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Mark your calendars now to be part of Wreath Day on Dec. 13

27 Oct

You’ll be hearing a lot more about this in the coming weeks, but I wanted to get this year’s Wreaths Across America Day on your radar. This year’s ceremony will be held on Saturday Dec. 13 at Webster Union Cemetery. (Click here to read about last year’s event.)

Wreaths Across America Day is an initiative to honor and remember fallen veterans, a day when volunteers place wreaths on the graves of almost 3 million veterans at cemeteries across the country and across the world. Webster has participated in this solemn occasion every year since 2022, when volunteers placed about 650 wreaths at Webster Union Cemetery. In 2023, Webster Rural and Union Hill joined the effort and 1,350 wreaths were placed. Last year, we added Holy Trinity Cemetery, and raised our wreath total to 2,100.

Thanks to the amazing support from the Webster community, our little town typically ranks in the top 5% for the number of veterans honored.

As I said, I’ll get you more details later about the actual ceremony, but right now we as a community have to come together to make sure we have enough wreaths for this year. Wreaths Across America Local Coordinator Cherie Wood tells me her goal again this year is 2,100 wreaths, enough for all of the veterans in all four participating cemeteries: Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity. But she’s still a long way away from that goal.

Her dream is actually to have enough EXTRA wreaths sponsored to add West Webster’s 350 veterans, which would raise her goal to 2,450 veteran wreaths.

When it comes to Wreaths Across America Day, Webster NEVER disappoints. Our community support has grown bigger and bigger every year, allowing Cherie to honor even more veterans every year. So let’s not let her down.

Please click here to go to Webster’s Wreaths Across America page and consider sponsoring one or several wreaths. Each sponsorship costs $17, and $5 from each will be donated to local Gold Star Families, who have lost an immediate family member in active duty.

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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 10/27/2025)

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Pumpkins on Parade a soggy but fun event

26 Oct

I want to start my Pumpkins on Parade follow-up today with a shout-out to all of the hardy Webster Recreation Center staff members who hung in there Saturday night despite the rather miserable weather.

A cold, steady rain began shortly after the parade started, which took many participants by surprise (only a few had thought to bring umbrellas) and sent families running to their cars as soon as they finished the trail. And almost certainly it kept many families away entirely, choosing not to venture outside their warm homes at all.

But those who did walk the trail enjoyed hundreds of creatively carved pumpkins and colorful lights illuminating the trail, lots of spooky ghost and alien decorations, an actual witch cackling and casting spells as she cooked up something vile in her cauldron, and a really cool “haunted” house. And at the end, Rec Center staffers gamely stood at their posts, handing out donuts, apples and cider, taking photos and helping kids go down the roll-y slide (the kids definitely didn’t seem to mind the weather). Kudos also to all of the families who were still arriving, with umbrellas, as I walked back to my car.

So the weather was stinky this year, and it definitely dampened the festivities, but it was still fun to see all the pumpkins. Nice job, Rec Center, and thank you for all your hard work. And I hope you enjoyed all the leftover donuts.

Here’s a gallery of photos from the event.

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

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

(posted 10/25/2025)

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So. Much. Candy. So many photos.

25 Oct

Thank you, Village of Webster business owners, for the fun excuse to eat too much candy every year on the Saturday before Halloween.

I mean, that’s what always happens when I wander the streets on Trick-or-Treat Trail day in the village (always with my daughter Erin at my side), stopping by to chat with all of the business owners I’ve come to know. Invariably I leave with a Butterfinger or Reese’s Cup in my hand or stuffed in my pocket for later. And this year, Netsin’s had their ice cream truck there as well; that cup of Panda Paws was kind of like lunch, right? Erin and I may have also stopped by for a pint at the Mary Wee before heading home.

Of course we also made sure to pop into the Webster Museum, where they always have a fun scavenger hunt, and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department, which holds their open house during the event.

So it was a great time, but as always, I struggled to get photos of all the incredible costumes we saw as we wandered. There were a lot of dinosaurs (small and huge), Roblox and Minecraft characters (my daughter had to help me identify them), and some perennial favorites like Winnie the Pooh and the Wizard of Oz. But I saw a lot of unique costumes as well, like the young man who was a garbage collector.

The weather was cool and started out a little spitty, which I think muted the crowd numbers a bit compared to previous years, but I still managed to take 70 or 80 photos. There are a few here, but many more in this Facebook gallery.

Thank you to the Webster Business Improvement District for organizing the event, and to all the business owners who participated.

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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 10/25/2025)

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Pumpkins are parading this weekend. Don’t miss it

22 Oct

The Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade is this Saturday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

less than two weeks away, and they need jack-o-lanterns! This is a super fun 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, and a lot of other very spooky elements. At the end of the path, there’s music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. And it’s ALL FREE and no registration is necessary.

This amazing event relies on community participation, because a LOT of pumpkins are necessary to make it really spectacular. Everyone is encouraged to carve some pumpkins to be added to the parade. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You can also join other Halloween-loving community members at a Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Rec Center will provide the pumpkins and the tools — all you need to bring is your creativity. And all of your creations will make it to the Pumpkins on Parade path.

The pumpkin-carving event is free, but registration is required for this so they can set aside some pumpkins for you. Register for program #301208.

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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 10/22/2025)

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Details about the Trick-or-Treat Trail in the village

18 Oct

The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In case you haven’t heard about this great event yet, here’s what it’s all about:

Basically, 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 children! 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 11:30 to 12:30. 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 and have your photo taken for the judging.

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. (Participating businesses will have a pumpkin sign displayed in their window.) 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.

And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

New to the Trick-or-Treat Trail this year are a photo op display by Kittelberger Florist, ice cream treats from Netsins Ice Cream and a Halloween-themed lunch menu at Webster Hots

Keep an eye out for me and my camera; 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.)

The Trick-or-Treat Trail is sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about future village events, including the Bourbon Bash on Saturday, Nov. 22 and the Winter Wonderland celebration (with the ever-popular Parade of Lights) on Saturday, Dec. 6.

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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 10/18/2025)

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“Senior Inspirations” project will present seniors’ stories — artistically

17 Oct
Images from one of the “talk sessions”

I’ve written several times about the Webster Art Club, a very friendly and welcoming group of artists of all ability levels who meet once a month at the Webster Recreation Center to share ideas and support each other. If you’re a regular visitor to the Rec Center, you’re probably familiar with their work, displayed on the wall leading past the community room.

It’s obviously a pretty cool organization, but this latest project they’re working on is especially cool. Called “Senior Inspirations,” the project is a collaboration between Webster community members — specifically senior citizens — and Webster Art Club members. Each senior participant was paired with an artist, who sat down with them during “talk sessions” and asked them questions about their lives, interests, hobbies, etc. Each artist would then create an artwork based on something the senior shared. The media and style of work, along with the image itself, would be up to the artist.

The project began just a couple of weeks ago, the idea prompted by the club’s previous experience with a directed project.

Club co-president Mary Coy explained,

As a club, I noticed how inspired the club was last year as we collectively created art for the eclipse exhibit at the Rec Center center.  Some folks said they “liked having a specific project to work on.” So I thought we might try something different this year and offer the theme of inspiration.

Knowing the importance of social connection as we age, I thought about inviting seniors in to chat and share their stories. … We offered two opportunities to come in and talk with club members. Each session was one hour, and each artist was given a series of questions/prompts to encourage conversation.  It didn’t take much to get everyone talking! Lively chatter filled the entire hour, with some participants saying they didn’t want the session to end!

Mary added, “In this divisive time in society, this project brings people together and offers an opportunity for us to be inspired by others. Hence the name: ‘Senior Inspirations.'”

Diana Holzwasser, one of the seniors who participated, told me she enjoyed the experience very much.

“It was a very enlightening experience,” she wrote, adding,

I discussed the importance of family, my work life at Paychex as well as my interests. It was a pleasure to have this discussion with two of the members who will transform the information to a drawing. I’m very excited to see the results!

The talk sessions have been completed and the artists are busy working on their creations. The senior participants have been invited back for an unveiling and explanation of the artworks on Wednesday, November 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — kind of like a reception, which will be held in that hallway where the artwork normally is displayed. Eleven artists participated in the project, so there’ll be at least 11 work of art, which will be hung alongside the club’s other works already on display.

I’ll be there. I think this is a very intriguing idea and I look forward to seeing the finished artworks and hearing the stories behind them.

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

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

(posted 10/17/2025)

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My second Prague travelogue is coming up

15 Oct

If you didn’t get a chance to catch my Prague travelogue presentation at the Webster Public Library last month, and you’d really like to, your next opportunity to do so is on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Webster Recreation Center, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

You may remember that I spent several weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband Jack, 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. If you’re at all interested in seeing some (OK, many) of those photos and hearing about my adventures, please join me at the Webster Recreation Center next Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The program is part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. There’s no charge, and you don’t have to be a member of the Rec Center to attend. They’d like to know how many people to expect, so please register.

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.

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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 10/15/2025)

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A little bit of Halloween, a little bit of Christmas

14 Oct

‘Tis the season for creative and scary Halloween displays, and a short time ago one of my readers wrote to me about the one he’s set up in front of his 1108 Everwild View home. He’s put a lot of work into it and he’s pretty proud of it, and he tells me it’s become a neighborhood favorite. But since he lives at the end of his cul-de-sac street, he doesn’t get a lot of traffic, so he thought I might help him spread the word.

I went by the other night to check it out (it’s best at night) and it is pretty neat. Apparently Brian built a lot of the pieces himself. Here are a few more photos from it, but you’ll want to stop by to see it for yourself to get the full effect.

The ever-changing and ever-growing display was born during COVID, and started with just a few elements. It was part of Brian and his wife’s idea to make sure the neighborhood kids could still enjoy Halloween, even during a pandemic shut-down.

They devised a celebration just for the kids on the street, friends and family members. Homeowners would put tables at the end of their driveways, and the kids would stop by each one to trick-or-treat. In the past (depending on the year) the event has also included a food truck, and often a special appearance by the fire department.

Six years later, the Turnquists continue to delight the neighborhood with their spooky display, and are still making the holiday extra special for the neighborhood’s kids. If you’d like to drive by, Brian will have the display lit up Sunday through Thursday from dusk until 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from dusk till 10 p.m. (weather permitting).

Sign up now to participate in the Parade of Lights

Despite all the really cool Halloween decorations popping up everywhere, it is not yet actually Halloween, but our Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. has already started planning for the ever-popular and spectacular Holiday Parade of Lights.

The parade is always the highlight of the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities, which this year will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. and ALWAYS draws a huge crowd, no matter how cold it is.

More details to come, but for now, if your business or organization wants to participate this year, you gotta sign up. To do that, click here, and fill out the form.

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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 10/14/2025)

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Lovely You Aesthetics opening soon

14 Oct

A warm Webster welcome to Lovely You Aesthetics, one of the village’s newest businesses.

Owned and operated by Carla Ann Scheiber, FNP-BC, Lovely You is located at 82 North Ave. She’ll be offering a wide variety of services including bio repeels, chemical peels, micro needling, Botox, fillers, personal skin care evaluations, weight management and more.

The location is a beautiful old house built in 1914 which still holds much of its original charm including leaded glass, stained glass windows, and coffered ceilings. And despite the fact it hasn’t been strictly a private residence for a long time, every room still exudes that at-home feeling.

The final touches are still being completed on making every room perfectly suited for the new business. Eventually, the there will be two treatment rooms downstairs, four treatment rooms upstairs, and two bathrooms.

“It’s a nice big space,” Carla said, “and we’re going to grow into it.”

Carla’s been offering beauty-care services for a while, working out of the house and rented space. But this is her first brick-and mortar location, and she’s very excited to have found it. But it almost didn’t happen.

“When I started this,” Carla said, “I really saw myself in Webster or Penfield. I live in Ontario and have a lot of roots in Webster but I couldn’t find anything. So I started to widen my search. I found a space to lease in Pittsford, but after months and months of trying to get the zoning approved, they rejected me.”

But it was fate, because it turned out “it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Literally the next day my realtor sent me this (listing), and it was for sale.” She’d found the perfect place, a beautiful house, in a village which has welcomed her with open arms.

For now, Carla will only be joined by two other injectors as she builds her business. But in the future she’d love to add a massage therapist and aesthetician to her team, to build it into a “real medical spa.”

Her approach is already very people-focused.

“You’re not going to come here and get a sales pitch,” she said. “You’re gonna know us, we’re going to educate you, we’re going to actually care about you, building that trust and that education component so that people can make informed decisions.”  

Carla will be hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, Oct. 17, so that’s a great opportunity to check out Lovely You Aesthetics for yourself. It all starts with a ribbon cutting at 3 p.m., followed by a “happy-hour-style” open house from 3 to 7 with signature cocktails, finger foods, vendors, raffles, giveaways and merch bags. She’ll officially open for business the next day, Saturday Oct. 18.

In the meantime, you can find out more about her new business on her website and Facebook page. You can also connect with her on Instagram (lovely.you.aesthetics).

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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 10/11/2025)

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It’s a busy fall at the Rec Center

13 Oct

Lots of fun stuff coming up at the Webster Recreation Center which you’ll want to put on your calendar, so let’s dig in:

BINGO Night to support Making Spirits Bright, Sunday Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

I’m honored to join Mike Petzing from Shamrock Jack’s as a caller for this event which benefits one of my favorite nonprofit organizations, Making Spirits Bright. Proceeds will help purchase large wish-list items for families to make their holiday season spectacular.

Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children, capped at $75 per family. Fun, snacks raffle and door prizes! Click here to read my previous blog for more information.

By the way, the Bills have a bye that week, so there’s no conflict!

Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Take the family along a mile-long path around the Rec Center, lined with illuminated jack-o-lanterns, ending with music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. The event is free and open to the public.No registration is necessary.

Everyone is encouraged to carve some pumpkins to be added to the parade. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You can also join other Halloween-loving community members at a Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Rec Center will provide the pumpkins and the tools — all you need to bring is your creativity. And all of your creations will make it to the Pumpkins on Parade path. It’s free, but registration is required for this so they can set aside some pumpkins for you. Register for program #301208

Broadway-Themed Halloween Fitness Event, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public, and no registration is required. Costumes are definitely encouraged, so consider dressing as your favorite Broadway character.

Looking ahead

Mark your calendar now for an Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy music and dancing, cookies and activities. Come anytime during the event — you don’t have to be registered — and Santa will make sure to visit with everyone.

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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 10/13/2025)

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