Archives July 2011
Archives - Week of July 31, 2011
Local News - Week of July 31, 2011
Towns and Village agree to pursue fire district formation
by Kristina Gabalski
The Brockport Village Board of Trustees, the Sweden Town Board and the Clarkson Town Board have all agreed to and approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to move forward with the creation of a joint fire district.
The three boards met Thursday, July 28 and, "... hammered out an agreement," Clarkson Supervisor Paul Kimball says. "We are grateful for the cooperation of the village," he told Westside News Inc. following the meeting.
Supervisor Kimball says the three municipalities will meet again at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9 at the Sweden Town Hall to call for a public hearing on the creation of a joint fire district.
7/31/11
Brockport board members continue work on emergency service issues
by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport village leaders say as soon as it is possible, the public will know the details of the current discussions between the village and the Towns of Clarkson and Sweden regarding fire protection.
The village has returned to the table after pulling out of talks in May and the three municipalities are now discussing a second proposal for a joint fire district.
During their regular meeting July 27, Brockport Village Board members discussed the status of the talks and also authorized dipping into Fire Department reserves to pay for replacement equipment for the dispatch office and replacement of a chief’s vehicle.
Trustee Kent Blair said the board has struggled with the decision on how to handle fire protection. He said when the village withdrew from talks in the spring, the move gave officials time to research what it would cost the village on its own to run a fire department exclusively for the village.
Blair said that cost would be at least $380,000 annually, something the village, “ ... cannot afford.” He also said going it alone without the towns would drain the village department of needed manpower.
“(It would) not be in the best interest of anyone,” Blair said. “We are working to get the best deal possible for Village of Brockport residents ... (the village) feels responsible for the safety and well-being of all three communities,” he said.
Trustee Scott Hunsinger said that before the village makes any final decision on a fire district, he would like to hear how residents feel about the issue.
“It affects all of you,” he said of the formation of a fire district. “We would want input from the community ... we will not vote before the public sees and understands (the proposal) and can comment.”
Hunsinger said he would love to be able to share with the public the current proposal being discussed, but the village’s legal counsel has advised against it.
Mayor Connie Castaneda said the Board of Trustees has been, “ ... keen to share the second proposal ... the first proposal (discussed last spring) would have been a financial god-send to the village ... it is unfortunate to have to entertain the second proposal. Information will be forthcoming as soon as we receive an agreement with the towns.”
Mayor Castaneda said both proposals will eventually be shared with the public.
On the issue of the Brockport Ambulance, Trustee Kent Blair said the village and the ambulance are very close to reaching an agreement that would set up the ambulance as a separate entity. He said the village board would likely hold a special meeting the week of August 1 to settle the situation.
In other business, the village board passed two resolutions authorizing the use of fire department reserve funds to replace radio equipment for the dispatch office - for weather/disaster emergencies when 911 is overwhelmed, Chief Henry said - and to replace the chief’s vehicle.
Mayor Connie Castaneda moved to table the authorizations until after the village has come to an agreement with the towns regarding fire protection.
Village Attorney Rob Leni also advised the board that the, “ ... reserves should remain intact ... I wouldn’t recommend spending that money now, with current discussions ongoing.”
However, a majority of trustees felt the authorization was necessary for public safety.
“I’m not going to deny the Fire Department equipment they need,” Trustee Kent Blair said.
The vote was 4-1 in favor of authorizing the purchase of radio equipment for the dispatch office. Mayor Connie Castaneda cast the only no vote.
The authorization to replace the chief’s vehicle passed by a vote of 3-2. Mayor Castaneda and Trustee Carol Hannan cast the no votes.
7/31/11
Parma Bridge replacement in Progress
The Hill Road bridge over Brockport Creek in Parma is being replaced. The new bridge should be in place by the end of the year. The Hill Road bridge over Salmon Creek, just to the south, will be replaced next year.
A heavy back loader is lifted off its front tracks trying to split a large tree trunk into more manageable pieces. The tree was previously removed from alongside the bridge.
Looking north, the approach to the south side of the bridge is already mostly demolished.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
7/31/11
Hilton area residents invited to meet Sheriff’s Department personnel
Hilton residents are invited to spend an evening out with representatives of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department August 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hovey Square (the parking lot behind M&T Bank and the Fitness Warehouse).
The event is part of a countrywide National Night Out campaign designed to:
•Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness:
•Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
•Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
•Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Mounted and motorcycle officers will be in attendance and a Hilton fire truck will be on site. Deputies will be walking area neighborhoods as a sign of police presence. The goal is that residents, community organizations and village business people will attend to build relationships with the officers of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and learn the latest in crime prevention.
Hilton Mayor Joe Lee said the village is pleased to host a Night Out. Lee said he has witnessed an improvement in village issues concerning vandalism and loitering, which he attributes to a close working relationship with the Sheriff’s Department.
“We have an outstanding relationship,” Lee said.
Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, over 37 million people participated in National Night Out 2010.
7/31/11
Spencerport bulk trash pickup to continue
by Kristina Gabalski
Village Board members in Spencerport have developed a plan that will include the current number of bulk trash pick-up service and also keep taxes in check for residents.
During a Village Board workshop on July 20, the board discussed the plan they feel will be fair for the entire village, Mayor Joyce Lobene told Westside News Inc.
At their regular meeting on July 6, the board tabled a resolution to abolish bulk trash pick-up after a number of residents said they did not want to lose the service.
At the July 20 workshop, the board rejected the original proposal and developed a plan for dealing with bulk trash.
“The village will continue to have bulk pick-up five times a year,” Lobene says of the proposed plan. “If anyone has tires to be picked up, they must still come to the village office to get stickers for them at $5 each. If they have anything with freon in it, they must pay $25 for each item. These charges are not new and are paid because of the village’s extra cost in getting rid of the items.”
“If residents need a special pick-up in between, the cost would be $50 for a bulk pick-up or they may ask for a dumpster to be delivered at a cost of $25 rental and $.07/lb. for dumping fee."
“Truck rental for brush removal is $75,” Lobene continues. “Should anyone put out furniture and carpet when there is no regularly scheduled bulk pick-up, they would be charged $10 per item. Again, if the items contain freon the charge is $25, tires $5 and they must come to the village office for stickers for those two items.”
Lobene says residents have been placing bulk items like furniture and TVs at the curb between the regular bulk pick-ups and the village can no longer afford to take these items outside of the scheduled pick-ups without raising taxes. She says the village is also seeing more and more trash being brought in from outside the village and placed at the curb.
“We will now charge a fine,” she says. “The amount has yet to be determined.”
“I am very proud of our village and the care our residents give their yards and homes,” the mayor adds. “When a few people misuse the services we take for granted, it hurts everyone. The schedule for bulk pick-up is in the village office and on our website. If we all adhere to it, no one will be paying extra unless they have tires or old appliances with freon.”
The village board will hold a public hearing on the proposed plan before a vote is taken, Lobene says.
Note: According to the village website the last 2011 bulk trash pick up is scheduled for the first full work week of September. Mayor Joyce Lobene said the village board will be discussing other fees for pickups not on the schedule at their August 3 meeting.
Current guidelines
•One pick up per homeowner address
•Village homeowner refuse only
•One pile no larger than 4’x4’x8’
•No contractor waste
•No grass clippings
•Stickers required for tires and appliances with Freon
•Sort by Brush, Lumber, Metal, Tires and other Refuse
•Lumber should be cut into 4’ lengths, all nails removed and stacked neatly.
•Large appliances must have doors removed and if required - stickers attached
Bulk refuse is waste, other than regular household waste which is either too large or too heavy to place in a standard refuse container.
The intention of the bulk refuse collection is to assist Spencerport homeowners when making minor repairs, small remodeling projects, discarding household furniture, mattresses, large appliances, lumber and other bulk household material which is too large or too heavy to place in standard refuse containers.
Sorting is important because it allows us to pick up a specific material with specific equipment. Brush into a dump truck so it can be later run through a chipping machine. Appliances with Freon need special handling by an outside contractor. Metals go to a metal scrap yard in a different truck. The remaining refuse goes into the garbage truck and goes to the landfill. So even though different equipment, perhaps on different days, will be used for your pile, you are still only allowed one 4’x4’x8’ pile inclusive of all materials. Because of ever increasing costs we can no longer keep visiting every street every day. Once a street is cleared we will not return.
If you have more than 4’x4’x8’ pile a village truck or dumpster can be rented for a reasonable cost. Any work done by anyone other than the homeowners are not eligible for any residential Village Services including bulk refuse removal.
7/31/11
Feature Stories - Week of July 31, 2011
The Quilt Man
Cast iron or cotton quilts: Jim Smith is a genius at designing and producing
by Doug Hickerson
Jim Smith works at his sewing table in his home. Photo by Dianne HickersonJim Smith once made his own tractor from discarded parts he found: A Briggs & Stratton 10-HP engine, a junked car’s three-speed transmission, a Model T truck frame, cast iron sprockets, old wheels and other parts. He assembled them one weekend. The tractor served him for seven years, in the woods moving heavy logs and at home doing yard work.
In Colonial America it was called “Yankee ingenuity” - the skill to invent and craft a mechanism from available materials to get a specific task done. That genius has served Jim well in his three decades at Eastman Kodak and at home.
In retirement, Jim is now cutting up pieces of cloth and making quilts on his sewing machine at his Hamlin home. In the last 12 months he created 334 of them for various organizations, and another 12, called “comfort quilts,” for family or friends.
How Jim went from working with iron, steel and Kodak equipment, then sewing quilts in large quantities, is the story of a man whose mind and hands do not remain idle. His heart is fully engaged, too.
From foundry to fabrics
Jim Smith created this wall hanging to represent his grandson Joshua's middle name, "Alexander." The design represents the six-sided crystal called "alexandrite." Photo by Dianne HickersonWhile in high school, Jim worked in his grandfather’s hand foundry where he learned to melt metal into anything, Jim said. “Working in a foundry, there is a lot of scrap metal. If you need something, you build it.” That carried over to his work at Kodak as an engineering technician in an engineering group. He did everything from working in the machine shop where he made his own parts, to creating electrical designs and fabrication, and making test equipment for Kodak products.
Now 64, Jim retired seven years ago. After a year of catching up on projects around the home, he told his wife, Joan, that he was bored. Joan has been a quilter from her youth and asked him to start cutting up scraps of cloth. After two days, Jim said, “I’m tired of this,” and started sewing them together. It began a new era in which his years of inventiveness turned to quilting. “I enjoy making quilts,” he said. “A piece of material will talk to me, and depending on its shape and size, it sets the direction for the pattern I use.”
The first few quilts he made were for grandchildren and other relatives. He has made wall hangings for all of their seven grandchildren, creating a design for their middle names, such as: an angel for Rachael Joy, lilies for Rebecca Lillian, and a lion for Caleb Daniel. Joshua Alexander was a challenge, but Jim came up with the image of a brightly-colored, six-sided crystal called “Alexandrite” (see photo).
Seniors produce about 300 quilts annually for community organizations
Jim Smith watches students from the Migrant Education Program in Brockport pick out their own quilt. Jim made 16 of the 19 quilts donated, many with Indy cars, motorcycles, and planes for the boys and pink and purple for the girls. "It was fun to see the kids respond and grab them up," he said. Photo by Dianne HickersonThe downstairs of Jim and Joan’s Hamlin home has neatly arranged work areas with his and her sewing machines (see photo). From this home workshop, Jim has been producing about 250 quilts a year (many more this past year), roughly assembling them to take to the Sweden Senior Center where seniors do the final tying of the tops to the backing. Other members of the group contribute about 50 quilts a year to be tied at the Senior Center.
Joan introduced Jim to the Senior Center quilting group five years ago. He has since been there every Monday morning with 16 ladies who do the final tying of the quilts he brings. The group sometimes works on sleeping bags for the Open Door Mission, or cuts out blocks, and may lay out blocks and sew them together. Jim will take stacks of blocks home to finish them.
The finished quilts get a “Made in the Sweden Senior Center in Brockport, NY” label. “The group has made over 300 quilts a year for the last three or four years that we give away to charity,” Jim said. He estimates about 25 community organizations in Monroe and Orleans counties receive the quilts, such as: Veterans Administration in Batavia, Alternatives for Battered Women, the Brain Trauma Unit and Center Treatment Center at Strong Hospital, YWCA, Hillside Children’s Center, Ronald McDonald House, and recently the Summer School of Brockport and Genesee Valley Migrant Education (see photo). The quilters group also gives “comfort quilts” to those in their own Senior Center who may have lost a loved one, had a recent operation, or other serious difficulty.
Once a month, Jim"s quilts are brought to Lakeside Beikirch Care Center, where the residents help tie them. Here, Joan Smith (Jim"s wife, standing) works with Beikirch resident Dorothy Tidwell to put the finishing touches on a king size quilt. Photo by Dianne HickersonIt was Dorothy Tidwell who started the quilt group at the Senior Center more than ten years ago. She is now a resident at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center. Once a month Joan and several other Senior Center quilters take quilts to Beikirch for Dorothy and other residents to work on (see photo).
The fabric for the quilts is contributed by individuals and quilt groups that no longer meet. “Almost every week we have a donation waiting for us,” Jim said about material dropped off at the Senior Center. The batting is purchased with money raised annually at the Senior Center in raffling a special quilt made by Joan at home.
A helping hand in his neighborhood, too
Even with logging 1,435 volunteer quilting hours last year, Jim is not bound to his sewing machine. He continues his vigorous lifetime build-it and fix-it skills, helping as a handyman in the neighborhood where he and Joan have lived for 31 years. For example, over several days prior to our interview, he had: Helped put a boat storage pad in a neighbor’s garage; took down the swimming pool next door and moved it to a home across the street; and helped an elderly couple with tree trimming. With his snow blower, he clears six driveways in the neighborhood each winter “just to help out,” he said.
Why is he such a giving person in the quilt group and his neighborhood? Jim said he is living by some wisdom he received in an exit program for Kodak employees about to retire. Jim recalled a speaker telling them: “Find something you enjoy and make yourself active. Go out and contribute to society and you will find it very rewarding.”
Jim confirms seven years later, “I do.”
7/31/11
A Stop at the Orleans County Fair
Photographs by Kristina Gabalski
On the midway at the Orleans County Fair, Go Gater takes off. Photographs by Kristina Gabalski.
Bailey Flint of Holley, 15, prepares to do some practice riding with her horse “Traveler,” a saddlebred Pinto.
Six-year-old Cloverbud Lillian Mathes of Barre Center listens as her horticultural entry is judged.
A new paint job has refreshed the pie pan in which a record making apple pie was baked at the Orleans County Fair in 1977.
Sisters Marissa, age 6 (in glasses) and Bryana, age 5, of Murray, work on letters that will be given to veterans taking part in Honor Flight Rochester trips to Washington, D.C. The girls worked on the project at the Orleans County 4-H Fair. They made Bald Eagles out of paper to include with the letters that are given to participants during their flights.
State Senator George Maziarz and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley answer questions of residents during a first-ever Town Hall Meeting at the Orleans County 4-H Fair July 26.
7/31/11
Parma celebrates summer!
The Town of Parma will be hosting their annual “Park it in Parma” community celebration Saturday, August 6 at the Parma Town Hall Park. Event activities are organized from 11 a.m. until 11:30 p.m., with a spectacular fireworks display booming at 9:15 p.m.
A Cruise-In Auto Review is planned throughout the afternoon, and the Parma Historical Museum has put together tours from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and a Civil War Remembrance and Artillery demonstration at 1 and 3 p.m. The museum will also have an authentic encampment and a performance from 1 to 4 p.m. from the Excelsior Fife and Drum Corps.
On-site will be 20 food and activity booths through the day with a special chicken BBQ available after 3 p.m. The very popular Bounce-A-Loopa inflatable kingdom will be up and running from 4 until 9 p.m.
Live music entertainment on the main stage feature The Midnight Cruisers from 4 until 6 p.m. and Josie Waverly and her band from 7:30 until 9 p.m., and on stage again following the fireworks. Many more activities are planned for August 6 and all are welcome to “Park it in Parma!”
For information, contact Steve Fowler at Hilton-Parma Recreation at 392-9030.
7/31/11
Museum features Civil War history
The Parma Hilton Historical Society Museum, in conjunction with Parma Days, celebrates Civil War History.
Featured at the museum is a display by Chuck Bayles of the Military Society of Rochester. On the museum grounds will be an Artillery Demonstration by the Reynolds Battery along with fife and drum and period band music.
Saturday, August 6, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Parma Town Hall site, 1300 Parma Hilton Corners Road (Rt. 259), Hilton.
For information contact Frank Thomas at 585-392-8420. Admission is free.
7/31/11
Hilton Parma Historical Museum exhibits military items from Civil War
The Parma Historical Museum has completed some military exhibits: Civil War exhibit features items that pertain to the 248 local Parma Civil War soldiers; The World War I Honor Roll and many World War I artifacts including German, French and British items are on display. World War II and Korean War exhibits are currently being expanded.
Parma Hilton veterans who gave photographs to Hank Smith (Hilton Barber) during and after the war have been reframed and they are currently on display in the museum. U.S. Bond posters and enlistment posters are also on display. The museum’s World War II military artifact and memorabilia collection has only a few items. Items such as helmets, canteens, unit and rank shoulder patches, weapons, mess kit, first aid kits or any items a soldier might have used or collected at that time are welcome. Items may be donated or loaned to the Parma Hilton Historical Society.
Memorabilia from the U.S. home front, Civil Defense items would also be appreciated. Also enemy artifacts, German, Japanese or Italian would fit into the exhibit. The collection already includes many uniforms.
The museum has received a gift of a used glass showcase to display the artifacts.
The Parma Historical Museum is located in the Parma Town Park at 1300 Hilton Parma Corners Road (Route 259) and features historic exhibits from Parma’s early years. A general store exhibit, a sewing exhibit, one room school and pictures of the schools located throughout early Parma, an early kitchen and Parma farm equipment are included.
Admission is free. The museum is open Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Tours may be arranged by appointment by calling 382-9496 or 392-9084.
The museum is presenting a remembrance of the 150th Anniversary beginning of the American Civil War and will be open on August 5, starting Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. Some Civil War displays will be open. On Saturday, August 6, the museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be demonstrations by Civil War re-enactors. There will be live cannon firing, Civil War band music, Civil War artworks and soldiers to explain their military equipment and how it was used in the 1860s.
Provided information
7/31/11
Farm Market stands begin to fill with season’s fare
It’s time for --
… sweet corn, tomatoes, onions, peaches, cucumbers, zucchini, leeks, new potatoes, sweet peppers … and more!
by Kristina Gabalski
thinkstockOur long, cold, wet spring presented its share of challenges for local growers and also meant a slower than usual start for area farmers markets, but growers are optimistic that crops will catch up as the season progresses.
For example, Lora Partyka of Partyka Farms in Kendall says the strawberry season was so short, some people didn’t even start to look for strawberries until the season had already ended.
The Partykas sell their produce at both the North Chili Farmers Market and the Brockport Farmers Market.
“It was a slow start,” Partyka says, “but things are coming on nicely ... the quality is very nice.”
She says vine crops like zucchini and cucumbers are now available and early peaches are ready for picking.
Partyka says she likes the fact the North Chili Farmers Market - held Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 2200 Westside Drive - focuses on farmers and growers.
She also feels it’s important for consumers to get out of the “box store” mentality and buy from local farms. “We’re never going to get this country back on its feet until people start supporting local businesses,” she says.
Roger Rouse of Honqualac Haven in Bergen also is a longtime vendor at the North Chili Farmers Market.
He says weather this year has wreaked havoc with his scheduled plantings, although the recent dry weather is helping to prevent the development and spread of plant diseases. There will be “ ... spots where (certain crops) are short,” he says of this season, “when farmers couldn’t plant.
Beans, for example, didn’t get planted at the end of April as they usually do. That means beans will be high priced early in the season, Rouse says.
“Fruits are pretty much on schedule,” he says. “They are in the ground all year long ... the strawberry season was shortened this year.”
Like Partyka, Rouse is a big fan of the Farmers Market in North Chili. “It’s the oldest small farmers market in the Rochester region, after the Rochester downtown market,” he notes.
Rouse says he’s harvesting lettuce, beets and Swiss chard and has just finished digging garlic. Leeks are ready and beans are just starting, he says.
“Sweet corn will be late because of the cold, (farmers) were late in planting, there could be gaps in sweet corn,” Rouse adds.
Ruthann Tryka, who manages the Brockport Farmers Market with Charlene Veltz, says the market now located on Market Street in the village, is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through the last weekend in October.
“There is music ... live entertainment, nice produce vendors as well as items like wine as well as baked goods from Greg’ry’s in Bergen,” Tryka says. “Things are really coming on,” she adds, and vendors are selling produce like “ ... sweet corn, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini and sweet peppers.”
Despite the road construction work along Main Street, Tryka says, “ ... there’s never construction on Sunday ... don’t be afraid to come downtown on weekends.”
Tryka says those interested in becoming a vendor can contact her at 489-9009.
Kirby’s Farm Market on West Ridge Road in Brockport is offering a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program for the first time this year. Participants pay up-front for a weekly box of fresh fruits and vegetables from the farm throughout the growing season.
Stacey Kirby says much preparation work was done so that the CSA would run smoothly and all that work has paid off.
“It’s going well so far,” she says. “Originally, the sign-up deadline was the end of May, but so many people have been coming into the market and learning about it, we’re going to continue to allow people to purchase a pro-rated share right through October.”
A half-share feeds a family of 1-3, while a full share will feed a family of 2 to 5 people, Kirby explains. The boxes contain enough fruits and vegetables to cover the “majority of produce needs (for a family) for a week,” she says.
The farm has a plentiful supply of produce, Kirby says, and those who purchase a share can come to the market to pick up their boxes on either Tuesday or Saturday.
The boxes contain whatever is ripe and ready. “The variety evolves,” Kirby says. “In the beginning of the season, shares are light (but participants) are compensated later in the season when there is more variety.”
Kirby’s CSA is somewhat unique, she notes, because of its abundance of fruits.
“Anything we are growing and is in our market will be in their box,” Kirby says. “Everything in the box is so fresh, people know they are getting the best produce available.”
The Village of Hilton (Sun., 9-3) and the Town of Hamlin (Sun., 9-1) also have weekly farmers markets.
7/31/11
Wind Tamer
Kendall residents Cathy and Charles Akey stand in front of their wind turbine.It looked like a giant blue and white tulip. That’s the impression photographer Walter Horylev said he got as he drove up to the Akey home on Carr Road in Kendall. From their backyard “the tulip” turned out to be a colorful 55 foot tall wind turbine, a WindTamer 8.0 unit that has a blue supporting pole and a white and blue turbine head that gently rotated horizontally as the wind shifted position. Charles and Cathy Akey took turns filling me in on the unit, Horylev relates.
Seems that their electric bills were high, so Charles got on the internet and searched for ways to help their situation. “I liked the WindTamer model 8.0”, he said. “It wasn’t a high one and I really liked the design.” It took over a year to get all the paperwork done and then the rain this spring delayed things. Cathy stated: “It took one day to put the foundation in; we had to wait three weeks for it to cure. It took one day to assemble the unit and another day to erect it.”
The Akeys purchased the unit from the Wind Tamer Corporation, located in Rochester, after getting approvals from the planning and zoning boards in Kendall. Charles mentioned that the board members were helpful and some even encouraged them to go ahead with the project. The neighbors were supportive as long as the turbine wasn’t going to be noisy.
Charles said that the unit cost around $15,000 after federal and state incentives. The payback period should be around seven to eight years; that’s based on an average wind of 7 meters/sec. It’s maximum output is 4.8kw. There’s a five year warranty on parts and labor and the turbine is estimated to last 20 or more years. It’s available in green and white and blue and white.
The generator was installed on June 13 and so far the Akey’s have been “happy with the unit.” Over 24kW of electricity has been generated and they’ve earned $50 in credits by sending excess electricity to their electricity provider. “I’ve never considered a bladed open rotor unit,” the GM retiree, (1993), explained. “The neighbors were really good about this. We had two hearings each with the planning and zoning board and nobody bothered to show up. We had to put the unit 500 feet from the nearest neighbor, (directly across the road), and the trees in our backyard really hide the turbine. We also had to place it so that there was an adequate fall zone; that required 50 feet plus the height of the unit,” Cathy said. “You really have to listen to hear any noise when it is operating.”
Charles Akey points out the readout window for the kilowatt hour energy being produced by his wind turbine, the WindTamer 8.0.The unit automatically shuts down in 50-60 mph winds and it also shuts down if the utility they feed excess energy to is itself shutdown for whatever reason. It was running when I was there; I stood directly underneath the turbine and I couldn’t hear any noise. The company claims it is safe for birds.
Cathy mentioned that some of the neighbors are interested in what they are doing, some have called about it and people sometimes stop and ask what they have in their back field. There are three similar units in Clarendon and one in Waterport. The couple, who own and run Classic Motorcycles in Albion, seem very satisfied at this point. Now that they have their electric costs in control they are going to add air conditioning to their house.
Text and photos by Walter Horylev
7/31/11
Sports - Week of July 31, 2011
AREA
Two-time AGR Golfer continues career at RWC
Troy Allen (Brockport, NY) has signed a letter of intent to continue his career with the Raiders at Roberts Wesleyan College. Allen is a two-time All-Greater Rochester golfer and was a member of the Section Five team that won the state title in 2010.
During his time at Brockport High School, Allen was named Player of the Year in Monroe County Division II and was a member of the Monroe County All-League team twice. Allen was Brockport’s #1 golfer for three years and finished his high school career with a 38.80 stroke average.
As an amateur, Allen has a USGA Handicap of 2.0. In 2010, Allen tied for first place at the RDGA Classic at Salmon Creek Country Club. Allen has won Western New York PGA events at Clifton Springs and Brook Lea.
Men’s Golf Coach Ken Starkweather is looking forward to Allen competing for the
Raiders this fall. “Troy is the cornerstone to the future of Raider golf,” said Starkweather. “Troy has added a lot of excitement to this recruiting class and I look forward to a great four years with Troy. What I like most from Troy is that he has excelled off the golf course as much as he has on the course.”
Allen is the son of Jim and Janice Allen and plans to major in business administration at Roberts Wesleyan College.
Provided information
7/31/11
Hage/Hogan Basketball Camp marks 29th year
Co-Directors Charlie Hage and Jack Hogan completed their 29th year of boys and girls basketball camp.
Techniques, fundamentals, contest, games, teamwork are all part of the 29 years of success.
Provided Photo
7/31/11
KENDALL
Kendall Basketball Camp a slam dunk
The David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School played host to Basketball Camp for students in grades 3 to 6 and 7 to 12 during the week of July 18.
Now in its eighth year, the camp attracted students from Brockport and Kendall.
Coach Justin Laureano received assistance running the camp from Basketball players from Medaille College in Buffalo.
Kendall sixth-grader Taylor Requa said she plays soccer during the school year, but she has a special place for basketball in her heart. She said attending camp has helped her improve on her speed, strength and ball handling skills.
Provided photo
7/31/11
HILTON
Hilton HEX team wins Division
The HEX team from Hilton won the U12 Division at the Hamburg Dog Days lacrosse championship on July 23.
Provided photo
7/31/11
SPENCERPORT
Brewers Win Championship Game
The Brewers won the championship game for the Spencerport Junior Baseball Boys Minors 9-10 League.
Shown: (front row) Joe Cuddy, Nathan Hueber, Jackson Glozer, Lucas Krolczyk, Tyler Mitchell; (second row) Nicholas Weiss, Lorenzo Filardo, Kiernan Crowley, Miles Weber, Zach Cieslinski, Antonio Pisa; (third row): Coach Tony Pisa, Coach Gary Glozer, Coach Marc Krolczyk, Coach Jim Cieslinski. Missing from the photo, Jason Zasso.
Provided photo
7/31/11
Wind up
Zander James Vella winds up to pitch for the Spencerport All Stars playing in the 9 and 10 year old division in a tournament in Greece in July.
Zander is the son of Melissa Vella.
Photo by James Andolina, Zander’s grandfather.
7/31/11
Obituaries - Week of July 31, 2011
AREA
•Jolly, Herman Joseph, of LeRoy, NY, died July 17, 2011 after battling chronic illnesses. Predeceased by his parents, Martin and Edith Jolly of Macedon, and brother, Tom of Ohio. He is survived by his wife Jean Jolly of Holley; daughter Jeannie McCarthy (Michael) of Hamlin; son William Jolly (Cheryl) of Hamlin; daughter Sharrie Mitchell (Steve) of Alabama, and daughter Karen Jolly-Bobbitt (Carl) of North Carolina; brother Jerry (Dolores) of Ohio; also survived by a very large extended family of step-children, grandchildren, family members and many friends. “Joe” Jolly worked for Sodoma Farms for over forty years.
Calling hours were not observed.
BERGEN
•Ruginis, Constant T. “Gus,” July 22, 2011, age 98, formerly of Hilton. Predeceased by his wife, Dorothy and his sisters, Alice Farley and Bernice Kahn. Survived by his nieces, Michele “Mickey” Rodak, with whom he made his home, also Gloria Kellman.
A Military Graveside Service was held July 25 at Parma Union Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Crossroads House, P.O. Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 in his memory.
BROCKPORT
•Lincoln-Dunne, Dawn E., On July 23, 2011 after a long courageous battle with multiple sclerosis. She is predeceased by her husband, Garry “Jake” Dunne. She is survived by her children, Jade and Garret Dunne; grandchildren, Isaiah and Gianna Dunne.
A Graveside Service was held July 28 at Parma Union Cemetery, Hilton.
CHILI
•Hendershott, John C. “Jack,” of Clearwater Florida, formerly of Chili, died July 20, 2011. He is survived by his wife Marion L. Hendershott; sons Stephen (Irene), Thomas (Linda Mase); grandchildren Stephanie Hendershott, Otis Hendershott (Kelly), Mason Hendershott and great-grandchildren Liana Hendershott, Deacon Hendershott, Victor Hendershott. Jack retired from Churchville-Chili Central School after 20 years as the Business Manager and prior to that, 23 years at General Railway Signal.
Jack was a US Navy combat veteran of WWII having served on the aircraft carrier USS Petrof Bay, and participated in eight major Naval battles in the Pacific.
Donations in his memory can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Burial at the convenience of the family.
CLARKSON
•Clark, Roger T., “Zuke,” Died December 10, 2010 in South Carolina, formerly of Clarkson.
A Military Graveside Service was held July 30 at Mt. Albion Cemetery.
GATES
•Huether, John Sr., “Jack,” July 25, 2011, age 72. Founder of Huether Heating and Cooling and a long standing member of A.C.C.A. Predeceased by his parents, Francis and Dorthea; brother, Robert; and grandson, RJ Williams (MacGovern). Survived by his wife of 53 years, Janet (Monk); siblings, Marilyn (Walt) Probst, Carol (Tom) Maxwell; children, Deborah Carney (Bob Berkey), John (Mary) Huether Jr., Kimberly (Rich) Williams and Barbara (Chris) Clark; grandchildren, Jamie (Scott) Rice, Jenna Carney (Jose Rivera), Holly Williams, Mandy (Andy) Schmidt, Sarah, Hannah, Mikaela Clark; great-grandchildren, Xavier, Madyson, Olivia, Lilly, Amari and Brody; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. John was a Paul Harris Fellow given by Spencerport Rotary, a member of the Elks, Eagles, and American Legion.
A Funeral Mass was said July 29 at Holy Ghost Church. Interment, Holy Ghost Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital in his memory.
HAMLIN
•Schaffer, Carol, July 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Survived by her sons, Austin, Eric, Luke, Scott and Jason Dingman and their wives; her sister, Gloria Hamm; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held July 26 at Hilton United Methodist Church. Contributions can be made to the Church Memorial Fund in her memory.
•Smith, Kenneth R., July 20, 2011, age 87. Predeceased by his grandson, Noah. Survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary E. Smith; sons and daughters-in-law, Todd and Char, Gordon, Mark and Ann, Robert and Monika, Eric and Joanne Smith; his grandchildren, Erica (Chris) Dobson, Jillian (Adam) Webster, Nathan (Kathryn), Samantha (Derek Brado), Colin, Mallory, Caleb and Lucas Smith; four great-grandchildren, Alana, Olivia, Tanner and Bristol. Ken was a Veteran of WWII, a retiree of E.I. DuPont after 40 years.
A Private Graveside Service was held at Lakeside Cemetery, Hamlin. Contributions can be made to Walker Fire Department or Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center in his memory.
HILTON
•Becker, Margaret J. (Meagher) “Peggy,” July 27, 2011, peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer at age 55. Peggy is predeceased by her parents, Paul and Elizabeth Meagher; sister, Mariann Lamuraglia; father and mother-in-law, Fred and Carol Becker; sister-in-law Linda Burgmaster. She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Fred Becker; children, Colleen (Shane) Surek and Daniel Becker; sisters, Winnie (Mike) Carletta and Kathleen (Tim) Lincoln; brothers, Paul (Linda) Meagher and Michael (Sher) Meagher; sister-in-law, Beth Ann (Brian) Bryce; brother-in-law, David (Valerie) Becker; beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was employed for over 30 years at Bausch & Lomb, ending her career as a Marketing Manager.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated July 30 at St. Mark’s Church, Kuhn Road. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to American Cancer Society c/o Toast to Hope, 1120 South Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14620 or to Pluta Cancer Center, 125 Red Creek Drive, Rochester, NY 14623 in her memory.
HOLLEY
•Hawley, Eloise J., Age 84, July 25, 2011. Predeceased by husband F. Neil in 2008. Survived by daughters, Madge Fry of Hamlin, Susan (Don) DePalma of Albion; sons Thomas of Holley, Peter (Lisa) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; granddaughters, Jacqueline (Tony), Meaghan (Glenn), Lynette (Will), Marisa, Nicole; great-granddaughters Kaitlyn, Emma; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc., Holley. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance in her memory.
NORTH CHILI
•Fleming, Howard “Howie,” died July 3, 2011. Predeceased by his father Jim and sister, Cathy. Survived by his mother, Gladys; sister, Vickey; children John and Stephanie; cousins, aunts, and uncles.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, August 5 at Victory Community Church, 1619 Manitou Road.
OGDEN
•Gillis, Donald R., After a brief illness on July 26, 2011, at age 62. Predeceased by his father, John P. Gillis, Sr.; brother, Edward J. Gillis. He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry (Slavas) Gillis; son, Jared (Jennifer) Gillis; grandchildren, Brooke and Brayden; mother, Rose Gillis; brothers and sister, John P. Jr. (Jackie) Gillis, Michael Gillis (Joanne Yahn), Rosemary (Michael) Koban, Thomas (Jennifer) Gillis; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Don was a retiree of Rochester Products.
Services and interment were held privately. Donations can be directed to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Upstate, NY, 1650 South Avenue, Rochester 14620 in his memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Cooper, Truey (Johnston), Died July 21, 2011 at age 101 at her home. Predeceased by her husbands, Thomas Borden Johnston and Gillie Dee Cooper; children, Gertrude Rodenberger, John Johnston, James Johnston and three infants at birth. Survived by daughters, Anne (Paul) Sterneman, Nora (William) Spindler-Miller and Deborah (Harold) Hume; and son, David (Suzann) Johnston; daughters-in-law, Nancy Johnston and Cheri Johnston Boden; 18 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Truey’s life was held July 23 at the Spencerport Bible Church, Spencerport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to support Truey’s great-grandchildren, Travis and Kaylyn Julian who are leaving for a mission service in Africa with RCI International in c/o Spencerport Bible Church, 1948 North Union Street, Spencerport 14559 or to the Spencerport Bible Church in her memory.
•Costine, William (Bill), in Columbia, Mississippi, formerly of Spencerport, died July 13, 2011 at age 58. He is survived by his parents, Richard (Dick) and Doris Costine of Spencerport; sister, Susie Costine McKnight of Arizona.
A graduate of Spencerport High School, Bill worked at Dick’s Hardware in Spencerport and at Eastman Kodak Company. He was an avid ball player and bowler.
•Reynolds, June C. (Veale), July 23, 2011 at the age of 88. June was predeceased by her husband, Nelson and her parents, Arthur and Mildred Veale. She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl (Romero) Britto, Diane Searls and Gail (Joe) Cosler; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Miller, Amanda (Jim) Sprague, Katie (John Devine) Searls, Jarrod Cosler, Brendan Britto; great grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary and Makayla, Isabel, Jacob and Kylie; several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated July 28 at St. Vincent DePaul Church, Churchville. Interment, St. Vincent DePaul Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the American Kidney Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice in her memory.
•Urckfitz, Mary I. (Kissel), July 20, 2011 at the age of 93. Mary was predeceased by her husband Floyd Urckfitz. Survived by her children, Ilene Urckfitz, Carol Banfield and Michael (Beth) Urckfitz; grandchildren, Dan (Carol), Jeff (Joanne) Bocach, Jason (Kelly), David (Christy) Urckfitz and Joshua Wambach-Urckfitz; great-grandchildren, Katie, David, Ashley, Taylor, Brynn, Nicholas, Tyler, Sara and Emily; brother, Walter (Joy) Kissel; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held July 25 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Churchville. Interment, Creekside Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Churchville Fire Department or Alzheimer’s Association in her memory.
•Wittman, Dorothy (Breiner), Peacefully at home with her family by her side on July 21, 2011 at the age of 94. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Eugene Wittman, her sons, Eugene Jr., and William Wittman and her grandchildren, Eric, Lisa Rupp and Dori Wittman. She is survived by her children Bernard (Stefanie) Wittman, Mary Rupp, Theodore (Marjorie) Wittman, Patricia (Geoff) Brown and Andrew (Marcia) Wittman; 19 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Karen and Leslie Wittman; many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass and Interment were celebrated privately at St. Jude’s Church and St. John’s Cemetery in Spencerport, with respect to Dorothy’s wishes.
A Tribute to Tobi Ekeze
by Bob Iveson
Our community was greatly saddened by the passing of Dr. Tobias Ekeze on Saturday, July 16.
He was a vice-principal at Brockport High School. He was the perfect example of the American dream, having emigrated from Nigeria and fully appreciating all that America has to offer, and making a huge contribution in return.
I first met Tobi nearly 25 years ago. I needed experienced help for our Biology labs at Ward’s Natural Science. It would take too long to train new technicians. Area colleges may be able to supply students for a day, if they had a full day without classes. Tobi and Kevin answered the call, from SUNY Brockport. They, and a few others, were an answer to our needs, skilled biologists who could quickly learn procedures.
Tobi, Kevin, and I rode to work and back. It was very entertaining. Tobi constantly marveled and praised the U.S. “What a wonderful country,” he would say. “Anyone can do what they want.” No commercials for the USA could be better than Tobi’s conversations.
As a biology major, Tobi was a highly skilled technician. Following graduation, he was far better than the opportunities the business could offer. Tobi joined Eastman Kodak Co. He then went with Johnson & Johnson as a researcher, when Kodak sold J&J.
We remained friends. I had the honor of attending Tobi and Karen’s wedding, an unusual and beautiful ceremony with African and English components.
Tobi was not happy at J&J and told me he really wanted to get into education. He wanted to teach in the inner city - wanted to be a strong role model for inner city youths.
So Tobi got his teaching certificate and did what he said he’d do.
After several years at this he became frustrated. He told me that when they had “parents’ day” for his class, only one or two parents showed up. He was very disappointed. He felt he could make a better contribution through administration. Tobi got his administrative certificate. Tobi lived in this community and he loved Brockport. He was elated when we hired him as vice-principal at Brockport High School.
A lifelong learner, Tobi got his PhD driving to the University of Buffalo, summer and winter. This chronology and Tobi’s qualifications aren’t half the story.
Tobi was a big, strong man with a great welcoming smile. Most of the students at Brockport High thought he was the principal because he was always involved with them. Tobi was loved and respected by all, because Tobi loved and respected everyone.
He believed in the kids, and he praised Brockport almost the way he had praised the U.S.
I was in the high school atrium one day when there was a disturbance. A student with a problem came in with a security person. The student was yelling “you can’t touch me.”
Tobi heard the commotion, came out of his office, put his arms around the student and walked him to a bench, where I’m sure the problem was resolved.
That’s just one example of the way Tobi was.
Tobi and Karen have two children, Julian, a senior this year, and Isabella, a junior.
The family designed their beautiful Brockport home. He had campfires for his neighbors - we sat around and solved world problems by the flickering flames.
Tobi was a great friend and one of the finest men I’ve ever known. The good Lord took him home too soon, but his suffering is over, and his legacy will remain forever in our hearts.
See death notice in archives July 24, 2011
Archives - Week of July 24, 2011
Local News - Week of July 24, 2011
DOT says “excellent progress” being made on Brockport project
by Kristina Gabalski
Crews from Crane Hogan contractors replaced the culvert at Coleman Creek and Route 19 during the second week of July. The roadway was closed to permit removing the old road surface and structure and rebuilding the gravel base for the new conduit. Provided photographs by Christopher R. Martin.New York State Department of Transportation officials say “excellent progress” is being made on the Main Street/Route 19 reconstruction project in Brockport.
The south end of Route 19 was closed at times over the past two weeks for replacement of the culvert and DOT Public Information Officer Lori Maher says crews have also been working to pave the road. They were expected to have paved up to binder from Erie Street to the south village line - with the exception of the five-corner intersection at Main, Adams, Park, and Fair Streets - by the end of the week of July 18.
Engineer-in-Charge Scott Sullivan says he expects the five-corner intersection will be completed the week of July 25.
Crews have also been installing new sidewalks and were expected to begin excavating the north section of Main Street between the canal and East/West Avenues late during the week of July 18 and into the week of July 25.
“In August, crews will concentrate on the central business district between the canal bridge and Erie/State Streets, especially now that the Smith Street bridge is open. They will work on one side of the road while two-way traffic is shifted to the opposite side,” Maher says.
Most of the downtown work will be done at night, Scott Sullivan says, but not all. “Drainage will be done during the day to save time and because that’s dangerous to do in the dark, (it’s) hard to see utilities,” he notes.
Parking in the downtown section of Main Street will be prohibited while work is done in that section. “People should plan to use a municipal parking lot to do business in the downtown area,” Maher says.
“Around the same time - either during or after - crews will come back to pave that top course on the whole stretch - from the south village line up to East/West Avenue. It will be done at night, but should only take a couple of nights,” explains Maher. “This will be the final driving surface that everybody has been waiting for.”
Then NYSDOT officials will look at the calendar and the schedule and make a decision about when the new modern roundabout at the intersection of Route 19 and East/West Avenues will be built, she says.
Trees will be planted next spring, Sullivan adds.
Field staff update the Village of Brockport every few days and information is posted on the village website - www.brockportny.org - and also at www.511ny.org.
“People should continue to observe the electronic message boards that have key information,” Maher advises. “We try not to close more of the road than is necessary, so hopefully that is helpful. Thanks for your patience.”
7/24/11
Applicant amends recycling project scope
by Kristina Gabalski
An Ogden business has amended its original application for a conditional use permit to operate recycling equipment in a building located at Business Center Drive in the town.
Building Inspector Jack Crooks tells Westside News Inc. that Maingate Development, Inc. has removed the process of recycling concrete and asphalt from their application and that the amended application does not include any recycling processes that would be done outside the building.
A public hearing was begun on the original application on July 7. Crooks says the hearing lasted for two hours.
“There was a fair amount of concern from residents about (what direction) this might take into the future,” Crooks says. Zoning Board of Appeals members had “ ... enough unanswered questions that they decided to table it,” Crooks says. The public hearing was also left open.
The amended application lists several materials Maingate would like to recycle, “... entirely within the building,” Crooks says. Included are recycling of drywall, aluminum, metal, precious metals, wood and cardboard, Crooks says.
“The Zoning Board will determine if it is an appropriate use,” Crooks explains. He adds that it would not be a public recycling operation, but, “commercial to commercial.”
The business is located in a Light Industrial District which allows for inside recycling operations, but there are performance standards that must be met for the application to be approved, Crooks says.
The amended application will be on the agenda for the next Zoning Board meeting, set for August 4, and Crooks adds that the public hearing will also remain open for anyone to speak, as long as they are bringing up new information.
7/24/11
Union St. bridge over Erie Canal in Spencerport posted for weight
Bridge remains open to vehicles 20 tons and under
The Route 259 (Union Street) bridge over the Erie Canal in the village of Spencerport will be posted with a weight restriction for heavy-duty vehicles weighing more than 20 tons beginning on Monday, July 25, until the bridge can be repaired.
According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) an annual bridge inspection and load rating analysis were performed recently to determine how much weight the structure is capable of supporting on a regular basis. The condition of the bridge is no longer adequate to carry the weight of vehicles weighing more than 20 tons. The bridge continues to be safe for vehicles weighing 20 tons or less, including regular passenger vehicles, according to the DOT.
Loads that weigh more than 20 tons which can no longer cross the Erie Canal in Spencerport are able to use the Washington Street bridge in Adams Basin or Route 260 (Sweden-Walker Road) to the west or Route 261 (Manitou Road) in Gates.
According to a press release, “NYSDOT is developing a plan to restore the condition of the bridge to remove the weight restriction. Deteriorated components of the deck system will be replaced.
Construction-related details to undertake the repairs including the schedule and traffic control plan will be shared once they are determined.”
7/24/11
Hilton-Parma Gazebo Band to honor Homer Marple
The Hilton-Parma Gazebo Band will honor charter member, Homer Marple, in its final concert of the season, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 at the Hilton Gazebo.
A dedicated member of the band since its founding in 1984, Marple is an accomplished tuba player, who played tuba with the University of Michigan concert and marching bands and the U.S. Army’s Fort Knox Armored Training Band during World War II.
As part of the special recognition, the Hilton-Parma Gazebo Band will feature the low brass sections in many of the musical selections and will premiere “The Hilton-Parma Gazebo Band March.” The march, written and arranged by the band’s conductor, Dr. Charles P. Schmidt, is “Dedicated to Homer Marple.”
The Wednesday night concert is free to the public. Those attending can bring seating to enjoy the special music performed to honor Marple.
In the event of rain, the concert will be held indoors at the Hilton Community Center adjacent to the Gazebo.
7/24/11
Rotary District 7120 invites area professionals to apply for exchange program in the Philippines
Rotarians of the Greater Rochester area and District 7120 are seeking five outstanding professionals to visit the Philippines (Central Luzon Region) in February 2012 as part of the Group Study Exchange (GSE) program of The Rotary Foundation. Through the program, teams of non-Rotarians representing the two countries exchange visits. The awards involve four week visits, during which team members share personal knowledge of their own country and experience customs, vocations and lifestyles of another.
The purpose of the Group Study Exchange is to promote international understanding and goodwill through person-to-person contact. While abroad, team members stay in Rotarians’ homes in various cities and towns and have the opportunity to meet their professional counterparts. They also give presentations to Rotary clubs and other groups about their home country. Members will also attend Rotary District Conferences here and in the Philippines and will be expected to share their experiences at various Rotary Clubs upon their return home.
The Rotary Foundation provides round-trip air travel, and local Rotarians in the Philippines provide meals, lodging, group travel in their district. Team members pay only for travel insurance, medical shots if required and personal expenses during the trip.
Young professionals ages 25 to 40 are invited to apply and must be employed full-time in a recognized business or profession. Applicants must live or be employed in Rotary District 7120 and must not be related to a Rotarian.
For an application, and other information contact Roger Ressman, 352-4108, or artfuld@frontiernet.net.
Applications are due no later than September 15. Team member interviews will be held October 20.
7/24/11
Brockport student wins First Amendment award
William Matthias, a senior at The College at Brockport, State University of New York, has been honored for outstanding service to the First Amendment through the field of journalism.
The spring 2011 editor-in-chief of The Stylus, Brockport’s student newspaper, is the recipient of the Society of Professional Journalist’s Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award.
“It is truly a great feeling to know that the Society of Professional Journalists has recognized my dedication to The Stylus and to protecting the principles of journalism through the First Amendment,” Matthias says. “I am honored to have won this award. I cannot express the level of gratitude I have for the support I received from The Stylus staff and the College faculty. This would not have been possible without them.”
The Gates resident was recognized for using the power of the student press to confront members of Brockport’s Student Government, who he says violated the student newspaper’s First Amendment rights. After Matthias issued the accusations in a February 2 column, he received a letter from the student government’s attorney demanding that he retract the column and resign as editor of The Stylus. Matthias refused to do so.
“Bill is the kind of journalism student that teachers are lucky to get once in a lifetime,” says Marsha Ducey, a communication professor at The College at Brockport and faculty adviser to The Stylus. “He wants to be the watchdog and hold those in power accountable for their actions. He thinks long and hard about the ethics of his actions, questions and stories.”
Matthias will be recognized during the joint Society of Professional Journalists and Radio Televisoin Digital News Association Excellence in Journalism 2011 conference, September 25 through 27, in New Orleans.
7/24/11
Post #330 American Legion elects officers
Ferris-Goodridge Post #330 has announced the following officers for the 2011-2012 year: Commander Joe Laucht; 1st Vice Commander - Don Sisson; 2nd Vice Commander - Paul Bookmiller; 3rd Vice Commander - Larry Strauss; Adjutant and membership - Bill Ornt; Treasurer - Mike Swartz; Chaplain - Bill Heffron; Historian - Bob Bechtold; Sgt. at Arms - Robert Cullingworth; Service Officer - Wayne Young.
Officers for the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) Squadron #330 for 2011-2012 are as follows: Commander - Jim Maloney; 1st Vice Commander - Dick Moffett; 2nd Vice Commander - Mark Sawicki; 3rd Vice Commander - Bill Van Nelson; Adjutant - Dick Kingdon; Treasurer - Sean Ryan; Chaplain - Jerome Toepper; Historian - Tim Howard; Sgt. at Arms - Gary Burchill.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #330 officers for the year 2011-2012: President - Millie Dibble; 1st Vice President - Pam May; 2nd Vice President - Jane Decker; Secretary - Barb Marhatta; Treasurer - Audy Hess; Sgt. at Arms - Sandi Senator; Chaplain - Lorraine Brown.
7/24/11
Politically Speaking - Week of July 24, 2011
Citizens of Riga launch campaign for town offices
Four candidates will seek elected town offices in the November elections in Riga under the Citizens of Riga banner.
“After listening to residents express concerns about what is happening in our town government and hearing a clear call for the option of choices in November’s local election, we are once again entering the field,” The Citizens of Riga candidates stated in a press release.
Declared candidates are:
•Jim Ehrmentraut - running for Riga Town Supervisor. Owner of J & P Carpentry, Ehrmentraut was owner of Creekside Café in Churchville and operated a tent rental service for the past 20 years. He is a 28-year member of the Churchville Fire Department and has served as captain and lieutenant of the ambulance squad. He is a lifelong member of St. Vincent de Paul Church and a life member of Churchville Lions Club.
•Pat Woityra - running for Riga Town Council. Resident of Riga since 1969. Successfully ran for Riga Town Board in 1972. Woityra is a retired teacher of English and free lance writer. She and her husband Bill, raised standard bred race horses which she helped train.
•Steve Randall - running for Riga Town Council. Randall is a lifelong Riga resident currently employed by Genesee Brewery. He is president of Churchville Youth Association and a member of Union Congregational United Church of Christ. Randall is a certified referee in NIOSA college soccer and USSF summer leagues.
•Ron Hull - running for Riga Town Justice. Hull is a litigation attorney with a Rochester law firm with more than 31 years experience in municipal and environmental law. He has lived in Riga for 27 years. He writes a column on law for “The Daily Record” and is director of the Center for Environmental Information. He also serves on the Eagle Scout Board of Review for the Seneca Waterways Council and is a volunteer with the 4-H program of Monroe County Cooperative Extension.
Provided information
7/24/11
Republican candidates for Sweden town offices
The Sweden Republican Committee has announced its slate of candidates for the 2011 fall election.
All eight candidates have been cross-endorsed by the Conservative and Independence parties.
Pictured (back row, left to right) are: incumbent Town Justice Carl Coapman; incumbent Highway Superintendent Fred Perrine; Town Council Candidate Don Roberts; incumbent Police Justice Mark Depferd; Town Council Candidate Kevin Johnson; center: incumbent Town Councilperson Rebecca Donohue; front: Supervisor Candidate Patricia Connors (currently a town councilperson) and incumbent Receiver of Taxes Theresa Weed.
The general election is scheduled for November 8.
Provided photo
7/24/11
Feature Stories - Week of July 24, 2011
Canal Days helps to make Spencerport special
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
Visit the Village of Spencerport the weekend of July 29-31 to find a festival that celebrates the Erie Canal and Spencerport area. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Spencerport Canal Days.
Over 100 arts, crafts and food vendors are expected to showcase their creations this year at the 2011 Spencerport Canal Days on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day.
This year’s show includes many new artists and food vendors.
“We have artists traveling from Florida, Massachusetts, Ohio, Watertown and the Buffalo area. These news artists will feature handcrafted personal signs, hand-cut silhouettes and caricatures drawn on-site,” Ginny Swarthout, Canal Days Director, explained.
“We’re delighted to have crafters from all over the United States at this year’s show including an artist from Alabama who creates lawn ornaments from wrought iron and concrete,” said Canal Days Art Show and Entertainment Coordinator Wendy Dandrea.
The festival kicks off on Friday, July 29 with a concert at the Clyde Carter Memorial Gazebo located in the village near the lift bridge. The free concert, beginning at 7 p.m., will feature the band Unlimited. Other musical groups will also be featured throughout the Canal Days weekend. These free performances will be presented at the music tent located at the corner of Union Street and East Avenue, at the gazebo and new this year, a strolling musician. The Banjo Man, Jim Haner, will roam the village as he serenades crowds with his talents and maybe even persuade a few willing participants to sing along.
Parking during this popular event can be at a premium, so all Canal Days attendees are encouraged to take the Canal Days shuttle bus that runs to and from the village. This service runs from Terry A. Taylor School to the picnic pavilion next to the Canal on Canal Street and from Spencerport High School to HSBC Bank. Buses run every 15 minutes from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on both days.
Canal Days visitors can expect a variety of food offered throughout the weekend. Food vendors can be found at the Spencerport Firemen’s Field and also near the entertainment tent on Union Street.
Some of these food vendors include area community organizations like the Lions Club of Spencerport and the Kiwanis Club of Spencerport. The profits that these groups make, as well as what other community organizations make from their food booths, benefit many worthy community causes.
Canal Days Car Show Saturday, July 30
Car buffs and car show enthusiasts are invited to come out to the annual Spencerport Canal Car Show on Saturday, July 30 at Pineway Ponds Park in Spencerport. New to the show this year is a change in the show format.
This year’s car show will be judged and will include a number of trophies for the best vehicles plus specialty trophies. Scoring will be based on paint and body, interior, engine, chassis, undercarriage and safety, and overall detail and appearance.
Registration is from 9 a.m. to noon and the awards ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. A free dash plaque will be awarded to the first 200 entries.
“We welcome spectators and encourage people to come out to the show. The Canal Days shuttle bus stops at the car show or it’s an easy walk from the village,” said John Amon, Canal Days Car Show Chairperson.
Registration is $15 the day of the car show. For entry information, check out the car show page on the Canal Days website at www.spencerportcanaldays.com. Entry forms are also available at any of the car show sponsors.
“The Car Show features lots of different cars, antique to new, hot rods and many cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s,” Amon explained.
The 2011 Canal Days Car Show sponsors include Suburban News, Resch Auto Service and Galaxie Auto Parts.
Watch for your Canaligators
The fifth annual Canaligator Race will take place on Sunday, July 31 at the Union Street Lift Bridge in the Village of Spencerport. At 4 p.m., stake your place along the canal as these green, plastic friends float east down the canal as the crowds cheer on their favorite canaligator.
Prizes will be awarded to the first five and last five Canaligators that cross the finish line. Prizes include $200, $300 and $500 gift cards to Wegmans Supermarkets, a box suite to a Rochester Red Wings Baseball game, gift cards to Ace Hardware, Buckman’s Car Wash and Sunoco, as well as a $600 value Seneca Lake Wine Tour package. More prizes will be announced during Canal Days.
Pre-sale canaligator tickets can be purchased at The Unique Shop, 130 South Union Street, and the Second Chances Consignment Shoppe, 147 South Union Street, for $5 each or five for $20. During Canal Days, tickets may be purchased at the Canal Days Information Booth.
As in years past, the proceeds of the canaligator race will benefit a community organization or help to defray the cost of equipment utilized by the community. In the past, the Canal Days Committee has voted to purchase park benches and bike racks located in the Village of Spencerport, an exterior sign at Aurora House, and fund picnic tables with roofs at Pineway Ponds. These projects are just a few of those which race proceeds have supported.
“The proceeds from this event will be given to a community project. The Canaligator Race is fun, and it’s a great way to raise funds for so many valuable community projects,” said Ginny Swarthout, Canal Days Director.
7/24/11
Cruise-in, Poker Run, plenty of food at BBQ Fest July 29-31
by Kristina Gabalski
Several new events will be part of the 2nd Annual Brockport Rotary BBQ and Music Festival, not the least of which is a new location.
The first event was held last summer at the SUNY Brockport campus, but this year the festival is moving a little to the east - to Northampton Park, placing it between the villages of Spencerport and Brockport.
Events will take place in the Ski Lodge area on Hubbell Rod.
The festival kicks off on Friday evening, July 29, with a new Cruise-In from 5 to 8 p.m., Rotary member and organizer Rob Blair says.
A VIP area will also be set up in the ski lodge. “The VIP Area will feature all you can eat,” Blair explains, “other vendors are a la carte.”
Also new this year will be a beer and wine garden.
A Motorcycle Poker Run will be held on Sunday, July 31. Blair says funds raised during the festival benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center.
BBQ and Music Fest offers lots of family-friendly fun
The 2nd Annual Brockport Rotary BBQ and Music Festival is an event that everyone in the family will enjoy, Rotary member and organizer Rob Blair says.
“We want to stay family friendly,” he explains. In addition to BBQ contests, the event features food vendors, merchandise vendors and cooking demonstrations. A new Cruise-In is planned for Friday, July 29 and a Motorcycle Poker Run is planned for Sunday, July 31.
Organizers say the Kids’ Area will return. “There will be kids games, arts and crafts, a bounce house,” Blair says.
Young family members can even participate in their own Kids’ Q cooking contest on Saturday, July 30. Music is also a main part of the weekend-long event. Bands will perform Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Featured bands play music, “ ... of the bluesy-type,” Blair says.
The new location this year - at the Ski Lodge area of Northampton Park - will provide a natural amphitheater setting for the concerts, Blair notes.
Everyone enjoys the weekend, Blair says, including those taking part in the amateur and professional cooking competitions.
“We had a good response,” he says of last year’s inaugural event. “The contestants are pretty excited,” about this year’s festival.
Blair adds that the contestants felt they were treated very well last year and that the Brockport community was “ ... very hospitable and friendly.”
Note: $3 general admission, children under 12 free, persons with military ID free, $5 parking fee per vehicle (Monroe County fee).
BBQ competitions coming to Northampton Park
Five cooking competitions will highlight the 2nd Annual Brockport Rotary BBQ and Music Fest set for the weekend of July 29-31 at Northampton Park off Route 31 on the Ogden-Sweden border.
Rotary member and organizer Rob Blair says all the contests feature prize money and awards, “… there is cash and trophies for the winners,” he says.
Those who like to grill at home will enjoy the Backyard Grilling Event sanctioned by the New England BBQ Society on Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
The Chili Cook-Off and Rib Cook-Off are geared towards cooks who have been told by family and friends that their ribs and chili are great, organizers say.
The Kids’ Q contest is also planned for Saturday and features two age groups (6-10 and 11-16) to inspire the next generation of BBQ chefs and give them their first experience at competitive grilling.
Children compete for honors in both chicken and beef categories.
“We are still looking for participants,” Blair notes of the Kids Q, “ … scholarships are available.” He says it will be possible to make last minute additions to the competition. Participation need to bring all necessary tools and food. Saturday’s main event is the New England BBQ Society Grilling Contest, Blair says.
Contestants will prepare chicken wings, sausage, burgers and a chef’s choice.
People attending can enjoy watching the competitions and can also speak with competitors after turn-in time, Blair says. “They (the competitors) love to talk about what they do.”
The weekend’s big event will be held Sunday, July 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pro competitors will take part in the Kansas City BBQ Society nationally sanctioned contest. The KCBS event is part of the Empire State BBQ Championship series which consists of eight contests around the state.
Contestants will prepare ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork and chicken, Blair says.
“We will have teams from Canada, Iowa, all over New York state … teams from throughout New England,” Blair says of the event. “We will probably end up with 25 or 30 teams.
Most of the teams will start setting up on Friday night, he explains. “They get their site, set up and camp all weekend. They will cook all night for Sunday.”
Proceeds from the BBQ and Music Fest benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Blair says.
7/24/11
Hilton Firemen’s Carnival July 27-30
Surveying the browning fields it is tough to root against rain, but Dick Barrett is still hoping sun prevails next weekend. Barrett is the Parade Chairman for this year’s Hilton Firemen’s Carnival, July 27-30.
This year’s carnival, located on South Avenue across from the plaza, offers the same blueprint that has made it one of the largest firemen’s carnivals in Upstate New York, and a party that draws from all over.
“It is amazing to me how many people come from out of town to enjoy our festivities,” Barrett said. The huge turnout is crucial as the carnival is the largest fundraiser for Hilton’s volunteer fire service that includes more than 100 active volunteers.
“Our carnival helps us continue to take care of our residents at a low cost,” Barrett said.
The carnival grounds will open at 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and at noon on Saturday.
Carol Stream Amusements will again be providing the rides and games and will offer a one price option for unlimited rides of $20 per person.
Along with sunshine, food and music will be available in large supply and quantity.
Some of the culinary highlights include Zoo plates, Beef on Wick, sugar waffles, Walker Fire Department’s famous clams, nachos and more.
Music will include:
•Wednesday: 50/50 playing from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.
•Thursday: Pyles Gun playing from 9:30 p.m. until 12 a.m.
•Friday: Cherry Bomb playing from 9 p.m. until 12 a.m.
•Saturday: Invictas playing from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Catch 22 playing from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m.
The Kiddie Parade is Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. starting at the Quest School. All children are invited to participate and each child who marches gets a free ice cream treat and a ride ticket.
The Firemen’s Grand Parade is Thursday at 7 p.m. with a new starting location at the fire station on Old Hojack Lane. The Fire Department band will perform in the Zoo following the parade.
7/24/11
Spencerport resident wins Artists' Choice Award
Spencerport resident Tracy Newton was the winner of the Artists’ Choice Award at the Perry Chalk Art Festival on July 9.
She competed against 35 other adult artists who all created 5’ x 5’ works on concrete with chalk and pastels in a five hour time span.
The field was very competitive, and her piece on the theme “Hit the Road” was a standout. She won a $250 prize.
For more information on the event, visit www.perrychalkfestival.com or look up Perry Chalk Art Festival on Facebook.
Provided photograph by Kevin Carlson
7/24/11
Doris Avel submitted this photograph taken in Blossom Cemetery on Route 18 near Hamlin, past Walker Lake Ontario Road. The young tree is growing out of the trunk of an old dead tree. She says she finds it a symbol of life after death.
Provided photo
7/24/11
Hobbyist builds doll furniture for unique library fundraiser
by Kerrie Merz
Dave Tyler, of Chili, with a table he created using discarded books. Tyler has been employed at the Chili Public Library for 16 years and has built shelving for the library, too. He said he is happy to donate his time spent creating doll furniture the library raffles off as a fundraiser. "I do it for the kids," he said. Photograph by Kerrie Merz.Each month, one lucky girl leaves the Chili Public Library carrying a brand-new piece of solid wood furniture for her American Girl® doll, thanks to the generosity of library employee Dave Tyler.
Tyler, a hobbyist woodworker, makes the doll-sized furniture in his home workshop and donates the pieces to be raffled by the library. Tickets sell for $1 each, or six for $5, and all proceeds benefit the Friends of the Chili Public Library.
“This was his idea as a fundraiser,” said librarian Jeanne Austin. “He does it out of the generosity of his spirit. It is very kind of him to share his talent to help the library.”
Ashley Main, 9, and her sister Emily, 11, were in the library recently examining this month’s piece, a solid wood dresser with mirror.
“They buy tickets every month,” said their mother, Terese Main, of Chili, who homeschools the girls. “They never win, but that’s okay, we get excited for everyone else who does.”
Emily had a wallet full of her own money, and said she planned to buy at least seven tickets. “But we always put both girls’ names on all tickets,” said her mom.
Dave Tyler looks on as Ashley Main, 9, and her sister, Emily, 11, examine this month's raffle item. The girls were at the library to see Tyler's latest creation, and buy their raffle tickets. Photograph by Kerrie Merz.Tyler looked on, smiling, and said, “That’s what got me started doing this - the kids.” He said each piece takes five or six hours to complete, and he is happy to donate his time. Some of the most popular have been a kitchen set, a porch swing, and an old-fashioned school desk. Next up will be a steamer trunk for doll clothes.
Tyler’s talents go beyond doll furniture. He crafted a table for the young adult section using discarded books as the legs, and shelving for the children’s room.
Austin said other local librarians have commissioned him to make shelves for their libraries.
Tyler said he uses pine for the furniture, provided by the library, and does not paint them. “I thought maybe the girls would like to decorate them themselves,” he said.
Each month’s piece is on display a few weeks before the raffle, which is held in conjunction with the library’s popular American Girl® Doll book club the first Thursday of each month. Thirty to 40 children ages six to 12 bring their dolls to discuss the time period of that month’s book, play period games, and try out some themed snacks. Last month, 67 children attended.
Children’s Librarian Jennifer Lindsey said library staff has a lot of fun with the American Girl® nights. She and library clerk Jessica Cade, who are historical reenactors in their spare time, have fun dressing up in period costumes for the children.
“These are the programs we spend the most time planning,” she said. “They are also ones we have the most fun planning!”
When the theme was Molly, a World War II doll, they blacked out library windows, borrowed a siren, and the children ate “rationed” foods during the simulated air raid, Lindsey said.
Terese Main said the American Girl® Doll series has been great for her daughters. “There are so many things in society causing our daughters to grow up too fast,” she said. “These dolls appeal to older girls. It helps keep them young.”
The next American Girl® Doll event will take place at the library, 3333 Chili Avenue, on Thursday, August 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. Due to summer vacation schedules, the library will be showing the movie “Felicity: An American Girl® Adventure” in place of their normal programming.
Raffle tickets for this month’s dresser can be purchased at the circulation desk during library hours. For information, call the library at 585-889-2200.
7/24/11
Westside News Feature Story
Alex, the girl who almost wasn’t - Part 1
by Joe Reinschmidt
It was 1987 when Nadezhda, an unmarried 38-year-old woman, discovered she was pregnant. She was working full time as a bookkeeper and was already sharing her tiny apartment with her cancer-stricken father who needed as much attention as she could give him. There simply wasn’t time or space for another person to care for in her life. She began contemplating what her alternatives were and it seemed that terminating the pregnancy was the only reasonable option, given the circumstances of her existence. After much thought, she made the agonizing decision to terminate the life that was growing within her. The necessary preparations and arrangements were made and the procedure was initiated. Much to her dismay it failed and the child remained inside her. What to do now? Was this a sign that she could carry the child full term? Did the failed procedure harm the child in any way? Many thoughts likely went through her mind as time passed but no further abortion effort was undertaken. Unless something else happened she would deliver the child at the end of nine months, hoping the failed abortion had not harmed it.
On February 16, 1988, the child, a girl, came into the world prematurely. She weighed only 2.8 pounds and was 15 inches long. She was diagnosed with “Spastic Paralysis,” stiffness in the joints and ligaments of the legs. It was also thought she had mild cerebral palsy affecting her lower legs and would probably be developmentally challenged. If Nadezhda had any thoughts of trying to keep her child they probably were quickly dismissed given the diagnosis and the fact that her situation had not changed at all. She just could not work and properly care for this baby along with her ailing father. The option then was to give her up to an orphanage. She proceeded with the necessary paper work and in a few days said goodbye to her baby. She did select a name for her. It was Alexandra. Was she named after some family member? Was it her favorite name, or was she named for one of the many Alexandras that had been prominent in her country? All questions only she could answer.
