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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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Heritage Square Museum opens next weekend

26 May

Have you discovered Heritage Square Museum yet?

Heritage Square Museum is a 19th-century living history museum, located just 12 minutes east of the Village of Webster on Ontario Center Rd. It features ten individual buildings spread across 13 beautiful acres, which illuminate what life was like for many of the Town of Ontario’s earliest settlers.

I only really discovered the museum myself last September when I accepted an invitation to stop by during one of their community open house days and see what it was all about.

It’s a pretty cool place, offering a very educational and entertaining experience for the entire family. (Here’s the blog I wrote about my visit.) It’s really a hidden gem, which is why I’m happy to pass along news of some of their upcoming events.

The museum is opening for the season next weekend, with guided tours on Saturday June 1 from 1:30 to 4 p.m., and an ice cream social on Sunday June 2, also from 1:30 to 4 p.m., featuring live oldies music by Patrick Runne and Cheap Datez.

Opening weekend is a great chance to check out the museum, maybe absorb some history, and sit outside eating an ice cream while enjoying good music.

Can’t make it on opening weekend? The museum is open every weekend through Sept. 29, offering guided tours from 1:30 to 4 p.m. for a small fee. (Last tour starts at 3 p.m.)

If you like what you see, consider signing the kids up for one of Heritage Square Museum’s Stepping Back in Time children’s programs:

  • Thursday June 27, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: Games and Toys of the 1860s (register by June 13)
  • Thursday July 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m.: School Fun in the 1860s (register by July 11)
  • Thursday August 22, 10 to 11 a.m.: Daily Life in the 1860s (register by Aug. 8)

The programs are designed for children ages 5-10, and all three programs are free, but registration is required by calling Judy at 585-271-4925.

Each child may be registered for one or more programs, and each child must be accompanied by an adult. Children are encouraged (but not required) to dress like a child of the 1860s.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario.

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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 5/25/2024)

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New Horizons will hold its spring concert next week

17 May

A few years ago I wrote a blog about a unique band that draws its members and directors from all over the Rochester area, and welcomes adult musicians of all ages, regardless of how long they’ve been playing their instrument.

The group is called Eastman-Rochester New Horizons, and it prides itself on being a no-audition program open to beginning and experienced musicians of all levels. Members enjoy rehearsing, playing, singing and performing with others in bands, small ensembles, orchestras and/or a chorus. It was founded by Roy Ernst in 1990 and is affiliated with the Eastman Community Music School. 

I was reminded of the program recently when I found out New Horizons will be presenting their spring concert this coming Wednesday, May 22, at Eastman Theater. The symphonic band concert will feature international music from Scotland, Spain and Italy, and include pieces from Edvard Grieg to Cole Porter.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., and it’s totally free and open to the public. You might just see some people you know, from the musicians in the ensembles to former band directors from our area, including conductor Larry Neeck, a retired music teacher from Willink Middle School.

The New Horizons program includes bands,  orchestras, a choir, big band, jazz ensembles, and many smaller ensembles. You won’t see them all on Wednesday night, but what you will see is a bunch of very talented musicians who simply love making music and love sharing it with their community.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 22 in the Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theater, 26 Gibbs St.

Click here to read more about Eastman-Rochester New Horizons and find out how you can get involved.

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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 5/16/2024)

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I finally got to meet my pen pal!

11 May

For the last several months, I’ve been participating in a terrific inter-generational pen pal program through the Webster Recreation Center.

The program, organized by Recreation Supervisors Julie Schillaci and Daphne Geoca, connected 21 Webster seniors with a classroom of second graders at Autumn Lane Elementary School in Greece. When I heard about the program last fall, I jumped at the chance to help young people improve their writing skills and find out that writing can actually be FUN.

Shortly after the school year began, each participating senior was matched with a student, and we received our first hand-written letters in late September. In my first letter, I met Nataleigh, who asked me what my name was and if I had any pets.

Over the next seven months, we received, and responded to, five more letters. I don’t know about the ones the others were getting, but mine were covered in bright colors and rainbows, stickers and smiley faces, and surprise bears poking their heads up when I opened the envelope.

Nataleigh and I bonded over rainbows and cats, and shared things we liked and disliked. (She doesn’t like to read. I’m going to have to do something about that.) But the last letter was my favorite, because it included an invitation to an end-of-program reception when we would finally be able to meet each other in person.

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

So last Thursday the other seniors and I traveled to Autumn Lane Elementary and finally got to meet our pen pals. We gathered in the school’s gymnasium, the kids sang us some songs, and several of the students went up to the microphone to tell us all how much they enjoyed getting our letters.

After all the festivities, the kids served us some drinks and snacks, and we had some time to sit and chat. Nataleigh told me about her family and some of the trips they’ve been on, and about her friend’s dog Princess (who likes to follow her around and bites her nose, which is not too bad since Princess doesn’t have any teeth). I told her about the cats I foster, how much I love her rainbow artwork and the sparkly red dress she wore for the occasion. (Check out the slideshow below for photos.)

There was so much to talk about and the hour went by much too quickly. It was a delightful program which brought two generations together in a heartwarming way and formed what in some cases will surely be lifelong friendships.

Young Brooke T. summed it up perfectly when she stepped up to the microphone during our visit and gave the assembled pen pals some sage advice: “Sometimes you don’t make a friend with your eyes. Sometimes you can write your way to friendship.” 

I’m already looking forward to being part of this program again next year so I can write my way to even more friendship.

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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 5/11/2024)

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Off-Monroe Players opens this weekend with a familiar face

10 May

There’s nothing quite like community theater. It’s usually an intimate experience, the actors sometimes just several feet away from you, weaving their story for your enjoyment. It’s even better when the acting is REALLY good and — especially — when the tickets are free.

It’s for all of those reasons that I’ve been attending Off-Monroe Players (OMP) productions for several years now. This little theater group, which calls the Downtown United Presbyterian Church home, has been around for more than 40 years, and has made a name for itself by producing Gilbert and Sullivan shows exclusively.

They stage three or four shows a year, each one humorous and family-friendly, as Gilbert and Sullivan always is, with great acting and fun costumes. They never charge for tickets, but audience members are welcome to drop a donation in the basket at the ticket table.

The Off-Monroe Players’ spring production, The Grand Duke, opens this weekend, and I encourage everyone in Webster to go see it, because you might just recognize someone you know.

My friend and neighbor Karen Seidel is a regular OMP cast member, and often one of the leads. In The Grand Duke, she plays the part of Julia Jellicoe, an English actress. She’s excellent in any role she portrays, and has a beautiful voice that fills the auditorium.

The show opens this Friday night May 10 at 7:30 p.m., with five additional shows over this weekend and next (click here to see show times). And while I said they don’t charge for tickets, it is important to reserve your seats in case they sell out (and keep reading for a special announcement about the opening night show). Parking is right across the street and also free.

Special Donuts with the Duke on opening night

So, if great theater at a great price sounds good to you, may I also suggest you attend opening night.

Every person who makes a reservation to join for opening night will receive a FREE donut at intermission. So you won’t have to ‘Duke it out’ to enjoy your treat, the Players are requiring reservations for this special event so they can place an accurate donut order.

Click here to read more about the Off-Monroe Players, and click here to reserve your seats.

All shows are presented at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. in Rochester.

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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 5/9/2024)

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Girls on the Run could use some volunteers

7 May

The 2024 Girls on the Run season is coming to a close, and the organization is looking for a few volunteers to help out at their culminating event, a 5K race held at MCC in Brighton on June 1.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service as they train for the end-of-season 5K.

I had the pleasure of attending one of these events a few years ago, and it’s a blast. Basically, it’s a huge party, attended by lots of teams and hundreds of girls coming together to celebrate their successes. The air’s filled with happiness, excitement, positivity and a real sense of pride in accomplishment.

As many as 100 volunteers are needed for the event to be successful. There are lots of ways you can help out:

  • Registration
  • Star Power Hour activity leaders
  • Medal station
  • Course marshals
  • Water station
  • Happy Hair stations
  • Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester. Last year’s 5K events brought together more than 2,000 participants including program participants, their family and friends and community members. For more information about the event, how to register and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gotrrochester.org/5K.

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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 5/7/2024)

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How to fill your home with love: become a Lollypop foster parent

16 Apr

Note: I had this blog all written and ready to post even before I learned today that Lollypop Farm is expecting to receive more than 80 dogs from a local hoarding case. They really need foster parents to lighten the load. Please read this blog, and consider becoming a foster.

Many of you know that I foster cats and kittens for Lollypop Farm. I’ve written about the experience in my blog and talk about it all the time at social gatherings, because I love it so much.

Right now, Lollypop has a lot of families officially registered as fosters, but most of those families are not very active. So the need is great, and constant (think about the recent hoarder case in Penfield where the Humane Society rescued more than 50 cats), and many more fosters are needed. Often the animals which are brought in need time to get stronger, bigger or need medical respite before they can be adopted out.

That’s where we come in. Fosters might stay with you just for a week, maybe as long as a few months. But every single one of them just needs a place to be loved and cared for until they find their forever homes.

Lollypop sent out a plea last week asking foster families to tell about their experiences. I wrote mine about the cats we foster, but it could have very easily been about dogs, rabbits, even hamsters. Here’s what I wrote:

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My husband and I have had cats all our lives, so when our last feline friend, Lily, passed away a few years ago, she left a huge hole in our hearts. But we were newly retired and knew we wanted to do a lot of traveling. It really wouldn’t be fair to get another cat if we planned to be gone for long stretches of time. 

Becoming a kitty foster parent was the perfect alternative. By fostering a cat (or even better, KITTENS!), our hearts and home would be filled with love again, but we would still have the flexibility to travel. 

Whenever I tell people that I’m a foster, the immediate reaction is, “Oh, I could NEVER do that. I wouldn’t be able to give them up.” It was from these folks that I learned the term “foster fail.” Yes, I say, it is hard. I fall in love with every foster that we welcome into our home, and I cry every time I have to say goodbye. But I know that for every kitty I return to Lollypop, there are dozens of others awaiting loving foster homes, and I can provide that. 

So far, the turnaround has been brief; since we began fostering last fall, I think we’ve only been “cat-less” for a few days. I believe the record is less than 24 hours. 

Two of the cats we’ve fostered are part of Lollypop’s MaryEllen Program, which is another level of wonderfulness. Cats in this program still belong to their original owner and are temporarily entrusted to Lollypop’s care due to some family emergency or difficulty. I love knowing that my being able to provide continuing loving care for their feline family member removes a little bit of stress from what must be a difficult time.  

One of the best things about being a Lollypop Farm foster mom is the incredible support we get from the foster team. Despite the great volume of critters passing through their offices every day, they treat each one like it’s their favorite. Foster families are never short of supplies — food, litter, toys — which are a simple phone call away. Staff members patiently answer your questions (and I’ve had a lot of pretty dumb ones) and address any of your concerns. And if there’s ever an issue which requires veterinarian attention, the clinic staff (equally amazing) is there for you. 

When I tell people that I’m a Lollypop foster parent, they very often respond, ”Oh, that is SUCH a caring thing to do!” Of course I agree with them, nod, and thank them for their kind words. I DON’T tell them that a huge part of my motivation to be a foster parent is purely selfish. 

I love cats. I need cats in my life. The fact that there are cats out there that need me as well is just a wonderful bonus. 

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Please consider becoming a Lollypop foster family. It’s extremely rewarding. Click here to go to the Lollypop website to find out more and fill out the foster parent interest form.

Even if you can’t become foster right now, there are other ways you can help: 1) donate funds to help assure that animals in need get plenty of food, medical and behavioral support. 2) donate supplies; in addition to towels, blankets, and flat sheets there are many supplies that are needed to work with shelter animals. Click here to see Lollypop’s Amazon Wish List.

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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 4/16/2024)

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