Tuesday evening, my Village Runners friends and I ran in shorts. Three days later, it’s snowing.
This (almost) spring’s topsy-turvy weather made me think of a very interesting article I read in the most recent Penny Farthing newsletter created by the volunteers at the Webster Museum. Titled “Plow, Plant, Harvest, and Hearth,” it took a closer look at what life was like in early Webster in each of the four seasons. I repost that article here for your enjoyment:
Plow, Plant, Harvest, and Hearth — Life in Early Webster Through the Four Seasons
Winter found older kids in school, people reading, making ice cream, maybe having a bath, eating the “put up” foods, and women and girls sewing, mending, knitting and quilting. Men and boys were busy repairing equipment and caring for the animals. Everyone was looking through the Sears Catalog and thinking about Christmas. Winter was a time of sickness and if a doctor was not available, the women knew what herbs to use.
Spring brought longer days, fresh greens, grass for the animals, maple syrup, sheep shearing, barn and house cleaning, and maybe move the outhouse if the pit was getting full. Crops were planted in freshly prepared fields and boys were out of school to work on the farm.
Summer brought soap making, laundry drying outside, smaller kids in school, swimming if a pond or creek was nearby, 4th of July celebrations, neighborhood gatherings and picnics. Much of the work was maintaining fields, gardens, and fruit trees. Also making butter and mending fences.
Fall found farm families butchering and preserving meat in salt or drying for winter. Wheat and oats were harvested for the animals or sold, and fruit and vegetables were picked and dried or “put up.” Pumpkins were preserved as they were high in Vitamin C. Barns were prepared and houses were cleaned and made ready for winter.
Some things haven’t changed. Winter is still a time of sickness, and I still like to hang my laundry outside and gather with neighbors and friends. But I am glad we no longer have to churn our own butter, thank you.
This article was just one of several very interesting historical tidbits in the spring edition of the Penny Farthing. They come out quarterly, and if you like learning about Webster’s fascinating history, you should subscribe. If you’d like to be added to the distribution list, email WebsterMuseum@gmail.com. If you’d like to see this month’s edition, click here, and to see past editions, click here.
* * *
(posted 3/13/2026)
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).
Lala of Webster is hosting a special event next Thursday to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center.
It’s called Sip, Savor & Support, an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.
From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday March 19, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” benefit pickleball tournament on April 4. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for live music and special appetizer and drink menus.
Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.
The Sip, Savor & Support event and the pickleball tournament are both being held in honor of Marty Lembo, who passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. His memory lives on through Team Marty, a group of friends and family members who continue to raise funds in his name to benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center. The “Dinking for Wilmot Dollars” pickleball tournament is one of their biggest events, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 4 at Dinkers Pickleball in Fairport.
Click on the flyer below for more details and to register.
* * *
(posted 3/12/2026)
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).
An exciting competition is taking shape this weekend when our very own One Webster SparX 1126 robotics team takes part in the Finger LakesRegional First Robotics Competition at RIT‘s Gordon Field House, and everyone in the Webster community is invited to attend to cheer on our team.
This year’s game is called REBUILT, and it has an archaeological/restoration theme. The robots have to recover “artifacts” (represented by yellow 6-inch foam balls) and use them to power up their alliance’s HUB, the central scoring structure, by placing them or throwing them in. There are obstacles (of course), including a trench that robots can drive under if they’re short enough, and bumps they have to drive over.
If you’ve never been to one of these events, try to picture something between a high-stakes engineering lab and a high-energy rock concert. It’s loud, fast-paced, and despite its competitive nature, is quite the community event — for the audience members and competitors alike. The stands are filled with students in bright, themed costumes (including capes and tutus). There’s constant music and team chants, and an emcee offering play-by-play commentary.
Each match lasts 2 minutes and 30 seconds, during which time alliances are made, robots move alternately in a pre-programmed mode, then student-operated mode as they work towards completing their task, finally sprinting through last 30 seconds and a “climax” task. In the “pits,” students work feverishly to repair or upgrade their robots, and sometimes help other teams fix their broken robots as well; that kind of professionalism is a core FIRST philosophy, balancing competition with kindness.
A few images from a competition held last September
The excitement begins on Thursday (March 12) with practice from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The competition begins in earnest on Friday beginning with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., then qualification matches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, final qualification matches begin at 9 a.m., concluding with the playoffs at 1:30 p.m. and awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
Visitors are welcome — and encouraged — any day at any time, to watch the robots in action. (Admission is totally free.) If you’re able to attend, look for the large “1126” lights in the stands and join your Webster neighbors for a day you will not soon forget. If you’d like to see the action but can’t make it to RIT, you can see it streamed live on YouTube with these links:
Students learned about the competition game on January 10 and have been meeting every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday (with the occasional Thursday) since then at their workshop at Webster Thomas High School. The team is made up of 15 students divided into sub-teams — electrical, software, mechanical, a drive team and a promotions team — all made up of 9th through 12th graders from both Schroeder and Thomas. The team’s 12 mentors have backgrounds in these areas, as well as marketing and web design and truly come alongside students to help them learn, rather than build for them.
