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I finally got to meet my pen pal

25 May

I had the pleasure of participating once again this year in a fun inter-generational pen pal program through the Webster Recreation Center.

The program, organized by Recreation Supervisors Julie Schillaci and Daphne Geoca, connected 20 Webster seniors with a classroom of second graders at Autumn Lane Elementary School in Greece. I took park in the program for the first time last year, and enjoyed it so much that when word came in September that it was starting up again, I immediately signed on. It’s a great opportunity to help young people improve their writing skills and find out that writing can actually be FUN.

Shortly after the school year began, each participating senior was matched with a student, and we received our first hand-written letters in late September.

Over the next seven months, we received, and responded to, three more letters. I don’t know about the ones the others were getting, but mine were covered in bright colors and rainbows, flowers and stickers. Alisha would draw pictures of my foster cats, and even drew a rather accurate representation of Prague when she knew I was visiting there.

Alisha and I wrote about her travels to visit her family, how she likes to play soccer, the ladybug project she was working on, and the concert she had coming up. She asked me what my favorite color was, my favorite flower, and if I took a bus to school. But the last letter was my favorite, because it included an invitation to an end-of-program reception when we would finally be able to meet each other in person.

And so it was on Friday May 16, the other seniors and I traveled to Autumn Lane Elementary and finally got to meet our pen pals. We gathered in the school’s gymnasium, the kids sang us some songs, and several of the students went up to the microphone to tell us all how much they enjoyed getting our letters. Several of us seniors also took to the mic, saying pretty much the same thing: we LOVED getting the letters.

After all the festivities, the kids served us some drinks and snacks, and we had some time to sit and chat. I showed her some photos from Prague, and she told me how she was graduating to another school next year. The conversation flowed easily, like we were good friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. And we had to break it off much too soon (after all, the kids had to get to P.E. class).

I felt fortunate to be part of the program again this year. I’m already looking forward to doing so again next year, and helping inspire another young writer.

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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 5/25/2025)

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Special events for all ages coming up at the Webster Rec Center

20 May

Lots going on at the Webster Recreation Center this month and next, for kids and adults of all ages.

The first special event I want to highlight is the National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday May 28. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Rec Center will be welcoming active older adults to “share a day of good health.”

Participants can enjoy a yogurt bar, check out some vendors, get some free assessments, get tours of the Recreation Center, play some cornhole, take some chances on a raffle prize basket, and watch some mini class demonstrations. This is a great opportunity to check out the Rec Center and all of the classes they offer for active older adults. I’ve been taking group exercise classes there for more than a year and am not only feeling healthier and more fit, but have also made a lot of new friends.

The event is absolutely free and open to everyone in the 55+ community.

Speaking of seniors, the Webster Senior Singers will be presenting a concert at the Recreation Center on Tuesday, June 10 beginning at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — four times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.

The title of the concert is “A Musical Revue,” which means that you’ll hear a lot of tunes you know, performed by the chorus and several soloists. The concert will be about an hour long.

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This year’s Summer Celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, June 7 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

This very popular family event features food trucks, live music, lots of activities for the whole family, and — of course — fireworks to end the evening. Admission is free and no registration is necessary.

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Finally, details of this summer’s Music at the Arb series have been announced.

These concerts are performed outdoors at the gazebo at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. This year’s schedule features:

All the performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

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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 5/20/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 May

The Webster Recreation Center will be holding a Family Fun Night on Friday, May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

The evening’s festivities will include lawn games, dancing, food, and lots more. Police, fire department and Town of Webster highway trucks will be present, as well as community group booths, tattoo artists, food trucks and a concession stand. There’ll even be an “Instrument Zoo.”

There’s no cost to attend and registration is not necessary. Just come on by and bring the family!

*****

Color Webster Green has scheduled two very interesting programs in the next few weeks.

The first is an outdoor workshop called Magnificent Monarchs, on Saturday, May 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Charles Sexton Park. Color Webster Green member Geri McMahon will be presenting this family-friendly event. Everyone who attends will go home with fun stickers, and some milkweed seeds to plant in their yards.

There’s no charge, and registration is optional, but it might be nice to let the Color Webster Green folks know how many are planning to attend.  

The second is a Refuse District Discussion on Thursday, May 29 from 7 to 8 p.m.

This is an online discussion to start a conversation about refuse districts. Since this is an initiative that needs a lot of buy-in from the community, Color Webster Green is trying to see if folks are interested in pushing for this. It’s already been implemented in Brighton and Pittsford.

The discussion will start with a short presentation on what refuse districts are and how it came about in Brighton. The meeting will be online via MS Teams at this link. 

*****

The Webster Museum has some new items in their store, which you’ll want to check out next time you’re there. They’re scenic photo cards picturing several beautiful features of the Webster area, including the Harmony House, the pier, historic homes, and others.

The cost is three cards for $5.40, or $2.15 each, tax included. Cash or check, please.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

*****

The next Breakfast Before Business Meeting of the Webster Chamber of Commerce will be Friday, May 30 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time, your opportunity to briefly introduce yourself. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. 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 5/12/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Apr

The next two Talks on Tuesday at the Webster Recreation Center look kind of neat.

The first, on Tuesday April 15 is all about Paranormal Investigations. Join the Monroe County paranormal investigations team to learn how they go about ghost hunting. They’ll share many Rochester-area paranormal experiences. The program begins at 6 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-P)

On Tuesday April 29, Dan Mason, General Manager of the Red Wings, will share the long history of the team which started in 1877, one of the oldest franchises in baseball. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-R)

Get rid of those expired drugs

The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), Town of Webster and Webster Police Dept. will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clear out your medicine cabinet and bring your old prescription drugs to the Webster Justice Court Building at 1002 Ridge Rd. (look for the blue roof). Volunteers will be out in front of the building to accept your drugs, so you don’t even need to get out of your car.

Click here for event details and to sign up to get a reminder about this event.

The following week, on Wednesday April 30, WHEN will be sponsoring the third and last program in their Navigating the Tween Years parent forums, held partnership with Webster Central School District.

The topic this time will be Empowering Your Family. It’s an evening of interactive discussion and exploration, and you’ll leave with concrete ideas about how to support your children and teens so they can thrive. This presentation will recap some of the topics covered in previous sessions and build on proactive measures parents can implement immediately to help keep kids safe and healthy.

The event will be held on April 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.  

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 3 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Webster CSD early voter ballot applications available

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

  • Absentee Ballot: Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application, may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue.
  • Early Voter: Qualified voters of the district may wish to use an early voter ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Early voter ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster. 

There are limited office hours during break week of April 14, 2025. Please contact District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org if planning to pick up an application during that week. Ballots will not be available until on/or about April 25, 2025. 

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Here are a few reminders from previous mailbags:

  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds. It begins at 7 p.m. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
  • Donors at the next American Red Cross blood drive, coming up on Saturday April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, will enjoy homemade cookies provided by the Women’s Club of Webster. You can sign up in advance at redcrossblood.org or just drop in.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. Members of the Friends are welcome to shop on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., and the general public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More information 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 4/13/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

4 Mar

I’ll begin today’s mailbag with a few new tidbits, then add some reminders about events I’ve mentioned earlier.

Library to host Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.

In previous years, almost 60 organizations from all over the Rochester area have participated, and most will likely be returning this year. Click here to see last year’s participant list.

Autism Up will be set up in the Community Room with a sensory space, in case you need a breather and want to learn more about what they have to offer.

Registration is recommended if you’d like a reminder. Caregivers can come any time during the fair, and if you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available by request.

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

Great new programs for 55+ at the Webster Recreation Center

I got my most recent 55+ newsletter from the Webster Rec the other day. It’s always got lots of great programs, but I especially like the Talks on Tuesday topics. Here’s this month’s lineup:

  • March 11: Medicare, by Sara Mason from Mason Wealth Management
    All the different pieces of Medicare can be confusing. This workshop will give you an understanding of what each piece means, when you can make changes and why you should review your plan annually.
  • March 18: The Big Bang, by NASA Ambassador Jim Porter
    Join NASA Ambassador Jim Porter to discover the rich heritage of NASA cosmic exploration and where the latest missions will be taking us into the future.
  • March 25: Maintaining Cognitive Health by psychologist Dr. Arianna Slotnick
    An engaging workshop filled with practical and enjoyable strategies to boost cognitive function and maintain brain health throughout your lifespan. You’ll leave with tangible tips and techniques you can implement immediately.

