Archive | Library RSS feed for this section

Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening in a few weeks should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School.

The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. The school’s Resource Officers will officiate, so it will (well, SHOULD) be a clean game. Halftime activities will include some super fun competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.

Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.

The game will be played in the gymnasium at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. on Wednesday March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. WHEN is a network of Webster community members linked through awareness, education and action. It connects Webster residents to reliable resources with programs providing youth engagement, community education, parent outreach, advocacy and community training,

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. followed by the presentation.

Lunch will feature a Turkey Melt, Reuben or Crispy Chicken sandwich, plus coffee, tea, cold drinks, fresh fruit and a cookie. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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

Here’s another option for the upcoming solar eclipse, this one an invitation from the Webster Arboretum, on Schlegel Rd.:

The Arboretum is planning a day-long event on Eclipse Day, April 8, beginning at 11 a.m., when the Curry building will be open with complimentary hot and cold beverages. A poetry reading begins at noon, featuring Jennifer Maloney and Jonathan Everitt, who will share some of their original works. Afterwards, community members will be invited to present some of their own poetry.

The eclipse itself will begin at about 2:07 p.m., and community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and solar eclipse glasses to relax and enjoy the event surrounded by the beautifully landscaped park, away from noise and light pollution. By about 3:20 p.m., the sun will be completely covered for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. By 4:30, the show will be over.

In the case of inclement weather, the readings will be moved to the Curry building.

* * *

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 2/22/2024)

Tags: , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

15 Feb

Soooooo … you’ve heard about this solar eclipse thing that’s happening on April 8? It’s a pretty big deal, so you’re going to start seeing and hearing about all sorts of programs to celebrate it and teach you and your family all about it. Leading today’s mailbag are several that might strike your interest.

This Saturday Feb. 17 at 2 p.m., the Webster Barnes & Noble will host Dave Bishop, vice president of the Astronomy Section of the Rochester Academy of Science, who will explain all things eclipse and answer your questions. There’s no cost, and attendees will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses.

Barnes & Noble is located in Towne Center Plaza (Kohl’s/Target Plaza) on Ridge Rd.

The Webster Public Library has all sorts of special programs scheduled in March for everyone in your family. The two that excite me the most are:

  • The Black Hour: Eclipses in the Middle Ages — Tuesday, March 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

An evening exploring medieval science and superstitions about lunar and solar eclipses, including discussions about medicine, religion, art, and more. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

  • Rochester Eclipses: Past and Present — Tuesday, March 26 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A talk about Rochester’s experience with the 1925 eclipse as captured in the resources of Central Library’s Local History & Genealogy Division. Registration is required. Click here for more information and to register. There’s no charge.

You’ll also want to check the Webster Library website for information about these other eclipse programs for the entire family:

  • Homeschool Hour — Friday, March 1 from 3 to 4 p.m.
  • Make it Monday Eclipse Craft — Monday, March 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Eclipse Storytime — Tuesday, March 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Family Eclipse Night Wednesday, March 27 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
  • March drop-in eclipse crafts — Friday, March 29 and Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And definitely don’t miss the Webster Public Library Eclipse event on Eclipse Day, Monday April 8. More details to come about this.

The library will be handing out two pairs of eclipse glasses per family at each of these events (while supplies last). If you can’t attend one of them, they’ll be handing out more glasses to the public as the date approaches and will have some available at the April 8 eclipse event.

These next items come straight to you (via me) from the Webster CSD:

Results on Budget ThoughtExchange Shared

In January, Webster CSD held a month-long ThoughtExchange, asking all district community members a series of questions seeking feedback on district budgeting.

The ThoughtExchange closed on Jan. 31. The results were presented to the Webster CSD Board of Education at its February 13 meeting. If you’re interested in seeing those results, click here.

Work of Webster Students, Teachers on Exhibit Together

The community is invited to enjoy artwork created by several of our One Webster students and their teachers at Nazareth College’s Art Center Gallery.

The Art Center is currently celebrating its biennial Shared Spaces show, which invites local art class teachers to submit one work by a chosen student to display alongside one of their own. The show celebrates the unique apprenticeship process that occurs between teacher and student.

