Greece News
Applications open for Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship
Applications are now being accepted for the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship. Jerry Helfer was a man of exceptional character and virtue who always exhibited kindness to anyone he encountered. Throughout his life, Jerry dedicated his time and talents to making the community a better place. One of Jerry’s first positions in public service was being a member of the Greece Youth Board. Additionally, Jerry served as Town Councilman from 1998 until 2009 and as Deputy Supervisor from January 2014 until his untimely passing in July of the same year.
“Jerry was an upstanding citizen, coworker, and friend,” said Supervisor Bill Reilich. “His respect for public service and his love for learning are the foundations of this scholarship. Jerry loved his community, and we want to be able to engage our youth to enable their participation in local government and community service. I encourage all seniors in high school to apply for this scholarship and continue Jerry’s lifelong legacy of public service and learning.”
displays outstanding leadership skills.
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
Greece News
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Scholarship applications can be found at https://greeceny. gov/residents/jerry-j-helfer-youth/. The scholarship deadline is Friday, May 23, 2025.
For more information, please contact the Greece Youth Board at 723-2934 or email jerryhelferscholarship@greeceny.gov. Provided information
Nature walk and invasive plant removal event May 31 at Salmon Creek Nature Preserve
Color Westside Green is holding a nature walk and invasive plant species removal on May 31 at 10 a.m. at the Salmon Creek Nature Preserve. The preserve is owned by the Genesee Land Trust and is located at 492 Bennett Road (County Road 220) in the town of Parma just outside the village of Hilton.
To start off, Daryl Odhner, board member for the Rochester Regional Sierra Club and tree enthusiast, will lead attendees on a walk through the nature preserve. Daryl will point out species of trees and shrubs and what species are native or invasive to the area. After the nature walk, Will Macaluso, Preserve Manager for the Genesee Land Trust, will lead the group in removing invasive shrubs like multiflora rose and honeysuckle.
It is recommended that attendees wear long sleeves and long pants as some of the plants have thorns. Also, wear sturdy shoes that may get a bit muddy as there are some wet spots on the trail (but nothing that requires rubber boots). Those with their own gloves and pruners or small hand saws are welcome to bring them as well.
All nature lovers and enthusiasts are welcome. To attend, contact Dan Krist of Color Westside Green at danpkrist@gmail.com and let him know how many are in your group. Attendees may want to bring a light snack (fruit or granola bars, etc.) as well as a water bottle or beverage. Please note that there are no public restrooms at the preserve and the nearest public restrooms are approximately 1.5 miles away in Hilton (Parma Library, Tops, McDonalds, etc.). There are three benches at the Salmon Creek Nature Preserve for resting as well as an accessible observation
Sign up to attend a nature walk and help remove invasive plants from Salmon Creek Nature Preserve. Photo provided by the Genesee Land Trust staff.
MAG offers free monthly admission through “Museums on Us” program
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is participating in Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program, bringing greater accessibility to the arts for the Rochester community. For the rest of 2025, Bank of America, Merrill®, and Bank of America Private Bank® cardholders can enjoy free general admission to MAG on the first full weekend of each month. Cardholders must present a valid credit or debit card (physical or digital), and a photo ID. Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank employees may also receive free admission by presenting a valid corporate ID and photo ID. Admission is for the cardholder or employee only and is non-transferable. Special exhibitions, ticketed events, and programs may require separate admission.
This initiative aligns with the Memorial Art Gallery and Bank of America’s shared commitment to supporting access to arts and culture, fostering community engagement, and enriching the lives of museumgoers and community members.
“Cultural institutions like MAG are essential to enriching our local communities and fostering a deeper appreciation of the arts,” said Colleen Matteson, president, Bank of America Rochester. “We welcome MAG as a new partner in Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program, and look forward to expanding access to the arts and supporting cultural engagement in Rochester.”
