Archive | July, 2024

WHS alumni will gather for annual dinner

31 Jul

Alumni of the old Webster High School (now Spry Middle School) will be gathering in a few weeks to share stories, get reacquainted with classmates and remember lost friends, when the Webster High School Alumni Committee hosts its alumni dinner.

The dinner, hosted this year by the Webster Golf Club on Sunday Aug. 11, is held annually for WHS graduates from 1949 through 1962, when the last class graduated from the old high school building on South Ave. More than 60 alumni (and their guests) attended last year’s dinner, and organizers hope that at least as many will be able to make it this time.

The program will begin with greetings from the Alumni Committee president Linda Briggs Auer ’59 and vice president Jude Beh Lancy ’59, followed by dinner, a short business meeting, a 50/50 raffle and a centerpiece raffle. Class members from this year’s “honor years” — 1944, 1949, 1954 and 1959 — will receive special recognition. And of course, the evening concludes with a recitation of the Alma Mater.

This is always a wonderful event filled with friendship and memories.

Many thanks to Kittelberger Florist for donating the centerpieces and to Lala of Webster and The Village Quilt Shoppe for providing raffle prizes.

Linda Auer and Jude Lancy welcome alumni at last year’s dinner
A few scenes from last year

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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 7/31/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Jul

It’s always exciting when the new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on school supplies and new school clothes. But for many Webster families, it’s always a stressful time of year, too, because they really don’t have the money to spend on new backpacks and notebooks, let alone new clothes.

That’s why every August, Webster NY Hope holds a Back to School Night, when families in need can stop by and go home with a backpack filled with brand new school supplies. Right now, they’re collecting those supplies.

Here’s how you can help: Check out the attached flyer, which has a list of all the supplies they’re looking for. The list has been compiled from WCSD teacher lists.

You can drop off your donations at Webster Hope (1450 Ridge Rd.) or the Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Rd.) during their normal open hours. Those details are also on the flyer.

Webster Hope’s Back to School Night will be held on August 20. Families in need can sign up by Aug. 15 to participate. Call (585) 265-6694.

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Vendors needed for Jazz in the Pubs festival

A few days ago I posted a blog with details about the annual Webster Jazz Festival, which takes place on August 9 and 10.

What I did NOT mention in that post is that along with the Jazz in the Pubs on Friday Aug. 9, the village will be hosting a street festival with music and — hopefully — lots of business and vendor booths.

If your business would like to participate, email villageofwebsterbid@gmail.com for more details.

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This month at the Webster Public Library

For adults:

  • Rochester’s Early Adventurers with Matt Rogers, Thursday Aug. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A journey through time, showcasing the explorers and adventurers who came to this land and either lived alongside it, harnessed its power for industry or worked the soil and created communities., leading to the city and county we know today. The presentation will include a historical survey starting with the ancient Algonkin nation, to the Senecas, to early colonizers, to our modern day city. Registration is required.

  • Classical Guitar with Reiner Eschbach, Thursday Aug. 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Reiner Eschbach plays original creations on his acoustic guitar in a coffee house-like setting. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • T(w)een Olympics!, Friday Aug. 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Tweens and Teens are invited for an afternoon of Olympic-style minute-to-win-it challenges! You’ll also be decorating your own Olympic medals. Grades 4-12 welcome, and registration is requested.

  • Make It Monday: Map Ornaments, Monday Aug. 12, 6 to 7 p.m.

At the monthly craft night, participants will be making map ornaments. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to join us. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.

For kids and families:

  • Toadstool Tales, Friday Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Kids and kids at heart are invited for a concert with Rochester-based flutist and composer Jaclyn Breeze. The half-hour concert will feature three newly commissioned pieces to accompany classic fairy tales. All ages welcome. No registration is required.

  • Bug Storytime & Drop-In Crafts, Saturday Aug. 17, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. (storytime), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (crafts)

Celebrate all things creepy crawly with a bug storytime! We will read stories, sing songs, and have some simple crafts to follow. All ages welcome. Crafts will be left out until 4:00 pm. No registration is required.

Finally, after all of this fun, join the library for their End of Summer Celebration, Friday Aug. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. There’ll be crafts, activities and treats, and everyone is welcome. No registration is required.

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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 7/30/2024)

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New kindergartners invited to Strive for Five

29 Jul

The beginning of the new school year is coming fast, so before long we’ll be thinking about buying supplies, getting up early again, and catching the bus.

For our youngest students, getting on a big school bus on that first day of school can be a little scary. A great program called Strive for Five for School Bus Safety helps allay some of those fears.

The program will be held from Aug. 5 to 8 at Willink Middle School. Now in its 17th year, it’s designed for 2024/25 incoming kindergartners giving our youngest One Webster students a chance to become familiar with school buses and learn important safety procedures.

New kindergartners (no additional children please) and their parents/guardians will board buses at Willink (900 Publisher’s Parkway) at 5:50 p.m. Buses will depart promptly at 6 p.m. and children and their parents will be transported to the bus garage at 1000 Document Drive for a fun and informative safety program, then ride the buses again back to Willink.

While at the bus garage, students will rotate through stations teaching them important safety elements, including:

  • Loading and unloading the bus
  • Proper crossing procedures
  • Danger zones surrounding the bus
  • Appropriate behavior on the bus
  • Emergency equipment/evacuation

Families are asked to attend the evening assigned to their particular school as indicated below, if at all possible. If you can’t make your assigned evening, you can come on another, but the district really likes to spread everyone out as much as possible.

August 5 – Plank South
August 6 – Klem North and State Rd.
August 7 – Klem South and Plank North
August 8 – Dewitt Rd. and Schlegel Rd.

Private and parochial students residing in the Webster Central School District can attend any one of the four dates. Families should already have received an email explaining more about the program.

The program will be held outside and will take place rain or shine.

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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 7/29/2024)

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Jazz Festival details: who’s playing and when

28 Jul

Get ready to dance in the streets in a few weeks, when the Webster Jazz Festival returns.

The event will stretch over two days Friday and Saturday Aug. 9 and 10, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Five different bands are scheduled to perform at five different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like. The musicians represent some of the best from the Rochester music scene, including some returning favorites and some new faces.

The music continues Saturday night when jazz takes to the street.

Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of musical entertainment will perform from the big West Main Street stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. There will be some tables and chairs set up, but they go pretty fast, so plan to bring your own, set them up in the middle of the street and enjoy music all evening long.

Here’s the music lineup for both days:

Friday Aug. 9

  • 6:30 p.m.: Andy Calabrese and Peter Chwazik at Cobblestone on Main, 109 W. Main St. Calabrese is a pianist, educator and music producer and Rochester-based Chwazik is a bassist and guitarist.
  • 6:45 p.m.: Sarah De Vallière at JoJo’s Webster, 42 E. Main St.An award-winning composer, classically-trained pianist and outstanding singer-songwriter, performing “cinematic folk rock with nuances of jazz and pop.”
  • 7:00 p.m.: Marvin Dolly & Mel Henderson at ROC Style, 5 W. Main St., performing “organic, funky grooves with street-level ambiance.”
  • 7:15 p.m. Joe Chiappone & Vince Ercolamento at Ploty’s Tavern, 27 West Main St., jazz guitar and saxophone.
  • 8:15 p.m.: Bill Tiberio Band at the Coach Sports Bar, 19 W. Main St., original contemporary jazz in a multitude of styles.

Saturday Aug. 10

  • 4:00 p.m.: CMD, re-imagining old rock and pop hits on piano, bass and drums
  • 5:15 p.m.: Sofrito, Latin jazz quintet
  • 6:45 p.m.: Smooth jazz sounds from Judah Sealy, a graduate of School of the Arts and Roberts Wesleyan College
  • 8:30 p.m.: Prime Time Funk, 10-piece powerhouse of passionate musicians who write, arrange, and perform a world-class combination of funk, jazz and R&B 

The Webster Jazz Festival is an outstanding event that really brings out the best the Village of Webster has to offer. The streets are packed with people, the hanging baskets and planters are in full bloom, and after dark the street is lined with twinkly lights. There’s dancing and drinking and eating, and so much fun for friends and family. Plus there’s no admission.

