SUNY Brockport’s Swim N’Gym program helps local children with special needs
by Tami Raco
For over 50 years, SUNY Brockport has provided local school districts with an enriching Swim N’Gym program to help elementary-aged special education students improve their motor skills and swimming ability.
Swim N’Gym was created by the college’s Adaptive Physical Education Program, one of the most prestigious offered in the country. The program serves two purposes: providing the college’s PE students invaluable experience working with the special needs population as well as offering specialized physical education opportunities to children in the community. SUNY Brockport Phys Ed students help lead the Swim N’Gym program during their junior year, and area school districts can sign up to have their students participate.
Amaury Samalot-Rivera, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor with an area of concentration in Adaptive Physical Education. He came to SUNY Brockport in 2013 and has been working with the Swim N’Gym program for the past seven years. According to Dr. Samalot-Rivera, PE students coach in the Swim N’Gym program as part of their Intro to Adaptive PE class. This program benefits college students by providing opportunities to work with children with disabilities and special needs in a Phys Ed context. “It is a good opportunity for them to identify if they would like to work with this population in their career,” said Dr. Samalot-Rivera. The college has 60 PE students per semester participating in this program,
and, on average, 10 to 12 will go on to specialize in the Adaptive Phys Ed field. “This provides firsthand experience putting theory into practice,” he said.
The Swim N’Gym program is offered on Friday mornings in the spring and fall, with each semester being six to eight weeks long. Participating school districts provide their students with transportation to SUNY Brockport. The college provides the venue, the coaches, the equipment, and the specialized program. The teachers stay while their students are engaged in the Swim N’Gym program but are hands-off.
Lauren Kessler is the Special Education Lead Teacher at Spencerport Central School District. She has been bringing her special needs students aged five to 11 to this program for 10 years. The students are often on the autism spectrum or have social/emotional disabilities. “The students really enjoy it. They constantly ask if it is Friday yet for Swim N’Gym,” Kessler chuckled.
For the swimming portion of the program, the children utilize the college’s main pool. Aquatic floaties and suitable equipment are provided for all abilities and levels. Pool skill assessments are done, and the coaches help the students throughout the semester as they work to improve their swimming abilities. They also play pool games such as ball retrieving and sharks and minnows. Kessler especially appreciates the swimming program. “This could help save their life,” she said.
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Pictured are: (l-r) Lauren Kessler, Special Education Lead Teacher at Spencerport Central School District; Kasey Zamberlin, Camp Abilities GA; Lauren Lieberman Ph.D., Distinguished Service Professor and Director of Camp Abilities; Amaury Samalot-Rivera Ph.D., Associate Professor with an area of concentration in Adaptive Physical Education; and Matt Brack, Camp Abilities GA. Photo by Karen Fien.
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During the gym component of the program, the children use three of the gyms at the college to work on fitness and motor skills. There is also a quiet gym for children with sensory input issues. There is special equipment for sensory students and adaptive equipment to help all children be successful in the environment. The gym component of the program begins with the Phys Ed students evaluating the children for various elements such as running, endurance, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. The coach then collaborates with the student to work on improving their skills. Fun and engaging stations such as soccer, baseball, cornhole, scooters, and more help keep the children motivated. “The coaches are very encouraging,” said Lauren.
there is a Halloween event with a child-friendly haunted house. The spring semester ends with ice skating. “All 19 of my students go, and they all love it!” exclaimed Lauren.
“The Swim N’Gym program is mutually beneficial to both our Phys Ed students as well as the community,” said Dr. SamalotRivera. “We have been doing this for many years and hope to continue for many more. It is a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and I am happy to be part of the program.”
Families in western Monroe County who want more information on the Swim N’Gym program should contact their local school district. For more information on the SUNY Brockport Adaptive PE Program, visit https://www.brockport.edu/academics/kinesiology/ adapted-physical-education/physical-education-track-masters/.
The semester ends with an extra special day of fun. In the fall,
See more photos of Swim N’Gym on westsidenewsny.com
Holley students with their coaches.
Photo by Lauren Lieberman Ph.D.
Spencerport students and their coaches at a recent Swim N’Gym session.
Photo by Karen Fien.
PROGRAM INFORMATION SHEET
WELCOME to Long Pond Senior Housing, owned by Long Pond Senior Apartments, LLC, and professionally managed by Cornerstone Property Managers, LLC. Our community is operated under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), within Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. This program is designated to facilitate the housing needs of moderate to lowincome seniors age 62+. Applicants with Section 8 travel vouchers or certificates may apply for residency. Additionally, there are 45 Section 8 Project Based vouchers from Rochester Housing Authority. Please see enclosed documentation regarding qualifications and applications.
Residency in all of the apartments at Long Pond Senior Housing is limited to those households having moderate to low incomes. In addition to standard wages, income includes monies received from many sources such as alimony, child support, pensions, Social Security, etc. The units at Long Pond Senior Housing will serve one income group. Listed below are the current (2024) maximum allowable incomes (by household size) for Monroe County.
50% Limits - Subsidized Income Cannot Exceed:
60%
Unit Size # of Units Occupancy Rent
Unit Size # of Units Occupancy
• Heat and hot water are included in rent. The tenant is responsible for payment of electric bill.
• Non-smoking campus
• All information on income provided by applicants must be verified before occupancy. This qualification and certification process must also be completed annually upon renewal.
• Standard security deposits have been established and are equal to one month’s rent.
• Applications will be accepted for the waiting list on time and date stamped order.
Please return completed applications personally
Please call (585)
Gates Chili students win National Civics Bee qualifier
Dante Capaldo from Gates Chili Middle School took first place at the National Civics Bee local qualifier held March 10 in Rochester. The event was hosted by the Greater Rochester Chamber in partnership with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Civic Trust. Daniel Rappazo and Jessica D’Anunzio, also from Gates Chili, rounded out the top three.
Scores were determined based on multiple choice quizzes and a final round of verbal arguments about civics topics of the students’ choice. To qualify, students submitted written essays on the same topics. Student topics included a range of issues important to them, including local infrastructure improvements, public health, workforce development, and more.
The National Civics Bee is an exciting opportunity extended to
The eighteen finalists who participated in the local qualifier were:
•Addison Edlund, Gananda Middle School
•Alexandria Joseph, Gates Chili Middle School
•Amelia Todd, Gates Chili Middle School
•Arianna Rodgers, Gates Chili Middle School
•Ashten Moore, Gates Chili Middle school
•Brycen Durnion, Gates Chili Middle School
•Clayton Campbell, Gates Chili Middle School
•Daniel Rappazzo, Gates Chili Middle School
•Dante Capaldo, Gates Chili Middle School
•Ellie Bliss, Allendale Columbia School
•Imagine Maddox, Gates Chili Middle School
•Jessica D’Anunzio, Gates Chili Middle School
•Kellan Senator, Gates Chili Middle School
•Kodi Gamble, Gates Chili Middle School
•Liam Place, Gates Chili Middle School
•Madison Makohon, Gates Chili Middle School
•Stella Jacob, Gananda Middle school
•Taj Pandher, Gates Chili Middle School
The National Civics Bee is supported in part by Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation. To learn more, please visit https://www. greaterrochesterchamber.com/about-us/greater-rochester-chamber-foundation/.
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Chili
Aiden Dailey, a junior at Churchville-Chili Senior High School, has been honored with the “Do the Right Thing” Award. This award recognizes students in Monroe County for their exemplary actions and positive impact on the community. Aiden’s leadership as Chief of the Chili Fire Department Explorer Post, including securing funding for new helmets and advocating for improved safety gear, exemplifies the spirit of this award.
In a ceremony at the Rochester Public Safety Building, Aiden was
recognized alongside seven other outstanding students for their brave, kind, and generous actions. Local leaders including Mayor Malik Evans, RFD Chief Stefano Napolitano, RPD Chief David Smith, and County Executive Adam Bello, along with representation from the Chili Fire Department, including Chief Andrew Wilkinson, President Gerad Levey, and VP Mike Nyhan, joined to commend these young individuals for their contributions to the community.
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Petitions available for Gates Chili BOE candidates
The Gates Chili Central School District is now accepting petitions for Board of Education candidates. Three seats on the Gates Chili Board of Education are open for election this year with terms beginning July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028.
District residents interested in running for the Board of Education must be nominated by petition. Interested individuals may pick up a petition from the district clerk, Condenessa Brown, at the Gates Chili District Office, 1 Spartan Way, Rochester. The petition must be signed by 25 qualified voters of the Gates Chili Central School District and submitted, with other required paperwork, to the District Clerk by Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The Annual Budget Vote and Board Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School.
For questions about the process of becoming a qualified candidate, call 585-247-5050 ext. 12101. Visit the New York State School Boards Association (NYSBA) School Board Member Experience website (ttps://www. nyssba.org/clientuploads/nsbmx/index.html) or Monroe County School Boards Association website (https://www.monroe.edu/MCSBA) for more information about running for a board of education seat.
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Pictured at the awards presentation are (l-r) County Executive Adam Bello, Aiden Dailey, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, and Rochester Police Department Chief David Smith. Photo from Chili Fire Department on Facebook
Regular monthly programs at the Gates Public Library
Stop by to do a family activity at Gates Public Library. See if you can find all 20 lions/lambs in the children’s room. Each month there is a new scavenger hunt.
Baby Storytime: Mondays at 10:15 a.m. for ages birth to 2 years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
Storytime: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. for ages 2 to 5 years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
Time for Tots: Come spend forty minutes of free play with toys, followed by a short story time. Most Wednesdays for ages 1 to 5 years with caregiver. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
Junior Friends: Second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. The Junior Friends are a group of volunteers who meet yearround and help the library with different activities such as book sales, crafts, and many more exciting things. For ages 8 to 16 years. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome!
Tween/Teen Craft: Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. All materials provided by Friends of Gates Public Library. Please call 585-247-6446 or go online to https://gateslibrary.org/ to register.
Ideas ‘n’ Authors Book Discussion Group: Join in a lively discussion on the first Monday of the month (September through June). Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. New members, please call 585-247-6446 or email Heidi (gatesreference@libraryweb.org) to register.
#ReadWomen Book Discussion Group: In 2014 Joanna Walsh, author and journalist, founded #ReadWomen to promote and support books written by women. Join in on the fourth Thursday of the month to keep up the momentum. Copies of the book will be available at the circulation desk. To register, please call 585247-6446 or email Paula (gatesreference@libraryweb.org).
Chess Club: This club – for kids under the age of 18 who know how to play chess – meets on the second and fourth Mondays of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. All chess players are welcome, from beginners to masters. The club is informal. Kids can come and go at any time during club hours. Parents are welcome to watch the games. No registration needed.
Technology Help with Digital Literacy Volunteers: Need technology help? The library has you covered! Literacy Rochester volunteers are available Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and alternate Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. To make an appointment, please call 585-247-6446 or visit https:// literacyrochester.org/digital-literacy-appointment/.
Minecraft Club: Meets every first and third Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. No laptop or tablet? No problem! No account? No problem! For all the details, visit https://gateslibrary.org/ or call
585-247-6446. Space is limited to 15 individuals and registration is required.
LEGO Club encourages children to learn while having fun. Come build with the library’s LEGOs and let your imagination soar. Held the second Thursdays of the month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for ages 5 to 12 years. No registration needed. Drop-ins welcome.
Therapy dogs from RocDog will at the library the first and third Thursdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. Stop into the children’s area to meet these furry friends! No registration necessary. Drop-ins welcome.
Pokemon Club: Children are invited to stop in on the first and third Fridays to join in Pokemon Club. There will be some paper activities laid out to do, but be sure to bring your Pokemon Cards with you because there will be lots of trading.
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Church of the
Epiphany
rummage sale is back
The Church of the Epiphany will be holding its spring rummage sale on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Epiphany is located at 3285 Buffalo Road, Gates. Epiphany has been holding rummage sales for over 40 years. The sale will include housewares, holiday items, jewelry, toys, books, games, linens, bedding and more. Also included is a bake food sale on both days until the food items run out. Sales are cash only; no checks or credit cards accepted.
The rummage sale proceeds benefit the Church of Epiphany and many community organizations. Some of the charities that have benefited in the past include the Aurora House, Meals on Wheels, SWEM, Family Promise of Greater Rochester, St. Theodore’s Food Pantry, Honor Flight, Sojourner House, Dream Factory, and many more.
For information, visit Epiphany’s Facebook page @EpiphanyGatesNY or call at 585-247-4190.
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Spring rummage sale at Riga Congregational Church
Find spring treasures at Riga Congreational Church’s Spring Rummage Sale. The Preview Sale is April 4 from 3 to 7 p.m. Entry donation of $5 is subtracted from your purchase or “Thank you.”
A traditional rummage sale with lots of great deals will be open to all on April 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a priced-to-move, clean sale. You never know what may be found from the church’s generous donors – household items, clothes, books, small appliances and furniture, jewelry, and more.
The church is located at 7057 Chili-Riga Center Road (Rt. 33A and Rt. 36), Churchville.
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GCC and NYS Department of Labor to host Career Fair
Genesee Community College is partnering with the New York State Department of Labor to host a comprehensive Career Fair on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the William W. Stuart Forum at the Batavia Campus.
This premier event offers GCC students and community members the opportunity to connect with top employers and explore a variety of job and internship opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to:
•Meet recruiters from a wide range of industries
•Discover exciting job and internship openings
•Network and build professional connections
•Receive career advice from hiring experts
This Career Fair is free and open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for job seekers at all stages of their careers.
Whether you are looking for your first job, a career change or professional growth, this event is designed to help you take the next step toward your future.
junior Kahlia Boyle
Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress professionally.
For more information, please contact: Marie Wixner, GCC coordinator of Career Services at 585-343-0055 ext. 6091or by email at mwixner@genesee.edu.
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was recently recognized by Senator Pam Helming (right) as a nominee for the Youth Leadership program. The program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and achievement in academics, athletics, music, arts, and/or community service.
Photo from @CCCSDtweets on X.
Churchville-Chili
(left)
NOW HIRING!
We take pride in our work – and we hire the best. Suburban Disposal is always looking for dedicated, self-motivated hard working people to join our team! If you’re interested in a career at Suburban Disposal, stop by our office located at 22 Turner Drive, Spencerport, Monday-Friday from 7:30am till 4:00pm and don’t forget to bring a copy of your driver’s license with you. Or you can also fill out an application online and we will contact you for an interview if you meet our qualifications.
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Thank you for going the extra mile, it didn’t go unnoticed!”
American Sewing Guild holding annual sale April 5
The Rochester Chapter of the American Sewing Guild will be hosting its 2025 ASG All Things Sewing Sale on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, 175 Allens Creek Road.
This annual event features fabrics, notions, gadgets, patterns, books, and sewing machines for sale at fantastic prices. The sale is open to the public. Come find a deal for your next project, or add to your stash of sewing goodies. This year, Diamond Edge Sharpening Services will be on premises to sharpen scissors while attendees shop. A drawing will also be held for a free one-year membership to ASG!
ASG will not be accepting donations of any sewing related items the day of the sale. Those with items to donate are asked contact the following vendors to arrange a drop-off:
•Crafting for Good, 4390 Buffalo Road, North Chili, 585-6163427
•Sew Green, 438 West Main Street, Rochester, 585-328-2642
•Craft Bits and Pieces, 104 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, 585-377-6460.
The mission of the American Sewing Guild is to advance sewing as an art and life skill. The organization is dedicated to people who believe sewing is a rewarding and creative activity. The Rochester Chapter was organized in 1991 and currently has 116 members. New members are welcome and membership is $60 per year. For more information, visit https://asgrochester-ny.org/. Provided information
Lions Club of Chili presents awards and serves community
Lion Janine Wheeler received the Lions Club of Chili’s Melvin Jones Fellow Award 2025. Wheeler joined the club in 2019 and was elected as a director for the 2019–2020 Lions’ year. She stepped up and took over as secretary after club secretary Pat Bradt unexpectedly passed away. She continued to serve as secretary for three more years, ending June 30, 2023.Wheeler wrote grants for the Wonder Books that the club donated to the Chili Library and for the Build A Bed project. She also chaired the Magic Yarn Project to make wigs for children with cancer and made it a community event. Janine Wheeler is pictured with committee members, Lions Dorinda, Bonnie, and Tom.
The Lions Club of Chili presented its Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to the Loyal Order of the Churchville Moose Lodge. President Licia Dickson Colbert received the award on behalf of the Churchville Moose. They received this recognition for their contributions to the community and support to their fellow Lions in partnering for special Build A Bed project and the use of their club for Lions Club meetings. Churchville Moose President Licia Dickson Colbert and Board Member Carolyn Vanlare, are pictured with the Lions Club’s Uplinger Awards Committee, Lions Janine, Keri, Dorinda, Bonnie, Tom, and Bert. Both organizations look forward to partnering on projects in the future.
Lion Deanna Morgan received the 30 years of service Chevron Award in thanks for her continued service to the community.
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Lions Deanna, Bonnie, and Debbie performed vision screenings at Mary Cariola.
Lions made sandwiches for the homeless in the Rochester community. They are planning to do this again during the cold months. For information on joining the Lions Club, contact Membership Chair Mike Donner at 585-704-7265.
Udemy online learning platform throughout Monroe County
Udemy, an online learning platform with more than 250,000 courses and 73 million students, is now available to all Monroe County Library System (MCLS) users. The Udemy launch is the first piece of a new $3.1 million digital equity initiative, made possible through Monroe County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Udemy provides a wide range of courses on a variety of topics including: business, technology, health, and even cake decorating. These self-directed learning resources are available both in-library and by remote access, at no cost to library card holders. Using this self-directed learning resource allows users to learn and master new skills, helping them hone their hobbies, fix things around their homes, or make them more competitive in the job market.
“The self-directed learning opportunities available through Udemy allow students to learn at their own pace and at times that are convenient for them,” said Jen Byrnes, who leads the digital equity initiative for MCLS.
With the initial support of ARPA funds, the Library System also instituted a mi-fi program. Mi-fi units are the most popular items that are checked out of libraries, with 5,256 check-outs of mi-fis in 2024. There has often been a waiting list for the units, but with the additional mi-fis provided by the grant, the wait time for a mi-fi will be cut in half.
“We are building digital equity throughout our community. Whether its helping people access high-speed affordable internet, helping residents become better acquainted with technology, or by providing access to innovative platforms like Udemy, our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to the
Udemy, along with the expansion of mi-fis, are part of the Monroe County Library System’s Wired for Opportunity initiative. Funded with $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds, Wired for Opportunity, seeks to eliminate the digital divide and ensure Monroe County residents can utilize and benefit from new and emerging digital opportunities
“As a young man, I spent countless hours in the Sully Branch of the Monroe County Library—reading, learning, and growing my appetite for knowledge, and with the addition of Udemy, library patrons can take their learning to even greater heights,” said Congressman Joe Morelle.
In the coming months, Wired for Opportunity will continue to expand services, including the installation of solar tables that provide 24/7 internet access and device charging capabilities, the development of computer classes, and the opportunity for students to receive free laptops upon completing a series of classes.
“Wired for Opportunity is another example of how the Monroe County Library System provides our citizens with an array of valuable resources beyond books,” said Emily Clasper, Director of the Monroe County Library System. “We will be rolling out new initiatives and programs for our residents in the coming months, and we are grateful to County Executive Adam Bello and our entire federal delegation, Congressman Morelle, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand, for making this possible.”
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Churchville Lions Club presents Upinger Award
On behalf of the Churchville Lions Club, President Joe DeLeo (left) recognized Ray and Judy Russell from Whittier Road Fruit Farm with the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award for their outstanding support of the local community food pantry. The award honors outstanding individuals or organizations that provide a significant service to their club, district, or community. Provided information.
Photo by Doug Eisele
C-C’s GRR 340 wins Regional FIRST Robotics Competition
The Churchville-Chili FIRST Robotics team, GRR 340, took first place during the Finger Lakes Regional Competition and will move on to the National Competition in Houston from April 16 to 19.
FIRST Robotics teams from the tri-state area competed March 13 through 15 at the Regional Competition held at RIT. Teams formed alliances made up of three teams to compete against other alliances during playoffs on Saturday, until two alliances remained. GRR 340 was joined by SO BOTZ from Tappan Zee High School and OZone from Berlin High School, Olentangy High School, Orange High School, and Liberty High School in Ohio.
Each year, the competition has a new theme. This year’s theme was #REEFSCAPE. The description on the FIRST Robotics website says: “During the 2024-2025 FIRST season, FIRST® DIVE℠ presented by Qualcomm, teams will use their STEM and collaboration skills to explore life beneath the surface of the ocean. Along the way, we’ll uncover the potential in each of us to strengthen our community and innovate for a better world with healthy oceans.”
GRR 340 also received the Industrial Design Award sponsored by General Motors which celebrates the team that demonstrates
industrial design principles, striking a balance between form, function, and aesthetics.
A recording of the final matchup is available on the FIRST Robotics website, https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/NYRO/ playoffs/15.
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Monroe County launches
mental health app
The Monroe Mental Health App provides essential mental and behavioral health information to Monroe County residents. It features acute and outpatient resources, suicide prevention services, and Narcan information and training. Users can also create their own safety plan with actionable steps for harm reduction. Download from the Apple or Google Play app store or visit https://www.monroecounty.gov/mh for information. For mental health emergencies call 988
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Veterans petition CCCSD for public hearing on tax exemption
On Tuesday, March 11, veterans and community members gathered at the Churchville-Chili Central School District Board of Education meeting to request a public hearing for a proposed school tax exemption for veterans. The initiative, based on the 2013 expansion of New York State Real Property Tax Law Section 458-a, aims to provide partial school tax relief to qualified veterans residing in the district.
Wilson, Kevin Johnson, Michelle Aloi, Tom Albano, Colleen Parker, and Jonathan Payne. District officials present were Superintendent Carmine Peluso, Larry Vito, Matt DeAmaral, Giulio Bosco, Nicole Livingston-Neal, Katherine Guignon, and Michelle Penner, District Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent.
Ken Juergens, a retired U.S. Army Colonel and Commander of the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post 954, led the petition, -
ans from the community and Monroe County, including American Legion representatives John Compitello and Don Sisson. The school board members in attendance included President Kathy Dillon, Vice President Steve Hogan, and members Alycia Nagle, Amy
Juergens highlighted the Legion’s contributions to the district, including scholarships for high school seniors, sponsorship of Boys and Girls State for juniors, educational visits for Veterans Day and Flag Day, and organizing community events such as the Memorial Day Parade, Wreaths Across America, Easter Egg Hunts, flu shot clinics for teachers, and support programs for the senior citizens of Riga. He urged the board to follow the example of neighboring districts like Greece, Gates Chili, and Brockport, which have already passed the exemption.
Currently, 50% of New York school districts have adopted the exemption. Juergens emphasized its importance, noting that nearly half of the district’s 946 veterans are over 70 years old and on fixed incomes. The estimated cost impact to non-veteran property owners would be approximately $9 per month.
To ensure board members had the necessary information for review, Michelle Penner, District Clerk and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent, collected and distributed supporting materials, including articles detailing Greece Central School District’s approval of the exemption and copies of Juergens’ speech. This provided the board with real-world examples and a detailed rationale for considering the measure.
As the discussion concluded, Vice President Steve Hogan expressed gratitude for the veterans’ service and acknowledged that many on the board and within the district have family members who have served. The next step is scheduling a public hearing, giving residents the opportunity to express their views before a formal vote is held.
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REAL ID deadline coming May 7
Starting May 7, 2025, New York residents will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or another approved form of identification) to board domestic flights, enter secure federal facilities, or access military bases.
Already have an Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL)? You’re good to go. An EDL meets REAL ID requirements and allows land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. No further action is needed.
If your driver’s license does NOT have a star or the U.S. flag icon, you’ll need to upgrade. Area DMV offices are available to assist residents in obtaining their REAL ID or EDL before the deadline.
What You Need to Bring:
To upgrade to a REAL ID, individuals must visit the DMV in person and bring:
•One proof of identity (e.g., passport or U.S. birth certificate)
•Two proofs of NY residency
•Social Security card (if issued one)
•Current driver’s license (if exchanging an out-of-state license)
If your name has changed (due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must bring documentation
proving the full name change history from birth to your current name:
•Marriage certificate(s) and/or divorce decree(s) (if you’ve been married more than once, bring all marriage certificates and divorce decrees)
•Legal name change documentation (if applicable)
REAL ID is part of a federal effort to improve the security of identification documents. Starting May 7, 2025, travelers will not be permitted to pass TSA checkpoints for domestic flights without a REAL ID or another form of federally approved ID (such as a passport).
For more information on REAL ID requirements, visit https:// dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.
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Ken Juergens (standing) addresses the Churchville-Chili School Board with veterans and students in attendance.
