Archive | March, 2024

Webster community mailbag

17 Mar

Couple of events coming up at the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Rd. in the coming weeks. The first is a special event for Eclipse Day, April 8.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the Arboretum is planning a day-long event when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. There’ll be a poetry reading at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry. (In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.)

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution.

Also at the Webster Arboretum, on Tuesday April 23 at 7 p.m., longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required.  Meet at the Curry Building in the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

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The spring musical season concludes this coming weekend when Webster Thomas Theater presents Shrek the Musical in four performances, Thursday March 21 through Saturday March 23.

The cast is led by Marcello Serventi as Shrek, Alyssa Walsh as Fiona, Matteo Serventi as Donkey, and Jamie McCarthy as Farquaad, joined by a cast, crew and pit orchestra totaling 55 Titans.

The award-winning Broadway musical — based on the wildly popular DreamWorks film — is perfect for the entire family. It will take the Webster Thomas stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m., and a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here (search for “Webster Thomas Theater”).

Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

I’ll be posting much more about this show in the next few days, so stay tuned.

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Attention all Swifties!

LaLa of Webster is planning a Taylor Swift event with music, merchandise, crafts and raffles on Saturday April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great way to get ready for Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department on April 19. Participants are asked to bring a can of cat food to donate to a local cat shelter/rescue.

Details are still coming together, but you can stay on top of the latest by visiting the Facebook event page here.

Here’s something I’m working on for a longer blog, but you’ll want to know about now to mark your calendars.

Ruff Day Pet Resort has settled into their brand new digs on Gravel Rd. and will be celebrating with a Grand Reopening “Spring Fling” Party and fundraiser for homeless pets.

Ruff Day offers standard and luxury lodging options for pups to spend a weekend or a day to play. They offer training, boarding, daycare and spa services. 

On Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can meet the staff, take a tour of the new facility, enjoy refreshments, meet adoptable puppies from local rescues, and more.

Ruff Day is located at 1085 Gravel Rd., Webster. More to come about this great event.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/17/2024)

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Memories of chalking and rainbows

15 Mar

Four years ago this week, the world as we knew it shut down.

It was this week — specifically March 13, 2020 — that a national emergency was declared due to the rapidly spreading COVID pandemic. Schools started closing. Businesses closed. Community events were cancelled, one after another. For months, we were forced back into our homes, physically and emotionally distanced from the people and places that make our lives whole. It was a dark time.

But it was also a time when some of the best things about our Webster community shined brightly.

I was thinking about that as I was taking my morning walk a few days ago, remembering how, during shutdown, it would be common to see inspirational chalk drawings on the sidewalks and driveways. Chalk messages and artwork could be found all around town, little messages of encouragement popping up everywhere, an acknowledgement that we were all in this together. It was a great way for kids to stay busy when they couldn’t attend school, and a great way to help spread positivity during those dark days.

Rainbows started popping up as well, and not only on sidewalks. You’d see them hanging in front windows and on front doors. It was fun to watch for them and each one I discovered lifted my spirits just a little bit.

It was a time when we reconnected with our neighbors. Everyone said hi to each other when you went out for a walk and passed on the street. We were all overjoyed to see other faces, even if you did have to move out into the street to pass by.

We supported local businesses and restaurants, buying gift cards and ordering take-out to help our small business owners weather the pandemic. We dropped off care packages to neighbors in need, checking in on older neighbors and family members. We really started to look after one another.

So, something positive actually did come out of shutdown: we rediscovered our sense of community. And while the memory of those terrible days is fading into history — those days when we really needed to rely on one another — I hope that at least a little of that sense of community still remains.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/15/2024)

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March History Bit: Happy Birthday Bay Bridge!

14 Mar

The Irondequoit Bay Bridge celebrated a birthday last month.

On Feb. 3, 2024, the Bay Bridge turned 54 years old. Stretching almost a half mile long, the bridge was christened on a snowy day in 1970, which was reportedly so cold that the celebratory wine froze in the glasses before it could be raised. 

