In this week’s Sidewalk Talk, Ed Smith sits down with Rob Cieri, Chief and Director of Operations at Perinton Ambulance, to discuss the funding challenges facing the organization and the options currently under consideration. Cieri outlines how financial pressures influence daily operations, long-term planning and the ability to maintain essential services for the community. He also notes that Perinton Ambulance has met with the Perinton Town Supervisor and Town Board, with public work sessions scheduled in the coming weeks for residents to learn more and offer input.

Listeners who wish to support Perinton Ambulance can find donation information at perintonambulance.org/donate.

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Ed Smith chats with Erie Canal Boat Company owner Peter Abele about the company’s growth over the past 22 years and its mission to make the canal accessible to everyone through adaptive kayaks and bikes. Peter also highlights the partnerships that support this work and explains why Fairport’s vibrant canal front is such an ideal place for people to experience the water.

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This week on Sidewalk Talk, Ed Smith welcomes by Daryl Walczak, who has helped shape the Fairport Music Festival for over two decades. Walczak reflects on how the festival began, what keeps it growing year after year, and the powerful community support that has helped raise more than $3.2 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital.

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Ed Smith sits down with Heather Bundschuh, Community Engagement Officer at Advent House, to share the story behind this beloved comfort‑care home. Heather explains how Advent House began, how it operates differently from clinical facilities, and why its two‑bed model gives families precious time with loved ones in their final days. She also highlights the volunteers and dedicated staff who keep the home running 24/7 and invites the community to get involved or join their upcoming golf tournament on Monday, September 14.

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This week on Sidewalk Talk, Ed Smith is joined by Jesse McNaughton, the creative force behind Lift Bridge Yarn and the Fairport Fiber Festival. Jesse reflects on how she got started in the fiber community, what motivated her to build a festival of her own, and what attendees will find when the parking lot at 24 North Main Street comes alive on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Ed Smith sits down with Hoochenanny Festival co‑organizers Tommy Brunett and Sean McCarthy to talk about this year’s big weekend. The festival runs August 14–16 and is moving to a brand‑new location at the Town of Perinton’s Center Park West. And yes, there’s a little spoiler in the interview about tickets that you won’t want to miss.

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This week on Sidewalk Talk, Ed Smith sits down with Michele Quinn, Executive Director of Saint’s Place, for an inside look at the organization’s work supporting refugees who are building new lives in our community. Michele shares how Saints Place provides clothing, tutoring, and both college and vocational training to help families gain stability and confidence as they settle in the area. She also offers a preview of their annual Super Sale, happening August 4–7, one of the organization’s biggest events of the year and an important fundraiser that keeps their mission moving forward.

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Ed Smith sits down with Susan Kaemmerlen, Co‑Manager of the Corner Bookstore in Fairport, to share the story behind how the shop began, the kinds of book donations they are looking for, and how the store’s proceeds help support programs at the Fairport Public Library.

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This week on Sidewalk Talk, Ed Smith sits down with Steve Bartolotta for a deep dive into one of Fairport’s biggest music weekends of the year—Steel Rail Revival. Steve shares how the festival has grown, what fans can expect across its 11 stages and 80 bands, and why this event continues to make such a meaningful impact for The Arc of Monroe and The Pirate Toy Fund.

He also gives us an inside look at the brand‑new Previval Show happening the night before at Eagle Vale, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Cinnamon Jones and the full‑throttle, 14‑piece Brave Strangers – A Tribute to Bob Seger. From gospel‑rich soul to a horn section that shakes the room, it’s a preview built to set the tone for an unforgettable festival weekend.

If you love live music, community energy, and stories from the people who make Fairport’s biggest traditions happen, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Ed Smith sits down with Kristy Smorol, Communications Director for the American Heart Association in Western and Central New York, for a timely conversation about CPR, summer safety, and the signs everyone should know when an emergency strikes.

Smorol shares highlights from this year’s Heart Run & Walk and talks about why CPR education becomes even more critical during the summer months. She also explains how the Association is reaching people across the region, from workplace trainings to their interactive Mobile CPR Unit making stops at local venues, including Bills Training Camp.

Smorol also breaks down the expanded BE FAST acronym for spotting stroke symptoms and clears up the differences between a heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest along with the lifesaving role AEDs can play.

Listen to this streamlined episode packed with lifesaving tips that everyone in our community should know.

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