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Webster Public Library thanks two long-time volunteers

26 Dec
Amy Crumley
Eileen Brookins

Ten years ago two Webster women, Amy Crumley and Eileen Brookins, volunteered to serve on the Webster Public Library (WPL) Board of Trustees. Little did they imagine then the many opportunities and challenges they would encounter in helping oversee the policies and practices of the library.

Amy and Eileen each served two five-year terms which ended this month. During their tenure, they helped the library navigate a complete internal remodeling project, which included switching the entryway, improving parking, and adding an additional 4000 square feet. Also, when former director Terri Bennett retired, they both helped in the search process for hiring the new director, Adam Traub.

Amy served as president of the board for the last few years and helped forge stronger ties with the town supervisor and Town Board. Eileen served as the board secretary for a portion of her last term. She was also an active member in the Friends of the Webster Library and the Webster Museum and provided an important link in both fundraising efforts and in museum displays in the library. Both women helped recruit new board members and served as a strong public face for the library in many venues.

In short, Amy and Eileen helped maintain the Webster Public Library as a vital part of the Webster community. They likely didn’t anticipate the countless hours of work and amount of energy their volunteering would entail, but they did it with grace and enthusiasm.

Thank you, Amy and Eileen, for your commitment and service. You’ve helped make the Webster Public Library the strong and vibrant community asset that it is.

The WPL is always looking for community members willing to volunteer and help make the library a better place. Find out more about how you can help by clicking here.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/26/2024)

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A busy Saturday ahead

12 Dec

As we creep closer to Christmas, the special events start coming fast and furious. But this Saturday in particular seems to be packed with them. Here’s a quick rundown (and remember, they all happen this Saturday Dec. 14):

  • Afternoon with Santa at the Webster Recreation Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Get a photo with Santa, drop off your letter in his mailbox, and enjoy music, cookies, and Christmas story time. The event is free and no registration is required.

Holiday performance by the Webster Village Band, 3:00 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Enjoy some beautiful holiday season music, complete with a singalong AND a performance of The Night Before Christmas narrated by Barbara Midura. Admission is free and there’s LOTS of parking.

  • National Wreaths Across America Day, 12 noon Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. Bring your whole family and join your Webster neighbors as we lay 2,100 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. Click here to read more about this amazing day. *
  • Santa Visits Never Say Never Stables, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 906 Maple Dr. In addition to visiting with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, petting and pictures with the horses and animals, Christmas carolers, Rocky the Reindeer Mini Horse. The event is open to the public, and there’s no appointment needed. Donations accepted for Never Say Never Foundation.
  • Cookie Sale at the library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Women’s Club of Webster’s will be holding their annual, super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale  from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
  • Caroling at the Webster Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Members of the Rochester Oratorio Society sing holiday carols throughout the library while dressed in Victorian costumes. No registration required, just stop in to enjoy the carolers (any buy cookies!).
  • Holiday Book Sale at the Webster Public Library: OK, this event is ongoing through Dec. 23, but worth mentioning again. The Friends of the Webster Public Library are hosting their Holiday Book Sale  during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.

So this is ALL happening this Saturday, all over town. So there’s no reason for the cold weather to keep you inside.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/12/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

4 Dec

Have your kids had a chance to see Santa this year? If not, no sweat. Santa will be at Never Say Never Stables Saturday Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visiting with the kids and the horses. (Including an adorable reinhorse!)

In addition to the chance to talk with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, petting and pictures with the horses and animals, Christmas carolers, Rocky the Reindeer Mini Horse, and of course, SANTA! The event is open to the public, and there’s no appointment needed. Donations accepted for Never Say Never Foundation.

Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr., is a small family-owned horse farm offering children’s lessons, fun programs, and parties on a more personal, “not-so-commercial” scale. It is also home to the Never Say Never Foundation, a not-for-profit equine-assisted program that provides life-enriching, horse related experiences to children and teens living with long-term illness, special needs and/or other serious life challenges. 

More Santa!

Another visit from Santa leads these next few items, which I pulled from the most recent Town of Webster newsletter.

The Webster Recreation Center will host their annual Afternoon With Santa, also on Saturday Dec. 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event features photos with Santa, music, cookies, and Christmas story time. The event is free and no registration is required.

The Webster Highway Department is doing its final fall leaf collection pass this week. After this week, leaves need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company.

