Greece News August/September 2023

Greece Post team wins second straight NYS American Legion Championship

Greece American Legion Post #468 claimed its second straight New York State Senior Division Baseball Championship on July 27, 2023, with a 7-6 win over Broundshidle Post #205.

Before the 2022 tournament, a Rochester-area team had not won an American Legion state title in 55 years. NOTE: Greece advanced to the Northeast Regional Tournament held August 2-6, 2023, in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The Greece team was eliminated on August 6, in Game 14, the Semi-Final round, by the Nashau, NH team. Final score was Greece 2, NH 3.

Greece News

Photos from @james_capellupo on Twitter Provided Information

Hilton grad James Capellupo earned the New York State Tournament MVP honors.

25th Annual Cycle the Erie Canal Bike Tour

by Barbara Burke

The “Cycle the Erie Canal” bike tour is an eight day, 400 mile ride along the Erie Canalway Trail from Buffalo to Albany. An an nual event, this year’s tour was held July 9-16, 2023. The tour is fully supported and organized by Parks & Trails New York (PTNY). Activities along the ride include shopping, theatre, museums, parks, historical landmarks, locally sourced food, wine and beer, all accessible from the trail.

The event is referred to as, “One Trail...Endless Adventures.” The tour rides along the Erie Canalway Trail, and is a cycling des tination for riders, of all abilities. Following one of the world’s most famous man-made waterways, it spans New York State between Buffalo and Albany. Whether enjoying a leisurely ride from one village to another, or spending a week completing the entire 400 miles, the Erie Canalway Trail offers endless adven tures exploring the charming towns, living history, scenic beauty and cultural attractions of New York State, region-by-region.

This year was the 25th anniversary of the Cycle the Erie Canal tour. The event is New York’s biggest multi-day bike tour which

continued on page 8

departed from Buffalo on July 9, and arrived in Albany on July

Day 6 of the Erie Canal bike tour heading to Canajoharie. Photo by Karen Fien

continued from page 7

•Lunchtime in Lockport with the opportunity to take a boat ride through Lockport’s iconic “Flight of Five’ locks.

•A scenic ride through western New York’s “-port” villages.

•In Rochester, an opportunity at Genesee Valley Park to take an excursion along the Genesee Riverway Trail into downtown Rochester, or a kayak ride in the Genesee River.

•A ride through farmlands and rolling hills, with an overnight in Seneca Falls and a visit to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.

•A ride past the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

•A visit to Erie Canal Museum with a concert, a blacksmith demonstration, food trucks and a cash bar.

•A ride along the peaceful Old Erie Canal State Park with stops at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum and Canastona Canal Town Museum.

•Exploration of the glacial potholes of Moss Island, a National Natural Landmark and a visit to the Arkell Museum.

•A ride along the Mohawk River to Waterford where the Erie

One Cyclist’s Experience

by Barbara Burke

Westside News staff photographer and Production Department manager, Karen Fien, participated in the Cycle the Erie Canal tour this year. Karen found out about the event when she had the opportunity to photograph the cyclists for a newspaper article last year when cyclists passed through Brockport. “I thought that it would be so much fun to participate, but wasn’t sure if I could do it,” she said.

Karen volunteered as a riding staff member with the tour. Riding volunteers work four days and ride four days, alternating rid-

Canal ends.

•A stop at Peebles Island State Park, with a finish at Albany’s Corning Preserve.

For more information on registration for next year’s Cycle the Erie Canal event including costs, how to prepare, FAQs, services and volunteer opportunities visit www.ptny.org/cycle-the-erie-canal

About Parks & Trails New York:

Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is New York’s leading statewide advocate for parks, trails, and public lands. Since its founding in 1985, PTNY has been fighting to improve our health, economy, and quality of life through the use and enjoyment of green space. In collaboration with members, supporters and partners from across the state, PTNY is a prominent voice for the protection and expansion of New York’s magnificent state park system and multi-use trail network, including more than 1,500 miles of greenways, bike paths, and river walks. Learn more at www. ptny.org.

ing and working days. Work days consisted of an assortment of jobs including assisting cyclists with day to day needs, preparing signs for the camp sites, staffing information booths and, in general, providing information and answering questions for the cyclists. “I really enjoyed working with, and meeting all of the cyclists. It was a well organized event, that made sure all of the cyclists’ needs were met. Everyone had a wonderful time; I didn’t hear any complaints from the people on the tour. It was so much fun meeting all of the people from all over the country, and the world. Everyone had a story, and everyone was so nice.”

continued on page 9

Peggy, Wendy, Marie, Geoff, Karen, Sandi, Dave and Charley part of the PM Information Crew.

continued from page 8

On her riding days Karen encountered all of the same experiences as the full time cyclists. She said, “I learned so much about New York State. I didn’t realize that you could bike across the state following the Erie Canalway Trail. It was so impactful to experience the visuals along the way. The boats, the peaceful water, the different bridges, the wildflowers along the trail, and all of the history and historic sites that we visited. We are so fortunate to live in New York State, and we have so many beautiful places to see and experience.”

