Archive | Schools RSS feed for this section

Webster community mailbag

16 Oct

Eventually my mailbags aren’t going to be so heavy to lift. But that is not today. You’ll find a mix of new items and reminders about events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs. Follow the links if you want more information about any of them.

The Town of Webster’s leaf collection will begin on Monday Oct. 23. You can see the leaf collection schedule and FAQs here.

Remember to place your leaves at the edge of your lawn, NOT in the roadway or gutters. Place ONLY leaves in the pile, not any twigs, branches, grass clippings or other debris.

The  Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is this week, Oct. 18 through 21.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The Webster Rotary Club will be hosting a drive-up food drive on Saturday October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church to benefit Webster NY Hope.

Holy Trinity is located at 1460 Ridge Rd., just east of the village. If you’re unable to drop off on the 21st but still want to contribute, you can leave your donations at Beyond Cuts Salon, 33 North Avenue, during their normal operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone. Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant). More details here.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., has announced the dates for this year’s Santa’s Garage Sale, which will be held Nov. 2-4.

Community members are invited to donate gently use Christmas items at the church on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then make sure to come back to shop Thursday and Friday Nov. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of unused holiday decor, and pick up some new stuff for just a little cash!

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The PTSA will have a table at the event where you can purchase $5 student and $10 PTSA memberships, which entitle you to lots of discounts at local businesses. (Plus you’re supporting our Webster students and staff!)  

Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Happening at Heritage Square Museum, scheduled for Sunday Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village.

And of course we adults like to dress up for Halloween, too. The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

Our 55+ community members are invited to a Spooky Luncheon at the Rec Center on Tuesday Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy a a great lunch, snacks and lots of fun.

Registration is $8 and is required by Oct. 23. Click here to register.

Wait! There’s more Halloween fun in store, for special needs kids and adults, to benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

On Sunday Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rec, there’ll be a Halloween party with a costume parade, games, prizes, music, dancing, raffles and face painting.

This event is open to special needs kids and adults. Admission is $10 per family.

The Webster Fall Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall).

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

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

Is it too soon to start planning for November? I think not.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up on November 2 at the Webster Public Library, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk this month.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Our friends at the Webster Museum are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar. But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

That’s enough for today. Check back later this week for more detailed blogs about upcoming Village events, fun family hiking adventures from the Friends of Webster Trails, and more about Pumpkins on Parade!

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/16/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

So. Much. Going. On.

I’m going to start today’s mailbag with several events that I haven’t featured in a mailbag recently.

The first are the latest details about the Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House. Tickets are now on sale, and if this year’s event is going to be anything like previous ones, it will sell out quickly, so get your tickets SOON.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30 and are limited. Click here to get yours. Proceeds will benefit the Harmony House Renovation Fund.

This is a cool event from the Webster Museum, an Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.

If you’re curious about the value or origin of a special piece from your family’s history, bring it to the Webster Museum on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. and the Palma brothers will use their expertise to provide you with some insight.

Frank and Greg Palma grew up in Penfield and own the Webster Jewelry and Coin Exchange at 159 W. Main St. in the village of Webster. Frank enjoys collecting and selling antique toys, comics, advertisements, and oil cans (the older the better), while his brother Greg is an expert in gold, coins, silver, and precious metals.

Over the years they’ve assembled a museum-like collection of items that can be seen and purchased at their store. In addition to sharing their expertise identifying your special objects, they’ll share some stories from their years in business.

Speaking of the museum, the folks over there are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar right now.

But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone.

Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant).

Get more details about the school and this great event on the Facebook event page here.

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Webster NY Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., has published this month’s wish list. It includes:

  • pasta
  • jarred spaghetti sauce
  • jars or cans of applesauce
  • diapers (size 5)
  • baby wipes (they’re completely out)
  • canned corn and beets
  • toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant
  • laundry detergent
  • dish soap

You can drop off your donations anytime Webster NY Hope is open. Click here for more details.

If you’re interested in any of these following events, I wrote about them in my mailbag last week, so click here to see that post for more details.

  • Capital Improvement Project vote
  • West Webster Fire Department and Webster Volunteer Fire Department open houses
  • Friends of Webster Library used book sale
  • Autumn special events at Schutt’s Apple Mill
  • Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center

And click here to read again about the great upcoming panel discussion about Athlete Wellness and Youth Sports.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/1/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

“Our Voices Carry” at Autumn Fanfare

3 Oct

Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 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 “Our Voices Carry.” The band describes the show this way:

You are strong. You are worthy. You are enough. You are not alone. Our show tells a story of survival, healing, and the power of affirmations.

Based on a Rochester mural by Sarah Rutherford called “Stories of Strength,” each movement embodies a different window and message within the mural. Together we use our physical and musical voices to carry a message of hope and positivity. Follow along as we interpret each window’s story and use the field to bring it all to life!

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/3/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

29 Sep

Let’s get right to it …..

Oklahoma!, presented by the Webster Theatre Guild, takes the stage this weekend.

Shows are scheduled for

  • Friday Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 7, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Tickets are $20, plus $2 transaction fee if ordered online), and are reserve seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. Click here for tickets.

Next, this very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to Their Light Shines, a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.

Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 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.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

More to come about this.

Don’t forget about the Capital Improvement Project vote on Wednesday, Oct. 11

The Webster Central School District has proposed an $85 million capital improvement project that will impact all 11 schools with zero tax impact for district residents. The project will include renovations and improvements to all of the schools. The project will be voted on by the Webster CSD community on Wednesday, October 11, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School’s gym, 875 Ridge Road.

To learn more about the project and the improvements to each school, click here. You can also sign up to receive periodic communications from the district regarding the project. For details, please visit the capital improvement project news story at www.websterschools.org.

The West Webster Fire Department will hold their annual Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday Oct. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the fire station on Gravel Rd.

The afternoon will include firehouse tours, fire safety displays, equipment displays, live demos, refreshments and more.

There’s no charge, and the entire Webster community is invited. For more information, visit the WWFD Facebook page here.

While we’re on that subject, remember that the Webster Volunteer Fire Department always holds its open house during the village’s Trick of Treat Trail, this year scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28. Stay tuned for more information about that.

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21.

This is always a great opportunity to stock your home library. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership in the Friends of the Webster Public Library is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

Our Penfield friends, Schutt’s Apple Mill on Plank Rd., have a couple of fun events planned for this fall.

On Tuesday Oct. 24 (one week before Halloween), Schutt’s will host their Trick-or-Treat at the Farm event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a family-friendly night where you can walk through the orchard on a Trick-or-Treat Trail to find some fanciful jack-o-lanterns and sweet treats. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged.

This is a free event and no registration is required.

On Saturday Nov. 4, Schutt’s will host a Holiday Farm Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to support 35 local businesses while shopping for personal and gift items.

For more information about both of these events and others, click here. Schutt’s Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center is back, Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a one-mile long trail lined with creatively and whimsically-carved jack-o-lanterns. Every year the Rec Center puts this on (this is the fourth annual), it’s been bigger and better, packed with post-trail treats, photo opportunities and more

I’ll be providing more details about this, but for now, start planning your pumpkin carving, because the Rec Center is going to need a LOT of jack-o-lanterns.

Finally, check the flyers below for details about lots of great upcoming programs at the Webster Public Library, including:

  • the Readers, Writers and Connections program for budding writers
  • Teen Library Club
  • National Hair Day storytime
  • Family Night
  • a movie matinee
  • a Halloween craft
  • line dancing for kids
  • a clay class for children and parents

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/29/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Annual fun run brings 4th graders together

28 Sep

On Thursday morning, all of our district’s fourth graders, from every one of our seven elementary schools, gathered at Charles Sexton (North Ponds) Park for the annual Cross-Country One-Mile Fun Run and Walk. This run has been held for more than 50 years, a fun way to encourage our young people to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

I love this event for so many reasons. It doesn’t just teach our kids that exercise can be fun. It also gives them a chance to see old friends, meet new friends, do something together with all of their fourth grade classmates, and really feel part of a community.

I didn’t have the chance to stop by, so I was delighted to see the following post on Facebook from Jennifer Ward. She was there to proudly cheer on her two sons, Mason and Jax Calkins, who stuck together through the whole run to complete it together, despite its challenging distance. I thought it was a great representation of what this day means for a lot of our young people.

Jennifer wrote,

In the face of adversity, these two stand tall, their bond unbreakable and their unity unwavering. No matter how challenging the circumstances, they remain steadfastly united, drawing strength from their unbreakable connection. Through thick and thin, they navigate life’s trials together, providing unwavering support and encouragement to one another and throughout all of the chaos and emotional madness each day brings, I celebrate them.

I’m certain their experience is just one of many other equally inspiring stories … how that mile was a child’s first-ever; how they achieved something they never really thought they could; that amazing feeling of accomplishment and self-worth you get when you cross the finish line. (Not to mention how proud it makes parents.)

What a great day for all involved. Thank you to our WCSD phys. ed teachers for pulling this together every year, to the transportation department for providing buses, to Fleet Feet for providing the race bibs and fancy finish line which made it all official, and to all the parents who came out to cheer. The big smiles from the kids make it all worth it.

Thank you to Jennifer Ward for the photos.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/28/2023)

Tags: , ,

Bygone blog — a walk through Webster High

26 Sep

You’ll remember the blog I recently posted about the proper pronunciation of Webster Schroeder High School. In addition to all the interesting comments I got on that blog, I got a follow-up question from one of my readers, who asked: When and why did R.L. Thomas High School change its name to Webster Thomas?

I’ll answer that question at the end of this blog. But it got me to poking around a bit online, where I happened upon this piece which I originally posted in 2014. I thought that those of you who remember the old Webster High would enjoy it.

A walk through Webster High
(originally posted March 27, 2014)

I happened upon my high school library’s stash of old yearbooks yesterday, and thought it would be fun to take a look at one. I chose 1958 — not coincidentally the year I was born — and started paging through it.

Naturally, I expected to see a lot of photos of clubs and activities that would seem quaint today. But I also saw a few things I didn’t expect, and some that made me giggle.

The high school back then — or more accurately, it was called the “Webster Central School” — was what is now Spry Middle School on South Avenue in the village. The class of 1955 was the first to graduate from this “new, larger Webster Central.”

The Webster Central School District Principal that year was Mr. Robert L. Thomas. He was ably assisted by Mr. Herbert W. Schroeder who, despite being brand new to the district that school year, received a glowing review in the yearbook.

“In the brief time we have known him,” the caption reads, “we have come to believe he is also a man with a ‘Forward Look,’ treasuring what is worthwhile of the traditional while adopting what is valid of the new.”

The faculty pages included several names you might also recognize.

  • Mr. Richard Batzing, previous Webster Town and Village Historian, taught 8th grade.
  • Miss Esther Dunn, who wrote Webster Through the Years, long considered the most complete encyclopedia of Webster history, taught grade 7.
  • Mr. William J. O’Rourke Sr., a highly respected and long-time Webster coach, led the varsity basketball team and taught Social Studies on the side.
Richard Batzing
Esther Dunn
Wm. O’Rourke Sr.

As I continued to page through the book, some other interesting things jumped out at me.

  • All of the girls looked exactly like my mother — at least from the photos I’ve seen of my mother in the 50s.
  • Members of the National Honor Society all wore robes, kind of like they were in a super-secret fraternity. Maybe it was back then.
  • The school had a “Safety Council.” Next to their photo, the caption read, “With an enlarged force of arresting officers patrolling, the Council promoted safety and respect for WCS in and around the school.” Can you imagine students trying to arrest students these days?
  • The Senior Play that year was Around the World in Eighty Days. This week, when the Webster Thomas production of Anything Goes hits the stage with its lavish set, I thought the photos of the senior cast members and their set pieces were charming.
  • This caption on the Junior High Girls’ Sports page: “The purpose of junior high girls’ intramurals is two-fold. The most obvious one is that it provides exercise for the release of extra energy.”
  • It was great to see so many familiar names in the advertisers listed at the end of the yearbook, who were all there in 1958, and are still there now, including Hegedorn’s I.G.A. Foodliner, Hedge’s Nine-Mile-Point Hotel, and Kittelberger Florist. Other familiar names (but not there any longer) were Bill Gray’s Stand, Burke’s Barber Shop and Lipinski Brothers Hardware. I’m sure there are plenty more that others would recognize, but I haven’t been in Webster that long.

