Extraordinary year for Christmas trees
For Christmas trees such as Douglas Fir, Frazer Fir, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Blue Spruce, timing can be everything, especially when it comes to weather. Generally, hot and dry summer and fall conditions can create a loss of color, increased insect pressure and premature death of many young (one to four years) and mature (five years plus) Christmas trees. more

Funding protects Parma lakeside parcel
Funds have been secured to preserve 35 acres in the Town of Parma slated for preservation under Monroe County's Green Space Initiative. The acreage contains many natural habitats and features, including 1,400 feet of lakeshore frontage, freshwater wetlands, and small streams running along the Lake Ontario shore. more

Hilton School District unveils
final architectural plans for capital project
Hilton students and faculty will soon "Celebrate What's Right With the World" in their mission to improve student learning, morale and security at all five Hilton schools. more

NYS offering tax amnesty program
State tax evaders are getting an opportunity to pay up with no penalties and reduced interest under an amnesty program designed to help balance this year's budget. more

Spencerport extends unique street lamp project
The Village of Spencerport has completed the Union Street Lighting Project, which involves replacing the streetlights from the canal bridge to the old railroad bridge on the south side of the business district. The lights on Amity Street, East Avenue, those near the post office and in village parking lots have also been replaced. Besides replacing more than 30 poles, the $60,000 project will also include repairing the cracked and missing pavers surrounding the poles. The project was started early in the spring of 2001. more

Brockport Toy Shelf outreach seeks donations
Now in its 10th year, the Brockport-Sweden Toy Shelf provides toys for children who might not otherwise have them at Christmas time. The Toy Shelf is sponsored by Brockport Integrated Service and Community Organization (BISCO) and volunteers keep the program going. The Toy Shelf serves children from infants through age 17 (Brockport, Sweden, Clarkson) and 500 or more children are expected to be served this year. more

Country Neighbors Quilt Guild donates quilt
The Country Neighbors Quilt Guild has donated a quilt, valued at $1,000 to Lakeside Health System. The quilt is 6' x 6'6" and was used in the silent auction that is part of Lakeside Foundation's Annual Gala Dinner. more

Farm Credit of Western New York redeems $2.4 million to members
Farm Credit of Western New York paid in cash $2.4 million of allocated equity in December. Payments were based on interest that accrued on eligible member-borrower accounts in 1997. more

New pastor welcomed at Parma Greece UCC
Pastor Gary Ferner was ordained at a celebration of Word, Sacrament, Ordination and Installation at the Parma Greece United Church of Christ, 1211 Manitou Road, Parma on Sunday, November 24. more

Note cards offered as fundraiser for Max's Mardi Gras
Brockport area residents can combine Mardi Gras, Christmas, and philanthropy this year by using Max's Mardi Gras notecards s stocking stuffers or hostess gifts. Packs of ten cards sell for $5, of which $2.50 is tax deductible. more

The Amadeus Chorale plans two December concerts
The Amadeus Chorale, Inc. will be holding two December concerts. The first is Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. at Gates Presbyterian Church, 1049 Wegman Road (at Buffalo Road), Gates. This is the "Peace Concert" and will feature the Treble and Concert choirs, which are under the direction of Darla Bair. Sally Ann Hart is a special guest flutist. more

Veterans Outreach Center requests donations
The Veterans Outreach Center, a nonprofit charitable organization that has been serving veterans families for nearly 30 years, is in need of donations for residents of Richards House, its transitional housing facility for homeless veterans. more