My Hometown December 2022

Lori

Cooking with Dan

What do the following have in common? Coconut Magic Muf fins, Cincinnati Chili Dogs, Eggnog Cupcakes and Fruit Loop Panna Cotta. They are all recipes that have been featured on “Cooking with Dan,” an ongoing video series that is regularly posted on the Gates Recreation & Parks Department Facebook page.

It all started back in March 2020. As COVID-19 closed down busi nesses across the world, the Recreation & Parks Department at the Town of Gates saw all of their programs and events canceled. Spring is normally one of the busiest times of the year for a Rec Depart ment, but all of that changed in an instant. With their programming put on hold, Recreation Director Dan Hoock and his team began looking for ways to remain connected to their community through social media. They began making videos that featured craft projects, outdoor recreational activities like geocaching and disc golf, science experiments, story time, and the one that ended up being the most popular of them all cooking.

The very first “Cooking with Dan” video saw him making Green Eggs and Ham to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. He figured that maybe he’d film a few more and then life and work responsibilities would go back to nor We all know that pandemic lasted longer than any expected. Month month, Dan kept making cooking videos. Throughout that first he received a lot positive feedback, from people he’d met, and that en couraged him to con tinue with the idea.

By far, the most popular videos are shot with Dan and his two daughters, Emery (age 9) and Olivia (age 6). Desserts are often what the kids choose to make, but every so often they will feature a recipe with ingredients like eggplant, peaches, or chicken. Cooking with Dan has also featured appearances by many of his family members, other Recreation staff, the Gates Public Library Director and, most recently, he collaborated with a chef from Pure Imagination Cafe.

The beauty of Cooking with Dan is that he knows he’s not a cook ing expert. Though he spent a majority of his childhood and early adult years in the restaurant business, Dan considers himself noth ing more than an ordinary home cook. He just happened to stumble upon a way to inspire his community to be more creative in the kitchen. In the videos, he keeps the directions short and sweet. He uses common ingredients most of the time. You can tell he’s taken notes from many of the food celebrities we see on TV, but Dan does not try to come across like a culinary authority. In fact, he will tell you that the real stars of the show are his two daughters.

When people around town recognize them from their “cooking show,” the first comment is usually about how much they enjoy watching the girls cook. More than anything, Dan’s favorite part of the past two and a half years of doing these videos has been watching his daughters grow up on the screen. They went from being quiet and shy in the very beginning to funny and charismatic in the most recent videos.

When asked about the future of Cooking with Dan, he said he is al ways looking for new ways to reinvent it and keep the content fresh and entertaining. A month ago, he partnered with Pure Imagination Cafe and they did an in-person class that included a live video shot at the end. He also wants to partner with more local chefs and film in their restaurants. However, he admits the ones he looks forward to the most are at his kitchen counter. Standing next to his kids. Smiling at the thought of how it all began, back in March of 2020, during a very uncertain, yet memorable time of life.

Provided information and photo

Gates Recreation Director Dan Hoock hosts the “Cooking with Dan” video series on Facebook. His daughters, Emery and Olivia, are frequent guests.

Dan’s father has also appeared on the show.

Click The Video to Watch Online!

Churchville-Chili CSD BOE appoints new member

The Churchville-Chili Central School District Board of Educa tion passed a resolution during the November 8 board meeting to appoint Michelle Aloi to serve on the board. Ms. Aloi will be completing the term of BOE member, Kristen Brumbaugh, who resigned due to a job relocation.

The district advertised this vacancy, candidates applied and submitted letters of interest. The board interviewed applicants in October, and Ms. Aloi was selected. Ms. Aloi and her family have resided within the district for 10 years. Her three children attend Churchville-Chili schools and are in second, sixth and ninth grades. Ms. Aloi works as a consultant within the retail food industry where she is currently Vice President overseeing the company’s busi ness operations in Japan. She was a coach for Churchville-Chili’s

Odyssey of the Mind program for seven years and has served as a youth soccer and basketball coach.

