Tag Archives: Webster Recreation Center

Wellness 360 hosts special events for caregivers and their loved ones

14 Jun

Our friends at Wellness 360 have scheduled two free special events in June of interest to caregivers, and especially those who love someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The first is a Caring for Caregivers event on June 21, which Wellness 360 hosts quarterly at the Webster Recreation Center. It’s open to local caregivers, and basically offers a night of respite and relaxation:

Enjoy a night of laughter, new friendships, and respite care. We have a group of caregivers that are uplifting and supportive. If you are not a caregiver but have a spouse with a progressive diagnosis, this is the place for you. Our Caring for Caregivers events are held quarterly; we invite Caregivers with a loved one with any progressive diagnosis to join us for an evening of appreciation.  Bring your quarters for a night of Left, Right, and Center. Not sure how to play?  No worries, it’s easy to learn. Our caregivers bring finger food to pass and a drink of your choice to share (wine/beer is allowed!). This event is not a support group but a safe place to laugh and enjoy two hours of time alone.  

Caregivers are even invited to bring their loved ones along for supervised fun from the staff and volunteers at Wellness 360. They’ll be escorted to a different room in the building where they’ll meet new friends and enjoy pizza, dessert and water, a pool table, ping pong, TV, and comfortable seating. There is a small cost of $10 if you choose to bring your loved ones. 

The Caring for Caregivers event will be held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive (off of Phillips) on Wednesday June 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Caregivers do not have to register, but if you’re bringing a loved one, please click here to register them.

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The next is a Ride to Remember event on Friday June 24, also at the Recreation Center.

The event raises money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and over 11 million are acting as their caregivers. 

This year, the ride honors Robert Cunningham. Robert served his whole career in the City of Rochester Police Department, and on a more personal note, was the father of Kelli Beebe, Wellness 360’s front desk manager. Ride in the memory of Robert, of your loved one, or to just spread awareness of the Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

There are three easy ways to get involved:

  • Join one of three 45-minute spin classes held at the Webster Rec Center. Donations to Alzheimer’s Association are accepted at the door. Seating is limited; registration is required. Three different classes will be offered for different skill levels. Click here for class descriptions and to register.
  • If you can’t attend a ride in person, you can sign up for a team, ride when and where you want and donate as you wish. Click here to sign up.

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

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

(posted 6/13/2023)

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The spray parks are open!

8 Jun

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 (pictured below) 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.

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

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

(posted 6/8/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

4 Jun

I’m kicking off today’s mailbag with this follow-up from the Webster Central School District about the Northeast Monroe County Special Olympics Track & Field Day, which Webster Schroeder High School hosted on May 23.

Athletes from Webster Schroeder, Webster Thomas, East Irondequoit, West Irondequoit, Penfield, Creekside, Mary Cariola, and Greece schools participated in this year’s event. They competed in track, field, and adaptive events including dashes, relays and distance runs, softball throw, long jump, shot put, 25m manual wheelchair, 25m electric wheelchair, and wheelchair softball throw.

Additional special events were offered for younger athletes to introduce them to sports movements and skills, including activities like an obstacle course, parachute games and target practice.

Special Olympics NY programs are designed to offer age-appropriate experiences to younger athletes that will prepare them for authentic Special Olympics competition. 

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St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Garage Sale returns on June 8 to 10 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

This huge sale will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday June 8 and 9, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday June 10. Along with what you might consider “regular” garage sale items, there will be lots of picture frames, furniture, household goods, sporting goods and toys.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the church’s outreach projects, including their Little Free Pantry which stands at the edge of their parking lot.

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Great food is in store on Saturday June 17 when the Rochester Academy of Irish Dance Parents Association host a Chicken BBQ drive-through fundraiser. They’ll be set up at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (between Five Mile Line and Hatch roads).

Dinners will be served beginning at 4 p.m., until they’re sold out. They cost $15, which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

Questions? Email raidparentgroup@gmail.com.

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This next notice is from our neighbors to the south.

On Friday June 9 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Penfield Recreation Center will host the annual PENFEST.

This is a great family event featuring food trucks, music, a KidZone, raffles, and lots of vendors and community agency displays.

The Penfield Recreation Center is located at 1985 Baird Rd.

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There’s always lots of great stuff happening at the Webster Recreation Center, but here are a few highlights:

The always entertaining Senior Singers will present a free performance on Tuesday June 6 at 11 a.m. in the lunch room. No registration is required and everyone is welcome.

Need a ride to the Rec Center? Good news! Anyone 55 or older can request a ride from your door to the Rec Center and back home again any Tuesday or Thursday. On Thursday, the ride home also includes a stop at the grocery store.

To schedule your ride, call the Rec Center at 585-872-7103 ext. 7385 no later than 8 a.m. the day of the ride. You’ll be asked to provide your name, address, phone number and requested date(s). Pickup will be between 9 and 10 a.m., and will return after Lunch Club 60, between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Rides cost $4 round trip per person/per day, payable at the front office upon arrival.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

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There’s always great stuff happening at the Webster Public Library also, but here are a few highlights:

  • Outdoor story times have returned to Harmony Park. Every Wednesday June through August, beginning at 9:30 a.m., bring the kids and a blanket and enjoy story time at the band shell. All ages are welcome and no registration is required. The park is located on Phillips Rd. south of Ridge.
  • June 12 is this month’s Make-it-Monday craft night. From 6 to 7 p.m. participants can make rainbow cloud hangings. Registration is required. Click here to register.
  • Kindness rocks! Stop by the library on Saturday June 24 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and decorate a rock or two with words or images of kindness. Then you can take your rocks and hide them around Webster.
  • The 2023 summer reading theme is “All Together Now,” so the library is celebrating friendship and kindness with a three-week Friendship Camp. It begins Wednesday June 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. with Friendship Bracelets and Button Making. Grades 4-12 are welcome. Registration is required.

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

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

(posted 6/4/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

26 May

I’m starting off today’s mailbag with a Webster resident whose name is in the news. (Or at least in the press release I received from Centenary University.)

Equestrian Benjamin Hoban of Webster helped his Centenary University team take top honors at the 44th annual ANRC National Equitation Championships recently held in Aiken, SC. The team, which also included Caroline Mancini of Bradford, RI and Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, won the title of National Collegiate Reserve Championship Team and the National Collegiate Individual Reserve Championship.

The competition for collegiate, junior, and adult amateur teams, sponsored by the American National Riding Commission, is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices.

Centenary University’s main campus is in Hackettstown, NJ, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.

From the Library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have an exciting new offering for anyone who loves books. It’s their very first Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday June 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will offer more than 140 books in good or better condition at very attractive, fixed prices. There are lots of first editions or first printings, published anytime from the late 19th century to the previous decade of the 21st century. Books from authors in the Library of America series and from the NY Times Best Seller list will be displayed. You’ll find books about Rochester and upstate New York; a good-sized assortment of books about war and its weapons; a few Tolkien items; some juvenile fiction ranging from the Bobbsey Twins to Harry Potter; many, many books about music, art, popular culture, animals, health, business, history, biographies and more.

The sale will be held in the library’s Community Room, 980 Ridge Rd.

Also happening at the Webster Public Library is what should be a very interesting talk about the upcoming solar eclipse.

On Thursday June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., Dan Schneiderman, the Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the RSMC, will discuss the science and history of solar eclipses, and how to prepare for the total solar eclipse which we will experience her in Rochester on April 8, 2024.

This is going to be a very popular event, so registration is required. Click here to do so.

Time to clean out your garage

If you’re like me, you have a huge garbage bag or two of returnables hanging out in your garage, awaiting your motivation to take them back to the store. Well, the Webster Marching Band will be happy to take them off your hands.

The band’s next Bottle and Can Drive happens this Saturday June 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All you have to do is place those bags outside your house or at the end of the driveway, with a little note indicating they’re for the band, and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

The Market is Back!

Webster Joe Obbie’s Farmers’ Market returns for the summer on Saturday June 10, at Webster Towne Plaza, in front of Old Navy. It’ll be there every Saturday through the fall from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with fresh fruits, vegetables, specialty food items, flowers, plants, crafts and more.

Can’t make it on Saturday? Beginning Wednesday July 19, the market will also be set up at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

I’ll post a more detailed blog soon about the market, but make a note on your calendar now.

Celebrate Summer

The Webster Recreation Center‘s annual Summer Celebration takes place Saturday June 10 from 4 to 10 p.m.

There’s live music, family fun, food trucks, and fireworks to end the evening. There’s no admission charge, so come on down for some great family time.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, and there’s plenty of parking.

Caring Community Concert series returns

Here’s another reminder that the United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concert series is returning this summer, beginning July 12.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. The rest of the summer features:

  • July 19: Ruby Shooz
  • July 26: Prime Time Brass
  • Aug. 2: Dady and Ryan
  • Aug. 9: 8 Days a Week

There’s no admission charge, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for almost 20 years now, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

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.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

For more information about the concerts, click here.

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

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

(posted 5/26/2023)

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One talk down, one to go

16 May

Thank you to everyone who was able to make it to my presentation Tuesday morning at the Webster Recreation Center. We had a good crowd, and a nice mix of people, some who were familiar with my blog, others who weren’t. Regardless, I think everyone learned something about me and my blog that they didn’t know before. I’m hoping that at least I didn’t bore anyone.

If you weren’t able to make it Tuesday, there’s still one more chance to hopefully not be bored by my talk. I’ll be presenting the same talk at the Webster Public Library on Thursday June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

There’s no charge, but it would be helpful if you could register so we kind of know how many people to expect. It’s easy to sign up. You can click here to do that.

I look forward to meeting more of my readers and hearing firsthand what you think about the blog. Bring along your questions, and any blog ideas.

Hope to see you there!

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

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

(posted 5/16/2023)

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I’m looking forward to meeting you at my talk!

11 May

Hey all you loyal readers out there, there’s still time to sign up for my all-about-me-and-my-blog talk at the Webster Recreation Center this coming Tuesday May 16.

The talk is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. and I’ve got a full hour to do my thing, but I don’t expect it to take more than 45 minutes, so there will be plenty of time for questions. You’ll hear all about my background, how Webster on the Web began, how I find blog topics, stuff like that.

The program is part of the Rec Center’s Talks on Tuesday series, for community members aged 55+. There’s no cost, but PLEASE register so the Rec Center knows how many people to expect. Click here to register. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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If you can’t make it to the Rec Center on the 16th (or you’re not 55+), don’t fret! I’ll be presenting the same talk at the Webster Public Library on Thursday June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

As with the Rec Center, there’s no charge, but registration is requested. You can click here to do that.

I look forward to meeting a lot of my readers and hearing firsthand what you think about the blog. Please bring your questions, and feel free to email some to me ahead of time so I’m certain to address them. And if you have any story ideas, bring them along too!

I really hope to see you there! (Or there.)

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

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

(posted 5/11/2023)

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So much family fun coming your way at the Rec Center

4 May

Need something fun for the whole family to do this Saturday May 6? The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the Rec Center has planned a whole morning of FREE 45-minute fitness classes on Saturday, with something for everyone.

The classes start at 7:35 a.m. with a Rhythm Ride, followed by Yoga, Total Body Tone, Upbeat Barre, Fusion Ride, Focus 40 and HIGH Fitness. And plan to bring the kids, because the Rec Center’s free Stay & Play child watch program will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. which will include an all-ages musical story time (featuring Jason from the Webster Public Library) and a craft.

Free coffee will also be available for parents/caregivers on the patio (weather permitting) from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Basically, this is a great opportunity to sample some fitness classes, relax with friends, and give the kids something fun to do at the same time.

The morning’s activities are open to Rec Center members and nonmembers, and no registration is required. Just show up!

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But wait! There’s more family fun afoot on Friday May 19 when Webster Parks and Recreation hosts a Family Fun Night at Challenger Miracle Field, 1000 Ridge Rd.

The entire family will enjoy lawn games, face painting, a balloon artist, food trucks, first responder vehicles, community group displays, and a concession stand. It all happens from 6 to 8 p.m.

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And this one is especially for seniors: The Rec Center will host a National Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can sample a variety of classes developed just for seniors including Zumba, cycling, strength training, chair yoga, Swedish fitness, Tai Chi and more.

There’s no cost, and registration is not necessary.

Looking ahead to summer, the Rec Center will host the annual Summer Celebration on June 10 from 4 to 10 p.m., with family activities, live music and fireworks. The event is free for all ages and is always a great time.

On July 22, mark your calendars for the Summer Splash Family Event from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Responders Splash Park, on Chiyoda Drive next door to the Rec Center. If you’ve never been to this spray park before, you owe your children a chance to check it out because it’s good for hours of water fun. The event will include a bubble foam machine and Rich the Magic Man, plus FREE snowie ice sponsored by Gleason Orthodontics.

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

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

(posted 5/4/2023)

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Two opportunities to learn more about me and my blog

2 May

If you’ve ever wondered how Webster on the Web got started, how I come up with my stories, what my favorite blogs have been, and stuff like that, then you might be interested in two special events coming up in the next few weeks.

On Tuesday, May 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, I’ll be presenting a talk all about me and my blog. In it, I’ll address all of those wonders and many more, plus tell you more about me and my background than you probably ever wanted to know. (For example, can you guess how long I’ve lived in Webster? The answer might surprise you.)

The program is part of the Rec Center’s Talks on Tuesday series, for community members aged 55+. There’s no cost, but PLEASE register so the Rec Center knows how many people to expect. Click here to register. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips Rd.

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If you can’t make it to the Rec Center on the 16th (or you’re not 55+), don’t fret! I’ll be presenting the same talk at the Webster Public Library on Thursday June 8 at 6:30 p.m.

As with the Rec Center, there’s no charge, but registration is requested. You can click here to do that.

I look forward to meeting a lot of my readers and hearing firsthand what you think about the blog. Please bring your questions, and feel free to email some to me ahead of time so I’m certain to address them. And if you have any story ideas, bring them along too!

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

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

(posted 5/2/2023)

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Thanks to all who made today’s scavenger hunt a success

22 Apr

Just a quick blog today to say THANK YOU to all of the families who came to Finn Park this morning to participate in the Family Scavenger Hunt co-sponsored by the Webster Health & Education Network, the Webster Recreation Center and the Friends of Webster Trails.

Several dozen families took advantage of some beautiful weather to have a little fun exploring the Finn Park trails. Thanks to the recent rainy weather, there were several wet and muddy spots, but that didn’t deter the 58 young participants, ages 2 through 11, from taking the half-mile or mile-long hike. (I might have encouraged most of them to splash in the mud as they went along.) The kids could choose one of three increasingly difficult scavenger hunts, each asking them to search for different natural elements along the path, like birds, moss and flowers.

The kids all returned from their quest with smiles on their faces and a real sense of accomplishment. And probably the best part of all is that the scavenger hunt raised $280 to benefit the Friends of Webster Trails, which will be put to good use improving the already terrific trail system we have in Webster.

I was particularly impressed with one family, who came armed with litter pick-up tools, and took it upon themselves to fill half a garbage bag with trash from along the trail.

Also many thanks to Julie Schillaci at Webster Parks and Recreation, Anna Taylor from the Friends of Webster Trails, and Emily Pettit for all their help pulling this event together.

Arrows marked the scavenger hunt path.
Four-year old Lincoln Cline and his parents picked up trash along the way!
Anna Taylor, Friends of Webster Trails president, joined me at the registration tables.

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

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

(posted 4/22/2023)

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Many thanks for making this year’s Peep Show the most successful ever

8 Apr

If you attended the Greater Rochester Peep Show last weekend at the Webster Recreation Center, you not only enjoyed a tremendous display of whimsical and creative Peep sculptures, you also helped make the event the most successful ever.

“Head PEEP” Michael Grenier reports that more than 2500 people attended the Peep Show this year, coming from Webster, many surrounding towns and even as far as Buffalo. The show raised nearly $8,000 before expenses — a record amount. And that was despite the fact that the attendance, albeit strong, was still slightly less than pre-pandemic levels. That means that the people who attended didn’t just wander around and look at the displays; they bought a lot of voting tickets and snacks and entered the raffles, all raising big bucks to benefit the Webster Community Chest and 12 other charities. (Visit the Peep Show website for a whole list.)

Also helping make the show a success were the scores of volunteers who managed a thousand little details, and the more than two dozen businesses and agencies who sponsored tables and rooms and provided door prizes. (See the list here.)

The Village at Unity
Sgt. Peeper
March of the Peepguins

The stars of the show, of course, were the displays, and they were spectacular this year.

Entries were separated into two categories, youth and adult. Community members were invited to vote for their favorite displays to determine the “Peeples Choice Winners.” The top winners in the adult category were:

  • First place: “The Village at Unity,” created by Lindsay Lown
  • Second place: “The Nutcracker, Sgt. Peeper,” created by Dancing With Denise
  • Third Place: “March of the Peepguins,” created by Rita Menaldino

The top youth winners were:

  • First place: “Advice from the Coral Reef,” created by GS Troop 60617
  • Second place: “Hopping with the Peepos,” created by Lilly B and Grammy
  • Thurs place: “Red Wings Stadium,” created by Rylynn C
Advice From the Coral Reef
Hopping With the Peeps
Red Wings Stadium

Click here for a complete list of adults and youth winners.

This year, for the first time, the Grand Prize winner was a real surprise.

Michael wrote,

The Grand Prize winner has always been an adult. We separate our entries into two groups–one for adults (16 years of age or over) and one for children–since it would be unfair to have little kids compete with grown-ups.

But there is strength in numbers, apparently.  This year’s Grand Prize winner was (the entry) made by Girl Scout Troop 60617, which is made up of 11- to 13-year-old girls. Although they had advisement and assistance from adults, the girls made all of the components of this display themselves. Each chose a sea creature to make (or two or three) and they assembled the components to make up the coral reef. Transporting the enclosure and putting it all together on site was the biggest challenge. 

Troop leader Megan Thompson added, “We had such a fun time building this as a troop, creating the different sea creatures and then all of us working together to build the coral at the end of our meeting.” 

Girl Scout Cadette Troop 60617 includes eight girls, ages 11 to 13. Their winning entry, “Advice From the Coral Reef,” is now on tour with 12 other displays. Their first stop is the Maplewood nursing home, where the residents are going to have their own Peep Show and vote for their favorites. After that, the displays will continue their tour at the Kirkhaven Nursing Home.

Megan Thompson From left to right is my daughter Amelia, who helps out with our troop and helped out with this project but is part of another troop, my youngest daughter Clara (she created the octopus!), and me.

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

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

(posted 4/8/2023)

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