A sampling from the holiday selectionMaureen Gammariello with one of the never-opened toys from the toy table
I stopped by Holy Trinity Church on Tuesday morning to check out preparations for Webster Hope’s annual garage sale, and was pretty impressed by what I found.
There were a few volunteers still finalizing the displays and pricing items, but most of the tasks had already been completed, thanks to more than three dozen volunteers working over the last few days to make sure everything is ready to go for Wednesday night. (And that’s not even including all the volunteers who have been gathering and pricing items since January, and the Thomas Titans football team who moved hundreds of boxes into the gymnasium from storage.)
Webster Hope director Margery Morgan says that this year’s sale is better than ever, with “soooooo many new items,” and a lot of items priced at just $1. They’ve got three rooms filled with just about everything you’d want to find, including …
… holiday (especially lots of Halloween), kids and adult books, toys, puzzles and games, housewares, lamps, clocks, stationery and office, party supplies, home electronics, pet items, baking and cooking ware, utensils, small appliances (each one plugged in and tested), handbags, home decor, floral, wall pictures and picture frames, religious items, garden, crafts, linens, tools, rugs, furniture, dishes, jewelry, sports equipment, luggage, baskets, baby items and lots more, all at great prices.
Basically, this is a don’t-miss sale.
It takes place at Holy Trinity Church, 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster, Wednesday Sept. 11 through Saturday Sept. 14. Hours are:
Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m.: Preview night; for a small admission fee, be the first to shop.
Thursday & Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon; everything is half price
All proceeds will benefit Webster Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.
Here’s a preview of some of the thousands of items available:
* * *
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).
Lots of notices came across my email in the few weeks I was out of town, so I’ll do my best to catch up.
Concert to benefit St. Jude
This coming Saturday Sept. 7, the 3rd annual St. Jude Benefit Concert will take place at Gazebo Park on North Ave., from noon to 6 p.m.
Three bands will take the stage, including Red, Hot and Blue; Shades of Grey; and local favorite Sarah De Vallière. Food will be available from Pub 235 and Guida’s Pizza. There’s no charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and enjoy a full afternoon of tunes for a good cause.
NY Hope Garage Sale
NY Hope’s huge annual garage sale returns next week, with three days of bargains.
You probably all know about this incredible event from years past, so let’s get right to this year’s details:
Here are the details:
Sale begins Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 to 8 PM; Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. For a small admission fee, be among the first to shop.
Thursday, Sept. 12 and Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
All proceeds go to Webster NY Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.
It’s chicken barbecue time again!
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.
Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.
For our 55+ friends
I got the latest edition of the Webster Recreation Center 55+ newsletter recently. It’s always packed with tons of information, but I pulled out these tidbits in particular:
This month’s Talks on Tuesday schedule features a new informative presentation each month. They run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., there’s no charge and all community members are invited (not just Rec members). Registration is requested. This month’s programs include:
Sept. 10:SOCIAL SECURITY 101. Troy Gribnau from Edward Jones will answer your questions about Social Security, including how it fits into your retirement plan, when you should start taking benefits, how to the taxes work, and more. Registration is requested. Search for activity# 346940-C.
Sept. 17: ASTRONOMY FOR SENIORS. NASA Ambassador Jim Porter will help you discover the rich hobby of astronomy, with just a small pair of binoculars. Activity# 346940-D.
Sept. 24: MEDICARE. Sara Mason from Mason Wealth Management will host a workshop to help you understand what all the pieces of Medicare mean — parts A, B, C, D and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Learn when you can make changes and why you should review your plan annually. Activity# 346940-E
And this last program I pulled out because it’s becoming more and more important these days to be able to spot AI-generated fake news:
Tuesday Sept. 10,FAKE NEWS & HOW TO SPOT IT TECH WORKSHOP, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Join technology instructor Daniel Jones to learn how to spot what’s real, what’s true, and what’s not. Learn about:
disinformation: How it spreads and how to recognize it
personal responsibility
the rise of deepfakes
fact-checking resources
terms you should know
Please register for activity #346014-A.
