My Hometown Magazine August 2023

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

Publisher Keith Ryan

Managing Editor Gary Sajdak

Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com

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

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4 Running the Race of Life - Daniel’s Race 2023

6 Chili American Legion Supports Eagle Star Housing

7 Celebrating 50 Years of Spencerport Girls Varsity Soccer

9 Churchville-Chili Appoints New SHS Assistant Principal

9 Churchville Legion Post Serves Up Evening of Entertainment

10 Decorated WWII Veteran and MCSO Jail Bureau Deputy James Cassidy Passes

Cover Photo Provided by RachelAnn Photography

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My Hometown Community Event

Running the Race of Life

by Colleen Onuffer

On Saturday, August 12, Daniel’s Race will be held at Churchville-Chili Middle School in remembrance of Daniel Myslivecek. The 5K race was first organized by Daniel’s friend in 2006 as an Eagle Scout project to help cover medical costs associated with his cancer treatment. Daniel ran in that race, despite being in the middle of a series of treatments, before losing his two-year battle with melanoma a few months later at the age of 16.

“Hosting the Daniel’s Race each year helps us to remember, reconnect, and reflect on running the race-of-life the way Daniel did,” said Daniel’s parents, Tammie and Dean Myslivecek, in a reflection on We Love and Lead.

“My favorite memory of Daniel is going to the castles in Gunnison, Colorado, and catching some of the most magnificent brown trout and brook trout you have ever seen,” said Dean. “Tammie’s favorite memory is watching him play soccer with a smile on his face and a look of determination right up until the very end.”

While trying out for the Churchville-Chili High School freshman soccer team, Daniel decided to drop out on his own. He went up to Coach John Mahoney to tell him in person, but Mahoney wouldn’t let him quit. Instead, Daniel made the team because he was man enough to speak to the coach on his own. “To this day, each fall, John Mahoney reads a description of the player that Daniel was and asks the boys to choose someone to wear Daniel’s number (#3) for the year,” said Tammi and Dean in the We Love and Lead

reflection.

Since that first event, Daniel’s Race continues to grow, averaging between 200 and 400 participants and 100 volunteers. It has also helped multiple families – both through national organizations and in our local community.

“We want to honor Daniel and continue his legacy within our community,” said Dean.

Each year, the race honors Daniel’s love of small children by awarding a $1,000 scholarship to a Churchville-Chili High School student who will be actively seeking a career involving children. Beyond that, the race helps support a local family who has a child dealing with a life-threatening illness.

“The local families that we have supported over the years always involves a child with severe medical and financial needs,” said Dean. “We enjoy supporting other families that shared the same thing that we went through.”

Part of this year’s proceeds will go to the Hoffman family – parents Edmaris and Matt, and son Nataniel. Since his birth in March 2022, Nataniel has faced significant health complications. He underwent multiple surgeries and procedures within the first two months of his life and spent nearly 10 months in a hospital in New York City. Baby Nataniel requires 24-hour nursing care and has a long, challenging road ahead of him, facing at least one more major surgery. Race proceeds and other donations will help alleviate the unexpected financial pressures the Hoffman family faces.

“The race was created to provide financial assistance for our family when we were in need,” said Dean. “We now know that other families in our local area have the same need, so we’re paying it forward.”

Any remaining proceeds after supporting the family will go to continued on page 5

Daniel Myslivecek enjoyed fishing.

Daniel’s parents, Tammie and Dean Myslivecek.

My Hometown Community Event

continued from page 4

the Samaritan’s Medical Fund at Golisano Children’s Hospital to help additional families. This fund assists in paying for treatment or covering the equipment that allows children to recuperate at home.

In an interview on Good Day Rochester, Daniel’s sister and race organizer, AJ, spoke of the race’s longevity. “None of us thought it’d go more than a couple of years,” she said. “It’s been pretty amazing to see how even the Daniel’s committee has grown over these past 18 years and has started handing responsibilities down to keep this going.”

“I just retired from teaching after 31 years and my children are taking over the race. We will do it for as long as they are capable,” said Dean.

Daniel’s Race is a family friendly event on a USATF-certified course. Everyone is welcome and invited to participate.

“People can come and walk with their strollers or their dogs and enjoy the fellowship of people doing good things for a good cause,” explained Dean. “Our race really tries to support melanoma prevention and education.”

Individual prizes will be given out to winners across age divisions and cash prizes will be awarded to the overall winner, men and women.

To register for Daniel’s Race, become a sponsor or donate, visit www.daniels5k.com.

Provided photos

Daniel’s Race will be held Saturday, August 12, at Churchville-Chili Middle School.

Members of the Myslivecek family.

Chili American Legion Auxiliary supports Eagle Star Housing

Chili and Star Housing as part of the Auxiliary’s support for local veterans. Eagle Star provides 60 to 90 days of transitional housing for up to 31 Veterans at its homes in Pembroke and Spencerport. It is a Safe Haven for veterans in need. Donations provide them with a renewed sense of hope and the assistance that they need to rebuild their lives. Those interested in adding their support can go to www.eaglestarhousing.com to make a donation. Provided information and photo.

My Hometown Sports Celebrating 50 years of Spencerport girls varsity soccer

Soccer is synonymous with Spencerport. In the 1970s, the boys soccer program in Spencerport had already established a rich, winning tradition. Title IX was passed in 1972, which created opportunities for the girls, and the Spencerport Rangers fielded their first ever girls varsity soccer team in the fall of 1973.

Under the leadership of Mrs. Pat Stevenson, thirty girls took to the pitch. Playing in gym suits and pinnies and with a brown rubber soccer ball, this team learned the skills and strategies of the game of soccer. At this time, a goal was worth two points and a penalty kick was worth

continued on page 8

The 1973 Spencerport girls varsity soccer team: first row – Vicki Van Halle, Virginia Zazzara, Cindy Willis, Diane Pucci, Deb Lynch, Karen Schiffhauer, Janice Sisson, Co-Captain Donna Pucci, Mary Marion, Deb McMullen; second row – Coach Patricia Stevenson, Linda Gauss, Candee Laws, Lynne Creech, Laurie Boughter, Kathy Hanwell, Jenny Krebs, Diane Wasserbauer, Cindy Lynch, Liz Ferris, Captain Penny VanSchoick, Miss Havens; third row – Dee Van Noy, Sherry Sherman, Ellen Gartland, Heather Brendel, Dawn Murphy, Kim Triassi, Donna Winnie, Marlene Youngman, Darlene Boulter, Mary Munn, Manager Marvis Boscher.

continued from page 7

1973 was also the first year that Section V hosted a sectional tournament for the girls. Because the Spencerport girls did not actually have uniforms of their own, they had to borrow the boys’ junior varsity uniforms for sectional play, as well as a legitimate soccer ball.

The Spencerport girls advanced to the quarter finals of the sectionals and defeated Geneseo 3-0. The semi-finals brought Spencerport to take on Canisteo which they defeated 5-0. The first ever Section V girls soccer finals pitted Spencerport vs. Alfred Almond. The game ended in regulation in a 0-0 tie and after four sudden death overtime periods, Spencerport was victorious 1-0 on a penalty kick.

The significance of this history has not been lost on the 1973 team. Since then, the Spencerport girls soccer program has won ten Section V titles and two New York state titles. In honor of the 1973 team’s 50th anniversary of the first ever Section V Cham-

pionship and all alumni of the Spencerport girls soccer program, there will be a celebration this fall from September 28 through 30. The various celebrations are listed below, and all alumni and family members are encouraged to attend.

50 Year Celebration of the 1973 Spencerport Girls Section V Soccer Champions and all Girls Soccer Alumni

Thursday, September 28

Meet and greet for all Spencerport girls soccer alumni beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Clutch on the Canal, 94 South Union Street, Spencerport, sec ond level. Food and drinks on your own.

Friday, September 29

•Morning: Private break fast gathering for team members and families of the 1973 team.

•Evening: Private dinner celebration for team members and families of the 1973 team. •Watch the Spencerport varsity girls at Gates Chili High School, time to be determined.

Saturday, September 30 – Soccer Bonanza!

•10 a.m. – Soccer clinic for youth

•12:30 p.m. – Spencerport JV girls vs. Brighton

•2:30 p.m. – Ceremony to honor 1973 team and all alumni of Spencerport girls soccer

•4 p.m. – Spencerport varsity girls vs. Brighton

Location: Rangers Stadium

Immediately following the varsity game there will be a celebration of all Spencerport girls soccer alumni in the Spencerport High School cafeteria.

For more information contact:

Heather Brendel Evans, hbevans11@icloud.com

Donna Pucci, donnapuccimhk@gmail.com

Provided information and photos

Spencerport’s Penny VanSchoick takes a corner kick.

Lady Rangers get pre-game instructions prior to a sectional game.

My Hometown Happenings

Churchville-Chili appoints new SHS Assistant Principal

At its July 11 meeting, the Board of Education appointed David Burgess as an Assistant Principal at the Churchville-Chili Senior High School starting August 21.

Mr. Burgess has been a high school science and engineering teacher for the Rochester City School District since 2010. He served on various committees, including: Science Department Chairper son, Instruction Council Co-Chairperson, Building Committee Data Lead and Pro fessional Development Team Leader. Mr.

Burgess received his master’s degree in teaching, Earth Science, from Empire State College and a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from SUNY Brockport. In addition, he has a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study and NYS School Building Leader certification from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

Mr. Burgess resides in North Chili with his wife, Desiree, and children, Emily, Luke and Chloe. He is excited to join the CCCSD team and “looks forward to getting to know the students, staff and families as they work together for a great 2023-24 school year.”

Provided information and photo

Churchville entertainment

Lawn chairs and blankets filled lawn at the Harvey C. Noone American Legion Post in Churchville the evening of July 14 as roughly 120 guests attended a performance by local Beatles tribute band, “8 Days a Week.” Barton’s Parkside Hots served food and the Legion provided cold drinks. As part of its community service, the Legion admitted veterans for free and invited the community to enjoy a summer Friday night with great food and music. Post Commander Ken Juergens welcomed the crowd and introduced the band. Games, includng volleyball, were set up for children and adults to play and picnic tables were put up making it easier for people to enjoy their meals. Many in the crowd were seen dancing throughout the performance. Provided information and photos.

My Hometown Neighbors

Decorated WWII veteran and MCSO’s eldest retiree, Jail Bureau Deputy James Cassidy, has died

World War II veteran and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office’s eldest retiree, Deputy James “Jim” Cassidy. Deputy Cassidy died on Thursday, July 20, at 97 years young following a long health struggle. He was raised in the town of Gates and was a resident of Chili for the last 60 years.

other commendations, including the Bronze Star.

Following his service to country, Mr. Cassidy proudly served his community, joining the ranks of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Jail Bureau in 1952. Deputy Cassidy would go on to serve 26 years with MCSO. Affectionately known as “The Harmonica Man,” he would share his gift of music with everyone he met, including incarcerated individuals inside the Monroe County Jail. Throughout his life, if Jim saw someone struggling mentally or physically, he would pull his harmonica out of his pocket and play for them, lifting their spirits.

In 2021, MCSO shared Deputy Cassidy’s story on its social media platforms in a four-part series entitled “A Salute to Service.”

In addition to his musical talents, Mr. Cassidy was well known as a square dance caller with his band, “The Blue Notes.” He was also a retired member of the Chili Fire Department Company #3 and the Gates-Chili Fire Department, and a member of the VFW Post #412 and the American Legion Post #1501.

Mr. Cassidy is survived by his wife of 75 years, Alice; sons, James Jr. (Claudia), Richard, Daniel and Thomas; daughter, Darlene (Anthony) LoDolce; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Deputy James Cassidy

Mr. Cassidy was a decorated WWII Army veteran, serving as a rifleman with the Third Army under General George Patton. He joined the Army in 1944 at just 18 years old. Mr. Cassidy was seriously injured during the “Battle of the Bulge,” to include the “50 Mile March.” He spent ten months recovering in Army hospitals. Following an honorable discharge in 1945, Mr. Cassidy received two purple hearts for injuries he sustained in two separate instances in combat. He also received

His Funeral Mass was celebrated July 25 at St. Pius Tenth Church, Chili. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory can be made to the DAV (Disabled Veterans), VA Regional Office, 130 South Elmwood Avenue, Suite 620, Buffalo, NY 14202.

Provided information and photo

Senator Pam Helming presents State Commendation Award to Rochester Police Officer Denny Wright

Senator Pam Helming presented the New York State Senate Commendation Award to Rochester Police Officer Denny Wright. Officer Wright was recognized at a ceremony during a recent Chili Town Board meeting.

After responding to a house call in 2019, Officer Wright was attacked and left completely blind. Despite the dire situation, Officer Wright went above and beyond to protect the safety of others in the house.

The New York State Senate Commendation Award honors an individual who exemplifies the spirit of community, philanthropy, and leadership. Officer Wright was recognized for his dedication to his community, exceptional valor in the face of danger, and inspirational leadership.

Senator Helming said, “Denny is more than worthy of this special recognition. His response and bravery are an example for all the men and women who wear the uniform, the residents of Chili, and the Rochester community. Denny is using this experience to speak out about policy changes needed at the state level to help keep our community and law enforcement safe. We are forever grateful.”

Provided information and photo

Denny Wright (left) receives the New York State Senate Commendation Award from Senator