Archive | May, 2025

Webster Schroeder Musicals’ Hadestown a big winner at Stars of Tomorrow

11 May

Did you see the very exciting announcement on Facebook?

At the recent Stars of Tomorrow Recognition Ceremony, held Friday May 9 at the Auditorium Theatre, Webster Schroeder Musicals earned no fewer than nine awards for their production of Hadestown (Teen Edition), which they presented in February. (Click here to read the blog I wrote back then about this incredible show.)

Specifically, Hadestown received recognition for “Excellence” for the:

  • Dance Ensemble
  • Acting Ensemble
  • Vocal Ensemble
  • Production Crew
  • Production Design, and
  • Overall Production

And these students were recognized for “Achievement in a Leading Role”:

  • Maura Ugine as Persephone
  • Ava Brown as Eurydice
  • Rory Goodwin as Hades
  • Alex Mansuy as Hermes
  • Rowan Murphy as Orpheus

Plus Webster Schroeder’s Hadestown was named a Top 10 Large School Production.

Plus plus, Ava Brown (who played Eurydice) was one of a select number of students chosen to represent Rochester — and Webster Schroeder — in the Stars of Tomorrow NYC Bound program at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards in June. That is a huge honor.

Congratulations to the cast, crew, pit musicians and creative team for making Webster proud yet again.

Stars of Tomorrow is a program dedicated to “supporting the process of growth and learning, encouraging commitment, discipline and teamwork, and acknowledging excellence.” High schools in Monroe and surrounding counties with fall or spring musical productions are invited to participate in the program. A team of trained and qualified adjudicators evaluates productions, providing students and directors with written feedback and rubric scores in a variety of production areas.

At the recognition ceremony, participating schools have the opportunity to perform a selection from their musical on stage at the Auditorium Theatre. 

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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 5/11/2025)

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May History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 3)

10 May

The next stop in our History Bits Tour of the Webster Museum’s permanent exhibits is the office of W. Roy “Bob” Hawley. 

W.R. Hawley was born in 1881 to George Nelson Hawley and Mae Hawley, who owned a prosperous general store. He could have chosen to take that over when he grew up, but instead, in 1910 he opened Hawley’s Hardware Store at 17 West Main St., and later moved it to the corner of Lapham Park. When it closed more than 50 years later in 1965, it was the oldest retail business in the village or town of Webster.

In addition to running his store, W.R. was also actively involved in the Village of Webster’s political and social scenes. In 1931 he was elected village mayor, a position he would hold for the next 34 years.

Among the original items you’ll see when you visit Mayor Hawley’s office at the museum are the roll-top desk which sat in his office at the back of the store, and the store’s ornate cash register.

Adjacent to Mayor Hawley’s office is the museum’s tribute to the many apothecaries and their pharmacists who have served our town. 

Next to a recreated drugstore, complete with an apothecary cabinet, apothecary bottles and mortar and pestle, are biographies highlighting some of Webster’s best-known pharmacists. They include George Mason, who in 1884 built the block at 5 East Main St. and opened a combination drug and grocery store on the first floor; and Milton Case, who owned the Webster Drug Store in the 1930s and served as village mayor for several years. You can also read about Walter Weiner, who bought the Webster Drug Store from Milton Case, and Frank Lucas, who ran the Lucas Rexall Drug Store for 43 years. 

Stay tuned for the next stop on our museum tour of Webster in July when we take a closer look at our town’s dairy industry. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on the website, webstermuseum.org. Or stop by for a personal tour. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge.  

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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 5/10/2025)

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Marty Parzynski, of Bella’s Bumbas, honored with Heart of Service Award

9 May

Anyone who has been reading my blog for a while knows all about Bella’s Bumbas. You’ve read how Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, the driving force behind this Webster-based grass-roots organization, have dedicated their lives to providing the gift of mobility to children all over the world who have disabilities, by building miniature wheelchairs.

For years now, Marty and Rebecca have operated mostly under the radar. But recently, Marty got some very well deserved recognition when it was announced that he was one of the five recipients of the 2025 ESL Heart of Service Award.

The annual award is sponsored by the ESL Federal Credit Union and News 10 NBC, its purpose to “seek out and recognize outstanding volunteers in our community … Men, women, and children who give their time and efforts to help make our community better.”

The award’s website gives a short explanation of why Marty was recognized, saying,

When Martin’s great niece was born with spina bifida, he and his wife, Rebecca were inspired to find a way to help her become more independently mobile and set out to design a wheelchair just her size. From there, Martin began designing additional designs for wheelchairs that help children with over 70 mobility challenging disabilities and enlisting a team of volunteers to construct them, sending them to kids across the globe, free of charge (recipients only pay for shipping).

Today, there are over 3000 Bella’s Bumbas helping to provide mobility for children in over 68 countries.

Congratulations to Marty for this well deserved recognition!

Thank you, also, by the way to everyone who attended the spaghetti dinner fundraiser held last Friday at the Webster Masonic Lodge. Rebecca reports that through donations, raffles and food sales, Bella’s Bumbas was able to raise more than $3,800 to help with construction costs for the new barn they’re building for much-needed space. The amount raised broke the record for Masonic Lodge spaghetti dinners.

Stay tuned for announcements of future fundraisers, and how you can help Marty and Rebecca and Bella’s Bumbas continue their amazing work.

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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 5/9/2025)

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SparX Robotics team had strong showing in Albany

8 May

SparX Robotics Team 1126, made up of students from both Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas high schools, recently competed in the Tech Valley FIRST Robotics Competition in Albany. The event was held March 26 to 29 at the MVP Arena and brought together 56 high school robotics teams from across the region, out of state and Quebec, and even as far away as Türkiye.

The team traveled to Albany that Wednesday, with students, mentors, and several supportive parents all making the trip. Thursday was spent practicing and preparing, with official matches taking place on Friday and Saturday. This was SparX’s second competition of the season, after competing earlier that month at the Finger Lakes Regional at RIT. In total, the team has played 18 matches so far this year. 

The team’s next event will be the Flower City Frenzy on Saturday, June 7 at East High School in Rochester. 

SparX competed with their robot, affectionately named Luisa, in honor of a beloved mentor who recently passed away. The team finished in 18th place, with four wins, four losses, and one tie, and no disqualifications. Team members worked hard all weekend and represented Webster with pride.

The robot’s driver, Nathan, and operator, Zela, worked side by side on the edge of the field. Austin programmed Luisa for the autonomous period, which is when the robot runs on code alone at the very beginning of the match. Lance supported the robot as the technician, and Jessica served as the team’s coach on the competition floor for every match.

SparX Robotics is sponsored by the Webster Central School District, Xerox Corporation, Bosch, and Boulter, along with many other generous local businesses and families, including MKS, Wegmans, Crossfield Heating & Air, Lavoro Group, OptiPro, VitalSigns, ASQ, and the Watson, Fici and Gramlich families.

You can meet the SparX team and see Luisa up close at Community Arts Day on May 10 in the gym, where the team will be selling baked goods, holding a raffle, and collecting donations to help support future competitions.

Want to support these future innovators, too? Consider mentoring the team or making a donation. To contact the lead mentors for mentoring opportunities and to donate, visit the team’s website.

Click here to learn more about FIRST Robotics and follow the exciting world of competitive robotics. You al also watch SparX’s Tech Valley matches 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 “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 5/8/2025)

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Concert at Harmony House will benefit Coach employees

7 May

We all know about the disastrous fire at The Coach Sports Bar on Tuesday, March 18. It started behind the bar, and despite the quick response and hard work of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department and others, the fire tore through the place, leaving this village landmark devastated. While the building is still structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage means that it will have to be gutted.

Owner Fritz Sierk is committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible. But in the meantime, all of his employees — including some who have been there for decades — are now out of work.

In true Webster fashion, our community is coming together to support those employees, with a benefit concert on Sunday, June 1 at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

The concert will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., and feature two bands:

Guest bartenders from The Coach will be serving the drinks, there’ll be a 50/50 and prize raffles, and Coach-themed merchandise for sale. The Uncle Buck’s food truck will also be there, cooking up a special menu for this event

Tickets are $20 cash, available only at the door (ATM on site) and will be first-come, first-served.Patrons must be 21 or over to attend the event. Parking is available at the Harmony House, along with municipal parking across the street.

ALSO, on Sunday May 18, Cobblestone on Main restaurant and the Mary Wee Pub are joining forces to host a fundraiser at Cobblestone, 109 W. Main St. in the Village of Webster, from noon to 3 p.m.

There’ll be raffles, giveaways, brinks and food, all for your donation of $20.

All proceeds from both events — the concert and the Cobblestone party — will go to The Coach employees. Fritz put it best when he wrote on Facebook,

The people that work for The Coach are the reason it is there and running. Insurance will do very little if anything for them, and unemployment only goes so far. I, and all the employees of The Coach Sports Bar all thank everyone who have reached out with condolences, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. We will all see you back there as soon as we can!

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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 5/7/2025)

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Beverly Voos wins Retiree of the Year Award

6 May

Congratulations to retired Spry Middle School teacher Beverly Voos for receiving the Retiree of the Year award at the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) annual statewide Representative Assembly in Rochester last weekend.

Bev was recognized in large part because she is active in various capacities with NYSUT. Closer to home, is also president of the Webster Retired Educators Association.

Here’s a little bit about Bev from the NYSUT Awards booklet:

After a more than 20-year career working in computer science, Beverly Voos decided to begin a second career as a teacher. She earned her master’s degree in Math, Science and Technology, and started teaching middle school students in the Webster Central School District.

The Webster TA member retired in 2013 and got to work advocating with NYSUT’s daytime army in Retiree Council 6. Voos because co-chair of NYSUT’s Retiree Advisory Committee where she fights not only for issues that are important to retirees, but also to in-service educators, including NYSUT’s campaign to fix Tier 6.

Voos also spends her retirement servicing as an instructor for NYSUT’s Education & Learning Trust, a role in which she provides professional learning opportunities to other educators. Voos has served on a variety of NYSUT committees, has participated in NYSUT’s annual Committee of 100 lobby day in Albany, and is also a social justice instructor. When she’s not doing the work of the union, Voos enjoys spending time with family, especially her grandchildren, and traveling.

Below, Bev is pictured with the NYSUT officers after receiving the award,captured from the Jumbotron by Jeanne Coonan.

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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 5/6/2025)

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Blue Star Mothers honored military families with baby shower

5 May

For a few hours on Sunday April 27, 15 military families (including a set of twins) were showered with gifts, sweet treats, fruit, chips and sandwiches when the Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8 (BSM NY8) held their Baby Shower for Military.

The annual event, held at the Cottreal-Warner American Legion Post, is designed to recognize and provide for young mothers and expectant mothers in local military families. The event was open to active duty, veterans and military spouses of active duty service members, who were expecting or have children up to six months old. For many of these mothers, this may be the only baby shower they get, since they’re usually stationed far away from their close relatives. And since they relocate frequently, they may not have all of the baby supplies and equipment they collected for their older children.

This is the 8th year the Blue Star Mothers have held this shower. They work hard all year long, shopping for new baby clothes, diapers, high chairs, Pack and Plays, toys, books and many other gifts. This event also gets huge support from the local businesses and community members, who donate gifts or money for gifts, hand-craft hats and booties, and provide pampering services during the shower. Each family left with their car filled to the brim with wonderful gifts.

Blue Star Mothers are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. The Baby Shower for Military is one of the most important service projects of the Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter. It’s just one small way to say thank you and give back to those who have served our country, and given so much to us.

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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 5/5/2025)

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Webster Museum celebrates National Preservation Month

4 May

May is a pretty neat month. After a cold, gray winter, we’re finally getting some warm temperatures, sunshine and flowers. But May is particularly special for the folks at the Webster Museum, who are commemorating National Preservation Month, a time to swap out old exhibits for new, and to offer some special programs.

National Preservation Month is a time when the museum focuses on Webster’s visible history, as seen in historic buildings and illuminated through oral histories. Here’s what’s in store in the next few weeks:

History and a Cup series

The History and a Cup programs focus on oral history; long-time Webster residents tell their stories in a comfortable, give-and-take atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sandwich and enjoy some soft drinks and cookies as they sit back and listen to the stories.

Three programs have been scheduled this month, each one on a Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m. There’s no charge for these events and registration is not needed.

  • Wednesday May 7: Jon Anderson and Bill Ruoff: Jon and Bill have lived in the Village of Webster for mofre than 50 years. Both have been Village trustees, and Bill was a Village mayor.
  • Wednesday May 14: John Gonzalez: John Gonzalez is married to Shari, daughter of Bruce and Mary Hegedorn, and has been actively involved in the Hegedorn family businesses for many years. John will share his experiences and what it was like working with Bruce Hegedorn and Bill Gray.
  • Wednesday May 21: Surprise guest! Stay tuned here and stay in touch with the Webster Museum website for more details.

Learn about cobblestone buildings

Ever wonder about those beautiful cobblestone homes and businesses that dot our town? Cobblestones are a unique and interesting building material. You can learn more about these beautiful structures when the Webster Museum welcomes Walworth Town Historian Gene Bavis on Sunday May 18 to talk about these remarkable structures, which are scattered throughout many towns and villages in Webster New York.

The talk begins at 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum. No registration is necessary and free refreshments will be provided.

Historic property plaque presentation

At the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday, May 15, the museum will be presenting a historic property plaque to the former Village train station.

National Preservation Month is a time when the museum celebrates those who have preserved historic houses, barns, outbuildings, bridges, statues and cemeteries. The museum has presented more than 80 plaques to the Webster properties that answer the question, “would the original owners recognize the property?” The plaque is a thank you from the Town of Webster and the Webster Museum for maintaining the integrity of the property. (There’s a map of these properties at Webstermuseum.org and paper maps available at the museum. The Historic Properties Committee of the museum is working on updating the map.)

