Riding as therapy at Heritage Christian Stables

23 Jul

A few weeks ago, I attended a check-presentation event at Heritage Christian Stables on Salt Rd. It was the first time I’d visited the facility in more than 10 years, since I wrote a piece about them when I was still blogging for the Democrat and Chronicle.

I was pleased for the chance to get reacquainted with the stables, and to be reminded of the great service they provide for our community.

Heritage Christian Stables, a community impact program of Heritage Christian Services, is an inclusive, therapeutic riding facility for children and adults with physical, social or developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida and many more.

“We serve a little bit of everything,” said Heritage Christian Stables director Tara Kuba. “From individuals with emotional and mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, (to) participants on the autism spectrum.” Some of their students are in wheelchairs, and others are nonverbal, so staff members teach them some signs to communicate what they’d like a horse to do.

“We never have two lessons that look the same,” she added.

It turns out that horseback riding is great therapy for all of these conditions, as explained on the Heritage Christian Stables website:

Therapeutic horsemanship impacts a person’s physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual well being. The horse’s walk mimics the three dimensional movement of the human walk, offering riders the rhythmic movement and opportunities for improvement in balance, symmetry, and muscle strengthening. Participants are provided with cognitive tasks to improve following directions, sequencing, and meeting educational goals. Psychologically, it’s empowering for the rider to be able to control a 1,000-pound animal and develop a bond with a horse that positively affects the participant’s self-esteem and confidence. Therapeutic horsemanship allows people to strengthen their bodies and minds, freeing their spirit to do the things they never thought possible. 

Of course, it’s also just plain FUN.

Heritage Christian Stables operates on 13 beautiful acres at 1103 Salt Rd., just south of State. They currently have 12 full-size horses and two miniature horses. The smaller ones are used for students who might be intimidated by the larger horses; they can sit in a small cart pulled by a mini and drive it around the ring.

As with most businesses, the pandemic presented some real challenges for the stables; they’re only just now getting back to being fully staffed, for example. But they came through stronger than ever, even recently introducing a new program for veterans in partnership with CompeerCorp.

Tara said,

We have approximately 10 veterans who come out and ride or groom and care for the horses on a weekly basis. … They thoroughly enjoy the horses and interacting with them. They are becoming more engaged in our activities and are building relationships here with the horses and other people.

During the pandemic, the stables also expanded their program for community riders. “People didn’t have a lot they could do,” Tara said, so we had them start riding horses.” Still, by far most of the 100 or so students who take lessons at Heritage Christian Stables do so for therapeutic reasons. The facility offers a safe, non-judgmental place to learn new skills, make new friends, and achieve to the best of their abilities. The social, emotional and physical benefits students get from the simple joy of riding a horse are changing their lives.

Garrett helps with a therapeutic riding lesson
Mary Claire is a student and a volunteer

To do this great work, Heritage Christian Stables relies on community support. Tara explained, “We’re a little different from other commercial stables (which) also do horse boarding, horse training, maybe tack sales or some other revenue streams. Here our only revenue stream is our lessons.” They charge students less than half of the actual cost for every lesson, subsidizing the balance through donations.

The continued success of their therapeutic horsemanship program also depends on volunteers, who help coordinate special projects and run lessons. Riders may require as many as three people to assist them – one “side walker” on each side of the horse and one “horse leader” responsible for guiding the equine.

To find out more about Heritage Christian Stables, call (585) 872-2540, see their website here or check out their Facebook page. Also, click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer. Experience is not required, and all training is provided.

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(posted 7/21/2022)

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Event will thank Revolutionary War patriots, veterans, first responders

20 Jul

Local history will come alive on Saturday morning July 30 when Webster Union Cemetery hosts a thank you celebration honoring Revolutionary War patriots, veterans, active military and first reponders.

The family-friendly event will feature the Towpath Volunteers Fire and Drum Corps performing early-American songs, and a musket salute honoring our local Revolutionary War patriots. Watch active servicemen fold flags and present them to descendants of our patriots, and hear stories about families who built our town.

This is a great opportunity for your kids to meet and have their photos taken with some of our local first responders and active military. Veterans from all branches of the service are encouraged to attend and receive the community’s thanks.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd., at the corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull. It’s free to the public. Bring along a lawn chair and enjoy a morning filled with history and 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 7/20/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Jul

I’d like to start today with this very interesting History Bit from the Webster Museum, which tells a bit of history of the Forest Lawn neighborhood, on the very northern end of town.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!

(submitted by Kathy Taddeo)

Webster is very fortunate in its location. Not only is it bordered by Lake Ontario on its north and Irondequoit Bay on its West, but it is blessed with numerous creeks and streams. All add color, texture, sound and wildlife to our daily lives.

It’s not surprising, then, that waterfront property has been prized since Webster’s pioneer days and that there are several cottage enclaves along lake, bay and streams. One of these is Forest Lawn on Lake Ontario and Shipbuilders Creek.

By 1857, friends Samuel Pierce and John Forsyth had completed a plan for a summer community in the northwest corner of Webster. Later, Horace Pierce and George Forsyth talked the local trolley company into extending its line so residents could hop a trolley after work and meet their families at the community known as Forest Lawn. The definitive history of Forest Lawn was written by yet another Forsyth, Judge C. Benn. His FOREST LAWN 1888-1988 is available to read at the Webster Museum library and to borrow from the Webster Public Library.

By 1888, the Forest Lawn Club was incorporated, the cottage lots claimed and the clubhouse had become the center of social activity. The clubhouse burned down for the second time in 1908 and never rebuilt. However, the spirit of community was strong and for many years, the neighbors carried on the Forest Lawn Field Day with croquet and softball and dancing behind the store. One Forest Lawn song was sung to the tune of “Harrigan.”
     F-O-R-E-S-T-L-A-W-N, Forest Lawn
     That’s the place we like to praise, sir.
     That’s the spot which we most craze sir.
      F-O-R-E-S-T-L-A-W-N, Forest Lawn
     Ring the bell, let it swell
     Wake the echoes through lawn and dell –
      Forest Lawn, that’s here!

Around 1914-1918, Isabella and Thomas Dorsey rented a home in a Forest Lawn farm, likely the Glasser farm. There they cared for orphaned African-American children. Their neighbors commented that the Dorseys were doing “excellent work.”  In need of more space, the Dorseys moved the children to the current site of McQuaid High School.

Around this time, residents apparently could not get enough of their summer place and seasonal cottages became permanent dwellings. Forest Lawn turned into a neighborhood and a hamlet with its own post office. Though likely few remember much less sing the old field day songs, Forest Lawn remains one of the many beautiful places to live in Webster, New York.

The Webster Museum’s map collection, which sparked this “Bit of Webster History,” is available to you on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-4:30 pm at 18 Lapham Park.

The Caring Community Concert series at the United Church of Christ (570 Klem Rd.) is back, and this summer’s lineup is a great one.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one, scheduled for Wed. July 20 will feature the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.

The next concert, on Wed. July 27, features the Gate Swingers Big Band, with proceeds going to the Webster Public Library BookBox. The last, on Wed. Aug. 3, features 8 Days a Week, and will benefit the Webster Community Chest.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. You can bring a picnic or buy dinner or snacks there, served up by church volunteers. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) Bring your own lawn chairs and come enjoy some great music for a good cause!

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Fun stuff coming up in the village in the next few weeks.

  • The Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra comes to the Veterans’ Park gazebo this Friday July 22 for a concert beginning at 7 p.m.
  • The next Family Games and Beer Garden Night is Friday July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Plans are to introduce even more games for the older kids this time around.
  • On Friday Aug. 5, It’s My Party will perform at the gazebo, beginning at 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday Aug. 9 is the next Movie in the Park, featuring Flight of the Navigator

And that’s only the beginning. There are more bands, the Jazz Fest, another movie, another Games Night … and you can check out details about all of these on the Webster BID website.

Don’t forget about the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market’s latest addition: the Evening in the Park market at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Lots of vendors, food trucks, and live music. So don’t just come ro shop for great crafts, flowers and fresh vegetables; bring some lawn chairs and make an evening out of it.

Check out the poster below for information about the entertainers.

Finally, you don’t want to miss this great event coming up at Miracle Field on Saturday July 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It’s Hero’s Day, when Challenger athletes take the field to play some ball games with — and against — our first responders. There’s lots of refreshments, a dunk tank, kids’ obstacle course, and baseball games all morning. Your kids will also get to meet many of our first responders and check out some of their equipment.

There’s no charge, but there’s plenty of fun and excitement.

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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 7/19/2022)

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Gleason Orthodontics hosting school supply drive

18 Jul

Believe it or not, it’s that time again. School supplies are filling the shelves at all the stores, and in just a few short weeks, supply-shopping will begin in earnest.

As you stock up on notebooks and folders, pencils and pens, consider dropping a few extra bucks on some EXTRA supplies for those students in our district who can’t easily afford them.

Gleason Orthodontics on South Ave. in the Village of Webster is hosting a school supply drive this summer, and wants to help as many kids as possible have a successful start to their school year by providing those in need with critical supplies.

They’re especially looking for pencils, pens, paper, folders, binders, backpacks, highlighters, crayons, markers, glue, tape calculators, notebooks, erasers, rulers, Sharpies and composition books. Basically, if you’re throwing something in the cart for your kids, consider picking up an extra for the donation drive. The prices are rock-bottom this time of year, so it’s the best time to find some bargains.

Donations are being accepted through Aug. 22, and can be dropped off at Gleason Orthodontics, 246 South Ave., Webster. For more information, call 585-872-3355 or email community@gleasonorthodontics.com.

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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 7/18/2022)

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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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Creativity at the library

14 Jul

If you’re a fan of our Webster Public Library (and you should be), you probably have noticed that there’s much more to the library than just books and DVDs and periodicals and puzzles. In many respects it’s like a mini art gallery. And I’m not just talking about the local artist’s wall over by the Community Room, which regularly displays fine art and photographs from local residents. No, I’m talking about the other creative artwork hanging throughout the space (like the sea creatures in the children’s area) or growing out the floor (like the big Reading Tree in the main lobby).

These creations and many more spring from the creative imaginations of Linda Liddle and Katrina Viza, whose friendship — and a small business — have grown ever since the day they met, working at the library.

Here’s a story of how that happened, submitted by Arianna Ackerman, the library’s new marketing strategist.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you have a crazy idea at work, but instead of having it shot down, you meet a fellow creative spirit who supports you? And even crazier, contributes by telling you “This is how we could bring this idea to life, “or “Oh, what if we add this?” You create a friendship which continually snowballs until suddenly you’re business partners! This is the story of Little Kat Create.

Linda Liddle and Katrina Viza seem to have a decorating problem, or as they would rephrase it, “We like to see our surroundings in a visually pleasing and inviting way,” which is how the installations at the Webster Public Library got started. Their love of design and large-scale art was the catalyst for creating the art installation wall near the building’s public computers, which was a tremendous feat, but they show no signs of slowing down. The goal of the two is to “…craft spaces and environments that cause people to pause and look, question, or smile and inspire is what we feel art is all about. And what better place to do it than in a library!”

Their business took on a new life when a young woman was walking by the plaza and saw their snowflake blizzard installation and saw the paper cone tree constructed under the library’s dome. She was intrigued and approached the pair about doing a larger scale installation for her church on Easter Sunday. Many enormous paper flowers later, they were in business.

When deciding on a name for their new venture, the two decided to meld Linda’s side hustle, Liddle Designs into Little Kat, a play on both their names; but it wasn’t until Katrina’s daughter, Maddie, suggested they add “create” and helped them establish the business on Instagram, they felt their partnership was cemented. The final piece of the puzzle was the cat icon inspiration Katrina found as an illustration in a children’s library book. Linda drew their own version and they had a logo. With business cards printed and in hand, they got to work.

Since their initial start a year ago, the pair have collaborated with local businesses, schools, churches, and individuals for parties, proms, baby showers, church functions, and private events. They even provide unique atmospheres for events, like the wedding they have coming up in October, and are scheduled to give a class on how they make their creations at the Penfield Library later this year. While the two have made dozens of beautiful creations for the Webster Public Library, it seems like Little Kat Create has no intention of slowing down. We can’t wait to see what they make next, and you can join in all the behind-the-scenes fun by following Katrina and Linda’s adventures on Instagram by following @littlekatcreate, or pop by the Webster Public Library to see what magic they make next.

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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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published 7/14/2022

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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.

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(posted 7/10/2022)

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Evening in the Park a great new Joe Obbie event

8 Jul

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, which for years has set up every summer Saturday in Webster Towne Center, has just gotten better.

On Wednesday the market introduced its brand new “Evening in the Park” market at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds Park).

The new market, held from 4 to 8 p.m., is an offshoot of the regular Saturday Joe Obbie Market we’ve come to know and love. It doesn’t replace the Saturday market at the plaza, but is like a bonus market, held during the week.

Ten vendors had set up Wednesday night, selling a variety of wares from fresh vegetables and maple syrup to honey and crafts. The Webster Recreation Center had an information table, and four food trucks catered to hungry visitors. The vendor turnout was a little light compared to the regular Saturday market, but it’s still early in the season and I expect the Evening in the Park will grow through the summer.

There was also live music, provided by Steve Lyons and his band.

Judging from the attendance at this first-ever event, it appears that the new market will be quite successful. An hour into the event, the parking lot was mostly full, and people were still streaming in, quad chairs in hand, planning to grab some dinner at the food trucks and listen to the music.

The Evening in the Park will be held every Wednesday in July and August from 4 to 8 p.m. at Charles Sexton Park (North Ponds Park), which can be reached by taking the Rt. 104 access road off of Rt. 250/North Ave.

And don’t forget about the original Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Webster Towne Center (Kohl’s/Target Plaza) by the Old Navy store.

For more information about the market, visit their Facebook page here.

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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 7/8/2022)

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