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index 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 Advertising 585-352-3411 Lori Antonelli ext. 133 Rachael Blair ext. 139 Debbie Day Ext. 131 Tami Raco ext. 129 Mary Lou Rockow ext. 134 Gary Sajdak ext. 135 Ellen Stevens ext. 130
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Hometown author publishes children’s book about the Eclipse
5
CC Saints win seventh boys soccer Section V title
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Chili Soccer tourney raises over $15,000 for Breast Cancer Coalition
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Lady Redhawks win ECC regular season title for first time in history
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Alumni share the Hope Hall impact at fundraiser
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Save the date for GCC Encore Celebration
10 Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce presents 2023 Community Awards 12 How to avoid dry turkey this Thanksgiving 13 Consider these interesting Thanksgiving facts 14 Eclipse 2024 Events to attend 16 Churchville-Chili Announces 2023 Athletics HOF Inductees 17 Helping Story of Hope recovery from flood damage 18 Fitness Buddies program has students of different abilities working together
Production 585-352-3411 ext. 126 or 128 Vicki Caspersson, Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen & Suzette Coleman News Submissions: editor@westsidenewsny.com
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My Hometown November 2023 | 3
My Hometown Author
Genny Sees The Eclipse by Barbara Burke “Genny Sees The Eclipse,” is a new children’s book by North Chili author, Colleen Onuffer. Onuffer is a Senior Consultant and Director of Public Relations at Break the Ice (BTI) Media. She also writes feature articles for Westside News and My Hometown Magazine. The children’s book is part of a promotion Onuffer worked on with Genesee County and their Chamber of Commerce, for marketing of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse viewing. Genesee County is a prime location for viewing, located in the path of totality. She said, “The idea for a children’s book came up as we were looking for ways to promote the eclipse, and how to educate the public on safe viewing of the eclipse.” For the book, Onuffer decided to use Genny, and barnyard animals, to tell the story of the eclipse, as seen through their eyes. “The cow represents the rural community that makes up most of Genesee County. Since Batavia and Genesee County are in the path of totality, this rural area presents prime viewing opportunities, away from light, noise and pollutants. The committee discussed how important it is to provide safety guidelines for viewing. The exciting part is that, at the end of the book, Genny hands out solar glasses to the animals in the barnyard for safe viewing of the eclipse. This points out the importance of protecting your eyes during the eclipse. ” Local artist Andy Reddout, designed and illustrated a poster for the Genesee County promotion. Genny, the cow, appeared on the poster, and became the official mascot. Reddout did the illustrations for the children’s book, using large blocks of vibrant
Colleen Onuffer
4 | My Hometown November 2023
color in the illustrations. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be evenly divided between four not-for-profit animal rescue groups in Genesee County. According to the visit Genesee County, New York website, “Head to Genesee County for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse… where the skies are darker. Experience a natural phenomenon on April 8, 2024 as a total solar eclipse is scheduled to pass over Genesee County that Monday afternoon. Clear your schedule for the weekend leading up to the eclipse and enjoy festivities within our communities. Batavia and Genesee County sit directly in the path of totality, and viewers will experience 3 minutes and 42 seconds of totality beginning at 3:19 p.m. and a partial eclipse for nearly two and a half hours. One of the rarest and most spectacular events in nature, a total solar eclipse causes the sky to become as dark as deep twilight, bright stars and planets to appear, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, to shine around the black disk of the Moon’s silhouette. Changes in temperature, winds and animal behavior occur during the time around totality. The experience is emotionally powerful and unforgettable. It will be the first total eclipse visible in our area since 1925, and the next will occur in 2144.” To purchase the book “Genny Sees The Eclipse,” eclipse merchandise, listings for events, promotions, accommodations, restaurants, and FAQ’s about Genesee County, visit geneseetheeclipse.com
My Hometown Schools
The Saints defeated Spencerport to claim the Section V Class AA boys soccer title. Photo by Warren Kozireski.
