Archive | July, 2025

You’re invited to a party!

21 Jul

Today, a reminder about a party being held this coming Wednesday, to which you are invited.

The Women’s Club of Webster is hosting the celebration in honor of the organization’s 60th anniversary, and the entire community is welcome to attend — men and women both!

The event will take place on Wednesday, July 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. It will be a casual, come-and-go-as-you-like gathering filled with fun and community spirit. There’s no admission charge, and everyone is welcome to stop by, stay as long as they want.

Guests will enjoy snacks, beverages and music, along with the opportunity to meet club members and connect with many of the local non-profit organizations the Women’s Club supports through its charitable mission. It’s a great chance to learn more about the club’s six decades of community service, and perhaps discover how you might want to get involved.

So stop in and say hi! I’ll be there at the welcome table or wandering around the room chatting with everyone.

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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 7/21/2025)

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Heads up! There’s construction on the Hojack

21 Jul

This is a bonus blog today, piggybacking on an email I just got from the Friends of Webster Trails.

Starting this week, the Hojack Trail will be under construction to improve the surface of the trail. While the work is being completed, trail sections will be closed to the public, and signs will be put in place.

Please follow the signs and don’t enter the trail sections while the work is being completed. Yes, it will be an inconvenience for a while, but yes, our cooperation will help the Friends get the work done that much more quickly. And once it’s done, the Hojack will be even more awesome than ever.

If you’re reading this and saying to yourself, “What’s the Hojack Trail?”, you really should get to know the Friends of Webster Trails a whole lot better.

The all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails have built and constantly maintain a ton of amazing trails, which already measure more than 20 miles — and they keep creating more every year. You can view a map of all the trails on the Friends’ website. If you’re already a regular trail user, please consider showing the Friends some love by becoming a member. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $10 or $15 — check it out here) and the funds they raise go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

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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 7/21/2025)

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It’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe

20 Jul

I was just lamenting to someone just the other day how the stores are ALREADY displaying school supplies, adding that I’m happy that at least the Halloween merchandise isn’t in the shelves yet, anyway. Then I get an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe touting all of the Christmas fabrics they’ve got in the shop.

CHRISTMAS fabrics!

I know, I know, if you’re a quilter, you have to start thinking very early about your holiday projects, so I don’t fault Vanetta and Monique for already hyping the season. And I looked at all the images of the fabrics on the email — they’re so pretty and festive that they kind of make me want to learn how to quilt.

Getting that email did remind me that I haven’t posted about the Quilt Shoppe recently, despite it being one of my favorite little village shops. Vanetta and Monique always have fun things going on. This month, for example, you can enter the Christmas in July raffle, they’ve got lots of cool classes, and they’re starting to put together their third annual cookbook. This year’s edition will feature bread and soup recipes. Bring your favorites into the shop or email them to vqsrecipe@gmail.com.

So pop in, check out the new fabrics, pick up some new supplies and enter the raffle. And if you know someone who loves quilting, consider grabbing a gift certificate. After all, if it’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe, that means the Christmas shopping season has officially begun.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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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 7/20/2025)

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An in-depth look at the WEBSTER bushes

19 Jul

Last March, I posted a blog about those big “WEBSTER” bushes adjacent to Rt.104 that welcome people to our town. In it, I told a bit about how they came about, and a little of their history, including the vandalism that almost completely destroyed them in 2010.

If you’re interested in even more and better information about that iconic landmark, read on. The most recent Penny Farthing newsletter published by the Webster Museum features a terrific article which goes even deeper into its history, and current efforts to update it:

We’ve all seen the living sign along Rt. 104 near the Bay Bridge, welcoming all to Webster. The idea for this was the brainchild of the Webster Chamber of Commerce (WCC). Planning began in 1985 and ideas included an illuminated sign and a “HOLLYWOOD” styled sign. The committee settled on a landscaped area with a living sign – the word WEBSTER spelled out with privet bushes. An early design showed the bushes planted in an arc shape with brick chips filling in around the bushes and flowers planted at the top and bottom of the landscaped area.

A permit was issued by New York State in September 1986, granting permission for the WCC to create a decorative planting on state land. Bill Teamerson of Environmental Design planted the privet bushes in the fall of 1986 and construction began in 1987. The initial project cost was approximately $2000.

By the fall of 1987, it became obvious that the privet was not adapting well and the decision was made to replace the privet with 60 yew bushes in the spring of 1988.

After six years, the flower beds were requiring too much upkeep and, in 1993, were replaced with low-maintenance decorative stone. Dick Thomas designed the sailboat and water mosaic that we see today, using red sandstone from New Jersey and bluestone from Kentucky. The ten tons of stone were carried by hand in five-gallon buckets up the hill to the site.

In the spring of 2010, disaster struck. Vandals destroyed the W bush. Replacing the bushes in the W shape was not an acceptable choice. It would take too long for the new bushes to grow and match the appearance of the other letters. Replacing all of the bushes was discussed, but the cost was prohibitive – just over $5000. The WCC placed a survey on their website asking the question – should we replace the living sign with a wood sign, or replace the bushes and repair the living sign? Overwhelmingly, responders voted to replace the bushes, repairing the living bush sign. Local radio personality Tony Infantino held an on-air “radio-thon” with WCC president Barry Howard asking for donations. Callers donated $3500 to offset the cost. The WCC donated funds and Dick Thomas donated the balance of the money needed to replace the bushes and the labor to remove the old yew bushes and replant with privet bushes. Privet was chosen this time because it was found to be more deer resistant than the yew, and the new bushes did not wither as the original privet plantings did.

Now, at the beginning of summer 2025, the WCC is working with Thomas Landscape to again update and modernize the stone mosaic. They hope to have the project completed in the summer of 2026.

Our living sign is still standing – a warm and welcoming site as we cross the bridge coming home.

If you haven’t subscribed to the Penny Farthing newsletter yet, consider doing so. It’s an incredibly interesting peek into Webster history, packed with historical photos and stories, event notices, and information about the museum. If you’d like to be added to the distribution list, just email WebsterMuseum@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see this most recent edition, click 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 7/19/2025)

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Jude Lancy is off to new adventures

18 Jul

I said goodbye to a good friend the other day, when I visited with former Webster Village Trustee Jude Lancy, who was just two days away from a move to Oregon to be closer to her grandchildren.

So our visit was not so much a “goodbye” as it was a “so long,” and I do indeed hope to visit her in her new home when my husband and I take a trip to the Pacific Northwest some day soon. But I believe I speak for the entire Village when I say we will miss her dynamic spirit.

Jude was honored with a proclamation at the June 26 Village Board meeting, which summed up many of her achievements as a lifelong Webster resident and long-time Village Trustee. The most recent View From Main Street Village newsletter had an article which reiterated many of them:

Village Trustee Jude Lancy has faithfully served the Village of Webster for more than two decades, beginning with her appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission and continuing through her tenure as a valued member of the Village Board of Trustees from 2010 to present.

Jude has been a dedicated member and advocate of the Historic Preservation Commission, serving as the Village Board Liaison, helping to ensure the Village remains the special and beloved place it is today. She championed preserving the charm and character of the community for generations to come, while also embracing thoughtful progress and community-centered improvements that keep the hometown feeling we all know and love.

Jude’s lifelong connection to Webster — having been born on Baker Street, growing up in West Webster, and graduating from Webster High School in 1959 — reflects the deep roots and enduring love she holds for this special community.

Jude has always gone above and beyond to bring vibrancy to the life of the Village—volunteering for numerous community organizations including the Boy Scouts, the PTSA and neighborhood associations, and lending a hand at Village events.

Her vibrant presence, warm heart, and ever-ready smile have made her a beloved fixture in the Village of Webster—whether she’s leading with purpose or simply enjoying the company of neighbors in one of the many local businesses she frequents.

Hope to see you soon, Jude!

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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 7/18/2025)

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Kiss Me Cookie brings sweet treats to East Main

17 Jul

“Best cookies in the world.”

Those were the first words I heard from two of the very first customers of the new Kiss Me Cookie shop at 15 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. (And only one of those customers knew the owner personally!)

That reaction has been common among the people who have discovered — or re-discovered — Kiss Me Cookie since the little bakery opened last Thursday just before the start of the Fireman’s Parade. Owner Jenelle Oliver worked feverishly for days to make enough of her gourmet cookies, cupcakes and other sweet delights to fill her display cases before the parade crowds descended. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; customers started queuing up as soon as she started tearing down the butcher block paper from the windows — even before she unlocked the door.

Many of those customers already know Kiss Me Cookie from when the bakery was located on Empire Blvd., in the little plaza across from Country Max. It wasn’t a great location. The shop was tucked back from the road, and foot traffic was pretty much non-existent. So after almost two years, Jenelle decided to make the move to her home town of Webster.

In addition to better visibility and foot traffic, the new, larger shop also offers lots more space for her thriving business.

“Business has grown exponentially in a short amount of time,” Jenelle said, thanks in large part to robust online orders, which have come from as far as California, Florida and Alaska. “With the additional space I have more room for my shipping operation.”

“I’m also participating in a lot of festivals and events, so I have more space to house all that kind of gear,” she added. Those events include this Saturday’s Pride Fest, and hopefully later this summer, the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo and the Irondequoit Arts and Music Festival. In the meantime, you can also find her cookies at Schutt’s Apple Mill, the Chai Guy on Park Ave., and both Rising Storm Brewery locations.  

You might think there must be a whole team behind this kind of success. But it’s just Jenelle, one woman with a passion for baking. As she says on her Facebook page,

You’ll see a lot of small businesses say “we” in their posts. “WE are baking fresh daily.” “WE can’t wait to see you.” “WE love our customers.” But here’s the truth: There is no “we.” It’s just me. One woman. One oven. One vision. All heart.

I do the baking, the boxing, the cleaning, the crying, the marketing, the dreaming. And yes — every cookie, every detail, every bold-ass bite of it … is made with love. From me to you. Thanks for showing up for this one-woman show. It means the world to me.

So let’s support and welcome our newest small business. Stop into Kiss Me Cookie and experience for yourself the “best cookies in the world.” It’s located at 15 East Main (the former Mane St. Beauty Lounge), and is open Wednesday through Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 4 and Sunday 10 to 2. Check out her website here and 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 7/17/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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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 7/16/2025)

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New kindergartners invited to Strive for Five

15 Jul

The 2024/25 school year is barely over, but the Webster Central School District is already thinking about next year, and how to make the first days of school a little less scary for our youngest students.

Getting on a big school bus on that first day can be especially intimidating. The district’s annual Strive for Five for School Bus Safety program hopes to make that experience easier.

This year’s program will be held from Aug. 4 to 7 at Willink Middle School. Now in its 18th year, it’s designed for 2025/26 incoming kindergartners giving our youngest One Webster students a chance to become familiar with school buses and learn important safety procedures.

New kindergartners (no additional children please) and their parents/guardians will board buses at Willink (900 Publisher’s Parkway) at 5:50 p.m. Buses will depart promptly at 6 p.m. and children and their parents will be transported to the bus garage at 1000 Document Drive for a fun and informative safety program, then ride the buses again back to Willink.

While at the bus garage, students will rotate through stations teaching them important safety elements, including:

  • Loading and unloading the bus
  • Proper crossing procedures
  • Danger zones surrounding the bus
  • Appropriate behavior on the bus
  • Emergency equipment/evacuation

Families are asked to attend the evening assigned to their particular school as indicated below, if at all possible. If you can’t make your assigned evening, you can come on another, but the district really likes to spread everyone out as much as possible.

August 4 – Plank South
August 5 – Klem South and Schlegel Rd.
August 6 – Klem North and Plank North
August 7 – Dewitt Rd. and State Rd.

Private and parochial students residing in the Webster Central School District can attend any one of the four dates. Families will receive a letter detailing the Strive for Five program prior to the event.

The program will be held outside and will take place rain or shine.

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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 7/15/2025)

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Employ-Ease named Webster Chamber July Business of the Month

14 Jul

Congratulations Employ-Ease, honored as the July Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Crerated in 2001 by Lisa Kretzer, Employ-Ease offers small business owners a more personal solution for handling the administrative burdens of having employees.

Lisa’s mission is simple: “we make it easy to employ.” That philosophy is embedded into the very name of the company. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Employ-Ease assumes liability for payroll generation and taxes, employment insurances, employee benefits, and various HR necessities, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best, the work that drives revenue. With more than 38 years of experience in the payroll industry, Lisa has become a partner for her clients across industries who value both her knowledge and personal approach.

Lisa jokes that she’s “not a numbers person,” but she is incredibly organized. She finds joy in keeping systems like payroll, taxation, and insurance running smoothly, and in meeting the wide variety of people and businesses that cross her path. After her long-time employee of 21 years retired, Lisa was fortunate to find a new right hand in Katherine House, someone just as committed, detail-oriented, and client focused.

Lisa is also active in the community, volunteering at Harris Hill Elementary and Wayne Elementary, and supporting Webster Comfort Care. Her roots in the area are deep, and her commitment to helping others — both through her business and in the community — runs strong.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday July 25, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the July Business of the Month award to Lisa Kretzer of Employ-ease, who accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.

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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 7/14/2025)

Photos from the Kiddie Parade

13 Jul

Right off the bat today, I’d like to give a huge shout-out to my new friend and great photographer, Dianna McIntyre.

I met Dianna by chance on Thursday night before the Fireman’s Parade. They were with the Miracle Field contingent, and I’d paused to grab a few pictures of the group’s parade preparations. We bonded over our fancy cameras, and on a whim, I asked if they’d be interested in taking some photos for me at Saturday’s Kiddie Parade, since I couldn’t be there. Dianna enthusiastically agreed, and you see the results today.

I think the firefighters hit on a winning formula for this year’s Kiddie Parade. Due to concerns for the kids’ safety (I’m sure), last year they had the parade totally within the confines of the carnival grounds … which really wasn’t great. The paraders basically just circled the grounds two or three times.

Saturday, though, the line-up was back at Spry Middle School and the parade marched down Sanford St. to the carnival field and then around the grounds. That route allowed options for community members who wanted to watch.

There seems to be some problem with my previous blog link taking you to more photos on Facebook, so if you’d like to see more, please go directly to my Facebook page. And if you’d like to see a lot more of Dianna’s work, check out their Instagram page at photographybyjax_97.

Here are a few bonus photos Dianna took at the fireworks Saturday night:

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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).

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