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Webster community mailbag

2 May

Chicken BBQ. Yum.

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold a Drive Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 4 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

What the heck is a hellebore?

The Webster Arboretum will host a presentation on May 9 titled Lenten Rose and Christmas Rose are Hellebores.

Learn about the care and culture of these amazing plants. Donna Shayder, Master Gardener of Monroe County, will discuss the growing conditions, types, management and appropriate care of the hellebore. She’ll also conduct a tour of the hellebore plantings at the Arboretum and answer all your questions.

No registration or fee is required. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Road.

Get your Mother’s Day plants here

The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2024 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 11 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, geraniums, dahlias, tomatoes, trees, shrubs and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

Barn Sale at Heritage Square

Heritage Square Museum, at 7147 Ontario Center Rd. in Ontario, is holding a huge Barn Sale from Thursday May 9 through Saturday May 11. Hours are:

  • Thursday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to noon ($5 bag sale, bring your own bags)

And looking ahead, the museum will be hosting a chicken BBQ on Friday May 13 from 4 p.m. ’till gone.

Get rid of those ugly mugs

I’ll be highlighting a few more Webster Public Library events in a future blog, but this one especially caught my eye today.

Apparently the library has a “community exchange table,” which I don’t think I realized. And this month, community members can exchange MUGS there.

We all have them, a collection of coffee mugs that we’ve gathered through the years but we never use, so they’re tucked back in the back of the cabinet. Dig them out and take them to the library to exchange them for some mugs you might actually use. And who knows, someone may really want that bright pink mug with the bikini-clad flamingo that you just HAD to get on your last vacation.

Also coming up this month at the library

* Author Day on Saturday May 4, when the library welcomes three local published authors, who will talk about the paths they took from the beginning writer to nationally-known authors. Karen Miller will speak from 10 to 11 a.m.; Charles Benoit will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Ruth Rosenberg Naparstek will speak from 1 to 2 p.m.

Registration for each speaker is requested. Click the name to go to the registration page for each.

* On Thursday May 9, the Webster Library, in conjunction with Webster Comfort Care Home will present “Tending to Life — Comparative Religions: Funeral Customs and Rituals.” Area faith leaders will talk about death in relation to their religion’s customs.

The program will run from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.

Donations now being accepted for HOPE garage sale

It’s still several months away, but plans are already gearing up for the huge annual NY HOPE garage sale, scheduled for this September.

If you have items you’d like to donate, drop off dates are Wednesdays, May 8, 22 & 29 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 1460 Ridge Road (located behind Holy Trinity), Webster.

Before you drop off your donations, check out the Donation Guide, because items that cannot be used, including furniture or large items (at this time) will be refused. We may refuse items if we cannot use them.

Mark your calendars now for the sale, Wednesday, Sept. 11 through Saturday Sept. 13.

Concert to benefit the Harmony House

Music will fill the air on Saturday May 18 when the Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody join forces to present Harmony in the House, a fund-raiser concert to benefit the Harmony House Renovation Project.

Shows will be at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. There will be no sales at the door. Click here to get yours, or call 585-259-3094.

Garlic Fest vendor applications now being accepted

Last but not least today, if you’re a craft or food vendor and would like to get into this year’s Webster Garlic Fest, the call for vendor applications has just gone out.

This year’s festival will run from September 7-8 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. A 10′ x 10′ booth will run you $150, and early set-up will be available both days.

This has become one of Webster’s best-attended events. Last year there were more than 100 vendors and 3,000 attendees. So get your application in before the spaces sell out. Click here to apply.

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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 5/2/2024)

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Who takes care of those WEBSTER bushes?

3 Mar

We drive by them all the time, those bushes along Rt. 104 just east of the Bay Bridge that spell out WEBSTER, welcoming residents and visitors alike to our fair town. But did you ever wonder about their history, who originally planted them and who takes care of them now?

According to Webster Chamber of Commerce president Barry Howard, the WEBSTER bushes installation was a project spearheaded by the Chamber in 1986 as a beautification project. The Chamber commissioned the design in February of that year, got all the required permits by September, then arranged to have the bushes and stone scape installed. The sailboat motif in colored stone mosaic was added in 1993.

The landscaping company who originally planted the bushes went out of business, and Thomas Landscape took over their maintenance just a year or two later. The company has been taking care of them every year since, for more than 35 years, at the Chamber’s expense.

Many will remember that back in 2010, vandals destroyed the bushes, cutting every single one of the plants to the ground. At the time, the Chamber asked people if something like a welcome sign should be put in instead. But the community stood behind their much-loved WEBSTER shrubs, and overwhelmingly voted to replace them. With help from a radio-thon fundraiser hosted by WARM 101.3, 75 new bushes were purchased and planted.

It’s been more than 10 years, and the new bushes are doing pretty well, but it’s going to take them a while to get back to their former glory.

“They’re coming around,” said Thomas Landscape owner Rick Thomas. “Last year we started doing an organic-based fertilizer on the plants and it’s definitely helping.”

“It’s an extremely hard area to grow plants because of the steep slope,” he added. “You don’t realize how steep it is until you’re standing on it. Water and nutrients just roll down it. It’s a tough area to grow anything.”

Between the Chamber of Commerce and Thomas Landscape, the WEBSTER shrubbery continues to get regular TLC. The stone scape was repainted a few years ago, and Thomas staff members head up there three times a year for general maintenance. They’re even giving some thought to perhaps changing out the stone design in front “to keep things fresh.”

“I think it’s still viable,” Rick said. “People like to look at it. It’s fun; we’ll be up there trimming and weeding and cleaning up and people drive by, waving and cheering.”

I’ll be one of those people waving and cheering next time I see you up there, as a thank you for keeping our favorite town landmark looking great.

Thomas Landscape is located at 775 Ridge Rd., Webster.

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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 3/3/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Strap in, folks, ’cause this is a long one.

Good food for a good cause

Boy Scout Troop 262 will be hosting their “Famous Spaghetti Dinner” on Saturday March 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Bldg. on Sanford St.

Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 10. You can eat in or take out. And bring extra cash for the bake sale!

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails, working with the Village of Webster, are proud to introduce the newly updated informational kiosk where the Hojack Trail meets 250 (North Ave.).

The kiosk was built by Eagle Scout Alex Groff in 2018, and for some years it held temporary postings. But recently, the Village gave the kiosk a professional makeover and it looks great. On one side is an aerial photo of the area from years ago, provided by the Webster Museum, which shows some prominent industries. QR codes are provided if you want to find out even more. On the other side is a map from about the same time, and more photos. It all illustrates the reason for the Hojack railroad and its importance to the area.

New swag at the Museum

If you love the Webster Museum, you’re going to love the new promotional items they’ve just introduced. There’s a nice selection of new mugs and caps, which join an already impressive variety of fun, museum-themed merchandise including stickers, t-shirts, water bottles, aprons, bags and more. (I know you want a WLiWL sticker.)

Click here to see the whole collection. You can’t buy this new merchandise online, so stop by and visit the museum at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Carlsen named CWZ Elementary PE Teacher of the Year

Webster CSD is proud to announce that Danielle Carlsen has been selected as the 2024 Central Western Zone Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. 

The State Road Elementary School PE teacher was recommended for the award by one of her colleagues who felt that Carlsen exemplifies a true professional in the field of physical education at the elementary school level. 

Petitions available for BOE candidates

The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 21 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 22. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will each serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216 0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org.

Here are some important dates to remember:

  • April 16: BOE adopts budget to be put before voters, 6 p.m.
  • May 7: Public hearing on proposed 2024-25 budget, 6 p.m.
  • May 21: WCSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates; polls open 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road.

Webster Chamber of Commerce invites you

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Wednesday March 6, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal.

Network with Chamber members and visitors while enjoying refreshments and door prizes. A brief introduction to the business world of Monroe Piping & Sheet Metal will also be provided by the owner and Chamber board director Dan Dunn.

This great networking event will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane (Suite C), from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’s no cost, but preregistration is requested. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday March 22 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

A few reminders

Here are some reminders about events I’ve already mentioned in a previous mailbag, but want to make sure you remember them.