To explore what’s happening on any given day at MAG, visit https://mag.rochester.edu/programs-events/ Bank of America has championed the Museums on Us program for over two decades, helping draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to cultural institutions across the country. The Memorial Art Gallery now joins an esteemed network of museums, science centers, and cultural institutions benefiting from this initiative. For more information about Bank of America’s support of the arts, visit www.bankofamerica.com/arts. Provided information and photo
The Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is participating in Bank of America’s Museums on Us® program, bringing greater accessibility to the arts for the Rochester community.
OFC Creations announces 2025-2026 Broadway in Brighton Series
OFC Creations Theatre has announced its 20252026 Broadway in Brighton Series, comprised of six professional musical productions under the direction of OFC’s Executive Director Eric Vaughn Johnson. The series feature performers from New York City, Los Angeles, and across the country, continuing OFC’s inclusion of celebrities in featured roles across the season.
This season’s focus is centered around the importance of family – the family you are born into and your chosen family found along life’s journey. The series includes:
•Finding Neverland, the first Rochester-produced production and one of the first regional theatres in the country to perform
•Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas: The Musical, another regional premiere where again, OFC is one of the first to produce it in the country
•Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, a first Rochester-produced production, starring Garrett Clayton as The Grinch (from Teen Beach Movie, The Fosters, and Hairspray LIVE!)
•Hello, Dolly!, a golden age hit musical
•The Bodyguard: The Musical, the breathtaking romantic thriller based on the popular Whitney Houston film
•Over the Rainbow: The Golden Girls Musical, where everyone’s favorite ladies are back in a world premiere.
Additionally, there is a special series add-on: Home For The Holidays with The Calamari Sisters. Families come in all shapes and sizes, and OFC strives to reflect this beauty through their shows onstage and off.
“We are committed to bringing beloved shows to Rochester that are not often produced, unique musicals that vary in origin and genre, and stories you know you’ll love but may not have known existed,” shares Johnson about the new season. “OFC
works directly with authors, estates, and special professional licensing agreements to secure a series we’re proud to make part of our legacy.”
OFC Creations celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, a fixture of the Rochester performing arts scene since 2005. After opening the 260-seat OFC Creations Theatre Center in 2020, OFC has continued to expand with the largest educational theater program for young actors in New York State, opening an immersive theatrical restaurant and cabaret performance venue in 2022. The 20252026 season marks the third year of the Broadway in Brighton Series, a professional regional theater season guaranteeing theatrical excellence for audiences.
Subscriptions for the 2025-2026 season are now on sale. Book the six show subscription to receive the package discount and many exclusive benefits, by taking advantage of the Super Early Bird Subscription price, now through June 1, 2025. For additional information and tickets, visit ofccreations.com or call OFC’s box office at 585-667-0954. Provided information
Greece Historical Society
May 2025 event
The History of Holy Cross Parish presented by Marie Poinan
Tuesday, May 13, 7 p.m., Greece Public Library
Holy Cross started in 1862 as a satellite church of Our Mother of Sorrows and served the Village of Charlotte. In celebrating the anniversary of its founding, a committee uncovered treasured items such as official documents, deeds, and scrapbooks that had been in storage for years. Hear the stories of early parishioners, who included fruit farmers, blast furnace workers, and Ontario Beach Park concession owners.
Marie Poinan is an active member of the Greece Historical Society and the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse. She has written several booklets on local history and regularly conducts history programs at the Charlotte branch.
This program is offered in partnership with the Greece Public Library. Reservations are required and can be made at greecepubliclibrary.org.
Provided information and photos
Used Book Sale April 26
Friends of the Greece Public Library are sponsoring a Used Book Sale on Saturday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Buckman’s Plaza Lower Level, 2590 West Ridge Road.
Selections include: children’s books, non-fiction, fiction, mystery, adventure, romance, and more.
Please bring your own bag. Masking is optional. Provided information
Marie Poinan
Greece Chamber celebrates greatest Business, Health & Home Expo yet
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 2025 Business, Health & Home Expo at the Mall at Greece Ridge with over forty exhibitors at this year’s event. The event was free to the public and featured a broad array of exhibitors and vendors, showcasing products and services related to health and better living. Chamber members and vendors had an opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise as well as to promote their goods and services to the community in a faceto-face manner where they could dialogue and access valuable information.
Drawing residents from throughout the region, the event was supported by Greece Regional Chamber business member sponsors: Panther Graphics, Inc.
- Presenting Sponsor; The Village at Unity and The Hamlet and The Village at Mill Landing - Platinum Sponsors; Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Genesee Regional Bank
- Gold Sponsors; Bryant & Stratton College, Canandaigua National Bank, Greenlight Networks, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery/Ascension Garden, The Enterprise Center at
PathStone, and The Victors Gymnastics
- Silver Sponsors; and The Mall At Greece Ridge - Venue Sponsor.
The following businesses, nonprofits and various organizations participated:
•AARP
•Agape Physical Therapy Services, P.C.
•AssuredPartners
•Bartolomeo & Perotto
Funeral Home, Inc.
•Bryant & Stratton College –Rochester Campuses
•Budget Blinds Northwest Rochester
•Canandaigua National Bank
•Center 4 Hope Inc.
•Crossroads Chiropractic
•Doc’s Facilities Solutions Inc.
•ESL Federal Credit Union
•Ferra’s Furniture Service and Repair
•Fidelis Care, New York
•Frank’s Basement Systems
•Gayle Persons Dog Training Academy
•Genesee Regional Bank
•Graves Bros. Home Improvement
•Greece Chamber Benefit Partners
•Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce
•Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets
•Greenlight Networks
•Holy Sepulchre Cemetery/
Ascension Garden
•Monroe County Legislator
Virginia McIntyre
•Monroe Ambulance
•Northwest Family YMCA
•Paychex - Albert Rivera
•Pet Adoption Network (PAN)
•Planet Fitness - Greece
(Ridgemont Plaza)
•Proud Moments ABA
•Ridge Road Fire District
•Rochester Professional Consultants Network
•State Farm Insurance -
Dominic Agostini Agency
•The Designery Rochester
•The Enterprise Center at PathStone
•The Rick Borrelli Team - WCI Realty
•The Victors Gymnastics, LLC
•The Village at Mill Landing
•The Village at Unity & The Hamlet
•United Health Care
•University of Rochester Medical Center
•Van Putte Gardens
•Volpe & Associates
•Zoom Drain
“The Greece Regional Chamber has partnered with a great group of area businesses and nonprofits that play a role in supporting both health and home and inspire us to enhance and improve various aspects of our personal lives. The link between our society’s better health and economic development is a strong one,” said Greece Regional Chamber President and CEO Joe Robach. “Healthy families with a strong, positive experience of day-to-day living build strong, viable communities. Ultimately, our ability to develop and sustain happy and healthy households will be the foundation of our regional growth and prosperity. We are extremely grateful to all our generous sponsors and especially to The Mall at Greece Ridge, a perfect venue partner for this event,” said Robach. “We’re all about the community, you, your business, building a stronger Greece, and helping to connect consumers to businesses and services that matter in their lives.”
For information on next year’s Business, Health & Home Expo or to join the Greece Regional Chamber, visit ww.Greecechamber. org or contact them at 585-227-7272 or info@GreeceChamber.org.
Provided information and photo
Hilton and Greece varsity hockey teams join together during First Responders Appreciation Night
Funds were raised for the Hilton Fire Explorer Program
The Hilton and Greece Varsity Hockey Teams hosted their 2nd Annual First Responders Appreciation Night, where they raised significant donations to support the Hilton Fire Explorer Program. The event brought together the local community to celebrate the dedicated first responders who serve the Hilton and Greece areas.
To start the game, a special ceremonial puck drop took place with a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest, and whose life was saved by firefighters from the Ridge Road Fire District. This patient got to meet her first responder heroes who were also recognized for their life-saving efforts.
