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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. 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. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the Webster Public Library.

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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 3/2/2024)

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Latest news from the Friends of Webster Trails

26 Feb

I’m always on the lookout for fresh news from the Friends of Webster Trails to pass along. These are the volunteers who create and maintain the amazing trail system we have here in Webster.

I got such an email the other day, highlighting several of the projects the Friends are working on, even in the middle of winter.

The main activity for the last few months has actually been tree removal.  Several wind events this winter have downed many weak trees, especially ash trees, which have been killed over the last few years by the Emerald Ash Borer. Once dead, these provide a trellis for climbing vines such as grape and poison ivy, both of which are native plants. But the worst offender is Japanese bittersweet, which is not native. The vines grow up the dead tree until they reach the top where they expand in size. These growths provide a handle that the wind can use to topple the dead tree.

All of the trails experienced some degree of tree problems recently and the Friends are fortunate to have a few folks with chainsaws and the knowledge to deal with these trail obstructions. Some of the trees that were down presented some difficulties at removing which you can gather from the photo abovem taken at Gosnell Big Woods. The Bird Sanctuary Trail was the hardest hit, with more a dozen trees down near the Rt. 250 junction. If you notice trees down on trail, please report the problem on the “contact” link of the FWT website.

Latest from the ReTree project

With permission from the Town, and using grant money from the Rochester Birding Association, the Friends hired Jim Engel of White Oak Nursery to clear non-native invasive Autumn Olive in Whiting Road Nature Preserve, where they’ll be planting native species later this year.

ReTree began in 2021 with the mission of improving species diversity and ecological resiliency of the forested habitat in the Webster open spaces. Since its inception, the group has cleared invasives from several plots and planted more than 300 native trees and shrubs, sourced from New York State, Monroe County Soil and Water and White Oak Nursery, in addition to growing seedlings from seed.

ReTree is always looking for volunteers to enjoy the outdoors, help the environment, and make like-minded friends. Contact them at https://webstertrails.org/retree/

Improvements to the new Herman Road Preserve

Volunteers from Friends of Webster Trails have been hard at work clearing along the road by the new Herman Road Forever Wild Forest preserve. Invasive species and brush were cleared, and then the town picked up the brush.

This makes for a more inviting entry to the trails, and helps prepare the site for the creation of a parking lot. Work will begin this week by Webster Highway and Parks and Recreation to create a six-car parking lot.

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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 2/26/2024)

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Friends of Webster Trails have a great new website

13 Feb

If you’d asked me last week if the Friends of Webster Trails could do anything better than they’re already doing, I’d have laughed and said, “No way!” But I’ve been proved wrong. This already amazing organization has just updated their website with a new, modern look.

Those of you familiar with the Friends will be relieved to know that all of the information we’ve come to expect from their old website is still there, including maps of each trail, trail length, and details about each trail. But somehow the Friends have found ways to make the website even better.

For starters, the new site provides even more information about each trail, including interesting tidbits like fishing and dog walking regulations, cross country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities, trail difficulty, and details about boardwalks and bridges. There are a lot more photos, and links to several news stories about things like the recent annual meeting, Eagle Scout projects and the ReTree Initiative. The navigation bar across the top leads to even more content, including an interactive events calendar, fun stuff just for kids, how to become a member and how to get involved in other ways.

Why the update? The Friends explain,

With more than 5,000 people using the trails in Webster each week, we wanted to make finding out about them a better experience. With a modern look, easier navigation, and more trail information, the updated site brings the best of Webster’s trails to you.

Friends of Webster Trails has always had some of the best maps and information about the trails, but this new design sweeps out the corners and gives the whole site a fresh look.

They still haven’t put the final touches on the site, so check back regularly to see what’s new. And when you do, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for 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 2/13/2024)

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Where can I volunteer in Webster?

3 Jan

Thank you to everyone who responded so enthusiastically to my recent Facebook post about my plans to research and blog about volunteer opportunities in Webster. I got several suggestions (most of which were already on my list), and a few ideas about some great organizations to blog about in the future.

But I was especially pleased by the large number of people who said they were looking forward to seeing the list. I’ve always known that Webster is a giving community, but the response to that one post has been heartwarming.

I give 100% credit for this idea to Tom Traub, who himself volunteers for the Friends of Webster Trails and other initiatives. In his email, he wrote,

The strength of a community is not only what  businesses we see, but all of the volunteering going on behind the scenes that is mostly invisible except for a few really involved … the pay will be terrible, but the benefits will be priceless to those who find their passion or niche.

I couldn’t agree more.

So, what follows is what I’ve pulled together so far about the many ways you and your family can volunteer in Webster. I’ve chosen at this point NOT to include service organizations like the Kiwanis or American Legion which do great things for the community, but generally require membership. Plus, while all of these organizations will gladly accept monetary donations to support their causes, I’ve tried to focus on hand-on volunteering opportunities. Click through to the website/Facebook hyperlink to find out more.

This is NOT an exhaustive list. If you see that I’ve missed something, please let me know.

Bellas Bumbas
1170 Ridge Rd. #208

Bella’s Bumbas, run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, is dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues. To date, they’ve shipped 2,650 chairs to children in 66 countries, often adapting the chairs for each child’s individual needs, and charging the parents only for shipping.

How you can help: Volunteers help pack chairs; write “kids cards” (every child gets a handwritten card); help clean, vacuum, and dust the workshop once a week; transport chairs within the U.S. and internationally and stateside; and other tasks.

FoodWEBster

The goals of FoodWEBster are to promote food security, minimize food waste, support small scale food production, increase self-reliance, and help protect the local environment by nourishing a healthy ecosystem.

How you can help: share educational resources, facilitate peer-to-peer food gifting and mutual aid, and promoting and organizing pro-environmental conversations and events.

Friends of Webster Trails (FWT)
1350 Chiyoda Dr.

FWT focuses on building and maintaining recreational trails and protecting the natural character of the Town’s open-space lands through sensible management, education, and low-impact access. Assists in planning, maintaining, and promoting recreational trails in the Town of Webster.

How you can help: FWT is always looking for trail workers, especially for their monthly trail clearing and building work parties. New board members are also welcome.

Gathering Place Webster

Offers a wide range of community programs with “that serve the community with “a unique twist.” It exists in part to serve as an on-ramp to volunteering for those who aren’t sure where to start.

How you can help: Some recent Gathering Place Webster projects have included a pet food pantry, outdoor pantries, community garden outreach programs, filling grocery bags, packing Easter baskets, stuffing back to school backpacks, bag lunch outreach for the chronically homeless, free community Sunday suppers and sorting toy donations. Check the website for more.

Heritage Christian Stables
1103 Salt Rd.

Offers equine-assisted horseback riding and non-riding horsemanship lessons, inclusive to people of all abilities, designed to enrich a person’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, while also building confidence and self-esteem.

How you can help: The continued success of the therapeutic horsemanship program relies heavily on volunteers, which help to run lessons year-round. Riders may require as many as three people to assist them – one “side walker” on each side of the horse and one “horse leader” responsible for guiding the equine. Experience is not required. All necessary training is provided.

Home Start Hope

Home Start Hope provides brand new, essential household items to women and their children transitioning to independent living from emergency shelters in Rochester, NY.

How you can help: Stock their shelves by shopping their Target registry or by donating gift cards; get involved as a volunteer or board member; organize a donation drive; attend, sponsor or donate items for their fundraisers.

Lap Robes for Veterans

Cut and sew lap robes, which are then distributed at Honor Flights, area hospice homes, hospitals, and veterans outreach centers as a small gesture of warmth and comfort for the men and women who have served our country. Coordinated by two Webster women, the group meets once a week in Irondequoit to cut fabric and sew it around the edges. Then a “thank you for your service” label is hand-sewn in the corner.

How you can help: Anyone who loves to sew is invited to join the group. Click the link above to contact the organizers for more information.

Lasagna Love
https://lasagnalove.org/

Neighbors helping neighbors by preparing and delivering home-cooked lasagnas for families who are struggling due to lost income, lost childcare or other life difficulties. There’s no cost to the families.

How you can help: Join the cooking team and make some lasagna!

