My Hometown Magazine June 2024

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

Pubisher 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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17 Byron-Bergen Athletes Sign for Alfred State

My Hometown Neighbors

Spencerport Soccer Club has experience of a lifetime in Italy

by Tami Raco

Rob Cappuccio, a soccer coach for the Spencerport Soccer Club and WNY Flash team dreamed of brining a team of local youth to Italy to experience the sport from a unique vantage point with an Italian cultural perspective. When the thought first came to him it did not seem like it was something that would become a reality.

“Logistically creating a team, raising the funds and overcoming the obstacles for an international trip seemed like a long shot,” said Cappuccio. “Thanks to the par ents, players, community, and especially to the generosity of the Italian American Community Center, the dream became reality,” he said.

Putting together the team, organizing this trip, obtaining the financing, and preparing the team athletically took nearly months. Coach Cappuccio first presented the idea to his players and their families as an opportunity to go to Italy to play in a tour nament. The team was comprised mostly of 13- and 14-year-old boys from the Spencerport area. “A lot of practice and hard work pulled together everything that was necessary to make this dream come true,” said Coach Cappuccio.

An event logo was created specifically for this trip. The Spencerport Soccer Club logo is in the middle, above is the City of Florence’s crest which is a stylized lily, below is the City of Rome’s crest which is a wolf. This logo was used for all marketing and fundraising for the trip. It was also on their custom uniforms, warm up bags, and kits, and even on banners they presented to their opposing teams.

March the of players and families Toronto the

The team began their first day in Italy watching AC Milan with Christian Pulisic play Fiorentina. “It was amazing to see Christian Pulisic, who is the captain for the U.S. National Team, play for AC Milan in person. I think it gave my players a sense of possibility seeing a player from the U.S., playing in Italy,” said Coach Cappuccio

Day two and three they spent celebrating Pasqua (Easter) in Florence and sightseeing the area. They began day four visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa and ended the day with their first game.

“When we arrived at the stadium, they found themselves in awe and taken back by the stadium and impressed by the immensity of it. It gives you a different respect for youth soccer,” Cappuccio said. The boys played against the renowned team F.C. Scandicci 1908. It was a tough game, but an amazing experience.

On the fifth day, the team went to Coverciano, which is the Italian National Team headquarters. On the campus, there are training fields, stadiums, classrooms as well as the Hall of

continued on page 5

The team in Pisa, Italy. See the Leaning Tower in the background on the right side of the photo.

The boys received coaching from an Italian National Pro coach in Coverciano.

continued from page

Fame. While there, the boys were coached for almost three hours by an Italian National Pro coach.

The team’s sixth day in Italy began in Rome and a tour to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Later that day, they played their second game against RES Roma. On their seventh day, there was unforgettable sightseeing with a trip to the Colosseum in the morning and an afternoon tour of Stadio Olimpico, Rome’s iconic stadium.

Team members played against ASD Pian Due Torri 1965 on a dirt field on the last day of the trip.

On their last full day in Italy, the team toured Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps in the morning. Then they played their final match against ASD Pian Due Torri 1965. “This game was the experience to cap the trip!” said Cappuccio. The match was played on a dirt field which was a first-time experience for this group of boys from the Spencerport area.

“This trip was an incredible memory maker for the kids. Theyrienced the love of soccer from the perspective of a different culture. We created something that will shape the rest of their lives,” Coach Cappuccio said.

Provided photos

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Tompkins Community Bank promotes Stacie Mastin to senior vice president, director of human resources

Tompkins Community Bank (Tompkins) has promoted Stacie Mastin to senior vice president, director of human resources. Bringing nearly three decades of financial and banking industry experience to her new role, Mastin will align human resources practices with the organization’s overall goals, while also providing guidance and support to employees. She succeeds Bonita Lindberg, who retired from the role this May.

“Throughout her 16 years at Tompkins, Stacie has consistently demonstrated her commitment to our employee’s well-being, and the company’s overall goals,” said Steve Romaine, president and CEO, Tompkins Financial. “Stacie has shown an impressive ability to enrich our corporate culture and we look forward to her bringing that talent to her new role.”

