Tag Archives: Webster Recreation Center

Happy 100th birthday, Frank!

11 Mar

The Webster Recreation Center held a very special birthday party last Thursday afternoon.

Long-time Thursday Webster Rec euchre player Frank Amering celebrated his 100th birthday on March 1, and last Thursday his senior center fellow euchre players and Rec Center staff members threw him a party, complete with balloons, cake and official proclamations.

Frank was born in Rochester on March 1, 1924. He attended Aquinas, where he played football, and then enlisted in the Navy, serving as an engineer on the Catalinas in WWII. He was married to his wife Mary Louis for 71 years before she pssed away six years ago. He worked as an electrician until he was 80 years old, still lives on his own and still drives.

And of course, he joins about 40 to 50 friends to play euchre at the Webster Recreation Center every Thursday.

Webster Supervisor Tom Flaherty and Nick Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County Veteran Services, each presented Frank with a proclamation honoring his life and WWII service. Several servicemen also attended the party, to honor Frank and show their appreciation.

I didn’t chat with Frank for very long — he had a pretty long line of admirers — but as a euchre player myself, I did have to ask him one question: how often does he steal the deal?

He grinned slightly and paused, then politely declined to answer.

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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 3/11/2024)

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Looking ahead to two great family events

19 Jan

Hip deep in the cold and snow of winter as we are now, sometimes it’s hard to poke our heads up and imagine that spring is not far off. Perhaps this thought will bring some cheer: Community Arts Day is only 12 weeks away!

This very family-friendly festival, which is marking its 47th year, showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and involves the entire community in a day to celebrate the arts. It was created as a collaborative effort to raise money to encourage and enhance fine arts programs throughout the district. 

This is always one of my favorite events of the whole year, because I see so many friends and neighbors performing or wandering the halls of Schroeder, and reconnect with lots of local organizations. I highly recommend you put it on your calendars now.

Details are still coming together, so if you’re a vendor or want to provide some entertainment, best keep on top of the plans by “liking” their Facebook page.

Looking even farther ahead, I recently got an email about this year’s Webster Garlic Fest, scheduled for Sept. 7 and 8 at the Webster Recreation Center.

This event seems to grow bigger and better every year. Reports are that last year it drew 3,000 people and had more than 100 vendors.

That means, if you’re a vendor and want to get on board (especially if you want a spot inside the Rec Center gymnasium), now is the time. The call has gone out for vendor/crafter/food truck registrations. Cost is $150 for a 10′ x 10′ indoor or outdoor space.

Click here to apply.

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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 1/19/2024)

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The Rec Center’s ice rink is open!

18 Jan

I’ve been frequenting the Webster Recreation Center of late for regular workouts, and when I was leaving last night, I noticed a few skaters on the rink honing their hockey skills. And that, of course, means …

The Webster Rec Center’s ice rink is open!

Thanks to our recent bout of frigid weather, the rink — located in front of the Webster Recreation Center at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just north of the village — is looking good. The rink is a nice size, 52 ft. by 104 ft., offering plenty of room for skaters of all abilities. Plus, it’s totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. There’s even a warming shed where you can sit to put on your skates. You’ll want to bring your own skates, though, because rentals are not available. And if I recall correctly from driving by last night, there’s at least one light near the shed so you can skate after dark.

The Rec Center even has a hotline so you can check before you go to see if the rink is open: 585-872-7103 (option 3). Make sure to do that, because it’s hard to tell when our capricious winter weather will turn the ice surface to mush.

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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 1/18/2024)

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Thank you from the Man in the Yellow Truck

7 Jan

You may have missed it in the most recent Webster Today town publication — which arrived in the mail this week — but tucked towards the back was a thank-you letter from The Man in the Yellow Truck.

You may recall I posted a blog about this incredible community helper who can be seen regularly picking up garbage along the Rt. 104 on- and off-ramps. In that blog (which was originally an article written by Katie Kovar at the Webster Rec Center), there was a plea for donations of garbage bags. The community responded enthusiastically, which led in part to the letter. In case you missed it, it reads:

During the height of COVID, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I had very little knowledge of the disease, but was eager to learn and feel better. My doctor was very clear: I had to change my eating habits and I had to stay active.

