Westside News Wrap – May 15, 2022

All Ages Welcome

Participating Providers:

Wegmans Employees Give us a call, we have you covered.

• Same Day CEREC Dentistry • Dental Implants • Sleep Apnea Devices

10 Canning St., Hilton (585) 392-6440 www.hiltonfamilydentistry.com

Now iS the time to Sell!

Join this group! the properties below all went from listing to pending last month!

Call

Janet Campbell

call today for your free market analysis

(c)

585-739-8065

11 Ronald Circle, Ogden 3 bdrm, 1 bath ...$184,900

46 Ridgefield Dr., Churchville 4 bdrm, 2 bath ...$154,900

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

51 Red Rock Circle, Greece 127 Underwood Ave., Parma 3 bdrm, 1 bath ...$164,900 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath ...$199,900

172 Lighthouse Rd., Parma 2 bdrm, 1 bath ...$179,900

5328 Lake Rd. S., Sweden 3 bdrm, 1 bath ...$169,900

0 Redman Rd., Sweden 23.48 acres ...$129,900

85 South Union Street, Spencerport, NY 14559

WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - MAY 15, 2022

Accepting New Patients

1

IILTON FAMILY DENTISTRY

2 WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - MAY 15, 2022

Monroe County 4-H sparks conversations to thank volunteers

Brockport fourth-grader Ben George gave a TEDx talk on educational freedom. Provided photo.

Brockport student one of youngest to take TEDx stage Ben George is a fourth-grade student in Mrs. Stoker and Mr. Albrecht’s classroom at Brockport’s Hill School. He is nine years old, but he is already accomplishing amazing things.

At the end of April, Ben spoke about educational freedom on stage at the TEDx talk in Clinton, New York. Ben, who is one of the youngest TED talk speakers to ever take the stage, said he was both nervous and excited for the event. His talk addressed how educational freedom – the ability to help shape his own, personal curriculum – has impacted him as a student and the beneficial impact it can have on other students. Ben has been able to take advantage of the opportunity of educational freedom this year, choosing different topics to focus on with reading assignments each night.

“Students should get to learn what they choose to be able to have more fun in school,” said Ben. “One person would learn what they want to learn and the other would learn what they wanted to learn.”

Ben was approached by Mr. Albrecht about the opportunity to present at the TEDx event, after expressing an interest in taking ownership of his learning this year.

“If I told myself a year ago that I’d be giving a speech to 150 people, I probably wouldn’t have believed myself,” said Ben. Before the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in 2020, two Brockport students were scheduled to provide talks at a previously scheduled TEDx event. However, due to the pandemic, the event was canceled.

One of the students who was scheduled to speak in 2020 has since graduated from Brockport Central, but that didn’t stop her from attending the event in April. Sharon Marie Bartz, now a student at Potsdam College, revised her 2020 speech and delivered it at the TEDx event.

The event was held at Clinton Middle School and the speeches will be featured worldwide after they are edited in New York City.

Provided information and photo

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, held in April, the Monroe County 4H Team gathered volunteers to celebrate all that they bring to youth. To celebrate volunteers, supporters, and partners, Monroe County 4-H said thank you through a Sparking Conversations Volunteer Appreciation Event. Friends of 4-H gathered at the Henrietta Public Library to discuss potential ideas for future programming, ideas for summer experiences, and to improve accessibility through meeting times and locations.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of Monroe County 4-H. They support 4-H events, such as public presentations and open houses, and serve as club leaders.

At the event, volunteers participated in activities which they could bring back to the youth they work with. These included icebreaker and teamwork games as well as different ways to collect ideas so that all voices are heard. In addition to light refreshments, which modeled healthy meeting guidelines, volunteers were thanked with Volunteer Survival Kits for all of their dedication to supporting positive youth development in Monroe County.

Volunteers shared why volunteering is important to them and the youth they work with.

Sabrina Woodhams is a 4-H Leader at Crestwood Children’s Center. When asked what she feels is important about 4-H, Sabrina shared, “They learn something new to take with them when they leave Crestwood.” Woodhams works to encourage youth to participate in public presentations and they design tie dye t-shirts each summer. “It’s good that they belong to some-

thing. Belonging is important,” Sabrina continued.

“4-H inherently brings an incredibly wide variety of learning opportunities for youth,” said Theresa Cimino, 4-H Volunteer and former 4-H AmeriCorps VISTA. Theresa continued, “There are programs and opportunities for youth to explore almost any subject matter, including subjects I never would have expected, such as entomology [or] robotics.” Cimino supports youth as a volunteer evaluator and has given feedback to youth at an Easy Bake Oven event as well as Produced in New York.

Kathy Lee is the Club Leader of the Busy Bees 4-H Club at Mary Cariola Center.

Kathy has operated a 4-H club for nearly 30 years. Most of the youth in the club are nonverbal and are in wheelchairs. “Over the years, 4-H has given youth opportunities to get out there, to go into the community and do activities that often people don’t think a kid in a wheelchair can do,” said Kathy Lee. “When you’re medically fragile, when you’re in a wheelchair, you may not have access to transportation outside of school and home. 4-H has given youth a bigger world.”

The Monroe County 4-H Program is offered through Cornell Cooperative Extension to the youth of Monroe County. 4-H is a worldwide youth development program open to all youth ages 5 to 19, who want to have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. In return, youth who participate in 4-H find a supportive environment and opportunities for hands-on or “experiential” learning about things that interest them.

Learn more at http://monroe.cce.cornell. edu/4-h-youth-development.

Provided information

Submissions sought for LGBTQ+ centered youth art show In honor of Pride Month, TGW Studio, an LGBTQ+ and women-owned/operated creative and marketing studio, has announced the launch of Spectra, a public art show celebrating the voices of LGBTQ+ youth in Rochester. The event, to be held on June 3 at TGW Studio, will also serve as a fundraiser for The Center for Youth, which provides housing to LGBTQ+ youth in Rochester.

TGW Studio is accepting submissions from artists 21 years old and younger from the Rochester area. Submissions of all mediums and subject matter will be accepted, although pieces that explore gender, sexual orientation, identity, and other LGBTQ+ themes are encouraged.

All submissions must be available for display at TGW Studio and are to be dropped off at TGW Studio at 210 South Avenue, Rochester, in person by the artist. Artists will also be responsible for providing a physical presence for any digital works, with physical works limited to 3’x3’ in size. Submissions close on May 25 at 11:59 EST. Submissions are officially open to the public, and more information is available online at http://tgwstudio.com/spectra or by visiting TGW Studio, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For information on Spectra or TGW Studio, contact Courtney Brown at 506-9155 or courtney@tgwstudio.com.

Provided information

4-H volunteers and staff enjoyed an event to celebrate National 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Week.

We are located at 1500 Spencerport Road, Rochester 14606 in Gates. Phone: 585-247-4973. Building is handicapped accessible. Time of Worship: 10AM - led

by Rev. Jeff Aiosa. Website: ElmgroveUMC.org. You can join us remotely by clicking on the link to the Pastor’s page (you do not need a Facebook account to view posts). Email: ElmgroveUMC@yahoo.com. Community Outreach and Ministry Opportunities include: Little Free Library, SWEM, Aurora House, RAIHN, Prayer ministries, etc. We have a long history in the Gates community and we are looking forward to a bright future that includes you! Please come and join us on Sunday!

FIRST BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Lead Pastor Kevin Pestke. Vision statement: Love God, Love People, Serve Others, Tell Everyone. We offer in-person and live-streamed services on Sundays at 8:30 am and 10:30 am, with children’s Sunday School, teen ministry, and nurseries available. We also offer separate Deaf services Sundays at 10:30 am. We have adult services Wednesday nights (ASL provided), and AWANA, teen ministry, and nursery for the kids. During the week we have many options for small groups. Our building is disability accessible. ALL ARE WELCOME!! We would love to have you join us! 990 Manitou Road, Hilton. Phone: 585-392-0777, website: fbbc.info, Facebook: First Bible Baptist Church.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BROCKPORT NY

A congregation that Loves God, loves others and serves the world! Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Ross. Coffee and fellowship following worship. 35 State Street, Brockport, NY 14420, (585) 637-3780. Email: fpcbrockportoffice@gmail.com. Website: www.fpcbrockport.org. Handicap accessible. Hearing loop available. Sunday services available via our facebook page.

Everyone is welcome to join our church family!

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CHILI

Our Mission: Recognizing that Jesus is the true vine and we are the branches, we are called to be rooted in faith, grow together and care for the community.

Please join us for worship each Sunday at 10 AM with Rev. Brandi Wooten, either in person or virtually via live-stream or recording (https://www.facebook.com/ firstpreschili/live/, a Facebook account is not required). Recordings of Sunday Worship Services are also available on YouTube at “1st Presbyterian Church of Chili” We have a family friendly service and Children’s Church where all are welcome. Face Masks required for anyone unvaccinated. Youth Group, Bible Studies, and Community Outreach Programs, including our Food Cupboard (3rd Saturday of each month) are a few of the opportunities we offer to enrich our faith. In need of prayer or counsel, call the church office 585-8899896 or email Brandi at revbrandi@gmail.com. Handicapped accessible.

Website: chili-presbyterian.org. 3600 Chili Avenue, Rochester, N.Y.

HILTON BAPTIST CHURCH

50 Lake Avenue, Hilton, (585) 392-7990, Email hbchurch50@gmail.com, Pastor Dan Brown. Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am. We offer In-person services and Live-Streaming on YouTube under “Hilton Baptist Church Live.” Visit our Website at hiltonbaptist.org for more information. We are a Congregation of the American Baptist Churches. Our Building is Handicap Accessible and we offer Hearing Assistance during the Worship service. Everyone is Welcome to join our Church family!

HILTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by Following Christ; Connecting Generations; Transforming Communities. 21 West Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, (585) 392-8761. Rev. Jennifer Green, pastor. Website: www. humcny.org, E-mail: office@humcny.org. Worship Service is open in the HUMC Sanctuary. Service: 10am. Fellowship: 11am. Sunday Services are live-streamed at HUMCny.org. Handicap Accessible.

HOPE CHURCH

One church in two locations - Join us for worship that is creative, relevant and truth-telling at our Brockport Campus, 6601 4th Section Rd (Rt 31 across from Wegmans) at 9:30 am Sunday mornings, or at our Greece Campus, 1301 Vintage Lane (1/2 mile west off Rt 390 N) on Saturdays at 5 pm (a Traditional Service), or Sundays at 9:30 or 11:15 am. Sunday Services are also streamed live on our website, ShareTheHope Youtube channel, and Facebook. Hope Kids meets at 9:30 am on Sundays at both campuses. For all opportunities for any age, check out our website www.sharethehope.org “Sharing the hope of Jesus with a world in need of hope”

LIFEQUEST COMMUNITY CHURCH

59 Henry St, Hilton, Hilton Community Center, www.lifequest.cc, email: info@lifequest.cc, Facebook: LifeQuestCC, twitter: @lifequestcc Lead Pastor: Rob Dickerson. Worship 10am. Midweek programs: Tuesday 7pm Royal Rangers – a scouting program for boys. Saturday 7pm YouthQuest High School & Middle School student ministry. “Journeying together as we discover God’s love and purpose for our lives.” Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, Freedom.

MORTON BAPTIST CHURCH

1152 County Line Road, Hamlin, NY 14464. Church phone 585-659-8459, email mortonbaptistchurch@yahoo.com. Pastor: Steven M Worrall, email pastorsteve712@gmail.com, cell 585-354-9779. Sunday Worship 10:30am. Sunday school is held during church service. Adult Bible Study is held on Wednesdays at noon, Choir practice at 6:30pm Wednesdays. Youth Group meets on Friday nights from 7 to 9pm. Our building is handicap accessible and visitors are welcome.

NORTHSTAR FELLOWSHIP

Small church with new Pastor. Come visit! We have deep Bible scriptural verse by verse teaching. We follow a 1-1 relationship with Jesus and not strict religious type stuff. Our foundation is Love, Grace, Mercy and Peace. We invite you to come in drink coffee, eat food, sit in relaxed clothes, sweatpants, Jeans, t-shirts and just be loved & fed the entire Bible, verse by verse. We are simple, easy, relaxed, and loving. For prayer or help, call Pastor Andy at 585-314-4906. See you Sunday at 50 Hamlin/Clarkson Townline Road at 10:45am, https://www.northstarny.org/

OGDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Our purpose is: “To equip ourselves and others to be disciples of Christ as we seek God’s will for our church and beyond.” Reverend Doctor Eileen Borduin Vanderzwan. Sunday worship is at 10AM live in our sanctuary following current CDC requirements, as well as livestreamed on Zoom and Facebook Live. Bible Studies, Youth Group, Sunday School and outreach are available to all. Contact the church for more information and for links: ogdenpresbyterian@gmail.com; www.ogdenpresbyterian.org; 585-352-6802; 2400 South Union Street, Spencerport.

PARMA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

39 Hovey Street, Hilton, (585) 615-6383, www.PCFMinistries.com, Facebook: Parma Christian Fellowship Church. Rev. Dr. Myke Merrill. Worship Services: Saturday 5:00PM, Sunday 10AM. Family Midweek: Wednesday 6:30PM – Kids Club, TurningPoint Teens, Adult Bible Discussion Group. Nursery School: Parma Kids Preschool and Child Care Center, 39 Hovey Street, Hilton. School Phone: (585) 392-5792.

PEARCE CHURCH

pearcechurch.org. 4322 Buffalo Road, North Chili, NY 14514. 585-594-9488. Join us for worship! Saturday: 5pm. Sunday: 10:30am. Pearce 4 Kids Child Care Center, Pearce4kids.org, 585-594-1833. Handicapped Accessible.

THE POTTER’S HOUSE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Don’t miss out on what God has planned for you! Sunday Services 10:30 am and 6 pm, Thursday Services 7 pm. Prayer for the sick the first Sunday morning service of every month. All are welcome! 4756 Lake Road, Brockport (Brockport Corners Mall behind Sherwin Williams), 585-943-1719, www.brockportphchurch.com.

SPENCERPORT ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Located at 3940 Canal Road, Spencerport, NY 14559. We offer a place for people of all ages to encounter God through worship, fellowship and Biblical teaching so we can grow in our relationship with Jesus and make a difference in our community and the world. Services are: Sunday School at 9:30 AM. Sunday Worship at 10:30 AM. Enjoy a cup of coffee before service. Wednesday Bible Study for Adults and Youth Group meets at 6:30 PM. Prayer follows at 7:30 PM. Nursery is provided for all services. Handicap accessible. Samaritan Harvest provides free prepared and perishable foods every fourth Sunday of the month. Look for our special events at www.spencerportag.com or like us on Facebook. Phone: 585-352-5900. Cell: 585363-8922. E-mail: Spencerportassemblyofgod@gmail.com. All are welcome.

SPENCERPORT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Promoting the Christian way of life through service and stewardship to the community and the world. Look for the white steeple at 65 Church Street in downtown, Spencerport NY 14559. (585) 352-3448. Rev. Michael Sloan. We provide worship, educational and mission opportunities for children, youth, and adults. Worship services are Sundays at 10am live on Facebook and on site in our sanctuary. Worship is followed by Coffee Hour in Fellowship Hall. Sunday School for ages 4 and up is also available during service. Handicap accessible. Email: info@spencerportucc. org. Website: www.spencerportucc.org. Facebook: Spencerport UCC.

ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Follow Jesus, Build Community, Serve Others in Love. We welcome all to worship with us in warm fellowship in the Episcopal tradition of openness and caring. We are an ALL inclusive community with an open communion table. Please join us for Sunday worship at 10am September through June, and 9am in July and August.

All services are both in-person and live-streamed online. We also offer a variety of Lenten and Advent programs, a Bible Study on Tuesdays, live music, Sunday School, semi-monthly Youth Group meetings and numerous other community building events. We are handicapped accessible. Follow us on Facebook, look for us on the web at www.stgeorgehilton.org, and join us for worship and fellowship at 635 Old Wilder Road, Hilton, NY (across from Kelly’s Apple Farm). Our pastor is the Rev. Greg Kremer, 585-392-4099.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Pastor Chris Bode. 1107 Lake Road West Fork, Hamlin, NY 14464, 585-964-2550, www. stjohnhamlin.org. Facebook: St. John Lutheran Church, Hamlin, NY. Sunday Services at 8:30 & 11AM. Church office is open 7:30AM-3:30PM, Monday through Friday. For daily inspiration and Sunday services visit our Facebook page or YouTube Channel. “To know Christ and to make Him KNOWN.”

ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH

Welcomes you to encounter our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church at 55 Martha Street, Spencerport, NY 14559. Join us for Holy Mass at 5pm Saturdays, or Sundays at 7:45am, 9:30am, and 11:15am.

Many great opportunities to learn about the Holy Bible, and groups for families and children of all ages, including Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (play-centered, hands-on Christ-experiences). Daily Mass Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 8am (Traditional Latin Mass *some* Fridays at 8am – check bulletin online). Daily Mass Wednesday at 6:30pm. Mass 9am on 1st Saturdays. Confession Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30-6:00pm and Saturdays 3:45-4:30pm. Eucharistic Adoration Thursdays 1:00pm-6:00pm (Benediction at 5:50pm) & Sunday 1:30-4:30pm (Evening Prayer at 4:00pm, Benediction at 4:15pm). Visit our website at www.

StJohnsChurchSpencerport.org. Email: sstjohnc@dor.org. Parochial Administrator: Fr. Justin Miller

ST. LEO’S CATHOLIC CHURCH

110 Old Hojack Lane, Hilton, 392-2710, www.stleochurch.org. Fr. Joseph Catanise. Daily Mass is celebrated: Monday 5:30 PM; Tuesday-Thursday 8:30 AM; Friday Communion Service 8:30 AM. Weekend Schedule: Saturday Confession 3:30-4:30 PM; Rosary 4:30 PM; Mass 5 PM (live-streamed). Sunday: Mass 8 AM, 10:30 AM, 6 PM; Adult Bible Study 11:45 AM. All are welcome. Handicapped accessible.

ST. LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

14 State Street, Brockport, 585-637-6650, www.stlukesbrockport.org. Visit us on Facebook. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you are welcome at St. Luke’s. Our Mission is to Worship God Joyfully, Love One Another, Serve in the Name of Christ.

Join us either in person or via live stream for Sunday worship with Holy Eucharist at 10 am led by The Rev. Elizabeth Brooks Harden. Handicapped accessible and hearing assistance available. Harvest Kitchen, our outreach to the greater community, offers a free meal the second Sunday of each month from 2 to 3 pm. Recognized as a National Jubilee Church for outreach and service to our community.

Please check website or call the Parish Office for current COVID precautions.

ST. MARY’S CHURCH

ST. MARK’S CHURCH

13 South Main Street, Holley 16789 Kenmore Road, Kendall Parish Center – Holley 638-6718, www.stmarystmark.org.

Mass Times: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM at St. Mary’s; Saturday Vigil 4:00 PM at St. Mary’s; Sunday 8:30 AM at St. Mark’s and 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s.

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

158 East Avenue, Hilton, NY 14468, 585-392-4000, www.stpaulhilton.org. Senior Pastor: Rev. Mark Ball – pastorball@stpaulhilton.org, office 585-392-4000. Worship Services: Saturday at 5pm; Sunday at 8:30am and 11am. Bible Studies: Kingdom Kids – Sunday at 9:45am; Adult Classes – Sunday at 9:45am; Ladies and Mens Bible Study – Thursdays at 10:30am. School: Meeting your child’s learning needs from age 2 through 8th grade. Call for a tour!

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH & PRE-SCHOOL

191 Nichols Street (Rte. 31), Spencerport, NY 14559. Phone: 352-3143. Reverend Pastor Steve Shrum. Worship Services Sunday at 9:30AM ‘In Person’ in our handicap accessible Sanctuary. Worship Service is also Live Streamed on YouTube. Sunday School is at 10:45AM. Visit our Website at www.tlcspencerport. com. Email: trinitylutheran191@gmail.com. “The Mission of Trinity is to joyfully share the Gospel through Christ-centered worship, teaching and reaching out to the community by acts of caring.”

UNION CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

14 North Main Street, Churchville. A warm welcome awaits you at Union Church.

Join us on Sunday mornings at 10 am, watch us live stream on Facebook, or find us on soundcloud.com/ucc-churchville. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here. We are an open and affirming church and invite all. Food distribution for local families in need on the third Tuesday of each month from 4-5 pm. Look for our special events advertised throughout the year, or on our signboard at the front of the church. Call 293-1665 or stop by to talk with Pastor Bradley Klug any Wednesday 1-3 pm; e-mail us at unionucc@frontier.com or check our website at Churchvilleucc.com. Also like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We would love to hear from you and/or have you worship together with us.

WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - MAY 15, 2022

ELMGROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

3

Area Worship Services

Churches, to have your services listed or updated, call 352-3411.

4 WESTSIDE NEWS EAST and WEST EDITIONs Wrap - MAY 15, 2022

EARLY DEADLINE Due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be an early deadline for all news and advertising for the May 29th edition of Westside News.

All news and ads MUST be in our office by

WEDNESDAY, MAY 25 AT NOON.

Our OffIcE WIll bE clOSED frOM NOON, ThurSDAy, MAy 26 AND WIll rEOPEN TuESDAy, MAy 31 AT 9 AM.

WESTSIDE NEWS INC.

Publishers of WESTSIDE NEWS EAST & WEST EDITIONS

Rochester Heart Ball is back in person The American Heart Association is inviting supporters to once again come together in person at the annual Rochester Heart Ball. The event will be held at the Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester on Saturday, May 21, starting at 5 p.m.

The event will kick off with a cocktail hour and silent auction. During the evening program, the American Heart Association will present its annual Dr. Arthur J. Moss Leadership Award to Thomas F. Judson, Jr., chairman of The Pike Companies, LTD. Judson is being honored for his history of philanthropy. He has been supporting nonprofits personally and through The Pike Companies for decades. He was instrumental in the development of Go Red for Women as a visible campaign in the community via Pike Companies’ Red Dress contest as Pike executives would raise significant funds for the cause and parade down Main Street in red dresses.

The event will also honor a local individual who has been affected by heart disease during the Open Your Heart appeal. Ken Pink, a partner at Bonadio Group, woke up at 4 a.m. one night thinking he had indigestion. It turned out to be a heart attack.

“I’m incredibly blessed and lucky to be here today, now on a plethora of medications for hopefully many years to come,” said Pink. “Without medical research, perhaps I wouldn’t be here today, so thank you American Heart Association for your research and lifesaving and life-altering work.”

For information about the 2022 Rochester Heart Ball or to participate in the silent auction online, visit RochesterHeartBall. heart.org or contact Megan Vargulick at Megan.Vargulick@heart.org or 317-9342.

Provided information

politically speaking

Jensen and Mattera announce bills for handicap-accessible playgrounds Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C,IGreece), Senator Mario Mattera (R,C, IPSmithtown), and members of their Conferences gathered for a joint press conference regarding the introduction of the Everyone Can Play bill (A.9539/S.8626), which would create a state grant program to help make it easier for local municipalities to afford to install handicap-accessible aspects to recreation facilities, as well as legislation that would ensure certain handicap-accessible playground equipment in playgrounds within each state park (A.9923/S.8646).

Santii Patel, a nine-year- old constituent of Assemblyman Jensen, who is a resident of the Town of Greece, joined the members to advocate for the disability community.

She recently raised nearly $7,000 for a wheelchair-accessible swing for a local park in the town, giving every kid a chance to play.

“No child should be left out from playing on a playground with their friends and family because the equipment doesn’t accommodate their needs,” said Jensen.

“While more and more communities are choosing to create handicapped-accessible playgrounds, this commitment by our state is crucial to help reduce the costs of the new equipment for local governments.

Miss Patel is an inspiration with her passion to help others and she has done an exceptional job raising awareness, locally, stateways, and nationally of this issue at such a young age.”

“Every child deserves to be able to experience the basic childhood joy of playing on a playground, so today we’re taking a stand to ensure New York’s outdoor recreational centers are places everyone can enjoy,” said

Santii Patel and Assemblyman Josh Jensen on the Million Dollar Staircase for a press conference on Monday, May 9. Provided photo.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia). “If there was ever a simple problem that people of all political backgrounds can get behind, I would think it’d be this, so I am hopeful our colleagues in the Majority will join us to get these bills passed before the end of session.”

Provided information