A holiday classic is returning to the Auditorium Theatre next Tuesday, and once again some of our very talented local kids will be taking part.
About 38 boys and girls ages 4 to 18 from Webster’s Dancing With Denise studio will be performing alongside the full international professional Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballettroupe this year, filling the roles of little snowflakes, mice, party children, snow sprites, snow maidens, and variations. It’s a rare opportunity for these kids to audition, rehearse and perform with a professional, international touring ballet company.
The Nutcracker is truly a magical show, from the bright Christmas-Eve-celebration colors, costumes and staging in the first act, to the sparkling wintry scenes in Act II, all wrapped in the beautiful music we all know so well. The addition of adorable local children makes it even more enchanting.
The show takes place at the Auditorium Theatre, 885 East Main St., Rochester, on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $37. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets online, click here.
Preparing for the Nutcracker isn’t the only thing keeping these young dancers busy.
The Dancing with Denise Nutcracker families organized their second annual Making Spirits Soar Project this year, creating performance care packages for each of the professional dancers.
Thanks to tremendous support from all the DWD families, enough funds were raised to purchase, create, and decorate care packages for all 40 of the Nutcracker cast members. The idea is to provide the international dancers with food and treats to give them energy and protein while they’re on tour.
The Dancing With Denise students will present the care packages to the dancers during their stage rehearsal on the day of the show. Studio director Denise Baller says that the project is a way to teach “thoughtfulness and doing good deeds for others … part of the foundation of the Dancing With Denise studio.”
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If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.
Once again this year, two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, an 8th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 6th grader at Spry Middle School — have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).
Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.
Geva’s A Christmas Carol runs from Nov. 22 through Dec. 28 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.
Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol called “Home for the Holidays” on December 26 at 7 p.m. for Blue Star Families, who are active-duty service men and women, veterans, and their families.
ReidAdriana
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Janie Veldhuizen from Penfield checks in her “puppy” GretelAn emergency response team member receives Gretel …… then leads her to the decontamination area
In my retirement years, I find myself doing more and more volunteer work for organizations that are important to me. One of those is Lollypop Farm. I’ve been fostering cats and kittens for almost two years now, and more recently have been helping out with the shelter’s free vaccination events held downtown.
But a few weeks ago, I participated in a very interesting and very useful emergency drill held at the Monroe County Fleet Garage on Paul Rd., in conjunction with the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management, the Ginna Radiological Team, Webster Animal Control and Seneca Park Zoo. It was Lollypop’s first-ever Animal Emergency Response Team drill. We don’t often think about it, but if there’s ever an emergency which requires evacuation, family pets will also be affected, and plans have to be made to accommodate their needs as well.
The scenario was an emergency evacuation due to an accident at Ginna Nuclear Power Plant, which would definitely affect us here in Webster. If that were to happen, residents and animals would have to report to different shelters for decontamination.
About a dozen community volunteers (including me) participated in the effort, bringing our own live pets (including a guinea pig) or stuffed animals. Our first stop was to drop them off at the decontamination area, where we were photographed (to make sure we were reunited with the right animals) and received registration paperwork. It was really interesting watching the staff members manage a lot of little details you wouldn’t think about — even to the point of how to handle the paperwork without becoming contaminated. After a short while, we received a call telling us to drive around to another area and pick up our pets.
According to Barbara Hollands, supervisor for the Webster Police Department’s Animal Control Unit, “The purpose of the drill is to see where we need to improve, modify, or streamline a process. Once we analyze this drill, we will then start to bring in the other entities within the county that will need to be added, such as the DEC, veterinarians, Verona Street, etc.”
She added,
All aspects of decontamination are drilled. There are specific protocols that are and need to be followed, much like the beginning of COVID. Basically, you do not want to spread anything. It is all about containment and cleaning, with proper disposal of the contaminated materials.
And above all, “Keep your hands away from your face!”
Lollypop Farm is the only shelter which has come this far in creating response teams, so they’re leading the way. We here in Rochester are extremely fortunate to have such an amazing organization watching out for our four-legged family members.
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A few new things and a few reminders in today’s mailbag.
Calling the R.L. Thomas Class of 1970!
Your 55 year reunion is happening this Saturday, Nov. 1, and if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late.
The reunion will take place at Finn Park on Maple Dr., from 2 to 11 p.m. p.m. Cost is $20 which includes a food truck ticket. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. To sign up, email rlt1970alumni@gmail.com.
