Some photos from the Greater Rochester Peep Show

25 Mar

This little blog post might get lost amidst all the excitement about the new Nautical Bowls restaurant moving into Webster Towne Plaza. (Scroll down to see the post about that.)

But I had the chance to pop into the Greater Rochester Peep Show this afternoon and wanted to share some photos with you all. There had to be a couple hundred or more displays created by community agencies, businesses, Scout troops, and others, so I couldn’t get a photo of all of them. But I did post a selection here.

As usual, the Peep Show has been very popular today; there were lots of people there when I went and cars still pulling into the parking lot as I left. There’s one big room and a smaller one filled with displays, a kids’ craft area, some raffles, and opportunities to buy some snacks and sweet treats.

The Peep Show runs today (Saturday) until 5 p.m., and continues tomorrow (Sunday) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (just off of Phillips).

There’s no admission, so this is a great event for the whole family. The kids will especially love to see the incredible works of art created from candy.

And remember, all proceeds from voting, concessions and raffles benefit the Webster Community Chest.

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

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(posted 3/25/2023)

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New Nautical Bowls restaurant sails into Webster Towne Center

24 Mar

So I learned a new word Friday: “açaí.”

Those of you who regularly eat healthier than I do (I could eat a sleeve of Thin Mints for dinner) are probably familiar with this tropical fruit, which has found its way into beverages, smoothies and even cosmetics for a while now. I also learned that I’ve been mispronouncing it for, like, forever.

But the most important thing I learned yesterday is that when açaí is part of a Nautical Bowl, it’s downright delicious.

My classroom for this lesson was the brand new Nautical Bowls restaurant in Webster Towne Center, and my teachers were Webster residents (and Webster Thomas grads) Cameron and Jamie Scalzo. Their “Nautical Bowls” are what they like to call “superfood smoothie bowls,” filled with natural and organic ingredients.

Jamie explained that they’re 

…basically a smoothie but in a thicker consistency, in a bowl, with really delicious toppings. The best thing about ours is that it’s fruit mixed with fruit with no refined sugars. … They’re gluten free, dairy free, soy free and plant-based, and they’re packed full of antioxidants. It helps give you energy and fuel your body the right way.

There are ten different varieties, which feature an impressive variety of intriguing ingredients like coconut, spirulina, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, Blue Majik, and pitaya. They can substitute for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just be a dessert, she said, adding, “The biggest compliment we have gotten from people is how refreshing they are.”

This is the Scalzos’ first experience with opening a business, and only the first Nautical Bowls franchise in New York State. They looked at other locations before settling on Webster Towne Plaza, but they always knew they wanted to start their adventure in Webster. 

“We grew up here,” Jamie said. “We went to school here, it’s where we met, where we want our kids to go to school. We just love this community so much, we wanted to bring our first store here to share with this community which we have so much appreciation for.”

That commitment to community is an important part of their business plan as well.

Cameron said, “A portion of our proceeds will be going back to the community in any way we can to churches, to causes, to families in need, sports teams, dog shelters.” Every month will benefit a different cause.  

They also want to get involved with local events, especially those that benefit worthy organizations. “We’d like to do as much as possible if we can,” Cameron said.

Nautical Bowls only officially opened this morning, but they’ve already been warmly welcomed by their business neighbors and a steady stream of guests (one of whom remarked “I’m so excited that you’re over here!” when I was there).

“Everybody has been so welcoming, so nice, so supportive,” Jamie said. “That just shows us why at least right now we want to keep on giving back to the community. We see how people love the community, how much they care about it and those are the people we want to continue to find.”

The Scalzos have big plans not only for the immediate future of their new Webster restaurant, but also for the next five or six years, when they hope to expand the franchise into a dozen or more towns in the Rochester area and all around Upstate New York.    

But for now, with a brand new baby on the way (or by the time you read this, he might have arrived) and a brand new restaurant to run, they’re going to be focusing on serving the community where they grew up.    

Check out the new Nautical Bowls yourself on Saturday March 25 when Cameron and Jamie host their grand opening celebration. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The first 50 guests will receive a free bowl, and there’ll be plenty of opportunities to enter to win free bowls for a year, or cards good for ten free bowls or five free bowls.

Nautical Bowls is located on the north side of Webster Towne Center (Kohl’s Plaza), 927 Holt Rd., in between America’s Best Eyeglasses and Chipotle.  Check out the website here and Facebook page here.

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

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(posted 3/24/2023)

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Webster Thomas presents Freaky Friday

23 Mar

Switching bodies for just one day, How hard could it be?

That’s the wacky premise behind Freaky Friday, Webster Thomas High School’s spring musical, which will be presented in four shows from April 20 through 22.

The musical is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films. As the storyline goes, when an underworked mother and her teenage daughter magically switch bodies, they have just one day to make things right again. But in the meantime, they learn to understand each other and the unique bond that exists between mother and daughter. It’s a heartwarming, funny, lively story that the whole family will enjoy.

Not only is this a very entertaining show, the cast also includes several students from Webster Schroeder High School and Willink Middle School. So it really feels like an all-Webster production. Director Mark Stoetzel says “the cast, crew and pit are working very hard and having a blast doing it.”

Freaky Friday will take the stage Thursday April 20 at 7 p.m., Friday April 21 at 7 p.m., and Saturday April 22 at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 each, are on sale now and can be purchased online here. Tickets will also be available at the door. Webster Thomas High School is located at 800 Five Mile Line Rd.

Here are a few shots from rehearsal to give you a feel for the fun (photo credit: Mike Mitchell):

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

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(posted 3/23/2023)

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Paying it forward … with cookies

20 Mar

Here’s a short story about kindness to brighten your day.

It comes to us from our local Troop 60344 Girl Scouts, who a week or so ago had set up a table outside Lowe’s on Five Mile Line Rd. to sell cookies. One of their customers was Cameron Scalzo, the owner of the brand new Nautical Bowls restaurant in Target Plaza. He talked very excitedly about his new place and the fact that he and his wife were expecting their first child at any time. His wife would be very excited, he said, if he brought some cookies home, and chose six boxes from the table.

Another woman happened to be at the table as Cameron was chatting with the Scouts. She overheard Cameron talking excitedly about his new baby and new restaurant, and offered to buy all six boxes of his cookies for him. He tried to decline, but she insisted. She explained that she had misplaced her wallet in the Lowe’s parking lot earlier in the day and was incredibly relieved to find it just under her car. She couldn’t believe no one had taken it, and wanted to pay it forward.

What a wonderful expression of kindness for those young Scouts to witness.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/20/2023)

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The Greater Rochester Peep Show returns this weekend

20 Mar

One of our town’s most creative and fun FREE family events — the Great Rochester Peep Show — returns this weekend!

If you’ve never heard about this really fun event, you’re going to want to keep reading, especially if you like eating those yellow (and now pink and purple and whatever other colors) marshmallow chicks and ducks.

I’ve never been a big fan of Peeps. I put them in the same category as those faux-orange circus peanuts. They squeak when you bite into them. But I LOVE the Peep Show. This is a two-day event at the Webster Recreation Center, where at least four entire rooms are filled with incredibly creative sculptures, dioramas, and various other works of art created with Peeps. It’s simply the cutest thing ever.  (Click here to go to the Peep Show website and see some winning entries from last year.)

This year’s show is scheduled for Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday March 26 from 10 to 4 at the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Drive (right off of Phillips). In addition to the Peeps, several entertainers and community groups will be performing. Thanks to the support from many business sponsors, admission is free, but you can drop some bucks on some raffles with great prizes. All proceeds will benefit Webster Community Chest.

This is a must-see family event, folks, and it’s all free. Click here to find out more about the Greater Rochester Peep Show.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/20/2023)

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Veterans remembered again on Wreath Retirement Day

18 Mar

On Saturday Dec. 17 last year, precisely at noon, hundreds of adults, children, local officials, first responders, veterans and active-duty service members were gathered at Webster Union Cemetery. The occasion was National Wreaths Across America Day, and the volunteers were there to help lay more than 650 wreaths, one for every veteran resting in the cemetery. It was an incredible outpouring of support from the Webster community, a truly touching ceremony and a moving tribute to our veterans. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that day.)

For three months the wreaths rested there among the grave markers, reminding every visitor of the great number of Webster residents who have fought for our country. It was a stunning sight, so many wreaths, adorned with bright red bows, spread around the snowy grounds.

