1 WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - JULY 10, 2022
JIM BARNARD CHEVROLET Up to $75 Mail-In Rebate on a set of 4 select goodyear tires installed!
2022 ChEVY SILVERaDO
(5/1/22-6/30/22)
Tire Price Match gUaRaNTEE Provide us with a better eligible* price at the time of purchase and we’ll match it. Find a better eligible price within 30 days of the purchase, and
WE’LL REFUND ThE DIFFERENCE.* *Eligible Tire Brands: BFGoodrich®, Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop®, Firestone, General, Goodyear®, Hankook, Kelly, Michelin, Pirelli and Uniroyal®. See store for details.
500 Barnard Discount
$
250 Barnard Discount
$
1,000!
1,500!
SaVE $ SaVE $ UP TO UP TO BaRNaRD ChEVY PREOWNED VEhICLES SaLES EVENT! 2015 ChEVY PaTRIOT
*Eligible ad, written estimate, or internet quote for identical tire(s) from a competing tire retailer/installer located within 100 miles of the dealer required during guarantee period for price match. At participating dealers only. Offer ends 12/31/2022.
2019 ChEVY TRaX
Stk#4568A, 77K mi., remote start.
Sale Price
14,977
$
COLLISION CENTER
2022 ChEVY EQUINOX LT
2019 ChEVY TRaX LS
Stk#4612, 32K mi., CC.
Sale Price
19,531
$
2019 ChEVY TRaX LS
Stk#4626, 2K mi., CC, AC, PL.
$
Sale Price
19,920
Stk#4641, 4K mi., CC.
$
Sale Price
19,936
- EXPERT REPAIR - ALL MAKES - ALL INSURANCE 2018 ChEVY EQUINOX
Front-End $79.95 alignment
Regularly $99.95 Offer Expires 7/31/2022 Check steering, suspension and shocks. Set toe-in, camber and caster (where applicable). Check tie-rods and ball joints. Check tire pressure and inspect tires for cuts, damage, and uneven wear. Plus tax, if applicable. Valid at vehicle check-in.
Most aCDelco advantage
129 Expires 7/31/22
Sale Price
*Includes up to 6 quarts of oil. Some V-6 and V-8 engines and other select vehicles require more than 6 quarts ®* of oil. See dealer for eligible ACDelco Dexos1 vehicles and details. Expires 7/31/22.
2019 ChEVY SILVERaDO
Sale Price
35,533
Sale Price
Parts & Service Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00
2017 BUICK ENVISION PREMIUM II
Stk#22T233A, 22K mi., moonroof, roof rack.
$
Stk#22T044A, 59K mi., sunroof, remote start, PL.
Stk#4647, 35K mi., AWD, V6
Sale Price
Sale Price
36,535
$
7101 Buffalo Rd. (Rt. 33) Churchville • 293-2120 Advertised vehicles may be subject to open safety recalls. Go to safercar.gov or contact dealer for more info.
Sale Price
30,922 2018 ChEVY TahOE
2019 ChEVY BLazER
Prior sales excluded. All prices are plus tax, title, lic. & reg.
Sales Dept. Hours: Mon., Tues. & Thurs. 8:30am-7pm Wed. & Fri. 8:30am-5:00pm; Sat. 9am-3pm
Sale Price
24,927
Sale Price
28,956
2018 ChEVY SILVERaDO
36,524
$
2019 ChEVY TRaVERSE
Stk#22T059A, 24K mi., remote keyless entry, AC, PW.
$
Stk#4621, 27K mi., AWD
Stk#4616, 57K mi., heated front seats, remote start.
$
27,921
$
Stk#4542, 33K mi., trailering pkg., remote start w/content theft alarm.
$
Sale Price
24,538
Stk#22T245A, 21K mi., CC, PL.
Sale Price
25,563
$
2019 ChEVY EQUINOX CERTIFIED
Stk#4610A, 63K mi.
