Jazz Festival and mini street fair come to Webster Village this weekend

15 Aug

Get ready to dance in the streets and in the pubs this weekend, when the Webster Jazz Festival returns to the village, with great music, food, drink, a mini-street fair and — this year — t-shirts!

The Webster Jazz Festival will stretch over two days this Friday and Saturday Aug. 19 and 20, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Six different bands are scheduled to perform at six different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like.

Here’s the schedule (click on the name to get more information about each band):

West Main will also be hopping that evening with a brand new event sponsored by the Webster BID which they’re calling the Jazz Fair in the Street.

West Main will be closed to traffic for the evening, and the curbs lined with vendors, artisans, local business booths, and maybe even some fun and games. Plus, food and beverages will be available for purchase. (It’s kind of like a mini Village Days.) It’ll be a great chance to meet up with neighbors and friends, maybe do a litle shopping, while you’re meandering from one pub to the next to enjoy some live music.

Here are a few of the artisans and vendors you’ll see there:

  • Mayers Cider Mill cider and donut tastings
  • Catlan Samuels book signing
  • botique items
  • live, professional sidewalk artists
  • Roc City Empanadas food truck
  • craft items including tie-dyed shirts, waterfalls and bird baths, and laser-engraved pieces

On Saturday night the festival clicks up a notch when the music takes to the street.

Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of musical entertainment will perform from the big West Main St. stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. There will be some tables and chairs set up, but they go pretty fast, so plan to bring your own, set them up in the middle of the street and enjoy music all evening long.

The schedule looks like this:

This is always a huge event, so you’ll really want to be a part of it. Admission is free.

And while you’re in town, make sure to stop by Woodland Silkscreening, 5 West Main (lower level), and pick up your official Jazz Fest 2022 t-shirt. Look for her table on Friday during the street fair, or stop by the shop anytime this week for a special pre-sale deal of just $10 each (they’ll be $15 the day of the festival). What a great price for something you can wear proudly every year to show off your love of Webster — and great 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 8/15/2022)

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Bygone blog — a letter to my son

14 Aug

My husband and I spent Saturday moving my son Sean to the Bronx, where he’ll soon begin a new teaching job. It took us more than six hours to get there, and the rest of the day to unpack the U-Haul before turning around to drive three more hours to crash at my sister’s house overnight.

So basically, it was a nonstop day which didn’t allow me much time to think about what the move will mean to all of our lives. You see, for the last month, Sean has been living with us, having had to vacate his Webster apartment at the end of June. His comings and goings, culinary eccentricities and unkempt room were reminiscent of his college days.

It was wonderful.

But now he’s gone, and since he’ll probably love his new job and living in the Big City, I expect it’ll be for good this time. As I sat on my porch in the much quieter, much emptier house, I was thinking about that, and remembered this blog I posted in June, 2011. I’ve reposted it once before, but it seems especially appropos today.

A letter to my son at camp

(originally posted June 20, 2011)

Lenore Skenazy had a funny column in Sunday morning’s newspaper. Maybe you saw it; she had come across a website which actually gave instructions to parents on how to write a letter to their child at camp. Now, I didn’t go so far as to try to find that website, but I suspect the advice is aimed at parents whose young children are at a sleep-away camp, perhaps for the first time.

My daughter showed me the column yesterday.  She suggested I follow the website’s instructions and send a letter to my son, who left for camp Friday morning.  I thought that was a terrific idea.

But since my son is 21 years old and will be spending his entire summer as a counselor at the YMCA’s Camp Gorham in the Adirondacks, mine reads a bit differently:

Dear Sean,

I hope you had a safe trip to camp on Friday morning. Actually, I know you did; your dad took you there personally since we won’t let you have your own car until you can pay collision costs yourself for a change.

I miss you already. I was just remarking on that as I gathered your laundry from the floor in your room and rediscovered the color of your carpet.  I will miss all the charming peculiarities that make you unique and that bring us such joy at home.

Like your superhuman ability to eat an entire box of cereal in just two bowlfuls. And an entire 29-ounce can of peaches in one sitting.

