2024 SILVER LAKE EXPERIENCE PRESENTER INFORMATION
Saturday, August 3rd
Presenters
S1 “The Calling” scripture Mark 1:13-20 NRSVDaily Devotion by Rev. Don Weaver
Ordained Clergy in the United Methodist Church. Served Churches small and large, rural, small town and large suburban throughout Western New York. Also served as Associate Executive Secretary and District Superintendent in WNY Conference of the United Methodist Church. Most recent pastorate Senior Pastor of Kenmore United Methodist Church, Kenmore, NY; Retired from active pastoral ministry in 1997; Served as Interim Pastor at Fredonia, East Aurora, Trinity United Methodist Church, Amherst, Kenmore, Niagara Falls between 2001 -2016, Pastor of Pastoral Care at Kenmore United Methodist Church.
Served as Disaster Response Consultant for Church World Service, UMCOR, “Actions by Churches Together” and Church of the Brethren, Children’s Disaster Services beginning in 1980. Responded 9/11/2001 New York City World Trade Center Attack, Project Manager for Children’s Disaster Services in New York City and Long Island in response to Hurricane Sandy November 2012. Have taught workshops on Disaster Response both Nationally and Internationally.
Have served since 1972 NSP Patroller; Earned Senior Patroller status; Patroller of the year award from Kissing Bridge Ski Patrol in 1992 ; Ambassador of the Slopes award for the Western New York Region of the NSP in 2003; Served as Western New York Region Director and Member of the Eastern Division Board from 2006 to 2012; Named WNY Region Patroller of the Year for the WNY Region in 2012.
Graduate: Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY. Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Arts Education; Attended: Graduate School at University of Rochester, Rochester, NY; Attended: Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Rochester, NY; Graduate: Alfred School of Theology, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, Masters of Divinity; Graduate: Drew University, Madison, NJ. Doctor of Ministry in the field of Pastoral Care.
Alpine Skiing-Member National Ski Patrol, Camping, Canoeing, Backpacking, Vintage Auto Restoration, Sailing and Woodworking.; I have been married since 1956 to Barbara Prosser Weaver and are parents of three married children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
S2 “Crumbling to Charming” A Historical Cottage Renovation by Brad Huber
Bradley Huber is a reading teacher in the Rochester City School District, and a hobby preservationist. First completing a full restoration on a 1930's Bungalow in West Irondequoit, NY which was subsequently featured in This Old House Magazine and HGTV's Cheap Old Houses tv series. He recently turned his attention to Silver Lake where he completed a full rehabilitation of a 1878 Stick-Style Victorian Cottage with the support of NYS and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, and of course his many kind neighbors.
S3 Three to See Cottage Tour by Sharon Pratt
Sharon grew up in the Perry, NY area and remembers swimming in Silver Lake and attending Asbury (Camp) as a teenager. She is a 30 year resident of Silver Lake Institute where she has been a member of the SLI Board of Trustees, served as steward (chairperson) of Epworth Hall, and is a founding member of The Silver Lake Experience. Sharon has had a lifelong interest in history and architecture. She has retired from the Landmark Society of Western New York.
S4 The Real Story of the Monument Men and Women by Dr. Patrick McGrady
Patrick J. McGrady is the Charles V. Hallman Senior Curator at Penn State's Palmer Museum of Art. He is responsible for the museum's European collections and specializes in works on paper with a particular concentration on European and American prints. He has organized more than eighty exhibitions, ranging in content from 15th-century woodcuts to 21st-century paintings and including monographic presentations of artists such as Edouard Manet, Honor Daumier, Lyonel Feininger, George Gershwin, Will Barnet, and Betye Saar. MoGrady oversees the Palmer Museum's print study room and directs its Print and Drawing Study Club. He currently is working on a digital prolegomena to Wassily Kandinsky's 1911 book Concerning the Spiritual in Art.
S5 Unachored-Finding Your Bliss In Letting Go by Kate Welshofer
Kate Welshofer is a writer, speaker and content creator. The former news anchor, reporter and producer left her award-winning career in television after 27 years to pursue a more fulfilling and creative life. A graduate of Perry High School and St. Bonaventure University, Kate is thrilled to be a presenter at this year’s Silver Lake Experience.
S6 3D Printing by Ray Lia
Ray is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Cornell University. He has been retired for 4 years after 44 years working in R&D for a medical product company. Ray enjoys 3D printing at home to repair broken things around the house, and making useful things that he can’t find available or just don’t exist. Ray will be assisted by John Murray who is also a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Clarkson University and happens to be Ray’s neighbor here at Silver Lake.
S7 Sex Trafficking Doesn’t Happen Here…Does It? Kelly Nickerson
Kelly is the Youth Program Coordinator for the Wyoming County Youth Bureau, she has two children, including a High school-aged daughter and a son who graduated in 2023, Kelly along with her husband Clayton and their family live in Wyoming County. Kelly grew up on a dairy farm in Western, NY, which has impacted her work ethic. Kelly has worked with school age youth throughout Wyoming County for the last 10 years. She took on the position as the Safe Harbour Coordinator for Wyoming County in the spring of 2023, the biggest role as the Safe Harbour Coordinator is to educate the community in what Child Trafficking looks like in our rural community, as well as linking our youth survivors to resources to help keep them safe.
S8 SLE Book Club Discussion by Tracey Brewster
Tracey grew up spending summers at her parent’s cottage on Silver Lake surrounded by many of her relatives who also owned property on the lake. Due to her love of Silver Lake, she and her husband purchased a cottage here in 2014 to create special memories with their combined 6 kids. In 2022 not only did they make the cottage their primary home but Tracey retired from her role as Senior Vice President of Operations for a technology company.
Being an avid reader her whole life, Tracey would often escape the pressures of her highly demanding job by diving into a good book. In retirement she would find herself reading an entire book within days. With extra time on her hands after retirement she knew she wanted to organize something with the women of the Institute. Having participated in Book Clubs and with her love of reading she asked around to see if there was interest in a Book Club. In September 2023 Tracey organized the SLI Bookworms Book Club. Participating in and organizing a Book Club are totally different things and through her experiences she has many lessons learned she is excited to share.
In addition to reading by the lake and spending time with family Tracey likes to keep busy and plays Pickleball. Tracey also speaks to groups about topics such as The Internet of Things (IoT), Employee burn-out and Retiring in your 50’s.
S9 Boat Tours of Silver Lake
S10 Young At Art: Painting A Silver Lake Sunset by Lorie Longhany
Lorie is a self-taught artist, who has been creating art in many mediums her entire life. She has taught art in many venues including Holy Family and St. Mary’s catholic schools, Le Roy Senior Citizens, The Genesee County Office of the Aging, Gillam Grant Community Center and years of private lessons. She has been commissioned several times by Thompkins Bank of Castile, DePaul, Pavilion State Bank and many other local businesses.
Lorie has owned a home in the Institute, and she has used the beauty of Silver Lake to create many lake scene paintings and drawings. She looks forward to connecting with new artists to share the love she has for creating artwork and the beauty and magic of Silver Lake.
S11 Tour of the Stained Glass Windows of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Perry
Dennis Crowley will speak on the fascinating history and unique qualities of this beautiful church, which has a cornerstone dated 1906. The pastor and architect, Fr. Thomas Caraher, put a great deal of love and care into it's construction. He used connections from outside the diocese to enhance the spaces within the church, such as the Last Supper found in the High Altar, coming from friends in New York City. Upon completion of the building, only the Sanctuary, Apse, and Choir windows were stained glass. The windows for the naive of the church remained clear until the mid 30's, thus making Fr. Caraher's vision for the church more complete
S12 “Crumbling to Charming”: A Historical Cottage Renovation by Brad Huber
Bradley Huber is a reading teacher in the Rochester City School District, and a hobby preservationist. First completing a full restoration on a 1930's Bungalow in West Irondequoit, NY which was subsequently featured in This Old House Magazine and HGTV's Cheap Old Houses tv series. He recently turned his attention to Silver Lake where he completed a full rehabilitation of a 1878 Stick-Style Victorian Cottage with the support of NYS and Federal Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program, and of course his many kind neighbors.
S13 Symbols in Christianity: Their Origins and Meanings by Dennis Wimer, PhD
Dennis is a retired secondary teacher in language arts, Latin, Greek, and the humanities in Henrico County Public Schools, Richmond, VA. He has continued his love of educating others by being an adjunct professor in the following schools and disciplines: the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA in the classics department at University of Richmond, Richmond, VA in the humanities discipline at HACC, Central Pennsylvania Community College, Lancaster and Lebanon, VA. Adjunct Humanities Professor; HACC, Central Pennsylvania Community College, Lancaster and Lebanon Campuses.
His presentations at the 2022 SLE were very very well received!!!
S14 Vinyasa Yoga by Lake Girl Yoga with Amanda Ganguly
Amanda Ganguly, from Rochester, New York, discovered the transformative power of yoga in 2015 and has been devoted to her practice ever since. Amanda founded Lake Girl Yoga following graduation from TRU Yoga’s Teacher Training in May of 2023 with her 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher certificate. She is passionate about sharing the profound benefits of yoga with others and firmly believes that yoga is for every body and every soul. Her inclusive teaching style reflects this belief. For Amanda, yoga has been a life-changing journey that has not only brought her physical and mental well-being but also led her to meet her husband at a local studio, making her connection to yoga even more profound. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment as you join Amanda of Lake Girl Yoga on the mat and/or on the chair.
S15 Coca- Cola Museum Tour by Dave Phillips Sr.
David Phillips attended Perry Central School graduating in 1968, served in USMC from 1970-74, got married in 1974 and had 6 children. From 1974-1986 he worked construction and then made a career change going to Roberts Wesleyan College from 1986-1990 receiving a BS degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Elementary Education in 1994. From 1990 to 2012 he taught elementary school at Letchworth Central School retiring in 2012. Dave's hobbies are woodworking, collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia, making maple syrup, hunting, traveling, camping, walking and hiking. He attends Hope Chapel is Perry and has been involved with Odasagih Bible conference for several years. He's been on mission trips in the US and South America.
S16 Forest Therapy by Chip Matthews
Charles Matthews better known, as Chip, is currently serving as the Director of Student Life at SUNY Geneseo. He is an enthusiastic professional, who is interested in partnering with others to learn and develop through active engagement and increased self-awareness.
Throughout his career, Chip has conducted numerous workshops on leadership, bystander intervention, team building, ethical leadership, and conflict resolution. He teaches courses in leadership theory, interpersonal skills, career and educational planning, and group dynamics and is an Adult Mental Health First Aid USA Instructor.
Chip has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Masters in Public Administration, a Professional Coaching Certificate, a SUNY Mindfulness Certification, and is Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Life Coach.
S17 The Underground Railroad by Eric Szucs
Eric Szucs is the Director of Tourism & Marketing at the Wyoming County Chamber and Tourism. He has the pleasure and honor of sharing stories about our wonderfully rural community with tourists from around the globe. In his free time, you will find him seeking out hidden gems, grubbing on delicious foods, and exploring unique shops with friends and family. He has a passion for local history, and after speaking about Embury Lanterns (made in nearby Warsaw, NY) at the 2022 Silver Lake Experience, he’s delighted to return once again to this magnificent event.
S18 Make Me An Author: Six Paths to Published with Creekside Publishing(Linda Hotchkiss, Brandon Allers)
Linda Hotchkiss began writing short stories and poems at age four. At 14, she was accepted into a gifted young writers program, and at 17, in college, she began her editorial career and writing under pen names. Her passion for creative arts carried her through many business projects and private service work in genre, literary and mental health, writing, editing, and agency. This path led her to open Creekside Publishing on Main Street in Perry, NY. Her twelve-year collective college career includes nine schools where she studied Communications and Media Arts, Business Development and Marketing, Project Management, Fitness Training, School-age Programs Administration, and Clinical, Educational, and Biopsychology. The current expressions of her academic pursuits and life experience are growing through several corporate enterprises. Linda has seven children: six grown—three sons and three daughters—and one son who passed at age 16. She moved to Perry with her children a few years ago and worked from home as a digital nomad through the worlds of story. She now lives in the recently renovated Barna C. Roup Historical House with her constant companion, a German Shepherdess, Scarlet Silverfeet. When Linda was eight years old, she made her closet into an office and declared she would be a writer, publisher, producer, and business starter. At 54, she is currently fulfilling her childhood proclamation.
Brandon's writing career began as soon as he could read. He says, "Being raised surrounded by books, it was a default setting." Brandon was primarily self-taught through distance education in pursuing Linguistics, History, Theology, Economics, and Writing certifications. In applying his fields of expertise, he says he can usually be found drowning in post-it notes at Creekside Publishing on Main Street, Perry, NY or out volunteering with one community organization or another, "Because that's where the stories are!" He warns that if you want to avoid becoming part of a scene in some intriguing story, you should approach with caution; he carries a pen and notebook.
S19 TBD
S20 Harriet Tubman: The Overcomer: The Perseverance of Hope by Magelene Moore
Magelene Moore-Holley is a native of Kingstree, South Carolina. She is the 13th of 15 children born to Emma and Amos Moore. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies from Empire State College in 2004 and a Master of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary in 2008. She is a member of AKOMA, the African-American Women's Gospel Choir and AKWAABA, the Heritage Associates, whose members attempt to bring to life the accomplishments and struggles of the women and men on whose shoulders we now stand! Magelene completed a one-year contract with AmeriCorps of Rochester where she worked within the City school system with the expectation of discovering ways in which she could contribute to the growth and strength of our youth. She also has a passion for the liberation of girls and women from systemic global discrimination both in the community at large and in the church. She is a wife and mother of two adult children. She enjoys reading, teaching, acting, and singing. Magelene is a member of Memorial AME Zion Church in the city of Rochester.
S21 Lunch
S22 Luncheon Conversation with Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass
S23 Frederick Douglass Stands Amongst The Literary Giants!! By Nathan M. Richardson
Nathan M. Richardson is a published author, performance poet and Frederick Douglass Historian. He is the author of four collections of poetry and teaches a variety of workshops for emerging writers and spoken word artists. Nathan is now in the 10th year of The Frederick Douglass Speaking Tour - a living history performance that captures completely the physical, spiritual and intellectual essence of the former slave, writer, orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. This living history series has been seen nationally and internationally and including The White House Visitors Center, the Chautauqua Lecture Series and American Cruise Lines (Small Ship Historic Cruises). Nathan has film credits with the National Park Service and Alabama Public Television. His recent rendition of the speech “Frederick Douglass Honors the Unknown Loyal Dead” was Nominated for Best Short Film at the 2022 I Will Tell Film International Festival.” You can learn more about Nathan Richardson and his work at www.scpublishing.com
S24 Sioux Lazy Stitch Beaded Medicine Bag by Holly Ranke
God richly blessed me with an artful life. It began as a little girl when my grandma placed a needle and thread in my hand. I remember sheer happiness sewing with her and nearly 60 years later that feeling returns whenever I stitch. Although I love creating in all media, it's the needle arts that have captured my heart. While my career in fashion and home decoration filled a craving to create. I'm now embracing the unhurried nature of my "golden years" surrounded by woods at my cabin studio. With a project in my lap, bare feet in the grass, and birdsongs in the air, I feel a primeval connection and lose all concept of time...that peace that passes all understanding* as the Bible so eloquently describes in Phillippians 4:7. As an advocate for sustainable lifestyle and maker of "slo fashion" and accessories, I enjoy using vintage and reclaimed textiles, found objects, and natural fabric dyeing methods...techniques more mindful of kindness towards Mother Earth. . Life has come full circle as I teach my granddaughters sewing skills and I'm so thankful to my grandmother teaching me a simple skill that I have carried throughout my life... I am looking forward to teaching you at the Silver Lake Experience an interesting skill that you may use to create something that reflects an historical Native American Craft.
S25 Mushroom Growing by Don Gasiewicz
Don is the Agriculture Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County who also owns and operates Toad Song Mushrooms in Varysburg, NY. Toad Song specializes outdoor log grown shiitake mushroom cultivation, alongside many other seasonal gourmet varieties. Mushrooms grown outdoors on logs are as close to wild harvested, the consumer can get. For those interested in growing their own mushrooms at home, we also offer hands on how-to educational workshops.
S26 Intro to Pickleball by Mark Emmerson
Hi, I’m Mark Emmerson and I’m really excited about introducing you to this great sport that is the hottest thing in town!! First, a little bit about me. I’ve been a year-round Silver Lake resident since retiring in 2010 and was President of the Silver Lake Association from 2013 to 2020. Coincidentally, 2010 was the year I started playing this crazy game called “Pickleball.” Since then, I’ve brought dozens of new people into pickleball, mostly through my connection at the Warsaw YMCA, where I learned to play. For 14 years I’ve been associated with a growing group of great people that get together nearly every day, to enjoy this game, improve their skills, make new friends, and generally have a great time. I am truly in love with this sport that is a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. My goal for this session is to make you feel the same.
S27 Walking the Asbury Labyrinth by Rev. Sue Russell
Sue is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. She spent over 20 years in the local church as a youth pastor and has been the Director at Asbury Retreat Center since 2016. She loves welcoming all people to the sacred grounds of Asbury. Sue enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and being outdoors where she experiences spiritual renewal through God’s creation.
