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Webster community mailbag

3 Sep

Drumming your way to good health

This looks really cool.

Folks at the Webster Public Library are introducing their new health and wellness series with a very interesting event.

Two african Djembe Drum on white background.Two Herons Drum Circle from Geneva will visit the library on Saturday Sept. 14 to present — well, a drum circle — from 3 to 4 p.m.

What the heck is a drum circle, you may ask. I did too, so I checked Two Herons’ Facebook page, where they describe a drum circle as a “unique, interactive community drumming experience.”

They go on to say that regular participation in drumming classes,

Reduces tension, anxiety and stress; Helps control chronic pain; Boosts the immune system; Creates a sense of connectedness with self and others; Helps us experience being in resonance with the natural rhythms of life; Releases negative feelings, blockages and emotional trauma; (and) Provides a medium for individual self-realization.

Okay. In any case, it sounds like a lot of fun.

The program is designed for adults and teens. Drums and other percussion equipment will be provided or you can bring your own. Registration is required at www.websterlibrary.org 

You’ll also want to check the library’s website for some other really neat programs they’ve got planned this month, including

  • A do-it-yourself Marbled Coaster Tiles craft project for teens and adults on Monday Sept. 16
  • A Love Your Library celebration in honor of National Library Card Sign-up Month with snacks, games, crafts, and a photo booth on Saturday Sept. 21.

Plus, the library is collecting new and gently used coats through October 6, which will be distributed at the Project Homeless Connect Rochester event, being held at the Blue Cross Arena on October 15.

Find out more details about all these upcoming Webster Public Library events on their website.

An update from the Village Quilt Shoppe

The Village Quilt Shoppe has settled in quite nicely at 21 East Main St. and is gearing up for its grand opening in just a few weeks.

It’s scheduled for Sept. 13 and 14, and owners Monique and Vanetta promise a “great party” with food, raffles and much more. Stay tuned for more details about that.quilt shoppe logo

In the meantime, Monique and Vanetta have all sorts of special events in the works, including their Embroidery Block of the month series beginning in September, and a bird cage quilt or table runner class. 

The first weekend of every month the shop will host a “Weekend Retreat” with a different project every month, and the monthly “Sunday Embroidery Tea” gives quilters a chance to learn new stitches and perfect those you already use. The second Saturday of the month is “Quilters Anonymous Night,” and “Open Sew Friday” is another chance to gather with friends old and new to work on your projects. 

Check the Village Quilt Shoppe calendar regularly to stay on top of all their classes and special events.

Electronics recycling opportunity

Got some old unused or broken electronics kicking around your garage that you don’t know what to do with? 

Take them over to the Electronics Recycling Event on Saturday Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Xerox (take Phillips Rd. to Caracas Dr.).

Items which can be accepted include:

  • computers and accessories
  • TVs and monitors (limit of two per vehicle)
  • electronicstelephones and answering machines
  • microwaves
  • IT storage devices, cables and accessories
  • printers, scanners and accessories
  • gaming devices
  • routers and servers
  • office copiers and fax machines
  • stereo, video and audio equipment
  • other small electronics such as mobile devices
  • most small home appliances (no freon)

For a complete list of acceptable items, click here.

Eating good in the neighborhood

Breakfast and dinner are on the menu on Saturday Sept. 21.

If you really don’t feel much like cooking breakfast that morning, you can hop on over to the First Baptist Church of Penfield for their first Flapjack Saturday Fundraiser of the season.

From 8 to 10 a.m., enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more for just $6 per person. All proceeds will benefit Penfield Hope, an agency which offers emergency financial assistance, non-perishable food, diapers, children’s clothing, and more to Penfield neighbors in need.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd., at the four corners.

That evening, let St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd. in Webster, make dinner for you at their fall BBQ and FunFest.

From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. you can get a half chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, roll, butter and beverage for $10 per person. Pie slices and other desserts will also be available for purchase. A hot dog dinner for kids is $2. Kids will also enjoy a bounce house, face painting and balloons.

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Thoughts on the First Responders 5K

2 Sep
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(Photo courtesy Mary White)

An amazing 625 people — both adults and children — participated in the second annual First Responders 5K on Friday night, which began on Sanford Street near Firemen’s Field and wound through the east side of Webster village.  It’s an impressive number considering it was the start of Labor Day weekend AND it was a Friday night, two very good reasons that race participants might have had other things to do or places to be.

But again this year, Webster and our surrounding communities showed how incredibly

holly and me

Before the race with my friend Holly. (Courtesy Mary White)

supportive they are of our first responders. And not only did the race attract a lot of runners, but the number of village residents who took the time to sit out front of their homes and cheer the runners as we raced by was heartening and very much appreciated.

Kudos to all of the firefighters and police officers who ran in their full gear; the weather was much improved over last year’s heat and humidity, but it must have still been a struggle to complete the 3.1-mile course while wearing many pounds of gear.

I took a few pictures, but not as many as our favorite Turkey Trot photographer Mary White. I’ve posted a few here, but if you’d like to see a lot more, click this link for an entire gallery.

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

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Race in Webster Village Friday night will affect traffic

29 Aug

first responders

If you find yourself driving in and around the Village of Webster on Friday night, be prepared for some possible temporary road closures.

The second annual First Responders 5K will be winding its way through (mostly) the east side of the village Friday night Aug. 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 

first responders logoThe race is designed to raise awareness of PTSD in first responders, and raise funds for FRST Agency, a newly created organization that will provide support, awareness, assets, and services to first responders seeking assistance in dealing with the effects of PTSD.

It will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sanford St., on the south side of Firemen’s Field. Runners will head east down Sanford Street to South Ave., and then snake their way through the east-side neighborhoods before returning to Firemen’s Field. The course will take runners along Fuller Ave., Dunning Ave., Meadow Dr., Southwick Dr., Hawley Dr., Judson St., Harmon St., and Curtice Park, requiring temporary restrictions on these streets. In addition, Rt. 250 between State Rd. and Main St. will be closed for a short time and restricted for about an hour.

Click here for a map of the race route.

Organizers have mailed notices to all the affected residents on these streets, noting that while some streets will be closed during certain times, local residential traffic will be delayed but accommodated. So it’s not like you’re going to be trapped at home — or stuck on Main Street — for the entire race.

However, if you live on one of these streets and CAN afford to be stuck at home, please consider pitching a chair or two in your driveway and come out to cheer on the runners. As a frequent participant at races like these (and I will be running Friday night as well), I can attest to how great it feels to have people along the route encouraging you, ringing cowbells and handing out high-fives. This is a great community event, and it would be awesome to see the community come out in force to support it. (The race will run by my house twice, so I’ve convinced my husband to offer a special “water” stop for first responders in gear.)

If you’d like to participate as a runner OR walker, registration will be open on-site up to the start of the race. Just look for the registration tent at Firemen’s Field after 5 p.m. that evening.

For more information about the race, or to register online, click here.

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

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Barry’s Irish Festival just days away

13 Aug

Irish festival

It’s almost time to get your Irish on at the Barry’s Irish Festival, coming up this Saturday.

Danny and Jessica Barry — owners of Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and two of my favorit-est people ever — have been working for months, pulling together a thousand little details in preparation for what they expect to be the first of many Irish festivals to come.

And, Jessica told me in an email, they’ve been working on this idea for a long time.

This has been a goal/dream of ours since before opening the pub 8 years ago, having a fun-filled day celebrating our proud Irish heritage. A day where families can bond, kids can learn about Irish culture in an interactive setting, where friends can gather, where everyone can come away with new friends and make great memories together.

The event is scheduled this coming Saturday August 17 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., on the Berry family farm out in Hilton, which they call the “Berry Patch.” Highlights include arts and crafts vendors, food and beer trucks, and live music all day long.

True to its family-friendly nature, there will also be a great kids’ area, with farm animals, something which Jess is really looking forward to.

We’re especially excited for the kids portion of the day- where Maley, Rory, and Patrick are going to lead the way with arts and for all the children. They’ve been talking non-stop about the visit from Liam the Leprechaun to the festival and are eager to learn a step or two from the Irish dancers set to perform.

“Our most important goal,” she added, “is to take the warmth and love of our little Irish Pub on 2 West Main Street and bring it to our farm/our home for the day.” 

Danny and Jess have been assisted by a small army of volunteers, but they could use some more hands. If you’d like to help out, email them at BarrysIrishPub@gmail.com.

The farm is located at 2668 Brick Schoolhouse Rd., Hilton. Tickets are available in advance for $12 at Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main Street in Webster. They’ll be $15 at the gate, and are also available on Eventbrite.com. Children 12 and under are free.  (P.S. the pub will be CLOSED all day Saturday so everyone can enjoy the festival.)

Click here to visit the Facebook event page for lots more details, but here’s a quick summary of what you can expect this Saturday:

Special attractions:

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Kids’ activities and crafts
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Craft vendors
  • 2:30 p.m.: Can Jam tournament
  • 3:30 p.m.: Corn Hole tournament

Food and beverages: 

  • 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.: Irish beer truck
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Webster Hots food truck
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Meat the Press food Truck
  • 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: The Chai Guy
  • 2 to 8 p.m.: Proper 12 Irish whiskey
  • 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Jameson sampling
  • 4 to 8 p.m.: Netson’s Ice Cream truck
  • 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Tullamore Dew sampling
  • 6 to 11 p.m.: Rustic Taco food truck

Entertainment: 

  • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: The Fox Hunters
  • Noon: Gates Keystone Pipe & Drums
  • 1 p.m.: Peg Dolan and Sharon McHargue
  • 2 p.m.: The Young School of Irish Dance
  • 2:30 to 4 p.m.: Kevin Reynolds
  • 4:30 to 7 p.m.: Everheart
  • 6:30 p.m.: Jamieson School of Irish Dance 
  • 7:30 p.m.: Caleb the Bagpiper
  • 7:45 to 9 p.m.: Celtic Cross
  • 9:15 to 11 p.m.: 1916

For more information, email Danny and Jess at BarrysIrishPub@gmail.com.

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

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Comedy show will benefit Miracle Field

30 Jul

comedy showI don’t normally post two blogs on the same day, but I just realized this event happens tomorrow — Wednesday July 31 — and since it benefits Challenger Miracle Field, I want to make sure everyone has a chance to ad it to their calendars.

It’s a Clean Comedy Night at Comedy at the Carlson, 50 Carlson Rd. Rochester.

The evening features All the way from Nashville, TN, Jonnie W., from Nashville, who has entertained  audiences nationwide. He has a daily Sirius/XM Satellite Radio program and a standup special, “Live at the Franklin Theatre,” which won the Bronze Crown Award for Best Comedy. Comedians Dan Kulp, Dan Viola and Vinnie Paulino will also take the stage.

Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 in advance. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7. There will be raffles, and food and drink for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

For more information, and a link to for advance-sale tickets, see the Facebook event here.

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Two upcoming runs will benefit great causes

29 Jul

So, I’m a runner. If you’d told me 10 years ago that I would actually say those words, I would have called you crazy.

But life takes you strange places sometimes, and these days I find myself running 5Ks with some regularity, and when I come across one that I particularly like to run — which means it benefits a cause I really want to support — I like telling you all about them.

Today I want to pass along information about two upcoming races. The first, which is happening this coming weekend, is actually not in Webster, but is a cause near and dear to a close Webster friend of mine. I also like it because the run is flat and scenic, right along the Erie Canal.

Marco+LogoIt’s the second annual Mark Callanan Memorial 5K, scheduled for this coming Saturday Aug. 3 at 9 a.m., beginning at the Veterans Memorial in Potter Park, W. Church Street in Fairport.

Mark Callanan grew up in Fairport, graduated from Fairport High School in 2005 and attended SUNY Geneseo. He served seven years in the Marine Corps, and settled in Washington D.C. There, in June 2015 in front of the Capitol Building, he proposed to his sweetheart Kristi Altieri. They set a wedding date for the following year.

On the morning of June 7, 2016, just two months before the wedding, Mark was warming up to play basketball and collapsed with cardiac arrest. He was 28 years old.

At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Mark Callanan was a very big man, and he had a heart to match. His fun-loving spirit improved the lives of everyone he met. The 5K has been organized to celebrate that spirit, has another purpose as well. Funds raised through registration, t-shirt sales and more are being used to create a scholarship in Mark’s name at Geneseo.

Last year’s first annual run raised an amazing $25,000 for the endowment fund, and Mark’s friends and family hope to add to that with this year’s event.

For more information about the race and to register, click here.

run, walk and roll

This second race isn’t happening until late September, but I’ve already signed up for it, and I’ve run it every year.

It’s the 5th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1 mile stroll to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. The event invites participants to run or walk, push a wheelchair, push themselves in a wheelchair, or participate with other assistive devices including adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

Great progress has already been made on Challenger Miracle Field, which is located behind Town Hall, 1000 Ridge Road. Games are being played there, and now the focus has turned to completing the Karpus Family Play with Possibilities Playground, a barrier-free, safe, accessible place for all children, regardless of their physical challenges.

In previous years, this race began and ended at Webster Thomas High School. But this year, for the first time, it will all happen at Miracle Field itself, which I think is an awesome idea. The 5K will start at the corner of Van Ingen Drive and Hard Road, behind Town Hall, take runners through North Ponds Park and down the bike path back to Miracle Field. The Miracle Field Stroll will actually take place on the field itself.

The race is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $20 for the 5K and $17 for the one-mile stroll, if you register online in advance. After that, in-person registration at the race will cost $30/$22. Prizes will be awarded, and the first 200 registrants get a free t-shirt, which you can wear proudly to show what a good person you are. Click here for more information and to register.

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The garlic is BACK!

24 Jul

garlic festival 2

Garlic lovers, rejoice! The Webster Garlic Festival is returning this year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.

For starters, its increased awesomeness has led to a name change. It’s now the Rochester Garlic Festival. It’s scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Sept. 14 and 15, and will still be held at the Webster Rec Center on Chiyoda Drive.

Details are still being finalized, but organizers expect about 100 vendors, including garlic growers, specialty food vendors, arts and craft vendors, and community organizations. There will be four food trucks, and live music both days including the Zac Brown Tribute Band, the Walter Chatman Experience, State Line and The Breakfast Club.

Two Wegmans chefs will present demonstrations, there’ll be a beer tent, a kids’ play area complete with bounce house.

See? I told you it was bigger and better.

Admission to the festival is $5 per day, with children 12 and under free. Admission includes free parking, shuttle transportation, live music, cooking demonstrations and access to arts vendors and a kids’ play area.

All proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. The field itself is up and running — and being used regularly — so now the focus is on building a barrier-free playground, an inclusive playground for kids with and without disabilities around Rochester. 

Click here to learn more about Miracle Field, and click here for more details about the Garlic Festival.

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

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Waterfront Art Fest returns this weekend

22 Jul

waterfront art festival

Hot on the heels of the very successful Webster Jazz Fest comes the town’s next artistic festival, the Waterfront Art Festival.  It’s returning to North Ponds Park this weekend, July 27 and 28.

This popular festival features artists from all over Monroe County, who line North Ponds’ scenic and shaded walkways, displaying an incredible variety of hand-made craft items in all price ranges.

What’s really nice about this particular festival is that all of the artisans’ work is juried beforehand, which is why it is all so different and so high-quality. Plus there are food trucks, live entertainment, demonstrations and a wine, beer and cider-tasting tent. There’s plenty of free parking right on the grounds, and an expanded handicapped parking area.

The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday at North Ponds Park, off of Rt. 104 between Rt. 250 and Holt Road (take the Rt. 250 exit off Rt. 104).  If you’re coming from the west side, give yourself a little extra time to weave through the annoying 104 East detour down 590 south and back.

Admission is $3, no charge for kids 12 and under. For more information, click here for the Waterfront Art Festival website.

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Big Webster weekend coming up

17 Jul

Summer events will heat up big time this weekend, and I’m not just talking about the weather.

jazz fest 1

For starters, the Webster Jazz Fest returns for two nights, filling our pubs and streets with music.

It starts Friday night with Jazz in the Pubs. Basically, music begins at 6:30 p.m., with overlapping performances in six different pubs through 9 p.m. It all begins with a performance by Peter Chwazik and Shark Riot at Coach Sports Bar, while Mel Henderson and Gerry Youngman set up at 6:45 at Good Smoke BBQ. Music will continue through the night at Brimont Bistro, Barry’s Old School Irish, Ploty’s Hometown Tavern and Pub 235, concluding back at the Coach.

Jazz on the Street on Saturday will begin at 4 p.m. with performances by Jimmie Highsmith Jr., the Walter Chatman Joyful Music Experience, the Bill Tiberio Band and Prime Time Funk.

West Main Street will be closed by mid-morning to set up for this awesome afternoon and evening of music. Organizers will have several cafe tables available, on a first-come, first-served basis. Otherwise, bring your quad chairs and set up shop with your own food and snacks. Village restaurants will be serving food, with wait staff bringing it right to you, so don’t worry about going hungry.

The weather looks good (although hot) and the music will be awesome. It’s one of Webster’s best events, and the village will look spectacular.

For more details about the bands and when and where they’ll be playing, click here.

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As long as we’re talking about good food if you’d like to grab dinner before heading out to the pubs Friday night, make sure to stop by Webster Schroeder High School between 5 and 9 p.m. for a huge Food Truck Rodeo.

This year’s fourth annual rodeo will feature 13 trucks, including Macarollin’, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza Catering, Craft Crepes, The Meatball Truck Co., Roc City Sammich,  Smoothies Plus Ice Cream, Sweet Sammie Jane’s Pastry Shop, Rob’s Kabobs, Al Dente, Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Kona Ice, Eat Greek and Bay Vista Taqueria.

There will also be firetrucks and face painting for the kids, live entertainment and a car show. Admission is free. Bring your chairs, blankets, and plenty of cash! A portion of the food sales benefits the Webster Marching Band.

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Joe obbie logoSo they say it might be one of the hottest days in Rochester history this Saturday. What a perfect day to have a Christmas in July party at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market!

Santa will be on hand to take some early Christmas gift requests from the kids, and the Webster Village Band will be playing holiday music.

If you’ve never been to this market, this is a great time to visit. You’ll find baked goods, pies, meats, poultry, goat cheese and goat cheese products, flavored nuts, herbs, spice blends, honey, maple syrup, cider, soap and body care products, plants and cut flowers, jewelry, crafts and of course a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

The market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday through October 27, rain or shine. Check out the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page for details.

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Photos from the Kiddie Parade

13 Jul

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The fire trucks had their parade on Thursday, but on Saturday afternoon it was all about the kids.

The annual Firemen’s Carnival Kiddie Parade kicked off from Spry Middle School at noon on Saturday under very sunny, hot skies. At about 15 minutes long, it was a much, much shorter parade than its big brother Firemen’s Parade, but none the less entertaining.

It’s always fun to see the creative floats and costumes that many a mom and dad have come up with. But it’s also delightful to see the little ones being pulled in a wagon or pedaling along furiously wearing just a Halloween costume.

As exciting as it is for these kids to be in an actual parade, I think they especially (and maybe even mostly) liked throwing candy to the crowd.

I took a lot of photos, of course. Click here to see a whole gallery.

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

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