Eagle Scout creates food pantry for CCCSD 8 The Coterie Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience
8 Free summer meals at Gates Chili
Welding and plumbing training offered this fall at GCC
9 GCV&M to host Smithsonian Exhibit Voices and Votes through July 25
11 Churchville-Chili Sports Booster Club honors 2025 Outstanding Teammate Award recipients
12 Kenneth Juergens honored as Monroe County’s Legionnaire of the Year
12 Churchville-Chili celebrates the March of the Senior Saints
13 Accessible kayak and canoe launch opens at Churchville Park
13 Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition at MAG includes local artists’ works
Programs at the Gates Public Library
editor@westsidenewsny.com
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The Dudleys enjoy seeing historic sites like the Richmond Aquaduct ruins, east of Montezuma.
The Dudleys purchased the Owasco, a 41-foot Lockmaster, late last year.
“showboat,” where it was exhibited on the floor of the Expo center at the New York State Fair as part of the I Love NY and Canals 200 displays. It was used privately during the summers on the Western Erie Canal by a couple from Texas, who, after a move, decided to put the boat up for sale in 2024. An inquiry made by Brian to ECA led to his being able to purchase the boat. With only a few of the 21 Lockmasters being in private hands, the Dudleys consider themselves fortunate to be the caretakers of one of these rare vessels.
The Owasco is a 41-foot Lockmaster with a width of 10 feet, 200 square feet of enclosed living space, and a beautiful open bow. It is equipped with two sleeping quarters, a shower, toilet, galley kitchen, and a dinette that also converts into additional sleeping space. The Lockmasters are the equivalent of a fully outfitted camper that also floats. Most of the Lockmasters were originally named after the individual Finger Lakes, and to preserve that part of its history, Brian and Amanda have decided to keep the name Owasco. In the Dudleys’ opinion, the Lockmaster canal boats are a major part of the Erie Canal’s more recent history, and they are privileged to take part in that history with their ownership of the Owasco
Brian and Amanda look forward to using the boat in the upcoming years for vacations and weekend outings, allowing them to see their local area in a different way and at a slower pace. Their plan for this summer is a 10-day trip to Buffalo.
The Marina at Erie-Macedon Landing was purpose-built for housing and servicing these large boats. Therefore, the Owasco must spend the winters there on land. However,
Brian and Amanda are fortunate to live close to Arrowhead Golf Course and Marina in Spencerport, where it will be docked during the canal’s operational months (mid-May through mid/late October). Transporting the Owasco back and forth at the open and close of each season serves as built-in trips for the Dudleys. The folks at Arrowhead are excited to have the Owasco in one of their slips and have been very accommodating.
To share the experience with others, Brian and Amanda will also be offering the Owasco as an Airbnb for overnight stays at Arrowhead.
Provided information & photos
The boat’s after cabin.
The galley kitchen is outfitted with a stove/oven and refrigerator. There is room for four at the dinette table, which also converts into a bed.
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Eagle Scout creates food pantry for CCCSD
Churchville Chili senior Thomas Bekridakis has found a way to help the CCCSD school community through his Eagle Scout project.
Over the past ten months, Thomas has spent time planning, constructing, and installing a food pantry on the Fairbanks Road campus, behind the Operations and Maintenance building, near the middle school parking lot exit.
The food pantry is now available for use by any member of the community, and will be regularly stocked with donations from food drives that take place throughout the schools. The pantry will be maintained by students at the Middle School. Items available at the food pantry will include non-perishable food items, such as canned foods, cereal, and more.
Thomas has been a Boy Scout for more than seven years, a Cub Scout for five years prior and, with the completion of this project, received his Eagle Scout Award on June 1. Following graduation, Thomas plans to attend St. Bonaventure University and major in Sports Management.
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The Coterie Restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience
Gates, The Coterie Restaurant is more than just another addition to the local Rochester dining scene – it’s a labor of love from its passionate owners: three Rochester locals and one Nashville native, who brought every detail of the establishment to life themselves. From vision, construction, design, menu creation, and service standards, the dedicated owners have been completely hands-on in transforming their vision into reality. Every detail is infused with their personal touch.
From the outset, the owners crafted The Coterie’s identity around the perfect balance of upscale and inviting, with an eclectic yet familiar feel. Even the name invokes a friendly gathering place where everyone can come and feel at home. The interior sparks creativity and an ambiance that welcomes patrons to stay a while – from the cozy lounge, generational music wall, one-of-a-kind bar and bowling alley tables, accent lighting, and the greenhouse windows of the dining room – everything was curated to offer an intimate space, perfect for conversation, connection, and community. While including many mementos from past generations and the history of the city of Rochester, their main goal was for the space to seem like everything was handpicked and with purpose.
You can expect the same of the food and drink menus. From the whimsical names to the innovative twists on classic Rochester comfort foods, both menus provide ample choices to appeal to any palette. Additionally, each menu item was thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of dietary restrictions. They offer several vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options that do not compromise on flavor or ingenuity. The artfully crafted drink menu boasts an impressive array of cocktails, lattes, and other non-alcoholic beverages. The number one difference lies in the preparation and care behind each individual menu item – from hand-breaded chicken tenders and house-made sauces, to freshly baked desserts, and syrups for cocktails – the thoughtfulness shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. With most items being hand-crafted in-house, diners are sure to have
a difficult time deciding what they should try first.
Upon walking in the doors for the first time, you are sure to be greeted by several friendly faces, who you can tell really appreciate your business. Every step of service feels well-thought-out and intentional, as the owners have prided themselves on paving the way for The Coterie to uphold its high standards for many years to come. This dining experience is truly one-of-a-kind and one you’ll want to come and see for yourself. Once you do, you’ll be lining up your next visit before you walk out the front door. But before you do, make sure you check out the mirrored wall in the vestibule for the pre-renovation photos.
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Free summer meals
at Gates Chili
The Gates Chili School Nutrition Team has been offering free meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program for the past 10 years. All children 18 years old and younger can enjoy free meals in the Gates Chili High School cafeteria from Monday, July 7, through Friday, August 8. Park in lot H and use door #60 near the Performing Arts Center. Breakfast is served from 8:30 to 9 a.m. and lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Adult meals and snacks are also available to purchase.
In addition, catch the Spartan Eats Bus for lunch on weekdays at the following locations:
• 11 a.m. Lions Park
• 11:30 a.m. Westgate Park
Check out the menus at gateschili.org/menus.
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Welding and plumbing training offered this fall at GCC
This fall, Genesee Community College’s Business and Employee Skills Training (BEST) Center will offer hands-on training in two in-demand skilled trades: Welding and Plumbing. Evening classes begin on September 2, 2025 and are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.
“Students will be awarded an industry-recognized credential upon completion of the training,” according to Jennifer Wakefield, executive director of Workforce Development at The BEST Center. “We are proud to offer these short-term programs that open doors to long-term career opportunities.”
The Welding Fundamentals Program equips students with essential skills for immediate entry into the workforce. The curriculum covers a broad range of techniques including basic gas and arc welding, gas metal arc welding (MIG), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW/stick), gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) and fluxcored arc welding (FCAW). Students will also learn the principles of industrial safety, equipment setup and operation, and shop safety protocols.
Welding instruction will be led by Sal Bonafide, a GCC instructor with over 15 years of industry experience. Bonafide is eager to begin working with a new cohort of welding students: “Being able to work with students across different generations and disciplines is something I’ve always worked hard at; I can’t wait to share my knowledge and experience with a new generation of welders.”
The Plumbing Certificate Program prepares students for en-
try-level employment in the residential plumbing trade. The training includes a strong foundation in plumbing theory and hands-on instruction in areas such as safety procedures, tool and material use, pipe fitting, fixture installation, and system maintenance. Students will also complete the OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety training.
Instruction is provided by Walter Szczesny, a lifelong Batavia resident and Master Plumber who has owned and operated WTS Plumbing since 1993. Szczesny brings a lifetime of experience to share with his students: “I am excited to take my 45 years of knowledge and experience in the plumbing industry and pass it on to the next generation of plumbers with the skills needed to succeed in the field.”
The BEST Center at Genesee Community College is the recognized regional leader in workforce development, offering targeted seminars, workshops, and training programs to strengthen both individuals and businesses throughout the GLOW region. To learn more about BEST Center offerings, please visit https://www. genesee.edu/about/offices-departments/best-center/techicalprograms/.