Throughout the game, fans showed overwhelming support by contributing to the fundraiser, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Hilton Fire Explorer Program. The program, which introduces young people to the skills, responsibilities, and challenges of being a first responder, will now receive the financial backing to continue providing invaluable experiences and training for the next generation of fire service leaders.
“This is a truly special event for both the team and the community,” said Chris Monfiletto, Head Coach of the Hilton Varsity Hockey Team. “Not only did we have the opportunity to play the game we love, but we were able to give back to those who risk their lives to keep our community safe. The Hilton Fire Explorer Program is an essential part of building a future of strong and committed first responders, and we are honored to help support their mission.”
The night included a variety of fundraising activities and donation stations at the rink, raising nearly $1,400. A check for $1,400 was presented to the Hilton Fire Department Explorers at their firehouse.
One of the players’ most anticipated events is when they receive their official game jerseys. These jerseys are specifically designed and customized every year and gener ously donated by Paul Davis Restoration in Rochester. This year the
teams showed the appreciation back to Paul Davis Restoration by
Garden Trends for 2025
by Kristina Gabalski
If you like sustainable, natural gardening practices, then you will like the garden trends for 2025. Seed and nursery companies like Park Seed and TN Nursery say top garden trends this year include some familiar practices: Native plantings to welcome wildlife, ed ible landscaping, and the creation of personalized green spaces.
A trend topping the lists is edible landscaping – incorporating edible plants into all parts of the landscape, not just the vegetable garden. This includes fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, herbs, and edible flowers that add ornamental impact and nutritious food. No-dig gardening is also gaining popularity as it contributes to soil health and is less labor intensive. By layering organic mate rial on the surface of gardens, the soil is nurtured, and weeds are suppressed.
Another top trend is wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens. These gardens feature native species as well as undisturbed places in the landscape to support beneficial insects and pollinators. Ben efits also include biodiversity, help in pest control, and ecological balance. Wildlife-friendly landscapes and gardens embrace a more relaxed aesthetic, allowing for hands-off practices such as leaving seed heads in place as well as fallen leaves, both of which provide food and shelter for wildlife and feed the soil.
Color-wise, plant nurseries say bold colors are back after years of pastels. Think deep reds and golden yellows as well as teal, yes teal (mainly via garden accents and seating). These colors add dramatic contrast and visual interest to plantings. Dark-hued plants are also expected to be popular, as well as dark-colored pottery and statuary, to add depth and contrast to the garden. Colors such as deep purples, blacks, and burgundy create striking focal points in the garden.
Alternative lawn solutions and eco-friendly lawns are also on trend for 2025. Traditional, well-manicured grass lawns are being replaced with low-maintenance and eco-friendly options, such as native ground covers. Plants like creeping thyme, Pennsylvania sedge, and even clover create lush green carpets that require less or no mowing, less water and fertilizer, and support beneficial insects.
Artificial Intelligence is also having an impact by revolutionizing gardening. Design applications use AI to create personalized garden layouts, and there are reminder apps to help manage watering, fertilizing, and other garden maintenance chores.
Cut flower gardens and theme gardens are growing in popularity. Cut flower gardens produce season-long supplies of blooms for
From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich
Thankfully, warmer weather seems to be making its way to Greece! We are now officially in the planning stages for all our Spring and Summer events.
cutting to take inside and to give as gifts. Brightly-colored zinnias are easy to grow and continue to produce blooms after repeated harvests. Dahlias produce a profusion of incredible flowers well into early fall. Theme gardens allow gardeners to create settings based on specific interests and needs, such as herb gardens and wellness spaces.
Gardens are known for helping to promote mental well-being and stress relief, and that focus on mental well-being in gardens and outdoor spaces is another trend for 2025. Imagine creating a backyard retreat, allowing you to escape to a private place of relaxation, meditation, and rejuvenation. These garden spaces feature comfortable seating areas, vertical growing to increase privacy, water elements to soothe anxiety, and diverse plantings. The gardening process also boosts physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and enhance mood.
Gardening trends for 2025 will help you grow closer to nature and reap many benefits from your garden and landscape.
I would like to remind high school students that there is still time to submit applications for the Jerry J. Helfer Youth Engagement Scholarship. This 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 23, 2025.
Two upcoming events that we would love to have you join us for are our Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony and the Jerry J. Helfer Memorial Food Truck Rodeo and Summer Concert. The Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26. More details to follow! The Jerry J. Helfer Food Truck Rodeo and Summer Concert will take place Wednesday, June 4, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 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 participating food trucks!
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 the town or visit our website: www.greeceny.gov.
Garden trends for 2025 include bright colors, cut flower gardens, and pollinator-friendly gardens – all three are accomplished by this zinnia flower. Photo by Kristina Gabalski.
Boscov’s coming to The Mall at Greece Ridge
Jim Boscov, Chairman and CEO of Boscov’s, recently announced that the family’s iconic department store will be opening its 51st store and the fifth in the state of New York, at The Mall at Greece Ridge in Rochester. The store will open in the fall of 2025. The new 175,000 square foot Boscov’s will be the largest department store in the region. Boscov’s will reimagine and completely remodel portions of the mall creating a contemporary Boscov’s store that offers the classic values of a full-service department store. Boscov’s will hire over 250 co-workers and offer unique services and provide extras, such as a year-round military discount, a gift registry for every occasion, curbside pickup and a hassle-free return policy.
“We provide the community with a different kind of shopping experience that’s more competitive on price, service and quite frankly, fun,” said Jim Boscov. “We still believe in having a knowledgeable sales staff providing genuine service as well as an amazing assortment of branded goods at unbeatable values. That’s what makes Boscov’s different, and I think you’re going to like that difference.”
“We have the advantage of being a family-owned business. That means we can make decisions and work to please the customer; not the stock market,” Jim Boscov said. “We still believe in the traditional department store, where in one shopping trip, you can find everything you want. Rochester is going to see some very aggressive retailing that combines fun, fashion, community partnership, entertainment and service with jaw-dropping pricing throughout the store.”
As America’s largest family-owned department store company, community involvement matters to Boscov’s. The store is actively involved with local non-profit organizations year-round. Last year, these efforts resulted in over $4 million raised for the communities it serves. A special “Charity Day” event to benefit local charities will be an important part of the Grand Opening Celebration when Boscov’s opens this fall at The Mall at Greece Ridge. Details will be announced in the coming months.
Wilmorite, the owner and management company for The Mall at Greece Ridge has made several investments in this property since its inception. Originally two malls sat on this property. In 1994, Wilmorite connected the two with a massive expansion making the mall 1.6 million square feet. In 2013, Wilmorite redeveloped a large section of the mall facing Ridge Road into a dining and shopping destination. Today, Wilmorite presents another major development for this property. Boscov’s will have a long-term positive impact on the mall.
“We are thrilled to add Boscov’s to the Greece Ridge lineup of stores. It complements our existing tenant mix and will attract new
retail, restaurants, and entertainment. The Boscov’s organization has been great to work with; they are a reputable company and have high standards. They have chosen Rochester and in particular Greece for their next store and I think the Greece community and the Greater Rochester marketplace will welcome them with open arms. Their focus on the charitable organizations and their involvement in worthwhile local causes aligns with our company values and will allow them to immediately mesh with the Greece community and all of Monroe County,” said Jon Dower, Senior Vice President and Director of Leasing
Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Boscov’s operates 50 stores in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Ohio, and West Virginia. It is the nation’s largest family-owned department store chain. Boscov’s is celebrating its 111th year as a full-line, full-service department store. It is known for making shopping fun and offering the best brands at the best prices with incredible service. In addition to the wide range of departments normally found in department stores, Boscov’s also features toys, furniture, an exciting gift department, a vast full-service candy department, and Boscov’s Bargain Outlet, a unique store within a store.
The Mall at Greece Ridge is located on Ridge Road in Greece. It is 1.6 million square foot enclosed shopping center with Barnes & Noble, JC Penney, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marshall’s, Burlington and 140 other specialty shops and restaurants. Apple Cinemas just opened in March and Charlotte Russe opened earlier this year. Hot Pot 585 is under construction and expected to open this summer.
Provided information and photo
Rendering of the Boscov’s department store coming to The Mall at Greece Ridge this fall.
Udemy online learning platform now available throughout Monroe County Library System
Udemy, an online learning platform with more than 250,000 courses and 73 million students, is now available to all Monroe County Library System (MCLS) users. The Udemy launch is the first piece of a new $3.1 million digital equity initiative, made possible through Monroe County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.
Udemy provides a wide range of courses on a variety of topics including: business, technology, health, and even cake decorating. These self-directed learning resources are available both in-library and by remote access, at no cost to library card holders. Using this self-directed learning resource allows users to learn and master new skills, helping them hone their hobbies, fix things around their homes, or make them more competitive in the job market.
“The self-directed learning opportunities available through Udemy allow students to learn at their own pace and at times that are convenient for them,” said Jen Byrnes, who leads the digital equity initiative for MCLS.
With the initial support of ARPA funds, the Library System also instituted a mi-fi program. Mi-fi units are the most popular items that are checked out of libraries, with 5,256 check-outs of mi-fis in 2024. There has often been a waiting list for the units, but with the additional mi-fis provided by the grant, the wait time for a mi-fi will be cut in half.
“We are building digital equity throughout our community. Whether its helping people access high-speed affordable internet, helping residents become better acquainted with technology, or by providing access to innovative platforms like Udemy, our goal is to ensure everyone in our community has access to the resources and opportunities that will help them grow and thrive,” said Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello.
GPD’s Sergeant Lenhard receives Leadership Award
Greece Police Department’s Sgt. Isaac Lenhard (right) was recently honored with the Leadership Award from Monroe County STOP DWI and Traffic Safety. Although he couldn’t attend the March 26 awards luncheon, the Traffic Safety team went out of their way to visit and present the award to him in person. The personal presentation of the award made the moment even more impactful, highlighting the significance of Sgt. Lenhard’s contributions to traffic safety efforts.
Photo from @GreecePoliceNY on X
Udemy, along with the expansion of mi-fis, are part of the Monroe County Library System’s Wired for Opportunity initiative. Funded with $3.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act Funds, Wired for Opportunity, seeks to eliminate the digital divide and ensure Monroe County residents can utilize and benefit from new and emerging digital opportunities
“As a young man, I spent countless hours in the Sully Branch of the Monroe County Library—reading, learning, and growing my appetite for knowledge, and with the addition of Udemy, library patrons can take their learning to even greater heights,” said Congressman Joe Morelle.
In the coming months, Wired for Opportunity will continue to expand services, including the installation of solar tables that provide 24/7 internet access and device charging capabilities, the development of computer classes, and the opportunity for students to receive free laptops upon completing a series of classes.
“Wired for Opportunity is another example of how the Monroe County Library System provides our citizens with an array of valuable resources beyond books,” said Emily Clasper, Director of the Monroe County Library System. “We will be rolling out new initiatives and programs for our residents in the coming months, and we are grateful to County Executive Adam Bello and our entire federal delegation, Congressman Morelle, Senator Schumer, and Senator Gillibrand, for making this possible.”
Provided information
Genesee Valley Greenway State Park launches multiple annual hike series
This spring, guided outings in several towns uncover the beauty and mysteries of the old Genesee Valley canal and railroad.
Where normally there would be one or two hikes per season, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Genesee Region is introducing many new, free outdoor outings. There will be fresh adventures every season and some recurring annually. This spring season (April through June 2025) is the launch of Indigenous Reservations, Lock Walks, and Hidden Histories series.