S28 Kayaking by Asbury Staff
S29 Bridging Communities Through Art by Shawn Dunwoody
Shawn is a multi-disciplinary creative force for change. A Rochester native, he found success as an artist in galleries and at universities early in his career. But in recent years, his focus has been to ignite conversations through art to create tangible changes within communities. Shawn's regional work with community murals has been featured on the PBS show, Samantha Brown's Place To Love, and you can see one of his stunning creations on Main Street in Perry. Shawn also is a Board member on the Landmark Society of Western New York and narrates a video about historic Epworth Hall as part of the Landmark Society's "Living Landmarks" series
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L3247mj41k)
S30 Celebrating 150 years at Silver Lake by Sharon Pratt
Sharon grew up in the Perry, NY area and remembers swimming in Silver Lake and attending Asbury (Camp) as a teenager. She is a 30 year resident of Silver Lake Institute where she has been a member of the SLI Board of Trustees, served as steward (chairperson) of Epworth Hall, and is a founding member of The Silver Lake Experience. Sharon has had a lifelong interest in history and architecture. She has retired from the Landmark Society of Western New York.
S31 Art Show: Hoag
S32 Open Swim
S33 Art Show: Hoag
S34 Lakeside Acoustical Guitar by Don Thomas
Don Thomas is a composer, musician, producer, and engineer. He plays his music in the same manner as he greets his listeners with a kind smile and a soft spoken demeanor His playing is gentle, clean and exquisitely mesmerizing. The purity of his writing is sure to come straight from the heart of a musician's soul.
S35 Porch Chat: Native Gardens by Bonnie Bright
Bonnie is a resident of Silver Lake, a member of the Silver Lake Association and Water Quality Group, and a Master Gardener with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Of Genesee County. Over 5 years she has transformed her 3 tiered gardens from shrubs into Native Gardens and perennials in keeping with the Lake environmental factors affecting planting selection, placement, and continued growth.
S36 Music and the Mind by Barbara Bruce
Barbara Bruce is a nationally known author and speaker. She teaches many aspects of aging well and living well at the district conference, and national level. Barbara has co-taught "Celebrating Aging" at the Colgate Rochester Crozier Divinity School and has served two quadrenium as the North East Jurisdictional Representative to the Discipleship Ministry on the Committee onAging and Older Adult Ministry. Barbara has a BS in Education, an MS in Creative Studies, and a Certificate in Gerontology.
S37 Barn Chat at Bob Murphy’s Porch
Bob grew up in the Silver Lake Institute so he has a very long history of stories of this historical area. He is considered the SLI Historian and takes great pride in both his personal photo collection and being the steward of the Institute's vast black and white photograph collection. Bob is also one of the founding members of the Silver Lake Experience and offers a wide variety of workshops. If anyone has a question about the history of the Silver Lake Institute. Bob will probably have the answer or know how.
S38 Porch Chat at the Jello House by owner Doug Wilson
Rev. Dr. Doug Wilson, “Doug”, is a retired United Methodist Pastor. He has served several different churches including Perry United Methodist Church since 1969. He has a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling. He has been a resident of the Silver Lake Institute since 1996. His late wife Nancy passed away in 2020. Nancy enjoyed leading spiritual photography workshops. Doug enjoys watching his grandkids play a variety of sports.
S39 Butterfly Gardens by Kelly McMurtry
As a single mother, I find solace and inspiration in the great outdoors. My love for nature runs deep, and it’s a joy I’ve passed on to my 7-year-old daughter, who shares my fascination with bugs, butterflies, and all things wild. But there’s one tiny creature that has captured our hearts—the monarch butterfly.
S40 Lakefront Games-Cornhole by Brandon Phillips
Kaelyn and Brandon are both teachers in the Churchville Chili School District after teaching for over 10 years in Baltimore County, Maryland. Kaelyn teaches 7th grade Health and has coached girls JV and varsity volleyball, tennis, and is currently the modified boys and girls swim coach. Brandon teaches Honors Geometry and 9th grade Algebra. He is currently the JV Baseball Coach for Churchville. They reside in Chili with their 5 year old twin sons.
S41 Pre-Concert Desserts
S42 Concert: Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
S43 Lantern Walk with Lisa Schiske
Lisa and her husband have been cottage owners here at Silver Lake Institute for the past 17 years, feeling Blessed to live here at the Institute all summer long. Lisa is very passionate about community supported events and even more grateful that her husband of 37 years just smiles and nods his head as she runs out the door again to tend to another 'crazy idea she had in her head to be facilitated in their Silver Lake Community or back at home in Pavilion NY. Silver Lake is a magical place and Lisa is excited to share her love for fairies, angels, and lantern walks with all of those who sign up for the Silver Lake Experience. Lisa is back by popular demand after a wonderful 2022 SLE!