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Webster community mailbag

16 May

Got a lot of sensitive documents that need shredding?

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

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

This notice from the Webster Central School District:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All through April, whenever they set up shop at Walmart or Lowe’s, the young ladies would not just sell cookies to all of us who didn’t get enough thin mints. They also took orders for cookies to be included in care packages being put together by the Blue Star Mothers for our locally deployed troops, which will be mailed out in June. Service members love Girl Scout cookies, as you can imagine. And even after they’ve been bounced around the world, and even if they arrive in crumbs, they’re still treasured.

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

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

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

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

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(posted 5/16/2024)

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DeWitt Rd. student wins Do the Right Thing Award

14 May

Asher Simpson, a second grader at DeWitt Road Elementary School, was honored on May 2 at the Do The Right Thing Awards ceremony. 

The Do The Right Thing Award is a program of the Rochester Police Department that seeks to foster positive relationships between local law enforcement and youth in the community. The award recognizes youth for their bravery, courage, and valor, such as volunteering, aiding law enforcement or other first responders, acts of heroism, leadership, and positive role model behavior. 

The award distinguishes school-aged children who strive to make good choices, do well in school, give back to their community, or demonstrate a “turn-around” or improvement in their behavior, and to publicly highlight these students and their stories in the news and social media to show that good kids are newsworthy.   

The Webster Police Department nominated Asher for the award due to his bravery during a police event that occurred while he was in a store where a theft was taking place.

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

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

(posted 5/7/2024)

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Girls on the Run could use some volunteers

7 May

The 2024 Girls on the Run season is coming to a close, and the organization is looking for a few volunteers to help out at their culminating event, a 5K race held at MCC in Brighton on June 1.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service as they train for the end-of-season 5K.

I had the pleasure of attending one of these events a few years ago, and it’s a blast. Basically, it’s a huge party, attended by lots of teams and hundreds of girls coming together to celebrate their successes. The air’s filled with happiness, excitement, positivity and a real sense of pride in accomplishment.

As many as 100 volunteers are needed for the event to be successful. There are lots of ways you can help out:

  • Registration
  • Star Power Hour activity leaders
  • Medal station
  • Course marshals
  • Water station
  • Happy Hair stations
  • Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester. Last year’s 5K events brought together more than 2,000 participants including program participants, their family and friends and community members. For more information about the event, how to register and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gotrrochester.org/5K.

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

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

(posted 5/7/2024)

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Oak Tree Award winners announced

3 May
Carolyn Stahl (center)
Jeff Darling (center)

Congratulations to this year’s Oak Tree Award winners for excellence in teaching: Carolyn Stahl and Jeff Darling.

Stahl, this year’s secondary level recipient, is an English teacher at Webster Thomas High School. She’s a 25-year veteran educator in the district and currently teaches grades 9 and 12.  

Darling, this year’s elementary level recipient, is an instructional specialist at Plank Road North Elementary School. He has also taught fourth grade, fifth grade, and has been an enrichment specialist in his 17 years in the district.

Stahl and Darling were surprised at their schools on April 24 when Superintendent of Schools Brian Neenan joined Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA) representatives to present the plaques, which will hang in their buildings for one year. Each also received a framed certificate, acorn pin and $500 stipend from the award committee. They’ll be officially recognized at the Webster CSD Board of Education meeting on May 7.  

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 37 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues. Other nominees included Eleni Prosser, Taylor Haupt, Lauren Pagano, Gabrielle Gruttadaro, Kelly Bruhnsen, Kim Ebbecke, Leslie Popchoke, Heather Taylor, Carrie Zugelder, Dan Graf, Susan Bjarnar, Cathy Bradley, Cory Gomez, Rebecca Margiotta, Lori Ford, Dana Graf, April Masucci, Carolyn Charleton, Brianne Cipura, Sarah Mitchell, Mike Vanderwoude, Ian Insley, Carly Smith, Anne Marie Visca, Francine Barnes, Dan DeStephano, Gail Pittinaro, Carleen Fallone, Philip Zola, David Monson, Kyle Sackett, Jennifer Cos, Jill Baker, Elizabeth Vandetti, and Mary Hurley.

Congratulations to Carolyn Stahl, Jeff Darling and all the Oak Tree nominees.

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

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

(posted 5/3/2024)

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A sneak peek at Little Women

24 Apr

Holy cow, does Webster Schroeder High School have some amazingly talented actors.

I’ve long known that was the case, and have remarked on that before here in my blog. But Wednesday evening I was reminded of that again when I was invited to sit in on the final dress rehearsal for Schroeder Drama Club’s presentation of Little Women, which will take the stage this weekend, April 24 to 27.

Set in the years following the Civil War, Little Women is Louisa May Alcott’s American classic, a story about family and love, success and heartache which draws heavily from Alcott’s actual life story. It opened on Broadway in 2005 as a musical and ran for 137 performances before heading out on a national tour.

The 22-student cast, led by Veronica Sanberg as Jo, does an exceptional job telling the story of the Marches, a not-too-poor-but-definitely-not-wealthy family, how they find joy in simply being together, and how they appreciate the things they have rather than long for the things they can’t afford. Our hearts are lifted when the sisters get married, and are saddened when a life is taken. (I’m not sniffling, you are.) There was even a point in the dialogue where I LOL’d. And this is a drama.

The performance was captivating, and I can say that because I was … well … captivated throughout the entire production. This coming from someone who has never read Little Women, and had no idea what it was about. I was a little afraid that, as a period piece, it might be kind of dull. But when intermission rolled around, I found myself hoping against hope it wasn’t the end of the show so I could find out what happened to these young women.

I was especially impressed by the four sisters — portrayed by Veronica Sanberg, Emily Schiffhauer, Kathryn Sullo and JimmaLy Ortega — who did an exceptional job instilling each character with an individual personality. And it’s always a joy to see Schroeder’s other amazing lead and supporting actors return to the stage. (How do they have the time to participate in back-to-back productions?) And they’re all supported by seven equally talented tech crew members, who did a great job making the dress rehearsal go seamlessly.

The set design is charming, the costumes beautiful. Schroeder’s Little Women is a must-see event.

Check out these photos (including the slideshow above) then check out one of the performances for yourself. Little Women will take the stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 24 to 27 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday April 27. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased in advance here.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge RD.

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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 4/24/2024)

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WCSD music teacher wins RPO’s Outstanding Music Educator award

22 Apr

Congratulations to Webster Schroeder music teacher Kim Derse, who was recently recognized by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) with its 2024 Outstanding Music Educator Award in the category of Instrumental Music ( Strings).

Derse has been with Webster School Distrtct since 1994, having previously served schools in Connecticut, and West Genesee and Baldwinsville, NY. She has a legacy of positively impacting generations of students, having taught every level of strings in the district, including working at four elementary schools and Spry Middle School before enjoying a long tenure at Webster Schroeder High School.

Outside of school, Derse has shared her love of music with the Webster Methodist Church as its Handbell Choir director for more than 15 years, and has performed with the Women’s Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous pit orchestras for theatrical productions. During her years teaching elementary strings, she also started a Suzuki program for early grades and taught summer lessons.

Each year, RPO opens nominations for outstanding music educators and professional musicians in the Rochester area to honor those who inspire. Derse was nominated for the award by Michael Roller, Webster’s Director of Fine Arts, and Webster Schroeder and Thomas music teacher Laura D’Angelo.

Derse will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 9 and join RPO Conductor Andreas Delfs on stage at the beginning of the Philharmonic’s concert that evening. (The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.; click here for tickets). She and Matthew Sherrill — from Fairport’s Minerva Deland School, who won in the category of Instrumental Music (Band) — will receive further accolades at the RPO Centennial Gala at the Riverside Convention Center on May 18.

This is not the first year, by the way, in which a Webster music teacher has been recognized by the RPO. Most recently, n 2017, Jeanne Coonan (then working at Spry Middle School) won the Instrumental Music Award for K-12 Band, and Al Heary (then working at Dewitt Elementary) won the Classroom Music Specialist Award.

That history is a testament to the quality of the Webster CSD music department, which, BY THE WAY, was once again this year named honored by the NAMM Foundation with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the 19th time out of the 25-year award’s existence that Webster has received the 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 4/22/2024)

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Webster Montessori School shines bright at fundraiser

18 Apr

Bonus blog today about a great event coming up next weekend (April 27), but you have to get tickets by this Saturday.

It’s called A Roaring Night to Shine Bright, and it’s an exciting fundraiser for the Montessori School.

This annual fundraiser offers an incredible selection of silent and live auction items which range from restaurant gift cards and a crepe-making class to a Christmas Eve visit from Santa and a getaway at the Glen Iris Inn.

Other great items include:

Even those brand new to live auctions will have fun and be comfortable, as you’re led through the process by seasoned auctioneer David Mammano. Simply raise your bidder paddle when you’re ready to make a bid, and the auction team will keep you informed of the current highest bid and guide you through the bidding process.

A Roaring Night to Shine Bright will be held Saturday April 27 beginning at 5 p.m. at Evento East, located in BayTowne’s Street of Shoppes.

Tickets must be purchased by Saturday April 20. For more information and to get your seats, click here to visit the event page.

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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 4/18/2024)

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Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women

17 Apr

Little Women, the classic tale of love, loss, heartbreak and growing up, will come to the Webster Schroeder stage in four shows April 25 to 27.

Adapted by Thomas Hischak based on the book by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women follows the adventures of Jo (Veronica Sanberg), Meg (Emily Schiffhauer), Beth (Kathryn Sullo), and Amy March (JimmaLy Ortega) as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. Click here to see the whole cast list.

The Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women on Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 25, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m., plus a matinee performance on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased on the Schroeder Theater Company website.

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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 4/17/2024)

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Another great Community Arts Day in the books

13 Apr

A thousand thank-yous to everyone who came by my table at Community Arts Day (CAD) on Saturday to say hi! I know of at least a few people who came to the event just to meet me (which was cool!) and several others who just happened upon it, with a “I LOVE your blog!” as they walked by. I might have even introduced it to a few who’d never heard of it before. Thank you all for your kind words.

I was delighted to be a part of CAD this year, which as you know is one of my favorite annual events. As always, it drew some really big crowds (I think the rainy, windy weather helped) and I was pleased to see a lot of people checking out the community agency displays and learning about local businesses and the services they provide. In particular, I always enjoy watching kids play with the vintage toys brought by the Webster Museum and try to dial a rotary phone.

If you and your family were able to spend some time there today, you know what a great time it is and were amazed by the pieces of artwork created by our very talented school children. If you couldn’t make it, no sweat. I got your back. Click here to see a really big gallery of photos, in which I tried to capture the wide variety of delightfulness that is Community Arts Day.

Congratulations to all of the organizers for another great event, and thank you to all of the volunteers that helped in hundreds of ways to make this year’s Community Arts Day another success.

Hope to see you all again next year!

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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 4/13/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Apr

There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …

WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Absentee ballots are for qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.

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

Got stuff to shred?

The Webster Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday April 20 for a Drive-up Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safely dispose of sensitive and unwanted documents for free.

The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.

Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.

Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.

Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

It’s all about the bees

The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Books, books books (and all really cheap!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Chicken BBQ for dinner

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Whew. That is all. For now.

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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 4/12/2024)

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