Tag Archives: Webster NY Hope

Webster Hope named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

22 Sep

Congratulations to Webster NY Hope, honored as the September Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Located at 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster Hope was founded by Holy Trinity Church as an outreach ministry in 1999 as Hope Ministry to provide an organized and more comprehensive way of helping people in need by providing food and clothing. They operated under the umbrella of Holy Trinity until 2022, when they formed their own 501c3 and updated their name to Webster Hope.

The agency’s mission continues to be to serve the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code. Their volunteers embrace the spirit of compassion as they provide food, clothing, and household goods to those in need. Financial assistance is also available, with the emphasis on preventing homelessness.

Webster Hope doesn’t just hand out food and clothing. They meet with people individually on each visit. These conversations allow them to develop relationships with the people they serve. As a direct result of these conversations, the agency has added household items collections, Back to School nights for school supplies, and other services. Director Margery Morgan says the best part of being at Hope is the atmosphere of hospitality and getting to know their neighbors.

Webster Hope has one paid employee and more than 100 volunteers, active with Scouts, sports teams, schools, churches, and other Webster charities. They’re also always happy to send a speaker to participate in community events.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. The September breakfast will be held on Friday Aug. 26 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70-90 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a prize, too.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register 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 9/22/2025)

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Webster NY Hope garage sale returns next week

3 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 10 through 13, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale — held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster — is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, office and more.

When I asked Webster Hope director Margery Morgan last year about the annual sale, she wrote,

It is more than a sale to us, as it allows us to be together as a community. We have a lot of fun and I think that’s reflected in the hospitality and laughter-filled sale days with the public.

I was never much of a garage sale person prior to our sale. But now I always check out other sales to “borrow” their sale display ideas. When you see our jewelry and picture displays you will see how volunteers take these ideas and create product displays. We have a lot of $1-2 items, a price even the dollar store can’t match anymore.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

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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 9/3/2025)

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Webster Chamber of Commerce helps Webster NY HOPE help our neighbors

14 Dec

We all already know what an incredibly kind and giving community Webster is, especially during the holiday season.

A perfect example of that giving spirit was in full evidence on Thursday afternoon when the Webster Chamber of Commerce delivered more five than fully stuffed boxes and bags of hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers and more to Webster NY HOPE for distribution to our neighbors in need.

Some of the hundreds of donated items

The Chamber has been collecting the items since October. Members were encouraged to bring items to the monthly breakfast meetings and Eat, Drink and Connect networking events, or deposit them in the collection box at the Chamber offices on Crosspointe Lane.

In just that short time, the Chamber managed to collect almost 500 pieces of winter wear, including 195 pairs of socks, 115 children’s and adults’ hats, 35 neck warmers, 113 pairs of kids’ gloves and mittens, 24 pairs of adult gloves, plus five hat and gloves sets, and more. On Thursday afternoon Chamber President Barry Howard and Administrative Assistant Barbara Baldwin dropped them all off to very grateful staff members at Webster NY HOPE.

The donations will also be greatly appreciated by our Webster neighbors in need.

“We have 600 people signed up for our Christmas program this year,” Hope Director Margery Morgan said. “There’s a big need in Webster.”

Howard agreed. “We know that this is Webster, but you have to understand, we have a lot of people in need, even in Webster. We have a lot of people that go hungry, a lot of people who don’t have clothing, a lot of people who don’t have adequate housing. We have too much of that.”

Click here to find out how you can help Webster NY HOPE make this year’s holiday season a happy one for our neighbors in need.

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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 12/14/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

3 Sep

Lots of notices came across my email in the few weeks I was out of town, so I’ll do my best to catch up.

Concert to benefit St. Jude

This coming Saturday Sept. 7, the 3rd annual St. Jude Benefit Concert will take place at Gazebo Park on North Ave., from noon to 6 p.m.

Three bands will take the stage, including Red, Hot and Blue; Shades of Grey; and local favorite Sarah De Vallière. Food will be available from Pub 235 and Guida’s Pizza. There’s no charge, but donations will be accepted to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. So bring your lawn chairs, coolers and blankets and enjoy a full afternoon of tunes for a good cause.

NY Hope Garage Sale

NY Hope’s huge annual garage sale returns next week, with three days of bargains.

You probably all know about this incredible event from years past, so let’s get right to this year’s details:

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, Sept. 11, 6 to 8 PM; Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. For a small admission fee, be among the first to shop.
  • Thursday, Sept. 12 and Friday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!

All proceeds go to Webster NY Hope, which serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need.

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 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.

For our 55+ friends

I got the latest edition of the Webster Recreation Center 55+ newsletter recently. It’s always packed with tons of information, but I pulled out these tidbits in particular:

This month’s Talks on Tuesday schedule features a new informative presentation each month. They run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., there’s no charge and all community members are invited (not just Rec members). Registration is requested. This month’s programs include:

Sept. 10: SOCIAL SECURITY 101. Troy Gribnau from Edward Jones will answer your questions about Social Security, including how it fits into your retirement plan, when you should start taking benefits, how to the taxes work, and more. Registration is requested. Search for activity# 346940-C.

Sept. 17: ASTRONOMY FOR SENIORS. NASA Ambassador Jim Porter will help you discover the rich hobby of astronomy, with just a small pair of binoculars. Activity# 346940-D.

Sept. 24: MEDICARE. Sara Mason from Mason Wealth Management will host a workshop to help you understand what all the pieces of Medicare mean — parts A, B, C, D and Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Learn when you can make changes and why you should review your plan annually. Activity# 346940-E

And this last program I pulled out because it’s becoming more and more important these days to be able to spot AI-generated fake news:

Tuesday Sept. 10, FAKE NEWS & HOW TO SPOT IT TECH WORKSHOP, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Join technology instructor Daniel Jones to learn how to spot what’s real, what’s true, and what’s not. Learn about:

  • disinformation: How it spreads and how to recognize it
  • personal responsibility
  • the rise of deepfakes
  • fact-checking resources
  • terms you should know

Please register for activity #346014-A.

Oh, one more thing from the Rec Center.

If you’ve got game, you might be interested to know that the Rec Center has groups that play Canasta, Rummikub, competitive Scrabble, Mahjong, Bridge and Bingo every week. Check the newsletter for details about these and lots other 55+ programs.

Want to read more about Webster’s history?

The Webster Museum is developing an outreach newsletter for friends, members and supporters with more general information about the museum and local history. If you’re interested in being added to the distribution list, send your email address to WebsterMuseum@gmail.com.

ALSO, the museum folks have a mystery that they need help solving. Does anyone know how or why the penny-farthing (the high-wheel bicycle) came to be the museum’s logo? They’ve done some digging through their archives but haven’t been able to come up with anything. Let them know if you have any clues!

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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 9/3/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Jul

It’s always exciting when the new school year is just around the corner, and it’s time to stock up on school supplies and new school clothes. But for many Webster families, it’s always a stressful time of year, too, because they really don’t have the money to spend on new backpacks and notebooks, let alone new clothes.

That’s why every August, Webster NY Hope holds a Back to School Night, when families in need can stop by and go home with a backpack filled with brand new school supplies. Right now, they’re collecting those supplies.

Here’s how you can help: Check out the attached flyer, which has a list of all the supplies they’re looking for. The list has been compiled from WCSD teacher lists.

You can drop off your donations at Webster Hope (1450 Ridge Rd.) or the Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Rd.) during their normal open hours. Those details are also on the flyer.

Webster Hope’s Back to School Night will be held on August 20. Families in need can sign up by Aug. 15 to participate. Call (585) 265-6694.

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Vendors needed for Jazz in the Pubs festival

A few days ago I posted a blog with details about the annual Webster Jazz Festival, which takes place on August 9 and 10.

What I did NOT mention in that post is that along with the Jazz in the Pubs on Friday Aug. 9, the village will be hosting a street festival with music and — hopefully — lots of business and vendor booths.

If your business would like to participate, email villageofwebsterbid@gmail.com for more details.

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This month at the Webster Public Library

For adults:

  • Rochester’s Early Adventurers with Matt Rogers, Thursday Aug. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A journey through time, showcasing the explorers and adventurers who came to this land and either lived alongside it, harnessed its power for industry or worked the soil and created communities., leading to the city and county we know today. The presentation will include a historical survey starting with the ancient Algonkin nation, to the Senecas, to early colonizers, to our modern day city. Registration is required.

  • Classical Guitar with Reiner Eschbach, Thursday Aug. 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Reiner Eschbach plays original creations on his acoustic guitar in a coffee house-like setting. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • T(w)een Olympics!, Friday Aug. 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Tweens and Teens are invited for an afternoon of Olympic-style minute-to-win-it challenges! You’ll also be decorating your own Olympic medals. Grades 4-12 welcome, and registration is requested.

  • Make It Monday: Map Ornaments, Monday Aug. 12, 6 to 7 p.m.

At the monthly craft night, participants will be making map ornaments. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to join us. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.

For kids and families:

  • Toadstool Tales, Friday Aug. 9, 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Kids and kids at heart are invited for a concert with Rochester-based flutist and composer Jaclyn Breeze. The half-hour concert will feature three newly commissioned pieces to accompany classic fairy tales. All ages welcome. No registration is required.

  • Bug Storytime & Drop-In Crafts, Saturday Aug. 17, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. (storytime), 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (crafts)

Celebrate all things creepy crawly with a bug storytime! We will read stories, sing songs, and have some simple crafts to follow. All ages welcome. Crafts will be left out until 4:00 pm. No registration is required.

Finally, after all of this fun, join the library for their End of Summer Celebration, Friday Aug. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. There’ll be crafts, activities and treats, and everyone is welcome. No registration is required.

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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 7/30/2024)

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New Webster Hope garden has a healthy start

7 Jul

Today I’m pleased to provide a follow-up to a blog I posted in late April about a garden improvement project at Webster NY HOPE.

For the past 25 years, Webster NY HOPE has been helping our neighbors in need by providing food to as many as 80 Webster families each week. For the last ten of those years, the agency has been supplementing their food distribution with fresh vegetables, harvested from a large garden created in 2015 by Girl Scout Katie Roy, who built it as a Gold Award project.

The garden has been a tremendous asset; last year alone, HOPE volunteers harvested more than 500 pounds of fresh produce, which was often distributed on the same day that it was picked.

But over the last decade, the garden had fallen into disrepair, so NY HOPE decided to give it a big upgrade. The idea was to replace the old, worn-out beds with 27 raised, sturdy metal containers, allowing for plenty of room in between for access and, if necessary, adding more containers. As an added benefit, each container could be sponsored by a community group, or perhaps in memory of a family member.

The project began in earnest in late April, when more than 30 community volunteers gathered in Holy Trinity’s Murphy Hall for what NY HOPE Director Margery Morgan called a “mass assembly day.”

“The Knights of Columbus helped out, HOPE volunteers, volunteers from the Presbyterian Church and Webster Methodist, and we just made a day of it.” she said. “And then it took hours of work after that,” removing the old beds, fixing the fence, and actually planting the new gardens.

The next big challenge was to solicit sponsors for the 27 new containers. That doesn’t sound like an easy task, but turns out it was. In no time, NY HOPE had not only sold the original 27 sponsorships, but actually had so many requests that next year they’ll be adding nine more gardens to meet the demand.

On Sunday June 30, the new gardens were officially opened with a ribbon cutting and blessing from Holy Trinity Deacon Gary Terrana and Fr. Jorge Ramirez.

Morgan explained that the plantings chosen for the gardens were selected in part for what grows well with what, and what doesn’t grow well, “to maximize the benefits.” She added,

We keep track of what we put in every year and see what our recipients, the families that come to HOPE, like. We’ve stayed away from hot peppers; they don’t seem to go. We’ve gotten more sweet peppers, zucchini, tomatoes … beets, because we have a large Ukrainian population and beets fly off our shelves, potatoes, garlic … We try to keep it going all season.

Now that the gardens are growing healthy and lush, many hands will be needed to keep the beds weeded and watered and, when the time comes, to harvest the produce. NY HOPE has posted a form on their website where interested volunteers can sign up for a week (or two if you want!) to take care of what needs to be done during that time. This is a great volunteer opportunity for service organizations, families, or individual community members.

Take a drive by and check out these beautiful gardens for yourself. They’re located behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., just south of the cemetery.

By the way, special thanks to Welch’s Greenhouses for providing 18 yards of enhanced topsoil at a deep discount, and to Premier Sign Systems for donating all of the 27 signs.

Fr. Ramirez leads the prayers (J. Thomas)
Blessing the new gardens (J. Thomas)
The stone welcoming garden visitors (J. Thomas)

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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 7/7/2024)

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New gardens bring Hope to our neighbors in need

25 Apr

It might be hard to believe that in a community as beautiful and bountiful as Webster, many of our town’s residents live below the poverty line. Among them are households with children and parents that have jobs, the elderly or disabled, and refugees who have settled in Webster away from their war-torn homelands.

For the last 25 years, Webster NY Hope — one of Webster’s most awesome community agencies — has been helping these neighbors in need by providing food to as many as 80 Webster families each week. For the last ten of those years, the agency has been supplementing their food distribution with fresh vegetables, harvested from a large garden created in 2015 by Girl Scout Katie Roy, who built it as a Gold Award project.

The garden has been a tremendous asset; last year alone, Hope volunteers harvested more than 500 pounds of fresh produce, which was often distributed on the same day that it was picked.

But that garden has seen better days. The wood surrounding the container beds was rotting away and the whole garden needed renovation. So this year, Hope volunteers are replacing that garden in a creative way, and would love for the entire Webster community to join the effort.

A stone plaque tells some of the garden’s history
The original, rotting wooden containers had to be removed

The new garden will feature 27 individual raised containers, each measuring 5′ by 5’17”, placed in rows with aisles between them to allow access. Project Manager (and Hope volunteer) Mark Dembs explained that even though they’ll be installed within the garden’s original fenced-in area, the aisles between them will be narrower, allowing for more growing area.

“The reason we did 27 is that it gives us about 17 percent more growing area than previously,” Dembs said. “But were also doing it so that we can add six more as needed. We don’t want to bite off more than we can chew right away.”

Hope volunteers decided not to just replace the rotted-out wood, since using more weather-resistant pressure-treated wood is not a viable option for a garden. Instead, they went with the aluminum planters, which have an added bonus: the tall sides allow for the option of installing a memorial sign on the side of each one.

And that’s where the greater Webster community comes in.

Webster Hope invites community members to help provide fresh produce for their neighbors in need, while at the same time honoring someone in their own lives. For a donation of $200, you can sponsor one of these handsome containers. Your donation will cover the cost of the container, including all the soil and irrigation needed to keep it healthy. It also includes (if you want) a vinyl sign attached to the side with your business, organization or family name included. Webster Hope volunteers will lovingly care for the gardens, and you’ll know you’re helping your neighbors in a big way.

Hope volunteers Mark Dembs and Vick Lynd assemble
one of the planters
The finished planters will look like these, but more square

For more information, email Margery Morgan, Webster Hope, Inc. Director, at websternyhope@gmail.com or call (585) 265-6694. (I’ve also posted a form below which you can run off to sponsor your container.)

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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 4/25/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

15 Nov

Here’s a great way to spend a cold almost-winter evening: take in a Webster Thomas High School drama production!

The WTHS Drama Club will present John Buchan’s spy thriller The 39 Steps on the Thomas stage Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 16, 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The story goes like this: Richard Hannay is a desperate man on the run. The police want him for murder and a web of spies want him dead. It’s a hilarious tale of international intrigue, murder, and mayhem, often described as “Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python.”

Cast members include Jaina Brien, Jack Dayton, Evelyn Fellows, Mia Fellows, Brook Hoffer, Veronica Leistman, Bobby LoFaso, Jamie McCarthy, Abigail McNett, Logan Penza, Makayla Richardson, Katie Steele, Ella Vernacotola, and Adriana Zodarecky. They’re supported by crew members Ananya Bobbala, Abigail DeLallo, Sara Gesner, Jocelyn Herrle, Zoey Hryhorenko, Kilian Klawitter, Catherine Magaw, Yogapreetha Pramothkumar, Savannah Riggs, Amelia Snell, Ava Vernacotola, and Riley Weller. 

The show runs November 16, 17, and 18 in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Road, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $10, and can be purchased in advance at from HomeTown Ticketing.

Webster NY HOPE has published their November/December wish list, which includes:

  • sugar
  • flour
  • coffee
  • ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard
  • canned beets
  • diapers (size 6)
  • toiletries (soap, shampoo, deoderant, etc.)
  • laundry detergent
  • gently used toddler clothing

Items can be dropped off during regular operating hours, Monday 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. The offices will be closed Thanksgiving week.

Webster NY HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd.

Next time you’re at the Webster Public Library, make sure to browse the beautiful art on display in the main lobby.

The Webster Art Club’s Fall Show is up and running through Nov. 29. This is also a good chance to think about if you’d like to join this great group of artists. The club is always looking for new members. They meet for Open Art every Wednesday at the Webster Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to noon and have meetings with guest artists and demos on the second Wednesday of each month.

For more information, click here.

The West Webster Fire Department invites community members to help clean up the Lake Rd. memorial honoring fallen WWFD firefighters Lt. Mike Chiapperini and Tomasz Kaczowka, on Saturday Nov. 18 at 9 a.m.

Please bring gloves, weed trimmers, takes and trash bags. The memorial is located on Lake Rd. just past Sandbar Park.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting two free financial seminars in the coming weeks, designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The first, focusing on Tax Strategies and Managing Debt, will be held on Wednesday November 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The second, on Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Both seminars will be held at the Bernardi & Co. offices, and there’s no cost. But please RSVP as space is limited. Email Elena@bernardiCPA.com to reserve your spot. If you have any questions, call 585-217-9393.

A couple of Village events in the coming weeks to tell you about.

The first is a free shredding event on Friday Nov. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. behind Village Hall at 28 West Main.

This event will be accepting paper only, and paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no totes or bags). Staples do not need to be removed. Limit is five boxes per vehicle.

This is a drive-through event; just drive up behind Village Hall and volunteers will unload the papers from your car.

And here’s your first notice about the annual Webster Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights celebration!

This year’s holiday fun will take place on Saturday Dec. 2 beginning at 3:30 p.m. On tap this year, are horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, caroling, and more. The North Pole will return to Gazebo Park with arts and crafts, story hour from the Webster Public Library and hot cocoa. Santa will visit with children in the Village Hall community meeting room so everyone can stay warm.

Then, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Parade of Lights heads down Main Street, brought to you by the Webster Volunteer Fire Department.

More details to come, but to stay on top of it all, visit the Webster BID website regularly. (Or better yet, sign up for the newsletter!)

And since we’re talking about White Christmas and Santa, here’s a teaser for something very exciting coming up on Small Business Saturday: rumor has it that Santa will be in town, shopping along Main Street and North Ave. Stay tuned for details about when he’ll be out and about!

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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 11/15/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Oct

Eventually my mailbags aren’t going to be so heavy to lift. But that is not today. You’ll find a mix of new items and reminders about events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs. Follow the links if you want more information about any of them.

The Town of Webster’s leaf collection will begin on Monday Oct. 23. You can see the leaf collection schedule and FAQs here.

Remember to place your leaves at the edge of your lawn, NOT in the roadway or gutters. Place ONLY leaves in the pile, not any twigs, branches, grass clippings or other debris.

The  Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is this week, Oct. 18 through 21.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The Webster Rotary Club will be hosting a drive-up food drive on Saturday October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church to benefit Webster NY Hope.

Holy Trinity is located at 1460 Ridge Rd., just east of the village. If you’re unable to drop off on the 21st but still want to contribute, you can leave your donations at Beyond Cuts Salon, 33 North Avenue, during their normal operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

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). More details here.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., has announced the dates for this year’s Santa’s Garage Sale, which will be held Nov. 2-4.

Community members are invited to donate gently use Christmas items at the church on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then make sure to come back to shop Thursday and Friday Nov. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of unused holiday decor, and pick up some new stuff for just a little cash!

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 PTSA will have a table at the event where you can purchase $5 student and $10 PTSA memberships, which entitle you to lots of discounts at local businesses. (Plus you’re supporting our Webster students and staff!)  

Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Happening at Heritage Square Museum, scheduled for Sunday Oct. 22 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.

And of course we adults like to dress up for Halloween, too. The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

Our 55+ community members are invited to a Spooky Luncheon at the Rec Center on Tuesday Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy a a great lunch, snacks and lots of fun.

Registration is $8 and is required by Oct. 23. Click here to register.

Wait! There’s more Halloween fun in store, for special needs kids and adults, to benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

On Sunday Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rec, there’ll be a Halloween party with a costume parade, games, prizes, music, dancing, raffles and face painting.

This event is open to special needs kids and adults. Admission is $10 per family.

The Webster Fall Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall).

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Is it too soon to start planning for November? I think not.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up on November 2 at the Webster Public Library, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk this month.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

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.

Our friends at the Webster Museum 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. 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!

That’s enough for today. Check back later this week for more detailed blogs about upcoming Village events, fun family hiking adventures from the Friends of Webster Trails, and more about Pumpkins on Parade!

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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 10/16/2023)

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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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