My Hometown Magazine July 2023

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

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

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4 Churchville-Riga Chamber Holds Best in Show

Pet Event for Charity

6 Ogden’s Gerbino Receives NYS Accommodation

7 Horses Healing Heroes

9 Chili Public Library Opens Native Plant Garden

10 Registration Open for Daniel’s Race

11 My Hometown School News

12 Dr. Rupert Hayles Named Roberts Wesleyan President

13 Grazing Creations Spreads Love Through Food

14 Nazareth University, Gates Chili Collaboration

15 Seasonal Bucket List: 5 Ways To Spend Your Summer

16 My Hometown Church News

Cover Photo: Shirley and Ginger from Spencerport. Winners of the Owner/Pet Look-Alike Category.

Photo by Gary Sajdak

Blood drive July 27 in memory of Will Beeman

The Willie Bee Foundation is holding a blood drive in memory of Will Beeman on Thursday, July 27, from 1 to 6 p.m. in the meeting room at the Spencerport Fire District, 175 Lyell Avenue, Spencerport. Appointments are recommended.

Founded by Clay and Christine Beeman in memory of their son, the Willie Bee Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-forprofit charitable organization that supports local families whose children have life-threatening illness.

This blood drive is held every year, often in July because that is when Will, at just three months old, was diagnosed with At/Rt brain cancer. He received many blood transfusions throughout his 20-month fight. Will was a warrior, and the foundation’s goal is to have a full appointment schedule to honor him.

There is an urgent need for blood donations. Blood is being used by hospitals, and patients are needing it just as quickly as the shelves are being stocked. Donating is a selfless act and it costs nothing monetarily.

For an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor keyword: SpencerportFireWillBeeman.

Provided information and photo

The blood drive is in memory of Will Beeman (April 4, 2014 – March 18, 2016).

Churchville supports the Chamber

History of the Gates-Chili FD

The Gates Historical Society’s July program will be the history of the Gates-Chili Fire Department from 1927 to the present. Jim Werth, Gates Fire Commissioner, will give the presentation. This program will be held at the Gates Town Hall Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road, on Monday, July 17, at 7 p.m. This program is free and open to the public. The facility is handicapped accessible. Provided information

On Thursday, June 22, the Harvey C. Noone Legion Family participated in the Greater Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament. The Legion sponsored a hole as well as one of the hole contests (closest to the pin). Pictured with the sponsor sign are Joe Olsevsky, Ron Torcello, Wayne McConnell and Commander Ken Juergens. They reported a lot of fun and camaraderie for the day at the Monroe County Golf Course at Churchville. The fundraiser supports the chamber’s November 11 Veterans Day Luncheon which is free for veterans to attend. Provided information and photo.

Ogden’s Gerbino receives NYS Accommodation Award

Senator Rob Ortt recognized retired Police Officer and Ogden Town Board Member Sal Gerbino on June 21, presenting him with the New York State Accommodation Award for his efforts in raising over $10 million for the Challenger League and Special Olympics. Shown (l-r) are Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale, Senator Rob Ortt, Sal Gerbino, Ogden Town Clerk Noelle Burley, former Senator Joe Robach, and Ogden Highway Superintendent Dan Wolf. Photo from @SenatorOrtt on Twitter.

My Hometown Heroes

Horses Healing Heroes

by Tami Raco photos by Karen Fien

Daniel Jobin, of Brockport, spent his early childhood growing up around horses in the North Country until his family moved to the Rochester area when he was a teenager so he could pursue a career in hockey. He never gave up his love for horses, but after many hockey-related injuries, he had to give up the sport.

Daniel became a firefighter at the Bushnell’s Basin Fire Department. During his 17 years as a first responder, he fell in love with helping others in their time of crisis. In the back of his mind, he dreamt of having an opportunity where he could combine his passion for helping others with his love for horses.

In September 2019, Daniel was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident. He was riding his motorcycle in a 9/11 ride with the Laddermen MC when the driver of the car did not see him and ran him off the road. His survival from this accident was uncertain and his family was told that even if he did survive, the prognosis of ever walking or having full capacity of his brain function was bleak.

