Tag Archives: Webster NY

Dogsledding in the village?

3 Feb

I heard on the radio the other day that it snowed at least a little bit EVERY DAY IN JANUARY. And February is starting out pretty much the same way. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a winter with this much snow. Everyone is grumbling about it.

That is, everyone except Village of Webster resident Devin Englerth.

Devin has a hobby that helps her glide through winter (literally) with a smile. Devin is a dogsledder, and when there’s this much snow, it means there are a lot more opportunities to take her dogsled, seven huskies and big black shepherd out for a run. And every once in a while, when the conditions are right, she doesn’t bother going very far to do so.

A few weeks ago, the conditions were perfect, so instead of packing up her dogs and heading to her usual sledding spot far on the west side of town, she hooked them all up and took them out on the streets of the village.

Perhaps you saw them that day. A lot of people did, and photos popped up all over Facebook from village residents surprised and delighted to see an actual dogsled speeding down their street. ‘Cause that’s not something you see every day.

I sat down the other day with Devin (and her dogs) to find out more about her history with the sport, both in the village and elsewhere.

Devin has been dogsledding since 2011, ever since she got her first husky. Not long afterwards, she joined the Seneca Siberian Husky Club, and tries to get out and run the dogs at least a couple times of year. That’s been difficult in recent years when lack of snow has made for poor conditions.

“You have to have a frozen base and the snow on top of it,” she explained. “If you go before it freezes my sled would sink in the slush.”

But not running makes for unhappy huskies.

“(Running) is all they want to do,” Devin said. Even when she goes out to fire up the snow blower they start getting excited, thinking they’re going to get out and go. And when she is able to finally hook them up out in a wide open space, they might be out there for two and a half hours.

The day she decided to run them in the village, “they were going crazy,” she said. They hadn’t been sledding in a long time, and the conditions were good, so “we went all over the east side of the village.”

It proved to be rather challenging. People were coming out to take photos, the dogs kept stopping to say hi to the neighbors, even deciding to go up a driveway or two. So they got tangled up a lot. But despite the distractions, they were out on the streets for more than an hour.

It wasn’t the first time Devin has dogsledded through the village, and it probably won’t be the last. Because sled dogs live to run.

(Thank you to Jessica Cataldi for this great blog idea, and to Stretch Sabin for these videos!)

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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 2/3/2025)

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WHEN brings Listening Post back to the middle schools

2 Feb

A fun program spearheaded by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) is helping build connections between middle school students and Webster community members.

The program is called the Listening Post, and it’s designed to foster student engagement through interactive and enjoyable activities like games and crafts. Last Thursday and Friday, WHEN brought the program to Spry and Willink middle schools, setting up tables in the cafeteria during the lunch blocks, filled with card games (UNO, Go Fish, Old Main and War) Valentine’s cards, stickers and markers. After finishing their lunch, students who were interested could come over and play a game or make a Valentine’s card for the residents of Maplewood Nursing Home.

WHEN used to hold these Listening Posts regularly before the pandemic, but this is the first time they’ve been offered since then. Linda Dioguardi, WHEN’s programming chair, remembered that the response back then was overwhelming. She was a little unsure how the students would react this time around and was hoping that there would be at least some interest.

Turns out she had nothing to worry about.

During the six lunch periods at Spry on Thursday, more than 125 students came over to the tables to play cards or make Valentines. The response at Willink the next day was equally enthusiastic.

WHEN volunteers and retired WCSD teachers joined the students at the tables to play some surprisingly competitive games of UNO or Old Maid, or to make some charming Valentine’s cards. And while they were participating in all the fun and games, the students didn’t even realize they were benefiting from positive interactions with adults who were truly interested in who they were and what they had to say.

The ultimate goal is to strengthen relationships and enhance the sense of community within — and outside — the school.

WHEN hopes to host a Listening Post at least once a month at each of the middle schools through the end of the year. This time only retired WCSD teachers and WHEN members were been invited, but as the program ramps up again, any retiree from the Webster community is invited — and encouraged — to participate. For more information, visit the Webster Health and Education Network website or email info@WHENdfcc.org.