2019 ChEVY EQUINOX
Stk#22T228A, 39K mi., AC, CC, heated outside mirrors.
Sale Price
23,529
2018 TOYOTa RaV4
$
2020 ChEVY EQUINOX
Stk#4625, 39K mi.
$
21,546
$
Full Synthetic
Front Brake Pads Installed OIL ChaNgE $ 95 $5995
2019 ChEVY EQUINOX
Stk#22T071A, 47K mi., keyless start and open, PW.
$
Sale Price
44,759
2 WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - JULY 10, 2022
St. John the Evangelist Parish hosts Eucharistic Procession
Parishioners of St. John’s, including first Holy communicants, participate in the procession. At left, Color Corp from St. Joseph Assembly lead the procession with the Crucifix of our Lord. For the feast of “Corpus Christi” on Sunday, June 19, members of St. John the Evangelist Parish participated in a Eucharistic procession in the village of Spencerport. Corpus Christi is Latin for the Body of Christ. The Catholic faith teaches that when the priest consecrates the bread and wine during Mass, they become the actual Body and Blood of Jesus. Father Justin Miller, the Parochial Administrator at St. John’s, was the principle for the procession. The procession was led by members of the St. Joseph assembly of the Knights of Columbus followed by parishioners of St. John the Evangelist. Pictured are Father Miller with the Holy Eucharist (Body of Christ) reposed in the Monstrance. Preceding Father Miller is the incense bearer and his assistant. The procession was led by the Crucifix followed by acolytes, then Father Miller and the faithful of St. John’s. Provided information and photos.
newsmakers The following students were named to the State University of New York at Potsdam president’s list: •Sharonmarie Bartz of Clarkson, whose major is history •Nicholas Graham of Hilton, whose major is graphic design and new media •Leah Grego of Brockport, whose major is chemistry •Katherine McAuliffe of Rochester, whose major is musical studies •Joshua Phelps of Bergen, whose major is arts management •Mikayla Shipley of North Chili, whose major is biology.
The following students were named to the spring 2022 dean’s honor list at Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio: •Molly Ball of Hilton •Joshua Hakes of Hilton •Aleah Martone of Spencerport •Jonathan Martone of Spencerport •Nicholas Snyder of Brockport. The following students were named to the spring 2022 president’s list at Siena College, Loudonville. •Jon LeFrois of Rochester (14624) •Elizabeth Maloney of Spencerport.
Peter J. Taccone of Brockport, was named to the spring 2022 dean’s list at the University of Buffalo. He is a junior majoring in environmental design. Spencer Buckert of Hilton, graduated with a BSCE civil engineering from Ohio University’s Russ College of Engineering and Technology in spring 2022. Ariana L. Marseglia of Churchville, was named to the spring 2022 dean’s list at the University of Scranton, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
The Hamlin Lions Club awarded three $500 scholarships in the honor of the late Lion Neil Newman. This year, the Hamlin Lions Club was able to award one scholarship for each of the school districts serving Hamlin residents - Jamerson DiPalma from Hilton, Sara Mattel from Kendall, and Lauren Dailey from Brockport. Sugar Newman and Lion Kathy Soper presented a check to each recipient. Provided information and photos.
We are located at 1500 Spencerport Road, Rochester 14606 in Gates. Phone: 585-2474973. Building is handicapped accessible. Time of Worship: 10AM - led by Rev. Jeff Aiosa. Website: ElmgroveUMC.org. You can join us remotely by clicking on the link to the Pastor’s page (you do not need a Facebook account to view posts). Email: ElmgroveUMC@yahoo.com. Community Outreach and Ministry Opportunities include: Little Free Library, SWEM, Aurora House, RAIHN, Prayer ministries, etc. We have a long history in the Gates community and we are looking forward to a bright future that includes you! Please come and join us on Sunday!
