My Hometown Magazine ~ October 2023

AskAbout OurAdvantage Program!

Enjoy peace of mind with a home HVAC solution that helps lower your bills and provides worry-free maintenance and repairs.

HVAC maintenance check includes:

Provide air filters during annual maintenance appointment*

Check thermostat operation, system temperate split, voltage and amperage to all motors

Inspect disconnect, fuses, wiring, contactors, relays, pressure controls, electrical safety circuits

Clean (if necessary) condensate line, outdoor coil, burner and air filter

Replace (if needed) air filter*

Lubricate fan and motor units

All systems maintenance check includes:

Run and test systems

•

•

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

Production

585-352-3411 ext. 126 or 128

Vicki Caspersson, Karen Fien, Joanne Michielsen & Suzette Coleman

News Submissions: editor@westsidenewsny.com

1776 Hilton-Parma Corners Road

Spencerport, NY 14559

Phone: 585-352-3411 Fax: 585-352-4811

4

5

13

Set aside the miles on the SUV, late night practices and endless laundry, sports is a big part of the Eberhart family.

by Colleen Onuffer

Parents seem to juggle more responsibilities than ever. After 15 years of shuffling kids to and from sporting events, practices, tournaments and more, Churchville native Jenn Eberhart and husband, Rick, have it down to science.

Twin boys, Trey and Tyler, graduated in June from ChurchvilleChili, where they were captains on the varsity hockey team. Now, they both attend SUNY Brockport and play for the college’s club

any smoother. Eberhart walked through an upcoming weekend schedule: “Tristan has a flag football game at 9:00 a.m., then is the ball boy at a 10:30 a.m. varsity soccer game. He has a hockey game in Canandaigua at 3:30 p.m. and then the older boys have a game in Fredonia at 7:00 p.m.” She added, “Thank goodness for the thruway for helping us make it everywhere.”

Among the different schedules and sports, the Eberhart boys have 10 to 12 practices or games a week. “I make it to almost every one of them,” said Eberhart, who stays organized by using three separate calendars to plan out one to three months ahead.

Being structured takes the stress off of juggling so many moving parts, but sometimes it’s just impossible to make it to every event. Jenn recently traveled to Lake Placid to watch her older sons play in their first college hockey games, missing two games of her youngest for the first time.

“We realized it was just not practical for me to make Tristan’s games, when I was five hours away,” she said. “Those were the first soccer and football games that I’ve missed. I’m not used to that.”

In fact, Eberhart said the family lucked out by having twins who both liked hockey.

“A lot of families have to go separate ways – one sport to the next with different children, different ages,” said Eberhart. “We were lucky that the twins liked the same sport so we could travel together as a family. We didn’t miss a beat. We got to watch it all together.”

The family is used to traveling outside of Rochester for sports continued on page 5

“Hockey involves a lot of traveling. Plus, lot of time spent on the ice and a lot ice training.”

Last year, when the twins were still high school, the Eberhart house would run from 5:30 in the morning until at night.

“During the Covid years, it was more difficult,” explained Eberhart. boys couldn’t drive and there wasn’t sing. I would have to pick them up school, bring them to Scottsville for tice, grab my little one from school, make to the end of the twin’s practice, pick up and go to travel hockey. We’d end day at 9:30 or 10:00 at night.”

“Now it’s a little more laid back,” added Eberhart. “They can drive themselves practices, so it’s a little easier on me.”

But that doesn’t make their schedule

Traveling to out-of-town games and tournaments keep their weekends busy.

Twins Tre and Tyler began playing hockey at the age of three.

– and does so just about weekly. Aside from league fees and sporting equipment, the biggest expenses for the Eberharts are gas and food.

“But when we travel, I normally prep all of the meals before we leave. We might eat one meal out while we’re there but that’s it,” said Eberhart, explaining that it helps them eat healthy and stay on budget.

In April, the family traveled to Minnesota to watch the twins play – and win – in the national championship with their travel team. “When they won, they played Top Golf, but we don’t normally do touristy stuff because we don’t have time. There’s not really a whole lot of downtime.”

