Chris (right) and his best man, Ed SuslovicEd Suslovic officiating Chris and Chelsea’s wedding ceremony
Now here’s a really nice story which hails from Geneva, but has a distinctly Webster connection.
About two and a half months ago, on Sept. 29, Webster resident Chris Costello and his fiance’ Chelsea were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Geneva. Now, that news in itself is not remarkable. But there’s much more to this story, and it’s pretty touching.
More than 20 years ago, 8-year old Chris Costello was diagnosed with leukemia. After months of chemotherapy, remission and relapsing, he was finally told that a blood stem cell transplant would be his best chance at survival.
Hundreds of miles away in Portland, ME, Ed Suslovic, who had registered as a stem cell donor more than a decade earlier in college, found out he was a match for a young boy battling leukemia. He didn’t hesitate to donate his blood stem cells to a perfect stranger, ultimately saving Chris’s life. A year later, Chris and Ed met in person and instantly formed an unbreakable bond.
Now, back to the wedding. Obviously, it was already a special day. But it was made extra special in that Chris’s stem cell donor and longtime friend, Ed Suslovic, served as best man and officiated the wedding.
How heartwarming and appropriate that was, since it was Ed’s selfless donation that made it possible for Chris to marry the love of his life.
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In 1998, once Chris had regained his health, his mother established Christopher’s Challenge to educate about bone marrow transplants, encourage people to become potential bone marrow donors, and provide financial support to patients going through bone marrow transplant procedures. You, too, could save a life and be part of someone’s inspirational story by signing up through DKMS, the world’s largest blood stem cell donor center.
To find out more about Christopher’s Challenge, click here.
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There’s a new picture book on Amazon, which attracted my interest because it not only was written by a Webster author, but features a Webster student and his Webster coaches.
Andrew Conquers the Court, written by Antonietta Quinn, launched in November and has already become an Amazon.com bestseller. It’s a story of determination and perseverance, the kind of I-won’t-quit attitude that we try to instill in our children … and aspire to ourselves.
The book was inspired by a true story about Antonietta’s son Andrew. When he was in 7th grade at Willink Middle School, Andrew tried out for the basketball team, but wasn’t chosen. For some kids, that kind of defeat might have been the end of the story. But for Andrew Quinn, it was just the beginning.
Andrew set his sights on improving his skills and trying out for the team again in 8th grade. He started playing basketball whenever he could, working out with his friends and younger brother, getting up early every morning to practice dribbling, and joining travel teams. When tryouts came around again, Andrew not only made the team, but Coach Rob Fenton (another name Webster folks will recognize) put him in the starting line-up.
Andrew ultimately became a star player on the Webster Thomas High School Varsity team, earning MVP honors. Plus, he was voted the Monroe County Division 2 Co-Player of the Year, a Ronald McDonald House All-Star Player, and was selected for the First Team of the All-Greater Rochester basketball team.
As an educator herself, Antonietta realized what a great story Andrew was living.
“Watching it as a mom, I thought, this is amazing,” she said. “This is a metaphor for life. You don’t get what you want, but you keep working at it and you eventually get it.” It wasn’t until years later that she decided to write a book. So many people were telling her how inspirational Andrew’s story was, she knew she needed to share it with the world.
People would say to my husband and me, “Gosh, he’s got such a great story.” Then at his senior banquet his coaches said, “I don’t think this ever happened before, where a kid didn’t make it in 7th grade and ended up the all star on the team.” … That’s where it kind of popped in my head that maybe this is the time to do the children’s book I’ve wanted to do.
That decision was further sealed when Andrew’s 7th grade English teacher told Antonietta, “I tell his story every year to my class.”
“As soon as she said that,” Antonietta thought, “I was like, that’s my book. That’s gotta be it. Because if she tells it to her class, maybe other classes would read it too.”
Now she hopes Andrew’s story will inspire others, young and old, to not give up when life throws you a curve.
“The whole idea of resilience in life is so important, because you’re going to go through those things,” she said. “It’s just part of life, whether it’s a sport that you love or a career … Failures are really learning opportunities” if we choose to look at them that way.
Andrew Conquers the Court, written by Antonietta Quinn and illustrated by Eva Morales, is available on Amazon.com for $18.99 in hardcover, $12.99 in paperback, or $3.99 for Kindle.
Andrew in 8th gradeAndrew as a Webster Thomas senior
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Andrew Quinn is currently studying architecture — and playing basketball — at Marywood University in Scranton, PA. Antonietta Quinn lives in Webster with her husband David and younger son Sean, currently a junior at Webster Thomas.
If you happened to see an 18-wheeler making its way along 250 Wednesday afternoon, escorted by several Webster police cars with lights flashing, you saw the Wreaths Across America truck! It was delivering our 1,360 wreaths, to be placed on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural and Union Hill cemeteries on Saturday.
My regular blog readers know the story about how Webster is participating in Wreaths Across America again this year, but in case you need some background, click here.
WPD officers met the truck at the Roseland Fire Station on Salt Rd., where 660 wreaths were unloaded onto a hay wagon for Webster Rural and Union Hill. Then the officers escorted the truck up 250, through the village, and all the way to Webster Union Cemetery, where 700 more fresh wreaths were unloaded in preparation for Saturday’s ceremony.
I was standing at the village’s four corners as the procession came through town, so I know several people were out watching for it and cheering it along, so thank you very much for that!
Our volunteer driver was Air Force veteran Pat Norrod, from JR Kays trucking in Clarendon, PA. As a thank you, local coordinator Cherie Wood presented him with a gift bag stuffed with snacks, courtesy Wreaths Across America Webster and Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8.
A huge shout-out to the WPD officers who volunteered their time to provide the escort and give the Wreaths Across America truck a memorable Webster welcome: Sgt. Andy Frate, Ashley Lass, Katie Hilliard and Erik Rynders.
It was a great kick-off to what will be a very moving ceremony when the Webster community comes together to remember and honor our nation’s veterans this Saturday Dec. 16. I hope you can join us. Everything begins at noon at Webster Union Cemetery, then continues afterwards at Webster Rural and Union Hill. Find out more details at my blog hereor the Webster Wreaths Across America Facebook page.
Here are some more photos from the afternoon:
unloading at Webster Union CemeteryWebster Location Coordinator Cherie Wood with truck driver Pat Norrod
A look at the procession as it came through the village
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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.
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!
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 emailjannaujokas1@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 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 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.
As the name suggests, this particular concert will feature a lot of your holiday favorites. Which means that not only will it be enjoyable, you’re guaranteed to be humming tunes as you walk out the door.
There’s no charge to attend the holiday 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 Senior Singers have offered older adults a no-cost, no-stress opportunity to rehearse and perform music for almost 40 years. Comprised of both men and women 55 and over, the group rehearses every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in a small room at the Recreation Center from September through June, taking two months off during the summer. And two or three times a year, especially before their summer break and at holiday time, they move into the Center’s large multipurpose room to present community concerts, performing Broadway show tunes, old standards and holiday favorites.
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I just learned that the Wreaths Across America truck — carrying Webster’s 1,360 wreaths for Wreath Day on Saturday — will be arriving at the Roseland Fire Station (corner of Salt and Plank) around 1:30 or 2 p.m. this Wednesday Dec. 13.
The truck will be met there by a police escort, drive to Woody Acres Tree Farm to drop off the Webster Rural Cemetery wreaths, then to Webster Union Cemetery to drop off the wreaths for that cemetery and Union Hill.
We’re hoping the 18-wheeler will drive through the Village of Webster to get to Rt. 250, and it would be great to have as many people out there on sidewalks cheering the truck and its special cargo.
The truck is part of the Wreaths Across America “Honor Fleet,” made up of hundreds of trucking companies who volunteer their drivers, equipment and time to deliver almost three million wreaths every year to every corner of the country.
Even if you can’t be there to cheer on the truck, plan to attend this weekend’s Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Webster Union Cemetery. On Saturday Dec. 16, community members will gather to lay 1,360 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Union Hill and Webster Rural cemeteries. It’s a solemn ceremony designed to remember these servicemen and women and to thank them for their sacrifices.
The day will begin at noon at Webster Union Cemetery (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull) with a short ceremony, after which community members will spread out through the cemetery to lay 700 wreaths. Interested volunteers will then travel to Webster Rural and Union Hill cemeteries to lay another 660 wreaths there.
Click here to read more about last year’s ceremony, and plan to bring the whole family to help out.
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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The Webster Village Band is proud to present their annual Community Holiday Concert on Saturday Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.
This year’s holiday concert will be the first led by the band’s new director, Andy Kittelson. Kittelson recently replaced long-time conductor Tom Indiano, who retired last summer after leading the band for more than 18 years.
Kittleson is an award-winning instrumental music teacher in the Wayne Central School District, which many people might recognize from his frequent work with local theater productions, the Kodak Concert Band. He’s also very involved with the New York State School Music Association. He and the band have prepared an outstanding program of about a dozen holiday tunes and medleys, including a sing-along at the end, guaranteed to put everyone in the holiday spirit.
The performance begins at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 850 Ridge Rd., and is expected to run about 75 minutes. There’s no cost to attend.
The Webster Village Band has been making beautiful music for more than 55 years. Now more than 50 members strong, the band also performs three summer concerts at Harmony Park, two concerts at Cherry Ridge, and at the Village of Webster Sept. 11 ceremony.
The annual Community Holiday Concert marks the end of the band’s 2023 holiday season, which begins in mid-October. They’ll take up their instruments again in March, and are always looking for more community members to join their musical family. For more information, contact Sarah Newman at senewman76@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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.
On that day, community members will gather to lay 1,360 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Union Hill and Webster Rural cemeteries. It’s a solemn ceremony designed to remember these servicemen and women and to thank them for their sacrifices.
The day will begin at noon at Webster Union Cemetery (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull) with a short ceremony, after which community members will spread out through the cemetery to lay 700 wreaths. Interested volunteers will then travel to Webster Rural and Union Hill cemeteries to lay another 660 wreaths there.
Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to take part in this very moving ceremony. Start a new holiday tradition for your family; it’s a great way to teach your children about how important it is to remember and recognize our nation’s veterans. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for more details. You can also follow the Wreaths Across America Facebook page to keep up on all the latest news.
If you’d like to help, please take a moment to sign up here so organizers have some idea of how many people are coming. (But if you forget, no sweat. Just come anyway.)
Last year, the first year in which Webster joined the Wreaths Across America effort, more than 300 adults, children, first responders, veterans and active service members laid 650 wreaths at Webster Union Cemetery. (Click here to read the blog about that incredible day.) It was an incredible outpouring of support from the Webster community. Even more volunteers will be needed to help out with this year’s expanded effort.
And do you remember when the wreath truck came through town?
The Wreaths Across America truck is expected to arrive in Webster in the next few days, an 18-wheeler traveling from Maine (where the wreaths are created) to deliver our 1,360 wreaths. The plan is for it to pick up a police escort at the Roseland Fire Station (corner of Salt and Plank roads) and then continue to the cemeteries to drop off the wreaths. The truck is part of the Wreaths Across America “Honor Fleet,” made up of hundreds of trucking companies who volunteer their drivers, equipment and time to deliver almost three million wreaths every year to every corner of the country.
It would be great if we could cheer the driver along as he comes through town. As I get more specific details, I’ll let you know!
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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.
First, this reminder from the Webster Museum about a great holiday fundraiser … which also makes a great 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 emailjannaujokas1@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.
The mission of the Women’s Club is to make a positive difference in the lives of Webster community members, primarily through fundraising. The list of organizations and scholarships the club supports is impressive, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Museum, service awards for high school students, the Webster Library, Webster NY Hope and many more.
If you’ve never been to a meat raffle (they’re HUGE in Buffalo), then you’ve missed out on a unique and entertaining experience.
For not a whole lot of money, you can win some big bunches of steak, bacon, pork, sausages … and much more.
This particular meat raffle is being hosted as a fundraiser for the Webster Wolves baseball team on Saturday Jan. 20. Check the flyer for more details.
There’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Public Library this month, starting with the annual Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale.
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.
Also going on this month at the library:
Music and Movement Story Time on Tuesday Dec. 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
Family Night on Monday Dec. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and make a penguin egg puppet. No registration is required.
Make it Monday for Teens, Monday Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month, make a sock snowman. Registration is required. Click here.
Teen Library Club, Wednesday Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Kids in grades 6 through 12 are invited to learn how to become more involved in the library and the community. Registration is required. Click here.
For adults: Tending to Life — Blue Christmas, Saturday Dec. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sharon Willow talks about grief and the holidays. Registration is required. Click here.
Holiday Music in the Library, Saturday Dec. 16. At 10:30 a.m., the Madrigalia Carolers will perform in the main library (no registration required). At 1 p.m. the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform in the Community Room. Registration is required for that performance. Click here.
Santa will be there from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 9 to welcome children of all ages. He’ll wait for everyone, so no need to show up at right at the beginning; stop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.
And while you’re there — whether you see Santa or not — you can drop off your letter to Santa in the mailbox anytime between Dec. 9 and 19. And guess what!! Santa will actually write a return letter which you can pick up at the Rec Center beginning on Dec. 21.
And if your kids like cookies, check this out: Stop in anytime on Saturday Dec. 9 between 8 a.m. and noon (before Santa gets there) for a Stay ‘n Play Cookie Decorating Party. It’s free and no registration is necessary.
And you won’t want to miss the Senior Singers Holiday Performance on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. This FREE performance of holiday classics will have you singing all day. This is a community event, so bring your friends and family! More to come about this in a future blog.
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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.
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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