Greece News May/June 2023

George Grace

Canalway Challenge kicks off fifth season on NYS canals

Erie Canalway National Heritage Cor ridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge in 2023. The free program welcomes people of all ages and abilities to set a personal mileage goal and then walk, run, cycle, or paddle along the NYS Canal System to achieve it and receive recognition and rewards.

Participants can choose from a range of mileage options, including 15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles. A 1st Mile Challenge is open to people with mobility challenges.

Now in its fifth year, Canalway Chal lenge participants from 28 U.S. states and four countries have logged nearly one million miles along New York’s ca nals and Canalway Trail to date.

Registration is open to individuals, organizations, and teams. People can complete the Challenge in one big trip or many small ones from May 1 through the end of October. Upon completion, participants receive a mileage sticker, magnet and, new for 2023, set of four commemorative postcards.

Sign up at http://www.canalwaychallenge.com.

The 2023 Canalway Challenge has begun. Participants choose a personal mileage goal and log miles walking, running, cycling, or paddling on the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail to achieve recognition and rewards

Called to Serve

by Tami Raco

Few people are called to serve in two very contrasted ways in their lifetime. George Grace is one of them.

Grace was born in Rochester and graduated in 1964 from Sacred Heart High School. In 1966 he began his career at Kodak in the research department where he met his wife, Penny. In January 1968 George and Penny married. They were working at Kodak, and saving for a home. In September 1968,

Grace received a draft notice. This was during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam war. “I knew I was going,” he said. At the age of twenty-two, and in optimal physical condition, he had no deferments. Classified as 1A, at the top of the list to be drafted, Grace was sent home with orders to return the following month for processing.

In December 1968 Grace

ticipating enlistment in the U.S. Army with basic training at Ft. Dix, New Jersey. During

were no volunteers, Grace was selected. “Oh boy, I am in trouble,” he said to himself. His wife believed he was going to Army basic at Ft. Dix, now he was a Marine recruit going to bootcamp in Paris Island South Carolina. “This was at a time when we did not have cell phones or email so I could not even tell Penny that my plans changed. The first ten days of our bootcamp was about breaking us down physically and mentally,” he said. He finally sent a letter to his wife informing her that he was drafted into the Marine Corps, and that their first Christmas and Anniversary together was not going to happen.

Upon completion of the twenty weeks of intense USMC training, young George Grace was now of a combat mindset. He arrived at the base in Da Nang Vietnam in May 1969. As soon as he stepped foot off the military base, he realized just how primitive the region was. Grace’s life just 20 weeks earlier was as newlywed and Kodak employee.

While he served in Vietnam, malaria was taking the lives of servicemen living in the jungle. In December 1969 Grace became so ill from malaria he was delirious, his fever reached a near fatal 104. He was taken on a medevac out of the jungle. After a week of no improvements, he was sent to a military hospital in Okinawa Japan. After five weeks of treatment in the military hospital he was preparing to return to the jungle for the remainder of his draft duty.

He learned, due to the start of Vietnamization, they were replacing American troops with Southern Vietnam troops. Grace qualified to go back to the U.S. to finish his military obligation. Upon landing at the base in California, he was informed that Vietnam Infantry Marines were not considered “usable” in the U.S. On February 14, 1970, Marine George Grace called his wife Penny and joyously told her, “I am coming home!”

Grace soon returned to work at Kodak and began taking classes at the University of Rochester, but what he did not see coming was his second and most important call to serve was just about to unfold.

During his time at Kodak, a Christian coworker was stopping in Grace’s office weekly to speak to him about salvation. “He would come in to see me with a Bible verse, my co-workers would tease me that he was coming for me again.” Grace’s wife was attending church, but he jokingly referred to himself as a “Chr-easter.” In August of 1972, George’s co-worker sat him down and asked if he was ready to accept Jesus into his life. As George recalls this was a life-changing moment. He was invited to a Bible study at a church on North Greece Road. “I went right home and told Penny, I was excited to see what was next.”

George and Penny immediately began attending Bible Study at First Bible Baptist Church (FBBC) in Greece. As his passion and excitement began to fan into a fire, he was eager to serve at the church. He was given the role to drive the children’s ministry bus. He began to thrive as he learned, served, and grew in the Lord. In

processing, an announcement was made, four men were needed to volunteer for the Marine Corps. Grace said, “No one volunteered.” The Marines had heavy combat operations in Vietnam and the boot camp was longer and more difficult. Since there continued on page 6

Photo above: Marine Grace with his uncle who was the Chaplain Captain of the USS Ranger. Top photo: Dec. 1968 Marine Grace bootcamp in Paris Island SC. Provided photos. Cover photo: George Grace at First Bible Baptist Church, photo by Karen Fien. Small photo on cover: Marine Grace in Vietnam 1969.

Early years at FBBC. Provided photo

continued from page 5

1973 he was called to service for the second time. Grace left his career at Kodak, his salary, and benefits, to seek full time ministry. He announced to the church leadership he was available full time to serve.

By 1983 the Grace family had five children and they were raising their family in Greece when George Grace was appointed as the head pastor at FBBC.

Many accomplishments occurred as part of the fruit of his ministry during his decades at the church. Northstar Christian Academy went from being a small school inside the church named “God and Country,” to their own school building on Spencerport Road, in Gates.

Another milestone during the time of Pastor Grace leading FBBC was the vision, and completion, of the area’s one and only faithbased sports park. “Our goal was to bring children and to preach the Gospel,” said Pastor Grace.

Grace and Truth Sports Park located on N. Greece Road came to fruition in 2000, and was a ministry of FBBC as a space to provide athletic programs to impact the community by creating new and better followers of Christ. This multi-sport recreational space is used by youth and adult leagues and available to all members of the community.

In October 2016, when he retired as the head Pastor, Grace handed the reigns of FBBC to Pastor Kevin Pestke. Although retired, he is still continually active in the church, teaching classes at the Northstar Bible Institute Seminary, conducting mission trips and traveling the country for speaking engagements. He recently celebrated 50 years in ministry. When asked if he ever thought he would go from being called for jungle warfare, to a call on his life to serve God in ministry he said, “God has a reason for everything. My military experience taught me leadership, perseverance, survival instincts, obedience, and completion.”

Pastor George Grace spends time with his family of five children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition to remaining active in ministry, Grace walks over 100 miles a month. When asked what was next for him, he replied, “By the grace of God, I have no plan to fully retire.”

For additional photos and memories of Grace’s service in Vietnam visit www.westsidenewsny.com.

In the late 90s FBBC purchased land and built a new building on Manitou Road that was more than double the square footage.

Greece News

Pastor Grace with Northstar Academy students.

Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo

The Town of Greece invites all to attend the Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the Greece Town Hall Campus. This will be in conjunction with the Town of Greece Summer Concert Series featuring Zac Brown Tribute Band. Food trucks will open at 5:30pm and the concert will begin at 6pm.

Jerry Helfer was a man of exceptional character and virtue who always exhibited kindness to anyone he encountered. One of Jerry’s first positions in public service was being a member of the Greece Youth Board. Proceeds collected from the Food

Truck Rodeo will go towards the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship.

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

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A Proud Grandfather

Bruce Rizzo, Former Owner of Lakeshore Hockey Arena

I would like to share a story about our grandson. I owned Lakeshore Hockey Arena on Ling Road in Greece for over 40 years, and recently sold it.

When I owned the rink, my grandson, Nicholas Anderson, started skating there at two years of age. He wanted to become a goalie, so at four years old he started to play goal.

Nicholas dedicated his whole life, and heart into hockey. When COVID set in, the hockey players took a huge hit. Nicholas played for the Junior Sabres. He went on from there to Charlottes Rush in Pineville, North Carolina.

Next, Nicholas received a scholarship to play at Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, where he excels at the sport.

I have been around the hockey world for over 45 years and I am very proud of my grandson. I have never seen someone who loves the sport as much as he does.

Provided Photo

Eagle Scout Recognition Awards

The Town of Greece held an Eagle Scout Award Presentation Ceremony during the April meeting of the Greece Town Board.

The Eagle Scout Recognition Medal is presented to all Boy Scouts who have recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in their local troop.

Christopher Lynn, Paul Lombardo, and Michael O’Toole are all members of Scout Troop Number 278 and have all recently attained Eagle Scout ranking.

For his Eagle Scout Project, Christopher Lynn constructed an approximately 70 foot mulch bed and planted 11 shrubs in order to enclose the fourth side of the Rochester Museum and Science Center Herb Garden. He also edged and leveled the stone slab sidewalk leading into the garden. These improvements not only increase the beauty of the garden, but also the accessibility for the community to enjoy.

located in a nice spot for the community to sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful garden.

Michael O’Toole attained Eagle Scout ranking through his project to renovate the Greece Police Gym at the previous Greece Police Headquarters off Island Cottage Road. Michael and his team renovated the workout area so officers in Greece would have a nice place to exercise. “It is an honor for me to present proclamations and medals to the hard working and determined young men who have shown that commitment and perseverance lead to success,” Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich said at the awards ceremony.

The Boy Scouts of America, one of the United States largest youth organizations, is dedicated to preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Eagle Scout Award iscation to the scouting creed. For more information on the Boy

Provided Information and Photo

2023 Memorial Day Event Schedule

The upcoming, Town of Greece, Memorial Day Event

Monday, May 29, 2023

11:00 AM – Memorial Day Parade will proceed down Long Pond Road from Janes Road to the Greece Town Hall Campus

11:45 AM – Town of Greece Remembrance Ceremony, held at the Greece Town Hall Pavilion.

Parking will be available at Greece Town Hall. Town Hall Campus Parking will be open until approximately 10:45am. The section of Long Pond Road running from Latta Road to Janes Road and a portion of Janes Road will be closed from approximately 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Provided Information

Three new Eagle Scouts from Troop Number 278 with their awards presented at the Town of Greece Board Meeting in April.

60 Years as a Family Business

Howard Road Garage has serviced the auto community since 1963

by Barbara Burke

In 1963, Nick Sobolew was work ing at Judge’s Ford on Lake Avenue, in Rochester. Sobolew’s co-worker and friend at Judge’s, Pete VanDerhoeven, asked him if he wanted to invest with him in an auto repair business that he found for sale. In 1963 they went into business together and opened Howard Road Garage, located at 51 Howard Road, in Gates.

Initially, the majority of Howard Road Garage’s business came from local auto dealerships, installing air conditioning and cruise control systems in new au tomobiles. In the 1960s new cars did not come into dealerships equipped with AC and Cruise Control, they were optional features that car buyers could select at time of purchase. Installing so many units for dealerships helped Howard Road Garage to become known, area-wide, as an air condition ing specialist.

In the 1980s Nick Sobolew bought out his partner Pete, and in the late 1990s Nick retired from the business, passing it on to his son Anatol “Ski” and daughter-in-law Sharon Sobolew, who are the current owners. Today Ski and Sharon’s three sons, Josh, Justin and Jordan, all work together in the family business.

“My husband Ski grew up as a me chanic working here at the garage. When my father-in-law retired in the late 1990s, Ski need help and asked me to come in and manage the busi ness. Currently I am the secretary, re ceptionist and business manager and I love every minute of my job,” Sharon Sobolew said.

The business slogan at Howard Road Garage is, “Doing Business The Old Fashioned Way.” Customer Service is the number one priority. “Customer loyalty is huge for us. Our customers keep coming back. We also have a lot of referrals, friends of friends and family members of long time customers. We have one customer, Dan, who has been coming to us since 1964. He will stop in just for a visit and to sit around and talk,” Sharon said.

There are lots of customers who stop in, not only for car ser vice, they come to socialize, sitting around the large table in the waiting room, sharing stories and news. “We all share in each other’s laughter and tears. I love being here. Every day I learn something from our customers,” Sharon said.

Sharon has decorated the customer waiting room with antique

their business, servicing and maintaining commercial vehicles for businesses, takes place.

continued on page 14

The Sobolew family: Nick, Sharon, Josh, Ski, Justin and Jordan in front of Howard Road Garage on 51 Howard Road in Gates.

In addition to specializing in air conditioning and heating system installation and repairs, Howard Road Garage offers complete auto repair and maintenance. According to their website, “Your car’s engine is made up of hundreds of complex components working together to ensure that your vehicle starts and runs properly. Over time, however, these components can wear out, resulting in a loss of performance and fuel economy. We believe in preventive maintenance - keeping your car in good working order and avoiding the problems that can lead to roadside breakdowns. Our expert technicians are trained to help keep your car running as safely as possible, making sure that the major mechanical systems are functioning properly and efficiently. At Howard Road Garage, we understand how important your car is to you and we know your car’s needs. We can help you follow its factory-recommended maintenance schedule.”

Howard Road Garage, 51 Howard Road in Gates, is open Monday thru Friday 8AM to 4PM. Call 585-429-5790 to schedule a service appointment. For more information visit www.howardroadgarage.com

Josh and Jordan Sobolew working in the bays at Howard Road Garage.

Settlement requires NYS to provide expanded dental coverage to low-income residents

The Legal Aid Society announced a settlement in a federal class action lawsuit brought against the New York State Department of Health (DOH) in 2018 on behalf of Medicaid recipients in New York who were denied coverage for medically necessary dental care by New York State.

The settlement will result in changes to law mandating expanded dental coverage to New Yorkers who use Medicaid, including both new dental coverage benefits and a significant broadening of existing benefits, impacting approximately five million New Yorkers statewide.

The changes to the Medicaid dental benefit program focus on added coverage for routine dental care and procedures to help Medicaid patients preventatively maintain better oral and overall health. These changes are expected to result in long-term cost savings for New York State and its taxpayers by allowing Medicaid recipients to immediately address dental needs before they worsen and significantly impact overall health, requiring additional dental and/or medical attention.

Under the terms of the settlement, the DOH is required to adopt and implement the following changes to the Medicaid dental benefit program: crown and root canal coverage, crown lengthening, replacement dentures, dental implants and related services.

For more information visit www.westsidenewsny.com

Search Dental Settlement

Provided information

Kiwanis Bike Drive

Saturday, June 17, 2023

9:00AM to 12 Noon

Drop off used bicycles at Orchard View Senior Apartments, 1 Orchard View Drive, Greece. The parking lot is visible from Latta Road. If unable to transport bicycles, please call 585-234-2088 to arrange for pick-up.

Bikes are donated to R Community Bikes, Inc., (RCB), a grassroots, 501(c)3 organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, that collects and repairs used bicycles for distribution, free of charge, to the Rochester, New York area’s most needy children and adults. Since 2008 RCB has given away 32,145 bikes and repaired 41,675 bikes. For more information on RCB visit www.rcommunitybikes.net

This bike drive is hosted by Kiwanis Clubs of Greece and Roches

ter.

District Names New Deputy Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

The Greece Central School District announced the promotion of two key administrators during the April Board of Education meeting. Jeremy Smalline was named Deputy Superintendent and Gina Larsen was named Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. Both begin their new roles on May 15, 2023.

Smalline and Larsen are both long-time Greece administrators. According to Superintendent Kathleen Graupman, they were selected for these new roles because of their dedication to student success and staff development. They will help Greece Central continue to advance its mission and vision for continuous improvement with our REACH 2027 Strategic Plan. “They are deeply committed to Greece Central and understand our systems’ strengths and challenges,” she said. “Our goals and areas of improvement are lofty and we need talented, dedicated folks like Jeremy and Gina to help us reach them.”

Jeremey Smalline, Deputy Superintendent

Smalline started his career as a teacher in the Rochester City School District. He came to Greece 17 years ago as an administrative intern and was later appointed assistant principal at Longridge Elementary School. He went on to be named Longridge Principal and was promoted to Director of Student Services and School Improvement before joining the Department of Human Resources, where he has served as Assistant Superintendent since January of 2020. Graupman said Smalline was selected for the new Deputy role because of his strong educational knowledge, experience with district systems, and deep connections with staff. In his new role, Smalline will oversee the offices of Special Education, Student Transportation, and School Improvement. “Jeremy has a proven track record of success,” Graupman said. “Increases in foundation aid have allowed Greece to ex-

pand social/emotional and academic supports across the board. As our new deputy superintendent, Jeremy will lead this work and directly support school and district improvement.” As he transitions into his new role, Smalline plans to meet with many stakeholders. His goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and opportunities for growth within the departments he will supervise.

Gina Larsen, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Larsen started her career as a physical education teacher in the Buffalo area and came to Greece in 2004 as an assistant principal at Arcadia High School; a position she held until she was promoted to Arcadia High School Principal in 2015. She has served as the Executive Director of Human Resources since 2021. Graupman said Larsen was the clear choice to take over for Smalline as the Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.

“Her vast experience leading in our schools, along with her strong organizational skills and collaborative nature make her a great fit,” Graupman said. “Over the last few years, she’s learned our internal human resources processes, employment law, and civil service criteria, making her the perfect successor. Gina also has an amazing work ethic and great pride in the Greece Community.” In Larsen’s new role, she will continue working with the district’s team of human resources professionals and six Greece union groups, as well as manage the district’s recruitment and retention efforts. She cites relationship building and empathetic listening among her key strengths, which is important as the leader of a department that works with 3,000 employees and thousands more retirees.

Provided Information and Photos

Chamber Golf Tournament to support Nurses

The Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation’s First Annual Golf Tournament supporting local nursing education will take place on Monday, June 26, 2023, beginning 11:00 am, at Ridgemont Country Club, 3717 West Ridge Road, in Greece.

Golf as an individual or a foursome, which includes 18 holes of golf with cart, tee prizes, food and drink. The tournament Early-bird pricing is available through May 20th.

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

For more information and registration, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, (585) 227-7272, or email Golf Tournament Chairperson Michael A. Mordenga, Mike@TheVictorsGym. com. Sponsorships are still available.

Provided Information

Greece News May/June 2023

Greece Historical Society Events

Discovering “Exile” McBride by Mike McBride.

Sunday, May 21, 2023, 2:00 p.m. Greece Museum, 595 Long Pond Road. During the recent pandemic, Mike McBride decided to do a DNA test, never expecting to find much of anything. However, to his amazement, he discovered an unknown great uncle, with the strange name of John Joseph “Exile” McBride. He had been an internationally known, Irish human rights crusader. His credentials were unbelievable, and his life had all the makings of an action-packed adventure movie. According to an 1899 Buffalo Times Newspaper “No Irishman, either in America or Ireland, has done more for the cause of Irish independence than Exile McBride.” Join us on Sunday, May 21st to hear about Mike’s adventure researching this amazing story and learn about the life of this long forgotten Irish freedom fighter.

there will not be a lot of walking, come prepared to walk on uneven ground. The tour will last about an hour. The tour is free, please bring a food donation for the parish’s St. Francis Food Pantry. The group will meet in the church parking lot.

Provided Information and Photos

Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery Walking Tour

Sunday, June 4 at 1:30 p.m.

Maureen Whalen and Joe Vitello, volunteers at the Greece Historical Society, will conduct a walking tour of Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery, 5000 Mt. Read Blvd., Greece. This tour will include accounts of some notable parishioners and Greece residents, particularly veterans of our armed services. Although

Strawberry and Dessert Tasting Festival

The Greece Historical Society (GHS), will host their annual fundraiser, the Strawberry and Dessert Tasting Festival, at the Greece Town Hall Pavilion on Monday, June 19 from 4-7 p.m. Cost is $9 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, and Free for children ages 5 and under.

This year dessert samples will be offered by Wegmans, Bill’s Long Pond Diner, Special T Cakes & Desserts, Delectable Desserts, Simply Love Bakery and Mayers Lake Ontario Winery. In addition, grilled foods will be available for purchase from local grilling experts, Barton’s Parkside Hots.

Due to the nearby construction, the GHS has again partnered with the Town of Greece, and the festival will be held at the Town Pavilion. Thank you to Supervisor Bill Reilich and Staff.

The annual festival started in 1974 when GHS members turned their June meeting into a strawberry social and invited the community to join them on the grounds of the Newcomb House. When the GHS offices and museum relocated to 595 Long Pond Road, it became a fundraiser to help defray the costs of the move and renovation of their new facility.

Over time, the festival changed from society volunteers making and serving strawberry shortcake and offering homemade bake goods for sale, to commercial businesses offering dessert samples, while adding community group information tables, entertainment for children, and prize raffles. It has become an annual picnic for the whole community.

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Rotary Club of Greece Golf Tournament

Rino Pappano Memorial

Monday, July 31, 2023 • Ridgemont Country Club

Proceeds benefit The Greece Little League’s Challenger Division and The Greece Rotary Foundation. The Greece Little League Challenger Program is designed to offer children with special needs the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation. The Challenger Division is proven to provide therapeutic and socialization benefits of sports participation and strengthening of the child’s self esteem.

For sponsorship and registration information visit www.greecerotary.org

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Growing Generations of Gardeners

Van Putte Gardens is celebrating 75 years as a family business

by Barbara Burke

In 1948, Bill and Grace Van Putte opened Van Putte Seed Company on their 17 acre farm in Greece. Offering seeds and garden supplies to area homeowners, as well as seed catalogs to farmers and local hardware stores, they were the first garden center in Greece. “My grandparents were a hard working family, farming the location as a young couple and raising their kids. They started with a stand and a seed company, and worked together to build their business into a full-service garden center,” said Kyle Van Putte. Kyle and his sister Holly are the third generation, current owners of Van Putte Gardens, 136 North Avenue in Greece.

In the 1960s, Van Putte Gardens turned their focus from farming to residential and commercial gardening and landscaping. They added greenhouses to grow annuals, perennials and vegetable plants for home gardeners. In 1976 Bill and Grace’s son Carl became the owner and President of Van Putte Seed Co., Inc. In response to the growing population in Greece, Carl and his wife Susan, again expanded the garden center and landscape services. In 2013, Carl and Susan’s children Kyle, current President and CEO, and Holley, current Vice President and CFO, began running the family business.

This year, Van Putte is celebrating 75 years in business and have planned a special day in celebration of this unique milestone. On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Van Putte Gardens will host a

continued on page 22

continued from page 20

75th Anniversary celebration. For a couple of years now we have been talking about it, and planning for it,” Kyle said.

Kyle attributes the success of Van Putte Gardens to quality products and service. He said, “Both Holly and I agree that the business is much larger now, and that the success is due to the foundation that was laid down by our grandparents. Quality products, good value and making sure you take care of customers.”

Van Putte is a full service commercial and residential Garden and Landscape center. They offer everything a homeowner will need to enhance their garden and home. Van Putte’s specialty is that they grow their own vegetable plants and have a large, unique selection of nursery stock to choose from. “We have gardeners coming from 45 minutes away to purchase our unusual

shrubs, birding supplies, houseplants, bagged and bulk products, fertilizers, gift and garden supplies and more. They are also expert in residential and commercial landscape, employing a creative design team to guide customers with creating the perfect garden environment.

Van Putte Gardens believes in giving back to the community that has been so loyal to their business over the last 75 years. Their Kids Grow Club was established in 1994 by Susan Van Putte. The goal of the club is to teach children how to love and respect nature. Gardens teach creativity, curiosity and self discipline. “We believe the Kids Club is a way to increase awareness of gardening to the next generation,” Kyle said. For complete information and to sign up for the Kids’s Grow Club visit www. vanputte.com.

Another community project is the W.E.V.P. Horticulture Scholarship program established in honor of Bill E. Van Putte, founder of Van Putte Gardens. “This is a scholarship, established in honor of my grandfather, awarded to a high school senior who is planning a future career in horticulture or related fields. It is our way of keeping the next generation of people involved in gardening. We have met some very nice young people through this program,” Kyle said.

Van Putte’s website also has a Blog where a wide variety of gardening topics are discussed. For example repotting, planting a revival Victory Garden, pruning, container planting and discussions on care of specific varieties such as hydrangeas, amaryllis, pansies, hellebores and many more.

For more infor-

Current President, son, Kyle, parents, Sue and Carl, and current Vice President, daughter, Holly.

Vintage seed packets, Van Putte Seed Company, Rochester, N.Y.

Greece Chamber Offers Hawaiian Adventure Trip

The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and Collette has lined up an exciting 10-day Hawaiian Adventure trip, departing January 18, 2024. Special package pricing is available for those who reserve by July 18, 2023. In addition, Chamber members receive a discount as well when booking by the deadline. Highlights include Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Iolani Palace, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Kona Highlights, Iao Valley, Lahaina, and a Polynesian Luau.

“Collette is one of the Chamber’s larger business members with over 100 years of experience as an international tour operator. We are proud to partner with them in bringing exciting and unique trips of high quality and value to our members and to the general public in our region and beyond,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Sarah E. Lentini.

While membership is not required to participate in the travel program, Greece Regional Chamber Associate and Business members are eligible for travel discounts on many destinations.

24

Greece News May/June 2023

From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich

With warmer weather rolling in, I am excited to announce details on our beloved Summer Town Events!

We are hosting a free shredding event for Greece residents on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Greece Town Hall Campus. Services will be provided by Shred-Text. For more information about the company, please call 247-5250 or visit their website at www.shredtext.com. For information about the Town of Greece Shredding Event, please call 225-2000.

We would love to have you join us for is our Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. The Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 29th, 2023. The parade will start at 11:00am and proceed down Long Pond

Road from Janes Road to the Greece Town Hall Campus. The Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Greece Town Hall Pavilion at 11:45am. Please note that parking will be available at Greece Town Hall. Town Hall Campus Parking will be open until approximately 10:45am. The section of Long Pond Road running

from Latta Road to Janes Road and a portion of Janes Road will be closed from approximately 10:00am – 12:00pm

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

Finally, be sure to join us for the beloved annual Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration! Joining us this year is The American Band Grand Funk Railroad! The Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration kicks off with our Freedom Run 5k, Kids Fun Run, games, food trucks and so much more! Keep tuned for more exciting details.

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

Greece July 4th Celebration Headline Performers Announced

Originating from Flint, Michigan in 1969, this top selling, American rock group of the 70s is coming to The Town of Greece Old-Fashioned 4th of July Celebration as the headlining performers. Grand Funk Railroad, known as “The American Band,” is a high-energy, five-piece group that will play forty-five shows all over the USA this year.

Bruce Kulick, best known for his 12 years with KISS, and has credits with Michael Bolton, Meatloaf and Billy Squier. Keyboardist Tim Cashion is affectionately called “Dr. Tim.” His credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.

Seasoned Grand Funk lovers and contemporary rock fans discovering the group for the first time will be able to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of “We’re An American Band” with Grand Funk

The Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration kicks off with a 5k Freedom Run, Kids Fun Run, games, food trucks and

The Greece Public Library Board of Trustees, announced the Board will meet every 2nd Thursday of the month, at the Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Blvd.,Greece, 14612, in the Frear Room at 4:30pm. All meetings are open to the public.

Notice given pursuant to Section 104 of New York State Public Officers Law, Article 7 (Open Meetings Law).