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Webster community mailbag — library edition

25 Feb

There are so many great things happening at the Webster Public Library, so many great community programs and services, that I want to devote today’s mailbag to some of them.

For starters, this coming Saturday March 4, the library will be the special guest at the Webster Recreation Department’s regular Saturday “Stay ‘n Play at the Parks & Rec” program. Stay & Play is a way for children to have fun while their parents are using the recreation facilities.

From 9 to 10:30 on Saturday March 4, the Webster Public Library will treat children to an all-ages musical storytime, followed by a craft. Membership is needed to use the gym and attend classes, but general use of the facility and child watch is open to the public. Stay ‘n Play at the Parks & Rec is every Saturday from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration is required. Click here to do so and to get more information. Webster Parks & Recreation is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

The library is participating again this year in the annual Neighborhood Forest free tree program. Since 2010, Neighborhood Forest has given away more than 90,000 free trees to be planted across North America.

If you’d like a free tree for your home, click here to register. Registration is only open through Feb. 28, so do it today!

Trees will be available for pick-up at the Webster Public Library during their Earth Day celebration on April 22.

Starting March 1, the Webster Public Library will be collecting formal dress-wear, shoes and accessories for high school students. The collection will last all month, and in early April (April 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. and April 8 from 3 to 5 p.m.), students will be invited in to try on outfits and take them home. Students in grades 9 to 12 are welcome, and no registration is required.

So start poking through your closets for some of those no-longer-used outfits, and drop them off at the library!

Check out some of these upcoming programs in March:

  • Healthy Eating Without Eating, Thursday March 9, 6 to 7 p.m.: Learn to make nutritious meals that are easy to prepare and don’t require any heat. Registration is required.
  • Women of Webster, Past and Present, Thursday March 30, 3 to 4 p.m.: Meet and hear the stories of some interesting Webster women including Ginny Nguyen, Esther Dunn and others (P.S. they even talked me into participating in this one!) Registration is required.
  • Books ‘n Bites Book Club, Thursday March 30, 6 to 7 p.m.: A fun and lively group who love to read fun and lively books. Bring your favorite book to share for this first meeting. Registration is requested.

These next two programs aren’t happening for a while, but you’ll want to get them on your calendar now.

The first is a Special Needs Resource Fair, scheduled for Saturday April 15 from 2 to 4 p.m. 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.

Caregivers can come any time during the time of the fair and ask questions and get information. If you are unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available upon request. Registration is not required unless you would like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

Three dozen organizations and agencies have already signed up. If you’d like to join the list, email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org. 

The very popular Volunteer Fair returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

Plenty of community groups have already signed on, but more are welcome. If your business or organization has volunteer opportunities you’d like to share, email Jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org for more information.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 2/25/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Feb

I’ve heard about a couple of R.L. Thomas High School reunions coming up I want to start off with. Well, one’s a reunion, and the other is kind of a … birthday party.

The R.L. Thomas Class of ’71 will be holding a 70th Birthday Bash on Saturday June 24 at Schutt’s Apple Mill from 5 to 7 p.m. Thanks to COVID, the class was unable to hold its 50th reunion, so they’ve decided to celebrate their 70 birthdays together instead.

The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. and will include a cornhole tournament, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, hay rides and more. Dinner will be provided by Wraps on Wheels. There’ll be a cash bar with beer and wine, and live entertainment. Admission is free.

Organizers are asking for everyone to register by May 15, by emailing RLThomas1971@gmail.com.

The R.L. Thomas Class of 1973 will be holding their 50th reunion on the weekend of September 15 to 17. There will be a dinner on Friday and a casual picnic on Saturday. I don’t have a lot of information about this one, so to find out more, ask to join the “RLT73WebsterNY” private Facebook group or email RLT73reunion@gmail.com.

The Webster Public Library is hosting a Cat Food Drive to benefit Habitat for Cats. Any donations of dry food, canned food, litter and cat treats would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be dropped off during the library’s regular open hours. You’ll see the drop-off area across from the circulation desk.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Here’s another reminder about the free Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, hosted by St. Martin Lutheran Church on Tuesday Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The dinner is being served to thank the community for supporting the church’s missions throughout the year. The menu will include sausage and applesauce, unlimited pancakes and syrup. Beads will be handed out, and you can even make your own masks. You’re invited to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, too.  

This is an event for the whole family, and while the dinner is free to all, a free-will offering to support the church’s Little Free Pantry can be made, or bring boxed and canned goods.  

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

Got hazardous waste? The Town of Webster will be holding a Household Hazardous Waste recycling event on Saturday Sept. 16 from 7:45 a.m. to noon at the Webster Highway Garage, 1005 Picture Parkway.

Items that can be accepted are listed on the poster below. The event is open to Webster and Penfield residents, and appointments are required. Sign up online now to guarantee your spot.

Finally, the Webster Comfort Care Home has published their most recent wish list, which you can also see below. This amazing organization relies entirely on donations to keep the home running, so let’s help them out!

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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 2/15/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

6 Feb

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with some good food.

To thank the community for supporting their missions throughout the year, St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., will host a free Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The menu will include sausage and applesauce, unlimited pancakes and syrup. Beads will be handed out, and you can even make your own masks. You’re invited to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, too.  

This is an event for the whole family, and while the dinner is free to all, a free-will offering to support the church’s Little Free Pantry can be made, or bring boxed and canned goods.  

The Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission needs you

The Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission is looking for new members to help further their mission to identify, register and protect the historic resources in the Village of Webster.

Among their responsibilities, commission members   

  • highlight homes, business and sites by recognizing them as a Site of the Month
  • protect buildings
  • conduct historic-related programs
  • oversee the Edna Struck Memorial on Lapham Park and the Pioneer Cemetery on East Main

Meetings are held once a month, so the time commitment isn’t even that onerous.

If you’re a Village of Webster resident and are interested in joining the Historic Preservation Commission or would like to find out more, call 585-265-0671 or email VWHPC1905@gmail.com .

Kindergarten Registration is open

Webster CSD kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year is open. 

Families that currently have other children attending Webster CSD are asked to register via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal by selecting More, then Student Registration and completing the 2023-24 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file.

Families registering their first child with Webster CSD are asked to go to the Student Registration web page to fill out an online registration form. Families that do not have access to a computer may call Student Registration at (585) 216-0029. 

It’s important to register kindergartners as soon as possible to help the district properly plan for the incoming students. It will also help assure that your child can attend your neighborhood school. If there’s not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

For more information and to register online, click here.

Learn more about the Webster Highway Facility Project

If you’d like to hear more about the plans to renovate the Webster Highway Facility, here’s a great opportunity:

On Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m., Highway Superintendent Pat Stephens will give a presentation on the estimated costs and timeline for the proposed new highway facility. You can attend the presentation in person at the Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Rd., or watch the event live on Spectrum Channel 1303, the town website or the town Facebook page.

This is not a public hearing. Residents will be able to offer comments at future meetings, as well as use the online comment form at any time. You can also learn more about the project, sign up for an in-person tour, view a virtual tour and view meeting presentations on the website here.

I took the tour a few weeks ago. You can read about my experience here.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • Healthy Eating on a Budget, Thursday Feb. 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (via ZOOM) for adults. Learn how to make good choices and plan for your trip to the grocery store so you can get organized, save money and choose healthy options. Registration is required.
  • Scrapbooking Fun, Friday Feb. 10, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Paper and tools will be provided and as much inspiration as you want. Bring something you’re working on, and spend an afternoon crafting and sharing ideas. Registration is required.
  • “Pal”entine’s Day Celebration, Tuesday February 14, 6 to 7 p.m. celebrating Valentine’s Day and the love you have for all your friends. For grades 4 through 12. Registration is required.
  • Picturing Loss: Art and Bereavement, Wednesday Feb. 15, 3 to 4 p.m. (via ZOOM) for adults. Joyce Raimondo presents how she and famous artists express grief through painting. Registration is required.
  • String Pull Painting Art, Friday Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to noon, for grades 4 to 12. Make some beautiful string pull painting art. Registration is required.

And make sure to check out the Webster Public Library website for information about all of their outstanding February Break programs and events designed to keep your kids busy and their minds active.

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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 2/6/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Jan

I’d like to start off today’s mailbag with news of a neat little fundraiser sponsored by Webster Comfort Care. They’re calling it their “Souper Bowl,” and it’s a great way to supplement your Super Bowl party in a few weeks, while supporting an incredibly worthy organization.

For just $15, you can place an order for a quart of delicious soup, prepared by one of a half dozen local restaurants. Your choices are:

  • Jambalaya, provided by the Filling Station
  • White Chicken Chili, provided by the Chicken Coop
  • Chicken, Cheddar, Broccoli Jalapeno, provided by Temple Bar and Grill
  • Italian Wedding Soup, provided by Mama Lor’s
  • Tomato Bisque, provided by La Bella Vita
  • Clam Chowder, provided by Pub 235

For another $5, you can even add four breadsticks to your order.

Orders need to be made online by Feb. 5, and pick-up will be on Saturday Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd. Click here for more information and to order.

Most of the following announcements I grabbed from the Town of Webster weekly newsletter.

  • Our Town of Webster Highway Department is creating some additional parking at the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The project should be completed by spring and will go a long way to relieve some of the crowding up there, which has required some hikers to park on busy Whiting Rd.
  • The Webster Recreation Center has a way to keep your kids busy during February Break. Their February Break Fun Camp will run from Tuesday through Friday Feb. 21-24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, and feature games, crafts, games in the gym and more. Cost is $185. To sign up, visit the Webster Parks and Recreation website and register for program #121006-A.
  • The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WASPS) will be holding a Volunteer Training Class for anyone interested in helping provide transportation for residents to their medical appointments, salons, barbers and banks. The commitment is only about two hours a week. The first class will be held on Wednesday Feb. 1 at LifeSpan of Rochester. To learn more, visit the WASPS website.

A couple of fun Webster Public Library programs coming up:

  • The National Puzzle Day Puzzle Exchange takes place on Monday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This is a great time to trade in some of your gently-used puzzles for something new to you. Bring as many as you want.
  • The annual Preschool Drive-in is happening this year on Tuesday Jan. 31 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The morning will begin with decorating the kids’ box cars, followed by a drive over to the community room to watch a short movie. You can even bring the car home. The program is open to children ages 2 to 5. Registration is required, and boxes (I mean, cars) are limited.
  • Also happening at the library on Tuesday Jan. 31, a showing of Top Gun: Maverick, playing on the big screen in the community room beginning at 1 p.m. Running time is about 130 minutes. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

The Webster Public Library is lpocated at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 1/27/2023)

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Library helps make donating easy

16 Jan

There are so many great causes and community agencies in our area that desperately need community support to continue doing the great things they do. For folks who really want to help out by making some kind of donation, sometimes it’s hard to sift through all the opportunities out there.

The Webster Public Library has found a way to help with that dilemma.

They’ve recently created what they’re calling a “Donation Station” right next to the circulation desk, with information about three local organizations, including a list of what they need, and a box for each where you can deposit your donations.

Currently, the Donation Station is collecting items for:

  • Bella’s Bumbas: packing material (bubble wrap, air pillows, packing paper) that Bella’s uses to ship their chairs to recipients around the world
  • Hope House: non-perishable foods, toiletry items, cleaning supplies, new underwear and socks for all ages, gently used clothing

The station is also collecting used cell phones, ink cartridges and eyeglasses.

If you’d like to ask the library to include your non-profit organization to be featured at their Donation Station, click here to fill out a form. Space will be considered on a case-by-case, first-come, first-served basis.

To learn more about the Webster Public Library’s new Donation Station, click here.

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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 1/16/2023)

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Third graders meet the Webster Public Library

13 Jan

In a program that brings the Webster community and the Webster Public Library (WPL) together, our school district’s third graders are getting a jump-start on their love for reading by getting a close-up look at the library and all the services it offers.

All of Webster’s third grade students will be taking field trips to the Webster Public Library (WPL) this school year as part of a get-to-know-the-library program that will run through June. The idea came from discussions WPL Outreach Coordinator Jason Poole and Schlegel Elementary School librarian Jamie Palmer were having last year about school visits. At the time, due to the pandemic, schools were not allowing visitors, but students could go on field trips. Classes were already visiting the downtown library; giving them the chance to see their local library as well seemed like a natural next step.

Earlier this year, Schlegel Rd. Elementary students were the first to make the trip, in a trial run of the new program. It “went pretty well but was a little chaotic,” Poole said. He added,

After discussion with the youth department, we changed our approach to the current system, adapting and combining elements of existing in-house programming (staff area tours, storytimes, crafts, etc.) to create four stations that offer students a little taste of all WPL has to offer them. A charcuterie board of library experiences, if you will.

It’s one of the few programs that touches all areas of the library.

In December, Plank North Elementary third graders visited and experienced the newly-tweaked program. During their tour, the students made a craft in the teen area, explored the Children’s Room, and sat for storytime. They even got a close-up, behind-the-scenes look at places usually hidden from the public, including the back offices and the receiving end of the outdoor book drop.

But teaching students how to use the library really wouldn’t mean much if they couldn’t actually check out books. So, working closely with the library’s circulation department, Palmer and Poole came up with an ambitious plan to also make sure every one of the visiting third graders could sign up for a library card, if they didn’t have one already. Allowing them to do so without a parent or guardian present meant adjusting the library’s standard policy, but it was definitely well worth the effort, Poole said. Using their brand new library cards, each student could actually check out a book before they left the library. For a child who’s never been able to do that before, it’s a pretty exciting experience.

“Third graders are pretty much at the perfect developmental stage to really begin to appreciate the value of having their own library card,” Poole said.  

As an added bonus, each student also received a coupon, redeemable on their next library visit for a goodie bag with lots of little gifts including a card holder, an activity booklet, a WPL pin, and several other fun items.

So far, Schlegel and Plank North are the only two schools to have made the WPL trip, but the rest of the schools will be visiting in the next several months. Still, the Webster Public Library has already touched the lives of 146 students. In the process, 90 new library cards were issued, 26 cards were replaced, and four account problems were resolved. A whopping 80% of these third graders did not have access to the library before the trip, and now they do.

It’s a proud feeling to be trusted with the responsibility of having a library card, and a thrill to be able to walk into the library and leave with your favorite book.

What an awesome way to reinforce the joy of reading, and start these young people on their journey to lifelong learning.

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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 1/13/2023)

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Check this out: the history of the Webster Public Library

9 Jan

I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine living in a town that does not have a public library. A public library is a vital part of any community, for all ages and for so many reasons. In particular, the services our Webster Public Library provides for our town can’t be overstated.

So it’s difficult to imagine a time when there wasn’t enough interest among the residents of our young town to support a public library. That fact alone led me to dig deeper into the history of our very own Webster Public Library for my January Webster History Bit. With significant assistance from Esther Dunn’s authoritative Webster Through the Years volume, this is what I found out:

The first Webster library was established in 1881 by a group called the Literary Society. Mary Jane Phillips kept the books in her home on Main St. in the village, just west of what is now the Cobblestone on Main restaurant. Society members, who paid $1.20 annual dues, were the only ones who could check out books.

The second town librarian was Mary Jane Andrews, who moved the books to her store on the south side of Main Street, just west of the four corners. In 1889, the library moved again, to 11 South Ave., in the building now occupied by B3 Beauty and Carl’s Pizza Kitchen. 

Soon afterwards, community support for a town library waned. In 1894, the library was disbanded, and the 1000 books were distributed among the board members. and for almost the next 30 years, Webster had no library at all

For almost the next 30 years the town of Webster had no library at all, until 1923, when the Monroe County Traveling Library was established. It traveled to 222 stops about every six weeks, mostly at schools but also crossroads or well-known shops. In Webster, the principal stations were at Dewitt and Bay roads, Vosburg and Lake roads, Forest Lawn, Nine Mile Point, Union Hill, Hard and Ridge roads, and West Webster.

Finally, in 1929 the first Webster public library was officially established at the new Webster High School (now Spry Middle School). It had 657 books, 265 borrowers and a circulation of 6,246. 

The library has moved several times since those early days, first to the Reitz Building on West Main (now Yesterday’s Muse Books), then to Webster Town Hall, to what is now the Town Court building at 1 Van Ingen Drive, and finally to its current location in Webster Plaza. It’s also grown – a lot. Today, the Webster Public Library has more than 260,000 items in its collection, 34,000 borrowers, and circulates about 334,000 items a year. 

So next time you have a chance — especially if you’ve never been there — stop by the Webster Public Library and show it some love. It’s come a long way.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., in the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 1/9/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

4 Jan

Even when there’s not much going on in the great wide Webster world for me to write about, I can always count on three of my most reliable sources — the Town of Webster, Webster Public Library and Webster Rec — to throw me some tidbits via their regular newsletters.

Daphne Geoca at the Webster Recreation Center sent along her monthly Webster 55+ newsletter, which is always packed with information about fitness programs, social opportunities, dining opportunities, entertainment and more, so many that I can’t list them all here. But they range from the Lunch Club, Senior Stretch and Balance Bootcamp to Decluttering Dynamics, Mindfulness and Bingo.

There were a few highlights, however, like the three-course Pasta Palooza dinner on Thursday Jan. 26 beginning at 4:30 (check out the flier for details); Pizza and a Movie on Friday Jan. 20 beginning at 12:30, featuring The Lake House, and a whole page full of Talks on Tuesdays including “The Science of Color” and a chance to meet Webster Supervisor Tom Flaherty. And don’t forget about the spaghetti dinner being hosted by the Masonic Temple this Friday Jan. 6, to benefit the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. (Check that flier, too.)

Click here to see the whole newsletter.

As always, there was a ton of great information in this week’s Webster This Week newsletter. Here are a few highlights:

  • You can sign up for a tour of the Town Highway Facility on Picture Parkway between Jan. 9 and March 3 to see the current facility conditions and learn about planned improvements. Visit the website here or call (585) 872-1443 to register for a half-hour tour.
  • Three nearby blood drives are coming up later this month. Click here to make an appointment:
    • Jan. 5, Xerox building 209 on Mitcheldean Drive from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
    • Jan. 19, Immanuel Lutheran Church on West Main from 1 to 6 p.m.
    • Jan. 23, the American Legion on Ridge Rd. from 1 to 6 p.m.

The Red Cross is offering a great promoton this month, too. Anyone who donates in January will be entered into a contest for a chance to win a trip to this year’s Super Bowl. Click here for details.

  • The Women’s Club of Webster‘s January general meeting and luncheon takes place on Thursday Jan. 19 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. beginning at 11:15. Mark Dwyer from Foodlink will be speaking. Cost is $23. Register by Jan. 12 by sending a check to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Rd., Ontario 14519.

The Webster Public Library‘s January schedule is packed with all sorts of adult programs and family fun. Here are some highlights from their latest email:

  • You can pick up your very own Webster Public Library tote bag for just $10 on your next visit. They’re pretty good looking, especially if you like purple.
  • Learn about Argentina and Chile at a travelogue presentation on Tuesday Jan. 10 from 2 to 3 p.m. Your tour guide will be WPL Director Adam Traub himself. Registration is required.
  • Hear the story of Rochester’s 100-year old airport told by former Airport Director Rick Iekal. The program takes place Thursday Jan. 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. and registration is required.
  • Read with the Amerks on Monday Jan. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., when an Amerks player will stop by the library for storytime, a brief hockey demonstration and an autograph session with the Moose. Every child who attends will get a free Amerks ticket. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Monday Jan. 30 is National Puzzle Exchange Day. This is a great opportunity to trade in your gently used puzzles for something new to you. It’s going on all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • January’s make-and-take crafts include a marshmallow snowman for kids, snowflake paper lanterns for teens and a CD case desk calendar for adults. Materials are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • The library will host a Preschool Open House on Monday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. Registration is not required.

Visit the Webster Public Library website for even more crafty events, a preschool drive-in, World Read Aloud Day storytime, and more.

Congratulations to Webster Comfort Care for winning this year’s Festival of Trees competition at the Webster Museum. The beautifully decorated tree received more votes than any of the others scattered throughout the museum during the event. Thank you to everyone who voted and helped make the Webster Museum festive this year!

This press release actually came from the Webster CSD before Christmas. I LOVE this idea.

Throughout the school year, the lost and found items at each of the district’s schools pile up, despite the schools’ concerted efforts to return the items, including spreading them all out on tables at open houses. Some students in Cari Horn’s class at Willink Middle School had a great idea on how to put those items to good use.

The students and their teacher gathered the lost and found items from Willink and other schools. They washed, dried, folded, sorted and packed the items, and then donated them all to Webster NY Hope (formerly Hope House), a social ministry agency located on Ridge Rd. in Webster that provides clothing and other household items to Webster residents in need.

In all, the students were able to donate 36 copy paper boxes filled with lost and found items to Webster Hope. Plus, four bags and one box of items were handed over to a Willink retiree who brings the items to various places that service families in need.

The program was so successful this year that Horn is planning to repeat it.

“We had such a great time and are looking forward to doing it again in the spring.” she said.

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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 1/4/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Dec

This first mailbag items is especially for all of you who helped me help Florence Kinney, “Mrs. Claus,” provide 100,000 gifts to children for the holidays.

I receved this short video the other day from one of her elves, documenting her announcement of having reached that amazing goal.

My thanks to all of my readers who helped Florence reach her goal with your donations. I know for a fact that she’s extremely grateful for your kindness and feels blessed by the outpouring of goodwill.

I have no doubt she will be continuing her mission next year, so stay tuned!

This sounds like a lot of fun.

LaLa of Webster is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party Thursday night from 5 to 8 p.m at the shop, 38 E. Main St in the Village of Webster.

Participants are encouraged to put on your ugly sweaters and head on down to the village for music, treats, wine, raffle baskets and 30% off everything in the store. When you’re done shopping, head next door to JoJo’s for live music and a special cocktails and appetizer menu created just for the event.

If you attended Lala’s Betty White Night or Jimmy Buffet’s Webster-itaville events, you know how much fun this will be.

Some quick reminders about other events happening now or coming up very soon (check the fliers for more details):

  • The Festival of Trees is going on all month at the Webster Museum. Don’t forget to stop in and vote for your favorite decorated tree. The winner gets a cash prize. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30.
  • The Women’s Club of Webster is holding their annual Christmas Cookie Sale at the Webster PUblic Library on Saturday Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cookies will sell out, so get there early.
  • Several Red Cross blood drives are heading our way next week. Check the flier for details and then put one on your calendar.
  • Santa is coming to the Webster Recreation Center this Saturday Dec. 10. From 6 to 8 p.m., the kids can visit with Santa, listen to storytime, and participate in some other holiday activities, all for free. No registration is required. The Rec Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips Rd.

Finally, here are a few notices from the school district:

Nominations Sought for Oak Tree Award

Nominations are being accepted now through January 31, 2023, for this year’s Oak Tree Award.

Co-sponsored by the Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA) and the Webster Central PTSA, this annual program recognizes teacher excellence in Webster CSD. Each year an educator from elementary and another from secondary are selected.

Any Webster resident or district employee, current or former student, parent, teacher, or administrative colleague may nominate a teacher for the Elementary or Secondary Teacher of the Year Oak Tree Award. Teachers include: UPK-12 teachers, special educators, literacy specialists, school counselors, librarians/media specialists, school psychologists, school social workers, speech and language teachers, and occupational and physical therapists.

 Award nominees must meet the following criteria:
      * Currently teaching in a full-time position in Webster CSD
      * Have a minimum of five years teaching experience in Webster CSD
      * Plan to continue to teach the next school year in or retire from Webster CSD
      * Be a member of both the Webster Central PTSA and the WTA

Nomination is intended for an individual teacher. Group, team, or grade level nominations will not be considered.

To nominate a Webster CSD educator for the Oak Tree Award, go online to the news story on the district website, websterschools.org, and follow the link. (Click here for a direct link.)

Webster CSD to Host Family Engagement Panel Discussion on Restorative Practices

Panelists Dr. Robert Chalwell, Webster CSD Director of Family Engagement and Inclusivity; Katie DiSalvo, licensed medical health counselor for Adelphi Rise; a Webster parent; and a Webster student will discuss Restorative Practices and Mental and Socio-Emotional Health. Restorative Practices are a combination of best practices that prioritize skills building in all members of a community to preempt or prevent wrongdoing, focus on repairing harm when wrongdoing occurs, and prioritize individual and shared accountability on a foundation of strong and resilient community. To learn more about Restorative Practices, please see the links below.

The community is invited to submit questions by December 12 for the panel to discuss. A limited number of questions may also be fielded during the event, time permitting. 

The December 14 Family Engagement Panel Discussion on Restorative Practices is the promised follow-up to the district’s Parent/Guardian Listening Forum held in early November. 

The evening will be in-person and live streamed on this webpage, for those who are unable to attend in person. 

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

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(posted 12/7/2022)

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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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