Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf in need of donations
The Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf says requests for food are higher than ever. They served 421 households in Greece and Charlotte in October. They receive many of the basics of a nutritional diet from Foodlink, but the extras are in short supply.
Needed items include:
•Chunky-style soups
•Flavored rice and noodle mixes
•Ramen packets
•Stuffing and gravy
•Salad dressing
•Condiments
•Canned fruit
•Cake, cookie, and muffin mixes
•Crackers and popcorn
•Coffee, tea, and cocoa
•Dish detergent
•Soap bars
•Shampoo and conditioner
•Deodorant
•Toothpaste and toothbrushes
The Food Shelf requests regular size containers, not large size. Donations are accepted at the shelf, 500 Maiden Lane, on Mondays from 9 to 11 a.m., or text Bob at 585-208-9741 to set up an appointment.
Don’t have time to shop? Checks marked “For extras” may be mailed to Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf, 500 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14616.
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Greece Chamber hosting monthly networking event
Join the Greece Regional Chamber for the January “Second” Friday Networking event at Toshiba Business Solutions, 180 Kenneth Drive, Suite 200, Rochester, on Friday, January 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. The event is free for Chamber members and $25 for the general public.
The Chamber’s Friday Morning Business Networking gives regional business owners and business professionals the opportunity to network informally before the business day begins. Complimen-
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tary coffee and breakfast treats will be served. Attendees should bring their business cards.
Register in advance on the event page at GreeceChamber.org or call 585-227-7272. If you are not a member of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and would like to attend this event as a first-time guest, call the number above or email Info@ GreeceChamber.org.
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Greece Historical Society January 2025
A Brief History of Wegmans by Gary Harris, January 14, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Arcadia High School auditorium, 120 Island Cottage Road
We’ll hear about the origins of Wegmans Food Markets in Rochester, its development through the early 20th century, and its expansion beyond the city limits, the greater Rochester area, and beyond Upstate New York. Gary Harris is Historical Asset Coordinator for Wegmans.
Because of the anticipated attendance, the program will be held at Arcadia High School auditorium, 120 Island Cottage Road.
This event is Free but tickets are recommended so that we can contact you if there is a weather event cancellation.
https://greecehistoricalsociety. org/product/a-brief-history-of-wegmans-by-gary-harris/ or email: greecehistoricalsociety@yahoo.com
Annual Membership Meeting, January 16
Greece Historical Society will hold their Annual Membership meeting Thursday, January 16, at 7:00 p.m., at the GCSD Transportation Center, 1790 Latta Road. Receive a copy of the 2024 annual report, view a photo montage of our activities from 2024, learn about our plans for the future, a financial report will be presented, and an election of trustees will be conducted.
Gary Harris
THE TAX GUY
2025 Erie Canalway Calendar available now
The public is invited to pick up a free 2025 Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor calendar at selected libraries and visitor centers throughout the National Heritage Corridor. The calendar features winning images from this year’s Erie Canalway photo contest and commemorates the Erie Canal’s 200th anniversary in 2025.
“This calendar is a wonderful reminder of the extraordinary scenic beauty, history, and recreational opportunities of the New York State Canal System. Stretching across the full expanse of upstate New York, the canals are an amazing asset for communities, residents, and visitors alike. We hope people pick up a calendar and feel inspired to preserve and enjoy this historic waterway,” said Bob Radliff, Erie Canalway Executive Director.
Calendars will be available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis, thanks to generous support from the NYS Canal Corporation and the National Park Service.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “2025 is a very exciting year for New York State, as we commemorate 200 years of the Erie Canal’s continuous operation. This year’s edition of the Erie Canalway Calendar highlights all of what makes the canal so special: maritime heritage, environmental stewardship, accessible recreation, history, and culture. Congratulations to this year’s winners, whose photography makes the arrival of the calendar a favorite annual tradition.”
This year’s cover features fireworks over Locks 34 and 35 in Lockport by Jeff Tracy of Lockport.
Area calendar distribution sites:
•Greece Public Library
•Gates Public Library
For more information, visit www.eriecanalway.org.
Provided information
The cover of the 2025 Erie Canalway Calendar features fireworks over Locks 34 and 35 in Lockport by Jeff Tracy of Lockport.
Greece resident is the first U.S. patient in a groundbreaking heart failure therapy clinical trial
Rochester General Hospital (RGH) is the first U.S. site of a groundbreaking pivotal clinical trial of the AquaPass, a system designed to significantly help congestive heart failure and endstage renal disease patients suffering from fluid overload.
Greece resident William Licherdell was the first patient in the U.S. to wear the AquaPass suit for congestive heart failure under the supervision of RRH cardiologist and heart failure specialist Scott Feitell, D.O., RRH Director of Heart Failure at Sands-Constellation Heart Institute. Dr. Feitell has been named Principal
Investigator (PI) for the trial in the United States.
“We are excited at Rochester Regional Health to work on a clinical trial that could one day offer all of our heart failure patients a non-invasive renal independent therapy focused on improving their quality of life. We’re proud to be a part of the process driving innovation, and offering cutting-edge technology that could provide new hope for those trying to manage the symptoms of their disease,” said Dr. Feitell.
Fluid overload is the leading cause of hospitalization for congestive heart failure patients. Their hearts cannot pump blood effectively, causing increased pressure in the blood vessels leading to swelling in the legs, feet, hands and abdomen. Additionally, fluid buildup in the lungs causes shortness of breath. Not only is the retention of fluid uncomfortable for patients, it can become a life-threatening condition.
The AquaPass, which has received an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, is a non-invasive, renal independent, drug free solution for treating fluid overload. It is worn as a robe and uses warm air to evaporate and remove fluid through the skin without significantly increasing body temperature.
If successful, the AquaPass could one day become a cost-effective way to treat a heart failure patient’s fluid overload symptoms from the comfort of their own homes, avoiding expensive and lengthy hospital stays.
Clinical trials conducted in Israel showed a weight reduction of fluid in all of the participating patients, a 30% decrease in diuretic drug use for those patients, nearly half of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life and none had a hospital readmission during the time of the testing.
A study of the AquaPass system toward FDA market approval in the U.S. is currently underway at RGH and still enrolling patients.
To learn more search at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
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Area police departments receive over $25,000 towards body armor purchases
On November 21, Congressman Joe Morelle announced Brighton, Brockport, Gates, Greece, and Irondequoit Police Departments will receive federal dollars to help offset the cost of purchasing body armor. Named for the former U.S. Senator from Vermont, the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program awards were created in 1998 to help provide support to local police departments across the country.
“Local law enforcement works every day to keep our communities safe – it’s important they have access to every available resource and tool to do their jobs effectively,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to announce these awards for five police departments in our region to help provide support and keep our officers secure. I look forward to continuing my work alongside our law enforcement officials to build a safer community for all.”
“Body armor is a must for law enforcement officers,” said Chief Robert Long, Town of Gates Police Department. “With the funds from the Patrick Leahy - BVP Grant it allows smaller police agencies with limited budget some assistance in replacing used and purchasing new vests.”
“The Town of Greece has been very fortunate to receive regular
grant awards through the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership for over 20 years,” said Chief Michael Wood, Town of Greece Police Department. “This funding stream goes directly towards the safety of our police officers and supports the Town’s efforts to maintain a regular replacement schedule for critical police equipment. We are very thankful to those in the Legislative and Executive branches of Federal government who made this possible many years ago, and to those who continue to ensure present day support for this important program.”
Created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, the BVP Program, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), reimburses states, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribes for up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers. Since 1999, more than 13,000 police jurisdictions have participated in the program, accounting for a total of $573 million in federal funds for the purchase of more than 1.5 million body armor vests.
For more information, visit https://bja.ojp.gov/ program/patrick-leahy-bvp-program/overview.
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William Licherdell of Greece wearing the AquaPass Device. Provided photo.
First Responders Appreciation Night
Hilton Cadets vs. Greece Storm Saturday, December 21, 5:15 p.m Lakeshore Hockey Arena
First responders will be honored during the Hilton vs. Greece varsity hockey game on Saturday, December 21, 5:15 p.m. (National Anthem at 6 p.m.), at Lakeshore Hockey Arena, 123 Ling Road, Rochester. All first responders and their families will receive free admis-
Members of the GreeceArcadia football program supported the Primetime 585 Thanksgiving food drive by helping pack bags of food for area families. Photo from @GCSDATathletics on X.
Lattimore Physical Therapy of South Greece celebrates grand opening with Chamber
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of new business member Lattimore Physical Therapy of South Greece, located at 1564 Long Pond Road, just south of Unity Hospital. “The Chamber was pleased to celebrate with Lattimore, a growing business in Greece,” said Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach.
Featured speakers and dignitaries for the celebration were Nikolas Xenopoulos, PT, DPT and Clinical Director of the Lattimore Physical Therapy South Greece location; Tim Anne, Lattimore Physical Therapy Chief Executive Officer; New York State Assemblyman Josh Jensen; and Monroe County Legislator Virginia McIntyre.
“Lattimore continues to grow with its family-based approach and we couldn’t be prouder of Niko and his entire team as they consistently provide a positive and professional experience for each and every patient that walks through the door. The environment is electric and inviting! Congratulations Lattimore of South Greece; wishing you all the success in the future!” said Lattimore Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation Chief Executive Officer Tim Anne.
Lattimore Physical Therapy began in 1992, and has since established more than 25 locations throughout several counties in New York State. At Lattimore, the therapists take a hands-on approach with patients, taking the time to understand the patient’s
specific needs and learn about their injuries and goals. They are well-known for providing personal, individualized care and are known for their compassion, friendly atmosphere, and outstanding professional standard, wanting their patients to look forward to their sessions as they work jointly toward success and improved quality of life. Lattimore offers patient services during late evening and early morning hours, aiming to provide convenient and accessible care for busy schedules.
Lattimore’s team of physical therapists have experience treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis and chronic pain, back and joint pain, balance and gait, TMJ, vertigo and neurological conditions. Treatments include aquatic therapy, custom splint fabrication, spinal decompression, sports performance training, pre- and post-surgery PT, women’s health PT, motor vehicle accident treatments, and modalities to help improve range of motion and reduce pain.
For more information on Lattimore Physical Therapy of South Greece, call 585-227-4477 or visit https://lattimorept.com/project/south-greece.
For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce membership benefits, helping businesses with networking, marketing and branding, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, email Info@GreeceChamber.org, or call 585-227-7272.
Provided information and photo
BOCES 2 CTE honors 2024 NTHS inductees
Fifty-four students were honored for their career and technical education achievements during the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Career and Technical Education National Technical Honor Society Induction Ceremony on November 14.
As a member of NTHS, the students will be empowered and developed in areas essential to their success in the future, known as the Core 4 Objectives: Career Development, Leadership, Service and Recognition.
Chapter criteria includes: an 85% or above average in their CTE program; an excellent attendance record; a high standard of personal conduct in their home school and at CTE; a CTE teacher recommendation; and be on track to both complete their CTE program and graduate at the end of the second year of their CTE program.
The 2024 BOCES 2 CTE NTHS inductees are:
•Brockport – Bella Bruno (Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers), Tyler Curtis (Computer Technology), Kyle Felice (Carpentry), Hailey Miller (Cosmetology), Grace Rowley (Nurse Assisting and Associated Health Careers), Noah Ryan (Exercise Science), Ryan Williams (Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance), Chloe Wilson (Dental Assisting)
•Churchville-Chili – Ryan Amico (Carpentry), Alexi Finnigan (Welding), Quinlan Hickey (Carpentry), George Gaffney (Medical Laboratory Assisting and Phlebotomy), Payal Gajmer (Dental Assisting), Nathanael George (Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance), Natalie Lindsay (Cosmetology), Calyse Russell (Medical Laboratory Assisting and Phlebotomy), Paul Sesnie (Residential and Commercial
Electrical), Michael St. Denis (Carpentry), Emily Stanes (Cosmetology), Alexander Wojtylak (Welding)
•Gates Chili – Mark Leistman II (Residential and Commercial Electrical), Luna Luan (Computer Technology), Emma Pachla (Cosmetology), Elijah Torres (Welding), Ariel Travis (Criminal Justice)
•Greece – Carrie Kurtz (Cosmetology), Henry Laraby (Culinary Arts), Giovanni Maldonado (HVAC), Josia Pritchett (Residential and Commercial Electrical), Luciana Ramos (Cosmetology), Nina Tomlinson (Cosmetology)
•Hilton – Ashlee Ahern (Cosmetology), Ariyanna Contrino (Cosmetology), Nicholas Coon (Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance), Jonathan Cudzilo (Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance), Kamryn Diabo (Dental Assisting), Nicholas Green (Carpentry), Renee Jorgensen (Cosmetology), Aiden Keable (Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance), Taylor Kowalski (Cosmetology), Hailey McConnell (Exercise Science), Adam Root (Culinary Arts), Melana Tobin (Dental Assisting)
•Kendall – Layla Rasmusson (Child and Family Development)
•Spencerport – Lia Bivone (Cosmetology), Jamison Brown (Residential and Commercial Electrical), Audrey Gelfuso (Criminal Justice), James Lewis (Advanced Manufacturing), Caz Lupiani (HVAC), Erin Newton (Digital and Visual Communication), Matthew Ryan (Criminal Justice), Michael Soto (Carpentry), Savannah Wehner (Medical Laboratory Assisting and Phlebotomy)
•Wheatland-Chili – Julia Burkhardt (Cosmetology).
Provided information and photo
Taste NY launches newly revamped website just in time for the holiday season
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Taste NY program has launched its newly revamped ShopTasteNY. com, an online shopping portal that allows for consumers to have New York-produced products delivered right to their door. The new website, which now offers an expanded selection of products with more than 100 food, beverage, and gift items sourced from farms and agri-businesses in every corner of the New York State, makes it even easier for consumers to buy local for their holiday meals and for gift-giving.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The ShopTasteNY.com site is such a great way to support your local farmer and community businesses. You can find really fun, unique gifts on the site – everything from homemade sauces and jellies to maple syrup – that make perfect additions to your holiday meals or a thoughtful, specialized gift for a loved one. Now, with even more products available on the site and with the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time to visit ShopTasteNY.com and
explore what Taste NY has to offer.”
Through the Shop Taste NY e-commerce site, a diverse selection of foods, beverages, and gifts from each region of New York State – which are also available in the State’s Welcome Centers – are offered online for delivery. The website was first launched in 2020 to support the state’s farmers, producers, and small food and beverage businesses, to increase sales and drive revenues to local communities, and help farmers to connect with new consumers in the marketplace.
The revamped site has made some improvements for an enhanced customer experience. It is now mobile friendly and easier to navigate with a faster response time. Additionally, improvements have been made in support of accessibility. New automated emails will notify customers when an item is back in stock, or when rewards and other incentives are available for returning customers.
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Get out & grow!
Consider adding juniper to your landscape
by Kristina Gabalski
by Kristina Gabalski
Juniper (Juniperus chinensis) is one of my favorite Christmas greens with its broadleaf foliage and beautiful blue berries (ac tually fleshy, modified cones). Although juniper, as its botanical name suggests, is native to Asia, it has some unique and interest ing characteristics that might make it a suitable addition to your landscape.
Clemson Cooperative Extension notes that junipers are popular woody plants for the landscape because there are forms for almost any landscape use. Junipers range from four inches to 50 feet tall, and their spread can range from six to 20 feet, depending on the species. The low-growing varieties can be used as effective ground covers, but this column will deal mainly with the upright shrub and tree forms of the plant.
Chinese juniper is surprisingly adaptable and durable, bringing year-round interest and color to your plantings. Although the species is known for its large, conical tree shape, there are many cultivated varieties for garden and landscape use that include trees, shrubs, and, as previously mentioned, ground covers. The foliage consists of highly textured scale-like needles, which are attractive but can be prickly. The blue-green berry-like fruits (cones) develop in late summer and fall and attract birds and wildlife.
a juniper species before purchasing. Some sources cite juniper as a good foundation plant; others do not because of the potentially large mature size. Again, make sure you know the mature size of the variety you plan to plant.
All junipers like full sun and good drainage but are not terribly picky regarding soils. Clemson Cooperative Extension notes, they will grow in various soils but do not like water-logged roots. Junipers are considered pH adaptable and will tolerate both acid and alkaline soils, which makes them an attractive evergreen choice as many broadleaf evergreens thrive in more acidic soils. They will tolerate adverse conditions and withstand heat and drought (once established) better than many ornamentals, which might make them a good fit for areas where other plants and shrubs struggle. Container-grown plants can be planted year-round; balled and burlapped junipers should be planted in the fall.
Do not severely prune junipers. Actually, it is best not to prune them at all, so make sure the variety you choose will work in the area where you plant it. Determine the mature height and width of
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The site offers a variety of products from across New York, from honey and jams to goat milk soaps, reflecting each region’s offerings. Participating partners and products are featured on a rotating basis to ensure the diversity of the product line and regional representation.
From December 3 through December 25, shoppers will receive 25 percent off their purchase with the Happy Holidays promotion. Please note, orders should be placed by December 15 to ensure delivery for Christmas. After Christmas, shoppers can still receive 20 percent off with the New Year New Vendors promotion, which runs from December 27 through January 4, 2025.
ShopTasteNY.com offers shipping across the United States. International shipping is not available at this time.
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Interestingly, The Morton Arboretum says that junipers are quite salt-tolerant, another unique evergreen quality, so you could consider planting them closer to roads, driveways, and sidewalks. The Morton Arboretum also states that junipers are tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Despite their attributes, junipers do have disease and pest issues. Needle blights can be a problem in wet springs, and the plants can also be susceptible to cedar-apple rust. Bagworms (I have witnessed this juniper problem on trips to Kansas), twig borers (browning and drying branch tips), juniper scale (no new growth and yellowed foliage), and juniper webworm (webbing together and browning foliage) are common pests. Fungal diseases that impact junipers include Phomopsis tip blight and Phytophthora root rot.
Juniper is a popular holiday evergreen for wreaths and decorations. Photo by Kristina Gabalski.
Add a new offering to your Christmas cookie lineup
The holiday season doubles as cookie season. Indeed, there’s no shortage of baking opportunities in December. Various cookies make the rounds, and if you are tasked with bringing cookies to a function, you might be interested in something a little different.
“Santa’s Whiskers” likely get their name from the coconut on these cookies, which resemble Santa’s beard. Maraschino cherries add some jolly red to the cookies as well, making them perfect for Christmas. Try this recipe from “Butter, Flour, Sugar, Joy” (Sourcebooks) by Danielle Kartes.
Santa’s Whiskers
20 to 24 cookies
1-1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 cup butter, softened 12-ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries, strained and stemmed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
In a stand mixer, with a hand mixer, or by hand, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the cherries, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly. Fold into the flour and mix until it forms a crumbly but moist dough.
Lay a 16-inch sheet of parchment paper onto the counter. Sprinkle 1 cup of the coconut on the center in a loose rectangle, making sure it does not reach the edge of the parchment. Place the cookie dough on top, flattening a bit with your fingers, and sprinkle the remaining coconut over the top of the dough.
Form the dough into a 12- to 14-inch log, about 3 inches thick. Evenly press the coconut around the log and roll to make the log an even cylinder. Roll the parchment up with the dough inside and twist the ends. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice cookies in 1/4- to 1/2-inch rounds, place on the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart, and bake 12 to 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.
Get creative with holiday decor
The end of the year is upon us and that often involves decorating a home in its holiday finest. According to Today’s Homeowner, nearly 70 percent of Americans plan to display outdoor holiday decorations. Among those choosing to decorate, 34 percent will do so before Thanksgiving.
Everyone has a different vision of a well-appointed holiday home, but there’s always room to make things more unique and creative. These ideas can add a little extra to holiday displays.
•Decorate other rooms – Who says holiday decorating is exclusive to living and dining areas? Think about decorating unexpected places, like swapping out everyday towels and shower curtains with something festive. Swags of greenery wrapped in lights can be added to bed frames.
•Coordinate the ornaments – Identify a color theme and then showcase it with ornaments. Think about matching the ornaments to the presents wrapped under the tree as well. Purchase white package paper and color or paint the paper to be the same hues as the ornaments on the tree boughs.
•It’s hip to be square – While round wreaths are traditional, make your own wreaths in a different geometric shape by using wire or another material as the frame. Square wreaths may be unexpected, and you also can turn the square on its side for a diamond shape.
•Add a spot of color – Certain holidays are known for their particular color palettes, such as red and green for Christmas. But you also can do something unexpected. Whether using a lighter shade of the same color family or adding an accent color like purple or blue, you can change things up in a creative way.
•Make an unexpected bouquet – Swap flowers for pine cones, ber-
ries and greenery in unique vessels. For example, arrange your centerpiece in a tall fountain glass or even a cocktail shaker.
•Try a different accent tree – Use a styrofoam cone as the base of a tree for a centerpiece or sideboard. Attach poinsettia branches for a vibrant red tree, or stacked lemons or oranges filled with greenery for a fresh-smelling citrus creation.
•Suspend belief – Instead of attaching a tree topper to the tallest bough, hang one from the ceiling just above the tree to add even more whimsy.
•Mix and match – When it comes to a holiday table, mix and match table settings for an eclectic tableau.
•Shift into neutral – Instead of a large holiday display in familiar colors, rely on neutral, wintry tones that will blend in with the home but add a festive touch. Natural wood, whites and creams, and muted greens can fill spaces.
Unique holiday decorations and schemes can be a great way to add new life to a home this December
w/Mozzarella, 14 Chicken Tenders or 12 Mozz. Sticks or 10 Wings
1/15/25
Pizza
w/Mozzarella, 28 Chicken Tenders or 24 Mozz. Sticks
