Welcome, Supervisor Flaherty

3 Jan
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Tom Flaherty, center, takes his seat as the Webster’s new town supervisor. 

I stopped by the Webster Town Board meeting last night for their organizational meeting, at which a handful of new (and returning) Board members were sworn in. They included our brand new Town Supervisor, Tom Flaherty.

In last November’s election, Flaherty unseated seven-term supervisor Ron Nesbitt, with 54% of the vote.

The crowd at the meeting was standing-room only, packed with family members and well-wishers who were there to watch the swearing-in ceremonies. Flaherty’s contingent was perhaps one of the largest; his wife and seven children were there, and his mother held the Bible during the swearing-in.

I hope to sit down with Flaherty sometime soon (perhaps grab a pint at Barry’s, good Irish lad that he is), after which I can give you some more insight into who Tom Flaherty is and what e might mean for our town. In the meantime, here’s a little background I pulled from a story posted by WHEC Channel 10:

Flaherty is a graduate of St. Bonaventure with a degree in finance and has lived in Webster since 1997.

He says he plan to run for office, but he saw a chance to serve his town and felt “the time was right.” He believes he was able to defeat Nesbitt because “the makeup of the town has changed, so it’s time for the town’s representation to reflect that change.”

One of his goals (which was one of the planks on his platform) is to extend the supervisor’s term to four years, and create a two-term limit.

You can see Channel 10’s full interview here.

Tom Flaherty’s mother Diane held the Bible during his swearing-in.
Flaherty surrounded by his wife and seven children after the ceremony.

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WVFD and WWFD fire chiefs step down

2 Jan

A quick thank-you to two dedicated men who help keep us safe every day.

The last day of 2019 also marked the end of the terms for both Webster and West

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Past Chief Patrick “Jerry” Fedele (photo courtesy nejfd.org)

Webster Fire Chiefs.

Jerry Fedele stepped down as Fire Chief of the North East Joint Fire District and Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

Fedele served in the Chiefs Office for the last six years, the last two as Chief. On December 27th Chief Fedele received an award from the Commissioners of the North East Joint Fire District that read, in part,

Bestowed Upon Fire Chief Patrick “Jerry” Fedele for Your Dedicated Years of Service as Fire Chief and Unselfish Commitment to the Citizens and Members of the North East Joint Fire District.

Vince Pratt also just concluded his term as West Webster Fire Department Fire Chief.

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Past Chief Vince Pratt (photo courtesy westwebsterfd.org)

During his time in West Webster, Pratt has also held positions as lieutenant, captain, second assistant chief, and first assistant chief

Also during his fire service career, he has served as the Monroe County Fire Coordinator for the 1st Battalion. Prior to coming to West Webster, Chief Pratt served as chief of the Sea Breeze Fire Department in Irondequoit.

Thank you to both for your dedication and service to our community.

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A blogger’s look back at 2019

1 Jan

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Come the end of a new year and the beginning of a brand spanking new one, it’s easy to become nostalgic in so many ways. For me, last night, that nostalgia manifested itself in a trip back through all the blogs I wrote in 2019.

I was surprised to see that in 2019 I posted 186 individual blogs. That works out to an average of one every two days, which kind of surprised me, since it didn’t seem that  many to me. So I felt pretty good about that.

I thought it might be fun to come up with a top-10 list of my favorite blogs of the year, a la David Letterman. (Remember his lists?)  But then, as I scrolled through them one by one, I realized that was an unreasonable goal. While some of the stories touched me more than others, I enjoyed writing every single one.

What struck me more than anything else was the wide variety of topics I touched on — so many great people, businesses, events, organizations, and causes that make Webster great. So instead of that list, I thought I would summarize, as briefly as possible, my 2019 Webster on the Web.

I probably blogged about our town and village’s special events more than anything else. I usually previewed, then posted follow-up photos of, more than a dozen events including the Memorial Day parade and festivities, the Firemen’s Parade and Kiddie Parade, White Christmas in the Village, Halloween Trick or Treat Trail, the wine walks, the Greater Rochester Peep Show, the Garlic Fest, Waterfront Arts Fest and the Webster Fall Festival.

A close second in blog topics was news and reviews of our local businesses. 2019 saw a continued resurgence of East Main Street. We got a few more new businesses — Chandeliers Boutique and The Village Quilt Shoppe in particular, and several other Webster businesses celebrated anniversaries: LaLa of Webster celebrated its first birthday, Knucklehead Craft Brewing turned 5, and Barry’s Old School Irish turned 7. Strike Back Martial Arts won an award and Good Smoke BBQ officially became Roc Style Chicken and Burger.

