WEST EDITION
Westside News Established 1953
Serving Suburban News West and Hamlin-Clarkson Herald edition areas
Serving the communities of Hamlin, Clarkson, Kendall, Bergen, Clarendon, Holley-Murray, Brockport-Sweden
February 28, 2021
Issue No. 9
westsidenewsny.com
John Rombaut named Town of Clarkson’s Citizen of the Year On February 23, the Town of Clarkson named Brockport Fire Department Past Chief John F. Rombaut “Citizen of the Year.” Surrounded by family and friends,
Rombaut was humbled by the honor. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for those in service to their country and community, Town Super-
Clarkson Town Board member Leslie Zink (left) presented John Rombaut with the Citizen of the Year Award. Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith (right) nominated him for the honor.
visor Christa Filipowicz opened the regular session of the Town Board and immediately suspended the normal agenda to recognize Rombaut for his dedication and loyalty to the Clarkson community. Nominated for this distinction by County Legislator Jackie Smith, the award was presented to Rombaut by Clarkson Town Board member Leslie Zink. Supervisor Filipowicz cited John Rombaut’s long history of volunteerism, mentioning his tenure with the Brockport Fire Department. He joined the Harrison Hose Co. #2 of the Brockport Fire Department in 1968, and has been Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Fire Chief, and Association President. He has also served the Firemen’s Exempt Association as Director, Vice President, and President, among a multitude of other titles and responsibilities to his company, his department, and the association, while continuing to serve his community. Retired from the Eastman Kodak Company, Rombaut spends his free time volunteering in the community in a variety of ways. Seymour Library Director Jennifer Caccavale was on hand sharing remarks from her team about the hours he has spent at
Seymour Library Director Jennifer Caccavale spoke about John Rombaut’s volunteer service to the library. the library doing anything and everything asked of him. Rombaut is also a familiar face at Nativity BVM Church and at the Brockport Fire Museum, where he has volunteered his talents for both organizations as a handyman for many years. Provided information and photos
Rochester artist discusses the (super) power of art with B-B students As part of their Black History Month studies, Byron-Bergen fourth- and fifthgrade students created art projects with, and inspired by, acclaimed Rochester public artist Shawn Dunwoody. While Dunwoody has visited the school in past years, this year his presentation took place on an online meeting platform to maintain health and safety guidelines. In his presentation to the fourth-grade classes, Dunwoody discussed murals and public art. In his own work, he has used murals to inspire in a variety of community spaces, from donut shops to waterfall viewing platforms. “The murals I’ve done
in communities, I’ve wanted to get people excited about their community,” said Dunwoody. “I want to make people feel good about themselves and the environment they are in.” Dunwoody then created a collaborative mural design with the students, discussing the artistic process as well as font design and placement. The completed design featured the words “U R Wonderful” in bright colors. Students then designed their own murals, using Dunwoody’s work as inspiration. Their finished projects included messages of support for environmental and social causes, as well as simple words of kindness such
Shawn Dunwoody (above) creates a collaborative mural design with Byron-Bergen students.
Byron-Bergen students with their original mural and superhero designs. Provided photo.
as “You got this,” “Love yourself,” and “You are awesome.” In a similar presentation to fifth-grade students, Dunwoody discussed his original comic characters, the Legion of Legends, which includes local historical figures Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass, and George Eastman. His characters fight villains like Trinity, a character encompassing racism, miseducation, and poverty. Life-sized cutouts of the superheroes stood behind him as he described his creative process. After creating a collaborative character with the fifth-grade classes, students created their own superheroes with special powers to fight for social justice. Among the heroes were those with the powers to fight for freedom and create peace. Their collaborative
hero was “Super Miss Stephen,” with the power of writing and the ability to make drawings come to life. Dunwoody’s presentations were part of a Black History Day of Learning organized by fourth-grade teachers Jenna Carney, Colleen Hardenbrook, Alyson Tardy, and fifth-grade teachers Taylor Haupt, Ken Rogoyski, (Super Miss) Kelly Stephen, Diane Taylor, Erin Varley, and Special Education Teacher Lisa Haller. “Shawn uses art to uplift urban communities and discuss social justice,” said fourth-grade teacher Alyson Tardy. “I’m extremely excited and grateful that he takes the time to share his talents with our students.” Provided information and photos