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Fall in love with Webster (Week 3)

12 Feb

The Village of Webster’s exciting Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration is halfway over! All month, residents and visitors to our fine town are enjoying merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.

I imagine you’ve noticed all of the decorations merchants are putting up and the trivia questions posted in the windows. Everyone really seems to be getting into the spirit.

PLUS, the event has attracted the attention of Wendy Mills from Spectrum News, who came out early last week to see what all the excitement’s about. Click here to see that story, which was televised on Wednesday.

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back next Sunday to see what’s scheduled for the last week!

❤ Thinking of Others: Be Someone’s Secret Admirer!

The Village of Webster is inviting everyone to be an old-fashioned “secret admirer” anytime during the month. You could send flowers to someone, or just pay it forward at the drive through. It’s all about thoughtfulness. Have fun!

❤ NEJFD Boot Drive

Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive. All month, Barry’s Old School Irish and Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s) will each have a real firefighter’s boot to accept your donations. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care.

❤ All week: Blind Date With a Book Sale at Yesterday’s Muse

This sounds like a lot of fun. Customers pay $5 to buy a mystery book, which is wrapped in plain brown paper with a genre and description written on the outside. What a fun and romantic way to share some love, read a book, and make some February memories all the while supporting a local merchant. Who’s your mystery date? Find it at Yesterday’s Muse.

❤ All week: HEAT WEEK at Webster Hots

Webster Hots is offering some “heat” this week with spicy specials. Stop by to pick up a meal or two during the this week of love and romance! Call (585) 265-0824.  

❤ Feb. 14: Heart-shaped donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts

Start your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note with a heart-shaped donut from Dunkin’ Donuts on North Ave. in the village.

❤ Feb. 14: Heart-shaped pizza from Salvatore’s

One day only…heart-shaped pizzas from Salvatore’s. Or order something from their large menu. Call 585-872-2210 or check out their website.

❤ Feb. 14: Valentine’s Dinner at Brimont Bistro

This French-based cuisine bistro is offering a beef tenderloin with all the trimmings. Call (585) 872-3170 or check out their website.

❤ Feb. 14: Cobblestone on Main Valentine’s Dinner — Reservations accepted!

Cobblestone on Main, which doesn’t normally accept reservation, is doing so for this one very special day. Check out their website and start planning your evening!

❤ Feb. 14 to 18: Share the Love free dance classes at Roc Dance

All week, Roc Dance will be offering free classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hop hop and acro for kids ages 2 and up, and there’s even a Mommy and Me class. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Sweetheart Serenade at the Harmony House

The Chorus of the Genesee will be hosting another live practice session tonight at the Harmony House, but this one comes with a romantic twist. Bring your sweetheart by from 7:30 to 8 p.m., where she (or he!) will be serenaded with love songs. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere, a mimosa and perhaps a few other surprises. It’s free! Click here to find out more and to register so they have an idea of how many are coming.  

❤ Feb. 15, 4 p.m.: Class for Cause: Scrapping for Charity at the Village Quilt Shoppe

The Village Quilt Shoppe is having another great event, this time with a charity twist. Come help them cut fabric squares to help women in Honduras make quilts to support their families.What a great cause! Call today to sign up and help support this great mission effort. 585-626-6916.

❤ Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: Music: Eggman’s Traveling Carnival at Pub 235

Eggman’s Traveling Carnival plays songs from the 60s and 70s. The evening also features the Monsters of the Midway.

❤ Feb. 16: Carl’s Pizza Colossal Calzone and Pizza Deal

Two great deals today at Carl’s: a colossal calzone for $12.99 (with two toppings, ricotta cheese, mozzarella and two sides of sauce) and a 14“ medium, one-topping for $13.99. Click here for a link to Carl’s menu in case you want some other options.

❤ Feb. 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day, compliments Kittelberger Florist!

When you visit select merchants today, you might just be handed a flower, courtesy Kittelberger Florist. Kittelberger is celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day by providing a bouquet of flowers to any interested merchant, to hand out randomly today. If you happen to get a flower, post a picture to the Fall in Love With Webster Fabebook page!