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GCV&M to host Smithsonian Exhibit Voices and Votes through July 25
Genesee Country Village & Museum will be the ninth stop in the New York tour of the “A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy” project hosted by the Museum Association of New York (MANY). This project includes Voices and Votes: Democracy in America, a Museum on Main Street (MoMS) exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES), Freedom Fighter: Mary Gray Peck and Social Reform an exhibition developed by GCV&M, and a series of humanities discussion programs. The exhibitions and programs, on view in GCV&M’s John L. Wehle Gallery through Friday, July 25, examine the nearly 250-year-old American experiment of a government “of, by and for the people,” and how each generation since continues to question how to form “a more perfect union.”
Voices and Votes explores the action, reaction, vision, and revision democracy demands as Americans continue to question how to shape American values. From the revolution and suffrage to civil rights and casting ballots, all communities are part of the evolving story of democracy in America. Exhibition sections highlight the origins of American democracy, the struggles to obtain and keep the vote, the machinery of democracy, the right to petition and protest beyond the ballot, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. The exhibition
“A Woman Living Here Has Registered to Vote,” window sign for a home, 1919. Photo courtesy of National Museum of American History.
includes multimedia interactives and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest materials.
“Genesee Country Village & Museum is honored to be the Rochester-area site for Voices and Votes. As a museum dedicated to sharing stories of the history of New York, we look forward to visitors learning more about how democracy has evolved over the past 250 years and the stories of those from our area who had an impact on it,” said Becky Wehle, GCV&M President & CEO.
“A New Agora for New York: Museums as Spaces for Democracy,” a museum capacity building and humanities discussion series project, was initially funded by the NEH and uses Voices and Votes as a launching point for museums and their communities to explore, reflect on, and tell the story of their role in the evolution of American Democracy. Despite the loss of federal funding, this project continues thanks to the tremendous local and museum community support.
“New York State has an incredibly rich history of civic participation and leadership,” said MANY’s Agora Project Fellow, Ren Lee. “This project provides an opportunity for these museums to share the unique stories of their
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communities’ fight for freedom and what that means for the future.”
GCV&M’s response exhibition, Freedom Fighter: Mary Gray Peck and Social Reform will tell the story of Mary Gray Peck from Ontario County who devoted her life to supporting social reforms. She was an aide to suffragist Carrie Chapman Catt and saw firsthand the ratification of the 19th amendment. After suffrage, she fought for women’s education and advancement, free speech, and other causes. Mary’s grandparents owned the Jones Farmhouse, now located in GCV&M’s Historic Village, and she grew up across the street from the Farmhouse.
Admission to both Voices and Votes and Freedom Fighter is included with Museum admission.
Humanities Discussion Series and exhibition-related programs include:
•A Naturalization Ceremony on Friday, July 4 at 11 a.m. during the Museum’s annual Independence Day Celebration.
•Community Conversation on Saturday, July 12 at 4 p.m. - Joe Murphy from Humanities New York, will host an opportunity for the public to come together for thoughtful discussion about our shared values as Americans – past, present, and future.
•Educator Workshop on Saturday, July 19 – In partnership with the NYS Office of Cultural Education and MANY, there will be a free educator workshop to help teachers gain the skills to incorporate exhibitions like Voices and Votes into their classrooms and curriculums. This workshop is applicable for Continuing Teacher and Leader Education credit.
•SUNY Geneseo Land Democracy exhibit on view in the Genesee Country Nature Center Saturdays and Sundays. Students in Dr. Gilbert-Overland’s Environmental Justice class researched and developed posters, each related to a different policy, event, or trend that has impacted a person’s or group of people’s access to land or to making decisions about the land.
•Scholar Lecture in July - with Sally Roesch Wagner, a major historian of the suffrage movement, Founding Director of the Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation, and founder of one of the first collegelevel women’s studies programs in the United States. Event details are to be determined.
•OurStoryBridge – GCV&M will be collecting short stories from local community members about their relationship with democracy in a recording studio at the Museum. All are invited to participate.
Learn more about “A New Agora for New York” and the New York State tour of the Voices and Votes exhibition at agoranewyork.org and view the full schedule of programming and events happening at Genesee Country Village & Museum at www.gcv.org.
Provided information
Alison Turnbull Hopkins pickets the White House, 1917. Photo courtesy of the National Woman’s Party at the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument.
Naturalization Ceremony at Genesee Country Village & Museum, 2024. Photo courtesy of Rick Garvia.
Churchville-Chili Sports Booster Club honors
2025 Outstanding Teammate Award recipients
The Churchville-Chili Sports Booster Club Inc., in partnership with Mark’s Pizzeria on Buffalo Road, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Teammate Award. This cherished recognition stands as one of the most meaningful honors awarded each year, celebrating the student-athletes who truly embody what it means to be a great teammate.
In athletics, true success extends beyond statistics and final scores. It is found in the heart, character, and unity of a team. The Outstanding Teammate Award honors those athletes who serve as the foundation of their teams – those whose leadership, positivity, and selflessness bring people together and elevate everyone around them.
“These are the athletes who lead by example, lift others up in challenging moments, and bring out the best in their teams,” said Kim Sinicropi, President of the Saints Sports Booster Club.
“They may not always make the game-winning play, but their impact is immeasurable. Without them, the team would not be complete.”
Varsity coaches were invited to nominate one athlete from their teams who exemplifies the following qualities:
•Relentless effort
•Team-first mentality
•Respect and honesty toward others
•Reliability and consistency
•Humility and clear communication
•Steadfast support of teammates
•Positive and uplifting attitude
•A lasting impact on their team’s culture
These honorees are living proof that being a great teammate doesn’t require talent alone – it requires heart, integrity, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
Congratulations to all of the 2025 Outstanding Teammate Award recipients. Your dedication, sportsmanship, and selfless spirit continue to inspire the entire Churchville-Chili community.
Award recipients (listed alphabetically; not all recipients appear in the group photo): Abriella Agnello, AJ Ippolito, Audrey Vogt, Blake Rule, Caleb Comas, Campbell Hewlett, Cassidy Wilt, Cody Khuns, Deric Olson, Diana Morales-Negron, Dominic Fargnoli, Dominic Volta, Gia McElwain, Giovanna Costanzo, Grady Galliford, Jacob Quinn, Jason Starkweather, Jaxxon Cody, Jayden Gourdine, Johnathan Wahls, Liam Magri, McKenzie Elliott, Mercy Payne, Murphy Pynn, Natalie Esposito, Nate Barski, Sydney Parker, and Thomas Bekridakis.
The Saints Sports Booster Club extends heartfelt thanks to Mark’s Pizzeria for generously donating pizza to all award recipients and for their continued support of Churchville-Chili student-
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Kenneth Juergens honored as Monroe County’s Legionnaire
The Monroe County American Legion recognized Colonel (Ret.) Kenneth Juergens, Commander of Harvey C. Noone Post 954, with the prestigious Legionnaire of the Year Award during its 107th Annual Convention. This honor celebrates Commander Juergens’ unwavering dedication to veterans, his extraordinary leadership, and his revitalization of Post 954.
Juergens, a Hilton native, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned an MBA from Babson College (Beta Gamma Sigma). Following a distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Army, which included brigade command in Germany and retirement at the rank of Colonel (O-6), Juergens brought the same energy and expertise into corporate leadership roles. He served as a Senior Vice President at Oshkosh Defense, Group President at DynCorp, and held executive roles at both Colt and Remington Firearms. A member of the Hilton Hall of Fame, the Section V Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, Juergens now lives in Churchville with his wife, Tish.
Since taking over Post 954, Juergens has been the driving force behind its transformation from near closure into the fastest-growing Legion post in Monroe County, boasting a remarkable 134% membership increase in just four years.
His contributions are wide-ranging:
•Veteran and Community Service: Juergens launched and led community outreach initiatives including bi-monthly visits to the Batavia VA hospital, supported a deployed 10th Mountain Division infantry platoon to Iraq, coordinated recreational events for disabled veterans, and championed Wreaths Across America in Monroe County. Each December, this heartfelt program honors over 600 local veterans with wreaths placed at their graves by community volunteers.
•Memorial Day and Civic Events: He has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Churchville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, and the Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day Luncheon, ensuring that veterans’ sacrifices are honored with dignity and respect.
•Operational Leadership: Juergens has overseen substantial improvements to the Post facility, including ADA-compliant upgrades, repairs, and modernization of operations. His stewardship has increased the Post’s financial reserves by 475%.
•Event Hosting and Compliance: Under his guidance, the Post has reestablished itself as a capable host of major Monroe County and 7th District events. He also maintains regulatory compliance
for all financial and gambling activities, ensuring transparency and trust.
•Mentorship and Legacy: Juergens revived the long-inactive Sons of the American Legion Squadron in 2020 and continues to mentor its members, strengthening the future of the Legion family.
On June 14, Juergens will be awarded “Legionnaire of the Year” for the 7th District at their American Legion Convention. The 7th District includes Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties. Commander Juergens continues to be a living embodiment of the Legion’s principles of service, honor, and community.
This award is not just a recognition of past accomplishments – it is a testament to a future built on leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
Churchville-Chili celebrates the
Churchville-Chili’s graduating seniors took a meaningful walk down memory lane during the annual March of the Senior Saints, visiting the Middle School and their former elementary schools – Churchville Elementary, Chestnut Ridge, and Fairbanks Road.
Wearing their caps and gowns, seniors were met with cheers and highfives from younger students lining the hallways. The event served as both a celebration of how far these students have come and an inspiration for the next generation of learners. Many seniors paused to reconnect with former teachers, reflect on their early years, and offer encouragement to those just beginning their own educational journey.
It was a powerful reminder of the strong sense of community and connection that defines Churchville-Chili. An album with photos from the event is available on the district website.
Provided information and photo
Provided information and photo
Monroe County Commander (left) presents Commander Kenneth Juergens (right) with Monroe County’s “Legionnaire of the Year” award.
Elementary students cheered on the Senior Saints as they visited their former schools.
Accessible kayak and launch opens at Churchville Park
A new ADA-accessible kayak and canoe launch opened June 2 in Churchville Park. The launch, located on a popular paddling stretch of Black Creek, features a floating dock, ramp, and an ADA transfer platform so people with limited mobility can easily transfer into the boat.
“Monroe County’s parks system is large and diverse, and today we’re improving access for all of our residents,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “This ADA-accessible canoe and kayak launch promotes independence and safety, allowing all our residents to enjoy Monroe County’s waterways. This new launch represents our ongoing work to improve accessibility as we prepare to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our County Parks system next year.”
This project is part of County Executive Bello’s $16.6 million investment in the Monroe County Parks system, which turns 100 years old in 2026. The Go Outside Monroe initiative aims to renovate and improve Monroe County’s Parks System with a focus on increasing accessibility for people with disabilities. Other ADA-accessible amenities recently added to Monroe County parks include an inclusive spray park and playground at Ontario Beach Park.
“I am pleased to return to Churchville Park a few months after the groundbreaking to celebrate the on-time completion of an accessible kayak and canoe launch,” said Legislature President Yversha Román. “Projects like this reflect our continued commitment to expanding inclusive amenities in parks across the county, ensuring real opportunities for independence and inclusion in spaces that should belong to everyone.”
“This new launch is a welcome addition to one of our county’s most treasured parks,” said Minority Leader Steve Brew. “It’s a great example of how we can improve access and enhance quality of life for residents of all abilities. I’m proud to see real progress being made right here in Churchville.”
The canoe and kayak launch is accessed off of Park Road in Churchville Park to the west of Churchville Elementary School.
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Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition at MAG includes local artists’ works
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) once again presents Rochester’s longest-running juried showcase of art by regional artists this summer. The 69th RochesterFinger Lakes Exhibition premiers with an exclusive Members Opening Party on Friday, June 27, and will be open to the public from Saturday, June 28, through Sunday, October 5.
This year’s exhibition features works by ninety artists working across a range of media, showcasing the talent of the region’s vibrant creative community. Timothy Peterson (MAG’s inaugural Ann and Irving Norry Curator of Contemporary Art) served as the juror. Past exhibitions included notable artists whose works are now in MAG’s collection, including Hilda Altschule, Colleen Browning, Kathy Calderwood, Wendell Castle, Hans Christensen, Nancy Jurs, Albert Paley, Honoré Sharrer, Bill Stewart, and Fritz Trautman.
Westside artists in this year’s exhibition
are: Kristen Adkins (Brockport), Laura Bishop (Brockport), Christian Carson (Brockport), Sara DiDonato (Brockport), Ron Ferrara (Spencerport), Nicole Rowley (Hilton), and Jessica Young (Hamlin). There are also several artists from across Rochester.
Exhibition artists are eligible for cash awards, including the $1,500 Memorial Art Gallery Award. During the first two weeks of the exhibition, MAG guests are invited to cast ballots for their favorite work, and the artist who receives the most votes will receive the Harris Popular Vote Award.
Find the full list of exhibiting artists and more information about the exhibition at https://mag.rochester.edu/exhibitions/69-rflx/.
Provided information
The canoe and kayak launch is accessed off of Park Road in Churchville Park to the west of Churchville Elementary School.
Seville Oranges, Pauline Wegman, Oil on Canvas (2025)
Programs at the Gates Public Library
SUMMER READING – June 30 through August 9:
•For ages birth to 12-ish: Sign up by agreeing to read at least ten minutes every day. Track your reading on the log provided at registration. Bring your log to the library each week to receive a prize. Don’t forget to come celebrate the start of Summer Reading at the Kickoff Party and Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m. There will be songs and games, and the opportunity to make your own ice cream sundae. You will have the opportunity to sign up for Summer Reading as well. Registration required.
•For ages 9 to 18: Do you have some extra time on your hands? Do you have required reading for school? Do you just love reading? Put that reading to work for you and earn chances to win prizes. Register for the Teen Summer Reading Program and enter weekly raffles to win prizes. Write a review for each book you read or listen to and drop completed cards in the box on Heidi’s desk. Names will be drawn each week and winners will receive prizes. The more you read, the better your chances are to win a prize. And yes, you can sign up for both the teen and children’s programs.
•For ages 18 and up: Sign up at the library beginning Monday, June 30, to receive a packet with review cards. Write a review for each book you read or listen to and drop completed cards in the wooden box near the circulation desk. Names will be drawn each week and winners will receive prizes. There will be a celebration for participants on Monday, August 18. (Separate registration required for August 18 event.)
REGULAR MONTHLY PROGRAMS:
•Stop by to do a family activity at Gates Public Library. See if you can find all 20 items in the children’s room. Each month there is a new scavenger hunt.
•Baby Storytime: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. For ages birth to two years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
•Storytime: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. For ages 2 to 5 years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
•Time for Tots: Come spend 40 minutes of free play with toys, followed by a short story time. Most Wednesdays for ages 1 to 5 years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
•Junior Friends: Second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. The Junior Friends are a group of volunteers who meet year-round and help the library with different activities such as book sales, crafts, and many more exciting things. Ages 8 to 16 years. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
•Tween/Teen Craft: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. All materials provided by Friends of Gates Public Library. Please call 585-247-6446 or go online to https://gateslibrary.org/ to register.
•#ReadWomen Book Discussion Group: Joanna Walsh, author and journalist, founded #ReadWomen in 2014 to promote and support books written by women. Join us on the fourth Thursday of the month to keep up the momentum. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. To register, call 585-247-6446 or email Paula at gatesreference@libraryweb.org.
•Chess Club: This club – for kids under the age of 18 who know how to play chess – meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All chess players are welcome, from beginners to masters. The club is informal. Kids can come and go at any time during club hours. Parents are welcome to watch the games. No registration needed.
•Technology Help with Digital Literacy Volunteers: Need technology help? Literacy Rochester volunteers are available Monday mornings 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and alternate Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. To make an appointment, call 585-247-6446 or visit https://literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-appointment/.
•Minecraft Club meets every first and third Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. No laptop or tablet? No problem! No account? No problem! For all the details, visit the calendar at https://gateslibrary. org/ or call 585-247-6446. Space is limited to 15 individuals and registration is required.
•LEGO Club encourages children to learn while having fun. Come build with LEGOs and let your imagination soar. Held the second Thursday of the month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For ages 5 to 12 years. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
•Therapy dogs from RocDog will be at the library to spend time with you! Stop into the children’s area to meet these furry friends on the first and third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. No registration necessary. Drop-ins welcome.
•Pokemon Club: Children are invited to stop in on the first and third Fridays for Pokemon Club. There will be some paper activities laid out to do, but be sure to bring your Pokemon Cards with you because there will be lots of trading.
•Library closed on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5 in recognition of Independence Day. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 7.
Provided information
Free cybersecurity and business networking event at Gates Public Library
Mega IT will host a Cybersecurity Learning and Business Networking Event on Tuesday, July 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Gates Public Library, 902 Elmgrove Road, Rochester.
This free community event is designed to help local businesses and individuals better understand today’s cybersecurity threats and learn practical steps to protect their data and systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other local business owners, IT professionals, and security experts in a casual, informative setting.
Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.
Whether you’re a business leader looking to strengthen your company’s defenses or simply want to learn how to stay safe online, this event offers valuable insights and networking opportunities in a relaxed environment.
Space is limited. RSVP by emailing contact@megaitrochester.com.
Provided information
Churchville Lions serve Ronald McDonald House
On the first Monday of every month, the Churchville Lions Club continues its service of providing a dinner at the Ronald McDonald House on Westmoreland Drive in Rochester. In April of 2022, the Ronald McDonald House agreed to allow the Churchville Lions to cook dinners there on a selected basis, providing chicken casseroles for the hungry volunteers who clean the rooms, gardens, kitchens, and common areas, as well as managing the gardens and driving the vans.
The most recent dinner in June was prepared by Lions Marty Molinari, Joe DeLeo, and Doug Eisele. They filled three large trays with cut chicken covered with Swiss cheese and a special sauce, then mushrooms, assorted vegetables, and flavored croutons smothered with melted butter. Marty has been working every month since startup, guiding his helper Lions and members of the LEO Club when available, to ensure the folks at the Ronald McDonald House can enjoy a hearty meal. They have expressed
their gratitude for the Lions’ efforts, and say they never have to worry about leftovers.
Provided information
open for 50th season
The North Chili Farmers Market (NCFM) is celebrating its 50th season this year. It is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays from June 14 through October 25 at the United Methodist Church of North Chili, 2200 Westside Drive (at Buffalo Road).
Established in 1976, the longevity of the NCFM is a testament to the value and dedication of its patrons, the community, and all the local farmers and vendors
Some special events are in the works to celebrate the 50th anniversary. There will be an easy and fun scavenger hunt each week with prizes given at the end of the Market Season. And, a Mid-Season Saturday fun day is being planned. Go to northchiliumc.org/farmers-market for events and any current news.
Provided information and photo
Lions (l-r) Doug Eisele, Joe DeLeo, and Marty Molinari were the cooks creating this month’s casserole.
Lions Marty and Joe adding the vegetables to be followed by more delicious layers to come.
Three large trays ready to feed the hungry volunteers who keep the Ronald McDonald House worry-free.
Photos by Doug Eisele
Greece Historical Society
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
7:00pm–8:30pm
Greece Public Library
The Buffalo Maritime Center will discuss its community boatbuilding project to recreate the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief and the role of the original boat in opening the Erie Canal in 1825. It will also detail what visitors can expect when the canal boat travels from Buffalo to New York City to commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial.
This program is offered by the Greece Historical Society in cooperation with the Greece Public Library.
Four Miles Along the Towpath: South Greece on the Erie Canal
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Greece Canal Park, Towpath Shelter, 241 Elmgrove Rd
Walk along the towpath as docents from the Greece Historical Society introduce you to the thriving canal port of Henpeck in South Greece. Exhibits and family activities will be in Towpath Shelter.
Provided information and photos
The Lions Club of Chili held their installation picnic June 10. Awards were presented to three club members. Lion Larry Lazenby (center) received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest award in the Lions Club organization, for being a man that has given so much with a full heart and a humble spirit. Lion Jim Wheeler (left) received The Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award. He is the embodiment of the motto: “We Serve.” This Award affirms Wheeler’s dedication and service to others. Lion Cristina Candelaria (right) was recognized as the club’s Lion of Year 2024-2025. As marketing chair, she’s done an excellent job promoting club events with fun and informative posts and taking as many pictures as possible.
Lion Greg Lund (back right) from the Brockport Lions Club installed the Lions Club of Chili’s 2025-2026 officers. Provided information and photos.
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
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