“All Shapes and Sizes” art show will celebrate some very special artists

13 Oct

A two-day art show and sale scheduled for Oct. 20 and 21 at the Webster Recreation Center will showcase some very special artists.

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit will feature the artwork of more than 80 Webster-area artists, all of whom have physical, developmental or behavioral challenges. The artists, ranging from ages 4 through 56, have created about 120 unique, colorful and downright stunning paintings and collages, all of which will be on display during the show.

The exhibit, now in its sixth year, is organized by Webster resident and WCSD teacher’s aide Kate Clemont, assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers. For Kate, who handles most of the countless tasks necessary to put on a show of this type, it’s a true labor of love.

Kate’s youngest son Jack has autism, and she discovered many years ago how much joy he got out of creating art.

“There’s not a lot he gets celebrated for,” Kate said. “But he and I would paint together and he’d do some beautiful pieces and he’d be so proud of himself. I thought this would be nice for other kids.” 

And so this very special art exhibit began. For this year’s show, Kate began working with her artists back in May. She would pull the Challenger Field athletes aside when they came off the field and encourage them to do some painting. Over the summer she created art with the students in the district’s extended school year program. She even held a make-some-art day in her backyard.

Everyone was given the opportunity to create, regardless of their disabilities.

“A lot of these kids don’t have the fine motor skills to handle a paint brush,” Kate said, “so I find other things for them to paint with, whether it’s back scrubbers or sponges or stamps or squish balls. Whatever it takes for them to get in the paint.”

“Many of them have sensory needs,” she added, and were afraid to touch the paint. “So I’d wipe it on my face … just get down there and dirty with them in the paint. I was covered in paint from head to toe.”

Bottom line, Kate said, “If they’re given the opportunity, they can create and make some things. It just looks like a million dollars, and they’re so proud of themselves.”

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit is just one of many ways Kate has found to give back to the community for all of the opportunities her son has received. She’s also raised money for Autism Speaks, Camp Puzzle Piece, and Never Say Never Stables. But it’s the art shows where she really gets to indulge her passion for art and truly see the joy it brings to children and adults with disabilities.

Kate actually has a unique understanding of the challenges these special artists face. Eight years ago she developed a serious skin condition called necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “the flesh-eating disease.” It almost killed her, requiring a 75-day hospital stay and almost 30 surgeries, during which she coded twice. Large swaths of skin from her armpit to her hip had to be removed and replaced with skin grafts.

And as a direct result of the treatment, Kate lost her right hand, left index finger and the ends of her toes. The whole experience helped put a lot of things into perspective.

“After I got sick I lost my creative side; your mind is focusing on getting back. I thought I’d never get to paint again.” Working with the kids helped her rediscover that passion.

“I look at these kids who really have something to complain about, and they’re just getting on with it,” she said. “They just want an opportunity and a chance. I can’t complain. If that’s what you want to do, let’s get on with it.”

Clearly this show would not go on without Kate Clemont’s passion for art and the special artists she works with. But make no mistake — it is ALL about the artists.

“The exhibition is a chance for families and the public to get together at a free event, and just share the joy of what has been achieved,” Kate said. “It really is an amazing event, giving these amazing individuals a chance to be celebrated and show their artistic ability.”

The All Shapes and Sizes exhibit takes place Friday, October 20 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. A silent auction will be held both days, with the final bids being awarded at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

In addition to the paintings (whose starting prices range from $10 to $250), magnets, coasters and tote bags will be available for purchase. There’ll be some amazing raffles courtesy local businesses, and Kate’s son Jack will be selling lemonade.

All proceeds will benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field. Admission is free.

Check out the galleries above and below to see some of the featured art and the joy on these kids’ faces. Then come to the exhibit to see the art in person, and help celebrate these very talented and very special artists.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/13/2023)

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Three spooky (and fun) Halloween events

12 Oct

I did something a little bit unnerving today. I put up my November calendar on the refrigerator.

Despite the fact that we have to accept that November is less than three weeks away, let us try to focus on all of the fun stuff still coming up in October, especially the Halloween-related events marking the end of the month. I bring you details about three of those today.

On Sunday Oct. 22, Heritage Square Museum will host their second annual Halloween Happening from 1 to 4 p.m. Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village. If you’ve ever wanted to check out this living history museum, this would be a great opportunity. I recently wrote a blog about my recent visit there. Click here to see that and learn more about this historical treasure just down the road.