❤ Feb. 17: The North Bee 20% off One Day Only

Shop in-store or online and receive 20% off your total purchase, plusreceive an entry for you and a friend for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Use code KINDNESS20.

❤ Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.: Wool Mat Class at the Village Quilt Shoppe

Village Quilt Shoppe offers another fun event: wool mat. Are you new to working with wool applique or do you need to refine your skills. If yes, then this class is for you. Call 585-626-6916 to sign up!

❤ Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m.: Live music at Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar

There’s always great food, good drink, super atmosphere and lots of friends at Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar, 42 East Main St. And on Thursday nights, that also includes live music. Tonight, enjoy pop, folk, oldies and contemporary tunes with the occasional Irish twist, served up by Sean Rosenberry.

❤ Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Barry’s Old School Irish St. Practice Day

Join the gang at Barry’s for beer, reps from Guinness, Irish music, good food and great friends. Check out the details here.

❤ Feb. 19, 9 p.m.: State Line at The Coach Sports Bar

State Line is a modern country cover band from Rochester. Visit The Coach website or call 585-872-2910.

❤ Also, all month you’ll find specials at Finn’s Garage (to benefit Heritage Christian Stables), Savage Chef, Professional Nutrition Services, Webster Eyecare Associates, Nut & Bolt Tattoo, Orville’s Home Appliances, Performance Hobbies, Nest Things and Webster Interiors.

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More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.

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

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We should all celebrate this holiday

10 Feb

In the great jumble of random, nonsense holidays that have cropped up over the years (did you forget to celebrate National Science Fiction Day on Jan. 2?), there is one that I think deserves some notice.

Next Thursday is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It originated in Denver, Colorado in 1995, and is celebrated every year on Feb. 17. The idea behind the “holiday” is to make the world a little brighter through simple, unexpected, kind gestures, words and actions. There’s even a Random Acts of Kindness foundation, which celebrates the event for an entire week.

Goodness knows, right now this world needs more kindness. So today I’d like to challenge my readers to follow the official foundation’s lead: next week, at least once a day, do some random act of kindness.

What you do doesn’t have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as telling that teenager with the blue hair that you really like the color. Or helping an elderly couple put their groceries in the car. Or putting a loving note in your child’s backpack. Every day we encounter dozens of opportunities like these to make someone’s day a bit brighter. All we have to do is notice them, then DO something with them.

As part of the Village of Webster’s month-long Fall in Love With Webster celebration, Kittelberger Florist has come up with a very special act of kindness. They’re providing bouquets of flowers to any village businessowner who wants one. Then, on Thursday, those merchants will hand individual flowers out randomly to customers who enter their shops.

What a great way to spread kindness throughout the entire community.

Need some ideas on what you can do to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Week? You can ask Google for ideas, or click here for a .pdf listing … well, a LOT of suggestions. You can take notes or print the entire list to post on the fridge.

I’d love to hear how you helped spread kindness next week. Drop me an email!

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

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There when you need it: the Medical Equipment Loan Closet

9 Feb

When accidents happen, or perhaps your elderly parent needs a wheelchair, fate doesn’t ask if you have insurance to cover the cost of renting or buying rehabilitative equipment. That’s where the Medical Equipment Loan Closet come in.

The Loan Closet is located at 979 Bay Rd. in the Damascus Shrine Center, where it rents space from the Shriners. Executive Director James Clancy and Loan Closet Coordinator Michelle Lyons staff the closet every weekday from 9 to noon, managing the loan of hundreds of pieces of medical equipment, large and small.

I found out about the Loan Closet when Michelle posted something about it on a local Facebook page. Apparently not a lot of people know about it, so she was trying to spread the word. That’s how I found out about it, and when I stopped in the other day, I was amazed by both the volume of equipment they offer, and the fact that it’s all loaned out for FREE.

Well, let me clarify that a bit. The larger items, like wheelchairs, knee walkers and rollators require a $25 deposit, which is returned when the equipment is returned. But everything else, like crutches, shower chairs, quad canes and so much more … all you gotta do is ask.

The Medical Equipment Loan Closet has been serving the Webster community from its current location since 2003. For a while, it was running concurrently with a loan closet hosted by the Webster Community Chest. But that one closed several years ago, leaving the Damascus Shrine-based location the only one in town.

Here’s a partial list of the items the Loan Closet can provide. Loans are for four months. If there’s something you need that’s NOT here, simply give them a call and ask, because there’s a good chance they have one.

  • wheelchairs
  • knee walkers
  • walkers
  • rollaters
  • quad canes
  • shower chairs
  • commodes
  • crutches
  • transfer benches
  • sock aids, grabbers and leg lifts
  • tub clamp bars and shower bars

They don’t, however, have any beds or electric equipment. There’s just no room for those.

The Medical Equipment Loan Closet runs completely on donations, mostly from community members. They take donations of equipment and supplies (in good shape, please) but are always grateful for cash donations as well to help cover their overhead and to purchase new equipment. All equipment donations are washed and sanitized on-site.

Michelle told me that her Facebook post has gotten a lot of attention, and they’ve begun to get more calls. But this is something that EVERYBODY needs to know about. Certainly there are a lot more people out there who could use its services. The Medical Equipment Loan Closet is a hidden resource that’s been serving the Webster community for 19 years. It’s about time it came out of hiding.

The Loan Closet is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd. For more information about their services, give them a call at (585) 671-9730.

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

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Fall in love with Webster! (Week 2)

5 Feb

The Village of Webster’s Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration has begun! All month, residents and visitors will enjoy merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.

The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back this weekend to see what’s scheduled for week 3. And for a whole list of the month’s events, visit the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page.

All month:

❤ The Village of Webster is inviting everyone to be an old-fashioned “secret admirer” anytime during the month. You could send flowers to someone, or just pay it forward at the drive through. It’s all about thoughtfulness. Have fun!

❤ NEJFD Boot Drive

Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive. All month, Barry’s Old School Irish and Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s) will each have a real firefighter’s boot to accept your donations. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care.

❤ Gleason Orthodontics Girl Scout Cookies for veterans

Gleason Orthodontics wants to buy Girl Scout cookies and donate them to veterans. If your daughter is selling cookies, or you know someone who is, call Gleason Orthodontics at (585) 872-3355 to let them know you’d like to participate.

❤ Sunday Feb. 6: Webster was “born”

On February 6, 1840, Governor William Seward announced the birth of Webster, New York. Originally part of North Penfield, land was split off to create the new town. Almost 2,500 residents inhabited the new town. The first town meeting was held at John Lett’s tavern, about 3/4 mile south of the present village. Click here to read more cool trivia about this great place we call Webster. Webster!

❤ All week: Valentine’s cards for Maplewood residents

The folks at Gleason Orthodontics are making cards to deliver to the residents at The Maplewood. If you and your family would like to donate some of your own feel free to drop them off any weekday this week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gleason Orthodontics is located at 246 South Ave.

❤ Feb. 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day

On February 7, help celebrate National Send a Card to a Friend Day! Check out this link for a little history and some ideas of what to do.  

❤ All week: Yarn sale at Village HandWorks

All this week, all red and pink yarns will be 20% off at Village HandWorks. Plus, select Artisan crafted goods and gifts are 10% off! Visit the website or call 585-236-1135 for more information.

❤ All week: Blind Date With a Book Sale at Yesterday’s Muse

This sounds like a lot of fun. Customers pay $5 to buy a mystery book wrapped in plain brown paper with a genre and description written on the outside. It’s a fun and romantic way to share some love, read a book, and make some February memories all the while supporting a local merchant. Find your mystery date at Yesterday’s Muse.

❤ Feb. 7 to 8: $10 pizza special at The Coach Sports Bar

Call 585-872-2910 to place your order or stop in! The Coach makes dough from scratch daily with the freshest toppings.

❤ Feb. 8, 7 p.m.: Live Practice Session: Chorus of the Genesee

The Chorus sings four-part “a cappella” music, specializing in barbershop harmony, an original American art form. Click here to find out more about the Chorus of the Genesee and how you can get involved.  

❤ Feb. 8, 1 p.m.: Sew Speedy at the Village Quilt Shoppe

Do you enjoy paper piecing, but not enough for a full project? Looking to practice paper piecing, along with some “regular” piecing? Here’s Sew Speedy! Though the original pattern finishes at 32” square, you can play with the components to make it any size you wish. Sew Speedy is perfect for those who have had some practice with paper piecing. Call 585-626-6916 to register!

❤ Feb. 9: National Pizza Day at Carl’s Pizza Kitchen

The world has spoken and declared this day as National Pizza Day! Carl’s Pizza Kitchen has put together a sweetHEART offer for this day: One topping, heart-shaped pies! Large 20″ for $19.99, or a medium for $14.99. Click here for some fun facts about this fun holiday.

❤ Feb. 10: Thirsty Thursday at Roc Style Chicken and Burger

Join the gang at Roc Style Chicken and Burger for a Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off beer and wine drinks all day. Grab your favorite beverage and pair it with a delicious sandwich or burger topped with one of Roc Style’s amazing choice of tasty sauces. Check out their website for a preview of their menu and plan your visit. Call 585-236-1902 if you have any questions.

❤ Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m.: DK Dance Fairytale Ball

A one-day event sponsored by DK Dance. All princes and princesses ages 3-10 are invited to the ball to get dressed up and dance. Click here to register.

❤ Feb. 11, 6 p.m.: Get Your Glow On at Webster Parks & Rec

An evening of family-friendly games and dancing. Wear your neon and glow gear. It’s free for everyone, and npo registration is required. More information here.

❤ Feb. 12, 11 a.m.: Serenity Life Counseling Services Virtual Class: Love Yourself Therapy Group

Join us for a free virtual art therapy experience, appropriate for all ages, families, couples or individuals (adult help will be needed for the “littles”). Art materials are provided. Click here to register.    

❤ Feb. 12, 9 p.m.: 6 Feet Apart and the Super Spreader Horns at The Coach

Live dance, funk, rock and soul music. Visit The Coach website or call 585-872-2910 with any questions.

❤ Feb. 12 and 13: Share the Love free dance classes at Roc Dance

Saturday, Sunday and all next week take advantage of free dance classes at Roc Dance in the village. Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hop hop and acro are for kids ages 2 and up, and there’s even a Mommy and Me class. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 13, 9 a.m.: Football and Fitness Fun at Webster Parks & Recreation

Start out Super Bowl Sunday with some new friends and a great workout at the Football and Fitness Fun exercise class. Earn raffle entries for cool prizes just by showing up in a football jersey or team colors. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.: Filling Station Pub & Grill Customer Appreciation Day

In honor of The Filling Station’s 4th anniversary, there will be free giveaways during the Super Bowl. Click here for more information.

❤ Also, all month you’ll find specials at Finn’s Garage (to benefit Heritage Christian Stables), Savage Chef, Professional Nutrition Services, Webster Eyecare Associates, Nest Things, Nut & Bolt Tattoo, Performance Hobbies and Webster Interiors.

❤ And don’t forget about the trivia challenge. Look for a trivia question and answer in the window of each participating store, write down the answer and bring them all to Barry’s Old School Irish on Feb. 23 for the weekly trivia contest. The week’s theme? WEBSTER! The questions will be based on all the trivia posted around town.

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More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.

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

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Fall in love with Webster, starting Tuesday!

30 Jan

The Village of Webster’s exciting Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration begins Tuesday, Feb.1, featuring four weeks of merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.

Almost three dozen business owners are participating, offering discounts or hosting special events pretty much every day of the week (or all month), with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. Village Hall has even gotten into the act, hanging heart-emblazoned banners along the light poles on Main Street.

There’s even a trivia challenge. Each of the participating businesses will be placing a trivia fact about their business or product in their front window. Your challenge is to collect all the trivia answers and on Wednesday Feb. 23, bring them to Barry’s Old School Irish for the weekly trivia contest. The week’s theme? WEBSTER! The questions will be based on all the trivia posted around town.

The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back this weekend to see what’s scheduled for week 2, and get ready to Fall in Love With Webster!

❤ All month: Thinking of Others: Be Someone’s Secret Admirer!

The Village of Webster is inviting everyone to be an old-fashioned “secret admirer” anytime during the month. You could send flowers to someone, or just pay it forward at the drive through. It’s all about thoughtfulness. Have fun!

❤ NEjFD Boot Drive

Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive. All month, Barry’s Old School Irish and Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s) will each have a real firefighter’s boot to accept your donations. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care. 

❤ Feb. 1, 7 p.m.: Live Practice Session: Chorus of the Genesee

The Chorus sings four-part “a cappella” music, specializing in barbershop harmony, an original American art form. Click here to find out more about the Chorus of the Genesee and how you can get involved.  

❤ Feb. 1: $.75 wings all day at The Coach Sports Bar

Call 585-872-2910 or stop by. Every Tuesday enjoy $.75 chicken wings! Click here to visit The Coach website.

❤ All week (beginning Feb. 2): Yarn sale at Village HandWorks

All red and pink yarns at Village HandWorks will be 20% off. Plus, select artisan-crafted goods and gifts, all 10% off. Visit the Village HandWorks website or call 585-236-1135 for more information.

❤ Feb. 2: National Groundhog Day 

There’s more to this fun day than a groundhog seeing his shadow or not! Check out this page and have some fun…no matter what Phil says! Watching Groundhog Day with Bill Murray has also become a fun tradition on this day! Also, there are many videos, music and activities, even FOOD surrounding this day!

❤ Feb. 2: Carl’s Pizza Colossal Calzone and Pizza Deal 

Carl’s is offering a sweetheart of a deal today: a colossal calzone for just $12.99. It comes with choice of two toppings, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and two sides of sauce. Orm get a 14“ medium, one-topping pizza for $13.99. Click here to see Carl’s menu for more options.

❤ Feb. 3, 7 p.m.: Bling a Picture at Crafty Christie’s Boutique

Create something amazing with Christy! She’ll provide the picture frames and scrap materials to create your own masterpiece, or bring your own favorite treasure and make it even more amazing! These classes fill up quickly so call 585-236-1131 or reach out through her website. 

❤ Feb 4.: National Wear Red Day: On this day in February, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. Click here to learn more about this special day and share with friends and family.  

❤ Feb. 4: Burke’s National Wear Red Day “Famous Burger” special

In honor of National Wear Red Day, Burke’s Grill will take $1 off their famous burgers for everyone who comes in wearing something red. Find out more about Burke’s Grill here.   

❤ Feb. 4 to 6: Stella York Trunk Show at Heart to Heart Bride

Heart to Heart Bride’s next Stella York Trunk Show will be Feb. 4 to 6. Check the website for the styles that will be there for that weekend only or call 585-872-9696.

❤ Feb. 5, 1 p.m: Pre-Superbowl hors d’oeuvres tasting with Ohhh, Lordee Everything Sauces

Having a Superbowl party? Looking for something new? Check out this event and stop in to taste these great local sauces! Laurie is serving hors d’oeuvres using her famous sauce. Check the Ohhhlordee Facebook page for more details.

❤ Also, all month you’ll find specials at Finn’s Garage (to benefit Heritage Christian Stables), Savage Chef, Professional Nutrition Services, Webster Eyecare Associates, Nut & Bolt Tattoo, Nest Things and Webster Interiors.

❤ ❤ ❤

More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day. 

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

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Chamber recognizes Denise Baller as Business Person of the Year

29 Jan

Congratulations to Denise Baller, the high-spirited, fun-loving owner/operator of Dancing With Denise, for receiving this year’s Webster Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award.

Denise was honored at the recent Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting. The award recognized Dancing With Denise’s 37-year history in Webster, and Denise’s long-standing commitment to the Webster community. (The list of community service projects which she submitted as part of her nomination form filled a full two pages.)

I can personally attest to that commitment. I’ve featured Denise and her dancers several times in my blog, like when they’ve participated in community events, danced outside the windows at Maplewood Nursing Home, donated money to Bella’s Bumbas, and more.

True to her nature, Denise deflected much of the credit for the award to others in her life, including her husband Bill who found their building and turned it into a “castle”; her parents — “Miss Tina” and Frank — who taught her to work hard and persevere; and of course her dance families.

“I was also excited to use this as a teachable moment for my twins as well as all of my students,” she added, “to always reach for your star.”

Believe it or not, the day got even better for Denise. Immediately after the meeting, she headed over to Penfield Place Senior Living, where she shared the award with her former dance teacher, Joan Grabell Brown.

She wrote,

When the pandemic began, I used to go to see (Miss Joan) by doing window visits. I hadn’t see her since the fall, although I thought of her often. So today I decided to thank HER and show her what I had accomplished. …

It was so wonderful to see her in person and show her the honor I had received and to say thank you. I told her I wouldn’t be “Miss Denise” unless she was “Miss Joan”. I then proceeded to tell how she had inspired me through her own philosophy of teaching dance and that I was so grateful to be able to share this special moment with her. She has Alzheimer’s and every time I go to see her, I often wonder if she is going to remember me. But she does and today was super special because she was proud of me.

On a heartwarming side note, Denise met the facility’s activities director when she was there, who invited her to come back every week to teach a dance class with the residents.

“I am so happy to spread my love to them on a weekly basis, especially to ‘Miss Joan’, who I know is going to be my star student. The circle of life… it’s a beautiful thing.”

All in all, it was pretty much a perfect day.

… a special day I’ll always remember, because I received (the award) and circled it back to the person who instilled in me my love for dance and the ability to share the simplicity of creating an environment where (every dancer) feels like a prince or princess.

Dancing With Denise is located at 1077 Gravel Rd. in West Webster.

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

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New month-long event encourages everyone to “Fall in Love With Webster”

26 Jan

We all know there’s a lot to love about the Village of Webster, but next month there’s going to be dozens of reasons to fall in love again.

Beginning Tuesday Feb. 1, the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) will host a month-long “Fall in Love With Webster” community celebration, a brand-new event highlighting all of the businesses and activities that our village offers.

The celebration is being organized by Lisa Schlonski, owner of Lala Gift Shop on East Main St., and her able assistant Jody Laurer. The idea actually came from Jody’s daughter Maddie. She’d recently visited small-town Ridgefield, CT, which held a “Fall in Love With Ridgefield” event in October. “It’s a little village like Webster,” Jody remembered her daughter saying, adding that it would be fun to do something similar here.

So she and Lisa got out their calendars and started planning. February, the month of Valentines and sweethearts, seemed perfect. It also helps that the month holds other quasi-holidays they could incorporate, like Groundhog Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day.

What they’ve put together is an entire month of merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love. There’s even trivia (read more about that challenge at the end of the blog). Almost three dozen business owners are participating; many of them will be decorating their windows, and even Village Hall has gotten into the act, hanging heart-emblazoned banners along the light poles on Main Street.

The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.

Details are still being finalized and new events are being added every day, but following are some highlights from JUST THE FIRST WEEK. Click on the hyperlinks for more information, and make sure to “like” the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page for a complete list (It’s updated regularly!)

Finally, let me tell you about the trivia challenge! Each of the participating businesses will be placing a trivia fact about their business or product in their front window. Your challenge is to collect all the trivia answers and on Wednesday Feb. 23, bring them to Barry’s Old School Irish for the weekly trivia contest. The week’s theme? WEBSTER! The questions will be based on all the trivia posted around town.

Remember to “like” the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page for the latest updates on all of the 50 or more events scheduled throughout the month. Then get ready to … fall in love with Webster.

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

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Webster community mailbag

19 Jan

I ripped many of these items from the Town of Webster’s weekly newsletter. If you don’t get this emailed to you or check it out on the website regularly, you might want to to that, because it’s always packed with great information.

Try a winter hike

Winter is one of the most beautiful times of year to take a hike. The Friends of Webster Trails got you covered.

The Friends’ first hike of the year will take place this coming Saturday Jan. 22, at 9 a.m. at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. It will be about 3 miles long and is rated “moderate,” with some rolling hills. You’ll want to RSVP by signing up for the Meetup.com event, so you can get more details and updates. It will be held in snow, rain or shine, so make sure to dress appropriately!

P.S. The hike is absolutely free.

What events would you like to see in the village?

You know the Webster Business Improvement District … or at least you know their events. This is the group behind a lot of the special events we have here in the Village of Webster, including the Trick or Treat Trail, Wine Walks and Family Game Nights. It’s an organization comprised of village business owners, dedicated to promoting village businesses.

If you’re a village resident or business owner, would like to find out more about the BID and perhaps put in your two cents about the events you’ve seen or would like to see, here’s your chance: the first BID meeting of the year will be held Monday Jan. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webster Interiors, 975 Ebner Drive.

The meeting will be more a social gathering than anything else. It’s a great chance for village residents and business owners to get to know more about the organization and exchange ideas on how best to help promote village businesses. Food and drink will be provided.

And … here’s a teaser … I know that the BID will be announcing a really neat new event at this meeting, so it will be a great one to attend!

Please RSVP by Friday Jan. 21, by emailing info@websterbid.com. And if you’d like to find out more about the BID visit www.websterbid.com.

Grab your sweetheart and dance the night away

Challenger Miracle Field is hosting “A Night to Shine” Valentine’s Prom for children and adults with special needs on Friday Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. It’s a chance to gather with old friends and meet new ones. Singles and couples are welcome.

Suggested donation is $20 and includes a buffet dinner, dancing, a photo booth and more. Registration is required by Feb. 1. Click here for more information and to register.

When will more test kits be distributed?

Yes, the Town of Webster will be distributing more COVID tests kits, but they don’t know when.

A new supply is expected, but there are no specifics right now as to when that might be or how many the town will be getting. You can sign up for Town of Webster email alerts here to stay up to date.

Remember, however, that as of yesterday, every household in the U.S. can order 4 FREE tests from the government, delivered in the mail. Here’s the link to sign up.

A reminder from the Town

Finally, some important things to remember now that we have a lot of snow on the ground:

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

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Happy news from the Webster BID

14 Jan

You might think that when the Village’s Business Improvement District holds special events like the Wine Walk and Beer Walk, it’s all just for fun and games.

There’s a lot of fun involved, definitely. But rest assured, the money that you’re plunking down for these events is always earmarked for donation to a local charitable organization. There’s just not a whole lot of hoopla when the check is handed over.

That was not the case on Thursday, however, when Mike Grenier, president of the Webster Community Chest, received a very large (literally) check for $900, representing the proceeds from the BID’s first-ever “Hops and Stops” Beer Walk held at the end of November. (It was a terrific event; you can read about it in my blog here.)

Grenier was presented the check by Kevin Finn (of Finn’s Garage) and Laurie Read (of Woodland Silkscreen & Embroidery).

Based on the event’s success, organizers are planning a second Hops & Stops later this year. They’re looking at maybe doing it a little earlier, however, like during October. Perhaps they can combine it with the village’s Oktoberfest?

What events would you like to see in the village?

The BID, which put on the Beer Walk, is the group behind a lot of the special events we have here in the Village of Webster, including the Trick or Treat Trail, Wine Walks and Family Game Nights. It’s an organization comprised of Village of Webster business owners, and dedicated to promoting village businesses.

If you’re a village resident or business owner, would like to find out more about the BID and perhaps put in your two cents about the events you’ve seen or would like to see, here’s your chance: the first BID meeting of the year will be held Monday Jan. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Webster Interiors, 975 Ebner Drive.

The meeting will be more a social gathering than anything else. It’s a great chance for village residents and business owners to get to know more about the organization and exchange ideas on how best to help promote village businesses. Food and drink will be provided.

Please RSVP by Friday Jan. 21, by emailing info@websterbid.com. And if you’d like to find out more about the BID visit www.websterbid.com.

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

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Looking back at the year in blogs

31 Dec

As another challenging year comes to a close, I took a moment the other day to look back through all the blogs I wrote in 2021. It was a fun tour and I was a little surprised by the sheer number: 248. I really thought there’d be fewer than that, given that we were still dealing with the pandemic, schools were still ratcheting up from remote learning and many regularly-scheduled special events were scaled back or postponed entirely.

But it turns out I still had a lot to write about. For that matter, the largest percentage of those blogs were about special events that continued to be held despite COVID, or returned this year after being put on hold in 2020. They included Village events like the Trick-or-Treat Trail, White Christmas, the Family Games nights, Beer Walk, and the holiday summer parade. But several other Webster events also got my attention, including the St. Rita Fiesta, Waterfront Art Festival and the XRX Radio Club Field Day.

I wrote a lot about businesses, especially highlighting the new ones that opened this year despite the pandemic. And there were several of them: Whimsies, Crafty Christy’s Boutique, Village HandWorks, Cobblestone on Main, Polar Freeze, To the Core Pilates and Nourished. I wrote about the new owners at Diamond Collsion, yoga classes at Welch’s Greenhouses and anniversary parties at my two favorite pubs, Barry’s and Knucklehead. I lamented the passing of The Music Store, and explored a long-time village business, Village Mall Video, for the first time.

I spread positive news from our schools about the Webster Marching Band’s Autumn Fanfare and State Championship; the schools’ musicals and dramas, Plank North and Schlegel Elementary Schools’ Tour Around the Lakes; and the creative ways the PTSA found to help the Class of 2021 feel special.

I highlighted local organizations that create the fabric of our community (most of them several times), including the Chorus of the Genesee, Webster Museum, Webster Public Library, Friends of Webster Trails, Miracle Field, the Webster Theater Guild and Bella’s Bumbas.

Then there were all those blogs which I can only characterize as snippets from small-town life, the kinds of simple things and wonderful people that make living in Webster special.

I shared photos of many of our village’s beautiful gardens, charming village porches and Christmas decorations. I told stories about neighbors helping neighbors: the Curtice Park homeowner who hosted a COVID-friendly Easter scavenger hunt for kids; a porch concert on Park Ave.; and the kind person who’s created a wild animal sanctuary on the Hojack Trail. I especially liked giving shout-outs to kids doing great things, like the young artists who created a chalk garden on Baker Street, and the six-year old who sold lemonade on South Ave. to benefit St. Jude’s.

I’ve met many wonderful people through this blog, and shared many of their stories with you. Like “Webster’s Mrs. Claus,” Florence Kinney; Brandon Schafer, the “North Ave. Artist”; and the new director of the Webster Library, Adam Traub.

Finally, I shared some personal stories, and wrote others just for fun (like the recent one about the hit-and-run at the Irondequoit Rec Center).

I got a proclamation for outstanding community service from the Town of Webster in August, and displayed many of my blog photos at the Webster Public Library. I shared both of those accomplishments with you all. I introduced a new website, Afterthoughts, and a few enhancements to my Webster on the Web site, links to local services and a village directory.

And finally, there were the mysteries you worked through with me: Who lost that GoPro in the lake? Who WAS James Carnavale? Who was that man who painted the Holt Rd. sign?

Whew.

I know a lot of you are still reading this blog, three or more page scrolls down from where it began. I know that because you are the folks who’ve been with me all year.

You’re the reason I write this blog. Because even though I enjoy doing this, it would get pretty old if I thought my words weren’t making a difference.

So thank you all for being faithful readers. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful 2022, and I look forward to continuing to spread good news from our hometown.

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

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