History comes alive with cemetery tour

25 Aug

museum tour

Here’s a heads-up about a very interesting and educational event being held by the Webster Museum in a few weeks.

It’s a living history tour at Webster Union Cemetery (Rt. 250 at Woodhull Rd.) on Saturday September 22. From 1 to 4 p.m., you can tour the cemetery and get a chance to meet with many of Webster’s citizens from the past, played by museum volunteers.

The above photo is one example of the fascinating costumed interpreters you will meet. Minerva Strowger, granddaughter of Abram Foster, was one of Webster’s earliest settlers. Minerva (AKA Gwen Hoffman, Webster Museum volunteer) lived in Webster from 1830-1904. She was married to Charles Strowger and had two children, Johnny who died at age 14 and May. Minerva and her daughter May ran a boarding house on Lake Road, but May was most notable for establishing the hotel and restaurant that would become Hedges Nine Mile Point on the land she inherited from her mother.

Other personalities you can chat with include John Fielding Whiting, Charles and Sabrina Wright, Helen Tompkins, Mark Curtice, Mae Strowger Wright, Jennie Strowger Woodhull, and Abram and Patience Woodhull Foster.

What a neat way to learn about Webster’s history — I’m thinking the kids would even get something out of this presentation.

The tour, once again, will take place Saturday September 22, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Road (Rt. 250 at Woodhull). A $5 donation would be appreciated.

And remember that history is front and center all the time at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village. The Museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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Time to get your PTSA on

24 Aug

front-and-back-of-card

I get emails from our schools’ PTSAs pretty much all summer. But this time of year, in the short weeks before the school year starts, they start coming in fast and furious.

And with good reason. School PTSAs could really use the support of every single family, but typically fall short of getting that.

Long gone are the days when I was a child, when the only things parents (mostly stay-at-home moms) were asked to do was bring in cupcakes for parties and cut out stars for bulletin boards. As classroom needs and teacher responsibilities have expanded, so has the need for an active and engaged parent/teacher organization.

Present-day PTSAs try to support classroom teachers and administrators in their jobs as much as possible, while also providing enrichment opportunities for students and their families. They’ll run after-school clubs and school-wide activities like festivals and dances; they help within-school events, help coordinate class pictures, create the school yearbook and purchase school supplies, and a hundred other support activities.

This all takes people and money. Most PTSAs rely on a core group of parents who do the bulk of the work. They’d love to have more join the effort, even giving an hour or two (or even a half hour) every once in a while for a special event.

But as a PTSA member, you don’t even have to commit ANY time if you don’t want to. Simply showing your support by purchasing a PTSA membership is plenty helpful.  You can even sign up online. And in addition to helping your school, you’ll get a membership card with discounts printed on the back (like 10% off at local businesses, a free Blizzard at DQ, 50% off at Color Me Mine), and will be entered into three prize drawings:

  • Oct. 1 – Four tickets to Webster Theatre Guild’s October production of South Pacific and a $200 gift card to Hedges
  • Nov. 1 – A one-year family membership to the Webster Aquatic Center
  • Dec. 1 – A one-year family membership to the Bay View Family YMCA (includes access to area YMCA facilities!)

So next time you get one of those emails, don’t trash it. Consider joining your school’s PTSA. You’ll be doing a lot to support your kids, their teachers and administrators this school year.

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Hazardous waste collection scheduled

22 Aug

Here’s a quick note from the Town of Webster, just in time for that end-of-summer garage clean-out project:

The 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Collection has been scheduled for Saturday September 15. This event is held in partnership with the Penfield Department of Public Works and will be held at their facility, 1607 Jackson Road.

Most household hazardous wastes like paint, flammables and other chemicals, are safe when used and stored properly, but should also be disposed of properly when they’re no longer needed.

The collection will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make sure no one has to wait in line too long, appointments are required for this event, and will be accepted through September 14. Webster residents should call 585-872-1443 (Monday through Thursday 7 am. to 3 p.m.) and Penfield residents call 585-340-8710. You can also go online here to schedule your appointment.

Waste collection is open to all Monroe County residents, but waste from businesses will not be accepted.

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Three local businesses closing

21 Aug

sweet wood

In all the excitement about the Village Bakery opening recently, it was easy to miss the sad news about a few other Webster businesses who are closing (or have closed) their doors.

I found out through an article in the D&C that — after two years in business — Sweet Wood Barbecue on Main Street in the Village of Webster would be closing.  Its last day was Saturday.

You can click on the article above to read a little more about owner Eugene Giordano and his feelings about having to close his business. But what that article doesn’t really address in what a loss this is for the village.

The Village of Webster has several eating establishments, but in my opinion there aren’t a whole lot of low-cost, kid-friendly alternatives for families (aside from fast food). Sweet Wood was one of them. Great food, comfortable surroundings, reasonable price.

On top of that, the village is losing a staunch supporter. An active member of the village’s Business Improvement District, you could count on Giordano and Sweet Wood to play a part in pretty much every village event, like the Jazz Fest, Wine Walks, and the Trick or Treat Trail.

Losing Sweet Wood is a loss for just West Main Street, but the whole village itself.

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Did you hear that Rite Aid on Ridge Road is closing?

Ever since Walgreen’s purchased the store, it was probably just a matter of time. It was unlikely Walgreen’s would keep two stores open within a mile of each other. But I was frankly surprised about how long it took to lower the hammer.

I first heard the news from my daughter, who works there as a shift supervisor. (You’ll know her as the one with the funky hair, permanent smile, bouncy personality and mile-a-minute chatter.)  To their credit, Walgreen’s management appears to be trying to find new positions for as many of the displaced employees as possible. My daughter, for example, will be working at a Walgreen’s in Fairport.

The official closing date is still several weeks away (the pharmacy will be closing before the rest of the store). In the meantime, stop in regularly, because already lots of things are clearance priced, and those discounts will become greater as the date nears.

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CFWFinally, I just learned today that CrossFit Webster (CFW), on near Bay and Empire, is also closing.

If you’re not into CrossFit, you probably don’t care about this news. But it affects a lot of people close to me, and many others for whom CFW has become what my friend Peter called “a place that has been a bedrock of support, refuge, and solace for many.”

I was even a member for a while. I was there when they opened in 2013 to try out their free welcome-to-CrossFit bootcamp class, and I briefly fell in love with the regimen’s focus on short, intense workouts.

I didn’t stick with it for long, but I know others who did, and CFW has changed their bodies — and their lives — for the better. It has built much more than strong muscle; the “box” (as these gyms are affectionately) has also built friendships and self-confidence.

I don’t know the story behind CFW’s closing. But I hope that for the benefit of all those who have become CFW family, the box will soon find a new home, and in the meantime, everyone can find another CrossFit box where they can continue their workouts and their friendships.

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Village fun not done yet

20 Aug

The start of school is just around the corner and summer of 2018 is winding down, but the Village of Webster isn’t ready to stop dishing out the fun quite yet.

bfgThis Tuesday, August 21, the village will host its last Tuesday Movie Night of the season, featuring Disney’s Big Friendly Giant.

This is a kid-friendly favorite. An orphan girl befriends a benevolent giant who takes her to Giant Country, where they attempt to stop the man-eating giants from invading the human world.

The movie begins at dusk at the village’s Gazebo Park on North Ave. Approximate starting time and weather updates will be posted on the Village’s Facebook page. Bring your chairs and blankets, and refreshments if you like, but free popcorn will be provided by Hegedorn’s.

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There’s also one more Village Band concert coming up this week, on Thursday August 23.

If you haven’t experienced a performance by the Village Band yet, this is your last chance this summer to enjoy this under-appreciated village treasure. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the band shell on Phillips Road (near Ridge). Bring a lawn chair or blanket and relax!

In case of inclement weather, the concerts are held at Cherry Ridge Senior Center, across from Webster Schroeder High School on Ridge Road.

That’s it for August, but put these upcoming events on your calendar right now:

  • The village’s second Beer Walk will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018. Likebeer mug at the Wine Walks, this is a great chance to visit local restaurants and merchants and sample some beer and spirits.

   Stay tuned for a list of the “brew stops” and more details.

  • If all of the retailers are already putting out Halloween decorations and candy corn, we can start talking about Halloween in the Village and Trick or Treat Trail. This is one of my favorite village events of the entire year.

Although details about this year’s Trick or Treat Trail have not yet been posted to the BID website, I would lay odds it will be held on October 27, the Saturday before Halloween. There’s always a costume contest, lots of treats for the kids at local merchants, wagon rides and open houses at the fire department and museum.

Check the BID website regularly for details.

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5Ks come to Webster this summer

18 Aug

Runners, take note, because this is something that rarely happens.

If you like to compete in 5Ks, but don’t like traveling too far out of town to do so, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s not just one, but TWO 5K races coming up within four weeks of each other, right here in Webster.

first responders

The first is the First Responders 5K, scheduled for Friday August 31 at 6:30 p.m. This is a brand new race, created to honor and support our local first responders.

This information about the race comes from the event’s Facebook page:

The First Responders 5K will recognize the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 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.

The event is designed to raise awareness for PTSD in first responders and raise funds for a local charity to provide support for those who suffer from its effects.

The race begins at Fireman’s Field on Ridge Road, just west of the village of Webster. Cost is $20, or $10 for active first responders. T-shirts are not included but may be ordered for an additional $10. The race will be chip-timed, with finisher medals, post-race food and live music. To register or find out more information, click here.

run walk and roll

This next race also benefits a great cause.

It the 4th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1 mile stroll to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. I’ve run this race every year, so I can attest to how fun it is.

Proceeds from this event will help build Play with Possibilities Playground at the Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester Complex. These inclusive spaces will provide people 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. All kids will be able to participate in elevated and ground-level play with ramps, transfer points, and sensory–rich play opportunities throughout so that the play space is friendly to all children and parents as well as other caregivers, such as grandparents and service animals.

This all-inclusive family-friendly event encourages participants to run or walk, push a wheelchair, push themselves in a wheelchair, or participate with other assistive devices including adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

The courses start and end at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road. Registration is open at 8 a.m. The 5K, including wheelchair athletes, will kick off at 9:30. The 1-mile stroll will begin at 9:35. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will take place that morning. Prizes will be awarded, and the first 200 registrants get a free t-shirt, which you can wear proudly to show what a good person you are.

Cost if you pre-register is $20 for the 5K and $17 for the one-mile stroll. In-person registration at the race will cost $30/$22. For more information and on-line sign-up, click here.

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The Village Bakery a welcome addition

17 Aug

 

IMG_20180812_103641068

It took me a little while, but I finally got a chance to check out the brand new Village Bakery, which just opened up in the Village of Webster.

I’m fairly certain you’ve heard that the bakery is finally here; its arrival was highly anticipated. And judging from the number of people who’ve been streaming through its doors — and from my own experiences there — it has not disappointed.

I’m not going to rehash the whole history behind the decision to bring the bakery and its baking operation to Webster. That story has been told pretty well in several stories published in the D&C (here’s one, but just search for “Village Bakery” on their website to see more.) I’ll just pass along some of my thoughts from my recent visits.

The place is spacious, for starters. There’s a large dining room inside, and several tables outside, so even though the place was very busy each time I went, everyone could find a seat.

There’s a wonderful selection of breads, muffins, cookies and assorted baked goods, of course, but there’s also a nice display of Village Bakery merchandise (hats, t-shirts, mugs, etc.) and specialty food items (sauces, pasta, butters…). The breakfast and lunch menus are extensive, with lots of open and closed-face sandwiches, but with enough other offerings to keep diners happy.

Probably one of the biggest impressions I got from the Village Bakery is that it’s going to be a very popular village gathering spot. For that matter, it already is. When I was there a few days ago, I ran into six friends and acquaintances. Kind of like whenever I go to Barry’s Pub, I almost expected to know everybody who walked through the door.

THAT is the mark of a great village business. And THAT is what this village needs to help re-energize East Main Street.

The only problem I see with the Village Bakery and its new location is parking. That parking lot down immediately behind the East Main Street shops is not a big one. The few times I was there I was lucky to find a free spot. That problem might solve itself as the initial excitement wears off and crowds lessen a bit, but until that happens, you might have to park behind the Harmony House.

But basically, that’s no big deal and the effort will be well worth it.

The Village Bakery & Cafe is located in the lower level of shops at 44 East Main Street in the Village of Webster, off that street that runs next to the Harmony House (don;t know if it has a name). You can also reach it from Kircher Park and North Ave. They’re open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check out these photos below:

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New school start times instituted for 2019/20

16 Aug

clock

It’s a done deal.

Yesterday the Webster Central School District officially announced that the proposed change in school start times was approved at the August 14 School Board meeting.

What that means is that beginning with the 2019/20 school year (NOT this school year), the secondary schools’ day will run from about 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 pm., and elementary schools from 7:45 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. (Depending on the school, that time might vary by 5 minutes or so.)

This from the district’s press release:

Throughout the past year, elementary and secondary work groups have been meeting to research the scientific evidence that supports this start time change for our students, along with the implications for our academic program, district transportation, childcare, athletics, and elementary activity period. Rest assured, teams will continue to meet throughout the 2018-19 school year as we communicate to you how this change will occur beginning with NEXT FALL’s 2019-20 school year.

For more information, click here for the WCSD website link. You can also check out this story recently posted in the D&C.

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Explore a “hidden gem” with the Friends of Webster Trails

15 Aug

Even if if you’ve hiked some of Webster’s fine trail system, you may not know about this one.

It’s the Midnight Trail, which can be found just south of Webster Park. On Sunday August 26, The Friends of Webster Trails would love to introduce it to you at their second of three Hidden Gems hikes, a series designed to introduce nature lovers to some of Webster’s lesser-known trails.

The two-mile hike will begin at 1 p.m. at Whiting Road Nature Preserve, cross Whiting Road and head into Webster Park via the Midnight Trail loop. The trail will have some rolling terrain but is not too steep.

This hike will be held rain or shine, but any changes to the event will be communicated via email, so please sign up by clicking here. Anyone is welcome to attend, but please leave your pets at home this time around.

The map below, pulled from the Friends of Webster Trails website, shows the trail you’ll be hiking. Make sure to check all the trail maps and other great information on that website. Then go over to the membership page and throw these folks some cash to thank them for creating and maintaining Webster’s awesome trails.

midnight trail

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News from the schools

14 Aug

Rod DeRose temp photo - uncroppedMore good news from the schools this morning.

First, the school district has announced that Rob DeRose will be the new assistant principal at DeWitt Road Elementary School.

DeRose currently serves as Webster CSD’s extended school year coordinator and instructional specialist for humanities/literacy. He will begin his new position effective September 1.

DeRose began his career in WCSD as a special education teacher at State Road Elementary School, and also served as special education department lead teacher for four years. He lives in Macedon with his wife, Carmella, and three children, Jacob (8), Benjamin (6), and Gracie (3).

The Webster Central PTSA has announced the winners of the organization’s 2018 Student Awards.

Each year the Webster Central PTSA recognizes six outstanding seniors, chosen by high school counselors in a blind selection process from the Common Applications. For each award, one student is chosen from each high school, Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas. Each winner will receive $500.

Webster Central PTSA Pursue Your Passion Award

The Pursue Your Passion Award recognizes seniors working to make their dream a reality, who exemplify the principles of Webster Central PTSA and student CARE behaviors. This year’s winners are Brianna Jones (Schroeder) and Dominic Chiara (Thomas).

Webster Central PTSA Academic Excellence Award

This award recognizes seniors who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement and are pursuing a college education. This year’s winners are Selena Zhang (Schroeder) and Sarah Fischer (Thomas).

Webster Central PTSA Ann Carmody Award for Outstanding Community Service

As its name suggests, this award is given to a senior who has demonstrated excellence and commitment to community service efforts in and/or outside of school, measured by volunteer hours. This year’s winners are Caitlin Glastonbury (Schroeder) and Katelyn Meredith (Thomas).

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