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Webster grad headlines OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys

16 Apr

The smash Broadway hit Jersey Boys is coming to Rochester this May, produced by OFC Creations as part of their Broadway in Brighton Series. 

The show tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and it’s packed with huge hits including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Sherry” and many more. It’s a fantastically entertaining show, but you’ll want to be in the audience for another reason as well: you just might recognize one of Webster’s own, Webster Schroeder 2011 grad Adam Marino, who’ll be playing the lead role of Frankie Valli.  

OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys is kind of a homecoming for Adam. If you’re a regular attendee of Schroeder musicals and dramas, you might remember him from the shows he did his senior year, when he played in The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee and The All Night Strut. 

Even though Adam dipped his toe in theater while in high school, it took him a long time to really discover performing as a passion. In college he originally started studying psychology, but eventually found his way to musical theater, “on a whim.” He graduated in 2016 and hasn’t stopped performing since, doing various theatrical productions, theme parks, cruise ships, commercials, short films and concert shows.  

But one of the coolest things he got to do, he said, was to tour the country with The Diamonds for four years.  

The Diamonds have been around since 1954 and they have three gold records (Silhouettes, The Stroll, Little Darlin’). Little Darlin’ actually hit #2 in 1957 (right behind Elvis’ All Shook Up). Being able to be a part of a group with such a rich history was incredible. On top of performing in the group, I got to share the playbill, as a member of The Diamonds, with groups such as The Four Aces, The Crystals, The Lettermen, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. 

But lately, Adam has been touring the country as Frankie Valli, a role he dreamed about for a very long time.

It all began one evening in early 2012 when the show came to Rochester. His friend Paul Urriola told him about the show and convinced him to go. 

I knew, quite literally, nothing about the show,” Adam remembered. “I sat down, and remember being like “oh my goodness, this show is about this short Italian guy who sings high.” I was immediately obsessed. I went out into my car after and tried to see if I could sing like that, and I couldn’t. I then went “I’m going to teach myself how to do that.“

If you ask anybody who talked to me for the next 10 years, it was at the forefront of my mind: “I’m going to play Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.”

Adam finally achieved that dream in July, 2022, when he took the stage as Frankie in Jersey Boys for the first time at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA. Since that inaugural performance, Adam has performed the role more than 230 times in 11 productions in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, California, Virginia, Vermont and Ohio.  

He wrote, 

What I love about the show is it’s gloves off, nothing held back approach to the true rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The book is incredible, and the music is timeless. Plus, as a short Italian guy with a falsetto, it’s easy to see myself in the role. One of the coolest moments of doing the show is singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” You watch all of these people hold the hands of their significant other and look into each other’s eyes. It was all of these people’s first dance songs at their wedding, the song they associate with their person, and there is something so beautiful about that. 

Being able to be Frankie in the first Rochester produced production is nothing short of an honor, and one of the coolest things to ever happen in my life. It really is something that I don’t have the proper words for, but it’s euphoric. I actually have met, and worked with, a couple of people who I saw in that production in 2012 in my professional career. Bringing this all back to Rochester is tremendous. I couldn’t be more excited. 

It’s one of those remarkable full circle moments that I feel only exists in the movies.

I speak from experience when I say how good this show is. Remember when Adam said the first time he played Frankie Valli was at the Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania? Well, my daughter (who’s friends with Adam) and I made the three-hour drive and saw the show. We didn’t have any idea it was Adam’s first go-round as Frankie, and we were blown away. It was like the role was made for him. We’re both really looking forward to seeing it again, and seeing Adam Marino in the lead. 

OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys will take place May 8 through 25 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center Main Stage, 3450 Winton Place. Click here for showtimes and ticket information.

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By the way, Adam isn’t the only face you’ll recognize onstage if you go see Jersey Boys at OFC Creations. Webster Schroeder graduate Paul Urriola ’12 joins Adam in the cast, playing loan shark Norm Waxman/Ensemble. You may remember when Paul played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof his senior year at Schroeder.

Paul is as excited as Adam to be doing this show.

He wrote, 

This production is so, so special to me. Adam and I saw the Jersey Boys national tour together a million years ago at the Auditorium Theatre. It was one of those experiences that started both of us down our current paths/careers. I’ve been so proud of him playing this role (and so many others!!) across the country and getting to now be in the show together after all these years just feels like a beautiful full circle moment. 

This is the first time Adam and Paul have worked together professionally. The only other time they performed together was in 2011 when they acted in The All Night Strut in the Willink Cafetorium. 

“Finally sharing a stage with Adam again,” Paul wrote, “doing Jersey Boys of all shows, under Eric Vaughn Johnson’s direction – in our home town, which helped shape us into the artists we are today –  is quite literally a dream job.”

So there’s two good reasons, Webster, to catch this show. Aside from the fact it’s just an awesome show with great music. (Or did I already say that….?)

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/16/2025)

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Sparx Robotics finished strong at recent competition

21 Mar

Last weekend, Webster’s very own Sparx Robotics team participated in a regional event at RIT, competing against 53 other teams who traveled from all over New York State, from Buffalo to the Bronx, but also Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. While they didn’t bring home any awards, they finished strong and made Webster proud.

The following report and photos from the weekend were submitted by Sparx parent mentor Tricia Isham:

The Sparx Robotics Team 1126, made up of talented students from Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas High Schools, recently took part in the exciting Finger Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics competition. Held from March 13 to 15, 2025, at Rochester Institute of Technology, this event challenged teams to dive into the ocean’s ecosystem with this year’s theme, “Reefscape.”

Months of Hard Work and Teamwork

Since fall, these dedicated teens have been meeting twice a week in the evenings, increasing to a minimum of three times a week after the new year, putting in an impressive average of 16 plus hours weekly (and often many more). Their dedication paid off with the design and creation of their robot, lovingly named Luisa in memory of a favorite loving and encouraging mentor.

The Reefscape Challenge

The competition, announced on January 4, 2025, gave Team 1126 just nine weeks to build and program their robot. Luisa was designed to perform specific tasks both autonomously and under human control, simulating the harvesting of algae and planting of coral in an oceanic environment.

Team Spirit and Future Competitions

Sparx met every match with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, embodying the spirit of FIRST Robotics. Their journey keeps going – the team is set to compete in the New York Tech Valley Regional in Albany from March 26 to 29, 2025. You’ll be able to watch that competition live here.

More Than Just Robotics

Sparx Robotics Team 1126 has shown remarkable teamwork and perseverance. Their performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young engineers.

FIRST Robotics isn’t just about building robots; it’s about fostering innovation, teamwork, and leadership skills. It’s an incredible way for students to learn STEM concepts while developing confidence and creativity.

Get Involved

Our current sponsors are: One Webster School District, Xerox, Bosch, Boulter, MKS, Wegman’s, Crossfield, Lavoro Group, Vital Signs, OptiPro and the Watson and Ficci Families.

Want to support these future innovators, too? Consider mentoring the team or making a donation. To contact the lead mentors for mentoring opportunities and to donate, visit the team’s website.

Learn more about FIRST Robotics and follow the exciting world of competitive robotics, and this year’s REEFSCAPE theme here.

The Sparx Robotics Team 1126 is a shining example of what our local youth can achieve with passion and teamwork. Their journey from design to competition is a testament to the power of STEM education and the importance of programs like FIRST Robotics in shaping our future.

Tricia also reported that while the team didn’t do as well as they had hoped, their final ranking was nothing to sneeze at.

“Team 1126 was ranked 24 out of 54 teams at the competition with a record of 5-3-1,” she wrote, “and goes into the Tech Valley competition at an overall rank of 906 out of over 1900 teams participating in total this competition year.” Not too shabby.

Here are a few more photos from the competition:

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/21/2025)

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Where to recycle your Christmas tree

28 Dec

As I was walking yesterday morning, I saw that one family on my street had already deposited their Christmas tree at the curb, where it was awaiting pickup.

It made me a little sad to see that, because it signals that the holiday season has pretty much come to an end. But then another thought lifted my heart. This really wasn’t an end to that tree’s usefulness; when the Village picks it up in a few weeks, the tree will be recycled, and it may very well come back to my street next spring, as mulch for my garden.

So here I am, encouraging everyone to make sure to recycle your live trees, and help make my garden — and others — happy and healthy this spring. Here’s how and where to do that:

Village of Webster: The Public Works Dept. will collect your Christmas tree as part of their normal brush pick-up runs, the week of Jan. 6. Live trees only will be accepted, with ornaments and lights removed. And the tree CANNOT be in a bag or plastic cover.

Put your tree at the curb no later than Sunday night Jan. 5, because the crews will be making only one pass through the village.

Town of Webster: The Town does not seem to have updated last year’s tree recycling information on its website yet, but chances are nothing will have changed. Last year (and probably this year as well), trees were being accepted at the Town Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway. Follow the signs for the drop-off location when you get there, and make sure you’ve removed all the lights and decorations.

Penfield: According to the Town of Penfield website,

The Department of Public Works is accepting non-artificial trees for recycling at the Penfield DPW facility located at 1607 Jackson Road. Trees can be dropped off at any time, being placed just to the right side of the facility gates. Look for the sign labeled “X-Mas Trees.” All trees will be ground up and made part of the mulch pile, which is available on the west side of the Town Hall complex. 

Irondequoit: I can’t find any updated information about Irondequoit, either, but every year they collect trees at Helmer Nature Center, 154 Pinegrove Ave., through the middle of January. Make sure to remove all ornaments, lights, twine, string, wire, or bags from your tree.

Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/26/2024)

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Geva’s A Christmas Carol cast includes two Webster students

10 Nov

If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.

Two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, a 7th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 5th grader at Plank Rd. South Elementary School, have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).

Reid Antal
Adriana Ruya Venable

You probably know the story, but here’s a summary from Geva’s press release:

Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart. The production is directed by Geva’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson.

Over the past four decades the company has presented three different adaptations and is thrilled to share this World Premiere from Harrison David Rivers, who wrote this adaptation in collaboration with Dramaturg Sally Lobel. This new production features period costumes by Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi, whose costumes Geva audiences will remember from Jane Eyre, a mixture of traditional carols, and a brand new set inspired by Victorian London by Scenic Designer Se Hyun Oh.

Geva’s A Christmas Carol will be presented from Nov. 23 through Dec. 29 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.

Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol, called “Home for the Holidays.” on December 26 at 7 p.m. Blue Star Families, who are active-duty servicemen and women, veterans, and their families.

Congratulations to Reid and Adriana. You make Webster proud.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 11/10/2024)

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Discovering the Spring Lake Trail

23 Sep

I don’t often write about people or places outside of Webster, but I discovered a new trail the other day in Perinton which I really wanted to share with everyone.

It’s called the “Spring Lake Trail,” and my friend Carol introduced it to me, as it’s near her house and she has hiked it often. Our hike took us from Spring Lake Park in Perinton, north and west along the Irondequoit Creek for two miles until we reached Panorama Plaza and turned back towards home.

To be more accurate, only the first half mile of the trail is called “Spring Lake Trail,” and it opened only last autumn. The Town of Perinton website explained that the trail was previously just a worn-down footpath, which people would bushwhack through to reach an already established trail along the Irondequoit Creek leading to Channing Philbrick Park in Penfield. The new trail has been cleared, is much wider and covered with easy-to-hike stone dust.

Carol and I had a beautiful, sunny and warm day for our hike, and as we walked, I was reminded of the incredible natural beauty we have in our towns. The trails feature many nice bridges, and peaceful spots to fish and go wading. I also enjoyed learning about all of the history surrounding the Irondequoit Creek; at one point in the 1800s there were 25 mills operating along a very short section of the creek.

But the most charming thing that we came upon was something called the “Forgiveness Box.” It was a simple plastic storage container on which someone had written, “Write what you want to forgive inside.” It was stuffed with hand-written notes deposited by hikers who had come before, notes filled with emotion and remorse, happiness and obvious relief in being able to put into words something that had been a burden, but could now be set aside.

The box was tucked under a stone bench etched with a quote from John Milton’s Paradise Lost. It read, “The mind is its own place and in itself can make heaven of hell and hell of heaven.”

That hike gave me a lot to think about, but it was a beautiful place to do that.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/23/2024)

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Help young people discover the joy of writing

13 Sep

 I just signed up, again, for a fun program offered through the Webster Recreation Center. Unlike most of the programs you’ll find there, it doesn’t involve a whole lot of (well any) physical exertion, but does help some very special young people exercise their minds.

It’s a Pen-Pal Program sponsored by Webster Parks and Recreation for people 55+. You can read about it it the flyer, but this is what it says:

Remember the old days when you used to write letters? Join the Webster 55+ folks and the Autumn Lane (Greece Elementary School) second graders as we become pen-pals.

Sign up and you will be assigned a second-grade student to write a letter to each month. Then in May, we will take a trip to Autumn Lane to meet your pen-pal in person!

You must be committed to this program for an entire year.

The Rec Center has been doing this program for a while, but I only joined it for the first time last year, and it was a LOT of fun. Just about once a month I got a letter from my pen pal Nataleigh, and we wrote back and forth telling about our pets and how I liked reading (and she doesn’t), and shared our love of rainbows (click here to read about the day I got to meet Nataleigh in person).

So when I heard about this year’s program, I immediately signed up and can’t wait to get my first letter.

A sampling of the letters and artwork I got from Nataleigh
Nataleigh and me

The program will run from October 2024 through May 2025. To register, visit the Webster Parks and Recreation website and search for activity #346905-A. Or call the Rec Center at (585) 872-7103 (which is a lot easier than navigating their website). There’s no cost, just your commitment to help some students fall in love with writing.

So please consider joining; you won’t regret it.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/13/2024)

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OFC Creations’ The Boy From Oz features a young Webster actor

9 Sep

Webster theater fans who plan to attend OFC Creations’ upcoming production of The Boy From Oz (Sept. 12 to 29) might very well recognize one of the young actors: Cameron Korzinski, an 11-year old who hails form the west side of Webster.

The Boy From Oz is a tribute to the life of Oscar-winning Australian entertainer Peter Allen, from his early years in the Outback to his rise to fame in the 1980s. He’s best known for hits including “I Honestly Love You,” “Best That You Can Do,” “Not The Boy Next Door,” “Everything Old Is New Again,” and “I Go to Rio.” He gained fame despite struggling through divorce, failure, and the AIDS epidemic.

The show stars Blake McIver Ewing as Peter Allen and Marcia Mitzman Gavin as Judy Garland. Ewing is well known for playing Waldo in The Little Rascals and Derek in ABC’s Full House; and Gaven starred in the original Broadway cast of The Who’s Tommy.

Young Webster resident Cam Korzinski has a big role in the production, playing the part of young Peter Allen. And he’s definitely no stranger to the stage; The Boy From Oz is Cam’s 21st OFC production since he joined the studio in 2021, and his fourth professional show, which have also included Oliver, The Jolly Holiday Brunch at the Old Farm Café, and most recently, Billy Elliot, where he played the part of Billy’s best friend Michael. So he’s basically grown up doing OFC shows, kids programs and camps.

Cameron Korzinski and Jack Hartman
Cam and Jack with Boy From Oz headliner Blake McIver Ewing

Backing up Cameron as understudy is another young man who’s no stranger to the OFC stage. Jack Hartman, also 11 years old, comes from Rochester. He and Cameron have been pretty much attached at the hip at OFC Creations for the last 11 years. They met in late 2021 when both were working on Aladdin, and have been best-theater-buds ever since. The Boy From Oz will be the seventh production they’ve appeared in together, including Billy Elliot.

This time around, Cam and Jack are working alongside some pretty famous (and Tony Award-winning) stars, which clearly is a reality of theater life which they long ago learned to take in stride. When I sat down to talk with them, they both presented themselves with poise and confidence. They’re both just entering 6th grade this year, but are already thinking about their futures in theater — while still enjoying their time with OFC.

“I would like to go to college for theater and acting,” Cam said. “But I’m just letting life take me.”

Jack is a bit more laser-focused.

“I’ve been thinking (about this) for a long time,” he said. “I always wanted to go to college for this definitely … do a bunch of shows, try out for Broadway young.” He’s even planning to get an agent within a few years.

So keep an eye on these young actors, everyone, because you may very well see their names in lights someday. But in the meantime, make sure to get your tickets for The Boy From Oz to see them in action.

The Boy From Oz will take the stage for 17 shows from Sept. 12 through 29 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester.

The show is the first of OFC’s 2024-2025 Broadway In Brighton Series. The series continues in October with West Side Story, and future productions include The Prince of Egypt, Gypsy, Anything Goes and Jersey Boys. (Heads-up: Jersey Boys will feature Schroeder grad Adam Marino in an unbelievable performance as Frankie Valli.)

Individual tickets are on sale now for all of the shows, and season packages are also available. Click here for more information.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/6/2024)

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Get your tickets now for Webster Community Night at the Red Wings

3 Jul

If you haven’t gotten your fill of Rochester Red Wings games this season, here’s a good opportunity to do so, at a great price.

On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; you can use the QR code on the flyer, or click here.

The Wings will be in the middle of a home stand with their cross-state rivals, the Syracuse Mets, and they’re doing really well this year, so this should be an exciting game to watch. And what a great way to spend an evening with the family.

Several businesses and community groups already have signed up as sponsors for the evening, and will have promotional tables set up with giveaways, including Webster Golf Club, Webster Public Library, Wellness 360 Physical Therapy, Kittelberger Florist & Gifts, Diamond Collision and fairlife. If your business is interested in joining them, email Gunnar Hausknecht at ghausknecht@redwingsbaseball.com or call (585) 454-1001 ext. 3024

Speaking of Sarah De Vallière, this very popular local musician will be performing a free concert at the Webster Arboretum on Thursday Aug. 22 as part of the Webster Recreation Center’s Music at the Arb series.

These concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arboretum’s gazebo, with plenty of room for music lovers to relax in chairs or on blankets, with a cooler at their side filled with drinks and snacks. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking.

BUT BEFORE THAT, the next Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 18, featuring Doctor’s Orders, an acoustic folk and pop duo playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to John Prine, and pretty much everything in between.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/3/2024)

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An entertaining and educational trip along the Erie Canal Heritage Trail

12 Jun

Several days ago — one of those sunny days when the temperature was perfect — my husband and I took a bike ride along the Erie Canal Trail.

This is something we like to do at least once a summer. Our routine is to park the car in Fairport, unload the bikes and ride to Pittsford along the trail, about 7 miles. Once there, we get lunch at my favorite hot dog and chicken sandwich stand, Harladay Hots, which is right on Main St. in the village. (When I also take the opportunity to stock up on Harladay Hots Spicy Meat Sauce, which I think is the best in the business.) After lunch, we head back to Fairport and sometimes reward ourselves with a pint at Triphammer Brewing.

Harladay Hots
Our lunchtime rewards

It’s an easy ride along on a smooth, well-maintained trail, filled with natural beauty, wildlife and lots of history. Every time we make the ride I see something new or learn something new.

This most recent trip is a good example. For the first time ever, we came across two deer calmly munching the bushes along the trail. We had to slow down for about two dozen adult and juvenile geese who decided they owned one particular chunk of the trail. We saw ducks and some unidentified bird with a white rump.

The remains of the Cartersville Bridge
A rendering of what the bridge looked like

I also stopped to check out what was clearly the remnants of a former bridge over the canal, and was pleased to see that someone had tucked a photo of the former bridge underneath for curious travelers like myself. With that clue in hand, as soon as we got home I did some research. Before too long I found a two-year old post on a Pittsford History Facebook page about the former hamlet of Cartersville, which was located near where East St. and Rt. 96 meet today. Through the 1800s and into the early 1900s, a bridge there connected East St. to the south with Marsh Rd. to the north. For several reasons, the bridge was removed in 1941 and scrapped for use in WWII.

Fascinating, no? Click here to read more about Cartersville and the bridge.

One other stop I had to make was to check in with the enigmatic Christmas tree chainsaw carving which stands in a small clearing about a quarter mile east of Great Embankment Park. It’s actually the second iteration of the tree I first discovered and wrote about in my D&C column in 2016. The original was created by Pittsford chainsaw artist Dave Jewett, who carved it out of a tree that was knocked down in the Labor Day storm of 1998. (Let me know if you want to read that article but can’t access it and I’ll post it.)

In the years since I wrote that column, Dave has carved a bigger and better tree, which now stands proudly in the clearing. At its base, someone has placed stones with inspirational sayings, with a sign encouraging visitors to pass them along.

The tree as it looked in 2016
The new tree as it looks today

The interesting little wooden pine tree is well worth the detour if you’re riding along the trail, and it’s just one of the cool things you’ll see.

The Erie Canal Trail is a terrific recreational resource just minutes away. I highly encourage everyone, especially families, to get out and explore it this summer and discover some surprises for yourself.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/12/2024)

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Final Point marker will honor Robert Prescott

5 Jun

Today’s blog is about an event that’s actually happening at Ellison Park in Penfield, but I highlight it because it might be of particular interest to anyone who’s at all involved in the surveying profession.

On Saturday June 15 at noon, the Genesee Valley Land Surveyors Association (GVLSA) are having a “final point” dedication ceremony in honor of long-time professional land surveyor and past GVLSA president Robert Prescott.

Traditionally, a single Final Point monument is sited to memorialize the place of death or birth of a land surveyor. Last December, GVLSA members Mike Venturo, Cory Mahoney and Roy Garfinkel set a Final Point Monument at Ellison Park in Prescott’s honor. It is that marker which will be dedicated on June 15.

Prescott was licensed as Land Surveyor in New York in 1971 and worked in both public and private practice. In addition to serving as president of the GVLSA from 1992 to 1993, he also was in charge of the Monroe County Surveyors Office for many years, served as president and executive director of the president of the NYS Association of Professional Land Surveyors (NYSAPLS) and president of the Rochester Engineering Society. He made presentations before local, state, and national groups on various aspects of surveying, and in 2007 was awarded the NYSAPLS Pillar of Excellence Award.

Prescott passed away in early 2017.

The ceremony will be held on Saturday June 15 beginning at noon at the Orchard Grove Shelter in Ellison Park. The main entrance to the park is located east of Rt. 590 on Blossom Rd. A cookout lunch will be served after the ceremony. Please RSVP by June 7 if you plan to attend.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/5/2024)

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