The Talks on Tuesdays are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

And here’s a brand new program at the Rec Center, called TAP TIME, held Fridays from March 21 through April 25 from 11:45 to 12:30 p.m. Whether standing or seated, Tap Time is a safe, fun way to stay active while enjoying upbeat tunes from Broadway and more. We will provide the slip-on taps used for class that fit right over any flat-bottomed shoe to create instant tap shoes. Cost is $30.

To find out about lots more programs and to register for any of these, click here to see the whole 55+ March newsletter.

Petitions Available for BOE Candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 20 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, 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 21.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org during the office hours noted above.

There’s still time to enter WHEN headphone giveaway

FRIDAY, March 14 is the last day to enter the Beats headphone giveaway being sponsored by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN).

It’s easy to enter; just visit @WHENdfcc on Instagram, and post a picture of you doing something happy and healthy, like going for a walk, playing a sport, etc. Comment and tag two friends, follow WHEN on Instagram and share the WHEN post to your story. See more about this great giveaway on Instagram or click here.

And don’t forget about the Thomas/Schroeder Charity Basketball Game on WEDNESDAY, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.  This is a super fun event pitting Webster Thomas and Schroeder staff members against each other in a basketball game which is more entertaining than skillful. Suggested donation of $5 at the door will benefit benefits WHEN.

Learn about insects at the Arboretum

You’ll want to check out this education program being hosted by the Webster Arboretum later this month.

Invasive Insects, Thursday March 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our environment, and as scientific professionals, hobbyists, or passersby, we encounter them almost every day. But what makes a species invasive? How many are there? Learn more about them at this fascinating presentation.

WCCH Prom Party is April 5

The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and the first 20 guests get a VIP bag of goodies. There will also be a contest for King & Queen, Best Dressed, and Most Original.

Click here to purchase tickets.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow mse 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 3/4/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Feb

A quick reminder from the Town of Webster to start off today’s mailbag: If you haven’t recycled your Christmas tree yet, you can still do so through Friday, Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway. As soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you’ll see a sign directing you to the drop-off spot.

***

If you need something to keep the kids busy during the upcoming February break, consider the Fun Camp hosted by the Webster Recreation Center, Tuesday Feb. 18 through Friday Feb. 21.

The kids can spend their break playing games, making crafts, playing in the gym and more. Break camps provide a safe, fun, and active program for children in grades K-5. Drop-off is any time after 8 a.m. and pickup is before 5 p.m.. Children must bring lunch, snacks, water bottle, and wear sneakers every day.

***

Also, these notes from the Webster Recreation Center’s 55+ activities calendar:

This month’s next Tuesday Talk, scheduled for Feb. 25, will welcome Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum, who will talk about Webster’s history through the years, including how it is that our town, once a part of Penfield, became Webster.

Coming up in the next few months, the Talks on Tuesdays will feature NASA Ambassador Jim Porter talking about The Big Bang (March 18), Jeff Taylor presenting a travelogue from South Korea and Taiwan (April 8) and Doug Thiele giving tips on making your money go further (date TBD).

The Talks on Tuesdays program is designed to bring older adults a wide range of topics to keep our minds sharp and alert while meeting new and interesting people. They’re offered Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Admission is free but registration is required. For more details, check out the newsletter here.

These talks are just a few of the dozens of different programs offered by the Rec Center designed to keep older people active and educated. They include gaming, dancing, age-appropriate exercising, singing, parties, Lunch Bunch field trips and much, much more. Click here to see the Webster Recreation Center newsletter for details.

More from the Rec

Here are a couple of other reminders from the Webster Recreation Center about ways you can enjoy the winter weather on their grounds:

Cross Country Skiing: There’s a groomed track at the Rec Cen tger which can be used during the day, and the lights will be on from 5 to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays! Make sure to bring your own skis.

Ice Skating Rink: The lights are always on at the ice skating rink in the evenings; just bring your own skates. And of course you can skate during the day.

Walking Paths: Two plowed walking/running paths are cleared for winter at Charles E. Sexton Park and the Recreation Center.

Coming up in March

St. Martin Lutheran Church will host a free Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m., to thank the community for supporting their missions over the year.

Dinner will include unlimited pancakes and syrup, plus sausages and applesauce. Participants are invited to come dressed in Mardi Gras style. Beads will be provided, and you can make your own masks.

The event will be held at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd. Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event, so bring your friends. There’s no cost, but a free-will offering of a boxed or canned good for the church’s Little Free Pantry would be gratefully accepted.   

***

CDS Wolf Foundation will be hosting their 18th annual Strikes for Abilities Bowling Party at Bowlero bowling alley on Empire Blvd. on Sunday, March 9 from noon to 3 p.m.

Sponsorships and tickets are now available from $250 ($50 per person for your team), up to $10,000. And if you can’t make it to the event, you can make a direct donation to CDS. All proceeds will support the Wolf Foundation’s mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans, senior citizens and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Click here for more information.

***

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 2/12/2025)

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Bev Geier, Webster Rec’s longest-tenured fitness instructor, retires

31 Jan

We meet thousands of people as we go through life. Most of them will become little more than passing acquaintances. If we’re lucky, some will become close friends. But if we’re VERY lucky, we meet someone who really, truly makes our lives better.

Bev Geier is that kind of person.

For more than 55 years, Bev Geier worked as a fitness instructor for the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. During her long career, Bev touched the lives of thousands of young people and adults, motivating and inspiring them through her many fitness classes to become their better selves through regular exercise.

A few weeks ago, Bev retired as the department’s longest-tenured fitness instructor.

Bev worked for the Rec Center for so long that she kind of grew up with the organization. She remembers when, back in 1962, Charles Sexton came to Webster as the town’s first Recreation Director. Shortly thereafter, there was an article in the Webster Herald seeking people interested in teaching Swedish Gymnastics. Bev signed up, took the training sessions, and her career with the Webster Recreation Department officially began.

In the years since, Bev traveled with the Rec Center as it moved from Dewitt Rd. School to Ridgecrest School, to its current location on Chiyoda Drive. As the facilities expanded, so did Bev’s classes, growing from programs for girls to adding mothers and daughters, women’s classes, to special formats for “seasoned citizens,” and many more.

And she enjoyed every minute of it.

“For the past many years,” she said, “I have had the true pleasure of spending time with an amazing number of astounding people who shared (or łearned to share) the view that as we age it is beneficial and essential to keep moving if you want to be able to keep moving.”

“It’s been a great run and has afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many nice people.” 

Praise for Bev as an instructor — and as an individual — has come from every corner of the Rec Center following her retirement.

Fitness Coordinator Jay Verna wrote,

Beverly’s contributions went beyond physical exercise ,as she understood from the outset the importance of connecting with people and how important social and emotional interaction is to our overall health and wellness. We are forever grateful for Bev’s dedicated service to our community and for her many years of inspiring people through exercise, healthy living, and being a great mentor, friend, and compassionate listener.  

Dylan Herold, who worked alongside Bev as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, told me

I can’t say enough great things about Bev. She was a wonderful mentor to me… I owe a lot of my success to her. She was always the best to me she would give me good advice. Whenever I had a problem I was stumped on she always had a solution. …  I have a certification as a senior fitness specialist and I didn’t learn even half as much from that as I did from Bev herself.

She was a wonderful person not only as an instructor but her heart was a heart of gold … and I will forever be grateful to her for all she’s done for me.   

Many of her former students had even higher praise.

Deb Wishard remembered how welcoming Bev was the few times she had to bring her grandson to class.

One time we went to walk, and she grabbed his hand and made him walk with us. I was so thrilled.

Carol Schaefer said,

We really miss Bev. We miss her life stories and her gentle way.

Deb Wishard, a fitness instructor herself, said,

I always tell people, find somebody you want to be like when you get older and someone you don’t want to be like. Bev was one of the people that you wanted to be like.

