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Webster community mailbag

13 Jun

I’d like to begin today’s mailbag with a shout-out to Webster Girl Scout Troop 60617 for their kindness and consideration for our deployed service members.

Troop leaders heard that military families in our area needed baby blankets, so they and their Scouts got to work. They crafted three beautiful blankets, which will be donated to Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8, who will distribute them to local military families so they can surround their babies with love.

Many thanks to Troop 60617 and leader Beth Cunico.

And now, details about our upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, courtesy the Webster CSD:

Webster Schroeder Graduation

Rehearsal – Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. Seniors meet in the Webster Schroeder Warrior Stadium, 875 Ridge Road. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Friday, June 21 at the Webster Schroeder stadium. Seniors line up at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, and procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date Saturday, June 22, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Warrior Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Webster Thomas Graduation

Rehearsal – Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. Seniors meet in the Willink Middle School cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Tuesday, June 25. Seniors line up at 6:45 p.m. in the Willink Middle School cafetorium. Procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to the Webster Thomas Titan Stadium, 800 Five Mile Line Road.
(Rain date – Wednesday, June 26, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Titan Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Both ceremonies will last roughly two hours. No tickets are required. These are open seating events. Gates open to the public approximately one hour before each procession begins. There is ample seating for families and other guests in the stands and on the field. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because traffic tends to back up.

Geocaching presentation at Webster Public Library

All sorts of fun things are always happening at the library, but I want to highlight this talk today because it’s being presented by my friend Gerry Sander.

On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m., Gerry will be presenting a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.

Here’s the description from the WPL website:

Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure!  Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness. 

The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s hiding spot. 

It’s an exciting and interactive way to bond, explore, and make unforgettable experiences together!

Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.

Vintage and Collectible Books Sale

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold a Vintage and Collectible Books Sale on Saturday July 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

There will be 178 books for sale  in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are  priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.

The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Frontier Kitchens introduces new golf event

Frontier Kitchens is hosting its First Annual Golf Invitational at Webster Golf Club on July 29, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entry fee is $125 per player and includes golf, gift and lunch. RSVP by July 10. Business sponsorship packages begin at $200 and include perks like sponsorship signs, logo placement, and an opportunity to put your branded item in the gift bags. Click here for more information and to register.

The invitational will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Lollypop Farm Humane Society.

Caring Community Concerts begin soon

The United Church of Christ‘s Caring Community Concert series returns in just a few weeks.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for Wednesday July 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (See the flier below for the whole schedule.) 

There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Music, music, music in the Village of Webster

Here’s another look ahead at summer in the village:

The Friday night concert series at the gazebo begins on July 19 with a performance by 8 Days a Week, followed by the Red Hot and Blue Band on July 26. Also playing this summer are Escape Terrain on August 2, the Ayers Brothers on August 16 and the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra on August 23.

Also on the schedule this year:

  • Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
  • Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
  • Health Fair and Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
  • Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
  • Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
  • Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/13/2024)

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Wilbert’s earns recognition as a Top Workplace

1 Jun

Thank you to my friend Jan Naujokas for passing along this little happy piece of news about a local business. Wilbert’s Family Enterprises has recently been honored as one of the 2024 Rochester Top Workplaces.

The rankings were compiled by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, based on employee surveys collected from September through November 2023. Judges were looking for “dynamic companies (with) high employee satisfaction and being committed to workplace excellence.” Any business (public, private, non-profit, or government) with 35 or more employees in the Rochester metro area was eligible to participate.

In all, more than 18,000 employees from 101 companies submitted surveys. Of those, 69 companies in three categories — small, midsize and large — were chosen as Top Workplaces.

Wilbert’s Family Enterprises, located on Salt Rd., has been operating for more than 70 years as one of the largest automotive recycling facilities in New York State. In their listing on the D&C website, Wilbert’s writes that “our vision is to be the employer of choice, fostering a workplace where talent thrives. We aspire to create an environment where every employee feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

We are dedicated to embracing a collaborative and innovative workplace to elevate our products and services and contribute meaningfully to the communities we touch. Our success is measured not just in financial terms but in the positive influence on the lives of our employees, customers, and the community… we pride ourselves in providing quality products and service, with the help of our amazing family of employees, while continuing to give back to the community.

The Top Workplace honorees were celebrated at a cocktail reception on April 3 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Click here to see the entire list.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/29/2024)

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Dark Arts Muay Thai & Jiu Jitsu is area’s newest martial arts school

30 May

As a martial artist myself, I am well versed in the many benefits the martial arts offer for adults, and especially children: self-confidence, flexibility, coordination, aerobic workout and self-defense skills to name a few. Which is why I’m always happy to let people know when a new dojo moves into town.

One of the most recent additions to the Webster/Penfield martial arts scene is Dark Arts Muay Thai & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which officially opened on April 1 in Bay Centre Plaza, 1217 Bay Rd. (next door to Bert’s Bikes). I stopped in a few weeks ago to meet co-owner Juan Hernandez, check out the new space, find out what kinds of classes are offered, and — most importantly — find out what the heck “Muay Thai” is.

The space is beautiful, and much improved over its formal iteration as the Goodwill redemption center. “This was a skeleton” when they signed the lease, Juan said. “We built everything from scratch.” And by everything, he means plumbing, lighting, building a new wall, adding huge ceiling fans, painting everything, and adding new bathrooms and showers to accommodate students who need early-morning classes.

The heavily-matted training area takes up most of the 1800+ square-foot studio, leaving plenty of room for equipment storage, cubbies for students’ needs, and an area for spectators. Classes are offered every day but Sunday, sometimes beginning as early as 6 a.m. They run the gamut from kids’ jiu jitsu and Muay Thai (beginning at 4 years old) to classes for adults and a weapons class.

Plus, Juan said, “We’re big into empowering women,” so Dark Arts also offers a ladies-only jiu jitsu class, and a monthly self-defense class.

And while Dark Arts is new to the area’s martial arts community, Juan Hernandez is not new to martial arts or to teaching. He was only three and a half years old when he started training, and of course he continues to do so today, almost 40 years later. He’s been teaching for 22 years, at various dojos around the Rochester area. His reputation has preceded him, both as a teacher and proprietor of a safe, respectful and friendly environment.

And what exactly is Muay Thai? I’m told it’s a Thailand-based martial art also known as the “art of eight limbs” because practitioners use fists, elbows, knees and shins. I’m not at all familiar with it, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but I really liked what I saw when I popped in to watch the end of a class. The people are friendly, the teaching staff very supportive and positive, and the workout challenging.

Anyone who’d like to check out the facility and try a class for themselves is welcome to stop by any Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for open mat time; there’s no drop-in fee and you don’t need a GI.

Visit the Dark Arts website or Facebook page to see the whole schedule, and find out more about our area’s newest martial arts dojo.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/29/2024)

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Deborah MacKay School of Dance celebrates 40 years

29 May

It’s been 40 years since Debbie Tiffany opened Deborah MacKay School of Dance, tucked into a one-room dance studio in Baytowne Plaza. She, and her school, have come a long way since.

Anyone who knows even a little about Debbie’s early years isn’t the least bit surprised that she became a successful dance teacher. She started dancing herself when she was just 5 years old, under the tutelage of Donna Throumoulos. She went on to get professional training in Toronto, New York City and Miami under mentors Judy Bassing and Brian and Faye Foley. It was then that she realized her passion was not just performance.

“One day in a dance class I was so intrigued with the choreography that I realized I wanted to teach and pass on my knowledge more than perform it,” she wrote. “That decided my future of opening my own school.”

When she opened that small studio in 1984, she had only 54 students and a limited number of classes in ballet, tap and jazz. It didn’t take long, however, before she outgrew that space, and Deborah MacKay Dance moved to the Village of Webster, where it would remain for 26 years. As more classes were added and more students signed up, it became clear that more parking and classrooms were desperately needed. So in 2015 Debbie purchased the old Webster Inn building at 1695 Ridge Rd. (just east of Salt), where the studio now boasts three classrooms and lots more private parking. The classes, too, have expanded, and now include pointe, contemporary, theater, hip hop, conditioning, and kindergarten development.

Classes are offered for children as young as 3 years old, and most students continue to train at the school through their high school graduation. Many have been awarded college scholarships for dance, and several have turned professional, dancing for companies including the Carolina Ballet Theater, Paul Taylor II and the Rochester City Ballet.

A few photos from a recent rehearsal

Deborah MacKay School of Dance’s continued success can be attributed in large part to Debbie’s philosophy.

“Every student counts, whether they dance one day a week or five,” she wrote. What we do at the studio goes far beyond dance education and technique; we strive to inspire students to be successful and the best people they can be. Teamwork, dedication and perseverance are qualities we hope to pass on as students graduate from our school.

And while there’s been a lot of dancing and a lot of performances in the last 40 years, for Debbie, the best part about teaching dance is — and always has been — the people.

The relationships you develop over the years are the backbone of the business. My teachers are all alumni and we have many second-generation students. Parents of graduated students still help out in the office, making props, or volunteering at our yearly show. Several of our alumni are still friends to this day, and I hope most people hold onto good memories of their time at the school.

A good example of how committed Debbie is to sharing her passion for dance came from Michelle Gibbs, a parent whose two daughters, Maren and Hollis, have been dancing for seven years. Her son Parker, however, “can’t dance, just like me,” she laughed. “My son has never taken a dance class,” she said, “but he fell in love with theater in school. I asked Debbie if there was a class he could take.”

So Debbie created a brand new theater dance class for Parker and a bunch of other kids who don’t want, or need, the traditional dance class experience.

Community members are invited to help celebrate the Deborah MacKay Dance School’s 40th anniversary by attending this weekend’s show, Encore ’24! It will feature some of the school’s favorite performances, more than 30 different dances representing the entire gamut of styles. It will be held Saturday June 1 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday June 2 at 3 p.m., at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $16 if purchased before Saturday, when the process goes up to $18. Click here to reserve your seats.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/29/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

25 May

The Chorus of the Genesee invites YOU

Are you a guy who loves to sing, or do you know a guy who loves to sing? Webster’s very own Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a Guest Night on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Learn more about the Chorus, who they are and what they do. There’ll be singing, snacking and socializing. Click here to find out more.

Yoga at the Gazebo

Molly Flaherty, owner of M/Body Webster, is hosting FREE outdoor community yoga classes in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave. every Sunday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. through Sept. 8.

While there’s no charge, registration is required. Click here to register. This event is being held in conjunction with the Webster BID and Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Day of Caring at The Webster Arboretum

Thursday May 23 was the annual Day of Caring, and the Webster Arboretum sent along this report on what their volunteers got accomplished:

“The Day of Caring, sponsored by United Way, is the community’s single largest volunteer effort, helping local nonprofits with projects, or ‘needs’, that they may not otherwise have resources for. We would like to thank Carestream Health, TRSS, Rockwell Automation, Hillside Children Center, Excellus, Paychex and Bond, Schoennay & King for supporting the Webster Arboretum. (Thursday) these groups came out in force to weed, mulch and beautify the Webster Arboretum. Thanks to their hard work we look better than ever. Stop by and enjoy the benefits of their labor.”

And don’t forget about these upcoming June Events at the Arboretum:

  • Composting workshops, Wednesday June 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. or Tuesday June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The presenter will be Barbara Cummings from the Wayne County Master Gardener Program. No registration is required.
  • Program about peonies, the “queen of flowers,” Sunday June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Arboretum board member George Riehle will give a tour and present the program, focusing on the care and cultivation of peonies and tree peonies. Please register at the Webster Arboretum website. 
  • The Music at the Arb series continues this summer when Jazz Generation performs at the Arboretum gazebo on Thursday June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The performance is weather-dependent. Bring your chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages. There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Miracle Field announces inaugural golf tournament

This is exciting news from our friends at Challenger Miracle Field. They’ve just announced they’ll be hosting their first-ever golf tournament on Monday Sept. 9 at Irondequoit Country Club.

The Early Bird Golf Package will go for $1,000 a team if purchased before June 30, when the price will go up to $1,100. Packages include a round of golf for four people, golf carts, lunch and dinner.

Sponsorships are available for individuals and businesses beginning at $200.

Click here to register for the tournament and click here for more information about sponsorships.

Special Olympics Returns to Schroeder Campus

This notice from the Webster CSD:

Webster Central School District will once again host the Northeast Monroe County Special Olympics Track and Field Day.

Student athletes from nine area schools will compete throughout the day on Wednesday, May 29 at the Webster Schroeder High School track. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the New York State Police Torch Relay slated to arrive around 10:15 a.m. Competitions will begin immediately following. Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, East Irondequoit, West Irondequoit, Penfield, Creekside, Mary Cariola, Greece Athena, and Fairport high schools will all be represented, competing in a variety of track, field, and adaptive events.

New this year will be several unified events. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability.

Additionally, Special Olympics NY will again offer more opportunity for age-appropriate sport activities for younger children. Their Young Athletes program, for ages 2-7, offers a variety of motor learning stations that introduces athletes to play and develops skills that lead to sport-specific movements and activities. Developmental Sports, for ages 8-11, is a step up from Young Athletes and focuses on skill development in sport activities. Both of these Special Olympics programs are designed to prepare younger athletes for authentic Special Olympics competition.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/25/2024)

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Webster Comfort Care Home is Chamber’s business of the month

19 May

Congratulations to Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), honored as the May Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, WCCH has been a sanctuary for terminally ill patients, providing free hospice care, since 2003, The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere.

Julianne Groff, MSW has been the Executive Director of WCCH since December 2021. She was prepared to assume this role from her professional experiences serving through UR Medicine Hospice. To continue to provide this level of around-the-clock care, Julianne engages the skills and hearts of 14 staff members and more than 56 weekly volunteers. This team includes Board Chair Jackie Carosa, Esq, Primary Nurse Cheryl Hosey, and Volunteer Coordinator Ruth Rappaport-Kristal.

WCCH also provides a safe and supportive learning environment for promising future nurses and physician assistants through collegiate internships.

Beyond one-on-one care, WCCH has hosted weddings, birthdays and pet visits, celebrating life daily. Groff likes to say, “We laugh more than we cry.”

The Comfort Care Home relies in large part on community donations to fulfill its mission. Right now they’re especially looking for wheelchairs and walkers, which can be re-purposed or donated to causes around the world. Click here to find out about other ways to help.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Bard Chair Carolyn Montanaro (2nd from left) presents the award to WCCH representatives Cathy Gearinger, Julianne Groff, Amanda Parsons and Scott Gosert.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/19/2024)

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An exciting village summer is in the works

18 May

All of your favorite special events are coming back to the Village of Webster this summer, thanks to the efforts of the village’s Business Improvement District (BID).

The official summer schedule was recently announced, with events planned pretty much every month beginning in June, through the end of the year.

Wine Walk fans will be pleased to hear that the next Wine Walk will be held on Saturday June 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. The logistical problems which caused the last Wine Walk to be unexpectedly canceled have been worked out, so put this date on your calendar now. Tickets will be available soon; keep an eye on the Webster BID website for when they do, because it always sells out.

The Friday night concert series at the gazebo begins on July 19 with a performance by Eight Days a Week, followed by the Red Hot and Blue Band on July 26. Also playing this summer are Escape Terrain on August 2, the Ayers Brothers on August 16 and the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra on August 23.

Also on the schedule this year:

  • Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
  • Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
  • Health Fair and Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
  • Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
  • Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
  • Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)

As we work our way through the spring and summer, more events will be added (I hope the Bed Races will be rescheduled), so stay tuned. The BID website will be updated regularly, so be sure to bookmark that, and “like” the Webster BID Facebook page. And of course, as I find out more, I’ll pass along the information.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/18/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

16 May

Got a lot of sensitive documents that need shredding?

The Village of Webster is hosting a free shredding event on Saturday May 18 from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot behind Village Hall and the Webster Fire Department.

This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.

This notice from the Webster Central School District:

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education election takes place Tuesday, May 21 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2024-25 budget and the two candidates running for the two board of education seats up for election.

Good food is on tap at Heritage Square Museum on Friday May 31 when the museum hosts a chicken barbecue, from 4 p.m. until they’re sold out.

On Sunday June 2, the museum will be hosting an ice cream social. I don’t know many details about this, but I DO know that there will be live music between 2 and 4 p.m. featuring oldies and pop favorites from Cheap Datez.

Never heard of this wonderful living history museum just minutes from our village? Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.

June is shaping up to be a busy month at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Learn the ins and outs of composting at one of two workshops, on Wednesday June 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. or Tuesday June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each workshop will provide instruction on how to be successful with home composting, including what can be composted, container types and troubleshooting. Once your scraps have been composted, you’ll receive ideas on how to best use this valuable resource. Plenty of time will be allotted for questions.

The presenter is Barbara Cummings from the Wayne County Master Gardener Program, an expert on the topic. Both presentations will take place at the Curry Building located in The Webster Arboretum at 1700 Schlegel Road. No registration or fee is required.  Come early because “a rind is a terrible thing to waste.”    

On Sunday June 9 at 6:30 p.m., join Arboretum board member George Riehle when he gives a tour and program about peonies, the “queen of flowers.”

George’s presentation will discuss the care and cultivation of peonies and tree peonies. Learn how to grow and care for this elegant flower to ensure beautiful blooms year after year. This is a talk and walk, and will be held rain or shine. Go to the Webster Arboretum website to register.

The Music at the Arb series continues this summer when Jazz Generation performs at the Arboretum gazebo on Thursday June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Jazz Generation is Eli Behlok and Jim Allchin, an acoustic duo featuring the warm sounds of nylon string guitars. Eli and Jim create a welcoming ambiance with a unique mix of world jazz music, including popular American jazz standards, melodic Brazilian bossa novas, fiery Spanish guitars, bluesy French gypsy jazz and some surprising originals.  

Because the performance is outdoors in the gazebo, it is weather-dependent. Snacks are available for purchase, but you can bring your own, and remember your chairs, blankets and beverages. There’s no cost for admission, and all are invited.

Finally, this nice story about how our local Girl Scouts came through AGAIN to support our deployed service members.

For those of us who ordered Girl Scout cookies this year, we stopped thinking about them when they FINALLY arrived on our doorstep. But the 13 third graders from Brownie Troop 60344 (based at Klem North) were just getting started.

All through April, whenever they set up shop at Walmart or Lowe’s, the young ladies would not just sell cookies to all of us who didn’t get enough thin mints. They also took orders for cookies to 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. And even after they’ve been bounced around the world, and even if they arrive in crumbs, they’re still treasured.

The troop has done this for several years, collecting donations for the care packages. But this year they went over and above, getting 263 boxes donated!

So thank you to the Brownies, and to all of the community members who stopped by the troop’s cookie tables this season and dropped some extra cash.  

By the way, the same evening when we took the photo of the donated cookies, the Brownies were holding their regular meeting, where they worked with Mary Ann O’Mara to make 45 greeting cards for the troops, which will also be included in the care packages.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/16/2024)

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May History Bit: the Harmony House

15 May

May is National Historic Preservation Month, so it’s only fitting that for this month’s History Bit, we take a closer look at one of the Village of Webster’s most historic and stately buildings: the Harmony House at 58 East Main St., which celebrates its 125th birthday this year.  

The Harmony House earned its musical nickname from its best-known tenants, the Chorus of the Genesee. However, the building is officially known as the Webster Grange Hall, and was built in 1899 as a meeting place for Webster Grange #436. The lot was purchased for $450, chosen for its location near the heart of the business district, where it had direct access to the railroad via Kircher Park. 

The Webster Grange was one of the largest and most important local organizations in the history of the town and village of Webster. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Webster was primarily an agricultural community, the Grange served an important role in bringing farm families together for education, entertainment, and social gatherings. It was said to have been the largest Grange in the country; by 1930 the organization had 1,046 members (out of a town population of 4,778) and was said to have been the largest local Grange in the world. 

In addition to the regular Grange meetings, the Hall was rented out for a wide variety of community events through the years including dances, movie nights, minstrel shows, festivals and a flea market. In June 1952, the Church of the Good Shepherd also started holding services there.

The Chorus of the Genesee entered the picture in March 1974 when the Rochester Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America purchased the building for $45,000. The Chorus has continued to call the Grange – Harmony House – home for the last 50 years. The building also still functions as headquarters for the Webster Grange. 

The Grange Hall’s design and layout remain virtually unchanged in the last 125 years, and it’s recently been placed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. But it is definitely showing its age, and funds are being raised right now to begin much-needed renovations. 

You can help by attending the annual Harmony in the House joint performance by the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody, Saturday May 18 at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, visit the Harmony House on Facebook or call 585-259-3094.

Discover more fascinating bits of local history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org.    

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/15/2024)

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Museum news: History and a Cup, yardsticks and cameras

8 May

Judging by how well my local history blogs are received, and the traffic I get to my Webster History Bits link, a LOT of you out there like to learn about Webster history. To you, I say, put this month’s History and a Cup get-together at the Webster Museum on your calendar.

The focus of this year’s History and a Cup series is the Webster Village neighborhood formerly known as “Indian Village” due to its street names: Pontiac, Seneca, Mohawk and Iroquois.

Located on the south side of the village, the neighborhood was developed by Wilmorite in the early 1950s, the first settlement in the village helped by The GI Bill after WWII to build homes that were affordable for the many veterans coming home from the war. The small, pre-fab homes were built by National Homes in Indiana.

On Wednesday, May 15 from noon to 1 p.m., Gary and Marlene Lazzaro, who grew up in Webster, will share stories of their life and their business, Kitchen and Bath Expressions. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served, you are welcome to bring a bag lunch with you if you would like. There’s no charge and registration is not necessary.

On Sunday, May 19, the museum is planning to host a larger program about Indian Village, from 2 to 3 p.m., also no charge.

While you’re at the museum, make sure to check out the current exhibit: yardsticks.

“A Measure of Webster Businesses” takes a look back at historic Webster businesses through those ubiquitous promotional yardsticks that graced nearly every Webster household.  Along with the kinetic yardstick display, other memorabilia from local businesses, old and new photos, and brief biographies round out this latest retrospective look at Webster’s history.

This fascinating exhibit grew from the discovery of a box of yardsticks collected from Webster businesses. Inspired by the yardsticks, the museum volunteers started to assemble other promotional items from these same businesses. The search turned up a variety of pieces from small items such as calendars and thermometers to a chair and card table with the names of Webster businesses across the top.

To put all of these companies in a historical perspective, a timeline of each of the “yardstick” businesses has been researched and is on display. The final piece of this exhibit is a slide show of receipts and newspaper ads from Webster businesses.

What a neat way to look at Webster history. If you’re a longtime resident, many of the business names will sound familiar, and if you are new to the area, it’s an opportunity to see the businesses that had an impact on our community.

By the way, If you were fascinated with the Quirky Camera exhibit when it was at the Webster Public Library, you’ll be even more amazed at the expanded Quirky Camera exhibit now on display at the Webster Museum. It’s well worth a visit to see many unusual and previously working cameras that undoubtedly sparked creative flare for photography in previous generations.

The Webster Museum, located at 18 Lapham Park, is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/8/2024)

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