Greece News
Senior Home Care ServicesIn Home Senior Care | Senior Helpers
Better Assessment. Better Care Plan. Better Outcome. Senior Helpers LIFE Profile ensures that as we work with our clients, families and their full health care team, we are keeping them informed and engaged in their own health care journey while addressing their most pressing needs to help them remain safe and independent in the comfort of their homes.
Kingsley Barnie BSN, RN, Healthcare management (US Air Force)
Owner, Senior Helpers Of North Rochester 2080 W. Ridge Rd. #2, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: (585)-837-2137
Mobile: (585)-397-6431
Email: info3632@seniorhelpers.com
Web: https://www.seniorhelpers.com/ny/north-rochester
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Kristen McFarlane earns scholarship to study abroad
Nazareth student Kristen McFarlane, of Greece, will broaden her cultural understanding through international experiences. Her study abroad is supported by a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the U.S. Department of State.
McFarlane, a fourth-year student majoring in nursing and public health, will use her Gilman scholarship for her fall semester in Finland at Laurea University. Kristen will spend a year abroad in total and is already in Finland working on a dual-university-degree program for nursing.
“I look forward to experiencing a different country’s approach to health care, taking anything I learn with me into my nursing approach,” said McFarlane. “I believe I’ll gain a greater perspective that will only improve the way I care for my patients in the future.”
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports students to study or intern abroad to gain skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. The Gilman program supports American students to gain proficiency in a variety of languages and cultures, skills that are important to their academic and career development.
Cosmetology student named Outstanding Senior
Career and Technical Education student Nina Tomlinson was named the 2025 Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES recipient of the Dr. Mi
mitment to students across the region.
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Provided information and photo
Greece News
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Greece Historical Society
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
7:00pm–8:30pm
Greece Public Library
The Buffalo Maritime Center will discuss its community boatbuilding project to recreate the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief and the role of the original boat in opening the Erie Canal in 1825. It will also detail what visitors can expect when the canal boat travels from Buffalo to New York City to commemorate the Erie Canal Bicentennial.
This program is offered by the Greece Historical Society in cooperation with the Greece Public Library.
Registration required: https://greecepl.librarycalendar.com/ event/greece-historical-society-32958
Four Miles Along the Towpath: South
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Greece Canal Park, Towpath Shelter, 241 Elmgrove Rd
Walk along the towpath as docents from the Greece Historical Society introduce you to the thriving canal port of Henpeck in South Greece. Exhibits and family activities will be in Towpath Shelter.
Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief
Greece on the Erie Canal
continued on page 7
The Dudleys enjoy seeing historic sites like the Richmond Aquaduct ruins, east of Montezuma.
The Dudleys purchased the Owasco, a 41-foot Lockmaster, late last year.
“showboat,” where it was exhibited on the floor of the Expo center at the New York State Fair as part of the I Love NY and Canals 200 displays. It was used privately during the summers on the Western Erie Canal by a couple from Texas, who, after a move, decided to put the boat up for sale in 2024. An inquiry made by Brian to ECA led to his being able to purchase the boat. With only a few of the 21 Lockmasters being in private hands, the Dudleys consider themselves fortunate to be the caretakers of one of these rare vessels.
The Owasco is a 41-foot Lockmaster with a width of 10 feet, 200 square feet of enclosed living space, and a beautiful open bow. It is equipped with two sleeping quarters, a shower, toilet, galley kitchen, and a dinette that also converts into additional sleeping space. The Lockmasters are the equivalent of a fully outfitted camper that also floats. Most of the Lockmasters were originally named after the individual Finger Lakes, and to preserve that part of its history, Brian and Amanda have decided to keep the name Owasco. In the Dudleys’ opinion, the Lockmaster canal boats are a major part of the Erie Canal’s more recent history, and they are privileged to take part in that history with their ownership of the Owasco
Brian and Amanda look forward to using the boat in the upcoming years for vacations and weekend outings, allowing them to see their local area in a different way and at a slower pace. Their plan for this summer is a 10-day trip to Buffalo.
The Marina at Erie-Macedon Landing was purpose-built for housing and servicing these large boats. Therefore, the Owasco must spend the winters there on land. However,
Brian and Amanda are fortunate to live close to Arrowhead Golf Course and Marina in Spencerport, where it will be docked during the canal’s operational months (mid-May through mid/late October). Transporting the Owasco back and forth at the open and close of each season serves as built-in trips for the Dudleys. The folks at Arrowhead are excited to have the Owasco in one of their slips and have been very accommodating.
To share the experience with others, Brian and Amanda will also be offering the Owasco as an Airbnb for overnight stays at Arrowhead.
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The boat’s after cabin.
The galley kitchen is outfitted with a stove/oven and refrigerator. There is room for four at the dinette table, which also converts into a bed.
Greece celebrates grand opening of skatepark
On May 29, the Town of Greece hosted a grand opening celebration for its brand-new, 27,000-square-foot skatepark, a state-ofthe-art recreational facility now open on the Greece Town Hall Campus.
Supervisor Bill Reilich welcomed community members, elected officials, and project partners to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the town’s ongoing commitment to inclusive, community-centered recreation.
“Back in 2021, we made the bold decision to remove an outdated skatepark at Basil Marella Park to build our town’s first inclusive playground,” said Reilich. “That moment sparked a vision – to build something new, something modern, and something that welcomes everyone from beginners to seasoned skaters. Today, that vision becomes reality.”
Among the honored guests were Monroe County Legislator and Greece Town Deputy Supervisor Kirk Morris, Greece Councilmembers Mike Bloomer, Bill Murphy, David DiPonzio, and Diana Christodaro, County Legislator Tom Sinclair, Director of Parks and Recreation Peter O’Brien, Deputy Director Lisa Letta, local skating advocate Cameron Yager, and nationally renowned skatepark designer Brad Siedlecki of Pillar Design Studios.
The skatepark was made possible through a grant awarded in 2022 by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and The Skatepark Project. Following a national search for top-tier partners, the Town of Greece selected Pillar Design Studios and Artisan Skateparks to lead the design and construction of the new facility.
Key features of the skatepark include:
•A pump track, bowl, and custom ramps
•A full array of street elements
•Cast-in-place concrete construction for long-term durability
•Design considerations to support users of all ages and skill levels – including skateboarders, roller bladers, BMX riders, and young children on bikes
Incorporating local input was a central focus throughout the project. Community members and skaters worked closely with the design team to help shape a park that reflects the wants and needs of real users. Notably, Cameron Yager, a dedicated local skating advocate, was recognized for his hands-on role in the project’s development.
With environmental sustainability as a priority, the skatepark also earned additional grant support for exceeding green construction standards. The facility’s Mediterranean-inspired landscaping and stone column design elements honor the town’s historical roots and its namesake, Greece.
“This isn’t just a skatepark – it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we listen to our community and invest in spaces that bring people together,” Reilich added. “It’s a place where creativity, movement, and friendship will thrive.”
The grand opening celebration featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come explore and enjoy this dynamic new space, now officially open to the public. For more information, contact the Town of Greece Parks and Recreation Department at 585-723-2425 or visit www.greeceny.gov.
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New Junior Ranger Activity Booklet connects kids to NYS Canals
As the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal kicks off, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation are releasing a new Junior Ranger activity booklet for children and families. Kids can complete activities to learn about the New York State Canal System and earn a badge, certificate, and title of Erie Canalway Junior Ranger. Booklets are available at 14 canal sites across the state and online at www.eriecanalway.org/learn/ junior-ranger.
“We are thrilled to expand the National Park Service’s popular Junior Ranger program to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. By offering even more hands-on learning experiences for kids, we hope to spark curiosity, exploration, and learning about the canal and its impacts on New York and the nation,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Geared for ages five to 13, the booklet contains fun activities covering a range of topics, including canal construction, immigration, water, and wildlife. Children can complete the activities at home, or while visiting one of the participating canal sites.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Looking forward to the Erie Canal’s next 200 years includes thinking about its users – today’s youth! The Junior Ranger Activity Booklet is a fantastic way to hook them into the excitement of the Erie Canal early and spark a lifelong engagement with this vibrant recreationway.”
Junior Ranger activity booklets are available online and locally at Corn Hill Navigation in Rochester.
The Junior Ranger activity booklet adds to educational curriculum, field trips, and other teacher resources available through the Erie Canal Learning Hub, a joint initiative of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State Canal Corporation. Access the Learning Hub at http://www.eriecanalway.org/ learning-hub.
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Greece Chamber welcomes new business members
The following area businesses recently became Premium or Standard business members of the Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce:
Greece Regional Chamber welcomes four new or upgraded Premium Business Members:
•T-Mobile (Wireless Vision)
West Ridge Road Store
•The Designery Rochester
•The Village at Unity and The Hamlet
•Zoom Drain
Greece Regional Chamber welcomes 28
new Standard Business Members:
•2218 Creative, LLC
•Agape Physical Therapy Services, P.C.
•Barnard Banquet Hall
•Bene-Care Inc.
•Climb Above Roofing LLC
•Clothes Bin
•Club Pilates
•Complete Care Family Chiropractic
•Firehouse Subs
•Flower City Balloons
•Frios Rochester
•Gayle Persons Dog Training Academy
•Italian American Community Center
•James Mitsubishi of Greece
•Lake Shore Fire Department
•Lamplighter Restaurant
•Long Construction NY, LLC
•Mega IT Rochester, LLC
•Paychex – Nora Farrell
•Paychex – Kelly Schnupp
•Rochester West Central Kiwanis
•Rochester Pro Roofing
•Senior Helpers
•Stellar Roofing
•T-Mobile (Wireless Vision)
Dewey Ave Store
•Talanta Global
•TC Hooligans
•The Original Char Broil House Restaurant
•Town of Greece Councilman Bill Murphy
•Volunteers of America Upstate New York
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit membership association dedicated to promoting Rochester regional business members. Its membership includes for-profit and nonprofit corporations, government, education, and individuals from throughout Monroe County and the greater Rochester region. The Chamber has been serving the business community since 1984. Chamber services and member benefits include networking, marketing and promotion, educational presentations, health/vision/dental insurance, travel packages, business services, advocacy, discounts, visibility, recognition, advertising opportunities, committee participation, and numerous monthly and signature events throughout the year.
“The Chamber enthusiastically welcomes these exciting and accomplished
businesses and not-for-profits to our growing membership, which allows access to a broad range of events and benefits across a variety of platforms,” said Greece Chamber President/CEO Joe Robach. “We love growing the Greece Chamber family!”
Businesses interested in membership, increased networking opportunities, marketing, and greater success can reach out to the Chamber at Info@GreeceChamber. org or 585-227-7272.
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Travel presentation
The Greece Chamber of Commerce offers a free Travel Presentation with Collette on Tuesday, June 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Greece Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 2402 West Ridge Road, Rochester (behind Men’s Wearhouse store). Learn about upcoming travel opportunities to Italy, Japan, and the islands of Greece. Open to the public. No membership requirement. Register at https://greecechamber.org/ (look under Upcoming Events).
Annual meeting
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Meeting & Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Chef’s Event Center & Party House, 1875 North Union Street, Spencerport. Cost is $49 for chamber members and $59 for non-members. Advance registration is required. Purchase tickets at https://tinyurl.com/3sjdxswd.
Greece students showcase first responder skills
Greece Central School District hosted a Responding to Emergen cies (RTE) Showcase on May 22 at Odyssey Academy, highlighting the real-world public safety skills students are gaining through the district’s innovative career path way program. A major feature of the event was the debut of a fully functional ambulance donated by Monroe Ambulance, now housed at Odyssey to serve as a mobile training lab for aspiring first re sponders.
The showcase included inter active stations led by students demonstrating emergency skills such as CPR, first aid, hose han dling, and ladder operations. The newly donated ambulance was integrated into these hands-on activities, giving students a chance to apply their learning in a realistic, professional setting.
“We are incredibly grateful to Monroe Ambulance for this impactful contribution to our students’ education,” said Jeremy Smalline, Superintendent of the Greece Central School District. “This donation brings our Responding to Emergencies curriculum to life and gives students a unique opportunity to build the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers in public safety.”
The ambulance donation is part of Monroe Ambulance’s commitment to workforce development and community service. “Monroe Ambulance is proud to support the next generation of emergency responders,” said Tom Coyle, President of Monroe Ambulance. “This program aligns with our mission to serve the community and invest in the future of EMS. By donating this ambulance, we hope to inspire students to explore careers that make a difference.”
