High school students are paying it forward — a lot

9 Feb

Who says kids only think of themselves these days?  The students at Webster Thomas High School have filled an entire wall near their cafeteria with slips of paper that say different.

Each pink slip — and there are about 200 of them — has a simple phrase written on it, describing an act of kindness that student did for another.  They range from simple (“picked up a pencil for Joe”) to extensive and expensive (“donated $500 to the food cupboard”).  And more of them are being added to the wall every day.

The students are responding to the “Pay it Forward” initiative that was introduced at Thomas High School about a month ago by the school’s CARE Team. Students were shown Pay It Forward videos and were challenged to find their own ways to give back to their school and community. Filling out the pink slips is just one way they’re doing that.

Tomorrow, that challenge will be extended to the greater Webster community.  At Saturday night’s Webster Schroeder vs. Webster Thomas Staff Benefit Basketball Game, community members will be invited to take the Pay It Forward challenge themselves.  CARE Team member Catherine Smura explains,

 This is a great way to get the entire Webster community involved and provides an opportunity for everyone to make a pledge to pay it forward in their own way. The pink slips will be posted around the gym that night at the game and everyone will be able to see the great plans that others have created.

The slips say “My Plan To Pay It Forward Is…,” and more than 2000 of them have been copied and cut, ready for the game. That’s a lot of slips. That’s a lot of kindness.

Which brings me back to the pink wall. I paused there yesterday for several minutes and looked closely at the comments students had made.  They were all very nice, usually simple and specific gestures.  Closing a mailbox. Helping someone learn to dance. Helping with homework.

But my favorite was not very specific. It simply said, “I made someone feel good about themself.”  What a better world this would be if we could all aspire to that simple life goal.

Hope to see you at the game Saturday night. It begins at 7 pm at the Schroeder High School gymnasium.  This is the game where three Webster educators are going to have their heads shaved at halftime. You do NOT want to miss that. Tickets are $5 each and should be available at the door. Feel free to print off the Pay It Forward skip below, fill it out ahead of time and bring it with you. Get a head start on kindness.

 

This is why you were saving those Beanie Babies

9 Feb

I got an email yesterday from a friend who’s working with a wonderful group of young ladies from the Browncroft Community Church, and asked that I pass along some information about their community service project.

This enterprising group of fourth graders has partnered with Dress a Girl, an international organization based on North Winton Road which provides dresses and small toys to girls living in extreme poverty all around the world.  They began the project by bringing in their own toys, and then asked friends and neighbors. Some of the girls have also talked with their principals and have organized collections in several Webster schools.  Now they’re reaching out to the greater community.

The girls are looking for Beanie Babies, small stuffed animals and fast food meal toys to donate to Dress a Girl.  I’ll bet everyone has at least a few of these hanging around the house; I know I have a boxful tucked away from when my kids were little.  So when you’re doing your spring cleaning in the next few weeks, throw some in a box, and drop them off at Browncroft Community Church’s ministry office, 2530 Browncroft Blvd., Penfield.

The girls’ goal is to collect 1,000 toys.  Let’s help them get there.

Dress a Girl is a part of Angels of Mercy, 692 N. Winton Road.  Click here for more information about this wonderful organization.

 

Browncroft Community Church’s “Pioneer Girls” are shown presenting their first collection of 110 toys to a local Dress a Girl representative.

OMG! IDK WTH these stickers mean!

9 Feb

Have you noticed the recent proliferation of those oval bumper stickers with the initials on them?

I’m sure you’ve seen them. They’re usually white with thick black borders and say things like “ADK,” “SLX,” “QKA” or “BHV.”  Most of the time you’ll see just one stuck to a bumper or window, but sometimes they travel in packs.  Like yesterday, as I was driving down Ridge Road, I was following a car that had stickers that said SOBX, WEB, NC, EI, SLX and LAX. (He must have been a collector.)

They’re all very confusing. I mean, with your regular rectangular bumper sticker, there’s no doubt where you stand. You’re proud of your honor student. You’ve conquered some mountain. You heart your shih tzu.  But I can only guess what “SOBX” means.  So what’s the purpose of putting a sticker on your car when YOU’RE the only one who knows what it means?

But these folks are obviously proud of SOMETHING, so I do my best to try to figure them out.  Mr. Collector, I have decided, is a very unhappily divorced computer programmer who lives in North Carolina, sells employment insurance and trousers on the side, and has recently flown to Los Angeles.

Now I have to admit that I, too, have one of these oval stickers on my car. It reads WOF, and fewer than fifty people in the world know its significance. And I’m OK with that, because it’s important to me and that’s all that matters. So I guess I can’t judge anyone else who has a fixation with these cryptic message stickers.

