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News from the Women’s Club of Webster, and a party invitation

22 Jun

At last week’s monthly meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster, the club officially installed the 2025/26 slate of officers (pictured above). As first vice president, I was honored to be among them, and I look forward to serving in that role for my second year before I (probably) move on to additional responsibilities.

I first attended a luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster in September, 2023 as that month’s guest speaker. I learned a lot about the club that day, and made some new friends. I came away very impressed with the group, and joined shortly thereafter. Less than a year later, I was elected first VP, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help the club grow and support its charitable mission.

One of the things I’ve learned in my time with the Women’s Club is that a whole lot of people have absolutely no idea that the club exists. So I try as often as I can to help spread the word. And today, that message includes a personal invitation to all of my readers.

Next month, the Women’s Club of Webster is celebrating its 60th birthday. We’re throwing a party for ourselves, and are inviting anyone from the Webster community to join us, meet the members, and find out more about the club and the charities it supports.

The party is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. It’s not going to be a fancy event; we’ll be providing snacks and munchies and beverages, and there will probably be a few speeches and a photo board, stuff like that. But mostly it’s just an informal social gathering to help introduce us to the community of Webster.

So please put the party on your calendar and plan to stop by even for a little bit to enjoy some snacks and comfortable conversation. I hope to see you there!

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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 6/21/2025)

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Radio Club Field Day will broadcast again from Kent Park

19 Jun

If you’re interested in amateur radio even a little bit, you’ll want to head out to Kent Park next weekend, June 28 to 29, to check out the annual XRX Amateur Radio Club Field Day. It’s a day when radio operators from all over the area come together to practice their skills totally “off the grid.”

Held on the fourth weekend in June every year, Field Day is an nationwide event, held simultaneously with 1000 similar stations across the US and Canada over a 24-hour period and involving more than 30,000 radio amateurs. Operators communicate via voice, Morse code and computers connected to transmitters.

On Field Day, operators are challenged to transport their equipment away from their homes, set up in a park or remote area, rebuild their stations, put up antennas and broadcast in quasi-emergency conditions, without drawing electricity from RG&E or using the internet or cell phones. The ARRL, the National Association for Amateur Radio, describes Field Day as “a picnic, a camp out, practice for emergencies, an informal contest and, most of all, FUN!”

The challenge is simply to contact as many other stations as possible during a 24-hour window, overcoming any challenges thrown by weather or technical problems along the way.

After last year’s very successful effort, Field Day Chair Bob Karz is excited about this year’s possibilities.

He wrote,

Last year was quite spectacular for us. We made contacts in all 50 US states and every Canadian province plus several foreign countries to boot. We also had a record number of visitors which we hope to repeat this year.

Conditions for radio communications should again be excellent this year. We’ll continue using voice and Morse code of course but will have increased emphasis on computer based communications which accounted for nearly half our contacts last year.

The XRX Radio Club will be operating from the lower soccer fields of Kent Park on Schlegel Rd. The club typically sets up several broadcast stations, complete with generators, computers, transmitters, and all manner of antennas. (Click here to check out the blog I wrote last year’s Field Day.) Set-up will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28 and the exercise starts at 2 p.m. It continues through 2 p.m. on Sunday, and visitors can stop by anytime.

And visitors are more than welcome to stop by. These radio amateurs are always happy to share their passion with interested onlookers, and you may even get the chance to make an “on-the-air” contact yourself.

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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 6/19/2025)

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Kick off your summer of reading with the Webster Public Library

18 Jun

No one can get kids excited about reading than our very own Webster Public Library.

That commitment will be on full display on Tuesday, June 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when the library will host its Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds).

The annual event features games and crafts, treats, storytime with Jason and more. But mostly, this is a great chance to find out more about this year’s Summer Reading program, called “Color Our World.”

The program runs from June 24 through August 29 and is for all ages. You can participate virtually or in-person, but regardless, the same great prizes and fun await you. The more minutes you read (or listen), the more you earn. Reach milestones along the way to earn prizes and complete a full reading log to enter to win a grand prize at the end of the summer. There are even some additional challenges to earn more chances to win. 

You can sign up at the kickoff party, or stop into the library anytime they’re open and pick up a Summer Reading bookmark to get started. To participate virtually, download the Readsquared app or click here.

All ages are welcome to attend the kickoff party. There’s no charge, and no registration is necessary.

