My Hometown March 2023

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

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Contributing Writers & Photographers Barbara Burke, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Colleen Onuffer, Tami Raco, John Robortella, Joe Territo

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4 Play Cafés Serve Coffee And The Community

7 Chili Church’s Food Cupboard Receives Donation

9 Pancakes & Syrup Coming To Letchworth State Park

9 Batavia Train Show Scheduled For March 26th

11 Churchville-Chili Falls In Section V Class B Title Game

12 North Chili Resident Is Western Monroe County’s First Female Eagle Scout

14 Saints Wrestlers Win Section V Team

Title For The First Time In History

14 Gates-Chili Administrators Receive National, State Recognition

15 Exploring Your Culture Day At C-C Middle School

16 Spreading Love to Veterans On Valentine’s Day

17 Churchville Elementary School

Kids Heart Challenge

17 Gates Fire District Holding Citizens Fire Academy

18 The BIG READ: NTID With Ilya Kaminsky

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My Hometown Businesses

Play cafés serve coffee and the community

by Colleen Onuffer

These lyrics from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory are what inspired the name of Pure Imagination Café on Buffalo Road, and the mantra of owners Lisa and Chris Brunson and their blended family.

“It’s believing in something magical,” said Lisa Brunson. “The idea that we can create something that other people can enjoy. Something that’s bigger than us.”

Brunson and her family sing the song when they are looking for the power of magic.

“I was diagnosed with colon cancer about three months before we opened the café,” Brunson explained, looking back to 2019. “It was supposed to be mine and Chris’ wedding day, and I spent it in the hospital. We postponed our wedding and decided we needed to hire a manager to run the café while I went through treatment.”

The idea of the café began when Lisa was looking to get out of her corporate job. She started by listing the things she was passionate about: reading, playing board games, cooking, and creative play for her kids.

“I wanted to connect with the community. I wanted to create a place where people were engaged with their children, spouses and friends. And I wanted to give people access to resources to still believe in magic,” she said. Pure Imagination Café was built from a dirt floor up, giving Lisa and Chris control over how to design the space.

“We wanted to create an atmosphere where moms and friends can connect, along with offering a safe, friendly environment for kids,” said Brunson. The café opened in September 2019 featuring a large dining space and a 450-square-foot play area with games for all levels, including activities for parents to do with their kids. In describing the importance of creating a play area, Brunson said, “It’s not a revenue producing space for us, but giving kids to imaginative play is more important than money. It’s an upbringing.”

blend of the dining area and play space is what draws cusfrom around the Rochester area. love coming here. We drive about a half hour to get here,” customer Shawn from Caledonia. She appreciates the flexibilhave adult time with her friends while being able to watch daughter play at the same time. “There’s no other place like close to Caledonia.”

miles away in Hilton, Crystal Marello opened Mamaste Café Play less than a year ago. hope for Mamaste is that we can be a gathering place parents, caregivers and children to meet and build relationas well as to be a directory of information for parents,” said Marello.

Parenting can feel isolating, especially for those who became first-time parents during the pandemic.

“Mamaste is unique because we provide a great space for kids AND parents at the same time. We want parents to enjoy them-

“There is no life I know To compare with pure imagination Living there, you’ll be free If you truly wish to be”

– Pure Imagination by Gene Wilder

Shawn from Caledonia loves spending time with friends while the kids play.

Evelyn, 5, from Caledonia, enjoys playing with the toys while her mom enjoys time with friends.

selves too and be able to have meaningful conversations while their kids safely play.”

Marello started dreaming of Mamaste eight years ago after she had her daughter. Fate stepped in when she drove past the building on Hilton Parma Corners Road in February 2022 and immediately fell in love with it. “I told my husband all about it and we both knew the timing was right even though I had very little planned out.”

Mamaste opened its doors in July that same year with a play area for children ages 0-5 and board games, puzzles, art supplies and other activities for everyone over the age of five.

“The name is a play on the Sanskrit word ‘namaste’ which is a respectful greeting commonly used in Hindu/Indian cultures and is often referred to in yoga classes here in the U.S.,” explained Marello. “It is a fun and simple play on words: ‘mama-stay’ to signify the beautiful relationship between mothers and their children, especially in the young, nurturing years. We love and value dads, too, and have lots of dads who come visit the café with their littles!”

Marello added, “We didn’t want to limit our café to just people who have kids, though. We want to be a place for anyone in the community to gather together for good food and drinks as well as game nights and other events.”

Mamaste has hosted events for parents and partners and offers yoga classes, with plans to increase the frequency of both types of events. “I find yoga to be an excellent physical and mental discipline and to be a peaceful and calming practice that has added much value to my life.”

Combined with the yoga classes, Marello hopes to “inspire

health and wellness through the whole foods we serve.” Mamaste offers nutritional snacks and meals, including their top selling kids snack plate which offers a rainbow assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, cut fresh to order. Their menu of top-quality coffee and teas, breakfast and lunch options is available for dining onsite, curbside pick-up or take out.

“We prioritize purchasing as many organic and local foods as possible,” said Marello. “Our eggs are pasture-raised, cage-free and organic. Most of our baked goods are from local bakers who we find super important to support. We use locally sourced maple syrup from Flint’s Maple in many of our recipes.”

Focusing on fresh, healthy options is another common thread between the two cafés. Pure Imagination Café’s menu features a list of creative names nodding to Lisa and Chris’ favorite books, games and movies. Aside from their regular offerings of sandwiches, salads, eight-inch pizzas and their kids menu of “short stories,” Pure Imagination has a Family Meal Deal on Fridays that can be pre-ordered for pick-up to easily feed families of two to four.

“One of the biggest challenges has been offering something for everyone. We recognize dietary restrictions, preferences and allergies. We’re trying to do the best we can, but we have limitations,” explained Brunson. “It’s the same thing between price and quality. We’re dealing with the same increased price of eggs, but at the end of the day, we strive to maintain a quality product and our brand.”

That brand and the company culture are things Brunson is especially proud of.

“I could not be more grateful for my team, especially my managers. We have many people who started with us three and a half

continued on page 6

Kaia, 5, loves playing in the doll house area.

Grey, 2, builds a cool track for her cars at Pure Imagination Café.

continued from page 5

years ago, and who are still with us,” said Brunson. “We continue to expand and add members. I’m excited see on community, community

make sure the community stays strong. This is our legacy. This is for our kids, for our community.”

That same sense of community was echoed by Marello, who said, “We have been welcomed in the community in such an amazing way. We frequently have people tell us how happy they are that we’re here, what a unique idea it is, and what a need there is for places like Mamaste. It’s not just people from Hilton and surrounding areas who come to visit, either. We have people from all over Greater Rochester and beyond who have stopped into the café. We are beyond grateful by the warm welcome we have received.”

Pure Imagination Café is located at 2997 Buffalo Road, Rochester. Mamaste Café and Play is located at 1235 Hilton Parma Corners Road, Hilton.

Mamaste Café and Play

My Hometown Churches Chili church’s Food

On February 3, the Food Cupboard of the First Presbyterian Church of Chili received a donation from the Odd Fellow and Rebekah Benefit Fund. This donation was presented by Kathy Bays and Jackie Dillon. The mission of the Odd Fellow and Rebekah organization is: “To help our fellow men, women and children who are in need or distress.” These funds will help the Chili Presbyterian Church’s Food Cupboard to purchase needed food and hygiene products for families in the Chili area and surrounding communities.

The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard first opened its doors in June of 2021. In the beginning, it serviced from three to five families in the area. Since then the cupboard has grown to assisting 70 to 85 families and feeding approximately 300 people each month. The Food Cupboard is also now a member of Foodlink, which has made it easier to secure needed food and hygiene items at a reduced cost.

The First Presbyterian Church of Chili’s Food Cupboard is open at 3600 Chili Avenue on the third Saturday of each month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. for drive-by food pick-up. No special requirements are needed to be met in order to receive food. The Food

Cupboard is always looking for community members to assist with the operation. To volunteer, call the church at 585-889-9896. Food donations of hard to secure items, such as peanut butter, crackers, and breakfast cereal, are also being accepted. Food items can be dropped off at the church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Provided information and photo

Pictured are (l-r) Kathy Bays, Odd Fellow/Rebekah representative, Susan Atwater, Debbie Lamphron, Jane Schulitz, Sharon Breeze, Pastor Brandi Wooten, and Sue Johnson (in front, holding the check).

