Webster community mailbag

29 Jun

These first two mailbag items are especially for those of you who love gardening.

The first is a HUGE garden show hosted by the 7th District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, scheduled for Thursday July 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

The show, called “A Floral Century,” is celebrating the Federation’s 100 year, and will feature 27 clubs from 12 counties in and around the Rochester area. Among them are the Town of Ontario Garden Club, and Webster’s own Country Gardeners of Webster and Klemwood Garden Club.

The show will feature entries in six horticulture classes (annuals, hostas, perennials, roses, arborials and combination planters); 11 design classes, many of which adhere to special themes like “Vintage,” “Patriotism” and “Rock & Roll; and divisions for education, youth, botanical arts and botanical photography.

The “Floral Century” garden show is Thursday July 18 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Admission and parking are free.

Arboretum Walk and Talk: Herbs

The next program in the Webster Arboretum’s Timely Topics Walk and Talk series is coming up in a few weeks, also on July 18.

On Thursday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m., Janet Robert and Beverly Gibson will show and tell about the Arboretum’s outstanding herb garden. Beverly will discuss the origin of the garden and the variety of herbs in each of the six themed beds.

The Arboretum writes,

The garden was originally developed in 1998 and is organized into five pods surrounding a sacred garden. The garden was designed in the shape of a flower and is maintained by Beverly Gibson, a certified arborist and Master Gardener who spent a year researching the plan and implemented the design with the help of Alana Miller. 

The plants are separated into groups based on their uses. The six beds are designated as culinary, medicinal, fragrance, Native American and dyes, with a sacred garden at the center. “Herb” is a loose term; if any part of a plant can be used, it is considered an herb. Generally speaking, herbs come from a plant that dies back in winter and is valued for a use. Generally, we think of using the leaves, but we can also use the flowers, stems and roots. Early cultures relied heavily on herbs for medicines, colors and preservatives. Today, we exploit their fragrances, esthetics and culinary features. 

This free, educational and lively herb discussion will be held July 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd.  Visit the Webster Arboretum website to register for this free talk at the Arboretum. 

Here are some reminders of upcoming events I’ve already mentioned once or twice:

Geocaching presentation at the Webster Library

On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, avid geocacher Gerry Sander will present a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.

Here’s the description from the WPL website:

Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure!  Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness. 

The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s

Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.

Vintage and Collectible Books Sale

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold a Vintage and Collectible Books Sale on Saturday July 13 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

There will be 178 books for sale  in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are  priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.

The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

Caring Community Concerts begin soon

The United Church of Christ‘s Caring Community Concerts series returns in just a few weeks.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for Wednesday July 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (Click the flier for the whole schedule.) 

There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Music, music, music in the Village of Webster

And mark your calendars for this summer’s Friday night concert series at the gazebo, which begins on July 19 with a performance by 8 Days a Week, followed by the Red Hot and Blue Band on July 26. Also playing this summer are Escape Terrain on August 2, the Ayers Brothers on August 16 and the Rochester Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra on August 23.

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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 6/29/2024)

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Make lasagna. Share the love.

28 Jun

Now here’s a local nonprofit group that I’ve been meaning to highlight for quite a while now, because they’re doing great things for our community by doing something very simple: baking.

It’s called Lasagna Love, and its mission is simple: to feed families, spread kindness, and strengthen communities by providing food for neighbors in need. Their efforts not only address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also provide a simple act of love and kindness.

Specifically, of course, the food is lasagna, which we can all agree is a meal that always warms the soul. The way it all works is this: a family signs up to receive a lasagna, sharing their name, contact information, total members of the family needing a meal, and any dietary restrictions. The family is then matched with a local lasagna chef, who prepares the lasagna and coordinates directly with the family to arrange delivery.

Local Coordinator Joanne Nania explained,

It was started by one mom in San Diego in March 2020. Right in the beginning of the pandemic, Rhiannon Menn started to see her neighbors begin freaking out about all the shutdowns and she wanted to help. She didn’t know how to do anything BIG but she knew she could make good lasagna. So she made 6 lasagnas and with her toddler in tow, went out and delivered to her neighbors.  Her girlfriends found out about it and wanted to help, too.  

By the spring, she had been written up in Women’s Day and soon after was featured on GMA.  By the end of the summer, she had 3000 chefs in place.  Today there are 56000 chefs in place over 3 countries (US, Canada and Australia).

Many Webster residents are already actively participating, and there are 90 chefs across our five-county area. Most sign up to cook either weekly or monthly. But more volunteer chefs are needed.

