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Webster community mailbag

25 May

The Chorus of the Genesee invites YOU

Are you a guy who loves to sing, or do you know a guy who loves to sing? Webster’s very own Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a Guest Night on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Learn more about the Chorus, who they are and what they do. There’ll be singing, snacking and socializing. Click here to find out more.

Yoga at the Gazebo

Molly Flaherty, owner of M/Body Webster, is hosting FREE outdoor community yoga classes in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave. every Sunday morning from 10 to 11 a.m. through Sept. 8.

While there’s no charge, registration is required. Click here to register. This event is being held in conjunction with the Webster BID and Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Day of Caring at The Webster Arboretum

Thursday May 23 was the annual Day of Caring, and the Webster Arboretum sent along this report on what their volunteers got accomplished:

“The Day of Caring, sponsored by United Way, is the community’s single largest volunteer effort, helping local nonprofits with projects, or ‘needs’, that they may not otherwise have resources for. We would like to thank Carestream Health, TRSS, Rockwell Automation, Hillside Children Center, Excellus, Paychex and Bond, Schoennay & King for supporting the Webster Arboretum. (Thursday) these groups came out in force to weed, mulch and beautify the Webster Arboretum. Thanks to their hard work we look better than ever. Stop by and enjoy the benefits of their labor.”

And don’t forget about these upcoming June Events at the Arboretum:

  • Composting workshops, Wednesday June 5 from 10 to 11 a.m. or Tuesday June 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The presenter will be Barbara Cummings from the Wayne County Master Gardener Program. No registration is required.
  • Program about peonies, the “queen of flowers,” Sunday June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Arboretum board member George Riehle will give a tour and present the program, focusing on the care and cultivation of peonies and tree peonies. Please register at the Webster Arboretum website. 
  • The Music at the Arb series continues this summer when Jazz Generation performs at the Arboretum gazebo on Thursday June 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The performance is weather-dependent. Bring your chairs, blankets, snacks and beverages. There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Miracle Field announces inaugural golf tournament

This is exciting news from our friends at Challenger Miracle Field. They’ve just announced they’ll be hosting their first-ever golf tournament on Monday Sept. 9 at Irondequoit Country Club.

The Early Bird Golf Package will go for $1,000 a team if purchased before June 30, when the price will go up to $1,100. Packages include a round of golf for four people, golf carts, lunch and dinner.

Sponsorships are available for individuals and businesses beginning at $200.

Click here to register for the tournament and click here for more information about sponsorships.

Special Olympics Returns to Schroeder Campus

This notice from the Webster CSD:

Webster Central School District will once again host the Northeast Monroe County Special Olympics Track and Field Day.

Student athletes from nine area schools will compete throughout the day on Wednesday, May 29 at the Webster Schroeder High School track. Opening ceremonies will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the New York State Police Torch Relay slated to arrive around 10:15 a.m. Competitions will begin immediately following. Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, East Irondequoit, West Irondequoit, Penfield, Creekside, Mary Cariola, Greece Athena, and Fairport high schools will all be represented, competing in a variety of track, field, and adaptive events.

New this year will be several unified events. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding. In Unified Sports, teams are made up of people of similar age and ability.

Additionally, Special Olympics NY will again offer more opportunity for age-appropriate sport activities for younger children. Their Young Athletes program, for ages 2-7, offers a variety of motor learning stations that introduces athletes to play and develops skills that lead to sport-specific movements and activities. Developmental Sports, for ages 8-11, is a step up from Young Athletes and focuses on skill development in sport activities. Both of these Special Olympics programs are designed to prepare younger athletes for authentic Special Olympics competition.

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

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

(posted 5/25/2024)

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Girls on the Run could use some volunteers

7 May

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 5/7/2024)

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The Rochester Ridgemen could use your help

20 Apr

Hey Webster baseball fans — did you know we have a terrific, NCAA-sanctioned and MLB-supported baseball team right here in town? They’re the Rochester Ridgemen, who play a very competitive, 36-game season through June and July at Basket Road Field.

The Ridgemen have been a part of the Webster sports scene since 2012. They compete in the New York Collegiate Baseball League, a summer wood bat league which began in 1978. The league gives college players who have not yet signed a professional contract the opportunity to develop their skills at a higher level of play, gain experience with wood bats, and be evaluated by scouts.

The Ridgemen enter the 2024 season as the NYCBL defending champions, winning the organization’s first-ever title in 2023. The 2024 campaign starts on June 7 with the team’s official home opener on June 10 at 6 p.m. This year they’ll play 15 home games at Basket Road Field, 18 road games, and three neutral site games.

But, before the season starts, they need our help.

Host families are needed to house the 25 visiting players and six team leadership staff members for the 8-week season. And it’s not even a huge commitment. The basics the team will need include:

  • breakfast and a sack lunch (following your normal family menu)
  • a bed (or cot or mattress on the floor) for each player
  • use of your laundry facilities (and the players will take care of their own laundry)

And that’s pretty much it. Players are assigned in pairs to an amazing host family.

Want to find out more? An informational meeting is planned for Sunday April 28 at 4 p.m. at Browncroft Community Church, 2350 Browncroft Rd. There will be a lot more information about hosting, plus updates on how things are coming together for the season. So bring your questions and bring your excitement about the 2024 Rochester Ridgemen season!

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

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

(posted 4/20/2024)

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Ron Kampff: Citizen of the Year!

2 Apr

I was reading the most recent newsletter from Challenger Miracle Field the other day, when I came across a bit of news which made me stop in my tracks. It’s the kind of news that should be shouted from the rooftops, and I was surprised I hadn’t heard about it earlier.

At last month’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Miracle Field Vice Chair Ron Kampff was honored as Citizen of the Year.

If you’re at all familiar with Miracle Field, then you know about Ron Kampff and why this award was so well deserved. Ron is a Webster treasure; the heart and soul of Miracle Field, and the driving force behind the creation — and continuing success — of this incredible facility. He commitment to fostering inclusivity within our community is unparalleled.

The Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade website published a whole write-up about Ron and why he was recognized. It reads, in part,

Ron is most proud of being able to help both children and adults with disabilities in our community. During his 30 plus years of being a board member of the Webster Little League, he was able to start a challenger baseball program in 2001, which has grown from 32 participants to over 150! He has also been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Webster, where he has served as president. Continuing his mission to help others, Ron and a good friend started raising money in 2014 to build a facility designed for kids and adults with special needs. Hence, Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester was born! They now operate year-round and offer a variety of sports and special events on and off the field. Ron was fortunate enough to also establish a Beep Baseball team for the blind and visually impaired. Taking it a step further he helped form Rochester Area Blind Athletes, Inc where he serves as Vice-President…and Ron says, “Miracles really do happen!” 

Click here to visit the website and read more.

Ron walked in the parade alongside his friend Billy, accepting congratulations all along the way. Today I add my congratulations, along with heartfelt thanks from the entire Webster community.

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

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

(posted 4/2/2024)

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SEPTA Bowling Tournament returns

9 Mar

After a four year hiatus, Webster’s special education scholarship bowling fundraiser is returning on April 28.

The SEPTA Bowling Scholarship Fundraiser is a fun — and occasionally competitive — tournament which has been a tradition in our district for a long time, until it was sideswiped by the pandemic. But this year it’s back, and promises to be better than ever.

The tournament is hosted by the Special Education PTA and special education staff members from Webster Thomas and Schroeder high schools, with the proceeds benefiting scholarships for Webster CSD graduating seniors with special needs.

Details are still coming together, but right now organizers are looking for teams to show off their hidden bowling talents. This is always a hugely fun event where teams are encouraged to dress up in theme costumes to win some awesome prizes for most original, creative and fun/goofy.

The tournament takes place Sunday, April 28 at Bowlero Lanes, 2400 Empire Boulevard, Webster. Check-in and lane assignments are 1 to 1:45 p.m. with tournament play taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. Donation to play in the tournament is $35 per person with checks made payable to SEPTA. Registration includes two hours of bowling, shoe and equipment rental, pizza, unlimited soft drinks, three raffle tickets toward prizes, a gratuity for the Bowlero staff and (of course) money toward the scholarships. Registration is in advance and can be done online at tinyurl.com/SEPTA24 or by contacting Dina Malboeuf at dina_malboeuf@webstercsd.org. Indicate if your team needs bumpers or a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and if there is another team you would like to bowl with.

Deadline for registration is April 19.

Organizers are also looking for raffle prize donations. Please email Dina if your business is able to help out.

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

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

(posted 3/9/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 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. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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

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

(posted 3/2/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening in a few weeks 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 6 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.

Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  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 Wednesday March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. WHEN is a network of Webster community members linked through awareness, education and action. It connects Webster residents to reliable resources with programs providing youth engagement, community education, parent outreach, advocacy and community training,

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation.

Lunch will feature a Turkey Melt, Reuben or Crispy Chicken sandwich, plus coffee, tea, cold drinks, fresh fruit and a cookie. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Here’s another option for the upcoming solar eclipse, this one an invitation from the Webster Arboretum, on Schlegel Rd.:

The Arboretum is planning a day-long event on Eclipse Day, April 8, beginning at 11 a.m., when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. A poetry reading begins at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry.

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution. By about 3:20 p.m., the sun will be completely covered for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. By 4:30, the show will be over.

In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.

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

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

(posted 2/22/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Jan

The secondary schools’ lineup of spring musicals begins in just a few weeks when the Willink Drama Club presents Finding Nemo JR. on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway.

An adaptation of the beloved 2003 movie, Finding Nemo JR. tells the story of Marlin (Jeremiah Fischer), an anxious and over-protective clownfish who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo (Harper Johnson), who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters Dory (Peyton Short), Crush (Rylie Biroscak), and the supportive Tank Gang (Jeremiah Clark, Ella Boneberg, Benedict Sweeney, Leah Schinaman, Kayla Vanderlinden, and Sierra Strelick), Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. showcases a large, energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online here but should also be available at the door.

Challenger Miracle Field invites the community to a Valentines Dance on Friday and Saturday Feb. 9 and 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Webster Country Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Participants ages 20 and under are invited to attend Friday night, and those 21 and older can come on Saturday. Both nights will feature dinner, a photo booth, and a DJ providing the dance music.

Cost is $10 for 1 to 2 people, $25 for a group of three or more. Click here to register. Registrations are due by Feb. 2.

Beyond Cuts Salon on North Ave. in the Village of Webster is working with RocMaidan to send relief supplies to the Ukraine.

The salon is now collecting any size bottles of Ibuprofin (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and cold medicines and bandages of any size, which will be added to the medical backpacks which RocMaidan regularly ships to the Ukraine for soldier and civilian casualties.

Please drop your items off at the salon, 33 North Ave., during normal operating hours.

The annual Robynpalooza Golf Tourney has been scheduled for June 14, 2024 at the Morgan’s Crossing Golf Club in Scottsville.

This tournament is in its 13th year of having fun and raising money for local charities. Last year’s event raised $18,000, which benefited the Genesee Land Trust, Webster Public Library, Human Kindness and Webster Rotary charities. Business owners are encouraged to support this year’s Robynpalooza by purchasing a sponsorship, which range from $100 to $2500.

For more details, visit www.websterrotaryny.org or call 585-678-1378.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday Feb. 15 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. Cherie Wood, Webster’s coordinator for Wreaths Across America Webster, will be this month’s speaker.

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Then Cherie will speak about Wreaths Across America and other projects supporting Blue Star families and Gold Star mothers.

Lunch will feature a buffet featuring Proietti’s famous Chicken French, stuffed shells, zucchini marinara, salad, and a cannoli.  The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by February 8 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The CDS Wolf Foundation invites community members to join a fun afternoon of bowling at the 17th annual Strikes for Abilities Bowling Party, scheduled for Sunday Feb. 25 at Bowlero Webster, 2400 Empire Blvd.

Registration costs just $250 for 5-person teams, and includes two hours of unlimited bowling, bowling shoes, pizza and unlimited soft drinks, prizes, a cash bar and raffles.

To learn more and sign up, click here.

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

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

(posted 1/26/2024)

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New children’s book stars Webster Thomas basketball standout

15 Dec

There’s a new picture book on Amazon, which attracted my interest because it not only was written by a Webster author, but features a Webster student and his Webster coaches.

Andrew Conquers the Court, written by Antonietta Quinn, launched in November and has already become an Amazon.com bestseller. It’s a story of determination and perseverance, the kind of I-won’t-quit attitude that we try to instill in our children … and aspire to ourselves.

The book was inspired by a true story about Antonietta’s son Andrew. When he was in 7th grade at Willink Middle School, Andrew tried out for the basketball team, but wasn’t chosen. For some kids, that kind of defeat might have been the end of the story. But for Andrew Quinn, it was just the beginning.

Andrew set his sights on improving his skills and trying out for the team again in 8th grade. He started playing basketball whenever he could, working out with his friends and younger brother, getting up early every morning to practice dribbling, and joining travel teams. When tryouts came around again, Andrew not only made the team, but Coach Rob Fenton (another name Webster folks will recognize) put him in the starting line-up.

Andrew ultimately became a star player on the Webster Thomas High School Varsity team, earning MVP honors. Plus, he was voted the Monroe County Division 2 Co-Player of the Year, a Ronald McDonald House All-Star Player, and was selected for the First Team of the All-Greater Rochester basketball team.

As an educator herself, Antonietta realized what a great story Andrew was living.

“Watching it as a mom, I thought, this is amazing,” she said. “This is a metaphor for life. You don’t get what you want, but you keep working at it and you eventually get it.” It wasn’t until years later that she decided to write a book. So many people were telling her how inspirational Andrew’s story was, she knew she needed to share it with the world.

People would say to my husband and me, “Gosh, he’s got such a great story.” Then at his senior banquet his coaches said, “I don’t think this ever happened before, where a kid didn’t make it in 7th grade and ended up the all star on the team.” … That’s where it kind of popped in my head that maybe this is the time to do the children’s book I’ve wanted to do. 

That decision was further sealed when Andrew’s 7th grade English teacher told Antonietta, “I tell his story every year to my class.”

“As soon as she said that,” Antonietta thought, “I was like, that’s my book. That’s gotta be it. Because if she tells it to her class, maybe other classes would read it too.”

Now she hopes Andrew’s story will inspire others, young and old, to not give up when life throws you a curve.

“The whole idea of resilience in life is so important, because you’re going to go through those things,” she said. “It’s just part of life, whether it’s a sport that you love or a career … Failures are really learning opportunities” if we choose to look at them that way.

Andrew Conquers the Court, written by Antonietta Quinn and illustrated by Eva Morales, is available on Amazon.com for $18.99 in hardcover, $12.99 in paperback, or $3.99 for Kindle.

Andrew in 8th grade
Andrew as a Webster Thomas senior

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Andrew Quinn is currently studying architecture — and playing basketball — at Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Antonietta Quinn lives in Webster with her husband David and younger son Sean, currently a junior at Webster Thomas.

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Webster community mailbag

7 Dec

First, this reminder from the Webster Museum about a great holiday fundraiser … which also makes a great gift idea.

It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

This reminder from the Women’s Club of Webster that they’re always welcoming new members.

The mission of the Women’s Club is to make a positive difference in the lives of Webster community members, primarily through fundraising. The list of organizations and scholarships the club supports is impressive, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Museum, service awards for high school students, the Webster Library, Webster NY Hope and many more.

If you’ve never been to a meat raffle (they’re HUGE in Buffalo), then you’ve missed out on a unique and entertaining experience.

For not a whole lot of money, you can win some big bunches of steak, bacon, pork, sausages … and much more.

This particular meat raffle is being hosted as a fundraiser for the Webster Wolves baseball team on Saturday Jan. 20. Check the flyer for more details.

There’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Public Library this month, starting with the annual Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

Also going on this month at the library:

  • Music and Movement Story Time on Tuesday Dec. 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Family Night on Monday Dec. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and make a penguin egg puppet. No registration is required.
  • Make it Monday for Teens, Monday Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month, make a sock snowman. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Kids in grades 6 through 12 are invited to learn how to become more involved in the library and the community. Registration is required. Click here.
  • For adults: Tending to Life — Blue Christmas, Saturday Dec. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sharon Willow talks about grief and the holidays. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Holiday Music in the Library, Saturday Dec. 16. At 10:30 a.m., the Madrigalia Carolers will perform in the main library (no registration required). At 1 p.m. the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform in the Community Room. Registration is required for that performance. Click here.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

‘Tis definitely the holidays at the Webster Recreation Center!

Santa will be there from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 9 to welcome children of all ages. He’ll wait for everyone, so no need to show up at right at the beginning; stop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.

And while you’re there — whether you see Santa or not — you can drop off your letter to Santa in the mailbox anytime between Dec. 9 and 19. And guess what!! Santa will actually write a return letter which you can pick up at the Rec Center beginning on Dec. 21.

And if your kids like cookies, check this out: Stop in anytime on Saturday Dec. 9 between 8 a.m. and noon (before Santa gets there) for a Stay ‘n Play Cookie Decorating Party. It’s free and no registration is necessary.

And you won’t want to miss the Senior Singers Holiday Performance on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. This FREE performance of holiday classics will have you singing all day. This is a community event, so bring your friends and family! More to come about this in a future blog.

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(posted 12/7/2023)

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