Finally, I learned the Webster Alma Mater. I wonder why we don’t sing it anymore? It goes like this:

Where the Ridge Road forms a border
For the lake and sky,
Proudly stands our Alma Mater,
Dear old Webster High.

Flag of WHS, float for aye,
Old Webster High, o’er thee;
May thy sons be leal and loyal
To thy memory.

When the evening twilight deepens,
And the shadows fall,
Lingers long the golden sunset
On thy western wall.

On second thought, I know why we don’t sing it anymore.

****

(editorial note: apparently I spoke too soon. I got an email from Tom Pellett, president of the Webster Museum, who wrote that the alma mater is indeed still sung. He wrote:

Each year at the Webster High Alumni Banquet we close by singing the alma mater …. The tune is the same as Cornell’s and was written, I believe, by Wallace Rayfield back in the early 1900s. The “Webster High” Alumni ends with the class of 1962 as the following year (1963) was the first year of R. L. Thomas High. As you can imagine, the group shrinks a bit every year. 

So thank you to Kathy Hertzel for asking her question about R.L. Thomas and leading me down that rabbit hole.

I was actually able to answer her question from personal experience.

I began my WCSD career at Webster Thomas in Sept. 2001. Willink Middle School opened that year and Thomas became the district’s second high school. I remember sitting in the staff orientation meeting on the first day and listening to Superintendent Strining speak. Because there were now two separate but equal high schools in the district, he said, we were to recognize that both were part of the same district and start referring to them “Webster Schroeder” and “Webster Thomas.” 

That’s where it began.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/26/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

22 Sep

Our first notice today comes from the Webster CSD.

If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming Building our Future Capital Project vote, the district is holding a community forum thcis week. According to the district, “the $85 million project focuses on providing a safe educational environment for all students with zero tax impact for district residents.”  

Community members are invited to a forum this Thursday, September 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Thomas High School library, 800 Five Mile Line Road.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more – and ask questions – about Building Our Future, including planned upgrades at all 11 schools. The Building Our Future capital project vote will take place Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.

This very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.

I attended a recent Women’s Club of Webster luncheon recently (you’ll be reading more about them and the great things they do later), and came away with news of two upcoming events.

Their annual Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser” has been scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 7 at Glendoveers on Old Browncroft Rd.

This always fun social event begins at 10 a.m. with coffee and danish, followed bya buffet luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The games themselves will be played from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day includes 50/50 drawings and lots of beautiful basket raffles. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets cost $40. Checks should be made out to the Women’s Club of Webster and mailed to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Deadline to order tickets is Nov. 1.

And… if you’re a regular blood donor, you’ll be glad to hear that the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the canteen cookies at the blood drive scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 11 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Building, 172 Sanford Street.

Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROS (1-800-733-2767).

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21. Here’s the announcement:

Find plenty of treasures for your mind at astoundingly low prices during the Webster Public Library Fall Book Sale. Gently used hardcover books will be available for $1, paperback books for $.50!

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership in the Friends of the Webster Public Library is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days — bring your own bag, fill it with gently used books for only $5!

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up in November, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk during September and October.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

Finally (at the risk of making this a very library-centric mailbag), click the flyer to see what kind of fun stuff they have coming up in the next few weeks.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/22/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

SchROder or SchRAYder?

21 Sep

It’s an issue many of us have encountered. How do you properly pronounce the name of Webster Schroeder High School?

I thought the question had been decided long ago; the proper pronunciation, as far as I knew, is “SchRAYder” with the long A. “SchROder,” I’ve always told people, is the name of the piano player in the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

But apparently it’s still an issue for some. Several days ago I got an email from Sandy Leary, who wrote that during a recent trip to Wegmans, she overheard some staff members chatting about how to pronounce the school’s name. She suggested I put the question out to my readers to determine the definitive answer.

Not surprisingly, my post attracted a LOT of attention, which tells me what a hot-button issue this really is. I heard from alums, current and retired teachers, parents of kids who attended Schroeder, and even someone who competed in sports against Schroeder many years ago. As of yesterday, I had received 111 comments. Only FOUR of them said the name should be pronounced “SchROder.”

Everyone was very firm in their convictions, for one reason or another. Much of the discussion revolved around the name’s spelling, which apparently comes from German roots. Diana M. pointed out that the umlaut over the O makes it sound like an A in German. Rosele W. agreed that SchRAYder is the German pronunciation, adding that her maiden name, Boehmer (pronounced Baymer) is similar.

My teacher friend Pat injected a little English rule of law, reminding everyone that “when two vowels go a-walkin’, the first one does the talkin’,” adding, “Except in Webster, it doesn’t!”

Most of the responses, however, were less about phonology and more about personal experience, basically saying that, “it’s always been SchRAYder since I/my kids went there.”

Others pointed out that during a sports contest, the cheerleaders pronounce it “SchRAYder,” and TV news stations do the same when they report on a story from the high school. Cathy A. wrote that she once asked the folks in the front office, who also confirmed the “SchRAYder” pronunciation.

Finally, I think the most definitive comment came from our friends at the Webster Museum, who confirmed that, “Herbert W. Schroeder, who the school was named for, pronounced his last name SchRAYder.”

Case closed.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/21/2023)

Tags: , ,

Webster Theatre Guild presents Oklahoma!

16 Sep

After not staging a musical last fall due to scheduling issues, the Webster Theatre Guild is back, and will be presenting Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical, in six performances at the end of September and beginning of October.

Oklahoma! is the first musical written by the prolific duo. Set in rural Oklahoma, the musical tells the story of a farm girl and her courtship by two rival suitors, a cocky cowboy and an obsessed farmhand. It’s filled with catchy tunes, high-stepping dance, laughs and a breezy story.

More than 30 cast members, plus another dozen on the production crew, have been working since early August to put the show together. There have been some challenges; August rehearsals meant working around summer vacations, the Fringe Festival is presenting some conflicts, and a recent rehearsal had to move from Thomas High School to Willink to accommodate an open house.

But we’re talking about the Webster Theatre Guild, truly a community theater company, where everyone comes together to make things happen.

The composition of the cast itself is a great illustration of how much this organization reflects the Webster community. Among the company are Webster teachers, an attorney, a nurse, and a Wegmans employee. There are high school students and retirees. Mother and daughter Andrea and Anika Peterson are on stage together, as are three members of the Holcomb family.

For a few of the actors, this is their very first show, or the first time on stage in 20 years. Like Al Killenbeck, who after starring in Oklahoma! several decades ago with the Webster Theatre Guild, has returned as a member of the ensemble.

The Webster Central School District has been especially supportive this year, finding the time between school productions and extracurricular activities for the WTG to stage their musical. The district even got audition information out to students before the end of last school year. Thanks to that push, five Webster Schroeder and Thomas students are part of the production, four of them under the age of 18.

Oklahoma! will be presented in six performances:

  • Friday Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 7, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Tickets are $20, plus $2 transaction fee if ordered online), and are reserve seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. Click here for tickets.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/16/2023)

Tags: , , , , , ,

You can help students discover the joy of writing

11 Sep

I kind of like to write.

It’s basically my hobby. I have fun doing it, I’m kinda good at it, and the skills I’ve developed over the years have led to good jobs and success in those jobs. I attribute all of that to my parents and teachers who encouraged me to write as much and as often as possible.

And that’s why, when I heard about an opportunity to help young people improve their writing skills and find out that writing can actually be FUN, I jumped at the chance.

It’s a Pen-Pal Program sponsored by Webster Parks and Recreation for people 55+. You can read about it it the flyer, but this is what it says:

Remember the old days when you used to write letters? Join the Webster 55+ folks and the Autumn Lane second graders as we become pen-pals.

Sign up and you will be assigned a second-grade student to write a letter to each month. Then in May, we will take a trip to Autumn Lane to meet your pen-pal in person!

You must be committed to this program for an entire year.

Autumn Lane Elementary School is on Maiden Lane in Greece.

The program will run from October 2023 through May 2024. To register, visit the Webster Parks and Recreation website and search for activity #346905. Or call the Rec Center at (585) 872-7103. There’s no cost, just your commitment to help some students fall in love with writing.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/11/2023)

Tags: , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →