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Webster community mailbag

22 Aug

Our very own Webster Village Band will perform their final concert of the summer on Thursday Aug. 28 at the Harmony Park band shell on Phillips Rd. Titled “The Band Concert,” the selections will be traditional band standards, plus music from Billy Joel and Jim Brickman.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell.

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Take your whole family to the lake next Thursday Aug. 28 and say “Farewell, Matey!” to summer at a kids’ concert featuring the Happy Pirates.

I didn’t get a press release about this, but pulled this additional information from an article written by Robert Grenier at the Webster Herald:

The concert … will feature songs performed by Captain Gully, Scuttle, Sharkbait and maybe even a few special guests. Kids attending the event are encouraged to dress up like a pirate and prepare to sing and dance along to sea shanties and other pirate songs. … Food at the event will be provided by Melt, who specialize in gourmet grilled-cheese sandwiches.

The concert, sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center, takes place Thursday Aug. 28 at Sandbar Park, 302 Lake Rd., from 6 to 7 p.m. Food and drinks will be available starting at 4:30 p.m. It’s completely free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

Also from the Rec Center, here’s a fun new program for anyone who loves yoga and loves the outdoors. They’re called Yoga Hikes, and they’re held every Thursday through Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each hike begins with a short meditation, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of nature, followed by a hike which will incorporate an “energizing yoga practice.” A different park, trail or open space is chosen for each week.

Cost is $20 per hike. Register on the Webster Recreation Center website — look for activity #237051 *A-G.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Here’s a notice about a fund-raising walk sponsored by Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’m pleased to share this information.

Embrace Your Sisters (EYS) announced their 2025 Positively Pink in Pittsford Walk Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 5, This year’s Walk takes place in October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The walk is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 5 at Pittford Sutherland High School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. in the school parking lot. The walk itself will begin at 10 a.m., along a 1.8-mile route through Pittsford residential streets and along the Erie Canal. This year’s fund-raising goal is $25,000, and every walker who raises at least $30 will receive a t-shirt. You can click here to register in advance. If you have any questions, contact Suanne Lippman, EYS Second Vice President and breast cancer survivor, at 585-624-9690.

Since its founding, EYS has raised more than $700,000 with the help of sponsors, friends, and business partners, to meet short-term emergency funding needs of breast cancer patients, across our 13-county Finger Lakes region.

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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 8/22/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Jul

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

Your opinions are important

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

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

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

Euchre at the library

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

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

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

Take a test drive, win Buffalo Bills swag

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

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

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

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

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

Good food to support great music

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

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

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

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

Help Webster Hope help our neighbors go back to school

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

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

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

Music, music and more music

Now here come some musical reminders:

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

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/27/2025)

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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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NY Forward grant recipients announced

25 Jun

You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State which the Village of Webster won for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

We received the huge grant a year ago February, and over the following months, WEDA collected proposals for projects all around our village from business owners and community members. Those proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more. Community members were given lots of opportunities to vote for their favorite projects.

I recently learned that the final winning proposals were announced about a month ago; 11 different projects which will improve local businesses, village green spaces and more.

Here’s the list:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.

All of these improvements should make our little village even more beautiful and welcoming in the years to come.

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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 6/25/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

28 May

The Webster Marching Band’s next Bottle and Can Drive is this weekend, on Saturday May 31.

There’s a very good chance you got a flyer about this tucked into your door (the band boosters are very good at canvassing the neighborhoods). You can attach this to your bags of returnables and leave them at the end of the driveway for pick-up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. But even if you didn’t get a flyer, no worries; you can take your bags to Webster Schroeder High School on Ridge Rd., where band members will be happy to take them off your hands!

The band’s next door-to-door drive will be in August, but you don’t have to wait until then to get your returnables out of your garage. Simply call 585-234-8684 (option 1) to arrange a personal pick-up.

And mark your calendars for these upcoming Marching Band events:

  • July 9-12: Firemen’s Carnival sausage stand
  • Aug. 14: Food truck rodeo at Firemen’s Field
  • Aug. 16: Summer bottle and can drive
  • Oct. 4: Autumn Fanfare at Webster Schroeder

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Here’s an event that’s actually happening in Fairport, but I know is well supported by our Webster community members:

The Fairport Angels Annual Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John of Rochester gymnasium, 8 Wickford Way in Fairport.

This annual blood drive is held in memory of the “Fairport Angels” — Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat and Katie Shirley — all Fairport High School seniors lost their lives 18 years ago in an accident only five days after their graduation day. The drive is a way to keep their memories alive and help others.

This is a very popular blood drive, so pre-registration is recommended so the Red Cross can adequately staff the drive. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here and enter “Fairport Angels” to schedule an appointment. To save additional time, up to 15 minutes can be saved by clicking here and completing a Rapid Pass.

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Here’s another reminder about the upcoming Webster Senior Singers concert, scheduled for Tuesday June 10 at 11 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — four times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.

The title of the concert is “A Musical Revue,” which means that you’ll hear a lot of tunes you know, performed by the chorus and several soloists. The concert will be about an hour long.

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Everybody of all ages is invited to attend the Senior Singers concert, but this following event, also at the Rec Center, is for seniors only.

It’s the 55+ Golden Gala on Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Basically, it’s a senior prom with dancing, a live band, a photo booth, an appetizer bar and a dessert bar. The event is sponsored by Kittelberger Florist, who’ll be providing flower corsages for the attendees.

So grab your sweetheart and make it a romantic afternoon. (Golden glam attire is suggested, but not required!)

Cost is $18 per person, and registration is required by June 10 (register for program #243001).

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Finally, the United Church of Christ has announced this year’s Caring Community Concert series, and it’s a good one.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one, scheduled for Wed. July 9, will feature 8-Days-a-Week and proceeds will benefit Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. (See below for the whole schedule.)

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

Here’s the rest of this summer’s schedule:

For more information about the concerts, 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 5/28/2025)

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St. Rita Fiesta returns next weekend

24 May

I’ve always loved a good home-town festival. That’s why I love the annual St. Rita Fiesta; even more than the Firemen’s Carnival, it brings me right back to the days of the fair I looked forward to every summer when I was growing up in small-town Owego.

The 70th annual St. Rita Fiesta will take place on Friday May 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday May 31 from 2 to 9 p.m. at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

Everyone’s favorite features will be back this year, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent with the also famous fish fry (Friday only) and Chicken BBQ (Saturday only), carnival games, mini golf, book sale, plant sale, gift basket raffles, Dunk the Deacon, food trucks (including Schutt’s), sweet treats, ice cream, fried dough, kettle corn, the money wheel, foam dart league, corn hole and much more. Plus, the pony rides for the kids are back by popular demand.

Live music will be provided this year on Friday by D.E.T. (Different Every Time) from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Count It All Joy from 3 to 4 p.m. from All In Brass Band from 5 to 6 p.m. and Open.G from 6 to 9 p.m.

There’s actually so much stuff going on both days that you’ll want to visit the Fiesta Facebook page or website to see all the details. Or check out the flyer below, but the website has a whole lot more info. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free on-site parking, with handicap spaces available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Veterans Outreach Center.

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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 5/23/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

13 Apr

The next two Talks on Tuesday at the Webster Recreation Center look kind of neat.

The first, on Tuesday April 15 is all about Paranormal Investigations. Join the Monroe County paranormal investigations team to learn how they go about ghost hunting. They’ll share many Rochester-area paranormal experiences. The program begins at 6 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-P)

On Tuesday April 29, Dan Mason, General Manager of the Red Wings, will share the long history of the team which started in 1877, one of the oldest franchises in baseball. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required. (Activity# 146940-R)

Get rid of those expired drugs

The Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), Town of Webster and Webster Police Dept. will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clear out your medicine cabinet and bring your old prescription drugs to the Webster Justice Court Building at 1002 Ridge Rd. (look for the blue roof). Volunteers will be out in front of the building to accept your drugs, so you don’t even need to get out of your car.

Click here for event details and to sign up to get a reminder about this event.

The following week, on Wednesday April 30, WHEN will be sponsoring the third and last program in their Navigating the Tween Years parent forums, held partnership with Webster Central School District.

The topic this time will be Empowering Your Family. It’s an evening of interactive discussion and exploration, and you’ll leave with concrete ideas about how to support your children and teens so they can thrive. This presentation will recap some of the topics covered in previous sessions and build on proactive measures parents can implement immediately to help keep kids safe and healthy.

The event will be held on April 30 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.  

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 3 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 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.

Webster CSD early voter ballot applications available

Applications for absentee or early voter ballots for the Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election are available.

  • Absentee Ballot: Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote, for reasons outlined on the absentee ballot application, may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Absentee ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue.
  • Early Voter: Qualified voters of the district may wish to use an early voter ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Early voter ballot applications are available on the district website, websterschools.org, or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster. 

There are limited office hours during break week of April 14, 2025. Please contact District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org if planning to pick up an application during that week. Ballots will not be available until on/or about April 25, 2025. 

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20, 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.

Here are a few reminders from previous mailbags:

  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds. It begins at 7 p.m. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.
  • Donors at the next American Red Cross blood drive, coming up on Saturday April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, will enjoy homemade cookies provided by the Women’s Club of Webster. You can sign up in advance at redcrossblood.org or just drop in.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. Members of the Friends are welcome to shop on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., and the general public on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. More information 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 4/13/2025)

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Webster Quilt Guild celebrates 50 years

31 Mar

The announcement, published in the October 8, 1975 edition of the Webster Herald, was brief. It was tucked away back on page 32, and if you were scanning the newspaper too quickly, you could have easily missed it.

Headlined “Quilt Guild Forms Here,” the item announced that the inaugural meeting of the Webster Quilt Guild had been scheduled for the next day, to be held at the Webster Public Library. Anyone interested in quilting was invited to attend, share their work, learn new techniques, and help the brand new club grow.

Clearly that meeting was a success, because 50 years later, the Webster Quilt Guild is still going strong. Membership is robust, and at the monthly meetings, dozens of quilters and crafters are still sharing their projects, learning new tips and tricks from one another, and enjoying presentations by guest speakers.

The Webster Quilt Guild will celebrate their long history at their “50 Golden Years of Quilting” quilt show, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday April 12 at 13 at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster.

The show will feature:

  • More than 200 quilts (including an antique quilt display)
  • Display of donation quilts made for the Breast Cancer and the Asbury Storehouse
  • Huge boutique and door hanging sale
  • Scrap Fest
  • Raffles
  • Vendors
  • Annotated History of the Webster Quilt Guild
  • Food tent 

And of course one of the highlights of the show is this year’s beautiful Raffle Quilt. Tickets for this incredible piece of quilting art are just $1 each, or six for $5. (If you’d like to buy tickets before the show, email rafflequilt@websterquiltguild.com.)

The show will be held at Holy Trinity Church (1460 Ridge Rd.) on Saturday and Sunday April 12 at 13. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, noon to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and children under 12 are free.

Look for the quilt-covered car pointing the right way to go!

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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 3/31/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Feb

A quick reminder from the Town of Webster to start off today’s mailbag: If you haven’t recycled your Christmas tree yet, you can still do so through Friday, Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway. As soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you’ll see a sign directing you to the drop-off spot.

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If you need something to keep the kids busy during the upcoming February break, consider the Fun Camp hosted by the Webster Recreation Center, Tuesday Feb. 18 through Friday Feb. 21.

The kids can spend their break playing games, making crafts, playing in the gym and more. Break camps provide a safe, fun, and active program for children in grades K-5. Drop-off is any time after 8 a.m. and pickup is before 5 p.m.. Children must bring lunch, snacks, water bottle, and wear sneakers every day.

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Also, these notes from the Webster Recreation Center’s 55+ activities calendar:

This month’s next Tuesday Talk, scheduled for Feb. 25, will welcome Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum, who will talk about Webster’s history through the years, including how it is that our town, once a part of Penfield, became Webster.

Coming up in the next few months, the Talks on Tuesdays will feature NASA Ambassador Jim Porter talking about The Big Bang (March 18), Jeff Taylor presenting a travelogue from South Korea and Taiwan (April 8) and Doug Thiele giving tips on making your money go further (date TBD).

The Talks on Tuesdays program is designed to bring older adults a wide range of topics to keep our minds sharp and alert while meeting new and interesting people. They’re offered Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Admission is free but registration is required. For more details, check out the newsletter here.

These talks are just a few of the dozens of different programs offered by the Rec Center designed to keep older people active and educated. They include gaming, dancing, age-appropriate exercising, singing, parties, Lunch Bunch field trips and much, much more. Click here to see the Webster Recreation Center newsletter for details.

More from the Rec

Here are a couple of other reminders from the Webster Recreation Center about ways you can enjoy the winter weather on their grounds:

Cross Country Skiing: There’s a groomed track at the Rec Cen tger which can be used during the day, and the lights will be on from 5 to 9 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays! Make sure to bring your own skis.

Ice Skating Rink: The lights are always on at the ice skating rink in the evenings; just bring your own skates. And of course you can skate during the day.

Walking Paths: Two plowed walking/running paths are cleared for winter at Charles E. Sexton Park and the Recreation Center.

Coming up in March

St. Martin Lutheran Church will host a free Mardi Gras Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, March 4 from 5 to 7 p.m., to thank the community for supporting their missions over the year.

Dinner will include unlimited pancakes and syrup, plus sausages and applesauce. Participants are invited to come dressed in Mardi Gras style. Beads will be provided, and you can make your own masks.

The event will be held at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd. Everyone is invited to this family-friendly event, so bring your friends. There’s no cost, but a free-will offering of a boxed or canned good for the church’s Little Free Pantry would be gratefully accepted.   

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CDS Wolf Foundation will be hosting their 18th annual Strikes for Abilities Bowling Party at Bowlero bowling alley on Empire Blvd. on Sunday, March 9 from noon to 3 p.m.

Sponsorships and tickets are now available from $250 ($50 per person for your team), up to $10,000. And if you can’t make it to the event, you can make a direct donation to CDS. All proceeds will support the Wolf Foundation’s mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans, senior citizens and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Click here for more information.

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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 2/12/2025)

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Young Life students and adults traveling to El Salvador on mission trip

11 Feb

Wishing safe travels to the adults and students who will be traveling from Webster to El Salvador on Wednesday for a service trip with Young Life.

Forty-one high school students and adults — from Young Life, Browncroft Community Church and Grace Road Church — will be participating in the nine-day trip, which will take them to a rural part of the country called Baja Lempa in the village of Taura.

Dustin Bailey, one of the trip’s organizers, wrote,

The village has about 50 families and Young Life has helped bring clean water, medications, vitamins, create food supplies, built houses, built bathrooms, and generally brought much hope to this region. This year, we hope to build a home for a family that currently lives in a home that pales in comparison to many of the sheds in our backyards. We will also help with the greenhouse in their community that provides nutrition to the children and a way to make money through sales to a local farmer’s market. We will spend much time with the children of the village to play and share joy together.

The 26 high school students and 15 adults going on the trip will be challenged to grow in their faith, learn how to serve others, and maybe have a greater appreciation to the many blessings we have in Webster.

This is the 16th year in which Young Life has made this trip. The photos (provided by Dustin) are from the group’s packing day last Saturday morning, and from a previous mission trip.

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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 2/11/2025)

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