My Hometown November 2022

Upcycled items find new homes for the holidays

by Colleen Onuffer

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. For Jenna Waterman Wolfley, it’s more than a proverb it’s a way of life.

“We live in a very disposable world,” she said. “So many things go away so quickly jobs, relationships and material items but I’m fortunate enough to be the keeper of other people’s things, of their memories.”

Jenna receives items that are no longer needed by community members and breathes new life into them. During the holiday sea son, she collects old ornaments, wreaths, decorations, and blank holiday cards. After cleaning and fixing them, they are distributed to individuals in need for free.

“I will get calls from nursing homes, group homes, neighbors of someone who needs a little sunshine, or people who are go ing through a hard time people who don’t have the disposable income to buy these things, especially in this economy,” she ex plained. “It’s wonderful that people have come to me and trust me with their inner wants, what they want for the holidays.”

This is the fourth year that Jenna has been creating these cus tomized pieces, noting that she makes between 20 and 25 each holiday season.

“We’ve had phone calls asking for items for Christmas, Hanuk kah, Kwanzaa and Three Kings’ Day,” said Waterman Wolfley. “We’re Jewish and we’ve become the Christmas center of Chili! It’s so beautiful that we can be a different faith entirely, yet I can help them celebrate their own holidays.”

In 2017, Jenna and her family moved to the area from Roch ester’s east side, looking for a more suburban, rural area. They bought property on Loyalist Avenue and turned it into a work ing farm, complete with a beehive, fruit trees, berry and apple orchards, and a garden of fresh flowers. Everything produced on their property is then put out for people to take, free of charge.

Waterman Wolfley homeschools her special-needs son, who is in tenth grade. “Homeschooling can be so isolating,” she explained. “We began farming and ran a food cupboard, then a book swap. We were just trying to find ways to stay connected in and within the community.”

This became even more difficult during the pandemic’s lock downs. In the height of it, Jenna and her son, Sergei, were cooking and sharing free meals for people in need, no questions asked.

“We also did this thing called the Land of Misfit Toys,” explained Waterman Wolfley. “We would go and get stuff people didn’t sell at garage sales. My husband, Ted, would clean and fix everything. Then we’d set everything out and arrange pre-set shopping times for people to come and get toys for their kids. I’d love to bring that back.”

Jenna and her family consider themselves contemporary homesteaders. “We can fix things, we can grow things, we can cook things,” she said. Her son, Sergei, also collects clothes and upcycles them, providing a clothing closet for teenage boys to pick up free outfits.

“People come to us and ask if we want something that they were getting rid of. It has become a movement people no longer feel guilty about giving things away,” she explained. “And everybody has a story that they want to share about what they’re donating. Like they used to use something with their kids, but the kids have

Jenna Waterman Wolfley and her son Sergei create customized holiday gifts including this handmade Christmas scarf.

Photo by Gary Sajdak

since moved away.”

Jenna is very appreciative of the community members who donate items. She has received so many that they fill her garage, which has been converted to a workspace that can seat 10 to 12 crafters.

“This community needs a lot but also gives a lot,” said Waterman Wolfley. “It just really speaks to me that even with the price of gas, people will drive from wherever they live to bring me stuff.”

Jenna and her family get so much joy out of giving back to the community and supplying hope to others, that they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. In fact, she’d like to expand her efforts.

“I’m never bored,” joked Waterman Wolfley, who teaches three disciplines at RIT, where she’s been working for the past 22 years. Her ultimate goal is to rent a place in Chili Center so all of these projects could live under one roof, and her family could help even more individuals.

“What we get paid in return could never be equated to cash,” she said. “We’ve met hundreds of people in Chili that we wouldn’t have met otherwise. We’ve made friends. People have brought us things that they thought we would find joy.”

Individuals can reach out to Jenna Waterman Wolfley via Face book for requests or to arrange donation drop offs.

heroes.

Help these groups honor and remember as many fallen heroes

possible by sponsoring remembrance wreaths, volunteering on Wreaths Across America Day, or inviting family and friends

attend.

Troop 64155, the Legion Family, and Wreaths Across America appreciate any support given. Visit https://www.wreathsacros samerica.org/pages/170330/Overview/?relatedId=170408 for information or to make a donation.

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Across America Day

December 17th,

Stryker

country’s

lay

Beth Kidney finds joy in jewelry

by Colleen Onuffer

Studies show that crafting can increase happiness and provide calming effects on the brain and body. For Beth Kidney, crafting does that and so much more.

Beth has been making jewelry for the past year and selling items at local craft shows as well as inside the Rustic Ridge Country Store in Albion.

“It started when I picked up some charms that caught my eye and started putting them into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and keychains,” explained Kidney. “That’s when I realized how fun it is to be so creative. It helps me keep my mind off the pain that comes with my Crohn’s and IBS.”

Kidney first got sick in November 2020, which landed her in the hospital for a week. “I just remember telling everyone how I wanted to go home I couldn’t miss Thanksgiving or my mom’s birthday.”

Following her hospital stay, Kidney had multiple doctor ap pointments, testing and went to see a specialist. In 2021, she was officially diagnosed with Crohn’s and IBS. Her diagnosis prevents her from working a full-time job due to the pain and bathroom issues.

“I will fight this battle the rest of my life,” said Kidney. “The jewelry business helps support my family due to me not being able to get a real job.”

Beth’s jewelry is made with pendants, charms, wax cord, chains, and hemp. But it doesn’t end there. Beth flexes her creativity by making other crafts, including t-shirts, potholders, Yardzee the yard-game sized version of Yahtzee, Farkle dice, and “Making

S’more Memories” buckets. She also enjoys creating Santa, Tooth Fairy, and Easter Bunny IDs and reindeer food.

“I love thinking outside of the box,” said Kidney, who has called Churchville home for the past 20 years, where she lives with her three children and husband.

“They are my world and the reason why I started my jewelry business,” said Kidney. “Also, the reason I fight the great fight of Crohn’s and IBS.”

Those interested in shopping Kidney’s crafts can follow her Facebook business page, BK Kreations (https://www.facebook. com/bkkreation), where she posts photos of her handmade items and information about upcoming craft shows that she will be attending.

“I thank everyone that has supported my small business!”

Provided information and photos

Cartons For Christmas gets underway in Spencerport

by Maureen and Glenn Granger, Cartons For Christmas

Every year in time for the holidays, the Spencerport commu nity reaches out to help local families who are struggling. The project is Cartons For Christmas. Area churches, schools, service organizations, businesses, and individuals of all ages lend their support.

Last year, we served 110 local families by providing gift cards, some food, and 176 toys for young children.

This year we return to our normal practice of requesting food donations and inviting volunteers to participate. Email cartons volunteers@gmail.com.

Gift cards and cash donations can be dropped off at St. John’s Parish Center, 55 Martha Street, Spencerport, from November 1 through 22, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Cartonxmas@aol.com or text 585-750-5341 to arrange a differ ent time. Please make checks payable to Cartons For Christmas.

There will be an Open House to accept unexpired food items (no glass, please) on Friday, December 2, from 3 to 6 p.m. at St John’s school building gym, off Martha Street.

Frozen turkeys may be donated Saturday, December 3, at 12:30 p.m. at St John’s school building.

Make a local child smile by providing a toy or gift. Beginning November 14, stop in at one of our three Toy Tree locations and select and angel from the “Toy Tree”: •Fowler’s Canaltown Wine & Spirits, 377 South Union Street •The Unique Shop, 130 South Union Street •Spencerport Federal Credit Union, 2775 Spencerport Road

Food cartons will be delivered during the afternoon of Satur day, December 3.

This project is sponsored by the Ecumenical Council of area churches.

We thank you for your anticipated support!

Lattimore of North Chili Physical Therapy is Seeking A NYS Licensed Physical Therapist Hiring Immediately ~ $1,500 Sign on Bonus!

Lattimore of North Chili Physical Therapy is growing again! We are looking to add a Staff Physical Therapist to our team who is dedicated to helping our local community feel better!

Qualifications: Graduated from an accredited college with an APTA curriculum. One or more year(s) of outpatient orthopedic experience within a private clinic or hospital preferred. Current State of New York license. CPR certification. Outgoing and energetic personality. Recent graduates are welcome to apply.

A comprehensive package including medical, dental, disability, life and a 401(k) plan with company match, in addition to other outstanding benefits such as continuing education reimbursement and Paid Time Off is included.

Interested in joining Clinical Director Jeremy as a PT in our Hometown?

Please send your resume to jeremysajdak@lattimorept.com

3237 Union Street, North Chili, NY 14514 ~ (585) 594-1688

@CCCSD_SHS

Busy Bees 4-H Club recognized by Monroe County Legislature

The Mary Cariola Busy Bees 4-H Club was recognized by the Monroe County Legislature for their longstanding commitment to the community and learning and growing through 4-H. Kathy Lee, 4-H Leader, and DeAshaney Holloway, 4-H member, attended to receive the certificate on behalf of the club.

Kathy Lee’s classroom at Mary Cariola Center is where youth become Busy Bees. The Busy Bees, an incredibly unique and hard working 4-H Club was founded by Kathy soon after she began teaching. This was a way for Kathy to engage her students chal lenged with physical and intellectual disabilities as well as complex medical needs.

The Busy Bees, a classroom of vibrant and eager 16 to 21-yearolds, reinforce the 4-H foundation that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us. And, the Busy Bees have been busy for 30 years.

As part of the Monroe County 4-H Youth Development program, the Busy Bees create a buzz with every project they get involved with. The students love to make quilts. Kathy connects adaptive switches to sewing machines so her students can provide power while a staff member guides the needle. One student selects fab ric colors while another helps stamp the Cariola logo onto their creation. Their quilts have won ribbons at the Monroe County and New York State Fairs. They share their talents within the school as well, sewing curtains for other classrooms, donating quilts to Agency fundraisers, and even making a coat for one of the Agency’s therapy dogs.

The Busy Bees 4-H Club is supported by Monroe County 4-H Youth Development on a regular basis participating in Arbor Day, learning how to grow mushrooms, art projects, how to plant a garden, and most recently the Busy Bees participated in the 4-H Public Presentations explaining and discussing topics that are important to each individual student. Most students used a communication device to present, some played music on a key board…all were engaged, excited, and eager to tell others about their world. Next month, they will learn how to make a tabletop greenhouse and learn how to make cheese. The busier they are, the better.

Another Busy Bee motto is that if you receive, you need to give back. The Busy Bees routinely contribute to the community making holiday gifts for senior citizens at St. Johns Home, baking treats for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, making blankets for the Wounded Warrior Project, holding pajama drives to support children impacted at Willow Domestic Violence Center, and helping fund international causes to fight hunger like Sustain able Harvest and Flock of Ducks.

There are hundreds of Busy Bee alumni and current students who have embraced the attitude that everyone has abilities. The Busy Bees are an inspiration to all of us for their creativity, their tenacity, and their ability to make learning fun. They are living the 4-H belief of #Opportunity4All.

Provided information and photo

Pictured are (l-r) front row – Susan Coyle, DeAshaney Holloway; back row – Tami Sekol, County Legislator Steve Brew, County Legislator Jackie Smith, Kim Gaiteri, Kathy Lee, and County Executive Adam Bello.

My

Schools

Byron-Bergen third-graders learn

The week of October 17 was Digital Citizenship week. Digital citizenship is defined as using technology responsibly to learn, create, and participate. This year, all Byron-Bergen third grade students participated in a digital citizenship and digital literacy class taught by third grade teacher Colleen Hardenbrook. The goal of the lesson was for students to use technology correctly and fluently and included a group video PSA project.

“The class is based on Common Sense Media’s curriculum,” said Hardenbrook. “It introduces fun characters that help teach students the essentials to being a good digital citizen.”

The characters are each named after a part of the human body. For example, “Head” teaches how to consume media in a critical way and “Legs” encourages students to stand up to bullies online. Each character embodies a key idea of digital citizenship.

In addition to the digital citizenship curriculum, students are learning digital fluency by practicing efficient computer use. This includes improving typing skills with a program called Keyboard ing without Tears.

The students then created a group project to encompass the first unit on Media Balance. The students wrote the script, directed, and starred in the PSA-style video. “The goal of this program is to help teach young Byron-Bergen students how to participate in a digital world in a way that is safe, secure, and healthy,” said Hardenbrook. “Hopefully this video makes a lasting impression for our students and gets the message out for others.”

View the PSA at www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuRlChTOP-s. Provided information and photo

B-B students awarded with academic honors from College Board National Recognition Programs

Three Byron-Bergen students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These Na tional Recognition Programs connect underrepresented students who excelled in College Board assessments and schoolwork with universities across the country, helping them meaningfully con nect to colleges and stand out during the admissions process.

Ava Wagoner was awarded the National African American Recognition Award. “I’m really excited about the award because with AP (Advanced Placement classes) you have to work hard,” said Wagoner, who plans to study engineering after graduation. “It feels good to get the recognition.”

“I’m really proud,” said Zoey Shepard who was awarded the National Rural and Small Town Award. She plans to study chemical engineering after graduation.

Dayanara Caballero was awarded the National Hispanic Rec ognition Award, National Rural and Small Town Award, and the National Indigenous Award. “Receiving these awards was really exciting for me,” said Caballero. “I’m looking to apply to college to study mathematics or government.”

To qualify for recognition, students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams; and are African American or Black, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, and/ or attend school in a rural area or small town.

“Congratulations to these students,” said Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School Principal Ashley John Grillo. “They are dedicated to their studies and push themselves to be the best they can be. They should be very proud of this recognition.”

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Students at their PSA viewing party. Photo by Colleen Hardenbrook.

Pictured are (l-r) Zoey Shepard, Dayanara Caballero, and Ava Wagoner.

Photo by Gretchen Spittler.

The Caring Music Group

Supporting charitable organizations one song at a time

The Caring Music Group is a local business that has been creat ing original musical fundraisers to support non-profit charitable organizations throughout the Rochester community since 2012. Now in its tenth year, they are back in full swing, ready to expand their musical fundraisers both in-person and virtually to audiences in Rochester and beyond.

Founded by local songwriter, Tony Falzano, The Caring Music Group was created with a mission: Showcase Falzano’s original music to the public while simultaneously raising money and awareness to local charitable, non-profit organizations. Falzano has assembled a local cast that graciously volunteer their time to perform Falzano’s one-of-a-kind, musical fundraisers. All of the revenue from The Caring Music Group’s musical fundraisers goes directly to the charitable non-profit organization. Not only do audiences get to hear new, original music, but they support a worthy cause.

The Caring Music Group has raised nearly $80,000 for local organizations including: Geva Theatre’s Educational Children’s Programs, Hope Hall, Moonshadow’s Spirit, Hearts For ALS NY, Begin Again Horse Rescue, RocDog, St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center, St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen, and The Clover Center for Arts and Spirituality.

Thankfully, the pandemic did not disrupt The Caring Music Group from continuing their charitable work. At the height of the

A virtual concert raised over $11,000 to benefit RocDog.

Now, they offer both in-person and virtual musical fundraising options. Expanding their musical offerings has given them the opportunity to provide support for non-profit charitable organiza tions out of state.

Chestnut Ridge School students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Students at Churchville-Chili’s Chestnut Ridge Elementary School traveled far beyond the usual celebration of Hispanic culture dur ing this year’s Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 through October 16). In addition to the school’s month-long highlighting of Hispanic music, art, customs, and cultural contributions, students were treated to a special trip of discovery to one of our South American neighbors Peru thanks to the personal experiences of the school’s English as a New Language (ENL) teacher Kari Shirk.

Shirk, who lived and taught school in Peru for ten years, wel comed students on September 15, dressed in traditional Peruvian clothing. Then during the month, she translated some of the daily announcements into both English and Spanish and worked with other teachers to collect daily fun facts about Hispanic people from around the world and their many cultures.

At the end of the month, Principal Kimberly Hale invited Shirk to lead a school-wide assembly that included stories, insights, and pictures from her time in Peru. Shirk shared important facts

Students were fascinated by Shirk’s stories of Lima, everyday life, and foods like Inca Kola, anticucho, and cuy.

CRS Principal Kimberly Hale readies the audience for teacher Kari Shirk’s presentation on Peruvian culture.

My Hometown Schools

about the country, its cities, its foods, and holidays. She ex plained similarities and differences in how elementary students learn (Peruvian students learn several foreign languages, like Chi nese) and the rules they follow, including wearing school uniforms. She showed pictures of fiestas and noted that, strangely, many of the beautiful cakes at parties are simply decorative and made of Styrofoam. Students had many questions, learned a few new words of Spanish, and left with a better understanding of how our differences make the world a richer and more interesting place.

“I wanted to share my own personal connections, along with experiences our students could relate to, to help make their understanding of diversity and heritage memorable and real for them,” Shirk said. “We plan to follow up with a chance for each of them to share a little about their own heritage with classmates. It will be exciting for them to see the cultural diversity each of them brings to our school community.”

Teacher Kari Shirk shared slides and stories about life in Peru.

Provided information and photos The trip to Peru was a memorable Hispanic Heritage experience for CRS students.

Spencerport Kiwanians hear presentation by Hope Hall founder

Sister Diana Dolce, S.S.J., Executive Director and Founder of Hope Hall (right), spoke at a recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Spencerport to update Kiwanis members on how Hope Hall is progressing in its efforts to serve children from the area who learn differently. The Kiwanis Club provides funding support for the school. Also pictured is Wendy Colby, President of the Kiwanis Club, presenting the check to Sister Diana. The presentation by Sister Diana was arranged by Kiwanis member Carol Nellis-Ewell. Provided information and photo.

Sports

Amelia Breton scored three goals on October 14 to break the Churchville-Chili school record in girls soccer for most career goals with 36, and helped lead the Saints to a 4-2 win over Rush Henrietta. It has been a recording breaking fall for Breton. With five goals scored against Greece Athena on October 3, she tied the school record for most goals in one game and, with an added assist, broke the school record for most points in one game with 11. Both records had been in place since 2002. Photo from @CCCSDgsoccer on Twitter.

Businesses

New pain relief technology offered in North Chili

SoftWave Tissue Regeneration Technologies Or thoGold 100 is an exciting breakthrough option now available in the field of regenerative medicine and now available at Camarata Chiropractic in North Chili. It is clinically proven, both nationally and internation ally recognized, and FDA cleared with a high success rate in clinical trials. SoftWave TRT uses patented technology to reach an injured area at the cellular level to successfully turn on the body’s natural heal ing process.

By decreasing inflammation, increasing blood flow, breaking up scar tissue, repairing and regenerating tissues, and activating and recruiting resident stem cells to the site of pain, this machine is producing healing rapidly and getting patients out of pain fast! SoftWave TRT is an alternative to surgery to treat musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions.

“I’ve never seen another device produce the heal ing results and pain relief faster than this SoftWave therapy,” said Dr Sam Camarata, Owner of Camarata Chiropractic. “The procedure helps with everything from plantar fasciitis to back pain, bone-onbone arthritis, knee pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, carpal tunnel, tendinitis, neuropathy, sciatica, chronic pain, sports injuries, and much more is being helped with SoftWave therapy at our office! We’ve had patients literally canceling injections and surgeries fol lowing treatment because of how happy they are with their results. SoftWave therapy even gets fantastic results with patients that

already had surgery but are still experiencing pain.”

SoftWave gets your body unstuck and healing so you can get back to living. It’s Non-surgical and drug free, decreases pain and inflammation to improve function, and regenerates damaged tissue. The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes and has a long-lasting effect.

For more information, contact Dr. Sam Camarata at Camarata Chiropractic, 3237 Union Street in North Chili. Visit them online at www.naturalhealingROC.com.