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The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters will host their 2025indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors.
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Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.
Tickets are now on sale for the Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. Taste local and national bourbons along with food samplings from Village of Webster restaurants.
Tickets are $35 plus an Eventbrite fee, and can be ordered here. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets soon. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID will be required.
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The Friends of Webster Trails will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike on Saturday Nov. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr.
Kids and adults alike are welcome to this family-friendly hike. It’s a little over a mile long (start to finish) and will include a stop for hot cocoa. The trail will start at the right-hand side of the building by the kiosk. There will be lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible for 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.
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The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.
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This note doesn’t relate directly to Webster but it’s kind of interesting. Apparently every year the members of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association participate in what they call their “Pumpkin Patrol” in support of the New York State Police. On Oct. 30 and 31 they monitor Thruway overpasses in Monroe County to prevent vandalism. The “hams” have been providing this service for more than 30 years and there have been no reports of any serious vandalism from overpasses to vehicles traveling on the Thruway since the Patrol began.
So keep an eye out for them and maybe give them a little beep to show your support.
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Here’s a quick follow-up from the recent Embrace Your Sisters Walk which I wrote about in August. It was held on Oct. 5 at Pittsford Sutherland High School and apparently was quite successful, raising a whopping $25,654, surpassing the organization’s $25,000 goal.
The funds will be added to the more than $700,000 which has already been distributed during the Embrace Your Sisters’ 19 years. People with breast cancer across our 13-county area have benefited from these funds, which paid outstanding living expenses. If you know someone who could benefit from the Embrace Your Sisters short-term emergency funds, please have them visit the website for more information.
Here’s something you want to put on your calendar for December:
The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.
This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.
The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, and some large raffle baskets. Plus, their 2026 membership cards and new 2026 calendar will be available or purchase.
The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.
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Our very own Webster Village Band will perform their final concert of the summer on Thursday Aug. 28 at the Harmony Park band shell on Phillips Rd. Titled “The Band Concert,” the selections will be traditional band standards, plus music from Billy Joel and Jim Brickman.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell.
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Take your whole family to the lake next Thursday Aug. 28 and say “Farewell, Matey!” to summer at a kids’ concert featuring the Happy Pirates.
I didn’t get a press release about this, but pulled this additional information from an article written by Robert Grenier at the Webster Herald:
The concert … will feature songs performed by Captain Gully, Scuttle, Sharkbait and maybe even a few special guests. Kids attending the event are encouraged to dress up like a pirate and prepare to sing and dance along to sea shanties and other pirate songs. … Food at the event will be provided by Melt, who specialize in gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches.
The concert, sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center, takes place Thursday Aug. 28 at Sandbar Park, 302 Lake Rd., from 6 to 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. It’s completely free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
Also from the Rec Center, here’s a fun new program for anyone who loves yoga and loves the outdoors. They’re called Yoga Hikes, and they’re held every Thursday through Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each hike begins with a short meditation, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of nature, followed by a hike which will incorporate an “energizing yoga practice.” A different park, trail or open space is chosen for each week.
Don’t forget about the Village of Webster’s Fall Kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 6. Three special events have been scheduled that afternoon and evening beginning at noon when the Red Hot and Blue Band hosts their annual St. Jude’s Benefit Concert. This year they’ll be joined by Sarah De Vallièreand The Tug Hill Band.
At 4 p.m., the ever-popular Beer Walk returns to the village, where you can sample beer, cider and food from local businesses AND AT THE SAME TIME, there’ll be a car show on West Main, featuring a wide variety of cars from classic cars to hot rods.
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.
Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.
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The Webster Comfort Care Home’s annual Casino Night has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
“Mayor” Pete Kennedy will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers, desserts and a soft pretzel station. Tickets are $75 per person and must be purchased by Sept. 12.
Here’s a notice about a fund-raising walk sponsored by Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’m pleased to share this information.
Embrace Your Sisters (EYS) announced their 2025 Positively Pink in Pittsford Walk Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 5, This year’s Walk takes place in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
The walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5 at Pittford Sutherland High School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the school parking lot. The walk itself will begin at 10 a.m., along a 1.8-mile route through Pittsford residential streets and along the Erie Canal. This year’s fund-raising goal is $25,000, and every walker who raises at least $30 will receive a t-shirt. You can click here to register in advance. If you have any questions, contact Suanne Lippman, EYS Second Vice President and breast cancer survivor, at 585-624-9690.
