My Hometown Magazine May 2022

May 2022

Your Westside Community Connection

MAGAZINE

A FREE COMMUNITY NEWS MAGAZINE COVERING CHILI, CHURCHVILLE, GATES, OGDEN AND SCOTTSVILLE

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Three Cheers for Churchville-Chili’s Biggest Fan

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Reviving the Churchville American Legion Post

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

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Byron-Bergen Welcomes New National Honor Society and Alumni HOF Members

Pubisher Keith Ryan

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Collaboration by Design at Churchville-Chili High School

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Eagle Scouts Contribute over $1 million to Local Communities

Managing Editor Gary Sajdak Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com Contributing Writers & Photographers Barbara Burke, Daniel Hoock, Colleen Onuffer, Tami Raco, Joe Territo (Photographer) Advertising 585-352-3411 Rachael Blair ext. 139 Lori Antonelli ext. 133 Debbie Day Ext. 131 Tami Raco ext. 129 Mary Lou Rockow ext. 134 Gary Sajdak ext. 135 Ellen Stevens ext. 130 Production 585-352-3411 ext. 126 or 128 Vicki Caspersson, Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen & Suzette Coleman News Submissions: editor@westsidenewsny.com

10 An Intentional Community - Homesteads For Hope 13 Plaque Commemorates the First Meeting of Chili 14 First Chili Board Meeting Reenacted on Bicentennial 16 History of Rochester Revisited! Roots of Revival & Reformation 17 C-C Students Show in NYSATA Region 2 Student Art Exhibit 18 Camp Invention Summer STEM Program Coming to Churchville 19 Gates Volunteer Ambulance Celebrates Women’s History Month

Cover Photos by Karen Fien

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My Hometown May 2022 | 3

My Hometown Sports

Three Cheers

for Churchville-Chili’s biggest fan, Ashleigh Naugle

by Colleen Onuffer At any given Churchville-Chili sporting event, you will likely spot senior Ashleigh Naugle in the stands. The 17-year-old not only cheers on the school’s various varsity teams – she has made signs for each of the players with personalized notes on the back.

Naugle, who grew up in Chili, developed a love for all sports from her father, who used to be a soccer coach for the Chili Soccer Association. She also used to play soccer herself, so it came as no surprise when she attended a varsity soccer game at the beginning of this school year.

“The past couple of years there has been a limit to how many people could go to the sports games so a lot of the students wanted to make this year something that the players wouldn’t forget,” explained Naugle. “Being a part of the student section and getting to cheer on my classmates was one of the best feelings ever.”

Ashleigh creating a special sign for the Saints lacrosse team.

Prvided photo

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Knowing that a lot of her friends played for the school, Naugle wanted to show her support across the numerous sports teams.

She said, “I have attended almost every home soccer game. I attended a few volleyball games and a handful of basketball games.

I attended about three or four football games as well. If the team made it to sectionals, I would be there to support them and cheer them on.”

In addition, Naugle made it to six home hockey games and one away game. “At the away game, I was the only student who went and supported them.”

Her attendance at the hockey games has not gone unnoticed by the team.

Gavin Carr, one of the team’s captains, said, “Ashleigh is the definition of a Saint,” referring to the name of the district’s athletic teams. “She supports all sports and even travels across the city for us.”

Another one of the team’s captains, Trey Eberhart, said, “She comes to all of the games, even if it’s an away game in the city. It’s like she’s a part of the team.”

“Seeing Ashleigh in the stands, I always thought she was a sibling to one of the players,” said Eberhart’s mom, Jenn. “She was always the loudest cheering voice of encouragement in the crowd. Always rooting for the team, telling them to never give up and that they can get it back if they went down. Ashleigh is very special to this group of kids, and she will be missed at the games next season.”

Naugle was named “fan of the game” by ROC Sports Network during one of the school’s hockey games. As announced on Facebook, the nomination came from a player’s mom, saying, “Ashleigh is not related to any of the players but she has been to every Churchville-Chili home game. She recently made intricate personalized signs for each player on the team with a note of encouragement. She is always cheering the loudest at the games.”

Naugle used the school’s Cricut to make the signs, playing around with different fonts and sports icons. “I would say it took me about a week or so to do the hockey team’s signs,” she said.

“It has taken me a few weeks to do the lacrosse, baseball and softball teams.”

My Hometown Sports Being a big sports fan, Naugle enjoys rooting for the teams and players. When asked what she likes most about cheering them on, she said, “I get to see how happy they are doing what they love. I also love getting to know my classmates a lot better and form friendships with them. It makes me feel happy because not only am I enjoying a sports game, I am with my friends and making memories.”

Tyler Eberhart, another one of the captains on the hockey team, echoed the sentiment.

“She is always complimenting me on my hard work on the ice. Even outside of hockey, we both share music with each other and talk about how our days are going. She’s just a great person overall and that’s what the team and everyone else likes about her.”

Aside from the varsity teams, Naugle also supports the Unified team, where students with and without intellectual disabilities play on a team together. “I have been on the team since my freshman year and it has changed my life!” she exclaimed, noting that she’s become a mentor to the athletes, both on and off the basketball court. “I sit with them at lunch and make them feel better that they have someone to sit with.”

In her spare time, Naugle enjoys volunteering and working with Special Olympics New York. She is also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili, where she helps out with their food cupboard. Naugle will be graduating this year and attending SUNY Buffalo State in the fall to major in Speech Language Pathology.

Ashleigh and fellow fans cheer on the Saints. Provided photo.

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My Hometown May 2022 | 5

My Hometown Veterans

Reviving the Churchville American Legion Post

by Kenneth Juergens Driving on Buffalo Road heading into the Village of Churchville is an American Legion Post named after a local American WWI hero that gave his life to his Nation and lovingly remembered by his mother through her generous donation to construct the building in his memory. The Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954 has good bones, but has been in a caretaker status.

This past year, the Post seems to have been on one of those home renovation television shows. One of the scenes is where you go into a room full of moldy boxes and cobwebs and discover a classic Brunswick standard tournament pool table amongst the clutter. Daily discoveries make this mission fun and chart the progress. Thanks to a dedicated group of individuals from both inside and outside the Legion, the Post is updating and reviving the building and organization.

The buzz in the village about the changes and support from the Legion, which is under the new leadership, recently led to an unsolicited donation of $250 from Emily Rein, founder of Bloom Wellness, for the bathroom renovations and other projects. Then there are individuals like Wayne McConnell, 81 years old and a master building contractor, who has taken on lead roles to maintain and repair the legion, such as replacing the storm damaged roof, reflooring and carpeting key rooms in the building and, along with Mike Morris, taking on refinishing the hall’s wooden floor.

Another group of Legion family members, led by Sandra Gaffney, have redone the kitchen, painted bathrooms and rooms, and spent countless hours cleaning the Post. Cindy Branch, Wendy Wheeler, Letitia Juergens, Yvonne Knein, Bonnie Nau, Jackie Gallup, Ron and Tony Torcello, Craig Gertin, Anne Plucknette, Sandy Olsovsky, Mary Martin and others are all part of this team.

A key to this progress is vibrant leadership on all fronts. Through extensive engagement with the community, veterans, and members, the Legion family leads Monroe County in membership growth and has improved its finances where the size of dona-

Tish Juergens accepting a check from Emily Rein, Bloom Wellness.

tions to organizations has doubled and even tripled due to active fundraising. The Village support under the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and the leadership of Paul Robinson of the Department of Public Works during the Wreaths Across America, remembering our fallen with a wreath during Christmas, or repairing/replacing light poles and other major items has had a major impact. The Town of Riga in supporting the Memorial Day Legion projects and collecting flags for proper retirement at the Legion during its new Flag Day retirement ceremony also demonstrates this renewal of relationships. The Legion recently held a joint spaghetti meet and greet dinner with the Lions Club to look at working together for the betterment of the community and local veteran support.

On May 11 at 6:30 p.m., the Legion will host United Health and a presentation on Veterans benefits with Medicare.

Lastly, the Legion will have its annual open house during the Village of Churchville’s Walk About on June 16. All are invited to check out the Legion Family and the Post renovations.

Provided photos

Wendy Wheeler, Cindy Branch and Tish Juergens painting at the Legion.

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Tony Torcello, Wayne McConnell and Ron Torcello renovating the Legion.

My Hometown Schools

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The Byron-Bergen Chapter of the National Honor Society. Photo by Gretchen Spittler.

B-B welcomes new National Honor Society and Alumni Hall of Fame members The Byron-Bergen chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) welcomed 15 new student members on April 6. The ceremony also honored the three latest inductees to the Byron-Bergen Alumni Hall of Fame: Jerry Hulburt (1980), Angela Mech (1995), and Lacy Morgan-DeVelder (2001).

The event began with a welcome and congratulations from District Superintendent Patrick McGee and Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo followed by an address from Hulburt.

Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Hulburt (left) with Superintendent Patrick McGee (right). Photo by Gretchen Spittler.

Hulburt is currently the President of a telecommunications equipment manufacturer in Texas. He is also the owner/operator of an early childhood learning center that provides a safe, loving learning environment for 250 children. In his address, he referenced a line from the Byron-Bergen school song, “Learn to live and live to learn,” as a motto that he has taken with him as a life-long learner. Hulburt had also visited the school earlier that day, observing classes and enjoying lunch with several students.

The traditional National Honor Society candle lighting ceremony followed. It acknowledges the high standards students in NHS must exhibit in knowledge, character, leadership, service, and scholarship. The new members were called individually to receive their honor and then the group took the NHS pledge.

The ceremony was followed by the induction of Mech and Morgan-DeVelder to the Alumni Hall of Fame. Neither were able to attend in person. Mech accepted the honor via video. She currently resides in Maine where she is a Forest Health Specialist specializing in identifying tree pests and diseases. Superintendent McGee accepted the honor of behalf of Morgan-DeVelder. She is a therapist and co-founder of the Coop Cup for Brain Cancer Research, which raises money for the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

National Honor Society membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but also challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. The organization has chapters in all 50 states, Canada, and beyond Provided information.

My Hometown May 2022 | 7

My Hometown Schools

Arts and Athletics: Collaboration by design at C-C High School Opportunities are rare for graphic arts students to experience the real creative challenges faced by professional graphic designers.

Students in Churchville-Chili Senior High School’s Digital Imaging class enthusiastically embraced a chance to compete to design the cover art for the 2022 New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA) Annual Conference program.

The NYSAAA is a state professional organization administered by and for high school athletic administrators dedicated to promoting professional growth and enhancing interscholastic athletics for all. C-C SHS Athletic Director Michael Murray is also this year’s NYSAAA President and organizer of the annual week-long conference that featured many Shown (l-r) are Churchville-Chili SHS Athletic Director Michael Murray, artist Aidan Babcock, artist Finn Atene, and nationally-known speakers. art teacher Jonathan Woodard. Provided photo.

He needed a striking, conference-defining image for the event’s 20-page printed booklet with a “wish list” of what would make the most successful design and recognized an exciting chance to collaborate with the art solution. As the artists developed and fine-tuned their digital artdepartment. work, Murray was available for helpful critiques. The artists had “I’ve always found that art and athletics have a lot in common,” many opportunities to hone their listening skills and to see how Murray said. “I’m very familiar with the exceptional talent in our their client responded to different ideas. art classes. This was a perfect opportunity for our departments “Since this really came down to a competition to ‘win’ the to work together to benefit students.” chance to have their work published, you would have thought “All my class assignments are designed to give students a that the class would have kept their ideas to themselves,” said sense of what an art studio and client work environment might Woodard, “but they were energized by the work environment look like,” said Digital Imaging teacher Jonathan Woodard. “The and were willing to share with each other to encourage creative best part of this project was that they were able to meet with an development.” actual client. Mike came in for the initial brainstorming session He said, “Overall the students loved the process and working to explain what was needed, share print specifications and set for a real client. The end products were all so good that Mike had design expectations.” a tough time making a final selection. He eventually used two deMurray introduced the young artists to his conference theme signs, one for the cover and the other within the publication.” of “United for Excellence” which centered around making imThe chosen design used for the booklet’s cover was created by provements in the areas of diversity and inclusion. He explained 10th-grader Aidan Babcock. Conference Keynote speaker, NFL Hall the concept: In NY, we are a very diverse state. As we strive for of Fame inductee and former wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills, excellence, we must all be united – working together; including Andre Reed, autographed a copy of the program for Babcock. everyone. He set size, color and design requirements, including The second design was created by senior Finn Atene. It featured incorporating the logo and up to 10 different language treatments educator and trailblazer Maia Chaka, the first black woman to of the theme. Woodard created a professional job ticket, listing join the on-field officiating staff in the NFL and another Keynote other technical requirements and instructions. speaker at the conference. A delighted Chaka also autographed Students developed initial sketches that they pitched to Murray the artwork for its designer.

Provided information in a second meeting. He provided constructive feedback, along

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My Hometown Scouts

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Eagle Scouts contribute over $1 million to local communities The Seneca Waterways Council recently celebrated 163 Eagle Scouts and service projects which provided over $1 million in community improvements, and awarded Rochester metal sculptor and artist Albert Paley with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Scouts were honored for achieving Scouting’s Highest Rank of Eagle Scout at the 71st Annual Eagle Scout Mentor Dinner, hosted by the Seneca Waterways Council, Boy Scouts of America on April 5 at the Hyatt Regency Rochester.

Twelve Scouts from five New York State counties were honored with Eagle Project of the Month recognitions, for providing service projects that offered significant benefits in their communities.

Service projects are a final requirement for achievement of Eagle Scout, and provide scouts with a high level of skill development in project and leadership management. Out of these twelve projects, one was selected as Eagle Project of the Year and that honor was presented to Eagle Scout Rebecca Bober from Troop 410 in Honeoye Falls. Bober’s conservation project included trail restoration, removal of invasive plants species, and a bench installation for the Penfield Community Victory Garden. Through Bober’s leadership, 50 volunteers worked over 340 hours on the project. The value of Bober’s project was $8,486.

The cumulative efforts of these 163 Eagle Scout service projects are impressive. Improvements such as trail restoration; construction of Veteran memorials; installations of benches, shelving, and fencing; benefit churches, service clubs, fire departments and other community organizations and public spaces. Total benefits for 163 communities from the Class of 2021 Eagle Scouts service projects were: 3,623 volunteers; 28,942 volunteer work hours; and a value of $1,031,722.

The Council also presented the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA) to Eagle Scout Albert Paley, celebrating his lifetime achievement and international recognition as an American modernist metal sculptor and artist. Paley is a Class of 1958 Eagle Scout from Troop 109 in Pennsauken, NJ and has been an active artist for over 50 years at his Rochester studio. The DESA was established by the National Eagle Scouts Association to recognize Eagle Scouts who achieve extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their profession and/or service to the nation and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.

Albert Paley (center) receiving the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

Paley is the first metal sculptor and non-architect to receive the Institute Honors Award, the highest recognition presented by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He has been commissioned by both public institutions and private corporations and has completed more than 50 site-specific works. Paley has become one of the most distinguished and influential metalsmiths in the world. The award was presented to Paley by Dr. David Munson, Class of 1968 Eagle Scout, and President of the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Additional highlights of the night included recognition of Eagle Scout Andrew Fullone from Troop 167 in Pittsford, recipient of a Louis and Sally Langie Eagle Scout Scholarship for $20,000 towards college education; and each of the 163 Eagle Scouts were matched with career mentors, local professionals who sponsor individual Scouts and attend as guests to spend dinner time learning about their Scout’s goals and aspirations while sharing professional experiences and insights.

Provided information and photos

Rochester’s 2021 Eagle Scout Class.

My Hometown May 2022 | 9

My Hometown Neighbors

An Intentional Community - Homesteads for Hope

by Barbara Burke At Homesteads for Hope Community Farm, “It’s not about growing the tomatoes, it’s about growing people.”

Jennyrae Brongo, along with her mother Luann, founded Homesteads for Hope in 2013 to address an important need in their family, a need felt by many families.

“We are here to serve people of all abilities, with and without disabilities.

We are for adults 18 years and older who graduated high school and find a void when the school bus stops. What happens to that person? There is such a shortage of services, especially since many group homes and day care services closed during the pandemic. We are about being an inclusive community; we are about participation in an intentional community. Everyone has a job here and works to their own unique abilities. We focus on what you can do.

We are open to the public, and embrace all. We are about learning and leading a purposeful life, all in nature’s classroom.

Not everyone is destined for college. We teach real-life skills, something everyone needs to sustain life,” Brongo said.

Homesteads for Hope is a 55-acre farm where people with disabilities are not overwhelmed by the environment. Volunteers filled eggs for the hunters to find.

Located at 2185 Manitou Road, the farm is 10 minutes west of Downtown Rochester, directly on the wide waters of the historic Erie Canal.

Homesteads’ classroom is the great outdoors, which provides a peaceful and therapeutic environment for anyone who sets foot on it, no matter their ability level. “Many in our community have never seen a large body of water, and working next to the water opens up a whole new world. We are always outside working; nature needs us. We have no TVs, no tablets. We are about the learning experience and a hands-on approach to developing skills, life lessons, and work education that allows students to flourish in the greater community,” Brongo said.

The Ready! Set! Work! program allows enrolled members the opportunity to learn to work in different business models on the farm. As they develop, further skills can be learned by volunteering to work around the farm. There are opportunities to work on the CSA Farm Share, in the Farm Store, at the Café, in the Office, at the Farmers Market, at the Barn Venue, and new this summer at the Harvest Pizza & Grill. “Working on the farm builds confidence, awareness, inclusion, and purpose. Parents tell me all the time that their children say this is their favorite place to be. Many parents say they could never have imagined their child could do the work they see them doing and enjoying. We teach and allow students to do real stuff; this is really life at the farm. We have 35 apprentices learning life work here, and they run the show. This Fiona, age 2 1/2, anxiously waiting to gather Easter eggs.

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Those enrolled in the Ready! Set! Work! program learn to work in different business models on the farm, including the Farm Store, shown above. is their farm; they own the place,” Brongo said.

Everyone knows someone with autism. Statistics show that one in six people have some form of autism. The goal of Homesteads for Hope is to create a community where inclusiveness is the norm.

“It is all about creating a future for our children and grandchildren.

For them to not just survive, but to also be self-sustaining, to have a job and a place to lead a purposeful life,” Brongo said.

There are many ways to get involved with the Homesteads for Hope Community Farm. There are three levels of membership in the Homesteads family. The Social Membership level allows participation in the day-to-day of the farm, free social programs, discounted events, and seven-day access to the farm for recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, kayak storage, and use of picnic facilities.

The Garden Membership level is about learning to grow your own food. It includes a 5’x10’ plot in the Community Garden, soil, water access, shared tools, seeds, plants, and workshops led by farm staff, plus all benefits of the Social Program.

There is also a CSA Membership that provides all the Social Membership benefits, along with a 22-week food share, providing five to eight items per week of organically grown produce, freshly picked and ready to be picked up on Thursdays. The farm provides over 100 unique varieties of flowers, tomatoes, herbs, greens, and much more. For complete details of each program’s benefits, visit the Memberships page at www.homesteadsforhope.org.

Homesteads for Hope Community Farm also hosts many Community Events, and the public is invited to join in the fun. Upcoming for this year are a Father’s Day Fishing Derby, Food Truck Rodeos with Bands, Harvest Family BBQ, Barn Dances, Trunk or Treat at Halloween, and more.

Every Thursday, June through October, from 5 to 8 p.m. is “Thursdays at the Farm,” featuring farm and artisan vendors, Harvest Pizza & Grill, Farm Cafe, Live Music, and more. All events are open to the public.

The barn at Homesteads for Hope is also available for rental for weddings, private events, life celebrations, fundraisers, and

Tim Rowland, Chris Lepsch and Dan Dixon. more. See the Homesteads for Hope website, www.homesteadsforhope.org, for details about planning an event at the “Venue with a Purpose.”

There are many different ways to get involved and volunteer continued on page 12

My Hometown May 2022 | 11

Spread throughout the farm are little fairy gardens. Above is a fishing fairy garden hidden in the nook of a tree. When you come to visit see how many you can find!! continued from page 11

your time working at the farm. You can become a farmer, a “sidekick” sharing your skills to train members, or a construction volunteer, helping to maintain and repair the many structures on the farm, all of which are over 200 years old. “We rely on grants, donations, and proceeds from our events to operate our farm.

The CSA program is a major part of where our operational funds come from. We appreciate all monetary donations. We want to sustain the farm and support our over 200 family members, making sure we can serve and take care of the people entrusted to us,” Brongo said.

Future plans include the development of 30 acres set aside for building residential housing, a place to truly “Learn. Work. Live.

Grow.”

For more information on all that Homesteads for Hope Community Farm offers, go to www.homesteadsforhope.org or stop in for a visit - the doors are always open, and there is always someone around on the farm.

Homestead for Hope hosted an inclusive Easter Egg Hunt for all ages and abilities on Friday, April 15. The event was run by the farm’s Ready! Set! Work! Apprentices.

Photos by Karen Fien.

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My Hometown History

index Plaque Commemorates The First Meeting of Chili Submitted by Bonnie Moore On Saturday, April 2, 2022 the Town of Chili celebrated another of its events to commemorate the town’s Bicentennial. The town gathered to witness a modern rendition of the first town board meeting in 1822. Before that meeting began, townspeople assembled outside at the flagpole. A historical bronze and gold marker

Plaque that was unveiled. Provided photo.

was unveiled. Its inscription stated that Chili was established by the New York State Legislature on February 22 in 1822 and that Joseph Sibley was the first supervisor.

Historic Preservation Board Members: Earl Bassett, Jessica Foley, Tammy Canfield - Vice Chair, Peter Widener - Chair, Linda Hamilton - Secretary, Bonnie Moore. Provided photo.

Councilman James Valerio, County Legislator Tracy DiFlorio, Councilman Mark DeCory, Town Clerk Virginia Ignatowski, Supervisor David Dunning, Bonnie Moore, Previous Town Historian & Member of the Historic Preservation Board, Deputy Supervisor Michael Slattery, and Councilwoman Mary Sperr.

Provided photo.

My Hometown May 2022 | 13

My Hometown History

First Chili Board Meeting Reenacted on Bicentennial

Town Clerk Virginia Ignatowski, Deputy Supervisor/Councilman Michael Slattery, Councilman James Valerio, Supervisor David Dunning, Councilwoman Mary Sperr, Councilman Mark DeCory, Town Counsel Jared Hirt (Conducting the Town Board Meeting). Provided photo.

Submitted by Bonnie Moore Will the meeting come to order.

A brand-new town was stirring on April 2, 1822. The Chili townspeople were embarking on a new venture. Now separated from Riga, a sense of newness was in the air. It was late in the morning, mostly because farmers needed to finish early morning chores--feeding the animals, and milking the cows. The fog had lifted in the lower regions. The past few days were marked by heavy rains and contributed to flooding in fields and roadways.

But that was not going to deter the people from getting to James Coleman’s Inn where the government was going to form. The Inn was located at what is now Union Street and Chili Avenue--also known as Bucksbee Corners. Residents from the little hamlet of Clifton found the roads impassable. Likewise, North Chili became a swamp. The crossroads at Union and Buffalo Road near the Stagecoach Inn presented a difficulty which only hearty souls could master. Union Street just south of Chili Avenue was flooded because Black Creek overflowed its banks.

Bicentennial Cake was served after the Town Board Meeting on April 2.

Provided photo.

We don’t know how many people chose to stay home, but it was apparent that neither weather nor nature would keep citizens from participating in their historic moment in time.

When the citizens assembled for their first town board meeting, the selection of Chili’s supervisor was first on the agenda. There did not appear to be anyone else other than the distinguished businessman, Joseph Sibley. No one challenged the choice. Next came the election of a constable, the man who had the respect of the community. Following this, path masters (or overseers) were named. Their duty was to keep their territory safe from potholes and other dangers.

That Yankee-can-do spirit prevails today in the hometown we call Chili.

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My Hometown History

indexEnjoying Some “Egg-citing” Activities At The Chili Recreation Easter Egg Hunt!

Senator Ed Rath and Monroe County Legislator Tracy DiFlorio each presented a Certificate Commemorating Chili’s 200th Anniversary. Shown are (l-r): Supervisor David Dunning, Councilwoman Mary Sperr, and Senator Ed Rath (top photo) / Monroe County Legislator Tracy DiFlorio (bottom photo). Provided photos.

My Hometown May 2022 | 15

My Hometown History

History of Rochester Revisited: Roots of Revival & Reformation Documentary tells the spiritual history of the region “I Am Rochester,” a full-length documentary produced by LifeTree Media & Movement, is about the spiritual and social history of the Rochester region. Directed by Pastor Garrett Wendt, and written by Pastor Mark DuPre and Wendt, this locally produced film has been nearly four years in the making. It premiered April 24 at at Bethel Christian Fellowship in Rochester, and will be released on select streaming platforms on May 1.

“Our goal is to remind everyone living here that Rochester has an identity of its own that sets it apart,” says Wendt. “We had the most transformative and powerful Christian revival in American history take place here with the Rev. Charles Finney, and we’re also the home of world renown reformers, Frederick, Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. But there is so much more that sets us apart, from the unification of the Haudenosaunee Nations to the great William Morgan and Sam Patch scandals to the rise of Mormonism and Spiritualism. Rochester has always been a hotbed religiously, and has been an influential center for unity, abolition, and the elevation of women. It’s time to recognize and reclaim the identity that God’s given us.”

The film features reenactments of some of the more important moments in Rochester’s history, as well as interviews with many local and even national leaders, such as Rev. Dr. Alveda King (niece of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Kenneth B. Morris (great, great, great grandson of Frederick Douglass), Chuck Pierce, and Dutch Sheets to name a few.

For information on the film or to see movie’s trailer, go to www. iamrochester.com.

Provided information

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June 1, 2022 16 | My Hometown May 2022

My Hometown Schools

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Churchville-Chili students show in NYSATA Region 2 Student Art Exhibit Several Churchville-Chili Central School District student had their artwork included in the 2022 New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Region 2 Student Art Exhibit.

•From Churchville-Chili High School (art teachers Jonathan Woodard, Kelly Bosco and student teacher Becky Miller): Allie Barrow, Audrey Booth, Morgan Brooks, Sabrina Cousins, Ali DeMatteo, Sydney Goettel, Annabelle Houlihan, Connor Irving, Jack Kemp, Abbey Lyon, Erin Peterson, and Patrick Ward.

•From Ninth Grade Academy (art teacher Jordyn Wolcott): Michaela Goettel and Samantha Marvin.

•From Churchville-Chili Middle School (art teachers Anne Clancy and Gretchen Foehner): Gianna Denning, Maron Freece, Savannah McKay, and Joshua Navidad.

•From Churchville Elementary School (art teacher Anne Clancy): John Gaby (grade 1) and Zoey Zambuto (grade 4).

•From Chestnut Ridge Elementary School (art teacher Ariana D’Angelo): Kayda Mitchell (grade 3), Penelope Tamoutselis (grade 3), and Greyson Zawistowski (grade 3).

•From Fairbanks Road Elementary School (art teacher Gretchen Foehner): Dominic Cerretto (grade 2) and Sabre Smith (grade 2).

The invitational exhibit featured artists who were chosen by their teachers. The exhibit can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/nysataregion2. The New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) is a non-profit professional organization with the purpose of advancing the cause of art education. Members include preschool through university level art educators, art administrators, museum educators, school administrators and school districts. Monroe County is part of Region 2 (Finger Lakes). For information visit https://www.nysata.org/.

Chestnut Ridge School artist Grayson Zawistowski (grade 3).

Provided information and photos

Churchville-Chili Middle School artist Maron Freece (grade 8).

Ninth Grade Academy student Samantha Marvin.

My Hometown May 2022 | 17

My Hometown Youth Programs

Camp Invention summer STEM program coming to Churchville Camp Invention®, a nationally recognized, nonprofit summer enrichment program, is coming to Fairbanks Road Elementary School the week of August 1 through 5, 2022.

A program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF) 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 (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning; builds confidence, leadership, perseverance and resourcefulness; and encourages entrepreneurship - all in a fun and engaging environment.

Each year, the program features a new curriculum inspired by some of our nation’s most world-changing inventors - the NIHF Hall of Famers. This year’s Explore program encourages children to be confident in their ideas and explore their innovativeness though hands-on activities including: •Robotic Aquatics™ – Children will dive into cutting-edge ocean research as they adopt their own aquatic animals, design and patent aquatic plants, and take their new friend home in a mini tank.

•NIHF’s The Attic™ – Campers will combine science and art to build their own robotic artist, engage in design thinking, make spin art, and learn how inventions can change the way people create.

•Spacecation™ – Children will discover real space exploration technology when they create Spacepacks and Astro-Arm devices, mine an asteroid, and observe erupting ice volcanoes.

•Marble Arcade™ – Campers will experiment with the fun of physics, engineering, and gaming as they design, build, and test their own mega marble arcades.

The new Camp Invention program for 2022 has been developed with safety in mind. Programs will follow state and local guidelines to help provide a healthy, safe, and fun environment.

“The core learning experience that my girls received and the inspiration to look at items innovatively, pushing the boundaries of their imagination, and bringing it to life was awe-inspiring,” said the parent of 2021 campers. “They have benefited tremendously, learning they can make a difference in creating for the world they live in.”

All local Camp Invention programs are facilitated and taught by certified educators who reside and teach in the community.

Camp Invention serves 130,000 students every year and partners with more than 1,800 schools and districts across the nation. For information or to register, visit invent.org/camp.

Provided information

Take flight through Young Eagles program

Launched in 1992, the Young Eagles program has dedicated more than 30 years to giving youths ages eight to 17 their first ride in a general aviation airplane. It’s the only program of its kind with the sole mission to introduce and inspire children in the world of aviation.

EAA Chapter 44 is holding flight events at the WNY Sport Aviation Center, 44 Eisenhauer Drive, Brockport on the following dates: May 21, 9 a.m. to noon; June 18, 3 to 6 p.m.; July 23, 3 to 6 p.m.; August 20, 3 to 6 p.m.; and September 10, 9 a.m. to noon.

These free flights are made possible by the generosity of EAA volunteer members. To pre-register and for more information, email youngeagles44@gmail.com.

Provided information

18 | My Hometown May 2022

My Hometown Volunteers

index

Chief Melissa Geffert (fourth from left) with some of the 48 women on the GVAS staff.

Gates Volunteer Ambulance celebrates Women’s History Month The 2022 National Women’s History Theme is “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope.” This is a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.

Gates Ambulance has 48 women staff members on its team.

It also has the only female Chief out of all the EMS Agencies in Monroe County. Since becoming chief in 2014, Melissa Geffert has led a staff of over 100 people and an organization that responds to over 8,500 calls a year.

GVAS was able to get a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Several were not pictured due to being on calls at the time of the photo.

Provided information and photo

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My Hometown May 2022 | 19

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