Joe Janowicz, local Greece author, has released a new book to help scare up “Ghosts and other spooky things” just in time for the Halloween season.
GHOSTS, “You’ll believe,” is a fulllength novel about the world’s two most renown horror authors, each with waning sanity, and their plot to kill each other while spending a week collaborating on a horror novel in a remote house with haunted secrets. During a midnight rainstorm, they find a mysterious woman with no memory in a nearby graveyard who reveals their traumatized pasts and alters their plans for the worse. Also lurking in the graveyard is someone—or something—that is trying to get into the house.
Intriguing yes, scary for sure, with a lot of edge of the seat twists and turns that will make you want to leave the room light on after bedtime.
With the ever-growing fascination of ghost stories and ghostthemed movies, GHOSTS, “You’ll believe,” has the possibility to become a popular book to read while opening the imaginary door to a lot of readers’ nightmares.
The novel has been released worldwide on Amazon and is also available through Barnes and Nobles bookstore.
Joe Janowicz is an established writer of mystery, suspense, and horror novels, comic books and screenplays and has many awardwinning projects to his credit. He is also the author the children’s comic book series DREAMER, available at local comic shops including Greece comic store Rhino’s, owned by Greece resident Chet Rinaudo, on Dewy Avenue.
To learn more about Joe, go to his website https://www.joejanowiczauthor. com.
Provided Information and Photo
Joe with his granddaughter, Ella Schwab holding the comic book “Dreamer”.
Joe in Mount Hope Cemetery. Photo by Karen Fien
My Hometown Community Service
Churchville-Chili
On Saturday, September 21, members of the ChurchvilleChili JV and Varsity volleyball teams (at right) worked to prepare stacking and ornamental pumpkins for sale at Ford Farm in Chili.
On Tuesday, September 24, over 40 members of the Churchville-Chili JV and varsity soccer teams (below) helped put out pumpkins to be sold during the season at Ford Farm.
Ford Farm said, “A gigantic thank you to the players and coaches for your help. It definitely takes a village!”
GCC Assistant Professor selected for Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship
Barry Chow, director of humanities, global languages and media arts at Genesee Community College in Batavia has been selected for an Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowship by the Television Academy Foundation in Hollywood. He is one of 18 professors selected from colleges and universities nationwide for the 2024 fellowship program.
Named in honor of the late Alex Trebek, longtime host of the hit quiz show Jeopardy!, the Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowships offer financial support to attendees of the Foundation’s annual Media Educators Conference. The three-day conference, held at the Television Academy’s North Hollywood campus in California October 9 through 11, connects college classrooms with the television industry by providing media professors with curriculum-enhancing seminars on the latest in the art, science and business of television with prominent leaders in show business.
Financial support for fellows includes registration fees, travel and/or hotel accommodations for the conference. Preference is given to attendees from minority-serving institutions. The Alex Trebek Legacy Fellowships are made possible by a gift from the Harry & Judy Friedman Family Foundation.
Chow is a distinguished educator and media professional with a diverse academic and professional background. He earned his M.A. in defense and strategic studies from the United States Naval War College in 2019, an M.F.A. in electronic media from Visual Studies Workshop-SUNY at Brockport in 1997, and a B.F.A.
in studio arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1992. In 1998, Chow joined Genesee Community College as a faculty member and currently serves as the director of humanities, global languages and media arts. He has taught a wide array of courses, including mass media, television and video production, and digital editing.
Chow’s commitment to education is also reflected in his extensive involvement in professional organizations, such as the Society of Broadcast Engineers and the SUNY Educational Technology Officers Association. His community service includes contributions to local outreach programs and educational initiatives.
Throughout his career, Chow has taken on leadership roles, including chairing the Rochester Chapter of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers and serving as an advisor for the local chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. His dedication to academia highlights his impact on the field of media education.
Provided information and photo
Barry Chow
Senator Jeremy Cooney with members of the Gates Fire District.
nounced $200,000 in state funding he secured for the Gates Fire District to construct a new facility to conduct routine training as well as Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT), a required test that measures an individual’s ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter.
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe, it’s only right that we do all we can to make sure they have the resources they need to succeed,” said Senator Cooney. “I’m proud to deliver this funding for Gates Fire District to construct a new state-of-the-art facility and pave the way for them to become a regional leader in training and firefighter safety.”
Tim Goole, Fire Chief of the Gates Fire District, said, “The funding provided by Senator Cooney will save time, money, and effort in conducting the Candidate Physical Ability Tests and training for our Department along with other Monroe County Fire Departments. This facility will be a great training resource for the fire service locally and regionally.”
Brandon Statt, President of Gates Professional Firefighters & Dispatchers Local 3792 said, “As the President of the Gates Professional Firefighters and Dispatchers, I am pleased to see our Fire
facility
District’s continued commitment to supporting the physical fitness of our firefighters and officers. Physical fitness plays a crucial role in our careers, enabling us to provide the highest level of service to the community and ensuring long, healthy lives both during and after our time in service.”
Gates Fire District explained that they currently have to send trainees to the NYS Fire Academy located in Montour Falls to conduct this portion of the test. With this facility located in Gates, the Fire District will be able to save on training and travel costs. The Gates facility can also be used as a regional site for use by other local fire departments and can be reconfigured to allow for routine training outside of the CPAT.
This funding was secured by Senator Cooney in the state budget process in March of this year and will be administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).
The CPAT is a required test that consists of eight events that must be performed within 10 minutes and 20 seconds. This includes a stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcible entry, search, rescue, and ceiling breach and pull.
Provided information and photo
Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce announces 39th Annual Community Awards Gala winners
The Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2024 Annual Community Award winners honoring individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the quality of life in the Gates and Chili communities. This year’s winners are:
Beautification Award (Chili)
John Gizzi Sr., 3611 Union Street Renovation
Beautification Award (Gates)
Dan Switzer, Keep Gates Clean
Joseph Entress Memorial Award
L. Andrew Evans, Rochester Construction Training Center
Innovative Business Award
Westwood Commons, A DePaul Senior Living Community
Culture and Arts Award
George Eastman Museum Louis B. Mayer Conservation Center
Elisa Martin Outstanding Citizen
Otto Harnischfeger, Executive Director Pirate Toy Fund
Youth Leadership Award
Marissa Hura
Dream Big Award
Corona’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant
Young Professional Award
Anthony Marasco, Buzzy’s Barbershop
Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award
Arlene Nanry, Story of Hope Hospice Care Home
Special Recognition Awards will be presented to:
•St. Theodore’s Catholic Church (100 Year Anniversary)
•Gates Volunteer Ambulance (60 Year Anniversary)
•Lions Club of Chili (60 Year Anniversary)
•Garden Factory (50 Year Anniversary)
•Savastano’s Bakery & Pizzeria (50 Year Anniversary)
The Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Wednesday, October 23, at Jack’s Place at Chili Country Club, 760 Scottsville-Chili Road, Scottsville. Registration and networking begin at 5:30 p.m. with seating for dinner at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are priced at $35 per person.
To make dinner reservations, register online on the chamber website at www.gcchamber.com.
Provided information
Chili resident joins AAA WCNY as CIO and VP of Technology
Abdennour Laaroubi has joined AAA Western and Central New York as Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Technology. He will oversee all of the organization’s information technology efforts across the region from the AAA headquarters in Amherst, N.Y. Laaroubi brings more than 20 years of experience leading global IT strategies, digital transformations, and large-scale enterprise architecture initiatives across multiple industries.
As Chief Information Officer, Laaroubi will be responsible for all of AAA’s extensive technological efforts including IT architecture, competitive strategies, member experiences, and cyber security, while fostering an IT-ready culture.
An accomplished technology executive, he most recently served as the Global Vice President of IT for the Sealing Group at Enpro Industries, a manufacturing company, and he previously served in leadership IT roles at M&T Bank, First Niagara Bank, and Westfield Insurance.
Laaroubi says he’s excited to bring his skills to AAA, an organization that aligns with his values. “It’s the mission of AAA that attracts me - the mission to serve members and the community,” he said. “I believe in servant leadership, and I can directly relate to the culture and the people at AAA, which are unique.”
He noted that he’s particularly excited to join AAA as the organization is undergoing a digital transformation, “There are a lot of opportunities to make a difference from an IT perspective where we can provide value to help improve the member experience and the experience of all customers and associates.”
A native of Morocco, Laaroubi earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science in his homeland before coming to the United States where he completed a Master in Computer Science program from the University of Akron. He then graduated with an Executive MBA from Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester.
He is actively involved in the “Pay It Forward” movement and collaborates with Doctors Without Borders, utilizing technology to provide critical data to medical professionals in Africa. He also serves as a technology advisor to Fortune 100 companies and is a member of the Enterprise Architecture Association and the Project Management Institute.
Laaroubi has lived in Chili for 12 years and is very involved in the Rochester community through his professional work and family commitment. He and his wife, Suzan Saber, have two children, Nora and Adam. You can often find the family on the local soccer fields or cheering on the kids at swim meets, pickleball matches, and at martial arts activities.
Laaroubi, himself, is an accomplished soccer player who played internationally at the junior professional level. It’s now one of his personal goals to become a soccer referee as he continually looks for new ways to pay it forward and give back to the local community.
and photo
Food Cupboard in Chili
The Food Cupboard at First Presbyterian Church of Chili, 3600 Chili Avenue is open from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, and the third Saturday of each month. Grocery Bags of food are donated to those in need. The Food Cupboard currently serving over 90 families.
Anyone interested in being a Food Cupboard Helper (packing bags, handing out food, etc.), making monetary donations, and/or donating peanut butter, cereal, crackers or paper grocery bags to this cause, should contact the church at 585-889-9896.
Provided information
Donate used bikes
Churchville Lions are supporting R-Community Bikes by having a bicycle recycling collection on Saturday, October 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Riga Town Highway Garage, 6475 Buffalo Road, Churchville. Drop off used bicycles in any condition. They will be repaired and distributed free of charge to Rochester area children and adults. Donors unable to transport bikes may call 548-234-2008 to arrange a pickup.
Provided information
Gates Historical Society presentation on barns
The October Gates Historical Society program will be held on Monday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in the Gates Town Hall Annex. Jane Grant, author, will be presenting a program about barns and how some have disappeared while others remain. Come enjoy some curious barn-related anecdotes, learn about a few local farming families, and be inspired to a greater appreciation for the remaining barns. This program is free and handicapped accessible.
Provided information
Trunk or Treat in Gates
The Town of Gates is holding a free Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gates Chili High School Fieldhouse Parking Lot.
There will be more than 20 Trick or Treat Stations featuring town departments and local organizations passing out treats. Attendees should come in costume as awards will go to the most creative, best group, and best individual costumes. A cider and donut station will be provided by Wegmans.
The event is sponsored by the Town of Gates, Gates Recreation and Parks Department, and Gates Police.
Provided information
Halloween Trolley Express
The New York Museum of Transportation will delight families with their unique “Halloween Trolley Express” on Sunday, October 20, with rides scheduled at 11:15 a.m., 12:05, 12:55, 1:45, 2:35 and 3:25 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made at www. nymtmuseum.org/halloween/.
The trolley will travel to the Pumpkin Patch where children will decorate a baby pumpkin to take home, and everyone will enjoy apple cider and donuts. Back at the museum, totes will be provided for trick-or-treating in the full size trolley cars and the steam locomotive. In the model railroad room, the Spooky Halloween Walk will amaze and delight, and there will be games and live musical entertainment too.
The event is not scary and is suitable for all ages. Children are invited to wear their costumes to add to the fun.