Since its founding, EYS has raised more than $700,000 with the help of sponsors, friends, and business partners, to meet short-term emergency funding needs of breast cancer patients, across our 13-county Finger Lakes region.
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The Webster Marching Band’s next Bottle and Can Drive is this weekend, on Saturday May 31.
There’s a very good chance you got a flyer about this tucked into your door (the band boosters are very good at canvassing the neighborhoods). You can attach this to your bags of returnables and leave them at the end of the driveway for pick-up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. But even if you didn’t get a flyer, no worries; you can take your bags to Webster Schroeder High School on Ridge Rd., where band members will be happy to take them off your hands!
The band’s next door-to-door drive will be in August, but you don’t have to wait until then to get your returnables out of your garage. Simply call 585-234-8684 (option 1) to arrange a personal pick-up.
And mark your calendars for these upcoming Marching Band events:
July 9-12: Firemen’s Carnival sausage stand
Aug. 14: Food truck rodeo at Firemen’s Field
Aug. 16: Summer bottle and can drive
Oct. 4: Autumn Fanfare at Webster Schroeder
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Here’s an event that’s actually happening in Fairport, but I know is well supported by our Webster community members:
The Fairport Angels Annual Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John of Rochester gymnasium, 8 Wickford Way in Fairport.
This annual blood drive is held in memory of the “Fairport Angels” — Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat and Katie Shirley — all Fairport High School seniors lost their lives 18 years ago in an accident only five days after their graduation day. The drive is a way to keep their memories alive and help others.
This is a very popular blood drive, so pre-registration is recommended so the Red Cross can adequately staff the drive. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here and enter “Fairport Angels” to schedule an appointment. To save additional time, up to 15 minutes can be saved by clicking here and completing a Rapid Pass.
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Here’s another reminder about the upcoming Webster Senior Singers concert, scheduled for Tuesday June 10 at 11 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.
The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — four times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.
The title of the concert is “A Musical Revue,” which means that you’ll hear a lot of tunes you know, performed by the chorus and several soloists. The concert will be about an hour long.
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Everybody of all ages is invited to attend the Senior Singers concert, but this following event, also at the Rec Center, is for seniors only.
It’s the 55+ Golden Gala on Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Basically, it’s a senior prom with dancing, a live band, a photo booth, an appetizer bar and a dessert bar. The event is sponsored by Kittelberger Florist, who’ll be providing flower corsages for the attendees.
So grab your sweetheart and make it a romantic afternoon. (Golden glam attire is suggested, but not required!)
Cost is $18 per person, and registration is required by June 10 (register for program #243001).
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Finally, the United Church of Christ has announced this year’s Caring Community Concert series, and it’s a good one.
These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one, scheduled for Wed. July 9, will feature 8-Days-a-Week and proceeds will benefit Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. (See below for the whole schedule.)
The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”
The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.
For more information about the concerts, click here.
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The show tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and it’s packed with huge hits including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Sherry” and many more. It’s a fantastically entertaining show, but you’ll want to be in the audience for another reason as well: you just might recognize one of Webster’s own, Webster Schroeder 2011 grad Adam Marino, who’ll be playing the lead role of Frankie Valli.
OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys is kind of a homecoming for Adam. If you’re a regular attendee of Schroeder musicals and dramas, you might remember him from the shows he did his senior year, when he played in The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee and The All Night Strut.
Even though Adam dipped his toe in theater while in high school, it took him a long time to really discover performing as a passion. In college he originally started studying psychology, but eventually found his way to musical theater, “on a whim.” He graduated in 2016 and hasn’t stopped performing since, doing various theatrical productions, theme parks, cruise ships, commercials, short films and concert shows.
But one of the coolest things he got to do, he said, was to tour the country with The Diamonds for four years.
The Diamonds have been around since 1954 and they have three gold records (Silhouettes, The Stroll, Little Darlin’). Little Darlin’ actually hit #2 in 1957 (right behind Elvis’ All Shook Up). Being able to be a part of a group with such a rich history was incredible. On top of performing in the group, I got to share the playbill, as a member of The Diamonds, with groups such as The Four Aces, The Crystals, The Lettermen, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
But lately, Adam has been touring the country as Frankie Valli, a role he dreamed about for a very long time.