While it’s a busy lifestyle, the Eberharts wouldn’t change it for anything.

“This was the first year that the twins didn’t have travel hockey. In August, we were just on the couch wondering ‘what do we do now?’” said Eberhart. “It was kind of depressing. We were asking each other, ‘Why are we just sitting here?’”

Travel hockey has created a brotherhood for Trey and Tyler,

who have played with some of the same kids since they were 10 years old.

“We work hard and give up a lot to make sure our boys have the opportunity to succeed in travel sports and in return they work even harder to become the best athletes they can be,” said Rick. “The dedication and persistence they see from us subconsciously translates into their hustle. You will never see them quit or be last because they understand that, in the end, the pain, stress and heartaches are what make them successful, and some things in life are just worth everything.”

“From driving us late at night to practices to paying for all of our hockey funds, our parents have really done everything they could for my brother and I,” said Tyler. “We’re both very appreciative of them.” Trey added, “And for my parents, I thank them for everything they do. From the late night practices to the eight-hour car rides, the things they do for us mean so much. We couldn’t ask for a better set of parents.”

“If I had one bit of advice to give parents just starting out, or in the thick mix of raising an athlete, it would be to enjoy the moment,” says Jenn. “It goes by so fast and don’t ever wish it to be gone because one day it will be, and you will sit wondering why on Earth you didn’t enjoy the storm. Enjoy the chaos, the thrilling moments, the hard days, and take a few moments to reflect the positive you can take from it. Each day is a lesson, embrace the time with your family, and lean on your partner. In the end, they are the ones left there needing to lean back on you, too. We would do it all over again. In our house, sports is a family affair. We don’t regret a penny or a minute that we’ve spent on it. It’s made my kids who they are.”

Great Batavia Train Sale scheduled

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will be holding its Fall 2023 edition of the Great Batavia Train Sale on Sunday, October 15, at the Richard C. Call Arena on the campus of Genesee Community College in Batavia. Sale hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $6 adults, $3 under age 18, and free for children under 13. Parking is free, and a snack bar will be available.

For over 50 years, the Great Batavia Train Sale has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Items offered include all scales of model trains, historic railroad items, books, DVDs, and toys.

Batavia and has actively promoted the hobby of model railroading in the Western New York area for over 50 years. This not-forprofit organization is headquartered at 50 Main Street in Oakfield. In their facility above M&T Bank, club members maintain four operating model train displays. Visitors are welcome on Tuesday evenings, and an open house is offered free to the public each December.

For information, visit http://www.gsme.org or email http://bataviatrainshow@gmail.com.

Provided information

Hockey is a favorite sport of the Everhart brothers.

Grandmother Bonnie Nau and Grandfather Terry are the boys biggest fans.

My Hometown First Responders

On September 9, members of the Gates Fire District participated in the annual National Fallen Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb held at Innovative Field. During the event, firefighters and community members come together to honor the sacrifice made by 343 FDNY firefighters by climbing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. The team was proud to win the award for most money raised by a single team. All the funds go to families of fallen firefighters. Photo from @GatesfdPio on X.

Grocery Run to benefit Food Cupboard at First Presbyterian Church of Chili

This year, The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard will be participating in the Grocery Run. The Grocery Run is an event sponsored by the Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester to benefit area Food Cupboards. There are a variety of runs and walks to select from; however, the First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard Team has chosen to sponsor the Virtual Run/Walk. When one signs up for the Virtual Run/Walk, they can choose any distance to run, bike, walk or stroll, and can complete this event anytime, anywhere between November 3 and 5. If you are not a runner or walker, you can still go to the team’s website and donate any amount of money you feel comfortable in contributing to the Cupboard. The registration fee for the Virtual Run/Walk is $30, all of which will go to the Food Cupboard to help

cover food expenses.

The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard is a drive-thru Cupboard that is open from 10 to 11 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month. It serves between 70 to 80 households and feeds between 200 to 300 people in and around the Chili community. The Food Cupboard offers both small and large families non-perishable items as well as fresh produce, eggs, and meat.

