I heard some big news recently about the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, which right now calls Towne Center Plaza its home every Saturday morning. Next season, the market will be returning to the Village of Webster.
Beginning June 12, 2027, the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market will be setting up at Spry Middle School, in the cafetorium parking lot right off of South Ave. It’ll still be on the same day (Saturday), at the same time (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and will have the same vendors you’ve come to know and love, plus some new ones.
The parking at Spry will be much easier and more plentiful, and I’ve heard unconfirmed reports that there will be food trucks at the new location as well. (Still trying to get more information about stuff like that.)
It’s also basically going to be right across the road from me, so I’m all for the move!
As I find out more about this change, I’ll let you all know.
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Here’s another great September event you really need to put on your calendars now. It’s the Webster Recreation Center’ssixth annual Mud Run, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning.
The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, one-mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)
What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. It’s only $5 per person, and the organizers promise that there’ll be swag, fun and food. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)
After you complete the run, you can get rinsed off by the Webster and West Webster fire departments (if you want). Plus, you’ll enjoy fried cakes and apples from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Herman’s Farm Market, and can check out a variety of vendor and community tables.
If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy mile which you can run or walk. The cost is just $5 per person, which you can pay when you get there, or register ahead of time for program #301202A. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd. I’ll see you there!
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(posted 8/23/2026)
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Join Town Supervisor Scialdone and other Webster representatives to talk about the local issues that matter most to you. The next scheduled dates are
Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Webster Town Board Room, 1000 Ridge Rd.
Monday, Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Webster Town Board Room
If you can’t make it to either of these dates, no sweat; they’re scheduled regularly. Details are posted on the Town of Webster website.
From the Webster Chamber of Commerce
The Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s next Eat, Drink, & Connect event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ryndock Realty, 1250 State Route 104.
The event is open to Webster Chamber members and prospective members. Opportunities to host an event are a Chamber member benefit, earning increased visibility for the host business. Bring a door prize to increase your business’ visibility and maybe win a prize for yourself. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 25 for Webster Night with the Rochester Red Wings. First pitch is at 6:45 p.m., and two of Webster’s very own will be involved; Jerry Christopher will perform the National Anthem, and Chamber president/CEO Barry Howard has the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Purchase your tickets by clicking here, and use promo code WEBSTER26.
The Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service, rocENROLL HEALTH, is sponsoring the Village Gazebo concert on Friday, August 28. The concert will feature The Earthtones beginning at 6:45 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, relax with family and friends, and enjoy a wonderful summer evening.
The Chamber’s next monthly meeting will be on Friday, Aug. 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club. The program will be “AI – How Your Business Can Use it Effectively.”
The monthly meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 85-110 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.
Learn about composting
The folks at Color Webster Green have a pretty interesting class coming up next week.
It’s all about Backyard Composting and will be held at the Webster Recreation Center on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants will learn step-by-step instructions, tips for composting with limited space, how to use compost, and much more.
This is a free event and family-friendly, so children ages 8+ are welcome to join. For more information and to register, click here.
Rabies vaccination clinic
The Town of Webster, in cooperation with the Monroe County Dept. of Public Health, is sponsoring a free Rabies Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.
Dogs, cats and ferrets are all welcome. Remember that New York State and the Town of Webster require proof of a current rabies vaccination to legally license your dog.
Health and Wellness Fair needs vendors
The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) is looking for vendors to participate in their 4th annual Webster Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 12.
The fair is designed to showcase businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. It will be held at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Dr. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, vendors will have a table where participants can learn about the services you offer and your role within their health and well-being. From 10 a.m. to noon there will also be a free shredding event.
Businesses and professionals who focus on all aspects of health and wellness, including but not limited to physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health, are encouraged to participate.
Save the date for this year’s Main Street Car Show and Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 in the Village of Webster.
Registration is now open to car owners who want to sign up to show off their old and/or fancy vehicles. Registration is required, and space is limited. Click here to register.
The Webster Recreation Center invites everyone to a Say So Long to Summer end-of-summer event at Rochester Challenger Miracle Field on Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be an evening of games, music, food trucks, temporary tattoos, and community groups. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Miracle Field is located at 1008 Ridge Road.
And these events are especially for community members ages 55+: (click here for more information on all of these)
Marvelous Monarchs Trip to the Strong Museum — Monday Aug. 24, 11 a.m. (cost $20)
Summer Sizzler — Wednesday Aug. 19 at the Arboretum (cost $10)
Salute to Seniors at Ontario Beach Park — Friday Aug. 21 (free)
Program on Hearing Loss and Cognition — Monday Aug. 24 (free)
Dave Ruch concert: The Erie Canal — Tuesday Aug. 25, 4 p.m. (free)
Red Wings trip –Wednesday Aug. 26 (1 p.m. game start)
And while we’re talking about the Rec Center, word has just crossed my email that the annual Mud Run is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 19.
