Happy New Year

We braved the FRIGID (think Zero to 2 degrees) temperatures, and welcomed in the New Year along with a few thousand others in downtown Rochester. Of course, our whole reason for being out on such a cold and snowy night was to listen to Gavin perform with the Big Wish 175 Chorus.

We had Gavin at the Convention Center at 8pm to assemble with the Chorus and get their instructions for the night. Around 8:30 we bundled the kids up, and we all went outside to the Main Street bridge stage for a sound check. This was our first taste of what we would be in for. The operations staff was still shoveling the snow off the stage as the kids were walking on, and the wind was blowing right across it. Even the 15 min sound check turned out to be a deeply numbing affair.

Once back inside to warm up, the kids were treated to a personal visit from Mayor Bob Duffy who came by to say thank you for braving the weather, and for lending their voices to kicking off the City's 175th Anniversary. I was very impressed. He took the time to ask each child that wanted to speak to him their name, gave them a high five or fist-bump, and then posed for several pictures. He did a great job making the moment feel personal, and each child feel very special. Gavin was very excited to meet him, and both he and Isabelle introduced themselves and got their picture taken.

Around 9:15 the kids were given the orders to bundle up again (with a special request to add any extra layers they may have) and line up to head back to the stage. At this point, we said our good-byes to Gavin, and headed out to try and get a good view of the stage. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. When it is 2 degrees outside, and blowing snow. Stay inside. Getting a good view of the stage is not going to be an issue.

Anyway, even though Mayor Bob kept his comments short in recognition of the weather, the several taped congratulatory messages from our Sister City Mayors dragged on, making the frozen crowd quite restless. FINALLY, it was time to kick-off the reason we were here, and the Big Wish Chorus was set to take the stage. I'll let the video tel the rest of the story. I apologize for the quality. I was moving around in the crowd (and I think my hand was frozen), and couldn't see what I was taping.



I want to add a special thank you to Mom, Dad, and Christina for braving the weather, and throwing your support to Gavin. Donna and I are very proud of the job he did, and so happy that he had so much fun taking part in this special event.

Happy New Year, and here is to a terrific 2009.