I wrote a lot about our schools and great things that are happening there, including the musicals, marching band, and SparX robotics team. I wrote about some of our great schoolkids as well, like the preschoolers who held a food drive, a young Webster boy who gave his birthday toys away to hospitalized children (and who got his story on TV), Eagle Scouts, the champion 12U baseball team and more.

I highlighted local organizations that help make up the fabric of our community, including the Chorus of the Genesee, the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., Webster Museum, the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market, Bella’s Bumbas, and the American Legion.

Finally, I used my blog to share some of my personal thoughts, especially about the passing of Joe Dady, and my recent move to the village. I helped promote causes close to my heart, encouraging everyone to join me in the Miracle Field 5K, the First Responders 5K , and the Polar Plunge and to donate blood.

Whew.

I know a lot of you are still reading this blog, two whole page scrolls down from where it began. I know that because you are the folks who have been with me all year.

You are the reason I write this blog. Because even though I enjoy dong this, it would get pretty old if I thought my words weren’t making a difference.

So thank you all for being faithful readers. I wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful 2020, and I look forward to continuing to spread good news from our hometown.

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Great news from the Village Quilt Shoppe

29 Dec

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As many of you know, the Village Quilt Shoppe on Main St. in Webster, which only opened in September, has been closed for almost a month because of water damage caused by a leak in the ceiling. It was very unfortunate timing, because the shop missed out on White Christmas in the Village, an excellent opportunity for the community to discover this charming new business.

But GOOD NEWS, quilters and cute-new-business lovers: the Village Quilt Shoppe will be re-opening on Tuesday January 7.

Owners Monique Liberti and Vanetta Parshall are celebrating the occasion with what they’re calling their “We’re Back Party,” complete with sales, raffles food and a hot chocolate bar. (Read more about that on their website here.)

Even if you’re not a quilter, it’s worth stopping in to check out this new shop. Monique and Vanetta are incredibly nice people who have created a wonderfully welcoming shop. Please consider popping in during their We’re Back Party just to say hi and welcome to Webster! (Then buy a late Christmas gift for that quilter in your family.)

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Visit their website here and their Facebook page here for more information.

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Good hockey, great cause

27 Dec

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If you like hockey (or even if you don’t), and want to help support an awesome cause, I have the perfect event for you next week, on Friday Jan. 3 at the Webster Ice Arena on Publisher’s Parkway.

It’s the Webster Beats Brain Tumors benefit hockey game putting Webster Schroeder vs. West Irondequoit. The annual event has been organized for the last four years by Webster Schroeder grad Marshal Scheidt as his way of giving back to the URMC medical staff who saved his life.

Here, allow Marshal himself to tell his story:

When I was in high school at Webster Schroeder I was diagnosed with a large brain tumor my freshman year and I used my desire to play hockey again to keep my spirits high through surgery and rehabilitation. I was able to “beat the odds” and play the game I love again.

When the tumor grew back my senior year, I played the second half of the season knowing that there was a tumor on my brain and I would undergo surgery again after the year was over. The amazing doctors, nurses, and medical staff at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) saved my life and I’ve always wanted to give back. Without the game of hockey I’m not sure I would have been as motivated to go through everything that went along with surgery, rehab, and radiation.

Because of this I have created the Webster Beats Brain Tumors fundraiser (formerly Brockport Beats Brain Tumors). This is the fourth year we have hosted this event to raise money and awareness for brain tumors. … This is a perfect way to give back, and together, we can make this horrific experience a little easier for kids in the future.

After the game, everyone is invited to convene at Buntzy’s Sports Bar, 2235 Empire Blvd. for a concert by Dawgs For a Cauz, more games and prizes.

Marshal’s goal this year is to raise $7,000, which will be donated to the Brain Tumor Care Fund to support care for patients with brain tumors and their family members and caregivers during all stages of treatment.

There are several ways you can support the cause, even without attending the game:

  • Make out a check to University of Rochester Medical Center with “Webster Beats Brain Tumors” in the memo, mailed ATTN: Brooke Whowell, 300 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14627.
  • Make a secure gift online at event.urmc.edu/braintumorcare
  • Donate a raffle item for the raffle. Email mscheidt27@yahoo.com to arrange pick up of donated item.
  • Attend the game on Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Webster Ice Arena, 865 Publishers Parkway. All proceeds from the raffle and promotional items will be donated to URMC.
  • Celebrate at Buntsy’s at 8:30 with the Dawgs For a Cauz concert
  • Volunteer: Email Marshal at mscheidt27@yahoo.com for more information.

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To you and yours…

25 Dec

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To all of my friends and readers on this very special day, Merry Christmas! My wish is that you are spending it surrounded by family and are fully able to relax and soak in the magic of the day.

Thank you for being part of my life; I feel blessed to be able to write this blog and know that so many people out there are touched by my words.

Your blogger friend, Missy Rosenberry

 

Holy Trinity pageant a treat for the soul

23 Dec

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Early yesterday afternoon I had the chance to attend the annual Children’s Christmas Pageant at Holy Trinity Church. And even though I said this after last year’s production, it bears repeating: it was probably the most adorable 15 minutes that I will spend this entire holiday season.

More than 50 children, ages 3 to around 13, participated this year, as Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, Wise Men, animals and narrators. Holy Trinity Parish Faith  Formation Coordinator Tricia Kull said the children only had two weeks to pull everything together, including learning their roles, practicing songs, and remembering where to stand.

At times it was like herding cats (or cows and sheep in this case) for Kull, who had the difficult task of keeping 50 children gathered and focused on the task ahead. But when it was time to file out of the rehearsal space and into the church, the young actors were more than ready.  

The whole pageant from beginning to end was only about 15 minutes. But in that short time, the large audience (mostly proud parents and grandparents) was treated to well-prepared narration, passionate acting, angelic singing, and a surprise guest.

I’ve included a few photos here, but if you’d like to see a gallery of many more, click here.

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The Village Quilt Shoppe is closed — but NOT FOR LONG

21 Dec

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Earlier this month, during the Village of Webster’s White Christmas celebration, I stopped by one of our newest businesses, the Village Quilt Shoppe, which is located at the corner of Lapham Park and East Main.

When I looked through the window, my jaw dropped and my heart sank.

The place was stripped bare. No rolls of fabric. No cutting tables. No … anything … except bare walls and a few commercial fans. I was flabbergasted. What could have happened to them? Their business was (seemingly) thriving! I  mean, every business struggles a bit when they start, but had they failed already? Had they skipped out on their rent in the middle of the night?

Then I saw a sign on the front door which explained everything. The apartment above the shop had a water problem, which leaked down into the shop and did a lot of damage. Sure enough, I looked up and saw several ceiling tiles missing. So they’ve had to close for a while to do some clean-up and renovations.

The timing was unfortunate, right during one of the busiest village days of the year. I am disappointed they were not able to be open for even more people to discover what a wonderful shop this is.

BUT THEY WILL BE BACK. Owner Monique Liberti told me that they’re still trying to nail down some contractors to do the work and hope to open again in early January.

So they’ll be seeing everyone again soon!

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Sons of the American Legion step up to help our school children

20 Dec

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Here’s another nice story from our schools, but especially from one local service organization who is supporting them in a big way this holiday season.

The Sons of the American Legion Post 942 in Webster recently donated $3,000 to the Webster Central School District to completely wipe out the past-due balances of all the district’s students who owe money for free or reduced-cost lunches. About 200 students fall into that category, who since the beginning of the year have accrued about $2,600 in debt.

The district plans to use the excess funds to help a few other students who don’t qualify for reduced cost lunches but are still in  need.

Yesterday, Spectrum News visited Schlegel Rd. Elementary School to do a story on the donation. You can see that coverage here.

Also, I was honored to be on hand for the actual check presentation a week ago and will be featuring the donation in my Our Towns East Extra column this Sunday. So look for that in the D&C, or watch my East Extra Facebook page for that story.

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The kids are getting out of school early tomorrow

19 Dec

Parents, please remember that the Webster Central School District will be conducting its annual Emergency Preparedness Early Release Drill tomorrow, Dec. 20.

Early Release Drill artStudents at every one of our Webster schools will be dismissed a little early and arrive home by bus a little early.

Tomorrow (Dec. 20) only, buses will leave the schools ate these times:

  • DeWitt Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Klem North Elementary School, 2:00 p.m.
  • Klem South Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Plank North Elementary School, 2:00 p.m.
  • Plank South Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Schlegel Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • State Elementary School, 2:10 p.m.
  • Spry Middle School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Willink Middle School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Webster Schroeder High School, 3:05 p.m.
  • Webster Thomas High School, 3:05 p.m.

Also on this date, activity period at the elementary schools will run and will end 10 minutes early.

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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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