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Beautiful music has returned to Harmony Park

16 Jul

After almost two years of not being able to play together at their regular summer gigs at Harmony Park, the Webster Village Band is back together and performing beautiful music again.

Like pretty much everything else, in the last two years the pandemic put a damper on the Village Band’s ability to perform publicly, or even rehearse. Not only were their Thursday evening concerts at the Harmony Park bandshell cancelled entirely, they weren’t even allowed into the schools to hold rehearsals.

Last summer, as the pandemic began to wane, the band was able to rehearse again at the Harmony Park bandshell on Phillips Rd., and towards the end of last year actually had two performances, one at the park and another at the Village of Webster’s 9/11 memorial ceremony.

“When we got together the first time last year, you could tell the people were hungry to play,” said conductor Tom Indiano. “It was an awesome, awesome experience.” 

When they weren’t able to meet, especially over the winter months when they couldn’t hold outdoor rehearsals, “it was difficult,” Indiano said. “People want to play music.” So they did their best to stay busy in other ways, rehearsing at home, having social hours on Zoom, and finding creative ways to continue doing what they love doing most — making music.

Last December, for example, they pulled together a virtual, multi-instrumental performance of Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, which you can see below.

“We sent out parts,” Indiano remembered, and “everyone did a recording of it.” Then the individual parts were collected and expertly compiled into one seamless performance by one of the band’s members.

The piece was extremely well received, even attracting the attention of Anderson’s family, who thanked the band for the beautiful rendition.

Only a few months ago was the band finally allowed to hold their rehearsals in the schools again. So the season got off to a late start, but the Village Band is definitely back, albeit with a few changes.

Right now, “We’re just trying to get our feet wet,” Indiano said. “There’re some new tunes we’re working on.”

“We lost some people in that two-year span,” he added. “We’re a little smaller, but we’re pretty strong and there’s new blood coming in.”

“The future looks very good.”

The Webster Village Band plays on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. at Harmony Park, on Phillips Rd., south of Ridge. The next two concerts are Aug. 11 and Aug. 25. They’re free and open to the community. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and your own refreshments, then sit back and enjoy some beautiful music.

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

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(posted 7/16/2022)

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Village welcomes back the Firemen’s Parade

15 Jul

The return of the Webster Firemen’s Parade was met with beautiful weather and an appreciative crowd Thursday night as thousands watched it make its way down Main Street.

This year’s parade, which lasted around 75 minutes, wasn’t as long as others have been, and the crowds were lighter than I would have expected after a two-year hiatus. But otherwise, the event was the same loud, colorful, musical spectacle that we have come to know and love.

It was great to see many of our old favorites return, like the Towpath Volunteers and the Marion Red Caps. As usual, there was terrific representation from many of our neighboring towns’ fire departments and first responders. It was also a delightful surprise to see a brand new parade entrant, the Sodus Home School Marching Band, who performed with the best of them. I hope to see them again in future parades.

There were a TON of kids in the audience, and I’m not sure what they enjoyed most. It might have been the abundance of huge trucks and fire trucks who were all more than happy to blast their horns whenever they saw a child pumping his or her arm.

But it was probably the candy, being handed out or tossed from floats by the bushel basket full, that made the evening almost as lucrative as Halloween. And most of the kids came well prepared, with Wegmans bags or buckets in tow. Others pressed their baseball caps into service, or just piled their spoils on the ground next to them.

With the return of the Firemen’s Carnival and Parade, it almost feels like life is finally back to normal. Thank you to the Webster Volunteer Fire Department for helping make that happen.

Click here to see a full gallery of photos from before, during and after the parade.

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

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(posted 7/15/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

11 Jul

Summer events are coming fast and furious now. There’s no excuse for the kids (or adults) to say they’re bored anytime soon.

Here are some highlights:

  • The next Webster Wine Walk is Friday July 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each for a chance to sample wine and snacks at a dozen or so different merchants throughout the village. These tickets go very quickly, so get yours soon, by visiting the Webster BID website.
  • Summer Splash Day returns to the First Responders Splash Park on Saturday July 16 from 3 to 5 p.m. There’ll be all sorts of splash-y fun, and free Kona Ice sponsored by Gleason Othodontics. The spray park is located next door to the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive.
  • What’s a Webster summer without music at the gazebo? The first Friday Night Concert of the summer will be held July 22, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and liquid refreshments.
  • This year’s Heroes’ Day at Challenger Miracle Field is scheduled for Saturday July 23. Plans are still coming together about this fun and inspiring event which teams first responders up with our Challenger athletes. Details are slim right now, but click here to read a blog I wrote about last year’s event.
  • There’s a Family Games and Beer Garden Night coming up in the village on Friday July 29. These have become very popular family events. Part of Main Street is closed down, and the BIG games brought out: Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Cornhole, sidewalk chalk, and more. There’s live music and dancing from Dancing With Denise. Brought to you by the Webster BID, this Games Night will be sponsored in part by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN). Visit the Webster BID website for more information.
  • The annual Waterfront Art Festival is back, this year on July 30 and 31 at the same location (North Ponds Park) with a different name (Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park). Now in its 49th year, this event will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and is always packed with high-quality artisans. Check the website for more details.

As I find out more about these events, I’ll try to post it. In the meantime, stay up on the Webster BID website for updates and additions.

Oh, one more thing.

The barn doors at 394 Phillips Road are now open for donations to the Webster Museum’s Barn Sale, scheduled for Sept. 15 to 17. This annual sale makes a significant contribution to the all-volunteer museum’s operating expenses.

The museum welcomes household goods, tools, toys, pottery, collections, books, music, games, etc.  Think small and easy to lift. Please DO NOT leave large furniture, clothing, shoes, computers, exercise equipment or skis.

You can just leave your donations in the barn (receipts are on the table). Call Jan Naujokas at (585) 265-3268 if you have questions.

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

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Webster BID presents Wine Walk proceeds to Heritage Christian Stables

10 Jul

The Village of Webster’s regular Wine Walks are not only a great social occasion and chance to try some terrific new wines; the events also benefit local organizations.

The very popular Wine Walks are sponsored by the village’s Business Improvement District (BID), which donates the proceeds from each one to local nonprofit agencies. The most recent Wine Walk, held May 21, attracted almost 200 participants, and raised $750 for that month’s designated charity, Heritage Christian Stables, located on Salt Rd.

A community impact program of Heritage Christan Services, Heritage Christian Stables specializes in therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Presenting the check to Heritage Christian Stables Director Tara Defendorf-Kuba (center, with Harry Potter the horse) are BID representatives Kevin Finn (left) and Janice Raffaele-Addamo, from Finn’s Garage.

The next Webster Wine Walk is scheduled for Friday, July 15. Visit www.websterbid.com for more information. 

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 7/10/2022)

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The Carnival is back!

7 Jul

Without a doubt, the highlights of the Webster summer event schedule are the Firemen’s Carnival and the parade that heralds its arrival. And after two very boring, Carnival-less summers, I’m pleased to see that this very popular event is back this year, Wednesday July 13 through Saturday July 16.

The excitement is already beginning. The rides are being set up at Firemen’s Field, and the water barrels staged for the parking lots.

You can check out all the details about what will be happening, and when, at the NEJFD website, but here are some of the highlights:

Wednesday July 13:

  • Craft beer expo
  • The Breakfast Club plays in the Beer Tent
  • games, food, rides

Thursday July 14:

  • Fireman’s Parade begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • North of Forty plays in the Beer Tent
  • Games, food, rides

Friday July 15:

  • State Line plays in the Beer Tent
  • Games, food, rides

Saturday July 16:

  • Kiddie Parade at noon, beginning at Spry Middle School
  • The Magic Guy entertains at the fairgrounds
  • Free kids’ bike and grill drawing
  • Knight Patrol playing in the Beer Tent
  • Fireworks at midnight

Lots more details and regular updates can be found on the Carnival Facebook page.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 7/7/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

23 Jun

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with a fun event especially for baseball fans, but also anyone else who would like to support a great local organization.

The Rochester Ridgemen will be playing one of this season’s games at Frontier Field in just a few weeks.

On Tuesday July 5, beginning at 6 p.m., the Ridgemen will take the field against the Cortland Crush. Best news of all is that admission is free, parking is free, and you can just walk into the stadium without a ticket. There will even be some concessions open so you can get dinner and a snack. What a great way to spend the night at the ballpark!

The Rochester Ridgemen are part of Athletes in Action Baseball and compete in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. The NYCBL, founded in 1978, is a summer wood bat league sanctioned by the NCAA and partially funded by Major League Baseball.

Five Webster players are part of this year’s team: James Bolton, Daniel McAliney, Braden Pumputis, Matthew Sanfilippo, and Ian McNabb. They play at Webster’s Basket Road field. (Their full schedule is below.)

The Ridgemen is a great local organization whose members are not only skilled, but committed to their community. Recently they helped out at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester’s Disability Dream & Do Clinic, sharing their love of baseball with children and young adults with disabilities.

The Village of Webster’s first Tuesday Night Movie at the Gazebo will take place next week, Tues. June 28, beginning at dusk, probably around 9:30.

The first movie this summer will be Trolls, brought to you by the Webster BID and sponsored by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN). They’ll be handing out free snacks, so stop by early to get yours, and remember to bring lawn chairs and blankets to sit on.

This is WHEN’s first village-sponsored event, and the organization is looking forward to playing a regular part in this summer’s activities. Registration is not required for the movie, but if you let WHEN know you’re coming, they’ll send you a reminder the day before. Click here to sign up!

If you ask me, I think the folks at the Webster Recreation Center are a little excited about the second annual Mud Run coming up in September.

Last year’s first-ever Mud Run was so well received, they started making plans almost immediately for this year’s event. They promise it’s going to be even bigger and better (that might mean messier) than the first. It’s scheduled for Saturday Sept. 17, with the first wave going off at 10 a.m.

It’s only $5 per person and you can register for it here.

Here’s a little teaser they put together:

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

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(posted 6/23/2022)

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Historic Preservation Committee recognizes Lapham Park home

22 Jun

The Village of Webster’s Historic Preservation Committee has begun a new initiative, recognizing “Sites of the Month” throughout the village.

This month’s site is the home of Al and Michelle Abraham at 57 Lapham Park.

Known as the Knight House, it’s a three-story Victorian built in 1900 and purchased by the Knight siblings. According to the Abrahams,

In 2000, we had the great luck of moving in right next door to then Webster Town Historian Richard Batzing, who gave us a very different picture of what the house looked like before going through its many updates.

Slowly and deliberately, we have rehabilitated every room and added a 600-square-foot addition to the back of the house to include a new kitchen, entryway, and a four season room within the Victorian style. Plaster and lathe has been replaced and new windows put in with the exception of one in the front hall which still has the original glass. The trim throughout the downstairs, which had been removed and/or changed when remodeled previously, was replaced with the help of a craftsman from Newark who milled all new trim to match the original. In 2003, a red brick patio was done and a pergola built to support an existing Wisteria which has been growing there for over 50 years.

The house was sided with Hardie Board, again in keeping with the original style of the house. The original front porch was removed in the 1960s due to structural issues. In 2020 a new one was added and finished this past January.

There is still some work to be done here and there but it has been our greatest pleasure to bring this beautiful old home back to its original glory. 

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 6/22/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Jun

Are you headed to the Jazz Fest this weekend?

Schroeder Jazz Ensemble is playing Saturday June 18 at 5 p.m. on the Gibbs Street Stage. Make sure to stop by if you’re nearby and cheer these young people on (and their music teachers, Mrs. Cole and Mr. Lindblom!)

A food truck rodeo and vendor fair being held on Tuesday, June 21 will benefit our Webster Girl Scouts and the great programs they offer.

The rodeo will be held at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on June 21, and feature:

  • Bay Vista Taqueria
  • Mrs. D’s Empanadas
  • Pub 235
  • Rob’s Sweet Tooth
  • Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza

Tons of vendors will also be there (check out the poster for that list), community agencies will have information booths, and live entertainment will be provided by Brian Roode. Make sure to bring some lawn chairs.

Sounds like good food, good music, and a fabulous way to help the Girl Scouts (they do so much more than sell cookies)!

This happy news, from the Webster School District, is another great illustration of all of the good things our young people are doing for our community.

The students of Spry Middle School recently presented a check for $2,107.76 to officials from Challenger Miracle Field, representing donations received through several Spirit Week events.

The Spry Student Council chooses a charity every year to benefit from various Spirit Week competitions. This year they hosted jar wars (a competition to collect loose change), restaurant nights at Panera and Bill Gray’s, and as a culminating activity, a kickball game.

The kickball game was played several weeks ago at Miracle Field itself. The game blended Spry students with Challenger players on each of Spry’s house teams. Following the game, the coveted Spirit Stick was presented to the White House team, which earned the most points from all of the week’s events.

Admission to the kickball game and concessions, added to the week’s earlier fundraising efforts, drove the final Challenger Miracle Field donation total to more than than $2,100.

And that was in just one week. Pretty cool. Nice job, Spry!

The Village of Webster’s Family Game Nights are Back!

The first Family Games & Beer Garden Night of the summer is scheduled for Friday June 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. on West Main St. There’s going to be tons for the kids (and game-loving adults) to do, including sidewalk chalk, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and cornhole. Chad the DJ will provide music, and Kaitlyn from TozziYoga will be there to get everyone moving.

Plus, there’s beer. Did I mention that?

For more information about this and other upcoming village events, like the Movie Nights at the Gazebo, the next Village Wine Walk, Friday Night Concerts and more, visit the Webster BID website.

Don’t forget about this Sunday’s West Webster Cemetery Tour, your chance to learn more about West Webster history, and some of the people who lived there … and are buried there.

On Sunday June 19, from 2 to 4 p.m., the Webster Museum will host an historical tour of the West Webster Cemetery, featuring a dozen reenactors portraying many of the former residents who now rest there. The characters will be hanging out by their gravestones, awaiting visitors to wander by and hear their stories.

I’ll be there, portraying Martha Cottreall, who died in 1934 at the age of 72. I’ll talk about my life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and especially about the accomplishments of my husband — who participated in a famous Arctic rescue operation — and son, who fought in WWI.

Tour visitors will also hear from Angelina Aldridge (wife of John O. Aldridge), Ebenezer Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Drake, and Sylvester Brewer (who will talk about the Civil War and the Army of the Grand Republic), and many others.

It should be a fascinating way to learn more about our town’s oldest cemetery, and to hear some of the memories of West Webster’s past, spoken by voices of the present.

There’s no charge to attend the event, but donations are always gratefully accepted. Attendees are being asked to park at St. Rita’s Church, across Maple Dr. from the cemetery. NO PARKING signs will be posted along Old Ridge Rd. and Maple Dr.

If you’d like to learn more about the cemetery before Sunday’s tour, you’re invited to attend a presentation at the museum on Saturday, June 18 at 2 p.m. when Peter Elder will talk about the cemetery’s history.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 6/17/2022)

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Village of Webster to hold huge sidewalk sale this weekend

15 Jun

You’re going to want to make some time to do some shopping this weekend, as more than a dozen Village merchants move their business outside for the Village of Webster Sidewalk Sale.

All day Friday and Saturday June 17 and 18, you’ll find tables set up along East and West Main St. and North Ave., offering super deals on super products, perhaps some handouts and maybe even some valuable store coupons. Details are still coming together, but so far at least 13 shops are participating, and the list keeps growing every day. Here’s who’s signed up so far:

  • Crafy Christy’s Boutique, 7 West Main (lower level)
  • Curated by JUSTINteriors, 44 E. Main (next to Village Bakery)
  • Lala’s, 36-38 East Main
  • Nest Things, 11 East Main
  • Ohhh, Lordee! Everything Sauce, 5 West Main (lower level)
  • Orville’s Home Appliances, 185 West Main
  • Performance Hobbies, 15 West Main
  • rSalon, 28 East Main
  • The Modified Collective, 5 West Main (upper level)
  • The North Bee, 27 North Ave.
  • The Village Quilt Shoppe, 21 East Main
  • Village Handworks, 19 East Main
  • Whimsies, 32 East Main

This is going to be a great chance to get to know a lot of our village merchants better, have some fun shopping and get some great deals!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 6/15/2022)

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Tropical shirts? Beach drinks? It’s Webster-itaville (take two)

8 Jun

If you were disappointed that Jimmy Buffett Night at Lala of Webster was postponed last April, I have good news! It’s been rescheduled for Thursday night June 9, and it’s actually bigger and better than the original event was going to be.

From 5 to 7 p.m., Lala will be featuring Jimmy Buffett-themed music, food and drink. Everyone’s encouraged to come dressed in your favorite tropical attire and bright colors, and escape for some beach-time (or at least beach-like) fun.

The party continues next door at Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar, which will have live music and be serving up some tropical drink specials (like a Strawberry Margarita, Coconut Mojito and a non-alcoholic Strawberry Breeze) and snacks (including coconut shrimp).

Need dinner? Across the street, Webster Hots will be grilling up a Cheeseburger in Paradise combo, featuring a burger and fries for $8 or two burgers and a large fry for $13. It’s the same burger served in the actual Jimmy Buffet Restaurant.

So make sure to head into the village this Thursday night and kick your summer off in a fun way. (P.S. keep an eye out for parrots.)

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter and 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 6/8/2022)

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