ocean. When someone remarked, “You’ll never save them all.” The man replied, “Even if I just save one, I’ve made a difference.”

Northwood students aren’t the only ones who benefit from the program. Students and staff also donate eight to 10 boxes of children’s books for the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority’s (RGRTA) Books on Buses program. The benefits of books on buses are said to be many. Beyond simply giving children something to do while on the bus, it is an opportunity for parents to spend quality time reading to their children. It gives children who may not have books in the home easy access to them while going about their everyday routines. It also makes public transportation more welcoming for children.

McDonald’s also donates lunch and delivers it to the first and second place classes who have the most students participating in Books for Len. “The teachers at Northwood are wonderful to support this event and give of their time,” said Rapp. “It’s a positive event for everyone involved.”

Provided information and photo

11/4/12

 

 

 

 

 

As part of the “Make a Difference Day” hosted by the Hilton High School, twelve Hilton Lions aided by six student volunteers, collected scrap metal.

The proceeds will be given to the Hilton Parma Emergency Food Shelf and Operation Local Soldier.

Provided photo

11/4/12

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HOLLEY

Holley School District collecting donations for holiday shopping event

The Holley School District Mental Health Team is organizing the Holiday Days of Shopping for Holley families. Donations of any new and gently used toys, books, games, DVDs, sports items, purses, and jewelry for ages pre-K to grade 12 can be dropped off in the Elementary or Middle School/High School counseling offices. There are also donation boxes located throughout the Village of Holley. Donations of clothes, household items and baby items cannot be accepted. The deadline to donate is Tuesday, November 20.

This will be the second year for the Holiday Days of Shopping - an event where parents can choose a limited number of gifts for each of their children free of charge. No income or personal information is required to participate. Dates for the event will be announced soon.

For information, call Micaela Lauer, school social worker, at 638-6316, extension 2558.

Provided information

11/4/12

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WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS - NOVEMBER 2012

Reed - Yates

Stacey L. Reed and Daniel T. Yates were united in marriage July 27, 2012 at Shadow Lake Golf Club. The wedding was officiated by Reverend LaVerne Blowers.

The bride is the daughter of Glen and Kathy Reed of Ogden. The groom is the son of Bill and Jean Yates of Churchville.

The bride’s sister, Kim Billcliff, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Lauren Powell (cousin of the bride), Shannon Walsh (cousin of the bride) and Sara Williams (friend of the bride). The groom’s twin cousins, Alexandria and Sydney Enright, were the flower girls.

The groom’s brother, Tim Yates, was the best man. Groomsmen were Jason Northrup (cousin of the groom), Chris Buss (friend of the groom) and Todd Billcliff (brother-in-law of the bride). Ushers were Dale Northrup (cousin of the groom) and Ben Powell (cousin of the bride).

Stacey and Dan graduated from Churchville-Chili High School and The College at Brockport. They are employed by Paychex, Inc.

The newlyweds honeymooned in St. Lucia and reside in Chili.

 

 

 

 

Sanger - Blanshine

 

Katie L. Sanger and Jason Blanshine were united in marriage June 30, 2012 at Baywood Greens, Longneck, Delaware.

The bride is the daughter of Stan and Ann Sanger of Hilton. The groom is the son of John and Faye Blanshine of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Michelle Dale, friend of the bride, was maid of honor. Serving as best man was Beau Marr, friend of the groom.

Katie received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia and her master’s degree from Radford University. She is a speech pathologist. Jason received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and his master’s from Wilmington University. He is a Special Education teacher. The newlyweds are employed by the Cape Henlopen School District, Lewes, Delaware.

They honeymooned in the Bahamas and are residing in Millsboro, Delaware.

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda Stahlecker - Matthew Ballreich

 

 

Eric and Donna Stahlecker of Hilton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Amanda to Matthew Ballreich, son of John and Carla Ballreich of Fostoria, Ohio.

Mandy, a music educator in Zanesville, Ohio, is a 2010 graduate of Ashland University, pursuing a masters of music education degree at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Matt is employed by Safelite Auto Glass in Columbus. He is a 2008 graduate of Heidelburg University with a degree in business administration.

An April 2013 wedding is planned in Columbus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peterson - Bishop

Sara Peterson and Andrew Bishop were united in holy matrimony June 9, 2012 at The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Brockport. The Reverend Roy Kiggins presided, assisted by pastoral administrator, Charlotte Bruney.

The bride is the daughter of Robert and Kathy Peterson of Cape Coral, Florida (formerly of Scottsville). The bridegroom is the son of Donald and Bridget Bishop of Brockport.

Laura McLendon, sister of the bride, was matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Betsy Bishop, sister of the groom, Julie Staples-Peterson, sister-in-law of the bride, and friends of the bride: Brooke Newman, Shannon McGall, and Micah Costello.

Paul Guarino, friend of the groom, was best man. Groomsmen were Tom Bishop, Sr., brother of the groom, Chris Peterson, brother of the bride, and friends of the groom: Christopher Haynes, Eric Hart and Stephen Remillard.

The wedding party also included flower girls Morgan and Lilly Peterson, nieces of the bride and Lilla Jane Bishop, niece of the groom. Ring bearers were Asher McLendon, nephew of the bride and Tommy Bishop, Jr., nephew of the groom.

The bride is an account manager and Director of Marketing at Revenue Cycle Management in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The groom is a doctoral candidate in Molecular Biology at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

The couple honeymooned in St. Martin.

 

 

 

Baldwin - Pinto

Jason M. Pinto and Annie C. Baldwin, both of Orlando, Florida, were united in marriage September 22, 2012 at Lake Superior Garden in the Great Lakes Garden, Niagara Falls, New York.

Erica Carpenter, sister of the bride, and Courtney Blakely, friend of the bride, were matrons of honor. Bridesmaids were Jamie Pinto, sister of the groom, Brooke Cheatwood, Liza Fisher, and Angi Pelc, friends of the bride and groom. Lea Baldwin, niece of the bride, served as a junior bridesmaid.

Tony Ciciarelli, friend of the groom, served as best man. Dahn Walrath, Adam Hare, Todd Jordan, Michael Bennett, and Myles McNamara, friends of the bride and groom, were groomsmen.

The couple honeymooned in St. Augustine, Florida and will reside in Orlando, Florida.

 

 

 

Kate Barker - Brandon Kawa

 

 

Walt and Cindy Barker of Kendall are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kate to Brandon Kawa, son of Brian and Kim Kawa of Cheektowaga.

The bride-to-be, a 2006 graduate of Kendall High School, received a bachelor of science degree in health care studies from Daemen College in 2010. She is a community educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The future groom, a 2006 graduate of Bishop Timon High School, received a bachelor of science degree in economics and finance from Buffalo State College in 2010. He is an associate coordinator/budget planner for the International Graduate Programs for Educators at Buffalo State College.

Their wedding is planned for August 31, 2013 at Marjim Manor in Appleton, New York.

 

 

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OBITUARIES - WEEK OF NOVEMBER 4, 2012

AREA

•McKenna, Hugh E., 82, a resident of Scriba, died October 8, 2012. He was born in Marion, NY on April 29, 1930, to Walter Jr. and Lucille (Van Hall) McKenna. Hugh served in the U. S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. He received his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport, his master’s in education from Syracuse University and his PhD from Laurence University. Hugh worked at SUNY Oswego as an instructor and director of the learning resources center, retiring in 1982. Hugh had a lifelong love of aviation and obtained his pilot’s license at age 16. He was a longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and enjoyed constructing and flying homebuilt aircraft. Hugh is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diana; two daughters, Antigone of Delmar and Whitney of Mattydale; one brother, Ronald (Barbara) of North Chili; one sister, Anita (Thomas) Schaefer, of Scottsdale, Arizona; two grandsons, Artemus and Brydon DeVolder; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Herbert (Jack).