Previously, Mastin served as vice president, manager of human resources, at Tompkins; during this time, she led several strategic initiatives that created a welcoming environment in which employees, and clients, felt valued. In addition, Mastin previously served as a Wealth Advisor with Tompkins Financial Advisors. A graduate of Post University with a bachelor’s degree in human services and a concentration in human resources management, Mastin worked as a multi-site branch manager at M&T Bank before joining Tompkins in 2008. Currently, she serves as the president of The Society for

Human Resource Management of Tompkins County (SHRMTC) and is a former community fund committee member of United Way.

Today, Mastin resides in Lansing, New York, with her husband, Greg, and their son.

Founded in 1836, Tompkins Community Bank serves the Central, Western, and Hudson Valley regions of New York, and the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. Through their unique local decision-making model, the bank offers personalized service and exceptional responsiveness, while delivering a broad range of products and services for consumers and businesses. Insurance services are offered through Tompkins Insurance Agencies, and wealth management services are available through Tompkins Financial Advisors. Further information is available at www. tompkinsbank.com.

Provided information and photo

Cover Photo: Spencerport Soccer Club members at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

WWII Veteran George Becker of Riga inducted into NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

Senator Pam Helming selected World War II Veteran George Becker of Riga as the 54th District’s 2024 Inductee to the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

“Less than one percent of the 16 million Veterans who served during World War II are with us today. We should know their stories and that’s why I’m so honored to recognize Mr. Becker in this way. He is a deeply humble man and a family man deserving of our appreciation and respect,” said Senator Helming. “Mr. Becker shared that his time in the military taught him to respect authority, get along with people, be patient, and appreciate what you have. He said what he loves most about America is our freedom. And we enjoy those freedoms because of Veterans like Mr. Becker. I am grateful that his name is now enshrined in the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.”

George Becker achieved the rank of Electrician’s Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy. He enlisted in 1942 at the age of 17 and attended boot camp and Navy Class A school at Sampson Naval Training Station in Romulus.

In August 1943, he shipped out to Treasure Island in California and was assigned to the commissioning crew of the USS Emery, a destroyer escort. The USS Emery departed for the South Pacific in October 1943. One month later, the Emery joined a 200-ship task force involved in the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. After returning to Pearl Harbor in December 1943, the USS Emery again departed as part of the task force that invaded the Marshall Islands in January 1944.

Mr. Becker was part of several subsequent protection and escort missions during World War II. His last assignment was aboard the USS Admiral W.S. Sims, a troop transport ship commissioned after the end of the war. When the Japanese formally surrendered on V-J Day, September 2, 1945, the USS Admiral Sims was designated to bring American troops home. Mr. Becker and his shipmates made two trips to Manila and one trip to Okinawa, bringing back almost 5,000 troops on each voyage.

Mr. Becker worked for Rochester Gas & Electric for 41 years. A resident of Riga, he went on to serve his community when his military service ended. He was a member of the Board of Assessment Review, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Monroe County Planning Council, and a 27-year member of the Town Planning Board where he served as chairman for eight years.

George met his wife, Florence in the summer of 1940. They dated during his time in service and married on October 25, 1947. George and Florence were together for nearly 61 years when Florence passed away. George and Florence had four sons, David, Douglas, Daniel, and Bruce. Monroe County Legislator Steve Brew, who nominated Mr. Becker, said, “It was a profound honor to nominate fellow Riga native George Becker for this prestigious recognition. His exemplary service to our country during World War II and his steadfast dedication to our community reflect the core values of patriotism and civic duty. George’s humility, strong family values, and unwavering commitment to his fellow citizens exemplify the very essence of American tions, honor ting remarkable legacy.”

independently house large himself.

family said, is a very unassuming humble who has sought recognition for himself. We are very proud of him time in the Navy and his service to the community. We would like to thank Legislator Steve Brew and Senator Helming for this honor.”

Provided information and photos

George Becker with Senator Pam Helming and Monroe County Legislator Steve Brew

George Becker served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946.

Senator Pam Helming selected George Becker as the 54th District’s inductee to the NYS Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.

Treasure Sale to benefit Purple Pony

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship will be hosting its biennial Treasure Sale fundraiser on Saturday, August 10, and Sunday, August 11, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at KD Ranch, 8321 Lake Street Road (Rt. 19), Leroy. There will also be an Early Bird event on Friday,

August 9, from 5 to 8 p.m. with a $5 entry fee. All proceeds will benefit Purple Pony’s programs. The sale, which is sponsored by Batavia Downs, will be held, rain or shine, in a clean, bright, indoor arena, with plenty of easy off-street parking.

