JANUARY 2026
Upcoming Events
Thursday, Jan. 8, 6:15 p.m. WHEN Family Game Night with free Candy Bar BINGO at Klem North. Klem North families can register here.
Wednesday, Jan 14, noon. WHEN monthly coalition meeting in person and online. Everyone is welcome! See details and/or register here.
Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m. WHEN Family Game Night with free Candy Bar BINGO at Plank South. Plank South families can register here.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30 p.m. WHEN Family Game Night with free Candy Bar BINGO at State Rd school. State Road families can register here.
Thursday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m. WHEN Family Game Night with free Candy Bar BINGO at DeWitt. DeWitt families can register here.
It’s Family Game Night season! Why does WHEN promote Family Game Nights? Shared activities strengthen children's bonds to their family or caregivers, and building community helps kids feel connected. These are protective factors that help to offset risks for developing substance use disorders later in life. Building your parent network grows your own support system and helps you keep your kids and their friends safe as they navigate their growing independence. So please, join us for an evening of fun and community at your child’s school!
Webster Headlines
Happy birthday to WHEN members celebrating in January:
Patty R., Wendy M., Susan G., Vanessa S., Kate Z., Lindsay T., Dorothy P., Joanne H., David L., Jess H., and Lauren Z.
We are very grateful to those who made a contribution to WHEN via United Way’s ROC the Day fundraising event in November. This was our first time joining the event and we plan to continue growing our capacity for fundraising beyond our grant so that we may remain productive in the Webster community for many years to come. If any of you have fundraising experience or would like to gain some, don’t be shy! Please email Janine and let her know how you might like to help out.
In 2026, Add Some Hygge to the Mix
“Protective factors are conditions or attributes in individuals, families, and communities that promote the health and well-being of children and families.” - ChildWelfare.gov
By WHEN member, Dana Buccieri, MEd
Hygge, pronounced hoo-ga, is a cornerstone of life for the Danes, who are known as the happiest people in the world! Yes, I am talking about Denmark where the Happiness Research Institute is located. Hygge is a Danish term that translates (rather loosely) to a sense of comfort, coziness of the soul, or togetherness. Hygge is believed to have originated in the early 1800’s from a Norwegian word that means well-being. However, the word may also come from hygge, which means to embrace and is where we get the word for hug. Already feeling warmer?
Hygge is a feeling; it is a feeling that you get when you are taking in the pleasure of an environment that provides a soothing calm. It can be about being with your people, those you love and those who make us feel safe. At the Happiness Research Institute, they study the quality of life, the cause and effects of human happiness and how to improve this across the world. Hopefully, I have grabbed your attention because hygge has definitely grabbed mine.
Denmark is similar to New York in climate and taxes; actually, they have some of the highest tax rates in the world. They are also a cloudy and rainy country. Half of their annual days with little to no sun… sound familiar?
As we finish the holiday season and begin a new year with shorter winter days, we may be filled with uncertainty, continued stress, or a feeling of wanting to take control. If you’re not sure where or how to start to overcome those feelings, hygge can provide a fairly simple formula.
Here is a summary of what you can do to create that feeling of hygge in your life from The Little Book of Hygge, by Meik Wiking:
Atmosphere: Create an environment where you have soothing pools of light; this can be done with soft lighting versus overhead lights, candles, or a toasty fire. Anything that creates that feeling of hominess and comfort.
Togetherness: Think about a hug without the physical contact. What would create that feeling? Being with those with whom you have a special relationship, intentionally going down memory lane, and reminiscing about the good times would be a great start. Think “we” over me. Intentionally gather and spend quality time with those who make you happy.
Food and drink: Slow food and comfort food… something simmering on the stove can bring on a nostalgic feeling, as well as warm up the kitchen. Baking is also a wonderful method to add to that sweet sense of smell that something exciting is coming your way! Hot drinks shared are a source of comfort to the soul.
Clothing: The Danes are a casual group of people, dressing in layers so that comfort can be obtained whether too hot or too cold. Think scarves and cozy socks or the favorite t-shirt or pj’s that no one really should see, but you cannot bear to throw away because they are your faves!
Home: Making our interior a setting in which we focus on relaxation, comfort, and pleasure over prestige and competition can help create hygge. If it involves playing board games with the family, try not to focus on the win but the time spent together under blankets or on a cushiony couch and the laughter that you may hear.
Senses: Hygge is often created by something we can taste, smell, see, hear, or feel. A sensation that life is good!
So get out your candles, blankets, and special dishes stored away while your soup is simmering. Drink the hot cocoa with the savory pastry that makes you feel indulged while sharing special memories with your tried and true!
To quote a special decorating diva who was in my life and sewed beautiful table cloths and pillows for me:
“These things are meant to be used; what are we saving them for?”
-Linda Brooks (my mom, a seamstress, and lover of the little and special things in life)
Happy New Year!
Spotlight
Our heartfelt thanks to ROC the Day donors:
Carolyn M., Steve G. and Shirley H.
Thank you for your support and confidence in our work!
Upcoming Meetings
We meet in person AND online via Google Meet the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Many of us join during our lunch break. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate. In fact, our goal is to have representation from all walks of life, to better meet the needs of the whole community.
Read last month's Coalition Meeting Minutes.
Reminders
Are you looking to build some healthier habits in 2025? Remember to start slow and build on small successes. Here’s a quick guide to get things moving in the right direction.