Many thanks for making this year’s Peep Show the most successful ever

8 Apr

If you attended the Greater Rochester Peep Show last weekend at the Webster Recreation Center, you not only enjoyed a tremendous display of whimsical and creative Peep sculptures, you also helped make the event the most successful ever.

“Head PEEP” Michael Grenier reports that more than 2500 people attended the Peep Show this year, coming from Webster, many surrounding towns and even as far as Buffalo. The show raised nearly $8,000 before expenses — a record amount. And that was despite the fact that the attendance, albeit strong, was still slightly less than pre-pandemic levels. That means that the people who attended didn’t just wander around and look at the displays; they bought a lot of voting tickets and snacks and entered the raffles, all raising big bucks to benefit the Webster Community Chest and 12 other charities. (Visit the Peep Show website for a whole list.)

Also helping make the show a success were the scores of volunteers who managed a thousand little details, and the more than two dozen businesses and agencies who sponsored tables and rooms and provided door prizes. (See the list here.)

The Village at Unity
Sgt. Peeper
March of the Peepguins

The stars of the show, of course, were the displays, and they were spectacular this year.

Entries were separated into two categories, youth and adult. Community members were invited to vote for their favorite displays to determine the “Peeples Choice Winners.” The top winners in the adult category were:

  • First place: “The Village at Unity,” created by Lindsay Lown
  • Second place: “The Nutcracker, Sgt. Peeper,” created by Dancing With Denise
  • Third Place: “March of the Peepguins,” created by Rita Menaldino

The top youth winners were:

  • First place: “Advice from the Coral Reef,” created by GS Troop 60617
  • Second place: “Hopping with the Peepos,” created by Lilly B and Grammy
  • Thurs place: “Red Wings Stadium,” created by Rylynn C
Advice From the Coral Reef
Hopping With the Peeps
Red Wings Stadium

Click here for a complete list of adults and youth winners.

This year, for the first time, the Grand Prize winner was a real surprise.

Michael wrote,

The Grand Prize winner has always been an adult. We separate our entries into two groups–one for adults (16 years of age or over) and one for children–since it would be unfair to have little kids compete with grown-ups.

But there is strength in numbers, apparently.  This year’s Grand Prize winner was (the entry) made by Girl Scout Troop 60617, which is made up of 11- to 13-year-old girls. Although they had advisement and assistance from adults, the girls made all of the components of this display themselves. Each chose a sea creature to make (or two or three) and they assembled the components to make up the coral reef. Transporting the enclosure and putting it all together on site was the biggest challenge. 

Troop leader Megan Thompson added, “We had such a fun time building this as a troop, creating the different sea creatures and then all of us working together to build the coral at the end of our meeting.” 

Girl Scout Cadette Troop 60617 includes eight girls, ages 11 to 13. Their winning entry, “Advice From the Coral Reef,” is now on tour with 12 other displays. Their first stop is the Maplewood nursing home, where the residents are going to have their own Peep Show and vote for their favorites. After that, the displays will continue their tour at the Kirkhaven Nursing Home.

Megan Thompson From left to right is my daughter Amelia, who helps out with our troop and helped out with this project but is part of another troop, my youngest daughter Clara (she created the octopus!), and me.

* * *

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 4/8/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Free fitness expo designed for those with Parkinson’s

7 Apr

My father died seven years ago from Parkinson’s. So I know this frightening disease is in my family, and it might be something I’ll need to watch out for — and maybe even deal with — some day.

Given that history, I was very interested in a notice I received recently from the Webster Recreation Center about a special event being hosted there by Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage.

Beth Parry, a co-owner of Wellness 360, has been working on various projects with the Rec Center for several years. She currently teaches several classes including a mindfulness class and a weekly chair yoga class that routinely attracts more than 40 participants. Beth also offers classes specifically designed for those with Parkinson’s, including Rock Steady Boxing and cycling, and special events including a monthly support group for Parkinson’s caregivers. 