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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 6/18/2025)

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Chorus of the Genesee invites you …

15 Jun

Are you a guy who loves to sing?

Webster’s very own Chorus of the Genesee invites you to sing some a cappella music with them this Tuesday evening during their Guest Night.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday June 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

You don’t even need to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show you the rest.

Please RSVP here, or you can call (585) 259-3590 and they’ll save you a seat. If you won’t be sure whether you can make it until that evening, feel free to just walk in without RSVPing. Make sure to plan to stay for pizza afterwards, too.

If you have any questions, email RochesterCOG@gmail.com

The Chorus of the Genesee is a non-profit, educational organization devoted to preserving the original American art form of barbershop harmony. The Chorus rehearses every week at the Harmony House in Webster, but performs all over the greater Rochester area and participates in choral events all over the country. A portion of their proceeds support both local and national service projects.

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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 6/15/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

9 Jun

Let’s start at the Arboretum today.

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called Composting 102, scheduled for Tuesday June 17 from 7 to 8 p.m.

It’s presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola, who believes that “rinds, limbs, manure, leaves, garden clean-out, etc. are terrible things to waste!” Get started on composting or learn new methods to compost your food and garden debris. This will be an interactive discussion.

The presentation will be held at the the Curry Building at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

Rec Center highlights

There’s still time to register for the 55+ Golden Gala on Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

This is a senior prom with dancing, a live band, a photo booth, an appetizer bar and a dessert bar. The event is sponsored by Kittelberger Florist, who’ll be providing flower corsages for the attendees. (Golden glam attire is suggested, but not required!)

Cost is $18 per person, and registration is required by June 10 (register for program #243001).

Webster Police will host car seat check

The Webster Police Department is partnering with the Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety to host a Car Seat Installation Check on Friday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Webster Police Department, 1000 Ridge Road.

There’s no charge for this service, but they would like to know you’re coming so they can have enough staff on hand. Click here to register.

Tea at Two Fashion Show was a success

The recent Tea at Two Fashion Show hosted by Embrace Your Sisters was a tremendous success, raising $47,000.

Embrace Your Sisters is a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $600,000 has been distributed to date. In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so this is great news.

The Embrace Your Sisters Tea at Two Fashion Show is an annual event, and tickets have sold out each of the last four years. So if you’re interested in attending the 2026 show, plan ahead!

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As usual, the Webster Public Library has a ton of great programs this month, but I’m only going to highlight a few of them today.

The first is the Tiny Art Challenge, which is going on all summer. The library provides the tiny canvasses, and you provide the art supplies and creativity to make a masterpiece which will be displayed at the library.

Start by registering this month. Then, in July, pick up your canvasses and work on your art.

Deadline to return your finished pieces is Aug. 1. Then from Aug. 4 through 29, all the finished pieces will be displayed, and community members can vote for their favorite. The winning artwork will be announced in early September.

Outdoor storytimes at Ridge Park have begun!

Join Webster Public Library staff members for stories, sogns and rhymes at the Ridge Park pavilion (across from the Town Hall parking lot at 1000 Ridge Rd.) every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. through Aug. 27.

This storytime is geared to children ages 0-5, but all are welcome. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held in the library building and the change will be posted on the library’s Facebook page by 8:30 a.m.  

Here’s a teaser for other things happening this month at the library:

  • Color our World drop-in crafts, June 27 and 28
  • STEAM Family Fun Night, June 30
  • Teen Library Club, June 25
  • Program on Internet Security, June 24
  • Jigsaw puzzle competition, June 28
  • This month’s community collection: craft supplies

Click here to sign up for the newsletter to come to your email box and find out more about all of these events and more every month.

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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 6/9/2025)

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The Webster Garlic Fest could use your help

5 Jun

The 2025 Webster Garlic Fest is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday and Sunday Sept. 6 and 7 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

If you’re not familiar with the Garlic Fest, it’s a great family festival for anyone who loves all things garlic. The Rec Center gymnasium and grounds outside are packed with crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks and, lots and lots of garlic growers. Many of them provide tastings and samples. And even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there’s lots of other neat things there. In past years there have been baby goats (in pajamas), alpacas, a huge 70-year old tortoise, Mr. Wally the Balloon Man, a comedian and entertainers.

As you can tell, this is a huge event, and because of that, it takes a LOT of money to bring it back every year. I’m told that costs top $10,000 for the two-day festival. Proceeds from admission (which is very reasonable) and vendors make up a portion of that, but organizers are hoping to attract some more large-scale business or corporate sponsors to help defray the costs. And not for nothing, the less spent on overhead, the more can go to the organizations that benefit from the festival, Wreaths Across America and the Blue Star Mothers Rochester chapter.

So please, if you work at a corporation, or have any connection with a business or corporation which would be interested in becoming a sponsor for the 2025 Garlic Fest, please let Cherie Wood know by emailing her at websterwreaths@icloud.com.

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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 6/5/2025)

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Rec Center’s Summer Celebration is this weekend

3 Jun

Regardless of how warm it’s going to be this week, it’s not really summer yet (and for that matter it’s hardly been spring). But that’s not keeping the Webster Recreation Department from hosting its annual Summer Celebration this weekend, Saturday June 7.

The Town of Webster’s annual Summer Carty will be held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive, beginning at 4 p.m., and will feature food trucks, live music, family activities, and inflatables for the kids.

This year’s food trucks will include:

  • Bruster’s of Webster
  • Curbside Quesadilla
  • Macarollin’
  • Nancy’s Fried Dough
  • Roc Bowlevard
  • Tony Tomato’s Wood Fired Pizza
  • Uncle Bucks
  • Vasko’s on Park

Dr. Jem will kick off the music, followed by ZBTB (Zach Brown Tribute Band), who’ll take the stage at 6 p.m. The evening concludes with a fireworks display at 9:45.

Here are some other important reminders:

  • First Responders Park, First Responders parking lot and the Recreation Center CLOSE at 4 p.m.. Nearby walkers may want to consider driving because you won’t be able to cut through First Responders parking lot due to fireworks set-up. 
  • The main Recreation Center lot will be for handicap parking and elderly drop-off only. All othe parking will be across Chiyoda Drive in the Xerox lots. AND there’s no shuttle service.=, so plan to walk in from those lots. (Don’t worry, helpers will be there to direct traffic.)
  • Food trucks & bounce houses open at 4 PM. Bounce houses are free, food trucks take cash or credit. Bounce houses will close exactly at 8:45 p.m. for safety reasons.
  • For any onsite emergencies look for the pop-up tent with the RED WPRD flag on top or the two safety tents.

The Summer Celebration is free, no registration is required, and the entire community is invited. And it will be held rain or shine.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars now for these other family fun events from the Rec Center:

  • This summer’s Music at the Arb series kicks off Thursday June 19 with a performance by Josh Ketchum. Thursday July 19 features Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, and on Thursday August 14, The String Brothers. These concerts are all held in the Webster Arboretum gazebo, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.
  • This year’s wet and wild Summer Splash event will be held Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr. This is free family water fun which includes snow cones, Rich the Magic Man and bubble fun. No registration is required.
  • The 2025 Mud Run is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 20 (times TBD). I’ll have a lot more in my blog later about this, because I LOVE LOVE this event.
  • Sandbar Summer Splendor has been scheduled for Tuesday Aug. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Sandbar Park on Lake Rd. Lots of summer family fun planned here; more information to come.
  • Finally, say goodbye to summer at the “See Ya Summer Kids Concert” with Mr. Loops on Thursday Aug. 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Sandbar Park. This is also free and open to the community.

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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 6/3/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

28 May

The Webster Marching Band’s next Bottle and Can Drive is this weekend, on Saturday May 31.

There’s a very good chance you got a flyer about this tucked into your door (the band boosters are very good at canvassing the neighborhoods). You can attach this to your bags of returnables and leave them at the end of the driveway for pick-up between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. But even if you didn’t get a flyer, no worries; you can take your bags to Webster Schroeder High School on Ridge Rd., where band members will be happy to take them off your hands!

The band’s next door-to-door drive will be in August, but you don’t have to wait until then to get your returnables out of your garage. Simply call 585-234-8684 (option 1) to arrange a personal pick-up.

And mark your calendars for these upcoming Marching Band events:

  • July 9-12: Firemen’s Carnival sausage stand
  • Aug. 14: Food truck rodeo at Firemen’s Field
  • Aug. 16: Summer bottle and can drive
  • Oct. 4: Autumn Fanfare at Webster Schroeder

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Here’s an event that’s actually happening in Fairport, but I know is well supported by our Webster community members:

The Fairport Angels Annual Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John of Rochester gymnasium, 8 Wickford Way in Fairport.

