Tag Archives: United Church of Christ

Webster community mailbag

18 Sep

The Webster Community Chest is selling Kittelberger Flower Cards, but you have to get on this SOON, because they’re available only through Sept. 27.

Each card gets you 12 Months of Flowers ($180 value; $15 monthly value) for only $50. They make great gifts, or grab one for yourself so you’re sure to have fresh flowers on your table all through the coming winter.  

You can also purchase a flower card and donate it to the Community Chest, and they will brighten the lives of 12 families through this coming year, by gifting them with a bouquet of flowers.

Please contact Tracy at webcommchest@gmail.com or 585-671-2060 to order your card(s) and discuss payment options.

This fundraiser will support WCC’s Women’s Empowerment Programs.

* * *

The United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd., is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

Webster Central School District families are invited to join a virtual event to learn more about “Distraction-Free Learning” on Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Robert Chalwell, assistant superintendent for student and community engagement, will lead the event. Dr. Chalwell will provide a brief presentation on the New York State law, Webster CSD policy, and the district’s ongoing implementation process. There will be Q&A, as well as a chance to hear perspectives from students, teachers, and families. The district will also provide resources for parents and guardians, and raise awareness about other hot-button topics.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. You can access it here.

* * *

The Webster Lions Club will be hosting their chicken and ribs BBQ on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) at Webster Fireman’s Field.

Cost is $20 per person (cash or check) and dinners (prepared by Bad to the Bone in Williamson) include a quarter chicken, pit-smoked ribs, mac salad, BBQ beans and corn bread. Dinners are drive-thru and pick-up.

All proceeds will support Webster Lions Club charities and to help those in need in the community.

The Lions Club’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for visually and hearing-impaired individuals and those with diabetes. The Club also partners with Camp Smile, located in Webster, a summer day camp for children who are visually or hearing-impaired. To learn more, click here  or call 585-234-5480.

* * *

The Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

Take a peek at the stars on Saturday night, Oct. 4 when the Webster Public Library hosts a Star Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Jim Porter, retired Chief Systems Engineer at NASA, will be on hand to discuss, “What can you see in the night sky?” See robots demonstrated by the McQuaid IgKnighters Robotics Team, play large versions of your favorite games outside with your family or friends, and make a space-themed craft. There’ll be donuts, pizza, hot/cold cider and hot cocoa (available for purchase). You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a prize, and each attendee will get a free raffle ticket.

A telescope and binoculars will be available for use, or bring your own (that’s recommended).

This is an outdoor event held in the parking lot, and registration is required. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

* * *

The Webster Public Library and Color Webster Green will present an informative presentation all about plastics on Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s called Plastics & Health: What You Need To Know. Almost every bit of plastic breaks down into “microplastics.” Documentaries such as Plastic People show how these microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, mix into our soil, and end up in our bodies.

Jane van Dis, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester will present on the prevalence of plastics and the effects that plastics and the chemicals inside them have on our health. This talk will address key scientific findings and offer insight into ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. A Q&A session will follow Jane’s presentation. This event is organized by Color Webster Green.

The program will be held Monday Oct. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no charge, but please register here so the library knows how many people to expect.

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai. Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

* * *

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25. The first day of the sale — Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. — is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.  

All are welcome to attend the book sale on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

Proceeds from the sale support the library. I’ll post another reminder about this in a few weeks.

* * *

The Women’s Club of Webster has announced plans for their next luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster.

October’s speaker will be Ron Kampff, Vice Chair of Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. Located in Webster, Miracle Field provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Mr. Kampff’s presentation. Attendees will enjoy a variety of Proietti’s popular pizzas, salad, cannoli and camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $19. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, by Oct. 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Club to attend, but new members are always welcome!

Here’s a great opportunity to actually chat with some Women’s Club members:

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., and the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the snacks.  

Blood donors will be warmly greeted at the cantina by members of the Women’s Club, and enjoy supremely scrumptious homemade cookies with their juice.