Karen’s most memorable experience was the day the cyclists visited the Bryan M. Place Memorial Garden in Memphis, NY. The marker at the garden says, “Never To Be Forgotten.” The garden was started by Bryan’s mother in memory of her son who passed away in January of 2010 at the age of 39. Bryan was well known in the community as a financial expert, coach of youth sports, and athlete. Through the years, community members have helped with maintenance of the garden, which today is a beautiful remembrance of a young life lost. “It was such a beautiful place. The mother greeted each of the cyclists and passed out freeze pops to us. It was truly a positive memory that I will never forget.”

Karen’s favorite part of the tour was her feeling of self-accomplishment. “I wasn’t really sure that I would be able to do it. I never in my life rode 60 miles in one ride. When I got to Genesee Valley Park it came over me that I am able to do this, and that was huge for me,” she said.

To sum up her eight days biking along the Erie Canal Trail with 750 other cyclists that she never met before, Karen said, “It was the experience of a lifetime. All along the way the people in the towns and villages were so welcoming and anxious to share ev erything with us. I made friends from all around the country and

other countries, too. Friendships that will last a lifetime, all centered around this beautiful experience of riding along the historic Erie Canal.”

Bozza Pasta Moves to New Greece Location

by Tami Raco

Bozza Pasta, a manufacturer of authentic homemade pastas and Italian specialties, outgrew their 4000 square feet Hilton location, and recently relocated to the Elm Ridge Center in Greece. Their new facility is quadruple the size of the former location, with 8000 square feet dedicated solely to the production of gluten free products, as well as a freezer that is sev en times the size of their previous location.

Bozza Pasta is owned by Michael and Marisa Bozza of Hilton. In 2019 they added a partner, Jake Fabry, who is responsible for the commercial sales division.

In 2013, the Bozzas began making pasta for farm markets and smaller restaurants. Michael is originally from Gragnano, Italy, and is the third generation of pasta makers in his family. In 2016 they moved their operation to Hilton to keep up with the demand of the wholesale accounts that they serve. “In 2018 people began knocking at our door asking to buy our pasta products for their homes,” Marisa said. This led Bozza Pasta to create a retail line of pastas to offer to the public. As both wholesale and retail demand surpassed their capabilities in Hilton, they knew it was time to grow. They closed the doors to their Hilton lo

The Bee Lady

Joanne Crosman, “The Bee Lady,” will speak to the Lakeview Garden Club at 7:15 PM on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Road, Rochester.

Joanne Crosman is a beekeeper from Caledonia, New York, who has been practicing her craft for over 25 years. Her interest in beekeeping started as a direct marketing study in agricultural commodities, namely honey and beeswax. The information she learned from her project helped her with her career as an agricultural lender, as she gained useful insight her farmers and growers faced during the production year. Over time, she developed a product line through her Log Cabin Acres label that continues to expand as time goes on. This presentation called, “The Queen and her Court – What really goes on in he hive,” expounds the

cation at the end of July 2023, and will be opening their brandnew facility to the public on August 26, 2023.

The new Greece location of Bozza Pasta, 462 Elm Ridge Center, will hold their official Grand Opening for the retail pasta shop on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 11AM to 5PM. The retail pasta shop will carry 70 varieties of Italian specialty foods, 15 varieties of ravioli, a large line of gluten free pastas, sauces, desserts, olive oils, glazes, and breads. During the Grand Opening, the first 100 visitors will receive a free pound of pasta. There will be live music, giveaways, and tours of the new production facility.

Later in September, Bozza Pasta plans to open their newest division at their Elm Ridge location called, “Fast Casual.” Customers can stop in and pick their pasta, protein, sauce, and toppings for either dine-in or “to-go” bowls.

For more information on Bozza Pasta and a coupon, see their ad in this edition or visit their website at www.bozzapasta.com.

honeybee culture and reflects Joanne’s many years of experience working with the bees.

The presentation on the mystery and life of bees is free and open to the public. Attendees wishing to make a beeswax candle can do so after the presentation. There is a $5.00 fee for candle making supplies. Those wishing to attend may sign up by e-mailing dmarkham@rochester. rr.com

The Lakeview Garden Club in Greece meets the second Wednesday of each month March through December. Club members enjoy tours of local gardens, educational programs, gardening resources, plant exchanges and a focus on community involvement. For more information on Lakeview Garden Club visit their Facebook page LakeviewGardenClubofGreeceNY.

Provided Information

Lakeview Community Church holding annual August Challenge

Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Road (near Edgemere Drive), supports the Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf (GEFS) every month. However, August is a special month because the church holds its August Challenge. The goal this year is to collect 1,200 cans of canned fruits.

Donations of canned fruit or monetary donations may be brought to Lakeview Church on Saturday, August 26, from 9 a.m.

to 1 p.m. during its “drive up and drop off” day. Those who don’t want to shop are invited to give cash or make a check payable to Lakeview Community Church and write “GEFS” on the memo line. Volunteers will shop for you.

For more information, call 317-3733 and leave a message. Provided information

Standing on Water

The Water Borne Journey

by Barbara Burke

Dan Rubinstein, a writer, adventurer, and paddleboarder from Ottawa, Canada, camped overnight on the banks of the Erie Canal in Spencerport on Sunday, July 30. Rubinstein is on a paddleboard journey that began in June 2023 and is expected to go through September 2023. The trip will take him from his home in Ottawa to Montreal, New York City, and Toronto, and then back to his home via the Ottawa Pier, St. Lawrence River, Richelieu River, Lake Champ lain, Champlain Canal, Hudson River, Erie Canal, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and Rideau River.

Rubinstein calls his journey “Water Borne – A stand-up paddle boarding pilgrimage through the blue space next door.” Rubinstein is writing a book about his paddleboard experience. He says, “My book, rooted in this experience, will be about the importance of immersing ourselves in ‘blue space’ and deepening our relationship with water for a wide range of reasons.”

He is meeting and interviewing people – planned and impromptu – along the way, asking questions about the waters where they are and what these places mean to their lives.

Rubinstein says that, to him, paddleboarding is: “A unique way to interact with both natural and human aquatic ecosystems that can help connect us to this vital natural resource that we often ignore or neglect.” He says standing upright on the water and moving with or against the flow allows him to see his surroundings in a new way.

Water Borne will be Rubinstein’s second book. His first book, Born to Walk, details another of his passions. He said, “The humble act of putting one foot in front of the other transcends age, geography, culture, and class and is one of the most economical and environmentally responsible modes of transit. Yet with our modern fixation on speed, this healthy pedestrian activity has been largely left behind.”

Rubinstein traveled throughout the U.S., U.K., and Canada to walk with people who saw the act not only as a form of transportation and recreation but also as a path to a better world. He said, “There are no magic-bullet solutions to modern epidemics like obesity, anxiety, alienation, and climate change. But what if there is a simple way to take a step in the right direction?” Born to Walk explores how far this ancient habit can take us, how much repair is within range, and guarantees that you’ll never again take walking for granted.

For more information on Dan Rubinstein’s journeys, visit his Instagram (danrubinsteinsup) and website, www.waterborne.ca.

Greece Historical Society Events

A Virtual Tour of Greece Neighborhoods by Maureen Whalen and Bill Sauers

Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Greece Central School District Transportation and Support Services Building, 1790 Latta Road, Greece Reservations are NOT required.

Have you ever been driving through a Greece neighborhood and wondered about some of the homes? How old, who lived there, or what style a house might be? It’s an interest shared by both Maureen and Bill, who took most of the photos for this presentation. Join us as we look at Greece homes, and a few other structures, that are historical, famous, beautiful, or just simply interesting. NOTE: This program was previously presented on Sunday, April 16th. It is being repeated with a few changes, because of multiple requests to present it again.

Gardener Needed - For nearly 20 years our south garden was meticulously cared for by the Shorewood Garden Club. As the years passed their members were no longer able to care for it. Luckily, the Lake Shore Garden Club took over a few years ago, but now

it is their turn to retire. We would like to thank the countless number of volunteers who maintained this garden all these years. We are now seeking a new club, individual, or family to take over the maintenance of this beautiful garden. If interested email greecehistoricalsociety@yahoo.com or call 585-2257221. Provided Information and Photos

End of Summer BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Greece Public Library are sponsoring their End of Summer Book Sale on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9AM to 3PM. Sale will be held at the Buckman’s Plaza, Lower Level, 2590 West Ridge Road. Book selections include children’s books, non-fiction, fiction, mystery, adventure and romance. Please bring your own bag. Masking is optional. Provided Information

Greece Chamber Welcomes 21 New Business Members

The following 21 area businesses recently became members of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce: Patrick Cicchetti - Brighton Securities, Marino Advisory Group LLC, Cotoletta, Jewelry by Joette Boutique, Piccirillo Enterprises, Inc., The Brenee Bunce Team of Keller Williams Realty GR, Dataflow, Inc., Bozza Pasta, LLC, Barry’s Power Yoga, Rochester, DiPasquale Construction, Inc., AT&T Greece Ridge Mall, Frank’s Basement Systems, Flower City Collision, Graves Bros. Home Improvement, Atria Greece Senior Living, CDL Home Solutions, North Forest Office Space, Big Ash Fireplace & Stoves, Westside Media, ESL Federal Credit Union Long Pond Branch, Hillside Work Scholarship Connection.

“The Chamber’s expansive membership is further strengthened by these recent additional commitments, and we are delighted to have these exciting and accomplished businesses in our growing regional business and community network, comprised of for-profits, non-profits and individuals,” said Chamber President/CEO Sarah Lentini.

For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and its membership benefits, available to businesses and individuals throughout Monroe County and beyond, call (585) 227-7272, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, or email Info@ GreeceChamber.org. Provided Information and Photo

Fresh grown produce: Sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, squash, eggplant & more Gifts, wine, Amish food products