Archive | April, 2025

Grab a great spaghetti dinner, help out Bella’s Bumbas

30 Apr

A quick update today about Bella’s Bumbas‘ efforts to expand their operation and how you can help.

As I first wrote about the project in this blog a month ago. Rebecca Orr and Marty Parzynski, — the irrepressible force behind this amazing organization — are running out of room in their small workshop space. They’d like to demolish the old garage behind the house and build a brand new, spacious barn.

They estimate the cost for the big project will be about $60,000. Thanks to incredible support from the Webster community, they’re about halfway to their goal, but they have a long way to go. So they’ve worked up a few fundraisers to help them achieve their goal.

The first is this weekend, a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, Friday May 2 at the Webster Masonic Lodge, 30 Orchard St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children and you can eat in or take out (cash only, please).

But there will be much more than just pasta on Friday! Rebecca tells me that more than 30 items and baskets will be raffles off, including squish marshmallows and Trace Bourbon, gift certificates and pet lovers’ baskets, baby essentials and movie night baskets, and much more. Plus there’ll be Bella’s Bumbas merchandise for sale and a few Bumba wheelchairs for the kids to try out.

If you can’t make it to the dinner but would like to help out, here are a few other ways you can do that:

  • Send a donation check directly to Bella’s Bumbas LTD, 1170 Ridge Rd. #208, Webster, NY 14580. Please mark “WEP” on the check note to indicate it’s for the Workplace Expansion Project. (Donation receipts provided on request.)
  • When the time comes, volunteer to help with some manual tasks during the construction, like cleaning out the old garage. Keep an eye on the Bella’s Bumbas Facebook page for updates.
  • Are you a business owner? Gary Inzana from Top Tier Recruiting and Consulting has donated $1,000 and is challenging other businesses to match or exceed his donation and set their own challenge.

Visit the Bella’s Bumbas website to read more about their story and the incredible things they’re doing for our world’s children.

By the way, they’re now accepting bids for building the 30′ x 22′ pole barn/garage, driveway removal and replacement, a roll-off Dumpster for debris removal, industrial style shelving, and other parts of the project. For more information and to offer an estimate, email bellasbumbas@gmail.com.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “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 4/30/2025)

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Remembering Willow Point

29 Apr

I suspected that my blog — and subsequent article in last week’s Webster Herald — about Willow Point Park would strike a chord with a lot of my readers. After all, Webster’s very own little amusement park was very popular during its 30-year life, and well loved by both adults and children. Indeed, I’ve received some fun and touching emails, a few of which I’d like to share with you.

Sharon F. wrote,

My Dad worked at Haloid’s (which was later named Xerox) and he would take our family to Willow Point Park every summer for his Haloid work picnic. Seeing your article on the park this morning brought a flood of memories back.

Jackson T. wrote,

I worked there for one summer during my first year at the UR and managed the golf driving range, a notable and very popular feature that you did not mention.  This was a very busy part of the park, and it even provided the visual excitement of watching golf balls being picked up from that huge, sloping lawn while people were still hitting other ones in that vicinity.

My favorite memory, though, came from Jean Palermo, who wrote:

Amazing that this article came out today as my husband (Samme) and I celebrate 58 years of meeting at Willow Point Park on April 16, 1967. We’ve been married for 55 years.

Jean sent me this photo that she and her husband took at a Willow Point photo booth in 1967.

If you’d like to explore a little deeper into Willow Point, you might be interested in this short movie, created by Frank Laloggia, a local filmmaker better known for his 1988 film, Lady in White. Apparently it was one of the first films he made, and it’s very much a tribute to the old park.

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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 4/29/2025)

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Keep those cards and letters coming!

28 Apr

Time is running out to achieve the ambitious Mail Call: Letters From Home goal set at the beginning of this month to collect 1,000 letters and notes for our deployed service members.

During this month-long challenge, community members have been encouraged to stop by one of a dozen businesses throughout Webster which are hosting mailboxes (like the one above) and fill out a card with a simple message of thanks, or we’re thinking of you, or we’re proud of you. The messages will then be sent overseas this June inside care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester.

The month is almost over and Cherie Wood, the project’s organizer, reports she’s counted 800 cards and letters so far. So we really need to step up these next few days, Webster, and put this great initiative over the top!

We still have a few days to make that happen, so when you’re out and about today or tomorrow, consider stopping by one of these businesses to fill out a message and put it in the mailbox:

  • American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
  • Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
  • Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
  • Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
  • Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
  • Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
  • Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
  • Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.

Can’t make it this week? The mailbox at Town Hall will be up until May 16, and the folks at Lowe’s will be hosting their mailbox all year, so loom for it when you stop in for your gardening supplies.

Cherie has high hopes that once she’s had time to collect the mail from all of the mailboxes, the messages will number well over 1,000. So, given the incredible response she’s seen from our community, she’s already planning to run the Mail Call project again next year.

So start saving your blank cards (without them “we would have been sunk,” Cherie said) and talk to your clubs and groups about having card-making parties. Teachers, this would be a great class project! The more, the better, because every single one of these positive messages from home will brighten the day for a deployed service member.

Town Hall
Lowe’s

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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 4/28/2025)

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Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

27 Apr

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship and raffles are on the menu for the 2025 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday June 1, sponsored by the Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, courtesy Chico’s at Pittsford Plaza, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with chicken, chicken French with lemon sauce, or Reuben sandwich. All choices include a beverage, rolls and butter. There will also be basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle, all to benefit local charities.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Bonnie Travis, 1065 High Vista Trail, Webster, NY 14580. Reservations are due by May 21.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday, June 1 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Questions can be directed to Laura at Bonnie at (585) 671- 2345. All proceeds will be donated to the many local charities supported by the Women’s Club of Webster.

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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 4/27/2025)

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ATAD is looking for families to host exchange students

26 Apr

Even though the end of the school year is still a few months away, one local organization is already gearing up for September. And for them, time is already getting short.

The Association for Teen-age Diplomats (ATAD) is looking for Webster families willing to host high school-aged exchange students for the next school year. Now is the time to sign up, because the students need plenty of time to get their visas.

ATAD was created after World War II by a group of Kodak employees. They wanted to come up with some way to foster world peace and thought that if the world’s young people got to know each other, there would be less war. They started bringing exchange students to Rochester in the 1950s. Right now, ATAD is looking for families to host students from Spain, Germany and Italy.

Their big concern this year is for Ignacio, a 15-year old boy from Palma de Mallorca, Spain.  His two older brothers and his older sister all attended Webster Schroeder as exchange students. He’d like to come next year but he doesn’t have a host family yet. Ignacio loves sailing and playing soccer, and enjoys math. Click here to read his entire bio, plus the bios of the other students who are looking for families: Magdalena from Inca, Spain; Greta from Catania, Sicily, Italy; Tilman from Wurzburg, Germany; and Antonina from Krakow, Poland.

Becoming a host family is easy, and really requires very little more than providing room, board and love. The visiting student doesn’t even need a private bedroom or any spending money.

You can find answers to many questions on the ATAD website, but here’s some helpful info:

  • students bring their own spending money and have their own insurance
  • families generally include the visiting student on family trips, and the students sometimes have their own money to pay for it
  • ATAD hosts a few social gatherings during the school year so host families can meet other families
  • each student has a program chair assigned to manage any problems — large or small — which come up. The ATAD volunteer network is ready to step in and help with any issues that arise.
  • host families do not have to have any other children
  • all visiting students know English well
  • families are not provided a stipend for hosting a student
  • students do not pay room and board

For more information, visit the ATAD website or email Suzanne Isgrigg, Vice President for Host Families, at froggymom@aol.com.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “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 4/26/2025)

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Enter the WCCH Mother’s Day raffle, win cool stuff

25 Apr

Hot off the presses, here’s news about a great Mother’s Day raffle to benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH).

First prize is a Fendi Bag (valued at $1,500) packed with goodies including:

  • an M/Body gift certificate
  • Boma silver earrings ($150 value)
  • a Kittelberger 12 months of flowers gift certificate
  • wine and wine glass set
  • a certificate for a free class at Element Yoga and Juice Bar
  • a Webster Comfort Care sweatshirt blanket

Second prize is almost as great. It includes:

  • a Michael Kora purse (valued at $368)
  • a Rhodolite garnet ring (re-sizable for your mom), a $275 value
  • wine and wine glasses

Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 5 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website.

Think of how much your mom would love you if you were to present her with one of these fine prizes! And you’ll feel extra good because with each ticket you buy, you’re supporting an outstanding Webster organization.

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.

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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 4/25/2025)

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News from the Friends of Webster Trails

24 Apr

The current Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter popped up in my email box the other day, my quarterly reminder of how lucky we are to have this organization in our community.

I know that most of you are not FWT members, so when I get my newsletter I like to share pieces of it with you, highlights from all of the amazing things these dedicated volunteers do to make our trail system something Webster can be proud of.

One of the Friends’ main points of focus this year is the Hojack Trail, a five-mile long former railroad bed that stretches from Lake Rd. at Forest Lawn to Phillips Rd.

Recently the Friends put out a survey to residents who use the trail to get their take on how it might be improved. They received 230 responses (thank you to everyone who participated), which helped them focus their future plans.

Last year they threw their hat in the ring for part of the New York Forward Grant program to improve the Hojack’s North Ave. trail head by enhancing the crosswalk, creating a gateway feature and providing recreation amenities at the start of the trail. More recently, they’ve applied for another grant to specifically address improving the stretch from Holt Rd. to Drumm Rd., improving its subsurface, surface and drainage, and adding new plantings and signage highlighting the trail’s connections to other trails and points of interest to showcase the historic nature of the trail.

In response to the survey responses and email feedback, the Friends will also be looking at making safer road crossings, adding other historical and other signage, and improving parking. 

Efforts to improve the Hojack Trail are just a small part of what the Friends of Webster Trails are planning to accomplish this year. Here are a few highlights from the newsletter:

  • In just its first year, the Friends have created and developed the new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest with several trails, puncheons (mini-boardwalks), a kiosk, bench and parking lot. Plans this year are to improve the boardwalks, add more benches and realign some trails. Stay tuned for news about an official ribbon cutting and community hike later this year.
  • At the Bird Sanctuary Trail, several new puncheons will be added this year to make the gushier spots easier to hike through.
  • At Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve, look for a new bridge and boardwalk later this year, thanks in large part to the support of five WRNP new trail stewards.
  • Trail stewards at Finn Park will continue to cut back the multiflora rose and pick up garbage this spring. 

The Friends are adding and updating Trails at such a rapid pace, you want to make sure to check the online interactive trail map before you head out to see what’s new. And click here to check out the newsletter for yourself for more details about all of this stuff, updates on the Habitat Preservation Project and the ongoing Re-Tree initiative, and upcoming trail workdays (when they can always use some extra hands).

And by the way, if you are indeed one of those people who are still not members of the Friends of Webster Trails, please consider becoming one. Check out their beautiful new website, and when you’re there, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our community.

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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 4/24/2025)

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Mark your calendar for this summer’s Village of Webster events

23 Apr

The first Village of Webster Wine and Food Walk for 2025 is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday May 10 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling a variety of wines and delicious bites from local restaurants. You’ll discover new flavors and meet many of our local merchants.

Tickets are on sale now. They’re $24.25, and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), then bring your digital ticket (or paper copy) to the Chicken Coop at 158 West Main Street to check in. You’ll get a souvenir wine glass and a map to guide you on your tour. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID. It is REQUIRED.

This spring’s event stops include The Coach, Annette’s Restaurant, JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar, and OHHH, LORDEE! Everything Sauces, with more to be announced soon! 

The Wine Walks are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District (BID). 

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The Wine Walk is just the first in a whole list of great summer events the BID will be hosting. Here’s what’s in the works:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. This year’s Craft Beer Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

And stay tuned for more information about this summer’s big concert to benefit The Coach’s employees after the restaurant’s devastating fire in March.

It’s scheduled for Sunday June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, and will feature two bands, Leecy, Greg & Friends, and Prime Time Brass. Coach bartenders will be there to pour your drinks, there’ll be raffles and Coach-themed merchandise for sale.

Tickets go on sale May 1. More details to come in a future blog.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “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 4/23/2025)

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Get your free trees, courtesy the Sierra Club

22 Apr

Now here’s a great way to beautify your property and help the environment at the same time, and it won’t cost you a thing.

On Saturday April 26, members and volunteers for the local chapter of the Sierra Club will be stationed at Webster Park to hand out free trees to the public. They’ll be stationed at the parking lot at SW corner of Lake & Holt Rds.

Your species options will include:

  • White Pine
  • Black Cherry
  • Serviceberry (aka Juneberry)
  • Bur Oak 

Planting instructions will be included. All trees are bare-root, so please bring a bag or container of water to keep the roots wet until the tree can be planted. 

The event will be held rain or shine on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Park (corner of Lake and Holt roads).

Sierra Club members will also be at Seneca Park, Northampton Park and Genesee Valley Park (near the pool) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you find yourself closer to one of those parks that day.

This is the fifth year that the Sierra Club has held this event. Last year’s event was very successful; 600 saplings were given new homes.

The trees are free, but members will also be grateful for any small donations. For more information, email John Kastner at: johnkastner49@gmail.com

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “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 4/22/2025)

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Elena Dilai Photography named Chamber April Business of the Month

21 Apr

Congratulations to Elena Dilai Photography, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Elena’s business stood out to the Chamber of Commerce selection committee for several reasons.

Elena has studied under some of the most respected photographers in the world. Her hunger for perfecting her craft has been recognized by The Portrait Masters who have awarded her an Associate Accreditation. Additionally, several pieces of her work have earned entrance into the finals at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Competition. She was also recently named one of the Top 100 Photographers in the World by WPE.

Elena has been recognized outside of the field of photography as well. She is an awarded professor of mathematics at Monroe Community College, including being a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. 

Elena’s work, “Enduring Spirit,” recently won the Susan B. Anthony Museum Award through the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Currently, she’s working hard on fulfilling her “40+ and Fabulous” dream, where she is photographing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

As for community service — an important criterion for selection as Business of the Month — Elena performs leadership roles in Rochester’s Ukrainian-American community. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of RocMaidan, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Get to know the Chamber of Commerce

Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday April 25 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Join 70-90 Chamber members, guests and visitors at this great opportunity to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is on Wednesday April 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office, 1110 Crosspoint Lane. Garrett Wagner, Founder of C3 Advisory, will host.

The Chamber’s monthly Eat Drink & Connects are opportunities to professionally network and get further acquainted with members. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend, and just $10 for guests and visitors. And there are DOOR PRIZES! All attendees must pre-register 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 4/21/2025)

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