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index 4 6 Valentine’s Day Traditions 5 Roberts Wesleyan Wins 2024 NCAA DIII Award of Excellence
A Westside News, Inc. Publication Pubisher Keith Ryan Managing Editor Gary Sajdak Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com
7 Keep Gates Clean Community Project 10 Empowering Young Women Through Pageants 12 Better Technology Helps Nonprofits Have Greater Community Impact 13 Local Illustrator Shares Art At Gates Public Library 13 CCCSD Sending 35 Students To All County Music Festival 14 Spencerport HS Principal Sean McCabe To Retire
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
14 Spencerport Woman Offers Inspiration For Those Ready To Become Smoke-Free 16 Red Osier Brands Now At Spencerport Bowl 18 Brew School Of Music Holds Grand Opening
Production 585-352-3411 ext. 126 or 128 Vicki Caspersson, Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen & Suzette Coleman News Submissions: editor@westsidenewsny.com
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My Hometown Valentine’s Traditions
6 Valentine’s Day traditions Valentine’s Day is a day of love nestled in the middle of February. Sweethearts use Valentine’s Day as an opportunity to show the people they care about just how deep those feelings run. A 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation found consumers expected to spend $25.9 billion on Valentine’s Day, up from $23.9 billion in 2022. Forecasters suspect spending is likely to increase this year as well. Valentine’s Day is awash in many different customs. Here’s a deep look at some of those enduring traditions and others that some may feel should be brought back into favor or adopted entirely. Handwritten cards It’s a common scene each year in card retailers and pharmacies: people three-deep in the aisle trying to pick out Valentine’s Day cards in the eleventh hour. People can save themselves the hassle of fighting the crowds if they make their own handmade cards. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, sweethearts created unique cards from scratch, according to Country Living. And prior to products produced by Hallmark and other greeting card companies, people used to send one another cards customized with personalized messages. Pampering gentlemen It is common in North America for Valentine’s Day celebrations to lean significantly toward favoring women, who are often on the receiving end of flowers and chocolates. However, in South Korea and Japan, it is the men who are pampered with such gifts. Women purchase chocolates for their male partners, family members and coworkers as tokens of appreciation and affection. Never fear, a month later on White Day (March 14) men reciprocate with candy, cake and flowers. Bouquets These days a dozen long-stemmed red roses might be the norm for Valentine’s Day gifting. However, roses weren’t always the preferred flower for the holiday. History.com reports that, in the nineteenth century, bouquets might
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contain all sorts of flowers, each chosen to convey certain messages. Individuals can research the meanings behind certain flowers and put together a Valentine’s Day gift this year that expresses exactly what they are feeling. Puzzle purses Sweethearts in Victorian England created “puzzle purses,” which were a series of love letters that could be read separately, but also fit together to create a design and message. These intricately folded sheets of paper had parts of messages or verses written on different corners and were meant to be read in a specific order. Heart-shaped chocolate boxes British chocolatier Richard Cadbury is credited with creating the first heart-shaped box for Valentine’s Day. The boxes were intended to be so beautiful they would be kept to hold trinkets or love letters. Ornate chocolate boxes are not quite as common today, although the gifting of chocolate for the holiday is still strong. Celebrating in June? Many Brazilians skip Valentine’s Day in February and choose to celebrate Saint Anthony, the patron saint of marriage and matchmaking, on June 12. Celebrating both is fine for those who prefer to shower affection on loved ones multiple times a year. Valentine’s Day traditions are still strong and can add a little something extra to celebrations this February. Metro
Roberts Wesleyan University wins 2024 NCAA DII Award of Excellence Roberts Wesleyan University Athletics was awarded the firstplace grand prize for the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence at the NCAA Convention on January 13 in Phoenix. University student-athletes were recognized for their yearlong fundraising initiative for the Ugandan Water Project, which raised more than $13,000 to build three water wells in Uganda and provide fresh water to communities in need. As part of Redhawks Reachout, the university Athletics Department’s strategic community service initiative, the Redhawks selected the Ugandan Water Project after learning about the need for clean water in the country and the global water crisis, which impacts 2.2 billion people worldwide. Throughout the past year, student-athletes from multiple athletics programs engaged in several community service opportunities to raise awareness and support the financial goals of the organization. Efforts included building nearly 300 kits to reset water pumps in Uganda, participating and volunteering in the nonprofit’s