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Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

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.

There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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The Webster Chamber of Commerce is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant at their office, located at 1110 Crosspointe Lane.

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.

Click here to see more details about the position. Submit your letter of interest or resume to: Office@WebsterChamber.com

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.

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(posted 2/16/2026)

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).

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What’s happening at the library?

4 Feb

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. 

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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)
    • Family Trivia, Tuesday Feb. 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. (registration required)
    • Library Club, Wednesday Feb. 18 from 6:30 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 kids:
    • 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.

There’s no cost for the presentation but registration is required.

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.

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(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).

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Library program helps caregivers find their village

13 Jan

I had the opportunity last week to attend a terrific program at the Webster Public Library (WPL) which I wanted to share with you all.

It was one of a series of panel discussions which the library hosts every month to share information and resources with caregivers of people with disabilities. Called “Diverse Abilities Dialogues,” the discussions cover topics such as communication strategies, financial planning, housing options, work placement and more.

The series is being coordinated by Jenny Paxson, WPL’s Reader’s Discovery Librarian, assisted by Brittany Jencik of Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County. Their goal is to help people in the community make connections, so that — as Jencik said — “Nobody has to walk this journey alone. It’s tough enough when you have a village. It’s almost impossible to do it alone.”

The discussion I attended that day was all about “complementary therapies” — basically, activities and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities which offer physical and emotional benefits. The panelists that day were Dave Nicchitta from Strike Back Martial Arts, Mike Tuller from Abilities Movement, Sarah Beren from Spotted Rabbit Studio, Sara McLaughlin from EquiCenter and Chad Cassano from Cassano Studios. Each of the participants had a chance to introduce their business to the dozen or so people in attendance, explaining what services they offer for people with disabilities.

I heard about creative art classes; jujitsu classes for children and adults with autism and Down syndrome; therapy riding, beekeeping and farming programs; adaptive fitness and kayaking programs; and voice acting lessons.

It was enlightening to hear about all of these opportunities, and realize they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the kinds of services caregivers can access within the Rochester area to help their loved ones. To a person, the presenters emphasized that their classes are all about building self-acceptance, making connections and thinking in new ways. The goal is to understand each person’s needs, meet them where their abilities are and guide them to their highest potential.

The Diverse Abilities Dialogue series is a valuable resource for caregivers, and it’s absolutely free to attend. The schedule for the next few months is:

To register, click on the hyperlink for each class. You don’t HAVE to register, but if you do, you’ll get an emailed reminder about the upcoming 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 1/13/2026)

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Webster Library’s services keep getting better

9 Jan

If you know ANYTHING about our Webster Public Library, you know that this terrific organization is so much more than just books. In addition to all the other resources they offer — like experience kits, puzzles, Kindles, GoPros, snowshoes, even light therapy lamps — they also have a wide range of programs for kids, families and adults of all ages.

I thought I knew pretty much all there is to know about the library, but I just found out about two new-ish offerings which are rather cool.

The first is a new “Senior Newsletter” geared for adults ages 55 and up. It will include informational resources for seniors, large print books arriving soon and newly added to the library’s collection, and upcoming library events geared towards seniors. 

The first edition will be sent out soon. Click here to become one of the first subscribers, and it’ll be delivered to your email box once a month.

This next resource is called “Kanopy,” a streaming platform through which patrons can access free, ad-free movies and TV shows with their library card. Users can get unlimited access to “British Cinema and TV,” “Kanopy Favorites,” and “Kanopy Kids.” The service can be accessed on your TV, smartphone, tablet, and computer.

Access to Kanopy is provided to Webster taxpayers by the Webster Public Library, and only Webster residents who pay taxes to the Town of Webster can access it. Webster residents who pay Penfield taxes cannot. Click here to login to Kanopy with your library card.

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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 1/9/2026)

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Library will host preschool open house

1 Jan

September and the next school year are still far away, but parents with preschoolers should start thinking about signing up for a preschool sooner rather than later, because many fill up rapidly.

The process can be overwhelming, trying to decide among the many options, comparing prices, staffing and facilities. The Webster Public Library wants to help make that process a lot less frustrating, with their annual Webster Area Preschool Fair.

It’s scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Representatives from more than a dozen preschools will be available to chat and provide information about their programs. The participating preschools are located in Webster or a surrounding township and/or have a number of Webster students already attending their school.

These preschools will be represented:

No registration is required. Just stop in anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Plus, if you’re bringing your little one(s) with you, come a bit early to enjoy storytime at 10:30 a.m., then stay and make a craft anytime between 11 a.m and 4 p.m.

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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 1/1/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Dec

Webster Museum’s Festival of Trees

There’s still time to vote for your favorite mini-Christmas Tree at the Webster Museum’s Festival of Trees.

Nineteen beautifully decorated trees have been set up around the museum, decorated by local non-profit agencies. Community members are invited to examine them all and vote for their favorite one. Votes will be accepted through the end of December. You can stop by the museum on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 2 to 4:30 to see them in person, or vote for your favorite online at the museum’s website.

Also, beginning Jan. 13, the museum will introduce their 2026 Quilt Exhibit, called “Stitched Stories: A Celebration of Vintage Quilts.” It will be on display in both the museum AND the Webster Public Library.

Start off the new year with a hike!

For the first time ever, Friends of Webster Trails will be hosting a free, guided First Day Hike at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

This family-friendly hike will be about an hour over easy or moderate terrain. Dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. 

Please register online for this event so they have an idea of how many to expect.  

Friends of Webster Trails is a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the public trails throughout Webster, including the Hojack Trail which runs through the village.

Village of Webster Christmas Tree Recycling

Curbside collection of Christmas trees will take place during the Village’s monthly brush pick up, the week of Jan. 5. Remember:

  • Live trees only, no artificial trees
  • Remove ornaments and lights
  • Do NOT put tree in a bag or cover with plastic
  • Place tree at curb by Sunday, January 4

News from Webster Comfort Care

Webster Comfort Care Home will be selling Kittelberger 12 Months of Flowers Cards from Jan. 5 through Jan. 26.

Cost is $50 and entitles the bearer to one fresh new bouquet of flowers every month for 12 months. For more information, click here. Payment accepted by cash, check or credit card. Cards can be picked up at Webster Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Women’s Club announces January meeting

The Women’s Club of Webster will host their monthly general meeting and luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Nucci’s Restaurant, 807 Ridge Rd., Webster. The gathering begins with social time at 11:15, a business meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30, followed by a speaker. This month, the Women’s Club welcomes Margery Morgan from Webster Hope, a nonprofit organization which helps Webster residents in need of assistance by providing food, clothing and emergency financial support.

Cost of the luncheon is $23, and will feature a buffet with chicken parmigiana, pork loin, greens and beans, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, and salad. Cost is $23. Please send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by Jan. 15 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, please call Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

At the library …

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Webster Public Library‘s January programs:

For adults:

  • Elsa von Blumen: Famous Rochestarian and Female Bicyclist — Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn about Elsa, a famous Rochestarian in the 1800s. Registration is required.
  • Salaff String Quartet Concert — Thursday, Jan. 22, 4 to 5 p.m. Enjoy a variety of music from classic to folk, performed on string instruments. Registration is required.

For Teens and Tweens:

  • Make it Monday: Snowy Pine Cone Trees — Monday, Jan. 12, 6 to 7 p.m. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to attend this monthly craft night. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
  • T(w)een Library Club — Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For grades 4 and up. Do you like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, or just hanging out with your friends? This group is for you. Registration is required.

For the little ones:

  • Rubber Ducky Storytime — Tuesday Jan. 13, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Celebrate National Rubber Ducky Day with stories, songs and rhymes about ducks, plus an activity and simple craft. All ages are welcome.
  • Preschool Puzzle Morning –Tuesday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by the storytime room to try an assortment of toddler-friendly puzzles.

And this stuff:

  • The Webster Library’s annual Webster-Area Preschool Fair will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet representatives from many area preschools to learn about their programs, More to come about this.
  • Zaurac’s Space Music Show — Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Zaurac (also known as Steve Fentress), will perform a live celestial-themed keyboard concert complete with cosmic-themed songs and imagery. For all ages. Registration is required.
  • The January Community Exchange is cookbooks. Bring in some you don’t use anymore, and pick up some new-to-you ones.

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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 12/26/2025)

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New Webster Public Library decorations celebrate winter

23 Dec

A few days ago I wrote about some pretty terrific outdoor holiday decorations you can check out this season, but today I want to highlight an indoor display which you don’t want to miss. It’s at the Webster Public Library, and while this display doesn’t feature any Christmas lights, it’s delightful and beautiful in so many other ways.

For the next several weeks, library patrons will be immersed in a winter wonderland as they attend programs and browse the bookshelves. Fanciful winter-themed decorations are sprinkled throughout the space, including huge cups of hot cocoa brimming with marshmallows and whipped cream, a forest of snow-covered pine trees, monstrous paper snowballs threatening to drop on you from the ceiling typewriters with earmuffs (these made me LOL) paper chains, stars, snowflakes and more. But the star of the show has to be the whimsical gondola lift which stretches from a sparkling mountain range on the far wall across the circulation desk area, its cars transporting a variety of stuffed animals which peek from their windows.

The imaginative pieces were created by Linda Liddle, Circulation & Technical Services Supervisor, and Library Clerk Katrina Viza. They started planning their display back in October and worked bit by bit in the ensuing weeks to craft the different elements, trying to incorporate recycled materials as often as possible. Some of the hot chocolate cups, for example, are made from big flower pots found a long the side of the road. The cup handles are fashioned from pool noodles, and the typewriter ear muffs are made from dusters.

The artists chose a wintry landscape rather than a holiday theme, allowing everyone to enjoy the work while harmonizing with the coming Winter Olympics.

The library is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but will be open again at 10 a.m. this Friday, and the display will be up through the Olympics. So there’s still plenty of time to check it out.

And don’t forget …

…When you head to the library, bring some new or hand-made winter items — gloves, hats or scarves — to put under the library’s Mitten Tree. All donations will be delivered to Webster Hope at the end of the year to share with our Webster neighbors in need.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd. at the rear of Webster Plaza.

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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 12/23/2025)

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Holiday celebrations in Webster continue

8 Dec

I hope you were able to attend the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration and Parade of Lights on Saturday. It was grey, but not TOO cold, and the village was beautiful. It was a great kick-off to a holiday season in Webster that’s packed with lots more special events.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for these last few weeks before Christmas. (And by the way, there are only the ones I know about. If you have anything else you’d like me to put in my blog, let me know.)

The Women’s Club of Webster‘s very popular annual Holiday Cookie Sale is 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.

Help the Webster Arboretum decorate their Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The tree has been installed in the large gazebo behind the Curry building. Now the community is being asked to gather and decorate it! Work with your family to create ornaments, then stop by and place them on the tree. (Please no food or seed decorations.) The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

And remember to get your copy of the Arboretum’s 2026 calendar, which they’re introducing for the first time this year. It features stunning photos of the Arboretum throughout the seasons. All proceeds will go directly to maintain the Webster Arboretum. They’re available for $24, and can be purchased online on the Arboretum’s website and at Lala of Webster in the village.

The Webster Village Band, directed by Andy Kittelson, will be performing their annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. This year’s program includes favorites such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Eighth Candle.” Per tradition, the band will also perform “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Barbara Midura. 

The concert is free and no reservations are needed. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

The Webster Recreation Center will host their annual Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. It features pictures with Santa, music, dancing and cookies. The event is free, everyone is welcome and no registration is required.

And don’t forget that the kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the Rec Center between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19. Santa will personally answer each one, and the kids can pick up their responses between Dec. 22 and 24.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just off of Phillips Rd.

The Chorus of the Genesee will hold this year’s Soup and Caroling Night on Tuesday Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, stopping to sing at several homes and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. The bar will be open (cash only, please) for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are encouraged.

The Webster Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale continues through Dec. 27, located in front of the lobby book store. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes, while supplies last.

Also at the library, enjoy a travelogue all about the Von Trapp Family Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Did you know that the real von Trapp family (immortalized in the movie The Sound of Music) moved from Austria to Vermont? George and Carol Vorhauer took a motor coach tour to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort and will share what they learned about the von Trapp family and their 2,600-acre property in Stowe, Vermont. Holiday refreshments will be served. 

There’s no cost, but registration is required.

The Webster Museum‘s Festival of Trees is still going on. Twenty miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, which various Webster businesses and non-profit organizations have decorated. Community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The museum is also selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. They’ll be available through Dec. 12.

The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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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 12/8/2025)

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Friends of the Library say thank you to their volunteers

20 Nov

Community organizations depend on dedicated volunteers to carry out their mission. But in larger groups with many moving parts, volunteers often focus on their own projects and may never cross paths with others working in different areas.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library (FWPL) recognize that, so they make sure that at least twice a year they hold special events to bring all of their volunteers together for an hour of friendship, socialization, laughter and lots and lots of good food.

Every May this meeting/social event takes the form of a potluck lunch, with a dozen or more delectable dishes lined up along tables in the library’s community room. Every November, it’s a dessert reception; last Saturday, those tables were filled with cheesecakes, shortbreads, cookies, chocolate candies, even a cherry trifle. The event drew almost 50 volunteers from across the FWPL organization, men and women who volunteer at the book sales, in the lobby book store, manage publicity, serve on the board and more. And each one went home with a little gift to say thank you for their time and commitment.

Winanne Messing
Eileen Brookins

Two of those volunteers received special recognition: Eileen Brookins and Winanne Messing. For many years, Winanne and Eileen were head of publicity for book sales and various other fundraisers, and they both served on the Friends’ Board of Directors before stepping down two years ago. Appropriately, each received a book inscribed with an individualized dedication recognizing their service. Once Winanne and Eileen have had a chance to read them, the books will become part of the library’s permanent collection.

And talking about the Book Sale …

These social events double as FWPL meetings, and at this last gathering, some pretty amazing details about this year’s book sales were reported.

The final figure from the most recent Fall Book Sale was an incredible $8,191.98 (including a portion of the proceeds from 70 Kittelberger flower cards sold during the sale). It’s been several years since the Friends topped the $8,000 mark, so that is a great accomplishment. The vintage book sales earned almost $3,200 on top of that this year as well. Those impressive figures can be attributed to all the donors, volunteers, shoppers and the incredible support of the Webster Community as a whole.

And did you know? Whatever books the Friends don’t sell are donated to Savers. They come down to the library, box them up and send them all over the country to other Savers locations to benefit other communities.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best service possible to the community. All of the funds they raise go directly to promote and support the Webster Public Library, its services, facilities, programs and needs. Click here to find out more about the organization and how you can become a member.

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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 11/20/2025)

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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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