On a beautiful afternoon, while running errands, the litter along the Webster expressway was a concern. So I took it upon myself to start cleaning. First, I needed bags. It didn’t take long to realize that I needed a LOT of bags. The Town of Webster was very cooperative, but they can only spare so much. I complained to anyone that would listen that I needed more garbage bags. My step-daughter, Tiffany, wanted to help, so she expressed my need on the Webster Village Facebook page.

I was then approached by Katie Kovar, Recreation Director from Webster Parks and Recreation. She asked if she could write an article about the work I was doing along the expressway. Honestly, I was a bit puzzled but also grateful. Since the article I have received thousands of garbage bags of all shapes and sizes. My diabetes is under control and the Webster roads are much cleaner.

Thank you to my step-daughter, Tiffany Diamond, for putting my need request on Facebook. Thank you to Katie Kovar for your beautiful and inspiring article. Thank you to EVERYONE who generously donated SO many garbage bags.

Lastly, please continue beeping your horn! It does not startle me, I hear it and it makes me feel appreciated.

It took a village.

Stephen Anderson, the Man in the Yellow Truck with the American flag

Thanks to the generosity of the Webster community, Steve has plenty of garbage bags for now, but stay tuned, because if the call goes out for more donations, I’ll let you know!

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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 1/6/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Dec

Hi again everybody!

I hope you had a chance to sit back and relax a bit this holiday. You might have noticed that I’ve been doing that, not posting for several days. In part that’s because there isn’t much going on. But I do have a few reminders about things happening as this year turns into next.

Community members who struggle with vision issues — macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye, or others — are invited to attend the January meeting of The Visionaries, being hosted next month at the Webster Public Library.

The Visionaries is a support group for adults with low-to-no vision. Members of this support group share their interests and opportunities with others, encouraging those with visual impairment to get the most out of their lives.

The group will meet on Wednesday, January 3 from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Webster Public Library Community Room, 980 Ridge Road. This month’s topic will be “Living With Low Vision.”    

There’s no need to register, just come by to join the meeting!

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on January 5, 2024 at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard Street.

Dinner will be served from 5 to 7 p.m., and includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, bread, drink and dessert. Cost is $12 for adults, $6 for kids 12 and under. You can eat in or take out.

All proceeds go to supporting the WSPS, a local non-profit providing rides for Webster School District Seniors to their medical appointments.

From the Webster Schools:

Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census

Webster CSD is surveying the community to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.

Anyone in the district who has children residing in their household ages birth to 5 years old is asked to
complete the brief online census. Families who don’t have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.

The annual young child census is available now on the district website and will be available through Jan. 6, 2024.

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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 12/27/2023)

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Senior Singers sing in the holidays next week

12 Dec

The beautifully melodic Senior Singers will host their annual Holiday Concert at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — two or three times a year — share their love for music with the Greater Webster community.

As the name suggests, this particular concert will feature a lot of your holiday favorites. Which means that not only will it be enjoyable, you’re guaranteed to be humming tunes as you walk out the door.

There’s no charge to attend the holiday concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music. While you’re there, consider joining this fun group. It doesn’t cost anything, and no audition is required. The only things you really need are the desire to make music — and a lot of new friends.

The Senior Singers have offered older adults a no-cost, no-stress opportunity to rehearse and perform music for almost 40 years. Comprised of both men and women 55 and over, the group rehearses every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in a small room at the Recreation Center from September through June, taking two months off during the summer. And two or three times a year, especially before their summer break and at holiday time, they move into the Center’s large multipurpose room to present community concerts, performing Broadway show tunes, old standards and holiday favorites.

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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 12/9/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Dec

First, this reminder from the Webster Museum about a great holiday fundraiser … which also makes a great gift idea.

It’s called “12 Months of Flowers,” and is being offered in conjunction with Kittelberger Florist.

Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $40, cash or check only, at the museum during their regular hours, or email jannaujokas1@yahoo.com. You’ll receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. What a great way to brighten every month of the new year for someone special (or yourself)!

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

This reminder from the Women’s Club of Webster that they’re always welcoming new members.

The mission of the Women’s Club is to make a positive difference in the lives of Webster community members, primarily through fundraising. The list of organizations and scholarships the club supports is impressive, including the Webster Comfort Care Home, the Webster Museum, service awards for high school students, the Webster Library, Webster NY Hope and many more.