annual 5k, hosting a weeklong educational water challenge and championing WaterNOW, a social media fundraising event, which surpassed the students’ initial $10,000 fundraising goal. “We are so proud of our student-athletes who have inspired all of us to find creative ways to impact others through financial assistance and encouragement to communities, children and families in need,” said Roberts Wesleyan University President Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. “This event stands as an excellent example of how Roberts, through the Redhawks Reachout initiative, is instilling in our student-athletes a profound sense of responsibility and compassion for their neighbors around the world.” Roberts Wesleyan was one of 25 schools and two conferences selected as finalists for the 2024 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. The annual accolade honors its members for conducting events that promote student-athletes giving back and serving as leaders in their communities or on their campuses, and recognizes initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement and student-athlete leadership. This is the third time Roberts Wesleyan has been recognized by the national Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for this honor, and the university is the division’s first two-time winner in the award’s 11-year history. In 2021, the university won the grand prize for its work with Golisano Children’s Hospital, and placed third in 2023 for its inaugural meal-packing event for Rise Against Hunger.
“I am continually amazed by the compassion and community-oriented spirit of our student-athletes,” Roberts Wesleyan University Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave said. “Their steadfast support of the Ugandan Water Project last year is already making an impact with the development of new rainwater collection systems, water filtration stations and handwashing stations at three schools in Uganda. We are honored to receive this recognition once again from the NCAA.” The university was awarded a $2,500 prize, which will be used for future community engagement initiatives and events. For more information about Roberts Wesleyan University athletics, visit robertsredhawks.com.
Helping Riga-area neighbors Churchville churches as well as businesses and individuals have joined together to provide food for families who need a little extra. Residents in the Riga area are welcome to the distribution center
Provided information and photo
at Union Church, 14 North Main Street, Churchville, to pick up a box of nutritious food for their families. Distribution is made the fourth Wednesday of each month between 4 and 5 p.m. Provided information
Lifespan seeks nominations for Second Half Hero awards Do you know someone 65 or older who follows their passion, who takes on the opportunities of our longer lives, who defies outdated, ageist myths? Lifespan is seeking nominations for the Second Half Hero awards to be given at its March 28 Celebration of Aging luncheon at the Convention Center. Lifespan will honor five people nominated by family and friends. Nominating is easy
and can be done online at lifespanrochester.org. Nominations are due no later than Wednesday, February 21. Each honoree will be Lifespan’s guest at the event that has a usual attendance of 1,400 to 1,600 people. Honorees must be able to attend. Provided information
My Hometown February 2024 | 5
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My Hometown Community Projects
Keep Gates Clean
Some people made sourdough bread. Others got really into puzzles. For Dan Switzer, Lauren Malvaso, and a small group of adults in the Gates community, their COVID hobby was something a little more altruistic. They started picking up garbage! Today, nearly four years later, not only are they still out on the streets cleaning up their community, but the movement they started – Keep Gates Clean – has motivated several others to care about the cleanliness of their town. Simply put, Keep Gates Clean is a group of volunteers that meets weekly to beautify the town. Both Dan and Lauren were among the founding members. Below is a brief history of the group, as well as what the future has in store for them. Q: What is the Keep Gates Clean origin story? Dan: It was the middle of April in 2020. I was riding my bike through the park and saw garbage scattered all over. When I got home that afternoon, I talked a friend into coming out to help me pick up all the trash I saw. We filled up three bags that day. That night, I shared a post on Facebook to the “Gates News” group and Lauren responded immediately. Lauren: When the world was shut down due to COVID 19, I was looking for a way to be impactful with my newfound down time. I was becoming increasingly aware of and disheartened by the litter all around our beautiful town. It was everywhere - our plazas, parks, parking lots, neighborhoods, main roads! On April 19, 2020, I decided to make a post on the “Gates News” Facebook page looking for like-minded residents to de-litter the town with me. “Woke up thinking about the garbage all over Gates. Anybody feeling inspired to clean up our neighborhoods?” Dan Switzer was the first to respond. “Heading out later. We’ve got this!” We had both been out on several individual outings, but from that day on, we decided to combine our efforts and rally our friends. The “Keep Gates Clean” movement was born that day.
