Details about Webster’s Trick-or-Treat Trail and costume contest

15 Oct

The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …

Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.

The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!

So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.

And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/15/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

14 Oct

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

This coming weekend, you can help the Friends of Webster Trails make our natural areas more resilient by helping with the ReTree Webster effort.

ReTree Webster is a program which recognizes that Webster’s forests are under attack from insects and disease. As thousands of ash, hemlock, oak and beech die, they’re replaced by invasive and, usually, non-native trees.  The Friends of Webster Trails developed the ReTree program to fight back, by purchasing or growing new trees and planting them in our open spaces.

A variety of small tree seedlings that are no more than 5 inches tall in square pots, with tags to identify species.

The Friends’ annual ReTree planting event is this Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. They’ve got lots of trees that need planting and could use lots of help moving the seedlings from the nursery to the field. This would be a great family activity, a way to teach your kids about the importance of respecting nature.

Due to limited parking at the planting site, volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. the ReTree Nursery/First Responders’ playground on Chiyoda Dr. and carpool from there. Bring work gloves, shovels and tick repellent.

Hiking and a treat

Also from the Friends: the annual Hot Cocoa Hike has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Hike in the dark, with a sweet treat at the end. Bring your flashlight for a family-friendly hike through the woods of the Chiyoda trail. The loop is approximately 1.3 miles long, and includes a stop for socialization and hot cocoa.

The trail will start at the right-hand (west) side of the Parks and Rec building and be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path. So that everyone can enjoy this event, please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time.

This is a fun, free, and self-guided hike. Please leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving at your hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m.

Note: Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event. Please be sure to register so the Friends know how much hot cocoa to have on hand.

Presentation will discuss vision issues

Community members who are concerned with vision issues that might arise as we get older are invited to attend an informational talk at the Webster Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23, sponsored by The Visionaries, a support group for adults with low-to-no vision.

Dr. Robert Ryan from the University of Rochester’s Flaum Institute will talk about making vision a health priority. He’ll explain some of the issues people may face such as macular degeneration, dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage, and the current treatment options available at Flaum.

The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the Webster Public Library Community Room, and doors will open at 1:45. No registration is necessary. For more information on The Visionaries or this event, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 441-8264.

Get your tickets now for the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash

Tickets are now available for two of the Village of Webster’s most popular events, the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash.

The annual Beer Walk (which this year is the Wine and Beer Walk) returns to the streets of Webster on Saturday Oct. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Participants will wander through the village and pop into local businesses, which will be providing snacks and samples of craft beers, poured in your own personal mini pint glass.

You’ll pick up your glass, wristband and punch ticket at the Coach Sports Bar, 19 West Main. Take a photo of the map of participating vendors, and after sampling food and drinks at the Coach, continue your adventure to any of the remaining stops on the map. Bring your ID, because you won’t be allowed to start without it.

Tickets are $20 (plus an eventbrite service fee), and this event usually sells out, so click here and get your tickets today.

The Bourbon Bash has been scheduled for Saturday Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.

This popular event lets you sample lots of bourbons, along with some tasty treats. Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails will be there, along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace. Village of Webster restaurants including The Coach and BC’s Chicken Coop will have food samples to complement the bourbons. There will also be some raffles of bourbon products. ID is required for entrance.

Both of these great events are sponsored by the Webster Village Business Improvement District. And stay tuned for more information about another fun BID event, the Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26.

Two great ways to support the Friends of the Public Library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are hosting two big fundraising events next month.

The first is the Library Hats for Sale fundraiser, from Nov. 5 through Nov. 23 (or while supplies last). Dozens of handcrafted hats will be on sale, created by the library’s very own Sit and Stitch group and Friends members. They’re priced to sell and are great for gifts or stocking stuffer for that special person you want to surprise with a one-of-a-kind gift.

Of course, it’s perfectly OK to buy one for yourself, or buy one and donate it to the library’s Hat and Mitten Tree which supports Webster Hope. 

The hats will be on sale during regular library hours.

The Friends will also host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. A dozen different tables will be set up, each with a different theme, offering a total of 199 hardcover and paperback books priced between $8 and $125. Many are priced between $10 and $30, attractive for collectors or those who might like to resell them.  

The table themes are:

  • Railroads
  • Louis L’Amour westerns (hardcover, faux leather-bound editions)
  • Scotland or Scottish themes
  • War
  • books about New York State and the upstate/Rochester area
  • Older Fiction Books
  • Juvenile Books
  • Miscellaneous topics  (two tables)

Three tables will each have two separate topics on them:

  • Art books and books about Music
  • Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing” series of hardcover books (many first printings, some signed by O’Reilly); and hardcover novels by early-20th century novelist Louis Bromfield
  • books about George Washington; and novels and stories illustrated by N. C. Wyeth

Make sure to get there early for the best selection. Proceeds from both sales will benefit Webster Public Library.

