The 2024 Wreaths Across America statistics are in, and we have a lot of be proud of here in Webster.
For the second year in a row, Webster proved that we have one amazing community. Last year, out of 174 participating towns in New York State, our little town ranked #2 for the number of veterans honored on National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14. And out of 6,621 groups that participated nationwide, Webster ranked in the top 2%. What’s particularly impressive about those numbers is that we achieved these rankings with only four participating cemeteries, AND Webster only joined the effort three years ago.
These numbers can be attributed to the incredible support from Webster community members, business owners and service agencies. Several hundred volunteers, including countless veterans, active military and first responders, came out on Wreaths Across America Day on last December to place an amazing 2,100 wreaths on veteran graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that day.)
Webster’s amazing commitment to our veterans has grown every year. In 2022, volunteers placed about 650 wreaths at Webster Union Cemetery. In 2023, Webster Rural and Union Hill joined the effort and 1,350 wreaths were placed. Last year, we added Holy Trinity Cemetery, and raised our wreath total to 2,100.
Wow.
So this is all great news. But the goal this year is once again 2,100 wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday Dec. 13. That’s a lot of wreaths, but if past experience is any indication, Webster will come through again with flying colors.
Individual wreath sponsorships are just $17, and $5 from each will go directly to the Gold Star Mothers — who have lost an immediate family member in active duty — who care for veterans in need in our community.
Click here to sponsor a wreath, and thank you, Webster, for your support! And stay tuned as plans for Wreaths Across America Day 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 13 start to come together. Follow the Wreaths Across America – Webster Facebook page to keep up on the latest!
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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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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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The first, on Tuesday April 15 is all about Paranormal Investigations. Join the Monroe County paranormal investigations team to learn how they go about ghost hunting. They’ll share many Rochester-area paranormal experiences. The program begins at 6 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-P)
On Tuesday April 29, Dan Mason, General Manager of the Red Wings, will share the long history of the team which started in 1877, one of the oldest franchises in baseball. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-R)
Get rid of those expired drugs
The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), Town of Webster and Webster Police Dept. will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Clear out your medicine cabinet and bring your old prescription drugs to the Webster Justice Court Building at 1002 Ridge Rd. (look for the blue roof). Volunteers will be out in front of the building to accept your drugs, so you don’t even need to get out of your car.
The following week, on Wednesday April 30, WHEN will be sponsoring the third and last program in their Navigating the Tween Years parent forums, held partnership with Webster Central School District.
The topic this time will be Empowering Your Family. It’s an evening of interactive discussion and exploration, and you’ll leave with concrete ideas about how to support your children and teens so they can thrive. This presentation will recap some of the topics covered in previous sessions and build on proactive measures parents can implement immediately to help keep kids safe and healthy.
The event will be held on April 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.
It’s chicken barbecue time again!
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 3 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 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.
Webster CSD early voter ballot applications available
Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are available.
Absentee Ballot: Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application, may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue.
Early Voter: Qualified voters of the district may wish to use an early voter ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Early voter ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.
There are limited office hours during break week of April 14, 2025. Please contact District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org if planning to pick up an application during that week. Ballots will not be available until on/or about April 25, 2025.
The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.
Here are a few reminders from previous mailbags:
The Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds. It begins at 7 p.m. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
Donors at the next American Red Cross blood drive, coming up on Saturday April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, will enjoy homemade cookies provided by the Women’s Club of Webster. You can sign up in advance at redcrossblood.org or just drop in.
The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. Members of the Friends are welcome to shop on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., and the general public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More information here.
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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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The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.
In previous years, almost 60 organizations from all over the Rochester area have participated, and most will likely be returning this year. Scroll down to see the list of last year’s participants.
Autism Up will be set up in the Community Room with a sensory space, in case you need a breather and want to learn more about what they have to offer.
Registration is recommended if you’d like a reminder. Caregivers can come any time during the fair, and if you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available by request.
The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the rear of Webster Plaza.