Q: Other than a cleaner community, are there any other positives that have come out of the Keep Gates Clean movement? Dan: New friendships and increased fitness. We usually cover at least a mile, sometimes a mile and a half on each cleanup. It has also been great to meet and make connections will all sorts of people that I would not have known otherwise. Q: How do people find out about Keep Gates Clean? Dan: The primary way is Facebook. We post about upcoming cleanups and share pictures about the bags upon bags of trash we collect. The group has been growing steadily and now has over 800 followers. continued on page 8
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My Hometown Community Projects continued from page 9
Q: What are your plans for the group this year? Lauren: Keep Gates Clean is excited to partner with local organizations in 2024. We are also always looking to add new faces to our weekly community cleanups. Consider joining us in our beautification efforts of Gates; it truly does take a village! Q: Do you have any final thoughts? Dan: It is mind blowing how much litter we clean up. In the last six months of 2023, we collected over 370 bags! If we could get even 1% of residents to come out once a month and join our cause, that would be so helpful in making Gates a cleaner community. Lauren: While Keep Gates Clean could technically be considered my brainchild, Dan has been instrumental in keeping this movement alive! He is the heart and soul behind Keep Gates Clean. He is out there working tirelessly, scheduling cleanups, and rallying the community. He is our leader and an Environmental Warrior!
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My Hometown Organization
Empowering Young Women Through Pageants by Colleen Onuffer
Fancy Frock Thrift Boutique recently opened its doors at 48 South Main Street in Churchville, selling discounted pageant and prom gowns, special occasion dresses, shoes and accessories. The small boutique helps fund Worth More Nation, a 501c3 organization that works to uplift and empower girls and young women who have experienced foster care or other types of trauma and life challenges. “We do that by encouraging girls to ‘rise up and sparkle,’” explained Sandy Arena, Founding Director of Worth More Nation and Fancy Frock Thrift Boutique. “Our initiatives and programs involve pageantry, fashion and also service.” “Sandy means helper of mankind,” explained Arena, who lives in Pittsford with her husband. She believes in giving back to the community and has instilled the same views in her three biological children: a daughter who did pageants, a daughter who danced, and a son who played football. In addition, Arena and her family have fostered 13 children over the years. “Our first experience with fostering was really eye opening,” said Arena. “I couldn’t believe some of the underserved communities that were within 15 minutes from our house. It was heart breaking to me. Once you see it, you want to change it to make
the world a better place.” Individuals may have their own preconceived notions of pageantry, and Arena admits that she did at first, too. “My youngest daughter begged me to do a pageant. I said, ‘absolutely not’ but finally agreed to it and was opened up to a whole new world people don’t know of: positive pageantry,” said Arena. “I saw how pageantry offered community service, confidence and the ability to develop transferable skills for young ladies. It was a template for helping girls achieve their dreams.” This opportunity was also wrapped around the fun stuff – the sparkles, fashion, being on stage. During one particular pageant, Arena’s foster daughter (who had been experiencing homelessness at the time) stayed with them at a hotel. “We dressed her up and took her to all of the events. And I saw something change in her that week. She was holding her head higher and becoming more confident,” said Arena. Worth More Nation was born in 2018 from that surprising experience. “I believe that what you see in yourself is what you become,” said Arena. “We decided that we’d do a pageant. Those experi continued on page 10