FIRST BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Lead Pastor Kevin Pestke. Vision statement: Love God, Love People, Serve Others, Tell Everyone. We offer in-person and live-streamed services on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am, with children’s Sunday School, teen ministry, and nurseries available. We also offer separate Deaf services Sundays at 10:30 am. We have adult services Wednesday nights (ASL provided), and AWANA, teen ministry, and nursery for the kids. During the week we have many options for small groups. Our building is disability accessible. ALL ARE WELCOME!! We would love to have you join us! 990 Manitou Road, Hilton. Phone: 585-392-0777, website: fbbc.info, Facebook: First Bible Baptist Church.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BROCkPORT NY
A congregation that Loves God, loves others and serves the world! Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Ross. Coffee and fellowship following worship. 35 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420, (585) 637-3780. Email: fpcbrockportoffice@gmail. com. Website: www.fpcbrockport.org. Handicap accessible. Hearing loop available. Sunday services available via our facebook page. Everyone is welcome to join our church family!
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHILI
Our Mission: Recognizing that Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches, we are called to be rooted in faith, grow together and care for the community. Please join us for worship each Sunday at 10 AM with Rev. Brandi Wooten, either in person or virtually via live-stream or recording (https://www.facebook.com/ firstpreschili/live/, a Facebook account is not required). Recordings of Sunday Worship Services are also available on YouTube at “1st Presbyterian Church of Chili” We have a family friendly service and Children’s Church where all are welcome. Face Masks required for anyone unvaccinated. Youth Group, Bible Studies, and Community Outreach Programs, including our Food Cupboard (3rd Saturday of each month) are a few of the opportunities we offer to enrich our faith. In need of prayer or counsel, call the church office 585-889-9896 or email Brandi at revbrandi@gmail.com. Handicapped accessible. Website: chili-presbyterian.org. 3600 Chili Avenue, Rochester, N.Y.
HILTON BAPTIST CHURCH
50 Lake Avenue, Hilton, (585) 392-7990, Email hbchurch50@gmail.com, Pastor Dan Brown. Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. We offer In-person services and LiveStreaming on YouTube under “Hilton Baptist Church Live.” Visit our Website at hiltonbaptist.org for more information. We are a Congregation of the American Baptist Churches. Our Building is Handicap Accessible and we offer Hearing Assistance during the Worship service. Everyone is Welcome to join our Church family!
HILTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by Following Christ; Connecting Generations; Transforming Communities. 21 West Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, (585) 392-8761. Rev. Jennifer Green, pastor. Website: www.humcny.org, E-mail: office@ humcny.org. Worship Service is open in the HUMC Sanctuary. Service: 10am. Fellowship: 11am. Sunday Services are live-streamed at HUMCny.org. Handicap Accessible.
HOPE CHURCH
One church in two locations - Join us for worship that is creative, relevant and truth-telling at our Brockport Campus, 6601 4th Section Rd (Rt 31 across from Wegmans) at 9:30 am Sunday mornings, or at our Greece Campus, 1301 Vintage Lane (1/2 mile west off Rt 390 N) on Saturdays at 5 pm (a Traditional Service), or Sundays at 9:30 or 11:15 am. Sunday Services are also streamed live on our website, ShareTheHope Youtube channel, and Facebook. Hope Kids meets at 9:30 am on Sundays at both campuses. For all opportunities for any age, check out our website www.sharethehope.org “Sharing the hope of Jesus with a world in need of hope”
LIFEQUEST COMMUNITY CHURCH
59 Henry St, Hilton, Hilton Community Center, www.lifequest.cc, email: info@lifequest. cc, Facebook: LifeQuestCC, twitter: @lifequestcc Lead Pastor: Rob Dickerson. Worship 10am. Midweek programs: Tuesday 7pm Royal Rangers – a scouting program for boys. Saturday 7pm YouthQuest High School & Middle School student ministry. “Journeying together as we discover God’s love and purpose for our lives.” Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, Freedom.
