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Cross-district collaboration sparks young artists and authors

11 Jun

A unique exhibit on display now at the Webster Public Library showcases the artistic and writing talents of 71 of our Webster CSD elementary school students.

The project is called “Spark, Jr.: Art From Writing, Writing From Art,” and it’s a creative blend of imagination and words, where paintings inspired stories, and stories inspired art.

Four classes across the district participated: Jamie Palmer’s preschoolers at Schroeder High School; Leslie Ambler’s first graders at Klem North Elementary; and from Schlegel Elementary, Kathleen Hall’s second graders and Becky Margiotta’s third graders.

The project unfolded in two creative waves. First, students in the four classrooms each created an original work of art and a piece of writing. These were then shuffled and passed along to other classrooms, where students used them as a springboard, creating new art sparked by the other student’s written words, and new writing sparked by another student’s artwork.

The idea for the “Spark, Jr.” project has been percolating in Jamie Palmer’s head for about 15 years, ever since she was a fifth grade teacher at Klem South Elementary, and through her years as the librarian at Schlegel Rd. Now, as a preschool teacher at Schroeder High School, she was finally able to make it happen.

“I was working with (author) Amy Ludwig VanDerwater in my fifth grade classroom,” Palmer said. “She shared that she was taking part in this experience. I thought it was a really cool idea and wanted to see what would happen if we tried it out with students in multiple grade levels, and possibly across our district. This was finally the year to try it out with three amazing teachers.”

The students and their families were invited to an artists’ reception (complete with refreshments) at the library on Wednesday evening to see their own work on display and how other students had been sparked by their artwork and writing. It was delightful to see how proud the young authors and artists were to show off their work, and how excited they were to see the results. But it was especially touching when actual connections were made between writers and artists from different classrooms.

The project sparked the teachers as much as the students. Kathleen Hall perhaps said it best when she told Palmer, “This is literally the best thing I’ve ever done as a teacher.”

More than 280 individual pieces of art and writing were created, and they’re all on display at the Webster Public Library through June 19. You’ll find them spread between two locations: under the huge feathers in the main lobby, and in (and on) the display case near the information desk. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Meet some of the artists/authors:

  • PreK student Mila Levy reading everyone’s written pieces
  • Emerson Cocquyt, 2nd grade
  • 2nd grader Benjamin Popielarz with Leslie Ambler
  • PreK student Peyton Mahns with her bubble gum portrait
  • Writer/artist connection: Emma Fischer (2nd grade) and Jaxson Williams (preK)

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(posted 6/11/2026)

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

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Book performance brought the joy of reading to our district’s preschoolers

8 Jun

The Webster School District’s youngest students danced, laughed, sang, and saw several children’s books come to life last Friday June 5 at the third annual Preschool Book Performance, organized and hosted by Webster Schroeder preschool teacher Jamie Palmer.

More than 300 preschool students, teachers and aides from the district’s seven elementary schools and Schroeder and Thomas high schools attended the performance in the Schroeder auditorium. As the audience members filed in and settled with great excitement into their seats, behind the curtain, an assortment of characters (including a wolf, cows, a dragon, bear, lion, donkey, duck, sheep, Elephant and Piggie, Ballet Cat and more) got into their costumes and arranged their props.

Ballet Cat herself (Jamie Palmer in her bright pink tutu) introduced the performance, which featured several of the preschoolers’ favorite children’s books and authors:

  • Ballet Cat: the Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
  • What’s Your Favorite Favorite? by Bob Shea
  • A Delicious Story by Barney Saltzberg
  • Oh! Are You Awake? by Bob Shea
  • Elephant and Piggie: Let’s Go for a Drive! by Mo Willems
  • My Friends Make Me Happy by Jan Thomas
  • My Toothbrush is Missing! by Jan Thomas

In between books, as cast members prepared behind the curtain, the young audience members danced and clapped to songs performed by Webster Public Library (WPL) Outreach Coordinator Jason Poole, and laughed at some pretty bad knock-knock jokes.

Jason Poole and Tanner Peters welcomed the students with music.
Shana Lynott and Hannah Baumgartner in Let’s Go For a Ride!

Palmer was supported by a talented cast of WPL staff members, Webster School District (WCSD) staff members and Schroeder students. I even got to play the supporting role of Grandma in What’s Your Favorite Favorite? Other performers included:

  • WPL Children and Family Experiences Librarian Hannah Baumgartner
  • WPL Assistant Director Shana Lynott
  • WCSD Special Education Consultant Teacher Bill Ambler
  • Webster Schroeder Librarian Jennifer Strege
  • WCSD Security Sentry Lynne Weeks
  • Webster Schroeder students Brody Walrath and Tanner Peters

You could definitely see the joy in the faces of the preschoolers as they danced and sang, laughed and clapped, and watched with delight as their favorite book characters came to life. And since there’s a new crop of preschoolers every year, you can bet this won’t be the last of these shows.

The cast of My Toothbrush is Missing!
Lynne Weeks takes her star turn as a dragon

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(posted 6/8/2026)

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

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Outdoor concerts at the middle schools will welcome summer

7 Jun

Next Thursday and Friday, June 11 and 12, Webster’s two middle schools will host some musical treats for the entire community, to bid goodbye to another school year and welcome summer.

On Thursday June 11, Spry Middle School and Webster Schroeder High School will team up to present their Summer Sendoff concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Students, families, and community members are invited to gather outside the Cafetorium doors near the southernmost parking lot, for an evening of music and treats. The concert will feature performances by student musicians from each school’s band, choir, and orchestra.

Spry Middle School is located at 119 South Ave.

On Friday June 12, from 6 p.m.until sundown, Willink Middle School will host their Third Annual Concert on the Lawn. I’m not certain what musical ensembles will be performing, but I imagine you can expect to see a variety of Willink M.S. and Thomas H.S. bad, chorus and orchestra groups as well.

I DO know that the Willink event will include community and craft vendors. Plus, please bring your gently used sporting equipment and musical instruments to donate to students in need, and/or an item for the Willink Food Pantry.

Willink Middle School is located at 900 Publishers Parkway.

Attendees for both events are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Food trucks will be on hand at both venues. Let’s hope for good weather and welcome summer with music!

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(posted 6/7/2026)

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Spry Middle School celebrates its 100th anniversary

2 Jun

Last September, you may remember, I wrote a History Bit piece about how Spry Middle School is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The school building, located in the Village of Webster at the corner of South Ave. and Sanford St., was built in 1925 to serve not as a middle school as it is now, but as the town’s high school, replacing the Webster Union Free School located just across the street. The new Webster High School welcomed its first students on September 17 of that year. It’s the only school building in the Village, and its long history makes it the oldest building in the district still being used for education.

To honor a century of learning, last Friday Spry held an anniversary ceremony during their morning broadcast. The celebration featured a terrific commemorative video featuring current and former teachers and principals, and does a nice job tracing the building’s history from when it was built in a unique “W” shape, through the recent renovations which have kept the school in step with today’s changing educational needs. It also includes a performance of the Spry Alma Mater.

The 10-minute video is well worth the watch. Click here to go to the Webster School District website to see it.

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(posted 6/2/2026)

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

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An update from our One Webster SparX team

10 May

Another SparX season is in the books! The 2026 competition season has officially ended, and our One Webster team made our town proud once again through their skill, teamwork, problem-solving, and sportsmanship.

Here’s a great round-up of the season from Tricia Isham, one of the team’s parent mentors:

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Each January, FIRST® Robotics Competition presents high school teams with a new engineering challenge that requires the design, programming, and construction of industrial-sized robots for alliance-based competitive play. Guided by mentors throughout the season, students develop technical, engineering, and problem-solving skills while strengthening teamwork, leadership, and communication abilities. In addition to competition, teams pursue fundraising efforts, engage in community outreach, and promote broader appreciation for STEM education.

Webster Schroeder and Thomas High Schools Team 1126 SparX Robotics, founded in the 2002-2003 competition year, continues to build on over two decades of innovation and competitive excellence. With 24 competition seasons under our belt, we have participated in 52 events and earned 30 awards, an achievement that reflects the dedication, resilience, and growth of our team year after year.

Our 2026 season began at the Finger Lakes Regional, held March 11–14 at the Gordon Field House at RIT during Week 2 of competition. Competing against 55 teams, SparX Robotics finished with a strong 7-3-0 record in qualification matches, ranking 14th overall. The team advanced into the double elimination bracket and battled through nine matches before being eliminated in Round 4. Notably, the team maintained a clean record with zero disqualifications, demonstrating both strong performance and disciplined play.

Like many teams competing early in the season, we took the opportunity between events to significantly improve our robot. This effort resulted in a rebuilt machine we named “Reboot,” reflecting both the technical upgrades and the renewed momentum of our team.

That work paid off at the New York Tech Valley Regional, held April 14–18 at MVP Arena in Albany during Week 7, an event that hosted around 60 teams. Competing with “Reboot,” SparX Robotics once again delivered a strong performance, finishing qualification matches with an 8-3-0 record and earning the 14th seed. The team advanced deep into the double elimination bracket, competing in eight playoff matches before being eliminated just prior to the final rounds. Throughout the competition, SparX maintained a perfect record of zero disqualifications.

One of our playoff matches can be viewed here: https://frc-events.firstinspires.org/2026/NYTR/playoffs/12

Across both competitions, SparX Robotics demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and steady growth. The transition to “Reboot” exemplifies our team’s ability to learn quickly, iterate effectively, and return stronger—qualities that will continue to drive our success in future seasons.If you want to get involved as a mentor or sponsor, or donate to our team (robots can cost $20,000 or more to build), or if you know of a Webster Central High School student who would like to join the team, please contact david_schenk@webstercsd.org or keith_karnisky@webstercsd.org. If your student wants to join, we can find a spot for them and their interests!

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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 5/10/2026)

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Calling all 1976 R.L. Thomas grads!

7 May
A few photos from the 30th reunion in 2006

Webster’s R.L. Thomas High School Class of 1976 has announced plans for their 50th reunion, and the organizing committee could use some help tracking down some of their classmates.

The reunion has been scheduled for the weekend of September 18 to 20, 2026, featuring three days of events including morning and evening activities, informal gatherings, a school tour, and more.

Here are the highlights:

  • Friday, September 18: 
    • The celebration kicks off with an informal gathering of R.L.  Thomas and H.W. Schroeder Class of 1976 graduates at 7:30 p.m. at Flaherty’s Three  Flags Restaurant, 1200 Bay Rd. (owned by classmate Terry Flaherty). 
  • Saturday, September 19:
    • Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. followed by a walk through the halls of Webster Thomas High School (formerly R.L. Thomas), a chance to revisit old memories and see how the school has changed over the last 50 years. 
    • At 7:30 p.m. that evening, plans are for a potential Fireworks Cruise on the Erie Canal or an informal gathering at the White House at Webster Park. More details to follow. 
  • Sunday, September 20:  
    • From 3 to 9 p.m., the formal R.L. Thomas 50th Reunion will occur at  the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Road, Webster. Catered by Charlie’s Restaurant (owned by classmate Jeff Reidel), the picnic will feature classic favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, salads, and  desserts.  Soft drinks will be provided, and a cash bar will be available. Music will be provided by classmate Jeff Engbrecht, who will DJ all our favorites from the  1960s and 1970s. The event will also include a photo booth and a full  group photo.

The first round of official invitations will be sent out in the next few weeks to everyone the committee has been able to locate to date. But there’s a handful of classmates they don’t know about. If you can provide any contact information for any of the following please email Cathy Miles Slocum at cslocum50@gmail.com: 

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(posted 5/7/2026)

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

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Pittman and Piwko are this year’s Oak Tree Award winners

6 May

Hot on the heels of yesterday’s blog about Webster Schroeder’s NYC Bound contestants, here’s more great news from our school district.

Congratulations to Greg Pittman and Meghann Piwko, this year’s recipients of the prestigious Oak Tree Award, recognizing outstanding excellence and dedication in teaching.

Piwko, the secondary level honoree, is a sixth-grade literacy teacher at Spry Middle School. She was nominated by both a former student and a building colleague. She’s recognized for radiating genuine positivity and defining the heart of her school through her exemplary dedication to her students, their families, and the district.

Highlighting her profound influence, nominators wrote that “Mrs. Piwko gracefully wears many hats, but I have always found her to be an invested, approachable, and knowledgeable educator.” They observed that “she creates an environment where students feel seen, safe, and truly ready to learn,” emphasizing that “she is an educator who understands that while test scores measure progress, it is her devotion to the human being behind the desk that truly changes lives.” Her impact extends into the community as well; as one nominator pointed out, “she organized the 9/11 ceremony by choosing students to read speeches in order to increase awareness of what happened that day and to honor local first responders for their contributions to our community.”

Pittman, the elementary level honoree, is a fourth-grade teacher at Schlegel Elementary School. Known for his collaborative spirit and proven leadership, he is celebrated for his commitment to equity and student growth. Colleagues and nominators (including two of his students’ parents) praised his work, writing that “the lasting impact of his teaching is evident in the excitement and enthusiasm former students show when they see him.” They described him as “an extraordinary educator who makes learning fun and engaging for his students,” adding that “he truly goes above and beyond in creating a positive rapport with his students and families.” (He’s pictured here with his wife Debbie.)

On April 24, representatives from the Webster Teachers Association (WTA) and the Webster Central PTSA, joined by school and district administrators, surprised Pittman and Piwko in their classrooms to share the exciting news. During the surprise visits, the winners were presented with their awards, flowers, and a cookie cake to celebrate their achievements. Both educators will be officially recognized and presented with their plaques at the upcoming Board of Education meeting on May 5.

The Oak Tree Award is presented annually by the WTA and the Webster Central PTSA as a way to acknowledge excellence in teaching in the district at the elementary and secondary levels. This year’s Oak Tree Committee received 60 nominations submitted by students, parents of current and former students, and education colleagues. All of the nominees demonstrated outstanding excellence in teaching and showed unwavering dedication to supporting students in achieving their full potential. In addition, they consistently contributed to their local communities and the Webster CSD. Congratulations to Pittman, Piwko and all of the nominees.

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(posted 5/6/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

3 May

There’s so much mailbag stuff coming through my email these days, I really should consider doing these more often …

Our first mailbag nugget this week is an interesting look at Webster history, sponsored by the Webster Museum this Wednesday, May 6. It’s the first in their three-part History and a Cup series, taking place all this month as part of National Historical Preservation Month.

  • On Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., Webster native (and former Village Mayor) Jake Swingly will talk about growing up in the village. He’ll also very likely tell you more about his beautiful home on East Main St., where his family has lived for three generations and which will be honored later this month with a historic plaque. (You can read more about that in tomorrow’s blog.)
  • On Tuesday, May 12, also at noon, Webster attorney Dave Corretore and his mother, Carolyn Corretore (retired Lucas Pharmacy pharmacist), will speak.
  • The final installment of the History and a Cup series will be Wednesday, May 20, and the speaker then is a surprise.

During these history chats, museum volunteers set up small tables, each with a plate of cookies, water and coffee. Attendees are welcome to bring a sandwich and eat lunch during the talks. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

Craft Sale!

Our Village of Webster Fire Department will be holding a Craft and Vendor Sale this Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Fireman’s Building on Sanford St., across from the south side of Fireman’s Field. All proceeds will benefit the WVFD.

From the library

Here are a few events especially for seniors at the Webster Public Library:

  • A Matter of Balance workshop series begins on Tuesday, May 5. The seven-part series is a combination of group discussion and movement designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling, increase confidence levels and increase physical activity. Classes will be held May 5, 19 and 26, and June 2, 9, 16 and 23. Please register here for each class you plan to attend.
  • Rochester Oratorio Society’s Harlem Renaissance Revisited, Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Resonanz Ensemble of the Rochester Oratorio Society looks back a century and more to the Rochester region’s Golden Era, the 1920s and 30s, through a narrative program of solo vocal and choral music. Registration is required.
  • Lifespan’s “Together Today” Memory Cafe will be at the library on Wednesday, May 27 from noon to 2 p.m. Caregivers and their partners living with dementia are invited to attend for lunch, socializing and entertainment from local musician Chip Milligan. This is a FREE event is but registration is required.

Find out more about these events and other events and resources for seniors by subscribing to the library’s new Senior Newsletter. You’ll find the sign-up link here.

Here’s a quick look at what else is going on at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • This month’s community exchange is mugs! Check those cabinets for ones you never use and swap them for something new to you.
  • The community Donation Station in May will be collecting new toothbrushes and toothpaste. The Webster Food Insecurity Coalition will distribute donations to Webster families in need.
  • The Friends of the Public Library have scheduled a Vintage Book Sale for Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will feature more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th century and the early 21st century. Some titles include first editions, early printings, and books that appear to have been signed by the author. Many include dust jackets and nearly all books are in good or better condition. Prices start at $8 and prices are firm. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.
  • Saturday May 9 is Love Your Library Day. Celebrate your love for the WPL with crafts, a scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, face painting, snacks, and a storytime at 10:30 a.m., featuring some special Webster High School guests.
  • Mike O’Brian, the “Getaway Guy,” will present a talk on Spring and Summer Getaways on Monday, May 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • This month’s Make it Monday for teens and tweens is Glass Magnet Buggles, on Monday May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 through 12 and adults are welcome. Register here.
  • Outdoor storytimes have ramped up for the summer! They take place at Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd., every Wednesday from May 20 through Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. All ages are welcome.

Get some flowers for Mom!

The Webster Arboretum Association’s Spring Plant Sale is back, scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.

This sale is just blooming with beautiful, healthy live plants which are grown by local garden clubs and local commercial growers in local soil, so they’re going to grow in your garden, too. Garden Club members will also share their favorite plants from their own gardens. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a Mother’s Day gift. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Also, next week, on Tuesday May 12, the Arboretum will present a program on Companion Planting, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Companion planting is a gardening practice where plants are grown together for mutual benefit, such as deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health, and maximizing space. There’s no charge, but please click here to register for this event.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Meet the Supervisor

Supervisor Scialdone is continuing to host regular Community Office Hours, opportunities to let your Town representatives know what’s important to you.

The next office hours are:

  • Monday, May 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Town Board Room (1002 Ridge Road)
  • Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Road)

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the Supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Get your tickets now for the Wine Walk

The next Village of Webster Wine Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. I will very likely be writing up another blog about this fun event in the next several days, but in the meantime, if you’d like more details, click here. If you already know that you definitely want to attend get your tickets soon because the Wine Walks always sell out.

Dinner and a vote

If you’re planning to come out to Webster Schroeder on Tuesday, May 19 for the WCSD budget vote (and you definitely should), don’t worry about grabbing dinner, because the Webster Marching Band has got you covered.

The band will be hosting their annual BBQ dinner fundraiser on Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School, where the vote will be taking place. Dinners will include chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, a roll and water, and will be provided by Chiavetta’s.

Tickets are $15, and you’ll want to order your ahead to guarantee your meal, since only a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone who did not reserve ahead of time. Click here to get your tickets.

More good food for a great cause

The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a full meal including: salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink (bottled water, tea, and coffee). Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. While you’re there, check out the bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Comfort Care Home.

The Webster Masons hold a spaghetti dinner on the first Friday of every month from October through June and each benefits a Webster charity or not-for-profit organization.

ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd.

Happy news from the Chamber

Finally, this bit of happy news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

At the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s April Monthly Meeting, Community Bank, N.A. generously donated $3,500 to help fund the Webster Community Chest’s Meal Center. The Meal Center provides recipe-based meals to our neighbors suffering from food insecurity. This is much needed as demand has increased to more than two times the 2025 levels. Pictured (L-R) are Michael Grenier, Ginny Nguyen, Bob Fenton and Ryan Johnson.

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(posted 5/3/2026)

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

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Webster Thomas art students collaborate with local photographers for month-long exhibition

28 Apr

The greater Rochester community is invited to view the results of a unique collaborative effort between some very talented Webster Thomas High School art students and two local photographers, Quajay Donnell and Richard Colón.

The project began when Webster Thomas art teacher Todd Stahl assigned his Studio in Art students — mostly freshmen — a project based on photographs taken around Rochester by Donnell and Colón. The students carefully cropped their selected images to compose their pieces and then transformed the photographs into striking paintings. The resulting works of art are extraordinary, capturing a wealth of personality and intricate detail.

When Donnell and Colón visited the classroom and saw the impressive works in progress, they were so moved by the students’ talents that they pitched an exciting idea: hosting a professional gallery show to display the students’ work at a gallery they curate.

The resulting exhibition is called Their Eyes, Our Hands, and will be on display for the entire month of May at Behind the Glass Gallery in downtown Rochester.

Their Eyes, Our Hands will feature the paintings of the 20 students, proudly displayed alongside prints of the original reference photographs taken by Donnell and Colón. This unique layout will allow attendees to see the direct inspiration behind each student’s creative interpretation of Rochester’s sights. Student artists include Zoe Abiade, Hana Arap, Lina Barco-Dimaggio, Emma Conley, Noah Drojak, Sophia Eren, Gracie Frank, Mia Imperato, Molly Lowenguth, Penny Ricci, Amina Robinson, Karleigh Sackett, Jaylee Santana, Lucas Scerra, Allie Spitzer, Vivian Stoch, Leah Stronach, Adam Supinski, Andrew Torres, and Lianna Williams.

The Their Eyes, Our Hands art exhibition will kick off with an opening reception on Friday May 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will take place at the Behind The Glass gallery, located on the second floor of Farmhouse Table at 90 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester. For those unable to attend the opening reception, the display will remain up and open to the public throughout the entire month of May during normal business hours: Monday and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(The art on the poster was created by Grace Frank)

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(posted 4/28/2026)

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Schroeder Theater Company brings The Outsiders to the stage, with a special performance for seniors

17 Apr

Schroeder Theater Company will bring S.E. Hinton’s classic 1967 novel The Outsiders to the stage for four shows next Thursday through Saturday, April 23 to 25.

Not familiar with The Outsiders? Here’s a synopsis:

Whether it’s Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s or Webster, NY in 2026, there have always been “outsiders” — outcasts, underdogs, and those who are simply misunderstood. The story follows Ponyboy Curtis (Evan Burdick) and the rest of his Greaser gang (Rowan Murphy, Brody Walrath, Brock Brinkman and Lukas Vega) as they try to survive the hardships of growing up, all while attempting to de-escalate rising tensions with their affluent rival gang, “The Socs.” It’s a poignant coming-of-age tale which tackles violence, heartbreak, and tragedy head-on.

Show times are Thursday through Saturday, April 23 to 25 at 7 p.m. each night, plus a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. All shows will be held at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $10 and seating is general admission. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door, but note that all at-the-door ticket sales are cash only.

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The talented Schroeder Theater cast will also be presenting a special performance of The Outsiders just for our Webster senior citizens on Wednesday, April 29.

The event will begin at 9:15 a.m. at Schroeder High School with light refreshments and an opportunity check out some of the artwork recently on display at Community Arts Day, created by students from prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Following the morning reception, attendees will head into the auditorium for the two-hour performance beginning at 10 a.m.

Advance registration is required. Attendees must register online here. The performance is free but a $5 donation is suggested and can be paid upon arrival to help support the production costs of the show.

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(posted 4/17/2026)

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