Gates
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Pubisher Keith Ryan
Contributing Writers & Photographers
Barbara Burke, Maggie Fitzgibbon, Tami Raco
Advertising 585-352-3411
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Gates Public Library to celebrate 65th anniversary
The Town of Gates is celebrating the Blue Sapphire Jubilee of Gates Public Library, and everyone is invited to the party on February 26. It was 65 years ago that the library received its Provisional Charter, and during those years, the library has become a center of information and activities for the entire community.
The journey to the library’s opening day was long and filled with remarkable examples of generosity and cooperation. It began in 1960 when the founding members of the library rented quarters in the Gates Grange on Buffalo Road. The library became a successful and beloved part of the community. After nine years, it outgrew its small quarters, and a cooperative effort began to build a new library. In 1965, the library secured a grant for building construction, and in 1966, the Town of Gates purchased its
present eleven acres. In December 1967, the groundbreaking of the new Town Hall - Library Community Center began. The move occurred in 1969, and the library evolved over the next 42 years, from typewriters to computers and books to ebooks. In 1993, through grants and donations, a drive-up window was added to the now-brimming Town Library. This new service proved very popular, especially for returning materials. The final addition, in 1998, was the construction of an accessible restroom, taking the continued on page 5
Grange photo: Exterior of building - The library occupied the first floor
Group photo - seated are four of the first five Gates Public Library Board members; (l-r) Charlotte York, Eleanor Freislich, Edna Kemp, and Ralph Johnson. Standing are staff at the library from 1961-1968.
Gates Public Library has 32 employees, some of them are on the front cover photo. Back: (l-r) Devin, Amanda, Jennah, Jen, Trent, Heidi, Mike (Library Assistant Director), Jenny, Lisa, Victoria. Bench: (l-r) Jess, Jennifer (Library Director), Paula. Photo by Karen Fien
last of library storage. By mid-2000, library programs were being held in the Town’s community space. By early 2010, plans developed to move Gates Public Library to a two-story rental space on Elmgrove Road, providing over 9,000 more square feet. Ground was broken, and construction began. The new library opened on June 15 and was dedicated on June 24, 2011. As then Gates Public Library Trustee Petter Derry said at the dedication, “Space was limited at the former location, but that won’t be an issue at this new space. This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when people work together.”
The 65th Anniversary Celebration will be on February 26 at the library, with fun for the whole family. At 10:30 a.m., “Mama Goose on the Loose” will present a program especially for preschoolers. Harpist Roxanne Ziegler will perform in the library’s atrium beginning at 12:30 p.m. The excitement continues at 4:30 p.m. with drummer Mayukwa Kashiwa performing in the Assini Room and Gates Public Library Trivia beginning at 6 p.m. The high point of the day will be at 5:15 p.m., with the filling and sealing of the Gates Public Library Time Capsule. It will be opened in 2060 at
ebrate. One of Gates Public Library’s current highlights is the newly implemented seed catalog. Patrons can visit the library’s “old school” card catalog to check out flower and vegetable seeds for their planters and gardens year-round. In 2025, Hoopla and now Kanopy, are streaming services specifically for Gates residents. Gates Public Library has many recurring programs to encourage literacy. The long-standing book clubs, Ideas’ n’ Authors and #ReadWomen, carry on from the early 1980s. There are weekly story times for children, and dog lovers may read with Griffin the Dalmatian through the new program Read with Paws. Lego Club, Kids Coding, Minecraft Club, and Junior Friends meet regularly. This past summer, Gates Public Library celebrated reading with the Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins at Your Library. Many readers of all ages participated in the activities. The library also highlighted the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week.
The library provides outreach to the Gates community and local organizations throughout the year, including Red Cross Blood Drives (held three times a year), the AARP Smart Driver program, and Genealogy/Ancestry Assistance. This year, the library also partnered with Matthew’s Closet, Junior League of Rochester, G.R.A.S.P., Rochester Regional Health, University of Rochester Medicine, Monroe County Office of Mental Health, the food pantry at St. Theodore’s, and UR Golisano Hospital CARES unit.
Plans for the future include participation in local events such as Keep Gates Clean, working with the Gates-Chili Community Connection to remove financial or basic need obstacles for some Gates residents, and teaming up with the Town of Gates Recreation Center to provide events and programs for the community to enjoy. The youngest children of the community will benefit from long-standing programs, such as Books to Babies and 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. The programs’ goals are to encourage families to read books together and develop childhood literacy.
The February 26 party promises to be fun for all ages, and it will be another example of the support that the Town of Gates gives to the Gates Public Library. Without the efforts of our local municipality, the Town of Gates Supervisor, and the local community, Gates Public Library would not be the library that it is today.
Library at Town Campus - 1969-2010; for 41 years the Library resided at the Town of Gates property.
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WELCOME to Cornerstone Pointe Apartments, owned by RCG Long Pond 2, LLC and professionally managed by Cornerstone Property Managers, LLC. Our community is operated under the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), within Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. This program is designated to facilitate the housing needs of moderate to low-income seniors age 62+. All units have Section 8 Project Based vouchers from Rochester Housing Authority. Please see enclosed documentation regarding qualifications and applications.
Residency in all of the apartments at Cornerstone Pointe Apartments is limited to those households having moderate to low incomes. In addition to standard wages, income includes monies received from many sources such as pensions, Social Security, retirement accounts, alimony, etc. The units at Cornerstone Pointe Apartments will serve one income group. Listed below are the current (2024) maximum allowable incomes (by household size) for Monroe County.
60% Limits
Income Cannot Exceed:
• All applicants must qualify with the Rochester Housing Authorities (RHA) program requirements.
• Heat, hot water, and electric are included in rent.
• Non-smoking campus
• All information on income provided by applicants must be verified before occupancy. This qualification and certification process must also be completed annually upon renewal.
• Standard security deposits have been established and are equal to one month’s rent.
• Applications will be accepted for the waiting list on time and date stamped order.
Please return completed application with photo identification, Social Security card(s) and Medicaid card (if applicable) to:
Cornerstone Pointe Apartments
3 GBC Parkway Rochester, NY 14626
Please call (585) 227-7245 with any questions TTY 711
cp@rcgltd.net The project is posted online at www.NYHousingSearch.gov
2025 Business, Health & Home Expo coming to Greece Ridge Mall
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce invites the public to its 2025 Business, Health & Home Expo which will be held Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Mall at Greece Ridge, 271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester (Greece), NY 14626. Both admission and parking are free.
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is partnering once again with a wide array of businesses in the region to bring the 12th annual Business, Health & Home Expo to the public. The event provides businesses and organizations throughout the region an opportunity to share their expertise, products, and services with the community. Local businesses of all types will showcase their products and services related to health, home, and better living, inspiring attendees to enhance and improve various aspects of their lives. The March 15 Expo will include business promotions, giveaways, free drawings, and activities for kids.
Opportunities for businesses to exhibit, sponsor, and advertise are available now. Visit www. GreeceChamber.org, or call 585-227-7272 for more information.
Sponsors to date for this year’s event are Greenlight Networks and The Mall at Greece Ridge. There is no cost for the public to attend.
“Please join us for the 12th Annual Business, Health & Home Expo where you can speak directly to organizations and their rep-
resentatives on a large range of services, finances, health care, or other commercial activities that are of importance to you and your family,” said Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach. “For any questions, feel free to visit our website at www.Greecechamber. org contact us at 585-227-7272 or Info@GreeceChamber.org.” Provided information and photo
Monroe County opens satellite office in Greece to connect residents with services for older adults and veterans
Monroe County has opened two new service centers to su pport county residents seeking access to vital services. The convenient, accessible offices will help connect residents with knowledgeable staff and serve as a resource for veterans and aging services. These offices are located at Greece Ridge Mall in the town of Greece and Bay Towne Plaza in the town of Webster, and made possible with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“These new service centers will help us to better connect with residents by meeting them closer to home,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “We want to make sure that local veterans get all of the benefits they’re entitled to, and we want to connect older adults and caregivers with the services and supports that can improve their quality of life. Thank you to our friends at Lifespan for partnering with us on this effort, as well as the County workers who will serve these locations.”
The Monroe County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) will provide free assistance to veterans and their families at each location. Specifically, the VSA can help navigate the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ claim system, including filing appeals for denied claims, and will review eligibility for all programs to make sure a veteran is receiving all of the benefits they’ve earned.
Lifespan of Greater Rochester, experts in aging services and a valuable partner of Monroe County’s Office for the Aging, will also have staff available at each location to assist older adults and caregivers with guidance about aging services and other supportive programs. This includes information about home care options, housing, transportation, wellness programming, financial support, health insurance counseling appointments, caregiver supports & resources, and referral services to a host of local programs and services.
“As a community, we have an obligation to take care of the men
and women who’ve served their country, and the VSA works every day to help our veterans connect with the supports and services they’ve earned,” said Nick Stefanovic, Director of the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency. “We know the need for help is strong and the capacity to help is strong, and these new locations will help make those connections more easily.”
“We are thrilled to support County Executive Adam Bello’s efforts to make services more accessible to people in the County,” said Ann Marie Cook, President/CEO, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Inc. “It is difficult to understand aging services, including eligibility for benefits and other programs. These satellite sites will provide people an opportunity to meet with professionals in a convenient location so they can get access to services and understand benefits.”
“Today’s ribbon-cutting at the westside Veteran and Senior Services Center marks a transformative step in how Monroe County delivers support to those who need it most,” said Legislator Jackie Smith. “With this center and its eastside counterpart, we are ensuring veterans and seniors have streamlined access to essential services, honoring their contributions and strengthening our entire community. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to making Monroe County a place where every generation in every part of this community is valued and supported.”
Each office will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The locations are:
•Greece Ridge Mall, Inline Space F5
271 Greece Ridge Center Drive, Rochester, NY, 14626
585-753-2802
•Bay Towne Plaza, Suite 645
1900 Empire Boulevard, Webster, NY 14580
585-753-2812
Provided information
w/Mozzarella, 14 Chicken Tenders or 12 Mozz. Sticks or 10 Wings
w/Mozzarella, 28 Chicken Tenders or 24 Mozz.
After a bout with melanoma, Kathe D’Alfonso, of Penfield, realized she needed to be more proactive with her sunscreen regimen and quickly found that it wasn’t always easy applying sunscreens or moisturizers to her back, by herself. “My frustration grew over the years of waiting for my husband to put lotion on my back, which drove me to create a quick solution with incredible reach,” she said
Kathe spent three years developing and creating numerous prototypes before she was satisfied with her finished product – Solo Beauty, a wand with a flexible mitt-covered head that’s
Solo Beauty helps in applying lotion to those hard-to-reach areas.
angled to access that hard-to-reach reach area of your back. “My product is very lightweight and designed to reach over your shoulders, upper back, mid and lower back, your feet, legs and your entire body. With having washable mitts it saves time and money for people.” There are different mitt options, including a lotion applicator, body exfoliator, and face exfoliator. The mitts are durable enough to be washed over 500 times.
This was Kathe’s first invention, and her patent acquisition was completed in April 2024. This enabled her to begin selling her unique, locally-made product to the public.
Consumers say they love the sense of independence Solo Beauty provides. “I am very happy when I hear from my customers how much they love the products and it is truly solving a problem,” Kathe said. Her customers with a decreased range of motion or who are wheelchair-bound, have found this to be a most helpful product to improve their daily lives. “With my applicator and washable mitts I feel people can gain their power back to take care of themselves on their time and never wait again!”
Visit Kathe at Solo Beauty in Irondequoit, or order online at solobeatyroc.com. Many options are available and custom design requests are welcome for the reusable, washable mitts.
