St. Pat’s Parade Committee recognizes Bella’s Bumbas

13 Feb

It’s always neat to see who the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee chooses every year as their annual honorees — like the Grand Marshal, Honorary Marshal, Citizen of the Year and the like. But this year, the announcement was especially exciting, because one of this year’s honorees is Webster’s very own Bella’s Bumbas.

At the annual kickoff event, held Sunday Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, the committee announced that Bella’s Bumbas has been chosen as this year’s Official Charitable Organization. Anyone who’s read my blog for even a short time should already be familiar with this awesome grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, it’s dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues, charging the families only for shipping.

In her announcement, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride introduced the organization by saying,

Since its founding, Bella’s Bumbas has grown from a small community effort into a global mission, having provided over 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. Each chair represents a story of hope, inclusion, and possibility. Families who once felt isolated, now watch their children roll beside their peers, discovering new levels of confidence and independence. This incredible journey has been made possible entirely through volunteer dedication, community support, and the belief that no child should be left without mobility, simply because of financial or geographic barriers.

In this year’s parade, Bella’s Bumbas will showcase these little chairs and the joy they bring not only to the children who receive them, but also to the volunteers and donors who make each one possible.

As the Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve already started planning a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs and “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss!

This is an incredibly well-deserved honor for Bella’s Bumbas, whose life-changing work for children worldwide often flies under the radar. While we in Webster have long been proud to call them our own, it’s wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve, giving the rest of the Rochester area a chance to discover this incredible organization.

Congratulations, Marty and Rebecca, on this amazing honor.

The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St. Make sure to watch for the Bella’s Bumbas float at the beginning of the parade and cheer loud for our Webster neighbors!

On a related note…

This year’s Honorary Marshal is Dave North, a well-known musician who’s played in and around Webster and Rochester for decades. He was (and is) a regular performer at the former Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and the new Barry’s Pub in Fairport. I’m pleased to consider Dave a good friend and congratulate him on his honor!

Dave, by the way, has his own connection to Bella’s Bumbas. Last year on one of his trips to London, he brought a Bumba chair along with him to deliver to a child there.

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(posted 2/13/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

10 Feb

It’s not too late to recycle your Christmas tree

Assuming you’re not using it for Valentine’s Day decoration, you can still drop off your tree for recycling through Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway (off of Hard Rd.)

Once you drive in, as soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you will see a sign where you can leave the tree by the gate.

Supervisor Scialdone Community Office Hours

Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Wednesday, February 11, when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 5 to 6 p.m. at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Drive. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Have lunch and network with the Chamber

This next notice is from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

The February Connect @ Noon event will be hosted by Susan Tripp of SMT Mobile Notary and Brett Dawson of the Dawson Law Firm. The event will be held at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and & rocENROLL HEALTH, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, this Friday Feb. 13 from noon to 1:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Webster Chamber members host Connect @ Noon events every month, opportunities to build current professional relationships and to begin new ones. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and becoming members of the Chamber are invited to attend. Bring your business cards and a door prize to increase your visibility through announcements and the Chamber website. 

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

Spaghetti. Yum.

Looking ahead to March, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of our volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

Party for Mardi Gras

Here’s a reminder about a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras with our community.

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Our schools’ spring musical season continues in early March when Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.

Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.

Later in the month, on March 20 and 21, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr.

This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice. Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m. I’ll let you know when tickets are available.

Save the date for bowling!

CDS Wolf Foundation is hosting their 19th annual Strike for Abilities Bowling Party on Sunday, March 8 at Bowlero in Webster. Final details for this great event are still being worked out, but organizers are looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for more information.

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(posted 2/10/2026)

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A shout out and thank you to my exercise buddies

9 Feb

Many of you know that I am not the only blogger in my family. Last September, my husband Jack launched a Substack blog called Aging … better. True to its name, it focuses on topics such as nutrition and exercise that support active older living, and also often looks at caregiving for older adults. 

Recent posts, for example, have included the cognitive benefits of healthy sleep habits, whether fasting leads to better health and faster weight loss, and what kinds of exercises have the most benefits. I’ve learned a lot from his research already, but I found his most recent post especially interesting.

It’s titled “Want to keep moving? Keep up those social ties,” and it talks about how social engagement can encourage older people to keep exercising more consistently. He looks at some studies which conclude that

…factors such as expansive social networks, supportive family environments, social support, neighborhood communities regarding physical activity, and favorable social interactions were positively associated with physical activity among older adults. The converse also was true, they found: lack of social support, loneliness and isolation all were associated with lower levels of activity.

In other words, the social aspect of group exercise encourages more regular activity than the relatively isolated nature of individualized workouts.

Boy, can I attest to that. Every single Tuesday night this winter you’ll find me jogging along with my Webster Village Runners club, putting in somewhere between two and three miles regardless of the dark, below-zero wind chills, heavy snow or ice in the roads. If I didn’t know for a fact that there would be a dozen other crazoids like myself braving the same elements, I would almost certainly opt out more often than not. (I actually don’t like running that much.)

But I DO know that my friends will be there. We’ll chat and laugh and endure the weather together, then reconvene at Ploty’s for more laughs and stories … and beer. The close friendships I’ve forged in the group almost make the running part fun.

And then there’s the Webster Recreation Center. Jack and I joined the Rec more than a year ago, and I almost immediately fell into a routine of attending circuit workout classes three times a week. While the class roster shifts from month to month, a core group has been there since day one. I’ve come to know them, expect them, and count on seeing them each time I walk in. It’s become a kind of workout family, and I genuinely look forward to seeing them every morning.

Jack began his blog by noting, “Some people are exercise ‘loners’ while others are exercise ‘joiners.’ For example, some like to run, walk or bike by themselves, while others join walking groups or bicycling clubs.” Well, clearly I am a joiner, and I owe a debt of thanks to all of the friends and workout buddies I’ve made who are helping encourage me to keep active, engaged … and healthy.

If you’d like to check out Jack’s blog, Aging … better for yourself, click here. (You don’t have to subscribe.) And if you’d like to join us Webster Village Runners some Tuesday evening to run or walk, you’d be very welcome. We meet at 6 p.m., and it’s totally OK if you want to wait until it gets warmer out.

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(posted 2/8/2026)

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Webster Knights of Columbus announce fundraisers

8 Feb

The Webster Knights of Columbus have announced two fund-raising initiatives planned for the coming months, continuing their long-standing tradition of charitable giving to Monroe County organizations that support the independence, dignity, health, nutrition, and quality of life of individuals and families in the Rochester area.

The first is a raffle, with a chance to win several fabulous prizes. The grand prize is a trip to Cooperstown, valued at $1,350 which includes a gift card to the Otesaga Resort Inn and spending money. Other prizes include four tickets to a Red Wings game, a round of golf for four at Greystone, a Red Wings jersey, autographed Amerks jersey, autographed hockey stick, a golf bag, three dozen golf balls, and a NY Yankees coat. 

Tickets are now on sale for $20 each, available by emailing RCurtis@frontiernet.net, and the winners will be drawn March 5. 

Proceeds from the raffle will be placed in the Knights’ Charity Holdings Account, which provides donations to a number of charities during the year, including Webster Comfort Care Home, Blue Star Mothers, Coats for Kids, Pines of Peace, St. Andrew’s Food Cupboard, Rochester Hope, and others. 

The second event is the Knights of Columbus’ annual Charity Dinner on Saturday, April 25. The dinner will be held at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Tickets are $55, and proceeds will benefit: 

* Webster Comfort Care Home, a comprehensive and compassionate two-bed home for terminally ill individuals, and  

* St. Michael’s Woodshop, a program for city boys and girls ages 13 to 18 to work after school and over the summer developing woodworking skills. Business owners are also encouraged to purchase an advertisement in the program, which will be handed to every attendee at the dinner. To purchase tickets or place an advertisement in the program, call Bob Curtis at 749-2869 or email him at RCurtis@frontiernet.net.

Business owners are also encouraged to purchase an advertisement in the program, which will be handed to every attendee at the dinner. To purchase tickets or place an advertisement in the program, call Bob Curtis at 749-2869 or email him at RCurtis@frontiernet.net.

