Community effort feeds holiday spirit

Last Christmas, Jimmy Z's restaurant was not yet open, but now it will host a community-wide effort to feed seniors and the financially disadvantaged a full Christmas dinner.

The idea was the brainchild of Jimmy Zisovski and his father, Steve, "Pap Z," owners of the Main Street eatery, as a way to give back to the community that has supported their new establishment well beyond their expectations. According to Jimmy, "The Village of Brockport is a terrific community that has embraced us and made our restaurant a success, so we just want to say thanks by giving something back to those most in need."

Steve approached Scott Winner, Economic Development/Marketing Coordinator for the Village of Brockport, for help in identifying those who may be in need this holiday season. "A couple of phone calls later and the folks from the Sweden Senior Center, Brockport Food Shelf and Brockport Toy Shelf were on board, connecting us with those in need and volunteers to help serve. And Ryan's Big M offered to donate fresh baked pies for dessert," said Winner.

In store for the list of invited guests is a dinner that includes roast turkey with all the trimmings and handmade apple and pumpkin pies. It is expected that between 100 and 200 people will be served by Jimmy, Steve, their staff and volunteers from the community this Christmas Eve day.

It's wonderful that Jimmy, Papa Z., and all these groups are working together to make this happen," said Brockport Mayor Josephine Matela, who'll be on hand to help serve. "We are blessed to have such generous people in our community. This is another example of what makes Brockport such a special place to live."