  • The Thomas vs. Schroeder Charity Basketball Game will be this Wednesday night March 6 at Webster Thomas High School, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Concessions will be available. Admission is only $5 (suggested donation), and all proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.  Additional donations would be greatly appreciated as well.
  • The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday March 21 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Janine Sanger, Executive Director of WHEN:DFCC, Webster Health and Education Network will be this month’s speaker. The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and the presentation. The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by March 14 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
  • The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold its third annual Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Thursday March 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The books are priced between $8 and $200. (Prices are firm.) A variety of books on Rochester, World War II, poetry, sports, movies, religion, classics, biographies, juvenile and adult fiction will be available. Many of the books are rare, unusual and in good to better condition. All proceeds from the event will benefit programs of the 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 3/2/2024)

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Eagle Scout Brandon Seeley builds pergola for the Arboretum

28 Feb

The Webster Arboretum has just gotten a little bit better.

Thanks to the efforts of 14-year old Eagle Scout Brandon Seeley, a new pergola has been installed at the very north end of the Arboretum.

A resident of Ontario, Brandon is a big fan of the Arboretum, so the project immediately interested him when he heard about it.

“When (my mentor) Mr. Fulkerson told me a little about it and what it consisted of,” he said, “I thought it would be a good project to do for them…. I really like it here. I thought it would be nice to give back to them for giving us all of the things they do here.”

The finished pergola — a kind of an open-air gazebo with a thatched or latticed roof, designed to support climbing plants — is large, measuring about 9′ x 15′ x 8′ tall. Brandon was assisted by a team of 16 fellow Scouts, family members and friends, who took less than a week last October to complete the project.

Brandon’s leadership, a critical part of every Eagle Scout project, also helped things run smoothly.

“I set out all the dates, told everyone what to do, and what to bring,” he said. “When everyone showed up here I gave everyone a different role to do so people weren’t just standing doing nothing.”  

“I think everyone had a good time, and I really appreciate all their help coming out here.”

Part of the team: Mike Seeley, Chloe Seeley, Brandon Seeley, Patrick Fulkerson and George Riehle

Webster Arboretum board member George Riehle acted as Brandon’s contact through the project’s completion. It was actually something the Arboretum has been planning for several years, only recently getting enough funding — and some willing hands — to complete it.

The plan is to create what Riehle calls a “fruit demonstration garden,” designed to introduce home gardeners to a variety of lesser-known fruiting vines and shrubs that grow well in our area, won’t take up a lot of space, and require little maintenance. Northern kiwi, for example, will be draped across the top of the pergola, and underneath that, several hazelnut shrubs. Other varieties filling beds in front of the pergola will include gooseberries, currants, honeyberries and dwarf cherries.

Riehle expects the planting to begin later this spring and be completed by next spring.

The pergola is located at the very north end of the Webster Arboretum, most easily accessible from the parking lot near the playground. It’s about 100 yards beyond the bridge.

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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 2/28/2024)

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The Rec Center’s ice rink is open!

18 Jan

I’ve been frequenting the Webster Recreation Center of late for regular workouts, and when I was leaving last night, I noticed a few skaters on the rink honing their hockey skills. And that, of course, means …

The Webster Rec Center’s ice rink is open!

Thanks to our recent bout of frigid weather, the rink — located in front of the Webster Recreation Center at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just north of the village — is looking good. The rink is a nice size, 52 ft. by 104 ft., offering plenty of room for skaters of all abilities. Plus, it’s totally FREE for anyone to use. You don’t even have to be a member of the Rec Center. There’s even a warming shed where you can sit to put on your skates. You’ll want to bring your own skates, though, because rentals are not available. And if I recall correctly from driving by last night, there’s at least one light near the shed so you can skate after dark.

The Rec Center even has a hotline so you can check before you go to see if the rink is open: 585-872-7103 (option 3). Make sure to do that, because it’s hard to tell when our capricious winter weather will turn the ice surface to mush.

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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.

(posted 1/18/2024)

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‘Tis the season for farm markets

7 Oct

Farm markets have to be some of the best things that autumn has to offer. Sure, farm markets are great the rest of the year, too, when we can get a ready supply of fresh vegetables and flowers. But they take on a spectacular beauty in the fall, alive with color and holiday trappings.

