I finally got to meet my pen pal!

11 May

For the last several months, I’ve been participating in a terrific inter-generational pen pal program through the Webster Recreation Center.

The program, organized by Recreation Supervisors Julie Schillaci and Daphne Geoca, connected 21 Webster seniors with a classroom of second graders at Autumn Lane Elementary School in Greece. When I heard about the program last fall, I jumped at the chance to help young people improve their writing skills and find out that writing can actually be FUN.

Shortly after the school year began, each participating senior was matched with a student, and we received our first hand-written letters in late September. In my first letter, I met Nataleigh, who asked me what my name was and if I had any pets.

Over the next seven months, we received, and responded to, five more letters. I don’t know about the ones the others were getting, but mine were covered in bright colors and rainbows, stickers and smiley faces, and surprise bears poking their heads up when I opened the envelope.

Nataleigh and I bonded over rainbows and cats, and shared things we liked and disliked. (She doesn’t like to read. I’m going to have to do something about that.) But the last letter was my favorite, because it included an invitation to an end-of-program reception when we would finally be able to meet each other in person.

A sampling of the letters and artwork I got from Nataleigh
Nataleigh and me

So last Thursday the other seniors and I traveled to Autumn Lane Elementary and finally got to meet our pen pals. We gathered in the school’s gymnasium, the kids sang us some songs, and several of the students went up to the microphone to tell us all how much they enjoyed getting our letters.

After all the festivities, the kids served us some drinks and snacks, and we had some time to sit and chat. Nataleigh told me about her family and some of the trips they’ve been on, and about her friend’s dog Princess (who likes to follow her around and bites her nose, which is not too bad since Princess doesn’t have any teeth). I told her about the cats I foster, how much I love her rainbow artwork and the sparkly red dress she wore for the occasion. (Check out the slideshow below for photos.)

There was so much to talk about and the hour went by much too quickly. It was a delightful program which brought two generations together in a heartwarming way and formed what in some cases will surely be lifelong friendships.

Young Brooke T. summed it up perfectly when she stepped up to the microphone during our visit and gave the assembled pen pals some sage advice: “Sometimes you don’t make a friend with your eyes. Sometimes you can write your way to friendship.” 

I’m already looking forward to being part of this program again next year so I can write my way to even more friendship.

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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 5/11/2024)

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Harmony in the House returns next weekend

10 May

Two of Rochester’s premier a cappella choruses (which both hail from little ol’ Webster) — the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody — will join forces (and voices) on Saturday May 18 for “Harmony in the House,” a musical treat featuring both choruses and seven different a cappella ensembles. The choruses will perform two 90-minute shows, singing together and separately, and quartets from both groups will fill your heart with a variety of musical favorites.

In addition to the beautiful music, there’ll be door prizes, raffles, a bar, snacks, and plenty of free parking.

It’s a harmony-filled musical treat which all happens at the beautiful, historic Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, home to the Chorus of the Genesee for 50 years. Shows will be held at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., and tickets are just $20. Click here for tickets, and feel free to add an extra donation (please and thank you) to benefit the Harmony House Renovation Project.

Find out more on the Facebook event page 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 5/10/2024)

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Off-Monroe Players opens this weekend with a familiar face

10 May

There’s nothing quite like community theater. It’s usually an intimate experience, the actors sometimes just several feet away from you, weaving their story for your enjoyment. It’s even better when the acting is REALLY good and — especially — when the tickets are free.

It’s for all of those reasons that I’ve been attending Off-Monroe Players (OMP) productions for several years now. This little theater group, which calls the Downtown United Presbyterian Church home, has been around for more than 40 years, and has made a name for itself by producing Gilbert and Sullivan shows exclusively.

They stage three or four shows a year, each one humorous and family-friendly, as Gilbert and Sullivan always is, with great acting and fun costumes. They never charge for tickets, but audience members are welcome to drop a donation in the basket at the ticket table.

The Off-Monroe Players’ spring production, The Grand Duke, opens this weekend, and I encourage everyone in Webster to go see it, because you might just recognize someone you know.

My friend and neighbor Karen Seidel is a regular OMP cast member, and often one of the leads. In The Grand Duke, she plays the part of Julia Jellicoe, an English actress. She’s excellent in any role she portrays, and has a beautiful voice that fills the auditorium.