So far the team has raised $18,000 to build their robot, which is about 110” diameter base, and stands almost 30” high. It has an extending hopper to hold up to 24 balls (fuel) which it can propel into the hopper on the game field.
* * *
(posted 3/11/2026)
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).
Color Webster Green is planning a special presentation on Monday March 16, an Introduction to Native Plant Gardening. Instructor Jill Carter from Color Penfield Green will teach how to start a native plant garden. Native plants provide habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. They’re also a beautiful addition to your home landscape. This class will give an introduction to native trees, shrubs and perennials and where to source them.
The class will take place at the Webster Public Library on Monday March 16 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The class is free but registration is required.
Rec Center stuff
Just a few notices from the Webster Recreation Center’s Senior Center, starting with some upcoming Talks on Tuesday:
Tuesday March 17: Meet Alex Scialdone, Webster’s new Town Supervisor. To register, look for activity# 146940-K
Tuesday March 24: Mary Coy, the Joyful Birder. Join Mary Coy as she shares her passion for birding. We are looking forward to her beautiful photos, great stories, and interesting bird facts. Register for activity #146940-L
Tuesday March 31: The Grandparent Connection. Rick Cognata invites grandparents into a warm, interactive conversation, like chatting over a cup of coffee, about the legacy they’re building with their grandchildren. Using four simple principles, the session encourages reflection, shared insights, and thoughtful dialogue around what grandchildren truly remember, the second-chance perspective that often comes with grandparenting, and how today’s changing parenting dynamics call for greater curiosity, respect, and boundary awareness. Register for activity# 146940-M.
Talks on Tuesday programs are designed for community members aged 55+, and are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.
And did you hear? The Recreation Center has a new bus!
And this fun event happening at the Rec Center is for the whole family:
It’s called the LEGO Family Show Down, a friendly competition where family teams will race against one another and against the clock. Each family will have a maximum of two hours to free-build anything they want. There are no restrictions or themes and each family’s creation will be a reflection of their own imagination and skills. Each creation will be on display for a week at the Webster Recreation Center for the community to vote on a winner.
The Show Down takes place on Friday March 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per family and registration is required. Look for program 101203-A.
By the way, these are just a few of the events I pulled off the Rec Center’s two great newsletters, “The Word,” and the “55+ Newsletter.” If you’d like one of these sent to your email box every month to keep up on the latest happenings at the Rec Center, find out more here.
Navigating AI Together
Parents are invited to an informative presentation all about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s impacting education.
Next Wednesday, Joe Montemaro, the Webster Central School District’s Director of Educational Technology and Information/Communications, will present “Navigating AI Together,” an informative evening dedicated to exploring and discussing the challenges of AI in education. Key topics will include: What is AI? Webster CSD’s AI Journey Resources for Families
The event will take place Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School Auditorium, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. No registration is required.
Need to know more about your Medicare Advantage plan?
The deadline to change or update your Medicare Advantage plan is approaching quickly.
If you or someone in your household is in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have the opportunity to make a coverage change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which runs through March 31. The Webster Chamber of Commerce owns and operates rocENROLL HEALTH, which is serving our area in March by assisting Medicare Advantage Plan recipients with a plan change during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period.
There’s no need to take any action if you’re happy with the plan you’re in now. However, if you’re finding that your current plan isn’t meeting your needs, you have options, including switching to a different Medicare Advantage Plan. The Chamber can help you investigate a best-fit health insurance plan change with a virtual or in-office appointment by calling 585-265-3851.
****
We’re halfway through March, so it’s time to tease some April events:
Donors visiting the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, April 9, at the Webster Volunteer Firemen’s Exempt Building are in for a special treat. The Women’s Club of Webster is proud to once again be assisting at the canteen, providing homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks to those giving the gift of life.
The blood drive will be held on Thursday April 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you have any questions, call Katie Hout at 585-353-9964.
April special events at the library
The Webster Public Library’s annual Diverse Abilities Resource Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon.
If you’re looking for resources for your loved one with a disability, this is a great opportunity to meet and chat with representatives from several Rochester-area organizations which offer all sorts of programs and support. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required but recommended if you would like a reminder. To register, please call 585-872-7075 or visit websterlibrary.org. If you would like to participate in the fair as an organization, please contact Jenny Paxson at 585-872-7075 ext 6144 or email at jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org.