“I am proud of our school and com munity, and I feel that I will bring a unique perspective to the board,” said Aloi. “I look forward to working to help create the best environment for our children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

Ms. Aloi will be issued the Oath of Office on December 13, 2022, and will assume BOE duties at that time. Provided information and photo

Michelle Aloi

Varsity Vocals to perform holiday concerts

Churchville-Chili High School has six vocal ensembles for stu dents to sing in. Three meet during the school day and Varsity Vocals is one of the three that meet after school. Varsity Vocals is a select ensemble featuring nine students. On Tuesday afternoons, they can be found rehearsing songs from the classical, contem porary, jazz, and musical theater genre – all unaccompanied by instruments other than their own voices.

In years past, the group has sung for Chamber of Commerce luncheons, produced CDs, as well as caroled through Chili-Paul Wegmans. Additionally over the years they have been hired to sing at private events such as holiday parties.

Varsity Vocals is excited to return to the Cobble Stone Hall on Saturday, December 17, at 1 p.m. to spread some holiday cheer. The group will be singing in the aisles of Wegmans the night before, Friday December 16, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Their winter concert will be at the C-C Performing Arts Center, 5786 Buffalo Road on Thursday, December 22, at 7 p.m.

All are welcome to come out to listen to Varsity Vocals this holiday season! Email their director, Erik Reinhart at ereinhart@

Community Amateur Photo Contest at Gates Public Library

The Gates Public Library announces a Photo Contest in January 2023 and we want YOU to submit a photograph! Our theme, “Win ter in Gates”, is a beautiful sight and we want to know how you feel it, see it and play in it! Our first photo con test encourages shutterbugs to capture our hometown of Gates and expe rience the joys of winter.

The contest is open to three age groups; children, up to and including age 12; teens, ages 13 to 18 and adults 19 and older.

The submission of an 8 x 10 color or black and white digital photo can be brought to the Gates Public Library from Tuesday, January 3, through Friday, January 13. The photographs will be on display in the Library’s atrium for peer judging from January 17 through 27. Visitors to the Library will be encouraged to vote for their favorite image from each of the three age groups. There is no entrance fee.

Contest Rules: We do have a few guidelines to follow, but have fun while you do!

•Amateur photographers only

•One (1) submission per person

•Photos must have been taken in the Town of Gates

•Photos must not have been previously published or sold

•Photos must be 8” by 10”, horizontal or vertical (black & white, or color; photo paper or copy paper)

•Photos must be dropped off at the Gates Public Library during open hours

•Photos not picked up from the Gates Public Library by end of day, February 28, 2023, will be discarded, unless prior arrangements are made for return by another method.

That is it! One winner from each age range will be announced on January 31, 2023, and presented with a gift card.

We cannot wait to see your creativity, the pride you have of your hometown and of course the beautiful imagery you capture. Start your new year off with the gift of the visual arts.

Provided information and photo

cccsd.org, to have them to sing for your event! Provided information and photo

Museums

GCV&M presents a lineup of festive holiday happenings

Visitors will find many opportunities to include Genesee Country Village & Museum in their holiday traditions this December. The museum presents a full lineup of fes tive holiday shopping experiences, theatri cal tours of the Historic Village, pancake breakfasts with St. Nick, and more. Explore all holiday happenings and purchase tickets online: https://www.gcv.org/holiday-hap penings/.

Yuletide in the Country Theatrical Tours and Holiday Dinner & Brunch

Visit the museum on select Fridays, Satur days, and Sundays in December (December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16 and 17), for Yuletide in the Country. Visitors will explore the wintry Historic Village by candlelight and be invited into scenes that highlight celebrations and gatherings as they would have looked throughout the 1800s. The atrical performances will represent the rich history and tradition that newcomers to the region would have shared throughout the 19th century. Highlights include a look at the Italian-American tradi tion of Festi dei Setti Pesci, a Hanukkah celebration, Watch Night festivities as presented by David Shakes and the North Star Players, and moments of fika and hygge with Swedish settlers. Visitors may even encounter the jolly old elf, St. Nick. Yuletide Tours will run from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays, from 2 to 8:45 p.m. on Saturdays, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. General admission for Yuletide Tours is $30, and admission for museum members is $26. Yuletide Tours can be paired with a festive dinner or brunch on select dates – a GCV&M tradition featuring savory and sweet holiday dishes. Yuletide Dinners are $32 for adults and $20 for guests 10 and under (children ages 3 and under are free). Yuletide Brunches are $25 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under (children ages 3 and under are free). Tickets for Yuletide in the Country Tours, Dinners, and Brunches must be purchased separately and in advance. Yule tide in the Country is sponsored by Valley Propane & Fuels, Cedar Street Sales & Rentals, and NFP Technology Solutions. Learn more and purchase tickets online: https://www.gcv.org/event/yuletidein-the-country-tours-holiday-dinner-and-brunch/.

Pancake Breakfast with St. Nick

On Saturday, December 17, and Sunday, December 18, GCV&M will be offering a holiday favorite, the annual Pancake Breakfast with St. Nick. With seatings at 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. on Satur day and 9 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, guests can enjoy a sweet and savory buffet breakfast of pancakes, French toast, sausage, and other offerings. After Breakfast with St. Nick on Sunday, December 18, visitors can explore a medley of holiday happenings in the Historic Village during a Holiday Open House (tickets must be purchased separately). The Pancake Break fast with St. Nick is $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 3 to 12, and children two and under are free. Learn more and purchase tickets online: https://www.gcv.org/event/breakfast-st-nick/.

Holiday Open House

On Sunday, December 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., families can celebrate the season by exploring the festive Historic Village during GCV&M’s Holiday Open House. See villag ers bustling with winter tasks and offering greetings to their neighbors and friends. Bring the whole family for self-guided tours through historic homes that are warmed by fires and alive with holiday lights, candles, and traditional decorations. Visit the D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery for a histori cal treat, shop the Flint Hill Store, attend a Curatorial Talk on warm winter fashions, take a family photo in the Village, and more. General admission is $12, $9 for museum members, and children three and under are free. Learn more and purchase tickets online: https://www.gcv.org/event/holidayopen-house/.

Holiday Afternoon Tea in the Village

Visit GCV&M on December 14, 15, 20 and 21, from 1 to 3 p.m. for an exclusive new holiday tradition – Afternoon Tea in the Historic Village. Set in historic Davis Opera Hall bedecked for the holidays, this event includes a tea etiquette talk by Lyn Somers and a minitour of historic Hyde and Hamilton houses in the Museum’s Gaslight District. Guests are also welcome to stroll through the decorated Village before or after tea. Afternoon Tea includes a selection of tea varieties, finger sandwiches, quiches, and sweet treats. Wine and mimosas will also be available for purchase. Tickets for Afternoon Tea are $45 for the general public, $40 for museum members. Learn more and purchase tickets online: https://www. gcv.org/event/holiday-tea/.

Holiday Cookies

Celebrate the season with a box of historic holiday cookies from GCV&M. The D.B. Munger & Co. Confectionery will be filling orders of fresh, homemade cookies again this winter. GCV&M’s holiday cookies make great gifts and are the perfect dessert to bring to any holiday party. Cookie varieties include a number of favorites like ginger nuts, springerles, ox tongue cookies, teacakes, and more. Learn more and place orders for holiday cookies online: https://www.gcv.org/holiday-cookies/.

Holiday Shopping in the Flint Hill Store

Find the perfect something for everyone on your holiday shopping list in the Flint Hill Store at GCV&M. Visitors to holiday events will have the opportunity to shop in the Flint Hill Store and explore handcrafted goods made in the Historic Village, artisanal wares, treats and sweets, museum apparel, and more. Plus, shop the on line store any time at https://shop.gcv.org/flint-hill-store.html.