What’s happening at the Rec?

Lots of fun events for all ages coming up at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

  • Spooky Luncheon for ages 55+, Thursday Oct. 31 at noon. Dress up in costume and enjoy snacks, lunch, sweet treats and fun. Register for activity #341802-A by Oct. 25. Cost is $8.
  • Saturday Night Live-themed Halloween Fitness Class Sampler, Saturday Oct. 26 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Try one of the Rec Center’s regularly scheduled Saturday morning classes. The instructors will be dressed as their favorite SNL characters, and you’re encouraged to do the same. There’s no charge.
  • Concert Apparel and Coat Drive hosted by the Webster Central School District PTSA, Saturday Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Rec Center’s front patio. At the same time, you can also drop off your carved pumpkins for the Pumpkins on Parade event that evening.
  • Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. At this amazing family-friendly event, the Rec Center lines the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — with brightly glowing Jack-o-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts and family fun. Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.
  • Coming up in November and December, watch for more details about the Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 2 along the Chiyoda Trail, and the Afternoon With Santa, Saturday Dec. 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/13/2024)

Oak Tree Award nominations being accepted

13 Oct

Do you know a great teacher who deserves to get some extra special recognition? How about nominating him or her for an Oak Tree Award?

Co-Sponsored by the Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA) and the Webster Central PTSA, the Oak Tree Award recognition program is an annual award that is designed to recognize teaching excellence, a commitment to students, an leadership in the community.

Any Webster resident or district employee, current or former student, parent, teacher, or administrative colleague may nominate a teacher for the Elementary or Secondary Teacher of the Year Oak Tree Award.

Award nominees must meet the following criteria:

  • Currently teaching in a full-time position in Webster Central School and continue to teach the next year, or retire from WCSD
  • Have a minimum of five years teaching experience in Webster Central Schools
  • Eligible positions include preK to grade 12 teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, librarians, media and language specialists and speech, occupational and physical therapists.
  • Be a member of both the Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers’ Association

Nominations must be submitted by January 31, 2025. Click here for the nomination form, which asks for basic information about the nominee and your connection with him or her, plus more detailed thoughts about how you believe the teacher demonstrates excellence.

The last three years’ winners have been:

2024: Carolyn Stahl, English teacher at Webster Thomas High School and Jeff Darling, Instructional Specialist at Plank North

2023: Diana Mee, Instrumental Music teacher at Klem Rd. North Elementary and Craig Johnville, special education teacher at Webster Thomas High School

2022: Michele Parry, 4th grade teacher at Plank South Elementary and Denise Warren, special education teacher at Webster Thomas High School

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/13/2024)

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Webster Health & Education Network receives grant

11 Oct

One of the organizations I’ve gotten involved with as I’ve become more connected with the Webster community is the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN), which recently received some exciting news.

Since it was established in 1995, WHEN has become a leader in the advocacy and promotion of healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. The organization works closely with the Webster Central School District, town and community resources to support drug education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to delay, decrease and prevent substance abuse among youth, because research suggests that the longer youth wait to use drugs and/or alcohol, the less likely it is that they’ll become addicted later in life.

​Aside from that important mission, one of the things I really like about WHEN is that it is truly a community effort. The coalition now boasts 146 members, representing business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals and others.

Recently, the great work that WHEN does was confirmed when the organization was awarded a $625,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program. The grant will allow WHEN to continue its efforts to build a safe, healthy, and drug-free community.

WHEN received their first federal grant from the ONDCP in December 2019. That $625,0000 grant, received over five years, was used to involve and engage the community to empower Webster youth to grow up strong and substance-free. The second and final grant will again be received over five years, and will begin in December of 2024 to continue and expand their efforts.

During the past five years, WHEN has expanded partnerships, provided in-person and online community resources, organized events, incorporated youth feedback, increased community awareness, and advocated for smoke-free parks and reasonable cannabis restrictions. Improving trendlines in alcohol use, vaping, and cannabis use by Webster students, as shown in recent Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, suggests that youth may be benefiting from these efforts. 

To find out more about the Webster Health & Education Network, and how you can become a part of the coalition’s important mission to keep our kids off drugs, click here.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/11/2024)

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The pumpkins are parading again

10 Oct

One of my favorite events of the entire Webster year, Pumpkins on Parade, is returning to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a super fun and totally free family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o’-lanterns. At the end of the path, there’s free cider and donuts, a bonfire, a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze, roller slide and more. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.) There’s also a shorter path for children and seniors.

The wide variety of designs will blow you away, and the kids will enjoy seeing characters they recognize (I’ve seen Super Mario and Roblox-themed pumpkins, for example). Click here for a photo gallery from last year.

There are some new surprises along the trail this year, too. There are lots of light-up elements, and MAYBE there will be a real witch at the witch’s station handing out candy. The Rec Center will neither confirm nor deny.

Just seeing all the jack-o’-lanterns is fun enough, but the after-hike activities which really make this event a great time for the whole family. There’s so much to do for kids of all ages — which this year included pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin checkers and pumpkin bowling — and did I mention free cider and donuts???

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. Families, individuals and groups are encouraged to get creative and carve one, two or LOTS more pumpkins. Carved pumpkin drop off is Friday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26 until 2 p.m.  For each carved pumpkin submitted, you’ll be entered to win a Halloween themed basket courtesy of Diamond Collision.

(And while you’re there, stop by the Webster PTSA Coat and Concert Apparel Drive, happening at the Rec Center on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

But even if you don’t want to carve a pumpkin, make sure to bring your family out for the event. Pumpkins on Parade takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 26 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There will be plenty of parking in the Xerox lots across from the Rec Center.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/10/2024)

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High schoolers step up to help Klem South students

9 Oct
Dimitriy Yakymovych, Felix Castaneda-Wight, Ben Rizvanovic, Bronson Molisani and Will Brunswick with the new step stools they made.
A Klem South preK student tries out one of the new step stools

Here’s another nice little story about great things our young people are doing for our community. In this case, the young people are Webster Schroeder High School students, and they helped out some younger members of their One Webster community.

A little while ago, Rachel Dolan, a physical therapist at the Klem South Elementary School, saw that one of her students, who has some physical limitations, was struggling to reach sinks and toilets and could benefit from a few step stools. So she reached out to Webster Schroeder technology teacher TJ Milliman, asking if one of his classes would make some custom step stools for the Klem South building.

TJ and his students were happy to do it. Students Felix Castaneda-Wight, Ben Rizvanovic, Will Brunswick and Dimitriy Yakymovych and student aide Bronson Molisani, all of Milliman’s Home Skills 101 class of Webster CSD’s life skills program, went straight to work constructing step stools for their young friend.

On September 27, the high school carpenters delivered six brand new, multi-sized step stools to Klem South, where they are now being used by not just the one, but many students who are finding them very helpful.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/9/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

The Webster Highway Department will begin their annual fall leaf collection in mid-October, depending on how many leaves have fallen and the weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. (Click here to see the zone map.) Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means. The best way to stay updated on the leaf collection season is to sign up for notifications from the Highway Dept. Use this link to do that.

Pumpkins on Parade is back

One of the best events of the autumn season, Pumpkins on Parade, returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I’ll be writing up a more detailed blog about this soon, but for those of you who have never experienced it, basically, that evening the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — will be lined with brightly glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts, and lots of family activities. It’s definitely one of my favorite events of the year.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive. (By the way, they’re always looking for jack-o’-lanterns donations because they need a LOT of them. So get your carving knives out and get ready to get creative.)

What’s happening at the library?

Here’s your monthly run-down of all (OK, most) of the great events happening at the Webster Public Library. For more information about any and all of these, visit the library’s webpage or Facebook page.

  • Celebrate Diwali, Wed. Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. :An evening of family fun celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, or festival of lights. Enjoy a casual reception with Indian food and music, and learn about the Diwali festival. Registration is requested.
  • Library Trick-or-Treat, Friday Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is necessary.
  • Bilingual Storytime, Saturday Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join special guest Ms. Mariposa for a reading of Sebi and the Land of Cha-Cha-Cha. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A night of spooky fun, with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged. For teens grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • Rochester Theater Organ Society, Thursday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The RTOS presents “Rochester’s Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer!” Registration is required.
  • Diamond Magnet Art for teens and tweens, Saturday Nov. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Come make fun diamond art magnets in the teen room. All supplies will be provided. For grades 4 to 12. Registration is requested.
  • This month’s Donation Station is for Keeping Our Promise, a resettlement program for Afghan, Iraqi and Kurdish interpreters and support personnel. See the flyer below for their needs.
  • This month’s community exchange is SPOOKY STUFF. New or gently used costumes, Halloween/fall decor, etc. Drop off your unused stuff and find something new to you!

Women’s Club of Webster hosts Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser”

The Women’s Club of Webster’s 2024 Card/Game Party will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Participants can join new friends and old to play cards — or any game — and enjoy danish, coffee and a delicious buffet lunch.

The event will feature door prizes raffle baskets, 50/25/25 raffles , and much more, so bring plenty of extra cash, because all proceeds benefit local charities and s cholarships. Bring your favorite card game, dominoes, Euchre, Scrabble or any other fun game you prefer. It’s a great way to meet people! (And don’t forget to vote before or after the games!)

Donation is $40, and reservations are required by Wednesday, October 30. Sorry, no walk-ins.

For reservations, send a check made payable to “WCW” and mail to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.  Please include your name, phone number, email address and, if playing with friends, include their names.  For information, phone Diane at 585-230-6042.

Walk and Bike Webster event

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this meeting is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (time yet to be confirmed) there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

Right now the plan is to have Jesse Peers from Reconnect Webster show a short film, followed by a panel discussion including Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles of Walk/Bike Irondequoit. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

Free dinner for veterans

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium, 119 South Avenue. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, and dessert. Take out is available as well. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

Attention Webster crocheters! Webster Hope is in need of crafters to make dishcloths for their holiday collaborative program.

Their plan is to give away dish soap and a handmade reuseable dishcloth to each family along with holiday food. This project works best with cotton yarn as acrylic doesn’t absorb well. They’re trying to save on paper towels and give a handmade gift made with love.

Their goal is 150 cloths by mid-November. That sounds very do-able, knowing our Webster community.

Dishcloths can be dropped off at Webster Library or during Webster Hope open hours.

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

Finally, this important notice from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

Health insurance enrollment periods are starting in October and November, and the Webster Chamber of Commerce is available to help all New Yorkers with the process. 

The Medicare Insurance annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Individual & NYS Marketplace Insurance period is Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. Plans change annually and your needs change annually, so it’s important to take a close look at your coverage every year. In particular, for 2025 there are significant changes in Medicare Advantage, including the discontinuance of plans. It’s important to take action before the December 7 deadline or you may lose Medicare Advantage Plan benefits. The Chamber can help. 

The Webster Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service has been a no-fee service since 1938, offering the choice of a virtual or an in-office appointment. Due to the many insurance changes for 2025, requests for appointments will increase, so call soon to reserve your time:  585-265-3851. Before your appointment, visit here to prepare.

Health insurance selection and enrollment is very detailed and complicated. See an enrollment service to assist you in this process. And pay attention to the deadlines noted above to avoid penalties.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/8/2024)

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Webster resident Judy Braiman has dedicated her life to making our lives safer

7 Oct

We’re used to seeing this warning marked on toys: “Choking hazard. Not appropriate for children under 3 years.” We’re confident that the toys we buy don’t have lead paint or very sharp edges which can hurt our children. But what you might not know is that one of our very own Webster neighbors, Judy Braiman, is in large part responsible for those warnings originally being placed on toy packaging, and for millions of dangerous toys being recalled.

Judy Braiman is a long-time Rochester resident who now lives at the Cherry Ridge retirement community in Webster. She’s made a name for herself as a tireless consumer advocate, and in that role has testified in Congress numerous times, has worked with actress (and consumer advocate) Betty Furness, met George H.W. Bush and Senator Thomas Eagleton, received an award from Ronald Reagan, has been interviewed on every major network, co-authored Consumer Reports’ Toy Buying Guide, and was included in the book Soap Opera: the Inside Story of Proctor & Gamble by Alecia Swasy.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Judy a few weeks ago to hear more about the fascinating life she’s led and the way she’s changed our world.

How she happened upon her career as a consumer advocate is a pretty interesting story in itself.

In 1966, after the birth of her third child, Judy developed a severe cough and eventually was coughing up blood. After taking images of her lungs, doctors found 60 lesions in each one, which they diagnosed as cancer. They advised her to get her affairs in order because they did not expect her to survive.

But when doctors biopsied the lesions, they discovered that what they were seeing were not lesions, but boils. Her lungs were covered in boils, which doctors ultimately determined were caused by inhaling aerosol hairspray.

Following that experience, Judy was invited to testify in Congress about the dangers of aerosols. What would become a lifelong commitment to consumer advocacy had begun.

Judy’s annual Christmas-time hunt for unsafe toys began in 1971, and as her reputation as a consumer advocate grew, she began testifying more often at government hearings about product safety. In 1987, Consumer Reports asked her to work on their inaugural Toy Buying Guide. She and co-author Deborah Fineblum Raub examined 1,200 toys, rating each on the basis of play value, educational merit and durability; and value for the money. The book sold 73,000 copies.

But rooting out unsafe toys isn’t the only thing Judy is well known for. She was also the first person in the country to identify toxic shock syndrome, caused by Rely Tampons.

It was back in 1975 when she began to question Rely’s safety. The product was being test marketed in Rochester and she started getting calls from women who reported vomiting and diarrhea after using a free sample they got in the mail. Judy’s continued research and pressure on Proctor & Gamble ultimately helped lead to a total recall of the tampons, but not before at least 42 women died from using them.

These days, Judy is living a quieter life at Cherry Ridge, but still occasionally makes some waves if she sees something that needs fixing or upgrading. Because after all these years, there’s no way a dedicated consumer advocate will stop advocating.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/7/2024)

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Welcome to the village, Emerald Financial

6 Oct

It was a sad day when Nest Things moved out of its storefront at 11 East Main St. in the village. It was sadder still when that beautiful old building remained vacant for so long. That all changed when Emerald Financial Services moved up the street from its Barrett Dr. offices and settled in several weeks ago.

Emerald officially joined the Village of Webster business scene on Aug. 19, after completing some significant interior renovations.

“This was just one big empty space,” said Emerald president Joe Altobelli. “We had to put in the offices, do a lot of electric work. The structure was solid, but we needed to create a more financially aesthetic look to it.” In addition to the offices, that also meant adding a conference room and consultation room and redoing the kitchen.

Nothing had to be done on the exterior, though, which means that the striking beauty of the old Nest Things storefront has not changed.

Emerald’s offices had been at 60 Barrett Dr. since 2013, but recently the building’s landlord asked them to relocate to make room for a new business which needed both floors of the building. The decision was made rather easy when the landlord purchased 11 East Main with the intent for Emerald Financial to move in.

Altobelli loved the location from the first time he saw it.

I love the fact that it used to be a bank, I love the fact that it’s in the village, I love the fact that you can walk out your front door and you have all of these options and people walking by, and the hope is that the village continues to grow and expand, especially with some of the state money that’s coming. I’m looking forward to what the opportunities are going to be in this location.

Fun fact: for many years, Emerald Financial used to have its offices at 4 East Main, subletting the basement of the Smith Insurance building just across the street. It was when Smith needed the space to expand in 2013 that Emerald moved to Barrett Dr.

So, once again, welcome to the village, Emerald Financial Services. And welcome back.

Emerald Financial Services offers wealth management for individuals and families, business services for companies and groups including health insurance, group disability, group accident, group life and other group benefits. For more information, visit their website here or call (585) 265-2885.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/6/2024)

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There’s going to be a murder at the library!

5 Oct

The Webster Public Library has come up with an intriguing event which is sure to bring out the inner detective in all of us.

It’s a Murder Mystery Dinner, scheduled for Sunday November 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This first-ever Murder Mystery event at the library will take participants back to the 1920s to puzzle out a whodunit, trying to figure out the culprit from among some pretty suspicious characters, a few of whom might surprise you.  

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire, and will enjoy amazing food provided by Proietti’s, fancy mocktails, a costume contest with prizes, a photo booth and a 50/50 raffle that will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. And there’s no charge at all, thanks to a grant from Senator Samra Brouk.  

Because of the nature of the event, there are some important guidelines, which the library outlines here:

About this event: 

  • This is an 18+ event only.
  • The event will start at 5:00 and end at 8:00. Doors will close at 5:30 as once the event starts, we cannot accommodate late arrivals. We ask that you plan to stay for the entire event. 
  • 1920’s costumes are suggested but not required. 
  • This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic event.
  • There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options for dinner. 

Registration Details: 

  • Registration will be open from Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11. There is no cost to attend but each person must register individually.   
  • Registering for this event does not guarantee admission. Names will be chosen randomly from the registration list and you will be notified via phone by October 15th. Each person drawn will be given two tickets. If you do not need two tickets, please let us know when we call you so that more people can attend. 
  • There is a limited number of tickets due to space constraints. Please cancel if you cannot attend so that we can fill every seat. 

Registration will “go live” on Monday morning, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., so look for the link on the library’s online events calendar on the website, in the slideshow on the website’s homepage, and on their Facebook posts.

Questions can be emailed to Susan Del Pozzo at Susan.Delpozzo@libraryweb.org or you can call the library at 872-7075 and push #3 for the information desk. 

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/5/2024)

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