Webster community mailbag

19 Sep

mailbag iconSt. Martin Lutheran Church’s Fall Chicken BBQ and FunFest is scheduled for this Saturday Sept. 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster.

Dinners include a half chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, roll, butter and beverage for just $10. Pie slices and other desserts will also be available for purchase. A hot dog dinner for kids is $2, and they’ll also enjoy a FunFest with a bounce house, face painting and balloons.

Dinners are eat-in or take-out. Tickets can be reserved by calling the church office at 671-1899, or purchased at the event while supplies last. Proceeds support the church’s Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

The Elks Lodge Webster-Fairport will hold a pasta dinner on Saturday Sept. 29 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to support GiGi’s Playhouse of Rochester Down Syndrome Achievement Center.

Tickets are $7.50 per person To purchase, please email drush@gigisplayhouse.org or contact Paul Kubrich at paul@ontariocycling.com. The lodge is located at 1066 Jackson Road Webster.

Also from the Elks: they’re hosting their Annual Sportsmen’s Raffle on a gun raffle on Sunday Sept. 30 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Raffle prizes include a fishing charter, crossbow package, an automatic rifle, a fishing kayak, and more.

Tickets are $15 and include draft beer and pop, hamburgers and hot dogs. Contact the Elks for tickets and more information.

representatives

The Town of Webster will hold another Community Meet & Greet on Monday Sept. 24 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the community room at the Webster Public Library.

Participants will get a chance to meet their state, county and town elected officials, along with first responders and leaders of several community organizations, including the Webster Special Police, who will be recruiting new officers during the event.  It’s a good chance to learn about upcoming projects and ask questions. Bring the kids, too, because there’s going to be some crafts set up for them.

Kudos to the town for making this a regular event.

* * *

And finally, just one more reminder about the Living History Tour at Webster Union Cemetery this Saturday Sept. 22.

The tour takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. and will introduce you to several of Webster’s citizens from the past, played by museum volunteers. You’ll hear their stories and be able to ask questions about what their lives were like back when our town was young.

Click here to read a more detailed blog about the event, including the people you will be meeting. Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Road (Rt. 250 at Woodhull). A $5 donation would be appreciated.

* * *

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.

 

Dust off those yearbooks

18 Sep

The yearbook staff at Webster Schroeder High School needs your help.

This year marks the 100th year of the Webster Schroeder/Webster High School yearbook. To commemorate the occasion, the yearbook club would like to feature all of the past yearbooks in this year’s edition.

Problem is, many of those yearbooks are missing from their collection.

That’s where you come in. They’re hoping that there are folks out there who can help them fill in the gaps, and let them borrow (or better yet, donate) the following missing volumes:  1919, 1921, 1927, 1932, 1937, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1988, 1990, 1991 and 1994.

If you have any of these yearbooks and would be willing to donate or loan them to the school, please contact yearbook club advisor Stephanie Metz-Miller at stephanie_metzmiller@webstercsd.org.

Also, rumor has it that there was one year among those in which the yearbook wasn’t published. If you have that information, Mrs. Metz-Miller would love to know that as well.

* * *

The verdict is in.

In one of my blogs last week, I mentioned that Plank North Elementary School has a new Pioneer mascot. He was introduced at the school’s Friday assembly the first week of school. He didn’t have an name, so the students were given the opportunity to propose one.

Ballots were collected all last week and principal Craig Bodensteiner announced the winning moniker yesterday on the school’s morning show.

May I officially introduce Pride the Pioneer!

* * *

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.

Tags: , , ,

Beer walk in the books

17 Sep

The Village of Webster Beer Walk seems to have been rather successful. I stopped by Ploty’s Hometown Tavern towards the end of the event and owner Eric Plotzker said that he had been very busy most of the evening.

If you weren’t part of the fun, here’s a quick summary of what it was all about: Participants paid $12 for a mini pint glass, and then stopped at Burke’s, Barry’s, The Coach, The Filling Station, Ploty’s and Brimont Bistro to sample different beers at each location.

Given its success, I’m sure it will happen again.

If bourbon is more your thing, remember that the village will be holding its second annual Bourbon Bash on Saturday November 10. The details are still being hammered out for this event, but last year’s was held at the Harmony House, featured several distilleries and local restaurants, and live music.

Stay tuned for more details here, or you can check the BID website as plans come together.

* * *

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.

 

Tags: , , , ,

You’ll THRIVE at new Webster yoga studio

15 Sep

exteriorthrive

There’s a new yoga studio in town, and it sounds like it was designed just for people like me.

In the “people like me” category, I include those of us who are 1) mostly unfamiliar with yoga, 2) couldn’t tell you the difference between a downward dog and a reclining tree, and 3)  despite that, have heard a lot of great things about yoga and would really like to try it, preferably without feeling too self-conscious about it.

If that describes you, then THRIVE Studio might just be what you’re looking for.

THRIVE just recently opened in the upper level at 865 Ridge Road, near Webster Schroeder High School. It’s owned by Chelle Walczak-Corsi, who grew up in the Buffalo area and received degrees at Buffalo State and St. John Fisher College in elementary education and administration.

After teaching for a number of years and serving as a school administrator, Chelle decided to change her focus to a more holistic career. She began to study yoga and discovered a great love for it, and ultimately decided to share her passion for wellness with others by opening her own studio.

The folks at THRIVE describe themselves as “a community of learners helping one another grow – mentally, physically and spiritually.” Their informational materials go on to say that “Oftentimes those new to yoga are hesitant to begin because of concerns about flexibility and knowledge of various poses. In many cases some are at a loss on how to even begin to practice yoga.”

That would be me.

“At THRIVE Studio the welcoming atmosphere allows for each individual to begin one’s journey in a non-threatening environment,” it continued. But those more familiar with yoga are certainly welcome to join the community, and will definitely be challenged by “fresh sequences and opportunities to rejuvenate and grow.”

THRIVE Studio offers a wide variety of both group and individual yoga classes at various levels. Click here to see more information about that.

THRIVE will host an open house on Saturday September 22, including free sample classes. Mini Ease-n-Flow Yoga classes will be held from 9:30 to 10 a.m. and 10 to 10:30 a.m., followed by mimosas and mingling. Please register by September 15 by visiting their website at thriveyogastudioroc.com. (I know that’s today, but I’ll bet if you push it a day or two you’d still be welcome.)

If you can’t make it to a class but want to check out the studio anyway, stop between noon and 2 p.m. for food and refreshments.  They’d love it if you could RSVP to that as well.

* * *

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.

Tags: , ,

History, miniatures and music

14 Sep

Three really cool events are coming up next weekend, and I want to give you a heads-up about them now so you can get them on your calendar.

museum tour

First, on Saturday Sept. 22, the Webster Museum and the Webster Union Cemetery are joining forces for a Living History Tour at the cemetery.

The tour, which takes place from 1 to 4 p.m., will introduce you to several of Webster’s citizens from the past, played by museum volunteers. You’ll hear their stories and be able to ask questions about what their lives were like back when our town was young.

Click here to read a more detailed blog about the event, including the people you will be meeting. Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Road (Rt. 250 at Woodhull). A $5 donation would be appreciated.

On Sunday Sept. 23, ROC City Scale Modelers will host their 37th annual ROCON scale model show and contest, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

If you’re even a lukewarm fan of scale models, you have to see this show. The Rec Center’s gymnasium is lined with tables displaying hundreds upon hundreds of miniatures including aircraft, auto, armor, figures, ships, juniors, fantasy and more. For those who choose to enter models, the cost is $10 for 1-3 entries for adult modelers, $2 for each additional model, and $1 each for junior entry (15 years and under). You can register when you get there.

For those who simply enjoy modeling as a hobby, there are also a lot of vendors at this event offering the latest books and gadgets. Basically, it’s a modeler’s paradise.

Once again, ROCON 37 will take place Sunday Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. General admission is $5 and children under 12 are free.  Click here for more information

 

rhapsody

Finally, how about extending your weekend with a song?

On Monday Sept. 24, Webster’s own Rochester Rhapsody will be holding open rehearsals for women of all ages.

Rochester Rhapsody, the Rochester chapter of Harmony, Incorporated, is an international organization of female a cappella singers specializing in the barbershop harmony style.

Female guests can “FALL in Love with A Cappella” at the Harmony House, 53 E. Main St. on Monday Sept. 24 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., during the group’s open rehearsals. If you can’t make it that Monday, you can stop in also on October 1 and 8.

Women of all ages can participate in vocal warm-ups and exercises in a relaxed environment, learn new songs, meet with other women, and enjoy an evening of singing and camaraderie.

“If you like to sing but haven’t had much experience, we’ll help you find your voice,” said director Sue Melvin. “The beautiful harmonies, when shared, bind us together. I’m very proud to be a part of this group…it’s more like a family than just friends. It’s ordinary women coming together to make extraordinary music.”

The 3-week event will culminate in a concert performed for the local community on October 15 at Harmony House at 7:30 p.m. All of the guests who have attended open rehearsals will be invited to join in the performance.

For more information about “FALL in Love with a Cappella,” and about the chorus itself, click here. a copy of our flyer or information on Rochester Rhapsody chorus, email info@rochesterrehapsody.com or call 585-865-2731.

* * *

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.

Tags: , ,

Meet the D&C’s new east-side reporter

13 Sep

Georgie SilvaroleI had a very pleasant meeting yesterday afternoon with Georgina Silvarole, the new east-side reporter for the D&C.

Georgie, as she likes to be called, reached out to me a few days ago, hoping to meet up and pick my brain about all things Webster. She is a Rochester-area native, having grown up in Scottsville, but doesn’t know much about the east-side towns which are on her beat.

So I invited her for a cup of coffee at Barry’s Old School Irish (of course). Barry’s is not only representative of our village’s small-town, family-centric feel, but its four-corners location is ideal for checking out “downtown” Webster.

Georgie is a December 2016 graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, and a former intern at the D&C. After graduation she worked at the Greenville (South Carolina) News, and the Syracuse Post-Standard before returning to the D&C just a few weeks ago. Her official title is Suburban Trends Reporter, and she replaces Lauren Peace, who left the newspaper recently when she was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship.

Georgie will be covering several east-side communities including Webster, so you might be seeing her out and about in town.  She may even reach out through social media sometimes for help with a story … for example, she’s working on a piece about Greenlight internet services and would love to connect with someone who’s a current subscriber. If you’d like to chat with her, email her at GSilvarole@rocheste.gannett.com, or you can get in touch with me and I will pass your information along!

P.S. This doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere! Georgie and I will actually be working together to share story ideas. So keep sending me your story tips and concerns, because I might just send some of them along to her.

* * *

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.

The Village of Webster remembers 9/11

12 Sep

IMG_9270

When I was in school yesterday, naturally I was thinking a lot about the events of September 11, 2001. It was, and will always be, a seminal event in the lives of most adults. But as I looked around at the schoolkids, I couldn’t help but think that it’s really ancient history for them.

They, and about a quarter of our current population, were not alive that day. They don’t remember the shock, disbelief, and profound sadness we all felt as we saw those awful images.

That’s why it’s more important than ever that we continue to set aside some time every year to remember. To its credit, the Village of Webster does a nice of that every year, and has done so now for 17 straight years.

Yesterday’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park was a dignified, yet powerful mix of ceremony, patriotic music and memories. About 75 people braved cloudy skies to attend, most relaxing in quad chairs, many standing for the entire 45-minute event. On the west side of the park, Webster firefighters, first responders and an honor guard stood at attention. On the other side of the gazebo, local and regional political representatives waited their turn at the podium.

The speeches were a mix of memories, sorrow for lives lost, praise for the first responders who gave their lives as they rushed to help others, and gratitude for those who still do so every day. They were punctuated by performances by the Chorus of the Genesee and concluded with the performance of “Taps” by Steve Forman.

It was a very nice and meaningful evening. Thank you to the Village of Webster for helping up remember.

Click here to see a gallery of photos from the event.

* * *

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.

Tags: ,

Webster community mailbag

10 Sep

I’ve got a couple of local events for you, happening on Wednesday, and photo of a surprising new friend at Plank Road North!

Volunteer Fair

This Wednesday, the Webster Public Library will host a Community Volunteer Fair from 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Volunteer Fair flier Fall 2018If 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 Challenger Miracle Field, Friends of the Webster Public Library, Friends of Webster Trails, Heritage Christian Services, Maplewood Nursing Home, Never Say Never Foundation, Webster Comfort Care Home, Webster Museum and Historical Society, and the West Webster Fire Department.

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.

Free Rabies Clinic

Also on Wednesday Sept. 22, the Town of Webster in conjunction with Monroe County Health Department will offer a Free Rabies Clinic from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Town of Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.

If your dog/cat has had a rabies vaccine in the past, bring the old rabies certificate for your pet to receive a three-year vaccination. Without the certificate the dog/cat will be issued a one-year vaccine certificate.

If you are unable to attend this event, and you’d like to find out about others in our area, visit the Monroe County Health Department online or call (585) 753-5171.

Surprise, Plank North!

Principal Craig Bodensteiner had a happy surprise for staff and students at Plank Road North Elementary School on Friday morning. During the school’s monthly “powwow” pep rally, Bodensteiner introduced a brand new Pioneer mascot, in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary.

Right now, the school’s large new friend has no official name. The students are being given the chance to come up with their own suggestions. So stay tuned!

pioneer

What I’m working on 

I’ve been in contact recently with representatives from two new Webster businesses, which I’ll be writing more complete blogs about very soon.

The first is THRIVE Studio, a new yoga studio opening soon at 865 Ridge Road, on the upper floor.

My THRIVE contact, Kathy Marchaesi describes the studio as a “non-threatening environment for beginners and experienced yogis as well. The owner, Chelle Walczak-Corsi, will tailor the classes to the participant’s skill level.”

THRIVE will be holding a grand opening on Saturday Sept. 22, including free yoga classes, food, mimosas and socializing. More to come about that.

Also, I chatted the other day with Caleb, the new owner of Savage Chef, which will be hosting its grand opening soon at 5 East Main Street in the village.

Savage Chef is a catering and meal-prep service. But Caleb is also considering putting a few tables into the shop to serve breakfast and smoothies.

Lots more to come about this. I, for one, want to find more about how Caleb originally considered opening a landscaping business, but ended up cooking….

* * *

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.

Tags: , , , , ,

Yet more recognition for Barry’s Pub

8 Sep

barry's old schoolOur very own Barry’s Old School Irish has garnered yet another people’s choice award for being one of the best pubs around.

In a recent rating sponsored by Yelp.com and reported in Newyorkupstate.com, Barry’s was ranked #6 out of the top 27 best pubs/bars/eateries in Upstate New York.  The ranking was based on reviews, star rating, age of business and recency of reviews.

This isn’t the first time Barry’s has landed on a “best of” list, but it’s their highest place yet. Last March a Yelp.com survey ranked Barry’s at #45 on a list of the top 50 pubs in the United States for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. And earlier this year, their recognition became international when the London-based Irish Post ranked Barry’s #17 on a list of the “Top 32 Irish Pubs in America.”

Pub owner Danny Barry had this to say on Facebook about the most recent award:

This place sure has some magic in it! 7 years ago when we opened Barry’s Old School Irish at 20 and 24 years old we just had a dream. After getting married and honeymooning in Ireland, we wanted to open a little sanctuary of sorts where people could come on a good day or a bad day. Provide comfort and camaraderie in a pretty crazy world. Represent our proud Irish heritage to the best of our ability.

In that 7 years we have met so many wonderful people that have quickly become family to us. Rooting us on as we have brought 3 crazy kiddos into this world and helping us forge a community here at Barry’s built on love and friendship. Thank you to everyone who calls this little Irish Pub home. Thank you to our family, staff, and community for continuing to make Barry’s Old School Irish truly special.

Click here to see what other pubs landed on the list.

Barry’s Old School Irish is located at 2 West Main Street in the Village of Webster.

* * *

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.

Tags: ,

Thoughts and images from the first days back at school

7 Sep

Well, we made it to the end of the first week back at school, and from all accounts that I heard, it started out pretty good.

I invited people to send me stories and photos from opening day, and I received several heartwarming messages and super cute photos. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to email me. I’m pleased now to share those emails with you all.

Three brothers together 

Moorman

Ryan, Nolan and Brendan Moorman

Alicia Moorman was pleased as punch to report that all three of her boys are now in the same school, Plank Road North Elementary. Ryan is in 5th grade, Brendan is in 3rd, and 4-year old Nolan just started preschool.

This is the only year they’ll be together before Ryan heads off to middle school next year. “Ryan and Brendan were happy to be back with their friends,” Alicia wrote. “And Nolan was excited to be going to his big brother’s school and meet his new friends.”

Reconnecting with favorite teachers 

This nice story also comes from Plank Road North. Laura Simmons wrote that her daughter Harleigh was “excited and ready to go” for her first day.

Harleigh Simmons

Harleigh Simmons

She moved up to 5th grade with her teacher (Mr Crowley) and most classmates and said it was great to start out knowing her teacher and friends.

When we had out evening mommy/daughter chat before bed she was full of news about one of her favorite teachers who teaches music at Plank North. News about her cats and how she has been learning how to operate the pump controls on the firetruck. That she was the only girl driver… She is all about girl power and I loved that Harleigh has such a role model to reiterate that girls/women can do anything! Now I have a little girl who wants to be a fireman like her teacher and her Papa.

An encouraging note on a scary day

Yaravitz

Hannah Yaravitz

This was one of my favorite emails. It’s from Tara Yaravitz, who told me about an extra special teacher at Klem South Elementary and what she did for her former students, including her daughter Hannah.

At the end of last school year, fifth grade teacher Meghann Piwko bid goodbye her students, who were moving on to Willink Middle School. But she wasn’t going to let them start the new year without one last boost of encouragement. Tara described what happened that morning.

“My daughter started sixth grade today and received a letter in homeroom this a.m. from her fifth-grade teacher from last year encouraging her, still teaching her life skills, and building confidence in her.”

Piwko had written a personal letter to each one of her former students, delivered them to Willink, and made sure they were awaiting the new sixth graders in homeroom Tuesday morning.

Tara was clearly touched by the teacher’s thoughtfulness.

“I think it’s such a lovely idea and gives (the students) a sense of comfort on a day that is full of anxiousness and worry and fear of the unknown. …  As a parent I think that’s so special and truly shows how much her teacher cares about her and her other classmates from last year.”

New to kindergarten? No problem!

Arya 2

Anya Orr with her family

Proud grandma Rebecca Parzynski sent this photo of her granddaughter Anya Orr, who’s all smiles as she poses with her dad Joshua, mom Melissa and little sister Teagan.

Anya started kindergarten this week at State Road Elementary School. Rebecca reported that Anya “was nervous, but had a great day.”

New school, new friends

Samantha Privitera sent along this photo of her daughter Lilli on her first day of school in second grade at Schlegel Road Elementary. It

Lilli1 (1)

Lilli Privitera

was a brand new school for Lilli, who had just transferred over from Plank North.

Looks like she was pretty excited to start the year, and since I work right across the hall from her classroom at Schlegel, I can attest that it was a good day!

It was a red carpet morning

All the students at Schlegel Road Elementary started the day on a high note, actually. They received a royal welcome when they filed off their buses Tuesday morning.

IMG_20180904_090736484

Red carpet treatment at Schlegel

A red carpet had been set up stretching from the curb to the school’s front door, lined by all of Schlegel’s administrators, staff and faculty members, who were holding balloons, clapping noisemakers and cheering loudly.

It was the first day of school for staff, too! 

I was reminded of that a few times as I was putting together this feature. Matter of fact, one of the first emails I received made that point for me right away. Shannon Peterson wrote,

“I’m a secretary at DeWitt (Elementary) and was excited to see the kids and parents today. The first day of school

Shannon Peterson

Shannon Peterson and Lillian Bradbury

is just as exciting for us in the offices. Some students were excited to wave to me in the hall, some were excited to show me how tall they grew, their special outfit for today or just to say hello.”

She snapped a photo of one of those students, Lillian Bradbury. “She delivered a hug to me and made my day!” Shannon added.

And over at Plank North — the second of the two schools I work at — Principal Craig Bodensteiner and Assistant Principal Heather Balsamo made sure that the schools’ staff members also felt special. To show how much they love their teachers, and how much they were missed over the summer, Crag and Heather gave each one an “all star teacher” t-shirt.

On the Monday night before school my colleague Susan Padgham had this to say about the family that is Plank North:

“I work with some amazing teachers and who genuinely care for their students’ well-being, along with academics. Their tireless perseverance shows daily. Tomorrow we will all be united in wearing our green & gold school colors along with the quote ‘I am the difference.’ Another reason to be PROUD to be a Plank North Pioneer!”

Here’s the staff photo we took that morning:

Plank N staffSubstitutes unite

 

Lest we forget that we have some outstanding substitute teachers in our district, I received this message from one of my favorites, Pat Clemens-Sweetland, who told me what she did on day 1:

“Some retired teachers and substitute teachers that haven’t been called yet celebrated by meeting for breakfast!” she reported. “T’s seemed to be the ‘place to be'”!

Finally, a shout out to our hard-working school PTSAs. These dedicated volunteers took some time out on Labor Day to go around to several of the schools and create some inspirational chalk art to welcome the kids back. Here are a few examples:

And a quick reminder from the PTSA that calendars are now available at Hegedorn’s as well as at school events. The handsome publications are just $5 each and have all the important district events so you’ll never miss out.

Plus your $5 helps support our schools.

* * *

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.

 

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →