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New museum program pairs story time with history

29 Jan

The Webster Museum is introducing a brand new program in February, designed to help history come alive in a fun way for elementary-aged students.

It’s called “Story Time at the Museum,” and the first one is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2:30 p.m. This month’s theme is Valentine’s Day. Children will share a story, learn about the history of this special day, examine some antique Valentines and make their own Valentine greetings.

The Valentine’s Day-themed story time is just the first in what organizers are hoping will be a regular first-Saturday-of-the-month event, each month pairing delightful stories with interesting historical lessons. On March 7, the story time program will be all about quilts and quilting, and highlight the museum’s current display of historical quilts.

There’s no charge to attend and all ages are welcome. The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

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

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(posted 1/29/2026)

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Willink Theater Club presents (the delightful) Disney Descendants this weekend

28 Jan

We’re all familiar with Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen and Cruella De Vil, some of Disney’s most infamous villains. We grew up watching them, cheering when their evil plans went awry, and later introducing them to our own children. But in all that time, it probably never occurred to us that those villains might have children of their own.

Well, they do. And now those children are teenagers. In Willink Middle School’s production of Disney Descendants this weekend, you’ll get to meet them, in all their teen-angst, evil glory.

The energetic musical tells the story of the villains’ four troubled teenage offspring — Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jave — who with their parents are imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost. They’ve never before ventured off the island. But when they’re sent to attend prep school alongside the children of beloved Disney heroes, they have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

More than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders have been working hard for four months to bring Disney Descendants to the Willink stage, and their efforts have created something magical. With catchy Disney-esque tunes (including a few you might recognize), high-powered dances and clever costuming, the audience is swept along through a surprisingly heartwarming story of friendship and adventure.

One of the things I enjoy most about attending a middle school musical like this is the opportunity to see talented young singers and actors just beginning their journeys in the performing arts. Their acting and voices may not yet be fully polished, but it’s easy to see the natural talent underneath. Watching those skills grow and develop as these young performers move on to the Thomas High School stage will be a real pleasure.

Disney Descendants will be performed in the Willink Middle School Cafetorium , 900 Publisher’s Parkway, on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, January 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults, $7 for students and senior citizens, and free for children age 2 and younger. Click here to get yours now.

Here’s a slideshow of more photos from the rehearsal:

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(posted 1/28/2026)

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

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Bring the family, play some games, have some pizza at St. Martin Family Game Night

27 Jan

Sometimes, when it’s really snowy and cold out, the best thing to do is to hunker down with the family and pull out a board game. This coming weekend, St. Martin Lutheran Church will give you the chance to do that when they host their Family Game Night, Saturday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Participants can bring their favorite board games or card games, but a variety of games will also be provided at the event. Attendees are also invited to bring a potluck dessert or snacks to share. St. Martin volunteers will be serving up pizza and chili for all.

The event is open to the entire community and is designed to provide a welcoming, family-friendly evening of food, games, and fellowship. There’s no cost and you don’t have to register. Family Game Night is intended for all ages and offers an opportunity for community members to spend time together during the winter season in a warm, inclusive environment.

“This event is about creating space for families, friends, and neighbors to connect in a relaxed and enjoyable setting,” Sharon Haffen, who is organizing the event, said. “Whether you come with a favorite game or just come ready to play, everyone is welcome.”

Family Game Night is this Saturday, January 31, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Road in Webster. For more information, email stmartinwebster@gmail.com or call (585) 671-1899.

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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 1/27/2026)

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It’s time to register for Community Arts Day

26 Jan

I usually don’t post this particular blog until the middle of February, but I think we all need a little breath of spring today, so I’m going to shout it to the rooftops: IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT COMMUNITY ARTS DAY!

This annual event, held at Webster Schroeder High School, is a family-friendly festival which showcases the musical and artistic talents of Webster School District K-12 students, and invites dozens of community groups to display their great contributions to our community. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

So that’s still a few months away, but I got an email today saying that registrations are now being taken for community groups, vendors and performers who’d like to participate in this year’s Community Arts Day. For $35, community groups can have a table to share information, calendars of events and sign-ups. Vendors can sign up for $50. Additional opportunities are available for auditorium, gymnasium and small stage performances. Click here for more information.    

And while you’re there, check out the opportunities to become an event sponsor or make an in-kind donation.

Organizers are also looking for interested community members to join the planning committee and help make this event a success. Email CAD@websterptsa.org to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Community Arts Day is a Webster PTSA-sponsored event, created in 1976 as a joint venture with each of Webster’s schools to raise money to support cultural arts activities in our 11 buildings. CAD showcases our children’s artistic, vocal, musical, and theatrical talents. It also involves the whole community in a day to celebrate cultural arts, bringing in 2000+ people to enjoy activities from art displays, musical performances, craft demonstrations, community exhibits, craft vendors, sweet treats, a carnival space, and more. So make sure to put Saturday, April 11 on your calendar now for this year’s Community Arts Day.

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(posted 1/26/2026)

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

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Webster Rec invites you to work out before you chill out on Super Bowl Sunday

21 Jan

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the couch on Super Bowl Sunday (like I am), you might want to consider starting off your day with a fun workout.

The Webster Recreation Center has cooked up a FREE Super Bowl-themed “Football & Fitness” sampler workout on Sunday Feb. 8. Beginning at 9 a.m. you can sample four workouts with four different instructors, split into four “quarters” with a brief halftime. Each 15-minute quarter will be a different exercise format — a dynamic warm up to mimic how athletes warm up, a cardio power section, upBeat barre and a yoga/mobility/stretching cool down. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite team’s colors and/or gear.

The Rec Center will also be raffling off two Super Bowl-themed prize baskets with multiple ways to earn tickets: one for just showing up, one for wearing your team colors, and one for bringing a non-family member or friend with you. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the event before everyone leaves.

It all happens at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., beginning at 9 a.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 8. There’s no cost, registration is not required and you don’t have to be a member of the Rec to join the fun.

And while we’re talking about the Rec Center, here a smattering of information about a few other programs coming up:

  • Candy Bar Bingo, Friday, Jan. 30 from 6 to 7 p.m. All ages are welcome (3 years and up), but you need to register each player individually. Bring one full-size candy bar per person to participate. Register for program #101201A.
  • February Break Camp registration is now in progress. It will run from Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 17 to 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Cost is $185. Register for 121006-A.
  • Here’s a look at upcoming Talks on Tuesday topics:

* Jan. 27: Fraud Prevention (Activity #146940-D)

* Feb. 3: Medicare (Activity# 146940-E)

* Feb. 10: Chocolate, a Tasty History (Activity# 146940-F)

* Feb. 17: Stocks, Bonds and Your Portfolio (Activity# 146940-G)

* Feb. 24: Cold Weather Arthritis (Activity# 146940-H)

Talks on Tuesday programs are be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

And if you like to make crafts, this monthly program is for you:

It’s called Craft Co., a crafting group which meets the second Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to noon. Upcoming crafts include a Pinecone Floral Arrangement (Feb. 9), Rock Painting on March 9 and Decorate a Planter on April 13. Cost for each session is $12. Register for Activity #142212.

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(posted 1/21/2026)

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).

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A quilt-lover’s paradise at the museum

20 Jan

The Webster Museum’s annual Quilt Exhibit — called “Stitched Stories” — has returned, and if you love anything and everything about quilting you’re not going to want to miss it.

Stitched Stories offers an illustrated journey through Webster’s history, told through the evolving designs, colors, fabrics and intricate patterns of heirloom quilts. Over the years, the museum has been the fortunate recipient of many vintage quilts. Most are documented in detailed binders that include their history, the artisans who created them, and, in many instances, their appraised value. These textile treasures capture decades of Webster history in their stitches.

More than 20 quilts of different sizes have been placed on display throughout the museum, from doll-sized mini-quilts, to a small cot quilt, to a full-sized courthouse steps quilt. They hang in exhibit cases, decorate the vintage parlor and bedroom, and adorn walls and railings. With some pieces dating back over 170 years, each stands as a testament to months of patient needlework and intricate craftsmanship.

I stopped by the museum on Tuesday afternoon to see the exhibit for myself, and discovered how LITTLE I know about the history of quilting. For example, there are so many different designs, popular during various times — like the wedding ring design, flying goose quilt, nine-patch quilt, crazy quilt and the “beginner friendly” courthouse steps design. (I did not consider that anywhere near beginner friendly myself.)

The Woodhull quilt
Bicentennial quilt

Some of the history was very interesting. The tiny doll quilts, for example, were popular from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, often made by young girls just learning to sew. Cot quilts, used on a small bed or cot, were just the right size for a soldier in the Civil War to tuck into his backpack. The album panel quilt, crafted by Minerva Green Woodhull, has writing on it by her father-in-law, Byron Woodhull, who was Webster’s first supervisor. And I particularly liked the Webster Bicentennial heritage quilt, depicting a Webster map and squares representing historical highlights, made in 1976 by members of the Webster Quilt Guild.

An informative binder near the museum’s front entrance provides some background about each of the quilts on display. There’s even more information about each in the museum’s library, if you’re interested. Just ask one of the volunteers about that.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park, in the Village of Webster. They’re open 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 1/20/2026)

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Meat raffle! Meat raffle! Meat raffle!

18 Jan

My eldest daughter, who lives in Buffalo, works at a city school which hosts a meat raffle every year as a fundraiser.

This is a very Buffalo thing, and it’s a LOT of fun. You pay an entry fee, then throughout the evening you can purchase tickets for $1 each to take chances on winning all sorts of different meat prizes. You win when the huge number wheel spun by the host lands on your ticket number. The prizes include steaks, hot dogs, bacon, burgers, chicken and lots more. It’s really exciting and so much fun.

I’ve been watching for when this very Buffalo thing started showing up in Rochester — and it finally has. On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.

The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. (It would be a great place to keep all of your meat raffle winnings, just sayin’.) You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.

More information to come about this fun event, but make sure to put in on your calendar now, and consider getting your tickets soon.

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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 1/18/2026)

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“Mail Call: Letters from Home” returns and needs your help

17 Jan

Chances are good you’ll remember the first-ever Mail Call: Letters from Home initiative last spring, designed to bring some joy to our local service members stationed abroad. Community members were encouraged to write out cards, letters and notes for the troops, which would then be shipped overseas in care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester.

The effort kicked off in earnest in April, and by the beginning of the month, mailboxes had been set up in a dozen Town and Village of Webster businesses to collect the messages. Then it was just up to community members to answer the call.

They did that, big time.

Children and adults alike, from all walks of life, embraced the challenge from day one. Individuals, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, after-care programs and Scouts all started making cards. Churches, social groups, veterans, the VFW, American Legion, nursing homes, and active duty units all made cards. The Chamber of Commerce and Webster Public Library even hosted card-making events. By the end of the month, Webster blew the original goal out of the water, completing an amazing 1,558 cards and letters.

It was such an amazing response that Cherie Wood, the Mail Call organizer, has brought it back again this coming April. Her goal once again is 1,000 cards and letters, and while the mailboxes won’t be installed again until April, it’s not too early to start actually writing out some cards. Just tuck them aside for a few months; it would be a great way to kick-start the effort. It would also be helpful if you have some blank cards which you can donate to the cause. They come in very handy when places like the library have community events. Just put them aside, too, and stay tuned for more details about where to drop them off.

Lots more info to come about the Mail Call: Letters From Home 2026 initiative. Stay tuned and start writing!

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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 1/17/2026)

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Library program helps caregivers find their village

13 Jan

I had the opportunity last week to attend a terrific program at the Webster Public Library (WPL) which I wanted to share with you all.

It was one of a series of panel discussions which the library hosts every month to share information and resources with caregivers of people with disabilities. Called “Diverse Abilities Dialogues,” the discussions cover topics such as communication strategies, financial planning, housing options, work placement and more.

The series is being coordinated by Jenny Paxson, WPL’s Reader’s Discovery Librarian, assisted by Brittany Jencik of Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County. Their goal is to help people in the community make connections, so that — as Jencik said — “Nobody has to walk this journey alone. It’s tough enough when you have a village. It’s almost impossible to do it alone.”

The discussion I attended that day was all about “complementary therapies” — basically, activities and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities which offer physical and emotional benefits. The panelists that day were Dave Nicchitta from Strike Back Martial Arts, Mike Tuller from Abilities Movement, Sarah Beren from Spotted Rabbit Studio, Sara McLaughlin from EquiCenter and Chad Cassano from Cassano Studios. Each of the participants had a chance to introduce their business to the dozen or so people in attendance, explaining what services they offer for people with disabilities.

I heard about creative art classes; jujitsu classes for children and adults with autism and Down syndrome; therapy riding, beekeeping and farming programs; adaptive fitness and kayaking programs; and voice acting lessons.

It was enlightening to hear about all of these opportunities, and realize they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the kinds of services caregivers can access within the Rochester area to help their loved ones. To a person, the presenters emphasized that their classes are all about building self-acceptance, making connections and thinking in new ways. The goal is to understand each person’s needs, meet them where their abilities are and guide them to their highest potential.

The Diverse Abilities Dialogue series is a valuable resource for caregivers, and it’s absolutely free to attend. The schedule for the next few months is:

To register, click on the hyperlink for each class. You don’t HAVE to register, but if you do, you’ll get an emailed reminder about the upcoming event.

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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 1/13/2026)

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Mark your calendars for the WCSD spring musicals

11 Jan

As I sit here at my dining room table/office desk writing this, it’s snowing outside. But despite the don’t-get-used-to-40-degree-weather-yet, in-your-face attitude that Mother Nature is trotting out today, I know that spring is right around the corner. That’s because a few days ago I got my annual “spring musicals are a-comin'” email from the Webster CSD.

Our middle school and high school musicals are a great way to see live theater for a little price. The productions are always well done and very entertaining. There’s also a very good chance that one of the actors up on stage will be going on to bigger and brighter things — and you saw them at the very beginning of their acting career. (Case in point, Chris Perfetti, who graduated from Schroeder in 2007 and is now a lead actor on the Emmy-nominated series Abbott Elementary.)

All four of our secondary schools are deep into rehearsals for their upcoming productions. Here are details so you can mark your calendars:

The fun begins on January 30 and 31 when the Willink Middle School Theater Club presents Disney Descendants the Musical. The show follows the teenage children of iconic Disney villains as they’re invited to attend a prep school with the heroes’ kids in Auradon. They’re tasked with stealing the Fairy Godmother’s wand to free their parents from the Isle of the Lost, forcing the kids to choose between their parents’ evil legacy and finding their own goodness.

That sounds like a lot of fun and perfect for the whole family.

Show times are Friday Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Jan. 31 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Stay tuned for ticket information.


The following week, Feb. 5 through 7, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will bring the classic On the Town to the stage. The story centers around sailors Gabey, Chip and Ozzie, who are on a whirlwind, 24-hour shore leave in New York City during World War II. They seek romance and adventure while exploring the vibrant city, with each finding a different romantic interest before their brief leave ends, leading to a classic score and dance numbers.

Show times are Thursday and Friday Feb. 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come tickets.


The Webster Thomas High School stage comes alive with Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.

This will be a high-stepping, energetic performance. Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.

Finally, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr. March 20 and 21 at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave.

This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice.

Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m.

Mark your calendars now for all these shows and stay tuned for more information as they get closer.

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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 1/11/2026)

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