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Heading to college a bittersweet occasion for all

3 Sep

It’s been very quiet around our house for the last few days.  On Saturday morning my husband and I dropped Erin, our youngest, off at St. John Fisher College — a major milestone for her AND for us.  And despite how excited we all were to see the day arrive, it was a very bittersweet event.  Because no matter how excited you are to finally be out on your own, it’s a bit scary when it happens. And no matter how much you’re looking forward to empty-nesting, it’s sad when it happens.

I’ve been struggling to find the right way to put these feelings into words, and then remembered a letter my mother wrote to me my first week of college. She must have sat down immediately after returning home to write it and put it in the mail. She knew I would already be homesick, and she knew that laughter was the best medicine.  It made me laugh till I cried, and I needed to do both.

It was perfect, and I am pleased to share it with you all, and especially with those parents who have just sent your sons and daughters off to school:

Dear Missy:

Oh, I’m so glad you’re settled, temporarily, at least.  And of course I’m not WORRIED about you. You’re a big girl now!!!

(Did you find anything to eat, and where to go for supper? Do you have a comfortable bed? Did you stay warm last night? If it’s hot, will you have enough breeze? Do you like your roommates in the barracks? Do you know your way around? Do you have enough money? Will you have room enough for your clothes?)

Gee, we’ll miss you. I was just saying to your sister when we were taking your bed down, “Gee, I’ll miss that girl.”  She said, “Who?”  I’ll remind her again while we’re out tomorrow putting the ad in the Pennysaver for your dresser and your bicycle.

The neighbor lady loves your new sweater.

Love, Ma

Wisdom from the young

27 Aug

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting on a bench at Wegmans, next to to the store’s child care area, waiting for my husband to finish up some shopping. At one point, a mother came to pick up her daughter, who bounced excitedly through the door with this report: “Hey Mommy, Alissa is my new best friend!”

If only adults could have the same approach to life, and to the new people they meet, this world would be a much better place.

Spam, spam, spam

26 Aug

Looking for some cheap entertainment? Poke through your spam folder sometime. Don’t worry, if you don’t actually click on a link, you’re safe. I do this every once in a while when I get bored. I visit my Gmail spam folder and see how many people want to give me money or need help carrying all their money-stuffed suitcases to the United States, or consider me a perfect candidate for a cheap loan. (I don’t get the male enhancement ads very much anymore. Maybe they wised up.)

So those always make me giggle. But if I’m in the mood for some real gut-breaking laughs, I check the spam comments I get on my WordPress blog. Most of them try to commend me on my excellent blog and insightful comments. I think. Sometimes it’s hard to tell.  Here’s an example (and I swear, I did not edit this for clarity):

I wanted to post you that very small remark in order to say thanks a lot as before with your spectacular suggestions you’ve shown here. This is simply remarkably open-handed of people like you to offer unreservedly exactly what a number of people would have offered as an e book in order to make some cash for their own end, notably seeing that you might have tried it in case you wanted. These tactics also acted to be the great way to recognize that the rest have similar zeal just as mine to understand a little more with regard to this matter. Certainly there are thousands of more fun instances up front for folks who read your site.

Thanks. I guess?

Odds ‘n’ ends

16 Aug

I’m not going to call this my mailbag this week, because a few of these items I did not hear about in my mail.

First, one event this weekend to let you know about:

The Webster Warriors volleyball team is hosting a mattress fundraiser on Saturday August 18. (Yes, you heard right.)  Basically, a mattress store will be set up in the Schroeder gymnasium from 1-7 pm.  They’re brand-name mattresses in all sizes and price ranges, complete with factory warranty. The organization will also deliver your purchase and and pick up the old set.

I’m told that the salespeople do not work on commission, and because there’s no overhead, prices are 30-65% below retail. All forms of payment are accepted and layaway is available.

The event will benefit the Warrior Girls Volleyball program, helping defray costs for gear, training, and team events from
modified to varsity level. Click here for more information and a $50 coupon.

* * *

Now, a nice little story that I heard about through the grapevine.

For the last three years, Webster residents Dave and Cathy Smith have hosted a S’more Fest for friends and family. This year’s, though, was a very special one, because it coincided with a very happy occasion. Their youngest son Matt (a Thomas High School graduate) had recently returned home from the Navy after four years of service.

Matt was based in Guam, but as an anti-terrorist specialist, he was sent on many missions.  Since he had not seen a Webster summer in four years, he had also not been to any of the previous S’more Fests. So his very proud parents made sure this one was extra-memorable, with a pig roast catered by Pringle Barbecue and Catering, and fireworks to cap off the evening.  The Smiths hosted about 55 people at the party.

Now that Matt’s home for good, he volunteers for the Legal Services Project of Monroe County and will graduate with his bachelors degree in accounting in December, after which he plans to attend law school.

Here are a few photos from the party:

(L-R) Matt Smith, his dad Dave, caterers Jeremy and Jessie Pringle

Matt’s big brother Brad, Jessica Griffith and Steve Hondorf

Family and friends

Now I’m going to take a page from the D&C and tell you about a few stories I’m working on (my theory is that now that you know about them, I might be motivated to actually write them):

The school year is fast approaching, and some big changes are afoot. There are new start times — which are significantly earlier for some schools — and some redistricting (which the district likes to call “rebalancing”).

The Working Class Theatre Company is going to be back in Webster this fall with a production at the Harmony House. You may even see them here more often in the future, if things work out.

A local organization wants to teach Webster to sing.  Interested?

Big news from the Webster Herald about a big move they’ll be making.

More to come on all these stories, so stay tuned.

Childless in Chicago

13 Aug

I love my kids. But I also love the fact they’re finally old enough to take care of themselves.

I’ve been in Chicago the last several days, doing the tourist thing while my husband attends a conference.  This was the first time I’d been back in the city since my family moved from the northern suburb of Lake Zurich almost 40 years ago.  So in reality this was the first time I have really SEEN the city.  And what I’ve seen I really like.

My two daughters, ages 25 and 18, tagged along with us, and we’ve done some stuff together, which has been a lot of fun. But it’s also been very nice for Jack and me to be able to head out on our own, leaving one or both of them in the hotel room, without worrying that they would kill each other within minutes.

Last night was one of those times.  After he got out of his conference yesterday, Jack and I met some friends (including an old Webster Thomas colleague) at the Billy Goat Tavern, which was just a  few blocks from our hotel. The subterranean diner/bar was made famous in John Belushi’s “Cheezeborger, Cheezeborger” sketch on Saturday Night Live. (They still say it that way when you order it. Strangely, though, they only serve Coke, not Pepsi.)  We had a few cheap beers and a very relaxing visit with our friends.  All the while not worrying about our daughters.

This second adulthood we’re discovering is kinda fun.

 

On turning lanes and tossing butts

6 Aug

You know, I swear that sometimes road crews do things just for the sake of changing things, whether they need changing or not.

I fail to understand the rationale behind reconfiguring the road markings at the Plank Road/Empire Blvd. intersection.  Basically, as you drive west along Plank Road and approach Empire Boulevard to turn south, the Powers That Be have decided you need to first angle your car decidedly north, almost like you’re making a right-hand turn instead of left.

I could understand if the old orientation made it difficult to see the newly installed traffic lights. I could understand if previously, cars turning onto Plank Road were cutting the lanes. But neither one is the case. So the change seems pretty arbitrary.

I’m apparently not the only one who thinks so, either. I watched traffic pass through that intersection for about 5 minutes.  A good half the cars (maybe closer to 75%) ignored the new lines.

AND AS LONG AS I’M COMPLAINING…

I am SO sick of seeing cigarette smokers throw their butts out their car windows. The street is not your personal ashtray, folks.

Annual family gathering benefits local food cupboard

5 Aug

Several days ago, Liz Nelson, one of my readers told me about a great event her niece’s family holds every summer to benefit the Webster Food Cupboard. It’s a pool party, where the admission is a donation of cash or food for the Cupboard. Liz was kind enough to send some follow-up information and photos after the event.   So rather than tell you about it myself, I’ll let her email do it for me:

The Bennetts’ 11th Annual Pool Party & Webster Food Cupboard Drive

Joyel and Roger Bennett hosted their 11th annual pool party and food drive along with their children Angel and Jayden on Saturday, August 4, 2012.  As usual it was a huge success, and what a hot day indeed!  The pool was put to good use!

Each year approximately $60 to $100 in monetary donations plus $200-$300 in food, school supplies and paper goods have been collected for the Webster Food Cupboard.

The idea for the party started 11 years ago when Angel was only 9 months old.  The Bennetts invited family and friends over for a pool party and instead of a dish to pass, they asked for donations for the food cupboard.  Years later the tradition continues as we look forward to seeing family and friends once again!  Some even travel from out of town to make this wonderful event.

What makes it even more special is that Joyel and Roger purchased their home from Joyel’s grandparents (my parents, Forest and Marie Lane) who still live in Webster.  Our home was always the gathering place filled with many memories and lots of love.  We are so thankful and proud of Joyel and Roger for carrying on the family tradition and then some!  I hope this story inspires others as a small idea turned into more than a decade of giving.

Joyel is my niece, but we are best friends and close like sisters.  As you can tell, this is close to my heart and it gives me pride to brag about my wonderful family!

Wonderful doesn’t even begin to describe these folks.  Check out these photos from the party:

Laundry can be fun

30 Jul

OK, I want to see some hands, and don’t be shy. How many of you out there just LOVE to hang out laundry?

I mean, I can’t be the only one who sees hanging laundry not as a chore, but as a simple pleasure. It’s a great time to just be alone, to check out from life for a few minutes, and just think. Or don’t think. Just listen to the birds chatting with each other. When you bring the clothes in, they smell great, and that fresh aroma seems to last forever. And it makes me feel good to know that I’m saving a lot of energy and money.

My mother used to hang laundry out all the time. One of the fondest memories of my childhood is the “scritching” sound of her kicking her laundry basket across the driveway as she worked her way down the line. I think about her every time I’m out there.

So I know this dry summer has been tough on farmers and lawns, but it’s been great for line drying.

 

Young camper weaves his way to fundraising success at Bay View

22 Jul

The remains of the climbing wall the day after it was destroyed by vandals.

Here’s a nice little story that I ran across recently at the Bay View Family YMCA.  It’s about Joe Gerard, a young camper who has almost single-handedly raised more than $1,000 for Bay View’s climbing wall replacement fund.

A little background first.  In the early morning hours of June 24, the day before summer camp was to begin, vandals burned down Bay View’s popular 40-foot tall climbing wall. It was a very sad day for the Y, and especially for all the kids who climbed that wall every day at camp.

Insurance will not completely cover the cost of replacing the wall and its high-tech hydraulic auto-belay system, so several fund-raising efforts are in the works. Most of them are being coordinated by Bay View itself.  But 12-year old Joe Gerard decided that wasn’t enough. He wanted to do something, too.

Joe Gerard (black shirt) with his mom and dad Wendi and Mike, and brothers Daniel (blue shirt) and David. Daniel’s wearing an assortment of bracelets.

It began one day several weeks ago when Joe wore a bracelet to camp.  He had woven from a kit his mother bought him for Christmas. His fellow campers loved it, and they all wanted one. Turns out they wanted one so badly they were willing to pay Joe to weave one for them.

One turned into many, and many turned into hundreds.

In just a little more than two weeks, Joe has sold more than 200 hand-woven bracelets at $5 each, already raising more $1,000 for the climbing wall fund.

Close-up of one of the bracelets.

Joe’s brothers David and Daniel have helped some with the weaving, and his parents Wendi and Mike have bank-rolled the cost of supplies, so it’s kind of a family effort. But Joe’s really the mastermind behind it all. And even though he’s reached his original goal of $1,000, the demand is there to keep going and keep selling. (More importantly, Mom is telling him he should.)

If you’re interested in purchasing a bracelet  for $5 to benefit the Bay View YMCA Climbing Wall Replacement Fund, stop by the Camp Bay View office any weekday (behind the branch next to the Aquatic Center).  Or call the office at 341-4001.  They’re high-quality, colorful bracelets, cobra-stitched with para-cord, with durable plastic clip closures.

To make a direct donation to Bay View to help replace the climbing wall, click here for information.

* * *

While we’re on the topic of Bay View, I was there yesterday to watch a very neat event, a cardboard regatta. Participants were challenged to build a boat completely out of cardboard which could successfully navigate a 300-yard route into Irondequoit Bay, around a buoy, and back to the dock.

Fourteen “boats” of varying buoyancy were launched, holding anywhere from one to three sailors each.  Several of them actually survived the voyage. Many others sank immediately or shortly after heading out into the bay, leaving their crewmen no option but to physically drag the ailing vessel out to the buoy and back.

Fortunately, points were handed out for creativity and spirit in addition to seaworthiness.

It was a fun event and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, sitting on the bay with a nice breeze, watching the birds fly and the boats sink.  It didn’t seem to matter how well their boat sailed or how wet they got, everyone seemed to be having a great time. Plus it raised money for three great organizations: the Hillside family of agencies, Rochester General Health System and the YMCA.

I’ve posted a few photos here, and a few more in a gallery. Click either of the photos to go there.

Webster folks are everywhere — even in the 19th century

15 Jul

My husband and I spent an enjoyable day yesterday at Genesee Country Museum in Mumford. I hadn’t been there in years, and this being the weekend of the annual Civil War battle reenactment (and the fact my son would be participating as one of the townspeople) it sounded like a good time for a return visit.

While I was there I thought it would be fun to see how many Webster/Penfield folks I could find participating as reenactors. Perhaps you know some of these people:

Tim Ricotta, right, played with the Union’s fife-and-drum corps.

Susan Berardi was portraying the character of Caroline Sawyer, her great-great-great grandmother. At other events, she plays a Union spy.

Lisa Sansone was one of the dress makers. Here she holds her 3-month old daughter Rebecca.

Karen Nitschke (far right) chats on the porch of the Livingston-Backus House with Mary Barber, Renate Tindall and Larry Ferner.

My son Sean with his friends Sarah King and Chris Chamberlain.

It was a very educational and entertaining day all around, and the weather — although very warm — was fine. Actually, the only sour point of the entire day was when we had to dodge the firefighters standing in the middle of Route 38 in Mumford. They were holding one of those fund drives where you’re supposed to drop money in the boot as you drive by. They actually had put up signs that read “Boot fundraiser toll.”

Now I’m all for firefighters trying to raise money, but I’ve always hated this approach. It’s invasive and dangerous, and these guys even went so far as to call it a “toll.” And wasn’t peddling like this was outlawed in Monroe County several years ago?



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