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Details about Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail and costume contest

15 Oct

The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …

Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.

The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!

So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.

And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)

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

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(posted 10/15/2024)

Welcome to the village, Emerald Financial

6 Oct

It was a sad day when Nest Things moved out of its storefront at 11 East Main St. in the village. It was sadder still when that beautiful old building remained vacant for so long. That all changed when Emerald Financial Services moved up the street from its Barrett Dr. offices and settled in several weeks ago.

Emerald officially joined the Village of Webster business scene on Aug. 19, after completing some significant interior renovations.

“This was just one big empty space,” said Emerald president Joe Altobelli. “We had to put in the offices, do a lot of electric work. The structure was solid, but we needed to create a more financially aesthetic look to it.” In addition to the offices, that also meant adding a conference room and consultation room and redoing the kitchen.

Nothing had to be done on the exterior, though, which means that the striking beauty of the old Nest Things storefront has not changed.

Emerald’s offices had been at 60 Barrett Dr. since 2013, but recently the building’s landlord asked them to relocate to make room for a new business which needed both floors of the building. The decision was made rather easy when the landlord purchased 11 East Main with the intent for Emerald Financial to move in.

Altobelli loved the location from the first time he saw it.

I love the fact that it used to be a bank, I love the fact that it’s in the village, I love the fact that you can walk out your front door and you have all of these options and people walking by, and the hope is that the village continues to grow and expand, especially with some of the state money that’s coming. I’m looking forward to what the opportunities are going to be in this location.

Fun fact: for many years, Emerald Financial used to have its offices at 4 East Main, subletting the basement of the Smith Insurance building just across the street. It was when Smith needed the space to expand in 2013 that Emerald moved to Barrett Dr.

So, once again, welcome to the village, Emerald Financial Services. And welcome back.

Emerald Financial Services offers wealth management for individuals and families, business services for companies and groups including health insurance, group disability, group accident, group life and other group benefits. For more information, visit their website here or call (585) 265-2885.

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

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(posted 10/6/2024)

Autumn fun in the village

4 Oct

The dates have been finalized for all of the Village of Webster’s very popular fall and winter events. More details will be coming soon for some of these, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can put them all on your calendar:

  • Shredding Event, Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall. This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.
  • Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Hall 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.
  • Wine and Beer Walk, Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll through the Village of Webster and into our local businesses, sampling beer, wine and snacks. More info to come.
  • Trick or Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always a great time for families. Features a costume contest, museum scavenger hunt, pet costume contest, the fire department’s open house and more. More info to come.
  • Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. Sample bourbons and whiskeys from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants. This is always a hugely popular event which sells out, so stay tuned for when tickets become available.
  • Winter Wonderland in the Village, Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. (Maybe it’ll snow this year?) More details to come.

The best way to keep on top of these events is to visit the Webster BID website frequently, where details will be posted as they’re finalized.

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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 10/4/2024)

An update on the Mary Wee Pub

3 Oct

For all of you anxiously awaiting the day when the new Mary Wee Pub opens at 2 W. Main St., re-energizing the Village of Webster’s four corners, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that the renovations are progressing. The bad news is, they’re not progressing as quickly as we all would like, and certainly not as quickly as Mary Wee owner Mark Petzing was hoping they would.

For sure a LOT has been accomplished over the last few months. All of the electrical and plumbing work has been finished; there’s new drywall, insulation, ceiling and floor; the bar and footrest are in place; the jukebox, speakers and TV are up; the liquor license has been approved and the menu is ready to be printed. But as is often the case with any big remodeling project, when one project gets finished, often another one pops up that you didn’t expect.

That’s happened a lot, Mark said, and when it does, “It takes more time and money in the long run. But when I do something I want to make sure it’s done right.” 

“We’re close, but yet so far.”

Mark is still hoping that everything will be done by the end of the month, and is eyeing an official opening in November. He knows that the new pub is “the talk of the town,” and definitely knows how much everyone is looking forward to its opening. (Apparently people are already coming in to order beers.) And he really appreciates how much the neighboring businesses are supporting him, which makes it even harder to wait for opening day.

“The neighbors have been awesome,” he said. “I really appreciate all the support from The Coach and Roc Style, Brimont, Burkes … Everybody has been very supportive and it really makes you feel at home. I love the village. I can’t wait to be a part of (it).”

Even if it won’t be open yet, you’ll be able to get a sneak peek during the Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26. Mark and his family are planning to be outside handing out candy for the kids and handing out good news (hopefully) to the adults.

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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 10/4/2024)

Your input needed: How should Webster spend $4.5 million?

2 Oct

You’ve no doubt been hearing about how the Village of Webster has been awarded a $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

Over the last several months, WEDA has been collecting proposals for projects all around our village, from business owners and community members. Those proposals have been whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more.

Now that the potential projects have been identified, it’s time for the community to help decide where we should spend the $4.5 million.

Here’s where YOU come in. YOU can vote on the projects you think are most important to fund. And it’s really easy (and kind of fun) to do. Just go to this link, where you’ll see all the projects, a short description of each and what each will cost. Then just go down the line and check the ones you like best. As you do, each expenditure will be deducted from your $4.5 million bankroll until it’s all gone (or mostly). And you can go back and forth all you want as you make your decisions, deleting a project here and adding something there depending on the money you have left. It takes 10 minutes or less, and responses are recorded anonymously.

BUT THERE’S A DEADLINE!

All responses must be submitted by Monday, Oct. 7 at midnight. So take a moment now, go to the link and make your opinions known!

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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)

The new Annette’s Restaurant is taking shape

27 Sep

The new Annette’s Restaurant on West Main St. in the Village of Webster is slowly taking shape.

Annette’s is moving into the location of the former Mozzeroni’s Restaurant at 27 West Main. There’s still a LOT of work to do as owner Nan Kent and her staff complete all the renovations, so it really doesn’t look like much yet — more like a construction zone than a sit-down restaurant. But it already DOES look a whole lot bigger and nicer than the old Mozzeroni’s.

Nan’s removed a wall, opening up the dining area significantly, installed a spacious bar, and repainted the walls. New wood flooring will be going in soon, and the lighting fixtures are being swapped out. Soon all of the tables will be ready to set up, just waiting for the construction to be completed.

As the restaurant itself starts to take shape, so is the menu. Drew Greenfield, Annette’s manager/executive chef, describes the new menu as “very eclectic … upscale home but also featuring newer, more modern-style foods.”

For example, he said, “We’ll have some burgers but it will be a steak burger with stuff like homemade bacon jam and brie cheese … doing interesting things with more premium toppings.” It won’t be a huge menu, he added, but it will allow the flexibility to offer different seasonal specials every week. And almost everything will be made from scratch, including the sauces and dressings.

They’re also considering contacting local bakeries and bringing in fresh baked goods each week for their desserts.  

The atmosphere will also reflect the eclectic menu, Drew said.

I want the restaurant to reflect the food. If we’re going to be doing interesting menu items, I want the restaurant to reflect the intricate details of what the plates are going to look like, using different ingredients and combinations of ingredients that people aren’t used to seeing. Or have seen at a higher-end place but at a lower cost.

The lighting, tables, muted paint scheme and tasteful artwork will together create a “warm, happy vibe with an eclectic touch.” Basically, Drew said, it’ll be a restaurant that’s a little bit classy, but still family-friendly and inviting, a place where people can sit back and feel okay with chatting for hours.

That warm atmosphere is exactly what owner Nan Kent is aiming for. She named Annette’s after her late mother, who insisted that, every single night at 6 p.m., her father and all five kids sit down together for dinner. And if the kids happened to have friends over, they were welcome, too.

The loving memory of Nan’s mother and her philosophy that mealtime brings people together and strengthens relationships, will be reflected every day at Annette’s.

“My mom’s been gone since 2016 and my dad passed away in 2020,” Nan said. “(This) feels like them.”

The new Annette’s Restaurant might be open in mid-October for lunch and dinner. Stay tuned for more details.

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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 9/27/2024)

New museum exhibit highlights long-time local businesses

24 Sep

The newest exhibit at the Webster Museum shines a spotlight on the many businesses that have helped shape the Town of Webster.

Called “A Measure of Webster Business,” the main display case is packed with historical information and photographs from more than a dozen businesses which have been an important part of Webster for decades, some for more than 100 years. They include Bill Gray’s (86 years), Finns Automotive (85 years), Proietti’s Restaurant (54 years) and Empire State Weeklies (125 years).

A separate display, called “Then and Now,” looks at local businesses which are currently in operation, and what they were back in the day. For example, in the 1950s, what we now know as Abbott’s Original at the corner of Gravel and Ridge roads used to be a Carvel. The Webster Post Office was housed in the building on West Main St. which is now Arrow Kitchen and Bath. And Knucklehead Brewery in West Webster used to be Seitz’s Delicatessen.

The “Measure of Webster Business” displays are an extension of an exhibit created in May, which takes a look at historic Webster businesses through the promotional yardsticks that graced nearly every Webster household. Along with the kinetic yardsticks display, other memorabilia from local businesses, old and new photos, brief biographies and timelines for each business round out this retrospective look at Webster’s history.

The “Measure of Webster Business” exhibits will be on display until early November, so head over to the museum before then to find out more about all of the businesses which played an important part in helping our town and village grow.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.

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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 9/24/2024)

ROC Dance expands its studio in the village

22 Sep

There’s one less empty storefront on Main Street in the Village of Webster. ROC Dance has moved into the former Whimsies shop at 32 East Main St., at least doubling the dance studio’s space for classes and rehearsals.

Owner Charlotte Buckley said she’s still using her original studio at 30 East Main, which is located beneath the new space, its main door opening to the back parking lot. But when she saw the opportunity to expand, she jumped on it.

“We love our space downstairs,” she said, “but it is a basement, and this is just a great, beautiful light space.” It provides much more room for her ever-growing programs, with the added advantage of being spacious enough for her competition groups to rehearse, rather than having to rent rehearsal space. Plus, being right on Main Street will give the dance school much better exposure.

Charlotte also plans to use the new space to offer free programs for the community.

They’ve already begun that, with their “Wiggly Wednesdays,” a program designed for parents and their toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy a morning of active fun together. Every first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m., the dance studio transforms into a “playful paradise featuring a variety of across equipment and toys that inspire movement and creativity.”

Charlotte explained, “Moms and their little ones can come, take a class, maybe grab a coffee at Village Bakery after and just get a chance to connect.”

Looking ahead, Charlotte is planning special Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Easter events at which parents can drop off their children, who will enjoy crafts, games, music and dancing, all for free. And she’ll continue to participate in Village events like the Firemen’s Parade and the Trick or Treat Trail. Except this time she’ll be able to set up her candy table outside her own front door on Main Street.

Charlotte would eventually also like to introduce more retail sales into the much larger space.

“There’s no dance store on the east side, outside of Pittsford,” she said. “So a lot of our families have to go to Pittsford. My goal is to turn this the next couple of years into a fully-fledged dance store,” which would benefit her students as well as other local dance studios.  

Significant renovations had to be completed before she could open, like putting in new flooring, removing some walls and building an office. And even a few days ago they were still finishing up some final painting. But classes are already using the new space, so next time you’re walking by the studio, peek in the front window to see what’s going on!

And better yet, mark your calendars now to stop by during ROC Dance’s Grand Opening on Friday Oct. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. Check out the details on the flyer below and find out more at the event website 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 9/22/2024)

Webster community mailbag

19 Sep

It’s chicken BBQ time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Upcoming October blood drives

There are several local opportunities coming up in October for you to help save lives by donating blood. And the Red Cross has a neat little promotion, too. Everyone coming to donate during October will receive a $10 gift card by email.

Here are the details:

  • Tuesday Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m., Expressive Beginnings Child Care Center, 12 May St., Webster (online sponsor code: ExpressiveBeginnings)
  • Wednesday Oct. 2, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. (sponsor code: WGC)
  • Thursday Oct. 10, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Fire Dept. Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. (sponsor code: websterfire) The Women’s Club of Webster will be serving homemade cookies for donors at this drive!
  • Wednesday Oct. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Town of Penfield offices, 2130 Penfield Rd. (sponsor code: Penfield)

Call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your appointment, or search online for the sponsor code.

And about those cookies …

At the Red Cross blood drive on Oct. 10 (see above), donors will be rewarded with supremely scrumptious homemade cookies donated by the Women’s Club of Webster to enjoy with their juice.

Appointments are not required. Feel free to just drop in. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964 (or you can schedule an appointment online. Details above).

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.  The club’s motto is “friendship through service” and new members are always welcome!  

For more information about the club, please contact Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303. (Or feel free to email me; I belong to the club).

Celebrate fall at Heritage Square

Heritage Square Museum in Ontario will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy scarecrows to judge, big trucks from Town Highway, fire and police departments, performances from the Strike It Up Community Band directed by Craig Wirt, a saxophone quartet, games, raffles, free tours, food and more. Cost is $5 per car.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Road, Ontario, just 12 minutes east of the Village of Webster. Haven’t heard about this great attraction? Check out this blog which I wrote a few years ago after my first visit.

Webster BID schedules community events

The Webster Business Improvement District’s (BID) 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.

Good, cheap books from the Friends

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are getting ready for their fall book sale, scheduled 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, featuring approximately 80 books published over the last 150 years in good to better condition. The books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. Some of the books will be first editions or early printing. Many will have dust jackets, and a few will be autographed (but note the Webster Friends do not have any signatures authenticated). 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 begins Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; hardcover books will cost $1, paperback books only $.50). Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the Bag Sale. Bring your own bag and fill it for just $5. The sale concludes with a second Bag Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Can you help?

Here’s the September/October wish list from Webster Hope:

  • Canned corn and canned peas
  • Flour and sugar
  • Coffee
  • Cooking oil
  • Pasta, NOT whole wheat
  • Jarred spaghetti sauce
  • Body wash and bar soap
  • Hand soap
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Diapers sizes 5, 6, & 7 ** We accept open packages**
  • Baby wipes
  • New socks and underwear all sizes

Plus, they accept open packages of feminine products, adult diapers and children’s diapers.

And put this on your calendar: Webster Hope will be having a food drive on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Webster Rotary. You can drop off your items (and the wish-list items) behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, Webster.

WHEN to offer program for parents about social media

If you’ve ever had any concerns about how social media is affecting your children and what you can do about that, this program is for you.

On Wednesday Oct. 16, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) will present an interactive parent forum, called Social Media and Your Kid, discussing how technology has changed special development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The forum will be held in the Professional Development Center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no admission, but registration is requested. Click here to do so.

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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 9/19/2024)

It’s time to help make spirits bright

17 Sep

The 11th season of Making Spirits Bright is underway, and you can help.

Making Spirits Bright is awesome organization here in Webster which for the last 11 years has been working quietly under the radar, doing amazing things for families in need during the holidays.

The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance. Then they collect wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items. And unlike many other programs, Making Spirits Bright provides far more than just gifts. They also assist with winter gear, household necessities, personal care items, cleaning supplies and various other items to lessen a family’s burden. PLUS, they provide for all members living in each household, no matter their age. This includes kids, parents, guardians, grandparents, and sometimes even pets.

The call has gone out for donations to support this year’s effort, and there are several ways you can help:

  • Sign up as a group, organization, business or family to help out.
  • Adopt an entire family (choose the family size you’re comfortable with, two-person and up)
  • Adopt one person (any age/gender identity)
  • Organize a collection drive for some of the most needed items, like toiletries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift wrap, gift boxes and gift cards.
  • Make a monetary donation, which are used to purchase items on the list which were not adopted. Any donations, large or small, is appreciated. Contributions can be made via credit or debit here.

If you’d like to volunteer your time and kindness to the organization, click here to fill out a form and they’ll be in touch. If you have questions, email thegoodnessinitiative@gmail.com, or check out the Making Spirits Bright FAQ page. Plus, you can follow their Facebook page to keep on top of how things are going.

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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 9/17/2024)