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Village schedules 9/11 ceremony

6 Sep

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One of the most solemn anniversaries in our nation’s history comes around again next week. The two simple words by which we all know it belie the horror of the day: 9/11.

The Village of Webster always does a very nice job commemorating the occasion, with a ceremony held at the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park, on North Ave.

Scheduled for next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., the event usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes, and includes first responders, and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. Last year the Chorus of the Genesee also participated, performing some patriotic tunes.

Members of the Webster Fire Department are planning to congregate at the station on South Ave. at around 6:15 and march as a group to the ceremony. You won’t want to miss that.

Click here to see the blog I wrote about last year’s 9/11 ceremony.

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Village autumn events taking shape

5 Sep

Don’t know about you, but as soon as September rolls around, I start looking forward to the brutally hot temperatures turning into the comfortable cool of fall.

And all of the great events that go along with that time of year.

trick or treat

The Village of Webster is already well into the planning stages for some of their best family-friendly events of the entire year, notably the Halloween in the Village and Trick or Treat Trail. This year’s is scheduled for Saturday October 27, complete with the ever-popular costume contest (including one for our four-legged friends) and plenty of treats from local merchants for the kids. More details to come.

Closer to the holiday season, White Christmas in the Village returns on December 1. Maybe we’ll actually get some snow this year. Stay tuned for more information about that as well.

Barry’s Old School Irish has added something new this fall. For the first time ever they’ll host a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” party at the pub on Saturday Sept. 29 from 7 to 11 p.m. Celtic Cross will provide live entertainment, there’ll be Irish dancers, a whiskey toast and Guinness giveaways.  Owners Danny and Jess Barry are encouraging everyone to wear their green for the occasion.

Barry’s lovers will also want to mark your calendars for the pub’s 7th anniversary celebration. A whole week of special events will lead up to a final bash on Saturday November 3, from 7 to 11 p.m. Check the Barry’s Old School Irish Facebook page for more information.

First up, though, is the Village of Webster’s next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s sponsored by The Coach and is certain to be as much fun as the wine walks. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online here. Check back at the Webster BID website soon for a list of participating “brew stops.”

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Lots going on at the library

4 Sep

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There’s always something going on at the Webster Public Library. Here’s a sampling of programs for children and adults coming up in the next few weeks:

Learn about Ikebana (ee-kay-bah-nah), the Japanese art of flower arrangement, on Thursday Sept. 27 and Friday Sept. 28. During regular library hours, stop into the library’s meeting room for an exhibition of this disciplined art form in which the arrangement is a living thing where nature and humanity are brought together. It’s steeped in the philosophy of developing a closeness with nature.

What should you do in the fall to ready your garden for spring? Learn about Putting Your Garden to Bed on Thursday Sept. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Master gardener Jurij Kushner will teach you what to do in the fall to improve soil quality, and protect perennials, tender plants, trees, and shrubs from winter conditions. The program will also explain how to bring in the house plants, how to winterize tools, and how to prepare water sources for the winter season. Registration is required.

Tired of the same old hair styles? On Monday Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., teens can learn Hair Braiding 101, some fun new braiding techniques to try out on themselves or their friends. The class is designed for teens in grades 6 and up (adults and younger children ages 10 and up welcome if they are accompanying a teen), and registration is required.

Children ages 15 months to 8 years old will explore science, technology, engineering and math with the STEAM Powered Play program on Thursday Sept. 13 from 3 to 4 p.m. or 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. Children will learn concepts and practice skills through hands-on exploration and play, such as creative problem solving, critical thinking, self-regulation, pre-math and science, sensory experience, construction and more. We provide experiences with blocks and loose parts, process oriented art, sensory and science, dramatic/pretend play, and language and literacy, and more. Registration required. Children must be accompanied by adults. For more information click here.