The show opens this Friday night May 10 at 7:30 p.m., with five additional shows over this weekend and next (click here to see show times). And while I said they don’t charge for tickets, it is important to reserve your seats in case they sell out (and keep reading for a special announcement about the opening night show). Parking is right across the street and also free.

Special Donuts with the Duke on opening night

So, if great theater at a great price sounds good to you, may I also suggest you attend opening night.

Every person who makes a reservation to join for opening night will receive a FREE donut at intermission. So you won’t have to ‘Duke it out’ to enjoy your treat, the Players are requiring reservations for this special event so they can place an accurate donut order.

Click here to read more about the Off-Monroe Players, and click here to reserve your seats.

All shows are presented at the Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St. in Rochester.

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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 5/9/2024)

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Museum news: History and a Cup, yardsticks and cameras

8 May

Judging by how well my local history blogs are received, and the traffic I get to my Webster History Bits link, a LOT of you out there like to learn about Webster history. To you, I say, put this month’s History and a Cup get-together at the Webster Museum on your calendar.

The focus of this year’s History and a Cup series is the Webster Village neighborhood formerly known as “Indian Village” due to its street names: Pontiac, Seneca, Mohawk and Iroquois.

Located on the south side of the village, the neighborhood was developed by Wilmorite in the early 1950s, the first settlement in the village helped by The GI Bill after WWII to build homes that were affordable for the many veterans coming home from the war. The small, pre-fab homes were built by National Homes in Indiana.

On Wednesday, May 15 from noon to 1 p.m., Gary and Marlene Lazzaro, who grew up in Webster, will share stories of their life and their business, Kitchen and Bath Expressions. Coffee, tea and cookies will be served, you are welcome to bring a bag lunch with you if you would like. There’s no charge and registration is not necessary.

On Sunday, May 19, the museum is planning to host a larger program about Indian Village, from 2 to 3 p.m., also no charge.

While you’re at the museum, make sure to check out the current exhibit: yardsticks.

“A Measure of Webster Businesses” takes a look back at historic Webster businesses through those ubiquitous promotional yardsticks that graced nearly every Webster household.  Along with the kinetic yardstick display, other memorabilia from local businesses, old and new photos, and brief biographies round out this latest retrospective look at Webster’s history.

This fascinating exhibit grew from the discovery of a box of yardsticks collected from Webster businesses. Inspired by the yardsticks, the museum volunteers started to assemble other promotional items from these same businesses. The search turned up a variety of pieces from small items such as calendars and thermometers to a chair and card table with the names of Webster businesses across the top.

To put all of these companies in a historical perspective, a timeline of each of the “yardstick” businesses has been researched and is on display. The final piece of this exhibit is a slide show of receipts and newspaper ads from Webster businesses.

What a neat way to look at Webster history. If you’re a longtime resident, many of the business names will sound familiar, and if you are new to the area, it’s an opportunity to see the businesses that had an impact on our community.

By the way, If you were fascinated with the Quirky Camera exhibit when it was at the Webster Public Library, you’ll be even more amazed at the expanded Quirky Camera exhibit now on display at the Webster Museum. It’s well worth a visit to see many unusual and previously working cameras that undoubtedly sparked creative flare for photography in previous generations.

The Webster Museum, located at 18 Lapham Park, is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 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 “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 5/8/2024)

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Girls on the Run could use some volunteers

7 May

The 2024 Girls on the Run season is coming to a close, and the organization is looking for a few volunteers to help out at their culminating event, a 5K race held at MCC in Brighton on June 1.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service as they train for the end-of-season 5K.

I had the pleasure of attending one of these events a few years ago, and it’s a blast. Basically, it’s a huge party, attended by lots of teams and hundreds of girls coming together to celebrate their successes. The air’s filled with happiness, excitement, positivity and a real sense of pride in accomplishment.

As many as 100 volunteers are needed for the event to be successful. There are lots of ways you can help out:

  • Registration
  • Star Power Hour activity leaders
  • Medal station
  • Course marshals
  • Water station
  • Happy Hair stations
  • Running Buddy opportunities, where we invite family members and/or trusted friends to run alongside participants. 

All proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester. Last year’s 5K events brought together more than 2,000 participants including program participants, their family and friends and community members. For more information about the event, how to register and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gotrrochester.org/5K.

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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 5/7/2024)

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Another Webster Library program to add …

7 May

Here’s a quick update to follow up on yesterday’s blog about the Webster Public Library’s programs this month.

This Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m. to noon, the library will host a Volunteer Fair.

I know for a fact that our community is a very giving one, and both teens and adults are always on the lookout for volunteer opportunities (especially judging by the traffic I get to by Volunteering in Webster link).

The library’s annual Volunteer Fair is a great way to check out volunteer opportunities at almost two dozen local agencies, all in one place and one time, and meet with the directors of these local agencies one-on-one to ask all your questions.

Right now, these organizations are signed up to be there:

  • Bella’s Bumbas
  • Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester
  • Friends of the Webster Public Library
  • Gathering Place Webster
  • Girl Scouts of Western NY
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Heritage Christian Stables
  • Lasagna Love
  • Lifespan
  • Literacy Rochester
  • Maplewood Nursing Home
  • Never Say Never Foundation
  • North East Joint Fire District – Webster Fire Department
  • Penfield Volunteer Ambulance Explorers
  • Rochester General Hospital Volunteers
  • St. Ann’s Community
  • Trillium Health
  • URMHC/Meals on Wheels
  • Webster Comfort Care Home
  • Webster Community Chest
  • Webster Hope, Inc.
  • Webster Museum
  • Webster Public Library Board
  • West Webster Cemetery Association
  • Webster Volunteer Fire Department & Northeast Joint Fire District

Registration is recommended if you would like to be reminded about the fair but not required. Attendees can come any time during the fair and ask questions and get information. If you are unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available at request.  

If you’re an organization that would like to participate, email jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org. 

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 5/7/2024)

Blue Star Mothers honored military families with baby shower

6 May

For two hours on Sunday, seven expectant — or brand new — military mothers were showered with gifts, sweet treats, fruit, chips and sandwiches when the Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8 (BSM NY8) held their Baby Shower for Military.

The annual event, held at the Cottreal-Warner American Legion Post, is designed to recognize and provide for young mothers and expectant mothers in local military families. The event was open to active duty, veterans and military spouses of active duty service members, who were expecting or have children up to six months old. For many of these mothers, this may be the only baby shower they get, since they’re usually stationed far away from their close relatives.

In the seven families that were showered, at least one parent is active duty or a veteran. A few of the others are still expecting, and some of the babies in attendance were as young as six days old and four weeks old.

This year’s theme was Mama-to-Bee, so the event was sprinkled with bumblebee balloons, centerpieces and cupcakes, adding to the fun.

The Blue Star Mothers work hard all year long, shopping for new baby clothes, diapers, high chairs, Pack and Plays, toys, books and many other gifts. The Chain Gang of Chili, a group of talented women, made and donated knitted and crocheted sweaters, hats, booties and blankets, and many other gifts were provided by generous community members. Each family left with their car filled to the brim with wonderful gifts.

A huge shout-out and thank you to the 209th Regiment of Cadets, under the leadership of Staff Sergeant Kathy Quinones. The cadets set up and tore down tables, moved mountains of baby gifts into guest’s cars, and did most of the muscle required to make this Military Baby Shower possible. 

Blue Star Mothers are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. The Baby Shower for Military is one of the most important service projects of the Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter. It’s just one small way to say thank you and give back to those who have served our country, and given so much to 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 “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 5/6/2024)

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What’s happening at the library?

5 May

It’s a new month and a whole new list of great events at the Webster Public Library. Here’s a quick look at May’s excitement:

  • Outdoor storytimes return to a new location this summer, at Ridge Park pavilion, next to Miracle Field. The storytimes will be held at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday from May 29 to Aug. 28, and are geared to children ages 0-6, but all are welcome. No registration is needed.
  • For everyone: Drop-in Lego Fun on Saturday May 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Library will have Lego bricks out all day for builders young and old to make their own creation — or try one of the Lego games and building challenges. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • For Teens: If you like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, or just hanging out with friends, Teen Library Club is for you. The club meets Wednesday May 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 are invited, and registration is required.
  • This month’s Make-it Monday craft is Pressed Flower Suncatchers, on Monday May 13 from 6 to 7 p.m. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to join, and all supplies are provided. Registration is required.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 5/5/2024)

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Local wildlife artist wins Ohio contest

4 May

One of the best things about writing this blog is getting to meet some really cool people who are doing some really cool things.

Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to one of those cool people, Ray Easton. Ray, a lifelong Webster resident and outstanding artist, recently won the 2024 Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp Competition held earlier this year.

The contest, hosted annually by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, is held to select the image that will appear on the following year’s Ohio Wetlands Habitat Stamp, a required purchase for anyone 18 years or older looking to hunt waterfowl in the Buckeye State.

Ray’s painting of a bufflehead duck (above) was chosen by a panel of five judges from 34 original pieces submitted for the competition. His painting will appear on the 2025 Wetlands Habitat Stamp. It was the first time that Ray had ever entered the contest.

Ray has been drawing and painting pretty much all his life. He discovered wildlife art when he was a junior at RL Thomas High School, where he studied art under Bill Stephens. He likes to work from photographs and spends a lot of time out in nature with his camera, every season of the year.

Birds, especially waterfowl, are just a few of Ray’s favorite subjects. More recently he’s also turned to painting landscapes. “I got more into those when COVID started,” he said, “when everybody was working from home.”

“I had a lot of time to start thinking about land,” he added. “I always wanted to do some more impressionistic stuff … loosen up a little bit. It was a nice little therapy and I grew a lot in my other work just by loosening up in the landscapes.”

And this is not the first competition he’s entered — or even won. He competes in the Federal Duck Stamp contest every year and regularly submits entries to other state programs. In 1997 he won the New York Waterfowl Duck Stamp competition with his painting of a hooded merganser. Last fall his painting of three northern pintails took first in the National Duck Stamp Collectors Society annual contest, and he most recently took third place in the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission 2024 Quail and Turkey Stamp competition.

If you’d like to see some of Ray’s work in person, he has a piece in display now at the Mill Art Center and Gallery in Honeoye Falls and will have one in an exhibit opening soon at the Oxford Gallery in Rochester. You can also see a lot more photos of Ray’s incredible work on his Facebook page and website.

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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 5/4/2024)

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Oak Tree Award winners announced

3 May
Carolyn Stahl (center)
Jeff Darling (center)

Congratulations to this year’s Oak Tree Award winners for excellence in teaching: Carolyn Stahl and Jeff Darling.

Stahl, this year’s secondary level recipient, is an English teacher at Webster Thomas High School. She’s a 25-year veteran educator in the district and currently teaches grades 9 and 12.  

Darling, this year’s elementary level recipient, is an instructional specialist at Plank Road North Elementary School. He has also taught fourth grade, fifth grade, and has been an enrichment specialist in his 17 years in the district.

Stahl and Darling were surprised at their schools on April 24 when Superintendent of Schools Brian Neenan joined Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA) representatives to present the plaques, which will hang in their buildings for one year. Each also received a framed certificate, acorn pin and $500 stipend from the award committee. They’ll be officially recognized at the Webster CSD Board of Education meeting on May 7.  

The Oak Tree Award is presented annually by the WTA and the Webster Central PTSA as a way to acknowledge excellence in teaching in the district at the elementary and secondary levels. This year’s Oak Tree Committee received 37 nominations submitted by students, parents and colleagues. Other nominees included Eleni Prosser, Taylor Haupt, Lauren Pagano, Gabrielle Gruttadaro, Kelly Bruhnsen, Kim Ebbecke, Leslie Popchoke, Heather Taylor, Carrie Zugelder, Dan Graf, Susan Bjarnar, Cathy Bradley, Cory Gomez, Rebecca Margiotta, Lori Ford, Dana Graf, April Masucci, Carolyn Charleton, Brianne Cipura, Sarah Mitchell, Mike Vanderwoude, Ian Insley, Carly Smith, Anne Marie Visca, Francine Barnes, Dan DeStephano, Gail Pittinaro, Carleen Fallone, Philip Zola, David Monson, Kyle Sackett, Jennifer Cos, Jill Baker, Elizabeth Vandetti, and Mary Hurley.

Congratulations to Carolyn Stahl, Jeff Darling and all the Oak Tree nominees.

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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 5/3/2024)

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