Tag Archives: Webster Public Library

Webster community mailbag

13 Apr

The next two Talks on Tuesday at the Webster Recreation Center look kind of neat.

The first, on Tuesday April 15 is all about Paranormal Investigations. Join the Monroe County paranormal investigations team to learn how they go about ghost hunting. They’ll share many Rochester-area paranormal experiences. The program begins at 6 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-P)

On Tuesday April 29, Dan Mason, General Manager of the Red Wings, will share the long history of the team which started in 1877, one of the oldest franchises in baseball. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-R)

Get rid of those expired drugs

The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), Town of Webster and Webster Police Dept. will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clear out your medicine cabinet and bring your old prescription drugs to the Webster Justice Court Building at 1002 Ridge Rd. (look for the blue roof). Volunteers will be out in front of the building to accept your drugs, so you don’t even need to get out of your car.

Click here for event details and to sign up to get a reminder about this event.

The following week, on Wednesday April 30, WHEN will be sponsoring the third and last program in their Navigating the Tween Years parent forums, held partnership with Webster Central School District.

The topic this time will be Empowering Your Family. It’s an evening of interactive discussion and exploration, and you’ll leave with concrete ideas about how to support your children and teens so they can thrive. This presentation will recap some of the topics covered in previous sessions and build on proactive measures parents can implement immediately to help keep kids safe and healthy.

The event will be held on April 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.  

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 3 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.

Webster CSD early voter ballot applications available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are available.

  • Absentee Ballot: Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application, may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue.
  • Early Voter: Qualified voters of the district may wish to use an early voter ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Early voter ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster. 

There are limited office hours during break week of April 14, 2025. Please contact District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org if planning to pick up an application during that week. Ballots will not be available until on/or about April 25, 2025. 

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.


Here are a few reminders from previous mailbags:

  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds. It begins at 7 p.m. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
  • Donors at the next American Red Cross blood drive, coming up on Saturday April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, will enjoy homemade cookies provided by the Women’s Club of Webster. You can sign up in advance at redcrossblood.org or just drop in.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. Members of the Friends are welcome to shop on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., and the general public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More information here.

* * *

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 4/13/2025)

Webster Library to host Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

11 Apr

The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.

In previous years, almost 60 organizations from all over the Rochester area have participated, and most will likely be returning this year. Scroll down to see the list of last year’s participants.

Autism Up will be set up in the Community Room with a sensory space, in case you need a breather and want to learn more about what they have to offer.

Registration is recommended if you’d like a reminder. Caregivers can come any time during the fair, and if you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available by request.

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

These organizations participated in Last year’s Special Needs Resource Fair:

Access VR
Al Sigl Community of Agencies
Arc of Monroe
Autism Up and
Golisano Autism Center
Bella’s Bumbas
Best Buddies International
BOCES 2
Canalside Speech
Camp Get a Way
Catholic Charities Family & Community Services/ Preferred Communities (PC) Program at the Refugee Resettlement Dept.
CDS Life Transitions
Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester
Child Care Council
Childhood Behavior Solutions
CP Rochester
CP Rochester Sportsnet
Disability EmpowHer Network
Dynamic Elite Athletics – Cheerabilities
Dyslexia Allies of WNY, Education Success Foundation’s Student Success Project
Early Childhood Family & Community Engagement Center
Empowering People’s Independence
Flower City Down Syndrome Network
Future Care Planning and Trust Services
Genesee Valley Audubon Society
Gigi’s Playhouse Rochester
Help With Feeding
Heritage Christian Services
Heritage Christian Stables
The Hochstein School
Kharma Care LLC
Liberty POST STARS
Mid-West RBERN
MindFit Mental Health Counseling LLC
Monroe County Early Intervention
Monroe Plan for Medical Care
Never Say Never Foundation
NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
OPWDD: Front Door
Parenting Village
Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County
Parent to Parent NYS
Partner in Community Development the BIPOC PEEEEEEK Project
People Inc.
Person Centered Services
Prime Care Coordination
Rochester Accessible Adventures
Rochester Hearing and Speech Center
Regional Center for Independent Living
School Age Family & Community Engagement Center
Schult Feeding & Speech, PLLC
Starbridge
Step by Step Pediatric Therapy Services
Strike Back Martial Arts
TIES – Together Including Every Student
University of Rochester Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics

* * *

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 4/11/2025)

Community members answered the library’s Mail Call Challenge

6 Apr

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Webster Public Library on Saturday to write cards and letters to our deployed troops as part of April’s Mail Call: Letters From Home Challenge.

Haven’t heard about this yet? In short, it’s a month-long challenge for Webster to write 1,000 cards and letters to our deployed troops, which will then be included in care packages sent overseas in June.

You may have already noticed one or more of the “Mail Call” mailboxes which have been placed in a dozen businesses and agencies throughout town. Community members are being encouraged to stop by one of these mailboxes, write a card (or several) and deposit them in the box. The library is hosting one of these mailboxes, and if you didn’t make it Saturday, you can still stop in anytime this week; there’ll be a table set up in the lobby with cards and materials.

But LOTS of people DID stop by on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., tables in the library’s Community Room were filled with cards, markers, stickers, crayons … everything and anything needed to make a beautiful card, or just write a quick thank-you. And for most of that time, the tables were also filled with adults and children, coloring and stickering and creating. The kids especially loved the project.

Mail Call organizer Cherie Wood estimates that about 140 people came to write a card. By the end of the day, 126 personalized messages had been stuffed into the library’s mailbox to be “mailed” to our service members.

That’s a great start, but 1,000 cards and letters is a big challenge. So keep an eye out for the mailboxes throughout town, and get writing! You can do them at home, even make it a family project. Teachers can make it a class project, or ask your church group to make cards.

And by the way, the Blue Star Mothers would like to include a box of Girl Scout cookies in each care package, but don’t have quite enough yet. If you’d like to donate a few, click this link, then scroll down to where it says “Donate Cookies.”

Thank you, Webster!

* * *

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 4/6/2025)

Mail Call at the Webster Public Library

1 Apr

Chances are pretty good you’ve heard about the “Mail Call: Letters From Home” challenge recently — especially since I’ve been writing about it a lot.

In short, it’s a month-long challenge for Webster to write 1,000 cards and letters to our deployed troops, which will then be included in care packages sent overseas in June. (You can read more about it here.) You may have already noticed one or more of the “Mail Call” mailboxes which have been placed in a dozen businesses and agencies throughout town. There are cards and pens placed next to each one, so perhaps you’ve even taken the moment to write out a personal message and placed it in the box.

But if you haven’t had a chance to do that yet and would like to help our town achieve this monumental goal, here’s an easy way to do that:

This Saturday, April 5 you can stop by the Webster Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a community card-making event in the Community Room. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required. You can bring the kids, invite your neighbors and friends, and have a little fun while brightening the lives of our deployed service members. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Won’t be able to make it on Saturday? The library will have supplies out at a table all next week, so you can stop in anytime. And of course you can make some cards at home and drop them in the Mail Call mailbox in the library, or in any Mail Call mailbox in town.

Here are where the mailboxes are located:

  • American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
  • Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
  • Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
  • Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
  • Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
  • Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
  • Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
  • Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.

Let’s DO this, Webster!!!!

* * *

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 4/1/2025)

Community encouraged to join April’s “Mail Call Challenge”

23 Mar

Webster, are you up for a challenge?

Wreaths Across America, in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers ROC and the Gold Star Mothers Rochester, have thrown down a month-long challenge for the entire Webster community. It’s called “Mail Call! Letters From Home,” and its goal is ambitious: to collect 1,000 cards and letters from Webster to be sent to our local service members deployed overseas.

Two times a year, the Blue Star Mothers send care packages to our local service members who are deployed overseas. The service members say their favorite items are the cards and letters, even more than the toiletries and snacks. These simple messages keep them going, when home seems very far away.

One service member said he kept a young student’s card in his backpack throughout deployment. “Whenever I was scared, and didn’t feel like I could go on,” he said, “I’d take out that crayoned card, and know someone was thinking of me.”

You can imagine, then, the joy we can all spread with 1,000 cards and letters. THAT’s what the Mail Call challenge is all about.

All next month, more than a dozen Mail Call mailboxes will be placed at businesses throughout Webster. Community members are encouraged to write a personal note (or several) and deposit them in one of the boxes. If we work together, we can easily achieve that goal of 1,000 letters.

Here are some tips:

  • The messages can be from adults and kids.
  • No envelopes are needed (they add extra bulk to the care packages).
  • Starting April 1, look for the special “mail boxes” stationed throughout Webster. (A list of locations is below.) Drop in the card you made at home, or take a moment to fill one out while you’re at the store.
  • Cards and letters should be addressed: Dear Service Member.
  • Include words of encouragement, and how much you appreciate their service.
  • Include your first name and your town. The service members like to know where the cards come from.
  • Spread the word to the groups in your life: Scouts, businesses, schools, social groups, sports teams, churches, etc. This challenge will take all of us.
  • Go ahead and start now, and look for the mailboxes beginning Tuesday, April 1.

You can also plan to stop by the Webster Public Library on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a community-wide card-making event in the Community Room. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required. If you can’t make it to the library on Saturday, you can make a card/letter at home, or stop at the table in the library between Monday, April 7 and Saturday, April 12 to create a card/letter. Then drop it off in a special mailbox at the library.

Here are where all of the mailboxes will be located; they’ll all be in place by April 1.

  • American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
  • Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
  • Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
  • Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
  • Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
  • Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
  • Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
  • Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
  • Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.

All of the cards and letters collected during this special month-long event will be placed in care packages sent out in June by the Blue Star Mothers.

By the way, this project would not be successful without the enthusiastic support of the Webster Lowe’s, who donated 13 mailboxes, 13 posts, post brackets and buckets filled with cement to stand them in. And Vital Signs who made all the mailbox wrappers, and did so at a very generous discount.

The Mail Call! Letters From Home initiative is a joint effort by Wreaths Across America WebsterBlue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families), and Gold Star Mothers Rochester (who have lost a child on active duty).

* * *

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 3/23/2025)

Webster community mailbag

20 Mar

Let’s start today’s mailbag with a few items from the Webster Public Library.

A reminder that the library’s Vintage Book Sale takes place on Saturday March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.

Also, all this month the library is hosting their first-ever Irish American Heritage Month Book Sale. It lasts only until everything is sold, so get there soon to choose from a selection of books about Irish history, travel, culture and folklore, plus coffee-table books, Ireland-themed puzzles and Irish music CDs.

Both book sales benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library.

And remember that this month’s free community exchange is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one! Plus, the Donation Station benefits the library’s Free Food Pantry, and the Seed Library is now open.

Got stuff to shred?

The Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union will sponsor a free community shredding day on Saturday May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster branch, 815 Ridge Rd. It’s open to small businesses and individuals in the Webster area. Please bring the papers in disposable (preferably recyclable) boxes or bags.

Wine Walks return

The Village of Webster has scheduled the next Wine Walk for Saturday May 10.

These are very popular events where you stroll the village, popping into businesses to sample wines and snacks from our local merchants.

Participants must be 21 and an ID is required. More information to come, but you cal also stay up to date on the latest at the Webster BID website.

Are you a guy who loves to sing?

The Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a New Members Night on Tuesday March 25 at 7 p.m., at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Come meet the guys and join them for an evening of singing a cappella music. You don’t even have to be able to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show the rest. Click here to R.S.V.P., and if you have any questions, you can call 585-259-3590 or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com.

Some additional reminders …

All of the following announcements were previously included in this community mailbag, so click on that link if you’d like any more information about …

  • The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.
  • Anyone wishing to run for the Webster Central School District Board of Education may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present the program Invasive Insects on Thursday March 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM.
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

* * *

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 3/20/2025)

Webster community mailbag

4 Mar

I’ll begin today’s mailbag with a few new tidbits, then add some reminders about events I’ve mentioned earlier.

Library to host Special Needs Parent Resource Fair

The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.

In previous years, almost 60 organizations from all over the Rochester area have participated, and most will likely be returning this year. Click here to see last year’s participant list.

Autism Up will be set up in the Community Room with a sensory space, in case you need a breather and want to learn more about what they have to offer.

Registration is recommended if you’d like a reminder. Caregivers can come any time during the fair, and if you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available by request.

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

Great new programs for 55+ at the Webster Recreation Center

I got my most recent 55+ newsletter from the Webster Rec the other day. It’s always got lots of great programs, but I especially like the Talks on Tuesday topics. Here’s this month’s lineup:

  • March 11: Medicare, by Sara Mason from Mason Wealth Management
    All the different pieces of Medicare can be confusing. This workshop will give you an understanding of what each piece means, when you can make changes and why you should review your plan annually.
  • March 18: The Big Bang, by NASA Ambassador Jim Porter
    Join NASA Ambassador Jim Porter to discover the rich heritage of NASA cosmic exploration and where the latest missions will be taking us into the future.
  • March 25: Maintaining Cognitive Health by psychologist Dr. Arianna Slotnick
    An engaging workshop filled with practical and enjoyable strategies to boost cognitive function and maintain brain health throughout your lifespan. You’ll leave with tangible tips and techniques you can implement immediately.

The Talks on Tuesdays are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

And here’s a brand new program at the Rec Center, called TAP TIME, held Fridays from March 21 through April 25 from 11:45 to 12:30 p.m. Whether standing or seated, Tap Time is a safe, fun way to stay active while enjoying upbeat tunes from Broadway and more. We will provide the slip-on taps used for class that fit right over any flat-bottomed shoe to create instant tap shoes. Cost is $30.

To find out about lots more programs and to register for any of these, click here to see the whole 55+ March newsletter.

Petitions Available for BOE Candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 20 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org during the office hours noted above.

There’s still time to enter WHEN headphone giveaway

FRIDAY, March 14 is the last day to enter the Beats headphone giveaway being sponsored by the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN).

It’s easy to enter; just visit @WHENdfcc on Instagram, and post a picture of you doing something happy and healthy, like going for a walk, playing a sport, etc. Comment and tag two friends, follow WHEN on Instagram and share the WHEN post to your story. See more about this great giveaway on Instagram or click here.

And don’t forget about the Thomas/Schroeder Charity Basketball Game on WEDNESDAY, March 12 at 6:30 p.m.  This is a super fun event pitting Webster Thomas and Schroeder staff members against each other in a basketball game which is more entertaining than skillful. Suggested donation of $5 at the door will benefit benefits WHEN.

Learn about insects at the Arboretum

You’ll want to check out this education program being hosted by the Webster Arboretum later this month.

Invasive Insects, Thursday March 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our environment, and as scientific professionals, hobbyists, or passersby, we encounter them almost every day. But what makes a species invasive? How many are there? Learn more about them at this fascinating presentation.

WCCH Prom Party is April 5

The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and the first 20 guests get a VIP bag of goodies. There will also be a contest for King & Queen, Best Dressed, and Most Original.

Click here to purchase tickets.


* * *

email me  at missyblog@gmail.com“Like” this blog on Facebook and follow mse 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 3/4/2025)

Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

Looking ahead to events and warmer weather next month — and this coming summer — in today’s mailbag!

Win a pair of Beats headphones

In an effort to reach out to a younger audience and impress upon them the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) has instituted a Beats headphone giveaway via Instagram.

It’s easy to enter; just visit @WHENdfcc on Instagram, and post a picture of you doing something happy and healthy, like going for a walk, playing a sport, etc. Comment and tag two friends, follow WHEN on Instagram and share the WHEN post to your story. See more about this great giveaway on Instgram or click here.

Wednesday March 3 is the last day to enter.

Looking forward to summer!

Enough with this snow. Here’s something to help you look past all that.

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) has announced its summer lineup of Friday night gazebo concerts, beginning in July:

  • July 18: The Earthtones
  • July 25: The Sarah DeValliere Band
  • Aug. 1: It’s My Party
  • Aug. 8: The Red Hot & Blue Band
  • Aug. 22: Eight Days a Week

Plus, the Webster Jazz Festival returns Aug. 15 and 16.

The gazebo concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park 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. Check out the BID website to stay up to date on details for these and all this summer’s village events.

News from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum has a beautiful new website which is very much worth a few minutes to check out. The new design is very easy to navigate, highlighting the trails, gardens and wildlife which abound in this beautiful natural area.

Scroll down a bit to read about this year’s slate of educational programs, a different one every month through November, ranging from hummingbirds to lilacs, bonsai trees to hydrangeas.

I’ll let you know more about each of these as they get closer, but here’s what’s happening in March:

  • Invasive Insects, Thursday March 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our environment, and as scientific professionals, hobbyists, or passersby, we encounter them almost every day. But what makes a species invasive? How many are there? Learn more about them at this fascinating presentation.

The presentation will take place at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Prior registration is requested for all these programs. They’re all free and will be held rain or shine. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information and to register.

And ALSO, mark your calendars now for the Arboretum’s annual Spring Plant Sale, Saturday May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Women’s Club March luncheon will feature Webster history

Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum will be the guest speaker at the next Women’s Club of Webster luncheon, Thursday March 20 at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 2159 Empire Blvd., Webster. Sharon will speak about what life was like for women in Webster’s early days.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Sharon’s presentation. Enjoy a buffet featuring roast beef, roasted chicken, rice pilaf, pasta primavera, salad, hot mixed vegetables, hot and cold beverages and warm camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $25. Send check made out to WCW by March 13 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. New members are always welcome.

WCSD prekindergarten lottery is open

Registration for Webster Central School District’s 2024-25 prekindergarten lottery is now available online. Registrations will be accepted through Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. Children who are 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025 but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete registration, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page at www.websterschools.org/prek.

Lots to do in March at the library

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library in March:

  • Vintage Book Sale, Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.
  • The free community exchange in March is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one!
  • The Donation Station in March will benefit the Webster Public Library’s very own Free Food Pantry, located on the sidewalk right by the front door. Bring in non-perishable food items to help keep the pantry stocked.
  • The Seed Library will be open for the season on Monday March 3

For adults:

  • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday March 1, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the Emerald Isle with music from the band Merriwick, Irish tea and beautiful pictures of Ireland! Registration is required.
  • Growing Orchids in Rochester, Saturday March 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Learn about orchids and how to grow them in Rochester in anticipation of the 2025 Genesee Region Orchid Show. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make It Monday: Glass Bead Suncatchers, Monday March 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and up are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday March 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hang out with your friends and get more involved in the library and the community. For grades 6 to 12. Registration is requested.

For kids and families:

  • Flute Storytime, Saturday March 15, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Join flutist Jaclyn Breeze for a 30-minute program featuring two picture books and flute pieces. No registration required.
  • Spring Equinox Drop-In Crafts in the storytime room. Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome and registration is not required.

* * *

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 2/22/2025)

Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to the library

7 Feb

Ladies, today’s blog is especially for you.

If you don’t get a regular mammogram, and especially if you’ve never gotten one, you need to. An easy and quick opportunity to do that is coming up this month.

The Rochester Regional Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to the Webster Public Library parking lot on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sign up for your spot on Feb. 10 at the library from 2 to 6 p.m., when you can also ask any questions you have. Some walk-ins will be accepted on the 27th, but PLEASE sign up, because if there are not 15 women guaranteed, the bus will have to come back. No insurance is required.

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

Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammography Center is a spacious coach bus with a spa-like atmosphere that provides 3D mammograms. It features two private dressing rooms, certified technologists and an evaluation of results by a board-certified radiologist.

The coach is designed to screen every 15 minutes. If you need to use the lift, your appointment will be 30 minutes. Women must be at least 35 years of age, not exhibiting symptoms of breast-related problems and have not had a mammogram within the last year.

Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammography Center offers state-of-the-art breast cancer screenings. Their goal is to make screenings more accessible to women where they live and work. The Center partners with businesses and organizations to visit locations in your neighborhood to make mammograms more accessible to all women in our community.

So take advantage of this opportunity while you can. If not for you, then for the ones you love and who love you.

* * *

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 2/7/2025)

Webster community mailbag

1 Feb

The Webster Central School District and Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) are hosting an encore presentation of Navigating the Tween Years: Social Media & Your Kid. This is an interactive parent forum discussing how technology has changed social development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The event is Tuesday, February 4, 6:30-8 p.m. at Klem Road South Elementary School, 1025 Klem Road, Webster. Open to all Webster parents and guardians, but adults only, please. Click here to learn more.
Join us! Learn more at WHENdfcc.org/events.

*****

Color Webster Green will host a Heat Pumps 101 seminar this coming Wednesday, exploring the transformative power of heat pumps.

Learn how these innovative systems provide efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling. This presentation is given by local residents Rebecca Collins, Jon Randall and Allen Hibner, who can discuss their personal experiences with heat pumps.

The event will be held at the Webster Public Library Community Room from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no charge. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the back of Webster Plaza.

*****

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will hold a Spaghetti Dinner at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday Feb. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Meat, meatless and garlic sauce options will be available. For takeout call 585-872-3500.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. All proceeds will benefit the WSPS, a group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.

*****

Here’s a quick run-down of what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

For kids and families:

  • Celebrate Dental Health Month with Dr. DeLucia from Webster Pediatric Dentistry. Tues. Feb. 25 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. She’ll give a presentation about dental health and keeping our teeth clean. She’ll have lots of fun props, including a giant toothbrush and giant teeth, lots of giveaways and a chance to dress up as a dentist yourself. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make it Monday: Yarn-Wrapped Hearts, Monday Feb. 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Make yarn-wrapped hearts at this month’s craft night. Grades 4 and up and adults are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For teens who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, hanging out with friends, and becoming more involved in your library and the community. For grades 6 to 12, and registration is requested.

For adults:

  • Learn About Tuskegee Airman Leland “Sticky” Pennington, Thursday Feb. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. On April 21, 1945, the Tuskegee Airman took off on a flight in his P-51 Mustang, named ‘Lucy Gal.’ World War II was drawing near a close, but his service as a bomber escort pilot was needed. En route to the mission, Pennington went missing in action and he has never been found. Registration is required.
  • The Black Church: In Plain Sight but Invisible, Tuesday Feb. 4, 2 to 4 p.m. The physical presence of the Black Church is a familiar aspect of American history and current events. Dr. Timothy Johnson leads his audience beyond the superficial into an in-depth historical overview of the Black Church. Registration is required.

This month’s Community Exchange is jewelry! Bring in some pieces you don’t wear any more and pick up something new. And while you’re there, consider donating some wet or dry dog or cat food to the Webster Pet Food Pantry, this month’s Donation Station beneficiary.

And I’ll be writing more about this soon, but also, the Rochester Regional Mobile Mammogram Unit is coming to the library parking lot on Thursday, Feb. 27. Sign up for your spot on Feb. 10 at the library, but if you can’t make it to register, some walk-ins will be accepted on the 27th. No insurance is required.

More to come about this tremendous opportunity.

* * *

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 2/1/2025)