Songs for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day

13 Feb

Count on the great guys of the Chorus of the Genesee to come up with a charming idea for Valentine’s Day.

All this month, the Chorus has been opening up their weekly Tuesday-night rehearsals to the community, as part of the Village of Webster’s Fall in Love With Webster event. But this week, in honor of Valentine’s Day, they’ve cooked up something special.

Bring your sweetheart to the Harmony House on Tuesday Feb. 15 from 7:30 to 8 p.m., where she (or he!) will be serenaded with love songs. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere, a mimosa and perhaps a few other surprises thrown in. It’s free, but they’d love for you to register so they have an idea of how many to expect. Click here to do that.  

The Harmony House is located at 58 East Main St., Webster.

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Fall in love with Webster (Week 3)

12 Feb

The Village of Webster’s exciting Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration is halfway over! All month, residents and visitors to our fine town are enjoying merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.

I imagine you’ve noticed all of the decorations merchants are putting up and the trivia questions posted in the windows. Everyone really seems to be getting into the spirit.

PLUS, the event has attracted the attention of Wendy Mills from Spectrum News, who came out early last week to see what all the excitement’s about. Click here to see that story, which was televised on Wednesday.

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back next Sunday to see what’s scheduled for the last week!

❤ Thinking of Others: Be Someone’s Secret Admirer!

The Village of Webster is inviting everyone to be an old-fashioned “secret admirer” anytime during the month. You could send flowers to someone, or just pay it forward at the drive through. It’s all about thoughtfulness. Have fun!

❤ NEJFD Boot Drive

Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive. All month, Barry’s Old School Irish and Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s) will each have a real firefighter’s boot to accept your donations. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care.

❤ All week: Blind Date With a Book Sale at Yesterday’s Muse

This sounds like a lot of fun. Customers pay $5 to buy a mystery book, which is wrapped in plain brown paper with a genre and description written on the outside. What a fun and romantic way to share some love, read a book, and make some February memories all the while supporting a local merchant. Who’s your mystery date? Find it at Yesterday’s Muse.

❤ All week: HEAT WEEK at Webster Hots

Webster Hots is offering some “heat” this week with spicy specials. Stop by to pick up a meal or two during the this week of love and romance! Call (585) 265-0824.  

❤ Feb. 14: Heart-shaped donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts

Start your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note with a heart-shaped donut from Dunkin’ Donuts on North Ave. in the village.

❤ Feb. 14: Heart-shaped pizza from Salvatore’s

One day only…heart-shaped pizzas from Salvatore’s. Or order something from their large menu. Call 585-872-2210 or check out their website.

❤ Feb. 14: Valentine’s Dinner at Brimont Bistro

This French-based cuisine bistro is offering a beef tenderloin with all the trimmings. Call (585) 872-3170 or check out their website.

❤ Feb. 14: Cobblestone on Main Valentine’s Dinner — Reservations accepted!

Cobblestone on Main, which doesn’t normally accept reservation, is doing so for this one very special day. Check out their website and start planning your evening!

❤ Feb. 14 to 18: Share the Love free dance classes at Roc Dance

All week, Roc Dance will be offering free classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hop hop and acro for kids ages 2 and up, and there’s even a Mommy and Me class. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.: Sweetheart Serenade at the Harmony House

The Chorus of the Genesee will be hosting another live practice session tonight at the Harmony House, but this one comes with a romantic twist. Bring your sweetheart by from 7:30 to 8 p.m., where she (or he!) will be serenaded with love songs. Enjoy a romantic atmosphere, a mimosa and perhaps a few other surprises. It’s free! Click here to find out more and to register so they have an idea of how many are coming.  

❤ Feb. 15, 4 p.m.: Class for Cause: Scrapping for Charity at the Village Quilt Shoppe

The Village Quilt Shoppe is having another great event, this time with a charity twist. Come help them cut fabric squares to help women in Honduras make quilts to support their families.What a great cause! Call today to sign up and help support this great mission effort. 585-626-6916.

❤ Feb. 15, 7 p.m.: Music: Eggman’s Traveling Carnival at Pub 235

Eggman’s Traveling Carnival plays songs from the 60s and 70s. The evening also features the Monsters of the Midway.

❤ Feb. 16: Carl’s Pizza Colossal Calzone and Pizza Deal

Two great deals today at Carl’s: a colossal calzone for $12.99 (with two toppings, ricotta cheese, mozzarella and two sides of sauce) and a 14“ medium, one-topping for $13.99. Click here for a link to Carl’s menu in case you want some other options.

❤ Feb. 17: Random Acts of Kindness Day, compliments Kittelberger Florist!

When you visit select merchants today, you might just be handed a flower, courtesy Kittelberger Florist. Kittelberger is celebrating National Random Acts of Kindness Day by providing a bouquet of flowers to any interested merchant, to hand out randomly today. If you happen to get a flower, post a picture to the Fall in Love With Webster Fabebook page!

❤ Feb. 17: The North Bee 20% off One Day Only

Shop in-store or online and receive 20% off your total purchase, plusreceive an entry for you and a friend for a chance to win a $50 gift card. Use code KINDNESS20.

❤ Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.: Wool Mat Class at the Village Quilt Shoppe

Village Quilt Shoppe offers another fun event: wool mat. Are you new to working with wool applique or do you need to refine your skills. If yes, then this class is for you. Call 585-626-6916 to sign up!

❤ Feb. 17, 6-8 p.m.: Live music at Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar

There’s always great food, good drink, super atmosphere and lots of friends at Jojo Bistro and Wine Bar, 42 East Main St. And on Thursday nights, that also includes live music. Tonight, enjoy pop, folk, oldies and contemporary tunes with the occasional Irish twist, served up by Sean Rosenberry.

❤ Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Barry’s Old School Irish St. Practice Day

Join the gang at Barry’s for beer, reps from Guinness, Irish music, good food and great friends. Check out the details here.

❤ Feb. 19, 9 p.m.: State Line at The Coach Sports Bar

State Line is a modern country cover band from Rochester. Visit The Coach website or call 585-872-2910.

❤ Also, all month you’ll find specials at Finn’s Garage (to benefit Heritage Christian Stables), Savage Chef, Professional Nutrition Services, Webster Eyecare Associates, Nut & Bolt Tattoo, Orville’s Home Appliances, Performance Hobbies, Nest Things and Webster Interiors.

❤ ❤ ❤

More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.

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

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Senior center calendars bring whimsy to the new year

11 Feb

I’m pleased to bring you another of my East Extra Afterthoughts installments today.

Afterthoughts is a completely separate blog, where I’m reposting some of my favorite columns from when I was the Our Towns East Extra columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle.

This one was just simply fun to write about. Somehow I had found about a calendar that had been created by the residents of a Macedon senior living center, where they’d recreated scenes from famous movies. The photos they came up with were just delightful.

The column was originally published on Dec. 11, 2014.

Local calendar has fun with famous movie scenes

In real life, John Krawlec doesn’t look much like Jack Nicholson. But give him two-day-old stubble, have him poke his head through a shredded door with a crazed look on his face, and you can just hear him calling, “Heeeeeere’s Johnny!”

The photo, mimicking Nicholson’s famous scene from The Shining, is one of a dozen knock-off images from famous Hollywood movies included in a 2015 “Hollywood Walk of Fame” calendar created by the residents of Parkwood Heights senior living community in Macedon.

Each month features a different movie scene, re-created in hilarious detail by the men and women of Parkwood Heights.

In one, for example, Faye and John Ford re-enact the famous bow scene from Titanic, framed by a setting sun. In another, Tom Simpson converses with the Caddyshack woodchuck. Jane Bradley and her little dog “Buddy” make an adorable Dorothy and Toto.