This non-competitive, family-friendly run is is always great wet, muddy fun that the kids especially will enjoy. The event includes fried cakes and apples from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Herman’s Farm Market and several vendors. Plus, the Webster and West Webster fire departments will be there to rinse you off with their pump truck.
The run is scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Rec Center, and you don’t have to register for a specific time. more information to come about this.
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(posted 8/14/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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Established 165 years ago and headquartered in Buffalo, M&T operates 933 branches across 13 states, serving individuals, families, and businesses through retail banking, business banking, commercial services, leasing, wealth management, and private banking. And while M&T is a large organization, what stands out about the Webster branch is how personal and community-focused their work truly is.
The Webster branch, located at 935 Hard Rd., is led by Ariane Ring, Commercial Branch Manager, who has been with M&T Bank for nearly 14 years and has served the Webster community for the past five and a half years. Ariane currently manages a team of seven employees, and together they work every day to help customers with their financial needs, goals, and long-term plans.
M&T’s purpose is simple but meaningful: to understand the individuals and businesses in their neighborhood, so they can create the right opportunities for the people they serve. That mission is clearly reflected in the way Ariane talks about her work. She says the best part of her job is the ability to connect with customers, learn more about their stories, and help them achieve their financial goals. That kind of relationship-based service is exactly what makes a business an important part of the Webster community.
Ariane is also active beyond the walls of the branch. She enjoys giving her time to organizations such as United Way and The Center for Youth, showing the same commitment to service in the community that she brings to her customers every day. Ariane sometimes jokes she “fell into banking.” She originally entered the field while working toward her MBA part-time. After starting at Bank of America and completing her degree, she realized she truly enjoyed banking, but wanted to be part of an organization that was more community-focused. That led her to M&T Bank, which she describes as one of the greatest blessings of her career. As she put it, “It’s funny how you always end up where you belong.”
Ariane added, “The most humbling part of my role is that I get to wake up every day and do what I love, and that’s help people.” She finds it especially rewarding to work with small businesses, and “be a part of their journey. … to see them grow over the years and get to know their families, be privy to their life events.”
That’s a great reminder that the best businesses are not just defined by products and services, but by people who care about where they work, who they serve, and the community around them.
Congratulations to Ariane Ring and the entire team at M&T Bank!
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.
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(posted 7/17/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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Congratulations to Brittany Jones and her new jewelry store, JF Jones Jewelers, which celebrated its grand opening last Friday morning with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.
Several family members, friends and local officials attended the gala event. It celebrated the next chapter for the family-owned business, which has a history that stretches back to 1928 when Brittany’s grandfather, Joseph F. Jones, founded the business. It also marks the first time JF Jones has operated on the east side of Rochester, after decades — and many locations — in Greece. (Read more about the JF Jones story in this blog.)
The gala event featured a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with a “tea party.” After all, Brittany explained, “Growing up in a jewelry store was kind of like growing up in my own little wonderland,” so the theme seemed like a natural fit.
Welcome to Webster, Brittany and JF Jones!
JF Jones Jewelers is located at 1170 Ridge Rd., next to Heart to Heart Bride.
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(posted 6/22/2026)
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 a quick, bonus blog today about an event that totally snuck up on me.
It’s the annual Summer Celebration at the Webster Recreation Center. It takes place this Saturday, June 13 from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Rec Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive (off of Phillips).
This is an evening of family-friendly fun, bounce houses, LOTS of food trucks, live music and fireworks. Dr. Jem takes the stage from 6 to 7:15 p.m., followed by ZBTB from 7:45 to 10 p.m.. And at the end of it all (did I mention?) there’s a huge fireworks display.
The event is free and open to the community. Parking will be available in the Xerox parking lots directly south of the Recreation Center. Handicap parking will be available closer to the festivities.
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(posted 6/7/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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Webster seniors looking to connect with local services will soon have two fantastic opportunities right in their backyard. The Webster Recreation Center and Webster Public Library will each host an upcoming Senior Resource Fair tailored specifically for community members ages 55 and older. The events will bring together dozens of organizations from across the Greater Rochester area, offering information on everything from senior living and recreation to meal programs, legal services, and more.
The first of the two events is scheduled at the Webster Recreation Center on Wednesday, May 27 — National Senior Fitness and Health Day — from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It will feature health and information vendors, a free yogurt bar, free health assessments, mini fitness demonstrations, cornhole and tours of the Rec Center. Plus there’ll be some raffle prizes.
The event is open to the 55+ community. You do not have to be a member of the Rec Center and no registration is necessary. Just pop in when you can! The Rec Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., just off of Phillips.
This is the Rec Center’s second annual Senior Fitness Day, and I was able to check it out last year. It was a lot of fun and the yogurt bar was a real treat. (And by the way, my husband Jack will be there promoting his Aging…better blog.)
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A little more than a week later, on Thursday June 4, the Webster Public Library will host their very first Senior Resource Fair from 3 to 5 p.m.
Almost 50 organizations have signed up to be at this fair:
101 Mobility of Rochester
AARP Smart Driver Program
Aging…better (newsletter)
Caring Transitions
Catholic Charities Family & Community Services
Center for Disability Rights
Churches Offering Meals for Everyone
ConnectCare MD
Coordinated Care Services
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County
Corretore McLaughlin, Attorneys at Law
Eastman-Rochester New Horizons Program
ElderONE
Elevate Dance Center
Episcopal Senior Life Communities
Excellus Medicare Advisor
Finger Lakes Mobile RNs
Happier at Home
Heathwood Assisted Living and Memory Care
Jewish Home – Lilac Grove Community
Kindsoul
LawNY
Legacy at Clover Blossom
Lifespan
M&T Bank in Webster
Monroe County Office for the Aging
New York Life financial professional
Oasis Rochester
PPL First
Rainbow Seniors ROC
Senior Helpers in Rochester
Senior Medical Care – Dr. Luis Postigo
Senior’s Choice Care Management
Seniors Helping Seniors
SMT Mobile Notary
Social Security Services
St. Ann’s Community
Surrogate Son
Sweet Home Photography
TekHub
Veterans Affairs – Rochester Vet Center
WASPS (Webster Senior Transportation)
Webster Comfort Care
Webster Community Chest
Webster Recreation Center 55+ Activities & Services
WellFitRoc
Willard H. Scott Funeral Home
Your Best Move
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(posted 5/18/2026)
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).
I got my most recent Town of Webster newsletter emailed to me the other day, and in case you don’t yet get this in your email box, I wanted to pass along a few of the more interesting notices that it included.
The first is about a new “News and Information Survey” the Town has created to gauge how people are choosing to receive their news about Town political and social events — like email, local news (like the Herald), Facebook, maybe blogs…? The goal is to improve accessibility to important Town information.
The survey is only ten questions long and will take about five to ten minutes. It will be open through Monday, April 20. Click here to take the survey.
Community Office Hours
Supervisor Scialdone is continuing to host regular Community Office Hours, and now he’s invited Deputy Supervisor Hunter and Councilwoman Wright to do a few of them, too. These are your opportunities to let your Town representatives know what’s important to you.
The next office hours and who will be there are:
Supervisor Scialdone: Wednesday, April 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Curry Building at Webster Arboretum (1700 Schlegel Road)
Deputy Supervisor Hunter: Wednesday, April 15, 5 to 6 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Drive)
Councilwoman Wright: Tuesday, April 21, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Drive)
Supervisor Scialdone: Tuesday, April 28, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park (850 Maple Drive)
Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with our local Town representatives, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.
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This most recent newsletter also includes news about some upcoming events, including:
Singo BINGO at the Webster Recreation Center on April 17 for the 55+ crowd;
the Diverse Abilities Resource Fair at the Webster Public Library on April 18; and
the Friends of the Webster Public Library Spring Book Sale from April 22 to 25
So check out the newsletter for yourself to learn more about these, and click here if you’d like to sign up to get the newsletter emailed to you so you can stay in the know.
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(posted 3/5/2026)
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).
Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammogram is coming to the library.
On Thursday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mobile Mammogram Center will be parked in front of the Webster Public Library, and will be giving out screenings every 15 minutes (that’s four women an hour).
Women must be at least 35 years of age, not exhibiting any breast-related problems, and have had a mammogram at least a year ago. No insurance is needed and no one will be turned away. Appointments are not necessary but are accepted. To make an appointment: call 833-922-PINK (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) or click here. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.
You want Italian for dinner, right?
Boy Scout Troop 262 will host their Famous Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Plus there’s a bake sale!
Eat in or take-out, your choice. So why not let the Boy Scouts make dinner for you this Saturday?
Welcome, spring!
Beat the Winter Blues at the Webster Recreation Center this Saturday, March 7, and get ready for spring by enjoying a great family-friendly community event.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, participants will enjoy indoor lawn games, competition, energy-busting activities, music, and fun. The event is free and open to the community and no registration is required.
Story Time at the Museum
The Webster Museum will host their next Story Time at the Museum on Saturday March 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The theme this month is quilts, highlighting the great collection of quilts on display at the museum right now. The program is geared for elementary-aged children and parents must remain at the museum during the story and activity.
There’s no cost and registration is not required.
Chat with the supervisor
Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Saturday, March 7 when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 11 a.m. to noon at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, March 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library.
Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.
News from the Chamber
The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday March 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reliant Credit Union, 870 Holt Rd., Webster.
Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.
