Greece Historical Society program
Before Jackie: The Negro Leagues, Civil Rights, and the American Dream
presented by
Mary E. Corey, PhD
on Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m.
Greece Public Library
Just ahead of spring training, on December 16, 2020, Major League Baseball recognized the Negro Leagues as major leagues. The time is more than ripe to delve into their history, and what a history it is!
Everyone knows Jackie Robinson’s story. Now it’s time to hear about the players, managers, and fans that built the Negro Leagues and laid out the playing field that would become Jackie’s own.
Mary E. Corey, PhD will lead the presentation. She is an associate professor of American history and social studies education emerita at SUNY Brockport and taught American history at Dansville High School for 14 years. Her work combines scholarly interests in women’s history and civil rights history.
This program is offered in partnership with the Greece Public Library. Reservations are required and can be made at https:// greecepubliclibrary.org/ Provided information and photos
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Mary E. Corey
From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich
It finally feels like the Spring Season is officially upon us! However, our Winter Parking Ordinance is still in effect through April 15, midnight to 8 a.m. Until this time, please do not park on any Town roads or the grass on rights-of-way. This is to make the plowing and salting of dedicated Town streets safer and more effective and to cut the cost of snow removal. This is New York, after all, and there is always a chance of snow even in the spring season!
I am pleased to announce that our annual scholarship opportunity for young residents is now available. 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/residents/jerry-j-helfer-youth/. The scholarship deadline is Friday, May 25, 2025.
This past month we held a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of a second Byrne Dairy location in the Town of Greece! This newest Byrne Dairy, which is their 78th location, is located at 1050 Stone Road. Byrne Dairy is owned by Mark Byrne and is a fourth-generation family-owned business that actually began back in 1933. They are known for highquality products that come directly from local family farms. This newest location features a full-service ice cream stand, a variety of convenience items, a deli, freshly baked goods, and eight fueling stations offering both regular fuel and diesel.
As always, I enjoy hearing feedback from residents about programming and other Town-related matters. If you have any concerns, please call 225-2000 or visit www.greeceny.gov.
Networking and Collaboration
Greece Chamber networks with Brockport Small Business Development Center and Village of Brockport small businesses
Brockport Small Business Development Center recently hosted a Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce First Friday Network ing event at Lift Bridge Book Shop on Main Street in the Village of Brockport in collaboration with many of the Brockport small businesses.
Lindsay Ward, Regional Director of SUNY Brockport Small Busi ness Development Center, said she was honored to host the mixer. “I am proud of the relationships I have built within the Greece Chamber of Commerce, as well as with business owners in the Village of Brockport. Today’s event brought all of these connec tions together, allowing us to support and uplift one another. I was also proud to share the valuable resources that SUNY Brockport Small Business Development Center offers to business owners across our five-county regional district. Today is a reflection of communities supporting communities, and my team and I were so proud to be a part of it.”
SBDC is located at the College of Brockport, 350 New Campus Drive, Hartwell 101, Brockport, NY 14420. Since their start in 1987, the expert advisors of the Brockport SBDC have worked directly with 23,006 businesses, helping them to invest $256,111,119 in the area’s economy, and create or save 9,317 jobs.
The event was attended by more than 60 Chamber members, Brockport business owners, acquaintances and guests, along with the owners and staff at Lift Bridge Book Shop. The Chamber’s First Friday networking events, facilitated by Chamber President/CEO
For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and its membership benefits, available to businesses throughout Monroe County and the surrounding region, visit www. GreeceChamber.org or email Info@GreeceChamber.org.
Provided information and photo
Happy Easter! Think Spring!
Stop in and register for a chance to win the Giant Chocolate Rabbit! Winner drawn on Saturday, April 19th!
• Maple Syrup products and Amish Specialty Foods
• 25% OFF Amish Furniture Sets
Joe Robach, give regional business owners and business professionals the opportunity to network informally and hear from host business leaders.
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We take pride in our work – and we hire the best. Suburban Disposal is always looking for dedicated, self-motivated hard working people to join our team! If you’re interested in a career at Suburban Disposal, stop by our office located at 22 Turner Drive, Spencerport, Monday-Friday from 7:30am till 4:00pm and don’t forget to bring a copy of your driver’s license with you. Or you can also fill out an application online and we will contact you for an interview if you meet our qualifications.
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“In a world with a ton of complaining, I would like to give kudos to the worker on the recyclable truck. On Monday we simply forgot to put our bins out. Upon a random review of our Ring Cameras, we noticed the worker come down the driveway to fetch the bin, empty it and return it to where it was.
Thank you for going the extra mile, it didn’t go unnoticed!”
