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House of Hamill brings Irish music to Plank North

9 Nov

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Students at Plank Road North Elementary School were bouncing to an Irish beat on Wednesday as Rose Baldino and Brian Buchanan of the House of Hamill, a Philadelphia-based folk/Irish/rock group, spent the day conducting Irish music workshops.

Toe-tapping music filled the school all day as the musicians discussed different facets of Irish music, including the difference between a violin and a fiddle, and how to tell a jig from a reel.

Brian and Rose not only shared their exceptional musical talents with the students, but also an important lesson on perseverance, especially for anyone struggling to learn an instrument.

When he started playing the violin, Brian remembered, “I was terrible for a very long time. It sounds bad at first. It’s hard to make it sound good, but little by little you start getting better.”

At the end of each lesson, the musicians opened up the floor to questions. A lot of hands shot up, and a lot of the “questions” were more like very important (to a grade-schooler, anyway) informational-sharing statements (“My cat is named Pete!”). But several clearly showed the students had been listening, and were very engaged and entertained.  And when Brian and Rose challenged them to distinguish between a jig and a reel, they were pretty much spot-on.

Brian and Rose are visiting Plank North again today for more workshops, and will conclude their visit this afternoon with a school-wide concert.  Tonight, they’ll travel to Lovin’ Cup near the RIT campus, where they’ll perform from 8 to 11:00 p.m. Click here to see more information about that.

House of Hamill

Brian and Rose teach fourth graders the tempo difference between a jig and a reel as Plank North music teacher Sarah Rosenberry helps the students count out the beat. (Provided)

 

Below is a short clip of House of Hall playing for the students. Click here to see the video.

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Click here to see a short clip of Brian and Rose playing for Plank North students. 

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Webster Warthogs welcome vets

23 Oct

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Here’s a great little bit of news about some of the fine young people in our community.

The ​Webster Warthogs 14U​​​​ ​baseball team was ​​at the Rochester Airport ​Sunday afternoon to ​​help welcome 47 veterans home.​ ​The vets arrived​ at the airport ​following their Honor Flight trip to Washington D.C. ​where they spent time visiting the memorials​. ​

The team ​greeted them with handshakes and thank yous, along with personalized letters written to each ​individual ​veteran​ thanking them for ​their service to our country.

From cheering and clapping to handmade signs, these deserving servicemen received a true hero’s welcome from the whole crowd​.​​ It was very inspirational for everyone involved.

Thanks to Melissa Bolton for sending this nice piece my way, and to Renee Romano for the great photos.

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

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Bookshop tour encourages readers to “fall into books”

30 Sep

books

I know that everyone who’s reading this right now will be interested in today’s blog, because … well, you obviously like to read.

This October, our very own Yesterday’s Muse bookstore on West Main Street in the village is participating in a new program called “Fall Into Books — a Bookshop Tour.”  This is a really neat idea which encourages lovers of books and bookish items to explore independent bookshops in the Greater Rochester area.

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One of the two gift baskets tour participants could win.

All of the 13 participating stores are located within an hour and a half of Rochester. You can hit up a few a day, or spread your travels through the entire month. But you’ll want to visit as many as possible, because there are prizes to be had.

Here’s how it works: Bookshop “tourists” first pick up a passport at any of the participating shops. The passport will be stamped at each stop you make, and for every store you visit, you get one entry to win one of two gift baskets packed with books, gift certificates, and other bookish items. Each one is worth about $150. Plus, you’ll get a 10% discount off your entire purchase at each shop.

Participating bookstores include:

  • Lift Bridge Book Shop, Brockport
  • The Paperback Place, Canandaigua
  • Explore! The Bookstore, Clifton Springs
  • Stomping Grounds, Geneva
  • Boots, Etc., Macedon
  • The Dog Eared Book, Palmyra
  • Village Bookmarket, Palmyra
  • The Books Landing, Penn Yan
  • The Book Centre, Spencerport
  • Greenwood Books, Rochester
  • Mood Makers Books, Rochester
  • Small World Books, Rochester
  • Yesterday’s Muse Books, Webster

You read a lot these days about the demise of small retail stores, especially bookstores. These 13 bookstores are out to show that they’re here to stay. Show your support by taking the tour, and at the same time discover how unique each of these shops is, with books and products not available in those big-box stores.

