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Webster community mailbag

30 Jun

What’s going on, Webster?

Summer is beginning to heat up, so there should be a LOT of fun and educational activities coming down the pike, but I don’t think I’m hearing about a lot of them. I don’t have the time to go out and solicit calendar items, so I rely on you all to send notices to me. If they come through my email box, they will almost certainly make it into the blog.

So what’s going on? Let me know at missyblog@gmail.com.

For today, I have reminders about three recurring events that I’ve written about before, a teaser about village events planned for the summer, and something from the Friends of the Webster Public Library (they always keep me busy).

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The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

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The next free Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

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The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 9, featuring 8 Days a Week, performing songs by The Beatles. It will benefit the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. 

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. This month’s concert will benefit the Webster Public Library’s BookBox for Kids and Teens.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

Here’s the rest of this summer’s schedule:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

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The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.  Several tables will be set up, each with a different theme, including biographies, the U.S. Civil War, Erie Canal, birds and nature, and more. Most books are priced under $20.

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.

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Finally, here’s a quick peek at what’s happening in the village this summer and beyond:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. PLUS, many local businesses are signing up to have tables along the sidewalks on Friday for a street fair of sorts. Should be a good time.

And ….

  • Saturday, Sept. 6: Beer Walk in the Village – Beer Walk in the Village 
  • Saturday, Sept. 13: Shredding Event & Health Fair  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Oct. 25: Trick-or-Treat Trail  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Bourbon Bash  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Dec. 6: Winter Wonderland in the Village  (details coming soon)

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

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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 6/30/2025)

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NY Forward grant recipients announced

25 Jun

You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State which the Village of Webster won for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

We received the huge grant a year ago February, and over the following months, WEDA collected proposals for projects all around our village from business owners and community members. Those proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more. Community members were given lots of opportunities to vote for their favorite projects.

I recently learned that the final winning proposals were announced about a month ago; 11 different projects which will improve local businesses, village green spaces and more.

Here’s the list:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.

All of these improvements should make our little village even more beautiful and welcoming in the years to come.

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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 6/25/2025)

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Webster Village Band’s summer concert series begins soon

23 Jun

The Webster Village Band concert season is just about upon us.

The band’s first FREE concert is Thursday, July 3 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Village Band Shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Rd. It’s the first of three concerts this summer, the other two scheduled for Thursday Aug. 7 and Thursday Aug. 28.

Here’s what you can look forward to from this year’s performances:

  • July 3: “The Classics,” featuring music from The Music Man, Sinatra, the Carpenters, with a little big band and Gilbert and Sullivan to top it off.
  • Aug. 7: “At The Movies,”’ highlighting movie soundtracks from many well-known composers.
  • Aug. 28: “The Band Concert,” a concert of traditional band standards plus music from Billy Joel and Jim Brickman.

These concerts are always free and open to the public. They always begin at 7 p.m. and audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell to enjoy some beautiful music under the evening summer sky.

I’ve always thought of the Webster Village Band as a hidden gem in our community. These musicians have been performing and providing free concerts for our village for 58 years now. It’s exactly the kind of thing that makes small-town life so special.

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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 6/23/2025)

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Chorus of the Genesee invites you …

15 Jun

Are you a guy who loves to sing?

Webster’s very own Chorus of the Genesee invites you to sing some a cappella music with them this Tuesday evening during their Guest Night.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday June 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

You don’t even need to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show you the rest.

Please RSVP here, or you can call (585) 259-3590 and they’ll save you a seat. If you won’t be sure whether you can make it until that evening, feel free to just walk in without RSVPing. Make sure to plan to stay for pizza afterwards, too.

If you have any questions, email RochesterCOG@gmail.com

The Chorus of the Genesee is a non-profit, educational organization devoted to preserving the original American art form of barbershop harmony. The Chorus rehearses every week at the Harmony House in Webster, but performs all over the greater Rochester area and participates in choral events all over the country. A portion of their proceeds support both local and national service projects.

