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Webster inducts Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class

17 Dec

Webster is a huge sports town.

We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.

Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.

On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.

The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.

These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:

  • Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
  • Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
  • Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983; 
  • Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988; 
  • Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000; 
  • Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961; 
  • Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003; 
  • Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005; 
  • William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
  • Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002; 
  • Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball,  football, lacrosse, class of 1983; 
  • Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988; 
  • Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967; 
  • Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999; 
  • Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012; 
  • Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball; 
  • Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970; 
  • Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015; 
  • Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000; 
  • Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and 
  • Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.

The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.

Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.

Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:

  • The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
  • Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
  • Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
  • Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.

For more information and the nomination form, click here.

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

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(posted 12/17/2025)

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WHEN asking for your support on ROC the Day

26 Nov

ROC the Day 2025 is right around the corner. This annual community-wide event, sponsored by the United Way, is a 24-hour opportunity for people in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lake region to support local nonprofits which are doing amazing work, through online donations. This year’s campaign will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

On their website, the United Way maintains a catalog of more than 500 local nonprofits which provide a wide range of services, to which you can make a donation on ROC the Day. I suspect there are already some Webster organizations on that list. But for the first time this year, an organization near and dear to my heart, and for which I volunteer regularly, is jumping into the ring and is asking for your support: the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN).

WHEN is a youth drug prevention coalition. For 30 years now, its mission has been to promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. Chances are very good you’ve seen WHEN volunteers in blue shirts around town, at drug take-back events at the Town Hall, Above the Influence programs at Webster middle schools, and at Family Game Nights at our elementary schools.

A true community coalition, WHEN is comprised of more than 150 members representing multiple sectors of our community including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals, and more. Their work is truly making a difference here in Webster. According to Youth Risk Behavior surveys conducted between 2017 and 2023, youth use of alcohol and marijuana has decreased by more than 50% over that period.

This year, through United Way’s ROC the Day, WHEN is asking for community support to help raise funds to support the group’s mission and continue their efforts to help our kids grow up strong and substance-free. On Tuesday Dec. 2, go to this website (or click on the QR code below) and please consider making a donation.

WHEN takes a positive approach to sharing prevention facts and strengthening protective factors which empower Webster kids to grow up strong and substance-free. From hosting parent forums to posting signs promoting healthy behaviors, and offering a website full of local resources, WHEN champions the health and well-being of all Webster youth. I hope you’ll join the fight with your donation.

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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 11/26/2025)

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Dedicated teens making our community better

25 Nov

Sometimes when I start working on a blog post, by the time I’ve dotted the last I and crossed the last T, the whole focus has shifted from where it began. This is one of those blogs.

It began when I heard that National Honor Society (NHS) students from Webster Thomas High School have been helping out at the community meals hosted by four local churches through the Churches Offering Meals for Everyone (COME) initiative. This effort — a collaboration among The Gathering Place at UCC, Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Rita’s and Webster Methodist Church — provided free meals, served restaurant-style, to anyone who wants to attend. Each church serves a meal once a month, and no one is turned away. Especially now, when so many people are struggling more than ever, it’s a vital service for our community.

For two years now, Webster Thomas NHS students have been helping out at these dinners, sometimes with set-up and clean-up, other times serving, pretty much doing whatever needs to be done. I thought, this is a great little feature to remind everyone how our young people are helping to make this world a better place.

And that was going to pretty much be the end of the blog. But then I headed over to Thomas and met two of these young people, club president Ayleen Dehghani and vice president Kate Mitchell. It was then I realized there was much more to this story.

I learned that the students’ work with the church dinners is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how involved they are with their school and our community as a whole. Thomas NHS students are required to fulfill at least 15 hours of service every school year (20 hours if you’re a senior). The hours need to be distributed throughout the year, and split among at least three different organizations.

There are many chances within the school itself to fulfill at least some of those hours. Most recently, for example, the NHS students helped at a Red Cross blood drive held at Thomas, setting up, cleaning up, and donating blood themselves. Outside of school, the list of organizations the club has worked with is long. In Webster alone, it includes the Webster Comfort Care Home, Challenger Miracle Field, Baywinde, Maplewood Nursing Home, the Gathering Place, Bella’s Bumbas and the Webster Public Library. But it stretches well beyond Webster as well: TogetherNow, Cross Creek Church, the Margaret Home, Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Refugee Resettlement, the Ronald McDonald House and many, many more.

  • Kate Mitchell, staff advisor Erika Stuff and Ayleen Dehghani

National Honor Society is just one of several service-oriented clubs at Webster Thomas, and it’s common for students to be involved in more than one. They include the CARE Club, Key Club, Rotary Interact and Titan Service Scholars — every one of them community-focused and committed to making our world a better place.

What particularly impressed me about the young ladies I met is how they sincerely believed that serving our community is an opportunity, not just something you do to complete service hours or because it will look good on your resume.

“It’s not a burden,” Kate said. “Connecting with people in our community is so important, especially being able to connect with people of different ages.” At the churches in particular, she added, the community members who attend are mostly older, “so the churches appreciate when we send the high schoolers. The older people get to connect with the younger generation.”

Ayleen noted that the service opportunities benefit students in several ways.

“It helps you in your future,” she said. “(People) get to know you and who you are as a person, which could help you later on. Also you feel way better about yourself knowing that you spent your time doing good deeds for other people.”  

Webster Thomas English teacher Erika Stuff, who advises the club, agreed.

If you put students in meaningful authentic needs-based service, it’s rare if ever that a student will leave saying that was a waste of my time. They always walk away knowing more about their community or the world around them and more about themselves. That’s why we always push to have diversity in service and have them think about what are the critical issues and needs that we’re meeting. And trying to get away from just fulfilling hours that aren’t as meaningful. 

A lot of them just put in the minimum time, but a lot of students go above and beyond.

And that’s just part of the story. Webster Schroeder High School and our middle schools are also home to thriving service clubs. These clubs bring together a core group of passionate Webster young people dedicated to improving our world. Our sincere thanks go out to them.

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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 11/25/2025)

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Geva’s A Christmas Carol cast will again feature two Webster students

23 Nov

If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.

Once again this year, two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, an 8th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 6th grader at Spry Middle School — have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).

You know the story, described on Geva’s website:

Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart.

Geva’s A Christmas Carol runs from Nov. 22 through Dec. 28 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.

Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol called “Home for the Holidays” on December 26 at 7 p.m. for Blue Star Families, who are active-duty service men and women, veterans, and their families.

Reid
Adriana

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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 11/23/2025)

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Webster Thomas High School presents Much Ado About Nothing

18 Nov

The Webster high schools’ drama season officially begins later this week, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.
 
The play follows young lovers Claudio and Hero, whose wedding plans are sabotaged by the villainous Don John, who tricks Claudio into believing Hero is unfaithful. Claudio publicly shames and rejects Hero, leading her to fake her death from grief. Meanwhile, Benedick and Beatrice, a witty pair of antagonists known for their “merry war,” proclaim their disdain for love and marriage. Their friends conspire to trick the cynical pair into believing the other is secretly in love with them. Amidst the chaos, the local constabulary, led by the hilariously inept Dogberry, attempts to uncover the truth.

Like I said, classic Shakespeare.

Here are some photos I took at one of the dress rehearsals:

The cast is led by Dominick Mangano as Claudio, Rylie Biroscak as Hero, Robert LoFaso III as Don John, Matteo Serventi as Benedick, Mia Fellows as Beatrice and Jack Dayton as Dogberry.

Rounding out the cast are

  • Jeremiah Fischer as Don Pedro
  • Lucas McCarthy as Leonato
  • Natasha Mosher as Margaret
  • Colin Ritchie as Borachio
  • Taisia Badulescu as Conrad
  • Poppy Short as Verges
  • Connor Hengelsberg as Antonio
  • Ben Sweeney as Balthasar
  • Ella Vernacotola as Ursula
  • Abigail McNett as Messenger
  • Quin Rizzo as Friar
  • Adriana Zodarecky as George Seacoal
  • Jeremiah Lauture as Hugh Oatcake, and
  • Madeline Heminway, Noah Skavienski, and Mya Almada Ferris as musicians and attendants.

The cast members are supported by crew members Kalleigh Denton, Sienna Duga, Haydin Fenner, Olivia Marinaccio, Anastasia Petukhove, Savannah Riggs, Kaelyn Snyder, Amelia Thompson, Adeline Whilden, Emelia van Wichen and stage manager Amelia Snell.

Much Ado About Nothing will be presented for three nights: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. every night, in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Reserve tickets are just $11 (including a $1 processing fee) and are available online here. You can read more about the play and some thoughts from the director Mark Stoetzel at websterschools.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 11/18/2025)

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Need help? Food and clothing assistance is available

31 Oct

You’ve all probably been hearing about the temporary (we hope) suspension of SNAP subsidies due to the government shutdown. SNAP funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to low-income individuals and families to help them afford nutritious food.

That eventuality may not directly affect you and your family, and count your blessings if it does not. But but if that fund does run and lapses on Nov. 1 (and at this writing that looks likely), it will most definitely affect many of your Webster neighbors. According to the Federal Education Department, in the 2023-24 school year, 5 percent of households in the Webster school district – that’s 1,300 households – were eligible for SNAP and stand to lose those benefits.

