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index 4 Chili’s Chris Taylor appreciates hockey families both on and off the ice A Westside News, Inc. Publication
7 Seasonal Bucket List - 5 Ways to enjoy winter 8 Churchville-Chili CSD UPK Lottery
Publisher Keith Ryan Managing Editor Gary Sajdak Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com Contributing Writers & Photographers Barbara Burke, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Colleen Onuffer, Tami Raco, John Robortella, Joe Territo Advertising 585-352-3411 Lori Antonelli ext. 133 Rachael Blair ext. 139 Debbie Day Ext. 131 Tami Raco ext. 129 Mary Lou Rockow ext. 134 Gary Sajdak ext. 135 Ellen Stevens ext. 130 Trish Walter ext. 138
9 Bowling Brotherhood 11 C-C Sophomore selected for Hochstein Youth Symphony 13 Churchville-Chili Superintendent to retire in June 2024 13 Churchville-Chili announces free meals for all students during 2023-24 school year 14 Age-based guidelines for buying toys and gifts 15 Cooking with the Hoocks - Making Monkey Bread Video and recipe 17 First Presbyterian Church of Chili participates in Grocery Run 2023 17 Holly Days at Hinchey Homestead 18 GVAS receives funding for two new ambulances 18 Gates Ambulance offers Hands-Only CPR Class
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My Hometown December 2023 | 3
My Hometown Neighbor
Chili’s Chris Taylor appreciates hockey families both on and off the ice by Colleen Onuffer
His professional hockey career began in 1987 when he played for the Stratford Cullitons, a junior hockey team in his hometown of Stratford, Ontario. Throughout his next four seasons with another junior team, the London Knights, Chris scored 378 points and became the team’s all-time points leader. In the second round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, Chris was drafted to the New York Islanders. He went on to wear jerseys for the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres during his time in the NHL, in addition to getting ice time for other teams in the minor leagues. He even played in Germany with the Frankfurt Lions for three seasons. Then in 2009, he signed a two-year contract with the Rochester Americans. “I had lots of good memories from playing hockey,” said Chris. “I played with my brother in Boston for a year, which was great. I really enjoyed meeting new people and playing in new cities.” After he hung up his skates as a player, Chris was named the Development Coach for the Rochester Americans before getting promoted to Assistant Coach. In 2017, he stepped into the role of Head Coach, where he led the Amerks to a 116-65-33 record across three seasons. “The greatest thing I get out of coaching is seeing the young
Taylor signed a two year contract as a player in 2009 with the Rochester Americans. Photo provided by AHL
4 | My Hometown December 2023
players get to where they want. There’s nothing better than watching them have success, either on or off the ice,” said Chris. “I get to see some of the guys who are playing with the Sabres now and know that we had a hand with that through the Amerks. We had a hand in their lives.” When asked what hockey has meant to him, Taylor replied, “Family.” He went on to say, “You’re with a mixture of ages – players from ages 18 to 40, then the coaches and staff. You’re with them every day: on a bus, on a plane, in hotels, at dinner. You become a real family.” But his hockey family isn’t his only one. He bought a home in Chili in 2001 with his wife, Lisa, and children, Samantha and Nicholas. “One of my favorite memories was putting down roots in Rochester,” said Chris. “We finally had a homebase and it allowed our children to go to school and make connections.” “We settled in Chili because of our children,” said Lisa. “Our son Nick was born with a porencephalic cyst, a very large mass of fluid in his brain. This mass caused his brain to not develop normally - he is missing his occipital lobe, temporal lobe, part of his parietal and frontal.” Due to his significant brain damage, Chris and Lisa were told that Nick would be blind and would never walk, talk, eat on his own, or live past the age of 8. Lisa went on to say, “He had his first surgery four days after his first birthday. By his eighth birthday, he had had over 20 brain surgeries. We had a huge eighth birthday celebration because he was walking, talking and seeing!” Throughout his career, Chris has always put his family first. “For about 10 straight years during training camp, Nick’s shunt always broke, and he would have to rush into immediate surgery,” said Lisa. “No matter where Chris was, he always left whatever city he was in and rushed home. Most successful hockey players made hockey their number one priority, but our family was always Chris’ first priority.” In his lifetime, Nick has had more than 40 surgeries performed in hospitals all over the world. He is unable to be left alone, so the Taylors have created an apartment in their basement for Nick and the three wonderful caregivers that help with daily living skills. Another large support role is filled by Nick’s “little, big sister” Sammi, a nurse at Rochester General Hospital, who has always been protective of him. “I think my biggest life lesson is that life doesn’t go the way you have it planned, so stop planning and start enjoying,” said Lisa. “No one can predict the future, so we just appreciate the little things and each other.” One of the things the Taylors have valued is traveling around the world together. “Chris’ hockey has provided us with so many great opportunities,” said Lisa. “We have made many wonderful friends and have been to so many incredible states and countries. Nick and Sammi loved going to watch his games and were great travelers. Sammi learned to speak German and Spanish. The traveling made us a very close family and we relied a lot on each other.” When Chris played in Germany, the whole family moved to Frankfurt for three seasons.
continued on page 5
My Hometown Neighbor continued from page 4
“Then as soon as the season was over, we came back and put the kids into school here,” explained Lisa. “Our kids attended Chestnut Ridge where the teachers were amazing and became forever friends and support.” Chris said, “When our kids started going to school, we met a lot of great teachers, doctors and people in the Rochester community. They embraced us as a family and me as a player. They have Chris Taylor in his office as Head gone way above accepting Coach of the Rochester Americans. us and making us feel part of the community. That’s why we’ve stayed here. That’s why we call it home.” Since 2020, Chris has been an Assistant Coach with the New Jersey Devils under Head Coach Lindy Ruff, whom Chris played for when he was on the Buffalo Sabres. “We go visit and spend as much time in New Jersey as we can,” said Lisa. “Nick comes with us sometimes but is most comfortable and content being in his own space. We are so thankful for our staff that spend the nights with him which allows Sammi and I to go.” Chris said, “I love when they get to come see me, but it’s hard in between.” Lisa echoed that sentiment and said, “Being apart is for sure one of the biggest challenges. Hockey does not give days off during the season.” Fortunately, Chris will get a couple of days off for the upcoming holidays. “Christmas is very special. The best part is just being together as a family!” After our conversation, Chris followed up to say, “Lisa is what holds everything together. I have to travel and all that, but to take care of a special needs child 24 hours a day and go through what she does, is remarkable. She does it all.”
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My Hometown Winter Activities
Seasonal Bucket List: 5 Ways to Spend Winter Winter is filled with lots of family fun and holiday magic. To make the most of the snowy season, follow this seasonal bucket list and check off each activity as you complete it. Then share your favorite winter traditions on our Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/myhometownmag). 1. Admire Holiday Lights The annual Christmas Décor Wars, hosted by Chili Recreation, assembles the most impressive light displays and decorations around Chili. From Dec. 11-21, drive around to see all of the contenders and vote for your favorite. Explore the Rahway neighborhood in Gates where you’ll see a multitude of yards ablaze with holiday lights – from large displays to more traditional decorations. Follow the roads (Rahway, Dawson, Winter Hazel) to Winter Hazel’s cul-de-sac, where there’s usually a house selling popcorn and hot chocolate! Many of our neighbors have created illuminated spectacles. The GC Homes Team-Real Estate compiled a list of homes all over Rochester with verified extravagant decorations, and shared it on Facebook (https://tinyurl.com/2jnszjy8). Or purchase a Sleigh Box from Bivona Child Advocacy Center to guide you on their Holiday Lights Tour, running Dec. 9-Jan. 1. In addition to a map and directions to all of the stops, the Sleigh Box is stuffed with games, toys, treats and festive activities for your family to enjoy while driving around. 2. Visit the ROC Holiday Village The ROC Holiday Village returns for its fifth year. It’s located downtown in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park – and absolutely worth the drive from the westside. It runs all month long from Dec. 1-23, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, with a variety of activities for all ages. Not only is it free to enter, but there are also free crafts for kids, free sugar cookies from Mrs. Claus’ bakeshop after visiting Santa and free ice skating thanks to Wegmans (which runs through Dec. 31, even after the Village closes!). There are also a number of events and entertainment – from live music and karaoke to trivia.
• Kwanzaa Celebration – Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Presented by the Rochester Kwanzaa Coalition • Three Kings’ Day Celebration – Dec. 15 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Presented by the Puerto Rican Festival • Christmas Celebration – Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Presented by First Bible Baptist Church View the ROC Holiday Village website (https://rocholidayvillage.com/) for a full list of dates and activities. They will also post updates there in case of inclement weather. 3. Savor Seasonal Sweets & Sips Learn how to beautifully decorate sugar cookies from the best when you take one of Jenn’s Cookie Creations’ Cookie Classes. These run on select dates from Dec. 2 to Dec. 16 (note: some are for adults while others are for kids aged 6 and up), where you’ll learn basic piping and filling techniques. And the best part? You get to leave with the cookies you’ve decorated! Enjoy a Holiday Afternoon Tea at Genesee Country Village & Museum, available Dec. 13-14 and Dec. 20-21. Sip on a selection of tea varieties (wine and mimosas will also be available) as you snack on finger sandwiches and sweet treats, next to a roaring fire in their cozy lounge. Other fun and filling events at GCV&M include Breakfast With St. Nick on Dec. 16-17 and Yuletide In The Country Tours And Dinners on Dec. 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16.
Yuletide In The Country Tours And Dinners
ROC Holiday Village
What makes ROC Holiday Village very special is that they partner with local organizations to celebrate a variety of traditions and holidays. These include: • Hanukkah Celebration – Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Presented by the Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester
There are lots of other family-friendly events with seasonal snacks and the big guy in red – or in one case, the Grinch! These include: • Brunch with the Grinch – Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 Pure Imagination Café • Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 2 at Chili Community Center • High Tea with Santa – Dec. 8 & 15 at Mamaste Café and Play • Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 9 at Chef’s Event Center and Party House • Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 9 at Gates Town Hall • Gluten Free Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 16 at ChurchvilleChili Middle School • Family Make & Take Gingerbread House Workshop – Dec. 16 at Ogden Community Center Please check the appropriate websites before attending. Many of these require pre-registration and sell out quickly.
My Hometown December 2023 | 7
My Hometown Winter Activities 4. Experience Trains & Trolleys The New York Museum of Transportation is offering Holly Trolley Rides on Dec. 10 and 17 where you can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, drink hot chocolate and enjoy cookies inside their holiday decorated museum. You’ll also get to witness the model railroad in action.
season. There are lots of trails to hike at Black Creek Park in Chili that vary in length. Scottsville’s Oatka Creek Park welcomes winter walks, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing along its nongroomed trails. In Greece, Braddock Bay Park and Wildlife Management Area provides easy, peaceful trails. This area is quiet in the winter, but becomes quite popular in the spring and fall, when migrating birds stop for food and shelter. Feel like a kid again and experience the adrenaline of sledding down a steep hill! Black Creek Park has a designated sledding area behind Woodside Lodge where you’ll find a large hill with a smooth ride, or smaller slopes for younger sledders. Northampton Park in Spencerport also has a designated sledding hill, located across the street from the Ski Lodge on Hubble Road. There’s also a downhill skiing hill with rope tow on Hubble Road.
Holly Trolley Rides
All aboard! Springdale Farms in Spencerport is hosting a Polar Express Family Film Party on Dec. 9. Tickets include admission to the screening of the popular holiday movie, hot cocoa and cookies served by Mrs. Claus, a visit with Santa, coloring sheets, glitter tattoos and a holiday petting zoo. Purchase an additional Conductor Set to look the part, or a S’mores kit to make your own sweet snack. Head out to the Medina Railroad Museum for The Polar Express Train Ride. Taking place on Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17, passengers will relive the magic of the movie by getting their golden ticket punched by the conductor and then enjoying hot chocolate and cookies served by chefs. Characters entertain each of the train cars on the trip to and from the North Pole, where children will receive both a gift and a sleigh bell from Santa. 5. Enjoy the Outdoor Air Take a winter walk and enjoy the natural beauty of the snowy
Northampton Park Ski Hill
Once temperatures dip below freezing for numerous days in a row, outdoor ice skating rinks open up. The Greece Community Ice Rink welcomes Greece residents (be sure to bring proper identification) to enjoy its icy surface. Free skate rentals are available, thanks to the generosity of Brian and Harvest Gionta. Churchville Park is home to a groomed, natural-ice rink that is open all week long (when ice conditions allow) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. along with nearby warming huts. Equipment rentals are unavailable so pack your own skates.
Churchville-Chili CSD UPK Lottery The Churchville-Chili Central School District is now accepting applications for the Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) lottery for the fall of 2024. The program will support approximately 72 children in the school district who will be 4 years old by December 1, 2024. This UPK opportunity is available at no cost to families who reside within the Churchville-Chili District during the 202425 school year. There will be a total of four full-day UPK classrooms located within CCCSD elementary schools. The program will run five days a week and will follow the Churchville-Chili School calendar. Selection for the program is based upon a random lottery drawing, and placement cannot be guaranteed at any one school as there are a limited number of spaces available at each building. In order to be considered, the district must receive a completed online application by 5:30 p.m. on January 12, 2024. This appli-
8 | My Hometown December 2023
cation can be found at www.cccsd.org/universal-prek and, once completed, will enter the child into the lottery drawing to be held on February 1, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. The lottery is random; all applications received, whether the first hour they were available or just before the deadline, will have an equal chance. The live lottery drawing can be viewed on the district YouTube Channel. All applicants will be notified through email by February 5, 2024, with their building placement or position on the waitlist. Families selected during this process will receive additional information to complete the registration process and confirm participation. For any UPK questions or assistance, contact the Office of Instruction at 585-293-1800 extension 2310. Completing the lottery application does not guarantee acceptance into this program. Parents on the waitlist will be notified should a space become available. Provided information
My Hometown Sports
Bowling Brotherhood by Tami Raco
Years ago, four young boys met at summer camp at Ogden Recreation. Little did they know that this friendship would span all through their school years and beyond to form a bond of brotherhood through their love of bowling. Josh Winter, Manny Panetta, Carter Schum and Jesse Taccone are the powerhouse bowlers for Spencerport’s varsity bowling team. Their love for bowling and their friendship began after they met at summer camp, which led to a play date at Gates Bowl when they were just eight years old. Their passion for bowling really started when Manny was bowling in a Saturday morning bumper league at Gates Bowl, and he invited his new friends to join him. Jesse has bowling in his bloodline; his dad, Ty, and grandfather, Jesse Taccone, were avid bowlers. Jesse’s dad helped coach the boys in bowling technique. “He got me my first bowling ball and taught me how to throw a curve ball,” recalls Carter. The bumper league bowling eventually became travel league bowling. Throughout the years they won multiple championships and scholarships. Their friendship and bowling skills really took off in middle school when they began bowling at the varsity level in Spencerport. Jesse was in seventh grade and the other three were in
The boys have won many trophies and scholarships. Provided photo.
eighth grade when they began. This year Carter, Josh and Manny are seniors at Spencerport and Jesse is a junior. They have shared many years of successes. Jesse, at the age continued on page 10
From left, Carter Schum, Jesse Taccone, Josh Winter and Manny Panetta have been bowling togther for nearly a decade and are leaders on Spencerport’s varsity boys bowling team. Photo by Karen Fien.
My Hometown December 2023 | 9
My Hometown Sports continued from page 9
of 14, bowled a perfect 300 match against Rush Henrietta. The team was Sectional runner up in 2021 and Sectional Champions in 2022. In 2023, they won the Monroe County division championship, defeating more established programs like Rush Henrietta and Hilton. Josh and Jesse achieved individual top performances, beating out one of the top bowlers in the country, and Jesse was named to the All-Greater Rochester team. The boys team also set a new school record for high series last winter. “The town is often known for soccer and wrestling programs, but these kids developed a new dynasty in a lesserknown sport – bowling,” said Carter’s mom, Ellen. The boys reflected on how much bowling and their friendship impacted their young lives. “Bowling can positively affect your life and I want others to know that the sport teaches you many things like learning to stay calm and keeping a cool mind no matter what,” said Manny. Josh agreed that the sport really influenced him. “This sport really helps teach us how to process information quickly and learn to think quickly on our feet.” Carter found in improving his bowling skills that it also helped him build his confidence. He said, “This is a mental game, and it is so important to not overreact and to stay confident.” Being part of the varsity bowling program in Spencerport has
given the boys an added level of academic accountability. “Our grades need to be up, and we can’t blow off school or we can’t bowl,” said Josh. Kelly Taccone, Jesse’s mom, commented, “Friendships are so important. Good friends are hard to come by and good to have.” Jesse concurred, adding, “We help pick our team mates up and build them up if they are struggling.” The boys have spent nearly ten years in a brotherhood born from their shared love of bowling. As they approach the end of their school and bowling year together, they look forward to closing out their varsity career together with even more successes and memories. “This is a brotherhood I will always remember,” said Carter. The three seniors (Manny, Carter, and Josh) are wrapping up their senior year and making plans for college and their future but plan to remain best friends. “Our goal is to do our best to leave the bowling team prepared for success in the future. Leave it better than we found it,” said Josh. Although bowling is not usually a high spectator sport, the boys enthusiastically agreed that the matches can get “electric and intense.” The boys and their families proudly bring that same Ranger pride to bowling that you often see in higher profile sports. They welcome the community to come feel the energy at their matches. To watch the Spencerport varsity bowling team compete and cheer the boys on, find their schedule at https://www.sectionvny. org/g5-bin/client.cgi?G5genie=783.
The boys have spent alot of time on the lanes together over the years and plan to remain best friends long past their high school careers. Left photo provided. Right photo by Karen Fien.
10 | My Hometown December 2023
My Hometown School
Churchville-Chili sophomore selected for Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra Taylor Stocks, a sophomore at Churchville-Chili Senior High School, has been chosen for the 2023-24 Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra (HYSO) at The Hochstein School. Students work hard to earn a place in the orchestra, which performs professional repertoire in multiple concerts throughout the school year. “I really enjoy my time in Hochstein Youth Symphony Orchestra,” says Taylor. “It gives me an opportunity to challenge myself, and acquire new skills. Being in HYSO also allows me to meet and collaborate with student musicians outside of Churchville-Chili, and I am incredibly excited to go on tour to Italy with the group and my family in April 2024!” The orchestra comprises students from 29 different schools, including homeschooled students, who gather every Saturday morning for an enriching musical experience. They are also gearing up for a tour of Italy in Spring 2024. Provided information and photo
CHURCHVILLE-CHILI CENTRAL AND THE TOWN OF RIGA PRESENTS
Churchville-Chili HS’s Premier A Cappella Group presents sounds of the season Saturday, December 16th, 2023 Cobblestone Hall 22 W. Buffalo St., Churchville Free Concert
My Hometown December 2023 | 11
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My Hometown Schools
Churchville-Chili Superintendent to retire in June 2024 Churchville-Chili Superintendent of Schools Dr. Loretta Orologio has announced her plan to retire from the district, effective June 30, 2024. Orologio was appointed superintendent in April 2014 and has spent the last 19 years working in the district. “First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation for the privilege to have served the Churchville-Chili faculty and staff, students, community and Board of Education,” says Orologio. “During my tenure as the superintendent of Churchville-Chili, I have been honored to work collaboratively with staff focusing on meeting the needs of all students and creating a supportive environment where they can feel a sense of belonging, engage in quality learning experiences, and enjoy a wide range of opportunities such as athletics, music, performing Arts, robotics, and extra Dr. Lori Orologio curricular clubs.” “While we are sad Lori is leaving, we are also happy for her and her family. On behalf of the Board, we wish her all the best and thank her for everything she has done for the district and
the school community over the last 19 years, including the last ten as superintendent,” said School Board President Kathleen Dillon. “During Lori’s tenure as superintendent, she helped to foster a welcoming and engaging environment for our students to grow and succeed. Her principled leadership has helped to move the district forward.” Prior to becoming superintendent, Orologio served as the district’s Assistant Superintendent for Instruction since 2005. She also served as principal in the Greece Central School District and elementary school principal in the Attica Central School District. She began her career in 1984 as a teacher in the Perry Central School District. The Churchville-Chili School Board has appointed Monroe 2 – Orleans BOCES District Superintendent Jo Anne L. Antonacci as search consultant. A timeline for the search for a new superintendent will be forthcoming from District Superintendent Antonacci with the intention to have a new superintendent in place on July 1, 2024.
Churchville-Chili announces free meals for all students during 2023-24 school year The Churchville-Chili Central School District has announced that, as of Friday, December 1, 2023, Churchville-Chili students can receive a free breakfast and lunch at school every day for the remainder of the 2023-24 school year, aligning with the district’s goal of equity and access. The district was recently approved for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a program funded by a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and New York State. Providing free meals for all students – regardless of income – is a proven strategy to reduce food insecurity, improve mental and physical health, support students’ ability to thrive academically, and bolster educational, health, and economic equity. Thus, the district encourages all students to take advantage of this benefit by getting a free breakfast or lunch at school every day. Menus are posted monthly at www.cccsd.org/departments/nutritionalservices/lunch-menus. As the district transitions to free meals, families should adjust or shut off the auto pay function in their MySchoolBucks account. Families do not have to complete any forms for their student(s) to receive free meals at school. However, families are strongly encouraged to complete the Income Eligibility Form (formerly known as the Free and Reduced Meal Application) for the 202425 school year. Depending on your income and family size your family may qualify for fee reductions (AP/SAT exams, instrument rental, etc.) and other benefits (P-EBT payments, reduced internet costs, reduced Amazon Prime membership). This information is also vital in ensuring that the district receives adequate funding from the federal government and New York
Provided information and photo
State. The Income Eligibility Form is available on the Nutritional Services page of the school website (https://www.cccsd.org/departments/nutritional-services) or in the district’s school nutrition office at 139 Fairbanks Road, Churchville. CCCSD looks forward to providing free breakfast and lunch for all students. There will continue to be snacks and a la carte items available for a fee. For more information, parents and guardians can call the Churchville-Chili School Nutrition Office at 585-2931800 ext. 3330. Provided information
My Hometown December 2023 | 13
My Hometown Holidays
Age-based guidelines for buying toys and gifts The holiday season involves making holiday gift lists and checking them twice, or even more frequently to ensure that gift-givers find the best fit for recipients. While age may only be a number in certain instances, when it comes to gifting, age should be a consideration — particularly when kids are involved. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an estimated 86,000 children treated for toy-related injuries each year are younger than five. Toy-related injuries are preventable, and prevention often comes down to choosing age-appropriate toys for kids. Toys can be choking hazards when small toys or those with small pieces are given to children who are too young to use them safely. Kids are curious and often put items in their mouths. Choking is the fourth-leading cause of unintentional death in children under age five, indicates The Emergency Center. Falls, eye injuries, drowning, and motor accidents are leading causes of gift-related injuries. Here’s how to select age-appropriate gifts. • Read the packaging carefully. Most toys and other children’s products will come with an age range recommendation. While some kids may be mature beyond their years, it’s best to choose gifts that fall within the recommended range. This is particularly the case for infants, toddlers and any child under the age of five. • Avoid fad gifts. Children often want the latest and greatest gadgets and toys for gifts even if they are not the smartest choices for their ages. Resist the urge to buy something just to be the “cool” parent or grandparent, especially if it isn’t age-appropriate. Mermaid tails became popular in recent years, and likely will see increased presence thanks to the home-viewing release of a popular live-action mermaid movie. However, they limit movement and can make swimming more difficult, potentially increasing risk of drowning. • Provide safety gear. As children age, they may be more interested in gifts that appeal to hobbies and abilities. Scooters, bicycles, skates, and other items are popular among older children. These gifts should only be purchased for those with proven ability, and even then, accompanied with the appropriate safety gear. This can include helmets, knee pads and eye protection. • Consider waiting before gifting certain electronics. Although children may be able to use devices safely, there are many who advocate for waiting to give young children smartphones and tablets due to the consequences of excessive screen time. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says children ages two to five should limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per weekday and three hours on weekend days. Children should be encouraged to pursue healthy habits that limit use of screens, so gift-givers can look for gifts that help to this end. Age-appropriate gifts ensure safety for the youngest people on holiday gift lists. (Metro)
14 | My Hometown December 2023
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My Hometown Church
The First Presbyterian Church of Chili participates in Grocery Run 2023 This year, The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard participated in the Grocery Run sponsored by The Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester. The church’s team chose to do a Virtual Run/Walk in which team members could elect to run, walk, bike, stroll or even sit to complete the race. Members who signed up for the team met on Sunday, November 5, at the Greenwood Townhomes’ Community Center to complete this Virtual Run/Walk. The Food Cupboard earned $690 from team registrations and $265 dollars from online donations. Early next year, the Food Cupboard will also collect bonus funds based on the size of its team and the overall proceeds of the event. The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard Committee would like to thank all of the people who registered and/or made donations to this Virtual Run/Walk. The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard is open the third Saturday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The Food Cupboard is looking for community volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call the church secretary, Sandy McCauley, at 889-9896. Provided information and photos
Participants supporting The First Presbyterian Church in Chili during the Grocery Run.
Holly Days at the Hinchey Homestead The Gates Historical Society’s annual “Holly Days” will be held at the historic Hinchey Homestead, 634 Hinchey Road, on December 2 & 3, 9 & 10, and 16 & 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Come see the house and grounds decorated for the holidays. There will be mini tours given so visitors can learn some history about the house and the Hinchey Family. There are eight trees in various rooms that were decorated by various groups and organizations so visitors can vote for their favorite tree, as well as enjoy
other decorations. There are outside decorations also, including trees decorated with edible treats for the wildlife. There will be light refreshments and special music. A donation of $10 for non-society members and $8 for GHS members would be appreciated. Children 16 years of age and under are free with an adult. Provided information
My Hometown December 2023 | 17
My Hometown First Responders
GVAS receives funding for two new ambulances
On November 29, NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney announced $300,000 in funding for Gates Volunteer Ambulance Services (GVAS) that will be used to purchase two brand new ambulances. GVAS is a non-profit organization serving the residents of Gates, Ogden, Parma, and Spencerport. In 2021 alone, GVAS responded to over 8,500 calls and has a roster of 180 career and volunteer EMS professionals. Senator Cooney said, “These new ambulances will help them better serve our westside communities and advance the care provided to Gates residents.” Photo from @SenatorCooney on X.
Gates Ambulance offering Hands-Only CPR classes Gates Ambulance is continuing to offer free Hands-Only CPR classes. This two-hour course will give participants the skills and knowledge to perform CPR and use an AED. The class is ideal for those who are looking to widen their knowledge set or have a family-friendly educational opportunity. Upcoming class dates are: • December 19, 2023 • January 16, 2024 • January 30, 2024 • February 13, 2024 • February 27, 2024 • March 12, 2024 • March 26, 2024 • April 9, 2024 • April 23, 2024 Scan the QR code for details and to register for the desired class. Those with questions can call 585-247-5519 ext. 113 or email traininginfo@gatesems.org.
18 | My Hometown December 2023
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My Hometown December 2023 | 19
20 | My Hometown December 2023