Atheist gives 'historic' invocation in Greece
7 p.m. EDT July 15, 2014
Meaghan McDermott , Staff writer
Before a room full of cameras and reporters Tuesday, Dan Courtney of Hamlin became the first atheist to deliver a secular opening invocation before the Greece Town Board.
The national spotlight -- reporters representing Reuters and The Associated Press were among those present -- was prompted by a a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May that allowed prayer before public meetings.
As soon as the atheist invocation was over, people began leaving the meeting and interrupting efforts by the Town Board to have a moment of silence for Deputy Supervisor Jerry Helfer, who died Sunday at age 48.
The invocation sideshow drew one protester who said he felt compelled to come, but not enough to identify himself.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2014/07/14/town-greece-dan-courtney-prayer-athiest/12650143/
BTW, this is the Board's agenda tonight.
http://greeceny.gov/files/clerk/Draft%20Agendas/2014/2014-7-15%20Agenda.PDF
Panera is seeking a Special Use Permit.