Provided information and photos
Kathe D’Alfonso
The Lions Club of Chili started 2025 by welcoming Sherry Vitale (holding certificate) as a new member. She was sponsored by Lion Secretary Keri Neathawk. Lion President Joe Korn (left) and Lion Membership Chair Mike Donner (right) performed the induction. For information about joining the Lions Club of Chili, call Donner at 585-704-7265.
Gates Chili capital project vote is set for February
On February 5, Gates Chili voters will head to the polls to cast a vote on the district’s next capital project.
The project, named Future Ready, is designed to address critical infrastructure and mechanical needs across the district’s aging facilities. The proposed work focuses on four categories: failing infrastructure needs, renovations, replacements and new work. These improvements will ensure schools remain safe, efficient and inspiring environments for students and staff.
The project will be funded entirely through state aid and exist ing budget allocations, ensuring no additional tax impact on the community. This funding approach reflects the district’s com mitment to maintaining high-quality facilities while being fiscally responsible.
The community vote on this important project is set for Wednesday, February 5, at the Spartan Field House at Gates Chili High School from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more details on the project’s scope and impact, plus voter information, visit gateschili. org/CapitalProject.
Provided information
Reagan (right), a Churchville-Chili sixth grade student, was selected as a winner of the Buffalo Bills Play 60 Program November challenge. The Play 60 Program is a five month health and wellness program designed to promote well-rounded positive physical and mental health for fifth through eighth grade students in Buffalo and Rochester. There is a new challenge each month that supports a healthy lifestyle. It began with a focus on being active for at least 60 minutes each day throughout November. Students had the opportunity to track their activities each day and the chance to be eligible to win tickets to the Bills vs. Jets game on December 29 at Highmark Stadium, including an on-field recognition during the pre-game. Reagan attended the game with Ms. Ziemba (left) and was recognized along with other November challenge winners. Photo from @CCCSDtweets on X.
Gates Chili District Office now officially located at GCHS
The Gates Chili District Office is now open for business in its new location at Gates Chili High School. The transition to the new space took place the week before the holiday break.
Departments located at the District Office include Business and Finance, Communications, Human Resources, Office of Instruction, Student Support Services and the Office of the Superintendent.
Visitors to the District Office should park in parking lot G, located between the HS bus loop and the GCPAC and enter through the main entrance door #73. Campus signage has been updated to
help direct visitors to this new location. Please note, any mail can still be sent to 3 Spartan Way, Rochester, NY 14624. The now vacant Administration Building will be transformed into the Gates Chili Operations Center in the coming months. This space will house facilities, security and other vital internal operations, ensuring these services remain centralized, efficient and accessible.
Provided information and photos
Letchworth’s winter
A fresh batch of experienced professionals and master storytellers have their work cut out for them following last year’s record-breaking attendance at Letchworth State Park’s Winter Lecture Series.
These free, engaging talks are held at 1 p.m. every Saturday in January and February at the Humphrey Nature Center, which is accessible year-round through the park entrance at 6787 Denton Corners Road, Castile, NY. Coffee, cocoa, and cookies are served with every lecture.
“Our winter lecture series is a great way to delve deeper into a wide range of nature and history topics in and around the Genesee Valley,” said Matt Nusstein, lead environmental educator for the Genesee Region of New York State Parks.
“Our roster of speakers ranges from professional biologists, educators, professors, historians, and other professionals in their respective fields. There is a lecture presentation for everyone!”
The 2025 speakers’ specialties range widely. Some lectures are immediately followed by a guided outdoor adventure on the same topic.
The remaining schedule is:
•February 1 – “Short Stories Along the Genesee Valley Canal” by Jules Hoepting
•February 8 – “Floral Family Secrets: The Patterns of Plant Identification” by Lara Hargrave
•February 15 – “Stories from the Oldest County Forest in NYS” by Claudia Nusstein
•February 22 – “Memorial Trees of Letchworth State Park” by Mike Landowski.
