Spry Drama Club’s SpongeBob the Musical is oceans of fun

7 Mar

I have to admit right off the bat that I have never once actually watched an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants. But after getting a sneak peak at Spry’s upcoming production of SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition, I feel like I know the characters inside and out.

There’s the irrepressibly optimistic SpongeBob and equally gloomy Squidward. There’s SpongeBob’s dimwitted BFF Patrick, the greedy Mr. Krabs, the sneaky Plankton and the enthusiastic scientist, Sandy Cheeks. They’re joined by many more of their aquatic friends, all residing in the undersea world of Bikini Bottom.

They, along with a ragtag group of almost four dozen more friends and community members (supported by another 20 behind-the scenes crew members), have to come together to save their home from a volcano which is threatening to erupt and destroy Bikini Bottom.

The enchanting production, which runs about 75 minutes including intermission, is an energetic, colorful, humorous, tune-filled romp from the beginning — when audience members are asked to silence their shellphones — right through to the triumphant ending when Bikini Botton is saved (oops. spoiler alert). It will delight everyone in the family, whether they’re familiar with SpongeBob or not.

The show features a talented group of young actors including Gary Patterson as SpongeBob, Tommy Bifarella as Patrick, Savannah Lane as Sandy, Rory Goodwin as Squidward, Tanner Peters as Mr. Krabs, Marne Mazzochetti as Pearl, Max Hoose as Plankton and Brynn Anderson as Karen. Watching them perform was like watching a Stars of Tomorrow program; I know we’ll be seeing many of these kids on the Schroeder stage in the coming years.

SpongeBob the Musical: Youth Edition takes the stage this weekend at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. Friday night’s show is sold out, but there are still a few tickets available for Saturday’s matinee at 2 p.m. and Saturday night at 7 p.m. Those shows will almost certainly sell out as well, so get your tickets now. They’re only $8 each and available at events.hometownticketing.com (use key word “Spry”).

Here’s a whole slideshow of photos; thank you so much to Marie Costanza from Image City Photography Gallery, for all of these great shots!

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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 3/7/2024)

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Woodland Silkscreen just got an upgrade

6 Mar

Have you stopped into Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery in the Village of Webster recently? If you haven’t, you’ll want to check it out, because owner Laurie Read has been making some changes, and the place is looking really great.

Laurie moved into the former tattoo shop at 5 West Main (lower level) about three years ago, relocating from her longtime location on Rt. 104 in Ontario. (Click here to read the blog I wrote after she settled in.) It’s taken a while, but she’s FINALLY gotten rid of all of the tattoo-themed decorations on the walls and behind the counter. She’s replaced and re-positioned the worn-out counter, repainted everywhere and is repairing the ceiling.

Basically, Laurie said, she’d tried to “class it up a little.” The result is a much more professional, much more inviting shop where patrons are greeted by tasteful decorations, stunning artwork and a BIG fish tank with some BIG fish (who WILL stare back at you when you stare at them).

And while screen printing is still the biggest part of her business, Laurie is also introducing a nice selection of retail items, including a variety of t-shirts (long and short-sleeved), sweatshirts and other clothing items, embroidered with all sorts of fanciful designs, or pre-printed. She’s already got lots of St. Patrick’s Day and Buffalo Bills items on a rack in the lobby, but she’ll be happy to make one up to your order.

There’s also a small table with hand creams, and — soon — small teddy bears with Webster Thomas and Schroeder t-shirts.

And, by the way, Laurie is still your local connection for some of the finest “everything” sauces I’ve ever had. The “OHHH LORDEE” sauces range from sweet and tangy to blazing hot, and while you can still pick one up at the shop, it’s better to look for them at one of the 30 locations all around the area (including most Tops Friendly Markets).

Lots of great reasons to stop by Woodland. Not to mention, Laurie will always welcome you with a smile.

Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery is located at 5 West Main St. (lower level across from the gazebo). The shop is open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, other times by appointment. For more information, visit the website or Facebook page or call (585) 265-3060.

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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 3/6/2024)

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Community Arts Day is coming up!

5 Mar

It’s a sure sign of spring (even more so than the unbelievably spring-like weather we’ve been having): Community Arts Day (CAD) is coming up fast.

