Archive | Community events RSS feed for this section

A preview of tomorrow’s Mud Run

19 Sep

I was at the Webster Recreation Center this morning for a workout, and since I’m not going to be able to participate in their annual Mud Run (which happens tomorrow, Saturday Sept. 20), I thought I’d check out the course just for fun. Plus, I wanted to see what kind of progress the guys were making in preparing for the muddy mess. I saw that all of the obstacles are in place — things just have to be muddied up with a LOT of water.

As I jogged along, my mind provided this running commentary:

Oh, yeah, it starts here in the middle of the field at a big starter’s gate. And then …. yep, the obstacle course. I remember that. First, slog through the mud … the first chance to get really muddy. Separates the serious mudders from the wanna-be-mudders. Not very muddy yet, though. Go over this hurdle (mmmph!), think I’ll duck under the next one. Whew. Now through the tires….

Right, the muddy tunnels. Crawl through the tunnel. A little tough on the knees, but worth it. Also not muddy yet.

Oh, boy, on my belly, under the canopy, crawl through the mud. No way to stay clean with this one. (‘Course I could have gone around… but what’s the fun in THAT?) Not muddy yet.

Run down the path. Pretty trail. Nice bridge.

Hey, this is new. It’s kind of like a string and bungee-cord maze. Gotta … step over … aargh … crawl over this one … got it. Nope. It caught me. Step over it, then under …. did it.

Oh my gosh, ANOTHER one? Ahhh, I’ll just go around this one.

Whoa, another new thing. Wonder what they call this? The “Noodle Noggin’ Knocker”? That looks like fun. And check out the mud on this one. Yeah, THIS is more like it. There’s so much sticky mud here you’ll want to make sure your sneakers are tied on tight.

That’s pretty much how my inner monologue went. It gives you a pretty good idea of what you’ll find tomorrow at the Mud Run, and you can get a sense of how much fun it will be. The whole course is less than a mile and you can get as muddy or not muddy as you like (and you can walk it if you want). And rest assured, by tomorrow morning, all of the muddy obstacles will be VERY muddy.

And don’t worry about how messy you get; at the end of the course the Webster fire departments will be there to spray you down if you want. (I recommend it for the sake of your car seats. Just bring a few towels.) Plus, remember there’ll be fried cakes and apples at the end of the run, and lots of vendor and informational tables for you to check out.

It’s a good idea to register in advance (it’s only $5 per person) and you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30. I recommend you give yourselves time to go through twice. It’s that much fun.

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

* * *

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 9/19/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Webster community mailbag

18 Sep

The Webster Community Chest is selling Kittelberger Flower Cards, but you have to get on this SOON, because they’re available only through Sept. 27.

Each card gets you 12 Months of Flowers ($180 value; $15 monthly value) for only $50. They make great gifts, or grab one for yourself so you’re sure to have fresh flowers on your table all through the coming winter.  

You can also purchase a flower card and donate it to the Community Chest, and they will brighten the lives of 12 families through this coming year, by gifting them with a bouquet of flowers.

Please contact Tracy at webcommchest@gmail.com or 585-671-2060 to order your card(s) and discuss payment options.

This fundraiser will support WCC’s Women’s Empowerment Programs.

* * *

The United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd., is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

Webster Central School District families are invited to join a virtual event to learn more about “Distraction-Free Learning” on Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Robert Chalwell, assistant superintendent for student and community engagement, will lead the event. Dr. Chalwell will provide a brief presentation on the New York State law, Webster CSD policy, and the district’s ongoing implementation process. There will be Q&A, as well as a chance to hear perspectives from students, teachers, and families. The district will also provide resources for parents and guardians, and raise awareness about other hot-button topics.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. You can access it here.

* * *

The Webster Lions Club will be hosting their chicken and ribs BBQ on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) at Webster Fireman’s Field.

Cost is $20 per person (cash or check) and dinners (prepared by Bad to the Bone in Williamson) include a quarter chicken, pit-smoked ribs, mac salad, BBQ beans and corn bread. Dinners are drive-thru and pick-up.

All proceeds will support Webster Lions Club charities and to help those in need in the community.

The Lions Club’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for visually and hearing-impaired individuals and those with diabetes. The Club also partners with Camp Smile, located in Webster, a summer day camp for children who are visually or hearing-impaired. To learn more, click here  or call 585-234-5480.

* * *

The Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

Take a peek at the stars on Saturday night, Oct. 4 when the Webster Public Library hosts a Star Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Jim Porter, retired Chief Systems Engineer at NASA, will be on hand to discuss, “What can you see in the night sky?” See robots demonstrated by the McQuaid IgKnighters Robotics Team, play large versions of your favorite games outside with your family or friends, and make a space-themed craft. There’ll be donuts, pizza, hot/cold cider and hot cocoa (available for purchase). You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a prize, and each attendee will get a free raffle ticket.

A telescope and binoculars will be available for use, or bring your own (that’s recommended).

This is an outdoor event held in the parking lot, and registration is required. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

* * *

The Webster Public Library and Color Webster Green will present an informative presentation all about plastics on Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s called Plastics & Health: What You Need To Know. Almost every bit of plastic breaks down into “microplastics.” Documentaries such as Plastic People show how these microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, mix into our soil, and end up in our bodies.

Jane van Dis, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester will present on the prevalence of plastics and the effects that plastics and the chemicals inside them have on our health. This talk will address key scientific findings and offer insight into ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. A Q&A session will follow Jane’s presentation. This event is organized by Color Webster Green.

The program will be held Monday Oct. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no charge, but please register here so the library knows how many people to expect.

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai. Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

* * *

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25. The first day of the sale — Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. — is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.  

All are welcome to attend the book sale on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

Proceeds from the sale support the library. I’ll post another reminder about this in a few weeks.

* * *

The Women’s Club of Webster has announced plans for their next luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster.

October’s speaker will be Ron Kampff, Vice Chair of Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. Located in Webster, Miracle Field provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Mr. Kampff’s presentation. Attendees will enjoy a variety of Proietti’s popular pizzas, salad, cannoli and camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $19. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, by Oct. 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Club to attend, but new members are always welcome!

Here’s a great opportunity to actually chat with some Women’s Club members:

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., and the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the snacks.  

Blood donors will be warmly greeted at the cantina by members of the Women’s Club, and enjoy supremely scrumptious homemade cookies with their juice.

The whole process takes only about an hour. Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

* * *

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 9/18/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

* * *

The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

* * *

Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

* * *

There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

* * *

The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

* * *

Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

* * *

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 9/9/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

There’s new stuff at this year’s Mud Run

7 Sep

Hey Mud Run fans, I just got an update from the Webster Recreation Center about this year’s event, and there are some fun changes in store.

For starters, runners do NOT have to sign up for a specific time slot this year. Once you’re registered (here), you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to go through the course (several times, if you’d like!), then enjoy the rest of the festivities.

When you complete the course, you’ll enjoy fried cakes from Herman’s (yum) and apples from Schutt’s. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the informational tables of these vendors and organizations who’ll be there:

  • Webster Library
  • Align Integrative Wellness
  • MVP Healthcare
  • Webster Thomas Cheer Club
  • Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester
  • 3 B’s Beverages (who will be selling beverages)
  • MVPT  (Physical Therapy)
  • Diamond Collision
  • Webster Police Department
  • Webster Fire Department 

If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy one mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there’ll be a few challenging obstacles (which you can go around if you like).

It takes place on Saturday Sept. 20 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It only costs $5 per person. Please register in advance so they know how many people to expect. Look for program #301202. Or you can call (585) 872-7103.

* * *

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 9/7/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster Museum Vintage Sale returns

6 Sep

I’ve had several readers ask me about the annual Webster Museum Barn Sale, which usually takes place the same week as the NY Hope Garage Sale. But there was no sale last year, and it was sorely missed. So I’m happy to report that the Barn Sale is back for 2025!

Sort of.

Actually, this year’s sale will be a collaboration between the Webster Museum, who will fill one barn with vintage items, and a huge Estate Sale hosted by Jan and Phil Naujokas, who will fill the other barns with many other treasures. The sale will be held Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, on the same Phillips Rd. property and in the same barns as always, which are owned by the Naujokas family.

Among the museum items for sale will include old high chairs, cranberry glasses, old newspapers and tools, treasures from past barn sales, some vintage pieces donated by museum volunteers, and many other unique items. Funds raised from any of those items will benefit the museum.

The Estate Sale and Vintage Museum Sale will be held on Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 11, 12 and 13, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 394 Phillips Rd. It’s worth stopping by just to see the historic property and its old barns. Picking up some bargains and historic treasures would be pretty cool, too.

* * *

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 9/6/2025)

Tags: , ,

You’re invited to my Prague travelogue!

5 Sep

There’s still time to register for my Prague travelogue, scheduled for this coming Tuesday Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

As many of you might remember, I spent several weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband, who’d been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with a journalism organization headquartered in the city. Being there for that much time gave us a great chance to see pretty much all of the touristy things you need to see in that beautiful city. But also plenty of time to explore many not-so-touristy things.

That’s where the title of my talk comes from: Prague, Czechia: the Weird and the Wonderful. The wonderful portion of the talk will illustrate how stunningly gorgeous the city is, and feature the most popular tourist attractions. The weird portion will highlight several off-the-beaten-track — and rather unusual — attractions. And Prague has a lot of them.

Of course, I took a LOT of photos when I was there (it’s what I do) and came home with lots of stories to tell. Apparently, the kind folks at the Webster Public Library think that others might be interested and have asked me to put together this travelogue.

Two of the “weird” things I’ll be telling you about at the talk

So if you’re at all interested in seeing some (OK, a lot) of those photos and hearing about my adventures, please join me at the Webster Public Library next Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. It’s totally free to attend but please register here so they know how many chairs to set up. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of the plaza.

If you can’t make it to that talk, I’ll be doing a second one at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. It’s part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. To register, navigate to the Recreation Center’s registration tab and click on the 55+ Programs box. Then search “Prague” as a keyword in the 55+ programs category. You’re looking for program #346940-J. If you have any problems, call the Rec Center art (585)-872-7103. They’ll take care of you.

I’d really love to see you there!

* * *

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 9/5/2025)

Tags: , , ,

The Arboretum bridge is back!

4 Sep

Good news from the Webster Arboretum today. That beautiful bridge, which for some months has been closed as it underwent repairs, is back in business again, thanks in large part to the generosity of the Webster community.

Back in July I wrote about how the Arboretum had set up a GoFundMe page to help the non-profit Webster Arboretum Association raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort raised more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

The newly refurbished bridge will be re-introduced to the Webster community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at noon. All are welcome to attend and take a walk across the beloved bridge.

The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd., Webster.

More news from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai.

Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

* * *

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 9/4/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster NY Hope garage sale returns next week

3 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 10 through 13, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale — held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster — is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, office and more.

When I asked Webster Hope director Margery Morgan last year about the annual sale, she wrote,

It is more than a sale to us, as it allows us to be together as a community. We have a lot of fun and I think that’s reflected in the hospitality and laughter-filled sale days with the public.

I was never much of a garage sale person prior to our sale. But now I always check out other sales to “borrow” their sale display ideas. When you see our jewelry and picture displays you will see how volunteers take these ideas and create product displays. We have a lot of $1-2 items, a price even the dollar store can’t match anymore.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 10, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

* * *

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 9/3/2025)

Tags: , ,

We’re just days away from the Webster Garlic Fest

2 Sep

When we last visited the Webster Garlic Fest, I told you about all the great reasons to go to this year’s annual “stinkin’ good time.” Just today, as I strolled through the festival’s website and Facebook page, I found out about some fun NEW things happening this year that’s going to make it even better.

First, a reminder of the details:

The Webster Garlic Fest will return to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 6 and 7.

This is a family-oriented festival for anyone who loves all things garlic. More than 170 vendors will be there this year, including crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks, home goods merchants, and of course lots and lots of garlic growers. There are so many vendors that they’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds. Many of them provide tastings, samples and demonstrations. (Click here for a complete list of vendors.)

But even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there are a lot of non-garlic vendors, and plenty else to see and do. Like, you can cozy up to some alpacas and baby goats (who like to wear pajamas), and even a huge 70-year old tortoise. There’ll be demos, and Mr. Wally the Balloon Man will be there.

So here’s a new thing this year which is going to be kind of fun:

The Webster Garlic Fest Garlic Guys will be hiding in the booths. If you find one, you’ll be entered to win an Amazon gift card. The photo below shows what they look like, and if you really think they’re kind of cute, you can purchase one of your own at the One Nurses Menagerie’s booth. (Hint: If you go to the Webster Garlic Fest Facebook page, you might even be able to find out exactly what booths they’re hiding in!)

And this, too, is new this year: M.O. PASTA and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream have joined forces to create a “sweet garlic-y treat” which they’ll be unveiling at the Garlic Fest. So make sure to stop by their booths to find out more.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s plenty of parking in the Recreation Center lot, and even more across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where free shuttles will be transporting guests back and forth.

Single-day tickets are only $5, and children Under 12 are free. Click here to buy your tickets, or you can get them at the door. Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest will benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, 2025.
  • Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families): Building Care Packages for locally deployed service members and helping military families in our area.
  • Gold Star Mothers Rochester (mothers who have lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent in active duty): Helping community veterans-in-need with meals, resources, and year-round support.

* * *

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 9/2/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Barry’s Irish Festival returns to Webster next weekend

31 Aug

It’s just about time to get your Irish on, Webster, because the Barry’s Irish Festival is returning to the Fireman’s Field on Friday and Saturday Sept. 5 and 6.

This is the sixth annual festival of all things Irish, brought to you by Danny and Jessica Barry, owners of Barry’s Old School Irish pub, which not too long ago graced the village’s four corners, where the Mary Wee pub is now.

This incredible event has become Rochester’s only Irish festival, evidenced every year by the huge crowds who come out for the music, dancing, food, Irish beers, arts and crafts and more. There are bagpipers, lots of stuff for the kids to do, a traditional Irish session, raffles, lawn games — even a kilt wearing contest.

The basic details are these:

  • WHEN: Friday, Sept. 5 from 4 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
  • WHERE: Webster’s Fireman’s Field, (entrances on Ridge Rd. and Sanford St.)
  • TICKETS: cost is $20, and tickets are valid for both days (16 and under free)

You can click here to buy tickets and for a detailed itinerary of both days’ events, but here are some highlights:

Friday’s events include:

Saturday’s fun includes:

Plus, there’ll be ten food trucks on site, a full beer and cocktail bar, spirit samplings, and more than 40 craft vendors. And as an extra incentive to bring your spare cash, bar tips will go towards local efforts to build an Irish Community Center, and a portion of raffle proceeds will be donated to Bella’s Bumbas.

Click this link for lots more information, and start digging through your drawers for your green shirts and St. Patrick’s Day bling!!!

* * *

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

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

(posted 8/31/2025)

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →