Tag Archives: Webster Central Schools

Friends of the WPL get new shelves, courtesy Webster GeoTech

21 Dec

The Webster Public Library — and more specifically, the Friends of the Webster Library — received delivery on Tuesday of four brand new bookshelves crafted by the talented students of the Webster Schroeder GeoTech class.

GeoTech originated in 2018, offering select students the opportunity to explore math, science and technology through hands-on learning. Under the direction of teachers Kerry Crawford and TJ Milliman, the students have completed countless projects for schools and organizations within the district. A few months ago, for example, they crafted a sandbox for the preschool classes hosted at Schroeder High School.

Most recently, however, the students of the Geometry and Construction class focused their talents on a community project: building four new bookcases for the Friends of the Library’s lobby bookstore.

Gail Dominik, a Friends volunteer, originally approached the GeoTech class when it was discovered that four of the Friends’ bookshelves needed to be replaced, and the Friends were “thrilled” when Milliman agreed to have his class take on the project. The Friends provided the specifications, and the students were then responsible for completing the design based on those specs, determining the amount of materials needed, calculating the cost of materials, purchasing the materials, and of course building the shelves. All the Friends had to do was provide the funding.

Wheeling in a bookcase
The GeoTech students

The students and their teachers delivered the beautiful new shelves on Tuesday Dec. 20, and the Friends made quick work of filling them with books. Among those on hand for the installation were Webster CSD Superintendent Brian Neenan, Webster Town Councilwoman Ginny Nguyen, Webster Public Library Director Adam Traub, and Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez.  

The lobby bookstore is just one way the Friends raise money to support the Webster Public Library. The new bookshelves will provide a better shopping experience for patrons and, hopefully, help raise more money. Funds raised are used to provide library programming, add to the collections and for initiatives that are not covered by their operating budget. Thanks to several successful fundraising events this fall, the Friends were able to present a check to the library for $25,000.

The Friends, and all of us who love the Webster Public Library, owe a huge thank you to the students and teachers of Webster Schroeder High School for the shelves and their support of the library.

With the students are Friends chairperson Linda Wilson, library director Adam Traub, Kerry Croft, Tom Milliman, and town board liaison Ginny Nguyen.

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

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(posted 12/21/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Dec

Have your kids had a chance to see Santa this year? If not, no sweat. Santa will be at Never Say Never Stables this Saturday and Sunday Dec. 16 and 17, from noon to 2 p.m. both days, visiting with the kids and the horses. (Including an adorable reinhorse!)

In addition to the chance to talk with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, a make-your-own reindeer snack station, a take-home treat for the children, and photo ops with all of the animals, including horses, goats, ducks, chicken, bunny and guinea pig.

Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr., is a small family-owned horse farm offering children’s lessons, fun programs, and parties on a more personal, “not-so-commercial” scale. It is also home to the Never Say Never Foundation, a not-for-profit equine-assisted program that provides life-enriching, horse related experiences to children and teens living with long-term illness, special needs and/or other serious life challenges. 

Spaghetti Dinner

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

This notice from the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

New benches on the Hojack

Shout-out to Cole Featherly, from Scout Troop 262, for his fine work on three new benches he built for the Hojack Trail as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Cole also installed two similar benches in the new Michael A. Johnson Nature Preserve. Some of the benches have additional small tables.

The project was suggested and funded by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) using a grant from the Webster Rotary , and supervised by FWT Scout liaison Pat Fulkerson. Keep an eye out for them as you’re hiking the trails this season!

Finally, here are a few final reminders about special events at the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library.

The museum is holding a great fundraiser which will make a perfect gift idea. It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

And don’t forget about the Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale, happening right now.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently-used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

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

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

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

(posted 12/13/2023)

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Talent Showcase will feature Schroeder, Thomas musicians and special guest

11 Dec

Dozens of Webster high school students will present their musical and high-stepping talents at a combined Webster Schroeder/Webster Thomas Talent Showcase on Friday, Dec. 15 at Schroeder High School beginning at 7 p.m.

The Webster Show Choir will take center stage for the two-act show, which will also feature instrumentalists, vocalists and dancers from both high schools. They’ll be performing an outstanding variety of music from Broadway musicals to Chopin, from Usher to the Beatles. There’ll be dancers and a barbershop quartet. Basically, something for everyone.

PLUS….

Attending as a special guest that evening is the outstanding vocal trio Sincerely, Three, featuring 1998 Webster Schroeder grad David Kotary.  

Mark Angelini, Matt Rothenberg and Dave Kotary comprise Sincerely, Three, which Kotary describes as “a passion project that was just supposed to be a one-time offering online … with some of our friends that we quarantined with during COVID.” They soon realized they were creating a special sound, and decided to turn professional. They’ve since headlined on luxury cruise lines and regularly perform in Central Florida, most recently at Universal Studios.

Returning to his hometown of Webster — and his old high school — is very meaningful for Kotary. For starters, he’ll be performing on the stage where he acted in his first-ever musical production, the Webster Theatre Guild’s Oliver in 1993.

But more than that, he wrote,

My sister, Mary Beth Walker, also attended Schroeder for several years and our late mother, Mary Ann Kotary, was a 6th grade teacher for several decades at both State Road Elementary and Willink Middle School. So many memories have been shared on this particular stage, so it’s a huge honor to come back and perform among my best friends and mentors (Kim Lord and Laura D’Angelo) from home and my best friends from Orlando, Matt Rothenberg and Mike Angelini, the other members of “Sincerely, Three.”

On the day of the show, Sincerely, Three will also provide a series of workshops for students, talking about their background, how they got where they are, and providing tips on how to become successful in the music business.

Kotary is also excited about this opportunity. He wrote,

We hopefully can inspire even one student, whether musically inclined or otherwise, to realize their own potential by seeing that a silly idea that first had its spark in my dining room has now developed into a renowned business that has taken us on adventures across the globe. If we didn’t know how to do something, we learned how to do it:  Music editing, video production, marketing, sound design, website design, sales, etc.  The list goes on and on.

Don’t miss this dynamic group and our very own talented Webster high school students as they take the stage at the Talent Showcase, this Friday Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Suggested cash donation is $5.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/11/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Nov

Let’s start today with news of a fundraiser for the Webster Athletic Association at DiBella’s Subs on Empire Blvd.

The flyer gives the details, but basically, if you order from DiBella’s in store or online between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 20% of your check will go to the WAA. You’ll need to use code WAA20. See the flyer for more details.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting a free financial seminar designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The seminar, about Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bernardi & Co. offices, and there’s no cost. But please RSVP as space is limited.

Email Elena@bernardiCPA.com to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call 585-217-9393.

The Women’s Club of Webster will hold their 29th annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday Dec. 9 in the Webster Public Library community room.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the cookies are sold out. This is always a highly anticipated event, so you might want to get there early. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship funds and their support for many other programs in the Webster community.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza. For more information, please contact Peg Berry at 203-645-9352.

If you’d like to get more involved in the Women’s Club, here’s your chance: the club will be hosting their December Holiday Party on Thursday Dec. 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

The event begins with a social at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30, then “holiday gaiety” and an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate in the gift exchange, the gifts should not exceed $10. The luncheon buffet will feature assorted wraps, tossed salad, fruit salad and a cookie.

Special guest at this meeting will be Rochester folk musician Allen Hopkins.    

Cost for the luncheon is $27. Send your check made out to WCW by December 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. And remember, new members are always welcome!

The beautifully melodic Senior Singers will host their annual Holiday Concert at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a lively group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to rehearse and perform music. There’s no cost; they just do it for the love of music. (If you want to read more about them, click here to see the blog I wrote.)

There’s no charge to attend the holiday concert, and registration is not necessary, So plan to take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music,. (And perhaps consider joining this fun group.)

The Webster Recreation Center is at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

This news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

At their October monthly meeting, the Webster Chamber honored TYS CPAs, LLP as their November Business of the Month.

TYS manages the accounting needs of their clients and goes beyond tabulation to point out opportunities for business growth and supports them through the process. They developed a ‘TYS Emerge‘ process, specifically for the Construction Industry. TYS also extends a promise to its clients, offering a fixed-rate, guaranteeing results, removing the escalating threat of hourly billing. In addition to serving the Webster Chamber, TYS volunteers at the Jefferson Avenue Elementary School, in Fairport. As he presented the award, Chamber President and CEO Barry Howard said, “TYS Co-Owner Tim Shortsleeve has been very active in the Chamber, assuming leadership roles. Currently, Tim serves on the Webster Chamber Board of Directors as Chair-elect, part of a six-year commitment, and is active on the Personnel Committee. He has also provided educational sessions for our members and visitors.“

Every month, the Webster Chamber of Commerce identifies a member business or organization which has excelled within their industry, given back to the community, and been active in the Chamber to be honored as Business of the Month. In the photo above, Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro (left) presents the November Business of the Month award to TYS partner Tim S. Shortsleeve (center) and Staff Accountant Brenda Zornow (right).

This important information also from the Chamber of Commerce:

Deadlines Approaching for Health Insurance Enrollment for January 1 Start 

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has offered no-fee health insurance enrollment assistance since 1938 and wants the public to be aware of the approaching deadlines to receive health insurance on January 1.

  • December 07 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline: Medicare recipients have until the deadline to make a plan change for 2024. 
  • December 15: last day for Qualified Health Insurance (Including NYS Marketplace) for new or renewing participants for a January 1st effective date.

Health insurance enrollment is challenging. In addition to deadlines, you have many health insurance carrier options to consider. Plus, each carrier offers different plans to align with individual needs. The Webster Chamber staff will help you through this insurance enrollment process, helping you select the plan that best fits your needs. Chamber membership is not required and you do not need to be a Webster resident. 

To meet the deadlines to start health insurance on January 1 and to select the best-fit health insurance option for you, follow these steps:

  1. Call 585-265-3960 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Chamber staff.
  2. Watch this introductory video.

The Webster CSD has announced the dates for this spring’s school musicals, the theater lovers will want to get them on your calendars.

  • Willink Middle School will present Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo on Feb. 2 and 3
  • Webster Schroeder High School’s production of Catch Me if You Can will be held Feb. 8 to 10
  • Spry Middle School presents Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Musical March 8 and 9
  • Webster Thomas High School will stage DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical from March 21 to 23
  • (this one’s a drama) Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women from April 25-27

As performance dates near, you can check the Webster CSD website for details … plus I’ll be posting them here on my blog, so stay tuned.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/30/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Nov

Here’s a great way to spend a cold almost-winter evening: take in a Webster Thomas High School drama production!

The WTHS Drama Club will present John Buchan’s spy thriller The 39 Steps on the Thomas stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 16, 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The story goes like this: Richard Hannay is a desperate man on the run. The police want him for murder and a web of spies want him dead. It’s a hilarious tale of international intrigue, murder, and mayhem, often described as “Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python.”

Cast members include Jaina Brien, Jack Dayton, Evelyn Fellows, Mia Fellows, Brook Hoffer, Veronica Leistman, Bobby LoFaso, Jamie McCarthy, Abigail McNett, Logan Penza, Makayla Richardson, Katie Steele, Ella Vernacotola, and Adriana Zodarecky. They’re supported by crew members Ananya Bobbala, Abigail DeLallo, Sara Gesner, Jocelyn Herrle, Zoey Hryhorenko, Kilian Klawitter, Catherine Magaw, Yogapreetha Pramothkumar, Savannah Riggs, Amelia Snell, Ava Vernacotola, and Riley Weller. 

The show runs November 16, 17, and 18 in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Road, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10, and can be purchased in advance at from HomeTown Ticketing.

Webster NY HOPE has published their November/December wish list, which includes:

  • sugar
  • flour
  • coffee
  • ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard
  • canned beets
  • diapers (size 6)
  • toiletries (soap, shampoo, deoderant, etc.)
  • laundry detergent
  • gently used toddler clothing

Items can be dropped off during regular operating hours, Monday 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. The offices will be closed Thanksgiving week.

Webster NY HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd.

Next time you’re at the Webster Public Library, make sure to browse the beautiful art on display in the main lobby.

The Webster Art Club’s Fall Show is up and running through Nov. 29. This is also a good chance to think about if you’d like to join this great group of artists. The club is always looking for new members. They meet for Open Art every Wednesday at the Webster Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to noon and have meetings with guest artists and demos on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information, click here.

The West Webster Fire Department invites community members to help clean up the Lake Rd. memorial honoring fallen WWFD firefighters Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, on Saturday Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed trimmers, takes and trash bags. The memorial is located on Lake Rd. just past Sandbar Park.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting two free financial seminars in the coming weeks, designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The first, focusing on Tax Strategies and Managing Debt, will be held on Wednesday November 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The second, on Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Both seminars will be held at the Bernardi & Co. offices, and there’s no cost. But please RSVP as space is limited. Email Elena@bernardiCPA.com to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call 585-217-9393.

A couple of Village events in the coming weeks to tell you about.

The first is a free shredding event on Friday Nov. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. behind Village Hall at 28 West Main.

This event will be accepting paper only, and paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no totes or bags). Staples do not need to be removed. Limit is five boxes per vehicle.

This is a drive-through event; just drive up behind Village Hall and volunteers will unload the papers from your car.

And here’s your first notice about the annual Webster Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights celebration!

This year’s holiday fun will take place on Saturday Dec. 2 beginning at 3:30 p.m. On tap this year, are horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, caroling, and more. The North Pole will return to Gazebo Park with arts and crafts, story hour from the Webster Public Library and hot cocoa. Santa will visit with children in the Village Hall community meeting room so everyone can stay warm.

Then, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Parade of Lights heads down Main Street, brought to you by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

More details to come, but to stay on top of it all, visit the Webster BID website regularly. (Or better yet, sign up for the newsletter!)

And since we’re talking about White Christmas and Santa, here’s a teaser for something very exciting coming up on Small Business Saturday: rumor has it that Santa will be in town, shopping along Main Street and North Ave. Stay tuned for details about when he’ll be out and about!

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/15/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Oct

Eventually my mailbags aren’t going to be so heavy to lift. But that is not today. You’ll find a mix of new items and reminders about events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs. Follow the links if you want more information about any of them.

The Town of Webster’s leaf collection will begin on Monday Oct. 23. You can see the leaf collection schedule and FAQs here.

Remember to place your leaves at the edge of your lawn, NOT in the roadway or gutters. Place ONLY leaves in the pile, not any twigs, branches, grass clippings or other debris.

The  Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is this week, Oct. 18 through 21.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The Webster Rotary Club will be hosting a drive-up food drive on Saturday October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church to benefit Webster NY Hope.

Holy Trinity is located at 1460 Ridge Rd., just east of the village. If you’re unable to drop off on the 21st but still want to contribute, you can leave your donations at Beyond Cuts Salon, 33 North Avenue, during their normal operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone. Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant). More details here.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., has announced the dates for this year’s Santa’s Garage Sale, which will be held Nov. 2-4.

Community members are invited to donate gently use Christmas items at the church on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then make sure to come back to shop Thursday and Friday Nov. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of unused holiday decor, and pick up some new stuff for just a little cash!

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The PTSA will have a table at the event where you can purchase $5 student and $10 PTSA memberships, which entitle you to lots of discounts at local businesses. (Plus you’re supporting our Webster students and staff!)  

Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Happening at Heritage Square Museum, scheduled for Sunday Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village.

And of course we adults like to dress up for Halloween, too. The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

Our 55+ community members are invited to a Spooky Luncheon at the Rec Center on Tuesday Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy a a great lunch, snacks and lots of fun.

Registration is $8 and is required by Oct. 23. Click here to register.

Wait! There’s more Halloween fun in store, for special needs kids and adults, to benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

On Sunday Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rec, there’ll be a Halloween party with a costume parade, games, prizes, music, dancing, raffles and face painting.

This event is open to special needs kids and adults. Admission is $10 per family.

The Webster Fall Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall).

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Is it too soon to start planning for November? I think not.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up on November 2 at the Webster Public Library, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk this month.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Our friends at the Webster Museum are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar. But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

That’s enough for today. Check back later this week for more detailed blogs about upcoming Village events, fun family hiking adventures from the Friends of Webster Trails, and more about Pumpkins on Parade!

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/16/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

So. Much. Going. On.

I’m going to start today’s mailbag with several events that I haven’t featured in a mailbag recently.

The first are the latest details about the Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House. Tickets are now on sale, and if this year’s event is going to be anything like previous ones, it will sell out quickly, so get your tickets SOON.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30 and are limited. Click here to get yours. Proceeds will benefit the Harmony House Renovation Fund.

This is a cool event from the Webster Museum, an Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.

If you’re curious about the value or origin of a special piece from your family’s history, bring it to the Webster Museum on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. and the Palma brothers will use their expertise to provide you with some insight.

Frank and Greg Palma grew up in Penfield and own the Webster Jewelry and Coin Exchange at 159 W. Main St. in the village of Webster. Frank enjoys collecting and selling antique toys, comics, advertisements, and oil cans (the older the better), while his brother Greg is an expert in gold, coins, silver, and precious metals.

Over the years they’ve assembled a museum-like collection of items that can be seen and purchased at their store. In addition to sharing their expertise identifying your special objects, they’ll share some stories from their years in business.

Speaking of the museum, the folks over there are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar right now.

But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone.

Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant).

Get more details about the school and this great event on the Facebook event page here.

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Webster NY Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., has published this month’s wish list. It includes:

  • pasta
  • jarred spaghetti sauce
  • jars or cans of applesauce
  • diapers (size 5)
  • baby wipes (they’re completely out)
  • canned corn and beets
  • toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant
  • laundry detergent
  • dish soap

You can drop off your donations anytime Webster NY Hope is open. Click here for more details.

If you’re interested in any of these following events, I wrote about them in my mailbag last week, so click here to see that post for more details.

  • Capital Improvement Project vote
  • West Webster Fire Department and Webster Volunteer Fire Department open houses
  • Friends of Webster Library used book sale
  • Autumn special events at Schutt’s Apple Mill
  • Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center

And click here to read again about the great upcoming panel discussion about Athlete Wellness and Youth Sports.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/1/2023)

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“Our Voices Carry” at Autumn Fanfare

3 Oct

Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.

This year’s production is called “Our Voices Carry.” The band describes the show this way:

You are strong. You are worthy. You are enough. You are not alone. Our show tells a story of survival, healing, and the power of affirmations.

Based on a Rochester mural by Sarah Rutherford called “Stories of Strength,” each movement embodies a different window and message within the mural. Together we use our physical and musical voices to carry a message of hope and positivity. Follow along as we interpret each window’s story and use the field to bring it all to life!

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/3/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

29 Sep

Let’s get right to it …..

Oklahoma!, presented by the Webster Theatre Guild, takes the stage this weekend.

Shows are scheduled for

  • Friday Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 7, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Tickets are $20, plus $2 transaction fee if ordered online), and are reserve seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. Click here for tickets.

Next, this very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to Their Light Shines, a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.

Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

More to come about this.

Don’t forget about the Capital Improvement Project vote on Wednesday, Oct. 11

The Webster Central School District has proposed an $85 million capital improvement project that will impact all 11 schools with zero tax impact for district residents. The project will include renovations and improvements to all of the schools. The project will be voted on by the Webster CSD community on Wednesday, October 11, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School’s gym, 875 Ridge Road.

To learn more about the project and the improvements to each school, click here. You can also sign up to receive periodic communications from the district regarding the project. For details, please visit the capital improvement project news story at www.websterschools.org.

The West Webster Fire Department will hold their annual Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday Oct. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the fire station on Gravel Rd.

The afternoon will include firehouse tours, fire safety displays, equipment displays, live demos, refreshments and more.

There’s no charge, and the entire Webster community is invited. For more information, visit the WWFD Facebook page here.

While we’re on that subject, remember that the Webster Volunteer Fire Department always holds its open house during the village’s Trick of Treat Trail, this year scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28. Stay tuned for more information about that.

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21.

This is always a great opportunity to stock your home library. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership in the Friends of the Webster Public Library is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

Our Penfield friends, Schutt’s Apple Mill on Plank Rd., have a couple of fun events planned for this fall.

On Tuesday Oct. 24 (one week before Halloween), Schutt’s will host their Trick-or-Treat at the Farm event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a family-friendly night where you can walk through the orchard on a Trick-or-Treat Trail to find some fanciful jack-o-lanterns and sweet treats. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged.

This is a free event and no registration is required.

On Saturday Nov. 4, Schutt’s will host a Holiday Farm Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to support 35 local businesses while shopping for personal and gift items.

For more information about both of these events and others, click here. Schutt’s Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center is back, Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a one-mile long trail lined with creatively and whimsically-carved jack-o-lanterns. Every year the Rec Center puts this on (this is the fourth annual), it’s been bigger and better, packed with post-trail treats, photo opportunities and more

I’ll be providing more details about this, but for now, start planning your pumpkin carving, because the Rec Center is going to need a LOT of jack-o-lanterns.

Finally, check the flyers below for details about lots of great upcoming programs at the Webster Public Library, including:

  • the Readers, Writers and Connections program for budding writers
  • Teen Library Club
  • National Hair Day storytime
  • Family Night
  • a movie matinee
  • a Halloween craft
  • line dancing for kids
  • a clay class for children and parents

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/29/2023)

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Bygone blog — a walk through Webster High

26 Sep

You’ll remember the blog I recently posted about the proper pronunciation of Webster Schroeder High School. In addition to all the interesting comments I got on that blog, I got a follow-up question from one of my readers, who asked: When and why did R.L. Thomas High School change its name to Webster Thomas?

I’ll answer that question at the end of this blog. But it got me to poking around a bit online, where I happened upon this piece which I originally posted in 2014. I thought that those of you who remember the old Webster High would enjoy it.

A walk through Webster High
(originally posted March 27, 2014)

I happened upon my high school library’s stash of old yearbooks yesterday, and thought it would be fun to take a look at one. I chose 1958 — not coincidentally the year I was born — and started paging through it.

Naturally, I expected to see a lot of photos of clubs and activities that would seem quaint today. But I also saw a few things I didn’t expect, and some that made me giggle.

The high school back then — or more accurately, it was called the “Webster Central School” — was what is now Spry Middle School on South Avenue in the village. The class of 1955 was the first to graduate from this “new, larger Webster Central.”

The Webster Central School District Principal that year was Mr. Robert L. Thomas. He was ably assisted by Mr. Herbert W. Schroeder who, despite being brand new to the district that school year, received a glowing review in the yearbook.

“In the brief time we have known him,” the caption reads, “we have come to believe he is also a man with a ‘Forward Look,’ treasuring what is worthwhile of the traditional while adopting what is valid of the new.”

The faculty pages included several names you might also recognize.

  • Mr. Richard Batzing, previous Webster Town and Village Historian, taught 8th grade.
  • Miss Esther Dunn, who wrote Webster Through the Years, long considered the most complete encyclopedia of Webster history, taught grade 7.
  • Mr. William J. O’Rourke Sr., a highly respected and long-time Webster coach, led the varsity basketball team and taught Social Studies on the side.
Richard Batzing
Esther Dunn
Wm. O’Rourke Sr.

As I continued to page through the book, some other interesting things jumped out at me.

  • All of the girls looked exactly like my mother — at least from the photos I’ve seen of my mother in the 50s.
  • Members of the National Honor Society all wore robes, kind of like they were in a super-secret fraternity. Maybe it was back then.
  • The school had a “Safety Council.” Next to their photo, the caption read, “With an enlarged force of arresting officers patrolling, the Council promoted safety and respect for WCS in and around the school.” Can you imagine students trying to arrest students these days?
  • The Senior Play that year was Around the World in Eighty Days. This week, when the Webster Thomas production of Anything Goes hits the stage with its lavish set, I thought the photos of the senior cast members and their set pieces were charming.
  • This caption on the Junior High Girls’ Sports page: “The purpose of junior high girls’ intramurals is two-fold. The most obvious one is that it provides exercise for the release of extra energy.”
  • It was great to see so many familiar names in the advertisers listed at the end of the yearbook, who were all there in 1958, and are still there now, including Hegedorn’s I.G.A. Foodliner, Hedge’s Nine-Mile-Point Hotel, and Kittelberger Florist. Other familiar names (but not there any longer) were Bill Gray’s Stand, Burke’s Barber Shop and Lipinski Brothers Hardware. I’m sure there are plenty more that others would recognize, but I haven’t been in Webster that long.

Finally, I learned the Webster Alma Mater. I wonder why we don’t sing it anymore? It goes like this:

Where the Ridge Road forms a border
For the lake and sky,
Proudly stands our Alma Mater,
Dear old Webster High.

Flag of WHS, float for aye,
Old Webster High, o’er thee;
May thy sons be leal and loyal
To thy memory.

When the evening twilight deepens,
And the shadows fall,
Lingers long the golden sunset
On thy western wall.

On second thought, I know why we don’t sing it anymore.

****

(editorial note: apparently I spoke too soon. I got an email from Tom Pellett, president of the Webster Museum, who wrote that the alma mater is indeed still sung. He wrote:

Each year at the Webster High Alumni Banquet we close by singing the alma mater …. The tune is the same as Cornell’s and was written, I believe, by Wallace Rayfield back in the early 1900s. The “Webster High” Alumni ends with the class of 1962 as the following year (1963) was the first year of R. L. Thomas High. As you can imagine, the group shrinks a bit every year. 

So thank you to Kathy Hertzel for asking her question about R.L. Thomas and leading me down that rabbit hole.

I was actually able to answer her question from personal experience.

I began my WCSD career at Webster Thomas in Sept. 2001. Willink Middle School opened that year and Thomas became the district’s second high school. I remember sitting in the staff orientation meeting on the first day and listening to Superintendent Strining speak. Because there were now two separate but equal high schools in the district, he said, we were to recognize that both were part of the same district and start referring to them “Webster Schroeder” and “Webster Thomas.” 

That’s where it began.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/26/2023)

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