Tag Archives: Webster NY

Webster community mailbag

13 Jun

I’d like to begin today’s mailbag with a shout-out to Webster Girl Scout Troop 60617 for their kindness and consideration for our deployed service members.

Troop leaders heard that military families in our area needed baby blankets, so they and their Scouts got to work. They crafted three beautiful blankets, which will be donated to Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8, who will distribute them to local military families so they can surround their babies with love.

Many thanks to Troop 60617 and leader Beth Cunico.

And now, details about our upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, courtesy the Webster CSD:

Webster Schroeder Graduation

Rehearsal – Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. Seniors meet in the Webster Schroeder Warrior Stadium, 875 Ridge Road. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Friday, June 21 at the Webster Schroeder stadium. Seniors line up at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, and procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date Saturday, June 22, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Warrior Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Webster Thomas Graduation

Rehearsal – Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. Seniors meet in the Willink Middle School cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Tuesday, June 25. Seniors line up at 6:45 p.m. in the Willink Middle School cafetorium. Procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to the Webster Thomas Titan Stadium, 800 Five Mile Line Road.
(Rain date – Wednesday, June 26, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Titan Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Both ceremonies will last roughly two hours. No tickets are required. These are open seating events. Gates open to the public approximately one hour before each procession begins. There is ample seating for families and other guests in the stands and on the field. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because traffic tends to back up.

Geocaching presentation at Webster Public Library

All sorts of fun things are always happening at the library, but I want to highlight this talk today because it’s being presented by my friend Gerry Sander.

On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m., Gerry will be presenting a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.

Here’s the description from the WPL website:

Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure!  Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness. 

The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s hiding spot. 

It’s an exciting and interactive way to bond, explore, and make unforgettable experiences together!

Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.

Vintage and Collectible Books Sale

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold a Vintage and Collectible Books Sale on Saturday July 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

There will be 178 books for sale  in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are  priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.

The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Frontier Kitchens introduces new golf event

Frontier Kitchens is hosting its First Annual Golf Invitational at Webster Golf Club on July 29, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entry fee is $125 per player and includes golf, gift and lunch. RSVP by July 10. Business sponsorship packages begin at $200 and include perks like sponsorship signs, logo placement, and an opportunity to put your branded item in the gift bags. Click here for more information and to register.

The invitational will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Lollypop Farm Humane Society.

Caring Community Concerts begin soon

The United Church of Christ‘s Caring Community Concert series returns in just a few weeks.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for Wednesday July 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (See the flier below for the whole schedule.) 

There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Music, music, music in the Village of Webster

Here’s another look ahead at summer in the village:

The Friday night concert series at the gazebo begins on July 19 with a performance by 8 Days a Week, followed by the Red Hot and Blue Band on July 26. Also playing this summer are Escape Terrain on August 2, the Ayers Brothers on August 16 and the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra on August 23.

Also on the schedule this year:

  • Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
  • Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
  • Health Fair and Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
  • Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
  • Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
  • Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)

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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 6/13/2024)

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Webster Postsecondary Program a transitional step for special education students

10 Jun

It’s that time of year again, when our graduating seniors are taking their final exams, saying goodbye to high school and starting to plan for college, or the military, or a job in the skilled trades. Those are great options for most of our district’s seniors, but what about those who are “graduating” from one of the high schools’ special education classes? Those same options are really not available to them.

Thanks to a collaborative program between the Webster Central School District (CSD) and St. John Fisher University, those students are not cast out rudderless into the professional world. Instead, they can continue their education and learn important life skills at the Webster Postsecondary Program.

The program, now in its 13th year, serves as a transitional step for special education students ages 18 to 22. Its mission is to assist young adults with disabilities to strengthen their daily living, social/personal, and occupational skills, with the ultimate goal to guide their transition to living as independently as possible.

Three districts participate in the program: Webster, Brighton and West Irondequoit. Webster special education teacher Jen Hackett describes it as “kind of like a mini-community before (the students) hit the big community.”

