The Women’s Club of Webster is delighted to invite the community to its highly anticipated Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, April 25. The event promises an afternoon of elegance, fine dining, and community spirit, all hosted at the beautiful Penfield Country Club.
This year’s show will feature the latest spring and summer trends presented by Chico’s of Pittsford. Beyond the fashions, guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon and opportunities to take home some fun prizes.
Guests may choose from three delicious entrees: Caesar salad with chicken, grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce, and chicken French with lemon sherry sauce. All lunches include beverage, roll and dessert. Attendees can also enter raffles for a wide variety of exciting gift baskets, and have a chance to win one of several door prizes.
The 2026 Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 11:30 a.m., at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Penfield Rd. Tickets are $45 per person, which includes the lunch and fashion presentation. To reserve your seat, send a check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Bonnie Travis, 1065 Vista Trail, Webster, NY 14580. Please indicate your menu choice and who you’d like to sit with, if applicable. Deadline to register is April 13. About the Women’s Club of Webster: The Women’s Club of Webster is a non-profit organization dedicated to fellowship and community service. All net proceeds raised at the fashion show, and through the club’s many other activities, directly support local charities and scholarships.
* * *
(posted 3/4/2026)
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).
When the students of Webster Thomas High School take the stage with their production of Footloose, you’re gonna have a hard time keeping still in your seat.
Here’s how I know: I attended a dress rehearsal last Sunday afternoon, and was still standing in the auditorium aisle when the young Thomas actors burst onstage with their first song: “Footloose.” And I started dancing. Right there in the aisle. I just couldn’t resist. The music — and the singing — are that good.
And the show just got better from there. That first song was representative of the talent that you’ll see this weekend as Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose, Thursday through Saturday March 5 through 7.
You surely remember the 1984 Oscar-nominated movie musical starring Kevin Bacon. The story follows Ren McCormack, a city teenager who moves from Chicago to small-town Bomont, where rock music and dancing have been outlawed by the local government and the influential Rev. Shaw Moore. Determined to bring life back to the community, Ren teams up with the Reverend’s rebellious daughter, Ariel, and his best friend Willard, to challenge the law and organize a school dance.
And we all know the music (the title song is probably running through your head right now). The production revisits iconic 1980s songs from the Tony-nominated top-40 score, including “Holding Out for a Hero,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and of course “Footloose,” guaranteeing a high-energy, high-stepping good time.
Led by Artistic Director Benjamin Rabinowitz and Music Director/Producer Kyle Sackett, the production features a talented cast, crew, and pit of nearly 100 Webster Thomas students. There’s some salty language, so you probably don’t want to bring your young children. But parents, if you need an inexpensive night out and want to revisit a classic, you will NOT be disappointed by Webster Thomas’ Footloose.
Shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Show times are:
Thursday March 5, 7 p.m.
Friday March 6, 7 p.m.
Saturday March 7, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online here. If you’d like to see more photos from the rehearsal, click here to access my gallery.
* * *
(posted 3/3/2026)
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).
Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammogram is coming to the library.
On Thursday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mobile Mammogram Center will be parked in front of the Webster Public Library, and will be giving out screenings every 15 minutes (that’s four women an hour).
Women must be at least 35 years of age, not exhibiting any breast-related problems, and have had a mammogram at least a year ago. No insurance is needed and no one will be turned away. Appointments are not necessary but are accepted. To make an appointment: call 833-922-PINK (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) or click here. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
You want Italian for dinner, right?
Boy Scout Troop 262 will host their Famous Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Plus there’s a bake sale!
Eat in or take-out, your choice. So why not let the Boy Scouts make dinner for you this Saturday?
Welcome, spring!
Beat the Winter Blues at the Webster Recreation Center this Saturday, March 7, and get ready for spring by enjoying a great family-friendly community event.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, participants will enjoy indoor lawn games, competition, energy-busting activities, music, and fun. The event is free and open to the community and no registration is required.
Story Time at the Museum
The Webster Museum will host their next Story Time at the Museum on Saturday March 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The theme this month is quilts, highlighting the great collection of quilts on display at the museum right now. The program is geared for elementary-aged children and parents must remain at the museum during the story and activity.
There’s no cost and registration is not required.
Chat with the supervisor
Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Saturday, March 7 when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 11 a.m. to noon at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, March 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library.
Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.
News from the Chamber
The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday March 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reliant Credit Union, 870 Holt Rd., Webster.
Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.
Wendy Lesko, Director of the Gathering Place Webster, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’sMarch luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 19. Gathering Place is a non-religious, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide accessible opportunities for community service, making it easy for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, to participate in hands-on volunteer work without long-term commitments.
March’s luncheon will be hosted by Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Mr. Donovan’s presentation at 1 p.m. Enjoy a buffet featuring chicken Marsala, stuffed shells, salad and a cannoli. Cost is $19.New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge.
Send check made out to WCW by March 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, or if you have any questions, call Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
Learn about life on the ISS
The Webster Public Library will present a very interesting program on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 2 p.m., all about Life on the International Space Station.
For more than 25 years, the International Space Station has orbited Earth over 150,000 times and hosted more than 280 astronauts. But, what does the average day from Earth’s Space Station look like? Join Dan Schneiderman to explore daily life, scientific research, and unforgettable moments from one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Attention parents/guardians of preschoolers residing in Webster CSD, registration for the prekindergarten lottery is open.
Prekindergarten (preK) is a New York State-funded program designed for 4-year-olds who are not eligible for kindergarten. Each year Webster CSD invites eligible children who reside in the district to apply. Registration for the lottery is open through March 13.
To be eligible for the 2026-27 school year, children must have a birth date falling between December 2, 2021 – December 1, 2022. Please understand that these dates are fixed, and the school district is unable to make any exceptions. Families who have questions about their child’s age and eligibility for preK should utilize the district’s school age calculator found online here.
Interested families are encouraged to learn more and register at websterschools.org/prek.
Petitions Available for BOE Candidates
The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, weekdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20. The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates takes place on May 19.
Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org during the office hours noted above.
Senior Citizens Save the Date for Drama Production
Senior Citizens save the date! Webster CSD is inviting senior citizens residing within the district to come to Webster Schroeder High School on Wednesday, April 29 for a morning of light refreshments and a performance of the drama, The Outsiders.
Details and registration information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars now for April 29 for the 10 a.m. to noon show, spread the word, and check the Webster CSD website, websterschools.org, for developing information.
Here’s some information about The Outsiders:
Whether it’s Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s or Webster, NY in 2026, there has been and always will be “outsiders”– outcasts, underdogs, and those who are just simply misunderstood. Based on the book by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders brings the timeless and beloved 1967 classic novel of the same name to life. Ponyboy Curtis and the rest of his Greaser gang are trying to survive the hardships of growing up, all while attempting to de-escalate tensions with rival gang, The Socs. This coming-of-age tale tackles violence, heartbreak, and tragedy as both Greasers and Socs learn that nothing gold can stay.
Nothing new here, folks
The following are reminders about events which I’ve featured in my earlier mailbags. (So nothing new here if you have something else to do.)
The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.
The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’ll be 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. Most books are under $20.
Also a reminder that the Webster Public Library program about Elsa von Blumen, is this Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.
* * *
(posted 3/2/2026)
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).
Several weeks ago I posted a blog about the 2026 theme for Wreaths Across America, scheduled for Saturday Dec. 19: “Remember Me: Stories From the Home Front.” The idea is to ensure that the individual names, families, and sacrifices of our veterans are not just recognized collectively at the Wreaths Across America ceremony, but also remembered personally.
To support this effort, local Wreaths Across America Coordinator Cherie Wood would like to share your veterans’ stories. She wants to hear from anyone who has a tie to Webster — either the veteran or the person submitting the story — about your service or the service of a veteran family member or friend. The stories don’t have to be about local soldiers, or someone who died in battle. They can be from recent conflicts or from long ago.
In that original blog, I started the ball rolling with a story about my paternal grandfather, Orville William Best, from Kansas City, Missouri, who fought in WWI. Just eight days before the end of the fighting in Europe, he was injured in a mustard gas attack by the Germans, and suffered a machine gun wound to the stomach.
Recently, local Wreaths coordinator received another story, from Kathy Hertzel.
Kathy wrote,
My father was William (Bill) Hertzel who served in the Pacific Theater during WW II. He and my mother were married on November 21, 1941, 17 days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. He subsequently was drafted and left in March 1942. He was 27 years old and would be gone until December 1945.
My father was a sergeant in the Army’s 77th Infantry Division, 305th Battalion and fought on various islands including Leyte and was a part of Operation Iceberg which was the invasion of Okinawa. He did not say much to me about his wartime experiences but would tell me how he used flame throwers into the caves and how horrible that was.
My father was awarded the Bronze Star for the battle of Okinawa. Like other soldiers he brought several souvenirs home, taken from fallen Japanese soldiers. One was a Japanese flag which was worn around a soldier’s waist, on which was the soldier’s name and well wishes. I was able to return the flag to that soldier’s family in 2002 with the help of a colleague in locating the family.
As well as my father’s service, his father fought in the Spanish American War and his grandfather in the Civil War including at Appomattox.
Now it’s your turn. This year, let’s do more than just remember the battles that were fought. Let’s really try to remember the individual soldiers who sacrificed so many things when they were fighting for our country. If you’d like to submit a story for this inspirinng Webster project, email your story to WebsterWreaths@icloud.com, including where the veteran served, when, and include a photo or video if possible.
Now here’s another way you can help:
Cherie is looking for people in the Webster community who would like to help collect these stories. Someone who would enjoy interviewing veterans, their spouses and families — basically, chat with people who don’t have access to computers, but would like to share their stories. Think about, perhaps, residents at senior care facilities who would have trouble typing up their story and wouldn’t have a clue how to upload a photo.
If we’re going to do a good job of capturing our veterans’ stories, we’re going to need some help. If you’re interested, email Cherie Wood at WebsterWreaths@icloud.com.
* * *
(posted 2/26/2026)
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).
I was considering not even posting this mailbag for another week or so, since ALL of the events I’m featuring don’t happen until March or beyond. But I’m getting very tired of February and want to start looking well beyond all this snow and ice and stinkiness.
First, here’s another reminder about a very interesting program at the Webster Public Library. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but it got snowed out and has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.
Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.
the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.
Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.
***
The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m.
As important as the right plants are, they can’t do ALL the work for you. A thriving garden takes planning and care. Take a moment to plan ahead to help set your garden up for a successful season. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org.
The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
***
The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Friends of the Public Library volunteers will have 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. (Check out the flyer for more details.) Most books are under $20.
So stop in and grab some old bargains!
***
Save the date for the next performance by the Willink Middle School Student Parent Band, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The performance will feature special guests the Perinton Concert Band.
Tiffany DiPiazza and Matt Osiko direct the Student Parent Band. It is made up of Willink Middle School students, alumni, parents, other family members and friends. Mark Kellogg will direct the Perinton Concert Band.
More information to come about this event, but put it on your calendar now.
On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.
The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.
The additional support has become necessary as the Chamber membership numbers have grown and as more New York residents have come to take advantage of the Chamber’s rocENROLL HEALTH health insurance enrollment program.
Responsibilities will include managing incoming phone calls, mail, and email; greeting visitors; drafting correspondence; managing calendars; maintaining databases; clerical support; bookkeeping and more. Qualifications include experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office 365, good organizational and communication skills, among others. The schedule is flexible, from 16 to 24 hours a week, and the pay will be between $20 to $22 an hour.
This final note is from Webster Chamber member Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $700,000 has been distributed to date.
In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’d like to share this information about one of their upcoming events, the 19th annual Tea at Two Fashion Show on May 3.
The Fashion Show will be held at Casa Larga in Fairport, and tickets are on sale now. But there are also a few other ways individuals and businesses can get involved:
Sponsorships – earn online, local media, and social media visibility pre-event and at the event
Program Ads – visible to 300+ (female/male, 25+), expressing appreciation or bringing attention to business products or services
Silent Auction donations – new, individual, or themed sets
Click here to purchase tickets and find out more details about how you can get involved. More information to come about this event soon.
* * *
(posted 2/18/2026)
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).
It’s always neat to see who the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee chooses every year as their annual honorees — like the Grand Marshal, Honorary Marshal, Citizen of the Year and the like. But this year, the announcement was especially exciting, because one of this year’s honorees is Webster’s very ownBella’s Bumbas.
At the annual kickoff event, held Sunday Feb. 1 at the Hilton Garden Inn, the committee announced that Bella’s Bumbas has been chosen as this year’sOfficialCharitable Organization. Anyone who’s read my blog for even a short time should already be familiar with this awesome grassroots, all-volunteer organization. Run by Webster residents Marty Parzynski and Rebecca Orr, it’s dedicated to building miniature wheelchairs for children with a wide variety of mobility issues, charging the families only for shipping.
In her announcement, Parade Committee Director Kate McBride introduced the organization by saying,
Since its founding, Bella’s Bumbas has grown from a small community effort into a global mission, having provided over 3,500 chairs to children in 70 different countries. Each chair represents a story of hope, inclusion, and possibility. Families who once felt isolated, now watch their children roll beside their peers, discovering new levels of confidence and independence. This incredible journey has been made possible entirely through volunteer dedication, community support, and the belief that no child should be left without mobility, simply because of financial or geographic barriers.
In this year’s parade, Bella’s Bumbas will showcase these little chairs and the joy they bring not only to the children who receive them, but also to the volunteers and donors who make each one possible.
As the Charitable Organization honoree, Bella’s Bumbas will get prime placement near the very beginning of the parade line-up. They’ve already started planning a pretty spectacular float, which will feature several Bumba chairs and “bumbaleers” riding them, hay bales, gold frills and lots of lights. Adult volunteer walkers and some young “test riders” will be rolling beside the float to hand out information and goodies to the crowd. It may very well be the first float in the parade, so it will be difficult to miss!
This is an incredibly well-deserved honor for Bella’s Bumbas, whose life-changing work for children worldwide often flies under the radar. While we in Webster have long been proud to call them our own, it’s wonderful to see them get the recognition they deserve, giving the rest of the Rochester area a chance to discover this incredible organization.
Congratulations, Marty and Rebecca, on this amazing honor.
The 2026 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at East Ave. and Alexander St. Make sure to watch for the Bella’s Bumbas float at the beginning of the parade and cheer loud for our Webster neighbors!
On a related note…
This year’s Honorary Marshal is Dave North, a well-known musician who’s played in and around Webster and Rochester for decades. He was (and is) a regular performer at the former Barry’s Old School Irish in the Village of Webster and the new Barry’s Pub in Fairport. I’m pleased to consider Dave a good friend and congratulate him on his honor!
Dave, by the way, has his own connection to Bella’s Bumbas. Last year on one of his trips to London, he brought a Bumba chair along with him to deliver to a child there.
* * *
(posted 2/13/2026)
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).
Assuming you’re not using it for Valentine’s Day decoration, you can still drop off your tree for recycling through Feb. 28 at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway (off of Hard Rd.)
Once you drive in, as soon as you see the gas pumps, look to the left and you will see a sign where you can leave the tree by the gate.
Supervisor Scialdone Community Office Hours
Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Wednesday, February 11, when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 5 to 6 p.m. at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park, 850 Maple Drive. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.
Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.
The February Connect @ Noon event will be hosted by Susan Tripp of SMT Mobile Notary and Brett Dawson of the Dawson Law Firm. The event will be held at the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and & rocENROLL HEALTH, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, this Friday Feb. 13 from noon to 1:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.
Webster Chamber members host Connect @ Noon events every month, opportunities to build current professional relationships and to begin new ones. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and becoming members of the Chamber are invited to attend. Bring your business cards and a door prize to increase your visibility through announcements and the Chamber website.
Looking ahead to March, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of our volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.
Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.
Party for Mardi Gras
Here’s a reminder about a fun way to celebrate Mardi Gras with our community.
St. Martin Lutheran Church’sannual Mardi Gras Free Pancake Supper is coming up on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the church, 813 Bay Rd.
This annual event is a thank-you to the community for supporting St. Martin’s charitable missions all year. The dinner will feature unlimited pancakes and syrup, sausages and applesauce. Beads will be provided and you can even make your own masks. Feel free to come dressed in Mardi Gras style, and bring the whole family and all your friends.
There’s no charge, but a free will offering to support St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry would be very appreciated, or bring boxed and canned goods.
Our schools’ spring musical season continues in early March when Webster Thomas High School presents Footloose the Musical March 5 through 7. It tells the story of Ren McCormack, a Chicago teen who moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont, where dancing and rock music have been banned by Reverend Shaw Moore after a tragic accident. Ren clashes with the strict town, falls for the reverend’s rebellious daughter, and with his new friends, rallies the teens to challenge the ban and fight for their right to dance.
Show times are Thursday and Friday March 5 and 6 at 7 p.m., and Saturday March. 7 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. More to come about tickets.
Later in the month, on March 20 and 21, Spry Drama Club will present the hit musical Disney Newsies Jr.
This family-friendly stage adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the true story of New York City newsboys striking for fair treatment in 1899. Led by charismatic Jack Kelly and aided by reporter Katherine Plumber, the newsies unite against powerful publishers like Joseph Pulitzer to fight exploitation, learn the power of their collective voice and win better conditions, while exploring themes of courage, friendship, and social justice. Show times are Friday March 20 and Saturday March 21 at 7 p.m. I’ll let you know when tickets are available.
Save the date for bowling!
CDS Wolf Foundation is hosting their 19th annual Strike for Abilities Bowling Party on Sunday, March 8 at Bowlero in Webster. Final details for this great event are still being worked out, but organizers are looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.
Stay tuned for more information.
* * *
(posted 2/10/2026)
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).
The Webster Knights of Columbus have announced two fund-raising initiatives planned for the coming months, continuing their long-standing tradition of charitable giving to Monroe County organizations that support the independence, dignity, health, nutrition, and quality of life of individuals and families in the Rochester area.
The first is a raffle, with a chance to win several fabulous prizes. The grand prize is a trip to Cooperstown, valued at $1,350 which includes a gift card to the Otesaga Resort Inn and spending money. Other prizes include four tickets to a Red Wings game, a round of golf for four at Greystone, a Red Wings jersey, autographed Amerks jersey, autographed hockey stick, a golf bag, three dozen golf balls, and a NY Yankees coat.
Tickets are now on sale for $20 each, available by emailing RCurtis@frontiernet.net, and the winners will be drawn March 5.
Proceeds from the raffle will be placed in the Knights’ Charity Holdings Account, which provides donations to a number of charities during the year, including Webster Comfort Care Home, Blue Star Mothers, Coats for Kids, Pines of Peace, St. Andrew’s Food Cupboard, Rochester Hope, and others.
The second event is the Knights of Columbus’ annual Charity Dinner on Saturday, April 25. The dinner will be held at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Tickets are $55, and proceeds will benefit:
* Webster Comfort Care Home, a comprehensive and compassionate two-bed home for terminally ill individuals, and
* St. Michael’s Woodshop, a program for city boys and girls ages 13 to 18 to work after school and over the summer developing woodworking skills. Business owners are also encouraged to purchase an advertisement in the program, which will be handed to every attendee at the dinner. To purchase tickets or place an advertisement in the program, call Bob Curtis at 749-2869 or email him at RCurtis@frontiernet.net.
Business owners are also encouraged to purchase an advertisement in the program, which will be handed to every attendee at the dinner. To purchase tickets or place an advertisement in the program, call Bob Curtis at 749-2869 or email him at RCurtis@frontiernet.net.
* * *
(posted 2/8/2026)
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).
I usually try to highlight at least some Webster Public Library events in my regular mailbags, but I decided to separate them out this time around because there are a few new things I want to tell you about.
For starters, the first edition of the library’s Senior Newsletter hit my email box recently, and if you haven’t signed up for it yet, you might want to consider doing so, because it’s packed with information of interest to us older folks. The newsletter is geared for adults ages 55 and up, and includes informational resources for seniors, large print books arriving soon and newly added to the library’s collection, and upcoming library events geared towards seniors.
Specifically, the February edition has features on
audiobooks
Kanopy, the new movie and streaming service
new large print books coming to the library
upcoming events on genealogy and caregiving for loved ones with Alzheimer’s, and more.
Click here to read more about the newsletter and sign up to get it emailed to you every month.
If you like model trains make sure to stop into the library this Friday (Feb. 6) or Saturday (Feb. 7) to check out a huge model train display set up by the Genesee & Ontario Model-N-Gineers Club. No registration is required, and train aficionados of all ages are welcome. Hours for the display will be noon to 5 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information about the club visit their website here.
* * *
Here’s a quick look at some other events coming up at the library this month:
The February Community Exchange is knicknacks and bric-a-brac. You know you’ve got a lot of that hanging around the house.
Keep the whole family entertained with Spring Break programs including:
Paint With Me! step-by-step painting tutorial for teens and adults, Monday Feb. 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
A visit from the Seneca Park Zoomobile, Friday Feb. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon (no registration required)
Animal Drop-In Crafts, Friday Feb. 20 and Saturday Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (no registration required)
For adults:
“Rochester’s Broad St. Bridge and Subway, Past, Present and Future,” a talk by Michael Brown, Tuesday Feb. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (registration required)
For tweens and teens (grade 4 to adults)
Make it Monday, Winter I Spy Jars, Monday Feb. 9, 6 to 7 p.m. (registration required)
Take Your Child to the Library Day, Saturday Feb. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities all day long. (no registration required)
Valentine’s Day Dance, Friday Feb. 13, 10 to 11 a.m. (all ages welcome, no registration required)
For everyone!
Olympic Reading Decathlon — pick up a reading log at the desk to get started. Complete as many of the reading programs as you can buy March 31 to be eligible to win great prizes!
Finally, here’s a reminder about a very interesting program which was originally scheduled for Jan. 15 (we got a little snow that day), but has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.
Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.
Check out the events tab at the Webster Public Library website for more information about all these programs. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., in Webster Plaza.
* * *
(posted 2/3/2026)
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).
Winter is actually a great time of year for a hike. Our already beautiful local parks and preserves become even more spectacular under a layer of snow. They’re so unbelievably quiet and peaceful that sometimes the only thing you can hear is the ice cracking under your boots. As long as you’re bundled up against the cold and have some good boots (and traction cleats), a winter hike is nothing less than food for the soul.
If you like that idea but aren’t sure where to start, the Friends of Webster Trails would like to invite you to a stroll through one of our town’s newest trail systems, the State Road Nature Preserve. The hike is scheduled for this Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the preserve, 1571 State Rd.
The family-friendly, guided hike will take participants through most of the preserve’s trails (measuring a bit more than one mile). If there’s snow (which there likely will be), you’ll look for animal tracks as you traverse a hidden trail network. Make sure to dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
There’s no charge for the hike, but please register here so the Friends know how many to expect. More information about winter hiking safety can be found here.
Can’t make it to State Rd.?
If you like the idea of a winter hike but can’t make it to the State Rd. guided hike this weekend, consider the Friends’ Loop of the Month, described in the Friends’ February newsletter:
With winter conditions still in place, flatter trails are often the best choice when dealing with ice and snow. Consider starting at Gosnell Big Field. From there, you can follow the connector path into Vosburg Hollow, then continue on to the Hojack Trail. This loop is approximately 2.5 miles,with the option to add extra distance by heading farther along the Hojack Trail before turning back. This loop offers flexibility, scenic views, and a great way to enjoy the trails safely during the winter months.
If trail conditions are icy, an easier option is to walk through Vosburg Hollow, cross the bridge, through the parking lot, up the connector trail onto the Hojack Trail. Be aware that Vosburg Hollow includes a few hills that may be slippery in winter conditions, so use caution.
Trees in your way on the trail?
If you ARE a regular hiker and frequently enjoy Webster’s amazing trail system, no doubt you’ve come across a tree or two blocking the path. Ash trees especially like to topple in high winds.
If you do see something like that, the Friends would really like to know about it. You can email them here, with the following information:
The preserve name
The trail where the tree is located or drop pin
A photo if you can. That way they can bring the proper equipment to take care of the job.
Extra eyes on the trails help the Friends respond more quickly and keep the trails safe for everyone. (And P.S. try to avoid walking in the woods during high winds.)
Become a Friend
If you’d like to keep tabs on all of the latest news from the all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails, including advance notice of special events, consider joining the organization and you, too, will get their monthly newsletter. It’s only $15 for individuals, $20 for families, and worth every penny. Click here for more information.
* * *
(posted 2/3/2026)
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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 