webster on the web

Neither snow, nor rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night, nor biting cold will keep the Webster Village Runners from enjoying a fun wintry run together, and Saturday afternoon was no exception.

Once again this year, the Webster Village Runners were extremely well represented at the 2025 It’s a Wonderful Run 5K held in Seneca Falls Saturday evening. It matched the largest group we’ve ever had participate (at least four cars and a packed van made the hour-long trip), and a few had never experienced this race before — so that made it even more fun. It always draws thousands of runners (this year the total was almost 4,400), and almost everyone dresses up in holiday attire, including bells, Santa hats, elf costumes and Christmas lights. I saw people dressed as Christmas trees and snowmen, the Grinch and a Yeti, and lots of tutus. Everyone is in a jolly mood.

This is a must-do run for any fan of the Jimmy Stewart classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s generally accepted that Frank Capra based his movie on the charming little village. There’s an It’s a Wonderful Life Museum, and the race begins adjacent to the bridge believed to be the inspiration for the one in the movie — plus, 85-year old Karolyn Grimes herself (who played Zuzu) starts the race by announcing the famous line, “Every time a bell rings, a angel gets his wings.”

The run is the culminating event of Seneca Falls’ annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival, three days of activities and events including an art show, films, a breakfast, a parade and autograph sessions with three of the original actors: Karolyn Grimes (Zuzu), Jimmy Hawkins (Tommy) and Don Collins (young Pete Bailey).

True to its name, the It’s a Wonderful Run is more a run (or walk) than a race. For sure there are many runners who wiggle to the front of the pack to do their 4-minute miles, but many more thousands of us are content to walk most of the route, to experience everything there is to see and do along the way.

Seneca Falls village residents come out in force for this event. They set up fire pits and ring cow bells and give high-fives to all the runners. They hand out Fireball shots, vodka shots, whiskey shots, mudslide shots, pudding and Jello shots. At one house, they were grilling hot dogs and handing them to the runners. And all through the beautiful little village, the houses are ablaze with Christmas lights and Christmas music blares from the porches.

So there’s not a whole lot of running involved; there is a lot of stopping and sampling the treats and taking photos of the beautifully decorated homes along the route. But this is not a race for time. This is a run for fun. And doing it every year with my Village Runners buddies makes it even more enjoyable.

If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the event, click here for a Facebook gallery. (Or if you don’t have Facebook, click here.) I tried to capture some of the more outlandish costumes, and the sense of community generated by Seneca Falls as we all celebrate one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

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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 12/15/2025)

Breaking news!

I just learned that the Wreaths Across America truck — carrying Webster’s 1,360 wreaths for Wreath Day on Saturday — should be arriving in Webster this coming Tuesday morning, Dec. 9. (At least that’s the tentative schedule we have right now.).

The truck’s first stop will be at the Roseland Fire Station (corner of Salt and Plank), where it will be met there by a police escort, and then head to Webster Union Cemetery to drop off the wreaths for that cemetery and Union Hill. After leaving the fire station, the truck will travel north down Rt. 250 through the village’s four corners. It would be great to have as many people out there on sidewalks cheering the truck and its special cargo.

The truck is part of the Wreaths Across America “Honor Fleet,” made up of hundreds of trucking companies who volunteer their drivers, equipment and time to deliver more than three million wreaths every year to every corner of the country.

Even if you can’t be there to cheer on the truck, plan to attend this the Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremony at Webster Union Cemetery. On Saturday Dec. 13, community members will gather to lay 2,100 wreaths on veterans’ graves at Webster Union, Union Hill, Webster Rural and Holy Trinity cemeteries. It’s a solemn ceremony designed to remember these servicemen and women and to thank them for their sacrifices.

I’ll post updates on my Webster on the Web Facebook page about when exactly the truck is expected to arrive as the details are finalized. So keep an eye out for more information!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/6/2025)

The Webster Art Club, based at the Webster Recreation Center, has spent the last month or so turning memories into masterpieces, and the beautiful results are now on display for everyone to see.

