Tag Archives: Missy Rosenberry

Village of Webster’s “Christmas in July” will feature an EMS parade

16 Jul

Plans continue to come together — and get more exciting — for some great family events in Webster Village the last week in July.

The latest addition to a whole week of activities is a “Christmas in July” Summer Parade of (at least) EMS vehicles on Thursday July 29 beginning ar 7 p.m. I’m sensing the organizers are looking to plan something a little like the huge Fireman’s Parade, but on a much smaller scale.

Community members are encouraged to dress up in their best holiday attire. That means get up into the attic and dig out all your Santa hats, antlers, Christmas lights and even ugly sweaters.

True to the “Christmas in July” theme, there will also be caroling and Christmas cookie decorating at the gazebo. More details as they come will be posted to this Facebook event page.

Then, on Friday July 30, West Main Street will be closed for an evening of family games and entertainment…and beer.

The village’s first-ever Family Games Night and Beer Garden will feature sidewalk chalk art for the kids (and adults), giant street games like Jenga and Connect Four, and a free yoga class. The Coach Sports Bar will be serving up beer and wine and Webster Hots will offer dinner options.

Live acoustic music is also on tap from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Steve Bartolotta.

Earlier in the week, don’t forget that Elf (yes the Christmas movie!) will be the featured attraction at Movie Night in Gazebo Park, Tuesday July 27 beginning at 8 p.m.

You can also stay on top of Village of Webster events by regularly checking the Webster BID website.

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

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Revisting the “Great Flip Flop Rescue” at Bayside

9 Jul

There’s been a lot of chatter recently about how Bayside Pub will likely soon be history due to the Town of Webster’s big Sandbar Park Project.

It all made me think back to a warm summer evening five years ago when we joined our friends for dinner — and what became dinner AND a show — at the popular restaurant. I’d like to share the blog I wrote after our memorable adventure.

An entertaining trip to Bayside

(originally published July 18, 2016)

Believe it or not, last night was the very first time my husband and I had ever been to the Bayside Pub up on Lake Road. Our friends Dave and Patty invited us along when they headed up there for dinner. They warned us there’d be a wait for a table, but that we’d enjoy sitting outside with a beer and listening to some music while we did.

They were right on both counts. The wait was long because — as many of you probably already know —  Bayside is quite small and apparently everybody in Webster knows that sitting on the Bayside lawn on a gorgeous summer Sunday evening, drinking a beer and listening to music is THE thing to do.

Before long we were joined by four other friends. We talked, and laughed, and sang along with a very entertaining local cover band called Vintage.

But the best part of the evening was what will forever be known as the Great Flip Flop Rescue.

Allow me to paint the scene. We’re waiting at a table right on the water, and as we’re chatting, I watch as a young girl scampers down the short dock toward her family’s small boat. She stops in front of it and kicks off one of her flip flops, expecting it to land in the boat. Not even close. Instead, it plops into the bay. Undaunted, she kicks off the other flip flop. Which lands in the bay right next to the first one.

She stands there, looks at them, looks around to see if there’s someone who can help, looks at them again. Finally, she heads back down the dock, probably in search of adult assistance.

Eventually, Dad comes by, heads toward the water, looks at the flip flops and walks back towards land with a rather peeved expression. Meantime, our victim scampers back and forth on the dock, flip-flop-less, while the wayward footwear continue to float away.

Before long, a small knot of family members and friends from the neighboring boat has convened on the dock, and the adult strategizing begins. Now all four of us, still waiting for dinner, are closely watching the action, anxious to see how the exciting drama plays out.

One of the flip flops had not yet floated too far away, and somehow they retrieve that one rather quickly. The other one is more problematic.

There is much discussion on the dock. Someone pulls a pike pole out of one of the boats, and extends it to its full length before realizing that it would take about 10 of them to reach the flip flop at this point. Someone starts uncoiling a rope attached to a toddler’s floaty.  Someone else tries casting a fishing rod in its direction.

There is much discussion at our table, too. Like football fans questioning a poor call on the field, we’re wondering why SOMEONE doesn’t think to throw a tube into the water (there’s one tethered to flip-flop-family’s boat) and paddle over to it.

