Archive | February, 2025

WHEN brings Listening Post back to the middle schools

2 Feb

A fun program spearheaded by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) is helping build connections between middle school students and Webster community members.

The program is called the Listening Post, and it’s designed to foster student engagement through interactive and enjoyable activities like games and crafts. Last Thursday and Friday, WHEN brought the program to Spry and Willink middle schools, setting up tables in the cafeteria during the lunch blocks, filled with card games (UNO, Go Fish, Old Main and War) Valentine’s cards, stickers and markers. After finishing their lunch, students who were interested could come over and play a game or make a Valentine’s card for the residents of Maplewood Nursing Home.

WHEN used to hold these Listening Posts regularly before the pandemic, but this is the first time they’ve been offered since then. Linda Dioguardi, WHEN’s programming chair, remembered that the response back then was overwhelming. She was a little unsure how the students would react this time around and was hoping that there would be at least some interest.

Turns out she had nothing to worry about.

During the six lunch periods at Spry on Thursday, more than 125 students came over to the tables to play cards or make Valentines. The response at Willink the next day was equally enthusiastic.

WHEN volunteers and retired WCSD teachers joined the students at the tables to play some surprisingly competitive games of UNO or Old Maid, or to make some charming Valentine’s cards. And while they were participating in all the fun and games, the students didn’t even realize they were benefiting from positive interactions with adults who were truly interested in who they were and what they had to say.

The ultimate goal is to strengthen relationships and enhance the sense of community within — and outside — the school.

WHEN hopes to host a Listening Post at least once a month at each of the middle schools through the end of the year. This time only retired WCSD teachers and WHEN members were been invited, but as the program ramps up again, any retiree from the Webster community is invited — and encouraged — to participate. For more information, visit the Webster Health and Education Network website or email info@WHENdfcc.org.

The photo above is of some of the Valentine’s card makers at Willink. Here are a few others from the two Listening Posts:

  • Card games and card makers at Spry
  • Principal Callahan challenges some Spry students to a game of UNO
  • The WHEN/retiree Listening Post team at Willink
  • It was all smiles during the card games at Willink

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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 2/2/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

The Webster Central School District and Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) are hosting an encore presentation of Navigating the Tween Years: Social Media & Your Kid. This is an interactive parent forum discussing how technology has changed social development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The event is Tuesday, February 4, 6:30-8 p.m. at Klem Road South Elementary School, 1025 Klem Road, Webster. Open to all Webster parents and guardians, but adults only, please. Click here to learn more.
Join us! Learn more at WHENdfcc.org/events.

*****

Color Webster Green will host a Heat Pumps 101 seminar this coming Wednesday, exploring the transformative power of heat pumps.

Learn how these innovative systems provide efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling. This presentation is given by local residents Rebecca Collins, Jon Randall and Allen Hibner, who can discuss their personal experiences with heat pumps.

The event will be held at the Webster Public Library Community Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no charge. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the back of Webster Plaza.

*****

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will hold a Spaghetti Dinner at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Meat, meatless and garlic sauce options will be available. For takeout call 585-872-3500.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the WSPS, a group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.

*****

Here’s a quick run-down of what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

For kids and families:

  • Celebrate Dental Health Month with Dr. DeLucia from Webster Pediatric Dentistry. Tues. Feb. 25 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. She’ll give a presentation about dental health and keeping our teeth clean. She’ll have lots of fun props, including a giant toothbrush and giant teeth, lots of giveaways and a chance to dress up as a dentist yourself. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make it Monday: Yarn-Wrapped Hearts, Monday Feb. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Make yarn-wrapped hearts at this month’s craft night. Grades 4 and up and adults are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For teens who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, hanging out with friends, and becoming more involved in your library and the community. For grades 6 to 12, and registration is requested.

For adults:

  • Learn About Tuskegee Airman Leland “Sticky” Pennington, Thursday Feb. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On April 21, 1945, the Tuskegee Airman took off on a flight in his P-51 Mustang, named ‘Lucy Gal.’ World War II was drawing near a close, but his service as a bomber escort pilot was needed. En route to the mission, Pennington went missing in action and he has never been found. Registration is required.
  • The Black Church: In Plain Sight but Invisible, Tuesday Feb. 4, 2 to 4 p.m. The physical presence of the Black Church is a familiar aspect of American history and current events. Dr. Timothy Johnson leads his audience beyond the superficial into an in-depth historical overview of the Black Church. Registration is required.

This month’s Community Exchange is jewelry! Bring in some pieces you don’t wear any more and pick up something new. And while you’re there, consider donating some wet or dry dog or cat food to the Webster Pet Food Pantry, this month’s Donation Station beneficiary.

And I’ll be writing more about this soon, but also, the Rochester Regional Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to the library parking lot on Thursday, Feb. 27. Sign up for your spot on Feb. 10 at the library, but if you can’t make it to register, some walk-ins will be accepted on the 27th. No insurance is required.

More to come about this tremendous opportunity.

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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 2/1/2025)

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