In an email, Beth explained the importance of exercise for the management of Parkinson’s:

Studies show that exercise can manage the progression and control the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Wellness 360 has developed a comprehensive Parkinson’s Program for all levels of your disease progression. Our classes provide support through evidence-based exercise, stress management, and vocal interventions. Wellness 360 also supports our Caregivers through support groups and respite events. Our vision is to empower the community through full-circle wellness to manage and treat your disease diagnosis. 

On Wednesday April 12, Beth will lead a Parkinson’s Fitness Expo from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. For those who have received a PD diagnosis, the event will offer the chance to sample five different classes:

  • Rock Steady Boxing:  Studies show boxing is a powerful exercise to manage your disease progression. This class uses evidence-based exercise with varying speeds, times, and resistance levels. Participants are encouraged to work at a pace that maximizes the effort and intensity of movement.  There are 2 levels to this class, adapted to each participant’s fitness level.
  • Parkinson’s Dance: Uses the power of music to help unlock stiff joints and muscles, improve your balance, and get those frozen feet moving. The class is open to all levels of fitness, and caregivers are welcome to participate.
  • Intentional Communication through the Arts:  Aims to improve speech clarity, volume, and expression through the integration of traditional speech therapy and performing arts basics. 
  • Cycle for Active Adults: Uses intervals with varying speeds, times, and resistance levels. Participants are encouraged to work at a pace that maximizes the effort and intensity of movement.
  • Yoga & Chair Yoga:  This class uses breathwork and traditional yoga postures to improve your range of motion, decrease your pain, and improve your balance. 

Each class will last for 20 minutes and will be scheduled such that every participant can try every class if they’d like.

Special activities will also be offered for caregivers, including hair massage, an introductory meet-and-greet for the caregiver support group, and yoga classes.

The Parkinson’s Fitness Expo is free of charge and no registration is required.

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

* * *

About Wellness 360:

Wellness 360 Physical Therapy and Massage, developed two years ago by Beth Parry and Lindsay Perez, offers physical therapy, massage therapy, and group fitness classes for disease management. Their group fitness classes are designed and led by healthcare professionals using evidence-based exercises. Their mission is to support the whole person, including their caregiver, through respite care events and monthly support groups. They believe a patient shows improved healing when surrounded by positivity, family, and social support. Wellness 360 has offices in Rochester and Webster, and also offers home-based mobile physical therapy sessions.

* * *

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 4/7/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Barry’s Runners celebrate seven years

6 Apr
The very first group photo, April 5, 2016
Another early photo from April 2016

Through rain, snow, sleet, biting cold and oppressive heat, Barry’s Runners have been running (and walking) every week for seven straight years.

Barry’s Runners, which marked its seventh anniversary this week, is a social running group of men, women, children (and occasionally dogs) that meets every Wednesday evening at Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster. Runners meet up at the pub at 6 p.m., and take the requisite before-run group photo before breaking into small groups to head out on their chosen routes. Some will run just a few miles, others as many as four, along village streets, the bike path, and nearby trails.

The group originated in 2016 as an extension of an already long-established local running club, Women Run Webster. Members of that group had been getting together for regular runs for more than a year. These runs would often begin and end at Barry’s, and the pub sort of became the unofficial home of Women Run Webster.

Alana Russell, one of Women Run Webster’s original members, came up with the idea to invite the greater Webster community to join the fun. Partnering with Barry’s Pub seemed like a no-brainer. So she pitched the idea to owners Danny and Jessica Barry, who enthusiastically supported the idea.

The new Barry’s Runners club held its first run on Tuesday, April 5, 2016. At least two runners have participated every week since, regardless of the elements. Even in the yuckiest weather, the runs will attract a half dozen or more die-hards. During the summer, several walkers will join the club, some with dogs and strollers in tow. Some weeks as many as 20 runners and walkers will crowd on the sidewalk for the pre-run photo.

And there’s always a pre-run photo. And it’s always outside. Even in the coldest weather, some unlucky Barry’s staff member is chosen to traipse outside with their cell phone, and no coat, to capture the occasion.

When everyone returns to the pub, it’s time to celebrate another successful run with pints, pretzels and good conversation.

I’m pleased to say that I’ve been running with this bunch of crazies since the beginning. I know for a fact that if it weren’t for them expecting me to show up, I wouldn’t have kept up my running regimen, modest though it may be. Running with good friends is so much easier than running alone.

Anyone who’d like to join in the fun is more than welcome. Things kick off — rain or shine — at 6 p.m. every Wednesday at Barry’s Old School Irish, 2 West Main Street in Village of Webster. Three pre-mapped routes of varying lengths have been prepared, or you can make up your own route. The whole idea is just to get out there, get some exercise and have fun with like-minded people. And no matter how far you want to run, how fast you run, or even if you just want to walk, you’ll find a new friend to do it with you.

But it’s OK if you want to stay home when it’s blizzarding out. We’ll understand.

* * *

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 4/6/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

M.O. Pasta brings authentic hand-made pasta to the village

5 Apr

I. Love. Pasta.

There’s no two ways about it. If I had my druthers, I’d eat some kind of pasta every day for lunch AND dinner. So when I walked by the former Savage Chef shop on Main Street the other day and noticed a sign in the window announcing that something called M.O. Pasta was “coming soon,” it stopped me in my tracks.

I had a chance to find out more on Wednesday when I met owner and professional chef Mike Oldfield.

M.O. Pasta has moved into half of the former Savage Chef meal prep and delivery service at 5 East Main St. It’s not a sit-down restaurant; that’s not in the cards (at least not yet). Instead, it’s a dedicated pasta shop, specializing in authentic Italian, handcrafted fresh pastas (including mushroom bucatini, lumache, mafaldine, creste di gallo) and small batch sauces, sold individually or as pasta kits and take-and-bake kits. They all feature fresh ingredients, local produce, and lots of attention to detail.

The shop willl also sell several dry pasta varieties (black pepper fusilli, spicy radiatore, spinach campanelle, mezze mafalde), five different sauces and fresh focaccia and sesame Italian loaf breads.

Mike Oldfield’s passion as a professional chef and journey to pasta shop owner had many stops and turns along the way. But his initial inspiration came from an unusual place, the Penfield Wegmans. He worked there as a dishwasher in high school, and during slow times, the store’s chef would allow him to help with some simple cooking jobs.

“The chef would bring me out and teach me how to cut croutons, chop carrots, simple things,” Mike said. “He kind of took me under his wing. For me it just clicked. It was easy, it was fun, I felt comfortable, it was interesting to me, and I think that was the exact moment it just went off.”

That experience led Mike to pursue a degree at the Culinary Institute of America. As part of his studies, he traveled to Italy on a food and wine tour. “That’s when I started to fall in love with Italian cooking, really loving the culture, the lifestyle and the food itself,” he said.

After graduation, Mike worked seasonal positions on Cape Cod, coming back to Penfield during the off-season to work at the Village Bakery in Fairport, and Black & Blue and JoJo Bistro in Pittsford.

Before long, however, he discovered he needed more of a challenge, and found an opportunity in Chicago. For nine years he worked his way up the chef ladder from cook to executive sous chef in Michelin Star and five-star Chicago restaurants. Then the pandemic hit and everything closed down. With no job to support himself, he moved back home to Penfield to wait out the pandemic.

After a few months, he got bored again and started making pasta, preparing two-serving pasta “kits” for family and friends complete with fresh pasta, and all the garnishes and sauce. They became so popular, “next thing I knew I had a line out of my house, people picking up pasta kits.”

As the pandemic started to wind down, the restaurants came calling. But the salaries were low, everyone was short-staffed, and “I didn’t really want to go back to that stressful life if I didn’t have to,” Mike said. Instead, he decided to lean into his new, surprisingly popular pasta-making business, and in July 2021 moved into a space in the Hungerford Building on East Main St. in the city.

The business continued to grow. Mike became a regular at the Fairport Farmers Market and sold out of his pastas, condiments, oils and sauces every week. Red Bird Market and Lori’s Natural Foods started stocking his products. But his office space in the Hungerford was kind of crimping his growth.

