It couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the Webster Central School District’s 60th annual Fun Run, held Thursday morning at Charles Sexton (North Ponds) Park.
The annual Fun Run challenges our district’s fourth graders (about 600 of them this year) to complete a one-mile course along the trails surrounding the park. The event began six decades ago as a modest sixth-grade competition at DeWitt Elementary School, but over the years expanded to include entire grade levels across all Webster elementary schools, shifting its focus from a high-stakes race to a celebratory lesson in wellness.
Today, the Fun Run serves as an opportunity to introduce fourth grade students to local community park resources while encouraging lifelong healthy habits.
District elementary physical education teachers collaborate each year to organize the event, encouraging students to run, jog, or walk the course at their own pace. For many of these students, running a full mile can be an intimidating task, and the Fun Run might be the first time they’d ever done that. Crossing the authentic running-race finish line instills a profound sense of pride and self-confidence, showing students firsthand what they can achieve when they tackle a tough challenge.
The atmosphere at the start of the race was electric. Each student got his or her very own running bib, complete with a timing chip. As the countdown started, a few got in some final stretches, others settled into their running stances, and the rest just bounced with excitement. Upbeat music blared through large speakers. Parents lined the course, holding signs and shouting encouragement. Then, at the appointed time, the runners burst off the start line to rousing cheers from the adoring crowd.
Revving up the runnersParent cheering squad
I love this event for so many reasons. It doesn’t only teach our kids that exercise — even running — 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, regardless of their physical ability.
It was 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 the Webster Thomas and Schroeder student-athletes who encouraged the young runners, to Fleet Feet for providing the official race bibs and fancy finish line, and to all the parents who came out to cheer. The big smiles from the kids make it all worth it.
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Today I want to tell you about a race which, as far as I can tell, is like no other.
It’s the annual Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run, organized by Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester. It’s scheduled this year for Saturday, Nov. 7. Since I’m somewhat connected with the Rochester running community, I’ve often heard about this race, but have never run it. But the more I hear about it, the better I like it. (Especially the part about how your entire entry fee is donated to a local food cupboard like Webster Community Chest and Webster NY HOPE — but more about that soon.)
For starters, the race is run in downtown Rochester, so it’s a flat and easy course. There are several distance options, making it easy for anyone to take part: a 5K, 10K, a 1K, a free “Boogie for Broccoli” dash and a virtual option. People wear costumes. Walkers are more than welcome. AND the registration fee is reasonable. But, as I said, the best part about this race is that your entire entrance fee can be donated to your favorite food pantry.
Here’s how that works:
When you sign up for the race, as part of the sign-up process, you’ll be asked if you want to join a team. When you’re ready to choose that team, scroll down the options until you find the food pantry you would like your registration fee to benefit. It’s that easy. Your entire registration fee will be donated to that organization.
Both the Webster Community Chest and Webster NY Hope have created teams. So if you live in Webster and will be running in this race, please consider signing up for one of these two teams. And if you’re one of those “I’m-not-a-runner” people who would never consider participating in a race, please consider this one. There are always a LOT of walkers, and did I mention you can wear a costume? Plus, this race is famous for its huge post-race food spread.
By the way, you can increase your impact by bringing some non-perishable foods to donate!
Last year’s startPart of the Webster NY HOPE teamBring some canned foods!
A little history
What I also didn’t know about the Grocery Run is that Webster resident Ellen Rye is one of the organizers. Ellen is part of a dedicated group of volunteers who, year after year, pull together the hundreds of details required to put on an event of this size.
I sat down with Ellen a little while ago to find out more about this amazing race and how it got started.
Third Presbyterian Church, located on Meigs St. in Rochester, for years has hosted a food cupboard and provided a hot lunch every Sunday to serve their local community. Back in 2010, they began to notice that the number of people visiting the pantry and attending the lunches was increasing. At the same time, grocery prices were on the rise.
So Ellen and several other “church moms” put their heads together to see how they could raise some money for the food pantry. “Somebody came up with the idea of organizing a 5K,” Ellen remembered, “which none of us knew how to do.”
It was a daunting challenge. Their first step was to solicit some sponsors. Wegmans was one of the first to sign on, which gave them a little encouragement. After that, things started to really come together, and when they were finally ready to put out the call for runners, they hoped they might attract 100 or so participants.
They got 800 that first year.
The race continued to grow, and before long (thanks in large part to the corporate sponsors), the race was raising more money than Third Church needed for their own food pantry. “So we said, let’s spread the wealth,” Ellen said.
“Let’s share; so many food pantries are really working on shoestring budgets,” she continued. “They never have enough money or people. So we realized, we have this infrastructure for putting together a great fun community event that attracts a lot of people. And why don’t we provide that infrastructure to other food pantries? That way they don’t have to organize their own race.”
And for the last 16 years, that’s exactly what Third Presbyterian Church has done. Since 2010 the Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run has raised more than $760,000 for local food pantries. (Even if a runner doesn’t sign up for a specific team, all other fees and donations are distributed evenly among all the teams.) Corporate sponsors cover the cost of the event, so that 100% of race registration fees and donations go directly to food pantries. Last year alone, $110,000 was distributed to 41 organizations that provide food, hope and dignity for our neighbors in need.
