KELLY NOLAN
Creative Director
KARA IVISON
Assistant Creative Director
SARAH CHRIST Designer
VICKI CASPERSSON Ad Designer
JOANNE MICHIELSEN Editorial Curator
KAITLIN DONNAN Proofreader SALES
LORI ANTONELLI
ELLEN STEVENS
TRISH WALTER Marketing Consultants MANAGEMENT
STEVE HARRISON President
MANUEL KARAM General Manager
JEFF WASSON Production Supervisor
MIKE PRATT Prepress Supervisor
SERVING BERGEN, CHILI, CHURCHVILLE, GATES, GREECE, HILTON, NORTH CHILI, OGDEN, SPENCERPORT AND SURROUNDING AREAS
Do you have a feel-good story or article idea? Know someone or a group doing something great in the area? Tell us, we’d love to share it! If it’s good, we’ll post it on our blog. If it’s great, we’ll feature it in our next issue. Be sure to include color, high-resolution photos.
We would love to share more local moments in our magazine! Submit your photos! You could even be featured on the cover. Include a short caption with where it was taken, what it shows, and your name.
Have a favorite recipe or DIY project others would enjoy? Share your instructions, ingredients or materials, and tips so our readers can try it themselves. Don’t forget a beautiful photo.
Love living here? Share the people, businesses, and hidden gems that make our community shine. Your favorite parks, shops, or special spots could be featured in our next issue – be sure to include photos and your social media handle, if you have one. SEND STORY IDEAS TO: joannem@featuredmedia.com UPLOAD PHOTOS TO: sarahc@featuredmedia.com
Please note: We love seeing all your submissions, but we can’t share everything. We’ll do our best to feature a variety of stories, photos, and projects in each issue. If submitted and selected for publication, all photos will require permission from the photographer and any individuals featured.
photos provided by the Buffalo Bills
The last Bills game at Highmark Stadium also featured an unforgettable moment of joy and recognition for Adolph Dupree, a 70-year-old lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, cancer survivor, and longtime Special Olympics New York athlete and coach who has been supported by Lifetime Assistance for many years. Dupree was surprised with Super Bowl tickets on the field.
Dupree and his Special Olympics coach, Pat Dadey—Lifetime Assistance’s Coordinator of Recreational Services—were escorted to the field, where Billy Buffalo presented Dupree with two Super Bowl tickets in front of thousands of cheering fans. The surprise was made possible through the NFL’s Super Bowl ticket program, which allows teams to recognize community partners and deserving individuals.
In addition to the tickets, the Buffalo Bills will provide flights and hotel accommodations for Dupree and Dadey, along with a gift card to support meals and transportation during the trip.
“He is the kindest person that I think I’ve ever met,” said Dadey, who has worked closely with Dupree through Lifetime Assistance’s recreational and Special Olympics programming. “Just happy-go-lucky—never seen him in a bad mood. He loves the Bills, loves his family, and loves Special Olympics.”
Dupree has been involved with Special Olympics New York for more than 40 years, participating as both an athlete and coach. Through Lifetime Assistance, he has remained actively engaged in athletics, community events, and advocacy,
embodying the agency’s mission to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, connected lives.
Known for his positivity and unwavering love for the Bills, Dupree is also a devoted fan of quarterback Josh Allen and has been a familiar face at Bills training camp alongside Special Olympics New York.
“Our Community Impact team wanted to create a truly meaningful experience,” said Michelle Roberts, Vice President of Community Impact and Executive Director for the Buffalo Bills Foundation.
“When Adolph’s name came up, it was an immediate yes. He’s the sweetest person we’ve ever met, a dedicated Special Olympics athlete, and a lifelong Bills fan. We knew that if we could make this happen, it would be incredibly special—and it was.”
“We are incredibly proud of Adolph and grateful for the strong partnerships that made this possible,” said Bryan O’Donovan, President and CEO of Lifetime Assistance. “This moment reflects the power of inclusion, community, and opportunity, and we are thrilled to see Adolph recognized in such a meaningful way.”
