Webster educators pull in some big awards

21 Mar

Two Webster School District teachers were recently honored with some pretty impressive awards.

Plank North physical education teacher Kevin Sayers

The first is Plank Road North Elementary School physical education teacher Kevin Sayers, who was recently honored as the 2013 Central Western Zone Elementary School Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

Sayers was nominated by colleague Jennifer Forsey, who felt that he exemplifies a true professional in the field of PE at the elementary school level. “His way of teaching pulls in all of his students and they hang on his every word,” she said. “Kevin has a ton of ideas in which to incorporate skills into lessons in fun and exciting ways. He is also a great mentor to newer elementary PE teachers in our district.”

Sayers has been a physical education teacher in the Webster school district for 11 years, serving all but one at Plank North.  He is a member of the school crisis team, the building advisory committee and the school health and safety team.  He is also involved in the school’s Family Fun Night and New Family Orientation Night. For the district, Sayers coordinates the annual fourth grade Fun Run, is a new teacher mentor and has been involved in curriculum writing over the years.

Sayers received his award at a conference earlier this month.

* * *

Next, let’s pop on over to Webster Schroeder High School, where music teacher Amanda Tierson has received the Yale Distinguished Educator Award, which recognizes honorees for their “outstanding achievements and vision as public school teachers.”

Webster Schroeder High School music teacher Amanda Tierson

Tierson was one of 50 educators chosen for this year’s award, out of a pool of nearly 300 nominations representing 45 states. She will receive the award at the 2013 Symposium of Music in Schools at Yale University in early June. In addition to the awards dinner, while at the symposium Tierson will discuss education reform with music educators from across the country, learn from recognized leaders in her field and have the opportunity to enjoy a concert in Sprague Memorial Hall.

Tierson has been teaching for 29 years at both the elementary and senior high levels.  She is the Music Lead Teacher at Webster Schroeder High School where she currently teaches Wind Ensemble and 9th Grade Band.  She also enjoys teaching Music Education Practicum, a course she created for high school students who wish to become future music educators, and mentoring student teachers.

Congratulations to both of these fine teachers. It just goes to show you that those “specials” teachers are actually extra-special.

Thursday Webster Mailbag

20 Mar

It’s a sure sign of spring: special events are beginning to pop up all over the place.

For starters, Webster Thomas High School’s Production of The Wiz eases onto the stage for four shows beginning this evening at 7:30 pm.  The Wiz is a hip, 1975 adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the even more famous movie.

Yesterday several of the cast members treated Thomas staff and students to a teaser, featuring some of the songs from the show. So I can tell you that this is going to be a very entertaining, high-energy production. Anyone who lived through the ‘70s will enjoy the cultural references to that … far out … era. The kids will enjoy the vibrant costumes and upbeat melodies.  It’s about as different from the Wizard of Oz as it can be, while still sticking to the famous storyline. The Cowardly Lion, for example, looks and acts a lot like Elvis.

Tickets are $10 and are still available for all shows, but it might be too late to get them at Hegedorn’s, so pick them up when you get to the show.

The Wiz will be presented tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30, and Saturday at 2 pm, at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road, Webster.

THROUGH THE STUDENT LENS RECEPTION

Friday night, you’re invited to attend a reception for a multi-school photography show called Through the Student Lens 2013,at the Image City Photo Gallery.  This annual event showcases stunning photography by high school students from all around the county. The idea is to give students a chance to display their photographs professionally, in a gallery setting. This year’s collection includes 170 images by students from 17 area high schools, including Thomas and Schroeder.

Through the Student Lens opened on Wednesday and runs through April 14.  You can meet the artists at a reception Friday night March 22 from 5-8:30 pm.  The Image City Photo Gallery is located at 722 University Avenue, in Rochester.

25TH ANNUAL SCOUTING FOR FOOD

Believe or not, this weekend marks the 25th anniversary of Scouting for Food. I know this because I got one of those hangy-tag things on my doorknob earlier this week. If you did, too, and immediately tossed it into the recycle bin, go fish it out, because this is a very worthwhile effort.