I will miss seeing what new musical instrument you have decided to befriend this week. I will miss the way you can see music in everything. Like when you “conduct” the directional signal in my car as it makes its steady blinky noise, and how you can turn any surface in the house into an impromptu drum when we least expect it. I will miss having to high-step through my office so as to not step on a cymbal or flute or tambourine.

I will miss hearing the “SLAM!  THUNK!” when you come in from teaching in the evening, slamming the door behind you and dropping everything you carry within a one-foot radius. I will miss having to kick you out of the lounge chair because Dad and I want to use the TV ourselves for a change.  I will miss worrying if you’ll be up in time for your appointments because you stayed up all night playing video games.

Yes, I will miss all of these things, because as aggravating as they all are, they all mean you’re home and you’re safe. And that’s all a mom needs to know.

So have fun at camp this summer, Sean. I’ll miss you. But I’ll try to remember that I get you nine months of the year, so it’s only fair those kids at Camp Gorham get you the other three months.

They have no idea how lucky they are.

Love, Mom

I could have written pretty much this same letter today, with just a few changes towards the end:

So have a great life in the Bronx, Sean. I’ll miss you. But I’ll try to remember that you will come back to visit sometimes on long weekends and holiday vacations (emphasis on “WILL“), and it’s only fair that those kids at Horace Mann School will get you the rest of the time.

They have no idea how lucky they are.

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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 8/14/2022)

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First Responders 5K returns to the village

11 Aug

I like participating in 5Ks. (You’ll notice I didn’t say “run” 5Ks, because the pace I set cannot actually be called “running.”) So I’m really looking forward to one of my favorite 5Ks ever, the First Responders 5K.

This is a favorite for a few reasons. First, it’s in the Village of Webster. I can walk to the start line AND it runs right by my house. Second, SO MANY of my Webster friends also run. And finally, some of the proceeds benefit a great cause.

The race website explains,

The First Responders 5K recognizes the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 operators and their families in our local community.

First responders put their lives on the line for us every day as they face hardships that most of us will never know. The repetitive negative experience of stressful and potentially traumatic events that first responders face on a daily basis leaves them particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder. We hope that this event can raise awareness for PTSD in first responders, and raise funds for a local charity, FRST Agency, that will provide support, awareness, assets, and services to first responders seeking assistance in dealing with the effects of PTSD.

A portion of proceeds, as well as 100% of additional donations, will be donated to the FRST Agency. 

The race is scheduled for Friday Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. It will BEGIN AND END at the south side of Fireman’s Field on Sanford St., and take racers through east-side village neighborhoods. Cost is $30 ($35 after Aug. 14), or $15 for active first responders. Each racer will also receive a t-shirt, and food and drink after the race.

My family will once again be setting up our “refreshment” stop on Fuller Ave., with water — and beer — so watch for our signs!

To register for the race, and for more information including a course map, click here . They’re also looking for volunteers, which is an easy gig and nets you a t-shirt, too. You can also find out more about that opportunity on the website.

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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 8/11/2022)

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Miracle Field is having a birthday party!

10 Aug

You’ve heard me sing the praises of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field many times here in this blog. If you haven’t visited this tremendous facility yet, there’s a party coming up that’ll be a great chance to do so.

Believe it or not, it was a full five years ago that Miracle Field officially opened its gates, the culmination of many years of planning and hard work. Since then, the field and its dedicated team of volunteers have brought the pure joy of sports and teamwork to hundreds of Challenger athletes.

In celebration of this big anniversary, Miracle Field is having a Birthday Bash. On Thursday Aug. 18 the community is invited to cheer on the Challenger players as they compete in a friendly kickball game. While you’re there, you can check out the field, the pavilion and the wheelchair-accessible Karpus Family Playground. There’ll be music, food and refreshments, a raffle and more.

Tickets for the party are $15 per person or $40 for the family. They must be purchased ahead of time. Click here for information.

Rochester Challenger Miracle Field is located on Ridge Road behind Town Hall. It’s designed for individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges and is fully wheelchair accessible. It offers children and adults with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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

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(posted 8/10/2022)

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Webster man may be first ultra runner with Spina Bifida

9 Aug

Anyone who runs, even short distances, knows that running isn’t always easy. Too often, pounding the pavement means pushing through mental barriers, blisters and sore muscles.  