Those wishing to support Genesee Country Village & Museum this holiday season can make a gift at gcv.org/donate, become a museum member, or purchase a gift membership for a family member or fellow history lover. Explore all GCV&M holiday hap penings here: https://www.gcv.org/holiday-happenings/.

Provided information and photo

Don’t miss an annual tradition – Yuletide in the Country Tours & Buffets at GCV&M, coming up this December.

My Hometown Recreation

The Imagination Playground will be inclusive of all

by Colleen Onuffer

with before education thrive,” said Intervention her family experience and far to Noticing used their leasing a build had four to register welcoming more them through 2012 to 240 school-aged chil Pre-Kindergarten inclusive center,” includes education physical with her facility is ‘That’s okay,

Imagination Childcare Academy students drew pictures of what they wanted to see included in the new playground. Provided photo.

no place has a playground that can accommodate her. She can sit on the side and watch while the kids play.’ My heart just broke. That’s not okay – not for the child and not for the mom to accept that as reality. We can do better.”

That’s when Medlar decided to create a fully inclusive play ground space that allows children of all abilities to play together. The Imagination Playground is expected to be complete by fall 2024 and will be open to the public outside of school hours, much like the current playground that exists, built by Holy Ghost parishioners back in 1987.

“People are scared that we’ll tear the current playground down,” said Medlar. “I believe in history and communities, so the play ground will remain. We will refurbish it and make it safe for our kids. And then add the inclusive playground as well.”

The project began last year with a design day. Medlar said, “We had the kids draw pictures of what they wanted to see in the playground. The designer from Play by Design in Ithaca came and met with the students. He took the pictures home and designed a playground based on their visions.”

The playground will have a stage area for kids to act, along with shelving to store dramatic play clothes and a ramp for all children to access the stage. There will be a block area to build with big blocks outside, an art easel that kids could wheel up to, a commu nication board for kids that are non-verbal, and a sensory tunnel for those with sensory needs. It will also have a We-Go-Swing that includes one accessible bay for a wheelchair and one bench seat, allowing two individuals to swing together.

“We’ve been working with other Rochester organizations to learn what being inclusive really is, and how to best accommodate everyone,” said Medlar. “We don’t want this playground to be ADA compliant or just accessible – we want it to be fully inclusive, where kids can play side-by-side with their peers, regardless of ability.

The project is now in the fundraising phase. Medlar has sub divided Imagination Childcare’s 12 acres and applied for 501c3 status. “This makes the playground its own entity as a not-forprofit organization. And whenever I decide to sell my building, I can gift the playground to the Town of Gates, so it will always be a public playground.”

ers, and sponsorship opportunities that will help raise the million dollars it will take to refurbish the current playground, build the new, inclusive one, and cover necessary maintenance.

But for now, the team is doing their own fundraising efforts. A Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair recently brought in $4,000 for the project with over 50 vendors, raffles, and food and drinks.

parent of two of our students,” said Medlar. “She did all of the

work to organize and promote the craft fair and did a wonderful job with it!”

The event drew so much interest, even creating a waitlist of vendors who wanted to participate, that two more craft fairs are scheduled for next April and November. Other future efforts include basket raffles, a golf tournament in June, and selling tshirts.

“My PTA is working to find new ways to continue to raise funds ourselves, but we will need to lean on local companies and or ganizations,” said Medlar. “This is a community playground and everybody will have to pitch in to make it work. I’m happy to do the leg work, but we need help to make this a community asset.”

In addition, Medlar is looking for people to help with grant writ ing – specifically people who understand working with children with special needs – and advisors who can help make sure the playground equipment will be fully inclusive and meet the needs of her students.

“This playground is going to be a space for ALL people to come together,” explained Medlar. “It will remove barriers for our most challenged populations. And provide a safe space for our com munity to enjoy and play together.”

Imagination Childcare Academy is located at 230 Coldwater Road, Rochester, NY 14624. Its current playground is open to the public on weeknights from 6 to 9 PM and on weekends. For more information and updates about the playground, visit imagina tionchildcareacademy.org or like The Imagination Playground on Facebook.

Chili Lions welcome new members

Bob and Bonnie Cohoon with their sponsors Janine and Jim Wheeler, and President Mike Donnor

Debbie Mancini with sponsor Keri Neathawk, President Mike Donnor, and Membership Chair Bert Maggio

Cristina Candelaria with sponsor Larry Lazenby and President Mike Donnor.

Wreaths Across America event planned in Churchville

Volunteers help to Remember, Honor, Teach about our community’s heroes.

Girl Scout Troop 60487 togeth er with The Harvey C. Noone Post #954 Family are bringing Wreaths Across America Creekside, St. Vincent, Riga Cemeteries again for The community is invited join them for ceremonies December 17 at 11 a.m. at Cemetery or noon at Creek side Cemetery. Wreaths be sponsored for $15 each the Village of Churchville fice, Town of Riga office, man Riga Library, or online https://wreathsacrossamerica. org/ny0303. Provided photo from 2021 Wreaths Across America Day in Churchville. Provided information and photo.

Roberts Wesleyan University expands athletics with four new sports

On November 14, Roberts Wesleyan University President Deana L. Porterfield and Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave an nounced that the university will add four new sports to its roster of NCAA Division II athletic offerings, bringing the total number of intercollegiate sports programs on campus to 20. Beginning in fall 2023, Roberts will add women’s field hockey, women’s triathlon, men’s volleyball and an electronic sports (Esports) team. These new athletic options will add a new dimension to the student experience and will afford more scholarship opportunities for prospective athletes.

“I’m delighted to share that we are planning to add these sports to Roberts Wesleyan University Athletics as a proof of our commit ment to helping students succeed in all areas of life,” said Executive Director of Athletics Bob Segave. “I look forward to working with the new coaches and student athletes to build these programs at Roberts, the only NCAA Division II school in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes Region. I am committed to mentoring my staff to serve students by providing a sense of confidence, belonging and spiritual formation as individuals and as a team.”

The university will begin a national search to hire coaches for these new teams, including hiring an additional athletic trainer/ strength and conditioning coach to further support new athletic recruits. Redhawks Athletics will immediately begin recruiting new student athletes for these sports. In alignment with NCAA Division II rules, athletics scholarships will be available for all new sports beginning in fall 2023.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Redhawk, and this expansion of our competitive teams provides a more robust athletics program. For 157 years Roberts Wesleyan University has been committed to education for character, and our athletic programs provide oppor tunities for students to become the best they can be on and off the

field,” said President Deana L. Porterfield. “As an NCAA Division II university, we are committed to the de velopment of the stu dent-athlete, which pairs academic excellence with excellence in competition. At Roberts we go one step further, integrating faith in all that we do. Our students excel academically across all disciplines and serve the community out of a call to transform society. This is the Roberts difference.”

The university worked closely with USA Triathlon and its Chief Operating Officer Tim Yount to expedite competition for women’s triathlon and East Coast Conference (ECC) Esports, one of the largest electronic sports conferences in the country. The Esports program has emerged in recent years and has grown in popularity with students who are interested in competing in something other than traditional sports. The college-age demographic is shifting toward this type of competition to put their skills and strategies to work competing in game titles like “Rocket League” and “Mario Kart.” The university plans to have a dedicated Esports gaming center on the main campus and will compete against other schools in the ECC and all levels of NCAA.

“With the addition of these new sports also comes the op portunity to make an impact on enrollment goals,” said Segave. “Redhawks Athletics is grateful for the leadership and support of President Porterfield and the cabinet as we continue to position Roberts Wesleyan University in both the ECC and NCAA Division II level.”

For more information on Redhawks Athletics, visit robertsred hawks.com.

Provided information

Brighten spirits by becoming a DePaul Holiday Helper

With the holiday season approaching, DePaul, a not-for-profit health and human service agency based in Gates, is seeking the community’s support for its annual Holiday Helpers Program. Individuals, businesses, schools, and service and faith-based organizations can “adopt” clients from DePaul’s mental health residential programs who may not have family support during this meaningful time of year. Participants can select from items on a wish list or choose to donate generic gifts such as hats, gloves, personal care items, or socks for adults. Past client wishes have included items as simple as a piece of chocolate cake, boots or basic articles of clothing.

If you are interested in adopting actual gifts from an individual’s holiday wish list, arrangements can be made to ship adopted wishes from online retailers directly to DePaul. If you wish to purchase gifts and personally deliver them, specific appointment times will be available for in-person drop-offs at a convenient location. Donations of gift cards and financial contributions can

also be made instead of purchasing gifts. DePaul is dedicated to safety and social distancing as needed.

For over 20 years, generous members of the community have made the season special for those less fortunate by taking part in DePaul’s Holiday Helpers Program. DePaul serves some 5,000 people annually in programs that encompass mental health residential and support services, senior living residential services, addiction prevention and support programs, vocational programs and affordable housing.

For more information about the Holiday Helpers Program, contact Amy Cavalier via email at acavalier@depaul.org or by calling 585-426-8000, ext. 3102. Learn more about DePaul by visiting www.depaul.org. Tax-deductible financial contributions can be made by check and mailed to “DePaul Holiday Helpers Program,” 1931 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624, or made online on DePaul’s website at https://www.depaul.org/donate/ donation-form/. Provided information

My Hometown Sports Giving Back this Holiday Season

by Melissa Cunningham

The Churchville-Chili Travel Baseball (CCTB) Organization has always kept giving back to the community at the forefront of the program, ensuring that the players understand the value of be ing good community members. “Giving back is important,” states Krissy Rule (CCTB Board Member). A decision was made to kick efforts up a notch and have a more formal community service program for the teams. Melissa Cunningham and Michelle Johnson both have sons who play in the program and took the challenge head-on by organizing two fall events that individuals/teams could participate in at their own comfort level.

Adopt-A-Box is a program that is facilitated annually through Pearce Memorial Church in North Chili and helps provide food for families during the Thanksgiving holiday. Adopt-A-Box information was sent to all CCTB families, and the response was overwhelm ing. The program itself collected more than 50 bags of food and some CCTB families helped with the final packing on November 17. This year’s program provided food to over 800 families in our area. Participation in the program is easy; anyone in the commu nity can participate in 2023 by reaching out to Pearce Memorial Church for more information.

Since the start of the pandemic, the Town of Chili initiated a reverse parade for Veteran’s Day that has become tradition for the town. The idea was to bring the parade to the veterans. “It was still important to show them respect and say thank you,” stated

CCTB players and siblings during the Town of Chili Veteran’s Day Reverse Parade

Honoring hometown heroes on Veteran’s Day.

My Hometown Sports

Melissa Cunningham.

Cunningham, who is also a member of the recreation committee for the town, thought the parade was a great opportunity for the boys to meet the veterans and hear their stories. On November 11, cars were decorated, horns were honking, and the kids were ready. Donning their Saints jerseys, they proudly shook hands with America’s heroes. Along the way, they met a Battle of the Bulge veteran who caught everyone’s attention by playing “God Bless America” on his harmonica. It was a special day on all accounts.

CCTB is proud of its players and their families for taking the time out to help their neighbors and honor our veterans. CCTB is more than just baseball; it is a strong community – one that is filled with generosity and a willingness to give back.

Provided photos

CCTB player, Cunningham, shopping for food for his team’s donation to Adopt-A-Box.

CCTB players, the Hall brothers, gathering their team’s donations.