Here’s the way it works: On Saturday morning, gather up some non-perishable foods, put them in a bag, and then plop the bag outside your front door by 9 am. That’s all there is to it.  The Scouts will be around to pick it up, sort it and deliver all the donations to local food pantries.

AND, these days Scouting for Food also includes a clothing drive. So get another bag, fill it with gently used clothes and shoes in it (no household items, please), and plop the bag outside your front door right next to the food bag. These items will be donated to Goodwill.

If the Scouts don’t make it by your house to pick up the donations, you can drop them off yourself at any Wendy’s Restaurant or any Goodwill store between March 23 and March 30.

SCHLEGEL ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION FAIR

Schlegel Road’s Second Annual Beautification Fair is Saturday, March 23.  All sorts of crafters will be on hand to display a tremendous variety of gift items. Funds raised through the craft sale and raffles will go towards beautifying the school’s cafeteria. The second phase of the project began earlier this month, when Schlegel art teacher Colleen Palmer and all of her students started painting murals during their art classes. You’ll can check out their work this weekend while you’re at the fair.

The show takes place from 10 am to 4 pm at the school, 1548 Schlegel Road in Webster.

BLOOD DRIVE AT THE AQUATIC CENTER

Your next local opportunity to donate blood is Tuesday March 26 at the Webster Schroeder High school Aquatics Center, 875 Ridge Road. Donations will be taken from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. It might be best to make an appointment for this one, since a lot of Schroeder students will probably be participating as well. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

WEBSTER CHRISTIAN SCIENCE AND HEALTH FAIR

Did you know that dogs’ nose prints are as unique as human fingerprints? That there’s such a thing as glow-in-the-dark soda? And what the heck is “morphing matter”?  Find out more about all of these questions and more at Webster Christian School’s Science and Health Fair, Tuesday evening, from 7-8:30 pm.

I went to this event last year and was amazed at some of the projects these young people were able to pull off. I may have to go again this year just to see what “dry ice bombs” are.

Webster Christian School is located at 675 Holt Road.

RENEW WEBSTER

A free Renew Webster Home Energy “Lunch and Learn” Workshop is scheduled Wednesday, March 27, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Webster Recreation Center to help residents learn about and understand programs available to help them reduce energy use and annual energy costs by an average of $700.

At the meeting, homeowners will be able to sign up for their free or reduced-cost energy assessment, as well as learn about other energy efficiency program opportunities available from Rochester Gas & Electric (RG&E).

The Town of Webster will provide each family (up to 100) with a 10-pack of compact fluorescent light bulbs, which can save $84 per year or more by replacing incandescent light bulbs.

The lunch and program are free of charge, but space is limited. Pre-registration is encouraged to reserve your light bulbs and lunch at http://www.RenewWebster.org or toll free at 1-866-495-2959.

High schools present check to WWFD

19 Mar

I had the opportunity to attend a very special occasion Tuesday evening.

It was the presentation of a rather large donation check to the West Webster Fire Department by representatives of Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder high schools.

The $11,000 check included donations collected before, during and after the Thomas vs. Schroeder Staff Benefit Basketball Game held on February 9. More than $9,000 of those funds were donated in response to a challenge put forth by three very brave souls — Webster Thomas Assistant Principal Sue Clark, Thomas Librarian Trish Warren, and Schroeder Assistant Principal Jeremy McBride — who pledged to have their heads shaved if they could raise $5,000 for the Chiapperini and Kaczowka families.

That goal was reached five days before the game was even played. And people kept on giving.  Plus, the game itself raised a lot more through ticket sales, t-shirt sales and bracelet sales.

Students and staff members from both high schools were on hand to present the check to WWFD Vice President Bryan Bayer.

Webster Thomas Student Council President Dan Iulianello presents the check to WWFD Vice President Bryan Bayer.

Students and staff members from Webster Thomas and Schroeder high schools prepare to present the $11,000 donation check.

Bald-follow up: Jeremy McBride, Trish Warren and Sue Clark sporting their new shorter (but rapidly growing) ‘dos.

 

Willink student wins Do the Right Thing award

12 Mar

Ryan Tubiolo is interviewed by News 10 Chief Photographer Todd Hayes.

This news is a little dated, but it’s such a great story that I wanted to share it anyway.

Willink Middle School seventh grader student Ryan Tubiolo has received a Do the Right Thing Award from WHEC Channel 10.

The Do The Right Thing program publicly recognizes Rochester-area young people who distinguish themselves by their good behavior, establishing them as role models for their peers. Ryan received the award in December, and gave an on-camera interview in February to a WHEC reporter/videographer.

Willink math teacher Maria Rigillo nominated Ryan for the honor because of his courage and passion to help others, exemplified in the way he deals every day with Muscular Dystrophy.  She wrote,

Ryan is a positive and exemplary role model of responsibility, diligence, respect, hard work and motivation.…He sets the standard for excellence in life and he has a very strong sense of courage…exemplified in the way he has handled, and continues to endure, a life-threatening medical condition that he has dealt with for many years. Ryan has not allowed this challenge to stop him from being the best he can be, and he never uses his medical condition as an excuse.

Ryan is actively involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, both as a successful fundraiser and as a spokesman. He also taped and aired an interview on Willink Titan TV that informs the Willink school community about Muscular Dystrophy and educates the community about the many children afflicted with various illnesses who are no different from children who are not facing such challenges.

Ryan enjoys being active in his school, and told the reporter that’s because “the teachers are so nice and it’s cool to be able to participate with other kids and do what they do. They know why I’m in a wheelchair and why I can’t do some of the things they do. The kids at Willink support me.”

And the teachers, too, apparently.

“Ryan has certainly made a huge difference in my life,” Rigillo wrote, “as I am sure he has in the lives of all those who have the honor and privilege of knowing him.”

 

The Wiz visited the elementary schools this week!

12 Mar

The cast members who performed: Top row (L-R) Andrea Saitta, Bree Bullock, Kylie Dennison, Zoe Waltman, Sam Cino (Scarecrow), Carson Klasner (Dorothy), Alex King (Tin Man), Alec Nevin (Lion), Luciarose Barone, Sarah Krolik, Nicole Meredith. Bottom row: Gabby Jerzak, Mia Klasner, Kay Edwards, Diana Lohrman, Niccole Pucci, and Selene Klasner.

Students and staff members from three Webster elementary schools got a sneak peek at Webster Thomas High School’s upcoming production of The Wiz! earlier this week.

Seventeen cast members from the production made the rounds on Monday and Tuesday to Dewitt Road, Klem North and Klem South elementary schools to perform several numbers from their spring musical The Wiz, which takes to the Webster Thomas stage Thursday March 21 through Saturday March 23.

At each stop, the entire student body came out to watch as the cast members performed six musical numbers, including the scene when Dorothy meets Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion. They were also introduced to some brand new characters: the Yellow Brick Road Dancers and Crow Dancers.

I didn’t get to attend the performance, but it was artfully captured in photos by Klem North parent Jen Swab-DeGrace, who kindly sent me the photos below for my blog.  I just love the expressions on the kids’ faces in the first one; they’re obviously enjoying the performance very much.

The whole family is going to enjoy this show (clearly, the kids already do). Even adults familiar with The Wizard of Oz movie will find  this production delightfully different.  It’s a funky musical adaptation, set to the beat of ’70s rock and Motown melodies. It’s one of Broadway’s most popular musicals and inspired a hit Hollywood movie in 1978 starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

The show runs Thursday March 21 and Friday March 22 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday March 23 at 2 and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 and are available at Hegedorn’s Courtesy Desk, 964 Ridge Road, Webster, online at www.websterthomasplayers.com and through the Webster Thomas Players’ ticket line at 585-234-8248.

 

School Board petitions now available

8 Mar

Three school board positions will be decided in May when voters head to the polls for the annual Webster Central School District Budget Vote.

The terms of board members Laura Harder, Tom Nespeca and Lisa Smith will end this year. Anyone interested in running for one of these three seats can pick up a nominating packet at the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, from 8 am to 4 pm weekdays. Petitions must be returned by Monday April 22.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility can be referred to Webster School District attorney Eric Wilson at (315) 437-7600, or Cindy Cushman at (585) 216-0001 during regular business hours.

If you’re interested in finding out more about serving on the school board, you can also attend the School Board Candidate Seminar on March 23 from 8-11 am at the Airport Holiday Inn. Registration fee is $10. Call the Monroe County School Boards Association at (5985) 328-1972 to register.

 

Can you sum up your life in six words?

6 Mar

Here’s a fun little exercise from the Webster Public Library. They’re hosting a six-word memoir contest for kids in grades 6-12.  You’ll want to visit the library’s Teen Lounge bulletin board for an entry form, then let your creativity flow.

For inspiration, you can check out some examples at http://www.sixwordmemoirs.com. Entries will be judged by library staff and will be selected the week of April 8 to win a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

The Facebook posting where I saw this noted that adults aren’t eligible to enter, but encouraged them to comment on the posting with a memoir of their own.

I decided to play along.  Here are a few I came up with for me:

Chiefs fan. Married Cheektowagan. Bills fan.

Parented three kids forever. Empty nesting!

Life’s an adventure; riding the wave.

How about you? Get creative and leave a comment with your own six-word memoir.

 

Was Mary Todd Lincoln insane?

5 Mar

A fascinating program scheduled for this weekend in Webster will explore the question of whether Mary Todd Lincoln was deranged — or just depressed.

Photo of Mary Todd Lincoln by Matthew Brady from Wikimedia Commons.

Apparently it is common knowledge that the wife of Abraham Lincoln was considered a “lunatic,” to use the accepted term of the day.  But there are some who believe that Mary Todd Lincoln was suffering not from lunacy, but from depression.

One of those people is Patricia Nugent, an East Irondequoit native who has written about the subject in the online edition of Ms. Magazine. In her article, she writes,

Many of us know that the former First Lady was convicted of lunacy, instigated by her eldest son, Robert Todd Lincoln. She spent almost four months in an insane asylum until she was able to enlist support for a retrial, at which she was declared sane once more.

What we don’t know much about is what led to the behavior that was considered lunacy in the court of public opinion and a court of law…my assessment is that Mary Todd Lincoln suffered innumerable losses in her life and had few socially acceptable means of expressing her sorrow. Such bottled-up sadness resulted in acting out behavior that was interpreted as insanity.

Those losses included the death of her mother when she was just six years old, rejection by her stepmother, the loss of three of her four sons, and, of course, the assassination of her beloved husband. Her eldest (and only surviving) son, was no support at all.  He was “cold, judgmental and unaffectionate,” Nugent wrote.

I’d say that’s an understatement. For crying out loud, he had his mother convicted of lunacy.

Nugent will discuss her article at a presentation from 2-4 pm this Sunday March 10, at the Harmony House, 58 East Main Street, Webster. The public is invited to join the discussion and learn more about this tragic woman whom Abraham Lincoln loved so dearly, but whom historians call “one of the most detested women in American history.”

The event is being sponsored by Yesterday’s Muse Books, and there is no charge. Refreshments will be provided by Webster Gourmet.  For more information, call (585) 265-9295.

Brimont moves up to Main Street

3 Mar

Webster has a new restaurant.

It’s Brimont Bistro, at 24 West Main Street, where Shema Sushi used to be.  You might recognize the name, since the new place is a more spacious incarnation of the former Brimont Deli, which was located for seven years in the row of rear-facing shops near the gazebo on North Avenue.  Calling it a “new” restaurant, therefore, is not entirely accurate.  Owner Greg Cody has simply transplanted his incredible culinary talents, customer service and sense of class to a more visible Main Street location.