Admission for the whole experience is $17 for adults and $13 for ages two through 14.
The New York Museum of Transportation is located at 6393 East River Road, Rush. For information, go to www.nymtmuseum.org or call 585-533-1113.
Provided information and photo
Walk to Defeat ALS Rochester NY
Gates resident Bruce Rychwalski (right side of photo in a white shirt) poses with fellow teammates at the Walk to Defeat ALS Rochester NY on Saturday, September 14, at Ontario Beach Park. The team, the Gulardo Go-Getters, walked in support of Dot Gulardo, a friend or co-worker who was diagnosed with
ALS back in December. The team raised $2,400 for ALS. Some volunteers of Purple Pony Therapeutic Horsemanship at KD Ranch in Leroy took part in the walk to honor Dot, who had been a fellow dedicated volunteer.
Provided information and photo
Friends of Ogden Farmers’ Library holding Book Sale
The Friends of the Ogden Farmers’ Library will be having their annual Book Sale from Tuesday, October 15, through Saturday, October 19. The book sale will be held at the library, 269 Ogden Center Road, Spencerport.
The first evening of the sale is Tuesday, October 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and is reserved for the Friends of the Ogden Library only. It will allow current Friends of the library the first chance to look at the merchandise. Individuals are welcome to become a Friend or renew their membership at the book sale on Tuesday night. The general public is invited to come on Wednesday, October 16, and Thursday, October 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Friday, October 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday, October 19, will be the bag sale from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the bag sale, one can fill an entire bag with books, CDs, DVDs, audio books or
Churchville-Chili’s boys varsity cross country team ran well at the 59th annual McQuaid Invitational on September 28. They placed first out of 23 schools in the AAA race. Photo from @CCCSDxc on X. My Hometown Library
puzzles for $5. Attendees are welcome to bring their own reusable bag to fill.
All of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Ogden Farmers’ Library. The Friends of Library are raising funds for new tables to be used in the library meeting room. The Friends have supported other library programs which include the library reading program, seed library, and other items.
The Friends of Ogden Farmers’ Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best possible service to the community. New members are always welcome. More information about the Friends of the Ogden Farmers’ Library can be found online at www.ogdenlibrary. com (The Friends link is located under the Others tab). Provided information
GCV&M expands commitment to telling more diverse stories
Genesee Country Village & Museum recently announced a transformative, multi-year initiative to expand its interpretation of the history of enslavement and the Black American experience in 19th-century New York. With the support of a $188,841 grant from the Museums for America program, GCV&M will enhance the educational interpretation of four key historic buildings in the 19th-century village: the Nathaniel Rochester House, Land Office, Livingston-Backus House, and the Quaker Meeting House.
The Museums for America program, part of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public. This funding will enable GCV&M to ensure that the history of Black Americans in the Genesee Valley Region is comprehensively and authentically represented in the Museum’s 19th-century Historic Village. By collaborating with interpretive and educational consultants, local community partners, and national subject experts, GCV&M will create and deliver accurate, inclusive, and engaging content through in-person interpretation, exhibits, audio tours, and school programs and also undertake a robust program of staff training and development.
“We are committed to expanding the stories we tell to include the full range of 19th-century Black experiences in our region,” said Becky Wehle, President and CEO of Genesee Country Village & Museum. “This project will honor the voices that have been marginalized and ensure that all visitors see their histories represented and valued. While GCV&M was once a museum of buildings – with the goal of preserving the architecture of the Genesee Valley – today we see ourselves as a museum of stories, bringing to light the voices of the historical residents of this region.”
With the help of the grant, GCV&M aims to reach new audiences who have yet to see their history included in the Museum’s
narratives. By connecting the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present, GCV&M will create a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of our shared past.
“This project aligns with the Museum’s mission, values, and strategic plan, and is an educational opportunity for both our staff and visitors,” Wehle added. “It will enhance how GCV&M interprets history, ensuring that our Museum remains a welcoming space for learning, exploration, and play for decades to come.”
Community members interested in keeping up on the latest work happening at Genesee Country Village & Museum can learn more at www.gcv.org.
Provided information and photos
Aerial view of the 19th-century Historic Village at Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Land Office Building at Genesee Country Village & Museum.
Legendary Roberts Wesleyan men’s basketball teams celebrated in new book
by Steve Bradley, RWU Athletic Communications Consultant
A feeling came over Dave Scribner shortly after members of the 1964-67 men’s basketball teams were inducted into the Roberts Athletic Hall of Fame at Homecoming in 2017.
“I wanted to write a book about my teammates and document this great team,” said Scribner, a point guard on the varsity squad from 1966 until his graduation in 1969.
So he did.
Against All Odds: The Story of How a Group of Young Men Captured the Heart of a Campus was published by Christian Faith Publishing in August and goes behind the scenes to share details of the Raiders’ magical 38-6 run over the 1965-66 and 66-67 seasons.
Led by Coach Bill Hughes, the team played its home games in
front of standing room only crowds at Churchville-Chili High School and won the first Monroe County Tournament Championship, which later became the Chase and Wendy’s scholarship tournaments.
Hughes, Scribner and most of the surviving members of the 1965-67 teams returned to campus for Homecoming on September 27 and 28 for several special events to commemorate the release of Scribner’s book and the indelible impact this team left on the Roberts community.
Against All Odds is available through online booksellers and can also be ordered from Lift Bridge Book Shop in Brockport. Provided photos
Four local churches agree on inclusion of all
A big shakeup in the United Methodist Church has been in the news and is affecting many Christian believers. Four area churches: Brockport UMC, Adams Basin UMC, Spencerport UMC and Elmgrove UMC stand together in accepting, affirming, and encouraging full participation in the life of their congregations by all people, regardless of political beliefs or sexuality. Throughout history, the people called Methodists have celebrated an open door theology. Pastor Jack Laskowski shared his thoughts. “We haven’t always gotten it right, but our structures have in the end always guided us toward justice, mercy and love.
Our founder John Wesley declared: ‘Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion?’”
With so much divisiveness in our nation, these four churches are determined to let every individual know their sacred worth and the love of God. All are welcome to join them in worship on Sunday mornings: Brockport and Adams Basin’s services are at 9 a.m., Spencerport meets at 10 a.m., and Elmgrove at 10:45 a.m. Provided information
My Hometown Teacher
BOCES 2 instructor statewide Teacher
by Maggie Fitzgibbon
If you ask any Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES administrator or any health careers student about Rachel Piccolo, they will share these words: dedicated, committed, and a staunch advocate for her students. In August, Piccolo was recognized for her commitment to her students and was awarded the 2025 New York State (NYS) Association for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year.
Rachael Piccolo, a registered nurse, began her career at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES in 1996 as the school nurse at WEMOCO, the Monroe 2 BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Spencerport. She continued this path until 2010, when she made a career change. She began her new vocation as the instructor of the Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers program.
“This was a huge leap of faith for me, but I wanted a challenge and an opportunity to grow professionally and personally. But more importantly, I wanted to become more involved with students,” Piccolo said.
This program at WEMOCO is a two-year program. Students learn the basics of patient care with the goal of entry-level healthcare positions. Classroom instruction is coupled with labs that simulate patient mannequins. Topics covered include end-of-life vital signs, geriatric patient care, and more. includes work-based learning opportunities clinical hours working with patients or residents in a healthcare facility. Upon completing this program, students earn their Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification and New York State Nurse Aid certification. This program lays the groundwork for students to enter the workforce and/or postsecondary education to continue their education and expand their healthcare careers.
Rachael Piccolo, Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers instructor, shows her recent 2025 New York State (NYS) Association for Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher of the Year award as she stands in her classroom lab. Photo by Maggie Fitzgibbon.
program,” Piccolo said.
Lisa Dentinger is a Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers program graduate and one of Piccolo’s former students. Dentinger credits Piccolo for helping her find her path in life.
“I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. My friend enrolled in the Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers program, so I decided to enroll, too. My friend dropped out of the program, but I decided to stay. I grew to enjoy the class and learned so much from Rachael,” Dentinger said.
Classroom and clinical instruction are only one part of what Piccolo teaches. She emphasizes the development of real-life practical skills.
“The program is very much student-driven. I stress the importance of life skills, like being on time for class, completing work on time, and appropriate behavior in the workplace. Every Friday, I meet with each student. We set goals for the week and, if appropriate, long-term goals,” she explained.
The program has changed drastically since Piccolo took the reins – from a one-year program to now a two-year program. The curriculum has evolved, as have the clinical and certification opportunities. Enrollment has increased. This school year, 75 students are registered.
“The first year that I taught, there were 12 students in the
As a student who earned Cs and Ds at her home school, Dentinger was able to improve her grades dramatically.
“I was able to earn As and Bs and achieve a high honor roll status. Rachael molded my work ethic and pushed me to do my best,” Dentinger said.
Theresa Cortez is an assistant principal at WEMOCO. She nominated Piccolo for the NYS CTE Teacher of the Year award.
“I nominated her for many reasons; not only is Rachael a great instructional teacher but she teaches students how to be good humans, how to be empathic with patients and people in general,” she said. “Her dedication, hard work, and years of experience are now invested in her students. Often, she is the first in the building and the last one to leave.”
Not only is Piccolo dedicated to her students, but she also mentors her colleagues.
continued on page 15
My Hometown Teacher
continued from page 14
“Rachael is known as a leader throughout the state. She has advocated for CTE Nursing Programs, written curriculum, and served as a representative on state-wide assessment projects,”
Cortez explained.
Piccolo’s commitment to CTE students is also evident in her work with SkillsUSA. She’s been the lead advisor for 14 years. At the state level, she is the membership coordinator and chief financial officer. Skills USA, a national CTE organization with state chapters, provides training and network opportunities such as leadership and communication preparation and competitions that showcase students’ vocational skills. SkillsUSA advisors serve as guides, facilitators, and advisors to students, and they connect business and industry to classroom learning.
Why is Piccolo so invested in her students?
“I want my students to succeed. I give the students clear expectations of what they will be learning. I explain to students that we will have classroom learning, what the curriculum covers, and spend time in our lab. I also share that we will be working in nursing homes with residents and they will be taking care of people,” she shared. “I also explain to students that we will meet regularly to set and review goals. I feel it’s important to build relationships with students and they have a clear understanding of what the program entails so they can achieve their goals.”
Piccolo was surprised and in awe when she was notified that she was the recipient of this award. She’s quick to point out that this award is not about her but about her students. This humble teacher would prefer that her students be highlighted, not herself.
“I hate being in the spotlight. I like my students to be recognized for doing the great work that they do,” she said.
Piccolo’s recent award is proof of her pledge to create and cultivate a growth mindset in her classroom so each student is supported in their academic goals.
Knights of Columbus present check to Veterans Outreach Center
The 4th Degree Assemblies of the Knights of Columbus held a golf tournament on August 4 to support the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester. Tournament proceeds totaled $10,500 and a check was presented to the outreach center on September 9.
The 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus is dedicated to patriotism, promoting love of our country, supporting our military and those who serve or have served.
The Mission of the VOC is to serve veterans with compassion and advocate for all who have worn our nation’s uniform so they can RISE and live life to the fullest. For more information, visit veteransoutreachcenter.org.
Provided information and photo
A former student once left this note on Piccolo’s desk. Photo by Maggie Fitzgibbon.
Churchville-Chili CSD Unified Program named National Banner Unified Champion School
The Churchville-Chili Central School District Unified Program has once again been named as a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics New York. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their leadership in creating inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated.
In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Students learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to encourage and promote inclusion among their peers.
A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated the highest commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. The standards were developed by a panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community nationally. The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement. To achieve banner status, Unified Champion Schools must also demonstrate that they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to continue these activities in the future.
Despite the challenging years of COVID, the CCCSD Unified Sports program persevered while interscholastic sports and clubs were unable to meet, keeping the spirit of “training together and playing together” alive through unique programs like the Fit 5 Special Olympics NY virtual fitness challenge, with 17 students participating, and the Fall and Spring which saw 20 and 25 students registered, respectively. Additionally, Unified saw significant participation in 2021, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and resilience.
“As a program, we are thrilled to be nationally recognized as a Banner school,” says Youth Activation Coordinator and Unified Bowling Assistant Coach Sarah Wergin. “This award reflects the dedication and commitment of our players, partners, coaches, and community, all working together to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. This is a significant team achievement, and our Unified teams have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one
of them!”
Statewide, 340 schools and nearly 5,000 Unified Athletes and nearly 5,000 Unified Partners play Unified. A long-term partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has led to additional rapid Unified growth in recent years. Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman announced 13 new schools were named National Banner Unified Champion Schools, in addition to nine additional schools renewing their status. These 13 new Banner Schools bring New York’s statewide total to 36.
Provided information
Tracking fall foliage by trolley car
A great way for families to enjoy the colors of an upstate autumn is from the windows of a vintage electric trolley car at the New York Museum of Transportation, 6393 East River Road, Rush. Rides operate Sundays only, October 6, 13, and 27, and are included free with admission to the museum. The 20-minute rides depart at 11:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. No reservations are needed. For information, go to www.nymtmuseum. org or call 585-533-1113.
Provided information and photo.
Churchville-Chili’s Unified Program has demonstrated the highest commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. Photo from @CCCSDtweets on X.
The 2024 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 5.
The last day to register to vote is October 26.
Early voting will be held Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, November 3.
Go to elections.ny.gov
to check your voter registration, find your polling place, or request a mail-in ballot.
•Henrietta Public Library (in-person ASL Interpreter)
625 Calkins Road, Rochester, NY 14623
•Culver Ridge Plaza Unit #13
2255 East Ridge Road, Irondequoit, NY 14622
•Greece Town Hall Atrium
1 Vince Tofany Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14612
•Monroe County Office Building
39 W. Main Street, Rochester, NY 14614
•North Greece Road Church of Christ
1039 North Greece Road, Rochester, NY 14626
•Perinton Square Mall
6720 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport, NY 14450
•Pittsford Town Court
3750 Monroe Avenue Suite 950, Pittsford, NY 14534
•Resurrection Lutheran Church
3736 Saint Paul Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14617
•St. Theodores Catholic Church
168 Spencerport Road, Rochester, NY 14606
•Staybridge Suites Rochester University
1000 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY 14611
•Empire State University (in-person ASL Interpreter)
680 Westfall Road, Rochester, NY 14620
•Susan B Anthony House 17 Madison Street, Rochester, NY 14608
•Sweden/Clarkson Community Center
4927 Lake Road, Brockport, NY 14420
•Webster Justice Court Building
1002 Ridge Road, Webster, NY 14580
Included on this year’s ballot is Proposal Number One, An Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment. It reads: “This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy. A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution. A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.”
Gates Chili
Board of Education Meeting Schedule
The Gates Chili Central School District Board of Education has the following meeting schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. All meetings are held on Tuesdays in the the GC Professional Learning Center (GC PLC) unless otherwise indicated. Dat E t i ME
October 8, 2024
Tues., February 11, 2025 6:30 p.m.
Tues., February 25, 2025 6:30 p.m.
Tues., March 11, 2025 6:30 p.m.
Tues., March 25, 2025 6:30 p.m.
Tues., April 8, 2025 6:30
Tues., April 22, 2025 6:30
Thurs., May 1, 2025 7 p.m.
Tues., May 6, 2025 6:30 p.m.
Budget Vote/Board of Education Election Tues., May 20, 2025 All Day Spartan Field House