If you love to bake and have been looking for a way you and your family can volunteer in our community, this is the perfect answer. It’s easy to start. Just sign up on lasagnalove.org, and Joanne will get in touch with you to share some tips and give you any help you need. You’ll get matched with families that live near you, cook a lasagna (or two, or three!) and make a contactless drop-off to your family. Then celebrate that you’ve done a good thing!

If food is your love language, Lasagna Love is a wonderful, flexible way to support your neighbors.

To sign up, or just get more information about this great organization and the impact they’re making, visit the Lasagna Love website or Facebook page.

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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 6/28/2024)

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Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is back for the summer

27 Jun

One of the most colorful signs of summer in Webster is the return of the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market to Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy).

The market opened for the season on Saturday June 8, and will be set up every Saturday at the plaza from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October, rain or shine.

If you’ve never been to this market, you should start making it a regular Saturday morning stop. Varying with the season, you’ll find baked goods, pies, meats, poultry, goat cheese and goat cheese products, flavored nuts, herbs, spice blends, honey, maple syrup, cider, soap and body care products, plants and cut flowers, jewelry, crafts, and of course a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Occasionally there are special events scheduled as well, so make sure to stay on top of the latest news at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page for details.

The very popular Evening in the Park Market will also return in July to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds) on Wednesday evenings.

Starting July 17, the market will be set up at the park from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through August 28. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks (including Firefly Nectar mobile bar every week), so remember to pack your quad chairs!

Something new this year is a Music Raffle — a raffle to help support the musical guests — with some great prizes (check out the flyer for details). Tickets will be available from vendors at the Saturday market, and the drawing will be held on July 17.

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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 6/27/2024)

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Introducing the Women’s Club of Webster

25 Jun

Today I’d like to highlight a local organization in which I’ve become pretty involved, the Women’s Club of Webster.

The Women’s Club is a group of women of all ages and from many different backgrounds, all dedicated to supporting charitable, cultural and educational causes through volunteering.

I first attended a luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster last September. I was invited to be that month’s guest speaker, and made a presentation all about Webster on the Web. I learned a lot about the club that day, and made some new friends. I came away very impressed with the group and their mission, and joined the very next month.

Since then, I’ve continued to learn more and more about the club, their social activities, and the organizations which benefit from their donations. And there are a lot of them, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, Webster Library, Webster Museum, Challenger Miracle Field, NY Hope, scholarships including and MCC College of Nursing Scholarship and Webster High School Service Award, and a half dozen other causes.

There are three big fundraisers every year which you might have seen advertised: a card party in November, a Christmas Cookie Sale and the big Spring Fashion Show. The ladies gather socially at monthly card parties, make crafts to be sold at Rochester General Hospital, and do community service projects (if you’re a regular blood donor, you’ve probably enjoyed their cookies at a blood drive).

Clearly, WCW members are out in the community a lot, and announcements about their fundraisers and service projects hit the Webster Herald and social media regularly. Still, pretty much every time I mention to someone that I belong to the group, I’m almost always asked, “There’s a Women’s Club of Webster?” So that is why I titled this blog how I did. Because I want you all to know about it and all of the great things these ladies do.

I said earlier that I’ve become pretty involved with the Women’s Club recently. Not only have I been attending the meetings regularly, but I was also recently elected to the position of first vice president. At the June meeting last Thursday, several new officers were officially installed, and I was honored to accept the vice presidency alongside president Diana Holzwasser, second vice president Judy Gerew, Recording Secretary Peg Berry, Corresponding Secretary Marge Martellotta and Treasurer Susan Woodward.

I look forward to becoming an even more active member of the Women’s Club of Webster, contributing to the club’s mission of supporting local nonprofit organizations, and making Webster better.

Interested in finding out more about the Women’s Club of Webster? Check out the Facebook page here or call Nancy Melrose at 585-330-9928. I hope to see you at a meeting soon.

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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 6/25/2024)

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Local agencies collaborate for a summer food distribution event

24 Jun

They’re at it again.

Coming this July, Webster Community Chest, Webster HOPE and Gathering Place Webster will be teaming up once again for a Meal Distribution Event to help Webster families in need.

The groups’ first collaborative food distribution effort, which took place in late March, was very successful. More than 150 cars filed through the United Church of Christ parking lot, and volunteers handed each one a shopping bag packed with all the fixings for an Easter dinner. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about the event.)

On the heels of that success, the three agencies are collaborating again to host a Summer Food Distribution event, their goal this time to distribute 175 bags of food worth about $20-$25 each.

Some of the 150 bags of food distributed in March

But they can’t do it without community support.

Organizers are asking community members to contribute food items to help fill the bags. The specific items being requested can be found on this list. Individuals can certainly choose something from the list to provide all by themselves. But businesses, organizations, families and neighborhoods can also work together and pledge to purchase all of one of the requested items (like 175 cans of baked beans) or just a portion (25 cans). Cash donations will also be gratefully accepted, as a straight-up donation or to sponsor one of the food items.

This is especially a great opportunity for businesses; your pledge/donation will be mentioned on the groups’ Facebook pages and website, along with any photos you’d like to provide of your employees with the collected food items.

Your donations can be dropped off between June 24 and July 9 at Gathering Place Webster, located at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. (west entrance). Please DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR ITEMS OUTSIDE. Instead, email Wendy Lesko at gatheringplacewebster@gmail.com, or call her at (585) 746-1965 to arrange a time.

The goal is to hold a food distribution event four times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and sometime during the summer. With the community’s help, these regular distributions will really help our Webster neighbors who face food insecurity every day.

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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 6/24/2024)

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Webster Village Band’s summer concert series begins this week

23 Jun

The Webster Village Band concert season is off and running.

The band’s first FREE concert is this coming Thursday, June 27 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Village Band Shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Rd. It’s the first of three concerts this summer, the other two scheduled for Thursday July 25 and Thursday Aug. 22.

Directed by Andy Kittleson, the band will be performing a selection of genres at each concert, including pop, jazz, musicals, marches and some instrumental features for various sections of the band.

These concerts are always free and open to the public. They always begin at 7 p.m. and audience members are encouraged to bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell to enjoy some beautiful music under the evening summer sky.

I’ve always thought of the Webster Village Band as a hidden gem in our community. These musicians have been performing and providing free concerts for our village for 57 years now. It’s exactly the kind of thing that makes small-town life so special.

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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 6/23/2024)

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Chamberlain Septic & Sewer is Chamber’s Business of the Month

22 Jun

Congratulations to Chamberlain Septic & Sewer, honored as the June Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Chamberlain Septic & Sewer, located on Ridge Rd. Jct. east of Basket Rd., had its humble beginnings back in the early 1960s. In 1962, Gordon Beh was a dairy farmer who purchased a backhoe to do some drainage work around his dairy farm. Little did he know that his great work would capture the attention of his neighbors. By 1964, other farmers, friends and builders were asking him to do drainage work, install septic systems and install water services on their properties.

It didn’t take long for it to become clear that Gordon’s true calling was not milk, but mud. In 1966, he decided to leave the dairy business and concentrate exclusively on excavation work. In 1970 he officially incorporated his new business, Gordon Beh Excavating Contractors, Inc.

Gordon’s sons have been part of the business since the 1970s and lead the organization today. They expanded their service offerings with the use of state-of-the-art technology, power snaking equipment, video cameras, and confined space equipment, adding to their truck fleet and heavy machinery.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is this Friday June 28, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Chair Chamber Chair Carolyn Montanaro, presenting the the plaque to Chamberlain Septic & Sewer owner Dean Beh.

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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 6/22/2024)

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Tale of the traveling pink poncho

21 Jun

Here’s a somewhat sad — but inspirational — story about four good friends, all State Rd. Elementary School teachers, and the kindness and unwavering support they’ve shown each other through some of life’s darkest times.

Our story begins last August, just before school started, when Lisa Babineau, a psychologist at State Rd. Elementary School, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She began her 4-week course of radiation at the Pluta Cancer Center in September.

Now, they have something really neat at Pluta, called the “Poncho Project.” At the very beginning of their course of radiation, every breast cancer patient is given a bright pink fleece poncho instead of a standard-issue hospital gown. The poncho serves two purposes: to keep the patient warm and comfortable and reduce the embarrassment often caused by the ill-fitting and revealing hospital gowns.

Each poncho is made by a volunteer and comes with a tag which reads,

This poncho was designed by one of Dr. Marilyn Ling’s patients who felt the standard-issue hospital gown was a poor choice for women undergoing daily radiation treatments. We hope that you will use this poncho as a daily reminder that you have warmth and support enveloping you.

Lisa, of course, wore it every day while she was undergoing treatment.

“I think it’s really comfortable, and it feels like a hug,” she said. “They didn’t want women feel like they have to get in a gown every day of radiation, so you get to wear this poncho, and you feel the support and love of all the women who have come before you.”

As it so happened, some months earlier, State Rd. 5th grade teacher Sandy Pray was also diagnosed with cancer. Hers was so invasive, however, that her treatment began with surgery and chemotherapy. She was going to the Lipson Cancer Institute, which doesn’t hand out ponchos to its patients. No worries, however. By the time Sandy had completed the first steps of her treatment, Lisa was done with her radiation. She handed the warm and wonderful poncho over to her good friend Sandy, who used it through her seven weeks of radiation.

It would be great if our story ended there, but it did not. During Sandy’s course of treatment, Pat Sweetland, a regular and well-beloved State Rd. Elementary School substitute, was also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Sandy remembered that Pat had messaged her to tell her what was going on. “(Pat) said, ‘We’re in a club that nobody wants to be in.'”

By now, all of the State Rd. friends had been supporting each other for so long that Pat knew in the back of her mind that she’d be inheriting the poncho. She remembers the day Sandy brought it to Plank Rd. North, where she was substituting.

“(The secretary) brought it right down to me,” Pat remembered. “She said ‘Open it up, we want to see what’s in it.’ … I said, ‘What is this?’ And then I realized.” It came with a sweet note from Sandy, which read, “We’re passing on the love that we shared.”

Pat Sweetland began her 4-week course of radiation in January. When she was done, she returned the poncho to Lisa Babineau for safekeeping, hoping it would never again see the light of day.

If would be great if our story ended there, but it did not.

“I thought, wouldn’t it be great if I’m the end of the chain,” Pat said. “But I know this is going to somebody, and that’s kind of depressing. But wonderful.”

She was right. This past March — exactly one year from the day that Sandy Pray was diagnosed with a rare cancer — Patti Feeley, a retired 4th grade State Rd. Elementary teacher, was diagnosed with the exact same cancer.

“I went to visit Lisa one day,” Patti said. “She went into the closet and came out with a bag, and said, here’s your poncho.” Patti began her radiation treatments this week.

It’s hard to believe that four teachers who work in the same school could all be diagnosed with breast cancer within one year. But it’s been a real blessing that these friends have been able to support each other in such a meaningful way.

Patti said, “The teachers just circle the wagons … current teachers and lot of the retired teachers that we’ve known for years. Your mailbox is just overflowing with notes and cards, (saying) you’ve got this. There’s nothing like our camaraderie.”

“It’s a club nobody wants to belong to,” she continued. “But if you have to belong to it, it’s a good thing to have each other.”

“There’s nothing like teacher love.”

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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 6/18/2024)

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Another local radio club will be at Field Day

21 Jun

Here’s a short, bonus blog today that will interest anyone who’s into ham radio operation.

About a week ago I posted a blog about the XRX Radio Club and how they’re participating in the annual ARRL Field Day competition, broadcasting from Kent Park. But I recently learned about another group which will also be participating, setting up in Webster Park.

The Rochester DX Association (RXDA) will be setting up in the Boy Scout commissary area near the Webster Park campground.

As described on the ARRL website, Field Day, held the fourth weekend in June, is the most popular on-the-air event held annually in the US and Canada. More than 40,000 radio amateurs gather with their clubs, groups or friends across North America to operate from remote locations.

It’s kind of like ham radio’s open house. Community members are encouraged to stop by to learn more about the hobby. It combines science, public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach and technical skills, and all are on display at Field Day.

The 24-hour exercise begins at 2 p.m. Saturday and runs through 2 p.m. Sunday. Visitors are more than welcome.

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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 6/21/2024)

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Webster Union Cemetery celebrates 200 years

20 Jun

Mark your calendars now for an amazing opportunity to “meet” some of Webster’s earliest settlers, at the 200th Anniversary Celebration for Webster Union Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.

Here’s a little about the cemetery’s history to whet your appetite:

Farmland was donated for the first known burial in 1817, when a Webster child needed a place to rest. It was originally called The Burial Ground, Lakeside, Union Cemetery of Webster. Since this caused some confusion between other areas near Webster, especially Union Hill Cemetery, the name was officially changed to Webster Union Cemetery in April 1954.

In 1859, Webster’s first settler, Abram Foster, was buried there at the age of 90. He was the first of many prominent families to come, including the Burnetts, Curtices, Fosters, Pelletts, Woodhulls, Whitings, and Wrights. Veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are buried there as well.

So plan to take a stroll through history and see why this early burial ground continues to be a significant part of Webster’s past and future.

The 200th Anniversary Celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.

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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 6/20/2024)

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