It’s pretty obvious that he’s also brought along a very loyal customer base. Word is, the line stretched out the door during lunch hour on the Wednesday after they opened.  Obviously, this was someplace I had to check out for myself.

So my friend Carol Klem and I stopped by for lunch a little while ago to see Cody’s new digs.  Whenever I enter a new place for the first time, I try to sum up my first impression in one word.  But that wasn’t going to cut it with Brimont. The best I could come up with was “bright,” “pleasant” and “comfortable.”

We had the choice of sitting at one of the small tables, or along the long, wooden bar. We decided on the bar, where we could chat with bartender Clay Wheaton and watch the world go by outside the big picture window.  Clay was very patient, since for the longest time Carol and I were chatting with each other so much that we almost forgot to order.

A look inside the Brimont Bistro

Eventually, Carol decided on the Greek Salad and I got the Santa Fe Wrap.  The service was quick, the presentation was very nice, and the food was delicious.  And just as importantly, the portion size was perfect and the price was just right for a nice lunch.

A little later during our visit, I got a chance to meet and talk with owner Greg Cody.  It only took about 39 and a half seconds to realize that this guy REALLY knows what he’s doing.  I’m talking “Chef” with a capital C.

Cody brings to Webster a wealth of experience gained from working in some of the finest restaurants in the nation, including  the Tribeca Grill, River Cafe and Montrachet in New York City. That experience shows not only in the expertly prepared food, but in everything you’ll see at Brimont. The staff members are dressed to the nines in black pants and starched white shirts.  The dinner tables are draped with white linen tablecloths and the napkins are fanned.  According to staff member Dierdre Hickey, the wait staff were given five training sessions before opening, covering skills including how to put plates on the table, presentation of wine and proper pouring of champagne.

The waitresses have also been told to be efficient, but not to rush things. Cody “expects every diner to be here for an hour and a half,” Hickey said.  “He wants them to savor the meal” and really enjoy the dining experience.  It’s attention to those kind of details which lends a touch of class to even a casual lunch.

My Santa Fe Wrap. The coleslaw was awesome.

The lunch menu offers a selection of sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads for prices ranging from $7.50 to $9.75. The sandwiches and wraps come with one side of coleslaw, potato salad or macaroni salad.  Add a soft drink or a glass of wine, and lunch will run you about $10 to $15.

The dinner experience, in contrast, is even more representative of a fine New York City restaurant. At night, all the tables in the restaurant’s formal dining area (upstairs) are draped with linen tablecloths and adorned with flickering candles. You’ll start with appetizers such as Duck Confit or Blackened Shrimp, which run about $10. Entrees begin at $17; Chicken French, Coq au vin and Seared Duck Breast are among the most popular. If you order an appetizer, salad, entree and drinks, dinner will run around $50 or more.

So the way I see it, Brimont is kind of like having two restaurants in one. For people who don’t want to spend a whole lot on dinner, you can get the same fine dining feel and incredible food at lunch.  If you want a real top-of-the-line evening meal and high-class dining experience right here in downtown Webster, stop in for some of the Brimont’s Seared Dry Sea Scallops.

Either way, Greg Cody is in the kitchen, so you can’t miss.

Brimont Bistro is located at 24 West Main Street, Webster. They’re open Monday-Saturday for lunch from10:30 -3. Dinner hours are Monday-Thursday 4:30-9:30, Friday and Saturday from 4:30-10.  Reservations are suggested.  Call (585) 872-3170.  Check out their webpage at www.brimontbistro.com.

Carol had the Greek Salad

Clay Wheaton behind the bar.

Chef Greg Cody with diners Joan and Rodd Riesenberger upstairs in the formal dining room.

High school art students among the best (again)

2 Mar

Have I ever mentioned how incredibly talented our high school students are? Only a few times?  Well, here they go again, winning even more awards.

More than 50 Webster students have received recognition as regional winners in the prestigious Scholastic Art Awards.  These students’ works are in the top 10% of all artworks that were submitted this year to the Northeast Region-at-large. All Gold Key winners will be adjudicated at the national level in the near future.

Webster Schroeder students who won at this level include:

Grace Annese, Silver Key, Ceramics and Glass, Story Box – Camping At Stonybrook
Rachel Barbato, Silver Key, Drawing, In The Studio
Taylor Beebe, Gold Key, Drawing, Predator
Ashlynn Blose Honorable Mention, Drawing, Heidi
Genevieve Caldwell, Honorable Mention, Mixed Media, Out In The Cold
Valerie Cardillo, Silver Key, Drawing, Maine 1937
Elissa D’Alessandro, Honorable Mention, Painting, Octopus Garden, Gold Key, Drawing, Eye of the Beholder, and Honorable Mention, Painting, After Work;
Keenan Denis, Silver Key, Drawing, The Con Man
Devon Forward, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Person Of Interest, and Honorable Mention, Drawing, Erin
Samantha Killian, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Warrior
Megan Kloosterman, Silver Key, Ceramics and Glass, The Robin Egg
Ciara Lutz, Gold Key, Drawing, Taylor; Renee Macdonald,Honorable Mention, Painting, Starting Bright and Early
Maggie Mutschler, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Munchie’s Mugs
Sarah Nicolay, Silver Key, Sculpture, Technicolor Giraffe
Lauren Park, Silver Key, Drawing, Grandma Why Are You Gone
Katrin Peterson, Honorable Mention, Drawing, The Great Escape
Corinne Playfair, Silver Key, Drawing, The Sands Of Time; and Honorable Mention, Portfolio
Andrew Wagenhals, Silver Key, Drawing, Physical Interlude
Jennifer Wehrle, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Ustrasana
Maria Posato, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Still Life

Webster Thomas students who won at this level include:

Laura Aguilera, Honorable Mention, Painting, Jasmine
Julia Bender, Gold Key, Drawing, Me 2
Allie Bernstein, Honorable Mention, Mixed Media, The Explosion
Daniel Brown, Honorable Mention, Sculpture, Against All Odds
Hannah Buckley, Honorable Mention, Painting, Fighter
Maya Colombo, Silver Key, Drawing, Materialism
Connor Czora, Silver Key, Drawing, Work In Progress
Ashley Epping, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Seashore On Seaside
Lauren Fordham, Silver Key, Drawing, Eye, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Change, and Gold Key, Portfolio
Jamie Guarrera, Honorable Mention, Drawing, dusty space
Kate Hall, Mention, Drawing, Moon
Elana Howe, Honorable Mention, Painting, Cupcakes
Kelly Hurlburt, Silver Key, Drawing, The Tsunami Dancer
Abbey Lee, Gold Key, Drawing, Pieces Of Me
Aubrey Maryniak, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Backwards Through Glass, and Honorable Mention, Drawing, Hanging Onto Adolescence
Dominic Montante, Silver Key, Drawing, Geriatrics
Marley Morrill, Honorable Mention, Sculpture, Armadillo
Cynthia Nguyen, Silver Key, Painting, Attack on the North
Kyle Roethlisberger, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Still Life
Trevor Smith, Gold Key, Drawing, Tattoo
Scott St. George, Honorable Mention, Mixed Media, Meditate, and Honorable Mention, Drawing, Wonder
Erin Tersegno, Honorable Mention, Drawing, Horizon
Adrianna Zaretsky, Silver Key, Drawing, Goop

Congratulations to all these talented young students You make Webster proud.

Below are a few samples of these students’ work. Prepare to be amazed.

Taylor, by Ciara Lutz

Predator, by Taylor Beebe

Tattoo, by Trevor Smith

Fractured, by Abbey Lee

Eye, by Lauren Fordham

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