This event is possible through donations from the Purple Pony community. Dona tions of items to sell will be accepted at the barn at 8321 Lake Street Road, Leroy, after July 1. Items being accepted include: household goods, area rugs, collectibles, jewelry, sports, books, infant care, children’s toys, garden/lawncare, camping, small or medium furniture, hand and power tools, crafts, holiday items, linens, lamps, artwork, etc. Not accepting: large appliances, large exercise equipment, couches, paints/hazardous liquids, computers, televisions, and tires.

Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship is a 501c3 organization run entirely by volunteers, providing a variety of equine activities to individuals with a variety of disabilities and needs.

For more information on Purple Pony and about items accepted for the fundraiser sale, visit http://purplepony.org/.

Provided information

The Lions Club of Chili held their Annual Geranium Sale at the Chili Community Center on Mother’s Day weekend. The club appreciates the support of those that purchased geraniums this year and every year. The sale is made possible with the hard work of Lions of Chili members and volunteers. To find out more about volunteer ing or becoming a Lion, call Membership Lion Bert Maggio at 585-261-0743.

Provided information and photos.

CCCSD recognizes Class of 2024 Outstanding Senior

Churchville-Chili High School senior Eliza Burley was honored at the 29th Annual Dr. Michael C. O’Laughlin Outstanding Senior Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 8. One outstanding senior from each high school in the Monroe County Council of School Superintendents area is chosen based on leadership and service as well as their academic performance.

Eliza has excelled academically during her time at ChurchvilleChili and will be graduating cum laude She is a member of the Executive Council, Leo Club, and is the student representative to the Board of Education. Eliza has also been an active participant

in the Saints athletic program a member of the cheerleading and flag football teams.

“Eliza exemplifies our core belief of treating each other with respect, dignity and hon esty. Further, she has challenged herself by taking IB coursework while engaging in extracurricular activities and athletic teams being successful in all areas,” said Churchville-Chili Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lori Orologio.

Provided information and photo

August 5 - 9, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

July 22 - 26, 2024

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

My Hometown Athlete

Roberts Wesleyan’s Brynn King wins NCAA Division II Pole Vault Title

first bar,” said King, who set meet and facility records of 4.60m (15’ 1”) while outdueling runner-up Kyla Davis of Pittsburg State for the title.

“I knew that if I just turned that pole over that I could make that bar, so I was just focusing on moving that pole into the pit. I was nervous, but at the same time I knew that I could make that bar.”

“It was a dogfight and Brynn had to come through and get to that mental state that she hasn’t been in in other meets and that was huge,” said Roberts pole vault coordinator and 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist Jenn Suhr.

The championship capped a perfect season for King as she finished unbeaten against college competition. Those victories include a record-setting performance of 4.65m (15’ 3”) while win ning the DII Indoor Track & Field Championship on March 8. The Woodlands, Texas native is the only student-athlete from Roberts to win an NCAA championship.

“Standing on the podium in a Roberts uniform is exciting,” King said. “There are a lot of people supporting me at Roberts and I feel like that is kind of my time to recognize all of that support and let people know that I am representing for y’all.”

King, who set NCAA Division II outdoor record of 4.68m (15’ 41/4”) while winning the 96th annual Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays at the University of Texas on March 30, took control of the meet after she and Davis both cleared 4.40m (14’ 5-1/4”).

King climbed into the lead with makes at both 4.45m (14’ 71/4”) and 4.50m (14’ 9”). King secured the title when Davis failed

Churchville-Chili alumnus and current Technology teacher Matt Wer muth (left) held the school record in discus for 28 years after a 160’ throw in 1996. His record was broken on June 1 by Max Tomaszewski (right) who threw 160’ 6” in the state qualifier. Photo from @CCCSDtandf on X.

GCC honors Dr. James M. Sunser with naming of Student Success Center

Genesee Community College has renamed its Student Success Center to the James M. Sunser Student Success Center, in honor of Dr. James M. Sunser’s distinguished service and commitment to student success.

Dr. Sunser, a visionary leader in education, has served as the President of Genesee Community College for thirteen years, leaving an indelible mark on both the institution and the lives of countless students. During his tenure, he oversaw initiatives that fostered academic excellence, student engagement and growth, including the construction of the Student Success Center and the Richard C. Call Arena. Dr. Sunser has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 academic year.

With the opening of the Student Success Center in 2017 as the new ‘front door’ of the main campus, Genesee Community College introduced a new student success coaching model providing efficient enrollment and student services with a new level of intentional engagement focused on students’ academic and personal success.

“This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students who have worked tirelessly to create an environment where every student can thrive. Our goal has always been to provide the support and resources needed for students to achieve their dreams, and I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment of our shared commitment to their success,”

said Dr. Sunser.

A hub for academic support services, career development resources, and extracurricular opportunities, the Center embodies Dr. Sunser’s belief in providing students with the tools and guidance needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

“We are honored to rename our Student Success Center after Dr. James M. Sunser, whose leadership has profoundly impacted our college community,” said Jacalyn Whiting, Chair of the Genesee Community College Board of Trustees.

Provided information

The James M. Sunser Student Success Center. Photo courtesy of GCC.

Swinging into action: Bears advocate for new swing set

Brasser Bears are flying high on the school’s new swings thanks to a big push from student council.

The campaign for a new swing set began last school year. While Brasser’s primary playground, used by younger students, had its own swings, the swings used by third-, fourth- and fifth-graders were older and deteriorating and had to be removed due to safety concerns. The Brasser Student Council set out on a mission.

“We all realized that the other playgrounds at the other schools had swing sets and ours had to come down. So, we wanted to try and fix that and get a new swing set,” explained former Student Council Treasurer Anna K.

Anna along with fellow Student council officers Tim W., Baraah Z. and Arianna C. started by consulting their student council advisors and building administrators, who helped set up a meeting with Gates Chili Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Mitchell Ball. Impressed by the students’ advocacy, Dr. Ball tasked them with conducting research on swing sets at Gates Chili’s three other elementary schools.

Seizing on an opportunity to consult with students from the different schools, student council conducted their research dur

ing the annual Sam Utter Fifth Grade Track and Field Meet last June, which brings together fifth-graders from all four elementary schools. They polled students, asking how many swings their schools had and how often they get used. Based on their research, they concluded swinging is one of the most popular playground activities. It was enough to convince the district to grant their request.

On March 12, Brasser cut the ribbon on its new swing set. And although Tim, Baraah, Arianna and Anna, who are now sixth-graders at Gates Chili Middle School, don’t get to enjoy the swings every day, they are still proud of student council’s accomplishment and what it means for all current and future Brasser Bears.

“I think that we made a really big difference in making the kids happy,” said Baraah. “My sister goes to the elementary school, and she loves them. She’s like, ‘I love the swings. Thank you for doing this for us!’”

“It shows other kids when they get to be on student council that they can try and make changes for the school,” added Tim.

Fontenette

Gates Chili is welcoming Andre Fontenette as the new varsity football coach.

Fontenette’s leadership comes just months ahead of the retirement of longtime teacher and high school football coach Jason Benham.

Fontenette is a graduate of Churchville-Chili High School and 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. Outside of football, Fontenette works as a mitigation specialist with the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office. Provided information and photo

Town of Chili Offices

Town of Gates Offices

2 Eggs, 2 Pancakes, choice of sausage or bacon with coffee. $9.89

2 Eggs, choice of home fries or hash browns. Choice of toast with coffee. $6.95

Fried Egg and Cheese on English muffin. Choice of home fries or hash browns with coffee. $8.99

3 Cheese omelette with choice of toast. $9.99

*Call Us For

Town of Riga Offices

Chili Library

Gates Library

Chili Senior Center

Chili Community Center

Lattimore of North Chili Camarata Chiropractic

Food Towne

Jitters Café

Phoebe’s Florist

Leaf & Bean

Chili Liquor

Rochester Fitness Center

Calabresella’s Deli

Gates Big M

ANG Market

Agatina’s Restaurant

Sungrove Blossoms Florist

Taylor Heating & Cooling

Pure Imagination Café

Or Read Us Onlne at westsidenewsny.com/my-hometown

My Hometown History Lesson

Spartans honor Harlem Renaissance heroines in fusion of art and social studies

Students at Gates Chili Middle School celebrated Women’s History Month by paying homage to the women behind the Harlem Renaissance Movement.

Students in sixth and eighth grades participated in the Women’s Empowerment March, an annual Women’s History Month initiative that challenges students across the state to discover, research and honor 31 iconic women each March. This year’s theme paid tribute to the Harlem Renaissance Movement, which revived Black art and literature during the 1920s and 30s. That experience set the stage for lessons and projects of the same theme that combined art and social studies.

In Amy Cocuzzi’s art class, sixth-graders learned about American sculptor Selma Burke and explored what makes someone a visionary of their time. Burke crafted portraits of many prominent Black figures but is best known for her portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which may have been the model for his portrait on the dime. To cap off the lesson, students selected an inspiring woman and designed a coin using their image.

Art class also gave seventh- and eighth-graders the chance to create pop art portraits of Harlem Renaissance women. With each portrait, students wrote artist statements and participated in class critiques to analyze how their artwork relates to the historical and social circumstances of the Harlem Renaissance and pop art movements.

Meanwhile in Cherie Spoto’s social studies class, seventh- and eighth-grade students researched women of the Harlem Renaissance and hosted a mock dinner party to share what they

learned with each other. To help with their presentations, they created a place mat with talking points, a mask of their chosen figure and came up with an artifact to represent them. They also wrote a paragraph about their figure for the Women’s Empowerment March web page.

The artwork created as part of the Women’s History Month Harlem Renaissance tribute was featured in the annual Middle School Art Show and on the Women’s Empowerment March website.

Provided Information and photos

Registration open for Daniel’s Race 5K

Online registration is now open for Daniel’s Race, a 5K run/walk at Churchville-Chili Middle School that will be held on Saturday, August 17.

Participants can register or donate by clicking the Register link at www.daniels5k.com. The registration fee is $25.

The race is held in memory of Daniel Myslivecek, who lost his 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.

As always, proceeds will support a local family who has a child battling a life-threatening illness. For more information on sponsorship, their community service scholarship, or the race in general, visit www.daniels5k.com, add Daniel’s Race on Facebook or follow @Daniels5K on Twitter/X. Provided information. File photo.

Spencerport Depot open for

The Spencerport Depot and Visitor Center is now open for visitors. One of the most unique centers on the Erie Canal, the building was originally the trolley stop depot in Spencerport. It is a wonderful museum to explore history and be a lift bridge operator.

Hours are Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Volunteer help is always needed in order to keep the center open. This is a fun group of people who enjoy sharing everything that makes Spencerport Someplace Special. Call 637-1050 and leave a message if no one is available. The pay is excellent in smiles and laughter.

Provided information

Churchville-Chili athletes participate in college signing ceremony

Thirteen dedicated Churchville-Chili senior athletes committed to competing at the collegiate level during a college signing ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at Churchville-Chili High School. Students attended the ceremony with families and friends, representing their future college by displaying apparel and items from the school.

The ceremony began with an introduction from Athletic Director Michael Murray. Coaches then troduced the athletes, detailing the student’s athletic accomplishments while at Churchville-Chili and their plans for the future. Students were invited to sign their National Letter of Intent in front of the crowd.

Athletes who participated in the signing event include:

•Jake Broussard – football for Wagner University

•Joshua Campbell – football for Alfred State

•Ricky Lagares – football for Cornell University

•Eric Neal – football for Buffalo State

•Chase Shepanski – football for Alfred State

•Dominic Agostinelli – cross country and track Ithaca College

•Madelyn Sichak – cross country and track for Ithaca College

•Emma Healy – basketball for Russell Sage College

•Michael Sardou – baseball for Monroe Community College

•Evan Putney – baseball for Monroe Community College

•Nikolas

Provided information and photo

•Braedon Reina – baseball for Monroe Community College

•Alexander Gitsis – lacrosse for Keuka College

Gitsis – lacrosse for Keuka College.

Daniel Myslivecek

My

Memorial Scholarship

Third annual Billy Mason Memorial Scholarship awarded

The Board of Directors of the Billy Mason Memorial Foundation has selected Kyle Milburn as the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship awarded in Billy’s memory. Billy was a well known Spencerport resident and three-sport star at Spencerport High School from 1969 to 1971. After his death in May of 2021, friends and family established the Foundation in his memory.

The Billy Mason Memorial Scholarship Fund honors Billy’s commitment to athletic excellence, leadership, work ethic and personal integrity, and the Foundation hopes to help young ath letes and students fulfill their potential while exhibiting the same characteristics that Billy embodied.

Mike Marcone, varsity soccer program assistant, says, “As a coach, you are always looking for that one player who can lead by example, lead vocally and always push himself and those around him to be better. Kyle sets the bar high for those around him and even higher for himself. He is intrinsically motivated to be the ab solute best that he can be and he takes it upon himself to lead his team to victory. Kyle is the first person to celebrate his teammates’ success and always gives credit to others when he is successful himself. He loves his teammates and they love him back.”

Chris Somers, boys soccer program assistant coach, says, “Kyle has a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge that is truly inspiring. He has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and has earned his place among some of the best soccer players in Spencerport history. Kyle has always had the unique ability to be a dominating presence on and off the field. While he will lead the team in goals and assists for his career; he also did so with dignity and respect for his peers, coaches and opponents.”

play, make a donation, or get information about sponsorships, go to BillyMasonMemorialFoundation.org.

Provided information and photo

Churchville-Chili Class of 2024 Latin Honors

Churchville-Chili Central School District recognizes the Class of 2024 students who will be graduating with Latin Honors this June. Latin honors is an award of distinction given to students upon graduation that meet or exceed specific grade point average thresholds as defined below:

•Summa Cum Laude (with highest distinction) - 97.000 and above cumulative weighted GPA

•Magna Cum Laude (with distinction) - 95.000 to 96.999 cumulative weighted GPA

•Cum laude (with honor) - 90.000 to 94.999 cumulative weighted GPA

This year, 31 students will graduate Summa Cum Laude, 20 will graduate Magna Cum Laude and 52 will graduate Cum Laude. The following students will graduate with Latin Honors.

Summa Cum Laude

Angelia Agnello, Kaitlyn Allen, Elijah Bailey, Emily Berardicurti, Alexa Briggs, Ethan Britton, Mckenzie Ennis, Matthew Ewell, Talan Finnigan, Ryan Giglia, Shane Girolamo, Sydney Goettel, Conner Guenter, Matthew Hayes, Luke Herring, Ethan Hopenwasser, Tanner Inges, Ryan Johnson, Haley Leonard, Trevor Markert, Isabella Mettler, Jacob Miller, Tyler Nguyen, Madison Noll, Nora Patterson, Silas Payne, Wesley Smith, Christopher Strong, Gabrielle Toates, Aidan Vogler, Samuel Weilert

Magna Cum Laude

Dominic Agostinelli, Olufemi Akinpelu, Camden Bean, Morgan Booth, Dylan Bromage, Adriana D’Ambrosio, Drew Donohue, Osman Duru, Olivia Hogan, Hannalee Hotaling, Veronika Machajdikova, Jared Mandrycky, Abigail Mineweaser, Alexandra Percassi, Braedon Pfuntner, Ian Reiner, Drew Stewart, Mackenzie Sutton, Andrew Watkins, Roberty Wilkinson

Cum Laude

Andrew Berardicurti, Kathryn Bozek, Eliza Burley, Vitalina Buryk, Hannah Caldwell, Leila Cody, Sabrina Cousins, Angelica Di Martino, Mary French, Ayla Gedmintas, Sarah Gibbs, Eli John Gillard, Emma Healy, Jake Herring, Dominic Hoch, Carter Hopkins, Serenity Jager, Skylar Jehlen, Emma Jenkins, Cooper Kaupelis, Carissa Keister, Emma Klug, Nazarii Kohut, Violet Kolupski, Kristina Kropidlowski, Ricardo Lagares, Jessica Magguilli, Jaylyn Malark, Rebecca Mantegna, Lawren Monahan, Peyton Moore, Jack Murray, Riley Ostapiuk, Daniel Panessa, Tessa Patchen, Cael Raines, Coy Raines, Kylie Romich, Maeve Rosati, Michael Sardou, Elizabeth Sennett, Chase Shepanski, Madelyn Sichak, Nathan Sikorski, Gagandeep Singh, Colin St Lucia, Grace Stella, Lily Stewart, Olivia Walker Lightle, Leah Wilkie, Maya Wynne, Esphyr Zhemkova

Churchville-Chili’s Commencement will be held Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m. at the Gordon Field House at Rochester Institute of Technology. Provided information

GENESEE COUNTY/Genny Sees The Eclipse -Book proceeds and donations go

to Genesee County animal rescue groups

“We would like to thank all our media partners for all the coverage we had for the eclipse and also for Genny and we did submit both projects for tourism and excellence awards by the State Tourism Association, so hopefully we will be bringing back some awards in September,” says Kelly Rapone/Tourism and Marketing Director at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce.

“That is truly lifesaving, for us at Mockingbird Farm Sanctuary, that total amount will pay for the amount of hay that we need through winter,” says Jonell Chudyk.

“For us at Cherry Hill, we’re just starting a program with the Amish to help pull in horses that either came from Batavia Downs and then moved to the Amish for retirement, and so this will help kick start that program so that we can help more of the horses that need to be retired,” says Pam Harmon.

“We too take retired racehorses. This is going to allow us to take another couple of horses and that means we saved two lives,” says Maryanne Arena.

“This is our kitten season, last year we had hundreds that we placed. We had over 240 kittens, there’s bottle babies, and all different levels of kitten care so this will help with that,” says Angie Knisley.

Project At-A-Glance:

· Project development: May-October 2023

· 100% of proceeds to support 4 local animal rescues

· Forbes listed it as “One of the Best 6 Books to Prepare For The Eclipse” – March 2024

· Printed 3,000 Commemorative books

– Sold 1,924 books (mid-October through April) – Gave away 600+ (area schools, libraries, promotional, animal rescues)

– Book orders came in from 28 states and 165 New York State Cities. Our very first book order was shipped to Hawaii.

– To promote the book, our team sent out press releases, pitched media, held interviews, executed digital media campaigns to promote the book, managed book sales, held a Meet the Illustrator book signing event for our community and also conducted a lengthy book reading tour to our municipal libraries. We had the book copyrighted and also established an official ISBN number.

Genny Sees The Eclipse was written by My Hometown writer Colleen Onuffer and illustrated by Andy Reddout.

Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Brian Cousins presented each animal group with a check for $7,163.39 each from the total $28, 653.56 raised on Tuesday afternoon at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce. (Left to right Jonell Chudky/Mockingbird Farms, Marcy Colantonio/Volunteers for Animals, Maryanne Arena/MaryLand- A Haven for Horses, and Pamela Harmon/Cherry Hill Farm Sanctuary.

My Hometown Sports

Byron-Bergen athletes sign for Alfred State

On Friday, May 17, 2024, Byron-Bergen senior athletes Braedyn Chambry and Colin Martin both signed letters of intent to become collegiate ath letes at Alfred State College. Chambry will join the Pioneer basketball program and Martin will join the soccer program. Although they will be on different athletic teams, these long-time teammates are excited to head off to college together.

“Our years as teammates definitely made us close friends,” said Chambry. “We both decided on Alfred State at different times, without knowing if the other was going, too. Two of our other closest friends are also going to Alfred State, and it all hap pened by coincidence. I’m very excited that I’ll be going to college with three of my best friends.”

Chambry took part in varsity soccer, basketball, baseball, golf, track & field, and was a member of the trap club. On the basketball court, he averaged 22.9 points per game and 15 rebounds per game, was a three-time Genesee Region All-star, Section V All-tournament team his junior year, and Section V tournament MVP his senior year. At Alfred State he plans to study criminal justice.

“I would like to thank my family and friends as well as all of my teammates throughout the years,” said Chambry. “I would also like to thank Coach Noeth for being my coach as well as my role model. I want to thank Coach Pulliam for coaching me throughout the last two summers and helping me get in contact with Alfred State. I also would like to thank Coach Pimm for coaching me throughout elementary school and providing me with a lot of opportunities to improve my game in and out of school season my entire career.”

Martin’s boys varsity soccer accomplishments include a Sectional Championship, Far West Regional Championship, State Championship finalist, All Greater-Rochester, first team All-State, three-time Genesee Region All-Star, and Byron-Bergen recordholder for the most career assists and assists in a single season. He was also a member of the basketball, baseball, track, and golf teams and is a member of the trap club. Martin plans to study business at Alfred State.

“I would like to thank my parents and grandparents for always being there at all my games and supporting me,” said Martin. “I would also like to thank Coach Rogoyski, Coach Ellis, and Coach DiLaura for helping me become the athlete I am today and always pushing me to be the best from modified to varsity.”

“I am proud and excited for both of these fine young men,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “They are great athletes and even better people. Their work ethic is impressive, and they always put forth maximum effort in all that they do. Regardless of the sport they were in, they were great teammates and made kids around them better. I cannot wait to see how their journey unfolds at the next level. I want to wish them the best of luck.”

Provided information

From left, Brendan Pimm, Colin Martin, Brodie Baubie, and Braedyn Chambry played youth basketball together. All four students will attend Alfred State in the fall. Photo provided.

Colin Martin and Braedyn Chambry with their families as they commit to play collegiate sports for Alfred State. Photo by Mary Hughes.