To find out more about the 2024 Webster Jazz Festival, and read more about the featured bands, visit the Webster BID website.

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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 7/28/2024)

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Alan McBeth bridges the mud at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve

26 Jul

A few days ago I posted a blog about the new and improved Wegmans Hit the Trail Passport, a terrific program brought to you by the Friends of Webster Trails. It’s a fun way for you and your family to get out and explore all of our local hiking trails.

The 40-page passport features 32 trails and trail spurs, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty. The challenge is to hike each trail, and along the way make a rubbing into the passport of the trail marker you find on each one. (Click here to get more details.)

In today’s follow-up to that blog, I want to highlight a young man whose hard work has helped make our Webster trails the treasures that they are.

Alan sitting on the bridge
The completed bridge

Recently, Boy Scout Alan McBeth of Troop 115 in Mendon, assisted by a team of volunteers, built a bridge from Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest and the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

The bridge, spanning nearly 60 feet, stretches over a muddy pass between the two trail systems, keeping walkers, runners and bikers out of what could potentially be knee-deep mud, while also preserving the habitat.

Alan built the bridge as part of his Eagle Scout project, and was mentored by Friends of Webster Trails Scout coordinator Pat Fulkerson.

Many thanks to Alan for a job well done, from a grateful Webster hiking community.

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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 7/26/2024)

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Caraglio’s Pizza is coming to the Village of Webster

25 Jul

It’s been a long time, but the former Music Store at 18 East Main Street in the Village of Webster will soon have a new tenant: Caraglio’s Pizza.

Owner Tony Caraglio opened his first pizzeria 20 years ago, and now has seven locations in Fairport, Ontario, Gates, Greece, Hilton, and on Empire Blvd. in Webster. As a Webster resident, Tony says he’s been trying to find a location on the east side of town for about five years, and is excited about moving into the old, long-vacant Music Store.

It’s still early in the planning stages, but Tony expects to devote most of the building’s 3000-sq. ft. floor space to the kitchen and serving counter, while leaving plenty of room for restrooms and indoor seating. And he loves the “three huge windows” in front to entice people who walk along Main St.

“Being in the Webster village is very cool,” he said.

Turning the former Music Store into a pizzeria is taking longer and requiring a lot more work than expected, however.

“We were originally shooting (to open in) November, but that may not be doable,” Tony said. “When we take one step, when we try to look at something, sometimes we find something else we have to address first.”

Many of the challenges can be attributed to the fact the building is 130 years old. But that’s also made for some rather interesting discoveries. Like a newspaper from Nov. 15, 1892, which was stuffed into the wall for insulation.

“As we find stuff, we’re holding on to it,” Tony said, “and will be donating artifacts to the museum.” Those artifacts will help the museum track the history of what Tony affectionately calls “this old goat of a building.”

Work on the building is continuing apace, but it’s going to take a while longer. Because, Tony said, “I want to do it right the first time.”

Stay tuned for more updates about the new Caraglio’s Pizza coming to 18 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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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 7/25/2024)

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Waterfront Art Festival, village events on tap this weekend

24 Jul

The 51st annual Waterfront Art Festival returns to Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) this weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 27 and 28, with lots of great art, entertainment and food.

The Waterfront Art Festival quickly became a highlight of the Webster summer event scene when it moved here from Canandaigua almost ten years ago. For anyone who appreciates fine art and quality crafts, this is a must-see event. Dozens of artisan booths line the park’s scenic and shaded walkways, displaying an incredible variety of hand-made items in all price ranges.

What’s really nice about this particular festival is that all of the artisans’ work is juried beforehand, which is why it’s all so different and high-quality. Plus there are food trucks, live music, demonstrations, a wine, beer and cider-tasting tent, several food and drink vendors, plenty of free parking right on the grounds, and a handicapped parking area. You can even bring your own cooler and your own chairs into the festival.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Charles Sexton Memorial Park, off of Rt. 104 between Rt. 250 and Holt Road (take the Rt. 250 exit off Rt. 104). 

Admission is only $5, no charge for kids 12 and under. For more information, including a list of artisans and entertainers, click here for the Waterfront Art Festival website and here for their Facebook page.

Music and games in the Village of Webster

The Village of Webster has cooked up some great family-friendly events this weekend as well.

The Red Hot and Blue Band  brings Americana to the Gazebo Park on Friday, July 26 at 7 p.m. The band plays Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and much more. Bring your chairs, blankets and refreshments and sing along with some favorite tunes. Admission is free.

By the way, next Friday Aug. 2, Escape Terrain takes the gazebo stage, described on the Webster BID website as “an inventive, uniquely versatile jazz fusion band, featuring jazz guitarist Ryan Johnson.”

The village’s next Family Games Night & Beer Garden is this Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.
on West Main Street in the Village.  

There’ll be tons for kids (and adults) to do, including sidewalk chalk art, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and Cornhole. DJ Chad Cassano will provide music for the evening.

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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 7/24/2024)

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Two great Chamber networking events coming up soon

23 Jul

If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, this Friday July 26 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. These meetings are usually held at the Webster Recreation Center, but this month is a special treat: the meeting will be held at First Responders Park, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, which is basically next door to the Rec Center.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit with other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker. This month, Beth Parry from Wellness 360 will present a talk about “the importance of incorporating stress reduction techniques and movement into your business practice.”

Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday Aug. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Whelpley & Paul, 950 Ridge Rd.

Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.

There’s no cost for this event, but reservations are required.

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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 7/23/2024)

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‘Twas a beautiful day for a parade

21 Jul

I’ve marched in Rochester’s Pride Parade for several years, but I can’t remember the weather and temperatures being more ideal than they were yesterday.

I march with the Free Hugs Rochester group, our mission being to offer free “Mom hugs” (or Dad hugs or sister hugs…) to kids who aren’t accepted at home. It’s always a day filled with laughter, smiles and often a few tears shed by grateful hug recipients.

My daughter and several friends joined me in the parade, and many other friends joined us in spirit. The one-mile long route was moved from East Ave. to South Ave. this year, and the Pride Festival moved from Cobbs Hill Park to Highland Park, to accommodate the huge crowds and the ever-increasing number of businesses and community groups who participate. Thousands of people lined Science Parkway, where we lined up, and South Ave. — kids, teens, 20-somethings, parents, grandparents. Everyone was waving flags, holding supportive signs, grinning and waving. And hundreds of them of them gladly opened their arms to accept hugs.

Thanks to the new location, parade organizers were also able to accommodate more than 200 marching groups this year, making it the best Pride Parade in my memory.

I came home covered in sweat and glitter, and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. I’m already looking forward to next year. Thank you to all my friends who joined me this year, to everyone in the Free Hugs group, and to the parade organizers for pulling together such a terrific 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 7/21/2024)

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Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union named Chamber Business of the Month

19 Jul

Congratulations to Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, honored as the July Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union, located at 815 Ridge Rd. in Webster, is known not only for its financial services, but also for its involvement with education. In 1967, they were known as the Geneva School Employees Credit Union, and were located inside a school building. In 2020, FLFCU merged with Webster Federal Credit Union and enhanced their service capabilities. They now have over 22,000 members, with assets above $215 million.

FLFCU’s Webster Branch is lead by Lynn Dunn. She actively represents the Credit Union throughout the Webster Chamber, currently serving on the Board of Directors and the Program Committee. In May, Lynn also arranged to host the monthly East, Drink & Connect event at the branch.

Upon presenting the award, Chamber CEO and President Barry Howard said, “It is members like FLFCU which add richness to the development of local business and organizational relations, education, and support, as we all navigate this present economy, together. We are very thankful of the support Lynn receives from FLFCU, which allows her to contribute so much to our members.”

Learn more about our Webster Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union by visiting the Chamber website membership directory here.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday July 26, beginning at 7 a.m. at First Responders Park, 1350 Chiyoda Drive (new location). Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro presents the Business of the Month award to Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union staff members Lynn Dunn (L) and Trisha Tyson.
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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 7/19/2024)

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