They said it in 2023. Here's a look back at the top Canandaigua stories of the year
For several reasons, 2023 is one for the history books.
Color it, orange? Yes, orange. Remember back in June when thick smoke drifted south from wildfires in Canada and covered the Canandaigua area in an orange haze and left many coughing and struggling for air? Someone, somewhere had to have said, "Holy smokes!"
Looking back at that one July evening, when a devastating storm pounded the Canandaigua area to the tune of nearly 6 inches of rain in 3 hours, will we recognize it as an alarm sounding on the climate and the start of a future of severe weather the likes not seen before?
At least in Canandaigua schools, a new era is underway as of 2023. The Braves, a nickname for the school since the 1940s, was retired in favor of the Gray Wolves.
Family, friends and neighbors had all sorts of inciteful, interesting and fun things to say about the top events of 2023 in Ontario County and Canandaigua. Here are a few of our favorite quotes about the top stories of the year.
Flooding in Canandaigua
On July 9, 5.8 inches of rain fell in Canandaigua and other parts of the county, resulting in flooding that damaged homes and properties. Many residents are still trying to recover.
“It was like a hurricane.”
— Kevin Donnelly, on the flooding in his West Gibson Street neighborhood
"We use the word 'unprecedented' a lot. That certainly was unprecedented."
— Canandaigua Town Supervisor Jared Simpson
“We are doing everything that we can do to try and help.”
— Canandaigua Mayor Bob Palumbo
“Winter is coming.”
— Maria Bucci, a city homeowner on the flooding in her West Gibson Street neighborhood after delays in helping flood victims stretched on for months
“Many of these property owners are now in need of assistance for critical and urgent repairs to ensure their homes are safe and habitable.”
— State Sen. Pam Helming and Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan, pressing state and federal leaders for help
“It is ridiculous that flood recovery dollars are not available to the majority of Ontario County property owners who need it.”
— State Sen. Helming, again pressing for help for residents
"Our neighbors needed help, we put the call out and this community is doing what it does best: coming together, collaborating, and contributing what’s needed. I want to thank everyone who has generously answered this call and encourage others to join as the needs are still great.”
— Canandaigua National Bank President Frank Hamlin III, on community efforts to help those impacted by flooding
Long-awaited hotel finally opens on Canandaigua Lake
After years of delays, the one-time “bird cage” and now Canandaigua Hotel finally opened in late May at 205 Lakeshore Drive on Canandaigua Lake.
Originally supposed to open in 2015, the five-story Hotel Canandaigua, which is part of the Hilton hotel chain’s Tapestry Collection, has 109 hotel units. Rooms for guests include one and two king- and queen-sized beds and lake and partial lake views. An outdoor pool and fitness center also await visitors.
Of the 44 condos on the top two floors, several are a vacation turn-key style for rent or purchase. Some already have been bought. All have king-size beds, kitchen, bathroom and living areas, and are fully furnished.
Visitors also can enjoy food and drinks at the hotel's Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Bird Cage tiki bar.
“I believe my dad and mom are smiling down from heaven, saying, ‘Way to go,’ It was my promise to my dad that I was going to do this.”
— Kim Boyce, daughter of developer Robert Murphy on completing the hotel and its subsequent opening
"I think they’ll find it could be a great place to hang out and a place to brag about.”
— Valerie Knoblauch, president and CEO of the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection, the tourism agency for Ontario County
From Braves to Gray Wolves
After several surveys of throughout the year, the community spoke and the Canandaigua school district in November settled on Gray Wolves for its new nickname and mascot.
Canandaigua was required to move on from the Braves nickname and Friendship Belt logo because the New York State Board of Regents voted unanimously to prohibit the use of Native American names, mascots and logos for school districts and their sports teams. Districts have known since November 2022 that they must move on from Native American nicknames and imagery.
Gray Wolves won out over Bears, Cardinals and having no nickname at all.
“Ultimately, I’m happy for the community. I understand this was an emotional process that everyone’s in a different place with. It’s really hard for some people and at the same time, it’s exciting for others. With time, I think everyone will get on board with it and we can have a lot of fun with it.”
— Canandaigua Superintendent Jamie Farr
Words of gratitude
Many in the Canandaigua community offered words of thanks for a variety of reasons over the past year.
“Like I’ve told many people, had the community not absolutely had our back 110% and been so supportive since literally the morning after the fire, then I think it would have been a different decision.”
— Hollerhorn Distilling co-owner Karl Neubauer, on reopening the spirits-making business in Naples nearly 18 months after a devastating fire.
“I just tried to be really nice to people so they wanted to come back. I was here every day of my life and if people didn’t like me, it wouldn’t have lasted very long.”
— Frank Pontera, on selling the iconic Niagara Bar and Grill in Canandaigua after 42 years of ownership.
“The thing I’ll miss the most are the people and the staff, far and away. Had I not been given the opportunity in Canandaigua, I don’t think I would have this opportunity now, so I’m very grateful.”
— Canandaigua Town Manager Doug Finch, who is leaving the town for the Duncanville, Texas city manager job
Elections in Canandaigua and Ontario County
“I think it’s monumental that a woman is there to help represent 50% of the population and help convey their needs and wants for the county.”
— Nancy Yacci, who will be the only woman on the Ontario County Board of Supervisors come Jan. 1 after she was elected Canandaigua city supervisor in November
"I will miss my Town Hall family. Twenty-six years is a long time, and I enjoyed every minute.”
— Jean Chrisman, who was elected Ontario County clerk after 26 years with the town of Canandaigua, including 10 years as town clerk
“You represent everyone, and you hear everyone, but you certainly can’t appease everyone. But you can make smart, data-driven decisions to make the best decision for your constituents. I will trust that I’m the guy who can do that.”
— Canandaigua City Councilmember Erich Dittmar, on his being re-elected to a four-year term representing Ward 4 on City Council
Notable quotes on local news
"It is with sympathy that Ontario County has confirmed that the County Clerk, Matthew Hoose, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 21, 2023."
— Ontario County officials on the unexpected passing of the longtime county official, setting in motion contested primary and general elections for the office
“Like most people, Roseland brought a lot of joy and it’s just … gone. It didn’t get the recognition that it deserves. This park didn’t get any thanks for that and I think it needs a monument in itself.”
— artist Benji Carr, on the Ghosts of Roseland public art project in the works for Canandaigua Lake
“It’s a nice community. It’s a beautiful community. You literally wouldn’t need to leave Rushville. You have everything right here. The loss of the bank is huge.”
— Rushville Mayor David Le Clair, on the closing of the Community Bank branch in this Finger Lakes village despite efforts to save it
“If there is one call out there, this is the one piece of equipment that we need.”
— Canandaigua Fire Chief Frank Magnera, on advocating for the purchase of a fire boat to answer emergency calls on Canandaigua Lake
“I’m glad the state finally made a decision to fix that intersection.”
— Canandaigua Supervisor Jared Simpson, on the installation of a new signal light at state Routes 5 and 20 and Cooley and Hickox roads, which had been considered among the most dangerous in the town
Words to remember
“I’m going to Jacksonville and drink margaritas in the sun with my sister.”
— Pattie Cataldo, on her immediate plans after the closing of her eclectic eatery, the New Hall Diner
“I want to start my own airline. I want to try and find greener ways to fly because burning all the fuel is just so, so not good. I just want to find a better way.”
— Brianna “Bri” Leitten, Bloomfield High School student-athlete 10 years after cancer resulted in the loss of her eye, on her plans for the future
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on MPNnow: Top Canandaigua NY news stories of 2023: Here's what they said.
