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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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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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 NataleighNataleigh 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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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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You’ve definitely seen them in the news; Webster Rotary members helping out at food drives and community events, handing out scholarships and huge donation checks to local agencies. It’s an organization dedicated to making our world better, any way they can.
They already do a lot for our community, but they’d like to do more. Which is why the Webster Rotary is holding a membership drive; they know that with more members, the more good things they can accomplish.
The Rotary’s motto has always been “Service Above Self,” but they also strive to become an organization which can be considered a “Third Place.”
Past president Robyn Whittaker explained, “With everything going on in the world, people have their workplace, their home, but they also need that third place to be able to make connections and feel valuable in their community. Webster Rotary is just that place.”
So if you’re looking for a Third Place, and would like to learn more about the Webster Rotary Club, you’re invited to attend an information night on Thursday, September 19 at 6:30 PM. It’s a chance to find out more about the Rotary’s many community projects, chat with members, and have a bite to eat.
For more details and to RSVP, call or text Robyn at 585-424-0859, or email her at hairchic_y@yahoo.com.
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A sampling from the holiday selectionMaureen Gammariello with one of the never-opened toys from the toy table
I stopped by Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday morning to check out preparations for Webster Hope’s annual garage sale, and was pretty impressed by what I found.
There were a few volunteers still finalizing the displays and pricing items, but most of the tasks had already been completed, thanks to more than three dozen volunteers working over the last few days to make sure everything is ready to go for Wednesday night. (And that’s not even including all the volunteers who have been gathering and pricing items since January, and the Thomas Titans football team who moved hundreds of boxes into the gymnasium from storage.)
Webster Hope director Margery Morgan says that this year’s sale is better than ever, with “soooooo many new items,” and a lot of items priced at just $1. They’ve got three rooms filled with just about everything you’d want to find, including …
… holiday (especially lots of Halloween), kids and adult books, toys, puzzles and games, housewares, lamps, clocks, stationery and office, party supplies, home electronics, pet items, baking and cooking ware, utensils, small appliances (each one plugged in and tested), handbags, home decor, floral, wall pictures and picture frames, religious items, garden, crafts, linens, tools, rugs, furniture, dishes, jewelry, sports equipment, luggage, baskets, baby items and lots more, all at great prices.
Basically, this is a don’t-miss sale.
It takes place at Holy Trinity Church, 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster, Wednesday Sept. 11 through Saturday Sept. 14. Hours are:
Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.: Preview night; for a small admission fee, be the first to shop.
Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; everything is half price
All proceeds will benefit Webster Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.
Here’s a preview of some of the thousands of items available:
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Webster theater fans who plan to attend OFC Creations’ upcoming production of The Boy From Oz (Sept. 12 to 29) might very well recognize one of the young actors: Cameron Korzinski, an 11-year old who hails form the west side of Webster.
The Boy From Oz is a tribute to the life of Oscar-winning Australian entertainer Peter Allen, from his early years in the Outback to his rise to fame in the 1980s. He’s best known for hits including “I Honestly Love You,” “Best That You Can Do,” “Not The Boy Next Door,” “Everything Old Is New Again,” and “I Go to Rio.” He gained fame despite struggling through divorce, failure, and the AIDS epidemic.
The show stars Blake McIver Ewing as Peter Allen and Marcia Mitzman Gavin as Judy Garland. Ewing is well known for playing Waldo in The Little Rascals and Derek in ABC’s Full House; and Gaven starred in the original Broadway cast of The Who’s Tommy.
Young Webster resident Cam Korzinski has a big role in the production, playing the part of young Peter Allen. And he’s definitely no stranger to the stage; The Boy From Oz is Cam’s 21st OFC production since he joined the studio in 2021, and his fourth professional show, which have also included Oliver, The Jolly Holiday Brunch at the Old Farm Café, and most recently, Billy Elliot, where he played the part of Billy’s best friend Michael. So he’s basically grown up doing OFC shows, kids programs and camps.
Cameron Korzinski and Jack Hartman Cam and Jack with Boy From Oz headliner Blake McIver Ewing
Backing up Cameron as understudy is another young man who’s no stranger to the OFC stage. Jack Hartman, also 11 years old, comes from Rochester. He and Cameron have been pretty much attached at the hip at OFC Creations for the last 11 years. They met in late 2021 when both were working on Aladdin, and have been best-theater-buds ever since. The Boy From Oz will be the seventh production they’ve appeared in together, including Billy Elliot.
This time around, Cam and Jack are working alongside some pretty famous (and Tony Award-winning) stars, which clearly is a reality of theater life which they long ago learned to take in stride. When I sat down to talk with them, they both presented themselves with poise and confidence. They’re both just entering 6th grade this year, but are already thinking about their futures in theater — while still enjoying their time with OFC.
“I would like to go to college for theater and acting,” Cam said. “But I’m just letting life take me.”
Jack is a bit more laser-focused.
“I’ve been thinking (about this) for a long time,” he said. “I always wanted to go to college for this definitely … do a bunch of shows, try out for Broadway young.” He’s even planning to get an agent within a few years.
So keep an eye on these young actors, everyone, because you may very well see their names in lights someday. But in the meantime, make sure to get your tickets for The Boy From Oz to see them in action.
The Boy From Oz will take the stage for 17 shows from Sept. 12 through 29 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester.
The show is the first of OFC’s 2024-2025 Broadway In Brighton Series. The series continues in October with West Side Story, and future productions include The Prince of Egypt, Gypsy, Anything Goes and Jersey Boys. (Heads-up: Jersey Boys will feature Schroeder grad Adam Marino in an unbelievable performance as Frankie Valli.)
