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Oak Tree Award winners announced

26 Apr

Congratulations to this year’s Oak Tree Award winners for excellence in teaching: Diana Mee and Craig Johnville.

This year’s elementary recipient, Diana, has spent all of her 24 years in education teaching in Webster, and currently teaches instrumental music at Klem Road North Elementary School.

Craig is this year’s secondary recipient. He has taught 19 years of his 20-year career in Webster, and currently teaches special education for grades 9-11 at Webster Thomas High School.

The Oak Tree Award is co-sponsored by the Webster Teachers’ Association and the Webster Central PTSA as a way to acknowledge excellence in teaching in the Webster Central School District. This year’s committee was comprised of Rosanne Kulikowski, Jeffrey Darling, Dave Waltman, and Lisa Cook representing the WTA and Kim Kozlowski, Mike Lengle, and Laura Blair representing the PTSA. Together, they sorted through 40 nominations for this year’s Oak Tree Award. All of the nominees exemplified a high standard of teaching and commitment to the Webster education community.

Mee and Johnville will be recognized at a presentation at the Webster CSD Board of Education meeting on May 2, where they will be presented with a plaque that will hang in their building for one year. 

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(posted 4/26/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

25 Apr

Today’s mailbag is packed with events coming up in the next few weeks, so grab your calendar and dig in.

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The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Spring Book Sale is here, happening Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently-used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

ALSO, the Library will host a blood drive for the American Red Cross on Tuesday May 2 from noon to 5 p.m. Click here to make an appointment.

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The next St. Martin Lutheran Church’s Drive Thru Chicken BBQ will be held Saturday, April 29 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster.

Dinners of a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, and butter are available for $15.00 – cash or check only. The event is drive-through only, and there will be no advance sales.

Dinners will be served first come/first served. Cars will enter the parking lot, follow signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment. Cars will then proceed to the side entrance to pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds will benefit St. Martin’s Christmas Stocking Project reaching over 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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The Schroeder Theater Company invites you to join them as they travel Around the World in 80 Days!

The fearless and calculated Phileas Fogg and her newly appointed, resourceful servant Passepartout race to beat the clock in this country-hopping adventure. Fogg has agreed to an outrageous wager that puts her fortune and life at risk. Together, the two set out to circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days. But their every step is dogged by a detective who thinks Fogg is a robber on the run. Can they stay on schedule as they avoid police interference, traverse exotic landscapes, endure typhoons, and more?

Performances are in the Webster Schroeder High School auditorium, 875 Ridge Road, on Thursday May 4 at 7 p.m., Friday May 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 6 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online at Ticket Spicket or at the door.

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Webster Comfort Care Home has several fundraising events coming up this summer, but you’ll want to get signed up for this one right away.

It’s the 20th (almost) annual “Chip In for Comfort Care” golf tournament, scheduled for Monday July 10 at Webster Golf Club on Salt Rd. Registration fee is $125, and includes a grab-and-go breakfast, complimentary game balls, and prizes. Plus, they’re introducing a new “knock out the gnome” game this year.

Click here for more information and to register.

You can also support Webster Comfort Care on Friday May 5 by heading to the Masonic Lodge on Orchard Street for a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dinner includes spaghetti, choice of sauce, salad, bread and dessert. Cost is $11 for adults, $6 for children 12 and under.

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The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2023 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 13 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, hostas, geraniums, tomatoes, and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

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A Craft and Vendor Sale to benefit the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will be held at the Webster Fireman’s Building, 172 Sanford Street on Saturday May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Almost 30 vendors are expected for this show, which will be held inside and outside the building. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

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Looking ahead, the 2023 St. Rita Fiesta has been scheduled for Friday and Saturday June 2 and 3. All of your favorite Fiesta activities will be returning, including carnival games, a foam dart course, mini golf course, inflatables, dunk tank, plant sale, book sale, games of chance, food, drink, lots of live entertainment, and more.

More details to come, but in the meantime you can check out the website.

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

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(posted 4/25/2023)

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Another successful Community Arts Day in the books

15 Apr

The gorgeous spring weather Saturday didn’t keep many hundreds of adults and children from checking out this year’s Community Arts Day, held at Webster Schroeder High School.

The annual showcase of our students’ artistic talents filled the Schroeder hallways, chorus room and auditorium with cultural arts, fine art displays and musical entertainment. Each one of Webster’s elementary and secondary schools, including St. Rita, was represented by displays of artwork of all kinds from collages to sculptures, jewelry work to pen-and-ink drawings. The variety was remarkable and the talent on display downright amazing.

Demonstrations and performances were held throughout the day, including a very well-attended performance by this year’s extra-special guest, the Garth Fagan Dance School.

I was only able to spend about 90 minutes wandering the halls this year, so I missed a lot of the dancers and musicians. But I still managed to take almost a hundred photos of the artwork, kids’ activities, a few performances, and many of the community group displays. I’ve posted a sampling here, but click here to see a much larger gallery.

