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Bridgerton comes to Webster

22 Aug

Fans of the very popular Bridgerton books and historical-romance television series on Netflix will be excited about this news, especially if you enjoy the dances on that show.

The Country Dancers of Rochester will be hosting a Bridgerton Ball on Saturday Aug. 27 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Harmony House, East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

It will be an evening filled with easy English country dances in the style of the Bridgerton mini-series. Fans of Jane Austen and Mr. Malcolm’s List will also love this event designed for novice dancers.

Outrageous Regency costumes are encouraged and will be admired, but they are certainly not required.

David Smukler, who wrote two original dances for this event, will be calling. Music will be provided by the Bridgertune String Quartet, featuring Alyssa Rodriguez and Margaret Ball on violin, Katie Marshall on viola and Kathy Zager on cello.

The ballroom is well air-conditioned, so don’t worry about the heat.

Cost is $30 general admission at the door. Proof of vaccination and booster required. Covid masks are optional. For more information, click here.

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

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(posted 8/22/2022)

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First-ever Jazz Fest Street Fair a success

20 Aug

West Main Street was hopping last night during the first annual (I hope) Webster Jazz Festival Street Fair.

There were perhaps a dozen or so vendors and street artistans set up, most of them enjoying brisk business from the hundreds of adults and children in attendance. Especialy fun was the photo booth sponsored by LaLa and Whimsies, and the Dancing With Denise table, where Denise was handing out tiaras, fairy wands and sparkly bows.

I know for a fact that the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) — and especially chairperson Elena Bernardi — organized the event on less than a month’s notice, to coincide with the first night of the Webster Jazz Festival. I’m sure Elena would’ve liked more vendors and artisans to participate, but it turned out to be a really nice event for its first year. I hope the BID considers doing it again next year. With more planning time, it should be even better.

By the way, don’t miss the main event, the Jazz Festival in the Street tonight! Check out my blog here for the schedule.

Here are a few photos I took from the event, and if you had your photo taken at the LaLas/Whimsies photo booth, click here to see that and all sorts of other goofy photo booth photos.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/20/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Aug

Yeee Haaaa!!! There’s a ro-DAY-o comin’ to town, and it’s gonna mean some SWELL eatin’!

For those of you who don’t know cowboy-speak, what I mean to say is that the Webster Marching Band’s annual Food Truck Rodeo is back this year on Tuesday Aug. 23 at a brand new location (because the Schroeder parking lot is kind of filled with school buses at the moment).

This year’s rodeo will be held at the Webster Firemen’s Field from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Among the trucks which will be there are:

  • Macarollin’
  • Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza
  • The Meatball Truck
  • Roc City Sammich
  • Rob’s Kabobs
  • Rob’s Sweet Tooth
  • Eat Greek
  • Effortlessly Healthy
  • Terry’s Tips and Beef
  • Melt Truck
  • Brusters

Proceeds from this delicious event will benefit our 2021 State Champion Webster Marching Band, so bring a big appetite.

I understand the Marching Band will actually be performing at this event, so bring some lawn chairs and make it a family night out. Admission is free.

The Village of Webster would like YOUR opinions on how the village can be improved.

The Webster Economic Development Alliance, in conjunction with the Webster Business Improvement District, is competing for $4.5 million from the NY Forward community revitalization program. As part of the competition process, Webster must submit an application on how we intend to spend $4.5 million in our community.

So the coalition is asking for community input. They’ve put together a short survey, hoping to gather thoughts about things like

• your vision for the downtown area
• where you’d like to see the money invested
• how projects should be prioritized

It’s a quick, 5-minutes or less survey. Click here to take it and to get more information.

The Webster Museum’s huge barn sale is fast approaching, and the donations are piling up. Word is that toys and games, puzzles and stuffed animals have taken over one whole corner of the donation barn at 394 Phillips Rd.

There’s still time for you to add your donations to the pile, but please do so by Sept. 5 (Labor Day). You can just drive by the barn and leave your donations inside. The museum welcomes household goods, tools, toys, pottery, collections, books, music, games, etc.  Think small and easy to lift. Please DO NOT leave large furniture, clothing, shoes, computers, exercise equipment or skis.

The sale itself will take place at the barn on Phillips Rd. from Sept. 15-17. More details to come about that.

Questions? Call Jan Naujokas 585-265-3268.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/19/2022)

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Jazz Festival and mini street fair come to Webster Village this weekend

15 Aug

Get ready to dance in the streets and in the pubs this weekend, when the Webster Jazz Festival returns to the village, with great music, food, drink, a mini-street fair and — this year — t-shirts!

The Webster Jazz Festival will stretch over two days this Friday and Saturday Aug. 19 and 20, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Six different bands are scheduled to perform at six different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like.

Here’s the schedule (click on the name to get more information about each band):

West Main will also be hopping that evening with a brand new event sponsored by the Webster BID which they’re calling the Jazz Fair in the Street.

West Main will be closed to traffic for the evening, and the curbs lined with vendors, artisans, local business booths, and maybe even some fun and games. Plus, food and beverages will be available for purchase. (It’s kind of like a mini Village Days.) It’ll be a great chance to meet up with neighbors and friends, maybe do a litle shopping, while you’re meandering from one pub to the next to enjoy some live music.

Here are a few of the artisans and vendors you’ll see there:

  • Mayers Cider Mill cider and donut tastings
  • Catlan Samuels book signing
  • botique items
  • live, professional sidewalk artists
  • Roc City Empanadas food truck
  • craft items including tie-dyed shirts, waterfalls and bird baths, and laser-engraved pieces

On Saturday night the festival clicks up a notch when the music takes to the street.

Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of musical entertainment will perform from the big West Main St. stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. There will be some tables and chairs set up, but they go pretty fast, so plan to bring your own, set them up in the middle of the street and enjoy music all evening long.

The schedule looks like this:

This is always a huge event, so you’ll really want to be a part of it. Admission is free.

And while you’re in town, make sure to stop by Woodland Silkscreening, 5 West Main (lower level), and pick up your official Jazz Fest 2022 t-shirt. Look for her table on Friday during the street fair, or stop by the shop anytime this week for a special pre-sale deal of just $10 each (they’ll be $15 the day of the festival). What a great price for something you can wear proudly every year to show off your love of Webster — and great music.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/15/2022)

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First Responders 5K returns to the village

11 Aug

I like participating in 5Ks. (You’ll notice I didn’t say “run” 5Ks, because the pace I set cannot actually be called “running.”) So I’m really looking forward to one of my favorite 5Ks ever, the First Responders 5K.

This is a favorite for a few reasons. First, it’s in the Village of Webster. I can walk to the start line AND it runs right by my house. Second, SO MANY of my Webster friends also run. And finally, some of the proceeds benefit a great cause.

The race website explains,

The First Responders 5K recognizes the strength, perseverance, and courage of police officers, firefighters, EMTs, 911 operators and their families in our local community.

First responders put their lives on the line for us every day as they face hardships that most of us will never know. The repetitive negative experience of stressful and potentially traumatic events that first responders face on a daily basis leaves them particularly vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder. We hope that this event can raise awareness for PTSD in first responders, and raise funds for a local charity, FRST Agency, that will provide support, awareness, assets, and services to first responders seeking assistance in dealing with the effects of PTSD.

A portion of proceeds, as well as 100% of additional donations, will be donated to the FRST Agency. 

The race is scheduled for Friday Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. It will BEGIN AND END at the south side of Fireman’s Field on Sanford St., and take racers through east-side village neighborhoods. Cost is $30 ($35 after Aug. 14), or $15 for active first responders. Each racer will also receive a t-shirt, and food and drink after the race.

My family will once again be setting up our “refreshment” stop on Fuller Ave., with water — and beer — so watch for our signs!

To register for the race, and for more information including a course map, click here . They’re also looking for volunteers, which is an easy gig and nets you a t-shirt, too. You can also find out more about that opportunity on the website.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/11/2022)

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Miracle Field is having a birthday party!

10 Aug

You’ve heard me sing the praises of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field many times here in this blog. If you haven’t visited this tremendous facility yet, there’s a party coming up that’ll be a great chance to do so.

Believe it or not, it was a full five years ago that Miracle Field officially opened its gates, the culmination of many years of planning and hard work. Since then, the field and its dedicated team of volunteers have brought the pure joy of sports and teamwork to hundreds of Challenger athletes.

In celebration of this big anniversary, Miracle Field is having a Birthday Bash. On Thursday Aug. 18 the community is invited to cheer on the Challenger players as they compete in a friendly kickball game. While you’re there, you can check out the field, the pavilion and the wheelchair-accessible Karpus Family Playground. There’ll be music, food and refreshments, a raffle and more.

Tickets for the party are $15 per person or $40 for the family. They must be purchased ahead of time. Click here for information.

Rochester Challenger Miracle Field is located on Ridge Road behind Town Hall. It’s designed for individuals with physical and/or cognitive challenges and is fully wheelchair accessible. It offers children and adults with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/10/2022)

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Webster community mailbag

3 Aug

I open this week’s mailbag with a plug for the St. Rita Fiesta, happening this weekend at St. Rita Church in West Webster.

This is a lovely little festival, complete with carnival games, basket raffles, a sweet treats booth, food trucks, inflatables, a used book sale, chicken barbecue and more. Click here to see the Fiesta’s Facebook page and learn more.

The St. Rita Fiesta will take place Friday and Saturday Aug. 5 and 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. both nights, at 1008 Maple Drive in Webster.

The annual Webster Baptist Yard Sale also happens this weekend, Friday Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The church is located at 59 South Ave. in the village of Webster.

The next Webster Marching Band Bottle and Can Drive is coming up on Saturday Aug. 13.

This is a really easy way to help out our State Champion Webster Marching Band, and clean out your garage at the same time. All you have to do is place your bags of recyclables at the end of the driveway on Saturday morning (a little note indicating they’re for the band might be good), and they’ll be whisked away for a good cause.

Or, if you plan to be out and about on Saturday, you can drop them off at the collection site, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Road, by 4 p.m.

OR, you can call the Bottle and Can Hotline (234-8684, option 1) ANYTIME to arrange a pickup at a time convenient for you.

PLUS …

Marrk your calendars now for the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo, Tuesday Aug. 23 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Field. I hope to get more details about this soon, but I know in the past these events have had as many as a dozen or more food trucks, live music, face painting and fire trucks. Stay tuned.

When you’re out and about in the next few weeks picking up school supplies, please consider throwing a few extras in your cart to help out Webster HOPE.

Webster HOPE is currently collecting supplies for their Back to School Night on Tuesday Aug. 16, when the supplies will be distributed to Webster students in need. Check out the poster to see the wish list of supplies. They can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster HOPE, 1450 Ridge Rd., during their open hours Monday 5-7, Tuesday 10-noon, Wednesday 3-5 and Thursday 5 to 7.

The Webster Aquatic Center pool will be closed from Aug. 8 to 26 for some scheduled maintenance. During the closing, the pool at Webster Thomas High School will be available on a limited basis. Times will be posted on the Aquatic Center calendar.

One million gallons of water will be drained from the Aquatic Center pool so that workers can clean it and change the filter media before refilling it and bringing it up again to a comfortable temperature.

The 4th annual Heroes and Hidden Heroes charity event is scheduled for Sunday Aug. 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Webster Firemen’s Field.

The event features dinner and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 presale before Aug. 7, $30 afterwards and at the door. Get your tickets at onesoldieratatime.net.

Your next opportunity to be a hero and save up to three lives by donating blood is right around the corner.

On Friday Aug. 19 from noon to 5:30 p.m., the Lighthouse Bible Baptist Church, 48 S. Estate Drive in Webster, will host a Red Cross blood drive in the church’s recreation room.

There’ll be food, drinks, t-shirts, and a chance to win some cool raffle prizes. Click here to make an appointment.

This blood drive is being sponsored by The Steam Police, who have provided the following inspirational story:

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/3/2022)

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Calling all Buffalo Bills fans!

1 Aug

The Bills are back in town, the Bills are back in town!

The Buffalo Bills training camp is underway for the next few weeks at St. John Fisher College, and here in Webster, Whimsies gift shop on East Main Street is welcoming them back to town — and revving up the excitement for the upcoming season — with a Let’s Go Buffalo! Family Night on Thursday Aug. 4.

From 5 to 7 p.m. Whimsies will have the entire shop set up with Buffalo-themed games, including ping pong, Connect 4, washer toss, cornhole, and more. Carl’s Pizza will be selling pizza, wings, drinks and desserts, and Cassano Studios will provide music, so get ready to sing your favorite stadium songs, ’cause you you know that the Bills make you wanna SHOUT! (Sorry, no table-smashing this time around.)

This is a great family event, so get out all your Bills gear, bring your appetite, and come on down to the village Thursday night to cheer on our “hometown” team! Let’s get this season started!

Whimsies is located at 32 E. Main St. in Webster village.

(The Bills are practicing that day at Fisher … maybe one of them will hear about all the fun and pay us a visit? C’mon JOSH!!)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/1/2022)


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Remember Village Days? It’s coming back (sort of)

29 Jul

Those great folks at the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) have just in the last two weeks started to pull together a new summer event, and they want to spread to the word to get everyone involved.

It’s basically going to be a street fair, featuring businesses, vendors, snacks, crafts and perhaps a few games, very reminiscent of the old Village Days of yore.

The fair will be held on Friday August 19, on the first night of the Webster Jazz Fest. That evening is “Jazz in the Pubs,” when six different bands will be performing at six different bars and restaurants in town (more details about that in a future blog). West Main Street will already be closed for the evening, so it’s a perfect time to hold a Village-Days-type street fair.

Now, however, the BID needs vendors and contributors. They’re pretty much open to any ideas, so if you’ve got a village business and would like to participate, email the Webster BID at info@websterbid.com and get on board!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/29/2022)

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Waterfront Art Festival returns this weekend

26 Jul

Are you familiar with the history of the annual Waterfront Art Festival?

It feels like the festival has been regular Webster summer event for like, forever. But actually, Webster’s only hosted the Waterfront Art Festival since 2015, when organizers had a falling out with their original hosts at the Canandaigua City Pier. When they chose to move it to North Ponds Park in Webster, our community warmly welcomed the event, and it quickly became a summer favorite.

This coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday July 30 and 31, the Waterfront Art Festival returns for its 49th year, to North Ponds Park — now known as Charles Sexton Memorial Park. The festival is a must-see for those who appreciate fine art and quality crafts.

Dozens of artisan booths line the park’s scenic and shaded walkways, displaying an incredible variety of hand-made items in all price ranges. What’s really nice about this particular festival is that all of the artisans’ work is juried beforehand, which is why it’s all so different and high-quality. Plus there are food trucks, live entertainment, demonstrations, a wine, beer and cider-tasting tent, plenty of free parking right on the grounds, and a handicapped parking area. (Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year’s event.)

The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday July 30 and 31 at Charles Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds Park), off of Rt. 104 between Rt. 250 and Holt Road (take the Rt. 250 exit off Rt. 104). 

Admission is $5, no charge for kids 12 and under. For more information, including a list of artisans and entertainers, click here for the Waterfront Art Festival website.

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

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