Archive | October, 2025

A little bit of Halloween, a little bit of Christmas

14 Oct

‘Tis the season for creative and scary Halloween displays, and a short time ago one of my readers wrote to me about the one he’s set up in front of his 1108 Everwild View home. He’s put a lot of work into it and he’s pretty proud of it, and he tells me it’s become a neighborhood favorite. But since he lives at the end of his cul-de-sac street, he doesn’t get a lot of traffic, so he thought I might help him spread the word.

I went by the other night to check it out (it’s best at night) and it is pretty neat. Apparently Brian built a lot of the pieces himself. Here are a few more photos from it, but you’ll want to stop by to see it for yourself to get the full effect.

The ever-changing and ever-growing display was born during COVID, and started with just a few elements. It was part of Brian and his wife’s idea to make sure the neighborhood kids could still enjoy Halloween, even during a pandemic shut-down.

They devised a celebration just for the kids on the street, friends and family members. Homeowners would put tables at the end of their driveways, and the kids would stop by each one to trick-or-treat. In the past (depending on the year) the event has also included a food truck, and often a special appearance by the fire department.

Six years later, the Turnquists continue to delight the neighborhood with their spooky display, and are still making the holiday extra special for the neighborhood’s kids. If you’d like to drive by, Brian will have the display lit up Sunday through Thursday from dusk until 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from dusk till 10 p.m. (weather permitting).

Sign up now to participate in the Parade of Lights

Despite all the really cool Halloween decorations popping up everywhere, it is not yet actually Halloween, but our Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. has already started planning for the ever-popular and spectacular Holiday Parade of Lights.

The parade is always the highlight of the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities, which this year will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and ALWAYS draws a huge crowd, no matter how cold it is.

More details to come, but for now, if your business or organization wants to participate this year, you gotta sign up. To do that, click here, and fill out the form.

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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 10/14/2025)

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Lovely You Aesthetics opening soon

14 Oct

A warm Webster welcome to Lovely You Aesthetics, one of the village’s newest businesses.

Owned and operated by Carla Ann Scheiber, FNP-BC, Lovely You is located at 82 North Ave. She’ll be offering a wide variety of services including bio repeels, chemical peels, micro needling, Botox, fillers, personal skin care evaluations, weight management and more.

The location is a beautiful old house built in 1914 which still holds much of its original charm including leaded glass, stained glass windows, and coffered ceilings. And despite the fact it hasn’t been strictly a private residence for a long time, every room still exudes that at-home feeling.

The final touches are still being completed on making every room perfectly suited for the new business. Eventually, the there will be two treatment rooms downstairs, four treatment rooms upstairs, and two bathrooms.

“It’s a nice big space,” Carla said, “and we’re going to grow into it.”

Carla’s been offering beauty-care services for a while, working out of the house and rented space. But this is her first brick-and mortar location, and she’s very excited to have found it. But it almost didn’t happen.

“When I started this,” Carla said, “I really saw myself in Webster or Penfield. I live in Ontario and have a lot of roots in Webster but I couldn’t find anything. So I started to widen my search. I found a space to lease in Pittsford, but after months and months of trying to get the zoning approved, they rejected me.”

But it was fate, because it turned out “it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Literally the next day my realtor sent me this (listing), and it was for sale.” She’d found the perfect place, a beautiful house, in a village which has welcomed her with open arms.

For now, Carla will only be joined by two other injectors as she builds her business. But in the future she’d love to add a massage therapist and aesthetician to her team, to build it into a “real medical spa.”

Her approach is already very people-focused.

“You’re not going to come here and get a sales pitch,” she said. “You’re gonna know us, we’re going to educate you, we’re going to actually care about you, building that trust and that education component so that people can make informed decisions.”  

Carla will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, Oct. 17, so that’s a great opportunity to check out Lovely You Aesthetics for yourself. It all starts with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m., followed by a “happy-hour-style” open house from 3 to 7 with signature cocktails, finger foods, vendors, raffles, giveaways and merch bags. She’ll officially open for business the next day, Saturday Oct. 18.

In the meantime, you can find out more about her new business on her website and Facebook page. You can also connect with her on Instagram (lovely.you.aesthetics).

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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 10/11/2025)

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It’s a busy fall at the Rec Center

13 Oct

Lots of fun stuff coming up at the Webster Recreation Center which you’ll want to put on your calendar, so let’s dig in:

BINGO Night to support Making Spirits Bright, Sunday Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

I’m honored to join Mike Petzing from Shamrock Jack’s as a caller for this event which benefits one of my favorite nonprofit organizations, Making Spirits Bright. Proceeds will help purchase large wish-list items for families to make their holiday season spectacular.

Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children, capped at $75 per family. Fun, snacks raffle and door prizes! Click here to read my previous blog for more information.

By the way, the Bills have a bye that week, so there’s no conflict!

Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Take the family along a mile-long path around the Rec Center, lined with illuminated jack-o-lanterns, ending with music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. The event is free and open to the public.No registration is necessary.

Everyone is encouraged to carve some pumpkins to be added to the parade. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You can also join other Halloween-loving community members at a Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Rec Center will provide the pumpkins and the tools — all you need to bring is your creativity. And all of your creations will make it to the Pumpkins on Parade path. It’s free, but registration is required for this so they can set aside some pumpkins for you. Register for program #301208

Broadway-Themed Halloween Fitness Event, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public, and no registration is required. Costumes are definitely encouraged, so consider dressing as your favorite Broadway character.

Looking ahead

Mark your calendar now for an Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy music and dancing, cookies and activities. Come anytime during the event — you don’t have to be registered — and Santa will make sure to visit 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)

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 10/13/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Oct

Some weeks I barely have enough ideas to fill three or four days of blogs. This is not one of those weeks.

Some days I only have a handful of items for one of my mailbags. This is not one of those days.

So in the interest of making today’s mailbag easier to compile for me, and easier to read for you (without a whole lot of extraneous information), How about this … I’ll bullet-point everything, and if you need any additional information about any one of them, click through the handy link in each listing.

We’ll start with stuff happening in October:

  • If you’re a guy who likes to sing, consider stopping by Guest Night at the Chorus of the Genesee on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Join the guys to sing ‘a cappella’ music — you don’t need to read music! If you can sing a tune, they’ll show you the rest. No need to register, just walk on in the Main St. entrance. If you’re early, someone will meet you at the door. If you get there on-time/late, follow the signs upstairs to the rehearsal room. There’s singing until 9 p.m., then refreshments and socializing. If you have any questions, call 585.259.3590, or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com. If you can’t make it Tuesday night, feel free to show up any Tuesday night at 7 p.m. (but there’s no promise of refreshments!)
  • Did you know? October 15 is National White Cane Safety Day. The observance celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and recognizes the important symbol and tool of independence, the white cane. As the story goes, in 1930, George Bonham watched a man who was blind attempting to cross a street. The man’s cane was black, and motorists couldn’t see it, so Bonham proposed painting the cane white with a red stripe to make it more noticeable. But was he the first to think of this? Ed Wilkonski, from the Visionaries Low Vision Support Group in Webster, sent me the whole story. If you’re interested, click here.
  • Webster Health and Education Network will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.
  • St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Pulled Pork Drive-Thru on Saturday Oct. 18 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include pulled pork, salt potatoes, roll, cole slaw and cookie for just $15. Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s annual Christmas Stocking Project. St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.
  • Frank and Greg Palma’s Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow returns to the Webster Museum on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. If you’re curious about the value or origin of a favorite piece, the Palma brothers will share their expertise and insight into the history and value of your items. Free refreshments provided. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

The October community exchange table will have spooky stuff — bring your old and unused spooky stuff and swap it for different spooky stuff.

The Friends of the Public Library’s Fall Book Sale takes place Oct. 22 to 25. The first day of the sale — Wednesday — is members only, and the public can shop Thursday through Friday. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Visit the Friends of Webster Library web page for hours and more information.

On Saturday Oct. 18, celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Come see amazing dancers, listen to fabulous singers and musicians, sample delicious food, and enjoy celebrating with the community. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and registration is required. All ages are welcome.

Teens and tweens in grades 4 to 12 are invited to a night of spooky fun on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged! Registration is required.

This year’s Library Trick-or-Treat event will be held Friday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’ll be a trick-or-treat trail set up through the entire library, with a spooky maze at the end. Come any time, and costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

Looking ahead to November

  • The Women’s Club of Webster‘s annual Card Party is Tuesday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Play cards or a game of your choice. Participants will enjoy Danish and coffee in the morning, and a buffet lunch. Door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Tuesday, October 28. Click here for more information.
  • Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 135 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.

Whew.

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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 10/12/2025)

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Pastor Korey Finstad celebrated for 20 years of faithful ministry

12 Oct

On Sunday, October 5, the congregations of St. Martin Lutheran Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Webster, New York, gathered for a special joint worship service and celebration honoring Pastor Korey L. Finstad on the 20th anniversary of his ordination as a Lutheran pastor. The joyful service was filled with thanksgiving, music, and fellowship as both congregations reflected on Pastor Korey’s two decades of faithful ministry and his compassionate leadership in the Webster community.

Born and raised in Glendale, Arizona, Pastor Korey was ordained in 2005 and began his pastoral career in Fairport. Over the next two decades, he served congregations in Denver, Colorado, and Vancouver, Washington, before being called to Webster, where he now leads both St. Martin Lutheran Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Since his arrival in Webster, Pastor Korey has nurtured a shared ministry between St. Martin and Bethlehem, emphasizing collaboration, community service, and joyful worship. His leadership has brought the two congregations together for shared outreach projects and events such as the “Evening with Santa” children’s event and the filling and giving away of over 500 Christmas stockings, both of which benefit local children and families in need.

As the congregations of St. Martin and Bethlehem look to the future, they do so with deep gratitude for Pastor Korey’s leadership and commitment. His 20 years of ministry have been marked by faith, humility, and service — and his continuing work in Webster promises many more years of growth, connection, and grace.

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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 10/12/2025)

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WSPS hosts appreciation luncheon for its drivers

11 Oct

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) hosted its Volunteer Driver Appreciation Luncheon at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park on Thursday afternoon.

Based at the Webster Recreation Center, WSPS is a group of volunteers who, for 15 years now, have provided transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers, tax preparation services, and the Webster Public Library. The organization currently has 65 volunteer drivers, five dispatchers and 12 board members.

WSPS is one of those volunteer organizations here in Webster that don’t get a whole lot of press or attention, but are making a huge difference in our community. Last year, WSPS volunteers drove over 49,000 miles, volunteered over 3500 hours and provided over 3800 rides. The rides are an affordable alternative to more expensive ride options, and allow many seniors the ability to live independently. The drivers are a meaningful part of the lives of its many riders who rely on them to get them to their appointments.

Almost 70 drives, dispatchers, board members and special guests attended the buffet luncheon, catered by Proietti’s, with a celebratory cake donated by BJ’s. Every driver received a gift bag stuffed with gift certificates and won a raffle prize, all donated by generous local business owners.

65 drivers might seem like a lot, but with the number of seniors and disabled folks in the Webster School District increasing, they’re always in need of more volunteers. For more information on how you can join the team, call 585-216-7829 or visit the group’s website. Monetary contributions are also more than welcome, and go to support the WSPS operating budget.

Here are a few more photos from the afternoon, courtesy Dave Norton:

Here’s an easy and fun way to help!

WSPS is hosting an indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors, so make sure to add this one to your holiday shopping 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 10/11/2025)

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A local Scout is collecting items for Blue Star Mothers — and you can help

11 Oct

Eagle Scout candidate Michael Gallina, from Webster Boy Scout Troop 262, has teamed up with the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester (BSM) to help our deployed service members get a taste of home.

Michael is holding a donation drive to collect items for the BSM’s next care package shipment, scheduled in November. The fliers below have a complete list of the items the Blue Star Mothers are looking for, and where your donations can be dropped off. Everything needs to be collected by November 1 to have enough time to pack the care packages and send them off.

Michael, a senior at McQuaid Jesuit High School, told me that he chose this project because it reminded him of when he was younger and participated in the annual Scouting for Food drive.

He wrote,  

As young Scouts, we would collect donated items and as older Scouts, we would prepare the items to be taken to local food pantries. We did this in order to help our unknown neighbors. As I myself get older, I have friends who are considering joining the military and I think about supporting them if they’re far from home. This project gives me the opportunity support an organization that brings a bit of home to those who are far away.

Every year in June and November, the Blue Star Mothers send care packages to our local service members who are deployed overseas. Something simple as a pack of cards or some socks lets them know that their service is appreciated and we haven’t forgotten about them.

So please check out the lists and drop off some donations. You’ll be helping our service members AND Michael.

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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 10/11/2025)

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Their Light Shines at Webster Comfort Care honored the memories of loved ones

10 Oct

I wasn’t able to attend this year’s Their Light Shines memorial luminaria gathering at the Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH) on Thursday night, but I understand it was as poignant as always, and very well attended.

WCCH executive director Julianne Groff estimated that more than 100 people attended and said they’d sold around 220 luminaria, the most ever. When they were all artfully arranged on the grounds, the illuminated bags made a beautiful and deeply moving sight. The event also featured a slide show with the name of everyone who has ever been a resident at the home, a fire in the home’s new fire pit (built by Eagle Scout Connor Madison), and homemade baked goods.

The evening’s speakers included Jessica Orchard, whose grandfather, Webster Volunteer firefighter Ron Orchard, was a resident in the summer of 2022, who spoke on behalf of her family. Following Jessica’s remarks, Julianne welcomed the attendees, thanking the volunteers and especially thanking the residents’ families for trusting the Webster Comfort Care Home for allowing them to help with their loved ones’ journeys.

In her remarks, Julianne said,

Here at the Home, we are given the profound privilege of walking alongside individuals and families during one of life’s most sacred chapters. We see love in its purest form: in quiet bedside moments, in the clasp of a hand, in a whispered goodbye, in the resilience of families who show up day after day, heart wide open.

Each person we remember today brought something unique into the world — a laugh, a story, a strength, a lesson. And although they are no longer with us in body, their spirit lingers in all the ways they shaped the lives around them. We carry their legacies forward — not only through memories, but through the love they gave and the lessons they taught us.

To the families and loved ones gathered here: we see your grief. We honor it. We also see your courage. The care, the time, the tenderness you gave in their final days — that was love in action. You did your best. And that mattered. To our staff and volunteers: thank you. You do sacred work. And even when it feels invisible, it is never forgotten. What you give at the end of life echoes far beyond it.

Tonight, as we remember those we’ve lost, let us also reflect on what they taught us — about grace, about dignity, and about how precious each moment truly is. Let us remember them not with just sadness, but with deep gratitude for having known them.

In closing, I invite each of you to hold a memory in your heart — a smile, a story, a moment of love — and let it be a light that stays with you.

Here’s a full slideshow of photos from the evening. Many thanks to “Jet” Thomas for all of these 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 10/9/2025)

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Here’s a great chance to check out Scouting

9 Oct

If you’ve ever thought about getting your son or daughter involved in Scouting, but didn’t know much about the organization, what you have to do to get started, or who to contact, then this event coming up next week is for you.

It’s a Scouting America Open House, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250).

Families with boys and girls from kindergarten through age 20 are invited to stop by and check out all the different Scouting options in Webster. Four troops will be represented:

  • Family Pack 262 for boys and girls in grades K-5
  • Troop 262 for boys ages 11-17
  • Troop 425 for girls ages 11-17
  • Paddle Crew 462 (canoeing kayaking and paddle boarding) for boys and girls age 14-20

Participants can try out a variety of typical Scouting activities like bottle rockets, a rope bridge, pinewood derby, first-aid, archery and much more.

Free pizza will be provided by Caraglio’s Pizza, and there’ll be some free raffles. No registration is necessary — just stop by!

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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 10/9/2025)

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Village Quilt Shoppe hosts silent auction to benefit One Common Thread

8 Oct

I’ve written here many times about The Village Quilt Shoppe, at 21 East Main St., ’cause it’s one of my favorite shops in town, run by two wonderful people, Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti. And more than once in those blogs, I focused on how this little shop is spreading love around the world, through their support of One Common Thread.

One Common Thread’s mission is to empower women in Central America — specifically Honduras — by giving them the opportunity to work and and earn an income, which helps set a new standard for their children.

How Vanetta and Monique do this is simple:

  • First, their customers generously donate fabric and 3” squares.
  • Volunteers meet regularly at the shop to create kits from those donations and send them to One Common Thread in Honduras.
  • The women there learn the art of English Paper Piecing (EPP), hand-basting hexagons that they are paid for individually.
  • Once enough hexagons are made, they’re sewn into kits or quilts, then returned to the U.S. to be sold.

The income these women earn allows them to provide essentials such as food, diapers, formula, stoves, beds, tin roofs, cement floors, and tuition for their children’s education. In some cases, it even helps them attend trade school themselves. For many, this is their first chance to gain financial independence and self-confidence.

The Village Quilt Shoppe has proudly sent fabric, kits, needles, and thread for more than four years. But they’d really like to do more.

Recently, the shop received some of the women’s finished products, which inspired them to host a Silent Auction to continue supporting this incredible organization. The auction will be held from Oct. 14 through 28. Auction items will be on display at the shop, 21 East Main St., for in-person viewing and bidding. Items will also be listed on the Village Quilt Shoppe website, and bids can be placed by calling the shop at 585-626-6916.

Proceeds from the auction will help Vanetta and Monique cover packaging and shipping costs, and any left over funds will be donated directly back to One Common Thread.

Here are just two images of some of the items available for auction. Check the website to see more.

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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 10/9/2025)

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