by Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich
It has certainly been a crazy time – both here in the Town of Greece and throughout the world. I would like to take a moment to recognize our outstanding community and the ways in which we prevail, stand strong, and come together to help one another during difficult times.
In our efforts to assist those in need in our community, the Greece Town Board and I partnered with the Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf to hold a Drive-In Drop-Off Food Collection Event at the Greece Town Hall Campus. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who helped out with the food drive and I would also like to thank all those who donated to help those in need during these uncertain times. There are many people in our community that depend on a helping hand. I am always humbled to represent a community that comes together in times of challenge. We collected thousands of pounds of food and over $4,000 during this event!
This past month, the Greece Town Board and I held two Mask Distribution Events for Greece residents. I would like to thank all of the volunteers who came out to help distribute masks to residents. Thousands of people came out during the two events to receive these free masks. The mask distribution event was held in conjunction with the Fuel the Frontline Food Collection Event. We collected hundreds of pounds of food for our frontline workers who are helping COVID patients in our hospitals and nursing homes. We were happy to join Fuel the Frontline founders and Greece residents Melissa and Michelle Yeager in collecting this food as a way to say “thank you” to those who are tirelessly caring for people affected by the virus.
As you are aware, American Legion Post #468 Commander George Dadson, Jr. and I made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. As far back as anyone can remember, the Town has partnered with the Post to honor and pay respect for those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while wearing the colors of our great nation. As the son of a twice-wounded WWII vet myself, I know the importance of this day and the lifelong impact the loss of these fine men and women takes on a family and an entire community. God Bless our men and women on our front lines. Thank you all for your understanding of this difficult decision the Commander and I had to make. The Commander and I did perform a virtual Memorial Day Tribute in honor of all those who sacrificed for our country – I hope you were able to view the tribute. Furthermore, the Town once again purchased flowers to be placed at the gravesite of Fallen Veterans. Volunteers from the American Legion Post #468 planted the flowers and erected American Flags at Our Mother of Sorrows Cemetery and also at the Flag Pole near the cemetery on Latona Road and Ridge Road. This partnership has gone on for over 20 years. The Town treasures our fallen soldiers and was honored to once again pay tribute the week before Memorial Day.
