Roberts Wesleyan’s Brynn King Makes U.S. Olympic Team
Community Engagement Award Presented To GC Senior 8 Care Closer To Home: Child Adolescent Behavioral Health Expansion At OOH 8 EAA Chapter 44 Offers Free Airplane Rides For Children
9 GCC Introduces New Cybersecurity, Systems And Networking Degree’ 10 First Congregational Church Of Riga Planning Bicentennial Celebration
11 Putnam Names Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District Superintendent
11 Churchville-Chili’s Chestnut Ridge School Celebrates 65th Birthday
12 Major Constructions Complete On $19.4 Million Rehab Of State Route 390 12 Rochester Red Wings July Promotional Schedule 13 Local American Idol Contestant To Perform With Brockport Big Band
13 Needles Mission Club Marks 15 Years
14 Spencerport’s Gorton New Head Coach At St. Andrews University
15 Salvatore’s Pizza Marks 46 Years, Announces New Churchville Location Coming Soon
16 Born With Hearing Loss, Ryan Mort Now Helps Others To Hear Better
17 Six CCCSD Students Selected For Summer Ceramics Residency Program
18 Churchville Lions Club Annual Installation And Awards Ceremony
Cover Photo Courtesy of Kirby Lee, USA Today
Roberts Wesleyan’s Brynn King makes U.S. Olympic pole vault team
by Steve Bradley, Roberts Wesleyan University Athletics Communications Consultant
Brynn King has never been to Paris, but the Roberts University pole vault standout is headed there this summer.
King cleared a career-best 4.73 meters (15-feet, 6 soaring from eighth place to third at the U.S. Olympic University of Oregon’s historic Hayward Field on June a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team and a trip the 2024 Paris Games.
“I was so excited,” said King, who topped her previous five centimeters. “At that point I did not know that it put team, but I knew that it was a PR (personal record), I me a good shot and I knew that it put me back in the I would be able to take three attempts at the next bar.”
King didn’t need them.
The Woodlands, Texas, native secured a place on the when 2016 Olympic silver medalist Sandi Morris missed of her attempts at 4.73 meters, leaving King, Bridget Williams, 2020 gold medalist Katie Moon as the last three vaulters original field of 24 standing.
King joins her coach, Roberts assistant coach and pole dinator Jenn Suhr, as an Olympian. Suhr, a 2004 Roberts a three-time Olympian who won gold in 2012 and silver in 2008.
“I don’t even know how to describe it,” Jenn Suhr said. “One minute you are thinking that we might be out of it and the next thing you know, she is on the team. These are the underdog stories that people love to see, and they are the stories that are amazing to be a part of.”
King made her first attempt at 4.28m (14-0 1/2) on Sunday and
for
USA Today.
passed at 4.43m (14-6 1/4) before clearing 4.53 meters (14-10 1/4) on her second jump to advance to the final eight.
After missing her first attempt at 4.63m (15-2 1/4), King leaned heavily on the advice of Rick Suhr, Jenn’s husband and former coach seated in the front row, to change strategies on the fly another chapter to her inspirational story.
made (4.73) once in practice,” King said during a phone in between her victory lap and the medal ceremony. and I knew that I just had to sit there and wait. He was best for me, I knew that I had to keep my nerves just listen to exactly what he said and that was what I do.
walking over, listening to him and repeating what he was mind. He told me from the beginning that he knew today and to believe in him, even if I didn’t believe in that’s what I tried to do.”
passed on her final two attempts at 4.63 and, with three had already met the Olympic standard clearing 4.68m before her turn, King passed again knowing that she to make 4.73m, in order to qualify for the Olympics,
missed at 4.63 on her first and then we had to play the Jenn Suhr, who is the only woman to win the U.S. pole vault trials three times. “Whether she made it at didn’t matter. We knew that she had the pole and the 4.73.”
want to waste energy on jumps, so (Rick Suhr) was telling to pass depending on who made it,” King added. “When continued on page 5
Roberts Wesleyan’s Brynn King is headed to Paris, having earned a spot on Team USA
the 2024 Summer Olympics. Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee,
Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee, USA Today.
continued from page 4
he told me to pass, I told myself that my priority was to not think about it, don’t make your own decisions, to just sit there, listen and absorb what he is saying and do exactly what he says.”
King executed the plan perfectly, clearing 4.73 on her first attempt after Morris opened the door with a miss on her initial effort.
“The moment that she missed, I turned around and was like, ‘All right, this is my opportunity to get in there and steal it,’” King said. “I was like, ‘This is my time, let’s go.’ I jumped good in warm-ups and I was on big poles, so I knew that when I cleared that bar that I was in the meet and I had a chance to keep fighting for my spot. It was kind of crazy.”
“To pass two consecutive bars and to have to PR by five centi meters to make the Olympic team, nobody’s ever done that,” Rick Suhr said. “It’s just surreal.”
King missed one attempt at 4.78 meters (15-8 1/4), but with her dream realized she became overwhelmed with emotion and decided to stop jumping for the night. She planned to celebrate by enjoying Voodoo Doughnuts with her biggest fan, 14-year-old sister, Camryn.
The U.S. Olympic Trials is widely considered the most difficult meet in the world. The field starts with 24 qualifiers and is cut in half after the first round. To make the Olympic team an athlete must finish in the top three and have met the Olympic standard within the past year.
“It’s the only place where third is first,” Rick Suhr said. “It does not matter. You have to play your cards to finish third. We had just enough training and just enough time to make that bar. She made that thing clean and the place went ballistic.”
While history will show that King qualified for the Olympic Team on Sunday, June 30, 2024, Rick Suhr believes otherwise.
King advanced to Sunday’s competition after qualifying in a three-way tie for 11th on Friday, June 28. She cleared 4.35m (143 1/4) on her first try but was unsuccessful on three attempts at 4.5m (14-9).
“We did not look good,” Rick Suhr said.
So, while others were taking a break from training on Saturday, King and Rick Suhr, who is a volunteer assistant at Roberts, went to the Lane Community College track to practice takeoffs and grips. They were the only people there.
“That’s where she made the team,” Rick Suhr said. “We were the only ones out there for an hour and a half. We had to get it right and we figured it out. We had our strategy and it didn’t matter whether we finished 13th or fourth, we had to take our shot.”
And they made it.
“It’s that dedication and that work ethic,” Jenn Suhr said. “It’s also the magic that Rick has as a coach. He took a broken athlete and got her to believe in herself and to believe in him.”
The Olympic berth caps a record-breaking first year at Roberts for King, who transferred from Duke University, where her career-best was 13-11 1/4. She set the NCAA Division II indoor record (4.41m), breaking a 14-year-old mark, in her first meet as a Redhawk on December 1, 2023. She broke her own record seven times, including an effort of 4.65m (15-3) while becoming the first Roberts Wesleyan student-athlete to win an NCAA championship on March 8 in Pittsburg, Kansas.
She was named East Coast Conference Indoor Track and Field Women’s Athlete of the Year, first-team All-America, United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division II East Region Women’s Field Athlete of the Year, and USTFCCCA DII National Women’s Field Athlete of the Year.
She picked up where she left off after her historic indoor season, setting a Division II outdoor record by clearing 4.60m (15-1) at the Redhawk Invitational on March 14, just six days after she won the indoor national championship.
King followed that up with another record-breaking performance at the Texas Relays on March 30, setting a meet and NCAA Division II record by clearing 4.68m (15-4 1/4) in her home state.
She also broke a 13-year-old meet record (4.51m, 14-9 1/2) by winning the Kansas Relays on April 19. King then shattered the East Coast Conference record by four feet (15-1) on May 2.
King was named the ECC Outdoor Track and Field Female Athlete of the Year on May 17 and took first place in the 2024 adidas Atlanta City Games a day later with an effort of 4.54m (14-10 3/4).
King made history again five days later, winning her second NCAA Division II championship at Emporia State University. After missing on her first two attempts, King rebounded to set meet and facility records while clearing 4.60m (15-1). She is the first student-athlete from the East Coast Conference to win multiple individual NCAA titles.
She was named First-Team All-America by the USTFCCCA and East Region Division II Field Athlete of the Year on June 3. She received the Jerry Flynn Award Area College Athlete of the Year Award from the Rochester Press-Radio Club on June 11.
King, who was scheduled for several hours of Olympic processing on Sunday night – including trying on Team USA gear for the first time – plans to return to Rochester to continue training before leaving for the Olympics, which begin on July 26.
“I’ll have to stay away from the croissants and stuff until I’m done, but after that it will be all me,” she joked.
Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee, USA Today.
Photo courtesy of Kirby Lee, USA Today.
Gates Fire District Chief Alan Bubel retires
his recent town history driving tour, stopped by the Gates Fire District to thank Chief Bubel (right) for his years of service to the Gates community and to wish him well in his retirement. Photo from @GatesfdPio on X.