Seven months later, on a much sunnier and warmer late August day, the bridge was officially dedicated with not one, but three ribbon cutting ceremonies; one held at the Irondequoit end, a second in the middle and a third at the Webster end.

The project took about two years to build, and apparently much of the discussion during the process centered around what to name the new span. Many ideas were suggested, including naming it after Donald Holleder or even calling it the Hiawatha Bridge. But state regulations didn’t allow any project using state money to be named after a person, so ultimately it became known only as the Irondequoit Bay Bridge.  

Interestingly, the plows waiting on that icy February morning to spread some salt across the newly opened bridge were not the first vehicles to cross. 

As reported Sept. 9, 1970 in the Webster Herald, 

The first “man” across the bridge made it on Feb. 3 at 4:28 a.m. via Union Hill Ambulance. He was then one-year old Kevin Lohse of Greensboro Drive who had stopped breathing. The ambulance was conducted by a police car driven by Sgt. Gil Kunzer whose idea it was to remove the bridge barriers, thus saving needed time and perhaps the youngster’s life. 

Young Kevin, healthy and happy, attended the ribbon cutting ceremonies in August.

Discover more fascinating bits of local history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/14/2024)

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30 years of beautiful music and counting

13 Mar

In March of every year — Music in Our Schools Month — we can always count on our incredibly talented Webster musicians to pull together some outstanding performances. This weekend’s concert by the Willink Student-Parent Band is a great example.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, three decades of inter-generational musical collaboration by middle school students, alumni and their parents.

For this very special occasion, conductors Matt Osika and Tiffany DiPiazza are planning a very special evening of vibrant music featuring harmonies of past and present generations. This year’s band even has  three generations in one family performing together, when three Willink Middle School/Webster Thomas High School students will be playing with their mother and their grandfather.

This is truly a heartwarming evening of community music which the whole family will enjoy.

The concert will be held on Saturday March 16 at 7 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $4 at the door.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/13/2024)

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Happy 100th birthday, Frank!

11 Mar

The Webster Recreation Center held a very special birthday party last Thursday afternoon.

Long-time Thursday Webster Rec euchre player Frank Amering celebrated his 100th birthday on March 1, and last Thursday his senior center fellow euchre players and Rec Center staff members threw him a party, complete with balloons, cake and official proclamations.

Frank was born in Rochester on March 1, 1924. He attended Aquinas, where he played football, and then enlisted in the Navy, serving as an engineer on the Catalinas in WWII. He was married to his wife Mary Louis for 71 years before she pssed away six years ago. He worked as an electrician until he was 80 years old, still lives on his own and still drives.

And of course, he joins about 40 to 50 friends to play euchre at the Webster Recreation Center every Thursday.

Webster Supervisor Tom Flaherty and Nick Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County Veteran Services, each presented Frank with a proclamation honoring his life and WWII service. Several servicemen also attended the party, to honor Frank and show their appreciation.

I didn’t chat with Frank for very long — he had a pretty long line of admirers — but as a euchre player myself, I did have to ask him one question: how often does he steal the deal?

He grinned slightly and paused, then politely declined to answer.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/11/2024)

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Thank you Jersey Mike’s!

10 Mar

Jersey Mike’s Subs continues to do great things for our community. Most recently, our Webster Jersey Mike’s shop presented a check to Wreaths Across America-Webster for $450, which represented the proceeds from a week-long fundraiser held last November.

Wreaths Across America (WWA) local coordinator Cherie Wood said the funds will be used to sponsor 26 veteran wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day 2024 on Dec. 14. And for each sponsored wreath, WWA will give $5 back — or $130 — to the American Gold Star Mothers of Rochester, an organization of American mothers who have lost sons or daughters in the service of the United States. Rochester chapter president Dorothy Reid said those funds will be used to purchase tickets, food and shopping vouchers for an Amerks game for Eagle Star Housing veterans in Rochester and Batavia.

The check presentation was just a small part of Jersey Mike’s ongoing commitment to give back to their local communities. Last year, for example, our Rochester-area Jersey Mike’s shops donated $64,000 to Special Olympics, and this March — their Month of Giving — they hope to top $100,000. You can help by visiting any Jersey Mike’s shop on Wednesday March 27, when 100% of their proceeds will be donated to Special Olympics. All month long they’ll also be offering their customers the chance to round up their purchases, or purchase coupon cards for discounts on future orders:

  • donate $1 and get a $1 coupon
  • donate $3 and get a coupon for a free chip and drink
  • donate $5 and get a coupon for a free sub when you buy another

Our Webster Jersey Mike’s is located at 975 Ridge Rd., in the small plaza across from the former Hegedorn’s. (Pictured above: Webster Union Cemetery president George Baker, Wreath Across America local coordinator Cherie Wood, Gold Star Mothers president Dorothy Reid, Jersey Mike’s manager Andrew Brink and staff member Josh Chatmon.)

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/10/2024)

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SEPTA Bowling Tournament returns

9 Mar

After a four year hiatus, Webster’s special education scholarship bowling fundraiser is returning on April 28.

The SEPTA Bowling Scholarship Fundraiser is a fun — and occasionally competitive — tournament which has been a tradition in our district for a long time, until it was sideswiped by the pandemic. But this year it’s back, and promises to be better than ever.

The tournament is hosted by the Special Education PTA and special education staff members from Webster Thomas and Schroeder high schools, with the proceeds benefiting scholarships for Webster CSD graduating seniors with special needs.

Details are still coming together, but right now organizers are looking for teams to show off their hidden bowling talents. This is always a hugely fun event where teams are encouraged to dress up in theme costumes to win some awesome prizes for most original, creative and fun/goofy.

The tournament takes place Sunday, April 28 at Bowlero Lanes, 2400 Empire Boulevard, Webster. Check-in and lane assignments are 1 to 1:45 p.m. with tournament play taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. Donation to play in the tournament is $35 per person with checks made payable to SEPTA. Registration includes two hours of bowling, shoe and equipment rental, pizza, unlimited soft drinks, three raffle tickets toward prizes, a gratuity for the Bowlero staff and (of course) money toward the scholarships. Registration is in advance and can be done online at tinyurl.com/SEPTA24 or by contacting Dina Malboeuf at dina_malboeuf@webstercsd.org. Indicate if your team needs bumpers or a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and if there is another team you would like to bowl with.

Deadline for registration is April 19.

Organizers are also looking for raffle prize donations. Please email Dina if your business is able to help out.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/9/2024)

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It’s official: another Irish pub is moving into 2 West Main

8 Mar

Perfectly timed for the St. Patrick’s Day season, here’s some great news about 2 West Main St. in Webster Village, the former Barry’s Old School Irish:

Another great Irish pub is moving in.

Before the end of this year, Mark and Kelly Petzing, members of the Shamrock Jack’s family, will be opening a wee Irish pub of their own.

I spoke to Mark recently, who sounded very excited to be fulfilling what he said has been a longtime dream. Having worked in the restaurant business since he was 10 years old, he said that having “a tiny pub of my own” is something he’s always wanted to do.

He’s well acquainted with that corner, too. Webster residents themselves, he and Kelly often visited Barry’s, and Mark even bartended at Burke’s many years ago.

“Danny and Jess Barry did a great job,” he said. “I don’t want to compete with that,” adding that his pub will look different, however. The design will feature a lot of brickwork, there’ll be a longer bar, and the bathrooms will be moved a bit. They’ll be taking out the gardens to expand seating on the patio, and Mark’s even considering putting in some garage doors which can be opened in the summer.

They haven’t decided on a name yet, but some of the ideas reflect that it will have a “wee bit of everything” — a little music, a small menu, several Irish beers and local brews, and whiskeys and bourbons.

The remodeling process has only just begun. The place has been gutted to the studs and tape on the floor indicates where the new bar will be located. How long all of the renovations will take is still a question, but Mark estimates perhaps four to six months.

So there won’t be dancers and bagpipers and Irish fiddlers at the village’s four corners for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. But rest assured, next year the Guinness will be flowing at our new Irish pub.

“We’re very excited to be in the village,” Mark said. “We can’t wait to be part of the neighborhood.”  

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/8/2024)

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Spry Drama Club’s SpongeBob the Musical is oceans of fun

7 Mar

I have to admit right off the bat that I have never once actually watched an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. But after getting a sneak peak at Spry’s upcoming production of SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition, I feel like I know the characters inside and out.

There’s the irrepressibly optimistic SpongeBob and equally gloomy Squidward. There’s SpongeBob’s dimwitted BFF Patrick, the greedy Mr. Krabs, the sneaky Plankton and the enthusiastic scientist, Sandy Cheeks. They’re joined by many more of their aquatic friends, all residing in the undersea world of Bikini Bottom.

They, along with a ragtag group of almost four dozen more friends and community members (supported by another 20 behind-the scenes crew members), have to come together to save their home from a volcano which is threatening to erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom.

The enchanting production, which runs about 75 minutes including intermission, is an energetic, colorful, humorous, tune-filled romp from the beginning — when audience members are asked to silence their shellphones — right through to the triumphant ending when Bikini Botton is saved (oops. spoiler alert). It will delight everyone in the family, whether they’re familiar with SpongeBob or not.

The show features a talented group of young actors including Gary Patterson as SpongeBob, Tommy Bifarella as Patrick, Savannah Lane as Sandy, Rory Goodwin as Squidward, Tanner Peters as Mr. Krabs, Marne Mazzochetti as Pearl, Max Hoose as Plankton and Brynn Anderson as Karen. Watching them perform was like watching a Stars of Tomorrow program; I know we’ll be seeing many of these kids on the Schroeder stage in the coming years.

SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition takes the stage this weekend at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. Friday night’s show is sold out, but there are still a few tickets available for Saturday’s matinee at 2 p.m. and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Those shows will almost certainly sell out as well, so get your tickets now. They’re only $8 each and available at events.hometownticketing.com (use key word “Spry”).

Here’s a whole slideshow of photos; thank you so much to Marie Costanza from Image City Photography Gallery, for all of these great shots!

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/7/2024)

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Woodland Silkscreen just got an upgrade

6 Mar

Have you stopped into Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery in the Village of Webster recently? If you haven’t, you’ll want to check it out, because owner Laurie Read has been making some changes, and the place is looking really great.

Laurie moved into the former tattoo shop at 5 West Main (lower level) about three years ago, relocating from her longtime location on Rt. 104 in Ontario. (Click here to read the blog I wrote after she settled in.) It’s taken a while, but she’s FINALLY gotten rid of all of the tattoo-themed decorations on the walls and behind the counter. She’s replaced and re-positioned the worn-out counter, repainted everywhere and is repairing the ceiling.

Basically, Laurie said, she’d tried to “class it up a little.” The result is a much more professional, much more inviting shop where patrons are greeted by tasteful decorations, stunning artwork and a BIG fish tank with some BIG fish (who WILL stare back at you when you stare at them).

And while screen printing is still the biggest part of her business, Laurie is also introducing a nice selection of retail items, including a variety of t-shirts (long and short-sleeved), sweatshirts and other clothing items, embroidered with all sorts of fanciful designs, or pre-printed. She’s already got lots of St. Patrick’s Day and Buffalo Bills items on a rack in the lobby, but she’ll be happy to make one up to your order.

There’s also a small table with hand creams, and — soon — small teddy bears with Webster Thomas and Schroeder t-shirts.

And, by the way, Laurie is still your local connection for some of the finest “everything” sauces I’ve ever had. The “OHHH LORDEE” sauces range from sweet and tangy to blazing hot, and while you can still pick one up at the shop, it’s better to look for them at one of the 30 locations all around the area (including most Tops Friendly Markets).

Lots of great reasons to stop by Woodland. Not to mention, Laurie will always welcome you with a smile.

Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery is located at 5 West Main St. (lower level across from the gazebo). The shop is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, other times by appointment. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page or call (585) 265-3060.

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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 “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/6/2024)

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