Oak Tree Award winners announced

23 May

Congratulations to this year’s Oak Tree Award winners for excellence in teaching: Rachel Yonkers and Sage Miller.

Miller, the secondary level recipient, is a math and computer science teacher at Webster Schroeder High School. She is a 20-year veteran educator in the district and taught for eight years in Greece prior to coming to Webster.

Yonkers, the elementary level recipient, is a fifth grade teacher at Plank Road South Elementary School. She has taught in Webster for 22 years and has also been a Ridge Runner coach for nine years.

Both Yonkers and Miller were officially recognized as recipients of this year’s award at the Webster Central School District (CSD) Board of Education meeting on May 13. They were presented with a plaque that will hang in their buildings for one year. Each winner also received a framed certificate, an Oak Tree acorn pin, and a $500 stipend.

The Oak Tree Award is presented annually by the WTA and the Webster Central PTSA as a way to acknowledge excellence in teaching in the district at the elementary and secondary levels. This year’s Oak Tree Committee received 44 nominations submitted by students, parents of current and former students, and education colleagues. All of the nominees demonstrated outstanding excellence in teaching and showed unwavering dedication to supporting students in achieving their full potential. In addition, they consistently contributed to their local communities and the Webster CSD.

Other nominees included Kristina Servati, Jodi Dovholuk, Emily Coope, Jennifer Dellapietra, Carrie Schembri, Rebecca Cincebox, Rachel Dolan, Kyle Sackett, Jennifer Iota, Emily Forrest, Tayler Nguyen, Margaret Garritano, Bill Ambler, Dilara Karahan, Melanie Gibbs, Sherri Cousineau, Dana Graf, Hayley Kus, Meaghan Arieno, Kelly Hanley, Michael Vanderwoude, Eileen Connelly, Scott Ritchlin, Michiel Ciaburri, Sage Miller, Tracy Wyant, Gail Pittinaro, Cory Gomez, Jessica Vollmer, Matt Spadoni, Amy Spitzer, Julie Uetz, Jim Barilla, Carrie Zugelder, Joan Riesenberger, Becky Plouffe, Catherine Zalewski, Greg Pittman, Rebecca Margiotta, Rachel Yonkers, Melanie Drury, Todd Stahl, Katie Markiewicz and Megan Goodsell.

Congratulations to Rachel, Sage and all the Oak Tree nominees.

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(posted 5/23/2025)

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Memorial Day Parade details

22 May

Webster’s Memorial Day Parade, kind of the unofficial kick-off to the summer season, takes place on Memorial Day, Monday May 26.

Here are the details:

  • 9:00 a.m.:  All groups participating in the parade will assemble at Spry Middle School on Sanford Street. All active duty and ex-service men and women are invited to take part in the parade. Any veterans who would like to ride in the bed of an Army truck are asked to be at Spry by 9 a.m.
  • 9:30 a.m.:  Parade moves out from Spry, down South Avenue, turning west on Main Street and proceeding to Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • 9:50 a.m. (approx.): Parade arrives at Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • The Remembrance Ceremony will begin at approximately 10 a.m., or whenever everyone arrives and gets settled.

In addition to honored active military members, auxiliary members and veterans, also expected to march in this year’s parade are the Webster High School Marching Band, Boy Scouts and (hopefully) Girl Scouts, firefighters and more. Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year.

This is always a very nice parade, and the ceremony that follows it at Webster Rural Cemetery is always moving. I highly recommend bringing your children to see both the parade and the ceremony, so they might begin to understand the huge debt we owe our servicemen and women.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/22/2025)

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Dancing With Denise: Rockin’ around the clock for 40 amazing years

21 May

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Webster’s Dancing with Denise Dance Studio.

For 40 years, Miss Denise Baller has been bringing joy, rhythm, and a whole lot of sparkle to our community through dance. And now, she’s inviting the community to join her as she celebrates the occasion with an exciting anniversary recital, Rockin’ Around the Clock… 40 Years Later!

The celebration will be held on Saturday, May 24 with two recital performances, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Both performances will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd., and they’re open to the public — no tickets required.

Whether you’re a dance enthusiast or someone who loves supporting local community events, the recital promises to be filled with music, laughter, and the inspiring spirit of the Dancing with Denise family.

More about Dancing With Denise

Since opening her studio fresh out of high school in 1985, Denise Baller has poured her heart into teaching dance, fostering creativity, and building a family-like atmosphere where every child feels special. With her diverse certifications — from Zumba to Baptiste Yoga — and years of experience working with children and adults alike, Miss Denise has created a studio where everyone is welcome. The studio has grown over the years and now offers Baptiste Yoga alongside Country Line Dancing, adding even more excitement and diversity to the classes offered.

And there’s more to Dancing with Denise than just dance classes. From Friday Fun Nights and the annual Holiday Elf School and Date Night events, the studio buzzes with activity year-round. It even hosts a monthly community women’s group called Soul Sisters, where women come together to connect and “fill their cups and their hearts.” Denise’s studio is also an integral part of the local community, proudly participating in parades every year. Girl Scout troops have the opportunity to earn their dance badges, and the studio serves as a hub for birthday celebrations, workshops, and more.

The studio itself has come a long way, too! After starting out in Irondequoit, Denise and her husband Billy remodeled the current Webster location on Gravel Road, a building that now houses not only her studio but also a CrossFit gym and a training center. Through every move and transformation, one thing has stayed constant: Dancing with Denise has always been built around family.

From the very beginning, her parents were vital in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere the studio is known for. Her father, Frank, could often be found handing out balloons to any child who wanted one, while her mother, Miss Tina, was the friendly, smiling face greeting everyone who entered the waiting room. Their kindness and dedication set the tone for the family-like environment that continues to thrive at the studio.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/21/2025)

The final Mail Call count is in!

21 May

Webster, you did it again!

When the call went out in April for Webster to come together to support a terrific cause, our community answered that call without hesitation. This time, that terrific cause was the Mail Call: Letters From Home initiative, where Webster was challenged to write 1,000 cards and letters for our deployed service members.

In true Webster style, we not only reached that goal but blew it out of the water.

Mail Call organizer Cherie Wood has tallied all of the messages from the mailboxes placed around town, and reports that the final count came to an amazing 1,558 cards and letters!

And it was a true community-wide effort, as children and adults alike, from all walks of life, embraced the challenge from day one. Cherie said,

We had many individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, after care programs, Scouts, churches, social groups, veterans, the VFW, American Legion, Maplewood Nursing Home, Baywinde Assisted Living, and active duty units participate. Plus, the Chamber of Commerce and Webster Public Library had card making events.

The whole project could also not have happened without the support of the local businesses which hosted mailboxes. (They all said they want to do it again next year!) And extra thanks to Lowe’s Webster for the mailboxes, and Vital Signs Webster for wrapping them.

The next step is to place the cards in the care packages which the Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8 will be sending to the troops in June. They’ll be tucked alongside 243 boxes of Girl Scout cookies sold by troops 60568,  60621, 60344, 60423 and 61006.

What these packages mean to our service members cannot be overstated.

“These Webster wishes will go all over the world, with our thanks, appreciation, and encouragement,” Cherie said. “Can’t you just imagine one of our deployed service members reading cards from home, passing them around the unit, while they enjoy a box of Thin Mints?”

Thank you, Webster. We live in an amazing community.

Watch for the Mail Call: Letters From Home effort to return next April. In the meantime, Lowe’s Webster is keeping their mailbox up all year long, so next time you’re in, stop a moment and write a note.  

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/21/2025)

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Special events for all ages coming up at the Webster Rec Center

20 May

Lots going on at the Webster Recreation Center this month and next, for kids and adults of all ages.

The first special event I want to highlight is the National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday May 28. From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Rec Center will be welcoming active older adults to “share a day of good health.”

Participants can enjoy a yogurt bar, check out some vendors, get some free assessments, get tours of the Recreation Center, play some cornhole, take some chances on a raffle prize basket, and watch some mini class demonstrations. This is a great opportunity to check out the Rec Center and all of the classes they offer for active older adults. I’ve been taking group exercise classes there for more than a year and am not only feeling healthier and more fit, but have also made a lot of new friends.

The event is absolutely free and open to everyone in the 55+ community.

Speaking of seniors, the Webster Senior Singers will be presenting a concert at the Recreation Center on Tuesday, June 10 beginning at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — four times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.

The title of the concert is “A Musical Revue,” which means that you’ll hear a lot of tunes you know, performed by the chorus and several soloists. The concert will be about an hour long.

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This year’s Summer Celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, June 7 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

This very popular family event features food trucks, live music, lots of activities for the whole family, and — of course — fireworks to end the evening. Admission is free and no registration is necessary.

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Finally, details of this summer’s Music at the Arb series have been announced.

These concerts are performed outdoors at the gazebo at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. This year’s schedule features:

All the performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/20/2025)

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Luminary Walk celebrated the class of 2025 brilliantly

20 May

Thousands of Webster high school students, their families and friends braved the cloudy, cool weather Sunday night at the Senior Luminary Walk, held at the Webster Recreation Center.

This annual event, sponsored by the Webster Thomas PTSA, Webster Schroeder PTSA and Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA), celebrates our graduating seniors with hundreds of luminaries, white bags with candles inside, placed along the entire length of the Chiyoda Trail, which almost completely encircles the Recreation Center property on Chiyoda Drive. Earlier in the day, 30 volunteers worked for an hour and a half to distribute more than 600 of the twinkling bags, each one labeled with the name of a graduating Webster Thomas, Webster Schroeder, GOAL or OWL student.

At the beginning of the trail, students and their family members were greeted by inspirational messages chalked on the sidewalk, and the Webster Schroeder and Thomas mascots (available for photo ops) before they strolled along the almost mile-long trail. One family after another would pause periodically near one of the bags, as proud parents snapped photos of their seniors. Halfway along the path, Webster Thomas English teacher Tammy Abbe cheered at the top of her lungs for each student as they passed, and handed out noisemakers to make it all even more fun.

As the students returned to the Rec Center at the end of the walk, each was handed a lawn sign to display at their home — prompting even more proud-parent photos.

This is the fifth year the PTSAs and WTA have held the Senior Luminary Walk. It began back in 2021, when we were still hip-deep in the pandemic, and special events were being cancelled one after the other. The organizations wanted to do something to make sure our seniors felt special and celebrated for their achievements. The Luminary Walk was perfect; a creative, socially-distanced way to honor them. It was expected to be a one-time event. But it proved to be so successful, it’s come back every year since.

Stacie Peters, Webster Schroeder/GOAL PTSA chair, added these thoughts:

Many families stated last night this was their 2nd child they were at the walk for and it’s one of their fav senior events. We also love how it pulls both schools together with many families knowing each other through sports, music, etc.

We are so grateful to art teachers Jack Golden from Schroeder and Todd Stahl from Thomas who designed the yard signs this year. They did a fantastic job! Dr. Benz (Schroeder principal), Glenn Widor (Thomas principal), Rebecca Saiff (GOAL Admin) & Ari Halaris (OWL Admin) were all there handing out the yard signs. We are so thankful for their support in partnering with us on this memorable event!

We are so grateful to WTA who also partnered with us, and helped us get the labels, bags completed plus student volunteers. A special shout out to Denise Warren, Linda Law, Craig Johnson, Stephanie O’Connor and Chris Wojtas. The secretaries at the Schroeder and Thomas offices are also amazing in making sure we have every student covered. We are thankful to our athletic directors Shawn Strege and Steve LaMonica for making sure the mascots are at the event as well! The students love having their pictures taken with the Warrior and Titan!

This event would not be possible for our hardworking PTSA volunteers. It is a labor of love to open bags, fill each one with sand, add a luminary candle and then place it on the trail. We definitely get our steps in during set up and take down! We also have volunteers who set up twinkling lights along the trail and chalk the sidewalk. A special shout out to lead Schroeder parents Laura Madison, Gloria Santoli and lead Thomas parents Shanna LaDelpha and Katie McCarthy. 

Mr. Snowy is always a fun treat and enjoyed by all. We probably had over 2,000 people at the event. Webster Parks & Rec director Chris Bilow is always so wonderful in allowing us to utilize the trail, letting us borrow tables and putting on overhead lights as it gets dark.

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors and good luck in the years ahead!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/20/2025)

DeWitt Rd. community comes together to support one of their own

19 May

I was alerted to this terrific story by a good friend of mine, and it just touched my heart.

It’s about 6-year old Briella, a kindergartner at DeWitt Rd. Elementary School. One terrible day in March, Briella broke her leg, and in the emergency room, her family was shocked to learn that she likely had osteosarcoma bone cancer. Since then, Briella has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy, facing each one with incredible bravery and strength.

Now comes the heartwarming part of this story.

Briella’s resilience has inspired the entire DeWitt Rd. Elementary School community, especially her kindergarten classmates. In a show of love and support, the class is organizing a lemonade stand fundraiser on June 1 to benefit their friend and her family.

“This is about coming together for a little girl who’s going through so much,” said one of the parents organizing the event. “We want Briella and her family to feel the strength and support of the whole community.”

So as to not get overwhelmed, the lemonade stand’s host has asked that the location not be publicly announced, but hopes that people will find out by word-of-mouth. However, there are two other ways you can donate:

  • use the QR code below to send a direct donation via Venmo to Briella’s family (@Critt5833)
  • make out a check to Kelly or Chris Rittenhouse, and mail to Tacianna Indovina at 1900 Empire Blvd., #154, Webster, NY 14580

Thank you, Webster!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/19/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

18 May

I’m told that the Village Wine and Food Walk, hosted by the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday May 10, was a big success. Thanks in part to some perfect weather (sunny skies and in the mid-70’s), all 300 tickets were sold out and participants started arriving at BC’s Chicken Coop a full 20 minutes before the 4 p.m. start time to check in and get their wine glasses and wrist bands.  

Twelve village merchants participated in the walk, along East and West Main and even to Salvatore’s on North Ave., where the BID had a DJ providing dance music.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Harmony House and their restoration project.

Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

The Webster Central School District Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. 

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Applications are available at websterschools.org or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster, (585) 216-0001. 

Absentee ballot applications cannot be mailed into the district at this late date, but can be dropped off to the district clerk the day before the vote.  

Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the three candidates running for the three board of education seats up for election.

Grab dinner after you vote!

The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., on Tuesday May 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. (during the school budget vote).

Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork, salt potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread and a drink for just $19 (plus processing fees). Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested in learning how to clean and preserve headstones?

Webster Union Cemetery will be hosting a Headstone Cleaning Class on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm.

Participants will learn how to properly clean a headstone, and hear stories about some of our town’s founders and more colorful  residents. All supplies will be provided. Just bring rubber gloves, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.

Class size is limited. If you’re interested, email Cherie Wood at WebsterWreaths@iCloud.com.

Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Rd.

Village Parks Committee wants your opinion

The Village of Webster Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for community input on potential upgrades to Schantz Park. The park is located between Hawley Drive and State Road, and has a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment.

Residents are invited to share your thoughts on a brief form, and let the committee know what amenities you would like added to the park. And while you’re there, take a few minutes to fill out the other quick survey you’ll find there, sharing your opinions about all of our village’s other parks as well.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 5/18/2025)

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Enjoy fashions and food, support local charities

17 May

There’s still time to register to attend this year’s Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show on Sunday June 1, sponsored by the Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, courtesy Chico’s at Pittsford Plaza, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with chicken, chicken French with lemon sauce, or Reuben sandwich. All choices include a beverage, rolls and butter. There will also be basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle, all to benefit local charities.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Bonnie Travis, 1065 High Vista Trail, Webster, NY 14580. Reservations are due by May 21.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday, June 1 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Questions can be directed to Bonnie at (585) 671- 2345. All proceeds will be donated to the many local charities supported by the Women’s Club of Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/17/2025)

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Village businesses coming and going

16 May

Sheesh. You go away for a month and so much business news happens, I’m having a hard time staying on top of it.

I’ve recently found out about several businesses planning to set up shop in the village, and at least one which has moved out. I want to eventually connect with all of these business owners to get photos and more details about their plans, but in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of what I know:

Kiss me cookie is moving into the former Mane Street Beauty Lounge location at 15 East Main St. This little bakery calls itself “a boutique bakery in Webster NY specializing in gourmet cookies, cupcakes and unique creations!” You can find them on Facebook here and on their website here.

Uncle Buck’s Scratch Kitchen has moved from their small space at 9 South Ave. to a much more spacious location at 2122 Empire Blvd. (the former India House restaurant). Hopefully this means their business is expanding and they needed more room.

But 9 South Ave. will not be vacant for long. ROC City Empanadas is planning to move in sometime soon, and hopes to hold a grand opening in June.

Mabel Jane’s Vintage Consignment & Furniture is now open at 10 North Ave., featuring “quality pre-loved furniture, antiques and collectibles.”

Finally (and this is not Webster Village — or even Webster — news) Elvio’s is now open at 1350 Empire Blvd. on Irondequoit Bay, across from K2 and Bar Bill. It’s a coffee shop and live music venue with a Portuguese-inspired menu.

As I said, I’m going to try to connect with all of these businesses in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more information.

AND as long as we’re talking about great Webster Village business news, I recently saw that Brimont Bistro is back in business at 24 W. Main St.

In April, a severe water leak from a neighboring building filled Brimont’s basement with two feet of water, destroying everything in it. But a few days ago, owner Greg Cody posted on Facebook, “Brimont Bistro is finally back open after over five weeks being shut down after a water breach from neighbors building. We have made some menu changes and changes to our lunch service. Please visit our website for more details. It’s nice to be back to work!!!”

And finally in Webster business news, the Webster Chamber of Commerce has announced that Bauman’s Farm Market and Greenhouses has been honored as their May Business of the Month.  

The Bauman family has a long Webster history, which began in 1908 when Joe and Emma Bauman bought the property at an auction. Subsequently, the property has been a farm to dairy cattle and then to fruits and vegetables. Jim and Barb Bauman have been operating the farm since 1984 and have added a bakery, twenty greenhouses, and more.

(Pictured below: Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve (L) presented the May Business of the Month award to the Bauman family.)

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/16/2025)

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