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Webster community mailbag

1 Dec

Now that December is upon us, holiday events are coming fast and furious.

Several opportunities to visit with Santa are coming up in the next few weeks.

  • St. Martin Lutheran Church will host its annual Evening With Santa on Friday Dec. 2, 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Rd. The event includes games for the kids, cookie making, free pizza, story time and free photos with Santa. The evening is free, but participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the St. Martin food cupboard.
  • Santa will be at Webster’s Winter Wonderland this Saturday afternoon Dec. 3, greeting children at the gazebo on North Ave. from 2:45 to 5:45 p.m. And after your visit, make sure to check out all the Santa’s Workshop activities, and the ’round the world displays on Main Street. Click here for the full schedule.
  • The Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd., will host a Breakfast With Santa on Sunday Dec. 4 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Breakfast (and of course your visit with Santa) are free, but donations will be accepted to benefit Webster Hope, Webster Community Chest and Lions Club charities.
  • On Saturday Dec. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m., Santa will pop up again, this time at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (off of Phillips). This free event will feature hot cocoa and a cookie station. No registration is required.

Still gift shopping? While you’re at Webster’s Winter Wonderland this Saturday Dec. 3, stop by the Harmony House at 58 East Main St. to check out their Holiday Craft Fair and Open House. Before, during and after the parade there’ll be lots of crafters, live music, beverages and snacks. Click here for more details. The event is sponsored by the Webster Grange and the Chorus of the Genesee.

Also from Dec. 3 through Dec. 8, the Webster Thomas High School/OWL PTSA will sponsor a book fair at Barnes & Noble Webster in Towne Center Plaza. All week, when you present the Book Fair ID# 12641403 at checkout, the PTSA will get a percentage of your purchases. To kick off the event, this Saturday Dec. 3, you’ll enjoy some live music presented by Thomas students from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Webster Public Library has all kinds of fun events scheduled this month, from crafts to storytimes to live music. Check out the flier below for some details, but here’s one I want to highlight:

On Tuesday Dec. 6 from 7 to 8 p.m., the Chorus of the Genesee will present a free holiday concert at the library. The Chorus will be sharing a cappella music that spans traditional barbershop to contemporary to some holiday selections. The concert is free, but the library would like to make sure there’s enough seating, so please register here.

Just a few days ago I got the latest edition of the Webster Senior Center newsletter. It’s packed with news of all sorts of great events for the 55+ gang, including exercise classes, Talks on Tuesday, a holiday ball at the Doubletree and more. I wanted to highlight two events, however …

  • first is the Senior Singers annual Holiday Show, scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. This would be a great opportunity to find out more about this group and meet some of the members if you’re at all interested in joining. IN any case, it will feature some beautiful holiday tunes. Admission is free,
  • second is the Holiday Party on Wednesday Dec. 21 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cost is $8/person and registration is required.

Now some important information from the Webster Central School District:

The district will run its annual Emergency Preparedness Early Release Drill, designed to test the district’s plan for the early dismissal of students, on Friday, December 23.

Parents should be prepared for their children to be dismissed early that day. Below are the bus departure times for that Friday Dec. 23 day only:

● Schroeder, 3:15 p.m. departure
● Thomas, 3:15 p.m. departure
● Spry, 3:15 p.m. departure
● Willink, 3:15 p.m. departure
● DeWitt, 2:10 p.m. departure
● Klem North, 1:50 p.m. departure
● Klem South, 2:00 p.m. departure
● Plank North, 1:50 p.m. departure
● Plank South, 2:00 p.m. departure
● Schlegel, 2:10 p.m. departure
● State, 2:10 p.m. departure

For parents/guardians who pick their student(s) up from school, the pick-up window will also be different that day. cConsult your school newsletter/ notifications for details.

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As we enter the winter months, Webster CSD reminds families of its closing and early dismissal protocol. Closing and cancellation information is available through a variety of sources:

● online at websterschools.org
● social media at Facebook.com/WebsterCentralSchools and Twitter @wcsdproud
● parent/guardian notification through ParentSquare
● local media

If the district needs to dismiss early, bus riders will return home in the same order as a regular school day. Parents are asked to be prepared with a plan in the event of an early dismissal and discuss it with their children.

Weather conditions vary widely across the district. Parents/guardians are the final authority in deciding whether or not to send a child to school. Weather-related absences are legal absences; however, parents are required to notify schools if their children will
not be attending.

When school is closed due to weather, all aquatics, community education classes, and evening activities are cancelled as well. WonderCare may be an exception; consult their website and social media pages for updates.

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The district is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future. The annual young child census launched on the district website December 1. If you have children residing in your household who are birth to 5 years old, please visit websterschools.org to complete this brief census. Don’t delay! The census closes Jan. 6, 2023.

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In an effort to create a more welcoming environment for all families, the Webster CSD is offering free English as a Second Language (ESL) class to the community.
 
The adult ESL class is open to any adult interested in learning English as a Second Language. To support our growing number of families in Webster due to the war in the Ukraine, the class will be taught by a Ukrainian speaker; however, individuals from all language backgrounds are welcome and participants do not need to reside in Webster. 
 
The class takes place Monday through Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road. The class is ongoing so students may attend as many or as few as they wish. No registration is required, and there’s no charge.
  
For more information, call (585) 467-7683 or visit https://oaces.net/enroll-now/

Finally, this notice from the Town of Webster:

In January 2023, the Town will formally start the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. This was last done in 2008. In anticipation of this venture, they are trying to get as much feedback from Webster citizens as possible.

The Town has developed a short, simple, 6-question survey and are hoping to get more than 2,000 surveys completed by Dec. 31. To participate, click the link above.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/1/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Nov

Just in time for gift-giving, the Friends of the Webster Public Library will be holding their Winter Book Sale beginning Tuesday Nov. 29.

The Friends sold the event in their press release better than I could:

Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday season wear you down! The Friends of the Webster Public Library have the perfect solution to your holiday stress. The Friends are holding a Winter Holiday Book Sale at the library. Gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles for adults and children will be available for purchase.

The sale begins Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m. and runs during regular library hours for the next several weeks . . . or until sold out! Children’s items are in limited supply so shop early for the best selection and help support the library! All monies raised will go to support library programs and initiatives.

Free Breakfast With Santa

The Lions Club will hold their annual Breakfast With Santa on Sunday Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, english muffins, juice and coffee. Raffles and gift certificates will also be available.

There’s no charge, but donations will be accepted (and encouraged) to benefit the Webster Community Chest and other Webster Lions Club charities.

St. Martin Evening With Santa

Here’s another opportunity to get a free photo with Santa, plus cookies and pizza (if you prefer that over breakfast).

St. Martin Lutheran Church on Bay Road will hold its annual “Evening with Santa” holiday event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Fri. Dec. 2, Have your family holiday picture taken in a professional photo setting at St. Martin with Webster’s own Professional Santa, the same Santa as seen in Webster’s White Christmas & famous Firemen’s Parade of Lights. Pictures will be available on the spot and they’re absolutely free. (No need to wait in long lines at the mall or pay for a photo.)

Santa will arrive by fire truck, and will be handing out candy canes to all of his visitors. Bring your own camera for selfies with the elves, watch the children tell Santa their most secret wishes, help the children decorate their own Christmas cookies and write a letter to Santa, and listen to Santa read “The Night Before Christmas.”

There will be lots of games for the children, free pizza, and later, hear Pastor Korey read the Christmas Story as written in the Gospel of Luke.

Families who attend are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the church’s Food Cupboard, to help another family enjoy their holiday season just a bit more.

Christmas Cookie Sale

The Women’s Club of Webster will hold their 28th annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday Dec. 10 in the Webster Public Library community room. The sale will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until they’re sold out.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship funds and other Webster community programs. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Webster’s Winter Wonderland Details

Well, you’re going to have to wait another day or two for these, but rest assured you’ll get the full line-up here shortly. But I do want to make sure you remember to 1) wear your ugly sweaters all day, 2) bring a nonperishable food item to drop off at Village Hall to benefit Webster Hope, and 3) stop by the Webster Museum to vote for your favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree.

More to come. Stay tuned!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/26/2022)

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How to help feed our neighbors in need

25 Nov

During this Thanksgiving season, we need to all remember that not everyone in our community was able to sit down to a plentiful dinner on Thursday. Even here in Webster, many families simply do not have enough to eat, and children are going hungry.

Two local agencies are working hard to help out as much as they can, during the holidays AND all year ’round. Read on for some information about Webster HOPE and the Webster Community Chest and how you can help them help our community.

Webster HOPE

The mission of Webster HOPE is to serve the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture. Financial assistance, with the emphasis on preventing homelessness, is also available.

Webster HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd., adjacent to Holy Trinity church. They gladly accept donations of nonperishable food, hygiene products, gently used clothing, and monetary donations. (You can even click here to donate through their PayPal site.)

They’d also love to have more volunteers to help stock the food pantry, work in the garden, organize the clothing closet or work with the clients. Email websternyhope@gmail.com to find out how you can help.

Here are a couple of other easy ways to help out in the next several days:

  • Tuesday Nov. 29 is ROC the Day. Webster HOPE is participating for the first time and hoping to raise $5,000 to cover food costs for a whole month. Log onto www.ROCtheDay.org to donate.
  • Shop with Amazon Smile. Designate Webster NY Hope as your charity of choice and every time you shop on Amazon a donation will be made.
  • Look for the Webster HOPE donation table set up in front of Village Hall on Saturday Dec. 3 during Webster’s Winter Wonderland. Click on the flyer below for a wish list of food and clothing items.

To read more about Webster HOPE, check out their website and Facebook page.

Webster Community Chest

For almost 75 years, the Webster Community Chest (WCC) has provided information and referrals, emergency financial assistance, food assistance, summer camp scholarships, high school senior awards for community service, and financial aid to organizations whose programs benefit Webster residents. Like Wester HOPE, the agency serves the 14580 zip code area.

This year alone, the Webster Community Chest provided

  • 878 meals to the elderly through Meals on Wheels
  • 475 meals to families
  • six high school scholarships
  • four vanloads of food to Webster HOPE
  • summer camperships
  • therapeutic services for disabled children

plus they helped 49 families avoid being evicted from their homes.

The Webster Community Chest’s annual fund drive is underway right now. To find out more about the agency and how you can help, visit their website here.

Bonnie Reynolds from WCC also just told me about a great event the agency is sponsoring next week at the Webster Public Library. She wrote,

Girl Scouts Reis Arnold and Ainsley Smith of Troop 60415 spearheaded a food drive for our Food Giveaway to be held at the Public Library on Monday Nov. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m.

People can come in and grab a bag which has ingredients for three meals, plus a recipe card. Some of the meals are themed and include Pizza Night and Italian Night. Other meals are Shepherds Pie, Taco Chicken and BBQ Chicken. The girls will be there to help distribute the bags. 

Webster Community Chest Webster Community Chest does not have a permanent home for their food pantry right now. But they do have a storage room and will be hosting pop-up food give-aways for now. We are also searching for places to put food donation boxes and for people to organize these food collections, so if you know anyone who can help …..?

Little Free Pantries

Have you heard about “Little Free Food Pantries”? They’re a great twist on Little Free Libraries. These are small, stand-alone pantries filled with non-perishable food items, where the concept is “take what you need, leave what you can.”

There are six pantries in the Webster area. Five are hosted by church congregations and can be found in the church parking lots. They’re at the Webster Baptist Church on South Ave, Immanuel Lutheran Church on West Main St., the United Church of Christ on Klem Rd., St. Martin’s Lutheran Church on Bay Rd. and Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Plank Rd. The sixth can be found at Phillips Village.

Donations can be made at any time; just drive up, open the pantry and put in your donations. So maybe next time you head to Wegmans, consider picking an extra half dozen cans of veggies, a few boxes of cereal, maybe some spaghetti, and swing by one of these pantries on the way home.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/25/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Nov

Making Spirits Bright needs your help.

This wonderful grassroots organization has been bringing holiday joy to local families for nine years now. They started in 2014 helping just 13 families. Last year they brightened the lives of 375 families, providing winter gear, beds, bedding, household necessities, food and gifts.

But Making Spirits Bright needs community support to make all this happen. They’re looking for businesses, groups and individuals to adopt families’ lists (two family members or more). If you’re interested, or know someone else who might be, email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com. They’ll be happy to send more information.

If you can’t commit to adopting a family, here are a few other ways you can help:

  • They need beds. A LOT of beds. They’re collecting twin, full and queen-size mattresses, box springs and frames that are in GOOD condition. Email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com if you have a donation, and they’ll schedule a time with you to drop them off.
  • Adopt one person. You may be as specific as you’d like regarding age and gender identity. They can’t guarantee you’ll get an exact match, but they’ll try their best to accommodate wherever possible.
  • Organize a Drive. Host a donation drive to collect items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, wrapping paper, boxes, tags, gift cards and feminine hygiene items.
  • Purchase from the Community List. You can purhcase one item for one person or several items for numerous people. The list is typically posted on the Making Spirits Bright Facebook page by mid-November.
  • Make a monetary donation.
    The organization appreciates any monetary donations, large and small, which are used to ensure all the needs of the families are met. Contributions can be made via PayPal with a credit or debit card here (a PayPal account is not needed to make a donation).

Any other questions? Email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com.

The Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash takes place this Saturday Nov. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St.

Sample bourbons and whiskey from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants.

This very popular event is brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District and Webster Wine and Spirits. Tickets are $25 and are limited. They might already be gone, but you can check here to see if there are any left.

Santa’s Garage Sale is happening this weekend as well, at St. Martin Lutheran Church on Thursday and Friday Nov. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is all about Christmas and holiday decorations, which you can pick up at some really good prices. (Certainly better prices than you’ll find in the stores.) There will also be other holiday decorations and toys.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Click here to read more about this great event.

Don’t forget about the Friends of Webster Trails’ Hot Cocoa Hike this Saturday Nov. 5.

This fun, free, self-guided hike will take place at Four Mile Creek Preserve (corner of Phillips and Lake roads), from 7 to 8:30 p.m. It’s about 1.5 miles long and will include a stop for hot cocoa. The trail will start at the parking lot and be marked by lights along the way.

Please leave your dog at home, bring a flashlight and your own travel mug.

In honor of Veterans Day, Spry Middle School will once again welcome One Webster veterans and active duty service members and their families to a free, in-person dinner in their honor.

On Thursday Nov. 10 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students and other volunteers will serve up spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert in the school’s cafetorium. Reservations are requested. Please call Spry Middle School at 216-0093.

The event is sponsored by Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Wegmans, Walmart, and Hegedorn’s in appreciation of the service of local veterans and active duty service members. 

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/1/2022)

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Even Santa has a favorite garage sale

23 Oct

Bazaars and craft fairs abound at this time of year, hosted by churches and community centers all around our area. But this one, which I found out about just recently, is different; it’s not just a chance to buy gifts for others, but it’s especially good opportunity to pick up some holiday items for your own home.

And it is Santa-approved.

The second annual Santa’s Garage Sale, hosted by St. Martin Lutheran Church, will take place this year November 3 to 5. I heard about if from my friend “Santa Jim” Lockwood, a St. Martin parishioner and all-around good guy. (You know him from the frequent appearances he makes in Webster during the holidays, including at White Christmas in the Village.)

Jim sent me a nice long email explaining how this event came to be. He wrote,

It started as light conversation about this time of the year. We were discussing how Christmas was just around the corner and all the stores are putting their Christmas decorations out on display.

A few of us at St. Martin had to admit to having quite a large collection of older Christmas decorations, ornaments, lights, etc. even a few artificial Christmas trees that were tucked away. We also had to admit we didn’t use these decorations anymore as we now have newer ones. These Christmas decorations are usually stored away in attics, basements, closets etc. They always take up valuable storage space and haven’t seen daylight in years.

That’s when we decided to have a holiday-type garage sale and bring a few of our treasured items that we could part with to the sale table. The idea was that hopefully someone else could these long-forgotten decorations and love them as we did.

We did a little bit of online advertising about our sale and asked for donations of Christmas items that the community was willing to part with. We even called it “Santa’s Garage Sale.” The response from the Webster community was overwhelming both in their donations of beautiful treasured decorations and in their attendance and purchase of new / different Christmas items for their homes.

Santa even had a chance to check out the holiday sale and definitely recommends it.

I also heard from Mary Lou, one of the other organizers, who wrote,

To me,  the best thing about this sale is giving people a chance to celebrate Christmas without having to spend a lot of money. Given rising inflation,  I think even more people will find their finances very tight this Christmas. It is a joy to watch parents able to shop for their kids and have a great selection of toys to pick from.   

Last year we even had big wooden playsets, like kitchens and doll houses. Also,  we were fortunate to have several artificial Christmas trees, and they were probably our most popular item.

Donations for the sale will be gratefully accepted at the church, 813 Bay Rd., on Saturday Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a great chance to get rid of some of those older Christmas decorations you don’t use anymore. So check your attics, basements and other hidden spaces for items that can be enjoyed again by young and old. They’re also accepting Halloween and Thanksgiving items.

This year’s sale will take place at St. Martin Lutheran Church on Thursday and Friday Nov. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 813 Bay Rd., Webster.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/23/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

6 Oct

Leading today’s mailbag is the Webster Public Library Book Sale, happening Friday and Saturday at the library, 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Hardcover books are just $1 each, and paperbacks only 50 cents. Today and Saturday are also BYOB Bag Sale days. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, bring your own bag and fill it for just $5. Credit cards are accepted, and all proceeds benefit the library.

Also happening at the library this month:

  • The What, Why and How of Paranormal Investigating, Tuesday Oct. 11, 7 to 8 p.m. — Monroe County Paranormal Investigators discuss the process they go through to investigate, as well as share evidence from local haunts. There is no cost, but registration is required. Click here to register.
  • Invasive Species Talk: Spotted Lanternfly, Thursday Oct. 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m. — Learn about one of the biggest invasive species threats seen in decades, the spotted lanternfly, and how you can help stop this destructive bug. There’s no cost, but registration is required. Click here to register.
  • Spooky Storytime, Tuesday Oct. 25, 10 to 10:30 a.m. — Some skele-fun with spooky stories and a creepy craft! Feel free to wear your Halloween costume. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required.
  • Library Trick or Treat, Friday Oct. 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Bring the whole family trick-or-treating at the library. Follow the trick-or-treat trail through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is required.
  • Halloween Crafts, Saturday Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Drop in anytime. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • For the teens and tweens, there’s a Stranger Things craft night on Wednesday Oct. 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with crafts and activities. Grades 4 to 12 are welcome, and registration is required. And on Friday Oct. 21 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. there’s a special Halloween Night with games, activities, crafts, treats and more. Registration is required.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is offering up some great food again.

Their next Pulled Pork Drive Thru BBQ will happen on Saturday Oct. 15 from 4:30 until gone at the church on 813 Bay Road, Webster. Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car.

The take-out dinner includes pulled pork, roll, salt potatoes, cole slaw and cookie for $12.00.  Proceeds support the church’s eleventh annual Christmas Stocking Project reaching over 500 children and teens in Monroe and Wayne counties.

These next few events are repeats from my last mailbag, in case you might have missed them the first time.

The West Webster Fire Department will hold their open house on Sunday Oct. 16 from 1 to 4 p.m., and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will hold their open house on Saturday Oct. 29 (during Halloween in the Village). These events offer much more than fire trucks, too. There are demonstrations, giveaways, a chance to check out all sorts of emergency equipment and talk to real first responders. But of course, there’s definitely plenty of opportunities to take a picture of your young firefighter sitting in a real fire truck.

The West Webster Fire Department is at 1051 Gravel Rd., and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department is on South Ave. in the Village of Webster. These events are both free and open to everyone.

Gleason Orthodontics, on South Ave. in the village, will be hosting a winter-wear donation drive from Oct. 1 through Nov. 20.

You can drop off adult and youth-sized coats, hats and gloves at the office, 246 South Ave., during regular business hours.

The Webster Recreation Center, Webster Central PTSA and Webster Teachers Association are also hosting a Concert Apparel and Coat Drive. They’re looking for any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition:

  • Winter coats, jackets, pants, boots and accessories
  • Concert apparel: white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories

Collection boxes are loated at each Webster Central School building through Oct. 27.

On Saturday Oct. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., anyone who needs winter or concert gear can come “shop” for gently-used items for free.

And don’t forget about the Webster Community Blood Drive, which returns next Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 12 and 13 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St.

Regular blood donors will know this drive as one where everyone gets a coupon for a free ice cream cone from Bruster’s. Plus, the Red Cross will be giving all donors a $5 e-gift card, good for use at a merchant of their choice.

Walk-ins will be accommodated, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Click here and choose the time that best fits into your schedule. Or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). And make sure to fill out your RapidPass on the day of your donation to save at least 15 minutes. 

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/6/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

14 Sep

I’m going to begin today’s mailbag with lots of stuff from the Webster Public Library. I haven’t blogged about them much recently, but it’s NOT because there’s nothing going on over there. Actually, there are so many new programs happening at the library, I’m just going to kind of list them, and you can get even more detail from the flyers posted below.

  • Thursday Sept. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.: Classical Guitar Salon. Bring your guitar and meet other guitarists of all ages to socialize, share and perform. Registration is requested.
  • Saturday, Sept. 17, from 2 to 3 p.m.: a parenting program from Parent to Parent called Understanding OPWDD Support Services (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities). Especially for parents of children with developmental disabilities.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m.: Practical Tips for Aging in Place, a discussion offering practical tips, strategies and home modifications to allow you — or your loved ones — to age in place. Registration is required.
  • Thursday Oct. 6 through Saturday Oct. 9, the Webster Public Library Fall Book Sale returns, with an incredible variety of books at more incredible prices. More to come about this, but check out the flyer below for more information.

Here are some follow-up reminders about some things I’ve already blogged in more detail about. If you’re interested in any of them, click through to the original blog.

  • The Webster Recreation Center has two family-friendly events this week. The first is a concert at the Arboretum on Thursday Sept. 15 at 6 p.m., featuring the wonderful folk/pop duo Doctor’s Orders. Bring chairs, a blanket (it’s getting cooler in the evenings) and a cooler if you want. There’s no admission fee.
  • On Saturday Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to noon, the Rec will hold its second annual Mud Run, a fun one-mile, non-competitive run through mud and obstacles. I’m definitely going to be there this year. Cost is $5/person for lots of laughs.
  • The Red Hot and Blue Band will hold a benefit concert at the village gazebo on Sunday Sept. 18, beginning at 3 p.m. There’s no admission fee, but free will donations will be taken at the concert, with all proceeds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
  • Get your German on at the Challenger Miracle Field Oktoberfest, Friday and Saturday Sept. 16 and 17, Webster Firemen’s Field. The two-day event runs from noon to 10 p.m. each day and will have lots of great German bands and German food. Admission is $9, free for children 12 and under.

And finally, don’t forget about two big garage sales happening this weekend.

The Webster Hope, Inc. Garage Sale is going on today through Saturday Sept. 17 at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. Webster. And the annual Webster Museum Barn Sale runs Thursday, Sept. 15 through Saturday Sept. 17 on Phillips Rd. Click here to read about this incredible sale, which is the museum’s largest fundraiser of the year.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/14/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

25 Aug

Don’t forget that Friday night Aug. 26 is the next Family Games Night!

This month’s event is brought to you in part by the Webster PTSA, who’ll have a table there with some stuff to help your kids get ready for the upcoming school year.

There’s always tons of fun things to do for both kids and adults at these FREE, family-friendly events including sidewalk chalking, giant street games like Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four and cornhole. You can even grab dinner from Carl’s Pizza Kitchen while you’re there, plus there’ll be live music.

The Family Games Night happens on West Main St. in the Village of Webster from 6 to 9 p.m.

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UMC Webster, 169 East Main St., will be serving up a community pasta dinner on Saturday Aug. 27 in their Fellowship Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Children’s activities wil be provided.

There is no cost for the dinner, but donations will be accepted, and participants are being asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s food pantry.

For more information, call 585-309-6510 or email pastorwendy@umcwebster.org.

The Webster Theatre Guild is holding auditions for thier upcoming production of Annie on Sunday Aug. 28 and Thursday Sept. 1.

Auditions will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1130 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250) in Webster, from 5 to 7 pm for children, 7 to 9 p.m. for adults both days. You only have to attend one day of the auditions. Callbacks will be on Saturday Sept. 3 at 9 a.m.

Show dates are Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22.

Click here for more information and to download your audition packet.

The Webster Hope, Inc. (formerly Hope Ministry) Garage Sale is back this year, scheduled for Wed. Sept. 14 through Sat. Sept. 17 at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. Webster.

Donations will be accepted on Sunday Sept. 11 from 11 am. to 3 p.m. and Monday Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Murphy Hall at the church. Please no large donations. Items that cannot be accepted are listed here on the website.

Hours for the sale will be:

  • Wednesday Sept. 14, 6-8 p.m. (sneak peek night), admission $5 per person
  • Thursday Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Friday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 17, 10 a.m. to noon (everything HALF PRICE)

For a preview of some of the items that will be for sale, check out the Webster Hope Facebook page. Proceeds from the sale will benefit low-income households in Webster.

Also coming up in September, the Schutts Apple Mill Fall Kickoff event on Saturday Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This is a great family event with bounce houses, a petting zoo, a magic show, photo booth, live music, wagon rides, a cider demonstration, fried-cake eating contest and much more. It’s free to attend. Click here for more information.

Schutts Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

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And make sure to put this one on your calendar.

The Village of Webster’s September 11 Memorial Ceremony will take place on Sunday Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, North Ave. (Rt. 250).

This is always a very moving ceremony, and a great chance to remember those who lost their lives on this terrible day.

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

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(posted 8/25/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Jul

I’d like to start today with this very interesting History Bit from the Webster Museum, which tells a bit of history of the Forest Lawn neighborhood, on the very northern end of town.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!

(submitted by Kathy Taddeo)

Webster is very fortunate in its location. Not only is it bordered by Lake Ontario on its north and Irondequoit Bay on its West, but it is blessed with numerous creeks and streams. All add color, texture, sound and wildlife to our daily lives.

It’s not surprising, then, that waterfront property has been prized since Webster’s pioneer days and that there are several cottage enclaves along lake, bay and streams. One of these is Forest Lawn on Lake Ontario and Shipbuilders Creek.

By 1857, friends Samuel Pierce and John Forsyth had completed a plan for a summer community in the northwest corner of Webster. Later, Horace Pierce and George Forsyth talked the local trolley company into extending its line so residents could hop a trolley after work and meet their families at the community known as Forest Lawn. The definitive history of Forest Lawn was written by yet another Forsyth, Judge C. Benn. His FOREST LAWN 1888-1988 is available to read at the Webster Museum library and to borrow from the Webster Public Library.

By 1888, the Forest Lawn Club was incorporated, the cottage lots claimed and the clubhouse had become the center of social activity. The clubhouse burned down for the second time in 1908 and never rebuilt. However, the spirit of community was strong and for many years, the neighbors carried on the Forest Lawn Field Day with croquet and softball and dancing behind the store. One Forest Lawn song was sung to the tune of “Harrigan.”
     F-O-R-E-S-T-L-A-W-N, Forest Lawn
     That’s the place we like to praise, sir.
     That’s the spot which we most craze sir.
      F-O-R-E-S-T-L-A-W-N, Forest Lawn
     Ring the bell, let it swell
     Wake the echoes through lawn and dell –
      Forest Lawn, that’s here!

Around 1914-1918, Isabella and Thomas Dorsey rented a home in a Forest Lawn farm, likely the Glasser farm. There they cared for orphaned African-American children. Their neighbors commented that the Dorseys were doing “excellent work.”  In need of more space, the Dorseys moved the children to the current site of McQuaid High School.

Around this time, residents apparently could not get enough of their summer place and seasonal cottages became permanent dwellings. Forest Lawn turned into a neighborhood and a hamlet with its own post office. Though likely few remember much less sing the old field day songs, Forest Lawn remains one of the many beautiful places to live in Webster, New York.

The Webster Museum’s map collection, which sparked this “Bit of Webster History,” is available to you on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-4:30 pm at 18 Lapham Park.

The Caring Community Concert series at the United Church of Christ (570 Klem Rd.) is back, and this summer’s lineup is a great one.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one, scheduled for Wed. July 20 will feature the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels.

The next concert, on Wed. July 27, features the Gate Swingers Big Band, with proceeds going to the Webster Public Library BookBox. The last, on Wed. Aug. 3, features 8 Days a Week, and will benefit the Webster Community Chest.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. You can bring a picnic or buy dinner or snacks there, served up by church volunteers. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) Bring your own lawn chairs and come enjoy some great music for a good cause!

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Fun stuff coming up in the village in the next few weeks.

  • The Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra comes to the Veterans’ Park gazebo this Friday July 22 for a concert beginning at 7 p.m.
  • The next Family Games and Beer Garden Night is Friday July 29 from 6 to 9 p.m. Plans are to introduce even more games for the older kids this time around.
  • On Friday Aug. 5, It’s My Party will perform at the gazebo, beginning at 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday Aug. 9 is the next Movie in the Park, featuring Flight of the Navigator

And that’s only the beginning. There are more bands, the Jazz Fest, another movie, another Games Night … and you can check out details about all of these on the Webster BID website.

Don’t forget about the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market’s latest addition: the Evening in the Park market at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Lots of vendors, food trucks, and live music. So don’t just come ro shop for great crafts, flowers and fresh vegetables; bring some lawn chairs and make an evening out of it.

Check out the poster below for information about the entertainers.

Finally, you don’t want to miss this great event coming up at Miracle Field on Saturday July 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It’s Hero’s Day, when Challenger athletes take the field to play some ball games with — and against — our first responders. There’s lots of refreshments, a dunk tank, kids’ obstacle course, and baseball games all morning. Your kids will also get to meet many of our first responders and check out some of their equipment.

There’s no charge, but there’s plenty of fun and excitement.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/19/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

10 May

I was going to put this mailbag off for a couple more days, but I just heard news of a great fundraiser happening on Friday night, and I don’t want anyone to miss out.

It’s a big kickball game hosted by Spry Middle School on Friday night May 13 at Rochester Challenger Miracle Field, located on Ridge Rd. behind Town Hall. (Parking is off of Van Ingen Drive.) Three dozen Spry students will be playing, representing the school’s three houses (red, white and blue). Each house team will also include two Challenger players.

The kickball game is the culminating event of this year’s Spirit Week at Spry. Each year the school’s Student Council chooses a charity to benefit from a Spirit Week competition. Usually the game is basketball, but Challenger Miracle Field was chosen this year, so kickball seemed more appropriate.

The game will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, and concessions will be available for just $1. There’s plenty of free parking. All proceeds from admission and concessions will benefit Challenger Miracle Field.

Make plans to stay around after the game. That’s when the Spirit Stick will be awarded to the house which has accumulated the most spirit points all week — including extra points for winning kickball!

I found out about ALL of the following events in the Webster This Week newsletter, published weekly by the Town of Webster. If you haven’t signed up for this great source of information yet, you should.

Remember that the Webster Public Library’s spring used book sale happens this Thursday through Saturday, May 12-14. Nothing is priced more than $1, and all paperbacks are just 50 cents.

Hours are Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to noon. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the back of the plaza, off of Van Ingen Drive.

Got stuff to shred?

Reliant Federal Credit Union is holding a free shredding event at their Webster branch, 870 Holt Rd., on Saturday May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon.

There are no quantity limits, but everyone is asked to remove file folders, binders and plastic bags. And plan on taking your empty boxes back home with you.

While you’re there, you can take advantage of raffles and giveaways, and enjoy refreshments and entertainment.

Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 131 W. Main Street in the Village of Webster, is holding a food drive this Saturday May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Donations of non-perishable food, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items will be used to support the Weekend Food Backpack Program and the church’s Little Free Pantry.

Also on Saturday May 14, the Ukrainian Cultural Center of Rochester, 1040 Jackson Rd., will hold a Sunflowers for Ukraine paint and sip fundraiser event.

Artist Deanna Derhak will guide participants in painting an original sunflower composition using acrylic paint on a 12″ x 12″ canvas. All supplies are included, and yes, there will be wine available.

The event will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $40. Click here for tickets.

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department is hosting a Vendor Fair and Craft Event on Sunday May 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Firemen’s Exempt building, 172 Sanford St. (on the south side of Firemen’s Field).

In addition to the great items for sale, there’ll be crafts, a raffle, 50/50 ticket sales, and a door prize of $100 worth of scratch-off tickets.

Admission is free and there’s lots of parking.

On the other side of town, the West Webster Fire Department is holding a Bike Helmet and Safety Rodeo on Saturday May 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, designed for children ages 4 to 14, will feature a bike safety course, helmet fittings and bike safety checks. There’ll be lots of activities, and of course lots of fire trucks! Helmets will be provided on loan for anyone who needs one.

Registration is free. The West Webster Fire Dept. is located at 1051 Gravel Rd.

The Wine Walks are back!

The Village of Webster’s first Wine Walk of the season has been scheduled for Saturday May 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Glass pickup will be at Webster Interiors, 975 Ebner Dr. from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 (plus sales tax and fees) and are available here. For more information, visit the Webster BID website.

The Webster Lions Club will host a Sticky Lips BBQ fundraiser on Thursday May 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. at 1175 Ridge Rd.

Meals will be $15 each, and include a quarter charcoal-cooked chicken, smoked St. Louis ribs, mac salad, BBQ beans and cornbread. You can pay at the event of get pre-sale tickets online at www.StickyLipsBBQFundraisers.com.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 5/10/2022)

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