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Another successful — albeit snowy — Wreaths Day

14 Dec

Despite cold temperatures, snowy grounds and a pretty heavy snowfall which arrived during the event, Webster’s 2025 Wreaths Across America Day was once again a success.

On Saturday afternoon, several hundred adults, children, veterans, active military and first responders gathered at Webster Union Cemetery to honor our veterans, proving once again what a generous and caring community Webster is.

The ceremony began promptly at noon. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem and a moment of prayer, local Wreaths Across America coordinator Cherie Wood explained how Wreath Day is not just a local occurrence, but was happening at the exact same time at almost 5,000 cemeteries across the country and in foreign battlefields.

She said,

Today, more than 4 million people will be meeting at noon, just as we are, to place wreaths. At this moment wreaths are being placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Almost five million wreaths will be placed on veterans’ graves today, including here in Webster.

We have a big job ahead of us today. Because of the amazing heart of the Webster community, today we will be placing 2,100 veteran wreaths in four Webster cemeteries. … This should give us amazing pride as a community.

You should also know that the Town of Webster has caught national attention, In 2024, Webster ranked second in the country for the number of veteran wreaths placed in one town.

Following Wood’s remarks, representatives from each of our nation’s armed services placed ceremonial wreaths in memory of those who served, and those who are still listed as Prisoners of War or MIA.

Family members of veterans who are resting at Webster Union Cemetery were invited to enter the grounds first to place wreaths on their loved one’s graves, followed a few minutes later by the rest of the volunteers. Wood encouraged each participant to say the veteran’s name out loud before placing the wreath, and take a moment to thank him or her for their service.

She explained,

It’s a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive. Wreaths Across America has a saying: A person dies twice. Once when they take their last breath, then again when their name is said for the very last time. Many of our veterans no longer have family to remember them. Today, we, the Webster community, will become their family. They will not be forgotten. Not on our watch.

After placing the wreaths at Webster Union, volunteers were invited to drive to Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries to help place those wreaths.

Wood added that this year’s ceremony was dedicated to Private William McFarland, “a Revolutionary War patriot who has never been honored for his service to our country.”

In 1772, 16-year old William McFarland told his parents he couldn’t just watch others fight for independence. He had to do his part. So William joined the Continental Army and fought with General George Washington. After serving for six years, William was discharged from West Point with high distinction. In thanks, he was given farmland in what would become Webster, NY. His children and grandchildren carried on his legacy by starting our town government. Webster is the amazing town it is because of him. Private McFarland was one of our first veterans, and until today, 253 years later, has never been thanked for his service.

Private McFarland’s headstone is located in the oldest part of Webster Union cemetery.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize this moving event, and to all of the community who came out to lay wreaths. I especially loved seeing entire families participate. What a great way to teach children about how important it is to remember and recognize our nation’s veterans. 

Click here to see an entire Facebook gallery of photos from the day. (Or if you don’t have Facebook, 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 12/14/2025)

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Local author holds book signing

12 Dec

I LOVE cemeteries. I love to just wander through them, enjoy the solitude, look at the epitaphs, and think about the lives they’re trying to sum up in just a few words. They’re so peaceful, the perfect place for silent reflection.

That’s why I’m particularly interested in a new book recently published by Webster author Jane Hopkins, called Buried Rochester, New York Area: 200 Years of Cemetery History.

Buried Rochester takes a closer look at Webster’s very own, very old cemeteries, but also explores the wonderful variety of cemeteries located within an hour of Rochester, from large ones like Mt. Hope Cemetery to more intimate burial grounds that started as family plots. Packed with photographs, the book explores an intriguing variety of monument and headstone styles ranging from hand-carved marble to modern designs in granite and sandstone. Along the way, readers will enjoy beautiful scenery, connect with history, and perhaps learn even a little about local geology. Each cemetery presents its own little treasure hunt.

This coming Sunday Dec. 14, you can check out the book yourself and meet Jane when he holds a book signing at the Webster Barnes and Noble, 1070 Ridge Rd. (in the Kohl’s/Target Plaza) beginning at 2 p.m. Jane will also be selling copies of her first book, Cemetery Reflections. Published three years ago, Cemetery Reflections is different in that its focus is more on the design of monuments, and — according to Jane — “looking at death in a friendly way.” Buried Rochester, in contrast, focuses on the different cemeteries’ histories and how they have changed over time.

Both Buried Rochester and Cemetery Reflections are also available on Amazon.

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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 12/10/2025)

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Webster’s 2,100+ wreaths have arrived

11 Dec

The Wreaths Across America truck came through the Village of Webster Tuesday morning, escorted by the Webster Police Department, carrying more 2,100 wreaths to be placed on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries this coming Saturday Dec. 13.

(My regular blog readers know the story about how Webster is participating in Wreaths Across America again this year, but in case you need some background, click here.)

WPD officers Kyle Arseneau and Erik Rynders met the truck at the Roseland Fire Station on Salt Rd. in Penfield and escorted it up Rt. 250, through the village, and all the way to Webster Union Cemetery, where the wreaths were unloaded, separated and distributed to the participating cemeteries in preparation for Saturday’s ceremony. The truck is part of the Wreaths Across America “Honor Fleet,” made up of hundreds of trucking companies who volunteer their drivers, equipment and time to deliver more than three million wreaths every year to every corner of the country.

Our volunteer driver this year — again — was Pat Benson, from JR Kays trucking in Clarendon, PA. Pat has driven this Wreaths Across America route for three of the last four years.

The event was a nice kick-off to what will be a very moving ceremony when the Webster community comes together to remember and honor our nation’s veterans this Saturday Dec. 13. I hope you can join us. Everything begins at noon at Webster Union Cemetery, then continues afterwards at Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity. Find out more details at the Webster Wreaths Across America Facebook page.

Here are some photos from when the wreaths were offloaded:

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Here are some bonus photos also from last Saturday, when 50 volunteers flagged 2,100 veteran graves in the four cemeteries so participants know where to lay the wreaths. Mission BBQ (a huge Wreaths Across America supporter!) catered lunch for the volunteers, and the Red Cross kept everyone thawed with hot cocoa.

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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 12/11/2025)

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Holiday celebrations in Webster continue

8 Dec

I hope you were able to attend the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration and Parade of Lights on Saturday. It was grey, but not TOO cold, and the village was beautiful. It was a great kick-off to a holiday season in Webster that’s packed with lots more special events.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for these last few weeks before Christmas. (And by the way, there are only the ones I know about. If you have anything else you’d like me to put in my blog, let me know.)

The Women’s Club of Webster‘s very popular annual Holiday Cookie Sale is scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early. Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.

Help the Webster Arboretum decorate their Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The tree has been installed in the large gazebo behind the Curry building. Now the community is being asked to gather and decorate it! Work with your family to create ornaments, then stop by and place them on the tree. (Please no food or seed decorations.) The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

And remember to get your copy of the Arboretum’s 2026 calendar, which they’re introducing for the first time this year. It features stunning photos of the Arboretum throughout the seasons. All proceeds will go directly to maintain the Webster Arboretum. They’re available for $24, and can be purchased online on the Arboretum’s website and at Lala of Webster in the village.

The Webster Village Band, directed by Andy Kittelson, will be performing their annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. This year’s program includes favorites such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Eighth Candle.” Per tradition, the band will also perform “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Barbara Midura. 

The concert is free and no reservations are needed. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

The Webster Recreation Center will host their annual Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. It features pictures with Santa, music, dancing and cookies. The event is free, everyone is welcome and no registration is required.

And don’t forget that the kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the Rec Center between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19. Santa will personally answer each one, and the kids can pick up their responses between Dec. 22 and 24.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just off of Phillips Rd.

The Chorus of the Genesee will hold this year’s Soup and Caroling Night on Tuesday Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, stopping to sing at several homes and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. The bar will be open (cash only, please) for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are encouraged.

The Webster Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale continues through Dec. 27, located in front of the lobby book store. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes, while supplies last.

Also at the library, enjoy a travelogue all about the Von Trapp Family Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Did you know that the real von Trapp family (immortalized in the movie The Sound of Music) moved from Austria to Vermont? George and Carol Vorhauer took a motor coach tour to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort and will share what they learned about the von Trapp family and their 2,600-acre property in Stowe, Vermont. Holiday refreshments will be served. 

There’s no cost, but registration is required.

The Webster Museum‘s Festival of Trees is still going on. Twenty miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, which various Webster businesses and non-profit organizations have decorated. Community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The museum is also selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. They’ll be available through Dec. 12.

The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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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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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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Photos from Winter Wonderland

7 Dec

Another successful Winter Wonderland celebration is in the books, and by all accounts it was enjoyed by all. The weather was not bitterly cold, comfortable enough to take in all of the activities taking place along Main Street and in Veterans Park. There was music, dancing, storytime, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, more music, snowmen, activities at the museum, a craft fair at the Harmony House … so much going on that I had a hard time capturing it all on digital film. And of course, the Parade of Lights was the highlight of it all.

I’ve put a few photos here but of course there’s a whole gallery more, which you can see here. If you took any photos you’d like me to add to the gallery, please email them to me at missyblog@gmail.com.

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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 12/7/2025)

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Details about this year’s Winter Wonderland

2 Dec

Get ready for the Village of Webster to sparkle with holiday spirit when the annual holiday fun festival, Winter Wonderland, returns to Main Street, Veterans Memorial Park and Village Hall this coming weekend, on Saturday Dec. 6.

All of your family favorites will be back for the afternoon and evening, including choir performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, cookie decorating, live music, choir performances, storytime, games, face painting, a dance party, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street.

This year for the first time, the Webster BID — who organizes the festivities — is also introducing a Community Donation Marketplace, set up in Veterans Park on North Ave. Community members are encouraged to bring donations for Webster Hope and Toys for Tots, which will be accepted all afternoon. Accepted items include:

  • Non-perishable food items
  • Personal care poroducts
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens
  • Unwrapped toys
  • Household items (blankets, pillows, sheets)

Reliant Federal Credit Union and Oaks Brands will also be at the marketplace.

Down at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St., the Chorus of the Genesee will be hosting a Craft Fair from 2 to 8 p.m. In addition to the wide variety of crafters, there’ll be live music, refreshments and a cash bar.

And while you’re in town for the festivities, make sure to walk up the short block to the Webster Museum (18 Lapham Park), which will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. with live music and your chance to vote for your favorite decorated mini Christmas tree as part of the museum’s Festival of Trees. Kittelberger Flower Cards will be on sale, and the very popular Museum raffle will also be back this year, so bring a little cash, put a chance in for some great prizes and support the museum!

Plus, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting children at the Village Hall Community Meeting Room from 3 to 5 p.m., when they have to leave and get ready to ride in the parade.

Everything wraps up with the spectacular Parade of Lights which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Kircher Park and travel west down Main Street to Fireman’s Field. It’s always amazing to see all of the fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything — parade by, covered in twinkling Christmas lights.

I’ll be walking around with my camera, so if you see me, smile nice!

Here’s a link to my gallery from last year’s Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights.

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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 12/2/2025)

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Wreaths Across America Day is coming soon!

30 Nov

We’re less than two weeks away from Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, when the Webster community will come together to place wreaths on more than 2,100 veterans’ graves.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization which began 30 years ago, its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last December, four million volunteers placed more than three million wreaths at 4,000 cemeteries across the U.S. and abroad.

Webster was a big part of that effort, joining Wreaths Across America for the third time. Last December, several hundred adults and children, including first responders, veterans and active service members, gathered at Webster Union Cemetery to lay hundreds of wreaths then spreading out to Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. (Click here to read the blog about that incredible day.) It was a heartwarming outpouring of support from the Webster community.

Local organizers hope the community will show that commitment again as Webster joins Wreaths Across America for the fourth straight year, on Saturday Dec. 13. The plan is to meet at noon at Webster Union Cemetery (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull) for a brief Wreath Day ceremony. Following the ceremony, volunteers can stay there to lay wreaths or travel to Webster Rural, Holy Trinity and Union Hill to lay those cemeteries’ wreaths.

Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to take part in this very moving ceremony. Start a new holiday tradition for your family; it’s a great way to teach your children about how important it is to remember and recognize our nation’s veterans. Mark your calendar now and stay tuned for more details. You can also follow the Wreaths Across America Facebook page to keep up on all the latest news.  

Right now, you can help by sponsoring a wreath (or several). Each sponsorship costs $17, and $5 from each will be donated to local Gold Star Families, who have lost an immediate family member in active duty. Click here to go to Webster’s Wreaths Across America page and sign up.

And stay tuned for details about when the Webster Police Department escort the 18-wheeler through town as it transports our wreaths from Maine to Webster Union Cemetery. I’ll post updates on my Facebook page as I heard about them!