Oh, one more thing from the Rec Center.
If you’ve got game, you might be interested to know that the Rec Center has groups that play Canasta, Rummikub, competitive Scrabble, Mahjong, Bridge and Bingo every week. Check the newsletter for details about these and lots other 55+ programs.
Want to read more about Webster’s history?
The Webster Museum is developing an outreach newsletter for friends, members and supporters with more general information about the museum and local history. If you’re interested in being added to the distribution list, send your email address to WebsterMuseum@gmail.com.
ALSO, the museum folks have a mystery that they need help solving. Does anyone know how or why the penny-farthing (the high-wheel bicycle) came to be the museum’s logo? They’ve done some digging through their archives but haven’t been able to come up with anything. Let them know if you have any clues!
* * *
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).
For the past 25 years, Webster NY HOPE has been helping our neighbors in need by providing food to as many as 80 Webster families each week. For the last ten of those years, the agency has been supplementing their food distribution with fresh vegetables, harvested from a large garden created in 2015 by Girl Scout Katie Roy, who built it as a Gold Award project.
The garden has been a tremendous asset; last year alone, HOPE volunteers harvested more than 500 pounds of fresh produce, which was often distributed on the same day that it was picked.
But over the last decade, the garden had fallen into disrepair, so NY HOPE decided to give it a big upgrade. The idea was to replace the old, worn-out beds with 27 raised, sturdy metal containers, allowing for plenty of room in between for access and, if necessary, adding more containers. As an added benefit, each container could be sponsored by a community group, or perhaps in memory of a family member.
The project began in earnest in late April, when more than 30 community volunteers gathered in Holy Trinity’s Murphy Hall for what NY HOPE Director Margery Morgan called a “mass assembly day.”
“The Knights of Columbus helped out, HOPE volunteers, volunteers from the Presbyterian Church and Webster Methodist, and we just made a day of it.” she said. “And then it took hours of work after that,” removing the old beds, fixing the fence, and actually planting the new gardens.
The next big challenge was to solicit sponsors for the 27 new containers. That doesn’t sound like an easy task, but turns out it was. In no time, NY HOPE had not only sold the original 27 sponsorships, but actually had so many requests that next year they’ll be adding nine more gardens to meet the demand.
On Sunday June 30, the new gardens were officially opened with a ribbon cutting and blessing from Holy Trinity Deacon Gary Terrana and Fr. Jorge Ramirez.
Morgan explained that the plantings chosen for the gardens were selected in part for what grows well with what, and what doesn’t grow well, “to maximize the benefits.” She added,
We keep track of what we put in every year and see what our recipients, the families that come to HOPE, like. We’ve stayed away from hot peppers; they don’t seem to go. We’ve gotten more sweet peppers, zucchini, tomatoes … beets, because we have a large Ukrainian population and beets fly off our shelves, potatoes, garlic … We try to keep it going all season.
Now that the gardens are growing healthy and lush, many hands will be needed to keep the beds weeded and watered and, when the time comes, to harvest the produce. NY HOPE has posted a form on their website where interested volunteers can sign up for a week (or two if you want!) to take care of what needs to be done during that time. This is a great volunteer opportunity for service organizations, families, or individual community members.
Take a drive by and check out these beautiful gardens for yourself. They’re located behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., just south of the cemetery.
By the way, special thanks to Welch’s Greenhousesfor providing 18 yards of enhanced topsoil at a deep discount, and to Premier Sign Systems for donating all of the 27 signs.
Fr. Ramirez leads the prayers (J. Thomas)Blessing the new gardens (J. Thomas)The stone welcoming garden visitors (J. Thomas)
* * *
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).
These first two mailbag items are especially for those of you who love gardening.
The first is a HUGE garden show hosted by the 7th District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, scheduled for Thursday July 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
The show, called “A Floral Century,” is celebrating the Federation’s 100 year, and will feature 27 clubs from 12 counties in and around the Rochester area. Among them are the Town of Ontario Garden Club, and Webster’s own Country Gardeners of Webster and Klemwood Garden Club.
The show will feature entries in six horticulture classes (annuals, hostas, perennials, roses, arborials and combination planters); 11 design classes, many of which adhere to special themes like “Vintage,” “Patriotism” and “Rock & Roll; and divisions for education, youth, botanical arts and botanical photography.
The “Floral Century” garden show is Thursday July 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Admission and parking are free.
Arboretum Walk and Talk: Herbs
The next program in the Webster Arboretum’s Timely Topics Walk and Talk series is coming up in a few weeks, also on July 18.
On Thursday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m., Janet Robert and Beverly Gibson will show and tell about the Arboretum’s outstanding herb garden. Beverly will discuss the origin of the garden and the variety of herbs in each of the six themed beds.
The Arboretum writes,
The garden was originally developed in 1998 and is organized into five pods surrounding a sacred garden. The garden was designed in the shape of a flower and is maintained by Beverly Gibson, a certified arborist and Master Gardener who spent a year researching the plan and implemented the design with the help of Alana Miller.
The plants are separated into groups based on their uses. The six beds are designated as culinary, medicinal, fragrance, Native American and dyes, with a sacred garden at the center. “Herb” is a loose term; if any part of a plant can be used, it is considered an herb. Generally speaking, herbs come from a plant that dies back in winter and is valued for a use. Generally, we think of using the leaves, but we can also use the flowers, stems and roots. Early cultures relied heavily on herbs for medicines, colors and preservatives. Today, we exploit their fragrances, esthetics and culinary features.
This free, educational and lively herb discussion will be held July 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Visit the Webster Arboretum website to register for this free talk at the Arboretum.
Here are some reminders of upcoming events I’ve already mentioned once or twice:
Geocaching presentation at the Webster Library
On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, avid geocacher Gerry Sander will present a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure! Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness.
The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s
Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.
There will be 178 books for sale in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.
The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.
These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for WednesdayJuly 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (Click the flier for the whole schedule.)
There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
For more information about the concerts, click here.
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).
I’d like to begin today’s mailbag with a shout-out to Webster Girl Scout Troop 60617 for their kindness and consideration for our deployed service members.
Troop leaders heard that military families in our area needed baby blankets, so they and their Scouts got to work. They crafted three beautiful blankets, which will be donated to Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8, who will distribute them to local military families so they can surround their babies with love.
Many thanks to Troop 60617 and leader Beth Cunico.
And now, details about our upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, courtesy the Webster CSD:
Webster Schroeder Graduation
Rehearsal – Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. Seniors meet in the Webster Schroeder Warrior Stadium, 875 Ridge Road. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Commencement – Friday, June 21 at the Webster Schroeder stadium. Seniors line up at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, and procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date Saturday, June 22, time TBD.) Live stream: The 2024 Warrior Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.
Webster Thomas Graduation
Rehearsal – Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. Seniors meet in the Willink Middle School cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Commencement – Tuesday, June 25. Seniors line up at 6:45 p.m. in the Willink Middle School cafetorium. Procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to the Webster Thomas Titan Stadium, 800 Five Mile Line Road. (Rain date – Wednesday, June 26, time TBD.) Live stream: The 2024 Titan Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.
Both ceremonies will last roughly two hours. No tickets are required. These are open seating events. Gates open to the public approximately one hour before each procession begins. There is ample seating for families and other guests in the stands and on the field. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because traffic tends to back up.
Geocaching presentation at Webster Public Library
All sorts of fun things are always happening at the library, but I want to highlight this talk today because it’s being presented by my friend Gerry Sander.
On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m., Gerry will be presenting a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure! Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness.
The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s hiding spot.
It’s an exciting and interactive way to bond, explore, and make unforgettable experiences together!
Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.
There will be 178 books for sale in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.
The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.
Entry fee is $125 per player and includes golf, gift and lunch. RSVP by July 10. Business sponsorship packages begin at $200 and include perks like sponsorship signs, logo placement, and an opportunity to put your branded item in the gift bags. Click here for more information and to register.
The invitational will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Lollypop Farm Humane Society.
These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for WednesdayJuly 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (See the flier below for the whole schedule.)
There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
For more information about the concerts, click here.
Music, music, music in the Village of Webster
Here’s another look ahead at summer in the village:
Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
Health Fairand Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)
* * *
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).
I’ve always loved a good home-town festival. That’s why I love the annual St. Rita Fiesta; even more than the Firemen’s Carnival, it brings me right back to the days of the fair I looked forward to every summer when I was growing up in small-town Owego.
And when I heard that this year’s festivities were going to be even bigger and better than ever, I immediately put it on my calendar.
The 69th annual St. Rita Fiesta will take place on Friday May 31 and Saturday June 1 at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.
Everyone’s favorite features will be back this year, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent with the also famous fish fry (Friday only) and Chicken BBQ (Saturday only), the Sweets Booth, carnival games with prizes, inflatables for the kids, the money wheel and pull tabs, a plant sale, book sale, and lawn games.
PLUS Irish dancers, karate and Robotics team demos, a talent show, an inflatable archery game, art station, the “Dunk the Deacon,” and live music from Roll the Dice, All In Brass Band and Count On It All Joy.
PLUS PLUS this year, the Fiesta is introducing pony rides for the kids, and is bringing back line dancing. Newer attractions will also include a mini golf course, giant spin art, a corn hole tournament and free bingo. And don’t forget to take a chance (or several) on the raffle baskets and $5,000 Spectacular Raffle Drawing.
Basically, there’s a TON of stuff going on both days for children and adults. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free on-site parking, with handicap spaces available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.
Here are the details:
69th annual St. Rita Fiesta, Friday May 31 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday June 1 from 2 to 9 p.m. Check the flyer below for details on when your favorite activities are happening. You can also visit the Fiesta Facebook page or website for regular updates
St. Rita Church is located at 1008 Maple Dr. in West Webster.
* * *
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).
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.
Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.
What the heck is a hellebore?
The Webster Arboretum will host a presentation on May 9 titled Lenten Rose and Christmas Rose are Hellebores.
Learn about the care and culture of these amazing plants. Donna Shayder, Master Gardener of Monroe County, will discuss the growing conditions, types, management and appropriate care of the hellebore. She’ll also conduct a tour of the hellebore plantings at the Arboretum and answer all your questions.
No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.
Get your Mother’s Day plants here
The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2024 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 11 from 8 a.m. to noon.
A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, geraniums, dahlias, tomatoes, trees, shrubs and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!
The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.
Barn Sale at Heritage Square
Heritage Square Museum, at 7147 Ontario Center Rd. in Ontario, is holding a huge Barn Sale from Thursday May 9 through Saturday May 11. Hours are:
Thursday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon ($5 bag sale, bring your own bags)
And looking ahead, the museum will be hosting a chicken BBQ on Friday May 13 from 4 p.m. ’till gone.
Get rid of those ugly mugs
I’ll be highlighting a few more Webster Public Library events in a future blog, but this one especially caught my eye today.
Apparently the library has a “community exchange table,” which I don’t think I realized. And this month, community members can exchange MUGS there.
We all have them, a collection of coffee mugs that we’ve gathered through the years but we never use, so they’re tucked back in the back of the cabinet. Dig them out and take them to the library to exchange them for some mugs you might actually use. And who knows, someone may really want that bright pink mug with the bikini-clad flamingo that you just HAD to get on your last vacation.
Also coming up this month at the library
* Author Day on Saturday May 4, when the library welcomes three local published authors, who will talk about the paths they took from the beginning writer to nationally-known authors. Karen Miller will speak from 10 to 11 a.m.; Charles Benoit will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Ruth Rosenberg Naparstek will speak from 1 to 2 p.m.
Registration for each speaker is requested. Click the name to go to the registration page for each.
* On Thursday May 9, the Webster Library, in conjunction with Webster Comfort Care Home will present “Tending to Life — Comparative Religions: Funeral Customs and Rituals.” Area faith leaders will talk about death in relation to their religion’s customs.
It’s still several months away, but plans are already gearing up for the huge annual NY HOPE garage sale, scheduled for this September.
If you have items you’d like to donate, drop off dates are Wednesdays, May 8, 22 & 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1460 Ridge Road (located behind Holy Trinity), Webster.
Before you drop off your donations, check out the DonationGuide, because items that cannot be used, including furniture or large items (at this time) will be refused. We may refuse items if we cannot use them.
Mark your calendars now for the sale, Wednesday, Sept. 11 through Saturday Sept. 13.
Concert to benefit the Harmony House
Music will fill the air on Saturday May 18 when the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody join forces to present Harmony in the House, a fund-raiser concert to benefit the Harmony House Renovation Project.
Shows will be at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. There will be no sales at the door. Click here to get yours, or call 585-259-3094.
Garlic Fest vendor applications now being accepted
Last but not least today, if you’re a craft or food vendor and would like to get into this year’s Webster Garlic Fest, the call for vendor applications has just gone out.
This year’s festival will run from September 7-8 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. A 10′ x 10′ booth will run you $150, and early set-up will be available both days.
This has become one of Webster’s best-attended events. Last year there were more than 100 vendors and 3,000 attendees. So get your application in before the spaces sell out. Click here to apply.
* * *
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).
There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …
WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available
Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.
Absentee ballots are for qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.
Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.
All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.
The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 21, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.
The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.
Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you
The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.
Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.
These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.
Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster
Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.
In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.
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 Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.
The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.
Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.
Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.
It’s all about the bees
The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”
Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.
No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.
WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event
Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car!
This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.
Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org
Special Needs Parent Resource Fair
The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.
The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).
The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.
Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.
Whew. That is all. For now.
* * *
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).
More than 150 Webster families in need will have a holiday meal to put on the table this Easter, thanks to a new community collaboration among three local service agencies.
At a well organized and efficiently run drive-through event held Tuesday afternoon, 151 cars pulled through the United Church of Christ parking lot on Klem Rd., each collecting a shopping bag packed with the makings for a complete Easter dinner. Each bag included boxed potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, apple juice, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and either dinner rolls or sliced bread. In addition, each family received a gift card from Webster NY Hope to be used toward the purchase their choice of protein for the meal (like a ham).
The free food distribution event was coordinated and run by a unique collaboration among three Webster service agencies: Webster NY Hope, Webster Community Chest and Gathering Place Webster. It grew from a need that has existed for several years, ever since the Webster Council of Churches discontinued its holiday food baskets program.
The idea came to Wendy Lesko at Gathering Place and Tracy Dennis at Webster Community Chest almost at the same time. They combined forces with Margery Morgan at Webster Hope, and plans were put into motion.
It was the first time the agencies had collaborated on a project like this. Each organization helped spread the word, and the original plan was to allow only 100 families to sign up. But several days before the scheduled distribution, that number had grown to 151 families, which put everyone into overdrive.
“I sent an email to all of the churches, all of the Scout leaders that I knew of, and some women’s groups,” Lesko said. “I explained the collaboration and our goal. I had a grocery list and asked them to consider signing up.” Several Scout groups and a handful of churches responded, but the group was still far short of what they needed to fill all the bags.
So they sent out another message through social media, this time asking for help from the Webster community in general. By Monday, the day before the distribution was scheduled, all of the necessary items had been collected. Then, that night, 44 community members — adults and lots of children — showed up at The Gathering Place to pack all 151 bags. It took them only a half hour.
“The community did this,” Lesko said. “It was a really remarkable thing.“
The goal is to hold a food distribution event four times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and perhaps a barbecue or picnic sometime during the summer. And now that the whole team is in place, and they know the effort will be well supported by the Webster community, they’ll be feeding 150 families each time.
More than 40 people showed up to help pack the bags
* * *
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).
Earlier this month I posted a blog spotlighting the many organizations in Webster which offer ways for people to give back to their community through volunteering.
I’ve been surprised by how many people commented that they’re looking for something they could do as a family. So I thought I’d highlight a few organizations which really stood out to me as offering volunteer opportunities for both young and old.
The first of those is Gathering Place Webster. Operating out of the community room at the United Church of Christ on Klem Rd., Gathering Place Webster offers a wide variety of easy and accessible community service opportunities, like filling diaper bags for moms in need, making bag lunches for the chronically homeless, and to making “COZY bags” for kids and teens at the homeless shelter. What’s really neat about all these projects, however, is that not only can very young children get involved, but each one is specifically designed so that children of all ages can participate.
Gathering Place director Wendy Lesko explained, “We started this so that young families could get their kids started volunteering early … to show families with children how they can do community service from diapers all the way up; start teaching them when they’re young.”
Even though the organization is located within the United Church of Christ, it’s not officially affiliated with the church, and receives no funding from the UCC. It’s a completely separate 501c3 which rents space from the church.
Basically, Lesko explained, “the church made room for the Gathering Place to exist.”
We call it Gathering Place so that we could try to have nonreligious programming that would be comfortable for non-church people to come and participate in. … We don’t want people to think they can’t do community service because they don’t belong to a church.
Families interested in finding out more Webster are invited to attend the group’s next Community Service Sampler on Saturday Feb. 3 at 10 a.m. at UCC Webster, 570 Klem Rd. Participants can choose among a dozen different projects spread out on large tables set up around the church’s community room. Each table will include the project description, the agency it serves, the agency’s contact information, and step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the project. You can choose which project you’d like to work on, or stop by all the tables to sample the many different ways you can serve your community.
Here’s a quick look at all of the projects:
Bag Lunch Outreach: make 80 bag lunches to feed Rochester’s chronically homeless
Purse Project: fill purses with care items for women in need
Snack Bags for Baber: fill snack bags for the guests of the Baber hot lunch program
Buddy Bags: fill grocery bags with kid-friendly groceries
You for Youth Cozy Bags: fill drawstring bags with items for unhomed kids and teens (like socks, stuffed animals, blankets) to help them create a cozy space
You for Youth Backpacks: fill backpacks with care items for teens like a journal, Chapstick, lotion, socks
Care Kits: fill bags with personal hygiene items for people in need
Care Kits for Women: fill bags with personal hygiene items for women in need
Diaper Bag Project: fill diaper bags with baby items for women in need
Birthday Kits: create birthday kits with items to help struggling families celebrate
Warm Fuzzy Blanket program: make fleece blankets to be given to kids/teens having a hard time
Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha: wrap birthday gifts to be distributed to kids via the RCSD
The event has plenty of easy ways for very young children to help out, too, like coloring lunch bags or making personalized notes to include in each kit. And if the kids get tired, they can go off in the corner of the room and play while moms and dads continue to work.
“It’s a social thing as well,” Lesko said. “Moms and dads are chatting and connecting with each other in community, while their kids are safely doing a community service project just steps away from them. It’s a dream come true.”
What a great way to get kids involved in our community in a fun way, and get them used to the idea that giving back and helping others is not only the right thing to do, but just feels good. Teaching responsibility and compassion today will go a long way towards raising responsible and compassionate adults. Not to mention we’re helping those in our community who need help the most.
Basically it’s a win/win for everybody.
The Community Service Sampler is this Saturday Feb. 3, beginning at 10 a.m. at United Church of Christ Webster, 570 Klem Rd. To read out more about Gathering Place Webster, visit their website here or Facebook page here.
* * *
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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 