American Sewing Guild annual sale
April 5
The Rochester Chapter of the American Sewing Guild will be hosting its 2025 ASG All Things Sewing Sale on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at the First Baptist Church of Rochester, 175 Allens Creek Road.
This annual event features fabrics, notions, gadgets, patterns, books, and sewing machines for sale at fantastic prices. The sale is open to the public. Find a deal for your next project, or add to your stash of sewing goodies. Diamond Edge Sharpening Services will be on premises to sharpen scissors while attendees shop. A drawing will also be held for a free one-year membership to ASG!
ASG will not be accepting donations of any sewing related items the day of the sale. Those with items to donate are asked contact the following vendors to arrange a drop-off:
•Crafting for Good, 4390 Buffalo Road, North Chili, 585-616-3427
•Sew Green, 438 West Main Street, Rochester, 585-328-2642
•Craft Bits and Pieces, 104 Fairport Village Landing, Fairport, 585377-6460.
The mission of the American Sewing Guild is to advance sewing as an art and life skill. The organization is dedicated to people who believe sewing is a rewarding and creative activity. The Rochester Chapter was organized in 1991 and currently has 116 members. New members are welcome and membership is $60 per year. For more information, visit https://asgrochester-ny.org/.
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Register to help “Pick Up the Parks” on April 12
Registration forms for the annual “Pick Up the Parks” event are available at monroecounty.gov/parks-pickuptheparks. The clean-up initiative takes place throughout the Monroe County Parks System on April 12 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Volunteers can register to help clean up the parks from the winter accumulation of trash and debris, reduce litter entering local waterways and help get the parks looking great for the spring and summer.
“We’re grateful that every year, hundreds of Monroe County residents come together to volunteer to clean up our parks,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Community service plays a crucial role in strengthening our neighborhoods, and by volunteering, you’re not only improving the environment but also fostering a sense of unity and pride. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, I encourage you to join with your friends, family or community organization for a rewarding day that will help prepare our parks for the warmer months ahead.”
Specific jobs include: picking up trash/litter and/or loading up trucks to take trash off-site; raking/picking up debris (leaves, sticks, and rocks); additional duties, such as sweeping shelters, lodges and hard surfaces, and mulching and weeding may be available at some locations
Volunteers can sign up to help clean any one of Monroe County’s 22 parks. This is a rain or shine event unless extreme weather is in the forecast. To register a group, go to monroecounty.gov/parkspickuptheparks. Registration forms must be submitted by email to mcparks@monroecounty.gov by March 28.
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Greece Board of Education approves Veterans’ Tax Exemption for school property taxes
The Greece Central School District Board of Education voted on February 25 to approve the implementation of a Veterans’ Tax Exemption for school property taxes. The approval followed a public hearing earlier that evening, in which community members voiced support for the initiative.
The new exemption will take effect for the 2026-27 school year and will offer tax relief to qualifying veterans, their spouses, and unmarried surviving spouses by reducing the assessed value of their primary residence for school tax purposes. The exemption is designed to recognize and honor the service of veterans within the Greece community.
The Board’s decision comes after careful consideration of New York State Law, which requires a public hearing before any such exemption can be enacted. If fully implemented, the exemption will shift a portion of the school tax levy to non-exempt property
owners, resulting in an estimated increase of $0.45 per $1,000 of assessed value in the school tax rate. For homeowners with a $225,000 assessment, this would mean an additional $102.04 per year in school taxes.
Eligible veterans may qualify for a range of exemption levels, including the Alternative Veterans’ Exemption, Combat Zone Service Exemption, and Service-Connected Disability Exemption. Approximately 2,600 veterans in the Town of Greece currently receive a similar exemption for town and county taxes. Veterans already receiving this exemption from the Town of Greece do not need to take any further action. However, veterans who have moved or experienced a change in status must reapply. Those who have not yet applied can do so through the Town of Greece Assessor’s Office. The application deadline is March 1, 2026.
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Bricks still available for NGFD’s First Responder Memorial
The North Greece Fire Department’s First Responder Memorial, located on the grounds of Station One, 645 North Greece Road, is approaching its first anniversary. The memorial honors all first responders who have sacrificed their lives or placed themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Plaques honor the sacrifice of the First Responders and brave civilians during 9/11 as well as plaques showing the timeline and evolution of the North Greece Fire Department.
This heartfelt tribute, to date, has been made possible through the generosity and support of the members of the North Greece Fire Department (Volunteer Firefighters, Auxiliary, Exempts, Career ported this effort, and those contributions have been instrumental
of the North Greece Fire Department, their families, and the general community. Each brick, engraved with names and messages, represents the over 100-year history of the Department and reflects the deep and personal connections of the donors. The path can contain 450 personalized bricks and 350 have been placed to date.
The Fire Department is conducting a drive this spring to complete the remaining 100 personalized bricks. The bricks can be ordered by credit card on a website which allows for easy customization, and an image of the personalized brick is provided for approval prior to ordering. Two brick sizes are available for selection, a 4”x8” format and an 8”x8” format. Text can be added, and a large selection of graphics are available for use at no cost. Community donations for a personalized brick can be made at www.thatsmybrick.com/ northgreecefd.
The pathway leading to the memorial is a unique and meaningful feature, constructed from personalized bricks donated by members
The pathway leading to the memorial contains the names of many of the past and present members of the Department and represents over 100 years of service. Many of the bricks have been donated by the general community – both residents and businesses and demonstrate support for the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve. These community bricks are now forever part of the history of the North Greece Fire Department.
The memorial provides a serene and beautiful environment offering a peaceful place for reflection and remembrance. Community members are always welcome to walk the pathway, sit on the benches, and spend some quiet time at the Memorial. Volunteers of the Fire Department maintain the gardens flanking the Memorial and change out the plantings to provide seasonal interest for those spending time at the site. Planned community events during 2025 will also be held at the Memorial.
Any questions or assistance required to donate a brick at the website can be addressed to Al Camp, NGFD, by calling 585-3031249 or emailing acamp@northgreecefd.com.
The Fire Department is grateful and expresses their deep gratitude to all contributors. The creation of this memorial has proven to be a community effort and will continue to do so as the personalized brick program will continue to be offered as the pathway is completed. Program chair Al Camp said, “We are profoundly grateful for the businesses and community residents who have donated and continue to donate personalized bricks. Their support honors the memory of all first responders and further strengthens the bonds within our community.”
Provided information and photo
GPD officer visits Odyssey
Greece Police Officer Phillips and his K9 partner, Ryan, spent the day at Odyssey High School on March 7, visiting the Response to Emergencies (RTE) class for a special presentation and demonstration. His visit gave students a unique look into the world of K9 policing and how these teams play a vital role in law enforcement. Speaking to two classes – one in the morning and another in the afternoon – he shared real-world scenarios, training techniques, and the strong bond between an officer and their K9 partner. The students were engaged, asked great questions, and were thrilled
Greece Chamber networks at Ironwood Tavern at Deerfield Country Club
Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce recently joined Ironwood Tavern at Deerfield Country Club and owners Paul and Claudia Moriarty for an AfterHours networking event. Deerfield Golf & Country Club is located at 100 Craig Hill Drive, in Brockport. The Chamber’s AfterHours Business Networking gives regional business owners and business professionals the opportunity to network informally after the business day ends.
Ironwood Tavern at Deerfield offers an inviting neighborhood feel in a cozy atmosphere with exceptional service. Ironwood offers 360-degree views of a beautiful four-sided fireplace from anywhere in the restaurant, or during the warmer months, dinner is offered outside on the spacious covered timber frame deck overlooking the golf course. After dinner, relax by the firepit or the garden wall of fire on the patio. Ironwood is committed to guests’ experience with a true passion for offering outstanding food, drinks and service that is built on teamwork, the cornerstone of who they
are. They are proud to be Chamber members and part of our community and look forward to being a local spot to gather for many years to come.
Deerfield Golf & Country Club, 2024 Winner of the D&C Rochester’s Choice Golf Course, offers a new and more accessible type of golf membership. After a small fee upfront, the more you play, the more you save, with more advanced tee time reservations, standing tee time availability, and eligibility in member tournaments.
For more information about Ironwood Tavern or Deerfield Country Club visit www.deerfieldcc.com or https://ironwoodroc. com, email info@deerfieldcc.com, or call 585-392-3443.
Deerfield is also an award-winning wedding venue with elegant ballrooms accommodating up to 250 guests. The charm of Deerfield with its wooden beams, warm lighting, and gently distressed finishes are paired with elevated rustic furnishings makes it the perfect place for your wedding celebration. Their Event Team is eager to assist in choosing just the right space and menu for your special event. For more information, contact them at 585-392-8080, ext. 3.
For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and its membership benefits, available to businesses throughout Monroe County, NY, and the surrounding region, visit www.GreeceChamber.org or email Info@GreeceChamber.org. Provided information and photo
Top-seeded Greece Athena defeated Canandaigua 73-54 to win the Section V Class AA2 boys basketball title on March 8 at Blue Cross Arena. I’Zick Reaves scored 23 points and was named the American Rock Salt Tournament MVP. Fellow Trojans joining Reaves on the Class AA2 All-Tournament Team were Russell Ellis, Na’Sean Fowlks, and Dominic Lamar. The victory has been a long time in the making for Michael Setzer, who is in his ninth year coaching the team. His Trojans have previously fallen just short of the title, finishing second in five of the past eight seasons. Photo from @GCSDDRichardson on X.
SUNY Brockport’s Swim N’Gym program helps local children with special needs
by Tami Raco
For over 50 years, SUNY Brockport has provided local school districts with an enriching Swim N’Gym program to help elementary-aged special education students improve their motor skills and swimming ability.
Swim N’Gym was created by the college’s Adaptive Physical Education Program, one of the most prestigious offered in the country. The program serves two purposes: providing the college’s PE students invaluable experience working with the special needs population as well as offering specialized physical education opportunities to children in the community. SUNY Brockport Phys Ed students help lead the Swim N’Gym program during their junior year, and area school districts can sign up to have their students participate.
Amaury Samalot-Rivera, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor with an area of concentration in Adaptive Physical Education. He came to SUNY Brockport in 2013 and has been working with the Swim N’Gym program for the past seven years. According to Dr. Samalot-Rivera, PE students coach in the Swim N’Gym program as part of their Intro to Adaptive PE class. This program benefits college students by providing opportunities to work with children with disabilities and special needs in a Phys Ed context. “It is a good opportunity for them to identify if they would like to work with this population in their career,” said Dr. Samalot-Rivera. The college has 60 PE students per semester participating in this program,
and, on average, 10 to 12 will go on to specialize in the Adaptive Phys Ed field. “This provides firsthand experience putting theory into practice,” he said.
The Swim N’Gym program is offered on Friday mornings in the spring and fall, with each semester being six to eight weeks long. Participating school districts provide their students with transportation to SUNY Brockport. The college provides the venue, the coaches, the equipment, and the specialized program. The teachers stay while their students are engaged in the Swim N’Gym program but are hands-off.
Lauren Kessler is the Special Education Lead Teacher at Spencerport Central School District. She has been bringing her special needs students aged five to 11 to this program for 10 years. The students are often on the autism spectrum or have social/emotional disabilities. “The students really enjoy it. They constantly ask if it is Friday yet for Swim N’Gym,” Kessler chuckled.
For the swimming portion of the program, the children utilize the college’s main pool. Aquatic floaties and suitable equipment are provided for all abilities and levels. Pool skill assessments are done, and the coaches help the students throughout the semester as they work to improve their swimming abilities. They also play pool games such as ball retrieving and sharks and minnows. Kessler especially appreciates the swimming program. “This could help save their life,” she said.
Pictured are: (l-r) Lauren Kessler, Special Education Lead Teacher at Spencerport Central School District; Kasey Zamberlin, Camp Abilities GA; Lauren Lieberman Ph.D., Distinguished Service Professor and Director of Camp Abilities; Amaury Samalot-Rivera Ph.D., Associate Professor with an area of concentration in Adaptive Physical Education; and Matt Brack, Camp Abilities GA. Photo by Karen Fien.
continued from page 16
During the gym component of the program, the children use three of the gyms at the college to work on fitness and motor skills. There is also a quiet gym for children with sensory input issues. There is special equipment for sensory students and adaptive equipment to help all children be successful in the environment. The gym component of the program begins with the Phys Ed students evaluating the children for various elements such as running, endurance, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination. The coach then collaborates with the student to work on improving their skills. Fun and engaging stations such as soccer, baseball, cornhole, scooters, and more help keep the children motivated. “The coaches are very encouraging,” said Lauren.
there is a Halloween event with a child-friendly haunted house. The spring semester ends with ice skating. “All 19 of my students go, and they all love it!” exclaimed Lauren.
“The Swim N’Gym program is mutually beneficial to both our Phys Ed students as well as the community,” said Dr. SamalotRivera. “We have been doing this for many years and hope to continue for many more. It is a wonderful experience for everyone involved, and I am happy to be part of the program.”
Families in western Monroe County who want more information on the Swim N’Gym program should contact their local school district. For more information on the SUNY Brockport Adaptive PE Program, visit https://www.brockport.edu/academics/kinesiology/ adapted-physical-education/physical-education-track-masters/.
The semester ends with an extra special day of fun. In the fall,
See more photos of Swim N’Gym on westsidenewsny.com
Holley students with their coaches.
Photo by Lauren Lieberman Ph.D.
Spencerport students and their coaches at a recent Swim N’Gym session.
Photo by Karen Fien.
w/Mozzarella, 14 Chicken Tenders or 12 Mozz. Sticks or 10 Wings
w/Mozzarella, 28 Chicken Tenders or 24 Mozz. Sticks