Daniel not only survived, but after more than 20 surgeries and rehabilitation, he is able to walk and ride horses again. Through

his desire to finally launch this dream into a reality. He used the tragedy that nearly killed him and took him from his career as a first responder, and turned it into something positive where he could help others.

He began to envision and prepare for what he would like to do with his second chance at life. “My goal while I was recovering was to bring this dream of helping horses heal heroes to life,” Daniel said. Over a series of events and meeting the right people at the right time, his dream to have an equine therapy facility in western Monroe County has come to fruition.

In May, Daniel graduated from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) as a certified Equine Master Specialist and in Mental Health Equine Therapy. He officially opened Before The Last Call Equine Therapeutic Program on June 10. It is an equine therapy program that specializes in helping those who spend their lives helping others.

Before The Last Call is located at Lone Oak Stables in Kendall, which provides a tranquil setting to help those suffering from trauma and PTSD. The connection occurred with Lone Oak Stables when Daniel took his stepson to ride there.

“Ellen and Dave Robinson, the owners, are amazing people,” he said. They saw Daniel’s gift with horses and invited him to work

Members of the Before The Last Call team (l-r) Nina Doyle, Donna Gouger, Daniel Jobin, Rachel Sullivan, and Cody Coppenberg

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My Hometown Heroes

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“rescuing.” While working with this horse, Daniel had the opportunity to share with the Robinsons his dream of bringing an equine therapeutic program to the area. Ellen, a retired nurse, and Dave, a Navy veteran, graciously opened their stables to house this unique program. Lone Oak is a 55-acre property with beautiful pastures and peaceful trails through the woods. Before The Last Call has eleven horses at Lone Oak that are being used in equine therapy.

Daniel has a team of experienced volunteers who have helped him get this program open and running.

Donna Gouger, of Hamlin, has 32 years of experience as an EMT in the area. She met Daniel Jobin on one of his medical emergency ambulance calls. “In the middle of his medical crisis, he starts pitching his program to me,” laughed Donna. She grew up riding horses and is also a volunteer at the Hamlin VFW. “Before The Last Call took all of my passions and threw them into one big bucket,” she said. Donna helps coordinate volunteers, and organizes the fundraising and event planning. “Critical incidents don’t go away. You can’t outrun ghosts,” Donna said. “They follow you, and we are here to help heroes find a healthy way to deal with their trauma.”

Rachel and Mike Sullivan are also on the team. Mike has a career as a first responder and is in the process of also being certified at PATH. He will be helping with the instruction. Rachel helps with the administration and social media.

Cody Coopenberg, of Hamlin, is also part of the Before The Last Call team. Cody is an Army Veteran who was severely injured on a deployment in Afghanistan in 2012 that nearly took his life. He has served as a firefighter in the Holley and Hamlin/Morton Fire Districts. Reflecting on the trauma associated with his devastating injury while being deployed and the help he needed, Cody said, “Things as simple as a baseball bat falling or fireworks can really be trauma triggers to veterans.”

“The tranquil setting at Lone Oak Stables provides a safe place to turn the world off, find peace in the bonding with horses, and develop a deeper sense of purpose,” Daniel added.

The team is very cognizant, both professionally and personally, of the epidemic that veterans, police officers and first responders face. Nearly 100,000 veterans and first responders suffer from PTSD, leading to a significant number of them ending their own lives. The invisible wounds of their jobs have left emotional scars most will never understand. Before the Last Call’s mission is to help these men and women with their ongoing fight and try to

heal them through the healing power of horses.

Before The Last Call had it’s grand opening June 10. Retired Senator Joe Robach attended on behalf of Senator Ortt and The Veterans Outreach Center. At the event, he spoke of the importance of supporting our local first responders and veterans with programs like Before The Last Call.

The organization is in the process of acquiring its nonprofit status and has already begun providing equine therapy to local heroes. “There is no payment to participate,” said Daniel. This program is offered free to the veteran or first responder and is entirely supported by fundraising activities.

Several fundraisers are planned in the coming months. The Hamlin VFW will be holding a Cornhole Tournament and Food Truck Rodeo fundraiser on Saturday, August 20. There will also be a car and motorcycle show at the Hamlin’s Fireman’s Field on September 23. All proceeds from these events will go to helping local heroes seeking healing from horses.

For more information on fundraising events or to learn more about horses healing heroes, visit the Before The Last Call Facebook page.

The serene pastures at Lone Oak Stables provide a tranquil setting to help those suffering from trauma or PTSD.

Before The Last Call Founder and Director Daniel Jobin has always had a love of horses.

Chili Public Library Native Plant Garden and Seed Library

by Cindy Cuthbert

There’s a new garden in town. In 2022, Hubbard Springs Garden Club of Chili applied for and was awarded a Civic Beautification Grant from the 7th District Federated Garden Clubs of NY State to plant a new garden south of the Chili Library. The purpose of the garden is to provide educational opportunities for the community, to beautify the new community center, and to provide enrichment and enjoyment to all. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new garden was held at the library on June 8. Planning for a garden for that area began in the fall of 2022. The planning committee consisted of Sue Ackerman, Project Coordinator; Maryann Wagner, Garden Club President; Becky Cornell, Garden Club Vice President; and Jeff Baker, Library Director. Plants were purchased this spring, and garden club members began preparing the garden for planting in May after the town crew removed sod from the area. After much hard work moving dirt and mulch, setting paving stones, situating soaker hoses, and planting around 39 plants, the garden was completed by the end of May. Plants were chosen for their sensory appeal (scent and tactile stimulation) and benefit to pollinators. Planners prioritized deerresistant perennials and native plants. Some of the plants included are Echinacea, Purple Milkweed, Lavender, Orange Butterfly Milkweed, Salvia, Lamb’s Ear, Yarrow, Bee Balm, Lupine, Goldenrod, and various herbs. A tag identifies each of the plants.

The garden includes a flagstone walking path (materials donated by Debbie Toogood’s family) and a trellis (constructed and installed by Sue and Mike Ackerman). Maryann Wagner made a glass birdbath, which serves as a garden centerpiece, as well as other glass adornments. Some members donated plants and/or seedlings for the project. The town planted a border of boxwood shrubs on the driveway edge of the garden. The Hubbard Springs Garden Club of Chili will continue to maintain the garden. The club is always looking for new members to help with civic beautification. If you are interested in joining, email Maryann Wagner at mustang_64@live.com.

The garden can be accessed from the south side of the Chili Community Center or from inside the library by the south door. Take some time to enjoy walking through it, smelling and touching plants as you go. Or take a book outside to read beside the garden. It is a beautiful, peaceful place.

In addition to the grand opening of the new garden, the Chili Public Library has launched a new Seed Library. With a generous donation from the Chili Lions Club, the library was able to purchase a variety of flower and vegetable seeds and a small card catalog in which to house them. All of the seeds are able to be “borrowed” by members of our community at no cost. The library hopes that, at harvest time, patrons will save some of their seeds to donate back to the library, making the seed library sustainable for years to come. The more seeds in the library, the more community members can experience the pleasures of growing their own food and flowers and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

The Chili Public Library now houses a Seed Library. Pictured are Assistant Library Director Jennifer Lowden, Library Director Jeff Baker, Chili Lions

Registration open for Daniel’s Race

Online registration is now open for the 18th annual in-person Daniel’s Race, a 5K run/walk at Churchville-Chili Middle School planned for Saturday, August 12.

Participants can register or donate by clicking the Register link on www.daniels5k.com. The registration fee is $25, and registration packets/race bibs can be picked up at the Rochester Running Company on Mt. Hope Avenue.

The race is in memory of Daniel

Myslivecek, who lost his more than two-year battle with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. The community united as Daniel ran the first 5K in March 2006 and passed away that June. Daniel’s dream was to serve others and his legacy has raised melanoma awareness.

This year’s proceeds will support a local family whose child was born with significant health complications. Visit the Daniel’ Race website to get to know the family better.

For more information on sponsorship, the organization’s community service scholarship or the race in general, visit www. daniels5k.com, add “Daniel’s Race” on Facebook or follow @ Daniels5K on Twitter. Provided information

CCCSD makes staff appointments

At its June 13 meeting, the Churchville-Chili Board of Education appointed Tracie Swalbach to the district’s Coordinator of SocialEmotional Wellness and Inclusivity position beginning August 1 and Andrew Guignon as Fairbanks Road Elementary School’s Assistant Principal beginning July 10.

