Calling all runners (and walkers)

9 Sep
Runners brick

A trio of Barry’s Runners visits the group’s brick at Jack’s Place on the day of the playground’s grand opening.

I have blogged and column-ed several times in the past about Barry’s Runners. We are a bunch of men, women, children — and occasionally dogs — who gather every Tuesday evening at Barry’s Old School Irish Pub in Webster to go for a walk or run. After completing a pre-mapped two, three or four-mile route, we reconvene at the pub for a pint, pretzels and good conversation.

We’ve met every week now for almost a year and a half, running (and walking) through snow, cold, sleet and heat, and always at Barry’s. This week, however, we’re changing things up a bit and going on our first ever road trip.

This Tuesday evening September 12 at 6:30 p.m., Barry’s Runners will be meeting at the brand new Jack’s Place playground in Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road.

Jack’s Place, which officially opened only a few weeks ago, is a blue, dinosaur-themed playground built by the Jack Foundation, to honor the memory of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October. The foundation’s primary focus is to keep Jack’s happy spirit alive by encouraging others to spread random acts of kindness.

Barry’s Runners have taken that challenge to heart. Twice the group has collected gift cards from retailers all over the area and delivered them randomly — and often anonymously — to village people and houses.  (Read the column I wrote about the first of those efforts here.)

Most recently, the group purchased an engraved brick for Jack’s Place, one of many which were installed along the playground’s entrance walkway.

Tuesday’s plan is simple: meet at Jack’s Place (Rothfuss Park, 1648 Five Mile Line Road) at 6:30 p.m. Running/walking routes will be determined ahead of time so people can choose whichever length they’d like. There’s a mile-mile long path around the perimeter of the park, so that’s probably what I’ll be doing. After the run, we can play on the playground, and/or re-convene at Barry’s for some pints and friendship.

We’ll also be starting a new collection of gift cards on Tuesday (any amount, any place) that we can pass out on a future run.

We would love to see some new faces on Tuesday evening. There will be plenty of company for anyone who wants to do a short run, a long run, or just walk.

New friends await, so please join us.

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Summer fun continues in the village

8 Sep

Summer doesn’t officially end for a few weeks, and before it does, the Village of Webster is going to squeeze every bit of fun out of the season it can.

rogue oneThe Business Improvement District will be showing Star Wars Rogue One on Saturday September 9 beginning at dusk in Gazebo Park on North Avenue. This week’s movie is sponsored by the Webster Chamber of Commerce, who will be handing out free popcorn and goodies.

On Saturday September 16, Webster will host its first-ever Beer Walk, by popular demand. From 4 to 7 p.m., stroll through the village and stop into our local merchants to sample some great beers and ciders. So far the following businesses and brews are on the schedule:

Burke’s – Sam Adams
Pub 235- Triphammer
R-salon – Apple Country Spirits – Rootstock Hard Cider
Sweetwood Barbecue – Southern Tier Brewing Company
Salvatore’s – Sierra Nevada
Coach – Ballast Point
Barry’s – Guinness

Glass pickup will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at The Coach Sports Bar at 19 West Main Street, and proper ID is needed. Each participant must be present to get their glass.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at the Webster BID website (click on the Beer Walk link). Cash sale tickets will be available at The Coach starting Monday September 11. Proceeds will be donated to Challenger Miracle Field.

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Webster Museum hosts cemetery tour

7 Sep

 

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Just in time for the spooky season, the Webster Museum has put together a Webster Rural Cemetery tour for children and adults later this month.

(Actually, it’s not going to be the least bit scary, because it’s happening in the middle of the day, AND there’s a scavenger hunt involved. So basically, it sounds like it’s going to be a fun way to learn a little history.)

The tour will take place on Saturday September 23 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rural Cemetery, located at 1087 Ridge Road. Participants will begin in the chapel, tackle the scavenger hunt, and then walk around the cemetery, stopping at different graves to hear stories about some of Webster’s residents and the parts they played in the development of our community.

Cost is $5 for adults, with children 16 and under free. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Museum.  There’s no pre-registration; you can pay when you get there, so bring the whole family!

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Bygone blog: Goodbye, old friends

5 Sep

This is the fifth in my series of Bygone Blogs, in which I am re-posting some of my favorite blogs from the last 8 years. This one was originally published on December 16, 2011.

I chose this blog especially for today, the first day of the new school year here in Webster. As I begin my second year at the libraries of Schlegel Road and Plank Road North elementary schools, I still remember fondly my time at Thomas High School and all the friends I made there.

Including the copiers.  

RIP

Wednesday was a bittersweet day at work. We said goodbye to our two big, old copiers (which we affectionately called “Copier A” and “Copier B”) and welcomed two big, brand new ones.

For most of the staff at Webster Thomas, it was a happy occasion. After five years of heavy use, the old gals were really beginning to show their age. Jams were becoming more common. Parts were wearing out on a regular basis. People were beginning to think the Xerox repairman was on staff. No one shed a tear when they heard the copiers were being replaced.

But they never knew Copiers A and B like I did. For them, they were just convenient tools, meant to serve them and facilitate their administrative and teaching needs. As long as they were running smoothly, everything was sweetness and light. But jam up even for a minute and things turned nasty. Really fast.

I understand, though. Like most good things we have in life, the teachers didn’t really notice or appreciate Copiers A and B unless something went wrong, which was easily less than ten percent of the time. They didn’t work next door to them for five years like I had. They hadn’t rooted around inside with eight-inch tweezers and a miniature flashlight, searching for the smallest scraps of paper jammed in the deepest corners. They couldn’t tell just by listening that the copiers weren’t feeling well.

Yes, I was kind of attached to Copier A and Copier B.

So, to properly express my feelings and make sure our old friends got the respect they deserved in their final days, when I sent an email to the staff announcing the new copiers’ pending arrival, I added this footnote:

Please consider throwing some kind words at Copiers A and B when you’re in the copy room today. Despite their occasional PMS and old-age moments, they have been real workhorses and have served us well. If you’re a building veteran, you’ll remember the clunkers we had before our friends A and B came along. These were a huge improvement and they have earned the right to depart the Thomas family with dignity.

I might cry. Don’t watch.

To their credit, my peers understood and were very sympathetic. They sent condolence emails. One wondered, “Should we give them a proper going away party? What does one give the copier that has everything? It’s not like they need another drawer, and staples don’t always agree with them.” I received an email condolence card featuring blooming magnolias, in which my friend wrote, “As the flowers signify a new beginning, thus your fondness for your new copiers will develop over time. Sorry for the loss!”

But the best of the best was when my friend Leslie beckoned me into the copy room, taped two hand-colored paper roses on the copiers, took my hand and conducted a short memorial service. It was all I could do to not cry. Because I was laughing so hard.

We left the roses on the copiers until they were hauled away, and several teachers took the opportunity to scribble some kind notes.

flower

Hmm. Maybe they appreciated our old friends “A” and “B” more than I realized.

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Webster Garlic Festival returns this weekend

4 Sep
garlic banner

This year’s Webster Garlic Festival will be held on September 9 and 10. 

One of our town’s newest — and most aromatic — festivals returns this weekend.

The Webster Garlic Festival will return to the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, this Saturday and Sunday September 9 and 10.

This festival is basically a garlic-lover’s paradise. You can check out garlic-infused foods, garlic seed and garlic gadgets, and demonstrations about garlic foods and garlic gardens. There will be a dozen garlic vendors, and more than 50 other community agencies and craft and general vendors selling everything from cheese, honey and jams to hand-made jewelry and greeting cards. There are so many vendors that they’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds.

There’s live entertainment all afternoon, and if it’s anything like last year, there will also be a handful of food trucks where you can get a great lunch.

Admission is just $5 for adults, with kids under 16 free. Hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This annual event is sponsored by the Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary clubs. All proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field, Hope House, Webster Community Chest, three outstanding local causes. So even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, come on out for some good eats, good entertainment, and great shopping.

For lots more details, and a list of all the vendors, entertainers and events, visit the garlic festival website at www.webstergarlicfestival.com.

Here are a a few photos from last year’s event , which benefited from awesome weather. Right now it looks like the sun might shine on the event again.

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Another mailbag!

2 Sep

mailbagI know I cleaned out my email box not long ago, but several other items have popped up in recent days, so here’s another mailbag!

Free Rabies Clinic

On Thursday, September 14, the Town of Webster and the Monroe County Health Department will combine effort to host a FREE Rabies Clinic at a NEW location this time. It will be held at the Webster Volunteer Fire Department firehouse at 35 South Avenue in the village, from 5 to 7 p.m.

If your dog/cat has had a rabies vaccine in the past, bring that current rabies certificate with you 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 can’t attend the clinic, contact the Monroe County Health Department at 753-5171 or visit the Town of Webster website for information on future Rabies Clinics in Monroe County.

Flapjack Breakfast

The monthly Community Flapjack Breakfasts are back at the First Baptist Church of Penfield, after a summer break.

The first breakfast of the season is Saturday September 16, with proceeds to benefit Willow Domestic Violence Center.

The breakfast will run from 8 to 10 a.m. at the church, 1862 Penfield Road. It includes pancakes, pure maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more, all for just $5.00 per person.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Monroe County Department of Environmental Services (DES), the Town of Webster and the Town of Penfield have joined forces to hold an appointment-only Household Hazardous Waste collection on Saturday, September 16.  The collection will take place at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway, from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Most household hazardous waste products (paint, flammables and other chemicals from home-use) are safe when used and stored properly. When they become unwanted and are disposed of improperly, these household wastes can become environmental hazards.

To ensure safety and reduce waiting times, appointments are required. Appointments for this collection will be accepted until September 15. To schedule an appointment, Webster residents should call 872-1443 (Monday thru Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.); Penfield residents can call 340-8710, or go on-line to http://www.monroecounty.gov/hhw to schedule your appointment. This Household Hazardous Waste collection is open to all Monroe County residents. Waste from businesses will not be accepted.

Food Truck Rodeo

On Thursday September 21, our local paramedic service, the NEQ ALS, will be hosting the organization’s third food truck rodeo and vendor fair at the Firemen’s Field on Main Street, from 5 to 8 pm.

Details are still coming together as to which food trucks and vendors will be attending this time around, but in August the trucks included: Netsins Ice Cream, Effortlessly Healthy, Macarollin and Heiztelamns, and the vendors included Young Living, LuLaRoe, Honey and Lace, Pampered Chef, Usborne Books, Tupperware, Perfectly Posh, Tastefully Simple, Lip Sense, XS Energy, and Park Lane Paparazzi.

For updates, visit the event page here.

Fall Chicken BBQ 

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s bi-annual Chicken BBQ will be held Saturday, September 23 from 4:30-6:30 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster.

Dinners of ½ chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, roll, butter and beverage are available for $10.  Luscious pie slices and other desserts will also be available for purchase.  A hot dog dinner for kids is $2.

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 will support the church’s Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 youths in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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Summer’s not over yet

31 Aug

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I came across this lemonade stand in my neighborhood as I was heading home after work yesterday. I always make it a point to patronize young entrepreneurs.

Kudos to these enterprising young people for stretching their summer business out as long as they could. Pictured are (L-R) Maddox Felton, Adam Dimartino, Jane Kraten, Harper Felton and Nicholas Dimeo.

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Completed U.S. map will delight Plank North students

30 Aug

class and map

In honor of the first day of school (at least for me, anyway), I offer this photo.

Those of you who read my East Extra column may remember a story I wrote in June, about Plank Road North Elementary School kindergarten teacher Peggy Garritano, and her efforts to revitalize the big United States map painted on the playground outside her classroom window.

The last photo I took of the map, which you see above, shows the map after Garritano had finished painting all of the states. But it still needed some final touches.

On Monday I happened by the school and saw the finished product, complete with its bright white state outlines. It’s a thing of beauty, and will be a welcome sight for the students when they come back on Tuesday.

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Tuesday Webster mailbag

28 Aug

blood dropI’m going to begin today’s mailbag with a nugget from Penfield, our neighbors to the south, in part because 1) I actually live in Penfield, and 2) I’m a big supporter of Red Cross blood drives.

Right now the Red Cross is experiencing a critical blood shortage, which I expect will grow even more dire thanks to Hurricane Harvey.

Right now, blood is being distributed to hospitals as fast as it’s being donated. We really need everybody who is eligible — even if you’ve never donated before — to step up and help save lives by donating.

The Penfield Community Center, at 1985 Baird Road, will host a blood drive this Wednesday August 30 from from 1 to 6 p.m. in the community room. Appointments are encouraged to help reduce your wait, but walk-ins will also be welcomed with open arms. CLICK HERE to schedule an appointment.

All presenting donors will receive a $5 Target e-card.

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village band

Your last chance to see our Webster Village Band this summer is Thursday night, August 31, at the band shell on Phillips Road.

This is the last of the band’s summer concerts, in this their 50th anniversary season. The concert begins at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs, and a cooler with snacks and drinks, and make it a family event.

In case of rain, the concert will be held at the Cherry Ridge Senior Center, 900 Cherry Ridge Blvd., across from Webster Schroeder High School.

And stay tuned for more details about the band’s annual Christmas Concert, held every holiday season at Schroeder, usually in early December.

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Here are some notes from the Webster Public Library:

Thursdays are extra special every week at the library. For starters, every Thursday night is Family Night, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These events feature new crafts and activities every week. Plans for September include a family LEGO night, making clothespin airplanes, galaxy bottles, and dragon eggs. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

The first and third Thursdays every month are also “Tween Thursdays,” especially for students in grades 4 through 7. Meet in the Teen Lounge (or Meeting Room) from 4 to 5 p.m. for fun events and snacks.  On Thursday September 7, you’ll be creating miniature circuits with Little Bits. Registration is requested.

Check out the library’s website or Facebook page for more information.

If you’ve ever wanted to become more involved in the library, here’s a great opportunity:

On Saturday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to noon, the Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a free workshop for members of Friends of Libraries groups, interested community volunteers, library administrators and staff, and library trustees.

The presentation will offer ways that participants can develop their library’s Friends group, working to sustain the organization long-term. Discussion will center on continuous membership recruitment, engaging volunteers, and revitalizing the core members of the group to carry on their crucial advocacy work for their community libraries.

There will be opportunities to network with members of other Friends organizations after the presentation concludes at noon.

Please feel free to bring a lunch. Get more information and register here.

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This also from Penfield:

Penfield’s annual Tastin’ the Blues will be held on Saturday, September 16 at Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage, from 12 – 4 p.m. This free event will include chili judging, beer sampling, and blues music.

Anyone who has a favorite chili recipe is invited to enter the chili contest. Chili entries will be judged by a panel. Prize packages will be awarded to the top three winners, and the first place package will include a $100 cash prize. Registration forms and rules for the chili contest can be found at the Penfield Recreation office, 1985 Baird Rd., Penfield, or at www.penfieldrec.org.

The Genesee Brew House will be on hand to provide samples of its top micro brews, and Steve Grills and the Roadmasters, with special guest Joe Beard, will provide entertainment.

Penfield Amphitheater and Kiwanis Stage is located in Veterans’ Memorial Park, behind Penfield Town Hall at 3100 Atlantic Avenue. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit www.penfieldrec.org.

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Dinosaurs, laughter and play keep a boy’s memory alive

28 Aug

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The memory of young Jack James Heiligman is alive and well, embodied in the smiles and laughter of children at our area’s newest playground, Jack’s Place.

Jack’s Place is a a blue, dinosaur-themed playground at Penfield’s Rothfuss Park on Five Mile Line Road. It was built by a terrific organization called the Jack Foundation, in honor of 3-year old Jack Heiligman, who lost his life tragically last October.

Hundreds of people attended the official opening ceremonies Sunday afternoon, where Jack’s mother Anne spoke emotionally about her son and how the playground has helped fulfill the dream she and her husband AJ had to keep Jack’s memory alive.

She said,

We knew we could never forget Jack, but we didn’t want anyone to forget him. With that in  mind, we started the Jack Foundation the weeks after he passed and were overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and resources. We encouraged acts of caring and kindness in Jack’s memory and the caring people jumped in and helped. 

People would ask them how they were able to continue after such a devastating loss, to which she responded with a quote from Fred Rogers:

When disaster strikes, look for the helpers. You will always find caring people in this world who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong. 

When the idea came to them to build a playground to honor their son, the support doubled-down. Friends, neighbors, family members and local businesses donated their time, effort and services to help make it a reality. Individuals, local companies, whole families, even children, all started raising money for the project, collecting more than $175,000 in just ten months.

The result of that outpouring of love and effort is a beautiful new play facility which incorporates all of the things that Jack loved most: dinosaurs, climbing and sliding, and the color blue. There’s even a Little Free Library, because Jack also loved books.

There are slides, of course — six of them by my count; spinny, merry-go-round thing that’s quite a bit updated from my day; a bouncy thing; a sand box where kids can “dig” for dinosaur bones; and lots and lots of places where kids can climb and crawl. There are also eight benches, where parents and grandparents can relax.

As I watched countless kids (young and old; I saw a few adults taking to the slides as well) clambering around the playscape, I could imagine Jack playing, smiling and laughing right along with them. I know that Anne and AJ imagined that as well, and I hope the thought gave them some comfort.

Here are some photos from the opening:

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