Churchville-Chili wins seventh boys soccer Section V title by Warren Kozireski
Churchville-Chili advanced to the Section V Class AA boys soccer final for the fourth time in the last six years, battling their rival Spencerport. But this time was different as the Saints came away with a 3-2 overtime victory on a goal by senior Elijah Bailey after a feed from classmate Andrew Berardicurti. The victory marked the first Section V title since 1998 according to the Section V website, and their seventh overall. “Spencerport is a big rival and we lost to them both times this season and besides that, we’ve been facing them since we were nine or ten years old and summer team and always come this close,” Bailey said. “They beat us out for state cup…and we finally got them at the most important time. “We felt like both losses we dominated, but we came up short, so we were motivated. I feel so happy for coach (John Mahoney) most of all because he’s been going through tough stuff with his family, and it’s been so long, and I feel so happy for him.” The Saints were seeded second behind top-seed Spencerport after an 11-3-1 regular season. They defeated Victor 2-1 and Canandaigua 4-0 over the first two rounds and ended their semifinal game with Hilton in a 0-0 tie after double-overtime before winning 7-6 on penalty kicks to advance to the final. Churchville-Chili only allowed ten goals all season, anchored
by the defense in seniors Camden Bean and Andrew Burke with sophomores Isaac Bailey and Braeden Naujokas in front of senior goalkeeper Joshua Smith or sophomore Mason Simmons, who came on for the penalty kick portion of the Hilton semi-final win. Berardicurti led the team with eight goals, with Bailey and Bean combining for ten more. Senior Aidan Ozkaynak and sophomore Chris Keller each had seven points while junior Colin Guilfoyle led the squad with five assists. “The long wait is over…and it couldn’t have been written better for us against such a very good team and fierce rival of ours,” Churchville-Chili head coach Maloney said. “We said at halftime to the guys that if we just shut them out in the second half that we have a chance to win this, and we’re a shutout soccer team – that’s what we do. “You’ve seen us lose a Sectional final in double overtime with that much time on the clock…so I’m the last guy who is going to apologize to anybody for how that game weirdly turned out (because) we’ve been on the other end of that so many times. “Happy for my team, happy for my school, happy for my family and just proud of the program we have. We’ve been good for a long time, but just unlucky in finals…so very happy.”
Hammered dulcimer Christmas Concert Church of the Epiphany in Gates invites the community to enjoy a magical Christmas musical concert performed by “Striking Strings,” a hammered dulcimer ensemble. The concert, scheduled for Sunday, December 10, at 2 p.m., is sure to put attendees in the holiday spirit. It will be held at the church, 3285 Buffalo Road, Gates. Admission is free. Attendees are invited to share in the holiday spirit by bringing an item of non-perishable food or
offering a monetary donation to support the church’s ‘Free Food Pantry Box’ located in the church parking lot.
My Hometown November 2023 | 5
My Hometown Philanthropy
Pink the Field Tournament raises over $15,000 for Rochester Breast Cancer Coalition Chili Soccer Association, Rochester’s oldest youth soccer club, held another successful Pink the Field tournament this year. The tournament is a philanthropic event dedicated to raising funds for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. For the past 10 years, the club’s Tournament Director, Amy Wood, has been leading the charge to make a difference in the community. This year’s Pink the Field event saw tremendous support from participants and various fundraising activities, resulting in a donation of over $15,000 to the Breast Cancer Coalition. Wood expressed her gratitude, saying, “I’m deeply moved by the support and enthusiasm shown by our soccer community. It’s a privilege to use our passion for soccer to make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer for ten years running.” Deb Bishop, Director of Communications for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, commended the efforts of Chili Soccer Association, stating, “We are grateful for the unwavering commitment of Chili Soccer Association and their ongoing support. This generous contribution will help us continue our mission to provide support and resources to those affected by breast cancer.” Chili Soccer Association remains dedicated to fostering a love for soccer in area youth while actively contributing to the local community. They believe in using the power of sports to create a positive impact on important causes. The association’s commitment to both soccer and philanthropy underscores its mission to be more than just a soccer club – they are a community that cares. The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester is a non-profit organization committed to eradicating breast cancer while providing
Amy Wood and others from the Chili Soccer Association presented a check to Deb Bishop (left) of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.
