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“Letters From Home” initiative needs our help

18 Jan

There’s a great new initiative in the works to bring some joy to our local service members stationed abroad. It’s called “Mail Call — Letters From Home,” and its goal is ambitious: to collect 1,000 cards and letters from Webster community members to be sent to our local service members deployed overseas.

The program’s details are still being sketched out, but the general idea will involve placing “mail boxes” in businesses and agencies throughout the community, where people can deposit cards, letters and notes for the troops. Plans are to collect the letters in April, and then include them in care packages the Blue Star Mothers will be sending overseas in June.

But before all that can happen, the program’s organizers need our help. To make it easier for people to participate, organizers would like to place blank cards and note paper near the mail boxes at different locations throughout town. So, if you have a moment, check in your basement or attic or junk drawers to see if you have any cards or paper you could donate for the cause. Generic cards and note pads that are not too flowery, and don’t have specific messages like “happy birthday” would be best. And NO ENVELOPES ARE NEEDED. They just add bulk and weight to the care packages.

The care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers have all sorts of goodies in them, from candy and cookies to hot chocolate and socks. But more than anything else in those packages, the service members love the cards and letters. It’s a simple thing, but it goes a long way to assure these brave men and women that we are thinking about them.

More to come about this great project. But in the meantime, if you have any cards or blank note paper you can donate (remember, no envelopes), drop me an email at missyblog@gmail.com and we’ll make arrangements to pick them up.

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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 1/18/2025)

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Generous community members give First Responders Park an upgrade

7 Jan

I’d like to take a break today from the wintry weather and frigid temperatures outside to share a story from last summer’s warmer months.

It comes from the Webster Recreation Center, and specifically the First Responders Spray Park, the very popular summertime splash area just to the west of the Rec on Chiyoda Dr. Earlier this summer, some of the water elements struggled a bit to turn on. I noticed that once when I was over there, but there wasn’t much I could do about it but notify the folks at the Rec Center’s front desk.

But turns out, John Link COULD do something about it.

Here’s the story, pulled straight from the Webster Recreation Center’s December newsletter.

First Responders Playground gets an upgrade thanks to some giving citizens in our Webster Community!

It was sometime this past August when temperatures were high, and families were looking to cool off. John Link happened to be at First Responders Spray Park with his grandchildren. He noticed some water features were not operational and notified the department. In his email, he shared that he had knowledge of control systems and if we needed a hand, he would be happy to help out. Soon after receiving his note, the aging spray park control system went completely inoperable with an extremely expensive fix needed. It seemed only appropriate to reach out to John (and his friend Ed) who were happy to take on the project…pro bono!!!

John Link spent 40 years working at the Wegmans distribution centers and was the manager of the automation group. John spent 30 years as an adjunct professor in the Rochester Institute of Technology Electrical Engineering Technology program.

Ed Ellingsworth was the technician group supervisor and a software engineer at Wegmans and came from Kraft Foods, where he was responsible for the packaging and distribution systems. Ed also served in the Air Force and was supervisor for maintenance on jet aircraft electrical systems including F4 Phantoms.

Together, they were able to design and build a control panel and create software to work with our new irrigation controller. Alongside Scott Todd of Innovative Irrigation, they were able to combine their expertise and provide a new system for the First Responders Spray Park. This collaborative effort saved the Town several thousands of dollars and created a system that is not only functional but also improves the overall efficiency of the system! THANK YOU to everyone involved!

By the way, if you haven’t started receiving the Webster Recreation Center newsletter yet, here’s where you can see past editions and sign up. There’s lots of great information in there even if you aren’t a member.

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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 1/7/2025)

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Webster Village Runners turned out in force for the It’s a Wonderful Run

15 Dec

Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, nor biting cold will keep the Webster Village Runners from enjoying a fun wintry run together, and Saturday afternoon was no exception.

Nineteen of us from the Village Runners (including significant others) made the hour-long trek to Seneca Falls that afternoon to take part in the annual It’s a Wonderful Run 5K. It was the largest group we’ve ever had participate (so many that 12 of us even rented a van). Several of these friends were first-timers, who decided to attend because I regularly talk about how much fun it is. It always draws thousands of runners (this year the total was 4,800), and almost everyone dresses up in holiday attire, including bells, Santa hats, elf costumes and Christmas lights. I saw people dressed as Christmas trees and snowmen, the Grinch and a Yeti, a turkey, some Cindy Lu Whos and candy canes, and lots of tutus. Everyone at this race is in a jolly mood and more than happy to step in to take a picture of your whole group if you ask. And there was a lot of that.

And this is also a must-do event for any fan of the Jimmy Stewart classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s generally accepted that Frank Capra based his movie on the charming little village. There’s an It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, and the race actually begins on the bridge believed to be the inspiration for the one in the movie — plus, 84-year old Karolyn Grimes herself (who played Zuzu) starts the race by announcing the famous line, “Every time a bell rings, a angel gets his wings.”

True to its name, the It’s a Wonderful Run is more a run (or walk) than a race. For sure there are many runners who wiggle to the front of the pack to do their 4-minute miles, but many more thousands of us are content to walk most of the route, to experience everything there is to see and do along the way.

Seneca Falls village residents come out in force for this event. They set up fire pits and ring cow bells and give high-fives to all the runners. They hand out Fireball shots, vodka shots, whiskey shots, daquiri shots pudding and Jello shots. They hand out full cans of beer and hard seltzer, and mini bottles of Fireball. At one house, they were grilling hot dogs and handing them to the runners. At another, they were cooking up marshmallows or handing out fudge, cheese and crackers and chips and salsa. All through the beautiful little village, the houses are ablaze with Christmas lights and Christmas music blares from the porches.

So there’s not a whole lot of running involved; there is a lot of stopping and sampling the treats and taking photos of the beautifully decorated homes along the route. But this is not a race for time. This is a run for fun.

If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the event, click here for a gallery. I tried to capture some of the more outlandish costumes, and the sense of community generated by Seneca Falls as we all celebrate one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

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

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

(posted 12/15/2024)

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Webster Chamber of Commerce helps Webster NY HOPE help our neighbors

14 Dec

We all already know what an incredibly kind and giving community Webster is, especially during the holiday season.

A perfect example of that giving spirit was in full evidence on Thursday afternoon when the Webster Chamber of Commerce delivered more five than fully stuffed boxes and bags of hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers and more to Webster NY HOPE for distribution to our neighbors in need.

Some of the hundreds of donated items

The Chamber has been collecting the items since October. Members were encouraged to bring items to the monthly breakfast meetings and Eat, Drink and Connect networking events, or deposit them in the collection box at the Chamber offices on Crosspointe Lane.

In just that short time, the Chamber managed to collect almost 500 pieces of winter wear, including 195 pairs of socks, 115 children’s and adults’ hats, 35 neck warmers, 113 pairs of kids’ gloves and mittens, 24 pairs of adult gloves, plus five hat and gloves sets, and more. On Thursday afternoon Chamber President Barry Howard and Administrative Assistant Barbara Baldwin dropped them all off to very grateful staff members at Webster NY HOPE.

The donations will also be greatly appreciated by our Webster neighbors in need.

“We have 600 people signed up for our Christmas program this year,” Hope Director Margery Morgan said. “There’s a big need in Webster.”

Howard agreed. “We know that this is Webster, but you have to understand, we have a lot of people in need, even in Webster. We have a lot of people that go hungry, a lot of people who don’t have clothing, a lot of people who don’t have adequate housing. We have too much of that.”

Click here to find out how you can help Webster NY HOPE make this year’s holiday season a happy one for our neighbors in need.

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

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

(posted 12/14/2024)

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Geva’s A Christmas Carol cast includes two Webster students

10 Nov

If you attend Geva Theatre’s annual production of A Christmas Carol this holiday season, you might just recognize one of the young cast members.

Two young Webster actors — Reid Antal, a 7th grade student at Willink Middle School, and Adriana Ruya Venable, a 5th grader at Plank Rd. South Elementary School, have been cast as young Tim Cratchit in Geva’s A Christmas Carol (since there are so many shows, all the children’s roles are double cast).

Reid Antal
Adriana Ruya Venable

You probably know the story, but here’s a summary from Geva’s press release:

Based on the classic by Charles Dickens, this adaptation begins with a wish made by young Tim Cratchit. Over the course of one night, notorious grump Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, but will their intervention prompt him to change his “humbug” ways? Filled with humor, heart, hope – and a little bit of horror – A Christmas Carol reminds us that it is never too late to have a change of heart. The production is directed by Geva’s Artistic Director Elizabeth Williamson.

Over the past four decades the company has presented three different adaptations and is thrilled to share this World Premiere from Harrison David Rivers, who wrote this adaptation in collaboration with Dramaturg Sally Lobel. This new production features period costumes by Costume Designer Ilona Somogyi, whose costumes Geva audiences will remember from Jane Eyre, a mixture of traditional carols, and a brand new set inspired by Victorian London by Scenic Designer Se Hyun Oh.

Geva’s A Christmas Carol will be presented from Nov. 23 through Dec. 29 on the Wilson Stage, 75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester. Tickets can be purchased online here, by calling 585-232-GEVA (4382), or by stopping by the box office in person.

Geva will also present a free performance of A Christmas Carol, called “Home for the Holidays.” on December 26 at 7 p.m. Blue Star Families, who are active-duty servicemen and women, veterans, and their families.

Congratulations to Reid and Adriana. You make Webster proud.

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

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

(posted 11/10/2024)

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Yarn artists needed!

1 Nov

You’ve read before here in my blog about the terrific community collaboration among Webster Community Chest, Webster Hope and Gathering Place Webster.

Their goal is to hold a food distribution event four times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and sometime during the summer. With the community’s support, these regular distributions will really help our Webster neighbors who face food insecurity every day.

The agencies are gearing up right now for their upcoming holiday season distributions, and they’d like to include a few extra helpful items in addition to the seasonal meal items.  

Among those items are hand-crafted cotton washcloths. Tracy Dennis from Webster Community Chest explained,

When the pandemic first hit, paper towels were hard to come by so my Mom and I started making these washcloths to use instead of paper towels: to wipe the counters, etc.  They work great, are washable and are super easy to make!  This seemed like a perfect addition to our distributions and the local yarn artists have taken on the challenge.

The first call to crafters went out a few weeks ago, and the yarn artists have come through big time. Tracy says they’re calling them the “Webster Yarn Artist Army,” and if you like to knit or crochet, you are officially invited to join them.

The washcloths are really easy to make (see some instructions and tips below). And what a great way to put a personal, homemade touch in the meal packages.

The coalition will be collecting the washcloths year-round and hope to include them in every food distribution they organize, so they can never have too many! You can drop off your creations at Webster Hope during open hours, or in the donation drops at the Webster Public Library for both Webster Hope and Webster Community Chest. Or you can email Webster Community Chest at webcommchest@gmail.com or call them at 585-671-2060 to arrange for pick up or drop off.

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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 10/31/2024)

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Webster resident Judy Braiman has dedicated her life to making our lives safer

7 Oct

We’re used to seeing this warning marked on toys: “Choking hazard. Not appropriate for children under 3 years.” We’re confident that the toys we buy don’t have lead paint or very sharp edges which can hurt our children. But what you might not know is that one of our very own Webster neighbors, Judy Braiman, is in large part responsible for those warnings originally being placed on toy packaging, and for millions of dangerous toys being recalled.

Judy Braiman is a long-time Rochester resident who now lives at the Cherry Ridge retirement community in Webster. She’s made a name for herself as a tireless consumer advocate, and in that role has testified in Congress numerous times, has worked with actress (and consumer advocate) Betty Furness, met George H.W. Bush and Senator Thomas Eagleton, received an award from Ronald Reagan, has been interviewed on every major network, co-authored Consumer Reports’ Toy Buying Guide, and was included in the book Soap Opera: the Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble by Alecia Swasy.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Judy a few weeks ago to hear more about the fascinating life she’s led and the way she’s changed our world.

How she happened upon her career as a consumer advocate is a pretty interesting story in itself.

In 1966, after the birth of her third child, Judy developed a severe cough and eventually was coughing up blood. After taking images of her lungs, doctors found 60 lesions in each one, which they diagnosed as cancer. They advised her to get her affairs in order because they did not expect her to survive.

But when doctors biopsied the lesions, they discovered that what they were seeing were not lesions, but boils. Her lungs were covered in boils, which doctors ultimately determined were caused by inhaling aerosol hairspray.

Following that experience, Judy was invited to testify in Congress about the dangers of aerosols. What would become a lifelong commitment to consumer advocacy had begun.

Judy’s annual Christmas-time hunt for unsafe toys began in 1971, and as her reputation as a consumer advocate grew, she began testifying more often at government hearings about product safety. In 1987, Consumer Reports asked her to work on their inaugural Toy Buying Guide. She and co-author Deborah Fineblum Raub examined 1,200 toys, rating each on the basis of play value, educational merit and durability; and value for the money. The book sold 73,000 copies.

But rooting out unsafe toys isn’t the only thing Judy is well known for. She was also the first person in the country to identify toxic shock syndrome, caused by Rely Tampons.

It was back in 1975 when she began to question Rely’s safety. The product was being test marketed in Rochester and she started getting calls from women who reported vomiting and diarrhea after using a free sample they got in the mail. Judy’s continued research and pressure on Proctor & Gamble ultimately helped lead to a total recall of the tampons, but not before at least 42 women died from using them.

These days, Judy is living a quieter life at Cherry Ridge, but still occasionally makes some waves if she sees something that needs fixing or upgrading. Because after all these years, there’s no way a dedicated consumer advocate will stop advocating.

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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 10/7/2024)

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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)

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OFC Creations’ The Boy From Oz features a young Webster actor

9 Sep

Webster theater fans who plan to attend OFC Creations’ upcoming production of The Boy From Oz (Sept. 12 to 29) might very well recognize one of the young actors: Cameron Korzinski, an 11-year old who hails form the west side of Webster.

The Boy From Oz is a tribute to the life of Oscar-winning Australian entertainer Peter Allen, from his early years in the Outback to his rise to fame in the 1980s. He’s best known for hits including “I Honestly Love You,” “Best That You Can Do,” “Not The Boy Next Door,” “Everything Old Is New Again,” and “I Go to Rio.” He gained fame despite struggling through divorce, failure, and the AIDS epidemic.

The show stars Blake McIver Ewing as Peter Allen and Marcia Mitzman Gavin as Judy Garland. Ewing is well known for playing Waldo in The Little Rascals and Derek in ABC’s Full House; and Gaven starred in the original Broadway cast of The Who’s Tommy.

Young Webster resident Cam Korzinski has a big role in the production, playing the part of young Peter Allen. And he’s definitely no stranger to the stage; The Boy From Oz is Cam’s 21st OFC production since he joined the studio in 2021, and his fourth professional show, which have also included Oliver, The Jolly Holiday Brunch at the Old Farm Café, and most recently, Billy Elliot, where he played the part of Billy’s best friend Michael. So he’s basically grown up doing OFC shows, kids programs and camps.

Cameron Korzinski and Jack Hartman
Cam and Jack with Boy From Oz headliner Blake McIver Ewing

Backing up Cameron as understudy is another young man who’s no stranger to the OFC stage. Jack Hartman, also 11 years old, comes from Rochester. He and Cameron have been pretty much attached at the hip at OFC Creations for the last 11 years. They met in late 2021 when both were working on Aladdin, and have been best-theater-buds ever since. The Boy From Oz will be the seventh production they’ve appeared in together, including Billy Elliot.

This time around, Cam and Jack are working alongside some pretty famous (and Tony Award-winning) stars, which clearly is a reality of theater life which they long ago learned to take in stride. When I sat down to talk with them, they both presented themselves with poise and confidence. They’re both just entering 6th grade this year, but are already thinking about their futures in theater — while still enjoying their time with OFC.

“I would like to go to college for theater and acting,” Cam said. “But I’m just letting life take me.”

Jack is a bit more laser-focused.

“I’ve been thinking (about this) for a long time,” he said. “I always wanted to go to college for this definitely … do a bunch of shows, try out for Broadway young.” He’s even planning to get an agent within a few years.

So keep an eye on these young actors, everyone, because you may very well see their names in lights someday. But in the meantime, make sure to get your tickets for The Boy From Oz to see them in action.

The Boy From Oz will take the stage for 17 shows from Sept. 12 through 29 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center, 3450 Winton Place, Rochester.

The show is the first of OFC’s 2024-2025 Broadway In Brighton Series. The series continues in October with West Side Story, and future productions include The Prince of Egypt, Gypsy, Anything Goes and Jersey Boys. (Heads-up: Jersey Boys will feature Schroeder grad Adam Marino in an unbelievable performance as Frankie Valli.)

Individual tickets are on sale now for all of the shows, and season packages are also available. Click here for more information.

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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 9/6/2024)

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Webster couple celebrates 70 years

7 Sep
Aug. 28, 1954
John and Bernadetts Stebler

These days, when it seems like marriages are more likely to end in divorce than last even a few years, it’s heartwarming to hear a story about a couple whose union has truly survived the test of time.

Long-time Webster residents John and Bernadette Stebler are one such couple. On August 28, they celebrated 70 years of marriage, a testament to a commitment they made when they were both barely out of high school.

John and Bernadette met in 1949, when they both lived in Irondequoit and were working at the former Point Pleasant Hotel. Bernadette, just 16 years old, was staying at the hotel and babysitting for her neighbors — the hotel’s owners — while they worked all summer. John, 18 years old, was working odd jobs.

They were immediately smitten. “I spotted her, and I wasn’t going to let that one get away,” John said. Bernadette added, “I thought he was so cute.”

Their first date was pretty romantic. “I owned 50% of a used canoe,” John remembered, and he took his new girlfriend out on Irondequoit Bay one evening. “The bay was quiet then,” John said, but Bernadette still had to be strapped in because she didn’t swim.

Apparently the bay wasn’t calm enough for Bernadette’s boss, however.

She remembered, “The owners of the hotel, my bosses, they had a fit because we went out there in that canoe. It was dark out and there were all these speedboats on the bay and they could have tipped us over. I could have drowned because I couldn’t swim.” 

The canoe trip was the first of many dates that would follow over the next few years. Then, in 1952, John was preparing to ship out to serve in the Korean War as a member of the Navy Reserve. But before he left, he gave Bernadette a ring.

“It was a smart move,” he said.

John was discharged two years later, in 1954, and married Bernadette that August, on her 21st birthday, at St. Ambrose Church in Irondequoit.

The young couple lived many more years in Irondequoit, where they raised their son Robert and two foster children, before moving to Webster in 1977. They joined the Knights of Columbus and Holy Trinity Church. John served as an usher, and Bernadette sang in the choir, also participating in two other German choirs, often traveling to Europe for performances.

The Steblers had to sell their Webster home recently, and both now live at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge. They live in separate buildings, but John makes a point to visit his wife every day. They celebrated their anniversary with a Mass at Cherry Ridge on Aug. 24, and another at Holy Trinity on Aug. 28.

I asked them if they could share any of their secrets for a long marriage.

“I never listen to him,” Bernadette immediately offered. “If he’s gonna tell me something important, I know he’ll tell me again. So I don’t listen. Because he never stops talking.”

“We’re old-fashioned married, for life,” John added. … “We still don’t agree on anything. I want my say but I have to admit … these darn women, they seem to know the right thing. So I like to have my say but I have to admit, she was right.”

Perhaps that, right there, is the best advice for a long marriage.

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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 9/7/2024)

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