webster on the web

The ceiling tiles are up, the floor tiles are down, there’s fresh paint on the walls and the changing rooms will be installed Friday. Everything’s just about ready for Nicole Iorio to introduce her new shop, My Roommates Closet, to the Village of Webster.

My Roommates Closet is the village’s newest clothing store, located at 19 East Main St., in the former Village HandWorks location. Owner Nicole Iorio says she opened the shop to share her love of clothing and fashion with women of all ages, help them discover new and different styles to add to their closets and to find that “missing piece” they’ve been looking for.

She and her able assistants (Mom, Dad and her brothers) have been putting the finishing touches on the shop these last several weeks, and this week Nicole has started to move in her product line. Customers will find a mix of styles, from street wear to lounging-around clothes to going-out clothes.

She’ll officially welcome the community this Sunday Oct. 23, with a grand opening celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. There’ll be snacks, drinks and music, and a chance to get an advance look at the fashions. But mostly Nicole hopes people will stop by, come on in and “just hang around.”

You can find more about My Roommates Closet here on the website, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest. You can also check out the blog I wrote last month.

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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.

(posted 10/20/2022)

As always, the town’s Webster This Week newsletter, published online every week, was a wealth of information. I’m often grabbing mailbag notices from there or finding out about something important that I hadn’t seen anywhere else. (Kudos to Karen Buck for doing an outstanding job with the newsletter every week!)

This week’s newsletter was no different. It featured, across three pages, a reminder that the crisis in the Ukraine continues, and the people there still need our help desperately.

Specifically, RocMaidan, who has taken the lead in collecting and shipping supplies to the war-torn country, is looking for medical supplies, clothing, sleeping bags, diapers and wipes, small toys, water bottles, and more.

Rather than just regurgitate everything that was in those pages, I’ve posted them below. Please take a moment to click through to each of them and see where you might be able to help out.

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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.

(posted 9/7/2022)

The Webster Museum is getting a new ceiling, which means it’s been having to close for a few days to get the work completed. This week, the museum will be closed on Thursday, but will reopen on Saturday for its regular hours of 2 to 4:30 p.m.

In other news, a call has been put out for writers who would be interested in helping complete updates to Esther Dunn’s Webster Though the Years book.

For the last several years, a small band of writers has been working to update the volume, which was originally pubilshed in 1970. Much of the work has been completed, but a few chapters remain and the group would love to have a few more hands to help get it across the finish line.

The volunteer position offers:

• a personable, friendly and supportive group of researchers and writers and other volunteers
• access to the museum’s written and electronic resources
• assistance with computer issues and research as needed
• colleagues proofread each other’s work
• (best of all) no deadlines

There’s a link on the museum website to some of the work, so you can get a taste of what’s been completed. It will eventually also include extensive biographies of Webster personages and early history studies.

If you’re interested in helping out and sharing your love for Webster history, write to Kathy at ktaddeo5@icloud.com and she’ll get back in touch.

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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.

(posted 8/16/2022)

Several days ago I shared with you all a letter to the editor I had seen in the Webster Herald which illustrated what a wonderfully kind community we have here in Webster. Recently one of my friends shared with me another inspirational story about kindness which I want to pass along today.

The story began at the Summer Celebration held at the Webster Recreation Center last Saturday. JoAnne Ford was attending the event with her grandson and his family. The little boy had brought his brand new kickball to play with, and was sharing it with some other children, who were still using it when his family packed up to leave the festivities. Rather than interrupt their fun, he kindly let them keep playing with it, with his grandmother JoAnne’s promise that she would bring it home.

But when she was ready to leave, the kickball was nowhere in sight.

She felt awful about “losing” the ball, even more so after seeing her grandson’s face when she had to tell him the bad news. Then she had a great idea. She posted a message to the Webster Neighbors Facebook page, hoping that perhaps someone had seen the ball and would contact her.

She never expected the reaction she got.

This was the original post:

I have a very sad 8-yr. old who brought his new kickball to the Webster Summer Celebration last night. He shared it with many children and when we left we couldn’t find it. You see, it’s not just any kickball we bought at a store, it’s orange and has an animated monster on it. … He worked hard to raise enough donations for the Heart Association for a school event to win this ball. So unfortunately we can’t find another like it to replace it. If anyone has seen it, please reach out to us.

The responses were immediate and heartwarming. The post was shared at least 70 times, as people all across the town tried to help a disappointed little boy find his special kickball.

JoAnne’s follow-up post tells the rest of the story:

I turned to this page to say “hey… if you see this ball, please reach out.” What I got in return was some pretty amazing responses! Other children offering up their ball, people reaching out to teachers and school staff to see if there were extra balls, which in turn led to multiple phone calls and coordinating…. ALL THIS FOR A KICKBALL.

My heart is full. I didn’t receive one negative comment. I had a WHOLE community trying to replace a kickball for some kid that lost theirs. (Well actually I lost it). I received a message from Bill Mitchell (the educational director for the American Heart Association). I met with him today and I can’t say enough about how amazing, kind, and generous this man is. He not only had a replacement ball… he had several replacements. Extras to continue to share with friends and make another kids day when they don’t have a ball… we are happy to give them one. PLUS tons of other goodies!

We have a VERY HAPPY boy now! Thank you so much Bill! He’s now “keeping an EYE on the ball.”

Thank you to all others who worked hard at reaching out to teachers and staff to help make this happen. A very special thank you to all the kids willing to give up their ball. Kudos to you parents! Webster is truly where life is worth living!

I don’t think the original kickball was every recovered. But I also don’t think that matters too much to this — now VERY happy — 8-year old.

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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.

(posted 6/14/2022)

The Webster Marching Band’s first Bottle and Can Drive of the summer takes place this Saturday, June 4. And the exciting news is that the band is once again offering curbside pickup in addition to their regular drop-off option at Webster Schroeder High School.

You can drop your returnables off at Schroeder (875 Ridge Rd.) between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., OR you can place them at the end of your driveway this Saturday morning, and someone will be by to pick them up.

If you won’t be around on Saturday it’s easy to schedule a pickup at your home. Log onto http://bit.ly/3tOdZht, fill out the short form and someone will be in touch. The next drive will be Aug. 13, so put it on your calendar now.

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester will be hosting the highly respected Disability Dream & Do Sports Camp (D3Day) on Saturday June 4.

The Disability Dream and Do (D3Day) sports camps were created by Dave Clark, the only pitcher in professional sports history to pitch on crutches, and Doug Cornfield, a former NCAA medal winning runner at Georgia, who himself had a child born with no arms. These camps allow professional players to interact with children with special needs in various drills and compete in sports with no limitations. 

D3 participants have an opportunity to hit, throw, catch and run the bases with instruction from the best regardless of anyone’s limitations. 

Lunch is provided for all participants, their family members and caregivers.

Space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon. There is no cost to D3 participants and their families. Click here to register and find out more. And if you’d like to read more about this outstanding program, click here.

The Joe Obbie Farmers Market returns for its summer season on Saturday June 11.

As every year, the Farm Market will be open every Saturday through Oct. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Webster Towne Center (Target Plaza), near the gazebo.

This year the market is introducing something new as well, “An Evening in the Park.” Every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in July and August the market will also set up at Charles Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds), between Rt. 250 and Holt Rd.

Make sure to stop by every week for locally-produced jams, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and crafts.

For more information, visit the Joe Obbie Facebook page and website.

Also on Saturday June 11, kick off your summer at Webster’s Summer Celebration, scheduled from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. State Line and Brass Taxi will be performing, plus there’ll be food trucks (including Bay Vista Taqueria, Macrollin’, Nancy’s Fried Dough, Pub 235, Terry’s Tips and Beef, Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza and Wraps on Wheels) lots of family activities and fireworks to end the evening.

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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.

(posted 5/30/2022)

I can’t remember when we’ve had a more beautiful day for our Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony. It was as if Mother Nature was also happy to see the parade again after its two-year hiatus.

As in previous years, the parade participants started gathering around 9 a.m. at Spry Middle School, stepping off onto South Ave. at 9:30 and winding a little more than a mile north to Main Street, then west to Webster Rural Cemetery.

The crowds lining the streets seemed much smaller than in previous years, despite outstanding weather. That surprised me; I figured everyone would be really excited about the parade’s return. The number of participants also was smaller this year. Perhaps that can be attributed to lingering fears of COVID. I especially missed all of the Girl Scouts and Brownies.

Regardless, the ceremony at Webster Rural following the parade was moving and meaningful as usual. I was especially touched by the remarks made by Sean Miller, Commander of the Ridge Webster VFW Post 9483. He reminded us what a day in the life of a servicemember is like, and how we take our regular meals, comfortable beds, long weekends, and even our daily commutes for granted, compared to the hardships our men and women in the service face every day.

As usual, I took a lot of photos. Click here to check out my Facebook gallery. If you have any you’d like me to add to the gallery, feel free to email them to me at missyblog@gmail.com.

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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.

(posted 5/30/2022)

For the first time in three years, Webster’s Memorial Day Parade will once again be winding its way down South and Main streets on Memorial Day, Monday May 30.

The parade is organized every (non-COVID) year by the Cottreall-Warner American Legion Post #942. Charlie Klauck, co-chairman of the Memorial Day Committee (and this year’s parade Grand Marshal) confirmed the details, which have not changed much from years past:

• 9:00 a.m.:  All groups participating in the parade will assemble at Spry Middle School on Sanford Street. All active duty and ex-service men and women are invited to take part in the parade. Any veterans who would like to ride in the bed of an Army truck are asked to be at Spry by 9 a.m.
• 9:30 a.m.:  Parade moves out from Spry, down South Avenue, turning west on Main Street and proceeding to Webster Rural Cemetery.
• 9:50 a.m. (approx.): Parade arrives at Webster Rural Cemetery.
• The Remembrance Ceremony will begin at approx. 10:15, or whenever everyone arrives and gets settled.

The parade is dedicated each year to a deserving group of people. This year, Charlie said, it’s being dedicated to the American people as a whole, “for what we’ve all been through these last two years.”

This is always a very nice parade, and the ceremony that follows it at Webster Rural Cemetery is always moving. I highly recommend bringing your children to see both the parade and the ceremony, so they might begin to understand the huge debt we owe our servicemen and women.

The Legion always dedicates the parade to a deserving group of people. This year, Charlie told me, the Legion has dedicated it to all of the American people, “for what we’ve been through for these last two years.”

This is always a very nice parade, and the ceremony that follows it at Webster Rural Cemetery is always moving. I highly recommend bringing your children to see both the parade and the ceremony, so they might begin to understand the huge debt we owe our servicemen and women. The last two years, the ceremony was necessarily smaller and more subdued due to COVID. This year it’s back to its full significance.

Click here for a gallery of photos from Memorial Day 2019, the last time we had a parade.

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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.

(posted 5/17/2022)