But there is help. If you or someone you know will be struggling in the coming weeks to provide enough food and clothing for themselves and their families, here’s a list of places you can go to get assistance:

Food assistance

  • Lasagna Love — request a lasagna and a volunteer will deliver it. Click link to request.
  • Meals on Wheels — hot meal delivery for Monroe County seniors and pet food for current recipients. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 585-787-8397.
  • Phillips Village Food Pantry — 100 Krieger Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7 (only for Phillips Village residents). Located near main office.
  • St. Martin Food Pantry — 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-1899, or email stmartinwebster@gmail.com.
  • COME Dinners — Community dinners hosted at Webster churches. Contact Wendy McVeigh for schedule. 585-265-9720 or wmcveigh@gmcwebster.org.
  • Foodlink Curbside Markets — Purchase food at a discount from mobile food stand. Click the link for schedule or call 585-328-3380.

Food and clothing assistance … and more

  • Webster Hope — 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items, household items, emergency financial assistance. Click link for hours, call 585-265-6694 or email websternyhope@gmail.com.

Assistance for Webster students

  • Elementary Schools — Free/reduced lunches, WCSD and Immanuel Lutheran Church’s backpack weekend food program. Contact your school’s main office or apply through websterschools.org.
  • Schroeder High School — 875 Ridge Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact kelly_petzing@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-8083.
  • Spry Middle School — 119 South Ave., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact meghann_piwko@webstercsd.org or call 585-285-6500.
  • Thomas High School — 800 Five Mile Line Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact joan_bardanis@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-8000.
  • Willink Middle School — 900 Publishers Parkway, Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact mary_hurley@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-1044.

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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 10/31/2025)

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Klem North students are reading for a cause — again

30 Oct

The students of Klem North Elementary are once again working — and reading — together in an effort to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester.

The initiative is called “Kids Read for Kids,” and the idea is simple: through the month of October, Klem North students do as much reading as they can, and as they do, they collect pledges from friends, family members (or community members) tied to how much they read. You can pledge, for example, 50 cents for every minute they read, or a dollar for every day, or just make a one-time donation. At the end of October, the PTSA will split the donations 50/50 with the Ronald McDonald House.

The kids can read anything they want, and even count the time when parents or grandparents read TO them. The idea is to get young people excited about reading.

The month-long challenge is almost over, but there’s still time to support these great readers. People can donate to individual students or the program overall and all funds raised are split 50/50 between the Klem North PTSA and Ronald McDonald House. Both flat donations and pledges per minute read will be accepted through Monday, November 2. 

Klem North parents, grandparents and guardians are, of course, encouraged to participate and support their children. But community members not directly involved with the school can also help out. You can click here for more information, make a one-time pledge or support a Klem North student.

This is the second time the school has organized this fundraiser; they first did it back in February, and raised an amazing $10,545. So far this time around they’ve raised about $4,500, so they’ve got a long way to go to match their last effort. Let’s see if we can help them along!

Here’s another way you can help: The school will be holding an end-of-program fundraiser night at Red Robin, in the Target/Kohls Plaza, next Wednesday Nov, 5. The restaurant will be donating 20% of all food sales that evening back to the school.

So click the link above to support these kids, and then come on out for a good meal next Wednesday!

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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 10/30/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

29 Oct

A few new things and a few reminders in today’s mailbag.

Calling the R.L. Thomas Class of 1970!

Your 55 year reunion is happening this Saturday, Nov. 1, and if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late.

The reunion will take place at Finn Park on Maple Dr., from 2 to 11 p.m. p.m. Cost is $20 which includes a food truck ticket. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. To sign up, email rlt1970alumni@gmail.com.

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The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters will host their 2025 indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors.

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Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.

Tickets are now on sale for the Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. Taste local and national bourbons along with food samplings from Village of Webster restaurants.

Tickets are $35 plus an Eventbrite fee, and can be ordered here. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets soon. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID will be required.

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The Friends of Webster Trails will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike on Saturday Nov. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr.

Kids and adults alike are welcome to this family-friendly hike. It’s a little over a mile long (start to finish) and will include a stop for hot cocoa. The trail will start at the right-hand side of the building by the kiosk. There will be lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible for finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

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The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.

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This note doesn’t relate directly to Webster but it’s kind of interesting. Apparently every year the members of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association participate in what they call their “Pumpkin Patrol” in support of the New York State Police. On Oct. 30 and 31 they monitor Thruway overpasses in Monroe County to prevent vandalism. The “hams” have been providing this service for more than 30 years and there have been no reports of any serious vandalism from overpasses to vehicles traveling on the Thruway since the Patrol began.

So keep an eye out for them and maybe give them a little beep to show your support.

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Here’s a quick follow-up from the recent Embrace Your Sisters Walk which I wrote about in August. It was held on Oct. 5 at Pittsford Sutherland High School and apparently was quite successful, raising a whopping $25,654, surpassing the organization’s $25,000 goal.

The funds will be added to the more than $700,000 which has already been distributed during the Embrace Your Sisters’ 19 years. People with breast cancer across our 13-county area have benefited from these funds, which paid outstanding living expenses. If you know someone who could benefit from the Embrace Your Sisters short-term emergency funds, please have them visit the website for more information.

Here’s something you want to put on your calendar for December:

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, and some large raffle baskets. Plus, their 2026 membership cards and new 2026 calendar will be available or purchase.

The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.

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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 10/29/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Oct

Some weeks I barely have enough ideas to fill three or four days of blogs. This is not one of those weeks.

Some days I only have a handful of items for one of my mailbags. This is not one of those days.

So in the interest of making today’s mailbag easier to compile for me, and easier to read for you (without a whole lot of extraneous information), How about this … I’ll bullet-point everything, and if you need any additional information about any one of them, click through the handy link in each listing.

We’ll start with stuff happening in October:

  • If you’re a guy who likes to sing, consider stopping by Guest Night at the Chorus of the Genesee on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Join the guys to sing ‘a cappella’ music — you don’t need to read music! If you can sing a tune, they’ll show you the rest. No need to register, just walk on in the Main St. entrance. If you’re early, someone will meet you at the door. If you get there on-time/late, follow the signs upstairs to the rehearsal room. There’s singing until 9 p.m., then refreshments and socializing. If you have any questions, call 585.259.3590, or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com. If you can’t make it Tuesday night, feel free to show up any Tuesday night at 7 p.m. (but there’s no promise of refreshments!)
  • Did you know? October 15 is National White Cane Safety Day. The observance celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and recognizes the important symbol and tool of independence, the white cane. As the story goes, in 1930, George Bonham watched a man who was blind attempting to cross a street. The man’s cane was black, and motorists couldn’t see it, so Bonham proposed painting the cane white with a red stripe to make it more noticeable. But was he the first to think of this? Ed Wilkonski, from the Visionaries Low Vision Support Group in Webster, sent me the whole story. If you’re interested, click here.
  • Webster Health and Education Network will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car. 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.
  • St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Pulled Pork Drive-Thru on Saturday Oct. 18 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include pulled pork, salt potatoes, roll, cole slaw and cookie for just $15. Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s annual Christmas Stocking Project. St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.
  • Frank and Greg Palma’s Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow returns to the Webster Museum on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. If you’re curious about the value or origin of a favorite piece, the Palma brothers will share their expertise and insight into the history and value of your items. Free refreshments provided. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

The October community exchange table will have spooky stuff — bring your old and unused spooky stuff and swap it for different spooky stuff.

The Friends of the Public Library’s Fall Book Sale takes place Oct. 22 to 25. The first day of the sale — Wednesday — is members only, and the public can shop Thursday through Friday. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Visit the Friends of Webster Library web page for hours and more information.

On Saturday Oct. 18, celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Come see amazing dancers, listen to fabulous singers and musicians, sample delicious food, and enjoy celebrating with the community. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and registration is required. All ages are welcome.

Teens and tweens in grades 4 to 12 are invited to a night of spooky fun on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged! Registration is required.

This year’s Library Trick-or-Treat event will be held Friday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’ll be a trick-or-treat trail set up through the entire library, with a spooky maze at the end. Come any time, and costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

Looking ahead to November

  • The Women’s Club of Webster‘s annual Card Party is Tuesday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Play cards or a game of your choice. Participants will enjoy Danish and coffee in the morning, and a buffet lunch. Door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Tuesday, October 28. Click here for more information.
  • Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 135 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.

Whew.

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

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(posted 10/12/2025)

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Nina Scalzo Smithson inducted into HS Girls Soccer Hall of Fame

2 Oct

A belated congratulations to Webster Schroeder alumna Nina (Scalzo) Smithson (class of 2000) for her recent induction into the New York High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame.

As a forward for Webster Schroeder, Nina had a remarkable high school career, leading her team in scoring all four years. She set a school record with 90 goals and 50 assists, a performance that earned her numerous accolades, including being named Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 1998 and Monroe County Division I Player of the Year in 1999. She was a three-time All-Greater Rochester and All-County first-team selection and was named first-team All-State as a junior and senior.

After high school, Nina continued her successful career at Syracuse University, where she became a four-year starter. She ranks fourth all-time at the university in career goals (24) and points (61) and sixth in assists (13). She earned Soccer Buzz All-Regional Honors, becoming the first player from her program to be selected to the first team.

The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place on September 6, at Niskayuna High School in Schenectady. Nina is the first athlete from Webster Central School District to receive this honor.

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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 10/2/2025)

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