The RTE Career Pathway Program prepares high school students for careers in law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services (EMS). The program combines classroom instruction with real-world practice and mentorship, supported by partnerships with local emergency services organizations including the Ridge Road Fire District, Monroe County Fire Bureau, Monroe Community College, Greece Police Department, Barnard Fire District, Lake Shore Fire District, North Greece Fire District, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Monroe Ambulance.
Currently, 50 students are enrolled in the RTE program, with enrollment expected to double next school year. It is one of six Career Pathways offered by the Greece Central School District to help students explore their passions and prepare for life after high school.
Greece Central educators and program partners see the RTE pathway as a powerful tool for recruiting into public safety professions – especially critical at a time when communities across the country are experiencing workforce shortages in emergency response fields.
Provided information
Monroe Ambulance donated an ambulance to the Greece Central School District for the RTE Academy. This will give the students enrolled in this program real life experience on taking care of patients in the back of
Photos above and cover from Perfect Motion Photography from 2024.
Senior Helpers® brings in-home care services to area seniors
Senior Helpers®, one of the nation’s premier providers of personalized in-home senior care, is celebrating the grand opening of Senior Helpers of North Rochester. This new office is now open and actively providing compassionate, professional care to older adults throughout Rochester, Hilton, Greece, Gates, Charlotte, and Irondequoit.
Senior Helpers of North Rochester joins a growing network of 10 offices across the state. As the need for reliable in-home care continues to grow, the new location is expected to bring more than 30 new jobs to the area over the next year.
Senior Helpers was founded in 2002 and is known nationally for its commitment to delivering tailored, dependable care that enables seniors to live safely and independently at home. The company offers a wide range of services including companion care, personal care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and chronic disease support, all provided by highly trained caregivers.
Kingsley Barnie (US Air Force) and his wife, Dayeisy (NP), are the dedicated owners of Senior Helpers of North Rochester, NY. Both Kingsley and Dayeisy are nurses and are passionate about making a positive difference in their community. They strive to see families thrive because of the services they provide, and they aim to make a significant impact on their care professionals, helping them grow and develop for a bright future.
“Throughout my career, I have always sought ways to assist seniors in maintaining their independence,” Barnie said. “This new venture allows me to make a meaningful impact by helping older adults stay in their homes as long as they are able – surrounded by comfort, dignity, and familiarity.”
“I am passionate about promoting quality care,” Barnie added. “At Senior Helpers of North Rochester, we are dedicated to setting a new standard for in-home care in our community.”
For more information about services, visit https://www. seniorhelpers.com/ny/north-rochester/, call 585-837-2137, or email info3632@seniorhelpers.com. For inquiries about caregiver positions, reach out to cg3632@seniorhelpers.com.
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Wegmans Concerts by the Shore schedule
Wegmans Concerts by the Shore are held on Wednesday evenings during the summer starting at 7 p.m. at Ontario Beach Park, Rochester. Admission is free. Visit www.ontariobeachentertainment.org.
June 25 THE INVICTAS (60s & 70s Rock & Roll)
July 2 ATLAS (funky dance music)
July 9 ROCHESTER PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA with a special start time of 7:30 p.m.
July 16 LA KREMA (Merengue with English twist)
July 23 JUNK YARD FIELD TRIP (Eclectic Rock)
July 30 IGNITE REGGAE (Reggae)
August 6 MAGNETIC FLOW (Motown revue band)
August 13 THE DUKES (60s & 70s R&B)
August 20 ALLEGRO (premier party band)
August 27 RUBY SHOOZ (50s/60s Rock & Roll)
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Kingsley and Dayeisy Barnie, Owners of Senior Helpers of North Rochester, with their sons.
Upcoming Events
•Used Book Sale: Friends of the Greece Public Library are sponsoring a Used Book Sale on Saturday, June 28, 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. Cash only. Please bring your own bag.
•Car, Truck & Bike Show: Greece Marching Band’s first annual Car, Truck & Bike Show will be held July 27 at 1120 Latta Road, Greece. Gates open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for registration. All makes and models welcome. Spectator gates open all day. Awards presentation at 3 p.m. Features 50/50, raffle baskets, music, food and beverages. Pre-register at greeceblueknights.boosterhub. com/store/10612.
•Spencerport Canal Days: Join the fun of Spencerport Canal Days on July 26 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Features arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, live entertainment, a children’s activity tent, free Child IDs, local stores and restaurants, and the Canaligator Race on Sunday aftertnoon. Visit spencerportcanaldays.com for information.
Grants to make two nature preserves more accessible
The Genesee Land Trust has secured $100,000 in NYS grants to improve trails at Island Cottage Woods Preserve in Greece and Deer Creek Woods Preserve in Ontario. The projects are supported with funding from the NYS Conservation Partnership Program (NYSCPP) and NY’s Environmental Protection Fund.
Thanks to generous member support, Genesee Land Trust will contribute $39,000 in matching funds and staff time for these community-focused projects. The work is part of the Land Trust’s ongoing efforts to create more welcoming public nature preserves – including for people living with disabilities – so everyone can explore and enjoy these special places.
At Island Cottage Woods Preserve, migratory bird “hotspot,” funds will partially support the design, engineering, and planning of resilient and accessible new trails. Since the preserve opened in 1999, the changing climate has increased Lake Ontario flooding, made year-round wetter trails, and damaged existing boardwalks. The property is currently closed while the Land Trust works to build wider boardwalks, ramped footbridges, observation platforms, benches, and new engaging features for visitors of all ages.
At Deer Creek Woods, funds will go to widening and evening the trails to make them more accessible. Benches and informational signs about the habitat and history will be added, along with split rail fencing along Deer Creek to create a scenic view of the floodplain and wetlands. Construction will begin this summer/fall.
“We want local nature preserves to be welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the mental and physical rest and rejuvenation provided by spending time outside,” says Lorna Wright, Executive Director of Genesee Land Trust. “We appreciate New York’s ongoing commitment to fund our local conservation efforts and we thank our caring community of generous donors, partners, and volunteers who make these vital spaces thrive. The work we do today will benefit generations to come.”
Learn more about Genesee Land Trust at https://www. geneseelandtrust.org/ Provided information
Historic Dentzel Carousel open for the season
The historic Dentzel Menagerie Carousel at Ontario Beach Park has opened for the 2025 summer season. This year is the carousel’s 119th season at the Park.
“The Dentzel Menagerie Carousel in Ontario Beach Park has brought joy to countless families who have taken rides on the hand-carved wooden animals,” said County Executive Bello.
The Carousel is open daily, noon to 7 p.m., from June 20 through Labor Day, September 1. A single ride is $1. A punch card good for 12 rides, valid any time, is available for $10. Or, ride all day with a $5 wrist band.
As part of planned improvements announced in 2022, the Carousel has gone through several renovations in the off-season. As part of this work, the floors throughout the facility have been repaired and refinished, an updated sound system has been installed with the ability to make live voice announcements and play modern digital music files, and a new lighting system is in place, which allows for the building to be themed to various holidays. Provided information
Greece alum receives award
Taylor Jung, a 2021 graduate of Greece Olympia High School, received the Booster Club Vangor den “Player of the Year” Award for Women’s Basketball at Elmira College. This award is presented to a player who has completed a full season in one sport. Consideration is given to “sportsmanlike” qualities and outstanding playing contribu tions in game situations. A player from each of Elmira’s intercollegiate sports is chosen for the award an nually.
Jung is a member of Elmira College’s Class of 2025. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Provided information and photo
From the office of The Supervisor, Bill Reilich
As we enter full-blown summer mode, I am excited for all of the events and activities we have planned!
4 p.m. Food Trucks Open and Family Activities Begin
4:15 p.m. Shuttles begin from Greece Athena High School, 800 Long Pond Road
We are excited to once again bring back our beloved Town of Greece Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration! Check out all the activities we have planned below.
6:30 a.m.
7 a.m.
5K Freedom Run Registration
5K Race Begins
8 a.m. Super Hero Sprint Check-In
8:15 a.m. Super Hero Sprint Begins
6 to 6:40 p.m. August Zadra of the Dennis DeYoung Band
7 to 8:15 p.m. Jason Scheff + Horns from CHICAGO
8:45 to 10 p.m. Tommy DeCarlo, former lead singer of BOSTON
10 p.m. (approx.) Fireworks Display
We hope you will join us as we celebrate Independence Day in the Town of Greece!
w/Mozzarella, 14 Chicken Tenders or 12 Mozz. Sticks or 10 Wings
