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Free fitness expo designed for those with Parkinson’s

7 Apr

My father died seven years ago from Parkinson’s. So I know this frightening disease is in my family, and it might be something I’ll need to watch out for — and maybe even deal with — some day.

Given that history, I was very interested in a notice I received recently from the Webster Recreation Center about a special event being hosted there by Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage.

Beth Parry, a co-owner of Wellness 360, has been working on various projects with the Rec Center for several years. She currently teaches several classes including a mindfulness class and a weekly chair yoga class that routinely attracts more than 40 participants. Beth also offers classes specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s, including Rock Steady Boxing and cycling, and special events including a monthly support group for Parkinson’s caregivers. 

In an email, Beth explained the importance of exercise for the management of Parkinson’s:

Studies show that exercise can manage the progression and control the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Wellness 360 has developed a comprehensive Parkinson’s Program for all levels of your disease progression. Our classes provide support through evidence-based exercise, stress management, and vocal interventions. Wellness 360 also supports our Caregivers through support groups and respite events. Our vision is to empower the community through full-circle wellness to manage and treat your disease diagnosis. 

On Wednesday April 12, Beth will lead a Parkinson’s Fitness Expo from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. For those who have received a PD diagnosis, the event will offer the chance to sample five different classes:

  • Rock Steady Boxing:  Studies show boxing is a powerful exercise to manage your disease progression. This class uses evidence-based exercise with varying speeds, times, and resistance levels. Participants are encouraged to work at a pace that maximizes the effort and intensity of movement.  There are 2 levels to this class, adapted to each participant’s fitness level.
  • Parkinson’s Dance: Uses the power of music to help unlock stiff joints and muscles, improve your balance, and get those frozen feet moving. The class is open to all levels of fitness, and caregivers are welcome to participate.
  • Intentional Communication through the Arts:  Aims to improve speech clarity, volume, and expression through the integration of traditional speech therapy and performing arts basics. 
  • Cycle for Active Adults: Uses intervals with varying speeds, times, and resistance levels. Participants are encouraged to work at a pace that maximizes the effort and intensity of movement.
  • Yoga & Chair Yoga:  This class uses breathwork and traditional yoga postures to improve your range of motion, decrease your pain, and improve your balance. 

Each class will last for 20 minutes and will be scheduled such that every participant can try every class if they’d like.

Special activities will also be offered for caregivers, including hair massage, an introductory meet-and-greet for the caregiver support group, and yoga classes.

The Parkinson’s Fitness Expo is free of charge and no registration is required.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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About Wellness 360:

Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage, developed two years ago by Beth Parry and Lindsay Perez, offers physical therapy, massage therapy, and group fitness classes for disease management. Their group fitness classes are designed and led by healthcare professionals using evidence-based exercises. Their mission is to support the whole person, including their caregiver, through respite care events and monthly support groups. They believe a patient shows improved healing when surrounded by positivity, family, and social support. Wellness 360 has offices in Rochester and Webster, and also offers home-based mobile physical therapy sessions.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 4/7/2023)

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Barry’s Runners celebrate seven years

6 Apr
The very first group photo, April 5, 2016
Another early photo from April 2016

Through rain, snow, sleet, biting cold and oppressive heat, Barry’s Runners have been running (and walking) every week for seven straight years.

Barry’s Runners, which marked its seventh anniversary this week, is a social running group of men, women, children (and occasionally dogs) that meets every Wednesday evening at Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster. Runners meet up at the pub at 6 p.m., and take the requisite before-run group photo before breaking into small groups to head out on their chosen routes. Some will run just a few miles, others as many as four, along village streets, the bike path, and nearby trails.

The group originated in 2016 as an extension of an already long-established local running club, Women Run Webster. Members of that group had been getting together for regular runs for more than a year. These runs would often begin and end at Barry’s, and the pub sort of became the unofficial home of Women Run Webster.