But that all pales compared to the challenges Mike Fitzsimmons has had to overcome. 

Mike Fitzsimmons was born on January 26, 1986 with myelomeningocele, the most serious type of Spina Bifida. His spine had not fused completely, and there was an open wound in his back where spinal fluid was leaking out. His parents were told that if their son lived, he’d be severely disabled, in a wheelchair and have no quality of life. Within 48 hours he had surgery to close the wound, but Mike’s chances of ever walking were still very slim.

But sometimes miracles happen. Today, 36 years later, Mike Fitzsimmons is not only walking, but is running ultra marathons, and so far is the only known person with Spina Bifida to do so. 

Mike was fortunate; all his life he’s had normal feeling in his feet, knees and ankles, and led an active childhood, playing sports of all kinds. But he didn’t become a runner until much later, when life started to turn very sour.

When he was 19 years old, Mike’s mother developed early-onset Alzheimer’s, and he became her caregiver. She passed away ten years later. 

“When she died, I was so lost and broken. I needed to do something,” he remembered. “I hated running, (but) I didn’t want to take Xanax, or get into drugs or booze. I thought, let’s just try this stupid running stuff everyone’s taking about.” 

For a while the running-as-therapy worked, at least a little bit. Then two years later, his best friend took his own life, and that made matters worse. He started running even longer distances. 

By the time COVID hit in 2020, running had become an important part of Mike’s life.  Setting a personal challenge to run a half marathon seemed like a natural next step, and a great way to get through the pandemic. To make it more interesting, he’d also journal about his experience on Instagram. 

“I didn’t even know what a hashtag was at that point,” he said. “I’m in my mid-30s, no one cares about what some middle-aged dude is doing, trying to figure out how to run a silly half marathon. But it was going to be cool for me. Like, Spina Bifida, half marathon, let’s see what it becomes.” And anyway, he thought, “no one’s going to find it.” 

Boy, was he wrong. 

The Instagram account started to blow up, drawing followers from both the disabled and long distance running communities. His fans cheered him on as he trained for and eventually completed the virtual 2021 Buffalo half-marathon, running the 13.1 miles through his neighborhood. He credits them – and his wife Amelia – for keeping him going.

Having accomplished that goal, he decided to take a break and ignore the Instagram account for a while. But he started to miss all of the friends he’d made there. So, with their encouragement, he signed up for the Mind the Ducks 12-hour ultra marathon, held in May at North Ponds Park, setting an ambitious goal of 50K (31 miles). 

Mike still has chronic problems with his kidneys and bladder, which makes managing hydration a serious concern and requires some extra preparation and precautions.  Despite that however, he finished his 50K – actually, 32.48 miles – in just over 7.5 hours. 

It may very well be the first time anyone with Spina Bifida has completed an ultra marathon. 

As the story of Mike’s running achievements has spread, he’s created a unique and inspirational connection between the running community and the disabled community. It’s a role he didn’t go looking for, but has come to embrace. He’s now determined to spread the word about the amazing things children and adults can accomplish, even with a disability.  

He especially wants to help change the negative perceptions medical professionals continue to have about the prognosis for those born with Spina Bifida.

“It bugs me that it’s still the narrative (for doctors and nurses) nearly 40 years later… I would just love it if a mom heard, ‘Yeah it might be really bad, but what if it’s really good? What if it’s amazing? What if they’re in a wheelchair, but maybe they’ll cure cancer?’” 

What he’s accomplished, he said, is a good example. “It just shows that you can do anything, be anyone.” 

“I don’t want to be ‘Mike the Spina Bifida Guy’ who runs crazy runs forever. It’s cool that it’s a part of it. But I also like music and hanging out with my wife.” 

A diagnosis of Spina Bifida does not have to define a person, he added. “There’s so many awesome aspects to all of us.”

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Mike Fitzsimmons isn’t slowing down yet. He’s already training hard for his next ultra, the 100-mile Dreadmill 48-hour Endurance Challenge in December. Matter of fact, the day before I talked with him he’d run a half-marathon. That’s 13 miles. With a broken toe. 

He’s using Dreadmill Challenge as a fundraiser for one of his favorite causes, Bella’s Bumbas, a Webster-based nonprofit dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues, including Spina Bifida. (Read more about them here.) 

You can follow Mike’s running journey, and read more inspirational stories, on his Instagram page (@mikecanrun). And if you’d like to throw your support behind his efforts, and support the incredible work that Bella’s Bumbas is doing, check out Mike’s GoFundMe 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 8/9/2022)

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Bygone blog — my diaper bag theory of motherhood

7 Aug

This is the latest in my on-again, off-again series of Bygone Blogs, in which I am re-posting some of my favorite blogs from the last 14 years.

I was reminded of this particular blog when I happened across a new mother at a park recently. It was originally published on March 29, 2009.

Diaper bag theory of motherhood

Have you ever noticed how you can tell how many babies a mother has had by the size of her diaper bag?
Here’s my theory:

First baby:

Diaper bag rivals the suitcase you would pack for a week’s trip to Europe. It contains:

  • changing pad
  • at least a half dozen diapers
  • baby wipes
  • baby oil
  • baby powder
  • four extra Binkies (in case the one currently in use falls to the ground, a second in case the first backup falls to the ground, and two more … just in case)
  • two bottles of formula
  • three burp cloths
  • two changes of clothes
  • at least three rattles or other kind of highly educational and stimulating toys
  • blanket
  • band-aids
  • Neosporin
  • Children’s Tylenol

(And if you’re planning to be out for more than an hour, double everything.)

Second baby:

Diaper bag is about the size of an insulated lunch box. Inside is stuffed:

  • a couple of diapers
  • diaper wipes
  • burp cloth
  • spare Onesie
  • one extra Binkie (if you remember)
  • a bottle of formula or water
  • rattle

Third baby:

No bag necesary. You stuff a diaper into your back pocket and you’re all set.

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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 8/7/2022)

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A bit of history about the History Bit

5 Aug

My regular blog readers are familiar with the monthly “Bit of Webster History” features, courtesy the Webster Museum, which I will often post.

In recent months, topics have run the gamut from famous people (like Merton Lewis and Esther Dunn) and monsters at the museum to the history of Ridge Rd. and the Forest Lawn neighborhood. I even saw one from a while ago about hanging laundry.

For the last six years, these fascinating historical nuggets have been researched and written by Webster Museum volunteer Kathy Taddeo, who this month has put the spotlight on the Bits themselves.

She wrote,

“(The) March 4, 1938 edition of the Webster Herald was one of the first issues to carry the column we now know as ‘A Bit of Webster History.’ This means the column has been part of the Herald for 84 of its 123 years, written by historians and museum volunteers for the enjoyment of Herald readers.”

Here’s a look at the column from that day, from New York Historic Newspapers:

Kathy’s a great writer and I’ve always enjoyed seeing what little historical surprises she manages to dig up. But after six years, Kathy has decided to hand the Bit of Webster History reins to someone else, who will take over beginning next month and continue the long tradition.

So let’s all have a round of applause for Kathy’s great work, and stay tuned in the next several weeks to see who’ll be trying to fill her very capable shoes. (Some of you might be able to guess who that will be.)

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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 8/5/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

3 Aug

I open this week’s mailbag with a plug for the St. Rita Fiesta, happening this weekend at St. Rita Church in West Webster.

This is a lovely little festival, complete with carnival games, basket raffles, a sweet treats booth, food trucks, inflatables, a used book sale, chicken barbecue and more. Click here to see the Fiesta’s Facebook page and learn more.

The St. Rita Fiesta will take place Friday and Saturday Aug. 5 and 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. both nights, at 1008 Maple Drive in Webster.

The annual Webster Baptist Yard Sale also happens this weekend, Friday Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church is located at 59 South Ave. in the village of Webster.

The next Webster Marching Band Bottle and Can Drive is coming up on Saturday Aug. 13.

This is a really easy way to help out our State Champion Webster Marching Band, and clean out your garage at the same time. All you have to do is place your bags of recyclables at the end of the driveway on Saturday morning (a little note indicating they’re for the band might be good), and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

PLUS …

Marrk your calendars now for the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo, Tuesday Aug. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Field. I hope to get more details about this soon, but I know in the past these events have had as many as a dozen or more food trucks, live music, face painting and fire trucks. Stay tuned.

