News for the week of
November 28, 2004

In Features:

Ancestors tell the family tale
The branches of a family tree are wrought with many twisting and turning branches and for those who want to take the time to turn over the leaves and begin researching, what they find can be fascinating. But once a genealogy is begun, the searchers say the fruits of their harvest keep them hungering for more. more

Annual Hamlin Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 4
The Friends of the Hamlin Library will continue their tradition by sponsoring the annual tree lighting ceremony in the Town of Hamlin on December 4, on the library grounds. more

Area law enforcement officer
retires after 24 years of service
For more than 20 years, people in the Ogden-Parma area could quickly identify Chuck Henderson by the dark blue policeman’s uniform that he wore. Now they will have to get used to seeing him in different garb because on Friday, November 19, he retired from the police force. more

Disaster Recovery Center open in Ogden
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to assist those who suffered losses and damages as a direct result of the severe storms that occurred August 13 to September 16. more

Hilton Lions Club picks a winner
Lions Clubs International conducts an annual art contest for thousands of school children from around the world. Each year the theme centers around peace and the contest has become known as the "peace poster" contest. more

Holley teachers sign contract
The Holley Board of Education and teachers' union have agreed on a teachers' contract for the next four years. more

OPD officer recognized
In October 2004, the Town of Ogden received notification that Officer Christopher Mears of the Ogden Police Department was one of eleven officers statewide to receive recognition for his efforts in DWI enforcement. more

SUNY Brockport hands out Alumni Association awards
Five area residents were awarded by the SUNY College at Brockport's Alumni Association at a ceremony October 8. more

Troop 53 Scouts earn commendations
Chili Boy Scout Troop 53 held a Court of Honor on October 4 to present awards and commendations. Erik Strassner advanced to Star Scout; Drew Belfield advanced to Second Class Scout and Steve Cardilicchia and Matt Stubler advanced to Tenderfoot. more

VOC receives grant to help senior veterans
The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the Veterans Outreach Center's Resource Center of Rochester a $200,000 grant to provide employment opportunities for unemployed, low-income veterans over 55 years of age, with priority emphasis on those over 60. more

In Briefly:

Brownie Girl Scouts prepare Thanksgiving Food Box
Brownies from Hillwood Girl Scout Troop 393 decorated and filled a large box of Thanksgiving food items for a local mom and her four children. more

CERT volunteers take their practical exam
The Town of Ogden and Village of Spencerport and Department of Homeland Security held its final exercise and graduation ceremony of a CERT team (Community Emergency Response Team) on Tuesday, November 16. more

Holiday open house includes Toys for Tots collection
Assemblyman Bill Reilich (R,C,I,-Greece) will host his annual "Toys for Tots" Holiday Open House in cooperation with the United States Marine Corps Reserve. more

Lakeside receives crash carts
Lakeside Hospital received ten crash (emergency) carts and attachments, valued at $24,000 from the Twig Association. The Twig Association is made up of 196 members who contribute their time to operate the Twig Gift Shop, supply the art work throughout the campus and maintain the courtyard. more

In Schools:

Brockport's best musicians
Brockport High School students participated in the New York State School Music Association Senior High Area All State Band, Orchestra and Choir in Attica on November 19 and 20. more

CC Intermediate School students
accept reading challenge
Staff at Churchville-Chili Intermediate School painted a train engine and boxcars on the windows of the school's walkway to challenge their students to read more. more

Musical conference
Four Brockport High School students will join musicians from high schools across New York State in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Conference All State at the Eastman Theater December 4-5. more

"Not just an ordinary pig!"
Charlotte's Web comes alive at Hilton's Northwood Elementary as students in teacher Melanie Murphy's second grade classroom at Northwood Elementary School created the Zuckerman's farm, barn and story of the E.B. White classic children's story, Charlotte's Web in a series of performances at the school's Little Theater. more

In Sports:

BCSD schedules induction ceremony for the athletic wall of honor
Five individuals will be honored in BCSD's first induction ceremony. They are Jack Hogan, retired physical education teacher and coach, along with four individuals who will be recognized posthumously. more

Ogden Parks and Recreation offers opportunities to use facilities
The Town of Ogden Parks and Recreation offers gym rental to organizations/groups/ individuals. The multi-purpose room and gym can be reserved for a special event. more

Walking for others
On October 17, the Spencerport Rage U13 Girls Soccer Team participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Rochester. more