Red Raider Radio

Mr. David Thering was a long time Social Studies teacher at Minerva Deland who became famous for his mantra such as "Excuses are the nails that build our house of failure."  Listen to hear the backstories on his pearls of wisdom, his keys to teaching success and why he loves Fairport and will stay here until his "demise"!

CORRECTIONS:  The freshman class raised about $1,500, not $15,000.  Mr. Thering earned his masters degree from Nazareth.  

Mr. David Thering was a long time Social Studies teacher at Minerva Deland who became famous for his mantra such as "Excuses are the nails that build our house of failure."  Listen to hear the backstories on his pearls of wisdom, his keys to teaching success and why he loves Fairport and will stay here until his "demise"!

On the night Kim took her nine month-old daughter, Vivian, to the hospital, she thought it would be just a quick stay.  She never imagined that she and her husband would learn that their baby had Type 1 Diabetes - extremely rare in such a young child.  Find out:

• The process of diagnosing Vivian with Type 1 Diabetes

• What day-to-day life is like for their family

• How she uses frosting to help Vivian

• Kim's advice for parents who are advocating for their children - but keep running into roadblocks

• How Kim co-founded Parents Helping Parents - and is making a difference in Monroe County and New York State.  

Angie was always curious about her mother's ancestry.  Her mother was adopted at the age of five and never knew the identity of her own parents.  But after December 8th, 2009, when Angie's mom passed away from cancer at 5 am - and then Angie's own first child was born before the day ended -- she became determined to discover who she was and who was a part of her daughter's heritage. 

Find out: 

• How she identified and located her relatives

• How she's dealt with some family members rejecting her

• Why meeting new relatives is like "going on a first date"

• What to do if you uncover some "skeletons in your family tree"

• How she thinks her mom would react to all of her efforts

Casey Daggett is one of Fairport's strongest mothers!  Two years ago, her daughter, Zoey, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and they have been fighting for Zoey the whole time. Hear all about:

• The whirlwind experience of learning Zoey had cancer
• Their experiences seeking treatment (including traveling to Germany)
• How Casey's bodypump group helps her cope with stress
• How they've handled having tough conversations with Zoey
• What she loves about Zoey
• Her expert tips of how to survive a hospital stay with kids

Coach Don Santini (Class of '57) is the amazingly successful coach who lead the Fairport Football Team to seven Section 5 Class AAA Titles between 1975-1992.  Find out:  

• The ONE game he would like a "re-do"
• His personal game day rituals
• How do get kids "fired up"
• What's his ringtone today . . . 
• Why he thinks he retired too early

Thank you to TK's Pizzeria and Fairport Brewing Company for sponsoring this episode!

Maureen Aguglia was an award winning bartender and restaurant manager when she had a near death experience that motivated her to completely change her life. This episode is PACKED with inspiring and interesting stories from Maureen's life!

Find out:

• How a trip to her dentist almost turned deadly 
• How Maureen copes and thrives with dyslexia
• What she did when her 5th grade teacher said she would never graduate from high school 
• Maureen's experience with a sudden brain surgery
• How she "held it together" as a single mom
• Life behind the scenes of the fancy/flare free-pour bartending world

When Nate Romagnola (FHS Class of 1999) took a summer job mowing lawns and tending mausoleums, he never dreamed he would end up as the Vice President of White Haven Cemetery someday!

Find out:

• How a city planner became a burial planner!
• Why planning a funeral is a lot like planning a wedding . . . 
• Latest burial trends (yes, it's a real thing!)
• How Nate deals with the solemn nature of his job
• Why Nate's extended family is EXTRA close . . . 
• The "most popular" spot at White Haven Cemetery

Thank you to The Inn on Church for sponsoring this episode!

Modern Lodging with a Nod to History

Dave Paddock was the principal of Fairport High School from 1995 - 2008 and quickly became known as a beloved administrator who connected with students and the community. 

Find out:  

• Why his own high school experience was traumatic 
• Why he decided to learn the names of the entire graduating class each year
• Dave's experiences being a principal in the immediate aftermath of Columbine
• How to discipline with love
• What started Brotherhood and Sisterhood week 
• Why he retired

Thank you to The Inn on Church for sponsoring this episode!

Modern Lodging with a Nod to History

Tim Slisz is one of those people quietly working behind the scenes, influencing so many aspects of Fairport life.  He works at Johanna Perrin as a sixth grade teacher, serves as a Village Trustee and is active in Church of the Assumption.  He's everywhere!

Find out: 

• What he thinks grades tell you about a student
• His dreams for the Village of Fairport (if money were no problem)
• How he became a foster dad to several different children over the years
• What it's like to run for public office

I'd like to thank Blaze Lacrosse for sponsoring this episode.  

Blaze Lacrosse - #1 in Club Lacrosse since 2000!