And don’t forget about these two really neat programs coming up in January at the Webster Public Library:

  • The library’s first-ever Library Fan Fest, has been scheduled for Sunday Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. It’s an afternoon and evening of immersive literary fun for all ages. Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged. The event is for all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Registration for this event will open Sunday, Dec. 1. Click here to register.
  • Also from the library, remember that the Friends of the Webster Public Library will be hosting their Holiday Book Sale from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.

Are your kids interested in learning tennis?

Registrations are now open for the Webster Youth Tennis: Learn to Play program for grades K-5.

Taught by Webster Thomas varsity tennis coach Linda Vazzana, the program helps young players dive into tennis through level-based activities designed to promote early success in rallying and gameplay. The focus is on fun, while players develop coordination and footwork skills.

Classes are taught Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Thomas Field House, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Session 2 begins on Saturday Dec. 14 and runs for four weeks. For more information about the program and how to register, email Coach Vazzana at linda_vazzana@webstercsd.org or call OR 585-944-0348.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/4/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

24 Nov

Get your Kittelberger cards here!

Kittelberger Florist‘s popular Bouquet a Month cards will be available through Dec. 7 at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

For just $40, your card entitles you to one fresh bouquet every month for 12 consecutive months, which you will pick up at Kittelberger, 263 North Ave., Webster. They’re available at the museum during normal open hours, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m., and proceeds will benefit the museum.

Dog lovers, take note!

Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park has scheduled four special events in the next several weeks especially for dogs and their humans.

  • Holiday Shopping Friday Night Faire every Friday through Dec. 13. Holiday shop with new vendors every week, 11/29, 12/6 and 12/13 from 7 to 10 p.m.
  • Holiday Photos will be offered every Sunday in December. Click on the flyer for times.
  • Pancakes, Pups and Pictures on Sunday Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Features a Pancake Breakfast with Santa and photos. $20/adult. $10/children. Proceeds will benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Operation Freedom Ride. On-leash dogs are welcome.
  • An Ugly Sweater Silent Disco on Dec. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 and proceeds benefit the Verona St. Animal Society. Click here for tickets.

It all happens at Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park, 187 W. Main Street, Webster.

Meet “Webster’s Santa” at the Women’s Club

The Women’s Club of Webster’s December meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday Dec. 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

This month’s speaker is “Santa Jim” Lockwood, a professional Santa who many residents will recognize from the annual Parade of Lights and Christmas in July at the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market.

Social hour begins at 11:15, followed by a brief meeting and lunch. Entree choices include chicken French, Reuben sandwich or Caesar salad.  All lunches will come with fresh fruit, coffee, tea, or cold drink. Price is $24. Send your check with choice of entree made out to Women’s Club of Webster no later than December 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519.  If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585 -265-1303.

And remember, the The Women’s Club of Webster’s super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale returns to the Webster Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community.

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Parents/guardians residing within the Webster Central School District (CSD), and who have children ages birth to 5 years residing in the household, are being asked to take a brief young child census survey that will be used to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Completing the census is a young families’ first connection with the school district. It enables Webster CSD to keep in contact with families as their children approach school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.

The form can be found on the Webster CSD website beginning Dec.1 and will be available through January 6, 2025. Families who do not have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

A look ahead at two great library events

These two events at the Webster Public Library won’t be happening until January, but I think you’ll want to get them on your calendar early.

The library will host a Preschool Open House on Monday, January 6 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.

As of Nov. 22, these schools have signed up: Penfield United Methodist Preschool, Positive Preschool, Webster KinderCare, Webster Central School District’s PreK, Webster Montessori School, and Woodside Nursery School. 

This next event sounds really cool, and will most certainly will fill up quickly.

It’s called the Library Fan Fest, on Sunday Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 8 p.m., an afternoon and evening of immersive literary fun for all ages. Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.

This event is for literary lovers of all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Registration for this event will open Sunday, Dec. 1. Click here to register.

Also from the library, remember that the Friends of the Webster Public Library will be hosting their Holiday Book Sale from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.

Two more reminders

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, holiday plants and a holiday raffle.

The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.

The Webster Lions Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa has been scheduled for Sunday Dec. 8 (note the new date; it’s been scheduled for the first Sunday in December for years).

It will be held at Webster Schroeder High School from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa and his elf will be there for the children, as well as the Lion Club’s Lion. Plus, there’ll be lots of great raffle items and free vision screening for kids ages 6 months to 12 years. And of course, breakfast: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.

The Pancake Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser is one of the ways the Lion’s Club earns money to help those in need. This year, donations will be made to the Webster Community Chest, Webster Hope and other charities.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 11/24/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

17 Nov

Celebrate the holidays with a good book

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will be hosting their Holiday Book Sale from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.

And don’t forget about the The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s annual hat sale is going on now through Saturday Nov. 23. Adult hats start at $8, children’s hats at $4. Buy one for yourself, buy some for gifts and support the library!

Cookies cookies, cookies!

The Women’s Club of Webster’s super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale returns to the Webster Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly).

Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community.

Country Gardeners‘ holiday sale coming soon

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, holiday plants and a holiday raffle.

The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.

Will it actually snow this year?

I’ll be writing a more in-depth blog about this soon, but here’s your reminder that Webster’s Winter Wonderland returns to the streets of the Village of Webster on Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m.

This very popular family-friendly event features carriage rides, crafts for the kids, cookie decorating, live music, story time, and a visit with Santa at the Village Hall. Then, at 6:30 p.m., make sure to get your spot for the Parade of Lights along Main Street.

Details are still being finalized, so watch for a more complete blog soon. Let’s hope we actually get some snow this year and it really LOOKS like winter.

Mark your calendar for Breakfast with Santa

The Webster Lions Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa has been scheduled for Sunday Dec. 8 (note the new date; it’s been scheduled for the first Sunday in December for years).

It will be held at Webster Schroeder High School from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa and his elf will be there for the children, as well as the Lion Club’s Lion. Plus, there’ll be lots of great raffle items and free vision screening for kids ages 6 months to 12 years. And of course, breakfast: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.

The Pancake Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser is one of the ways the Lion’s Club earns money to help those in need. This year, donations will be made to the Webster Community Chest, Webster Hope and other charities.

Looking ahead …

The Webster Quilt Guild would like me to tell everyone that they’ve scheduled their annual Quilt Show on April 12 and 13, 2025 at Holy Trinity Parish Hall, 1460 Ridge Rd.

This is a big year for the club; they’re celebrating 50 years of quilting together. Next year’s show will feature more than 200 quilts, both past winners, new quilts, and a display of our the quilts they made for the Breast Cancer Coalition and Asbury Storehouse will be available. Plus there will be some great raffles.

Admission is only $5 for adults, and under 12 are free.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 11/17/2024)

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I didn’t do it!

4 Nov

I witnessed a murder the other night.

Well, to be honest, I didn’t actually see it happen. But I DID see Webster Public Library Director Adam Traub stagger into the library lobby and collapse, only to rise again and lurch offstage to actually “die.”

That’s how the Webster Public Library’s first-ever Murder Mystery Dinner began. The 1920s-themed event was held Sunday night, attended by about 100 murder-mystery enthusiasts dressed in their glitziest Jazz Age finery.

For the next few hours after the shocking murder, the assembled diners carefully listened to the detectives who rushed to the scene of the crime, collected clues, and tried to figure out whodunit. It wasn’t me, but I was honored to have been asked to play a small part in the production. I sat next to two actors who were playing a young couple, and my job was to deflect anyone who started suspecting them TOO much, and (as the director put it) started “waterboarding” them.

As it turned out, they never came under suspicion and we had a nice conversation … until they got into an argument and ran offstage screaming at each other (he said something about her being too stupid to teach yoga). Then we heard a shot, a scream, and the young man stumbled back through the library with a gunshot wound.

The detectives puzzling out the clues
Audience members were regularly roped into the act

By the end of the evening, the culprit was identified and arrested (it was “Bruce Lee”), prizes were awarded, and all the actors came out of the wings, clearly uninjured.

It was SUCH a fun time. Everyone was dressed to the nines, so that it looked like we were at a fancy dinner party. Each one of us had to come up with a code name, written clearly on our name tags, and EVERYONE was a suspect. It was a very interactive event; the detectives encouraged audience participation frequently, by chanting, adding sound effects, singing, or answering pointed questions about their knowledge of the case. Perhaps a half dozen other plants were in the audience, identified as possible suspects to throw us amateur sleuths off the scent.

Library staff members did an amazing job transforming the common area into something akin to a 1920s dance hall. The table centerpieces were stunning. An actual disco ball and some very impressive decorations encircled the domed ceiling over the lobby where all the action took place. There was even a photo booth where everyone could have their glittery night on the town recorded for posterity. Mocktails were served at the dance hall “bar,” and a buffet dinner was provided by Proietti’s.

The Murder Mystery Dinner was presented by The Dinner Detective Rochester, based at the RIT Conference Center. It was funded by a grant acquired by NYS Senator Samara Brouk, with additional support from the Friends of the Webster Public Library.

Kudos to everyone involved in pulling off this great event. I hope it will NOT be the last murder at the library.

Here’s a slideshow with lots more photos from the evening:

  • The detectives on the case compare notes
  • “Link” in slow-motion death throes. The fellow in back is providing slow motion sound effects.
  • Interrogating a suspect pulled from the audience.
  • Webster Library Director Adam Traub. Not really dead.
  • The “bar”
  • So many creative outfits!
  • Signing in and figuring out code names for the name tags

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 11/4/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

The Webster Highway Department will begin their annual fall leaf collection in mid-October, depending on how many leaves have fallen and the weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. (Click here to see the zone map.) Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means. The best way to stay updated on the leaf collection season is to sign up for notifications from the Highway Dept. Use this link to do that.

Pumpkins on Parade is back

One of the best events of the autumn season, Pumpkins on Parade, returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I’ll be writing up a more detailed blog about this soon, but for those of you who have never experienced it, basically, that evening the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — will be lined with brightly glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts, and lots of family activities. It’s definitely one of my favorite events of the year.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive. (By the way, they’re always looking for jack-o’-lanterns donations because they need a LOT of them. So get your carving knives out and get ready to get creative.)

What’s happening at the library?

Here’s your monthly run-down of all (OK, most) of the great events happening at the Webster Public Library. For more information about any and all of these, visit the library’s webpage or Facebook page.

  • Celebrate Diwali, Wed. Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. :An evening of family fun celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, or festival of lights. Enjoy a casual reception with Indian food and music, and learn about the Diwali festival. Registration is requested.
  • Library Trick-or-Treat, Friday Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is necessary.
  • Bilingual Storytime, Saturday Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join special guest Ms. Mariposa for a reading of Sebi and the Land of Cha-Cha-Cha. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A night of spooky fun, with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged. For teens grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • Rochester Theater Organ Society, Thursday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The RTOS presents “Rochester’s Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer!” Registration is required.
  • Diamond Magnet Art for teens and tweens, Saturday Nov. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Come make fun diamond art magnets in the teen room. All supplies will be provided. For grades 4 to 12. Registration is requested.
  • This month’s Donation Station is for Keeping Our Promise, a resettlement program for Afghan, Iraqi and Kurdish interpreters and support personnel. See the flyer below for their needs.
  • This month’s community exchange is SPOOKY STUFF. New or gently used costumes, Halloween/fall decor, etc. Drop off your unused stuff and find something new to you!

Women’s Club of Webster hosts Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser”

The Women’s Club of Webster’s 2024 Card/Game Party will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Participants can join new friends and old to play cards — or any game — and enjoy danish, coffee and a delicious buffet lunch.

The event will feature door prizes raffle baskets, 50/25/25 raffles , and much more, so bring plenty of extra cash, because all proceeds benefit local charities and s cholarships. Bring your favorite card game, dominoes, Euchre, Scrabble or any other fun game you prefer. It’s a great way to meet people! (And don’t forget to vote before or after the games!)

Donation is $40, and reservations are required by Wednesday, October 30. Sorry, no walk-ins.

For reservations, send a check made payable to “WCW” and mail to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.  Please include your name, phone number, email address and, if playing with friends, include their names.  For information, phone Diane at 585-230-6042.

Walk and Bike Webster event

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this meeting is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (time yet to be confirmed) there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

Right now the plan is to have Jesse Peers from Reconnect Webster show a short film, followed by a panel discussion including Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles of Walk/Bike Irondequoit. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

Free dinner for veterans

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium, 119 South Avenue. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, and dessert. Take out is available as well. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

Attention Webster crocheters! Webster Hope is in need of crafters to make dishcloths for their holiday collaborative program.

Their plan is to give away dish soap and a handmade reuseable dishcloth to each family along with holiday food. This project works best with cotton yarn as acrylic doesn’t absorb well. They’re trying to save on paper towels and give a handmade gift made with love.

Their goal is 150 cloths by mid-November. That sounds very do-able, knowing our Webster community.

Dishcloths can be dropped off at Webster Library or during Webster Hope open hours.

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

Finally, this important notice from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

Health insurance enrollment periods are starting in October and November, and the Webster Chamber of Commerce is available to help all New Yorkers with the process. 

The Medicare Insurance annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Individual & NYS Marketplace Insurance period is Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. Plans change annually and your needs change annually, so it’s important to take a close look at your coverage every year. In particular, for 2025 there are significant changes in Medicare Advantage, including the discontinuance of plans. It’s important to take action before the December 7 deadline or you may lose Medicare Advantage Plan benefits. The Chamber can help. 

The Webster Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service has been a no-fee service since 1938, offering the choice of a virtual or an in-office appointment. Due to the many insurance changes for 2025, requests for appointments will increase, so call soon to reserve your time:  585-265-3851. Before your appointment, visit here to prepare.

Health insurance selection and enrollment is very detailed and complicated. See an enrollment service to assist you in this process. And pay attention to the deadlines noted above to avoid penalties.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/8/2024)

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There’s going to be a murder at the library!

5 Oct

The Webster Public Library has come up with an intriguing event which is sure to bring out the inner detective in all of us.

It’s a Murder Mystery Dinner, scheduled for Sunday November 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This first-ever Murder Mystery event at the library will take participants back to the 1920s to puzzle out a whodunit, trying to figure out the culprit from among some pretty suspicious characters, a few of whom might surprise you.  

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire, and will enjoy amazing food provided by Proietti’s, fancy mocktails, a costume contest with prizes, a photo booth and a 50/50 raffle that will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. And there’s no charge at all, thanks to a grant from Senator Samra Brouk.  

Because of the nature of the event, there are some important guidelines, which the library outlines here:

About this event: 

  • This is an 18+ event only.
  • The event will start at 5:00 and end at 8:00. Doors will close at 5:30 as once the event starts, we cannot accommodate late arrivals. We ask that you plan to stay for the entire event. 
  • 1920’s costumes are suggested but not required. 
  • This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic event.
  • There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options for dinner. 

Registration Details: 

  • Registration will be open from Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11. There is no cost to attend but each person must register individually.   
  • Registering for this event does not guarantee admission. Names will be chosen randomly from the registration list and you will be notified via phone by October 15th. Each person drawn will be given two tickets. If you do not need two tickets, please let us know when we call you so that more people can attend. 
  • There is a limited number of tickets due to space constraints. Please cancel if you cannot attend so that we can fill every seat. 

Registration will “go live” on Monday morning, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., so look for the link on the library’s online events calendar on the website, in the slideshow on the website’s homepage, and on their Facebook posts.

Questions can be emailed to Susan Del Pozzo at Susan.Delpozzo@libraryweb.org or you can call the library at 872-7075 and push #3 for the information desk. 

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/5/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Oct

Autumn is shaping up to be a pretty busy time of year in our little town. Here’s a quick look at some of the events coming up in the next several weeks:

Chicken and Ribs — yum

The Webster Lions Club will be holding their next Chicken & Ribs BBQ on Thursday, October 3 at the Webster Fireman’s Field.

This is a drive-through and pick-up event, serving from 3 to 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Cost is $20 (paid at the event), and includes a quarter charcoal-cooked chicken AND pit-smoked ribs, mac salad and baked beans and fresh corn bread. The dinners will be first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early.

This is one of the Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers, and they depend on these events to continue their mission to help others in our community.

WCSD Family Engagement Forum

The entire Webster community is invited to the next Family Engagement Forum hosted by the Webster Central School District.

The primary goal for the Community Engagement Forum is to afford parents/guardians, Webster CSD staff and students, and the broader community a space to network and partner on a variety of activities. The district will share information on relevant topics in family engagement, hear from parents and students directly, and strategize collaborative action steps for moving forward.

The forum will take place Monday, October 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the second floor professional development center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Cute animals need your help

This note from our neighbors to the east, the Humane Society of Wayne County (HSWC).

You may have seen these folks during their regular visits to PetSmart stores in Webster, Henrietta and Victor, where they tempt local community members with some ADORABLE cats and kittens that need loving forever homes.

The dedicated HSWC volunteers are in the middle of a “Raise the Woof” capital campaign to raise money for a new shelter, which is in desperate need of replacement. The new building will allow the HSWC to expand their capacity to care for an increased number of animals in need and enable them to meet the new NYS Shelter Standard Law. 

Their next fundraiser, called “Leaf-A-Legacy,” is scheduled for Sunday October 6 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill in Ontario. The event will feature music and dancing by Doze Guys, a silent auction, a pumpkin walk, food grazing, and a chance to meander the beautiful grounds, sit by the campfire, relax in the Adirondack chairs, and play some cornhole.

It sounds like a beautiful fall evening. Tickets are still available. They cost $50, and are available online only. Click here to order yours and feel good about helping animals in need.

Cookies, cookies, cookies

The Women’s Club of Webster will be supplying homemade cookies for the Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, October 10 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Volunteer Fireman’s Building on Sanford St.

Appointments are not required for this drive; you can just drop in. For more information or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964.

The Women’s Club of Webster is an active community service organization that has nurtured friendships and generously supported many worthwhile causes for 60 years.  The group meets the third Thursday of each month, from September to June. WCW’s motto is “Friendship through service” and New members are always welcome!  

The next luncheon meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Nucci’s Italian Seafood & Steak House on Ridge Rd. This month’s speaker will be Amy Stringer, owner of the North Bee in the Village of Webster. Amy is an expert on all things bee and beeswax, and is a fascinating speaker. It begins with social hour at 11:15.

Cost is $21 for a buffet including chicken parmesan, mixed vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, salad, a cannoli and lots of new friends. Send check made out to WCW by October 10 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. For questions, or if you think your check will be late, phone call Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303.

Webster BID schedules community events

For starters, Webster Business Improvement District has been busy scheduling all sorts of fall events. The first ones are coming up very soon:

The second annual Health and Wellness Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave.

This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

ON THAT SAME DAY, in the parking lot behind the Community Meeting Room, the BID is also sponsoring a shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a free, drive-through event. Paper only will be accepted, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

(By the way, stay tuned for details about the next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 26. More details about these and other events can be found on the newly revamped Webster BID website.

Books, books, books

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have scheduled their fall book sale, Oct. 16 through 19 at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear side of the plaza).

This year they’ll be including a mini vintage and collectible book sale during members night on Wednesday Oct. 16. Those books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. They’ll also be selling Kittelberger Flower Bouquet Cards that night while supplies last.

Members Night will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door.) The general public sale is Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bag sale day); and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon (another bag sale day).  

Free pasta dinner for veterans and active military

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium at 119 South Avenue, Webster. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread and dessert. Take-out is also available. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Event sponsors include Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Webster Community Chest, Wegmans and Walmart.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/1/2024)

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Library unveils Webster’s newest free food pantry

29 Sep

Webster community members who are struggling to put food on the table now have another resource to help stretch their grocery dollars. The Webster Public Library recently installed a free food pantry just outside the library’s front doors.

The idea of a free food pantry is simple. They’re typically stand-alone cabinets stocked with food and personal hygiene items, where the concept is “take what you need, leave what you can.” The library’s pantry is a little different, though; thanks to the generosity of a local farmer (who also built the pantry), it’s been stocked with lots of fresh produce, in addition to other non-perishable food items.

It was actually the farmer (who prefers to remain anonymous) who came up with the idea for the pantry. According to Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez, her farmer friend said she had a lot of extra produce that doesn’t get sold at the stands or go to grocery stores, and was looking for a home for it all. And it just so happens she also wanted a project, so she bought the pantry and assembled it herself.

During the growing season, generally April through January, she’ll be dropping off produce one or two times a week. The ultimate goal, however, is that the pantry will become mostly self-sustaining, with community members donating non-perishable items. Colleen also hopes to organize pantry-specific food drives at the library a few times a year to help keep the new pantry stocked, so keep an eye out for them.

In the meantime, consider dropping off some non-perishable food items in the new Webster Library free food pantry to help kick-start this new food resource for our neighbors in need.

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 and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/29/2024)

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