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News and family-friendly events from the Friends of Webster Trails

21 Oct

The autumn edition of my Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter popped up in my email box the other day, and as usual, it was packed with lots of great updates about how much the Friends have accomplished in the last several months. And as usual, I’d like to share some of those accomplishments with you all.

But first, I want to highlight two family-friendly events the Friends have scheduled in just a few weeks.

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Kent Park, 1700 Schlegel Rd., held in conjunction with the Webster Recreation Center.

Participants can choose their own adventure as they explore the park, completing a fun scavenger hunt along the way. Three different skill levels will be available for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate, and every child will earn a prize.

Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation Center website. You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Proceeds will be donated to the Webster Arboretum to help improve Webster’s trails.

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That evening, the Friends will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike, held this year at State Road Nature Preserve, 1571 State Rd.

This free, self-guided, family-friendly hike will be about one mile from start to finish, and includes a stop along the way for (you guessed it) hot cocoa! The path will be clearly marked, and there will be lights along the way to help guide you, but please bring a flashlight to help out as well. (And your own travel mug.)

Participants are asked to plan to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m. so that you can arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. The trail will begin on the right-hand side of the parking lot. Please leave your dogs at home.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends have enough hot cocoa and marshmallows.

Now, on to the newsletter

If you enjoyed hiking any of our trails this summer, you’ll notice how great they’re looking — and keeping them looking great has been a challenge with all the windstorms knocking down trees left and right. The dedicated FWT volunteers have been working hard all summer to maintain these trails. Here are some highlights:

  • Habitat/ReTree Project: Volunteers planted 151 native trees and shrubs. The purpose of this project is to restore and protect the forests in Webster by planting native species, improving wildlife habitat, and making local woodlands more resilient to insects, diseases, and other threats. Thanks to the Ciena Corporation, who provided some volunteers for this project, for the Girl Scouts, who potted some seedlings, and to RG&E for donating nursery stock.
  • Bird Sanctuary Trail: This was much improved over the summer with lots of new gravel and the installation of new drainage pipes. Soon the Friends also plan to install a dog waste station at the Orchard St. trailhead.
  • Gosnell Big Woods Preserve: In addition to doing some much-needed cleaning along the fence line, FWT volunteers were able to rescue a wounded osprey, with help from the Braddock Bay Birding Observatory.
  • Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve: The Whiting Rd. Red Trail now has a new boardwalk, thanks to the efforts of Maria Frick, who completed it in June for her Eagle Scout project.

The newsletter also had a rather interesting analysis of who’s actually using the trails. Hikers by far comprise the greatest number of users (and runners from my running group are included among them), at 64%. They’re followed by dog walkers at 29%, and bikers are 7%. And a separate tally of the number of people using the paths around Charles Sexton (North Ponds) Park counted an amazing 4,000 a week.

If you include yourself among these folks who use our trails, and you aren’t yet a member of the Friends of Webster Trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $15 for an individual or $20 for a family) and the funds go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

You can find out more about the organization and see an interactive map of all the trails at the Friends of Webster Trails website.

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

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

(posted 10/21/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

20 Oct

As the leaves are just beginning to fall with conviction, both the Town and Village of Webster are ramping up their leaf pick-up schedules.

Here’s the information in a nutshell for the town, taken from the Town of Webster website:

Leaf pick-up began last Friday, with limited crews on the west side of town (Zone 1). It will proceed through five zones (in numerical order) toward southeastern Webster and the county line. How quickly they get through all the zones will depend on the weather conditions and how many leaves have fallen. Subsequent rounds will be completed as necessary.

The town hasn’t yet published a date when they expect to complete the collection. You can check the Town website for updates. You can also check the map to see which zone you’re in.

The Village of Webster leaf collection is also underway. Crews will take regular passes through the village until the beginning of December, or until the first heavy snowfall, whichever comes first.

For both the town and village collections, please remember:

  • Place leaves at the edge of your lawn
  • Please do not place leaves in the roadway, gutters, or drainage ditches
  • Do not bag the leaves
  • Do not place brush, rocks, wood, plastic, or other foreign material with your leaves

Books and flowers

A reminder that the Friends of the Webster Public Library will host their next Book Sale from Oct. 21 through 24.

The sale begins on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m., open to members of the Friends. A Vintage Book Sale will also be held at this time for the general public. The sale opens up to everyone on Thursday Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. On Friday and Saturday you can fill a bag with books for just $5.

Plus, the Friends will also be selling Kittelberger’s Bouquet Cards, from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3. 

Drug Take-Back Event

Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) will host a DEA National Drug Take-Back event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.

The event is being held in partnership with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department. Its goal is to help residents prevent the misuse of potentially dangerous unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications by safely disposing of them.

WHEN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth.

From the Webster Recreation Center

There’s always so many great events going on at the Webster Recreation Center (including this weekend’s Pumpkins on Parade) that I really can’t easily mention them all, but here are a few highlights in the next few weeks:

The first is a visit by CarFit on Monday, Oct. 26. CarFit is a free educational program developed by the American Society on Aging, in collaboration with AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Trained volunteers will be on site to offer older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them and provide guidelines to enhance their safety as drivers. It takes about 20 minutes and looks at things like adjustments to your car’s mirrors, steering wheels, seats, etc., to maximize safety.

The event will be held from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in the smaller parking lot adjacent to the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. There’s no charge and no appointment is necessary. Just drop in.

Craft show to benefit WSPS

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) is hosting an indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more LOTS OF vendors, so make sure to add this one to your holiday shopping calendar.

WSPS is a group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services. Let’s all stop by and support their efforts.

And this looks like fun.

On Friday, Nov. 13, everyone is a suspect when the Rec Center hosts a Murder Mystery Dinner Party, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

$30 per person includes a chicken parmesan dinner and interactive murder mystery “mayhem.” Click here to register for this 55+ activity.

… and stuff from the museum

The Webster Museum is pleased to again offer 12 Months of Flowers cards from Kittelberger Florist!  Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card at the museum for $50 between November 23 and December 12, and receive one bouquet, each month, for 12 consecutive months.

Bouquets must be picked up each month at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster. Kittelberger cards can be purchased from any museum volunteer, or during museum open hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and during the Village of Webster Winter Wonderland celebration on Saturday, December 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Payment is by cash or check only; checks must be made payable to Webster Museum.

Speaking of the museum, they’re starting to plan for this year’s Tree Festival, also held in conjunction with Winter Wonderland festivities on Dec. 5.

Museum volunteers are currently taking sign ups to decorate one of their 20 miniature Christmas trees, which are distributed throughout the museum for the holiday season. You can sign up as a community organization, a school group, a family or just yourself. Trees and lights are provided. Creativity and ornaments are up to you.

Visitors to the museum will be voting on their favorites, and prizes will be awarded. The museum is also looking for musical groups to perform during the festival. If you’d like to decorate a tree or volunteer your musical talents for this much anticipated event at the Webster Museum please call Gwen Hoffman @ 585-738-6221.

Still speaking of the Museum…

On Saturday, Nov. 7, elementary school-aged children are invited to hear a story and learn a bit of history from Mrs. Nesbitt, a retired elementary school teacher. Mrs. Nesbitt will lead a discussion about the historic one-room school house located at the back of the museum, and teach children about communication methods over the years, including the telephone.

The event happens on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. Parents must remain in the museum during the activities.

Women’s Club announces November meeting

Kathy Miller from Seniors Helping Seniors will be the featured speaker at the next meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Kathy will speak about how her agency provides non-medical care to seniors by employing active seniors to assist others with daily tasks, companionship and transportation.

Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Kathy’s presentation at 1 p.m. Lunch will feature a variety of pizzas, salad, beverages and dessert. Cost is $22. Please mail your check by Nov. 5, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, to Kim Tauriello, 303 Phillips Rd., Webster, 14580.

New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge!

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

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

(posted 10/20/2026)

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Two great Village events coming up — one for kids, one for adults

19 Oct

Hot on the heels of Sunday’s blog about the Webster Recreation Center’s Pumpkins on Parade, here are two more great autumn and Halloween-themed events you’re not going to want to miss.

The first is the Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail, which will return to downtown streets on Halloween Day, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the kids! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.

The trick-or-treating will begin at 11 a.m., and the costume contest runs from 11 a.m. to noon. Don’t worry about missing out on any of the village festivities, because it only takes a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room on South Ave. and have your photo taken for the judging. The Trail continues through 2 p.m.

So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before. The Webster Volunteer Fire Department will also be out on their front apron, handing out candy (they have to scale back their open house this year because of repairs to their bay floor).

And don’t forget to turn the corner on Lapham Park and take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

Keep an eye out for me, my camera and my PRESS hat; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)

This next village event is the annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled this year for Saturday Nov. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.

This is a fun evening out with family and friends, a chance to sample many different bourbons, paired with tasty treats from our local restaurants. Local distilleries, along with Webster Wine and Spirits, will be participating. The event will also feature raffles and bourbon products for sale. ID is required at entry.

Click here for tickets. They cost $39.19, which includes the Eventbrite fee.

The Trick-or-Treat Trail and the Bourbon Bash are sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about future village events, the Winter Wonderland celebration (with the ever-popular Parade of Lights) on Saturday, Dec. 5.

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

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

(posted 10/19/2026)

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The pumpkins are parading again

17 Oct

One of my favorite events of the entire Webster year, Pumpkins on Parade, is returning to the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., on Saturday Oct. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a super fun and totally free family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o’-lanterns. At the end of the path, there’s free cider and donuts, lawn games, a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze, roller slide and more. And it’s ALL FREE. There’s also a shorter path for children and seniors.

The wide variety of designs will blow you away. There are lots of ghosts and witches, bats and spiders, but the kids will also enjoy seeing characters they recognize (I’ve seen Super Mario and Roblox-themed pumpkins, for example). Click here for a photo gallery from last year.

There are always lots of special light up elements, and in previous years there’s been a (not-so-scary) haunted house and a witch at her cauldron. It’s all just super cool. In short, this is a great FREE activity for kids of all ages. And did I mention free cider and donuts??? With any luck, the weather will be a bit better this year — you may remember that last year was rather windy, rainy and stinky.

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BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing, an there are two ways you can help with that.

The first is by being part of a Family Carving Night on Friday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rec Center. Bring the whole family and carve a pumpkin for the display. All supplies, plus pizza and water, will be provided. Cost is $5 per person, and registration is required. Click here and enter program #3012208-A to secure your spot.

If you don’t want to join that fun time, you can make some jack-o-lanterns at home, then drop them off at the Rec Center Friday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Every submitted carved pumpkin will earn an entry into a drawing for a Halloween-themed basket from Diamond Collision. Then make sure to come back Saturday night for the parade and look for your creations!

But even if you don’t want to carve a pumpkin, make sure to bring your family out for the event. Pumpkins on Parade takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 24 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There will be plenty of parking in the Xerox lots across from the Rec 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 10/17/2026)

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Enjoy a hike and hot cocoa with the Friends of Webster Trails

14 Oct

The Friends of Webster Trails are finalizing their plans for their next Hot Cocoa Hike, which will be held this year on Saturday, Nov. 7 at State Road Nature Preserve, 1571 State Rd.

This free, self-guided, family friendly hike will be about one mile from start to finish, and includes a stop along the way for (you guessed it) hot cocoa! The path will be clearly marked, and there will be lights along the way to help guide you, but please bring a flashlight to help out as well. (And your own travel mug.)

Participants are asked to plan to leave the parking lot between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. so that you can arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. The trail will begin on the right-hand side of the parking lot.

To help everyone enjoy the evening, please leave your dogs at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time.

The motto for the evening is carry in, carry out; please take everything you bring with you when you leave. There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends have enough hot cocoa and marshmallows.

Remember,

  • this is a self-guided hike
  • bring your own travel mug and flashlight
  • wear comfortable, weather-appropriate footwear

This is a really fun way to explore one of Webster’s newest trail systems, and a great way to meet some of your like-minded neighbors.

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

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

(posted 10/14/2026)

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Some exciting Parade of Lights news

13 Oct

(…. Well, I think it’s exciting, anyway.) I’ve been asked to act as emcee for this year’s Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 5!!!

As most of you already know, the Parade of Lights is the spectacular climax to the Village of Webster’s annual Winter Wonderland festivities. It begins at 6:30 p.m. on East Main St., and travels west on Main Street to Fireman’s Field. All of the participants — fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything is decked out in twinkling Christmas lights as they parade by. It’s really a sight to see.

And I get to announce it all from a perch above the crowd!!!!

Sign-ups are happening right now, so if your community group wants to be involved, make sure to reach out to the organizers by Nov. 15. Click here to access the application form. And when you apply, make sure you add something fun for me to say about your group.

What I find equally exciting is that the parade organizers are asking that, in lieu of a registration fee, participating groups donate to Making Spirits Bright, to help raise funds for the amazing work they do helping the families of Webster during the holidays. Making Spirits Bright (MSB) is an all-volunteer, adopt-a-family program which provides holiday joy to deserving families in the greater Rochester, NY region. They’ve assisted more than 600 families since 2014. Every dollar donated helps them help more families.

So, get your group signed up and let’s get pumped for this year’s Winter Wonderland and the Parade of Lights, both scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. More details to come about both.

(And yes, someone has already asked me who will be taking photos of this year’s parade, which is what my role usually is. Maybe I can do it from the podium. We’ll see.)

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

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

(posted 10/13/2026)

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Community invited to Webster SparX annual Rah Rah Cha Ruckus

12 Oct
A few images from past competitions

The Webster SparX Robotics Team (FIRST® Team 1126) invites community members, prospective students, and robotics enthusiasts to cheer on the team at the annual Rah Cha Cha Ruckus on Saturday, October 17, at the Nazareth University Golisano Training Center, 4245 East Ave., Rochester.

The Rah Cha Cha Ruckus is a high-energy, Halloween-themed, off-season competition featuring regional high school robotics teams competing head-to-head. The local event gives robotics teams a chance to use last year’s robots to practice their skills and get new members up to speed.

The event kicks off with an opening ceremony at 8:15 a.m., followed by dynamic alliance matches running throughout the day. For families and students curious about FIRST Robotics, the event provides a firsthand look at high school engineering in action within a festive, community-focused environment. It’s free and open to the public.

Webster SparX Team 1126 is comprised of students from both Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas high schools and is actively recruiting new members for the upcoming season. Opportunities are available for both STEM and non-STEM students, including roles in mechanical design, programming, graphic design, marketing, fundraising, and team logistics.

Each year starting in January, FIRST Robotics Competition teams work alongside adult technical and business mentors during an intense six-week build window. Teams design, program, and construct industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game in three-team alliances, operating under the principle of Coopertition®. Teams also raise funds, establish brand identities, and promote STEM literacy across their local communities.

For more information about the SparX robotics team or joining for the upcoming season, visit the team website, or stop by the pit area at the Rah Cha Cha Ruckus on October 17 to say high, get a close-up look at the action, and ask some questions.

About FIRST®

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is the world’s leading youth robotics community, delivering hands-on STEM learning that inspires innovation, builds confidence, and prepares kids for life through mentorship, teamwork, creativity, and engineering challenges.

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

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

(posted 10/12/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Oct

Got a packed mailbag today; Webster’s a busy place in the autumn.

Halloween fun for your doggy friends

Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park is sponsoring a Halloween Fun Run on Monday, Oct. 12 at Charles Sexton (North Ponds) Park to benefit local pet rescues.

For just $10 you’ll enjoy a dance party, kids’ activities, a dog costume parade, adoption event, raffles, and a one-mile community fun run.

It all happens on Monday Oct. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. Check the flier for details. Register early for just $10, because the price goes up to $15 on the day of the event.

More community office hours

Join Town Supervisor Scialdone and other Webster representatives to talk about the local issues that matter most to you. The next scheduled Community Office Hours are Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Room, 1002 Ridge Rd.; and Monday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Town Board Room.

If you can’t make it to this one, no sweat; they’re scheduled regularly. Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the Supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Chamber events

The Webster Chamber of Commerce’s next Eat, Drink, & Connect event is Wednesday, October 14, hosted by Howard Hanna – Webster (1930 Empire Boulevard, Suite 200). Registration is required.

Also, the Chamber is collecting hats, mittens, scarves, gloves, and socks for Webster HOPE. You can drop items at the Chamber office (1110 Crrosspointe Lane, Suite C, Webster), or order them on Amazon and have them shipped directly to the Chamber. Just search for “bulk” hats and mittens and “bulk” socks.

Women’s Club announces October meeting

The next meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 at Bill Gray’s Restaurant, 964 Ridge Rd.

Tracy Dennis, Benefits Counselor for the Webster Community Chest, will be the featured speaker. Tracy will talk about the Community Chest’s mission and activities that address the needs of our Webster neighbors experiencing emergencies and food insecurity. 

Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Tracy’s presentation at 1 p.m.  Attendees can choose one of two lunch options, a cheeseburger or grilled chicken sandwich. Side dishes will include tater tots, macaroni salad, coffee, soda and dessert. Cost is $20. Please mail your check by Oct. 8, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, to Mary Malone, 606 Galbro Circle, Webster, 14580. 

New members are always welcome.

What’s happening at the library?

Lots of stuff happening at the Webster Public Library in October, of course.

For starters, their annual Trick or Treat Event will be Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. No registration is required.

Here are some other highlights this month

  • Drop-in LEGO fun for kids and families, Friday Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Halloween Dance on Friday Oct. 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • The Make-it Monday craft night is Oct. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month’s craft is a fall button and puzzle piece art. For grades 4-12 and adults. Registration is required.
  • For adults: Un po’ di storia: Rochester’s Italian American Community in Historical Perspective. Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Activities, treats and more. Consumes are encouraged. For grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • This month’s Community Exchange is purses and wallets.
  • The October Donation Station will be accepting non-perishable food items for the library’s Free Food Pantry.

Next book sale at the library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host their next Book Sale from Oct. 21 through 24.

The sale begins on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m., open to members of the Friends. A Vintage Book Sale will also be held at this time for the general public.

The sale opens up to everyone on Thursday Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. On Friday and Saturday you can fill a bag with books for just $5.

Plus, the ever-popular Kittelberger’s Bouquet Cards will be sold at the library from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3

The pumpkins are back

I’ll be posting a longer blog about this later, but mark your calendars now for the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll along the Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center through hundreds of illuminated jack-o-lanterns, then finish off your evening with cider and donuts, a hay bale maze, lawn games and more.

And if you REALLY enjoy making jack-o-lanterns, sign up for the Rec Center’s Family Carving Night on Friday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is only $5 per person, and all carving supplies, pizza and water will be included in the registration.

Clean out your medicine cabinets

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.​

The verrrrrrry popular Village of Webster Trick or Treat Trail will be held ON HALLOWEEN DAY this year, Saturday Oct. 31.

I’ll provide some more details about this soon, but here are the highlights:

  • Costume Contest from 11 a.m. to noon
  • Trick-or-Treat Trail, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Museum Scavenger Hunt and candy-corn-guessing contest
  • Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. open house

Museum Tree Festival

The Webster Museum is starting to plan for this year’s Tree Festival, held in conjunction with the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities on Dec. 5.

The Webster Museum is currently taking sign ups to decorate one of their 20 miniature Christmas trees, which are distributed throughout the museum. You can sign up as a community organization, a school group, a family or just yourself. Trees and lights are provided. Creativity and ornaments are up to you.

Visitors to the museum will be voting on their favorites and prizes will be awarded. The museum is also looking for musical groups to perform during the festival. If you’d like to decorate a tree or volunteer your musical talents for this much anticipated event at the Webster Museum please call Gwen Hoffman @ 585-738-6221.

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

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

(posted 10/7/2026)

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It’s time to start sponsoring wreaths

5 Oct

Wreaths Across America Day, on Saturday, Dec. 19, will be here before we know it.

If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know all about this very meaningful event. 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. Millions of wreaths are placed every year at more than four thousand cemeteries across the U.S. and abroad.

Webster has participated in Wreaths Across America since 2022, and the effort has grown into a remarkable community tradition. Each year, hundreds of community members, first responders, veterans and active service members gather to honor veterans by placing wreaths at graves across four Webster-area cemeteries. That extraordinary community support has placed Webster among the top 2% of participating communities nationwide.

But the number of wreaths to be placed every year continues to grow, as more of our local veterans pass away. This year, organizers hope to sponsor and place 2,500 wreaths on Wreaths Across America Day, in Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. Right now, though, they’re way short of that goal.

That’s where we all come in.

Community members and local businesses are once again being asked to come together to sponsor the wreaths needed to honor those 2,500 veterans, to make sure they are never forgotten. This is an especially good opportunity for anyone who has a family member buried in one of the four cemeteries. You can personally a sponsor a wreath for him or her and place it on the grave yourself. If you’d like to do that, email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com with the name of your loved one and your sponsored wreaths will be set aside for you.

Click here to sponsor a wreath. They only cost $17 each, and $5 of your donation goes back to the Gold Star Mothers, who support Gold Star families and veterans in need in our community.

Your participation, whether through sponsoring a veteran wreath or volunteering at the wreath-laying ceremony, is a valuable contribution to remembering and celebrating the lives of our heroes. It’s a personal gift of gratitude for someone who served this country so that we can be free. 

They must never be forgotten.

More details to come about Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 19.

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

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

(posted 10/5/2026)

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Webster Theatre Guild celebrates 90 years

4 Oct

The Webster Theatre Guild (WTG), our town’s very own community theater group, turns an incredible 90 years old this year, and is celebrating the occasion by bringing a high-energy comedy to the stage which will fill the theater with a soulful sound (and lots of laughs).

This coming Friday, Oct. 9, the Theatre Guild will raise the curtain on Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy, presented in six performances through Oct. 17.

The show is based on the 1992 movie (starring Whoopie Goldberg) and hit Broadway musical, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The story follows Deloris, a nightclub singer who witnesses a crime and is placed in protective custody in a convent. She ends up teaching the convent’s initially struggling choir, and, in the process, changes the lives of the nuns and herself.

The WTG website adds,

Sister Act hits the stage with the force of a disco ball struck by divine inspiration. Deloris, a bold and big-hearted nightclub singer, lands in a convent for her own protection and winds up transforming a tuneless choir into a soulful powerhouse. Her energy shakes the dust off every pew as she teaches the nuns to sing with joy, courage, and a little sparkling attitude.

Sister Act is being directed by J. Simmons, who’s marking a bit of history with the Guild himself. Simmons’ connection to theater began early. Even at 4 years old, he was working professionally in commercials and in regional theaters. But the spark which really shaped his ultimate career path was when, at the age of 12, he was cast in the Webster Theatre Guild’s production of Annie. What started as a childhood introduction to the stage quickly became a lasting passion.

Today, Simmons is a highly respected director, actor, fight choreographer and private acting coach. He works regularly with Blackfriars Theater and Geva Theater, serves as drama instructor for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, and is a theatrical consultant and mentor for the University of Rochester International Theatre Program. But, even with all those impressive credits to his name, the Webster Theatre Guild holds a special place in his heart.

He especially likes being involved in the Guild’s milestone years (apparently). In 2011, he directed the Guild’s 75th anniversary show, Urinetown, then continued to direct every year through the Guild’s 80th anniversary production, The Music Man.

And now he’s back.

“I thought it was apropos to come back for the 90th, having done the 75th and 80th,” he said. “I wanted to give back the love that I feel for this community and group of actors.”

And he knows how important it is for this group of actors to have community theater in their lives. After all, it was this relatively modest production company which sparked his own career.

He said,

If you look around Rochester, there are so many people who are on Broadway and doing different things that have ties to community theater. This is where they got their chance to connect with what they thought was important and now they’ve made a whole career out of it. We have to have this outlet for the community, for people to come, share stories. The theater is one of the best classrooms.

So let’s get out and support these actors who’ve been working so hard to bring live theater to our back doors.

Sister Act: A Divine Musical Comedy will take the stage on

  • Friday Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 10 at 2 and 7 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. (ASL interpretation at this performance) and 7 p.m.

Shows will be held at Bishop Kearney High School, 125 Kings Hwy S.

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online here. They’ll also be available at the door unless they sell out.

1940
1962
1967

A brief history

The Webster Theatre Guild dates back to 1936, and ever since its inception, it’s been more than just a theater group; it’s been a vital part of our community, not only providing aspiring actors an outlet to pursue their passion for performing, but also supporting the Webster community by providing annual scholarships to graduating high-school seniors.

While the Guild has been operating continuously for about 90 years (that’s more than 153 productions), its character has changed substantially over that time.

It was founded in 1936 by Erva Wright Smith and the Rev. John Schott, then pastor of Webster Presbyterian Church. In its earliest days, it was known for producing one-act plays, performed at various locations around the village, and the productions sometimes were staged to benefit community groups like the Webster Public Library and Sons of the American Legion. So even back then, the Guild was dedicated to serving the community.

The Guild remained active through World War II, and one-act plays were still part of the Guild’s main identity. That changed in 1954 when the Guild produced its first musical, Speak of the Devil. It was in 1958 when the guild started its now-familiar tradition of annual musicals.

If you’d like to see a whole slew more historical photos, 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 10/4/2026)

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