Archive | Community events RSS feed for this section

The Turkey Trot is soon! Have you signed up yet?

22 Nov

The 54th annual Webster Turkey Trot is approaching fast, but there’s still time to register.

The Turkey Trot, organized by Fleet Feet, is an annual Thanksgiving Day race which features a 2.5-mile fun run and a 4.4-mile race along roads and grassy fields in Webster Park. The race began in 1972, started by Webster cross country coach and English teacher Jim May as a practice run for his cross country team. It has since become a very large (typically around 4,000 runners), long-standing tradition in the Webster community.

The 4.4-mile 2.5 mile routes both start at the corner of Holt and Lake roads. Even if you’re not running the race, watch for traffic restrictions beginning at 8:30 a.m., impacting Lake Rd., Whiting Rd. and Holt Rd. Registration is open through Wednesday Nov. 26 at 5:45 p.m., and all new registrants will receive a cool tote bag. Plus, all participants receive a finisher medal.

Parking for racers can be a challenge, especially when we’re talking about 4,000 runners, but there will be shuttle buses running from Willink Middle School and Thomas High School from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Lots more information about the race, including how to register, the race routes, when and where to pick up your packet, parking information, and more can be found at the Webster Turkey Trot website.

Fleet Feet will also be running a donation drive for Webster Hope during packet pick-up. This is a great opportunity to show your support for our community and thankfulness for all of the blessings we enjoy — enough food on the table, a warm place to live, good health. To thank you for your donation, you’ll receive a Mystery Buck valued at 10 to 50% off any full-priced item in store at Fleet Feet.

Hope’s November wish list includes (these are the most critical needs, but all non-perishable foods are welcome):

  • Baking items- flour, sugar, cake and brownie mixes
  • Cooking oil
  • Canned peas
  • Canned pineapple
  • Canned beets
  • Canned potatoes
  • Pasta sauce
  • Pasta, whole wheat is NOT popular

Hygiene Products

  • Dish soap
  • Laundry soap
  • Any toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, lotion, etc.

* * *

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 11/22/2025)

It’s time to help make spirits bright

21 Nov

The 12th season of Making Spirits Bright is underway, and you can help.

Making Spirits Bright is an awesome organization here in Webster which for the last 12 years has been working quietly under the radar, doing amazing things for families in need during the holidays — and this year, their efforts are needed more than ever.

The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance. Then they collect wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items. And unlike many other programs, Making Spirits Bright provides far more than just gifts. They also assist with winter gear, household necessities, personal care items, cleaning supplies and various other items to lessen a family’s burden. PLUS, they provide for all members living in each household, no matter their age. This includes kids, parents, guardians, grandparents, and sometimes even pets. This year, Making Spirits Bright expects to surpass 600 families helped.

The call has gone out for donations to support this year’s effort, and there are several ways you can help:

  • Sign up as a group, organization, business or family to help out. (Click here for current community list)
  • Adopt an entire family (choose the family size you’re comfortable with, two-person and up)
  • Adopt one person (any age/gender identity)
  • Purchase personal care items or other needs (here’s a suggested supply list)
  • Organize a collection drive for some of the most needed items, like toiletries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift wrap, gift boxes and gift cards.
  • Make a monetary donation, which are used to purchase items on the list which were not adopted. Any donations, large or small, is appreciated. Click here for more information.
  • Help wrap gifts. Click here to see this year’s wrapping schedule and stop by to lend a hand!

Donations should be new and unwrapped (unless otherwise noted), and all items need to be dropped off at the MSB headquarters — located in Baytowne Plaza — no later than Saturday, December 6. Click here for additional drop-off locations and hours.

Drop-off locations can be found HERE

* * *

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 11/21/2025)

Webster community mailbag

19 Nov

Let’s start today’s mailbag with this quick note about something happening REALLY SOON that will interest those who want to get some Christmas shopping done.

Maplewood Nursing Home will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar this Thursday and Friday Nov. 20 and 21.

It will feature nine vendors offering one-of-a-kind items including home goods, crafts, jewelry, knitwear, wind chimes, and much more. Plus there will be a bake sale, two raffles and an ornament donation tree. All proceeds will benefit Lap Robes for Veterans, a charity near and dear to The Maplewood; the organization donates homemade lap robes to all military veterans at the facility.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The Maplewood is located at 100 Daniel Drive in the Village of Webster. There’s plenty of free parking. This is a community event and all are welcome.

* * *

The Women’s Club of Webster has announced details for their 31st annual Holiday Cookie Sale, scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early.

Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.

AND while we’re talking about the Women’s Club, you’ll want to make plans now to attend the club’s December meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Penfield Country Club.

Santa will be the special guest at the luncheon, so this is your chance to ask him all those questions you’ve ever wondered about, like what his favorite cookies are and who pulls his beard the most. Mrs. Claus will also be with him.

The meeting will be held at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. It begins with social time at 11:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30. Cost is $25 and includes lunch, either Chicken French, a Reuben or Italian Melt sandwich. All lunches also come with fresh fruit and beverages. Send your check made out to WCW with your lunch choice by Dec. 11 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Rd, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check might be late, call Carolyn at 585-265-1303 to hold your place.

* * *

From the Webster CSD:

Families with children residing in their household who are ages birth to 5 years old are asked to help Webster CSD forecast enrollment by completing the brief Young Children Census.

You can complete the survey online at the Webster CSD website or here on an online form. It will only take a few minutes. Deadline is January 6.

This census is a young family’s first connection with the district and helps the school district keep in touch with the family as their child approaches school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.

* * *

Webster Comfort Care Home’s 2025 Holiday Raffle is now open, your chance to win some fabulous prizes. (Details about what they are can be found on the WCCH website.) Tickets are one for $25, three for $60 and six for $100 (that’s a bargain!). You can click here to purchase them online. The raffle will be live through Thursday Dec. 18, when the winners will be chosen. 

Not only is this a great opportunity to win a pretty awesome Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one, but you can feel good that you’ve supported a really awesome organization at the same time.

* * *

Here’s another reminder that 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.

* * *

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)

Webster Thomas High School presents Much Ado About Nothing

18 Nov

The Webster high schools’ drama season officially begins later this week, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.
 
The play follows young lovers Claudio and Hero, whose wedding plans are sabotaged by the villainous Don John, who tricks Claudio into believing Hero is unfaithful. Claudio publicly shames and rejects Hero, leading her to fake her death from grief. Meanwhile, Benedick and Beatrice, a witty pair of antagonists known for their “merry war,” proclaim their disdain for love and marriage. Their friends conspire to trick the cynical pair into believing the other is secretly in love with them. Amidst the chaos, the local constabulary, led by the hilariously inept Dogberry, attempts to uncover the truth.

Like I said, classic Shakespeare.

Here are some photos I took at one of the dress rehearsals:

The cast is led by Dominick Mangano as Claudio, Rylie Biroscak as Hero, Robert LoFaso III as Don John, Matteo Serventi as Benedick, Mia Fellows as Beatrice and Jack Dayton as Dogberry.

Rounding out the cast are

  • Jeremiah Fischer as Don Pedro
  • Lucas McCarthy as Leonato
  • Natasha Mosher as Margaret
  • Colin Ritchie as Borachio
  • Taisia Badulescu as Conrad
  • Poppy Short as Verges
  • Connor Hengelsberg as Antonio
  • Ben Sweeney as Balthasar
  • Ella Vernacotola as Ursula
  • Abigail McNett as Messenger
  • Quin Rizzo as Friar
  • Adriana Zodarecky as George Seacoal
  • Jeremiah Lauture as Hugh Oatcake, and
  • Madeline Heminway, Noah Skavienski, and Mya Almada Ferris as musicians and attendants.

The cast members are supported by crew members Kalleigh Denton, Sienna Duga, Haydin Fenner, Olivia Marinaccio, Anastasia Petukhove, Savannah Riggs, Kaelyn Snyder, Amelia Thompson, Adeline Whilden, Emelia van Wichen and stage manager Amelia Snell.

Much Ado About Nothing will be presented for three nights: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. every night, in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Reserve tickets are just $11 (including a $1 processing fee) and are available online here. You can read more about the play and some thoughts from the director Mark Stoetzel at websterschools.org.

* * *

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 11/18/2025)

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.

* * *

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)

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.

* * *

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)

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.

* * *

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)

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 CircleFriday, 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 ApplesMonday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 to 12 and adults are welcome. Registration is required.
  • Teen Library ClubWednesday, 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.

* * *

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)

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)

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

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)