4 Gates Chili Spartans Welcome Andre Fontenette As Head Football Coach
6 GCC History Club’s Fall 2024 Historical Horizone Lecture Series Announce Speakers
7 Spencerport Rotarian To Lead Rotary District 7120
8 Chili Native Soars To New Heights Following The Legacy Of Women Trailblazers
10 Ogden Town Justice Mike Schiano Honored For 25 Years Of Service
10 CCCSD Appoints Director Of Continuing Of Education
11 Churchville-Chili’s SHS And NGA Library Named School Library Of The Year
11 Mariana Barry Named New Principal At Chestnut Ridge
12 Local Officials Celebrate Dr. Maia Dorsett As NAEMT EMS Medical Director Of The Year
13 Luminaria Ceremony In Churchville Benefitted American Cancer Society
14 Recognizing Monroe County Legislative Youth Award Honorees
15 The Seneca Chief Visits Brockport
16 Rochester Red Wings September Game And Promotional Schedule
17 Wittman Family Reunion Held On Family’s Original Ogden Farm
18 Jeff Vieira Named Head Coach For Women’s Soccer At RWU
18 Chili Fire Department Celebrates Michael “Zippy” Saporito
Cover Photo Courtesy of Joe Territo Photography
My Hometown Sports
Gates Chili Spartans welcome Andre Fontenette as head football coach
by Tami Raco
Andre Fontenette, a Churchville-Chili graduate (Class of 2000), is Gates Chili’s new head football coach. Fontenette’s leadership comes after the retirement of longtime teacher and high school football coach Jason Benham.
Fontenette began his love for football as a young boy. He played for the Chili Lions when he was seven years old, and this is where he really began to learn the game. At Churchville-Chili, Andre played JV football in his freshman year as a wide receiver. He moved up to varsity in his sophomore year.
His coach, Paul Dick, had a profound influence on Andre. “Coach Dick is a great man of faith; he built into me, helped me prepare for the future, and went out of his way to promote me to colleges to continue playing.” Thanks to Coach Dick’s efforts and Andre’s talent, Fontenette received nearly twenty college offers to play football. “I chose to play for Syracuse University because it was close to my family and I formed a great relationship with the recruiter, David Walker,” said Fontenette.
Upon graduation from Syracuse University, Fontenette coached football at the collegiate level, including at SUNY Brockport, Wagner College, and the University of Maine, and advanced to fulltime coaching at Campbell University. In 2013, when the coaching
contracts were not renewed at Campbell, Fontenette returned to his hometown of Chili. He began looking for coaching opportunities locally. “I don’t love anything else,” Andre said.
He interviewed for an opening as the head coach at his alma mater, Churchville-Chili, but was not chosen. “It was a blessing in disguise,” said Fontenette. “I was not ready for a head coach position back then.” Fontenette then accepted a position as assistant coach at McQuaid, where he spent nine seasons working alongside head coach Bobby Bates. McQuaid went on to win five sectional seasons in a row. “I learned so much during my time at McQuaid,” he said.
In 2018, Fontenette married his wife, Carrie. He also completed his master’s degree that same year. The couple welcomed daughter Annie in 2022. “I love being a husband and father. It really motivates me to do what I need to do each day to be the best I can be for them,” he said.
In addition to coaching football at McQuaid, Andre worked as a case worker at the Industry Juvenile Residential Center. Two years ago, Andre left Industry to work for the Monroe County Public Defender’s Office as a Client Advocacy Supervisor, where he now helps adults mitigate challenging legal circumstances.
This summer, Fontenette was inducted into the Section V Football Hall of Fame as one of the best receivers and kick returners in school history. He set many school records in football
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continued from page 4 and was First Team All-County (1998) and First Team All-Greater Rochester (1999). In his senior year, he was selected for the 2000 Governor’s Bowl.
Earlier this year, Andre decided to throw his hat back in the ring of head coaching when the Gates Chili head football coach, Jason Benham, retired. He applied for the head coaching position and was offered the position the following week.
Fontenette began pre-season training at the end of August. “I am most excited to build relationships with these kids, invest in them as players, and hope they will invest in me as their coach,” said Fontenette. “I want to use football as a platform to help these players better themselves. I feel that kids can relate to me because I come from a background that is like them,” he said.
Fontenette’s own football experiences - playing and coaching at the high school and collegiate level - in combination with the extra dimension of experiences he got working with teens at the juvenile facility, refined his skills to be ready for this role, enabling him to not only be a good football coach but to also have the discernment and ability to help kids who might be struggling.
As Andre Fontenette kicks off his first season as head coach, he reflects on all the people along the way who contributed to who he is today. “First, I am grateful for my parents, George and Precious, who always supported me and never missed a game. Having my parents, my brother Adrian and my sister Alicia support me along the way meant everything,” he said. Key coaching influences in Andre’s past were Coach Sam Messina, his first football coach, Coach Paul Dick from Churchville-Chili, and Bobby Bates, the McQuaid head coach who taught him so much about coaching over the past eight years.
In addition to loving his role as the head coach, Andre gets so much joy from seeing his daughter and wife at team practices. He looks forward to having them and his parents at the Spartans first game, supporting Andre and the entire team.
Fontenette looks forward to their game schedule as school resumes and football season is underway. “Week five will be interesting because I will be coaching against my alma mater,” he said. “I want to make football fun again!” he exclaimed.
For more information on the Gates Chili football schedule, visit https://tinyurl.com/2j8dx8a9.
Andre receiving his Section V Football Hall of Fame award with proud parents, Precious and George Fontenette
Andre with wife Carrie and daughter Annie
GCC History Club’s Fall 2024 Historical Horizons Lecture Series speakers
The Genesee Community College History Club will once again be hosting the Historical Horizons Lecture Series with a full line-up for Fall 2024 semester. These talks on a variety of topics of historical interest are open to both the campus community and the public. They are held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in T102 on GCC’s Batavia Campus and will also be available to join via Zoom. All talks will be followed by a Q&A session with the speakers.
October 2
“The Promise of Democracy: The Struggle for Voting Rights in America” by GCC Political Science Professor Charles Scruggs
November
“Historic
This talk will provide an overview of the “battle for the ballot” – a profoundly animating force in the course of American history. Particular attention will be paid to the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and the voter suppression strategies which followed suit. Students are highly encouraged to attend.
A book talk by Genesee County Historian Michael Eula Genesee triumphs tional events Cold War paredness had on the scourge
the region, as the Ku Klux Klan once had a presence in the county. Locals were rocked by the assassinations of MLK and John F. Kennedy in the 1960s. Genesee County women, from activists to farmers, have left an indelible mark on the county’s past. Join author and historian Michael Eula as he reveals the historic chronicles of Genesee County.
December 4
“Historical Portrayals as Community Engagement” A panel discussion with historical impressionists Tom Schobert, Melinda Grube, and GCC Instructor Dan Snyder, as well as representatives from the local chapter of the LARP group Combat Historia. History is rich with the stories of those who inspire us in the present. From conjuring the impression of a particular historical figure to using historical research to inform a character, many communities use history to engage the community and bring attention to how the public can get involved in learning about, preserving, and
historical topics and enriching experience
Provided information and photos
My Hometown Neighbor
Spencerport Rotarian to lead Rotary District 7120
On July 1, Spencerport Rotarian Dave DeMers became District Governor in charge of Rotary District 7120. The district encompasses an area stretching from Hilton south to Wellsville, east to Elmira and north to Red Creek. District Governor DeMers will be in charge of 63 Rotary clubs and almost 2,000 Rotarians. DeMers is excited to take on the challenge of leading Rotary clubs in the Finger Lakes.
District Governor DeMers states that one of his goals is to let the public know the benefits of belonging to a local Rotary club and the tremendous service that Rotarians perform locally and internationally. DeMers said, “Many people in the community are not aware of all the good that Rotary performs. Rotary is not an exclusive organization and all persons are welcome to join no matter what their background is.”
District Governor DeMers is a retired Rochester Police Department officer and also worked for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. Peace is another area of focus for DeMers, hoping to improve peace in the local communities. His career as a law enforcement officer has given DeMers a strong insight into getting to the root of a problem and being able to resolve the situation in a peaceful non combative way.
Provided information and
To learn more about Rotary in your local community, visit www. rotary7120.org.
photo
Spencerport Rotarian Dave DeMers (right) is the new District Governor in charge of Rotary District 7120.
My Hometown Military
Chili native soars to new heights following in the legacy of women trailblazers
By Kris Patterson, Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic Public Affairs
On July 30, 1942, eight months after tack on Pearl Harbor, dent Franklin D. signed Public Law ating the Navy’s reserve program, as the “Women for Volunteer Service” or WAVES.
WAVES allowed to enlist or commission in the Navy in of career fields, from clerical and work, to military gence, cryptography parachute rigging.