While registration is not required, it’s important to remember
that the nature center classrooms do have seating and capacity limits. Be prepared for special seating arrangements in the event of more record-breaking attendance.
These are far from the only educational adventures in Letchworth State Park this winter. The Genesee Naturalist is the quarterly event calendar and newsletter for all state parks on and around the Genesee River. View the latest newsletter at https://tinyurl. com/3frwvbyc. Email genesee.education@parks.ny.gov to get The Genesee Naturalist in your inbox.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 80 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518-474-0456.
Provided information and photo
Submissions sought for 69th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition at the Memorial Art Gallery
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) has put out a call for submissions for the 69th Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition (RFLX), Rochester’s longest-running juried showcase of works by artists from Western and Central New York. This biennial exhibition will be on view in the MAG’s Docent Gallery from June 28, through October 5, 2025. RFLX highlights the creativity and talent of regional artists working across all media. In previous years, the MAG’s permanent collection acquired select works accepted into the Rochester-Finger Lakes Exhibition.
Timothy Peterson, MAG’s inaugural Ann and Irving Norry Curator of Contemporary Art, will serve as the juror for this year’s exhibition. “I am honored to serve as juror for the 69th RFLX exhibition,” says Peterson. “I greatly appreciate the opportunity, early in my tenure at MAG, to be introduced to the work of each applicant.”
Eligible entries must have been completed within the past two years by artists (age 18 and up) residing in one of 27 counties in western and central New York: Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Genesee, Erie, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga,
Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, or Yates.
Artists are invited to submit their work online through February 16, 2025. Visit artist.callforentry.org to create an account, review submission requirements, and upload works for consideration. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your talent and be part of a celebrated tradition of regional art excellence. Participating artists will also have the opportunity to compete for prestigious awards.
More information about RFLX can be found at https://mag. rochester.edu/exhibitions/69-rflx/.
Provided information
Lectures are held at the Humphrey Nature Center on Saturdays at 1 p.m.
Churchville-Chili’s Kyler Thomas on a winning streak
On January 4, 18of the best divers from every corner of Section V came together to compete in the third annual C-C Diving Classic. All five of the Section V state qualifiers were in attendance, including George Ligozio and Henry Kauffman from Irondequoit, Kyler Thomas and Jordan Leastman from Churchville-Chili, and Charles Dovichi from Honeoye Falls-Lima. Also in attendance were several heavy-hitters, including Churchville-Chili’s Isaac Bailey, Canandaigua’s Eli Hyer, Naples Sadie Gursslin, Hilton’s Payton Alyward, and Palmyra-Macedon’s Carson Lich.
Competition was tight for each of the divers but the real battle of the day was between returning Classic Champ, Ligozio of Irondequoit, and Churchville-Chili’s Thomas. As usual, the two boys battled for first place throughout the meet, with everything coming down to the final dive of the day. The last diver of the competition was Thomas, whose final dive was a back 1.5 somersault with a .5 twist. The dive received a total of 47.25 points from the officials, pushing Thomas into first place by 8.20 points. This made him the first C-C Classic Champion from Churchville-Chili, posting a final score of 509.55.
The following week, Thomas won the Webster Yeti Classic diving invite with a score of 491.9, while Leastman place fifth (431.45).
Churchville-Chili hosted the 2025 Monroe County Diving Championship on Saturday, January 18. Competition was fierce
Kyler Thomas (left) with Coach Ricky Lehman-Krebs
2025 Monroe County Diving Championship competitors (l-r): back row – 1st Kyler Thomas (Churchville), 2nd George Ligozio (Irondequoit), 3rd Charles Dovichi (HFL), 4th Jordan Leastman (Churchville), 5th Isaac Bailey (Churchville), 6th Caden Setzer (Hilton), 7th Theodore Eggler (Fairport), 8th Gionni Rota-Lafex (Brockport); front row – 9th Bruce Eggler (Fairport), 10th Payton Aylward (Hilton), 11th Ford Thomson (HFL), 12th Henry Smith (Canandaigua), 13th Dominick Catalfamo (Canandaigua), 14th Brendon Facklam (Fairport), and 15th James Hanna (Brighton).
A Ribbon Cutting was held on Monday, January 6, for the new Salvatores’s Pizzeria location at 48 South Main Street in Churchville. Kayla Kent-Moreira is the franchisee Owner/Operator of this new location, and she was joined by her family as she cut the ribbon. Team members got right to work making pizzas for the store’s public grand opening to serve hungry customers. The Churchville location features dine-in seating with giant TVs, beer and wine, and a large slice display. It is open for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Call 585-293-7117 or visit
Tickets on sale for Forks & Skis fundraiser
Forks & Skis, a charity ski event presented by Delta Air Lines, returns to Hunt Hollow Ski Club in Naples on March 7, 2025, to benefit Foodlink. Skiers can enjoy a fun day on the slopes – all while supporting Foodlink’s mission to end hunger and build healthier communities.
Within Foodlink’s 10-county service area, more than 150,000 people are considered food insecure, which means they live in a household that lacks reliable access to nutritious food.
The 14th annual event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes a day of skiing, great food, local beverages, live music, raffles, and Apres Ski. Tickets are $150 (or $100 for Hunt Hollow members). For information and to purchase tickets, visit www. FoodlinkNY.org/ForksandSkis. Provided information
Spencerport Evening of Jazz set for February 8
Reserve tickets now for Spencerport’s 2025 Evening of Jazz, which will be held on Saturday, February 8, in the high school west cafeteria. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Enjoy performances by jazz ensembles from SCSD and area school districts, with special guests – the Mambo Kings. Tickets are $13 for adults; $10 for senior citizens and students. Call 585-349-5217 or email lhebbard@spencerportschools.org for tickets.
Provided information
Hearts for Heroes to benefit VOC
Hearts for Heroes, an event honoring our community’s brave heroes, will be held Saturday, February 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 4156 Buffalo Road, Chili. The event features ROC City Guardians Pipes and Drums (11:30 to 11:45 a.m.), face painting for kids, pose with a hero photo booth, goodie bags for kids and adults (while supplies last), card making station, pizza, cupcakes, and raffles with products from local businesses. This is a free event to benefit the Veterans Outreach Center.
Churchville-Chili senior Max Tomaszewski broke his own school record in the weight throw by over five feet. His record toss of 56’6” on January 4 at RIT is ranked in the top five currently in Section V.
from @CCCSDxc on X.
NYS Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program offered in Churchville
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The New York State Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions.
Churchville-Chili Continuing Education is offering a free private training event on Thursday, February 13, 6:30 p.m., at 139 Fairbanks Road (Middle School Room 3802), Churchville. It is limited to 50 participants, and registration is required.
The training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies.
Go to www.cccsd.org/continuingeducation to reserve a seat. Provided information
Photo
Mambo Kings
Lions Club of Chili delivers food and gifts to families in need
by Bonnie & Tom Platt, Co-Chairs Lions Club of Chili Christmas Basket Committee
On December 14, members of the Lions Club of Chili delivered food to 27 families living in Chili. We also delivered gifts to 36 children living in those families. We couldn’t have done this without the community support. Mike Curley and Adam Washbon helped by finding us space and allowing us to store food in the back of the Chili Community Center until our delivery date.
The doctors and staff at Calnon & Cilano were fantastic partners in this service project, buying gifts for 30 children and wrapping them beautifully. I’m sure they made a lot of kids smile on Christmas day! They’ve been on board with us and this service project since 2019. We really appreciate all they’ve done to help the children have a nice Christmas. A BIG thank you to their office manager, Sarah, who helped coordinate the children’s first names with our food bag numbers.
The Chili Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary collected canned goods and an assortment of food and delivered it to the Chili Community Center. We thank them for their support. They always do a great job collecting food at their meetings.
Also donating food to our club was Leisure Living & Pool Supplies. They came on board with us last year and they donated a lot of food to us on December 9. Their manager, Jason Brozic, has been wonderful and very enthusiastic helping with the food.
This year the staff and residents of Addison of Parklands also collected and donated food plus gave us a cash donation.
Chili Wegmans donated 30 reusable bags for our food. The larger families received two bags of assorted food items. All families also received a loaf of bread.
Finally, we couldn’t have done this service project without the businesses and organizations that gave monetary donations: Canandaigua National Bank, Clifton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Dr. David D’Amico, Ace Swim and Leisure, Leo Bean & Sons Funeral Home, St. Pius X Federal Credit Union, and the Town & Country Restaurant.
Besides the food and gifts, each family received a Butterball gift check from us, good for anything in a store that sells Butterball products, except it could not be used for alcohol or tobacco.
We also thank the social workers at Paul Road School, Chestnut Ridge Elementary, and Florence Brasser. We’ve worked well together for many years. They help us find families that could use some additional help for the holidays.
The Lions Club of Chili is a group of men and women wanting to make a difference in our town. Please seek out a member if you’d like to be a member of our club.
So, as you can see, it takes a lot of caring people to make this service project be a success. A huge thank you to everyone that made this possible!
Gates Greece Lions holding
The Gates Greece Lions Club is holding its annual Snow Ball Golf fundraiser on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gates Lions Park, 100 Kentucky Avenue (off Long Pond Road), Gates. Proceeds benefit “The Lions Den” shelter rebuild at Gates Lions Park.
The game will be played with a 9-Iron and a tennis ball on a 12-hole course varying in length from 25 to 150 yards with both natural and man-made obstacles. It takes about one hour to play a full round, and participants can start at any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No snow is required and both children and adults can play. No prior golf experience is needed.
The price is $5 per round per person, and the Lions provide the tennis ball. Participants can bring their own 9-Iron or rent one for $1.
Food, kids games, prizes, and warmth will be available inside the Gates Lions Park Building. Come for lunch as burgers, hot dogs, and drinks will be available for purchase.
Call ahead or just show up and play. Call 585-746-1179 or email wfrance1@rochester.rr.com for information and tickets. Provided information and photo
Greece Chamber offers Collette trips for 2025 and 2026 to Ireland, Italy, Hawaii, Japan, Greece, and more
Travel with the Greece Chamber and Collette to exciting destinations. The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and Collette have lined up several exciting trips for 2025 and 2026:
•Australia’s Outback to New Zealand’s South Island (with optional three-night Figi post-tour extension)
•Spain’s Costa del Sol & Madrid
•Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders
•Shades of Ireland (with optional three-night London pre-tour extension and/or optional three-night Edinburgh post-tour extension)
•Tropical Costa Rica (with optional three-night Jungle Adventure pre-tour extension)
•Southern Italy & Sicily featuring Taormina, Matera and the Amalfi Coast (with optional two-night Rome post-tour extension
and/or optional twonight Palermo pre-tour extension)
•Hawaiian Adventure
•Treasures of Japan
•Greece Island Hopper featuring Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (with optional threenight Istanbul post-tour extension)
The Greece Chamber is proud to partner with Collette, a familyowned company and the most experienced and longest-running tour operator in North America. The Collette team’s expertise keeps you well-prepared for your travel, taking care of all the details so you have peace of mind and can travel worry-free. All trips are open to the public. View more information about current trips at https://tinyurl.com/2hys4t4m.
“Collette is one of the Chamber’s larger business members with over 100 years of experience as an international tour operator. We have partnered with them for many years to bring exciting and unique trips of high-quality and value, both to our members and to the general public in our region and beyond,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach.
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. The public can find additional trips and more information on the Chamber’s travel program by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2hys4t4m, emailing Travel@GreeceChamber.org, or calling 585-227-7272.
Provided information and photos
Explore the cultural treasures of Japan.