Ms. Swalbach has worked in the district for 12 years and has been an assistant principal at the High School for the last two years. She also served as a school counselor and drug and alcohol counselor in the district. Swalbach is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a master’s degree in school counseling, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and health sciences and multiple Certificate of Advance Study (CAS) programs in School Counseling and Educational Administration. She is looking forward to focusing upon social-emotional wellness, as it is her passion. “My goals are to continue to build relationships with staff and collaborate with them to address the needs of our students, the classroom, buildings and the district as a whole.”

Mr. Guignon has been an elementary teacher for Brockport CSD since 2010 and was previously a middle school consultant teacher. He has a master’s degree in literacy instruction and a bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education from SUNY Geneseo. In addition, he has a CAS in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport. Guignon lives in Ogden with his wife and children, a son in middle school and a daughter at FRS. “My children have had a great experience in Churchville-Chili. I am excited to join the wonderful team at Fairbanks Road and contribute to the Churchville-Chili community in this new role.”

Provided information and photos

Spencerport CSD selects new superintendent

Ty Zinkiewich, longtime assistant superintendent for instruction, will be the next leader of the Spencerport Central School District, after receiving board approval on June 20. He succeeds Kristin Swann who resigned from the district to pursue other opportunities.

“On behalf of the board, we are delighted to name Ty as the next superintendent,” said Gary Bracken, board president. “When considering a search, we knew we needed to look no further than Ty. As an assistant superintendent for the last 12 years, his impact and accomplishments have been immeasurable. He strives to always make Spencerport better and centers every decision on what’s best for students. We are excited for this appointment and looking forward to the future.”

Zinkiewich has been with the district since 2005, when he was hired as principal of Spencerport High School. In 2011, he became assistant superintendent for instruction and since then, has been instrumental in advancing the district’s: curriculum and NYS standards at every grade level; 1-to-1 technology initiative; professional learning opportunities; implementation of the Pre-K program; support services for students’ health and well-being; and students’ voice, particularly with New York State’s Culturally Responsive Education.

“I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Spencerport District,” said Zinkiewich. “It has been my distinct honor to serve in this district and be a part of making Spencerport a destination district for people settling in the area. I look forward to working with the board, the staff, and our community to continue the tradition of excellence that is our Spencerport schools.”

A native of Canada, Zinkiewich’s career in education in the U.S. began in 1995 in the Greece Central School District, where he taught science and social studies before being appointed a secondary assistant principal for the Odyssey School in 1999. He served in that position for four years, then went on to become principal of the JuniorSenior High School in the Kendall Central School District. In 2005, he came to Spencerport as high school principal.

Zinkiewich holds a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada, and received his teaching certificate from St. Bonaventure University and a master’s degree from SUNY Brockport. He also earned an advanced certificate in educational administration from Canisus College. He also teaches School Governance and the Rights of Students and Teachers (School Law) at the University of Rochester.

Zinkiewich will work with his administrative team and board to determine next steps to fill his vacated position as assistant superintendent.

Provided information and photo

Andrew Guignon

Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. named next president of Roberts Wesleyan University

Dr. Terry Taber, chair of the Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary boards of trustees, announced to the campus community on June 16 that Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. will become the 12th president of Roberts Wesleyan University and the fourth president of Northeastern Seminary, effective mid-July.

“Dr. Hayles has demonstrated inspiring leadership across a variety of executive roles, including higher education, churches and corporate America,” Taber said. “He quickly impressed the search committee with his broad range of experiences, capabilities, results and commitment to Christian higher education. Dr. Hayles is a courageous leader who will advance the missions of both Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary.”

With more than three decades of experience in strategic, operational and general management, and Christian higher education, Hayles joins Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary from New Jersey’s Pillar College, a private evangelical Christian institution where he served in various roles since 2019, including chief operating officer, executive vice president and most recently as president for the past two years.

Prior to his time in Christian higher education, Hayles served in the United States Air Force as an officer before transitioning to the private sector to support organizations with strategic management, executive coaching and advancement for more than 25 years. He worked with organizations such as Cytec Industries, Prudential Financial and Merck Pharmaceutical. Outside of academia, Hayles fostered his calling to Christianity through community and engagement as chief operating officer of Christ Church (10,000 parishioners) and executive pastor of Life Christian Church (3,500 parishioners), both in New Jersey.

Hayles is also the co-founder and chairman of Organization and People Dynamics Inc., an organizational consultancy that focuses on emotional and leadership development under the auspices of The Center for Emotional Development and the Center for Emotional & Spiritual Development. These organizations are dedicated to serving for-purpose organizations and leaders in the areas of culture and climate adjustment, emotional intelligence, transition management, team development, and strategic planning and execution.

It was the consensus of the search committee, given these strong areas of focus, that Hayles’ commitment to Christian higher education and his background in organizational management, people development, ministerial work and strategic leadership have prepared him well for the presidential role at Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary.

“I am humbled and honored, and I pray that I can use my gifts to assist faculty, staff and, most importantly, the many students who will pass through these remarkable institutions,” Hayles said. “I look forward to my future engagement at Roberts and Northeastern to bring all of me to further God’s work. It is no less than breathtaking, and I embrace this continued call on my life.”

Hayles earned his doctorate in organizational leadership from Regent University in Virginia, specializing in leadership, change management and emotional intelligence. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in man-

agement information systems from Seton University.

His election follows a comprehensive inclusive national presi dential search initiated in February 2023 President Deana L. terfield announced the community she would depart university and seminary at the conclusion the 2022-23 academic year to become the president of Seattle cific University, effective July 1, 2023.

Led by Taber, the member presidential search committee, prising trustees and resentatives from facul ty, staff, administration and students, sought prospective candidates who would advance the mission, vision and values of the institutions. The committee also engaged executive search management firm FaithSearch Partners to support the work of the presidential search committee and the board of trustees as they sought Porterfield’s successor.

“I want to thank each member of the search committee and our consultant, FaithSearch Partners, for their months of dedicated effort during this search,” Taber said. “They worked as a highperformance team while effectively representing all the voices of the university and seminary communities.”

Throughout the process, Hayles emphatically voiced his commitment to the core values and mission of Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern Seminary, establishing his proficiency for driving academic, leadership and spiritual development for students through a faith-based education.

“The field of higher education, and not just the world, is experiencing changes at a level not seen before,” Hayles added. “These changes will affect every student, not just in faith, culture, education and life, but our students will need to be prepared to embrace these changes to have a lasting impact on the world. I believe Roberts and Northeastern’s incredible heritage, values and focus on character development will be central to engaging with society to impact lives for the Kingdom and the world.”

Hayles will formally take office in mid-July at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. Hayles, alongside his wife, Maryann, and their two children, Stephen and Savannah, will reside in the president’s private home in North Chili.

Provided information and photo

Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr.

Grazing Creations Spreads Love Through Food

being able to take that responsibility off of people,” explained Farabella. “I love that I can make someone’s day a little bit better just with a board. Food will always bring people together and I get to add a little bit of a special touch to that. My boards and grazing tables bring families together.”

Charcuterie boards come in three sizes – 14”, 17” and 22” – and consist of cured meats, artisanal cheeses, breads and crackers, seasonal fruits and vegetables, pickled items and chocolates and sweets. Now that Farabella has perfected her process, boards take her 30 to 40 minutes from prep to end.

“I put my entire heart into every board that I create. I’ve ripped boards apart before because I didn’t like how they were turning out, and did them all over again,” said Farabella.

Grazing tables are larger spreads of food that can feed anywhere from 30 to 250 people. They take Farabella and a friend two hours to set up, with lots of work – washing, cutting and prepping – the night before. Other products available through Grazing Creations include charcuterie cones or cups, to-go boxes and charcuterie numbers and letters.

how expensive appetizers were – like more than dinner,” said Farabella, owner of Grazing Creations. “I said, ‘I can do that.’ I never did that before, but I knew I could do that.”

“I work with my customers, and I work for my customers. I customize every product that I put together,” said Farabella. She meets with each customer to discuss ideas and ask about any allergies before getting started. All items are seasonal, but she is willing to shop around for specialty items.

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casion – weddings, showers, graduation parties, and birthdays.

“My passion is for helping people. I know the stress of planning a party and having to worry about food for everyone. I love

My Hometown Business

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“Most people just tell me to do my thing,” she explained. She also sends her customers a photo of the finished product before they pick it up, to ensure they are satisfied. “I’ve never had a complaint. Nothing but rave reviews.”

In addition to her custom orders for special events, Farabella also creates weekly grazing boxes for Copper Leaf Brewing Company and both No BS Brew Company locations. These snack boxes are available starting on Thursdays and feature meats, nuts and cheeses that pair perfectly with one of the brewery’s craft beers.

Farabella’s tasty creations are like a work of art that is almost too beautiful to eat.

“The last few years have changed me a lot as a person and rocked me to my core,” said Farabella. “I’ve always been one for art. And when my life changed, I wanted to put my creativity into my work. I’m a perfectionist – and I just let the creativity flow out.”

Farabella, a mom of two, has been a licensed daycare provider for the past 15 years. While it’ll be bittersweet, she hopes to close her daycare within the next two years to focus on Grazing Creations fulltime.

My Hometown Schools

“I am very, very blessed. I will never take this for granted,” said Farabella. “I love making food art and being part of people’s celebrations, and want to do it as long as I can.”

Nazareth University, Gates Chili collaboration gets students moving

A new collaboration brought dance to Gates Chili Central School District’s Florence Brasser Elementary School. For two weeks, Nazareth University dance students traveled to Brasser to help Donna Dunn’s fifth-grade music students choreograph their own dances.

“The students are not only learning about music through what they see and what they hear but also how their bodies experience it,” said Allison Thomashefski, adjunct professor of dance at Nazareth University.

Thomashefski calls the project a “collaborative choreographic experience.” It is part of the college’s Dance and Collaboration class, which focuses on bringing dance opportunities to new places, and was the idea of adjunct dance professor Mariko Yamada, who is a Brasser parent and substitute teacher at the school. After subbing for Dunn, Yamada was impressed with the way the music teacher incorporated movement into her lessons. Wanting to help expand on that, Yamada reached out to Dunn about a possible collaboration involving her Nazareth dance students.

“Music can be very abstract, especially with our younger kids,” explained Dunn. “So, the way I teach music is just very movement heavy because it really emphasizes those abstract concepts and makes them a little bit more tactile to kids.”

After guiding Brasser students through the process, the Nazareth

students choreographed a dance of their own. Instead of writing a paper, they reflected on the experience through movement, each creating a solo that they arranged into one piece.

“I think our hope is that everybody recognizes that dance is for everyone,” said Thomashefski. “It’s not something that you need to take special classes outside of school. We all have bodies, and we all can move them, and we all can make dances.”

Provided information and photo

My Hometown Summer Activities

Seasonal Bucket List: Five Ways to Spend Your Summer

by Colleen Onuffer

Summer is in full swing! Use this bucket list to enjoy some of the sunny season’s best activities around Rochester’s westside. Then share your favorite summer activity on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/myhometownmag.

1. Scream for Ice Cream

•Scottsville’s iKON Ice-Cream has an extensive offering of custard flavor combinations and milkshake flavors, plus a long list of hard ice cream to choose from. But don’t stop there! Try their iKon Butterbeer, iced koffee, floats and boba/bubble tea. Your four-legged friend will also love iKon, with doggie delight sundaes on the menu.

•LuGia’s Ice Cream on Lyell Road in Spencerport has a long list of hard ice cream flavors and sundaes to choose from. Their unique novelties include ice cream tacos, ice cream cupcakes, spumoni roll and the Gia-Licious M&M Cookie Sandwich. Want LuGia’s to come to you?

LuGia’s On Wheels is the ultimate ice cream truck experience for your next party or event.

•Sprinkles Ice Cream on Chili Avenue in Chili offers over 25 flavors of Perry’s ice cream. Other tasty treats include sundaes, frozen custard in chocolate, vanilla and two other flavors that change weekly, plus three to four flavors of Italian ice. Multiple tables provide seating alongside the building.

•The Village Ice Cream Shop (VICS) in Spencerport proved so successful, that they opened a second location – Village Ice Cream Shop in North Chili (VICS INC) in 2022. Both VICS locations serve a long list of Gifford’s Ice Cream plus innovative (and delicious!) offerings such as waffle chip nachos. Sundaes come in 18 varieties – ranging from traditional hot fudge to unique options, like Fortnite and unicorn.

2. Cool Off at These Splash Pads

•Union Station Park and Sprayground in North Chili has a traditional playground alongside a splash pad with animal and flower features that douse water. It’s open daily through Labor Day and free for residents and non-residents. The park also has a small pavilion for shade, bathrooms and a walking trail.

•Two splash pads await at Pineway Ponds Park in Spencerport. The larger pad has ground sprays, dumping buckets and sprinklers to cool you down, while the classic splash pad has squirting sea creatures that kids will enjoy climbing on. Both areas are surrounded by picnic tables and shade-trees.

•In Brockport, Sweden Town Park’s splash pad has multiple moving parts that spray water, including dumping buckets and palm trees. Kids will have fun playing with the spinning ball sprinklers that create fun patterns with water. The splash pad is located in the rear of the park, near an accessible playground.

•Wild Over Water Zone at the Greece Town Hall is free for Greece residents and $5 per child per day for non-residents. The region’s largest municipal splash pad is zoo-themed, with dumping coconuts, spraying zebras and spritzing insects. A mini alligator slide and ground sprays keep the water splashing! It’s located next to the imaginative Kids Canyon Playground, which is free for everyone to enjoy.

3. Listen to Local Music at Community Concerts

•Part of the Erie Canalway National Heritage concert series, Spencerport “Music on the Canal” Concert Series happens on Sunday evenings at the gazebo on Amity Street. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are held weekly through August 27, rain or shine. The full music schedule is available at vil.spencerport. ny.us/vil/.

•Gates Recreation and Parks’ Summer Concert Series are held outside of Gates Town Hall every other Sunday evening starting

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My Hometown Summer Activities

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on July 9. Each week, a different food truck will be on-site serving up dinner while you enjoy the music. All concerts are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. Se the schedule at https://gatesrecparks. org/Docs/flyer2.pdf. If the weather does not cooperate, concerts will be moved inside the Town Hall. On August 27, performances will take place at Gates Memorial Park – and there will be two bands, starting at 4 p.m.

•On Wednesday nights from July 5 to August 9, Riga Recreation’s Summer Gazebo Concert Series takes place at the Churchville Village Gazebo. Performances start at 6:30 p.m. and run rain or shine. The August 2 concert has a special start time of 7 p.m. and includes The Relay For Life/Luminaria ceremony. View the series schedule at https://www.townofriga.com/recreation/.

•The Town of Henrietta’s Summer Concert Series takes place at the Henry Hansen Amphitheater in Veterans Memorial Park. Shows start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday nights from July 14 to August 18 and are free to the public. The list of bands and accompanying food trucks is available at https://henriettany.myrec.com/ forms/5964_bookmark_for_web.pdf.

4. Learn Something New

•The Monroe County Library System offers Empire Passes for New York State Parks. At participating libraries (https://libraryweb.org/using_the_library/empire-passes-for-state-parks/), you can check out the pass – just like a library book – and receive free admission at hundreds of New York State Parks (https://parks.

ny.gov/documents/admission/EmpirePassCardGuidelines.pdf).

After you’ve had a great day hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and more, return the pass to the library.

•Like the Empire Pass, the Monroe County Library System has a Very Important Places (V.I.P.) pass, granting you a substantial discount on admission to art and cultural attractions around Monroe County and beyond. An online chart indicates which passes are available at each library (https://libraryweb.org/wpcontent/uploads/2022/07/2022-23-MCLS_VIP-Pass-FINALsm. pdf).

•Have a green thumb? The Chili Public Library recently launched a Seed Library, with help from a generous donation from the Chili Lions Club. You can “borrow” a variety of flower and vegetable seeds at no cost. To keep the seed library blooming for years to come, community members are encouraged to donate seeds back to the library after harvest.

•Area libraries, community centers and recreation departments have a variety of events and programming all summer long. Check what’s available to you and try something new!

5. Try Your Hand at the Trendiest Sport: Pickleball

•The Chili Community Center has pickleball programming for a variety of ages and skill levels. Bring your own equipment or borrow some from the front desk. Beginner Open Pickleball is for all ages of beginners to play at the recreation level and Family Pickleball is open to kids in a pick-up format. There’s also College & High School Pickleball and Women’s Pickleball.

•Drop-in pickleball programming is available at the Ogden Community Center. There are different days and times based on your rating (recreation play vs. advanced play), so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time at https://ogdenny.myrec.com/info/ activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29990. All players must have an account with Ogden Parks and Recreation and sign in on entry. The cost is $2 for residents and $3 for non-residents, with punch cards available for multiple visits.

•Run by the Town of Riga’s Recreation Department, the Pickleball Complex at Richard McNeely Park has two dedicated, outdoor courts with permanent lines and nets. The courts are free to use and include an honor equipment box for players to test out gear.

•Churchville Park has two pickleball courts and two multipurpose courts with permanent lines and nets.

Chili Presbyterian Church awards scholarship

The Board of Deacons has announced the recipient of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili Scholarship: Aidan Snover. 2023 graduate of Churchville-Chili Senior High School of Lisa Snover and Jeff Snover.

“We are so proud of his accomplishments both at at church. We have watched him grow into an amazing man, with a strong work ethic and a desire to help others,” a church representative.

Two of his teachers described Aidan as ambitious, hard-work ing, willing and able to tackle difficult tasks, a good leader, a great teammate – all qualities that will help him to college and life.

Aidan says he is appreciative of all of the love and support has received from the church throughout his life. His experiences with his Youth Group on the Mission trips – meeting so people, sharing his faith with others and being part of a completed a project to help others – are examples of Presbyterian has helped give him the foundation to be in college and face any challenges that may come his

In the fall, Aidan will attend SUNY Polytech in Utica to degree in Mechanical Engineering and Technology. Being the Robotics team at Churchville-Chili is one of several experiences he had in school that helped him to select this course of study. Provided information and photo

North Chili church restarts monthly pancake breakfasts

The United Methodist Church of North Chili restarted its monthly community pancake breakfasts on June 3. Breakfasts will be held on the first Saturday of the month between the hours of 8 and 10 a.m. The donation is $7 for adults, $4 for children (5-10 years), and free for children under five. Breakfast includes juice, pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee, tea, etc. The church is located at the intersection of Buffalo Road and Westside Drive.

This old fashioned pancake breakfast had served the Spencerport, Gates, and Chili communities each month continuously from June 2013 until the COVID-19 pandemic protocols closed it down in March 2020. This restart will carry on the previous tradition of good food and fellowship on the first Saturday of the month. For additional information, call the church helpline at 594-9111 or email umcnorthchili@gmail.com. Provided information

New pastor at Spencerport United Methodist Church

Bishop Hector A. Burgos-Nunez has appointed the Reverend Jeff Aiosa as the new pastor of the Spencerport United Methodist Church in addition to his continuing appointment to the Elmgrove United Methodist Church congregation in Rochester. Reverend Aiosa began his new responsibilities on July 1, 2023.

Jeff Aiosa was born in a small town near Ithaca. He graduated high school in his hometown and went on to college to pursue an engineering degree. He received his call to ministry early in life, and worked in industry for a few years until it was time to focus completely on ministry. He says he has always known of God’s love and that faith and ministry were to be a part of his life from the beginning.

He spent a year at United Theological Seminary, and then was offered his first two churches located near Port Byron in 1993. Pastor Jeff holds an MDiv degree from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, has completed the Leadership and Pastoral Care program at Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center, became an Ordained Deacon, and is now an Ordained Elder in the Upper New York Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has served churches in Canastota, Oswego, Massena, Vestal and Rochester.

He and his wife, Nettie, have three adult children and one who will be a senior at Gates Chili High School. Family has always been a very important part of his life, and Jeff works hard to keep a balance between the demands of family and church. His mother, Lyn Aiosa, now lives with them in their home in Gates.

Pastor Jeff enjoys music, especially singing and playing guitar. He has a lot of experience with computers and technology, is well versed in social media and continues to learn and apply his skills to the aspects of online ministry.

Reverend Jeff Aiosa

All are welcome to attend a worship service and welcome Pastor Jeff to the Spencerport community. The worship service starts at 9 a.m. on Sundays at Spencerport United Methodist Church, 30 Amity Street.

Provided information and photo

Pictured are (l-r) Youth Group Director Adam Scoville, scholarship recipient Aidan Snover, and Elder Fred Mollon, Temporary Pastor.