The whole process takes only about an hour. Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

* * *

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 9/18/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

* * *

The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

* * *

Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

* * *

There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

* * *

The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

* * *

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 9/9/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

13 Jun

I’d like to begin today’s mailbag with a shout-out to Webster Girl Scout Troop 60617 for their kindness and consideration for our deployed service members.

Troop leaders heard that military families in our area needed baby blankets, so they and their Scouts got to work. They crafted three beautiful blankets, which will be donated to Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8, who will distribute them to local military families so they can surround their babies with love.

Many thanks to Troop 60617 and leader Beth Cunico.

And now, details about our upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, courtesy the Webster CSD:

Webster Schroeder Graduation

Rehearsal – Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. Seniors meet in the Webster Schroeder Warrior Stadium, 875 Ridge Road. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Friday, June 21 at the Webster Schroeder stadium. Seniors line up at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, and procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date Saturday, June 22, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Warrior Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Webster Thomas Graduation

Rehearsal – Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. Seniors meet in the Willink Middle School cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY.
Commencement – Tuesday, June 25. Seniors line up at 6:45 p.m. in the Willink Middle School cafetorium. Procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to the Webster Thomas Titan Stadium, 800 Five Mile Line Road.
(Rain date – Wednesday, June 26, time TBD.)
Live stream: The 2024 Titan Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.

Both ceremonies will last roughly two hours. No tickets are required. These are open seating events. Gates open to the public approximately one hour before each procession begins. There is ample seating for families and other guests in the stands and on the field. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because traffic tends to back up.

Geocaching presentation at Webster Public Library

All sorts of fun things are always happening at the library, but I want to highlight this talk today because it’s being presented by my friend Gerry Sander.

On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m., Gerry will be presenting 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 hiding spot. 

It’s an exciting and interactive way to bond, explore, and make unforgettable experiences together!

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.

Frontier Kitchens introduces new golf event

Frontier Kitchens is hosting its First Annual Golf Invitational at Webster Golf Club on July 29, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Entry fee is $125 per player and includes golf, gift and lunch. RSVP by July 10. Business sponsorship packages begin at $200 and include perks like sponsorship signs, logo placement, and an opportunity to put your branded item in the gift bags. Click here for more information and to register.

The invitational will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Lollypop Farm Humane Society.

Caring Community Concerts begin soon

The United Church of Christ‘s Caring Community Concert 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. (See the flier below 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

Here’s another look ahead at summer in the village:

The Friday night concert series at the gazebo 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.

Also on the schedule this year:

  • Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
  • Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
  • Health Fair and Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
  • Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
  • Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
  • Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)

* * *

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 6/13/2024)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Community collaboration feeds families in need this holiday

29 Mar

More than 150 Webster families in need will have a holiday meal to put on the table this Easter, thanks to a new community collaboration among three local service agencies.

At a well organized and efficiently run drive-through event held Tuesday afternoon, 151 cars pulled through the United Church of Christ parking lot on Klem Rd., each collecting a shopping bag packed with the makings for a complete Easter dinner. Each bag included boxed potatoes, canned corn, canned green beans, apple juice, pasta, pasta sauce, mac and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, and either dinner rolls or sliced bread. In addition, each family received a gift card from Webster NY Hope to be used toward the purchase their choice of protein for the meal (like a ham).

Kris Lombardo, Tracy Dennis, Margery Morgan, Wendy Lesko
The food distribution volunteers

The free food distribution event was coordinated and run by a unique collaboration among three Webster service agencies: Webster NY Hope, Webster Community Chest and Gathering Place Webster. It grew from a need that has existed for several years, ever since the Webster Council of Churches discontinued its holiday food baskets program.

The idea came to Wendy Lesko at Gathering Place and Tracy Dennis at Webster Community Chest almost at the same time. They combined forces with Margery Morgan at Webster Hope, and plans were put into motion.

It was the first time the agencies had collaborated on a project like this. Each organization helped spread the word, and the original plan was to allow only 100 families to sign up. But several days before the scheduled distribution, that number had grown to 151 families, which put everyone into overdrive.