But I won’t be joining the Association for Silly Stickers anytime soon. And if I do, I will certainly NOT put their oval sticker on my car.

 

Is it prom season ALREADY?

9 Feb

These are prom dresses?

Obviously it must be, because we got a glossy flier in the mail yesterday plastered with seductive photos of models wearing this season’s latest prom fashions and striking various “come-hither” poses. It was from The Jacqueline Shoppe, “Your Prom Specialty Store,” in Williamsville. (I guess being a “specialty store” is why it’s a “shoppe” and not a “shop.”)

When I saw the flier, several questions immediately came to mind.  Like, how did a dress shop in Buffalo get my daughter’s address?  How old ARE those “high school girls” in that catalog, really? I’m guessing several of them failed senior year at least a dozen times if they’re still in high school.  And why are you still sending us these things when my daughter graduated last year?

But mostly, as I look at it, I wonder what high school proms have come to.  I swear, some of the dresses in that are little more than bustiers.  The ones that do have some fabric to them are see-through, feathered, and almost exclusively strapless (I wonder how they’re even staying up on some of these “girls.”)  They have names like “Night Moves,” “Flirt,” and “LaFemme.” So much for just going to a prom to dance.

I posted a blog about this subject exactly one year ago, the first time I got a flier from this “shoppe.”  I pretty much had the same reaction back then. I wrote,

We got a flier in the mail the other day advertising prom dresses. Like a good mother, I looked it over, thoughtfully examining this year’s styles and colors. Then I said, “Sure, maybe I could buy one of these for Erin. That is, if I really want her to go to the prom looking like a hooker.”

I mean, really. Have you SEEN some of these dresses? It’s like they’ve taken inspiration from Madonna during her Disturbing Wardrobe Period.  Or Elton John. Honestly, a few of the dresses reminded me of  John’s feather costume when he played “Crocodile Rock” on The Muppet Show. And then there’s the one that looks like a cross between a cocktail waitress and a French maid. Sheesh.

I know that prom season is a fun and exciting time in every girl’s life. But I have never understood the need to drop a month’s salary on a designer dress you’ll wear once, shoes which are impossible to walk in and will be off your feet in 15 minutes, limousines, pre-dinners, post-dinners…all on top of prom tickets which can cost $50 or more each.

When did a nice, romantic school dance with your best guy turn into such a overblown production? Just go out there, kids, have fun, make good decisions and be safe. And as for each one of you young ladies, remember that you are a beautiful person already; you don’t need to sell yourself.

 

Village Republican party announces candidates

9 Feb

The village political season has begun.

The Republican Party in Webster has officially announced its slate of candidates for Village Board.  In doing so, they didn’t hand us any surprises.  Three positions on the Board are up for grabs — two trustee seats and mayor — and the three people who are currently holding those positions are running for re-election.  They are Trustee David Kildal, Trustee Christine Reynolds and Mayor Peter Elder. The three candidates have also earned the endorsement of the Conservative and Independence parties; it’s the first time any village candidates have received all three endorsements.

I don’t think the election is going to be a cakewalk this year.  If you put your ear to Main Street you’ll hear some definite rumblings from residents who are not happy with the current Board’s policies, especially with regards to the Monroe County Water issue.  So as soon as the Democrats announce their candidates, I think things are going to get very interesting.

I look forward to finding out who those candidates will be, and passing that information along to you all. In the meantime, here are the official biographies for your Webster Republican Party candidates for Trustee and Mayor:

MAYOR

Peter Elder is a life-long Village resident. He was first elected Trustee in 2005 and has served as Mayor since 2010, winning election as Mayor in 2011. Peter has been active in the economic development in the Village business district and has served for 7 years as a member of the Business Improvement District Board of Directors. He is Vice President of the Webster Community Coalition for Economic Development. Elder has championed improving Village infrastructure including support for the improved waterlines in the north section of the Village, the relining of the waterline in the Wilmorite tract, and the acceleration of street repairs. Peter has also been a proponent of enhanced public access to Village government and led the effort to have Village Board meetings, Board packets, and agendas posted on-line. Peter is liaison to the Parks and Recreation Committee and Village Band. He is a member of the Webster Lions Club. He lives at 59 Dunning Avenue.

TRUSTEE

Dave Kildal has lived in the Village for about 20 years and has served as Trustee for five years and was most recently elected in 2009. Dave has been Deputy Mayor for two years. A 16-year volunteer veteran of the Webster Fire Department, he also served 11 years as a volunteer member of the Monroe County Hazmat Team. He is Village Board liaison to the Cable Access Commission, the Village Sewer Department and Village Water Departments. He is also liaison to the Webster Fire Council, the Northeast Joint District, and the Webster Police Department. He lives at 13 Sherwood Ave.

TRUSTEE

Christine Reynolds is a 19-year resident of the Village and has been Trustee since her election in 2009. She is liaison to the Business Improvement District, the Webster Association for Senior Transportation, and the Village Citizens Advisory Committee. She is a former member of the 1994 Comprehensive Plan Committee, liaison to the Village Parks Committee and a former Girl Scout troop leader. She was recognized in 2011 as Volunteer of the Year for the Bay View Family YMCA. Christine is a past PTSA membership chair of the State Road School PTSA and lives at 64 Kircher Park.

The Village election is March 19. If residents have questions, they can call Peter at 265-0671, Christine at 265-1377 or Dave at 872-5132.

YellowJackets’ new CD celebrates music’s power to bring the world together

9 Feb

The YellowJackets, Webster’s hometown a cappella group, is making waves again with a brand new CD.

OK, to be entirely truthful, the YellowJackets do not really belong entirely to Webster. The group actually hails from the University of Rochester, and the boys in it are from all over. But the group has a very Webster connection in former member Christopher Young.

You might remember the blog I wrote last February about Young.  At the time, he was working as a student teacher at Webster Thomas High School. But the previous summer he was a television star, performing with the YellowJackets on The Sing-Off, an NBC reality show featuring a cappella groups. The group did so well on the show they advanced to the final rounds before being eliminated.

Young has now graduated from the U of R, so he’s no longer a member of the YellowJackets.  But he does perform on the group’s new CD, which has just been released.

The CD is called United We Sing, and is the 16th studio album the group has released.  But (and I quote the press release) it’s “unlike anything the group has ever produced!”

I listened to some of it, and they’re right.

The album grew out of the YellowJackets’ visit to rural Kenya in the summer of 2011, where they shared their musical talents with Kenyan children, conducting workshops, learning traditional native songs and teaching students popular American songs.  The trip was designed to bring people together through the power of music. The resulting album is a continuing effort to do the same.

Its 13 tracks deliver the unification message through a mix of African songs, like “Jambo” and “We Bale Jesu,” and pop favorites “Africa” by Toto and “Waka Waka” by Shakira.  It features students from Kenya’s Mbaka Oromo Primary School and the World of Inquiry School in Rochester, and gospel artist Trey McLaughlin. The Sing -Off fans will also really enjoy the return of “Wavin Flag,” sung by the YellowJackets on season three, and a rousing rendition of “We Are the World,” featuring contestants from all of the show’s seasons.

United We Sing (Pamoja Tuimbe in Swahili) is available  in hard copy for $20 and digital download for $10 at www.jackets.org.  And what’s super great is that the boys have pledged to donate 100% of the proceeds to support music and education programs for students in need.  I totally believe that music can change a child’s life, because I have seen it happen. Maybe it can change the world, once child at a time.

Great music for a good cause. Doesn’t get much better than that.

 

The YellowJackets perform on The Sing-Off. Christopher Young is in the back row, on the far left.

 

WWFD benefit events continue to raise money for families

25 Jan

It is truly heartwarming to see that, almost a month after the Christmas Eve ambush, local businesses and organizations are still hosting special events  to benefit the West Webster Fire Department.

And I’m talking A LOT of organizations and businesses, and not just here in town, but all across the state, from Niagara Falls to Syracuse. There are so many events that it’s hard to keep track of them all.  Fortunately, you’ll find many of them on the West Webster Fire Department’s website.  As of this writing, a dozen of them are listed, starting this weekend, so check it out if you’re still looking for a way to help.

here are a few others which are not yet listed on the WWFD website:

This Sunday January 27, the Rochester Lancers soccer team will host a “First Responder Appreciation Day” at the Blue Cross Arena at their 1:00 pm match against the Missouri Comets. Several in-game and pre-game tributes will be dedicated to first responders in our area.  Injured firefighter Joseph Hofstetter will be Honorary Captain for the game, and all local first responders will be invited onto the field for a special ceremony.  The Lancers will wear black tribute jerseys, which will be auctioned after the game, and there will be performances by the Fire Department Band and the Keystone Pipe and Drum Band.

In addition, the Lancers will be offering a limited edition t-shirt honoring the memory of the fallen firefighters and all first responders.   Each T-shirt purchase will also include one ticket to the game.  Local orders for t-shirts can be picked up with the free ticket at the Lancers’ ticket table in the main lobby of the Blue Cross Arena on game day.  Distance orders will have their t-shirts mailed to them FREE of charge, compliments of Spinning Webs Internet & PC Services.  All proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts will go directly to the WWFD and the families impacted by the Christmas Eve tragedy.

Click here to find out more information about the game and to order a t-shirt.

After the game, stop by Larijames Salon and Spa, 2038 Empire Blvd., where they’ll be holding a “cut-a-thon” this Sunday January 27 from 1 to 6 pm.  Haircuts are $25, cash or check only, including a shampoo and blow-dry. No appointments will be taken. Proceeds will benefit the West Webster Fire Department fund.

Proceeds from the “cut-athon” will be presented at a benefit raffle for the families of Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Koczowka from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, at the Webster Applebee’s, 1955 Empire Blvd.  Tickets for that raffle can be purchased for $5 each at Empire Academy of Combat Sports and Fitness, 1150 University Ave. Winners do not need to be present at the drawing.

Don’t miss the Webster Thomas vs. Schroeder Faculty Basketball Game on Saturday, February 9 at 7 pm in the Schreoder gymnasium, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.  Tickets are $5 and all proceeds will benefit the families of Tomas Kaczowka and Michael Chiapperini.  The highlight of the evening will be at halftime, when Webster Thomas Assistant Principal Sue Clark, Librarian Trish Warren, and Schroeder AP Jeremy McBride will have their heads shaved — if they can raise $5,000 before the game.

Tickets are expected to sell out before the game, so it’s best to get yours early.  They’ll be available at both high schools the week before the game.

If you would like to donate directly to the “going bald challenge,”  you can send a check made out to the WTHS Student Council, Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road, Webster, 14580.

Finally, on Sunday February 10, plan to have lunch or dinner at Flaherty’s Three Flags Inn, 1200 Bay Road in Webster. From 11 am to closing, Flaherty’s will donate 20% of your tab (not including tax or tip) to be split between the West Webster Fire Department and the Webster Community Chest to aid the families from Lake Road who lost everything.

Memorial t-shirts and wrist bands will be offered for sale and there’ll be a 50/50 raffle. Organizations are also encouraged to sponsor a table.  Call Flaherty’s at 585-671-0816 for more information.

You can keep Florida. I like my Webster.

25 Jan

A family sledding trip to Webster Park. Photo by Kim Runnells.

Winter in Webster is kind of a boring time of year. Around December first, we all retreat into our homes for three straight months, venturing out again only when we hear birds chirping and see blue sky.

With some notable exceptions, all of the festivals and outdoor music and special events in the village also go on hiatus for winter. Business owners put away their patio furniture. It’s easy to find a parking spot on Main Street  (when they’ve been sufficiently plowed, that is).

Yup, winter in Webster is cold and miserable.  But only if you look at it that way.

Webster winters are also incredibly beautiful.  The lake shore at this time of year is spectacular.  A walk in any of our parks when there’s snow on the ground is like strolling through an enchanted forest, so peaceful and so quiet that you can actually think.  For that matter, you just have to look out your window into your front yard to enjoy the simple beauty of snow-covered trees and bushes.

And there’s even still plenty of things to do around town during the winter months, both indoor and outdoor. There’s free ice skating at the Rec Center, for example.  A snowmobiling event for children with special needs. The White Christmas in the Village Holiday Parade of Lights. Sledding at Webster Park.  Library events. Church concerts.  If you’re looking for something to do, just ask anyone who had kids home from school over Christmas Break.

I was thinking about all this this morning as I wrote an email to a friend who’s lounging on a beach in southern Florida. Naturally, I was pointing out the differences in temperature we were experiencing. But I stopped short of whining about it.

Right then, I realized that I don’t mind the cold so much. I COULD do without the snow, thank you, at least on the roads. (People drive so stupid.) And I don’t even mind shoveling. I look at it as a good workout, and I much prefer it over raking leaves.

No, I think we’re fortunate to have four distinct seasons. Springs that come back to life with flowering trees and baby birds; warm and sunny summers that invite outdoor concerts and romantic evening walks along the lake; autumns that explode with color; and yes, winters that aren’t afraid to be winters, with just enough snow to go sledding and snowshoeing, and every once in a while a bonus day off of school.  And funny thing about our seasons: they’re just long enough so that one comes to a close, we’re ready for the next one.

No, I’ve pretty much decided that going to Florida occasionally might be nice, but I wouldn’t give up living here in Webster for anything.

 

From the Town of Webster to everyone: Thank you

21 Jan

I am pleased to post the following letter from Webster Supervisor Ron Nesbitt to the Webster community, and everyone else who so selflessly gave their time, talents, and prayers during the very difficult events of Christmas Eve and the weeks that followed:

After the senseless tragedies that happened in the Town of Webster on Christmas Eve where Lieutenant Michael Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka where gunned down and where Joseph Hofstetter and Theodore Scardino were seriously injured, I wanted to come out and personally thank the communities in Monroe County and beyond.

The outpouring of support and caring from all over the community, the United States and the world has been a great inspiration to me and the community of Webster. I, along with the Webster Police Department and the West Webster Fire Department, have received words of sympathy and wisdom from as far away as Australia and world wide.

Locally, County Executive Maggie Brooks stood by with county-wide assistance with any and all help available from county government.  My Supervisor colleagues, mayors, and many other government agencies state wide offered to come to Webster with any and all support necessary to lessen the burden of this tragedy.

On that tragic day I saw firsthand from the command post established on Bay Road just how dedicated the first responders where to this horrific criminal act. New York State Troopers, Sheriff’s Deputies, Border Patrol and other police agencies within Monroe County and New York State worked in tandem to assist with and coordinate the investigation.  Our own Webster Police, devastated with the loss of one of their own, continued to work and assist in doing their jobs in the face of uncontrollable grief.

Fire fighters from the West Webster Fire Department, quite visibly shaken by the loss of two of their fellow firemen, continued to stand by to put out the fires on Lake Road and to be of assistance at the scene. Fire fighters from all over Monroe County assisted West Webster in back filling the station plus providing support where needed.

The Webster Central School District was outstanding in allowing the Webster Police and West Webster Firemen access to Schroeder High School for the calling hours of our fallen heroes and the service for Lt. Chiapperini.  The attendance of the world wide support and lines of grieving community members were testimony to how loved Chip and Tomasz where to everyone in Webster.

We send our love and continued support to fire fighters Ted Scardino and Joe Hofstetter for a continued and speedy recovery.  Thank you also to Greece Police Officer John Ritter for your quick actions on behalf of the Webster community.  I want to reiterate to these brave men that if there is anything that they and their families need, there is more than just the Webster community ready and willing to help them in any way possible.

To the families who lost their homes on Lake Road to the horrific fires – we stand ready to help you rebuild your lives and homes. The Town Board will waive all fees needed to rebuild and many other agencies have offered support and assistance to you in this trying time for you. A complete list of helping builders, electricians, engineers are available at Town Hall. Please contact us for any and all assistance that you need going forward.

Thank you to the many volunteers who donated their time and resources in support of these heroes and their families.  From setting up vigils, to coordinating food efforts and fundraisers; thank you for the support to all the families involved.

Webster’s motto is, “Where Life is Worth Living”, and I wouldn’t change a thing about living here.  However, I do need to thank everyone for coming together in our time of need with your outpouring of support and love for the Webster community – thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Our town continues to grieve but we will move forward.  We are a resilient community and while we will never forget Chip and Tomasz, the support of our extended community has helped us all to move forward.  Once again, thank you.

Ronald W. Nesbitt, Supervisor

Town of Webster

 

Flu season creating greater need for blood donors

20 Jan

So have you been hit with the flu or that awful cold that’s been going around this year?  If you haven’t, you’re one of the lucky ones. And if you haven’t, I encourage you to consider making some time to donate blood this week.

The American Red Cross is really hurting for donations this winter, because so many people have had to cancel their appointments and so many others are hesitant to donate for several reasons.  I got this email just a few days ago which I am pleased to pass along:

As the number of flu cases grows, there may be a notable decrease in the number of healthy blood donors available to help sustain the blood supply. We are asking that healthy donors keep their appointments to donate blood in the coming weeks.

Donating blood will not cause you to be more susceptible to the flu. Also, there is no waiting period to donate blood after receiving a seasonal flu vaccine, as long as you are feeling healthy and well the day of donation. Neither the flu shot nor the intranasal form of the influenza vaccine is cause for a blood donation deferral because there is no risk of transmitting influenza after receiving the vaccines.

All blood types are currently needed, with an urgent need for types O negative and B negative.

Please make an appointment to donate and help save lives now by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Hospital patients are counting on the generosity of donors like you.

As a special thank you to our donors, Dunkin’ Donuts is providing a voucher for a free pound of coffee to all presenting donors during the month of January. The vouchers are redeemable at all participating Dunkin’ Donuts Restaurants.

What a great way to support our community and pay it forward. Plus you get free coffee.

Your next two local opportunities to donate are:

Tuesday January 22, 8:15-1 pm, Visiting Nurse Service,  2180 Empire Blvd

Saturday January 26, 9 am – 2 pm, Masonic Lodge, 30 Orchard Street

 

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