vital support to those affected by these diseases. Their mission focuses on building a strong community, offering educational resources, and advocating for research advancement in the region. Since its inception, the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester has been steadfast in its goal to make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by breast and gynecologic cancer. For more information about Chili Soccer Association, visit www. chilisoccer.org. For more information about the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, visit www.bccr.org. Provided information and photo
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My Hometown Sports
Redhawks win ECC regular season title for first time in program history The Roberts Wesleyan University women’s soccer team has won the East Coast Conference regular season championship for the first time in program history. The Redhawks (10-1-3, 6-0-2 ECC) defeated Saint Thomas Aquinas College 1-0 on October 28 to finish unbeaten in East Coast Conference play. The Redhawks finished the season with 20 points while Daemen, which dropped a 2-0 decision to Mercy on Saturday, finished second with 19 points. Sophomore Larissa Johnston netted the only goal of the match for the Redhawks against STAC. Johnston took a throw-in from Maia LaVigne and sent a 25-yard, left-footed shot into the far corner of the net for her fifth goal of the season. “This is another gritty result,” Redhawks coach Sarah McClellan said. “It’s great to get another shutout and to go undefeated in a tough ECC conference season is a great accomplishment for the team. Now, we look forward to preparing for postseason.” Senior Nicolette Knauf made two saves to record her ninth shutout of the season. The Redhawks conceded just one goal in conference play this season and recorded a clean sheet in 10 of their last 11 matches. Provided information and photo
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www.huetheRheatingandcooling.com My Hometown November 2023 | 7
My Hometown Neighbors
Alumni share the Hope Hall impact at fundraiser Hope Hall held its Annual Toast for Hope Gala at Irondequoit Country Club on October 7. Funds raised at this year’s gala will support the Hope for Tomorrow Campaign, which is funding critical program enhancements and the school’s nearly-completed expansion and renovation project. This year’s honorees were Mark and Maureen Davitt, whose support facilitated the expansion of Hope Hall’s Woodworking Center and funded student scholarships. The program featured alumni Charlie Schaffer (Class of 2019) and Bridget Langschwager (Class of 2020) as they shared the positive impact of Hope Hall on their lives and careers. After the two studied woodworking at Hope Hall, they were hired by Jeffrey
Bridget Lanschwager running the Edge Bander at Jeffrey Carl Ellis Cabinetmakers. Photo by C. White Llewellyn.
Charlie Schaffer standing in front of Hope Hall’s Science Lab cabinets for which he created the countertops. Photo by C. White Llewellyn.
8 | My Hometown November 2023
Carl Ellis Cabinetmakers. This company, which specializes in the manufacturing and installation of wood and laminated products for many sectors including education, won the contract to build the cabinets for Hope Hall’s new Science Lab. Both former students had hands-on involvement in creating these new fixtures. Event attendees enjoyed dinner, music by Moondance Band and dancing, plus a live and online auction featuring over $25,000 in items up for bid. The Emcee for the evening was Jennifer Johnson, a former journalist and news anchor, who is now Director of Family & Community Outreach at UR Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital. Provided information
My Hometown Event
Save the date for GCC Encore Celebration The Genesee Community College Foundation will be celebrating its 31st season of Encore on Friday, December 15, 2023, with an elegant event of holiday music and fine dining. This annual gala fundraiser directly benefits the student scholarship program at Genesee Community College. This year’s co-chairs, Jeremy and Sandra Liles, are looking forward to presenting this year’s Encore and celebrating the start of the holiday season. “We selected the theme ‘White Christmas’ inspired by the 1954 classic film, which captures the essence of the holiday season and will feature a special holiday concert program choreographed by the Genesee Symphony Orchestra.” Jeremy Liles is a native of Genesee County, the owner of Oliver’s Candies and Sweet Life Group, its parent organization, and has managed Oliver’s Candies for over 20 years. Jeremy is actively involved in his local community and currently serves on the Genesee County Chamber of Com- Jeremy and Sandra Liles merce Board of Directors and has served on the Batavia Town Planning Board. Sandra is a New Hampshire
native who moved to Genesee County in 2005. Sandra opened Sweet Life Country Store in Elba and has managed the operation for the past five years. She enjoys working with many different local product vendors and artisans to make their wares available to the public at this store, as well as partnering with other local businesses to benefit the community. Jeremy and Sandra reside in Batavia with Tahlia, the youngest of their three children. “Both Sandra and I recognize the importance of education and supporting the Foundation Scholarship program at Genesee Community College. We are honored to be co-chairs of Encore 2023.” Proceeds from Encore support scholarships for students attending Genesee Community College. Sponsorship opportunities are critically important to the event. To become a 2023 Encore sponsor, purchase tickets or for event information, please visit https://gccfoundationinc.org/ encore/ or contact the Foundation Office directly at 585-345-6809 or foundation@ genesee.edu. Provided information and photo
My Hometown November 2023 | 9
Click To Watch Video Of The Event!
Ginny Ryan from Canandaigua National Bank is presented the 2023 Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership award by Town of Chili Council member Mary Sperr.
To the winners of the 38th Annual Gates-Chili Chamber of Commerce Community Awards! Chili Beautification
Gates Beautification
NOWAVE
Westmar Acquisitions LLC
Youth Leadership
Young Professional
Haley Bigelow
Zachary Utech
Dream Big
Livies Jamaican Restaurant & Import Market
Innovative Business Acute Kids Pediatric Urgent Care
Joseph Entress Memorial Economic Development
Culture and Arts
Golisano Community Engagement Center
Matt Hulbutt, GRE
Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Ginny Ryan
Special Recognition Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes & Drums
Outstanding Citizen of the Year Michael Slattery 10 | My Hometown November 2023
My Hometown November 2023 | 11
My Hometown Holidays
How to avoid dry turkey this Thanksgiving Turkey is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving dinners. The National Turkey Federation estimates approximately 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving each year, followed by 22 million turkeys at Christmastime. Turkey makes a pleasing picture on the dinner table. However, some people insist that turkey is their least favorite component of the Thanksgiving meal. One of the biggest complaints is turkey tends to be dry. There are many reasons why turkey can come out dry. Turkey is a lean meat, and Healthline reports that turkey has slightly less fat in its dark meat than chicken. Another reason why turkey may be dry is due to its poor breast-to-leg ratio. By the time one gets the leg meat to cook to temperature so it’s safe for consumption, the breast meat often has dried out. Seeing how many people dive for the breast meat initially, they could dish up some dry bird. There are many ways home cooks can prevent dry turkey this Thanksgiving. Consider these turkey-tending tips. •Brine your bird. According to ScienceBlogs, what causes a hu-
man to perceive a food as juicy may actually be his or her own saliva at work. Salty foods may stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth, helping the food to feel much more moist while on the palate. To adequately inject enough salt into the turkey meat, submerge it in a salt brine for a few days before cooking. •Watch your cook time. It’s important to avoid overcooking the turkey, which will turn it as dry as the Sahara. Some turkeys come equipped with pop-up timers to help cooks gauge when to take them out of the oven. However, a more accurate tool is a digital food thermometer that can be set to go off when the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature. •Cook the turkey parts separately. As previously noted, the breast meat will likely reach the desired temperature before the leg meat. To fix this, take the turkey out of the oven when it reaches five to 10 degrees before safe temperature for the breast meat, around 165 F. (Remember, the meat will continue to cook while resting.) Let guests “ooh and aah” over the picture-perfect turkey. Then cut off the legs and return them to the oven until they are done. Arrange the properly cooked breast and leg meat together on a serving platter. •Offer condiments. A moist dollop of stuffing, a drizzle of gravy or a scoop of cranberry sauce can add moisture to turkey. This approach does not prevent drying out, but it can make a turkey that has dried out a bit more satisfying. Dry turkey can put off diners. However, some strategies can harness as much moisture as possible to enhance Thanksgiving dinners. (Metro)