The Greece Department of Parks and Recreation has a full lineup of winter programs for the whole family. From a comedy show to a Daddy Daughter Dance to a family fun night, and bingo, there is something for everyone. Below are just a few of the programs we offer, visit our website to view more! Registration is required for all participants attending. Unless otherwise noted, all programs will take place at The Center, 3 Vince Tofany Boulevard, Rochester
LOVE & LAUGHTER COMEDY SHOW
FRIDAY, FEB. 6TH 6:00-7:30PM
Comedian Dan Viola performs his clean comedy show. Also enjoy snacks and good company. This program is for adults ages 18+.
The fee is $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
FRIDAY, FEB. 13TH 6:00-7:30PM
This event will include music and dancing, dad-and-daughter bracelet making, crafts, pizza, and beverages. The fee is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents.
BEAT THE WINTER BLUES FAMILY NIGHT
TUESDAY, FEB. 17TH 6:00-7:30PM
Want to do something as a family without breaking the bank? Beat those winter blues and have a fun-filled night with a pizza dinner, gym games, crafts, board games, and an opportunity for all ages to find something they love. The fee is $3 for residents and $6 for non-residents.
A DATE NIGHT WITH MOMMY
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 18TH
6:00-7:30PM
Children ages five and up are invited to participate in fun activities, including Gaga Ball, Nerf Wars, Gaming Trailer, and Fort & LEGO Building. There will be pizza and refreshments for dinner. The fee is $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents.
WILDLIFE ROCKSTARS ANIMAL PROGRAM
THURSDAY, FEB. 19TH 5:00-6:00PM
See and learn about a variety of wildlife during this engaging animal program for all ages. The fee is $3 for residents and $5 for non-residents.
WINTER NIGHTS BINGO BASH
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25TH 6:00-7:30PM
There will be several bingo games, fun trivia, and, of course, prizes! The theme is Nacho Night. Pick out your favorite toppings and create your masterpiece to eat. The fee is $3 for residents and $6 for non-residents.
To register for any of these programs or to see what else is offered, visit:
Classic Rice Krispie treats dressed up with pink drizzle and festive Valentine sprinkles –perfect for sharing the love!
4 tablespoons butter
10 ounces mini marshmallows (about 5½ cups), divided
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Valentine-themed sprinkles
Optional: 8–12 ounces white chocolate
1–2 drops red food coloring
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. You don’t want it sizzling – just warm enough to fully melt.
Add the mini marshmallows, saving about 1 cup for later. Stir constantly until they melt into a smooth mixture. Keep the heat low, high heat makes treats firm instead of soft and chewy.
Take the pan off the heat.
Mix in the Rice Krispies cereal and the reserved cup of marshmallows. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a well-greased 9×12 pan. Lightly dampen your fingers with water so it doesn’t stick, then gently press the mixture into the pan. Don’t pack it down too hard, light pressure keeps them soft.
Let the pan sit until completely cool and set.
Top with Valentine sprinkles!
Optional Fun: Cut the treats using a heart-shaped cookie cutter (any size works).
Melt white chocolate in the microwave at 50% power, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring each time until smooth. If you want pink drizzle, stir in 1–2 drops of red food coloring.
Drizzle the chocolate over the hearts using a spoon, or dip the hearts into the chocolate for fuller coverage (you may need extra chocolate if dipping).
Make sure chocolate is hard before serving.
The Greece Historical Society’s Tuesday evening program on February 10 at 7 p.m. will feature Chandra McKenzie and Anne Coon sharing stories about a unique set of women, each with a Rochester connection, who made a commitment to others and produced a lasting legacy of influence and leadership in the community. The presentation will be held at the Greece Public Library, 2 Vince Tofany Boulevard.
The diverse women featured in “She, Unsung II” cross several generations. They possessed the ability to foresee
Chandra McKenzie & Anne Coon
opportunities. They made a commitment to others and produced a lasting legacy of influence and leadership in the community. Many achieved notoriety far beyond Rochester, and some profoundly altered how women were perceived, physically and professionally. Too many of these notable women and their contributions have become virtually “unsung.” This program features different women from those presented in February 2025.
Chandra McKenzie and Anne Coon are both poets and published writers who
retired from academic careers at RIT. Previously, they worked together on volunteer projects with various arts and cultural organizations in the Rochester community. They have been working on this collaboration since early 2020. This engaging presentation will appeal to the intellectually curious and to fans of Rochester history, women’s stories, and popular culture.
The Greece Historical Society offers this program in cooperation with the Greece Public Library.
Reservations are required and can be made at greecepl.librarycalendar.com or by calling 585-225-8951.
The hills are alive at the Greece Central Performing Arts Center. The upcoming production of The Sound of Music celebrating the 60th anniversary of the classic film—features a heartwarming "full-circle" story. Several lead cast members who began their journey in this very show as young children are now returning to the spotlight as high school stars.
Madyson Hewitt, Jamie Fetzner, and Bailey Catena as members of the children’s choir. Now, as high schoolers, they have leading roles.
The tradition continues with a new group of elementary and middle school students starring as the younger Von Trapp children and members of the children’s choir. The high school veterans serve as dedicated mentors and hosts, fostering a "theater family" for these young actors. This cycle of mentorship ensures that the passion for the arts remains vibrant in the Greece Athena community for years to come.
Join us for a truly unforgettable production of The Sound of Music, where the past and present intertwine, and the future of theatre shines brightly. Come witness the magic as generations of talent come together to tell a story that continues to resonate with hearts worldwide.
A sophomore who debuted as Gretl at just four years old, sparked by a love for the stage lights.
“I think this is such an incredible opportunity for our youngest cast members to really find a theater family just like I did.”
For these performers, this production is a homecoming: Bailey Catena (Maria): Now a senior, Bailey first joined the cast at age seven. "I remember watching the older kids and knowing I wanted to be just like them. I am looking forward to building connections with the younger children in the show. When I see the new little ones, I am filled with so much excitement for them. They bring life to this show, and their energy inspires me to be the best I can be."
Jamie Fetzner (Sister Margaretta) and Madyson Hewitt (Ursula): Both performed in the show as young as six and seven years old and said, “Seeing these kids practice makes us so happy because they are having so much fun. We can't wait to watch them have the time of their lives on stage.”
•
Greece Athena Middle School was voted the 2025 Rochester Community’s Choice Award winner for Best Public School. “We’re so grateful to our amazing students, staff, and community for making Athena Middle an exceptional place!” the school posted on social media. Greece’s Autumn Lane Elementary School was also a finalist in the same category. Photo from @GreeceAthenaMS on X.
• I hear but have difficulty understanding the words, speech sounds garbled or muffled
• I have difficulty hearing clearly in a noisy situation
• Higher pitch voices are more difficult to hear clearly
• I stopped asking people to repeat because I am embarrassed to have to ask again, or they will be mad at me
Monroe County Conservation Tree & Shrub Program Now Open to Landowners for 50th Year
For 50 years, the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has hosted its successful tree and shrub program for landowners, proving that conservation doesn’t have to be complicated. Planting native trees and shrubs at home can be a simple but highly beneficial way to support local conservation efforts, including providing wildlife food and shelter, erosion control, stormwater management, natural windbreaks, climate resilience, and more. More than 27,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs were distributed, fulfilling more than 640 orders from residents last year alone and supporting local conservation efforts.
The 2026 species list features almost 40 different species, including hardwoods, bare-root conifers, transplants, shrubs, flowering plants, and variety packs. In addition to trees and shrubs, the program offers other products ideal for conservation projects and promoting ecological stewardship, including bat and bluebird houses, seed mixes, tree protection items, and more. Through this program, the District supports conservation efforts to enhance and protect natural resources throughout Monroe County, while helping residents do the same in their communities today for future generations.
Seven new items are available this year. As great conservation species, these trees and shrubs provide numerous benefits, from wildlife shelter and food to enhanced property aesthetics. New this year are Concolor Fir, Northern Pecan, American Plum, Winterberry, False Indigo, Coralberry, and Black Chokeberry. Popular best-sellers like Streamco Willow, Red Maple, and the Edible Fruit-Pack all returned this year. The species in this program are the best choices for supporting conservation efforts, so check out all the benefits of these and our other selections.
Due to limited supply, pre-order by March 6, 2026, by mail, email, or online ordering. Pre-ordered plants can be picked up at the Monroe County ecopark on April 23 or 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a first-come, first-served overstock sale on April 25, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. Please note that the tree species typically come as young, small-rooted plants – full-grown trees are not available through this program. Once planted, the small seedlings should take root and grow leaves in the spring.