Making Spirits Bright

A referral-based adopt-a-family organization providing gifts every holiday season for families in need. The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance, get wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items.

How you can help: “Adopt” an individual, or adopt a whole family, and fill a wish list. Volunteer wrappers are also needed once all of the gifts are collected. Bookmark the website and stay tuned to my blog next Christmas season for your next opportunities.

Maplewood Nursing Home
100 Daniel Dr.

Long-term care nursing facility in the Village of Webster.

How you can help: Volunteers are needed to transport residents to meals and activities, spend time visiting, assist with games and events, help on outings, bring in fun crafts, run our book club, offer cooking demonstrations (with tastings, of course), share their musical talents and more!

Meals on Wheels
2180 Empire Blvd.

Meal delivery service to support our senior neighbors to extend their independence and health.

How you can help: Become a driver! Your visits provide more then just meals; they provide socialization and safety checks. Become a regular delivery person, adopt a route with your club or business, or become a seasonal sub. Kitchen help is also needed.

Never Say Never Stables
906 Maple Dr.

The Never Say Never Foundation is 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.

How you can help: Volunteers are trained to act as support staff, helping children be safe in and around the barn and animal enclosures. Volunteers monitor activity and offer encouragement to the participants. They may care for the horses and animals and take on many chores around the barn.

Rochester Challenger Miracle Field
Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd. (P.O. Box 826)

Provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

How you can help:

Volunteer positions are available for all of Miracle Field’s sport leagues for anyone who can commit to coming every week as coaches, or even on a fill-in basis. No experience is necessary in any sport, just the desire to help players take turns and have fun.

Miracle Field also hosts special events for the special needs community such as a Halloween Party, Holiday Kickball with Santa, and a Valentine’s Dance. Volunteers for those events can help with planning, decorating, and generally facilitating the event for players and families. Volunteers with experience in fundraising, grant writing, creating programming, managing social media, and other areas are also needed.

Webster Health Education Network (WHEN)
119 South Ave.

WHEN Works with the Webster School District, Town of Webster and community resources to promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community by supporting drug education and awareness initiatives.

How you can help: WHEN could use some project-specific volunteers to help Webster kids grow up strong and substance free. You don’t have to be a member to lend a hand; help design a youth coalition, join the information table team, or join the welcome wagon. Community members are always encouraged to join the coalition. Meetings are held monthly.

Webster Arboretum
1700 Schlegel Rd.

The goal of the Webster Arboretum Association, Inc. is to create and maintain a park-like setting dedicated to quiet reflection and passive recreation through the beauty found within the sights, smells and sounds of nature through educational, conservational and recreational opportunities for all ages.

How you can help: Weeding, mulching, landscaping, general maintenance and park improvement projects.

Webster Assoc. of Senior Program Services (WSPS)
1350 Chiyoda Dr.

A group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District.

How you can help: Drive residents to and from medical and dental appointments, other health-related trips such as pharmacies, as well as banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.

Webster Business Improvement District (BID)

Organization of mostly Village of Webster businesses responsible for creating a vibrant, clean and safe business district. Its mission is to “help create a positive and welcoming business atmosphere within our community to enhance the community’s overall perception of the Village and to help foster economic stability and growth.”

How you can help: Community members are welcome at the monthly meetings. Express your opinions, ideas for future events, put in your two cents about how things are being run. You can also sign up to help out with community events like Family Games Night, Trick or Treat Trail, and the Webster Jazz Fest.

Webster Comfort Care Home
700 Holt Rd.

Provides end-of-life comfort care, symptom control and pain management for residents while being a source of respite care for the families.

How you can help: Opportunities include resident care volunteer, house cleaner (2 times a month), social media liaison, maintenance person, party planner (especially if you love fundraising), newsletter designer (Canava expert). Hands-on training is provided for all volunteers.

Webster Community Chest
1000 Ridge Rd.

Provides information and referrals, emergency financial assistance, food assistance, summer camp scholarships, high school senior awards for community service, and financial aid to organizations whose programs benefit Webster residents.

How you can help: Lots of ways! Coordinate a food collection, help stuff envelopes for the annual campaign, join a committee (like marketing/PR or fundraising), help with meal center distribution, become a board member, help plan the next Greater Rochester Marshmallow Peep Show in March, and more.

Need more ideas? Visit the Community Chest’s Volunteer Appreciation night on Tuesday Jan. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

Webster Food Pantries

Webster has four free food pantries, located at Immanuel Lutheran Church (West Main), St. Martin Lutheran Church (Bay Rd.), Webster Baptist Church (South Ave.) and the United Church of Christ (Klem Rd.). The concept is to take what you need, leave what you can.

How you can help: You can drop off non-perishable food items any time at any of the pantries. Look for them in the church parking lots.

Webster Girl Scouts

Girl Scouting aims to empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics.

How you can help: Become a troop leader/chaperone, cookie volunteer, service unit volunteer, camp/seasonal volunteer or more.

Webster Public Library
980 Ridge Rd.

Enhances our community’s intellectual and creative pursuits by providing expertise and an eclectic collection of books, periodicals, digital media, and so. much. more.

How you can help: The Friends of the Public Library offers many volunteer opportunities for adults. The all-volunteer organization promotes and supports library, services, facilities and needs through community events, programs, the lobby bookstore and a semi-annual book sale. Additional opportunities for teens include assisting with children’s/teen Programs, dressing as a character for a children’s program, dusting and cleaning tables, cleaning books, clerical support (cutting scrap paper, sharpening pencils etc.), folding brochures, and more.

Webster Museum and Historical Society
18 Lapham Park

Dedicated to educating and introducing Webster’s heritage to our community through research, collection preservation, educational programs and exhibits.

How you can help: Volunteers are needed in many areas, including as greeters and docents, helping with publicity and other writing tasks, setting up exhibits, managing computer files, and others.

Webster NY Hope
1450 Ridge Rd.

Serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, helping to provide food, clothing, household goods, furniture and financial assistance to those in need.

How you can help: Volunteers help restock the food pantry, sort clothes, and meet with clients.

Webster Volunteer Fire Dept./Northeast Joint Fire District
35 South Ave.

Provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the Village of Webster, East Webster and Northeast Penfield.

How you can help: The invitation to become a member and join the volunteer firefighting team is always open. Other opportunities are also available; send along a Facebook message or find an application on the website for more information.

West Webster Fire Department
1051 Gravel Road

Provides fire, rescue and EMS services to the residents of West Webster and northwest Penfield.

How you can help: From Cpt. Tom Woodward: We are always looking to add people who are passionate about serving their community. Send us a message on Facebook or find an application on our website to find more information.

Wreaths Across America

The mission of Wreaths Across America is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. The simple act of placing a wreath helps assure that these veterans are never forgotten.

How you can help: The next wreaths Across America Day is Dec. 14, 2024. Community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony that day at Webster Union Cemetery and help lay wreaths in one of three (or more) Webster cemeteries. In the meantime, wreath sponsors are needed to make sure we have enough wreaths for every veteran in those ceremonies. Click on the link to find out how you can sponsor a wreath.

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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 1/3/2024)

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Christmas on the Hojack

22 Dec

In these last few days before Christmas, the holiday spirit can be found pretty much everywhere. Even along the Hojack Trail.

Margaret Supinski was hiking on the Hojack last week between Van Alstyne Rd. and Vosburg Hollow, when she came across these gaily decorated pine trees along the trail. What a nice way to share the spirit of the season and brighten the day of everyone who walks by.

 As long as we’re talking unusual Christmas trees, I’d like to tack this small item here as well.

This is one of my favorite Christmas decorations in my neighborhood, a hand-made tree with a large bulb marking each day in December. As the days and weeks count down to Christmas Day, a new bulb is illuminated to mark the number of days left.

It’s set up in front of a house on Dunning Ave. I go by it every morning on my walk and just love watching the lights creep up to the top. I imagine a few children taking turns every morning, screwing in the next bulb as they excitedly count down the days until Christmas.

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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 12/22/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Dec

Have your kids had a chance to see Santa this year? If not, no sweat. Santa will be at Never Say Never Stables this Saturday and Sunday Dec. 16 and 17, from noon to 2 p.m. both days, 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, a make-your-own reindeer snack station, a take-home treat for the children, and photo ops with all of the animals, including horses, goats, ducks, chicken, bunny and guinea pig.

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. 

Spaghetti Dinner

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

This notice from the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

New benches on the Hojack

Shout-out to Cole Featherly, from Scout Troop 262, for his fine work on three new benches he built for the Hojack Trail as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Cole also installed two similar benches in the new Michael A. Johnson Nature Preserve. Some of the benches have additional small tables.

The project was suggested and funded by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) using a grant from the Webster Rotary , and supervised by FWT Scout liaison Pat Fulkerson. Keep an eye out for them as you’re hiking the trails this season!

Finally, here are a few final reminders about special events at the Webster Museum and the Webster Public Library.

The museum is holding a great fundraiser which will make a perfect gift idea. It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

And don’t forget about the Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale, happening right now.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently-used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

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 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 12/13/2023)

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900 people. One week. One trail.

1 Dec

That was one of many remarkable statistics I learned at the recent Friends of Webster Trails annual meeting.

According to a trail counter, over a period of just ONE WEEK last summer, 900 people visited Gosnell Big Woods to hike the trails there. That’s a pretty amazing statistic, especially compared to the number of people who have actually become members of the Friends.

That was another statistic which always surprises me. The Friends currently have 245 members, a number which delighted the board members because it finally broke the 200 mark this year. But I think it’s disappointing, given how many people use the trails regularly.

Among those members, only a small proportion do all of the “heavy lifting” to create new trails and keep the current ones hike-able. And they do TONS of work every season, providing their own tools to do so. This year, for example, the Friends volunteers:

  • created a new trail and rerouted an old one at Four Mile Creek
  • supervised the building of a new boardwalk at Four Mile Creek
  • held numerous special events including the Hot Cocoa and Trees Along the Trail hikes
  • planted more than 250 trees and shrubs in five parks as part of the ReTree Project (330 hours of work)
  • Opened the new Michael A. Johnson Trail and expanded the new State Rd. Nature Preserve trails
  • Started planning the also new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest trails

And there’s always work going on behind the scenes like updating maps, working with the Town to install parking lots, working with Eagle Scouts to build boardwalks, benches and kiosks, and so much more. Given the huge number of people who use the trails, it’s no wonder these volunteers are constantly working to keep them maintained.

The Friends have some funds saved up, and Town helped a little bit for the first time this year, but a good chunk of their funding comes from the individual and family memberships. So …

I don’t want to be obnoxious, but c’mon folks! If you use and enjoy these trails, please show the selfless Friends of Webster Trails volunteers some love this holiday season and join. Then every time you’re out on a hike, enjoying our town’s natural beauty, you can proudly say, “I helped make this so.”

Family memberships are only $15 per year, and an individual membership is only $10 … for the whole year! You can click here to join online or click here to print off the form to send by mail. It makes a great gift idea for the hard-to-buy-for nature lover in your family., by the way.

The annual meeting was held at the Hickory Bark Trail near the Webster Public Library

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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 12/1/2023)

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The next family scavenger hunt hike is this weekend

2 Nov

The weather’s looking pretty OK for the next Family Scavenger Hunt, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center and in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

And if you REALLY like hiking, here’s something you might want to try.

That same evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends of Webster Trails’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

* * *

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 11/2/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Oct

I’m going to head-up today’s mailbag with a few events which I haven’t mentioned in any recent posting, including this brand new one I only just learned about this week.

Webster Schroeder High School’s National Honor Society will be hosting a Trunk or Treat at the school on Sunday Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. The NHS kids promise candy, popcorn, cotton candy and creative costumes. They’ll also be accepting donations for the Pirate Toy Fund, so if you can help, bring a new, unwrapped toy to the event.

Webster Schroeder High School is located at 875 Ridge Rd. The Trunk or Treat will be held in the GOAL parking lot, which is on your right as you approach the Schroeder main entrance from Ridge.

Veterans and active-duty service personnel are invited to a free Veterans Day spaghetti dinner in appreciation for their service.
 
The dinner will take place Thursday, Nov. 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue. Reservations are required, so attendees are asked to call the school at (585) 216-0093 to reserve seats. If you’d rather pick up a meal and not eat at the school, you can also call to reserve a takeout order.
 
The dinner includes spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Attendees and pickup orders are asked to enter the school’s back parking lot off of Rt. 250, behind the cafetorium.

The next meeting of The Visionaries will be held on Wednesday Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

The Visionaries is a support group for community members who struggle with vision issues — macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, or others. Members share their interests and opportunities with others, encouraging those with visual impairment to get the most out of their lives.

The Visionaries began in 2000, and at one time boasted as many as 80 members. In addition to regular monthly meetings, the group has taken outings to attractions like the Memorial Art Gallery, Geva Theatre, and Pike Stained Glass Studio. For their December 6 meeting, the group will return to the Memorial Art Gallery and in January will meet at the Webster Public Library.

There’s no need to register for any meeting, just come by and join in. For more information on The Visionaries, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 265-4167 or email wingstwofly@rochester.rr.com.

From the Webster Public Library, located in Webster Plaza, 980 Ridge Rd.:

  • The library will be closed on Friday Nov. 10 for staff training, and will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday Nov. 22 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
  • The Caps for Sale fundraiser is coming up Thursday Nov. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Hats will be $10 for children’s sizes and $15 for adult sizes and all proceeds benefit the Webster Public Library programs.
  • Also on Saturday Nov. 11, the library will hold their annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Book prices will start at $8 and prices are firm.
  • November 22 marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. On Wednesday Nov. 15, MCC history professor Mark Sample tells the story of that tragic day and discuss some of the conspiracy theories. The hour-long program begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • The next Webster Business Spotlight program will focus on Schutt’s Apple Mill, on Thursday Nov. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. Please register here.
  • The Webster Art Club Fall Show is going on right now at the library, through the end of November. This group meets for Open Art every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center and has meetings with guest artists and demos on the second Wednesday of each month. New members are always welcome. For more information click here.

The next benefit spaghetti dinner at the Masonic Lodge is Friday Nov. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the lodge, 30 Orchard Street.

This month’s dinner will benefit the Webster Thomas Titans Cheerleaders organization. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children. You can eat in or take it to go. Call (585) 872-3500 with questions.

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters will host an Indoor Arts/Crafts Sale at the Webster Recreation Center, Saturday Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 30 vendors will be there. Proceeds will benefit WSPS, a non-profit organization which provides Webster seniors with rides to their medical-related appointments.

The West Webster Fire Department invites community members to help clean up the Lake Rd. memorial honoring fallen WWFD firefighters Lt. Mike Chiapperino and Tomasz Kaczowka, on Saturday Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed trimmers, takes and trash bags. The memorial is located on Lake Rd. just past Sandbar Park.

I won’t go into much detail about any of these following events since I’ve written about them before, so if you want to find out more about any of them, check out the flyers below or just search for it on the blog.

  • DEA Drug take-back Saturday Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court, 1002 Ridge Rd.
  • Family Scavenger Hunt, Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center
  • Santa’s Garage Sale at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., from Nov. 2 to 4.
  • A Concert Apparel and Coat event, Sat. Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Friends of Webster Trails’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike, Saturday Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve.
  • Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct, 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • The Village of Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night, Friday Nov 3 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Shadow Hill in Ontario.
  • The Webster BID’s annual Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House.

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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 10/27/2023)

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Take a hike (with the Friends)

18 Oct

My regular blog readers already know how much I love the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). These three special events they’re involved with in the next several weeks are great examples why.

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center and in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

That evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

This last event is a great way to help the Friends out, and give back a little for all they do for us and our Webster trails.

The next FWT work day (and probably last one of the year) will take place this Saturday Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The Friends will be planting native trees as part of their ongoing ReTree Project. Many hands make light work, so please consider joining them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves, water and a shovel.

For more information about the Friends of Webster Trails and all of the great trails they manage for our enjoyment, visit their website 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 10/18/2023)

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