In a heartfelt collaboration which began in early October, Webster Art Club members met with seniors and listened to their stories of childhood adventures, family traditions, life-changing journeys, and the quiet moments that shaped a lifetime. Over the weeks following their conversations, the artists took those stories and turned them into beautiful works of art.

Eleven art club members and nine seniors participated in the project, called Senior Inspirations. Last Wednesday morning, the seniors got their first look at the finished artworks when they were unveiled at a reception held in the Recreation Center hallway where the works are now on display.

As she welcomed the artists, seniors and community members in attendance, Mary Coy, co-president of Webster Art Club, explained,

This project came about after I read that the top contributing factor for healthy aging is having strong social connections, more so than even diet and exercise. Always trying to think of new ideas, I thought it might be nice for our club to do a community project that encouraged social connections.

Two months, ago, we invited folks to come to the Rec Center for an hour to connect with artists in our club and talk about their life stories, their memories and anything else they felt comfortable sharing, The room was abuzz with conversation, which in turn provided us as artists with the sparkle of inspiration needed to create the drawings and paintings now hanging on the wall.

One by one, each artist stepped up to their work, inviting their senior subject to join them, and shared the meaning behind their piece. They told of being fascinated by the stories they heard — sometimes sad, other times humorous or adventurous — and how hard it was to decide which of those stories inspired them most, and would make it into the final composition.

Without exception, the seniors were delighted with the results. The finished pieces included acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, pastels, pen and ink, collage, and even one created on an iPad. They brought to life a wide variety of memories, from stories about a favorite childhood bicycle and a long-ago bee sting to peaceful nature scenes and Paris cafe — every one an illustration of a life well lived. At the end of the reception, each senior received a print of the original artwork.

The artworks will remain on display through the end of December.

WHAM Channel 13 was there to cover the event for that evening’s Bright Spot segment. You can see that piece here.

If you’d like to see more beautiful work by the Webster Art Club, stop by the Webster Public Library from Dec. 6 through 27 for their annual art show, displayed in the lobby. You can even vote for your favorite piece.

Here are some more photos from the reception:

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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 11/24/2025)

Just a quick bonus blog this afternoon to report on my time this morning at the Webster Garlic Festival.

There are so many things going on this weekend, it’s hard to figure out how to fit them all in, but I definitely recommend you get yourself down to the Webster Recreation Center today (until 5 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), because so much is going on. Like LOTS of food trucks, more than 150 vendors of all kinds (not just garlic), alpacas, balloon art for the kids and so much more.

Plus, you’re almost guaranteed to run across some friend or neighbor, because even this morning, when it was spitty rain, the place was packed. I got there in time to see the opening ceremonies, when Supervisor Tom Flaherty “crowned” the King and Queen of the Garlic Festival, and then I wandered around for a good 90 minutes just checking out all the booths (which filled the gymnasium, the community room and the huge side field) and chatting with people.

It’s only $5 and it benefits some really good causes. Unless you need handicapped parking — for which the entire front lot is reserved — they’ll ask you to park across the street at the Xerox lot, but it’s a short walk to the Rec Center from there or take a shuttle bus, which run frequently.

Here is a whole gallery of photos from today.

P.S. If you’re doing the Beer Walk in the village today, see you there!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/6/2025)

Congratulations Employ-Ease, honored as the July Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Crerated in 2001 by Lisa Kretzer, Employ-Ease offers small business owners a more personal solution for handling the administrative burdens of having employees.

Lisa’s mission is simple: “we make it easy to employ.” That philosophy is embedded into the very name of the company. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Employ-Ease assumes liability for payroll generation and taxes, employment insurances, employee benefits, and various HR necessities, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best, the work that drives revenue. With more than 38 years of experience in the payroll industry, Lisa has become a partner for her clients across industries who value both her knowledge and personal approach.

Lisa jokes that she’s “not a numbers person,” but she is incredibly organized. She finds joy in keeping systems like payroll, taxation, and insurance running smoothly, and in meeting the wide variety of people and businesses that cross her path. After her long-time employee of 21 years retired, Lisa was fortunate to find a new right hand in Katherine House, someone just as committed, detail-oriented, and client focused.

