The gorgeous spring weather Saturday didn’t keep many hundreds of adults and children from checking out this year’s Community Arts Day, held at Webster Schroeder High School.
The annual showcase of our students’ artistic talents filled the Schroeder hallways, chorus room and auditorium with cultural arts, fine art displays and musical entertainment. Each one of Webster’s elementary and secondary schools, including St. Rita, was represented by displays of artwork of all kinds from collages to sculptures, jewelry work to pen-and-ink drawings. The variety was remarkable and the talent on display downright amazing.
Demonstrations and performances were held throughout the day, including a very well-attended performance by this year’s extra-special guest, the Garth Fagan Dance School.
I was only able to spend about 90 minutes wandering the halls this year, so I missed a lot of the dancers and musicians. But I still managed to take almost a hundred photos of the artwork, kids’ activities, a few performances, and many of the community group displays. I’ve posted a sampling here, but click here to see a much larger gallery.
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 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This very family-friendly festival, which is marking its 46th 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 12 to 1 pm. 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.
And by the way, the Webster Marching Band will be right next door in the Aquatic Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so make sure to put that bag of empties in your car before you head out to the event!
If you attended the Greater Rochester Peep Show last weekend at the Webster Recreation Center, you not only enjoyed a tremendous display of whimsical and creative Peep sculptures, you also helped make the event the most successful ever.
“Head PEEP” Michael Grenier reports that more than 2500 people attended the Peep Show this year, coming from Webster, many surrounding towns and even as far as Buffalo. The show raised nearly $8,000 before expenses — a record amount. And that was despite the fact that the attendance, albeit strong, was still slightly less than pre-pandemic levels. That means that the people who attended didn’t just wander around and look at the displays; they bought a lot of voting tickets and snacks and entered the raffles, all raising big bucks to benefit the Webster Community Chest and 12 other charities. (Visit the Peep Show website for a whole list.)
Also helping make the show a success were the scores of volunteers who managed a thousand little details, and the more than two dozen businesses and agencies who sponsored tables and rooms and provided door prizes. (See the list here.)
The Village at UnitySgt. PeeperMarch of the Peepguins
The stars of the show, of course, were the displays, and they were spectacular this year.
Entries were separated into two categories, youth and adult. Community members were invited to vote for their favorite displays to determine the “Peeples Choice Winners.” The top winners in the adult category were:
First place: “The Village at Unity,” created by Lindsay Lown
Second place: “The Nutcracker, Sgt. Peeper,” created by Dancing With Denise
Third Place: “March of the Peepguins,” created by Rita Menaldino
The top youth winners were:
First place: “Advice from the Coral Reef,” created by GS Troop 60617
Second place: “Hopping with the Peepos,” created by Lilly B and Grammy
Thurs place: “Red Wings Stadium,” created by Rylynn C
Advice From the Coral ReefHopping With the PeepsRed Wings Stadium
This year, for the first time, the Grand Prize winner was a real surprise.
Michael wrote,
The Grand Prize winner has always been an adult. We separate our entries into two groups–one for adults (16 years of age or over) and one for children–since it would be unfair to have little kids compete with grown-ups.
But there is strength in numbers, apparently. This year’s Grand Prize winner was (the entry) made by Girl Scout Troop 60617, which is made up of 11- to 13-year-old girls. Although they had advisement and assistance from adults, the girls made all of the components of this display themselves. Each chose a sea creature to make (or two or three) and they assembled the components to make up the coral reef. Transporting the enclosure and putting it all together on site was the biggest challenge.
Troop leader Megan Thompson added, “We had such a fun time building this as a troop, creating the different sea creatures and then all of us working together to build the coral at the end of our meeting.”
Girl Scout Cadette Troop 60617 includes eight girls, ages 11 to 13. Their winning entry, “Advice From the Coral Reef,” is now on tour with 12 other displays. Their first stop is the Maplewood nursing home, where the residents are going to have their own Peep Show and vote for their favorites. After that, the displays will continue their tour at the Kirkhaven Nursing Home.
Megan Thompson From left to right is my daughter Amelia, who helps out with our troop and helped out with this project but is part of another troop, my youngest daughter Clara (she created the octopus!), and me.
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.
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.
* * *
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.
The very first group photo, April 5, 2016Another 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.
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 CemeteryWebster 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.
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.
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.
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.
* * *
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.
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!
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
* * *
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.
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.
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.
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 