“I was in the city, my clients are all in the suburbs,” he explained. “It was kind of a pain for them to come downtown.” His space was also way down at the end of a hallway, so it was hard to find, and he had to share it with other businesses. So when someone told him the Savage Chef storefront was becoming available, he jumped on the opportunity.

It took a few months, but with help from an army of friends and family members, the entire shop got scrubbed, repainted, repaneled and drywalled, new equipment got moved in and new shelving installed. Everything is in place for the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday, April 7, when Milke will begin to provide Webster with something not found anywhere else in Rochester: fresh, hand-made pasta.

For anyone who hasn’t cooked up a batch of fresh pasta before, it’s a game-changer. “Once they have it,” Mike noted, “they’re hooked.”

Mike’s only just opened his new place, but he’s already got some great plans for the future, including offering public and private pasta classes and adding products like homemade mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. He’s also looking forward to participating in Village of Webster events.

“I think M.O. Pasta is going to be a great neighborhood spot,” Mike said.

I wholeheartedly agree.

Check out M.O. Pasta for yourself during the Grand Opening Celebration on Friday April 7. The doors will be open from noon to 7 p.m., from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit the M.O. Pasta website, Facebook page, or connect with Mike on Instagram.

* * *

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 4/5/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Revisting the Village Quilt Shoppe

4 Apr

It had been a long time since I’d popped into the Village Quilt Shoppe on Main Street, which happens to be one of my favorite — and perhaps the cutest — shops in town. I don’t visit very often these days, but I’m always pleased to see patrons coming in and out while I’m there, and I love exploring all of the new, very creative quilting projects hanging everywhere.

I paused during my morning walk yesterday to stop in just to say hi to Monique and Vanetta. What immediately struck me when I walked through the door were the dozen-or-more “fat quarters” hanging from the shop’s ceiling.

Basically, fat quarters are mini-quilts, and the challenge to our local quilters was to take two distinctly different fabrics, and work them into whatever design they’d like. The finished projects, even though each one incorporates the two fabrics, are wonderfully different. The designs range from more traditional bordered quilts, to a pastoral scene with sheep, two friends holding hands, flowers, a beehive, cats and birds and more.

You can vote for your favorites online here, but it’s better to stop by the shop and see them in person. They’ll pretty much blow you away. (Votes are being accepted through April 15.)

But be forewarned. When you go to the shop, be prepared to be sucked in by the beautiful quilted projects of all kinds that fill the walls and hang from the shelves. I’m not even a quilter, and I kept stopping to admire first an apron, then a bag, then a pillow.

If you’re a quilter yourself or if you love a quilter, and you haven’t stopped by the Village Quilt Shoppe yet, what’s stopping you? Vanetta and Monique would love to meet you. The shop is at 21 East Main St., at the corner of Lapham Park.

* * *

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 4/4/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Highlighting some great upcoming library programs

3 Apr

There’s always something happening at the Webster Public Library, tons of programs for children and adults. But today I want to highlight four special events in particular, coming up in the next several weeks.

The first is what I think will be a very interesting presentation about cemeteries by local author/photographer Jane Hopkins. The program is called Cemetery Reflections, named for the book Jane published late summer. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.) At the program, scheduled for Thursday April 13 at 6:30 p.m., Jane will present images from the book, especially focusing on Webster’s own beautiful cemeteries. Or, as the library blurb says, “Stroll through three centuries of American cemeteries in a video presentation of compelling images from Jane’s book, followed by a talk illustrating upstate New York cemetery art and design.”

In her email to me, Jane wrote, “Webster cemeteries are an active part of the community: there is always someone walking, tending to a gravesite, or maintaining the grounds. Cemeteries give a sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. Remembering the past gives a focus to our future.”

The program is free, but registration is required so the library knows how many chairs to set up. It’s very easy to register. Click here to do so.

Webster Rural Cemetery
Webster Union Cemetery

Two days later, on Saturday April 15, the Webster Library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. Almost four dozen (so far) agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants.

