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The pumpkins are parading again

10 Oct

One of my favorite events of the entire Webster year, Pumpkins on Parade, is returning to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

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

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

There are some new surprises along the trail this year, too. There are lots of light-up elements, and MAYBE there will be a real witch at the witch’s station handing out candy. The Rec Center will neither confirm nor deny.

Just seeing all the jack-o’-lanterns is fun enough, but the after-hike activities which really make this event a great time for the whole family. There’s so much to do for kids of all ages — which this year included pumpkin tic-tac-toe, pumpkin checkers and pumpkin bowling — and did I mention free cider and donuts???

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. Families, individuals and groups are encouraged to get creative and carve one, two or LOTS more pumpkins. Carved pumpkin drop off is Friday, Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 26 until 2 p.m.  For each carved pumpkin submitted, you’ll be entered to win a Halloween themed basket courtesy of Diamond Collision.

(And while you’re there, stop by the Webster PTSA Coat and Concert Apparel Drive, happening at the Rec Center on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)

But even if you don’t want to carve a pumpkin, make sure to bring your family out for the event. Pumpkins on Parade takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 26 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There will be plenty of parking in the Xerox lots across from the Rec Center.

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

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

(posted 10/10/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

Time to pile up those leaves

The Webster Highway Department will begin their annual fall leaf collection in mid-October, depending on how many leaves have fallen and the weather. Crews will begin working in Zone 1 to Zone 5, and then back to Zone 1. (Click here to see the zone map.) Highway crews make several passes throughout the season.

Announcements will be made ahead of the final pass. After the final pass, any leaves will need to be taken care of by residents through their refuse collection company or another means. The best way to stay updated on the leaf collection season is to sign up for notifications from the Highway Dept. Use this link to do that.

Pumpkins on Parade is back

One of the best events of the autumn season, Pumpkins on Parade, returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I’ll be writing up a more detailed blog about this soon, but for those of you who have never experienced it, basically, that evening the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — will be lined with brightly glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts, and lots of family activities. It’s definitely one of my favorite events of the year.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive. (By the way, they’re always looking for jack-o’-lanterns donations because they need a LOT of them. So get your carving knives out and get ready to get creative.)

What’s happening at the library?

Here’s your monthly run-down of all (OK, most) of the great events happening at the Webster Public Library. For more information about any and all of these, visit the library’s webpage or Facebook page.

  • Celebrate Diwali, Wed. Oct. 23, 7 to 8 p.m. :An evening of family fun celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali, or festival of lights. Enjoy a casual reception with Indian food and music, and learn about the Diwali festival. Registration is requested.
  • Library Trick-or-Treat, Friday Oct. 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring the whole family and trick-or-treat through the entire library with a spooky maze at the end. No registration is necessary.
  • Bilingual Storytime, Saturday Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to noon. Join special guest Ms. Mariposa for a reading of Sebi and the Land of Cha-Cha-Cha. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 30, 6 to 7:30 p.m. A night of spooky fun, with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged. For teens grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • Rochester Theater Organ Society, Thursday Oct. 10, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The RTOS presents “Rochester’s Best-Kept Secret: Unveiling the Mighty Wurlitzer!” Registration is required.
  • Diamond Magnet Art for teens and tweens, Saturday Nov. 9, 1 to 2 p.m. Come make fun diamond art magnets in the teen room. All supplies will be provided. For grades 4 to 12. Registration is requested.
  • This month’s Donation Station is for Keeping Our Promise, a resettlement program for Afghan, Iraqi and Kurdish interpreters and support personnel. See the flyer below for their needs.
  • This month’s community exchange is SPOOKY STUFF. New or gently used costumes, Halloween/fall decor, etc. Drop off your unused stuff and find something new to you!

Women’s Club of Webster hosts Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser”

The Women’s Club of Webster’s 2024 Card/Game Party will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Participants can join new friends and old to play cards — or any game — and enjoy danish, coffee and a delicious buffet lunch.

The event will feature door prizes raffle baskets, 50/25/25 raffles , and much more, so bring plenty of extra cash, because all proceeds benefit local charities and s cholarships. Bring your favorite card game, dominoes, Euchre, Scrabble or any other fun game you prefer. It’s a great way to meet people! (And don’t forget to vote before or after the games!)

Donation is $40, and reservations are required by Wednesday, October 30. Sorry, no walk-ins.

For reservations, send a check made payable to “WCW” and mail to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, NY 14617.  Please include your name, phone number, email address and, if playing with friends, include their names.  For information, phone Diane at 585-230-6042.

Walk and Bike Webster event

If you’re a fan of getting around Webster on two feet or two wheels, or are interested in helping brainstorm ideas to improve walking and biking opportunities in Webster, then this meeting is for you.

On Monday Nov. 4, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (time yet to be confirmed) there will be a Walk and Bike Webster event held in the Community Room at the Webster Public Library.

Right now the plan is to have Jesse Peers from Reconnect Webster show a short film, followed by a panel discussion including Webster Town Council member Ginny Nguyen and Matthew Isles of Walk/Bike Irondequoit. Nguyen will talk about how the Town of Webster is promoting safe walking and biking, and Isles will talk about what Walk/Bike Irondequoit is doing.

Free dinner for veterans

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium, 119 South Avenue. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread, and dessert. Take out is available as well. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Crafters needed

This notice from Webster NY Hope:

Attention Webster crocheters! Webster Hope is in need of crafters to make dishcloths for their holiday collaborative program.

Their plan is to give away dish soap and a handmade reuseable dishcloth to each family along with holiday food. This project works best with cotton yarn as acrylic doesn’t absorb well. They’re trying to save on paper towels and give a handmade gift made with love.

Their goal is 150 cloths by mid-November. That sounds very do-able, knowing our Webster community.

Dishcloths can be dropped off at Webster Library or during Webster Hope open hours.

Check the image below for some helpful hints:

Webster Chamber offers health insurance enrollment assistance

Finally, this important notice from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

Health insurance enrollment periods are starting in October and November, and the Webster Chamber of Commerce is available to help all New Yorkers with the process. 

The Medicare Insurance annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and the Individual & NYS Marketplace Insurance period is Nov. 16 to Dec. 15. Plans change annually and your needs change annually, so it’s important to take a close look at your coverage every year. In particular, for 2025 there are significant changes in Medicare Advantage, including the discontinuance of plans. It’s important to take action before the December 7 deadline or you may lose Medicare Advantage Plan benefits. The Chamber can help. 

The Webster Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service has been a no-fee service since 1938, offering the choice of a virtual or an in-office appointment. Due to the many insurance changes for 2025, requests for appointments will increase, so call soon to reserve your time:  585-265-3851. Before your appointment, visit here to prepare.

Health insurance selection and enrollment is very detailed and complicated. See an enrollment service to assist you in this process. And pay attention to the deadlines noted above to avoid penalties.

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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 10/8/2024)

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There’s going to be a murder at the library!

5 Oct

The Webster Public Library has come up with an intriguing event which is sure to bring out the inner detective in all of us.

It’s a Murder Mystery Dinner, scheduled for Sunday November 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This first-ever Murder Mystery event at the library will take participants back to the 1920s to puzzle out a whodunit, trying to figure out the culprit from among some pretty suspicious characters, a few of whom might surprise you.  

Participants are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire, and will enjoy amazing food provided by Proietti’s, fancy mocktails, a costume contest with prizes, a photo booth and a 50/50 raffle that will benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. And there’s no charge at all, thanks to a grant from Senator Samra Brouk.  

Because of the nature of the event, there are some important guidelines, which the library outlines here:

About this event: 

  • This is an 18+ event only.
  • The event will start at 5:00 and end at 8:00. Doors will close at 5:30 as once the event starts, we cannot accommodate late arrivals. We ask that you plan to stay for the entire event. 
  • 1920’s costumes are suggested but not required. 
  • This is a non-smoking, non-alcoholic event.
  • There will be vegetarian and gluten-free options for dinner. 

Registration Details: 

  • Registration will be open from Monday, October 7 through Friday, October 11. There is no cost to attend but each person must register individually.   
  • Registering for this event does not guarantee admission. Names will be chosen randomly from the registration list and you will be notified via phone by October 15th. Each person drawn will be given two tickets. If you do not need two tickets, please let us know when we call you so that more people can attend. 
  • There is a limited number of tickets due to space constraints. Please cancel if you cannot attend so that we can fill every seat. 

Registration will “go live” on Monday morning, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., so look for the link on the library’s online events calendar on the website, in the slideshow on the website’s homepage, and on their Facebook posts.

Questions can be emailed to Susan Del Pozzo at Susan.Delpozzo@libraryweb.org or you can call the library at 872-7075 and push #3 for the information desk. 

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

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

(posted 10/5/2024)

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Autumn fun in the village

4 Oct

The dates have been finalized for all of the Village of Webster’s very popular fall and winter events. More details will be coming soon for some of these, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can put them all on your calendar:

  • Shredding Event, Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall. This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.
  • Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Hall community meeting room, 29 South Ave. This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness.
  • Wine and Beer Walk, Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll through the Village of Webster and into our local businesses, sampling beer, wine and snacks. More info to come.
  • Trick or Treat Trail, Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always a great time for families. Features a costume contest, museum scavenger hunt, pet costume contest, the fire department’s open house and more. More info to come.
  • Bourbon Bash, Saturday Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. Sample bourbons and whiskeys from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants. This is always a hugely popular event which sells out, so stay tuned for when tickets become available.
  • Winter Wonderland in the Village, Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. (Maybe it’ll snow this year?) More details to come.

The best way to keep on top of these events is to visit the Webster BID website frequently, where details will be posted as they’re finalized.

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

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

(posted 10/4/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

1 Oct

Autumn is shaping up to be a pretty busy time of year in our little town. Here’s a quick look at some of the events coming up in the next several weeks:

Chicken and Ribs — yum

The Webster Lions Club will be holding their next Chicken & Ribs BBQ on Thursday, October 3 at the Webster Fireman’s Field.

This is a drive-through and pick-up event, serving from 3 to 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Cost is $20 (paid at the event), and includes a quarter charcoal-cooked chicken AND pit-smoked ribs, mac salad and baked beans and fresh corn bread. The dinners will be first-come, first-served, so make sure to get there early.

This is one of the Lions Club’s biggest fundraisers, and they depend on these events to continue their mission to help others in our community.

WCSD Family Engagement Forum

The entire Webster community is invited to the next Family Engagement Forum hosted by the Webster Central School District.

The primary goal for the Community Engagement Forum is to afford parents/guardians, Webster CSD staff and students, and the broader community a space to network and partner on a variety of activities. The district will share information on relevant topics in family engagement, hear from parents and students directly, and strategize collaborative action steps for moving forward.

The forum will take place Monday, October 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the second floor professional development center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster.

Cute animals need your help

This note from our neighbors to the east, the Humane Society of Wayne County (HSWC).

You may have seen these folks during their regular visits to PetSmart stores in Webster, Henrietta and Victor, where they tempt local community members with some ADORABLE cats and kittens that need loving forever homes.

The dedicated HSWC volunteers are in the middle of a “Raise the Woof” capital campaign to raise money for a new shelter, which is in desperate need of replacement. The new building will allow the HSWC to expand their capacity to care for an increased number of animals in need and enable them to meet the new NYS Shelter Standard Law. 

Their next fundraiser, called “Leaf-A-Legacy,” is scheduled for Sunday October 6 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill in Ontario. The event will feature music and dancing by Doze Guys, a silent auction, a pumpkin walk, food grazing, and a chance to meander the beautiful grounds, sit by the campfire, relax in the Adirondack chairs, and play some cornhole.

It sounds like a beautiful fall evening. Tickets are still available. They cost $50, and are available online only. Click here to order yours and feel good about helping animals in need.

Cookies, cookies, cookies

The Women’s Club of Webster will be supplying homemade cookies for the Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, October 10 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Volunteer Fireman’s Building on Sanford St.

Appointments are not required for this drive; you can just drop in. For more information or if you’d like to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964.

The Women’s Club of Webster is an active community service organization that has nurtured friendships and generously supported many worthwhile causes for 60 years.  The group meets the third Thursday of each month, from September to June. WCW’s motto is “Friendship through service” and New members are always welcome!  

The next luncheon meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Nucci’s Italian Seafood & Steak House on Ridge Rd. This month’s speaker will be Amy Stringer, owner of the North Bee in the Village of Webster. Amy is an expert on all things bee and beeswax, and is a fascinating speaker. It begins with social hour at 11:15.

Cost is $21 for a buffet including chicken parmesan, mixed vegetables, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, salad, a cannoli and lots of new friends. Send check made out to WCW by October 10 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. For questions, or if you think your check will be late, phone call Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303.

Webster BID schedules community events

For starters, Webster Business Improvement District has been busy scheduling all sorts of fall events. The first ones are coming up very soon:

The second annual Health and Wellness Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave.

This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

ON THAT SAME DAY, in the parking lot behind the Community Meeting Room, the BID is also sponsoring a shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a free, drive-through event. Paper only will be accepted, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

(By the way, stay tuned for details about the next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 26. More details about these and other events can be found on the newly revamped Webster BID website.

Books, books, books

The Friends of the Webster Public Library have scheduled their fall book sale, Oct. 16 through 19 at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear side of the plaza).

This year they’ll be including a mini vintage and collectible book sale during members night on Wednesday Oct. 16. Those books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. They’ll also be selling Kittelberger Flower Bouquet Cards that night while supplies last.

Members Night will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door.) The general public sale is Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (bag sale day); and Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon (another bag sale day).  

Free pasta dinner for veterans and active military

Veterans and active duty service personnel and their families are invited to Spry Middle School for a free dinner in their honor.

On Thursday, November 7 from 4 to 6:30 p.m., students will be serving up a pasta dinner in the Spry Middle School cafetorium at 119 South Avenue, Webster. Veterans and activity duty service personnel and their families living within the Webster Central School District boundaries are invited to enjoy a spaghetti dinner complete with salad, bread and dessert. Take-out is also available. Either way, reservations are required by calling (585) 216-0093.

Event sponsors include Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Webster Community Chest, Wegmans and Walmart.

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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 10/1/2024)

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Natural beauty and history combine in FWT’s Cars Along the Creek hike

30 Sep

Of all of our town’s beautiful trails, perhaps my favorite are the ones which wind through Four Mile Creek Preserve at the corner of Lake and Phillips roads. Not only is the landscape beautiful, especially during the fall, but the trails serve up some very interesting history.

Scattered along the Four Mile Creek trails are seven rusted-out old cars, including a 1949 Nash Ambassador Custom Airflyte, a 1950 Chevrolet Deluxe Bel Air, a 1956 Nash Rambler and others.

On Saturday Oct, 5 from 1 to 3 p.m., the Friends of Webster Trails‘ trail steward Dennis Kuhn, will lead a guided Cars Along the Creek tour, filled with anecdotes and fun facts. Hikers will also have stops at the overlook to identify the “Blue Ribbon” trees of the preserve. Organizers promise snacks and prizes.

The family-friendly two-hour hike will begin at 1 p.m. at the Four Mile Creek Preserve parking lot, corner of Phillips and Lake roads. This is a very popular hike, so PLEASE register here (it’s very quick and easy).

Here’s a bit more background about the cars, from Dennis Kuhn:   

The cars were driven onto the property from Lake Road across a bridge that accessed farmland where the cars were last driven. It seems that some local youths decided to create a racetrack somewhat off the beaten path to have some fun cavorting around the open fields that were available at the time. If you traverse the land as it is now, you’ll have to use your imagination to see a relatively treeless landscape that existed sometime in the nineteen fifties or early sixties.

Nevertheless, the youths of the day had a ton of fun going around in circles until they ran out of gas or had a flat tire or wrecked the transmission.

The cars you’ll see include:

* 1951 Chevrolet Styleine Deluxe Bel Air
* 1961 Ford 500 Galaxy Club Victoria
* 1959 Nash Rambler
* 1959 Chevy Bel Air
* 1954 Plymouth Belvedere Suburban
* 1949 Green Nash Airflyte

Click here to learn more about the Friends of Webster Trails.

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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 9/30/2024)

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Webster Marching Band presents Autumn Fanfare

28 Sep

Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 38th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 5 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.

This year’s production is called “Death of Star.” The This performance will take the audience on a journey through a star’s life cycle, from its brilliant beginnings to its transformation into a black hole. The show opens with vibrant music and colors, representing a massive star in its prime, and closes with the final movement depicting the star’s explosive end.

Sounds A-MAZING!

This year’s competitors include bands from Marcus Whitman, LeRoy, Rochester, Hilton, Greece, Webster, Orchard Park, East Irondequoit, Medina, Victor, and Lancaster. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the show begins at 6 p.m., rain or shine. Pre-sale tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) They can also be purchased online (for details see the poster below.) Tickets will be $12 at the door, and under 5 is free.

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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 9/28/2024)

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Webster Garlic Fest 2024 was a big success!

26 Sep

Organizers of the 2024 Webster Garlic Fest, held Sept. 7 and 8 at the Webster Recreation Center, report that the event was a great success.

The annual event attracted about 4,200 visitors, almost 1,500 more than last year, despite the fact that cool temperatures, rain and wind threatened to put a damper on the festivities both days. The festival featured 140 garlic, food and craft vendors, several food trucks and a balloon artist, plus a 70-year old tortoise, alpacas and baby goats in pajamas, all for the petting.

Proceeds from the Garlic Fest benefit three local organizations:

  • the Blue Star Mothers ROC — moms in the Rochester area who now have or have had sons and daughters serving in the United States military. The Blue Star Mothers will use their portion of the proceeds to prepare 266 care packages, which will be shipped out in November to our locally deployed service members. (If you’d like to donate to these care packages, please visit the Mothers’ Amazon.com wish list.) The funds will also help purchase items for the group’s annual Baby Shower for Military Families in April.
  • Gold Star Mothers of Rochester — who have lost an immediate family member in active duty — who will be providing complete Thanksgiving dinners to local military family members and veterans in need in our community.
  • Wreaths Across America — a nonprofit organization whose mission is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Webster will be participating in this effort for the third year on National Wreath Day, Saturday Dec. 14. In just two years, Webster has already become one of the best-represented towns in the nation, ranking in the top 4% in the country. Organizers hope to have an equally strong effort this year, with plans to honor 2,200 veterans in Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. Proceeds from the Garlic Fest will sponsor about 1,000 of those wreaths.

One thousand wreaths sponsored by the Garlic Fest is good start, but clearly many more are needed. If you’d like to sponsor one, click here. They’re just $17 each and $5 of that cost will go to the Blue Star Mothers for their care packages. (To read about last Wreath Day, click here, and stay tuned for more information about this year’s event.)

Plans are already underway for next year’s Webster Garlic Fest. It’s been scheduled for Sept. 6 to 7 at the Recreation Center, and vendors are already lining up to be a part of it. Organizers want to add more family activities, and probably a second shuttle bus to make parking even easier.

Thanks to the Webster Garlic Fest, our little town is becoming known as garlic central for our part of the state. Be sure not to miss it next year.

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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 9/26/2024)

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Get out, get hiking, win prizes

25 Sep

The Webster Recreation Center has come up with YET ANOTHER fun challenge to keep us healthy, and this one has the added benefit of spotlighting our town’s beautiful trail system.

They’re calling it their Two-Week Trail Challenge, and it’s based on the brand new Hit the Trail Passport, recently updated in conjunction with the Friends of Webster Trails.

This newly updated passport is a whopping 40 pages long, and includes 32 trails and trail spurs in all, spanning Webster from west to east, measuring more than 36 miles of incredible natural beauty. Each page features a different trail, detailing its individual spurs, their length, difficulty and approximate hiking time.

For the Two-Week Trail Challenge, hikers are encouraged to walk all the trails in the passport between Oct. 5 and Oct. 20. The challenge doesn’t include Webster Park or Bike Trail, but it’s an added bonus if you do them too.  Hikers will record their progress on an online form (emailed to all registrants) and will receive a completion certificate and a keepsake pin as well as social media and website recognition.

Please register for program #301204-A either online or by calling 585-872-7103, option 0. You can pick up one of the new Hit the Trail Passports at Webster Parks and Recreation on Chiyoda Dr., or at Wegmans (Holt Rd. or Eastway) You can also see the passport and download it 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 9/25/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Sep

It’s chicken BBQ time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 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.

Upcoming October blood drives

There are several local opportunities coming up in October for you to help save lives by donating blood. And the Red Cross has a neat little promotion, too. Everyone coming to donate during October will receive a $10 gift card by email.

Here are the details:

  • Tuesday Oct. 1, noon to 5 p.m., Expressive Beginnings Child Care Center, 12 May St., Webster (online sponsor code: ExpressiveBeginnings)
  • Wednesday Oct. 2, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. (sponsor code: WGC)
  • Thursday Oct. 10, 1 to 6 p.m., Webster Fire Dept. Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. (sponsor code: websterfire) The Women’s Club of Webster will be serving homemade cookies for donors at this drive!
  • Wednesday Oct. 16, 1 to 6 p.m., Town of Penfield offices, 2130 Penfield Rd. (sponsor code: Penfield)

Call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule your appointment, or search online for the sponsor code.

And about those cookies …

At the Red Cross blood drive on Oct. 10 (see above), donors will be rewarded with supremely scrumptious homemade cookies donated by the Women’s Club of Webster to enjoy with their juice.

Appointments are not required. Feel free to just drop in. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Katie Hout, American Red Cross, 585-353-9964 (or you can schedule an appointment online. Details above).

The Women’s Club of Webster is an active community service organization that has nurtured friendships and generously supported many worthwhile causes for 60 years.  The group meets the third Thursday of each month from September to June.  The club’s motto is “friendship through service” and new members are always welcome!  

For more information about the club, please contact Carolyn Rittenhouse at 585-265-1303. (Or feel free to email me; I belong to the club).

Celebrate fall at Heritage Square

Heritage Square Museum in Ontario will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy scarecrows to judge, big trucks from Town Highway, fire and police departments, performances from the Strike It Up Community Band directed by Craig Wirt, a saxophone quartet, games, raffles, free tours, food and more. Cost is $5 per car.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Road, Ontario, just 12 minutes east of the Village of Webster. Haven’t heard about this great attraction? Check out this blog which I wrote a few years ago after my first visit.

Webster BID schedules community events

The Webster Business Improvement District’s (BID) second annual Health and Wellness Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Village Community Meeting Room, 29 South Ave.

This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. Last year’s event was a great success, and this year is expected to be even bigger.

ON THAT SAME DAY, in the parking lot behind the Community Meeting Room, the BID is also sponsoring a shredding event from 9 to 11 a.m.

This is a free, drive-through event. Paper only will be accepted, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

(By the way, stay tuned for details about the next Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m., and the Trick-or-Treat Trail on Saturday, Oct. 26. More details about these and other events can be found on the newly revamped Webster BID website.

Good, cheap books from the Friends

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are getting ready for their fall book sale, scheduled Oct. 16 through 19 at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the rear side of the plaza).

This year they’ll be including a mini vintage and collectible book sale during members night. on Wednesday Oct. 16, featuring approximately 80 books published over the last 150 years in good to better condition. The books will be for sale at fixed prices starting at $8.00. Some of the books will be first editions or early printing. Many will have dust jackets, and a few will be autographed (but note the Webster Friends do not have any signatures authenticated). They’ll also be selling Kittelberger Flower Bouquet Cards that night while supplies last.

Members Night will be Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. (Memberships will be available at the door.) The general public sale begins Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9 to 7 p.m.; hardcover books will cost $1, paperback books only $.50). Friday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be the Bag Sale. Bring your own bag and fill it for just $5. The sale concludes with a second Bag Day on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. 

Can you help?

Here’s the September/October wish list from Webster Hope:

  • Canned corn and canned peas
  • Flour and sugar
  • Coffee
  • Cooking oil
  • Pasta, NOT whole wheat
  • Jarred spaghetti sauce
  • Body wash and bar soap
  • Hand soap
  • Deodorant
  • Lotion
  • Diapers sizes 5, 6, & 7 ** We accept open packages**
  • Baby wipes
  • New socks and underwear all sizes

Plus, they accept open packages of feminine products, adult diapers and children’s diapers.

And put this on your calendar: Webster Hope will be having a food drive on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon, sponsored by Webster Rotary. You can drop off your items (and the wish-list items) behind Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road, Webster.

WHEN to offer program for parents about social media

If you’ve ever had any concerns about how social media is affecting your children and what you can do about that, this program is for you.

On Wednesday Oct. 16, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) will present an interactive parent forum, called Social Media and Your Kid, discussing how technology has changed special development and what you can do to support your child’s health and well-being in a tech-powered world.

The forum will be held in the Professional Development Center at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave. There’s no admission, but registration is requested. Click here to do so.

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(posted 9/19/2024)

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