AND, the Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Spring Book Sale will be held Wednesday April 22 through Saturday April 25.
Specifically,
Friends Members Only Book Sale & Vintage Book Sale | Wednesday, April 22 | 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Book Sale | Thursday, April 23 | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Bag Sale | Friday, April 24 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bag Sale | Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WHEN drug take-back
April 25 is National Drug Take Back Day, and WHEN (Webster Health and Education Network) will be collecting unused medications in front of the Webster Town Justice Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. This is a drive-through event, so all you’ll have to do is hand your bag out the window.
More details will come, but put this on your calendar now and start cleaning out your medicine cabinets.
* * *
(posted 3/10/2026)
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 Willink Student-Parent Band will be presenting their spring concert this coming Saturday, March 14.
This is a very talented local music group whose musicians range from middle schoolers to grandparents, doing what they love to do — play music — all together in one place.
The band, now in its 33rd season, is comprised of Webster School District students, alumni, parents, grandparents and community members. It’s led by conductors Tiffany DiPiazza and Matt Osika, and provides a multi-generational experience like no other.
The band will welcome a special guest to the concert stage this Saturday, the Perinton Concert Band. Directed by Mark Kellogg, the band is a group of local musicians that has grown into one of the most highly regarded community bands in the Northeastern United States.
The Willink Middle School Student-Parent Band will perform Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. in the Willink Cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. A $2 donation is suggested for admission. Tickets can be purchased from band members or at the door.
* * *
(posted 3/8/2026)
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 happened to watch one of the local TV newscasts on Friday night, or if you follow the City of Rochester social media feeds, you might have noticed a familiar face. At a press conference held Friday morning at City Hall, the Rochester St. Patrick’s Parade Committee officially introduced this year’s parade honorees, and Webster’s very own Bella’s Bumbas was one of them — pretty much front and center.
Bella’s Bumbas has been named Official Charitable Organization of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I blogged about this honor a few weeks ago, when the Parade Committee held its first press conference at the Hilton Garden Inn. But watching our Webster friends accept their commemorative sash in the magnificent City Hall atrium, alongside the city’s top officials, turned a great announcement into a truly meaningful milestone.
Rebecca Orr, who co-founded the organization with her husband Marty Parzynski, was on hand to accept the honor, accompanied by volunteer Shelby Deane and her “Bumbaleer” daughter Lyla. In her remarks, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride explained why Bella’s Bumbas is so deserving of this recognition:
Bella’s Bulbas is a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children with mobility challenges by providing them with the gift of movement and independence.
Through the design, assembly, and donation of custom-built, child-sized wheelchairs, Bella’s Bumbas ensures that every child, regardless of background or financial circumstance, can explore, play and connect with their world. Each wheelchair is lovingly constructed by passionate volunteers and given to families free of charge, asking only for shipping costs when necessary.
Rebecca placing the sash on Lyla (photo courtesy City of Rochester)Kate McBride, Rebecca Orr, Shelby Deane and Lyla
Since its founding ten years ago, Bellas Bumbas has provided 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. That’s an incredible legacy for a grassroots organization that began as a small community effort in one small house.
Accepting the honor, Rebecca credited the organization’s success in large part to her dedicated team of volunteers, here in Rochester and worldwide. And when she was handed her tri-colored sash, she chose not to put it on. Instead, she draped it over Lyla in her wheelchair. “I had to put the sash on Lyla,” she explained, “because Bella’s Bumbas is not about us adults. It’s about the children, and their heroes, the parents who fight for them and advocate for them.”
And THAT selfless perspective is a good illustration of why Marty and Rebecca — and Bella’s Bumbas — deserve this amazing honor.
As the Official Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve been working hard crafting a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs with “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss. (Check out the photos below for a sneak peek.)
So when you see them, raise a rousing cheer for Bella’s Bumbas, our Webster neighbors, who are changing children’s lives.
The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St.
* * *
(posted 2/13/2026)
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).
At their regular Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday evening March 5, Supervisor Alex Scialdone and Deputy Supervisor Nick Hunter presented a proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month.
The supervisor had invited representatives from the Women’s Club of Webster (WCW) to receive it, in recognition of the club’s long history and commitment to the Webster community. I was honored to be able to attend the presentation as the club’s First Vice-President, and was grateful to be joined by WCW President Diana Holzwasser.
As is standard with these proclamations, there were a lot of “Whereas”es and one “Therefore Be It Resolved.” But whoever wrote it did a nice job of highlighting the contributions women have made in building our nation and the struggles we’ve overcome to earn respect and make our mark in society.
This was the first time the Town Board has officially acknowledged Women’s History Month in the Town of Webster. (Click here to see the Town of Webster’s announcement on their Facebook page.)
Thank you, gentlemen, for taking the time and making the effort to prepare and present this proclamation. Diana and I were proud to represent the Women’s Club and receive it in the name of all women everywhere who have worked so hard to make our community as strong as it is.
(Pictured above: L-R: Trustee Nick Hunter, Supervisor Alex Scialdone, me, Diana Holzwasser)
* * *
(posted 3/4/2026)
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).
For me, the surest sign of spring is when my driveway is once again full of artistic chalk drawings.
Well, “artistic” might be a bit of a stretch. After all, we are talking about “art” created by preschoolers, who — whenever the weather allows — come by my house and enjoy the simple pleasure of scribbling with chalk. Everywhere.
Every day, just before lunch, my friend Laura rolls by with some little friends, for whom she provides daycare. Some days there may be only four of them, other days more like six or eight. At least two, often three or four, are tucked into a stroller, while the rest toddle alongside. My house is a regular stop on their daily walks, and the kids have come to expect a box of chalk waiting for them when they arrive.
But this winter has been long and snowy and cold, and the messy sidewalks not fit for strollers. I hadn’t seen the daycare caravan for what seemed like forever. But then, on Wednesday, when it was sunny and the temperature hit 50 degrees, I got a text: “We’re heading out for a walk. Will you be home?”
I assured Laura that I would, made a cup of coffee and sat out on my porch to watch for them. Sure enough, about twenty minutes later, I saw the advance guard running down the sidewalk towards my house as furiously as their little legs could take them. My knees enjoyed several hugs.
You see the result of their visit. It’s all rather Neo-Expressionistic, but if you look closely, you’ll see moons and flowers and rainbows and some kind of bird. I think.
Next week’s weather is supposed to be spring-like, so I look forward to getting more knee-hugs and my driveway being messed up several more times in the coming days. It just makes my heart happy.
* * *
(posted 3/4/2026)
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 Women’s Club of Webster is delighted to invite the community to its highly anticipated Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, April 25. The event promises an afternoon of elegance, fine dining, and community spirit, all hosted at the beautiful Penfield Country Club.
This year’s show will feature the latest spring and summer trends presented by Chico’s of Pittsford. Beyond the fashions, guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon and opportunities to take home some fun prizes.
Guests may choose from three delicious entrees: Caesar salad with chicken, grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, and chicken French with lemon sherry sauce. All lunches include beverage, roll and dessert. Attendees can also enter raffles for a wide variety of exciting gift baskets, and have a chance to win one of several door prizes.
The 2026 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Penfield Rd. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes the lunch and fashion presentation. To reserve your seat, send a check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Bonnie Travis, 1065 Vista Trail, Webster, NY 14580. Please indicate your menu choice and who you’d like to sit with, if applicable. Deadline to register is April 13. About the Women’s Club of Webster: The Women’s Club of Webster is a non-profit organization dedicated to fellowship and community service. All net proceeds raised at the fashion show, and through the club’s many other activities, directly support local charities and scholarships.
* * *
(posted 3/4/2026)
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).
When the students of Webster Thomas High School take the stage with their production of Footloose, you’re gonna have a hard time keeping still in your seat.
Here’s how I know: I attended a dress rehearsal last Sunday afternoon, and was still standing in the auditorium aisle when the young Thomas actors burst onstage with their first song: “Footloose.” And I started dancing. Right there in the aisle. I just couldn’t resist. The music — and the singing — are that good.
And the show just got better from there. That first song was representative of the talent that you’ll see this weekend as Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose, Thursday through Saturday March 5 through 7.
You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves from Chicago to small-town Bomont, where rock music and dancing have been outlawed by the local government and the influential Rev. Shaw Moore. Determined to bring life back to the community, Ren teams up with the Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, and his best friend Willard, to challenge the law and organize a school dance.
And we all know the music (the title song is probably running through your head right now). The production revisits iconic 1980s songs from the Tony-nominated top-40 score, including “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and of course “Footloose,” guaranteeing a high-energy, high-stepping good time.
Led by Artistic Director Benjamin Rabinowitz and Music Director/Producer Kyle Sackett, the production features a talented cast, crew, and pit of nearly 100 Webster Thomas students. There’s some salty language, so you probably don’t want to bring your young children. But parents, if you need an inexpensive night out and want to revisit a classic, you will NOT be disappointed by Webster Thomas’ Footloose.
Shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Show times are:
Thursday March 5, 7 p.m.
Friday March 6, 7 p.m.
Saturday March 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here. If you’d like to see more photos from the rehearsal, click here to access my gallery.
* * *
(posted 3/3/2026)
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 feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 