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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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Webster community mailbag

13 Mar

The Webster Museum leads my mailbag today, with the latest in their intriguing “What is it?” series, featuring unusual items they’ve found in their collection.

The last time I posted a blog about these items, I received several emails from readers who could actually identify some — or all — of them. How about this one? If you have any idea what it might be, let me know. Or better yet, pop by the library and chat with the lovely docents there yourself, and check out all of the other interesting items on display for the “What is it? exhibit. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

This interesting update about some notable Websterites also comes from the museum.

Webster Thomas grad-turned-supermodel Rachel Hilbert is celebrating her birthday on March 14.

Julie Chen ’82, also an R.L. Thomas grad, was recently named chancellor of University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She will officially be installed on April 13.

Marc Thompson (WHS ’93) was recently interviewed by the Audio Book Club about his work as a voice actor and audio book narrator. If you enjoy Star Wars, audio books, or Marc’s work, it’s worth a listen.

Here’s another reminder that Community Arts Day is coming up on April 15, and if your community group would like to participate, the deadline to register is fast approaching.

Community groups that would just like to set up an information table can participate for $30, payable at the time of registration. Community groups or vendors that would like to sell their goods need advance approval from the CAD planning committee. A $55 vendor fee applies.

The registration deadline is April 1.  A $5 late fee will be applied for any registrations accepted past the deadline.  All registrations and payments must be received by Friday April 7 at 5 p.m., after which the registration forms and payment site will close.

Click here to register.

As usual, there’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. Today I highlight a few of the Senior Center activities.

On Wednesday March 17, check out the “Singo Bingo,” from 1 to 2 p.m. Listen to music, mark off the songs, and call out “SINGO!” There will be prizes. The event is free but registration is required.

The Talks on Tuesday series continues on Tuesday March 14 with a presentation about Effective Communication Strategies by Kristie McCormick. It will be particularly focused on those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but will benefit anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.

On Tuesday March 21, NASA Ambassador Jim Porter will speak on “NASA: 60 Years of Space Exploration,” beginning with the Mercury missions through what space exploration might look like in the future.

I’ll be there on Tuesday March 28, when my good friend Dave Wyble will present a facinating look at the Science of Color. It goes well beyond the color wheel we learned in art class.

There’s no charge for these programs, but registration is requested. Click here to register.

And not for nothing, the Webster Senior Center welcomes anyone ages 55 and above to these activities (50 and above for the Talks). So maybe you don’t consider yourself a “senior” yet, consider joining in and making some new friends.

By the way, Mark your calendar for Tuesday May 16; I’ll be presenting a Tuesday Talk all about my Webster on the Web blog.

Webster Hope will be hosting a food drive on Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1450 Ridge Rd.

Please enter from Phillips Rd. and follow the signs. Just drive up, and volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations. Please no clothing…they really need food.

Here’s this month’s wish list to help:

  • fruit juice (cans or bottles)
  • jars of applesauce
  • canned tuna
  • pasta
  • jars of spaghetti sauce

The mission of Webster HOPE is to serve the needs of residents in the 14580-zip code. Their volunteers embrace the spirit of compassion as they provide food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. Financial assistance, with the emphasis on preventing homelessness, is available.

A handful of blood drives are coming up in our area (click the poster for more details):

  • Friday March 17, noon to 5 p.m., Webster Fireman’s Building, 172 Sanford St.
  • Thursday March 23, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Tuesday April 4, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Boy Scout Troop 262 will hold a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser this Saturday March 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford Street. Dinner is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 10.

Eat in or take out.

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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 3/13/2023)

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St. Patrick’s Day, done right at Barry’s!

8 Mar

Count on Webster’s very own, award-winning Irish pub to do St. Patrick’s Day up right.

And I don’t throw the phrase “award-winning” around lightly. Since this little pub opened a little more than 11 years ago, Barry’s Old School Irish has racked up 15 local and national awards, regularly landing in the top 10 (or even top 5) in lists recognizing the best Irish pubs in the country.

Last week they added one more, when aol.com, together with TripAdviser, named Barry’s one of 20 “Under the Radar Pubs Across America that People Love.”

The online article read,

Started by Jessica and Danny Barry just over 11 years ago, Barry’s Old School Irish Pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious bites like sticky toffee pudding, corned beef Reuben fritters, potato and herb soup, and hot pretzels. The pub hosts its own annual Irish festival with music, craft vendors, Irish dance, and beer and food trucks. Barry’s may be a small, relatively new pub, but The Irish Post named it one of the best Irish pubs in the United States.

If you haven’t yet discovered this wee little corner of Ireland located smack-dab in the middle of the Village of Webster, St. Patrick’s Day is the time to do it. True to their award-winning reputation, Danny and Jess have planned not just one day’s worth, but more than a week’s worth of festivities to celebrate the season.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s coming up. For more details, check out the Barry’s Facebook page or website.

  • March 10, 7-10 p.m.: Annual Irish Music Sing-Along with Kevin Reynolds and Trace Wilkins
  • March 11 (Parade Day): Open 8 a.m. to midnight with breakfast, traditional session by The Killarney Boys; Irish dancers, bagpipers, whiskey samples; live music by Dave North, Everheart and Billy Herring; giveaways and more.
  • March 14, 6 to 8 p.m.: Guinness Glass Etching with Guinness on the house
  • March 15, 6:30 p.m.: All Things Green Trivia, with prizes sponsored by Guinness. Email Barrysirishpub@gmail.com to reserve a table.
  • March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day): Open 8 a.m. to midnight with breakfast, traditional session by The Killarney Boys; Irish dancers, bagpipers, whiskey samples; live music by Dave North, Everheart and Kevin Reynolds; giveaways and more.

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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 3/8/2023)

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Charity basketball game pits Thomas vs. Schroeder

7 Mar

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

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Thursday night March 9 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.

I don’t know for sure how often the high schools have hosted a charity game like this, but I do remember participating in one many, many years ago when I was working at Thomas. What I remember most about it, actually (aside from how poorly I played) were the fun costumes and wigs that many of the teachers wore, and how much laughing there was. It was an enjoyable experience both on the court, and for everyone in the stands as well.

Admission is only $2 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Dreams from Drake, a Spencerport-based organization which provides children and teens who recently lost a sibling or parent with various forms of community and social support. 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 Thursday March 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

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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 3/7/2023)

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“Cut loose, footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes ….” (this weekend)!

6 Mar

The curtain’s about to go up on the Spry Drama Club’s spring musical, Footloose!, which will fill the Spry Middle School Cafetorium with music and dance in three shows this coming Friday and Saturday.

You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows a city teenager who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been deemed illegal. The new kid and his rebellious spirit shake up the town as he tries to bring music back into their drab lives … and win the girl at the same time. There’s lots of great music (including that very infectious title song), plus some new songs developed for the stage musical.

As you can see from the photos I’ve included here, I had the chance to pop by one of the dress rehearsals the other day, and was very impressed by how hard these young actors, actresses and stage crew have been working to put together a great show. And the talent I saw in these middle school-aged performers kinda of blew me away. There are some incredibly beautiful voices in the ensemble which I’m certain we’ll be hearing again in future productions at Webster Schroeder High School and beyond.

I highly recommend you see this show. It’ll be a delightful and inexpensive night out.

Spry Drama Club will present Footloose! this coming Friday March 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday March 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reserve tickets are $8 each and can be purchased online here. Spry Middle School is located at 119 South Ave., in the Village of Webster.

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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 3/6/2023)

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The New York State Ballet is coming to Webster

26 Feb

The New York State Ballet, a classical ballet company based in East Rochester, will be returning to Webster Schroeder High School in March to present the ballet Sleeping Beauty.

Among the professional dancers and academy students who will be performing are several Webster students or alumni, including Webster Schroeder graduate Angela Wentling, who will be featured in a principal role.

Performances will be held on Saturday March 25 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday March 26 at 2 p.m. The evening performance on Saturday is especially designed for younger children and will be sensory-friendly. What that means is,

  • the program is shorter in duration
  • sales are limited to half the auditorium to allow patrons to spread out
  • patrons are free to move around during the show, or leave, no questions asked
  • patrons can vocally express themselves whenever they feel the need to
  • the house lights are not completely down
  • scary parts or loud, sudden instrumentation are kept to a minimum

Let me tell you how much I love to see these accommodations. These will really help sensitive children experience the arts.

Tickets start at $15, and can be purchased online here.

The New York State Ballet aims to preserve the classical art form of ballet by creating and performing exceptional productions that bring a refreshed appreciation and awareness of classical ballet to the New York state community and beyond. NYSB productions are designed to be affordable and accessible to community members from every background and socio-economic status.

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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 2/24/2023)

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Webster community mailbag — library edition

25 Feb

There are so many great things happening at the Webster Public Library, so many great community programs and services, that I want to devote today’s mailbag to some of them.

For starters, this coming Saturday March 4, the library will be the special guest at the Webster Recreation Department’s regular Saturday “Stay ‘n Play at the Parks & Rec” program. Stay & Play is a way for children to have fun while their parents are using the recreation facilities.

From 9 to 10:30 on Saturday March 4, the Webster Public Library will treat children to an all-ages musical storytime, followed by a craft. Membership is needed to use the gym and attend classes, but general use of the facility and child watch is open to the public. Stay ‘n Play at the Parks & Rec is every Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration is required. Click here to do so and to get more information. Webster Parks & Recreation is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

The library is participating again this year in the annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program. Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has given away more than 90,000 free trees to be planted across North America.

If you’d like a free tree for your home, click here to register. Registration is only open through Feb. 28, so do it today!

Trees will be available for pick-up at the Webster Public Library during their Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Starting March 1, the Webster Public Library will be collecting formal dress-wear, shoes and accessories for high school students. The collection will last all month, and in early April (April 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. and April 8 from 3 to 5 p.m.), students will be invited in to try on outfits and take them home. Students in grades 9 to 12 are welcome, and no registration is required.

So start poking through your closets for some of those no-longer-used outfits, and drop them off at the library!

Check out some of these upcoming programs in March:

  • Healthy Eating Without Eating, Thursday March 9, 6 to 7 p.m.: Learn to make nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and don’t require any heat. Registration is required.
  • Women of Webster, Past and Present, Thursday March 30, 3 to 4 p.m.: Meet and hear the stories of some interesting Webster women including Ginny Nguyen, Esther Dunn and others (P.S. they even talked me into participating in this one!) Registration is required.
  • Books ‘n Bites Book Club, Thursday March 30, 6 to 7 p.m.: A fun and lively group who love to read fun and lively books. Bring your favorite book to share for this first meeting. Registration is requested.

These next two programs aren’t happening for a while, but you’ll want to get them on your calendar now.

The first is a Special Needs Resource Fair, scheduled for Saturday April 15 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.

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

Three dozen organizations and agencies have already signed up. If you’d like to join the list, email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org. 

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 2/25/2023)

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The Webster Garlic Fest is back!

23 Feb

I got some very exciting news the other day.

After a three-year hiatus, one of Webster’s most popular family-friendly festivals, the Webster Garlic Fest, will be returning to the Webster Recreation Center in September.

The Webster Garlic Fest was last held in 2019. In just a few short years, the event had grown so popular that the garlic growers and craft vendors filled the Rec Center’s gymnasium and spilled out onto the grassy areas outside. Plans were well under way for an even larger event in 2020, but then COVID hit, which put pretty much everything about normal life on hold indefinitely.

This year, however, an enthusiastic new group of volunteers has teamed up to bring the Garlic Fest back later this summer. Even at this very early planning stage, they’ve already got a lot of interest from garlic growers and other vendors. They’re also planning to bring back all kinds of demonstrations, information tables from community groups, raffles, crafters, and food trucks.

Basically, the Webster Garlic Fest is a garlic-lover’s paradise. And even if you’re not a huge fan of garlic, rest assured you’ll find plenty of vendors and activities for you and your kids to enjoy. Or, as committee co-chairperson Cherie Wood said, “We know everyone will have a stinkin’ good time, and have garlicious fun!”

One of the fun new twists this year will be the young “Cloves,” which Wood said are “vital to any serious garlic festival.” These are wee little garlic cloves scurrying around the grounds trying to keep “Vamp,” the friendly, garlic-fearing vampire at bay. Everyone is definitely going to want to meet these adorable little vegetables.

Another great new feature of this year’s festival is that all proceeds will benefit the Wreaths Across America effort in Webster, and the Blue Star Mothers Rochester NY8.

Wreaths Across America is dedicated to placing a wreath on the grave of every one of the 3,000 veterans who rest in Webster’s seven cemeteries. Proceeds will go toward sponsoring the wreaths, with a portion going back to the Blue Star Mothers to build care packages for our locally deployed servicemen and women.  

Right now, organizers are looking for vendors to participate in the festival. If you’re a garlic grower, craft vendor, demonstrator or community group, they want to hear from you. Visit the website for more information and to apply.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday September 9 and 10, at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Find out more here on the Facebook page and here on the website. Both will be updated regularly as details are finalized. You can also email WebsterGarlicFest@gmail.com if you have any questions.

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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 2/23/2023)

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