Services were held privately. Donations can be made to the Brockport Foundation, College at Brockport, 350 New Campus Drive, Brockport, NY 14420 or EAA Donor Relations Department, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54903-3086 in his memory. Online condolences can be made at www.nelson-funeralhome.com.

 

BROCKPORT

•Banker, Edward E., October 30, 2012 at Lakeside Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Jeanette (D’Agostino) Banker and his sons Michael E. (Eugenie A.) Banker and James C. Banker. He was predeceased by his wife Doris (Clark) Banker. He is also survived by his grandchildren Timothy M. Banker, Matthew E. (Wendy) Banker, Clara H. Mehserle (Craig) Abbey, John L. Mehserle, Sean M. Banker, Ryan P. Banker and Ian C. Banker and great grandchildren Genia E. Abbey, Victoria C. Banker, Quincy Edward Banker and soon to be great grandson Banker. He leaves many nieces, nephews and their families and dear friends. He was a teacher of American History and Principal of Brockport High School. He served in the US Army Air Corps.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated November 2 at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Brockport. Interment, Mt. Albion Cemetery, Albion. Contributions can be made to the Edward E. and Doris C. Banker Scholarship Fund, Brockport High School, 40 Allen Street, Brockport, NY 14420 or to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.

 

•Hoy, Joan A., October 28, 2012. Predeceased by her husband, Robert. She is survived by her children, Allan (Deborah) Hoy, Diane Hoy, Charlene (Stan) Fritz, Kristine Hoy; grandchildren, Trevor (Elise) Fritz, Mark Hoy, Amanda Hoy; great-grandson Winfield Fritz; in-laws and friends.

Funeral Services were held October 30 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

 

•Smith, Roger H., On October 24, 2012 at age 69. Predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen; father-in-law Clarence Knab; brother-in-law, Charles Truscott. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rosemary Knab Smith; special sister-in-law, Joyce Truscott; his sons Scott (Kelly), Kevin (Jackie); grandchildren Brian, Samantha, Tim (Geena), Ashley, Morgan, Kevin Jr.; soon to be great-grandson Aiden; mother-in-law, Kathryn Knab; brother-in-law, Dale (Sandy) Knab; many special friends and relatives. Roger was a 40 plus year member of the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department and a 20 plus year member of the Brockport Ambulance Corps. He held many positions with the Brockport Exempts and Fire Department, was a member of BISCO, a Past Chairman of Max’s Mardi Gras parade, a Scout Leader for 20 years in Brockport and a Navy veteran.

A Funeral Service with Military Honors was held October 27 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church window restoration fund or the Brockport Fireman’s Exempts in his memory.

 

GATES

•Privitera, Samuel J. “Sammy,” October 25, 2012 at age 78. Predeceased by his wife, Dee; he is the beloved father of Laurie (Don) Burns, Chris Privitera and Karen Darrow; and loving grandfather to Ryan, Elaina, Sammy and Jackie. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph (Trish) Privitera; sister, Maryann (Ralph) DiTucci; sister-in-law, Marcia Dieter; devoted friend, Dave Meyers; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Memorial Service was held October 31 at Pearce Memorial Church, North Chili. Contributions can be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center, or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in his memory.

 

HAMLIN

•Docteur, Louis, October 27, 2012, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Karen (Higgins); daughter, Paula Docteur of Walworth and son, Peter of Hamlin; three brothers, Robert (Sarah), David (Mary) and Paul (Bonnie) Docteur of Cape Vincent; two sisters, Marlene Casey of Watertown and Marcia (George) Elmer of Albany; two grandchildren Ashley and Justin Osborn; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Lawrence and Gladys (Yott) Docteur of Cape Vincent, two toddler sons, Philip John and Jeffrey Louis and grandson Shawn Philip.

A Memorial Mass was said November 3 at St. Vincent of Paul Church in Cape Vincent and a second Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hamlin on Wednesday, November 7 at 10 a.m. Donations can be made to Hamlin Life Solutions Food Pantry, P.O. Box 160, Hamlin, NY 14464 or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund, P.O. Box 149, Hamlin, NY 14464 in his memory.

 

•Fay, Betty J., October 26, 2012 at age 90. Survived by Kim, Susan and David; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.

 

•Grimm, Arthur M., On October 27, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Wendell (Diane) and Nelson (Julie) Grimm and Marcia (Ken) Jurs; grandchildren, Matthew (Sarah), Ryan (Katie), Andrew (Lyndsay), Alissa and Christopher (Lauren) Grimm; great granddaughters, Hannah and Clara Grimm. Art was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church. He was a farmer/owner of Grimm Farms of Hamlin.

A Memorial Service was held November 3 at St. John Lutheran Church. Contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Hamlin, NY 14464 in his memory.

 

•McKay, Suzanne M. (Wasmuth), October 26, 2012. Predeceased by her mother Joan. Survived by her husband Tom; children, Christine Wilson, George (Tracy) Frisch, Jessica McKay and Stacie McKay; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; father, Richard Wasmuth; sisters, Dianne Audin and Lynn Miller; brother, Richard Wasmuth; many nieces, nephews.

Funeral Services were held October 29 at the Farrell-Ryan Funeral Home, Greece. Interment at the convenience of the family.

 

HILTON

•MacNaughton, Herbert W., Peacefully on October 31, 2012. Survived by his children, Pam (Fred) Roy, Chali (James) DiCataldo and Barry MacNaughton; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. Herb was a writer and an artist; a Navy Veteran of WWII and a retiree of Eastman Kodak Company. As a freelance writer, Herb MacNaughton wrote a column, “The PAssing PArade” for Suburban News/Westside News in the 1980s and wrote life stories and commentaries on assignment.

His Funeral Service was held November 3 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Parma-Greece United Church of Christ in his memory.

 

PARMA

•Fox, Donald R., October 31, 2012, age 93. Survived by his wife of 66 years, Rita (Kuhn); children, Barbara (Julio) Tice, Donna Howell, Gail (Lewis) Anderson, Joan Fox, Joyce Hurley, Richard Fox, Matthew (Donna Keppler) Fox; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert (Ellie) and Paul Fox. Don was a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran and a retiree of Kodak.

His Funeral Mass was said November 3 at St. Lawrence Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Masses may be offered in his memory.

 

SPENCERPORT

•Gayle, Mary Ann, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Spencerport, died October 25, 2012. Maryann was born July 30, 1955, as the eldest daughter of Edward Sr. and Ethel Dempski. She graduated Spencerport High School in 1973. She had a loving sister and brother Patricia Dempski and Edward Dempski Jr. She was a guiding light in the lives of her four children, Scott Lockwood Jr., Stefanie Lynn, Christopher Gayle, Lisa Gayle; with two-step children, Cynthia Gayle and Ronnie Gayle; along with six grandchildren; her significant other Harold Rowe. She is preceded in death by her mother Ethel and husband Ronald Gayle.

Services were held November 3 in North Port, Florida.

 

•Rodak, Fay Marie (Spuck), October 25, 2012 at age 77. Fay was predeceased by her parents, Alfred Spuck and Eleanor Glomboski and her sister, Patricia Cox. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Peter Eli Rodak; her children, Gregory Rodak, Patricia A. (Gene Wisner) Triassi, Susan E. (Kevin) Dixon, and Thomas (Kimberly) Rodak; grandchildren, Christopher D. Dixon, Nicholas R. Triassi, Thomas A. Rodak Jr., Daniel J. Dixon, Rachael S. Triassi, Whitney L. Rodak and Samuel A. Triassi; brother, Joseph (Meg) Glomboski; niece, Leslie (David) Thorson; brother-in-law, William (Susie) Cox; many other nieces and nephews; and her puppy, Bujeck.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment, St. John’s Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Aurora House Hospice, P.O. Box 21, Spencerport 14559 in her memory.

 

•Smith, Richard Obed “Dick,” Died August 4, 2012.

A Memorial Service was celebrated November 3 at Church of the Epiphany, Gates. Contributions can be made to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center or the Palliative Care Program in his memory.