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!!!!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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 orheather_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 BasketballGame 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.
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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 aBeats headphone giveawayvia 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.
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 atwww.websterschools.org/prek.
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.
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.
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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).
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. 10at 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.
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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).
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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).
Ten years ago two Webster women, Amy Crumley and Eileen Brookins, volunteered to serve on the Webster Public Library (WPL) Board of Trustees. Little did they imagine then the many opportunities and challenges they would encounter in helping oversee the policies and practices of the library.
Amy and Eileen each served two five-year terms which ended this month. During their tenure, they helped the library navigate a complete internal remodeling project, which included switching the entryway, improving parking, and adding an additional 4000 square feet. Also, when former director Terri Bennett retired, they both helped in the search process for hiring the new director, Adam Traub.
Amy served as president of the board for the last few years and helped forge stronger ties with the town supervisor and Town Board. Eileen served as the board secretary for a portion of her last term. She was also an active member in the Friends of the Webster Library and the Webster Museum and provided an important link in both fundraising efforts and in museum displays in the library. Both women helped recruit new board members and served as a strong public face for the library in many venues.
In short, Amy and Eileen helped maintain the Webster Public Library as a vital part of the Webster community. They likely didn’t anticipate the countless hours of work and amount of energy their volunteering would entail, but they did it with grace and enthusiasm.
Thank you, Amy and Eileen, for your commitment and service. You’ve helped make the Webster Public Library the strong and vibrant community asset that it is.
The WPL is always looking for community members willing to volunteer and help make the library a better place. Find out more about how you can help by clicking 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).
As we creep closer to Christmas, the special events start coming fast and furious. But this Saturday in particular seems to be packed with them. Here’s a quick rundown (and remember, they all happen this Saturday Dec. 14):
Afternoon withSanta at the Webster Recreation Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Get a photo with Santa, drop off your letter in his mailbox, and enjoy music, cookies, and Christmas story time. The event is free and no registration is required.
Holiday performance by the Webster Village Band, 3:00 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Enjoy some beautiful holiday season music, complete with a singalong AND a performance of The Night Before Christmas narrated by Barbara Midura. Admission is free and there’s LOTS of parking.
National Wreaths Across America Day, 12 noon Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. Bring your whole family and join your Webster neighbors as we lay 2,100 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. Click here to read more about this amazing day. *
Santa Visits Never Say Never Stables, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 906 Maple Dr. In addition to visiting with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, petting and pictures with the horses and animals, Christmas carolers, Rocky the Reindeer Mini Horse. The event is open to the public, and there’s no appointment needed. Donations accepted for Never Say Never Foundation.
Cookie Sale at the library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Women’s Club of Webster’s will be holding their annual, super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
Caroling at the Webster Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Members of the Rochester Oratorio Society sing holiday carols throughout the library while dressed in Victorian costumes. No registration required, just stop in to enjoy the carolers (any buy cookies!).
Holiday Book Saleat the Webster Public Library: OK, this event is ongoing through Dec. 23, but worth mentioning again. The Friends of the Webster Public Library are hosting their Holiday Book Sale during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.
So this is ALL happening this Saturday, all over town. So there’s no reason for the cold weather to keep you inside.
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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).
Kittelberger Florist‘s popular Bouquet a Month cards will be available through Dec. 7 at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
For just $40, your card entitles you to one fresh bouquet every month for 12 consecutive months, which you will pick up at Kittelberger, 263 North Ave., Webster. They’re available at the museum during normal open hours, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m., and proceeds will benefit the museum.
Holiday Shopping Friday Night Faire every Friday through Dec. 13. Holiday shop with new vendors every week, 11/29, 12/6 and 12/13 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Holiday Photos will be offered every Sunday in December. Click on the flyer for times.
Pancakes, Pups and Pictures on Sunday Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Features a Pancake Breakfast with Santa and photos. $20/adult. $10/children. Proceeds will benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Operation Freedom Ride. On-leash dogs are welcome.
An Ugly Sweater Silent Disco on Dec. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 and proceeds benefit the Verona St. Animal Society. Click here for tickets.
It all happens at Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park, 187 W. Main Street, Webster.
Meet “Webster’s Santa” at the Women’s Club
The Women’s Club of Webster’s December meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday Dec. 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.
This month’s speaker is “Santa Jim” Lockwood, a professional Santa who many residents will recognize from the annual Parade of Lights and Christmas in July at the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market.
Social hour begins at 11:15, followed by a brief meeting and lunch. Entree choices include chicken French, Reuben sandwich or Caesar salad. All lunches will come with fresh fruit, coffee, tea, or cold drink. Price is $24. Send your check with choice of entree made out to Women’s Club of Webster no later than December 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585 -265-1303.
And remember, the The Women’s Club of Webster’s super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale returns to the Webster Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community.
Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census
Parents/guardians residing within the Webster Central School District (CSD), and who have children ages birth to 5 years residing in the household, are being asked to take a brief young child census survey that will be used to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.
Completing the census is a young families’ first connection with the school district. It enables Webster CSD to keep in contact with families as their children approach school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.
The form can be found on the Webster CSD website beginning Dec.1 and will be available through January 6, 2025. Families who do not have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.
A look ahead at two great library events
These two events at the Webster Public Library won’t be happening until January, but I think you’ll want to get them on your calendar early.
The library will host a Preschool Open Houseon Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. Registration is not required.
This next event sounds really cool, and will most certainly will fill up quickly.
It’s called the Library Fan Fest, on Sunday Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 8 p.m., an afternoon and evening of immersive literary fun for all ages. Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.
This event is for literary lovers of all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Registration for this event will open Sunday, Dec. 1. Click here to register.
Also from the library, remember that the Friends of the Webster Public Library will be hosting their Holiday Book Sale from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.
Two more reminders
The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.
This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.
The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, holiday plants and a holiday raffle.
The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.
The Webster Lions Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfastwith Santa has been scheduled for Sunday Dec. 8 (note the new date; it’s been scheduled for the first Sunday in December for years).
It will be held at Webster Schroeder High School from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa and his elf will be there for the children, as well as the Lion Club’s Lion. Plus, there’ll be lots of great raffle items and free vision screening for kids ages 6 months to 12 years. And of course, breakfast: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.
The Pancake Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser is one of the ways the Lion’s Club earns money to help those in need. This year, donations will be made to the Webster Community Chest, Webster Hope and other charities.
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