Greece News April/May 2023

The Rotary Club of Greece Literacy Committee supports the Greece Public Library Sensory Backpack program

Each backpack kit has a theme; weight, fidgets, calming, auditory processing, emotions and resistance, with objects and books geared specifically towards that topic.

For example, the calming backpack includes a weighted stuffed puppy scented with lavender and able to be microwaved for warmth, a battery-operated night light that projects stars, planets, and lights on the ceiling/walls, liquid bubble timers, and mindfulness mazes that help teach guided mediation breathing.

Each bag also has a helpful information guide that is laminated and suggests ways to use the items included with the kit.

“I cannot thank the Rotary Club of Greece enough for their support in bringing these kits to life. I know the backpacks will be enjoyed and cherished by countless children in this community,” said Jenna Wygal, MS-ILS, Greece Public Library, Children’s Senior Library Assistant.

For more information on the Sensory Backpack Program visit the children’s wing at the Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Boulevard, Greece.

Provided Information and Photo

Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation 2023 Golf Tournament

Supporting Local Nursing Education

The Greece Chamber Charitable Foun dation recently announced their first an nual Golf Tournament supporting local nursing education. Title sponsor Bryant & Stratton College, Honorary Chairperson Doug Emblidge, and the Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation are inviting the public to register to golf as an individual golfer or a foursome, which includes 18 holes of golf with cart, tee prizes, food and drink. The tournament will take place on Monday, June 26, 2023, beginning 11:00 am, at Ridgemont Country Club, 3717 West Ridge Road, in Greece. Early-bird pricing is available through May 20th.

For more information and registra tion, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, call (585) 227-7272, or email Golf Tourna ment Chairperson Michael A. Mordenga, Mike@TheVictorsGym.com.

To sponsor this event, visit www.GreeceChamber.org.

“Bryant & Stratton College is proud to serve as the title sponsor of the Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation’s First Annual Golf Tournament. This has special meaning for us as the goal is to support nursing education. Bryant & Stratton recently began offering an Associate’s Degree in Nursing in Rochester in response to employer demand in our community,” said Michael Mariani, Rochester Campus Director of Bryant & Stratton College.

“The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is delighted to join a host of generous business sponsors in support of local nursing education. Our community needs a large pool of excel-

Town

lent nurses to choose from as we staff the facilities that care for our precious loved ones,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Sarah Lentini.

“The Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation is very proud to serve the charitable needs of our community by supporting the local nursing education, and we are grateful for the generous support,” said Michael A. Mordenga, Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation President and The Victors Gymnastics President and CEO.

The Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation encourages the community’s participation on June 26th to support nursing education in our region. In addition, businesses and individuals can make a tax-deductible financial contribution to the Foundation by visiting www.GreeceChamber.org or calling the Greece Regional Chamber office at (585) 227-7272.

The Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation was established in 2002 to support programs that prepare young people for success in education and business. The Foundation is a charitable nonprofit organization led by a board of directors comprised of community volunteers. Over the last 20 years, the Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation has funded a variety of organizations, community projects, and initiatives. The Foundation’s current initiative is to local support nursing education through scholarship grants to nursing students.

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of Greece announces expanded programs for “Gaming on the Go”

The Town of Greece is expanding programming for its residents, especially keeping our teens in mind. The Town’s new indoor mobile game trailer comes complete with the latest gaming systems and space for up to 24 players. “Greece’s Gaming on the Go” comes with comfortable seating, gaming systems, heat, air and even outdoor screens for additional gaming.

“The field of parks and recreation has seen a growing trend of e-sports and gaming. This activity addresses a target audience of our teenage population that is often challenging to program for,” states Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich. “We have seen a rise in popularity of our Nintendo Nights. We felt it important to offer more opportunities for gaming through this trailer. Gaming and e-sports have evolved to improve physical and mental activity along with critical thinking skills. Our trailer will allow teens and people of all ages to connect with others in a safe and controlled

environment.”

Current plans for the gaming trailer include activities during school breaks and utilizing it for town events. The gaming trailer will not be available for personal rentals.

Provided Information and Photo

Greece Chamber Health & Home Expo

The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its 2023 Health & Home Expo.

Saturday, June 3, 2023 • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Mall at Greece Ridge,

271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester (Greece), NY 14626

Free Admission and Free Parking

The event will showcase a broad array of exhibitors and vendors, showcasing products and services related to health and home and better living, and will include giveaways, free drawings, and activities for kids.

The 2023 Health & Home Expo provides businesses and organizations throughout our region an opportunity to share their expertise, products and services with the community. Opportunities for businesses to exhibit, sponsor and advertise are available now. Visit www.GreeceChamber.org or call (585) 227-7272 for more information.

“The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering once again with a wide array of businesses in our region to bring this event to the public. Local businesses of all types support health and home, inspiring us to enhance and improve various aspects of our lives. The link between our society’s better health and economic and community development is a strong one,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Sarah Lentini. “Healthy families and businesses with a strong, positive experience of day-to-day living build strong, viable communities. Ultimately, our ability to

develop and sustain happy and healthy communities will be the foundation of our regional growth and prosperity.”

For more information, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, or call 585.227.7272.

Info@westsidenewsny.com

585-352-4811

Raco ext. 129

Stevens ext. 130

Greece Chamber Offers Trip to Thailand

The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and Collette have lined up an exciting trip to Thailand with an optional 4-night Singapore pre-tour extension, departing October 26 and returning November 10, 2023. Trip highlights include: Bangkok, Sukhothai, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Special package pricing is available for those who reserve their spot by Thursday, April 27, 2023. In addition, Chamber members receive a discount as well when booking by the deadline.tini.

While membership is not required to participate in the travel program, Greece Regional Chamber Associate and Business members are eligible for travel discounts on many destinations. The public can find additional trips and more information on the Chamber’s travel program by visiting www.GreeceChamber.org, emailing Info@GreeceChamber.org, or calling 585.227.7272 or 585.944.5800.

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Greece Historical Society Special Event

•Sunday, April 30, 2023 • 1:30 PM

Ceramic Vessels Exhibit at the Greece Historical Society and Museum, 595 Long Pond Road, Greece

This one-day exhibition by Daphi Postl shows a series of wheel-thrown ceramic sculptural vessels. Daphi creates large scale vessels ranging in height from a few inches to five feet tall. They are often thrown in sections, then assembled and shaped. This rhythmic, tactile process aids in the winding journey that comes with healing.

Daphi Post is a 23-year-old ceramic artist doing an artist-inresidence program at Rochester Institute of Technology. While pursuing her degree at RIT, with a major and minor in Psychology and Philosophy, she spends the rest of her time in the studio working with clay. During this time she discovered her love for the natural flow and rhythm that is fully present in doing ceramics. The Greece Historical Society is thrilled to offer Ms. Postl space for her first public exhibit of her work.

Provided Information and Photos

Cooking with kids

Fizzy Watermelon Drink

Ingredients

3 cups cubed watermelon, with seeds removed 1/2 cup orange juice

Sparkling water

Directions

Place watermelon and juice in blender. Put lid on tightly. Blend until smooth. Pour into individual glasses and top off with sparkling water to taste, stir, drink immediately and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed with cold water

1 small cucumber, diced (about 1 cup)

1 small red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)

1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

2 thin slices of sweet onion

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Put all the ingredients in the bowl and stir well. Now taste the salad. Does it need more vinegar or lemon juice or a pinch more salt?

If so, add it and taste again.

Refrigerate for 1-24 hours to allow flavors to blend before serving.

Rice Salad

Ingredients

3 cups cooked brown rice

1 small cucumber, sliced thinly

1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

3/4 cup chopped fresh spinach

3 green onions, chopped

1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoon oil

Directions

In a large bowl, mix rice, cucumber, bell peppers, spinach, and green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sugar and olive oil. Add dressing to salad and toss together.

Kids Helping Kids at the American Legion

On March 19, 2023, the Greece American Legion Auxiliary Unit 468 and VFW Auxiliary Post 4658, both located at the Greece American Legion on Dorsey Road, held a “No Sew” blanket event for the children of our Legion’s members.

Nine children participated in cutting and tying the blankets. The blankets are being donated to The Bovina Child Advocacy Center for abused children, and Children Awaiting Parents, Inc., Foster Care Program.

The goal was to teach children how they can have a positive impact on our community by helping other children who may be

struggling, or just need to know that someone cares.

Our goal was successfully met, the smiles on the kids faces, along with the 22 beautiful blankets that they created, shows how engaged the kids were in the program.

Some kids didn’t even know each other when they came, but they all pitched in and worked together as a team. It was an amazingly fulfilling experience watching them learn and help each other, even with the age differences.

All of us at the American Legion and VFW are so very proud of their hard work and what they have accomplished.

Provided Information and Photo

From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich

Thankfully, warmer weather seems to be making its way to Greece. We are now officially in the planning stages for all of our Spring and Summer events.

Our next Shredding Event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 31st, from 1pm-4pm, at the Greece Town Hall Campus. This event is free to Greece residents. Confidential shredding services will be provided by Shred-Text. I, our Greece Council Members, and our Receiver of Taxes will all be on hand to assist residents with unloading their vehicles throughout the duration of the event. We ask that each participant limit the number of boxes they bring to the shredding event to five boxes. All documents will be shredded confidentially and on site. An evening Shredding Event will take place in the Fall season.

I would like to remind High School students that there is still time to submit applications for the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship. This scholarship provides the Greece community with the opportunity to recognize a student that regularly upholds exemplary moral values, devotes time and energy into

helping serve the Greece community, and consistently displays outstanding leadership skills. The scholarship deadline is Friday, May 26, 2023. Scholarship applications can be found on the Town of Greece website: https://greeceny.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/jerry-j-helfer-youth-engagement-scholarship

Two upcoming events that we would love to have you join us for is our Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony and the Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo and Summer Concert. The Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 30th, 2023. More details to follow!

The Jerry J. Helfer Food Truck Rodeo and Summer Concert will take place Thursday, June 1st, 2023, from 5:30-8:30 at the Greece Town Hall Campus. Join us for this free event featuring Zac Brown Tribute Band and enjoy a delicious meal from one of the food trucks participating!

As always, I enjoy hearing feedback from residents about programming and other Town-related matters. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office or visit our website. Keep on the look-out for additional details regarding town sponsored events and news on my Facebook page: Bill Reilich Greece Town Supervisor.

Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship Opportunity

Applications are now being accepted for the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship.

Jerry Helfer was a man of exceptional character and virtue who always exhibited kindness to anyone he encountered. Throughout his life, Jerry dedicated his time and talents to making our community a better place. One of Jerry’s first positions in public service was being a member of the Greece Youth Board. Additionally, Jerry served as Town Councilman from 1998 until 2009 and as Deputy Supervisor from January 2014 until his untimely passing in July of the same year.

“Jerry was an upstanding citizen, co-worker, and friend,” said Supervisor Reilich. “It is an honor for me to announce this scholarship in memory of Jerry. His respect for public service and his love for learning are the foundations of this scholarship. Jerry loved his community and we want to be able to engage our

youth to enable their participation in local government and community service. I encourage all seniors in high school to apply for this scholarship and continue on Jerry’s lifelong legacy of public service and learning.”

The Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship provides the Greece community with the opportunity to recognize a student that regularly upholds exemplary moral values, devotes time and energy into helping serve the Greece community, and consistently displays outstanding leadership skills.

Scholarship applications can be found on the Town of Greece website: https://greeceny.gov/departments/parksandrecreation/jerry-j-helfer-youth-engagement-scholarship. The scholarship deadline is Friday, May 26, 2023.

For more information, please contact the Greece Youth Board at 723-2934 or email jerryhelferscholarship@greeceny.gov. Provided

Free Shredding Event for Greece Residents

The Town of Greece announced their FREE Spring Shredding Event for Greece residents will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Greece Town Hall Campus.

Past experience has shown that the line moves much more efficiently when participants adhere to the following rules:

• No plastic bins. All papers must be placed in either manageable cardboard boxes or paper bags. We will NOT be returning boxes to participants.

• No x-rays or film paper. These types of papers will jam the shredder.

• Limit of 5 boxes per participant.

Please make every effort to follow these rules. We reserve the right to turn away those who are not in compliance.

Services will be provided by Shred-Text. For more information about the company, please call 247-5250 or visit their website at www.shredtext.com.

For information about the Town of Greece Shredding Event, please call 225-2000.

“I am excited to join our Greece Town officials in scheduling another free shredding event for our residents,” said Supervisor Bill Reilich. “We will all be on hand to assist residents with unloading their vehicles throughout the duration of the event. All documents will be shredded confidentially and on site.” Provided Information

Get out & grow!

Lilacs

by Kristina Gabalski

by Kristina Gabalski

Spring is here, and soon it will be time for lilacs. The popular shrub is not native to North America, but it has been planted here for the enjoyment of its beautiful flowers and amazing scent since the 1750s. Common lilacs – Syringa vulgaris – are native to Eastern Europe. Another popular species is Syringa patula, which is native to Asia.

While it is true lilacs lack year-round interest, their displays of white, pink, violet, blue, magenta, lilac, and purple blooms in midto-late spring are a welcome sight after a long winter.

Lilacs are very hardy and are adapted to USDA Hardiness zones 3-5. They do best in a sunny site with good air circulation. I like to grow them near the house so I can enjoy their fragrance even when I am inside. Iowa State University Extension notes that lilacs need four to six hours of sunlight each day for best flower produc tion. They will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions but do best in moist, well-drained soils. Space the shrubs 10 to 15 feet apart for specimen displays and five to eight feet apart if you want to create a hedge.

Regarding deadheading spent flowers – it is not absolutely necessary that you do so. The shrubs will bloom the following year even if they have not been deadheaded. It is not uncommon to see old lilacs blooming with abandon in a spot near where a farmhouse once stood. The spent flowers are not attractive, however. If you can reach them and have the time, deadhead ing can improve the appearance of the shrub and help it put its energy into next year’s flower bud production. This can result in a heavier bloom the following year. If you deadhead your lilacs, make your cut at the base of the flower cluster and just above the uppermost leaves.

Lilacs are suckering shrubs, Iowa State University Extension explains, and they can benefit from pruning. The plants will set their flower buds for the following season in mid-summer – not too long after the spring blooms fade. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering to help encourage the most flowers in the following year and prevent pruning the buds after they are set. Remove select branches at their point of origin or entire branches from the base of the suckering shrub rather than with shearing or clipping, Iowa State University advises. This preserves the natural shape and helps promote new growth that will produce better blooms than old stems. Remove the oldest and largest branches every three to five years to keep the shrub rejuvenated.

It is not necessary to fertilize lilacs, in fact, heavy fertilization can result in excessive vegetative growth and suppress flowering.

Remember that when planting common lilacs, it can take as many as five or more years for a shrub to begin blooming. They need time to grow and become established before they are able to flower.

The dwarf Korean lilac ‘Miss Kim’ can flower within one or two years of planting. ‘Miss Kim’ flowers profusely with intensely scented blooms slightly later than common lilacs, which can help extend your season. I find that their bloom time is shorter, however, especially if early June temperatures are hot.

Overall, lilacs are easy to grow and have few pest and disease

problems. Most are subject to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that looks like white, dusty growth on the leaves. Common lilacs are highly susceptible, while Preston lilacs and dwarf Korean lilacs are resistant. Powdery mildew is not attractive, but it does not cause serious harm to the plant. Iowa State University says spraying with a fungicide is not warranted. Planting in a sunny location will help with powdery mildew and also encourage lots of flowers.

Lilacs add welcome color and scent to the spring landscape. Photo by Kristina Gabalski.

Greece Gladiators Robotics Team 1591 competes in the World Championship in Houston, Texas

The Gladiators, known in robotics competition circles as Team 1591, was a dominating force in the recent Finger Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics competition, March 15-18, 2023. They remained in first place throughout the competition, going on to win with a record of 13-1-0 and earning them their first trip to the World Championship, this year hosted in Houston, Texas from April 1922, 2023.

The Gladiators also competed in Pennsylvania at the Greater Pittsburgh Regional Competition, April 6-8, 2023, where they took second place. The team was invited to join Alliance 1, and were undefeated in their playoff matches. They brought home the blue banner.

Going into the World Competition, Greece Gladiators Robotics Team 1591 is ranked first out of 141 teams in the State of New York, 26th in the USA, and 27th in the World, with 3,200+ robotic teams worldwide.

Through tears, Greece Gladiators Coach Maressa Ranalletti described the FIRST Championship as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience for the students who have devoted hundreds of hours to constructing and training with their robot, who they named Two Chains. Robotics teams like the Gladiators are run like a business. Students work with mentors to design, build, wire, and program their robot. They are also in charge of raising the $10,000 to $15,000 necessary to compete. Ranked in the top 10 in New York State, Ranalletti is excited to bring her Gladiators to the international competition.

There are 26 students on the team and participation is open to

interested students from all four Greece high schools. Worlds is the culminating, international event for the youth robotics competition season and an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

In addition to winning the Finger Lakes Regional competition, Greece Gladiators were also recognized with the autonomous award for programming and robot consistency.

Coach Ranalletti was named the Woodie Flowers Award winner, an organizational acknowledgement for excellence in coaching. The award was founded by Dr. William Murphy in 1996 to recognize mentors within the FIRST Robotics Competition who lead, inspire, and empower using excellent communications skills. Ranalletti said, “The Woodie Flowers is a truly iconic award, and I never dreamed that I would be named the winner in just my 7th year of coaching. It is truly an honor.” She and assistant coach Lori Mannhardt are both Arcadia High School graduates and are among just a few female coaches in local competition. They have worked hard to encourage girls to try robotics and currently have 11 young women on Team 1591.

Ranalletti credits the Gladiator’s success to the dedication of the students on the team and the outstanding volunteer mentors they have recruited over time. These adult mentors work directly with students in specialized teams focused on mechanical, programming, electrical, Computer Aided Design (CAD), marketing, and scouting (statistics and strategy).

continued on page 21

Montana is sharpening a tool.

Newest mentor, Emilie and student Ryan getting Two Chains ready for Worlds this weekend.

continued from page 20

The Greece Central School District generously covered the Travel and Stay expenses for the entire Robotics Team for their trip to the World Championships in Houston, Texas. Many community members also contributed to fund additional excursions for the team while in Texas.

Greece Gladiators Team 1591 Members:

Arcadia - Duy Bui, Giomar Garcia-Maldonado and Izaak Mendelsohn.

Athena - Leora Blum, Grace Campbell, Sudhan Chhetri, Montana Harris, Vincent Giordano, Evan Keenan, Carolyn Lochner, Justin Mannhardt, Sophia Vacek and Ryan Wolicki.

Odyssey - Kiley Broyld, Kameron Cooper, Danielle Donahue, Dylan Dunaway, Natalie Ford, Jonathan Gagner, Jiana’Li Gonzalez, David Hetzel, Willa Kelly, Isabelle Lioi, Nic Morales and Nick Viola.

Olympia - Eddie Frank.

Greece Gladiators Team 1591 Coaches and Mentors: Maressa Ranalletti (Coach), Lori Mannhardt (Assistant Coach), Darren Blum, Emilie Hamwey, Korona Kelly, Greg Mendelsohn, Ted Phillips, Scott Phillips, Wryder Streeter-Haines and Jeff Tuttle.

Donations are needed to help the Gladiators remain competitive and expand from a three-month program to a year-round program. Ranalletti would like to add a middle school robotics program, which also requires funding. If you’re interested in supporting the Greece Gladiators Team 1591, mail checks payable to Rochester Community Robotics with Team 1591 in the memo line, to Greece Central School District, Attention Maressa Ranalletti, 750 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14615.

For the results of the World Championship competition in Houston, Texas, and the latest on Greece Robotics Team 1591

visit

Greece students left side front to back: Izaak, Sudhan, and Izzy. Right side: Jiana and Ryan.

On the Cover - The Greece Gladiators Robotics Team 1591 members, coaches, their robot named “Two Chains”, and the trophies, banners and honors they have won. They are wearing jackets that each team member earned by clocking in 100 hours of work on the project, and paid for with team fundraisers. Photos by Karen Fien

Greece Ecumenical Food

Shelf and Clothing Closet is looking for volunteers

The current need for volunteers includes:

•Delivery drivers (summers only, winters only or year-round).

•Shopping assistants for In-Person shopping at the Food Shelf.

•Shopper assistants at the Clothing Closet.

Contact Polly McCubbin at gefs.volunteer@gmail.com

Provided Information

Expressive Beginnings Greece announces New Director

Expressive Beginnings Child Care announced the hiring of Hurley Boazman as the director of their Greece location. He is responsible for managing the day to day operations of the center, ensuring compliance with OCFS regulations, mentoring and coaching staff and many other important responsibilities.

Boazman brings over 25 years of experience in child care to his new position. He was most recently the director of Boise State University Children’s Center in Idaho. He is a graduate of Bethany College and holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, K-8, and also holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Boise State University.

“Working in early childhood is a passion of mine, and being a director of a program gives me the opportunity to help children, family and the staff,” Boazman said about joining the center. “What excites me about joining the Expressive Beginnings Child Care team is the commitment to early care and education in the Rochester area. I’m looking forward to helping with that.”

Provided Information

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

In cooperation with the Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Blvd.

The Early Years of Genesee Country Village & Museum

By Peter Wisbey

With 67 historic structures, Genesee Country Village & Mu seum, located in Mumford, is the largest living history museum in New York State and the third largest in the United States. Join Peter Wisbey, as he presents a history of the museum as it ap proaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. Mr. Wisbey will especially highlight the single building from the Town of Greece that is now on the museum grounds.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Log into Greece Public Library https://www.greecepubliclibrary. org/ then click on Events, then Calendar, then May 9, or call 585.225.8951.

Peter Wisbey is the Wehrheim Curator of Collections at Genesee Country Village & Museum – a position he has held for over 16 years. He was also the Executive Director of the Seward House Museum in Auburn. A native of Horseheads, NY, he graduated from St. Lawrence University with a degree in history and has two master’s degrees – one in History Museum Studies from SUNY Oneonta/the Cooperstown Graduate Program and one in American Material Culture from the University of Delaware/the Winterthur Program.

Star indicates approximate location of Hop House in Greece.

The RMSC marks one year until the total solar eclipse

Saturday, April 8, at 3:20 p.m, marked exactly one year until the total solar eclipse that will be visible in this area. In partnership with the Rochester Eclipse Stakeholders, the RMSC has been activating the steps necessary to ensure the Rochester community can make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

“One year away seems like a long time, but we already have big plans in place at the RMSC. Eclipse Stakeholders across our region are planning events and celebrations,” said Daniel Schneiderman, Eclipse Partnerships Coordinator at RMSC. “Everyone under the sun is a stakeholder in this eclipse, so we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to see it.”

Rochester sits directly in the path of totality of the 2024 total solar eclipse and will experience three minutes and 38 seconds of complete totality.

“Experiencing totality is nothing like viewing a partial eclipse. In a total eclipse, the sun is completely covered by the moon in the middle of the day,” said Steve Fentress, Director of the RMSC Strasenburgh Planetarium. “The sky darkens. The Sun’s corona shines with incredibly pure silver-gray light. The air is suddenly cooler. Light on the landscape around you is strange and unique. It’s beyond astronomy or any other science – it’s a transformation of the world, like visiting another planet for a few minutes.”

The RMSC has recruited community partner organizations across the nine county region who are interested in making the region a hot

spot for eclipse learning and viewing in 2024. These partners range from parks to restaurants, to community centers and neighborhood associations, to breweries, faith based organizations, and more. RMSC also holds a leadership role in the local Eclipse Taskforce, working with over 400 organizations to welcome and accommodate an anticipated 400,000 visitors to our region.