Webster’s exhibiting artists this year are Webster Thomas students (with teachers) Carson Hogan (Kat Harrison), Jessica van Wichen (Cathy Morrill Crockett), and Gweneth Tetzlaff (Todd Stahl); and Webster Schroeder students (with teachers) Gianna Gallo (Cate Zalewski), Alexandra Zilist (Danielle Zatkowsky), and Corintia Griffith (Cheryl Simon).

The exhibit will remain on display through March 10. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

Prekindergarten Lottery Opens!

Lottery applications for Webster CSD’s 2024-25 prekindergarten program are now available online.

Children who will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2024, but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete a lottery application, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page here. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, March 14.

An open house will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. at the Schroeder PreK located at Webster Schroeder High School, as well as at Kids First, Expressive Beginnings, and Webster CSD’s half day location at STARS Preschool. Webster CSD PreK teachers will be on hand to answer questions. 

Webster CSD Vocal Teacher Grammy Nominated

Huge congratulations to Webster Thomas vocal music teacher Kyle Sackett, who was recently nominated for a 2024 Grammy Award.

Sackett is a member of the professional chamber choir The Crossing, which Musical America magazine named 2024 Ensemble of the Year. This year, The Crossing was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Choral Performance for their album “Carols after a Plague,” conducted by Donald Nally.

They were up against fellow powerhouse performances: “Ligeti: Lux Aeterna” performed by the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” performed by the Uusinta Ensemble and the Helsinki Chamber Choir, “Rachmaninoff: All-Night Vigil” performed by The Clarion Choir, “The House Of Belonging” performed by the Miro Quartet, and “Conspirare,” conducted by Craig Hella Johnson.

In the end, “Saariaho: Reconnaissance” was announced the winner, but as they say, it’s an honor to be nominated.

Kyle is in his second year teaching vocal music at Webster Thomas (his alma mater). He earned his undergraduate degree in music education at SUNY Fredonia and a Masters in Voice and Opera Performance at Northwestern University in Chicago. Remarkably, this was The Crossing’s ninth Grammy nomination in eight years and Kyle’s third as a member of the group.

* * *

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 2/15/2024)


Tags: , , , , ,

Sitting & Stitching for 20 years

4 Feb

The Webster Public Library-based Sit & Stitch group has just celebrated 20 years of fellowship and friendship.

I first met the Sit & Stitchers ten years ago, when I visited them on the occasion of the club’s 10th anniversary, for an article for my Our Towns East Extra column, which I was writing for the D&C at that time.

In that article I wrote that in those ten years, the group had grown from just two or three regulars to an average of perhaps a dozen crafters every week — men and women, young and old. And as it grew, the club had also become less about the crafts, and more about the community.

I quoted Marcia Weinert, the group’s creator and coordinator, as saying,

We have become a very caring group of friends who always have room for a new face in the circle. At the same time, we reach out to each other as personal issues arise — a new grandbaby, an illness or death. You’d be amazed at how healing sticks and string can be.

Nothing much has changed in the years since that article. More crafters have discovered the group, so you’ll often find many more than a dozen people circled up in the Webster Public Library’s community room for the weekly gatherings. But that feeling of community, family and friendship remains, and continues to be a huge part of the group’s purpose.

Aside from the cake and punch bowl set up in the corner of the room, last Monday’s meeting was pretty typical of every weekly gathering. It was very well attended; about two dozen crafters crowded into the circle, their projects draped over their laps, needles clicking. A table at the front of the room was covered with finished projects exhibiting the impressive variety of fiber arts these men and women have created. But that ever-present sense of community was also very much on display. Friends welcomed friends, experienced knitters welcomed new arrivals, the conversations flowed and laughter filled the room.

When Marcia stood up to speak this year, she credited the group members for making the club what it is.

“Like in Field of Dreams,” she said, “when (the voice) said ‘if you build it they will come,’ literally by just showing up, you are the ones who created this. You are the ones who made the community. You teach each other.”

The Sit & Stitchers have become a weekly support group, a family, sharing stories and skills, making friends and helping others. And I will no doubt be visiting with them again in ten more years.

The Sit & Stitch group meets every Monday (when the library is open) from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Webster Public Library community room. All fiber arts crafters are welcome, no matter your experience level. No need to register, just stop by, and bring whatever project you’re working on.

* * *

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 2/4/2024)

Tags: , , ,

Fun stuff at the library

6 Jan

I give up.

There are so many neat things happening at the Webster Public Library ALL THE TIME that I’ve decided it’s too difficult staying on top of all of them. The best way to do that, if you’d really like to stay informed, is to frequent the Webster Public Library website, and “like” their Facebook page. They post on both regularly.

However, having said that, a few things in their emails always strike me as particularly interesting.

  • Topping off the list, the library has gone FINE FREE. The library’s Board of Trustees voted to eliminate daily late fines on all materials effective January 1, 2024. (They’ll still bill for the cost of lost and/or damaged items.) Additionally, there will no longer be a .50 cent charge for placing items on hold. If you still have unused WPL Hold Punch Cards, please speak to a staff member at the Check Out Desk to learn about our hold card redemption plan.
  • On January 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next installment of “Tending to Life”, a series co-sponsored by the Webster Public Library and the Webster Comfort Care Home, will take place. Information on the Comfort Care house and what it provides for patients and families will be provided. All are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • The community table this month will have a Calendar Swap. Have a surplus of supplies and looking to share? Drop off your gently used, unwanted items or pick up something new.
  • Looking for more information about area preschools? On Monday, Jan. 8 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., the library will host a Webster Area Preschools Open House. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. So far, the participants include Little Learners, Rochester Christian School, Webster Central Schools pre-K, Woodside Nursery School, Positive Preschool, St. Rita’s and St. Joseph’s. Registration is not required.
  • The next Webster Business Spotlight shines on Chef Mike, the Pastaio of M.O. Pasta, as he demonstrates techniques and skills on how to make fresh pasta. Learn all about Chef Mike’s culinary journey and pro tips on how to make the best pasta at home! It takes place Monday Jan. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. and registration is requested. Mike, by the way, is one of my favorite people. Here’s the blog I wrote when he opened up his East Main St. shop last April.
  • You like jigsaw puzzles? Need some new ones? Check out the National Puzzle Day Jigsaw Exchange, all day Monday Jan. 29. Bring your gently used puzzles to exchange for something new to you. Bring in as many as you want There are no guarantees that all the pieces are there, so swap at your own risk.
  • The Monday afternoon Sit & Stitch program is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Twenty years of fellowship, sharing and teaching folks to knit, crochet and do other fiber arts. Join them for refreshments and reminiscing, on Monday Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. No registration is necessary, and you can even bring your needles and yarn and stay a while.

Remember, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the great events and programs at your very own Webster Public Library. Remember, you can find out more at the Webster Public Library website, and Facebook page.

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

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 1/6/2024)

Tags: , , ,

Where can I volunteer in Webster?

3 Jan

Thank you to everyone who responded so enthusiastically to my recent Facebook post about my plans to research and blog about volunteer opportunities in Webster. I got several suggestions (most of which were already on my list), and a few ideas about some great organizations to blog about in the future.

But I was especially pleased by the large number of people who said they were looking forward to seeing the list. I’ve always known that Webster is a giving community, but the response to that one post has been heartwarming.

I give 100% credit for this idea to Tom Traub, who himself volunteers for the Friends of Webster Trails and other initiatives. In his email, he wrote,

The strength of a community is not only what  businesses we see, but all of the volunteering going on behind the scenes that is mostly invisible except for a few really involved … the pay will be terrible, but the benefits will be priceless to those who find their passion or niche.

I couldn’t agree more.

So, what follows is what I’ve pulled together so far about the many ways you and your family can volunteer in Webster. I’ve chosen at this point NOT to include service organizations like the Kiwanis or American Legion which do great things for the community, but generally require membership. Plus, while all of these organizations will gladly accept monetary donations to support their causes, I’ve tried to focus on hand-on volunteering opportunities. Click through to the website/Facebook hyperlink to find out more.

This is NOT an exhaustive list. If you see that I’ve missed something, please let me know.

Bellas Bumbas
1170 Ridge Rd. #208

Bella’s Bumbas, run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, is dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues. To date, they’ve shipped 2,650 chairs to children in 66 countries, often adapting the chairs for each child’s individual needs, and charging the parents only for shipping.

How you can help: Volunteers help pack chairs; write “kids cards” (every child gets a handwritten card); help clean, vacuum, and dust the workshop once a week; transport chairs within the U.S. and internationally and stateside; and other tasks.

FoodWEBster

The goals of FoodWEBster are to promote food security, minimize food waste, support small scale food production, increase self-reliance, and help protect the local environment by nourishing a healthy ecosystem.

How you can help: share educational resources, facilitate peer-to-peer food gifting and mutual aid, and promoting and organizing pro-environmental conversations and events.

Friends of Webster Trails (FWT)
1350 Chiyoda Dr.

FWT focuses on building and maintaining recreational trails and protecting the natural character of the Town’s open-space lands through sensible management, education, and low-impact access. Assists in planning, maintaining, and promoting recreational trails in the Town of Webster.

How you can help: FWT is always looking for trail workers, especially for their monthly trail clearing and building work parties. New board members are also welcome.

Gathering Place Webster

Offers a wide range of community programs with “that serve the community with “a unique twist.” It exists in part to serve as an on-ramp to volunteering for those who aren’t sure where to start.

How you can help: Some recent Gathering Place Webster projects have included a pet food pantry, outdoor pantries, community garden outreach programs, filling grocery bags, packing Easter baskets, stuffing back to school backpacks, bag lunch outreach for the chronically homeless, free community Sunday suppers and sorting toy donations. Check the website for more.

Heritage Christian Stables
1103 Salt Rd.

Offers equine-assisted horseback riding and non-riding horsemanship lessons, inclusive to people of all abilities, designed to enrich a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, while also building confidence and self-esteem.

How you can help: The continued success of the therapeutic horsemanship program relies heavily on volunteers, which help to run lessons year-round. Riders may require as many as three people to assist them – one “side walker” on each side of the horse and one “horse leader” responsible for guiding the equine. Experience is not required. All necessary training is provided.

Home Start Hope

Home Start Hope provides brand new, essential household items to women and their children transitioning to independent living from emergency shelters in Rochester, NY.

How you can help: Stock their shelves by shopping their Target registry or by donating gift cards; get involved as a volunteer or board member; organize a donation drive; attend, sponsor or donate items for their fundraisers.

Lap Robes for Veterans

Cut and sew lap robes, which are then distributed at Honor Flights, area hospice homes, hospitals, and veterans outreach centers as a small gesture of warmth and comfort for the men and women who have served our country. Coordinated by two Webster women, the group meets once a week in Irondequoit to cut fabric and sew it around the edges. Then a “thank you for your service” label is hand-sewn in the corner.

How you can help: Anyone who loves to sew is invited to join the group. Click the link above to contact the organizers for more information.

Lasagna Love
https://lasagnalove.org/

Neighbors helping neighbors by preparing and delivering home-cooked lasagnas for families who are struggling due to lost income, lost childcare or other life difficulties. There’s no cost to the families.

How you can help: Join the cooking team and make some lasagna!

Making Spirits Bright

A referral-based adopt-a-family organization providing gifts every holiday season for families in need. The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance, get wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items.

How you can help: “Adopt” an individual, or adopt a whole family, and fill a wish list. Volunteer wrappers are also needed once all of the gifts are collected. Bookmark the website and stay tuned to my blog next Christmas season for your next opportunities.

Maplewood Nursing Home
100 Daniel Dr.

Long-term care nursing facility in the Village of Webster.

How you can help: Volunteers are needed to transport residents to meals and activities, spend time visiting, assist with games and events, help on outings, bring in fun crafts, run our book club, offer cooking demonstrations (with tastings, of course), share their musical talents and more!

Meals on Wheels
2180 Empire Blvd.

Meal delivery service to support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health.

How you can help: Become a driver! Your visits provide more then just meals; they provide socialization and safety checks. Become a regular delivery person, adopt a route with your club or business, or become a seasonal sub. Kitchen help is also needed.

Never Say Never Stables
906 Maple Dr.

The Never Say Never Foundation is 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.

How you can help: Volunteers are trained to act as support staff, helping children be safe in and around the barn and animal enclosures. Volunteers monitor activity and offer encouragement to the participants. They may care for the horses and animals and take on many chores around the barn.