Have you always wanted to learn CPR but didn’t know where to go to do it? You can do that at the library, too! NEQALS is offering several classes in Community CPR, First Aid and AED. It is a two-year certification through the American Heart Association. The class is open to everyone in the community from 5 years old and up. Current classes are scheduled for Sept. 29, October 13, November 10 and December 8, all at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Cost is $45 per person. To sign up, email community.education@neqals.org.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road. Make sure to check out their entire schedule of classes for children and adults.

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First Responders 5K a great success

2 Sep

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More than 600 runners and walkers participated in the inaugural First Responders 5K on Friday night, enjoying gorgeous (albeit somewhat warm) weather and a party atmosphere to support a good cause.

The race was organized, according to the website, to “recognize the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families in our local community.” Funds raised will go to create a local charity to “provide support, awareness, assets, and services to first responders seeking assistance in dealing with the effects of PTSD.”

The race began and ended on Sanford Street, at the south side of Firemen’s Field, and wound three miles through neighborhood streets on the village’s east side. Every finisher received a medal, and enjoyed plenty of post-race food, a free beer and live music. Runners came from all over the area, including representatives from fire companies, police departments and EMS companies from all over Monroe County and beyond.

Of course many of our very own Webster Volunteer Firefighters participated, completing the entire race in full turnout gear. I even saw a Webster policeman running in his full uniform — including his dress shoes.

The number of people who signed up for the race was a delightful surprise. Even the race organizers, Fleet Feet, noted that more than 600 participants is pretty much unheard of for a first-time race, especially on a Friday night. AND on Labor Day weekend.

But that’s who we are in Webster — a strong, supportive community. I fully expect that given this year’s success, the First Responders 5K will be back again next year, and Webster will come through again.

Click here to see a small gallery of photos from the race. You can also check out a short video which Channel 8 News ran after the event, featuring one of our very own Webster volunteer firefighters.

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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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Schroeder teacher organizing team for Wilmot Warrior Walk

30 Aug

warrior walk

When it comes to fighting cancer, Kelly Cameron is one of those people who not only faces it head-on, but does so with a “bring it on, cancer, ’cause you’re goin’ down” attitude.

Kelly Cameron is an English teacher at Webster Schroeder High School, and I had the pleasure to work with her for many years at Webster Thomas. Kelly’s a recent breast cancer survivor; so recent that she still has one last surgery scheduled for December, which should (hopefully) take care of it for good.

So basically, Kelly Cameron has kicked cancer’s butt, so now she’s leading the way to help others do the same.

Next weekend, on Saturday Sept. 9, the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute will host its sixth annual Wilmot Warrior Walk — a 5K, 10K and one-mile walk — at Highland Park Bowl, to raise money for cancer research. Kelly is putting together a team of Webster CSD faculty, staff and friends to participate in that event.

But she’s doing so with a specific purpose in mind: to honor two colleagues and friends who passed from cancer.

Kelly explained her goal in a district-wide email:

Statistically speaking, every single one of us will be touched by cancer at some point in our lives. Most likely, we will experience it many times even if we aren’t personally diagnosed as well. Many in my life have fought cancer, myself included. Some have concluded that fight. With the blessings of their families, I created a team for the Wilmot Warrior Walk to honor two of our own teachers: Christine Bohannon and Chris Barnes. We lost Christine in June of 2017 and then Chris almost three weeks ago. The team and its total earnings for Wilmot are done in their honor. Your individual walk or donation can honor anyone.

Christine Bohannon was a teacher at Webster Thomas High School and passed away from B-cell Lymphoma. Chris Barnes taught at Willink Middle School and coached the Webster Thomas High School varsity girls lacrosse team. He passed away on Aug. 8 from colorectal cancer.

Kelly continued with a list of some very good reasons everyone should consider joining the team:

  • You want to honor Christine and/or Chris.
  • You want to honor a loved one who is fighting cancer.
  • You want to honor a loved one who is no longer here to continue his/her battle with cancer.
  • You are living with cancer or are a cancer survivor.
  • You are just an awesome human being who wants to support a great cause!

