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Webster Museum is prepping their Festival of Trees

17 Nov

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but the folks at the Webster Museum have their sights squarely on the Christmas season.

In a little less than two weeks, representatives from almost 20 Webster businesses and non-profit organizations will be descending on the museum to decorate their miniature Christmas trees, set up all around the museum as part of this year’s Festival of Trees. During the festival, community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The first day you can check out the trees will be Saturday, Dec. 6, not coincidentally the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration. The museum will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. that afternoon, with live music and a sing-along with the Goodwin family at 4 p.m. and the Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about Winter Wonderland in a few days.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The ever-popular holiday raffle returns this year as well, featuring gifts and vouchers donated by our very generous local merchants. PLUS, the museum will also be selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. Tickets will be available at the museum Nov. 24 through Dec. 12.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 585-265-3308 for more information.

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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 11/19/2025)

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Webster Public Library hosts youth author Colleen AF Venable

14 Nov

Hey, everyone, call your kids over to the screen, because they’re going to want to see this.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the Webster Public Library will host bestselling author Colleen AF Venable for a talk and book signing.

Your kids are probably familiar with Venable’s Katie the Catsitter graphic novel series about friendship, superheroes –and lots and lots of cats. Illustrated by Stephanie Yue, the series was nominated for 14 state awards. Venable’s Kiss Number 8 was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Venable will sign books following her presentation and Q&A session. Each registered child or teen in attendance will receive a free book for her to sign, and Rochester-based bookseller Hipocampo Children’s Books will be on site with three of Venable’s books for purchase.

The event will be held at the Webster Recreation Center on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required.

Each person planning to attend must register. To register, click here or call 585-872-7075. To ensure they have enough books for all children and teens in attendance, please indicate whether you’re registering an adult (ages 18+), a teen (ages 13-17), or a child (ages 0-12). The event is expected to be very popular, so if you register but are then unable to attend, please notify the library by calling 585-872-7075.

This author event is brought to you by Webster Public Library, Penfield Public Library, and East Rochester Public Library and sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk, Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, and Friends of Webster Public Library.

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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 11/14/2025)

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More happenings this week and weekend

11 Nov

This is kind of a catch-up blog today with a few events that are coming up fast (or happening right now) which I neglected to mention in my recent mailbag.

The first is a happy occasion for Lala of Webster at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. This adorable gift shop is celebrating its 7th anniversary this week, and owner Lisa Schlonski has an extra special deal cooked up for the occasion.

All this week (through Saturday) she’s giving away a FREE piece of Katie Loxton bling (worth $22 or more) when you spend at least $25. Also, when you make a purchase this week you’ll be entered to win one of several surprise giveaway bags.

So pop in this week, start your Christmas shopping, get some bling for yourself, and wish Lisa congratulations on her anniversary. In today’s business climate, seven years is commendable.

In honor of Veterans Day this week, this Saturday Nov. 15, the Webster Museum will present a talk by Tom Pellett, focused on the Civil War, called “Honoring Veterans.”

As you know, the War between the States, which began in 1863, could have separated the North and South. President Abraham Lincoln had a different idea and in his famous two-minute-long Gettysburg Address, which he presented at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, he shared those thoughts.

Tom has extensive knowledge about Webster veterans who fought in the Civil War. He’ll tell stories about some of those veterans, who went off to fight for the ideal that all men are created equal.

The presentation will take place at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, on Saturday, Nov. 15 beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the museum is handicap-accessible. For more information, visit the museum’s website at webstermuseum.org.

There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.

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

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

(posted 11/11/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

9 Nov

First off, this reminder from the Webster Chamber of Commerce. Their monthly meeting is normally the last Friday of the month, but has been moved up because of Thanksgiving.

The November Webster Chamber Monthly Meeting will be held on Friday Nov. 21 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The meetings begin with social time, then a buffet breakfast, followed by an informative program — this month, representatives from the Webster Business Improvement District will be filling everyone in on the latest from the Village of Webster.

The monthly meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70-90 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card to add your name to the door prize drawing.

Chamber members, guests, and visitors are welcome. Reservations are required. Click here to register. 

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • This month’s community exchange is vases. Bring in some unused ones and swap them out for new-to-you ones.
  • The November Donation Station is for the Pirate Toy Fund. Donate new, unwrapped toys.
  • The library’s Holiday Book Sale has been scheduled for Dec. 2 through Dec. 27. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes. While supplies last.
  • This month’s extra special event is an Amerks Power Play on Monday, Nov. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Moose will be visiting the library, accompanied by a player, who will read a story, show off his hockey equipment, and sign autographs. Attendees can also pose for pictures with the player and the Moose. All ages are welcome, and no registration is necessary.

For adults

  • Community Building Circle — Friday, Nov. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each circle focuses on a meaningful topic that is chosen by trained facilitators. There is never any pressure to speak, or to return, but our hope is that after experiencing a community building circle and the relationships that develop there, you’ll join us again as we build community together. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens

  • Make It Monday: Wooden Caramel Apples — Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 to 12 and adults are welcome. Registration is required.
  • Teen Library Club — Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m. If you’re in grades 6 through 12 and like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, hanging out with your friends, and getting involved with your library and community, this club is for you. Registration is required.

