Archive | July, 2025

My own personal band concert

31 Jul

Every summer, music seems to be everywhere in the Village of Webster — at the gazebo, at Harmony Park, in the pubs and on the street. This summer, though, it’s appeared in an unexpected place: the grassy lawn outside Spry Middle School.

For the last few weeks, sections of our very own Webster Marching Band have been rehearsing outside of Spry Middle School. Perhaps temperatures inside the building are worse than outside, or maybe it’s their “band camp,” so setting up outdoors just seems appropriate. But whatever the reason, I and my neighbors have been enjoying beautiful music, sometimes for hours on end.

For a long time it was only the drummers rehearsing in the parking lot and adjacent to the southeast corner of the school. Many of them show up early for their session and just start noodling around while they wait for everyone else to arrive. (I’ve never known a musician who can stand by an instrument without playing it. Musicians just gotta make music. At all times.) When everyone is assembled and the rehearsal begins in earnest, it’s like listening to a coordinated drum line, telling a story through rhythm, tempo and thunderous drumbeats.

But more recently, the brass section has also set up their music stands, rehearsing closer to the school’s front door, basically at the end of my street. When their trumpets are combined with sousaphones and mellophones, the strong, clear notes can be heard two blocks away, resonating throughout the neighborhood. The power of their music, the beauty of their harmonies, just blow me away. (Which is not surprising given that the band took first place in last year’s state championships.)

Unfortunately, we’re not being serenaded with entire compositions, but are only getting snippets. It seems like every day the focus is on a different, perhaps particularly difficult movement, so we’re only hearing bits and pieces of a much larger work. I suspect that much of what I’m hearing are parts of this year’s competition program, “In Times Of.” I look forward to attending the 2025 Autumn Fanfare field band competition on Saturday Oct. 4 to see and hear the whole show.

But even before that, there actually IS a way to get a preview of the program, when the Webster Marching Band offers two sneak-peek performances of In Times Of at their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St. The event will feature great food (participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza), vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, raffles…and some great music. The mini-shows will take place at 6 and 7 p.m.

So thank you for the free concerts, Webster Marching Band, and I can’t wait to see the whole show!

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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 7/31/2025)

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A peaceful new addition to Webster Union Cemetery, thanks to local Eagle Scout

30 Jul

Visitors to Webster Union Cemetery on Webster Rd. will soon have a beautiful and tranquil new place to rest and reflect, thanks to the hard work of Eagle Scout candidate DaniLee Phillips from Scouts BSA Troop 425.

Over the past several weeks, Dani and a team of dedicated volunteers have been building a memorial garden tucked along the west side of the cemetery’s main building. Once completed, the space will feature a 12-by-12-foot patio shaded by a pergola and surrounded by flowers and shrubs. Benches and a fountain will help create a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.

The garden is both easy to find and thoughtfully set back to offer privacy. Dani worked closely with cemetery staff to choose the ideal location. “Here, it’s visible,” she explained, “but it’s hidden from Route 250, so that creates some privacy.”

The idea for the garden took root nearly a year ago, when Dani first proposed the project during the cemetery’s 200th anniversary celebration last August.

“It was a long process,” she said. “I had a lot of ideas, but I knew I wanted to do some kind of remembrance project. I chose this garden because I thought it would be a nice little touch.”

Construction began about three weeks ago. With help from family members, fellow Scouts and their parents, Dani led two major work parties that completed the patio and pergola. The final touches — planting the flowers and bushes and installing the fountain — are all that remain.

The project has also benefited from generous community support. Lowe’s in Webster offered a significant discount on the pergola materials, RT Masters donated all the pavers and deeply discounted bench delivery, and Thomas Landscaping is providing the flowers and shrubs at a steep discount.

Dani recently graduated from Webster Thomas High School and will soon head to Susquehanna University to study history. Scouts BSA Troop 425, based at Webster Presbyterian Church, is Webster’s first all-girls troop.

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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 7/30/2025)

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Meet Webster’s earliest settlers at Webster Union Cemetery’s Hike Through History

29 Jul

History will come alive on Saturday, Aug. 9 when Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd., will host a “Hike Through History,” a self-guided tour encouraging participants to step back in time and “meet” the some of our town’s earliest settlers.  

During the tour, you’ll learn about Revolutionary War patriots who fought with General George Washington, spent the winter at Valley Forge, and answered the Lexington Concord Alarm. You’ll hear about the complicated family dynamics of Elijah Preston’s family; half were on the Patriot side, half on the British side, and Elijah was caught in the middle. You’ll hear about shopkeepers, a bootleg whiskey operation, cholera epidemics, and early Webster “cures.”

Even though the tour is self-guided, participants will be able to chat with several historical re-enactors. For example, Robert Woodhull with be there. Better known these days for the road named after him, during the Revolutionary War, Robert was a member of the Culper Spy Ring responsible for reporting British troop activity. Meet the mild-mannered Webster school-marm who walked side-by-side with Susan B. Anthony to promote suffrage (and was arrested with her). These are the people who started it all, named our roads, formed our government, and fought in our wars.

Hike Through History is a time capsule of early Webster. How we began, cleared the land, endured wars, epidemics, and went on to build a town where “Life is Worth Living.” Attendees will leave with the time-honored recipe for Skunk Stew, an early Webster delicacy. Requested donation for the experience is $10. Proceeds will be used to help repair the headstones of our earliest settlers.

Hike Through History will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt 250 and Woodhull Road).

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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 7/29/2025)

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Webster Rec Center invites everyone to get sweaty and muddy this summer

28 Jul

Been sweating a lot this summer already, haven’t we? Well, here’s a way to actually sweat with a purpose: the Webster Recreation Center’s “Sweating at Sandbar” program, a series of fitness classes held at Sandbar Park, 302 Lake Rd., which are totally free and open to the entire community.

The next scheduled programs are two spin classes on Friday Aug. 1, one beginning at 10 a.m. and the second beginning at 10:45. They’ll last about 35 minutes each. Then, on Saturday Aug. 30, there’s a yoga/pilates class from 9 to 10 a.m. You need only bring a yoga mat (if needed) and a water bottle. All other equipment will be provided.

More classes will be scheduled, so stay tuned.

Muddy fun returns to the Rec Center

I also recently found out that the annual Mud Run will be returning to the Rec Center on Saturday Sept. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Mud Run is the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning. It’s a non-competitive, un-timed, one-mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. It’s always a huge amount of fun. I usually go through it twice.

Several vendors and local organizations will be attending with freebies and information, and all participants will get hot dogs and chips after the race.

Cost is just $5. I’ll write about this event again well before it happens, including registration and vendor information, but in the meantime make sure to get it on your family calendar.

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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 7/28/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Jul

Lots of new and different stuff in today’s mailbag, plus a few reminders at the end of some musical events.

Your opinions are important

The Town of Webster is still looking for more community input as they plan to update the town’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan guides zoning, the actions of the Planning Board, informs what greenspace protections are implemented at a town level and what code changes the Town Board can implement to protect greenspace within developments…or not.

A successful Comprehensive Plan requires substantial public input and community engagement, and so far, not a whole lot of people have clicked through to the survey to voice their opinions. There’s still time to do so; the survey deadline has been extended through July 30. If you tried to take it before and found it a bit intimidating, try this much faster and easier three-question alternative. The Town will accept responses from both surveys.

If you’d like to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and why it’s important, the Webster Open Space Committee will be holding an information session on Monday Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

Euchre at the library

The Webster Public Library is starting up a Euchre Club, which will meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., beginning on Aug. 6. Experienced and brand new euchre players are welcome; if you don’t know how to play, show up at 5:15 for a quick review of the rules. Light refreshments will be provided, and you can also bring your own snacks.

Please register for each session you’d like to attend. Interest is expected to be high, so if you find that a session is full, place your name on the wait list, and as soon as four people are on the list, the library will open up another table. If you’ve registered and find you cannot attend, please cancel your registration.

Each session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30, and there’s no charge. For more information and to register, click here.

Take a test drive, win Buffalo Bills swag

West Herr Ford at 810 Ridge Rd. (corner of Five Mile Line) is hosting a Test Drive Fundraising Event on Saturday Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

For every person who registers and takes a quick test drive, West Herr will donate $40 to Webster Community Chest. If 50 people sign up and drive, that means a cool $2,000 for one of Webster’s coolest agencies.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT! Every person who test drives will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win Buffalo Bills merchandise and other prizes, including a life-sized Josh Allen stand out and an autographed football.

BUT THERE’S MORE! West Herr will also have free DiBella’s subs and soft drinks, so you can grab lunch while you’re there. If you come in the morning, you’ll enjoy coffee and donuts.

No appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and choose from a whole line-up of cars and trucks (or they’ll bring out something else off the lot if you want). Just hop in, take a short drive, return and hop out. No hard sales, no obligation. Takes about 15 minutes.

Good food to support great music

The Webster Marching Band Boosters will host their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St.

Participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza. The event will also feature artisan vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, plus a 50/50 and vendor raffles.

Guests will also get a preview of this year’s Webster Marching Band show, “In Times Of” at 6 and 7 p.m.

The boosters are still looking for more artisans, crafters, and restaurants to showcase and sell their products during the event. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, click here for the application.

Help Webster Hope help our neighbors go back to school

One good thing about school supplies hitting the store shelves already is that you can get some really good deals. While you’re out there stocking up on supplies for your kids, please pick up a few extra items for the annual Webster NY Hope community collection.

Webster Hope is collecting NEW supplies from now through Aug. 19 to stuff in backpacks for children in our community who are in need. The entire wish list is on the flyer here, but you can also see the list on the Webster NY Hope Facebook page.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster Hope during the agency’s open hours, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new backpacks filled with brand new school supplies will be handed out to pre-registered families in about a month. I’ve been at one of these distribution events, and the excitement I have seen in these kids’ eyes is heartwarming.

Music, music and more music

Now here come some musical reminders:

  • The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 14, featuring the String Brothers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These concerts are held at the gazebo, and are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
  • The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series returns Aug. 1 with a performance by It’s My Party. Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m. They’re free and no registration is needed.
  • The United Church of Christ‘s next outdoor Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 30, featuring Ruby Shooz. It will benefit the Webster Community Chest. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if you’d like. United Church of Christ is located at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
  • The Webster Village Band‘s next community concert is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Village Band Shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Rd. The theme is “At The Movies,” highlighting movie soundtracks from many well-known composers. These conc erts are also free and open to the public.

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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 7/27/2025)

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Got my Santa list in early this year

26 Jul

So it was a hot and steamy 80 degrees outside Saturday morning, and people were out in their tank tops and shorts. Still, it looked like Christmas at Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Webster Towne Center Plaza.

It was the market’s annual Christmas in July celebration, and in addition to the market’s normal assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheeses, baked goods and more, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to welcome children.

The jolly duo — who arrived by fire truck around 10 a.m. — didn’t seem phased by the heat, and had a busy morning, welcoming children and adults of all ages with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” as they walked by. Many of the young visitors were clearly excited to have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and get their Christmas wishes submitted early. Others had to be coaxed a bit by their parents, many of whom also wanted their photos with Santa. But every child walked away with a candy cane, personally handed to them by Mrs. Claus.

The festive atmosphere filled the entire market, with holiday decorations and a harpist playing Christmas carols. And while there weren’t any actual Christmas lights, the fresh vegetables brought plenty of red, green and yellow holiday cheer.

As for all the Halloween decorations ALREADY appearing in the stores, I say bah humbug! But Santa at the farm market in July? I’m always a fan.

Here are a few more photos:

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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 7/26/2025)

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More than just books: Webster Library launches weekly walking club

25 Jul

The Webster Public Library has always been a hub for lifelong learning, filled with book clubs, storytimes, lectures, creative workshops and educational opportunities designed to keep your mind engaged. But now, it’s taking things a step further — literally. A new walking program is putting physical wellness on the agenda, recognizing that staying mentally sharp is easier when your body is active, too.

The Library Walking Club kicked off about two months ago and meets every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Led by library assistants Lee Cooney and Maggie Gibson, the group takes an at-your-own-pace walk around Webster. The hour-long strolls begin and end at the library and follow a route that’s manageable for all ages and ability levels. So far, that’s usually meant a walk along the Rt. 104 bike path from Hard Road to Holt Road and back.

“We aim for the least amount of traffic engagement,” Lee said. “The path is paved and for the most part reasonably kept up,” which makes it accessible for everyone. Having two staff members on hand also allows the group to spread out while still staying connected. “We do try to be mindful of everyone’s pace,” Lee added.

As the program grows, Lee and Maggie are exploring other routes to keep things fresh. For example, a few weeks ago the walk included a stop for Bruster’s ice cream, and just last week, the group explored the Hickory Bark Trail in the wooded area behind the library.

But wherever the trail leads, the goal remains simple: “Keep moving, meet new people, and have a good time together,” Lee said.

The Webster Public Library Walking Club continues every Tuesday at 2 p.m. through Sept. 20. Walks are held rain or shine (“Some people actually like walking in the rain,” Lee noted), unless conditions are unsafe. The program is free, and no registration is required; just meet in the library’s main lobby. If a walk needs to be canceled, updates will be posted on the library’s calendar, Facebook page, and a sign in the lobby. You can also call 585-872-7075 with questions.

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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 7/25/2025)

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Santa’s coming to the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market this Saturday!

24 Jul

It may feel more like sunburn season than sleigh bell season, but that’s not stopping the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market from celebrating Christmas in July this weekend. And despite the sizzling summer temps, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special off-season appearance.

The jolly duo will be arriving by fire truck at the market at 10 a.m. this Saturday, July 26. They’ll visit with children until noon, and most certainly will be wandering through the market to check out the great local fruits, veggies, sauces, crafts, flowers and more. (Mrs. Claus might even take some treats back to the North Pole for the reindeer.) There’ll be candy canes for the kids and free Christmas in July pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. So bring the whole family — and don’t forget to bring your wish lists.

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is located at Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy). It’s open every Saturday through October from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

If you’d like to be reminded of other special events scheduled at the market, stay on top of the latest news at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page.

And don’t forget that the very popular Evening in the Park Market has returned to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds). Every Wednesday evening through Aug. 28, the market will be set up at the park from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks, so remember to pack your folding chairs!

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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 7/24/2025)

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Miracle Field’s Heroes Helping Heroes Day returns this weekend

24 Jul

Sometimes really cool events just sneak under my radar. Yesterday, though, I had the great pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with Ron Kampff of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field, who reminded me about what’s happening over there this weekend.

And this is such a cool event that I definitely did not want to miss promoting it.

It’s called Heroes Helping Heroes Day, an annual event that combines baseball, Miracle Field athletes and first responders in a fun and inspirational morning of sports and friendship.

This year’s Heroes Day takes place at Miracle Field, 100 Ridge Rd., Webster, this Saturday July 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local first responders spend the morning at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, and the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, the Seneca Park ZooMobile, a dunk tank, obstacle course and lots more.

This is a great morning of safe family fun. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking. To find out more, visit www.rochestermiraclefield.org.

About Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester  

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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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 7/24/2025)

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Stars of tomorrow are on stage this week

23 Jul

If you’ve ever been in the audience of a Webster Thomas or Schroeder high school musical, then you’ve no doubt been dazzled by the talent: powerful vocals, confident stage presence, and choreography that looks Broadway-ready. But that kind of polish doesn’t just happen. Behind every standout performance is a long journey that often began years earlier, in community productions, acting classes, and summer theater camps like Webster Theater for Youth, where young performers learn the ropes long before they ever set foot on a high school stage.

This week you have the chance to see some of those stars of tomorrow in action when the Webster Theater for Youth presents Disney’s Frozen, Jr. in three shows, Wednesday Thursday and Friday night at 7 p.m.

Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life. It’s an uplifting story of susterly love and acceptance, packed with magic, adventure and humor. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus new songs written for the Broadway production.

Almost 100 cast, chorus and stage crew members, all third through eighth graders — led by five high school-aged students directors — have been working hard for almost three weeks to bring this delightful production to the stage.

Performances will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd., on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday July 23 to 26. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and are available online here.

About the Webster Theater for Youth

Established in 2022, Webster Theater For Youth is a nonprofit organization created with one goal in mind: provide an immersive summer theater experience for students of the Webster and surrounding communities, run by certified educators focused on creating an enjoyable, memorable, and impactful theatrical production.

Its directors strive to create a space that accepts all young performers and provides a safe haven for them to grow, socialize, and improve their artistic craft. Productions are held to the highest standards to give students and audiences the best experience possible.

For more information, visit their website here or Facebook page 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).

(posted 7/22/2025)

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