Pumpkins on Parade returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I love, love, love this event. Now four years old, Pumpkins on Parade began was originally dreamed up by the Rec Center to give families a fun Halloween-time event to safely enjoy during the pandemic. But it has since grown to become an annual favorite for hundreds of families who hike the trail, admire all of the jack-o-lanterns and hang around afterwards for games, photos, and snacks.

During Pumpkins on Parade, the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. There’s also a much shorter path for seniors and small children to enjoy. At the end of the path, in the large field behind the Rec Center, participants enjoy free cider and donuts and a bonfire, there’s a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. So start planning out your jack-on-lanterns now, and stay tuned for more information on when and where to drop them off (usually that day or the Friday before).

The Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail will be held Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids (and their adults) can wander through the village to and trick-or-treat at dozens of shops. I’ll be running around with my camera to try to catch as many great costumes as possible, so watch for me!

The annual costume contest will be held from 11:00 to 11:30 at Village Hall, so participants won’t miss out on any of the trail.

This is just one of the great events brought to us by the village’s Business Improvement District. To keep up to date on all these events, make sure to visit their website often.

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

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(posted 10/9/2023)

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A bit of Webster history: The James Carnevale Bike Route

11 Oct

In this month’s History Bit feature I write for the Webster Museum, I revisited a blog I wrote two years ago about the James W. Carnevale Bike Route. After seeing a sign at the Webster Museum, I’d embarked on a quest to find out who James Carnevale was and where exactly where the bike route was.

It took me a while to discover the answers to those questions, and I had help from a lot of people. I outlined the whole story in the blog I wrote back then, which I edited significantly for the History Bit for the sake of print publication.

So here’s the edited version, but if you’re interested in reading the whole (I think interesting) story, click here. (It has several more photos as well.)

October History Bit: the James W. Carnevale Bike Route

These beautiful first weeks of fall are a great time to go out for a bike ride. If you’re up for a 14-mile ride along some of Webster’s most beautiful roadways, you might want to explore the James W. Carnevale Bike Route.

The route was named in honor of James Carnevale, who lived on Old Farm Circle. He served in Korea as an Army Intelligence Officer, and was awarded a bronze star for photography. He served as Webster’s Recreation Commissioner for many years, and was an active member of the town’s Democratic Party. He passed away suddenly in 1977 at age 47 and is buried at Webster Union Cemetery. 

The bike route which was named after him was originally established in 1968. The 14.5-mile route took riders (in general) west from Holt Rd. to Klem, then along Bay, Volk and Dewitt roads, ending at Inspiration Point. There, the riders would turn around and wind their way back.

In 1986, the route was officially renamed the “James W. Carnevale Bike Route” in honor of his service as Recreation Commissioner. At a ceremony held in November, the Town of Webster presented Carnevale’s widow with one of the signs.   

Most of the original signs seem to be gone, but apparently there’s still one standing at the corner of Drumm and Herman roads, and there might be one at Klem and Five Mile Line. The one pictured in the photo with Nancy Carnevale is still hanging just inside the Webster Museum entrance, next to the antique bicycle. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/9/2023)

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The man in the yellow truck

10 Oct

You’ve probably seen the yellow truck parked along the Rt. 104 access roads, most recently near Phillips Rd. And you may even have seen the guy in the bright yellow vest filling trash bags. That guy is Stephen Anderson, who for several years has made it his personal mission to clean up the highway.

I, too, had noticed Stephen several times, and thought, “I need to hear his story.” A couple of readers even write to suggest I do a blog about him. But I never did find a good opportunity to stop and talk to him.

Which is why I was pleased to find out that my friend Katie Kovar over at the Webster Recreation Center had done that job for me. She recently tracked Stephen down and wrote an article about his efforts, which was published in the most recent Webster Today town newsletter.

Here is that article.

The Yellow Truck and the American Flag

by Katie Kovar, Recreation Director, Webster Parks and Recreation

During the height of COVID, Stephen Anderson was diagnosed with diabetes, The directive from his doctor was straightforward: stay active. With limited access to fitness facilities, Anderson had to get creative. At the same time, Anderson noted an excess of litter along the expressway … something that also reached its height during COVID. The Webster resident took matters into his own hands and paired his diagnosis with a community need and got to work, It was simple — stay active, give back, do good.

Geared up in his bright yellow truck, Stephen began efforts by picking up trash along Route 104 in Webster. “I was my form of exercise, and I wanted to clean. That’s it.” His truck became even more noticeable when he began to fly an American flag each time he cleaned. It started as a “social experiment,” he says, to see how many people would beep their horns, It turns out it’s a lot! Keep them coming, Stephen says, “I love it!”

He added,

People think they will startle me if they beep their horn … but they won’t. The simple horn beeping makes me feel appreciated and happy. Please beep anytime you see me.

After some time, the battered flag he was flying was replaced by a group of Webster School District bus drivers, one of whom is a former Marine Corps officer. “They wanted to do something for me and after thinking about it they got together and gave me a beautiful new flag.” Stephen now displays this American flag every time he stops to clean the expressway.

Stephen Anderson, the man in the yellow truck and the American flag, has become a bit of a visual staple along the Webster highways. Given a permit to clean, outfitted in reflective gear, safety goggles, a hard hat and gloves, he has cleaned multiple times a week for years. He says he has learned a variety of things including how heavy to load up the bags, They typically hold everything from dirt, diapers, food containers and car accident debris. Once the bags are loaded, they need to be lifted and disposed of, so they can’t be too heavy. This means one thing: he goes through bags quickly.

photos by K. Kovar

Stephen recently ran out of the orange garbage bags provided by the state and has made a call for more on social media. The orange bags provide an element of safety, as they can be lined along the roadways to provide a visual barrier where he’s working. It’s also easier to notice them for pick-up afterward.

IN order to keep giving back to his community, Stephen needs more bags. If you’re interested in helping Stephen continue his clean-up efforts, you can leave garbage bags in the bin in the Webster Recreation Center vestibule located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

Although Stephen loves his work and wished he had the physical capability to do it every day, he does have a message for the community:

Stop throwing garbage out on the roadways. We are supposed to be giving this land to our children and we are destroying it.”

To find out other ways you might be able to help Stephen in his efforts, email Katie Kovar at kkovar@ci.webster.ny.us.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/10/2023)

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Their Light Shines at Webster Comfort Care Home

9 Oct

A very special event was held last Tuesday evening at Webster Comfort Care Home, when more than 270 luminaria lined the home’s parking lot, lighting up the evening with memories.

Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere.

That mission was illuminated in a special way last Tuesday during the home’s second annual “Their Light Shines” remembrance event, when community members were invited to light a luminaria in honor of their loved one.

Before the evening was over, almost 275 luminarias had been lit and placed around the perimeter of the home’s large parking lot, honoring 62 residents. The daughter of a past resident spoke, and shared her story about how it felt watching her mom leave her home, come to the Comfort Care Home, how she was cared for, and how the experience moved her to become a resident care volunteer herself.

Attendees enjoyed apples and cider donated by Schutt’s Apple Mill, Herman’s Farm Market and Bauman’s Farm Market, and a wide variety of homemade cookies. Music was provided by Leah Sherman and Erin T. and Michael Miller and their groups who played the clarinet, violin, piano. The son of a former volunteer and resident made a slide show of every resident’s name, and several people paused to take a photo when their loved one’s name appeared.

  • photo by J. Groff
  • photo by S. Haines
  • photo by S. Haines
  • photo by S. Haines
  • Nurse Regina (right) has a tearful reunion with the mother of a past resident. (J. Groff)
  • photo by Glann Peck.
  • photo by Glenn Peck
  • photo by Glenn Peck
  • photo by Glenn Peck
  • photo by Glenn Peck

So many volunteers came together to make this event happen. Volunteers who wrote names on the luminaria, filled them with sand and directed traffic into the parking lot across the street. Members of the Webster Police Department even stopped by to see if they could lend a hand with anything.

“It was a real Webster Comfort Care Home community/family effort,” said director Julianne Groff.

She added,

We had families of residents (who were here) years ago attend, to a family who had just lost their loved one days before. A mom whose son died here last year made her first return to the Home, something she didn’t think she could do, and was reunited with the nurse who was holding her son’s hand when he died. There were lots of tears at that reunion. 

Their Light Shines was a chance for the community to come together, to share our losses, to share an emotional moment, to share our stories and a piece of our loved ones. They may not be with us any longer, but their light shines through in every moment of every day, in every thought, in every memory, in everything we do. We carry them with us in so many ways.

The lights remained in the parking lot all through the night, casting their light in remembrance, continuing to spread comfort and joy to all who passed by. The evening illuminated in a beautiful and very meaningful way what Webster Comfort Care Home means to our community.

These are pictures from the “reunion” between the mother and one of our nurses, Regina (in the black top).

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

So. Much. Going. On.