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(posted 2/8/2026)

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New book offers support and comfort after pregnancy loss

5 Feb

When words are hard to find after pregnancy loss, a new book by a local author is offering comfort, connection and hope.

The H.U.G. Book, written by former clinical social worker Sarah-Elizabeth Pilato, was launched just a few weeks ago, but is already resonating with readers across the country. Grounded in Pilato’s professional background and personal experience, the book brings together the voices of almost 30 women — and several men — from the US and Canada who have experienced miscarriage and pregnancy loss, delivering a simple yet powerful message: no one should have to walk through grief alone. It also includes short quotes and comfort words from parents, and a resource list for additional support.

On her website, Pilato explains that the book is “woven together from the real, raw and comforting stories of women who have experienced miscarriage and pregnancy loss.”

She continues,

The idea for H.U.G. didn’t begin in a brainstorm or a journal. It began in a doctor’s office—barely an hour after I was told that my baby no longer had a heartbeat. I remember the doctor’s words: “Unfortunately, miscarriage is very common. We don’t hear about it very often because women seem not to talk about it.” That sentence landed like a stone. And something inside me whispered, Then I will.

Three hours later, I was home, standing in my kitchen, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and the writing began. Grief doesn’t always arrive in big moments. Sometimes it shows up in the ordinary. In the quiet. In the ache of what should have been. H.U.G. is my response to that ache. A book for the woman who doesn’t know what to say. A book that sits beside her when her spark feels gone. A book that says, You are not alone.

What makes The H.U.G. Book especially impactful is that it’s being distributed completely free of charge nationwide to hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, and other settings where women may be experiencing pregnancy loss. While the book is available for purchase as a gift, its primary purpose is to be placed directly into a woman’s hands in the very moment she is experiencing loss — when she really needs a comforting hug from a friend who can truly say “I understand,” and “me, too.”

Since its launch, requests for copies have come in from professionals across the country. Locally, books are already available at the RGH Perinatal Unit, Unity Perinatal Unit, Urgent Care Now in Webster, and soon to the Unity labor and delivery unit. Individuals experiencing miscarriage and pregnancy loss are also requesting copies for themselves and their loved ones.

This kind of impact has only been possible because of incredible community support. The H.U.G. Book remains 100% community funded, which allows every copy to be placed directly into the hands of women experiencing loss at no cost to them. Anyone who wishes to help sustain this mission can “donate a HUG” — sponsor books that will be distributed to hospitals, clinics, and families nationwide. Donations and book requests can be made at www.faithsparks.com/hug.

About the author

Sarah‑Elizabeth Pilato is the founder of Faith Sparks and a professional encourager with over 20 years of experience supporting women through grief, transition, and healing. She lives in Webster, where she continues to build comfort‑centered resources for women and families.

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(posted 2/5/2026)

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What’s happening at the library?

4 Feb

I usually try to highlight at least some Webster Public Library events in my regular mailbags, but I decided to separate them out this time around because there are a few new things I want to tell you about.

For starters, the first edition of the library’s Senior Newsletter hit my email box recently, and if you haven’t signed up for it yet, you might want to consider doing so, because it’s packed with information of interest to us older folks. The newsletter is geared for adults ages 55 and up, and includes informational resources for seniors, large print books arriving soon and newly added to the library’s collection, and upcoming library events geared towards seniors. 

Specifically, the February edition has features on

  • audiobooks
  • Kanopy, the new movie and streaming service
  • new large print books coming to the library
  • upcoming events on genealogy and caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, and more.

Click here to read more about the newsletter and sign up to get it emailed to you every month.

If you like model trains make sure to stop into the library this Friday (Feb. 6) or Saturday (Feb. 7) to check out a huge model train display set up by the Genesee & Ontario Model-N-Gineers Club. No registration is required, and train aficionados of all ages are welcome. Hours for the display will be noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about the club visit their website here. 

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Here’s a quick look at some other events coming up at the library this month:

  • The February Community Exchange is knicknacks and bric-a-brac. You know you’ve got a lot of that hanging around the house.
  • Keep the whole family entertained with Spring Break programs including:
    • Paint With Me! step-by-step painting tutorial for teens and adults, Monday Feb. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
    • Family Trivia, Tuesday Feb. 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. (registration required)
    • Library Club, Wednesday Feb. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
    • A visit from the Seneca Park Zoomobile, Friday Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon (no registration required)
    • Animal Drop-In Crafts, Friday Feb. 20 and Saturday Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no registration required)
  • For adults:
    • “Rochester’s Broad St. Bridge and Subway, Past, Present and Future,” a talk by Michael Brown, Tuesday Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
  • For kids:
    • Take Your Child to the Library Day, Saturday Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities all day long. (no registration required)
    • Valentine’s Day Dance, Friday Feb. 13, 10 to 11 a.m. (all ages welcome, no registration required)
  • For everyone!
    • Olympic Reading Decathlon — pick up a reading log at the desk to get started. Complete as many of the reading programs as you can buy March 31 to be eligible to win great prizes!

Finally, here’s a reminder about a very interesting program which was originally scheduled for Jan. 15 (we got a little snow that day), but has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost for the presentation but registration is required.

Check out the events tab at the Webster Public Library website for more information about all these programs. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., in Webster Plaza.

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(posted 2/3/2026)

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Pfft. What’s a little snow? Get out for a hike!

3 Feb

Winter is actually a great time of year for a hike. Our already beautiful local parks and preserves become even more spectacular under a layer of snow. They’re so unbelievably quiet and peaceful that sometimes the only thing you can hear is the ice cracking under your boots. As long as you’re bundled up against the cold and have some good boots (and traction cleats), a winter hike is nothing less than food for the soul.

If you like that idea but aren’t sure where to start, the Friends of Webster Trails would like to invite you to a stroll through one of our town’s newest trail systems, the State Road Nature Preserve. The hike is scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the preserve, 1571 State Rd.

The family-friendly, guided hike will take participants through most of the preserve’s trails (measuring a bit more than one mile). If there’s snow (which there likely will be), you’ll look for animal tracks as you traverse a hidden trail network. Make sure to dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

There’s no charge for the hike, but please register here so the Friends know how many to expect. More information about winter hiking safety can be found here.

Can’t make it to State Rd.?

If you like the idea of a winter hike but can’t make it to the State Rd. guided hike this weekend, consider the Friends’ Loop of the Month, described in the Friends’ February newsletter:

With winter conditions still in place, flatter trails are often the best choice when dealing with ice and snow. Consider starting at Gosnell Big Field. From there, you can follow the connector path into Vosburg Hollow, then continue on to the Hojack Trail. This loop is approximately 2.5 miles,with the option to add extra distance by heading farther along the Hojack Trail before turning back. This loop offers flexibility, scenic views, and a great way to enjoy the trails safely during the winter months.

If trail conditions are icy, an easier option is to walk through Vosburg Hollow, cross the bridge, through the parking lot, up the connector trail  onto the Hojack Trail. Be aware that Vosburg Hollow includes a few hills that may be slippery in winter conditions, so use caution.

Trees in your way on the trail?

If you ARE a regular hiker and frequently enjoy Webster’s amazing trail system, no doubt you’ve come across a tree or two blocking the path. Ash trees especially like to topple in high winds.

If you do see something like that, the Friends would really like to know about it. You can email them here, with the following information:

  • The preserve name
  • The trail where the tree is located or drop pin
  • A photo if you can. That way they can bring the proper equipment to take care of the job.

Extra eyes on the trails help the Friends respond more quickly and keep the trails safe for everyone. (And P.S. try to avoid walking in the woods during high winds.)

Become a Friend

If you’d like to keep tabs on all of the latest news from the all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails, including advance notice of special events, consider joining the organization and you, too, will get their monthly newsletter. It’s only $15 for individuals, $20 for families, and worth every penny. Click here for more information.

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(posted 2/3/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Webster Schroeder presents On the Town this weekend

2 Feb

When it comes to bringing a classic musical to spectacular life on stage, you can count on Webster Schroeder High School to do it up right.

This spring, that musical is On the Town, a Golden Age masterpiece by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, which hits the Schroeder stage this Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 5 to 7. It follows three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City in 1944, each looking for romance and adventure, and is famous for songs like “New York, New York” and “Some Other Time.” The show premiered on Broadway in December, 1944 and ran for more than a year.

Schroeder is just one of two schools staging On the Town this year, which in large part reflects that the musical is a rather daunting undertaking for high school students. But Artistic Director Carrie Zugelder knew that — in addition to her current crew of talented students — she had an outstanding group of young actors coming up from Spry Middle School, whom she suspected had the chops to tackle the dance-heavy production.

She was right. As intimidating as the challenge might have been, the young Schroeder actors, singers and dancers have achieved it with characteristic skill, talent and determination, crafting a performance that radiates energy and lingers long after the final curtain.

Even cobbling together the appropriate pit orchestra from students and community members was a challenge in itself. Bernstein’s scores are notoriously difficult, no matter the show. But for On the Town, he had to bridge the large gap between a Broadway musical and a symphonic ballet, while capturing the frantic energy of 1944 New York City. The result is an unusually large pit orchestra (especially for a high school production) heavy on brass, strings and percussion, creating a full symphonic “swing” sound.

It’s pretty fantastic.

I was honored to be able to sit in on a rehearsal, and got to chat a bit with Zugelder during intermission, who shared some interesting background about the production. The 1944 musical adaptation was based on a “Fancy Free,” a ballet choreographed by Jerome Robbins. It was the first integrated musical ever, casting both black and white actors on the same stage — a rather pioneering choice in the early 1940s. A well-known film adaptation was made in 1949, starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, the first musical ever filmed on location in New York City. 

This is a don’t-miss show, filled with impressive dancing, great voices, and surprising humor. The photos here (thank you Dresden Engle) capture some of the energy, but you really want to see this show for yourself. As usual, Webster Schroeder Musicals does NOT disappoint.

The curtain rises this Thursday through Saturday, February 5 to 7, with shows at 7 p.m. each night and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, February 7. Click here for tickets.

Thanks again to Desden Public Relations for these great photos!

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(posted 2/2/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

Quite the variety of notices in today’s mailbag, so make sure to read till the end.

Color Your Community Green will host a discussion this coming Tuesday focused on Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan and how it can be used to meet state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Information will be presented about the most effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally and how we can build a sustainable future for our community. Community members are encouraged to attend and share your concerns about climate change as well as your visions for a sustainable community.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no cost to attend but please register here so the library knows how many chairs to set up.

Go Red!

Carla Ann Scheiber, owner of Lovely You Aesthetics in the Village of Webster, has enthusiastically signed on to the Go Red for Women campaign, an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women, and empowers women to take charge of their heart health.

As part of her efforts, Carla Ann will be hosting a Go Red Lovely Galentine’s Event on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lovely You Aesthetics, 82 North Ave. Tickets are $30, and attendees will get cocktails, food, a Go Red Lovely shirt and five raffle tickets for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Click here to get tickets.

So grab your girls, wear red, and support women’s health while making an impact together.

Party for Mardi Gras

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Kindergarten registration now open

Webster Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Families with incoming kindergartners are asked to register them now via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal at www.websterschools.org by clicking More > Student Registration and completing the 2026-27 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file. 

The district is encouraging families to register early because it takes a lot of planning to appropriately place students in our seven elementary schools. If there is not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

PreK registration is not yet open. The preK lottery for the 2026-27 school year will be open February 13 at 10 a.m. and run through March 14. Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about the district’s preK options are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

The district has three preK options:

  • Full-day (five hours) located at our elementary schools and both high schools
  • Full-day (5 hour) with wrap care located at a childcare community partner with wrap care paid by the family
  • Half-day (2.5 hours) with morning and afternoon options at STARS Preschool next to Holy Trinity Church

The upcoming open house provides families living within the Webster CSD boundaries an opportunity to see some of the sites and learn more about the program before registering for the lottery. This adult visit is intended to support families in ranking their choices and answering questions prior to the registration window beginning Feb. 13.

Open houses will take place at:

  • Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster (enter door 4)
  • Bay View YMCA, 1209 Bay Road, Webster
  • Busy Blossoms, 60 Barrett Drive, Webster
  • Expressive Beginnings, 12 May Street, Webster
  • Kids First, 1676 Empire Blvd., Webster
  • STARS Preschool, 1456 Ridge Road, Webster

Families who are unable to attend the open house and would like to learn more about Webster CSD PreK are encouraged to visit the website at websterschools.org/prek or call (585) 216-0122.

Got antiques?

This isn’t Webster specific, but will be of interest to anyone who loves antiques: Antiques Roadshow is coming to Mumford on Wednesday, June 17.

You won’t be able to just show up or buy tickets at the door. They’re distributed through a random sweepstakes.

  • Deadline to Enter: You must submit your entry by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
  • Cost: Tickets are free.
  • The Process: You can enter the drawing on the official PBS Antiques Roadshow website. Winners are usually notified in mid-to-late April.
  • The “Producer Picks” Contest: When you enter the sweepstakes, you have the option to submit photos of your specific item. If a producer loves your item’s story or mystery, you might be selected for a “Producer Pick” ticket, which guarantees you a spot.

Limit is two tickets per address. Good luck!

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(posted 2/1/2026)

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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Webster Schroeder grad recognized for music education excellence

30 Jan

I’ve sung the praises of the Webster Central School District’s music program countless times. And for good reason. For example, the district has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” for 20 years. The marching band has won three New York State titles. In 2024, Webster Schroeder string teacher Kim Derse received the RPO Outstanding Music Educator Award.

But I don’t often get to highlight a more personal and proud connection to this incredible music program.

Yamaha Music officially announced today their 2026 “40 Under 40” honorees, their annual list of outstanding music educators under 40 who exhibit action, courage, creativity, and a commitment to growth while exceeding expectations in their music programs.

You might recognize a name on this year’s list: my son, Sean Rosenberry, Webster Schroeder ’08.

Yamaha launched the “40 Under 40” program in 2021 to celebrate music education excellence. According to the Yamaha website, the program is designed to “recognize outstanding young music educators who are “making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs…. remarkable educators whose classrooms are safe spaces where musicality, creativity and innovation thrive.”  

Sean is the Lower School General Music Teacher and Director of Bands at the Horace Mann School, an independent day school in the Bronx. He was selected from hundreds of nominations submitted to Yamaha for this year’s program, received from students, parents, teachers, administrators and local instrument dealers.

Timothy Ho, Horace Mann School’s Music Coordinator, nominated Sean for the recognition, highlighting his innovative teaching methods and ability to adapt to his students’ needs.

He wrote,

Sean is a true force of nature in the music classroom, and through his work at Horace Mann School’s Lower Division he has brought immense creativity, stability, and a palpable sense of joy to his students and to the music program as a whole. Thoughtfully integrating his deep understanding of Orff Schulwerk (among other music education methodologies) with his passion for traditional Irish music and dance, Sean’s teaching is extremely rich in musical content while always appearing effortless and playful. 

His years of teaching both in the Bronx and in Western New York have not only given Sean the wisdom to know how to create engaging classroom environments, but they have also given him the skills to roll with any problems that may arise.

In one such instance, Sean was beginning a combined performance with five kindergarten classes in front of hundreds of parents in the school’s large theater, when the power suddenly shut off, the emergency lights came on, and a loud incessant alarm sounded from backstage. Without missing a beat, Sean unplugged his guitar from the amp and proceeded with the performance as if there was nothing wrong. In the end, the performance was stellar.

Sean graduated from Schroeder in 2008, then earned his bachelor’s (2012) and master’s (2020) degrees in music education from Nazareth College. While living in Webster, Sean became well known in Rochester’s Irish music scene, regularly playing at restaurants, pubs, special events, and traditional Irish sessions throughout the city. He studied classical violin in high school and college but has since become proficient in a dozen more instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin and bodhrán, a traditional Irish frame drum.

In 2023 he was also selected to participate in the competitive Music Under New York program as one of just 350 musicians who perform in New York City’s subway stations. Now living in the Bronx, he continues to perform Irish music at pubs and local traditional Irish sessions.

You can read more about Sean and the other “40 Under 40” honorees at the Yamaha website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/30/2026)

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