Rochester Challenger Miracle Field
Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd. (P.O. Box 826)

Provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

How you can help:

Volunteer positions are available for all of Miracle Field’s sport leagues for anyone who can commit to coming every week as coaches, or even on a fill-in basis. No experience is necessary in any sport, just the desire to help players take turns and have fun.

Miracle Field also hosts special events for the special needs community such as a Halloween Party, Holiday Kickball with Santa, and a Valentine’s Dance. Volunteers for those events can help with planning, decorating, and generally facilitating the event for players and families. Volunteers with experience in fundraising, grant writing, creating programming, managing social media, and other areas are also needed.

Webster Health Education Network (WHEN)
119 South Ave.

WHEN Works with the Webster School District, Town of Webster and community resources to promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community by supporting drug education and awareness initiatives.

How you can help: WHEN could use some project-specific volunteers to help Webster kids grow up strong and substance free. You don’t have to be a member to lend a hand; help design a youth coalition, join the information table team, or join the welcome wagon. Community members are always encouraged to join the coalition. Meetings are held monthly.

Webster Arboretum
1700 Schlegel Rd.

The goal of the Webster Arboretum Association, Inc. is to create and maintain a park-like setting dedicated to quiet reflection and passive recreation through the beauty found within the sights, smells and sounds of nature through educational, conservational and recreational opportunities for all ages.

How you can help: Weeding, mulching, landscaping, general maintenance and park improvement projects.

Webster Assoc. of Senior Program Services (WSPS)
1350 Chiyoda Dr.

A group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District.

How you can help: Drive residents to and from medical and dental appointments, other health-related trips such as pharmacies, as well as banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.

Webster Business Improvement District (BID)

Organization of mostly Village of Webster businesses responsible for creating a vibrant, clean and safe business district. Its mission is to “help create a positive and welcoming business atmosphere within our community to enhance the community’s overall perception of the Village and to help foster economic stability and growth.”

How you can help: Community members are welcome at the monthly meetings. Express your opinions, ideas for future events, put in your two cents about how things are being run. You can also sign up to help out with community events like Family Games Night, Trick or Treat Trail, and the Webster Jazz Fest.

Webster Comfort Care Home
700 Holt Rd.

Provides end-of-life comfort care, symptom control and pain management for residents while being a source of respite care for the families.

How you can help: Opportunities include resident care volunteer, house cleaner (2 times a month), social media liaison, maintenance person, party planner (especially if you love fundraising), newsletter designer (Canava expert). Hands-on training is provided for all volunteers.

Webster Community Chest
1000 Ridge Rd.

Provides information and referrals, emergency financial assistance, food assistance, summer camp scholarships, high school senior awards for community service, and financial aid to organizations whose programs benefit Webster residents.

How you can help: Lots of ways! Coordinate a food collection, help stuff envelopes for the annual campaign, join a committee (like marketing/PR or fundraising), help with meal center distribution, become a board member, help plan the next Greater Rochester Marshmallow Peep Show in March, and more.

Need more ideas? Visit the Community Chest’s Volunteer Appreciation night on Tuesday Jan. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

Webster Food Pantries

Webster has four free food pantries, located at Immanuel Lutheran Church (West Main), St. Martin Lutheran Church (Bay Rd.), Webster Baptist Church (South Ave.) and the United Church of Christ (Klem Rd.). The concept is to take what you need, leave what you can.

How you can help: You can drop off non-perishable food items any time at any of the pantries. Look for them in the church parking lots.

Webster Girl Scouts

Girl Scouting aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics.

How you can help: Become a troop leader/chaperone, cookie volunteer, service unit volunteer, camp/seasonal volunteer or more.

Webster Public Library
980 Ridge Rd.

Enhances our community’s intellectual and creative pursuits by providing expertise and an eclectic collection of books, periodicals, digital media, and so. much. more.

How you can help: The Friends of the Public Library offers many volunteer opportunities for adults. The all-volunteer organization promotes and supports library, services, facilities and needs through community events, programs, the lobby bookstore and a semi-annual book sale. Additional opportunities for teens include assisting with children’s/teen Programs, dressing as a character for a children’s program, dusting and cleaning tables, cleaning books, clerical support (cutting scrap paper, sharpening pencils etc.), folding brochures, and more.

Webster Museum and Historical Society
18 Lapham Park

Dedicated to educating and introducing Webster’s heritage to our community through research, collection preservation, educational programs and exhibits.

How you can help: Volunteers are needed in many areas, including as greeters and docents, helping with publicity and other writing tasks, setting up exhibits, managing computer files, and others.

Webster NY Hope
1450 Ridge Rd.

Serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, helping to provide food, clothing, household goods, furniture and financial assistance to those in need.

How you can help: Volunteers help restock the food pantry, sort clothes, and meet with clients.

Webster Volunteer Fire Dept./Northeast Joint Fire District
35 South Ave.

Provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the Village of Webster, East Webster and Northeast Penfield.

How you can help: The invitation to become a member and join the volunteer firefighting team is always open. Other opportunities are also available; send along a Facebook message or find an application on the website for more information.

West Webster Fire Department
1051 Gravel Road

Provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the residents of West Webster and northwest Penfield.

How you can help: From Cpt. Tom Woodward: We are always looking to add people who are passionate about serving their community. Send us a message on Facebook or find an application on our website to find more information.

Wreaths Across America

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. The simple act of placing a wreath helps assure that these veterans are never forgotten.

How you can help: The next wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 14, 2024. Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony that day at Webster Union Cemetery and help lay wreaths in one of three (or more) Webster cemeteries. In the meantime, wreath sponsors are needed to make sure we have enough wreaths for every veteran in those ceremonies. Click on the link to find out how you can sponsor a wreath.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 1/3/2024)

Tags: ,

Webster community mailbag

27 Dec

Hi again everybody!

I hope you had a chance to sit back and relax a bit this holiday. You might have noticed that I’ve been doing that, not posting for several days. In part that’s because there isn’t much going on. But I do have a few reminders about things happening as this year turns into next.

Community members who struggle with vision issues — macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, or others — are invited to attend the January meeting of The Visionaries, being hosted next month at the Webster Public Library.

The Visionaries is a support group for adults with low-to-no vision. Members of this support group share their interests and opportunities with others, encouraging those with visual impairment to get the most out of their lives.

The group will meet on Wednesday, January 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Webster Public Library Community Room, 980 Ridge Road. This month’s topic will be “Living With Low Vision.”    

There’s no need to register, just come by to join the meeting!

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

From the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/27/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

Friends of the WPL get new shelves, courtesy Webster GeoTech

21 Dec

The Webster Public Library — and more specifically, the Friends of the Webster Library — received delivery on Tuesday of four brand new bookshelves crafted by the talented students of the Webster Schroeder GeoTech class.

GeoTech originated in 2018, offering select students the opportunity to explore math, science and technology through hands-on learning. Under the direction of teachers Kerry Crawford and TJ Milliman, the students have completed countless projects for schools and organizations within the district. A few months ago, for example, they crafted a sandbox for the preschool classes hosted at Schroeder High School.

Most recently, however, the students of the Geometry and Construction class focused their talents on a community project: building four new bookcases for the Friends of the Library’s lobby bookstore.

Gail Dominik, a Friends volunteer, originally approached the GeoTech class when it was discovered that four of the Friends’ bookshelves needed to be replaced, and the Friends were “thrilled” when Milliman agreed to have his class take on the project. The Friends provided the specifications, and the students were then responsible for completing the design based on those specs, determining the amount of materials needed, calculating the cost of materials, purchasing the materials, and of course building the shelves. All the Friends had to do was provide the funding.

Wheeling in a bookcase
The GeoTech students

The students and their teachers delivered the beautiful new shelves on Tuesday Dec. 20, and the Friends made quick work of filling them with books. Among those on hand for the installation were Webster CSD Superintendent Brian Neenan, Webster Town Councilwoman Ginny Nguyen, Webster Public Library Director Adam Traub, and Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez.  

The lobby bookstore is just one way the Friends raise money to support the Webster Public Library. The new bookshelves will provide a better shopping experience for patrons and, hopefully, help raise more money. Funds raised are used to provide library programming, add to the collections and for initiatives that are not covered by their operating budget. Thanks to several successful fundraising events this fall, the Friends were able to present a check to the library for $25,000.