For children and families

  • Geology Rocks — Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 to 4 p.m. Meet local geologist Fred Haynes and learn about the unique glacial geology that shaped Western New York, as well as the land forms and sediments it left behind. Fred will be set up in the main library and ready to chat with anyone who stops by his table. He’ll have samples of local rocks, fossils, and sand for you to take home, also. You can also bring along any rocks/fossils for identification. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

From the Webster Recreation Center

The next two Talks on Tuesday presentations look interesting and very Informative.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Jeff Taylor presents a travelogue highlighting European Christmas Markets. Christmas in Europe is a big deal, with markets that have been around for centuries. Highlights include holiday food, shopping, central squares, cathedrals and more in London, Amsterdam, Bruges, Luxembourg, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Athens, Tirana, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Istanbul. Register for Activity# 346940-N

On Tuesday Nov. 25, Jessica Lepore and TJ Fogarty from GRAPE and NY Life Insurance Co. will present a program on Simplifying Required Minimum Deposits. Learn why it’s important to understand RMD’s and have a strategy to protect your retirement lifestyle. Register for Activity# 346940-O.

Both programs will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

Upcoming reminders …

Tickets are now on sale for the Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. Taste local and national bourbons along with food samplings from Village of Webster restaurants. Tickets are $35 plus an Eventbrite fee, and can be ordered here. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets soon. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID will be required.

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early. Admission is free.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table and some large raffle baskets. Plus, their 2026 membership cards and new 2026 calendar will be available or purchase.

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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 11/9/2025)

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Grab a sub for dinner, support Wreaths Across America

4 Nov

For the fourth year in a row, our Webster Jersey Mike’s Subs shop on Ridge Rd. will be hosting a fundraiser to support Wreaths Across America-Webster and its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in our town.

During the fundraiser, scheduled for Nov. 10 to 12, community members can get a free regular Jersey Mike’s sub in return for a $3 donation to Wreaths Across America. But you have to have a coupon to participate; you can get yours right now at one of these village businesses:

Over the last three years, the campaign has raised more than $1800 for Wreaths Across America. That kind of community support is crucial again this year, as organizers hope to place 2,100 wreaths across three Webster cemeteries on this year’s Wreath Across America Day, Saturday, Dec. 13.

Wreaths Across America Day is an initiative to honor and remember fallen veterans, a day when volunteers place wreaths on the graves of almost three million veterans at cemeteries across the country and across the world. Webster has participated in this solemn occasion every year since 2022, when volunteers placed about 650 wreaths at Webster Union Cemetery. In 2023, Webster Rural and Union Hill joined the effort, and last year, Holy Trinity Cemetery also participated for the first time.

In addition to nabbing one of those coupons and heading to Jersey Mike’s, here are a few other ways you can help:

  • Sponsor a wreath. Each sponsorship costs $17, and $5 from each will be donated to local Gold Star Families, who have lost an immediate family member in active duty. Click here to go to Webster’s Wreaths Across America page and sign up.
  • Help out on Dec. 13. Local organizers still need volunteers to distribute the wreaths after the ceremony. Email websterwreaths@icloud.com for more information.

Our Webster Jersey Mike’s is located at 975 Ridge Rd., in the small plaza across from the former Hegedorn’s.

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 11/4/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

29 Oct

A few new things and a few reminders in today’s mailbag.

Calling the R.L. Thomas Class of 1970!

Your 55 year reunion is happening this Saturday, Nov. 1, and if you haven’t signed up yet, it’s not too late.

The reunion will take place at Finn Park on Maple Dr., from 2 to 11 p.m. p.m. Cost is $20 which includes a food truck ticket. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. To sign up, email rlt1970alumni@gmail.com.

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The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters will host their 2025 indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors.

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Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.

Tickets are now on sale for the Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. Taste local and national bourbons along with food samplings from Village of Webster restaurants.

Tickets are $35 plus an Eventbrite fee, and can be ordered here. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets soon. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID will be required.

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The Friends of Webster Trails will host their annual Hot Cocoa Hike on Saturday Nov. 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Finn Park, 850 Maple Dr.

Kids and adults alike are welcome to this family-friendly hike. It’s a little over a mile long (start to finish) and will include a stop for hot cocoa. The trail will start at the right-hand side of the building by the kiosk. There will be lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible for finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.

Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.

There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.

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The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.

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This note doesn’t relate directly to Webster but it’s kind of interesting. Apparently every year the members of the Rochester Amateur Radio Association participate in what they call their “Pumpkin Patrol” in support of the New York State Police. On Oct. 30 and 31 they monitor Thruway overpasses in Monroe County to prevent vandalism. The “hams” have been providing this service for more than 30 years and there have been no reports of any serious vandalism from overpasses to vehicles traveling on the Thruway since the Patrol began.

So keep an eye out for them and maybe give them a little beep to show your support.

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Here’s a quick follow-up from the recent Embrace Your Sisters Walk which I wrote about in August. It was held on Oct. 5 at Pittsford Sutherland High School and apparently was quite successful, raising a whopping $25,654, surpassing the organization’s $25,000 goal.

The funds will be added to the more than $700,000 which has already been distributed during the Embrace Your Sisters’ 19 years. People with breast cancer across our 13-county area have benefited from these funds, which paid outstanding living expenses. If you know someone who could benefit from the Embrace Your Sisters short-term emergency funds, please have them visit the website for more information.

Here’s something you want to put on your calendar for December:

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, and some large raffle baskets. Plus, their 2026 membership cards and new 2026 calendar will be available or purchase.

The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission 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 10/29/2025)

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

27 Oct

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 10/27/2025)

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Pumpkins on Parade a soggy but fun event

26 Oct

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

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

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

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

Here’s a gallery of photos from the event.

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

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

(posted 10/25/2025)

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So. Much. Candy. So many photos.

25 Oct

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 10/25/2025)

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Pumpkins are parading this weekend. Don’t miss it

22 Oct

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

less than two weeks away, and they need jack-o-lanterns! This is a super fun family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns, and a lot of other very spooky elements. At the end of the path, there’s music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. And it’s ALL FREE and no registration is necessary.

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 10/22/2025)

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