The photo above is of some of the Valentine’s card makers at Willink. Here are a few others from the two Listening Posts:

  • Card games and card makers at Spry
  • Principal Callahan challenges some Spry students to a game of UNO
  • The WHEN/retiree Listening Post team at Willink
  • It was all smiles during the card games at Willink

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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 2/2/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

The Webster Central School District and Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) are hosting an encore presentation of Navigating the Tween Years: Social Media & Your Kid. This is an interactive parent forum discussing how technology has changed social development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The event is Tuesday, February 4, 6:30-8 p.m. at Klem Road South Elementary School, 1025 Klem Road, Webster. Open to all Webster parents and guardians, but adults only, please. Click here to learn more.
Join us! Learn more at WHENdfcc.org/events.

*****

Color Webster Green will host a Heat Pumps 101 seminar this coming Wednesday, exploring the transformative power of heat pumps.

Learn how these innovative systems provide efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling. This presentation is given by local residents Rebecca Collins, Jon Randall and Allen Hibner, who can discuss their personal experiences with heat pumps.

The event will be held at the Webster Public Library Community Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no charge. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the back of Webster Plaza.

*****

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will hold a Spaghetti Dinner at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Meat, meatless and garlic sauce options will be available. For takeout call 585-872-3500.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the WSPS, a group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.

*****

Here’s a quick run-down of what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

For kids and families:

  • Celebrate Dental Health Month with Dr. DeLucia from Webster Pediatric Dentistry. Tues. Feb. 25 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. She’ll give a presentation about dental health and keeping our teeth clean. She’ll have lots of fun props, including a giant toothbrush and giant teeth, lots of giveaways and a chance to dress up as a dentist yourself. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make it Monday: Yarn-Wrapped Hearts, Monday Feb. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Make yarn-wrapped hearts at this month’s craft night. Grades 4 and up and adults are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For teens who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, hanging out with friends, and becoming more involved in your library and the community. For grades 6 to 12, and registration is requested.

For adults:

  • Learn About Tuskegee Airman Leland “Sticky” Pennington, Thursday Feb. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On April 21, 1945, the Tuskegee Airman took off on a flight in his P-51 Mustang, named ‘Lucy Gal.’ World War II was drawing near a close, but his service as a bomber escort pilot was needed. En route to the mission, Pennington went missing in action and he has never been found. Registration is required.
  • The Black Church: In Plain Sight but Invisible, Tuesday Feb. 4, 2 to 4 p.m. The physical presence of the Black Church is a familiar aspect of American history and current events. Dr. Timothy Johnson leads his audience beyond the superficial into an in-depth historical overview of the Black Church. Registration is required.

This month’s Community Exchange is jewelry! Bring in some pieces you don’t wear any more and pick up something new. And while you’re there, consider donating some wet or dry dog or cat food to the Webster Pet Food Pantry, this month’s Donation Station beneficiary.

And I’ll be writing more about this soon, but also, the Rochester Regional Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to the library parking lot on Thursday, Feb. 27. Sign up for your spot on Feb. 10 at the library, but if you can’t make it to register, some walk-ins will be accepted on the 27th. No insurance is required.

More to come about this tremendous opportunity.

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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 2/1/2025)

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Bev Geier, Webster Rec’s longest-tenured fitness instructor, retires

31 Jan

We meet thousands of people as we go through life. Most of them will become little more than passing acquaintances. If we’re lucky, some will become close friends. But if we’re VERY lucky, we meet someone who really, truly makes our lives better.

Bev Geier is that kind of person.

For more than 55 years, Bev Geier worked as a fitness instructor for the Webster Parks and Recreation Department. During her long career, Bev touched the lives of thousands of young people and adults, motivating and inspiring them through her many fitness classes to become their better selves through regular exercise.

A few weeks ago, Bev retired as the department’s longest-tenured fitness instructor.

Bev worked for the Rec Center for so long that she kind of grew up with the organization. She remembers when, back in 1962, Charles Sexton came to Webster as the town’s first Recreation Director. Shortly thereafter, there was an article in the Webster Herald seeking people interested in teaching Swedish Gymnastics. Bev signed up, took the training sessions, and her career with the Webster Recreation Department officially began.

In the years since, Bev traveled with the Rec Center as it moved from Dewitt Rd. School to Ridgecrest School, to its current location on Chiyoda Drive. As the facilities expanded, so did Bev’s classes, growing from programs for girls to adding mothers and daughters, women’s classes, to special formats for “seasoned citizens,” and many more.

And she enjoyed every minute of it.

“For the past many years,” she said, “I have had the true pleasure of spending time with an amazing number of astounding people who shared (or łearned to share) the view that as we age it is beneficial and essential to keep moving if you want to be able to keep moving.”

“It’s been a great run and has afforded me the opportunity to meet and interact with so many nice people.” 

Praise for Bev as an instructor — and as an individual — has come from every corner of the Rec Center following her retirement.

Fitness Coordinator Jay Verna wrote,

Beverly’s contributions went beyond physical exercise ,as she understood from the outset the importance of connecting with people and how important social and emotional interaction is to our overall health and wellness. We are forever grateful for Bev’s dedicated service to our community and for her many years of inspiring people through exercise, healthy living, and being a great mentor, friend, and compassionate listener.  

Dylan Herold, who worked alongside Bev as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, told me

I can’t say enough great things about Bev. She was a wonderful mentor to me… I owe a lot of my success to her. She was always the best to me she would give me good advice. Whenever I had a problem I was stumped on she always had a solution. …  I have a certification as a senior fitness specialist and I didn’t learn even half as much from that as I did from Bev herself.

She was a wonderful person not only as an instructor but her heart was a heart of gold … and I will forever be grateful to her for all she’s done for me.   

Many of her former students had even higher praise.

Deb Wishard remembered how welcoming Bev was the few times she had to bring her grandson to class.

One time we went to walk, and she grabbed his hand and made him walk with us. I was so thrilled.

Carol Schaefer said,

We really miss Bev. We miss her life stories and her gentle way.

Deb Wishard, a fitness instructor herself, said,

I always tell people, find somebody you want to be like when you get older and someone you don’t want to be like. Bev was one of the people that you wanted to be like.

Judy Sinaguglia said she really didn’t start exercising regularly until after the pandemic, when she finally decided to “get out and do something.” She started with Bev’s class.

I was so grateful. She not only was kind about beginners like me that had no idea what the heck this is all about, but it really helped me as a person, developing all my muscles. … Now I’m very healthy, I come out four days a week. She really started me off. She was older than I was. I thought, she’s been doing this for 50 some years, I can do it, too. It definitely motivated me. She was an inspiration to everybody.

Jean Callahan agreed.

She was an inspiration because she just kept going. Because she felt so strongly about helping people … she just kept going and going.  

Well, the time has finally come for Bev to stop “going.” But she leaves behind a legacy of friendship, kindness, and fitness that will be long remembered at the Webster Recreation Center.

In recognition of Bev Geier’s 55+ years of service to the Webster community, the Webster Town Board will honor her with a proclamation at the Board Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Van Ingen Court Building, 1000 Ridge Rd.

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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 1/29/2025)

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WCSD to offer preK open houses

30 Jan

The Webster Central School District (WCSD) will be hosting a district-wide open house on Tuesday, Feb. 11 for parents looking to enroll their young children in the district’s pre-kindergarten program in September.
 
Webster CSD PreK is a New York State-funded program specifically designed for 4 year-olds not eligible for kindergarten. Each year the school district invites families of eligible children who reside in the district to apply. The district offers full-day (five hours) and half-day (2.5 hours) options. The open house offers families living within the school district an opportunity to see some of the sites and learn more about the program before registering for the lottery. The visit is intended to answer questions and help families rank their choices prior to the registration window of February 14 to March 14.

