Archive | October, 2022

Welcome to the newest trees in town

20 Oct

Many thanks to all of the community members who helped out last weekend at the Friends of Webster Trails ReTree planting event at the Whiting Road and Michael A. Johnson nature preserves.

The workday was in support of ReTree Webster, a Friends initiative, which seeks to preserve our open space forests by removing invasive species and planting native trees. 

Two dozen enthusiastic folks showed up to do the planting, including several families with young children. Everyone pitched in to help clear areas, dig holes, clean dirt of debris, transport and place the bagged trees in holes, backfill and provide fencing to the protect the trees from deer. Thanks to the large and dedicated workforce, the job was completed in a little over two hours. 

Two sites were chosen for the plantings, the new Michael A. Johnson Nature Preserve (adjacent to the Hojack Trail between Van Alstyne and Drumm Road), and another near the smokehouse on the Blue Trail of the Whiting Road Nature Preserve. The team planted 20 trees, including White Pine, Red Maple, American Elm, Bitternut Hickory, Swamp White Oak and Pagoda Dogwood. 

The Friends were blown away by how many community members answered the call. Many thanks to you all for your hard work, and also to Glenn Morrell and his Webster Parks and Rec crew, who moved the trees from the nursery to the two planting sites.

Consider taking a hike during this beautiful autumn to check out the new trees at Whiting Road and Michael A. Johnson nature preserves. If you’d like to participate in or donate to the ReTree Webster effort, contact the Friends of Webster Trails by clicking here.

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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.

(posted 10/20/2022)

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My Roomates Closet grand opening is this weekend

19 Oct

The ceiling tiles are up, the floor tiles are down, there’s fresh paint on the walls and the changing rooms will be installed Friday. Everything’s just about ready for Nicole Iorio to introduce her new shop, My Roommates Closet, to the Village of Webster.

My Roommates Closet is the village’s newest clothing store, located at 19 East Main St., in the former Village HandWorks location. Owner Nicole Iorio says she opened the shop to share her love of clothing and fashion with women of all ages, help them discover new and different styles to add to their closets and to find that “missing piece” they’ve been looking for.

She and her able assistants (Mom, Dad and her brothers) have been putting the finishing touches on the shop these last several weeks, and this week Nicole has started to move in her product line. Customers will find a mix of styles, from street wear to lounging-around clothes to going-out clothes.

She’ll officially welcome the community this Sunday Oct. 23, with a grand opening celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. There’ll be snacks, drinks and music, and a chance to get an advance look at the fashions. But mostly Nicole hopes people will stop by, come on in and “just hang around.”

You can find more about My Roommates Closet here on the website, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest. You can also check out the blog I wrote last month.

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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.

(posted 10/20/2022)

It’s beginning to look a lot like Halloween

18 Oct

A few readers have responded to my call to let me know about especially nice Halloween and autumn decorations, and I’ve snapped a few photos of my own as I’ve walked through the village neighborhoods. I’d love to highlight many more displays in the next week or so, but here’s a sampling of what I’ve gotten so far.

The beautiful autumnal display above and the scene below can be seen on Dunning Ave. in the Village of Webster. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, the folks on Dunning always do a spectacular job with decorations.

This next one, on London Rd. in the village, is probably my favorite so far. Like many other displays, it’s a graveyard scene, and it’s busy, with a lot of elements to look at. But clearly much thought was put into the placement of the gravestones and other unique features. I would have stopped longer on my walk to get a closer look at all the pieces, but it was beginning to rain.

These following one are also from the village.

This last photo is from Hatch Rd., suggested to me by a reader.

I still have a few more to capture “on film,” and hope to drive around some evening soon to capture some nice lights. If you know of any I should check out, please email me at missyblog@gmail.com. Or take a photo for me and save me the trip!

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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.

(posted 10/18/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Oct

Just have a few tidbits for today’s mailbag … compared to some of these features which stretch forEVER.

The first is from our friends at the Webster Barnes & Noble. They’ll be hosting NY Times bestselling author Ellen Marie Wiseman on Thursday Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.

Wiseman, whom you might know from her books including All the Ways We Said Goodbye and The Orphan Collector, will speak briefly about her latest book, The Lost Girls of Willowbrook, and then autograph books for people.

The event is free but space is limited so please RSVP by calling (585) 872-9710. Barnes & Noble Webster is located in Towne Center Plaza, 1070 Ridge Rd.  

The Friends of Webster Trails have three great events coming up in the next few weeks.

On Saturday Oct. 29 at 10 a.m., the Friends will lead a guided hike through Four Mile Creek Preserve and tell the history behind six abandoned cars you pass along the trails there. There should be some interesting stories. The preserve is located at the corner of Phillips and Lake roads.

The following weekend, the Friends will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike on Saturday Nov. 5. This is a fun self-guided hike along a trail marked with lights. At the end, hikers are rewarded with hot chocolate. The hike will begin at 7 p.m., also at Four Mile Creek Preserve. Please leave your dog at home and bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. There’s no cost for this hike, but please register here so they have enough hot chocolate.

Earlier that day, kids of all ages are invited to enjoy a Family Scavenger Hunt at Kent Park on Schlegel Rd. Three skill levels for ages 2 through 12 will be available. The event begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday Nov. 5 and costs $5 per child. For more information and to register, visit the Webster Parks and Recreation website.

Click here to find out more about the Friends of Webster Trails.

How about a trip to Syracuse to root on our high school musicians?

The Webster Marching Band will be heading to Syracuse on Sunday, Oct. 30 to the New York State Field Band Conference championship, where they’ll be defending their 2021 state title.  

The Webster Marching Band, now in its 37th season, is made up of students from all four WCSD secondary schools: Spry Middle School, Willink Middle School, Webster Schroeder High School, and Webster Thomas High School. Student musicians who play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument participate, along with color guard performers. Last year’s Large School 2 Class state championship win was the first for the band in more than 30 years.

Their show this year, “Only Light Can Do That,” revolves around being the light in a dark world. It reminds people that fighting hate with hate only creates more hate, and that fighting darkness with darkness only creates darkness. Illustrating that change can begin with one person at a time, and that light and positivity can be infectious. Musical selections include original music by Webster Marching Band Director Jerbrel Bowens.

The championship show on October 30 will bring together more than 50 of the finest high school marching bands in the northeastern United States. Each will perform a musical and visual show lasting about ten minutes for a panel of ten judges.

It’s sure to be a spectacular event, and a great chance for the One Webster community to show up in force to cheer for our young musicians. Webster’s division, the Large School 2 Class, will compete beginning at 10 a.m., with awards beging handed out around 11:30 a.m.

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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.

(posted 10/17/2022)

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A quick Mrs. Claus update

16 Oct

I had the opportunity to check in with Florence Kinney several days ago. You know her from my blog as “Mrs. Claus,” who every year purchases thousands of gifts (mostly with her own money) to deliver to children all over the Rochester area. After 32 years of doing this, she’s nearing the incredible goal of 100,000 gifts given.

When I spoke with her recently, however, she seemed a bit worried. She had just returned from a trip to visit family down South, hoping that down there she’d be able to purchase most of the 400 or so gifts she still needed to reach her goal — since she was having trouble getting what she needed up here. But she kept hitting roadblocks at the stores, because they couldn’t get the products themselves, or didn’t have enough people to stock the shelves.

So she only was able to purchase about half of what she’d hoped, and is still about 200 gifts short.

Several generous readers have already reached out with donations, and I’ve already delivered a bunch to her (she was unbelievably grateful). But she could use a bunch more. So if there are any more kind readers out there who need a great cause this holiday season, I encourage you to help Florence reach her amazing goal.

Some of the items she’d especially appreciate include winter wear for children ages infant to 18 (like hats, gloves, scarves, lots and lots of socks); toy trucks, Little Peeples, Barnies, baby dolls or any toys without small parts; and storybooks. Bottom line, though, if you’d like to donate any kind of new toy or winter wear, she’ll find a child who will greatly appreciate it.

Click here to read my most recent blog for more information about Florence’s divinely-inspired mission. If you’d like to donate something, drop me an email at missyblog@gmail.com and we’ll chat about how we can get your gifts to her.

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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.

(posted 10/16/2022)

Across the bay on Indigenous People’s Day

15 Oct

A very meaningful event took place on Monday at the Bay Outlet Bridge, honoring the indigenous people who have lived on and cared for this area since long before Webster’s earliest settlers arrived.

The ceremony definitely flew under my radar, but thankfully my friend Kathy Taddeo was there, and submitted this report and photos:

It wasn’t exactly Webster, but it could be… someday.

Last Monday, October 10, some 50 bleary-eyed people of all ages gathered at sunrise on the bridge that soon will again span the Irondequoit Bay Outlet between Webster and Irondequoit. They came from far and near to celebrate the first Indigenous Peoples Day in the United States and to honor in particular the Haudenosaunee who have long been loyal stewards of this land.

The organizers of this celebration introduced native language speakers, storytellers and musicians, calling the area surrounding the bay a sacred space, the likely landing for the Peacemaker who came here to heal and unite the warring hearts of the Five Nations. A local wampum belt artist marked this historic day by creating a belt symbolizing the peaceful alliance of all people, native and non-native.

The audience respectfully listened and learned, perhaps absorbing the peace of the dawning day and the presenters themselves. After refreshments, the group headed to the lake for a beach clean-up, symbolically continuing the work of the Haudenosaunee.

I had come representing my 25 fourth/graders at Iroquois School who in 2001 had persuaded the Irondequoit Town Board to erect the marker that has stood near the west side of the bridge for 21 years. Designed by the children, the marker honors the Haudenosaunee and their stewardship of the land and water we call home. (Yes, you guys, I brought your banner, so you were there in spirit!)

Irondequoit Town board Councilwoman Patrina Freeman had spoken during the ceremony of her determination that our indigenous peoples continue to be honored with historic markers in Irondequoit. We later talked of our mutual interest in making that happen in our respective towns and a collaboration was born on the spot.

It’s our hope that through “Hands Across the Waters,” Irondequoit and Webster will have more to celebrate come Indigenous Peoples Day 2023.

(submitted by Kathy Taddeo)

Here’s a closer look at the text and illustrations on that historical marker, from the original artist’s rendering. I’ve never seen this marker, despite the many times I have been up at the bridge. I’m definitely going to seek it out next time I’m in the area.

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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.

(posted 10/15/2022)

Pumpkins on Parade (already fun) will be even better this year

14 Oct

Two years ago, when we were still struggling through the pandemic, Webster Parks and Recreation came up with a terrific new Halloween-time event that got everyone outside, hiking and celebrating the season. It was the very first Pumpkins on Parade, and it proved to be so successful and well-received that the Rec Center has turned it into an annual event.

But this year…. well, this year they’ve gone and made Pumpkins on Parade 100% better.

The path itself won’t be much changed from previous years; the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center will once again be lined with hundreds of creatively carved, illuminated jack-o-lanterns. The wide variety of humorous, scary and downright wierd designs will blow you away. They’ll also have a much shorter path again this year for seniors and small children to enjoy.

But this year, the fun stuff participants will find at the end of the walk has been greatly expanded. The Webster Rotary will be there handing out candy, there’ll be music, a kids’ slide, a mini hay maze, a bonfire, free cider and donuts from Herman’s Farm Market, a family photo area and kids’ activities from Diamond Collision.

Plus, professional pumpkin carver Eric Jones, the star of the Food Network’s Halloween Wars and Outrageous Pumpkins, will be on site carving 3D pumpkins. It’s like a big Halloween festival.

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. The need is so great that the Rec is actually offering to buy multiple pumpkins for any business or organization that wants to do some carving. You can pick them up at the Rec on Monday Oct. 24 and return them by the 28th. If you’re interested, email Katie Kovar at kkovar@ci.webster.ny.us with your contact information and how many you’d like.

Families and individuals are also encouraged to provide pumpkins, of course. Carved pumpkin drop off is Friday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 29 from noon to 2 p.m.  Every carved pumpkin gets a raffle ticket entry for a prize basket.

Even if you don’t want to carve a pumpkin, make sure to bring your family out for the event. Pumpkins on Parade takes place from 7 to 8 :30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 29 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s absolutely no charge.

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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.

(posted 10/14/2022)

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Brews, brats and music this weekend in the village

13 Oct

Boy, Saturday is going to be lots of fun.

Two uber-fun Village of Webster events are happening at the same time Saturday afternoon and evening, filling West Main Street (and beyond) with music, beers and good friends.

The first is the Village of Webster Beer Walk, taking place 4 to 7 p.m. Participants will wander through the vlllage and pop into more than a dozen local businesses, which will be providing snacks and samples of craft beers, poured in your own personal mini pint glass. I did this last year with a bunch of friends and we had the most rollicking, wonderful, laugh-filled time, despite the cold, wet and windy weather.

This year promises to be much milder, so I’m really looking forward to getting together again with my crazy friends (and a few crazy daughters) for a delightful wander through the village.

Click here to read my account of last year’s event, and click here to order your tickets for the walk. They cost $20 and need to be purchased in advance.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT. The Village’s Oktoberfest and Family Games Night is also happening Saturday night, from 5:30 to 8:30 on West Main Street, featuring Rochester’s best-known Oktoberfest band, the Krazy Firemen.

What’s great about this timing is that Beer Walkers can roll right into the fun and music. Or, even if you’re not participating in the walk, you can come down with the whole family for games, food and drink. Dancing With Denise will be there again to get the kids dancing, too.

No charge for this event. So come on down and bring your friends and neighbors.

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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.

(posted 10/13/2022)

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Wreaths Across America partners with Jersey Mike’s Subs

12 Oct

A few months ago I reported that Wreaths Across America is coming to Webster. Today I bring you some exciting news about how a local business is supporting the cause.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization which began 31 years ago, its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last year, 2.4 million wreaths were been placed in more than 3,100 cemeteries in the U.S. and abroad. This year, Webster Union Cemetery will join that list.

Webster Union is the resting place for about 650 veterans, so decorating every one of the their graves will require about 650 wreaths. Sponsoring a wreath only costs $15, and $5 from each sponsorship will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women.

If you’d like to sponsor a wreath, click here to do so online, or email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com to request a form. Deadline is Sunday, November 20.

In the meantime, here’s another easy way for you to help the cause, courtesy Jersey Mike’s Subs (from their press release):

Wreaths Across America is thrilled to announce a partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs, to help support fallen Webster veterans this holiday season. From 10/17-11/13, participating Jersey Mike’s locations will be accepting donations to sponsor wreaths for fallen veterans in the area of Webster. 

Wreaths Across America honors veterans who served during the Revolutionary War to present day conflicts. On December 17, which is National Wreath Day, there will be a wreath laying ceremony. This day helps us Remember, Honor and Teach, which is the mission of Wreaths Across America. 

In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Please visit the Wreaths Across America website to learn more about how to help support them this holiday season. 

By stopping by at any participating Jersey Mike’s Subs location, you can make your donation right at the register. As a little thank you for your support, Jersey Mike’s will be providing you a bounce-back coupon in return. 

Stop by at either of these locations to pledge your support to fallen heroes: 405 Commerce Drive, Victor (585-869-9338) and 976 Ridge Rd., Webster (585-545-7130).

Here’s what your donation will get you:

  • $1 donation = $1 off your next sub
  • $3 donation = free chip and drink with a purchase of a sub
  • $5 donation = buy one regular sub get one for free 

The cards will be available Oct. 17 through Nov. 13, are valid through Nov. 30, and can only be used one time. They can be purchased and used at both Jersey Mike’s locations in Victor and Webster.

Learn more about the effort to bring Wreaths Across America to Webster Union Cemetery here on the Facebook page.

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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.

(posted 10/12/2022)

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Happy news from some happy feet dancers

10 Oct

Every once in a while I hear from Denise Baller, the high-energy director of Dancing With Denise, about the interesting things happening at her studio.

Most recently, I blogged about how her “Happy Feet Dance Crew” makes regular visits to nursing homes to cheer up the residents. More recently, Denise and professional ballerina Bogdana Kopiy visited Dewitt Rd. Elementary School, St. Rita School and Bishop Kearney to talk about Rochester’s upcoming production of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet.

Ukranian-born Bogdana Kopiy, a professional ballerina, choreographer and dance teacher, was visiting the Dancing With Denise studio to audition young dancers for this year’s production.

At the assemblies, Bogdana talked about the dedication, discipline and perseverance it takes to become a ballerina. Following a question and answer period, Bogdana then led the school students in a short dance class. At Bishop Kearney she also talked some about her home country, the Ukraine, and what’s happening there now.

The assemblies were a follow-up to a weekend of auditions and rehearsals held at the school to cast some of the 40 children who will play the parts of mice, snowflakes, party kids, snow maidens and variations. The school will be well represented in next month’s production; 35 Dancing With Denise students will have parts, including two students with special needs.

(L-R) Bishop Kearney Principal Mary Martell, Bogdana, Denise Baller 
Bogdana said she’d never seen Niagara Falls, so Denise took her there

Enjoy this charming holiday favorite for yourself, and watch these young dancers perform their hearts out when Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet returns to the RBTL on Friday Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets purchased online cost $42.50, but contact Denise for a discount code to get the tickets cheaper.

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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.

(posted 10/10/2022)

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