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Local TV stations recognize Garritano, Groff for community service

29 Mar

Two of Webster’s own recently received some well-deserved recognition on our local TV stations.

Images courtesy Plank North Elementary

Last Wednesday, Plank Rd. North Elementary School teacher Peggy Garritano was surprised in her classroom by Katrina Irwin from WROC Channel 8, who presented the long-time kindergarten teacher with a Golden Apple Award.

Garritano’s teaching colleague Theresa Dupont and her son Tyler nominated her for the award to honor her 46 years of teaching. They thought it would be a fitting tribute as Garritano plans to retire at the end of this school year.

The Channel 8 Golden Apple Award is a WROC-TV program that recognizes outstanding teachers and administrators in the Rochester area. It honors educators who make a significant impact on their students, fostering positive learning environments and demonstrating dedication to their school communities. 

Click here to see the piece that aired that evening on Channel 8.

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Webster Comfort Care Home Director Julianne Groff was honored a few weeks ago as the Channel 13 WHAM Bright Spot.

On Friday, Feb. 27, at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s regular monthly breakfast meeting, Julianne was named the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. It was that recognition which Channel 13 picked up on for their Bright Spot Segment, which aired on March 17.

Click here to see the whole segment, and click here if you’d like to see the blog I wrote about Julianne’s honor.

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(posted 3/29/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

26 Mar

Know your numbers!

This Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, Lovely You Aesthetics on North Ave. is hosting a “Know Your Numbers Day” as part of the salon’s Go Red Lovely campaign. It’s an opportunity to get your blood pressure checked for free, and get a few gifts as a reward: a Go Red Lovely T-shirt and a $25 Lovely You gift card to use at a future date.

There will also be a CPR instructor on site giving hands-on demonstrations, PLUS if you make a donation to the American Heart Association, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card.

This is a walk-in event with no appointment needed. So stop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon, do something good for yourself and help out the American Heart Association.

Lovely You Aesthetics is located at 82 North Ave. in the Village of Webster.

Speaking of knowing your numbers …

The Webster Recreation Center invites community members who are 55+ to a fun and exciting “Singo Bingo” game on Friday April 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The game is a musical twist on the classic game of bingo. Sing along to your favorite tunes while matching song samples to titles on your Bingo card. Fantastic prizes await. Cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Visit the Rec Center’s registration page and search for activity #141086.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

Women’s Club April meeting … and cookies!

Adam Traub, Director of the Webster Public Library, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’s April luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday April 16. Mr. Traub will highlight the many programs and materials the library offers for seniors.  

April’s luncheon will be hosted by Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Mr. Donovan’s presentation at 1 p.m. 

Enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of pizzas, salad and a cannoli. Cost is $19. New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge. Send check made out to WCW by March 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, or if you have any questions, call Carolyn at  585-265-1303.

This also from the Women’s Club:

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies. The Women’s Club of Webster will be assisting once again this year at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you have any questions, call Katie Hout at 585-353-9964.

Arboretum presents program on lawn care

Carl Schimenti, the Urban Environmental Specialist for the Cornell Turfgrass Team, will visit the Webster Arboretum on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. to present a program on Lawn Care and Management. Learn lawn care basics such as grass type, water needs and weed control with pre- and post-emergents, fertilizing do’s and don’ts and mowing tips. Please register at thewebsterarboretum.org.  This presentation will take place at The Webster Arboretum 1700 Schlegel Rd in Webster.

Got expired drugs?

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.

The Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth. 

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(posted 3/26/2026)

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

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March History Bit: Webster’s fire departments

20 Mar

Our West Webster and Webster Volunteer fire departments are both marking notable anniversaries this year. 

The West Webster Fire Department (WWFD) is turning 100 years old in 2026, and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) 120 years old. While the departments now share a century of tradition, each evolved from modest roots into the highly-respected, dedicated community organizations they are today.

West Webster Fire Department

A local tragedy served as the catalyst for the formation of the West Webster Fire Department.

In the early 1900s, bucket brigades were the primary fire suppression system in West Webster. Buckets were hung on the rail at Goetzman’s store (on the southeast corner of Gravel and Ridge) in the event of a fire in the area.  

