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Webster community mailbag

4 Dec

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

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

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

More Santa!

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

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

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

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

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

Are your kids interested in learning tennis?

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 12/4/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

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

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

Pumpkins on Parade is back

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

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

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

What’s happening at the library?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk and Bike Webster event

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

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

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

Free dinner for veterans

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

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

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

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

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

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

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

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 10/8/2024)

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Happy (your name here) Day!

27 Aug

A few weeks ago I posted a blog about how I happened upon a fun group of people at The Coach celebrating Helen Miller Day. It got me to thinking about what other “days” have been named in honor of people.

The Village and Town both hand out these proclamations fairly regularly, and I asked my friends there to look back into their records to see who else has been recognized recently. Many thanks to Webster Village Clerk Heather Halstead and Webster Town Clerk Danene Marr for doing that for me. Following are some examples I pulled from their lists.

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The first time I really became familiar with this practice was back on Nov. 17, 2017, when the Village of Webster proclaimed that day to be Carol Klem Day.

Carol was a well-known face and well-loved personality in the Village of Webster before she passed in 2018. For more than ten years, Carol penned the Village Focus column in the Webster Herald, and was basically the village’s biggest cheerleader. She was the eyes and ears of Webster and her name became synonymous with all things good about the Village of Webster. I was honored to attend her proclamation ceremony.

Several years earlier, the Village of Webster proclaimed March 26, 2009 to be Patti Cataldi Day. Before her current term as councilwoman for the Town of Webster, Patti served in many capacities for the Village of Webster, including as a trustee, director of the Business Improvement District, Planning Board member, and several others.

There have been many instances when the Village didn’t name an actual day in honor of someone, but just sang their praises and thanked them for their contributions to our community. One of those times was Oct. 28, 2021, when the Village recognized John Bucci, owner of The Music Store, on the occasion of his retirement after 32 years in the business.

And, just a few months later, on Dec. 9, 2021, Danny and Jessica Barry and their beloved corner pub, Barry’s Old School Irish, were recognized on the occasion of the pub’s 10th anniversary,.

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As I mentioned, the Town of Webster also hands out these proclamations on a semi-regular basis. Here are a few of their honorees:

Feb. 19, 2021: Caleb Hoag, Savage Kitchen Day. Caleb Hoag owned Savage Chef, at 5 East Main St. in the village, before closing a few years ago. In addition to running a successful meal-delivery business, Caleb also would donate hundreds of meals every week to various community groups, and made financial contributions to World Central Kitchen and Feeding America.

May 20, 2021: Bella’s Bumbas Day. Run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, Bella’s Bumbas builds miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues. To date, they’ve shipped 2,650 chairs to children in 66 countries, charging the parents only for shipping.

April 22, 2022: Charles Sexton Day. Charles Sexton was Webster’s first Recreation Director, and the first African-American Recreation Director in New York State. During his 34-year career with the department, he introduced the town’s first programs for senior citizens and launched the summer youth camps. He was also instrumental in establishing what was once known as North Ponds Park, renamed Charles Sexton Park in 2022 in his honor.

Sept. 1, 2022: Ruth Hilfiker Day. A long time resident of Penfield and Webster, Ruth worked for more than 20 years in the Penfield School District. On Wednesday Aug., 31, 2022, Supervisor Flaherty was invited to her 102nd birthday party, and at the next Town Board meeting, named a day in her honor.

So there you go. Several more holidays you can celebrate, if you like, and raise a toast to these people who have made a difference in our community.

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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 8/27/2024)

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The Town of Webster has a new emailed newsletter

10 Aug

Last week I posted a blog about the Village of Webster’s new online newsletter. (If you haven’t seen it yet, you really have to check it out.) It’s going to be a valuable resource for all of us who love the village, its people and events.

Just after the Village of Webster introduced its newsletter, the Town of Webster followed suit with a digital newsletter of its own.

The Town of Webster used to have a beautiful weekly newsletter. When it was discontinued late last year, it left a gaping hole in the “what’s-happening-in-the-community” information stream that many of us had come to appreciate. So I was excited to see that the Town is finally trying to fill that hole.

Anyone familiar with that weekly Town newsletter will immediately notice that the new newsletter’s layout is quite a bit different, and it’s not as comprehensive. But it does touch on several topics, including news about Town facilities, Town meetings, road closures and community events.

Specifically, the first newsletter, sent out Aug. 1, included

  • a piece about sewer upgrades
  • 2025 budget workshop information
  • details about closure of Plank Rd.
  • a reminder about the Webster Community Night at the Red Wings game
  • a rabies vaccination clinic
  • a “good news” story about a woman celebrating her 100th birthday
  • the town meeting schedule

In Supervisor Flaherty’s July 24 editorial in the Webster Herald, he wrote that

Our goal is to integrate an interactive aid to promote effective communication of Town events, news and good news into how the Town communicates with its citizens … The plan is to have this newsletter go out every first day of the month.

I think the effort is a good start, but I’d love to see a newsletter sent out more frequently than once a month. And as it matures, hopefully it will be expanded to include lots more information about people and events happening in our town.

Click here to sign up to receive the newsletter. (I can’t seem to find a link to the actual newsletter on the Town web page; if anyone sees such a link, please let me know.)

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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 8/10/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Apr

There are several new events in today’s mailbag, plus reminders about a few things I’ve mentioned in previous mail bags, so let’s dig in …

WCSD absentee and early voter ballots available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are now available.

Absentee ballots are for qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available at the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Qualified voters of the district who may wish to use an early voter ballot May download one from the school district website or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

All absentee and early voter ballot applications must be RECEIVED by the district clerk at least seven business days prior to the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter.

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 21, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Got stuff to shred?

The Webster Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with Kinecta Federal Credit Union on Saturday April 20 for a Drive-up Shred Fest from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Safely dispose of sensitive and unwanted documents for free.

The event will take place at the Kinecta’s Webster Main Branch, 189 West Main St. Limit is 10 boxes per person, and while you can drop them off for free, a $1 donation per box is suggested to benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Click here for more details.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce would also like to invite any and all business owners to the next Monthly breakfast meeting, Friday April 26.

Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Click here for more details about this month’s program and to register.

Fashion and fun, courtesy the Women’s Club of Webster

Fabulous food, fashions, fun, friendship, raffles and door prizes are on the menu for the 2024 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show, Sunday May 19, sponsored by The Women’s Club of Webster.

In addition to the beautiful fashions on display, participants will enjoy a delicious luncheon, with choices of a crisp apple salad with shrimp, cheese, candied nuts, craisins and dressing; or chicken French with lemon sauce, linguine and green beans. Both choices include coffee and dessert.

The donation is $37.00 per person. Please mail your choice of entree, names of people you wish to sit with, and check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Laura Fawcett, 28 Wheatstone Circle, Fairport, NY 14450. Reservations are due by May 8. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

The luncheon and fashion show will be held on Sunday May 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd., beginning at 11:30 a.m. Fashions will be presented by Chico’s. Questions can be directed to Laura at (585) 329-5317 or Bonnie Travis at (585) 671- 2345.

Also, this news from the Women’s Club of Webster: the ladies will be providing their famous cookies for the cookie table at the Red Cross blood drive, Saturday April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

Appointments for the blood drive are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

It’s all about the bees

The Webster Arboretum will present a fascinating program on Tuesday April 23 when longtime Webster beekeeper Mike Kopeki will answer the question, “The Queen Must Die and Drones Too …WHY? ”  

Mike will be joined by Kevin Gorman, who raises queen honeybees, and Amy Stringer, beekeeper and owner of the North Bee honey shop in the Village of Webster. The three presenters will discuss a variety of topics all about bees and beekeeping.  

No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 7 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

WHEN will host spring Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 20 from 10 a.m. to noon. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. More than 50 agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, please email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.

Books, books books (and all really cheap!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library‘s spring book sale is happening April 24 to 27, with all books priced 50 cents (paperbacks) or $1 (hardcovers).

The Friends Members Night will be April 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., with the general public sale from Thursday through Saturday. Bring your own bag on Friday or Saturday and fill it for just $5,

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.  

Chicken BBQ for dinner

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 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.

Whew. That is all. For now.

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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 4/12/2024)

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We won! Webster awarded $4.5 million grant

27 Feb

Have you heard the big news?

As a result of many, many months of hard work by the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) and lots of community input, the Village of Webster has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul as one of just two Finger Lakes communities to receive a portion of the grants being awarded through the NY Forward community revitalization program. The Village of Webster and the Town of Macedon will each receive $4.5 million as this year’s Finger Lakes region NY Forward winners.

As part of the competition process, the Village worked with the Town of Webster, Webster Central School District and the Business Improvement District (BID) to submit an application outlining the village’s vision to improve the downtown business district. During the process, WEDA provided tons of opportunities for community input to gather resident opinions on what the grant money should be used for. If you attended one of these events, you may remember large maps with sticky notes you could place on the areas you thought should be improved.

Officially, the WEDA explains that “the Village of Webster’s downtown revitalization project seeks to create a thriving Main Street which seamlessly blends modern sustainability with the historic character of our community.” More specifically, a few of the projects under consideration are things like improving Veterans Park (including replacing the gazebo with a larger band shell), creating a flexible event space behind the firehouse, and various streetscape improvements in the center of the village.

The ultimate goals are to create an active downtown, enhance accessibility and walk-ability for residents and visitors, provide flexible space for cultural events, provide amenities to enhance downtown living, and rejuvenate economic development along Main Street.

The next steps will begin with the creation of a Local Planning Committee, consisting of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The committee will identify projects that most align with the community’s vision and are poised for implementation. There will be many opportunities for community input before the final projects are selected for funding, so stay tuned for those.

Upon accepting the award, WEDA Executive Director Matt Chatfield said,

The Village and the Webster Economic Development Alliance are prepared, energized, and steadfast in their desire to bolster growth and investment in our downtown business district. With the support of the NY Forward Program we are now ready to launch the next phase of our prosperous future, to be accomplished through coordination, partnership and dedication from the entire community – leadership, local business, and citizens. We are thankful for the generous support of Governor Hochul and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, as we work together in the spirit of cooperation to make Webster a community of choice in Upstate New York.

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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 2/27/2024)

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Karen Buck joins Village of Webster office staff

20 Nov

A huge Village welcome to Karen Buck, who joined the Village of Webster staff last week as the new Deputy Village Clerk.

Karen is taking over for current Deputy Clerk Jo O’Neill, who’s retiring at the end of December to spend more time with her family and new grandchild.

Karen joins the Village team after working for 19 years with the Town of Webster as Cable Director. Her duties in that position have recently encompassed all sorts of communication programming, including creating a weekly newsletter and maintaining the Town’s website and social media platforms.

It was in that capacity that I’ve gotten to know Karen, as our paths would cross occasionally at different events around town. But I’ve especially appreciated the weekly Town newsletter she’d send out, packed with special event flyers and other important Town information. It was well crafted, extremely informative, and always a valuable resource for me as I was putting together my mailbag blogs.

So now Karen has brought those talents to the Village of Webster, and the Town’s loss is definitely the Village’s gain. In addition to her deputy clerk duties including payroll, passports and other administrative odds and ends, Karen will work with the Village Board and Webster Business Improvement District to develop new ways to communicate with Village residents, including creating a regular Village newsletter, and expanding the Village’s social media platforms.

So, welcome to the village, Karen. We’re lucky to have you here working for us, and I look forward to working with you.

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

(posted 11/20/2023)

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Webster Pediatric Dentistry opens new location

15 Sep

Webster Pediatric Dentistry (WPD) officially opened their new offices on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting at their new location in the Crosspointe Professional Park.

The event celebrated WPD’s move from its original location on West Main St. in Webster, where it had been since the 1970s.

The practice is now owned by Dr. Lisa DeLucia, who has been with Webster Pediatric since 2010. When she took over the business in 2021, she almost immediately saw the need to make a fresh start and “put my own stamp on things.”

“We needed an updated space that fits families today,” she said. “We needed a little more privacy, but also have the ability to treat multiple kids at once.” The previous office had two floors, she explained, so “this space works better. We’re all on one floor, which is more accessible, and team-dynamic-wise, being on one level will be a really nice thing.”

Dr. Lelucia’s husband and three children (who got to skip school for the occasion) were on hand for the ribbon-cutting, as well as local dignitaries including Senator Samra Brouk, Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, Legislator Mark Johns, Councilwoman Ginny Nguyen and Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard.

The new Webster Pediatric Dentistry office is located at 1110 Crosspointe Lane, Suite D, right next to the Webster Chamber of Commerce offices. Community members are encouraged to attend an open house the evening of Oct. 12 for a tour of the new facility. Follow the Webster Pediatric Dentistry Facebook page for details.

Here are few more photos from the event:

I’ve actually blogged about Webster Pediatric Dentistry before. You’re probably familiar with the huge moose painted on the side of the original WPD office on West Main St. in the Village of Webster, then owned by William Salminen (or at least he was a practitioner there). In 2008, just after I started writing this blog, I got curious and tracked down the mural’s history.

I found out that it was Dr. Salminen’s wife Carol who had (what she called) the “crazy idea” to paint the animals on the building as a welcoming menagerie for their young patients. She even added animal tracks on the sidewalk leading to the door. Four years later, a juvenile moose was added to the mural.

Sadly, the new practice will probably never have a moose on the wall. But I don’t think he’ll be leaving the village anytime soon.

Another ribbon-cutting of sorts was held Thursday afternoon by the Town of Webster at the Webster Highway Department on Picture Parkway. It was a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the new, much larger facility.

This from the press release:

The current Webster highway facility was constructed over 50 years ago and no longer fits the needs of the Highway Department. This new facility is the culmination of several years of research, planning, and collaborative work across multiple departments and agencies. On February 24th of this year, the Webster Town Board voted 5-0 to approve the potential $28+ million bonding for this new highway facility.

The new facility will provide ample space for all of the highway equipment, with 30 truck spaces, a 6-bay mechanic shop, and a streamlined traffic flow design. New spaces for staff include locker rooms, break areas, offices and training rooms that will accommodate up to 60 employees. Safety and technology upgrades are also included in this project, to improve workflow and efficiency. Employees will continue to work in the existing facility while construction takes place and provide the same level of service to our residents.

You can watch a video of the entire ceremony 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/15/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

6 May

Several interesting events are coming down the pike, a few which I’ve already told you about, and a few more that I want to remind you about.

For starters, here’s a reminder about the very popular Volunteer Fair, which returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

It’s a great opportunity to find out about all the ways you can give back to your community, and there’s going to be a LOT of tables set up, so you’re sure to find something that fits your talents and passion. Registration is recommended if you’d like to be reminded about the fair but not required.

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

Get your plants for Mother’s Day!

The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2023 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 13 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, hostas, geraniums, tomatoes, and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

Good food to support great music

The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ dinner fundraiser on Tuesday May 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Dinners will be cooked on-site by Bad to the Bone BBQ, and will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, cole slaw, cornbread and drink for just $17. Click here to purchase pre-sale tickets. You might want to get them ahead of time and reserve your dinner, because these events usually sell out.

Proceeds will benefit our very own award-winning Webster Marching Band.

Webster musical groups make beautiful music together

Two of Rochester’s premier a cappella choruses (which both hail from little ol’ Webster), the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody will join forces (and voices) on Saturday May 20 for “Harmony in the House,” a musical treat featuring both choruses and several a cappella quartets. The choruses will perform together and separately, and quartets from both groups will fill your heart with a variety of musical favorites. Plus, there’ll be door prizes, raffles, a bar, snacks, and plenty of free parking.

Tickets are $18 for the 3 p.m. matinee, and $20 for the 7 p.m. show. Following the evening performance, everyone is invited to hang around for the annual “Afterglow,” a fun party with food, drinks, more singing and socializing. Click here to get your tickets, or call 315-391-4911.

“Harmony in the House” is a fundraiser for the Harmony House, a beautiful historic building constructed in 1899, which both groups call home. To that end, the groups are also looking for individual and business sponsors to support the event by purchasing an ad in the program, donating a door prize, and helping spread the word by hanging posters or even putting out a donation bucket.

Town of Webster, New York to Offer Tours of Water Pollution Control Facility  

The Town of Webster has announced a new opportunity for residents to take an in-person tour of the Walter W. Bradley Water Pollution Control Facility, located at 226 Phillips Road. Visitors will learn about the state of the current facility, along with planned upgrades, and transformation to a  Water Resource Recovery Facility. 

This facility was originally constructed in 1968. Three of the secondary clarifiers were updated in 2020. However, the majority of this facility remains unchanged from the last major upgrade completed in 1980. The next phase of the facility upgrade project is slated to begin this summer and will encompass improvements to buildings, equipment, and employee working conditions. Currently the Sewer Department has 15 employees who oversee  management of the facility, along with 22 pump stations, 3,000 manholes and 400 miles of sewer mains across  the Town of Webster.  

One of the main components to this upgrade project will be the installation of new sludge drying equipment. The Town will be creating a fertilizer from biosolids, to be utilized by local agriculture. This in turn will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the Town will be diverting biosolids from landfills, thus reducing use of diesel fuel for hauling of sludge to a landfill. These equipment upgrades will also create biogas for reuse, which will reduce both methane emissions and natural gas usage at the facility. 

Starting in May, the Town will be offering in-person tours of the facility, to educate visitors about our treatment  process, and the environmental benefits of the upgrade project. Residents can also view a virtual facility tour and  learn more about the facility upgrades on the Town website.  

Click here to sign up for a tour, click here for a virtual tour.

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

(posted 5/6/2023)

 

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Webster community mailbag

6 Feb

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with some good food.

To thank the community for supporting their missions throughout the year, St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., will host a free Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday Feb. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The menu will include sausage and applesauce, unlimited pancakes and syrup. Beads will be handed out, and you can even make your own masks. You’re invited to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, too.  

This is an event for the whole family, and while the dinner is free to all, a free-will offering to support the church’s Little Free Pantry can be made, or bring boxed and canned goods.  

The Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission needs you

The Village of Webster Historic Preservation Commission is looking for new members to help further their mission to identify, register and protect the historic resources in the Village of Webster.

Among their responsibilities, commission members   

  • highlight homes, business and sites by recognizing them as a Site of the Month
  • protect buildings
  • conduct historic-related programs
  • oversee the Edna Struck Memorial on Lapham Park and the Pioneer Cemetery on East Main

Meetings are held once a month, so the time commitment isn’t even that onerous.

If you’re a Village of Webster resident and are interested in joining the Historic Preservation Commission or would like to find out more, call 585-265-0671 or email VWHPC1905@gmail.com .

Kindergarten Registration is open

Webster CSD kindergarten registration for the 2023-24 school year is open. 

Families that currently have other children attending Webster CSD are asked to register via the Infinite Campus Parent & Student Portal by selecting More, then Student Registration and completing the 2023-24 registration completely online. All registrations completed via the portal are streamlined by accessing the current information on file.

Families registering their first child with Webster CSD are asked to go to the Student Registration web page to fill out an online registration form. Families that do not have access to a computer may call Student Registration at (585) 216-0029. 

It’s important to register kindergartners as soon as possible to help the district properly plan for the incoming students. It will also help assure that your child can attend your neighborhood school. If there’s not enough space for a child to enroll at their home elementary school, registrations will be processed in the order in which they are received.

For more information and to register online, click here.

Learn more about the Webster Highway Facility Project

If you’d like to hear more about the plans to renovate the Webster Highway Facility, here’s a great opportunity:

On Thursday, February 9 at 7 p.m., Highway Superintendent Pat Stephens will give a presentation on the estimated costs and timeline for the proposed new highway facility. You can attend the presentation in person at the Town Board Meeting Room, 1002 Ridge Rd., or watch the event live on Spectrum Channel 1303, the town website or the town Facebook page.

This is not a public hearing. Residents will be able to offer comments at future meetings, as well as use the online comment form at any time. You can also learn more about the project, sign up for an in-person tour, view a virtual tour and view meeting presentations on the website here.

I took the tour a few weeks ago. You can read about my experience here.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • Healthy Eating on a Budget, Thursday Feb. 9, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (via ZOOM) for adults. Learn how to make good choices and plan for your trip to the grocery store so you can get organized, save money and choose healthy options. Registration is required.
  • Scrapbooking Fun, Friday Feb. 10, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Paper and tools will be provided and as much inspiration as you want. Bring something you’re working on, and spend an afternoon crafting and sharing ideas. Registration is required.
  • “Pal”entine’s Day Celebration, Tuesday February 14, 6 to 7 p.m. celebrating Valentine’s Day and the love you have for all your friends. For grades 4 through 12. Registration is required.
  • Picturing Loss: Art and Bereavement, Wednesday Feb. 15, 3 to 4 p.m. (via ZOOM) for adults. Joyce Raimondo presents how she and famous artists express grief through painting. Registration is required.
  • String Pull Painting Art, Friday Feb. 24, 11 a.m. to noon, for grades 4 to 12. Make some beautiful string pull painting art. Registration is required.

And make sure to check out the Webster Public Library website for information about all of their outstanding February Break programs and events designed to keep your kids busy and their minds active.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 2/6/2023)

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