“I sent an email to all of the churches, all of the Scout leaders that I knew of, and some women’s groups,” Lesko said. “I explained the collaboration and our goal. I had a grocery list and asked them to consider signing up.” Several Scout groups and a handful of churches responded, but the group was still far short of what they needed to fill all the bags.

So they sent out another message through social media, this time asking for help from the Webster community in general. By Monday, the day before the distribution was scheduled, all of the necessary items had been collected. Then, that night, 44 community members — adults and lots of children — showed up at The Gathering Place to pack all 151 bags. It took them only a half hour.

“The community did this,” Lesko said. “It was a really remarkable thing.“

The goal is to hold a food distribution event four times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and perhaps a barbecue or picnic sometime during the summer. And now that the whole team is in place, and they know the effort will be well supported by the Webster community, they’ll be feeding 150 families each time.

More than 40 people showed up to help pack the bags

* * *

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 3/29/2024)

Tags: , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

8 Aug

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with an event I only just learned about myself when I was reading through the Town’s Webster This Week newsletter.

It’s the Water Lantern Festival, being held this Saturday Aug. 12 at Charles Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds). It’s one of hundreds of similar festivals held world-wide every year by an organization called One World Lantern Festival, which describes it as:

an incredible experience where thousands of family, friends, and strangers celebrate life together. Water Lantern Festival brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one emotional and memorable night. You’ll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting upon the water.

Participants design their own lanterns, and are invited to inscribe their “hopes and dreams, or a letter to a loved one,” or any other meaningful message, and then send them floating out onto the water. I imagine the scene of countless illuminated lanterns floating on the pond will be spectacular.

Webster’s Water Lantern Festival will begin at 6 p.m. with food trucks, music and activities. Lantern designing begins at 8:30 p.m. and launch is from 9 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $26.98 (plus processing fees and taxes) and include a lantern kit, a commemorative drawstring bag, playing cards, conversation cards and access to the food trucks and music. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING, you should get your tickets by Wednesday Aug. 9, because the price goes up after that to $45.99 and even higher on the day of the event.

Click here for more information about the festival and ticket options.

The Village of Webster’s next and last-one-of-the-summer Family Games Night is this Friday Aug. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gazebo Park on North Ave. These great — and totally free — family events feature giant games, sidewalk chalk, great food and drink, and Dancing With Denise. Come for just a short time, come for the entire event; you and your kids will have a blast.

Remember to visit the Webster BID website regularly to keep up to date on village events.

Webster NY Hope has published this month’s wish list, which includes:

  • toothbrushes
  • toilet paper
  • pasta
  • cooking oil
  • towels (used or new)
  • socks for all ages
  • underwear for all ages
  • queen sheets

Items can be dropped off at Webster Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., during their normal operating hours, Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Webster Marching Band‘s next Bottle and Can Drive happens this Saturday Aug. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All you have to do is place those bags outside your house or at the end of the driveway, with a little note indicating they’re for the band, and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 3 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

The United Church of Christ‘s last Caring Community Concert of the summer takes place this Wednesday Aug. 9 when 8 Days a Week performs.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. This week’s concert will benefit the Friends of Webster Trails.  

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.)

Finally, looking ahead, these two events take place in a few weeks:

The Steam Police will sponsor a blood drive in the Spry Middle School cafeteria on Friday Aug. 18 from 1 to 6 p.m. There’ll be food, drinks, t-shirts, raffle prizes, and a whole lot of gratitude.

For an appointment (always a good idea), visit redcrossblood.org and use the keyword “SPRYMS” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

An electronics recycling event is scheduled for Saturday Aug. 19 on the Xerox campus off of Orchard St. (near the Rec Center). TICKETS ARE REQUIRED for this event, and you can sign up here for the time slot you want.

Some slots are already booked up, so sign up soon.

