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The Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester returns for 23rd season after five-year hiatus
The Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester, one of Western New York’s most iconic fall attractions, is set to return this year after a five-year hiatus. The reimagined event will reopen at the same original location in Williamson for its highly anticipated 23rd season, beginning September 26 and 27, 2025.
The Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester has long been recognized as a Halloween tradition, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each season. Guests can once again expect the return of the terrifying haunted house, and the famous ride through the haunted woods, featuring elaborate sets, special effects, and live actors delivering spine-tingling scares.
New for 2025, visitors will also be able to enjoy the Haunted Beer Garden, offering seasonal beverages in a chilling atmosphere designed to complement the haunted experience.
The event is now locally owned and operated by HHGR, LLC, a partnership between D&G Events, Inc. and Five Branches, Inc. This collaboration brings together the prior producers of the Haunted Hayrides with the new owners of DeFisher Fruit Farm, Five Branches, Inc., ensuring a seamless blend of experience and innovation for the event’s revival.
“We are proud to bring the Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester back to life,” said Dave Savage, Co-Owner/Operator of HHGR, LLC. “For more than two decades, this event has been a hallmark
Greece News
1776 Hilton-Parma Corners Rd. Spencerport, NY 14559
Email: Info@westsidenewsny.com
Phone: 585-352-3411 Fax: 585-352-4811
Westside News Inc., Publisher Advertising
Lori Antonelli ext. 133 Debbie Day ext. 131
Christine Anello 585-503-7224 Ellen Stevens ext. 130
of the Halloween season in our region. Our team is committed to honoring its legacy while adding exciting new features for both returning fans and first-time visitors.”
Tickets are on sale now at HauntedHayridesRochester.com, where the full schedule is also available. A limited number of Line Jumper passes are being offered for those wishing to bypass the wait and head straight into the experience.
The Haunted Hayrides of Greater Rochester will reopen on September 26 and 27, with additional dates running throughout the Halloween season. For information, visit HauntedHayridesRochester.com.
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Celebrating 43 Years ~ 2025
Sat., October 4 10am to 5pm Sun., October 5 10am to 4:30pm
Over 100 Arts & crafts Vendors
Farmers Market, Craft Raffle, Corey’s Apple Pond, Photo Contest, Village Historian, Kids’ Corner, Operation Safe Child ID’s Official Apple Fest Merch, Community Row, Commerce Row
Visa Gift Card Raffle, Apple Pie Baking Contest, Collectors Show & Sale
Apple Growers
Apples, Baked Goods and Cider
Live Entertainment for the Whole Family
Kids’ Climbing Wall, Magic Joe, The Happy Pirates, Dark Horse Trio, Greece Jazz Band, Breakfast Club, Hilton HS Marching Band, Miranda Lambert Tribute- Palomino Hilton Kyokushin Karate Demo Sawdogs Wood Carving Demo, Uptown Groove, La Danse Dancers, and much more!
AuTO ShOw
At Village Elementary School
The 2025 Apple Fest Auto Show takes place Saturday, October 4th at the Village Elementary School, and will celebrate the Muscle Car! Gates open at 8am, awards at 4pm. Visit HiltonAppleFestAutoShow.org for complete details.
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Exploremores™ joins Girl Scout Cookie lineup for 2026 season
On September 9, Girl Scouts of Western New York announced that Exploremores™, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, will join the lineup for the 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season. Filled with delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème, Exploremores reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. Girl Scouts across the United States will offer the Exploremores cookie nationally, both online and in person at local booths, during the upcoming 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season alongside fan favorites like Thin Mints® and Samoas®/Caramel deLites®
Each cookie season, through the Girl Scout Cookie Program girls push their limits, embrace challenges, think creatively and believe in their own potential. While earning skill-building badges such as the My First Cookie Business, My Cookie Customer and My Cookie Team badges, girls acquire leadership and entrepreneurial tools needed for brighter futures. As entrepreneurs, girls master the ability to set goals, make decisions, manage money, develop people skills and learn business ethics.
