Discovering the Spring Lake Trail

23 Sep

I don’t often write about people or places outside of Webster, but I discovered a new trail the other day in Perinton which I really wanted to share with everyone.

It’s called the “Spring Lake Trail,” and my friend Carol introduced it to me, as it’s near her house and she has hiked it often. Our hike took us from Spring Lake Park in Perinton, north and west along the Irondequoit Creek for two miles until we reached Panorama Plaza and turned back towards home.

To be more accurate, only the first half mile of the trail is called “Spring Lake Trail,” and it opened only last autumn. The Town of Perinton website explained that the trail was previously just a worn-down footpath, which people would bushwhack through to reach an already established trail along the Irondequoit Creek leading to Channing Philbrick Park in Penfield. The new trail has been cleared, is much wider and covered with easy-to-hike stone dust.

Carol and I had a beautiful, sunny and warm day for our hike, and as we walked, I was reminded of the incredible natural beauty we have in our towns. The trails feature many nice bridges, and peaceful spots to fish and go wading. I also enjoyed learning about all of the history surrounding the Irondequoit Creek; at one point in the 1800s there were 25 mills operating along a very short section of the creek.

But the most charming thing that we came upon was something called the “Forgiveness Box.” It was a simple plastic storage container on which someone had written, “Write what you want to forgive inside.” It was stuffed with hand-written notes deposited by hikers who had come before, notes filled with emotion and remorse, happiness and obvious relief in being able to put into words something that had been a burden, but could now be set aside.

The box was tucked under a stone bench etched with a quote from John Milton’s Paradise Lost. It read, “The mind is its own place and in itself can make heaven of hell and hell of heaven.”

That hike gave me a lot to think about, but it was a beautiful place to do that.

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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 9/23/2024)

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ROC Dance expands its studio in the village

22 Sep

There’s one less empty storefront on Main Street in the Village of Webster. ROC Dance has moved into the former Whimsies shop at 32 East Main St., at least doubling the dance studio’s space for classes and rehearsals.

Owner Charlotte Buckley said she’s still using her original studio at 30 East Main, which is located beneath the new space, its main door opening to the back parking lot. But when she saw the opportunity to expand, she jumped on it.

“We love our space downstairs,” she said, “but it is a basement, and this is just a great, beautiful light space.” It provides much more room for her ever-growing programs, with the added advantage of being spacious enough for her competition groups to rehearse, rather than having to rent rehearsal space. Plus, being right on Main Street will give the dance school much better exposure.

Charlotte also plans to use the new space to offer free programs for the community.

They’ve already begun that, with their “Wiggly Wednesdays,” a program designed for parents and their toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy a morning of active fun together. Every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m., the dance studio transforms into a “playful paradise featuring a variety of across equipment and toys that inspire movement and creativity.”

Charlotte explained, “Moms and their little ones can come, take a class, maybe grab a coffee at Village Bakery after and just get a chance to connect.”

Looking ahead, Charlotte is planning special Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter events at which parents can drop off their children, who will enjoy crafts, games, music and dancing, all for free. And she’ll continue to participate in Village events like the Firemen’s Parade and the Trick or Treat Trail. Except this time she’ll be able to set up her candy table outside her own front door on Main Street.

Charlotte would eventually also like to introduce more retail sales into the much larger space.

“There’s no dance store on the east side, outside of Pittsford,” she said. “So a lot of our families have to go to Pittsford. My goal is to turn this the next couple of years into a fully-fledged dance store,” which would benefit her students as well as other local dance studios.  

Significant renovations had to be completed before she could open, like putting in new flooring, removing some walls and building an office. And even a few days ago they were still finishing up some final painting. But classes are already using the new space, so next time you’re walking by the studio, peek in the front window to see what’s going on!

And better yet, mark your calendars now to stop by during ROC Dance’s Grand Opening on Friday Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Check out the details on the flyer below and find out more at the event website here.

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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 9/22/2024)

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Biking through West Webster

20 Sep

Life is an new learning adventure every day, as long as you get out there and give life a chance to teach.

I was reminded of that earlier last week when I joined a group of bikers for a 15-mile ride through West Webster. The ride was led by Dave Malecki, a member of the Huggers Ski Club and the Rochester Bicycling Club.

We began at Sandbar Park on Lake Rd., headed west to the outlet bridge, then back down Lake to Vosburg Rd. and into the heart of West Webster. Dave led us through some stunningly beautiful neighborhoods, most of which were new to me, like Inspiration Point, which I’d never seen before. Along the way we happened across a few things that really piqued my interest, like the “Off the Cuff Snack Shack” on Adams Rd., stocked with low-cost homemade treats if anyone needed something on the fly.

We also rode by one of the signs from the old James W. Carnevale Bike Route, a 14.5-mile route through Webster established in 1968. It was renamed in 1977 in honor of James Carnevale’s service as Recreation Commissioner. There are still a few signs in place marking the trail, but they’re in pretty bad shape. (You can read more about that here.)

It was a very enjoyable, pretty easy ride with some good people. Dave leads a similar route, for the Huggers, every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Riders of all abilities are welcome to join the group. And if you can’t make that one, there are plenty of other options; the Rochester Bicycling Club alone publishes a list every year of almost 80 different rides all over the city, with lengths ranging from 9 to 22 miles. Best way to stay in touch with them all is to join meetup.com/RBC-NY.

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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 9/20/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Sep

It’s chicken BBQ time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Upcoming October blood drives

There are several local opportunities coming up in October for you to help save lives by donating blood. And the Red Cross has a neat little promotion, too. Everyone coming to donate during October will receive a $10 gift card by email.

Here are the details:

  • Tuesday Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m., Expressive Beginnings Child Care Center, 12 May St., Webster (online sponsor code: ExpressiveBeginnings)
  • Wednesday Oct. 2, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. (sponsor code: WGC)
  • Thursday Oct. 10, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Fire Dept. Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. (sponsor code: websterfire) The Women’s Club of Webster will be serving homemade cookies for donors at this drive!
  • Wednesday Oct. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Town of Penfield offices, 2130 Penfield Rd. (sponsor code: Penfield)

Call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your appointment, or search online for the sponsor code.

And about those cookies …

At the Red Cross blood drive on Oct. 10 (see above), donors will be rewarded with supremely scrumptious homemade cookies donated by the Women’s Club of Webster to enjoy with their juice.

Appointments are not required. Feel free to just drop in. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964 (or you can schedule an appointment online. Details above).

The Women’s Club of Webster is an active community service organization that has nurtured friendships and generously supported many worthwhile causes for 60 years.  The group meets the third Thursday of each month from September to June.  The club’s motto is “friendship through service” and new members are always welcome!  

For more information about the club, please contact Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303. (Or feel free to email me; I belong to the club).

Celebrate fall at Heritage Square

Heritage Square Museum in Ontario will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy scarecrows to judge, big trucks from Town Highway, fire and police departments, performances from the Strike It Up Community Band directed by Craig Wirt, a saxophone quartet, games, raffles, free tours, food and more. Cost is $5 per car.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Road, Ontario, just 12 minutes east of the Village of Webster. Haven’t heard about this great attraction? Check out this blog which I wrote a few years ago after my first visit.

Webster BID schedules community events

The Webster Business Improvement District’s (BID) second annual Health and Wellness Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave.

This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

ON THAT SAME DAY, in the parking lot behind the Community Meeting Room, the BID is also sponsoring a shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a free, drive-through event. Paper only will be accepted, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

(By the way, stay tuned for details about the next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 26. More details about these and other events can be found on the newly revamped Webster BID website.

Good, cheap books from the Friends

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are getting ready for their fall book sale, scheduled Oct. 16 through 19 at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear side of the plaza).

This year they’ll be including a mini vintage and collectible book sale during members night. on Wednesday Oct. 16, featuring approximately 80 books published over the last 150 years in good to better condition. The books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. Some of the books will be first editions or early printing. Many will have dust jackets, and a few will be autographed (but note the Webster Friends do not have any signatures authenticated). They’ll also be selling Kittelberger Flower Bouquet Cards that night while supplies last.

Members Night will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door.) The general public sale begins Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; hardcover books will cost $1, paperback books only $.50). Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the Bag Sale. Bring your own bag and fill it for just $5. The sale concludes with a second Bag Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Can you help?

Here’s the September/October wish list from Webster Hope:

  • Canned corn and canned peas
  • Flour and sugar
  • Coffee
  • Cooking oil
  • Pasta, NOT whole wheat
  • Jarred spaghetti sauce
  • Body wash and bar soap
  • Hand soap
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Diapers sizes 5, 6, & 7 ** We accept open packages**
  • Baby wipes
  • New socks and underwear all sizes

Plus, they accept open packages of feminine products, adult diapers and children’s diapers.

And put this on your calendar: Webster Hope will be having a food drive on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Webster Rotary. You can drop off your items (and the wish-list items) behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, Webster.

WHEN to offer program for parents about social media

If you’ve ever had any concerns about how social media is affecting your children and what you can do about that, this program is for you.

On Wednesday Oct. 16, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) will present an interactive parent forum, called Social Media and Your Kid, discussing how technology has changed special development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The forum will be held in the Professional Development Center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no admission, but registration is requested. Click here to do so.

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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 9/19/2024)

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September History Bit: Going to school at the Webster Museum

18 Sep

Have you ever visited the recreated one-room schoolhouse at the Webster Museum? Even if you haven’t, there’s a good chance your children have toured this charming piece of Webster history, and maybe even got to wear the dunce cap.

For this month’s History Bit, in honor of the beginning of the new school year, I bring you back to a time before buses and backpacks.

A bit of Webster History: The Webster Museum’s one-room school 

This month’s History Bit takes a closer look at a piece of Webster schoolhouse history, faithfully recreated at the Webster Museum. 

It’s the museum’s very own one-room schoolhouse. Tucked at the far southern end of the museum’s exhibit space, the room represents a typical early-1900’s schoolroom. It seats 24 students at double desks and includes a schoolmaster’s desk, a collection of early textbooks, and early teaching aids.   

The schoolroom is a very popular tour stop for the elementary school classes who visit the Webster Museum every year. As part their 75-minute tour through all of the museum’s exhibits, students take a 15 to 20-minute detour into the classroom and step back into a time when a wood stove provided the heat, lessons were completed on slates, and your older brother or sister might be sitting in a row behind you.

Students, and especially teachers, get a kick out of making someone wear the dunce cap
The view from the teacher’s podium

The lessons are designed to be as interactive, entertaining and humorous as possible, while illustrating what a typical school day would look like 120 years ago. The teacher rings a school bell to begin the day, students complete a math lesson on the slates, and are required to raise their hand and stand when called upon. They hear about how students had to walk to school because there were no school buses, how the wood stove in the corner of the room provided all the heat, and when you looked out the window you would very likely see fields and orchards, not a playground and parking lot. 

More than a dozen volunteers, many of them retired teachers themselves, take turns leading the museum tours and presenting the classroom lesson. Most of the students who come through are Webster Central School District second graders; the curriculum that year focuses on community, and a big part of that is comparing “then and now.”  

Our children already know all about “now.” And thanks to our dedicated Webster Museum volunteers, they’re also learning about “then,” when Webster was an agricultural community and the schools – and school day – looked a whole lot different.  

Stop by the Webster Museum and visit the schoolroom for yourself. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Read more about the classroom and all of the museum’s exhibits at webstermuseum.org.

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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 9/18/2024)

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It’s time to help make spirits bright

17 Sep

The 11th season of Making Spirits Bright is underway, and you can help.

Making Spirits Bright is awesome organization here in Webster which for the last 11 years has been working quietly under the radar, doing amazing things for families in need during the holidays.

The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance. Then they collect wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items. And unlike many other programs, Making Spirits Bright provides far more than just gifts. They also assist with winter gear, household necessities, personal care items, cleaning supplies and various other items to lessen a family’s burden. PLUS, they provide for all members living in each household, no matter their age. This includes kids, parents, guardians, grandparents, and sometimes even pets.

The call has gone out for donations to support this year’s effort, and there are several ways you can help:

  • Sign up as a group, organization, business or family to help out.
  • Adopt an entire family (choose the family size you’re comfortable with, two-person and up)
  • Adopt one person (any age/gender identity)
  • Organize a collection drive for some of the most needed items, like toiletries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift wrap, gift boxes and gift cards.
  • Make a monetary donation, which are used to purchase items on the list which were not adopted. Any donations, large or small, is appreciated. Contributions can be made via credit or debit here.

If you’d like to volunteer your time and kindness to the organization, click here to fill out a form and they’ll be in touch. If you have questions, email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com, or check out the Making Spirits Bright FAQ page. Plus, you can follow their Facebook page to keep on top of how things are going.

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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 9/17/2024)

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Get ready to get muddy

16 Sep

It’s back: the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning.

It’s the Webster Recreation Center’s fourth annual Mud Run, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, one-mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)

What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. It’s only $5 per person, and the organizers promise that there’ll be swag, fun and food. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun, and I hope to make it again this year. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)

Click here for more details and registration information. You can sign up for any 15-minute wave between 10 a.m. and noon. You can also register when you get there.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd.

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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 9/16/2024)

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Boulter Industrial Contractors Named Business of the Month

15 Sep

Congratulations to Boulter Industrial Contractors, honored as the September Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Boulter Industrial Contractors is a fifth-generation, family-owned business. Owned by Willis (Bill) Boulter since 2005, Boulter’s 41 employees use equipment and technology to provide rigging services, heavy hauling, crating/packaging, production line installation, preventative maintenance, plant relocation, steel fabrication, and warehousing. They’re located on Basket Rd. in Webster.

The Boulter family legacy dates back to 1892, when Thomas Boulter founded a local carting/moving company. He had two teams of horses, and specialized in coal and ice deliveries. In the more than 130 years since those simple beginnings, Boulter moved its company headquarters to Webster, greatly expanded its services and built a huge new warehouse.

In presenting the award to Bill Boulter, Chamber president and CEO noted that the company even has history with the Chamber; Bill’s father William was an active Chamber member and at one time served on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Bill Boulter exemplifies the Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to community service, serving on the Board of Directors for Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. His company has also sponsored high school skilled trades career events and supports the Salvation Army of Greater Rochester’s Eclipsing Hunger food drive.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday Sept. 27, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Boulter Project Superintendent Tom O’Neil (left) and Chief Executive Officer & President William S. Boulter (right) accept the September Webster Chamber of Commerce award.

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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 9/15/2024)

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Help young people discover the joy of writing

13 Sep

 I just signed up, again, for a fun program offered through the Webster Recreation Center. Unlike most of the programs you’ll find there, it doesn’t involve a whole lot of (well any) physical exertion, but does help some very special young people exercise their minds.

It’s a Pen-Pal Program sponsored by Webster Parks and Recreation for people 55+. You can read about it it the flyer, but this is what it says:

Remember the old days when you used to write letters? Join the Webster 55+ folks and the Autumn Lane (Greece Elementary School) second graders as we become pen-pals.

Sign up and you will be assigned a second-grade student to write a letter to each month. Then in May, we will take a trip to Autumn Lane to meet your pen-pal in person!

You must be committed to this program for an entire year.

The Rec Center has been doing this program for a while, but I only joined it for the first time last year, and it was a LOT of fun. Just about once a month I got a letter from my pen pal Nataleigh, and we wrote back and forth telling about our pets and how I liked reading (and she doesn’t), and shared our love of rainbows (click here to read about the day I got to meet Nataleigh in person).

So when I heard about this year’s program, I immediately signed up and can’t wait to get my first letter.

A sampling of the letters and artwork I got from Nataleigh
Nataleigh and me

The program will run from October 2024 through May 2025. To register, visit the Webster Parks and Recreation website and search for activity #346905-A. Or call the Rec Center at (585) 872-7103 (which is a lot easier than navigating their website). There’s no cost, just your commitment to help some students fall in love with writing.

So please consider joining; you won’t regret it.

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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 9/13/2024)

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The Village of Webster remembers

12 Sep

Twenty-three years ago, our nation and world were forever changed in one terrible morning when terrorists attacked our country and killed almost 3,000 civilians and first responders.

As the years pass, it would be easy to let the horrors of that day fade into memory. It’s uncomfortable to re-experience the shocking images we saw, the feelings we had, and the fear that we couldn’t shake in the weeks and months that followed. But the Village of Webster refuses to let that happen.

Once again this year, the Village of Webster hosted a very moving and meaningful September 11th Memorial Ceremony, Wednesday evening at Veterans Memorial Park. Many local and regional politicians and community leaders attended, and several spoke, adding their heartfelt thoughts about the heroism we saw that day and how the events of that day brought us all together in support and in mourning.

Our Village of Webster and West Webster firefighters were very well represented, and some members of the Penfield Volunteer Ambulance Service also attended. The Webster Village Band enhanced the evening with a number of beautiful patriotic musical selections.

I counted about 70 community members in attendance. That’s actually more than in recent years, which was very nice to see. Despite the ceremony being held in the evening, though, I didn’t see any children. It’s strange to think that the events of 9/11 are simply another thing they’ll learn about in their history books. They don’t grasp how much that day fundamentally changed our world, because they don’t know how our world was before. Perhaps that’s WHY they should be there.

And next time you’re in Veterans Memorial Park, make sure to head over to the back corner to see the 9/11 memorial plaque that was installed there many years ago.

Thank you, Village of Webster, for continuing this tradition and reminding us all of the sacrifices made that day.

  • Webster Village Band
  • Webster firefighters were very well represented
  • Memorial plaque at the corner of the park

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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 9/12/2024)

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