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Got my annual photo with Santa on Friday night

8 Dec

… AND I frosted and sprinkled my cookie AND got a piece of pizza AND picked up my “reverse Advent calendar,” all at St. Martin Lutheran Church’s annual Evening With Santa last Friday night.

This is such a great community event, held not just for the church’s parishioners, but for anyone and everyone, as a thank you for supporting their charitable causes all year long. The Scouts of Troop 110 are always there to run games and crafts for the kids, there’s free pizza and drinks, cookie-making, story time and of course, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The reverse Advent calendar, by the way, is a sectioned box with room for 24 cans of food. The idea is to put a can IN the box every day in December up to Christmas. Then all the cans are used to stock St. Martin’s Little Free Food Pantry. I love that the folks there know I do this every year and save my pre-wrapped Advent box for me.

Here’s a slideshow with some more photos from the evening. Thank you to my friend Rebecca for providing a lot of these.

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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 12/8/2025)

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Annual Evening With Santa returns to St. Martin Lutheran Church

27 Nov

In just a little more than a week, Friday night Dec. 5, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting St. Martin Lutheran Church on Bay Rd. for the church’s annual holiday party.

They’ll be arriving by fire truck at around 6 p.m., then spend the next few hours visiting with children in the church’s community hall. Every child will have an opportunity to talk with Santa and tell him their secret wishes (you can skip the mall lines). It’s also a great opportunity for a beautiful family photo. Free photos will be taken, but feel free to bring your own camera.

After your kids visit with the jolly ol’ elf (and Mrs. Claus), make sure to hang around a bit and decorate your own Christmas cookies, enjoy some games and Christmas crafts, listen to Santa read The Night Before Christmas and Pastor Korey read the Real Christmas Story, and sing along with Santa. Free pizza and beverages will also be provided for all.

This is a community-wide celebration! Everyone is invited. Admission is free but please bring a canned good for the Little Free Pantry at the church, which provides food 24/7 for our neighbors in need.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd. It all begins at 6 p.m. on Friday Dec. 5. Get there early so you can watch for the fire truck carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus.

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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 11/27/2025)

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Need help? Food and clothing assistance is available

31 Oct

You’ve all probably been hearing about the temporary (we hope) suspension of SNAP subsidies due to the government shutdown. SNAP funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to low-income individuals and families to help them afford nutritious food.

That eventuality may not directly affect you and your family, and count your blessings if it does not. But but if that fund does run and lapses on Nov. 1 (and at this writing that looks likely), it will most definitely affect many of your Webster neighbors. According to the Federal Education Department, in the 2023-24 school year, 5 percent of households in the Webster school district – that’s 1,300 households – were eligible for SNAP and stand to lose those benefits.

But there is help. If you or someone you know will be struggling in the coming weeks to provide enough food and clothing for themselves and their families, here’s a list of places you can go to get assistance:

Food assistance

  • Lasagna Love — request a lasagna and a volunteer will deliver it. Click link to request.
  • Meals on Wheels — hot meal delivery for Monroe County seniors and pet food for current recipients. Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 585-787-8397.
  • Phillips Village Food Pantry — 100 Krieger Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7 (only for Phillips Village residents). Located near main office.
  • St. Martin Food Pantry — 813 Bay Rd., Webster. Self-serve, accessible outside 24/7. Call 585-671-1899, or email stmartinwebster@gmail.com.
  • COME Dinners — Community dinners hosted at Webster churches. Contact Wendy McVeigh for schedule. 585-265-9720 or wmcveigh@gmcwebster.org.
  • Foodlink Curbside Markets — Purchase food at a discount from mobile food stand. Click the link for schedule or call 585-328-3380.

Food and clothing assistance … and more

  • Webster Hope — 1450 Ridge Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items, household items, emergency financial assistance. Click link for hours, call 585-265-6694 or email websternyhope@gmail.com.

Assistance for Webster students

  • Elementary Schools — Free/reduced lunches, WCSD and Immanuel Lutheran Church’s backpack weekend food program. Contact your school’s main office or apply through websterschools.org.
  • Schroeder High School — 875 Ridge Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact kelly_petzing@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-8083.
  • Spry Middle School — 119 South Ave., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact meghann_piwko@webstercsd.org or call 585-285-6500.
  • Thomas High School — 800 Five Mile Line Rd., Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact joan_bardanis@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-8000.
  • Willink Middle School — 900 Publishers Parkway, Webster. Food and clothing assistance, hygiene items. Contact mary_hurley@webstercsd.org or call 585-670-1044.

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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 10/31/2025)

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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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Webster community mailbag

3 Oct

Town leaf collection schedule announced

The Town of Webster has announced that leaf collection will begin in mid-to-late October, following the conclusion of paving and drainage projects, and depending on how many leaves have fallen and weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Make sure to place leaves at the edge of your lawn (NOT in the roadway, gutters, or drainage ditches), do not bag them, an Don;t place brush, rocks, wood, plastic, or other foreign material with your leaves

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means.

The Village of Webster hasn’t announced any specifics for their leaf collection efforts yet, but you can check the Village website for updates.

Webster Chamber hosts networking event

Webster Chamber of Commerce members host monthly after-hours networking events to earn visibility for their business/organization. Members and those investigating Chamber membership are welcome to attend. 

The next After Hours event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Marina Auto Group, 943 Ridge Road. This event is also being hosted by Marina family member Rose Gabriele Angell of RE/Max Plus. There’s no fee to attend, but registration is required.

WHEN will host fall Drug Take-Back event

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department 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. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. 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.

Save some lives — give blood

The American Red Cross has four blood drives in Webster these next several weeks:

  • Friday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 7, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster American Legion, 818 Ridge Rd.
  • Thursday Oct. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Firemen’s Building, 172 Sanford St.
  • Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.

You don’t need to have an appointment, but it will speed things up a bit. Click here to make yours.

St. Martin’s announces next BBQ event

Good food is in store at St. Martin Lutheran Church when they host their next Pulled Pork Drive-Thru on Saturday Oct. 18 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out.

The take-out dinner includes 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 reaching over 500 children and teens in Monroe and Wayne counties. St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25. The first day of the sale — Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. — is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.  

All are welcome to attend the book sale on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

Proceeds from the sale support the library.

Fashions and fun

The Women’s Club of Rochester will host their annual Fashion Show/Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Penfield Country Club.

In addition to some great fashions from J. Jill and a delicious luncheon, there’ll be an auction, 50/50 raffle, and a Lottery Board. Guests will arrive at 11 a.m., lunch is served at noon, and the fashion parade begins at 1 p.m. Menu options include apple crisp with salad and roll, a “mile-high” Reuben, or C=chicken French.

Tickets are $37 per person, and reservations must be made by October 23. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Rochester, and meal selection to Margaret Zanghi , 2 Onyx Drive, Penfield, NY 14526.

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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 10/3/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

18 Sep

The Webster Community Chest is selling Kittelberger Flower Cards, but you have to get on this SOON, because they’re available only through Sept. 27.

Each card gets you 12 Months of Flowers ($180 value; $15 monthly value) for only $50. They make great gifts, or grab one for yourself so you’re sure to have fresh flowers on your table all through the coming winter.  

You can also purchase a flower card and donate it to the Community Chest, and they will brighten the lives of 12 families through this coming year, by gifting them with a bouquet of flowers.

Please contact Tracy at webcommchest@gmail.com or 585-671-2060 to order your card(s) and discuss payment options.

This fundraiser will support WCC’s Women’s Empowerment Programs.

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The United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd., is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

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Webster Central School District families are invited to join a virtual event to learn more about “Distraction-Free Learning” on Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Robert Chalwell, assistant superintendent for student and community engagement, will lead the event. Dr. Chalwell will provide a brief presentation on the New York State law, Webster CSD policy, and the district’s ongoing implementation process. There will be Q&A, as well as a chance to hear perspectives from students, teachers, and families. The district will also provide resources for parents and guardians, and raise awareness about other hot-button topics.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. You can access it here.

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The Webster Lions Club will be hosting their chicken and ribs BBQ on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) at Webster Fireman’s Field.

Cost is $20 per person (cash or check) and dinners (prepared by Bad to the Bone in Williamson) include a quarter chicken, pit-smoked ribs, mac salad, BBQ beans and corn bread. Dinners are drive-thru and pick-up.

All proceeds will support Webster Lions Club charities and to help those in need in the community.

The Lions Club’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for visually and hearing-impaired individuals and those with diabetes. The Club also partners with Camp Smile, located in Webster, a summer day camp for children who are visually or hearing-impaired. To learn more, click here  or call 585-234-5480.

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The Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

Take a peek at the stars on Saturday night, Oct. 4 when the Webster Public Library hosts a Star Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Jim Porter, retired Chief Systems Engineer at NASA, will be on hand to discuss, “What can you see in the night sky?” See robots demonstrated by the McQuaid IgKnighters Robotics Team, play large versions of your favorite games outside with your family or friends, and make a space-themed craft. There’ll be donuts, pizza, hot/cold cider and hot cocoa (available for purchase). You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a prize, and each attendee will get a free raffle ticket.

A telescope and binoculars will be available for use, or bring your own (that’s recommended).

This is an outdoor event held in the parking lot, and registration is required. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

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The Webster Public Library and Color Webster Green will present an informative presentation all about plastics on Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s called Plastics & Health: What You Need To Know. Almost every bit of plastic breaks down into “microplastics.” Documentaries such as Plastic People show how these microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, mix into our soil, and end up in our bodies.

Jane van Dis, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester will present on the prevalence of plastics and the effects that plastics and the chemicals inside them have on our health. This talk will address key scientific findings and offer insight into ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. A Q&A session will follow Jane’s presentation. This event is organized by Color Webster Green.

The program will be held Monday Oct. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no charge, but please register here so the library knows how many people to expect.

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai. Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

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The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25. The first day of the sale — Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. — is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.  

All are welcome to attend the book sale on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

Proceeds from the sale support the library. I’ll post another reminder about this in a few weeks.

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The Women’s Club of Webster has announced plans for their next luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster.

October’s speaker will be Ron Kampff, Vice Chair of Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. Located in Webster, Miracle Field 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.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Mr. Kampff’s presentation. Attendees will enjoy a variety of Proietti’s popular pizzas, salad, cannoli and camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $19. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, by Oct. 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Club to attend, but new members are always welcome!

Here’s a great opportunity to actually chat with some Women’s Club members:

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., and the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the snacks.  

Blood donors will be warmly greeted at the cantina by members of the Women’s Club, and enjoy supremely scrumptious homemade cookies with their juice.

The whole process takes only about an hour. Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

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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 9/18/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

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The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

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Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

* * *

There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

* * *

The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

* * *

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 9/9/2025)

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Webster NY Hope garage sale returns next week

3 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 10 through 13, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale — held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster — is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, office and more.

When I asked Webster Hope director Margery Morgan last year about the annual sale, she wrote,

It is more than a sale to us, as it allows us to be together as a community. We have a lot of fun and I think that’s reflected in the hospitality and laughter-filled sale days with the public.

I was never much of a garage sale person prior to our sale. But now I always check out other sales to “borrow” their sale display ideas. When you see our jewelry and picture displays you will see how volunteers take these ideas and create product displays. We have a lot of $1-2 items, a price even the dollar store can’t match anymore.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

* * *

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 9/3/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

29 Aug

Just a few events in today’s mailbag … We’ll lead with this item I just received today from the United Church of Christ on Klem Rd.

They’re hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

Nugent has presented widely on the topics of caregiving and loss. A native of Irondequoit, her mother Amelia Nugent was active in local politics and real estate, and her father Nicholas Nugent was Athletic Director at the Rochester School for the Deaf. Michael Jerling of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. has been described as a “songwriter’s songwriter…an artist who performs his songs with an uncommon ability to deliver them with power and grace.”

This collaboration between two artists employing two different forms of creative expression gives voice to the universal human experience of letting go. The performance initially debuted at Caffe Lena in Saratoga Springs to a sold-out room. This is their first performance in the Rochester area.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

The Women’s Club of Webster is ramping up their 2025/26 season with the announcement that their first luncheon will be held on Thursday Sept. 18 at the Ontario Country Club, 2101 Country Club Lane.

This month’s speaker will be Dan Lyon, Fraud Prevention Manager at Lifespan, who will lead a musical game called “Name That Scam.”  Inspired by “Name That Tune,” it features music from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, cleverly linked to scams for an educational twist.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Mr. Lyon’s presentation. Menu choices for the luncheon include: Chef’s Dip (beef, onions, provolone, lettuce and tomato on French bread), Chicken Waldorf Sandwich (chicken salad, apples, candied walnuts,  grapes, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a croissant) or House Salad (greens, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber). All choices include hot and cold drinks and French fries. 

Cost of the luncheon is $27. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, by Sept. 11 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Please make sure to indicate your menu choice. You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Club to attend, but new members are always welcome!

* * *

Nan Kent, owner of Annette’s Restaurant, would like me to let you all know that she’s introducing a $15 lunch special starting in September.

The menu includes a selection of salads:

  • Annette’s Seasonal Salad Seasonal — fruit, arugula, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese crumble and choice of homemade dressing
  • House Caesar — chopped romaine, shredded Parmesan, house-made croutons, Caesar dressing
  • Lunch Wedge — fresh bacon, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, blue cheese dressing, balsamic glaze

Some handhelds:

  • House Burger — lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar
  • Black Bean Burger — arugula, tomato, red onion
  • Parmesan-crusted cod — cole slaw and one side
  • Caesar Wrap — chopped romaine, shredded Parmesan, house Caesar dressing

Other options will include a soup & salad, grilled chicken and wings & fries.

Specials will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Annette’s is located at 27 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. For more information about the specials, including vegetarian options, stop by or call 585-645-6002.

These next events have appeared in previous mailbags, but I’m re-posting them as reminders:

Don’t forget about the Village of Webster’s Fall Kick-off on Saturday, Sept. 6. Three special events have been scheduled that afternoon and evening beginning at noon when the Red Hot and Blue Band hosts their annual St. Jude’s Benefit Concert. This year they’ll be joined by Sarah De Vallière and The Tug Hill Band.

At 4 p.m., the ever-popular Beer Walk returns to the village, where you can sample beer, cider and food from local businesses AND AT THE SAME TIME, there’ll be a car show on West Main, featuring a wide variety of cars from classic cars to hot rods.

This is all sponsored by Webster’s Business Improvement District. Click here to find out more details on their website.

* * *

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

The Webster Comfort Care Home’s annual Casino Night has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

“Mayor” Pete Kennedy will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers, desserts and a soft pretzel station. Tickets are $75 per person and must be purchased by Sept. 12.

 Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Interested in helping out by becoming a sponsor? Click here for details: Casino Night Sponsorship Packages.

* * *

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 8/29/2025)

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