Floating a new idea: Creteau Tech Center students creating 'hometown' magic'

From left, seniors Dylan Bernier, Raynesha George, Esther White and Anna Carter work on design as teacher Dan Graziano looks on Tuesday at the Richard Creteau Technology Center in Rochester. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - With the clock ticking down toward Sunday's Christmas parade, one group of Rochester students are busy as elves in Santa's workshop at the Richard Creteau Technology Center putting together a float that will depict Old St. Nick's iconic entry point into our homes, hearths and hearts on Christmas Eve.

Nothing announces the start of the holiday season in Rochester like the city's Christmas parade, and Laura Ring of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, which presents the parade, said among the 70-80 entries will be several floats.

Raynesha George, left, and Anna Carter match up a spec drawing with what will be the finished project on Tuesday while working on building a float for Rochester's Christmas parade.

One of the floats being built for the parade is being constructed by students at the technical center who volunteer their time for the project after school.

Their float will depict a hearthside scene complete with fireplace, mantle and stockings hung with care as befits the theme of this year's parade: A Hometown Christmas.

Michele Halligan-Foley, the Career Technical Education Center director, said on Tuesday that some six to eight students in grades 8-12 have been working on the project for about two weeks.

She said the project is teaching students valuable lessons in how to apply skills they've learned in classes like math and art as well as problem solving and communications.

It's also about volunteerism, said students who are working on the project.

"Helping out is our way of giving back," said Dylan Bernier, a senior, as he worked with three other students.

Esther White, another senior, said the artistic elements in the project and volunteerism are what resonate with her.

"Anyway I can contribute arts to the community, that's a great use of my time," she said.

The students work under the watchful eye of Dan Graziano, an extended learning opportunity teacher. Graziano said he's there to help and assist, but leaves the problem solving to the students unless they seek his advice.

Other teachers like wood shop teacher Scott Donnelly are also nearby ready to assist.

Graziano said there will be students as well as staff on hand for the parade on Sunday, adding that walkers near the float will be handing out pencils to youngsters along the parade route.

Finishing touches are being put on the Service Credit Union Express Train this week in preparation for Sunday's Christmas parade in Rochester. (Courtesy/SCU photo)

Meanwhile, Service Credit Union, the main sponsor of the parade, will be showcasing their brand new float, the Service Credit Union Express Train.

The float is getting its finishing touches in Manchester this week. "Old 1957," named for the year the credit union began at the former Pease Air Force Base, will be chugging along the parade route for the first time, said Aimee Sundstrom of SCU on Monday.

Sundstrom said the train will be accompanied by about 20 volunteers dressed in Rockwellian costume to showcase a hometown Christmas with an old-fashioned theme.

Many bank employees will be among the participants along with their children. The train's engineer will be Walmart SCU branch manager Dawn Whiteside.

Sundstrom said parade walkers with the float will be handing out chapstick.

The parade begins at 3 p.m. on Wakefield Street by the triangle at the entrance to the Richard Creteau Technology Center. It will proceed south on Wakefield Street, turn right onto Union Street, turn left onto North Main Street, to South Main Street, and disband in front of the Rochester Common.