The Grapevine

By Alex Vukoder

A new year brings fresh opportunities to be inspired by the incredible people and organizations around us. It’s a great time to shine a light on individuals who remind us of what’s possible when determination, kindness and community spirit come together.

Chris Kaczmar has completed 10 Ironman races on his way to qualifying for the Ironman World Championship. Photo submitted

Longtime Bath resident Chris Kaczmar’s recent Ironman finish in Maryland was more than just another race – it was a testament to grit, passion and the belief that anything is possible. With only two races left on his journey to the legendary Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, Chris is on the brink of achieving an extraordinary goal.

Ironman is one of the most grueling athletic challenges in the world: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon, all completed consecutively. It’s a true test of physical endurance, mental strength and sheer determination. To qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, athletes must complete 12 Ironman races.

Chris’s journey began with what he thought would be a one-time race. But that first Ironman ignited a passion that has driven him to complete 10 races since returning to the sport in 2018, the year he turned 50. Along the way, he’s broken personal records and inspired countless others with his perseverance.

“It’s always about the journey and the thrill of the unknown,” Chris said. As he prepares for his final two races, his family couldn’t be prouder of his incredible accomplishments. Their support, combined with Chris’s drive, shows that with commitment and hard work, much is possible.

Ryleigh Murphy, a fifth-grader at Bath Elementary, understands the power of kindness firsthand. Over the past two years, she has undergone 10 surgeries for cranial empyema, a rare condition affecting her brain. During her recovery, Ryleigh found comfort and joy in painting nails – a hobby that quickly blossomed into a mission to help others.

Bath Elementary student Ryleigh Murphy (l) visits fellow student Ava Cooper in the hospital. Photo submitted.

This year, “Ryleigh’s Nail Salon,” an annual pop-up spa she runs with her family, raised funds for Ava Cooper, a Bath Elementary student in fourth grade awaiting a heart transplant. Although Ryleigh and Ava hadn’t met before, their bond quickly formed when Ryleigh visited Ava at the Cleveland Clinic, bringing gift baskets and the proceeds from the nail salon to support her family.

The two girls shared stories and began planning future fundraisers together. Their friendship is a beautiful example of how acts of kindness can ripple through a community, fostering hope and connection.

Past presidents of Bath Volunteers gathered at the BVS holiday luncheon. Photo submitted.

In a sports update, former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Pete Nance, the youngest member of the NBA Nance family, signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. Nance is a 2018 Revere graduate. He was signed to the Cleveland Cavaliers training camp roster in fall of 2023, but didn’t make the final roster. He played eight games with the Cleveland Cavaliers and was later assigned to the Cavs’ G-League team, where young players can develop their skills. His father is retired Cleveland Cavaliers player Larry Nance Sr. and his brother is Larry Nance Jr., who currently plays for the Atlanta Hawks.

Bath Volunteers for Service capped off the year by honoring past presidents at their annual holiday luncheon. This group of remarkable women, many of whom have served multiple terms, exemplifies a true commitment to the community.

Since its founding in 1958, BVS has been a cornerstone of local service, contributing more than 2,000 volunteer hours annually and hosting events like Tacos and Trivia, the Bath Horse Show and the Tour of Distinctive Homes.

Past presidents in attendance included Cathy Leuenberger, Billie Whittum, Renee Zumpano, Kathy Sidaway, Deb Brown, Nadine Clark, Chris Yuhasz, Mary Ann Heed, Nancy Rockhill and current president Jane Scott.

Through their leadership, BVS ensures that Bath remains a community where neighbors help one another and every act of service matters.If you have uplifting stories or community news to share, email me at avukoder@gmail.com. Here’s to a year of dreaming big, giving back and embracing the best in others and ourselves!