Archives September 2011
ARCHIVES - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
Local News - Week of September 25, 2011
Kendall Community Park construction of gazebo continues
Construction of the gazebo at the Kendall Community Park in Kendall continued the weekend of September 16 as volunteers poured the cement floor and set the steps. According to the Park Committee, the park has undergone a tremendous transformation within the last few weeks. Thanks to devoted volunteers, the gazebo roof has been raised and preparations are closing in for the final touches. Town of Kendall and Kendall school officials as well as community members have helped over these last few weeks.
Ed Gaesser, Community Park Committee chairman, holding the tape measure, helps align the step footings with other volunteers. In the background are Jeff Miller, a contractor from Kendall who is overseeing the construction, and Nadine Hanlon a member of the Community Park Committee. Plans are for the gazebo to be complete for the Town of Kendall Scarecrow Festival Saturday, October 8.
Dave Knox photos
9/25/11
Riga to decrease expenses due to Host Agreemen
by Kristina Gabalski
The tentative 2012 Riga budget shows a decrease in spending of 19.8 percent.
“A large portion of the reduction is due to the $160,000 that the town will no longer be paying for the curbside trash and recycling for town residents,” Supervisor Bob Ottley says.
The savings was one of the new benefits the town received under the amended Host Community Agreement for the Mill Seat Landfill, Ottley noted.
The town also was able to reduce spending by not replacing a ten wheel dump truck.
Once again, the town will continue with a zero percent tax rate. Budget highlights include:
•Cost for health care insurance is projected to increase by 18 percent for 2012.
•The contribution for NYS Retirement is projected to increase to 18.9 percent.
•All part-time employees of the town will receive a three percent wage increase.
•All full-time employees of the town will receive a two percent wage increase.
•Elected officials will not receive any increase in the stipend except in the position of town clerk, who will receive the same as full time employees.
•Funding for Senior Citizens of Riga and the Newman Riga Library will receive small increases due to the rising costs associated with their independent operations.
•Funding for additional t-ball fields is included.
•The highway budget for capital improvements and road repair will increase slightly. No specific schedule of work to be performed has been presented to the town board except the possibility of work on North Sanford Road in conjunction with the Village of Churchville.
•Also included is the purchase of a new communication system for the highway department.
9/25/11
Few attend public hearings on dissolution plans
by Kristina Gabalski
Attendance was sparse at public hearings held in the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson on Tuesday, September 20 regarding dissolution plans for fire protection districts in both towns.
Three residents attended the public hearing in Sweden and none of the three made any comments.
Joan Hamlin, a Brockport resident who attended both the Clarkson and Sweden public hearings, said she and her husband were the only people who attended the public hearing in Clarkson which was held at 6 p.m. The Sweden public hearing was held at 7 p.m.
Hamlin told Westside News Inc. she had commented during the Clarkson public hearing that it was sad that so few residents were interested in the issue.
Both the Clarkson and Sweden Town Boards have endorsed their respective Fire Protection District dissolution plans, pursuant to resolution. The proposal to dissolve the fire protection districts is contingent upon the establishment of the Brockport Fire District.
Voters in Sweden, Clarkson and the Village of Brockport will decide on the formation of a joint fire district. That special election will likely be held in late November.
9/25/11
Brockport Mayor Connie Casteneda and past village Mayors Mort Wexler (left) and Frank Sacheli participated in The College at Brockport’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, September 17.
Provided photo
9/25/11
Art Appleby presented a check from BISCO to Troop 111 for all their help at the Arts Festival and the BBQ held this summer.
Provided photo
9/25/11
Kory McNees, Eagle Scout candidate from BSA Troop 86 in Brockport, accepts a check for $100 towards construction costs for the gazebo he is building at the Barclay School.
The gazebo project meets Kory’s final requirements before he achieves the rank of Eagle Scout.
Presenting the check are Kiwanis Club of Brockport president Ray Bardol (left) and Lt. Governor Bob Reusch (right).
Provided photo
9/25/11
Bill Andrews to speak on “Highlights of Civil War Brockport” October 6
“Highlights of Civil War Brockport” leads off the season’s series of presentations in the Morgan-Manning House in Brockport at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6. The presenter is Bill Andrews, Ph.D., professor emeritus of political science at The College at Brockport, and historian emeritus for the Village of Brockport. The program will focus on Brockport’s involvement in the war, including notable roles by its citizens. Admission is free to the public. Refreshments will be served. The event is sponsored by the Western Monroe Historical Society. The Morgan-Manning House is a landmark Victorian era home, located at 151 Main Street in Brockport.
Andrews recently completed his book “Civil War Brockport.” His talk will draw on his research for the book. “I will emphasize the intensity and extent of the involvement of the village and surrounding area in that conflict,” Andrews said. “It was much more involvement than in any other war.” He will profile a few Brockporters who had leadership roles or were heroes, such as Major Milo Starks, a hero in two battles. Lt. Col. Nathan P. Pond “led a colored regiment,” as recorded historically. Morton Read was Brockport’s only Medal of Honor winner. Stephen W. Stafford was the village’s only career officer. John T. Farnham recorded some interesting experiences in his diaries that Andrews has transcribed. Two companies recruited in Brockport played key roles at Gettysburg.
Andrews has been extensively involved in supporting and promoting the Village of Brockport. Besides several years served as village historian, he is: chair of the Historic Preservation Board, vice president of the Greater Brockport Development Corp., member of the Sweden/Brockport Comprehensive Plan Committee. Until recently, he was president of the Board of the Brockport Community Museum and remains on its board. He was coordinator of the canal front hospitality program, but recently took leave. Andrews was a dean at the college and founding chair of the department of political science.
For information on the October 6 program, phone 585-637-3645.
9/25/11
Fundraising underway for Patrick Place, a comfort care home in Scottsville
As one drives down Main Street in Scottsville, St. Mary of the Assumption Church looks the same as it has for over 100 years. Inside the second floor of the rectory building, however, work has begun on Patrick Place, the newest Comfort Care Home in the Rochester area.
In the Monroe County, Hospice care is provided by one of two Health Care agencies, Lifetime Care Hospice and Visiting Nurse Service Hospice Care. These agencies provide end-of-life care in various settings, including a patient’s own home. When remaining in one’s own home is no longer possible, a comfort care home provides a loving, welcoming environment where the individual can receive palliative care from health care agencies and support from caring, specially trained volunteers, while surrounded by family and friends. Although the area has several existing comfort care homes, none exist in the southwestern portion of Monroe County, and current facilities serve at full capacity (each is limited to two beds) 90 percent of the time. With the demographics of an increasingly aging population, agencies that provide hospice care have identified the need for more facilities in the area.
In 2008, the parishes of St. Columba/St. Patrick (Caledonia), St. Vincent DePaul (Churchville), St. Christopher (North Chili), and St. Mary of the Assumption (Scottsville) embarked on an investigation into the viability of launching a ministry to serve the needs of the dying and their families in the southwestern corner of the Rochester metro area. With the support of these faith communities, the early steps of research and planning were begun. Since that time, much work has been accomplished: the location was selected and evaluated, architectural plans have been drawn for the needed renovation/addition, a Board of Directors has been convened, a corporation formed, and fundraising begun. Progress continues toward the goal of construction and renovation, transforming the space into two separate suites, with large bedrooms - to accommodate plenty of visitors - and private restrooms, as well as a common kitchen, dining room, and living room. Although initiated by the four church communities listed above, Patrick Place is an independent organization requiring support from the entire community; patients will be welcomed from the surrounding communities without regard to religious affiliation or beliefs.
In order to begin renovations and construction in earnest, a construction fund goal of $170,000 has been set. Many fundraising efforts have taken place over the past few years, and several other events are scheduled in the upcoming months, including a Wine Tasting Evening, a Chicken Barbecue, and an Octoberfest Celebration, among others. Details about the various events are listed on the organization’s website, www.patrickplace.org.
For information on how to help bring the facility to the area, or to make a financial contribution, visit www.patrickplace.org.
Provided information
9/25/11
Feature Stories - Week of September 25, 2011
Get the autumn spirit at 2011 Hilton Apple Fest
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Visit the 2011 Hilton Apple Fest and you will find a host of activities including an arts and crafts show, entertainment, a car show, a children’s area, food, a farm market, community displays, an apple pie contest, even apparel with specially-designed Apple Fest logos. With all of this to choose from, everyone is bound to find something they like.
The 2011 Hilton Apple Fest will be held Saturday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This annual festival is held at the Hilton Community Center located at 59 Henry Street in the heart of the Village of Hilton.
For over 30 years, the Hilton Apple Fest has delivered a family friendly event. It’s an event that Hilton residents as well as other festival goers have come to expect and respect.
This year, the arts and crafts show will include over 180 artists including 40 new vendors traveling from all throughout the United States.
“Some of the new artists will be selling handmade purses, hand blown glass, fine art pieces, wood creations, homemade ergonomic lumbar supports, and some very unique jewelry,” said AF Board member Terry Quetschenbach.
A full schedule of entertainment is planned throughout the AF weekend. Two popular Rochester-area party bands will perform on the main stage from noon until 4 p.m.: The Invictas on Saturday, October 1 and The Orient Express on Sunday, October 2.
There’s plenty of other entertainment planned throughout the AF weekend; the schedule is listed in this special section or on the website at www.hiltonapplefest.org.
The ever-popular Hilton Apple Fest Car Show is set for Saturday, October 1 at the Village Elementary School from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check out the special class highlighted in this year’s show, antique cars.
Each year the Hilton Apple Fest committee dedicates a special area at this festival to children called the Kids’ Korner. Summit Federal Credit Union sponsors the entertainment stage which will feature such local children’s favorites as Bill Gormont the Magician, Gary the Happy Pirate and the Grease Paint Alley Clowns.
“These entertainers are a big attraction for kids,” said Harriet Zunno, Apple Fest Children’s Area Chairperson. Area churches will provide face painting, games, crafts and goodies just for children.
Throughout the festival weekend, a farm market will feature homegrown specialities fresh from area farms. Local community organizations and businesses will also be on hand to demonstrate their services including a new service that will be available to all Apple Fest goers.
“Monroe Tech will bring their van to the festival which will allow free Wi-Fi to all those at the festival,” said Terry Quetschenbach, AF Board member and Arts and Crafts and Community Row Coordinator.
All pie bakers are encouraged to enter the Apple Fest Apple Pie Contest on Saturday, October 1. Entries must be received by September 28 and pies delivered to the festival site on October 1. Interested in claiming the prize for the best pie?
“Making an apple pie could be a real family project and lots of fun,” said Linda Viney, Apple Fest Board Member and Apple Pie Contest Coordinator.
Each year the committee offers a logo contest for adults and youth encouraging local artists to enter their version of an Apple Fest logo. After a careful selection process, the winning logos are selected by the board. These logos are then used to create apparel that is sold at the Information Booth during the AF weekend.
Find other information about the festival in this special section, visit the website at hiltonapplefest.org or call (585) 392-7773.
Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show is 31 years strong
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Thirty-one years ago, the very first Hilton Apple Fest Auto Show was held and over the years this show has grown into one of the area’s largest shows available for car buffs. Mike Ahl is the car show coordinator. He explains the show’s longevity.
“The HAF Auto Show is one of the largest car shows around. For the past several years, we’ve had over 500 participants. The show has been run by the same group of people for many years,” Ahl explained.
The 2011 Hilton Apple Fest (HAF) Auto Show will be held on Saturday, October 1 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Elementary School located at 100 School Lane adjacent to the Apple Fest festival grounds. Weather will not hamper this event, it will be held rain or shine.
The show is open to any car show enthusiast who wishes to showcase his or her car. There are 30 different classes to enter including motorcycles, trucks and antique cars.
“We award first, second and third place in all 30 classes. Our “Apple Plaques” are unique to our show. We always highlight a specific class of cars every year and make our logo pertain to the highlighted class. This year, we are highlighting our antique car class,” Ahl said.
Interested in entering your prized set of wheels? It’s $14 to enter the day of the show. Prizes will be awarded for each class and special presentations will be made for club participation, Hilton Mayor’s Choice and the best antique of show. Registration forms are available on the Hilton Apple Fest website at www.hiltonapplefest.org.
Making the Hilton Apple Fest a tradition
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
It’s not often that a person volunteers at one place for one event for more than 20 years. But when you ask Chris Moore why she volunteers for the Hilton Apple Fest, her answer is easy.
“It’s my way of giving back to the community. When you do something for that many years, it becomes a part of you,” Moore explained.
This yearly festival is an event that has become a community custom, one that Moore knows is due to the efforts of many. Moore has served on the Hilton Apple Fest Board for over 16 years and she’s been the chairperson of the Farm Market for over five years.
“So many people are involved with the Hilton Apple Fest. It’s the efforts of many that make this event the success that it is. Everyone cooperates to make it happen,” Moore said.
When asked why she thinks this event continues to be one of the best attended area festivals, she replied, “It’s a small community promoting the local growers in a quality event.” And this is one of the reasons she continues to give her time and talents to the Hilton Apple Fest.
“”It’s so great to see families bring their children to Apple Fest and spend time together. It’s great to see the same faces year after year as they make the Apple Fest a family tradition and create family memories,” Moore said.
Volunteering at the festival is a family effort for the Moore family. Over the years, Moore’s husband, Bob, and children, Robin and Dan, have lent their support.
“My husband and two kids have helped me with the field layout of the farm market,” she said. Moore has even recruited friends and neighbors.
“Volunteering at the Apple Fest is a fun thing to do especially with your family and friends. I know of friends who volunteer with their own family, sisters and sisters-in-law,” she added.
For information on how you can volunteer at the Hilton Apple Fest call (585) 392-7773 or email info@hiltonapplefest.org.
9/25/11
Brockport student named national DJ of the Year finalist
Aaron Lafaro opened an email in late August that made him realize that three years of dedication had paid off. The message informed him that he had been named one of four finalists in the College Broadcasters Inc. National Production Awards “Best DJ” competition.
“It definitely helps out my resume,” says Lafaro, a junior communications major from Hamlin. “But more importantly, it legitimizes all of the hard work I’ve put in during my years here.”
Lafaro isn’t just a DJ. He’s the operations manager for WBSU-FM 89.1 The Point, The College at Brockport, State University of New York’s student radio station. So the time he has put in at the station - both on the air and off - has been extensive. And it has helped him hone his craft.
“I think a lot of my draw is my voice,” he says. “It’s warm, it’s deep ... everyone says I have that big ‘radio announcer guy’ voice.”
Lafaro says judges look for someone who is clear, concise, entertaining and can evoke a reaction from an audience. But he also says that exactly what an audience gets from him depends on the day it tunes in.
“My style is very random. You can turn me on one day and I’ll be talking about my personal life. The next day I’ll be talking about serious issues in society or the community. And then I’ll be talking about Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears or whatever celebrity is in the news,” says Lafaro, a Brockport High School graduate.
Warren Kozireski, The Point’s station manager, feels that Lafaro’s focus has helped propel him to this level of success.
“Aaron understands that the key to good radio is relating to the local audience about local events and happenings. He puts a lot of time into prepping his show and then tries to keep the distractions to a minimum when he is on the air so he can focus on the audience,” Kozireski says. “Aaron puts the audience first. -- That, I think, is the key to his success.”
Lafaro will travel to Orlando, Florida, October 27-30 to attend the College Broadcasters Inc. fall convention, where the winners of its National Production Awards will be announced. Other finalists in the “Best DJ” category include students from Columbia University, University of Tennessee-Martin and Saddleback College. The competition attracted 580 entries in its 24 categories.
This marks the ninth time that The Point has been a finalist in the 10 years that College Broadcasters Inc. has held the competition. Lafaro is the first student from The College at Brockport to be a finalist in the “Best DJ” category.
Provided information
9/25/11
It’s time to plant the garlic
by Kristina Gabalski
thinkstockFor gardeners, mid-to-late fall means bulb planting time - bulbs for spring flowers like tulips and daffodils - but it’s also the time to plant garlic for harvest next summer.
Gary Skoog of Skoog Farm in the Town of Sweden, has been growing garlic for over 25 years.
“It’s a plant which has a recorded history of over five thousand years,” Skoog says. “It has been used as an antibiotic, and in many cultures is a mainstay in the diet - for health and flavor.”
The time to plant garlic is after October 1, he says. Individual cloves should be planted no closer than four inches apart in rows.
“The clove is planted with the root hair end down, with approximately two inches of soil covering,” Skoog explains.
“Many growers use mulch to maintain moisture in the soil and also to make sure that organic material is continually added to the soil. Garlic likes moisture and fertile soil.”
Skoog also notes garlic is not competitive against weeds, so the garden area must be kept clean for best growing results.
Planting in the fall allows the garlic to develop a root system before winter, he says.
Harvest is usually in mid-July. “The garlic plant is pulled/dug from the row and should be left to dry in the sun for a day before preparing for storage,” Skoog says.
“Some growers have a series of racks where the garlic is laid out, others may hang garlic in bunches with stalks tied together and heads attached.”
Garlic should be stored in a cool and dry place so the heads do not spoil, he advises.
“Garlic has become very popular in the last 20 years,” Skoog adds, “cooking shows, garlic festivals and health concerns have helped spur the market.”
Bob King, Senior Agriculture Specialist at the Agriculture and Life Sciences Institute at MCC, says consumption of garlic has quadrupled since 1980.
In 2004, 31,600 acres of garlic were grown in the U.S. compared with 4,050 acres in 1934. California produces 80 percent of the crop followed by Nevada, Oregon, Washington and New York. Value of production is $265.5 million, with 500 million pounds grown annually.
Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Jim Schnellinger says growing garlic is easy with the right soil conditions.
He advises to plant later in October, around Halloween, so that the garlic does not begin to grow leaves above ground before a hard frost.
Garlic likes fertile soil, Schnellinger says. “A little bit of moisture and a little bit of organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure is all you need.” Plant garlic in full sun and use a top layer of mulch.
Schnellinger says he uses 5-10-5 fertilizer when he plants and then mulches.
“Then you can forget about it until the snow goes away in the spring.
Garlic is one of the first plants to come out of the ground,” he says.
The most important thing to know is the right time to harvest, Schnellinger notes. “When two or three bottom leaves turn brown, it’s time to dig. If you leave it in too long, the soil moisture will rot the skins.”
Schnellinger says he hangs his harvested garlic plants for two to three weeks in a small garden shed. Then he cuts the tops and stores them in an onion bag in his basement. His son stores smaller amounts in a paper bag in the refrigerator.
He also explained about the curly-cue “sort of flower” that garlic sends up during the growing season. The scapes can be cut off to send more energy to the bulbs or left alone. Some people say leaving the scape on the plant allows the garlic to cure better and it will last longer in storage, he says.
Garlic has few diseases or pests, Schnellinger notes.
He says there are hardneck and softneck varieties, “the soft neck is what they braid.”
Elephant garlic is not a true garlic, he notes.
Once you have your first crop, save the largest bulbs to plant for next year, using the smaller ones for eating and cooking.
Garlic bulbs are available from local growers and from seed catalogs.
The Seeds of Change catalog states softneck garlic does not produce a flower spike, has spicier flavor and is more productive and adaptable to warmer climates.
Hardneck forms large, easy-peeling cloves around a stiff wood stem. Hardneck garlic has a rich aromatic flavor that is not too spicy. Curling tops can be removed for a culinary treat.
Hardneck is the preferred type for more northern climates.
thinkstockLocal garlic growers include:
•Skoog Farm
Gary Skoog
6142 Lake Road South, Brockport
•Fraser’s Garlic Farm
1379 Johnson Road, Churchville
•Country Candle and Garlic
Hamlin Farmers Market, Sundays 9-1
•Piedmonte Garlic Farm
Holley
9/25/11
Pumpkin People coming to Spencerport
The Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum is planning a pumpkin festival October 22-30. Help is needed from Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, school groups, youth groups, and individuals, to build a pumpkin person. They will be featured throughout the village and along the canal path leading to the Spencerport Depot and Canal Museum. The village merchants are welcome to join in on the fun.
Pumpkins and the forms to make the person will be provided. The pumpkin people will be assembled on October 22 between 1 to 3 p.m. Prizes for best pumpkins will be judged by the public on the weekend of October 29 and 30. They can be funny, scary, beautiful, historical or whatever. Faces of the pumpkins are to be painted on, not carved. Participants must register to build one and the registration forms can be picked up at the Spencerport Village Hall, West Avenue or at the Ogden Farmers’ Library, and merchants throughout the village, or email the information to dcastano@rochester.rr.com. Forms can be returned to the library or the village hall. Once registered, participants will receive the information on pick up days for the pumpkins and forms. Also on October 29 and 30 there will be trick or treating for the children at the Depot from 1 to 4 p.m. both days. For information contact Doreen Castano at 352-1055.
9/25/11
Hamlin Recreation "Talk Like a Pirate Day"
On September 19 Hamlin Recreation celebrated International “Talk Like a Pirate Day.”
Participants were taught the five basics “A’s” of pirate talk including Ahoy, Avast, Aye, Aye, Aye and of course Argh.
They made eye patches, picked out their own pirate name and searched for treasure. It was declared a “yo-ho good day fer all ye mateys” involved.
Pictured from left to right Gabby “Soccer Seagull” Schlieter, Gianni “Cap’n Sponge Bob” Oswald and Patty Jo “Cap n Party Jo” Groenendaal.
Provided photo
9/25/11
Columns
WN’s Family Guy
by Mark Ball
… She silently mouthed the word BEAR …
As the driver nodded with a smile, the door swung shut and the bus rolled away, a tear rolled down my right cheek. No, this wasn’t the first-day-of-school blues. It was the relief of knowing another camping season was finally behind us. I had lost faith that this day would ever come.
For the record: I love my family. I love spending time with my family. But with one more camping trip like our last one I would be switching my identity in some type of witness relocation program.
Leslie thought it would be a great idea to go camping in the Adirondacks. I agreed. After all, as a kid I spent many summers in Old Forge sliding down water slides, playing miniature golf and going to the arcade. Old Forge is fun for the whole family.
Interesting geography fact: Did you know that the Adirondacks are more than just Old Forge? Did you know that there are many locations throughout this mountain range where you won’t see little ice cream shops, or big, colorful statues of lumber jacks?
We drove and drove and drove well beyond anything Leslie and I could remember thinking back to our childhood fantasies. Six hours later, we rolled into our campground, anxious to get the kids out of the car and eager to get our camper set up for the night. Leslie pulled the van over and went into the main office to announce our arrival. The five minutes that she was gone, felt equal to our quaint six hour ride because by this time the children had reached their boiling point. Now they were kicking and scratching and whining and crying. I focused intently on my book trying to zone them out.
Leslie got back in the car and I noticed that her complexion was much paler than when she had gone in.
“What’s the matter?” I asked.
She silently mouthed the word BEAR.
I whipped my head all around trying to find the monster. Seeing nothing but trees, I turned back to Leslie and shrugged my shoulders. She took a folded up piece of paper out of her pocket and discreetly placed it on my lap. Leslie tried to distract the children while I scanned the paper. There was a statement at the top followed by a long list of rules ending with Leslie’s signature at the bottom.
Basically, the note said, “We have so many killer bears in this park it is unlikely that everyone in your family will make it out alive.” The 20 different rules that followed were ridiculous ideas of how to feel safe in the middle of imminent danger. At the bottom, Leslie signed near the line that said, “I promise not to hold a grudge if in the event of this ill-fated camping trip my husband is devoured by a bear.”
I looked up to see tears welling in Leslie’s eyes. She looked to me for direction.
“Well it sure looks beautiful here,” I said cheerfully, smiling at each child. “Let’s get on back to our camp site.”
Leslie drove timidly forward. Quickly the paved road gave way to a gravel path, which disintegrated into a winding dirt strip as we drove deeper and deeper into endless woods.
“Are you sure we are going the right way?” Leslie asked.
I looked up from my book.
“Well we were supposed to make a left back there,” I said.
“How do you know that?” Leslie asked.
“The woman told me,” I answered.
“What woman?” she questioned.
“The woman on our GPS,” I said.
“Honey, she can’t really help us at this point,” Leslie answered.
So we kept winding our way through the enchanted forest until finally we reached our destination. It was a 10 foot by 10 foot plot of land perched on the absolute edge of a cliff high above the small mountain lake.
“We’re here!” I shouted, getting the kids riled up again. “Yeah! We’re here!”
Leslie dropped her head and now the tears were splashing down onto the dashboard. Her chin quivering she whispered, “We can’t stay here. This is just too dangerous.”
I rummaged through my bag of tricks to throw out as many positive statements as I could think of.
“Well, I’m so glad we were able to see this gorgeous country!”
“At least we can tell people that we’ve been here!"
“Kids… was this a great drive, or what?”
As hard as I tried all of my wit and wisdom tumbled one at a time off of the extremely high and treacherous cliff, where we were supposed to park our camper, straight below to their demise.
After just nine jerky maneuvers Leslie had the van and the camper turned around and headed out of the park. We drove straight through the pitch black night sky for many more hours on end until we made it to a Quality Inn about 90 minutes from our home.
Instead of a campfire, we gathered around a Denny’s grand slam that night. After a midnight dinner we walked back to our room and tucked our four cherubs into one queen-sized bed. Leslie and I collapsed into a pile in the adjacent bed. We had traveled nearly 12 hours for a mountain adventure and yet as we fell asleep the closest we had come was a lumpy mattress.
It was a camping trip that we will not soon forget, and the last in a chapter full of summer adventures that came to an end as that beautiful bus door pulled shut once again.
9/25/11
WESTSIDE NEWS FEATURE STORY
Hilton’s Apple History
At one time, apples were every where
by David Crumb, Historian
Apple harvest on the Tenny Farm around 1900.Hilton, New York once was called the “Apple Capital of New York State.” The favorable climate along the shore of Lake Ontario, the progressive horticulture efforts of several early farming families in the area, the arrival of the Hojack Railroad in 1876, and the spirit of the Hilton community all played a role in the creation of a thriving apple industry from around 1860-1950. Even in the afterglow of the “glory days” the apple spirit still thrives in the community as Hilton celebrates the 31st Hilton Apple Festival Saturday, October 1, and Sunday, October 2.
The oldest surviving apple tree in New York State in 1904 was near the Geneva Experiment Station. It had been planted by French Jesuits as they helped the Indians learn European Agricultural methods. After General Sullivan’s Campaign in 1789 to clear Western New York of the Indians, many of their orchards and fields were destroyed. However, several old apple trees managed to survive that were well over 200 years old. (These are mentioned in Vol. 1 of S.A. Beach’s Apples of New York, p. 5.)
The apple harvest on the John B. Collamer Farm around 1902.The oldest apple tree in Parma as noted by Elizabeth Keller in 1938 was in front of the Tenny homestead on Collamer Road. Local authorities claimed that it was the first planted in this area of Western New York. It was planted around 1812 by Peter B. Tenny when he was eight years old. His family had just settled on the Collamer Road. Later this family and their neighbors the Collamers planted New York State’s first commercial apple orchards. This was in 1859. Prior to that date most farms were self sufficient. In 1860, Parma produced 42,000 bushels of apples.
After the Civil War until about 1878, many farms began to set out orchards; by the time the Rome Watertown and Oswego Railroad arrived in 1876 these orchards were producing bountifully. In 1879 the first Fruit Evaporator was built at 96 Railroad Avenue. Later many dry houses were erected to help in the preservation and processing of the fruit. In 1909 the Hilton Cold Storage was built on the Collamer Road near the Hojack tracks. It had its own electric dynamos, wells, barrel factory and ice plant. It originally had a 60,000 barrel capacity, but was later expanded to 150,000 barrels.
Apple conveyor.In 1910 Maurice Burritt’s apple census found 3,726 acres of orchards in Parma, and 121,952 trees. Apples were everywhere and apples were the main agricultural commodity. In 1915, local merchant A.B. Fraser built the Hilton Milling and Warehouse apple cold storage which had a 70,000 barrel capacity. The apple business was growing and creating its own economy in the village. Jobs were created to run all of the dry houses and cold storages. The Old Canning Factory was originally Peck and Pratts. It was noted in 1916 that they canned more apples than any factory of its kind in the United States. Late the Canning Factory was acquired by Smithfield’s Pure Food Company. Harry Nichols was the manager.
In 1935, 42,158 trees were killed by the terrible freeze of 1934. This disaster set the apple business back. New orchards were planted, but things were never the same.
The Hilton Apple Fest pie project that was a contender for the world record in 1982.
At Smithfield's Canning Factory in Hilton. "Apples piled as high as a house."Hilton has celebrated its apple history over the years in many ways. For many years, Hilton’s Apple Blossom Queen was crowned each year, later being called the Harvest Queen. In 1937, Francis Mikel, a local merchant, made a mammoth apple pie two and one-half feet by four and one-half feet and six inches deep to celebrate the apple harvest. In 1981 another merchant, Homer Marple, promoted the first Apple Festival in hilton. This event has become one of Western New York’s favorite fall festivals and attracts people from all parts of the region, especially young families.
This year’s 2011 Hilton Apple Festival marks the 31st annual event. Again the community’s volunteers will unite to produce a colorful, fun-filled event for the public to enjoy. This year’s event promises to be a great opportunity to enjoy all the good things fall has to offer: food, music, old friends, crafts, and of course the tradition and history of Hilton’s apple business.
Photographs provided by David H. Crumb, Village of Hilton Historian
9/25/11
Sports News - Week of September 25, 2011
AREA
Hickok Belt Award returns after 35-year hiatus
Once the most coveted honor in American sports, the Hickok Belt Award is back and will be awarded to the best athlete in all of professional sports.
Rochester sports legend, Tony Liccione, founder and president of the Rochester Boxing Hall of Fame, will realize a personal dream when the first Hickok Belt since 1976 will be awarded in Rochester, following the 2012 season.
The countdown to the naming of the next Hickok Belt winner begins with the launch of the award website, www.HickokBelt. com, followed by a Kickoff “Comeback” Dinner this October 16 at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, where the sports world will celebrate the Belt’s rich past and look forward to a renewed legacy.
“For 26 years, from 1950 to 1976, the Hickok Belt was the Crown Jewel of American sports, bigger than any MVP, bigger than a Lombardi, bigger than a World Series ring, bigger than a Green Jacket,” said Liccione. “In fact, it was bigger than all of them combined, because it honored the best professional athlete across all sports, not just in one.”
The Hickok Belt defined the careers of Koufax, Hogan, Palmer, Mantle, Ali and 22 other professional sports legends Liccione said, and beginning in 2012, it will do the same for today’s greats, and tomorrow’s.
The winner will be chosen by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Liccione said. Each month, a 20 voter panel, with four members each from North, South, East and West regions, will select a monthly winner. The 12 monthly winners will then comprise the candidates from which the full NSSA membership will select the annual Hickok Belt Award winner each year.
“The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) is excited to be taking part in the rebirth of the Hickok Belt Award,” said Dave Goren, NSSA Executive Director. “We share much of the same history with the Belt and look forward to helping it regain its place among the most prestigious awards recognizing athletic achievement.”
Goren said that the criterion the NSSA will use in selecting award recipients will be the athlete (male or female) who has demonstrated the highest level of personal athletic achievement and represents the “Best of the Best” across all of professional sports.
Liccione said he is especially excited about the Kickoff “Comeback” Dinner once again making Rochester, NY the center of the sports world for one evening. The event will be held Sunday, October 16, at St. John Fisher College, 3690 East Avenue. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with a cash bar and dinner at 7 p.m., followed by celebrity speakers. Tickets $75, can be purchased online at HickokBelt.com through PayPal (for will-call pick-up), or any Wegmans supermarket location.
Provided information
9/25/11
East Coast Conference accepts RWC as newest member
Roberts Wesleyan College has been formally accepted into the East Coast Conference as a full-time member beginning with the 2012-13 academic year, said Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., chair of the East Coast Conference Presidents Council.
The Roberts Wesleyan College Raiders, currently a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), were included in the NCAA Division II membership process this past summer, beginning a three-year transition period. All Raiders teams will continue as members of the NAIA for the 2011-12 academic year and will then be “provisional members” of the NCAA and ECC during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 years.
Beginning with the fall 2012 season, Roberts Wesleyan will receive all ECC services and participate in ECC sports contests. The Raiders teams will not be eligible for conference or NCAA championships until becoming full Division II members.
The Raiders currently field 14 varsity athletic teams. Eleven of those - including men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and volleyball - will compete in ECC play. Roberts Wesleyan College also sponsors men’s golf and men’s and women’s track and field teams.
“We are thrilled to be moving into this new arena of competition,” said Roberts Wesleyan President Dr. John Martin. “We believe that this is a wonderful arrangement not only for us, but also for the other colleges of the East Coast Conference.” He called the move “a significant step forward for athletics at Roberts Wesleyan College.”
Roberts has a new lacrosse program that will be challenged by other teams in the strong conference. “We are excited about the opportunity we are giving our student-athletes to compete at the NCAA Division II level in an established quality conference,” said RWC Director of Athletics Mike Faro. Roberts Wesleyan is the only Division II program in the Rochester NY area. “We are hoping to attract talented student-athletes who value the Christian college setting that Roberts is known for,” Faro said.
The addition of Roberts Wesleyan College brings full-time membership in the ECC to 10 institutions. Other full members include the University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, Conn.); C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University (Brookville, NY); University of the District of Columbia (Washington, DC); Dowling College (Oakdale, NY); Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, NY); Molloy College (Rockville Centre, NY); New York Institute of Technology (Old Westbury, NY); Queens College (Flushing, NY); and St. Thomas Aquinas College (Sparkill, NY).
Provided information
9/25/11
RWC Athlete of the Week chosen
Lisa Bierdeman, senior setter for Roberts Wesleyan College, was named the NCCAA Division I Volleyball Athlete of the Week.
Bierdeman had 195 assists, 66 digs, 12 kills, and 4 assisted blocks in five matches (19 sets) for the Raiders averaging 10.3 assists per set. The team defeated LeMoyne College (NCAA DII) and then split their four matches in the Roberts Wesleyan/Houghton Crossover Tournament.
9/25/11
BROCKPORT
The first Jim Mercer Memorial Tennis Tournament was held at Brockport High School on August 13. Local tennis players came out to participate.
Provided photo
9/25/11
CLARKSON
Third Annual Clarkson Classic 5K Run/Walk
The 3rd Annual Clarkson Classic 5K Run/Walk drew 150 participants and raised $2,600 for the Clarkson Historical Society’s Clarkson Academy (historical schoolhouse) Restoration Project.
The race has become a fun and healthy community event bringing together families, neighbors, athletes and businesses in support of a designated local charity.
Race Director Sheldon Meyers said the successful event drew many participants, and volunteers and sponsors contributed to the success. This year’s major sponsors were Fit Club 24/7, Martin Farms, Agape Physical Therapy and Spurr Chevrolet.
Provided photos
9/25/11
SPENCERPORT
Ciranni shutout leads Rangers
by Warren Kozireski
Senior Lauren Ciranni made 14 saves and the defensive unit of Kaitlin Yaeger, Andrea Pascucci, Natalie Bevona and Karen Wetherall regularly stepped into passing lanes to help Spencerport to a 1-0 win over Hilton in girls soccer.
The Rangers jumped out to a 1-0 lead at 20:26 of the first half when Rachel Cooper pushed a perfect touch pass to Hailey Simpson who found the upper left corner of the net.
Hilton threatened in the 39th minute when Danielle Wilkin’s shot was tipped over the crossbar.
In the second half, it was Wilkins again with an opening from the top of the box, but Ciranni made the save in the 63rd minute.
The Rangers almost added to their lead three minutes later when Wetherall jumped up on the play and had her point blank shot tipped away. On the ensuing corner kick, Katie Chamberlain found Lindsay Jones in the box for another chance that was stopped.
The Cadets’ Wilkin and Nicole Schleusener worked a give-and-go in the 74th minute that was stopped and, in the final minute, it was Wilkin again with a scoring chance that was tipped away on a diving save by Ciranni. The rebound shot by Maddie Siclare was blocked to secure the win.
With the win, Spencerport improved their record to 3-3-1 and registered their first shutout of the season.
9/25/11
Rangers celebrate Senior Day with win
by Warren Kozireski
Spencerport’s girls tennis team celebrated Senior Day with their first victory of the season 4-3 over Batavia.
First singles junior Abby Buscaglia swept her match 6-0, 6-1 and sophomore Lindsay Diaz did the same at second singles 6-1, 6-3.
Senior Natalie Buck and junior Jane Mahoney rebounded after dropping their first set 6-7 to win the final two 7-6, 6-3 at second doubles. And senior Megan Szczerba with sophomore Allison Havens won at third doubles 6-0, 5-7, 6-4 to seal the match for the Rangers.
In an exhibition match senior Dominique Castano won her final home match with Jennifer Lee 6-4.
9/25/11
School News - Week of September 25, 2011
BROCKPORT
Brockport resident among those honored at homecoming
Pat E. Baker's community and professional endeavors have been recognized with the Brockport Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award. Provided photoThe College at Brockport, celebrating 175 years of history, honored alumni and other distinguished people with various awards at its annual Homecoming Awards Breakfast on Saturday, September 17. One so honored was Patricia Ellis Baker, EdD. Class of 1961 who also has an MSED and a CAS in Educational Administration from the college as well as a doctorate from the University of Buffalo. She has been active in the Brockport community since the mid 1970s. Baker, who came to teach at The College at Brockport in the Education Department in 1969, was presented with the Brockport Alumni Association’s Outstanding Service Award for her many contributions to the college, her profession and her community. Those include:
•Serving as the Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s graduate director before and after she retired from the college in 1997, Baker had responsibility for up to 1000 graduate students as well as teaching graduate courses and supervising student teachers.
•Professionally active in the New York State Council for the Social Studies, serving as President and board member and in the National Council for the Social Studies as chair of its Awards Committee among other involvements. She received the Distinguished Service Awards from both organizations.
•Locally she has served as President of the Oak Orchard Community Health Center and the Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization (BISCO) where presently she is the outgoing secretary. She is also a 16 year member of Brockport Rotary and editor of its long-standing and award winning newsletter. She is also a Lifespan volunteer, serving in the Ombudsman Program where she is assigned to the Emeritus Landing in Brockport.
•Prior to moving to Brockport in 1976, Baker taught social studies in Albion where she also was active in politics as treasurer of the Orleans County Democratic Party and a McGovern Delegate to the 1972 Democratic Presidential Nomination Convention held in Miami.
Provided information
9/25/11
College honors its own at Homecoming ceremony
Class of 61 shows its spirit even if its float featured rocking chairs. That is Patty McCullough in foreground, Bill Heyen in sunglasses and Hanny Heyen in the center. Provided photoTen persons received awards connected to service to the college, their professions and/or communities. Each is a credit to his or her profession and has contributed to the success of the college and their communities in many and diverse ways.
The ten were selected from a potential alumni population of nearly 80,000 persons living in and around Brockport as well as scattered throughout the world. Thanks go to many, especially Elaine Leshnower of Rochester, for chairing the Alumni Association Recognition Committee.
Shown left to right: College at Brockport President John Halstead, Donald Staffo (‘68), Chair of Health and Physical Education at Stillman College in Alabama; Marianne Marchlik Virgilio (‘86) current director of University Advancement Office of Trusts and Estates at the University of Rochester; Richard Amundson (‘78/’82/’84), member of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Advisory Board; Judith Wade Denio, (‘61) is retired from Niagara-Wheatfield CSD; James Denio (‘61) retired from Kenmore-Tonawanda CSD; Patricia Ellis Baker (‘61/’67/’80), retired from the College at Brockport, Department of Education and Human Development; Garth Fagan, College at Brockport distinguished professor emeritus and founder of the Garth Fagan Dance Company; Nicolette M. Depass Ferguson (‘94), principal dancer with Garth Fagan Dance; Andrew Caruso (‘61) Co-founder of Kwik Goal Ltd. and a major force in the growth of soccer in the U.S. Paul D. Fortner (‘93), 20 year member of the Brockport Police Department and College Alumni Association Board member now living out of state was unable to attend.
Oliva Burton photo
9/25/11
BYRON-BERGEN
Ribbon cutting ceremony marks completion of Byron-Bergen CSD project
Although the newly renovated Byron-Bergen Central School District has been in use since the beginning of this school year, the school district celebrated the Capital Project’s completion with area officials and community members during a ribbon cutting ceremony September 19 at Byron-Bergen High School.
Started in 2009, the $20,080,000 Capital Project included renovations to both buildings, the middle/high school and elementary school.
State Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, R-Amherst, and Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-Town of Batavia, celebrated the ceremony at the school district along with school district staff, students, parents and community members.
“The ceremony was a proud moment for our district, a culmination of hard work and patience on the part of all stakeholders,” said Byron-Bergen English/Language Arts Teacher Laurie Penepent. “The renovations have created a positive learning environment for both staff and students.”
During the celebration, Byron-Bergen School’s Singing Silhouettes, the school’s select chorus, performed “Brand New Day.” They were accompanied by Music Teachers Kevin Bleiler and Laurence Tallman.
Renovations include a new middle/high school music area for band and chorus, cafeteria, office suite and building entry; renovations to the auditorium, library and gymnasium; at the elementary school, a new school office suite and new building entry.
Additions and renovations throughout the district include technology upgrades (wireless, iPads, SmartBoards), energy saving lighting, and refurbished classrooms with new furniture.
School officials say the renovations create a better learning environment for students.
Provided by district representatives
9/25/11
HILTON
Need a drink of water?
Supporting the runners along the way at the Rochester Marathon September 18 were sixth grade students from Hilton’s Northwood Elementary School in Laura Mayer’s and Sarah Lintz’s classrooms.
“The marathon raises money for the Alzheimer’s Foundation,” Mayer said. “Students were happy to help and shared many stories of people from their own families who suffer from this disease.”
Hilton High School 2005 graduate Laura Iafrati, now a University at Buffalo medical student, finished third at the marathon, a Boston-marathon qualifier. Valedictorian and IB Diploma recipient of her class, Iafrati also captained the Girls Cross Country Team which went on six months later to win the NIKE Team Nationals in Portland, a feat that made Hilton sports history.
The Rochester Marathon had more than 3,000 entrants and 555 finishers. A 26.2-mile endurance-run, the course followed a route from St. John Fisher College to Burgundy Basin Inn in Perinton, back to the City of Rochester’s Frontier Field.
Provided photo
9/25/11
Hilton High School senior named National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist
Hilton High School Principal Brian Bartalo announces that senior Emma Steinmetz has been named a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Provided photoHilton senior Emma M. Steinmetz has been named a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. One of 969 high school seniors from New York State who have been named 2011-12 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists, she is now in a national pool for a wide array of scholarships.
Steinmetz is a candidate for the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Hilton High School. She qualified for the honor due to her high score on the PSAT/NMSQT which she took in her junior year. At the next stage of the competition, High School Principal Brian Bartalo will submit additional information about her academic progress as well as SAT scores.
The names of all honorees were announced on September 14 by the National Merit Scholarship Corp. Approximately 16,000 semifinalists were chosen nationwide. They will compete for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $34 million, with the winners to be selected next spring.
Provided information
9/25/11
SPENCERPORT
Spencerport celebrates official opening of Nature Center
More than 40 volunteers, civic leaders, staff and students celebrated the grand opening of the Spencerport School District Nature Center on September 17. The event included a presentation, vine cutting and student-led tours.
The Nature Center is a near 30-acre preserve located on the southeast corridor of the district campus. The area provides the school district and the community with a venue for learning, exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
Pictured from far left, nature conservationists, Norm and Joanne Wolfe, Spencerport students, Assistant Superintendent for Schools Daniel Milgate, Superintendent Michael Crumb, Ogden Town Supervisor Gay Lenhard and Spencerport Village Mayor Joyce Lobene.
Provided photo
9/25/11
Spencerport musicians selected to All State Ensemble
Spencerport musicians chosen for All State: from left, Mark Grassi, Brennan Cockey and Justin Burr. Provided photoThree Spencerport High School musicians have been selected to the New York State School Music Association’s All State Ensemble.
The students were chosen from nearly 7,000 musicians, who competed in statewide auditions last spring. Senior Brennan Cockey, the son of Marie and John Cockey, has been selected as a member of the All State Chorus. A member of the Spencerport Concert Choir, he also plays the saxophone in the Spencerport Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble.
Justin Burr, a junior, has been selected as one of six basses in the All State Vocal Jazz Ensemble. He sings in Spencerport’s Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz and plays trumpet in the Wind Ensemble. He is the son of Eric and Mary Beth Burr.
Junior Mark Grassi has been selected to play tuba in the All State Symphonic Band. He is a member of the Spencerport Wind Ensemble and plays bass in the Jazz Ensemble and is the son of James and Joann Grassi.
The students will perform as part of the All State Ensemble during the (NYSSMA) winter conference which will be held December 14 in Rochester. The All State Vocal Jazz will perform in Kilbourn Hall on December 3 and the All State Mixed Chorus and Symphonic Band will perform on December 4 in the Eastman Theatre
Provided information
9/25/11
Obituaries - Week of September 25, 2011
Death Notices for the Week of September 25, 2011
AREA
•Haak, David Wayne, Sr., of Parrottsville, Tennessee: formerly of Hilton, died September 10, 2011 at age 67. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Haak and Dorothy Molhoek. He is survived by his wife Debra Haak and his beloved pet companion Lexie, Parrottsville; son David W. Haak, Jr., and fiancée JoAnn Liquori, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; daughters, Laura J. (Terry) Cass, Webster, Lisa M. (Mel) Snyder, Hamlin, and Sandra L. (David) Whaley, Rochester; foster daughter, Laura L. Clary and fiancée Will Morrow, Sevierville, Tennessee; six grandchildren; brothers, Judson (Tilly) Haak, Ontario, Dennis (Gail) Haak, Conway, South Carolina.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Union Hill United Methodist Church, Webster. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at: www.manesfuneralhome.com.
•Sanderson, Deborah Joy (Redinger), of Phoenix, Arizona age 57, died September 3, 2011. Raised in Brockport, she was an identical twin. She is survived by her husband Bruce and son Scott (Nicola); as well as sisters: twin Denise (David) May of Greece, and Marilyn (Fritz) Flemming of Pinehurst, North Carolina. The twins were local musicians, winning numerous talent shows and performed as “The Mirror Image”. She was a double transplant patient who supported others like her.
A Memorial Service was held September 15 at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona. Donations can be made to Banner Hospice/Good Samaritan Med Center, 1111 East McDowell Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85006 in her memory.
BERGEN
•Harrington, William “Bill” “Toad”, Suddenly on September 17, 2011 at age 52 with his wife by his side. Predeceased by his daughter Sara Marie Harrington; He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Wendy S. (Fingland) Harrington; his parents, Harold and June Harrington; siblings, Deborah (Steve) Hardie, Richard and Harold III (Theresa Nelson) Harrington, Bonnie (Doug) Manley; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and his great niece.
A Memorial Service was held September 22 at the United Methodist Church, Churchville. Private interment. Contributions can be made to the United Methodist Church, 24 West Buffalo Street, Churchville 14428 in his memory.
BROCKPORT
Watkins, Carolee A., Peacefully on September 20, 2011 at age 48. Predeceased by her parents Kenneth and Wava Watkins. She is survived by her siblings Kim (John) Hill, Lorna (Andrew) Nuzny, Raymond (Jenny) Watkins, Hope (Dan) Wagner; several nieces and nephews and her loving Lifetime Assistance family.
A Celebration of her Life was held September 25 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockort. Private interment. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Assistance, 425 Paul Road, Rochester 14624 in her memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Zamiara, Eugenia, September 16, 2011. Predeceased by her husband Kazimerz. Survived by her sister Katarzyna Wojtkow; several nieces and nephews in Poland and many friends in Rochester. She was a member of the PNA Lodge 512, Rosary Society of St. Stanislaus, Polish Choir, Polish Self Help Association and the Polish Heritage Society.
A Mass of Christian Burial was said September 20 at St. Stanislaus Church. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
HILTON
•Buck, Alan R., On September 17, 2011. He is survived by his wife Karen; his children, Diane (Philip) Gerow and Christopher Alan (Amy) Buck; grandchildren, Shane and Luke Gerow, Claire, Leah and Audrey Buck; also his mother Grace Buck. Alan was a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran, and was a retiree of Upstate Milk Co-operative.
A Memorial Service was held September 22 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Hilton. Private interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Center, American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society in his memory.
•Lingeman, Thomas H., Suddenly, September 17, 2011, age 81. Predeceased by his wife, Laurie, 2000. Survived by his children, Tom (Peggy), Tim (Tracy) and Noreen Lingeman, and Tammy (Fraser) Ritchie; special friend Carol Starwald; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held September 22 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hilton Fire Department Exempts in his memory.
HOLLEY
•Hamilton, Gerald V., age 70, died Spetember 18, 2011 at Hildebrandt Hospice. He was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, the son of Isaac and Adele Maude Hamilton, and has lived here for many years. He worked as a cook at the Brockport Diner and lastly the Village House Restaurant. He is survived by his wife Diana Garcia; children, Karen (Noel) Vassell of Jamaica, Gerald Hamilton Jr. of Jamaica, Victoria (Brandon) Range of Tennessee, Ishmael E. Hamilton of Holley; many grandchildren; sister, Pertina Valentine Hamilton of Denmark; nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call on Monday, September 26, 2011 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Merrill-Grinnell Funeral Home, 12 Ingersoll Street, Albion where services will follow immediately at 2 p.m. Interment at the convenience of the family.
•Johnson, Sue Ellen, Peacefully, September 14, 2011 at age 60 after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents, Clara and Leonard Popplewell. She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Ken; sons, Keith (Shannon) and Shawn (Renae) and extended family members. Sue Ellen loved her family and her felines and she was an avid floral designer.
Funeral Services were held September 17 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, New York 14411 in her memory.
KENDALL
•Radtke, Donald E., Peacefully at home September 20, 2011. Predeceased by his wife, Bonnie, 1995; and his granddaughter, Kristi Nersinger; and his brother, Carl Radtke. Survived by his children, Lea Nersinger, Vicki (Grant) Bradshaw, Renee Radtke-Roberts, Jill (Rich) Williams and Wade (Megan) Radtke; sister-in-law, Wanda Radtke; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends. Don was a longtime member of Ellis Brook Hunting Club and a member of HCS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Funeral Services were held September 23 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton. Private interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Association in his memory.
NORTH CHILI
•Mason, Sheila Marjorie (Gooch), September 18, 2011. Predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Walter G. Mason, Jr.; parents Rene (O’Brien) and Harold C. Gooch; and daughter-in-law, Norma (Merriman) Mason. Survived by daughters, Dianne (Larry) Lazenby of Rochester, Wendy (Kevin) Cappiello of Malone; son, Walter (Jerry) G. Mason III of Norfolk, Virginia; four grandchildren: Keri (Stephen) Neathawk of Rochester, Scott (Trica) Lazenby of California, Kendra (Ryan) Miller, Nicholas (Ashley) Cappiello, all of Florida; three great-grandchildren: Ashlyn Neathawk, Isabella and Warren Miller; sister-in-law, Joan (Bert) Ullian of Florida; several nieces, nephews and “cousins”. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Sheila grew up in Detroit, Michigan, lived on Long Island, and in Sarasota, Florida, before moving to the Rochester area and becoming a member of the Westwood Commons “Family”. During WWII she worked as a draftswoman for Sperry Corp. She was head of Security for Gertz Dept. Store, a certified Braille transcriber for the Library of Congress and an avid golfer.
A private Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family.
•Rogers, Norma Jean (Davide), September 19, 2011 at the age of 72 with family by her side. Norma is survived by her husband Stanley Rogers; her children, Steven (Sandra) Rogers, Tammy (Craig) Almeter; grandchildren, Britney, Brandon, Emily and Nicole; sisters, Connie and Florence Davide, Gloria (Mel) Siddons, Olga (Wayne) Simone; brothers-in-law, Franklin Poole and Royce (Jackie) Rogers; sisters-in-law, Beverly Davide, Linda (Joseph) Ryan and Alice Rogers. Norma was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Ray (Claudia) Davide, Chuck (Grace) Davide, Tibero Davide, Helen Poole, Ann (Peter) Bonnacci, Mary (George) Gedek and David Davide.
A Funeral Mass was said September 22 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester 14626 or American Cancer Society in her memory.
OGDEN
•Carr, Michael J., September 21, 2011, at age 78. Predeceased by his father and mother, Michael and Katherine Carr; brother, John Carr; sister, Mary Nelson. He is survived by his loving wife, Edith (Antenozzi) Carr; daughter, Debra Carr; grandchildren, Samuel and Abigail Smith; niece, Sandra Nelson; cousin, Patrick Nagle of Florida; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert Antenozzi, Richard and Susan Antenozzi; many other nieces and nephews. Michael was a retiree of Monroe County Airport and an Air Force Veteran who served during the Korean War.
Funeral Services were held September 24 at DiPonzio Funeral Home, Gates. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lifetime Care, 3111 South Winton Road, Rochester 14623 in his memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Gangross, Edward H. Jr., August 27, 2011 at age 89. Edward was predeceased by son, Gary; wife, Gloria. He is survived by sons, Edward, Kyle and Todd; daughter, Barbara; daughters-in-law Ellen, Nancy and Joy; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was a 40 year Kodak retiree and a WWII Navy Veteran.
Interment, September 24 in Parma Corners Cemetery.
ARCHIVES - WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2011
Local News - Week of September 18, 2011
Fire district vote may be set for late November
by Kristina Gabalski
A vote on the proposed Brockport Fire District encompassing the towns of Sweden and Clarkson and the Village of Brockport might come at the end of November. Mayor Connie Castaneda said during her report at the regular Village Board meeting on September 13 that the vote might be held Tuesday, November 29. Mayor Castaneda said she has met with Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball, Sweden Supervisor Jack Milner and attorneys for all three municipalities to discuss the special election.
Mayor Castaneda emphasized the date is subject to confirmation by the Monroe County Board of Elections.
She also spoke about the public hearing on the proposed fire district held September 6, saying she felt “the presenters did an excellent job.”
Later in the meeting, Castaneda commented further on the proposed fire district. “It has always been a financial decision,” she said and added she hopes community members will spend the time before the vote asking questions. The Mayor also said she is hopeful fire department members will take an active part in educating the community.
A fire district is “what we need to do to take care of the safety of our community,” Mayor Castaneda said. “It takes politics out of it.”
The Mayor said she has always tried to make the right financial decisions for taxpayers. “This is where we are,” she said. “We are having to let go of services we cannot afford. We can’t afford the services we have or we wouldn’t be here (at this point).”
Trustee Kent Blair said he was impressed with the public hearing and presentation. “After hearing it and knowing where we are financially, I believe wholeheartedly it is the right direction to take,” he said.
He explained that the village cannot allow the Fire Department to be disrupted the same way the Brockport Ambulance has been with the loss of primary responder status to the towns of Sweden and Clarkson.
“The call volume has dropped,” Blair noted, “ ... EMT’s slowly disappear and it’s hard to get on the road at times. If the fire department is disrupted like the ambulance, we’re going to have a serious problem on our hands.”
Trustee Blair also encouraged residents to ask questions they feel might not have been answered during the public hearing.
Trustee Scott Hunsinger called the public hearing “informative and interesting.” He said members of all three municipalities must do their research and get educated before the vote.
9/18/11
BISCO supports Eagle Scout project
Korey McNees of Scout Troop 86 received the final $300 needed to complete his Eagle Scout project, a gazebo for the Barclay School courtyard.
BISCO supplied the amount which put him over the top. He raised over $2,700 for the project which he hopes to also landscape.
McNees is active in school sports and his church in addition to Scouts. He plans to go to college, enter the armed services and eventually start his own business. He thanks his parents (his father is pictured with him, left), all the service clubs and other organizations which supported him as well as all his helpers.
His goal was to have the project done before his 16th birthday, a goal that he met.
Provided photo
9/18/11
Quilt Exhibit on display at the Parma Public Library
An exhibit of quilts made by the Heart & Hand Quilt Guild is on display at the Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue, Hilton through September 30.
This local group has created and donated 184 compassion quilts to various organizations and 49 “heart” pillows to cardiac patients at local hospitals in the last year. The Heart & Hand Quilt Guild meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Ingham Room in the Village Community Center, 58 Henry Street, Hilton. New members are welcome.
This is the eleventh in a series of local area artist exhibits that have been on display at the Parma Public Library. For information on this exhibit or to inquire about displaying local art work call Rosalind Lipomi, Library Assistant, Parma Public Library at 392-8350.
9/18/11
Area Rotary Clubs support Camp Haccamo
Brockport Rotary president Lorrie D’Angelo is shown with Chuck Krause, chair of the Hike for Haccamo fundraiser to be held at Camp Eastman on Sunday, October 9 and main speaker and assistant district governor for Area 9 Bill Gormont. Krause and Gormont both are members of the Greece Rotary.
The 17 Monroe County Rotary clubs outside of Rochester support the Camp Haccamo each summer, a camping experience for 350 area children and young adults with disabilities.
The event begins with the 10 a.m. hike followed by a Josie Waverly concert and festival (including food) beginning at noon. Sponsors, hikers and volunteers are welcome. A popular option features a concert ticket ($20) included with any $100 donation which supports one camper for one day. Visit www.hikeforhaccamo.org for information.
Provided photo
9/18/11
Kendall Gazebo nears completion
The Kendall Community Park has undergone a tremendous transformation within the last few weeks. Thanks to devoted volunteers, the gazebo roof has been raised and preparations are closing in for the final touches. The cement floor will be poured soon and the front steps will be erected. Wiring of the electric is in the final stages and electricity will soon be turned on. Jeff Miller and Steve Barrett, along with many others who lent a hand in the construction and rising of the gazebo are among those who should receive the thanks of the community for their volunteerism. Town of Kendall officials, Kendall School officials, and community members have also helped over these last few weeks.
The Kendall Community Park Committee is thankful for the donations received and the community involvement they have seen. “This is truly a Community Park because the community has supported it by volunteering and making a vision come to reality,” say committee members.
9/18/11
Bergen Business & Civic Association plans Recognition Dinner
The Bergen Business and Civic Association plans a dinner to recognize community members on Saturday, October 22, at the Batavia Party House. Tickets are $20 per person with a cash bar starting at 5 p.m. and dinner served at 6 p.m. The honorees are: Anne Sapienza, Bob Patterson, David Roggow, Lori Nelson (posthumously), Peggy Denton, Paul List, Ahnie’s Angels, The Skomski Family, The Madziarz Family and the Bergen Fire Department.
For information and tickets contact: Michele Smith (Town Hall) 494-1121, Maria Rowland 494-0321, Carol Loewke 494-2415. There are a limited number of tickets and it is suggested tickets be purchased by October 1.
9/18/11
Politically Speaking - Week of September 18, 2011
Speer is Republican Primary winner for Parma Highway Superintendent
Parma Highway Superintendent Brian Speer will have the Republican Party line for the November election. Speer beat newcomer Mike Clark in the September 13 primary election for Highway Superintendent. Clark had been endorsed by the Parma Republican Committee.
The unofficial vote was Speer - 525; Clark - 475.
Clark will be on the November 8 ballot with the Conservative and Independent party endorsements.
Speer, who has served as Highway Superintendent for nearly 14 years, told Westside News Inc. in an interview for an article published previously he wanted voters to decide whether or not he would be the Republican candidate.
9/18/11
Withdrawing from race for Riga town office
In a letter for the politically speaking column, candidate Jim Ehrmentraut wrote the following:
Earlier this summer, I announced my candidacy for Riga Supervisor in the November election with the endorsement of the Democratic, Citizens of Riga and Working Man’s parties.
I wish to inform Riga residents that I have withdrawn my candidacy for this office.
I love the Riga and Churchville area, have enjoyed serving the public in many capacities including 28 years in the fire department, and the community has always been generous in its support of me and my family throughout my lifetime. I recently decided that I could not continue my campaign. I was not comfortable with the direction the campaign was taking and thus could not fully commit to it.
I wish to thank all those who have offered their support of my candidacy and shown interest in my campaign. I think we all can continue to work together on issues of importance in Riga.
Jim Ehrmentraut, Churchville
9/18/11
Feature Stories - Week of September 18, 2011
Oh, what a sight - Scenic vistas across the state
Rainbow around the bend -- off Route 2 near Troy, NY. Photograph by David KnoxLong Island Region
•Cold Spring Harbor - Route 25A
•Planting Fields Arboretum - Oyster Bay
•Sand Point Preserve - Port Washington
•Welwyn Preserve - Glen Cove
Hudson Valley Region
•DeLaVergne Hill - Amenia, Route 44 East
•Bear Mountain State Park - top lookout on Perkins Memorial Drive, Bear Mountain
•Clermont State Historic Site, Germantown off Route 9G
•Elks-Brox Park Overlook - Port Jervis off Route 97 near Hawk’s Nest
•Harvey Mountain State Forest - Austerlitz
•Minnewaska State Park - New Paltz on Route 44/55
•Olana State Historic Site - Hudson on Route 9G
•Sky Top Tower at Lake Mohonk - near New Paltz, off Route 299
•Trophy Point - West Point Military Academy, Route 9W
•Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site - Hyde Park, Route 9
•West Point Overlook - Route 9W between Highland Falls and Cornwall
The Catskills Region
•Kaaterskill Falls - Haines Falls, Route 23A
•Point Lookout - East Windham, Route 23
•Sam’s Point Dwarf Pine Ridge Reserve - Ellenville
Capital - Saratoga Region
•Corning Tower at the Empire State Plaza - Albany
•Grafton Lakes State Park, Grafton - Route 2
•John Boyd Thatcher State Park - scenic overlook, Voorheesville
•Saratoga Monument - Schuylerville off Route 29
•Saratoga National Historical Park - Stillwater, Routes 4 and 32
A favorite spot for fall leaf peeping -- Shot at Letchworth State Park by Walter Horylev. The original is printed on a metallic paper which gives the illusion of shimmer to the river.The Adirondacks Region
•Bald Mountain - Old Forge off Route 28
•Mt. Defiance - summit - Ticonderoga
•Mount Arab Fire Tower - Route 3 near Tupper Lake
•Prospect Mountain - Lake George off Route 9
•Whiteface Mountain - near the Wilmington/Lake Placid area
Thousand Islands - Seaway Region
•Henderson Scenic Overlook - Henderson Harbor on Route 3
•Salmon River Falls, Orwell off Route 22 north from Route 13
•Thompson Park - Watertown, Route 11 to Thompson Boulevard
•Thousand Islands International Bridge at Collins Landing off I-81
Central New York Region
•Chittenango Falls State Park - Cazenovia, Route 13
•Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site - Overlook Trail, Fort Hunter off Route 5S
•Round Top picnic area - Endicott, off Route 17C
•Torture Hill - at Auriesville Shrine, Auriesville off Route 5
•Vroman’s Nose, near Middleburgh, off Route 30
Finger Lakes
•Bristol Mountain - Canandaigua, off Route 64
•Chimney Bluffs State Park - near Wolcott on Garner Road
•Fillmore Glen State Park - Moravia on Route 38
•Tanglewood Nature Center - Gleason Meadows and Frenchmen’s Bluff, Elmira - 443 Coleman Avenue
•Harris Hill - West of Elmira on Route 17/86
•Harris Hill Overpass - Elmira
•Hill Cumorah - Palmyra off Route 21
•Jump off Point at Ontario County Park, Naples, Route 64
•Scenic Overlook on Route 12 in Naples
•From North Main Street in Homer along Route 41 north, through Hamlet of Scott for 10.5 miles
•Watkins Glen State Park - Watkins Glen off Route 14
Greater Niagara Region
•Devil’s Hole State Park and Whirlpool State Park, near Niagara Falls and Lewiston
•Letchworth State Park - Mt. Morris
•Orleans County Marine Park - Point Breeze
•Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls
Chautauqua/Allegheny Region
•Allegany State Park - off Route 86
•Erlandson Overview Park, Frewsburg on Oak Hill Road
•Luensman Overview Park - Portland, off Route 20
•Rock City Park - three miles south of Olean on Route 16
General leaf changing times
Color change begins in early to mid-September in the Adirondacks and Catskill Mountains regions
In the Niagara Region through the Finger Lakes Region color peaks in mid-October.
Peak color in the New York City, Westchester County and Long Island Region occurs in late October - early November
Hurricane Irene flooding
Bridge and highway closings
As of the Labor Day Weekend, many highways and several bridges on the eastern side of the state remained closed due to flooding from Hurricane Irene.
Hardest hit areas include the Capital Region, Hudson Valley Region, Mohawk Valley Region, Catskills and Adirondacks. The New York State Department of Transportation website has detailed news released and maps of affected areas. Check for closures before planning your trip. nysdot.gov - check Service Advisories and Closures and 511ny.org links as well as news release. All links located on DOT home page.
Some favorite Leaf Peeper spots
•Churchville Park
•Waterfalls in hamlet of Clarendon on Route 237
•Stuart/Chili Mills
•Genesee County Park/Forest and Interpretive Center, 11095 Bethany Center Road, East Bethany
•Route 19 south through LeRoy and into the Wyoming Valley - through Villages of Pavilion, Wyoming and Warsaw. Apple-Umpkin Fall Arts and Crafts festival in the historic gaslight Village of Wyoming is set for September 24 and 25 this year.
•Route 36 south - start in Riga and go all the way to Stoney Brook State Park in Dansville.
•Oatka Trail east from Route 19 in Town of LeRoy to Mumford
•Great Meadow at Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford.
New York State Official Fall Foliage Color reports began September 7. Visit www.iloveny.com for leaf reports.
9/18/11
Area community gatherings mark 10th anniversary of 9-11 attacks
In Brockport --
As they have every year since 2002, members of the Brockport Fire Department stood guard in a 12 hour Vigil at the Firemen’s Monument on September 11. Photograph by Rick Nicholson.
In Churchville --
The Churchville Volunteer Fire Department hosted a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at the Churchville Fire Station on Washington Street on Sunday, September 11. Community members joined fire officials in presentations in the landscaped flagpole area. Provided photo.
In Hilton --
Around two hundred residents of Hilton gathered at the Community Center in Centennial Park to commemorate the tenth anniversary of 9-11-2001 which began with remarks from organizer Reverend Jennifer Green, pastor of the United Methodist Church.
Ten speakers, clergy and lay people, who each lit a candle before speaking, gave brief messages of remembrance, prayer, reflection and hope.
Musical interludes were provided by the Parma Free Praise Band and the Hilton Baptist Church Chancel Choir.
Bernice and Alan Blossom (left) listen attentively to one of the speakers at the 10th anniversary of 9/11 proceedings held at the Community Center in Hilton.
Holding lit candles, the Hilton gathering sang “Let there be peace on earth.”
Photographs by Walter Horylev
In Spencerport --
At a 6 p.m. 9-11 Commemorative Service at the Spencerport gazebo, nearly 200 people gathered together including the Ogden Police Department, Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance Corps members, representatives of veterans groups and local clergy and elected officials to mark the 10th anniversary of the destruction of the World Trade Center Towers and the airplane crashes at the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Photograph by Charles Vaughn.
Former Marine Sgt. Mark Vaughn and his wife, Nicole (Dunshie) placed a wreath at the base of the flagpole near the Clyde Carter Memorial Gazebo during a 9-11 Remembrance Ceremony. Mark had two deployments while in the Marines, one in Iraq and the second in Afghanistan. Photograph by Charles Vaughn.
The day after the tragic events of 9/11, Brian LeSchander of Gallup Road, Spencerport says he was so profoundly disturbed he went out in his front yard and built a symbolic replica of the World Trade Center twin towers. For the tenth anniversary of 9/11, he rebuilt his 9/11 memorial saying that although the events of 9/11 were horrific, forgetting would be worse. Photo by Dave Knox
9/18/11
Student-run radio station, WBSU, to launch new website
Radio station WBSU will be launching their new website on October 6 after nearly a year’s worth of work put into it by many different hands. Designing the new site for the station has been a process that has challenged their staff to challenge themselves and attempt to exceed expectations set by their board of directors and general manager and advisor, Warren Kozireski.
Current website director Jim Weekes, from Greece (NY) says, “I love a good challenge and web design sure is challenging.” He is currently a senior communications major who is looking to intern with Disney in the spring. “Web designing is exciting because you get to just tinker around with stuff and just do a lot of trial and error,” Weekes says. “Nothing ever works the way you really want it to and you have to manipulate the code in order to get things just right ... and even then it doesn’t always work out and then you have to go at it from a different angle.”
One of the new things that the site will offer is a sleeker look and easier to navigate pages. There will be many more videos to play into the viewers and listeners wants and needs. Also, anyone visiting the site can now stream the station off of every page in their website, while before it was only offered on their home page. Weekes goes on to say, “One of my favorite things is being able to listen to not only our station, but being able to listen to the top five songs of the week from our Sunday 35 Live countdown. All in all, the entire site looks cleaner and is easier to navigate. I’m excited.”
Other things that will be held over from the old site are the homepage featuring their weekly prize giveaway (called the Freeway Giveaway) as well as all of their contact information. They will still be podcasting sports games that they broadcast, music interviews, and special news segments. Photos of all the community events the station participates in as well as events on campus will also be uploaded.
Visit www.891thepoint.com
9/18/11
New signal light poles are nice, but –
Road reconstruction in Brockport has caused a visual problem for the historic Strand Theater.
Photograph by Rick Nicholson
9/18/11
Spencerport resident marks 100th birthday
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Marking the 100th birthday of Erma Wilder (seated, center) at her church of 88 years, Parma Baptist Church are (l to r) her son, Floyd Wilder and his wife, Ruth, family friend and former neighbor Paul McGurrin and Parma Baptist Church pastor Rev. David Chhangte.There is an old saying, “Life is what you make it,” and if you ask Erma Wilder, she’ll agree - her life is a rich story. Mrs. Wilder turned 100 on September 2 and when asked how it feels to be a centenarian, she answered with a laugh, “I never thought I would get to be 100 and I thank the Lord that I’m able to get up and get going!”
Mrs. Wilder was honored at a birthday party celebration at the Parma Baptist Church where she has worshipped for 88 years. As family, church members and some of her neighbors celebrated her momentous birthday, Mrs. Wilder couldn’t believe the stories that were shared. “I had forgotten so many of these wonderful occasions,” she said.
She was born on September 2, 1911 and grew up on a farm in Hilton. As a youngster, she and her two brothers attended a one-room schoolhouse located at the intersection of Peck Road and Route 259 until her freshman year of high school when she attended Spencerport High School (the Trowbridge building).
“We got lost in that big building with three floors,” Mrs. Wilder said of the transition to a new school building.
She graduated in 1930 and began her lifelong career, hairdressing.
“For 45 years, I worked as a hairdresser and in my early days of being married, I worked two jobs, hairdressing and also in the school cafeteria. My mother was in charge of the high school cafeteria and I worked there with her every day until 2 p.m. and then I would do hair in the afternoon and evenings,” she said.
In 1933, she married Clifford Wilder and for 62 years they lived a happy life raising their son, Floyd, now a retired Baptist minister.
The Wilder family spent 31 idyllic summers at their summer cottage on Wautoma Beach in the Parma-Hilton area. Throughout the years, the Wilders practiced their faith at the Parma Baptist Church, a place that became a second home for the family.
“Our church was a fundamental part of our family, and my parents’ strong faith foundation led me to follow my own calling to become a pastor. I can remember as a small child my mother helping me to memorize scripture, the Lord’s Prayer, the Beatitudes and Psalms. My dad was a deacon, a trustee and also served on the search committee for a new pastor,” Floyd Wilder explained.
Growing up in the Wilder home meant Sundays after church were reserved for family.
“After church, Sunday afternoons were a big deal for us. In the summer, we would drive to Charlotte for an Abbott’s custard or spend the afternoon visiting my grandparents,” Wilder said.
After her husband’s retirement from Eastman Kodak Company in 1972, the couple wintered in Florida enjoying the warm weather of St. Petersburg, Largo and Clearwater.
“My husband retired and so, I had to retire, too,” Mrs. Wilder said with a laugh. “But in Florida, we met up with many of our friends from the area,” she added. That included Spencerport neighbors Dick and Doris Costine.
The Costines have lived across the street from Mrs. Wilder for 56 years. They also attend the Parma Baptist Church and describe Mrs. Wilder as a gracious neighbor.
“When our children were young, she would take care of them for us. She’s always been involved in many different church activities. She’s a gracious, caring and giving lady,” said Doris Costine.
During their time in Florida, the Costines and Wilders took bus trips and other getaways together. But it’s the time at home in Spencerport that the Costines remember most fondly.
“She would do anything for any neighbor,” said Dick Costine. (Mr. Costine is best remembered as being the owner of Dick’s Hardware located in the Village of Spencerport.)
Mr. Wilder passed in 1995, but Mrs. Wilder continues to live independently in her Spencerport village home where she can be found gardening, sewing, knitting, and reading. She also serves on the board for the Fairport Baptist Home. A picture of health, she rises each day at 7 a.m. and carefully plans her activities for the day. Some days she even drives herself to whatever she has planned.
“I love living independently. I can do what I want, when I want and however I want. I like having something in mind that needs to get done and I look forward to accomplishing something each day. I have good friends and neighbors and I appreciate what they do for me,” she added.
Spencerport resident Nance Dean has known Mrs. Wilder for 57 years. Their friendship grew when they met as members of the Parma Baptist Church and also as volunteers at the Fairport Baptist Home. Mrs. Dean expressed great admiration as she spoke of Mrs. Wilder.
“Erma is an inspiration. She is thoughtful, generous and considerate. Every Sunday, she takes home extra church bulletins and mails them to shut-ins and adds an extra note with updates from our church community. She still makes coleslaw for our church dinners. She shreds the carrots, cabbage and peppers. That’s a lot of cabbage!” Mrs. Dean added with a laugh.
Mrs. Dean also describes her friend as self-determined. “A few winters ago, Erma fell and broke her arm and wrist. She dragged herself into her house to call for help,” she explained.
Mrs. Wilder’s faith is an important part of her life; besides attending weekly church services and volunteering at her church, she’s a devout Bible reader.
“My faith keeps me going. I read my devotions every morning and evening,” she added.
Floyd Wilder describes his mother as a devoted mother, aunt, and grandmother. “She’s faithful, caring and a person who is always giving to her family. She’s a skilled seamstress and I remember the dresses she made for my cousins, daughters and granddaughters,” he explained.
Her home is scattered with photos of her large, wide-spread family. She’s the proud matriarch of one son, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, with another anticipated soon.
“It’s just wonderful,” she said with a smile when she described her grandchildren.
Those who know her know the wonderful life Erma Wilder has experienced, a kind, compassionate and rich time, one that is brimming with memories that would fill a book - a book many would love to have a page or two to live by.
9/18/11
WESTSIDE NEWS FEATURE STORY
Remembering James A. Hard - The Last Combat Veteran of the Civil War
by David Crumb, Historian
James Albert HardIn the 1940s and early 1950s Rochester and Monroe County was home to the last combat veteran of the 2,500,000 men who fought for the Union during the Civil War which took place from 1861-1865.
A social luminary, James A. Hard was Rochester’s favorite Grand Marshall for Memorial Day parades and many a local firemen’s parade in the surrounding towns and villages. When I was 8 or 9, I recall seeing him when he rode at the head of Hilton’s Firemen’s Parade.
Mr. Hard at that time was around 109 years old. He lived to the astonishing age of 111 just short a couple of months of reaching 112. He played his role like a pro. The crowd all knew him and cheered him and in turn he waved back. He was the last link to the bloody war that took almost a million lives from both sides. This past summer I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with two of Mr. Hard’s great-great grandsons; Paul Eksten, who lives in Parma and his cousin, Larry Eksten, who runs Eksten Autoworks in Greece. With their help, I was able to research Mr. Hard’s interesting life story of which I can only give a brief account in this writing.
Hard's great-great grandson, Paul Eksten, a Parma resident, holds Mr. Hard's Springfield rifle. Many medals, as well as the rifle, have been on display in the Hilton Historian's display case. Provided photoJames Albert Hard was born in Victor, NY on July 15, 1841. He was one of the oldest of 11 children. His parents were Alanson Pratt Hard and Martha Frost Hard. Alanson drove a stage coach from Rochester to Mount Morris. When Hard was still a child, his parents moved to Windsor, NY near Binghamton and bought a farm. He spent his boyhood there. When he was 20 he was working in Dryden, NY where he and some friends attended a recruiting rally. He signed up on the spot, and served with the 32nd New York Volunteer Infantry. He fought in the battles of the first Bull Run, West Point on the York River, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Antietam. Miraculously, he was never wounded.
Hard met Abraham Lincoln while attending a White House reception for soldiers. He had not yet received his uniform. When he shook hands with the President, Lincoln said, “You look like you would make a good soldier.” Young Hard tried to explain he had already enlisted, but had not received his uniform. Hard said the President’s’s hand was the size of a ham, and just about crushed his. He also saw Lincoln on the field on horseback reviewing troops. Hard said he looked comical on the horse with his feet nearly touching the ground as he rode by.
In 1865 after his honorable discharge, Hard signed up with the government as a construction worker with the rebuilding of the railroads. In 1868, he married Luduska Davis and they had one daughter, Alberta. In the 1870s he went out West for four years to look for new opportunities. His wife died in 1880 and he moved back to Rochester. He was a carpenter and builder for many years, and then became a pension attorney with an office in the old Reynolds Arcade on Main Street. He was instrumental in securing over 5,000 pensions for veterans or their widows during his career. Always an active member of the GAR (Grand Army of the Republic), he attended many of the National Encampments over the years. In 1937 he attended the national convention of GAR veterans of the Battle of Antietam, 14 of them then. In 1938, at age 97, he was present at the 75th reunion of the veterans of the Battle of Gettysburg.
As the years rolled on, Mr. Hard never let up. He took his first airplane ride at the age of 105 to attend the Grand Rapids GAR Encampment where only a few comrades were able to join him. The last and 80th encampment was in Rochester at the Seneca Hotel in 1946 with only two veterans in attendance. All of his comrades had passed along, except Albert Woolson of Duluth, Minnesota who had been a drummer boy during the war and was several years younger than Hard. Even with the sad loss of his comrades, the feisty Mr. Hard continued to press on marshalling parades, attending local events, and voting at the polls each year - a staunch Republican. He cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1864 and his last for Eisenhower in 1952.
In 2011, Masonic War Veterans marked the 170th birthday of James A. Hard at a gathering at his grave at Mount Hope Cemetery. Provided photoHe liked cigars! Hard began smoking a corn cob pipe that his grandmother made for his 12th birthday, later he turned to cigars. He smoked six to eight regularly every day throughput his long life even when he was in the hospital. When doctors suggested he stop smoking, he said “I’ll keep on living if I can keep on puffing.” And so he did. On his 106th birthday, he had help blowing out all of the candles on his gigantic cake. That year he received over 2,000 cigars which pleased him immensely as he noted that he would not have to buy any that year. Known and loved by most all of Rochester’s and Monroe County’s citizens as “The Grand Old Man,” he enjoyed his role in keeping the flame of Civil War memory alive for the public as he pressed on as the last surviving combat veteran of the Civil War. When he was in his 50s he thought he would only live to see 75, but when he was 105 he claimed he felt so good he thought he would live to see 115.
He died in March 1953 at the age of 111 of complications from the amputation of his right leg due to circulatory problems. His survivors included several grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. This year his legacy was honored when the Masonic War Veterans celebrated his 170th birthday at his grave at Mount Hope Cemetery. Parma residents Paul Eksten, Hard’s great-great-grandson, Charles Nichols, Brandon McAullife, George Wise, and David and Mari Crumb were in attendance. Hard’s Springfield rifle, and medals have been on display in the Village of Hilton’s Historian’s office window this summer for public viewing to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
9/18/11
Sports News - Week of September 18, 2011
AREA
Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day
In recognition of National Hunting and Fishing Day the Department of Environmental Conservation and Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs will co-sponsor their 40th annual celebration of the event. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 8 Headquarters located at 6274 East Avon-Lima Road in Avon, Livingston County.
Free public parking and free shuttle bus service from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. are provided. Parking location: one mile east of the NYSDEC on NYS Routes 5 and 20, then 1 mile south on Poplar Hill Road at Cleary Road.
This year’s events and displays will include:
•Department of Environmental Conservation Displays and Information
•Exhibits and Demonstrations
•Art and Taxidermy Exhibits
•Outdoor and Environmental Displays
•Trap Shooting
•Archery and Shooting Ranges
•Woodsmen Demonstrations (Sat. only)
•Duck Decoy Contest (Sat. at Noon)
•Canoe Demonstrations
•Fish and Wildlife Displays
•Food Tents
•Wildlife Artist, Painting and Carvings
•Sportsmen and Outdoor Recreation Flea Market Dealers
Sporting License Sales will be provided by: Livingston County Town Clerks Association.
In 1972, Congress established National Hunting and Fishing Day to recognize the vital role that hunters and anglers play in wildlife conservation. Several thousand people attend Region 8’s annual celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day.
9/18/11
Area residents compete for national handgun title
The top shooters in the “run-and-gun” sport of practical shooting competed in the 2011 STI USPSA National Handgun Championships.
Among the more than 650 shooters from across America, and around the world, competing for the coveted title of National Champion were local top guns Bob Urban of Livonia and Mike Cole and Jeff Curts of Spencerport.
In all, 45 states and six foreign nations were to be represented at the competition which is organized by the U.S. Practical Shooting Association, the 20,000 strong member organization that is the national governing body for the sport of practical shooting.
The 2011 STI USPSA National Handgun Championships are scheduled for September 16 through 24 at the Desert Sportsman’s Rifle & Pistol Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During competition, shooters participated in 20 stages - or courses of fire - designed to test the competitors’ speed and accuracy using multiple targets, including moving targets that swing, bob and appear briefly before quickly disappearing.
Visit www.USPSA.org for other information.
9/18/11
BROCKPORT
Brockport sweeps Batavia
by Warren Kozireski
Brockport’s girls tennis team lost just eight games total over seven matches as they swept visiting Batavia.
Senior Shanie Jeanat didn’t lose a single game at first singles winning 6-0, 6-0. Sister Skye Jeanat and Laura Wright did the same at third and fourth singles, respectively.
Freshman Alyx Hullfish took her second singles match 6-0, 6-2.
In doubles, seniors Heather Rickman and Gabby Zaccour won 6-4, 6-0; Jessica Feathers and Halee Dickinson were victorious 6-1, 6-0 at second doubles while Ruth Spragias and Alyssa Fisher won at third doubles 6-1, 6-0.
The Blue Devils improved their record to 4-1 on the season; 2-0 in divisional play.
9/18/11
Mercer goal leads Brockport
by Warren Kozireski
Junior Justin Mercer scored in the first half and Brockport defeated host Churchville-Chili 1-0 in varsity boys soccer.
After the Blue Devils threatened but shot wide right twice early in the contest, they found the net midway through the first half. Senior Ron Michael Zorn sent a corner kick into the box where Austin Farrell headed it toward the goal. Saints goalkeeper Dan Schur knocked it away but right to the head of Mercer who found the net with his header for the 1-0 lead.
“We practice the corner kicks and other timing drills,” said Mercer. “I tend to look for the header first and this one went in.”
Following an on-field scuffle and a red card for each team in the 34th minute, both were forced to play one player down for the remainder of the game.
Churchville-Chili came out of the halftime break with three scoring chances including a direct kick that sailed over the crossbar from 35 yards out in the 69th minute.
Brockport had an opportunity to add to their lead in the 74th minute when Julian Ekeze hit the post and Schur made a sprawling save on the rebound.
Senior goalkeeper Ben Olson made five saves and earned his third shutout of the season for Brockport.
“We have a solid defense and are pretty solid everywhere; we just need to keep the momentum going,” said Mercer. “They came at us a little harder in the second half so we just needed to get it in our heads that we needed to play that much harder.”
“I think our division is the toughest and you can go seven or eight teams deep with everyone about equal,” said Churchville-Chili head coach John Mahoney. “It’s going to be quite the battle.”
Brockport improved to 2-1-1 while the Saints fell to 2-2-1.
9/18/11
School News - Week of September 18, 2011
BYRON-BERGEN
Byron-Bergen High School students remember 9/11
Byron-Bergen High School students were either in preschool or early elementary school when the country was shocked by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Although they have seen the horrific images of devastation since then, on September 9 they received perhaps their most vivid reminder when the school held a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
“Remembering historical events such as 9/11 is about paying homage to those that selflessly gave and also to reflect on how a nation pulled together to help and support one another,” said Byron-Bergen High School Principal Aaron Johnson.
The school’s assembly on September 9 opened with the Singing Silhouettes performing a tribute. After the performance, students and staff watched a video presentation, including news footage from September 11, 2001.
Johnson and the school’s Student Council President Nick Prospero, a 12th grader, thanked local community members for their service, including: Director of Emergency Management Services in Genesee County Tim Yaeger, Byron Fire Chief Wayne Austin, South Byron Fire Chief Jim McKenzie, Bergen Assistant Fire Chief Jim Bridge, and local fire volunteers.
“We are recognizing our local fire and emergency heroes for their efforts during that difficult time, and for their daily commitment to the safety and well being of our community,” said Johnson who presented Austin, McKenzie and Bridge with plaques honoring their service to the local community.
Yaeger spoke to students and staff about the good things that can come out of tragedy.
“With every tragedy, good things come out of it,” said Yaeger. “Many things have changed since 9/11, including security.”
Yaeger, who began as a fire volunteer and turned his career into helping his local community, said it is with the help of the community that these ‘good things’ occur.
The ceremony in the auditorium concluded with the playing of “Taps” by 11th grader Lucas DeValder.
One ‘good thing’ coming to the Byron-Bergen community is the school district’s bus garage is now identified as an emergency facility dedicated for animals, thanks to a recent grant. Byron-Bergen CSD has served the community as a Red Cross shelter for people, so the animal shelter as a new addition is a resource for families to stay together with their pets, said Yeager. The school’s Senior National Honor Society (NHS) and Student council members hosted a reception for the local fire and emergency response personnel after the ceremony.
Provided information
9/18/11
B-B Middle School students present book reviews on TV
Byron-Bergen Middle School students participate in WXXI TV's "Homework Hotline": (front) Clare Fraser, and (left to right): Shannon Little, Lauren Burke, Dana VanValkenburg, Claire Nolan, Brittney Vincent, Margaret Graney, Ashley Cummings, Lilly Mercovich and Dominick Andres. Provided photoIn September, students from Byron-Bergen Middle School can be seen on WXXI-TV’s “Homework Hotline,” reviewing their favorite books and telling why they couldn’t put them down. Their book reviews will air Thursday, September 22, 29 and Thursday, October 6, as a special segment on “Homework Hotline,” WXXI’s statewide call-in show, where master teachers help children with homework problems right on the air. “Homework Hotline” airs on WXXI, channel 11, Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and on PBS stations across New York throughout the school year. After their broadcast debut, students’ reviews can be seen online at www.HomeworkHotline.org.
The following students are part of the project: Dominick Andres, Lauren Burke, Ashley Cummings, Clare Fraser, Margaret Graney, Lily Mercovich, Claire Nolan, Shannon Little, Dana VanValkenburg, and Brittney Vincent. WXXI’s visit to Byron-Bergen Middle School was coordinated by Middle/High School Librarian Wendy Stephany.
“Homework Hotline” has been hosting book reviews since the show launched twenty years ago, and has seen submissions from students as young as seven years of age and as old as 16. Each review is a minute and a half long, and includes a brief summary of the book, a short video, and the student’s opinions and recommendations. Students and teachers interested in participating in “Homework Hotline” book reviews can contact Lisa Famiglietti at 585-258-0392.
Provided information
9/18/11
HOLLEY
Local growers help Holley students have a healthy first day of school
Sixth grader Hope Perry selected fresh fruit for her lunch on the first day of school at Holley Elementary. A wide variety of fresh produce was provided to Holley schools by local farmers and growers. The area's apple crop is reported to be ample and excellent. Provided photoHolley students always have fresh fruits and vegetables available for their school lunches, but on the first day of school, they had a cornucopia of selections thanks to local farmers. Food Service Director Vickie Scroger contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Albion to obtain a list of local farmers then contacted the farmers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables. Many of the farmers responded by donating produce to the district.
Students enjoyed homemade coleslaw, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn on the cob, salt potatoes, a salad bar, watermelon, peaches, plums, pears, and apples. Scroger, who is employed by the district’s food service company, Personal Touch, works with local farmers as part of the New York State Farm to School Program. The program’s mission is to connect schools with local farms and food producers; strengthen local agriculture; improve student health; and promote regional food systems awareness. “I buy produce from local farmers throughout the school year for as long as they have it available,” she said. “But the start of school is when so much produce is at its peak and the variety is great, so it’s the perfect time to promote healthy eating with the students and celebrate our local farmers.”
Cafeteria staff at both schools created displays with the fruits and vegetables, and Amy Ellsmore, staff member, made signs with the names of all the local farms that participated.
Provided Information
9/18/11
Holley Class of 1945 Celebrates Reunion
The 1945 Class at Holley High School celebrated their 66th reunion August 13, 2011 at Tillman’s Village Inn, Albion. Present were (l to r): Donald Blank, Lillian (Christopher) Nenni, George Robertson, Arlene (Gaylord) Maun, Arthur Buongiorne.
9/18/11
Obituaries - Week of September 18, 2011
Death Notices for the Week of September 18, 2011
ALBION
•LaGamba, Nancy Elaine, age 54, September 10, 2011. Nancy worked at Brockport Middle School as a dedicated 8th grade English Teacher.
Predeceased by her mother Ida Mae Sandlin and sister Carol Thompson. Survived by her husband of 27 years, Ronald; father Carl Sandlin; sister Sue (Kim) Weed both of Rushford, New York; several nieces, nephews and cousins. No prior calling hours.
Contributions can be made to a scholarship fund in her name c/o Brockport Central School District, 40 Allen Street, Brockport, New York 14420. Visit www.christophermitchell.com to sign an on-line guest book.
CHURCHVILLE
•McClain, Frank H., died September 11, 2011 at age 65. Husband of Sherry McClain, and father to Marshall and Marcy McClain. Predeceased by his father Fred H. McClain, Jr. and his mother Elma (Locke) McClain. He is survived by his twin brother - and best friend - Fred L. McClain and family (Sandy, Melissa, Tom, Marie, Nathaniel, and Norah). Frank was active throughout his life in the Boy Scouts of America. He was an avid outdoorsman with a particular love for canoeing. He is also a member of the Masonic Order Wakan-Hubbard Lodge No. 154.
A Remembrance Service was held September 14 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Churchville. Private interment. Contributions can be made to The Boy Scouts Juniata Valley Council, 9 Taylor Drive, Reedsville, Pennsylvania 16875; the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, 1400 Winton Road North, Suite 1, Rochester, 14609; or the American Diabetes Association, 160 Allens Creek Road, Rochester 14618 in his memory.
HILTON
•Corney, Shirley J. DeVoe “Sha”, October 10, 1915 - April 9, 2011.
A Life Celebration was held September 17, 2011 at Braddock Bay Park, Greece.
•Hull, Harriett C., of Wilmington, North Carolina, died August 30, 2011. Mrs. Hull was a long-time resident of Hilton having lived there from 1946-1966. Mrs. Hull was a member of Hilton Methodist Church, volunteer at Lakeside Hospital in Brockport, former member of the Hilton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Hilton Book Club and served on the Election Board for many years. Surviving are her husband of 71 years, Joseph W. Hull; children, Nancy J. Hull of Oakland, California, JoAnn (Mark) Stephens of Cogan Station, Pennsylvania and John (Mary) Hull of New York, New York; grandchildren, Joseph (Reba) Troxell of Westerville, Ohio and Kevin Hull of Wilmington, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Quinn Troxell and her sister, Dorothy Bayline of Smethport, Pennsylvania.
A Memorial Services was held in Wilmington, North Carolina. Contributions can be made to Parma Public Library or Hilton Fire Department in her memory.
•Parcells, Mia Rose, Became a heavenly angel with her beloved sister, Noel on September 6, 2011. Survived by her loving mother, Marcie; her grandparents, James and Jerilyn “Jeri” Cobb, Dorothy (Bud) Thayer and Phillip Parcells; aunts and uncles, Tera (Jon) Strauss, Derek Cobb, David (Kelly) and Marie Parcells; great-aunt and uncle, Janine (Gravelle) (Andy) Lee; cousins, Allyson, Olivia, Sophia and Ella Strauss, Andrew (Valerie), Erin, Stephanie, Joseph and Kevin Lee, Mark (Olivia), Addyson and Joseph (Jessica) Gravelle; Raechel and Theresa Coffey, mother and grandmother of Noel Parcells.
A Funeral Mass was said September 13 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Hamlin. Interment, Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Hunter Resch Foundation, P.O. Box 16810, Rochester, 14616 in her memory.
NORTH CHILI
•Martone, Carmel L. “Carm”, died September 10, 2011. Carmel is predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Lucille Martone. She is survived by her daughter, Heather (Brian) Pease; grandchildren, Devon Martone and Benjamin Pease; sisters and brother, Martha (James) Kelsey, Steven (Mary) Martone and Mary Helen Hart; nieces and nephews, Jaime, Josh, Gabrielle Kelsey, Courtney, Elizabeth Martone, Elise, Kyla Woods and Amyah Davis.
Her Memorial Service was celebrated September 16 at Calvary Chapel of the West Side, Spencerport. Interment Private. Donations can be made to Rock Ministries, P.O. Box 1651, Rialto, California, 92377-1651 in her memory.
OGDEN
•Azzolina, Sharon A. (Kukura), September 9, 2011. Sharon is predeceased by her husband, Robert Azzolina and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Azzolina. She is survived by her sons, Daniel (Joanne) Azzolina and Douglas Azzolina; granddaughters, Olivia Azzolina and Grace Azzolina; sisters and brother, Donna Wallace, Marylou (David) McLean, Jeff (Anne) Kukura and Margaret (Michael) Magin; sisters-in-law, Gail (Steve) Martin and Karen Azzolina; cousin, Julie (David) Ras; many nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated September 13 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment St. John the Evangelist Cemetery. Donations can be sent to Gilda’s Club Rochester NY, 255 Alexander Street, Rochester, NY 14607 in her memory.
SPENCERPORT
•White, Edgar T. “Ed”, September 12, 2011. Ed is predeceased by his parents, Earl and Alice White; sister, Avril Santangelo. He is survived by his nephew, Mark (Tammy) Santangelo; niece, Donna (Jim) Putney; several great nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Ed was a life long member of the Ogden Historical Society.
A Graveside Service was held September 17 at Fairfield Cemetery, Spencerport. Donations can be sent to American Diabetes Association, 160 Allens Creek Road, Building 160, 1st Floor, Rochester, New York 14618 in his memory.
Archives - Week of September 11, 2011
Local News - Week of September 11, 2011
Registered Parma Republicans can vote in Sept. 13 Primary
All polling locations in Parma will be open Tuesday, September 13 for registered Parma Republican voters to cast ballots for the Republican Candidate for Parma Highway Superintendent.
Polls are open from noon to 9 p.m.
Candidates seeking the Republican endorsement are incumbent Brian Speer and challenger and committee designated candidate Mike Clark.
9/11/11
Chili posts QR codes for info
Town officials hope new signs will lead to better communication in Chili. The signs include a square pattern and the words “Chili QuickConnect.”
“We looked at the popularity of smartphones as an opportunity to get information in the hands of our residents,” said Christopher Levey, Chili’s Director of Information Services. “We are using QR code technology on signs to direct smartphone users to information they may find useful when near one of the signs. For example, the sign at Union Station Park takes the user to a website that tells them how to rent the lodge at that park. Each sign is different.”
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of barcode. When a smartphone user with appropriate software uses their camera to take a picture of a QR code, they are directed to a website represented by the code automatically. “This is another opportunity to get information in the hands of our residents,” said Supervisor David Dunning.
“I would like to see this catch on with area businesses. A coffee shop could put a QR code in their window to show their menu, for example.”
Provided information
9/11/11
Two Brockport firefighters to be honored for acts of heroism
On September 13, Liberty Mutual Insurance will host a ceremony honoring Brockport firefighters Tim Russell and Bill Connors for recent acts of heroism including saving a 9-year-old boy’s life and stopping a fire from completely destroying a home.
On Tuesday, September 13, at 7 p.m. at the Brockport Fire Station, located at 38 Market Street, Brockport, the two will be recognized for their efforts.
Lt. Tim Russell, along with two police officers, coaxed the boy into jumping from the second floor window of a burning house in order to save him from peril. He was alerted by the boy’s 12-year-old sister who was left alone at the house with the boy.
Bill Connors was a Brockport Firefighter for over 50 years. Still involved with the department in a support role, he was at his home when a call came for a fire two blocks away. He ran to the house, and with a garden hose, kept the fire from spreading until the first truck arrived. Because of his action, the damage was minimal.
For their innovative approach to keeping Brockport residents safe from fires, Tim Russell and Bill Connors will receive the Liberty Mutual Firemark Award for Heroism, as presented by Liberty Mutual Agent Matthew Reiter from the company’s Greece office.
9/11/11
Brockport Fire District info meeting draws large crowd
by Kristina Gabalski
A large crowd of more than 100 people came out to learn more and ask questions about the formation of a joint Brockport/Sweden/Clarkson Fire District during a public hearing held Tuesday, September 6 at the A.D. Oliver Middle School Auditorium.
The meeting began with a 50 minute presentation covering the history of the Brockport Fire Department; the purpose of the public hearing; an explanation of the Fire District proposal; frequently asked questions and the upcoming mandatory referendum in which voters will decide if the Brockport Fire District will be created.
Sweden Council member Patricia Connors, who presented on the Fire District Proposal and the Mandatory Referendum, said all three municipalities have determined a fire district is in the best interest of all residents. She said officials are hopeful the referendum will be held as part of the November general election, but the County Board of Elections is trying to work out a problem regarding areas of the Town of Clarkson covered by the Walker and Hilton/Parma fire districts.
Connors also said the state is working to determine if the vote will be cumulative or if each municipality must agree separately in order for the fire district to be approved.
“If the vote fails,” she said, “the towns and village will not go back to the way it was before (with the towns contracting with the Village of Brockport for fire protection services).”
Connors explained that with the towns covering 78 percent of the 2011 fire budget of $729,100.00, the village would end up needing to contract with an outside provider for fire protection if the fire district is voted down. She noted that the village would need to maintain much of its equipment because of the SUNY campus and the downtown business district and that “down-sizing” would affect insurance rates.
Connors also discussed benefits of forming a fire district which included the Brockport Fire Department’s long-time goal of creating a fire district; a fire district would allow firefighters to remain together; all tax dollars collected for fire protection would be used for fire protection; assets would belong to all taxpayers and residents would continue to receive the same fire protection service they always have.
Village Trustee Margaret Blackman presented on Frequently Asked Questions and began by telling the audience why she is now in favor of a fire district after taking a stance against it during her recent election campaign.
“We were faced with two choices: Either join or go it alone. Financially (the village) could not go it alone. I think it is going to be just fine,” she said.
Blackman noted that while fire district budgets are not subject to voter approval, “they are subject to a public hearing and any borrowing is subject to a mandatory referendum.” The new two-percent property tax cap imposed by the state does apply to fire districts, Blackman emphasized.
Taxes for the fire district will appear on a separate line on the town and county tax bill, labeled “Brockport Fire District,” Blackman said.
With three municipalities sharing the cost and the two percent property tax cap, a fire district should not cost substantially more than the current set up with the towns contracting with the village, Blackman said.
During the second half of the meeting, officials took comments and questions both from audience members approaching the microphone and questions and comments written on index cards. The cards were then read and responses provided.
One resident stated via index card that with no current fire district budget, the new tax cap would not apply and that commissioners would be tempted to create a larger than necessary budget the first year. Officials responded that there are “ provisions in the new law for services transferred from one government entity to another.”
Another written question asked why the towns are threatening to abandon the village if a fire district is rejected. “The boards believe a fire district is the best way forward. We will not return to the old way of doing business,” was the reply.
Brockport resident and former mayor Josephine Matela stated that the public hearing was a “contentious event” and told members of all three boards, “this is not getting along, I’m sorry to see it come to that - if you don’t like what we are doing then we are out of here. I don’t think the homework has been done. I’m very disappointed. What have you done to make things better?”
Rhett King, who also lives in the village, said a fire district is what is best for both the community and for firefighters.
He said firefighters have been “torn apart by infighting. We’ve trusted these fire fighters with our lives, we have to trust them in this decision (to form a fire district).”
King’s comments were met with applause.the community and for firefighters.
9/11/11
Hilton grocery store sold to Tops
by Kristina Gabalski
Rick Furnal, owner of Furnal’s Fresh Market in Hilton, says he was not in a position where he had to sell the family business, but the opportunity provided by Tops is one that rarely presents itself.
Tops Friendly Markets announced September 1 that it has entered into a purchase agreement with Furnal’s, located at 98 South Avenue in Hilton village.
“It allows my dad to sell the plaza,” Furnal explains, “and brings a first-class supermarket operator to the community.”
Furnal says Tops has offered employees the option of applying for continued employment. The store has approximately 32 full-time and 50 part-time employees.
“I don’t know yet about my future plans,” Furnal says. “I’d like to work a few more years. Tops could be an option,” he notes, but adds the process of selling and closing his business could take some time.
Furnal emphasizes that the store will stay open throughout the transition. A point also confirmed by Katie McKenna of Tops who told Westside News Inc., “There will be no interruption of service.”
McKenna says Tops is committed to providing the community with a neighborhood grocery store. “We know the store is important to community members,” she says. “We want to live up to the foundation of giving back to the community and being a part of the community.”
Frank Curci, Tops Markets president and CEO, said in a prepared statement that Tops plans to continue the tradition of providing shoppers with an exceptional shopping experience. “Customers will see increased variety, exceptional value and savings in an overall upgraded store setting.”
Closing on the purchase is expected to take place in the next 30 days, Tops officials say, following which the store will undergo a major renovation including new interior and exterior signage, a new storefront and update of decor.
Katie McKenna notes the store will stay open during the renovation work which is expected to take a few months.
Rick Furnal admits he gets emotional when thinking about selling the business that has been a fixture in Hilton for decades.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to operate a business in this community.” He thanks everyone for their years of support.
9/11/11
Politically Speaking - Week of September 11, 2011
Jensen announces bid for Hamlin supervisor job
Independent voters of Hamlin have placed Tommy E. Jensen on the Liberty Party line as their candidate for Hamlin Town Supervisor. The Democratic Party and the Working Families Party have also designated Jensen as their candidate. He has also been publicly endorsed by the Green Party of Monroe County.
Jensen, 58, is a lifelong resident of Hamlin and currently serves on Hamlin’s Planning Board. He has regularly attended Hamlin Town Board and support board meetings since 2003. He has also been a member of Hamlin’s Zoning Code Committee, Wind Tower Committee, and Playground Committee. He is a past President of the Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Jensen and his wife, Karen, have been married since 1980 and they have two daughters and four grandchildren. Tom and Karen have also been regular participants and contributors to Hamlin’s annual Haunted House.
He believes an open town government will better assist its residents and local businesses and invites everyone to participate in the process of running the town. “I’m running for Hamlin Town Supervisor to restore credibility and trust in Hamlin’s government. We have a great town with outstanding residents. We should be proud of what we have and let everyone know who we are. I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Hamlin and putting Hamlin first. I am the right man for this job and I’d appreciate your vote in November.”
Provided information
9/11/11
Feature Stories - Week of September 11, 2011
Hilton celebrates with Apple Fest October 1-2
The Village of Hilton will celebrate the apple harvest and kickoff the month of October with its 31st annual Hilton Apple Fest. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 1-2, from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Free family entertainment will be presented at the Kids Korner, in addition to the Gazebo and Main stages. There will be entertainment for everyone in the family covering a wide range of favorites, from Gary the Happy Pirate, to the Skycoasters and Invictas.
The festival will also feature Corey’s Apple Pond, face painting, a farmers market, a display of this year’s “Apples, Apples, Apples” photo contest entries and more than 200 vendors offering unique and handmade crafts and apple treats. A crowd favorite, Hot Apple Crisp, is available for purchase at 12 noon each day and always sells out fast.
One of Rochester’s largest and final auto shows of the season will be held on Saturday. This year’s theme will focus on the antique car classes, a favorite of auto lovers everywhere.
A variety of foods and apple treats will be offered to benefit local non-profit organizations. Official 2011 Apple Fest Souvenirs featuring the 2011 logo, designed by Jasmine Almeter of Holley will also be available for purchase. As always, admission is free. Parking and a free shuttle bus with disability access will be available at Hilton High School, 400 East Avenue in Hilton. Further details are available online at www.hiltonapplefest.org calling 585-392-7773, or finding the Hilton Apple Fest on Facebook. Watch for your complete guide to Hilton Apple Fest coming September 25 in Suburban News and The Hamlin-Clarkson Herald.
9/11/11
Off to School
Off to school for Hamlin quints The Barreiro quintuplets from Hamlin started their first day of kindergarten September 7 at the Ginther Elementary School, Brockport. Left, Dad, Carlos, snaps a photo of the quintuplets as they get ready for the school bus: (from left to right) Jomar, Emealis, Daron, Zoraelis, and Lysmarie. In the back are Mom, Marisol, and big sister Soleemar. Soleemar goes to the Hill School.
Part of the excitement of the first day of kindergarten for any child is boarding the school bus for the ride to school. At right, The Barreiro quintuplets Lysmarie (on bottom step), top, left to right -- Daron, Jomar, Emealis, Zoraelis. After the children were off to school, Mom and Dad, Marisol and Carlos, were alone at their house. All they could say was “now it will be too quiet.”
Photographs by David Knox
9/11/11
Angel Food provides quality food at affordable prices
by Kristina Gabalski
It’s an organization dedicated to providing affordable, high quality food to those in need and this past May, St. John Lutheran Church in Hamlin became a local host site for Angel Food Ministries.
The non-profit, non-denominational organization was established in 1994 to provide relief for struggling families in the area of Monroe, Georgia. Since that time, Angel Food Ministries has fed more than 22 million Americans and today, hundreds of thousands of families in 45 states are served by Angel Food which provides individuals and families with fresh, brand name food for a fraction of the price.
Larry Freitag is director of the St. John host site. “Everybody and anybody,” wanting to stretch their food dollars can utilize the service, he says. Freitag notes that with a struggling economy, the need for Angel Food is growing.
“Food dollars need to be stretched,” he says. “People need help.”
There are no income requirements for Angel Food Ministries or program qualifications, Freitag says. The organization accepts SNAP and there is no limit to the quality of food boxes an individual can order.
“There are no restrictions,” Freitag says, “as long as you can pay ... we accept New York State Food Stamps.”
Angel Food purchases items in bulk, directly from some of the top suppliers in the country and food is discounted by up to 50 percent of retail. A “Bread of Life” Signature Box, for example, contains ten pounds of meat including stuffed chicken breast cordon bleu, lasagna with meat sauce, french fries and seven pounds of vegetables for $35.
Freitag says Angel Food Ministries offers a wide selection of prepackaged boxes containing top quality food staples from every food group, including chicken and beef, milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits. “Each of the regular boxes is meant to feed a family of four for about a week,” Freitag says. A single individual might only need one box per month.
Menu selections vary each month and consist of both fresh and frozen items. Freitag says there are boxes geared towards children, convenience meals, shelf staples and monthly specials boxes. Monthly specials for September include a five pound steak special, a six pound chicken special and a premium fresh fruit and vegetable box.
“Seniors love the Golden Cuisine convenience meals,” Freitag says. “They can just pop them in the microwave. They are also great for single and working parents.”
He notes the quality of the food is consistently excellent. “What you see this month is what you will get next month,” Freitag says.
Boxes can also be purchased for donation to child care centers or to various charities, he explains.
Anyone wishing to learn more about how to utilize Angel Food’s services can visit angelfoodministries.com to find a host site.
Freitag says on the website you can punch in your zip code and 10 to 15 host sites in your area will pop up. Menus are available and orders can be made on-line, “You can pick the spot (host site) to pick it up,” Freitag says.
St. John Lutheran Church in Hamlin has pick-ups the last Saturday of the month (September 24 this month). Orders are due the previous week and must be pre-paid (September 18 this month). The church is located at 1107 West Fork Lake Road in Hamlin.
Freitag says orders can be prepaid on-line or interested persons can contact him directly for menus and ordering: larmelfreitag@aol.com, 507-2783, or at the church, 964-2550.
9/11/11
New pastor welcomed at North Chili church
The United Methodist Church of North Chili welcomes their new pastor Rev. Dr. Wilfredo J. Baez. Dr. Baez, who has been a United Methodist pastor for the past 15 years, comes to the church after six years at First United Methodist Church of Gouverneur. He holds a M.Div. in Theology from Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School, a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Columbia Pacific University and is a candidate for a Ph.D. in Pastoral Psychology and Theology from the Graduate Theological Foundation and Psychology (Communications) from the University of Central Nicaragua. He previously was employed for 20 years in the Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Fields.
Dr. Baez comes to the United Methodist Church of North Chili with the plan of assisting the church in its vision and mission of being a church that welcomes and includes all those wanting to engage Christ Jesus and his teachings. In particular, he desires to see the United Methodist Church of North Chili become multi-cultural and multi-ethnic, culturally and theologically inclusive, and justice-oriented. Part of his plan is to reach out, as a currently primarily Anglo church to include people of other cultures and those who may feel disenfranchised by the church in general. Rev. Baez is married to Marcia Cotton for 25 years and has two children, Nicolas, 20 and Rebeca, 18, both of whom attend the State University of New York College at Potsdam.
Provided information
9/11/11
Sports News for September 11, 2011
Area
Karate rank awarded
Shihan Mike Monaco of the Rochester-based karate organization, USA-IFK, was awarded a 7th degree black belt by his professor of Karate, a 10th degree black belt.
During the USA-IFK summer camp held every other year in Rochester, the founder and karate legend of the International Federation of Kyokushin Karate, Hanshi Steve Arneil, awarded the rank and stated that “After all these years there are only two 7th degree black belts within our international organization, one in Russia and now in the USA.”
Shihan Mike Monaco hosts the longest running tournament in the Northeastern USA, the 20 year old American International Karate Championships held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. This year’s tournament is to be held on Saturday, October 1.
Provided information
9/11/11
Bees win Kendall Tourney on kicks
by Warren Kozireski
Byron-Bergen and host Kendall played to a 0-0 draw in the championship game of the Eagles’ boys soccer tournament before the Bees won the title in penalty kicks 6-5 at Jurh’s Field.
Byron-Bergen advanced to the final when they scored three goals in the first five minutes and held on to defeat Bishop Kearney 3-2 in the semi-final. Just 39 seconds in, Austin Richardson crossed a pass to Clayton Lovelace who one-timed it into the net for a 1-0 lead.
At 3:58, defender Josh Lathan passed the ball from midfield to Richardson who found Nick Prospero for the goal and, less than one minute later, Destry Mulley scored off a rebound from a Lovelace shot to stake the Bees to a 3-0 advantage.
Bishop Kearney scored in the 32nd minute and again in the 46th to pull to within a goal and had a potential tying goal denied on a sprawling save by Bees keeper Jeff Maskell with seven minutes remaining.
“We played great for the first six minutes and then we tried to get the younger players into the game and it made for a nervous period,” said Bees first year head coach Chris Howard. “Jeff has a lot of faith in his backfield and he’ll prove to be one of the better goalkeepers in the league this year.”
In the other semi-final, Kendall erupted for three second half goals to defeat Mt. Morris 4-1 and advance to the final.
In the 12th minute, Tim Elphick sent the ball from midfield into the offensive zone where Bryan Urquhart deflected it to Kyle Shaw who put the ball under the crossbar for the early 1-0 lead.
Mt. Morris tied it four minutes later, but the Eagles stormed out of the halftime break with three tallies when Urquhart deked around the defender and scored from the left corner of the box with an assist from Mike Nauden in the 45th minute.
The Eagles made it 3-1 on a rebound goal by Nauden off a long direct by Kyle Shaw in the 63rd minute. They finished the scoring when Alex Sutphen snuck his corner kick from the right corner inside the near post in the 78th minute.
“I am pleased that we played a well-rounded game and played well together,” said Eagles head coach Steven Miller. “We switched up tactically in the second half moving Urquhart to the backfield to mark their best player - that was the key.”
9/11/11
Churchville-Chili
Saints netters sweep
by Warren Kozireski
Churchville-Chili girls’ volleyball squad overcame a late first game deficit and went on to sweep host Spencerport 25-18, 25-10, 25-17 and improve their record to 2-0.
After C-C built a four point lead in game one, Spencerport took advantage of several Saints miscues to lead 17-15. But a kill from Becca Youngman and consecutive aces by freshman Stephanie Stefanovski sparked the Saints comeback.
Junior setter Alley Stefanovski had a kill and two aces while Carly Lyon added three kills in the game two C-C victory.
In the third and final game, the Saints built a 15-5 lead before the Rangers went on a 12-4 run to pull within two points led by two kills and an ace from Emily Leone and a pair of kills by Rachel Least. But a Saints kill by Rebekah Smith and two aces by Stefanovski clinched the game and the sweep.
Churchville-Chili spread the offense around with Youngman leading with eight kills and Lydon and Smith each adding six. Alley Stefanovski dished out 21 assists with four aces while Kate Ritchie led the team with eight digs and added five assists.
For the 1-1 Rangers, Leone led with nine kills, Rebekah White had 15 assists and libero Jordan Shea led all players with 10 digs.
9/11/11
Saints sweep doubles
by Warren Kozireski
With one senior and five sophomores, Churchville-Chili swept all three doubles matches and defeated Spencerport 5-2 in girls tennis.
Senior Ashley Rudd and sophomore Carolyn Fasone won at first doubles in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
Courtney Maysick and Jenny Gallo won at second doubles 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 and third doubles partners Katie Gardner and Abby Hykand recovered after losing their first set to win 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
The Saints also won first singles behind eighth-grader Ayssa Brault 7-5, 6-2 and third singles 6-3, 6-0 by senior Brianne Lilly.
Spencerport’s Lindsay Diaz won at second singles 7-5, 7-6 (7-4) and senior Amber Surowy won in straight sets at fourth singles 6-3, 6-3.
9/11/11
Hamlin
Second Annual 5K run/three mile walk in Hamlin
Life Solutions of Hamlin invites participants to join in the 2nd Annual Run/Walk on Saturday, September 24.
The start line and registration is located in the Hamlin Library Parking Lot (on the west side, near Krony’s Pizza) on Clarkson Hamlin Town Line Road.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. Entry fee is $10 or sponsor ($10 minimum). Run starts at 10 a.m. Walk starts at 10:05 a.m.
Prizes, pizza and beverages available after the run/walk.
For information/registration/sponsor forms call (585) 964-7420.
All proceeds benefit Life Solutions of Hamlin Food Pantry.
9/11/11
Hilton
Cadets fall to R-H
by Warren Kozireski
After losing two All-County selections to graduation, the Hilton boys volleyball team dropped their season opener to defending Division I champion Rush Henrietta 25-13, 25-21, 25-22 in a non-conference match.
The Cadets had trouble finding consistency on offense with just seven points earned on kills in the first game loss.
Senior Sean Conte had three kills and a block to keep his team in game two before they were outscored in the second half of the contest 13-9.
Playing against several subs in the third game, Hilton led 20-16 on three kills and an ace on consecutive points by AJ Davids before the Comets starters returned with a 9-2 run to finish off the three game sweep.
Conte led the Cadets with nine kills with three blocks and seven assists while Davids had six kills.
“I just moved Davids from the middle to the outside last week and our middle just started playing volleyball this year, so it will take some time for us to jell,” said 11-year head coach Rob Steinorth. “That plus having just four seniors and the players just promoted from junior varsity this year and they need to learn how to play together.”
9/11/11
Holley
Hawks gut out 27-20 win
by Warren Kozireski
Holley senior Kacee Sauer ran for 129 yards and threw a 65 yard third quarter touchdown pass to Vicente Verhagen for what would prove to be the game-winning points in a 27-20 victory over Oakfield-Alabama. The game marked the season opener for both teams. The Hawks advanced to the Class C finals last season.
Playing in 80+ degree heat, the Hawks lost three starters to dehydration in the first half and had to piece together their lineup for the remainder of the contest.
The Hawks got on the board first after Nick Cuccaro blocked a punt giving his team the ball at the opponent 10 yard line. Sophomore quarterback Corey Winter scored on a three-yard keeper on third down and Cadizsh Norford converted the two-point play for an 8-0 lead.
In the second quarter Eddie Kane kicked a 32-yard field goal to put the Hawks up 11-0.
But the Hornets scored touchdowns on two consecutive possessions to take a 14-11 lead.
Holley rebounded just prior to halftime with a drive from their own 40 yard line highlighted by a Sauer to Phillip Haughton 35 yard completion down the right sideline. Kyle Bell ran the ball in from 15 yards out and Sauer converted the two point play with a three yard bull rush to put the Hawks up 19-14 at halftime.
O-A converted a fourth and goal for a third quarter touchdown to take a 20-19 lead after the two-point attempt failed.
Sauer then found Verhagen on third down from their own 35 yard line and added the two-points with a three yard run for the final points of the contest.
Holley’s defense held on downs twice in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Steven Barney was credited with a team-high ten tackles, a quarterback sack and fumble recovery while Mike Silvis had nine tackles with a sack and fumble recovery.
Holley is back home to face Attica on September 17.
9/11/11
Spencerport
Spencerport Rangers 12U Compete
The Spencerport Rangers 12U travel baseball team competed in the MCBR National 3 Division during the 2011 regular season and went undefeated in their playoff bracket, winning the playoff championship. Shown, (front row) Aidan Eldridge, Jim DePetres, Danny Bevona, Peter Mancuso, Ryan Frazer; (middle row) Nathan Hwang (tournament player), Steven Holko, Ryan Gentile, Jarod Barnard, Tyler Dellina, Trevor Lane; (back row) Coach Mancuso, Coach Gentile, Coach Lane. Not pictured: Nick Dennison, Cam Fox and Coach Dennison.
Provided photo
9/11/11
Obituaries - Week of September 11, 2011
Death Notices for the Week of September 11, 2011
Bergen
•Reynolds, Merton A., September 3, 2011, age 95. Mert was a courier for Curtis Burns, until age 90. Father of Richard Reynolds of Bergen, Gary (Bernie) Reynolds of Blacksburg, Virginia, James (Robyn) Reynolds of Irvine, California, Donna Pringle of Bergen and Sharon (John) Lohan of Gates; step-father of Dennis (Barbara) McCarthy of Cheektowaga; grandfather of nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services were held September 10 at Bergen United Methodist Church. Contributions can be made to Bergen United Methodist Church, 27 South Lake Street, P.O. Box 216, Bergen, New York 14416, or to Bergen Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 428, Bergen, New York 14416 in his memory.
Brockport
•Kretchmer, Louise, September 3, 2011 at the age of 91. Predeceased by her parents Lillian and Fred Epke, husband William Kretchmer and brother Harris Epke. She is survived by her children Nancy (Laurence) Kaplan, Mary Ann (Paul) Nichol and James (Penny) Kretchmer; grandchildren Jake (Kim) Nichol, Kevin (Heather) Nichol, Laurie (Brian) McFetridge and Jeffrey (Mindy) Kaplan; great grandchildren Lennon and Grace Nichol, Virginia Nichol, Michael and Katherine McFetridge, Cooper Kaplan; sister-in-law Ruth Leistman.
Funeral Services were held September 8 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment, Lake View Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Rochester’s Child, 500 East Avenue, Rochester 14607 in her memory.
•Schweinfurth, David L., age 63, of Wakeman, Ohio, formerly of Sandusky, Ohio and Rochester, died September 1, 2011, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; three daughters, Katie and Stacey of Rochester, and Carie Zimmerman; grandson, Trenton.
A Memorial Service was held September 10 at Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Sandusky. Another Memorial Service will be held on Saturday September 17, at 11 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin. Memorial contributions can be made to the “David Schweinfurth Memorial” c/o Bonnie Schweinfurth at any KeyBank branch. Your memories or words of comfort can be expressed to David’s family at www.davidfkoch.com.
Byron
•Dodson, Charles E. Jr., On September 3, 2011, at the age of 56. Predeceased by his father Charles “Corky” and his brother Phillip. He is survived by his mother, Muriel Smith Dodson; children Chuck (Collette), David, Zach, Amanda, and Jessica; three grandchildren; brothers, Todd (Barb), Joe (Kelly); several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held September 8 at the Fowler Funeral Home, Inc., Brockport.
Churchville
•Ehrmentraut, Monica C. (Steimer), On September 7, 2011 with family by her side. Monica was predeceased by her daughter-in-law, Margaret (Haak) Ehrmentraut; granddaughter, Erin Marie Keenan. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Eugene L. Ehrmentraut; children, Eugene J. (Margaret) Ehrmentraut, Suzanne (Jim) Keenan, Jim Ehrmentraut, Patti Ehrmentraut, Robert (Stacy) Ehrmentraut; grandchildren, Jesse (Lisa) Keenan, Nickie (John) Anadio, Josh Keenan, Lindsay (Adam) Vogler, Lauren (Ryan) Musshafen, Holden Ehrmentraut; three great-granddaughters; brothers, Joseph (Celia) Steimer, William Steimer, George Steimer; sister-in-law, Catherine Dobbertin; many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated September 10 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Churchville. Interment St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Churchville Fire Department or Churchville Lions Club in her memory.
Hamlin
•Harris, Sarah L., suddenly August 28, 2011 at age 81. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Daniel; children, Lillian, Robert, Leroy, Leonard, Elizabeth, Johnny, Arthur, Kenneth, Cynthia, Nathaniel, Terry; 25 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; brothers, Arthur and Harry McKenzie and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held September 3 at Lawson Road Church of Christ, Rochester. Private Interment. Contributions can be directed to the American Diabetes Association in her memory.
Hilton
•Cook, Lee V., Died August 31, 2011 after a brief illness at age 90. Predeceased by three brothers; and three sisters; and brother-in-law, Bob Seger. Survived by his devoted wife, Joyce Cook; loving daughter, Patricia Bork (Roy); loving son, Rick (Diane) Cook; sisters-in-law, Linda Kennedy, Dawn Seer; grandchildren, Herc (Heather) Brown, Crystal (Mike) Zona, Diana Bork (Brad Colletti), Shannon Cook, Jaimee Cook; great-grandchildren, Bethany Bojinoff, Antonio Zona, Dominick Zona, Andrew Steiner, Audrey Brown, Nora Brown; nieces and nephews, Christian Kennedy, Jean-Paul Kennedy, Amanda Kennedy, Todd Seger, Lance Seger, Robin Lapp, Les Cook. Predeceased by special niece, Jennifier Kennedy. Lee was a retiree of GM, he was a WWII Veteran having served in the Mediterranean Theatre and was a member of the American Legion Post.
Funeral Services were held September 4 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Interment, September 6 at Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
•Kuitems, Deborah M., Suddenly August 31, 2011, age 55. Survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Gerry Meisenzahl; her children, Gerry Meisenzahl; her children, John, D.J.and Jeremy Burton, Lacy and Patti Kuitems; her siblings, Cathy Paye, Rodney Neri, Cindy Manchester and John Neri Jr.; 12 grandchildren; her beloved bulldogs, “Angel & Sugar.”
All Services were at the family’s convenience. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm in her memory.
•Strojny, Bertha T., September 1, 2011. Born December 19, 1922. Predeceased by her husband, Leonard; sisters and brother, Rose Bell, Vincent (Genevieve) Rudnicki, Helen (John) Kula; sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen Mayzak, John Baker, Victoria (John) Andraszek, Cecelia (Livingston) Whalen, Emily (Leo) Sienkiewicz, Florence (Urban) May; son-in-law, Henry Gottfried. Survived by daughters, Jacquelyn Gottfried, Linda (Edward) Strojny-Snyder; grandchildren, David (Julie) and Jason (Lynn) Gottfried, Mary (Christopher) Birkby, Peter (Nicole) Resseguie-Snyder, Eric and Daniel (Laura) Snyder; great-grandchildren, Audrey and Samuel Gottfried; brother, John (Arlene) Rudnick; sisters and brothers-in-law, Genevieve (Emmanuel) Bertola, Edward (Vivian) Strojny, Rita (John) Baker; many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. Bertha was a retired inspector from Delco Products.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated September 7 at St. Mark’s Church, Kuhn Road. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm in her memory.
•Voight, Timothy, September 1, 2011 at age 63. He was predeceased by his parents, Warner and Charlotte Voight; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Voight. Survived by his wife, Gwen (Comstra) Voight; children, Timothy Voight Jr., Michael (Julie) Voight, Andrea (John) Feeney; grandchildren Ashley, Brendan, Liam, twin brother, Ted (Deb) Voight; brother, Bill Voight; sister, Linda (Gene) White of Utica; several nieces and nephews. Tim was a volunteer with the North Greece Fire Department for many years.
A Memorial Service was held September 10 at New Comer Funeral Home, Greece. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, New York 14626 in his memory.
Kendall
•McAllister, Robert J., Age 69, died September 3, 2011.
He was predeceased by his brother John. He is survived by Sandy, his wife of 46 years; children, Lisa (Dave) Passarell of Orchard Park, Shawn McAllister of Albion, Adam (Marie) McAllister of Holley, Devin (Tracy) McAllister of Marietta, Georgia, Michael (Samantha Stolzenberg) McAllister of Newfane; eight grandchildren; sister Carol (Donald) Silco of Waterport; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held September 9 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Interment with full military honors at Garland Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association in his memory.
Kent
•Bannister, Roy D., Died August 31, 2011 at age 91 in Strong Memorial Hospital following injuries sustained from a fire in his home on August 24. He was born December 31, 1918 in West Barre to John and Pearl (Bishop) Bannister and was a lifetime resident of this area. Mr. Bannister was a US Naval Veteran of WWII achieving the rank of Ensign. Roy was a graduate of Cornell University, Past President of the Albion School Board, and taught in many school districts in New York including Holland, (where he began) Lyndonville, Royalton Hartland and finally in Hilton where he retired from in 1976. Mr. Bannister was also a farmer, electrician and an artist.
Mr. Bannister was predeceased by his brothers: Harold, John, Francis and his sister: ElMarie Dibble. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Doris; his children: Janis (Stuart) Hempel of Attica, Richard D. Bannister of Albion, Robert D. (Lori) Bannister of East Aurora, Marcia (Ray) Skinner of Albion, LeRoy N. (Susan) Bannister of Cherry Creek, Lynn Sue (Mitchell) Pierce of Stafford, Roger D. (Christine) Bannister of Kent; 36 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held September 3 at Albion Free Methodist Church. Private interment with military honors in Mt. Albion Cemetery at a later date. Contributions can be made to Mercy Flight or the Swan Library in his memory.
Spencerport
•Dailey, Marcia L., On September 4, 2011 at the age of 78. Marcia is survived by her soul mate, best friend and husband of 36 years, Robert I. Dailey; her children, Carol (Dale) Osborne, Cathy (Bill) O’Rourke, James (Sherry) Haas and Mary (Mike) Tantillo; 10 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; Marcia is predeceased by her parents A.I. and Lucinda Smith, her siblings, George Smith and Florence Walton.
A Memorial Service was held September 7 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Contributions can be made to Safe Nest, 2915 West Charleston, Suite 12, Las Vegas, NV 89102 or to the American Cancer Society, 1120 S. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620 in her memory.
•Kremer, Beatrice L., On September 4, 2011 at the age of 95. Beatrice was an inspiration to all; known for her warm smile and determination. Predeceased by her daughter, Marcia Bernard. She is survived by her son, Thomas D. (Kris) Kremer and daughter, Carole (Chuck) Sams of Texas; granddaughter, Jerri Ann (Rich) Johnson; and great grandchildren.
All Services were held at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to a branch of Monroe County Library, Lollypop Farm or Association for the Blind in her memory.
Archives - Week of September 4, 2011
Local News - Week of September 4, 2011
Teens help out in Kentucky
Shown kneeling: Bev Compertore, Joe Blakely, Chip Compertore; standing: Rachel Dorgan, Grace Sullivan, Angela Dorgan, Hannah Saurini, Eileen Blakely, Isaac Miller, Ben Rowley. Provided photoFrom August 7 to 13, a group of ten youth and adults from the Spencerport United Methodist Church worked in rural Kentucky repairing a home for an elderly widow. With about 120 other volunteers, they were participants in a work camp through Red Bird Mission, a United Methodist mission for the people of Appalachia.
The mission provided meals, cabins, tools, and building expertise, along with morning devotions and evening programs. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (in heat and high humidity) the crew from Spencerport traveled on narrow, twisting mountain roads to their resident’s home where they worked to remove and replace floors in two bedrooms and a hallway. On Wednesday (the day off), they visited Cumberland Gap National Historical Park for a cave tour.
“Spending time with teenagers who willingly gave up a week’s vacation (and cell phones) to serve those in need was an incredible blessing,” Chip Compertore said. “We take so much for granted while other people live in poverty. Our youth are eager to continue reaching out to others, and we look forward to participating in Flower City Work Camp next spring, right here in Rochester.”
Provided information
9/4/11
Holley Rotary Club presents check
Holley Rotary Club presented Assemblyman Steven Hawley with a check for $1,000 to help with his Patriot trip.
This trip focuses on taking WWII veterans who otherwise would not be able to go to Washington, D.C. to tour the war memorial that honors them.
Shown: Ed Morgan, Robert Miller, Assemblyman Steven Hawley and Roger DeFrancesco, Holley Rotary president.
Provided photo
9/4/11
Brockport’s Alumni House features First Fridays events
The College at Brockport, State University of New York, will continue its tradition of First Fridays events during the fall 2011 semester. First Fridays is a monthly program designed to bring the college and the greater Brockport communities together.
The historic Alumni House, located on 142 Utica Street, will host each event. Upcoming dates include October 7, November 4, and December 2.
“First Fridays is a chance to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new ones in a relaxed, informal environment,” said Warren Kozireski ‘82, president of the Alumni Association. Guests can become a First Fridays sponsor by making a donation of $250 to help support and keep up with maintenance of the Alumni House, so that the community can continue to enjoy it for years to come.
9/4/11
Spencerport Community Chorus begins rehearsals, welcomes new singers
Fall rehearsals for the Spencerport Community Chorus will begin on September 11 at 2 p.m. This year marks the 30th year in which the chorus has been in existence, performing both winter and spring concerts for the community.
Comprised of about 40 singers from Spencerport and surrounding areas, the chorus, directed by Margaret Page Colucci, performs a variety of musical styles. Spencerport Community Chorus is a member of the Greater Rochester Choral Consortium.
Rehearsals are held each Sunday afternoon from 2 until 4:15 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in the village of Spencerport. This year’s concerts will be held Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. and again on December 4 at 3 p.m.
All interested singers are invited to join. No auditions are required but singers need to be in attendance at rehearsals and be available to perform at both concerts. For information call 352-6223.
9/4/11
College students lend a helping hand
Ten students from The College at Brockport volunteered their time on a Saturday afternoon in August to help out St. John Lutheran Church, Preschool and Child Care in Hamlin. The students gave a helping hand on the playground and on the nature trail. The staff from St. John Preschool had a great time working with the students and making some new friendships with their college neighbors. On the playground several students scraped and painted picnic tables. Provided photo
Some students put a fresh coat of paint on the swing sets. Provided photo
9/4/11
Feature stories - Week of September 4, 2011
Alana’s summer vacation
Americorps volunteer photographs life in the Dakotas
by Kristina Gabalski
Alana Page and her cousin, Paul Blackcloud, of Churchville, with the Crazy Horse Monument in the background.The summer of 2011 has been a very special one for Alana Page, a 2010 graduate of Spencerport High School, who is currently studying photography at Villa Maria College in Buffalo.
Alana, the daughter of Jim and Andrea Page, spent eight weeks, from June 19 to August 12, on the Standing Rock (Sioux Indian) Reservation as a Summer Associate Team Leader in the Americorps program.
“I lived in Selfridge, North Dakota, and worked out of the Nutrition for the Elderly Office in Fort Yates, North Dakota,” Alana explains. “The work I did is considered volunteer service, but I was expected to show up at 8:00 a.m. every morning and was allowed to leave at 4:30 p.m. As a team leader, I organized the other three summer associates in North Dakota. I made sure they came to work on time and suggested projects for them to work on. Over the course of eight weeks, our program organized hours and hours of chore service for elders, visits with elders and even a few games of Bingo.”
Alana says the opportunity to take part in the Americorps program came about through her cousin, Paul Blackcloud, the son of Claude and Kristine Blackcloud of Churchville.
A lone figure walks the plain. “He said there was a position available in North Dakota and offered to let me stay in his apartment for the summer so I could apply for the opportunity,” Alana says. “He had already been living in North Dakota as an Americorps VISTA for nearly a year.”
Over the two month span, Alana says she had many amazing experiences. “One weekend, as an intergenerational activity, three of us were sent to the Sitting Bull Youth Culture Camp as camp counselors. We spent a weekend learning about the Lakota language and traditions,” she explains. “We slept in teepees the whole time and the kids swam in the river because it was so hot. I’ll never forget how surreal it felt to wake up to the sound of coyotes howling in the middle of the night … or the horrible sunburns or mosquito bites. It really was a great experience. The Sioux people have such a rich culture.” (Alana’s maternal grandmother grew up on the Standing Rock Reservation).
As a photography student, the experience also offered Alana exciting new subjects to shoot. “From a photographer’s standpoint, it was like living in a dream,” she says. “My cousin was gracious enough to take me on road trips every other week all over North and South Dakota, so I saw a lot.”
"Warrior" - photo from the Porcupine district's pow wow in late June of this summer. Photograph by Alana Page.“I don’t know which I liked photographing better - there were groups of horses and herds of buffalo all over these lush green hills, but the rocky badlands and the determination that goes into the Crazy Horse monument were just as interesting,” Page says of the experience.
The Badlands National Park in South Dakota.“Before my service opportunity was over,” Alana continues, “I was actually offered the chance to photograph a calendar that would be distributed to the elderly on the reservation. I photographed 12 elders and parts of Fort Yates. My cousin interviewed the elders about growing up on the reservation and formatted the calendar for 2012. I think it came out pretty nice and I hope the elders enjoy it, too.”
Alana’s parents, Jim and Andrea, say they are thrilled their daughter had this opportunity to grow as a person and a photographer. “We are grateful for our caring family members,” they say, “especially Paul who thought to include our daughter. This wonderful volunteer experience will certainly be a part of her life and shape her future. We can’t wait to see what Alana and Paul accomplish in the future.”
The best part of the experience was definitely the people, Alana says. “There’s a great sense of community on Standing Rock Reservation and I was glad to be a part of it. I made some great friends and I can’t wait to go back.”
9/4/11
Parma has new shuffleboard complex
Shown in this photo are several of the shuffleboard complex project contributors (left to right) Mike Whelehan, Chuck Carmestro, Hilton Mayor Joe Lee, Parma Deputy Supervisor Carm Carmestro, Sandy Taylor, and Deann Osborne. Provided photoLast fall, a group of local business owners and individuals began the process of constructing an outdoor shuffleboard complex for the Parma community seniors. The Unity Health System approved this project to be placed on their property at Hilton Park Apartments located within the Unionville Station senior living community off Route 259.
Excavating the site began immediately following the announcement of this new facility to an appreciative group of seniors at Hilton Park Apartments during a free complimentary dinner with entertainment hosted by Carm and Chuck Carmestro. The site plan design, stone base, site preparation, masonry work, soil, and construction management was donated by Joe Sciortino of Sciortino Developers, while all the finish site work and planting of four trees around the shuffleboard courts were donations from Rick Lemcke of RM Landscape Industries. Tim Bostley of Hilton Veterinary Hospital became a major contributor when he made a financial contribution which paid for the 22 yards of concrete.
Following a call to the local community organizations for the financial assistance to acquire four sets of professional shuffleboard equipment, all the accessories were purchased and are now available at the Hilton-Parma Recreation Department for loan. Donors were Hilton-Parma-Hamlin Chamber of Commerce, the Hilton Lions Club, St. Leo Council 9461 Knights of Columbus, and Hilton Rotary Club. The final striping of the court lines was completed by Special Pavement Markings and Sealing with materials donated by Ray and Annie Albright. Home Depot contributed project building materials and Carmestro’s Restaurant and Catering’s financial contribution assisted with the purchase of two permanent benches.
Hilton Mayor Joe Lee was instrumental with bringing all of these businesses and donators together while assisting with keeping the project moving forward, and Deanne Osborne, manager of the Hilton Park Apartments, spearheaded the project construction, according to Hilton-Parma Recreation.
At a ceremony on August 30, many of the project donators were together to mark the arrival of the new recreational amenity to Hilton-Parma. The shuffleboard complex consists of two official size courts located on the property of Hilton Park Apartments.
Provided information
9/4/11
Sports News - Week of September 4, 2011
HILTON
HAST Swim Club starts 2011-2012 season
The Hilton Area Swim Team (HAST), a competitive swim club with approximately 60 swimmers from the Hilton area ranging between 6 and 18 years of age, invites newcomers to a trial session September 12 through 23 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. During the trial session swimmers interested in joining the swim club can work out with HAST coaches to sample competitive swimming before committing to the regular season.
Competitive swimming offers an opportunity for area youth to strengthen their techniques and endurance while competing with swimmers their own age.
Interested swimmers can visit www.hiltonswimteam.com for information.
9/4/11
SPENCERPORT
U-12 Spencerport Speed wins Division 2 League title
The U-12 Spencerport Speed won the Division 2 league title in the Rochester District Youth Soccer League (RDYSL) with a 6-2-4 record.
Shown are (front row): Peter Mancuso, Alex Turnquist, Nick Briggs, Adonis Savidis, Matt Davis, Luke Ellis, Sam Lobene, Jake Hutton; (back row): Head Coach Mike Savidis, Chris Long, Ryan Lam, Justin Lootens, Spenser Doty, Nick Turnquist, Darek Whitcomb, Hunter Thomas, Assistant Coach Mike Lobene.
Provided photo
9/4/11
School News - Week of September 4, 2011
AREA
New President takes the helm at GCC
by Kristina Gabalski
Dr. James SunserClasses are now underway at Genesee Community College and Dr. James Sunser already has nearly a month under his belt as the college’s new president. “I’m anxious to see students and start the fall semester,” Dr. Sunser told Westside News during an interview just prior to the start of classes.
Dr. Sunser replaces Dr. Stuart Steiner who retired after 44 years of service to the college, including 36 years as president. Dr. Sunser says he hopes to continue the legacy of Dr. Steiner, “ … and improve on it.” He says he will be able to provide a fresh perspective to “ … help move the college forward … we have to continue to be entrepreneurial,” he notes.
Dr. Sunser explains that he will be building on a great foundation because GCC has an outstanding program, faculty and staff as well as great facilities. He also hopes to continue to promote accessibility to a college education for area residents and improvements to GCC’s campus centers in the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans and Wyoming) region.
Dr. Sunser’s first day on the job was August 1. He says the first few weeks have gone very well. “Everybody here at the college and in the community has been very welcoming,” he says. “They have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. Everybody has been very helpful.”
Dr. Sunser is well aware of the importance of GCC to the community. “I’ve heard repeatedly that GCC is the jewel of the area,” he says. “I have been more than excited and impressed with what I have found (at GCC).” He calls the campus “ … very impressive,” and notes the college’s theater, art gallery and athletic facilities as examples.
A native of Syracuse, Dr. Sunser holds a bachelor of science degree from Syracuse University, a master of science from The College at Brockport, a Certificate of Advanced Study from the University of Rochester and an Ed. D. degree from the University of Rochester. Before coming to GCC, he served as a member of the staff at Onondaga Community College for 22 years, as Bursar, Vice-President for Finance and Vice-President for Continuing and Extended Learning. Since 2004, her has served as a member of the adjunct faculty of Keuka College. Dr. Sunser is also an alumnus of Onondaga Community College.
Dr. Sunser says he is very excited about the ways GCC can support students and the community and provide an opportunity for both a new generation and non-traditional students to obtain a college education. “I believe in community colleges,” he says. “I believe we are a good option and sometimes the best options for the first two years for students.”
9/4/11
GCC named 2011 “Great College to Work For”
“The Chronicle of Higher Education” has named Genesee Community College one of the “Great Colleges to Work For.”
GCC President Dr. James Sunser calls the recognition “ … exciting … a great accomplishment.”
The Chronicle of Higher Education” is the leading higher education publication in the United States. College officials say Genesee is one of only four medium-sized, community colleges to be recognized for its workplace policies and is the only State University of New York community college to receive the distinction in any category. Specifically, Genesee was recognized in the category of Facilities, Security and Workspace among two-year colleges with enrollment of 3,000-9,999.
For colleges recognized in this category, it was noted that the appearance of the campus was pleasing, facilities adequately met needs, and the installation proactively takes steps to provide a safe and secure environment.
Genesee was also praised for its technology equipped SMART classrooms and state-of-the-art facilities in the new School of Nursing and Med Tech Center, officials said.
9/4/11
New Associate Dean appointed for GCC Albion Campus Center
Gloria Morgan has been named the new Associate Dean of the Albion Campus Center. She follows retiring dean Allen Kidder who retired last spring.
Morgan comes to GCC with over 31 years in the field of education. She most recently served as a professor of Office and Computer Programs at Monroe Community College. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor in the School of Management at Nazareth College. Morgan previously served as an assistant professor at The College at Brockport’s Educational Opportunity Center as well as an instructor at Rochester Business Institute - now Everest College.
Familiar with the surrounding region, Morgan attended Albion schools, graduating with honors. Her family members still reside in Kent and she is also a 1978 graduate of Genesee Community College.
9/4/11
Genesee Community College hosts Civil War lecture series
Genesee Community College hosts a lecture series on the history of the Civil War, led by History professor Derek Maxfield. The four part series will run on Tuesdays, September 13, October 4, November 1 and December 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the T102 of the Batavia Campus. All lectures are free and open to the public. Pre-registration for each lecture is encouraged. This lecture series is held in conjunction with the Genesee County Civil War Commemoration Committee.
The first lecture on September 13 will be “From the Beautiful Death to the Commodification of Death: Changing Deathways in Victorian America” led by Derek Maxfield. The American Civil war was certainly a seminal event in the United States’ history. Historians have argued that it profoundly shaped politics, society, economics, and culture. This talk will explore how Victorian culture created a culture of death, and how that changed over the course of the 19th century.
Lectures follow on October 4 with “In the Full Strength of Manhood: The Soldier’s Death in the American Civil War” by Sarah Handley-Cousins Ph.D. candidate at the University of Buffalo; November 1 with “New York Politics and the Civil War” by Garth Swanson, professor of History at GCC; and December 13 with “The Impact of the Civil War on Genesee County: Waving Good Bye to your Loved Ones” by Sue Conklin, Genesee County Historian.
Genesee has also developed the GCC GLOW Region History Co-Op Blog, spearheaded by GCC History instructor, Derek Maxfield. This blog is dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich historical landscape of Western New York. The blog can be found at www.glowhistory. wordpress.com.
To register for any of the Civil War lectures, contact The BEST Center at 585-345-6868 or email thebestcenter@ genesee.edu.
9/4/11
Sports, Music and Reunions featured during GCC Homecoming
“Back to the Future” is the theme of Genesee Community College’s second annual Homecoming celebration September 16-17 at the college’s Batavia campus.
All graduating classes, family members, friends and the community are invited to attend.
Activities on Friday, September 16 include men’s and women’s alumni games played under the lights (interested players can sign up at genesee.edu/AlumniSoccer). A tailgate party will take place during the games and WGCC will be broadcasting all weekend with guest alumni DJs.
On Saturday, September 17, campus tours of the main campus and the new School of Nursing will be held and at 11:30 a.m. the “Prez and Profs” brunch with new president, Dr. James Sunser, and past and present professors will take place in the Forum. A Networking and Social Media workshop, Student Government Reunion and a Fashion Merchandising Reunion are also planned.
Classic cars, trucks and bikes will be featured in the college’s parking lot from noon-4 p.m. as part of the Cruise at the College event. Following the Cruise, an induction ceremony will be held in the Stuart Steiner Theater for honorees being inducted into the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame.
Homecoming concludes with the “Back to the Rock Fest” reunion/mixer that is open to all alumni and community members and will feature performances by Ghost Riders and The Trolls with members of Seventh Heaven. The mixer is being held at the William W. Stuart Forum and includes food, prizes and a cash bar. Admission to the mixer is $5 per person.
To register for events or for more information go to: genesee.edu/Alumni/Homecoming.
9/4/11
BYRON-BERGEN
B-B offers tours of building improvements Sept. 19
Byron-Bergen Central School District invites district residents to attend its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the recently completed $20,080,000 Capital Project, September 19 at 6 p.m. in the High School auditorium.
During the event, district staff and students will conduct a brief ceremony and offer tours of the new facilities, as they invite the Byron-Bergen community to see the results after two years of work.
Some of the items completed in the Capital Project include: upgraded electric system, updated Middle/High School cafeteria, new Middle/High School office suite and new building entry, new Elementary School office suite and new building entry, updated High School library, new music area for band and chorus, natural gas hook-up, sewer connection (Village of Bergen), technology upgrades (wireless, iPads, SmartBoards), energy saving lighting upgrade throughout the district, new seating/lighting in the High School auditorium, several refurbished classrooms with new classroom furniture, new seating/lighting/backboards in the High School gym, new paint at the Elementary School, and resurfacing of the track (required every 10 years).
9/4/11
CHURCHVILLE-CHILI
Churchville-Chili students return to class Sept. 7
Construction and renovation continues on the Churchville-Chili school district campus but returning students will see many new features in existing buildings.
Returning Churchville-Chili Central School students will find new things in their building as work crews continue progress on the district’s Capital Improvement project.
Half of the high school classrooms have been upgraded with new ceilings, lights, flooring and HVAC. Renovations of offices, restrooms and locker rooms in the middle and high school are complete.
High school students arriving on campus by car should enter the building via door #4. Middle school students who do not ride the bus can enter through door #20. Bus traffic will not be affected by the construction. The district’s auditorium and the 100 wing were demolished this summer.
Five new science classrooms are expected to be completed in the 100 wing by the 2012-13 school year. Anticipated date for the auditorium opening is 2013.
9/4/11
HILTON
Social media courses offered in the Hilton School District
Two free courses being offered through Hilton Central School District Community Education could help families deal with Facebook, Twitter and other online and mobile phone communication tools.
•Facebook: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly - Free. Find out how to create groups, fan pages and monitor privacy settings. For anyone interested; parents welcome. Instructor: Patricia Sullivan, Hilton CSD Instructional Technology Coordinator - Two Wednesdays, September 14 and September 21 - 6:30 to 8 p.m. District Offices/Quest, Rm. 23, 225 West Avenue, Hilton. Register online through HCSD Community Education at www.hilton.k12.ny.us/communityeducation.htm.
•Keeping Children Safer Online - Free. Protect children online with NetSmartz. Children may be victims of cyberbullying, sexting, inappropriate sharing of personal information or abuse from an online predator. For anyone interested; parents welcome. Instructor: Debra Ortiz-Pardi, Community Educator with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - Wednesday, September 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m. District Offices/Quest, LTT Comp. Lab., 225 West Avenue, Hilton. Register online through HCSD Community Education at www.hilton.k12.ny.us/community-education.htm.
For the Community Education registrar call 585-392-1000 ext. 7044.
9/4/11
SPENCERPORT
Spencerport district hosts volunteer info sessions
The Spencerport School District will hold information/orientation meetings for parents, friends, and community residents who are interested in becoming district volunteers.
The morning sessions are September 15, 21 and 27, with returning volunteers from 9 to 9:45 a.m.; and new volunteers from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m.
The afternoon sessions are September 13, 19, and 29, with returning volunteers from noon to 12:45 p.m.; and new volunteers from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m.
All sessions will be held in the Spencerport Schools District Office building, 71 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport. To reserve a place at one of these meetings, for more information, or to schedule a different time, call the Volunteer Office, 349-5682.
9/4/11
Weddings - September 2011
Cristen M. Mallett - George R. Szalay
George R. Szalay of Spencerport and Cristen M. Mallett of Holley are pleased to announce their engagement.
The couple will wed June 30, 2012 at Canandaigua Inn on the Lake.
Laura E. Young - Nikolas A. Larsen
Laura E. Young and Nikolas A. Larsen were united in marriage May 8, 2010, at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana.
The bride is the daughter of Ronald and Mary Young of Spencerport. The groom is the son of Keith and Suzanne Larsen of Cody, Wyoming.
Karen Young, sister of the bride, was the maid of honor. Charlene (Husser) Foos, Jennifer (Burke) Congelli and Erin Gorter acted as bridesmaids.
The best man was Keith Larsen, father of the groom. The groomsmen were Jeffrey Zuech, Christopher Karner and Charles Cowen.
Laura received her bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame in 2003. Upon completion of a pre-doctoral internship at Duke University Medical Center in 2010, she was awarded her Ph.D. in clinical child psychology from the University of Alabama. Laura is employed as the Child Trauma Team Leader at Child and Adolescent Behavorial Health in Canton, Ohio.
Nikolas received his bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 2003. He is employed as a Team Leader at Marathon Oil Company’s Ohio Refining Division in Canton, Ohio.
The newlyweds honeymooned in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. Nikolas and Laura reside in Massillon, Ohio.
Rachael J. Millspaugh - Adam M. Tabelski
Rachael J. Millspaugh and Adam M. Tabelski were united in marriage July 9, 2011 at St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church, Bergen.
The bride is the daughter of Doug and Joan Mitchell of Bergen. Parents of the groom are Matthew Tabelski and Susan Tabelski of Medina.
The bride is a graduate of Byron-Bergen High School and earned a degree from SUNY Canton and a master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Brockport. She is the Marketing and Communication Manager for the Genesee County Economic Development Center.
The groom is a graduate of Medina High School and earned a degree from SUNY Geneseo. He is the Communications Director for State Senator George Maziarz and the Mayor of the Village of Medina.
The couple honeymooned in the Poconos. They reside in Medina.
Jenny Habgood - Matthew Jahnke
Ted and Kathy Habgood of Hamlin announce the engagement of their daughter Jenny to Matthew Jahnke, son of Michael and Lisa Jahnke of Milford, New York.
Jenny is a 2009 graduate from SUNY at Morrisville where she obtained her bachelor of science degree in equine science and management. She is employed at Leatherstocking Equine Center in New Berlin, New York.
Matt is a 2006 graduate from SUNY at Morrisville and a 2008 graduate of Cornell University. He is employed at Hemlock Valley Farm, his family’s dairy farm located in Milford.
Their wedding will be October 8, 2011 in Worcester, New York.
Anna DuPré - Richard Kenyon
Anna DuPré and Richard Kenyon were united in marriage April 30, 2011 at Christ Community Church, Brockport.
Anna is the daughter of Mark and Diane DuPré of Brockport. Richard is the son of Dennis and Patricia Kenyon of Henrietta.
Jennifer Dunshie was matron of honor and the groom’s twin brother, Matthew, served as best man.
Anna is a 2008 graduate of The College at Brockport with a degree in accounting, and is a CPA with Insero and Co., Rochester. Richard is a 2009 Information Technology graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology, and owns a web marketing firm.
The couple resides in Spencerport.
Caitlin Schreffler - Dan McEntire
Pat Fitzmaurice and Greg Schreffler of Delmar, New York and Kathy and Dick McEntire of Hilton are pleased to announce the engagement of their children, Caitlin Schreffler and Dan McEntire.
Caitlin graduated from Bethlehem High School and attended SUNY Albany and Buffalo State College. She is employed as an office assistant at Albany Oral Maxillofascial Surgery.
Dan graduated from Hilton High School and Buffalo State College. He is employed as a Product Consultant for Amsterdam Printing.
A November 25, 2011 wedding is planned at Franklin Plaza in Troy, New York.
Kaitlin E. Sanford - Joshua K. T. Boston
BethAnn and Jonathan Sanford of Hamlin are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Kaitlin E. to Joshua K.T. Boston, son of Jennifer and William Stoltz of Brighton.
Kaitlin, a graduate of Brockport High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Niagara University. She is employed by Autistic Services Inc. of Buffalo and is enrolled in the Master’s of Education program at the University at Buffalo.
Joshua, also a graduate of Brockport High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University at Buffalo. He is a Ph.D student in political science at the University at Buffalo, where he also researches and lectures.
A November 2011 wedding is planned.
Lindsay P. Campbell - Nathaniel D. Heale
Stewart and Bonnie Campbell of Churchville are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter Lindsay P. to Nathaniel D. Heale, son of Rick and Cindy Heale of South Byron.
Lindsay is a 2008 homeschool graduate and attended Genesee Community College, where she received her degree in human services/developmental disabilities. She is employed as a resident counselor for Heritage Christian Services of Rochester.
Nathaniel is also a 2008 homeschool graduate and attending Baptist Bible College in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania where he will receive his degree in pastoral ministries in December 2011. He will then pursue his master’s of divinity at Baptist Bible Seminary. He is employed at Nine-Ten Builders, LLC, Batavia.
A spring 2012 wedding is planned.
Michelle Burke - Cameron Bowers
Michelle Burke and Cameron Bowers were married June 18, 2011 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport.
The bride is the daughter of Carol and Michael Burke of Spencerport. The groom is the son of Patrice and Jerry Sims of Tulia, Texas and Mark and Laura Bowers of Taylor, Texas.
Jennifer Congelli, sister of the bride, served as matron of honor. Bridesmaids were Raylyn Bowers, Teri Burke, Carolyn Keenan and Kim Parkhurst. Madison Simpson acted as flower girl.
Jason Simpson served as best man. Groomsmen were Matthew Burchill, Christopher Burke, Peter Burke, Michael Congelli, Michael Cook and James Howell.
Michelle and Cameron are May 2011 graduates of SUNY Brockport. Michelle is employed by SUNY Brockport and Cameron is employed by Lakeside Automotive and will be continuing his commitment to the United States Navy by attending Officer Training School.
Obituaries
Death Notices for the Week of September 4, 2011
BROCKPORT
•Bilohlavek, Raymond W., On August 27, 2011 at age 66. Predeceased by his father Henry, sisters Jodie and Rita, and his godmother Jean. He is survived by his loving wife Debra; children Annette Bilohlavek, Ray Jr. Bilohlavek, Michael (Lisa) Bilohlavek-Lavender, Matt Bilohlavek-Lavender; three step sons Nathaniel (Shayna) Loecher, Ben Poprewski and Chris (Sara) Poprewski; grandchildren Brandon, Brystal, Bryana, William, Emma, Gabriella, Audriana, Nick, Megan, Battle, Samantha, Jacob, Caleb, and Kearstin; brothers and sisters Bob (Barb), Carol (Bob), George (Janice), Eileen (Bob), Ted (Sharon), Allen (Helen), Hank (Linda), Kathy (Don), Christine, and Tim (Denise); many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held August 31 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Contributions can be made to the family in his memory.
•McCauley, Herbert R., On August 27, 2011 at age 87. Predeceased by his son, Bruce; survived by his wife, Phoebe; sons, Robert (Eileen) of North Carolina, George (Shelly), and step-son, William (Elaine) Reithel; step-daughter, Melody (Rodney) Harris of Valdosta, Georgia; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Graveside Service was held September 2 at Lakeview Cemetery, Sweden. Contributions can be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Attention: Gift Processing, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 in his memory.
•Tiley, Sally A., On August 25, 2011. Predeceased by her father Robert Rose and granddaughter Sophie Witzel. She is survived by her loving husband Robert; daughter Shawna (Shane) Allen; son Robert (Valerie) Witzel; grandchildren Ryan, Ian, Sadie and Chloe; mother Myrtle Leeson; brothers Steven and Ronnie Rose; sister Susan Tumiel; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held August 28 at the Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association in her memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Adams, Norma B. (Barton), On August 24, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Raymond C. Adams and son, Stephen R. Adams. Survived by her children, Thomas (Susan) Adams, Mary L. Adams, Flora (Stanley) Senecal and Sarah (Phillip) Moffitt; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
Norma’s memorial visitation will be held Friday, September 2 from 3-7 p.m. at the Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Her Memorial Service will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, September 3 at Trinity Lutheran Church (191 Nichols Street, Spencerport). Interment private. Donations can be sent to the Wounded Warriors, Attn: Donor Services, 4899 Belfort Rd., Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Rd., Fairport NY 14450 or a charity of one’s choice in her memory.
HAMLIN
•Murphy, Eugene T., On August 27, 2011, at age 72. Eugene is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rebecca; daughters, Nicole (Steven) Sidore, Michelle Murphy; his grandsons, David, Michael, William, Thomas, Daniel; brother-in-law, Bob Graff; sister-in-law, Norma (Pat) Zona. Gene retired from Kodak after 30 years of service.
A Memorial Service was held August 31 at the Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Inc. Interment private.
•Reis, William F., On August 25, 2011, age 84. Survived by his devoted wife, Eleanor; his son and daughter-in -law, Martin and Gloria Reis; grandchildren, Nicole (Nicholas) Mitchell, Joshua (Jessica McCartney) Reis; great-grandchildren, Olivia and Jayden; sisters-in-law, Jackie and Lorraine Reis; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Predeceased by his brothers, Jack and Roger Reis; and sister-in-law, Roberta Ball.
Funeral Services were held August 29 at the Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home, Inc., Hilton, followed by a Military Graveside Service at Lakeview Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hamlin Volunteer Ambulance in his memory.
HILTON
•Efing, Kevin J., On August 28, 2011. Born on August 27, 1954. He is survived by his wife Barbara (Kozlowski); his children, Steven (Jasmin) Efing, Shaun Efing and Lisa (Jeff) Guida; grandchildren, Taylor, Chloe, Aiden, Jaydon and Zachary; sisters and brother, Donna (Michael) Campbell, Michael (RoxAnne) Efing and Barbara (Joseph) Parker; cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Kevin was predeceased by his parents, James and Patricia Efing. He was a long-time Kodak employee and a life-time member of the Hilton Fire Department.
Funeral Services were held September 1 at Thomas E. Burger Funeral Home Inc., Hilton. Private interment. Contributions can be made to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association in his memory.
•Schrimp, Frank William Sr., On August 23, 2011, after a long battle of illnesses. He served a brief period in the US Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Carrituck, attached to VP-56 Squadron. His biggest hobby was collecting 9-11 memorabilia, honoring the fallen Firemen and NYC Police as well as US Naval artifacts and books. He is survived by his wife, Joan; four sons, Frank, Ken, Ricky and Ron; and his daughter, Chris; grandchildren, Lisette, Danielle, Ronny II, Gary Jr., Nicole, Frank Jr., Erin, Isabella; great-grandchildren, Emily, Anthony, Lexi, Joey, David, Demetri; and two brothers, Jim and Larry.
Private services were held.
SPENCERPORT
•Carapella, Peter A., On August 26, 2011 at age 59. Predeceased by his parents, Ross and Angelina Carapella. Peter is survived by his brother, Alan (Diane) Carapella; uncle, Jack Leonardo; the love of his life, Lisa Napolitano; many cousins and dear friends.
Services and interment to be held privately.
•Gaetano, Mary L., of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Spencerport. Died August 24, 2011. Mary was predeceased by her daughter, Diane Warner. She is survived by her husband, Palmer Gaetano; daughter, Carol (Ernie) Arnold; grandchildren, Michael (Steven) Passe, Nicole Passe, Rebecca (Stuart) Kilbride, Peter (Jessica) Warner, Teri Campbell; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Clarence (Jan) DeWaele, Beatrice (John) VanOrman, Shirley (Frank) Semmelmayer; several nieces and nephews.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated August 31 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Interment, St. John’s Cemetery. Donations can be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, W. Palm Beach, Florida 33407 in her memory.