Webster Thomas to host art student summit

8 Nov

So today’s blog is not about a public event, but I wanted to feature it regardless, because it is an outstanding example of the commitment our Webster CSD teachers have for our students — and it allows me to give a shout-out to a former Webster Thomas colleague.

A few weeks ago Todd Stahl, an art teacher over at Thomas, sent me an email about an exciting program he has set up for his students.

He wrote,

For a long time, a few of my fellow art teacher friends in the area and I have lamented the loss of the art community that was cultivated through the local Scholastic Art Awards show that used to happen at RIT. About 10 years ago, they stopped hosting it, and many of us have lost touch, with our hectic schedules getting in the way of connecting – both us as teachers, but also our students.

So I got thinking about a way to start to bring people back together again – and give something even more beneficial to our students. So… an idea was born.

What Stahl came up with is the first (of many, he hope) Rochester Area Art Student Summit, scheduled for Nov. 15 from 9:15 to 1:45 at Webster Thomas. Students will be able to participate in four different presentatons and workshops run by local artists, who will speak about their artwork, art making process, their career/life journey and lead the students through some sort of sketchbook activity. It will all take place while the rest of the school day continues around them.

Stahl added,

We are hoping that this will be an extremely engaging and inspiring day for all of our students, to help them further see how process is just as important as (more important than?) product, and how our work can grow and mature over our lives and careers. We will also have a table set up with information about mental health support information, run by an alumni with experience in this area.

The event is designed for senior AP art students and art college-bound juniors. More than 200 students from 11 local high schools had already signed up when he wrote two weeks ago.

This sounds like a terrific event and could be a real life-changer for our students.

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Library, Miracle Field are asking for your support

7 Nov

The very clever and very popular “Caps for Sale” fundraiser returns to the Webster Public Library later this month, to benefit the Friends of the Library.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew IMG_E9392Cubbins had 500 hats. There won’t be quite that many at this sale, but guaranteed you’ll find a beautiful selection, all hand-crafted by the Webster Library Sit and Stitch Group.

Adult hats will be sold for $10, and children’s for $5 Buy a hat for a gift, for yourself or to hang on the HOPE House’s mitten and hat tree in the lobby.

The sale is scheduled for Thursday November 14 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday November 16 from noon to 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library and their programs.

A second fundraiser on Nov. 21 — a LuLaRoe pop-up boutique — will also benefit the Friends of the Library.

LuLaRoe sells simple, comfortable, unique clothing styles, including dresses, sweaters, leggings and t-shirts. You can shop that night and take your order home with you.

The sale will take place Thursday Nov. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. At the same time, the Friends will host a meet-and-greet event, where new members and those wanting to know more about the Friends can come together at the library, share a treat and chat with other Friends.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Road, at the back of the plaza.

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Please join us For 2An extra-special art show, featuring children and adults with physical and developmental challenges, will be held Friday and Saturday Nov. 15 and 16 at CDS Life Transitions, 860 Hard Rd.

This is a great opportunity to take home a true original, with the added advantage of knowing that all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

Click on the butterfly image for more information about this unique event.

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Ah, the joys of raking…

5 Nov

Pile of autumn maple colored leaves isolated on white background.

As many of you know, I’m a fairly new resident of the Village of Webster. My husband and I moved here from our North Penfield home in April, and I totally love it.

I love being only a short walk from the center of the village, and all the pubs and restaurants there. I love being able to stroll to village events without having to worry about traffic and parking. I love being so much closer to great Christmas shopping, and only eight minutes from my job at Schlegel Rd. Elementary.

But you know what I love BEST about living in the Village of Webster?

I DON’T HAVE TO BAG ANY LEAVES!!!!!!!

I’ve been tapping out this blog for more than 10 years now, and pretty much every single year I whined about how the Town of Penfield still requires its residents to bag their leaves every fall and leave them for their refuse collector. I envied my Webster neighbors over the back fence who simply pushed theirs to the curb while I raked and swept and piled and stuffed and tied bags for hours every weekend.

We had several large trees in our yard, which meant that we would typically collect more than 100 bags of leaves every fall. And since our refuse collector only allowed us to put out eight of them every week, we would be placing them at the curb well into January.

In contrast, last weekend, it took Jack and me only about 90 minutes with our rake, tarp and leaf sweeper to clear our yard and dump all the leaves at the curb for pick-up. We estimated we’ll have to do it one more time in a week or two. But then…we’ll be done.

So thank you, Village of Webster, for providing this service. My tax dollars are well worth it.

Here’s a run-down of the village and town leaf collection information, from their websites:

Webster Village

This service begins when the autumn leaves begin to accumulate on the ground and will be on a daily basis until the beginning of December, or until the first heavy snowfall, whichever comes first. The Public Works Department will traverse each Village street once a week to remove leaves from the curb. To help make leaf pickup easier for yourself and our DPW staff, we request you follow some simple guidelines:

-Do not place brush, rocks, pumpkins, wood, plastic, or other foreign material with your leaves
-Do not bag your leaves for Village curbside pickup
-Do not place leaves in roadway, or on top of drainage structures, concrete, in gutters, or drainage ditches

The village also provides brush removal one day every month. For more details about that, visit the Village of Webster website.

Town of Webster

We start on the west side of town heading east and will make as many passes through town as possible during the leaf pick-up operation, weather permitting. There is no set schedule for particular streets throughout the town. Leaf season typically runs six weeks and start and finish dates vary based on actual leaf drop.

Please be patient with us during this process, as leaves do not all fall at once, and we never know what to expect for our weather conditions.
– Make sure leaves are on the edge of the road and not in the road or gutter
– Rake only leaves (and not twigs or branches) to the road’s edge
– Placing leaves in the road or gutter significantly slows down the entire operation. It is against the law to place leaves or any debris in the road.

For more information, visit the Town of Webster website.

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Barry’s Old School Irish anniversary draws near!

4 Nov

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Do you remember this corner?

If you lived in Webster, say, 9 or 10 years ago, you might remember this unusual garden, complete with a mini-waterfall. It stood  at the the village’s four corners, welcoming visitors to our main business corridor.

It adorned the storefront of the Living Plumber at 2 West Main St., and it stood for as long as I can remember.

That is, until the Living Plumber’s owner passed away, the village cleaned it up, Danny and Jessica Barry moved in, and committed to turning that corner into something really special: a friendly little Irish pub.

This weekend, on the occasion of the pub’s 8th anniversary, it’s clear that the Barry’s have done that — and so much more. They’ve created a super friendly, welcoming pub for the whole family. A place where you can set up your computer in the middle of the day to work while listening to live Irish music by musicians jamming in the corner.  Where everyone who comes in is immediately considered part of the family.

Barry’s Old School Irish has not only changed that corner for the better, it has changed our village.

Help them celebrate this Saturday Nov. 9 when Danny and Jessica host Barry’s Old School Irish’s 8th anniversary party.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s in the works:

  • 7:30 to 11 p.m.: Live Irish music by Billy Herring
  • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.: Tullamore Dew and Jameson Irish whiskey reps will be handing out samples and giveaways
  • 10 p.m.: The official anniversary toast with whiskey on the house

Plus, watch for Irish dancers and a bagpiper to make an appearance. You’ll find more details here.

9232011 dan and jessI’m pleased and proud to say I’ve been an extended member of the Barry’s Pub family since before they even opened, when I popped in to interview the new owners for this blog and took that iconic picture of them holding the sign that would soon adorn the outside of their pub. There were no pictures on the walls, no musicians in the corner, no hamburgers on the grill.  Just two young kids with a dream which they continue to expand upon every single day. (Check out a few other photos from that day below.)

If you STILL haven’t stopped by this little Irish corner of the world, at 2 West Main Street right smack in the middle of the village, you’re missing something special.

 

 

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Photos of this year’s pet costume winners

3 Nov

 

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Better late than never, I present today photos of this year’s pet costume contest winners!

This contest has been run for the last few years during the village’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, but it’s been difficult to get the word out and actually get people and their dogs to meet up at the appointed time and place. So this year, Peter Elder — who organizes the contest every year — came up with a creative solution.

He wrote,

My son and I served as judges for the dog costume contest and since we could not find anyone gathered in front of Village Hall, we spread out through the (very large) crowd and found several dogs and their owners in costumes. After passing through once, we went back and awarded them first second and third prizes.

Peter added that this was “an excellent strategy for making the people and the dogs happy. … People loved being stopped and given gift cards.”

The three lucky winners this year are included here.

Make sure to get out there and trick or treat with your pup next year, ’cause you never know…you might get a treat yourself!

Also, we’re hoping to resurrect the business-sponsored scarecrow contest next year as well, so watch for more news about that!

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Hiking and hot cocoa and bourbon!

1 Nov

As a cold, miserable November dawns, allow me to tell you about a few events that will definitely warm your whole body.

The first is the annual Hot Cocoa Hike sponsored by the Friends of Webster Trails. This year’s hike will take place at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve, 680 Vosburg Rd., on Saturday Nov. 9 beginning at 7 p.m.

hot chocolateThis is a fun, free, self-guided hike under the (almost) full moon! The route is approximately 1 mile (one way), up to two miles total and will be marked with lights for you to follow, starting at the parking lot. This will not be a guided event, so you are responsible for finding your way by following the marked path. When you arrive at the final destination you’ll be rewarded with free hot chocolate.

So that everyone can enjoy this event please leave your dog home and bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please also bring a flashlight and your own travel mug as cups will not be provided.

If you plan on attending, please sign up here and provide an email address so that you can be reached in case of changes. An email will be sent by 3 p.m. that day if there is extreme weather that requires the hike to be rescheduled.

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The Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash will return on Saturday Nov. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St.

Sample bourbons and whiskey from local distilleries and Webster Wine and Spirits, complemented by food samples from local restaurants.

Participants will be provided bottled water to enhance their sampling experience, and the opportunity to purchase a raffle ticket for a bourbon basket donated by Webster Rotary. proceeds of the event will benefit Webster Local Charities.

Tickets are limited and can be purchased online here or at websterbid.com. Cash sale tickets are also available at Hegedorns.

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Looking ahead, make sure to mark your calendars for White Christmas in the Village, this year on Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m. An entire afternoon of holiday activities in the village concludes with the ever-popular Holiday Electric Parade. Check back on the BID website for more details.

electric parade

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So. Much. Happening. At the library

31 Oct

Every once in a while I get an email or two from my friend Laureen over at the Webster Public Library, packed with listing of adult and youth events that are coming up over the next several weeks. I tell myself EVERY SINGLE TIME that I can’t possibly write about ALL of them.

And then I look more closely and see that they’re all really fun and creative programs that just need to be shared.

So here’s the latest batch. (At least most of them.)

Halloween party

If your kids aren’t totally sick of Halloween yet, the library has one more chance for them to celebrate, at their Halloween Party tomorrow, Friday Nov. 1.

Youths in grades 4-12 are invited from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for snacks, crafts, games, a costume contest, and more. Registration is required. Click here to do that.

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Ever wonder what the library is like after it’s closed? Find out for yourself at an after-hours camp-out, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday Nov. 15.

Bring pillows, blankets, and flashlights to build a fort and read together in the library at night. Library staff members will build a fire for your campsite, and have stories and s’mores for everyone.

Families are welcome. Registration is required. (Just once per family is fine.)

Breadtime stories

Kindness changes everything. That’s the theme of a unique story-time program by Chet Fery, the founder of an organization called Bread Time Stories and More.

Often called “The Bread Man,” Chet Fery began his hobby of baking and giving away bread more than 17 years ago. He promotes random acts of kindness, and believes the world can be changed “one loaf at a time; one act of kindness at a time.”

He estimates that he has given away more than 90,000 loaves of bread, created over 50 recipes, and generated more than 100 inspirational “Bread Time Stories” which he shares with audiences across the region.

At the program, Chet will share some of his Bread Time stories, conduct a bread-making lesson and provide each audience member with a loaf of bread and a recipe to take home.

Registration is required. Call 585-872-7075 and press 3 for the reference desk, or visit the Events & Classes listings on the library website. This program is part of the Healthy Living at Your Library series.

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Got your flu shot yet?

You should. It’s important, if not just for you, but for those around you whose health may be compromised.

The Webster Public Library will team up with Wegmans to offer a flu clinic on Tuesday Nov. 5 (election day) from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Bring your insurance card.

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The Webster Art Club Annual Art Show will begin at the library this Saturday afternoon, Nov. 2. The opening reception and awards will run from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of the plaza, along Van Ingen Dr.

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Another successful Trick or Treat Trail!

26 Oct

Wow! This year’s Trick or Treat Trail in the village was AMAZING! The weather couldn’t have been much better, there were more businesses participating than ever, and more kids and adults on the streets than I can every remember seeing for this event.

As usual, I took a ton of photos (literally a gallery of 249), which I have posted here, and if you were out there today, chances are good you and your kids will be in one of them.

But this year I also asked a guest blogger, brand new Eagle Scout (an budding journalist) Justin Karnisky, to help me out in covering this event, and he took a bunch more. I am pleased to post his report — and his photos — for you here.

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Webster Trick or Treat Trail 2019
By Justin Karnisky, Troop 110 Eagle Scout

The annual Webster Village Trick or Treat Trail event was held on October 26. Fifty-two local businesses participated, including The Garage Sale Store, Barry’s Irish Pub, Coach, Lala, Carl’s Pizza Kitchen, The Music Store, and more. Residents could even trick-or-treat at the Village Hall.

Donna Rickard, from the Garage Sale Store, explained that her business has participated in the Trick or Treat Trail every year since its inception. She said, “Even the adults participate, with their dogs. It’s a lot of fun to participate, and the adults can see the local businesses.” She had so many trick-or-treaters, she ran out of candy and had to go get more!

Popular costumes included bananas, Pokemon characters, emojis, inflatable t-rexes, and Spider-Man. Some of the more unique costumes included the Statue of Liberty, the Monopoly Man, bacon, and French fries. Some families coordinated their costumes, such as the Oldfield family, who were dressed as Ghost Busters. The Urbanski family dressed up as characters from the children’s story Curious George. This was their first year participating in the event. Dave Urbanski and his sons, Lukas, age 4, and Julian, age 6 months, were happy to be out trick-or-treating.

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The Music Store has participated in the event since it started. John Bucci, owner, said, “I like seeing all the local businesses participating, and seeing the kids and all the costumes.”

There was a steady stream of trick-or-treaters throughout the streets. The streets were closed to traffic and were kept safe by the Webster Police Department.

If they were tired from trick-or-treating, families could also enjoy a hayride throughout the village. Overall, the event had a great turnout and is a welcome opportunity to trick-or-treat safely during the day, for all ages.

A big THANK YOU to Justin for a wonderful report. I’m hoping everyone had a chance to enjoy the day and perhaps visit a few businesses you had never been to before.

Once again, if you’d like to see a few hundred more photos from this year’s Village of Webster Trick or Treat Trail, click here.

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Get your kids’ — and pets’ — costumes ready for Halloween in the Village

24 Oct
trick or treat 1

These kids were having fun last year despite the rain.

It looks like the weather is going to be pretty nice this Saturday for the Village of Webster’s annual Trick-or-Treating Trail. Certainly it will be better than last year, when it rained most of the day. But if you look at the photos I took, it’s clear that people were having fun anyway, which is a testament to what a great event this is.

This year, organizers tell me that the Trick or Treat Trail is going to be even bigger than ever. It seems like new businesses are cropping up almost every week, especially on East Main St., so a lot more businesses will be joining the fun and handing out candy.

You can get more information at websterbid.com, but here are some details:

11 a.m.: Costume contest in the Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave. (right next to the fire department). Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Noon – 3 p.m.: Trick-or-Treat Trail. Look for the bright orange pumpkins in the front windows of participating businesses. Make sure to work your way into the lower parking lot on East Main to visit the Village Bakery, ROC and Soul and more.

12:30 p.m.: The Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest and parade returns so your pet can join in the fun. Meet at Village Hall for judging, and there will be prizes!

Special activities:

Make sure to stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department on South Ave., which will be hosting an open house all afternoon.

Firefighters will be on hand to pass out candy, plastic fire hats, give demonstrations, tours of the fire engines, and more. Cider and donuts for everyone!

Also, be sure to walk the short distance down Lapham Park to the Webster Museum, where they always have some special activities planned.

By the way, it’s all FREE!

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It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! (And some school news)

21 Oct

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I want to pass along a few notes from our schools this morning, but first, this photo to give you a smile to begin your Monday.

Maureen Finn forwarded me this picture of the huge pumpkin her husband Tim grew in their back yard on La Baron Circle. Posing with the mammoth melon are his great grandchildren Emma, Ellie , Ella and Charlotte.

Do you have any fun fall photos you’d like me to share with my readers? Feel free to send them along to missyblog@gmail.com.

AND NOW to some school news.

It’s time to start your holiday shopping!

 Schlegel Elementary School will  host its annual Craft Show on Saturday Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 1548 Schlegel Rd.. The event will feature more than 60 vendors, sweet treats, raffles, concessions and more.

Bailando con sus amigos!

Also on Saturday Nov. 2, the Webster school district will continue its observance of Hispanic Heritage Month with an evening of salsa dancing at Willink Middle School. Entertainment will be provided by Cinco Con Swing.

The event is free and open to the public! Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with salsa and merengue dance lessons from 6:45-7:45 p.m. After the lessons, dancing will be open until 9 p.m.

Honoring our veterans

Veterans and active duty service members and their families are cordially invited to a free dinner on Friday, Nov. 8 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

This event is sponsored by Spry Middle School Student Council, Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Webster Community Chest, Wegmans, and Hegedorns as a way of showing appreciation for servicemen and women and their families.

Reservations are appreciated; please call Ms. Ritzmann at 216-0093.

New graduation dates

The Webster Central School District has announced an important change regarding graduation ceremonies for Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas high schools’ class of 2020.

The location will remain the same as in past years (RIT’s Gordon Field House), but the previously scheduled graduation date of Sunday, June 28, 2020, HAS BEEN CHANGED.

The new dates and times for the Class of 2020 graduation are:

  • Webster Tomas High School: Thursday, June 18, 7 p.m.
  • Webster Schroeder High School: Friday, June 19, 7 p.m.

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