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My Hometown Holidays
Consider these interesting Thanksgiving facts Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on one’s blessings. In 2023, Americans celebrate on November 23. In anticipation of the holiday, here are some interesting facts about the Thanksgiving celebration. •American Thanksgiving is largely modeled on a 17th century harvest feast shared by the English settlers and the Wampanoag tribe. •The National Turkey Federation says around 45 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, which equates to about 720 million pounds of turkey being consumed (with the average turkey size being 16 pounds). •The Butterball hotline answers roughly 100,000 calls every year on its turkey question hotline.’ •In 1953, the Swanson company overestimated the number of frozen turkeys it would sell for the holiday season by 26 tons. Rather than waste the meat, Swanson sliced it up, repackaged it and created the first frozen TV dinners. •Thanksgiving in America may be older than many recognize. While Thanksgiving is largely tied to the 17th century settlers, the National Parks Service says in 1565 Spanish settlers in St. Augustine (now Florida) celebrated by having a meal to which they invited the native Seloy tribe. The Spanish served pork stew, sea biscuits, red wine, and garbanzo beans. Some say the Seloy contributed turkey, venison and maize.
•Thanksgiving didn’t become a civic holiday until Abraham Lincoln made it one after the Civil War. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on October 20, 1864. •The Pilgrims did not refer to themselves as “pilgrims.” They used the word “separatists” as they were separating themselves from a larger belief system. •In addition to the United States, Canada, Grenada, Liberia, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, and the Netherlands celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving. •Each year, the American president “pardons” a turkey from slaughter on Thanksgiving. This tradition dates back to when Abraham Lincoln’s son was upset that his family’s turkey was going to be killed for Thanksgiving dinner. •According to the U.S. Calorie Control Council (CCC), an average American may consume 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day. •The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. People line the parade route in New York City or tune in to watch the parade on television. It originated in 1924 and the famed balloons were added in 1927. •Apple pie is the pie of choice for Thanksgiving, even though pumpkin pie is prevalent this time of year. Thanksgiving is a popular holiday in the U.S. Many traditions have been borne of the holiday, and it is a favorite time of year for many people.
Happy Thanksgiving
(Metro)
Cartons for Christmas project seeks donors and volunteers Every year in time for the holidays, the Spencerport community reaches out to help local families who are struggling. The project is Cartons for Christmas. Area churches, schools, service organizations, businesses and individuals of all ages lend their support. Last year, we served 142 local families by providing gift cards, food and 203 toys for young children. We request your help with donations and invite you to volunteer at cartonsvolunteers@gmail.com. Gift cards and cash donations can be dropped off at St John’s Parish Center, 55 Martha Street, Spencerport, from November 1 through 27, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or contact Cartonxmas@aol.com or text 585-750-5341 to arrange a time. Please make checks payable to Cartons for Christmas. There will be an Open House to accept unexpired food items (no glass please) on Friday, December 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at St. John’s school building gym, 65 Martha Street, Spencerport.
Early drop-off locations for food in are Fowler’s Canaltown Wine & Spirits, 377 South Union Street, and Hunt Real Estate ERA, 85 South Union Street, Spencerport. Frozen turkeys may be donated on Saturday, December 2, at 12:30 p.m. at St John’s school building, 65 Martha Street. Make a local child smile by providing a toy or gift. Beginning November 13, select an angel from the Toy Tree at one of three locations: Spencerport Federal Credit Union, 2775 Spencerport Road; Fowler’s Canaltown Wine & Spirits, 377 South Union Street; or The Unique Shop, 130 South Union Street. We will deliver food cartons during the afternoon of Saturday, December 2. This project is sponsored by the Ecumenical Council of area churches. We thank you for your anticipated support! Maureen Granger Cartons for Christmas
My Hometown November 2023 | 13
My Hometown Event
Attendees of Eclipse Day at the Rochester Red Wings on the field after the game to take a group photo with a 10ft inflatable sun. - Credit: RMSC
Eclipse 2024 Events to attend by Colleen Onuffer Mark your calendar: On April 8, 2024, our region will witness a total solar eclipse. This occurs when the Moon, Sun and Earth perfectly align and the Moon blocks the face of the Sun. As a result, the sky will turn dark, stars will appear, the temperature will drop, and animals will think it’s nighttime. You may think it’s too soon to be thinking about next spring but trust me, you won’t want to miss this! The last solar eclipse in Rochester was in 1925 and our region won’t observe another one until 2144 – so this is a rare, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our region has been preparing for this astronomical phenomenon for the past seven years. The Rochester Eclipse Task Force, a group of over 700 individuals tasked with raising awareness about the eclipse, has been meeting regularly to provide important updates and share inspirational ideas around themed programming and specials. Filmmakers of TOTALITY – a documentary that will demonstrate how this special event can bring together a divisive country – have been filming across Rochester and even attended the task force’s October meeting. Here are some of the exciting ways around Western New York that you can celebrate this celestial occurrence between now and April 8: • 98 Years Since the Sun Went Out | Nov. 15 – Apr. 27 Batavia’s Holland Land Office Museum will showcase what life was like in Genesee County in 1925, the last time the area witnessed a total solar eclipse. “98 Years Since the Sun Went Out” will show the clothes people wore, where people shopped and worked, and how they saw and reacted to the eclipse.
14 | My Hometown November 2023
A pair of RMSC branded Eclipse Glasses in front of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium
• Rush Public Library Talk – The Great American Eclipse 2024 | Nov. 28 at 7:00 p.m. Hear from NASA Solar System Ambassador Jim Porter as he shares what will happen during the total solar eclipse. • The Art of the Eclipse: Works by Tyler Nordgren | Feb. 1-28 An art exhibit featuring 30 posters designed by artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren in honor of the 2017 and 2024 eclipses has been displayed at different Rochester locations each month. During February, the traveling exhibit will be in SUNY Brockport’s Tower Fine Arts Center Gallery. continued on page 15
My Hometown Event
Rochester Representatives and Members of the Rochester Eclipse Taskforce in front of an 8ft wide pair of working eclipse glasses. - Credit: Renée with Immagine Life Captured continued from page 14
• Sun and Moon | Feb. 1 – Mar. 3 Also in the Tower Fine Arts Center Gallery on the campus of SUNY Brockport, Sun and Moon will feature the astronomical interpretation of regional and national contemporary artists. • ROC 2024 Solar Eclipse Talk at Ogden Farmers’ Library | Feb. 26 at 6:00 p.m. Dan Schneiderman, the Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) will explain the science and history of solar eclipses and how to prepare. • Black Out at Woodlawn Distilling | Apr. 5-8 A weekend of fun awaits at Woodlawn Distilling, where they will be releasing a LivCo Sol-inspired liquor and two specialty cocktails. • Solar Spectacle at The Genesee Country Village & Museum | Apr. 5-8 During this four-day festival of historical programming, hear how authors like Mark Twain and Jules Verne describe eclipses, build your own pinhole camera and find out how early American scientists and astronomers explored the skies more than a century before the space race. • ROC The Eclipse | Apr. 6-8 This three-day festival takes place at the heart of Rochester’s total solar eclipse efforts at the RMSC, with hands-on activities, speakers, music, food, streaming coverage and telescopes so everyone under the sun can witness. • Maple Sugar House Demonstrations & Tours | Apr. 6-8 Sweet Dream Maple Farm in Corfu will extend their Maple Weekends for the eclipse, with demonstrations, tastings and tours of the sugar house. Visit rochestereclipse2024.org for more information about what to expect, where to pick up eclipse glasses (note: never look at the sun without them!) and to see events as they’re added to the calendar.
The Rochester Eclipse Poster projected inside the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. - Credit: RMSC
Are you planning an eclipse event, exhibit or viewing party? Submit it to rochestereclipse2024.org/submitevent so the Rochester Eclipse Task Force can promote it.
My Hometown November 2023 | 15
My Hometown Sports
C-C announces 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees Churchville-Chili will welcome five individuals to its Athletic Hall of Fame in an induction ceremony in Gym A on December 8, 2023. The night will begin with a girls varsity basketball game at 5:30 p.m. with the ceremony immediately following the game at approximately 6:45 p.m. A boys varsity basketball game will follow at 8 p.m. The 2023 inductees, honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the Saints’ athletics program include: •Roger Hill – Class of 1965. Hill was a three-sport athlete in soccer, basketball and baseball. During his career at C-C, he was named first team All-County in both soccer and basketball and still holds many school records. He was named to the NYS Section V Class A All-Star basketball team in 1964 and played soccer at Roberts Wesleyan College. •John Iacucci – Class of 2014. Iacucci played four varsity sports: football, indoor track, basketball and tennis. In football, he was named first team All-County, first team AGR and Monroe County Division 2 football Player of the Year. His tennis team won four consecutive division titles and the Section V title. He holds several school records in both football and tennis. He was named C-C Male Athlete of the Year and Academic Athlete of the Year. He had a stellar career in football at Malone University. •Annamarie Kostarellis – Class of 2017. Kostarellis was a threesport athlete in cross country, indoor track and track and field. She won nine Section V individual championships and still holds ten individual school records. She was first team All-County, first team AGR, team MVP, went to state finals in every sport, was 2015 Female Athlete of the Year and 2017 Female Career Athlete. She has competed at three Division 1 universities on full athletics scholarships and plans to continue her career in professional running. •Nancy Thornton – Coach. Thornton coached varsity girls soccer for 13 years, varsity girls basketball for three years and varsity girls volleyball for six years. She was named Monroe County Division 2 girls soccer Coach of the Year in 1999 and AGR girls soccer Coach of the Year in 2003. She is one of only three coaches in school history to win three or more Section V championships. •Liz Zorn – Class of 2006. Three-sport athlete Zorn played soccer, indoor track and softball. In soccer, she was named first team All-County, Monroe County Division 1 Player of the Year, and first team AGR. She was named first team All-County in softball and Female Athlete of the Year in 2006. She helped lead three Saints soccer teams and one Saints softball team to Section V titles. After graduation, she played ice hockey at Cornell University Churchville-Chili’s Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding athletes, coaches, administrators and
16 | My Hometown November 2023
anyone who has made a significant contribution to Saints athletics. For more information or to submit a nomination for 2024, visit https://shs.cccsd.org/athletics/athletic-hall-of-fame. Provided information and photo
2015 Churchville-Chili graduate Frankie Ciliberto and his father Frank, a former coach for the Saints, were inducted into the Section V Athletics Boys Soccer Hall of Fame during halftime of the Churchville-Chili boys soccer game on October 6. Photo from @CCCSDathletics on X.
My Hometown Community
Helping Story of Hope recover from flood damage Earlier this year, Brad White, President of Westside Professional Landscape, lost his mom. During her last few weeks, she was placed in hospice. This experience had a profound impact on Brad, his wife, Heather, and family. When he discovered that a hospice home was being built in Chili, he knew he had to get involved. He contacted the Story of Hope Comfort Care Home Founder, Arlene Nanry, and became a partner with them to help get things finished so the home could open. In August, approximately three weeks from opening the home, there was a major rain storm that completely flooded the property where the house sits, causing one of the basement walls to collapse and fill with water. After assessing the damage, the foundation has been determined safe to repair, but Story of Hope Comfort Care Home in Chili experienced major flood damage during an at a cost, as this damage was not covered by insur- August rain storm. ance. Once the repairs are completed, the goal is to open the comfort care home within a month. The community is invited to partner with the team at Westside pairs from the flooding, which are estimated at $60,000. To donate, Professional Landscape as they work to help the Story of Hope go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-story-of-hope. For information on Story of Hope, go to https://www.storyofComfort Care Home rebuild and open. A Go Fund Me has also been set up to help with the cost of re- hoperochester.com. Provided information and photo
The Chili Lions Club participated in the Chili Recreation Department’s Halloween event held on Saturday, October 28, at the Chili Community Center. The club offered lots of raffle items for everyone to pick. Members had a great time celebrating the holiday with Chili residents and look forward to participating again next year. Provided information and photo.
On October 24 The Lions Club of Chili inducted Joe Korn as its newest member on October 24. He was sponsored by Lion Tom Platt. President Karen McCloskey was present for the induction. Lion Chair Members Bert Maggio and Cristina Candelaria conducted the ceremony. Provided information and photo.
My Hometown November 2023 | 17
My Hometown Students
Fitness Buddies program has students of different abilities working together Fitness activities often speed up the heart. The Fitness Buddies program also warms the heart. At WEMOCO Career and Technical Education Center, BOCES 2 CTE Exercise Science students learn about exercise physiology, training, anatomy and nutrition to enter the workforce or continue their studies after high school. Less than one mile away, Village Plaza One Transition Program students learn daily living skills, self-regulation, functional communication and socialization to thrive as independent and confident adults. The paths of these students come together every Wednesday when the CTE students trek over to the Transition students and connect with their Fitness Buddies. Through Fitness Buddies, two students from different programs and with different abilities are paired up to work through a variety of exercises. Exercise Science students demonstrate a skill, assist their buddy, offer words of encouragement and celebrate the Transition students’ victories, often with high fives. “What Fitness Buddies is to me is getting together with other students and helping them improve,” said Caleb Quinn, an Exercise Caleb Quinn (left) demonstrates proper technique as his Fitness Buddy Corey Nelson completes an arm exercise. Science student and Spencerport senior. Exercise Science Teacher John Strachan has not only seen his students applying their CTE program knowledge, but he has also he’ll be doing in the future. “In the real world, there are going to be people who are just watched their professional skills blossom. trying to improve and are not at a level where they can do a certain “Two of my students have really taken charge in running the two skill yet, so I’d have to scale it down,” said Quinn. separate groups we have, and they individually work with their “Corey is awesome,” added Quinn of his Fitness Buddy. “We own students,” said Strachan. “I have seen my students really get out of their comfort zones and become leaders to the Transition always have a good time. We always get the workout done. students by helping them exercise appropriately and motivating Sometimes there may be a limitation we have to work around but Corey always works through it and adapts. He’s now increasing them to do it.” Exercise Science students need to leverage their problem solv- the weights he can use.” Cindy Webster, Transition Program occupational therapist, has ing, observation and scaling skills to help their Fitness Buddies seen firsthand the kindness, patience and professionalism the through activities. Exercise Science students exhibit, as well as the growth of the “There’s obviously different levels of how people can do exercises,” said Quinn. “Scaling the activity is important because Transition students. “All Exercise Science students demonstrate encouragement sometimes they’ll have trouble doing something or understanding and verbal support,” said Webster. “This makes the Village Plaza how to do it, so by scaling it and bringing it back to the basics, it students feel comfortable, willing to engage and hopefully, progreally helps them complete the exercises.” Through their participation, Exercise Science students earn ress in their skills.” Each Wednesday, the impact of the Fitness Buddies program work-based learning hours, an indicator of real-world application can be sensed as encouraging words are heard, smiles are seen of their industry-aligned knowledge. Quinn aspires to be a personal and friendships are formed between buddies. trainer after graduation, and he can see a direct tie to the work Provided information and photo
18 | My Hometown November 2023
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3218 Chili Ave., Rochester, NY 14624
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My Hometown November 2023 | 19
20 | My Hometown November 2023