The last time the Rochester region experienced a total solar eclipse was in 1925. After April 8, 2024, the next time our region will experience it will be in 2144. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the people of Western New York.

The RMSC will be celebrating next year’s eclipse with a multi-day festival, ROC The Eclipse, filled with hands-on activities, speakers, music, food, and more. Several thousand guests are expected each day of the festival.

For more information about the 2024 eclipse, and to learn how to get involved, go to https://rochestereclipse2024.org or follow the official Rochester Solar Eclipse pages on all social media platforms (@rocsolareclipse).

Provided information

Hop House at Genesee Country Museum

OFC’s Announces Student Performers Series

Including Fall 2023 Programs & ‘23-24 Break Camps

OFC Creations’ 2023-2024 Student Performers Series has something for performers of all ages. From new one-month intensives, more pint sized performer classes, break camps, and countless opportunities to take the stage.

For complete details on each class and program, including registration information, visit https://www.ofccreations.com/20232024-classes-programs

Fall Intensive for Pre-Professional Teens: Newsies

Open to students ages 14 to 20

Rehearsals September 9-October 1, 2023; Auditions held in June before registering.

End of Summer High School Teens Show:

Mean Girls: High School Version

Open to students ages 14 to 18

Auditions are held on the first day of the program. Register in advance.

Fall Intensive for Middle School Students: Mean Girls Jr

Open to students ages 10 to 14

Rehearsals September 13-October 8, 2023.

Fall Elementary School Kids: Frozen KIDS

Open to students ages 7 to 11

Auditions Wednesday, September 20 from 5PM-7PM

Pint Sized Performers Series for Ages 4-7

Pint Sized Early Fall Classes

Beauty and the Pints - Tuesday Session

August 22 – October 8, 2023 on Tuesdays from 5PM-6:30PM

Beauty and the Pints - Friday Session

August 25 – October 8, 2023 on Fridays from 4:30PM-6PM

Fall Middle School Kids:

Anastasia The Musical: Youth Edition

Open to students ages 10 to 14

Rehearsals October 9-December 3, 2023 on Mondays from 68:30PM and Saturdays 11:30AM-2:30PM

Fall High School Teens Show:

Anastasia The Musical

Open to students ages 14 to 19

Auditions Sunday, October 8 from 6PM-9PM (must register in ad-

vance, all who sign up are cast in the show). Rehearsals October 8-November 19, 2023 on Tuesdays from 6-9PM and Thursdays from 6-9PM

Fall Experiencing Series for Elementary & Middle School Students: This

Is Me: Experiencing The Greatest Showman

Open to ages 7–13

September 6-October 28, 2023 on Wednesdays 4:30PM–6PM

Winter Intensive for High School Teens: Sweeney Todd: School Edition

Open to students ages 14 to 18

Rehearsals December 10, 2023 -January 7, 2024. (Must register in advance, all who sign up are cast in the show)

Winter Intensive for Middle School Students: The Addams Family

Open to students ages 10 to 15

Rehearsals December 11, 2023 -January 14, 2024. This production is a one-month intensive for middle school students. Auditions held on the first day of the program, all will be cast in the show. Register in advance.

2023-2024 School Break Camps: December Break at OFCTC

February Break & Spring Break at OFCTC and Kodak Center

December Break Camp @ OFCTC:

A Christmas Story

Open to Campers Ages 7-13

December 26 – December 31, 2023, Tue-Sat 9AM-4PM

February Break Camp 2024 @ OFCTC: Cats: Youth Edition

Open to Campers Ages 7-13

February 19-February 24, 2024, Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

February Break Camp 2024 @ Kodak Center: High School Musical 2 Jr

Open to Campers Ages 7-13

February 19-February 24, 2024, Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

Spring Break Camp 2024 @ OFCTC: Shrek Jr

Open to Campers Ages 7-13

April 1-April 6, 2024, Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

Spring Break Camp 2024 @ Kodak Center:

Madagascar Jr

Open to Campers Ages 7-13

April 1-April 6, 2024, Mon-Fri 9AM-4PM

Provided Information