Judy Sinaguglia said she really didn’t start exercising regularly until after the pandemic, when she finally decided to “get out and do something.” She started with Bev’s class.

I was so grateful. She not only was kind about beginners like me that had no idea what the heck this is all about, but it really helped me as a person, developing all my muscles. … Now I’m very healthy, I come out four days a week. She really started me off. She was older than I was. I thought, she’s been doing this for 50 some years, I can do it, too. It definitely motivated me. She was an inspiration to everybody.

Jean Callahan agreed.

She was an inspiration because she just kept going. Because she felt so strongly about helping people … she just kept going and going.  

Well, the time has finally come for Bev to stop “going.” But she leaves behind a legacy of friendship, kindness, and fitness that will be long remembered at the Webster Recreation Center.

In recognition of Bev Geier’s 55+ years of service to the Webster community, the Webster Town Board will honor her with a proclamation at the Board Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Ingen Court Building, 1000 Ridge Rd.

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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 1/29/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Jan

Let’s start today’s mailbag with this delicious note from the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WASP):

WASP will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on Friday, Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St.

The dinner will include spaghetti with meatballs, salad, bread, a drink and dessert. (Meatless and garlic sauce options will also be available.)

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. For takeout, call (585) 872-3500. A chairlift is available for anyone who needs it.

Tickets available soon for Hadestown and Annie

Our high school and middle school musical season begins in just a few short weeks.

First up is the classic hit Annie, Jr., presented by the Willink Drama Club on January 31 and Feb. 1.

Based on the popular Tony-winning musical about a spunky little red-headed orphan, the youth edition is a perfectly-sized adaptation for the entire family.

Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets will be on sale beginning Monday, Jan 27.

The following week, Feb. 6 to 8, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will present the hit Broadway musical, Hadestown. The “teen edition” of the movie is still a full-length production — a haunting, jazzy folk opera which follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Hadestown has only very recently been released, and Webster Schroeder is the first in our area to get it.

Tickets go on sale January 23 at 9 a.m. and when they’re available, they can be purchased online here.

Women’s Club Feb. luncheon to feature Never Say Never Stables

Janice Camilleri from Never Say Never Stables in Webster will be the guest speaker at the next Women’s Club of Webster luncheon, Thursday Feb. 20 at Nucci’s Italian Seafood & Steak House, 807 Ridge Rd., Webster.

Never Say Never Stables, the “small stables with a big heart,” specializes in teaching “horsemanship from the heart” to all children. Janice will talk about her unique programming connecting special-needs children with horses and small farm animals.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Janice’s presentation. The buffet luncheon will consist of chicken marsala, mixed vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, salad and a cannoli for dessert. Friendship and camaraderie are included at no charge. New members are more than welcome.

Cost of the luncheon is $21. Send check made out to WCW by February 13 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

Creativity and Imagination Collide at Camp Invention

Camp Invention, the Webster Central School District’s popular STEM- themed camp has been scheduled for July 21 to 25 at Spry Middle School.

Camp Invention provides an experience that builds confidence, creativity, and imagination. Campers team up with friends to explore open-ended, hands-on STEM challenges led by qualified educators.

Camp Director David Gorski and his team will guide campers as they build their own claw machines, team up for an eco-expedition as they investigate Antarctica with a robotic assistant and propel plush penguins across “snowy” landscapes, design a custom control panel and navigate their journey with help from GPS and AI tools, and uncover optical illusions as they explore the science behind special effects.

Cost is $300 per camper with sibling discounts of up to $40 off per child. Extended day hours also be available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for an additional $100 (select Extended Camp during checkout). Register here before March 20 to save $24 with code FUN25 at invent.org/camp. Payment plans are available here.

Join the Thought Exchange

This also from the school district:

The Webster CSD is continuing its planning for the 2025-26 district budget that will be up for a community-wide vote on Tuesday, May 20. The district welcomes feedback from all Webster CSD community members when planning a budget for a school district that serves 8,000 students and 1,600+ staff members. Knowing the feedback of its community will help the district develop a budget that reflects the community’s input for its students.

The district uses ThoughtExchange as one of its many communication tools. This collaborative, online platform is used to gain insights and feedback from the community as the district makes decisions that impact everyone, including a proposed budget for next school year. Participation is voluntary and while thoughts are shared, participant identities are kept confidential.


Webster CSD is asking the community to please consider participating in the ThoughtExchange by clicking here or going to the district website at websterschools.org, selecting the news story “Community Input Sought on District Budget”, and following the link from there. The survey will remain open until January 31.

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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 1/19/2025)

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Generous community members give First Responders Park an upgrade

7 Jan

I’d like to take a break today from the wintry weather and frigid temperatures outside to share a story from last summer’s warmer months.

It comes from the Webster Recreation Center, and specifically the First Responders Spray Park, the very popular summertime splash area just to the west of the Rec on Chiyoda Dr. Earlier this summer, some of the water elements struggled a bit to turn on. I noticed that once when I was over there, but there wasn’t much I could do about it but notify the folks at the Rec Center’s front desk.

But turns out, John Link COULD do something about it.

Here’s the story, pulled straight from the Webster Recreation Center’s December newsletter.

First Responders Playground gets an upgrade thanks to some giving citizens in our Webster Community!

It was sometime this past August when temperatures were high, and families were looking to cool off. John Link happened to be at First Responders Spray Park with his grandchildren. He noticed some water features were not operational and notified the department. In his email, he shared that he had knowledge of control systems and if we needed a hand, he would be happy to help out. Soon after receiving his note, the aging spray park control system went completely inoperable with an extremely expensive fix needed. It seemed only appropriate to reach out to John (and his friend Ed) who were happy to take on the project…pro bono!!!

John Link spent 40 years working at the Wegmans distribution centers and was the manager of the automation group. John spent 30 years as an adjunct professor in the Rochester Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Technology program.

Ed Ellingsworth was the technician group supervisor and a software engineer at Wegmans and came from Kraft Foods, where he was responsible for the packaging and distribution systems. Ed also served in the Air Force and was supervisor for maintenance on jet aircraft electrical systems including F4 Phantoms.

Together, they were able to design and build a control panel and create software to work with our new irrigation controller. Alongside Scott Todd of Innovative Irrigation, they were able to combine their expertise and provide a new system for the First Responders Spray Park. This collaborative effort saved the Town several thousands of dollars and created a system that is not only functional but also improves the overall efficiency of the system! THANK YOU to everyone involved!

By the way, if you haven’t started receiving the Webster Recreation Center newsletter yet, here’s where you can see past editions and sign up. There’s lots of great information in there even if you aren’t a member.

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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 1/7/2025)

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The Webster Rec ice rink is (almost) open!

3 Jan

For a brief but delightful few days around Christmas, the Webster Recreation Center’s beautiful community ice rink was open for skating. Thanks to some warmer days more recently, however, that didn’t last very long. But given the blast of arctic air hitting us this weekend, that may change and, according to Parks Director Glenn Morrell, the rink might be open again on Monday.

The rink, located at the Webster Recreation Center at 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (just north of the village off of Phillips Rd.), is big — 52 ft. by 104 ft. — offering plenty of room for skaters of all abilities. Plus, it’s totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. There’s even a warming shed where you can sit to put on your skates. You’ll want to bring your own skates, though, because rentals are not available.

The rink can be used at any time of day, and it’s even lit at night. And did I mention it’s FREE?

If you’re ever wondering if the rink is open, there are a few easy ways to find out. You can visit the Webster Recreation Center’s Facebook page, where the rink’s status will be posted, or (even easier) you can call the ice rink hotline at 585-872-7103 (option 3). There’s always a sign posted on the rink as well saying whether it’s open or closed.

Please stay off the ice when the CLOSED sign is up. Morrell warns that if the ice is too thin, the liner could be damaged and allow water under the ice to drain. If this happens, the rink has to be refilled and allowed to re-freeze. The ice needs to be three inches thick for safety reasons, and given how the weather is looking, we might have that by Monday.

But call ahead, because it would be disappointing to get there and find it’s closed.

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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 1/3/2025)

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