The Friends, and all of us who love the Webster Public Library, owe a huge thank you to the students and teachers of Webster Schroeder High School for the shelves and their support of the library.

With the students are Friends chairperson Linda Wilson, library director Adam Traub, Kerry Croft, Tom Milliman, and town board liaison Ginny Nguyen.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/21/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

13 Dec

Have your kids had a chance to see Santa this year? If not, no sweat. Santa will be at Never Say Never Stables this Saturday and Sunday Dec. 16 and 17, from noon to 2 p.m. both days, 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, a make-your-own reindeer snack station, a take-home treat for the children, and photo ops with all of the animals, including horses, goats, ducks, chicken, bunny and guinea pig.

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. 

Spaghetti Dinner

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

This notice from the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

New benches on the Hojack

Shout-out to Cole Featherly, from Scout Troop 262, for his fine work on three new benches he built for the Hojack Trail as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Cole also installed two similar benches in the new Michael A. Johnson Nature Preserve. Some of the benches have additional small tables.

The project was suggested and funded by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) using a grant from the Webster Rotary , and supervised by FWT Scout liaison Pat Fulkerson. Keep an eye out for them as you’re hiking the trails this season!

Finally, here are a few final reminders about special events at the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library.

The museum is holding a great fundraiser which will make a perfect gift idea. It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

And don’t forget about the Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale, happening right now.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently-used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

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

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/13/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

7 Dec

First, this reminder from the Webster Museum about a great holiday fundraiser … which also makes a great gift idea.

It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

This reminder from the Women’s Club of Webster that they’re always welcoming new members.

The mission of the Women’s Club is to make a positive difference in the lives of Webster community members, primarily through fundraising. The list of organizations and scholarships the club supports is impressive, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Museum, service awards for high school students, the Webster Library, Webster NY Hope and many more.

If you’ve never been to a meat raffle (they’re HUGE in Buffalo), then you’ve missed out on a unique and entertaining experience.

For not a whole lot of money, you can win some big bunches of steak, bacon, pork, sausages … and much more.

This particular meat raffle is being hosted as a fundraiser for the Webster Wolves baseball team on Saturday Jan. 20. Check the flyer for more details.

There’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Public Library this month, starting with the annual Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

Also going on this month at the library:

  • Music and Movement Story Time on Tuesday Dec. 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Family Night on Monday Dec. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and make a penguin egg puppet. No registration is required.
  • Make it Monday for Teens, Monday Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month, make a sock snowman. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Kids in grades 6 through 12 are invited to learn how to become more involved in the library and the community. Registration is required. Click here.
  • For adults: Tending to Life — Blue Christmas, Saturday Dec. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sharon Willow talks about grief and the holidays. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Holiday Music in the Library, Saturday Dec. 16. At 10:30 a.m., the Madrigalia Carolers will perform in the main library (no registration required). At 1 p.m. the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform in the Community Room. Registration is required for that performance. Click here.

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

‘Tis definitely the holidays at the Webster Recreation Center!

Santa will be there from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 9 to welcome children of all ages. He’ll wait for everyone, so no need to show up at right at the beginning; stop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.

And while you’re there — whether you see Santa or not — you can drop off your letter to Santa in the mailbox anytime between Dec. 9 and 19. And guess what!! Santa will actually write a return letter which you can pick up at the Rec Center beginning on Dec. 21.

And if your kids like cookies, check this out: Stop in anytime on Saturday Dec. 9 between 8 a.m. and noon (before Santa gets there) for a Stay ‘n Play Cookie Decorating Party. It’s free and no registration is necessary.

And you won’t want to miss the Senior Singers Holiday Performance on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. This FREE performance of holiday classics will have you singing all day. This is a community event, so bring your friends and family! More to come about this in a future blog.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 12/7/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

30 Nov

Let’s start today with news of a fundraiser for the Webster Athletic Association at DiBella’s Subs on Empire Blvd.