Caregivers can come any time during the time of the fair and ask questions and get information. If you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available upon request. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you go, look for me. I’ll be helping represent the JuJitsu Buddies program offered by Strike Back Martial Arts for children on the autism spectrum.

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is coming fast. It takes place Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently-used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The very popular Volunteer Fair returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

Plenty of community groups have already signed on, but more are welcome. If your business or organization has volunteer opportunities you’d like to share, email Jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org for more information.

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

* * *

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 4/3/2023)

Tags: , , , , , ,

Looking ahead to the village’s summer events

2 Apr

This coming summer is looking pretty … well, entertaining, as all Village of Webster summers are.

The small business owners who comprise the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) have sent out a preliminary schedule of all the events planned so far. (Make sure to read all the way to the bottom, because there’s a brand new, wildly fun event on the schedule.)

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 7 with a performance by the Red Hot and Blue Band featuring Americana music.

Coming up later in the summer:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for August 18 and 19, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Jazz in the Street” on Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m.

The Webster Fireman’s Field will be hopping in September, with a Fireman’s Field Evening/Coach’s ALS Fundraiser on Sept. 9; the Oktoberfest Sept. 15 to 17; the Zach Brown Tribute Band on Sept. 21; and an all-day cornhole tournament on Sept. 23.

BRAND NEW this year, the Webster Village Bed Race will take over Main Street on Saturday Sept. 16! Lots of details are still being hammered out about that, so stay tuned for those.

And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

* * *

Plus, don’t forget about the second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, scheduled for Saturday April 8 at Webster Fireman’s Field.

The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)

The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras!

All of these events are sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Visit the website for more details as they become available, and while you’re there, sign up for the newsletter which will deliver details about these events right to your mailbox.

* * *

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 4/2/2023)

Tags: , , ,

Women’s history came alive at the Webster Public Library

1 Apr

Many thanks to everyone who came out on Thursday afternoon to the Webster Public Library to take part in the Webster Women — Past and Present program organized by the Webster Museum.

About 30 people gathered in the library’s Community Room to listen to six Webster women tell their stories of what was — or is — notable about their lives. I was honored to be included in that outstanding group of women, speaking for around five minutes mostly about how I began my Webster on the Web blog and how it’s become a valued resource in our community.

I was joined by,

  • Victoria Woodhull (portrayed by Gwen Hoffman), daughter-in-law of Byron Woodhull, Webster’s first Town Supervisor, who has the distinction of being the first-ever woman to run for president of the United States, in 1872;
  • Erva Wright (portrayed by Eileen Brookins), a 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 (portrayed by Lisa McNamara), long-time teacher and Webster Historian, best known for the book she published in 1971, Webster Through the Years;
  • Agnes Semmler (portrayed by Sharon Pratt), a farm wife who raised her family on Shoecraft Rd.; and
  • Ginny Nguyen, present-day Town of Webster councilwoman whose father was a South Vietnamese Army officer, and who escaped with her family from Vietnam after the war.

The stories were all fascinating, especially when Victoria Woodhull (Gwen Hoffman) talked about how she advocated for “free love” (which at that time meant the freedom to marry, divorce and bear children without government restrictions) and how she wound up in jail on election day the year she ran for president.

The program was organized to commemorate Women’s History Month, and was a great illustration of how the women of Webster helped shape our town, and continue to do so.

Thank you again to all who attended, and to Sharon Pratt at the Webster Museum for her hard work organizing the event.

Lisa McNamara as Esther Dunn
Gwen Hoffman as Victoria Woodhull

* * *

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 4/1/2023)

Tags: , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

30 Mar

The second annual Village of Webster Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Webster BID, is just around the corner, on Saturday April 8 at the Webster Fireman’s Field on Ridge Rd.

The absolutely free event will begin at 11 a.m., and is designed for children ages 10 and under. Children will be split into three age groups: 0-2, 3-5 and 6-10. Arrive any time after 10:30 a.m. Our local business owners and community agencies are preparing almost 5,000 eggs, so no fear — there will be enough for everyone. (And some eggs have a secret surprise.)

The Easter Bunny will be there, too, so bring your cameras! This great event is sponsored by the village’s Business Improvement District.

By the way, the organizers could use some volunteers to help set up and run the event. If you’re interested in having a little fun and helping out, click here to sign up!

* * *

Those young Brownies from Troop 60344 are at it again.

They’re going to be outside the Webster Walmart Home entrance on Saturday April 1 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with their table of Girl Scout cookies. So no worries if you thought you’d missed out on Girl Scout Cookie season this year.

The girls will also be encouraging people to donate a box of cookies to the Blue Star Mothers NY8 chapter to be included in care packages for locally deployed troops. (The soldiers LOVE to get Girl Scout cookies.)

The Blue Star Mothers plan to send out more than 200 care packages soon, and would love to have a box of cookies to put in each one.

* * *

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is quickly approaching!

The Friends’ Spring Book Sale will be held Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

* * *

This notice from the Webster Central School District:

Applications for absentee ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available from District Clerk Cynthia Cushman, 119 South Avenue, Webster, phone (585) 216-0001, or at the news story on the district website.

All absentee ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by or for the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and election of Board of Education candidates takes place Tuesday, May 16, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

* * *

Here’s a great way to celebrate Earth Day this coming April 22: a Family Scavenger Hunt.

This easy hike/scavenger hunt will take place at Liberty Lodge/Finn Park on Maple Drive from 10 a.m. to noon. Different hunts will be available for three three skill levels, ages 2 through 12. The event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather, and make sure to wear boots if it’s been wet. It would also be helpful if you could bring your own clipboard and pencil.

The Family Scavenger Hunt costs $5, and registrations are being taken through the Webster Recreation Center. PLEASE register ahead of time so we know how many kids to expect. Payment can be made when you arrive at the park. Click here to register.

The Family Scavenger Hunt is being hosted by the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) in conjunction with the Friends of Webster Trails and Webster Recreation Center. Proceeds will benefit the Friends of Webster Trails.

* * *

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 3/29/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Remembering Webster’s own who lost their lives in Vietnam

29 Mar

I was reminded by a friend recently that today, March 29, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the day the remaining US combat forces left South Vietnam. It’s a fitting opportunity to remember the five Webster boys who lost their lives during that war.

  • Leonard Coles, a Webster Thomas graduate, was killed in a fragging incident on May 16, 1969, when a disgruntled American soldier threw a grenade into the facility where he was working as a typist. He’s buried at Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • Rex Daniels, a 1968 Webster Thomas grad, lived on the far eastern end of Plank Rd. He was killed on April 16, 1971 in Thừa Thiên-Huế, Vietnam. He’s buried in White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford. On Memorial Day, 2021, an American flag was flown in honor of Rex at the Webster Rural Cemetery ceremony. The flag came to Webster after being flown over Capitol Hill on April 16, 2021, exactly 50 years to the day Daniels lost his life.
  • Don Holleder was the first from Webster who was killed. He served as Operations Officer for the 28th Infantry Regiment, the Black Lions. On October 17, 1967, he was killed by a sniper as he ran to the rescue of several soldiers trapped during the Battle of Ong Thanh, an act for which he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He’s buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Peter Kaulback was a Marine. He lived on Fuller Ave., not far from what is now Spry Middle School, but when he graduated in 1962 was Webster High School. was then Webster High School, now Spry Middle School. He was killed on May 31, 1968, during heavy fighting in the Quang Tri Province. He’s buried at Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • David Semmler lived on Hatch Rd. near Holy Spirit Church. He served as an Army infantryman, and was patrolling the perimeter of a firing range on Feb. 5, 1971 when a booby-trap detonated and he was fatally injured. He was posthumously promoted to corporal. He’s buried at White Haven Memorial Park.

When Webster’s Wreaths Across America effort is able to expand into Webster Rural Cemetery, I look forward to the chance to place wreaths on the graves of the two young heroes who are buried there.

* * *

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 3/29/2023)

Tags: ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →