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Summer fun the way it should be

10 Jul

I LOVE it when I see kids and their parents outside playing together in the summertime. It means they’re not inside watching TV or playing on a iPad, and their parents are enjoying some of the simple, yet very special times that pass all too quickly.

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Enjoying the outdoors (L-R):  Jessica Ellsworth (holding Calista), Annalise, Tim and Amelia. 

 

This scene, which I captured earlier today at my neighbor’s house, is a good example. Jessica and Tim Ellsworth were both out in the driveway with their three daughters, watching the two older ones ride circles.  Minutes before I took these photos, Tim had even hopped on one of the miniature bikes and did a lap of his own.

One look at how much chalk is on the driveway tells you how much they’ve been having these last few days of nice weather.

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Annalise Ellsworth (front) takes great care to follow the arrows on the driveway bike route. (While avoiding her little sister.)

What are YOUR kids doing this summer? Why not snap a photo or two and email them to me at missyblog@gmail.com, and we’ll make a Summer Fun in Webster gallery!

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A new, not-so-little free library

6 Jul

I’m working on an Our Towns East Extra column for publication in the next few weeks, but this is such a cute Webster-local story, I thought I’d like to give everyone a preview.

Brynn

Last summer, little Brynn Anderson, who lives not far from me in north Penfield, decided she wanted to put up a Little Free Library, inspired by something she saw on TV. After researching how much it would actually cost to build one (especially from the pre-designed kits) and register it, her father Zach and mother Jamie helped Brynn come up with a more creative solution.

So Brynn packed a Little Tykes doll carriage with books, and every day wheeled it out and parked it by the tree along the roadway in front of their house. It worked out pretty well; it held as many as 30 picture books at one time. Only problem was, they tended to get a little wet if it rained.

Thanks in part to the success of that “little wheeled library,” and especially because Zach’s friend and Spry Middle School colleague Jason Jugovic offered to build a more permanent structure, Brynn’s original library has grown.

A lot.

This summer, Brynn unveiled her “Medium Free Library.” It’s kind of hard to miss as you drive down Galante Circle in Penfield. While traditional Little Free Libraries are typically about 28 inches tall by a foot deep, Brynn’s library measures a whopping 4 x 6 feet. It’s so big that when it was being built, people thought it might be a chicken coop.

Brynn says the new library is getting a lot of traffic, and several family members and friends are helping keep it stocked with books. Like the baby stroller, this one is on wheels as well … but a little more protected from the elements.

Watch for more photos and more of the story in the column in a few weeks.

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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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Help the Jack Foundation pave the way to play

2 Jul

pave the path

Hopefully by now you have heard of the Jack Foundation.

This fabulous organization was created in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. (You can read more about Jack here.) His amazingly strong parents have risen from their shock and grief to create a foundation dedicated to carrying Jack’s happy spirit forward, spreading happiness, laughter and love to other families, as Jack did for his.

To that end, the Jack Foundation is building a blue, dinosaur-themed playground called “Jack’s Place,” at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. (Jack loved dinosaurs.) To help fund the construction, they’re raising money through the sale of engraved bricks, which will be placed in the path leading to the playground.

Individuals and groups are encouraged to help celebrate Jack’s spirit and keep the love flowing by purchasing a brick.

Bricks are being sold in two sizes:

  • 4 x 8″, which can accommodate 3 lines of text, 45 characters each (including spaces), for $100.
  • 8 x 8″, 5 lines of text, 75 characters each (including spaces) for $175.

Bricks will be on sale for a limited time. Order can be placed by visiting the Jack Foundation website, under the “Playground” tab.

Construction is progressing right now and hopes are that the playground will have its grand opening at the end of July or early August.

Upcoming events 

Here are a couple of other ways you can help support the Jack Foundation in the coming weeks.

Breathe Yoga‘s 4th of July Kindness Class will benefit the Jack Foundation.

The class will take place at the Holt Lodge in Webster Park. Holt Lodge is located at the end of Holt Road (right hand side) next to the baseball fields.

Pre-register with $20 donation for a quick check-in or donate at the door. If you are unable to make it to class, you may still make a donation over the phone or in person at our Greece or Webster location.

To register call (585) 248-9070 ext. 2 or ext. 5 or stop in to breathe’s Greece or Webster location.

Donations will also be accepted at the Kindness Class for the Dimitri House in Rochester.