Every purchase of Exploremores—and the entire lineup of iconic Girl Scout Cookies—helps girls unbox a world of possibilities, one cookie at a time. With each cookie box sold, consumers are supporting Girl Scouts as they learn, grow and thrive through all of life’s adventures. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local with Girl Scout councils and troops to help fund life changing programs, experiences and learning all year long.
Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, but local timing varies; visit girlscoutcookies.org to sign up to be notified as soon as Exploremores and other Girl Scout Cookies are on sale in your area. Text “Cookies” to 59618 to get the latest Girl Scout Cookie news. Life’s more fun when you explore more!
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Chamber News Spotlight
From the office of Supervisor Bill Reilich
Business Community!
Welcome Shake Shack to the Greece
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Shake Shack to its growing network of local businesses! Located at 2167 West Ridge Road, this fast-casual favorite is now serving up its signature ShackBurgers, crispy chicken bites, crinkle-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes—right across from The Mall at Greece Ridge.
Shake Shack began as a single hot dog cart in New York City and has grown into a global brand known for quality ingredients, hospitality, and community connection. Their arrival in Greece reflects the area’s continued commercial growth and offers residents a fresh, flavorful dining experience.
“We’re thrilled to have Shake Shack join the Chamber and look forward to partnering with them on future events and initiatives. Be sure to stop by, grab a bite, and give them a warm Chamber welcome!”
As we head into the fall season, I reflect on this summer and all the fun events and activities that took place this year. I would like to remind everyone that we still have one more food truck rodeo and concert scheduled! This will take place on Friday, September 19, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Greece Town Campus. The concert that evening will feature Carl Dixon’s Wild North Rock Show. Food vendors participating include local favorites Mr. Squeeze Lemonade, LuGia’s Ice Cream, J&S Fried Dough, Melt Food Truck, Sammie’s n’ Sweets, Rob’s Kabobs, Al Dente Pasta, and Kona Ice.
We recognized some outstanding members of our community this past month. During last month’s meeting of the Greece Town Board, we held a special recognition ceremony for Girl Scout Troop Number 60575. We recognized these young ladies for the wonderful work they did on Cranberry Pond Trail here in Greece. They spent many hours clearing the path of debris. They also placed long branches on either side of the trail to make it easier to navigate. They even trimmed back pricker bushes to make the path easier to walk. These young ladies are leaders for the future and active contributing members of our community. On behalf of the entire Town of Greece, we thank them for their hard work and helping to make our town trails beautiful!
As always, I enjoy hearing feedback from residents about programming and other Town-related matters. If you have any concerns, please call the town or visit our website at www.greeceny.gov.
Greece Historical Society October event about Durand Eastman Park
The Greece Historical Society welcomes Jack Butler for a presentation inspired by his latest book, Durand Eastman Park: Yesterday and Today . It will be held on Tuesday, October 14, at 7 p.m., at the Greece Public Library.
Most Rochesterians are familiar with Mr. Eastman, but few are aware of Dr. Henry Durand. The park was Durand’s idea. Jack Butler explores the fascinating life of Henry Durand, his relationship with George Eastman, and the shocking twist that occurs once they donate their land to the City of Rochester. Durand Eastman Park takes on a life of its own in the years that follow. A tree museum, a beach house, a zoo, a golf course, and the “White Lady” ghost helped create the park that Dr. Durand had envisioned: “world-class.”
In 2023, Jack Butler co-authored Mendon Ponds Park, Fairchild’s Dream with Diane Ham. Raised in Irondequoit, Jack decided to next research the origins of Durand Eastman Park. The park’s amazing history and promising future have resulted in this colorful 2024 publication. Reservations are required at https:// greecepl.librarycalendar.com/event/ greece-historical-society-37443 or by calling 585-225-8951.
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Jack Butler
Lakeview Garden Club recognizes homeowner’s beautification efforts
Lakeview Garden Club representative, Christina Cadille, recently presented a beautification certificate to Danielle Gray of Long Pond Road for the ongoing landscaping at her home.
On an annual basis, the Lakeview Garden Club searches for homes or business in the Town of Greece that have made an effort to enhance the appearance of their property. The owner/gardener is recognized with a certificate.
Those who know of a home or business in the town of Greece that should be considered for this award are asked to contact Darlene Markham of the Lakeview Garden Club at dmarkham@ rochester.rr.com.
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Endless Highway launches Keys to Freedom program
Endless Highway has launched a new initiative to help break down one of the most persistent barriers faced by people who use mobility devices: reliable transportation. Too often, community members have shared stories of delayed buses, cancelled rides, or no one available to help with transfers—leaving sports, recreation, arts, and social opportunities out of reach.
The new Keys to Freedom Program will provide up to $40,000 per grant cycle to help full-time wheelchair users purchase and customize their own wheelchair-accessible vehicles. In partnership with Tim’s Trim, Inc., Rochester’s certified accessible vehicle dealer, recipients will also receive support with vehicle identification, adaptive equipment assessments, financing, and ongoing maintenance planning.
The first grant cycle opened on August 23, and applications are being accepted through September 30, at 5 p.m. Learn more and apply at https://endless-highway.org/keystofreedom/.
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Lakeview Garden Club representative, Christina Cadille, presents a beautification certificate to Danielle Gray of Long Pond Road for the ongoing landscaping at her home. Provided photo.
DEC accepting entries for Arbor Day Poster Contest
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is accepting submissions for its annual Arbor Day Poster contest. Photographers and artists of all ages are encouraged to submit images that capture the power and beauty of trees. The poster is released annually by DEC’s Urban and Community Forestry Program to celebrate and recognize the benefits of trees to people, nature, and the environment.
“Trees are powerful allies in building resilient communities, ecosystems, and a healthier future,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “As we work together towards our goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033, this poster competition is a chance for New Yorkers to share their vision of the beauty and benefits of trees and to inspire others to celebrate, plant, and protect them.”
Submissions should reflect this year’s theme, “Trees for the Future,” expressing through original photos or artwork the connections between people and trees, the importance of planting trees for future generations, and the role of trees in providing
resilience in a changing climate. DEC will accept submissions on behalf of the New York State Arbor Day Committee through November 30, 2025.
The winning image will be featured on the 2026 Arbor Day poster. The poster is distributed across the state for Arbor Day celebrations, the New York State Fair, schools, libraries, local conservation councils, and other events.
The annual Arbor Day Poster contest is sponsored by the New York State Arbor Day Committee, which includes DEC, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the Empire State Forestry Foundation, the New York State Arborists Association, and Sylvamo North America. Entries must feature trees growing within New York State, be of acceptable image resolution, and are limited to one per person. Read the complete contest rules and submit entries using the online submission form at https://dec. ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/urban-and-community-forestry/ arbor-day.
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PTNY launches economic impact study of the Empire State Trail, encourages public to take survey
Parks & Trails New York (PTNY) is launching a groundbreaking economic impact study of the Empire State Trail. Led by LaBella Associates with support from the Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University, this will be the most comprehensive greenway economic impact analysis ever undertaken in New York State, and perhaps anywhere in the US.
The Empire State Trail, extending 750 miles and renowned as the longest multi-use state trail in the nation, offers more than stunning views and recreational opportunities. This study aims to quantify the trail’s wide-ranging economic contributions, encompassing tourism-related spending, real estate value, business recruitment, and public health benefits. By capturing data across these diverse sectors, the study will provide valuable insights into the trail’s impact on New York’s economy and the well-being of its communities.
