It must almost be spring.

21 Jan

CAD3

It MUST almost be spring.

The reason I say that is that I recently saw a blast of flyers from organizers of the 44th annual Community Arts Day, the Webster School District’s annual student show-off day.

Community Arts Day is our school district’s annual show-off day. Students from every one of our elementary, middle and high schools will have artwork on display, including . sculptures, paintings, collages, sketches, and more. There are dance exhibitions, music concerts and martial arts demonstrations. There’s face painting, sand and candy art for the kids, a bake sale, craft vendors, community group exhibits, and food and drink concessions. Most everything (aside from the food, of course) is free, which makes this event an awesome family activity for a (what will probably be) a cold, wintry day.

Lots of details are still coming together, but here’s what the organizers need right now to help make this year’s event run smoothly:

Vendors:

Anyone interested in becoming a vendor or exhibitor for this year’s event can click here  for more information and a registration form. Cost is $25 for exhibitors, $50 for vendors.

Performing groups:

Got a music or dance group you’d like to see on stage at Community Arts Day? Click here for more information and to register. Cost is $25.

Talent Show performers:

The “Webster’s Got Talent” talent show is also one of the most popular attractions at Community Arts Day. Singers, dancers and musicians are invited to participate. Acts should be 2-3 minutes long. So get your act together and register by April 7 by clicking here.  If you have questions, emeil the talent show coordinator, Jakob@JakobHRothfuss.com.

Sponsors: 

CAD sponsorship levels have been established to help offset the cost of the event. Sponsors at all levels will recognized in signage at both hostess stations at the front and back entrances, on the website’s main page and in several other ways. Sponsorship levels are Bronze ($75), Silver ($125) and Gold ($250). If you’re interested, click here for more information.

Volunteers: 

This event does not happen without a large number of volunteers. There are several ways you can lend a hand, including donating store-bought baked goods for the sweet-treats sale or working a morning, mid-day or afternoon shift in one of the activity areas, lunch counter, arts and crafts, face painting and others. Volunteer sign-up will begin the first week of March. In the meantime, you can find out more by clicking here. 

Volunteers: 

I know this is repetitive. But it’s really important. Please consider he;ping out, and get your teenagers to join you!

Stay tuned for more information about this terrific family and community event.

 

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: , ,

The 2020 Greater Rochester Peep Show has been announced!

20 Jan

peeps 3Good news for those of you who love those marshmallow Peeps candies. The 2020 Greater Rochester Marshmallow Peep Show is right around the corner.

If you’ve never heard about this really fun event, you’re going to want to keep reading, especially if you like eating those yellow (and now pink and purple and whatever other colors) marshmallow chicks and ducks. I’ve never been a big fan. I put them in the same category as those faux-orange circus peanuts. They squeak when you bite into them.

But I LOVE the Peep Show. This is a two-day event at the Webster Recreation Center, where at least four entire rooms are filled with incredibly creative sculptures, dioramas, and various other works of art created with Peeps. It’s simply the cutest thing ever.  (Click here for a small photo gallery from 2019.)

This year’s show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday March 28 and 29 at the Webster Recreation Center. More details will come (but it’s free and great family fun). But for now, Peep Show organizers are looking for Peep creators.

Businesses, organizations or individuals are encouraged to enter a display for judging. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the show for the display that gets the most visitor votes.

Not feeling very artistic? You can support the event in other ways as well. You can hang a poster, donate a prize or become a partner in underwriting the show. Several levels of sponsorship are available, and all proceeds will benefit the Webster Community Chest.

This is a banner year for the Greater Rochester Marshmallow Peep Show, its fifth annual. It’s come a long way since it began, but I can’t see how it can be further improved. (Although I believe this is the first year they included “marshmallow” in the official name, perhaps dissuading those who walked away disappointed that the “Peep Show” offered a different kind of entertainment.)

This is a must-see family event, folks.

You can see more photos, and find out more about the show and how you can help by visiting the Rochester Peep Show website here, or email peepshow@frontier.com.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

16 Jan

mailbag iconJust a few things in my mailbag this morning.

The first is a reminder about the monthly Flapjack Benefit Breakfast hosted by our neighbors to the south, the First Baptist Church of Penfield.

It happens this coming Saturday Jan. 18 from 8 to 10 a.m. For $6 enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, real maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more. All January proceeds will go directly to help support Cameron Community Ministries, which provides emergency services, engagement, education and empowerment, offering after-school and summer programs, meals, an emergency pantry, and a clothing house.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd., steps from four corners.

Fun stuff at the library

PWDF2079 for website

The current exhibit gracing the main lobby is Photographers in our Midst, highlighting the work of 13 Webster photographers. It runs through January 31 and features images snapped by Joe Zelazny, Mike Donovan, Cathy Smith, Marcia Lewis, Dan Mack, Karen Soanes, Pamela Agliata, John Bustard, Ken Corpus, Larissa Mitchell, Lou Cardinale, and Laureen Anthony-Palmer and Barbara Sullivan.

Got all sorts of holiday photos and don’t know what to do with them? This coming Monday Jan. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30, learn how to use an online photo site to organize them and share them with family members.

The program, which runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. will also provide an overview of the main online photo sites and the organization tools they provide.  Registration is required.

unnamed

And finally, get this great service the library now offers!

You can now get pick-up service for hold items at the front door. Just call the library when you arrive, library staff members will grab your items from the hold shelf, charge them to your account, print your receipt, and bring them to you.

What a great service if you have mobility issues or sleeping children in the car. (Or if the weather is stinky!)

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road, at the back of the plaza.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: ,

Titans Hockey event a huge success

14 Jan

A quick update this morning from the organizers of the Webster Thomas hockey team’s recent Robert J. Smith Memorial Showcase. The event, held Saturday, featured four hockey games and benefited the American Cancer Society.

Word is, the event was “HUGELY successful.”  Through admission, raffles, a “chuck a puck” and apparel sales, the team raised thousands of dollars. 

Here are some photos from the evening, courtesy Deb Vent:

The Titans celebrate one of their 6 goals with the T nation at the Showcase event.
Dylan LaChance skates past the luminary in tribute to his grandfather
IMG_7940c

The Robert J Smith tribute event included raffles and other contests.

The team’s next big event is its eighth annual Honor Our Heroes game to benefit CDS Monarch Warrior Salute. This will be a single game on January 31, when the Thomas Titans face Victor at 6 p.m. This event will feature a TV and gift card raffle, 50/50 and apparel sales. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens. Students, military and first responders are free with ID.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: ,

Webster Schroeder kicks off spring musical season

12 Jan

Rehearsals are well underChicago Graphic3 (1)way for the first Webster high school musical of the season, Chicago, presented by Webster Schroeder Musicals in four shows Feb. 6 through 10.

Set in Chicago during the Roaring ’20s, the story follows dancer Roxie Hart, who murders her lover and convinces her husband to take the rap. When he finds out he’s been duped, he turns on Roxie, who is convicted and sentenced to death row. There, she joins forces with another “Merry Murderess” in search of headlines and — ultimately — acquittal.

The high school version of the very popular movie and stage play has been adjusted slightly to be more appropriate. But have no fear; the performance will still be plenty powerful, complete with most of the songs, dances and stunning set pieces that you’ve come to know.

And c’mon, it’s a Webster Schroeder musical. These kids are blow-your-mind amazing.

Chicago will take the stage Thursday Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Friday Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday Feb. 8 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15 and available online at ShowTix4U.com, and at all area Wegmans.

Director Sandy Nagar, left, works with the cast of Chicago at a recent rehearsal.
(L-R) Hayden Levine, Luke Stowell, Max Parmelee
image0

(L-R) Ava Massaro and Maggie Nagar (photo courtesy S. Nagar)

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: , , ,

News from Heritage Christian Stables

10 Jan

heritage

I’m pleased to pass along this press release from one of Webster’s finest community organizations, Heritage Christian Stables.

Heritage Christian Stables, located at 1103 Salt Road, offers therapeutic horseback riding programs to children and adults with disabilities. Their programs have proven results, improving riders’ physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.

Late last year, Heritage hosted a holiday party for their outstanding group of dedicated volunteers. More than 70 attended, and spent the evening playing games and enjoying food, drinks, and desserts. Volunteers received special gifts and prizes, and a chance to redeem their “volunteer bucks” (earned for every hour spent volunteering) for items like apparel, gift cards, and lessons.

There are lots of opportunities for you to become a volunteer as well. You can volunteer one time at special events, commit regularly for a whole season to help with gardening, staff the thrift store, or become a therapeutic riding volunteer as a side walker, horse leader or other helper.

For more information about all these opportunities and more, log onto the Heritage Christian Stables website.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: ,

Webster athletes well represented in AGR rankings

9 Jan
2I3A1937

Schroeder sophomore Sierra Doody made the AGR list in cross country. (Photo courtesy S. Webster)

The Democrat and Chronicle has just announced its 2019 All-Greater Rochester Team, and many Webster athletes have made the list.

This D&C has created this list for many years. This year, it includes 165 athletes and 12 coaches in 11 different sports.

Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes from Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder who made the cut:

  • Football: Victor Snow, (Schroeder junior), and named to the second team, John Talen from Thomas and Travis Dear from Schroeder.
  • Boys soccer: Cameron Webb (Thomas senior)
  • Girls soccer: Anna Hewlett (Schroeder senior), and named to the second team, Emma Leonardo from Schroeder, Mikayla Morelli from Schroeder and Annika Monfort from Thomas.
  • Field Hockey: Emily Klein (Thomas senior)
  • Boys volleyball: Allister Spiegel (Thomas senior)
  • Tennis: Alexa Monrad (Schroeder junior) and Stephanie Romero (Schroeder senior)
  • Boys cross-country: Austin Schoen (Thomas junior)
  • Girls cross-country: Sierra Doody (Schroeder sophomore)
  • Girls golf: Ava Labelle (Thomas sophomore)
  • Girls swimming: Suzanne Sokolowksi and Dana Witte, both juniors.

There’s also a list of “honorable mentions” which has too many Webster athletes to include here.

The article has only been posted online so far, and can be found here. It will be published in the print edition on Sunday.

Congratulations to everyone who made the list! Keep up the good work; you make Webster proud.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags: , , ,

The Village Quilt Shoppe is back!

8 Jan

IMG_20200107_154602290

Vanetta Parshall, Monique Liberti and their cute little quilt shop are back in business on East Main St.

They’ve been closed for a little more than a month, thanks to a water leak in the apartment above them which significantly damaged the shop and destroyed a good chunk of their inventory. Along with many friends and family members, they’ve been working hard in recent weeks to bring the shop back up to par. (Check out the photos to see for yourself!)

Vanetta and Monique have even managed to turn a very negative event into a lot of positives.

When I stopped in yesterday, their first day back in business, I saw that the shop is not only back in full swing, but in many ways is better than before. The ladies saw the forced-renovation opportunity to add more and better shelves, increase their inventory, and put down a whole new floor. This week they also introduced their new loyalty program and a monthly gift certificate drawing for customers who pay with cash or check.

Also, during the month of January for every sale over $25 customers will receive a sealed Red or White Fabulous February envelope, which can then be returned (unopened) in February to find prizes inside like gift certificates and discounts.

To celebrate their reopening, The Village Quilt Shoppe will host a “We’re Back” party this Saturday Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be raffles, sales, treats and a hot chocolate bar.

The shop is located at 21 East Main, at the corner of Lapham Park. Find out more on their website here and Facebook page here.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

 

Tags: , ,

More hockey, another great cause

7 Jan

Sectional win 2019 1

A few weeks ago I posted about a benefit hockey game being hosted by the Webster Schroeder hockey team. Today, I’d like to follow that up with another great hockey benefit, this time hosted by the Webster Thomas.

It’s called the Robert J. Smith  Memorial Hockey Showcase, scheduled for this coming Saturday Jan. 11. It’s played in honor of Bob Smith, who was instrumental to bringing youth hockey to Webster.

This annual event features four hockey games, raffles, luminaries and more. The action takes place at the Webster Ice Arena on Publisher’s Parkway. It begins at 1 p.m. with Bockport vs. Fulton, followed by Webster Thomas JV vs. Penfield JV at 3 p.m., Penfield vs. Gates/Wayne/EI and Wheatland at 5 p.m. The evening ends with a primo match-up between Thomas and Schroeder at 7 p.m.

Cost is just $5 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. It is truly a showcase of local youth hockey talent.

The Thomas Titans also host an annual game to honor our heroes – active military, veterans and first responders. Now in its eighth year, this event will be held on January 31 at Webster Ice Arena, and has raised thousands for CDS Monarch Warrior Salute.

In a recent email,, Debra Vent said this about this event gets bigger and better every year:

Last year the team added a campaign known as Goals for Golisano where fans and families pledged money for each goal the team scored in Sectionals through States. Begun by goalie Cody Rougeux’s family as a way of giving back to the institution that saved Cody’s life, the team was able to raise over $4,000 for the hospital.

Debra also told me about another outstanding community service these young athletes also recently accomplished.

This year the team partnered with Carrie Green’s Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha, whose motto is “Every child deserves a special day.” The program delivers birthday joy to children in need in the Rochester City School District grades K-2. Through the program each child receives a Cha Cha Cha bag for their birthday, with two small wrapped toys, grocery items, personal care items, and books. This year the program will deliver 1,000 bags to kids in need.

Titans players reached out to their friends, families and neighbors, to collect items for the program. The team were able to collect over 2,000 items for the program. This included over 215 boxes of mac and cheese, 195 pairs of socks, and 465 cereal bars.

On December 30 the team delivered the items to Carrie and helped sort and store them, as well as help pack birthday bags and wrap gifts. Even though the boys did not deliver the gifts to the kids personally, they clearly felt connected and dedicated to the program after working to collect the items and prepare them for delivery. The players were overheard exclaiming things like “I think my guy likes Pokemon” even though they’d never met the recipient.

Thank you to the Thomas Titans hockey team for all that you do for the community.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Welcome, Supervisor Flaherty

3 Jan
IMG_2580

Tom Flaherty, center, takes his seat as the Webster’s new town supervisor. 

I stopped by the Webster Town Board meeting last night for their organizational meeting, at which a handful of new (and returning) Board members were sworn in. They included our brand new Town Supervisor, Tom Flaherty.

In last November’s election, Flaherty unseated seven-term supervisor Ron Nesbitt, with 54% of the vote.

The crowd at the meeting was standing-room only, packed with family members and well-wishers who were there to watch the swearing-in ceremonies. Flaherty’s contingent was perhaps one of the largest; his wife and seven children were there, and his mother held the Bible during the swearing-in.

I hope to sit down with Flaherty sometime soon (perhaps grab a pint at Barry’s, good Irish lad that he is), after which I can give you some more insight into who Tom Flaherty is and what e might mean for our town. In the meantime, here’s a little background I pulled from a story posted by WHEC Channel 10:

Flaherty is a graduate of St. Bonaventure with a degree in finance and has lived in Webster since 1997.

He says he plan to run for office, but he saw a chance to serve his town and felt “the time was right.” He believes he was able to defeat Nesbitt because “the makeup of the town has changed, so it’s time for the town’s representation to reflect that change.”

One of his goals (which was one of the planks on his platform) is to extend the supervisor’s term to four years, and create a two-term limit.

You can see Channel 10’s full interview here.

Tom Flaherty’s mother Diane held the Bible during his swearing-in.
Flaherty surrounded by his wife and seven children after the ceremony.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

Tags:

← Older Entries