Here in the Webster area we’re blessed with a great number of farm markets, within town or just minutes away. I visited a bunch of them recently; here’s a little about each one, complete with photos.

(This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!)

Schreiner Farm, 490 Phillips Rd. 

I’m going to begin our tour today with one of the smallest farm markets in Webster, but also one of the friendliest.

The family-owned Schreiner Farm Market has been located at 490 Phillips Rd. since 2008. Before then, Ken and Darlene Schreiner had a farm stand at the home they owned across the road. They outgrew that and decided to build a much bigger market on the land they owned on the east side of Phillips.  

“(Ken) and I do everything on the farm, plant it, grow it, cut it,” Darlene said. Given it’s just the two of them, it’s a small operation, as you might imagine. You’re not going to find a Facebook page or even a website. You’re just going to have to stop by and check it out for yourself. 

You won’t be sorry. 

Bauman’s Farm Market, 1340 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield 

Bauman’s is one of those markets where it’s hard to find a parking spot on October weekends. But it’s worth the effort, because the kids are going to love exploring the huge cornstalk teepee, the spooky haunted house, straw maze and pumpkin patch (all free). 

For sale right now: sweet corn, pumpkins, friend cakes, and loads of apples. 

And a huge congratulations to Bauman’s, which at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting was recognized for celebrating its 115th anniversary!

Herman’s Farm Market, 741 Five Mile Line Rd. 

Herman’s Farm Market is a 5th-generation farm known for its apples, peaches, cherries, apricots & nectarines. Before the big game, stop by for some fried cakes (which were recently decorated with Buffalo Bills blue and red sprinkles), snacks, Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters ground coffee.  

Maier Farms, 430 Phillips Rd.

Maier Farms is known for their beautiful fall displays and impressive selection of pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, straw bales and more, including some items you won’t find many other places. Find lots of unique gift items here too.

Mayer’s Cider Mill, 699 Five Mile Line Rd. 

I had a bit of a hard time finding out a whole lot online about Mayer’s and what the market offers, but the few sites I did find (a Facebook page here and a website here) mentioned apples (of course) and donuts, and a tasting room. 

According to an article in the Genesee Valley Pennysaver, Mayer’s is “the oldest continuously operating cider mill in New York State,” dating all the way back to 1876. That history alone is a good reason to stop by. Read the whole article here. 

Schutt’s Apple Mill, 1063 Plank Rd. 

Whenever I hear someone talking about Schutt’s, usually it’s in the same sentence as the words “fried cakes.” But there’s a whole lot more to love about Schutt’s.

There are the apples, of course. You can pick your own or select them from their abundant displays. There’s a fermented cider tasting room, weekly events and craft classes, u-pick flowers, lots of other fresh fruits and vegetables, and so many holiday decor and gift items. 

Schutt’s Apple Mill has been open since 1918 and continues to be an autumn favorite. 

Sunscape Farms and Greenhouses, 1416 Creek St., Penfield

Many of my friends swear by Sunscape Farms for their fresh vegetables. This time of year Sunscape still features an impressive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus honeys, jams and maple syrup, fresh cut flowers, fall decor, fall plants and shrubs. And don’t forget, there’s always complimentary organic lollipops for the kids at the register. 

Welch’s Greenhouses, 1271 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250)

Welch’s is not very big, but it is the closest farm market to my house, so I’m a regular visitor there, especially during corn and pumpkin season. 

Family-owned and operated since 1959, Welch’s is especially known for their greenhouses, flowers, vegetable plants and gardening supplies. They have a lot of bulk mulch and topsoil. 

What struck me more than anything when I stopped by there, however, were the mums. As far as the eye can see. That really seems to be their forte this time of year, so if you want mums, make sure to include Welch’s in your travels.

Wickham Farms, 1315 Sweets Corners Rd. Penfield

Of course, no blog about farm markets is complete without mentioning Wickham Farms, the king of agri-tainment in our area. Located about four miles south of the Village of Webster, Wickham’s parking lot ALONE (not including the overflow lot) is bigger than some of the other farm markets themselves. I went by on Wednesday, when they were closed, so I didn’t have any problem finding parking. But I also didn’t get to experience the joy of watching small children as they explored what has really become an autumn carnival. 

In addition to the corn maze for which they’ve become known, the farm has a wide variety of activities to keep kids entertained for hours, including a “mountain slide,” a train, farm animals to pet, a jumping pad, singing tractor, mini golf, a playground and more. There’s also lots of food. 

Admission is required to visit the farm. Discounts are available for on-line presale tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. 

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/7/2023)

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Heritage Square: a historical treasure just minutes from Webster

30 Sep

Sometimes I get so focused on what’s going on within the borders of Webster that I fail to notice some outstanding attractions just a stone’s-throw away. This weekend, I explored one of these hidden gems when I visited the Heritage Square Museum in Ontario.

Heritage Square Museum is a 19th-century living history museum. Located just 12 minutes east of the Village of Webster at the north end of Ontario Center Rd. in Ontario, it includes ten individual buildings spread across 13 beautiful acres, which reflect what life was like for many of the Town of Ontario’s earliest settlers.

Despite living in the Webster area for almost 30 years, I’d never visited Heritage Square before Saturday, when I took advantage of the incredible early fall weather to drive out for their “Apples, Apples, Apples” day. True to its name, the event featured an apple pie and ice cream social, demonstrations related to the apple industry and apple crafts. This all in addition to all of the historical homes and shops which were just begging to be explored.

I spent a very enjoyable hour or so wandering among the buildings (my favorites were the old Hojack Railroad depot, the schoolhouse, the log cabin and the jail). The buildings were attended by very knowledgeable volunteers, who all had interesting stories to tell that brought the history to life.

Of course I also had some homemade apple pie and ice cream, enjoyed while listening to the incredible harmonies of a trio called “LED.”

What particularly impressed me about Heritage Square is how beautifully the buildings and grounds are maintained, which is especially notable given the museum is run exclusively by volunteers. And it takes a lot of volunteers, from the docents and barn sale workers, to tree trimmers and cafe staff, to guides for the school groups that visit every spring. And every one of them is equally passionate about preserving and sharing the history of their town.

I highly recommend that you and your family visit Heritage Square Museum. Seeing history firsthand, walking in the steps of our great-great grandparents, is really the best way to understand and appreciate history.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario. It’s open weekends through October from 1:30 to 4 p.m. and guided tours are available. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and kids 16 and under, $20 for families.

On Sunday Oct. 22, the museum will host its 2nd Annual Halloween Happening from 1 to 4 p.m. Trick or treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car. Don’t forget to wear your costume!

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 9/30/2023)

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News from the Arboretum

2 Aug

Last week, when I attended the most recent Music in the Park concert at the Webster Arboretum at Kent Park, I not only enjoyed the performance by Doctor’s Orders, but was also reminded of how peaceful and picturesque the park is. It is truly an under-appreciated jewel in our town’s park system.

When I was there, I picked up some information I wanted to pass along.

As part of their ongoing fundraising efforts, the Webster Arboretum is selling custom-inscribed bricks to be placed along the remembrance walkway leading from the Curry building to the gazebo. Each brick can accommodate up to three lines of text, 16 characters per line. The inscription might commemorate a special occasion, remember a loved one or beloved pet, be an inspirational message, or simply be your family’s name.

Each brick costs $75 and can be purchased online here. Even better, you can pick up a brochure at the next Music in the Park concert on Wed., August 16, which features Sarah De Valliere. The brochure includes a form which you can mail in with a check. Donations are all tax-deductible.

The Webster Arboretum at Kent Park is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Find out more about this beautiful park on the Arboretum’s website and Facebook page.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 8/2/2023)

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Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market “Evening in the Park” a great addition to the regular Saturday market

25 Jul

Another Wednesday is upon us, which means it’s time to head out to Charles Sexton Park for the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, especially since the weather looks like it’s going to be picture-perfect.

The “Evening in the Park” market is a relatively new improvement to the long-established Joe Obbie Market, which has been setting up at Webster Towne Center every Saturday for years now. And it’s been a very popular addition.

On top of the wide variety of food and craft vendors you’ve come to know and love at the Saturday market, the Evening in the Park also has food trucks and live music. Basically, everything you need for a nice evening out with the family, including flowers, fresh produce, meats and sauces!

I stopped by the first market last week and took these photos. The band and a lot of the vendors were still setting up shop, so the photos really don’t capture the entire fun atmosphere of the evening. Make sure to check it out for yourself this Wednesday.

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market Evenings in the Park will run every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds). The poster below tells you what bands are playing each evening. Don’t forget your chairs!

Definitely don’t forget about the Saturday market, either.

You’ll find the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market in Webster Towne Center Plaza (Target/Kohl’s plaza) every Saturday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The vendors offer baked goods, flowers, crafts, farm-raised meats and eggs, honey, jams, maple syrup and more.

Enter the plaza from Holt Rd. or Ridge Rd. and follow the signs. You’ll see the market set up in front of Old Navy.

Need more information? Check out the market’s Facebook page here.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 7/25/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Jun

Summer is officially upon us, and Webster has teed up a whole schedule of live music, festivals and special events.

But first, this important community event: The Webster Health Education Network (WHEN) is sponsoring a drug take-back event on Saturday June 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Webster Wastewater Treatment Facility , 226 Phillips Rd. This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Learn more at Whendfcc.org

***

And since we’re talking about doing good things for our community, here’s Webster HOPE’s Home’s June Wish List:

  • canned pineapple
  • canned beets
  • dish soap
  • laundry detergent
  • cooking oil
  • ketchup, mayonnaise
  • shampoos and conditioner
  • diapers (size 4 and 5)

Webster HOPE is located at 1450 Ridge Rd., and open Monday from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday from 3 to 5 p.m. and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Find out more at websternyhope.org.

***

Schutt’s Apple Mill‘s Summer Celebration returns on Saturday July 1 from 5 to 8 p.m.

This is a great family-friendly event complete with a food truck, ice cream, a bounce house, magic show, animals, face painting, wagon rides and lots more.

There’s a charge for some of the activities, but there’s lots of free stuff for everyone.

Schutt’s is located at 1063 Plank Rd.

***

The Summer Concert Series at Cherry Ridge is in full swing. The next concert is scheduled for Tuesday July 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., featuring Eight Days a Week. The concerts are held outside, and the grounds open up at 5 p.m. with food available for purchase. So bring your lawn chair and enjoy some beautiful music.

On August 8, the GateSwingers Big Band will perform, also beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is requested. Click here to do so.

***

The Friday Night Gazebo Concert series in the Village of Webster is coming together. Here’s the schedule:

  • July 7: The Red Hot and Blue Band
  • July 21: Celtic Cross
  • July 28: Eight Days a Week

The concerts run from 7 to 9 p.m. in Veterans Memorial Park on North Ave. in the village, and are free. Bring a lawn chair and blanket and a cooler if you’d like! Information about more concerts as they’re added can be found at websterbid.com

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The United Church of Christ’s Caring Community Concert series is returning this summer, beginning July 12.

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. The first one will feature Allegro, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Hope Food Pantry. The rest of the summer features:

  • July 19: Ruby Shooz
  • July 26: Prime Time Brass
  • Aug. 2: Dady and Ryan
  • Aug. 9: 8 Days a Week

There’s no admission charge, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization.

***

On July 22, mark your calendars for the Summer Splash Family Event from 3 to 5 p.m. at First Responders Splash Park, on Chiyoda Drive next door to the Rec Center. If you’ve never been to this spray park before, you owe your children a chance to check it out because it’s good for hours of water fun. The event will include a bubble foam machine and Rich the Magic Man, plus FREE Snowie Ice sponsored by Gleason Orthodontics.

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The 50th annual Waterfront Art Festival returns on Saturday and Sunday July 29 and 30 at Charles E. Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds). It’s open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, and features quality fine art and crafts stretching all along the park’s beautiful, shaded pathways.

There’s live music, food vendors, free alcohol tastings, dozens of local artisans and plenty of free parking. Admission is only $5, with children 12 and under free.

Click here for more information.

***

Looking ahead to August, mark your calendars for the Webster Jazz Fest, scheduled for Friday and Saturday August 18 and 19. More information to come about that, but you can check out details in the meantime as they’re posted at websterbid.com.

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

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

(posted 6/22/2023)

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