Dr. Steve Cochi inducted into Lacrosse Hall of Fame

14 Nov

Dr. Steve Cochi, Webster lacrosse star of the 1960s and Centers of Disease Control infectious disease star during his long professional career, spent a busy November 5 weekend reuniting with former teammates and being honored by the local chapter of USA Lacrosse.

Dr. Cochi led the 1969 Webster Ridgemen to the championship of the Upstate Lacrosse Conference, scoring six of his team’s seven goals, including the sudden-victory fourth overtime winner against Fayetteville-Manlius of the Syracuse area. He subsequently became Webster’s first college All-American honoree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, matching his high school feat of setting his team’s then all-time scoring record.

A large contingent of Webster lacrosse folks attended the awards banquet of the Greater Rochester Area Chapter of USA Lacrosse, the governing body of the sport, including a table of his fellow ’69 Ridgemen. His family filled another table, and a third included five of Webster’s previous eight local Hall of Fame selectees.

Dr. Cochi recounted the impact of his Webster team experience, including the leadership of Coach Bill Guerrera, who had sadly passed away just that previous week.

According to his biograohy from the National Library of Medicine, Steve’s post-Webster career with the CDC encompassed “more than 22 years working in the field of immunization. As Acting Director of the National Immunization Program at CDC he had a major impact on the prevention of virtually every one of the vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) disease, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella, varicella, and tetanus.”

The weekend included a Friday evening pizza-and-soda gathering at Thomas High School, arranged by present THS coach Rob Ruller and included additional former teammates Bill Southwell and Mike Martin as well as other members of the Webster lacrosse community. Fond memories of Coach Guerrera and recollections of events of the title game and the rest of the season were stimulated by a grainy and jumpy tape partially salvaged from the original film. That relic of ‘wooden-stick lacrosse’ can be accessed via YouTube here.

Steve Cochi wore #88.

Thank you to Dave Moore for submitting this follow-up.

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

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(posted 11/14/2022)

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Thank you, Scouts!

11 Nov

When Wreaths Across America Day comes to Webster Union Cemetery on Dec. 17, some little hands will be helping place the more than 650 wreaths on the graves of veterans who are buried there.

The young ladies of Brownie Troop 60344 , all second-graders, will be one of several Scout troops leading community members in the Pledge of Allegiance that day, before fanning out into the graveyard to lay wreaths.

Troop co-leader Daniela Viavattine wrote that this year she and her co-leader Linda Meyers are “putting a big emphasis on the service aspect of Girl Scouting.”

The girls will be learning who veterans are and why we have a day to honor their service and sacrifice. The wreath fundraiser and wreath laying event is a great way to connect their new knowledge to how they can honor veterans right here in our community.  We are looking forward to participating this year!

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. This year, the movement has reached Webster, where efforts are under way to place a wreath for each of the more than 650 veterans resting at Webster Union Cemetery.

Local organizers have not yet reached their goal, so they can use your help. Sponsoring a wreath only costs $15, and $5 from every wreath sponsorship will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women who don’t have access to everyday supplies. Click here to go online to sponsor a wreath, or email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com to request a form. Sponsorship deadline is Monday, November 21.

In the back-and-forth emails the troop leaders and I had about their Wreaths Across America involvement, Linda Meyers told me about another great community service these young ladies recently provided, and another way in which the Brownies are learning about veterans.

Earlier this week the girls worked with Mary Ann O’Mara, Pat Miller and Cheryl Quinn to make greeting cards for veterans. Mary Ann, Pat and Cheryl provided all of the materials, and even sent each girl home with some Christmas cookies from Sweet Jude’s bakery.

The cards will be delivered to the Veterans Outreach Center Christmas card program, which collects Christmas cards from children to give to veterans.

This was the second time Brownie Troop 60344 worked with Mary Ann and Pat to make cards. The first was back in February when the girls made Valentine’s Day cards for the residents of The Maplewood nursing home.

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

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(posted 11/11/2022)

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Thank you veterans, from the Village of Webster!

11 Nov

The Village of Webster held a brief, but well attended, Veterans Day ceremony this morning at Veterans Park on North Ave. It was actually so brief that when I arrived around 11:15, it had already concluded. But it was nice to see all of the veterans and their family members still hanging about, chatting, hugging, and clearly enjoying celebrating the warm and not-yet-rainy day with others.

After the ceremony, the veterans and their families were invited to drive around the back side of Village Hall and grab a lunch, catered by Brimont Bistro, handed to them through their car windows by Village employees.

Thank you, Village of Webster, for this kind gesture. But mostly, thank you veterans for your service.

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(posted 11/11/2022)

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White Christmas is now “Webster’s Winter Wonderland”

10 Nov

The Village of Webster’s White Christmas celebration is taking on a new name and a new ’round-the-world theme this year.

The day-long event, scheduled for Saturday Dec. 3, has been re-christened “Webster’s Winter Wonderland.” The Webster Business Improvement District (BID), which organizes the festival every year, has been working hard with the Webster CSD and the Webster PTSA to add a multicultural flavor to the very popular annual event.

All of the best parts of White Christmas are still planned, including Santa, festival wagon rides, carolers, the bell choir, and of course, the Parade of Lights. Veterans Memorial Park will once again be transformed into Santa’s Workshop with cookies, hot cocoa, storytime, crafts, and the jolly old elf himself visiting with children at the gazebo.

The exciting new twist on the festival, the ’round-the-world activities, will take place on East and West Main streets, which will be closed for the afternoon and evening. The BID is inviting our local business owners to each represent a different country and set up displays (either inside our outside) highlighting their chosen country’s winter holiday traditions. The displays might just be informational, or they might include crafts, take-away items, and even ethnic cuisine.

Several businesses have signed up already. For example, Mozzeroni’s Pizza will be representing Italy, Barry’s Old School Irish has chosen (you guessed it) Ireland, and Finn’s Garage will be showcasing Japan.

Details are still being hammered out, so stay tuned for those. But definitely put this on your calendar right now, because it’s going to be one of the best festivals of the Webster year.

Webster’s Winter Wonderland will take place on Saturday Dec. 3 from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in the Village of Webster. The incredible Parade of Lights, hosted by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. (thank you WVFD!) begins at 6:30 p.m.

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

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(posted 11/10/2022)

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What’s in that drawer?

9 Nov

For this month’s Webster Museum History Bit, I introduce you to a piece of museum furniture that you might recognize from your school days.

Do you remember library card catalogs? Before the days of computers and electronic catalog records, these bulky wooden cabinets held individual cards for every book in the library’s collection. To find the book you wanted, you had to find the right drawer and flip through the cards. 

One of those classic card catalogs has been creatively repurposed at the Webster Museum, to the delight of visiting children and adults alike. It was donated to the museum several years ago by Spry Middle School, and has found a new life as a kind of surprise cabinet, thanks to the hard work of museum volunteer Carol Saylor.

Each of the cabinet’s 25 drawers now holds a different historical curiosity. They’re all very small items, of course, and run the gamut from jewelry and household objects to toys and personal grooming items. 

The cabinet has become a regular stop on school tours of the museum, and the children enjoy taking turns pulling open a drawer and examining the tiny objects inside. (Most adults are rather fascinated as well.) 

Next time you’re at the museum, discover for yourself how much history has been packed into those very small drawers. (Three examples are pictured below.)

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Visit the website at webstermuseum.org to learn more.

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(posted 11/9/2022)

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Small businesses: the backbone of our village

8 Nov

I was thinking about small-town life the other day.

As a relatively new Village of Webster resident, I’m still in that early-in-a-relationship, giddy phase when it comes to the simple pleasures of village life. Great restaurants and pubs are just a short walk away. Tons of special events and live music gigs are right around the corner. Neighbors come together around fire pits on warm summer nights. The streets sparkle with holiday lights every winter.

But as I thought more about it, and about what REALLY makes small-town life different and special, I kept coming back to one thing: our small businesses.

When I look down the Village of Webster’s main streets, one word that comes to mind is “charming.” And that’s not just because of the white twinkly lights in the trees (but they definitely help). It’s because of all of the small businesses that line the sidewalks.

Inside and out, our village’s small businesses are just downright cute. The owners take great pride in making their front window displays colorful and inviting, and on pleasant days many will even set up shop on the sidewalk. Inside, the variety of clothing, books, health and beauty products, crafts, toys and gift items is outstanding. And if you have a question about anything, chances are good it’s the owner who’ll be there with a smile to answer it.

So this year I’m making a pledge to shop local this holiday season, and give back to the small businesses that make our town and village so liveable.

I’m embarrassed to admit this is a new concept for me. Like many, I’m a big Walmart/Target/Kohl’s holiday shopper. But in recent years the gifts I’ve been finding in the big-box stores have gotten kind of … predictable. I need to get more creative.

So I’m going to shop small as much as possible this year. It doesn’t hurt that Webster has so many wonderful little stores with an impressive variety of gift ideas. I figure I’ll avoid the Black Friday shoppers, go out on Small Business Saturday, and get my entire list taken care of in one day. 

I hope you’ll join me. Even if (or especially if) you just need stocking presents, step into a small shop you’ve never been in before and I guarantee you’ll find something unique and perfect.

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

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(posted 11/8/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Nov

Do you still have some candy left over from Halloween? Consider trading it in at Webster Pediatric Dentistry’s Candy Buyback, happening through this Thursday Nov. 10.

Turn your candy in for a prize, and they’ll make a donation to the Webster Community Chest. You can also enter to win an Amazon gift card.

Webster Pediatric Dentistry is located at 39 West Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Two — count them, TWO — craft fairs are coming your way.

The first is this coming Saturday Nov. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

More than 30 vendors will be there, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. Check out the flier below for more information.

The second craft fair is being held at Schlegel Elementary School on Saturday Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will benefit the Schlegel PTSA. More information on the flier below.

The Village of Webster will hold a Veteran’s Day ceremony this Friday Nov. 11 in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave.

The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m., after which the Village Board will host a free takeout lunch for all veterans, current military personnel and their families, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the parking lot behind 29 South Ave.

Absentee ballots are now available for the Webster Central School District Capital Project Vote on Dec. 13.

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application, may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available from District Clerk Cynthia Cushman, 119 South Ave., Webster.

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

The Webster CSD Capital Project Vote takes place Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gymnasium, 875 Ridge Rd., Webster.

Here’s a look at what the Webster Public Library has going on this month:

Do you know about Naloxone? This is an emergency medication, a nasal spray, that can save the life of a suspected opioid/heroin overdose patient.

An upcoming FREE online Naloxone training session, hosted by the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN), will teach local residents how to administer Naloxone. The class will be held via Zoom on Monday Nov. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. You can get more information and register online here.

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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 11/7/2022)

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News from the Webster Museum

6 Nov

Veterans Day is fast approaching, and the Webster Museum has planned a great program to honor those who have fought for our country.

On Saturday November 19 at 2 p.m., Chuck Baylis, Executive Director of the Military History Society of Rochester, will present “A New War, a New Story,” his stories from the Vietnam War, gleaned from his experience as a Special Forces medic during that war and his subsequent research.

There will also be time for stories of other veterans’ experiences and for refreshments, and time to view a display of Vietnam memorabilia, including the Michael Geisler collection.

Cider, donuts and apples from local farms will be served.

Also to honor our veterans, an in-person Reading of the Names ceremony will take place in Washington, D.C. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial beginning November 7. Every name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be read in order of which it appears on The Wall, including five Webster boys who lost their lives in the Vietnam War: Leonard Coles, Rex Daniels, Donald Holleder, Peter Kaulback and David Semmler.

The estimated time of the reading of Webster memorials is noted below:

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. The museum is handicap accessible and open to the public Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2-4:30 pm.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The Webster Museum’s annual Festival of Trees has returned.

Right now the trees are all still in storage, eagerly awaiting businesses, organizations and individuals to step up and sponsor them for this year’s Festival of Trees, wondering what pretty things creative minds plan for decorating this year.

If you’d like to answer your tree’s call, please phone Sharon Pratt at (585) 347-4202. Reserve soon, as these trees go fast!

Trees can be decorated by sponsors during the museum’s regular open hours, 2 to 4:30 p.m., on November 26, 29 or December 1.  Community members can start voting for their favorite trees on Saturday Dec. 3 during the Village’s Winter Wonderland festivities. More information to come about that.

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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 11/6/2022)

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Webster Recreation Center ups its game

5 Nov

I’ve had the occasion to visit the Webster Recreation Center several times in the last few weeks, including for the Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting and the recent Pumpkins on Parade Halloween festival. And every time I go, I’m once again impressed by how nice a facility it is and how many things the Webster Parks & Recreation Department offers our community.

I especially like the new emphasis they’ve put on their Senior Center and the new events and programs they’ve added for the 55+ crowd. The Rec Center folk recognize that for those of us over 55 (including me — by not a little), this can be a great time in our lives. The kids are out of the house, we’re retired or soon will be, and we’ve got time to focus on ourselves for a change. So they’ve dialed up a nice variety of programs to help us stay young, active, independent and healthy.

I mean, we’re talking more than just card games and chair yoga (both of which they have, of course). There’s also things lke Zumba, stretching, and something called “Theraband” for active people, and weekly lectures for smart people. Basically, there’s something for every over-55-er, no matter your fitness level. And for certain there are a ton of new friends to be made there.

Click here to see the Senior Center’s latest newsletter to find out more about all the 55+ programs.

For seniors — and everyone else — Webster Parks & Recreation has also recently introduced a monthly newsletter called “The Word,” packed with information about … well, lots of cool stuff happening at the Rec Center. In this month’s edition, for example, you’ll learn about an upcoming craft fair, a pajama dance party, a Black Friday fitness class, and about how you can rent rooms at the Rec Center for your meeting, class or party. You’ll also “meet” Recreation Director Katie Kovar. Click here to see the newsletter and sign up to get it in your email box every month.

See you at the Rec!

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips.

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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 11/5/2022)

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Wreaths Across America is approaching its goal

4 Nov

I know I’ve said this before, but we have one amazing community here in Webster.

Witness the response to the recent call for sponsorships for the first-ever Wreaths Across America initiative happening in December at Webster Union Cemetery.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. This year, the movement has reached Webster, where efforts are under way to place a wreath for each of the more than 650 veterans resting at Webster Union Cemetery.

That’s a very ambitious goal, especially for Webster’s first effort, and we’re not there yet. But organizers are confident they’ll get there before the wreaths are placed during the official Wreath Day ceremony on Dec. 17.

What’s amazing about the great number of wreaths sponsored so far is that most of them have been purchased by individuals. A handful of businesses have stepped up as sponsors but about three quarters of the wreaths have been purchased one at a time. That’s an incredible testament to the people of Webster, and how our community comes together for a meaningful cause.

And then there’s Jersey Mike’s Subs. Jersey Mike’s is not only one of the handful of businesses that have stepped up as sponsors, but is one of the top corporate donors to Wreaths Across America in the nation, having donated at least $100,000 to the cause.

Locally, that commitment is being demonstrated in a delicious way. Both local Jersey Mike’s locations in Webster (976 Ridge Rd.) and Victor (405 Commerce Drive) will reward YOU when you make a donation to Wreaths Across America.

Here’s what your donation will get you:

  • $1 donation = $1 off your next sub
  • $3 donation = free chip and drink with a purchase of a sub
  • $5 donation = buy one regular sub get one for free 

The gift cards are available through Nov. 13, and can be redeemed through Nov. 30.

So that’s one easy way you can support Webster’s Wreaths Across America effort. But plenty of wreaths are still available, so click here to go online to sponsor a wreath, or email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com to request a form. Sponsoring a wreath only costs $15, and $5 from every wreath sponsorship will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women who don’t have access to everyday supplies. Sponsorship deadline is Monday, November 21.

Stay tuned for more news about Wreaths Across America at Webster Union Cemetery, especially for notification about when the wreaths will be delivered. Sometime in early December, an 18-wheeler will be arriving from Maine with police escort, and weave its way through town to the cemetery. Then, at noon on Saturday Dec. 17, community members will be invited to help place the wreaths on veterans’ headstones.

I’m sure our community will want to come together on that very meaningful day.

Keep up to date on all the latest announcements by “liking” the Wreaths Across America at Webster Union Cemetery Facebook page.

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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 11/4/2022)

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