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Webster community mailbag

19 Apr

A few new offerings in today’s mailbag, and some reminders.

The Webster Arboretum Association’s Spring Plant Sale is back, scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.

This sale is just blooming with beautiful, healthy live plants which are grown by local garden clubs and local commercial growers in local soil, so they’re going to grow in your garden, too. Garden Club members will also share their favorite plants from their own gardens.

This is the perfect opportunity to grab a Mother’s Day gift. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Upcoming Chamber events

The Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s next monthly meeting — complete with a breakfast buffet — is Friday, April 24 at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd., beginning at 7 a.m. The event is for members, guests and visitors who are interested in investigating a Chamber membership.

The meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. It’s the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 80-100 attendees. Bring a door prize for increased visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by Thursday, April 23 at noon.  

The Chamber’s next Connect @ Noon networking event will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office at 1110 Crosspointe Lane. It will be hosted by Rich Marlin from Edward Jones and Kara Galante from The Steam Police. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and are prospective Chamber members are invited to attend this event. Bring your business card and a door prize for even more visibility. 

There’s no fee to attend the Connect @ Noon events, but registration is required.

And now, some reminders …

The Webster Comfort Care Home‘s Mother’s Day Raffle is still going on.

  • First prize ($500+ value) is a self-care bundle including WOW hair products, a gift certificate to Evie Boutique, a candle, and more in a Thirty-One Catch-All Bin.
  • Second prize ($125 value) includes a big bottle of Prosecco, two insulated wine glasses, wine charms, sassy sticky notes, and a soft, cozy afghan.
  • Third prize ($50 value) is a candle, dream pillow, sassy sticky notes, and $20 in gift cards to Lala of Webster.

Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 6 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website. Drawing will be held on May 3 at 10 a.m. Click here to get your tickets.

Good books, cheap

The Friends of WPL’s Spring Book Sale takes place Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday April 25.

The first day of the sale, April 22 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.

All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5.

Got expired drugs?

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 2 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.

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(posted 4/19/2026)

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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Ryndock Realty named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

18 Apr

Congratulations to Ryndock Realty, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Ryndock Realty, located at 1250 State Rt. 104 in Ontario, is owned by Sylvia Ryndock, who received the award in honor of her commitment to her business and her community, and her service with the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

It was a deeply personal turning point in her life which inspired Sylvia to start her business. In 2013, after being diagnosed with cancer, Sylvia was inspired to pursue a long-considered goal of obtaining her real estate broker’s license. Following an arduous 16-month battle, she emerged with a renewed perspective: “You never know how long you have on this earth.” This realization motivated her to fully commit to building a business grounded in personal service, education and purpose.

The Chamber values community service, and Sylvia lives a life of contribution to others. She serves as Director on the Webster Chamber Board and is a member of the Marketing & Communications Committee. She volunteers with the Wayne County Business Council and Genesee Valley Aglow International, and she and her husband Mark lead New Breed Fellowship. Sylvia also volunteers to prepare taxes for seniors, leads a jail ministry, supports women through her own Begin Again program, and hosts the Mobile Mammography Center at her office.

Through her breast cancer and personal loss experiences, Sylvia communicates a depth of compassion, resilience, and understanding through her Realtor and community service work. These experiences translate into personal and professional support of her clients and community.

Congratulations to Ryndock Realty for being chosen for this well-deserved honor.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. Less than 3% of the members are chosen annually.

ABOUT THE WEBSTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Webster Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that provides support, networking opportunities and education to its members. They foster collaboration among business, community and government to promote Webster’s economic vitality and quality of life. The Webster Chamber is the voice and catalyst of business. Working together, the Chamber delivers a strong community of choice. rocENROLL HEALTH is owned and operated by the Chamber, offering health insurance enrollment throughout your lifetime. This service began in 1938.

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

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(posted 4/18/2026)

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Village of Webster’s newest bakery will open Friday

14 Apr

If you love baked goods, you’ll be very excited to learn that Sweet Shenanigans, the Village of Webster’s newest bakery, is set to open its doors this Friday April 17.

Sweet Shenanigans, located at 15 East Main St., is owned and operated by Brittany Butler and Kyle Babcock. They’re basically taking over the space recently vacated by the Kiss Me Cookie bake shop. There are still a few final touches to finish up, one last inspection to sign off on, and an outdoor sign to install. Plus, they have to do a LOT of baking, but they’re just about ready to go.

It helped that their new shop was pretty much a turn-key operation, given its recent history as Kiss Me Cookie. They had to make a few electrical adjustments, and get some more commercial equipment like coolers and freezers, and some more display cases. But in general, it did not take them much time to bring everything up to snuff.

Brittany and Kyle both have backgrounds in baking and food service. Brittany has been baking for 15 years, mostly out of the house, often distributing through local bakeries and restaurants. But, she said, “We kind of got to the point where we’re like, yeah, we should do this for ourselves. It’s fun!”

They started seriously thinking about making the leap about three years ago. But finding the right place proved to be a challenge.

“We looked all over the Finger Lakes” Kyle said. “We had a couple decent places lined up — one in Macedon and one in Geneva — and they just fell through. … (Then) this place opened up in Webster, and we jumped on it.”

“We kind of just fell into it,” Brittany added. “I just so happened to be looking at the right place at the right time on the right day on the internet.” So it was if fate led them to our little village, and they couldn’t be happier. The response from residents and neighboring businesses has been “great,” Brittany said. “Everyone is so lovely. Everyone’s been so welcoming, so supportive. It’s been fantastic.”

Brittany and Kyle have a clear vision for carving out their own niche among the village’s bakeries, starting with a signature line of artisanal breads.

For example, “We’re going to do salty bread,” Kyle said. “People look for that. A nice sturdy solid loaf topped with sea salt.” They’ll also be baking up a variety of pastries, like danishes, turnovers, cookies, cannolis, peanut butter bars, cinnamon rolls, their own version of Pop-Tarts, and other “fun stuff.”

My husband and I are particularly looking forward to sampling Sweet Shenanigans’ Czech kolaches, which we first discovered on our trip to Prague last year. Think sweet, brioche-like yeast dough filled with fruit, cheese or poppy seeds.

Sweet Shenanigans is located at 15 East Main Street, two doors down from the Village Quilt Shoppe. Their sign hasn’t been installed yet, but in the meantime, look for a shop full of sweet treats and smiling faces, and follow your nose to some delicious baked goods. Their regular hours will be  Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can connect with them on Facebook, Instagram (@sweetshenanigansbakes) or TikTok. Call 585-478-3603 or email sweetshenanigansbakes@gmail.com.

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(posted 4/14/2026)

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

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Woodside celebrates 70 years of learning and caring

13 Apr

Generations of laughter echoed through Woodside Nursery School on Saturday afternoon as the Klem Road landmark celebrated 70 years of early childhood education. From toddlers to grandparents, dozens of former students, family members and friends gathered for a nostalgic afternoon of cotton candy, balloon art, and a photo retrospective spanning seven decades of school history.

Woodside Nursery School, located on Klem Rd., was founded in 1956 as a non-profit, non-sectarian, co-operative nursery school. Its nature as a “co-operative” school distinguishes it from traditional childcare centers, as the school is owned and administered by the parents as a non-profit organization. They work together to hire trained teachers and a program coordinator, while the parents themselves participate as teacher assistants.

Because of its parent-run structure, families are deeply involved in the classroom on a rotating basis, which fosters a kind of “second home” atmosphere for students. The core philosophy is focused on “learning by doing,” utilizing activities like “magic gardening” and process-oriented art to build confidence and curiosity.

Since its founding, Woodside has operated out of the United Church of Christ at 570 Klem Rd. The school serves children ages 2 to 10, offering a wide variety of age-appropriate programs encompassing child-led projects; music and movement; dramatic play; sensory exploration; language, literacy and math skills, and much more.

To find out more about Woodside Nursery School and how you and your child can become part of the family, visit their website or Facebook page.

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(posted 4/13/2026)

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

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There’s lots going on at Annette’s

10 Apr

My husband is a huge fan of jazz, and apart from when the Webster Jazz Festival comes to the village every summer, opportunities to see jazz locally are few and far between.

So I was very excited to learn from a friend that Annette’s Restaurant on West Main St. in the Village of Webster hosts jazz bands twice a week. After she shared that news with me, it was only a few days later that we decided to head down there after dinner to check out the scene. We were not disappointed.

The band that Saturday evening was the Darryl Parker Quartet, who filled the cozy space for two hours with smooth jazz and blues favorites. We met up with some friends and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere — pints, appetizers and pleasant conversation. The ambiance at Annette’s is a perfect complement to jazz performance. It’s small and intimate, so it’s easy to hear the music. The audience members were clearly all there to hear the musicians, so it was like we all were sharing the musical experience.

Annette’s hosts live jazz bands every Tuesday and Saturday night. The Darryl Parker Quartet will be there pretty much every Saturday, and Tuesday’s bands will rotate among Indigo Breeze, Melvin Henderson & Paradigm Shift, the Stewie Evans Trio, and others. There’s no cover charge, but reservations are a good idea.

Daryl Parker Quartet
Indigo Breeze

BUT THERE’S MORE!

Annette’s also has brought regular live comedy to the village. The most recent show featured Dario Joseph, Cindy Arena and Kevin Markman. Information about upcoming shows can be found on Annette’s website or Facebook page.

PLUS, one Saturday afternoon each month, Grateful Line Danze Crew comes to Annette’s from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. for line dancing. They teach anyone who wants to learn, and the music is 80’s and 90’s (think Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, that kind of thing).

So check out Annette’s, at 27 West Main in the Village of Webster, ’cause there’s lots going on!

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(posted 4/10/2026)

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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Raising the curtain for 90 years

7 Apr

Huge congratulations to the Webster Theatre Guild (WTG), which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this weekend.

This amazing community theater group has been entertaining audiences since 1936, with at least one production every year, and sometimes two or three. (There was that one glitch in 2020, but I think we can forgive the WTG for not staging a show that year.) Their repertoire has spanned timeless classics like The Music Man and The Sound of Music, plus lesser-known shows that never fail to surprise and delight. The organization also supports artistic endeavors and development through student scholarships and grants to the Webster PTSA and Webster Central School District.

The Guild’s mission is to provide area residents the opportunity to both attend and to participate in quality theatrical performances. Being an all-volunteer organization, they would not have been able to achieve this kind of longevity without community support. And they’re hoping that the greater Webster community will continue to show that support by attending a big anniversary party they’re throwing this weekend.

The event is a fundraising musical revue called “90 Years in 90 Minutes.” More than a dozen actors will perform seventeen musical numbers from shows the WTG has staged in recent memory, including Guys and Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Jekyll and Hyde, and Shrek. It will feature some of the most talented theater actors in our area. including many WTG veterans.

“90 Years in 90 Minutes” will take place this Saturday evening, April 11, at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a silent auction, wine pull and cash bar. A family-style pasta dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m., followed by the revue at 7 p.m. The evening will conclude with the announcement of the show the Guild has selected for their fall musical, which is scheduled for six performances this October at the Bishop Kearney Auditorium.

Tickets are $40 for the dinner and show, and can be purchased online here. The link will take you to a PayPal site, but even if you don’t have PayPal, you can use your credit or debit card. Please order soon so they know how many people to expect, and to make sure to reserve your seat, ’cause this one’s going to be popular!

Here are a few shots from previous productions:

Shrek, 2025 (Myers Creative Imaging)
Oklahoma, 2023 (Samper Images)
Addams Family, 2019
(Myers Creative Imaging)

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(posted 4/7/2026)

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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Webster community mailbag

5 Apr

A couple of events from my friends at the Webster Chamber of Commerce today.

The first is the announcement about their next Eat, Drink & Connect event. These networking events are hosted monthly by Chamber members are great opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. They’re also a chance for Chamber visitors to socialize with Webster Chamber members and find out more about the organization.

The April event will be hosted by Metro Mattress at 975 Ridge Road in Webster, on Wednesday April 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster, and are prospective Chamber members, are invited to attend these events. Bring a door prize to increase your business’ visibility and maybe you’ll even win something! There’s no fee to attend. but registration is required.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Monthly Meeting with a breakfast buffet for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. April’s meeting (complete with a hot breakfast buffet) will be held on Friday, April 24 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The Monthly Meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee also participates in pass-the-mic. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 80-100 attendees. Bring a door prize for increased visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by Thursday, April 23 at noon.  

Arboretum presents program on lawn care

Carl Schimenti, the Urban Environmental Specialist for the Cornell Turfgrass Team, will visit the Webster Arboretum on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. to present a program on Lawn Care and Management. Learn lawn care basics such as grass type, water needs and weed control with pre- and post-emergents, fertilizing do’s and don’ts and mowing tips. Please register at thewebsterarboretum.org.  This presentation will take place at The Webster Arboretum 1700 Schlegel Rd in Webster.

Musical BINGO!

The Webster Recreation Center invites community members who are 55+ to a fun and exciting “Singo Bingo” game on Friday April 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The game is a musical twist on the classic game of bingo. Sing along to your favorite tunes while matching song samples to titles on your Bingo card. Fantastic prizes await. Cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Visit the Rec Center’s registration page and search for activity #141086.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

Also at the Rec Center

Here’s a look at this month’s Talks on Tuesday series:

  • Tuesday April 14: Golf Injury Prevention
    • Physical therapist Stephen Spencer will discuss golf-specific injuries and share effective strategies for prevention. Register for Activity #146940-O
  • Tuesday April 21: Turning 65 and Medicare Options
    • Jon Jordan from my Diligent Advisors will take you through the various Medicare options from the key
      components A, B, C, & D to coverage choices and the enrollment process.
  • Tuesday April 28: Gardening Pain Free
    • Gardening is great for the body and mind—but bending, kneeling, and lifting can strain the back, knees, and shoulders. This talk teaches simple body-mechanic tips, gentle warm-ups, and easy positioning strategies to help seniors garden more comfortably, avoid injury, and enjoy the season with less pain and more confidence. Register for Activity #146940-Q

Talks on Tuesday programs are designed for community members aged 55+, and are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

Harmony in the House returns

Plans are being made and songs are being rehearsed for Harmony in the House 2026, the annual joint concert of The Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody. This year’s musical extravaganza will be held Saturday, May 30 at Our Lady of Mercy High School.

More details to come about that, but there are a couple of ways you can help right now:

  1. Buy an advertisement in the Show Program. Over 600 audience members and performers from Webster/Greater Rochester will see your ad. You’ll be mentioned on our social media sites as well. Prices range from $15 to $250 and the program will be printed in full color. Place your ad HERE or send an email to RochesterCOG@gmail.com if you have questions. Deadline for ad submissions is April 14.
  2. Buy tickets for the show. You can get them here.
  3. Make a direct donation to the Harmony House Renovation Project (your donation is tax-deductable)

Questions? email RochesterCOG@gmail.com

WCCH Mother’s Day Raffle (you’re her favorite, right?)

Here’s news about a great Mother’s Day raffle to benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH).

  • First prize ($500+ value) is the ultimate self-care bundle includes WOW hair products, a gift certificate to Evie Boutique, a beautiful candle, and more in a Thirty-One Catch All Bin to help one lucky winner relax, refresh, and feel pampered!
  • Second prize ($125 value) includes a big bottle of Prosecco, two insulated wine glasses, wine charms, sassy sticky notes, and a soft, cozy afghan, everything you need to unwind in style.
  • Third prize ($50 value) is a sweet little treat! It includes a candle, dream pillow, sassy sticky notes, and $20 in gift cards to Lala of Webster for a little extra something special.

Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 6 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website. Drawing will be held on May 3 at 10 a.m. Click here to get your tickets.

Good books, cheap

The Friends of WPL’s Spring Book Sale takes place Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday April 25.

The first day of the sale, April 22 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.

All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5.

And don’t forget about this library event…

The Webster Public Library’s annual Diverse Abilities Resource Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon.

If you’re looking for resources for your loved one with a disability, this is a great opportunity to meet and chat with representatives from several Rochester-area organizations which offer all sorts of programs and support. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required but recommended if you would like a reminder. To register, call 585-872-7075 or visit websterlibrary.org.

Got expired drugs?

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.

The Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth. 

It’s chicken barbecue time again!

St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 2 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.

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(posted 4/5/2026)

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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Local TV stations recognize Garritano, Groff for community service

29 Mar

Two of Webster’s own recently received some well-deserved recognition on our local TV stations.

Images courtesy Plank North Elementary

Last Wednesday, Plank Rd. North Elementary School teacher Peggy Garritano was surprised in her classroom by Katrina Irwin from WROC Channel 8, who presented the long-time kindergarten teacher with a Golden Apple Award.

Garritano’s teaching colleague Theresa Dupont and her son Tyler nominated her for the award to honor her 46 years of teaching. They thought it would be a fitting tribute as Garritano plans to retire at the end of this school year.

The Channel 8 Golden Apple Award is a WROC-TV program that recognizes outstanding teachers and administrators in the Rochester area. It honors educators who make a significant impact on their students, fostering positive learning environments and demonstrating dedication to their school communities. 

Click here to see the piece that aired that evening on Channel 8.

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Webster Comfort Care Home Director Julianne Groff was honored a few weeks ago as the Channel 13 WHAM Bright Spot.

On Friday, Feb. 27, at the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s regular monthly breakfast meeting, Julianne was named the Chamber’s Business Person of the Year. It was that recognition which Channel 13 picked up on for their Bright Spot Segment, which aired on March 17.

Click here to see the whole segment, and click here if you’d like to see the blog I wrote about Julianne’s honor.

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(posted 3/29/2026)

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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Webster community mailbag

26 Mar

Know your numbers!

This Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon, Lovely You Aesthetics on North Ave. is hosting a “Know Your Numbers Day” as part of the salon’s Go Red Lovely campaign. It’s an opportunity to get your blood pressure checked for free, and get a few gifts as a reward: a Go Red Lovely T-shirt and a $25 Lovely You gift card to use at a future date.

There will also be a CPR instructor on site giving hands-on demonstrations, PLUS if you make a donation to the American Heart Association, you’ll be entered to win a $500 gift card.

This is a walk-in event with no appointment needed. So stop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon, do something good for yourself and help out the American Heart Association.

Lovely You Aesthetics is located at 82 North Ave. in the Village of Webster.

Speaking of knowing your numbers …

The Webster Recreation Center invites community members who are 55+ to a fun and exciting “Singo Bingo” game on Friday April 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The game is a musical twist on the classic game of bingo. Sing along to your favorite tunes while matching song samples to titles on your Bingo card. Fantastic prizes await. Cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Visit the Rec Center’s registration page and search for activity #141086.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

Women’s Club April meeting … and cookies!

Adam Traub, Director of the Webster Public Library, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’s April luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday April 16. Mr. Traub will highlight the many programs and materials the library offers for seniors.  

April’s luncheon will be hosted by Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Mr. Donovan’s presentation at 1 p.m. 

Enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of pizzas, salad and a cannoli. Cost is $19. New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge. Send check made out to WCW by March 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, or if you have any questions, call Carolyn at  585-265-1303.

This also from the Women’s Club:

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies. The Women’s Club of Webster will be assisting once again this year at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Thursday, April 9 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life. Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). If you have any questions, call Katie Hout at 585-353-9964.

Arboretum presents program on lawn care

Carl Schimenti, the Urban Environmental Specialist for the Cornell Turfgrass Team, will visit the Webster Arboretum on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. to present a program on Lawn Care and Management. Learn lawn care basics such as grass type, water needs and weed control with pre- and post-emergents, fertilizing do’s and don’ts and mowing tips. Please register at thewebsterarboretum.org.  This presentation will take place at The Webster Arboretum 1700 Schlegel Rd in Webster.

Got expired drugs?

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.

The Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth. 

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(posted 3/26/2026)

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March History Bit: Webster’s fire departments

20 Mar

Our West Webster and Webster Volunteer fire departments are both marking notable anniversaries this year. 

The West Webster Fire Department (WWFD) is turning 100 years old in 2026, and the Webster Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) 120 years old. While the departments now share a century of tradition, each evolved from modest roots into the highly-respected, dedicated community organizations they are today.

West Webster Fire Department

A local tragedy served as the catalyst for the formation of the West Webster Fire Department.

In the early 1900s, bucket brigades were the primary fire suppression system in West Webster. Buckets were hung on the rail at Goetzman’s store (on the southeast corner of Gravel and Ridge) in the event of a fire in the area.  

On January 15, 1925, tragedy struck in the 590 block of Ridge Rd., not far from where the current WWFD station is today. At the time, the closest fire department was in the Village of Webster, who arrived 10 minutes after the call went out. They immediately called for backup from Point Pleasant and Sea Breeze. But despite their best efforts, two buildings, a garage, five apartments and several cars were lost. 

After the fire, a community group called the “Social 20” took on the task of increasing fire protection in West Webster. On May 3, 1926, the West Webster Firemen’s Association held their first meeting. They began with only $75 to the organization’s name, but by the end of the month had raised enough to purchase a Federal truck chassis for $1,000. They built their first truck using parts from a decommissioned Rochester Fire Department chemical hose cart.

The first firehouse was in a garage on Ridge Road. Later, it moved to the southeast corner of Gravel and Ridge roads before finally settling in its current location on Gravel Rd., south of Ridge. The WWFD also operates from Station 2 on Backus Rd. and Station 3 on Plank Rd. 

Webster Volunteer Fire Department

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department kind of started out with an ice cream stand. 

In 1905, the WVFD as we know it today was just beginning to take shape, largely as a direct result of the Village of Webster’s incorporation that same year. That July, the Village Board passed an ordinance allowing the Webster Fire Association to maintain stands in celebration of the Fourth of July. Located at the southwest corner of South Ave. and Main St., the stands served soft drinks, sandwiches and ice cream. 

The following year, on March 23, 1906, a group of village men met to discuss the idea of forming a fire department. The Village Board approved the idea, and the WVFD was officially established, charged with the protection and preservation of property within the corporate limits of the Village of Webster.

Before 1905, as in West Webster, “bucket brigades” were the primary method of fighting fires. Residents would keep leather buckets in their homes or businesses, and when a fire broke out, would form a human chain from the nearest well to the blaze.

The original fire hall in 1907 was a building on South Avenue in the former Jayne and Mason Bank building. In 1908, the first firefighting apparatus was purchased from the town of Williamson. It was a hand-drawn, squirrel-tail pumper, which took 16 to 20 men to operate. That original pumper is now on display in front of the fire station on South Ave.  

A rather ingenious fire alarm system to announce fires was installed in front of the fire hall. It consisted of a steel tire from a locomotive suspended on a cross arm between two telephone poles with a spring mounted hammer and rope attached for ringing. The harsh sound could be heard over long distances and brought firefighters running from all directions. 

The Webster Volunteer Fire Department has served our community from its main station at 25 South Ave. since 1969. Additional stations are located on Salt Rd. and Phillips Rd. 

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(posted 3/20/2026)

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

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