Whether or not you believe in the hereafter, or in communicating with those who have "passed on," Lisa Williams is a delight to speak with. Her exuberance is catching and her openness is assuring. She doesn't hesitate in her communications; she doesn't evaluate a spin, but lets it all out, not concerning herself with how you'll take it. That's not to say she doesn't care, but she's not preoccupied with convincing anyone. She knows what she is doing is real to her, and if it's not real to others, she's comfortable with their choice.Not having cable TV, I'd never seen

It would be impossible for anyone to see all the films offered at the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival -- obviously, since many of the films screen simultaneously. But there's also the question of just how many films a person can watch in five days. And how many parties can one attend? And still have a life. But I tried my best.The opening night party for the Rochester High Falls International Film Festival was similar to a family reunion for the local film community. Even Jerry Stoeffhaas, past executive director of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film & Video Office, came

The timing for the Lilac Festival is just right this year. The opening weekend weather was ideal. The bushes and trees are bursting with colorful blooms, and their fragrances practically force a person to pause to inhale a deep breath. But with this perfection came its own set of problems -- crawling traffic, long hikes from the parking lots, long lines at the vendors, and almost fear-inducingly crushing crowds. Returning later in the week, and earlier in the day, I still noticed a stronger attendance than in years past. The Lilac Festival has become quite the destination.One newcomer is the children's area.

I made my son a book safe when he was about 10. With an Exacto knife, I cut out the middle of the pages from a used hardcover book. It wasn't long before I realized it wasn't a one-sitting project, and that it would take days. The more pages I cut through, the harder it was to keep them still and straight. So after cutting an inch or so, I applied glue to the inner sides, and waited for it to dry before cutting some more. (You can glue the outside of the pages, but then it really does look

For the past month now a familiar group of professional and amateur musicians have been invited to host-band Hunu?'s basement clubhouse-like rehearsal space on University Avenue to prepare for the Bob Dylan Birthday Party. Each Monday evening was spent with the band learning and re-learning Dylan songs. With 34 acts and almost as many musicians, there are a lot of arrangements to collaborate on and instruments to plug in or change hands. This is the same every year.As each new act shows up -- hopefully with a six-pack in hand -- the band's members discuss the details with them. Those