The event is organized entirely by volunteers, a core group of about 20 people work year-round seeking corporate sponsors, planning logistics, supporting food pantry participation and sweating over details to make the Grocery Run a safe, fun and profitable community fitness event. During race week, more than 100 more volunteers help with packet pickup/registration, site and course set up, race marshals, hospitality and more.
And remember how that first race in 2010 attracted 800 runners? Last year, there were 1859 registered participants (10K, 5K, 1K and kids’ fun run).
Won’t you join us this year? Remember to sign up for your favorite food cupboard team. Both Webster Community Chest and Webster HOPE have teams!
The 2026 Wegmans East Avenue Grocery Run will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Prices vary depending on the distance you’re running, but they will go up after Sept. 30. You can find more details including route maps on the website.
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I only just got this press release today, but wanted to share it with you all while there’s still time for you to put it on your calendar.
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Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder High Schools will come together for a special “Pink Out” Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Webster Thomas tennis courts, bringing athletes and the community together in support of those affected by breast cancer.
Approximately 50 girls from Webster, Brighton, Pittsford, and Greece high school tennis programs will take to the courts for a morning of competition, camaraderie and community spirit, with proceeds from the event benefiting Gilda’s Club.
The Thomas tennis courts will be flooded in pink as players show their support for breast cancer survivors, those currently undergoing treatment, and the families and friends whose lives have been touched by the disease. Fans, students, families and members of the Webster community are encouraged to attend and wear pink.
“Breast cancer has touched so many lives, including members of our own community,” said Linda Vazzana, Webster Thomas varsity tennis coach. “This event gives us an opportunity to come together not just as athletes, but as a community. The girls are proud to play for something much bigger than tennis. It’s an honor to be part of an event that brings our town together for such an important cause.”
Admission to the Pink Out Tournament is free, and donations benefiting Gilda’s Club will be accepted throughout the event.
Come out, wear pink and join the Thomas and Schroeder tennis teams for a morning of great tennis and community spirit as Webster rallies together for a cause that reaches far beyond the court.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, September 19 Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m. Location: Webster Thomas High School Tennis Courts Admission: Free — Donations encouraged Benefiting: Gilda’s Club
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Sometimes my blogs take on a life of their own. I start out with a solid plan of what I want to write about, how to structure it and how to do the research. But then something happens that messes that plan up completely. Today’s story is a one of those.
For several days now I’ve been planning to write about my recent return to martial arts. I studied Shotokan karate for twenty years, but after a decade away from the dojo, I recently felt a sudden urge to dive back in. Fortunately, I quickly found a new karate family that made the decision to start again an easy one.
That school — that family — is Golden Eagle Martial Arts, located at the Webster Recreation Center. Its style is American Freestyle Karate. Based primarily on Kyokushin techniques, it offers a little bit of everything: fundamentals, self-defense, kata (forms), sparring, weapons and breaking. When I went to watch a class, I was pleasantly surprised to see that most of its basic techniques and katas were closely aligned with my Shotokan training.
In addition to the “my-getting-back-into-karate” angle, a second hook for the blog was going to be the fact that the dojo recently marked its 30th anniversary. The school opened in 1996 when the Webster Recreation Center was still located in the old Ridgecrest School on Ebner Dr. After a temporary move to Klem North during the renovation of the Xerox facility on Chiyoda Dr., the program found its permanent home there.
Aside from its close alignment with my former style, there was a lot to love about this school. I saw kids and adults training side by side, guided by the strong leadership of Shihan Matt, Sensei Mike and Sensei Mary Lou, whose teaching styles expertly balanced discipline with a sense of fun. It’s family focused; on the day I was there, a mom, dad and their three kids were training together. And it’s very affordable, especially when compared to a lot of other martial arts schools in the area.
I was hooked. I would definitely be signing up for the next session, and I started to compose my blog and congratulate the school on its 30th anniversary.
But that’s when the story took an abrupt turn.
Earlier this week, at the beginning of class, Shihan Matt sat all the students down and announced that, thanks to some annoying health issues, he has to close the school. It was clearly a very difficult announcement for him to make, and certainly a decision that he did not make lightly. Before him sat adults and youths who had studied at the school for years, children who were just beginning their martial arts journeys, and one older adult who was looking forward to getting back into the dojo after a long hiatus. We all sat in stunned silence.
Matt announced that the dojo’s last day will be Monday, June 15. However, he did offer a glimmer of hope, mentioning that there are preliminary talks about potentially keeping the school going — which might mean a different location or different instructors — if things can be worked out.
So there is hope that Golden Eagle Martial Arts will be able to continue its long tradition of providing affordable family fun, and continue to provide children and adults with the lifelong benefits of martial arts. In the meantime, I have almost four full months of quality karate training ahead of me, and I’m going to take advantage of every minute.
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Flag football has exploded in popularity in recent years at both the high school and collegiate levels. Both Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder high schools now have flag football teams, with individual athletes and entire squads finding success in local and state tournaments.
It’s no surprise that our Webster athletes are already winning accolades in the sport. Most recently, flag football standout Emma Rascoe, a senior at Webster Schroeder High School, received an especially huge honor. She was chosen to join the roster for the Pro Bowl High School Flag Football Showcase to be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Levi Stadium in San Francisco, home of Super Bowl LX. Emma was nominated by the Buffalo Bills to represent their team in the game.
The girls’ high school flag football game will be a big part of the National Football League’s Pro Bowl Week festivities. Much like the Pro Bowl itself, the game pits all-stars representing the AFC teams against all-stars representing the NFC. It will be broadcast on ESPN and stream on ESPN+ and Disney+.
Emma was selected following her standout junior season, where she served as the quarterback and a key defensive weapon on Webster Schroeder’s state championship team. Her leadership, athleticism, and impact on both sides of the ball helped lead the program to a historic season. She’s one of only 32 girls nationwide (and only two from New York State) chosen to participate in this prestigious event.
Congratulations, Emma, on this incredible honor, You make Webster proud!
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We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.
Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.
On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.
The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.
These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:
Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983;
Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988;
Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000;
Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961;
Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003;
Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005;
William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002;
Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball, football, lacrosse, class of 1983;
Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988;
Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967;
Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999;
Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012;
Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball;
Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968;
Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball;
Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970;
Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015;
Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000;
Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and
Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.
The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.
Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.
Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:
The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.
For more information and the nomination form, click here.
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A belated congratulations to Webster Schroeder alumna Nina (Scalzo) Smithson (class of 2000) for her recent induction into the New York High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame.
As a forward for Webster Schroeder, Nina had a remarkable high school career, leading her team in scoring all four years. She set a school record with 90 goals and 50 assists, a performance that earned her numerous accolades, including being named Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 1998 and Monroe County Division I Player of the Year in 1999. She was a three-time All-Greater Rochester and All-County first-team selection and was named first-team All-State as a junior and senior.
After high school, Nina continued her successful career at Syracuse University, where she became a four-year starter. She ranks fourth all-time at the university in career goals (24) and points (61) and sixth in assists (13). She earned Soccer Buzz All-Regional Honors, becoming the first player from her program to be selected to the first team.
The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place on September 6, at Niskayuna High School in Schenectady. Nina is the first athlete from Webster Central School District to receive this honor.
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You may remember that a few weeks ago, I participated in — and blogged about — the Webster Library’s new walking club, which meets every Tuesday afternoon. I had the pleasure during that stroll to reconnect with a fellow fitness advocate, Dave Malecki.
I first got to know Dave about a year ago, when I took part in one of his regular group bike rides through Webster. (I actually wrote a blog about that experience, too, which you can see here.) While we were walking together that Tuesday, Dave reminded me that he’s still organizing regular group bike rides, through the Huggers Ski Club.
Dave’s rides generally roll through West Webster. They’re also scheduled on Tuesdays, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and start at the Webster Public Library. The routes are flat and scenic, typically covering 12 to 15 miles, perfect for intermediate to experienced cyclists. Dave keeps things fresh by planning a new route each week. Recent rides have included stops at Herman’s Farm Market, Lake Ontario, and Whiting Road Nature Preserve.
His mission? To “promote Active Transportation here for Webster residents.”
If Tuesday mornings or West Webster don’t work for you, no worries; there are plenty of other rides throughout the week. You can find the full schedule here.
Recent attendance at Dave’s West Webster rides have been sparse, and he’d really like to have more participants. So check the schedule, sign up (so he knows you’re coming) and enjoy some biking in this beautiful summer weather.
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Sometimes really cool events just sneak under my radar. Yesterday, though, I had the great pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with Ron Kampff of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field, who reminded me about what’s happening over there this weekend.
And this is such a cool event that I definitely did not want to miss promoting it.
It’s called Heroes Helping Heroes Day, an annual event that combines baseball, Miracle Field athletes and first responders in a fun and inspirational morning of sports and friendship.
This year’s Heroes Day takes place at Miracle Field, 100 Ridge Rd., Webster, this SaturdayJuly 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local first responders spend the morning at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, and the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, the Seneca Park ZooMobile, a dunk tank, obstacle course and lots more.
This is a great morning of safe family fun. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking. To find out more, visit www.rochestermiraclefield.org.
About Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester
Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.
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A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening on Wednesday March 12 should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.
It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Wednesday night March 12 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. Usually the game includes some super-fun halftime activities featuring competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.
Suggestion donation for admission is just $5, and this year’s beneficiary is the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), a community coalition which promotes healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in our Webster schools and greater community. Additional donations would also be greatly appreciated.
The game begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the Webster Thomas High School gymnasium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.
The schools’ PTSAs host this game every year. I haven’t been to one in a long time, but I do remember actually playing in one when I was working at Webster Thomas many years ago. 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.
So make sure to mark your calendars for this fun night, and come out and support the Webster Health and Education Network in their effort to keep our kids safe and healthy.
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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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I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
