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Celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Arboretum

15 Jun

Our country is marking a HUGE birthday this year, and the Webster Arboretum’s planning an equally huge party to celebrate.

For four hours on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, the Arboretum will be filled with music, dance, storytellers, games, food trucks, kids’ activities, information tables from two dozen community organizations, and much more.

It all happens from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 24 at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. A very entertaining variety of activities are scheduled all afternoon, so bring a folding chair for the music, and try to be there for as long as you can.

Here’s the whole schedule:

  • 2:45 p.m.: Kidet Marching Band (WCSD’s elementary school marching band)
  • 3 p.m.: VFW Patriot Guard
  • 3 to 4 p.m.: Continental Army Tent with Michael Grenier
  • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Fathers’ Night Out in the gazebo (Dixieland band)
  • 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Storytelling Circle with Ganondagan (traditional Haudenosaunee stories)
  • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Striking Strings dulcimer group (including harp, penny whistle, flute, guitar and marimba)
  • 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Uncle Bucks food truck
  • 4 to 4:30 p.m.: Life of the Seneca with Ganondagan, a talk about the daily life of the Seneca
  • 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.: Children’s Militia Program
  • 4 to 5 p.m.: Paint-a-pot activity for kids
  • 4 to 5:30 pm.: Guided tours of the Arboretum
  • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Dance Party with Dancing with Denise
  • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Poetry Trail guided tours
  • 5 to 5:30 p.m.: Wildlife Rock Stars, exotic animals show-and-tell
  • 5 to 6 p.m.: Story time with Nancy Nesbitt of the Webster Museum
  • 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Flint and Steel presentation
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Flower-seed paper cutouts at the craft table
  • 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Scoops ice cream truck
  • 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Duck Derby! Purchase a duck and race them in the pond
  • 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Webster Village Band
  • 6 to 7 p.m.: Chorus of the Genesee, barbershop harmony
  • 6:30 to 7 p.m.: Story time for kids with the Webster Public Library
  • 6:45 p.m.: Firing of the musket

Plus, all afternoon, you can check out incredible art displays with Joe Altieri, play lawn games with the kids, stop by the Patriotic coloring table, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt and history trivia quiz.

See? You’re not going to want to miss a minute of this event, so plan to come early and have dinner and dessert there. (P.S. make sure to stop by the Women’s Club of Webster information table and say hi to me!)

This amazing event is being presented as a collaboration of the Webster Arboretum with the Webster Public Library (Jason Poole), the Webster Community Chest (Ginny Nguyen), the Webster Museum (Sharon Pratt) and Lala’s Gift Shop & Boutique (Lisa Schlonski).

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(posted 6/15/2026)

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

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Cross-district collaboration sparks young artists and authors

11 Jun

A unique exhibit on display now at the Webster Public Library showcases the artistic and writing talents of 71 of our Webster CSD elementary school students.

The project is called “Spark, Jr.: Art From Writing, Writing From Art,” and it’s a creative blend of imagination and words, where paintings inspired stories, and stories inspired art.

Four classes across the district participated: Jamie Palmer’s preschoolers at Schroeder High School; Leslie Ambler’s first graders at Klem North Elementary; and from Schlegel Elementary, Kathleen Hall’s second graders and Becky Margiotta’s third graders.

The project unfolded in two creative waves. First, students in the four classrooms each created an original work of art and a piece of writing. These were then shuffled and passed along to other classrooms, where students used them as a springboard, creating new art sparked by the other student’s written words, and new writing sparked by another student’s artwork.

The idea for the “Spark, Jr.” project has been percolating in Jamie Palmer’s head for about 15 years, ever since she was a fifth grade teacher at Klem South Elementary, and through her years as the librarian at Schlegel Rd. Now, as a preschool teacher at Schroeder High School, she was finally able to make it happen.

“I was working with (author) Amy Ludwig VanDerwater in my fifth grade classroom,” Palmer said. “She shared that she was taking part in this experience. I thought it was a really cool idea and wanted to see what would happen if we tried it out with students in multiple grade levels, and possibly across our district. This was finally the year to try it out with three amazing teachers.”

The students and their families were invited to an artists’ reception (complete with refreshments) at the library on Wednesday evening to see their own work on display and how other students had been sparked by their artwork and writing. It was delightful to see how proud the young authors and artists were to show off their work, and how excited they were to see the results. But it was especially touching when actual connections were made between writers and artists from different classrooms.

The project sparked the teachers as much as the students. Kathleen Hall perhaps said it best when she told Palmer, “This is literally the best thing I’ve ever done as a teacher.”

More than 280 individual pieces of art and writing were created, and they’re all on display at the Webster Public Library through June 19. You’ll find them spread between two locations: under the huge feathers in the main lobby, and in (and on) the display case near the information desk. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Meet some of the artists/authors:

  • PreK student Mila Levy reading everyone’s written pieces
  • Emerson Cocquyt, 2nd grade
  • 2nd grader Benjamin Popielarz with Leslie Ambler
  • PreK student Peyton Mahns with her bubble gum portrait
  • Writer/artist connection: Emma Fischer (2nd grade) and Jaxson Williams (preK)

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(posted 6/11/2026)

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Summer Celebration returns this weekend

9 Jun

Here’s a quick, bonus blog today about an event that totally snuck up on me.

It’s the annual Summer Celebration at the Webster Recreation Center. It takes place this Saturday, June 13 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive (off of Phillips).

This is an evening of family-friendly fun, bounce houses, LOTS of food trucks, live music and fireworks. Dr. Jem takes the stage from 6 to 7:15 p.m., followed by ZBTB from 7:45 to 10 p.m.. And at the end of it all (did I mention?) there’s a huge fireworks display.

The event is free and open to the community. Parking will be available in the Xerox parking lots directly south of the Recreation Center. Handicap parking will be available closer to the festivities.

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(posted 6/7/2026)

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Outdoor concerts at the middle schools will welcome summer

7 Jun

Next Thursday and Friday, June 11 and 12, Webster’s two middle schools will host some musical treats for the entire community, to bid goodbye to another school year and welcome summer.

On Thursday June 11, Spry Middle School and Webster Schroeder High School will team up to present their Summer Sendoff concert from 6 to 8 p.m. Students, families, and community members are invited to gather outside the Cafetorium doors near the southernmost parking lot, for an evening of music and treats. The concert will feature performances by student musicians from each school’s band, choir, and orchestra.

Spry Middle School is located at 119 South Ave.

On Friday June 12, from 6 p.m.until sundown, Willink Middle School will host their Third Annual Concert on the Lawn. I’m not certain what musical ensembles will be performing, but I imagine you can expect to see a variety of Willink M.S. and Thomas H.S. bad, chorus and orchestra groups as well.

I DO know that the Willink event will include community and craft vendors. Plus, please bring your gently used sporting equipment and musical instruments to donate to students in need, and/or an item for the Willink Food Pantry.

Willink Middle School is located at 900 Publishers Parkway.

Attendees for both events are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Food trucks will be on hand at both venues. Let’s hope for good weather and welcome summer with music!

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(posted 6/7/2026)

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St. Martin Garage Sale returns this week

1 Jun

Shoppers looking for bargains while supporting a good cause will want to mark their calendars for the annual St. Martin ELCA Church Garage Sale, taking place Thursday, June 4 through Saturday, June 6 at St. Martin ELCA Church, 813 Bay Road in Webster.

The three-day sale will feature a wide variety of items, including household goods, kitchenware, home décor, toys, collectibles, books, jewelry, framed artwork, seasonal decorations, and much more. Organizers say there will truly be something for everyone.

Sale hours are:

  • Thursday, June 4: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Friday, June 5: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 6: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Proceeds from the garage sale will support two important community outreach efforts: St. Martin’s Little Food Pantry and Santa’s Stocking Project.

The Little Food Pantry provides food and essential items to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in the Webster area. Santa’s Stocking Project, coordinated by church member Jim Lockwood, provides small gifts, toiletries, hats, gloves, and other necessities to people in need throughout Webster and surrounding communities during the holiday season.

“This sale is about neighbors helping neighbors,” said organizer and longtime church member, Mary Lou Alexander. “Every item purchased helps us continue supporting people in our community who may be struggling to make ends meet. It’s amazing to see how generous our donors, volunteers, and shoppers are year after year.”

Alexander said thousands of donated items have been collected over the last month and are carefully organized for the event.

“We have a tremendous selection this year,” she said. “Whether you’re looking for household items, collectibles, gifts, or something unique, there’s a good chance you’ll find it. The best part is knowing that your purchase directly benefits local outreach programs.”

The sale has become a community tradition, drawing bargain hunters from throughout Webster and the surrounding area while raising funds for important local causes.

Admission is free, and all are welcome to attend.

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(posted 6/1/2026)

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What’s happening at the library?

30 May

As often happens, when I get the monthly newsletter from the Webster Public Library, I find that there’s just SO MUCH going on that I want to highlight that I can’t put it all into my mailbag. This month’s newsletter was particular is problematic, because in June the library is kicking off their annual summer reading program, which not only involves a community party, but has a lot of other fun, themed programs for children and adults. So I’ve split it all out into a separate blog.

The library will be introducing their summer reading program with a party on Friday, June 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall). This is always a great event with crafts, games, storytime, treats and more. The Friends of the Webster Public Library will be onsite selling individually wrapped snacks for $1 a piece (cash only please). There’s no admission to the party, and all are welcome.

This summer’s program, which runs from June 19 through Aug. 15, is called “Unearth a Story,” and it will focus on dinosaurs, geology, and other prehistoric topics. All ages can participate, and any type of reading counts – you can listen to audiobooks, have someone else read a book to you, read on your own, or anything else in between. There are prizes to be won based on how much you read.

You can find out more at the kick-off party, but if you can’t make that, you can pick up a summer reading bookmark at the library. You can also participate virtually; just download the Readsquared app or go to websterpubliclibraryny12.readsquared.com.

Here are some fun summer-reading themed activities this month:

  • For kids and families: Dino-tech labs escape room

This challenging escape-room adventure will be run on three Saturdays, June 27, July 25 and Aug. 15, in 30-minute sessions from 10:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are placed in DinoTech Labsm where a traitor has sabotaged the equipment. You have 30 minutes to decipher the clues left behind by the saboteur and save the park and all its inhabitants (human and dinosaur) from complete destruction.

This activity is recommended for ages 8 and up. Every team must have at least one person aged 16 or older, and teams can include from 2 to 6 people. Registration is required, but doesn’t open until June 1. Click here to register for June 27, here for July 25, and here for Aug. 15.

  • Dinosaur Drop-in Crafts

On Friday June 26 and Saturday June 27, stop by the storytime room anytime from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for dinosaur-themed crafts and coloring. All ages are welcome.

  • For adults: A Tale of Lost Sites

On Tuesday June 23, archaeologist Justin Tubiolo will discuss the loss of historical structures around Monroe County. The ongoing disappearance of nineteenth-century structures deprives future generations from viewing former environments and understanding their town’s history. Tubiolo will discuss a few examples of lost sites around Monroe County, where he started background studies for anticipated fieldwork, but was later denied access as structures were demolished, the land graded and developed.

The program will be held on Tuesday June 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click here to register.

  • For Tweens and Teens:

This month’s Make it Monday craft on Monday, June 8 from 6 to 7 p.m. are Giant Pool Noodle Beaded Lizards. (Yep, they’re as cool as they sound.) Grades 4 through 12 and adults are welcome.

How about a Jurassic-themed summer camp? The 3-week Jurassic Camp takes place on Wednesdays July 8, 15 and 22 from 2 to 3:30 each day, and each week campers will make a different dinosaur craft.

Individual registrations are required for each session. Click here to register for July 8, click here for July 15 and click here for July 22.

  • Also happening in June at the library:

For adults: a performance by the Top Brass Musical Duo on Monday June 29 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The duo is Pete Madsen on trumpet and Jeff Greene on trombone; both are retired Monroe County music teachers and performers. They will perform a variety of music – big band, swing, traditional jazz, and the Great American songbook. Registration is required.

June’s Donation Station is period supplies, and Community Exchange is craft supplies.

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(posted 5/30/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

27 May

A couple of new items for today’s mailbag, and reminders of other special events coming down the pike.

First, you may have noticed that the Village of Webster has started re-surfacing the parking lot behind Village Hall and the Fire Department. Milling began this week and is scheduled to continue through Friday. Paving will take place between June 9 to 12. While this work is being done, much of the lot will be closed (see the map), and parking lot access will be closed at Corning Park and South Ave. You’ll still be able to access the smaller part of the lot from West Main.

Next, Sage Harbor at the Baywinde senior living community on Bay Rd. will be holding their second annual bake sale this Sunday, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a cause that’s obviously important to the staff and residents at Baywinde, but also one that has touched many of our lives.

Sage Harbor is located at 100 Kidd Castle Way, off of Bay Rd.

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The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold another one of their popular Vintage Book Sales on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th century and the early 21st century. Some titles include first editions, early printings, and books that appear to have been signed by the author. Many include dust jackets and nearly all books are in good or better condition. Prices start at $8; prices are firm. Proceeds from the sale support the library. 

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And now, here are some quick reminders of events I previously posted about:

  • On Thursday May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., Lala of Webster (at 38 E. Main St.) will host a “Sip, Shop and Savor” event to benefit the Webster Arboretum. Shop three floors of value at Lala’s, and choose an item valued at $15 or more to donate to The Webster Arboretum. As a thank-you, you’ll get 20% the rest of your purchases. Then take your receipt next door to Jojo’s Bistro and Wine Bar, and get 20% off there, too. Jojo’s always has live music on Thursdays, so it’s a great opportunity for a date night!
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The meal includes salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. There’ll also be a bake sale and raffles.
  • ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.
  • ALSO ALSO, the Comfort Care Home is holding a Father’s Day raffle. The winner will be chosen June 14. The Grand prize is a “Thrill of the Grill” bundle which includes a 28-inch Blackstone grill, two camp chairs, and much more. Tickets are one for $25, three for $30 and six for $100. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
  • The Webster Recreation Center is inviting interested community members to join their Fitness Focus Group, which will help shape the future of the Rec Center’s program, facilities and group exercise options. The group will meet periodically, with the goal of keeping the time commitment to a minimum. If you’re interested in participating, email Jay Verna at jverna@websterny.gov with a brief note about why you’d like to participate. Submissions are open through May 31.

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(posted 5/27/2026)

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

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Sip and thrift at the Village of Webster’s new mocktail bar

26 May

For weeks now, word has been spreading around town: a new mocktail bar is coming to West Main Street in the Village of Webster. While everyone seems very excited about the concept, the name, Threads and Tonic, has definitely raised some curious eyebrows. It’s an intriguing choice for a bar, leaving many to wonder: what’s with the “threads” part?

Everyone will soon find out that the unusual name is actually a very accurate representation of the unique concept that is Threads and Tonic: a healthy, no-alcohol social gathering place combined with a casual vintage clothing shopping experience.

Owner Tracy Adkins found a brilliant way to blend two of her greatest passions: bartending and thrifting. With 20 years of experience in the bar industry, Tracy is widely known for her incredible homemade juices. But her talents don’t stop at the bar; her close friends have long relied on her uncanny ability to track down the perfect piece of vintage clothing for any special event.

And now, starting this week, all of Webster will benefit from Tracy’s expertise.

Threads and Tonic will be officially opening this Thursday, May 28 at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Patrons will enjoy a variety of craft mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, NA beers, specialty teas, and healthy beverage options including fresh juices. Light food items are also available. And of course, as you enjoy your mocktail you can browse some vintage threads.

Tracy describes her new place as a place where she blends “secondhand treasures with zero-proof pleasures. … We’re all about sipping on delicious mocktails while rocking unique thrift finds that scream personality. Whether you’re here for a refreshing drink or to score some one-of-a-kind threads, we’ve got the perfect mix to keep your spirits high and your style on point. Come chill with us and discover your new favorite hangout spot.”

Step inside Threads and Tonic, and you’ll find a spacious, welcoming main room with comfortable seating and a curated selection of vintage clothing racks. In the adjacent room, the bar offers plenty of additional seating, complete with a fantastic view of life passing by on Main Street.

It’s a concept that I think is going to be very popular. More and more these days, people are choosing to drink less alcohol when they go out, but still like the social aspect of going to a bar. Threads and Tonic is the perfect solution.

As Tracy said, “It’s just a different type of space where you can hang out. Plus, you can go buy something you know for a holiday or birthday, or just yourself.”

After all, she added, “Retail therapy is a thing.”

Tracy will celebrate her grand opening this Thursday morning May 28 at 11 a.m. with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then hang around and try one of her soon-to-be-famous mocktails. Threads and Tonic is located at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Found out more on her Facebook page or Instagram (@threadsandtonic).

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(posted 5/26/2026)

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Here’s another way to remember and honor our veterans

25 May

Hot on the heels of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, here’s another great way that you can show respect for our local veterans.

It’s a project called “Stoned Cleaned,” and its mission is to clean veterans’ headstones at Webster Union Cemetery. Spearheaded by Stephen Cataldi, the project was originally a five-year volunteer effort begun in 2019. Community turnout was so massive, however, all of the cleaning was completed in 2022, well ahead of schedule.

But now it’s time to do it again.

Two headstone-cleaning sessions have been scheduled in the next several weeks: May 31 and June 14. Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves and safety goggles if you have them. Wear clothes you can get wet and a little dirty. You’ll be provided with cleaning supplies, buckets, brushes, D2 Cleaner and hoses, plus full instructions.

You’re welcome to clean any headstones, including those of friends and family members, even if they aren’t veterans.

This year’s project is being held in conjunction with Webster Union Cemetery Historian Cherie Wood and Wreaths Across America — Webster.

It all happens Sunday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (at the corner of Woodhull). Click here to sign up for either date. Spots are limited.

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(posted 5/25/2026)

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Photos from the Memorial Day Parade and ceremony

25 May

Memorial Day 2026 dawned gray and cool in Webster, but the gloomy weather did little to dampen the annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony.

Hundreds of community members lined South Ave. and Main St. to watch the parade, which was led by local veterans, who received much applause and many a “thank you!” They included this year’s honorary grand marshal, Bill Ruoff, an Army veteran who served in the elite 82nd Airborne Division, and who also served as Mayor of the Village of Webster. They were followed by first responder units from Webster, West Webster and Penfield, Boy Scouts, and of course the Webster Marching Band. It all made for a rather short (only about 10 minutes long), yet meaningful parade.

Marchers gathered at 9 a.m. at Spry Middle School, where they lined up for the mile-long parade. It traveled along South Ave to Main Street, then west to Webster Rural Cemetery for the remembrance ceremony.

It was a very nice ceremony, as usual. It’s always the same every year, but the solemn prayers and speeches always manage to remind the assembled crowd what this day is really all about — not barbecues and family gatherings and a three-day weekend, but to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am always especially heartened to see all the children in attendance, who (I hope) are being taught the real meaning of Memorial Day.

Thank you to all who organized and participated in today’s events.

Click here for a Facebook gallery with some photos from the parade, memorial ceremony, and many of the community members who came out to honor our veterans. Or if you don’t have Facebook, click here.

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(posted 5/23/2026)

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

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