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June 2004 :: Issue 3

GOTO MAY 2004 NEWSLETTER

GOTO JULY 2004 NEWSLETTER

Meet the Editor

There are so many exciting things to tell you!

Ferry Service Begins!

The Rochester/Toronto ferry service begins June 19, 2004!

Professional Travel Services with a Personal Touch!

PORT OF ROCHESTER.com offers professional travel services through our partner B. Roberts Travel Services of Rochester, Inc.  Purchase ferry tickets and utilize the professional services of our travel staff to help make your trip relaxing and enjoyable. 

Premiere Passage!

How often can you say you were first? The Rochester Rotary presents a once-in-a-lifetime black tie event June 17th. This is the first  Rochester-Toronto crossing of the "The Breeze" and it promises to be a memorable event! Donna (my wife) and I will be attending and we'll be sure to share our experience and event pictures with you in the next newsletter! If you will be attending the Premiere Passage event, please stop and say hello! I would love to meet any one of the thousands of people that are reading this newsletter right now!

New Columns to Share Our Community with YOU!

Our monthly columns continue to provide interesting personal stories, history, recommendations and adventures to enjoy. As the popularity of this international community exchange project continues to grow, I'm happy to  introduce these new monthly columns!

• "The Magic of Park Avenue"

• "Toronto On Tuition"

• "Wild On Rochester"

Each new column brings a personal view of new and interesting destinations and/or adventures to explore.

Article in the D&C!

PORT OF ROCHESTER.com was recognized as "The Grandfather of all ferry related web sites". An article appeared in the Democrat and Chronicle paper on Sunday, May 16, 2004 and then at Democrat And Chronicle.com on the 17th. Click here to read it!

The PORT OF ROCHESTER.com site is dedicated to supporting the success of the fast ferry, promoting international tourism, and to supporting the growth of Rochester, Toronto and the surrounding area local economies.

You are all invited to become part of this international community exchange newsletter project. Share your experiences, promote your community or simply pass along this newsletter to someone you know who is interested in participating.

Thanks for your support!

ROCHESTER's OWN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

. . .

A letter to new friends...
by Bruce Iuppa

White Water Kayaking the Genesee River Gorge

Get ready to save some web links. 

Let me start off by reminding you that I’m a 48 year old out of shape, bald guy.  Ok so hair doesn’t really matter, but the 48 year old stuff does.  The point of this disclaimer is that what I’m about to describe is for almost anybody.  If I can do it, I guarantee anybody can…and I mean anybody.

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CLICK HERE FOR ROCHESTER'S OWN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
UPCOMING EVENTS

Rochester, NY: Family-Friendly Culture with Exhibits, Collections and More

Rochester, New York, offers a wealth of activities for families, especially when coupled with trips to the scenic surrounding countryside. Rated one of the Top 10 Best Cities for Families by Child magazine in 2001, Rochester's cultural scene reflects the community's emphasis on family.

Rochester's Strong Museum
Strong Museum, the nation's leading hands-on history center for kids of all ages, is like no other museum you have ever experienced.

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In This Issue...

My Rochester

My Toronto

Rochester's Own Outdoor Adventures

The Magic of Park Avenue

Toronto On Tuition

Wild On Rochester

Karen's Pic

MY ROCHESTER

Rebuilding A Past:
A Historical Look of Ontario Beach Park and
the Future of the Port
by Stacy Colombo

As tourists and residents comb the park, as cars back up onto Lake Avenue, and as the Fast Ferry arrives into the port, a new chapter is opened on the history of Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte. What may go unnoticed to those unfamiliar with the Port of Rochester is the history behind the area that harbors the now infamous Fast Ferry.
If one were to look through the pages of history books or look through a relative’s old photo albums, they would realize that Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte was an area that was booming and full of life.

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8th Grade Kendall Students Tour the Port

by Renee Cliff and her 8th Grade Class

Welcome to Rochester!  If you are looking for something fun to do, here are some suggestions and comments from the 8^th graders at Kendall Jr. Sr. High School.  They have also included their impression of the “Fast Ferry” after viewing it in the Port of Rochester in May.

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The Town of Penfield Invites Ferry Visitors to an Exciting 2004 Summer Season
by George C. Wiedemer, Supervisor
Community Affairs Contact: Sarah Molinari

The Town of Penfield, one of Rochester’s most vibrant east-side suburbs, welcomes visitors to its 2004 summer event season. The season features a stunning new outdoor venue, and exciting activities for Independence Day on the Fourth of July, and Penfield’s annual arts and community festival, the Penfield Country Fair Days. If visitors can’t make it here during one of the Town’s scheduled events, there is still plenty to do in Penfield.

