THERE'S NOTHING TO DO!

Growing up on Long Island, there was never a shortage of things to do. If you got bored with the shopping and the clubbing and the trips to the beach, there was always the ultimate in adventure: New York City.

So when moving to upstate New York’s admittedly slower Rochester, it was with a leap of faith that I carted my young family north and all parts unknown. When my husband got a job with Eastman Kodak, all I knew about Rochester was that it was near Canada and it was cold.

Time passed as it evidently does, and my family grew to love the city neighborhood where we had settled and the friends they made. These connections will last for a lifetime, something I had always wished for them since my own childhood was spent moving constantly. My father’s position at an oil company required we move where there was a need for his expertise. Luckily, it was always in New York state; just different parts of it.

Moving out to Williamson as an older newly wed these many years later wrought new concerns. “Mom!” my now young adult children lamented. “It’s so far from the city- and there’s all farms!” The worst in their mind was yet to come. “What will you do in the winter? There’s NOTHING TO DO out there!!”

Its true that rural life is vastly different than what they had grown up knowing, but secretly I was looking forward to this stage of my life. The quiet flapping of the waves out my back yard overlooking the Great Ontario, the coziness of small town living and the community at large were things I have longed for and would never do without again. Plus, I had a husband who loved me and encouraged me to do what I liked best - writing.

In one weekend I have attended the 90th birthday celebration of the Town Historian and lifelong resident of Williamson, Chester Peters, and was included in the loving embrace of his family and all his friends. Sitting in son Judge Peters’ chair at the Town Court, Chet and his wife Pearl listened as I'm Everywhere Town Supervisor Jim Hoffman read the proclamations passed at the last Town Board meeting commemorating this monumental birthday and the accomplishments of one of its most noted citizens.

Further down the road at the Methodist Church of Williamson, George Verno, Mark Montondo and David Ferland and their parents were hosting a spaghetti dinner fundraiser in support of a trip to Austria and Germany where the three select choir members have been chosen to perform with American Music Abroad July 21-August 9. It was by chance they were chosen and George explained the experience with humility and grace not usually seen in teenagers. “We were in another room practicing” he said as they bussed the tables behind me. “The director of America Music Abroad had been at Williamson High School to evaluate a band. He heard us through the wall in the next room.” They were invited just like that. They have yet to learn that nothing is ever by happenstance, and that everything happens for a reason. I’m sure talent had a lot to do with it. They and over 200 over members of Band and Choir will be entertaining for the public at various cathedrals and churches. They will also sing the Jewish Anthem in Yiddish at a concentration camp. A memorable experience for all involved, they are certain.

The weekend also found me interviewing Williamson Chamber of Commerce award winners of various categories: Citizen, Youth, Team and Businesses of the Year. The mix of professional and volunteer residents participating in the world around them are what make up a town like Williamson. Farming and orchards are only part of the mixture of homegrown and replanted talent found blooming around every corner. Businesses celebrating longevity such as Hughes Marina and the Apple Blossom Committee are also being awarded.

Nothing to do in Williamson you say? I beg to differ and am happy to do so. My new hometown memories are made here everyday. I waited a long time to get here, and I'm not missing a minute of it. Neither should you.