Read more about the tour at www.fallintobookstour.com and visit the Facebook event page by clicking here.

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New 5K will benefit Wayne Middle School

17 Sep

There’s a new race in town, and it sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun.

color run(BTW, when I say “in town,” I mean Ontario. And when I say “race,” I mean an un-timed 5K and 1-mile fun run/walk. But the fun part? That’s totally accurate.)

It’s called the My School Color Run, and it’s being sponsored by the parent/teacher organization at Wayne Central Middle School as a fund-raiser to help offset the costs for the school’s 8th grade trip to Washington, DC.  Throughout the course participants will experience color splash zones where they’ll be doused in color and end with a final color toss celebration. (That’s the super fun part.)

The race is scheduled for Sunday morning, October 8, at Wayne Middle School, 6076 Ontario Center Road, Ontario. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m.

Cost for the 5K is $20 for Wayne Central students, $30 for general community members, and $15 for the 1-mile run/walk. Race-day registration will be available, but prices go up after Sept. 22 to $30/$45. Early registrants are also guaranteed a t-shirt and color pack.

To register online, click here.

There are also going to be vendors and at least one food truck. Bottom line, it should be a great time, for a good cause.

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

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Calling all runners (and walkers)

9 Sep
Runners brick

A trio of Barry’s Runners visits the group’s brick at Jack’s Place on the day of the playground’s grand opening.

I have blogged and column-ed several times in the past about Barry’s Runners. We are a bunch of men, women, children — and occasionally dogs — who gather every Tuesday evening at Barry’s Old School Irish Pub in Webster to go for a walk or run. After completing a pre-mapped two, three or four-mile route, we reconvene at the pub for a pint, pretzels and good conversation.

We’ve met every week now for almost a year and a half, running (and walking) through snow, cold, sleet and heat, and always at Barry’s. This week, however, we’re changing things up a bit and going on our first ever road trip.

This Tuesday evening September 12 at 6:30 p.m., Barry’s Runners will be meeting at the brand new Jack’s Place playground in Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road.

Jack’s Place, which officially opened only a few weeks ago, is a blue, dinosaur-themed playground built by the Jack Foundation, to honor the memory of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. The foundation’s primary focus is to keep Jack’s happy spirit alive by encouraging others to spread random acts of kindness.

Barry’s Runners have taken that challenge to heart. Twice the group has collected gift cards from retailers all over the area and delivered them randomly — and often anonymously — to village people and houses.  (Read the column I wrote about the first of those efforts here.)

Most recently, the group purchased an engraved brick for Jack’s Place, one of many which were installed along the playground’s entrance walkway.

Tuesday’s plan is simple: meet at Jack’s Place (Rothfuss Park, 1648 Five Mile Line Road) at 6:30 p.m. Running/walking routes will be determined ahead of time so people can choose whichever length they’d like. There’s a mile-mile long path around the perimeter of the park, so that’s probably what I’ll be doing. After the run, we can play on the playground, and/or re-convene at Barry’s for some pints and friendship.

We’ll also be starting a new collection of gift cards on Tuesday (any amount, any place) that we can pass out on a future run.

We would love to see some new faces on Tuesday evening. There will be plenty of company for anyone who wants to do a short run, a long run, or just walk.

New friends await, so please join us.

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

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Tuesday Webster mailbag

28 Aug

blood dropI’m going to begin today’s mailbag with a nugget from Penfield, our neighbors to the south, in part because 1) I actually live in Penfield, and 2) I’m a big supporter of Red Cross blood drives.

Right now the Red Cross is experiencing a critical blood shortage, which I expect will grow even more dire thanks to Hurricane Harvey.

Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals as fast as it’s being donated. We really need everybody who is eligible — even if you’ve never donated before — to step up and help save lives by donating.

The Penfield Community Center, at 1985 Baird Road, will host a blood drive this Wednesday August 30 from from 1 to 6 p.m. in the community room. Appointments are encouraged to help reduce your wait, but walk-ins will also be welcomed with open arms. CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

All presenting donors will receive a $5 Target e-card.