* * *

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 8/8/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Great things happening with Hope and WCC

18 Jul

I’ve received some good news recently from two of our town’s outstanding community agencies, Webster NY Hope and the Webster Community Chest.

First, this from Webster NY Hope. Director Margery Morgan wrote,

We are seeing more Webster households in need of assistance with food and hygiene items. Therefore, we are having a food and garage sale donation drive-up on Saturday, July 22 from 10 to noon. Hope volunteers will be collecting items behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, near the  Knights of Columbus building. We suggest entering from Phillips Road and drop off for garage sale and food donations will be on your right. You don’t even need to leave your car. Tax receipts are available on request.

The garage sale will be held Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 13 to 16.

Later that day, Hope will be holding a fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Panera restaurant in Towne Center Plaza. Just mention Webster Hope as you order and Hope will receive a donation to help low-income Webster residents.

Webster Hope has also just announced the date of its back-to-school night, when low-income families can come for new school supplies. It will be held on Tuesday Aug. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Webster, NY Hope is located at 1450 Ridge Rd. in Webster. If you didn’t see the blog I posted earlier this week about the Hope Garden in front of Simply Crepes, check it out here.

* * *

Webster Community Chest (WCC), another one of our great community agencies, sent me a couple of news items.  

First, the WCC will be the beneficiary of the next United Church of Christ Caring Concert, scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the church, 570 Klem Rd. This week’s concert features Ruby Shooz, playing music from the ’50s and ’60s and some newer classics. The concert is free, but free-will donations will be accepted to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

The concert will also feature a special guest appearance by Dorothy and Toto, and you can have your picture taken with them. For more information about the WCC, check out this fun video, featuring Dorothy herself.

Their food tent opens at 6 p.m., but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic dinner. Their menu includes hot dogs (red and white), sausages, burgers and cheeseburgers, and a specialty hot sandwich; soft drinks and water, popcorn, ice cream, and chips. Bring your own lawn chair and set up on the front lawn. In case of rain, the concert will be held in the sanctuary.

The Webster Community Chest has also expanded their Meal Center.

WCC President Michael Grenier wrote,

We are very pleased with how well this program has been received by our clients.  It began a year ago when we started placing bags with complete meals into the five “Little Pantries” scattered around Webster. When offered a small space at the Outreach Center of the United Methodist Church of Webster last summer, we moved to a scheduled end-of-month meals distribution just as Food Stamps run out for those most in need. These are bags containing three ready-to-prepare meals and recipes for food insecure families.  Each bag is for a family of three to four persons with larger families getting two bags or even three. 

We began this at the end of August, expanding the program every month. Families come to the Meal Center to pick up their meals and if they cannot, we deliver. Between this and providing meal bags for the five “Little Pantries” around town since Spring, the Chest provided 772 meal kits to needy families in 2022— well over 3,000 meals in total.  

We have distributed end-of-month meals this year to 50-60 families each month, with already over 3,000 meals handed out or delivered this year.  

Last week, we have moved to a larger facility provided by the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 131 West Main Street, where we will continue to meet the needs of Webster’s most impoverished families.
Because our administration is entirely volunteer, almost all of our funds go directly into meeting the needs of local residents.

Click here to learn more about the Webster Community Chest.

* * *

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 7/18/2023)

Tags: , , , , ,

Friday night concerts are back, and other mailbag news

6 Jul

The Village of Webster summer season officially kicks off this Friday July 7 with the first in the Friday Night Gazebo Concert series, featuring the Red Hot and Blue Band.

RHB plays Americana, Roots, and Blues Rock music that will get you dancing and bring back a lot of great memories.  

Coming up later in the summer at the gazebo:

The concerts begin at 7 p.m. at the gazebo on North Ave. and admission is free. Bring the whole family, some folding chairs and a blanket, and a cooler if you’d like, then enjoy some beautiful music.

Here’s a quick look at what else is being planned in the village this summer. For more information about all of these events and more, visit websterbid.com.

