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Knollwood Swim Club: a little pool club with a big heart

3 Jun

Tucked away at the end of a long dirt driveway on Shoemaker Road sits a hidden summer playground. For 68 years, the Knollwood Swim Club has served as a beloved refuge for families, and especially kids, looking to fill their sunny summer days with fun. You might easily miss the modest sign at the entrance if you aren’t looking for it, and the club is set so far back from the road that passersby would never guess the activity taking place deep in the wooded property. But for decades, Knollwood has been a happening place for kids and adults of all ages.

Even though I’ve lived in Webster for a while, I didn’t know much — OK, anything — about the club. So at April’s Community Arts Day, I took the opportunity to stop at the club’s information table to find out more, and accept an invitation to visit as they prepared for the 2026 summer season.

Finally, this week, the pool was filled and the grounds tidied up for opening day. So on Tuesday, I drove down that long driveway myself and was delighted by what I found: a large, open, welcoming area that kind of reminded me of a campground. Sara Knowlden, the club’s president, was there to greet me, give me a tour and tell me more about the club’s history.

Knollwood Swim Club first opened in 1958, and sits on 1.7 acres. The heated pool, deep enough for diving, is the focal point of the facility, but members also enjoy an eight-inch deep kiddie pool (also heated), a volleyball court, fire pit, picnic tables and a gas grill. There’s plenty of pool toys for the kids and lots of comfortable lounge chairs and umbrella seating inside and outside the fenced-in pool area. The club is membership-driven and operates as a co-op, which means that it’s run by the families. Each family is assigned to one of three committees: maintenance, chemicals or grounds. That way no outside help needs to be hired, which keeps membership costs reasonable.

One of the club’s main attractions is their swim lessons. They’re offered to members four days a week for six weeks, and are included in the membership price, no matter how many kids are in the family. On top of all that, kids can have their birthday parties there, compete in the cardboard regatta, the Knollwood Olympics and the diving contest (can you make the best splash?), and swim till dusk on Glow Night. There are water aerobics classes, family picnics, toddler storytime, an ice cream social, and a campfire and movie night. Parents even get their own adult-only “steak night,” when they grill steaks and everyone brings a dish to pass.

It’s summer fun exactly as it was meant to be. But as wonderful as the swimming, special activities and swim lessons are, the best part of the Knollwood experience isn’t the pool toys, the lounge chairs, or the diving contests. It’s the sense of family.

“Knollwood is more than just a place to swim,” Sara said. “The pool club is a community gathering place where families connect, friendships grow, and members work together to create a welcoming summer tradition.” It’s the “little pool club with a big heart.”

This Saturday, June 6, you can check out Knollwood Swim Club for yourself, when they host an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Stop by to try out the pool or just have a look around and enjoy an ice cream. (If the weather is yucky, the open house might be changed to Sunday, so check the Facebook page for the latest details.) For more information on club features and membership, visit the Knollwood Swim Club website here.

Knollwood Swim Club is located at 1043 Shoemaker Rd. Look for the sign!

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(posted 6/3/2026)

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

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Those bees at Webster Union? Don’t worry about ’em!

29 May

Under a cool, cloudy Thursday sky earlier this week, a small group gathered in the westernmost section of Webster Union Cemetery. Among them were cemetery president George Baker, a Cornell University professor, and a graduate student, all peering intently at a series of small holes bored into the soil. They weren’t there to discuss gravestones or burial plots, however. Instead, they were investigating a completely different, yet equally important, cemetery concern: bees.

Every spring for the past several years, hundreds of thousands of bees have emerged from the ground at Webster Union Cemetery, especially in the cemetery’s western section. The phenomenon begins in April and lasts several weeks, and the bees arrive in such large numbers they often form what looks like an undulating carpet, hovering just a few inches off of the ground. It’s an issue that concerns cemetery staff members and visitors alike; naturally, the sight of so many bees amassed near their loved ones’ graves makes family members apprehensive.

These particular bees, Baker knew, were called “miner bees.” But he didn’t know much about them or how big a problem they actually presented. So he reached out to Cornell entomologist Dr. Bryan Danforth, who came out to the cemetery that Thursday morning, accompanied by grad student Henry Steig, to check out the situation first-hand.

Danforth, a professor of entomology at Cornell’s College and Agriculture and Life Sciences, is an expert in bees, and is especially interested in promoting their peaceful co-existence with humans. He’s discovered that cemeteries in particular are an ideal habitat for many bee species, in part because of the lack of pesticides and the fact the ground is rarely disturbed.

Danforth confirmed that the Webster Union bees were indeed Andrena regularis (the “regular mining bee”), and a second, closely related species, Colletes inaequalis, both solitary, ground-nesting bees. They’re also known as “digger bees,” reflecting how the female will use her legs, mandible and abdomen to bulldoze out her nest, a hole reaching more than a foot deep, which branches out underground into individual tunnels and chambers in which she deposits each of her eggs. The larvae continue to develop and hibernate through the summer, fall and winter, until the adults are ready to emerge in a cloud of buzzing insecthood on the first warm day of spring. The males emerge first, poised for prime mating opportunities when the females emerge a day or so later. Once mating is complete, the males fly off and the females work on their nests.

Danforth added that miner bees are important pollinators. They’re one of the best apple pollinators in New York State, because they come out of the ground early in the spring, right when the apple blossoms are blooming.

But the most important thing — which he reiterated several times — should set peoples’ minds at ease: miner bees are NOT aggressive and DO NOT sting. They don’t want to bother people. They just want to enjoy the solitude, make some babies, dig their nests, then leave it to the next generation to continue the cycle the following spring.

Most of the miner bees at Webster Union Cemetery have already hatched, mated and moved on. But, in the next week or two, if you’re at the cemetery visiting your loved ones and see a rippling mass of bees near their grave, just ignore them. And the next time you bite into a crisp apple, perhaps you can say a silent thank-you to A. regularis.

Baker discusses the bee nests with Danforth and Steig
An opening to one of the miner bees nests. This one was probably still active

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(posted 5/29/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

27 May

A couple of new items for today’s mailbag, and reminders of other special events coming down the pike.

First, you may have noticed that the Village of Webster has started re-surfacing the parking lot behind Village Hall and the Fire Department. Milling began this week and is scheduled to continue through Friday. Paving will take place between June 9 to 12. While this work is being done, much of the lot will be closed (see the map), and parking lot access will be closed at Corning Park and South Ave. You’ll still be able to access the smaller part of the lot from West Main.

Next, Sage Harbor at the Baywinde senior living community on Bay Rd. will be holding their second annual bake sale this Sunday, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a cause that’s obviously important to the staff and residents at Baywinde, but also one that has touched many of our lives.

Sage Harbor is located at 100 Kidd Castle Way, off of Bay Rd.

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The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold another one of their popular Vintage Book Sales on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th century and the early 21st century. Some titles include first editions, early printings, and books that appear to have been signed by the author. Many include dust jackets and nearly all books are in good or better condition. Prices start at $8; prices are firm. Proceeds from the sale support the library. 

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And now, here are some quick reminders of events I previously posted about:

  • On Thursday May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., Lala of Webster (at 38 E. Main St.) will host a “Sip, Shop and Savor” event to benefit the Webster Arboretum. Shop three floors of value at Lala’s, and choose an item valued at $15 or more to donate to The Webster Arboretum. As a thank-you, you’ll get 20% the rest of your purchases. Then take your receipt next door to Jojo’s Bistro and Wine Bar, and get 20% off there, too. Jojo’s always has live music on Thursdays, so it’s a great opportunity for a date night!
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The meal includes salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. There’ll also be a bake sale and raffles.
  • ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.
  • ALSO ALSO, the Comfort Care Home is holding a Father’s Day raffle. The winner will be chosen June 14. The Grand prize is a “Thrill of the Grill” bundle which includes a 28-inch Blackstone grill, two camp chairs, and much more. Tickets are one for $25, three for $30 and six for $100. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
  • The Webster Recreation Center is inviting interested community members to join their Fitness Focus Group, which will help shape the future of the Rec Center’s program, facilities and group exercise options. The group will meet periodically, with the goal of keeping the time commitment to a minimum. If you’re interested in participating, email Jay Verna at jverna@websterny.gov with a brief note about why you’d like to participate. Submissions are open through May 31.

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(posted 5/27/2026)

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

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Sip and thrift at the Village of Webster’s new mocktail bar

26 May

For weeks now, word has been spreading around town: a new mocktail bar is coming to West Main Street in the Village of Webster. While everyone seems very excited about the concept, the name, Threads and Tonic, has definitely raised some curious eyebrows. It’s an intriguing choice for a bar, leaving many to wonder: what’s with the “threads” part?

Everyone will soon find out that the unusual name is actually a very accurate representation of the unique concept that is Threads and Tonic: a healthy, no-alcohol social gathering place combined with a casual vintage clothing shopping experience.

Owner Tracy Adkins found a brilliant way to blend two of her greatest passions: bartending and thrifting. With 20 years of experience in the bar industry, Tracy is widely known for her incredible homemade juices. But her talents don’t stop at the bar; her close friends have long relied on her uncanny ability to track down the perfect piece of vintage clothing for any special event.

And now, starting this week, all of Webster will benefit from Tracy’s expertise.

Threads and Tonic will be officially opening this Thursday, May 28 at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Patrons will enjoy a variety of craft mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, NA beers, specialty teas, and healthy beverage options including fresh juices. Light food items are also available. And of course, as you enjoy your mocktail you can browse some vintage threads.

Tracy describes her new place as a place where she blends “secondhand treasures with zero-proof pleasures. … We’re all about sipping on delicious mocktails while rocking unique thrift finds that scream personality. Whether you’re here for a refreshing drink or to score some one-of-a-kind threads, we’ve got the perfect mix to keep your spirits high and your style on point. Come chill with us and discover your new favorite hangout spot.”

Step inside Threads and Tonic, and you’ll find a spacious, welcoming main room with comfortable seating and a curated selection of vintage clothing racks. In the adjacent room, the bar offers plenty of additional seating, complete with a fantastic view of life passing by on Main Street.

It’s a concept that I think is going to be very popular. More and more these days, people are choosing to drink less alcohol when they go out, but still like the social aspect of going to a bar. Threads and Tonic is the perfect solution.

As Tracy said, “It’s just a different type of space where you can hang out. Plus, you can go buy something you know for a holiday or birthday, or just yourself.”

After all, she added, “Retail therapy is a thing.”

Tracy will celebrate her grand opening this Thursday morning May 28 at 11 a.m. with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then hang around and try one of her soon-to-be-famous mocktails. Threads and Tonic is located at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Found out more on her Facebook page or Instagram (@threadsandtonic).

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(posted 5/26/2026)

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

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Here’s another way to remember and honor our veterans

25 May

Hot on the heels of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, here’s another great way that you can show respect for our local veterans.

It’s a project called “Stoned Cleaned,” and its mission is to clean veterans’ headstones at Webster Union Cemetery. Spearheaded by Stephen Cataldi, the project was originally a five-year volunteer effort begun in 2019. Community turnout was so massive, however, all of the cleaning was completed in 2022, well ahead of schedule.

But now it’s time to do it again.

Two headstone-cleaning sessions have been scheduled in the next several weeks: May 31 and June 14. Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves and safety goggles if you have them. Wear clothes you can get wet and a little dirty. You’ll be provided with cleaning supplies, buckets, brushes, D2 Cleaner and hoses, plus full instructions.

You’re welcome to clean any headstones, including those of friends and family members, even if they aren’t veterans.

This year’s project is being held in conjunction with Webster Union Cemetery Historian Cherie Wood and Wreaths Across America — Webster.

It all happens Sunday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (at the corner of Woodhull). Click here to sign up for either date. Spots are limited.

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(posted 5/25/2026)

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

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“White Tables” in Webster honor fallen heroes this Memorial Day

23 May

This Memorial Day weekend, almost two dozen restaurants throughout Webster and the Greater Rochester area are joining an effort to honor and remember veterans who never made it back home.

It’s a project called “White Tables Across America.” In each participating restaurant, a single, small, empty table is tucked in an area apart from the main dining area. It’s set for one, symbolizing that someone is missing from our lives — a fallen service member, POW or MIA.

The table is covered with a white tablecloth, signifying the purity of the service member’s emotions when answering the call to serve. In addition to a normal table setting, on top of the table are placed:

  • a single red rose, symbolizing the blood shed to ensure America’s freedom
  • a yellow ribbon tied around the vase, representing a demand for proper accounting of those who are not with us today
  • a lemon slice, reminding us of a captured soldier’s bitter fate
  • a black napkin, representing the sorrow of captivity
  • grains of salt on the plate, representing the countless fallen tears of families as they wait
  • an inverted glass, because they can’t toast with us
  • a white candle, for the hope that all our missing will return someday.

Finally, an empty chair is placed next to the table, a seat that remains unclaimed. Fully arranged, the table is a simple, yet powerful symbol of remembrance, each element representing the physical and emotional burden of a soldier’s absence.

These small memorials — also known as Fallen Comrade Tables or Missing Man Tables — can often be found at various military facilities, museums, veterans’ agencies, public events and civic spaces. Here in Rochester, though, the effort has become more organized, thanks to the efforts of Brockport resident Sarah Fisher and her five-year old son Brax.

Sarah explained how she decided to get involved.

Last Memorial Day, I felt it was the right time to begin having age-appropriate conversations with Brax about the true meaning behind our federal military holidays. Memorial Day is more than a day off from school or a holiday picnic. It is a day to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As part of a Memorial Day homeschool lesson plan I created for Brax, we set up a symbolic POW/MIA White Table in our home. Afterward, I thought: why not bring this tribute into our community? That would offer patrons a safe place to pause, reflect, and hold fallen service members and their families in their hearts.

So she reached out to several west-side restaurants to see if they’d be interested in hosting a table, and ultimately set up three White Tables last Memorial Day, then five on Veterans Day. That number grew even larger this year, with 21 restaurants participating across the Rochester area. Here in Webster/Penfield, those include the Mary Wee Pub, Proietti’s, Cobblestone on Main and Flaherty’s. Even if they were a bit short on space, they made room for a table.

At the Mary Wee, for example, Mark Petzing noted, “We don’t have a lot of space here, but we’ll make room for their table. Because some things are more important.”

Brax arranging the White Table at the Mary Wee Pub
The completed table

Sarah calls their mission White Tables Across Rochester, and she hopes to continue adding more restaurants every year. Beyond the restaurant displays themselves, Sarah’s also developed mini-homeschool lesson kits tailored for children of different ages. Participating families are paired with a local establishment to help set up their display to generalize their learning and give back to the military community.

“Our hope is to encourage meaningful conversations, foster community involvement, and help younger generations better understand the sacrifices made by our service members and their families,” she said.

Sarah and Brax spent the last few days delivering the White Table kits and setting them up at each of the 21 restaurants. (Brax insists on doing the setup all by himself.) Keep an eye out for them when you’re out and about this weekend, and pause for a moment to remember our fallen and missing service members.

Finally, Sarah shared this touching story:

Yesterday, after completing one of our White Table setups, we noticed a $20 bill left beneath the wine glass. … (I) learned that it can symbolize a quiet act of gratitude and generosity, almost like a toast to those who served and sacrificed. It felt incredibly touching to witness such a meaningful gesture and to see our community coming together in support of honoring our fallen service members. That’s what it’s all about!

If you know of a restaurant interested in becoming part of the White Tables Across Rochester effort next Memorial Day, email Sarah at ssegal11@yahoo.com. 

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(posted 5/23/2026)

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

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Thank you from the Arboretum!

21 May

Just a quick blog today to pass along a heartfelt message from the folks at the Webster Arboretum, following up on this year’s Day of Caring.

Day of Caring is a massive, community-wide volunteer event typically hosted by local branches of the United Way. It brings together thousands of volunteers from local businesses, schools, and neighborhoods to complete hands-on service projects.  

This year’s Day of Caring was held on Thursday, May 21, and the Webster Arboretum was one of the chosen beneficiaries. Volunteers from several organizations descended on the Arboretum grounds and did an outstanding job weeding, pruning and mulching, making the Arboretum even more beautiful than it usually is.

The Arboretum would like to thank the following organizations for their hard work and support: Carestream Finance, L3Harris, Paychex ENS, TRSS and Winn Residential.  

Now’s the perfect time to swing by the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd., to appreciate this beautiful local resource. Thanks to the many helping hands, it’s in full bloom and looks awesome.

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(posted 5/21/2026)

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Comfort Care Home’s Father’s Day raffle will make you his favorite

17 May

You know your dad is the best. So how ’bout you try to win a great prize for him in the Webster Comfort Care Home’s Father’s Day Raffle?

Tickets are now available for the raffle, which runs through Sunday, June 14. And the grand prize “Thrill of the Grill” bundle, is amazing, starting with a 28-inch Blackstone grill. Plus, the lucky dad will receive:

• Two camp chairs
• Four-pack of seasonings & spice rubs from The Spice Lab
• Three Dinosaur BBQ sauces
• Headlamp
• Coleman 50-quart rolling cooler
• Life is Good Smashed Burger set

Basically, your dad could host the best tailgate party in the neighborhood.

Tickets are one for $25, three for $30 and six for $100. Click here to get yours.

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Webster Comfort Care Home, located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere. It’s an amazing agency that does great things for families experiencing the some of the most difficult times of their lives.

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(posted 5/17/2026)

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

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Dancing With Denise is in the spotlight!

15 May

If you haven’t seen it yet, you might want to pick up this month’s edition of 55 Plus magazine, which is on newsstands now. Inside (and promo’d on the cover) is a three-page article all about our very own Denise Baller and her dance school, Dancing With Denise.

The article, written and photographed by Linda Quinlan, spans more than 40 years. It tells how Denise began her studio right out of high school in rented space in Irondequoit, eventually purchased her own studio on Gravel Rd., found creative ways to survive through the pandemic, and today manages a very busy and very dynamic dance class schedule.

Quinlan does a nice job capturing the unique blend of programs Denise offers for children and adults of all ages. The article highlights both the offerings at her studio and her ever-expanding repertoire of yoga, line dancing, barre, and Zumba classes held throughout the community. However, if you ask me, the more important story is hidden between the lines: Denise’s personal growth as both a teacher and a dedicated community advocate.

What started as “just” a dance school in a small studio has branched out beyond its walls into the community in heartwarming ways. Like holding a canned-food drive every Thanksgiving. And having her young dancers “adopt” an elder during the holidays and purchase small gifts for them. And her “Leaps of Love” program, which provides scholarships for children in need so they can participate in dance. It’s all part of Denise’s goal to “bring a little sunshine into the world” as often as she can.

Denise estimates she’s taught thousands of students through her dance career. And anyone who knows her gets the sense that she’s only just begun.

You can read the whole story in the May/June edition of 55 Plus, which is available on the Wegmans newsstand at no cost. You can also log onto the 55 Plus website and read the article online.

By the way, here’s a great chance to see Denise’s dancers in action: this year’s end-of-season dance recital will take place on Saturday, May 30, beginning at 10 a.m., at Eastridge High School on East Ridge Rd. in Irondequoit. Everyone is invited, and no tickets are necessary.

This year’s recital — the school’s 41st — is called “Dancing With Denise Goes on an Adventure!” It’ll be about two hours long, and feature dancers from ages two to adult. There’s even a special dance where the girls dance with their daddies, and a featured dance by Denise’s Buddies class, where individuals with special needs dance alongside their buddies.

There’s a reception afterwards, so it sounds like just a wonderful, fun evening.

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(posted 5/15/2026)

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

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Wreaths Across America named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

9 May

Every month at the Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s breakfast meeting, one of the member businesses is singled out as “Business of the Month.” This special recognition honors member businesses for their significant contributions to the Webster community, community involvement, and active participation in Chamber events.

I always enjoy finding out who’s chosen every month, and I’m pleased to highlight each business in my blog. But May’s honoree means more to me than most, because I consider the Wreaths Across America one of Webster’s most outstanding non-profit organizations, and the force behind it all — Cherie Wood — a good friend.

Here’s what Dan Dunn, from the Chamber of Commerce’s Events and Honors Committee, read as he presented the award:

Today’s business of the month is a little different, but in the best possible way. We’re recognizing Wreaths Across America — Webster, New York, an organization that reminds us what service to a community really looks like.

Wreaths Across America started back in 1992 with a simple idea: honor and remember our veterans. Here in Webster, that mission took root in 2021 thanks to Cherie Wood, who wanted to honor her father’s service in World War II. What started with 600 wreaths at one cemetery has grown into honoring 2,500 fallen veterans across five Webster cemeteries. That doesn’t happen by accident; that happens because someone refuses to let people be forgotten.

The message is powerful: We die twice — once when we pass, and again when our name is spoken for the last time, Every wreath placed means a name is said out loud. Someone is remembered. That matters. And here’s what really stands out: this is entirely community-driven. No government funding,. Every wreath is sponsored by individuals and businesses, year after year. That’s 2,500 acts of generosity, every single year.

Cherie may call herself a volunteer, but she’s leading something much bigger. She supports active-duty families, works with Gold Star families, helps veterans find resources, and stands in honor at services, making sure families know their loved ones will never be forgotten. Then there’s Wreath Day. After the ceremony, up to 1,000 people from our community come out to place wreaths, It’s one of those moments that reminds you what a community can be when people show up for something bigger than themselves.

Cherie is also involved with … ROC Veterans, the Webster Garlic Fest, the town’s 250th celebration, and even serves as Historian for Webster Union Cemetery. She’s not just preserving history — she’s actively shaping it.

One moment says it all: a Vietnam veteran told her last year that placing a wreath was the first time in 60 years that he felt proud of his service. Think about that for a second. That’s the impact.

So today, we’re not just recognizing an organization. We’re recognizing purpose, commitment, and what it looks like to truly give back.

When Dan finished the presentation, every single business person in the room stood to give Cherie Wood a standing ovation. I have never seen that happen before.

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(posted 5/9/2026)

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

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