It all began one evening in early 2012 when the show came to Rochester. His friend Paul Urriola told him about the show and convinced him to go.
I knew, quite literally, nothing about the show,” Adam remembered. “I sat down, and remember being like “oh my goodness, this show is about this short Italian guy who sings high.” I was immediately obsessed. I went out into my car after and tried to see if I could sing like that, and I couldn’t. I then went “I’m going to teach myself how to do that.“
If you ask anybody who talked to me for the next 10 years, it was at the forefront of my mind: “I’m going to play Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.”
Adam finally achieved that dream in July, 2022, when he took the stage as Frankie in Jersey Boys for the first time at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA. Since that inaugural performance, Adam has performed the role more than 230 times in 11 productions in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, California, Virginia, Vermont and Ohio.
He wrote,
What I love about the show is it’s gloves off, nothing held back approach to the true rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The book is incredible, and the music is timeless. Plus, as a short Italian guy with a falsetto, it’s easy to see myself in the role. One of the coolest moments of doing the show is singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” You watch all of these people hold the hands of their significant other and look into each other’s eyes. It was all of these people’s first dance songs at their wedding, the song they associate with their person, and there is something so beautiful about that.
Being able to be Frankie in the first Rochester produced production is nothing short of an honor, and one of the coolest things to ever happen in my life. It really is something that I don’t have the proper words for, but it’s euphoric. I actually have met, and worked with, a couple of people who I saw in that production in 2012 in my professional career. Bringing this all back to Rochester is tremendous. I couldn’t be more excited.
It’s one of those remarkable full circle moments that I feel only exists in the movies.
I speak from experience when I say how good this show is. Remember when Adam said the first time he played Frankie Valli was at the Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania? Well, my daughter (who’s friends with Adam) and I made the three-hour drive and saw the show. We didn’t have any idea it was Adam’s first go-round as Frankie, and we were blown away. It was like the role was made for him. We’re both really looking forward to seeing it again, and seeing Adam Marino in the lead.
OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys will take place May 8 through 25 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center Main Stage, 3450 Winton Place. Click here for showtimes and ticket information.
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By the way, Adam isn’t the only face you’ll recognize onstage if you go see Jersey Boys at OFC Creations. Webster Schroeder graduate Paul Urriola ’12 joins Adam in the cast, playing loan shark Norm Waxman/Ensemble. You may remember when Paul played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof his senior year at Schroeder.
Paul is as excited as Adam to be doing this show.
He wrote,
This production is so, so special to me. Adam and I saw the Jersey Boys national tour together a million years ago at the Auditorium Theatre. It was one of those experiences that started both of us down our current paths/careers. I’ve been so proud of him playing this role (and so many others!!) across the country and getting to now be in the show together after all these years just feels like a beautiful full circle moment.
This is the first time Adam and Paul have worked together professionally. The only other time they performed together was in 2011 when they acted in The All Night Strut in the Willink Cafetorium.
“Finally sharing a stage with Adam again,” Paul wrote, “doing Jersey Boys of all shows, under Eric Vaughn Johnson’s direction – in our home town, which helped shape us into the artists we are today – is quite literally a dream job.”
So there’s two good reasons, Webster, to catch this show. Aside from the fact it’s just an awesome show with great music. (Or did I already say that….?)
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Last weekend, Webster’s very own Sparx Robotics team participated in a regional event at RIT, competing against 53 other teams who traveled from all over New York State, from Buffalo to the Bronx, but also Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. While they didn’t bring home any awards, they finished strong and made Webster proud.
The following report and photos from the weekend were submitted by Sparx parent mentor Tricia Isham:
The Sparx Robotics Team 1126, made up of talented students from Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas High Schools, recently took part in the exciting Finger Lakes Regional FIRST Robotics competition. Held from March 13 to 15, 2025, at Rochester Institute of Technology, this event challenged teams to dive into the ocean’s ecosystem with this year’s theme, “Reefscape.”
Months of Hard Work and Teamwork
Since fall, these dedicated teens have been meeting twice a week in the evenings, increasing to a minimum of three times a week after the new year, putting in an impressive average of 16 plus hours weekly (and often many more). Their dedication paid off with the design and creation of their robot, lovingly named Luisa in memory of a favorite loving and encouraging mentor.
The Reefscape Challenge
The competition, announced on January 4, 2025, gave Team 1126 just nine weeks to build and program their robot. Luisa was designed to perform specific tasks both autonomously and under human control, simulating the harvesting of algae and planting of coral in an oceanic environment.
Team Spirit and Future Competitions
Sparx met every match with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, embodying the spirit of FIRST Robotics. Their journey keeps going – the team is set to compete in the New York Tech Valley Regional in Albany from March 26 to 29, 2025. You’ll be able to watch that competition live here.
More Than Just Robotics
Sparx Robotics Team 1126 has shown remarkable teamwork and perseverance. Their performance is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young engineers.
FIRST Robotics isn’t just about building robots; it’s about fostering innovation, teamwork, and leadership skills. It’s an incredible way for students to learn STEM concepts while developing confidence and creativity.
Get Involved
Our current sponsors are: One Webster School District, Xerox, Bosch, Boulter, MKS, Wegman’s, Crossfield, Lavoro Group, Vital Signs, OptiPro and the Watson and Ficci Families.
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.
Learn more about FIRST Robotics and follow the exciting world of competitive robotics, and this year’s REEFSCAPE theme here.
The Sparx Robotics Team 1126 is a shining example of what our local youth can achieve with passion and teamwork. Their journey from design to competition is a testament to the power of STEM education and the importance of programs like FIRST Robotics in shaping our future.
Tricia also reported that while the team didn’t do as well as they had hoped, their final ranking was nothing to sneeze at.
“Team 1126 was ranked 24 out of 54 teams at the competition with a record of 5-3-1,” she wrote, “and goes into the Tech Valley competition at an overall rank of 906 out of over 1900 teams participating in total this competition year.” Not too shabby.
Here are a few more photos from the competition:
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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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As I was walking yesterday morning, I saw that one family on my street had already deposited their Christmas tree at the curb, where it was awaiting pickup.
It made me a little sad to see that, because it signals that the holiday season has pretty much come to an end. But then another thought lifted my heart. This really wasn’t an end to that tree’s usefulness; when the Village picks it up in a few weeks, the tree will be recycled, and it may very well come back to my street next spring, as mulch for my garden.
So here I am, encouraging everyone to make sure to recycle your live trees, and help make my garden — and others — happy and healthy this spring. Here’s how and where to do that:
Village of Webster: The Public Works Dept. will collect your Christmas tree as part of their normal brush pick-up runs, the week of Jan. 6. Live trees only will be accepted, with ornaments and lights removed. And the tree CANNOT be in a bag or plastic cover.
Put your tree at the curb no later than Sunday night Jan. 5, because the crews will be making only one pass through the village.
Town of Webster: The Town does not seem to have updated last year’s tree recycling information on its website yet, but chances are nothing will have changed. Last year (and probably this year as well), trees were being accepted at the Town Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway. Follow the signs for the drop-off location when you get there, and make sure you’ve removed all the lights and decorations.
The Department of Public Works is accepting non-artificial trees for recycling at the Penfield DPW facility located at 1607 Jackson Road. Trees can be dropped off at any time, being placed just to the right side of the facility gates. Look for the sign labeled “X-Mas Trees.” All trees will be ground up and made part of the mulch pile, which is available on the west side of the Town Hall complex.
Irondequoit: I can’t find any updated information about Irondequoit, either, but every year they collect trees at Helmer Nature Center, 154 Pinegrove Ave., through the middle of January. Make sure to remove all ornaments, lights, twine, string, wire, or bags from your tree.
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If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.
Two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, a 7th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 5th grader at Plank Rd. South Elementary School, have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).
Reid AntalAdriana Ruya Venable
You probably know the story, but here’s a summary from Geva’s press release:
Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart. The production is directed by Geva’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson.
Over the past four decades the company has presented three different adaptations and is thrilled to share this World Premiere from Harrison David Rivers, who wrote this adaptation in collaboration with Dramaturg Sally Lobel. This new production features period costumes by Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi, whose costumes Geva audiences will remember from Jane Eyre, a mixture of traditional carols, and a brand new set inspired by Victorian London by Scenic Designer Se Hyun Oh.
Geva’s A Christmas Carol will be presented from Nov. 23 through Dec. 29 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.
Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol, called “Home for the Holidays.” on December 26 at 7 p.m. Blue Star Families, who are active-duty servicemen and women, veterans, and their families.
Congratulations to Reid and Adriana. You make Webster proud.
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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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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