Archive | February, 2020

Webster Library to host Irish cultural event

25 Feb

Siamsa Logo March 2020

On March 6, for the 5th year in a row, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe will declare March Irish American Heritage Month, in recognition of all the contributions by Irish descendants in our community both past and present.

The declaration will be made at a joint press conference with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee at City Hall at 10 a.m. on the 6th, officially kicking off a month-long celebration of Irish culture which includes parade — of course — on Saturday March 14, and lots of Irish-themed events all over the county.

The Webster Public Library joins the celebration on Wed. March 11 when they host a Siamsa (pronounced “shEEm-suh”), an evening of Irish culture and entertainment from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The 90-minute program will include traditional music, dancing and historical stories, presented by five local Irish organizations.

The schedule looks like this:

  • 7 to to 7:15 p.m.: soda bread-making demonstration by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
  • 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.: traditional Irish music session by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
  • 7:45 to 8:15 historical presentation by the Irish American Cultural Institute president Michael McCarthy, featuring an overview of Col. Patrick O’Rorke’s life, death and legacy.
  • 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.: Irish step dance by Jamieson Irish Dance and Creative Arts
  • 8:30 p.m.: conclusion of the program and soda bread tasting 

Registration is not required, but seating is limited and when I went last year, it was pretty crowded, so get there early.

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Also coming up at the library, an Irish Genealogy workshop on Monday March 16, at 7 p.m.

Topics will include U.S.-research tips with emphasis on the immigrant ancestor and how to find their siblings and parents; a process to use the results of your research to mine Irish records, and an overview of all other Irish resources.

Registration is required. For more information and to register call the library at (585) 872-7075 and choose 3 for the Reference Desk.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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P.S. If you can’t make it to the Siamsa presentation at the Webster Public Library, the same program will be hosted by the Penfield Public Library on Wednesday March 25 at 7 p.m. Registration for this program is required. Call the Penfield Public Library at (585) 340-8720 for more information.

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The Webster Community Ice Rink warming shed is officially open

23 Feb

 

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Last Saturday Feb. 15 was a sunny, yet very cold, 14 degree day in Webster. But the chill temperatures did not stop several hardy souls from officially dedicating the brand new warming hut at the Webster Community Ice Rink, located at the Webster Recreation Center.

The ribbon-cutting was conducted by Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty, supported by members of the Webster Parks and Recreation staff and employees as well as several members of the Webster Rotary.

In October 2018 the Webster Rotary Club donated the funds for the Parks and Rec to purchase the liner and walls for the rink, and procured additional funding in 2019 to build the changing hut for the skaters. The new shelter measures 16 ft. by 10 ft., has two benches and thick rubber flooring to prevent damage to skates. It’s enclosed on three sides and open to the ice.

The shelter was designed by Rotarian Rich Comins and constructed by the Parks and Recreation employees.

The community ice rink is located in front of the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd. just north of the village. It’s a nice size, 52 ft. by 104 ft., and is totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. As far as I know, it’s the only outdoor public ice surface in town, and thanks to the new warming shed, it’s even better than ever.

For updated ice conditions, call 872-7103, option 3.

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What’s up with the old Webster Automotive?

22 Feb

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I’ve gotten a few questions over the last few weeks about what’s going on at the old Webster Automotive building, at 109 West Main. Renovations have been taking place inside and out and the rumors are flying about what might be going in there. The one I’ve heard most often is that it’s going to be a brewpub.

Several people approached me to see if I knew anything, and I had to admit that I did not. But I have ways of finding out. 

I started asking around, and a few people suggested I email Webster Building Inspector Will Barham. They assured me that, given his position in the village,  he would have all the answers.

He didn’t.

“I don’t know,” he wrote, when I asked what was going into the old automotive shop.

The owner, Greg Chambery (owner of The Maplewood on Daniel Drive), felt the building needed to be updated (new framing, making it accessible, insulation, HVAC, etc.) to make it marketable. So for now, he has a “general remodeling permit.”

So there’s our answer. Right now we don’t know what it’s going to be, and Chambery is being rather tight-lipped about his plans for it, if he has any. Maybe it will be a brewery after all, but maybe not. In any case, it will be a welcome and exciting addition to our village, to be sure.

Stay tuned!

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Harmony House event celebrates women’s right to vote

20 Feb
Victoria-Woodhull

Victoria Woodhull

Now here’s something I’ll bet you didn’t know: the first woman to run for President of the United States actually did it in way back in 1872.

Her name was Victoria Woodhull, and not only does she hold that honor, she can also claim a familial connection with Webster. She was the daughter-in-law of Byron Woodhull, the Town of Webster’s first supervisor.

Those are just a few of the fascinating facts you’ll learn when the Webster Museum hosts Women Beyond Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton at the Harmony House on Sunday Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., presented by Jack Kowiak.

The program is being held in honor of the 200th anniversary of women winning the right to vote. Most of know of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and how they championed the cause of women’s rights in the late 1800s. But many other women of that era — like Victoria Woodhull — made their mark as well, and you’ll learn about them at this presentation.

The program is free and no registration is required. For more information about this and other Webster Museum programs, click here to visit their website.

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Webster Library fun and trains

19 Feb

strike backThree cool events coming up in the next few days at the Webster Public Library that I want to let you know about.

The first is Thursday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m., when Strike Back Martial Arts, a jujitsu dojo located in the Village of Webster, will be on hand for the weekly Family Night to present a workshop. Participants will learn proper striking and kicking technique, some simple self-defense drills especially suited for children, and throwing skills.

This will be a very hands-on workshop, and parents will be able to participate as well in several of the lessons.

I am especially excited about the evening because I’ll be there, helping to present the workshop. So if you’d like to (literally) throw me around, be there at Family Night Thursday night in the library’s storytime room.

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I’ll be back at the library on Friday from noon to 3:30 p.m. for my very first “Office Hours” event. I’ll be parked in a comfortable chair in the main lobby, computer in hand, working on blogs if you’d like to come by and say hi.

As I said a few days ago when I first told you about this event, I know that a lot of people read my blog, but I’ve met relatively few of you. This is a great opportunity to change that. It’s a chance for you to ask me any burning questions you might have, let me know about upcoming events, or just talk about Webster things.

You won’t be able to miss me; I’m going to have a poster and everything.

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And while you’re at the library visiting me on Friday, stop by the N-Scale Model Railroading Exhibit, which will be taking place in the community room from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It continues on Saturday as well, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the completion of first U.S. Transcontinental Railroad. To commemorate that, the library will have two full days of N-scale model railroading featuring T-track modules designed by the Genesee & Ontario Model N-Gineers. The entire community room will be filled with railroad tracks. Adults and kids both will want to see it.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza. For more information about these and other library programs, click here.

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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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Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

Some good food and good news from our Webster athletes in today’s mailbag.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., invites community members to attend their annual FREE Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday Feb. 25 (which just happens to be Mardi Gras!)

Dinner will include sausages, applesauce, and unlimited pancakes, served from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. In honor of Mardi Gras, there’ll be beads and make-your-own mask crafts for the kids (and fun-loving adults). Feel free to come dressed in your best Mardi Gras finery!

All are welcome, so bring your whole family, and invite your friends. Call the church at 671-1899 with questions or to reserve seats .

The folks at St. Martin’s are holding this event in appreciation to the Webster community for its continuing support of all of its programs and missions. While the dinner if free, a free-will offering to support the church’s Little Free Pantry will be gratefully accepted.

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Now this notice about our Webster high school athletes doing great things for our community:

On Tuesday February 11, 2020, Webster Schroeder’s Hockey program organized and executed a successful community service even to address a very important topic: mental health.

Two hockey teams. One Webster. One fight. So many reasons. Beneath their armor of pads and skates, there are kind, caring individuals on our hockey teams who came together to raise awareness of NAMI Rochester (the Rochester chapter of the National Alliance for Mental Illness) in support of mental health.

The WCSD varsity hockey teams shared an important moment on the ice…where everyone was leveled by a single sheet of paper that signified a reason they fight. For someone, or a principle. Stopping and thinking about mental health and someone or a group of someones who are fighting a battle no one knows about. The boys filled out a sign and held it at the start of the game, both lineups facing the flag and recognizing the fight that may be in us all, even if we don’t know it.

Proceeds from the event — which included a raffle, Chuck-A-Puck contest and wristband sales — will be donated to NAMI Rochester.

 

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Webster Youth Sports Council PosterThe Webster Youth Sports Council will host sport psychologist Craig Cypher and a panel of local and regional health professionals for a discussion about “The Purpose of Youth Sports” on Thursday March 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening is billed as a “can’t-miss night of valuable sports-related information for parents, coaches and students.”

The panel will be held in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Rd. Child care will be available for children ages 3+.

For more information about the panel members, click on the poster.

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A great chance to learn about our museum!

17 Feb

museum

This is a quick notice about a great program coming up TOMORROW, Tuesday Feb. 18, that’s perfect for the whole family.

It’s a tour of our very own Webster Museum. If you’ve never been here, this is a great chance to immerse yourself in Webster history and see what a terrific resource the museum is for our town and village.

Museum docents will be on hand to guide you through Webster’s past as depicted in exhibits, displays, maps, a schoolroom, signs, and notebooks. Whether you’re a Webster native or not, there will be plenty to see and learn.

The our will take place Tuesday Feb. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village.

Registration is required and spots are limited, but there are a few left. The program is being offered through the Webster Public Library, so click here to register ASAP.

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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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Hi, can we meet?

15 Feb

As you might imagine, I have access to a lot of statistics about my blog posts.

I can see how many people click through to my blogs every day, on what platform they’re finding the blog, even when the most popular times of day are.

6794So I know there are a lot of people out there reading my blog. But I have met relatively few of you.

I’d like to change that this coming Friday February 21. That afternoon, from noon to 3:30 p.m., I’ll be hanging out in the Webster Public Library lobby, probably with my computer in hand working on some blogs. I’d like to invite one and all to stop by for a few minutes to say hi, maybe set a while to chat about all things Webster.

Bring along your questions, blog ideas, flyers for your group’s upcoming special event, or that clipping you have on the fridge of your favorite blog (I like to think someone has done that!). Bring along your suggestions and your complaints.

But most of all, bring you. Because while statistics tell me that you are one of my regular readers, statistics are, by their very nature, impersonal. I would like to meet you.

If the event is successful, I’d like to try to have more regular meet-and-greets (or as one friend called it, “office hours”). Perhaps I could schedule a session at the library once a month, for example. Maybe even branch out and have one at the museum, or the Village Bakery.

But let’s start next Friday, Feb. 21, at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.  I’ll be there from noon to 3:30 p.m. I hope you will, too.

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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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Diane McClure is Webster’s 2020 Business Person of the Year

14 Feb
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Diane McClure receives her award from Barry Howard, President/CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations to Diane McClure, a partner at Edge Advertising Group, who was just named Webster’s 2020 Business Person of the Year by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

The Business Person of the Year is someone who is recognized as having set a standard of accomplishment in both business and the community. Nominations come from the Chamber’s business members who have made a significant impact on the role of business in the community.

A nominee must be an active member of the Chamber who is always willing to go above and beyond, be a leader who motivates others, and show a commitment to community building by participating their time, talent or money to our community via projects, clubs, churches, and not-for-profits.

McClure is a founding partner in the Edge Advertising Group, based in Fairport. In their press release, the Chamber describes her as

a very active Chamber member, a wife, a mother, a business partner, an Angel Mom, a passionate mentor, full of energy and digitally charged. She is a familiar face at Chamber breakfast, active in the Webster business community.

The presentation was made at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting. Diane was presented with a plaque, and a contribution was made in her name to a charitable organization of her choice.

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There’s a new Webster Facebook page in town

13 Feb

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Have you seen the new Webster Facebook page that appeared just after the first of the year? In a Facebook landscape where much of the “news” and chatter you find on community groups is filled with vitriol, the new page offers a measured, informative and upbeat look at what’s happening in and around Webster.

It’s called Webster People, Places, News and Events. It was created on January 1 by Webster resident Bob Blind, a name many of you probably are already familiar with.  Bob moderates the very popular and informative Webster, Where Life is Worth Living group. As its administrator, Bob makes sure that the  group remains upbeat and informative. It’s a place where negativity is not allowed, where — unlike other Webster Facebook pages — people don’t think everything about our lovely town is broken, smelly, too loud, too political, or just basically the worst it could ever be.

There’s only one unfortunate thing about that page, however. Because it’s a private group, none of its posts can be shared directly (although you can always cut and paste posts). For many people, that puts a damper on their desire to spread the good news they find there.

With the public (not private) Webster People, Places, News and Events, Bob has created a work-around. He calls it a “shareable extension” of the other group, and explains,

I created this page to help communicate various things happening in our town… So it is just another outlet, so to speak, for me to share Webster news that I see on other Facebook pages or in the news media. I am basically out to share the positive news and stories about our town because nobody else seems to be.

Webster People, Places, News and Events is a bright corner in an often dark and stormy Facebook world for people who just want to find out what’s happening around town. It’s even alerted me to a few events I didn’t know about.

Check it out for yourself by clicking here: Webster People, Places, News and Events. 

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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.

 

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