Gates Fire District Chief Alan Bubel retired, effective Saturday, June 29. Alan started his career with the Ridge Road Fire District as a Firefighter in June of 1992. During his time there he rose to the rank of Battalion Chief. In January of 2010, he left Ridge Road to become the first career Assistant Fire Chief with the Gates Fire District. In January of 2018, Alan was promoted to the position of Fire Chief.
Chief Bubel led the Gates Fire District with a vision, respect, compassion, and integrity. As Chief, he worked to increase safety and training, moved their fire prevention program into Community Risk Reduction, and developed a Community-Driven Strategic Planning process for the District.
Chief Bubel has been integral in shaping the Gates Fire District into the organization that it is today. Best wishes for a well-deserved and long retirement.
Provided information and photo
Community Engagement Award presented to GC senior
Roberts Wesleyan University and the Gates Fire District presented the first-ever Community Engagement Award to Gates Chili senior Sebastian Guerrero Pena. Roberts Wesleyan University is committed to preparing thoughtful, mature, service-oriented people who will help transform society. Students extend their influence through community partnerships. The Community Engagement Award supports Roberts Wesleyan’s partnership with the Gates Fire District and their goal of improving community relations. A one-time incentive award of $1,000, it is presented to a graduating senior of Gates Chili High School who plans to attend Roberts Wesleyan in the Fall and who has been selected by the Gates Fire District for his or her commitment to our community.
Sebastian came to the United States from the Dominican Republic. He was involved in missionary work in his native country and has served as the captain of both the boys varsity soccer team and the soccer club. A business major, Sebastian currently works part-time at the food court at RIT. Sebastian’s willingness to serve
Sebastian Guerrero Penaleyan University and the Gates Fire District.
others and function in leadership positions exemplifies the Roberts Wesleyan student model and the community-minded nature of the American fire service.
Provided information and photo
The Chili Lions Club recently held their Installation End of the Year Picnic 2024 to celebrate another year of hard work and dedication to the community. New officers for next year were sworn in by Greg Lund of the Brockport Lions Club. The officers for 2024-2025 will be (l-r) Tail Twister
Dorinda Foos, Director Bonnie Platt, Vice President Bert Maggio, Treasurer Tom Platt, Cristina Candelaria – Marketing, Secretary Keri Neathawk, and President Joe Korn. Not pictured area LCIF Director Karen McCloskey and Mike Donner – Membership.
President Karen
(left) presented Debbie
(right) with the Lion of the Year Award for her dedication to the club.
Lion
for sponsorship towards the 1.5 Million Lions International goal.
The Gates Historical Society will meet on Monday, July 15, at 7 p.m. in the Gates Police Annex, 1605 Buffalo Road. The program, entitled “The Rochester Park Band From 1904-1946,” will be presented by Lisa Kleman, retired professor and author. Her presentation will explore how one of
the first municipally-funded bands in the United States was formed and an epilogue of what happened next. This program is free. The building is handicapped accessible.
Outgoing
McCloskey
Mancini
Brockport
Greg Lund (left) presented Keri Neathawk and Larry Lazenby (right) with a pin
Outgoing President Karen McCloskey (left) with 2024-2025 President Joe Korn (right).
Care closer to home: Child and adolescent behavioral health expansion at OOH
by Robin Govanlu, LMHN, LAC, LPC, Chief of Behavioral Health, Oak Orchard Health
Although many aspects of daily life appear to have returned to some sense of normalcy since the pandemic, there is an increasing impact and cultural shift in the need for mental health services, especially for children and adolescents. Since the start of the pandemic, Oak Orchard Health (OOH) continues to see the demand for behavioral health services on the rise, with limited resources to respond to that demand in the rural regions that we serve.
Since 2020 we have continued to see immense growth year after year with a 119% increase in all behavioral health visits and a 164% increase in pediatric visits since the start of the pandemic. Our Brockport and Albion sites are our largest volume sites serving many of our child and adolescent patients. Unfortunately, that has resulted in longer than usual wait times for an appointment. As a parent, we know how difficult that can be, so we’ve been partnering with many organizations to help improve this situation.
Oak Orchard Health has served as a lead agency for many years on the Western Monroe County Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Coalition, which includes important community partners such as The University of Rochester Strong Pediatric Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP), Rochester Regional Health, SUNY Brockport, and the Brockport Central School District. The collective data from this coalition further demonstrates the need for expansion of pediatric behavioral health services in Western Monroe and Orleans Counties, and the surrounding areas as many families that live west of Rochester experience significant challenges with accessing care closer to home.
To adequately address the behavioral health crisis in our regions and keep more children out of the hospital we need more mental health services in our community and that’s where Oak Orchard comes in. Getting our young patients connected quickly to the services that they need is vital to their well-being and ongoing development. Therefore, OOH will be expanding child and adolescent behavioral health services at the Brockport Health Center and the Albion Wellness Center. This expansion will include hiring
additional therapists with a specialty in pediatric behavioral health. We’ll also be hiring support staff and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner within the next year. Services can be provided in-person and through our telehealth program which allows for audio or video communication between the patient and mental health provider using their phone, laptop, or iPad.
Another goal is to reduce the wait from time of referral to time of intake to get kids and families the help they need sooner. With the new therapists hired in the coming months, we expect to be able to see new patients this summer. We plan to care for kids from as young as two to 21 years of age. Please share with others and we look forward to partnering with schools and parents in the area regarding the expansion of this program. We hope to make a major impact on the youth in the region.
If you have any questions or want to make an appointment for the July/August period, call Oak Orchard Health at 585-637-3905 extension 2102.
EAA Chapter 44 offers free airplane rides for children
The Young Eagles is a program created by the Experimental Aircraft Association that provides children between the ages for eight and 17 with an opportunity to experience flight in a general aviation airplace while learning about aviation. The program is offered free of charge with costs covered by the volunteers. Since the program began in 1992, over two million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight.
EAA Chapter 44 is located in Brockport, at the Ledgedale Airport on Colby Street. Opportunities to participate in this program are scheduled for:
•August 10 beginning at 5 p.m.
•September 14 beginning at 4 p.m.
Those interested in signing up their child or who would like additional information, are asked to contact Chapter 44’s Young Eagle Coordinator, Rick Tandy, via text message at 585-944-0568 or by email at rltandy23@gmail.com.
Provided information and photo
Robin Govanlu, Chief of Behavioral Health, Oak Orchard Health, with a patient. Provided photo.
My Hometown Colleges
GCC introduces new Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Degree
Genesee Community College (GCC) will be launching its newest program, the Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking Associate in Applied Science Degree, this fall. This innovative program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required for careers in network administration, systems administration and cybersecurity analysis.
In today’s digital landscape, Network Administrators, Systems Administrators, and Cybersecurity Analysts play a crucial role in ensuring the secure operation of organizations’ computer systems and networks. They are responsible for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting various information technology systems, including networks, cybersecurity measures, communication systems, and operating systems such as Microsoft Windows and Linux.
Students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios, gaining proficiency in assembling, testing, and troubleshoot ing computer systems.
The Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking cur riculum at GCC covers a comprehensive range of topics, including cybersecurity, networking, desktop support, server administration, and information technology systems. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the de mands of the rapidly evolving technology industry.
“At GCC, students have the opportunity to pursue IT degrees and certifications in areas such as net works, cybersecurity, communication systems and
operating systems,” said James M. Bucki, Sr., director of Information Technology Programs at GCC. “Our program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in cybersecurity analysis, network administration and system support.”
GCC’s Cybersecurity, Systems and Networking program can optionally be completed 100 percent online. All cybersecurity courses are offered via HyFlex, providing flexibility for students to balance their studies with other commitments.
Learn more by visiting. https://www.genesee.edu/academics/ programs/cybersecurity-systems-and-networking/.
Provided information and photo
GCC Information Technology students.
First Congregational Church of Riga planning Bicentennial Celebration
by Ron Belczak, Town of Riga Historian
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the members of the First Congregational Church of Riga, UCC will look back in time as they celebrate the Bicentennial of their church edifice.
In 1823, at a time in history when the Erie Canal was nearing completion, 125 members of the First Congregational Society of Riga finalized their pledge to support the building of a permanent house of worship on the land of Elihu Church, brother of Churchville founder Samuel Church. The Society, which was organized on
construction. What do know is that the by 60-foot wooden building cost $3,000 and was modeled after a church in Hinsdale, Massachusetts, that was built in 1789 by the
Congregawhich River. internally and from Troy, heatthe foot added in times, for the first wedceremonies behind the electricity in 1800s, project Boice William upgraded structurally Church Churchville, on invite the building that an ice
Putnam named Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES District Superintendent
The Monroe 2-Orleans Board of Cooperative Education selected Dr. Thomas K. Putnam as district superintendent and formally appointed him to the position on June 26, 2024. Dr. Putnam will assume his new role September 1, 2024. He succeeds Jo Anne Antonacci, who is retiring on August 31, 2024.
“Dr. Putnam has the diversity of experience necessary to maintain the excellence our BOCES strives for,” said BOCES 2 Board President Dennis Laba. “He is well-respected throughout the region and has proven himself as an exemplary leader during his career. We have complete faith in his ability to build upon the foundation Jo Anne has helped create over the past 47 years at BOCES 2.”
Dr. Putnam is currently the superintendent of the Penfield Central School District, a position he has held since 2015. He previously served as acting superintendent since July 2014 and as principal of Penfield High School for four years. He also served as an assistant principal at PHS and at Greece Olympia High School.
Dr. Putnam holds his doctorate in educational leadership
from the University of Rochester, his master’s degree in curriculum development and instruction technologies from SUNY Albany, and his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Cortland.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next district superintendent of Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES,” said Dr. Putnam. “I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated faculty, staff, students, and component school districts to enhance educational opportunities and to achieve new heights of success together.”
Monroe One BOCES District Superintendent Daniel White assisted the BOCES 2 Board as search consultant throughout the
Provided information and photo
day on June 17. Alumni from each decade returned to the school to tour the building, reminisce, and share stories of their time at CRS with students. There was even birthday cake served during lunch
Dr. Thomas K. Putnam
Churchville-Chili’s Chestnut Ridge
Major construction complete on $19.4 million rehab of State Route 390
Major construction has been completed on a $19.4 million project that rehabilitated 17 lane miles of pavement and upgraded six bridges along State Route 390 between Lexington Avenue and State Route 104 (Ridge Road) in the towns of Gates and Greece, enhancing travel for the nearly 80,000 motorists who utilize this corridor each day. This project, which began in April 2022, builds upon a nearly $192 million investment in recent years along the corridor, including the recently completed I-390/I-490 interchange project.
“Major travel corridors like State Route 390 are the anchors of
our regional economies – spurring investment and expansion in the Finger Lakes and beyond,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “My administration is delivering historic investments in infrastructure to ensure the long-term viability of our communities and to catalyze growth and innovation across New York State.”
Along with smoothing the pavement within the project limits, this project greatly enhanced the durability and lifespan of six bridges carrying the highway over Lexington Avenue, Weiland Road and Latona Road by:
•Installing new decks on all six bridges, while utilizing higher performance internal cure concrete on the structures, which reduces cracking and permeability, and extends the lifespan of the bridges.
•Installing epoxy coated steel reinforcement bars to prevent corrosion.
•Placing new, high-strength concrete bridge barriers that protect motorists in the event of a collision.
Additionally, this project rehabilitated the highway’s on and off ramp, curb ramps and traffic signals to bolster multi-modal safety.
The completion of this project brings the total investment along this portion of the 390 corridor within the towns of Gates and Greece to nearly $192 million in recent years, including the I-390/I-490 interchange project completed in 2021 and the Route 390 Trail Extension Project completed in 2022. Additional recent investments into I-390 in the region include the $35 million project rehabilitating between Exits 10 and 12 in Monroe and Livingston Counties completed in 2022, and the ongoing $27 million project rehabilitating between Exits 8 and 10, which is slated for completion later this year.
Provided information
Churchville-Chili alum Andre Fontenette (Class of 2000) was inducted into the Section V Football Hall of Fame on June 27. As one of the best receivers and kick returners in school history, Andre Fontenette set many school records in football. He was first team All-County (1998), first team All-Greater Rochester (1999), and was selected for the 2000 Governor’s Bowl. Fontenette played college football at Syracuse University. He has coached football at the high school and collegiate level, including at SUNY Brockport, Wagner College, University of Maine, Campbell University and McQuaid Jesuit High School. He was recently named varsity football coach at Gates Chili. Provided photo.
Local American Idol contestant
The Brockport Big Band is welcoming 2024 Spencerport High School graduate Brianna Collichio to sing with the band for all of their summer concerts. Brianna appeared on American Idol in 2021 and made the trip to Hollywood.
Brianna Collichio
Performances are scheduled for:
•July 16, 7 to 8 p.m., Legacy Fairport
•July 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Chili Senior Center
•August 1, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Brockport Visitor Center.
Provided information and photos
Some of the many items – knitted, crocheted and sewn – created by the
Needles Mission Club marks 15 years
The Needles Mission Club of the First Congregational Church of Spencerport, UCC began in 2009. At first, they met as a group once a month and socialized while they knitted (or just chatted), at times giving lessons to newcomers. Sometimes the group saw consistent faces, other times people drifted in and out, and the group always had friends who participated from home. At times there have even been mystery contributors, where a knitted square or blanket just appears at church. While the club has lost some of their original gang, they are still using Elaine Hay’s yarn stash.
As times evolved, the monthly gatherings ended, and folks did what they could at home. At first, there were only knitters, then crocheters joined, and sometimes a quilter or sewer would contribute as well (hence the name “Needles” – it doesn’t matter what kind). The primary product was always lap robes/blankets; hats
were added in 2020 during the pandemic (the lockdown definitely encouraged greater productivity in 2020 and 2021).
The club has never had more than six or seven members at any one time, each contributing in her own way – knitter, crocheter, and sewer (and delivery driver). But from this modest group has come amazing things over the past 15 years.
Since 2009, Needles Mission Club has donated 742 blankets and 158 hats, plus an assortment of other knitted items (shawls, baby clothes, baptismal hats, etc.). Recipients have been primarily the Wilmot Cancer Center, Roswell Cancer Center, and Spencerport dialysis center, but also the Batavia VA, a Girl Scout Gold badge project, and others, as well as individual patients that were church members and family and friends of the church. Club members plan to proudly continue their mission.
Provided information and photo
Needles Mission Club at the First Congregational Church of Spencerport.
Brockport Big Band
Spencerport’s Gorton new head coach at St. Andrews University
by Warren Kozireski
Spencerport and SUNY Brockport graduate Henry Gorton was named the new men’s volleyball coach at Andrews University in North Carolina. This follows four seasons on the Spencerport High School coaching staff (2020-2023) where the team garnered a Section V title every season and finished second (2021 and 2022) and third (2023) in the New York State championships, and this past season as an assistant coach at St. John Fisher for one year (2023-2024).
“I’ve played volleyball for years and started working after college in a field that I was disinterested in, because I thought that’s what I had to do to be an adult,” Gorton said via email. “Around five years ago, something clicked in my head, and I decided I would rather put some more effort in and find a job doing something that I loved.
“Around the same time, my high school coach, Aaron Austin, reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in getting involved with the program that I played for in high school. I fell in love with coaching and began taking every opportunity I could to work with kids from all ages, elementary school to college level, improving their skills and getting them excited about the sport.
“This past year I assistant coached at St. John Fisher with head coach Matt Cohen and assistant coach John McCarty and realized that this could be a career, and with coach Cohen’s help, I was put in contact with St. Andrews University down in Laurinburg, NC.”
The Cardinals finished with a 25-6 record and, along with the Section V success, drew the attention of the Knights.
“As a head coach for Henry Gorton (as he graduated from Spencerport) and now a colleague, I have taken pride in mentoring him, supporting his desires to be a passionate, hard-working, strategy-oriented leader,” said Aaron Austin, Spencerport boys volleyball head coach. “He has grown as a person and coach through hands-on experience and continuous feedback. Henry is ready to challenge his team and prepare them for the on- and off-court challenges and responsibilities of college volleyball and life. I am confident in his ability to inspire and lead his own program.”
“I have learned so much from all of the coaches I have been around for my playing and coaching career,” Gorton said. “My mother has always said you can learn from every person you meet.
Coach Austin is amazing at getting athletes bought into the program and making kids passionate about being a part of the team. Coach Cohen is so good at staying calm under pressure and being able to convey whatever message needs to get through during an
otherwise frantic situation. I hope to use all the tools that I have learned from past coaches and be the best coach that I can.”
After his high school playing career, Gorton played men’s club volleyball while attending SUNY Brockport and that provided one of his favorite memories as a player.
“My favorite memory playing volleyball is keeping Brockport’s club D2 State Championship run going (state champions from 2009 to 2023) and winning the 2018 ECVA East Coast Championship my senior year and being awarded 2018 ECVA D2 MVP.
“My favorite coaching memories are watching players grow from timid middle schoolers to confident and competent teammates and leaders in their later high school years. I enjoy running into alumni at events or now at college matches, and being able to see just how much they have grown and benefited from sports and the lessons sports teach us.”
Gorton inherits a solid program that finished third in the regular season with a 22-10 overall record before losing to eventual Appalachian Athletic Conference champion Reinhardt in the semifinals. And a roster that featured 23 underclassmen including 17 freshmen, seven of whom played regularly.
Henry Gorton on the sideline coaching the Rangers. Photo by Krissy Berry.
Henry Gorton. Provided photo.
My Hometown Business
Salvatore’s Pizza marks 46 years, announces new Churchville location coming
The Salvatore’s Pizza Family celebrated their 46 year anniversary on July 5, 2024.
Salvatore’s Pizza was started by Salvatore SoccerSam Fantauzzo as a young entrepreneur in his Home Economics class at Eastridge High School in 1978. On July 5, 1978, the first location opened at 1985 East Main Street. The inaugural location is still open today as one of the busiest pizzerias in the country and the region now has 30 full service Salvatore’s Pizzeria locations, two Donuts Delite locations, and pizza outlets at the Rochester Airport and Innovative Field.
The Salvatore’s Pizza Family also opened their first out of state location in Jacksonville, Florida this year, with former Rochesterian Dr. Ferdinand Formoso and family. The group anticipates to open many locations in Florida
In celebration of their 46 year anniversary, the Salvatore’s Pizza Family has more exciting news to share.
“We would like to thank all past and current location owners, managers, employees, office teams, vendors, business partners, media members, community leaders and most importantly ... our amazing customers!” said CEO and Founder Salvatore SoccerSam Fantauzzo, “46 years of business in this great community would not have been possible without everyone’s continued support.”
As a thank you, Salvatore’s will be offering free 10 piece Heart Nuggets with the purchase of a menu-priced pizza during the month of July, while supplies last. Coupon and details can be found at salvatores.com
Salvatore’s will be opening three additional locations in the coming months, including one in Churchville. Located at 48 South Main Street, Salvatore’s #34 will be owned and operated by Salvatore’s President of Business Operations and new brand spokesperson, Kayla Kent-Moreira. Kayla has been part of team Salvatore’s since 2011.
“When the opportunity arose to own my own location, I knew I had to do it!” said Kayla Kent-Moreira. “This brand has been a part of my life for more than 10 years and I am so excited for my entire family to now be involved as well.”
The village of Churchville location will be a full menu Pizza Pub with inside and outside seating. The location is scheduled to open this September.
The new Churchville location will be owned and operated by Salvatore’s President of Business Operations and new brand spokesperson, Kayla Kent-Moreira
In 2015, Salvatore’s introduced pink pizza boxes for the month of October, to raise awareness for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. Since 2018, Salvatore’s extended the pink campaign and switched to pink boxes year round, and continues to show support to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester with monthly donations.
“Salvatore’s plans to continue this campaign for years to come, in hope to not only donate funds, but to raise awareness and name recognition for the BCCR organization through pink marketing efforts and pink rebranding at all locations,” said President of Restaurant Operations Silvio Fantauzzo.
Salvatore’s is re-branding signs, cars, rugs and more to fit the pink theme.
In addition, Fantauzzo Family Brands has been awarded the Sandbar Restaurant project on the former Bay Side Pub land in Webster. This will be a new concept, and not a Salvatore’s Pizzeria location.
The team’s goal is to bring something truly amazing to Webster. They hope to bring back some of the old, add some new, with many surprises for this future new restaurant on the bay that is scheduled to open in March of 2025. This location will feature a 20-foot bar and upper seating overlooking the Bay and Lake Ontario with stages for live entertainment.
The future looks bright, busy and pink – and Salvatore’s is looking forward to serving the Rochester community (and new state expansion communities) for many more years to come.
Provided information and photos
Salvatore’s plans to open a new location at 48 South Main Street, Churchville, in September.
My Hometown Neighbor
Born with hearing loss, Ryan Mort now helps others to hear better
by Barbara Pratt
Ryan Mort was diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of four. Doctors determined that he had been born with the condition, although his mother’s pregnancy was full term, and she never smoked or drank alcohol. “It just happened,” Ryan says. “My parents noticed the television was a little too loud, and I was asking ‘what?’ a lot. I was making up my own words to the nursery rhymes and children’s songs I would listen to.”
“He was a very healthy boy,” his mother Mary says, “reaching all of his milestones within normal limits. While at his four-yearold checkup, he failed his hearing screening. The family was very surprised, as he never misarticulated many words, and his speech was clear from the onset. As a special education teacher, in retrospect, the only identifier that he was having hearing difficulty was that he would turn up the television. He would also perceive some (not many) words incorrectly.”
At age five, Ryan was fit with his first set of hearing aids, which he says “looked like shrimp hanging off my head. I did not want to wear them. They stood out. I got special treatment from my teacher, and I just wanted to be like all the other kids. I did not want to be known as ‘The Hearing Aid Kid.’”
Mary states, “His hearing loss did not seem to interfere with him being a typical growing boy. He did gymnastics, played soccer and basketball, and enjoyed karate. He also played the baritone in his school band. In middle school, Ryan had a 504 plan. This included him taking tests in a quiet setting and having directions read to him, if necessary.”
Ryan states that no one actually picked on him, and the other kids were more curious. “Some kids thought they were cool - like they made me some kind of robot - and in the early 1990s, robots were cool. As I got into high school, my vanity about them got the better of me. I absolutely would not wear them. You could not pay me to wear them!” As a result, Ryan admits he “wasn’t the best student in high school.” He graduated from Aquinas High School in 2005.
