Tag Archives: Spry Middle School

“Cut loose, footloose, kick off your Sunday shoes ….” (this weekend)!

6 Mar

The curtain’s about to go up on the Spry Drama Club’s spring musical, Footloose!, which will fill the Spry Middle School Cafetorium with music and dance in three shows this coming Friday and Saturday.

You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows a city teenager who moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been deemed illegal. The new kid and his rebellious spirit shake up the town as he tries to bring music back into their drab lives … and win the girl at the same time. There’s lots of great music (including that very infectious title song), plus some new songs developed for the stage musical.

As you can see from the photos I’ve included here, I had the chance to pop by one of the dress rehearsals the other day, and was very impressed by how hard these young actors, actresses and stage crew have been working to put together a great show. And the talent I saw in these middle school-aged performers kinda of blew me away. There are some incredibly beautiful voices in the ensemble which I’m certain we’ll be hearing again in future productions at Webster Schroeder High School and beyond.

I highly recommend you see this show. It’ll be a delightful and inexpensive night out.

Spry Drama Club will present Footloose! this coming Friday March 10 at 7 p.m. and Saturday March 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Reserve tickets are $8 each and can be purchased online here. Spry Middle School is located at 119 South Ave., in the Village of Webster.

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(posted 3/6/2023)

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Middle schools announce theatrical performances

23 Jan

You know that spring can’t be far behind when Webster’s middle schools announce their late-winter performances, which are always the first on the schedule every year.

Willink Middle School kicks everything off in just a few weeks when they present Disney’s Newsies, Jr. in three shows on Feb. 3 and 4.

Featuring a cast and crew of 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, the show is based on the real-life newsboy strike of 1899. It tells the story of Jack Kelly (Nicole Eggleton), a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant, Joseph Pulitzer (Jeremiah Fischer), raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from reporter Katherine Plumber (Evie Aiezza), the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.

The show is packed with high-energy songs which have become well known to theater-goers and non theater-goers alike, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe.”

Shows are Friday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 4 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway, Webster. Tickets go on sale the week of January 30 on the Drama Club website. Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Children 3 and younger are free.

Looking ahead to March, the Spry Middle School Drama Club is putting the final touches on their production of Footloose, scheduled for March 10 and 11.

Footloose tells the story of a young man who transfers to a high school in a small Midwestern town where rock music and dancing have been made illegal. As he struggles to fit in, he faces an uphill battle to change things.

The cast is led by 8th graders Rowan Murphy as Ren and Lilah Kastrinos as Ariel, supported by Rory Goodwin as Rev Shaw and Sarah Lowe as Vi. Ani Boller, Savannah Lane, Emily Berry, Grace Clayton, Abby Bielemeier and Evan Burdick round out the strong ensemble cast.

The performance features 80’s classics including “Footloose,” “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Almost Paradise” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boys.”

Footloose will take the Spry Cafetorium stage on Friday March 10 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. More details to come about tickets.

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(posted 1/23/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Nov

Making Spirits Bright needs your help.

This wonderful grassroots organization has been bringing holiday joy to local families for nine years now. They started in 2014 helping just 13 families. Last year they brightened the lives of 375 families, providing winter gear, beds, bedding, household necessities, food and gifts.

But Making Spirits Bright needs community support to make all this happen. They’re looking for businesses, groups and individuals to adopt families’ lists (two family members or more). If you’re interested, or know someone else who might be, email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com. They’ll be happy to send more information.

If you can’t commit to adopting a family, here are a few other ways you can help:

  • They need beds. A LOT of beds. They’re collecting twin, full and queen-size mattresses, box springs and frames that are in GOOD condition. Email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com if you have a donation, and they’ll schedule a time with you to drop them off.
  • Adopt one person. You may be as specific as you’d like regarding age and gender identity. They can’t guarantee you’ll get an exact match, but they’ll try their best to accommodate wherever possible.
  • Organize a Drive. Host a donation drive to collect items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, wrapping paper, boxes, tags, gift cards and feminine hygiene items.
  • Purchase from the Community List. You can purhcase one item for one person or several items for numerous people. The list is typically posted on the Making Spirits Bright Facebook page by mid-November.
  • Make a monetary donation.
    The organization appreciates any monetary donations, large and small, which are used to ensure all the needs of the families are met. Contributions can be made via PayPal with a credit or debit card here (a PayPal account is not needed to make a donation).

Any other questions? Email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com.

The Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash takes place this Saturday Nov. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St.

Sample bourbons and whiskey from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants.

This very popular event is brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District and Webster Wine and Spirits. Tickets are $25 and are limited. They might already be gone, but you can check here to see if there are any left.

Santa’s Garage Sale is happening this weekend as well, at St. Martin Lutheran Church on Thursday and Friday Nov. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is all about Christmas and holiday decorations, which you can pick up at some really good prices. (Certainly better prices than you’ll find in the stores.) There will also be other holiday decorations and toys.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Click here to read more about this great event.

Don’t forget about the Friends of Webster Trails’ Hot Cocoa Hike this Saturday Nov. 5.

This fun, free, self-guided hike will take place at Four Mile Creek Preserve (corner of Phillips and Lake roads), from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It’s about 1.5 miles long and will include a stop for hot cocoa. The trail will start at the parking lot and be marked by lights along the way.

Please leave your dog at home, bring a flashlight and your own travel mug.

In honor of Veterans Day, Spry Middle School will once again welcome One Webster veterans and active duty service members and their families to a free, in-person dinner in their honor.

On Thursday Nov. 10 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students and other volunteers will serve up spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert in the school’s cafetorium. Reservations are requested. Please call Spry Middle School at 216-0093.

The event is sponsored by Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Wegmans, Walmart, and Hegedorn’s in appreciation of the service of local veterans and active duty service members. 

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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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(posted 11/1/2022)

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New bench at Milton Case Park honors beloved WCSD staff member

24 Apr
The new bench is located behind Spry Middle School at the entrance to Milton Case Park.

Nature lovers who enjoy walking the trails of Milton Case Park in the Village of Webster have a brand new place to sit and relax.

A new bench has just been installed at the northernmost entrance to the park, behind Spry Middle School, thanks to the efforts of Girl Scout Troop 60672.

The girls built the bench as part of their Silver Award Project. It wasn’t their original idea to build a bench, but when the pandemic hit they came up with a more appropriate project, and a perfect way to honor the memory of a very special WCSD staff member, Tammy Serio-Miller.

Serio-Miller was a nurse in the Webster Central School District for many years, including at Spry, until she passed away last October. A Webster resident, she enjoyed walking in the woods behind Spry. So the girls built the bench especially in her memory, but also as a way to honor all of the nurses and health care workers who have worked so hard during the pandemic.

The bench was dedicated in a short ceremony last week. WROC-TV Channel 8 was there; click here to see their story.

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More about the Thomas radio play, and a preview of the upcoming school musicals

11 Feb

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being in the very small audience for The Webster Thomas Radio Hour, a collection of short, very humorous plays written and acted by students.

Given the restrictions caused by the pandemic, not a whole lot of people could see the play live. But DO NOT DESPAIR. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, you too can now enjoy this very clever walk back through memory lane.

The Webster Thomas Radio Hour is now on YouTube, and you can access it by clicking on this link.

If you love live theater, then you’ll be excited to know that all four of our secondary schools are preparing right now to stage plays this spring. Here are the details:

Students in the Spry Drama Club rehearsing Pajama Party

Spry Drama Club will be presenting its first-ever One Act Play Festival from March 18 to 20. Four plays will be performed, including “Pajama Party,” “Four Little Words,” “Goldilocks on Trial” and “Not so Grimm Tales.” Each play features between 10 and 14 cast members and accommodating them all for rehearsals has been quite a trick.

Artistic director Bill Ambler explained, “Rehearsal days coincide with the students’ cohort days. Each play has its own rehearsal day during the week. The kids have been amazing about social distancing and wearing masks while rehearsing.” Several soloists and small group ensembles will entertain the audience during the intermission.

Each play will give two performances for a intimate audience. The plays will also be streamed on the internet. More details to come about that.

  • Claudia B. and Kaci V.
  • (L-R) Ben H., Jennifer F. and Julia F.

Willink Middle School is preparing a Disney musical review, featuring selections from many of the shows the school has performed in previous years, with a mix of singing, acting and dancing. Shows will be scheduled for May 14 and 15. They’re hoping they can host small audiences, but even if not, the production will be shared online.

Webster Schroeder High School is currently rehearsing for their spring production of The Addams Family. They’re planning two shows, on April 23 and April 24.

They’re hoping to accommodate small audiences at these performances, but most patrons will be able to see the production live through a professional streaming service. Details about that haven’t been hammered out yet, but I’ll let you know when they do.

Some of the accommodations Schroeder Drama has made for their musical this year include a smaller cast; having no permanent on-stage set, which will allow for social distancing; and having the orchestra perform from the band room. More adjustments may have to be made if the currect restrictions aren’t lifted soon. .

The Webster Thomas Players have come up a creative way to beat the Covid: they’re taking their musical outdoors.

Webster Thomas will be presenting Cabaret at the Penfield Amphitheatre from June 17 to 19, with June 20 as a rain date. All shows will begin at 7:30 and tickets will be $12. Tickets will go on sale the beginning of May.

Director Brenda Nitsch writes,

The show will be more about the issues surrounding racism and political fanaticism and less around the unorthodox liberal lifestyles of the time. The show will be appropriate for all ages. The music is by the amazing John Kander and includes such greats as “Cabaret,” “Money Makes the World Go Around,” “Perfectly Marvelous” and “Tomorrow Belongs to Me.”

Stay tuned for more information about each one of these productions as it becomes available.

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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 administrators tops in the field

25 Apr

Francine Leggett
Jackie Saunders

Congratulations to Spry Middle School assistant principal Jackie Saunders and Schlegel Road Elementary School Principal Francine Leggett for being recognized recently by the School Administrators Association of New York (SAANYS) as outstanding administrators.

SSANYS named Saunders Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year for Region 11, and Leggett Elementary Principal of the Year.

According to the SSANYS website, the organization recognizes educators who “demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and have made exceptional contributions to the educational process.”

Normally, last week these ladies would have been feted at an award ceremony at Midvale Country Club.  The fact they’ll probably be getting their awards in the mail does not diminish the accolades they have earned and greatly deserve.

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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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Spry Middle School to present Fiddler on the Roof this weekend

3 Mar

posterA theatrical classic will be presented this weekend by Spry Middle School when the drama club performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr. at Willink Middle School on Friday and Saturday.

You read that right. It’s this year’s Spry Middle School spring musical, but it’s being staged at Willink thanks to some rather intense renovations and construction going on right now at Spry. Among other things, the school’s cafetorium is being gutted and rebuilt, which means the musical was completely uprooted.

That by itself should be reason enough for people to want to come out and support these kids. For several months they’ve been trying to pull together the production while faced with some fairly significant hurdles. For a long time, for example, they didn’t even have a stage to rehearse on. Once the Willink stage opened up, they still had to share it with other groups, and had to be bused over there every day, a trip which took up valuable rehearsal time.

None of those difficulties will be evident,  however, when the curtain rises opening night. Audience members will just see an amazing performance presented by some amazing young actors and actresses.

Shows will take place at Willink Middle School, 900 Publisher’s Parkway, this Friday March 6 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday March 7 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $7 available online at this link. There might be some available at the door, but Spry shows usually sell out, so you might not want to take that chance.

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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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Spry and Thomas to present Fiddler and The Music Man

10 Feb

Congratulations to the Webster Schroeder Drama Club for their outstanding production of Chicago over the weekend! The incredible talent that takes the stage every spring for Schroeder musicals continues to astound me.

SMS Fiddler on the Roof Poster V4Next up for theater lovers, Spry Middle School’s presentation of Fiddler on the Roof, which will be presented Friday, March 6 and Saturday March 7 at 7:30, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Saturday.

Because of construction at Spry, the performances will be held at Willink Middle School. Stay tuned to websterschools.org for ticket pricing and purchase information. These Spry shows always sell out, so make sure to get your tickets as soon as you can.

The Webster Thomas Players will present the beloved classic The Music Man Thursday, March 26 through Saturday, March 28 nightly at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by visiting  www.websterthomasplayers.com.

2020-Music-Man-Large-Color

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Webster community mailbag

6 Feb

I’d like to lead off today’s mailbag with some notes from our schools.

KN AP social mediaA big Webster welcome to Sarah Welsh, the new assistant principal at Klem Rd. North Elementary, a position she will officially begin in March.

Welsh has 12 years of educational experience as an elementary special education teacher in Penfield. While there, she also served as the extended school year program principal and as a mentor and instructional coach to new teachers.

Welsh received her undergraduate degree from St. John Fisher College and master’s degree from Brockport. She and her husband Casey live in Fairport.

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Spry Middle School’s annual charity basketball game is almost here. Game day is Friday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Spry Middle School gym, 119 South Avenue. The event basketballfeatures a tournament between the school’s houses (Red vs White vs Blue) for girls and boys in grade six and then seven and eight combined, followed by a competition knockout games for students and staff. The evening culminates with presentation of the Spirit Stick to the winning house.

Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased in advance at the school during Spry lunch periods February 24-28. Limited tickets will be available at the door. Proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House of Rochester.

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The next Flapjack Benefit Breakfast hosted by the First Baptist Church of Penfield has been scheduled for Saturday Feb. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. For $6 enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, real maple syrup, scrambled eggs, sausage, and more. All February proceeds will go directly to help support Refugees Helping Refugees, an organization which seeks to foster the growth of Rochester’s refugee community by making them agents of their own advancement.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd., steps from four corners.

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Your next local opportunities to help save lives by donating blood are coming up next week.

Drives will be held Monday Feb. 10 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. and on Tuesday Feb. 11 from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

It only takes about an hour, especially if you have an appointment, which you can make at redcrossblood.org. Or just stop in without an appointment. They’d love to see you.

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Looking forward to February Break, the Webster Public Library has all sorts of great programs for you and your kids.

  • Tuesday, Feb. 18, join a Book Swap Party from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 20 make some cereal box guitars from 11 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Also on Thursday Feb. 20, join me and my fellow instructors from Strike Back Martial Arts for Family Night and learn some martial arts, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 3 p.m., get your taste buds working at the Pop-Tart Taste-Off
  • Also Friday, continuing through Saturday Feb. 22, check out an N-Scale Model Train display. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Visit the library’s website for more information about all these programs. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. 

And while we’re talking about the library, here’s a quick reminder that I will be there on Friday Feb. 21 from noon to 3:30 p.m. just hanging out, if anyone would like to come by and say hi. If you’ve ever had any questions about my blog, how I get my stories, or maybe have a story of your own to tell me about, I’d love to hear it.

I’ll be there with my computer, working on some blogs, so come on by!

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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 Sep

So many things to tell you about today. Let’s get right to it.

Good food for a good cause

Sandy [new]TTONIGHT, Friday Sept. 27, a food truck rodeo at Veterans Memorial Park in Penfield will benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.

The event, scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m., will feature trucks from Bay Vista Taqueria, Abbott’s, Chef’s Catering, The Meatball Truck, Waffles R Wild and Marty’s Meats. Live music will be provided by John Akers and Coupe de Villes, and the kids will enjoy bounce houses and face painting.

Admission is $5 for adults (remember, it’s for a good cause!) and children are free.

Veterans Memorial Park is located behind Penfield Town Hall, 3100 Atlantic Ave. (there’s also an entrance off Jackson Rd.).

Another food truck rodeo!

Don’t want to drive ALL THE WAY DOWN TO Penfield for dinner tonight?

The Spry Middle School PTSA invites families to come enjoy some “beats & eats” at their second annual Welcome Back Food Truck Rodeo, also tonight at Spry, 119 South Ave. Trucks will include Meat the Press, Effortlessly Healthy and Magical Marinades BBQ. Free Rochester Foam Dart Legal Nerf games will be offered in the gymnasium, and you can purchase some Webster spirit wear while you’re there as well. A DJ will provide music.

It’s picnic style so bring your chairs.

And EVEN MORE FOOD!

TOMORROW, Saturday Sept. 28, St. Rita School will host a Sticky Lips fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. at the school, 1008 Maple Rd., Webster.

On the menu that night will be BBQ chicken (leg and thigh), pulled pork, fresh cornbread, two homemade sides as well as a coupon for a free appetizer card when you visit the restaurant.

Tickets are $12 each and can be bought ahead of time through the school’s website at stritawebster.org/school via credit card (click on the online giving tab where you can place your order) or you can purchase tickets directly at the school.

Is it March yet?

Also TOMORROW, Saturday Sept. 28, the Village of Webster’s very own authentic Irish pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, will host its annual “Halfway to St. Patty’s Day” party.

Live Irish music will be provided by Dave North from 7:30 to 11 p.m., and throughout the evening keep an eye out for Irish dancers, whiskey samples, a “proper” Irish toast and Guinness give-aways.

Barry’s owners Danny and Jessica are encouraging everyone to “green out” for the evening, so poke through your closet for all your St. Patrick’s Day wear!

Barry’s Old School Irish is located at 2 West Main St., at the Village of Webster’s four corners.

Comfort Care Home wine tasting

WCCH LYS 2019 skHave fun and help your neighbors in their time of need by attending the “Lift Your Spirits” fundraiser for the Webster Comfort Care Home on Friday October 18 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Artisan Works, 565 Blossom Road.

The Webster Comfort Care Home, located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community, and comfort to the patients’ families. The agency is run solely on donations and fundraisers like this.

The event will feature wine and beer tasting from local breweries, music by Andy Calabrese & Chet Catallo, appetizers, full cash bar, silent auction and raffles for great prizes including a balloon ride over Letchworth, a Sabres Suite for their Dec. 27 game against the Bruins, lodging, dinner certificates, rounds of golf, a humidor, jewelry, home decor and more.

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased online at www.webstercomfortcare.org or by calling 585-872-5290.

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

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