My Hometown Magazine October 2022

BILLS

A Westside News, Inc. Publication

Pubisher Keith Ryan

Managing Editor

Gary Sajdak

Email: gary.sajdak@westsidenewsny.com

Contributing Writers & Photographers

Barbara Burke, Daniel Hoock, Colleen Onuffer, Tami Raco, Joe Territo (Photographer)

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Halloween Sales Back To Ambush Lane

Seasonal Favorites At Testa’s

Market

Lions Club of Chili Awards Presentation

CCH Announces Newest Members of

Hall of Fame

Roberts Wesleyan Becomes A University

Honor Flight Greeted by Legion Post #954

Travis Gray Appointed Chief of Ogden Police

GC Chamber Announces Community Awards

Eerie Explorations Coming Up at

CC Students Explore History

Halloween Sails Back to Ambush Lane

by Colleen Onuffer

Shiver Me Timbers! Halloween On Ambush is back again for another spooky season. The large pirate-themed display and light show will run October 20 through 22 and October 27 through 31 at 15 Ambush Lane, Churchville. Similar to a holiday light show, Halloween On Ambush is a 30-minute looping soundtrack with coordinated lights and special effects. On October 28 and 29, Captain Jack and Hector will be on-site along with Kona Ice & Macarollin’ Food Trucks.

While the show is something you’d expect out of Hollywood, the giant pirate ship was envisioned and created by Chili resident, Tony DeMatteo.

You could say DeMatteo has a knack for building things. As a kid, he used to help his aunt with her Halloween display, the biggest in Irondequoit at the time. Fast-forward some years, kids, houses and more, and DeMatteo wanted to get back into Halloween decorations. The first few seasons started with creatively creepy cemetery scenes. Over the past five years, DeMatteo’s displays have grown in size and production value.

“I would have more stuff in the front yard than anyone else than anyone should ever have,” joked DeMatteo. Then one season, DeMatteo decided to create a large Super Mario Bros. display instead, which caught a lot of local attention.

“It was so fun and different from the standard Halloween decorations,” said DeMatteo. “I started to realize… you find a whole different clientele if it’s not really creepy. If it’s more of a fun theme, you have a lot more kids involved, and the older generation is interested in it too.”

The following year, his daughter suggested a Pirates of the Carib bean theme. “And I knew it needed to be massive,” he said. DeMatteo started scouring Craigslist and Facebook marketplace to find supplies for the display. To create the ship, he connected with Jordan Gelser, a barn wood enthusiast based out of Lima, NY, who donated a bunch of old barn wood, some dating as far back as 1893. The display quickly took off as DeMatteo began

My Hometown Halloween

hand-making props in his garage in his spare time.

It was 2020 and DeMatteo had built a 50-foot pirate ship, com plete with fire and fog machines and backing soundtrack.

“I built that display and thought ‘it’s the pandemic, if nobody comes, nobody comes,’” said DeMatteo.

But people came. Thousands of people, in fact.

“I think people had nothing else to do so they all came to our house. We had some serious traffic issues that year because we didn’t think anyone was coming.”

The display was not only a hit locally. Photos and videos went viral across the country and even as far as the UK.

Following the Halloween season, DeMatteo took the entire display apart, piece by piece, and stored it in his basement, shed, garage and attic. After a few months off to relax and rejuvenate, DeMatteo was back at it for the 2021 season. He spent the next eight to 10 months putting together a soundtrack, programming lights and special effects, and creating more props from scratch. In addition, DeMatteo received old crates, chests, and costumes that people donated to fill the scene.

The display itself gets constructed within a few days; then comes testing of the electrical pieces. For him, August to October is full of early mornings, late nights, full weekends, and a severe lack of sleep.

“I don’t have a background in any of this and I don’t see myself as creative. I just find cheap, easy ways to do things,” explained DeMatteo, who also works full-time as the co-owner and vibra tion analyst of 4X Diagnostics. “I make it like a set. It has to go up quickly, look good, and it has to work. I see it in my head and just go with it.”

The 2021 display, which depicted two ships this time, drew between 4,000 and 5,000 visitors to Ambush Lane – some who drove four hours just to see it. This time around, DeMatteo was more prepared, partnering with the town and sheriff’s department to assist with traffic control.

Once again, the display caught some attention. Most recently, Halloween On Ambush was featured in the newest edition of “Ripley’s Believe It or Not!”

“It’s a total honor. I’m still blown away,” said DeMatteo, about his two-page inclusion in the book. “There are a lot of people out there that are talented and can do some amazing things. To be in there, one of those people, it takes your breath away.”

The displays have drawn more than media attention – they’ve helped to support local organizations. In 2020, Halloween On Ambush donated 3,000 pounds of food to Open Door Mission.

In 2021, they donated $6,000 to the Golisano Children’s Hospital pediat ric ICU plus $1,000 and 1,800 pounds of food to Open Door Mission.

“There are a lot of people, es pecially during the pandemic, who have been going through some rough times. Everybody needs to give back in some way – whether donating their time, money, or services. This is one way I give back,” said Matteo. “As we’ve gained traction, it was important to also raise awareness of organizations like these. The money, the effort, the sore backs, the head aches… it’s all worth it because we can break some records for giving back.”

This year’s benefactor is Dream Factory of Rochester, an allvolunteer organization that fulfills dreams for children in the Rochester community who have been diagnosed with chronic or critical illnesses. While the national organization has been around since 1980, the local chapter fulfilled its first dream in May of 1999 and just fulfilled its 300th dream.

“What makes Dream Factory of Rochester different than other organizations is money, manpower and medical,” said Laura Walitsky, Dream Factory of Rochester Area Director. Ninety percent of money raised stays within the Rochester chapter to fulfill the dreams of local kids, ages three through 18.

“By partnering with Halloween On Ambush, we have the po tential for thousands more people to know about Dream Factory,” said Walitsky. “The more people who know about us, the more who will want to volunteer, to donate, and the more dreams we can fulfill.”

Dreams range from new computers and swimming pools to trips of a lifetime, with Disney World being one of the most popular dream requests. The average cost of a dream is $6,000, which covers all of the travel costs, meals, expenses, and more.

“For me, it was a sigh of relief,” said Walitsky, when she learned about Dream Factory being this year’s benefactor. “We have 11 dreams that we are currently working on. Because of the pan demic, we had to cancel many of our fundraisers. The number of dream requests we’re getting is picking up, but not all of our fundraisers were put back in place.”

“Every dollar counts,” said Walitsky. “No matter the amount, we will put that to use. It will go to the kids.”

Donations to Dream Factory of Rochester may be made through the Halloween On Ambush website: https://www.halloweenon ambush.com. Important event information – including the sched ule, parking instructions, and any weather updates, is available on the “visit” tab.

Halloween On Ambush is made possible by support from DeMatteo’s neighbors, the town, the sheriff’s department and the following sponsors: Illuminating Expressions, Camarata Chiroprac tic, 4X Diagnostics, Cornerstone Dental, Tim’s Tree Service, Jordan Gelser – Barnwood Supplier, M&T Insurance Agency – Anthony Lutrario , Lightspec, Lumonta Salon, Kona Ice, Cook Properties, My Hometown Magazine Online, The Home Depot – Gates Store 1278, The Mobile Paint Guy, Empire Realty Group – Michael DeCarlov, EL Jon, Moments of Magic Travel, Day Trips Around Rochester, B&L Wholesale Supply, Lakeside Tool, and Wegmans.

Batavia Train Show scheduled for October

The Genesee Society of Model Engineers will be holding its Fall 2022 edition of the Great Batavia Train Show on Sunday, October 16, at the Richard C. Call Arena on the campus of Genesee Com munity 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. Modeling demonstrations, and a limited number of portable layouts, will be part of the fun.

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 bataviatrain show@gsme.org.

An evening of fun... with a purpose

The First Presbyterian Church of Chili, 3600 Chili Avenue, is hosting Phyl Contestable, a.k.a. Reverend Mother, on Saturday, October 29, at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $5 at the door with a “free will” offering being taken. The event is a fundraiser and the proceeds will be divided between Habitat for Humanity in Rochester and the Tops Market Organization in Buffalo, benefitting those families who were affected by the tragedy that occurred in May.

Rev. Mother will entertain the audience with, “Aging Ain’t A Laughing Matter...or is it?” In the performance, “The ‘irrev erent’ Reverend Mother shares her spin on aging gracefully. Spiritually fractured and devil ishly delightful, the beloved Reverend Mother turns the whole dilemma around in the hope that you will snap out of it and lighten up.” Phyl Contestable, a Rochester native, has been entertaining audiences for over 35 years with both her music and her hilarious Reverend Mother performances.

Phyl Contestable, a.k.a. Reverend Mother.

Refreshments will be served after the show. All are welcome for an evening of entertainment benefitting two worthwhile causes. Seating is limited.

Provided information and photo

Seasonal favorites found at Testa’s Farm Market

With inflation driving up grocery store prices, more shoppers are turning towards small businesses and farmers’ markets. One local stand that feels the community support is Testa’s Farm Market on Chili Avenue.

The farm stand has been within the family for years, with current owner, John Testa, running it for the past 15 years. John decided

by Colleen Onuffer

to take over the business because he wanted to give back to the community who has been so good to him. In addition to overseeing the market, John runs a full-time landscaping business.

Currently, Testa’s Farm Market has an assortment of pumpkins, apples, hearty fall vegetables, and a vast selection of squash. The majority of produce is sourced from local growers, including farms in Brockport and Albion.

Much like the rest of the world, farms and farm markets have been impacted by inflation.

“Farming is not immune to the rising costs,” explained Christine Emerson, who is in her second season with the market. “Everything has gone up, from planting to fertilizing to harvesting.”

And like many businesses, local farms are struggling with lim ited help. “Everything is very physical, making it hard for farms to find workers,” said Emerson. “They need more people to pick produce and deliver.”

Furthermore, the summer drought impacted growing condi tions. “We’re seeing that now with the pumpkins. We’ve never had a problem getting a variety of pumpkins in the past.” With farmers having a lower yield and markets paying double the cost for a bin of pumpkins, customers should expect to pay more this fall than previous years.

“We feel bad passing the increased costs onto our customers, but unfortunately, we have to,” said Emerson.

But like everything, there are also many positives. “During the pandemic, people were trying to go places that were outdoors, and we saw a big surge in supporting local businesses,” ex plained Emerson. “If anything, people are shopping here more because they now know where we’re located.”

Emerson spoke highly of the stand’s regular customers that stop at Testa’s before going to other stores.

“Working there is my Zen,” said Em erson. “It’s really peaceful. And I feel very productive from the morning to the afternoon, helping customers or setting out produce.”

John Testa has been so thankful for the community who has been sup porting the market over the years. In return, the farm market has started donating any imperfect produce to those in need. Some go to feed local farm animals while others are donated to local families who don’t have access or funds to buy fruits and vegetables. Emerson finds those in need through her church community.

“The kids love it. They’re always very grateful,” said Emerson.

The farm market will stay open through the end of October, depend ing on the weather, before packing up and prepping for next year. The stand will reopen in the spring once the fear of frost is gone, with a limited menu. Come summer, the market is burst ing with a variety of fresh, delicious produce.

“Hopefully this is a turn for our com munity and our world… that we’re get ting back to the basics and supporting local and the farmers,” said Emerson. “Without the farmers, we can’t have food on our tables.”

The market is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is self-serve for individuals to pick out their produce and pay on the honor system. For assistance, a worker can usually be found between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Testa’s Farm Market is located at 3498 Chili Avenue, Rochester, NY 14624.

Photos by Gary Sajdak

Lions Club of Chili starts new year with award presentation

The Lions Club of Chili recently presented the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award to Calnon & Cilano DDS in recognition of their support, commitment, and dedication to the Lions Club of Chili Holiday Food Basket Program.

The Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award was es tablished in 1993 and honors outstanding Lions, non-Lions, and organizations who perform exemplary service to a Club or to their community. The honorees possess the highest examples of

character, purpose, and service. The award cannot be purchased by an individual, but must be presented as a recognition of the recipient’s service.

Calnon & Cilano has helped support the Lions Club of Chili in its Holiday Baskets Program for a few years. In December 2021, their office shopped for 20 children. Among the parents’ requests were winter coats and shoes/boots. Calnon & Cilano graciously filled all of the requests and wrapped all of the gifts.

The Lions Club of Chili is always looking for energetic, invested community members who are interested in making Chili a better place. For more information on how to become a Lion, contact Lion Bert at 261-0743. Provided information and photos

Lions Club of Chili Officers (l-r) Bert Maggio, Keri Neathawk, Mike Donnor, Janine Wheeler, Tom Platt, Bonnie Platt, Dorinda Foos, and Karen McCloskey.

Calnon & Cilano DDS received the Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award. Pictured are (l-r) Dr. William Calnon, Dr. Christopher Calnon, Becca Boone, Tawna Roberts, Cari Mannillo, Sara VanDekken and Dr. Scott Koopman. Not pictured, Dr. Thomas Cilano

Churchville-Chili High School announces newest members of Athletic Hall of Fame

Churchville-Chili High School will welcome four alumni to its Athletic Hall of Fame this year. The formal induction ceremony will be held on December 9, 2022. The 2022 inductees, honored for their accomplishments and contributions to the Saints’ athletics program are:

•Kevin Collier Class of 2006

Kevin Collier, named Churchville-Chili’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2006, had a stellar career with Saints football. A three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track & field), Collier is still the all-time leader in football for one game and one season rushing yards (387 and 1,942, respectively), along with career rushing, with 5,402 yards. His 47 career TDs set a school record, and he still holds second place in Saints’ history in this category. He was a two-time 1st Team AGR in football. In 2005, Collier was also honored with Monroe County Division 2 1st Team All-County, Monroe County Division 2 Player of the Year, Section V Class AAA Offensive Player of the Year, and AGR Player of the Year. Upon graduation, he received a football scholarship and played four seasons for the University of Pittsburgh.

•Jaimie Culp-Passinault – Class of 1995 Jaimie Culp-Passinault excelled in all three of her chosen sports as a Saint. In 1994, she was 1st Team All-County, AGR Honorable Mention, and Exceptional Senior in soccer; in 1994 and 1995, she was named 2nd Team All-County in softball; she made 1st Team All-County in 1995 and 2nd Team in 1994 for volleyball. Culp-Pas sinault set eight school records in volleyball – most blocks, most kills (still the school record), and best kill percentage in one sea son; most career kills and blocks, and best career kill percentage; plus, most kills and most blocks in one match (currently tied for the school record). Her accolades led her to be named 1st Team All-State in volleyball. After graduation, she played four years of volleyball, as team captain, for Roberts Wesleyan College, and achieved conference, regional and All-East honors. She was in ducted into their Hall of Fame in 2009.

•Bob Lowden – Class of 1977

Three-sport athlete Bob Lowden was team captain and 1st Team All-County in soccer, basketball and baseball. He averaged 14.19 points per game and broke the boys basketball school record for most assists in one season. Baseball was where Lowden really made his mark. In the 1975 season, he scored 20 runs, tying the school record, and in 1976 he led the Saints to the Monroe County Division 1 Title. His school record for most assists – 53 – stood until 1988.

Lowden played baseball for Monroe Community College, where he was named MVP and 1st Team All-Region in 1979, and Miami University of Ohio. He was head baseball coach at Finger Lakes College for 11 years where he received Northeast District Coach of the Year, Regional Coach of the Year, and Mid-State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors. He was inducted into the Finger Lakes College Hall of Fame in 2014.

•Carly Zimmerman – Class of 2013

Three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball, lacrosse) Carly Zimmer man made 1st Team All-County for three years in soccer, and for four years in lacrosse. She helped lead the Saints lacrosse team to Division 1 titles in 2010 and 2013, when she was named Mon roe County Division 3 Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year. She set numerous school records in lacrosse, many of which still stand, including most assists in a game, a season and a career. She is one of only two Saints girls in school history to total over 300 points in lacrosse and was named Female Athlete of the Year in 2013. Zimmerman received a scholarship to Mercyhurst University, where she played four years of soccer and lacrosse. In 2017, she was named Collegiate All-American 3rd Team and 1st Team AllConference in lacrosse.

Churchville-Chili High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the accomplishments of outstanding athletes, coaches, admin istrators and anyone who has made a significant contribution to Saints athletics. For more information or to submit a nomination for 2023, visit www.cccsd.org/AthleticHallofFame. Provided information

Roberts Wesleyan College becomes Roberts Wesleyan University

On September 13, President Deana L. Porterfield announced the college’s transition to Roberts Wesleyan University, immediately. The new institutional name, which was by the New York State Board of Regents following a successful petition to elevate the college to university status, signifies culmination of decades of strategic program development reflects the vision of the future of the institution.

“Since our founding by B.T. Roberts in 1866, we have compelled by a mission to provide a Christ-centered education that transforms students, communities and society. That has not changed, and today we are excited by the new opportuni ties and recognition that come with university status,” Deana L. Porterfield said. “Now we move forward with more ible options to serve our students; with focused vision, courageous optimism in meeting and engaging the challenges higher education in today’s world.”

Roberts Wesleyan has held many institutional names 157-year history, beginning as Chili Seminary in 1866 becoming A.M. Chesbrough Seminary (1885), Roberts Junior lege (1945), Roberts Wesleyan College (1949) and now Wesleyan University. Northeastern Seminary, a private seminary founded in 1998 and located on the North Chili will also update to Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University effective immediately.

Roberts Wesleyan’s qualification as a university follows a New York State Board of Regents decision in January 2022 to amend the definition of “university,” requiring higher education institutions to provide “registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including graduate programs registered in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, bio logical sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences and social sciences.” The institution identified 26 masters and two doctoral programs to qualify for university status.

The bestowment of Roberts Wesleyan’s university designation reflects a legacy of strategic and intentional institutional advance ment. The school offers a broad range of more than 90 under graduate, graduate and adult degree-completion programs across disciplines in health care, education, business, social sciences and other areas. Through the addition of two innovative doctoral programs in clinical/school psychology and occupational therapy, Roberts meets the needs and interests of a growing population of more than 1,600 students. Roberts’ plan is to continually research and add new, high-quality programs and curricula to address growing workforce needs in specific industries that enable the institutions’ network of more than 20,000 alumni to compete in an ever-evolving job market.

“Roberts has been a positive force for good for over 150 years,” said Kip Palmer, CEO of the Palmer Family of Companies and Board Chair of the University. “This change simply affirms what has been true of the institution for many years. Our Mission, through the impressive portfolio of programs and degrees, can be seen in the lives of our over 20,000 alumni living and serving in the Greater Rochester area and around the world.”

With the investment in the change to university, Roberts Wes leyan hopes to establish broader networks in the Greater Roch ester area and beyond through Corporate Partnerships and The Community Institutes. The latter will be housed in the new 25,000square-foot Golisano Community Engagement Center following the completion of the $15 million Connect the Community Capital Campaign and construction of the building in 2023. Through those relationships, Roberts Wesleyan will provide students with more experiential learning connections, such as internships, clinicals, student teaching and research opportunities.

“Our graduates will lead with courageous optimism and use their faith, conscience and character to bridge the tensions and influence the most profound issues of our time. This is the legacy our founders left for us a commitment to impacting society for Christ and a transformation both individually and as an institu tion,” said Porterfield. “By connecting their head to their hearts and engaging their hands in service to others, our graduates can make a difference in a way that is generous, gracious, welcoming and anchored as Roberts Wesleyan University.”

Roberts Wesleyan will commemorate its university status with students, faculty, alumni and friends during homecoming week celebrations. For more information about Roberts Wesleyan Uni versity or to view frequently asked questions, visit roberts.edu. Provided information and photo

Roberts Wesleyan University President Deana L. Porterfield.

Veterans Rochester Honor Harvey C. Noone

On September 11, while remembering the horrific events of the terrorist attack on America, the Harvey C. Noone Legion Family were also able to welcome back veterans to the Rochester Inter national Airport after a whirlwind Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. Participants said it seemed just right to welcome these unsung heroes who participated in defending our country and values while also remembering those who were killed and injured on that day 21 years ago.

Post member Rich Thompson participated in Honor Flight this year. The Vietnam War veteran is a former Post Commander and has been a Legion member for over 36 years. Rich, who has given much to the community, veterans and to the Legion over his life time, was chosen. You could see the beam in his eyes walking with his escort, son-in-law Cameron Mahood, through the corridor of community members welcoming him back. For Vietnam veterans who did not always get the warmest welcome back in the 60s and 70s, it was an opportunity to now show the nation’s gratitude to Rich and his family. The Legion family was out in force with their banner. The Legion also had three members who were chosen to

participate in the Honor Flight program in 2019. Al Cullen, Dave Ess and Leon Mundt were all Vietnam veterans, longtime Legion members, and are all pillars of the Churchville community. Legion members recommend those who have not had the op portunity to attend one of these welcome home ceremonies, go to https://honorflightrochester.org to learn more and attend or volunteer at the next one. They said it was especially gratifying to see little children getting caught up in the excitement with the bands, the color guards and veterans – a great family and teach ing event.

The Honor Flight Network was formed in 2005 with a mission of honoring our nation’s veterans by bringing them to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. It is focused on honoring our nation’s World War II veterans, those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, intermediary operations, and in special cases of terminal illness or injury, veterans from more recent service eras.

Provided information and photos

Rich Thompson and his son-in-law, Cameron Mahood, arriving back from the Honor Flight.

Joe Olsovsky, Dan Parker, Sandy Olsovsky, Ken Juergens, Ginger Parker and Tish Juergens proudly hold up the Legion banner to greet Rich Thompson back from the honor flight.

My Hometown Police

Sergeant Travis Gray appointed next Chief of the Ogden PD

On September 14, the Ogden Town Board appointed Sergeant Travis Gray as the next Chief of the Ogden Police Department (OPD) effective Monday, September 19. Travis started his career in law enforcement in August 2009 with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and then worked for the Village of Caledonia Police Department. He began his tenure with the OPD as a police officer in July 2011 and was pro moted to sergeant in April 2018. He has received numerous awards for ex emplary service, includ ing the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Award and several Chiefs’ Letters of Recognition. Among other trainings and certifications, Travis just graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia on Tuesday, September 13.

“I couldn’t be more proud and excited to welOgden Police Chief Travis Gray

come OPD-veteran Sergeant Travis Gray as the next chief of the Ogden Police Department,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “Travis’s commitment to public safety and community service is evident each day and I have complete faith in the vision he has for the future of the department. He knows and loves our town and is respected by members of the OPD and our entire community. I’m confident he will lead with the same integrity and professionalism that Chief Chris Mears has for so many years.”

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents of Ogden as their next Chief of Police,” said Travis. “My wife and family have been the solid foundation of my career and my success could not have been possible without their unwavering support. I am thankful for Supervisor Zale and the rest of the Town Board for choosing me to be the next leader of this great Depart ment. Chief Chris Mears has been my mentor for many years, and I can attribute much success to the lessons he has taught me. I wish him the best of luck in his next endeavor and look forward to carrying on the legacy he leaves behind.”

“I’m very pleased that Chief Travis Gray was selected to be the next leader of the Ogden Police Department,” said Chief Chris Mears. “He has worked closely with neighborhood watch groups and the Police Reinvention Committee. Chief Gray’s experience and energy will be a great fit with the agency and the community. He is going to do great work, and I’m excited to see where he takes the Department.”

Provided information and photo

Gates Chili Chamber announces Community Award winners

The Gates Chili Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2022 Annual Community Award winners honoring individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on the quality of life in the Gates and Chili communities. This year’s winners are:

•Beautification Award (Chili) Chili Fire Department Fire House

•Beautification Award (Gates) Byrne Dairy

•Joseph Entress Memorial Award American Packaging

•Innovative Business Award Pure Imagination Café

•Culture and Arts Award Adeane Giagos

•Outstanding Citizen Carolyn Clark-Showers

•Youth Leadership Award Malena Juif

•Dream Big Award Sweet Sammie Jane’s

•Young Professional Award

Anthony Moncada, Sacred Realm Tattoo

•Loretta Simmons Women’s Leadership Award Chris Maurice Seven Special Recognition Awards will be presented.

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating PICS Telecom for its 30-year anniversary, supporting the needs of the Chili and Gates communities.

My Hometown Museums

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating Passero Associates for its 50-year anniversary.

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating Taylor Heating Inc. for its 75-year anniversary.

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating the Town of Chili for its 200-year anniversary.

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating Gates Fire Explorers Post 272

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating Kiwanis Club of Rochester Southwest

•Special Recognition Award, celebrating Bill Gillette.

The Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 13, at Brook Lea Country Club, 891 Pixley Road in Gates. Registration and networking begin at 5:30 p.m. with seating for dinner at 6:15 p.m. Tickets are priced at $50 per person.

To make dinner reservations, register online at www.gccham ber.com.

Eerie explorations coming up at GCV&M

Halloween is coming to Genesee Country Village & Museum. Explore dark, winding paths and haunting historic homes while you hear terrifying tales of lore during Spirits of the Past: A Walk in the Dark, Sunday, October Sunday, October side by telling features hair-raising Visitors to Restaurant or in the “Fright” and shopping will be open Spirits of the for this event Visit https://www.gcv.org/event/spirits-a-walk-in-the-dark/

Classes and Learn a new October. Classes October 8, and October 11), Baking Halloween and register experiences/adult-classes/.

Coming up this In the coming events such

Historic Village on Saturday, November 19, and Sunday, November 20, as well as Yuletide in the Country Tours & Dinners, beginning on Friday, December 2. Visit to learn about special

My Hometown Schools

Churchville-Chili students explore history from a different perspective and get personal with the past

Sixth graders at Churchville-Chili Middle School have been study ing how prehistoric peoples’ lives changed during the transition from Paleolithic to Neolithic culture. Their studies took on new meaning and became more personal with a project that took them back more than 12,000 years to the caves of Lascaux, France.

Churchville-Chili has been integrating experiential learning (learning by doing) into required middle school science curriculum for several years, offering engaging and imaginative enrichment experiences. This year, the district is expanding the initiative into social studies with lessons like this one that encourage scholars to put themselves in the places of the people they are studying.

Enrichment specialists Andrea Lynch, Stephanie Ricci, and Patti Saucke presented students with a question and a challenge. “We asked them to consider what can be learned about the past through art and artifacts,” said Lynch. “And then, what imagery would they want to leave behind for future historians that would represent them and their culture.”

Students considered the art in the famous Lascaux caves, magical images of hunting scenes and animals – How, when, and why were they created? What were the difficulties faced by the artists, working in the dark, underground, with simple tools and pigments? The sixth graders wondered at the importance these people placed on their artwork and related in new ways to the individuals who created it.

Our 21st century cave artists crumpled brown paper and taped the imagined rock walls under their desks or chairs, turned off the lights and simulated the uncomfortable working conditions faced by their precursors. Each used earth-colored crayons to create drawings symbolizing objects and ideas they value, like sports, family holidays, or favorite family rituals. The experience gave them new insight into the people of the past, and a deeper understanding of times and events they are studying.

Provided information and photos

Artists at the Lascaux caves worked in cramped, uncomfortable under ground spaces in almost complete darkness. Student artists tried to simulate those conditions.

The experience gave students a new way to relate to their prehistoric counterparts.

Students were able to show and discuss their artwork as a follow up to the creative exercise.

Room lights were turned off and students worked in semi-darkness, broken

The Ontario Team