And she added, “if you’re unable to walk, all of the above reasons are why you should donate :)”

The one-mile walk is at Highland Park Bowl starting on Robinson Drive.  The walk is followed by finisher’s medals, an awards ceremony, and a celebration.  There will be food trucks, activities for the kids, and survivorship/wellness tent activities.  Registration is $35 per person. Participants can register online through Friday, Sept. 8 or the day of the event. To register, click here. You can also read more about the event here.

Kelly added that if you’d like to walk in support of a particular person in your life, you can wear a shirt or ribbon indicating the type of cancer that individual fought or is fighting. A list of those colors, and information about how you can help can be found here at the Bohannon/Barnes Legacy Team Link .

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Webster community mailbag

27 Aug

nick KIt has come to my attention in the last few days that in my blogs about all the 5Ks coming to our little town of Webster, I have neglected to mention one.

It’s the Nick K 5K, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.  It takes place on Saturday September 1 beginning at 8 a.m. at Webster Parks and Recreation, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Nicholas Kapusniak was killed on March 1, 2014 when a drive-by shooter fired into a group of college students in St. Louis, Missouri. Nick is a former resident of Webster and was attending school at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

The Nick K 5K hopes to draw attention to the violence that is becoming commonplace in our schools and cities. Part of the proceeds will go to local Crime Stoppers in Rochester and St. Louis, with the rest being put towards scholarships in his name at his high school in Waukesha, Wisconsin and the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Runners and walkers can register by clicking here. Cost is $25, and includes a t-shirt and other giveaways. Walk-up registrations will be accepted the morning of the race beginning at 7:15AM.

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Put this one on your calendar now so you can get there before they sell out:

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1130 Webster Road (at the corner of State Road) is holding a drive-thru takeout chicken dinner sale on Thursday September 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s a fund-raiser for its Outreach Committee, which supports local charities in the greater Rochester areas. Each meal (from Heintzelman’s BBQ Pit of Ontario) is $12, includes a half-side of chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw and cornbread.

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When I was out and about today, I decided to drive by a few of our elementary schools to check out the new playgrounds. They’re all finished, just in time for the start of school, and are already being used.

I got photos of the new equipment at Plank North and South, Klem North and South, and Schlegel Road. Check them out below.

Klem North

Klem North

Klen south

Klem South

plank north

Plank North

plank south

Plank South

schlegel

Schlegel Road

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History comes alive with cemetery tour

25 Aug

museum tour

Here’s a heads-up about a very interesting and educational event being held by the Webster Museum in a few weeks.

It’s a living history tour at Webster Union Cemetery (Rt. 250 at Woodhull Rd.) on Saturday September 22. From 1 to 4 p.m., you can tour the cemetery and get a chance to meet with many of Webster’s citizens from the past, played by museum volunteers.

The above photo is one example of the fascinating costumed interpreters you will meet. Minerva Strowger, granddaughter of Abram Foster, was one of Webster’s earliest settlers. Minerva (AKA Gwen Hoffman, Webster Museum volunteer) lived in Webster from 1830-1904. She was married to Charles Strowger and had two children, Johnny who died at age 14 and May. Minerva and her daughter May ran a boarding house on Lake Road, but May was most notable for establishing the hotel and restaurant that would become Hedges Nine Mile Point on the land she inherited from her mother.

Other personalities you can chat with include John Fielding Whiting, Charles and Sabrina Wright, Helen Tompkins, Mark Curtice, Mae Strowger Wright, Jennie Strowger Woodhull, and Abram and Patience Woodhull Foster.

What a neat way to learn about Webster’s history — I’m thinking the kids would even get something out of this presentation.

The tour, once again, will take place Saturday September 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Road (Rt. 250 at Woodhull). A $5 donation would be appreciated.

And remember that history is front and center all the time at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village. The Museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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Hazardous waste collection scheduled

22 Aug

Here’s a quick note from the Town of Webster, just in time for that end-of-summer garage clean-out project:

The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Collection has been scheduled for Saturday September 15. This event is held in partnership with the Penfield Department of Public Works and will be held at their facility, 1607 Jackson Road.

Most household hazardous wastes like paint, flammables and other chemicals, are safe when used and stored properly, but should also be disposed of properly when they’re no longer needed.

The collection will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make sure no one has to wait in line too long, appointments are required for this event, and will be accepted through September 14. Webster residents should call 585-872-1443 (Monday through Thursday 7 am. to 3 p.m.) and Penfield residents call 585-340-8710. You can also go online here to schedule your appointment.

Waste collection is open to all Monroe County residents, but waste from businesses will not be accepted.

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5Ks come to Webster this summer

18 Aug

Runners, take note, because this is something that rarely happens.

If you like to compete in 5Ks, but don’t like traveling too far out of town to do so, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s not just one, but TWO 5K races coming up within four weeks of each other, right here in Webster.

first responders

The first is the First Responders 5K, scheduled for Friday August 31 at 6:30 p.m. This is a brand new race, created to honor and support our local first responders.

This information about the race comes from the event’s Facebook page:

The First Responders 5K will recognize the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families in our local community.

First responders put their lives on the line for us every day as they face hardships that most of us will never know. The repetitive negative experience of stressful and potentially traumatic events that first responders face on a daily basis leaves them particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The event is designed to raise awareness for PTSD in first responders and raise funds for a local charity to provide support for those who suffer from its effects.

The race begins at Fireman’s Field on Ridge Road, just west of the village of Webster. Cost is $20, or $10 for active first responders. T-shirts are not included but may be ordered for an additional $10. The race will be chip-timed, with finisher medals, post-race food and live music. To register or find out more information, click here.

run walk and roll

This next race also benefits a great cause.

It the 4th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1 mile stroll to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. I’ve run this race every year, so I can attest to how fun it is.

Proceeds from this event will help build Play with Possibilities Playground at the Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester Complex. These inclusive spaces will provide people with developmental, physical, or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment. All kids will be able to participate in elevated and ground-level play with ramps, transfer points, and sensory–rich play opportunities throughout so that the play space is friendly to all children and parents as well as other caregivers, such as grandparents and service animals.

This all-inclusive family-friendly event encourages participants to run or walk, push a wheelchair, push themselves in a wheelchair, or participate with other assistive devices including adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

The courses start and end at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road. Registration is open at 8 a.m. The 5K, including wheelchair athletes, will kick off at 9:30. The 1-mile stroll will begin at 9:35. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will take place that morning. 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.

Cost if you pre-register is $20 for the 5K and $17 for the one-mile stroll. In-person registration at the race will cost $30/$22. For more information and on-line sign-up, click here.

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Explore a “hidden gem” with the Friends of Webster Trails

15 Aug

Even if if you’ve hiked some of Webster’s fine trail system, you may not know about this one.

It’s the Midnight Trail, which can be found just south of Webster Park. On Sunday August 26, The Friends of Webster Trails would love to introduce it to you at their second of three Hidden Gems hikes, a series designed to introduce nature lovers to some of Webster’s lesser-known trails.

The two-mile hike will begin at 1 p.m. at Whiting Road Nature Preserve, cross Whiting Road and head into Webster Park via the Midnight Trail loop. The trail will have some rolling terrain but is not too steep.

This hike will be held rain or shine, but any changes to the event will be communicated via email, so please sign up by clicking here. Anyone is welcome to attend, but please leave your pets at home this time around.

The map below, pulled from the Friends of Webster Trails website, shows the trail you’ll be hiking. Make sure to check all the trail maps and other great information on that website. Then go over to the membership page and throw these folks some cash to thank them for creating and maintaining Webster’s awesome trails.

midnight trail

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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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