5 Updated security protocols for the 2025 Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival
6 The Great NYS Fair teams up with the Red Wings this summer
8 Camp Invention’s summer STEM program coming to Churchville
9 Young Women of Distinction Scholarships awarded
10 Service clubs build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
11 In remembrance of Congressman John J. LaFalce (1939-2025)
11 Scholarship opportunity
12 Churchville-Chili shines at Stars of Tomorrow; sweeps awards for The Addams Family
12 Lion Mike Donner receives Robert J. Uplinger Award
13 Honoring Our Heroes: Scouts and Legion place flags on veterans’ graves in Churchville
14 Rochester Press-Radio Club to hold Celebration of Champions June 10
15 C-C senior inducted into Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame
16 Jennyrae Brongo honored as 2025 Woman of Distinction
Art At Any Age
by Karen Fien
Greece resident, Earl Hume, is a self-taught artist, his specialty is pen and ink drawings. He joined many local art clubs after his retirement from Kodak. He says, “Art clubs are great! They provide speakers that share their talents and ideas, you get to meet other people that share a love of art, and you become involved with the art community.”
After his retirement, he went right to work creating artwork to sell at local outdoor art shows. He said, “I spent many summer weekends at art shows. I really enjoyed talking to the people that came in to buy my art, and I had many repeat customers.” At 97 years old, he still works every day for an hour or two in a studio sketching and adding details to his artwork.
Hume grew up in Rochester and enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 18. He served in both World War II and the Korean War. He started as a Seaman and was moved up to 2nd Class Carpenter and 2nd Class Damage Control. He served for eight years in the Navy. After his service he and his wife, Anna, built a home in Gates where they raised their two daughters Deborah and Karen. He was employed by the Eastman Kodak Company, and worked security. He retired from Kodak in 1983.
Earl Hume believes that you should pick one or two things in your life and work hard to master them.
They spent many years going to
and family
Earl, with a few of his pen and ink drawings.
in Key West, Florida.
Key West, it was a favorite of the entire family. Provided photo.
Standing next to his medals from the war, and one of his drawings.
Updated security protocols for the 2025 Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival
Since 1927, the annual Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival has entertained the residents of Spencerport, Ogden, and surrounding communities with an array of rides, games, food, and fun. The carnival became a tradition that generations enjoy and has signaled the unofficial start to summer in the village.
After the events of Saturday evening last year that caused some disruption, and similar issues that happened in recent years at other carnivals and festivals in the area, the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association made the decision to update their security protocols for this year’s Carnival. These enhancements were made in close coordination with local law enforcement and neighboring fire departments that host similar community events.
The Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association will be implementing the following:
•The perimeter of the carnival grounds will be fenced. There will be two entrances into the property with contracted security personnel conducting bag checks.
•Under no circumstances will any backpacks, duffel bags, or drawstring bags be allowed. Bags that are accepted include: fanny pack/belt bags, clear bags, small purses (under 6” x 8”), diaper bags, and medical bags. Signage will be posted in the parking lot, and at each entry. Please be prepared to leave your backpack in your vehicle during your visit.
•Individuals under 18 years of age must be escorted by a parent or guardian at least 21 years of age. Parents or guardians should be prepared to show valid identification that includes a photograph and date of birth (driver’s license, non-driver ID card, Passport, or Visa). Non-parental guardians with ID may escort up to two underage individuals. Security will have discretion on admittance.
•No pets allowed. Please leave your pet at home. Pets will be turned away. Service animals will be admitted.
•Weapons, including but not limited to firearms, blades, knives, sharp objects of any kind, and pepper spray will not be permitted.
The carnival grounds are private property of the Spencerport Volunteer Firemen’s Association. In cooperation with law enforcement, SVFA reserves the right to deny entry or demand removal of anyone who causes disruption or poses a threat to the staff, guests, and vendors of the event. It is the intention of the organizers that the carnival continues to be a family fun event for our community.
SVFA says it’s unfortunate that these measures need to be imple-
mented, but these steps are being taken out of an abundance of caution in order to maintain the safety of all guests. They ask for the public’s patience and understanding. Signs will be posted at the entrances and around the perimeter of the property to inform the community of the new rules.
The annual Spencerport Firemen’s Carnival will take place June 4–7 at Firemen’s Field, 75 South Union Street. Follow Spencerport Carnival on Facebook for dates, times, and special events through the week. More information is also available on the Carnival webpage at spencerportfire.org/carnival.
Provided information
The Great NYS Fair teams up with the Red Wings this summer
The New York State Fair is partnering with the Rochester Red Wings to remind fans that “a great day is just an hour away” at The Great New York State Fair! An in-stadium trivia contest at Red Wings home games shares fun facts about The Fair and New York agriculture, with one participating family or group receiving four free tickets to The 2025 Fair at every other home game through the run of The Fair. Additionally, the state is building on its previous partnership with the Red Wings through the Taste NY program, bringing more local craft beverages, hot dogs, and ice cream to the ballpark this year. Together, these efforts promote New York’s agriculture and tourism industries, and encourage fans to get ready for the upcoming 2025 Fair, which is less than 100 days away.
The promotion includes a Fair-sponsored trivia game between innings, at every other home game through the run of The Fair, which will challenge participants to answer questions about The Great New York State Fair and New York agriculture. At each game, one participating family or group will be selected to take a shot at guessing the correct answer and winning four free tickets to The Great New York State Fair this summer. Additional signage and promotions within the stadium will showcase The Fair and remind Red Wings fans that they’re just one hour away from an affordable, 13-day celebration of delicious food, eye-opening agricultural exhibits, captivating entertainment, and great fun.
This year’s New York State Fair will showcase numerous animals, hundreds of commercial attractions, scores of exciting midway rides, and dozens of big-name entertainers, including Grammy-nominated artists. The Fair starts Wednesday, August 20, and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 1. All concerts are included in the price of admission, which will go on sale later this summer. The Great New York State Fair is the most affordable state fair in the country. Tickets are $8 for adults while admission is free for children under 12 and senior citizens aged 65 and older. For more information about The Fair, visit https://nysfair.ny.gov.
Rochester Red Wings General Manager Dan Mason said, “As a youngster I looked forward to our family’s annual trip to The Great New York State Fair where we created so many amazing memories as a family. As an adult it’s been equally gratifying to create new memories with my wife and kids. I am so excited that the Red Wings are partnering with such an iconic event in our state as we share the same values and ideals, as we are both focused on providing incredible family entertainment at an affordable price while creating amazing memories. We are also extremely proud to partner with our friends at Taste NY again in 2025. A huge part of the entertainment experience here at Innovative Field is our food and beverage offerings and we love supporting local brands to satisfy our fans’ tastebuds.”
Taste NY at Innovative Field
The Red Wings and New York State additionally work together annually to promote local craft beverage and food producers at Innovative Field through the Taste NY program. In addition to Taste NY concession signage found throughout the concourse and in the ballpark, Taste NY is again a presenting sponsor of both the First and Third Base Dugout Bars this year. Taste NY will be a rotating sponsor over the L-Bar on more than 50 televisions located at concession stands on the concourse and in suites to spotlight New York State foods and beverages and the Taste NY program through ads and other promotions.
In 2024, 445,336 fans attended games at Innovative Field. Taste NY products offered at the stadium included:
•Craft beverages from Three Heads Brewing (Rochester), Big Ditch Brewery (Buffalo), BlackBird Cider Works (Buffalo), Black Button Distilling (Rochester), Blake Cider (Wolcott), Blue Barn Cidery (Hilton), Brooklyn Brewery (Brooklyn), Clarksburg Cider Co. (Lancaster), Dr. Frank’s Winery (Hammondsport), Ellicottville Brewing Company (Ellicottville), Four-Mile Brewing (Olean), Genesee Brewing Company
(Rochester), Hamburg Brewing Company (Hamburg), Ithaca Beer Co. (Ithaca), K2 Brothers Brewing (Rochester), Brewery Ommegang (Cooperstown), Resurgence Brewing Company (Buffalo), Rohrbach Brewing Company (Rochester), Saranac Beers (Utica), Woodcock Brothers (Wilson), and Young Lion Brewing Company (Canandaigua)
•Perry’s Ice Cream products (Akron)
•Zweigle’s hot dogs (Rochester)
Visit milb.com/rochester for the Red Wings’ schedule and to purchase tickets. Provided information
Camp Invention ® , a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to Fairbanks Road School in Churchville the week of July 1418, 2025.
A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame ® in partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, Camp Invention challenges children in grades K-6 to tap into their natural curiosity and use their creativity to solve problems. Through hands-on activities, Camp Invention promotes STEM learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship – all in a fun and engaging environment.
In Control™: Campers take control of their innovation journey as they head out on the ultimate road trip. Photo provided by Camp Invention.
Each year, the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of the nation’s most world-changing inventors – the National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees. This year’s Discover program encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness through hands-on activities including:
•In Control™ : Campers take control of their innovation journey as they head out on the ultimate road trip. From assembling a custom control panel with a transmitter and receiver, to creating a prototype of their own artificial intelligence-inspired bobblehead assistant, they invent their way around every bump and twist in the road.
•Illusion Workshop™ : Children discover the mesmerizing world of illusions, where things are not always as they appear. Through hands-on activities and experiments, they go behind the scenes of the tech tricks used in theme parks, animated films and theater. Using design and electrical engineering skills, campers build an animation device to bring drawings to life.
•Claw Arcade™ : Campers use their creativity and engineering skills to construct a functional Claw Arcade out of cardboard. They explore physics in easy-to-reach ways as they make hands-on discoveries about the science behind claw machines.
•Penguin Launch™ : Children embark on an eco-expedition to investigate penguins and the ice and snow of Antarctica. Along the way, they discover the fascinating connections between the technology and training used to explore Antarctica and outer space. From flippers and flingers to exploring high-wingers, children are sure to have a blast as they propel Pengy, a research assistant penguin, across the South Pole and beyond!
“My son recently attended Camp Invention, and it was an absolutely phenomenal experience for him,” said the parent of a 2024 Camp Invention camper. “The camp’s focus on creativity, problem solving and innovation truly sparked his curiosity and imagination.”
All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by qualified educators who reside and teach in the community. Camp Invention serves 140,000 students every year and partners with more than 2,600 schools and districts across the nation. For more information or to register, visit invent.org/camp.
Provided information
Young Women of Distinction Scholarships awarded
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients for its 2025 Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards, presented as part of its Women’s Council initiative. The scholarship program supports senior high school girls with the idea that young women with promise today will become tomorrow’s leaders.
The 2025 scholarship award recipients are:
•Vivienne Biedenkopf, Brighton High School
•Ava Bosnakovski, Gates Chili High School
•Grayce Peltz, School of the Arts
•Haidyn Scollon, Dansville High School
The four top recipients, one each from the Rochester City School District, Monroe County – East, Monroe County – West, and the eight regional counties surrounding Monroe County, receive a $1,500 scholarship and all other finalists receive a $100 scholarship.
This year’s other finalists are:
•Eliana Chalmers, Churchville-Chili Senior HS
•Chloe Chen, Penfield High School
•Mckenna Collins, Livonia Middle High School
•Jessica Conrow, East High School
•Raizel Glazer, Brighton High School
•Emily Pietrzykowski, Alexander CSD
•Andrea Vasilik, Gates Chili High School
•Sophie Wanck-Kann, Churchville-Chili Senior HS
“Congratulations to this year’s Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards recipients, and to all of our finalists. This program showcases the best and brightest of our region’s outstanding young leaders, and we are proud and honored to support them on their academic journeys,” said Susan George, Director, Events, Training & Affiliates, Greater Rochester Chamber. “Through their applications, we heard about the things these young women are passionate about and the ways they enrich our community. Thanks to all of our sponsors and donors for making this possible.”
Modeled after the ATHENA Awards, the Young Women of Distinction program is designed to discover high school seniors who have displayed outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and involvement in the nine-county Greater Rochester region.
For more information on the Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards program, visit www.GreaterRochesterChamber.com/programs-events/ womens-council/young-women-of-distinction/.
The Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Awards Program is supported in part by Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation.
Service clubs build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Members of the Brockport Lions Club together with the Lions Club of Chili, Moose Club of Churchville, and other volunteers, worked together on April 26 building beds. The service clubs partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to prepare all the structural parts for the beds. Forty participants performed the prep work. They cut, sanded, drilled, assembled, cured, wrapped, and stored for shipment enough wood pieces and assemblies to make 35 twin or bunk beds for children in need from our area. These beds go to families complete with a mattress, sheets, comforter, and pillow. The mission of Sleep in Heavenly Peace is to have no child sleeping on the floor in our community.
The project was funded with a Brandel Murphy grant and matching funding totaling $5,000.
Provided information and photos
Participating Chili Lions were Steve and Keri Neathawk, Mike Donner, Tom Platt, Deanna Morgan, Jenn Lowden, Cristina and Lilly Candelaria, Bob Cohoon, Ken Schnabel, Debbie Mancini and Angela, and Joe Korn. To volunteer with or join the Lions Club of Chili, call Membership Chair Mike Donner at 585-704-7265.
Brockport Lions Club volunteers.
In remembrance of Congressman John J. LaFalce (1939-2025)
by Hanny Heyen, Jennifer Skoog-Harvey, Louann Dellanoce and Julie Bottone
In the days since his passing on April 11, 2025, there has been much well-deserved praise for former Congressman LaFalce’s accomplishments during his decades of public service – first in the NYS Senate and Assembly (1971-1974) and in the U.S. House of Representatives (1975-2003), where he served 14 consecutive terms under six presidents, while representing parts of Monroe, Erie, Niagara, and Orleans Counties. He also served in the United States Army from 1965-1967.
When Congressman LaFalce was in Washington, D.C., he was an intellectual giant and his reputation for bi-partisanship was instrumental in shaping landmark legislation, including his success in working with Republican counterparts to get financial institutions to protect the personal information of their customers (Gramm/Leach/Bliley Act). In addition, he spearheaded the EPA investigation into the Love Canal residential environmental disaster in Niagara County that led to landmark Superfund legislation to remediate contaminated sites and hold polluters accountable. Sponsoring the Americans with Disabilities Act, advancing labor rights, improving access to credit for women and allowing women to get a business loan without a male co-sign (Women’s Business Ownership Act), were among his many legislative achievements that were founded on his lifelong commitment to economic justice for all people.
Congressman LaFalce served the residents of the western
ment. When home in the district, he tackled a broad spectrum of issues, including health care accessibility, post office expansions, Lake Ontario water levels, Route 531 development, HUD/USDA water grants throughout Orleans County, and helping farmers.
Congressman LaFalce was passionate about connecting with constituents and held numerous town halls and public meetings; IRS Seminars; health care presentations (SUNY Brockport, Lakeside Hospital); office hours/appointments with residents; and even hosting Italian-themed lunches with the Monroe County town supervisors of Clarkson, Gates, Hamlin, Ogden, Parma, and Sweden in his Spencerport Office discussing the needs and concerns of their residents.
One morning while traveling the district, Congressman LaFalce received a phone call from a high school principal asking him if he could come to talk to students who were concerned when the Persian Gulf War broke out. The Congressman pulled off the Thruway and did so. In another instance, he facilitated bringing home a local teenager, who faced a dire immigration issue. Even when responding to an American flag request from a Spencerport businessman, he personally delivered it. Congressman LaFalce valued his connections with the people of his district and worked hard to serve each of them to the best of his abilities. No issue was too big or too small.
As we reflect on the years we worked for the Congressman LaFalce, much of our office time was spent assisting constituents navigate federal agencies (Social Security, Veterans Affairs, Department of State, Labor, Immigration & Naturalization Service, I.R.S., U.S. Armed Forces, etc.) to help resolve a problem they were experiencing. Over the years, we guided 70 college interns in his offices. The Congressman valued these young people, knowing their hands-on learning was a springboard to future jobs and opportunities in public service. One of the many successful interns is now the first woman serving as the United States District Judge for the Western District of New York.
Congressman John LaFalce had an intellectual curiosity that perfectly matched the high standards that he and the public demanded. He was compassionate and deeply dedicated to his work on behalf of others. He always felt it was an honor to serve the people and we felt it was an honor to work for him.
Scholarship opportunity
Chili American Legion Post 1830 Auxiliary is offering two $1,000 scholarships for senior girls in the Churchville-Chili, Gates Chili or Wheatland Chili high schools, who will be continuing their education. To receive the scholarship criteria and an application, email melodyb52@twc.com. Applications are due by June 4, 2025.
Provided information
Pictured in front of the Spencerport District Office are (l-r) Hanny Heyen, Congressman John LaFalce, and Jennifer Skoog-Harvey. Provided photo.
The cast of The Addams Family at Stars of Tomorrow.
Churchville-Chili sweeps
cal Churchville-Chili students were recognized for their performance of The Addams Family.
Not only were they able to perform on the RBTL West-Herr Auditorium stage, but they also swept the awards by earning Excellence in every category – Dance, Acting, Vocal Ensemble, Production Crew, Student Orchestra, Production Design, and Overall Production.
In addition, the following students were recognized for Achievement in Performance in Leading Roles:
•Mady Pier (Alice Beineke)
•Emma Lessord (Wednesday)
Lion Mike Donner receives Robert J. Uplinger Award
Lion Mike Donner has received the distinguished Robert J. Uplinger Award. Donner has been a member of the Chili Lions for 13 years, has held a variety of positions, and is a true example of the Lions motto: “We Serve.”
In 2016, Donner became the President of the club. He served two terms and then went on to become the Second Vice District Governor in 2018. The following year he moved up to become First Vice District Governor in 2019. In 2020 he became District Governor with a full endorsement from his club.
The Lions Club of Chili then had a need and Donner again stepped in to fulfill the role of President in 2021 and 2022 while carrying on his other duties as Past District Governor. Lion Janine Wheeler said, “I had the pleasure of being his secretary during
•Elena Dembeyiotis (Morticia).
The Addams Family was recognized for being one of the Top 10 Productions for Large Schools in the Greater Rochester area, of which 48 schools participated this year.
High School Senior Emma Lessord was selected to compete in the NYC Bound Competition. The next round of the competition will take place on May 22.
Congratulations to the cast and crew and a special recognition to the production team: Rita Pencille, Erin Fischer, Dan Fischer, Melinda Pier, Angela Sushko, Marissa Tucker, Rita Tucker and Brittany Valente.
Provided information and photo
this time and could not have supported a better leader.”
In between all the roles he committed to, he continued to serve the Lions Club of Chili in a variety of ways as a point person for many of its activities. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award than our very own Mike Donner!” Wheeler said.
Provided information and photo
Mike Donner
members of Boy Scout Troop 133 joined forces with the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954 Family to honor the legacy of local veterans laid to rest in Creekside and St. Vincent Cemeteries in Churchville.
In a solemn and respectful tradition, over 500 American flags were placed at the gravesites of those who served our country. Beginning at 6 p.m., each Scout took time to read aloud the name of the veteran, place a new flag into the grave marker, and render a hand salute in trib ute. The ceremony concluded around 7:30 p.m., with qui et reflection and a deepened sense of gratitude from all who participated.
“This is about teaching respect and remembering the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible,” said Tish Juergens, Legion family cemetery coordinator. “The Scouts showed maturity and pride in every step they took.”
a veteran.
Provided information and photos Brenden Saunders places a flag and
Rochester Press-Radio Club to hold Celebration of Champions June 10
The Rochester Press-Radio Club will hold its 4th Annual Celebration of Champions on Tuesday, June 10, at Innovative Field, home of the Roch ester Red Wings. Proceeds from the event will benefit Rochester Children’s Charities.
The Major Donald Holleder Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a person whose active life has exhibited the highest level of sportsmanship, character, courage and achievement. This year’s recipient is Keith Ryan, past president of the Rochester Press-Radio Club and long-time club member, past president of the Spencerport Area Chamber of Commerce and its recipi ent of its 1993 Businessperson of the Year and its 2019 Citizen of the Year, past president of the Greater Church ville-Riga Chamber of Commerce and the recipient of its 2010 Member of Year, past president and current trea surer of the Kiwanis Club of Spencerport Kiwanis International George F. Hixson Fellowship, recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship given by the Rotary Club of Spencerport, an organizer and chair for the first five years of the Spencerport Canal Days committee.
of its members and staff.
The Charlie Wagner & Christine Wagner Welch Founders Award is presented to a person involved in promoting sports on the local level with commitment and inspiration. This year’s recipient is Sal Gerbino, in recognition of his 25 years of raising hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of the New York Special Olympics and their Polar Plunge. Sal is a retired Gates Police Department Sergeant and current Councilman on the Ogden Town Board.
This year’s ESL Coach of the Year recipient is Stephen Lian, Head Coach of the Brighton High School Varsity Football Team, the 2024 Far West Regional Champions. He was the Buffalo Bills nominee for the Don Shula Coach of the Year Award and is the first Asian American Head Coach to win a Section V Football Championship and a Far West Regional Championship. He also is a sixth grade teacher at Twelve Corners Middle School in the Brighton School District.
The Elliot Cushing Award is presented to a local person who has excelled on the national sports scene. This year’s recipient is Pete Guelli, the Chief Operating Officer of the Buffalo Bills & Buffalo Sabres. He is also a Minority Owner of the NJ/NY Gotham FC.
The Gary Smith & George Beahon Sports Media Award is presented for local sports media excellence. This year’s recipient is Paul Gotham, owner of Pickin’ Splinters, “Rochester’s Independent Sports Source” website. He has operated the website since 2009 and is a 1983 grad of Aquinas Institute.
The Jean Giambrone Award is presented to a woman who has made an exemplary lifetime commitment to local women’s sports. This year’s recipient is Deanna Kernan, general manager of Tennis Club of Rochester. The Bellevue, Ohio native came to the Tennis Club of Rochester in 2015 after stops in Texas and Florida. She
The Morrie Silver Award is awarded for special contributions in promoting sports in Rochester and Monroe County. This year’s recipient is Marty Keating, who recently retired after an over 50-year career as a Section V Swimming Coach at Pittsford High Schools. His program achieved over 500 straight dual meet victories. The East High and MCC grad has also been the Head Coach of the PACK Swim Team since its inception. Past honors include the 2003 Rochester Press-Radio Club Galyan’s High School Coach of the Year and the 2004 Jack Palvino Award at the WHAM Sportswomen of the Year Luncheon. He was also been inducted into the Frontier Field Walk of Fame.
This year’s Rich Funke Jr. & Jerry Flynn Local College Athlete Award recipient is Brynn King, the Roberts Wesleyan University graduate student and record-setting pole vaulter. A member of the 2024 Olympic Team, she set the all-time collegiate outdoor record in women’s pole vault by surpassing 15 feet, 7 inches at a meet on March 29, 2025 in Texas. The Woodlands, Texas native returned to her home state to set the mark. Along the way at Roberts Wesleyan, she was helped on the path by Roberts Wesleyan’s own Jenn Suhr and husband, Rick Suhr, a 1986 Spencerport High School alum. Jenn was a three-time US Olympic pole vault competitor and walked…or flew…away with the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal in the pole vault.
This year’s Eddie & Kevin Meath Press-Radio Club Member Community Service Award recipient is John Snider. He volunteers for many Rochester Press-Radio Club events including the annual Challenger World Series. He is also involved with other volunteer efforts including being a volunteer with a fire department.
For event and ticket information, visit www.pressradio.org and click on the Celebration of Champions link, email rocpressradioinfo@gmail.com, or call Mary Gross 585-315-2452.
Provided information and photo
C-C senior inducted into Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame
Churchville-Chili High School senior Louis Ferrari was inducted into the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Youth Hall of Fame during the 19th Annual Award Ceremony in May. The award is presented by the Chamber of Commerce to an eleventh or twelfth grade high school student who has demonstrated, through contributions to the community and outstanding achievements, their personal growth and development.
Characteristics of a Youth Hall of Fame Award Recipient include volunteering in the community, displaying community spirit, overcoming adversity, and demonstrating leadership.
Louis displayed tremendous resilience and perseverance following a life-threatening accident when he was a sophomore. When asked, he identifies his strengths as nice, athletic and determined. He also says his accident taught him not to take life for granted and not to wait to chase his dreams.
Upcoming Events
•The Churchville-Chili Community Music Fest is Friday, June 6, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Churchville-Chili MS/HS Bus Loop, 139 Fairbanks Road, Churchville. Enjoy great food, vendors, a family atmosphere, and entertainment by C-C student musicians of all ages. Presented by the C-C Music Boosters.
•The Rochester Croquet Club is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 5:30 p.m. at Grace and Truth Sports Park in Hilton. They offer free instruction to anyone who would like to learn the game, and all needed equipment is provided. They are hosting National Croquet Day on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It is a free event for the community to come and see what croquet is all about, and to try it first-hand. Visit https://gandtathletics.info/croquet or contact Denise Ireland at roccroquet@gmail.com for information.
•The 12th annual Camp Haccamo Car, Truck and Cycle Show will be Saturday, June 7 (rain date June 8), at the Mall at Greece Ridge. Gates open at 8 a.m., judging at noon, and awards shortly after 1 p.m. All makes and models are welcome. Pre-register for $15 ($20 day of show). Spectator admission is $3. There will be a 50/50 raffle, vendors, music, door prizes, and food. Register at http://www.camphaccamo.org.
•Street Machines of Rochester is holding their 51st annual Outdoor Auto Show on Sunday, June 8, at 1120 Latta Road, Greece. Gates open from 9 a.m. to noon for registration ($20). Spectator gates open all day with $3 admission. Awards presentation at 4 p.m. Visit streetmachinesofrochester.com for more information.
•Annual Book Sale at the Newman Riga Library, 1 South Main Street, Churchville, on Thursday, June 12, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, June 13, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (fill a bag for $3). For information on library programs, call 293-2009, go to newmanrigalibrary.org, or visit the library’s Facebook page.
Louis volunteers for a local youth soccer team when he is not playing for the RNYFC team. He intends to play soccer at Roberts Wesleyan in the fall, where he plans on pursing business management as a college major. Provided information and photo
•Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 44 invites the aviation community and the general public to an Open House Fly-in on Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Sport Aviation Center of Western New York, located at Ledgedale Airport (7G0), 44 Eisenhauer Drive, Brockport. During the Open House, aircraft and activities will show the fun of building, restoring, and flying airplanes for their recreational and educational value. See the Baby Ace restoration project and other homebuilt, restored, and production aircraft fly by or on display. There will also be a Classic Car Cruise-In and grill food will be available for purchase. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information on EAA Chapter 44, visit https:// chapters.eaa.org/eaa44.
•Spaghetti Dinner to benefit Story of Hope Comfort Care Home on Saturday, June 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Italian American Sports Club, 1250 Buffalo Road, Rochester. Enjoy all-you-can-eat spaghetti, meatballs, salad, drinks, and desserts. Purchase tickets in advance at storyofhoperochester.com for $15 for adults, $5 for children, and free for ages five and under. Tickets will be $17 at the door. Take-outs are available. The event will be emceed by Ethel Chadwick, author of Mama Ethel’s Guide to Love and Healthy Relationships and the host of the Bagels and Blessings radio show. There will also be raffle baskets, a 50/50 raffle, face painting, and more.
Jennyrae Brongo honored as 2025 Woman of Distinction
A ceremony honoring women leaders from every corner of state was held at the State Capitol in Albany on May 13. Jennyrae Brongo was recognized as the 2025 Woman of Distinction for District 62 represented by Senator Rob Ortt. Ms. Brongo is the heart and soul of Homesteads for Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to providing families like her own with a genuine sense of belonging.
A resident of Ogden, Ms. Brongo has made it her mission to offer a place for individuals and families with and without disabilities to learn, work, live, and grow in nature’s classroom. Homesteads for Hope’s beautiful 55-acre farm is located on Manitou Road in Ogden, directly on the wide waters of the historic Erie Canal. Its classroom provides a peaceful and therapeutic environment. In the past several years, Ms. Brongo has built a series of programs, classes, and social events that bring people together and provide a sense of community.
During a 2018 TEDx presentation, Ms. Brongo said, “I don’t know where I would be without autism. It’s like someone gave me a mission in life to be a voice for those who didn’t have one. My brother, Chucky, is a nonverbal hero. His story is paving the way.”
Homesteads for Hope founders Luann and Jennyrae Brongo felt hopeless trying to find services for Charles “Chucky” Brongo after he graduated from the school system at age 21. Despite unwavering advocacy and a relentless search for options, the family was not able to secure the assistance and support they needed. They spent endless days and nights praying for a miracle.
One day, Ms. Brongo and Chucky went to “Uncle Bob’s” farm down the street. Adventuring around the canalside farm, she did a quick search of “farms for autism” and realized there were hundreds of care farms and intentional communities across the country. That evening, the Brongos started dreaming of a better future for their family. Luann worked with Chucky on the farm, and Ms. Brongo did the business planning to create the first working farm and housing community for people with disabilities in New York State.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management Engi-
neering from Alfred State College and 15 years of entrepreneurship, Ms. Brongo turned vision into reality with the development of Western New York’s first inclusive “Learn, Work & Live” intentional community. In 2021, Ms. Brongo was named a “Woman of Excellence” honoree by the Rochester Business Journal. Her true joy lies in constructing dreams for a better future for all families. Provided information
Homesteads for Hope held a celebration on May 16 as it moves into the final phase of its “Pave the Way” capital improvement project. Improvements will include: expanding electrical and heating in every building to allow for year-round programming; paving throughout the property to create accessible pathways, trails, and parking areas; and restoring the historic, 19th century barns with new doors, windows, and siding. For information about Homesteads for Hope, visit www.homesteadsforhope.org. Photo from @SenatorOrtt on X.