“Genesee Valley Greenway State Park is a hidden gem in plain sight,” said Jules Hoepting, environmental educator for the Genesee Region of New York State Parks, who will be leading most of these outings. “Passing through sixteen towns, from the rumbling city of Rochester to rural agricultural towns, there’s a lot to see along this trail. But there’s far more that the trail has seen in its history.”
The Hidden Histories series unfurls fascinating stories right where they happened. The canal opened from Rochester to Mount Morris in 1840, and kept expanding south to the Allegany River in 1862:
•Letchworth’s Abandoned Tunnel (short route). Saturday, April 26, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Parade Grounds parking area (GPS 42.584753, -78.032626). (2 miles).
•Letchworth’s Abandoned Tunnel (long route). Sunday, April 27, 1 to 5 p.m. Meet at Parade Grounds parking area (GPS 42.584753, -78.032626). Will carpool. (4 miles).
•Belfast: Murder Warehouse. Saturday, May 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Belfast Warehouse (GPS 42.342937, -78.125365). (2 miles).
•Houghton Loop: Hamlet with a 180 Perspective. Saturday, June 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Caneadea Town Park (GPS 42.424694, -78.154842). (1 mile).
The Lock Walks series takes you right up to or even inside the rare, well-preserved locks of the old Genesee Valley Canal. The canal had the steepest elevation climb of any in America, partly why the canal is such an engineering marvel.
•Fowlerville: Following a River. Saturday, May 10, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at Fowlerville Road parking area (GPS 42.891654, -77.823686). (3 miles).
•Chili: 2 Miles to Lock 2. Saturday, June 14, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Meet at Brook Road parking area, 30 Brook Road, Rochester 14623. (2 miles).
The Indigenous Reservations series explores the still-unfolding story of Seneca settlements along the path of the canal. On every outing, the educator will share maps of each reservation, give some historical context of world and local events surrounding the creation of the reservation, and share some present-day Seneca cultural insights and perspective written by educators at Ganondagan State Historic Site. Three more reservation hikes are coming this summer: Squawkie Hill, Gardeau, and Caneadea.
•Little Beard’s Town. Home of Degewanus, Mary Jemison, before she was “White Woman of the Genesee.” Saturday, May 3, 1 to 3 p.m. Meet at Cuylerville parking area (GPS 42.777205, - 77.870221). (1 mile or less).
•Ohagi. The only known Tuscarora reservation in the area. Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. to noon. Meet at Yard of Ale 3226 Genesee Street, Piffard, NY 14533. (1 mile or less).
For information on future guided outings, email genesee. education@parks.ny.gov to receive The Genesee Naturalist, the free newsletter and event calendar for the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation’s Genesee Region.
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
Team Hope Walk to help those with Huntington’s Disease
The Northeast Region of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Rochester Team Hope Walk on Saturday, May 17, at the Roberts Wesleyan University Voller Athletic Center, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.
“As our first year ever hosting the Team Hope Walk in Rochester, NY, we could not be more excited to make this a day of caring, family fun, and education for those in the community impacted by Huntingtons Disease. Please join us as we will walk together to show our support. We will have the one and only local Johnny Bauer Band as entertainment for a fun-filled day along with Papa G’s catering and cafe, and delicious treats from The Cookie Haven. There will be raffles, auction items, and a kids corner for the littles!! Get ready to paint the day Blue for our community!”said Jenny Garrison.
Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $28 million for HD since its inception in 2007.
Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.
Online registration and donation information can be found at https://northeast.hdsa.org/events/2025-team-hope-walk-rochester.
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene. Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously. Learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America by visiting www.hdsa.org or calling 800-345-HDSA.
Provided information
A 2023 hike in Cuylerville. Provided photo.
w/Mozzarella,
w/Mozzarella, 14 Chicken Tenders or 12 Mozz. Sticks or 10 Wings
Pizza
w/Mozzarella, 28 Chicken Tenders or 24 Mozz. Sticks