Outdoor Entertainment

The new Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage will be open for events and entertainment from May through September, with a dedication featuring music, free food and fireworks on June 18 at 6:45 p.m., to a Chili Cook-Off, beer sampling and Blues Festival on Saturday, September 18 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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THE MAGIC OF PARK AVENUE

by Jim Catalano

My name is Jim Catalano, I am a Rochester native, born and raised here initially in an area of Rochester known as “Dutchtown”, initially a haven for Dutch immigrants, that eventually became the core for Rochester’s Italian American community. Dutchtown was a wonderful neighborhood especially our small street of just eleven homes. Everyone watched out for each other, and never did a summer night go by where the entire neighborhood wasn’t in someone’s front yard. Joe Crispino would play his accordion, as the men would enjoy a beer or two and the women would chat over coffee served in china cups, all while we kids would run up and down the street having the best of times. It was in the sixties that Rochester began its aggressive layout of our expressway system and our street was torn right down the middle, with the State of New York purchasing our home, and the homes of all the neighbors on our side of the street. We moved to the suburbs, and although I have many fond memories of my life in suburbia, there never was the quaint ambiance I remembered so fondly.

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MY TORONTO

Hey Toronto! Promote tourism to your area. Submit an article to PORT OF ROCHESTER.com and it goes right here! Tell everyone about your special community, your events, your restaurants, your nightlife, your attractions. Share your community right here!

TORONTO ON TUITION

by Jonathan Schott

Welcome to Toronto on Tuition.  The purpose of this column is for me, a Graduate student at the University of Toronto (UT), to tell you, the twenty-something, fun-loving people of Rochester some ideas to visit Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) on short budgets. There are great things to do in T.O. and great places to visit, eat, and shop, and it’s my job to show all of you students out there a good time in the city without breaking the bank.

I’ve been living in both Rochester and Toronto for the past two years, regularly commuting back and forth via the monotony of the New York State Thruway and the Queen Elizabeth II Way.  The “Breeze” is a much welcomed method of travel in my book.  I can’t wait for the ferry, I’d much rather ride on the Spirit of Ontario, for a few, I think, very good reasons. One: The border crossing.  No joke people, I’ve been in line over two hours waiting to cross the border.  That turns a three-hour drive into a 5+ hours drive.  No one wants to spend almost six hours in a car to go three hours’ distance.  Two: the price of gas and tolls.  You might think they’re minimal at the time, but tolls add up!  The NYS Thruway E-Z Pass system is a great idea but let’s face it, not everyone, especially young people and students have the system installed in their cars.  The toll from the I-390 station to Buffalo is $1.80, the Toll for the Grand Island Bridges is 50 cents, and the toll to cross into Canada is $2.50.  Add this almost $5 charge to your $20-25 gas fill-up at two dollars and however-outrageously-priced-this-week per gallon and you’ve already paid the fare for the Spirit of Ontario!!  And that’s only one-way! Don’t forget parking fees downtown either, they can be upwards of $10.  Three: Toronto Traffic.  If there’s one minor complaint I have about T.O., it is that there are too many cars. Gridlock is a major problem.  Toronto is the only place on earth where you can be driving at 3 a.m. on a Monday morning and you WILL BE in a traffic jam.  RIDE THE BOAT!

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WILD ON ROCHESTER
by Jodi Rowland

What hotspots does the city of Rochester have to offer?  Where is the best hangout?  How do you find the best cup of coffee?  Within the past four years as an undergraduate at St. John Fisher, I’ve experienced some of Rochester’s sites.  Now, my goal is to find all of Rochester’s bests: best cup of coffee, best dance club, best bar, best restaurant, and so on; so that all of you twenty-somethings can experience the best of Rochester.

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Karen's Pic
by K. Iuppa

Please Visit Our Partners

Excel Limousine
Rochester Rotary
Nuts & Bolts Improv
Niagara Wine Tours International

Lakeview Cellars

Adams Basin Inn
The Edward Harris House
 

Brookwood Wines
Angels Gate Winery

Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester

Sonnenberg Mansion & Gardens

Canadian American Transportation System (CATS)
Ramada Hotel and Suites - Toronto

BLUE JAYS / PRODUCERS!

Premium/Sold Out
Sporting Event, Concert, and Theatre Tickets

Toronto Event Tickets

Rochester/NY Event Tickets

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ROCHESTER'S OWN OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

White Water Kayaking the Genesee River Gorge - Continued

Letchworth State Park is about 50 minutes by car from the Port of Rochester.  The Genesee River as it runs through Letchworth is a class 2, class 3 white water run with more than enough safe and sane excitement for me.

My Equipment:

• 9 foot recreational kayak…yes I said recreational kayak.  I’m not a real white water kind of guy.  My Liquid Logic Sapphire is very stable, about 38 #’s, has foot braces and fits my large frame quite well.  It has a recreational cockpit opening and that means large.  White Water Kayaks and white water skirts hold you in the boat and require thought when doing a wet exit (leaving the boat).  My recreational kayak has a high quality recreational skirt.  When I do a wet exit, it’s very easy.  All I do is kick away…and I like that.

• Spray Skirt…don’t leave home without it.  You DO need a spray skirt.

• Helmet…Just makes too much sense.  Now I’ve got a hint for you.  You can buy a $60 white water helmet or…you can buy a $20 skateboard helmet.  They’re made by the same company.  You decide.

• Paddle…light, not too long…remember this is my recreational kayak so I didn’t really want an expensive white water paddle.  I have a reasonable quality paddle for about $50.

• Wet Suit for cold water (you don’t need it during the summer)

• Life Vest (PFD)… I use the same Type 3 PFD as when I’m jet skiing.

You can’t beat this for an activity.  For less than $500 (US), brand new you can get it all.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  During the summer I keep my van in “summer mode” with all seats removed and toys in the back.  I’ve stopped along roads to toss the kayak into the water I find.

Ok…now the real white water kayakers are rolling their eyes. Check out http://www.flowpaddlers.org .  These people really know what they’re doing and they go places way too extreme for me. 

Registration:

All Kayakers must register at the Letchworth Visitors Center prior to entering the river.  It’s free, you register once then notify them each time you visit again.

The Put In:

The Put in is at the Lower Falls Area in Letchworth State Park.  Park at the Northeast corner of the parking lot.  You’ll see a trail leading down to the river.  It’s a long walk.  My friends and I made that walk once and only once.  We now park at the Northeast corner of the parking lot and head over the steep side down towards the river.  Be careful.  It’s steep but definitely doable.  It also cuts about ½ mile out of your walk.

Every kayak trip has a Put In and a Take out.  In Between is the river itself and I promise I’ll get to that, but there’s actually another step.  It’s the friends you go with.  Don’t ever do this alone!!!  It’s nowhere near as much fun and even though I consider the Genesee to be a very friendly kayaking river, things can happen.  Please go with your friends.

Speaking of Friends:

My kayaking buddy is Steve Pratt.  You’ll be hearing a lot about my friend Steve.  He really is my best friend in the entire world.  Steve is the person who pushes me to try new things.  He is also somebody I can count on 100%. If there was ever somebody that would take a bullet for me, or sacrifice themselves for me it’s him.  Get yourself a buddy like Steve and make this trip with that person.  It’s much more enjoyable.

The River at Different Water Levels:

This river is different at every water level.  In the link above I gave you the Internet Gauge (water level) for the Genesee River.  Below 9 feet, the river is dry.  Don’t even try to run this.  You’ll be bumping bottom and dragging over rocks.  That’s no fun.  Up to About 10 feet on the gauge the river is a tame class 2 with a few big waves.  More about those waves later.  Above 11 feet and this thing is starting to get VERY exciting.  At 12 feet on the gauge and you will be blasting through waves taller than you are.  I’ve done the river at 13 feet and will do again, but that’s where I stop recommending.  At 14 feet on the very same gauge the river is closed to kayakers. 

How About a Little River Romance:

I have a very special woman in my life.  Her name is D’Arcy and she is my soul mate.  This is a partial story of D’Arcy’s first trip on the Genesee.  We went at 12 feet.  You’d need to know this woman.  She’s a very sexy Amazon!  At 12 feet on the gauge the waves on this river are taller than you are.  I gave D’Arcy a little lecture at the put in just reminding her (and you) that if you’re concerned about anything…just go straight.  Keep your bow pointed down river and you’ll ride out almost anything.  Anyway…we headed into the entrance Rapid and D’Arcy just goes ripping off.  No fear…she’s off.  The Entrance Rapid is the first after the put in and #2 on the river (my opinion) for sheer power.  The next rapid downstream is Red Ball.  Red Ball has a huge wave at 12 feet.  D’Arcy is so stoked from her first (and I mean first) rapid experience that she has her paddle in the air whooping it up.  I’m behind her…and she disappears.  She’s gone straight into the Red Ball Wave and was hidden from me in the trough of the wave.  Even with her paddle in the air, I couldn’t see her.  She’s punched straight through the wave and is laughing with excitement.  Her hair is soaked and the entire trip was worth it for her right there.  How special is she?  Wait till the end.

Safe & Sane:

I like the Genesee River.  I feel safe on it.  Here’s why.  I usually dump once or twice.  I admit it…I stink!!!  From 9 to 12 Feet (on the gauge) there is slow water between each of the rapids.  Above 12 feet and the slow water starts to get a little more scarce.  At almost all times, there is a flat bank to crawl out on.  I like this about rivers…I look for this on rivers I’ll run.  If I can’t get out when I dump…I don’t want to be there.  There is a kayak and rafting Tour Company in Letchworth running the Genesee.  They’ll take almost anybody on that kayak tour at water levels up to 13 feet.  If they think it’s safe, I think it is too.

Some of What You’ll See:

Letchworth is called the “Grand Canyon of the East”.  It’s a wide and deep gorge.  At various places you can see people on the overlooks, looking down, and they’re wishing they could be in that gorge.  The fact is they can.  At various places you’ll find waterfalls running into the gorge.  Not really impressive until you get to Wolf Creek.  I’m trying to think how to describe the location of wolf creek to you.  It’s about a mile up from the takeout…but that doesn’t help you on your first run.  How bout this.  Look to the left as you’re going down stream.  You’ll see a creek coming into the Genesee.  It’s the only one.  Stop at that creek and take a walk up the creek bed about 200 feet.  At low water Wolf Creek Falls looks interesting.  At higher water Wolf Creek Falls is impressive and you and your sweetheart can get up into it for some photo opportunities.  As you continue down the Genesee through the Letchworth Gorge you’ll see hawks, deer and other wildlife.  You’ll see a few people on the banks with their children and their dogs and they’ll see you enjoying yourselves, and doing something that maybe you never thought you would.

The Hardest Part of the Trip (The Take out):

I’m serious…this is the hardest part of the trip and I do mean...It’s hard!  The Takeout is at St Helena.  I suggest very strongly that before you put in, you explore the take out.  Get used to it…find some land marks.  You’ll also see how long and steep the walk is.  There are 2 places on the river to take out.  The first is used by the tour groups and supposedly if you get lucky and ask nicely, they’ll throw your kayak on their bus and drive you out of the gorge.  Only the tour group is allowed to bring a motorized vehicle into the gorge.  Just beyond the tour group takeout is one more rapid.  It also shortens the walk slightly to go to this next takeout.  My landmark is an old bridge abutment on the right hand side.  Do NOT go past this point.  If you do…you’ve got no way to get out of the river until you hit the dam and that would NOT be a good thing.  Do NOT go past this point!!!  The dam is still miles away but you’re in a lot of *hit.

Please scout your takeout…Please establish your landmarks.  It only makes sense. 

I was going to tell you one more special thing about D’Arcy.  She carries her own kayak out of the gorge.  No way could I do that for her.  It’s about a ¾ mile walk, carrying a 38# kayak and a good portion of it is up hill.  This woman is an Amazon and she’s mine all mine...Hands off.

Summary:

The Genesee is a class 2-3 white water river, runable from 9 to 14 feet by the gauge.  I personally will NOT run it past 13 feet.  Both the put in and the take out have long walks. The up hill take out is the hardest part of the trip. I’ve done this trip at 12 feet on the gauge and with people who have never done this kind of thing before...They loved it!  I never get bored with this river and each time it’s a little different.  Organized commercial tours are available at the Lower Falls area.  It’s a fun river with a beautiful view from within the “Grand Canyon of the East”.  Rochester…it’s in our back yard.  Toronto…your back yard has just been expanded!

The Genesee through Letchworth is not the only white water kayaking in the Rochester area.  In later columns I’ll be telling you about the Oatka Creek and Keuka Lake Outlet.  For the extreme white water kayakers (not me) visit the flow website.  Extreme white water trips are organized.  It’s not for me, but maybe it’s for you.

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Rochester’s Own Outdoor Adventures - Upcoming Events

Summer 2004

To Participate Send E-mail to: Bruce Iuppa

You don’t have to limit yourself to reading about these activities.  You can join us!  These are the scheduled events. Consider yourself invited.  To participate in any of these events listed currently or to be listed, send me an email. 

Jet Skiing:

Saturday June 6, 2004-The Grand Tour of Grand Island (Niagara Falls)

A group of us will be departing from Rochester early that morning and driving to the Grand Island Area (near Buffalo NY) for a 27 mile circumnavigation of Grand Island.

Link to the Grand Tour

Rochester NY Topic on PWC Today (I’m biuppa)

Every Thursday Evening Summer 2004 Jet Skiing

Click Here to Check the Calendar of Events

Every Thursday Evening during the summer months, we launch our jet skis out of Braddock Bay (Breakers Marina).  Send me an email, I’ll send you back information and you can join us.

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Rebuilding A Past:

A Historical Look of Ontario Beach Park and the Future of the Port - continued

“The Port of Rochester in the hey day was a gem,” said Charlotte native John DiAntonio.

One of the main reasons that is accredited to a large population of residents in the Charlotte area was the Blast Furnace which was located directly west from where the Fast Ferry ports today. The furnace, before the Stock Market Crash of 1929, served as a source of employment for most of the men that immigrated to Charlotte with their predominately Italian families.

The intent of the Blast Furnace was to remove iron from ore and ship its product. The men worked to make approximately one dollar a day to feed their large Italian families, which made up the majority of the small community. The families that emigrated from Italy settled on Fleming Street, Corrigan Street, Hincher Street, and Lakeland Avenue, which is located west of the port.

DiAntonio believes that this living situation was beneficial to the residents trying to make a home in Charlotte.

“It was like a family moving out of Italy together,” he said.

The families of Charlotte built upon the close relationships that they possessed by constant interaction with each other. One of the main ways that these families remained so close was by having weekly street picnics.

“Our families were so close knit. We did everything together,” said DiAntonio. “People felt so secure in their homes.”
Beside the Blast Furnace and the family atmosphere, Charlotte had a lot to offer to not only its residents but to its tourists as well. With many family owned restaurants and shops, such as Fleming’s, DePalma’s, Abbott’s Custard, and Charlotte Appliance, and with attractions such as hotels and an amusement park, Ontario Beach Park was referred to as the Coney Island of Western New York.

 
“Those were nice days,” said Charlotte native Emmett Angelone.

Although on the surface the life in Charlotte may have seemed exceptional, like any other town or city Charlotte also had its flaws.

Angelone claimed that times in Charlotte may have been enjoyable but were not always easy.

“We had nothing. We used to pick up rags to make a penny,” he said.

DiAntonio agreed with Angelone; he believed that with limited funds at home he and his family tried to make the best of the situations.

“It was hard times, but it was enjoyable times,” he said.

No matter if the times were hard, Charlotte was still a community that made life beneficial for its residents.

“For people immigrating here it was a chance for people to make a life,” said DiAntonio.

The residents of Charlotte find the atmosphere to be a loving and entertaining community that would be hard to leave behind.

Louise Pecoraro, an original native of Auburn N.Y., moved to Charlotte 43 years ago and she claims that she is happy with her choice to move to the area.

“I’ve been here for over 40 years and I’ll never leave. It’s a residential area; you don’t even need a car,” she said. “A lot of people would love to live around here.”

Angelone agrees with Pecoraro; he enjoyed spending his life in Charlotte.

“It was a nice place to live. I enjoyed it,” he said.

With the new improvements to the Port of Rochester, Charlotte is attempting to bring the “old time feel” back to the residents of Charlotte and to its tourists. By adding new restaurants and attractions, such as Nola’s Bar-B-Que, concerts at the Grandstand, movie showings by the lake and by reconstructing the face of the park, Charlotte will be able to still offer the same benefits as it did years ago.

No matter the era, Charlotte still has a family-oriented atmosphere that is appealing to its residents and inviting to its tourists.
 

“I can’t think of any other place I would like to live,” said DiAntonio.

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8th Grade Kendall Students Tour the Port - continued

Katie suggests visiting some of Rochester’s parks such as Durand-Eastman Park, Hamlin Beach State Park, Cobbs Hill Park, and Ontario Beach Park.  She suggests these parks as a great way to enjoy the weather, picnic, swim, camp, and have some fun.

Nick’s favorite thing to do in Rochester is to go to the George Eastman house.  He says it is one of the biggest houses he’s ever seen.  Crystal enjoys the gardens surrounding the estate.

Devin thinks that tourists would enjoy the Strasenburg Planetarium.  You can enjoy laser shows, movies, and learn about the stars on its big, round screen that covers the ceiling of the room.

Ethan suggests attending one of the many festivals that Rochester has throughout the year.  His favorite is the Lilac Festival.  He enjoys all the good food and beautiful flowers.  He said Rochester smells great!!

Matt says the Seabreeze Amusement park is one of his favorite spots to go.  He thinks it’s a great family place.  He also enjoys the Seneca Park Zoo with its many types of animals.

Angel loves to go to the Rochester Museum and Science Center.  Here you can climb rock walls, be a weather person, and do many hands on things.  This is Joe’s favorite place too.  He thinks the exhibits and activities make this a great place to visit.

Chris thinks that the Blue Cross Arena has a lot to offer visitors.  He has attended some great concerts there and a large variety of sporting events.  Speaking of sporting events; our Rochester Red Wings baseball team and Rochester Rhinos soccer team at Frontier Field always give us an exciting game to watch!

Ethan suggests that visitors to Rochester take a side trip to one of the 7 wonders of the world and visit Niagara Falls since it’s only a short drive from here.

Danelle thought that the “Fast Ferry” was huge and really pretty.  Joe says it is the best boat he has ever seen in his life!  One student said “that’s a building not a boat”!  They can’t wait until their families can take a ride across Lake Ontario on it.

The Kendall students say Rochester welcomes you anytime of year, any place, and you would have a blast!!

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TORONTO ON TUITION - continued

All right, enough of my being unofficial spokesperson for the CATS company, more about what I’m writing about.  Although Toronto is an expensive city in some aspects (like tickets to a Maple Leafs game, they go for as much as $200—I suggest going to see the Toronto Roadrunners AHL Hockey team, its way cheaper and you can see them play the Amerks) there are many great things to do for a minimal charge, and even free. Yes, I said free. Every college and University student likes that word, trust me.

So in the next column, I’ll give you all the inside dish on some great places to eat, drink, shop, relax, and enjoy Toronto at, based on my experiences there for two years I spent living it up with my two closest friends.  I’ll wrap up by giving you just a few little tips if you do decide to visit Canada’s largest city.

As you’ve always heard, be careful about currency exchanges.  Make sure they have their rates clearly posted, and use a well-known firm like Thomas Cook or American Express.  Traveler’s checks are always a great idea too.  This isn’t a warning or anything like that, but if you’re on a fixed budget, you want to get the most for your money.

Ride the Rocket! The Toronto Transit Commission (www.ttc.ca) is very efficient and a day pass only costs about $8.  You can ride the subways, buses, and streetcars all day for one price. You can get anywhere in the city on the public transit system. Bring some pocket change or a couple of loonies (one-dollar coins) to tip the Subway musicians.  Believe it or not, these entertainers must audition and be accepted to appear in the stations and platforms, subway culture is a wonderful thing, and these professional musicians deserve a good round of applause and a small tip, it’s worth it.

Walk, walk, walk! It’s healthy, invigorating, and it can get you places! Plus, you’ll find that you discover more when you’re on foot, slowly passing by each shop on Bloor St., Yonge St., or on Spadina Avenue, home of Toronto’s massive Chinatown.

So be on the lookout for my next installment, and be ready to experience Toronto on Tuition.  Trust me you’re going to have an excellent visit to our Northern neighbors and a wonderful experience of our regions.  Enjoy Toronto, enjoy Rochester and don’t forget: the Breeze will definitely cool you down after riding the Rocket.

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THE MAGIC OF PARK AVENUE - continued

I was nineteen when I began a life on my own with apartment living, and immediately moved back into the City of Rochester, hoping to re capture that ambiance. I am now in my forties, and about ten years ago, with the keen expertise of my partner, we had the good fortune to find and purchase a beautiful home in Rochester’s Park Avenue neighborhood. Park Avenue once served as a service street for all the wealthy homeowners living in the elegant mansions along East Avenue. It is a beautiful neighborhood filled with large stately homes, each with it’s own architectural significance, the side streets off Park Avenue also hold their own charm, again with elegant homes and beautifully maintained properties. Through the years some of these homes being very large, were modeled into apartments, which allows Park Avenue its unique charm. The neighborhood is a kind of a “melting pot” of lifestyles. Youth, seniors, gay, straight, a multitude of ethnicities, all blending together, living their lives to the beat of Park Ave. Summer nights bring out the best, as the street never sleeps. You’ll find people enjoying an evening stroll, sitting on porches, or at one of the many neighboring café’s restaurants and coffee shops, all that offer sidewalk service. You will find walking the street a must, especially if you are a people watcher. You will enjoy viewing the amazing architecture, and the variety of boutique style shops, each unique in its own special way. It’s the only way to enjoy the full value the street has to offer.

Most of our summer nights are spent on our porch, which becomes our “living room”.  Throughout the summer months, not a night will go by that we don’t wind up with our porch full of people, most of them neighbors just walking by and stopping to say hello, and enjoying a cool glass of something, and passing the night away while meeting up with other neighbors that happen by.

 At last I have found my magic….the ambiance that I had grown up with and found so inviting…. all here on a wonderful street called Park Avenue.

Follow me each month as I introduce you to the “Magic of Park Avenue” highlighting our special events, shops, services, boutiques restaurants and elegant homes in the area.

Need advice? Have a question? Need a place to stay, or an idea to impress that special someone while in Rochester?  Feel free to e-mail me at jimmy@portofrochester.com. I am glad to answer any of your questions, no question is too difficult as I am quite nosy, and love digging for dirt!

I am proud to be the secretary of the Park Avenue Revitalization Committee, and also secretary of Park Avenue Merchants Association, and can offer extensive information on our neighborhood. Also, feel free to visit our website at www.park-avenue.org

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The Town of Penfield Invites Ferry Visitors
to an Exciting 2004 Summer Season - continued

Throughout the summer, the Amphitheater will host a range of entertainment, from celebrated Jazz and Big Band groups to kids activities and performances by a celebrated Penfield youth drama group.

The Penfield Symphony Orchestra moves its annual Picnic Pops Concert to the Amphitheater this year, on Sunday, June 6, at 5 p.m., as part of the Penfield Schools’ Music Fest Weekend. For a complete schedule of events at the new Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage, email communityaffairs@penfield.org, or call (585) 340-8647.

Annual Arts & Community Festival

The annual Penfield Country Fair Days will be held on August 21 - 22, in the center of Penfield. Hosted by the Penfield Lions Club, the Penfield Business Association, and the Town of Penfield, this exciting arts and community festival features art, food, fun, entertainment, kids activities and several of this area’s finest providers of food and fun. Sponsored by Wegmans, the event is also brought to you by Canandaigua National Bank, the Rochester Home Builders Association, and Saturn of Rochester.  

Come out for the music, food, a juried fine art show, rock climbing, 3on3 basketball, a farmer’s market, an expanded kids area, a sidewalk art contest, more than 75 of this area’s finest artists and crafters, and of course fun!

Independence Day, July 4^th

Penfield celebrates the Fourth of July in style again this year, at Harris Whalen Park. The celebration begins on Saturday, July 3, at 6 p.m. with music by It’s My Party and Atlas. The annual parade is Sunday, July 4, at 4 p.m., followed by entertainment with Gary the Happy Pirate, Beale Street Bandwagon, and Brass Taxi, followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.

Other Penfield Activities

Penfield is just minutes off of Route 490, and the summer season full of outdoor entertainment and activity makes it the perfect place to stop on your way to the Finger Lakes Wine Trail, or after a round of golf on any of Penfield’s picturesque and challenging courses. Penfield features one of this area’s largest nature preserves, the 1000 Acre Swamp, and miles of hiking trails take you through gorgeous parklands and along waterfront pathways, from the shores of Irondequoit Bay at LaSalle’s Landing Park and Irondequoit Bay Park East, down through the Ellison Park wetlands to Philbrick Park, running alongside Irondequoit Creek. Kayaking, canoeing, birding and fishing are popular sports for visitors who enjoy natural landscapes and a front row seat on nature. Penfield’s many restaurants provide a fine ending to a day packed with sports and adventure.

Getting Here

To reach Penfield from the Port of Rochester, take Route 104 east to Route 590 south. Follow 490 East to the second exit, Route 441. Turn left toward Penfield and follow this road into the heart of Penfield’s historical district.

For the latest updates and information, visit www.penfield.org, or call Penfield Community Affairs at (585) 340-8647.

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WILD ON ROCHESTER-Continued

From High Falls to Oxford’s and Spot Coffee, I hope to gain and share a little insight about these places with you. Whether it’s the night life or daytime activities you’re looking for, Rochester has it all.  In my search for the most thrilling, romantic, or just plain fun sites, I hope that the best of Rochester will unfold in front of you. 

Rochester is a city full of history, vitality, and exuberance.  From its pleasant neighborhoods to its flourishing downtown, the city provides a place for all to enjoy.  So when it comes to finding the best places for you to visit in Rochester, you’ll need to keep some things in mind.  First, public transportation can be a hassle (in my opinion, it’s not the best of Rochester).  Therefore, I recommend picking one area of the city to visit for the day or finding alternative means of transportation, such as renting a car if you are staying for longer than a day or so.  Second, similar activities are located in similar areas.  Take the art gallery, which is approximately two blocks away from the Eastman House.  So when planning what sites to see, keep this in mind—you may want to plan one day or night’s activities around art museums or bar hopping, depending on your interests.  Third, some of these hotspots will drain your wallet, so make sure you choose a variety of places to visit.  In lieu of paying to see one or two bands play at Milestones (which is a great experience), attend the Rochester International Jazz Festival from June fourth to the twelfth, where you’ll experience multiple artists in almost 100 concerts by purchasing a Club Pass for one flat rate of 75 US dollars.  Finally, remember that there is plenty to see and experience.

Whether you’re local or are blowing in on “The Breeze,” the city of Rochester awaits you.  I hope you will experience the best of Rochester with me.  Let the Spirit of Ontario lead you here.  

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Rochester, NY: Family-Friendly Culture with Exhibits, Collections and More - Continued

The museum features whimsical, interactive learning environments that invite kids and families to touch, explore, discover, and more. The museum also houses a breathtaking array of collections-more than 500,000 objects of Americana, including toys, dollhouses, home furnishings, and the world's most comprehensive collection of dolls. The National Toy Hall of Fame® at Strong Museum features Slinky®, Raggedy Ann(tm), and Tonka®, great favorites.

Everything at Strong Museum is geared towards making a family's visit memorable. Craft tables throughout the museum are well stocked with colorful materials that keep little fingers and minds busy. And parents can snuggle up and read with their kids in book nooks in every exhibit. A 12,000 square-foot glass atrium entryway features an authentic 1956 diner serving quick and inexpensive meals, and an operating 1918 Allan Herschell carousel.

George Eastman House
George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film, one of Rochester's two national historic landmarks, contains one of the largest collections of photographs, motion pictures, and photographic equipment in the world.One interactive exhibit, in particular, has been designed with families in mind. The Discovery Room on the second floor of the Eastman mansion provides hands-on experiences with photographic and motion picture history and technology that both children and their parents can enjoy.

Rochester Museum & Science Center
The Rochester Museum & Science Center creates inspiring, entertaining and educational experiences enabling visitors to explore science and technology, the natural environment and our region's cultural heritage. AdventureZone investigates the natural forces that shape the region and the daily lives of Rochester residents. Visitors are invited to take a simulated voyage beneath the waves of Lake Ontario to explore aquatic life and shipwrecks. Children can examine the stratigraphy of the Genesee River Gorge as they make their way across the Climbing Wall or they can test their skill as a weather reporter in the chromakey weather studio.

Memorial Art Gallery
Acclaimed as New York State's finest comprehensive art museum outside of New York City, the Memorial Art Gallery (MAG) is a spectacular landmark that houses one of the most impressive art collections in the state. The MAG is also family-oriented, with performances and workshops for children and their parents throughout the year and interactive displays.

Center at High Falls
This urban cultural park is the only educational center on the bank of the Genesee River. Its interactive 3-D exhibits include a room size "supermap," taxi tour, model flour mill, and talking camera. Changing exhibits celebrate Rochester's creative spirit year 'round.

Seneca Park Zoo
Monroe County¹s Seneca Park Zoo is home to the Wonder of Life - Every Day. The Rocky Coasts features polar bears, sea lions and penguins in exciting underwater habitats! The Zoo situated in beautiful Seneca Park overlooking the Genesee River Gorge, is also home to New York¹s only African elephants, Bornean orangutans and the US¹s only Eurasian Arctic wolves. Visitors are invited to walk along the Genesee Trail to the Discovery Center which boasts underwater viewing of river otters, and to enjoy special events and educational programs.

More information about Rochester, the surrounding region, or travel in New York State is available at www.iloveny.com

or call 1-800-CALL NYS.

Corning Museum of Glass Offers New Look at Venetian Influence

A new exhibition at The Corning Museum of Glass will demonstrate that Venetian glassmaking continues to have a significant influence on today's glass artists. "The Italian Influence on Contemporary Glass" opens March 18 and runs through October 31, 2004. It is a companion to The Museum's major summer 2004 exhibition, "Beyond Venice, Glass in the Venetian Style, 1500 - 1750." That show explores the wide impact of the Venetian style of glassmaking on Renaissance Europe. Together, the two exhibitions will give Museum visitors a broad perspective of the persistent affect of Venetian glass and its maestros on glassmakers elsewhere. Characteristics of the Venetian style include the preference for blown, classically proportioned forms and bright colors, the use of soda-lime glass, and a flawless technique that may or may not involve complex internal or applied decoration. The Corning Museum of Glass (www.cmog.org) is home to the world's most comprehensive and celebrated collection of glass. An independent, non-profit, educational institution, the Museum is dedicated to the art, history, science and exhibition of glass. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Information on the Finger Lakes and other New York State vacation regions is available at www.iloveny.com or by calling 1-800-CALL-NYS.

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