More than 100,000 en served in WAVES World War II.
Of the approximately 438,000 Americans serve in the Navy about a third of in the Navy Reserve, which are women, career field.
In honor of the niversary of the of WAVES, Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic celebrates one of its newest Navy Reserve augmentees: Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer (IS1) Sarah Redsicker, a woman whose budding career is marked by dedication and achievement, honoring the legacy of the first WAVES Reserve Sailors.
NCIS,” Redsicker said. “I wanted to do something that would make not only my family proud but also myself proud.”
Over the past year, Redsicker, a member of the NIWC Atlantic Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP) Integrated Product Team (IPT), has not only achieved career milestones, but also, embraced personal triumphs that define her resilience and dedication to service.
From a recent high-flying reenlistment with the Blue Angels to leading critical cybersecurity training exercises, Redsicker’s naval journey is one of unwavering commitment and profound impact.
A native of Chili and a 2016 graduate of Gates Chili High School, Redsicker joined the Navy Reserves in 2017 with a clear vision of contributing meaningfully to national security. She was driven to join by her interest in digital forensics and a desire to make a lasting impact on the world.
“I always dreamed of doing something in the criminal justice or cybersecurity fields and had this end goal to one day work with
Choosing the Navy Reserve allowed Redsicker to remain close to her family in Rochester while actively contributing to military operations. Her decision to join the military was also influenced by a family legacy of service; her grandfather served in the Army during the Korean War.
Initially slated to serve as a Master-at-Arms (MA), her path quickly shifted toward Intelligence Specialist (IS) after excelling on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Choosing the IS rating aligned more closely with her career aspirations and offered opportunities for professional growth.
She attended boot camp in 2018, followed by four months of ‘A’ school to learn the fundamentals of intelligence operations, then four more months of ‘C’ school for more specialized training.
After this significant training, her career trajectory took a pivotal turn when she accepted Active Duty for Special Work (ADSW) orders in Rome, New York, where she discovered her passion for intelligence operations. She also earned her Information Warfare (IW) qualification within three months of being on orders and continued on page 9
Petty Officer 1st Class Sarah Redsicker, left, receives an award for professional achievement in the superior performance of her duties while serving at Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic. Provided photo.
assisted two other Sailors’ qualification in the IW program soon after.
“I learned the ins and outs of my rate and fell in love with intel,” said Redsicker. “It was a career field I knew I wanted to stay in and excel as best I could.”
Following the ADSW assignment, Redsicker worked with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), gaining experience that set the stage for her current role with the NIWC Atlantic CSSP in Charleston, South Carolina.
CSSP supports warfighters by protecting communications, defending against cyber-attacks, protecting critical infrastructure and supporting intelligence operations. The team provides incident response to quickly respond to and contain cyber incidents, minimizing the impact on operations and maintaining the integrity of critical systems.
Shortly after starting orders in Charleston, Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Kapral, portfolio manager for the CSSP’s Navy and Combatant Command (COCOM) customer portfolio, explained to Redsicker the command’s vision of aligning the Reserve Naval Warfare (NAVWAR) Cyber Pillar Unit with NIWC Atlantic. This partnership would provide additional skills and knowledge resources to the CSSP, especially when responding to significant cyber incidents.
“The ultimate goal was to have the unit split into supplementing roles to support the CSSP in the event that we experience a cyber incident,” said Redsicker. “In order for that to happen, we needed to identify the positions that Reserve Sailors could fill, and then work to train them.”
As her mentor, Kapral played a pivotal role in her career, facilitating her transition to active duty and fostering her interest in cybersecurity through specialized training and operational support.
“Being one of four Navy individuals in uniform within the CSSP, he took the time to really teach me the ropes of what it meant to be a part of an organization that is known for its ability to defend and monitor networks,” said Redsicker. “He introduced me to the CSSP’s Cyber Threat Intelligence team, and helped me secure a spot in the Cyber Threat Intelligence ‘C’ school that I had been wanting to go to since it first came out.”
The Cyber Threat Intelligence ‘C’ school was two months of specialized training to empower Redsicker with the skills to provide government oversight to the CSSP Cyber Threat Intelligence team.
Redsicker also participated in two weeks of NAVWAR Cyber Pillar CSSP Annual Training (AT). By the next AT period, a month later, Redsicker helped develop and deliver training material to teach the Reservists joining their team.
“I learned a lot by teaching others,” said Redsicker. “Fast forward to now and I have a really good understanding of our work here at the CSSP – enough so to lead trainings for others and get them qualified to meet the cyber mission for their unit.”
In October 2023, Redsicker presented two intelligence briefs at the NAVWAR Cyber Pillar Gibson Castle 23, a four-day exercise that focused on operational and tactical strategies for the unit’s cybersecurity analysts. This exercise emulated what analysts on the NIWC Atlantic CSSP operations watch floor perform during a real-world cybersecurity breach.
Two months later, in December 2023, Redsicker was frocked to petty officer first class. Kapral pinned Redsicker with her new insignia during a ceremony in front of her peers at NIWC Atlantic’s headquarters building.
“Her frocking signaled not only recognition of her skills and
dedication, but also marked the beginning of new responsibilities, increased expectations and leadership roles, which she handled with grace,” said her partner of four years, ISC (Chief/E-7) Andrew Brooker, also a Reserve Sailor, whom she met while on ADSW orders in Rome, New York. “It’s a testament to her resilience and ability to manage multiple responsibilities.”
Beyond her professional endeavors, Redsicker’s experienced significant personal milestones in 2023 as well.
Two weeks after her frocking, on December 26, she and Brooker welcomed a baby boy, requiring her to balance the demands of motherhood with her robust military career. With inspiration born from watching Redsicker grow exponentially, both personally and professionally, Brooker has become her biggest advocate.
“Andrew has always been a huge supporter of my career and was ecstatic when I got an offer to go back on active duty and learn a different field than what I had done previously,” Redsicker said. “Because he is also Navy, he understands what it means going from Reserves to full time and he was able to help me through that transition. Originally, I had wanted to get out of the Navy after this enlistment, but with the help and encouragement of not only him, but also the NIWC Atlantic command and my friends and family – I made the decision to stay in.”
With this support in mind, Redsicker decided to reenlist for three more years of service.
She asked Kapral to reenlist her while mid-flight aboard one of the prestigious Blue Angels’ aircrafts, the iconic “Fat Albert” C-130.
“He has made the biggest impact on me and my career since coming on active-duty orders,” Redsicker said. “His support and encouragement has helped shape my path in cybersecurity and intelligence operations, and changed my entire perspective on the Navy.”
The Blue Angels are an elite demonstration squadron renowned for its aerial acrobatics and precision flying. In a momentous event high above the clouds, Redsicker raised her right hand to reaffirm her oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. By doing so, Redsicker fulfilled a childhood dream inspired by her father’s admiration for the Blue Angels.
“Growing up, my dad was always a huge fan of the Blue Angels, so naturally, that spilled over to me and we both always went to the airshows to see them,” Redsicker explained. “I don’t think we will ever get tired of watching them fly around and the maneuvers they do are beyond impressive. I was over the moon happy and excited. It was absolutely amazing.”
Redsicker’s dad, Robert Redsicker, traveled all the way from Chili with Redsicker’s childhood friend, Rachael Zielke, to watch his daughter fly in “Fat Albert” from the ground.
“In the past year alone, my daughter’s achievements have been nothing short of impressive,” said Robert. “She was promoted to the rank of IS1 and recognized for her leadership and expertise within her field, and not everyone gets the opportunity to go up in the Fat Albert C-130, let alone be able to dangle their feet out of the aircraft, then reenlisting mid-flight. I couldn’t be any more proud.”
While Redsicker’s father was originally worried about his daughter joining the military, she believes that her continued success has only increased his pride in her.
“Because I was an only child, he was not a huge fan of the idea of his daughter joining the military at first,” said Redsicker. “After some time and realizing how enthusiastic and excited I
continued on page 10
it, he finally shared the pride and excitement that I felt. By the time I had to leave for boot camp, he was thrilled and extremely proud of me. He has always supported me one hundred percent ever since, so to be able to have him watch me reenlist with the Blue Angels was the highlight of my career.”
That statement is significant, considering all that she’s accomplished in such a short amount of time.
Just a week prior to her reenlistment, Redsicker was presented a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) for her work within the CSSP, underlining her dedication to protecting critical information systems and enhancing cyber defense capabilities.
“Her role in helping us organize our cybersecurity exercises and training future Reservists underscores her commitment to preparing the next generation for the challenges of modern warfare,” said Kapral. “Her journey serves as an inspiration to both men and women in the fields of cybersecurity, military service, and Naval Reserves, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.”
As she reflects on her journey so far, Redsicker said she is grateful for the opportunities the Navy Reserve has provided her. Looking ahead, she said she aims to continue her career progression within the Navy and earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a
focus on digital forensics from the American Military University. As part of that future, her plans include commissioning as an officer and leading future generations of Sailors.
She hopes her story serves as a testament to the limitless possibilities within the military and serves as a beacon of hope and determination for future generations of service members, especially for those who serve in the Reserves.
“I hope that my achievements in leadership, cybersecurity, and personal milestones, inspire and empower others, hopefully leaving an indelible mark on the Navy Reserve and the communities I serve,” Redsicker said.
About NIWC Atlantic
As a part of Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, formerly known as SPAWAR, NIWC Atlantic provides systems engineering and acquisition to deliver information warfare capabilities to the naval, joint and national warfighter through the acquisition, development, integration, production, test, deployment, and sustainment of interoperable command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, cyber and information technology capabilities.
Ogden Town Justice Mike Schiano honored for 25 years of service
On Wednesday, August 14, Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale presented a plaque to Town Justice Mike Schiano on behalf of the Town Board, celebrating his 25 years of dedicated service to the Town of Ogden.
Judge Schiano began his tenure as Town Justice on August 2, 1999, with his first court case scheduled for August 5, 1999. He earned his B.S. in Political Science from Hobart College in 1985 and his J.D. from the University of Dayton in 1988. Schiano was admitted to practice law in New York State in 1989.
“The mission of the Ogden Town Court is to ensure the fair and efficient administration of justice in Ogden while serving the community with integrity, honor, and dignity,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “Over the past two and a half decades, Judge Schiano has exemplified this mission with unwavering dedication and continues to uphold the highest standards in serving our residents.”
“Judge Schiano brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role, providing our community with a steadfast advocate of the law. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and ongoing commitment to our town,” added Supervisor Zale.
The Ogden Town Court handles cases related to traffic violations, criminal misdemeanors and violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil lawsuits for damages up to $3,000 in either justice court or small claims.
Provided information and photo
CCCSD appoints
Director of Continuing Education
At its August 13 meeting, the Churchville-Chili Board of Education appointed Michelle Matthews to the district’s Director of Continuing Education position beginning September 16, 2024, ahead of the retirement of the current director, Wendy Reese, on October 15.
grow.”
Provided information and
Michelle Matthews
photo
My Hometown Schools
Churchville-Chili’s SHS and NGA Library named School Library of the Year
Churchville-Chili’s Senior High School and Ninth Grade Academy Library was recently named as School Library of the Year by the Rochester Regional Library Council.
In order to be considered, school librarian Sarah Wergin submitted a nomination to the council explaining why the SHS and NGA Library deserves to be recognized. “I wanted to acknowledge the hard work and efforts of all the staff in the SHS and NGA Libraries,” said Mrs. Wergin. “I am also quite proud of the program we’ve built, which has significantly improved throughout the last 6-7
years, particularly our push to help students overcome some of the social-emotional hurdles in the wake of COVID-19.”
The nomination read: “Our library seeks to be a safe and welcoming space for all. Our library aims to spark joy within our school community. There are a myriad of reasons students should feel joy in the library and we strive to exceed them all. One reason would be that the materials and services we provide for them are of interest and applicable to them. Students need to feel joy in the library, so they keep returning. Having the library be a joyous place is also essential because we know that outside of school, students may have several responsibilities – they may need to work to help provide for their families, babysit, they may have sports, and so on. The library should be a refuge for the school and the public. I often think of a quote that I’ve seen floating around the interwebs – ‘Libraries are one of the few public spaces where you’re allowed to exist without the expectation of spending any money,’ and I think that – in and of itself – should spark joy in many people!”
The Rochester Regional Library Council is a multi-type library network serving libraries and library systems in the five-county Rochester region – Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Wayne and Wyoming counties. RRLC is a member of the Empire State Library Network, which is comprised of the nine regional library councils in the state of New York. Learn more about RRLC at https://rrlc. org.
“Being chosen as the RRLC School Library of the Year is a testament to the impact the SHS and NGA Library has had on our school community,” said Mrs. Wergin upon learning the school was selected. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts in creating a welcoming, nurturing and inclusive space. Our library has become a hub of activity, providing resources and activities that cater to a diverse range of interests for our faculty, staff and, most importantly, our learners.”
Churchville-Chili SHS strives to make its library a safe and welcoming space that sparks joy in students.
The recognition includes a $500 prize and a plaque/banner to display in the library. Mrs. Wergin has also been invited to speak at the Rochester Regional Library Council’s legislative event taking place in the fall.
Provided information and photo
Mariana Barry named new principal at Chestnut Ridge
The Churchville-Chili Board of Education has approved Mariana Barry as the new principal of Chestnut Ridge. Mrs. Barry will be stepping into the role following Mrs. Hale’s retirement after 11 years of service to Chestnut Ridge Elementary School.
Mrs. Barry brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the district. She served as Assistant Principal at Cobbles Elementary in Penfield CSD during the 2023-24 school year. Prior to her role at Cobbles Elementary, Mrs. Barry worked for the Rochester City School District for 17 years, where she held positions as an Assistant Principal, Project Implementation Specialist, and English teacher. Her extensive experience includes serving as a district mentor, curriculum writer, professional development facilitator, and instructional coach. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mrs. Barry received the Rochester Education Foundation “Advantage Inspire Award” in 2014.
As a resident of the Churchville-Chili Central School District, Mrs. Barry is deeply connected to the community, with three children attending schools within the district.
Mrs. Barry will officially begin her role at Chestnut Ridge on August 27.
Provided information and photo
Local officials celebrate Dr. Maia Dorsett as NAEMT EMS Medical Director of the
On Wednesday, August 21, local and state officials gathered at the Gates Volunteer Ambulance Service (GVAS) headquarters in the town of Gates to honor Dr. Maia Dorsett, GVAS Medical Director, who has been named the 2024 National Association of EMTs (NAEMT) EMS Medical Director of the Year. Dr. Dorsett will be recognized at the NAEMT General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 10, and at the Opening Ceremony of EMS World Expo on Wednesday, September 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Dr. Dorsett’s outstanding education, extensive experience as a physician and educator, and her dedication to the EMS field make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “Her contributions have not only positively impacted the Rochester region but have also made a significant difference across the country. Her expertise has also played a crucial role in the success of GVAS and in saving countless lives.”
“On behalf of the Ogden Town Board and the residents of the Town of Ogden, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Dorsett on this remarkable achievement,” Zale continued. “We are grateful for her ongoing dedication and the exceptional service she provides to our community.”
Dr. Dorsett, a physician and educator, completed her Emergency Medicine residency and EMS fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis before joining the University of Rochester Medical Center. She also leads EMS education at Monroe Community College and serves
as Associate Regional Medical Director for Education and Quality for the Monroe-Livingston Region. Her professional involvement extends to the National Association
Officials gathered on August 21 to honor Dr. Maia Dorsett. Pictured are (l-r) Candidate for NYS Senate Jensen GVAS Chief Board President Jim Gray.
of EMS Physicians, the National Registry of EMTs, and Prodigy EMS.
Provided information and photos
Dr. Maia Dorsett received a Proclamation from the towns of Gates, Ogden, and Parma in recognition of her achievement. She is shown here with (l-r) Parma Supervisor Jim Roose, Gates Supervisor Cosmo Giunta, and Ogden Supervisor Mike Zale
My Hometown Community Event
Luminaria Ceremony in Churchville benefitted American Cancer Society
The 10th annual Luminaria Celebration was held on August 7 at the Nancy L. Steedman Village Gazebo in Churchville. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and gener ated $1,310 this year. Donors purchase luminarias in honor of cancer survivors or in memory of loved ones lost to cancer. The ceremony is an emotional and moving experience for those at tending as family, friends, and neighbors are honored and remembered. After the ceremony, those who purchased luminarias were invited to take them home for further remembrance and reflections.
The luminarias were positioned near the Village Gazebo and along the Community Memorial Park to allow donors to look for the names of their loved ones written on the luminarias. A total of 166 luminarias were purchased. Photos by Doug Eisele.
Square Dancing: Does anyone do it anymore?
Yes, people certainly do still square dance.
The Western New York Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs is a regional organization of about 15 dance clubs in the Rochester area as well as parts of the Buffalo and Finger Lakes Region (www.squaredancingrochester.org).
Modern square dance is a great way to exercise to music. The music used nowadays ranges from traditional to Broadway hits to George Strait, Elton John, and Justin Bieber. A square is a “team”
of eight dancers working together to execute a series of dance moves given by a square dance “caller” to music. Not only does one get exercise, there is also the opportunity to make new friends and social connections. Every dance lesson is a party. There are square dance clubs, festivals, and camping groups nationwide. There are also square dance cruises and a National Square Dance Convention held every year in a different city.
Cloverleaf Squares will be hosting a free open house dance party on Sunday, September 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Chili, 3182 Chili Avenue in Chili Center. Singles (no partner needed) and couples are welcome. No previous dance experience of any kind is necessary. No special clothing is necessary. Come on out and join a friendly group of people for a free, fun, and enjoyable evening. For more information, visit www.cloverleafsquares. org or call 585-987-5972.
The Copy Cats Square Dance Club will also be hosting a similiar open house on Wednesdays, September 18 and 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Penfield Community Center, 1985 Baird Road, Penfield. For more information, visit Copycatsdancing.wordpress.com.
Provided information
LEO Club member Mark Kohler coloring luminaria bags for contributors.
Recognizing Monroe County Legislative Youth Award honorees
by Monroe County Legislators
G. Blake Keller, District 1
Jackie Smith, District 2
Tracy DiFlorio, District 3
Steve Brew, District 12
Robert J. Colby, District 20
Each year Monroe County holds the annual Legislative Youth Awards to recognize and honor the exceptional youth and adult advocates throughout Monroe County; those serving as role models for their peers and working diligently to better the community. We are incredibly lucky to have so many talented, generous, and innovative young people in our Community. We are proud to announce that many of them have been recognized by the Monroe County Legislature for their contributions to their community. This year’s nominees were:
•Austin DeLorme of Parma, Model UN President and Student Rights advocate
•Daniel Lucas of Brockport, Sweden Clarkson Recreation Center volunteer
•Jonathan Bonczyk of Brockport, volunteer with the Community Hygiene Bank at Jubilee Christian Church
•Lucille Humby of Brockport, dedicated community volunteer with the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson
•Theadora Humby of Brockport, dedicated community volunteer with the Towns of Sweden and Clarkson
•Noelle Natale of Brockport, volunteer at Good Neighbor Days, Brockport Lions Club, and the Salvation Army
Batavia
Train
•Aiden Schleyer of Chili, committed 2nd Lieutenant of the Chili Fire Department
Explorer’s Post
•Ava Skivington of Chili, Girl Scout and volunteer with the Pluta Cancer Center
•Bronwyn Lucyszyn of Chili, Girl Scout and volunteer with the Genesee Country Village, Relay for Life, and more
•Javier Benzan of Ogden, Youth Ambassador Council at the Levine Center to End Hate
Youth Advocate Nominees were:
•Kathleen Graupman, Greece Central School District Superintendent
•Christopher Mros, firefighter and teacher at Greece Odyssey Academy
•Steven Zimmerman, music teacher and Band Director at Wheatland-Chili.
Steven Zimmerman was awarded the 2024 Willie W. Lightfoot Youth Advocate of the Year Award for his hard work and dedication enriching the cultural landscape of our community through his students.
Each of them is a role model for our entire community and truly deserving of this high honor and recognition. Monroe County is grateful and will continue to benefit from each of them through their leadership, selflessness and positive example for all.
Congratulations!
Show scheduled for October 13
The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will be holding its Fall 2024 edition of the Great Batavia Train Show on Sunday, October 13, at the Richard C. Call Arena on the campus of Genesee Community College in Batavia. Show hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission is $6 adults, $3 under age18, and free for children under 13. Parking is free, and a snack bar will be available.
For over 50 years, the Great Batavia Train Show has been one of the premier hobby events in Western New York. All forms of model railroad and train-related merchandise will be available. Over 100 vendors will be offering all scales of model trains and historic railroad items. Modeling demonstrations and a limited number of portable layouts will be part of the fun.
The Genesee Society of Model Engineers was founded in Batavia and has promoted the hobby of model railroading in the Western New York area for over 50 years. This not-for-profit 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 bataviatrainshow@gmail.com. Provided information
The Seneca Chief visits Brockport
story and photos by Christopher Martin
The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief docked at the Brockport Welcome Center Tuesday, August 13, as part of a trial run in preparation for the vessel’s planned 2025 Bicentennial Voyage. The sea trial also included stops in Lockport, Medina, and Rochester.
The boat landed in Brockport Tuesday afternoon and tours were provided for local officials and members of the community that stopped by. Interpretive panels were set up, children were taught how to shave paddles, and the history of the boat was shared with those present.
The original Seneca Chief was built some 200 years ago and officially opened the Erie Canal in 1825. This current replica has been under construction by the Buffalo Maritime Center for the past four years in anticipation of the canal’s bicentennial. The community boatbuilding effort was made possible by hundreds of volunteers.
The original boat had no propulsion, and neither does the replica. While the original was towed by mules along the towpath on the side of the canal. today’s replica has a tugboat tied to the side of it, the C. L. Churchill. They also have a Boston Whaler escorting them, which is able to push the Seneca Chief back on track should it veer off course. It has the nickname of “Scooch.”
The crew stopped in Brockport again on August 15 to give tours and enjoy a Summer Serenades concert on their return trip to Buffalo.
On September 24, 2025, the Seneca Chief will embark on its Bicentennial Voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor, commemorating Governor DeWitt Clinton’s 1825 inaugural journey. The
with visitors.
month-long voyage will offer communities across New York State a chance to explore the past and plan for the future. Mark continued on page 16
Seneca Chief crew members gave tours of the vessel and shared its history
The Seneca Chief is a replica of the boat on which Governor DeWitt Clinton made his inaugural journey to officially open the Erie Canal in 1825. The boat visited Brockport on August 13 and 15.
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your calendar because the itinerary includes stops in Medina on September 25, Brockport on September 26, and Rochester on September 27, 2025. For updates, visit buffalomaritimecenter.org/events or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
While the original Seneca Chief was towed by mules, the replica is towed by the C. L. Churchill tugboat.
The C. L. Churchill tugboat, the Seneca Chief, and Boston Whaler “Scooch” underway on the canal.
Wittman Family Reunion held on family’s original Ogden farm
rides on the old wooden hay wagon, a pig roast, LuGia’s ice cream truck, and a bounce house, all enjoyed by family members ranging in age from three months to 84 years old. The three remaining Wittman siblings (from seven) – Patricia Wittman Brown, Bernie Andy Wittman – are pictured in front of the barn. The final dinner was held at Boetcher Lodge at Pineway Ponds Park with tug of war contests, a cornhole tournament, a slide show, and a variety talent show. The 77 family members, some of whom traveled from as far as Spain and Washington State, spent four days together enjoying stories and making memories. As Grandma Wittman would say, always remember your roots, recognize your cousins!
Westside News ran a feature about the Wittman family in March of 2019. In it, Mary (Wittman) Rupp described growing up on the family farm in the post WWII era. Mary died in 2023. Read more at https://westsidenewsny.com/features/2019-03-18/women-ofthe-westside-part-two-mary-wittman-rupp/.
Jeff Vieira named head coach for women’s
Jeff Vieira has been hired as the women’s soccer head coach at Roberts Wesleyan University after serving as the Redhawks’ lead assistant for six seasons. That includes a 31-8-5 record over the past two and a half seasons, last year’s 2023 East Coast Conference regular-season champion ship and the program’s second trip to the NCAA Division II Tournament (the other was 2015).
“We are excited to announce that we’ve elevated Jeff to the role head coach, giving our program continuity and balance for the upcoming season,” said Executive Director of Athletics, Bob Segave. “We expect that he will continue to build on the success that Coach Sarah McClellan had before moving on to Kenyon.”
Over the past several seasons, 18 Redhawks have earned all-confer ence honors, four squads were ranked nationally and the past seven have earned United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards. Vieira has been a part of all that.
A Rochester-area native who graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in Greece and SUNY Fredonia, Vieira has coached at multiple levels for 20-plus seasons, including extensive youth soccer work with the Chili Football Club (men’s and boys teams) since 2008, He was President of the Chili Soccer Association (CSA) for six years, working closely with former professional player and three-time Rochester Rhinos MVP, Craig Demmin. Vieira considers the native of Trinidad & Tobago a mentor.
(21) and Brady, a 17-year-old senior at McQuaid Jesuit and former MLS Next player.
Roberts opens its 2024 season at home against Lake Erie College at 5 p.m. on September 5.
Vieira was an assistant coach in 2014-15 for the Monroe Community College women (NJCAA Division I) and head coach of FC Dynamo ROC (men) in 2015-16.
Provided information and photo
Chili Fire Department celebrates Michael “Zippy” Saporito
Chili Fire Department Companies 2 and 3 recently joined together to spend time with and celebrate the career of Michael “Zippy” Saporito, who has served as an active volunteer firefighter for 21 years including in officer positions. His ongoing legacy is embodied by his two sons who are both active members of the Chili Fire Department.
Many in the community know Michael and are aware of his ongoing battle with ALS. He will be a guest of honor at the
Webster Rocks ALS music festival on Saturday, September 14, from 2 to 10:30 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Field. The event helps bring awareness to ALS and supports treatment options. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wesbter-rocks-als-benefit2024-tickets-938503688797.