Perhaps she hears us, but it is flip flop girl who finally also has that brilliant thought. Now skittering around in one flip flop, she hops into her boat, pulls the tube up next to the side of the boat, and starts trying to climb in. As soon as she puts one foot on it she realizes that without help, she’ll also be in the water. So instead, she yanks on the rope and, all by herself, wrestles the tube into the boat.

Apparently no one else thinks it’s a brilliant idea, because it just sits there.

FINALLY, neighboring-boat-owner-family figures they might as well head home. So they pull all their kids and stuff together, back their boat out of the dock, putter over to the flip flop, retrieve it and return it to flip flop girl.

There was actual cheering.

The Bayside may someday be gone, but memories like these will always remain.

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

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Webster community mailbag

6 Jul

A couple of reminders this morning about upcoming events, plus a few new events for your consideration.

This Friday July 9, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, at the corner of Webster Rd. (Rt. 250) and State Rd., will host a drive-through Taco Dinner, beginning at 4 p.m. and ending when they’re sold out.

Customers will have a choice of beef and chicken Birria style street tacos along with rice and black bean sides. The meals, priced at $12 for the first one and $11 for each additional meal ordered at the same time, are prepared by Tacodero, of Rochester. Its owner and chef, Cordero Rivera, has worked as a private chef cooking for hip-hop artists and NBA players in NYC before moving to Rochester.

Orders can be placed when you drive into the event. Proceeds will support the church’s outreach efforts in the Webster community and the greater Rochester area.

The Friends of the Public Library have added more dates for their Pop-Up Book Sales.

Four more sales have been scheduled for Thursday July 15, Saturday July 31, Thursday August 12 and Saturday August 28. They’ll be held in the Webster Public Library parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. (Cancellations will be posted on the library’s website and Facebook page or you can call the library at 585-872-7075.)

Prices will be $1 for hardcover, 2/$1 for paperback. On August 28, the last sale day, bring your own bag and fill it to the brim for just $3 (or two bags for $5).

By the way, remember that the library is holding Outdoor Storytimes at Harmony Park every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. No registration is necessary. The park is located just off Phillips Rd. on 10 Foster Drive. For more information, check out the library calendar here.

This tidbit also from the library: “Binge Bags.”

If you’re in the mood to take a break and binge on four or five movies — all with the same theme (like Star Wars or the best of Stephen King) — you can check out a “Binge Bag” at the library. It will be your own personal movie marathon. (Don’t forget the popcorn.)

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

The Webster Recreation Center’s next Family Fun Day will be on Saturday July 17.

The Summer Splash Family Fun Water Day will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Splash Park, located on Chiyoda Drive adjacent to the Webster Recreation Center. Make sure to wear your swimsuits, bring a towel and some cash because there will be food trucks.

No registration is required, and the event is free for all ages.

And while you’re near the Rec Center, make sure to grab your copy of the new “Find a Way to Play” playgrounds passport. This is a new program from the Webster Parks and Recreation Department which encourages families to get outside and explore all of the great play areas we have here in Webster.

The 10-page passbook highlights many places right here in town where children and adults can be active and have fun. It encourages everyone to visit different facilities and discover each one’s unique amenities. The booklet provides a brief description of not just playgrounds, but two spray parks, the skate park and more.

You can read more about the program in this blog I wrote a few weeks ago.

There’s a very special event coming up later this month which I’ll write more about at a later date. But it’s something I think you’ll want to get on your calendar right now, especially if you’re not familiar with Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

Miracle Field is located on Ridge Road behind Town Hall. This beautiful facility was specifically designed for individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges and is fully wheelchair accessible. It offers those with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

On Saturday July 24, Miracle Field will host their “Heroes Helping Heroes” day, a tribute to the Challenger athletes and the men and women who keep them safe.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. first responders will be playing ball games alongside the Challenger players. You can watch the games, cheer on these amazing athletes, then stay to visit with law enforcement representatives, first responders and mounted police officers. Plus there’ll be carnival games, food trucks, a dunk tank and a visit from Spikes, the Red Wings mascot. It should be a great morning of family fun.

More to come about this event later. But in the meantime, you can visit the Rochester Challenger Miracle Field website for details.

Also coming up later this month, a brand new event from the Webster BID, those folks who bring you White Christmas in the Village, Trick or Treat Trail, Wine Walks and more.

