WOMEN’S FOUNDATION ENCOURAGES COMMUNITY SUPPORT

KAYLEE DUDA

When you hear the word “poverty,” you might picture something that exists somewhere other than your area. However, poverty a ects a lot of people in New York and throughout America, especially women and girls.

e minimum income required for a family to cover basic expenses (food, housing, transportation, health care, and childcare) is much higher than the federal poverty line, and it’s also higher than what an individual working full-time at minimum wage makes. Salaries of half of all women-headed households are insu cient to cover basic necessities.

Young women miss opportunities others take advantage of every day due to poverty, because they’re underestimated or not given the chance to prove themselves.

So what can be done to address this problem and provide women with such chances? e Women’s Foundation of Genesee Valley has the start of a solution. Established in 1994, their mission is to “promote economic self-su ciency for women and girls through grant-making, education, and advocacy.” women encouraging women to follow aspirations or persevere through challenging times encourages readers. Women have an incredible in uence on this planet. e Women’s Foundation currently assists more than 1,400 women and girls annually. In addition, its inception, the Foundation has given more than 280 grants to over 100 groups that directly help women and girls overcome poverty-related obstacles. Some organizations they commonly donate to include the Veterans Outreach Center, ProsperRochester, Inc., Rochester Regional Health, and Project Independence at Health Moms. Some organizations are selected through the Women’s Foundation’s grant-making committees where girls and women from our community collaborate to determine where the grant will be most advantageous while learning more about and caring for the city. e Women’s Foundation also runs multiple initiatives, one of which is the Girl’s Initiative, deepening teenage girls’ learning opportunities and enhancing their social-emotional development. is program now operates in three countries, with over 500 girls, who hear from strong women who have overcome a variety of hurdles through its programs.

One story that pulls at the heart is that of a mother-inlaw honoring her daughter-inlaw, who at only 33 years old is a breast cancer survivor. e mother-in-law says, “She is my hero and I am there for her every day.” Every day, this foundation reminds us how important essential people in our lives are. It also inspires people to give back to the community and improve the lives of others.

While supporting women in their endeavors against poverty, donatingtolocalorganizations,ando eringlearningopportunitiesto teenage girls, the Women’s Foundation also publishes comprehensive studies on the economic status of women in the Rochester region, using data from past U.S. Censuses to explore income adequacy.

Studies show the proportion of children living in poverty exceeds double digits in each of the seven counties the Women’s Foundation serves, with Rochester having one of the highest child poverty rates in the country at 47%. is fact alone encourages support for the cause and work to reduce our child poverty rates. Even more troubling is data that the median income for women-led families in all counties is lower than that of male heads of households and married couples.

In addition to defending against the threat of poverty, which denieswomenaccesstoopportunities,thisfoundationo ersatribute page that encourages women to submit their own tales recognizing a woman who positively impacted their lives. Reading the stories of e Women’s Foundation will hostaPurseforChangefundraising event in June, with more details to come. Interim Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation, Krystle Ellis, says, “ is event attracts hundreds of kindhearted supporters who are passionate about supporting women and girls.”

Women have struggled for equality for countless years, but we are still disproportionately behind and will remain so without the help of organizations such as the Women’s Foundation, whose e orts elevate women and ensure a better future for countless deserving people.

To register for the Women’s Foundation’s email list to receive news and updates, volunteer opportunities, and donation prospects, visit their website: womensfoundation.org.

St. George - Forsythe Funeral Home andM uments

109 West Naples St. • Wayland, NY 14572 (585) 728-2100

March 27, 2023

Springwater: Margaret Mary Ryan, 64 years of age, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023 at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville.

Margaret was born March 20, 1959 in Rochester, the daughter of James R. and Patricia M. (McKay) Ryan. She grew up in Rochester, Geneseo and Mt. Morris. Margaret then moved back to Rochester for a short time and nally settled in Springwater where she had resided since. She graduated from Mt. Morris Central School in 1977 and also attended the University of Bu alo. She worked at several di erent places throughout her life, most recently at Morgan Estates in Geneseo as a Dietary Aid.

Margaret loved her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Spending time with her grandchildren was a favorite of hers. She never missed a birthday card for all of her family, including their pets! She enjoyed cooking, entertaining, being a grandma and going to the Farmer’s Market. Margaret was very intelligent, well read and artistic. She played softball, enjoyed camping and just about anything to do with the outdoors.

Margaret was pre-deceased by her parents, James and Patricia Ryan. She is survived by her children, Matt Coniglio (Alexis Melone) of Rochester, Martin Coniglio of Mt. Morris, Jillian (Bob) Torella of Buffalo, Kerry Coniglio of Rochester and Candace Coniglio of Rochester; her grandchildren, Aiden, Liam and Carson Coniglio and Lydia and Wesley Torella; her siblings, Anne Ryan (Shawn Coyne) of Avon, Judith (Peter) Co ey of Wayland and omas Ryan of Avon; along with several nieces and nephews.

Margaret’s funeral services will be private and at the convenience of her family.

Flower Meanings

If you would like to customize your arrangement of funeral flowers further, there are more flower meanings that might express your sentiments in this time of grief and remembrance. Though they may not be the traditional funeral flowers, any flowers that share your sympathy with the bereaved and celebrate the deceased’s memory are appropriate for a funeral. The xeranthemum symbolizes eternity and immortality. Cyclamens say “goodbye”¤? and forget-me-nots send a message of faithful love and memories. Marjoram conveys comfort and consolation. The nasturtium celebrates patriotism. If you are aware of flowers that were a favorite of the deceased or that a member of the bereaved family particularly favors, those blooms may also be a good choice for a funeral gift. Whatever flowers you choose to send, your thoughtful message of sympathy will certainly be a comfort to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one.

A er graduating from e State Teacher’s College at Boston, Florence used her creativity and unique teaching style to in uence her children, the neighborhood kids, and CCD classes at Sacred Heart Church in “Perk.” She loved to laugh and enjoyed the company of others. A loud house with many boisterous children always made her happy. Ever sel ess, Florence sought to comfort others and sacri ced her time for friends and family. Next only to her family and friends was her love for the Boston Red Sox, which spanned her lifetime. is included attending games at Fenway Park in her teens and watching every Sox game on MLB for the past several seasons, all while analyzing each game over the phone with her two devoted sisters.

Florence was predeceased by her parents, husband, Ronald Haydon, and nephew, Matthew West eld. She is survived by her six younger siblings, Frank (Emily) West eld, Madeline (Drake) Dierkhising, John (Robin) West eld, Charles (Susan) West eld, Mary Sulls, and Joseph (Margaret) West eld; four children, Edward, Rebecca, Nancy, and Joseph Haydon; daughter-in-law Melissa (Mecham) Haydon, and two grandsons, Bryce and Chase, along with several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A mass will be said in her name at Sacred Heart Church of the Holy Family in Perkinsville, NY on a future date. In lieu of owers, anyone interested can donate to the Vincent House of Wayland.

Anthony Joseph Savino

March 26, 2023

A force of authenticity left this world with the passing of Anthony Joseph Savino, “Tony,” 91, of Painted Post, NY, when he peacefully entered his nal slumber with family by his side on March 26, 2023. He eagerly joins the love of his life, forever bride of 60 years, Suanne O’Hara Savino in the Lord’s everlasting light. Together they built and enjoyed a beautiful and adventurous life with their four children. Surviving are his sons, Michael (and Michelle) and three granddaughters, Kathryn, Lauren and Piper of Darien, CT; omas of Corning; and daughters, Kathleen (and Kevin) Foley of Colts Neck, NJ, and Mary Jo of Boston; his brother, Carl (and Olga) of Cortland; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and -nephews and grand-grands; and cousins in the Rochester area. He is predeceased by his wife, Suanne O’Hara Savino (Aug 2020) and his brothers, Frank (Niagara Falls, NY), Donald Savino (Geneseo, NY) and Joseph (Cuba, NY). Anthony was a devout Roman Catholic and a communicant of All Saints Parish.

Anthony’s spirit was infectiously authentic; an articulate fully lived-man, never shying away from orating,advocating and protecting what he believed was right, not only for himself but for society and those who lacked the strength or conviction to do it for themselves. A true Patriot and Christian, he never quieted his beliefs when they were encroached upon for himself or strangers. e di cult path never deterred the courage and bravery of Anthony, whether a proponent for his Country, his family or the Rights of Man. Having an unpopular opinion never gave any pause to Tony in his writings, demonstrations and orations. His life leaves marks of change and course corrections that others have and will continue to bene t from. His conviction to his country,his God and his family were unfailing.He was e Man in the Arena. He did it his way.

Born in di cult times, March 21, 1932, in Dansville, New York to hard working Italian immigrant parents, Joseph and Josephine (Rongo) Savino, who emigrated via Ellis Island as teenagers, making their way with limited English and creating a beautiful Italian family of 5 sons, with Tony the youngest. e boys bene ted from all the genuine trappings of an early 1900s life in Groveland of simple means: country play,exploration,patriotic perspectives, shenanigans and nuclear family discipline in a changing America post-Great Depression. His father was employed by Lackawanna Railroad, Groveland Station, NY and his mother with her skills from the old country, impressively farmed their 2 acres, subsidizing their existence by selling chickens, vegetables, eggs, fruit pies, and excess grapes from the family vines – not used for making their own wine.

Anthony leaves this earth with strong hands, lifelong vigor and a kind, caring heart for the earth and its creatures. From working the elds of the Groveland Flats with his mother and brothers for $.10 a day, assisting with laundry for train crew hosteling locally, and laboring with his brothers repairing Lackawanna Railroad ties of Wayland Hills incline to later in life satiating his love for cement work and construction, he fully utilized the strength and talent given to him by God all the days of his life. His love and respective for animals ran deep in his soul from childhood, caring for a family barn of chickens, rabbits and occasional lamb; and always a beagle named Jack. His connection with the love of gardening, fruit trees and grapevines was cultivated by his mother and father.

Anthony attended Groveland School until its closure in 1947 then nished at Mount Morris High School, bringing his tenacious spirit to the elds in not only soccer, but also as a lineman of a “not only undefeated but unscored upon football team.”His passion for learning,writing,questioning and hard work brought him to State University of Geneseo College where he completed his Bachelor Degree in Education – while certainly not neglecting his social and fraternal activities of the Delta Kappa Epsilon (“DKE”) house there. Summers on Conesus Lake he was the “Fry King”of the Fry stand while his fraternity brothers worked the beer tent - for perfect bartering. Winter months he was a manual pin setter at the bowling alley nearby.After his Military service,he earned a Masters in Education through

Syracuse University; and pursued subsequent post-graduate studies on the Doctoral track in Education and Psychology; culminating over 208 credits across 11 Universities.

Anthony joined the United States Army 5th Cavalry Division. He served honorably during the Korean War in a critical Administration role in Japan Headquarters for Generals, supporting creation and delivery of critical, often Top Secret documents. Arriving by ship in December with 1,000 other troops, they journeyed on the rough seas for days – crossing the International Dateline and skipping Christmas Day 1954 entirely. He enjoyed every opportunity for Leave to enjoy the culture and excitement of this new world of Asia. He was honorably discharged with various awarded medals.

Upon returning home to New York state his successful teaching and administration career spanned decades and across diverse school systems of rural upstate and a uent downstate (Wyoming Central, Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Otsego County, Dutchess County, Je ersonvilleYoungsville, Bradford); earning accolades as a Teacher, Principal and Superintendent.

It was a friendship made during his Geneseo days that led him to the introduction of the woman he would fall in love with, Suanne O’Hara of Utica, New York. After a courtship complete with convertible rides, ice cream sodas and Adirondack outings,they were married August 20,1960 by Suanne’s cousin, Reverend William Donavan at St. John Cathedral, Utica. ey enjoyed their slightly-shy-of 60 years of marriage, mostly, in Upstate and Western NY. Anthony’s profession in school systems introduced them and their children to the diverse areas of New York State. Together, as their children grew, Tony assured that family adventure was a key element – owning pools, boats and extra-long toboggans. Downhill skiing, pond skating and snowmobiling the Catskills, and lake swimming, boating and waterskiing – often as 3 people at a time sharpened both skills and resilience.

Tony also delighted in hunting with his sons.He was proud of his children, their pursuits and accomplishments: omas retired from the Military and applied his 82nd Airborne skills as a Smoke Jumper out West; Michael became a seasoned investor and raised 3 impressive young ladies; Kathleen became an environmental scientist and Mary Jo became a business-savvy entrepreneur. An avid fan of sports, sparring and the spirit of “the best man wins,”Tony himself remained active and was a formidable basketball,soccer and baseball referee for high school and college.

Following his success as Superintendent capstone accomplishment securing the building of a new Bradford school, he retired from education and transitioned those skills to the next chapter of life: a business owner. Tony and Suanne were the proprietors of e Bourbon Shoppe Painted Post; soon thereafter adding e Erwin Motel. As a couple they enjoyed this new lifestyle for 20 years until their retirement. ey enjoyed travel to Italy, Ireland, US Virgin Islands, and Northern California to Cape Cod and Florida to Maine. In their later years, you could nd them enjoying Keuka Lake from the Hammondsport Park benches. He and his wife were members of the Argon Dance Club, his Dean Martin voice often on a karaoke mic; and with his sharp mind an ideal Bridge partner, day-trader or pro se litigator. He relished in engaging with others, sharing stories of joy, lessons learned, quandary or Biblical. A conversation, of agreement or debate, were equally enjoyable. With a big hat, a big cross and little bus, Tony was hard to miss.

Tony found true contentment in his nal years on Hillcrest Drive in a home partially build by his own hands,and as an ornithologist and nature lover he delighted in the treasure trove of bird species and visiting deer, bunnies and occasional black bear napping on his porch.Tony was full of life and energy until his last month, buzzing about town in his blue truck, giving advice from plumbing to life strategies.

Visiting hours will be held at Phillips Funeral Home, 17 W. Pulteney St, Corning, NY, Friday, March 31st 5-7:30PM and Saturday, April 1st 9:00 –10:15AM. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, April 1 11AM at St. Mary’s Church of Corning; burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery and reception to follow nearby.

The term ‘jazz’ means energy, vitality, and enthusiasm that fits the soul of the music. It is originally derived from the word ‘jasm’ meaning spirit and energy.