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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 11/30/2025)

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Webster Museum, Chorus of the Genesee, bring music and history to the Village’s Winter Wonderland

29 Nov

Y’all probably already know about — and are looking forward to — the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6.

For those of you not yet familiar with this annual celebration, this is an afternoon and evening packed with holiday fun, including carriage rides, crafts for the kids, cookie decorating, live music, story time, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street. The Village’s Business Improvement District, who organize the festival, has some new things up their sleeves for this year, and I’ll be detailing them in another blog shortly.

But today I want to highlight two organizations who always participate in this event, but since they’re not located right in the middle of things, sometimes don’t get a lot of community traffic.

The first is the Webster Museum, which always does Winter Wonderland up big.

  • Beginning at 4 p.m., the museum will have live music and a sing-along featuring The Goodwin Family, followed by The Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.
  • The Festival of Trees officially opens that Saturday as well. Nineteen beautifully decorated miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, and community members are encouraged to see them all and vote for your favorite. They’ll be on display through Dec. 31, but if you can’t make it to the museum before then, you can also vote online at the museum’s website. (That link will be posted soon!)
  • The spectacular Burkardt Family Crèche will be on display for the month of December.  Handcrafted in Germany between WWI and WWII, it was shipped to the Burkardt family in Webster at the end of the war. You can read more about it in this blog I wrote about it two years ago.   
  • The museum’s popular holiday raffle returns this year, featuring featuring gifts and vouchers from generous local businesses. Tickets will be available at the museum through Dec. 6. They’re 3 for $5 and winners do not need to be present
  • Finally, the museum is participating in Kittelberger Florist’s 12 Months of Flowers program this holiday season. Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $50, cash or check only, at the museum through Dec 6 and receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’ll be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 6.

The second featured organization today is the Chorus of the Genesee, who make their home at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the village. During Winter Wonderland the Harmony House will be hosting a craft fair from 2 to 8 p.m. in the main room, just steps off of Main St. During the event, the Chorus will pop up occasionally to entertain the crowds with Christmas carols. Plus, watch for an ensemble of carolers from Webster’s own award-winning Rochester Rhapsody Chorus, who’ll be strolling through the village, popping in and out of businesses and stopping along the street from 4 to 5 p.m.

BY THE WAY,

If you’re a fan of signing Christmas carols and eating soup, the Chorus of the Genesee would like to invite you to their annual Soup and Caroling night on Tuesday Dec. 23 beginning at 7 p.m. The carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, caroling at select houses and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. There’ll be free hot chocolate and an open bar for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are more than welcome.

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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 11/29/2025)

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Young local dancers join the Nutcracker ensemble next week

28 Nov

A holiday classic is returning to the Auditorium Theatre next Tuesday, and once again some of our very talented local kids will be taking part.

About 38 boys and girls ages 4 to 18 from Webster’s Dancing With Denise studio will be performing alongside the full international professional Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet troupe this year, filling the roles of little snowflakes, mice, party children, snow sprites, snow maidens, and variations. It’s a rare opportunity for these kids to audition, rehearse and perform with a professional, international touring ballet company.

The Nutcracker is truly a magical show, from the bright Christmas-Eve-celebration colors, costumes and staging in the first act, to the sparkling wintry scenes in Act II, all wrapped in the beautiful music we all know so well. The addition of adorable local children makes it even more enchanting.

The show takes place at the Auditorium Theatre, 885 East Main St., Rochester, on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $37. For more information about the show and to purchase tickets online, click here.

Preparing for the Nutcracker isn’t the only thing keeping these young dancers busy.

The Dancing with Denise Nutcracker families organized their second annual Making Spirits Soar Project this year, creating performance care packages for each of the professional dancers.

Thanks to tremendous support from all the DWD families, enough funds were raised to purchase, create, and decorate care packages for all 40 of the Nutcracker cast members. The idea is to provide the international dancers with food and treats to give them energy and protein while they’re on tour.

The Dancing With Denise students will present the care packages to the dancers during their stage rehearsal on the day of the show. Studio director Denise Baller says that the project is a way to teach “thoughtfulness and doing good deeds for others … part of the foundation of the Dancing With Denise studio.”

The Dancing With Denise studio is located at 1077 Gravel Rd. in West Webster.

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

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

(posted 11/28/2025)

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