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village band

Your last chance to see our Webster Village Band this summer is Thursday night, August 31, at the band shell on Phillips Road.

This is the last of the band’s summer concerts, in this their 50th anniversary season. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs, and a cooler with snacks and drinks, and make it a family event.

In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Cherry Ridge Senior Center, 900 Cherry Ridge Blvd., across from Webster Schroeder High School.

And stay tuned for more details about the band’s annual Christmas Concert, held every holiday season at Schroeder, usually in early December.

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Here are some notes from the Webster Public Library:

Thursdays are extra special every week at the library. For starters, every Thursday night is Family Night, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These events feature new crafts and activities every week. Plans for September include a family LEGO night, making clothespin airplanes, galaxy bottles, and dragon eggs. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

The first and third Thursdays every month are also “Tween Thursdays,” especially for students in grades 4 through 7. Meet in the Teen Lounge (or Meeting Room) from 4 to 5 p.m. for fun events and snacks.  On Thursday September 7, you’ll be creating miniature circuits with Little Bits. Registration is requested.

Check out the library’s website or Facebook page for more information.

If you’ve ever wanted to become more involved in the library, here’s a great opportunity:

On Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a free workshop for members of Friends of Libraries groups, interested community volunteers, library administrators and staff, and library trustees.

The presentation will offer ways that participants can develop their library’s Friends group, working to sustain the organization long-term. Discussion will center on continuous membership recruitment, engaging volunteers, and revitalizing the core members of the group to carry on their crucial advocacy work for their community libraries.

There will be opportunities to network with members of other Friends organizations after the presentation concludes at noon.

Please feel free to bring a lunch. Get more information and register here.

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This also from Penfield:

Penfield’s annual Tastin’ the Blues will be held on Saturday, September 16 at Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage, from 12 – 4 p.m. This free event will include chili judging, beer sampling, and blues music.

Anyone who has a favorite chili recipe is invited to enter the chili contest. Chili entries will be judged by a panel. Prize packages will be awarded to the top three winners, and the first place package will include a $100 cash prize. Registration forms and rules for the chili contest can be found at the Penfield Recreation office, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, or at www.penfieldrec.org.

The Genesee Brew House will be on hand to provide samples of its top micro brews, and Steve Grills and the Roadmasters, with special guest Joe Beard, will provide entertainment.

Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage is located in Veterans’ Memorial Park, behind Penfield Town Hall at 3100 Atlantic Avenue. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit www.penfieldrec.org.

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

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Dinosaurs, laughter and play keep a boy’s memory alive

28 Aug

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The memory of young Jack James Heiligman is alive and well, embodied in the smiles and laughter of children at our area’s newest playground, Jack’s Place.

Jack’s Place is a a blue, dinosaur-themed playground at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. It was built by a terrific organization called the Jack Foundation, in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October.

Hundreds of people attended the official opening ceremonies Sunday afternoon, where Jack’s mother Anne spoke emotionally about her son and how the playground has helped fulfill the dream she and her husband AJ had to keep Jack’s memory alive.

She said,

We knew we could never forget Jack, but we didn’t want anyone to forget him. With that in  mind, we started the Jack Foundation the weeks after he passed and were overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and resources. We encouraged acts of caring and kindness in Jack’s memory and the caring people jumped in and helped. 

People would ask them how they were able to continue after such a devastating loss, to which she responded with a quote from Fred Rogers:

When disaster strikes, look for the helpers. You will always find caring people in this world who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong. 

When the idea came to them to build a playground to honor their son, the support doubled-down. Friends, neighbors, family members and local businesses donated their time, effort and services to help make it a reality. Individuals, local companies, whole families, even children, all started raising money for the project, collecting more than $175,000 in just ten months.

The result of that outpouring of love and effort is a beautiful new play facility which incorporates all of the things that Jack loved most: dinosaurs, climbing and sliding, and the color blue. There’s even a Little Free Library, because Jack also loved books.

There are slides, of course — six of them by my count; spinny, merry-go-round thing that’s quite a bit updated from my day; a bouncy thing; a sand box where kids can “dig” for dinosaur bones; and lots and lots of places where kids can climb and crawl. There are also eight benches, where parents and grandparents can relax.

As I watched countless kids (young and old; I saw a few adults taking to the slides as well) clambering around the playscape, I could imagine Jack playing, smiling and laughing right along with them. I know that Anne and AJ imagined that as well, and I hope the thought gave them some comfort.

Here are some photos from the opening:

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Great weekend for two great events

25 Aug

ribbon cutting

Hey all my Webster and Webfield peeps, there are two important events this weekend that you don’t want to miss, if you can make the time, especially if you have children with challenges … or children at all.

The first is the grand opening of Challenger Miracle Field, which has been built in Ridge Park, just behind the Town Hall.

Webster is honored to have been chosen to be the home for this wonderful facility, which is basically a smaller version of a Little League field, where differently-challenged athletes from around the city will have a chance to hit a home run, and play other sports, just like everyone else.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday August 26 at 11 a.m., followed by an exhibition game with local celebrities and Challenger athletes. Lunch will be provided by Wegmans.

Read more about Miracle Field in this blog I wrote a few weeks ago. Then see you Saturday!

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Wait! There’s more!

On Sunday August 27, another terrific facility dedicated to helping children have fun will have its grand opening ceremonies.

It’s called Jack’s Place, a blue, dinosaur-themed playground at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. It’s been built by a the Jack Foundation, in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. (You can read more about Jack here.)

Jack’s parents, Anne and AJ, have worked hard to keep their son’s happy spirit alive by spreading laughter, happiness and love to other families. One of the ways they’re doing that is by building these playgrounds.

Since Jack loved dinosaurs, the new playground is filled with dinosaur-themed climbing and crawling apparatus, in addition to the swings and slides and towers. Its color is predominantly blue, which was Jack’s favorite color.

Grand opening ceremonies will be held Sunday August 27, from noon to 3 pm at Rothfuss Park, 1648 Five Mile Line Road in Penfield. There’ll be music and food, and lots of time to explore the new playground.

I’ll be at both events, so please say hi if you see me and my camera!

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Jack’s Place playground set to open

18 Aug

grand opening

The east-side’s newest playground, Jack’s Place, has been completed and will be officially welcomed to the community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 27.

Jack’s Place is a a blue, dinosaur-themed playground at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. It’s been built by a terrific organization called the Jack Foundation, in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. (You can read more about Jack here.)

Construction began only several weeks ago and continued at a record pace, assuring that the new playground would be completed with plenty of time for kids to enjoy it this summer.

The playground is a testament to the strength of Jack’s parents, Anne and AJ, and their commitment to keeping their son’s happy spirit alive by spreading laughter, happiness and love to other families.

Jack loved dinosaurs, so the new playground is filled with dinosaur-themed climbing and crawling apparatus, in addition to the swings and slides and towers. Its color is predominantly blue, which was Jack’s favorite color.

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Image of a dinosaur climb-y thing from the Jack Foundation Facebook page.

Grand opening ceremonies will be held Sunday August 27, from noon to 3 pm at Rothfuss Park, 1648 Five Mile Line Road in Penfield. There’ll be music and food, and lots of time to explore the new playground.

Read more about the Jack Foundation on their website here and their Facebook page here.

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Jack’s Place playground will soon be a reality

4 Aug

 

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The construction on Jack’s Place has begun!

Jack’s Place is a a blue, dinosaur-themed playground at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. It’s being built by a terrific organization called the Jack Foundation, in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. (You can read more about Jack here.) His amazingly strong parents have risen from their shock and grief to create a foundation dedicated to carrying Jack’s happy spirit forward, spreading happiness, laughter and love to other families, as Jack did for his.

The Jack Foundation hopes that the playground will be done just a bit later this summer, so watch for news about grand opening ceremonies. But in the meantime, stop by and check it out. Rothfuss Park is at 1648 Five Mile Line Road, just south of Embury.

(To help raise money for the construction, the foundation sold 116 engraved bricks which will be installed on the walk leading to the playground. Make sure to look for the one sponsored by Barry’s Runners.)

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

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