The upcoming rigorous, data-driven economic impact report will also interrogate the degree to which the economic benefits of the trail are or are not realized equitably across the trail corridor. The study will combine use of multiple data sources with an on-thetrail intercept survey to gather immediate feedback from those
using the trail as well as a web-based survey which participants who have visited the Empire State Trail in the past year can take at any time after their trip.
Parks & Trails New York encourages the public to support this landmark report by taking part in the brief online survey, which launched on September 8.
“Public participation is a crucial part of the upcoming study,” said Paul Steely White, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York. “Without public input, we won’t see the full picture of what we know to be the important economic impact of this incredible state resource. This is an exciting opportunity to highlight the trail’s role in driving economic growth, enhancing public health, and attracting investment to New York State.”
The results of this study will serve as a critical tool for policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders, providing credible data to support future investments in trail infrastructure and programming. It will also underscore the trail’s significance as a catalyst for community development and economic prosperity.
For more information on the study or to participate in the survey, please visit: https://go.ncsu.edu/est_fullsurvey.
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Unity Hospital celebrates 50 years of care for the community
Unity Hospital is celebrating 50 years of care for the community. Team members, community leaders, and supporters gathered at the Greece campus for a special program on September 10. The hospital had archival photos of the facility from the 1970s on display, with games and retro-themed activities throughout the day for team members.
Unity Hospital first opened as Park Ridge Hospital in 1975 to meet the needs of a growing suburban community on Rochester’s westside. Built with the support of neighbors, donors, and caregivers, it quickly became a trusted destination for local families.
Today, Unity is a 471-bed hospital and a cornerstone of Rochester Regional Health, home to nationally recognized programs including the Golisano Restorative Neurology & Rehabilitation Center and the August Family Birth Place. For 50 years, Unity Hospital has welcomed generations of babies, restored patients through rehabilitation, and compassionately delivered high-quality care close to home.
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SUNY
Brockport and NY SBDC present InnovateHER: Women Mentoring in Business and Tech
SUNY Brockport’s School of Business and Management, in partnership with the New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will host InnovateHER: Women Mentoring in Business and Tech, a dynamic networking and mentorship event designed to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Taking place on Thursday, September 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at FLX AI, 44 Elton Street, Suite A, Rochester, InnovateHER will bring together students, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals for an evening of inspiration, connection, and collaboration.
Open to all community members, the event will feature interactive mentoring sessions, networking opportunities, and insights from trailblazing women in business and technology. Attendees
Success is 80 years in the making for the Rochester Oratorio Society (ROS) as the renowned organization kicks off its 20252026 season.
According to Artistic Director Eric Townell, “Innovation and tradition are hallmarks of our 80th season. Throughout the years ROS has stayed on the cutting edge artistically, with many commissions and important first performances together with great classics. We’ve tried to maintain that legacy in our 80th season, with several Rochester premieres and music written by Jeff Tyzik for ROS alongside masterworks by Mendelssohn and Saint-Saëns.” He continues “A great chorus is a force for positive change in the community, reflecting and living out the best qualities of our city and region. Together with all the singers and leadership over the years, ROS has truly made Rochester a richer and better place to live.”
Event schedule:
•Mass in Blue: October 17, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Hochstein Performance Hall – The ROS opens its 80th season in celebratory style with music by Rochester composers and a jazz-inspired mass. Jeff Tyzik’s “Psalm 150” was premiered by the ROS 20 years ago. Hear it in Jeff’s new edition along with Ron Nelson’s “Fanfare for a Festival” and the globally famous “Mass in Blue,” by Will Todd, in its local premiere.
•Arts Connexions presents Alicia Esmeralda Barry: November
will gain firsthand knowledge from seasoned professionals while building relationships that support career growth and innovation.
Registration is complimentary, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP by scanning the QR code or visiting the SUNY Brockport website.
This event is sponsored by KeyBank Opens Doors and Key4Women, and is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
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Rochester Oratorio Society announces 80th anniversary season
14, 2025, 7:30 p.m., First Universalist Church of Rochester – Featuring the music, poetry, and spoken word of Mesoamerica with mezzo-soprano Alicia Esmeralda Barry and storyteller Stephanie Paredes.
•A Joyful Christmas: December 19, 2025, 7:30 p.m., Hochstein Performance Hall – Serenely inspiring music and a world of carols warm your soul this December.
•Arts Connexions presents Inventions of a Dream: February 15, 2026, 3 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – A program of art song, musical theater, opera, and original poetry, exploring Isabel Randall’s journey from her birth in Spain to Broadway to now as a poet and opera singer. Featuring Ines Draskovic, piano.
•The Cry of Jeremiah: March 20, 2026, 7:30 p.m., Hochstein Performance Hall – Mendelssohn’s Christus relates the Easter story through the fragments left to us at his passing. Together with “The Cry of Jeremiah,” by Rosephanye Powell, they make for a compelling and uplifting, Gospel-inspired evening.
•Rochester International Vocal Competition Emerging Artist Prize “Joseph Eduardo” Finals: May 16, 7:30 p.m., Hochstein Performance Hall – Enjoy performances from rising stars live and in person. Then, feel the anticipation as the esteemed judge announces the grand prize winner during this one-of-a-kind evening of opera arias.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.rossings.org or call 585-473-2234.
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Celebrating the 25th anniversary of geocaching
The geocaching community is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the world’s biggest game of hide and seek in 2025. The game is happening right now, all around you, in parks, urban areas, on mountain tops, and even underwater. Around 3.4 million geocaches are waiting to be found across the globe, including more 1,200 within 10 miles of Rochester.
Maybe you’ve heard of geocaching, but aren’t quite sure how it works.
•Someone hides a container (a geocache) outdoors for others to find.
•They post the location coordinates and other details through Geocaching.com.
•Other players use the free Geocaching® app or Geocaching.com to go outside and locate the container.
•Once found, they sign a logbook, rehide the container where they found it, and then share their experience online.
Geocaching makes it fun to explore the outdoors, discovering amazing locations and a robust player community in your home town and around the world. Whether you’re on vacation, exploring a local trail system, or just trying to gamify your exercise, this worldwide treasure hunt has been entertaining people for 25 years. It’s all powered by players who place geocaches, creating adventurous outdoor experiences for the world to enjoy.
Karen Fien of Spencerport enjoys being active outdoors and has been geocaching with her teenaged grandson, Cameron. She said, “We have really had a lot of fun geocaching this year. I am not as good at finding the caches as my grandson, but we have enjoyed trying to find them. We went to Cape Cod this summer and geocached with our family. It was a great way to check out the area.”
Cameron added, “We liked it so much that we created our own geocache, and love seeing what people have to say about the cache when they log it.”
it!” Jordan enjoyed the experience so much that he wanted to find another one right away. Luckily, there was another hidden just down the street.
Geocaching.com launched in September 2000 with just 75 geocache locations. Since then, community members have spread the game to more than 190 countries. There is even a geocache on the International Space Station, and a geocaching game piece on the Mars Rover! In 2024, a record 88.5 million “Found it!” logs were posted on Geocaching.com. And since the game began in 2000, more than 1.2 billion “Found it!” logs have been posted. These figures represent an extraordinary amount of global discovery, exploration, and adventure for everyone.
As geocaching embarks on the next 25 years, exciting additions from Geocaching HQ are making the game even better, including:
•Treasures: Launched in March 2025, geocachers can collect digital items by finding and logging geocaches needed for each
Treasure collection.
•Adventures: Expanding the ways people explore and learn about the world around them through interactive, community-created, self-guided tours and experiences. There are more than 81,000 Adventures in 180+ countries.
The worldwide geocaching community is marking the 25th anniversary by hosting more than 100 (and counting) large-scale events, including Block Parties, Mega-Events, and Giga-Events. In doing so, they showcase another unique aspect of the game: the connections between people around the world, uniting through a shared spirit of outdoor adventure.
Learn more about geocaching, 25th anniversary celebrations, and more, at Geocaching.com.
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Cameron Fien (left) and his grandmother created their own geocache in Spencerport. Jackson (center) and Jordan Hulbert (right) decided to try geocaching for the first time, and they “Found
Photo by Karen Fien.
Geitner receives Inclusive Leadership Award
Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce presented Marisa Geitner, President & CEO of Heritage Christian Services, with its 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award at a ceremony on August 27. The Inclusive Leadership Award recognizes and honors top changemakers and their organizations in Greater Rochester who are promoting inclusivity in the workplace through diversity, innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being initiatives. Together, they lead programs that promote empowerment and create lasting impact.
As President & CEO of Heritage Christian Services, Marisa Geitner is a fierce advocate for people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Marisa challenges the status quo, pushing to exceed quality standards for services and employment practices and honoring the dignity and worth of all people. Her advocacy resulted in significant wage increases for Heritage Christian Services staff members over the last five years, aligning with anti-poverty initiatives and recognizing the value of compassionate care. Under her leadership, the agency has grown its revenue by nearly 300%. She is an industrious collaborator who invites diverse perspectives to inform the agency’s strategic growth and address unmet community needs. Marisa has led organization-wide inclusion education, launched Employee Resource Groups, and invests in leadership programs like the Women of Color Summit to support diverse professional growth.
“Congratulations to Marisa and all of this year’s finalists! From all different backgrounds and all kinds of organizations, the work that this cohort of honorees is doing reinforces that we all play a role in ensuring that Greater Rochester is an inclusive community. We are proud to provide this opportunity to pause for a moment to celebrate the great work they are all doing, and proud to help
uplift these leaders to inspire others in our region,” said Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber.
For more information about all of this year’s finalists, see the 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award event publication at https://ti nyurl.com/4448afay. A selection committee consisting of a diverse group of professional leaders from the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes business community determined the recipient based on submitted applications.
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Monroe Community Hospital receives $10 million grant to enhance pediatric and ventilator care
Monroe Community Hospital (MCH) will receive $10.175 million to expand and upgrade its pediatric and ventilator units, strengthening specialized care for some of the region’s most vulnerable patients.
The funding, awarded through Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Statewide Health Care Facility Transformation Program, is part of $300 million in new state support for 50 health care projects. The program aims to expand access to inpatient, primary, behavioral health, and long- term care services.
“This significant investment in Monroe Community Hospital reflects our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care for our residents,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “Expanding and modernizing our pediatric and ventilator units ensure that our residents receive the specialized services they need. We’re proud to support MCH as it continues its nearly 200-year legacy of compassionate, cutting-edge healthcare in our community.”
“This grant is an extraordinary boost for MCH and the community we serve,” said Alyssa Tallo, Executive Health Director of MCH. “It will help us expand and improve care in our pediatric and
ventilator units, ensuring these vital services continue to meet the highest standards for years to come. I’m deeply grateful to our team for the dedication that makes progress like this possible, and to the State of New York for investing in our mission.”
Along with increasing pediatric bed capacity and enhancing care in the ventilator unit, the grant will fund renovations to an adjacent outdoor playground.
The project complements ongoing renovations of MCH’s Friendship Building scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. Friendship Place, supported by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will provide a safe, supportive home for individuals with dementia and wandering-like behaviors.
MCH is a fully certified, county-owned residential health care facility that has served the Rochester area for nearly 200 years. It is recognized by its peers for providing innovative, state-of-theart long-term care for individuals with complex health conditions requiring higher levels of care.
The Friendship Building, along with the entire MCH campus, opened at its current location on East Henrietta Road in 1933.
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Marisa Geitner (center), President & CEO of Heritage Christian Services, receiving the Greater Rochester Chamber’s 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award.
