Archive | October, 2023

Webster Baptist Church memorial bricks now in place thanks to Eagle Scout candidate

20 Oct

The east-side entrance to the Webster Baptist Church on South Ave. is getting a bit of an upgrade, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout candidate Hunter Kurosawa.

For several days over the last week or so, Hunter and his team of adult and Troop 113 Scout volunteers have been installing bricks along the drainage ditch lining the side of the church building. They’ve already worked almost 14 hours over two long days and are planning at least one more before the project is finished.

There are about 200 bricks in all, but 13 of them are rather special; individually-engraved memorial bricks, purchased by Webster Baptist Church parishioners in memory of loved ones.

Hunter Kurosawa with the memorial bricks
Some of Hunter’s helpers mix concrete for the retaining wall

Hunter landed on this particular project after having little luck with other organizations. He wrote,

I was looking for an Eagle Project at the zoo, through NEQALS, and through Webster Trails. … Then I got an email from my Scoutmaster saying (Church Moderator Diana) Marchner had a project at the Webster Baptist Church. She had contacted the Scout Advisor that I am using. 

I was so happy to have a project. We went to meet her to talk about what she was looking for and I was really excited about the project. Mrs. Marchner was so nice and so happy to find someone to take on the project. It is a lot of new skills for me to learn and it is so nice to be working with Mrs. Marchner.  

Apparently Marchner feels the same way.

“I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this young man … and Scout advisors,” she wrote. “I am totally amazed at how professional and dedicated to perfection they are. I really lucked out having this Eagle Scout candidate.”

The entire project has been … well, a project.

Before even placing the bricks, the site had to be dug out, cleared of stones and leveled with gravel. Some of the stones have to be cut to size before they’re all set in place with polymeric sand and pitched at a two-degree angle to allow for water runoff.

they are using Polymeric Sand so that they can be replaced as the bricks get engraved.  Also Polymeric Sand helps in deterring the growth of weeds between the bricks. 

There have been several challenges to overcome along the way. After digging out the site, his team discovered a plastic pipe they had to remove, and found an electrical conduit needed replacing to bring it up to code. Then they had to build a retaining wall to hold the bricks in on the south edge. All before they could even begin to lay the bricks.

But overcoming obstacles is all part of completing a successful Eagle Scout project. (And learning new things like how to mix concrete and build a retaining wall.)

The memorial bricks program is part of an ongoing fundraising initiative by the 166-year old Webster Baptist Church to raise money for needed repairs and upgrades. Bricks are still available; they cost $150 each (but larger donations are more than welcome) and they can be personally inscribed. If enough bricks are purchased, the hope is to use them to build a new sidewalk leading to the front door. It’s estimated that would take about 1,500 bricks.

You might say that Hunter Kurosawa is helping the Webster Baptist Church take a step towards maintaining a strong faith community.

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

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(posted 10/20/2023)

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Details about three upcoming Village special events

19 Oct

The Webster Village calendar hasn’t started to slow down too much yet, evidenced by these three events scheduled for the coming weeks.

The first is a brand new event brought to you by the Webster BID, a Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Hall community meeting room, 28 W. Main St.

This is a free event showcasing all of the amazing health and wellness businesses and professionals in our community. Stop by for a few minutes, stop by for an hour and find out more about the goods and services available in Webster to keep you and your family healthy.

This year’s Village of Webster Trick-or-Treat Trail is Saturday Oct. 28.

This is an annual tradition drawing thousands of kids and adults into the village to walk through the streets and trick-or-treat dozens of village businesses. Dress up the kids — or the whole family — and come on down.

The day begins with a costume contest at Village Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Trail from 11:30 to 2:30. There’s a pet costume contest as well (a judge will be walking along Main St. keeping an eye out for contestants!). The Webster Museum will have special treats, the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will host their open house with displays and equipment for the kids to explore, and there’ll be wagon rides behind Gazebo Park.

And of course, I’ll be out there with my camera trying to take as many photos of kids (and adults) in costume as possible, so watch for me.