Lisa is also active in the community, volunteering at Harris Hill Elementary and Wayne Elementary, and supporting Webster Comfort Care. Her roots in the area are deep, and her commitment to helping others — both through her business and in the community — runs strong.

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. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday July 25, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the July Business of the Month award to Lisa Kretzer of Employ-ease, who accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/14/2025)

In a ceremony held last Friday, Monroe County Executive Adam Bello officially renamed Lakefront Lodge in Webster Park in honor of fallen police officer and Webster native Jamieson Ritter.

While serving as a police officer in Cleveland, Ritter was killed on July 4, 2024 as officers attempted to serve a warrant. He was just 27 years old. His funeral was held several days later at Falvo Funeral Home in Penfield. The Webster community came out in force to honor him as his funeral procession wound its way through the village towards Falvo.

Ritter was a 2015 graduate of McQuaid Jesuit High School. He graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, he deployed to Syria in 2022 and returned to continue his service as a police officer with the City of Cleveland before he was killed. 

Several Monroe County officials spoke at the ceremony, praising Ritter for his bravery and selflessness in serving his community. In his remarks, Executive Bello said,

I hope that people will take time to learn about Jamieson when visiting this newly renamed lodge in Webster Park. He was a true American hero whose ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty will be remembered  by the people he served and by the residents of Monroe County.  

Ritter’s mother and father also attended the ceremony, saying, “The remembrance of Jamieson’s sacrifice means the world to our family. We are touched by the collective support of the County Executive, law enforcement, and legislature to rename the lodge in support of and in memory of first responders.” 

The newly renamed Jamieson Ritter Memorial Lodge, formerly the Lakefront Lodge, is just north of the intersection of Holt and Lake roads.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 6/2/2025)

This year marks an extraordinary milestone for Webster’s Dancing with Denise Dance Studio.

For 40 years, Miss Denise Baller has been bringing joy, rhythm, and a whole lot of sparkle to our community through dance. And now, she’s inviting the community to join her as she celebrates the occasion with an exciting anniversary recital, Rockin’ Around the Clock… 40 Years Later!

The celebration will be held on Saturday, May 24 with two recital performances, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Both performances will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd., and they’re open to the public — no tickets required.

Whether you’re a dance enthusiast or someone who loves supporting local community events, the recital promises to be filled with music, laughter, and the inspiring spirit of the Dancing with Denise family.

More about Dancing With Denise

Since opening her studio fresh out of high school in 1985, Denise Baller has poured her heart into teaching dance, fostering creativity, and building a family-like atmosphere where every child feels special. With her diverse certifications — from Zumba to Baptiste Yoga — and years of experience working with children and adults alike, Miss Denise has created a studio where everyone is welcome. The studio has grown over the years and now offers Baptiste Yoga alongside Country Line Dancing, adding even more excitement and diversity to the classes offered.

And there’s more to Dancing with Denise than just dance classes. From Friday Fun Nights and the annual Holiday Elf School and Date Night events, the studio buzzes with activity year-round. It even hosts a monthly community women’s group called Soul Sisters, where women come together to connect and “fill their cups and their hearts.” Denise’s studio is also an integral part of the local community, proudly participating in parades every year. Girl Scout troops have the opportunity to earn their dance badges, and the studio serves as a hub for birthday celebrations, workshops, and more.

The studio itself has come a long way, too! After starting out in Irondequoit, Denise and her husband Billy remodeled the current Webster location on Gravel Road, a building that now houses not only her studio but also a CrossFit gym and a training center. Through every move and transformation, one thing has stayed constant: Dancing with Denise has always been built around family.

From the very beginning, her parents were vital in creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere the studio is known for. Her father, Frank, could often be found handing out balloons to any child who wanted one, while her mother, Miss Tina, was the friendly, smiling face greeting everyone who entered the waiting room. Their kindness and dedication set the tone for the family-like environment that continues to thrive at the studio.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/21/2025)