It’s being called the Family Games Night & Beer Garden, scheduled for Friday July 30 from 6 to 9 p.m. on West Main Street in the village.

The BID website promises sidewalk chalk art, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Cornhole and a free yoga class. Beer and wine will be served up by the Coach Sports Bar and food from Webster Hots (including a kids’ menu). Live acoustic music will be provided by Steve Bartolotta from 6:30 to 8:00.

Details are still being hammered out, so stay tuned. You can also check the BID website for updates.

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

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.

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Great news from the Webster Museum

30 Jun

The Webster Museum is opening again! The Webster Museum is opening again!

After a long hiatus thanks to the pandemic, the Webster Museum will be opening its doors to the public again in August, on Saturday, Aug. 21 and Saturday Aug. 28, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. both days.

Regular museum hours will resume in September, when the museum will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

The opening exhibit will feature the paintings of artist Ward Mann, who lived, worked and painted in Webster from 1961 until his death in 2005. His family has generously provided many of Ward’s paintings for this exhibit, memorabilia from his studios in Webster and in Rocky Neck, MA and slide shows of many of his other works.

Visit the Webster Museum website to find out more about this exhibit and some fascinating Webster history (I especially enjoy the blog).

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village.

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

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I’ve often wondered about those cars…

29 Jun

A week or so ago, I got the latest edition of my Friends of Webster Trails newsletter. It immediately drew me in, because splashed across the top of the first page was a photo of an old, beat-up, rusting car.

I knew immediately where the photo had been taken. The car is actually one of several similarly (or worse) rusted-out cars that hikers will see when they walk the trails at Four Mile Creek Preserve, at the corner of Lake Rd. and Phillips.

I’ve been on those trails several times, and have come to love the old cars. Rather than seeing them as eyesores, their history always intrigued me. I wondered how they could show up in the middle of the woods like that. This one in particular is pock-marked with what look like bullet holes. I liked to imagine it was a get-away car belonging to some gangster who drove into the woods to escape, but who met with an unfortunate end. (The actual story of how the bullet holes got there is probably a lot less nefarious.)

So I was delighted to see the newsletter article explaining where these cars came from. It actually makes a lot more sense than the gangster story.

Trail steward Dennis Kuhn was able to track down some information. He wrote,

The cars were driven onto the property from Lake Road across a bridge that accessed farmland where the cars were last driven. It seems that some local youths decided to create a racetrack somewhat off the beaten path to have some fun cavorting around the open fields that were available at the time. If you traverse the land as it is now, you’ll have to use your imagination to see a relatively treeless landscape that existed sometime in the nineteen fifties or early sixties.

Nevertheless, the youths of the day had a ton of fun going around in circles until they ran out of gas or had a flat tire or wrecked the transmission.

If anyone knows more about the history of these old cars, the Friends would love to hear from you.

I was also excited to read in the newsletter that the Friends are developing a new trail at the State Rd. Nature Preserve, an area of undeveloped land on State Rd. just west of Salt. I haven’t seen a whole lot of details about this yet, but as I learn more about it I’ll let you know.

It continues to amaze me the great job the Friends of Webster Trails are doing maintaining our current trails and developing new ones. These dedicated volunteers bring hours of enjoyment to our community and deserve our continued support.

If you’re not familiar with all of the terrific trails we have here in Webster, check out the Friends of Webster Trails website, then get out there and start exploring. If you ARE already a fan of our trails, please consider dropping $10 for a single membership or $15 for a family. Your donation will go a long way to helping these fine folks help US enjoy our town’s natural beauty for years to come.

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

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.

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Hickory Bark Trail platform back in action

7 Jun

Have you discovered Hickory Bark Woods yet?

This is a beautiful little natural area just steps from the Webster Public Library’s front doors, adjacent to the Ridge Park playing fields behind Town Hall. The stand of woods measures about 10 acres, and there’s a very nice, short trail that leads into the center of the woods, ending at a spacious deck.

At least it did for a while.

Last November, a large tree fell onto the platform, pretty much destroying it. But just about a month ago, the Friends of Webster Trails put a team together and repaired the platform. Many thanks go out to Eric Turberg, Steve Turberg, Bud Gearhart, Dennis Kuhn, Craig Hurlbut and John Boettcher.

These before-and-after photos came from the Town of Webster weekly newsletter:

I was especially happy to see that repairs had been made to the platform because I know the Webster Public Library likes to use the trail and deck for some of their programs.

I also remember when, last July, Doreen and Laureen from the library dedicated one of their Let’s Explore Webster videos to Hickory Bark Trail. You can see that video here, and click here if you want to read my blog about the trail (and the fairy houses I found there).

By the way, Doreen and Laureen have recently published their latest Let’s Explore Webster video, this one about three of Webster’s historic properties. Click below to see that video, then visit the Webster Library’s YouTube channel to see many more videos from this excellent series. (And all sorts of other neat stuff!!)

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

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Quilting for a cause

16 Oct

quilt

I recently heard about an event being hosted later this week by the Webster Quilt Guild which I wanted to let you know about.

On Saturday October 20, the Guild will host its 6th annual Quilt Pink Day. This is a  nationwide event; locally, quilters will come together to benefit the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, for whom they’ve already make 200 quilts.

If you’re interested in joining them, it’s at Plank South Elementary School, 715 Plank Road (entrance is off of Scribner), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All you need to bring is your sewing machine and basic sewing supplies. The Guild will have fabric and blocks cut up to sew into the quilts.

The event is being led by Guild members Michelle Sanderson and Jen Martin, who have worked tirelessly on this program over the years. Kudos to the entire organization for the good they’re doing for our community.

But there’s more! The Webster Quilt Guild, now celebrating its 43rd year, is constantly doing great things for our community. On the first Monday of every month, for example, they host their “Chat and Charity” group at the Goodwill store on Webster Commons Blvd. in Webster, led by Gretchen Stumme and Cheryl Bond. They describe this group as a “fabulously fun group of friends working on charitable projects.” Some of the projects they’ve completed include “shirt savers” for Mary Cariola Center, and “fidget quilts” for St. Anne’s. Their current project are “no-no bags” for Strong Pediatric.

The group’s regular meetings on the third Friday of every month feature some great activities, great discussions, and plenty of new friends and socializing.  The meetings are held at the Webster United Methodist Church on East Main Street.

Read more about the Webster Quilt Guild on their website, here.

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

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Webster community mailbag

27 Aug

nick KIt has come to my attention in the last few days that in my blogs about all the 5Ks coming to our little town of Webster, I have neglected to mention one.

It’s the Nick K 5K, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year.  It takes place on Saturday September 1 beginning at 8 a.m. at Webster Parks and Recreation, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Nicholas Kapusniak was killed on March 1, 2014 when a drive-by shooter fired into a group of college students in St. Louis, Missouri. Nick is a former resident of Webster and was attending school at the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

The Nick K 5K hopes to draw attention to the violence that is becoming commonplace in our schools and cities. Part of the proceeds will go to local Crime Stoppers in Rochester and St. Louis, with the rest being put towards scholarships in his name at his high school in Waukesha, Wisconsin and the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.

Runners and walkers can register by clicking here. Cost is $25, and includes a t-shirt and other giveaways. Walk-up registrations will be accepted the morning of the race beginning at 7:15AM.

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Put this one on your calendar now so you can get there before they sell out:

The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1130 Webster Road (at the corner of State Road) is holding a drive-thru takeout chicken dinner sale on Thursday September 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s a fund-raiser for its Outreach Committee, which supports local charities in the greater Rochester areas. Each meal (from Heintzelman’s BBQ Pit of Ontario) is $12, includes a half-side of chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw and cornbread.

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When I was out and about today, I decided to drive by a few of our elementary schools to check out the new playgrounds. They’re all finished, just in time for the start of school, and are already being used.

I got photos of the new equipment at Plank North and South, Klem North and South, and Schlegel Road. Check them out below.

Klem North

Klem North

Klen south

Klem South

plank north

Plank North

plank south

Plank South

schlegel

Schlegel Road

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

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5Ks come to Webster this summer

18 Aug

Runners, take note, because this is something that rarely happens.

If you like to compete in 5Ks, but don’t like traveling too far out of town to do so, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s not just one, but TWO 5K races coming up within four weeks of each other, right here in Webster.

first responders

The first is the First Responders 5K, scheduled for Friday August 31 at 6:30 p.m. This is a brand new race, created to honor and support our local first responders.

This information about the race comes from the event’s Facebook page:

The First Responders 5K will recognize the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families in our local community.

First responders put their lives on the line for us every day as they face hardships that most of us will never know. The repetitive negative experience of stressful and potentially traumatic events that first responders face on a daily basis leaves them particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder.

The event is designed to raise awareness for PTSD in first responders and raise funds for a local charity to provide support for those who suffer from its effects.

The race begins at Fireman’s Field on Ridge Road, just west of the village of Webster. Cost is $20, or $10 for active first responders. T-shirts are not included but may be ordered for an additional $10. The race will be chip-timed, with finisher medals, post-race food and live music. To register or find out more information, click here.

run walk and roll

This next race also benefits a great cause.

It the 4th annual Run, Walk & Roll 5K and 1 mile stroll to benefit Challenger Miracle Field. I’ve run this race every year, so I can attest to how fun it is.

Proceeds from this event will help build Play with Possibilities Playground at the Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester Complex. These inclusive spaces will provide people with developmental, physical, or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment. All kids will be able to participate in elevated and ground-level play with ramps, transfer points, and sensory–rich play opportunities throughout so that the play space is friendly to all children and parents as well as other caregivers, such as grandparents and service animals.

This all-inclusive family-friendly event encourages participants to run or walk, push a wheelchair, push themselves in a wheelchair, or participate with other assistive devices including adaptive bicycles and tricycles.

The courses start and end at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road. Registration is open at 8 a.m. The 5K, including wheelchair athletes, will kick off at 9:30. The 1-mile stroll will begin at 9:35. Packet pick-up and in-person registration will take place that morning. Prizes will be awarded, and the first 200 registrants get a free t-shirt, which you can wear proudly to show what a good person you are.

Cost if you pre-register is $20 for the 5K and $17 for the one-mile stroll. In-person registration at the race will cost $30/$22. For more information and on-line sign-up, click here.

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

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The Village Bakery a welcome addition

17 Aug

 

IMG_20180812_103641068

It took me a little while, but I finally got a chance to check out the brand new Village Bakery, which just opened up in the Village of Webster.

I’m fairly certain you’ve heard that the bakery is finally here; its arrival was highly anticipated. And judging from the number of people who’ve been streaming through its doors — and from my own experiences there — it has not disappointed.

I’m not going to rehash the whole history behind the decision to bring the bakery and its baking operation to Webster. That story has been told pretty well in several stories published in the D&C (here’s one, but just search for “Village Bakery” on their website to see more.) I’ll just pass along some of my thoughts from my recent visits.

The place is spacious, for starters. There’s a large dining room inside, and several tables outside, so even though the place was very busy each time I went, everyone could find a seat.

There’s a wonderful selection of breads, muffins, cookies and assorted baked goods, of course, but there’s also a nice display of Village Bakery merchandise (hats, t-shirts, mugs, etc.) and specialty food items (sauces, pasta, butters…). The breakfast and lunch menus are extensive, with lots of open and closed-face sandwiches, but with enough other offerings to keep diners happy.

Probably one of the biggest impressions I got from the Village Bakery is that it’s going to be a very popular village gathering spot. For that matter, it already is. When I was there a few days ago, I ran into six friends and acquaintances. Kind of like whenever I go to Barry’s Pub, I almost expected to know everybody who walked through the door.

THAT is the mark of a great village business. And THAT is what this village needs to help re-energize East Main Street.

The only problem I see with the Village Bakery and its new location is parking. That parking lot down immediately behind the East Main Street shops is not a big one. The few times I was there I was lucky to find a free spot. That problem might solve itself as the initial excitement wears off and crowds lessen a bit, but until that happens, you might have to park behind the Harmony House.

But basically, that’s no big deal and the effort will be well worth it.

The Village Bakery & Cafe is located in the lower level of shops at 44 East Main Street in the Village of Webster, off that street that runs next to the Harmony House (don;t know if it has a name). You can also reach it from Kircher Park and North Ave. They’re open Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Check out these photos below:

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

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