“Once I got to college, something changed. I had matured a bit and realized school was actually important. My desire to do better in college completely outweighed any vanity. In the morning, when I put my hearing aids in my ears, it was like I flipped a switch, like I was turning the machine on. I was able to hear my professors better and was more involved in classroom discussions. In my junior and senior years, I had a 3.7 GPA and made the Dean’s List. I was doing great.” Ryan graduated from MCC and then went to Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated in 2011 with a BS in Culinary Arts/Hospitality with a focus on Wellness and Sustainability.
Later, in 2020, he changed his career path to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist. “I always felt,” he said, “that I could do more to help people than to just cook them food.” And that was just exactly what he did.
Ryan now works for Moribito Hearing Aid Center on Canal Landing Boulevard in Greece. His mother, Mary, said that Ryan met Andrew Morabito (his current employer) at age 14. “Andrew was very helpful in fitting him with new aids and was very under-
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Ryan Mort was 14 when he first met Andrew Morabito (left), now owner of Morabito Hearing Aid Center. With Andrew’s support and encouragement, Ryan studied to become a Hearing Aid Specialist and works for the practice helping others with hearing loss.
standing of Ryan’s needs. He remained in contact with him over the next few years and ended up supporting him in becoming a hearing aid specialist and employing him when he completed his training and certification.”
Moribito was working for an ENT when he first met Ryan and tested his hearing. “Soon after, we fitted him with his first set of CIC’s (Completely-In-The-Canal) hearing aids. I would see him over the years for checkups,” Morabito said. “I then fit him with a new set of BTE’s (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aids at my own practice, Advanced Hearing Aid Centers, in 2013. I sold that practice and opened Morabito Hearing Aid Center.”
words. It is isolating and can put people at greater risk of developing mental health disorders. It can contribute to anxiety and depression. One study showed that older people with diminished hearing were 47% more likely to experience depression symptoms. Hearing is vital to one’s ability to communicate with others through language, build relationships, and enjoy life. It interferes with one’s capability to connect with others and socialize, causing social isolation and loneliness, and it can also cause disorientation and contribute to dementia. A study published in The Lancet found that hearing aids could lower the risk of dementia in half for those facing a greater threat of cognitive decline.
residency program
Six Churchville-Chili Senior High School ceramic artists will have the opportunity to participate in a new high school residency program through Flower City Arts Center this summer.
Flower City Arts Center is hosting a ceramic studio high school residency for high school students in Monroe County. Through a portfolio review, application, and interview process, eight students in the county were selected to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where they will have full access to the studio and materials all summer, along with a two-hour weekly coaching session with Studio Manager Kyle Lascelle and Teaching Artist Jacob Dambra.
Thirteen schools in Monroe County had students apply for the residency, with 35 students chosen to participate. The six Church-
ville-Chili student artists who were chosen are:
•Addisyn Klug (9)
•Allie Snyder (9)
•Madison Alley (11)
•Shavonne Callahan (11)
•Morgan Randolph (11)
•Arlo Sushko (11).
During the residency, students will learn all aspects of managing a studio practice, including making clay and glazes, firing work, repairing kilns and safety best practices. They will also participate in demonstrations and critiques to build their understanding of the material and its potential use for personal expression. Provided information and photo
Churchville Lions Club Annual Installation and Awards ceremony
The Churchville Lions Club Annual Installation and Awards Ceremony was held recently, honoring the best of the Lions in 20232024. Fourteen Lion members were installed into the following positions: Directors Verna Linney, Brian Frasier, Gordon Reitema and George Beldue; Membership Chairman Jill Kohler; Financial Secretary Mel Sand; Lion Tamer Doug Eisele; Tail Twister Jim Pressey; Secretary Jim Ehrmentraut; Treasurer Randy Kehl; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents Debbie Landers, Nancy Steedman and Diane Wilkinson; and President Joe DeLeo. Three awards were given out and one new member was installed as a Lion. Provided information and photos
Lion Marty Molinari (left) presented the Robert J. Uplinger Distin(right) “for Active, Outstanding and Dedicated Service since Becoming Members
President Al Arilotta (left) presented the Lion of the Year Award to Lion Doug Eisele (right) “in Recognition of Outstanding Service, Loyalty, and Devotion to Lionism.”
Past President (left) presented the Career Lion Award to Lion
Newly inducted Lion Robert Wilkinson (left) is with Sponsor Diane Wilkinson (center) and Membership Chair Jill Kohler (right).
