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June 28, 2015
Issue No. 26
WESTSIDE NEWS INC.
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Bill Andrews’ new book explores Brockport’s changes through time by Kristina Gabalski In his latest book, Brockport: Through Time, Bill Andrews explores the transformation of the village over the past hundred years. “The book really attempts to document changes that have taken place since the early 20th century,” explains Andrews, who has lived in Brockport since 1967. Those changes are many and attest to the resilience of the community. The Erie Canal was vital to the early growth and prosperity of the village, but over time it grew to become a recreational area rather than a means to ship freight. The College at Brockport, with 8,600 students, has grown out of a much smaller “Normal School” with a few hundred students while the former thriving manufacturing base of the community’s economy has almost vanished. “Brockport is the only (Erie) Canal town that has a college right on the canal,” Andrews says. “The village evolved from a canal town - where life focused on the canal, to an industrial town to a college town.” He notes that it was only recently - in the years since WWII, that the college has been a “... big factor in the life and economy of the village.” In the midst of change, however, many treasures of the village have been preserved. Brockport was “fortunate” regarding the preservation of its historic architecture, Andrews says, due in great part to two events: Firstly, an economic slump around 1900 meant “owners couldn’t remodel, which would have destroyed Victorian facades,” he says; and secondly, in the 1960s, thanks to a group of “... irate citizens rising up in opposition,” Frank Sacheli was elected mayor by a write-in ballot. The new administration put an
end to the possibility of Urban Renewal in the village and the historic downtown business district was saved. Andrews notes Brockport is a unique community with an “amazing volunteer culture” and has become a center for music, the arts and culture on the west side. He cited such groups and organizations/ businesses as the Brockport Symphony Orchestra, the Sr. Chorus, the music program at Brockport Central High School, Bill Hullfish and the Golden Eagle String Band, A Different Path Art Gallery, and public art such as murals and sculpture which enhance the village and college campus landscapes. Programs at the Lift Bridge Book Shop also add to the cultural mix of the community, he adds. Brockport: Through Time (Arcadia Publishing) is Andrews’ fifth local history book and a sixth is currently in press. The book features vintage images and retails for $22.99. It is available at area bookstores including the Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport and through online retailers or Arcadia Publishing (www.arcadiapublishing.com). Andrews is a native of Colorado and an emeritus professor of the College at Brockport. He currently serves as village trustee/deputy mayor. Andrews lived in Norway and France before coming to Brockport to teach at the college and when asked what has kept him here so long and fueled his interest in the community, he responded, “You should bloom where you’re planted.”
Author Bill Andrews’ new book centers on early 20th century change in Brockport. K. Gabalski photo.
SCHOOL IS OUT! HELLO SUMMER! B-B teacher Roxanne Wood honored with Golden Bee Award Every year the Byron-Bergen Student Council selects a teacher at the Jr./Sr. High School who goes above and beyond - in distinguished classroom practice, professionalism and collegiality, and in setting high standards for themselves and for their students. This is the third year for the Byron-Bergen Golden Bee Award, which began with an idea from Sr. High School Secretary Sally Mech, who thought students should have the opportunity to recognize outstanding teachers. On June 9, the Golden Bee Award for 2015 was given to health education teacher Roxanne Wood. The award was presented by Student Council Secretary Grace Pulcini and Treasurer Clare Fraser. They explained the criteria used to determine the winner: the ability to create a classroom
environment conducive to learning, commitment to students and their learning, creativity, and contribution to the wider school community. Wood was presented with a Golden Bee plaque, certificate, and crystal paperweight.
Health education teacher Roxanne Wood, 2015 winner of the Byron-Bergen Golden Bee Award for exemplary standards in teaching, with Student Council members (l) Clare Fraser and (r) Grace Pulcini.
IN
SId
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Graduation
A Salute to the Class of
2015
A SPECIAL SECTION F FEATurINg:
Area High School Candidates for graduation Senior Awards and recognitions • Special greetings for graduates