The open house will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. at seven of the district’s 14 pre-K locations:

* Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, Webster (enter door 4)
* Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line, Webster (enter in the back)
* 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
* LP at STARS Preschool, 1456 Ridge Road, Webster
 
Webster’s play-based learning program focuses on communication, vocabulary development, and problem-solving. Time is dedicated to gross motor and sensory development, art and music exploration, and consistent literacy and math experiences. Plus, there’s weekly speech language pathologist support in each classroom.
 
Families who are unable to attend the open house and would like to learn more about the Webster CSD PreK program are encouraged to visit the WCSD website at or call (585) 216-0122.

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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 1/22/2025)

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A sneak peek at Willink’s production of Annie Jr.

29 Jan

I had the pleasure Monday night of getting a preview of Willink Middle School’s upcoming spring musical, Annie Jr., which takes the stage this coming weekend, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

You all know this classic musical. Set in Depression-era New York City, it tells the story of a spunky orphan who dreams of finding her real parents, who years earlier had abandoned her on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. With her infectious optimism and unwavering determination, Annie navigates the challenges of life and ultimately finds a loving home with the wealthy businessman, Oliver Warbucks.

It’s a charming story, and I dare say the cast members of the Willink Drama Club have captured that charm perfectly.

As I sat watching the dress rehearsal, I couldn’t help but think that I would be seeing many of these young people on the Webster Thomas stage — and even a Broadway stage — some day. Still just in middle school (some as young as 6th grade) these young actors presented impressive acting and singing skills. It was obvious how hard they’d all worked to bring this production to the stage and how much fun they were having. It’s especially enjoyable to see the entire cast of almost 100 students take over the cafetorium floor and aisles, filling the entire room — top to bottom and side to side — with song and dance.

The staging is simple, but effectively draws the audience into every scene. It’s easy to become so engaged, for example, that you feel like you’re just another of those orphan girls, waiting for Miss Hannigan to storm in and start barking orders. And just TRY to keep from singing along to “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” or “Tomorrow.”

Annie Jr. is a delightful, feel-good production filled with young talent that will knock your socks off. Staged by an energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, it’s a story of optimism, hope, friendship and adventure that’s perfect for the whole family.

Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Children 2 and under are free. Click here to order them online.

Here are some more photos from the orphanage:

  • Mark Garbach and Harper Johnson
  • Kayla Vanderlinden and Poppy Short
  • Kayla Vanderlinden and Ella Boneberg

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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 1/29/2025)

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Annie, Jr. tickets are on sale!

27 Jan

For those of you looking forward to grabbing some advance sale tickets for  Willink Drama Club‘s upcoming production of Annie, Jr., I’m pleased to tell you that they’re now on sale!

Annie Jr. tells the tale of a spunky orphan named Annie (Kayla Vanderlinden) who dreams of finding her real parents. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan (Poppy Short). With her infectious optimism and unwavering determination, Annie navigates the challenges of life in a Depression-era orphanage and ultimately finds a loving home with the wealthy businessman, Oliver Warbucks (Mark Garbach), his personal secretary, Grace Farrell (Harper Johnson), and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

It’s a heartwarming story of optimism, hope, friendship and adventure that’s perfect for the whole family. It features a large, energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders, who’ve been working hard for months to bring the production to the Willink stage.

Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. Children 2 and under are free. Click here to order them online.

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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 1/27/2025)

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Bygone blog — A short story about the Hatch Rd. lush

26 Jan

This is the latest in my on-again, off-again series of Bygone Blogs, in which I’m re-posting some of my favorite blogs from the last 17 years.

I’ve been doing more running these days, as I train for my first-ever half marathon in May. A few days ago I saw something that reminded me of this blog, from August 28, 2010. At the time I wrote it, I was living in North Penfield, and my regular running route would take me along Hatch Rd.

Our Hatch Rd. lush is back

A little more than two years ago, as I ran through my North Penfield neighborhoods, I noticed several discarded Black Velvet bottles along Hatch Rd. It appeared that someone was regularly throwing their empty bottles onto the grassy shoulder as they walked (or drove) along Hatch. It started out as just a few of them, but over several weeks the number grew to more than 20.

I mentioned this curiosity a few times in my blog.  A short time later the bottles not only miraculously disappeared, but they never returned again. Could have been a coincidence, but I like to think some disgruntled spouse read my blog and put two and two together.

Well, the bottles have returned. But this time they’re not Black Velvet. Our drinking and tossing friend has apparently switched to the less expensive (but still imported) Canadian Leaf whiskey.  I saw two of them yesterday along that very same Black Velvet stretch. It will be interesting to see if they multiply.

Or maybe that disgruntled spouse is still reading my blog.

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That, by the way, was not my last encounter with the Hatch Rd. Lush. Four years later, I noticed a new, and growing, collection of empty bottles along that Hatch Rd. sidewalk. By now, however, his booze of choice had turned to vodka (as you can see in the photo above).

At least he wasn’t getting stuck in a rut.

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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 1/26/2025)

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WVFD receives pet rescue kits

24 Jan

Thanks to a generous donation from the Fetch Foundation, our Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) is now better prepared to save pets’ lives — as well as human lives — during an emergency.

Earlier this week, the WVFD received four FIDO Bags, courtesy the Fetch Foundation, an Arizona-based non-profit dedicated to supporting our nation’s pets. Each bag includes an oxygen mask, leashes, leather gloves, a pillowcase (for cats), a water dish, assorted other items to treat pets with minor injuries, and a training DVD.

In cases of fire or automobile accidents, fire fighters already have special tools to administer medical attention to the humans involved. But now they also have the means to save the lives of family pets who are also impacted by the emergency.

Sarah Mossey, WVFD’s EMS Coordinator, facilitated the donation after she saw a social media post by another department about the bags. She considers them a valuable addition to the department’s life-saving tool kit.

“Within the past year Webster has had more than one fire where pets were involved,” Mossey said. “These bags and the training that we will do on them will help us to be better prepared to help all residents (including the furry ones) when they are having one of their worst days.”

There are enough FIDO Bags to place one on each of the department’s engines, which are typically the first units to arrive at a structure fire or traffic accident. They’ll provide firefighters with the ability to administer medical attention to a family pet at the point of rescue.

The Fetch Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving community members and their household pets. Their vision is to place at least one FIDO Bag in every station in the nation. Click here to read more about their mission.

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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 1/24/2025)

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The Village would like your opinion about our parks

22 Jan

Are you a regular visitor to our Village of Webster parks? An occasional visitor? Do you like taking your kids to the playgrounds or your dog to run around? Do you enjoy the Friday night concerts at the gazebo every summer?

These are some of the questions that the Village of Webster Parks Committee would like to ask you, to get a better handle on who uses our parks, how they’re used, and how they might be improved.

The Village of Webster maintains six parks within the village boundaries, covering more than 22 acres:

  • Milton R. Case Memorial Park, 14 acres of woodland with nature trails with entrances off of South Ave. to the east and Wood St. on the west;
  • Wilmorite Recreation Area on Iroquois St., which features playground equipment and a baseball field;
  • Schantz Park on State Rd., with an entrance off of Hawley Dr., with a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment;
  • Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave., which has the gazebo and veterans monument;
  • Harmony Park off of Phillips Rd., which features the Village Band Shell and a big lawn; and
  • North Ave. Pocket Park, which is that little green space with the gazebo at the corner of North Ave. and Rt. 104.

The Parks Committee has launched a community-wide survey to gather feedback about how residents engage with these spaces and identify needs and opportunities for improvements. Village and non-village residents are being encouraged to fill out the survey (it takes 5 to 10 minutes) to help guide future park planning. Later this spring, the committee hopes to hold a series of neighborhood listening sessions to give residents even more chances to express their opinions about our village parks.

For additional information or to share more feedback, visit the Village of Webster Parks Committee website or email VWPRC1905@gmail.com

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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 1/22/2025)

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