This annual blood drive is held in memory of the “Fairport Angels” — Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat and Katie Shirley — all Fairport High School seniors lost their lives 18 years ago in an accident only five days after their graduation day. The drive is a way to keep their memories alive and help others.

This is a very popular blood drive, so pre-registration is recommended so the Red Cross can adequately staff the drive. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or click here and enter “Fairport Angels” to schedule an appointment. To save additional time, up to 15 minutes can be saved by clicking here and completing a Rapid Pass.

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Here’s another reminder about the upcoming Webster Senior Singers concert, scheduled for Tuesday June 10 at 11 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

The Senior Singers is a enthusiastic group of older adults who come together at the Rec Center every Tuesday to sing, socialize and — four times a year — share their love for music with the greater Webster community. There’s no charge to attend the concert, and registration is not necessary. So bring a friend, a grandchild, or come solo, and take a moment out of your day and stop by to hear some beautiful music.

The title of the concert is “A Musical Revue,” which means that you’ll hear a lot of tunes you know, performed by the chorus and several soloists. The concert will be about an hour long.

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Everybody of all ages is invited to attend the Senior Singers concert, but this following event, also at the Rec Center, is for seniors only.

It’s the 55+ Golden Gala on Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Basically, it’s a senior prom with dancing, a live band, a photo booth, an appetizer bar and a dessert bar. The event is sponsored by Kittelberger Florist, who’ll be providing flower corsages for the attendees.

So grab your sweetheart and make it a romantic afternoon. (Golden glam attire is suggested, but not required!)

Cost is $18 per person, and registration is required by June 10 (register for program #243001).

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Finally, the United Church of Christ has announced this year’s Caring Community Concert series, and it’s a good one.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one, scheduled for Wed. July 9, will feature 8-Days-a-Week and proceeds will benefit Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. (See below for the whole schedule.)

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

Here’s the rest of this summer’s schedule:

For more information about the concerts, 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 5/28/2025)

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Photos from the Memorial Day Parade

26 May

What a gorgeous day we had Monday for the Village of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade. Given the capricious spring weather we’ve been having, the comfortable temperatures and cloudless sky were a pleasant surprise, and pretty much perfect conditions for the marchers and onlookers.

I always wish there were as many people lining the streets for this parade as there are at the Firemen’s Parade in July, but I estimate there were a few thousand out there enjoying the sunny weather, young and old, many dressed in their Memorial Day finest.

This is not a very long parade, and I think some of the fire trucks turned off the route before they made it to me, but I tried to get photos of pretty much everything else.

And of course the parade is just a precursor to the nice remembrance ceremony held afterwards at Webster Rural Cemetery.

Thank you to all of the veterans, Scouts, band members, first responders and others who participated in today’s events, and who took the time to help us honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Click here to see more photos.

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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 5/26/2025)

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St. Rita Fiesta returns next weekend

24 May

I’ve always loved a good home-town festival. That’s why I love the annual St. Rita Fiesta; even more than the Firemen’s Carnival, it brings me right back to the days of the fair I looked forward to every summer when I was growing up in small-town Owego.

The 70th annual St. Rita Fiesta will take place on Friday May 30 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday May 31 from 2 to 9 p.m. at St. Rita Church, 1008 Maple Drive in West Webster.

Everyone’s favorite features will be back this year, including the famous Fiesta Food Tent with the also famous fish fry (Friday only) and Chicken BBQ (Saturday only), carnival games, mini golf, book sale, plant sale, gift basket raffles, Dunk the Deacon, food trucks (including Schutt’s), sweet treats, ice cream, fried dough, kettle corn, the money wheel, foam dart league, corn hole and much more. Plus, the pony rides for the kids are back by popular demand.

Live music will be provided this year on Friday by D.E.T. (Different Every Time) from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, Count It All Joy from 3 to 4 p.m. from All In Brass Band from 5 to 6 p.m. and Open.G from 6 to 9 p.m.

There’s actually so much stuff going on both days that you’ll want to visit the Fiesta Facebook page or website to see all the details. Or check out the flyer below, but the website has a whole lot more info. Admission is free, and there’s plenty of free on-site parking, with handicap spaces available. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Veterans Outreach 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 5/23/2025)

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