MORTON BAPTIST CHURCH
1152 County Line Road, Hamlin, NY 14464. Church phone 585-659-8459, email mortonbaptistchurch@yahoo.com. Pastor: Steven M Worrall, email pastorsteve712@gmail. com, cell 585-354-9779. Sunday Worship 10:30am. Sunday school is held during church service. Adult Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at noon, Choir practice at 6:30pm Wednesdays. Youth Group meets on Friday nights from 7 to 9pm. Our building is handicap accessible and visitors are welcome.
NORTHSTAR FELLOWSHIP
Small church with new Pastor. Come visit! We have deep Bible scriptural verse by verse teaching. We follow a 1-1 relationship with Jesus and not strict religious type stuff. Our foundation is Love, Grace, Mercy and Peace. We invite you to come in drink coffee, eat food, sit in relaxed clothes, sweatpants, Jeans, t-shirts and just be loved & fed the entire Bible, verse by verse. We are simple, easy, relaxed, and loving. For prayer or help, call Pastor Andy at 585-314-4906. See you Sunday at 50 Hamlin/Clarkson Townline Road at 10:45am, https://www.northstarny.org/
OGDEN BAPTIST CHURCH
We are over 202 years young! Join us to renew and refresh your faith with a warm, friendly, caring group of people! Learn about the Bible and live abundantly. We have a wonderful choir and special music during worship. We have strong mission and outreach to others through local, regional and world-wide mission partners.We invite you to join us for worship Sunday mornings at 11 AM*. ZOOM Worship is offered for those who cannot attend in person. Nursery care available. Active Youth Ministry: Sunday School at 9:55 AM in the Children’s Resource Room. *Due to Covid restrictions, masks are required for all children over 2 years of age until further notice. In addition to Sunday School, our Director of Children’s Ministry, Dale Shonk, conducts “Kids Faith Discovery” for school age children every Wednesday evening 6:20-7:30 PM. Join the fun! Bible Study on Thursdays from 6:15 to 7 PM. We are located near the intersection of Colby and Washington Streets at 721 Washington Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. Interim Pastor, Rev. Cliff Houston. Music Director: Suzanne Feuerherm. For more information, contact us at 585-352-1077 or visit our website at www.obcny.org. See you on Sunday!
OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Our purpose is: “To equip ourselves and others to be disciples of Christ as we seek God’s will for our church and beyond.” Reverend Doctor Eileen Borduin Vanderzwan. Sunday worship is at 10AM live in our sanctuary following current CDC requirements, as well as livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook Live. Bible Studies, Youth Group, Sunday School and outreach are available to all. Contact the church for more information and for links: ogdenpresbyterian@gmail.com; www.ogdenpresbyterian.org; 585-352-6802; 2400 South Union Street, Spencerport.
PARMA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
39 Hovey Street, Hilton, (585) 615-6383, www.PCFMinistries.com, Facebook: Parma Christian Fellowship Church. Rev. Dr. Myke Merrill. Worship Services: Saturday 5:00PM, Sunday 10AM. Family Midweek: Wednesday 6:30PM – Kids Club, TurningPoint Teens, Adult Bible Discussion Group. Nursery School: Parma Kids Preschool and Child Care Center, 39 Hovey Street, Hilton. School Phone: (585) 392-5792.
PEARCE CHURCH
pearcechurch.org. 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili, NY 14514. 585-594-9488. Join us for worship! Saturday: 5pm. Sunday: 10:30am. Pearce 4 Kids Child Care Center, Pearce4kids. org, 585-594-1833. Handicapped Accessible.
THE POTTER’S HOUSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Don’t miss out on what God has planned for you! Sunday Services 10:30 am and 6 pm, Thursday Services 7 pm. Prayer for the sick the first Sunday morning service of every month. All are welcome! 4756 Lake Road, Brockport (Brockport Corners Mall behind Sherwin Williams), 585-943-1719, www.brockportphchurch.com.
