Spencer Bernard, 2nd Ward Councilman

08/07/2026

Today I was contacted by a resident about two downed trees blocking the path along the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail. I could have called the State and waited who knows how long, or I'm sure our awesome DPW would have taken care of it ASAP, but I figured I could handle this one myself.

Remember, I work for you. If I can ever be of assistance with Town-related matters, please don't hesitate to reach out.

08/03/2026

Had a special visitor at work today! Bill Sauers, President of the Greece Historical Society, stopped by and kindly dropped off two books on the history of Mother of Sorrows Church.

I'm sure many of you are familiar with the beautiful, iconic steeple of the old Mother of Sorrows Church at the corner of Latta and Mt. Read.

Now imagine if that landmark had been demolished to make way for a gas station or convenience store.

We've already seen too many historic buildings and landmarks demolished over the years. Once they're gone, they're gone forever.

This is exactly why reinstating the Town Historic Preservation Board was so important to me - to help preserve the places that tell our community's story and protect the historic landmarks that make Greece unique for future generations.

08/02/2026

Perfect night for ice cream!

07/30/2026

My second newsletter should be hitting mailboxes any day now!

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together during my first term on Town Board. There’s still plenty of work to do and I’d be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you.

The New York State Legislature changed the election law by moving local elections to even-numbered years, which shortened my term from two years to one. That means I’m back on the ballot this year.

I hope you think I’m doing a good job and will give me the opportunity to earn another term. I love the Town of Greece and care about the people and businesses who call it home. I’m committed to making sure our town government listens to residents, provides excellent services, keeps our community safe, invests tax dollars wisely in our roads, sidewalks, parks and sewers, protects our environment and natural resources, encourages smart development that preserves open space, supports our Town employees and remains transparent and accountable.

07/27/2026

I’ve been hearing from a growing number of residents about concerns with trash collection service. The message has been consistent: when you pay for a service, you deserve to receive it.

Over the years, as the waste collection industry has consolidated, prices rise while service has declined. That’s not acceptable, and it’s something we need to address.

Last week, I met with the Town Supervisor to discuss every option available to improve trash collection in Greece. In my full-time job, I’ve worked extensively on this problem and I’ll be bringing that experience to the table as I work with Town staff to identify practical, cost-effective solutions.

UPDATE: A Waste Management spokesman says the company is hosting job fairs, offering sign-on bonuses for new drivers and bringing in drivers from nearby WM sites to help alleviate some of these issues. Full story in the comments below.

TRASH TROUBLES: I’ve been hearing from a number of Waste Mangement customers across multiple towns on the west side who are having issues with their trash pickup. Skipped pick-up days, pushed to different weeks, lack of customer service when you call with questions, scheduled bulk pickups cancelled at the last minute and rescheduled for months later. I’m working to get answers from the company and will have the full story tonight at 4/5 on WHEC TV

07/26/2026

Native plants: Easy to grow and great for pollinators!

The bumblebees are fueling up on my Black-eyed Susans this morning!

Why choose native plants? They’re adapted to our local climate and are generally more resistant to local insects, diseases and other pests. That means they usually need less water, less maintenance and fewer fertilizers or pesticides.

They’re also great for wildlife. Native plants provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators that help keep our ecosystems healthy.

You can create a native pollinator garden or add native plants to your landscape with ease. You’ll enjoy watching nature at work while helping support local bees, butterflies, moths, birds and other wildlife.

07/24/2026

ATTENTION 2nd WARD RESIDENTS NEAR ENGLISH RD. & VINTAGE LN.

The NYS DEC has identified the first confirmed case of oak wilt, a serious fungal disease that’s often fatal to oak trees, in the Town of Greece.

We’re working closely with DEC to remove the infected tree and prevent further spread, and we’ll be monitoring oaks in the area of English Road and Vintage Lane, from 390 to Long Pond.

Here are signs to watch for:
• Sudden leaf wilting/drop between now and the end of August
• Browning leaves beginning at the edges
• Branch dieback from the top down

If you spot these signs on your own oak tree, snap a photo and report it to the DEC: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-health/oak-wilt.

Remember: avoid pruning oaks March-September, when the beetles that spread this disease are most active.

07/22/2026

Congratulations to this month's honorees!

07/18/2026

Restoring the Historic Preservation Board was one of my top priorities because once a piece of our history is torn down or lost, it’s gone forever.

Greece will once again have a Historic Preservation Board after the Town Board unanimously approved the measure July 16. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Gina DiBella, chair of the Greece Historic Preservation Committee

07/17/2026

FROM BEHIND THE DAIS

What a treat it was to have the All In Brass Band play after receiving a Town Board Proclamation for all they do for our local charities!

To learn more about them, click here: https://allinmusic.org/about-us

Another reminder that the best part of our town is the people.