Webster NY Hope sends along this important message:

We are seeing more Webster households in need of assistance with food and hygiene items. Therefore, we are having a food and garage sale donation drive-up on Saturday, July 22 from 10-noon.

Hope volunteers will be collecting items behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, near the  Knights of Columbus building. Tax receipts available on request. We suggest entering from Phillips Road, and drop-off for garage sale and food donations will be on your right. You don’t even need to leave your car.

Garage sale is scheduled for Sept. 13 to 16. More to come about that.

That same evening, Saturday July 22, Hope is holding a fundraiser at the Panera restaurant in Towne Center Plaza, from 4 to 8 p.m. Just mention Webster Hope as you order and Hope will receive a donation to help low-income Webster residents.

Covid couldn’t deter the Class of ’71

Thanks to the pandemic, the RL Thomas Class of ’71 had to postpone their 50th reunion. But undeterred, they they decided to throw themselves a 70th birthday party instead.

The event was held on Saturday June 24 at Schutt’s Apple Mill, and featured food trucks, two alumni bands, a cornhole tournament, foosball tables, horseshoes, hay rides, and a memorabilia table. More than 160 folks attended, and for six hours played games and did a lot of talking and reminiscing.

Thanks to Dave Eckler for the report and photos!

The R.L. Thomas Class of ’71 will be holding a 70th Birthday Bash on Saturday June 24 at Schutt’s Apple Mill from 5 to 7 p.m. Thanks to COVID, the class was unable to hold its 50th reunion, so they’ve decided to celebrate their 70 birthdays together instead.

Caring Community Concerts begin next week

The United Church of Christ‘s Caring Community Concert series returns next week.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for Wednesday July 12, will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. (See the flier below 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.

More concerts, more concerts, more concerts

The Summer Concert Series at Cherry Ridge is in full swing. The next concert is scheduled for Tuesday July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring Eight Days a Week. The concerts are held outside, and the grounds open up at 5 p.m. with food available for purchase. So bring your lawn chair and enjoy some beautiful music.

On August 8, the GateSwingers Big Band will perform, also beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is requested. Click here to do so.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@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 7/6/2023)

Tags: , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

26 May

I’m starting off today’s mailbag with a Webster resident whose name is in the news. (Or at least in the press release I received from Centenary University.)

Equestrian Benjamin Hoban of Webster helped his Centenary University team take top honors at the 44th annual ANRC National Equitation Championships recently held in Aiken, SC. The team, which also included Caroline Mancini of Bradford, RI and Morgan Munz of Califon, NJ, won the title of National Collegiate Reserve Championship Team and the National Collegiate Individual Reserve Championship.

The competition for collegiate, junior, and adult amateur teams, sponsored by the American National Riding Commission, is judged and scored on equitation skills and sound horsemanship practices.

Centenary University’s main campus is in Hackettstown, NJ, with its equestrian facility in Washington Township.

From the Library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have an exciting new offering for anyone who loves books. It’s their very first Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday June 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will offer more than 140 books in good or better condition at very attractive, fixed prices. There are lots of first editions or first printings, published anytime from the late 19th century to the previous decade of the 21st century. Books from authors in the Library of America series and from the NY Times Best Seller list will be displayed. You’ll find books about Rochester and upstate New York; a good-sized assortment of books about war and its weapons; a few Tolkien items; some juvenile fiction ranging from the Bobbsey Twins to Harry Potter; many, many books about music, art, popular culture, animals, health, business, history, biographies and more.

The sale will be held in the library’s Community Room, 980 Ridge Rd.

Also happening at the Webster Public Library is what should be a very interesting talk about the upcoming solar eclipse.

On Thursday June 1 from 6 to 8 p.m., Dan Schneiderman, the Eclipse Partnership Coordinator at the RSMC, will discuss the science and history of solar eclipses, and how to prepare for the total solar eclipse which we will experience her in Rochester on April 8, 2024.

This is going to be a very popular event, so registration is required. Click here to do so.

Time to clean out your garage

If you’re like me, you have a huge garbage bag or two of returnables hanging out in your garage, awaiting your motivation to take them back to the store. Well, the Webster Marching Band will be happy to take them off your hands.

The band’s next Bottle and Can Drive happens this Saturday June 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All you have to do is place those bags outside your house or at the end of the driveway, with a little note indicating they’re for the band, and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

The Market is Back!

Webster Joe Obbie’s Farmers’ Market returns for the summer on Saturday June 10, at Webster Towne Plaza, in front of Old Navy. It’ll be there every Saturday through the fall from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with fresh fruits, vegetables, specialty food items, flowers, plants, crafts and more.

Can’t make it on Saturday? Beginning Wednesday July 19, the market will also be set up at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds) from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday.

I’ll post a more detailed blog soon about the market, but make a note on your calendar now.

Celebrate Summer

The Webster Recreation Center‘s annual Summer Celebration takes place Saturday June 10 from 4 to 10 p.m.

There’s live music, family fun, food trucks, and fireworks to end the evening. There’s no admission charge, so come on down for some great family time.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, and there’s plenty of parking.

Caring Community Concert series returns

Here’s another reminder that the United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concert series is returning this summer, beginning July 12.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. The rest of the summer features:

  • July 19: Ruby Shooz
  • July 26: Prime Time Brass
  • Aug. 2: Dady and Ryan
  • Aug. 9: 8 Days a Week

There’s no admission charge, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for almost 20 years now, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

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.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

For more information about the concerts, click here.

* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram (@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 5/26/2023)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

23 Feb

mailbag iconOur new friends over at Lala of Webster have let me know about a few fun events coming up, the first one happening this afternoon (Saturday), actually.

It’s a make-your-own Essential Oil Lava Bead Bracelet event, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and Lisa asks interested participants to call ahead at 585-236-1604 so they now how many people to expect.

On Wednesday, March 6, from noon to 3 p.m., Robyn Miller from Green Gorilla CBD Oil & New Chapter Supplements will be on hand for a “Snacks and Mocktails” visit (just pop in anytime), and on Saturday, March 9, Lala will hold a Peace and Pear Journaling Class from 2 to 3 pm. Registration for this is also $15, and you’ll want to register ahead of time because space is limited.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

* * *

There’s nothing much better than free pancakes.

Get some for yourself and your kids on Tuesday March 5 when St. Martin Lutheran Church holds their free Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The meal includes sausage and applesauce, and unlimited pancakes of course, served from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Road. In honor of Mardis Gras, beads will be provided, and you can even make your own masks. Guests are also invited to wear their best Mardis Gras attire.

While the pancakes are free, guests are asked to bring a free will offering for the Little Free Food Pantry at the church. Call the church at 671-1899 with questions or to reserve seats .

* * *

bowlingDust off those bowling balls and shoes and save the date for an enjoyable afternoon of bowling, all for a great cause!

On Sunday, April 28, Webster’s Special Education Parent-Teacher Association (SEPTA) will hold its annual bowling fundraiser to raise scholarship funds for graduating Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas High School seniors who are part of the district’s special education family.

Join Webster’s special education faculty and staff, students, parents, and Webster families from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at AMF Empire Lanes in Webster. Your donation of $30 includes two hours of bowling, shoe and equipment rental, a t-shirt, pizza, soft drinks, and even free raffle tickets for prizes.

At this point, organizers are looking for teams to sign up, and businesses who would like to sponsor the event and/or provide raffle prizes. For more information, click here to download a flyer.

* * *

Don’t forget about the Webster United Church of Christ’ Pet Food Pantry’s open house!

The awesome UCC Rebel Beat youth group there took it upon themselves to create a pet food pantry from the ground up, coordinating with Meals on Wheels to deliver pet food to their clients who have dogs and  cats at home.

Since the pantry began last summer, it has continued to support Meals on Wheels with a large monthly delivery so that the family pets of home-bound individuals can get much needed pet food and supplies. In the beginning they served more than 50 clients each month. Since then, that number has increased by about 30%. They hope to eventually cover all Meals on Wheels clients in Monroe County.

The Pantry is holding an open house on Saturday March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to meet these incredible young people and take a tour of the pantry. And if you stop by, please bring along a bag or box of dry cat food to add to the collection; they’re trying to collect 2,400 pounds of cat food, which will meet the needs of the Meals on Wheels for Pets program for the rest of 2019.

The United Church of Christ Pet Food Pantry is located at 570 Klem Road.

* * *

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

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,

Tuesday Webster mailbag

19 Sep

mailbagI’d like to begin today’s mailbag by welcoming one of the village’s newest businesses, MJ Gabel Advisors & Trustees of Fine Jewelry.

MJ Gabel is in the process of moving to the village from their location in Ontario, where they’ve been for six years.  As they have grown, they realized the need for more space, and Webster fit the bill.

Right now they’re renovating their new space, which they tell me is “in the heart of the village.”

They added, “Our new location will allow our staff the ability to work more efficiently, and allow our local clients more space to meet with their dedicated diamond specialist.”

Stay tuned for word about their official opening.

Chicken Till it’s Gone

The First Baptist Church of Penfield’s Chicken Barbecue is Saturday, September 30 from 2 till 6 pm (or sold out). Chickens will be prepared on site by Gale-Wyn Catering. Dinners are $10.50 and include a half barbecued chicken, coleslaw or macaroni salad, salt potatoes, roll and butter, plus a dessert. Guests can eat in or take out, and the facility is handicapped accessible.

The First Baptist Church of Penfield is located at 1862 Penfield Rd.

Double Down

 

The Webster Lions Club will hold its semi-annual Texas Hold’Em charity poker event on Friday October 6 at the Elks Club, 7 Barrett Drive in Webster.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $40 ($45 at the door) for buy-in and $20 re-buy. First-place winner will take home $500, $150 for second-place and $50 for third.

All proceeds will benefit Webster Lions Club charities. For information call 585-234-5480 or email websterlionsclub@gmail.com.

Miracle Field Fund-Raisers

Two great events coming up in the next few weeks will benefit Miracle Field.

The first is the 3rd Annual Run Walk & Roll 5k and 1 mile stroll on October 8. This is an all-inclusive family-friendly event in which wheelchairs, gait trainers, adaptive bicycles and tricycles and other assistive devices are welcome.

The courses start and end at Webster Thomas High School 800 Five Mile Line Road.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., the 5K kicks off at 9:30 and the one-mile stroll at 9:35. To register online, click here.

The second event is an artisan dinner scheduled for October 12.

The exclusive dinner will be held at the Webster Arboretum and feature Jim Markeas, Winemaker, Mallee Estate Winery, Australia and Noé Perez, US Brand Ambassador, Bodegas Iliana & Bodegas Lambuena, Spain. They’ll be introducing guests to fine wines from across the globe.

The dinner begins at 6:30 and tickets are $40 per person. Click here for tickets

Oktoberfest at the UCC

OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION 2017 at Webster UCC!
The Webster United Church of Christ’s annual Oktoberfest is almost here.

Oktoberfest is a German celebration that takes place when the late summer/early fall crops are harvested, it is also a time to tap barrels of wine and brew that had been sealed the year before. Communities gather to give thanks for blessings received. There is music for singing and dancing, tables are laden with food and drink – and a feeling of “gemutlichket” rules the day.

The members of the United Church of Christ, Congregational of Webster will honor those traditions as they celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. in the church’s Congregational Hall. There will be music for singing and dancing – plus a performance by members of a local German dance troupe.

Tickets are $5.00 per person, and German specialties like schnitzel, sauerkraut, potato salad, bratwurst, and desserts like apple strudel and black forest cake will be available for purchase.

Call the church office at 585-671-3757 to reserve your ticket or to get more information.

* * *

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

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,