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Veterans remembered again on Wreath Retirement Day

22 Mar

Do you remember National Wreaths Across America Day last Dec. 16? On that day, about 1,000 community volunteers placed 1,350 Veteran Wreaths in three Webster cemeteries: Webster Union Cemetery, Webster Rural Cemetery, and Union Hill Cemetery. It was an incredible outpouring of support from the Webster community, a truly touching ceremony and a moving tribute to our veterans. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that day.)

For three months the wreaths rested among the grave markers, reminding every visitor of the great number of Webster residents who have fought for our country.

Unfortunately, however, the wreaths couldn’t stay there forever. So last Saturday March 16, a much smaller, but no less dedicated, group of community members collected the wreaths from all three cemeteries and gathered them together in a huge pile at Webster Union Cemetery, where members of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department set them ablaze in a controlled burn. As the wreaths burned, volunteers said a final thank you for honoring and remembering our heroes.

It was a sad day in some respects, as months of nonstop planning and effort went up in flames. But it was comforting to know that, just like on the day they were placed, each time a wreath was removed from a headstone, a veteran was remembered once again.

A total of 55 adults and children participated in the retirement effort. Many thanks to the following groups and businesses who volunteered their time that day: KeyBank in Webster; L3Harris Technologies;  Military Vets Usmvmc NY6 – Finger Lakes; Webster VFW Post 9483; 209th Regiment of Cadets; and Webster Union Cemetery staff members.

Special thanks to MISSION BBQ in Henrietta, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Webster and Mayer’s Cider Mill  in Webster for providing lunch to all the volunteers. (And many thanks to Cherie Wood for the photos.)  

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National Wreaths Across America Day 2024 will be held on December 14, and this year Holy Trinity will be joining the list of Webster cemeteries who will honor and remember our veterans.

This year’s goal for Webster is 2,110 veteran wreaths, one for every hero resting in Webster Union Cemetery, Union Hill Cemetery, Webster Rural Cemetery, and Holy Trinity. Please mark your calendars now and plan to bring your family out to help place the wreaths.

Clearly, lots of wreaths will be needed. In the past, most of them have been sponsored one at a time by community members. Wreath sponsorships for this year’s ceremony are now being taken. Cost is $17, and right now, for every two wreaths sponsored, Webster will receive one free. Click here to find out more.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/22/2024)

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Thomas brings ogre-sized family fun to the stage with Shrek the Musical

19 Mar

I have a new favorite fairy tale: Shrek.

I never thought about Shrek as a fairy tale, but it really is, complete with a princess, a dragon, a villain, castles and lots of adventure. It’s a touching love-found-then-lost-then-found-again story that just happens to include all of our favorite fairy tale characters, led by Shrek the ogre, an unlikely (and very ugly) hero.

In 2008, the very popular DreamWorks film was turned into an award-winning Broadway musical, and you can see it this weekend, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shrek the Musical in four shows, Thursday through Saturday March 21 to 23.

I had the pleasure to sit in on Monday night’s dress rehearsal. At this particular rehearsal, none of the cast members was wearing full makeup, but that detracted little from the pure fun that these young actors brought to the stage.

Shrek the Musical is not a word-for-word rehash of the film, but that’s one of the things I found so delightful about the production. You’ll recognize much of the dialogue, and the story line is the same. But all of the songs are new, except for one at the very end which you will most certainly recognize, during a curtain call you will not want to miss.

And of course, all of the characters you’ve come to know and love were there: Shrek (Marcello Serventi), who just wants to be left alone to enjoy his swamp in peace; wisecracking Donkey (Matteo Serventi), who just wants to be Shrek’s BFF; the beautiful and feisty Fiona (Alyssa Walsh) and despicable Farquaad (Jamie McCarthy). They’re supported by 50 more cast, crew and pit orchestra members. Together, they transport the audience into a fairy tale world where, ultimately, love conquers all.

If you don’t know Shrek the movie, you need to see this wonderful production. If you DO know Shrek the movie, you definitely need to see this fresh take on the beloved story. The whole family will love it.

Webster Thomas High School will present Shrek the Musical on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m. each evening, with a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. The show (including intermission) runs about two and a half hours. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here. Tickets are still available, but this show will likely sell out, so reserve yours soon.

Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

Check out this slideshow of photos from the rehearsal:

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/5/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Mar

Couple of events coming up at the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Rd. in the coming weeks. The first is a special event for Eclipse Day, April 8.

Beginning at 11 a.m., the Arboretum is planning a day-long event when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. There’ll be a poetry reading at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry. (In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.)

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution.

Also at the Webster Arboretum, on Tuesday April 23 at 7 p.m., longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required.  Meet at the Curry Building in the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

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The spring musical season concludes this coming weekend when Webster Thomas Theater presents Shrek the Musical in four performances, Thursday March 21 through Saturday March 23.

The cast is led by Marcello Serventi as Shrek, Alyssa Walsh as Fiona, Matteo Serventi as Donkey, and Jamie McCarthy as Farquaad, joined by a cast, crew and pit orchestra totaling 55 Titans.

The award-winning Broadway musical — based on the wildly popular DreamWorks film — is perfect for the entire family. It will take the Webster Thomas stage on Thursday, Friday and Saturday March 21-23 at 7 p.m., and a matinee performance on Saturday at 1 p.m. Reserve-seat tickets are $14 and can be purchased here (search for “Webster Thomas Theater”).

Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

I’ll be posting much more about this show in the next few days, so stay tuned.

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Attention all Swifties!

LaLa of Webster is planning a Taylor Swift event with music, merchandise, crafts and raffles on Saturday April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a great way to get ready for Taylor’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department on April 19. Participants are asked to bring a can of cat food to donate to a local cat shelter/rescue.

Details are still coming together, but you can stay on top of the latest by visiting the Facebook event page here.

Here’s something I’m working on for a longer blog, but you’ll want to know about now to mark your calendars.

Ruff Day Pet Resort has settled into their brand new digs on Gravel Rd. and will be celebrating with a Grand Reopening “Spring Fling” Party and fundraiser for homeless pets.

Ruff Day offers standard and luxury lodging options for pups to spend a weekend or a day to play. They offer training, boarding, daycare and spa services. 

On Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can meet the staff, take a tour of the new facility, enjoy refreshments, meet adoptable puppies from local rescues, and more.

Ruff Day is located at 1085 Gravel Rd., Webster. More to come about this great event.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/17/2024)

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30 years of beautiful music and counting

13 Mar

In March of every year — Music in Our Schools Month — we can always count on our incredibly talented Webster musicians to pull together some outstanding performances. This weekend’s concert by the Willink Student-Parent Band is a great example.

The band is celebrating its 30th anniversary this weekend, three decades of inter-generational musical collaboration by middle school students, alumni and their parents.

For this very special occasion, conductors Matt Osika and Tiffany DiPiazza are planning a very special evening of vibrant music featuring harmonies of past and present generations. This year’s band even has  three generations in one family performing together, when three Willink Middle School/Webster Thomas High School students will be playing with their mother and their grandfather.

This is truly a heartwarming evening of community music which the whole family will enjoy.

The concert will be held on Saturday March 16 at 7 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $4 at the door.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/13/2024)

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SEPTA Bowling Tournament returns

9 Mar

After a four year hiatus, Webster’s special education scholarship bowling fundraiser is returning on April 28.

The SEPTA Bowling Scholarship Fundraiser is a fun — and occasionally competitive — tournament which has been a tradition in our district for a long time, until it was sideswiped by the pandemic. But this year it’s back, and promises to be better than ever.

The tournament is hosted by the Special Education PTA and special education staff members from Webster Thomas and Schroeder high schools, with the proceeds benefiting scholarships for Webster CSD graduating seniors with special needs.

Details are still coming together, but right now organizers are looking for teams to show off their hidden bowling talents. This is always a hugely fun event where teams are encouraged to dress up in theme costumes to win some awesome prizes for most original, creative and fun/goofy.

The tournament takes place Sunday, April 28 at Bowlero Lanes, 2400 Empire Boulevard, Webster. Check-in and lane assignments are 1 to 1:45 p.m. with tournament play taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. Donation to play in the tournament is $35 per person with checks made payable to SEPTA. Registration includes two hours of bowling, shoe and equipment rental, pizza, unlimited soft drinks, three raffle tickets toward prizes, a gratuity for the Bowlero staff and (of course) money toward the scholarships. Registration is in advance and can be done online at tinyurl.com/SEPTA24 or by contacting Dina Malboeuf at dina_malboeuf@webstercsd.org. Indicate if your team needs bumpers or a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and if there is another team you would like to bowl with.

Deadline for registration is April 19.

Organizers are also looking for raffle prize donations. Please email Dina if your business is able to help out.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/9/2024)

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Spry Drama Club’s SpongeBob the Musical is oceans of fun

7 Mar

I have to admit right off the bat that I have never once actually watched an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. But after getting a sneak peak at Spry’s upcoming production of SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition, I feel like I know the characters inside and out.

There’s the irrepressibly optimistic SpongeBob and equally gloomy Squidward. There’s SpongeBob’s dimwitted BFF Patrick, the greedy Mr. Krabs, the sneaky Plankton and the enthusiastic scientist, Sandy Cheeks. They’re joined by many more of their aquatic friends, all residing in the undersea world of Bikini Bottom.

They, along with a ragtag group of almost four dozen more friends and community members (supported by another 20 behind-the scenes crew members), have to come together to save their home from a volcano which is threatening to erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom.

The enchanting production, which runs about 75 minutes including intermission, is an energetic, colorful, humorous, tune-filled romp from the beginning — when audience members are asked to silence their shellphones — right through to the triumphant ending when Bikini Botton is saved (oops. spoiler alert). It will delight everyone in the family, whether they’re familiar with SpongeBob or not.

The show features a talented group of young actors including Gary Patterson as SpongeBob, Tommy Bifarella as Patrick, Savannah Lane as Sandy, Rory Goodwin as Squidward, Tanner Peters as Mr. Krabs, Marne Mazzochetti as Pearl, Max Hoose as Plankton and Brynn Anderson as Karen. Watching them perform was like watching a Stars of Tomorrow program; I know we’ll be seeing many of these kids on the Schroeder stage in the coming years.

SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition takes the stage this weekend at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. Friday night’s show is sold out, but there are still a few tickets available for Saturday’s matinee at 2 p.m. and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Those shows will almost certainly sell out as well, so get your tickets now. They’re only $8 each and available at events.hometownticketing.com (use key word “Spry”).

Here’s a whole slideshow of photos; thank you so much to Marie Costanza from Image City Photography Gallery, for all of these great shots!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/7/2024)

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Community Arts Day is coming up!

5 Mar

It’s a sure sign of spring (even more so than the unbelievably spring-like weather we’ve been having): Community Arts Day (CAD) is coming up fast.

I’m sure you already know about this great family event which takes place every April. It’s basically a show-off day for our district’s schools, showcasing the musical and artistic talents of our Webster School District K-12 students. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. This year’s event is Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.

In addition to the art displays, it’s also a great opportunity for community groups to set up tables and spread the word about their organizations. The fee for participation and space rental is $30 (payable at the time of registration) plus an additional fee of $30 for selling vendors. Click here for more details and to register.

New home for those old instruments

I’ll be posting a whole lot more about Community Arts Day in the coming weeks (it is literally one of my favorite events of the year), but I did recently find out about this great new addition to CAD 2024:

This year, the Webster Central PTSA is partnering with the WCSD Music Department to offer a Used Instrument Donation Drive, an opportunity for families to donate their gently used instruments to students who aren’t easily able to afford a new instrument.

The Concert Wear/Coat Drive the WCPTSA does every fall is so successful, this seemed like another wonderful way to help those in need, while spreading the love of music. The school district will cover the cost of repairing any instruments that need repair.

A table will be set up at Community Arts Day where families can drop off their unused instruments, so keep an eye out for it!

Also new at this year’s Community Arts Day

And this is breaking news: I’ll also be setting up a table at Community Arts Day! If you’ve ever wanted to meet me, find out more about my blog, or have a great story idea, please watch for me and stop by.

More details about this later as well.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/5/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/2/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening in a few weeks should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School.

The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. The school’s Resource Officers will officiate, so it will (well, SHOULD) be a clean game. Halftime activities will include some super fun competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.

Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

The game will be played in the gymnasium at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. on Wednesday March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. WHEN is a network of Webster community members linked through awareness, education and action. It connects Webster residents to reliable resources with programs providing youth engagement, community education, parent outreach, advocacy and community training,

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation.

Lunch will feature a Turkey Melt, Reuben or Crispy Chicken sandwich, plus coffee, tea, cold drinks, fresh fruit and a cookie. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Here’s another option for the upcoming solar eclipse, this one an invitation from the Webster Arboretum, on Schlegel Rd.:

The Arboretum is planning a day-long event on Eclipse Day, April 8, beginning at 11 a.m., when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. A poetry reading begins at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry.

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution. By about 3:20 p.m., the sun will be completely covered for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. By 4:30, the show will be over.

In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/22/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Feb

Soooooo … you’ve heard about this solar eclipse thing that’s happening on April 8? It’s a pretty big deal, so you’re going to start seeing and hearing about all sorts of programs to celebrate it and teach you and your family all about it. Leading today’s mailbag are several that might strike your interest.

This Saturday Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., the Webster Barnes & Noble will host Dave Bishop, vice president of the Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science, who will explain all things eclipse and answer your questions. There’s no cost, and attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses.

Barnes & Noble is located in Towne Center Plaza (Kohl’s/Target Plaza) on Ridge Rd.

The Webster Public Library has all sorts of special programs scheduled in March for everyone in your family. The two that excite me the most are:

  • The Black Hour: Eclipses in the Middle Ages — Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

An evening exploring medieval science and superstitions about lunar and solar eclipses, including discussions about medicine, religion, art, and more. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

  • Rochester Eclipses: Past and Present — Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A talk about Rochester’s experience with the 1925 eclipse as captured in the resources of Central Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

You’ll also want to check the Webster Library website for information about these other eclipse programs for the entire family:

  • Homeschool Hour — Friday, March 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Make it Monday Eclipse Craft — Monday, March 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Eclipse Storytime — Tuesday, March 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Family Eclipse Night Wednesday, March 27 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
  • March drop-in eclipse crafts — Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And definitely don’t miss the Webster Public Library Eclipse event on Eclipse Day, Monday April 8. More details to come about this.

The library will be handing out two pairs of eclipse glasses per family at each of these events (while supplies last). If you can’t attend one of them, they’ll be handing out more glasses to the public as the date approaches and will have some available at the April 8 eclipse event.

These next items come straight to you (via me) from the Webster CSD:

Results on Budget ThoughtExchange Shared

In January, Webster CSD held a month-long ThoughtExchange, asking all district community members a series of questions seeking feedback on district budgeting.

The ThoughtExchange closed on Jan. 31. The results were presented to the Webster CSD Board of Education at its February 13 meeting. If you’re interested in seeing those results, click here.

Work of Webster Students, Teachers on Exhibit Together

The community is invited to enjoy artwork created by several of our One Webster students and their teachers at Nazareth College’s Art Center Gallery.

The Art Center is currently celebrating its biennial Shared Spaces show, which invites local art class teachers to submit one work by a chosen student to display alongside one of their own. The show celebrates the unique apprenticeship process that occurs between teacher and student.

Webster’s exhibiting artists this year are Webster Thomas students (with teachers) Carson Hogan (Kat Harrison), Jessica van Wichen (Cathy Morrill Crockett), and Gweneth Tetzlaff (Todd Stahl); and Webster Schroeder students (with teachers) Gianna Gallo (Cate Zalewski), Alexandra Zilist (Danielle Zatkowsky), and Corintia Griffith (Cheryl Simon).

The exhibit will remain on display through March 10. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Prekindergarten Lottery Opens!

Lottery applications for Webster CSD’s 2024-25 prekindergarten program are now available online.

Children who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete a lottery application, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page here. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 14.

An open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. at the Schroeder PreK located at Webster Schroeder High School, as well as at Kids First, Expressive Beginnings, and Webster CSD’s half day location at STARS Preschool. Webster CSD PreK teachers will be on hand to answer questions. 

Webster CSD Vocal Teacher Grammy Nominated

Huge congratulations to Webster Thomas vocal music teacher Kyle Sackett, who was recently nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award.

Sackett is a member of the professional chamber choir The Crossing, which Musical America magazine named 2024 Ensemble of the Year. This year, The Crossing was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Choral Performance for their album “Carols after a Plague,” conducted by Donald Nally.

They were up against fellow powerhouse performances: “Ligeti: Lux Aeterna” performed by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” performed by the Uusinta Ensemble and the Helsinki Chamber Choir, “Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil” performed by The Clarion Choir, “The House Of Belonging” performed by the Miro Quartet, and “Conspirare,” conducted by Craig Hella Johnson.

In the end, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” was announced the winner, but as they say, it’s an honor to be nominated.

Kyle is in his second year teaching vocal music at Webster Thomas (his alma mater). He earned his undergraduate degree in music education at SUNY Fredonia and a Masters in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University in Chicago. Remarkably, this was The Crossing’s ninth Grammy nomination in eight years and Kyle’s third as a member of the group.

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(posted 2/15/2024)


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