Unfortunately, however, the wreaths couldn’t stay there forever. So on Saturday March 18, a much smaller — but no less dedicated — group of community members gathered again at Webster Union for Wreath Retirement Day. They included Boy Scouts from Pack 420, Girl Scouts from Troop 60344. and the 209th Regiment Cadets. Together, they gathered the wreaths, stacked them along the roadways, then tossed them onto a big pile at the back of the cemetery. There, WVFD Fire Chief Andrew Vorndran set them all ablaze. Afterwards, all of the volunteers sat down for a lunch provided by Mission BBQ in Henrietta, a big supporter of Wreaths Across America.

It was a sad day in some respects, as we literally saw months of nonstop planning and effort go up in flames. But it was comforting to know that, just like on the day they were placed, each time a wreath was removed from a headstone, a veteran was remembered once again.

Check below for a slideshow of photos from the day, featuring many of our friends and neighbors who came out to help.

Planning has already begun for this year’s Wreaths Across America Day. The Webster community was so incredibly supportive of our town’s very first Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 17 that organizers hope to add at least one additional cemetery this year, and eventually recognize every one of the more than 3,000 veterans buried in Webster’s seven cemeteries. Which is why, months before that happens, the call is already going out for community members and businesses to sponsor wreaths.

So stay tuned for more updates from Wreaths Across America in Webster, and let’s help make sure this incredible program continues to grow. Click here to see and follow the Facebook page, click here to sponsor a wreath (or several), and click here to see the blog I wrote following Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 17 to see what a moving and inspirational event this is.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/18/2022)

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Learn about notable Webster women — and me

15 Mar

In honor of National Women’s History Month, the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library have combined their talents to put together an interesting program this month, where you can meet several well-known Webster women, past and present.

At the program, scheduled for Thursday March 30 at 3 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, you’ll meet:

  • Victoria Woodhull, a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, stockbroker, and the first woman to ever run for president;
  • Erva Wright, Monroe County politician whose active role in civic service at the local, county and state levels earned her the title First Lady of Webster;
  • Esther Dunn, a lifelong Webster resident and long-time Webster teacher, best known for the book she published in 1971, Webster Through the Years;
  • Agnes Semmler, a farm wife who raised her family on Shoecraft Rd;
  • Ginny Nguyen, Town of Webster councilwoman;
  • and me, Missy Rosenberry

Each character will speak for about 5 to 6 minutes, describing a little about their lives and accomplishments. As for me, I’ll be telling you more about how I came to create the Webster on the Web blog and how it has become part of the fabric of the Webster community.

The program is free, but registration is required. So click here to sign up and please join us for what should be a very interesting presentation.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/15/2023)

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Webster resident celebrates 100th birthday

14 Mar

A very special celebration was held last Saturday when St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Rochester held a grand 100th birthday party for two of their parishioners, Sister Mary Dismas and Webster resident Ludwika Kardela.  

Ludwika was born on March 8, 1923 and raised in Poland where she married and began her family near the city of Nysa in southern Poland. She and her family emigrated to the United States in 1963 and settled in Rochester. Ludwika has volunteered and cooked for events at the St. Teresa’s and St. Stanislaus Kostka parishes, and has been a fixture at parish events for decades. If you’ve ever been to the St. Stanislaus Polish Festival, you’ve enjoyed her delicious pierogies and cabbage rolls, and definitely got one of her wonderful smiles. Ludwika still cooks for some events to this day. Family from all over the country and Poland came to town to help celebrate her milestone birthday.

Sister Dismas was born on March 11, 1923 and in 2021 marked 80 years of service with the Sisters of Mercy. Sister Dismas spent her school years at St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady of Mercy, where she graduated in 1941. The influence of the Sisters of Mercy led her to enter the order and led her to becoming a teacher for 41 years. Sister Dismas also volunteered with a number of organizations throughout her years and she still resides at the St. Stanislaus convent. 

Along with celebrating Sister Dismas and Ludwika’s birthdays, the parish also celebrated the birthday of Father Roman Caly with a buffet lunch gathering for friends, family and fellow parishioners. 

Many thanks to Ursula Zamora for this great report and photos.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/14/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Mar

The Webster Museum leads my mailbag today, with the latest in their intriguing “What is it?” series, featuring unusual items they’ve found in their collection.

The last time I posted a blog about these items, I received several emails from readers who could actually identify some — or all — of them. How about this one? If you have any idea what it might be, let me know. Or better yet, pop by the library and chat with the lovely docents there yourself, and check out all of the other interesting items on display for the “What is it? exhibit. 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.

This interesting update about some notable Websterites also comes from the museum.

Webster Thomas grad-turned-supermodel Rachel Hilbert is celebrating her birthday on March 14.

Julie Chen ’82, also an R.L. Thomas grad, was recently named chancellor of University of Massachusetts, Lowell. She will officially be installed on April 13.

Marc Thompson (WHS ’93) was recently interviewed by the Audio Book Club about his work as a voice actor and audio book narrator. If you enjoy Star Wars, audio books, or Marc’s work, it’s worth a listen.

Here’s another reminder that Community Arts Day is coming up on April 15, and if your community group would like to participate, the deadline to register is fast approaching.

Community groups that would just like to set up an information table can participate for $30, payable at the time of registration. Community groups or vendors that would like to sell their goods need advance approval from the CAD planning committee. A $55 vendor fee applies.

The registration deadline is April 1.  A $5 late fee will be applied for any registrations accepted past the deadline.  All registrations and payments must be received by Friday April 7 at 5 p.m., after which the registration forms and payment site will close.

Click here to register.

As usual, there’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. Today I highlight a few of the Senior Center activities.

On Wednesday March 17, check out the “Singo Bingo,” from 1 to 2 p.m. Listen to music, mark off the songs, and call out “SINGO!” There will be prizes. The event is free but registration is required.

The Talks on Tuesday series continues on Tuesday March 14 with a presentation about Effective Communication Strategies by Kristie McCormick. It will be particularly focused on those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, but will benefit anyone who wants to improve their communication skills.

On Tuesday March 21, NASA Ambassador Jim Porter will speak on “NASA: 60 Years of Space Exploration,” beginning with the Mercury missions through what space exploration might look like in the future.

I’ll be there on Tuesday March 28, when my good friend Dave Wyble will present a facinating look at the Science of Color. It goes well beyond the color wheel we learned in art class.

There’s no charge for these programs, but registration is requested. Click here to register.

And not for nothing, the Webster Senior Center welcomes anyone ages 55 and above to these activities (50 and above for the Talks). So maybe you don’t consider yourself a “senior” yet, consider joining in and making some new friends.

By the way, Mark your calendar for Tuesday May 16; I’ll be presenting a Tuesday Talk all about my Webster on the Web blog.

Webster Hope will be hosting a food drive on Saturday March 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at 1450 Ridge Rd.

Please enter from Phillips Rd. and follow the signs. Just drive up, and volunteers will be on hand to unload your donations. Please no clothing…they really need food.

Here’s this month’s wish list to help:

  • fruit juice (cans or bottles)
  • jars of applesauce
  • canned tuna
  • pasta
  • jars of spaghetti sauce

The mission of Webster HOPE is to serve the needs of residents in the 14580-zip code. Their volunteers embrace the spirit of compassion as they provide food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. Financial assistance, with the emphasis on preventing homelessness, is available.

A handful of blood drives are coming up in our area (click the poster for more details):

  • Friday March 17, noon to 5 p.m., Webster Fireman’s Building, 172 Sanford St.
  • Thursday March 23, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Tuesday April 4, 1 to 6 p.m., St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Boy Scout Troop 262 will hold a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser this Saturday March 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford Street. Dinner is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 10.

Eat in or take out.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/13/2023)

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The Webster Girls 16U Cyclones are going to nationals

11 Mar

For the first time in the team’s 20-year (or so) history, the Webster Cyclones 16U Tier 2 Girls team will be heading to the Nationals.

At last weekend’s State Championships in Buffalo, the team capped an impressive 35-12-7 season with a strong showing, powering through a tough semi-final field and earning a trip to the Nationals later this month. After defeating Wheatfield in a thrilling 1-0 semifinal matchup, the team fell in the finals to the Adirondack Youth, who earned an automatic Nationals bid. However, the Cyclones were awarded an at-large bid to the tournament and will compete in Irvine, California from March 30 to April 3.

This is the first Webster Youth Hockey team — boys or girls — in the history of the organization to make it all the way to Nationals.

They can use our help to get there, too. Obviously, the cost of traveling to California for the tournament is pretty significant. So the team has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise some money for the trip. If you’d like to support the girls in their quest to bring a National title back to Webster, click here.

Also this news of note: the Webster Girls’ 19U team also made it all the way to the State Tournament this year, making this the first year ever that Webster had two girls’ teams make it to the States. Congratulations to both teams!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 3/8/2023)

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