Webster community mailbag

Leading off today’s mailbag, this happy bit of news from the Webster Arboretum:

The Webster Arboretum is proud to announce that it has now achieved Level 1 Accredited Arboretum status through the ArbNet’s Morton Register of Arboreta, the world’s only international accreditation program specific to arboreta.

The Webster Arboretum stands as a distinguished natural asset within the Webster Community. The site features one and a half miles of walking trails, curated gardens, a serene pond, and preserved wooded areas, offering an inviting environment for those seeking tranquility. Throughout the seasons, native and rare species of trees and plants enhance the landscape, providing picturesque views reminiscent of fine artwork. The harmonious integration of natural beauty with thoughtful human stewardship sets the Webster Arboretum apart as a valued resource.

Their collections include a variety of exceptional species: tree peonies, magnolias, witch hazels, and numerous mature oaks—a keystone species in the region. Noteworthy specimens include Quercus robur ‘General Pulaski,’ a distinctive dwarf curly leaf English Oak; Pinus sylvestris ’Moseri,’ a rare dwarf Scots Pine; and Pterostyrax, an impressive epaulette tree that reaches thirty feet in both height and width. A particular highlight is the Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Pendulum,’ a striking giant weeping sequoia prominently featured in their courtyard.

Congratulations to the Arboretum, a true Webster community gem!

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Speaking of the Arboretum, here’s a great way to support them while having a delightful evening out in the village.

On Thursday May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., Lala of Webster (at 38 E. Main St.) will host a “Sip, Shop and Savor” event to benefit the Arboretum.

Shop three floors of value at Lala’s, and choose an item valued at $15 or more to donate to The Webster Arboretum. As a thank-you, you’ll get 20% the rest of your purchases. Then take your receipt next door to Jojo’s Bistro and Wine Bar, and get 20% off there, too. Jojo’s always has live music on Thursdays, so it’s a great opportunity for a date night!

Great food for a great cause

Now onto another great local resource.

The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a full meal including: salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink (bottled water, tea, and coffee). Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. While you’re there, check out the bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Comfort Care Home.

The Webster Masons hold a spaghetti dinner on the first Friday of every month from October through June and each benefits a Webster charity or not-for-profit organization.

ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd.

Join the Rec Center’s Fitness Focus Group

The Webster Recreation Center is calling all community members to join their Fitness Focus Group, which will help shape the future of the Rec Center’s program, facilities and group exercise options.

Here’s a great description of what to expect, from Fitness Coordinator Jay Verna:

The mission of the Fitness Focus Group is to foster open communication, gather diverse member perspectives, and support continuous improvement of our programs, equipment, and facility. Through thoughtful engagement and shared ideas, the group will help ensure that our fitness offerings continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. The group will meet periodically to review ideas, discuss emerging needs, and work together to support a welcoming, effective, and community-focused fitness environment. My goal is to keep time commitment to a minimum and give the community a voice as we look to improve our fitness facility, equipment, and group exercise programming.

Community members interested in contributing can contact Jay at jverna@websterny.gov with their information and a brief note about why they’d like to participate. Submissions are open through May 31.

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(posted 5/19/2026)

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