If you’ve never been to a meat raffle (they’re HUGE in Buffalo), then you’ve missed out on a unique and entertaining experience.

For not a whole lot of money, you can win some big bunches of steak, bacon, pork, sausages … and much more.

This particular meat raffle is being hosted as a fundraiser for the Webster Wolves baseball team on Saturday Jan. 20. Check the flyer for more details.

There’s lots of stuff going on at the Webster Public Library this month, starting with the annual Friends of the Webster Library Holiday Book Sale.

There’s a table set up through Dec. 21 (unless everything sells out before then) with gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles. Stop by next time you’re at the library and check some things off your shopping list.

Also going on this month at the library:

  • Music and Movement Story Time on Tuesday Dec. 12 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Family Night on Monday Dec. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring the whole family and make a penguin egg puppet. No registration is required.
  • Make it Monday for Teens, Monday Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month, make a sock snowman. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday Dec. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Kids in grades 6 through 12 are invited to learn how to become more involved in the library and the community. Registration is required. Click here.
  • For adults: Tending to Life — Blue Christmas, Saturday Dec. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Sharon Willow talks about grief and the holidays. Registration is required. Click here.
  • Holiday Music in the Library, Saturday Dec. 16. At 10:30 a.m., the Madrigalia Carolers will perform in the main library (no registration required). At 1 p.m. the Rochester Mandolin Orchestra will perform in the Community Room. Registration is required for that performance. Click here.

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

‘Tis definitely the holidays at the Webster Recreation Center!

Santa will be there from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 9 to welcome children of all ages. He’ll wait for everyone, so no need to show up at right at the beginning; stop in anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.

And while you’re there — whether you see Santa or not — you can drop off your letter to Santa in the mailbox anytime between Dec. 9 and 19. And guess what!! Santa will actually write a return letter which you can pick up at the Rec Center beginning on Dec. 21.

And if your kids like cookies, check this out: Stop in anytime on Saturday Dec. 9 between 8 a.m. and noon (before Santa gets there) for a Stay ‘n Play Cookie Decorating Party. It’s free and no registration is necessary.

And you won’t want to miss the Senior Singers Holiday Performance on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. This FREE performance of holiday classics will have you singing all day. This is a community event, so bring your friends and family! More to come about this in a future blog.

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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 12/7/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Nov

Let’s start today with news of a fundraiser for the Webster Athletic Association at DiBella’s Subs on Empire Blvd.

The flyer gives the details, but basically, if you order from DiBella’s in store or online between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 20% of your check will go to the WAA. You’ll need to use code WAA20. See the flyer for more details.

Bernardi & Co. CPA, at 40 Barrett Drive, is hosting a free financial seminar designed for individuals and small businesses who could use a little advice.

The seminar, about Saving and Investing, is scheduled for Tuesday Dec. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. 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.

The Women’s Club of Webster will hold their 29th annual Christmas Cookie Sale on Saturday Dec. 9 in the Webster Public Library community room.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or until the cookies are sold out. This is always a highly anticipated event, so you might want to get there early. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the club’s scholarship funds and their support for many other programs in the Webster community.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza. For more information, please contact Peg Berry at 203-645-9352.

If you’d like to get more involved in the Women’s Club, here’s your chance: the club will be hosting their December Holiday Party on Thursday Dec. 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

The event begins with a social at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30, then “holiday gaiety” and an optional gift exchange. If you’d like to participate in the gift exchange, the gifts should not exceed $10. The luncheon buffet will feature assorted wraps, tossed salad, fruit salad and a cookie.

Special guest at this meeting will be Rochester folk musician Allen Hopkins.    

Cost for the luncheon is $27. Send your check made out to WCW by December 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. And remember, new members are always welcome!

The beautifully melodic Senior Singers will host their annual Holiday Concert at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

The Senior Singers is a lively group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to rehearse and perform music. There’s no cost; they just do it for the love of music. (If you want to read more about them, click here to see the blog I wrote.)

There’s no charge to attend the holiday concert, and registration is not necessary, So plan to take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music,. (And perhaps consider joining this fun group.)

The Webster Recreation Center is at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

This news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

At their October monthly meeting, the Webster Chamber honored TYS CPAs, LLP as their November Business of the Month.

TYS manages the accounting needs of their clients and goes beyond tabulation to point out opportunities for business growth and supports them through the process. They developed a ‘TYS Emerge‘ process, specifically for the Construction Industry. TYS also extends a promise to its clients, offering a fixed-rate, guaranteeing results, removing the escalating threat of hourly billing. In addition to serving the Webster Chamber, TYS volunteers at the Jefferson Avenue Elementary School, in Fairport. As he presented the award, Chamber President and CEO Barry Howard said, “TYS Co-Owner Tim Shortsleeve has been very active in the Chamber, assuming leadership roles. Currently, Tim serves on the Webster Chamber Board of Directors as Chair-elect, part of a six-year commitment, and is active on the Personnel Committee. He has also provided educational sessions for our members and visitors.“

Every month, the Webster Chamber of Commerce identifies a member business or organization which has excelled within their industry, given back to the community, and been active in the Chamber to be honored as Business of the Month. In the photo above, Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro (left) presents the November Business of the Month award to TYS partner Tim S. Shortsleeve (center) and Staff Accountant Brenda Zornow (right).

This important information also from the Chamber of Commerce:

Deadlines Approaching for Health Insurance Enrollment for January 1 Start 

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has offered no-fee health insurance enrollment assistance since 1938 and wants the public to be aware of the approaching deadlines to receive health insurance on January 1.

  • December 07 Medicare Annual Enrollment deadline: Medicare recipients have until the deadline to make a plan change for 2024. 
  • December 15: last day for Qualified Health Insurance (Including NYS Marketplace) for new or renewing participants for a January 1st effective date.

Health insurance enrollment is challenging. In addition to deadlines, you have many health insurance carrier options to consider. Plus, each carrier offers different plans to align with individual needs. The Webster Chamber staff will help you through this insurance enrollment process, helping you select the plan that best fits your needs. Chamber membership is not required and you do not need to be a Webster resident. 

To meet the deadlines to start health insurance on January 1 and to select the best-fit health insurance option for you, follow these steps:

  1. Call 585-265-3960 to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Chamber staff.
  2. Watch this introductory video.

The Webster CSD has announced the dates for this spring’s school musicals, the theater lovers will want to get them on your calendars.

  • Willink Middle School will present Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo on Feb. 2 and 3
  • Webster Schroeder High School’s production of Catch Me if You Can will be held Feb. 8 to 10
  • Spry Middle School presents Nickelodeon’s The SpongeBob Musical March 8 and 9
  • Webster Thomas High School will stage DreamWorks’ Shrek the Musical from March 21 to 23
  • (this one’s a drama) Webster Schroeder Theater Company will present Little Women from April 25-27

As performance dates near, you can check the Webster CSD website for details … plus I’ll be posting them here on my blog, so stay tuned.

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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 11/30/2023)

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The next family scavenger hunt hike is this weekend

2 Nov

The weather’s looking pretty OK for the next Family Scavenger Hunt, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center and in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

And if you REALLY like hiking, here’s something you might want to try.

That same evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends of Webster Trails’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

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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 11/2/2023)

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2023 Pumpkins on Parade another spooky success

29 Oct

I always wonder every year how the Webster Recreation Center can make their very popular Pumpkins on Parade event better than the year before. And every year they’ve surprised me.

As usual, the number of jack-o-lanterns lining the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center was impressive. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Chris Bilow estimated there were at least 600 of them, a good percentage of which were created by community members and dropped off in the last few days. And the activities offered for family fun in the big field at the end of the hike — a slide, “photo booth,” corn maze, a bonfire and free donuts and cider — were a welcome distraction for all the kids who still just wanted to run around in their costumes.

But this year’s trail also featured more twinkly lights, and some new and spooky decorations, many of them sporting an alien theme. It was fun to listen to the reactions of the kids who walked by the glowing green spaceship levitating a cow, and the witches huddled around their cauldron stirring their brew.

Bilow made sure to credit the Webster Parks Department for the new decor. The Recreation Center staff carved a lot of the pumpkins and set them along the path, but the “parks guys” strung the new lights, and created the alien habitat and spooky passageways.

Bottom line, a huge amount of effort by a lot of people makes this community event the success it is every year. Thank you to all, and I challenge you to try to make it even better next year.

I couldn’t take photos of all of the jack-o-lanterns, but click here for a gallery of many of my favorites, and more highlights from the evening.

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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 10/29/2023)

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