Wendy Lesko, Director of the Gathering Place Webster, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’sMarch luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 19. Gathering Place is a non-religious, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide accessible opportunities for community service, making it easy for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, to participate in hands-on volunteer work without long-term commitments.
March’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 chicken Marsala, stuffed shells, 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.
Learn about life on the ISS
The Webster Public Library will present a very interesting program on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 2 p.m., all about Life on the International Space Station.
For more than 25 years, the International Space Station has orbited Earth over 150,000 times and hosted more than 280 astronauts. But, what does the average day from Earth’s Space Station look like? Join Dan Schneiderman to explore daily life, scientific research, and unforgettable moments from one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
Attention parents/guardians of preschoolers residing in Webster CSD, registration for the prekindergarten lottery is open.
Prekindergarten (preK) is a New York State-funded program designed for 4-year-olds who are not eligible for kindergarten. Each year Webster CSD invites eligible children who reside in the district to apply. Registration for the lottery is open through March 13.
To be eligible for the 2026-27 school year, children must have a birth date falling between December 2, 2021 – December 1, 2022. Please understand that these dates are fixed, and the school district is unable to make any exceptions. Families who have questions about their child’s age and eligibility for preK should utilize the district’s school age calculator found online here.
Interested families are encouraged to learn more and register at websterschools.org/prek.
Petitions Available for BOE Candidates
The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, weekdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20. The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates takes place on May 19.
Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org during the office hours noted above.
Senior Citizens Save the Date for Drama Production
Senior Citizens save the date! Webster CSD is inviting senior citizens residing within the district to come to Webster Schroeder High School on Wednesday, April 29 for a morning of light refreshments and a performance of the drama, The Outsiders.
Details and registration information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars now for April 29 for the 10 a.m. to noon show, spread the word, and check the Webster CSD website, websterschools.org, for developing information.
Here’s some information about The Outsiders:
Whether it’s Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s or Webster, NY in 2026, there has been and always will be “outsiders”– outcasts, underdogs, and those who are just simply misunderstood. Based on the book by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders brings the timeless and beloved 1967 classic novel of the same name to life. Ponyboy Curtis and the rest of his Greaser gang are trying to survive the hardships of growing up, all while attempting to de-escalate tensions with rival gang, The Socs. This coming-of-age tale tackles violence, heartbreak, and tragedy as both Greasers and Socs learn that nothing gold can stay.
Nothing new here, folks
The following are reminders about events which I’ve featured in my earlier mailbags. (So nothing new here if you have something else to do.)
The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.
The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’ll be 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. Most books are under $20.
Also a reminder that the Webster Public Library program about Elsa von Blumen, is this Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.
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(posted 3/2/2026)
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).
HUGE congratulations to Julianne Groff, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2026 Business Person of the Year.
As Executive Director of the Webster Comfort Care Home, Julianne is very well known and well respected in the Webster community. In presenting the award, incoming Chamber president Carolyn Montanaro noted that that’s a responsibility “she does not take lightly.”
(Julianne) personally supports and guides a dedicated team of staff and more than 100 volunteers, ensuring they are mentally, emotionally, and physically prepared to care for individuals at the end of life and to care for their families. Her leadership extends far beyond traditional business hours. For Julianne, this is not simply a profession, it is a calling to which she devotes her heart and the majority of her waking hours.
In addition to being a very active member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, Julianne shares her time, treasure and talent with numerous local nonprofit organizations, including the Webster Health and Education Network, Soul Sisters, Free Mom Hugs, the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly, and the Women’s Club of Webster. She regularly supports the Phillips Village Food Pantry and coordinates donations with ROC Maiden and InterVol. She has also recently begun advocacy efforts for individuals living with Long Haul COVID, an “invisible” autoimmune condition.
In accepting the award, Julianne said,
If I’m being recognized today, it’s really because of the extraordinary groups of people that are committed to ensuring that our home stays open. Every donation, every fundraiser ticket purchased, every shared post. Every prayer that sustains us. And this community for the past 23 years has shown your commitment. … How lucky we are that we belong to a community of people who believe that every human life has value.
Julianne was presented with a plaque inscribed: “2026 Business Person of the Year presented by the Webster Chamber of Commerce to Julianne Groff in recognition of your outstanding contributions to the Webster Chamber of Commerce and your commitment to the community.” The Chamber will also contribute to a charitable organization of Julianne’s choosing.
Julianne’s husband Tom, daughter Abby and WCCH’s Program Coordinator Lisa Swift, were all on hand to help celebrate Julianne’s honor.
Later in her remarks, Julianne humbly downplayed her role by saying, ‘I keep the lights on.’ Those of us who know her, however, know that she does so much more, not just for the Webster Comfort Care Home but for the entire Webster community. This award is very much deserved.
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(posted 3/1/2026)
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).
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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