Worth More Nation Ambassadors at the 2023 Summer Pageant held at the Cobblestone Arts Center in Farmington, NY. Provided photo
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My Hometown Organization continued from page 10
ences are very expensive and not very accessible to many families. But I wanted all girls to have that chance to be on stage, to be seen, to build those confidence-building skills.” Girls ages five and older who have experienced foster care, trauma or other life challenges are welcome to participate in the free Miss Worth More Nation Community Pageant. “We tend to have 10 to 25 girls in each pageant. Most of them come to us through a referral from a counselor or mental health professional,” said Arena. Having lived in multiple homes during her childhood and experiencing lots of instability, it is important for Sandy and her husband to give back to children, like how other people gave to her. “If there is a girl who thinks they can benefit from the program, we aren’t going to turn them away.” Ahead of time, participants receive instructional videos to practice their personal introductions. They also visit the Fancy Frock Thrift Boutique to pick out and get fitted in a complimentary cocktail dress for personal introductions and a gown for the formal wear portion of the pageant. On the day of the pageant, every girl participates in hands-on workshops where mentors help them work on their walk, personal introductions and staging. Afterwards, participants go through a professional pageant experience, complete with a professional photographer, in front of friends and family members. What makes Worth More Nation pageants different from others, is that there are no winners or judging. Every pageant participant receives a gorgeous crown and banner, getting named Miss Worth More Nation. “Pageant professionals, our version of judges, are there as encouragers. Rather than scoring the participants, they write down words of encouragement, so every girl goes home with a packet of compliments,” said Arena. Girls are made to feel like queens during the experience and be reminded of their worth. “We’re trying to instill that a crown, a banner and a fancy dress
Pageant photos by Bob Schultz Photography
Fancy Frock Thrift Boutique recently opened its doors at 48 South Main Street in Churchville. Provided photo
do not provide worth to a young lady or to anyone. These are special moments for you to remember and reflect upon and see what you can be,” explained Arena. “Anything that has happened to you in your life, is not who you are. You are worth more, no matter what you’ve been through.” After participating in the pageant, girls are welcome to represent Worth More Nation as a national ambassador or titleholder. In addition to participating in the pageant, ambassadors and titleholders commit to one community service activity per month and follow a code of conduct. The fees from these programs help keep the community pageant free for first-time participants. Worth More Nation also raises funds by hosting an annual fashion show – this year, taking place on September 28 – and sales through the Fancy Frock Thrift Boutique, which is open to the public Thursday through Saturday and by appointment. The organization happily accepts new or gently loved special occasion dresses for Fancy Frock, items for pageant goodie-bags, like makeup, hair scrunchies, jewelry and socks, or monetary donations. They’re also always looking for more volunteers. For more information, visit https:// worthmorenation.com or https://www. facebook.com/WorthMoreNation.