Classes follow the regular Webster CSD calendar, and each week focus on a different set of life skills. They’re the kinds of skills which most of us take for granted and are critical to living in the greater society — like sending emails, opening and maintaining a bank account, taking a bus and making a 911 call — but which can be challenging for these young adults. Other lessons focus on eating healthy foods, managing personal space, improving communication skills and honing their workplace skills. And because taking care of yourself is equally important, there’s also time set aside every week for exercise — walking or working out in the weight room.

Every Friday, the theme culminates in a group activity which reinforce the week’s lessons, like going to a restaurant and ordering from a menu, or visiting the 911 call center and practicing making a 911 call.

It’s all about introducing functional skills, then practicing them a lot and role-playing so the students feel confident and comfortable interacting in the greater society.

One of the most important parts of every day, however, happens most afternoons, when the students leave the classroom and take buses to work actual jobs. Several local businesses partner with the program to provide practical work experience, including Bill Grays, Walmart, the YMCA, St. John Fisher and CDS Monarch.

In every instance, it’s been a win/win situation for everyone.

“We have some really hard-working students here,” Hackett said. “Our employers tell us they’re always on time, and they work harder than other students because they take it seriously and are reliable. … They have great skills and they take a lot of pride in their work.”

And that’s what it’s all about: helping these kids acquire the life skills that will lead them to fulfilling, independent lives.

“If you ask the students, they want to be independent,” Hackett said. “It’s about self-determination and helping students to figure out what they want in their life. It’s whatever their real dreams are and helping them to get to their dreams.”

Hackett would love to hear from any business owners who would like to provide work opportunities for students in the WSCD Postsecondary Program. Even one-time projects would work, like setting up for a big event (like a grand opening), doing some landscaping or assembling a mailing.

“We like to give them a taste of different jobs,” Hackett said. Job coaching will be provided, as well as transportation to and from the job site.

If you’re interested in partnering with the WCSD for this great program, email Jen Hackett at Jen_hackett@webstercsd.org.

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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 6/10/2024)

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June History Bit: Webster Walkabout Adventure Lab

9 Jun

Summer is the perfect time to take a walking tour of the Village of Webster and explore its history. The Webster Museum has a fun and interesting way to do that: the Webster Walkabout Adventure Lab. It’s an activity for the whole family that gets everyone outside to learn a little history and get some exercise along the way. 

The Webster Walkabout is based on geocaching, the very popular outdoor treasure-hunting activity that uses global positioning system (GPS) coordinates to hide and locate containers called geocaches. 

Typically, the hidden geocaches are physical containers containing trinkets to reward the finder. The Webster Walkabout Adventure Lab is different; participants are led to a series of virtual caches; in this case, five sites of historical significance to the founding of the Village of Webster. At each stop, the game prompts you to answer a question by typing in a word that can be found on a sign or plaque nearby. The correct answer unlocks the clue to the next location. Some of the walkabout stops even include videos.

The tour is about a mile and a half long and will take about 90 minutes. When you’re all done, you’ll be given a code to unlock a special bonus puzzle geocache located at the museum. 

In order to play the Adventure Lab, you need a smartphone (iOS or Android) with the Adventure Lab mobile app installed, with a data plan and cell service.  You’ll also need to sign up for a free account on geocaching.com. To open this Webster Walkabout in the Adventure Lab mobile app, type in labs.geocaching.com/goto/WEBSTER.

Read more about this and other fun ways to learn about Webster history by visiting the Webster Museum website at webstermuseum.com. Better yet, visit the museum any Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. It’s located at 18 Lapham Park. 

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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 6/9/2024)

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Mock DWI scenario taught Webster Thomas students a sobering lesson

8 Jun

If you happened to be driving by Webster Thomas High School on Wednesday morning, you might have been alarmed to see dozens of firefighters, police officers, EMTs and their emergency vehicles swarming around what appeared to be a horrific accident that had just occurred in front of the school.

The realistic accident scene was actually a very carefully arranged and pre-planned mock DWI scenario. It’s organized bi-annually by our local emergency responders as a training exercise, and hosted by the school district during prom and graduation party season as a serious, real-life lesson for our students.

The scene imagined a two-car accident, caused when a high school student was driving drunk. He rear-ended another car and drove it into a tree, seriously injuring several unrestrained passengers and killing another. (If that scenario sounds familiar, it was designed to mimic a fatal accident which actually happened in Hilton last weekend.)

About 600 juniors and seniors silently watched as, one by one, emergency workers extracted the injured passengers and took them to a waiting ambulance. It was slow going. Windows had to be smashed. The windshields of both cars had to be cut completely off, and the Jaws of Life had to be used to extract several of the passengers.

The drunk driver was unscathed, and with some assistance was able to get out of the car. His passengers, however, most of whom were unrestrained, were taken away on backboards. And the front seat passenger in the car he had hit was dead.

As the firefighters were removing doors and cutting the roof off one car, the driver was taken aside by a police officer, given a field sobriety test and arrested.

The whole scenario only took about 45 minutes, but for these high school students, they might be among the most important 45 minutes of their lives.

Speaking as a mother, I hope the message being shared that day sunk in at least a little bit with everyone. But I know that young people tend to think they’re invincible. Bad stuff like that can happen to someone else, but never to me.

But I couldn’t help thinking back to one of these mock DWI presentations I watched many years ago when I was working at Thomas. In addition to the student actors, the school had brought in the mother of the driver who “died.” She was standing on the school’s front walk when a police officer told her that her son had not survived. As any mother would when given that news, she collapsed with grief. As I watched, I found it easy to imagine how devastated she was, to feel the searing pain of losing a child.

If you have a high school student or know of one, perhaps you can impress that perspective upon him or her: you might think it’s OK to be cavalier with your life, cut corners and take chances. But think of how your parents would feel if a police officer came to their door and told them you were not coming home.

Ever.

See lots more pictures from the demonstration in this slideshow:

  • Investigator Kirkpatrick runs a sobriety test on junior Luke Meeson, the “drunk driver.”
  • School Resource Officer David Herrle narrated the action

The mock DWI demonstration was repeated at Webster Schroeder High School on Friday.

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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 6/8/2024)

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ATAD is looking for two host families

6 Jun

Even though this school year isn’t quite over, one local organization is already gearing up for September. And for them, time is already getting short.

The Association for Teen-age Diplomats (ATAD) is in urgent need of two Webster families to host high school-aged exchange students for the next school year. Now is the time to sign up, because the students need plenty of time to get their visas.

ATAD was created after World War II by a group of Kodak employees. They wanted to come up with some way to foster world peace and thought that if the world’s young people got to know each other, there would be less war. They started bringing exchange students to Rochester in the 1950s.

Most years, ATAD will host five to ten students hailing from France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Peru, Poland, Spain and Turkey. Two are expected this year: 16-year old Aurora from Sicily, who plays the piano, does gymnastics and volunteers for the Italian Red Cross; and 16-year old Marc from Spain, who loves to play basketball and wants to become an engineer. You can click here to see their complete bios.

Becoming a host family is easy, and really requires very little more than providing room, board and love. The visiting student doesn’t even need a private bedroom or any spending money.

You can find answers to many questions on the ATAD website, but here’s some helpful info:

  • students bring their own spending money and have their own insurance
  • families generally include the visiting student on family trips, and the students sometimes have their own money to pay for it
  • ATAD hosts a few social gatherings during the school year so host families can meet other families
  • each student has a program chair assigned to manage any problems — large or small — which come up. The ATAD volunteer network is ready to step in and help with any issues that arise.
  • host families do not have to have any other children
  • all visiting students know English well
  • families are not provided a stipend for hosting a student
  • students do not pay room and board

For more information, visit the ATAD website or email Suzanne Isgrigg, Vice President for Host Families, at froggymom@aol.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 6/6/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

4 Jun

A couple of fun things coming up this weekend are atop my mailbag.

The first is the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Celebration, this Saturday June 8 from 4 to 10 p.m.

This excellent family-friendly event features a bounce house, food trucks, live music, and fireworks at the end of the night. It’s free and no registration is necessary.

The Rec Center’s Music at the Arboretum series continues on Thursday, June 20 with a performance by Jazz Generation, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This is free (but weather-dependent). Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, plus snacks and drinks if you’d like!

Looking ahead at the Rec Center, mark your calendars now for the Summer Splash party on Saturday July 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr. Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and there’ll be free snow cones for all.

Then on Wednesday July 31, come out and see the beautiful new and improved Sandbar Park during Sandbar Splendor from 5 to 7 p.m. There’ll be lawn games, food trucks, raffles and music.

SPEAKING OF THE SPRAY PARKS…

Webster’s two spray parks are now open for the season, at Ridgecrest Park (off of Ebner Drive) and the beautiful, First Responders Spray Park near the Webster Recreation Center on Chiyoda Dr.

The First Responders Park (pictured here) is especially fun for kids and families. It’s a firefighter-themed playground and splash pad, with a nearby pavilion. The splash pad has all sorts of water-fun features including a fire hydrant, a dalmatian fountain and fire truck slide.  

Ridgecrest’s spray park is a smaller facility, but is just a short walk from the center of the village. It also boasts an adjacent playground and skate park.

    Also coming up this weekend is a program at the Webster Arboretum especially designed for those of you who love peonies.

    The Arboretum will present a Program about peonies, the “queen of flowers,” on Sunday June 9 at 6:30 p.m. Arboretum board member George Riehle will give a tour and present the program, focusing on the care and cultivation of peonies and tree peonies. Please register at the Webster Arboretum website.

    The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

    ALSO on Sunday June 9, the Webster Museum will present what has become one of their most popular programs, the Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.  

    If you’re curious about the value or origin of an antique you own, bring it to the museum on June 9 at 2 p.m. and the Palma Brothers will use their expertise to provide some insight. There’s no cost, you don’t need to register, and free refreshments will be provided.

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

    Finally, this notice which I actually got in my SNAIL MAIL: the Summer Concert Series at Cherry Ridge is back.

    The first concert is scheduled for Wednesday June 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra. Gates open at 5 p.m., and food will be available for purchase beginning at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs, and make sure to pre-register here so you can skip the line. There’s no cost for this community concert.

    Looking ahead, on Tuesday Aug. 6, 8 Days a Week takes steps up on the Cherry Ridge stage, so make sure to mark your calendars now.

    Cherry Ridge is located at 900 Cherry Ridge Blvd., across from Webster Schroeder High School. Registration is requested. Click here to do so.

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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 6/4/2024)

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    Senior Singers concert, lots more this June at Webster Senior Center

    3 Jun

    I often write about what’s going on at the Webster Recreation Center, but sometimes the 55+ “senior” center activities get lost in the shuffle. I’d like to correct that oversight today.

    The main thing I want to let you know about is the next free community performance by the Senior Singers on Tuesday June 11, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

    The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — two or three times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.

    While you’re there, consider joining this fun group. It doesn’t cost anything, and no audition is required. The only things you really need are the desire to make music — and a lot of new friends.

    The Talks on Tuesdays series continues this month with three great programs.

    The first, scheduled for Tuesday June 4, is called Be Scam Aware. The chief of the White Collar Crime Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s office will discuss the latest scams, what to look out for, how to avoid them and what to do if you become a victim. (Register for activity #246940-F)

    On Tuesday June 11, join Dan Glunt for a fascinating program about the Civil War Colt 44 his family inherited from his great-great grandfather. I wrote a blog about this interesting story which will tell you more about it. (Register for activity #246940-G)

    On Tuesday June 18, join a seminar about Empowering Seniors Against Fraud. The program will discuss ways fraudsters reach out and attempt to defraud and scam the elderly population. (Register for activity #246940-H)

    All Talks on Tuesday programs begin at 10:30 a.m. and are free, but registration is required so they make sure to have enough seats.

    Also coming up this month, especially for seniors, at the Webster Recreation Center:

    • Tuesday June 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m. — Technology Workshop: Have Apps Will Travel. Technology instructor Daniel Jones will teach about travel-related apps for your upcoming trips. Free.
    • Tuesday June 11, 12:45 p.m. — Strawberry Shortcakes. Show up anytime between 12:45 and 1:30 p.m. to enjoy a sweet treat. Cost is $3, register by June 7.
    • Friday June 14, 11 a.m. to noon — Dogs & Donuts. Meet some amazing RocDog Therapy Dogs and share a breakfast treat. Free.

    This is just a sample of all the cool things happening at the Webster Recreation Center for community members 55+. Check out the Senior Center newsletter for more information.

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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 6/3/2024)

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    Wilbert’s earns recognition as a Top Workplace

    1 Jun

    Thank you to my friend Jan Naujokas for passing along this little happy piece of news about a local business. Wilbert’s Family Enterprises has recently been honored as one of the 2024 Rochester Top Workplaces.

    The rankings were compiled by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, based on employee surveys collected from September through November 2023. Judges were looking for “dynamic companies (with) high employee satisfaction and being committed to workplace excellence.” Any business (public, private, non-profit, or government) with 35 or more employees in the Rochester metro area was eligible to participate.

    In all, more than 18,000 employees from 101 companies submitted surveys. Of those, 69 companies in three categories — small, midsize and large — were chosen as Top Workplaces.

    Wilbert’s Family Enterprises, located on Salt Rd., has been operating for more than 70 years as one of the largest automotive recycling facilities in New York State. In their listing on the D&C website, Wilbert’s writes that “our vision is to be the employer of choice, fostering a workplace where talent thrives. We aspire to create an environment where every employee feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.”

    We are dedicated to embracing a collaborative and innovative workplace to elevate our products and services and contribute meaningfully to the communities we touch. Our success is measured not just in financial terms but in the positive influence on the lives of our employees, customers, and the community… we pride ourselves in providing quality products and service, with the help of our amazing family of employees, while continuing to give back to the community.

    The Top Workplace honorees were celebrated at a cocktail reception on April 3 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Click here to see the entire list.

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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 5/29/2024)

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    Dark Arts Muay Thai & Jiu Jitsu is area’s newest martial arts school

    30 May

    As a martial artist myself, I am well versed in the many benefits the martial arts offer for adults, and especially children: self-confidence, flexibility, coordination, aerobic workout and self-defense skills to name a few. Which is why I’m always happy to let people know when a new dojo moves into town.

    One of the most recent additions to the Webster/Penfield martial arts scene is Dark Arts Muay Thai & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, which officially opened on April 1 in Bay Centre Plaza, 1217 Bay Rd. (next door to Bert’s Bikes). I stopped in a few weeks ago to meet co-owner Juan Hernandez, check out the new space, find out what kinds of classes are offered, and — most importantly — find out what the heck “Muay Thai” is.

    The space is beautiful, and much improved over its formal iteration as the Goodwill redemption center. “This was a skeleton” when they signed the lease, Juan said. “We built everything from scratch.” And by everything, he means plumbing, lighting, building a new wall, adding huge ceiling fans, painting everything, and adding new bathrooms and showers to accommodate students who need early-morning classes.

    The heavily-matted training area takes up most of the 1800+ square-foot studio, leaving plenty of room for equipment storage, cubbies for students’ needs, and an area for spectators. Classes are offered every day but Sunday, sometimes beginning as early as 6 a.m. They run the gamut from kids’ jiu jitsu and Muay Thai (beginning at 4 years old) to classes for adults and a weapons class.

    Plus, Juan said, “We’re big into empowering women,” so Dark Arts also offers a ladies-only jiu jitsu class, and a monthly self-defense class.

    And while Dark Arts is new to the area’s martial arts community, Juan Hernandez is not new to martial arts or to teaching. He was only three and a half years old when he started training, and of course he continues to do so today, almost 40 years later. He’s been teaching for 22 years, at various dojos around the Rochester area. His reputation has preceded him, both as a teacher and proprietor of a safe, respectful and friendly environment.

    And what exactly is Muay Thai? I’m told it’s a Thailand-based martial art also known as the “art of eight limbs” because practitioners use fists, elbows, knees and shins. I’m not at all familiar with it, or Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but I really liked what I saw when I popped in to watch the end of a class. The people are friendly, the teaching staff very supportive and positive, and the workout challenging.

    Anyone who’d like to check out the facility and try a class for themselves is welcome to stop by any Saturday morning at 10 a.m. for open mat time; there’s no drop-in fee and you don’t need a GI.

    Visit the Dark Arts website or Facebook page to see the whole schedule, and find out more about our area’s newest martial arts dojo.

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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 5/29/2024)

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    Deborah MacKay School of Dance celebrates 40 years

    29 May

    It’s been 40 years since Debbie Tiffany opened Deborah MacKay School of Dance, tucked into a one-room dance studio in Baytowne Plaza. She, and her school, have come a long way since.

    Anyone who knows even a little about Debbie’s early years isn’t the least bit surprised that she became a successful dance teacher. She started dancing herself when she was just 5 years old, under the tutelage of Donna Throumoulos. She went on to get professional training in Toronto, New York City and Miami under mentors Judy Bassing and Brian and Faye Foley. It was then that she realized her passion was not just performance.

    “One day in a dance class I was so intrigued with the choreography that I realized I wanted to teach and pass on my knowledge more than perform it,” she wrote. “That decided my future of opening my own school.”

    When she opened that small studio in 1984, she had only 54 students and a limited number of classes in ballet, tap and jazz. It didn’t take long, however, before she outgrew that space, and Deborah MacKay Dance moved to the Village of Webster, where it would remain for 26 years. As more classes were added and more students signed up, it became clear that more parking and classrooms were desperately needed. So in 2015 Debbie purchased the old Webster Inn building at 1695 Ridge Rd. (just east of Salt), where the studio now boasts three classrooms and lots more private parking. The classes, too, have expanded, and now include pointe, contemporary, theater, hip hop, conditioning, and kindergarten development.

    Classes are offered for children as young as 3 years old, and most students continue to train at the school through their high school graduation. Many have been awarded college scholarships for dance, and several have turned professional, dancing for companies including the Carolina Ballet Theater, Paul Taylor II and the Rochester City Ballet.

    A few photos from a recent rehearsal

    Deborah MacKay School of Dance’s continued success can be attributed in large part to Debbie’s philosophy.

    “Every student counts, whether they dance one day a week or five,” she wrote. What we do at the studio goes far beyond dance education and technique; we strive to inspire students to be successful and the best people they can be. Teamwork, dedication and perseverance are qualities we hope to pass on as students graduate from our school.

    And while there’s been a lot of dancing and a lot of performances in the last 40 years, for Debbie, the best part about teaching dance is — and always has been — the people.

    The relationships you develop over the years are the backbone of the business. My teachers are all alumni and we have many second-generation students. Parents of graduated students still help out in the office, making props, or volunteering at our yearly show. Several of our alumni are still friends to this day, and I hope most people hold onto good memories of their time at the school.

    A good example of how committed Debbie is to sharing her passion for dance came from Michelle Gibbs, a parent whose two daughters, Maren and Hollis, have been dancing for seven years. Her son Parker, however, “can’t dance, just like me,” she laughed. “My son has never taken a dance class,” she said, “but he fell in love with theater in school. I asked Debbie if there was a class he could take.”

    So Debbie created a brand new theater dance class for Parker and a bunch of other kids who don’t want, or need, the traditional dance class experience.

    Community members are invited to help celebrate the Deborah MacKay Dance School’s 40th anniversary by attending this weekend’s show, Encore ’24! It will feature some of the school’s favorite performances, more than 30 different dances representing the entire gamut of styles. It will be held Saturday June 1 at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday June 2 at 3 p.m., at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $16 if purchased before Saturday, when the process goes up to $18. Click here to reserve your seats.

    * * *

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    (posted 5/29/2024)

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