On January 15, 1925, tragedy struck in the 590 block of Ridge Rd., not far from where the current WWFD station is today. At the time, the closest fire department was in the Village of Webster, who arrived 10 minutes after the call went out. They immediately called for backup from Point Pleasant and Sea Breeze. But despite their best efforts, two buildings, a garage, five apartments and several cars were lost. 

After the fire, a community group called the “Social 20” took on the task of increasing fire protection in West Webster. On May 3, 1926, the West Webster Firemen’s Association held their first meeting. They began with only $75 to the organization’s name, but by the end of the month had raised enough to purchase a Federal truck chassis for $1,000. They built their first truck using parts from a decommissioned Rochester Fire Department chemical hose cart.

The first firehouse was in a garage on Ridge Road. Later, it moved to the southeast corner of Gravel and Ridge roads before finally settling in its current location on Gravel Rd., south of Ridge. The WWFD also operates from Station 2 on Backus Rd. and Station 3 on Plank Rd. 

Webster Volunteer Fire Department

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department kind of started out with an ice cream stand. 

In 1905, the WVFD as we know it today was just beginning to take shape, largely as a direct result of the Village of Webster’s incorporation that same year. That July, the Village Board passed an ordinance allowing the Webster Fire Association to maintain stands in celebration of the Fourth of July. Located at the southwest corner of South Ave. and Main St., the stands served soft drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. 

The following year, on March 23, 1906, a group of village men met to discuss the idea of forming a fire department. The Village Board approved the idea, and the WVFD was officially established, charged with the protection and preservation of property within the corporate limits of the Village of Webster.

Before 1905, as in West Webster, “bucket brigades” were the primary method of fighting fires. Residents would keep leather buckets in their homes or businesses, and when a fire broke out, would form a human chain from the nearest well to the blaze.

The original fire hall in 1907 was a building on South Avenue in the former Jayne and Mason Bank building. In 1908, the first firefighting apparatus was purchased from the town of Williamson. It was a hand-drawn, squirrel-tail pumper, which took 16 to 20 men to operate. That original pumper is now on display in front of the fire station on South Ave.  

A rather ingenious fire alarm system to announce fires was installed in front of the fire hall. It consisted of a steel tire from a locomotive suspended on a cross arm between two telephone poles with a spring mounted hammer and rope attached for ringing. The harsh sound could be heard over long distances and brought firefighters running from all directions. 

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department has served our community from its main station at 25 South Ave. since 1969. Additional stations are located on Salt Rd. and Phillips Rd. 

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(posted 3/20/2026)

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A great day for the Irish — and Bella’s Bumbas

14 Mar

What fun today was.

I was honored to help represent Bella’s Bumbas at the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday afternoon. I was one of more than twenty friends, family members and volunteers who braved the cold temperatures and strong winds to help Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr celebrate Bella’s Bumbas’ selection as this year’s Charitable Organization of the Year.

This incredible all-volunteer organization, which calls Webster home, was recognized for their work building pint-sized wheelchairs for children with a variety of disabilities, only charging the parents for shipping (and sometimes not even that). In the last nine years they’ve made about 3,800 chairs and shipped them to 70 countries.

And yes, it definitely was cold. But the worst of the winds had died down a bit, the sun was trying to peek through the clouds, and as long as you kept moving (and had thought to wear three or four layers), it was comfortable enough. Thousands lined the parade route despite the cold, most everyone wearing some sort of Irish-themed hat or t-shirt, shamrock-shaped glasses or green tights … or all at the same time. There were LOTS of kids, lots of flag waving, and everyone was smiling.

I loved the Bumba chairs on top of the wagon
My friend Laura took this one. I had four layers on top and two pairs of tights.

The Bella’s Bumbas float was pretty great. It was covered in bunting and flags and streamers. Several children sat inside the wagon on hay bales, and others rode Bumba wheelchairs as they were pushed down the street by helpful adults. Six more Bumba chairs were strapped to the top, illustrating the great variety of designs which Marty and Rebecca individualize for the children they serve.

Given that our unit was near the front of the parade, I didn’t get to see much of it, and unfortunately, no one near us was blaring music loud enough for me to dance a whole lot, as I like to do. But all in all it was a great experience and I am so happy that I could join my friends on their big day.

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As a fun aside, this was not the first time I walked in the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Back in 1995, my husband Jack and I were honored as the parade’s Business People of the Year, in recognition of our Irish Insider newsletter, which we began in 1992. Pictured here are Jack and me with our son Sean (then 5) and daughter Erin (not quite a year).

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(posted 3/14/2026)

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

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Sip, savor & support cancer research at Lala’s

12 Mar

Lala of Webster is hosting a special event next Thursday to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center.

It’s called Sip, Savor & Support, an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday March 19, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” benefit pickleball tournament on April 4. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for live music and special appetizer and drink menus.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

The Sip, Savor & Support event and the pickleball tournament are both being held in honor of Marty Lembo, who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. His memory lives on through Team Marty, a group of friends and family members who continue to raise funds in his name to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center. The “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” pickleball tournament is one of their biggest events, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 4 at Dinkers Pickleball in Fairport.

Click on the flyer below for more details and to register.

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(posted 3/12/2026)

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

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Bella’s Bumbas honored as Official Charitable Organization

7 Mar

If you happened to watch one of the local TV newscasts on Friday night, or if you follow the City of Rochester social media feeds, you might have noticed a familiar face. At a press conference held Friday morning at City Hall, the Rochester St. Patrick’s Parade Committee officially introduced this year’s parade honorees, and Webster’s very own Bella’s Bumbas was one of them — pretty much front and center.

Bella’s Bumbas has been named Official Charitable Organization of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I blogged about this honor a few weeks ago, when the Parade Committee held its first press conference at the Hilton Garden Inn. But watching our Webster friends accept their commemorative sash in the magnificent City Hall atrium, alongside the city’s top officials, turned a great announcement into a truly meaningful milestone.

Rebecca Orr, who co-founded the organization with her husband Marty Parzynski, was on hand to accept the honor, accompanied by volunteer Shelby Deane and her “Bumbaleer” daughter Lyla. In her remarks, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride explained why Bella’s Bumbas is so deserving of this recognition:

Bella’s Bulbas is a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children with mobility challenges by providing them with the gift of movement and independence.

Through the design, assembly, and donation of custom-built, child-sized wheelchairs, Bella’s Bumbas ensures that every child, regardless of background or financial circumstance, can explore, play and connect with their world. Each wheelchair is lovingly constructed by passionate volunteers and given to families free of charge, asking only for shipping costs when necessary.

Rebecca placing the sash on Lyla (photo courtesy City of Rochester)
Kate McBride, Rebecca Orr, Shelby Deane and Lyla

Since its founding ten years ago, Bellas Bumbas has provided 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. That’s an incredible legacy for a grassroots organization that began as a small community effort in one small house.

Accepting the honor, Rebecca credited the organization’s success in large part to her dedicated team of volunteers, here in Rochester and worldwide. And when she was handed her tri-colored sash, she chose not to put it on. Instead, she draped it over Lyla in her wheelchair. “I had to put the sash on Lyla,” she explained, “because Bella’s Bumbas is not about us adults. It’s about the children, and their heroes, the parents who fight for them and advocate for them.”

And THAT selfless perspective is a good illustration of why Marty and Rebecca — and Bella’s Bumbas — deserve this amazing honor.

As the Official Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve been working hard crafting a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs with “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss. (Check out the photos below for a sneak peek.)

So when you see them, raise a rousing cheer for Bella’s Bumbas, our Webster neighbors, who are changing children’s lives.

The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St.

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(posted 2/13/2026)

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Julianne Groff named Webster Chamber Business Person of the Year

1 Mar

HUGE congratulations to Julianne Groff, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Person of the Year.

As Executive Director of the Webster Comfort Care Home, Julianne is very well known and well respected in the Webster community. In presenting the award, incoming Chamber president Carolyn Montanaro noted that that’s a responsibility “she does not take lightly.”

(Julianne) personally supports and guides a dedicated team of staff and more than 100 volunteers, ensuring they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to care for individuals at the end of life and to care for their families. Her leadership extends far beyond  traditional business hours. For Julianne, this is not simply a profession, it is a calling to which she devotes her heart and the majority of her waking  hours. 

In addition to being a very active member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, Julianne shares her time, treasure and talent with numerous local nonprofit organizations, including the Webster Health and Education Network, Soul Sisters, Free Mom Hugs, the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly, and the Women’s Club of Webster. She regularly supports the Phillips Village Food Pantry and coordinates donations with ROC Maiden and InterVol. She has also recently begun advocacy efforts for individuals living with Long Haul COVID, an “invisible” autoimmune condition.

In accepting the award, Julianne said,

If I’m being recognized today, it’s really because of the extraordinary groups of people that are committed to ensuring that our home stays open. Every donation, every fundraiser ticket purchased, every shared post. Every prayer that sustains us. And this community for the past 23 years has shown your commitment. …  How lucky we are that we belong to a community of people who believe that every human life has value.

Julianne was presented with a plaque inscribed: “2026 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Julianne Groff in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community.” The Chamber will also contribute to a charitable organization of Julianne’s choosing.  

Julianne’s husband Tom, daughter Abby and WCCH’s Program Coordinator Lisa Swift, were all on hand to help celebrate Julianne’s honor.

Later in her remarks, Julianne humbly downplayed her role by saying, ‘I keep the lights on.’ Those of us who know her, however, know that she does so much more, not just for the Webster Comfort Care Home but for the entire Webster community. This award is very much deserved.

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(posted 3/1/2026)

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Cheers to Bella’s Bumbas!

28 Feb

Representatives from Bella’s Bumbas were special guests Friday night at Barry’s Old School Irish in Fairport, where Danny Barry invited everyone in the pub (and there were a LOT of people) to raise a glass to this amazing non-profit organization.

At last year’s Barry’s Irish Festival, Bella’s Bumbas volunteers helped in several capacities, and hosted an informational table to spread the word about the organization. As a thank-you, and in recognition of everything Bella’s Bumbas does for children around the world, Danny and Jessica Barry offered to share with them a portion of the weekend’s raffle earnings.

Friday night, Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr — the founders of Bella’s Bumbas — accepted a $1,500 check from Danny. They were surrounded by perhaps a dozen volunteers, who are the real backbone of the organization, who came to show their support. Following the check presentation, Danny even passed a hat (actually a huge ceramic Guinness glass) and the generous patrons filling the pub that evening added more than $700 to the total.

Long-time Bella’s Bumbas volunteer Joe Callan spoke briefly, introducing the organization to those pub patrons who’d never heard about it before, saying,

We build these tiny wheelchairs for kids that are born with different anomalies, one of which is spina bifida. We also make chairs for 70 other anomalies. Anything to do with mobility for children below the age of five. We supply them a chair at no cost. … We’ve made in the last nine years about 3,800 chairs. And on top of that, we’ve sent these chairs to 70 countries. That’s pretty remarkable.

Clearly, Bella’s Bumbas has already touched countless lives worldwide, but they aren’t slowing down. They’re always looking for more and better ways to serve the children who need them most. The infusion of funds they received from Danny Barry Friday night and from the generous pub patrons, will be helping them do that.

Specifically, Rebecca said, “We’ve been working on a factory prototype chair geared toward hospitals and schools, and we are about ready for second-state trials. We need some safety straps and seat covers (our own designs) and these funds are greatly appreciated to help us move forward to a new level.”

You may recall also that Bella’s Bumbas has been chosen the Official Charitable Organization honoree for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. So they’ll be marching in this year’s parade, scheduled for Saturday March 14, very near the front of the parade. They’re working hard on their float, on which a few of their “Bumbaleers” will be riding. Stay tuned for a sneak-peek of the float in the next week or so.

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(posted 2/28/2026)

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Get your cookies here! (And support our deployed troops while you’re at it)

27 Feb

If you’re a big fan of Girl Scout cookies like I am, you know that the cookies have arrived and the troops are hard at work delivering them. But if you missed out on ordering this year, or you REALLY need more Thin Mints to toss in the freezer, have no fear. I know of at least one troop which will be selling them at local businesses in the coming weeks.

Webster Girl Scout Troop 60344 will have a table set up in these locations on these dates:

  • Saturday, Feb. 28: Lowe’s Home Improvement, 900 Five Mile Line Rd., 1 to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, March 13: Walmart, 5 to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21: Walmart, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

They’ll not only be selling cookies to all of us, they’ll also be accepting orders for cookies which will be included in care packages being put together by the Blue Star Mothers for our locally deployed troops, which will be mailed out in June.

Service members love Girl Scout cookies, as you can imagine. They’re a small taste of home. And even after they’ve been bounced around the world and even if they arrive in crumbs, they’re still treasured. So plan to stop by one of these tables this month, pick up some extra cookies for yourself, and help spread smiles around the world.

You can also purchase cookies online to be included in the care packages. Click here to get to the website, and make sure to indicate “Have Girl Scout Troop 60344 deliver the cookies” so you don’t pay for shipping. And please add the word “Care” before their name (like, Care Missy Rosenberry). This will let the troop know the cookies will be donated to our service members. (Best to stay away from chocolate cookies since they might melt in transit!)

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(posted 2/27/2026)

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My return to martial arts has taken an unexpected twist

25 Feb

Sometimes my blogs take on a life of their own. I start out with a solid plan of what I want to write about, how to structure it and how to do the research. But then something happens that messes that plan up completely. Today’s story is a one of those.

For several days now I’ve been planning to write about my recent return to martial arts. I studied Shotokan karate for twenty years, but after a decade away from the dojo, I recently felt a sudden urge to dive back in. Fortunately, I quickly found a new karate family that made the decision to start again an easy one.

That school — that family — is Golden Eagle Martial Arts, located at the Webster Recreation Center. Its style is American Freestyle Karate. Based primarily on Kyokushin techniques, it offers a little bit of everything: fundamentals, self-defense, kata (forms), sparring, weapons and breaking. When I went to watch a class, I was pleasantly surprised to see that most of its basic techniques and katas were closely aligned with my Shotokan training.

In addition to the “my-getting-back-into-karate” angle, a second hook for the blog was going to be the fact that the dojo recently marked its 30th anniversary. The school opened in 1996 when the Webster Recreation Center was still located in the old Ridgecrest School on Ebner Dr. After a temporary move to Klem North during the renovation of the Xerox facility on Chiyoda Dr., the program found its permanent home there.

Aside from its close alignment with my former style, there was a lot to love about this school. I saw kids and adults training side by side, guided by the strong leadership of Shihan Matt, Sensei Mike and Sensei Mary Lou, whose teaching styles expertly balanced discipline with a sense of fun. It’s family focused; on the day I was there, a mom, dad and their three kids were training together. And it’s very affordable, especially when compared to a lot of other martial arts schools in the area.

I was hooked. I would definitely be signing up for the next session, and I started to compose my blog and congratulate the school on its 30th anniversary.

But that’s when the story took an abrupt turn.

Earlier this week, at the beginning of class, Shihan Matt sat all the students down and announced that, thanks to some annoying health issues, he has to close the school. It was clearly a very difficult announcement for him to make, and certainly a decision that he did not make lightly. Before him sat adults and youths who had studied at the school for years, children who were just beginning their martial arts journeys, and one older adult who was looking forward to getting back into the dojo after a long hiatus. We all sat in stunned silence.

Matt announced that the dojo’s last day will be Monday, June 15. However, he did offer a glimmer of hope, mentioning that there are preliminary talks about potentially keeping the school going — which might mean a different location or different instructors — if things can be worked out.

So there is hope that Golden Eagle Martial Arts will be able to continue its long tradition of providing affordable family fun, and continue to provide children and adults with the lifelong benefits of martial arts. In the meantime, I have almost four full months of quality karate training ahead of me, and I’m going to take advantage of every minute.

And by the way, congratulations on 30 years, Golden Eagle Martial Arts!

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(posted 2/25/2026)

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

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