I’m sure you already know about this great family event which takes place every April. It’s basically a show-off day for our district’s schools, showcasing the musical and artistic talents of our Webster School District K-12 students. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. This year’s event is Saturday April 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.

In addition to the art displays, it’s also a great opportunity for community groups to set up tables and spread the word about their organizations. The fee for participation and space rental is $30 (payable at the time of registration) plus an additional fee of $30 for selling vendors. Click here for more details and to register.

New home for those old instruments

I’ll be posting a whole lot more about Community Arts Day in the coming weeks (it is literally one of my favorite events of the year), but I did recently find out about this great new addition to CAD 2024:

This year, the Webster Central PTSA is partnering with the WCSD Music Department to offer a Used Instrument Donation Drive, an opportunity for families to donate their gently used instruments to students who aren’t easily able to afford a new instrument.

The Concert Wear/Coat Drive the WCPTSA does every fall is so successful, this seemed like another wonderful way to help those in need, while spreading the love of music. The school district will cover the cost of repairing any instruments that need repair.

A table will be set up at Community Arts Day where families can drop off their unused instruments, so keep an eye out for it!

Also new at this year’s Community Arts Day

And this is breaking news: I’ll also be setting up a table at Community Arts Day! If you’ve ever wanted to meet me, find out more about my blog, or have a great story idea, please watch for me and stop by.

More details about this later 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)

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 3/5/2024)

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Who takes care of those WEBSTER bushes?

3 Mar

We drive by them all the time, those bushes along Rt. 104 just east of the Bay Bridge that spell out WEBSTER, welcoming residents and visitors alike to our fair town. But did you ever wonder about their history, who originally planted them and who takes care of them now?

According to Webster Chamber of Commerce president Barry Howard, the WEBSTER bushes installation was a project spearheaded by the Chamber in 1986 as a beautification project. The Chamber commissioned the design in February of that year, got all the required permits by September, then arranged to have the bushes and stone scape installed. The sailboat motif in colored stone mosaic was added in 1993.

The landscaping company who originally planted the bushes went out of business, and Thomas Landscape took over their maintenance just a year or two later. The company has been taking care of them every year since, for more than 35 years, at the Chamber’s expense.

Many will remember that back in 2010, vandals destroyed the bushes, cutting every single one of the plants to the ground. At the time, the Chamber asked people if something like a welcome sign should be put in instead. But the community stood behind their much-loved WEBSTER shrubs, and overwhelmingly voted to replace them. With help from a radio-thon fundraiser hosted by WARM 101.3, 75 new bushes were purchased and planted.

It’s been more than 10 years, and the new bushes are doing pretty well, but it’s going to take them a while to get back to their former glory.

“They’re coming around,” said Thomas Landscape owner Rick Thomas. “Last year we started doing an organic-based fertilizer on the plants and it’s definitely helping.”

“It’s an extremely hard area to grow plants because of the steep slope,” he added. “You don’t realize how steep it is until you’re standing on it. Water and nutrients just roll down it. It’s a tough area to grow anything.”

Between the Chamber of Commerce and Thomas Landscape, the WEBSTER shrubbery continues to get regular TLC. The stone scape was repainted a few years ago, and Thomas staff members head up there three times a year for general maintenance. They’re even giving some thought to perhaps changing out the stone design in front “to keep things fresh.”

“I think it’s still viable,” Rick said. “People like to look at it. It’s fun; we’ll be up there trimming and weeding and cleaning up and people drive by, waving and cheering.”

I’ll be one of those people waving and cheering next time I see you up there, as a thank you for keeping our favorite town landmark looking great.

Thomas Landscape is located at 775 Ridge Rd., 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 3/3/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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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 3/2/2024)

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8-year old Webster boy raises awareness about rare diseases

1 Mar
Lukas reads his book with help from his mother, Suzanne

Thursday, February 29, 2024 was a leap year day. We all know that. But you may not know that Thursday was also Rare Disease Day, an observance held on the last day of February every year to raise awareness for rare diseases.

This year, since Rare Disease Day landed on February 29, the rarest day on our calendar, it took on extra significance. That was especially the case for a young DeWitt Rd. Elementary School student, who celebrated the day in a special way.

Eight-year old Lukas Urbanski, a student in Amy Woeller’s DeWitt Rd. third-grade class, commemorated Rare Disease Day by sharing with his class a book he’d written about his own rare disease. Sitting in the front of the room during “morning meeting” time, surrounded by his classmates, invited guests and his parents, Lukas read his autobiography, The Story of Me.

In the book, Lukas explains that he has CLIFAHDD, a syndrome which affects only 100 kids worldwide. He writes how he often has to go to the hospital, describes the different medical procedures he has to endure, and the special equipment he uses to help him through the day.

More than 140 photos splashed across the 27-page book illustrate Lukas’ journey. In several, EEG leads are attached to his head; in others, his head is wrapped in bandages, he’s wearing a mask which helps him breathe at night, or he’s sitting in a wheelchair.

Lukas’ mother Suzanne Engel said that in addition to raising awareness for rare diseases, the book is designed to demystify Lukas’ issues, and help his classmates understand that “everyone is unique and different, and we all need different supports.”

Creating a book was the ideal way to share that message. “Lukas spends a significant amount of time in the library and he loves to read,” Suzanne said. “When we started talking about how to tell his class about what he needs, it kind of seemed natural that it would be a book.”

But Lukas’ story doesn’t begin and end with his medical procedures. That’s why the first half of the book is filled with photos illustrating how, in many ways, Lukas is very much the same as his third-grade classmates.

There are pictures of Lukas riding a horse, visiting his family, and eating ice cream. He’s at amusement parks, baking and celebrating a birthday. And there are lots of photos of Lukas with his friends at school. They’re all great illustrations of how we’re all different, but we’re also the same in so many ways.

Writing the book and reading it to his classmates, however, wasn’t the only way that Lukas helped spread the word about rare diseases. Earlier in the month, Lukas approached several local businesses, asking for their support to bring awareness to rare diseases. As a result, Ridge Donuts, Schutt’s Apple Mill and Secret Ingredient Cupcakery all baked special zebra-colored cupcakes and donuts which they sold on Feb. 29. (The beautiful but unusual zebra is the symbol of Rare Disease Day.) All proceeds supported rare disease research.

“Lukas has captured the heart of the bakeries,” Suzanne said. “He’s created such a connection with the community. It warms your heart to see the community being so wonderful in recognizing rare diseases.”

Lukas with his father Dave and mother Suzanne
Channels 8 and 13 both covered the event. Click here for Channel 8’s coverage and here for Channel 13.

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How you can help

Rare diseases don’t get the kind of attention or research dollars as do more common diseases. So, faced with the challenges of finding treatment for their son, and at the urging of a doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in 2023, Lukas’ parents Suzanne Engel and Dave Urbanski partnered with a family in Texas to found the Channeling Hope Foundation. Supported by a global network of NALCN scientists and a small but mighty community of affected families, the Channeling Hope Foundation works to advance care and develop treatments for children affected by NALCN genetic disorders.

For more information about the Channeling Hope Foundation and how you can help the cause, click 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 3/1/2024)

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Eagle Scout Brandon Seeley builds pergola for the Arboretum

28 Feb

The Webster Arboretum has just gotten a little bit better.

Thanks to the efforts of 14-year old Eagle Scout Brandon Seeley, a new pergola has been installed at the very north end of the Arboretum.

A resident of Ontario, Brandon is a big fan of the Arboretum, so the project immediately interested him when he heard about it.

“When (my mentor) Mr. Fulkerson told me a little about it and what it consisted of,” he said, “I thought it would be a good project to do for them…. I really like it here. I thought it would be nice to give back to them for giving us all of the things they do here.”

The finished pergola — a kind of an open-air gazebo with a thatched or latticed roof, designed to support climbing plants — is large, measuring about 9′ x 15′ x 8′ tall. Brandon was assisted by a team of 16 fellow Scouts, family members and friends, who took less than a week last October to complete the project.

Brandon’s leadership, a critical part of every Eagle Scout project, also helped things run smoothly.

“I set out all the dates, told everyone what to do, and what to bring,” he said. “When everyone showed up here I gave everyone a different role to do so people weren’t just standing doing nothing.”  

“I think everyone had a good time, and I really appreciate all their help coming out here.”

Part of the team: Mike Seeley, Chloe Seeley, Brandon Seeley, Patrick Fulkerson and George Riehle

Webster Arboretum board member George Riehle acted as Brandon’s contact through the project’s completion. It was actually something the Arboretum has been planning for several years, only recently getting enough funding — and some willing hands — to complete it.

The plan is to create what Riehle calls a “fruit demonstration garden,” designed to introduce home gardeners to a variety of lesser-known fruiting vines and shrubs that grow well in our area, won’t take up a lot of space, and require little maintenance. Northern kiwi, for example, will be draped across the top of the pergola, and underneath that, several hazelnut shrubs. Other varieties filling beds in front of the pergola will include gooseberries, currants, honeyberries and dwarf cherries.

Riehle expects the planting to begin later this spring and be completed by next spring.

The pergola is located at the very north end of the Webster Arboretum, most easily accessible from the parking lot near the playground. It’s about 100 yards beyond the bridge.

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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 2/28/2024)

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We won! Webster awarded $4.5 million grant

27 Feb

Have you heard the big news?

As a result of many, many months of hard work by the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) and lots of community input, the Village of Webster has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul as one of just two Finger Lakes communities to receive a portion of the grants being awarded through the NY Forward community revitalization program. The Village of Webster and the Town of Macedon will each receive $4.5 million as this year’s Finger Lakes region NY Forward winners.

As part of the competition process, the Village worked with the Town of Webster, Webster Central School District and the Business Improvement District (BID) to submit an application outlining the village’s vision to improve the downtown business district. During the process, WEDA provided tons of opportunities for community input to gather resident opinions on what the grant money should be used for. If you attended one of these events, you may remember large maps with sticky notes you could place on the areas you thought should be improved.

Officially, the WEDA explains that “the Village of Webster’s downtown revitalization project seeks to create a thriving Main Street which seamlessly blends modern sustainability with the historic character of our community.” More specifically, a few of the projects under consideration are things like improving Veterans Park (including replacing the gazebo with a larger band shell), creating a flexible event space behind the firehouse, and various streetscape improvements in the center of the village.

The ultimate goals are to create an active downtown, enhance accessibility and walk-ability for residents and visitors, provide flexible space for cultural events, provide amenities to enhance downtown living, and rejuvenate economic development along Main Street.

The next steps will begin with the creation of a Local Planning Committee, consisting of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The committee will identify projects that most align with the community’s vision and are poised for implementation. There will be many opportunities for community input before the final projects are selected for funding, so stay tuned for those.

Upon accepting the award, WEDA Executive Director Matt Chatfield said,

The Village and the Webster Economic Development Alliance are prepared, energized, and steadfast in their desire to bolster growth and investment in our downtown business district. With the support of the NY Forward Program we are now ready to launch the next phase of our prosperous future, to be accomplished through coordination, partnership and dedication from the entire community – leadership, local business, and citizens. We are thankful for the generous support of Governor Hochul and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, as we work together in the spirit of cooperation to make Webster a community of choice in Upstate New York.

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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 2/27/2024)

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Latest news from the Friends of Webster Trails

26 Feb

I’m always on the lookout for fresh news from the Friends of Webster Trails to pass along. These are the volunteers who create and maintain the amazing trail system we have here in Webster.

I got such an email the other day, highlighting several of the projects the Friends are working on, even in the middle of winter.

The main activity for the last few months has actually been tree removal.  Several wind events this winter have downed many weak trees, especially ash trees, which have been killed over the last few years by the Emerald Ash Borer. Once dead, these provide a trellis for climbing vines such as grape and poison ivy, both of which are native plants. But the worst offender is Japanese bittersweet, which is not native. The vines grow up the dead tree until they reach the top where they expand in size. These growths provide a handle that the wind can use to topple the dead tree.

All of the trails experienced some degree of tree problems recently and the Friends are fortunate to have a few folks with chainsaws and the knowledge to deal with these trail obstructions. Some of the trees that were down presented some difficulties at removing which you can gather from the photo abovem taken at Gosnell Big Woods. The Bird Sanctuary Trail was the hardest hit, with more a dozen trees down near the Rt. 250 junction. If you notice trees down on trail, please report the problem on the “contact” link of the FWT website.

Latest from the ReTree project

With permission from the Town, and using grant money from the Rochester Birding Association, the Friends hired Jim Engel of White Oak Nursery to clear non-native invasive Autumn Olive in Whiting Road Nature Preserve, where they’ll be planting native species later this year.

ReTree began in 2021 with the mission of improving species diversity and ecological resiliency of the forested habitat in the Webster open spaces. Since its inception, the group has cleared invasives from several plots and planted more than 300 native trees and shrubs, sourced from New York State, Monroe County Soil and Water and White Oak Nursery, in addition to growing seedlings from seed.

ReTree is always looking for volunteers to enjoy the outdoors, help the environment, and make like-minded friends. Contact them at https://webstertrails.org/retree/

Improvements to the new Herman Road Preserve

Volunteers from Friends of Webster Trails have been hard at work clearing along the road by the new Herman Road Forever Wild Forest preserve. Invasive species and brush were cleared, and then the town picked up the brush.

This makes for a more inviting entry to the trails, and helps prepare the site for the creation of a parking lot. Work will begin this week by Webster Highway and Parks and Recreation to create a six-car parking lot.

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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 2/26/2024)

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New Donutchew bakery offers an Asian twist on donuts

24 Feb

There’s a new donut in town. It’s called a “mochi donut,” and you gotta try one. But beware … once you’ve had one, you might never go back to your old donut shop.

Mochi donuts are one of several Asian-inspired menu items available at Donutchew, a new bakery located in Baytowne Plaza. Michael Blair, a Chinese-American, opened the shop about three weeks ago, bringing to the Webster/Penfield area some sweet treats that our area has never really seen before.

That’s not to say that mochi flour and mochi-based desserts are anything new. The confections have been wildly popular in Japan and Hawaii for years, and that popularity has been slowly spreading across the U.S.

How is a mochi donut different from your standard American donut? I asked Michael to explain, and he struggled a bit with the answer.

“You have to taste it to know,” he began. “The flour is a lot lighter and the texture is chewier. It might taste like a lighter fried dough.” While most American donut products are heavier and denser, he continued, “with these, you can probably eat three or four and you feel OK about it.”

But what really sets Donutchew’s mochi donuts apart from the rest are the wide variety of unique toppings and flavorings. Don’t expect to find glazed, cinnamon, powdered, or chocolate-iced donuts here. DO expect toppings like Oreo cream cheese, mango, Earl Gray and s’mores, and Asian-inspired flavors like black sesame, imported straight from Japan. There are even some kid-friendly options, like Cookie Monster and Fruity Pebble.

“It’s a fun thing,” Michael said. “That’s what brings people in, the fun flavors on the top and the different texture when they bite into it.”

Aside from their taste, what I find most intriguing is the donuts’ unusual design. It’s kind of like a beaded bracelet, perfect for bite-sized snacking (a theory I tested on my drive home with delicious results).

Donutchew’s mochi donuts lead a menu of several other Asian-inspired sweet treats that are hard to find on the east side, like Korean corn dogs, boba teas (with tea sourced from the family’s tea farm in China), croffles, and tanghulu.

Never heard of tanghulu? This traditional Chinese snack is fruit on a skewer — strawberries, grapes, pineapple — wrapped into rock candy, giving it a crunchy outer layer. Michael’s grandmother would make the snack when he was growing up, and she’s the one in the Donutchew kitchen making it every day now. Ask a young person about it, because it’s huge on TikTok.

Opening his first bakery in the Webster/Penfield area was not Michael’s first choice. “To be honest,” he said, “coming to Webster was kind of a gamble for us.”

In my opinion there’s not much diversity here. If you compare to Henrietta, Brighton, you see a lot more Asian Americans who live out that way, which is good and bad. The good thing is, there’s a greater variety of Asian restaurants, bubble tea places in the area. But the people in Webster who enjoy that type of cuisine have to drive all the way to Henrietta or Brighton. So we thought if we could create a successful location here, that would save a lot of time for the east-side community.

So far, that gamble has paid off. They’ve already started to develop a steady clientele, and customers are telling them how much they appreciate having a boba tea shop nearby.

“The feedback has been super positive,” Michael said. “People are beginning to learn who we are. Once they learn what it is and who we are, they’re coming back.”

Donutchew is located on the south side of Baytowne Plaza, 1900 Empire Blvd., Webster, in the former Royal Dynasty Restaurant. They’re open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Find out more about them on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram (@donutchew_rochester).

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(posted 2/24/2024)

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