Published by Westside News Inc.
Greece Chamber Applauds Enhanced Security Measures at The Mall at Greece Ridge
Greece Chamber of Commerce applauds the multiple efforts to make business thrive in the Ridge Road corridor, including enhanced security measures at The Mall at Greece Ridge.
“From The Mall to Elmridge Plaza and everything in between, business is good on West Ridge Road. With many improvements, new businesses and greater security, there is much to celebrate,” said Greece Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach.
Wilmorite, the owner and management company for The Mall at Greece Ridge and Eastview Mall, is pleased to report significant decreases in crimes, such as shoplifting, in the past six to twelve months. New cameras and software at the malls, paired with increased security and police presence, has been very effective in combatting shoplifting and other incidents at the two properties.
In 2021, Wilmorite teamed up with the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office to upgrade their security monitoring of the property. The program was so successful at Eastview that Wilmorite decided to make the financial investment at The Mall at Greece Ridge in 2023. The systems are both operated by the two law enforcement agencies, and are linked to their networks, which immediately identify, alert, and track criminals through multiple jurisdictions.
“Criminals catch on quickly and they are now starting to avoid our properties. The past six months are a perfect example; overall shoplifting has decreased by 42% at Greece Ridge Mall. Shoplifters realize that they will be caught and arrested at Wilmorite malls. This technology really is the wave of the future and our malls are at the forefront, creating a safe place for people to shop and
Greece News
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work.” – Al D’Agostino, Vice President of Security, Wilmorite. Wilmorite and their law enforcement partners have already recovered more than $44,515 in shoplifted merchandise from the two malls year-to-date (January-April 2024). In addition, there have not been any violent crimes at either property recently; the most recorded incidents were shoplifting.
Wilmorite security services go beyond just attending to shoplifters and include: a contracted dedicated Greece Police Officer, employing off-duty and retired police officers, having security guards trained in CPR, AED’s, stop-the-bleed and Narcan treatment, attending to lockouts and vehicle issues, 24-hour surveillance via CCTV, certifying officers from New York State-certified Security Guard Training School, active shooter training with local agencies, informational seminars with mall tenants and traffic control and parking lot patrol.
Mike Wood, Chief of Police, Greece Police Department, stated, “This new technology has been a game changer for us. We are able to identify and apprehend a lot more criminals. The utilization of this system allows us to work with law enforcement agencies across the state and throughout the country. We plan to expand this program throughout the Town of Greece for an even further reach.”
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ArtIsAN QuAlItY Arts & crAFts
AuguSt 10 & 11
From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich
The past several weeks have been dedicated to organizing our beloved Town Events. Our biggest event of the year – the Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration – as usual, drew a crowd of several thousand people!
The day kicked off at 7:00am with the Freedom Run 5k. I would like to thank all who braved the heat to participate in the 5k. Following the 5k was the Super Hero Sprint for kids. Evening festivities picked up around
4:00pm with the opening of several local food trucks and family-friendly and children’s activities. Later in the evening, the first act of the night – JB Aaron – performed. Then the main act of the evening took the stage: Jefferson Starship! The huge celebration ended with a bang – literally! The Town of Greece is proud to have one of the best firework displays in Monroe County, and this year did not disappoint.
Our next Food Truck Rodeo and Summer Concert will be held Thursday, August 15th from 5:30 – 8:30 at the Greece Town Campus. The concert that evening will feature The Skycoasters.
Help native bees
by Kristina Galalski
While non-native honey bees get a lot of attention, there are thousands of known native bee species in North America that work hard to help agriculture, horticulture, and the ecology.
Native bees, including bumble bees, are a very diverse lot. They come in many colors, including metallic green, bottle blue, gold, brown, and glossy black. They vary in size, shape, hair type, and tongue length. Ninety percent are solitary nesters; others are social and hive-forming. According to the University of Maine, few native bees sting. Jessie Keith, writing for the “The American Gardener,” says some native bees do an even better job pollinating crops than honey bees.
solitary ground nesters, compost or leaf mold is a better mulch choice than bark. Choose plants with landing pads—open flat flowers like daisies and sunflowers. Bloom colors of yellow, blue, and white are helpful choices, and tubular flowers like salvia with bilateral symmetry are also good choices.
Make sure to have pollen and nectar sources available throughout the growing season. Witch hazel and pussy willows are great choices for early spring. Baptisia, lupines, serviceberries, eastern redbud, and hawthorn are options for late spring and early summer. Gaillardia, penstemons, coneflowers, native roses, and milkweed work well for summer. Late in the year, pollen and nectar sources are vital as native bees prepare for winter. Asters, goldenrods, and Joe Pye Weed help with winter food stores.
Research shows that the blue orchard mason bee is a more effective pollinator of cherry orchards, resulting in over twice the fruit yield of orchards pollinated by honey bees. Part of the reason is that native bees tend to be more tolerant of cool or moist conditions and also have longer foraging times.
Like honey bees, populations of native bees are declining due to habitat loss, lack of plant diversity, pesticide use, and changes in the climate. Native bees nest both under and above ground in cavities. According to Keith, solitary bees produce from one to 10 young. Bumble bees nest above ground and produce small colonies. To help native bees nest successfully, leave bare patches of ground for those that nest in the soil; for cavity nesters, set out bundles of dried hollow stems, such as those from sunflowers.
You can help native bees in additional ways. Because many are
The National Wildlife Federation says native plants are essential to native bees because their nectar and pollen production is reliable. Suggested plants include false sunflowers (heliopsis), which do well even in less than ideal soils; anise hyssop, which is loved by bees and bumble bees; and swamp rose, whose leaves are used by leafcutter bees and whose blooms are loved by bumble bees. Native berry bushes like Allegheny blackberry provide nesting sites in their hollow canes, and native bees visit the flowers. Not surprisingly, bee balm is another good choice, as native bees love their long-tubed flowers.
Don’t forget about water. You can place a piece of wood in a birdbath or shallow container to provide a landing pad for thirsty bees.
Do not use pesticides, and try to leave a few small wild spots in your landscape. Weeds offer many good resources to native bees.
When Does Curiosity Begin? – “Stonework Play”
By: Diana Suskind, Ed.D
Sunday, July 28, 2024, 2:00 p.m. Greece Museum, 595 Long Pond Rd., Greece
Curiosity begins early in life but must be fostered by an environment rich in freedom to create for oneself. “To be curious, adventurous, willing, and even eager to experiment are all qualities we recognize as being essential to the creative process.” (Joan M. Erikson, Wisdom and the Senses, The Way of Creativity. Norton, 1988)
Stonework Play is an internationally acclaimed program developed and led by Diana Suskind. It is an activity inspiring children and adults to create meaningful stories through contact with nature; something she passionately believes today’s world needs. Stonework Play encourages selfdirected learning, teaches critical thinking skills, provides sustained involvement and purposeful effort, and allows meaningful engagement with nature.
Diana Suskind, Ed.D, is an international Early Childhood consultant and artist. She is a former Professor of Education at Fitchburg State University.
Young and old are encouraged to attend this fun and educational audience participation program. Anticipating this event, you may want to view videos on YouTube of previous Stonework Play sessions in many different settings demonstrating and encouraging self-directed learning, seeing critical thinking skills shared, providing sustained involvement and purposeful effort, as well as engaging in meaningful engagement with nature and each other. Although stones are all stones, each one has its own unique qualities just like children and adults.
For more information about Stonework Play go to:
https://www.stoneworkplay.org/ and https://www.facebook. com/reel/820107556809510
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A bumble bee enjoys the blooms of native Beard Tongue (Penstemon digitalis). Native plants help native bees thrive. Photo by Kristina Gabalski
Greece American Legion 13th Annual Warrior Benefit Concert
The Annual Warrior Benefit Concert at the American Legion, 344 Dorsey Road, Greece, will be held Saturday August 10, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is a day of music, food and fun for all ages.
Funds raised will assist wounded men and women in the military recovering at military hospitals and rehabilitation centers on the east coast. This year, funds will benefit the Patriot Guard Riders NY Help on the Homefront program, Monroe County War on Terror Memorial located in Highland Park, and American Legion Greece Post 468 veterans assistance programs.
Over the past twelve years, the sacrifices of local men and women of the military who served with distinction and showed true courage in recovering from wounds received have been recognized. The bonds that are formed by guests of honor with other honorees and veterans alike are priceless. Support given and received is an unwavering devotion of the community’s commitment to honor all of those who served. This is nice way to say thank you for serving.
Two men will be honored this year – Rochester’s own John “Jack” Foy, Army WWII Battle of the Bulge; and Chuck Macaluso,
Marine Vietnam Phu Bai and Khe Sanh. Both men served in conditions that most cannot even imagine or comprehend the courage it took to overcome the odds against them. They both are living legends, raised families here, and are well respected in their work and communities. We owe these men a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
This year’s entertainment lineup includes:
•Outside under the tent: 9:30 a.m. – Rodger Chenelly; 10 a.m. – Opening Ceremonies and introduction of Guests of Honor; 11 a.m. – Executive Order; 12:30 p.m. – Rock Jester; 2 p.m. – Axton Landing; 3:30 p.m. – Another Vice; 5 p.m. – Kid Kurry Band; 6:30 p.m. – Lake Effect; 8 p.m. – Creekside.
•Inside the American Legion: 12 p.m. – Karen McNeil; 2 p.m. – Rodger Chenelly; 4 p.m. – Joey Allen.
Tickets, updates and donation information are available on Facebook – American Legion Greece Post 468. Tickets will be available the day of the show for $25 each.
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Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation’s Golf Tournament Supports Nursing Education Scholarships at Bryant & Stratton College
The Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation, along with Title sponsor Bryant & Stratton College, Tournament Chairman and Past Foundation President Michael A. Mordenga and Honorary Tournament Chairperson and Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl MVP Steve Tasker, recently hosted the 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at Ridgemont Country Club. Monies raised at the event will support nursing scholarships at Bryant & Stratton College’s nursing program.
The Charitable Foundation would like to thank all of the sponsors, participants, volunteers and donors that helped make this year’s event a success.
“The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce was delighted to join Honorary Chair and Buffalo Bill, Steve Tasker, Title Sponsor Bryant & Stratton College, Cart Sponsor Center 4 Hope, and a host of other generous business sponsors in support of local nursing education. Our community needs more nurses to choose from as we staff the facilities that care for our precious loved ones. This is truly a win-win situation for the community and all parties involved,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach.
For more information on the 2025 Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament, make a tax-deductible contribu-
tion to the Greece chamber Charitable Foundation, or if you are interested in joining the Chamber family, call 585.227.7272 or email Info@GreeceChamber.org.
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf Requests Donations
Summertime
Please
Donations
Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf is located at 500 Maiden Lane, Greece. Thank you for helping our neighbors! Provided Information
Born with hearing loss, Ryan Mort now helps others to hear better
by Barbara Pratt
Ryan Mort was diagnosed with hearing loss at the age of four. Doctors determined that he had been born with the condition, although his mother’s pregnancy was full term, and she never smoked or drank alcohol. “It just happened,” Ryan says. “My parents noticed the television was a little too loud, and I was asking ‘what?’ a lot. I was making up my own words to the nursery rhymes and children’s songs I would listen to.”
“He was a very healthy boy,” his mother Mary says, “reaching all of his milestones within normal limits. While at his four-yearold checkup, he failed his hearing screening. The family was very surprised, as he never misarticulated many words, and his speech was clear from the onset. As a special education teacher, in retrospect, the only identifier that he was having hearing difficulty was that he would turn up the television. He would also perceive some (not many) words incorrectly.”
At age five, Ryan was fit with his first set of hearing aids, which he says “looked like shrimp hanging off my head. I did not want to wear them. They stood out. I got special treatment from my teacher, and I just wanted to be like all the other kids. I did not want to be known as ‘The Hearing Aid Kid.’”
Mary states, “His hearing loss did not seem to interfere with him being a typical growing boy. He did gymnastics, played soccer and basketball, and enjoyed karate. He also played the baritone in his school band. In middle school, Ryan had a 504 plan. This included him taking tests in a quiet setting and having directions read to him, if necessary.”
Ryan states that no one actually picked on him, and the other kids were more curious. “Some kids thought they were cool - like they made me some kind of robot - and in the early 1990s, robots were cool. As I got into high school, my vanity about them got the better of me. I absolutely would not wear them. You could not pay me to wear them!” As a result, Ryan admits he “wasn’t the best student in high school.” He graduated from Aquinas High School in 2005.
“Once I got to college, something changed. I had matured a bit and realized school was actually important. My desire to do better in college completely outweighed any vanity. In the morning, when I put my hearing aids in my ears, it was like I flipped a switch, like I was turning the machine on. I was able to hear my professors better and was more involved in classroom discussions. In my junior and senior years, I had a 3.7 GPA and made the Dean’s List. I was doing great.” Ryan graduated from MCC and then went to Johnson and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated in 2011 with a BS in Culinary Arts/Hospitality with a focus on Wellness and Sustainability.
Later, in 2020, he changed his career path to become a Hearing Instrument Specialist. “I always felt,” he said, “that I could do more to help people than to just cook them food.” And that was just exactly what he did.
Ryan now works for Moribito Hearing Aid Center on Canal Landing Boulevard in Greece. His mother, Mary, said that Ryan met Andrew Morabito (his current employer) at age 14. “Andrew was very helpful in fitting him with new aids and was very under-
continued on page 15
Ryan Mort was 14 when he first met Andrew Morabito (left), now owner of Morabito Hearing Aid Center. With Andrew’s support and encouragement, Ryan studied to become a Hearing Aid Specialist and works for the practice helping others with hearing loss.
Ryan Mort got his first set of hearing aids at five years old, but didn’t like to wear them. Provided photo
standing of Ryan’s needs. He remained in contact with him over the next few years and ended up supporting him in becoming a hearing aid specialist and employing him when he completed his training and certification.”
Moribito was working for an ENT when he first met Ryan and tested his hearing. “Soon after, we fitted him with his first set of CIC’s (Completely-In-The-Canal) hearing aids. I would see him over the years for checkups,” Morabito said. “I then fit him with a new set of BTE’s (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aids at my own practice, Advanced Hearing Aid Centers, in 2013. I sold that practice and opened Morabito Hearing Aid Center.”
Morabito recalls, “One day, Ryan came in to see me for a hearing aid checkup, and at that appointment, he asked me about what it takes to become a Hearing Aid Specialist. We talked about the fact that I am a hearing aid dispenser trainer for New York State. I was ready to take on a new specialist and hired him.” Ryan underwent training and received his New York State Dispensing License in 2023.
Diminished hearing is far more than not hearing sounds and
words. It is isolating and can put people at greater risk of developing mental health disorders. It can contribute to anxiety and depression. One study showed that older people with diminished hearing were 47% more likely to experience depression symptoms. Hearing is vital to one’s ability to communicate with others through language, build relationships, and enjoy life. It interferes with one’s capability to connect with others and socialize, causing social isolation and loneliness, and it can also cause disorientation and contribute to dementia. A study published in The Lancet found that hearing aids could lower the risk of dementia in half for those facing a greater threat of cognitive decline.
Helen Keller, who was both blind and deaf since she was a toddler, once said, “Blindness separates us from things; deafness separates us from people.” Ryan Mort, therefore, helps people connect, improving their quality of life.
Mary sums it up by saying, “Ryan is a very special person. He has always been very empathetic and kind-hearted. He always enjoyed helping my special education students. He was put on this earth to help others.” continued from page 14
Greece CSD Summer Food Service Program
The Greece CSD announces its participation in the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Meals will be provided to all children 18 years and under without charge. In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 8778339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www. usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20PComplaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; fax: (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@ usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Persons inter ested in receiving more information should contact The Greece Central School, 750 Maiden Lane, Roch. 14615, (585)966-2911.
Site open to all children 18 years and under in the community: Autumn Lane Elementary School, 2089 Maiden Lane, Rochester, NY 14626
Begin Date 7/8/24, End Date 8/16/24. Breakfast 8 to 9:30AM, Lunch 11:30AM to 1PM.
Sites open to students attending summer programs in these schools:
Homes Road Elementary School, 300 Homes Road, Rochester 14626
Begin Date 7/8/24, End Date 8/15/24, Breakfast 9 to 9:30AM, Lunch 12 Noon to 1PM
Pine Brook Elementary School, 2300 English Road, Rochester 14616
Begin Date 7/8/24, End Date 8/16/24, Breakfast 8:30AM to 9AM, Lunch 11AM to 1PM Provided Information
North Greece Fire Department Groundbreaking Ceremony for First Responder Memorial
The North Greece Fire Department (NGFD) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first Responder Memorial on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11 AM at NGFD Station One, located at 645 North Greece Road.
The First responder memorial is dedicated to the bravery and sacrifice of first responders. This memorial will serve as a lasting tribute to those who have risked their lives in service to our community.
In addition to honoring first responders the memorial site will serve as a venue for community events hosted by the fire department. It will be a place for the community to gather, reflect, and show appreciation for the heroes who serve us daily.
A unique feature of the memorial is the walkway leading to it, which will be paved with personalized bricks donated by mem bers of the community. These bricks offer individuals, families, and businesses the opportunity to leave a lasting mark and be come a part of our history.
“We are incredibly proud to break ground on this memorial, which will stand as a testament to the courage and dedication of all first responders,” said project chair Al Camp, a 21 year member of the department and past Department president and District commissioner. “This memorial will not only honor those who serve but also strengthen the bond between the fire de partment and the community we protect.”
For more information about the First Responder Memorial personalized brick donations, please contact the North Greece Fire Department memorial chair at 585 303 1249 or visit our website at www.northgreecefiredepartmentinc.com or at www. thatsmybrick.com/northgreecefd
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Celebrating Independence Day
cialist, Strategic Advocacy (Advocacy Specialist). In this role, Liz will use her knowledge to contribute to and help enhance AACN’s liaison, healthy work environment, staffing, and other advocacy initiatives. Liz brings her extensive experience from Unity, Crouse, and Rochester General Hospitals as a Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, as well as Lead Clinical Nurse Specialist, clinical consultant, and professional organization volunteer and leader. Liz’s volunteer experience includes chairing the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS) legislative and regulatory committee and the AACN CNS Scope and Standard Task Force.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 550,000 nurses who are charged with caring for acutely and critically ill patients. AACN is dedicated to creating a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and families where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. Visit us online at http://www.aacn.org.
Elizabeth Duxbury DNP, RN, CNS, CCRN, ACNS-BC
Photos of Independence Day by Karen Fien
Cover photos: Upper left photo: Axel (age 3) enjoying his beach ball at the Wild Over Water Zone Splash Park. Center photo: Christian playing corn hole with family at the celebration. Lower left photo: Conway family enjoying the 4th of July Celebration. Lower right photo: Amayi and Jamirson racing to see who will reach the top of the rock wall first.
Sullivan - age 2
Carlos playing on the Bounce House at the Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.
Conway brothers receiving their free books from the Friends of the Greece Public Library booth.