I’m going to start today’s mailbag with several events that I haven’t featured in a mailbag recently.

The first are the latest details about the Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House. Tickets are now on sale, and if this year’s event is going to be anything like previous ones, it will sell out quickly, so get your tickets SOON.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30 and are limited. Click here to get yours. Proceeds will benefit the Harmony House Renovation Fund.

This is a cool event from the Webster Museum, an Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.

If you’re curious about the value or origin of a special piece from your family’s history, bring it to the Webster Museum on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. and the Palma brothers will use their expertise to provide you with some insight.

Frank and Greg Palma grew up in Penfield and own the Webster Jewelry and Coin Exchange at 159 W. Main St. in the village of Webster. Frank enjoys collecting and selling antique toys, comics, advertisements, and oil cans (the older the better), while his brother Greg is an expert in gold, coins, silver, and precious metals.

Over the years they’ve assembled a museum-like collection of items that can be seen and purchased at their store. In addition to sharing their expertise identifying your special objects, they’ll share some stories from their years in business.

Speaking of the museum, the folks over there are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar right now.

But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone.

Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant).

Get more details about the school and this great event on the Facebook event page here.

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Webster NY Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., has published this month’s wish list. It includes:

  • pasta
  • jarred spaghetti sauce
  • jars or cans of applesauce
  • diapers (size 5)
  • baby wipes (they’re completely out)
  • canned corn and beets
  • toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant
  • laundry detergent
  • dish soap

You can drop off your donations anytime Webster NY Hope is open. Click here for more details.

If you’re interested in any of these following events, I wrote about them in my mailbag last week, so click here to see that post for more details.

  • Capital Improvement Project vote
  • West Webster Fire Department and Webster Volunteer Fire Department open houses
  • Friends of Webster Library used book sale
  • Autumn special events at Schutt’s Apple Mill
  • Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center

And click here to read again about the great upcoming panel discussion about Athlete Wellness and Youth Sports.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/1/2023)

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‘Tis the season for farm markets

7 Oct

Farm markets have to be some of the best things that autumn has to offer. Sure, farm markets are great the rest of the year, too, when we can get a ready supply of fresh vegetables and flowers. But they take on a spectacular beauty in the fall, alive with color and holiday trappings.

Here in the Webster area we’re blessed with a great number of farm markets, within town or just minutes away. I visited a bunch of them recently; here’s a little about each one, complete with photos.

(This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!)

Schreiner Farm, 490 Phillips Rd. 

I’m going to begin our tour today with one of the smallest farm markets in Webster, but also one of the friendliest.

The family-owned Schreiner Farm Market has been located at 490 Phillips Rd. since 2008. Before then, Ken and Darlene Schreiner had a farm stand at the home they owned across the road. They outgrew that and decided to build a much bigger market on the land they owned on the east side of Phillips.  

“(Ken) and I do everything on the farm, plant it, grow it, cut it,” Darlene said. Given it’s just the two of them, it’s a small operation, as you might imagine. You’re not going to find a Facebook page or even a website. You’re just going to have to stop by and check it out for yourself. 

You won’t be sorry. 

Bauman’s Farm Market, 1340 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield 

Bauman’s is one of those markets where it’s hard to find a parking spot on October weekends. But it’s worth the effort, because the kids are going to love exploring the huge cornstalk teepee, the spooky haunted house, straw maze and pumpkin patch (all free). 

For sale right now: sweet corn, pumpkins, friend cakes, and loads of apples. 

And a huge congratulations to Bauman’s, which at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting was recognized for celebrating its 115th anniversary!

Herman’s Farm Market, 741 Five Mile Line Rd. 

Herman’s Farm Market is a 5th-generation farm known for its apples, peaches, cherries, apricots & nectarines. Before the big game, stop by for some fried cakes (which were recently decorated with Buffalo Bills blue and red sprinkles), snacks, Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters ground coffee.  

Maier Farms, 430 Phillips Rd.

Maier Farms is known for their beautiful fall displays and impressive selection of pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, straw bales and more, including some items you won’t find many other places. Find lots of unique gift items here too.

Mayer’s Cider Mill, 699 Five Mile Line Rd. 

I had a bit of a hard time finding out a whole lot online about Mayer’s and what the market offers, but the few sites I did find (a Facebook page here and a website here) mentioned apples (of course) and donuts, and a tasting room. 

According to an article in the Genesee Valley Pennysaver, Mayer’s is “the oldest continuously operating cider mill in New York State,” dating all the way back to 1876. That history alone is a good reason to stop by. Read the whole article here. 

Schutt’s Apple Mill, 1063 Plank Rd. 

Whenever I hear someone talking about Schutt’s, usually it’s in the same sentence as the words “fried cakes.” But there’s a whole lot more to love about Schutt’s.

There are the apples, of course. You can pick your own or select them from their abundant displays. There’s a fermented cider tasting room, weekly events and craft classes, u-pick flowers, lots of other fresh fruits and vegetables, and so many holiday decor and gift items. 

Schutt’s Apple Mill has been open since 1918 and continues to be an autumn favorite. 

Sunscape Farms and Greenhouses, 1416 Creek St., Penfield

Many of my friends swear by Sunscape Farms for their fresh vegetables. This time of year Sunscape still features an impressive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus honeys, jams and maple syrup, fresh cut flowers, fall decor, fall plants and shrubs. And don’t forget, there’s always complimentary organic lollipops for the kids at the register. 

Welch’s Greenhouses, 1271 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250)

Welch’s is not very big, but it is the closest farm market to my house, so I’m a regular visitor there, especially during corn and pumpkin season. 

Family-owned and operated since 1959, Welch’s is especially known for their greenhouses, flowers, vegetable plants and gardening supplies. They have a lot of bulk mulch and topsoil. 

What struck me more than anything when I stopped by there, however, were the mums. As far as the eye can see. That really seems to be their forte this time of year, so if you want mums, make sure to include Welch’s in your travels.

Wickham Farms, 1315 Sweets Corners Rd. Penfield

Of course, no blog about farm markets is complete without mentioning Wickham Farms, the king of agri-tainment in our area. Located about four miles south of the Village of Webster, Wickham’s parking lot ALONE (not including the overflow lot) is bigger than some of the other farm markets themselves. I went by on Wednesday, when they were closed, so I didn’t have any problem finding parking. But I also didn’t get to experience the joy of watching small children as they explored what has really become an autumn carnival. 

In addition to the corn maze for which they’ve become known, the farm has a wide variety of activities to keep kids entertained for hours, including a “mountain slide,” a train, farm animals to pet, a jumping pad, singing tractor, mini golf, a playground and more. There’s also lots of food. 

Admission is required to visit the farm. Discounts are available for on-line presale tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/7/2023)

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Women’s Club of Webster: dedicated to serving our community

6 Oct

Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster, and the honor to present a talk about my Webster on the Web blog. It was their first meeting of the season, so there was a lot of discussion about events they have coming up, and the whole purpose behind what they do.

That purpose can pretty much be summed up in one simple phrase: service to community.

The mission of the Women’s Club is to make a positive difference in the lives of Webster community members, primarily through fundraising. The list of organizations and scholarships the club supports is impressive, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Museum, service awards for high school students, the Webster Library, Webster NY Hope and many more.

They raise money through a wide variety of fundraising events — like the Fall Card Party, Christmas Cookie Sale and Spring Fashion Show — and community service activities like providing cookies for the Red Cross Blood Drive this coming Oct. 11 at the Webster Firemen’s Hall.

Their first big event this year is their annual Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser,” Tuesday Nov. 7 at Glendoveers on Old Browncroft Rd.

This always fun social event begins at 10 a.m. with coffee and danish, followed by a buffet luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The games themselves will be played from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day includes 50/50 drawings and lots of beautiful basket raffles. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets cost $40. Checks should be made out to the Women’s Club of Webster and mailed to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Deadline to order tickets is Nov. 1. (Click the flyer for more info.)

The Webster Women’s Club meets on the third Thursday of every month. This month’s gathering is Thursday Oct. 19 at Shadow Lake Golf and Racquet Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield. It begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15, followed by a meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30. This month’s speaker will be representatives from the Angels of Mercy organization, a non-profit enterprise working to help women discover their directions in life. Registration is $24, due by Oct. 12. Contact Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303 to register or for more information.

I met a lot of great women at the meeting and learned a lot of great things. It’s certainly an organization worth supporting — and becoming a member of.

Which I have. I invite you to join me. For more information about membership, contact Nancy Melrose at (585) 330-9928.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/6/2023)

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WHEN honored as Webster Chamber Business of the Month

5 Oct

Being as involved in the Webster community as I am, I’m a member of several community groups. Perhaps the one I’m most proud of is my affiliation with WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network.

WHEN is a coalition of community leaders and residents working to empower Webster kids to grow up strong and substance-free. Founded in 1995 by Janine Sanger, who leads the organization to this day, WHEN has always been driven by a singular purpose: to advocate for and promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles among our friends and neighbors.

The coalition is driven by more than 60 volunteer members representing various sectors of the Webster community, including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals, and more. Their mission: to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use among our youth, because research tells us that the longer young individuals wait to use drugs and alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life.

It’s an ongoing battle, illustrated recently as the Webster Village Board considers repealing the opt-out law allowing for a cannabis retail shop within the village limits. (One is being proposed for the old Taylor Rental storefront on North Ave.) WHEN is circulating a petition about the matter, and several members have appeared at Village meetings to speak against the repeal.

WHEN’s service to our community was recognized at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting as the October Business of the Month. It is a well-deserved honor, recognizing the amazing work this organization does.

New members are always welcome to join. To read more about WHEN and its programs, check out the October newsletter here. and the Facebook page here.

P.S. Signatures are still being collected on the petition against repealing the village’s opt-out law. Click here to voice your opinion.

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

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(posted 10/5/2023)

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20 years of storytimes and counting. Join the party!

4 Oct

Reading skills are a critical component of educational success, and the earlier we can instill a love of reading in our young people, the better. It’s a goal we can all help to achieve with our own children, and any children we happen to have the privilege of teaching.

Jason Poole has been one of Webster’s most dedicated champions of that cause; he’s been leading storytimes and other children’s programming at Webster Public Library for 20 years.

(Keep reading for news about a party at the Recreation Center later this month to celebrate the anniversary!)

Jason Poole, currently the Webster Public Library’s Outreach Coordinator, was hired by the library on Oct. 3, 2003 as a clerk in the children’s room. He immediately started doing programming, working his way up the children’s library ladder, first as a library assistant, and in just a few years — after getting his Masters in Library Science — as a full-time librarian. Every step of the way, Jason was the story guy.

Every library worth its salt offers storytimes for children. But Jason has always found some unique twists to keep his young charges interested. For starters, before he came on board, live music wasn’t a common storytime element. Jason not only plays his guitar during his programs, but also writes songs. He also frequently teams up with other librarians to read stories, which was unusual but common now at WPL, which adds an extra layer of fun to every book.

Jason has even taken his storytimes on the road, performing at Ridge Park, at the village’s White Christmas celebration, at the Recreation Center and in the schools. And during the pandemic, he and his colleagues took the storytimes outdoors to the Harmony Park band shell on Phillips Rd., which is still a well-attended weekly event all summer.

It’s not all fun and games, of course. Well, it is fun and games, but Jason’s storytimes are not JUST about the stories. He explained,

Some people are good at doing educational storytimes, and there’s always a performative element to it. While I do want to incorporate those elements, the big thing I want is to create a safe space for parents and kids to have fun, feel safe and feel valued. Those things are really important. Some of the songs that I’ve written for storytime follow that theme of value yourself, of knowing that its okay to feel out of control, or sad or feel emotions.  

When I write songs for the kids and the grownups, one of those things I try to do is phrase it so a kid can understand it on one level, and the adult can understand it at a deeper level. I want everybody in my storytime to feel that they matter in that space. That’s really important to me. Everyone being welcome. 

I don’t want to be the focus…. I’m a performer but I’m also a facilitator.

The kids aren’t the only ones who get something out of Jason’s programs. They give him as much joy as he gives them.

“On a bad day,” he said, “I go into a storytime and see the kids dancing and singing, and realize this is the stuff that matters.”

In that space, it feels like what I do matters. It’s an honor and a privilege and I’m very grateful to have been in a place where I can be a part of that with everybody, creating a space for people to have that experience.

He added, “How incredible it’s been to be connected with this community. To see kids grow up and become adults and to have parents come up to me years later and tell me how much those storytimes meant to them.”

“I can’t believe I’m being paid for doing this.”

Haven’t seen one of Jason Poole’s storytimes recently? He holds them every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., so come on by.

Even better (or also), join the fun when Jason joins his youth department colleagues to celebrate his storytime anniversary with a party at the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. Of course there will be stories, but also, pizza and cake!! Registration is not required but encouraged so the library knows how much pizza to buy. Click here to register. (It’ll take less than 30 seconds.) See you there!

For your enjoyment, here’s a selection of photos from Jason’s history with the library:

Stories in the park, 2011
With Shana Lynott, 2015
With Shana, 2016
With Colleen Hernandez, 2022
Webster Post, 2004

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/4/2023)

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