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.

Love to write? You could earn CASH when you share your original story, personal experience, community happening or school event with us! It may be featured on our popular website for all to see and even selected for print! Go to My Hometown at www.gvpennysaver.com or email hometown@gvpennysaver.com!

Margaret Mary Ryan

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.

We might at first assume that Voltaire was teasing when he suggests that one who answers every question was ignorant. Surely such a person must be extremely intelligent, perhaps the most intelligent person who ever lived!

That is precisely Voltaire’s point. No one could possibly be so intelligent as to have the answer to every question. Only chose so ignorant that they fail to understand their own limitations would try to answer every question that anyone might ask.

Our understanding and compassion is the basis for the advice that we provide to families who must make decisions under stress. We do not take this responsibility lightly.

The online financial resource Investopedia notes that wills are legally enforceable documents that dictate how people want their affairs handled and assets allocated in the wake of their deaths.

Wills should include a host of information, including who a person wants to assume guardianship of their minor-aged children should they pass away. This is especially important information to include in a will, as surviving relatives may have to go to court to contest guardianship if parents do not dictate who they want to serve as guardians in their wills.

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.

omas Andrew Wallon March 11, 2023

omas Andrew Wallon, of Englewood, Florida, better known as Tom or T.A.,passed away on March 11, 2023 after complications from surgery. He had been looking forward to his 80th birthday which unfortunately took place in the hospital on February 12th (his Bu alo Bills nor Jacksonville Jaguars were in the Super Bowl that day). He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Diane Gillespie Wallon of Mans eld,PA;his daughter,Dru Wallon ofTelluride,CO and more recently Sarasota, FL; his son, Shea and daughter-in-law, Betsy Wallon of Wilton, CT; his grandkids, Natalie and Davis Wallon; sister-in-law, Sharon Furman and Nathan Pendleton of Venice, FL; and family and friends in Western New York, Maryland and all around Florida. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Helen Wallon of Olean, NY and then Holiday, FL; and John P Kolata of Olean, NY who was more of a brother than an uncle.

Tom graduated from Olean High School in 1960 & Mans eld University in 1965 where he met Diane. He was a starting forward on the Mountaineer’s 1964 basketball team that advanced to the quarter nals of the NAIA National Championship, an achievement he still spoke of fondly in recent years.

He started teaching in Corning, NY before pursuing graduate/doctoral studies in education in Albany, NY which led to a position of elementary school principal at Avon Central School in 1973. He loved his job, the teachers,administrativesta andthestudentsatAvonuntilheproudlyretired in 1998. Also during this time, he and Diane caught the entrepreneurship bug and got into the marina and restaurant businesses on Conesus Lake which lled up his time after school and on the weekends.

After retiring from Avon, he and Diane then embarked on their next adventure with a move to Florida to enjoy the warmer weather and to pursue his love of golf with the goal to shoot his age at least one time. He also decided to take on another principal position at Windy Hill Elementary in Jacksonville, FL to see if he could apply his long-term skills in a new environment. He found this experience to be rewarding and, like at Avon, made long-term friends. He retired for good in 2006 to really kick his golf game into high gear, making several hole-in-ones!

Tom dedicated his life to his family,friends,education,golf,his dogs and his passion for all water sports.After a long day on the water he would enjoy the company of family and friends around a bon re singing songs (his favorite “Cat’s in the Cradle”) and telling jokes.He raised Dru and Shea to have the skills that would allow them survive in a James Bond lm – alpine skiing, sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, snowmobiling and windsur ng. He also had a x for anything, even if his solutions were “creative”and made sure to pass those skills on to his kids.

After his nal retirement,he and Diane moved to Englewood,FL where he enjoyed living on the water again, taking boat rides on Lemon Bay, gol ng with his best buddies in e Groves League,and taking his dog Jaxie for her evening run down the street with his golf cart.

His Philosophy of Life framed in his o ce stated, “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body; but rather to ‘skid in’broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and proudly proclaiming,‘Wow! What a Ride!’”His family truly believes he lived this to a T. Since his passing, the family has been reminded of his zest for life, kindness and the laughter he brought to us all.

Tom did not wish for a funeral nor memorial service. His family will be holding a celebration of life party next fall.With respect for his passions for education, golf and dogs, his family have set up a couple memorial funds in his name.

First Tee Western New York https:// rsteewesternny.org/donate

*please include omas Wallon Memorial Fund in the memo line* Suncoast Humane Society https://humane.org

*they have a direct link just for omas Wallon on their homepage

Financing Funerals

According to Lincoln Heritage Funeral Advantage, the average funeral costs between $7,000 and $10,000. It can be easy to overlook planning for such a large expense, and many people may think their funeral costs will be covered by their life insurance policies. However, that isn’t always the case and certain complications can arise. The funeral planning information guide Funeral Basics states that sometimes insurance policies become invalid if payments have not been made. Policies may have liens on them, or some named beneficiaries may no longer be alive. This can stall the process as issues are worked through. In addition, it can sometimes take between six and eight weeks for beneficiaries to receive life insurance policy payouts. Since many funerals take place within a week of a person’s death,it’s unlikely that surviving family members will be able to finance funerals with life insurance payouts. In addition, some policies may not be assignable, which means the benefits cannot be assigned to go to a third party who will file the claim for you (i.e., the funeral home or an assignment company with which the funeral home partners). It’s important to determine if an existing policy is assignable and to take appropriate measures if it is not. Individuals may want to consider burial insurance or preneed funeral insurance. Another option is to use preplanning services, which allow people to prepay for funeral expenses and make planning decisions regarding the services and burial so that family members will not be tasked with financing and/or planning a funeral during a difficult time in their lives.