School kids strut their stuff at Community Arts Day

4 Apr

Community Arts Day returns to Webster Schroeder High School this coming weekend, on Saturday April 6.

If you’ve been a Webster resident for a while, you probably already know about this great event. But if not, please read on, especially if you 1) appreciate artwork of all kinds, 2) have children, 3) like baked goods, 4) like crafts, 5) like seeing your friends and neighbors, and/or 6) like having fun with life.

Allow me to elaborate.

  • Community Arts Day is our school district’s annual show-off day. Students from every one of our elementary, middle and high schools will have artwork on display. We’re talking sculptures, paintings, collages, sketches, you name it. Even the youngest students will be represented. These kids just love seeing their work displayed in public, and you’ll see many a proud parent snapping photos of their children in front of the displays. Especially don’t miss the incredible artwork by our high-schoolers, usually set up in the cafeteria. They’ll make your jaw drop. By the way, make sure to look at the walls as you walk by, because you’ll find written pieces posted there. (Writing is an art form all its own, don’t you know.) And throughout the day you can enjoy music and dance performances and martial arts demonstrations.
  • Even if your children don’t expect to have anything on display, bring your kids anyway. There are all sorts of free activities and give-aways, there’s a bake sale and hot dogs, arts and crafts, and usually a firefighter hanging around to show off his — or her — gear.  So basically it’s a full day of free entertainment.
  • Did I mention the bake sale? Tons of great baked goods. And here’s an insider’s hint: the last hour of the day or so, everything is half price. You can walk away with whole pies for a steal.
  • Local craft-type people set up their wares in the cafeteria every year, and it’s great fun to see what they bring. This is also where you’ll find the kids’ arts & crafts area and regular live entertainers.
  • Guaranteed, within minutes of walking into the school, you’ll see someone you know — a friend, school acquaintance, a neighbor. Because Community Arts Day is THE place to be this weekend.
  • Having fun with life is what this day is all about. As soon as you walk in the door, you’ll see a dozen things you want to see or do. Around the next corner, there’s another dozen things. Basically, make sure to plan a couple of hours to wander.

Community Arts Day takes place Saturday April 6 from 10 am to 4 pm at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road. Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking. Proceeds from food, craft, and carnival booth sales will benefit cultural arts programs within the Webster Central School District. For more information, visit the Community Arts Day website where you can see the full entertainment schedule. 

Click here to see photos from last year.

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Inglés para adultos con guardería opcional

3 Apr

logo

Marissa Birke, owner of one of the Village of Webster’s newest businesses, The Pickled Paintbrush, is already becoming an active member of our local community. She’s teamed up with an ESOL teacher to offer free English classes for adults.

From April 29 through May 20, adults looking to improve their English language skills are invited to spend Monday evenings at The Pickled Paintbrush. Each session is 90 minutes long, and are designed to help adults improve their English skills through interactive activities, while getting to know people living in your community.

Marissa wrote,

This program is important to me because I want to help give back to the community. I’ve also taught Adult ESOL classes in Maryland (it is was my focus in grad school), and loved working with this group.

One of the best parts of the program is that childcare will be available during these sessions, for potty-trained children ages 4 and up. The Pickled Paintbrush will provide an art program for children while the adults are in class.

All skill levels are welcome to join the classes. There’s no charge, but participants are asked to register in advance so they know how many adults and children to expect. Click  here for more information and to register.  You can also call The Pickled Paintbrush at (585) 704-8809 or email thepickledpaintbrush@gmail.com.

The Pickled Paintbrush is located at 36 East Main St. in the village of Webster. You can check them out ahead of time at their open house on Monday, April 22.

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Schroeder drama takes the stage

3 Apr

the bad seedHere’s a quick addition this morning to yesterday’s community mailbag.

This week, the Webster Schroeder Drama Club will present Bad Seed by Maxwell Anderson, the dramatization of William March’s novel The Bad Seed.

Described in the email I received,

Little Rhoda Penmark is the perfect child in every way: polite, proper and pleasant. But the shocking drowning of Rhoda’s classmate begins to raise questions for Mrs. Penmark on just how perfect Rhoda may be…

Showtimes are this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and will b available at the door. Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Rd.

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Webster Community Mailbag

2 Apr

mailbag iconThe Webster Central School District invites community members to complete an engagement survey to help guide the district’s strategic plan.

The Community Engagement Survey, which is now available online here, will help guide the district’s implementation of new district initiatives and evaluate ongoing programs that impact all students and families.

The survey can be accessed on the school district website, and will be available through Thursday April 11. WCSD staff members and students will complete a different version of this survey in school.

The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Paper surveys will also be available at all 11 school buildings, the Webster Aquatic Center, Webster Recreation Center, Webster Public Library, and Penfield Public Library. Accommodations can also be made if you would like the survey translated into another language. Visit the WCSD website for more information.

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The next Flapjack Saturday Community Fundraiser at the First Baptist Church of Penfield, on Saturday April 20, is going to be a special one. 

From 8 to 10 a.m., enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes, eggs, sausage and more for just $5 per person. Plus, at 9 a.m., children up to fifth grade can also participate in an Easter egg hunt, rain for shine. 

April proceeds will benefit the Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf, a supplemental food relief organization serving the 14526 and 14625 areas and families of children in the Penfield school district since 1997.

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St. Rita School will be hosting a Sticky Lips fundraiser on Saturday April 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the school, 1008 Maple Rd., in Webster.

On the menu that night will be BBQ chicken, pulled pork, fresh cornbread, two homemade sides as well as a coupon for a free appetizer card when you visit the restaurant.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the school, or through the school’s website.

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It’s April, so all sorts of fun events are popping up at the Webster Public Library. Here are a few:

The Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale happens Wed. April 24 through Sat. April 27. This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on some new books for your home library, for just a few bucks!

Hardcover books are just just $1 each, paperbacks only 50 cents, and credit cards are accepted. Members of the Friends are invited to beat the crowds at special hours, Wed. from 5 to 8:30 p.m. (If you’d like to join the Friends that night, memberships will be available at the door.)

The general public is invited to shop on Thurs. April 25, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Friday and Saturday you can fill a whole bag for just $4. 

And here’s a quick reminder about the library’s Volunteer Fair, taking place Wed. April 3 at the library.

If you’ve ever thought about spending an hour or two a week — or more — using your many skills to help out a worthy organization, this is your chance to find the perfect fit. You’ll be able to connect with almost a dozen local agencies including Friends of the Webster Public Library, Friends of Webster Trails, Heritage Christian Services, Maplewood Nursing Home, Never Say Never Foundation, Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Arboretum, Webster Museum and Historical Society, and the the Webster and West Webster fire departments.

No registration is required; you can pop in any time between 3:30 and 6 p.m.

Visit the Webster Public Library website to get more information about these and lots more April programs. The library is located at 980 Ridge Road, on the back side of the plaza off of Van Ingen Drive.

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This year’s Peep Show was speeptacular

31 Mar

IMG_0495The 2019 edition of the Greater Rochester Peep show happened this weekend, and it was bigger and better than ever.

This annual extravaganza is sponsored by the Webster Community Chest. I’ve been attending since it began several years ago, and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen so many people checking out the entries before. I didn’t get a final official count, but there must have been easily more than 100 Peeps-themed entries spread throughout six exhibition rooms, the whimsical creations of dozens of local businesses and community groups who were vying for one of many “Peeple’s Choice” awards.

Live entertainment was provided this year for the first time, featuring demonstrations by local groups including the Rochester School of Irish Dance and DK Dance Studio. Organizers also brought back the children’s activity room this year, along with a snack bar, merchandise table and raffles.

Peep Show visitors purchase tokens to vote for their favorite displays. All funds raised through the voting, raffles and snack bar will be split among several local charities.

Thank you to all of this year’s sponsoring organizations, and everyone who spent so much time creating the spectacular displays. And congratulations to this yer’s organizing committee for a job well done. You have created an amazing event which touches all corners of our community and brings everyone together in so many ways. I am already looking forward to next year.

Here are a some photos from the show. To see a full gallery, click here.

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St. Patrick’s Day is back, this time for the kids

26 Mar

Barrys

Count on Danny and Jessica Barry at Barry’s Old School Irish to come up with a fun event like this:

This Saturday March 30, Barry’s will be hosting a special St. Patrick’s Day celebration just for kids. From 2 to 4 p.m., the wee ones will enjoy arts and crafts, shamrock cookies and green Shirley Temples. Traditional Irish musicians will be providing the entertainment as they hold their weekly session in the bakery.

So basically, it’s St. Patrick’s Day all over again, except this time just for the kids!

The Barrys’ own three little ones, Maley, Rory and Patrick, will be the hosts, and I for one can’t wait to see them all again.

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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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Business is buzzing at The North Bee

24 Mar

north beeI haven’t written about The North Bee much since this cute little shop opened on North Avenue just in time for the Christmas shopping season. (And boy did I do some shopping there.)

As the name implies, The North Bee is all about honey and beeswax-related products. Owner Amy Stringer has been a beekeeper for about three years and loves pretty much everything about bees. Her shop has all sorts of honeys, of course, plus lots of creative products made from beeswax.

But even though I haven’t written about The North Bee recently, it doesn’t mean the shop has gone into hibernation.

Amy recently wrote to tell me that she currently has more than 20 different honeys on her tasting table (I didn’t even know there was more than one kind of honey). They include honeys from Central America, Chile and South America.

But she also told me about what she calls a “new, cool product” which will be arriving at the shop very soon.

Apparently, David Klein — the inventor of Jelly Belly jelly beans — has teamed up with Jeff Lewis of Haystack4life CBD (cannabis-infused) products to create the COOL BEANS CBD jelly bean. Amy is very excited to report that she will be carrying the jelly beans, and will be the only shop in New York — right now — to do so.

Stay tuned for a special event announcement when they finally arrive!

The North Bee is located at 27 North Avenue (right next to the entrance to the public parking  lot). Read more about her cute and unique little shop in this blog I wrote back in November.

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News from the library

23 Mar

The Webster Public Library is sponsoring some very community-centric events in the next few weeks, two excellent opportunities for you to give back.

blood dropThe first is an American Red Cross blood drive, on Thursday March 28 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the library’s community room, sponsored  by the Friends of the Webster Public Library.

The need right now for blood donations is at a critical level, so please consider taking an hour of your day to stop by. The people are friendly, and you can have as many cookies and juice boxes afterwards as you want. Donors must be in good health, at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds, come in and give the gift of life!

Walk-ins are welcome or you can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or logging onto https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html.

On Wednesday April 3, the library will host a Community Volunteer Fair from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

If you’ve ever thought about spending an hour or two a week — or more — using your many skills to help out a worthy organization, this is your chance to find the perfect fit. You’ll be able to connect with almost a dozen local agencies including Friends of the Webster Public Library, Friends of Webster Trails, Heritage Christian Services, Maplewood Nursing Home, Never Say Never Foundation, Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Arboretum, Webster Museum and Historical Society, and the the Webster and West Webster fire departments.

No registration is required; you can pop in any time between 3:30 and 6 p.m.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road, on the back side of the plaza off of Van Ingen Drive.

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Congratulations to our local WBA champions!

22 Mar
Champions for WBA 2019

The Celtics (L to R): Coach Piwko, Nathan Scheirer, Ethan Krog, Brayden Piwko, Chase Lape, Sean Brooks, Aidan Tyler-Wood. (Not pictured: Mason Mikels)

I am pleased to pass along this release from the Webster Basketball Association about the very exciting conclusion of this year’s season.

The 2018 – 2019 Webster Basketball Association (WBA) season came to an end with an exciting championship game between the fifth and sixth grade boys.

The #1 ranked Boston Celtics captured the championship title this year with a win over the #3 ranked Los Angeles Lakers, 45 to 25.

During the regular season the Celtics were undefeated and beat the Lakers twice. In the first half of the championship game the Celtics jumped out to a large early lead 14-0 before the Lakers put the ball in the basket. The Celtics were paced by quick guard play from Nathan Scheirer and Ethan Krog. Both players scored multiple times on dribble drives to the basket.

The Celtics had many opportunities to score but it was just an off shooting night for them. Celtics big man Brayden Piwko was able to use his length to alter many of the Lakers shots in the paint. The big man converted on a pair of offensive rebounds for easy buckets. The Lakers started to gain a little momentum as guards Nathan LaBarbera and Blake Shattuck-Seaver were able to connect on mid-range jump shots. At halftime the Celtics held the lead 26-12.

Entering the second half, the Celtics continued their red hot shooting as Sean Brooks, Chase Lape and Aiden Tyler-Wood all connected on short jumpers. The Lakers lacked solid communication on the defensive end, allowing of the Lakers players to score at least one basket.

The Lakers gained a little momentum in the second half as Andrew Biehler was able to score off an offensive rebound. The Lakers began to put on a full court press that stunned the Celtics for a short period of time. Lakers guard Dakota Sylvester provided a spark on defense with a steal and an easy lay-up. He was also able to connect on a pair of dribble drives. However, the quick guards on the Celtics were able to quickly figure out how to break the press as Krog and Scheirer was each able to dribble the length of the floor for easy buckets.

The Celtics were crowned the 2019 WBA Champions defeating the Lakers 45-25.

The playoffs and championship game are times when players are giving it their all and emotions are running high. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship! League Commissioner Joe Canori would like to thank all the players, parents, and volunteer coaches that helped with another successful WBA season.

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Webster community mailbag

20 Mar

cinderellaMeet Cinderella in person!

Today’s mailbag leads off with an exciting opportunity for you and your kids to meet Cinderella in person.

She’ll be joining Disney Princess of all ages at breakfast on Saturday March 23 at Webster Thomas High School, to help promote the school’s upcoming performance of Cinderella the following weekend.

Breakfast seatings are scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $10 and reservations are required in advance. Click here for more details.

And don;t forget to get your tickets early for the Webster Thomas Players’ production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella scheduled for March 28 to 30. The show will feature songs from the original television version, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”

Showtimes are:

● Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m.
● Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m.
● Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $12.00 at the door, and online now at websterthomasplayers.com. Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Road.

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Don’t forget about the big model train show this weekend at the Webster Recreation Center, sponsored by the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters, a not-for-profit senior transportation group.

Vendors and model train enthusiasts will fill the Rec Center’s gymnasium on Saturday and Sunday March 23 and 24 with displays and accessories. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children, and free for kids under 12.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

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Now that spring is finally here (thought it might not completely feel like it yet), here’s news of a spring holiday party coming up on March 30.

The Spry Middle School Builders and Elks Clubs will host a party on Saturday March 30 including an egg hunt and breakfast. Rumor has it that the Easter Bunny will also make an appearance.

Families are asked to arrive between 10 and 10:30 a.m. Saturday March 30 at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. in the Village of Webster. The egg hunt will take place from 10 to 10:45, followed by breakfast, which will feature pancakes, sausage and juice. (If it’s nasty out, the egg hunt will take place inside.)

Best part of all? It’s all absolutely free! But they would like to know how many people are coming, so registration is required by MARCH 21. To register or if you have any questions, call the Spry Middle School main office at (585) 216-0093.

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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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