The annual "Polar Plunge" fundraiser for the Special Olympics took place today at Charlotte Beach. There were over 1500 plungers including an 83 year old former Rochester City Police Officer, and an equal number of spectators and volunteers.
The event raised around $250,000 for the Special Olympics. The event is the brainchild of Sal Gerbino, a former Gates Police Sergent and long time supporter of the Special Olympics. Sal started 12 years ago with 48 plungers raising about $1,000. Today the event has grown to enormous proportions and the participants came from all across the area and from all walks of life.
One thing was true this year, the "polar" was really evident. The wind was whipping, snow falling and lake Ontario had whitecaps and breakers. The cold temperatures did not dampen the enthusiasm. The participants had fun and did a good deed for a great cause.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Gates' Boom Continues
Despite the economic doldrums across the State and the region, the Town of Gates continues to be a hub of economic development.
Today's Democrat and Chronicle reported on the expansion of Closing, USA, a real estate and title company which is moving into the Rochester Tech Park and adding about 100 new jobs. This comes on the heels of expansion of the Sutherland Group (400 jobs), the Quaker Steak opening (100 jobs) and the expansion of Precise Tool on Cherry Road.
The Tech Park is now over half full (and remember, we are talking about a huge facility; it was built to hold 26,000 employees). There have also been a number of upgrades of many properties in the town, such as the Wegman's office building on Chili Avenue and storefronts in the Gates Plaza and Tops Plaza.
Future developments include the opening of Jeremiah's restaurant and the possible construction of a Fast Track gas station/convenience store. There have been preliminary discussions regarding hotels and residential developments, too. Finally, an unconfirmed rumor has it that the Seneca Nation has the Tech Park on its short list for possible casino sites.
Gates has always been the geographic center of Monroe County. Now it is becoming the economic center, as well.
UPDATE 2/10/12:
I spoke with Supervisor Assini this morning and he informed me that Gates' businesses have added a net of 1600 jobs in the past 14 months. And unlike the jobs allegedly created by the Obama Administration, you can actually find these 1600 workers in the Town of Gates.
Today's Democrat and Chronicle reported on the expansion of Closing, USA, a real estate and title company which is moving into the Rochester Tech Park and adding about 100 new jobs. This comes on the heels of expansion of the Sutherland Group (400 jobs), the Quaker Steak opening (100 jobs) and the expansion of Precise Tool on Cherry Road.
The Tech Park is now over half full (and remember, we are talking about a huge facility; it was built to hold 26,000 employees). There have also been a number of upgrades of many properties in the town, such as the Wegman's office building on Chili Avenue and storefronts in the Gates Plaza and Tops Plaza.
Future developments include the opening of Jeremiah's restaurant and the possible construction of a Fast Track gas station/convenience store. There have been preliminary discussions regarding hotels and residential developments, too. Finally, an unconfirmed rumor has it that the Seneca Nation has the Tech Park on its short list for possible casino sites.
Gates has always been the geographic center of Monroe County. Now it is becoming the economic center, as well.
UPDATE 2/10/12:
I spoke with Supervisor Assini this morning and he informed me that Gates' businesses have added a net of 1600 jobs in the past 14 months. And unlike the jobs allegedly created by the Obama Administration, you can actually find these 1600 workers in the Town of Gates.
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