Greece News November/December 2022

Robert

From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich

It’s difficult to believe that winter is just around the corner! That being said, I would like to remind residents of our Winter Parking Ordinance, which is enforced November 1 – April 15 from midnight to 8:00am. This allows for safer and more effective plowing and salting of dedicated town streets and helps keep the cost of snow removal down, saving tax dollars for our residents.

I am excited to announce that we have begun opening many of the newly renovated rooms in the updated Greece Community Center. Though there is still plenty of work to be done, I think you’ll find great new spaces and features you’ve never seen before. We are so excited to welcome our seniors to our new Senior Lounge, complete with comfy seating areas, a beautiful focal point fireplace and a television all are completely ready to welcome you and your friends/neighbors each day. Additionally, we have placed several tables in the rear of this super space for cards or board games and we love that the space can be shared by all our seniors for all sorts of activities as well. We are also opening our new Bingo and Activity room. Keep an eye on our schedule for all the offerings in this room, including an updated Bingo Board (we are now fully electronic – or we will be as soon as our hardware and software accessories arrive). We have also opened a new Craft and Activity Room – complete with a sink to clean up those “very creative” art projects. Our staff is already preparing to have many new programs in this new space. Finally, we opened the “Welcome and Waiting Room”. We designed this space, which will be right next to the entrance to the new expansion as a place to casually gather

Greece News

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while waiting for friends of family. It is located right next to the future entry to the Health and Wellness center, a highly anticipated addition to the center. This room features “bar” seating, a place to hook up your tablet or laptop and some other high-top tables.

I would like to invite you to follow my Facebook page: Bill Reilich Greece Town Supervisor. Factual information and town-related updates are posted to this page regularly. Stay safe and healthy, Greece!

Advertiser Index

Agatina’s Restaurant & Party House 7

AireServ Heating & Air Conditioning 3 BC Excavating 12

Brightly Farms 13

Christie Carpets & Blinds 7

D. Ras Painting & Staining 11

D’Angelo’s Plumbing, Heating, Kitchens & Baths 20

Dominic Agostini, State Farm Insurance 6

EZ Tree Services 12

Foundations Unisex Salon 10

Heart & Home Health Solutions 5

Hilton Family Dentistry 6

Home Safari Ltd. 2

JD Junk & Clean Out 13

Jim’s Ground 15

Lena Deluca - Heart and Home Health

Medicare Solutions 11

Mike DiSanto Heating & Cooling 12

Mountain Ash Tree Farm 8

OFC Creations 14

RE/MAX Plus - Carolyn Stiffler 9

Russo’s Pizza 18 & 19

Tree & Yard Renovations 9

United Health Care 2

Waters Basement 9

White Trash Rubbish 8

Villa of Hope celebrates “Open for Recovery”

The Grand Opening of the Gregory E. Polisseni Living Hope Treatment Center

On Thursday, November 10, 2022, Villa of Hope celebrated “Open for Recovery,” the grand opening ribbon cutting event of their brand-new facility in Greece, the “Gregory E. Polisseni Living Hope Treatment Center.”

The first-of-its-kind facility in the region, Living Hope Treatment Center, will serve community youth starting at age 16 and adults who need direct access to medically supervised inpatient withdrawal and stabilization services. The staff is specialized to support those suffering from mild to moderate withdrawal coupled with situational crisis (i.e., unstable living environments or inability to detox independently without withdrawal complications). With the increasing number of overdoses and deaths due to substance abuse, Villa of Hope is proud to provide groundbreaking and life-changing opportunities for adolescents and adults to find hope, recover, and rebuild their lives through specialized treatment recovery programs.

The treatment center offers short-term (5-7 days) medical inpatient treatment 24 hours/7 days per week, focusing on physically stabilizing patients who stop using alcohol or other drugs. The people served will be provided structured, around-the-clock treatment under the watchful care of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, nurses, clinical aides, and substance use disorder therapists. To support their recovery, patients will access various services throughout Villa of Hope’s continuum of care, including counseling, care management, and workforce development. Highlighted services include:

·In 2023, the Villa will open its second integrated outpatient clinic that will eliminate barriers for patients leaving the treat-

ment center to continue their Medication Assisted Treatment.

·For young adults transitioning from the treatment center, they can be eligible our Living in Freedom Early (LIFE) House procontinued on page 10

Villa of Hope

continued from page 8

gram – the only residential rehabilitation services provider in our region. LIFE House is an all-gender program providing evidence-based practices, structured groups, individual sessions, family sessions addressing life skills, vocational educational planning, on-site school, relapse prevention, and psychiatric and physical health.

“Individuals and families seeking help should not have to travel outside Monroe County to find it. We need to eliminate barriers and stigma to get people the help they need – when and where they need it. Drugs are killing our friends, neighbors, and young people – they are killing our communities. We all need to step up and take on this challenge.” Christina Gullo, President/ CEO of Villa of Hope

The Living Hope Treatment Center was made possible with funding from The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). OASAS provided more than $4 million in capital funding for this project and is also supporting the program with $540,000 in annual operational funding. In addition, Villa of Hope has received continued support from Monroe County Department of Public Health who has supported the project since the beginning of the planning process. Villa of Hope is grateful to partner with OASAS and Monroe County to serve adolescents and adults struggling with substance use in Monroe County and the Finger Lakes Region.

“Helping people stabilize and manage their withdrawal from substance use disorders is an important part of the continuum of addiction care. It is often the first step for many people in their journey to becoming healthier.” OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said. “The opening of this new program continues our efforts to meet the needs of people across New York State and provide them the help and resources they need to live healthier lives.”

“Addiction is a disease -- a medical illness -- and we should treat it with the same care and compassion. This is especially important for young adults, because treatment can potentially prevent a lifetime of addiction and the unintended consequences addiction inflicts on loved ones, families, workplaces and communities. This new facility helps fill a void in our region, and gives those who are suffering a chance to thrive.” Dr. Michael Mendoza, Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health

If you or a loved one needs support and could utilize services at Villa of Hope, please visit our website at www.villaofhope.org/ i-need-help or call (585) 581-HOPE.

Villa of Hope is grateful for generous donations from individual donors and businesses to continue our work. For those interested in supporting our work, please visit our website at villaofhope.org.

About Villa of Hope

Villa of Hope is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to partner with individuals, families, and communities to Rebuild relationships, Recover potential, and Renew hope for the future. With a vision to advance equity by transforming the social foundations of our neighbors and elevating lifelong health outcomes for our community, Villa of Hope has been serving the Rochester community since 1942.

Chamber Welcomes 13 New Business Members

The following area businesses recently became business mem bers of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce: Service Master by H&S; Conversance Business Solutions LLC; Erik Rhodes Consulting; Human Interest; Upstate Payroll Consultants, LLC; Care Patrol of Rochester/Syracuse; Renaissance Academy Char ter School of the Arts; Manning & Napier; Williams & Son Heat ing Contractors, Inc.; Church Mutual Insurance; Trippany Sign Co.; Michele Marciano Agency; NYTP Solutions.

ened by these recent additional commitments, and we are de

lighted to have these exciting and accomplished businesses in our growing regional business and community network, com prised of for-profits, non-profits and individuals,” said Chamber President/CEO Sarah Lentini.

For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and its membership benefits, available to businesses and individuals throughout Monroe County and beyond, call (585) 227-7272, visit www.GreeceChamber.org, or email Info@ GreeceChamber.org.

Benefits of Cucumbers

by Tami Raco Health Coach

Cucumbers, often thought of as a vegetable, are actually a fruit. Here are some great reasons to include them into your day.

•Rich in Vitamins - Cukes are loaded with so many vitamins. Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc and Magnesium.

•Cucumbers are 96% water and can help hydrate you as well as keep you feeling full and avoiding eating binges.

•Cukes are a great pick me up. Rather than reach for the energy drink eat a cucumber. It is rich in electrolytes and B Vitamins.

•Lower Blood Sugar naturally - Enzymes in cucumber skin can help you lower your blood sugar and lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol.

•Lower Blood Pressure - Juice a few cucumbers, add to your smoothie or drink plain and it can help manage and lower blood pressure with the rich sources of magnesium and potassium

Add cucumber slices to your water each day, slice and eat as a snack, add to your salad or put them in a juicer to make a cucumber juice to help you get the benefits this summer favorite has to offer.

www.thewellnessministry.com

Business Voice Radio Show

Features Chamber Business Members

Business Voice, a radio program and podcast of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce, produced in partnership with WYSL and sponsored by Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, recently featured the following business members: JJ Potrikus, Blink Fitness, Greece; Laura Stradley, Veterans Outreach Center; Rumella Cameron, Conversance Business Solutions; Erik Rhodes Consulting, and Tim Orbaker; Nick Semeraro, Donuts Delite & Salvatore’s Pizza; Mike Freedman, Energy Solutions USA; Andrew Hoyt, Flower City Union; Ben Albert, Balbert Marketing; Josh Cox, Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Greece; Oleg Lebedko, Ukrai nian Federal Credit Union; Loren Ranaletta, Episcopal Senior Life; Bob Russell, Rochester Hearing & Speech; Mike Matteo, The Vil lage at Unity; Tom Dambra, Family First Credit Union; Michael Mordenga, The Victors Gymnastics; Frank Tortora, Puzzle HR.

“The Greece Regional Chamber’s Business Voice radio pro gram and podcast on WYSL reaches up to 1.6 million listeners each month” said Greece Chamber President and CEO Sarah Lentini. “We’re proud to partner with WYSL and our business members to provide the latest business news and information to the public.”

Business Voice is broadcast three times each month on WYSL 1040 AM and 92.1 & 95.5 FM. The program, hosted by Greece Regional Chamber President/CEO Sarah Lentini, is also acces sible on the Chamber’s website www.GreeceChamber.org and Chamber’s YouTube channel.

For more information on the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce and its membership benefits, available to businesses throughout Monroe County, NY, and beyond, visit www.Greece Chamber.org, email Info@GreeceChamber.org, or call (585) 9445800.

Provided Information

Sisters in Musical Harmony

by Barbara Burke

Greece sisters Cydney, (26) and Jasmine, (24) Benjamin grew up sing ing and playing instruments in the church their father Pastor Jeffrey Benjamin founded, Rebirth Ministry, 221 Maltby Street in Rochester.

The love of music has alway been in them, and growing up in the church has an important place in the songs they write and perform.

“It is a big thing growing up in church, being open about the highs and lows of Christianity. It is impor tant to us to be honest in our mu sic. Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean you will be happy all the time. We strive to be honest and vulnerable in our music,” Jasmine said.

The duo formed their group “CJ the Group,” and set about the process of making their own music, music that is personal, and also opens up some interesting thoughts on the current state of the world, and the experi ences that race and gender have played in their lives as black, Chris tian women.

Their music is described on their website as, “Moody and soulful, with harmonies and intricacies through out, their music chronicles their hon est and raw perspective of the highs and lows of being young Christians in the 21st century. From streamof-consciousness style verses on the struggles of fitting in, to anthemic choruses that are instant classics, their style is true to form and refresh ing. Pulling back the curtain on what it really means to be young Christian women who won’t stay in a box God didn’t put them in, CJ the Group is the truthful friend you didn’t know you needed.”

The sisters released their new single “Ocean” in September. They wrote the song together with the idea of comparing the ocean to God. “We had the concept before the melody. It was like, okay, God and water, lets make it happen. To describe God in a song is complex. The ocean has a mystical allure, similar to God. There is mystery with both. With God you can know Him, but there are so many unknowns, just like the depths of the ocean. There is also the cleansing, like a baptism,” Cydney said. Their song, “Ocean,” is available on all major streaming platforms.

During the pandemic they started putting music down on re cord. “We decided to take the time and make the most of it. We cleared out the basement, got some money together to buy a microphone, and really worked it out,” Jasmine said. They play all the instruments including piano, organ, guitar and bass. Ten songs came from these sessions. The process of recording in

Being praise and worship leaders in their father’s church is a big influence on their music. “We really want our audience to lis ten to the lyrics. We bring in the harmonies, and give everything to the songs, everything we are thinking goes into our singing. We chant together, and our hope is that listeners will chant the chorus to themselves,” Cydney said. Jasmine added, “We want our songs to be a thought that you can take with you throughout the day, just like the ocean will always be there, God will never leave you.”

When asked to describe their style of music the sisters agreed that overall they make contemporary Christian music that leans towards pop and hip hop, with R&B and soul, and a very heavy bass line that pulses all through the songs. Their musical influ ences include MaryMary, John P. Kee, Drake, and Taylor Swift, all impacting their sound.

CJ the Group plans to release a full album of songs in 2023. For more information about the duo visit www.cjthegroup.com

Cydney and Jasmine Benjamin, of CJ the Group.

On the Cover - Jasmine and Cydney Benjamin singing praises at Corbett’s Glen Nature Park in Brighton. Photos by Karen Fien

Tops Unveils $3.4 Million Dollar Renovation to Greece Location

Grand Re-Opening Boasts of Floor to Ceiling Improvements

On November 1, 2022, Tops cut the ribbon on its major $3.4 million-dollar renovation project at its store located at 3507 Mount Read Blvd., Greece. This marks the 27th renovation for the supermarket chain.

This store has been refreshed from top to bottom for a new and contemporary experience which includes new exterior paint with refreshed awnings, landscaping, energy efficient equipment and LED lighting both inside and out, solar powered efficiencies, new flooring, bottle redemption center, expanded state-of-theart self-check outs, renovated restrooms, and new interior dé cor.

Spring Bulbs – Daffodils

by Kristina Gabaldki

For early spring cheer in the landscape, it is hard to beat daf fodils. Daffodils are easy to grow, and deer and other mam mals avoid them. Autumn is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs, including daffodils. Penn State Extension recommends giving the bulbs four to six weeks of time before the ground freezes to establish roots, making this a great time to plant.

Narcissus is the botanical name of the genus for the daffo dil. It is derived from the name of the character Narcissus in Greek Mythology, who loved his own beauty so much that he drowned after trying to get closer to his reflection in the waters of a river.

The flower is native to Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, and the Mediterranean. Penn State notes that daffodils were grown by the ancient Greeks, and decorative use of the flower can be found in ancient Egyptian tombs and frescoes at Pom peii. The bulbs were brought to Britain by the Romans, who thought the sap had healing powers. It is the national flower of Wales and represents faithfulness because of its ability to re-bloom at the same time every year. Daffodils also symbol ize new beginnings because they are one of the first blooms of spring. They also symbolize creativity, kindness, ambition, and beauty.

Daffodil blooms are made up of outer petals called the “peri anth” and inner petals, which are usually fused into a tube called a “corona.” If the corona is equal to or longer than the outer petals, it is called a “trumpet.” If it is shorter, it is called a “cup.”

Additionally, there are daffodil flowers such as butterfly, which have a split corona and sometimes a ruffled appearance, and double daffodils, which have double petals, a double co rona, or both.

Daffodils are very versatile in the garden. They look great in formal beds as well as informal, naturalized plantings. Clumps of daffodils planted throughout the landscape are very attrac tive. They can be grown in almost any well-drained area and do best in direct sun. Plant bulbs six to 12 inches apart and five to six inches deep, depending on the size of the bulb. Read the bulb package for planting instructions and make sure the pointed end is up and the root base is down when placing in the soil.

After blooming, leave the foliage in place to provide food for the bulbs for the following spring. If you plant bulbs in your lawn – do not mow until the foliage has died back – something

One of the most exciting additions is the new Starbucks Cafe located right inside the store. The Greece Tops store will also make $1,000 donations to each of the following local groups as a thank you for their support of the community:

•American Legion Post 468

•Greece Central School District Community Schools

•Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf

•Greece Police Department

•Lakeshore Community Church

•Ridge Road Fire District

•United Through Healing and Hope of Monroe County

that can take several weeks. Keep that in mind when deciding on a planting location.

Daffodils have few insect and disease problems. Penn State says excessive amounts of water or poorly drained soils are the bulb’s biggest threat. If your bulbs are not blooming, it is likely a sign they weren’t able to store enough food in the bulbs the previous year.

In order to bloom, daffodils must store adequate levels of food in their bulbs, Penn State says. If your bulbs are in par tial shade during May and June, they may not be able to store enough food in their bulbs due to insufficient sunlight. To dig up bulbs, wait until the foliage has died back, and re-plant in a spot where there will be at least six hours of direct sun each day, even after trees have leafed out. You can also dig bulbs in the fall – but make sure you mark where they are located while the foliage is still visible in the spring.