Those wishing to participate can go to https://chili-presbyterian. org and follow the directions for registering for the race and/or making a donation.

Those who register by midnight on October 9, will receive their preferred size, super-soft performance-fabric commemorative race t-shirt. Ladies’ shirts are fitted and run about two sizes smaller than the typical unisex. It is recommended that ladies order one or two sizes up.

Provided information

Elmgrove UMC celebrates 195 years

In October, the Elmgrove United Methodist Church will be celebrating 195 years of being an integral part of our local community. The original church was established in 1828 on Elmgrove Road, just south of the canal. It was a way station for the local area, where people on horseback (or carriage) could gather to meet as a community and also worship together. The community was a rural, but within 20 years, it outgrew this meeting place, and a new church was built on the southwest corner of Elmgrove and Spencerport Road, along with establishing a church cemetery. The church continued to flourish, and was host to many community activities, meals and picnics, fundraisers and meetings. In 1904, the church suffered a massive fire and was totally destroyed, but was rebuilt very quickly on the same plot of land. By the mid 1960s, the decision was made that the congregation had grown so much that a larger building was needed. Thanks to several acres of property donated by a church family, the new church was built at 1500 Spencerport Road, just a short distance east from the original church. This is where the church remains today.

Elmgrove UMC has a long history of being involved in local community outreach, as well as national and global missions. The church membership will celebrate this special 195th birthday with a party on October 15. Elmgrove UMC looks forward to many more years of being a vital part of the Gates, Greece and Spencerport community. To learn more about the church, call 585-247-4973 and speak with Pastor Jeff Aiosa.

Provided information

Pet supply donation drive to benefit Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions

Living585 Realty (www.Living585.com) is planning an event that combines the joy of celebrating the first birthday of their office mascot puppies, May and Rosie, with an opportunity to give back to furry friends in need. They are hosting a combined puppy birthday party and pet supply donation drive for Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and finding forever homes for pets in need.

The event will be held Saturday, October 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1553 Howard Road, Rochester. All are invited to join the celebration filled with cake, treats, and, most importantly, an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals.

Throughout the month of October as well as during the event, Living585 Realty will be collecting donations of pet supplies such as food, toys, blankets, and more, which will be donated to Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions (www.rescued-treasures.com). These contributions will help ensure that animals awaiting their forever homes receive the care and comfort they deserve. Donors can purchase items off RTPA’s Amazon wish list (https://www.amazon. com/hz/wishlist/ls/G7D8DM2GJA9I?ref_=wl_share) or at area pet stores.

For more information about this event and Living585 Realty’s ongoing commitment to the community, contact Robin Taney, Creative Executive at robin@Living585.com or 585-575-0811.

Provided information

Churchville Lion Barry (left photo )and Chili Lions Bert, Bonnie, Ellie and Carrie (right photo, l-r) collected numerous medical loan closet items to donate to Ukraine. Provided information and photo.

My Hometown Happenings

Autumn brings spooky special events and haunting historical happenings to GCV&M

With the change of seasons comes a full lineup of spooky season special events and haunting historical happenings at Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford. New York State’s largest living history museum, GCV&M’s 19th-century Historic Village is transformed by the blossoming of fall colors as well as the return of seasonal favorites like Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark and a Night with Edgar Allan Poe, plus brand-new events like All Hallows’ Teas and Spooky Saturday. Tickets for all upcoming spooky season events can be found online at https://www. gcv.org/spooky-season/. Plus, there are more opportunities for families to enjoy the museum grounds throughout the fall this season with newly extended weekend days and hours from Friday, October 13, through Sunday, November 12. Find details online at https://www.gcv.org/events/.