These organizations participated in Last year’s Special Needs Resource Fair:
Access VR Al Sigl Community of Agencies Arc of Monroe Autism Up and Golisano Autism Center Bella’s Bumbas Best Buddies International BOCES 2 Canalside Speech Camp Get a Way Catholic Charities Family & Community Services/ Preferred Communities (PC) Program at the Refugee Resettlement Dept. CDS Life Transitions Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester Child Care Council Childhood Behavior Solutions CP Rochester CP Rochester Sportsnet Disability EmpowHer Network Dynamic Elite Athletics – Cheerabilities Dyslexia Allies of WNY, Education Success Foundation’s Student Success Project Early Childhood Family & Community Engagement Center Empowering People’s Independence Flower City Down Syndrome Network Future Care Planning and Trust Services Genesee Valley Audubon Society Gigi’s Playhouse Rochester Help With Feeding Heritage Christian Services Heritage Christian Stables The Hochstein School Kharma Care LLC Liberty POST STARS Mid-West RBERN MindFit Mental Health Counseling LLC Monroe County Early Intervention Monroe Plan for Medical Care Never Say Never Foundation NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs OPWDD: Front Door Parenting Village Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County Parent to Parent NYS Partner in Community Development the BIPOC PEEEEEEK Project People Inc. Person Centered Services Prime Care Coordination Rochester Accessible Adventures Rochester Hearing and Speech Center Regional Center for Independent Living School Age Family & Community Engagement Center Schult Feeding & Speech, PLLC Starbridge Step by Step Pediatric Therapy Services Strike Back Martial Arts TIES – Together Including Every Student University of Rochester Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
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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).
Webster Schroeder High School’s next stage production, The Café Mocha Murders, will take place the first week of May. But before the rest of the community gets to see it, our community’s senior citizens are invited to a special sneak-peek at the play on Wednesday, April 30.
The performance will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and light refreshments will be served. Any senior citizen living within the Webster Central School District is welcome to attend. A $5 donation is requested to help cover the cost of the performance. Registrations are being taken online; click here. The deadline to reserve tickets is this Friday, April 11.
About The Café Mocha Murders
Despite the raging storm outside, it seems like a perfectly normal night for an employee meeting at the local coffee shop, The Bean Shack. That is, until the lights go out, and someone winds up dead! In this over-the-top whodunit by Deanna Strasse, it’s all about latte art, caffeine content, and the imminent threat of death.
Sounds like fun.
The performance will be held at Webster Schroeder High School on Wednesday, April 30. Doors will open at 9:15 for check-in and refreshments, and the show begins at 10.
For the rest of the community, The Cafe Mocha Murders will take the stage on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2 at 7 p.m., and Saturday May 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Stay tuned for ticket information, which I’ll pass along as soon as I get it.
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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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Chances are pretty good you’ve heard about the “Mail Call: Letters From Home” challenge recently — especially since I’ve been writing about it a lot.
In short, it’s a month-long challenge for Webster to write 1,000 cards and letters to our deployed troops, which will then be included in care packages sent overseas in June. (You can read more about it here.) You may have already noticed one or more of the “Mail Call” mailboxes which have been placed in a dozen businesses and agencies throughout town. There are cards and pens placed next to each one, so perhaps you’ve even taken the moment to write out a personal message and placed it in the box.
But if you haven’t had a chance to do that yet and would like to help our town achieve this monumental goal, here’s an easy way to do that:
This Saturday, April 5 you can stop by the Webster Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a community card-making event in the Community Room. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required. You can bring the kids, invite your neighbors and friends, and have a little fun while brightening the lives of our deployed service members. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
Won’t be able to make it on Saturday? The library will have supplies out at a table all next week, so you can stop in anytime. And of course you can make some cards at home and drop them in the Mail Call mailbox in the library, or in any Mail Call mailbox in town.
Here are where the mailboxes are located:
American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.
Let’s DO this, 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).
The announcement, published in the October 8, 1975 edition of the Webster Herald, was brief. It was tucked away back on page 32, and if you were scanning the newspaper too quickly, you could have easily missed it.
Headlined “Quilt Guild Forms Here,” the item announced that the inaugural meeting of the Webster Quilt Guild had been scheduled for the next day, to be held at the Webster Public Library. Anyone interested in quilting was invited to attend, share their work, learn new techniques, and help the brand new club grow.
Clearly that meeting was a success, because 50 years later, the Webster Quilt Guild is still going strong. Membership is robust, and at the monthly meetings, dozens of quilters and crafters are still sharing their projects, learning new tips and tricks from one another, and enjoying presentations by guest speakers.
The Webster Quilt Guild will celebrate their long history at their “50 Golden Years of Quilting” quilt show, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 12 at 13 at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster.
The show will feature:
More than 200 quilts (including an antique quilt display)
Display of donation quilts made for the Breast Cancer and the Asbury Storehouse
Huge boutique and door hanging sale
Scrap Fest
Raffles
Vendors
Annotated History of the Webster Quilt Guild
Food tent
And of course one of the highlights of the show is this year’s beautiful Raffle Quilt. Tickets for this incredible piece of quilting art are just $1 each, or six for $5. (If you’d like to buy tickets before the show, email rafflequilt@websterquiltguild.com.)
The show will be held at Holy Trinity Church (1460 Ridge Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday April 12 at 13. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free.
Look for the quilt-covered car pointing the right way to go!
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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).
The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests and visitors interested in investigating Chamber membership. The March breakfast will be held on Friday March 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time when you’re invited to (very briefly) introduce yourself and your business.
This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here to do so.
Shopping and Hopping
Quilters and crafters, take note:
The Village Quilt Shoppe is participating in a Fantastic Four Shop Hop from April 3 to 5.
15% off all bolted quilting fabric (1/2 yd min. cut)
Demos & goodie bags
Passport giveaway – Pick up your passport at the first shop you visit and turn it in at your last stop.
Grand Prize: 16 yards of fabric
Additional Prizes: Four 2nd & 3rd place winners, plus several 4th place prizes
PLUS, If you love this idea of a Shop Hop, then you’ll love this: The Village Quilt Shoppe is also participating in an All-New York State Shop Hop taking place throughout May and June.
More than 50 shops throughout the state are participating. To take part, you’ll need to purchase the All New York Shop Hop Magazine, available at the Village Quilt Shoppeor on their website. In the magazine, you’ll find a Shop Hop Passport which includes all the event details including,
Maps to help you navigate your journey
A list of stores by region for easy planning
Shops participating in Shop Hop Sundays
Special Shop Hop hours so you can visit as many stores as possible
Exclusive patterns included just for participants
Plus, there’s a special New York-themed fabric, which can also be purchased in the quilt shop or online, with pre-orders available now for pickup starting May 1.
The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.
Women’s Club announces April luncheon
The April luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday April 17 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.
This month’s speaker will be Diane S. Miller, Associate Broker with the Re/Max Realty Group, a veteran real estate agent with over 38 years’ experience in local real estate. Diane will be sharing information on the current crazy real estate market, as well as tips for people thinking of making a move, tips for those wanting to age in place safely and tips for organizing life information to reduce stress, and more.
The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Diane’s presentation. Cost of the luncheon is $22 and will include a buffet featuring assorted deli subs (ham, turkey roast beef, cheeses, lettuce and tomato) Country Club chips, and a cookie. Friendship and camaraderie are included at no charge. New members are more than welcome.
Send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by April 10 (FIRM) to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. She will hold your place.
Looking ahead to warmer weather, the Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.
The talk will be presented by Liz Magnanti, the owner of The Bird House in Pittsford. Orioles and hummingbirds spend their winters in Central and South America and migrate back to North America in the spring for breeding season. Learn all about these beautiful birds and how to attract them to your backyard.
The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Curry Building. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
Books books books (cheap books!)
The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. The first day of the sale, Wednesday April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends Members. A Friends membership is required to attend this Book Sale and Vintage Book Sale. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.
All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.
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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).
On Monday afternoon, I had the delightful opportunity to get a sneak peak at Webster Thomas High School’s upcoming production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which takes the stage for four shows this weekend, March 27 to 29.
I knew very little about this show (or the movie it was based on) when I walked into the auditorium, despite its 18-month award-winning run at the Palace Theater from 2007-2008, and its subsequent world tours. I wasn’t even certain I was going to like it.
But as I headed home all I could think was, “What a FUN show!”
Legally Blonde tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods, whose seemingly perfect life is upended when her boyfriend leaves her for Harvard Law School. Her solution? Get accepted into the school herself and win him back.
Blonde, bubbly and always-clad-in-pink Elle doesn’t quite fit the Harvard stereotype, however, and she faces challenges from peers, professors and her ex-boyfriend. But with the support of her new friends, she discovers her true potential and sets out to overcome those challenges.
Legally Blonde is a very entertaining show filled with dynamic dancing and very catchy songs. The production features a talented cast and crew of more than 80 Webster Thomas students, including Isabella Spencer as Elle; Colin Ritchie as Warner, the boyfriend; and Dominick Mangano, Evie Fellows and Matteo Serventi as Elle’s friends. There are some mature themes and some language, so parental guidance is suggested.
It was silly to think for even a moment that I wasn’t going to like a Webster Thomas production. As always, as I watched the young actors on stage, I was blown away by the voices and acting skills, and can imagine many of them heading off to musical theater schools around the country.
As I said, I really didn’t know much about the show when I walked into the theater. Unfortunately, I was only able to stay for the first half of the dress rehearsal, so I didn’t even get to see it all. But I’ve since read about how it ends (which I won’t spoil for you if you don’t know the story), and I’m definitely looking forward to being in the audience to enjoy the happy ending.
Webster Thomas High School’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical will run from Thursday March 27 to Saturday March 29, with nightly performances at 7 p.m. and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $14 each and will be available online here. Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.
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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).
Wreaths Across America, in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers ROC and the Gold Star Mothers Rochester, have thrown down a month-long challenge for the entire Webster community. It’s called “Mail Call! Letters From Home,” and its goal is ambitious: to collect 1,000 cards and letters from Webster to be sent to our local service members deployed overseas.
Two times a year, the Blue Star Mothers send care packages to our local service members who are deployed overseas. The service members say their favorite items are the cards and letters, even more than the toiletries and snacks. These simple messages keep them going, when home seems very far away.
One service member said he kept a young student’s card in his backpack throughout deployment. “Whenever I was scared, and didn’t feel like I could go on,” he said, “I’d take out that crayoned card, and know someone was thinking of me.”
You can imagine, then, the joy we can all spread with 1,000 cards and letters. THAT’s what the Mail Call challenge is all about.
All next month, more than a dozen Mail Call mailboxes will be placed at businesses throughout Webster. Community members are encouraged to write a personal note (or several) and deposit them in one of the boxes. If we work together, we can easily achieve that goal of 1,000 letters.
Here are some tips:
The messages can be from adults and kids.
No envelopes are needed (they add extra bulk to the care packages).
Starting April 1, look for the special “mail boxes” stationed throughout Webster. (A list of locations is below.) Drop in the card you made at home, or take a moment to fill one out while you’re at the store.
Cards and letters should be addressed: Dear Service Member.
Include words of encouragement, and how much you appreciate their service.
Include your first name and your town. The service members like to know where the cards come from.
Spread the word to the groups in your life: Scouts, businesses, schools, social groups, sports teams, churches, etc. This challenge will take all of us.
Go ahead and start now, and look for the mailboxes beginning Tuesday, April 1.
You can also plan to stop by the Webster Public Library on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a community-wide card-making event in the Community Room. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required. If you can’t make it to the library on Saturday, you can make a card/letter at home, or stop at the table in the library between Monday, April 7 and Saturday, April 12 to create a card/letter. Then drop it off in a special mailbox at the library.
Here are where all of the mailboxes will be located; they’ll all be in place by April 1.
American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.
All of the cards and letters collected during this special month-long event will be placed in care packages sent out in June by the Blue Star Mothers.
By the way, this project would not be successful without the enthusiastic support of the Webster Lowe’s, who donated 13 mailboxes, 13 posts, post brackets and buckets filled with cement to stand them in. And Vital Signs who made all the mailbox wrappers, and did so at a very generous discount.
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