My Hometown Schools

Mary Poppins flies into Churchville-Chili CSD

Churchville-Chili Senior High School will perform the Broadway musical, Mary Poppins, this spring. Performances are at 7 p.m. on March 23, 24 and 25 and at 2 p.m. on March 26 at the ChurchvilleChili Performing Arts Center.

With more than 70 talented students participating in the cast, crew and orchestra pit and the spectacular scenery, choreography, costumes and professional-quality light and sound production, Mary Poppins will be a joy for the entire family.

The musical, based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, is the story of the Banks’ family and two children who are in desperate need of a nanny. When a mysterious Mary Poppins arrives at their door, the family finds a most peculiar answer to their dilemma. Through magical and memorable adventures, the children and grown-ups learn that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Tickets are available at www.cccsd.org/FineArts. Presale adult tickets are $10; student tickets are $8. All tickets are $15 at the Box Office on the day of the show. The CCPAC is located at 5786 Buffalo Road, Churchville. Provided information and photo

My Hometown Events

Pancakes and syrup coming to Letchworth State Park’s sugarhouse

Letchworth State Park’s nature center and sugarhouse will be center stage for the annual Maple Weekends sugaring festival and pancake breakfasts in late March.

The last two weekends in March will be Maple Weekends statewide. Festivities at Letchworth are on March 18, March 19, March 25, and March 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Humphrey Nature Center.

Volunteers with the Friends of Letchworth State Park preservation nonprofit will serve pancakes, butter, sausage, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, milk, and, of course, maple syrup.

All educational activities are free. Pancake breakfast tickets will be $8, kids under age five eat free. Tickets will be available at the door and online, with proceeds to benefit Friends of Letchworth State Park projects. Follow Letchworth State Park on Facebook and Instagram (@letchworthstatepark) for announcements when breakfast tickets go on sale online.

There will be four interactive educational stations for visitors to participate in syrup making: sap collecting, traditional stone boiling, evaporator boiling in the sugarhouse, and syrup grading/tasting.

Letchworth State Park produces maple syrup mostly for educational purposes. While some of the park’s syrup will be for sale at the nature center, the syrup served with the pancake breakfasts is donated by local maple producers for Maple Weekends. Maple syrup production is one of the region’s claims to fame. According to the USDA Ag Census, Wyoming County produced 91,765 gallons of maple syrup in 2017. That is enough syrup to fill 30 concrete mixer trucks, and over 17,000 gallons more than the nexthighest maple producing county that year. Wyoming County includes the southwest-

ern part of Letchworth State Park in the mid-point of the Genesee River’s roughly 160-mile valley from northwestern Pennsylvania to Lake Ontario.

The park can temporarily close some roads due to winter weather conditions. All Maple Weekends attendees should plan to use the Castile entrance to the park, 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, which is open year-round. Once inside the park, follow signs for the Humphrey Nature Center, about one mile south on Park Road from the Castile entrance. As usual, there will be no vehicle use fees until later in the spring.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which were visited by a record 78 million people in 2020. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit parks.ny.gov. Provided information and photos

Batavia Train Show scheduled for March 26

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will be holding the Spring 2023 edition of the Great Batavia Train Show on Sunday, March 26, 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 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. Items offered include all scales of model trains, historic railroad items, books, DVDs, and toys.

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 www.gsme.org or email bataviatrainshow@gsme.org.

Provided information

See the evaporator boiling sap in the sugarhouse.

My Hometown Veterans

Continuing a Christmas and Valentines tradition

Once again the Harvey C. Noone Auxiliary Unit #954 teamed up with Eagle Star to spread some cheer during Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The Unit delivered fifteen $25 Tops gift cards at Christmas time for the Veterans to purchase something special for themselves (left photo). After a collection of mens’ toiletries at their last meeting, they dropped off approximately $450 of needed supplies to the home for the Veterans residing there. Each received a heart full of candy also (right photo). These donations were headed up by past President Terry Quayle. Provided information and photos.

Churchville-Chili falls in Section V Class B title game

by Warren Kozireski

During the regular season, Churchville-Chili scored ten goals over two games against Webster-Schroeder. But that’s why they play the games.

In a rematch for the Section V Class B championship and the Saints second trip to the championship game in three years, the Warriors clogged up the center ice area and came away with a 2-1 victory and the championship.

After a scoreless first period, Schroeder took a 1-0 lead at 5:25 of the second as defenseman Nolan Roughsedge assisted on Jason Simons tally. Later in the second, the Warriors got an insurance goal from Simons.

Churchville-Chili hit the post late in the period and Luke Herring set up Gavin Carr for a one-timer at the period buzzer, but entered the third down by two.

The Saints got a power play with 4:40 remaining in regulation, but could not convert. They then pulled their goaltender for the extra-attacker with two minutes left and finally got on the board as Tyler Eberhart fed Jesse Prue in the slot with 38 seconds left, but could not get the equalizer.

Churchville-Chili outshot the Warriors 46-33 in the game.

“It’s tough; we took 46 shots and couldn’t get anything past the goaltender until the end and too little, too late at that point,” Saints head coach Brian Young said. “Every time we tried to drive the middle or clear pucks through the middle, they were there.

“They played so well defensively; their defensive zone coverage on us (meant) we never had more than one second with the puck and it’s just hard to generate offense when that’s going on.”

The Saints had a stellar 16-3-1 regular season, winning the division crown for the first time in ten years and were the top seed in Class B. Several players set program records including Max McKay becoming just the second Saints player with 100 career points and tying his own record for assists in one season with 30, Parker Farnham setting new marks for goals in one season (28) and winning the Section V scoring crown.

Forwards Tyler Eberhart, McKay and Farnham with defensemen Trey Eberhart and Gavin Carr were named All Star First Team Selections for Division 2 and Young was named Coach of the Year.

“There is a lot to be proud of this season,” Young said. “It didn’t end the way we wanted it to in the last game, but we have so many kids that broke school records and had individual point tallies that are just off the charts and they accomplished so many great things this year.

“As a group I’ve never seen them be so tight and do the things we did together. We all took a limo bus to watch the JV win the championship yesterday and it’s a big part of the program making sure everyone is involved.

“They commit to volunteer work off ice and team dinners and it would have been nice to see them rewarded for all that in the game today.”

With a win on January 31, Churchville-Chili’s varsity hockey team clinched the division title for the first time in 10 years. The Saints finished the regular season with a record of 16-3-1 and as the #1 seed in Class B. They fell to Webster-Schroeder in the championship game. Photo from @cccsdhockey on Twitter.

North Chili resident is western Monroe County’s first female Eagle Scout

by Cheryl Johnson and Debra Wallace

For over 100 years the Boy Scouts of America developed a reputation for service, outdoor adventure and teaching strong moral values. They were also, per their name, focused on serving young men. Girls who wanted to be involved could join Venture Crews, but weren’t eligible for Eagle. That policy was upended in 2019 when the doors were opened wide for girls to not only join Scouts BSA Troops, but the rank of Eagle also became open to them.

Melody Wallace’s path to Eagle began the day this policy changed. The North Chili resident and a group of friends and committed adults were given the opportunity to jump into Scouts BSA with a new girl troop immediately.

She quickly latched on to the new vision. From the moment she began trying on uniforms, her face told a story that this was where she belonged – and she never looked back.

Her fiery determination could sometimes be a frustration to those around her but it was that same determination that developed into her ability to do anything she set her mind to – and that’s exactly what

She immediately resonated with the advancement structure, clear path forward, and the way that skills were taught. Rather than avoiding difficult tasks, she had to learn to work through them. Even after mastering a task, she not only had to be able to demonstrate it, but had to know it well enough to teach it to other scouts.

Skill development also took shape through challenges. There were hikes that were a little longer than expected, packs that were heavy, shoes that hurt, trees that scratched, and bugs and spiders that somehow made their way inside tents where they most certainly did not belong.

Eventually she found her groove in each of the areas she needed to and found some that she loved, others not so much. She survived both adventures that were too hot or too cold, too wet or too windy, too physical or not physical enough, and grew from the challenges where she pushed herself outside of her comfort zone.

As part of her Eagle project, Melody Wallace led a group to build a 9 square game on the grounds of Spencerport Wesleyan Church. Provided photo.

Melody designed and led a group in painting a mural to decorate the youth room at Spencerport Wesleyan Church. Provided photo

My Hometown Neighbors

Knots that were once an impossibility were now taught to other scouts with ease. What started as camping in a friend’s backyard evolved to backpacking into primitive areas carrying everything that was needed for the trip. Hikes that were once incredibly difficult became simply another day in the woods.

She worked her way through each rank with resolve and determination – mastering cooking, knots, safety, camping, knife skills, ax safety, building campfires, first aid and more. As her skills grew, so did her confidence.

As she checked the boxes on each rank requirement and completed each merit badge, she found herself planning her Eagle project. She picked an organization she loved and that had also made an impact on her life – Spencerport Wesleyan Church Youth Group, and she picked a project she loved – one involving design and art.

First she designed and printed shirts as a fundraiser. Then she led a group of youth in painting a mural she designed for the youth room at Spencerport Wesleyan Church. She also led a group to build a 9 square game and paint sidewalk games on the church parking lot.

After completing all of that and passing her Eagle Board of Review, she learned that she was the first female Eagle Scout both in Spencerport, where Troop 218 is based, but also in all of the west side of Monroe County.

She was recognized for this achievement on January 20, 2023. Carol Nellis-Ewell, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Spencerport, and Robert Colby, Monroe County Legislator from District 20 were in attendance.

Melody says Scouts BSA has been an incredible platform for her to learn and demonstrate new skills and she’s thrilled to be a part of the organization – after all, once an Eagle, always an

My Hometown Service Clubs

Churchville Lions on the move

For the past 28 years, the Churchville Lions Club Medical Loan Closet has been just to the east end of the Town of Riga Highway Garages. Last week, with the assistance of two local businesses – Ian Lewert from Amish Outlet and Gift Shop and Jim Fodge from Jim’s Service – they moved the building to its new location on the same property at no cost to the club.

The Lions Club is grateful to the Town of Riga Highway staff, Jim Fodge, and Ian Lewert for making this move possible. The new location will make it easier to access the building and create a more stable foundation for the Loan Closet.

With a motto of “We Serve,” the Lions Club of Churchville has served the local community for over 50 years, loaning out medical equipment at no cost to the borrower. Those with a need for medical equipment can call 594-2103.

Provided information and photo

Melody also painted sidewalk games on the church parking lot for the youth group to enjoy. Provided photo.

Eagle. She hopes every girl on the west side will consider joining Scouts – either Troop 218 in Spencerport or one of the many others across the county.

My Hometown Sports Saints wrestlers win Section V team title for the first time in program history

The Saints wrestling program won the Section V A2 team title held at Monroe Community College last weekend. This is the first Section V team title in the 62-year history of the program at Churchville-Chili.

The team was led by senior Gavin Haskins (126 lbs.) and the following place finishers:

•6th place – sophomore Jayden Gourdine (145 lbs.)

•5th place – junior Justin Tennity (138 lbs.), sophomore Trevor Weeden (172 lbs.), and sophomore Max Tomaszewski (189 lbs.)

•4th place – senior Xander Tomaszewski (152 lbs.), senior Johnathan Cullen (189 lbs.), and sophomore Jaxxon Cody (215 lbs.)

•3rd place – sophomore Logan Morse (102 lbs.), freshman Carter Walworth (118 lbs.), and eighth grader Andrew Frost (145 lbs.)

•Finalists – freshman Andrew Jeffers (110 lbs.) and junior Gael Sanchez (285 lbs.)

•Individual Champions – junior Cael Raines (132 lbs.) and junior Coy Raines (160 lbs.)

The Churchville Fire Department gave the team a return trip parade through the village of Churchville to the Senior High School building.

All place finishers advanced to the Section V NYS Qualifier on

February 11 at the SERC on the SUNY Brockport campus. This is also a program record on the number of wrestlers advancing to the NYS Qualifier. Cael and Coy Raines both placed first in their respective weight classes at the State Qualifier.

Provided information and photo

My Hometown Schools Gates Chili administrators receive national, state recognition

Two Gates Chili Central School District administrators have received national and state recognition.

Director of Communications Iva Petrosino, APR has been recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) as an emerging leader in school communications, while Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Dr. Patrick Irving, CMAA has been honored by the New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA).

On February 10, NSPRA announced Petrosino as a member of its 2022-23 “35 Under 35” class. Every other year, the 35 Under 35 program recognizes school public relations professionals who are making a difference for their school districts or educationrelated employers.

Petrosino has served in her role as director of communications since 2019. In that time, she has led a district-wide branding campaign, expanded budget communication efforts, and helped launch the district’s strategic plan for equity. Petrosino is also the president of the Greater Rochester Professional School Com-

municators (GRPSC) and is slated to begin serving as a directorat-large for the Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) this year.

On February 13, NYSAAA named Irving as the 2023 Chapter 5 Athletic Administrator of the Year. Every year, the association recognizes one administrator from each of its 11 chapters who has made an outstanding contribution to athletics over the years and who has practiced and supported the positive values of education-based athletics throughout their career.

Dr. Irving has served in his role as director of physical education, health and athletics since 2016. In that time, he has grown the athletic program with an increase in the number of multi-sport student-athletes, expanded health education to include personal safety curriculum, and advocated for Unified Sports in Gates Chili and throughout the region. In addition, Dr. Irving currently serves as president-elect of Section V Athletics executive committee. He will take over as president in the 2024-25 school year.

Provided information

The Saints at the awards ceremony and the presentation of the Section V brick, medals, and Section V team patch. Shown are (l-r): front row – Gavin Haskins, Justin Tennity, Andrew Frost, Johnathan Cullen, Andrew Jeffers, and Logan Morse; middle row – Coach Ethan Livernash, Carter Walworth, Cael Raines, Jayden Gourdine, Trevor Weeden, Gael Sanchez, and Derek Koch; back row – Coach Jon Raines, Coach Justin Raines, Coy Raines, Xander Tomaszewski, Jaxxon Cody, Max Tomaszewski, and 2019 Grad/Coach Dan Preston.

My Hometown Schools

Exploring Your Culture Day at C-C Middle School

The first Exploring Your Culture Day at Churchville-Chili’s Middle School, held on January 31, encouraged students in grades 5-8 to reach out to family members, learn about their unique backgrounds, traditions and family heritage, and proudly share their stories with others.

In just one sixth grade classroom, students discovered family roots from places as far-ranging as Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ireland, Italy, Korea, England, France and Jamaica. One student shared her family’s antique Native American horn rattle and handbeaded baby moccasins. Another student displayed a vintage book printed in German featuring photos from Passau, the town her ancestors came from. Others enthusiastically explained customs, foods, arts or beliefs that have shaped their families over the generations.

The experience was designed by the Middle School’s faculty Equity Team to support the goal of creating a welcoming and affirming environment for all students. The Equity Team includes over twenty faculty members working to promote diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the year.

Participating students had two weeks to collect information and visuals that represented their family history, heritage, values, language or religion. Each created a special project highlighting family culture – a poster, digital slide or collection of artifacts – and then presented their family story to classmates. Students broke into small groups to discuss why understanding their cul

ture and that of their classmates is important in fostering positive relationships. Ideas for continued recognition of other cultures were also shared.

“Just as every student belongs to their individual family, they also belong to our school family,” said Middle School Administrator Megan Wideman. “We want to create an environment where students feel safe, respected and more connected to one another and to the adults in school. The goal is to better understand each other and celebrate our differences every day of the year, not just on Culture Day.” Provided information and photos

Teacher Christina Apeland was impressed with the thought put into projects, like the family tree going back hundreds of years this student brought in.

Many of the poster graphics included multiple cultural origins, plus family values and religious beliefs.

Students took pride in sharing their family history and expressing their unique heritage.

My Hometown Veterans Spreading love to Veterans on Valentine’s Day

By Briana Litolff Lynch

Chili American Legion Post #1830 Family

Who doesn’t like to make Valentines?

For the last three years we have made “Valentines for Veterans” an annual project in my household. In collaboration with the Chili American Legion Post #1830 ALA members, junior members, A Time to Grow Preschool, family and friends we handmade 240 Valentines to be distributed locally to Veterans. My mentor, Pamela Moore, initiated this project to me three years ago and we thrive to continue, and make it bigger and better every year. I am very proud of this project and blessed to pass it onto my daughter Grace and my nieces & nephews. The community involvement is humbling.

I think the most important part of “Valentines for Veterans” is teaching the younger generations about why we are doing this. We are finding ways to express our gratitude for those who fought for our country. It is the little things that can be a big thing to them. We wrote on the Valentines sayings like “Brave soldier,” “To my Hero,” and “Thank you for your service.”

This year A Time to Grow Preschool in Chili helped us in having every child make a Valentine and talking with them about why we Making seniors at Otto Commons Greece, Please

ing helped in project especially Legion #1830 for all their hard work in making this Valentine’s Day special for our Veterans.

Chili American Legion Post #1830 ALA members (Left to right) Barbara Alexander, Lisa Gartz, Cheryl Corke, Carolyn Emerson, and Junior member Isabel Resides. Photo by Bob Stuhler

Valentines crafted by 3-4 year old classes at A Time to Grow Preschool in Chili NY. Photo by Briana Litolff Lynch

My Hometown Schools

Churchville Heart Challenge

Churchville Elementary School has been supporting the American Heart Association’s events (Hoops for Heart, Jump Rope for Heart and Kids Heart Challenge) for 22 years. Last year, CES ranked #4 in NYS by raising $25,420 and was recognized as a leader in supporting the AHA. The school continues to participate in the Kids Heart Challenge to teach students about the importance of heart health, exercise and giving back to others. “We want our students to understand how even our little school can make a big impact when we all come together to help,” said PE teacher Bethany Matsko.

This year, the school is celebrating one of their own students as a Heart Hero. Caleb entered the world as a small but healthy baby. At nine months his growth slowed dramatically. After many tests, it was determined he had an undiagnosed heart defect. Caleb’s heart had holes that allowed oxygen rich blood to mix with oxygen poor blood, making his heart work twice as hard. Caleb received open heart surgery just before his second birthday. Doctors said if Caleb hadn’t received this surgery, he would have continued to have delayed growth and additional complications. Caleb saw tremendous growth after surgery and caught up with his peers within a year. This story is not uncommon; one in 100 children are born with a heart defect, making it the most common birth defect. Today, Caleb is doing well and is an active fourth-grade student.

In Caleb’s honor, and to help the many others affected with heart issues, CES rallied and raised $28,463, beating last year’s record. As a reward, students slimed their Principal, Assistant Principal and PE teachers.

Provided information and photos

My Hometown First Responders Gates Fire District holding Citizens Fire Academy Seminar

The Gates Fire District’s Citizens Fire Academy Seminar (CFAS) will be held April 29, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Gates Fire District Station 2, 2215 Long Pond Road. The free program is designed to inform citizens about the services provided by their fire department.

The CFAS is open to individuals, 18 years of age or older, who reside in the Gates Fire District. The CFAS gives fire department personnel an opportunity to welcome residents into the firehouse

and introduce them to the unique ways the fire department serves the community.

Participants will also be provided with CPR, Stop the Bleed, and fire extinguisher training, along with being able to witness technical rescue and auto extrication evolutions conducted by firefighters.

Space is limited to 15 participants and applications are due by March 31. Go to gatesfd.org or the Gates or Chili Recreation Department for more information and applications.

Provided information

PE teachers CJ Palozzi and Bethany Matsko with students Caleb, Raymond and Jeffrey. CES raised $28,463 in Caleb’s honor and to help other with heart issues.

PE teacher CJ Palozzi, student teacher Kiley Longin, Principal Kate Daly, Assistant Principal Kim Giancursio and PE teacher Bethany Matsko after being slimed.

My Hometown Library

The BIG READ: NTID with Ilya Kaminsky

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) was awarded the National Endowment of the Arts BIG READ grant and has chosen to bring Ilya Kaminsky to Rochester. Jointly, with RIT/NTID and the Monroe County Library System, The Gates Public Library will host an evening with Mr. Kaminsky on April 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Kaminsky grew up in Rochester but now resides in Georgia. He is the author of poetry collections. At the event, he will read some selected poems from his book Deaf Republic and will sign copies. Books are provided for the community through the NEA grant. A reception will follow. This event will be interpreted. Registration is required. Please call 585-247-6446 or register online at https://tinyurl.com/GATES-BIG-READ-2023

Other related BIG READ events at Gates Public Library are book discussions around the poetry of Deaf Republic. All are welcome to attend one of the dates for an exciting and lively discussion before the April 1 event.

Book Discussions are Wednesday, March 22, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. or Saturday, March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. An interpreter will be signing for the Saturday book discussion. Please register for a book discussion so the library can prepare to have an appropriate quantity of books on hand.

Provided information

Three Saints sign on to play college sports

Three Churchville-Chili seniors recently signed Letters of Intent to play their chosen sports at the college level. From left, Sydney Postell is going to LeMoyne College, Division 2, for basketball; Joshua Romesser to Robert Morris University, Division 1, for cross-country; and Taylor Curyto to Houghton University, Division 3, for soccer.

Photo from @CCCSDtweets on Twitter.

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A note from Dr. Sam Camarata (Owner)