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

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(posted 4/15/2023)

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Secondary students got a dose of Locker Love Wednesday

13 Apr

Our Webster secondary students got a dose of positivity Wednesday morning, when they arrived at school to discover sticky notes attached to their lockers. Each of the multi-colored notes carried a self-affirming message encouraging individuality, internal strength, perseverance, resilience and more.

It was all part of the “Locker Love” program, a Webster Central PTSA secondary engagement event, in partnership with the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN).

Thanks to the efforts of dozens of volunteers who fanned out to each of the secondary buildings on Tuesday night, almost 7,000 inspirational notes were posted, one on every single locker at Schroeder High School (including GOAL), Thomas High School (and OWL), Willink Middle School (and OWL), and Spry Middle School. The volunteers also hung a number of motivational signs throughout the buildings.

The whole idea behind the project, said WHEN chairman Janine Sanger, was to inject a little positivity into the students’ lives, and “to remind kids that they’re the good in the world.”

Webster Schroeder Building Chair Stacie Peters noted that programs like these are a great way for students and their families to realize that PTSA is still relevant in the secondary buildings, even without the birthday parties and book fairs common at the elementary level.

“The secondary chairs love doing these special events for the students to make them feel special,” Stacie said. “(They) all love partnering together because what PTSA is in the middle and high schools is so different from elementary.”

Stacie and the other secondary PTSA chairs — Kim Kozlowski (Thomas/OWL), Kara Quigley and Amanda Clayton (Spry) amd Erin DeSarra and Allison Schoeffler (Willink/OWL) — organize several creative events like this every year, which are always enthusiastically supported by the secondary school administrators.

“We need to support students no matter how old they are,” Stacie said.

This is the third time the secondary school PTSAs have spread Locker Love. The first program was run in 2019, then again in 2020 before the pandemic hit.

At Willink Middle School
Inspirational posters were also hung at each school
At Spry Middle School
Kerry Lang, Elementary Special Ed. TOSA,
and PSTA Chair Stacie Peters in the GOAL hallway at Schroeder
Dustin Baily and his son Brian helping out
at Schroeder
More hard-working Schroeder volunteers

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

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(posted 4/13/2023)

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Community Arts Day is this weekend!

10 Apr

It’s as sure a sign of spring as the first robin: The Webster Central School District’s — and the entire Webster community’s — grand show-off day, Community Arts Day returns to Webster Schroeder High School this Saturday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This very family-friendly festival, which is marking its 46th year, showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and involves the entire community in a day to celebrate the arts. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. (Below are a few examples of the artwork from previous years. Click here for a full gallery from last year.)

Dozens of activities are planned throughout the day, including art displays, carnival games, crafts, community group exhibits and more. Webster student groups will present musical performances throughout the day, and the Webster’s Got Talent talent show will feature aspiring student singers, musicians, and dancers from 12 to 1 pm. Community performing groups will fill out the schedule of events, and all the performances are free.

Admission to Community Arts Day is free. Proceeds from concessions, craft, and carnival booth sales will benefit cultural arts programs within the Webster Central School District.  

For a complete schedule of events and map of exhibitors, follow the Community Arts Day Facebook page, where updates will be posted regularly.

And by the way, the Webster Marching Band will be right next door in the Aquatic Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so make sure to put that bag of empties in your car before you head out to the event!

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

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(posted 4/10/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Mar

The second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Webster BID, is just around the corner, on Saturday April 8 at the Webster Fireman’s Field on Ridge Rd.

The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)

The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras! This great event is sponsored by the village’s Business Improvement District.

By the way, the organizers could use some volunteers to help set up and run the event. If you’re interested in having a little fun and helping out, click here to sign up!

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Those young Brownies from Troop 60344 are at it again.

They’re going to be outside the Webster Walmart Home entrance on Saturday April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their table of Girl Scout cookies. So no worries if you thought you’d missed out on Girl Scout Cookie season this year.

The girls will also be encouraging people to donate a box of cookies to the Blue Star Mothers NY8 chapter to be included in care packages for locally deployed troops. (The soldiers LOVE to get Girl Scout cookies.)

The Blue Star Mothers plan to send out more than 200 care packages soon, and would love to have a box of cookies to put in each one.

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The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is quickly approaching!

The Friends’ Spring Book Sale will be held Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

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This notice from the Webster Central School District:

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

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available from District Clerk Cynthia Cushman, 119 South Avenue, Webster, phone (585) 216-0001, or at the news story on the district website.

All absentee 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 or for the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and election of Board of Education candidates takes place Tuesday, May 16, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

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Here’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day this coming April 22: a Family Scavenger Hunt.

This easy hike/scavenger hunt will take place at Liberty Lodge/Finn Park on Maple Drive from 10 a.m. to noon. Different hunts will be available for three three skill levels, ages 2 through 12. The event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and make sure to wear boots if it’s been wet. It would also be helpful if you could bring your own clipboard and pencil.

The Family Scavenger Hunt costs $5, and registrations are being taken through the Webster Recreation Center. PLEASE register ahead of time so we know how many kids to expect. Payment can be made when you arrive at the park. Click here to register.

The Family Scavenger Hunt is being hosted by the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) in conjunction with the Friends of Webster Trails and Webster Recreation Center. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Webster Trails.

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

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(posted 3/29/2023)

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Webster Thomas presents Freaky Friday

23 Mar

Switching bodies for just one day, How hard could it be?

That’s the wacky premise behind Freaky Friday, Webster Thomas High School’s spring musical, which will be presented in four shows from April 20 through 22.

The musical is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films. As the storyline goes, when an underworked mother and her teenage daughter magically switch bodies, they have just one day to make things right again. But in the meantime, they learn to understand each other and the unique bond that exists between mother and daughter. It’s a heartwarming, funny, lively story that the whole family will enjoy.

Not only is this a very entertaining show, the cast also includes several students from Webster Schroeder High School and Willink Middle School. So it really feels like an all-Webster production. Director Mark Stoetzel says “the cast, crew and pit are working very hard and having a blast doing it.”

Freaky Friday will take the stage Thursday April 20 at 7 p.m., Friday April 21 at 7 p.m., and Saturday April 22 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 each, are on sale now and can be purchased online here. Tickets will also be available at the door. Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

Here are a few shots from rehearsal to give you a feel for the fun (photo credit: Mike Mitchell):

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

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(posted 3/23/2023)

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Charity basketball game pits Thomas vs. Schroeder

7 Mar

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening this Thursday night should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Thursday night March 9 at Webster Thomas High School.

The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. The school’s Resource Officers will officiate, so it will (well, SHOULD) be a clean game. Halftime activities will include some super fun competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.

I don’t know for sure how often the high schools have hosted a charity game like this, but I do remember participating in one many, many years ago when I was working at Thomas. What I remember most about it, actually (aside from how poorly I played) were the fun costumes and wigs that many of the teachers wore, and how much laughing there was. It was an enjoyable experience both on the court, and for everyone in the stands as well.

Admission is only $2 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Dreams from Drake, a Spencerport-based organization which provides children and teens who recently lost a sibling or parent with various forms of community and social support. Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

The game will be played in the gymnasium at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. on Thursday March 9 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

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(posted 3/7/2023)

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“Cut loose, footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes ….” (this weekend)!

6 Mar

The curtain’s about to go up on the Spry Drama Club’s spring musical, Footloose!, which will fill the Spry Middle School Cafetorium with music and dance in three shows this coming Friday and Saturday.

You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows a city teenager who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been deemed illegal. The new kid and his rebellious spirit shake up the town as he tries to bring music back into their drab lives … and win the girl at the same time. There’s lots of great music (including that very infectious title song), plus some new songs developed for the stage musical.

As you can see from the photos I’ve included here, I had the chance to pop by one of the dress rehearsals the other day, and was very impressed by how hard these young actors, actresses and stage crew have been working to put together a great show. And the talent I saw in these middle school-aged performers kinda of blew me away. There are some incredibly beautiful voices in the ensemble which I’m certain we’ll be hearing again in future productions at Webster Schroeder High School and beyond.

I highly recommend you see this show. It’ll be a delightful and inexpensive night out.

Spry Drama Club will present Footloose! this coming Friday March 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday March 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reserve tickets are $8 each and can be purchased online here. Spry Middle School is located at 119 South Ave., in the Village of Webster.

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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 3/6/2023)

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The New York State Ballet is coming to Webster

26 Feb

The New York State Ballet, a classical ballet company based in East Rochester, will be returning to Webster Schroeder High School in March to present the ballet Sleeping Beauty.

Among the professional dancers and academy students who will be performing are several Webster students or alumni, including Webster Schroeder graduate Angela Wentling, who will be featured in a principal role.

Performances will be held on Saturday March 25 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday March 26 at 2 p.m. The evening performance on Saturday is especially designed for younger children and will be sensory-friendly. What that means is,

  • the program is shorter in duration
  • sales are limited to half the auditorium to allow patrons to spread out
  • patrons are free to move around during the show, or leave, no questions asked
  • patrons can vocally express themselves whenever they feel the need to
  • the house lights are not completely down
  • scary parts or loud, sudden instrumentation are kept to a minimum

Let me tell you how much I love to see these accommodations. These will really help sensitive children experience the arts.

Tickets start at $15, and can be purchased online here.

The New York State Ballet aims to preserve the classical art form of ballet by creating and performing exceptional productions that bring a refreshed appreciation and awareness of classical ballet to the New York state community and beyond. NYSB productions are designed to be affordable and accessible to community members from every background and socio-economic status.

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

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 2/24/2023)

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