Here’s a list of items they especially need:

  • Non-perishable groceries, e.g., soup, tuna, peanut butter, jelly, canned vegetables, fruits, and meats, beans, tomato products, pasta, rice, Jello, pudding, cereal, fruit juice, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, powdered iced tea, Kool-Aid, and lemonade
  • Toiletries, e.g., toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, foot powder, body lotion, soap, shampoo, razors, lip balm, nail clippers, feminine hygiene products
  • Household products, e.g., paper plates, plastic flatware, napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue, laundry detergent
  • Office supplies, e.g., copy paper, pens, pencils, folders, ink cartridges, postage stamps, envelopes
  • Clothing, e.g., new underwear and socks and new or gently used t-shirts, long underwear, gloves, hats, scarves
  • Gift cards to grocery stores, office supply stores, or general use cards

This year’s Motorfest 2017, scheduled for Sunday July 9 at the Damascus Center, 979 Bay Road will also benefit the Jack Foundation.

In addition to all the cool cars to check out, CARtoon Magazine artist Greg Panneitz will be appearing. You can have him do an original piece of artwork of your spiffy ride, or bid in the auction to win a Panneits original.

The show runs from 10 am to 4 pm. There’s a $15 car entry fee but admission for spectators is free. For more information log onto http://www.zccr.net/

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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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Webster High School Class of ’87 will hold 30th reunion

1 Jul

unnamedPlans are coming together for the Webster High School Class of 1987’s 30th reunion, scheduled for the weekend of August 5 and 6.

This event is unlike pretty much every other reunion I’ve heard of (and even my own reunions) in that in addition to partying with former classmates, organizers are also encouraging former teachers to attend the event.

Here are the details:

  • Saturday, August 5 at 6:30 PM
  • RIT Inn and Conference Centre.
  • Price: $60.00 per person, includes buffet dinner, DJ and photographer.

The following day, everyone is invited on a tour of the RL Thomas building beginning at 11 a.m. If you haven’t been in there recently, you’re going to be amazed at the changes (I’ve worked there for most of the last 16 years). After the tour, there’ll be a picnic at Webster Park (please bring a dish to pass).

As an interesting side note, I first heard about the reunion from Mark Kopf, who is currently living and working in Nelson, New Zealand. It was actually Mark’s idea to invite teachers to the festivities. He’s been working with reunion organizer Laura Fisher-Hepburn and former teacher Pat Moriarty to try get the word out to former faculty members. (Mr. Moriarty, you might remember, was a science teacher at Spry before joining the staff at Thomas High.)

They could use some help. Start spreading the word on Facebook, especially if you are still in contact with students or teachers from back then. If you’re not already a member, you should also join the class Facebook page for more information and updates.

Then dig out those yearbooks, kids!

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It’s been a while, Mr. Lush

28 Jun

And….. he’s back!

Mr Lush.jpg

I’m talking about whoever it is that likes to toss empty liquor bottles on the grassy shoulder along Hatch Road near my neighborhood.

I first wrote about the guy I call the Hatch Road Lush ( I assume it’s a guy) back in 2011 when I first noticed the bottles. Back then the litter of choice was Black Velvet. What started out early in the spring as just a few quickly grew to more than 20 over several weeks.

 

Of course, I wrote a few blogs about what I was noticing. I speculated back then that someone was ditching the bottles as they drove by late at night, but it could also be that someone liked to take late-night walks and someone’s wife didn’t know that he was drinking.

Then all of a sudden the bottles not only miraculously disappeared, but they never returned again. Could have been a coincidence, but I like to think that Mr. Lush’s spouse read my blog and put two and two together.

Back in the summer of 2013, the bottles returned. But this time they weren’t Black Velvet. Our drinking and tossing friend has apparently switched to the less expensive (but still imported) Canadian Leaf whiskey.

Fast forward another four years and it appears that Mr. Lush has returned, and this year his booze of choice is vodka.

At least he’s not getting stuck in a rut.

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Webster Tuesday mailbag

27 Jun

mailbagHere are a few community notes of interest.

Webster Brownie Troop Makes Blankets for Children in Need

Webster Girl Scout Brownie troop 60392 recently made knotted fleece blankets to donate to Project Linus, which then distributes them to children who are critically ill, have been traumatized, or are experiencing another form of need.

The 11 third-graders from Plank South Elementary made this a featured part of a sleepover event. They then donated them to Project Linus through Cafe Sewciety Quilts on Empire Blvd.

Troop 60392 Blankets

Pictured in the photo (from bottom left clockwise) are Megan Kelly, Ella Ellsworth, Kate Sayers, Becca, Dolan, Gianna DeMarco, Sophia Hachee, Olivia Salafia, Ashley Huss, and Avarie Chalachan. Not pictured: Mackenzie Mihalitsas and McKenna Simmons.

Webster Marching Band Boosters Host Food Truck Rodeo

The Webster Marching Band Boosters have announced their second annual Food Truck Rodeo, scheduled for Friday July 21 from 5 to 9 pm in Webster Schroeder High School’s front parking lot.

The Marching Band Boosters sponsor various fundraising events throughout the year to help pay for the Webster Marching Band’s equipment, show productions, and competition-related trip expenses.

Eleven food trucks have already signed on for the event, including Macarollin, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza, Rob’s Kabobs, The Meatball Truck Co., Midnight Smokin’ BBQ, Meat the Press, Le Petit Poutine, WingNutz, Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Kona Ice, and Smoothies Plus.

There will also be face painting for the kids, a visit by a West Webster Fire Department truck, and live music provided by the Aaron Rizzo Trio. Admittance to the rodeo is FREE, and all proceeds from the food trucks will benefit the Marching Band Boosters and Webster Marching Band members.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Road.

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St. Rita Girl Scouts help fight cancer

24 Jun

CURE check A

St. Rita Girl Scouts went above and beyond this school year in raising money for the CURE Childhood Cancer Association.

Students are assigned to either the Blue or Gold Team when they start school. Then throughout the year they’re asked to bring in change to put in either the blue or gold jar. They brought in anywhere from a penny to $100. (P.S. Gold won.)

The fifth grade Girl Scouts raised more than $1700 for the organization.

A representative from CURE came to the school last week for the check presentation.

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Welcome to a new journalistic colleague

23 Jun

lily brunnerI would like to send out a personal welcome to Lily Brunner, the new editor for the Webster Herald. 

Lily is taking over for Anna Hubbel, who will not be leaving the paper entirely, but will be scaling back her responsibilities.

According to Lily’s first-page article of introduction in this week’s edition, she’s a resident of Brighton and a brand spanking new graduate of Houghton College in Caneadea, NY (west of Hornell) where she earned a degree in communication. She originally wanted to become an elementary school teacher, she wrote, but halfway through her college career “started to discover my passion for working in media and communications.”

Lily is especially passionate about photography, so I think we’ll be seeing some pretty spectacular photos of local events in coming editions.

Welcome to Webster, Lily! I’m sure our paths will cross soon. I look forward to meeting you.

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St. Martin Lutheran Church announces new Eagle Scout

20 Jun

 

eagleBoy Scout Troop 110, sponsored by St. Martin Lutheran Church in Webster, has proudly announced that Caleb Stamler has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Caleb’s impressive Eagle Project involved building three trail-head kiosks for Abraham Lincoln Park on Empire Boulevard. Coordination with the county was imperative to logistically complete the project. With the help of many others, he brought two of the kiosks down on the trail, both along intersections of the yellow and white trails, and cemented them in. He also re-marked the main (white) trail.

Caleb devoted 216 hours to finish the project last October, with help from 19 adults and 17 youth.

Caleb will be a junior at Webster Schroeder High School this fall. Besides holding the Senior Patrol position at Troop 110, he has been actively involved with the West Webster Fire Department for over 10 years, the last two as an Explorer. Last year he was elected captain of the post. In August, 2016, he also joined Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance as an Explorer. He had his Bar Mitzvah in the spring of 2014 and worked for almost a year learning to speak and read Hebrew.

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It’s summer in the village

17 Jun

 

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The Webster Schroeder Jazz Ensemble was one of three bands to play Friday night. 

It shouldn’t have come as any surprise to me that the Friday night concert series in Gazebo Park was starting up last night, but it did.

My husband and I were trying out the fish fry at the “new” Webster Hots Friday night (it was great) and while we were chatting with the owner, he told us about the concert, which featured three high school jazz bands. So after dinner we strolled to the park to check it out.

It was an incredibly perfect evening to sit outside and listen to music. After the Webster Thomas Jazz Band finished, we even went home quickly to grab our quad chairs, returning just in time to enjoy some of the Penfield Jazz Band’s set, and then the entire performance by the Webster Schroeder Jazz Ensemble.

As we always do at these concerts, we saw lots of our friends and neighbors there, which made the evening even more enjoyable.

The concert was the first in the village’s Friday Night Concerts series. The rest of the schedule looks like this:

  • June 30: Claudia Hoyser Acoustic Duo (country)
  • July 7: Burnt Cane (tropical)
  • July 28: The Ryan Johnson Project (fusion)
  • August 4: Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra
  • August 11: Rochester Brass & Electric

All concerts begin at 7 pm in Gazebo Park on North Avenue.

Also coming up this summer in the village are the Movies in the Park (kids’ movies on Tuesdays and two “date night” movies on Saturdays), the annual two-day Webster Jazz Fest on July 21 and 22, and the next Wine Walk on August 12. Stay tuned for more details about them in the coming weeks. More details about them all can be found at http://websterbid.com/.

Let the summer begin!!!!!

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Crowds for the first Friday Night Concert were pretty good thanks in part to the gorgeous weather

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

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