Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 38th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 5 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.
Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.
This year’s production is called “Death of Star.” The This performance will take the audience on a journey through a star’s life cycle, from its brilliant beginnings to its transformation into a black hole. The show opens with vibrant music and colors, representing a massive star in its prime, and closes with the final movement depicting the star’s explosive end.
Sounds A-MAZING!
This year’s competitors include bands from Marcus Whitman, LeRoy, Rochester, Hilton, Greece, Webster, Orchard Park, East Irondequoit, Medina, Victor, and Lancaster. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Pre-sale tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) They can also be purchased online (for details see the poster below.) Tickets will be $12 at the door, and under 5 is free.
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Here’s a nice feature about some Webster musicians who recently earned some recognition at the International Drum Corps Competition, held earlier this month in Indianapolis. A thousand thanks to Kathy Taddeo, who wrote the following article for me, and her daughter Tracy Dennis, who was at the event watching her son, William Small, compete, who gathered all the details and took the photos.
Miguel OvandoDylan HickeyWill Small
WEBSTER STUDENTS TAKE HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL DRUM CORPS COMPETITIONS
This year’s World Championships of International Drum Corps included several students and alumnae from Webster.
Thomas graduate and Clarkson University student William Small and Schroeder graduate and Fredonia University student Dylan Hickey returned last weekend from World Championship Drum Corps International finals in Indiana. Their Spartans corps, organized out of New Hampshire, has been touring the eastern United States for the last seven weeks. Spartans’ beautifully written and choreographed pageant of music and movement, daily grueling training and fierce competitive spirit led them to victory. They are now 2024 DCI World Champions, Open Class; that’s William and Dylan and some 160 other young people ages 14-22.
Watch for the Spartans next Thanksgiving; in recognition of their achievement, they’ve been invited to march in the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Here are some details about the Webster students who participated:
The Spartans Drum Corps, is based in New Hampshire. In winning the distinction of Open Class World Champions, they won by only .5 point, beating out nine other bands. Its members include William Small (Aerospace major from Clarkson) and Dylan Hickey (Music Performance, SUNY Fredonia).
The Bluecoats Drum Corps, based in Ohio, was named Champions in the World Class. They beat 11 other bands by more than a full point. Performing with this band is Miguel Ovando (Music Education SUNY Fredonia).
Jersey Surf Drum Corps, based in New Jersey, also completed in the World Class. They didn’t make it past the semi-final round, but put on an outstanding show nonetheless. Band members include Rafael Ovando and Natalia Lopez.
The White Sabers Drum Corps, based in Rochester, came in 7th place in the All Ages Class. Webster students who perform with this band include Aaron Albert, Jason Auld, Molly Jaeger, Alex Munsuy, David Nilmeier and Bella Olschweski.
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My own 50th high school class reunion is coming up in a few years, so this email that came my way recently piqued my interest.
The Webster Thomas/Schroeder class of 1975 will be holding their 50th class reunion on July 26, 2025. Plans are already in motion, but right now organizers are really focused on trying to contact as many former classmates as they can. They’re looking for emails for all of the students from the Class of ’75 from Webster Thomas and Schroeder, so they can keep everyone informed about the latest updates.
R Community Bikes will be holding a bike donation event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday Aug. 10 at the Webster-Fairport Elks Lodge, 1066 Jackson Rd.
This incredible organization, based on Hudson Ave. in the City of Rochester, accepts any and all types of bikes, both children’s and adult, regardless of condition. They also gladly accept bike parts, tools and other cycling items such as bells, locks, lights, baskets, bags, trailers, and car racks (but not helmets or cycling shoes). Bikes with special value will be evaluated and possibly sold, with the proceeds going directly back into the program to purchase parts, supplies and tools. Receipts are available upon request.
R Community Bikes is a grassroots organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, that collects and repairs used bicycles for distribution, free of charge, to the Rochester, NY area’s children and adults. They give away over 2,000 bicycles every year and do over 3,000 repairs for their clients, many of whom depend on bicycles as their main source of transportation. In addition, they provide bicycles or repair services to dozens of community organizations, including church groups, youth centers, and neighborhood associations.
Rec Center at the Red Wings
If you haven’t gotten your fill of Rochester Red Wings games this season, here’s a good opportunity to do so, at a great price.
On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.
The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; you can use the QR code on the flyer, or click here.
Webster Union Cemetery turns 200
Here’s a reminder about a great opportunity to learn more about Webster history by actually speaking to some of its earliest settlers. (Well, not really. But we can pretend.)
On Saturday Aug. 17 From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Webster Union Cemetery will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.
The celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.
Read more about this important celebration in this blog.
Free rabies clinic
On Wednesday Aug. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Town of Webster is partnering with Monroe County Department of Public Health to host a free rabies vaccination clinic at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.
All dogs in the Town of Webster are required to be licensed with proof of a current rabies vaccination.
Support the Marching Band. Eat good food
The Webster Marching Band will host a Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday Aug. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fireman’s Field, 172 Sanford St.
The band promises at least 13 food trucks and vendors, more than 30 draft vendors, a kids’ play place ($10 per child), free face painting, vendor raffles and a 50/50 drawing. The band will also be offering a preview of their 2024 show, “Death of a Star,” with performances at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Breakfast is Aug. 23
The Webster Chamber of Commerce’s next monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, is Friday Aug. 23 from 7 to 8:30 a.m.
There’s a new location! For as long as I have been attending them, they’ve been held at the Webster Chamber of Commerce. But beginning this month, the meetings will be held at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members at the door. Beverages will be ready to enjoy during networking time. At 7:30 a.m., the breakfast buffet is served, which you’ll enjoy while getting to know other Chamber visitors and members seated at your table. After breakfast, every attendee will get a chance to introduce themselves at pass-the-mic time, and door prizes will also be awarded. Donate a door prize and you’ll get even more recognition for your business or organization.
These events are open to the public as well as Chamber members. Cost is $19 and reservations are required. Click here to do so.
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Alumni of the old Webster High School (now Spry Middle School) will be gathering in a few weeks to share stories, get reacquainted with classmates and remember lost friends, when the Webster High School Alumni Committee hosts its alumni dinner.
The dinner, hosted this year by the Webster Golf Club on Sunday Aug. 11, is held annually for WHS graduates from 1949 through 1962, when the last class graduated from the old high school building on South Ave. More than 60 alumni (and their guests) attended last year’s dinner, and organizers hope that at least as many will be able to make it this time.
The program will begin with greetings from the Alumni Committee president Linda Briggs Auer ’59 and vice president Jude Beh Lancy ’59, followed by dinner, a short business meeting, a 50/50 raffle and a centerpiece raffle. Class members from this year’s “honor years” — 1944, 1949, 1954 and 1959 — will receive special recognition. And of course, the evening concludes with a recitation of the Alma Mater.
This is always a wonderful event filled with friendship and memories.
Linda Auer and Jude Lancy welcome alumni at last year’s dinnerA few scenes from last year
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The beginning of the new school year is coming fast, so before long we’ll be thinking about buying supplies, getting up early again, and catching the bus.
For our youngest students, getting on a big school bus on that first day of school can be a little scary. A great program called Strive for Five for School Bus Safety helps allay some of those fears.
The program will be held from Aug. 5 to 8 at Willink Middle School. Now in its 17th year, it’s designed for 2024/25 incoming kindergartners giving our youngest One Webster students a chance to become familiar with school buses and learn important safety procedures.
New kindergartners (no additional children please) and their parents/guardians will board buses at Willink (900 Publisher’s Parkway) at 5:50 p.m. Buses will depart promptly at 6 p.m. and children and their parents will be transported to the bus garage at 1000 Document Drive for a fun and informative safety program, then ride the buses again back to Willink.
While at the bus garage, students will rotate through stations teaching them important safety elements, including:
Loading and unloading the bus
Proper crossing procedures
Danger zones surrounding the bus
Appropriate behavior on the bus
Emergency equipment/evacuation
Families are asked to attend the evening assigned to their particular school as indicated below, if at all possible. If you can’t make your assigned evening, you can come on another, but the district really likes to spread everyone out as much as possible.
August 5 – Plank South August 6 – Klem North and State Rd. August 7 – Klem South and Plank North August 8 – Dewitt Rd. and Schlegel Rd.
Private and parochial students residing in the Webster Central School District can attend any one of the four dates. Families should already have received an email explaining more about the program.
The program will be held outside and will take place rain or shine.
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I love highlighting our young people, because kids are actually doing good things in our community, and we don’t often hear about it when they do.
Today I’m happy to pass along news of this year’s WCSD Citizenship Award winners. The award is given out annually by the Webster Retired Educators Association, honoring one fifth grade student at each of our seven elementary schools who exemplify the qualities of service, scholarship, leadership, and sportsmanship. They participate actively in school and community activities, use their best ability consistently in all subject areas, demonstrate leadership abilities in a variety of school activities, and treat classmates with fairness, respect, generosity, and courtesy.
This year’s winners are Kylie Swallow (Dewitt Rd.), Alainna Mee (Klem Rd. North), Anastasia Piwko (Klem Rd. South), Ellice Hall (Plank Rd. North), Benjamin Baker (Plank Rd. South), Clara Kovach (Schlegel Rd.), and Olivia Tymkiv (State Rd.).
Here’s what their teachers had to say about these star students:
Kylie Swallow is DeWitt Road Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner. She starts each day with a positive attitude and models scholarship, leadership, and sportsmanship in all areas of life. In the classroom, she’s a model of Cooperation, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence (C.A.R.E.). Kylie puts 100% effort into her learning, being an active participant and asking intriguing questions that spark curiosity in others. She demonstrates leadership by applying new strategies during group work, works hard, and is persistent in the classroom. Kindness is always on her mind. She is a C.A.R.E. leader, runs food drives, and leads morning meetings. She also volunteers in other classrooms and has even given up her recess to join a class in physical education (PE) to help encourage students to do their best! She is also a member of the band. Outside of school, Kylie enjoys basketball. Whether dribbling down the basketball court during recess or playing a competitive game in the classroom or gym, she’s the first to celebrate someone else’s success because she respects everyone to the fullest. She has natural talent in anything competitive and leads her team to success, all while staying humble and kind.
Alainna Mee, Klem Rd. North Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner, shows leadership qualities and a caring attitude, is courteous, and is helpful to others. She excels in the classroom and in the Webster community. When asked to describe her, teachers use words like “positive, humorous, genuinely kind, responsible, selfless, and cooperative.” Alainna shared her love of learning as a second grade reading buddy. She is also a member of the Klem North Band and has performed at Community Arts Day and Solo Festivals, where she received two outstanding ratings. Alainna also participates in chorus and was selected to the All-County chorus this year. Outside of school she’s plays with the the Lakefront Soccer team and dances with the Deborah McKay School of Dance, where she’s studied tap, jazz, and ballet since the age of 4. She also actively participates in Girl Scouts, where she consistently sells more than 300 boxes of cookies each year. Alainna shows integrity at school and in the community. She’s quick to lend a hand to a student in need and always makes a conscious effort to include all students. Her caring heart, positive attitude and amazing sense of humor make her the true definition of a Klem North Star.
Anastasia Piwko is Klem Road South Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner. Throughout the school year, she demonstrated scholarship. Teachers can count on her to participate in lessons, put her best effort into her work, collaborate respectfully with her peers, and offer a kind word to anyone who might need it. She takes pride in a job well done and consistently goes above and beyond in all that she does. Anastasia demonstrates leadership and service within her school community. You might find her being a role model to younger students as a first grade safety patrol member or you might hear her musical talents as she plays in the Klem South Band, competes at Solo Fest, sings in the chorus, or performs in the Klem South musical. Anastasia shows good sportsmanship outside of school where she has played basketball and lacrosse. But nothing compares to her love of gymnastics, where she’s always working hard to learn and practicing new skills. Anastasia even took her gymnastics skills to new heights when she took aerial arts lessons, using silks and hoops to do tricks 10 feet off the ground. She is also highly creative, having taught herself how to crochet.
Ellice Hall, Plank Rd. North Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner, consistently demonstrates all of the criteria set forth for this honor. She always pushes herself to do her best, and follows through on all assignments and activities in school. No matter the task or activity, Ellice does not waver in her commitment to it. She is an active member of her school community, each morning and afternoon serving as a library helper, as part of the safety patrol, as a member of the winning Battle of the Books team, and as the Scarecrow in this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Whether Ellice is playing a game in physical education class or working with her group on a novel in the classroom, she is able to set the right tone for a positive and productive experience as a leader as well as a team player. She is respected by her peers and is a role model to all. The final year of elementary school can be a challenging one, but Ellice has soared in independence, motivation and organization.
Benjamin Baker is Plank Road South Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner. He’s recognized for his good citizenship, leadership and character. Benjamin has been a shining example of a role model, both within and outside of school. He’s rocked the stage with his musical talent in band and represented his classmates well within the student council. A natural leader, he listens to all ideas, and helps his peers come to a consensus in a respectful manner. Benjamin’s impact goes beyond school activities. He’s dedicated his time to serve others in the community, volunteering and making a positive difference. Plank South teachers and administrators have said he’s an incredible, kindhearted student who’s always willing to help others. He has a positive attitude and works hard at whatever he does. He’s kind to peers and they gravitate towards him. He leads by example. Benjamin uses his voice with purpose, whether it’s to meaningfully engage in class discussions, to tell a joke to make someone’s day, or to stand up for a friend in need. He’s responsible, hard-working, creative, kind to others, and patient.
Clara Kovach, Schlegel Rd. Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner, exemplifies outstanding behavior and character, and is a true role model, consistently demonstrating the C.A.R.E. attributes and essential skills. Choosing to be kind, showing respect, and being her highest self comes naturally to her. Her positive attitude is contagious to those around her. Clara is a self-motivated learner, a leader by example, and a kindhearted friend. She lends a hand to anyone in need. Her kindness and empathetic nature help others feel comfortable. Clara strives to be her very best and takes pride in her academics. She consistently uses feedback to improve their work and challenge herself to grow. Clara takes all of her responsibilities seriously, including orchestra, chorus and CREW assemblies. She’s attended art club, and has researched and shared a couple of change makers this year for the announcements. She’s just as active and dedicated outside of school participating in gymnastics and book clubs, and she loves crafts, reading, and writing short stories. Her new hobby is crocheting and sewing, and she always enjoys family time. She makes new friends wherever she goes.
Olivia Tymkiv is State Rd. Elementary School’s Citizenship Award winner. Classmates, teachers, and administrators say she exemplifies the Excellence in C.A.R.E. every day, is eager to learn, willing to help others achieve, and shows kindness and grace to everyone. Olivia approaches challenges with a positive attitude and isn’t afraid to take chances. She’s respectful, shows integrity, asks questions, completes work to the best of her ability, and can be counted on to be a helper and role model to her peers. She embraces opportunities to participate in extra activities, such as an optional fourth grade book club. She has also been one of State Rd.’s flag bearers, and helps on the bus loop even when she’s not officially on safety patrol that term. Olivia participated in the morning announcements, joined groups like Lego club, and has participated in science fairs over the years. She’s musically talented and enjoys singing in chorus as well as playing the viola in orchestra. She’s donated her time and given up many recesses to support the PE teachers with the set-up and break-down of equipment and is a fabulous bus buddy. Olivia encourages others to be their best selves while continuing to grow herself. She comes from a family who is steadfast in their faith and service, and she spends quality time with them.
Each honoree received a medal and their name engraved on a plaque that is displayed in their elementary school. Additionally, the honorees will be recognized at the first Webster CSD Board of Education meeting in September, followed by a reception sponsored by the WREA.
Congratulations to these kids and good luck as you continue your educational careers!
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Here’s a somewhat sad — but inspirational — story about four good friends, all State Rd. Elementary School teachers, and the kindness and unwavering support they’ve shown each other through some of life’s darkest times.
Our story begins last August, just before school started, when Lisa Babineau, a psychologist at State Rd. Elementary School, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She began her 4-week course of radiation at the Pluta Cancer Center in September.
Now, they have something really neat at Pluta, called the “Poncho Project.” At the very beginning of their course of radiation, every breast cancer patient is given a bright pink fleece poncho instead of a standard-issue hospital gown. The poncho serves two purposes: to keep the patient warm and comfortable and reduce the embarrassment often caused by the ill-fitting and revealing hospital gowns.
Each poncho is made by a volunteer and comes with a tag which reads,
This poncho was designed by one of Dr. Marilyn Ling’s patients who felt the standard-issue hospital gown was a poor choice for women undergoing daily radiation treatments. We hope that you will use this poncho as a daily reminder that you have warmth and support enveloping you.
Lisa, of course, wore it every day while she was undergoing treatment.
“I think it’s really comfortable, and it feels like a hug,” she said. “They didn’t want women feel like they have to get in a gown every day of radiation, so you get to wear this poncho, and you feel the support and love of all the women who have come before you.”
As it so happened, some months earlier, State Rd. 5th grade teacher Sandy Pray was also diagnosed with cancer. Hers was so invasive, however, that her treatment began with surgery and chemotherapy. She was going to the Lipson Cancer Institute, which doesn’t hand out ponchos to its patients. No worries, however. By the time Sandy had completed the first steps of her treatment, Lisa was done with her radiation. She handed the warm and wonderful poncho over to her good friend Sandy, who used it through her seven weeks of radiation.
It would be great if our story ended there, but it did not. During Sandy’s course of treatment, Pat Sweetland, a regular and well-beloved State Rd. Elementary School substitute, was also diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sandy remembered that Pat had messaged her to tell her what was going on. “(Pat) said, ‘We’re in a club that nobody wants to be in.'”
By now, all of the State Rd. friends had been supporting each other for so long that Pat knew in the back of her mind that she’d be inheriting the poncho. She remembers the day Sandy brought it to Plank Rd. North, where she was substituting.
“(The secretary) brought it right down to me,” Pat remembered. “She said ‘Open it up, we want to see what’s in it.’ … I said, ‘What is this?’ And then I realized.” It came with a sweet note from Sandy, which read, “We’re passing on the love that we shared.”
Pat Sweetland began her 4-week course of radiation in January. When she was done, she returned the poncho to Lisa Babineau for safekeeping, hoping it would never again see the light of day.
If would be great if our story ended there, but it did not.
“I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I’m the end of the chain,” Pat said. “But I know this is going to somebody, and that’s kind of depressing. But wonderful.”
She was right. This past March — exactly one year from the day that Sandy Pray was diagnosed with a rare cancer — Patti Feeley, a retired 4th grade State Rd. Elementary teacher, was diagnosed with the exact same cancer.
“I went to visit Lisa one day,” Patti said. “She went into the closet and came out with a bag, and said, here’s your poncho.” Patti began her radiation treatments this week.
It’s hard to believe that four teachers who work in the same school could all be diagnosed with breast cancer within one year. But it’s been a real blessing that these friends have been able to support each other in such a meaningful way.
Patti said, “The teachers just circle the wagons … current teachers and lot of the retired teachers that we’ve known for years. Your mailbox is just overflowing with notes and cards, (saying) you’ve got this. There’s nothing like our camaraderie.”
“It’s a club nobody wants to belong to,” she continued. “But if you have to belong to it, it’s a good thing to have each other.”
“There’s nothing like teacher love.”
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I’ve written many a time about the graduate parades that happen every June at the end of the school year. It’s a day when our Webster Thomas and Schroeder seniors hop on buses and return to the halls of the elementary schools where they began their Webster school careers. This year the parade took place on Thursday, June 13.
This is always a highly anticipated event, a meaningful way to celebrate our seniors and remind them how far they’ve come. There are always lots of hugs, and more than a few tears shed from teachers when they recognize their former elementary students, now adults.
But this year’s parade at State Rd. Elementary School was especially poignant.
Now-retired State Rd. Elementary first grade teacher AnnMarie Johansson brought this story to my attention. Among this year’s seniors are the first graders she had back in 2013. That year, Johansson also had a 20-year old student teacher, Joanne Krutchen, whom the students affectionately called “Miss K.”
That summer of 2013, Miss K was in a terrible accident. She and four of her friends — now known as the “Cal-Mum 5” — were driving along North Rd. in Wheatland when their car was broadsided by a tractor trailer. Joanne survived, but three of the young people died.
Johansson wrote,
I remember watching the news and seeing the report of the accident. I saw Joanne’s name and my heart sank. I immediately messaged the parents of my students in case word got back to them. All of our hearts were broken, but we were going to support Miss K.
In the ensuing months, the students and their families came together to show that support. In September the kids held a lemonade stand at the Joe Obbie’s Farm Market and raised more than $2600 to help pay Miss K’s medical bills. (Complete with hand-made t-shirts and posters — check out the photo slideshow below.) And that Christmas, they devised a 12-days of Christmas theme gift for her, featuring a different hand-crafted gift for each day.
Arriving at State Rd.Students lined the hallways to cheer for the graduatesRyan Baker hugs Miss K
It’s been 11 years since Joanne Krutchen was the student teacher in Johansson’s classroom. But Miss K never forgot those students who were so kind to her. And on Thursday, she was one of the honored guests as those first graders, now Webster Schroeder High School seniors, returned to State Rd. Elementary.
Krutchen staked out a spot right by the school’s main office to greet the graduates as they filed by. There were a lot of hugs and, yes, some tears.
“These kids did a lot,” she said. “They made a huge impact on my life. And at that age to go above and beyond … It reminds me there’s still good in the world after such tragedy.”
By the way, Miss K is now Mrs. Hammond. She’s a special education teacher in the Le Roy Central School District. Less than a year and a half after her accident, she ran a half marathon. (Read the D&C story about that here.) She married her high school sweetheart, and has two little girls.
And she still tells people about when her former students gifted her with the 12 Days of Christmas so many years ago, when she really needed their love and support.
Here’s a slideshow of photos from the lemonade stand, and the class photo from 2013 (courtesy AnnMarie Johansson):
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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.
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.
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.
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.
These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for WednesdayJuly 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:
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 Fairand 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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It’s that time of year again, when our graduating seniors are taking their final exams, saying goodbye to high school and starting to plan for college, or the military, or a job in the skilled trades. Those are great options for most of our district’s seniors, but what about those who are “graduating” from one of the high schools’ special education classes? Those same options are really not available to them.
Thanks to a collaborative program between the Webster Central School District (CSD) and St. John Fisher University, those students are not cast out rudderless into the professional world. Instead, they can continue their education and learn important life skills at the Webster Postsecondary Program.
The program, now in its 13th year, serves as a transitional step for special education students ages 18 to 22. Its mission is to assist young adults with disabilities to strengthen their daily living, social/personal, and occupational skills, with the ultimate goal to guide their transition to living as independently as possible.
Three districts participate in the program: Webster, Brighton and West Irondequoit. Webster special education teacher Jen Hackett describes it as “kind of like a mini-community before (the students) hit the big community.”
Classes follow the regular Webster CSD calendar, and each week focus on a different set of life skills. They’re the kinds of skills which most of us take for granted and are critical to living in the greater society — like sending emails, opening and maintaining a bank account, taking a bus and making a 911 call — but which can be challenging for these young adults. Other lessons focus on eating healthy foods, managing personal space, improving communication skills and honing their workplace skills. And because taking care of yourself is equally important, there’s also time set aside every week for exercise — walking or working out in the weight room.
Every Friday, the theme culminates in a group activity which reinforce the week’s lessons, like going to a restaurant and ordering from a menu, or visiting the 911 call center and practicing making a 911 call.
It’s all about introducing functional skills, then practicing them a lot and role-playing so the students feel confident and comfortable interacting in the greater society.
One of the most important parts of every day, however, happens most afternoons, when the students leave the classroom and take buses to work actual jobs. Several local businesses partner with the program to provide practical work experience, including Bill Grays, Walmart, the YMCA, St. John Fisher and CDS Monarch.
In every instance, it’s been a win/win situation for everyone.
“We have some really hard-working students here,” Hackett said. “Our employers tell us they’re always on time, and they work harder than other students because they take it seriously and are reliable. … They have great skills and they take a lot of pride in their work.”
And that’s what it’s all about: helping these kids acquire the life skills that will lead them to fulfilling, independent lives.
“If you ask the students, they want to be independent,” Hackett said. “It’s about self-determination and helping students to figure out what they want in their life. It’s whatever their real dreams are and helping them to get to their dreams.”
Hackett would love to hear from any business owners who would like to provide work opportunities for students in the WSCD Postsecondary Program. Even one-time projects would work, like setting up for a big event (like a grand opening), doing some landscaping or assembling a mailing.
“We like to give them a taste of different jobs,” Hackett said. Job coaching will be provided, as well as transportation to and from the job site.
If you’re interested in partnering with the WCSD for this great program, email Jen Hackett atJen_hackett@webstercsd.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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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