Individual tickets are on sale now for all of the shows, and season packages are also available. Click here for more information.
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Just a quick post this morning to share some photos I took yesterday (Saturday) at the TWO festivals that were taking place.
The first one I stopped by in the morning was the Webster Garlic Fest, which by 11 a.m. was already packed with visitors, overflowing the Webster Recreation Center’s parking lot (don’t worry, there are shuttle buses from the Xerox lot across the street).
I visited the food trucks, met a king and queen, pet a HUGE tortoise, came nose to nose with some alpacas, AWWWWW-ed at baby goats in pajamas, and of course perused the more than 100 vendors booths selling everything under the sun (not just garlic).
I mean, it was so amazing and so much fun. Plus, they’re doing it all again today.
The Webster Garlic Fest is open today — Sunday — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1650 Chiyoda Dr. Admission is only $5 and all proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America, Blue Star Mothers ROC and Gold Star Mothers Rochester. Visit the website for more information about everything that’s going on. In the meantime, here are some photos:
Then yesterday afternoon I definitely made sure to carve out some time to attend the Barry’s Irish Festival, held for the first time at Fireman’s Field in the Village of Webster.
I wanted to go not only because I knew it would be a great place to enjoy Irish music and dance and beer, but more than anything else, I looked forward to reconnecting with some Barry’s Old School friends and family members whom I haven’t seen in a year or more.
And there was a lot of that, which filled my heart with happiness. I saw faces and smiles I haven’t seen in forever, and shared SO MANY hugs. And the grounds were packed. It was like everybody in a 100-square mile radius (not just Webster) was chomping at the bit for an Irish festival. Being able to see old Barry’s friends was a delightful bonus.
From the look of things, the festival was an enormous success. Fireman’s Field was the perfect venue, offering plenty of space for vendors, a big stage for musicians, dance floor for dancers, Gaelic Football practice, Corn Hole tournament, food trucks, beer sales, the Raffle Castle … plus some new features like the very popular Battle of the Bartenders.
Despite dire predictions of bad weather, most of the day was sunny, albeit cool, which actually was pretty perfect for a festival. It gave me an excuse, for example, to wear my Barry’s Old School Irish hoodie.
Here are some photos from THAT festival:
Rusty Kettle
The whole Barry’s gang … and friends
Two huge backdrops from Barry’s Old School Irish created a pub atmosphere in the “pubvilion”
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These days, when it seems like marriages are more likely to end in divorce than last even a few years, it’s heartwarming to hear a story about a couple whose union has truly survived the test of time.
Long-time Webster residents John and Bernadette Stebler are one such couple. On August 28, they celebrated 70 years of marriage, a testament to a commitment they made when they were both barely out of high school.
John and Bernadette met in 1949, when they both lived in Irondequoit and were working at the former Point Pleasant Hotel. Bernadette, just 16 years old, was staying at the hotel and babysitting for her neighbors — the hotel’s owners — while they worked all summer. John, 18 years old, was working odd jobs.
They were immediately smitten. “I spotted her, and I wasn’t going to let that one get away,” John said. Bernadette added, “I thought he was so cute.”
Their first date was pretty romantic. “I owned 50% of a used canoe,” John remembered, and he took his new girlfriend out on Irondequoit Bay one evening. “The bay was quiet then,” John said, but Bernadette still had to be strapped in because she didn’t swim.
Apparently the bay wasn’t calm enough for Bernadette’s boss, however.
She remembered, “The owners of the hotel, my bosses, they had a fit because we went out there in that canoe. It was dark out and there were all these speedboats on the bay and they could have tipped us over. I could have drowned because I couldn’t swim.”
The canoe trip was the first of many dates that would follow over the next few years. Then, in 1952, John was preparing to ship out to serve in the Korean War as a member of the Navy Reserve. But before he left, he gave Bernadette a ring.
“It was a smart move,” he said.
John was discharged two years later, in 1954, and married Bernadette that August, on her 21st birthday, at St. Ambrose Church in Irondequoit.
The young couple lived many more years in Irondequoit, where they raised their son Robert and two foster children, before moving to Webster in 1977. They joined the Knights of Columbus and Holy Trinity Church. John served as an usher, and Bernadette sang in the choir, also participating in two other German choirs, often traveling to Europe for performances.
The Steblers had to sell their Webster home recently, and both now live at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge. They live in separate buildings, but John makes a point to visit his wife every day. They celebrated their anniversary with a Mass at Cherry Ridge on Aug. 24, and another at Holy Trinity on Aug. 28.
I asked them if they could share any of their secrets for a long marriage.
“I never listen to him,” Bernadette immediately offered. “If he’s gonna tell me something important, I know he’ll tell me again. So I don’t listen. Because he never stops talking.”
“We’re old-fashioned married, for life,” John added. … “We still don’t agree on anything. I want my say but I have to admit … these darn women, they seem to know the right thing. So I like to have my say but I have to admit, she was right.”
Perhaps that, right there, is the best advice for a long marriage.
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One of the most solemn anniversaries in our nation’s history comes around again next week, a terrible day which changed our nation forever, and which has become known simply as “9/11.”
The Village of Webster’s Sept. 11th Memorial Ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. at the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave.
The Village always does a very nice job commemorating this event, in a ceremony that usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes. It includes first responders and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. The Chorus of the Genesee is usually on hand to perform patriotic tunes.
Members of the Webster Fire Department are planning to congregate at the station on South Ave. at around 5:30 and march as a group to the ceremony. You won’t want to miss that.
Click here to see the blog I wrote about last year’s 9/11 ceremony.
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I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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