Archive | October, 2024

Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

The Webster Highway Department will begin their annual fall leaf collection in mid-October, depending on how many leaves have fallen and the weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. (Click here to see the zone map.) Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means. The best way to stay updated on the leaf collection season is to sign up for notifications from the Highway Dept. Use this link to do that.

Pumpkins on Parade is back

One of the best events of the autumn season, Pumpkins on Parade, returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I’ll be writing up a more detailed blog about this soon, but for those of you who have never experienced it, basically, that evening the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — will be lined with brightly glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts, and lots of family activities. It’s definitely one of my favorite events of the year.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive. (By the way, they’re always looking for jack-o’-lanterns donations because they need a LOT of them. So get your carving knives out and get ready to get creative.)

What’s happening at the library?

Here’s your monthly run-down of all (OK, most) of the great events happening at the Webster Public Library. For more information about any and all of these, visit the library’s webpage or Facebook page.

  • Celebrate Diwali, Wed. Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. :An evening of family fun celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, or festival of lights. Enjoy a casual reception with Indian food and music, and learn about the Diwali festival. Registration is requested.
  • Library Trick-or-Treat, Friday Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is necessary.
  • Bilingual Storytime, Saturday Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join special guest Ms. Mariposa for a reading of Sebi and the Land of Cha-Cha-Cha. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A night of spooky fun, with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged. For teens grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • Rochester Theater Organ Society, Thursday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The RTOS presents “Rochester’s Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer!” Registration is required.
  • Diamond Magnet Art for teens and tweens, Saturday Nov. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Come make fun diamond art magnets in the teen room. All supplies will be provided. For grades 4 to 12. Registration is requested.
  • This month’s Donation Station is for Keeping Our Promise, a resettlement program for Afghan, Iraqi and Kurdish interpreters and support personnel. See the flyer below for their needs.
  • This month’s community exchange is SPOOKY STUFF. New or gently used costumes, Halloween/fall decor, etc. Drop off your unused stuff and find something new to you!

Women’s Club of Webster hosts Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser”

The Women’s Club of Webster’s 2024 Card/Game Party will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Participants can join new friends and old to play cards — or any game — and enjoy danish, coffee and a delicious buffet lunch.

The event will feature door prizes raffle baskets, 50/25/25 raffles , and much more, so bring plenty of extra cash, because all proceeds benefit local charities and s cholarships. Bring your favorite card game, dominoes, Euchre, Scrabble or any other fun game you prefer. It’s a great way to meet people! (And don’t forget to vote before or after the games!)

Donation is $40, and reservations are required by Wednesday, October 30. Sorry, no walk-ins.

For reservations, send a check made payable to “WCW” and mail to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.  Please include your name, phone number, email address and, if playing with friends, include their names.  For information, phone Diane at 585-230-6042.

Walk and Bike Webster event

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this meeting is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (time yet to be confirmed) there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

Right now the plan is to have Jesse Peers from Reconnect Webster show a short film, followed by a panel discussion including Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles of Walk/Bike Irondequoit. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

Free dinner for veterans

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium, 119 South Avenue. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, and dessert. Take out is available as well. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

Attention Webster crocheters! Webster Hope is in need of crafters to make dishcloths for their holiday collaborative program.

Their plan is to give away dish soap and a handmade reuseable dishcloth to each family along with holiday food. This project works best with cotton yarn as acrylic doesn’t absorb well. They’re trying to save on paper towels and give a handmade gift made with love.

Their goal is 150 cloths by mid-November. That sounds very do-able, knowing our Webster community.

Dishcloths can be dropped off at Webster Library or during Webster Hope open hours.

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

Finally, this important notice from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

Health insurance enrollment periods are starting in October and November, and the Webster Chamber of Commerce is available to help all New Yorkers with the process. 

The Medicare Insurance annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Individual & NYS Marketplace Insurance period is Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. Plans change annually and your needs change annually, so it’s important to take a close look at your coverage every year. In particular, for 2025 there are significant changes in Medicare Advantage, including the discontinuance of plans. It’s important to take action before the December 7 deadline or you may lose Medicare Advantage Plan benefits. The Chamber can help. 

The Webster Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service has been a no-fee service since 1938, offering the choice of a virtual or an in-office appointment. Due to the many insurance changes for 2025, requests for appointments will increase, so call soon to reserve your time:  585-265-3851. Before your appointment, visit here to prepare.

Health insurance selection and enrollment is very detailed and complicated. See an enrollment service to assist you in this process. And pay attention to the deadlines noted above to avoid penalties.

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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 10/8/2024)

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Webster resident Judy Braiman has dedicated her life to making our lives safer

7 Oct

We’re used to seeing this warning marked on toys: “Choking hazard. Not appropriate for children under 3 years.” We’re confident that the toys we buy don’t have lead paint or very sharp edges which can hurt our children. But what you might not know is that one of our very own Webster neighbors, Judy Braiman, is in large part responsible for those warnings originally being placed on toy packaging, and for millions of dangerous toys being recalled.

Judy Braiman is a long-time Rochester resident who now lives at the Cherry Ridge retirement community in Webster. She’s made a name for herself as a tireless consumer advocate, and in that role has testified in Congress numerous times, has worked with actress (and consumer advocate) Betty Furness, met George H.W. Bush and Senator Thomas Eagleton, received an award from Ronald Reagan, has been interviewed on every major network, co-authored Consumer Reports’ Toy Buying Guide, and was included in the book Soap Opera: the Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble by Alecia Swasy.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Judy a few weeks ago to hear more about the fascinating life she’s led and the way she’s changed our world.

How she happened upon her career as a consumer advocate is a pretty interesting story in itself.

In 1966, after the birth of her third child, Judy developed a severe cough and eventually was coughing up blood. After taking images of her lungs, doctors found 60 lesions in each one, which they diagnosed as cancer. They advised her to get her affairs in order because they did not expect her to survive.

But when doctors biopsied the lesions, they discovered that what they were seeing were not lesions, but boils. Her lungs were covered in boils, which doctors ultimately determined were caused by inhaling aerosol hairspray.

Following that experience, Judy was invited to testify in Congress about the dangers of aerosols. What would become a lifelong commitment to consumer advocacy had begun.

Judy’s annual Christmas-time hunt for unsafe toys began in 1971, and as her reputation as a consumer advocate grew, she began testifying more often at government hearings about product safety. In 1987, Consumer Reports asked her to work on their inaugural Toy Buying Guide. She and co-author Deborah Fineblum Raub examined 1,200 toys, rating each on the basis of play value, educational merit and durability; and value for the money. The book sold 73,000 copies.

But rooting out unsafe toys isn’t the only thing Judy is well known for. She was also the first person in the country to identify toxic shock syndrome, caused by Rely Tampons.

It was back in 1975 when she began to question Rely’s safety. The product was being test marketed in Rochester and she started getting calls from women who reported vomiting and diarrhea after using a free sample they got in the mail. Judy’s continued research and pressure on Proctor & Gamble ultimately helped lead to a total recall of the tampons, but not before at least 42 women died from using them.

These days, Judy is living a quieter life at Cherry Ridge, but still occasionally makes some waves if she sees something that needs fixing or upgrading. Because after all these years, there’s no way a dedicated consumer advocate will stop advocating.

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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 10/7/2024)

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Welcome to the village, Emerald Financial

6 Oct

It was a sad day when Nest Things moved out of its storefront at 11 East Main St. in the village. It was sadder still when that beautiful old building remained vacant for so long. That all changed when Emerald Financial Services moved up the street from its Barrett Dr. offices and settled in several weeks ago.

Emerald officially joined the Village of Webster business scene on Aug. 19, after completing some significant interior renovations.

“This was just one big empty space,” said Emerald president Joe Altobelli. “We had to put in the offices, do a lot of electric work. The structure was solid, but we needed to create a more financially aesthetic look to it.” In addition to the offices, that also meant adding a conference room and consultation room and redoing the kitchen.

Nothing had to be done on the exterior, though, which means that the striking beauty of the old Nest Things storefront has not changed.

Emerald’s offices had been at 60 Barrett Dr. since 2013, but recently the building’s landlord asked them to relocate to make room for a new business which needed both floors of the building. The decision was made rather easy when the landlord purchased 11 East Main with the intent for Emerald Financial to move in.

Altobelli loved the location from the first time he saw it.

I love the fact that it used to be a bank, I love the fact that it’s in the village, I love the fact that you can walk out your front door and you have all of these options and people walking by, and the hope is that the village continues to grow and expand, especially with some of the state money that’s coming. I’m looking forward to what the opportunities are going to be in this location.

Fun fact: for many years, Emerald Financial used to have its offices at 4 East Main, subletting the basement of the Smith Insurance building just across the street. It was when Smith needed the space to expand in 2013 that Emerald moved to Barrett Dr.

So, once again, welcome to the village, Emerald Financial Services. And welcome back.

Emerald Financial Services offers wealth management for individuals and families, business services for companies and groups including health insurance, group disability, group accident, group life and other group benefits. For more information, visit their website here or call (585) 265-2885.

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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 10/6/2024)

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There’s going to be a murder at the library!

5 Oct

The Webster Public Library has come up with an intriguing event which is sure to bring out the inner detective in all of us.

It’s a Murder Mystery Dinner, scheduled for Sunday November 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This first-ever Murder Mystery event at the library will take participants back to the 1920s to puzzle out a whodunit, trying to figure out the culprit from among some pretty suspicious characters, a few of whom might surprise you.  

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire, and will enjoy amazing food provided by Proietti’s, fancy mocktails, a costume contest with prizes, a photo booth and a 50/50 raffle that will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. And there’s no charge at all, thanks to a grant from Senator Samra Brouk.  

Because of the nature of the event, there are some important guidelines, which the library outlines here:

About this event: 

  • This is an 18+ event only.
  • The event will start at 5:00 and end at 8:00. Doors will close at 5:30 as once the event starts, we cannot accommodate late arrivals. We ask that you plan to stay for the entire event. 
  • 1920’s costumes are suggested but not required. 
  • This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic event.
  • There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options for dinner. 

Registration Details: 

  • Registration will be open from Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11. There is no cost to attend but each person must register individually.   
  • Registering for this event does not guarantee admission. Names will be chosen randomly from the registration list and you will be notified via phone by October 15th. Each person drawn will be given two tickets. If you do not need two tickets, please let us know when we call you so that more people can attend. 
  • There is a limited number of tickets due to space constraints. Please cancel if you cannot attend so that we can fill every seat. 

Registration will “go live” on Monday morning, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., so look for the link on the library’s online events calendar on the website, in the slideshow on the website’s homepage, and on their Facebook posts.

Questions can be emailed to Susan Del Pozzo at Susan.Delpozzo@libraryweb.org or you can call the library at 872-7075 and push #3 for the information desk. 

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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 10/5/2024)

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Autumn fun in the village

4 Oct

The dates have been finalized for all of the Village of Webster’s very popular fall and winter events. More details will be coming soon for some of these, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can put them all on your calendar:

  • Shredding Event, Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall. This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.
  • Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Hall community meeting room, 29 South Ave. This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness.
  • Wine and Beer Walk, Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll through the Village of Webster and into our local businesses, sampling beer, wine and snacks. More info to come.
  • Trick or Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always a great time for families. Features a costume contest, museum scavenger hunt, pet costume contest, the fire department’s open house and more. More info to come.
  • Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. Sample bourbons and whiskeys from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants. This is always a hugely popular event which sells out, so stay tuned for when tickets become available.
  • Winter Wonderland in the Village, Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. (Maybe it’ll snow this year?) More details to come.

The best way to keep on top of these events is to visit the Webster BID website frequently, where details will be posted as they’re finalized.

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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 10/4/2024)

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An update on the Mary Wee Pub

3 Oct

For all of you anxiously awaiting the day when the new Mary Wee Pub opens at 2 W. Main St., re-energizing the Village of Webster’s four corners, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that the renovations are progressing. The bad news is, they’re not progressing as quickly as we all would like, and certainly not as quickly as Mary Wee owner Mark Petzing was hoping they would.

For sure a LOT has been accomplished over the last few months. All of the electrical and plumbing work has been finished; there’s new drywall, insulation, ceiling and floor; the bar and footrest are in place; the jukebox, speakers and TV are up; the liquor license has been approved and the menu is ready to be printed. But as is often the case with any big remodeling project, when one project gets finished, often another one pops up that you didn’t expect.

That’s happened a lot, Mark said, and when it does, “It takes more time and money in the long run. But when I do something I want to make sure it’s done right.” 

“We’re close, but yet so far.”

Mark is still hoping that everything will be done by the end of the month, and is eyeing an official opening in November. He knows that the new pub is “the talk of the town,” and definitely knows how much everyone is looking forward to its opening. (Apparently people are already coming in to order beers.) And he really appreciates how much the neighboring businesses are supporting him, which makes it even harder to wait for opening day.

“The neighbors have been awesome,” he said. “I really appreciate all the support from The Coach and Roc Style, Brimont, Burkes … Everybody has been very supportive and it really makes you feel at home. I love the village. I can’t wait to be a part of (it).”

Even if it won’t be open yet, you’ll be able to get a sneak peek during the Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26. Mark and his family are planning to be outside handing out candy for the kids and handing out good news (hopefully) to the adults.

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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 10/4/2024)

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RocMaidan and Webster Rotary combine forces to help Ukraine

2 Oct

Last Thursday evening, more than two dozen volunteers gathered deep inside one of those huge Xerox warehouses off of Phillips Rd. They were surrounded by packing boxes, wheelchairs, walkers, surgical equipment and shrink-wrapped pallets piled high with medical supplies, and were focused on a singular purpose: to pack backpacks with medical supplies to be shipped to Ukraine.

The backpack-stuffing event was part of continuing efforts by RocMaidan to ship desperately-needed medical supplies to war-torn Ukraine. They all-volunteer organization is constantly on the search for donations of supplies, and funds which they use to purchase supplies, then come together every Thursday evening to organize, stack boxes, pack, shrink-wrap pallets … whatever needs to be done to keep supplying critical supplies to the war-torn country.

On this particular Thursday night, the RocMaidan volunteers had help from the Webster Rotary, which provided several members to help stuff about 50 backpacks with “expendable” supplies, like Tylenol, hand-held respirators, gauze pads and alcohol. The backpacks will be distributed to places like aid stations and ambulance companies, and each will be able to save four lives.

Shipped along with the backpacks will be dozens of other large and small first aid kits, which were purchased with an $8,000 grant secured by Gene Sydor, a member of Webster Rotary and RocMaidan. These kits are designed for more immediate aid, like when a first responder has to crawl into a building to find survivors. It’s packed with materials like tourniquets and respirators, whatever’s needed to stabilize a person and get them out from under the rubble alive. The smaller kits are used to get the patient outside and to an ambulance, where the larger kit can take over.

The hope is to get all of the stuffed backpacks, plus thousands of other boxes of medical supplies, mobility equipment, hospital beds and countless other items, shipped out within a few weeks. Basically, a truck carrying a shipping container will back up to the warehouse, a dock crew comes in and they just jam in as much as they can, filling every nook and cranny.

This will be the 23rd ocean-going container RocMaidan has sent to Ukraine, each one costing them $8,900. And THAT’S why RocMaidan needs so much support from our community.

Check out the RocMaidan website to see how you can help, and if you like a good party, keep reading below for information about the organization’s 10th anniversary gala.

Teagan O. and Marty P. with the finished backpacks

RocMaidan is Rochester based, all-volunteer organization founded in 2014 following the Russian invasion of Donbas and the annexation of Crimea. Over the last decade, RocMaidan has:

  • collected enough supplies to ship 22 shipping containers to Ukraine. This includes medical tactical backpacks, medical beds, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, X-ray machines, and other humanitarian aid amounting to 320+ tons to date. They also provided drinking water after the flooding caused by the bombing of Kakhovka Dam, and generators when energy infrastructure was first targeted.
  • sent or helped purchase thirteen ambulance cars and six field vehicles to evacuate the wounded.
  • organized or participated in many events with the specific goal of raising funds to support our mission. These fundraisers have resulted in over $1.3 million raised.

None of these achievements could have been accomplished without generous community donations of money and supplies. Continuing support is critical for RocMaidan to keep fulfilling its mission to help the people of Ukraine. Their next big fundraiser is the 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Saturday Nov. 16 at Harro East Ballroom.

The gala will feature News 8’s Adam Chodak as master of ceremonies; a keynote speech by Serhii Plokhii, professor of Ukrainian History at Harvard University; violin music by Oleg Krysa and Irina Lupines; a performance by American songwriter Bria Blessing, who appeared on the Ukrainian version of “The Voice”; and a traditional dance performance by Rochester’s own Ukrainian dance ensemble, Kalyna. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, plated meal, and open bar.

Tickets are now on sale for $175, and business sponsorships are available beginning at $1,000. Click here to find out more about them. If you can’t make it to the gala but would like to make a donation, click here.

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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 10/2/2024)

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Your input needed: How should Webster spend $4.5 million?

2 Oct

You’ve no doubt been hearing about how the Village of Webster has been awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

Over the last several months, WEDA has been collecting proposals for projects all around our village, from business owners and community members. Those proposals have been whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more.

Now that the potential projects have been identified, it’s time for the community to help decide where we should spend the $4.5 million.

Here’s where YOU come in. YOU can vote on the projects you think are most important to fund. And it’s really easy (and kind of fun) to do. Just go to this link, where you’ll see all the projects, a short description of each and what each will cost. Then just go down the line and check the ones you like best. As you do, each expenditure will be deducted from your $4.5 million bankroll until it’s all gone (or mostly). And you can go back and forth all you want as you make your decisions, deleting a project here and adding something there depending on the money you have left. It takes 10 minutes or less, and responses are recorded anonymously.

BUT THERE’S A DEADLINE!

All responses must be submitted by Monday, Oct. 7 at midnight. So take a moment now, go to the link and make your opinions known!

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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 10/1/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Oct

Autumn is shaping up to be a pretty busy time of year in our little town. Here’s a quick look at some of the events coming up in the next several weeks:

Chicken and Ribs — yum

The Webster Lions Club will be holding their next Chicken & Ribs BBQ on Thursday, October 3 at the Webster Fireman’s Field.

This is a drive-through and pick-up event, serving from 3 to 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Cost is $20 (paid at the event), and includes a quarter charcoal-cooked chicken AND pit-smoked ribs, mac salad and baked beans and fresh corn bread. The dinners will be first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early.

This is one of the Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers, and they depend on these events to continue their mission to help others in our community.

WCSD Family Engagement Forum

The entire Webster community is invited to the next Family Engagement Forum hosted by the Webster Central School District.

The primary goal for the Community Engagement Forum is to afford parents/guardians, Webster CSD staff and students, and the broader community a space to network and partner on a variety of activities. The district will share information on relevant topics in family engagement, hear from parents and students directly, and strategize collaborative action steps for moving forward.

The forum will take place Monday, October 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the second floor professional development center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Cute animals need your help

This note from our neighbors to the east, the Humane Society of Wayne County (HSWC).

You may have seen these folks during their regular visits to PetSmart stores in Webster, Henrietta and Victor, where they tempt local community members with some ADORABLE cats and kittens that need loving forever homes.

The dedicated HSWC volunteers are in the middle of a “Raise the Woof” capital campaign to raise money for a new shelter, which is in desperate need of replacement. The new building will allow the HSWC to expand their capacity to care for an increased number of animals in need and enable them to meet the new NYS Shelter Standard Law. 

Their next fundraiser, called “Leaf-A-Legacy,” is scheduled for Sunday October 6 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill in Ontario. The event will feature music and dancing by Doze Guys, a silent auction, a pumpkin walk, food grazing, and a chance to meander the beautiful grounds, sit by the campfire, relax in the Adirondack chairs, and play some cornhole.

It sounds like a beautiful fall evening. Tickets are still available. They cost $50, and are available online only. Click here to order yours and feel good about helping animals in need.

Cookies, cookies, cookies

The Women’s Club of Webster will be supplying homemade cookies for the Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, October 10 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Volunteer Fireman’s Building on Sanford St.

Appointments are not required for this drive; you can just drop in. For more information or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964.

The Women’s Club of Webster is an active community service organization that has nurtured friendships and generously supported many worthwhile causes for 60 years.  The group meets the third Thursday of each month, from September to June. WCW’s motto is “Friendship through service” and New members are always welcome!  

The next luncheon meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Nucci’s Italian Seafood & Steak House on Ridge Rd. This month’s speaker will be Amy Stringer, owner of the North Bee in the Village of Webster. Amy is an expert on all things bee and beeswax, and is a fascinating speaker. It begins with social hour at 11:15.

Cost is $21 for a buffet including chicken parmesan, mixed vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, salad, a cannoli and lots of new friends. Send check made out to WCW by October 10 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. For questions, or if you think your check will be late, phone call Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303.

Webster BID schedules community events

For starters, Webster Business Improvement District has been busy scheduling all sorts of fall events. The first ones are coming up very soon:

The second annual Health and Wellness Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave.

This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

ON THAT SAME DAY, in the parking lot behind the Community Meeting Room, the BID is also sponsoring a shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a free, drive-through event. Paper only will be accepted, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

(By the way, stay tuned for details about the next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 26. More details about these and other events can be found on the newly revamped Webster BID website.

Books, books, books

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have scheduled their fall book sale, Oct. 16 through 19 at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear side of the plaza).

This year they’ll be including a mini vintage and collectible book sale during members night on Wednesday Oct. 16. Those books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. They’ll also be selling Kittelberger Flower Bouquet Cards that night while supplies last.

Members Night will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door.) The general public sale is Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bag sale day); and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon (another bag sale day).  

Free pasta dinner for veterans and active military

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium at 119 South Avenue, Webster. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread and dessert. Take-out is also available. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Event sponsors include Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Webster Community Chest, Wegmans and Walmart.

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(posted 10/1/2024)

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