It seems that in March, everyone is Irish as these children wave flags at the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Photo by Jennifer Crowley
BY JENNIFER CROWLEY
March. It comes in like a lion and occasionally goes out like a lamb. It’s no secret that most Western New Yorkers are pretty fatigued by winter at this point. Families with school-aged kids are also climbing the walls by now. Thankfully March brings a lot of fun, nearby activities that celebrate maple syrup, a toast to things Irish, and frankly, just get people out of their houses. Check out what’s happening over the rest of March in this fairly Wheatland-centric events calendar.
March 6th – Is your child battling school-related anxiety? Come learn strategies for managing it together. Leave with knowledge and skills you can use. Tonight at 6:30 PM The Norman Howard School in Henrietta welcomes Dr. James Wallace, Associate Clinical Professor at URMC in Psychiatry and Pediatrics and board-certified child and adolescent psychologist. Dr. Wallace will provide parents with strategies for addressing school-related anxiety including school refusal and difficulties connecting with teachers and peers. This workshop is free to attend.
March 7th – It’s here, the very unique Wheatland-Chili All-District Concert. The 7:00 PM performance showcases the progression of musical ability from students in elementary school all the way up through the senior class. The concert is entirely orchestrated in the High School gymnasium. Expect SRO!
March 8th – Looking for some more musical entertainment? Wishing you were in Florida? Tonight the Eastman Studio Orchestra performs Disney’s “A Silly Symphony Celebration.” It’s not a Disney vacation but it is a colorful symphony of classic music from Walt Disney Studios’ award-winning cartoons. Catch it tonight at 7:30 PM at Kodak Hall, Eastman Theatre.
March 9th – In need of something different to help assuage your family’s cabin fever? Today the Memorial Art Gallery is having an open house in its Creative Workshop. Don’t miss this chance to learn about art classes for all ages. This event, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, features hands-on art activities, demonstrations, and opportunities to chat with some of the MAG’s teaching artists. While there also enjoy supervised art activities for ages 4–12.
March 10th – St. Patrick’s Day is only a week away. Brush up on your leprechaun hunting skills at the Genesee Country Village & Museum Nature Center. Today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ye can independently search for shamrocks and gold, hike the trails looking for leprechauns, or create Irish-themed art in the Nature Center building. Stop in between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to learn how to leap and kick like a real Irish dancer!
March 11th – Did you know that therapy dogs trained to listen to kids read books help reluctant readers develop confidence and social and emotional skills? Come by the Chili Public Library today from 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM for Tail Waggin’ Tutors. Children 12 and under (with an adult) can read to dogs who make great listeners.
March 12th – Got a pre-schooler who needs to burn some energy off? You’re in luck since tonight it’s the Disney Junior Dance Party starting at 6:00 PM at the Kodak Center (200 W. Ridge Rd., Rochester). This tour features live appearances by Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Vampirina, Elena of Avalor, Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Puppy Dog Pals, and Fancy Nancy. Visit www.ticketmaster.com for ticket information.
March 13th – It’s Wildcat Wednesday at Salvatore’s Saloon in Scottsville. Come support the Wheatland-Chili PTA from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Tell your server you are there to support the Wildcats and a portion of your bill will be donated to the PTA to fund a variety of school activities.
March 14th – If March is still roaring like a lion then chances are there is still snow on the ground. And hardpack snow makes excellent snow creatures. Build one today, take a photo, and email it to WHAscottsville@gmail.com for your chance to win an iKON Ice Cream Gift Certificate. This inaugural event is sponsored by the Wheatland Historical Association and is open to residents of Wheatland/Scottsville until April 1st.
March 15th – Ready to starting planning for your summer garden? Find some inspiration at Gardenscape 2019: Enchanted Gardens being held today at The Dome Center, 2695 East Henrietta Road. Don’t miss this beautiful display of unique and exotic plants and garden designs as well as educational seminars and shopping opportunities. Visit www.rochesterflowershow.com to learn more.
March 16th – It’s the annual Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The annual extravaganza, which rivals those held in larger cities, steps off today at 12:30 PM. Layer on your green, white, and gold and come cheer on Irish dance troupes, first responders, bands and more. Visit www.rochesterparade.com for line-up and route information.
March 17th – Erin Go Bragh! Top of the Morning!! As someone who is married to an authentic Irishman, I can tell you no one really says these things in Ireland. Instead give “Tá cúpla focal agam” a shot (it means ‘I speak a little Irish’)! Need a way to celebrate the luck and lives of the Irish beyond the obvious? Consider some Irish baking. Nothing like piping hot scones. Find what many Irish consider to be the best scone recipe at www.kerrygoldusa.com/grazings/irish-scones/.
March 18th – If you took my advice and baked those scones yesterday, you probably need a break from baking. Good thing Wheatland’s Free Style Mercantile is now open and serving up fresh baked goods, soups, sandwiches and coffee daily. Find Free Style on Facebook for up-to-date menu items and hours or give them a call at (585) 294-3035.
March 19th – The Wheatland Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking new businesses to join the organization in order to strengthen its membership. The Chamber Board is eager to assemble a group that has the energy and focus to carry out its mission. Tonight the Chamber is holding an informational meeting at the Mumford Library, 883 George Street in Mumford at 6:00 PM. Contact Chamber President Dave Principino at principino@frontiernet.net to learn more.
March 20th – Tonight true-crime author Michael Benson and writing partner Don Tubman, a private investigator that was featured in the January 24th issue of The Sentinel, will be speaking at the Scottsville Free Library starting at 6:30 PM. The two men will be there to discuss research from their book Nightmare in Rochester: The Double Initial Murders. Books will be available to purchase, or you may purchase ahead of time for autographing after the talk.
March 21st – It’s finally here, the Wheatland-Chili annual musical performance. This year don’t miss Shrek The Musical. Today there is a special performance at 4:00 PM for senior citizens and matinee ticket holders. The shows on March 22nd and 23rd are at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and are available online at www.showtix4u.com/events/16067 and at the door one-hour before each performance. Is something more gothic what you are looking for? Then check out The Addams Family performed by the Honeoye Falls-Lima High School Drama Program tonight at 7:30 PM.
March 22nd – Ever get tired of hearing yourself tell your children to use a fork, use a napkin, sit down and so forth? Then sign them up for “Mealtime Manners” presented by Chili Recreation. Your child will enjoy learning manners and everyday life skills through activities, games and dinnertime etiquette with a pizza dinner (and dessert) provided! The event takes place tonight at 6 PM at Union Station Park Lodge. Tickets can be purchased at www.townofchili.org.
March 23rd – Enjoy fresh air and the delicious aroma of simmering syrup with the whole family at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. Get out into the woods to discover all things maple! You can also visit the Museum’s recently completed sugarhouse to see how sap is made into thick, amber maple syrup, try a sample, and then sit down to a hearty pancake breakfast to cap off the day! Enjoy breakfast from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Learn more at www.gcv.org.
March 24th – I hear its “March Madness” time and that “brackets” are all the rage. Catch the NCAA on TV today and curse as your cousin’s bracket picked entirely by which team has the better name beats out yours backed by hours of research. Go Orangemen!
March 25th – If it’s a Monday night in Scottsville, then there is a Board of Education meeting scheduled. Want to learn more about what’s happening in the Wheatland-Chili Central School District? Then get involved. The Board meets tonight at 7:00 PM on the third floor of the administration building at T. J. Connor.
March 26th – Ever walk into the Scottsville Free Library and wonder what the small room off to the left is? Why that’s The Eugene Cox Local History Room and it holds a reserve collection of books, clippings, photographs, and scrapbooks on Wheatland, Scottsville and the surrounding area. It is staffed by volunteers interested in interpreting our history and preserving community news for tomorrow’s citizens. The Room is open today from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM and most Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Call ahead to confirm, 585-889-2023.
March 27th – Last summer’s first “Float for Santa” down Oatka Creek to benefit planning needs for Scottsville’s annual Parade of Lights was a smashing success. Organizers are starting to plan for the 2019 event and would love new ideas and more sets of hands. Want to volunteer your time to make this summer’s float even better? Head over to Salvatore’s Saloon on Main Street, Scottsville at 6:00 PM.
March 28th – It’s National Farmworker Awareness Week, a week of action for communities to bring attention to the multiple challenges farmworkers face, as well as to shed light on the important contributions farmworkers make to our daily lives. Want to do your part to help these vital resources? Donate long-sleeved shirts (to protect farmers from pesticides and sun damage) at https://afop.org/nfaw/.
March 29th – Pencil in tonight’s Maple Sugar Soiree at the Genesee Country Village & Museum. The event, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM, is a party celebrating the maple sugar harvest and a successful maple sugaring season with music, food and drinks, games and more. This event is for adults ages 21+. Tickets ($50 each) may be purchased at the door, but reservations are encouraged. Visit www.gcv.org to learn more.
March 30th – It’s National Take a Walk in the Park Day! Put on sensible walking shoes (or boots) and head over to Oatka Creek Park where you can clear your mind, burn calories, and hopefully breathe in some fresh springtime air.
March 31st – It’s Spring Fling Day, a cure for the cabin fever being experienced by young families around Rochester. Today Bill Gray’s Regional Iceplex in Henrietta is transformed into a giant playground. Two ice rinks are covered with flooring to create 34,000 square feet of fun space including bounce houses, face painting, interactive games, music, and much more. Admission includes unlimited play and unlimited ice skating with free use of rental ice skates. It’s on today from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; see www.billgraysiceplex.com to learn more.
