Tag Archives: Webster Central Schools

Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

I was considering not even posting this mailbag for another week or so, since ALL of the events I’m featuring don’t happen until March or beyond. But I’m getting very tired of February and want to start looking well beyond all this snow and ice and stinkiness.

First, here’s another reminder about a very interesting program at the Webster Public Library. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but it got snowed out and has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.

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the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

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The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

As important as the right plants are, they can’t do ALL the work for you. A thriving garden takes planning and care. Take a moment to plan ahead to help set your garden up for a successful season. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. 

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

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The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Public Library volunteers will have 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. (Check out the flyer for more details.) Most books are under $20.

So stop in and grab some old bargains!

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Save the date for the next performance by the Willink Middle School Student Parent Band, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The performance will feature special guests the Perinton Concert Band.

Tiffany DiPiazza and Matt Osiko direct the Student Parent Band. It is made up of Willink Middle School students, alumni, parents, other family members and friends. Mark Kellogg will direct the Perinton Concert Band.

More information to come about this event, but put it on your calendar now.

On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.

The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.

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The Webster Chamber of Commerce is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant at their office, located at 1110 Crosspointe Lane.

The additional support has become necessary as the Chamber membership numbers have grown and as more New York residents have come to take advantage of the Chamber’s rocENROLL HEALTH health insurance enrollment program.

Responsibilities will include managing incoming phone calls, mail, and email; greeting visitors; drafting correspondence; managing calendars; maintaining databases; clerical support; bookkeeping and more. Qualifications include experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office 365, good organizational and communication skills, among others. The schedule is flexible, from 16 to 24 hours a week, and the pay will be between $20 to $22 an hour.

Click here to see more details about the position. Submit your letter of interest or resume to: Office@WebsterChamber.com

This final note is from Webster Chamber member Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $700,000 has been distributed to date.

In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’d like to share this information about one of their upcoming events, the 19th annual Tea at Two Fashion Show on May 3.

The Fashion Show will be held at Casa Larga in Fairport, and tickets are on sale now. But there are also a few other ways individuals and businesses can get involved:

  • Sponsorships – earn online, local media, and social media visibility pre-event and at the event
  • Program Ads – visible to 300+ (female/male, 25+), expressing appreciation or bringing attention to business products or services
  • Silent Auction donations – new, individual, or themed sets 

Click here to purchase tickets and find out more details about how you can get involved. More information to come about this event soon.

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(posted 2/16/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

10 Feb

It’s not too late to recycle your Christmas tree

Assuming you’re not using it for Valentine’s Day decoration, you can still drop off your tree for recycling through Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway (off of Hard Rd.)

Once you drive in, as soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you will see a sign where you can leave the tree by the gate.

Supervisor Scialdone Community Office Hours

Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Wednesday, February 11, when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 5 to 6 p.m. at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Drive. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Have lunch and network with the Chamber

This next notice is from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

The February Connect @ Noon event will be hosted by Susan Tripp of SMT Mobile Notary and Brett Dawson of the Dawson Law Firm. The event will be held at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and & rocENROLL HEALTH, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, this Friday Feb. 13 from noon to 1:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

Webster Chamber members host Connect @ Noon events every month, opportunities to build current professional relationships and to begin new ones. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and becoming members of the Chamber are invited to attend. Bring your business cards and a door prize to increase your visibility through announcements and the Chamber website. 

There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.

Spaghetti. Yum.

Looking ahead to March, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of our volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

Party for Mardi Gras

Here’s a reminder about a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras with our community.

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Our schools’ spring musical season continues in early March when Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.

Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.

Later in the month, on March 20 and 21, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr.

This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice. Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m. I’ll let you know when tickets are available.

Save the date for bowling!

CDS Wolf Foundation is hosting their 19th annual Strike for Abilities Bowling Party on Sunday, March 8 at Bowlero in Webster. Final details for this great event are still being worked out, but organizers are looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for more information.

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(posted 2/10/2026)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

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Webster Schroeder presents On the Town this weekend

2 Feb

When it comes to bringing a classic musical to spectacular life on stage, you can count on Webster Schroeder High School to do it up right.

This spring, that musical is On the Town, a Golden Age masterpiece by Leonard Bernstein, Betty Comden and Adolph Green, which hits the Schroeder stage this Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 5 to 7. It follows three sailors on 24-hour shore leave in New York City in 1944, each looking for romance and adventure, and is famous for songs like “New York, New York” and “Some Other Time.” The show premiered on Broadway in December, 1944 and ran for more than a year.

Schroeder is just one of two schools staging On the Town this year, which in large part reflects that the musical is a rather daunting undertaking for high school students. But Artistic Director Carrie Zugelder knew that — in addition to her current crew of talented students — she had an outstanding group of young actors coming up from Spry Middle School, whom she suspected had the chops to tackle the dance-heavy production.

She was right. As intimidating as the challenge might have been, the young Schroeder actors, singers and dancers have achieved it with characteristic skill, talent and determination, crafting a performance that radiates energy and lingers long after the final curtain.

Even cobbling together the appropriate pit orchestra from students and community members was a challenge in itself. Bernstein’s scores are notoriously difficult, no matter the show. But for On the Town, he had to bridge the large gap between a Broadway musical and a symphonic ballet, while capturing the frantic energy of 1944 New York City. The result is an unusually large pit orchestra (especially for a high school production) heavy on brass, strings and percussion, creating a full symphonic “swing” sound.

It’s pretty fantastic.

I was honored to be able to sit in on a rehearsal, and got to chat a bit with Zugelder during intermission, who shared some interesting background about the production. The 1944 musical adaptation was based on a “Fancy Free,” a ballet choreographed by Jerome Robbins. It was the first integrated musical ever, casting both black and white actors on the same stage — a rather pioneering choice in the early 1940s. A well-known film adaptation was made in 1949, starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, the first musical ever filmed on location in New York City. 

This is a don’t-miss show, filled with impressive dancing, great voices, and surprising humor. The photos here (thank you Dresden Engle) capture some of the energy, but you really want to see this show for yourself. As usual, Webster Schroeder Musicals does NOT disappoint.

The curtain rises this Thursday through Saturday, February 5 to 7, with shows at 7 p.m. each night and a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday, February 7. Click here for tickets.

Thanks again to Desden Public Relations for these great photos!

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(posted 2/2/2026)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

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Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

Quite the variety of notices in today’s mailbag, so make sure to read till the end.

Color Your Community Green will host a discussion this coming Tuesday focused on Monroe County’s Climate Action Plan and how it can be used to meet state goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Information will be presented about the most effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions locally and how we can build a sustainable future for our community. Community members are encouraged to attend and share your concerns about climate change as well as your visions for a sustainable community.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday Feb. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no cost to attend but please register here so the library knows how many chairs to set up.

Go Red!

Carla Ann Scheiber, owner of Lovely You Aesthetics in the Village of Webster, has enthusiastically signed on to the Go Red for Women campaign, an American Heart Association initiative to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of women, and empowers women to take charge of their heart health.

As part of her efforts, Carla Ann will be hosting a Go Red Lovely Galentine’s Event on Friday, Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lovely You Aesthetics, 82 North Ave. Tickets are $30, and attendees will get cocktails, food, a Go Red Lovely shirt and five raffle tickets for a chance to win some fabulous prizes. Click here to get tickets.

So grab your girls, wear red, and support women’s health while making an impact together.

Party for Mardi Gras

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.

There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.

Kindergarten registration now open

Webster Central School District kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open.

Families with incoming kindergartners are asked to register them now via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal at www.websterschools.org by clicking More > Student Registration and completing the 2026-27 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file. 

The district is encouraging families to register early because it takes a lot of planning to appropriately place students in our seven elementary schools. If there is not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

PreK registration is not yet open. The preK lottery for the 2026-27 school year will be open February 13 at 10 a.m. and run through March 14. Parents and caregivers interested in learning more about the district’s preK options are invited to attend an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

The district has three preK options:

  • Full-day (five hours) located at our elementary schools and both high schools
  • Full-day (5 hour) with wrap care located at a childcare community partner with wrap care paid by the family
  • Half-day (2.5 hours) with morning and afternoon options at STARS Preschool next to Holy Trinity Church

The upcoming open house provides families living within the Webster CSD boundaries an opportunity to see some of the sites and learn more about the program before registering for the lottery. This adult visit is intended to support families in ranking their choices and answering questions prior to the registration window beginning Feb. 13.

Open houses will take place at:

  • Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster (enter door 4)
  • Bay View YMCA, 1209 Bay Road, Webster
  • Busy Blossoms, 60 Barrett Drive, Webster
  • Expressive Beginnings, 12 May Street, Webster
  • Kids First, 1676 Empire Blvd., Webster
  • STARS Preschool, 1456 Ridge Road, Webster

Families who are unable to attend the open house and would like to learn more about Webster CSD PreK are encouraged to visit the website at websterschools.org/prek or call (585) 216-0122.

Got antiques?

This isn’t Webster specific, but will be of interest to anyone who loves antiques: Antiques Roadshow is coming to Mumford on Wednesday, June 17.

You won’t be able to just show up or buy tickets at the door. They’re distributed through a random sweepstakes.

  • Deadline to Enter: You must submit your entry by Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
  • Cost: Tickets are free.
  • The Process: You can enter the drawing on the official PBS Antiques Roadshow website. Winners are usually notified in mid-to-late April.
  • The “Producer Picks” Contest: When you enter the sweepstakes, you have the option to submit photos of your specific item. If a producer loves your item’s story or mystery, you might be selected for a “Producer Pick” ticket, which guarantees you a spot.

Limit is two tickets per address. Good luck!

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(posted 2/1/2026)

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

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Webster Schroeder grad recognized for music education excellence

30 Jan

I’ve sung the praises of the Webster Central School District’s music program countless times. And for good reason. For example, the district has been named a “Best Community for Music Education” for 20 years. The marching band has won three New York State titles. In 2024, Webster Schroeder string teacher Kim Derse received the RPO Outstanding Music Educator Award.

But I don’t often get to highlight a more personal and proud connection to this incredible music program.

Yamaha Music officially announced today their 2026 “40 Under 40” honorees, their annual list of outstanding music educators under 40 who exhibit action, courage, creativity, and a commitment to growth while exceeding expectations in their music programs.

You might recognize a name on this year’s list: my son, Sean Rosenberry, Webster Schroeder ’08.

Yamaha launched the “40 Under 40” program in 2021 to celebrate music education excellence. According to the Yamaha website, the program is designed to “recognize outstanding young music educators who are “making a difference by growing and strengthening their music programs…. remarkable educators whose classrooms are safe spaces where musicality, creativity and innovation thrive.”  

Sean is the Lower School General Music Teacher and Director of Bands at the Horace Mann School, an independent day school in the Bronx. He was selected from hundreds of nominations submitted to Yamaha for this year’s program, received from students, parents, teachers, administrators and local instrument dealers.

Timothy Ho, Horace Mann School’s Music Coordinator, nominated Sean for the recognition, highlighting his innovative teaching methods and ability to adapt to his students’ needs.

He wrote,

Sean is a true force of nature in the music classroom, and through his work at Horace Mann School’s Lower Division he has brought immense creativity, stability, and a palpable sense of joy to his students and to the music program as a whole. Thoughtfully integrating his deep understanding of Orff Schulwerk (among other music education methodologies) with his passion for traditional Irish music and dance, Sean’s teaching is extremely rich in musical content while always appearing effortless and playful. 

His years of teaching both in the Bronx and in Western New York have not only given Sean the wisdom to know how to create engaging classroom environments, but they have also given him the skills to roll with any problems that may arise.

In one such instance, Sean was beginning a combined performance with five kindergarten classes in front of hundreds of parents in the school’s large theater, when the power suddenly shut off, the emergency lights came on, and a loud incessant alarm sounded from backstage. Without missing a beat, Sean unplugged his guitar from the amp and proceeded with the performance as if there was nothing wrong. In the end, the performance was stellar.

Sean graduated from Schroeder in 2008, then earned his bachelor’s (2012) and master’s (2020) degrees in music education from Nazareth College. While living in Webster, Sean became well known in Rochester’s Irish music scene, regularly playing at restaurants, pubs, special events, and traditional Irish sessions throughout the city. He studied classical violin in high school and college but has since become proficient in a dozen more instruments, including guitar, banjo, mandolin and bodhrán, a traditional Irish frame drum.

In 2023 he was also selected to participate in the competitive Music Under New York program as one of just 350 musicians who perform in New York City’s subway stations. Now living in the Bronx, he continues to perform Irish music at pubs and local traditional Irish sessions.

You can read more about Sean and the other “40 Under 40” honorees at the Yamaha website.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/30/2026)

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Willink Theater Club presents (the delightful) Disney Descendants this weekend

28 Jan

We’re all familiar with Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen and Cruella De Vil, some of Disney’s most infamous villains. We grew up watching them, cheering when their evil plans went awry, and later introducing them to our own children. But in all that time, it probably never occurred to us that those villains might have children of their own.

Well, they do. And now those children are teenagers. In Willink Middle School’s production of Disney Descendants this weekend, you’ll get to meet them, in all their teen-angst, evil glory.

The energetic musical tells the story of the villains’ four troubled teenage offspring — Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jave — who with their parents are imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost. They’ve never before ventured off the island. But when they’re sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

More than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders have been working hard for four months to bring Disney Descendants to the Willink stage, and their efforts have created something magical. With catchy Disney-esque tunes (including a few you might recognize), high-powered dances and clever costuming, the audience is swept along through a surprisingly heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.

One of the things I enjoy most about attending a middle school musical like this is the opportunity to see talented young singers and actors just beginning their journeys in the performing arts. Their acting and voices may not yet be fully polished, but it’s easy to see the natural talent underneath. Watching those skills grow and develop as these young performers move on to the Thomas High School stage will be a real pleasure.

Disney Descendants will be performed in the Willink Middle School Cafetorium , 900 Publisher’s Parkway, on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults, $7 for students and senior citizens, and free for children age 2 and younger. Click here to get yours now.

Here’s a slideshow of more photos from the rehearsal:

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(posted 1/28/2026)

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

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It’s time to register for Community Arts Day

26 Jan

I usually don’t post this particular blog until the middle of February, but I think we all need a little breath of spring today, so I’m going to shout it to the rooftops: IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS DAY!

This annual event, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

So that’s still a few months away, but I got an email today saying that registrations are now being taken for community groups, vendors and performers who’d like to participate in this year’s Community Arts Day. For $35, community groups can have a table to share information, calendars of events and sign-ups. Vendors can sign up for $50. Additional opportunities are available for auditorium, gymnasium and small stage performances. Click here for more information.    

And while you’re there, check out the opportunities to become an event sponsor or make an in-kind donation.

Organizers are also looking for interested community members to join the planning committee and help make this event a success. Email CAD@websterptsa.org to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Community Arts Day is a Webster PTSA-sponsored event, created in 1976 as a joint venture with each of Webster’s schools to raise money to support cultural arts activities in our 11 buildings. CAD showcases our children’s artistic, vocal, musical, and theatrical talents. It also involves the whole community in a day to celebrate cultural arts, bringing in 2000+ people to enjoy activities from art displays, musical performances, craft demonstrations, community exhibits, craft vendors, sweet treats, a carnival space, and more. So make sure to put Saturday, April 11 on your calendar now for this year’s Community Arts Day.

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(posted 1/26/2026)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

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Emma Rascoe, Schroeder flag football standout, chosen for High School Girls Pro Bowl Showcase

12 Jan

Flag football has exploded in popularity in recent years at both the high school and collegiate levels. Both Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder high schools now have flag football teams, with individual athletes and entire squads finding success in local and state tournaments.

It’s no surprise that our Webster athletes are already winning accolades in the sport. Most recently, flag football standout Emma Rascoe, a senior at Webster Schroeder High School, received an especially huge honor. She was chosen to join the roster for the Pro Bowl High School Flag Football Showcase to be held Tuesday, Feb. 3 at Levi Stadium in San Francisco, home of Super Bowl LX. Emma was nominated by the Buffalo Bills to represent their team in the game.

The girls’ high school flag football game will be a big part of the National Football League’s Pro Bowl Week festivities. Much like the Pro Bowl itself, the game pits all-stars representing the AFC teams against all-stars representing the NFC. It will be broadcast on ESPN and stream on ESPN+ and Disney+.

Emma was selected following her standout junior season, where she served as the quarterback and a key defensive weapon on Webster Schroeder’s state championship team. Her leadership, athleticism, and impact on both sides of the ball helped lead the program to a historic season. She’s one of only 32 girls nationwide (and only two from New York State) chosen to participate in this prestigious event.

Congratulations, Emma, on this incredible honor, You make Webster proud!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/12/2026)

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Mark your calendars for the WCSD spring musicals

11 Jan

As I sit here at my dining room table/office desk writing this, it’s snowing outside. But despite the don’t-get-used-to-40-degree-weather-yet, in-your-face attitude that Mother Nature is trotting out today, I know that spring is right around the corner. That’s because a few days ago I got my annual “spring musicals are a-comin'” email from the Webster CSD.

Our middle school and high school musicals are a great way to see live theater for a little price. The productions are always well done and very entertaining. There’s also a very good chance that one of the actors up on stage will be going on to bigger and brighter things — and you saw them at the very beginning of their acting career. (Case in point, Chris Perfetti, who graduated from Schroeder in 2007 and is now a lead actor on the Emmy-nominated series Abbott Elementary.)

All four of our secondary schools are deep into rehearsals for their upcoming productions. Here are details so you can mark your calendars:

The fun begins on January 30 and 31 when the Willink Middle School Theater Club presents Disney Descendants the Musical. The show follows the teenage children of iconic Disney villains as they’re invited to attend a prep school with the heroes’ kids in Auradon. They’re tasked with stealing the Fairy Godmother’s wand to free their parents from the Isle of the Lost, forcing the kids to choose between their parents’ evil legacy and finding their own goodness.

That sounds like a lot of fun and perfect for the whole family.

Show times are Friday Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Stay tuned for ticket information.


The following week, Feb. 5 through 7, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will bring the classic On the Town to the stage. The story centers around sailors Gabey, Chip and Ozzie, who are on a whirlwind, 24-hour shore leave in New York City during World War II. They seek romance and adventure while exploring the vibrant city, with each finding a different romantic interest before their brief leave ends, leading to a classic score and dance numbers.

Show times are Thursday and Friday Feb. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come tickets.


The Webster Thomas High School stage comes alive with Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.

This will be a high-stepping, energetic performance. Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.

Finally, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr. March 20 and 21 at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave.

This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice.

Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars now for all these shows and stay tuned for more information as they get closer.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/11/2026)

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High school hockey teams unite to fight cancer

8 Jan

It’s always heartening to see how dedicated our young people are to helping out our community and those in need.

The latest example of this is coming up Wednesday, Jan. 14, when the Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder varsity hockey teams come together for their first-ever joint One Webster Hockey Fights Cancer Night.

The theme is “ONE night, ONE cause, ONE check, ONE community,” its goal to bring together student-athletes, families, and the broader community for a shared cause.

Admission to the game is $1, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. In the days leading up to the game, players will sell luminary bags for $5 each at their schools during free periods and lunch blocks. Students and community members are  encouraged to decorate the luminary bags in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer. All decorated bags will be displayed at the rink on the night of the game. Additional luminary bags and Hockey Fights Cancer T-shirts will be available for purchase at the arena during the event.

Community members who are unable to attend the game but wish to support the cause may donate online here.

Webster Thomas held its own Hockey Fights Cancer Night last year, and raised $1,600 for cancer research and support services. Organizers hope that partnering with Webster Schroeder this year will significantly increase that impact and raise $3,000 this year. 

The Hockey Fights Cancer Night is Wednesday, Jan. 14 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Webster Ice Arena, 865 Publishers Parkway.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/8/2026)

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