One of the benefits of being an entirely digital publication is that I can offer a rapid response for organizations who could use a hand getting the word out about an event or special offering. Today, I’m pleased to provide that service to two of my favorite local agencies, the Webster Comfort Care Home and the Webster Museum.
First, this extra shout-out for what promises to be a very fun evening of desserts and dancing.
The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd.
This is a great opportunity to celebrate a night on the town with your special gal or guy, complete with appetizers, desserts, a basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. There’ll be contests for Best Dressed and Most Original, and the King and Queen of the Prom will be crowned. You can even pre-order a corsage or boutonniere from Kittleberger’s, which you can pick up when you get to the dance.
Live entertainment for the evening will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.
You remember how much fun your prom was! How about re-living that carefree time? And if you didn’t get to go to your prom, here’s your chance! Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and the first 20 guests get a VIP bag of goodies. You can also purchase a package of eight tickets for $450, which includes a beautifully decorated table reserved just for you and your friends, and eight drink tickets.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Let’s make this a huge success for the Comfort Care Home, because they do so much for our community. They rely on community support to fulfill its mission of providing free hospice care for our terminally ill Webster neighbors.
Next, the Webster Museum would like to remind you about all of the great educational opportunities that await you there for you and your children.
If you have never visited our Webster Museum, located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, you might not realize that — when you’re there — you can:
discover evidence that mammoths wandered your neighborhood thousands of years ago
experience math and reading lessons in a one-room schoolhouse
see stone tools and weapons designed b Native Americans who might have camped in your yard
stroll down a typical Main Street featuring businesses of the early 1900s
visit multiple displays and observe how our daily living has changed
Guided group tours are provided on request for teachers, parents and Scout leaders. The docents there are even prepared to adjust the tour to meet your curriculum goals. To schedule a tour, call Jill Kraft at 585 -507-1908 (for school and Scout tours) or Sharon Pratt at 585 -766-7101 (for adult tours).
Visit the Webster Museum website to find out more specific information about everything the museum has to offer, including examples of the exhibits. And remember that the exhibits change seasonally, so make sure to stop back often.
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A reminder that the library’s Vintage Book Sale takes place on Saturday March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.
Also, all this month the library is hosting their first-ever Irish American Heritage Month Book Sale. It lasts only until everything is sold, so get there soon to choose from a selection of books about Irish history, travel, culture and folklore, plus coffee-table books, Ireland-themed puzzles and Irish music CDs.
Both book sales benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library.
And remember that this month’s free community exchange is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one! Plus, the Donation Station benefits the library’s Free Food Pantry, and the Seed Library is now open.
Got stuff to shred?
The Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union will sponsor a free community shredding day on Saturday May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster branch, 815 Ridge Rd. It’s open to small businesses and individuals in the Webster area. Please bring the papers in disposable (preferably recyclable) boxes or bags.
Wine Walks return
The Village of Webster has scheduled the next Wine Walk for Saturday May 10.
These are very popular events where you stroll the village, popping into businesses to sample wines and snacks from our local merchants.
Participants must be 21 and an ID is required. More information to come, but you cal also stay up to date on the latest at the Webster BID website.
Are you a guy who loves to sing?
The Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a New Members Night on Tuesday March 25 at 7 p.m., at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.
Come meet the guys and join them for an evening of singing a cappella music. You don’t even have to be able to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show the rest. Click here to R.S.V.P., and if you have any questions, you can call 585-259-3590 or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com.
Some additional reminders …
All of the following announcements were previously included in this community mailbag, so click on that link if you’d like any more information about …
The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.
Anyone wishing to run for the Webster Central School District Board of Education may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, 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 21.
The Webster Arboretum will present the program Invasive Insects on Thursday March 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM.
The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.
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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).
I don’t know about you, but one of the things I really miss about Barry’s Old School Irish is how the little pub would celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The festivities lasted for days.
I’m happy to report, however, that St. Patrick’s Day has returned to 2 West Main St., at the new Mary Wee Pub.
The festivities start on Monday March 8, when the pub adds corned beef and cabbage to the menu all week long. It joins an already tasty Irish menu which includes cottage pie, Guinness beef stew, and Reubens. Nice thing about its being on the menu all week is that you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day and all the crowds to get your corned beef fix.
On Parade Day (Saturday March 15) AND St. Patrick’s Day, the pub will be open at 8 a.m for breakfast. Chef Kurt will be cooking up his own specialties, including a frittata skillet (scrambled eggs, home fries, Swiss cheese and corned beef), and a sandwich version on rye bread which will offer the option of corned beef or ham, along with the eggs, home fries and cheese.
He’s also considering putting together what he calls a “Dublin omelet” with sausage, peppers, onions, Swiss cheese served with toast.
On Sunday, the Mary Wee will open at 10 a.m., with live music from the Genny Tall Boys from 4 to 7 p.m. On Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day proper, keep an eye out for some Irish dancers and bagpipers who’ll be stopping by.
On top of the great food and entertainment, owner Mark Petzing says to “expect perfectly poured pints, great drinks, Wee swag, traditional Irish dancing, bagpipes and shenanigans.”
Sounds like the St. Patrick’s Day that we’ve come to know and love from 2 West Main.
Stay tuned to the Mary Wee Facebook page for updates, and if you’d like to call ahead to put in an order for breakfast, lunch or dinner to take away, call 585-236-1258. (By the way, if you’re like me and not a big fan of corned beef, a chicken sandwich and a burger will also be on the menu.)
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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).
If you’re a big fan of Girl Scout cookies like I am, you know that it’s COOKIE SEASON, and the cookies should be arriving at your house very soon. But if you missed out on ordering this year, or you REALLY need more Thin Mints to toss in the freezer, have no fear. I know two troops which will be selling them at local businesses in the coming weeks.
But even better than just being able to get some for yourself, you’ll also be able to buy a box or two (or more) to send to our deployed troops.
Here are the details:
Webster Girl Scout Troop 60568 will be setting up in these locations beginning this weekend:
Saturday March 8, Lowe’s, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday March 15, Mama Lor’s (Lake Rd.), 9 a.m. to noon
Sunday March 23, CountryMax, 1 to 4 p.m.
Friday March 28, Walmart, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
PLUS, Webster Girl Scout Troop 60344 will have a table set up in these locations on these dates:
Saturday March 22, Pittsford Plaza, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday March 29, Walmart, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday March 30, CountryMax, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
At all of these remote sales locations, the girls will be taking orders for cookies to be included in care packages being put together by the Blue Star Mothers for our local troops who are deployed overseas. The packages will be mailed out in June.
Service members love receiving Girl Scout cookies, as you can imagine. The soldiers say they love everything in the care packages (toiletries, treats, socks, etc), but their favorite by far are the Girl Scout cookies. They’re basically a small taste of home, and even after they’ve been bounced around the world — even if they arrive in crumbs — they’re still treasured.
So plan to stop by one of these tables this month, pick up some extra cookies for yourself, and help spread smiles around the world. This year’s goal is 350 boxes!
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).
In Today’s History Bit, we take a closer look at another of the Webster Museum’s permanent exhibits, the Webster Candy Kitchen.
Located adjacent to the Witmer’s Variety exhibit, the Candy Kitchen is the second stop for museum visitors as they stroll down the Village of Webster’s recreated Main Street.
Founded in 1908 by Charles Papapanu, the Candy Kitchen was located at 14 East Main Street, and was a fixture in the village for 65 years. It was a popular teen hangout and beloved sweets shop, known for its dizzying selection of penny candies, including taffy, peanut brittle, nougats, ribbon candy, caramels and dozens more. It was especially known for its molded chocolate Easter bunnies, and every year the owners donated a huge chocolate rabbit for the annual Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt.
In 1940 the owners added a classic soda fountain, further cementing the Candy Kitchen’s popularity among both young and old.
(photos courtesy Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton)
Tragedy struck in September 1973 when a discarded cigarette sparked a fire which destroyed the Candy Kitchen. Not having enough insurance to cover the damage, the owners had to close the shop.
But the beloved Webster Candy Kitchen lives on at the Webster Museum, where many of the salvaged items from the shop are on display. The recreated soda fountain, complete with soda and topping dispensers and ice cream dipping cabinet harken to a time when kids would gather after school. Candy molds, a taffy pulling hook and ribbon candy maker remind us of when just a few pennies would buy a bag filled with sweets, a treasure beyond compare for any child. You can see them all – and read about them all – at the Webster Museum.
Stay tuned for our next stop along Main Street in the next few months, when we remember another beloved and long-standing village business. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on the website, webstermuseum.org. Or stop by for a personal tour.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge.
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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).
Chris and Mark McAllister not only did a terrific job designing and creating the sign, but also donated their talent, time, and of course the sign itself, to the Community Chest.
The Webster Community Chest is grateful to the McAllisters for their generous donation, and the entire Webster community thanks them for being an outstanding example of community support.
They are truly neighbors helping neighbors.
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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).
Jersey Mike’s Subs continues to do great things for our community. Most recently, our Webster Jersey Mike’s shop presented a check to Wreaths Across America-Webster for $778, which represented the proceeds from a fundraiser held in December.
During the fundraiser, community members could pick up a coupon at one of four village businesses — M.O. Pasta, Lala of Webster , the Village Quilt Shoppe and the North Bee — which could then be redeemed at Jersey Mike’s for a free regular sub, in return for a $3 donation to Wreaths Across America.
The Webster community responded in a big way. Lala of Webster, for example, handed out almost 1,000 coupons, and the folks at Jersey Mike’s said that at one point the “line was out the door.” Thanks to that incredible response, the funds raised last month more than doubled what was collected in 2023.
This is the third year in a row that our local Jersey Mike’s has sponsored an annual fundraiser for Wreaths Across America, and they’re already planning another for December 2025. The money raised this year — combined with a recent two-for-one special promotion from Wreaths Across America — will go to sponsor 91 veteran wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 13, 2025.
Our Webster Jersey Mike’s is located at 975 Ridge Rd., in the small plaza across from the former Hegedorn’s. (Pictured above: Webster Union Cemetery president George Baker, Wreaths Across America local coordinator Cherie Wood, Jersey Mike’s Director of Marketing Brooklyn Duque and Assistant Manager Michael Handel.)
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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).
On my walk Thursday morning, I strolled through the village to see if any good blog ideas might jump out at me. It seems that everything is still slowly waking up again after the holiday season, so there’s not a whole lot to write about these days.
I did notice that the new Sweet Square Bakery on the corner of West Main and North Ave. now has butcher block paper in the windows, so something must be going on in there. (I sent them an email to see if I could get an update.) I peeked inside Caraglio’sPizza on East Main, which has been “coming soon” for three months now, but it looks like they’re still a long way from opening.
There also seems to be some activity in the old Jeff’s Computer shop, so I’ll continue to keep an eye on that.
I also stopped in to chat with Mark Petzing at the Mary Wee Pub to see how things are going there, and he reports that business is strong. If you haven’t checked out the new pub yet (which replaced Barry’s Old School Irish at 2 West Main), make that one of your New Year’s resolutions. It’s a great place.
So, since there’s no real news to tell you about, here are a few mailbag reminders of events coming up in the next few weeks.
Great family events at the Webster Public Library
The Webster Public Library will host a Preschool Open Houseon Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. Registration is not required.
On Sunday Jan. 19, the library will be hosting a brand new event called the Library Fan Fest, from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.
This event is for literary lovers of all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Click here to do so.
Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census
Parents/guardians residing within the Webster Central School District (CSD), and who have children ages birth to 5 years residing in the household, are being asked to take a brief young child census survey that will be used to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.
Completing the census is a young families’ first connection with the school district. It enables Webster CSD to keep in contact with families as their children approach school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.
The form will be available on the Webster CSD website through January 6, 2025. Families who do not have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.
January Women’s Club program set
The Women’s Club of Webster will welcome local author Robin L. Flanigan as the speaker for its January meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Flanigan has written several books, including 100 Things To Do In Rochester Before You Die, an excellent guidebook for the Rochester region. The meeting will be held at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon, lunch, and Ms. Flanigan’s presentation.
Lunch costs $19 and will include a variety of Proietti’s pizzas, salad, a cannoli and camaraderie. New members WELCOME! Send check made out to WCW by January 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have questions or think that your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.
“Spring” musical season is upon us
The middle and high school musical season has crept up on us already. It begins on January 31 and Feb. 1 when the Willink Drama Club presents the classic hit Annie, Jr.
Based on the popular Tony-winning musical, the youth edition is a perfectly-sized adaptation for adults and kids of all ages. The spunky little orphan will warm the hearts of your entire family.
Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. I don’t think tickets are on sale yet, so stay tuned for that information.
The following week, Feb. 6 to 8, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will present the hit Broadway musical, Hadestown. The “teen edition” of the movie is still a full-length production — a haunting, jazzy folk opera which follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Hadestown has only very recently been released, and Webster Schroeder is the first in our area to get it.
More to come about show times and tickets.
THIS JUST IN!
I “stopped the presses” for this fun event that just came across my Facebook feed from the Webster Recreation Center:
It’s their Buffalo Bills Hype Party, scheduled for Saturday Jan. 11. The time hasn’t yet been determined because we don’t yet know when the Bills will be playing, but it will run for two hours. (Don’t worry, the party will NOT be during the game!)
The party will feature:
FREE ADMISSION with a donation to Webster HOPE
Lala of Webster will be on site selling Bills gear
Bills Fan, Jeremey Andrzejewski will be emceeing, helping play music and running trivia
Buffalo Bills-themed lawn games
a mini living room with multiple TVs and old Bills media
Buffalo Bills-themed photo area
tailgate-type snacks
This is a family friendly, alcohol free event, which is absolutely free and open to the community. Stay tuned to the Webster Recreation Center Facebook page for an update on the event’s time.
GO BILLS!
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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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One of the Chamber’s longest-tenured members, the Webster Community Chest has been serving the Webster community for more than 75 years, guided by their mission: “Serving people and organizations in need in the greater Webster community by providing services and resources.”
The Community Chest began as the Webster War Chest in 1942, during World War ll. It supported local residents serving overseas, along with their families. Six years later, it became a New York State charitable organization.
Today, more than 100 volunteers and two part-time benefits counselors work to provide a variety of services to the Webster community, including emergency food assistance, end-of-month meal kits, food delivery to local food cupboards, financial assistance during crises and emergencies, annual high school scholarships to reinforce volunteerism, summer camp scholarships, and Meals on Wheels subsidies. As examples of the Chest’s vast reach into the Webster community, nearly 11,000 end-of-month meal kits have been provided in 2024 and more than 750 Meals on Wheels meals were purchased.
If you’d like to join the Webster Community Chest in their mission to help your Webster neighbors in need, click here to learn more about the organization and explore volunteer opportunities.
Pictured above: (L-R) Webster Community Chest representatives Michael Grenier, Steve Yahoodik, Mary Kay Barrett and Sharon Pratt accept the award from Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve.
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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).
As we creep closer to Christmas, the special events start coming fast and furious. But this Saturday in particular seems to be packed with them. Here’s a quick rundown (and remember, they all happen this Saturday Dec. 14):
Afternoon withSanta at the Webster Recreation Center, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Get a photo with Santa, drop off your letter in his mailbox, and enjoy music, cookies, and Christmas story time. The event is free and no registration is required.
Holiday performance by the Webster Village Band, 3:00 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Enjoy some beautiful holiday season music, complete with a singalong AND a performance of The Night Before Christmas narrated by Barbara Midura. Admission is free and there’s LOTS of parking.
National Wreaths Across America Day, 12 noon Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. Bring your whole family and join your Webster neighbors as we lay 2,100 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. Click here to read more about this amazing day. *
Santa Visits Never Say Never Stables, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 906 Maple Dr. In addition to visiting with Santa, this FREE family-fun event will also feature hay wagon rides, petting and pictures with the horses and animals, Christmas carolers, Rocky the Reindeer Mini Horse. The event is open to the public, and there’s no appointment needed. Donations accepted for Never Say Never Foundation.
Cookie Sale at the library, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Women’s Club of Webster’s will be holding their annual, super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
Caroling at the Webster Public Library, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Members of the Rochester Oratorio Society sing holiday carols throughout the library while dressed in Victorian costumes. No registration required, just stop in to enjoy the carolers (any buy cookies!).
Holiday Book Saleat the Webster Public Library: OK, this event is ongoing through Dec. 23, but worth mentioning again. The Friends of the Webster Public Library are hosting their Holiday Book Sale during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.
So this is ALL happening this Saturday, all over town. So there’s no reason for the cold weather to keep you inside.
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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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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