Alana Russell, one of Women Run Webster’s original members, came up with the idea to invite the greater Webster community to join the fun. Partnering with Barry’s Pub seemed like a no-brainer. So she pitched the idea to owners Danny and Jessica Barry, who enthusiastically supported the idea.

The new Barry’s Runners club held its first run on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. At least two runners have participated every week since, regardless of the elements. Even in the yuckiest weather, the runs will attract a half dozen or more die-hards. During the summer, several walkers will join the club, some with dogs and strollers in tow. Some weeks as many as 20 runners and walkers will crowd on the sidewalk for the pre-run photo.

And there’s always a pre-run photo. And it’s always outside. Even in the coldest weather, some unlucky Barry’s staff member is chosen to traipse outside with their cell phone, and no coat, to capture the occasion.

When everyone returns to the pub, it’s time to celebrate another successful run with pints, pretzels and good conversation.

I’m pleased to say that I’ve been running with this bunch of crazies since the beginning. I know for a fact that if it weren’t for them expecting me to show up, I wouldn’t have kept up my running regimen, modest though it may be. Running with good friends is so much easier than running alone.

Anyone who’d like to join in the fun is more than welcome. Things kick off — rain or shine — at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main Street in Village of Webster. Three pre-mapped routes of varying lengths have been prepared, or you can make up your own route. The whole idea is just to get out there, get some exercise and have fun with like-minded people. And no matter how far you want to run, how fast you run, or even if you just want to walk, you’ll find a new friend to do it with you.

But it’s OK if you want to stay home when it’s blizzarding out. We’ll understand.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 4/6/2023)

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Highlighting some great upcoming library programs

3 Apr

There’s always something happening at the Webster Public Library, tons of programs for children and adults. But today I want to highlight four special events in particular, coming up in the next several weeks.

The first is what I think will be a very interesting presentation about cemeteries by local author/photographer Jane Hopkins. The program is called Cemetery Reflections, named for the book Jane published late summer. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.) At the program, scheduled for Thursday April 13 at 6:30 p.m., Jane will present images from the book, especially focusing on Webster’s own beautiful cemeteries. Or, as the library blurb says, “Stroll through three centuries of American cemeteries in a video presentation of compelling images from Jane’s book, followed by a talk illustrating upstate New York cemetery art and design.”

In her email to me, Jane wrote, “Webster cemeteries are an active part of the community: there is always someone walking, tending to a gravesite, or maintaining the grounds. Cemeteries give a sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. Remembering the past gives a focus to our future.”

The program is free, but registration is required so the library knows how many chairs to set up. It’s very easy to register. Click here to do so.

Webster Rural Cemetery
Webster Union Cemetery

Two days later, on Saturday April 15, the Webster Library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. 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. Almost four dozen (so far) 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 go, look for me. I’ll be helping represent the JuJitsu Buddies program offered by Strike Back Martial Arts for children on the autism spectrum.

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is coming fast. It takes place Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently-used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The very popular Volunteer Fair returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

Plenty of community groups have already signed on, but more are welcome. If your business or organization has volunteer opportunities you’d like to share, email Jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org for more information.

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

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 4/3/2023)

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Looking ahead to the village’s summer events

2 Apr

This coming summer is looking pretty … well, entertaining, as all Village of Webster summers are.

The small business owners who comprise the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) have sent out a preliminary schedule of all the events planned so far. (Make sure to read all the way to the bottom, because there’s a brand new, wildly fun event on the schedule.)

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 7 with a performance by the Red Hot and Blue Band featuring Americana music.

Coming up later in the summer:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for August 18 and 19, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Jazz in the Street” on Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.

The Webster Fireman’s Field will be hopping in September, with a Fireman’s Field Evening/Coach’s ALS Fundraiser on Sept. 9; the Oktoberfest Sept. 15 to 17; the Zach Brown Tribute Band on Sept. 21; and an all-day cornhole tournament on Sept. 23.

BRAND NEW this year, the Webster Village Bed Race will take over Main Street on Saturday Sept. 16! Lots of details are still being hammered out about that, so stay tuned for those.

And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

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Plus, don’t forget about the second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for Saturday April 8 at Webster Fireman’s Field.

The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)

The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras!

All of these events are sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Visit the website for more details as they become available, and while you’re there, sign up for the newsletter which will deliver details about these events right to your mailbox.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 4/2/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Mar

The second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Webster BID, is just around the corner, on Saturday April 8 at the Webster Fireman’s Field on Ridge Rd.

The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)

The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras! This great event is sponsored by the village’s Business Improvement District.

By the way, the organizers could use some volunteers to help set up and run the event. If you’re interested in having a little fun and helping out, click here to sign up!

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Those young Brownies from Troop 60344 are at it again.

They’re going to be outside the Webster Walmart Home entrance on Saturday April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their table of Girl Scout cookies. So no worries if you thought you’d missed out on Girl Scout Cookie season this year.

The girls will also be encouraging people to donate a box of cookies to the Blue Star Mothers NY8 chapter to be included in care packages for locally deployed troops. (The soldiers LOVE to get Girl Scout cookies.)

The Blue Star Mothers plan to send out more than 200 care packages soon, and would love to have a box of cookies to put in each one.

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The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is quickly approaching!

The Friends’ Spring Book Sale will be held Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

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This notice from the Webster Central School District:

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

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available from District Clerk Cynthia Cushman, 119 South Avenue, Webster, phone (585) 216-0001, or at the news story on the district website.

All absentee 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 or for the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and election of Board of Education candidates takes place Tuesday, May 16, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

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Here’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day this coming April 22: a Family Scavenger Hunt.

This easy hike/scavenger hunt will take place at Liberty Lodge/Finn Park on Maple Drive from 10 a.m. to noon. Different hunts will be available for three three skill levels, ages 2 through 12. The event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and make sure to wear boots if it’s been wet. It would also be helpful if you could bring your own clipboard and pencil.

The Family Scavenger Hunt costs $5, and registrations are being taken through the Webster Recreation Center. PLEASE register ahead of time so we know how many kids to expect. Payment can be made when you arrive at the park. Click here to register.

The Family Scavenger Hunt is being hosted by the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) in conjunction with the Friends of Webster Trails and Webster Recreation Center. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Webster Trails.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/29/2023)

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Learn about notable Webster women (and me) at library program

28 Mar

Just a quick reminder today about a special event being hosted jointly by the Webster Museum and Webster Public Library this Thursday afternoon.

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Museum and the Library have created an interesting program where you can meet several well-known Webster women, past and present.

At the program, scheduled for Thursday March 30 at 3 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, you’ll meet:

  • Victoria Woodhull, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, stockbroker, and the first woman to ever run for president;
  • Erva Wright, Monroe County politician whose active role in civic service at the local, county and state levels earned her the title First Lady of Webster;
  • Esther Dunn, a lifelong Webster resident and long-time Webster teacher, best known for the book she published in 1971, Webster Through the Years;
  • Agnes Semmler, a farm wife who raised her family on Shoecraft Rd;
  • Ginny Nguyen, Town of Webster councilwoman;
  • and me, Missy Rosenberry

Each character will speak for about 5 to 6 minutes, describing a little about their lives and accomplishments. As for me, I’ll be telling you more about how I came to create the Webster on the Web blog and how it has become part of the fabric of the Webster community.

The program is free, but registration is required. So click here to sign up and please join us for what should be a very interesting presentation.

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

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/27/2023)

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Some photos from the Greater Rochester Peep Show

25 Mar

This little blog post might get lost amidst all the excitement about the new Nautical Bowls restaurant moving into Webster Towne Plaza. (Scroll down to see the post about that.)

But I had the chance to pop into the Greater Rochester Peep Show this afternoon and wanted to share some photos with you all. There had to be a couple hundred or more displays created by community agencies, businesses, Scout troops, and others, so I couldn’t get a photo of all of them. But I did post a selection here.

As usual, the Peep Show has been very popular today; there were lots of people there when I went and cars still pulling into the parking lot as I left. There’s one big room and a smaller one filled with displays, a kids’ craft area, some raffles, and opportunities to buy some snacks and sweet treats.

The Peep Show runs today (Saturday) until 5 p.m., and continues tomorrow (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (just off of Phillips).

There’s no admission, so this is a great event for the whole family. The kids will especially love to see the incredible works of art created from candy.

And remember, all proceeds from voting, concessions and raffles benefit the Webster Community Chest.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/25/2023)

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Webster Thomas presents Freaky Friday

23 Mar

Switching bodies for just one day, How hard could it be?

That’s the wacky premise behind Freaky Friday, Webster Thomas High School’s spring musical, which will be presented in four shows from April 20 through 22.

The musical is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films. As the storyline goes, when an underworked mother and her teenage daughter magically switch bodies, they have just one day to make things right again. But in the meantime, they learn to understand each other and the unique bond that exists between mother and daughter. It’s a heartwarming, funny, lively story that the whole family will enjoy.

Not only is this a very entertaining show, the cast also includes several students from Webster Schroeder High School and Willink Middle School. So it really feels like an all-Webster production. Director Mark Stoetzel says “the cast, crew and pit are working very hard and having a blast doing it.”

Freaky Friday will take the stage Thursday April 20 at 7 p.m., Friday April 21 at 7 p.m., and Saturday April 22 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 each, are on sale now and can be purchased online here. Tickets will also be available at the door. Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

Here are a few shots from rehearsal to give you a feel for the fun (photo credit: Mike Mitchell):

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/23/2023)

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The Greater Rochester Peep Show returns this weekend

20 Mar

One of our town’s most creative and fun FREE family events — the Great Rochester Peep Show — returns this weekend!

If you’ve never heard about this really fun event, you’re going to want to keep reading, especially if you like eating those yellow (and now pink and purple and whatever other colors) marshmallow chicks and ducks.

I’ve never been a big fan of Peeps. I put them in the same category as those faux-orange circus peanuts. They squeak when you bite into them. But I LOVE the Peep Show. This is a two-day event at the Webster Recreation Center, where at least four entire rooms are filled with incredibly creative sculptures, dioramas, and various other works of art created with Peeps. It’s simply the cutest thing ever.  (Click here to go to the Peep Show website and see some winning entries from last year.)

This year’s show is scheduled for Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday March 26 from 10 to 4 at the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive (right off of Phillips). In addition to the Peeps, several entertainers and community groups will be performing. Thanks to the support from many business sponsors, admission is free, but you can drop some bucks on some raffles with great prizes. All proceeds will benefit Webster Community Chest.

This is a must-see family event, folks, and it’s all free. Click here to find out more about the Greater Rochester Peep Show.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/20/2023)

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Learn about notable Webster women — and me

15 Mar

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library have combined their talents to put together an interesting program this month, where you can meet several well-known Webster women, past and present.

At the program, scheduled for Thursday March 30 at 3 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, you’ll meet:

  • Victoria Woodhull, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, stockbroker, and the first woman to ever run for president;
  • Erva Wright, Monroe County politician whose active role in civic service at the local, county and state levels earned her the title First Lady of Webster;
  • Esther Dunn, a lifelong Webster resident and long-time Webster teacher, best known for the book she published in 1971, Webster Through the Years;
  • Agnes Semmler, a farm wife who raised her family on Shoecraft Rd;
  • Ginny Nguyen, Town of Webster councilwoman;
  • and me, Missy Rosenberry

Each character will speak for about 5 to 6 minutes, describing a little about their lives and accomplishments. As for me, I’ll be telling you more about how I came to create the Webster on the Web blog and how it has become part of the fabric of the Webster community.

The program is free, but registration is required. So click here to sign up and please join us for what should be a very interesting presentation.

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

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/15/2023)

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