Archive | January, 2025

WHEN hosts series to help parents navigate the tween years

14 Jan

No doubt about it, raising kids is hard. The tween years can be especially challenging, when school academics and social interactions become more stressful, kids face pressure to experiment with drugs and smoking, and family dynamics seem to change every day.

The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) recognizes these challenges and has come up with a series of programs to bring parents, caregivers and professionals together to discuss ways to deal with them. The interactive forums, hosted in partnership with the Webster Central School District, are called Navigating the Tween Years. They’re designed to help parents of tweens prepare their kids to thrive, even in a world where adolescent anxiety and mental health challenges are on the rise.

The series features three events:

  • From Worries to Wellness: Building resilience in a stressful world on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Professional Development Center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster;
  • Social Media & Your Kid: How tech is changing social development on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Klem Road South Elementary School, 1025 Klem Road, Webster; and
  • Empowering Your Family: Harness the power of protective factors on Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Professional Development Center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

The focus of these events is on the tween years, but all parents are welcome to bring their questions and experiences to share. The forums will use a World Cafe model, designed to engage participants in discussion, so bring an open heart and willingness to share, learn, and support other parents while growing your parent network.

The series kicked off in October with an evening of community coffee and conversation on the topic “Social Media and Your Kid.” Presenters included: Joe Montemaro, Webster CSD Director of Educational Technology and Information/Communications; Dana Buccieri, WHEN member and a retired Webster CSD school counselor; and Dustin Bailey, WHEN member, Webster CSD Unified bowling coach, and Young Life representative. Together, they led discussions on how technology has changed social development in tweens, and how parents can help their children develop the soft skills they may be missing. The event proved so valuable that this additional session has been scheduled.  

Parents do NOT need to have attended any prior sessions to attend one or all of the remaining sessions. 

This event is for adults only, children will not be permitted. There is no charge for attending, but please register in advance so they know how many are coming. For more details or to register, visit WHENdfcc.org/events. You can also email your questions to info@whendfcc.org.

About WHEN: 

WHEN (Webster Health and Education Network) is a network of Webster community members linked through awareness, education, and action. We assess community conditions and develop appropriate strategies to reduce early drug and alcohol exposure. Research suggests that the longer youth wait to use drugs and/or alcohol, the less likely it is that they will become addicted later in life. Therefore, WHEN’s goal as a community coalition is to collaborate with our partners to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use among youth. Together we can reduce high-risk behavior, increase protective factors, raise awareness, and strengthen community collaboration. All Webster residents, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to join us in this cause and can reach our Executive Director, Janine Sanger at: director@WHENdfcc.org.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/14/2025)

Tags: , , ,

News from Community Arts Day

12 Jan

Normally around this time of year, I start previewing the upcoming Community Arts Day, which is one of my favorite events of the year.

This annual event, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community.

It’s normally held in mid-April, but this year, thanks (I believe) to some scheduling issues, it will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So it’s a little later this year than usual, but it’s still something you want to put on your calendar right now.

Community Arts Day is a terrific day of music and art, displays, demonstrations, crafts and food. The event was created as a collaborative effort to raise funds to encourage and enhance fine arts through the Webster School District, and it relies heavily on volunteers to help it run smoothly. There are many ways you can help, including joining the planning committee, acting as a building rep for your child’s school, become a performer or an exhibitor, provide monetary sponsorship, and much more.

Click here to find out more about volunteer opportunities, and make sure to put Saturday, May 10 on your calendar now for this year’s Community Arts Day.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/12/2025)

Tags: , , ,

More history from the Irondequoit Bay Bridge

10 Jan

It’s really funny how when I’m really at a loss for anything to post, something interesting just pops up out of nowhere.

Like today’s interesting historical nugget, which is kind of a follow-up to two blogs I wrote last March on the occasion of the Irondequoit Bay Bridge’s 54th birthday. The first was about the fact the bridge had marked a birthday, and included a little history. I got so many interesting comments and memories following that blog that it prompted a second one, where I shared many of them.

Several days ago I got an email from one of my readers about the bridge and an article he was writing for the Irondequoit Bay Fish and Game Club. He wondered if I knew who the general contractor was back in 1967. I wasn’t able to help him much, but he did a little more digging, and came across an article in this publication from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

1971prizebridgebrochureDownload

Turns out the AISC holds an annual national competition rating bridges, and named the Irondequoit Bay Bridge one of the “Prize Bridges of 1971,” one of “the most beautiful bridges opened to traffic in 1970.” Specifically, our beautiful bridge earned an Award of Merit in its Medium Span, High Clearance category.

According to the publication, the contest is designed to

promote a more widespread appreciation of the aesthetics of steel bridges and to honor the architectural excellence of modern bridge design … Each year a distinguished Jury of Awards composed of leading educators, architects, and engineers, selects the steel bridges which it judges to be the most beautiful of those opened to traffic in the United States during the previous year.

So next time you’re crossing over the bay, make sure to tip your hat to our award-winning bridge.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/10/2025)

Tags: , ,

Fundraisers benefit Webster Comfort Care Care Home

8 Jan

Today I’d like to highlight the Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH) and a few fundraisers this great agency is having over the next few months.

For starters, the WCCH is hosting the very popular “12 Months of Flowers” promotion in January in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist. Buy a card for just $40, and present it every month at Kittelberger, 263 North Ave. to receive one fresh bouquet every month.

It’s a great way to treat yourself or a friend, and all proceeds will benefit the Comfort Care Home.

Cards can be purchased from Jan. 6 to 26, cash or check only, and can be picked up at the Webster Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd.

The next event is what the WCCH is calling their “Souper Bowl.” For just $15, you can order a quart of delicious soup, prepared by one of nine different local restaurants. Your choices are:

  • Jambalaya, provided by the Filling Station
  • White Chicken Chili, provided by Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn
  • Italian Wedding Soup, provided by Mama Lor’s
  • Tomato Basil, provided by BC’s Chicken Coop
  • Seafood Bisque, provided by Pub 235
  • Lentil Soup, provided by Aladdin’s Natural Eatery
  • Cheesy Sausage Mushroom, provided by The Avenue Pub
  • Butternut Squash, provided by The Avenue Pub
  • Chicken Bacon Gnocci, provided by Adams Rascals Bar & Grill
  • Creamy Mushroom Truffle, provided by Brimont Bistro

For another $5, you can even add four rolls from Proietti’s to your order. Two oatmeal butterscotch or chocolate chip cookies can also be added for another $5. So basically, you can get an entire delicious meal for just $25, while supporting the Comfort Care Home at the same time.

Orders need to be made online here by 9 a.m. on Feb. 3. Pick-up will be on Saturday Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd. Click here for more information and to order.

Quantities are limited on most of the soups, so order early. And anybody who purchases six or more soups will be entered into a drawing for two homemade soup bowls.

This last event doesn’t happen until April, but you want to get it on your calendar now.

It’s an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd.

Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and the first 20 guests get a VIP bag of goodies. There will also be a contest for King & Queen, Best Dressed, and Most Original.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere. It’s an amazing agency that does great things for families experiencing the some of the most difficult times of their lives.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/8/2025)

Tags: , ,

Generous community members give First Responders Park an upgrade

7 Jan

I’d like to take a break today from the wintry weather and frigid temperatures outside to share a story from last summer’s warmer months.

It comes from the Webster Recreation Center, and specifically the First Responders Spray Park, the very popular summertime splash area just to the west of the Rec on Chiyoda Dr. Earlier this summer, some of the water elements struggled a bit to turn on. I noticed that once when I was over there, but there wasn’t much I could do about it but notify the folks at the Rec Center’s front desk.

But turns out, John Link COULD do something about it.

Here’s the story, pulled straight from the Webster Recreation Center’s December newsletter.

First Responders Playground gets an upgrade thanks to some giving citizens in our Webster Community!

It was sometime this past August when temperatures were high, and families were looking to cool off. John Link happened to be at First Responders Spray Park with his grandchildren. He noticed some water features were not operational and notified the department. In his email, he shared that he had knowledge of control systems and if we needed a hand, he would be happy to help out. Soon after receiving his note, the aging spray park control system went completely inoperable with an extremely expensive fix needed. It seemed only appropriate to reach out to John (and his friend Ed) who were happy to take on the project…pro bono!!!

John Link spent 40 years working at the Wegmans distribution centers and was the manager of the automation group. John spent 30 years as an adjunct professor in the Rochester Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Technology program.

Ed Ellingsworth was the technician group supervisor and a software engineer at Wegmans and came from Kraft Foods, where he was responsible for the packaging and distribution systems. Ed also served in the Air Force and was supervisor for maintenance on jet aircraft electrical systems including F4 Phantoms.

Together, they were able to design and build a control panel and create software to work with our new irrigation controller. Alongside Scott Todd of Innovative Irrigation, they were able to combine their expertise and provide a new system for the First Responders Spray Park. This collaborative effort saved the Town several thousands of dollars and created a system that is not only functional but also improves the overall efficiency of the system! THANK YOU to everyone involved!

By the way, if you haven’t started receiving the Webster Recreation Center newsletter yet, here’s where you can see past editions and sign up. There’s lots of great information in there even if you aren’t a member.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/7/2025)

Tags: , ,

January History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 1)

5 Jan

In today’s History Bit, we take a closer look at a place that I’ve written a lot about, but never really featured in any depth: the Webster Museum.

Located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, the volunteers at the Webster Museum work tirelessly to keep the people, places, artifacts and stories from our town’s early days fresh in our minds. These nuggets of history made our town and village what they are today, and should never be forgotten. 

Unfortunately, however, many people don’t even realize that our town has a history museum, let alone have visited it. So today, and several more times this year, these Bits of Webster History will focus on the permanent exhibits at the Webster Museum. For some, they may be reminders of things you already know about. For others, they’ll hopefully serve as an introduction to the valuable resource that is the Webster Museum, and will spark a visit to find out more.   

Our first stop, just to the left inside the front door, is the Village of Webster’s Main Street. Here you see a recreation of Witmer’s Variety Store, which for many years was one of the village’s mainstay businesses, located in the east half of 1 East Main, where Jeff’s Computer Service used to be.  

The store was owned and operated by Mabel Witmer, whom everybody simply knew as “Mrs. Witmer.” It was a true variety store, selling just about everything under the sun for the home, work and school – even school uniforms. 

Mrs. Witmer ran the shop for many years before it closed in the mid-1970s. The exhibit’s display cases, and much of the merchandise in the cases and on the shelves along the wall came directly from the store. They illustrate the incredible assortment of items available at Witmer’s Variety, and provide a good sense of why so many town and village residents came to rely on the shop for their everyday needs. 

Make sure you don’t leave the store without paging through the binder on the counter, which has several historical photos of Main Street, including one of Mrs. Witmer in her shop. 

Stay tuned for our next stop along Main Street in the next few months, when we  remember another beloved and long-standing village business, the Webster Candy Kitchen. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on their website. Or, better yet, stop by for a personal tour. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge.  

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/5/2025)

Museum Tree Festival winners announced

4 Jan

The 2024 Webster Museum Festival of Trees has concluded, and after counting and re-counting, the winners have been announced.

This year’s contest included 19 beautifully decorated mini-trees, from these organizations and individuals:

  • American Legion Post 942
  • Country Gardeners of Webster
  • Gwen Hoffman
  • Jack’s Foundation
  • Lala of Webster
  • Museum Volunteers
  • Webster Arboretum
  • Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters
  • Webster Citizens Action League
  • Webster Comfort Care Home
  • Webster Community Chest
  • Webster Democratic Committee
  • Webster Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary
  • Webster Garlic Fest (Wreaths Across America)
  • Webster Grange
  • Webster Presbyterian Church – Rachel Circle
  • Webster Quilt Guild
  • Webster Republican Committee
  • Well Field Preservation Commission

More than 500 votes were tallied in person and online, and I can tell you from personal experience, it was not an easy choice. But ultimately, the top winner really blew away the rest of the competition.

Webster Comfort Care
Webster Arboretum

Taking first place this year, with an amazing 99 votes, was the tree created by the Webster Comfort Care Home. (This is the second year in a row that Webster Comfort Care took the top spot.) In not-so-close second place was the Webster Arboretum with 53 votes. Both winners will receive $25 prize money.

Two other entries were SO CLOSE to taking second that they’ve earned Honorable Mention status: Jack’s Foundation, with 50 votes and the American Legion with 47 votes.

Jack’s Foundation
American Legion
Memory Tree

A new addition to the festival this year also proved very popular: a Memory Tree, where visitors to the museum could hang an ornament with the name of a lost loved one or pet.

The Webster Museum hosts the very popular Festival of Trees every year. Voting typically opens in early December on the day of Winter Wonderland in the Village and runs through the end of the year. It offers a great chance for local organizations to have a little fun with tree decorating, while drawing some attention to their cause. And having almost two dozen beautifully lit and decorated trees sprinkled throughout the museum makes the museum sparkle during the holidays.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/4/2025)

Tags: , , ,

The Webster Rec ice rink is (almost) open!

3 Jan

For a brief but delightful few days around Christmas, the Webster Recreation Center’s beautiful community ice rink was open for skating. Thanks to some warmer days more recently, however, that didn’t last very long. But given the blast of arctic air hitting us this weekend, that may change and, according to Parks Director Glenn Morrell, the rink might be open again on Monday.

The rink, located at the Webster Recreation Center at 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (just north of the village off of Phillips Rd.), is big — 52 ft. by 104 ft. — offering plenty of room for skaters of all abilities. Plus, it’s totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. There’s even a warming shed where you can sit to put on your skates. You’ll want to bring your own skates, though, because rentals are not available.

The rink can be used at any time of day, and it’s even lit at night. And did I mention it’s FREE?

If you’re ever wondering if the rink is open, there are a few easy ways to find out. You can visit the Webster Recreation Center’s Facebook page, where the rink’s status will be posted, or (even easier) you can call the ice rink hotline at 585-872-7103 (option 3). There’s always a sign posted on the rink as well saying whether it’s open or closed.

Please stay off the ice when the CLOSED sign is up. Morrell warns that if the ice is too thin, the liner could be damaged and allow water under the ice to drain. If this happens, the rink has to be refilled and allowed to re-freeze. The ice needs to be three inches thick for safety reasons, and given how the weather is looking, we might have that by Monday.

But call ahead, because it would be disappointing to get there and find it’s closed.

****

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/3/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster community mailbag, etc.

2 Jan

On my walk Thursday morning, I strolled through the village to see if any good blog ideas might jump out at me. It seems that everything is still slowly waking up again after the holiday season, so there’s not a whole lot to write about these days.

I did notice that the new Sweet Square Bakery on the corner of West Main and North Ave. now has butcher block paper in the windows, so something must be going on in there. (I sent them an email to see if I could get an update.) I peeked inside Caraglio’s Pizza on East Main, which has been “coming soon” for three months now, but it looks like they’re still a long way from opening.

There also seems to be some activity in the old Jeff’s Computer shop, so I’ll continue to keep an eye on that.

I also stopped in to chat with Mark Petzing at the Mary Wee Pub to see how things are going there, and he reports that business is strong. If you haven’t checked out the new pub yet (which replaced Barry’s Old School Irish at 2 West Main), make that one of your New Year’s resolutions. It’s a great place.

So, since there’s no real news to tell you about, here are a few mailbag reminders of events coming up in the next few weeks.

Great family events at the Webster Public Library

The Webster Public Library will host a Preschool Open House on Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. Registration is not required.

These schools will be there: Little Learners Preschool in Webster, NY, Penfield United Methodist Preschool, Positive Preschool, Webster KinderCare, Webster Central School District’s PreK, Busy Blossoms Daycare, Webster Montessori School, and Woodside Nursery School. 

On Sunday Jan. 19, the library will be hosting a brand new event called the Library Fan Fest, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.

This event is for literary lovers of all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Click here to do so.  

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Parents/guardians residing within the Webster Central School District (CSD), and who have children ages birth to 5 years residing in the household, are being asked to take a brief young child census survey that will be used to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Completing the census is a young families’ first connection with the school district. It enables Webster CSD to keep in contact with families as their children approach school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.

The form will be available on the Webster CSD website through January 6, 2025. Families who do not have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

January Women’s Club program set

The Women’s Club of Webster will welcome local author Robin L. Flanigan as the speaker for its January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Flanigan has written several books, including 100 Things To Do In Rochester Before You Die, an excellent guidebook for the Rochester region. The meeting will be held at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon, lunch, and Ms. Flanigan’s presentation.

Lunch costs $19 and will include a variety of Proietti’s pizzas, salad, a cannoli and camaraderie. New members WELCOME! Send check made out to WCW by January 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have questions or think that your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

“Spring” musical season is upon us

The middle and high school musical season has crept up on us already. It begins on January 31 and Feb. 1 when the Willink Drama Club presents the classic hit Annie, Jr.

Based on the popular Tony-winning musical, the youth edition is a perfectly-sized adaptation for adults and kids of all ages. The spunky little orphan will warm the hearts of your entire family.

Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. I don’t think tickets are on sale yet, so stay tuned for that information.

The following week, Feb. 6 to 8, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will present the hit Broadway musical, Hadestown. The “teen edition” of the movie is still a full-length production — a haunting, jazzy folk opera which follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Hadestown has only very recently been released, and Webster Schroeder is the first in our area to get it.

More to come about show times and tickets.

THIS JUST IN!

I “stopped the presses” for this fun event that just came across my Facebook feed from the Webster Recreation Center:

It’s their Buffalo Bills Hype Party, scheduled for Saturday Jan. 11. The time hasn’t yet been determined because we don’t yet know when the Bills will be playing, but it will run for two hours. (Don’t worry, the party will NOT be during the game!)

The party will feature:

  • FREE ADMISSION with a donation to Webster HOPE
  • Lala of Webster will be on site selling Bills gear
  • Bills Fan, Jeremey Andrzejewski will be emceeing, helping play music and running trivia
  • Buffalo Bills-themed lawn games
  • a mini living room with multiple TVs and old Bills media
  • Buffalo Bills-themed photo area
  • tailgate-type snacks

This is a family friendly, alcohol free event, which is absolutely free and open to the community. Stay tuned to the Webster Recreation Center Facebook page for an update on the event’s time.

GO BILLS!

* * *

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/2/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Newer Entries →