The old train depot is now located on May St. and is a child care facility called Expressive Beginnings. The presentation will take place at the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday May 15 at 7 p.m.

Finally, while you’re out and about, stop by the museum to see their new exhibit highlighting many of Webster’s historic plaque properties with photos and descriptions. And if you’re at the Webster Public Library, check out the exhibit there featuring a model of a cobblestone house with other information on cobblestone construction.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park 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 5/4/2025)

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Community Arts Day returns next weekend

3 May

A few weeks ago, I posted a blog about Community Arts Day (CAD), highlighting all of the fun, family-friendly displays, activities, crafts and community booths that make this one of my favorite events of the whole year. It’ll be held at Webster Schroeder High School on Saturday May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I recently got an email from Stacie Peters, one of the driving forces behind this event, reiterating a lot of those same points of interest, but adding several others. I share that email with you today pretty much in its entirety … because she said things better than I could, basically.

Stacie wrote,

CAD is a PTSA-sponsored event, created in 1976 as a joint venture with each of Webster’s schools that raises money to support cultural arts activities in the buildings.

Our amazing volunteers are what make this event so successful each year! Each school building has its own CAD rep who helps get volunteers and information out to the families. More than 300 volunteers include many of our middle and high school students who earn service credits. We even have volunteer spots for our 4th and 5th graders to help out this year.

We are extremely grateful to Michael Roller, Webster Director of Fine Arts who has worked closely with our CAD team in ensuring this day is a huge success. Our partnership with Michael connects us to all of the 11 building art and music teachers who put so much of themselves into this day. And we can’t forget our “behind the scenes” team of helpers, our incredible custodians. Head Schroeder custodian Jeff Germano and his team are the superheroes who help us days ahead of the event, day of the event and take down after the event. We can’t thank them enough for all their hard work.

Returning favorites… 

  • Scholastic book fair 
  • Student talent show 
  • artwork by all grades at each school exhibitors 
  • Sparx Robotic showcase
  • instrument donations
  • carnival games 
  • sand art
  • dance performances
  • karate demos
  • 40 craft vendors

Some new items…

  • We have a brand new flower sale where you can purchase a beautiful flower plus a pot with accessories that can be added 
  • Our One Webster Art Project this year will be all about the endangered monarch butterflies! Butterfly kits were given to each building for students to paint butterflies. The final exhibit will be near the cafe wall at CAD. 
  • We will have theater performances by many of the school musicals that were held this year! Buildings that are performing will be singing a song of their choice from their musical.
  • Flag Performance by the Webster Colorguard
  • Big news for our families with littles: the inflatables are back !

Food:  

  • Sweet treat table at the main entrance
  • concessions (pizza, snack items) in the cafeteria 
  • Mr. Snowy cotton candy by the gym
  • the Schroeder special ed classes who work daily in the Ridge Cafe (located in the library) will be selling beverages such as coffee, tea and hot cocoa . 

My favorite thing to see at Community Arts Day is all of the artwork created by our talented students. Every school and every grade from kindergarten to senior year is represented.

There’s still time to sign up to volunteer. Adult and student volunteers are what make this event a success. Students receive community service hours for volunteering.

Community Arts Day 2025 will be held at Webster Schroeder High School on Saturday May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s no admission, and remember that this event accepts only cash for payment (for things like the bake sale and plant sale). Craft vendors will accept debit and credit cards.

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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 4/19/2025)

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Webster Library to host Volunteer Fair

2 May

The Webster Public Library will host their annual Volunteer Fair next Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

I know for a fact that our community is a very giving one, and both teens and adults are always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities. The Volunteer Fair is a great way to check out some of these opportunities at almost two dozen local agencies, all in one place and one time, and meet with the directors of these local agencies one-on-one to ask all your questions.

Here are the organizations that have signed up to be there:

  • Baywinde Senior Living Community
  • Color Webster Green
  • CP Rochester
  • Friends of the Webster Public Library
  • Friends of the Webster Trails
  • Girl Scouts of Western New York
  • Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity
  • Lasagna Love
  • Lifespan
  • Literacy Rochester
  • Maplewood Nursing Home
  • Never Say Never Foundation
  • North East Joint Fire District – Webster Fire Department 
  • St. Ann’s Community
  • Trillium Health
  • URMC/Meals on Wheels
  • VFW Webster Post 943 & American Legion Webster Post 942
  • Webster Arboretum Association
  • Webster Comfort Care Home
  • Webster Community Chest
  • Webster Hope
  • Webster Museum

Registration is recommended if you would like to be reminded about the fair but not required. Attendees can come any time during the fair and ask questions and get information. If you are unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available at request.   

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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 5/2/2025)

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