The flyer gives the details, but basically, if you order from DiBella’s in store or online between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 20% of your check will go to the WAA. You’ll need to use code WAA20. See the flyer for more details.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting a free financial seminar designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The seminar, about Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bernardi & Co. offices, and there’s no cost. But please RSVP as space is limited.

Email Elena@bernardiCPA.com to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call 585-217-9393.

The Women’s Club of Webster will hold their 29th annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday Dec. 9 in the Webster Public Library community room.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the cookies are sold out. This is always a highly anticipated event, so you might want to get there early. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship funds and their support for many other programs in the Webster community.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza. For more information, please contact Peg Berry at 203-645-9352.

If you’d like to get more involved in the Women’s Club, here’s your chance: the club will be hosting their December Holiday Party on Thursday Dec. 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

The event begins with a social at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30, then “holiday gaiety” and an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate in the gift exchange, the gifts should not exceed $10. The luncheon buffet will feature assorted wraps, tossed salad, fruit salad and a cookie.

Special guest at this meeting will be Rochester folk musician Allen Hopkins.    

Cost for the luncheon is $27. Send your check made out to WCW by December 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. And remember, new members are always welcome!

The beautifully melodic Senior Singers will host their annual Holiday Concert at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a lively group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to rehearse and perform music. There’s no cost; they just do it for the love of music. (If you want to read more about them, click here to see the blog I wrote.)

There’s no charge to attend the holiday concert, and registration is not necessary, So plan to take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music,. (And perhaps consider joining this fun group.)

The Webster Recreation Center is at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

This news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

At their October monthly meeting, the Webster Chamber honored TYS CPAs, LLP as their November Business of the Month.

TYS manages the accounting needs of their clients and goes beyond tabulation to point out opportunities for business growth and supports them through the process. They developed a ‘TYS Emerge‘ process, specifically for the Construction Industry. TYS also extends a promise to its clients, offering a fixed-rate, guaranteeing results, removing the escalating threat of hourly billing. In addition to serving the Webster Chamber, TYS volunteers at the Jefferson Avenue Elementary School, in Fairport. As he presented the award, Chamber President and CEO Barry Howard said, “TYS Co-Owner Tim Shortsleeve has been very active in the Chamber, assuming leadership roles. Currently, Tim serves on the Webster Chamber Board of Directors as Chair-elect, part of a six-year commitment, and is active on the Personnel Committee. He has also provided educational sessions for our members and visitors.“

Every month, the Webster Chamber of Commerce identifies a member business or organization which has excelled within their industry, given back to the community, and been active in the Chamber to be honored as Business of the Month. In the photo above, Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro (left) presents the November Business of the Month award to TYS partner Tim S. Shortsleeve (center) and Staff Accountant Brenda Zornow (right).

This important information also from the Chamber of Commerce:

Deadlines Approaching for Health Insurance Enrollment for January 1 Start 

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has offered no-fee health insurance enrollment assistance since 1938 and wants the public to be aware of the approaching deadlines to receive health insurance on January 1.

  • December 07 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline: Medicare recipients have until the deadline to make a plan change for 2024. 
  • December 15: last day for Qualified Health Insurance (Including NYS Marketplace) for new or renewing participants for a January 1st effective date.

Health insurance enrollment is challenging. In addition to deadlines, you have many health insurance carrier options to consider. Plus, each carrier offers different plans to align with individual needs. The Webster Chamber staff will help you through this insurance enrollment process, helping you select the plan that best fits your needs. Chamber membership is not required and you do not need to be a Webster resident. 

To meet the deadlines to start health insurance on January 1 and to select the best-fit health insurance option for you, follow these steps:

  1. Call 585-265-3960 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Chamber staff.
  2. Watch this introductory video.

The Webster CSD has announced the dates for this spring’s school musicals, the theater lovers will want to get them on your calendars.

  • Willink Middle School will present Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo on Feb. 2 and 3
  • Webster Schroeder High School’s production of Catch Me if You Can will be held Feb. 8 to 10
  • Spry Middle School presents Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Musical March 8 and 9
  • Webster Thomas High School will stage DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical from March 21 to 23
  • (this one’s a drama) Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women from April 25-27

As performance dates near, you can check the Webster CSD website for details … plus I’ll be posting them here on my blog, so stay tuned.

* * *

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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 11/30/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →