Archive | Community events RSS feed for this section

Webster community mailbag

12 Apr

There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …

WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Absentee ballots are for 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. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 21, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Got stuff to shred?

The Webster Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday April 20 for a Drive-up Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safely dispose of sensitive and unwanted documents for free.

The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.

Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. 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. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.

Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.

Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

It’s all about the bees

The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when 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. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Books, books books (and all really cheap!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Chicken BBQ for dinner

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 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.

Whew. That is all. For now.

* * *

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

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

(posted 4/12/2024)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Reasons why Community Arts Day is the best event EVER

11 Apr

A few days ago I posted a blog about this weekend’s upcoming Community Arts Day. Like most of my blogs, it did a pretty good job outlining all of the fun stuff there will be to see and do. But that blog fell far short in one big way: it didn’t make it at all clear how much I LOVE this annual event.

First, the details again: Community Arts Day, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community.

The event always draws a lot of parents and children, because every single school, from the elementary to the high schools, has its own artwork display. The works range from sculptures and metalwork to collages and foil paintings, and all grades are represented. I love wandering through the halls to check out the range of skills, and am always impressed by the colors and designs and creativity I see, regardless of the child’s age. And the artwork on display from the high school AP students? Just blows. Me. Away. Every year.

As a blogger, I also like to peruse all of the information tables set up by community groups. I greet old friends from the Webster Public Library, Webster Museum and the Friends of Webster Trails. I pick up flyers from organizations like the Gathering Place to see what events they have coming up. And I learn about agencies I didn’t know anything about before.

I LOVE catching all of the different dance and music performances. But there are so many of them, sometimes happening at the same time, that I find myself running from recital hall to the auditorium and back again. This year’s schedule is no different, either. It features lots of dance groups, elementary school music ensembles, the Schroeder Theater Company and much, much more. (See the entire schedule on the CAD Facebook page.)

I LOVE the bake sale. Unfortunately, the prices are so reasonable and the selection so varied that the treats often double as my lunch. But if I decide to have a hot dog or pizza instead, I can get those as well at the cafeteria.

I like watching the kids at the craft table making sand art; wandering through the art vendors to see if I can pick up some early Christmas gifts; and watching the Webster’s Got Talent student talent show (scheduled this year from 2 to 3 p.m.). I also always check out the gymnasium where the SparX team demonstrates their latest robot.

I like that the Webster Marching Band always sets up a bottle and can drive in the parking lot during the event (10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) so I can take advantage of that while I’m there.

Basically, I love that this is such a family-friendly event which doesn’t have to cost you a dime to bring the kids to. Even if you just stop by for an hour, you’ll have great fun and learn so much more about the great resources — and talent — our community has to offer.

Community Arts Day will be held this Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 850 Ridge Rd. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of parking.

* * *

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

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

(posted 4/11/2024)

Tags: , , ,

Hi, can we meet?

11 Apr
6794

Just another quick reminder today that I’ll be setting up a meet-and-greet table at Community Arts Day this Saturday, April 13 at Webster Schroeder High School. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and I’m planning to be there all day.

The reason I’m doing this is simple. I know a lot of you out there are reading and enjoying my blog, but I’ve met very relatively few of you. I’m hoping to change that on Saturday with this invitation to come on out to Community Arts Day and stop by my table to chat.

Bring along your questions, blog ideas, flyers for your group’s upcoming special event, or that clipping you have on the fridge of your favorite blog (I like to think someone has done that!). Bring along your suggestions and your complaints.

But most of all, bring you. Because while I can see a lot of statistics that tell me you’re one of my regular readers, statistics are, by their very nature, impersonal. I would like to meet you. Look for my table just inside the entrance nearest the gymnasium. I’ll be right on the corner. (P.S. Please be forewarned; if I have met you before I will probably forget your name, ’cause that’s what I do. So help me out!)

Make sure to check out today’s follow-up blog which has more detail about Community Arts Day, and make a plan to stop by with your family, whether you care to visit my table or not. Because it’s a wonderful day which brings all of the great things about our community together in one place.

* * *

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

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

(posted 4/11/2024)

Tags: , , ,

Community Arts Day returns on Saturday April 13

6 Apr

It’s as sure a sign of spring as the first robin: The Webster Central School District’s — and the entire Webster community’s — grand show-off day, Community Arts Day, returns to Webster Schroeder High School this Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This very family-friendly festival, which is marking its 47th year, showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and involves the entire community in a day to celebrate the arts. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. (Below are a few examples of the artwork from previous years. Click here for a full gallery from last year.)

Dozens of activities are planned throughout the day, including art displays, carnival games, crafts, community group exhibits and more. Webster student groups will present musical performances throughout the day, and the Webster’s Got Talent talent show will feature aspiring student singers, musicians, and dancers from 2 to 3 p.m. Community performing groups will fill out the schedule of events, and all the performances are free.

Admission to Community Arts Day is free. Proceeds from concessions, craft, and carnival booth sales will benefit cultural arts programs within the Webster Central School District.  

For a complete schedule of events and map of exhibitors, follow the Community Arts Day Facebook page, where updates will be posted regularly.

By the way, organizers could really use some more volunteers at the event. Just a few hours of your time will help raise funds for your kids’ schools. Student and adult helpers would be more than appreciated! For more information, click here.  

Here’s something new at this year’s Community Arts Day which I particularly wanted to highlight:

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 pack up your old instruments and bring them along!

Also new at this year’s Community Arts Day

ALSO, this year, for the first time, I’ll be setting up a Webster on the Web table, where I’ll just be hanging out, hoping people will stop by to chat and perhaps feed me some good blog ideas.

Please look for my little table and stop by to say hi. If I’m not there, I’ll be wandering around the school with my camera, so watch for me out and about, too!

* * *

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

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

(posted 4/6/2024)

Tags: , , , ,

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

5 Apr

Got my quarterly newsletter from the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) a few days ago, which is always good for a blog post. Even though I’ve been a member of the Friends for years, it always amazes me the untiring effort this group puts in every day of the year — not just in the warmer months — to not just maintain our current trails but build more.

You can read the whole newsletter here, but I’ve pulled out some tidbits which I found particularly interesting:

  • For starters, the Friends have a brand new website. The one they had before was pretty good, but this newly updated site is a big improvement. The great maps are still there, plus there are more photos, news about the trails, an interactive event calendar, and more integration with social media. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about the new site in February.)
  • Couple of opportunities to meet some of the volunteers and learn more about the Friends: on Saturday April 13, the Friends will have an information table set up at Community Arts Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn about some of the plans they have for 2024 and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
  • Also on Saturday April 13, the Friends will be presenting a program on Trail History at the Webster Public Library from 11 a.m. to noon. You’ll hear a brief history of the more than 20 miles of trails in Webster, and discover some hidden gems in the trail system. Registration is requested.
  • On Saturday April 20, Earth Day, the Friends will be working at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve clearing vines and dense foliage along the split rail fence. They’ll also be doing some tree and shrub potting at the ReTree Nursery. Both projects could use a lot of hands, so check the newsletter for details about how you can help.
  • The Friends will be attending the Webster Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff Party on June 21 at Charles Sexton Park from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They’ll have an information table there and will be revealing a Kids Summer Reading List related to trails.
  • Denise Bilsback, Membership Chair, reports that the membership total is down a bit, but only because she cleared out some deadwood. (Hint hint: make sure you renew your subscription!) But, she says, “we continue to get a steady stream of new members monthly.” (Yay!)
  • Want an easy way to help out? The Friends need some mowers. The FWT will provide the mowers and the volunteers just need to do the mowing and put the mower back in the trailer for Parks and Rec to pick up. Should be just a few hours a month. Email contact@webstertrails.org for more information.

I didn’t even get into the individual reports from the trail stewards, most of which reported all kinds of work clearing trees, replacing boardwalks and gates, and much more. The work continues nonstop so that we all can fully enjoy the great natural resources that Webster offers.

According to a new trail counter recently purchased by the Friends, use of the trails is huge. The Bird Sanctuary Trail, for example, had more than 900 hikers during one week last December. So it’s great to hear that new members continue to join the Friends, but memberships still are a small percentage of those who actually enjoy the trails.

So please, check out the new website, and when you do, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our community.

* * *

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

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

(posted 4/5/2024)

Tags: , , , ,

Ruff Day Resort celebrates grand re-opening

31 Mar

I always appreciate the opportunity to write about businesses which are not only successful in this difficult economic environment, but are actually growing.

That’s the case for Ruff Day Resort, a daycare and overnight resort for dogs. Owner Amy Holtz opened her first location on Empire Blvd. eight years ago. It didn’t take too long to outgrow that space, and not long ago she moved to a much larger location on Gravel Rd. in Webster, pretty much across the street from Abbott’s.

The new Gravel Rd. location features more than 5,800 sq. ft. of mud-free K9 grass. Inside there’s 8,000 sq. ft. of play area, training and boarding space. There’s also a luxury boarding area with luxury studio apartments, offering a real dog vacation area.

On Saturday April 13, the pup-loving community is invited as Amy celebrates her Spring Fling Grand Re-opening Party and fundraiser for homeless pets from 10 a.m. to noon with tours of the facility, adoptable puppies/dogs from local rescues, refreshments, snacks, photos, prizes and more.

Special guests at the event include New 2 U Rescue, North Paw Rescue, RocDog, Lucabear & Friends Pet Photography, NY Sugar Art, Stop the 22, Mouse Vacation Planning and others. All proceeds from the day will be donated to RocDog, North Paw and New 2 U, nonprofit organizations dedicated to alleviating the plight of homeless and abandoned companion animals.

Can’t make the party? You can also check out the facility when Ruff Day hosts a Community Pet CPR event on Sunday April 7 at 2 p.m. Click here for more details about that.

For more information on Ruff Day Resort, visit www.ruffdayresort.com or call 585-347-4033.

* * *

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 3/31/2024)

Tags: , ,

The Webster Public Library: more than meets the eye

30 Mar

I learned something really cool the other day: you can borrow snowshoes from the Webster Public Library.

SNOWSHOES!

They’re just one of 19 “Experience Kits” which the library offers for one-week loans. The kits run the gamut of indoor and outdoor activities, including how-to kits for knitting and crocheting, gardening basics, bug catching, yoga and rock collecting. But there’s also a ghost hunting kit (including an EMF meter), a metal detector, a telescope kit and a GoPro camera — and you can just BORROW any one of them!

Now, I’ve always known that the library is a pretty terrific place, but when WPL Director Adam Traub and Outreach Coordinator Jason Poole spoke at this month’s Webster Chamber of Commerce breakfast they reminded me about some pretty cool things at the library that’d I had forgotten about.

Like, next time you’re on vacation, you can borrow an Empire Pass, which will get you into any NYS Park for free. You can get VIP passes for places like Geva Theater, Corning Museum of Glass and the George Eastman House. You can even borrow a Kindle or a wifi hotspot.

So, now you know. The Webster Public Library is more than just books.

On that subject, here are a few special events coming up at the library which you might be interested in:

Community eclipse event

If you’re still not sure where you plan to settle for the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse on April 8, consider joining the library for their Community Eclipse Event at the Webster Recreation Center. The all-ages event will feature eclipse crafts and activities, storytime, a scavenger hunt, photo booth, yoga, bounce house (weather permitting), outdoor games, raffles, refreshments, WPL eclipse merchandise, eclipse glasses for viewing, and more!

It all happens from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Registration is not required.

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants.

Caregivers can come any time during the time of the fair and ask questions and get information. If you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available upon request. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you are an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Mark your calendars for the annual Friends of the Webster Public Library spring book sale. This year’s sale takes place April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition to the great variety of gently used books at great prices, this year the Friends we have added a Mini Vintage and Collectible Book Sale only available on the Friends Members Night.  A small collection of vintage and collectible books in good to excellent condition will be available for $8 to $200. Friends memberships will be available at the door.

The General Public Sale will begin Thursday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a bag sale on Friday, April 26 (bring your own bag and fill it for just $5). The bag sale continues Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to noon.

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Diverse Abilities Dialogues — In-person real parent experience panel

If you’re a parent of, or caregiver for, a person with developmental disabilities, this next program might also interest you.

On Wednesday May 1 from 11 a.m. to noon, Parents Helping Parents, Challenger Miracle Field and the Webster Public Library will host a Diverse Abilities Dialogue panel presentation by parents who have children with developmental disabilities. Each parent will talk about their unique situations and answer questions. The parents are not physicians, but can speak about their practical experience dealing with every day issues. 

Panel presenters will be Brittany Jencik, Kim Dooher and Danielle Salamone from Parents Helping Parents; Beth Cunico, Director of Challenger Miracle Field; Mandy Kresge, Chair of Webster SEPTA; and Jenny Paxson from the Webster Public Library. 

Nazareth students will be on hand to offer respite care while you attend the program. 

Registration is required. Click here to register. If you can’t make it, the program will be live-streamed on YouTube and then recorded.

* * *

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 3/30/2024)

Tags: , , ,

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.)  

* * *

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.

* * *

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)

Tags: , , ,

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:

* * *

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)

Tags: , , , ,

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.

***

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.

***

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.

* * *

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)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →