Archive | September, 2018

History, miniatures and music

14 Sep

Three really cool events are coming up next weekend, and I want to give you a heads-up about them now so you can get them on your calendar.

museum tour

First, on Saturday Sept. 22, the Webster Museum and the Webster Union Cemetery are joining forces for a Living History Tour at the cemetery.

The tour, which takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., will introduce you to several of Webster’s citizens from the past, played by museum volunteers. You’ll hear their stories and be able to ask questions about what their lives were like back when our town was young.

Click here to read a more detailed blog about the event, including the people you will be meeting. Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Road (Rt. 250 at Woodhull). A $5 donation would be appreciated.

On Sunday Sept. 23, ROC City Scale Modelers will host their 37th annual ROCON scale model show and contest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

If you’re even a lukewarm fan of scale models, you have to see this show. The Rec Center’s gymnasium is lined with tables displaying hundreds upon hundreds of miniatures including aircraft, auto, armor, figures, ships, juniors, fantasy and more. For those who choose to enter models, the cost is $10 for 1-3 entries for adult modelers, $2 for each additional model, and $1 each for junior entry (15 years and under). You can register when you get there.

For those who simply enjoy modeling as a hobby, there are also a lot of vendors at this event offering the latest books and gadgets. Basically, it’s a modeler’s paradise.

Once again, ROCON 37 will take place Sunday Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. General admission is $5 and children under 12 are free.  Click here for more information

 

rhapsody

Finally, how about extending your weekend with a song?

On Monday Sept. 24, Webster’s own Rochester Rhapsody will be holding open rehearsals for women of all ages.

Rochester Rhapsody, the Rochester chapter of Harmony, Incorporated, is an international organization of female a cappella singers specializing in the barbershop harmony style.

Female guests can “FALL in Love with A Cappella” at the Harmony House, 53 E. Main St. on Monday Sept. 24 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., during the group’s open rehearsals. If you can’t make it that Monday, you can stop in also on October 1 and 8.

Women of all ages can participate in vocal warm-ups and exercises in a relaxed environment, learn new songs, meet with other women, and enjoy an evening of singing and camaraderie.

“If you like to sing but haven’t had much experience, we’ll help you find your voice,” said director Sue Melvin. “The beautiful harmonies, when shared, bind us together. I’m very proud to be a part of this group…it’s more like a family than just friends. It’s ordinary women coming together to make extraordinary music.”

The 3-week event will culminate in a concert performed for the local community on October 15 at Harmony House at 7:30 p.m. All of the guests who have attended open rehearsals will be invited to join in the performance.

For more information about “FALL in Love with a Cappella,” and about the chorus itself, click here. a copy of our flyer or information on Rochester Rhapsody chorus, email info@rochesterrehapsody.com or call 585-865-2731.

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Meet the D&C’s new east-side reporter

13 Sep

Georgie SilvaroleI had a very pleasant meeting yesterday afternoon with Georgina Silvarole, the new east-side reporter for the D&C.

Georgie, as she likes to be called, reached out to me a few days ago, hoping to meet up and pick my brain about all things Webster. She is a Rochester-area native, having grown up in Scottsville, but doesn’t know much about the east-side towns which are on her beat.

So I invited her for a cup of coffee at Barry’s Old School Irish (of course). Barry’s is not only representative of our village’s small-town, family-centric feel, but its four-corners location is ideal for checking out “downtown” Webster.

Georgie is a December 2016 graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, and a former intern at the D&C. After graduation she worked at the Greenville (South Carolina) News, and the Syracuse Post-Standard before returning to the D&C just a few weeks ago. Her official title is Suburban Trends Reporter, and she replaces Lauren Peace, who left the newspaper recently when she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship.

Georgie will be covering several east-side communities including Webster, so you might be seeing her out and about in town.  She may even reach out through social media sometimes for help with a story … for example, she’s working on a piece about Greenlight internet services and would love to connect with someone who’s a current subscriber. If you’d like to chat with her, email her at GSilvarole@rocheste.gannett.com, or you can get in touch with me and I will pass your information along!

P.S. This doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere! Georgie and I will actually be working together to share story ideas. So keep sending me your story tips and concerns, because I might just send some of them along to her.

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The Village of Webster remembers 9/11

12 Sep

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When I was in school yesterday, naturally I was thinking a lot about the events of September 11, 2001. It was, and will always be, a seminal event in the lives of most adults. But as I looked around at the schoolkids, I couldn’t help but think that it’s really ancient history for them.

They, and about a quarter of our current population, were not alive that day. They don’t remember the shock, disbelief, and profound sadness we all felt as we saw those awful images.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that we continue to set aside some time every year to remember. To its credit, the Village of Webster does a nice of that every year, and has done so now for 17 straight years.

Yesterday’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park was a dignified, yet powerful mix of ceremony, patriotic music and memories. About 75 people braved cloudy skies to attend, most relaxing in quad chairs, many standing for the entire 45-minute event. On the west side of the park, Webster firefighters, first responders and an honor guard stood at attention. On the other side of the gazebo, local and regional political representatives waited their turn at the podium.

The speeches were a mix of memories, sorrow for lives lost, praise for the first responders who gave their lives as they rushed to help others, and gratitude for those who still do so every day. They were punctuated by performances by the Chorus of the Genesee and concluded with the performance of “Taps” by Steve Forman.

It was a very nice and meaningful evening. Thank you to the Village of Webster for helping up remember.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from the event.

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Webster community mailbag

10 Sep

I’ve got a couple of local events for you, happening on Wednesday, and photo of a surprising new friend at Plank Road North!

Volunteer Fair

This Wednesday, the Webster Public Library will host a Community Volunteer Fair from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Volunteer Fair flier Fall 2018If you’ve ever thought about spending an hour or two a week — or more — using your many skills to help out a worthy organization, this is your chance to find the perfect fit. You’ll be able to connect with almost a dozen local agencies including Challenger Miracle Field, Friends of the Webster Public Library, Friends of Webster Trails, Heritage Christian Services, Maplewood Nursing Home, Never Say Never Foundation, Webster Comfort Care Home, Webster Museum and Historical Society, and the West Webster Fire Department.

No registration is required; you can pop in any time between 3:30 and 6 p.m. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road, on the back side of the plaza off of Van Ingen Drive.

Free Rabies Clinic

Also on Wednesday Sept. 22, the Town of Webster in conjunction with Monroe County Health Department will offer a Free Rabies Clinic from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Town of Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.

If your dog/cat has had a rabies vaccine in the past, bring the old rabies certificate for your pet to receive a three-year vaccination. Without the certificate the dog/cat will be issued a one-year vaccine certificate.

If you are unable to attend this event, and you’d like to find out about others in our area, visit the Monroe County Health Department online or call (585) 753-5171.

Surprise, Plank North!

Principal Craig Bodensteiner had a happy surprise for staff and students at Plank Road North Elementary School on Friday morning. During the school’s monthly “powwow” pep rally, Bodensteiner introduced a brand new Pioneer mascot, in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary.

Right now, the school’s large new friend has no official name. The students are being given the chance to come up with their own suggestions. So stay tuned!

pioneer

What I’m working on 

I’ve been in contact recently with representatives from two new Webster businesses, which I’ll be writing more complete blogs about very soon.

The first is THRIVE Studio, a new yoga studio opening soon at 865 Ridge Road, on the upper floor.

My THRIVE contact, Kathy Marchaesi describes the studio as a “non-threatening environment for beginners and experienced yogis as well. The owner, Chelle Walczak-Corsi, will tailor the classes to the participant’s skill level.”

THRIVE will be holding a grand opening on Saturday Sept. 22, including free yoga classes, food, mimosas and socializing. More to come about that.

Also, I chatted the other day with Caleb, the new owner of Savage Chef, which will be hosting its grand opening soon at 5 East Main Street in the village.

Savage Chef is a catering and meal-prep service. But Caleb is also considering putting a few tables into the shop to serve breakfast and smoothies.

Lots more to come about this. I, for one, want to find more about how Caleb originally considered opening a landscaping business, but ended up cooking….

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Yet more recognition for Barry’s Pub

8 Sep

barry's old schoolOur very own Barry’s Old School Irish has garnered yet another people’s choice award for being one of the best pubs around.

In a recent rating sponsored by Yelp.com and reported in Newyorkupstate.com, Barry’s was ranked #6 out of the top 27 best pubs/bars/eateries in Upstate New York.  The ranking was based on reviews, star rating, age of business and recency of reviews.

This isn’t the first time Barry’s has landed on a “best of” list, but it’s their highest place yet. Last March a Yelp.com survey ranked Barry’s at #45 on a list of the top 50 pubs in the United States for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. And earlier this year, their recognition became international when the London-based Irish Post ranked Barry’s #17 on a list of the “Top 32 Irish Pubs in America.”

Pub owner Danny Barry had this to say on Facebook about the most recent award:

This place sure has some magic in it! 7 years ago when we opened Barry’s Old School Irish at 20 and 24 years old we just had a dream. After getting married and honeymooning in Ireland, we wanted to open a little sanctuary of sorts where people could come on a good day or a bad day. Provide comfort and camaraderie in a pretty crazy world. Represent our proud Irish heritage to the best of our ability.

In that 7 years we have met so many wonderful people that have quickly become family to us. Rooting us on as we have brought 3 crazy kiddos into this world and helping us forge a community here at Barry’s built on love and friendship. Thank you to everyone who calls this little Irish Pub home. Thank you to our family, staff, and community for continuing to make Barry’s Old School Irish truly special.

Click here to see what other pubs landed on the list.

Barry’s Old School Irish is located at 2 West Main Street in the Village of Webster.

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Thoughts and images from the first days back at school

7 Sep

Well, we made it to the end of the first week back at school, and from all accounts that I heard, it started out pretty good.

I invited people to send me stories and photos from opening day, and I received several heartwarming messages and super cute photos. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to email me. I’m pleased now to share those emails with you all.

Three brothers together 

Moorman

Ryan, Nolan and Brendan Moorman

Alicia Moorman was pleased as punch to report that all three of her boys are now in the same school, Plank Road North Elementary. Ryan is in 5th grade, Brendan is in 3rd, and 4-year old Nolan just started preschool.

This is the only year they’ll be together before Ryan heads off to middle school next year. “Ryan and Brendan were happy to be back with their friends,” Alicia wrote. “And Nolan was excited to be going to his big brother’s school and meet his new friends.”

Reconnecting with favorite teachers 

This nice story also comes from Plank Road North. Laura Simmons wrote that her daughter Harleigh was “excited and ready to go” for her first day.

Harleigh Simmons

Harleigh Simmons

She moved up to 5th grade with her teacher (Mr Crowley) and most classmates and said it was great to start out knowing her teacher and friends.

When we had out evening mommy/daughter chat before bed she was full of news about one of her favorite teachers who teaches music at Plank North. News about her cats and how she has been learning how to operate the pump controls on the firetruck. That she was the only girl driver… She is all about girl power and I loved that Harleigh has such a role model to reiterate that girls/women can do anything! Now I have a little girl who wants to be a fireman like her teacher and her Papa.

An encouraging note on a scary day

Yaravitz

Hannah Yaravitz

This was one of my favorite emails. It’s from Tara Yaravitz, who told me about an extra special teacher at Klem South Elementary and what she did for her former students, including her daughter Hannah.

At the end of last school year, fifth grade teacher Meghann Piwko bid goodbye her students, who were moving on to Willink Middle School. But she wasn’t going to let them start the new year without one last boost of encouragement. Tara described what happened that morning.

“My daughter started sixth grade today and received a letter in homeroom this a.m. from her fifth-grade teacher from last year encouraging her, still teaching her life skills, and building confidence in her.”

Piwko had written a personal letter to each one of her former students, delivered them to Willink, and made sure they were awaiting the new sixth graders in homeroom Tuesday morning.

Tara was clearly touched by the teacher’s thoughtfulness.

“I think it’s such a lovely idea and gives (the students) a sense of comfort on a day that is full of anxiousness and worry and fear of the unknown. …  As a parent I think that’s so special and truly shows how much her teacher cares about her and her other classmates from last year.”

New to kindergarten? No problem!

Arya 2

Anya Orr with her family

Proud grandma Rebecca Parzynski sent this photo of her granddaughter Anya Orr, who’s all smiles as she poses with her dad Joshua, mom Melissa and little sister Teagan.

Anya started kindergarten this week at State Road Elementary School. Rebecca reported that Anya “was nervous, but had a great day.”

New school, new friends

Samantha Privitera sent along this photo of her daughter Lilli on her first day of school in second grade at Schlegel Road Elementary. It

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Lilli Privitera

was a brand new school for Lilli, who had just transferred over from Plank North.

Looks like she was pretty excited to start the year, and since I work right across the hall from her classroom at Schlegel, I can attest that it was a good day!

It was a red carpet morning

All the students at Schlegel Road Elementary started the day on a high note, actually. They received a royal welcome when they filed off their buses Tuesday morning.

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Red carpet treatment at Schlegel

A red carpet had been set up stretching from the curb to the school’s front door, lined by all of Schlegel’s administrators, staff and faculty members, who were holding balloons, clapping noisemakers and cheering loudly.

It was the first day of school for staff, too! 

I was reminded of that a few times as I was putting together this feature. Matter of fact, one of the first emails I received made that point for me right away. Shannon Peterson wrote,

“I’m a secretary at DeWitt (Elementary) and was excited to see the kids and parents today. The first day of school

Shannon Peterson

Shannon Peterson and Lillian Bradbury

is just as exciting for us in the offices. Some students were excited to wave to me in the hall, some were excited to show me how tall they grew, their special outfit for today or just to say hello.”

She snapped a photo of one of those students, Lillian Bradbury. “She delivered a hug to me and made my day!” Shannon added.

And over at Plank North — the second of the two schools I work at — Principal Craig Bodensteiner and Assistant Principal Heather Balsamo made sure that the schools’ staff members also felt special. To show how much they love their teachers, and how much they were missed over the summer, Crag and Heather gave each one an “all star teacher” t-shirt.

On the Monday night before school my colleague Susan Padgham had this to say about the family that is Plank North:

“I work with some amazing teachers and who genuinely care for their students’ well-being, along with academics. Their tireless perseverance shows daily. Tomorrow we will all be united in wearing our green & gold school colors along with the quote ‘I am the difference.’ Another reason to be PROUD to be a Plank North Pioneer!”

Here’s the staff photo we took that morning:

Plank N staffSubstitutes unite

 

Lest we forget that we have some outstanding substitute teachers in our district, I received this message from one of my favorites, Pat Clemens-Sweetland, who told me what she did on day 1:

“Some retired teachers and substitute teachers that haven’t been called yet celebrated by meeting for breakfast!” she reported. “T’s seemed to be the ‘place to be'”!

Finally, a shout out to our hard-working school PTSAs. These dedicated volunteers took some time out on Labor Day to go around to several of the schools and create some inspirational chalk art to welcome the kids back. Here are a few examples:

And a quick reminder from the PTSA that calendars are now available at Hegedorn’s as well as at school events. The handsome publications are just $5 each and have all the important district events so you’ll never miss out.

Plus your $5 helps support our schools.

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

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Village schedules 9/11 ceremony

6 Sep

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One of the most solemn anniversaries in our nation’s history comes around again next week. The two simple words by which we all know it belie the horror of the day: 9/11.

The Village of Webster always does a very nice job commemorating the occasion, with a ceremony held at the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park, on North Ave.

Scheduled for next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., the event usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes, and includes first responders, and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. Last year the Chorus of the Genesee also participated, performing some patriotic tunes.

Members of the Webster Fire Department are planning to congregate at the station on South Ave. at around 6:15 and march as a group to the ceremony. You won’t want to miss that.

Click here to see the blog I wrote about last year’s 9/11 ceremony.

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Village autumn events taking shape

5 Sep

Don’t know about you, but as soon as September rolls around, I start looking forward to the brutally hot temperatures turning into the comfortable cool of fall.

And all of the great events that go along with that time of year.

trick or treat

The Village of Webster is already well into the planning stages for some of their best family-friendly events of the entire year, notably the Halloween in the Village and Trick or Treat Trail. This year’s is scheduled for Saturday October 27, complete with the ever-popular costume contest (including one for our four-legged friends) and plenty of treats from local merchants for the kids. More details to come.

Closer to the holiday season, White Christmas in the Village returns on December 1. Maybe we’ll actually get some snow this year. Stay tuned for more information about that as well.

Barry’s Old School Irish has added something new this fall. For the first time ever they’ll host a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” party at the pub on Saturday Sept. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. Celtic Cross will provide live entertainment, there’ll be Irish dancers, a whiskey toast and Guinness giveaways.  Owners Danny and Jess Barry are encouraging everyone to wear their green for the occasion.

Barry’s lovers will also want to mark your calendars for the pub’s 7th anniversary celebration. A whole week of special events will lead up to a final bash on Saturday November 3, from 7 to 11 p.m. Check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for more information.

First up, though, is the Village of Webster’s next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s sponsored by The Coach and is certain to be as much fun as the wine walks. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online here. Check back at the Webster BID website soon for a list of participating “brew stops.”

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Lots going on at the library

4 Sep

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There’s always something going on at the Webster Public Library. Here’s a sampling of programs for children and adults coming up in the next few weeks:

Learn about Ikebana (ee-kay-bah-nah), the Japanese art of flower arrangement, on Thursday Sept. 27 and Friday Sept. 28. During regular library hours, stop into the library’s meeting room for an exhibition of this disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where nature and humanity are brought together. It’s steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature.

What should you do in the fall to ready your garden for spring? Learn about Putting Your Garden to Bed on Thursday Sept. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Master gardener Jurij Kushner will teach you what to do in the fall to improve soil quality, and protect perennials, tender plants, trees, and shrubs from winter conditions. The program will also explain how to bring in the house plants, how to winterize tools, and how to prepare water sources for the winter season. Registration is required.

Tired of the same old hair styles? On Monday Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., teens can learn Hair Braiding 101, some fun new braiding techniques to try out on themselves or their friends. The class is designed for teens in grades 6 and up (adults and younger children ages 10 and up welcome if they are accompanying a teen), and registration is required.

Children ages 15 months to 8 years old will explore science, technology, engineering and math with the STEAM Powered Play program on Thursday Sept. 13 from 3 to 4 p.m. or 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Children will learn concepts and practice skills through hands-on exploration and play, such as creative problem solving, critical thinking, self-regulation, pre-math and science, sensory experience, construction and more. We provide experiences with blocks and loose parts, process oriented art, sensory and science, dramatic/pretend play, and language and literacy, and more. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by adults. For more information click here.

Have you always wanted to learn CPR but didn’t know where to go to do it? You can do that at the library, too! NEQALS is offering several classes in Community CPR, First Aid and AED. It is a two-year certification through the American Heart Association. The class is open to everyone in the community from 5 years old and up. Current classes are scheduled for Sept. 29, October 13, November 10 and December 8, all at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Cost is $45 per person. To sign up, email community.education@neqals.org.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road. Make sure to check out their entire schedule of classes for children and adults.

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First Responders 5K a great success

2 Sep

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More than 600 runners and walkers participated in the inaugural First Responders 5K on Friday night, enjoying gorgeous (albeit somewhat warm) weather and a party atmosphere to support a good cause.

The race was organized, according to the website, to “recognize the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families in our local community.” Funds raised will go to create a local charity to “provide support, awareness, assets, and services to first responders seeking assistance in dealing with the effects of PTSD.”

The race began and ended on Sanford Street, at the south side of Firemen’s Field, and wound three miles through neighborhood streets on the village’s east side. Every finisher received a medal, and enjoyed plenty of post-race food, a free beer and live music. Runners came from all over the area, including representatives from fire companies, police departments and EMS companies from all over Monroe County and beyond.

Of course many of our very own Webster Volunteer Firefighters participated, completing the entire race in full turnout gear. I even saw a Webster policeman running in his full uniform — including his dress shoes.

The number of people who signed up for the race was a delightful surprise. Even the race organizers, Fleet Feet, noted that more than 600 participants is pretty much unheard of for a first-time race, especially on a Friday night. AND on Labor Day weekend.

But that’s who we are in Webster — a strong, supportive community. I fully expect that given this year’s success, the First Responders 5K will be back again next year, and Webster will come through again.

Click here to see a small gallery of photos from the race. You can also check out a short video which Channel 8 News ran after the event, featuring one of our very own Webster volunteer firefighters.

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

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