When you’re out and about in the next few weeks picking up school supplies, please consider throwing a few extras in your cart to help out Webster HOPE.

Webster HOPE is currently collecting supplies for their Back to School Night on Tuesday Aug. 16, when the supplies will be distributed to Webster students in need. Check out the poster to see the wish list of supplies. They can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster HOPE, 1450 Ridge Rd., during their open hours Monday 5-7, Tuesday 10-noon, Wednesday 3-5 and Thursday 5 to 7.

The Webster Aquatic Center pool will be closed from Aug. 8 to 26 for some scheduled maintenance. During the closing, the pool at Webster Thomas High School will be available on a limited basis. Times will be posted on the Aquatic Center calendar.

One million gallons of water will be drained from the Aquatic Center pool so that workers can clean it and change the filter media before refilling it and bringing it up again to a comfortable temperature.

The 4th annual Heroes and Hidden Heroes charity event is scheduled for Sunday Aug. 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Webster Firemen’s Field.

The event features dinner and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 presale before Aug. 7, $30 afterwards and at the door. Get your tickets at onesoldieratatime.net.

Your next opportunity to be a hero and save up to three lives by donating blood is right around the corner.

On Friday Aug. 19 from noon to 5:30 p.m., the Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, 48 S. Estate Drive in Webster, will host a Red Cross blood drive in the church’s recreation room.

There’ll be food, drinks, t-shirts, and a chance to win some cool raffle prizes. Click here to make an appointment.

This blood drive is being sponsored by The Steam Police, who have provided the following inspirational story:

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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 8/3/2022)

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Revolutionary War patriots, first responders, veterans, military honored

2 Aug

The sounds of fifes, drums and rifle volleys rang out from Webster Union Cemetery last Saturday morning when our local heroes, past and present, were honored at a solemn ceremony.

The 90-minute Thank You Celebration was kicked off in grand fashion when the Towpath Volunteers Fife & Drum Corps marched in, performing early-American tunes. Following the National Anthem, a rifle salute and Taps, the celebration began in earnest with the morning’s premier event, a plaque dedication honoring two local Revolutionary War veterans, Private Ebenezer Curtice and Quartermaster Sergeant Jonas Whiting.

Curtice and Whiting are both buried at Webster Union Cemetery, just steps from where the ceremony was taking place. The plaques, placed by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, are affixed to large stones in front of the grave markers.

While the plaque dedication was the morning’s main event, several other recognitions followed in the well-organized celebration. Representatives from local government, Webster Police, Webster and West Webster fire departments, NEQALS, Webster EMS, the military, Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers stepped to the podium in turn to recognize and thank Webster’s founding fathers, veterans, first responders and active military.

Thank you to all of the organizations, businesses and individuals who made this beautiful event a success, and especially for Cemetery Historian Cherie Wood for all of her hard work.

Here are some more photos from the morning:

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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 8/2/2022)

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Calling all Buffalo Bills fans!

1 Aug

The Bills are back in town, the Bills are back in town!

The Buffalo Bills training camp is underway for the next few weeks at St. John Fisher College, and here in Webster, Whimsies gift shop on East Main Street is welcoming them back to town — and revving up the excitement for the upcoming season — with a Let’s Go Buffalo! Family Night on Thursday Aug. 4.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Whimsies will have the entire shop set up with Buffalo-themed games, including ping pong, Connect 4, washer toss, cornhole, and more. Carl’s Pizza will be selling pizza, wings, drinks and desserts, and Cassano Studios will provide music, so get ready to sing your favorite stadium songs, ’cause you you know that the Bills make you wanna SHOUT! (Sorry, no table-smashing this time around.)

This is a great family event, so get out all your Bills gear, bring your appetite, and come on down to the village Thursday night to cheer on our “hometown” team! Let’s get this season started!

Whimsies is located at 32 E. Main St. in Webster village.

(The Bills are practicing that day at Fisher … maybe one of them will hear about all the fun and pay us a visit? C’mon JOSH!!)

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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 8/1/2022)


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