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Better technology helps nonprofits have greater community impact Local nonprofits have an amazing “upgrade” opportunity for their older technology thanks to support from two local organizations. The Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF) and Shift2 (formerly known as The Shore Foundation) have launched a Nonprofit Tech Trade program to help multiple area nonprofits upgrade their office computers and responsibly recycle their outdated technology. As a pilot, RACF has provided funding to cover 100 replacement computers for this program. Local nonprofit organizations will exchange their old desktop tower/laptops and receive a newer, refurbished computer with a Windows 11 operating system and updated features (better computer processor, RAM speed, etc). All laptops are paired with a Dell AC power charger and all desktops are paired with an LCD flat screen monitor, computer keyboard, computer mouse, all power cords and connecting cables. The first wave of computers has been committed to 16 local nonprofits. Still, interested nonprofits should visit www.shift2nfp. org/nptechtrade to complete a short eligibility/interest form to be added to a waiting list to receive computers when more become available. The primary requirements for the recipient organizations is that they are a recognized nonprofit with the IRS (EIN number), represent an educational institution or cause, and can physically travel to Rochester for the exchange of the computers (trading the old for the new). Shift2 installs Microsoft citizenship licenses (as a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher) and this requires the computer to be distributed to educational institutions and/or nonprofit charitable organizations. Using obsolete computers and software can be a significant security risk because they no longer receive security updates, and are not equipped to protect against newer malware and viruses. They also make it hard to keep other applications up to date because they stop supporting outdated systems. “The expense and coordination to upgrade computers and other technologies can be a burden for any organization, but especially smaller nonprofits and educational organizations,” said Megan Alchowiak, Executive Director of Shift2. “We’re so thankful that RACF and Butler/Till stepped up to help make the transition simple for local nonprofits.” Butler/Till, a local marketing agency, partnered with Shift2 to host the pilot Nonprofit Tech Trade Program at their offices on January 24. Butler/Till team members also volunteered to help sort the old computers for recycling and pick the correct replacement computers for each organization. “As Chief Technology Officer at Butler/Till this event not only aligns closely with our commitment to the Rochester community as both a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) and certified B Corporation, but has been a bit of a passion project for me personally, with merging both technology and giving back. This event represents what I hope will be the first of many in the future of our partnership with Shift2 and Causewave. Our goal is to make a major impact starting with these organizations and I cannot wait to see what the future holds,” said Mike Della Porta. The planners hope that additional funding will become available to expand the program and serve more nonprofits in need of upgraded technology. Those interested in learning more about the program or supporting its expansion can learn more at www.shift2nfp.org Provided information
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Local illustrator shares art at Gates Public Library
Rochester illustrator and graphic designer Ron Brancato is the featured artist at the Gates Public Library beginning February 12. This showing of his work reflects his Retro Rochester print series inspired by his appreciation for local architecture and his enjoyment of vintage typography and illustration. Ron’s work typically
combines hand drawn and digital art to create the effects he desires. The typography he creates is inspired by his early years hand-lettering signs. Early in his life, Ron desired to make a career out of art. In 1979, after three years of college, he attended Graphic Careers, a one-year commercial art school located in Rochester. He immediately launched a sign painting business after graduating in 1980, taking time along the way to build his design and illustration portfolio. After a few years lettering signs, he went freelance as a graphic designer/illustrator and continues doing so today in a full-time capacity for corporate clients as well as pursuing his personal art work. Those interested in purchasing Ron’s prints or note cards may contact him at 585-359-4656 or email him at ronb@rochester. rr.com. Ron’s work is also available at his Etsy shop found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/ROCARTStudio?ele=shop_open. Provided information and photo
CCCSD sending 35 students to All County Music Festival Thirty-five students from Churchville-Chili Central School District music programs will be participating in the Monroe County School Music Association All-County Music Festival this March. Students from the elementary, junior high and senior high school levels will be performing in band, chorus and orchestra ensembles. The students participating were selected based on their performances during the January MCSMA Solo-Festivals where students performed a prepared solo and short sight reading excerpt for an adjudicator. They will join students from throughout Monroe County for a weekend of music-making led by guest conductors. The Jazz performances will take place March 1 and 2 at Spencerport Central School District. The Senior High All-County performances will take place March 8 and 9 at Nazareth University. The Junior High performances will take place March 15 and 16 at Webster Central School District. Churchville-Chili Central School District will host the Elementary performances
Myiah Garcia has been selected to the Monroe All-County Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She is one of only 24 students selected throughout the county to be in this ensemble, and this is her second time being selected for this honor. Photo from @ccvocalmusic on X.
March 22 and 23. The following students selected to perform: •Elementary Band – Harper Burnett, Camden Emerson, Jeremiah Lukomisky and Hannah Tompkins •Elementary Chorus – Ava Acey, Emma Clark, Miya Clement, Janette Lisle-Saleh, Jovi Mannara, Azmira Maull, Foster McKay, Delaney Mersich, Elizabeth Miroff, Bailey Nordhausen, Resse Rosario and Nicole Ward •Elementary Orchestra – Sean Guignon and Vincent Paolucci •Junior High Chorus – Christopher Carter, Addison Gerhardt, Conner Guy, Nicholas Kovall, Madison McLean and Edith Toates •Junior High Orchestra – Juliana Cellura, Benjamin Felluca, Lauren Henry and Natalie McCaffery •Senior High Band – Parker Nordhausen and Jordyn Stocks •Senior High Orchestra – Isaiah Bauch, Gabriella Conner, Silas Payne and Taylor Stocks •Senior High Vocal Jazz – Myiah Garcia. Provided information
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Spencerport HS Principal Sean McCabe to retire Spencerport High School Principal Sean McCabe will retire in August 2024, following a 30-year career in education. The Board of Education formally approved his letter of intent and commended his exceptional leadership in the district for the last 18 years, with 13 of those years as principal. Ty Zinkiewich, superintendent of schools, hired McCabe as an assistant principal in 2005 and offered the following remarks. “Serving as a high school principal is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, positions in education. Sean has done a remarkable job supporting thousands of students throughout his career here in Spencerport and I will miss working along his side. Sean cares deeply about every Sean McCabe student and staff member in the high school and his integrity and character are second to none. Although I am happy for Sean and his family, Spencerport is losing a great man, and he will be missed.” Reflecting on his time at Spencerport, McCabe expressed his gratitude towards the families and community for entrusting him with the responsibility of serving as an administrator in the district.
He further stated that it has been a true privilege, working with incredible colleagues and staff and serving the thousands of students through the years. McCabe commented, “At graduation, it always amazed me how much each student grew as a person over the four years of high school, and what wonderful young citizens of the United States are headed into adulthood. Often, we hear it said that this current generation of students are not like when ‘we were in school.’ No, they are not. In my opinion, they are better in many ways. Every day at school, I witnessed kindness, caring, humor, humility, acceptance, and a joyfulness that comes from being young, and it made me a better person. I will miss that.” This announcement allows the superintendent to work with the administrative team and board of education to search for the next principal with a start date in June. This would afford an opportunity for a smooth transition with McCabe, whose last day will be the end of August. Provided information and photo
Spencerport woman offers inspiration for those seeking to become smoke-free Most adults who smoke or vape want to quit, and it is not unusual for people to make multiple attempts before achieving lasting success. Mary B., 60, of Spencerport, quit smoking in early 2020 with support of free services from New York State Smokers’ Quitline. Now she serves as an inspiration for those seeking to become smoke-free. Mary first tried cigarettes at age 14 and smoked for more than 30 years throughout her life. She was smoke-free throughout her twenties for childbirth but later returned to cigarettes. As time passed, Mary felt her lung capacity decrease and needed inhalers to help with physical activity. She also battled with bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia. After undergoing a CAT scan ordered by her primary care physician and pulmonologist, Mary learned she had lung nodules and an enlarged pulmonary artery. “My doctors also diagnosed the onset of mild emphysema but said I’d avoid lasting damage if I quit smoking,” Mary said. “I had tried quitting before but finally stuck with it in early 2020. I’m so glad I quit because I contracted COVID-19 later that year. Vaccines were not yet available, and maybe I wouldn’t have made it if I had still been smoking.” Mary is especially grateful for the specialists at the NY Quitline, who encouraged her to keep trying to quit despite past failed attempts. Free shipments of nicotine gum from the NY Quitline via mail also greatly helped Mary, especially due to her limited financial resources and her need for a boost of nicotine replacement therapy medication to help overcome cigarette cravings. In recent years through smoke-free living, Mary can again enjoy activities from her younger years, such as biking and swimming. Her pulmonologist, Dr. Daniel Croft with the University of Rochester Medical Center, considers Mary’s health turnaround “an A+.”
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“I’m so proud of Mary and am glad she is free from tobacco,” said Croft, who also serves as a member of the NY Quitline’s Healthcare Professional Task Force. “Quitting smoking can take a village, so I encourage everyone to always check with their healthcare professionals and the NY Quitline to learn about all the options available Mary B. has been smoke-free for for successful quitting.” For those who live in the three years with support from the Finger Lakes Region, the Center NY Smokers’ Quitline. for a Tobacco-Free Finger Lakes can recommend local and online cessation group classes. Mary likewise recommends support groups, exercising and staying away from tempting situations to make quitattempts last. “It’s so wonderful to be smoke-free,” Mary said. “Even though I smoked for so many years, I’m now disgusted by the smell of cigarettes. Being smoke-free feels like a burden is lifted from my shoulders. Others should know to keep trying and don’t give up. If you give up, you’ll never succeed.” The NY Quitline encourages all those living in New York State to make 2024 smoke-free by calling 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-6978487), texting QUITNOW to 333888 or visiting nysmokefree.com. Participants can connect with a specialist through an online chat, request a call-back, order free nicotine replacement therapy medications and register for the six-week Learn2QuitNY text messaging program. If a slip-up happens along the journey, stay positive and try, try again.
Provided information and photo
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My Hometown Business
Red Osier Brands now at Spencerport Bowl by Tami Raco Spencerport Bowl, the area’s iconic bowling alley, began in the early 1960s when Nicholas Tantalo built the town’s only bowling alley on farmland he owned. His grandson, Michael Progno, began managing the 16-lane bowling alley in the 1970s. It was leased out for a period in the ‘80s, but the Progno family took it back in 1993 and continues running Spencerport Bowl today. Throughout most of the past 80 years, Spencerport Bowl provided the bowlers and the community with hot food and beverages. Providing freshly prepared food ended abruptly during the pandemic. “Covid shut our kitchen down,” said Spencer Progno, manager of Spencerport Bowl. Recently, Spencerport Bowl brought food services back into the alley and the community through a partnership with Frank Vicaretti of Red Osier Brands. Vicaretti, a Spencerport resident, owns the rights to Red Osier Brands for the distribution of their legendary foods as well as Cheesy Eddie’s desserts. For several years, Vicaretti has been bringing these local favorites to the area’s biggest events, such as the Jazz Festival and the Lilac Festival. Sammies and Sweets is the name of the food catering company that Vicaretti owns and operates throughout the county. In addition to the events, they provide catering and meal delivery with the Red Osier Brands from their Henrietta location. Last fall, Frank contacted the Progno family to discuss bringing the Red Osier and Cheesy Eddie’s foods into the bowling alley. “I was happy to bring Red Osier foods in the alley,” said Spencer Progno. “We can only eat so much pizza,” he laughed. As fall leagues began, the food services also resumed after several years. “Now leagues come in early and grab a hot Red Osier roast beef sandwich before bowling,” said Vicaretti. In addition to the Red Osier foods and Cheesy Eddie’s desserts, Vicaretti and his team also serve bowler favorites like chicken nuggets, French fries, nachos, and warm pretzels. Vicaretti also provides catering, home delivery, and take-out orders from their new location in Spencerport. “We have delicious meal packs with Red Osier roast beef, au jus, and desserts available for delivery throughout the entire county.“ See www.sammiesnsweets.com for catering information. “This has been great, bringing people back in to eat, and they can even take their meal to the bar and have a drink with it,” said Spencer. Red Osier Brands is currently in the area where the ice cream shop is located during the summer months. The full kitchen is being remodeled, and Vicaretti plans to move into the newly updated kitchen soon. Open bowling is also making a comeback, according to the Prognos. They offer open bowling every weekday evening, except Tuesday, as well as weekends. “Bowling is such a great family activity. It is good to see the families together, and now we can provide bowling with good food,” said Progno. For more information on Spencerport Bowl, their events, hours, and food offerings, go to www.spencerportbowl.com or see their Facebook page. For coupons and exclusive offers from Red Osier Brands at Spencerport Bowl, see their ad in this publication.
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Frank Vicaretti (left) and Spencer Progno (right) have teamed up to bring Red Osier Brands food to Spencerport Bowl. Provided photo.
Frank Vicaretti and his team serve Red Osier roast beef sandwiches, Cheesy Eddie’s desserts, and more at Spencerport Bowl. Provided photo.
My Hometown February 2024 | 17
My Hometown New Business
Steve Brew prepares to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Brew School of Music’s new studio space in Spencerport. Photo provided by Christian Barnes.
Brew School of Music holds grand opening Brew School of Music held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at its new location, 42 Nichols Street, Spencerport, on January 11. The school specializes in teaching youth ages four to 17 and offers lessons on guitar, piano, ukulele, and bass. The mission of the Brew School of Music is to help each individual student cultivate their own unique musical ability in order to reach their personal goals. No two people are alike, and no two students should be taught in the same way. The Brew School of Music will help each and every student advance on their unique musical journey in a supportive, encouraging, and motivational learning environment. Founder Steve Brew has been providing quality music lessons to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities for over a decade. He believes that all people can be musicians, so long as they are
committed to regular practice and careful study. He will meet students where they are, and bring them along at their own pace. Often times, Steve creates unique materials specifically catered towards the needs of the student. Brew holds a Doctorate in Guitar Performance from Indiana University, a Masters in Guitar Performance from Syracuse University, and a Bachelors in Guitar Performance from SUNY Fredonia. His past performances include a tour of Spain with the Fredonia Guitar Quartet, a third-place finish at the Philadelphia Classical Guitar Society’s National Competition, and a featured performance at the Roland Dyens International Arranging Festival. For more information, call 585-314-0279 or visit www.brewschoolofmusic.com. Provided information
Witness the Total Solar Eclipse on its center line at SUNY Brockport SUNY Brockport is offering guests the opportunity to view the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse at one of the premier eclipse destinations in the world. While Monroe County is in the path of totality for the April 8 eclipse, the southeast corner of the SUNY Brockport campus is located directly on its center line — meaning the Brockport campus will witness roughly five additional seconds of totality than those viewing the event elsewhere. That makes SUNY Brockport a destination for eclipse chasers around the world. An event pass is required for any guest to drive onto the SUNY Brockport campus on April 8. Event passes are on sale now at https://www2.brockport.edu/eclipse/
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SUNY Brockport’s “Total Eclipse of The Port” event pass includes: •A parking spot •Four pairs of solar eclipse glasses •Commemorative stickers •Access to food trucks •Live entertainment (beginning at 11 a.m.) Spectators are free to gather with others near the center line, or spread out and find a secluded space on the 464-acre campus to enjoy the experience quietly. Provided information
Knee Pain Got You Stuck?
of d l A Hug e! e r i e F e New B Is H reakthrough In The s i t i rthr A & n i Regene a rative Medicine For Knee P
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Johns Hopkins Medicine states that the most common causes of knee pain are related to aging, injury or repeated stress on the knee. Common knee problems include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and arthritis.
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According to the CDC, “About 1 in 4 US adults (23.7%) or about 58.5 million people have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.” Chronic pain caused by arthritis affects millions of people in the United States every year. About one in four adults with arthritis—15 million people—report experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis. Additionally, nearly half of adults with arthritis have persistent pain.”
3237 Union Street North Chili, NY 14514 Click Here To Schedule An Appointment
www.naturalhealingroc.com My Hometown February 2024 | 19
20 | My Hometown February 2024