Spooky Saturday

October 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors are invited to explore the Historic Village during peak fall foliage on this Saturday in October and get in the “spooky season” spirit with a frighteningly fascinating talk hosted by John L. Wehle Gallery Curator Brandon W. Brooks: “An Orderly Eternal Rest the American Rural Cemetery Movement.” The talk will take place at noon and 2 p.m. in Brooks Grove Church, and will explore the rural cemetery movement, featuring 19th-century funerary items like grave markers, coffins, coffin plates, and even a real tombstone. Visitors are then invited to explore a display of Victorian mourning ephemera in the Gallery. On this family-friendly day, the Confectionery will be selling seasonal historical treats, the Flint Hill Store will be stocked with spooky season merchandise, and costumed historical cooks will be working on seasonal 19th-century dishes around the Village. Tickets are available online and at the door. Find more information at https://www.gcv.org/event/spookysaturday-at-gcvm/.

Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark

October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29

Brave visitors are invited to explore the eerie Historic Village by candlelight during the museum’s annual Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark guided tours. Groups will make their way in and out of spooky scenes in historical houses and around the museum grounds, and can also enjoy craft beverages and food in the “Fright House” Pub and Spirits Lounge, shopping in the Flint Hill Store, and more. Beware – what frightened New Yorkers in the 19th century very well may still inspire dread today… Tickets are selling fast and must be purchased online in advance at https://www.gcv. org/event/spirits-a-walk-in-the-dark/.

Spooky Season Classes for Kids

Curious young adventurers are invited to join educators at GCV&M for two fun classes in October, just in time for spooky season. On Saturday, October 14, participants in the Bats! Class will trek around the museum grounds in search of bat houses, learn about a bat’s natural habitat, diet, and habits, explore the mythology of bats, create their own hands-on bat decorations, enjoy bat related

continued on page 14

Chili American Legion Auxiliary installs new officers

The Chili American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1830 installed new officers for 2023-2024. They are (l-r): seated – 1st Vice President Janice Bueg , President Sharon Beeke , 2nd Vice President Melody Wasko; standing – Chaplain Karen Mc Kernan , Sargent at Arms Karen Hermance , Secretary Cheryl Corke , and Treasurer Nicole Booth. These officers are responsible for facilitating the operations of the Auxiliary and are looking forward to supporting veterans through many activities throughout the year. Provided information and photo.

My Hometown Happenings

continued from page 12

activities, savor marshmallows at a campfire, and more. And on Saturday, October 21, young spellcasters can make their way to GCV&M for Magic! Class. Explore the Nature Center grounds and trails, try fantastically fascinating projects and experiments, create slime in Potion’s Class, charm a cloud into existence, and more. Learn more about youth class offerings at https://www.gcv. org/the-john-l-wehle-gallery/youth-family-experiences/.

A Night with Edgar Allan Poe

Thursday, October 26

Spend a night just before Halloween enjoying spine-tingling chills as exploring the master of the macabre. With sessions at 6:30 and 8 p.m., GCV&M’s Poe aficionado, Chris Lynn, will take the audience on a journey through the creepy, curious, and chilling works of Edgar Allan Poe. This annual favorite is a great way to get into the spooky spirit just in time for Halloween. Find tickets and more information online at https://www.gcv.org/event/anight-with-poe/.

All Hallows’ Teas

October 27, 28, 29, 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Pick your poison at Genesee Country Village & Museum’s new series of All Hallows’ Teas, set in hauntingly historic Davis Hall. Get dressed to death for spooky season and savor the warm and cozy flavors of fall. At this eerie event, visitors will be dining on sweet treats from the museum’s own Confectionery, delicious soup, savory sandwiches, and a fun, seasonal tea selection. Plus, each tea is accompanied by a creepy curator-hosted talk featuring topics like Victorian mourning practices, rural cemeteries, and

memento mori. Tickets can be purchased online at https://www. gcv.org/event/all-hallows-tea/.

Fall family fun during extended open weekends at GCV&M Fall is truly a special time to explore the Historic Village and Nature Trails at Genesee Country Village & Museum, and now families can enjoy all GCV&M has to offer later in the year than ever before. Enjoy peak fall colors around the Great Meadow and the 19-century Historic Village when you visit for extended open weekends, now offered throughout October and November. From Friday, October 13, through Sunday, November 12, the museum will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each weekend offers different seasonal themes, from leaf peeping, to fall family fun, to preparing for the winter months ahead in the Village. A limited number of buildings will be open and staffed in the Historic Village, visitors can explore the exhibit Becoming Gendered: Garment as Gender Artifact in the John L. Wehle Gallery, shop seasonal favorites in the Flint Hill Store, enjoy a bite to eat and historical craft beverage in the Freight House Pub, hike more than miles of nature trails, and more. Details and discounted daily admission tickets can be found at https://www.gcv.org/events/.

Find tickets and more information about all upcoming events at GCV&M at https://www.gcv.org/events/.

Provided information and photo

My Hometown Colleges

Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary inaugurate

At an inauguration ceremony held at Pearce Church on September 22, Roberts Wesleyan Univer sity and Northeastern Seminary officially welcomed Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr. as the 12th president of the university and fourth president of the seminary. Dur ing his inaugural address, Hayles shared his vision for the institutions, reaffirming his commitment to building upon the university and seminary’s storied heritage, mission and values, while further establish ing his proficiency for driving academic, leadership and spiritual development for students through a faith-based education.

“When I think of what B.T. and Ellen Roberts have created, I feel humbled to be in this position, know ing that I am in some small way continuing their work with Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary,” Hayles said. “As institutions of higher learning, we are faced with many headwinds: en rollment, value proposition and demographic shifts. However, with the unbridled enthusiasm of faculty, staff and students, with an energetic sharing of the vision of the future that God has for us, and with an unrelenting focus on innovation, success in the future is unlimited. As Christians, whatever we do will be graced with the consistency of action and deep love for Christ and for our neighbors. I look forward to a bright future.”

After taking office in mid-July, Hayles connected with local dignitaries, constituents and partners, as well as faculty, staff and students. The campus community gathered for the Faculty and Staff Kickoff in late August, and welcomed undergraduate and adult and graduate students back to campus for the 2023-24 academic year. The incoming traditional undergraduate class is the largest since COVID. Under Hayles’ direction, the community is focused on strategic alignment across all areas of the institution through Vision 2030, a bold and innovative plan for future growth and strength.

Prior to accepting his position at Roberts Wesleyan, Hayles served in various roles at New Jersey’s Pillar College since 2019, including chief operating officer, executive vice president and, most recently, president. Prior to his career in higher education, Hayles served in the United States Air Force as an officer before transitioning to the private sector to support organizations with strategic management, organizational development and advancement, and executive coaching for more than 25 years.

During the competitive nationwide search for a new president, Hayles impressed the search committee with his broad range of experiences, capabilities, results and commitment to Christian

higher education. Since taking office, Hayles has continued to voice his dedication to the mission and core values of Roberts Wesleyan and Northeastern and looks forward to leveraging his love of education, including his unique experiences in the for-cause and for-profit worlds, to drive the vision of the university and the seminary well into the future.

Several distinguished guests traveled to attend the event to celebrate the historic moment, including former presidents Dr. Deana L. Porterfield from Seattle Pacific University, Dr. John A. Martin from Texas and Dr. William C. Crothers from Michigan. Linda J. Adams, bishop of the Free Methodist Church USA, was also in attendance, joining Dr. Terry R. Taber, chair of the Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary board of trustees, and several of Hayles’ family and friends from across the U.S.

“In the post-pandemic era, colleges and universities need to address numerous challenges and issues to remain strong and relevant for students,” Taber said. “For Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary, the board is excited to welcome Dr. Hayles as our president with his significant experiences in corporate roles, finance and higher education. We look forward to working with him to strengthen and grow these thriving learning institutions for many years to come.”

For more information about the inauguration, including photos from the event, visit roberts.edu.

Provided information and photo

Shown are (l-r) Dr. John A. Martin, President Emeritus; Dr. William Crothers, President Emeritus; Dr. Rupert A. Hayles Jr., President; and Dr. Deana L. Porterfield, Former President. Provided photo.

Game recall: 1965 Churchville-Chili soccer team special

by Ron Johnston

Ronnie

Fodge

took a deep breath.

The Churchville-Chili senior co-captain then looked at the ball at his feet and glared at Spencerport keeper Dave Kincaid standing at the goal line.

Backing up a couple of steps, Fodge waited for the ref’s signal to take the penalty kick. When he got it, he coolly made his approach, and struck the ball hard with his right foot.

Kincaid was unable to make the save as Fodge’s boot whistled past him like a missile and into the back of the net.

Fodge’s pressure-packed, early fourth-quarter PK conversion was both the equalizer and a spark as it enabled Paul Settercoached C-C to rally to down the Ron Broadbent-led Rangers, 2-1, in a Class B Section V boys soccer championship match at Brockport State University on Saturday, November 6, 1965.

It was the Saints’ first Section V title in soccer. Earlier, the orange and black booters had claimed the school’s second Monroe County Class B crown.

C-C senior striker Joe Tramontana scored what proved to be the game-winner unassisted about five minutes after Fodge’s goal. Fodge’s score was his team-leading 15th of the season.

Earlier that week on Tuesday, November 2, Churchville-Chili had blanked Nunda, 3-0, in a semifinal at Honeoye Falls. With senior cocap Denny Rose assisting, Fodge had a first-quarter goal, and Jim Loedel and Tramontana each added a fourth-quarter score to seal the deal. Loedel also got an assist on Tramontana’s net-bender.

Senior goalie Gary Wombwell was credited with his schoolrecord 11th clean sheet of the campaign. (Wombwell would finish his career between the pipes with 19 shutouts, also a school record at the time.)

Spencerport advanced to the Section B final with a semi win against Wayland.

After a scoreless first half in the title tilt at Brockport, Spencerport – which was runner-up to C-C and the only team to defeat the Saints during regular-season play – staked itself to

a 1-0 advantage in the third session when Ron Armstrong beat Wombwell with a shot.

But the Saints were not to be denied and got a break in the fourth on a Ranger infraction in the penalty area. On the ensuing PK, Fodge made it 1-1. And, after Tramontana’s goal, C-C – which ended up finishing the fall with a 16-1 overall record – never looked back and celebrated the victory.

Wombwell finished with nine saves in the goal while Kincaid had 13. Offensively, the Saints outshot the Rangers on the pitch, 24-16.

continued on page 17

The 1965 Churchville-Chili varsity boys soccer team won the Saints’ first Section V soccer title. Provided photo.

C-C’s Jim Loedel (with teammate Jimmy Widener in the background left) in the game against Spencerport. Provided photo.

My Hometown Sports

continued from page 16

On defense, Churchville-Chili senior midfielder Dick Bareham marked and helped neutralize Spencerport’s Winsor Jenkins’ scoring capabilities. The Ranger standout scored 17 goals in his senior campaign.

After the season, Fodge and Rose each was an All-County honoree while Bareham and midfielder Jimmy Widener were second-teamers.

Fast-forward to today, from that 1965 Churchville-Chili

championship soccer team, Scott Alexander, Widener, Fodge, Wombwell, Setter, Tramontana, scorekeeper Steve Bush, and

On the runner-up Spencerport side, Broadbent passed three

One-Game Wonder and a retired newspaper sports editor/reporter.

Key players in the game still living today are (l-r) Spencerport’s Dave Kincaid and Winsor Jenkins and Churchville-Chili’s Dick Bareham and Dennis Rose. Provided photos.

The Churchville-Chili boys cross country team took first place in D1 at the inaugural John Izzo Classic, held September 23 at Letchworth State Park. The Saints had three of the top five runners – Ryan Giglia Jr. (second), Nathan Sikorski (third), and Rahlin Finch (fifth). Brockport’s Nathaniel Fisher was the top runner with a time of 15:48.9. Spencerport’s team placed second overall. Photo from @CCCSD athletics on X.

My Hometown Fall Activities

Seasonal Bucket List: Four Fun Ideas for Fall

by Colleen Onuffer

Fall comes with cooler weather, colorful foliage and tasty treats. Use this bucket list to check off autumn’s best activities – then share your favorite seasonal fun on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/myhometownmag).

1.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin

Ford Farm Market has been growing pumpkins for 37 years and says this year is the best crop ever. Stop by their market in Churchville for your choice of pumpkins, pie pumpkins, stacking pumpkins and gourds of all colors and sizes. Visit early in the season – they’ve been known to sell out.

Start with a fall foliage hayride around Cobble Creek Farm before choosing the best pumpkin in the patch. Open Saturdays and Sundays through October 29, you will also have the opportunity to snap a family photo with pumpkin people, jump on a jumping pillow and participate in the straw crawl.

For a fun, family experience, book one of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum’s pumpkin patch train rides. Ride aboard a vintage train to the museum’s pumpkin patch, where every child will be able to choose their own pumpkin to take home for free. Excursions take place on Saturdays and Sundays from October 14 through October 29.

2.

Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Harvest Fest runs through October 22 at Stokoe Farms in Scottsville. Admission gives you access to over 35 activities, such as bounce pillows, wagon rides, low ropes course, pumpkin patch and candy cannon. You can also navigate the corn maze, which features the shape of New York with a giant sun in honor of next April’s total solar eclipse.

Find your way through five acres of towering corn stalks on Joe’s Farm in Brockport. Throughout the maze, you will come across hidden checkpoints and picturesque spots for the perfect photo opp. The family-friendly version of the maze is open Saturdays and Sundays in October from 12 to 4 p.m. For those a bit braver, visit on Friday or Saturday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. to see what lurks in the shadows of the haunted maze.

3. Grab a Bushel of Apples

West Wind Farm in Hilton has over 30 varieties of apples available for u-pick, open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit their website (https://www.westwindupick.com/upick) to see when your favorite apple is ready for picking, or to see which kinds are best for eating, baking, salads, sauce and storage. Afterwards, grab a glass of hard cider from Blue Barn Cidery.

Like many farms in our region, Whittier Fruit Farm was impacted by the deep frost in mid-May. This froze their apple blossoms and buds, leaving very little fruit on the trees. However, you can still find major varieties of apples at their farm market, along with other seasonal products, doughnuts and cider. Fol-

low their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100064395085321) able.

In Spencerport, Robb Farms

Robb family for over 100 years. Choose from over 19 varieties of u-pick apples, then enjoy an oldfashioned fry cake with a cup of fresh apple cider, made right on the farm.

For other seasonal treats, check out Kelly’s Farm Market, Blodgett Family Farm and Zarpentine Farms in Hilton, Kirby’s Farm Market in Brockport, Hellaby Hill Farms in Scottsville and Testa’s Farm Market in Rochester.

4. Get into the Spooky Spirit with these Halloween Happenings

Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween celebration with these community events. Trick or treat at Canalside businesses and storefronts in Spencerport during the Town Trick or Treat on Saturday, October 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet Rochester’s famous mascots and be sure to stop by the Ogden Senior Center for a special Halloween treat and fall harvest photo. The town of Chili is hosting a Community Halloween at the Chili Community Center on Saturday, October 28 from 12 to 2 p.m. with trick-or-treating, games and other Halloween fun. Get in costume and join TSE’s Trunk or Treat on Sunday, October 29 at Rochester Regional Health Total Sports Experience in Gates. Walk around the outdoor loop as you trick or treat at multiple candy stations.

For the fourth year in a row, Halloween On Ambush features a massive movie-quality display with 40-minute light show. The 100-foot pirate ship spectacular is the brainchild of Churchville resident Tony DeMatteo, and is accompanied by music, lights and special effects. Watching the show is free but donations are encouraged to support the Dream Factory of Rochester, which fulfills dreams of children who have been diagnosed with chronic or critical illness.

Verhulst Haunted Hayride is sure to send shivers down your spine. The spooktacular experience takes you on a ride through the farm with scares around every turn. In two locations – the haunted grove and haunted corn maze – riders will get off the hayride to “walk among the ghouls and goblins.” Wagons run every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October, except for Halloween, and cost $29 per person (cash only).