Those with questions or who’d like a form sent to them may contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District at 585-753-7380, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
BY ERIKA ZOBEL, 1ST VP, AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY, GREECE POST 468
January marks the start of a new year and new possibilities. “Out with the old and in with the new.”
January is a month of letting go, change, and new hope.
If you are ready and willing to make some of these changes and meet new people, I encourage you to get involved in your community. Check out the clubs and organizations in the area and see where you can make a difference.
Those who qualify are welcome to join the American Legion Greece Post 468. There was a whirlwind of activity within the organization during December, as the holidays brought out the spirit of giving.
We started the month with Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast included scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast sticks with syrup, and orange juice. Guests enjoyed visiting Santa and Mrs. Claus, taking photos, and receiving a small gift. Attendees were asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Greece Ecumenical Food Shelf and Clothing Closet, located at 500 Maiden Lane. For information about hours and donations, visit www.greececlothingcloset.org or www. facebook.com/greecefoodshelf/.
Greece Post 468 also participated in Wreaths Across America, whose mission is to remember our fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation about freedom. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held at over 5,200 locations across all 50 states in December. Greece Post 468 participates by purchasing wreaths and attending the ceremony at the Western New York National Cemetery located near Corfu, New York. Currently, this location serves more than 98,000 veterans, spouses, and eligible children.
Over the years, Greece Post 468 has also served as a drop-off location for Marine Toys for Tots. The mission of this organization, founded in 1991 on behalf of the Marine Corps, is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute them to children who may be economically disadvantaged. Each year, the Greece Post has overflowing boxes of donated toys.
You want to make a change? Then take action, do something different, break old habits, and make a difference. It’s not too late.
The American Legion Greece Post is accepting new members year-round (membership based on meeting requirements) and is located at 344 Dorsey Road, Rochester, NY 14616.
For more information, visit: greeceny468legionpost.com or the Facebook pages for:
The American Legion Auxiliary – Greece Post 468 American Legion Riders – Greece, NY Post 468
It may be cold outside right now, but it’s never too early to start planning for the gardening season. The Gates Garden Club welcomes the public to its monthly meetings to learn more about the club and various gardening-related topics. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30pm in the Gates Town Hall Annex.
If you have questions about growing your own vegetables or flowers, the February session is a great opportunity to learn more about the club and get answers.
Upcoming Topics:
All About Seeds Thursday, February 12, 2026
Introduction to Plant Propagation Thursday, March 12, 2026
Climate Change and Your Garden Thursday, April 9, 2026
Garden Worthy Native Plants Thursday, May 14, 2026
For additional
email gatesgardenclub@gmail.com or follow Gates Garden Club on Facebook.
Jeffery L. McCann was officially sworn in as the Supervisor of the Town of Greece during the Town’s Organizational Meeting on January 2, 2026.
Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and partners at every level of government, Supervisor McCann reflected on the people and experiences that shaped his path, honored the leaders who came before him, and outlined a clear vision for Greece's future.
McCann said, "At our level of government, there shouldn't be a Democrat or Republican way to get the job done–only a commitment to doing what's right for our community."
McCann says he is ready to get to work for the people of Greece with a focus on transparency, ethical leadership, and responsive government.
Town Councilmembers, David DiPonzio, Spencer Bernard, Amorette Miller, and Rick Antelli Jr. also took their oaths of office at the meeting.
“Together, we’ll make a difference in the lives of individuals and families striving to build brighter futures.”
Buffalo Bills Safety Jordan Poyer to Keynote Villa of Hope’s Signature Event
Buffalo Bills Safety Jordan Poyer will keynote the April 2026 Portraits of Hope celebration, a signature event benefitting Villa of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides education, treatment, and services for people struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Poyer will join attendees at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center on Friday, April 10, for a candid conversation about recovering from addiction and other behavioral health challenges to achieve physical and emotional well-being.
Now in his second stint with the Bills, Poyer is a former team captain and long-time fan favorite who has helped lead the team to six playoff appearances since 2017. “We’re thrilled that Jordan Poyer will keynote our annual Portraits of Hope celebration,” said Villa of Hope President and CEO Carrie Carl. “Jordan will speak from personal experience about recovery from alcoholism, the importance of asking for help, and the power of hope.” The annual Portraits of Hope event raises funds for Villa of Hope’s programs, which serve thousands of youth, adolescents, and adults in the Greater Rochester area annually.
Since achieving sobriety in 2020, Poyer has spoken openly about his path to recovery, which he says has transformed his life. “People see athletes as these idols that can't be touched, or don't have any issues… their life is perfect,” said Poyer in a 2021 documentary produced by The Players' Tribune. “But we’ve got issues. And I want people to understand that it's okay to ask for help about your issues. If I never asked for help, I'd still be drinking.”
New Portraits of Hope format, same great experience
The format of Villa of Hope’s signature event will be different from previous years. “Villa of Hope has reimagined Portraits of Hope,” explained Carl. “It’s no longer a gala, but an evening dinner celebration that brings our mission to life through heartfelt stories, community connection, and powerful conversation.”
To help achieve this, Poyer’s keynote will be an engaging, coffee-talk–style conversation with a moderator. Poyer will also participate in a “meet and greet” session, including a photo opportunity for VIP guests.
“Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, inspiring stories from Jordan Poyer and the Villa community, and an evening filled with purpose and celebration — all in support of the youth and families who find hope and healing through Villa of Hope’s programs,” concluded Carl.
For the most up-to-date information about the 2026 Portraits of Hope celebration and to purchase tickets, visit www.PortraitsofHopeGala.org.
The Chamber is looking ahead to several meaningful initiatives in the new year.
The Greece Regional Chamber is accepting nominations for its 2026 Youth Hall of Fame Awards, which recognize outstanding high school juniors and seniors for leadership, service, perseverance, and positive contributions to their schools and community.
The Chamber is preparing for its 37th Annual Community Awards Gala on March 19, 2026, at Chef’s Party House in Spencerport. Sponsorship opportunities remain available, and tickets are currently on sale.
The Chamber continues to elevate local leadership through its monthly Business Voice with Renewed Mind podcast, featuring conversations with business owners and community leaders.
The Chamber regularly holds First Friday and AfterHours networking events that bring together business owners, professionals, and community partners. Register online to attend.
The Greece Regional Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most active business organizations in the Greater Rochester region, supporting businesses of all sizes through advocacy, networking, education, and community engagement.
Two ribbon-cutting ceremonies in December marked major steps forward for the Town of Greece, highlighting a shared goal: creating spaces that bring people together while supporting the teams who care for them.
On December 17, town leaders and residents gathered along the Erie Canal to celebrate the grand opening of the Pavilion at North Hampton, located at 50 South Pointe Landing. Designed as an open-air gathering space, the pavilion offers a scenic setting for celebrations, community events, and family get-togethers. The space includes 14 picnic tables that can seat up to 96 guests, along with a grill and on-site restrooms. Reservations for the pavilion are expected to open in early 2026.
What truly sets this site apart is its direct connection to the canal. A newly built pedestrian bridge links the pavilion to a paved, well-lit path, making it easy and safe for walkers, families, and cyclists to enjoy the area. In the future, this connection will be expanded into a full boardwalk, further
enhancing access to one of Greece’s most beautiful natural features.
“Throughout my administration, we’ve made it a priority to invest in our parks and public spaces,” said Supervisor Bill Reilich. “These projects are about improving quality of life and creating places where people want to gather, relax, and enjoy everything Greece has to offer. This pavilion is another important step in that ongoing commitment.”
He also noted that the Pavilion at North Hampton is just the beginning of future development along the canal, setting the tone for thoughtful, community-focused growth.
Just days later, on December 23, another ribbon-cutting took place—this time at the Greece Town Campus—for the new Parks Maintenance Building. While not a public gathering space, this facility plays a crucial behind-thescenes role in keeping the town’s parks beautiful, safe, and ready for residents to enjoy.
The 8,200-square-foot building provides secure indoor storage for mowers, utility vehicles, tools, safety equipment, and weather-sensitive supplies. It also includes a vehicle and equipment wash station, workshop space for repairs and construction, and a break room for staff—features designed to improve efficiency, safety, and daily operations. Outside, more than 20,000 square feet of yard storage holds fleet vehicles and materials like playground surfacing and stone.
“The Greece Parks Division is responsible for maintaining more than 500 acres of parkland, 45 miles of trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and open spaces that families use year-round,” said Reilich. “To keep all of that safe, functional, and welcoming, takes dedicated staff and the right infrastructure behind them. This new Parks Operations Center is about giving our Parks team the tools and space they need to do their jobs efficiently and safely.”
"These projects are about improving quality of life and creating places where people want to gather, relax, and enjoy everything Greece has to offer."
- SUPERVISOR BILL REILICH
Together, these two projects—one focused on gathering and connection, the other on support and maintenance— show how Greece is investing in both the experience of its residents and the people who make that experience possible. From scenic canal-side celebrations to wellkept parks across town, the goal is the same: building a community that works, lasts, and feels like home.
By Assemblyman Josh Jensen, 134th District
There are moments in public life when you can feel a state shifting beneath your feet. Not in a dramatic way, not with fireworks or headlines—but in the quieter, steady way that people talk about their lives. You hear it at diners, in union halls, at hockey rinks, or on the ball field, along Main Street, “We love this place…we just want it to work again.”
And that’s really it. People aren’t asking for miracles. They’re asking for a government that matches their effort. They’re asking for politics that feel grown up again. They’re asking for a future that doesn’t feel like it’s slipping further away.
I’m a Republican, yes—but before that, I’m a New Yorker. A Greece kid. A dad. Someone who believes public service is exactly that: service.
Let’s be honest: people are exhausted with a government that feels slow, clunky, and unresponsive. They’re tired of the sense that you need a degree in bureaucracy just to renew a license or open a small business.
This is where we can do better—much better.
Streamline our state agencies so your government responds in days, not months.
Modernize systems with secure digital tools, including blockchain-backed record-keeping, to reduce fraud and save taxpayers’ money.
Create clear performance standards for agencies and hold leadership accountable for meeting them.
Strengthen ethics oversight so New Yorkers can trust that decisions are being made for the right reasons. These aren’t partisan ideas. They’re sensible ones.
Too often, Albany debates look like arguments between interest groups rather than conversations about actual people. Let’s reset that.
Our priorities should be clear:
Property tax relief that genuinely impacts homeowners.
A workforce pipeline that trains people for the jobs that are actually growing in Upstate New York, modern manufacturing, health care, and advanced logistics.
Affordable childcare partnerships so parents can re-enter the workforce without going broke.
Infrastructure investments that strengthen our region for the next 50 years—not just the next election cycle.
This is how we rebuild an economy grounded in real opportunity.
Safety is the foundation of everything else. But the debate has become far too binary for a problem this complex.
We need a balanced approach, one that:
Keeps violent offenders off our streets;
Supports recruitment and training for a new generation of police officers;
Adds more mental health services so police aren’t asked to do every job under the sun; and
Invests in community-based prevention programs that have the data to prove they work.
That’s not a left-wing agenda or a right-wing agenda. It’s a grownup agenda.
The truth is this: New York doesn’t need more outrage. It needs more optimism.
What I’ve learned, knocking on doors, talking to families, and listening to local businesses, is that people still believe in this place. They believe in New York’s grit and Monroe County and Rochester’s ingenuity. They believe in community. They believe in what we can build together.
What they don’t believe in is politics as performance.
So let me say this plainly: We have to change. Not because the polls say so, not because consultants dream it up, but because New Yorkers deserve politics worthy of them.
We have to be more open, more thoughtful, more modern, and more honest about the challenges ahead. We have to govern with the next generation in mind, not the next news cycle.
New York’s best days don’t have to be behind us. The talent is here. The drive is here. The communities that built this state are still here, working hard every day.
All we need is leadership—calm, confident, hopeful leadership— that says:
Yes, things are tough. But yes, we can fix them.
Not by shouting louder, but by working smarter.
Not by dividing people, but by bringing them back together.
Not with nostalgia or grievance, but with genuine belief in what New York can be.
If we choose that path—if we choose renewal over resentment— then the future of our state will be brighter than any cynic would dare admit.
And as your assemblyman, that’s the future I’ll keep fighting for.
