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Cancellations, closings and public health information are still coming fast and furious as local businesses and community agencies try to get ahead of the COVID-19 curve.  Below are some of the latest announcements. If your organization has information you would like me to share, please email me at missyblog@gmail.com.

Thank you to Webster People, Places News and Events Facebook page for providing much of this information. That would be a great page to “like” to help you keep on top of things.

Wegmans

Effective immediately, all Wegmans locations will close overnight to allow the stores to be cleaned and items to restocked. All New York State stores (except Brooklyn) will be open from 6 a.m. to midnight. That includes our Webster branches.

(Read more from this story in this D&C article. )

Community Arts Day

Anyone with kids in our Webster schools has already heard that all PTSA-sponsored events have been cancelled through Spring Break. So far that does NOT include Community Arts Day, which is scheduled for April 18. The way things are going, there’s a real possibility that it, too, will be cancelled.

The organizers write,

If in the event that cancellation is imminent, the CAD planning team will do everything in its power to try and reschedule for a later date. … Please direct any questions to CAD@websterptsa.org.

No word yet on the Greater Rochester Peep Show, which is scheduled for March 28 and 29. Stay tuned.

DMV

This notice from the Department of Motor Vehicles:

The Monroe County Clerk’s Office will be temporarily suspending our Mobile DMV Units beginning on Friday, March 13 until April 1 (subject to review and extension). To help promote safe practices of social distancing, we encourage residents who may need to visit a DMV to take advantage of our online appointment system and avoid waiting in longer lines: https://monroedmv.setmore.com/.

Anyone needing DMV services will be able to access all four of our branch locations (Rochester, Henrietta, Greece and Irondequoit) during this time. We apologize for this inconvenience and thank you for your patience as we work to support the overall health of our customers and staff.

Our Webster DMV usually visits the Webster Public Library on Mondays.

Yesterday’s Muse Books

This from Jonathan Smalter at Yesterday’s Muse Books:

As the situation with COVID-19 develops, so has Yesterday’s Muse Books’ response in terms of preventative action. Our shop remains open, and precautions are being taken to sterilize high-traffic surfaces (door handles, phones, all bathroom surfaces, keyboards and other office equipment, etc.). We are fully stocked with hand soap and cleaning supplies, and we have hand sanitizer available for the use of patrons at checkout.

We do understand that some are changing their habits to limit the risk to themselves and their community, so we would like to remind all customers that our full stock of nearly 17,000 books is available to view and purchase online at www.yesterdaysmuse.com. If you are elderly, immunocompromised, believe you are a carrier of the virus, or simply prefer to behave with an abundance of caution, we encourage you to shop using your computer or wireless device. We are happy to ship your order, and our staff is still available to answer questions by phone or e-mail.

For the time being, the open hours during which we review your books for purchase or trade will remain the same, but if additional restrictions are put in place this may change, so please feel free to call to confirm, or to make an appointment if necessary.

We hope that we will continue to be your destination for good books!

Webster Public Library

In my last blog post, I relayed a notice from the Webster Public Library about their suspension of programming. In their latest email, they tell us about other measures they’re undertaking to keep their patrons safe — AND want to remind us all about their drive-up pick-up service.

Worried about COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that there is no reason to take any special precautions aside from ones you would regularly take to avoid the flu and colds. Cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, and stay home if you are ill.

Here at the Webster Public Library, we are working on taking precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our community. We are cleaning and disinfecting high-traffic areas of our library multiple times a day, especially the public computers and the Children’s Room, including the toys with a sanitation cycle on our dishwasher. We are encouraging staff members to stay home if they are unwell. We will continue to monitor the situation and take additional precautions as they are recommended.

There is a low chance of the virus passing through physical library materials, but this is a perfect time to remind you of our online resources that you can use in the comfort of your own home! With your library card you can access our e-book, audiobook, magazine, and movie collection via the apps OverDrive or Libby, both available to download on smart phones and tablets.

And don’t forget about our new Drive-Up, Pick-Up service—if there’s an item you want, let us know in advance and then call us when you’re here. You pull up out front and we’ll bring your items out to your car.

If you have questions or concerns for us, please give us a call at (585) 872-7075, or email webster.reference@libraryweb.org.

The library folks also shared this really neat infographic with me (below), which I am pleased to pass along. It’s really a good illustration of how important this service is to our community. So let’s not let this virus scare us away! If we’re going to be spending more time at home, we’re going to need some good reads!

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

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Are you a regular visitor to our Village of Webster parks? Even an only occasional visitor? Do you like taking your kids to the playgrounds or your dog to run around? Do you enjoy the Friday night concerts at the gazebo every summer? Do you even know that the village has FIVE parks?

These are some of the questions that the Village of Webster Parks Committee would like to ask you, to get a better handle on who uses our parks, how they’re used, and how they might be improved.

So the committee is asking both village and non-village residents to fill out a short survey to help guide future park planning. The survey can be found by clicking here, and should only take a few minutes to complete.

The survey is the first of several initiatives the committee will be implementing in the coming months to bring more awareness to our village parks which will include a “discover your parks” scavenger hunt this spring.

The survey will be available for a while, but please consider taking a few minutes to fill it out right now. Just click here: Village of Webster Parks Survey.

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

On March 6, for the 5th year in a row, the City of Rochester and County of Monroe will declare March Irish American Heritage Month, in recognition of all the contributions by Irish descendants in our community both past and present.

The declaration will be made at a joint press conference with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee at City Hall at 10 a.m. on the 6th, officially kicking off a month-long celebration of Irish culture which includes parade — of course — on Saturday March 14, and lots of Irish-themed events all over the county.

The Webster Public Library joins the celebration on Wed. March 11 when they host a Siamsa (pronounced “shEEm-suh”), an evening of Irish culture and entertainment from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The 90-minute program will include traditional music, dancing and historical stories, presented by five local Irish organizations.

The schedule looks like this:

• 7 to to 7:15 p.m.: soda bread-making demonstration by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians
• 7:15 to 7:45 p.m.: traditional Irish music session by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
• 7:45 to 8:15 historical presentation by the Irish American Cultural Institute president Michael McCarthy, featuring an overview of Col. Patrick O’Rorke’s life, death and legacy.
• 8:15 to 8:30 p.m.: Irish step dance by Jamieson Irish Dance and Creative Arts
• 8:30 p.m.: conclusion of the program and soda bread tasting 

Registration is not required, but seating is limited and when I went last year, it was pretty crowded, so get there early.

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Also coming up at the library, an Irish Genealogy workshop on Monday March 16, at 7 p.m.

Topics will include U.S.-research tips with emphasis on the immigrant ancestor and how to find their siblings and parents; a process to use the results of your research to mine Irish records, and an overview of all other Irish resources.

Registration is required. For more information and to register call the library at (585) 872-7075 and choose 3 for the Reference Desk.

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

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P.S. If you can’t make it to the Siamsa presentation at the Webster Public Library, the same program will be hosted by the Penfield Public Library on Wednesday March 25 at 7 p.m. Registration for this program is required. Call the Penfield Public Library at (585) 340-8720 for more information.

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

I’ve gotten a few questions over the last few weeks about what’s going on at the old Webster Automotive building, at 109 West Main. Renovations have been taking place inside and out and the rumors are flying about what might be going in there. The one I’ve heard most often is that it’s going to be a brewpub.

Several people approached me to see if I knew anything, and I had to admit that I did not. But I have ways of finding out. 

I started asking around, and a few people suggested I email Webster Building Inspector Will Barham. They assured me that, given his position in the village,  he would have all the answers.

He didn’t.

“I don’t know,” he wrote, when I asked what was going into the old automotive shop.

The owner, Greg Chambery (owner of The Maplewood on Daniel Drive), felt the building needed to be updated (new framing, making it accessible, insulation, HVAC, etc.) to make it marketable. So for now, he has a “general remodeling permit.”

So there’s our answer. Right now we don’t know what it’s going to be, and Chambery is being rather tight-lipped about his plans for it, if he has any. Maybe it will be a brewery after all, but maybe not. In any case, it will be a welcome and exciting addition to our village, to be sure.

Stay tuned!

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

This is a quick notice about a great program coming up TOMORROW, Tuesday Feb. 18, that’s perfect for the whole family.

It’s a tour of our very own Webster Museum. If you’ve never been here, this is a great chance to immerse yourself in Webster history and see what a terrific resource the museum is for our town and village.

Museum docents will be on hand to guide you through Webster’s past as depicted in exhibits, displays, maps, a schoolroom, signs, and notebooks. Whether you’re a Webster native or not, there will be plenty to see and learn.

The our will take place Tuesday Feb. 18 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village.

Registration is required and spots are limited, but there are a few left. The program is being offered through the Webster Public Library, so click here to register ASAP.

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

Here’s a quick notice of a few adult programs at the Webster Public Library coming up this week:

On Tuesday Feb. 11, explore Italy with librarian Colleen Hernandez. She’ll present a travelogue from 2 to 3 p.m. in the community room. Light refreshments will be served, and no registration is necessary.

On Wednesday Feb. 12, find out exactly what CBD is and what it can do for you to help with pain, inflammation and anxiety. The program will he held in the community room from 7 to 8 p.m., and registration is required for this one.

Friday, Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day! What a great day to learn how to save a heart, with CPR for Seniors, a class designed especially for those 60+. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room, and registration is required.

To register for programs, call 585-872-7075 and press 3 for the reference desk or log onto the library website and go to Events and Classes.

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

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

Do you have a special person in your life who would appreciate a singing Valentine this year? Both of our Webster-based a cappella choruses would be happy to provide.

Entropy, one of Rochester Rhapsody’s outstanding quartets

Rochester Rhapsody, the Rochester chapter of Harmony, Incorporated, an international organization of female a cappella singers, will offer Singing Valentines on Friday, February 14 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Vocal ensembles will travel throughout the greater Rochester area to deliver Singing Valentines to sweethearts, co-workers, family members and friends at various locations, including assisted living facilities, workplaces, schools, hospitals and restaurants.

Recipients will be treated to Valentine music in 4-part a cappella harmony delivered by an ensemble in Valentine’s Day attire, along with a rose and card with the sender’s personalized message.

“Ringing Telegrams” (telephone singing valentines) are also available for recipients who live out-of-town.

Please call (585) 820-3062 for pricing information. Special prices for ordering early, or ordering more than one Singing Valentine, will also be offered. All proceeds will benefit women’s vocal and performance education for the non-profit chorus. Arrangements can be made by calling (585) 820-3062 or visiting rhapsodysingingtelegrams@yahoo.com.

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Quartets from our local a capella men’s chorus, the Chorus of the Genesee, will also be traveling the county to offer their singing Valentines this year.

They’ll be delivered on Feb. 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., also complete with a rose and card. Cost is $50, and they can be ordered by calling (585) 734–1328.

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

A few weeks ago I posted about a benefit hockey game being hosted by the Webster Schroeder hockey team. Today, I’d like to follow that up with another great hockey benefit, this time hosted by the Webster Thomas.

It’s called the Robert J. Smith  Memorial Hockey Showcase, scheduled for this coming Saturday Jan. 11. It’s played in honor of Bob Smith, who was instrumental to bringing youth hockey to Webster.

This annual event features four hockey games, raffles, luminaries and more. The action takes place at the Webster Ice Arena on Publisher’s Parkway. It begins at 1 p.m. with Bockport vs. Fulton, followed by Webster Thomas JV vs. Penfield JV at 3 p.m., Penfield vs. Gates/Wayne/EI and Wheatland at 5 p.m. The evening ends with a primo match-up between Thomas and Schroeder at 7 p.m.

Cost is just $5 per person, and all proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. It is truly a showcase of local youth hockey talent.

The Thomas Titans also host an annual game to honor our heroes – active military, veterans and first responders. Now in its eighth year, this event will be held on January 31 at Webster Ice Arena, and has raised thousands for CDS Monarch Warrior Salute.

In a recent email,, Debra Vent said this about this event gets bigger and better every year:

Last year the team added a campaign known as Goals for Golisano where fans and families pledged money for each goal the team scored in Sectionals through States. Begun by goalie Cody Rougeux’s family as a way of giving back to the institution that saved Cody’s life, the team was able to raise over $4,000 for the hospital.

Debra also told me about another outstanding community service these young athletes also recently accomplished.

This year the team partnered with Carrie Green’s Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha, whose motto is “Every child deserves a special day.” The program delivers birthday joy to children in need in the Rochester City School District grades K-2. Through the program each child receives a Cha Cha Cha bag for their birthday, with two small wrapped toys, grocery items, personal care items, and books. This year the program will deliver 1,000 bags to kids in need.

Titans players reached out to their friends, families and neighbors, to collect items for the program. The team were able to collect over 2,000 items for the program. This included over 215 boxes of mac and cheese, 195 pairs of socks, and 465 cereal bars.

On December 30 the team delivered the items to Carrie and helped sort and store them, as well as help pack birthday bags and wrap gifts. Even though the boys did not deliver the gifts to the kids personally, they clearly felt connected and dedicated to the program after working to collect the items and prepare them for delivery. The players were overheard exclaiming things like “I think my guy likes Pokemon” even though they’d never met the recipient.

Thank you to the Thomas Titans hockey team for all that you do for the community.

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