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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 6/15/2025)

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Mabel Jane’s brings mid-century modern decor — and more — back to the village

31 May

The Village of Webster’s newest shop caters to customers who really like the old.

The new Mabel Jane’s Vintage and Consignment shop opened in mid-April at 10 North Ave., just steps from the village’s four corners.

Mabel Jane’s features two rooms and more than 1200 square feet packed with pre-loved furniture, antiques and collectibles. It’s the realization of a long-time dream for owner Sharon Kruger, an extension of the Loyal Helper Group, a business which she’s owned for 9 years.

I help people downsize and move; sometimes they’ve moved to Heaven. After we get them situated, they ask, “What do I do with what’s left?” I help them find a home for it without putting it in the dumpster. We help them donate some, sell some.

And now, Sharon has a dedicated shop in which to do that.

I’ve always wanted a shop, not because I’m taking all their stuff here. That’s too much work and cost for them. But there are special pieces that you can’t necessarily sell in the month that you’re working with them, so we could bring them in here.

Sharon also takes items on consignment from the community, so there’s a wide variety of, well LOTS of stuff, and inventory turns over daily. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Friends have actually suggested to her that she raise them, but she doesn’t want to do that. “I want my inventory to change,” she said, “and I want it to get into someone’s hands.” 

The 10 North Ave. location most recently housed Mod 4 U, which specialized in mid-century modern decor. That shop closed in February, and Sharon said that people are happy to see a similar shop fill the empty space.

“Robert (Verrone) was here before,” Sharon said, “and he had some great mid-century modern. This has got that and more. And it’s not all vintage, there’s some new stuff.”

So basically, it’s like one big estate sale right in the heart of the Village of Webster.

Sharon is still trying to sort out her hours, but right now Mabel Jane’s is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and usually one other day during the week. The best way to find out when she’s there is to visit Mabel Jane’s Facebook page or Instagram (mabel_janes_), which are both updated regularly.

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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 5/31/2025)

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Photos from the Memorial Day Parade

26 May

What a gorgeous day we had Monday for the Village of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade. Given the capricious spring weather we’ve been having, the comfortable temperatures and cloudless sky were a pleasant surprise, and pretty much perfect conditions for the marchers and onlookers.

I always wish there were as many people lining the streets for this parade as there are at the Firemen’s Parade in July, but I estimate there were a few thousand out there enjoying the sunny weather, young and old, many dressed in their Memorial Day finest.

This is not a very long parade, and I think some of the fire trucks turned off the route before they made it to me, but I tried to get photos of pretty much everything else.

And of course the parade is just a precursor to the nice remembrance ceremony held afterwards at Webster Rural Cemetery.

Thank you to all of the veterans, Scouts, band members, first responders and others who participated in today’s events, and who took the time to help us honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Click here to see more photos.

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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 5/26/2025)

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Memorial Day Parade details

22 May

Webster’s Memorial Day Parade, kind of the unofficial kick-off to the summer season, takes place on Memorial Day, Monday May 26.

Here are the details:

  • 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 approximately 10 a.m., or whenever everyone arrives and gets settled.

In addition to honored active military members, auxiliary members and veterans, also expected to march in this year’s parade are the Webster High School Marching Band, Boy Scouts and (hopefully) Girl Scouts, firefighters and more. Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year.

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.

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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 5/22/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

18 May

I’m told that the Village Wine and Food Walk, hosted by the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday May 10, was a big success. Thanks in part to some perfect weather (sunny skies and in the mid-70’s), all 300 tickets were sold out and participants started arriving at BC’s Chicken Coop a full 20 minutes before the 4 p.m. start time to check in and get their wine glasses and wrist bands.  

Twelve village merchants participated in the walk, along East and West Main and even to Salvatore’s on North Ave., where the BID had a DJ providing dance music.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Harmony House and their restoration project.

Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

The Webster Central School District Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. 

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Applications are available at websterschools.org or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster, (585) 216-0001. 

Absentee ballot applications cannot be mailed into the district at this late date, but can be dropped off to the district clerk the day before the vote.  

Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the three candidates running for the three board of education seats up for election.

Grab dinner after you vote!

The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., on Tuesday May 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. (during the school budget vote).

Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork, salt potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread and a drink for just $19 (plus processing fees). Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested in learning how to clean and preserve headstones?

Webster Union Cemetery will be hosting a Headstone Cleaning Class on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm.

Participants will learn how to properly clean a headstone, and hear stories about some of our town’s founders and more colorful  residents. All supplies will be provided. Just bring rubber gloves, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.

Class size is limited. If you’re interested, email Cherie Wood at WebsterWreaths@iCloud.com.

Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Rd.

Village Parks Committee wants your opinion

The Village of Webster Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for community input on potential upgrades to Schantz Park. The park is located between Hawley Drive and State Road, and has a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment.

Residents are invited to share your thoughts on a brief form, and let the committee know what amenities you would like added to the park. And while you’re there, take a few minutes to fill out the other quick survey you’ll find there, sharing your opinions about all of our village’s other parks as well.

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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 5/18/2025)

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Concert at Harmony House will benefit Coach employees

7 May

We all know about the disastrous fire at The Coach Sports Bar on Tuesday, March 18. It started behind the bar, and despite the quick response and hard work of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department and others, the fire tore through the place, leaving this village landmark devastated. While the building is still structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage means that it will have to be gutted.

Owner Fritz Sierk is committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible. But in the meantime, all of his employees — including some who have been there for decades — are now out of work.

In true Webster fashion, our community is coming together to support those employees, with a benefit concert on Sunday, June 1 at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

The concert will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., and feature two bands:

Guest bartenders from The Coach will be serving the drinks, there’ll be a 50/50 and prize raffles, and Coach-themed merchandise for sale. The Uncle Buck’s food truck will also be there, cooking up a special menu for this event

Tickets are $20 cash, available only at the door (ATM on site) and will be first-come, first-served.Patrons must be 21 or over to attend the event. Parking is available at the Harmony House, along with municipal parking across the street.

ALSO, on Sunday May 18, Cobblestone on Main restaurant and the Mary Wee Pub are joining forces to host a fundraiser at Cobblestone, 109 W. Main St. in the Village of Webster, from noon to 3 p.m.

There’ll be raffles, giveaways, brinks and food, all for your donation of $20.

All proceeds from both events — the concert and the Cobblestone party — will go to The Coach employees. Fritz put it best when he wrote on Facebook,

The people that work for The Coach are the reason it is there and running. Insurance will do very little if anything for them, and unemployment only goes so far. I, and all the employees of The Coach Sports Bar all thank everyone who have reached out with condolences, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. We will all see you back there as soon as we can!

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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 5/7/2025)

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Mark your calendar for this summer’s Village of Webster events

23 Apr

The first Village of Webster Wine and Food Walk for 2025 is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday May 10 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling a variety of wines and delicious bites from local restaurants. You’ll discover new flavors and meet many of our local merchants.

Tickets are on sale now. They’re $24.25, and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), then bring your digital ticket (or paper copy) to the Chicken Coop at 158 West Main Street to check in. You’ll get a souvenir wine glass and a map to guide you on your tour. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID. It is REQUIRED.

This spring’s event stops include The Coach, Annette’s Restaurant, JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar, and OHHH, LORDEE! Everything Sauces, with more to be announced soon! 

The Wine Walks are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District (BID). 

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The Wine Walk is just the first in a whole list of great summer events the BID will be hosting. Here’s what’s in the works:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. This year’s Craft Beer Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

And stay tuned for more information about this summer’s big concert to benefit The Coach’s employees after the restaurant’s devastating fire in March.

It’s scheduled for Sunday June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, and will feature two bands, Leecy, Greg & Friends, and Prime Time Brass. Coach bartenders will be there to pour your drinks, there’ll be raffles and Coach-themed merchandise for sale.

Tickets go on sale May 1. More details to come in a future blog.

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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 4/23/2025)

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