So Alexandra became another child among many in the care of a government-operated orphanage. She was well cared for in all respects except for the individual attention, love and holding a mother might do. The signs of medical problems were evident as Alexandra approached the age where she should start walking. Her legs had not developed properly. She could never straighten them completely and therefore had to stand and attempt walking on her tiptoes in a crouched position. For a child with normal legs, learning to walk is a challenge, but hers was compounded by the physical disability. She made her way about the orphanage by holding on to chairs and tables. The result was many more falls than normal and an effort to simply walk on her knees, if that were going to be the way she had to get around. By the time she was four, her knees actually were calloused. While surgical correction was a definite possibility, it wasn’t going to be done there. Alexandra’s future at that time seemed to be a lifetime of confinement in one institution or another in Moscow, Russia where she was born.
7/24/11
Alex, the girl who almost wasn’t - Part 2
Fate works in Alex’s favor
by Joe Reinschmidt
When Alex was two and a half, an event occurred thousands of miles away which was to have a profound effect on her life. It was a TV documentary that detailed the plight of thousands of orphans who were living in various institutions in Romania. Among many Americans who saw it was a couple who lived in western New York state in the town of Albion, Orleans County. Adolph and Betty had one child who was already 17, a senior in Albion High School and on his way to Rochester Institute of Technology. The foster children were all gone and Betty had recently retired from the Albion Central School system after 34 years of service in a variety of teaching and administrative positions. Adolph, who is this writer’s cousin, was an excellent mason who, after learning the trade in Germany, had immigrated to the United States and was still working at it.
They were both very moved by the program, and the dozens of beautiful children who faced an uncertain future ... so moved in fact that they called one of the agencies which had been identified as a source for anyone interested in adopting a child. Although they were beyond the age American social agencies allowed people to adopt, this foreign agency would allow it. The paperwork started flowing and things were moving along when the Romanian government suddenly prohibited any further adoptions out of the country. The agency Betty and Adolph were working with however, perhaps not wanting to lose a good client, informed them that it was possible to obtain a child from Russia. Betty and Adolph agreed and a new round of paper work commenced. Eventually they received a video from the agency, taken at orphanage No. 23 in Moscow, for their review as an aid in making a decision on a child. The child featured in the video was a smiling blonde girl who stumbled as she walked on those imperfect legs. It was also noted that the only children the agencies were allowed to adopt out of the country were those with physical and mental challenges.
Armed with the video, Betty and Adolph began showing it to some friends and relatives to get their opinion. They took it to an orthopedic surgeon in Batavia and also to the Children’s Hospital in Buffalo to get medical opinions. The doctors felt that several surgeries would greatly improve her legs and make her able to walk more normally but probably not perfectly. Betty and Adolph asked us for an opinion since she would be part of our family. One could not help but think about adopting one of those children after seeing the video. However, we had to honestly admit that adopting a four-year-old, with a physical disability, was not something we would attempt at their ages but would totally support them if they went ahead with the adoption. Betty was quite determined. Clearly, she wanted to make a difference for at least one more child. Adolph, who is a giving person, always ready to help others, did have some reservations about this commitment, but felt if Betty really wanted to do it he would do his part. The decision was made. Alexandra would be brought, with other orphans, to New York City by the agency staff.
7/24/11
Sports News - Week of July 24, 2011
AREA
Hunter Safety course scheduled
Instructors certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation will conduct a Hunter Safety Course August 22, 24 and 27 at the North Star Sportsman’s Club in Hamlin. Those interested in attending need to register in-person at the Clerk’s Office; Town of Parma, located at 1300 Hilton Parma Corners Road, Hilton, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The free course is required for first-time hunters who wish to obtain a New York state hunting license. Safe firearm handling combined with safe, responsible, ethical hunter conduct and skills will be covered. Pre-course work is required and space is limited so it is recommended to register early.
Students must be a resident of New York state. The instructors prefer students be eligible to hunt (12 years or older) as of August 22. A parent or legal guardian may need to accompany and register students younger than 16 years of age. Proof of age may be requested. Registration is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information on this course contact the Town of Parma Clerk’s Office at 585-392-9461. For information on other courses call the Department of Environmental Conservation, Region 8 Headquarters at 585-226-2466 or visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.state.ny.us.
7/24/11
School News - Week of July 24, 2011
AREA
Trinity Christian Preschool graduating Class of 2011
Mrs. Blank and Mrs. Bourne's Class - first row: Levi Pallman, Ryan Munnings, Connor Morgan; second row: Collin Auburn, Lex Blencowe, Samantha Czerw, Selki Wilson, Abigail Spaziano, Lindsey Smith, Easton Passinault; third row: Eliana Koneski-Collette, Ty Zastawrny, Jack Distaffen, Sydney Emerson, Frank Grad IV, Samantha Harrington, Alex Long.Trinity Christian Preschool’s Class of 2011 celebrated their accomplishments in graduation ceremonies held on Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2. The 34 graduates performed songs and received their diplomas. The evening ended with a farewell reception.
7/24/11
Mrs. Butts and Mrs. Kelley's Class - first row: Joey Provenzano, Keira Steinmetz, Ella West; second row: Trevor Lewis, Katie Michalski, Ally Montrois, Zachary Neu, Taylor Onthank, Nathan Passmore; third row: Evan Althouse, Aaron Coe, Davin D'Ovidio, Danny Foos, Batool Ghazle, Jamie Glozer, Molly Guzik, Taylor Kaye. Provided photos
BROCKPORT
Barclay students learn about helmet safety
Just before school ended in June, Barclay students learned some helmet safety tips that will help them be safer this summer.
Nurse Leader Tina Van Wie of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Golisano Children’s Hospital conducted helmet safety demonstrations for the second and third graders. Van Wie, who works with the Injury Free Coalition presenting safe teen driving workshops at many Monroe County Schools, initiated the project after seeing many injuries due to children not wearing helmets.
During the helmet safety presentation, Van Wie discussed the importance of properly wearing a helmet. Students pledged to wear their helmets when riding a bicycle, skateboard, rollerblades and similar equipment.
High school students sang a “helmets are cool” rap song and demonstrated how to be safe. A coloring contest was conducted and nearly 100 helmets, provided by the Injury Free Coalition of Rochester and Kohl’s Pedal Patrol Program, were given away to students.
Provided photo
7/24/11
Kindergarten registration due by August 1 for BCSD
Anyone who has a child who is eligible to begin kindergarten in the Brockport Central School District in September 2011 (will be five years old by December 1, 2011) should have contacted the district for registration. The Registrar’s Office can be reached by calling 637-1857 or e-mailing registrar@bcs1.org and a registration packet will be pre-printed.
Parents/guardians will be asked for the following information: child’s name, date of birth, parent/guardian names and addresses, home and work phone numbers, physician, and at least one emergency contact.
Proof of residency (i.e., utility bill), birth certificate, immunization record, and Parent ID must be brought to the Registrar’s Office when registering.
Registrations completed after August 25 may delay eligibility to begin school on the first day. The Registration Office will be closed July 29, however, information can be dropped off at the PPS office.
7/24/11
Churchville-Chili
Camp Invention sparks creative minds
Janelle Ferraro and Jada Distant construct a structure that can withstand the weight of dictionaries using ten sheets of plain white paper and a yard of masking tape during Camp Invention SPARK, held at Churchville Elementary School July 11-15. Provided photoUsing ten pieces of plain white paper and one yard of masking tape, Churchville-Chili students Janelle Ferraro and Jade Distant put their minds together to think like paper wasps and create a structure capable of supporting dictionaries.
The purpose of the WILD activities was to “mimic nature to show how humans have taken scientific innovations from nature,” said Camp Invention SPARK Instructor Margaret Drzewiecki, who is also a math and reading teacher at Churchville-Chili Middle School.
To accomplish the task, Jade, a fourth-grader at Fairbanks Road Elementary, and Janelle, a fifth-grader at Churchville-Chili Middle School, rolled six pieces of the paper and taped them together in the shape of a triangle. Then they placed the series of tubes inside a triangle enclosure made of the remaining four pieces of paper.
“That will hold good,” Jade said, as she turned the structure upside down to create a platform.
And they were correct. The girls’ structure supported the weight of seven dictionaries before experiencing some structural damage. Their challenge was part of WILD: Wondrous Innovations and Living Designs, one of several activities taking place during Camp Invention SPARK at Churchville Elementary School during the week of July 11-15.
Jessica Jong, Lily Merchovich, Gabrielle Batz and Adrianne Ciroula sort through a mixture of items during Bounce! An Atomic Journey during Camp Invention SPARK at Churchville Elementary. Provided photoOther activities included Curious Cypher Camp, where students used their problem solving skills to solve codes, mysteries, and build a clubhouse, and Bounce! An Atomic Journey, during which young scientists wrapped their minds around atoms, molecules, mixtures and compounds to discover the science behind bouncy balls. “Each activity begins with instruction followed by hands-on, problem solving activities,” said Camp Director Lynn Dimbleby, a Gifted and Talented teacher at Churchville-Chili Middle School. “Their solutions are all different, which is how you make scientists.”
The camp attracted a total of 50 students in grades first through sixth from Hilton, Rochester, Churchville and other areas, according to Dimbleby. The camp was run with help from three instructors, three counselors and four junior counselors. Most of the supplies are provided by Camp Invention, which is based in Ohio.
Provided information
7/24/11
Obituaries
AREA
•Kimmerly, Thomas K., age 74, of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Died July 17, 2011. Predeceased by parents Thomas and Loretta Kimmerly and brother James Kimmerly. Survived by sister Eileen (Wayne) Whitney and brother Paul (Christine) Kimmerly. Survived by children Keith (Marianne) Kimmerly, Josie Waverly/Dawn (Robert) Reger, Kirk (Barb) Kimmerly, Donna (Michael) Sullivan and Kevin (Rhonda) Kimmerly. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mother of his children Marie (John) Kellerson. Loving devoted girlfriend Emma Jean Neilson.
A Memorial Service was held July 22 at The First Bible Baptist Church, Hilton. Donations can be made to the ARC of Monroe, Rochester, NY in his memory.
ALBION
•Johnson, Bircham “Bud” W., Age 94, died July 17, 2011. Predeceased by his wife Helen; sister Lorraine Manning. Survived by his son Phillip (Linda) Johnson of Brockport; daughters Judith Gibbardo of Fairport, Michele DiCureia of Chili; grandchildren Amy (Bill) Strong, Erin Johnson, Benjamin, Joseph and Patrick Gibbardo, Teresa, John (Brandy) and Sarah DiCureia; great-grandchildren Christopher, Gillian, Mikhail, Olivia; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service was held July 23 at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Albion. Burial in Mt. Albion Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice House, 2652 Ridgeway Avenue, Rochester, NY 14626, American Kidney Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice in his memory.
BROCKPORT
•Ekeze, Tobias PhD., peacefully July 16, 2011, age 53 from a brain tumor. Tobi is survived by his wife, Karen; his two children, Julian and Isabella; his brother, Vincent; extended family and friends. Tobi is predeceased by his parents, Francis and Agnes, and his brother, Thompson. Dr. Ekeze was the Assistant Principal at Brockport High School. He was a loving and giving person who lived life fully and counted his blessings. May we all carry his legacy forward. Tobi hugs to all.
A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. Contributions in memory of Tobi can be made to National Brain Tumor Society (www.braintumor.org) or to Visiting Nurse Hospice (www.vns.com).
•Horton, S. Bradford “Brad,” July 17, 2011 at age 64. Predeceased by his mother, Gloria Horton, father-in-law, Norman Malecki. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Michele Horton; children, Jennifer Specht, Nicole (Matt) Chichester; grandchildren, Bailey and Jakeb Specht, Grace and Noah Chichester; father, Sherm Horton; mother-in-law, Theresa Malecki; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lon (Patty) Horton, Todd (Deb) Horton, Jon (Ellen) Horton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ken (Lori) Malecki; many nieces, nephews, cherished family, friends and co-workers.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated July 21 at St. John the Evangelist Church, Spencerport. Inurnment, St. John’s Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Journey Home, Inc., 994 Long Pond Road, Rochester, NY 14626 in his memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Scott, Marian Louise Cover, age 90. She attended Michigan State College (now University) as a Fine Arts Major. There she met E. Wilbur Scott (Web, Scotty; deceased) whom she married in 1941. They settled in Spencerport, then Churchville, while Web started his vegetable plant breeding career at the Joseph Harris Seed Co. They were married for over 50 years. Her three children survive their mother: Donna L. Scott, Lansing, NY, Lynn C. Scott, Fairport, and John (Jay) W. Scott (wife, Norma), Bradenton, Florida. Marian is also survived by two grandsons, Jeremy W. Scott (fiancée, Mona Mady), Brooklyn, NY, Justin W. Scott, wife Kristen, and their son, her great-grandson, Peyton W. Scott, St. Augustine, Florida. Marian was predeceased by her parents, Martin and Ruth Cover, her husband, her companion, Charles Boller, and by her brothers, Martin L. Cover, Jr. and John H. Cover.
A Memorial Service will be held in Churchville, date and time to be announced. Contributions can be made to the Newman Riga Library, Churchville, NY 14428 or to Union Congregational Church, North Main Street, Churchville, NY 14428 in her memory.
HILTON
•Johnson, Clair “Butch” Jr., 69, died July 17, 2011. Butch is survived by his wife, Shirley Johnson, Hilton; daughters, Kim (John) Skinner, Long Island, Lori (Dan) McSorley, Hilton; grandchildren, Katherine and Michael Skinner and Meaghan and Hannah McSorley; brothers, Norm (Cathy) Johnson, Wayne (Debra) Johnson, Kevin (Terry) Johnson all of Wayland; along with several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A Graveside Funeral Service was held July 21 at Lakeside Cemetery, Loon Lake.
SPENCERPORT
•Brongo, Jeff, Suddenly, July 15, 2011, age 52. Predeceased by his father and mother, Charles and Alice Brongo; brother, Charles Brongo. He is survived by his wife, Luann; children, Jennyrae and Chucky Brongo, T. J. Brimacomb; brothers and sisters, Gary (Colleen) Brongo, Ernest (Cheryl) Brongo, Charlene (Stephen) Maynard, Tammy (James) Fiege, Kathy Tewksbury; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Funeral Service was held July 20 at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Gates. Interment, private. Donations can be directed to UNYFEAT for Autism, Attn: Sarah Milko, 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 250, Rochester, NY 14625 in his memory.
Archives - Week of July 17, 2011
Local News - Week of July 17, 2011
Blackman sworn in as trustee
Joint fire district talks continue
by Kristina Gabalski
Margay Blackman was ceremonially sworn into office as Brockport Village Trustee during the regular Village Board meeting held July 13. Bill Andrews, chairman of the village’s Historic Preservation Board, administered the oath of office.
“I have the honor of making this moment possible,” Andrews boasted tongue-in-cheek before the ceremony. He explained he had hired Blackman for a position in the Department of Anthropology at SUNY Brockport, which brought her to the village.
“Since then, I have followed her progress personally, professionally ... and politically,” he said.
Following the oath, Blackman said that during her campaign, she mostly heard negative things about the village, “ ... but there’s so much about the village that is positive.” She said she chose Andrews to administer the oath because, “Bill ... has made good things happen in Brockport.”
Also during the July 13 meeting, Mayor Connie Castaneda gave an update on the status of talks between the village and the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson regarding fire protection.
Mayor Castaneda said the Village Board held a special meeting July 5 at which time a motion was made that the village, “ ... join the towns of Sweden and Clarkson in the formation and creation of a joint fire district.” According to unapproved meeting minutes, the motion was carried by a vote of 4-0. The mayor said the board has now received two proposals from the towns and is reviewing them with the village attorney.
Another special meeting is planned for July 20 regarding fire protection and ambulance service, Mayor Castaneda said. “It is important that everybody realize ... that we are working with the towns to come to the best possible solution for residents with regards to the fire department,” Mayor Castaneda said.
7/17/11
Reward offered for information on Nature Trail vandalism
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge announced that the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the theft and vandalism at Swallow Hollow Nature Trail has been increased to $1,500. The increase was made possible through generous donations from local businessmen. The trail, located on Knowlesville Road in Genesee County, was targeted in May when 10 interpretive panels and regulatory signs were stolen from the trailhead and along the trail. The trail also suffered other acts of vandalism. Total damages have been estimated at $15,000. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating in conjunction with Federal Officials of the Office of Refuge Law Enforcement.
If you have any information contact either the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000 or the Office of the Refuge Law Enforcement at 814-789-2471. If no answer, please leave a message and a Federal Officer will return your call. All calls will remain anonymous.
Swallow Hollow Nature Trail is the most popular trail on the Refuge because of its accessible boardwalk, diverse habitat and exceptional birding opportunities. The trail is enjoyed by hundreds of people every week, according to officials.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is located midway between Rochester and Buffalo, in the towns of Shelby and Alabama.
7/17/11
Holley Rotarian is District Governor
Holley Rotarian John Heise is the new Governor of Rotary District 7090, which includes over 2600 Rotarians in western New York and southern Ontario.
As the District Governor for 2011-2012, Heise will be visiting the 73 clubs that stretch from Holley and LeRoy to Buffalo and south to Jamestown and Dunkirk.
In Ontario, the district stretches from St. Catharine’s west to Delhi and north to Stoney Creek and Ancaster. At a recent luncheon the Holley Rotary Club accepted the “Rotary Club of the District Governor” banner from the club of the previous Governor.
Pictured are the Holley Club members at the luncheon: (left to right) Hank Lehning, David Mitchell, Bob Miller, Roger DeFrancesco, Joyce Ridley, Jeff Martin, John Pedley, John Heise, Gary Ahl, Larry Swanger, Tim Towne and Ed Morgan.
Provided photo
7/17/11
Change to Hilton Firemen’s Grand Parade route this year
The Hilton Fire Department annual carnival is being held from July 27 through July 30. The Kiddie Parade is held on Wednesday, July 27 at 6:30 p.m. and the Grand Parade is being held on July 28 at 7 p.m. The Fire Department has slightly changed the Grand Parade route. The Grand Parade will be starting at the Fire House at 120 Old Hojack Lane, proceeding down Henry Street to West Avenue. This is a change to the route of past years which started at the West Avenue Elementary School.
The Kiddie Parade will still be starting at the West Avenue Quest School.
7/17/11
Paul Harris Fellowship Award Presented
On June 13, Josie Waverly (center) of Hilton, was surprised as she was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship award by Rotarian JoAnn Terry (left) and Don Alhart (right) of Channel 13.
Josie was selected to receive this recognition because many Rotarians believed that her life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of the Rotary Foundation. This is the highest award that can be given to someone who is not a Rotarian. Everyone felt that she has given much of her time and talent to help those in need, whether it was an individual or an organization such as a fire department or school. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow for her willingness and commitment to helping others.
Provided photo
7/17/11
Lakeside Twig Association awards scholarships
The Lakeside Twig Association Health Career Scholarship winners for 2011 are Diana Chiley of Hilton, Jamie Giovannini of Spencerport, Stephanie Pettis of Churchville, Amber Reynolds of Brockport and Emily Palmeri of Hamlin.
Each of these students will receive $1,000 toward their college education.
In addition the Dorothy Foster Scholarship winners for 2011 are current Lakeside Health System employees: Guyla Lockhart and Bradley Brooks.
Shown, left to right: Evelyn Krekic, Health Careers Committee; Amber Reynolds, Brockport High School student; Emily Palmeri, Hilton High School student; Barb Windus, Twig President.
Provided photo
7/17/11
Stetson Club provides service
While participants from Camp Abilities were in Brockport, members of the Stetson Club got to spend some time with the campers who come from across New York state and stay on the SUNY Brockport campus.
Stephen Mesiti, left, and Adam Mesiti, right, helped prepare and serve lunch to about 100 campers and counselors.
7/17/11
Photo Essay - In the Good Old Summertime...
Alivia, 6, from Chili, is all smiles as she revels in cooling
water at the spray park in Ogden’s Pineway Ponds Park.
Takota, 1, from Bradford, Pennsylvania,
was fascinated with the droplets.
Greg holds Rowan, 3, while undergoing a mild spray at the
water park. July 10 was a beautiful day for playing in the
park, 85 degrees and a large crowd was enjoying the
sunshine and everyone was just plain having fun.
When asked if she was thinking about buying the
hammock from Dunn’s, Betsy Armes, Rochester,
replied: “I’m thinking about it!” Betsy was one of
the shoppers taking advantage of a beautiful day
to enjoy the sidewalk sale in Brockport, July 7 to 9.
A couple strolls down Main Street to check out the
sale items, most of which were displayed at the
north end, near the Market Street intersection.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
7/17/11
Feature Stories - Week of July 17, 2011
Spencerport Rotary dedicates new flagpole
U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard lower and fold the flag that had been flying on the new flag pole and prepare it to be presented to Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene by Hometown Hero Navy Petty Officer 1st Class William Alexander Ewsuk . Photographs by Dave Knox.Spencerport Rotary dedicated a new flagpole at Fairfield Cemetery in Spencerport village on July 9.
Past District Governor Roger Ressman led the ceremonies which was attended by fellow Rotarians, members of the American Legion Ferris Goodridge Post of Spencerport Color Guard, a U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard, village and town officials, veterans and families of military personnel who are depicted on Hometown Heroes banners.
The flag that had flown on the newly installed pole prior to the ceremony was lowered and presented to Spencerport Mayor Joyce Lobene by one of Spencerport’s Hometown Heroes, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class William Alexander Ewsuk. Then, a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. was raised by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard led by Marine Corps Sgt. Robert L. Hatfield.
Fly-over salute by pilot Larry Speer from Hilton.The ceremony continued with singing of the National Anthem, a fly-over salute by pilot Larry Speer from Hilton, Kevin Kelly played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, a wreath was placed on site in memory of deceased veterans by Rotarian Dick Turner, “Taps” played by Tom Allen, a benediction by Rotarian Doug Spencer, and the singing of “God Bless America” concluded the program.
7/17/11
Campus School: A life-transforming experience
by Doug Hickerson
Mary Lou Rockow shows some memorabilia from her four years at Campus School: Photo of her 4th grade class, report cards, and a program from one of the plays she was in. In back is a report, graded "A+", about her past, present, and future written as a freshman in Brockport high School. Photograph by Doug Hickerson.Mary Lou Dorgan liked her secluded childhood on the family’s Churchville farm and in the public school where “no one paid much attention to you.” That all changed when her family moved to Brockport and Mary Lou entered fourth grade at the Campus School at her father’s insistence. “I didn’t like it,” Mary Lou Rockow said, reflecting back 65 years. “I felt smothered to begin with.”
Within the first year at Campus School, through a “hard transition,” Mary Lou “loved it,” she said. She realized all that attention was to “enhance your personality, to build you up.” In personal development, the very private fourth-grader emerged with communication skills, self-confidence, and artistic self-expression. She states her experience another way, “They encouraged you to become all that you could become.” In fulfilling roles she enjoys today, she became a wife (55 years now), a mother of three boys, and a sales person at Westside News for 34 years and still going.
Mary Lou attended the Campus School in Hartwell Hall on the college campus from fourth through eighth grade, 1946 to 1950. As a kind of laboratory for education methods and teacher training, each classroom had a master teacher and two “cadets” who were student teachers in training.
Communication skills
The communication skills came in different forms. “In public school (attended previously), you did your own thing and went home,” Mary Lou said. “In Campus School they made you interact. If you had a problem with someone, they made you sit down and work it out.”
Another way of relating to others was to be a “lady.” there were lessons by English teacher Miss Ora VanSlyke who held tea parties where the young ladies wore white gloves and learned manners, including how to eat soup and “to cross your legs at the ankles,” Mary Lou said. Not just genteel etiquette, being a lady meant “to keep yourself under control; to think it out. To this day, I go back to that because I seldom lose my temper.”
Her most memorable teacher was Miss Dorothy Foster in 7th grade. “She was always encouraging you. You could go there in a bad mood and she would get you out of it.” In Miss Foster’s class, Mary Lou’s report card shows under “character building traits” the comment “courteous and uses self-control.” Miss Foster emphasized being neat and the report card showed Mary Lou “Keeps desk and locker neat” - a habit she says she still exhibits at home.
Self-confidence and self-expression
Somehow, the girl who liked being by herself blossomed on stage in front of large audiences. Mary Lou took to acting in school plays at the Campus School - “The Tempest,” The Golden Cockerel” and “Hansel and Gretel.” She continued in supportive roles through Brockport High School and finally got the lead role as a senior in “The Brat.” About her passion for the stage, Mary Lou recalled, “They said I always put my heart into it and jumped right into the character as it was intended.” Relating her stage experience to being a sales person, “It all goes back to establishing self-confidence,” Mary Lou said.
Mary Lou credits Campus School art classes for learning “basic design and concept” which she now applies to quilting and to home decor. As a freshman in high school, she was assigned a report “Me and My Career: Past, Present, and Future.” In the autobiographic exercise, she projected a career in “modeling or interior decorating.” Although neither came to pass as a career, that anticipation -- as a freshman starting a public high school -- showed how far she had come in four years since entering Campus School as a reluctant, fourth-grade student “very set in my ways.”
“Tis a gift ... to come down where you ought to be” - Amish song
Mary Lou’s adult life started with graduation from high school in 1955, marriage in 1956 and she and husband Dave Rockow’s first baby in 1957. She had been accepted at Brockport College and decided not to go. Was she disappointed about not starting college? “No, I was very much in love. I have been married 55 years and I am still smiling,” she said. She raised three sons: William, now 54; Michael, now 52, and their youngest, Douglas, who died in January.
She first worked in corporate offices, but found sales - first in real estate, and then 34 years in ad sales - as the career she still loves. She has no plans to retire as “working keeps me young,” Mary Lou says.
And, what did Campus School have to do with who she is today? “If I had gone to public school, I would not have gotten the attention I needed,” Mary Lou said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Campus School. Without it, I would not have accomplished half of what I have done in my life.”
Note: The Brockport Campus School Reunion is scheduled for Friday, July 22 at the Seymour College Union on the Brockport Campus.
For info: www.brockport.edu/alumni/campusschoolreunion/index.html.
7/17/11
G-C Rotary awards Harris Fellow
Rotarians present Harris recognition - Shown, William Gormont, Assistant Governor; Priscilla Beeman, Ernestine Kamp, Gates-Chili Rotary President, Ted Richmond, Treasurer, Gates-Chili Rotary Charities Foundation. Provided photo.The Gates-Chili Rotary Club bestowed a ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ award to Priscilla Beeman of North Chili for her dedication to volunteer work within the community. After coming to North Chili in 1957, she volunteered for the Red Cross, March of Dimes and the American Cancer Society. In 1999 she and her late husband Dick, started the Churchville-Chili Unit of the Salvation Army. They managed the holiday Bell Ringing activity and the distribution of vouchers for food, clothing and furniture. Scholarships were also provided to the high schools.
In 2006 she was one a small group that formed the “Friends of the Stagecoach Inn” (1816) to save this building on the northeast corner of Buffalo Road and Union Street. As a member of the Chili Historical Society, she is active in promoting the 200th anniversary of the Streeters Inn on South Union Street.
The ‘Paul Harris Fellow’ recognition was established in recognition of the founder of Rotary in Chicago in 1909 by Paul Harris. Gates-Chili Rotary meets every Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. at Garlock Hall, Roberts Wesleyan College. Visitors are welcome.
7/17/11
Music at the Gazebo
George Collichio, acoustic guitarist, a Spencerport native and music teacher (in background), played for an appreciative crowd numbering several hundred at the Spencerport Gazebo on Sunday evening, July 10.
The Gazebo Concert Series is sponsored by Hi-Qual Heating and Cooling, the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce, the Town of Ogden and the Village of Spencerport.
Displaying a maturity beyond her age, Brianna Collichio, 5, performed an a cappella version of “What Dreams are Made Of” under the proud gaze of her dad, George. He said, “We don’t force her to sing; she just loves to do it.”
Check out the Westside News Inc. Calendar (in the newspaper) for listings of summertime concerts in many area communities.
Photograph by Walter Horylev
7/17/11
Kendall Masonic Lodge holds awards night
Social Lodge No. 713 F. & A.M. held an Awards Night on Saturday, June 25.
Becky Charland was presented the prestigious DeWitt Clinton Award which is the highest Masonic Award given by the Grand Lodge of New York to a non Masonic individual or organization. Becky has been active in the Kendall/Morton communities for several years. She is the organizer and overseer of the Scarecrow contest and festival held at the Kendall Town Park in October. She works with the Kendall Garden Club on a number of projects, one of which is setting up the flower boxes seen throughout the town during the spring, summer and fall months. She works with the Girl Scouts on numerous occasions, sometimes teaching them how to make flower arrangements and sponsors some of the summer sports teams. She is the proprietor of Just A Design Above.
The Masonic Scouting Award was presented to two young men who have made Eagle Scout. This is the highest award given by the Grand Lodge of New York F. & A.M. to a Boy Scout who has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Receiving this award were Colby Ricker and Cody Lester.
A number of members of Social Lodge received years of service awards. Lang Dobbins received a 60 year pin and certificate and Alan Hansen received a 50 year pin and certificate. Also receiving awards but unable to be present were Bud Mathers 60 years, Herbert Mason 50 years, Charles Robishaw 45 years, and Gordon Sprague 35 years.
7/17/11
Hilton scout earns Eagle rank
Gregory HaffenAfter many years of participation in the scouting program, achieving numerous merit badges, and taking part in an interview selection process at a Board of Review on March 8, Hilton High School senior Gregory Haffen was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in Boy Scouts.
A member of Hilton’s Cub Scout Pack 125 and continuing into Boy Scout Troop 125 of the Seneca Waterways Council, Greg’s service project involved the planning, purchasing, and installing of a web cam system at Holy Cross Church in Charlotte. He was recognized in a Court of Honor ceremony on June 5, 2011.
Gregory is the son of Kevin and Nahila Haffen and will be attending the University of Buffalo pursuing a career in engineering.
7/17/11
Brockport greets bikers
Five hundred bikers passed through Brockport on Monday, July 11, and the Village of Brockport was out in force to greet them. It was the 13th annual, 8-day, 400-mile, “Cycling the Erie Canal” bike tour across New York state along the scenic Erie Canal, a National Heritage Corridor on which Brockport is situated. As bikers reached Brockport’s Main Street Lift Bridge, members of Walk! Bike! Brockport!, with the support of Bicycle Outfitters and Red Bird Tea Shoppe, welcomed bikers with ice water, watermelon, friendly smiles and information about the village’s historic legacy.
Riders, who ranged in age from seven to eighty-seven, took advantage of the opportunity to visit Main Street and the Visitor’s Center. Some elected to have lunch and admire our Victorian Main Street, enjoy an ice cream cone or have their bikes repaired on the spot.
Bicycles of every type and variety were on the scene - standard one-seat trail bikes, two-seat tandems, three-seat tandems, and recliners, which allow the rider to pedal from a reclining position. The “Greeting Tent” (provided by Bicycle Outfitters), where bikers stopped for ice water and a stretch, became a beehive of conversation. In one case, a biker learned that a close friend of his, Richard Frey, was at that very moment serving as a volunteer at the Visitor Center - a golden opportunity for a surprise reunion.
Individuals who made this event a success included Walk! Bike! Brockport! members Alicia Fink, Harry Shifton, Joe and Barbara Blossenhauer and Alan Way. Bicycle Outfitter’s Josh and Carrie McClean and Barbara Ford played major roles in the festivities, as did Jo Matela of the Red Bird Tea Shoppe and Fran Welch, who acted as a Spartac crossing guard. Joey Maziarz, age seven was the youngest Brockport volunteer.
Walk! Bike! Brockport! has greeted bikers in this annual event for the past six years. They volunteer to make certain the visitors on wheels learn all about the Village of Brockport and what it has to offer. A number of bikers vowed to come back to Brockport after their ride for a return visit.
7/17/11
Sports - Week of July 17, 2011
AREA
RWC approved for NCAA Div. II membership process
Roberts Wesleyan College has been approved for the membership process in the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division II level. The Raiders were notified by the NCAA in a conference call to Vice-President for Student and Academic Affairs Dr. Nelson Hill and Athletic Director Mike Faro.
“I am so pleased that Roberts Wesleyan is moving into the NCAA Division III level of athletic competition,” said President John Martin. “We seek to be excellent in all areas of campus life and this will propel us ahead in athletics. This is something that we have been contemplating for a number of years and we are happy to see it come to fruition.”
The Raiders will remain an active member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for two years during the transition. The athletic department will enter into what is called Candidacy Year 1 with the NCAA followed by Candidacy Year 2. The third year is known as a provisional year in which the Raiders will drop NAIA affiliation as it meets additional NCAA requirements.
“We have had a lot of support from within our athletic department in preparing and submitting the application to the NCAA,” said Athletic Director Mark Faro. “I am very pleased in the NCAA’s decision in accepting our application.”
If all goes as planned, the Raiders will become a full NCAA member in their fourth year of compliance in the 2014-2015 academic year.
Roberts Wesleyan offers 14 intercollegiate sports and participates in the American Mideast Conference. These include men’s and women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s track and field, men’s golf, and men’s and women’s tennis.
7/17/11
Summer wrestling camp scores big points
Former Kendall Wrestling Coach Michael Bourne assists participants in the Kendall Wrestling Camp, which ran July 6 to 8 and attracted youth from Kendall, Brockport and Lyndonville.Twenty-five wrestlers from Kendall, Lyndonville and Brockport Central Schools got a leg up on the competition at Kendall Wresting Camp, held July 6 to 8 at Kendall Elementary School. Sessions focused on techniques such as takedowns, defense and pinning combinations, and wrestlers got to learn from clinicians such as two-time Section V Champion Chris Collura and Section V Coach of the Year, Mike Ferris from Brockport High School.
“The purpose of the camp in general is to give motivated kids an opportunity to work on their skills, to get some mat time, and to learn from some of the better clinicians in the area,” said Kendall’s JV and Varsity Wrestling Coach Michael Bourne.
The camp was run by Bourne, Kendall Youth Wrestling Coach Matthew Beres, and volunteer Jim Sauberan who coached in Kendall for 35 years.
“In order to build up the Kendall wrestling program, it’s got to start from the bottom up,” said Beres. “We’re trying to get the youth varsity wrestlers on the same page, so as the youth grow up, they know what to expect in varsity.”
With eleven sectional place winners and two sectional champs, Jake ReQua and Devin Iqbal, this year was a banner year for Kendall’s wrestling program, said Bourne.
Kendall JV and Varsity Wrestling Coach Michael Bourne shows two youth wrestlers some new techniques during the Kendall Wrestling Camp, held July 6 to 8 at Kendall Elementary.endall senior and four-time sectional champion Jake ReQua knows the importance of practicing in wrestling, even in the off season. He followed in his grandfather, father and uncle’s footsteps when getting into wrestling in third grade.
“I’ve definitely had an advantage over the competition because I have so much experience and also good coaching and support from my family and friends to keep pushing me to do my best,” he said. Jake was at the Wrestling camp to assist and get some coaching experience.
Kendall freshman Jacob Weed said he’s excited to put the skills he attained at Kendall Wrestling Camp to the test during the 2011-2012 season. “I did really well last season,” said Jacob. “I hope I can make it through some of the sectionals.”
7/17/11
HILTON
H-P Rec holds disc golf clinic
You can be any age to play disc golf, including 4 year old Salvatore Balbi from Brockport. A group of families gathered July 9 at the Parma Town Hall Park for Hilton-Parma Recreation’s Disc Golf Clinic. This clinic was free to any families who wanted to come out and learn about the game of disc golf and to enjoy Parma’s disc golf course.
All the families had the opportunity to learn from professionals from the Greater Rochester Disc Golf Club (GRDGC). They took the time to explain the rules of the game and the different types of throws. Participants had the opportunity to play a round of disc golf with these professionals and got to take home a souvenir, their first disc, compliments of the GRDGC.
The Parma Disc Golf Course will be one of the locations for the upcoming 2011 PDGA Amateur Disc Golf World Championships from July 24 to 30. For information on this event visit http://2011amworlds.com/.
Provided information
7/17/11
School News - Week of July 17 2011
AREA
WEMOCO students take third place at National SkillsUSA competition
SkillsUSA students Inna Boyko, Kristy Gutske, Natasha Voronin, representing the BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education WEMOCO chapter of SkillsUSA, took third place in the outstanding chapter category at the SkillsUSA National Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri. The students created and presented a portfolio of all the press clippings, photographs of events, and the achievements of the chapter over the course of the school year. The portfolio contains sections judged on community service, publicity, business and industry, championship and social activities. In addition, the secretary and the treasurer books are also judged. Kristy presented to the judges and Inna and Natasha compiled the portfolio representing the BOCES 2 WEMOCO SkillsUSA chapter in Spencerport.
The students received bronze medals at the competition.
SkillsUSA is an international leadership organization for students in career and technical education.
7/10/11
BROCKPORT
Brockport High School principal appointed
Dana BoshnackThe Brockport Central School District Board of Education has unanimously appointed High School Principal Dana Boshnack.
Boshnack succeeds Interim Principal Paul Hendel, who served for the 2010-2011 school year.
She comes to Brockport from the Hilton Central School District, where she has worked for 16 years, the past six years as high school assistant principal and prior to that as an art instructor.
Boshnack completed her doctorate of education degree/executive leadership from St. John Fisher College. She holds a certificate of advanced study in educational administration from The College at Brockport, a master’s degree in art education from Nazareth College and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the State University of New York at Cortland. She brings 16 years of experience instructing secondary and post secondary education students to Brockport along with more than two years of doctoral research in the area of ninth grade transition. Boshnack will begin her new role on August 1.
Boshnack and her husband, Christopher, have been married for 20 years and reside in Greece with their five children. He is the elementary principal of Northstar Christian Academy.
7/17/11
BYRON-BERGEN
B-B students recognized at Academic Awards program
It was a morning of smiles and handshakes on June 23 at the Byron-Bergen Middle School Academic Awards Program.
The event, held in the school’s auditorium, attracted students, parents and teachers as they honored students in grades 5 through 8.
“We are here to recognize the effort and achievement of our students in the Middle School,” said Middle School Principal Dan Bedette.
The program recognized students with awards in each grade level for: special area classes, including art, family and consumer science, health, music, physical education, Spanish and technology; core area classes, including ELA, social studies, science, math, and reading; Teacher’s Choice Awards, which recognizes citizenship, effort and respect; and the Top 5 Awards, which honor the top five students with the highest cumulative GPA.
Bedette closed the program by thanking the parents who raised the students, encouraging parents to “keep being the driving force.”
Bedette also thanked all the teachers who “helped our students achieve what they have this year.”
Provided information
7/10/11
HOLLEY
Holley Elementary students recognized for caring about the environment
Accepting the Soaring to New Heights Award for the Holley Elementary Recycling Club were (front, l-r) Jordan Brooks, Hunter McMillion, Dillon Kuyal, Jeffrey VanOrden II, and Nicole Ramsey; (back) Principal Regina Yeo, who presented the award, Teacher's Aide Heidi Thurley, Teacher Melinda Miles, Teacher Jason Maihofer, Teacher's Aide Mattie Zarpentine, Teacher Denise Johnstone, Teacher's Aide Leslie McMillion and Teacher's Aide Carm Miller. Provided photoHolley Elementary School’s Recycling Club was recognized with a Soaring to New Heights Award at the June Board of Education meeting. Principal Regina Yeo presented a group of students with certificates for collecting recyclables for each classroom every week and bringing them out to the recycling bin no matter what the weather. “Not only are these students a wonderful help to our school, but to the environment as well,” she said.
Club members are: Colin Bissanti, Jaiya Blackwell, Jayla Blackwell, Jordan Brooks, Brandon Burdick, Joshua Calus, Chloe Clark, Alexis Fulmer, Ishmael Hamilton, Dillon Kuyal, Aaliyah Leal, Joshua Marszalkowski, Hunter McMillion, James Newton, Jr., Rebecca Payton, Alina Phelan, Nicole Ramsey, Arianna Ratchford, Johnathan Schultz, Brendan Stevens, Anthony Tomassetti, Jeffrey VanOrden II, and Zyaida Wolfe.
Soaring to New Heights Awards are presented at board meetings to students, staff and community members whose actions go above and beyond to benefit the school community.
7/17/11
Obituaries - Week of July 17, 2011
ALBION
•Faill, Elizabeth, formerly of Brockport, died July 9, 2011. Elizabeth emigrated from Ireland as a small child and lived her adult life in Rochester, Brockport and Albion. A devout Catholic, she enjoyed ecumenical activities especially the United Methodist Seniors of Albion. She was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 54 years Thomas P. Faill. She is survived by her son Thomas (Lisa) Faill Jr. of Honeoye Falls; daughter Margaret F. (Conrad) Cropsey of Albion; grandsons Patrick (Rebecca) Faill, Sean (Casey) Faill; great-granddaughter Carter Elizabeth Faill; beloved dog “His Nibs.”
Her Mass of Christian Burial was held July 13 at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, Albion. Contributions can be made to Hospice of Orleans or Holy Family Parish in her memory.
BERGEN
•Gilt, Carl R. Sr., A Memorial Service was held for Carl R. Gilt Sr., July 13 at the Bergen United Methodist Church. He died November 25, 2010. Donations can be made to the Bergen American Legion in his memory.
BROCKPORT
•Claus, Charles J. “CJ” “Chuck, July 1, 2011 at age 54. CJ is survived by his parents, loving children, girlfriend, many relatives and dear friends.
To view his full obituary and sing CJ’s guestbook visit www.MeesonFamily.com. For more pictures, information, and stories please visit facebook.com/cjclaus.memorial.
•Hicks, Robert J., Peacefully, July 12, 2011 at age 89. Predeceased by his wife Peg Hicks and his son John Hicks. He is survived by his fiance Harriet Dietrich; his children Tom (Shari), Bill, Liz Riley, Mary K., and Alta (Dean) Heacock; grandchildren Suzanne Hicks, Sarah (Will) Lettis, John and Donny Heacock, Chuck (Debbie) Hughson, Laura (Chris) Pinson; many nieces, nephews and friends. Bob was a teacher and administrator in the Hilton School District, an active member of the Lions Club and Presbyterian Church and was a WWII veteran.
A Memorial Service was held July 16 at the Presbyterian Church, Brockport. Contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in his memory.
•Markham, Margaret “Peg,” died July 10, 2011, at age 91. She is survived by four sons and one daughter, David of Brockport, Daniel of North Carolina, Patrick (Bonnie Welch) of South Carolina, Tom (Karen Emerson) of Clarendon and Jane Markham Bessone (Douglas) of Mamaroneck; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. She was cared for lovingly in the last years of her life by her granddaughter, Katherine Markham. She was a 1942 graduate of Brockport State Teachers College, taught at Nativity BVM School for over 10 years until 1972, and then at Hilton Central until she retired around 1982. In her retirement she worked part time as a page at the Seymour Library and the Lift Bridge Book Shop for about 10 years.
A gathering for family and friends celebrating Peg’s life will be held at Fowler’s Funeral Home on West Avenue in Brockport on July 20 from 3-4 p.m. There will be a reception at the Brockport Exempts Club, 248 West Avenue, Brockport, following the memorial service. Donations can be made to the Seymour Library in Brockport and/or the Hamlin Library in Hamlin in her memory.
CHURCHVILLE
•Burling, Clara A., July 11, 2011 at the age of 90. Clara was predeceased by her husband, Marvin Burling. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Larry (Ronnie) Burling; granddaughters, Heather (Aaron) Bourne, Holly Burling and her husband, Morgan Rich and grandson, Michael Burling; great-granddaughters, Emma and Olivia Bourne. Clara retired after 30 years of service from Delco Products.
Funeral Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment, Riga Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.
•Comella, Josephine (Joan) Guarneri, June 23, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, Anthony in 1992, and her sisters, Rachel and Teresa. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Woody) Davis and grandchildren, James, Anthony, Jason (Stephanie), Jennie (Sam), Justin, Jared, and Jordan; great-grandchildren Hayden, Owen, Griffin, Chloe, Lily, and Lincoln. She is also survived by her son, Jerrold (Lois), her brother, Sam (Ann), and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service was held July 17 at the Brockport Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Donations in her memory can be made to Unity Adult Day Services at Cornerstone, 2300 Buffalo Road, Building 600A, Rochester, NY 14624 or Visiting Nurse Service or Hospice/Palliative Care Program, Visiting Nurse Foundation, 2180 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580.
•Stasiw, Stephen F., July 12, 2011. Predeceased by his father Fedor. Survived by his loving wife Sharon; mother Pauline Stasiw; children, Kristopher (Amy), John Joseph “JJ,” Brett and Kenny Stasiw, Laura (Warren) O’Keefe, Tina and Tricia Goodenough, Brady and Erynn Selover; 15 grandchildren; sister Kathy (David) Miller; niece Lescia and nephew Austin.
A Graveside Service will be held July 19 at 11 a.m. at Stryker Road Cemetery. Contributions can be made to St. Josaphat’s Church, 940 East Ridge Road, Rochester 14621 in his memory.
CLARENDON
•Marks, David R. Sr., age 63, died July 11, 2011. He was predeceased by his wife, Martha Marks. He is survived by his girlfriend Thelma Causyn; his sons David and Anthony Marks; stepchildren, Peter (Susan) Causyn and Heidi Causyn; sisters, Sandy (Charlie) Saturno, Carol (Pat) Mincher and Wendy (James) Fuhry; brothers, Larry (Donna) Marks and William (Carol) Marks; mother-in-law, Mary Harris; brother-in-law, Fred Harris; grandchildren, Dominic and Ariana Marks, Tyler, Abriana and Kaitlyn Walls; several nieces and nephews.
His Funeral Mass was celebrated July 15 at the Nativity of the BVM Church, Brockport. Interment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Brockport. Donations can be made to the Clarendon Fire Department in his memory.
GATES
•Annis, James H., July 6, 2011, age 93. Predeceased by his wife, Eleanor and daughter, Sandra Volger. Survived by daughter, Carol (Wayne) Cowell; son-in-law Donald Vogler; grandchildren, Charles (Heather) Vogler, Christopher (Kelly) Vogler, Bryan Cowell, Brenda (Mike) Steinmetz and Michael Vogler; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Morgan, Derrick and Daniel Vogler; cousin, Edward Sunday. James was a graduate of Fredonia College, an Army Veteran of WWII retiring from the Army Reserves as Lt. Colonel and retired from Gates-Chili School District as an Administrator.
Funeral Services were held July 12 at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior. Interment, Grove Place Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour Memorial Fund or the American Cancer Society in his memory.
NORTH CHILI
•Benedict, Lois J., July 11, 2011, age 85 Predeceased by her husband, Douglas; brother, Richard Atwood. Survived by her children, Donna (Bud) Cusack, Brenda Benedict, Deborah Eksten (Mark Frank), Todd Benedict (Cathy Russell); grandchildren, Kimberly and Mark Cusack, Kaley and Kelsey Eksten; great-grandchildren, Zachary and Joshua Acocella; uncle, Kenneth Drumm; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Lois was a longtime member of Gates Presbyterian Church.
A Celebration of her Life was held July 16 at Gates Presbyterian Church, Rochester. Donations can be made to Gates Presbyterian Church (Mustard Seed Fund), 1049 Wegman Road, Rochester, NY 14624 in her memory.
•Kilby, Frank E., On July 7, 2011 at age 84. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Reta Kilby; siblings, Leon Kilby, Marjorie (Robert) Bisig and Mildred Pierce; sister-in-law, Phyllis Kilby. Frank is survived by his wife of 49 years, Doris M. (Stettner) Kilby; sons, Steven and Todd Kilby; grandchildren, Laurie Luce and Joseph Kilby; brothers Donald (Sharon) and George Kilby; sister-in-law, Dolores Kilby; brother-in-law, John Pierce; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held July 13 at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Inc., Spencerport. Interment, Creekside Cemetery, Churchville. Contributions can be made to the American Diabetes Association in his memory.
SPENCERPORT
•Leibeck, Janet Mary, age 83, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, formerly of Spencerport, died June 27, 2011, at University of Louisville Hospital after an accidental fall. She is survived by her husband, John Leibeck; one son and daughter-in-law, Johnathon and Barbara Leibeck; one daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Gary Fausnaugh, all of Gradyville, Kentucky; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one sister, Barbara Keldorf of Albion.
Contributions can be made to the Humane Society of Yates County, 1216 Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527 in her memory.
Archives - Week of July 10, 2011
Local News - Week of July 10, 2011
Village of Brockport receives $10,000 grant to support the Morgan Manning House Fourth of July celebration
The Village of Brockport has been awarded a $10,000 grant by Liberty Mutual Insurance to support the annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July event held at the historic Morgan-Manning House in the village. Brockport was one of only four small municipalities across the country to receive the grant. A total of ten grants were awarded nationally to various-sized municipalities in a “Bring Back the Fourth” contest to keep Fourth of July celebrations alive in America’s communities. Citizens phoned in their votes for their municipality to receive the grant. The grant money will be turned over to the Western Monroe Historical Society (WMHS) which has sponsored the Morgan Manning House event for 30 years.
“I entered us last year, but just didn’t get enough people to take the survey and vote for Brockport,” said Village Clerk Leslie Morelli. “Partnering with the Western Monroe Historical Society (WMHS) this year made all the difference.” Alicia Fink, president of the WMHS board of trustees, credits Morelli and WMHS treasurer Gordy Fox for “spearheading the movement to have people cast their votes.” Fink also thanks “all those who took an interest and made the effort to support us by casting their votes.” The grant was received too late to be applied to this year’s July Fourth event. WMHS leaders will be planning ways to enhance future events, and will consult with community organizations for their ideas.
On Wednesday, June 29, Matthew Reiter and Richard Fisher of Liberty Mutual presented a $10,000 grant check to Brockport’s Mayor Connie Castaneda and Village Clerk Leslie Morelli with Western Monroe Historical Society (WMHS) officials present. The check in turn will be given to the Western Monroe Historical Society.
(Shown left to right) Alicia Fink (WMHS), Richard T. Fisher and Matthew Reiter (both of Liberty Mutual), Gordon Fox and Fred Porter (both of WMHS), Connie Castaneda (Brockport Mayor) and Leslie Morelli (Brockport Village Clerk). Provided photo by Dianne Hickerson.
7/10/11
Brockport Rotary presents annual awards
Roger Smith won the Brockport Rotary Club’s Community Citizen of the Year Award in 2007.
Recently a member remembered that later Roger had indicated his appreciation for the honor but what he really would have liked was a Rotarian badge. At the recent changeover dinner, Roger was presented with his very own badge and also became an official honorary member of the Brockport Rotary. He commented that such honors are best presented while someone was still alive to appreciate it and the presenters were there to witness that appreciation.
Provided photo
7/10/11
The award Roger Smith won in 2007 has been renamed to honor long time Brockport Rotarian Rudy Smith of Brockport. His widow, Faith, (and daughter Lisa) were present to witness Dr. James Goetz, former long time medical director of the Oak Orchard Health Center receive the newly renamed award.
Goetz’s wife Kathy (Sweden historian) and outgoing President Fred Kimmel make up the group in the photo.
Goetz was cited not only for his local community involvements such as the “Walk to School Program,” but also his numerous humanitarian visits to third world nations to lend his medical skills to the needy.
Provided photo
7/10/11
Rotary District 7120 Governor Norma Madayag-Reilly presents local Paul Harris Awards
Area 9 Assistant Governor Madayag-Reilly and Bill Gormont presented the awards named for Rotary International’s founder to incoming club president elect Doug Clare and Richard Stutzman (aka. Happy the Clown).
President Fred Kimmel completes the group. Both honorees were cited for the dedication and effort they put forth on behalf of Rotary. “Happy” is a fixture at the Club’s annual ziti dinner and will be at its BBQ and Music Festival the last weekend of July.
Provided photo
7/10/11
Feature Stories - Week of July 10, 2011
300 Year old Copper Beech Tree Removed in Hilton
Estimated at 300 years old, this copper beech tree on West Avenue in Hilton was diseased and had to be cut down the last week of June.
The tree was 90 feet tall and 200 inches (over 16 feet) in circumference.
Gary Inzana, who owns the property on which the tree stood, said the condition of the tree necessitated its removal.
Westside Tree Surgeons did the work over the span of several days.
Photograph by Walter Horylev
7/10/11
Holley appoints Middle School/High School principal
Susan CoryThe Holley Board of Education recently appointed Susan Cory to the position of Middle School/High School principal. Cory has been with the Holley School District for 23 years during which time she has served as school counselor, teacher on special assignment, Middle School principal, and most recently as director of Student Services and principal of the Alternative High School.
A graduate of Fairport High School, Cory earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics education at SUNY Oneonta, her master’s degree in school counseling from SUNY Brockport, and certificates of advanced study in school counseling and school administration from SUNY Brockport.
Cory said she is anxious to begin this new path in her career. “The state is making many changes to the education process and it is my goal to make sure that Holley meets those demands without losing sight of its students,” she said. “We are in a time of change in our nation, our state, and our schools. It is also my goal to make us all accountable for the success of each and every one of our students.”
Cory lives in East Irondequoit with her husband, Dan.
7/10/11
“Rush of Color” art exhibit at the Parma Public Library
“Rush of Color,” an art exhibit of works by James Fiegel, is on display at the Parma Public Library, 7 West Avenue in Hilton, New York until July 29.
Coming from a background of over 30 years of home building, James Fiegel has now turned his creative energy toward the painting and framing of his own artwork. “With the help of my children and grandchildren, I have been able to see the beauty in all things and now would like to share my blur and rush of colors with the rest of the world,” he says.
Fiegel works with oil, water based as well as acrylic paints which he mixes to achieve different surface reactions.
“Rush of Color” is the tenth in a series of exhibitors hosted by the Parma Public Library featuring area artists and photographers.
For information call the Library at 392-8350 or visit www.libraryweb.org/parma.
7/10/11
Monday Bible Study at Beikirch: Every week for 15 years
Jim Larkin, Jan Larkin, Carter Bigley, Marilyn Bigley, Ellie Wandel and Dorothy Jones lead the Monday Bible Study at Lakeside Beikirch Care Center every week. Photo by Dianne Hickerson“They do this with such kindness and a genuine compassion ... ” Nancy Duff
by Doug Hickerson
“I have joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.” Jan Larkin leads Lakeside Beikirch Care Center residents in singing the words and pointing to her heart. Called “action choruses,” she conducts the songs with movement to open Monday Bible Study, co-led every week with her husband, Jim Larkin, and others on their team. The choruses get the residents’ attention to start a half-hour or more of Bible reading, singing a hymn, a closing prayer, and some conversation.
Beyond the singing, reading and praying, the Bible study team tries to make personal contact with each of the 15 to 25 residents who attend in a fourth floor lounge each Monday. Many of them have no visitors, Jan said about the need for personal contact. “We try to reach each person, to learn their name and something about them to show ‘we care about you.’ They relate to us as though we are a part of their own family.”
Not everyone attending Monday Bible Study is awake; others aren’t receiving the message and some don’t respond. “There are people who have trouble talking to you,” Jan said. “But, play ‘Jesus Loves Me’ or similar songs that they might have heard in Sunday School and it comes back to them. They can sing the words.” She also passes out bells to shake while singing “Jingle Bells” at Christmastime. “I ask how many know about a one-horse open sleigh, and many will tell of their experience from the past. The Lord uses these songs to bring back some pleasant memory.”
Nancy Duff is the recreation director and Lakeside Memorial Hospital volunteer coordinator. “This generation treasures and participates in their faith,” she said about the residents. “Being connected to a local church was a very important part of their family life. The Bible study has helped cover this sacred desire of the residents.”
Jan and Jim Larkin have led the Bible study every week of the year for about 15 years, starting at the former Beikirch building. “The beautiful thing is we have a team,” Jim said, “so we never miss Bible Class, except if Christmas comes on a Monday.” Carter and Marilyn Bigley have been with the team since the beginning and rotate the Bible readings with Jim. Marilyn also leads the action choruses. Dorothy Jones and Ellie Wandell have been on the team for several years; both had close relatives who lived at Beikirch. Jim and Jan also lead a worship service at Beikirch for their church, Grace Baptist Church, once every other Sunday. “They are an amazing couple,” Nancy Duff said, and added:
“The Bible study is well attended every Monday and the volunteers who oversee the program are the most dedicated group of individuals I know. They do this with such kindness and a genuine compassion for the residents’ spiritual needs. Their weekly dedication has built relationships with the people. We are so grateful to have them be a part of the residents’ lives.”
7/10/11
Sports News - Week of July 10, 2011
AREA
Lakeside Golf Classic marks 20th year
The Lakeside Foundation held their annual Kevin C. Nacy Golf Classic and celebrated their 20th Anniversary Classic. This year’s event, sponsored by Home Care of Rochester, sold out for the third year in a row with 144 golfers registered to participate and attracted over 100 sponsors and supporters. The annual Classic is in honor of Kevin Nacy, former CEO of Lakeside, friend to many and avid golfer.
This event, which raised $37,946 after expenses, is the second largest fundraiser for Lakeside Health System. Proceeds from this and other Foundation events support Lakeside Health System’s commitment to provide personal, trusted care to the communities it serves.
This year’s winners: In the Men’s Division: Jim Brennan, Chris Eckert, Jason Floreano and Jim Stablewski; in the Women’s Division: Sue Babey, Laurie Boughter, Bonnie Gallea and Beth Platt; in the Mixed Division: Ken Carpentier, Sarah Piedmont, Ken Woodring and Todd Zyra.
7/10/11
Clarkson youth chosen for hockey camp
Caroline RossCaroline Ross of Clarkson has been selected to participate in the USA Hockey Select Girls’ Development Camp for U.S. hockey players born in 1997. Ross was chosen after three days of tryouts, along with only seven other skaters and one goalie from New York state. Ninety skaters and 12 goalies from across the United States will participate in the camp. The purpose of the camp is to identify, train, educate, and evaluate the best players in the country. During the week-long camp, the players are evaluated by the USA Hockey national scouting program and college coaches. The camp is not a tournament; instead, according to USA Hockey, it is “a grueling week of training, education, and competition meant to improve our players.”
The camp will be held from July 21 to July 27 at The Sports Centre at MCC.
For the past three years, Ross played hockey with the Rochester Edge. During the upcoming season she will be a member of the U14 Buffalo Bisons team playing from North Buffalo. She also plays soccer with the Greece Buccaneers.
Ross recently completed seventh grade at The Aquinas Institute with a 99 average, earning St. Basil Club honors each marking period and the seventh grade leadership award. During seventh grade she played defense on the Junior Varsity soccer team and ran modified, junior varsity, and varsity track.
7/10/11
Taking to the track...
Connie Hibbard started running in 2002 when she was 58 years old. Since then, she’s been chosen Rochester Runner of the year five times and has participated in 83 races with 75 first place and eight second place finishes.
Hibbard first put on her running shoes for the Race for Grace 5K in which she finished fourth without training. “I’d never done any sports,” she said. Our church (First Bible Baptist) had a 5K and I kind of liked it (running) and it got me started. My husband, Jeff is a retired physical education teacher ... he is my coach, trains me, drives me to races, makes my breakfast on race days, cheers for me.”
Hibbard, now 67, has lupus, an auto immune disease, so she is careful not to over-do but says she believes exercise is good for her well being and keeping her flare ups in check. “Lupus forces me to limit my time in the sun. I’m very competitive. I like to set goals and it is fulfilling to reach them. At the National Competition in Houston, Texas, Hibbard ran the 1500 at 6:39, winning by 55 seconds. In the photo at left, she holds the gold medal for running which she received recently. She also competes in singles tennis in the Nationals and in the Senior Olympic Games.
Her next race is August 13 and she usually chooses races close to the Hilton area where she lives. During the winter, to avoid the cold, she races inside on a treadmill.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
7/10/11
WNY Lady Lakers win Championship in Finger Lakes
The Western New York Lady Lakers completed their 12th AAU season winning the Finger Lakes Hoopfest held in Canandaigua June 18 and 19.
The team defeated both Finger Lakes 7th grade teams by 11 points and defeated Hammondsport 43-9 during the tournament as well. The girls coasted through the Championship game leading by as much as 25 points before winning their division 57-45.
The team is made up mostly of girls in the seventh grade who live on the west side of Rochester. They had a combined record of 15-5 vs. other 12 and under teams throughout the season.
The girls AAU basketball season runs from March to June and consists of several tournaments held locally and throughout the state as well. Pictured from left to right, first row: Riley Anger (Brockport), Zoe Premyslovsky (Brighton), Michela Contestable (Spencerport), Raine Gardner (Hilton), Kathleen Graham (Gates Chili), Brianna Campbell (Spencerport), Katie Risewick (Brockport), Rachel Benedict (Brockport), Kelsey Brinkel (Hilton), Nicole Grossi (Greece Odyssey); second row: CC Risewick (Manager), Matt Anger (Assistant Coach), McKenna Dewey (Spencerport), Steve Risewick (Head Coach). Other information can be found at www.wnyladylakers.com.
7/10/11
HILTON
Ory Mee Baseball Camp
The annual Ory Mee Youth Baseball camp was held at Parma Town Hall Park the week of June 27 with 73 future Cadet Players enjoying a week full of instruction.
Coach Mee, former boy’s varsity baseball coach and present assistant coach of the men’s baseball program at the College at Brockport, put together a staff of 12 assistants consisting of former Hilton baseball players and three current Division I athletes. Each day campers were rotated through workout stations where individual instruction focused on each player’s baseball development.
This is the 24th consecutive year that Coach Mee has coordinated this summer instructional camp for Hilton-Parma Recreation.
Pictured, Coach Mee addresses camp participants prior to stretching exercises.
Provided photo
7/10/11
School News - Week of July 10, 2011
AREA
WEMOCO students take third place at National SkillsUSA competition
SkillsUSA students Inna Boyko, Kristy Gutske, Natasha Voronin, representing the BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education WEMOCO chapter of SkillsUSA, took third place in the outstanding chapter category at the SkillsUSA National Competition held in Kansas City, Missouri. The students created and presented a portfolio of all the press clippings, photographs of events, and the achievements of the chapter over the course of the school year. The portfolio contains sections judged on community service, publicity, business and industry, championship and social activities. In addition, the secretary and the treasurer books are also judged. Kristy presented to the judges and Inna and Natasha compiled the portfolio representing the BOCES 2 WEMOCO SkillsUSA chapter in Spencerport.
The students received bronze medals at the competition.
SkillsUSA is an international leadership organization for students in career and technical education.
7/10/11
BYRON-BERGEN
B-B students recognized at Academic Awards program
It was a morning of smiles and handshakes on June 23 at the Byron-Bergen Middle School Academic Awards Program.
The event, held in the school’s auditorium, attracted students, parents and teachers as they honored students in grades 5 through 8.
“We are here to recognize the effort and achievement of our students in the Middle School,” said Middle School Principal Dan Bedette.
The program recognized students with awards in each grade level for: special area classes, including art, family and consumer science, health, music, physical education, Spanish and technology; core area classes, including ELA, social studies, science, math, and reading; Teacher’s Choice Awards, which recognizes citizenship, effort and respect; and the Top 5 Awards, which honor the top five students with the highest cumulative GPA.
Bedette closed the program by thanking the parents who raised the students, encouraging parents to “keep being the driving force.”
Bedette also thanked all the teachers who “helped our students achieve what they have this year.”
Provided information
7/10/11
HOLLEY
Holley celebrates 62nd Annual Commencement
Provided information.Holley's Samantha Dunn shakes hands with Superintendent Robert D'Angelo's after receiving her diploma at the 62nd annual Commencement. Also shown is Susan Cory, director of Student Services, and Mark Thomas, English teacher, who delivered the commencement address. Provided photoThe Holley High School Class of 2011 celebrated commencement on June 25 with a moving ceremony during which 100 graduates walked across the stage. Class President and Valedictorian Chad David Barhydt welcomed graduates, families, board members, administrators and staff. “We are truly fortunate to learn and grow in such a tight-knit community,” he said.
Class Salutatorian Meaghan Christine White echoed his sentiments. “I have never seen a class as close as ours and we became even closer our senior year,” she said.
Class Vice President Amanda Lee Buzard presented the class gift of a brick for the memorial walkway that will be built in front of the school to honor students, staff and community members. The class also bought an industrial rug for the entrance to the school that says, “Welcome to Holley - Home of the Hawks.” Lastly, the class purchased chairs to use for sporting events and award ceremonies.
This year’s guest speaker was Mark Thomas, English teacher and coach, who was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Bergen. He said the diploma graduates received that day symbolizes the choices they’ve made throughout their years at Holley, the relationships in their lives, and their legacy - how they will be remembered long after they’ve walked the hallways. Thomas also advised the graduates to take advantage of every opportunity to travel and meet new people. “Step outside of your comfort zone,” he said.
Before receiving their diplomas, graduates were presented with 58 awards and nine scholarships. “The Holley Class of 2011 earned 825 college credit hours, $14,000 in local and community scholarships, and are eligible for up to $350,000 in specific college scholarships - they should be as proud of themselves as we are of them,” said Director of Student Services Susan Cory.
For commencement photos and a video, visit holleycsd.org.
Provided information
7/10/11
Holley Rotary Club presents Scholarships
At a recent meeting, the Holley Rotary Club congratulated the graduating seniors who received the club’s scholarships.
Pictured (left to right) are Roger DeFrancesco (incoming club president), Sean Brooks, Brandon Comdon, Ryan O’Mara and Tim Towne (current club president).
Provided photo
7/10/11
Obituaries - Week of July 10, 2011
ALBION
•Ruhlen, Maurice W., age 91, died July 1, 2011, at Medina Memorial Hospital. He was born November 8, 1919 in Sardinia, New York. He was a long-time resident of Barre Center and a life-long dairy farmer. Over the years he was an active member of the Barre Grange, the National and New York Registered Holstein Clubs, and the leader of the Orleans County 4-H Dairy Club. He was a charter member of the Barre Volunteer Fire Company and a familiar face at cattle shows, auctions and the annual walk-a-thon for the Council for the Aging. Maurice was also famous for sharing his beautiful gladiolas and homegrown vegetables.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 67 years, Florence (Lipka), and daughters, Marsha Gottovi of Rochester, and Linda Harrison and her husband, Marty, of Hollywood, Florida; his two daughters-in-law, Bonnie Ruhlen of Barre Center and Colleen Ruhlen of Sylvania, Georgia. He was predeceased by his two sons, Dwight and Gary, as well as all of his siblings. He is survived by seven grandchildren and their spouses, 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
A Memorial Service was held Thursday, July 7, 2011 at Holy Family Parish in Albion. Memorials can be made to a charity of one’s choice in his memory. An online guest book is available at www.merrillgrinnell.com.
BERGEN
•Borys, Nicholas L., Surrounded by his family after a sudden illness on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at the age of 62. Predeceased by his parents, Steve and Vicky; brother, Allen. He is survived by his loving wife, Marsha (Sant); children, Nicole (Tim) Ribis, Renee, Christina, Steven and Jeanelle Borys; grandchildren, Timothy, Nathaniel, Robert Ribis, Oksana Borys; siblings, Leona (Gary) Roskosky, Pete (Annie) Borys, Barbara Buongiorno; several nieces and nephews. Nick first and foremost loved his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, his family, friends and the outdoors.
A Memorial Service was held July 8 at Bergen United Methodist Church, Bergen. Interment private. Memorials may be directed to Robert L. Sant Memorial Fund c/o Strong Memorial Hospital, or Bergen United Methodist Church in his memory.
BROCKPORT
•Pakis, Kim (Edmonds), On Saturday, July 2, 2011. She is survived by her husband Steve Pakis; children, Derek (Danielle Ippolito), Tyler Pakis and Julia Pakis; parents Chip and Shirley Edmonds; brother, Mike (Linda) Edmonds; sister Heather DiMora; mother-in-law, Sylvia Pakis; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends and her critters.
Interment private. Those wishing can contribute to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.
•Klafehn, Mark H. Esq., Peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 surrounded by his family and friends after a brief illness. Predeceased by his parents Hugo and Wilhelmina; brothers Paul Klafehn and Robert Klafehn and sister-in-law Janet O. Klafehn. He is survived by his wife, Joan (McKenna) Klafehn; daughters, Mary (James) Covell, Lynn (Richard) Miller; grandchildren Daniel Covell, Kirsten Covell, Cameron Miller and Jacob Miller; brother Richard (Eva) Klafehn; sister-in-law June (Paul) Klafehn; many nieces and nephews. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather who was loved and respected by all who knew him. Mark was a practicing attorney in Brockport for over 50 years, a US Navy WWII Veteran and a US Army Korean War/Conflict Veteran. He went to U. B. Law School and Cornell University.
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, July 9 at St. John Lutheran Church in Hamlin. Burial private. Donations can be made inhis name to St. John Lutheran Church, Hamlin. Please visit www.fowlerfuneralhomeinc.com to light a candle in Mark’s memory.
CHILI
•Castrichini, Carmela Rose “Carmel,” Passed away peacefully on June 25, 2011 at age 84. Predeceased by her parents, Rocco and Katherine Fargnoli; sister, Mary Greco and brother, Anthony Fargnoli. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Armond; sons, Gary (Carol) Castrichini, Richard Castrichini and Ronald (Sharon) Castrichini; grandchildren, Michelle (Jim) Crider, Jaime (Todd) Walberger, Michael, Richard, Gregory, Ryan and Rhett Castrichini; great granddaughters, Emily Castrichini, Ashley Crider and Madilynn Walberger; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held privately. Memorial contributions can be made to Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 or www.lollypop.org.
•Cirri, Frank, July 4, 2011, at age 67. Predeceased by his father and mother, Pietro and Maria Cirri; sister, Nunzia Cappadonia. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Lina Cirri; children, Maria (Gary) Battista, Peter (Debby) Cirri; grandchildren, Patrick, Lilliana, Frank and Christopher; brother, Calogero (Concetta) Cirri; sister, Josephine (Sal) Gebbia; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Antonino and Rosa Ricotta, Maria Nunzia and Gaetano Sciolino, Stefanina and Tullio Marsalone all of Italy; many nieces and nephews. Mr. Cirri was a retiree of Eastman Kodak Co.
Funeral Mass was said July 7 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Entombment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center, c/o Lifetime Care, 3111 S. Winton Rd., Rochester, NY 14623 in his memory.
•Faso, Santina L., Saturday, July 2, 2011. Predeceased by her husband Victor in 1967; and granddaughter, Frances Laura. Survived by her son, Robert (Lisa); daughter, Catherine Anne (Jay) Milks; two grandchildren, Samantha Faso and Mario Milks; brother, Louis (Barbara) DoVidio; many nieces and nephews. Santina was a retiree of Wegmans after 50 years, and in her retirement she worked at the Redman Party House.
A Funeral Mass was held July 6 at St. Pius the Tenth Church. Interment St. Pius Cemetery.
•Magar, Mae E., Wednesday, July 6, 2011. Predeceased by her husband, George and son, Gary J. Kreutzer. Survived by her daughter-in-law, Joyce Kreutzer; grandson, Kevin (Kate) Kreutzer; great-grandchild, Juliana Kreutzer; step-daughter, Linda (John) Coon.
Services at the convenience of the family. Memorials can be made to Parkinson Association, 919 Westfall Road, Suite 220, Rochester, NY 14618.
•Trabucco, Raymond F., July 3, 2011, at age 88. Loving husband, father and grandfather. Survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary; children, Roger Trabucco, Marie (Hal) Lindley, John (Catherine), Ann Trabucco; grandchildren, Jacob Lindley, Jesse (Kristin) Lindley, Jill Lindley; step-grandchildren, Dallas and Amanda. Raymond was a dedicated teacher and guidance counselor for many years at Wheatland-Chili High School, and before that at Oneonta High School. He was an active member of St. Pius the Tenth Parish for many years. Raymond is a veteran of the United States Marines, who served during WWII.
Funeral Mass was said July 8 at St. Pius the Tenth Church. Interment St. Pius Cemetery. Contributions in his name may be made to the church.
CHURCHVILLE
•Draper, Hazel (Forkell, Deutsch), July 3, 2011. Predeceased by parents Dominick and Ema Forkell; sons William M. and Timothy M. Draper; grandson Todd M. Hansmann; great-granddaughter Wictoria Lynn Hansmann; 5 brothers; 2 sisters. Survived by daughters Donna (Art) Hansmann and Jaye Eieen Draper of Churchville; son Mark (Kathy) Draper of Eustis, Florida; 8 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; nieces; nephews and cousins.
A Prayer Service was held July 7 at James R. Gray Funeral Home. Burial, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
•Johnson, Alice S., Formerly of Waverly, New York. Born April 28, 1908. Passed away, June 30, 2011. Predeceased by husband, Alfred E. Johnson and step-daughter, Elma Wineland. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen (Tom) Onderdonk; step-children, Donald (Viola) Johnson, Nellie Gardner; 25 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Interment at Halsey Valley Cemetery, Halsey Valley, NY. Contributions can be made to the Churchville United Methodist Church (CUMC) Memorial Fund in her memory.
HOLLEY
•Persia, Gary L., Age 56, died July 4, 2011. He was predeceased by his sister Donna Persia in 2008. He is survived by his brother John (June) Persia of Albion; nieces Lisa (Christopher) Barry of Albion and Michele (Luke Wroblewski) Persia of Albion; great niece Aubrielle Barry; aunts, uncles and several cousins.
A mass of Christian Burial was held July 9 at St. Mary Church, Holley. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Carlton Fire Co., C.O.V.A. or Diabetes Association.
•Sadowski, Roman “Bud,” Roman passed away on June 20, 2011 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer. Bud was born on April 17, 1929 and raised in Albion where he graduated from Albion High School in 1947. After graduation Bud worked for Birds Eye Foods in Albion before entering the Navy in 1949 serving until 1953, after which he went to work at Eastman Kodak until his retirement in 1984, during which time he attended RIT and attained a degree. He is survived by his wife Thelm (Pete); son Michael; sisters, Eleanor and Irene; brother, Don; two grandchildren, Michelle and Michael; nieces and nephews and their children.
Services were held July 2 at St. Mary’s Church, Holley. Contributions in his name can be made to Wilmot Cancer Center.
NORTH CHILI
•Griebel, Beverly (Vincent) RN, July 5, 2011, of gastric cancer. Born September 20, 1939 in Gardner, Massachusetts. Survived by two sons, Edward (Jacqueline) of Webster and Gregory (Anna) of Pittsford; five grandchildren, Madison, Thomas, Jack, Keenan and Spencer; sister Valerie Vincent of Gardner; nephew Walter Ferguson of South Carolina; many friends, work colleagues and many Fun Raiser friends. Predeceased by parents Louis and Sylvia (Myntti) Vincent of Gardner and sister Barbara Ferguson. As a nurse, Beverly worked in emergency in NYC, occupational health in Florida for General Dynamic and in Rochester for Marine Midland Bank and Hickey Freeman Company. She also was a disability case manager for 15 years prior to retirement. Beverly served on the Chili Zoning Board of Appeals for 14 years and as a chair for 13 years, member of the occupational nurse association for 30 years serving as local treasurer for many years and state treasurer for four years, member of the Chili Republican Committee for many years and served as secretary, member of the Rochester Knitting Guild for over 20 years, and Lifetime NRA member.
Funeral Services were held July 9 at the Leo M. Bean Funeral Home. Interment at Grove Place Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Wilmot Cancer Center or the Palliative Care Center, both at 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624.
SPENCERPORT
•Desiato, Jennie (Maddalina), On June 28, 2011, at age 82. She is predeceased by her husband, Nick Desiato; sisters and brothers, Josephine Calvi, Lillian Maddalena, Tony (Jane) Maddalina, Henry (Rose) Maddalina, George Maddalina, Nick (Edith) Maddalena, Alex Madden. Survived by her children, Vicki (Louis) Longo, Michael (Lauren) Desiato; grandchildren, Nicholas and Alyssa Longo, Anthony Desiato; special nephew George (Rosemary) Maddalina and their children Stacy Fumarola and Lori Guck; nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 6 at Holy Ghost Church, Gates. Interment Holy Ghost Cemetery.
•Micalos, Alexander “Alex”, Monday, July 4, 2011 at age 75. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Maria Micalos; sister, Helen Mihalitsas; sons and daughters-in-law, Theodore and Theodora, John and Karolina; daughter and son-in-law, Olga and Dino Christanis; grandsons, John, Alex, Alexander, Mario and Costa; several nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and many dear friends here and in Greece and Australia. Alex was a member of Omonia Flambouro Society and AHEPA of the Annunciation Church.
A Funeral Service was held July 7 at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation Rochester. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Contributions can be made to the Kidney Foundation in his memory.
•Perrone, Jean Ann, Loving wife and mother, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at age 46. She is survived by her husband, Dominic and children, Sheila, Daniel, Nick and Brandon.
A Memorial Service was held July 9 at New Comer Funeral Home, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue. Private interment.
•Soules, Stanley David, Sunday, July 3, at the age of 87 while residing at Wedgewood Nursing Home in Spencerport. He is survived by his sister Virginia S. Andrews of Jacksonville, Florida; nephews, Joseph S. Andrews; grandniece, Kylee S. Andrews; grand-nephew, Brodie R. Andrews, all of Collierville, Tennessee. Stanley was a graduate of Brockport High School, Syracuse University and Penn State University. He was retired from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Suitland, Maryland. Stanley was a WWII Naval veteran of the Pacific.
Funeral services were held at Walker Brothers Funeral Home, Spencerport, July 8. Burial in Hillside Cemetery in Holley.
Archives - Week of July 3, 2011
Local News - Week of July 3, 2011
Brockport treasurer gives board a state of the budget report
by Kristina Gabalski
In what was “technically” her last village board meeting, Brockport Village Treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy reported to trustees on the state of the village’s financial responsibilities including several upcoming 2012 budget issues.
Lovejoy presented her report during the June 22 regular meeting of the village board. She said for the month of June, the ambulance service - which is in the process of becoming independent and which was not included in the village’s 2011-2012 budget - had $3,987.76 in revenue and $11,508.97 in expenses.
Lovejoy said those numbers should cause concern, “It’s not a good path,” she said.
Ambulance calls have been reduced since the towns of Sweden and Clarkson switched to Monroe Ambulance as their primary responder in January.
Lovejoy said the ambulance could continue to operate at a loss for a short time, “ ... or you can discontinue service and inform 911 to use another service until an ambulance corps is up and operational,” she said.
Lovejoy also reported on Fire Department finances in light of the recent decision by the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson to look into options other than contracting with the village for fire protection.
The current contracts with the towns expires December 31, 2011. Lovejoy said $55,278 would be left for the village to get through the remainder of the fiscal year from January to May 2012.
The current budget allocation for that time is $222,310.00, Lovejoy said.
“That is a problem,” she said. “It will result in a deficit budget of $167,032 for the Fire Department alone should all expenditures be made ... you’re headed in the wrong financial direction.”
Lovejoy recommended that the village should reduce both the revenue and expense side of the 2012 budget appropriately now, if the towns are no longer going to contract with the village.
“The village needs to conclude how it can financially operate a fire department on its own,” she said.
Lovejoy also explained the Fire Department and ambulance have the highest worker’s compensation costs for the village. Insuring the vehicles is also expensive, she noted. “These are costs that you can’t change,” Lovejoy told trustees.
On other financial issues, Lovejoy told the board that costs for health insurance, retirement costs and union salary costs will increase in the 2012-2013 budget.
Union salaries will increase the tax levy by 1.75 percent and health insurance could increase the levy by two percent. Increased costs for retirement could have an impact of increasing the levy by another three percent, she said.
The two percent property tax cap from the state will become a reality, Lovejoy said, although some items will likely be left outside the cap.
She also addressed issues the village has discussed, but that have not been followed-up on, including hiring a grant writer, establishing a village court and salary adjustments for non-union employees who she said have been several years without a pay increase.
7/3/11
No agreement on Brockport village appointee
by Kristina Gabalski
During their special work session on June 28, Brockport Village Board members were not able to agree on an appointment for the Village Manager/Treasurer vacancy.
Mayor Connie Castaneda brought forth the recommendation of the Search Committee, but the motion failed when Trustee Carol Hannan voted no; Mayor Connie Castaneda and Deputy Mayor Daniel Kuhn voted yes; and Trustees Kent Blair and Scott Hunsinger abstained.
Trustee Blair said before the vote that he was abstaining because he “ ... did not have enough information (about the recommended candidate) to make a sound decision.”
Some Village Board members have been critical of the process the mayor has used in selecting a candidate to recommend for the position, saying they have been excluded from the interview and selection process.
“This has left a bad taste in my mouth,” Trustee Kent Blair said at the June 8 regular meeting of the Village Board. He called the Village Manager/Treasurer job “ ... ultimately the most important position in the village.”
Trustee Carol Hannan on June 8 called the process “ ... deficient in many respects.”
Also at the June 8 meeting, Mayor Connie Castaneda responded that it is the mayor’s job to make the recommendation to the board. She said an interview committee was chosen and she shared information on the six finalists with trustees, who had also been part of a pre-meeting executive session on June 8 to meet with finalist(s) for the position.
“The Village Board cannot compel the mayor to provide them with applications,” Mayor Castaneda said during the June 8 meeting. “I have the authority to bring forth a name ... (the board) cannot conduct interviews in an open meeting.” Following the vote at the June 28 work session, Mayor Castaneda said current Village Treasurer Mary Beth Lovejoy would “hold over” until the interview committee could bring forth another candidate. The mayor said Trustee Kent Blair will be a member of that committee.
7/3/11
Village invites towns to return to fire protection talks
by Kristina Gabalski
In an effort to bring the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson back to the table to discuss fire protection, Brockport Village Board members have unanimously agreed to send both towns a proposal that provides for oversight of the fire department, including financial oversight.
Village Board members met for a special work session on Tuesday, June 28. They immediately entered into executive session which lasted a little more than one hour.
Upon coming out of executive session, Mayor Connie Castaneda said she, Trustee Kent Blair and Fire Chief Mike Henry had met the day before to discuss ideas that, “... would be best for all three com-munitities.”
The proposal includes the creation of a nine member committee that would oversee the Fire Department. The nine members would consist of three fire chiefs; three elected officials (one from each municipality); and three non-fire department citizens (one from each municipality).
The committee would prepare budgets and be accountable to the three municipal boards and to the public. Trustee Scott Hunsinger called the proposal, “ ... a great move.”
Trustee Kent Blair said, “ ... it’s a step in the right direction ... to mend fences with the towns.”
In May, the Village Board decided by a vote of 3-2, to end discussions with the towns regarding the creation of a joint fire district. Since that time, the towns have been pursuing fire protection on their own.
7/3/11
Planners thinking ahead to holiday parade
by Kristina Gabalski
A December holiday parade is in the works for the Village of Brockport.
Village Trustee Kent Blair announced during his report at the June 22 regular meeting of the Village Board, that he has already written up a parade application.
Blair said he attended the Holiday Parade in the Village of Medina and thought it would be a great idea for Brockport.
The Brockport Police Stetson Club, the Brockport Merchants’ Association and Blair and his wife are currently working on organizing the event which is set for December 4.
Blair said the parade will line up on the north side of the canal at the site of the former Ryan’s Big M and make its way south down Main Street to the Erie/State Street intersection.
Santa will lead the parade, Blair said, “ ... we would have all the village departments take part.” Other participants could include school marching bands, church groups and merchants, he added.
Stetson Club President Brian Winant told Westside News Inc., “ ... the focus is to get people to come to Main Street, Brockport during the holiday season. The business owners and shop owners are the life blood of Brockport.”
Officer Winant said he hopes the parade will bring people into the village after the current road construction work is completed. “It’s a good event that will benefit the Brockport community and business owners ... once people come out, we hope they come back.”
The starting time of the parade has not yet been finalized, Officer Winant said, but the ending of the parade will coincide with the lighting of the village’s Christmas Tree.
Following the parade, the public will be invited to the Fire Station on Market Street for hot chocolate and cookies.
Organizers will meet with officials from Medina in July to find out more about how that community stages its holiday parade.
“We’re excited about it, the merchants are excited about having a parade in Brockport,” Officer Winant said of the event.
For information or for groups interested in participating, Officer Winant says to call 391-3155 or email, thestetsonclub@yahoo.com.
7/3/11
Featuare Stories - Week of July 3, 2011
Two new local galleries make fine art accessible
by Kerrie Merz
A Different Path Gallery, 27 Market Street in the village of Brockport, is owned by Kathy Weston. She features non-representational and non-traditional art in the gallery, and houses seven studios local artists can rent to practice their art.Two art galleries have opened on the west side of Rochester in the past year, and though the look and feel of each one is unique, the gallery owners share a common vision: making fine art accessible to the community.
A Different Path Gallery, at 27 Market Street in the village of Brockport, features non-representational and non-traditional art in its gallery, and houses seven studios local artists can rent to practice their art.
Owner Katherine Weston said she balanced two concerns while planning the gallery. “One is the artists; I am really concerned with artists having a nice place to show their work,” she said. “Another element is to make it interesting to the community.”
Weston, a print maker and mixed-media artist, has been a full-time artist since moving to Brockport in 2005. Tired of the commute to her downtown studio space, she was working out of her home in 2010. “That didn’t work out,” she said. “Too many distractions.”
It was then that a vacant building on her regular dog-walking route caught her eye. “It had been for sale for a long-time,” she said. “And just by chance I checked into buying it.”
With what she calls “creative financing,” Weston discovered she could purchase the 1877 building to transform into studio space for herself and other local artists. To hold down costs, she is doing some of the necessary renovation herself, including installing flooring and bathroom fixtures, and painting walls and trim.
The Brockport Historic Preservation Society helped her secure a New York state grant to restore the building’s facade to its original nineteenth century look. “I had one photo to work with,” she says. “It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly closer.”
Inside, the first floor is dominated by the gallery space, which is light and airy with colorful art on multiple surfaces. “I didn’t want it to be the kind of gallery where people are afraid to come in,” she said. “I wanted it to be a fun place.”
Other than her own work in her studio in the back of the first floor, and a space planned upstairs for the artists renting studio spaces, exhibits change monthly.
“I either invite artists to show or they apply,” she said. This year’s gallery schedule includes photography, “Food as Art/Art as Food,” mixed media shows, and “Body Art: Tattoo and Beyond.” Next up is “Recycled Art: Another Man’s Treasure” in July, with an artist reception July 8.
The gallery hosts a music jam every Sunday afternoon, and poetry readings on Saturdays. “I try to have more than one thing going on,” said Weston. Art classes are offered to children and adults in the community, see www.differentpathgallery.com for schedules.
With the revitalization of the Village Plaza in Spencerport, Richard Gloor (left) , owner of Frame Wright, decided to expand his custom framing business to include a fine art gallery. In partnership with art curator Paul Muratore, the new gallery features original artwork and high quality giclee reproductions of originals that provide an affordable option for home and office. On display are oils on canvas, watercolors, still lifes, florals and landscapes.The Frame Wright Fine Art and Print Gallery is a new expansion of an existing shop at 52 Slayton Avenue in the village of Spencerport. Most of the original oil paintings and watercolors on display here are still lifes, florals and landscapes.
Rich Gloor opened his frame shop in 2001, after a 30-year career in printing. “I was sort of burned out,” he says. “That work is very stressful, with deadlines all of the time.”
When his company moved out of town he used his severance package to make a lifelong hobby of woodworking into a second career. He took some framing classes and then said to himself, “You know, I am going to try to do this on my own,” and opened Frame Wright in the Village Plaza.
Almost ten years later, when TOPS Markets moved into the plaza he saw an opportunity to bring fine art into his enterprise. “(The plaza) had been pretty run down, and when TOPS came in plaza owners put in a new facade ... it made me more excited. I decided to take the plunge, go for it.”
Gloor expanded into a vacant storefront next door, and opened the new gallery. He said he had planned to feature lots of different artists in the gallery, but is now focused primarily on one local artist, the late Barbara Muratore.
Muratore was a Rochester resident, who taught in the Spencerport School District. The artist’s widower, Paul Muratore, brought some of her work into Gloor’s shop where it was very popular with customers. When Gloor saw how well it sold, he enlisted him as curator for the new gallery.
“She has an extensive body of work,” said Gloor. “A lot of work you would like to hang in your house. The nice thing about our gallery is we offer the originals, which you can pay six to eight hundred dollars for, but you can also get a reproduction for $40 to $50.”
Almost every inch of the gallery walls are filled with originals and prints, including high-end giclée prints. Giclées are high-resolution reproductions printed on canvas or watercolor paper using ink-jets to produce brilliant colors and sharp details. Gloor has been hosting wine and cheese receptions on Saturday afternoons and has been taking advantage of the weather with frequent sidewalk sales - www.frame-wrightshop.com has more information.
“I am just trying to get the word out,” he said. “You have to come in to see what we are all about.”
7/3/11
Bicentennial celebrated at Ogden Presbyterian Church in 2011
by Kerrie Merz
"Two Hundred Years of Grace," is the theme of the bicentennial celebration at the Ogden Presbyterian Church. The replica steeple replaced one removed due to structure problems. Provided photoMembers of Ogden Presbyterian Church (OPC) are looking back at 200 years of fellowship, worship and mission this year, celebrating their church’s heritage with events for the whole community, while keeping an eye on the future.
Norma Jones, 200th Anniversary Committee member, said her hopes for her church always include new members ... “ones dedicated to working in the church!” she said with a laugh.
With an event almost every month in 2011, fellow committee member Marlene Dyer agreed there is a lot to do. “We’re hoping we make it through the year!”
Next up is the ecumenical service the church hosts during Canal Days, while some churches in the Village of Spencerport are closed. This year, the church will celebrate July 31 with local band, “A Touch of Brass.”
On August 7, there will be an old-fashioned church picnic at Pineway Ponds Park on North Union Street, with potluck dishes, hymns and lawn games for children.
“I am very thankful for our bicentennial committee and their wonderful leadership,” said OPC Rev. Sudi Layraman. “They make the year of 2011 a special and memorable year of celebration.”
“Two Hundred Years of Grace,” is the theme, and the church has hosted former pastors throughout the year. In February, Rev. Gordon Webster led an 1811-style service, followed by a period luncheon of chicken and biscuits, coleslaw, red beets and an apple dessert.
Dyer said the service was based on early nineteenth-century church services, with a nod to today’s tolerance for sitting; when Webster asked whether he should deliver a typical three-hour sermon, her response was, “Lunch is at noon.”
Festivities continue with a banquet October 30 at Hickory Ridge Golf & Country Club in Holley, where former pastor Rev. Rupert B. Harris will speak.
“The first Presbyterian Church was in Edinburgh, Scotland,” said Layraman. So November 13, the church will celebrate that heritage with the “Kirkin’ of the Tartan,” when bagpipes, kilts, and clan flags will fill the sanctuary. The bicentennial will wrap up with a Christmas party in December.
Mission work and outreach has a rich history at OPC. The Female Bethel Union “benevolent society” was formed in 1837, according to Sarah Van Nest, in the 100th Anniversary Book in 1911. “The object of this society was the moral and religious improvement of the sailors and boatmen upon the inland waters of our country,” Van Nest wrote. Annual dues were 25 cents.
As early as 1879, the Girls Mission Band added quilting to their mission work, a practice that endures today through the church’s “Stitching for Mission.” Today members knit hats for newborns and make comfort quilts for patients at Park Ridge Hospital and Golisano Children’s Hospital.
The church donated the land for the Aurora House, a home for the dying and their loved ones, at 2495 Union Street, and also sponsors Boy Scout Troop 92. But it is probably best known for its community meals, including pancake breakfasts and an annual pig roast, coming up on July 23. The popular Harvest Festival, begun in 1909, drew more than 300 people to its traditional turkey dinner last year.
Due to the weight of the original bell, it was removed from the steeple, and placed on display in front of the church, at 2400 South Union Street. Provided photoA few years ago, however, it was the community that helped the church when it was in need. Town of Ogden officials walked into the white clapboard church one day in 2001 and told members the steeple was leaning dangerously and the balcony would have to be closed.
“They told us, ‘If you let anyone up there, we are going to shut you down and you will have to have church outside,’ ” said Dyer, adding, “This was the middle of winter!”
The balcony was closed and the original heavy bell was removed from the steeple, and placed on display in front of the church, at 2400 South Union Street. The church began raising funds to build a replica of the old steeple, and members were pleased when people from outside the church began to donate.
“People could see the steeple from the (Route 531) expressway,” said committee member Alice Brendel. “They missed it when it was gone.”
Though the church was formed in 1811, the building was not built until 1824. After almost two centuries, the structure requires constant maintenance, according to committee member Gene Brendel, who said he feels lucky to have an active group of trustees to help out.
“We’ve got a great crew of people that do the work on the building,” he said.
The church is the people, and committee members say they feel blessed to have an active congregation. At one point in the early 1900s the church boasted 485 members. Today membership stands at about 200, with about 70 active members.
Speaking at the 165th anniversary of the church in 1976, Merton Colby mentioned the thriving Sunday school of his youth. “Of course, the church did not have the competition that it has now as then there were no picture shows, radios or TV,” Colby said.
Nowadays, Sunday-morning sports take a toll on attendance, according to committee members, but the church maintains an active children’s program by being flexible.
“We have a fantastic Sunday school,” said Jones. The church also sent 12 youth to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University in Indiana last summer, and confirmed five youth as new members of the church this year.
Today’s members are hopeful about the future of their church. They recognize the busy-ness of today’s families, and are happy to have an active choir, bell choir and several outreach committees to host the number of community events they do. “We still manage to pull it off every year,” said Dyer.
They said they have enjoyed their bicentennial so far, and are optimistic about the remaining events. Dyer pointed to a universal truth for successful church events. “There is food connected with all of them,” Dyer said. “They have all been well-attended.”
7/3/11
Bergen Idol competition winners chosen
Shown (l to r) are: Andrew Magin (first place Jr. Division), Amanda Corey (second place Jr. Division); and Alysia Groth (first place Adult Division). Also pictured are judges Sonya Catalino, Bergen Mayor Ralph Marsocci, and Tara Vanskiver.
The winners took home a cash prize of $50 with the runner up taking home a prize of $25.
The Bergen Idol Competition has become one of the annual highlights of the Bergen Park Festival.
Provided photo
7/3/11
Photo Essay - Touch-a-Truck Event held by Hilton-Parma Recreation
Shannon Balbi, Hilton-Parma Recreation supervisor, touches a truck along with her nephew Salvatore Balbi, 4, and friend Antonio Collazo, 8, during the Touch-a-Truck event held at the Hilton Community Center on Saturday, June 25.
According to Shannon: “I saw it done in several other towns and decided to try it in Hilton. Hopefully, I can get more trucks and do this annually.”
Supplying trucks for this event were: the Hilton Fire Department, The Town of Parma, the Village of Hilton, Hilton Central School, NYS Troopers and Kluth Racing Cars.
Hilton resident Arlo Lupia, 16 months, took a turn at the wheel of the HFD Off-Road vehicle under the watchful eyes of his father, Adam.
Joey, 10, and Jenna Pantano, 8, topped off this group along with Karly, 5, and Kaitlin Crofoot, 8, filling up the driver side window of a Hilton Central school bus.
New York State Trooper Chris Neidert, Troop E out of Rochester, talked about his experiences with K-9 Sperr, a four-year-old German Shepard, named after Trooper Andy Sperr who was killed in the line of duty a month before the dog was born.
K-9 Sperr is trained in narcotics, tracking and handler protection. His abilities have helped in numerous arrests and drug seizures.
Trooper Neidert introduced K-9 Sperr to the audience and talked about the role the dog plays in fighting crime.
K-9 Sperr drags down a “criminal” played by firefighter Brian Lissow, who wore heavy protective clothing.
Brian said: “You could hear its breathing as he chased me. He easily put me down and continued to bite, until Trooper Neidert called him off.”
Brian’s right sleeve was damaged by K-9 Sperr’s teeth; Brian had additional protective gear under the coat.
Photographs by Walter Horylev
7/3/11
Sports News - Week of July 3, 2011
Spencerport
Downey played a different role at LPGA
by Warren Kozireski
The routine is the same. She heads for the driving range one hour prior, to the chipping green 25 minutes and the putting green 20 minutes before tee time.
But this year is different. For this trip to Locust Hill Country Club, Spencerport native Danielle Downey is not a player. Due largely to a wrist injury she is not playing this season on the LPGA tour. Instead she is caddying a few events for close friend Sarah Kemp from Australia.
Wearing a wristwatch, stepping off yardage, reminding Kemp to trust the club and about her swing tempo on virtually every hole - all those things her caddies did for her since turning pro in 2006 she is doing for at least a few events.
“Playing is the hardest part because you’re the one who has to pull the trigger, but when you caddy for one of your friends and you see putts run by I feel for her,” said Downey after the third round of the LPGA Championship.
“There is a mental side to caddying in convincing your player to be confident and trust the yardage, trust that the putt will break a certain way and that comes out in how I talk and how I act.”
She had at least a little part in Kemp registering the only hole-in-one of the tournament on the par-3 fifth hole - the first ace in the tourney since 2008 - and her shooting a 29 on the front-nine, which tied the tournament record held by Rosie Jones in 1998 all during the final round.
Downey plans that this career diversion is just that - a temporary side road on her way back to earning her LPGA playing card.
She must return to qualifying school this winter in Florida and must finish among the top-20 golfers to gain full status, which would allow her to rejoin the LPGA tour. The Q-school will be held November 30 to December 4, and will be played over 90 holes on both courses at LPGA International courses in Dayton Beach. She will prepare for that event by playing in the Suncoast Tour starting this fall. “It’s (caddying) definitely a different side of golf than playing and hopefully it will benefit me in the long run. I hope to learn a lot out here doing this and we’ll see what happens,” said Downey. “In the past year, this has been the best thing that has happened to me. We laugh a lot and that’s what I needed and I think that’s what she needed so it’s a win-win.”
But friendship does have its limits.
“I’m staying with my family (during the tournament) and she (Kemp) wasn’t invited (laughing) - I said one or two dinners and that’s it.”
7/3/11
School News - Week of July 3, 2011
BOCES
CWD celebrates English speakers of other languages
Irina Rapport, a student in the English Speakers of Other Languages program at the BOCES 2 Center for Workforce Development, sang a traditional Russian song and "God Bless America" at a ceremony celebrating the students' achievements. Provided photoTwelve years ago on June 7, the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program was started at the BOCES 2 Center for Workforce Development. On June 7 of this year, students, their families and teachers packed the James Green room at the Educational Services Center on Big Ridge Road to celebrate yet another successful year for this program.
District Superintendent Jo Anne Antonacci pointed out that while most of the program’s participants are from Eastern Europe, ESOL has also served people from Kenya, Ethiopia, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, Philippines, Ecuador, Mexico and the West Indies.
“Each of you has a story to tell,” said Antonacci. “Tonight, I encourage you to live out that story and continue to strive for the outcomes you desire.”
In an overview and history of the program, Teacher Tatyana Shugol explained that ESOL includes both distance learning and now tutoring in small groups. “Almost every month we have a special class that features a speaker or program,” she said. This year, 75 people attended a program about the anniversary of World War II.
Teacher Galina Shlangman said that in addition to teaching English language skills, the program helps students prepare for their citizenship test and go on to further their education. The program included reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing God Bless America.
“You are helping us to be comfortable in this country,” said Vasyl Savka after thanking each of his teachers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, every student was presented with an ESOL Achievement Certificate. “This is a great program that helps people to build their lives and realize their dreams,” said Olga Solodova.
Provided information
7/3/11
Byron-Bergen
B-B second graders included in anthology
Carli Kirkwood and Gianni Vallese are congratulated by their teacher Diane Taylor. Provided photoTwo second grade students from Byron-Bergen Elementary School recently had their short stories and original illustrations published in the “2011 Young Writer’s Anthology” contest. “Pup’s Valentine’s Day,” by Carli Kirkwood, and “A Little Kitten,” by Gianni Vallese, were chosen from over six hundred entries in the contest. The stories are two of the one hundred writing and artwork entries published and were written during a daily Writer’s Workshop in Diane Taylor’s classroom. The workshop gives students daily exposure to creative thinking, organization, and writing exercises on topics of their own choice. The “Anthology” is the product of a Western New York Writing Project hosted by Canisius College. This nationwide education program works to improve student writing and thinking.
Carli and Gianni were invited to attend the Young Writers’ Reception at Canisius College in early June. Carli attended the reception, received a copy of the anthology, and listened as some students read their stories for the audience.
Provided information
7/3/11
Holley
Holley fifth graders recognized with citizenship award
Holley fifth graders Nathan Towne and Kelsie Johnstone are this year's recipients of the Catherine B. Press Citizenship Award. Provided photoFifth graders Kelsie Johnstone and Nathan Towne were recently named the 2011 recipients of the Catherine B. Press Citizenship Award at Holley Elementary School’s Flag Day Ceremony. The award is given annually to a fifth-grade girl and boy who display caring, responsibility and good citizenship, and is named after Catherine B. Press, who was a secretary at Holley Elementary School and originally provided funding for the award.
“Kelsie is respectful to all,” said Brenda Schurr, her teacher. “She treats everyone fairly, is a kind and gentle soul, and is accepting of everyone.” A Safe School Ambassador, band member and gymnast, Kelsie “has grown by leaps and bounds this year,” added her teacher. “She has a real insight as to what life is all about.”
Nathan, who is in Anne Smith’s class, is described as a good friend to all, enthusiastic, thoughtful, a strong leader, and someone who participates in all class activities. As a student, Nathan has a passion for history and geography.
The Catherine B. Press Citizenship Award is a long tradition at Holley Elementary School and came about well before the character education program was implemented. Fifth-grade teachers identify students they think exemplify good character traits, such as citizenship, respect, responsibility, trust, fairness and caring. Then special area teachers select two students they believe display these characteristics in other areas of school.
The award, which includes a certificate and $50 savings bond, is based on the teachings of Holley Elementary’s Character Education Program. Students’ names are also added to a plaque in the foyer.
7/3/11
Holley sixth grader recognized for academic excellence
Holley sixth grader Claudia Drechsel, recipient of the Andrew DeCarlo Achievement Award, with her mother, Trina, who also won the award when she was a Holley sixth grader. Provided photoHolley student Claudia Drechsel received the Andrew DeCarlo Achievement Award at the annual Sixth-Grade Moving Up Day Awards Assembly. Claudia, the daughter of Andrew and Trina Drechsel, was selected for the award because she has the highest grade point average in her class - over 98 percent based on the core subjects of English language arts, math, science, and social studies. Claudia’s mother, Trina, also received the award when she was a sixth grader at Holley Elementary School.
The assembly also included the presentation of other academic, physical fitness, perfect attendance, and volunteer awards, as well as performances by the elementary chorus and concert band. After the assembly, students and their families celebrated with brunch then walked over to their new school - Holley Middle School/High School.
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7/3/11
Holley Memorial Day ceremony honors soldier
Teacher Assistant Della Morales (left) presents the family of U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Javier Ortiz Rivera with a plaque honoring his life and service at Holley Elementary School's Memorial Day Ceremony. Provided photo“What makes an ordinary person rise to the challenge of battle, the call of service?” asked Della Morales, teacher assistant and Military Support Group founder, at the Memorial Day Ceremony held at Holley Elementary School. Her answer - a core set of values that includes loyalty, honor, respect, integrity and courage
Staff and students honored such a person - U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Javier Ortiz Rivera - at the emotional ceremony. He was killed November 16, 2010 by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, and left behind a wife, three young children, and a loving family.Members of Rivera’s family were presented with a plaque honoring his service and a wreath will be placed in the school’s Memorial Garden in remembrance.
Rivera’s name has also been added to the Fallen Stars Memorial, a tribute to all New York State servicemen and women who have died since September 11, 2001. Currently, the Memorial has 270 places of honor. This is the third year that Holley School District has displayed the Fallen Stars Memorial and has honored this service commitment by planting a Memorial Garden outside the library.
Adding to the significance of the assembly were members of the Holley American Legion Post 529, who posted and retired the flag. The elementary chorus sang “Blades of Grass” while pictures of servicemen and women projected onto a screen. The band played “America the Beautiful.”
Teacher Assistant Della Morales organized the assembly, and gave an emotional speech about the significance of Memorial Day and the three words that embody the meaning of the holiday - Honor, Remember and Thank. “Memorial Day is a time for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices of those who died to protect our freedoms. We’re showing that we will not forget.”
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7/3/11
With hard work comes great reward
Katrina Grathouse takes a swing at the pinata.Holley Middle School/High School students reaped the rewards after working hard all year.
The students earned points for their quarterly averages (the better the average, the more points), attending review classes for state exams, and scoring well on state assessments throughout the year.
Then they “cashed in” the points for fun activities and treats during Academic Field Day. After a picnic lunch, students used their points to get cotton candy and snow cones, dunk teachers in the dunking booth, swing at pinatas, play Frisbee, compete at Wii® Sports, and other activities that allowed them to blow off some end-of-year steam before finals began.
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7/3/11
Kendall
The Empty Bowls Project feeds the hungry
The sale of ceramic bowls and a meal of soup and bread raised money for an international effort to fight hunger. Provided photoThe David J. Doyle Kendall Jr./Sr. High School Art Club recently sold over 70 handmade ceramic bowls, raising over $450 through The Empty Bowls Project, an international grassroots effort to fight hunger. The club was able to purchase gifts of livestock, feed, and vet service for six families through Heifer International with proceeds from the fundraiser.
The Empty Bowls Project fundraiser was held Thursday, June 2 at Kendall High School. For a $5 donation, guests ate a meal of soup and bread. They were also asked to keep the empty bowl as a reminder of the importance of working to end hunger and food insecurity internationally. Chet Fery, also known as “The Bread Man” of Brockport, donated loaves of bread for the event.
In addition, the Art Club students painted six chairs for the Swan Library Silent Chair Auction at the 25th annual Albion Strawberry Festival on June 10 and 11. A total of 45 chairs were auctioned off at the Festival, raising $1,500 for the new library building.
Art Club members include Molly Richardson, Amanda Culbertson, Amelia Pfister, Spencer Grande, Sarah Fisher, Kevin French, Allie Christensen, Amanda Jones, Alexa Wolf, and advisor Tracy Billings.
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Weddings - July 2011
Ellery P. Palma - Jeremy O. Durnion
Philip Palma (Linda) of Irondequoit and Diane Liaosa (Peter) of Apex, North Carolina and Sherry and Durwin Durnion of Chili are pleased to announce the engagement of their children Ellery Palma and Jeremy Durnion.
Ellery is a 1994 graduate of Spencerport High School, a 1998 graduate of Nazareth College and a 2003 graduate of St. John Fisher College with a master’s degree in educational administration. She is a mathematics teacher in the Rochester City School District.
Jeremy is a 1996 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and received his carpentry certification from We-Mo-Co. He is employed at SPX Corporation.
A September 2011 wedding is planned.
Jessica L. Ingham - Michael C. Colangelo
The engagement of Jessica L. Ingham and Michael C. Colangelo of Rochester is announced by their parents.
Jessica, a 2005 graduate of Hilton High School, is employed at Unity Health Systems, Rochester. Michael is a 2005 graduate of Midlakes High School in Phelps-Clifton Springs. He is a financial investor.
A July 2012 wedding is being planned.
April Schaefer - Brendan Ayers
Patti and Brian Ayers of Churchville are pleased to announce the engagement of their son Brendan to April Schaefer, daughter of Kathy and Jerry Schaefer of Gates.
Brendan is a 2003 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and received his bachelor of arts degree from Nazareth College.
His is enrolled in Nazareth’s master’s program and is a substitute teacher in the Rochester City School District.
April is a 1999 graduate of Gates-Chili High School. She received both her bachelor of arts degree and master’s degree from Nazareth College. She is a primary reading teacher in the LeRoy Central School District.
Their wedding is planned for August 2011.
Brittany Solt - Cody Rath
Garland and Susan Solt are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter Brittany to Cody Rath, son of Tom and Pam Rath.
Brittany is a graduate of Brockport High School and earned her bachelor of science degree in music education from Messiah College. She is an elementary music teacher in Webster. Brittany has accepted an assistantship at the University of Florida where she will pursue her master’s degree in music education.
Cody is a graduate of Kendall High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is employed as a mechanical engineer at Rini Technologies in Orlando, Florida.
A June 2012 wedding is planned.
Candice Tenore - Justin Pretko
Edward and Debra Pretko of Bergen are pleased to announce the engagement of their son Justin to Candice Tenore. The two met through their involvement with Young Life Ministries.
Justin received his master’s of education degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in 2008 and Candice will complete her master’s of school counseling degree in May of 2012, also from Roberts Wesleyan College.
An October 2011 wedding is planned.
ANNIVERSARY
Joseph and Marie Bertino celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary
Joseph and Marie Bertino. Photograph provided by Heisler PhotographyJoseph and Marie Bertino, currently residing at Lakeside Health System’s Beikirch Care Center, marked their 70th anniversary on Sunday, June 26. Their actual wedding date was June 28, 1941.
Joseph was originally introduced to Marie by friends and they married after a year of courtship although Joseph had actually proposed to her the first time they met. On being asked “How have you been married for so long?” Joseph is quoted as saying, “Well, you have to have longevity to be married this long, and of course, a good sense of humor.”
Joseph and Marie resided in Gates while he owned his own HVAC business and Marie had a 30 plus year career at Bausch and Lomb as an expediter before moving to the Beikirch Care Center in Brockport.
Their family - daughter and son-in-law Joan and Chuck Muscolino, son Carl Bertino, 6 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren - joined them in their celebration. Coincidentally, Danielle Bertino (great granddaughter) turned 22-years-old on their anniversary date.
Obituaries - Week of July 3, 2011
Brockport
•Berna, Joshua J., Suddenly on June 24, 2011 at the age of 21. Predeceased by his grandfathers Ronald Berna and Cyril “Jim” Sailer. He is survived by his loving family, parents Ronald and Elizabeth Berna; sisters, Nicole Berna, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Berna, and Ashley Berna; grandmothers, Janet Berna “Grandma B” and Patricia Sailer “Booger”; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A Funeral Mass was held at the Nativity Church BVM, Brockport. Interment at the convenience of the family. Contributions can be made to the Brockport Volunteer Fire Department First Responders Squad in his memory.
•Landries, Ronald E., Unexpectedly, June 27, 2011 at age 50. Ronald was predeceased by his parents Wayne and Nancy Landries. He is survived by his siblings Deborah (James) Siegfried of Jacksonville, Florida; Richard (Mary) of Cortland, Ohio; Daniel (Cecilia) of Warrenton, Virginia; Theresa (William) Gavitt of Clearwater, Florida and 10 nieces and nephews. Ron was a gentle soul and loving person with an unending passion for firefighters, a profession he was never able to pursue but he’s driving the big red engine now. Rest in peace little brother we love you so much.
Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania. A graveside service was held July 1 for Ronald and his mother, Nancy. Contributions in his memory can be directed to: Lifetime Assistance, Inc., 425 Paul Road, Rochester, NY 14624.
Churchville
•Clapp, Jack A., June 22, 2011 at age 89. As an infant, his parents Harold H. Clapp and Anna (Alberger) Clapp began making his food in the basement of their home, leading to the first baby food business (Clapp’s) based in Rochester. Jack entered the Navy to serve in WWII. He was one of the original “Flyboys” chosen from the Rochester Area. Based out of Key West he was a subchaser; he then served in the Reserves for many years flying out of Niagara Falls. Jack’s life work was as a Mechanic. In 1943 he married Catherine L. Kurtz of Wayland. Together they have seven children. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Catherine Clapp; children, John (Cathy) Clapp, Helen (William) Keough, Suzanne Donald, Elizabeth (David Christie) Clapp, Mary Catherine (Tom Newton) Clapp, Debbie (Eric) Kmentt and Roger Clapp; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Services will be announced at a later date. Contributions can be made to the Visiting Nurse Hospice in his memory.
North Chili
•Dayton, Shirley A. (VanHalle), June 18, 2011. Survived by her daughters, Sharon (Gary) Clum, Susan Dayton; sons, David (Karyl) Dayton, Bruce (Judy) Dayton; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several dear relatives.
Private family interment. Contributions can be made to The Humane Society at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450 in her memory.
•Mahle, Warren G., June 23, 2011. Predeceased by his wife, Norma A. Mahle, son, Kenneth Mahle; and brothers, Berkeley, Glenn and Morris Mahle. He is survived by his son, Norman (Sharon) Mahle; daughter, Marjorie (Philip) Prouty; grandchildren, Leanne (Erik) Bushart, Wesley (Amanda) Mahle, Kimberly (Yale) Leupold, Cory (Rebecca) Mahle, Christine (Glenn) Rowan, Darrell Mahle, Paul Mahle and Kevin (Jenna) Mahle; sister, Gertrude Grammatica; brother, Bentley Mahle; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held June 26 at Grace Church of the Nazarene. Private interment. Contributions can be made to Grace Church of the Nazarene, 2924 South Union Street, Rochester, NY 14624 in his memory.
Ogden
•Newcomb, Conner J., Surrounded by his loving family June 25, 2011, age 11. Survived by his mom and step-dad, Kristy and Nathan Bittle; his father, Joseph Newcomb; sisters, Liyah Elizabeth and Cameran Jade; grandparents, Sherrill and Al Hahn, Mark and Joanne Bittle and Marilyn Gebhard; several aunts, uncles and cousins. Predeceased by his grandfather, John Gates.
Funeral Services were held June 30 at Bethel Christian Fellowship, Rochester. Contributions can be made to C.U.R.E. in his memory.
Spencerport
•Sirianni, William F., June 23, 2011, at age 86. Predeceased by his daughter, Mary Lynne; sister, Sara Pasco; brothers, Ralph, Albert and Daniel. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Dee; children, Gregory, Susan Wagner, Paul (Beth McNall), Michele (Kosmos) Mihalitsas; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jim (MaryAnn); sister-in-law, Josephine Sirianni; several nieces and nephews. William was a combat veteran of WWII and fought in the European Theater. He was an active member of Pearce Memorial Church, Spencerport Rotary (Recipient of the Paul Harris Award), and the Gideons.
Funeral Services were held June 28 at Pearce Memorial Church. Interment North Chili Rural Cemetery. Contributions can be made to Pearce Memorial Church, 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili, NY 14514 in his memory.