SPENCERPORT ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Located at 3940 Canal Road, Spencerport, NY 14559. We offer a place for people of all ages to encounter God through worship, fellowship and Biblical teaching so we can grow in our relationship with Jesus and make a difference in our community and the world. Services are: Sunday School at 9:30 AM. Sunday Worship at 10:30 AM. Enjoy a cup of coffee before service. Wednesday Bible Study for Adults and Youth Group meets at 6:30 PM. Prayer follows at 7:30 PM. Nursery is provided for all services. Handicap accessible. Samaritan Harvest provides free prepared and perishable foods every fourth Sunday of the month. Look for our special events at www.spencerportag.com or like us on Facebook. Phone: 585-352-5900. Cell: 585-363-8922. E-mail: Spencerportassemblyofgod@gmail. com. All are welcome.
SPENCERPORT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Promoting the Christian way of life through service and stewardship to the community and the world. Look for the white steeple at 65 Church Street in downtown, Spencerport NY 14559. (585) 352-3448. Rev. Michael Sloan. We provide worship, educational and mission opportunities for children, youth, and adults. Worship services are Sundays at 10am live on Facebook and on site in our sanctuary. Worship is followed by Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall. Sunday School for ages 4 and up is also available during service. Handicap accessible. Email: info@spencerportucc.org. Website: www.spencerportucc.org. Facebook: Spencerport UCC.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Pastor Chris Bode. 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin, NY 14464, 585-964-2550, www. stjohnhamlin.org. Facebook: St. John Lutheran Church, Hamlin, NY. Sunday Services at 8:30 & 11AM. Church office is open 7:30AM-3:30PM, Monday through Friday. For daily inspiration and Sunday services visit our Facebook page or YouTube Channel. “To know Christ and to make Him KNOWN.”
ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Follow Jesus, Build Community, Serve Others in Love. We welcome all to worship with us in warm fellowship in the Episcopal tradition of openness and caring. We are an ALL inclusive community with an open communion table. Please join us for Sunday worship at 10am September through June, and 9am in July and August. All services are both in-person and live-streamed online. We also offer a variety of Lenten and Advent programs, a Bible Study on Tuesdays, live music, Sunday School, semi-monthly Youth Group meetings and numerous other community building events. We are handicapped accessible. Follow us on Facebook, look for us on the web at www.stgeorgehilton.org, and join us for worship and fellowship at 635 Old Wilder Road, Hilton, NY (across from Kelly’s Apple Farm). Our pastor is the Rev. Greg Kremer, 585-392-4099.
ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH
Welcomes you to encounter our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church at 55 Martha Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. Join us for Holy Mass at 5pm Saturdays, or Sundays at 7:45am, 9:30am, and 11:15am. Many great opportunities to learn about the Holy Bible, and groups for families and children of all ages, including Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (play-centered, hands-on Christ-experiences). Daily Mass Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 8am (Traditional Latin Mass *some* Fridays at 8am – check bulletin online). Daily Mass Wednesday at 6:30pm. Mass 9am on 1st Saturdays. Confession Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30-6:00pm and Saturdays 3:45-4:30pm. Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 1:00pm-6:00pm (Benediction at 5:50pm) & Sunday 1:304:30pm (Evening Prayer at 4:00pm, Benediction at 4:15pm). Visit our website at www. StJohnsChurchSpencerport.org. Email: sstjohnc@dor.org. Parochial Administrator: Fr. Justin Miller
ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
110 Old Hojack Lane, Hilton, 392-2710, www.stleochurch.org. Fr. Joseph Catanise. Daily Mass is celebrated: Monday 5:30 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 AM; Friday Communion Service 8:30 AM. Every Wednesday: Eucharistic Adoration 9 AM to 5 PM. Weekend Schedule: Saturday Confession 3:30-4:30 PM; Rosary 4:30 PM; Mass 5 PM (live-streamed). Sunday: Mass 8 AM, 10:30 AM, 6 PM; Adult Bible Study 11:45 AM. New: First Friday and First Saturday Mass at 8:30 AM. All are welcome. Handicapped accessible.
ST. LUkE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
14 State Street, Brockport, 585-637-6650, www.stlukesbrockport.org. Visit us on Facebook. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you are welcome at St. Luke’s. Our Mission is to Worship God Joyfully, Love One Another, Serve in the Name of Christ. Join us either in person or via live stream for Sunday worship with Holy Eucharist at 10 am led by The Rev. Elizabeth Brooks Harden. Handicapped accessible and hearing assistance available. Harvest Kitchen, our outreach to the greater community, offers a free meal the second Sunday of each month from 2 to 3 pm. Recognized as a National Jubilee Church for outreach and service to our community. Please check website or call the Parish Office for current COVID precautions.
ST. MARY’S CHURCH
ST. MARk’S CHURCH
13 South Main Street, Holley 16789 Kenmore Road, Kendall Parish Center – Holley 638-6718, www.stmarystmark.org. Mass Times: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM at St. Mary’s; Saturday Vigil 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s; Sunday 8:30 AM at St. Mark’s and 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s.
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
158 East Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, 585-392-4000, www.stpaulhilton.org. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mark Ball – pastorball@stpaulhilton.org, office 585-392-4000. Worship Services: Saturday at 5pm; Sunday at 8:30am and 11am. Bible Studies: Kingdom Kids – Sunday at 9:45am; Adult Classes – Sunday at 9:45am; Ladies and Mens Bible Study – Thursdays at 10:30am. School: Meeting your child’s learning needs from age 2 through 8th grade. Call for a tour!
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRE-SCHOOL
191 Nichols Street (Rte. 31), Spencerport, NY 14559. Phone: 352-3143. Reverend Pastor Steve Shrum. Worship Services Sunday at 9:30AM ‘In Person’ in our handicap accessible Sanctuary. Worship Service is also Live Streamed on YouTube. Sunday School is at 10:45AM. Visit our Website at www.tlcspencerport.com. Email: trinitylutheran191@gmail. com. “The Mission of Trinity is to joyfully share the Gospel through Christ-centered worship, teaching and reaching out to the community by acts of caring.”
UNION CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
14 North Main Street, Churchville. A warm welcome awaits you at Union Church.Join us on Sunday mornings at 10 am, watch us live stream on Facebook, or find us on soundcloud.com/ucc-churchville. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here. We are an open and affirming church and invite all. Food distribution for local families in need on the third Tuesday of each month from 4-5 pm. Look for our special events advertised throughout the year, or on our signboard at the front of the church. Call 293-1665 or stop by to talk with Pastor Bradley Klug any Wednesday 1-3 pm; e-mail us at unionucc@frontier.com or check our website at Churchvilleucc.com. Also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We would love to hear from you and/or have you worship together with us.
WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - JULY 10, 2022
ELMGROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3
Area Worship Services
Churches, to have your services listed or updated, call 352-3411.
4 WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - JULY 10, 2022
Bass angler’s paradise by T.R. Hendrick
Bus Driver Job Fair Monday, July 11th, 2022 - 8:30am-4:00pm Immediate Openings
Part-time hours with full-time benefits!
Bus Drivers $19.35-$20.25/hr.* Higher starting pay for experienced bus drivers!
Bus Monitors $16.20-$17.20/hr.*
*Work 20 or more hours per week & receive full-time benefits including PAID TRAINING, health & dental insurance!
Substitute Bus Drivers $24.00/hr. Substitute Bus Monitors $18.00/hr. FREE TRAINING
Walk-ins welcome! No appointment necessary Please join us at the Churchville-Chili Transportation Center 3461 Westside Drive, Churchville, NY 14428 EOE
Did you know we live in one of the top three bass fishing states in country? Yep…it’s true; New York’s fabulous bass waters include Lake Erie, eastern Lake Ontario, any of the eleven Finger Lakes, Lake Champlain, Oneida Lake, not to mention the St. Lawrence River, and those are just the headliners. There are hundreds of other lakes and rivers in the state that hold plenty of large and smallmouth bass. Just to hit that point home, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced a brand-new state record for smallmouth bass was set on June 15, opening day of bass season. Thomas Russell Jr., of Albion, reeled in an eightpound, six-ounce Godzilla smallmouth bass out of Cayuga Lake in Seneca County. Russell’s bass surpassed the previous record by two ounces, a tie between fish caught on Lake Erie in 1995, and in the St. Lawrence River in 2016. This is the second state record set this year. On May 8, the state record for channel catfish was broken when Bailey Williams, of Watertown, reeled in a 35-pound, 12-ounce channel catfish from the Black River in Jefferson County. More testimonial on how great New York’s bass waters are… this summer the Bassmaster tournament trail northern open division tournament was on Oneida Lake on July 7 through 9 and the top dogs, the Bassmaster Elite tournament, is on the St. Lawrence River out of the town of Clayton July 14 through 17. If you ever have a chance to visit one of these tournament weigh-ins, I suggest you do. They have a festival-like atmosphere. A lot can be learned at these weigh-ins where you can observe the best bass fishermen in the world. The size of bass that they bring in each day and what baits they are using to catch those bass is tremendous intel for anyone who fishes that lake. These days the Bass Pro’s hot lures of choice on most northern lakes are soft plastic with the Ned rig, and the drop shot rigs their favorite. A Ned rig is a jig with a flat top on the jig head and a three or four-inch cigar shaped soft plastic body. The flat top to the jig head allows it to stand straight up when resting on the bottom. The technique is simple. Cast the jig out and let it hit bottom and sit for a minute or so. If nothing bites, retrieve slowly, dragging the bottom. Watching a Ned rig in the water you would swear it has no fish attracting action at all as the cigar shape body doesn’t move, but bass love it; especially the smallmouth bass that do most of their feeding off the bottom. The drop shot rig is just a sinker on the bottom with a hook tied directly to the line about 15 inches up from the sinker. Hook a small plastic worm or something similar on the nose of the hook. Both the Ned rig and the drop shot and how to tie and fish them are best learned on YouTube where there are tons of videos on these rigs. One
Veteran Great Lakes angler Jody Button with a nice smallmouth bass caught in Chaumont Bay two weeks ago. Provided photo. fact I have learned is these baits must have bottom contact. On this year’s opening day, we were rigged with both the Ned rig and drop shot, trying to trick the smallmouth of Chaumont Bay. The beautiful bay is off the northeast corner of Lake Ontario, in Jefferson County not far from the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Our plan was to launch the boat in the bay and motor into Lake Ontario where the big five- and six-pound smallmouth bass live, but the strong northeast winds that were blowing were upsetting Lake Ontario and her four-foot waves would not permit us to fish out on her without some treacherous rocking and rolling. We chose the somewhat sheltered Chaumont Bay. A cold front had blown in with those northeast winds that huffed both Saturday and Sunday and the high, bright, clear skies and cool temperatures in the 60s made the fishing extra tough. A cold front causes bass to hug the bottom and most are unwilling to chase any fast-moving baits. Even in the bay, the winds were so strong we had to deploy a drift sock to slow our boat down enough to keep our rigs dragging bottom. We found that if we lost contact with the bottom, we stopped catching fish. The drift sock slowed us enough to keep our baits on the bottom. For those that don’t know, a drift sock is a large cone shaped canvas bag you deploy in the water off the side of the boat. As the sock fills with water, it causes drag and slows the boat down. With the help of the drift sock, we managed to boat a couple dozen nice smallies and salvage a windy two days of fishing. We here in Western New York are living in one of the top bass fishing states this side of infinity and beyond (sorry, too much time with the grandkids) and most all the best lakes are within a day’s drive of us. So, my fellow bass anglers, nothing else needs to be said! Go grab some bass!