Click here to go to Afterthoughts and read the rest of the post.

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We should all celebrate this holiday

10 Feb

In the great jumble of random, nonsense holidays that have cropped up over the years (did you forget to celebrate National Science Fiction Day on Jan. 2?), there is one that I think deserves some notice.

Next Thursday is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It originated in Denver, Colorado in 1995, and is celebrated every year on Feb. 17. The idea behind the “holiday” is to make the world a little brighter through simple, unexpected, kind gestures, words and actions. There’s even a Random Acts of Kindness foundation, which celebrates the event for an entire week.

Goodness knows, right now this world needs more kindness. So today I’d like to challenge my readers to follow the official foundation’s lead: next week, at least once a day, do some random act of kindness.

What you do doesn’t have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as telling that teenager with the blue hair that you really like the color. Or helping an elderly couple put their groceries in the car. Or putting a loving note in your child’s backpack. Every day we encounter dozens of opportunities like these to make someone’s day a bit brighter. All we have to do is notice them, then DO something with them.

As part of the Village of Webster’s month-long Fall in Love With Webster celebration, Kittelberger Florist has come up with a very special act of kindness. They’re providing bouquets of flowers to any village businessowner who wants one. Then, on Thursday, those merchants will hand individual flowers out randomly to customers who enter their shops.

What a great way to spread kindness throughout the entire community.

Need some ideas on what you can do to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness Week? You can ask Google for ideas, or click here for a .pdf listing … well, a LOT of suggestions. You can take notes or print the entire list to post on the fridge.

I’d love to hear how you helped spread kindness next week. Drop me an email!

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There when you need it: the Medical Equipment Loan Closet

9 Feb

When accidents happen, or perhaps your elderly parent needs a wheelchair, fate doesn’t ask if you have insurance to cover the cost of renting or buying rehabilitative equipment. That’s where the Medical Equipment Loan Closet come in.

The Loan Closet is located at 979 Bay Rd. in the Damascus Shrine Center, where it rents space from the Shriners. Executive Director James Clancy and Loan Closet Coordinator Michelle Lyons staff the closet every weekday from 9 to noon, managing the loan of hundreds of pieces of medical equipment, large and small.

I found out about the Loan Closet when Michelle posted something about it on a local Facebook page. Apparently not a lot of people know about it, so she was trying to spread the word. That’s how I found out about it, and when I stopped in the other day, I was amazed by both the volume of equipment they offer, and the fact that it’s all loaned out for FREE.

Well, let me clarify that a bit. The larger items, like wheelchairs, knee walkers and rollators require a $25 deposit, which is returned when the equipment is returned. But everything else, like crutches, shower chairs, quad canes and so much more … all you gotta do is ask.

The Medical Equipment Loan Closet has been serving the Webster community from its current location since 2003. For a while, it was running concurrently with a loan closet hosted by the Webster Community Chest. But that one closed several years ago, leaving the Damascus Shrine-based location the only one in town.

Here’s a partial list of the items the Loan Closet can provide. Loans are for four months. If there’s something you need that’s NOT here, simply give them a call and ask, because there’s a good chance they have one.

  • wheelchairs
  • knee walkers
  • walkers
  • rollaters
  • quad canes
  • shower chairs
  • commodes
  • crutches
  • transfer benches
  • sock aids, grabbers and leg lifts
  • tub clamp bars and shower bars

They don’t, however, have any beds or electric equipment. There’s just no room for those.

The Medical Equipment Loan Closet runs completely on donations, mostly from community members. They take donations of equipment and supplies (in good shape, please) but are always grateful for cash donations as well to help cover their overhead and to purchase new equipment. All equipment donations are washed and sanitized on-site.

Michelle told me that her Facebook post has gotten a lot of attention, and they’ve begun to get more calls. But this is something that EVERYBODY needs to know about. Certainly there are a lot more people out there who could use its services. The Medical Equipment Loan Closet is a hidden resource that’s been serving the Webster community for 19 years. It’s about time it came out of hiding.

The Loan Closet is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd. For more information about their services, give them a call at (585) 671-9730.

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Local teen leads the fight against cancer

7 Feb

I love highlighting the great things our young people are doing for our community. This young man’s story is a great example.

Andrew Buttles, a sophomore at Webster Schroeder High School, has just embarked on a program called Students of the Year for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). It’s a “philanthropic leadership development program during which students foster professional skills such as entrepreneurship, marketing, and project management in order to raise funds for the LLS.” (www.lls.org)

The seven-week program runs from Feb. 5 through March 25, with the goal of raising money for LLS, and supporting the organization’s missions to find a cure for blood cancers and improve the quality of life for patients.

Andrew is the first Webster student to participate in this program. He’s leading a team of other Webster students, friends and family to increase awareness and raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The team has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $15,000, and has planned several initiatives over the next two months to achieve that goal. So far, they include:

  • a partnership with Schutt’s Apple Mill, which will be donating 10% of the proceeds from their Valentine’s Day Bundle to the campaign
  • Nickel Back Can and Bottle Return will contribute to the campaign if you mention LLS when you drop off your returns
  • attend the Webster Youth Hockey Association players vs. coaches hockey game on March 19; all proceeds will benefit the cause

In addition to raising money and supporting this very important cause, Andrew’s also hoping to earn the prestigious title of Student of the Year. Every dollar raised counts as one vote for his campaign. Let’s see if we can help put him — and his team — on top.

Here are some other ways in which you can help:

  • make a tax-deductable donation to his online fundraising page
  • share Andrew’s message and fundraising link with your contacts
  • donate a silent auction itsm for the Grand Finale Celebration auction
  • help secure a corporate sponsorship (they start at $5,000 and come with marketing benefits)

All donations are tax-deductible.

Click here to learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and click here to go to Andrew’s personal fundraising page. If you have any questions, contact rksbuttles@gmail.com.

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Get ready to get your Peeps on!

6 Feb

After a two-year in-person hiatus because of … well, you know why … the Greater Rochester Peep Show is returning to the Webster Recreation Center in April, to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

This is great news, because it means that spring is not far away. Organizers are still putting this 7th annual event together, but have put out the call for participants, performers and volunteers.

Here’s their wish list, from the 2022 Greater Rochester Peep Show website:

  • Sponsors are needed. Three different sponsorship levels are available, from $75 which includes voting tickets, an award and mention on the webpage; to $250 which includes a banner with your business’ name on it, a major show prize named after you, sponsorship of an individual table and more. Click here for more information.
  • They need entertainers and community groups — like dancers, musicians or martial artists — who would like to give a demo at the show. Click here for more info.
  • They need LOTS of volunteers, as greeters, kids’ room helpers, face-painters, poster distribution, set-up and clean-up and more. Contact the organizers for more information.
  • They need Peep display makers! It’s not too early to think about what your family or organization can put together this year. Get creative and have some fun. To enter a display or reserve a space, click here.

The 2022 Greater Rochester Peep Show will be held Saturday and Sunday April 2 and 3 at the Webster Community Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Here are a few images from last year’s show, which was held virtually. Click here to see more.

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

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Fall in love with Webster! (Week 2)

5 Feb

The Village of Webster’s Fall in Love With Webster month-long community celebration has begun! All month, residents and visitors will enjoy merchant discounts and special events, all embracing the theme of love.

The goal is to promote a fun way to unify the village residents and business owners. But it’s also all about helping community members get to know our village a little better, find out more about our many fine businesses, and encourage everyone to get more involved in all of the activities found here.

Here’s what’s coming up this week. Check back this weekend to see what’s scheduled for week 3. And for a whole list of the month’s events, visit the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page.

All month:

❤ The Village of Webster is inviting everyone to be an old-fashioned “secret admirer” anytime during the month. You could send flowers to someone, or just pay it forward at the drive through. It’s all about thoughtfulness. Have fun!

❤ NEJFD Boot Drive

Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive. All month, Barry’s Old School Irish and Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s) will each have a real firefighter’s boot to accept your donations. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care.

❤ Gleason Orthodontics Girl Scout Cookies for veterans

Gleason Orthodontics wants to buy Girl Scout cookies and donate them to veterans. If your daughter is selling cookies, or you know someone who is, call Gleason Orthodontics at (585) 872-3355 to let them know you’d like to participate.

❤ Sunday Feb. 6: Webster was “born”

On February 6, 1840, Governor William Seward announced the birth of Webster, New York. Originally part of North Penfield, land was split off to create the new town. Almost 2,500 residents inhabited the new town. The first town meeting was held at John Lett’s tavern, about 3/4 mile south of the present village. Click here to read more cool trivia about this great place we call Webster. Webster!

❤ All week: Valentine’s cards for Maplewood residents

The folks at Gleason Orthodontics are making cards to deliver to the residents at The Maplewood. If you and your family would like to donate some of your own feel free to drop them off any weekday this week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Gleason Orthodontics is located at 246 South Ave.

❤ Feb. 7: National Send a Card to a Friend Day

On February 7, help celebrate National Send a Card to a Friend Day! Check out this link for a little history and some ideas of what to do.  

❤ All week: Yarn sale at Village HandWorks

All this week, all red and pink yarns will be 20% off at Village HandWorks. Plus, select Artisan crafted goods and gifts are 10% off! Visit the website or call 585-236-1135 for more information.

❤ All week: Blind Date With a Book Sale at Yesterday’s Muse

This sounds like a lot of fun. Customers pay $5 to buy a mystery book wrapped in plain brown paper with a genre and description written on the outside. It’s a fun and romantic way to share some love, read a book, and make some February memories all the while supporting a local merchant. Find your mystery date at Yesterday’s Muse.

❤ Feb. 7 to 8: $10 pizza special at The Coach Sports Bar

Call 585-872-2910 to place your order or stop in! The Coach makes dough from scratch daily with the freshest toppings.

❤ Feb. 8, 7 p.m.: Live Practice Session: Chorus of the Genesee

The Chorus sings four-part “a cappella” music, specializing in barbershop harmony, an original American art form. Click here to find out more about the Chorus of the Genesee and how you can get involved.  

❤ Feb. 8, 1 p.m.: Sew Speedy at the Village Quilt Shoppe

Do you enjoy paper piecing, but not enough for a full project? Looking to practice paper piecing, along with some “regular” piecing? Here’s Sew Speedy! Though the original pattern finishes at 32” square, you can play with the components to make it any size you wish. Sew Speedy is perfect for those who have had some practice with paper piecing. Call 585-626-6916 to register!

❤ Feb. 9: National Pizza Day at Carl’s Pizza Kitchen

The world has spoken and declared this day as National Pizza Day! Carl’s Pizza Kitchen has put together a sweetHEART offer for this day: One topping, heart-shaped pies! Large 20″ for $19.99, or a medium for $14.99. Click here for some fun facts about this fun holiday.

❤ Feb. 10: Thirsty Thursday at Roc Style Chicken and Burger

Join the gang at Roc Style Chicken and Burger for a Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off beer and wine drinks all day. Grab your favorite beverage and pair it with a delicious sandwich or burger topped with one of Roc Style’s amazing choice of tasty sauces. Check out their website for a preview of their menu and plan your visit. Call 585-236-1902 if you have any questions.

❤ Feb. 11, 5:30 p.m.: DK Dance Fairytale Ball

A one-day event sponsored by DK Dance. All princes and princesses ages 3-10 are invited to the ball to get dressed up and dance. Click here to register.

❤ Feb. 11, 6 p.m.: Get Your Glow On at Webster Parks & Rec

An evening of family-friendly games and dancing. Wear your neon and glow gear. It’s free for everyone, and npo registration is required. More information here.

❤ Feb. 12, 11 a.m.: Serenity Life Counseling Services Virtual Class: Love Yourself Therapy Group

Join us for a free virtual art therapy experience, appropriate for all ages, families, couples or individuals (adult help will be needed for the “littles”). Art materials are provided. Click here to register.    

❤ Feb. 12, 9 p.m.: 6 Feet Apart and the Super Spreader Horns at The Coach

Live dance, funk, rock and soul music. Visit The Coach website or call 585-872-2910 with any questions.

❤ Feb. 12 and 13: Share the Love free dance classes at Roc Dance

Saturday, Sunday and all next week take advantage of free dance classes at Roc Dance in the village. Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hop hop and acro are for kids ages 2 and up, and there’s even a Mommy and Me class. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 13, 9 a.m.: Football and Fitness Fun at Webster Parks & Recreation

Start out Super Bowl Sunday with some new friends and a great workout at the Football and Fitness Fun exercise class. Earn raffle entries for cool prizes just by showing up in a football jersey or team colors. Click here for more information.

❤ Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m.: Filling Station Pub & Grill Customer Appreciation Day

In honor of The Filling Station’s 4th anniversary, there will be free giveaways during the Super Bowl. Click here for more information.

❤ Also, all month you’ll find specials at Finn’s Garage (to benefit Heritage Christian Stables), Savage Chef, Professional Nutrition Services, Webster Eyecare Associates, Nest Things, Nut & Bolt Tattoo, Performance Hobbies and Webster Interiors.

❤ And don’t forget about the trivia challenge. Look for a trivia question and answer in the window of each participating store, write down the answer and bring them all to Barry’s Old School Irish on Feb. 23 for the weekly trivia contest. The week’s theme? WEBSTER! The questions will be based on all the trivia posted around town.

❤❤❤

More details about all these events and what’s coming up the rest of the month at the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page. Make sure to “like” the page to get regular updates, because new events are being added every day.

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

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Webster community mailbag, and happy birthday Webster

4 Feb

The Town of Webster is celebrating an anniversary on Sunday.

On Feb. 6, 1840, Governor William Seward announced the birth of the Town of Webster. Originally part of North Penfield, land was split off to create the new town after a petition with 324 signatures was presented to the NYS Assembly.

The name of Daniel Webster — a prominent lawyer, former U.S. Congressman and Secretary of State — was proposed for the new town after a group of citizens heard him give a speech in Rochester. (As far as I can tell he never actually stepped foot in the town.) The first town meeting was held at Lett’s Tavern, at the corner of Webster-Fairport and State Roads.

The Webster Museum (who provided the birthday announcement) has also sent along this tidbit in honor of Black History Month, about Asa Dunbar, one of the area’s earliest residents.

The search for information about the history of African-American people in Webster remains slow-going. A combination of factors complicate the search: record keeping and retention were not priorities in this area in the 18th century, and information about races other than white were not recorded on census forms. …

Asa Dunbar’s family came to Northfield around 1795 when Asa was 41 years old. He is credited with being the first black inhabitant of the Rochester area. At 6’7”, he was a trapper, an imposing figure who looked after the interests of the city of Tryon on the west side of Irondequoit Creek. Asa did not, so far as we know, reside in Webster, but did business here…. perhaps for the store, perhaps for himself. He sold fruit and salt from a salt spring near his home, and evidently also from salt springs in Webster along the bay. …

Research has turned up information about a few of Asa’s relatives as well, including his nephew, Asa Dunbar, Jr., who lived in the area until 1851; and another Asa Dunbar who was perhaps a grandson or nephew. According to an interview conducted on 1881, that Asa was named after “Asa Dunbar, an early settler of gigantic strength (who) frequented the place to manufacture salt.”

Yet another Asa — Asa Bass — was a pioneer who came to what would be Webster in 1812 along with other pioneers from Massachusetts. He was, so far as we know, the only black pioneer to arrive then and his family were likely the first black residents here. He was a farmer of some means and purchased at different times, three different properties between the northern sections of what are now Phillips Road and Route 250.

Information about these early African-American settlers is hard to come by, so the Webster Museum is hoping to hear from relatives of people who might have been friends or neighbors of the Dunbars and Basses. Any information, even the smallest clue, would be helpful. If you have anything to share, contact Kathy at ktaddeo5@icloud.com.

Red Cross Blood Drive

I know the Red Cross is always whining about blood shortages, but this time they’re serious. They’re facing their worst blood shortage in more than a decade, which means doctors are having to make difficult decisions about who receives transfusions and who can wait. Blood and platelet donations are needed now more than ever.

Your next opportunity to help save as many as three lives with a donation is this Monday Feb. 7 at Holy Trinity Church. The drive will be set up from 1 to 7 p.m. in the church’s community room. Click here to make an appointment.

Please.

February Fun at the Webster Public Library

Here’s a list of just some of the fun programs planned this month at the Webster Public Library:

T(w)een De-Stress Program, Thurs. Feb 24, 3 to 4:30 p.m. (in person). Teens grades 4 to 12 are welcome to make some stress-relieving toys. Cozy treats will be provided as well. Registration required.

Learn to Knit! Tuesdays Feb, 22 and March 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (in person). Learn the basics of knitting including reading patterns, casting on, knitting, purling, and binding off. Bring any smooth, “worsted”-weight yarn (labeled #4) and a pair of knitting needles, any size from 6 to 9. Teens and adults are welcome. Registration and attendance are required for both sessions.

This month’s make-and-take crafts are a Ladybug Valentine for the kids, Valentine’s Day Pom Pom Monsters for teens, and a Yarn-wrapped Wire Word for adults. Materials are free and available first-come-first-served at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear of Webster Plaza).

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“Fall in Love With Webster” is going great!

3 Feb

We’re just a few days into the month-long Fall in Love With Webster community celebration, but I hope you’ve already been able to take advantage of some of the special deals and events happening at our local businesses.

If you haven’t heard much about it yet, click here to see my blog from earlier this week to get a run-down on what’s happening, including the events taking place this week.

The village is really looking spiffy in honor of this special event. You may have noticed, for example, all of the heart-emblazoned flags hanging from the light poles up and down Main Street. Thanks to Jake Swingley and his public works staff for doing that. There’s also a beautiful new banner hanging on the gazebo at that little pocket park at North Ave. and 104, and merchants are decorating their storefronts.

Lots more special events and merchant discounts are on store for next week, and new ones are being added pretty much every day. You can check the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page for a complete list and details about all of them. You’ll also find there a boiled-down list of events which you can run off to put on your fridge for handy reference.

A couple of reminders as we head into week two:

❤ The trivia challenge is on! Each of the participating businesses is posting a trivia fact about their business or product in their front window. Your challenge is to collect all the trivia answers and on Wednesday Feb. 23, bring them to Barry’s Old School Irish for the weekly trivia contest. The week’s theme? WEBSTER! The questions will be based on all the trivia posted around town.

❤ Look for the Boots! Our Northeast Joint Fire District firefighters are hosting a boot drive all month. A firefighter’s boot has been placed at Barry’s Old School Irish, and another at Whimsies (new shop next to Lala’s). Drop in your donation, and half of the proceeds will be donated to Webster Comfort Care.

❤ Maplewood Art Project: Next time you’re at Lala of Webster gift shop (38 E. Main), check out the charming bookmarks created by the residents of Maplewood Nursing Home. Supplies were provided to the residents who lovingly crafted the bookmarks, which are now being sold for $1 each. Proceeds will be used to purchase new art supplies for the residents’ next project, embellished felt hearts.

Remember to check the Fall in Love With Webster Facebook page for more information about this great month-long event.

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

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