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Trying to keep on top of this weekend

30 Dec

So much is happening so fast this weekend. Reports are coming in fast and furious about funeral arrangements, volunteer opportunities, businesses stepping forward to provide goods and services, hotel rooms being paid for, random acts of kindness of all shapes and sizes.

I know that a lot of people rely on my blog to report on what’s happening around town, and I have been trying my best in the last few days to do that.  But if I wrote a blog each time I heard about another wonderful thing happening in our community this weekend, I’d be posting three blogs an hour.

So what I will try to do, instead, is post updates on my Webster Blog Facebook page.  I know that not everyone is on Facebook, so I will try to gather some of the more important notes into a blog tomorrow morning.

In the meantime, I do want to bring a few things to your attention:

Click here to read the beautiful story in this morning’s D&C by Tiffany Lankes about yesterday’s calling hours.

Click here to see the Prayers and Support for Webster Firefighters Facebook page, which has become a clearinghouse for requests for donations of time and goods.

And you gotta see this: 13WHAM is preparing an end-of-year retrospective, and has posted a preview of the part about the Webster tragedy.  It is very moving. See it here.

 

Another way you can show your support

30 Dec

I just found out about another great way people can help show their support for our fallen firefighters. Debbie McCabe sent me this email:

I have been made aware of another avenue for the Webster Community to pay their respects to Lt. 7Chiapperini. Community members have been requested to line the route of the funeral procession that will take on Sunday from Schroeder High School to the cemetery on Maple Road. Bystanders can wave banners/flags or simply show their support by lining the procession route. Parking could probably be found at the movie theatre, the VNA, or Abbotts. Timing is somewhat tenuous at this point, however 1:15 – 1:30 is a reasonable estimate -the memorial service is slated to start at noon and the procession will make a final pass by the firehouse before heading to Maple.

I will be there.

Please continue to let me know of other ways people can help — especially non-monetary ways — so I can pass them onto the community at large.

P.S.  I also just saw an email from Principal Glenn Widor at Webster Thomas High School which touched my heart and I wanted to pass along:

The Webster Central School District family is keeping the loved ones of Lt. Michael Chiapperini and Webster Thomas graduate Tomasz Kaczowka in our thoughts and prayers following the tragic events on Christmas Eve.

 At the request of Lt. Chiapperini’s and Tomasz Kaczowka’s families, our district is honored to open its doors to the community – and the nation.   This weekend, both high school buildings will provide a place for our community to gather, mourn, and begin to heal, following the unthinkable events that occurred just a few days ago. We salute Webster’s fallen heroes – Lt. Mike and Tomasz — and the legacy of public service and selflessness they leave to their loved ones and our community.

 This Sunday, Webster Thomas is hosting a meal in the Field House after the funeral service for Lt Michael Chiapperini at Schroeder. 

Wegmans is donating all the food. (Wow.) A follow-up email indicated that he had a tremendous response to his call for helpers to set up and clean up, but this would be a great chance to gather with people from all over our town, the state, the nation, and the world, and start to heal.

email me at missyblog@gmail.com

Saying farewell to our fallen, and how you can help

30 Dec

Click on the photo to see Mike Chiapperini’s obituary.

Today begins a very sad weekend for Webster, as we bid goodbye to two of our family members. If you would like to attend the calling hours and/or funerals, here are the details:

* Calling hours will be held for both firefighters at Webster Schroeder High School this evening for firefighters, police and first

responders. Webster community members will have a chance to pay their respects tomorrow (Saturday) from noon to 3 pm and 6 to 9 pm, also at Schroeder.  Parking will probably be limited, so people are encouraged to carpool, and a shuttle bus will be running regularly from Webster Thomas High School.

* Funeral services for Mike Chiapperini will be held at Webster Schroeder at noon on Sunday.

* Tomasz Kaczowka‘s service will be held on Monday at 10 am at Saint Stanislaus Church on Hudson Avenue.

 

Click on the photo to see Tomasz Kaczowka’s obituary.

Many Webster residents have offered to open up their homes to firefighters expected to be flying in from all over the country to attend the services.  But arrangements are being made through the fire district to house everyone in hotel rooms, at no cost to them.  Residents are welcome to join that effort by “donating” a hotel room. Many others have already done so, as you can see on this Facebook page.

Naturally, many other fund-raising efforts have sprung up in recent days as we all try to come to terms with our grief.  I don’t for a second think I know about all of them, but here are a few which have come to my attention:

This from Hegedorns:

Hegedorns Market has been serving the Webster community since 1953.  We feel an obligation to help provide for the families of the injured and fallen heroes of the West Webster Fire Department.  We have setup an avenue … at the cash registers at our store to donate.  While we have set a lofty goal, no amount of money can bring back a loved one or fully heal a devastating injury.  But as we have said, we feel we need to help in any way that we can.  Thank you.

This from Pizzeria UNO:

We’ll be hosting the ‘Dough Raiser’ at UNO this Friday through Sunday, December 28-30. Guests who would like to participate in the fundraiser can either go to our Facebook page (Uno Chicago Grill Webster) and print off a voucher, or ask for one at the host desk when the arrive. Up to 20% of their check from dining in or ordering take out will go directly to the West Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Association.

 And of course, you can also donate directly to the West Webster Firemen’s Association through their donation page.  They are particularly asking people to do this in lieu of flowers for the funerals.

Finally, I have had a few question from people who would like to donate time or service rather than money. For that, I quote from the D&C’s Flavors of Rochester blog by Tracy Schumacher:

The Hampton Inn at 878 Hard Road in Webster will be hosting a number of receptions for visitors in town as well as any family members that may want to gather. They will be held 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to noon Saturday; 10 a.m. to noon Sunday; and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday. These dates and times came from a great Facebook Page called Prayer and Support for Webster Firefighters…The hotel welcomes volunteers to help serve, as well as donations of food or beverages. The phone number to call to volunteer and/or donate is (585) 671-2050.

 

Lighting of the Lights in the village this evening

15 Dec

If you think of all the twinkly village decorations, and the White Christmas and Parade of Lights as a big Christmas gift to Webster, then tonight’s event is like a big bow on top.

Tonight is the annual Lighting of the Lights, from 4- 8 pm at Hanks Ice Cream and Taylor Rental on North Avenue.  The fun starts with a Chili for Charity Cook-off  from 4-6 pm. It’s not supposed to be bitterly cold, but  some nice hot chili will be very welcome nonetheless. Immediately after the cook-off, Santa and his elves will arrive.

Then, at 6:30 comes the spectacular Lighting of the Holiday Lights and fireworks. Plus, there will also be a raffle featuring dozens of prizes donated by local businesses.  Proceeds will benefit Webster Comfort Care and the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association.

So make it a whole evening tonight. Bring the family down to the village, do a little shopping, sample a little chili, say hi to Santa, and enjoy the holiday, Webster-style.

 

O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree…

29 Nov

Festival of TreesWhen you’re in town this weekend for White Christmas in the Village, make sure to stop by the Webster Museum on Lapham Park, where the museum’s annual Holiday Festival of Trees is in full swing.

Adorable little 4-foot tall trees are set up throughout the museum, each of which has been adopted and decorated by an individual, family or local organizations.  When I went over to the museum yesterday to see them for myself, I was delighted by the variety of themes and decorations.  There were already probably a dozen trees already completed, and some folks were there putting the touches on a few more while I was there.

Hard at work on the Troop 60502 tree are (l-r) Anna Langfitt, Margie Bowen and Linda Bowen. It’s called “Brownies Buggin’ Out.”

All the trees will be done and ready for viewing by Saturday afternoon just in time for the village’s White Christmas.  From 2:00-4:30 pm the public is invited to tour the museum and vote for a favorite tree. Voting will continue through December 29 and winners will be announced after the first of the year.