Capping off the Village event scene for this fall, the Bourbon Bash returns to the Harmony House on Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of Bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30, are limited and sell out fast. Click here to get yours. Proceeds to benefit The Harmony House Renovation Fund.

All of these events are brought to you by the Webster BID. Check their website for more information and to sign up for a newsletter to keep up on everything that’s going on.

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

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

(posted 10/19/2023)

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Take a hike (with the Friends)

18 Oct

My regular blog readers already know how much I love the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). These three special events they’re involved with in the next several weeks are great examples why.

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center and in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

That evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

This last event is a great way to help the Friends out, and give back a little for all they do for us and our Webster trails.

The next FWT work day (and probably last one of the year) will take place this Saturday Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The Friends will be planting native trees as part of their ongoing ReTree Project. Many hands make light work, so please consider joining them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves, water and a shovel.

For more information about the Friends of Webster Trails and all of the great trails they manage for our enjoyment, visit their website here.

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

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

(posted 10/18/2023)

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Pumpkins on Parade needs you!

18 Oct

Bonus blog today, because this is important information, especially if you’re REALLY into creating jack-o-lanterns.

The Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade is less than two weeks away, and they need jack-o-lanterns! This is a super fun family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. At the end of the path, there’s free cider and donuts and a bonfire, a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

To make this event the great success it always is, the Rec Center needs a LOT of jack-o-lanterns, so get carving! You can drop off your finished creations on the trailer parked outside the Rec Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.) on Friday Oct, 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Multiple pumpkins are both welcomed and encouraged. Each pumpkin gets a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Fall Themed Raffle Basket (be sure to stop inside the Rec Center after dropping off your pumpkin to fill out a ticket!)

If you have a large group interested in carving pumpkins and need some help doing so, email kkovar@websterny.gov. The Rec Center can provide SOME pumpkins but also the space to carve. This would be a great project for Scout troops or big families or school classes!

For more information about Pumpkins on Parade, visit the Facebook page here.

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

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

(posted 10/18/2023)

A brief history of Barry’s corner

17 Oct

Do you recognize this corner? For many years, this building stood at South Ave. and West Main in the village, at the former home of our beloved Barry’s Old School Irish.

I still walk by Barry’s regularly, and have noticed that Danny and Jessica have finally started clearing out their old establishment for the next tenants (and no, sorry, I haven’t heard who that might be). At the suggestion of a friend, and with lots of help from Webster Town and Village Historian Lynn Barton, I thought it would be fun to take a brief walk back through the building’s history.

The building was erected around 1830 by Dr. Oliver Reynolds. He was an author and inventor, and served as Postmaster from 1834 to 1849. He was also known for his “Reynold’s Lung Restorative, Nervine, etc.” a forerunner to many cure-alls.

The building’s next owner was Robert F. Hendee, who ran a general store there with his son (you can see the Hendee and Sons sign on the earlier photo). In addition to his general merchandise, he made and sold simple coffins. He also was Postmaster for many years starting in 1873. 

The beautiful cobblestone building was eventually demolished to make room for a ESSO Service Station, operated by William Kielon, owned by Webaco Oil Co. Mark P. recently noted that the Esso station became a Cities Service station in the early 60s, adding, “I used to marvel at the ‘grease monkeys’ who stood underneath the cars that pulled into the garage, parking over the pit where the mechanics would perform an oil change and lube job.”

Later, the building became home to Living Water Plumbing, well known for the gardens, fountain and Ten Commandments just outside the front door. The shop was owned by Robert Richards, who passed away in 2009. Danny and Jessica Barry fell in love with the empty storefront and created Barry’s Old School Irish in 2011.

The rest, as they say, is history.

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

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

(posted 10/17/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Oct

Eventually my mailbags aren’t going to be so heavy to lift. But that is not today. You’ll find a mix of new items and reminders about events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs. Follow the links if you want more information about any of them.

The Town of Webster’s leaf collection will begin on Monday Oct. 23. You can see the leaf collection schedule and FAQs here.

Remember to place your leaves at the edge of your lawn, NOT in the roadway or gutters. Place ONLY leaves in the pile, not any twigs, branches, grass clippings or other debris.

The  Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is this week, Oct. 18 through 21.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The Webster Rotary Club will be hosting a drive-up food drive on Saturday October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church to benefit Webster NY Hope.

Holy Trinity is located at 1460 Ridge Rd., just east of the village. If you’re unable to drop off on the 21st but still want to contribute, you can leave your donations at Beyond Cuts Salon, 33 North Avenue, during their normal operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone. Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant). More details here.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., has announced the dates for this year’s Santa’s Garage Sale, which will be held Nov. 2-4.

Community members are invited to donate gently use Christmas items at the church on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then make sure to come back to shop Thursday and Friday Nov. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of unused holiday decor, and pick up some new stuff for just a little cash!

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The PTSA will have a table at the event where you can purchase $5 student and $10 PTSA memberships, which entitle you to lots of discounts at local businesses. (Plus you’re supporting our Webster students and staff!)  

Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Happening at Heritage Square Museum, scheduled for Sunday Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village.

And of course we adults like to dress up for Halloween, too. The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

Our 55+ community members are invited to a Spooky Luncheon at the Rec Center on Tuesday Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy a a great lunch, snacks and lots of fun.

Registration is $8 and is required by Oct. 23. Click here to register.

Wait! There’s more Halloween fun in store, for special needs kids and adults, to benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

On Sunday Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rec, there’ll be a Halloween party with a costume parade, games, prizes, music, dancing, raffles and face painting.

This event is open to special needs kids and adults. Admission is $10 per family.

The Webster Fall Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall).

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Is it too soon to start planning for November? I think not.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up on November 2 at the Webster Public Library, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk this month.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Our friends at the Webster Museum are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar. But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

That’s enough for today. Check back later this week for more detailed blogs about upcoming Village events, fun family hiking adventures from the Friends of Webster Trails, and more about Pumpkins on Parade!

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

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

(posted 10/16/2023)

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News from the Friends of Webster Trails

14 Oct

I got my Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter delivered into my email box a few days ago, and finally got around to opening it today.

This most recent edition, marking the last quarter of the year, is kind a summary of everything the Friends accomplished in the last five months or so. It runs no less than seven pages, which tells you that A LOT got done. Even though I know the FWT volunteers work amazingly hard and to amazing things, but even I was impressed.

Allow me to share some of those accomplishments with you.

  • Seven successful workdays were held over the summer. These are held on the third Saturday of each month during the warmer months, each one focusing on a different trail to complete tasks like picking up garbage, clearing brush and removing invasive species.
  • The Friends hosted five family-fun trail activities, including the most recent Trees Along the Trail Challenge at Four Mile Creek in August, where hikers were encouraged to identify ten different trees along a 2.5-mile trail.
  • “Rebooted” the Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness trail booklet which will be reintroduced next spring
  • Opened the new Michael A. Johnson Trail in June, located about halfway between VanAlstyne Rd. and Drumm Rd. on the Hojack Trail. I explored this one myself; you can read about my experience here.
  • Made great progress on the new State Rd. Nature Preserve trails, including clearing a one-mile loop trail. This new system is located located on the north side of State Rd. between Salt and Harris, just east of the Arbor Creek Townhomes. You can read more about that trail here.
  • Started to plan out the brand new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest, located at 760 Herman Rd. This 28-acre parcel was recently purchased by the Town and its trail system will eventually connect up with Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.
  • At Four Mile Creek Preserve, the red trail near the Salt Creek overlook was rerouted, and now offers a  nice view of the valley below and the creek itself.
  • The benches on the John Unger Nature Trail have been revitalized.
  • Received some much-appreciated assistance from community volunteers at Four Mile Creek, including the Webster Thomas Cross Country team, who spread gravel, and Brody Hoffman from Troop 113, who installed several sections of boardwalk on the new orange trail.

If you’ve read this far and find yourself thinking, “Hmmm, I didn’t know there were so many trails in Webster,” what are you waiting for? Visit the Friends of Webster Trails website, download a trail map and get hiking. Now’s a beautiful time of year to explore.

Need some encouragement? Two hiking events coming up on Saturday Nov. 4 are great opportunities to explore and maybe make some new friends.

The first is especially for kids and their adults, a Family Scavenger Hunt along the Chiyoda Trail at the Webster Recreation Center. Participants will find clues scattered along the trail, and put answers on the sheet provided. Return your answers for a fun prize.

Families can sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. Cost is $5 per child, and preregistration is requested (you can pay when you get there).

That evening, the annual Hot Cocoa Hike will take place at Gosnell Big Woods. This will begin at 7 p.m. and is usually a one to two-mile trek through the woods, ending with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. More information to come about that.

And finally, the PSA:

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: we have an amazing trail system in our town, and the Friends of the Webster Trails are the folks to thank for that. If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $10 or $15 — check it out here) and the funds they raise go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

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

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

(posted 10/14/2023)

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“All Shapes and Sizes” art show will celebrate some very special artists

13 Oct

A two-day art show and sale scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 at the Webster Recreation Center will showcase some very special artists.

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit will feature the artwork of more than 80 Webster-area artists, all of whom have physical, developmental or behavioral challenges. The artists, ranging from ages 4 through 56, have created about 120 unique, colorful and downright stunning paintings and collages, all of which will be on display during the show.

The exhibit, now in its sixth year, is organized by Webster resident and WCSD teacher’s aide Kate Clemont, assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers. For Kate, who handles most of the countless tasks necessary to put on a show of this type, it’s a true labor of love.

Kate’s youngest son Jack has autism, and she discovered many years ago how much joy he got out of creating art.

“There’s not a lot he gets celebrated for,” Kate said. “But he and I would paint together and he’d do some beautiful pieces and he’d be so proud of himself. I thought this would be nice for other kids.” 

And so this very special art exhibit began. For this year’s show, Kate began working with her artists back in May. She would pull the Challenger Field athletes aside when they came off the field and encourage them to do some painting. Over the summer she created art with the students in the district’s extended school year program. She even held a make-some-art day in her backyard.

Everyone was given the opportunity to create, regardless of their disabilities.

“A lot of these kids don’t have the fine motor skills to handle a paint brush,” Kate said, “so I find other things for them to paint with, whether it’s back scrubbers or sponges or stamps or squish balls. Whatever it takes for them to get in the paint.”

“Many of them have sensory needs,” she added, and were afraid to touch the paint. “So I’d wipe it on my face … just get down there and dirty with them in the paint. I was covered in paint from head to toe.”

Bottom line, Kate said, “If they’re given the opportunity, they can create and make some things. It just looks like a million dollars, and they’re so proud of themselves.”

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit is just one of many ways Kate has found to give back to the community for all of the opportunities her son has received. She’s also raised money for Autism Speaks, Camp Puzzle Piece, and Never Say Never Stables. But it’s the art shows where she really gets to indulge her passion for art and truly see the joy it brings to children and adults with disabilities.

Kate actually has a unique understanding of the challenges these special artists face. Eight years ago she developed a serious skin condition called necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “the flesh-eating disease.” It almost killed her, requiring a 75-day hospital stay and almost 30 surgeries, during which she coded twice. Large swaths of skin from her armpit to her hip had to be removed and replaced with skin grafts.

And as a direct result of the treatment, Kate lost her right hand, left index finger and the ends of her toes. The whole experience helped put a lot of things into perspective.

“After I got sick I lost my creative side; your mind is focusing on getting back. I thought I’d never get to paint again.” Working with the kids helped her rediscover that passion.

“I look at these kids who really have something to complain about, and they’re just getting on with it,” she said. “They just want an opportunity and a chance. I can’t complain. If that’s what you want to do, let’s get on with it.”

Clearly this show would not go on without Kate Clemont’s passion for art and the special artists she works with. But make no mistake — it is ALL about the artists.

“The exhibition is a chance for families and the public to get together at a free event, and just share the joy of what has been achieved,” Kate said. “It really is an amazing event, giving these amazing individuals a chance to be celebrated and show their artistic ability.”

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit takes place Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. A silent auction will be held both days, with the final bids being awarded at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

In addition to the paintings (whose starting prices range from $10 to $250), magnets, coasters and tote bags will be available for purchase. There’ll be some amazing raffles courtesy local businesses, and Kate’s son Jack will be selling lemonade.

All proceeds will benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field. Admission is free.

Check out the galleries above and below to see some of the featured art and the joy on these kids’ faces. Then come to the exhibit to see the art in person, and help celebrate these very talented and very special artists.

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

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

(posted 10/13/2023)

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Three spooky (and fun) Halloween events

12 Oct

I did something a little bit unnerving today. I put up my November calendar on the refrigerator.

Despite the fact that we have to accept that November is less than three weeks away, let us try to focus on all of the fun stuff still coming up in October, especially the Halloween-related events marking the end of the month. I bring you details about three of those today.

On Sunday Oct. 22, Heritage Square Museum will host their second annual Halloween Happening from 1 to 4 p.m. Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village. If you’ve ever wanted to check out this living history museum, this would be a great opportunity. I recently wrote a blog about my recent visit there. Click here to see that and learn more about this historical treasure just down the road.

Pumpkins on Parade returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I love, love, love this event. Now four years old, Pumpkins on Parade began was originally dreamed up by the Rec Center to give families a fun Halloween-time event to safely enjoy during the pandemic. But it has since grown to become an annual favorite for hundreds of families who hike the trail, admire all of the jack-o-lanterns and hang around afterwards for games, photos, and snacks.

During Pumpkins on Parade, the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. There’s also a much shorter path for seniors and small children to enjoy. At the end of the path, in the large field behind the Rec Center, participants enjoy free cider and donuts and a bonfire, there’s a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. So start planning out your jack-on-lanterns now, and stay tuned for more information on when and where to drop them off (usually that day or the Friday before).

The Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail will be held Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids (and their adults) can wander through the village to and trick-or-treat at dozens of shops. I’ll be running around with my camera to try to catch as many great costumes as possible, so watch for me!

The annual costume contest will be held from 11:00 to 11:30 at Village Hall, so participants won’t miss out on any of the trail.

This is just one of the great events brought to us by the village’s Business Improvement District. To keep up to date on all these events, make sure to visit their website often.

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

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(posted 10/9/2023)

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A bit of Webster history: The James Carnevale Bike Route

11 Oct

In this month’s History Bit feature I write for the Webster Museum, I revisited a blog I wrote two years ago about the James W. Carnevale Bike Route. After seeing a sign at the Webster Museum, I’d embarked on a quest to find out who James Carnevale was and where exactly where the bike route was.

It took me a while to discover the answers to those questions, and I had help from a lot of people. I outlined the whole story in the blog I wrote back then, which I edited significantly for the History Bit for the sake of print publication.

So here’s the edited version, but if you’re interested in reading the whole (I think interesting) story, click here. (It has several more photos as well.)

October History Bit: the James W. Carnevale Bike Route

These beautiful first weeks of fall are a great time to go out for a bike ride. If you’re up for a 14-mile ride along some of Webster’s most beautiful roadways, you might want to explore the James W. Carnevale Bike Route.

The route was named in honor of James Carnevale, who lived on Old Farm Circle. He served in Korea as an Army Intelligence Officer, and was awarded a bronze star for photography. He served as Webster’s Recreation Commissioner for many years, and was an active member of the town’s Democratic Party. He passed away suddenly in 1977 at age 47 and is buried at Webster Union Cemetery. 

The bike route which was named after him was originally established in 1968. The 14.5-mile route took riders (in general) west from Holt Rd. to Klem, then along Bay, Volk and Dewitt roads, ending at Inspiration Point. There, the riders would turn around and wind their way back.

In 1986, the route was officially renamed the “James W. Carnevale Bike Route” in honor of his service as Recreation Commissioner. At a ceremony held in November, the Town of Webster presented Carnevale’s widow with one of the signs.   

Most of the original signs seem to be gone, but apparently there’s still one standing at the corner of Drumm and Herman roads, and there might be one at Klem and Five Mile Line. The one pictured in the photo with Nancy Carnevale is still hanging just inside the Webster Museum entrance, next to the antique bicycle. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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

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

(posted 10/9/2023)

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