Hometown History - There's No Place Like Home

Baldwinsville. A 3.2 square mile (thanks Wikipedia) suburban village where I spent the first 18 years of my life learning, playing, competing and, of course, drinking the best chocolate milkshakes around town at the B'ville Diner (in my opinion). You see, there are some places that will always have a special place in my heart - as I am sure you have them as well - and this is one of mine. The village is tattooed with memories. Memories of my childhood. Memories of my triumphs and failures. Memories of the good and the bad.

I could travel to other places to cross-country ski, but the trails at Beaver Lake Nature Center work just fine for me and the drive through the heart of my hometown to get there is, well, quite honestly, one of my favorites. Besides, I need to learn how to manually stop from going down a baby hill on skis instead of relying on trees to catch my fall before attempting some other courses - yes, I will admit it, #rookiestatus.

But back to the drive.

Ever since I moved out of Baldwinsville, it is not too often that I have a reason to venture back to the beautiful village that 'Jenni', 'Fabio', 'Fabz', or my mother's favorite when I'm in trouble 'Jennifer Theresa', once walked and laughed in the streets of. And I miss it. I miss going to the grocery store and seeing a familiar face. However, there are those times when I praise the fact that I can go into a store without makeup on and hair a mess and not see anyone that I recognize (jackpot)... but you get the point.

The first highlight of the drive is always the sign that tells me I have now entered Baldwinsville - even though I do not need a reminder that I have arrived at my old stomping grounds - but a beautiful sign nonetheless that evokes a warm welcoming feeling.

Then, there is the high school, but, specifically, the varsity game field that now consists of turf instead of the grass that I once played on... but I must say, the new field is immaculate. Shoutout to all of the Baldwinsville Bees, young and old(er) and best of luck in your seasons this year!

Next, there is the Subway that was my go-to spot with friends for pre-game meals. Italian BMT on a wheat roll and a Mountain Dew to add some additional speed to my rather slow sprint (my kind of "Wheaties - The Breakfast or 'Pre-Game Meal' of Champions"). The laughs and memories that were shared over these pre-game meals with friends will always be cherished.

And then there is the B'ville Diner (insert hands-up hallelujah emoji here). I do not even know where to start with this one... if you have not been here, go.

Now.

I highly recommend the milkshakes (one can definitely be shared by two people). Mom's favorite is the french fries with gravy - but I tend to stick with the meals that fall within the chocolate food-group category... like the chocolate chip pancakes... all day every day.

I could go on and on, but I will stop there as this one is getting a bit lengthy. To wrap this up, I will end with this... Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz said it perfectly: "There is no place like home." Though I have absolutely no desire to tap my ruby red slippers together three times and end up back in high school, I will admit that I would not mind tapping them together and ending up back in the heart of the village that was my hometown.

Hundreds of Baldwinsville graduates come and go each year. We may move away, move back to or remain in the area for years to come. We have gone into professions such as: teaching, engineering, artistry, healthcare, music, business, athletics, and many others that I am certain I have missed (sorry if I did not list yours!). As we spread our wings and fly to new and better heights and beginnings, I hope that happiness and success find you in all that you do. That your dreams prosper and come true. That good health and fortune follow you in all of your days. And lastly, that it is remembered that in some way, shape or form, we are all connected in the sense that our roots may always lead us back to the place where we walked across the same stage, learned in the same classrooms, played in the same streets and breathed the same air that always told us whether or not it was going to rain based on how much of the hops we could smell from the Budweiser plant located near the high school.

May we always want the best for each other. That we strive to forgive the past and celebrate the accomplishments that others have achieved. That we reflect on the better memories and make peace with the ones that are not. And that we always remember (Baldwinsville grad or not) the roads that lead to a familiar face, a shared memory amongst friends or a favorite/meaningful place - not just in B'ville, but anywhere that holds a special spot in your heart.

Go Bees.

... and seriously, try the milkshakes.