And by the way…. this year for the first time, the museum is also holding a holiday raffle with some terrific prizes. For your $5 entry fee, you can take a chance on some great prizes, all donated by local businesses, including:

* fresh Christmas trees from Bauman Farms, Wilbert’s Farm Market and Woody Acres;
* a holiday wreath from Kittleberger Florist & Gifts;
* a “kissing crystal” from Kunz’s Christmas Shoppe;
* a “kissing ball” from Harris Garden Center;
* handcrafted wood shelves from David Schoff Nursery & Woodworking; and
* a tabletop tree from Freckleton’s Tree Farm.

So make sure you get your name into that raffle when you stop by this weekend. Entries will be accepted through Tuesday December 4, and the drawing will be held on Wednesday December 5.  (But I’m going to win the Christmas tree. Just sayin’.)

 

This very red tree was one of my favorites, created by Diane Fahl-Slattery.

I also loved this one, by the Webster Quilt Guild.

 

 

The holidays begin in Webster this weekend

29 Nov

A float from last year’s Parade of Lights

The holiday season in Webster officially kicks off this Saturday December 1 with White Christmas in the Village and the Holiday Parade of Lights, two of my favorite events of the entire year. It’s the first of three special event weekends in the village, leading right up to Christmas.

This Saturday the festivities begin at 3 pm with horse wagon rides, a bounce house for the kids, and cookie decorating sponsored by Hegedorn’s.  And of course Santa will be there; he arrives at Village Hall at 4 pm.

The whole schedule looks like this:

Horse wagon rides, 3:00 – 6:00
Bounce house, 3:00 – 6:00
Storytelling, 4:00
Webster Thomas String Quartets at Kittlebergers, 3:30 – 5:00
Hegedorn’s Cookie Decorating, 4:00 ’til
Rochester Rhapsody, 4:30
The Magic Guy, 4:30
Church of the Good Shepherd Chime Choir 5:00 – 6:00
Thomas High School Carolers 5:00 – 6:00

The evening’s festivities end in spectacular fashion with the Electric Parade down Main Street beginning at 6:30 pm.

And don’t forget to stop into some of the village shops while you’re there, to finish up your Christmas shopping. I know that Barry’s will have entertainment by Ken Snyder and Trace Wilkins, and guaranteed there”ll be plenty of action at Coach and Hatter’s as well.

P.S.  I can’t be there Saturday for the parade. If you take any photos, can you send some along for the blog?

* * *

If you’d like to do something a little bit different instead Saturday night, join the Friends of Webster Trails for a “Full Moon Hot Cocoa Hike” Saturday night at 7:00pm at the Whiting Road Nature Preserve.  It should be a beautiful night for a hike, and a great chance to make some new friends. Click here for complete details and to sign up for the event.

 

Webster’s wonderful Christmas

20 Nov

Driving through town last night, I noticed the snowflakes have been put up on the light poles. They reminded me how much I love Christmastime in Webster.  It’s a time when our cute little town becomes even more charming. The trees twinkle, the shopkeepers’ windows glow with holiday displays, the gazebo comes alive with colorful Christmas lights.  Add a gently falling snow and we’ve got our own little Bedford Falls.

The village offers several opportunities to envelop yourself in this holiday feeling. Aside from the great shopping, of course.  I’ll come back atcha with more details about these soon, but mark your calendars now for:

Saturday, December 1: White Christmas in the Village and the Parade of Lights, 3-7:30 pm, all along Main Street

Saturday December 8: The 2012 Webster Village Band Holiday Concert,  Schroeder High School

Saturday December 15: Lighting of the Lights, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Hanks Ice Cream235 North Avenue & Taylor Rental, 205 North Avenue

You can check out the Village website for more information or just check back here in the coming days to find out more about these terrific events.

Thursday mailbag

15 Nov

Today’s mailbag features three very neat events happening today and tonight, so I hope you didn’t have many plans.

The Maplewood’s annual Holiday Bazaar takes place today and tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm both days. This is always a very popular event which is open to the public and features crafts, a bake sale and a raffle. Vendors will set up their booths in The Maplewood’s Eastman Lounge.  There should be plenty of on-site parking thanks to The Maplewood’s new West Main Street entrance and parking area.

Funds raised during the bazaar will benefit two local charities, Webster Comfort Care Home and Webster Hope House.

A look at last year’s Holiday Bazaar at The Maplewood.

The Maplewood Nursing Home is located at 100 Daniel Drive in the village of Webster.

* * *

Fans of American Idol will like this very special event happening this afternoon at Henderson Ford, 810 Ridge Road.  It’s called the Go Further With Ford Night; customers who stop by Henderson Ford from 4:30 to 7:30 today will have a chance to test their judging skills with American Idol and get a chance to win a unique VIP experience during the show’s 12th season.

A computer with a webcam will be set up in the dealership to allow consumers to view a special message from Ryan Seacrest and test their judging skills on camera, in true American Idol style. Contest entries will be sent back to Ford’s program headquarters, where a team of experts will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a unique VIP experience with American Idol.

For each person who attends Go Further with Ford Night today, Ford Motor Company will donate $10, up to $500, to Moose Charities, and Henderson Ford will match that offer.

Anyone 18 years and older who’s interested in participating in Go Further with Ford Night may preregister for the event at www.gofurtherwithfordnight.com and be entered for a chance to win tickets to a live taping of American Idol.

* * *

Finally, don’t miss the Third Annual GIRLS NIGHT OUT…HOLIDAY BAZAAR at Hatter’s Pub this evening from 7-9 pm.

It’s a special night for the ladies, featuring Lia Sophia Jewelry, Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Dove Chocolates, Party Lite Gifts, uuthor Sharon Grace, Webster Gourmet and more. Plus,  Ellie’s Gluten-Free Bakery will be there will samples, and Budweiser will be offering samples of their new Gluten-Free beer.

This year for the first time, the event has partnered with the Webster Food Cupboard. Guests are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items or $5 gift certificates from area grocery stores.

What a great event for a great cause. C’mon ladies … check it out!  Hatter’s Pub is located at 5 West Main Street in Webster.

 

 

Webster folks doing their part for literacy

8 Nov

Book Festival patrons can take a chance on winning this gorgeous quilt from Altrusa.

Book lovers from all over the state will gather this weekend at MCC for the Rochester Area Children’s Writers and Illustrators Annual Book Festival, and some Webster folks are going to be right in the middle of it.

Those folks are members of the Rochester branch of Altrusa International, a service organization dedicated to promote literacy worldwide.  Webster resident — and Altrusa member — Karen Marquardt has really taken that mission to heart.  Karen has befriended city school librarians and has learned how under-funded they are. To help, she scours public library used book sales, and using Altrusa funds, stocks up on books to donate to city schools. She recently donated more than 800 books to School 42, including 149 which she picked up at the Webster Public Library book sale for just $89.

Altrusa will be hosting a table at Saturday’s book festival, and accepting monetary and book donations to support their city school cause.  They’ll also be raffling off a beautiful quilt; anyone who donates a dollar or a book will receive a raffle ticket.

The Book Festival itself is a book-lover’s wonderland, a full day of author talks, workshops, presentations, activities and story-reading.  Plus there’s all sorts of information and vendor booths. Popular authors including Vivian Vande Velde and Linda Sue Park will be on hand to chat and sign your books.

The Festival runs Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm at Monroe Community College in Brighton. For more information, check out the Rochester Children’s Book Festival website here.

 

I’m gonna miss Election Day.

6 Nov

OK folks, it’s finally here. Election Day. We’ve been looking forward to this day more than Christmas. Our gifts after all this is done: Fewer phone calls. Fewer strangers knocking on our front doors. A LOT less mail.

Come to think about it, that sounds like a very lonely existence. Maybe we should do this again in a few months….

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