webster on the web

I popped into Threads and Tonic the other day, just to see how things were going. The shop’s been open for about three weeks now at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster, and I hadn’t been in since I wrote my first blog about the new place. So I wandered down to check in and get an update.

Turns out, things are going pretty great.

Threads and Tonic is owned by Tracy Adkins, who’s passionate about both bartending and vintage clothes. With her new mocktail bar, she’s found a brilliant way to combine those two interests into a quirky little shop which blends a healthy, no-alcohol social gathering place with a casual vintage clothing shopping experience.

The Webster community has embraced Threads and Tonic warmly. Tracy’s been seeing a steady stream of customers come through, some for the mocktails and fresh-pressed juices (which are especially popular), others for the clothes. Many for both. It’s been a strong start so far, which she’s continuing to build on, with lowered prices, regular specials and sales, and a brand new food menu.

Right now her specials include:

• Thrift and Tonic Tuesdays: 10% vintage clothing, and $1 off any mocktail or NA beer
• Wellness Wednesdays: purchase any NA beer, juice or mocktail and get a free wellness shot
• Teacher Appreciation Thursdays: 20% off
• Plus, first responders and military get 20% all day, every day

And the new food menu? It includes treats like a charcuterie plate, loaded hummus and homemade pineapple peach salsa. (I tried this — it was to die for).

All together — the drinks, the food, the comfortable living-room-esque seating, and the staff — make for a very welcoming experience. In nice weather you’ll even find the front door propped open, an invitation to wander in, browse the vintage clothes, grab a drink and perhaps a snack, and just pause our crazy lives for a just a little while.

Threads and Tonic is located at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find out more and watch some very cute Instagram videos on their Facebook page.

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(posted 6/24/2026)

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

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Sure, sure, sure … it’s still a few months away, but plans are well under way for the Webster Comfort Care Home’s 5th Annual Raise the Stakes Casino Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

This is an exciting evening of gaming, prizes and fun while supporting a great cause. Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone will emcee the evening, which will have casino-style gaming tables, a silent auction, raffles, cash bar featuring a signature cocktail and mocktail, appetizers, hors d’oeuvres, light bites, and desserts. Plus, everybody gets $500 in complimentary chips included with admission (additional chips available for purchase).

Tickets are $75 per person, and they’re available now. There are also plenty of sponsorship opportunities ranging from ads in the program for $25 to a Blackjack Table Sponsorship for $2,500. Click here to purchase tickets, ads and sponsorship opportunities.

Bring your friends and enjoy a memorable night with plenty of chances to win. Every dollar raised supports the compassionate end-of-life care provided by Webster Comfort Care Home.

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(posted 6/19/2026)

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).

We’re going to begin today’s mailbag with a fun event taking place this weekend — a Raise the Steaks Meat Raffle to benefit Challenger Miracle Field.

It takes place this Saturday, June 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at St. Nicholas Society, 206 Madison St., East Rochester. Tickets are $20, and you can purchase them online here. (This is a 21+ event.)

If you’ve never been to a meat raffle, you’re missing out on a great evening of raffles, drinks, apps, lots of laughs and lots of chances to bring home the bacon — literally (or steaks or hot dogs or pork chops…).

All proceeds will benefit Challenger Miracle Field, which provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

Support the Webster Comfort Care Home

The Webster Comfort Care Home is promoting a fund-raiser in collaboration with Webster Interiors.

From June 1 through August 31, Webster Interiors, located at 975 Ebner Dr., will donate a portion of qualifying sales to support the compassionate end-of-life care provided by the Webster Comfort Care Home.

• 25% of all in-stock furniture, accessories, lighting, and area rug purchases will be donated.
• 10% of all special-order purchases will be donated.
• You’ll receive Webster Interiors’ guaranteed best pricing.

Participating is easy: simply show a screenshot of this post when you visit the Webster Interiors showroom and let them know you’d like your purchase to support Webster Comfort Care Home. Every purchase can make a difference.

Old books. Great prices.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s next Vintage and Collectible Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s community room.

You can browse 14 tables and about 250 books, which will be conveniently sorted by theme. Most books will be priced below $20. Check the flyer for more details.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Calling all 1971 RLT grads!

The RL Thomas Class of 1971 is planning its 55th reunion, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 2 and 3.

Plans right now are for an informal gathering Friday night at Bill Gray’s on Ridge Rd., followed by a big party open Saturday at the White House at Webster Park.

More details will follow, but in the meantime, mark your calendars!

An aromatic Christmas in July

The public is invited to beat the heat and step into a winter wonderland (without the snow) for the Christmas in July flower show on July 23, filled with festive floral displays, sparkling holiday decor, and the sweet scent of the season in full bloom.

Wander through beautiful themed arrangements, gather inspiration for your own celebrations, and enjoy the magic of Christmas wrapped in summer sunshine. The event will also feature horticultural, educational and children’s exhibits.

Two clubs from Webster, Country Gardeners of Webster and Klemwood Garden Club, will be represented, along with 23 other clubs in and around the Rochester area.  

“Christmas in July” is presented by the 7^th District Federated Garden Clubs of NY, and will be held on Thursday July 23 at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd., from 1 to 5 p.m. It’s open to the public and free of charge. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

Bring your friends, bring your family—and experience the joy of the holidays in a whole new way! 

What do you love about the library?

The Webster Public Library’s community survey is still up and running, and the folks over there would really like your thoughts about their spaces and services.

Through August 1, they’re asking library patrons to fill out a quick survey. Your answers will help them figure out which spaces and services people are really happy with right now, and which ones might need improvement. Basically, you’re going to help them decide how best to spend their limited funds.

It’s a really quick survey, and only takes about five minutes, and aside from asking your gender and age for statistical purposes, you can fill it out anonymously. BUT if you’d like a chance to win a library swag bag, make sure to include your email address at the end.

There are a few ways you can access the form. First, try this Microsoft form. But if that doesn’t work on your browser, click through to the library webpage here, where you’ll find a link which should work. The survey will be available through August 1.

Chamber welcomes new staff member

The Webster Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed a new staff member on their team, Colleen Heinle.

Colleen has been hired as an Administrative Assistant. Her background includes professional responsibilities involving management, staffing, training, and administrative support.

Colleen enjoys working outside in her yard and garden, growing her own herbs and vegetables. She loves to read historical fiction, memoirs, and autobiographies. On the screen she enjoys historical and period dramas, Food Network, Jeopardy, news, current event shows, and “anything Martha Stewart.” Her pride and joy is her son Joseph, serving as a Lt. in the US Air Force BioMedical group, stationed in Abilene, TX. You may even see her at the Memorial Art Gallery, a beloved go-to.

The Chamber’s membership and use of services — especially their rocENROLL HEALTH health insurance services — have been expanding rapidly, so adding a new assistant became necessary to help handle the workload.

Fairport Angels Blood Drive

Here’s an event that’s actually happening in Fairport, but I know is well supported by our Webster community members:

The Fairport Angels Annual Blood Drive will be held Wednesday, June 18 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. John of Rochester gymnasium, 8 Wickford Way in Fairport.

This annual blood drive is held in memory of the “Fairport Angels” — Hannah Congdon, Bailey Goodman, Meredith McClure, Sara Monnat and Katie Shirley — all Fairport High School seniors lost their lives 18 years ago in an accident only five days after their graduation day. The drive is a way to keep their memories alive and help others.

This is a very popular blood drive, so pre-registration is recommended so the Red Cross can adequately staff the drive. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

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(posted 6/17/2026)

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

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A few years ago, for a very brief moment, I was a member of the Village of Webster Parks Committee. One of the first projects I worked on as part of that committee was to take a walking survey of each of our village parks to review what condition they were in and what improvements should be made.

I remember noting that each of our five parks could use a face lift, some more so than others. But by far, Schantz Park (located between Hawley Dr. and State Rd.), with its overgrown tennis courts and run-down basketball court and baseball field was the worst.

So I was very pleased to read in the most recent Village of Webster newsletter that Schantz Park is finally going to get some attention and some upgrades it so desperately needs.

Some of the ideas being proposed include:

• installing a walking trail around the perimeter of the park
• resurfacing the basketball court
• updating the playground equipment and surface
• upgrading and enlarging the parking lot along State Rd.
• turning the old tennis courts into pickleball courts
• replacing the baseball field with soccer nets and obstacle course equipment

The project is still in the design stage, and they’d like to get community input. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed ideas, and add some of their own as well. You can use this online comment form to submit your thoughts.

Village Trustee Mike Morency will be reviewing the feedback and working with Deputy Mayor Jerry Ippolito and the Village of Webster Public Works staff to improve the park’s current facilities and create a multi-use park that will better serve our village residents.

By the way, wondering what those five parks are? They are: Schantz Park, Harmony Park (on Phillips Rd.), Veterans Memorial Park (on North Ave.), Milton R. Case Memorial Park (between South Ave. and Wood St.) and the Wilmorite Recreation Area (on Iroquois St.) Here’s a link to a Village Parks brochure for more information.

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(posted 6/12/2026)

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

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Leading off today’s mailbag, this happy bit of news from the Webster Arboretum:

The Webster Arboretum is proud to announce that it has now achieved Level 1 Accredited Arboretum status through the ArbNet’s Morton Register of Arboreta, the world’s only international accreditation program specific to arboreta.

The Webster Arboretum stands as a distinguished natural asset within the Webster Community. The site features one and a half miles of walking trails, curated gardens, a serene pond, and preserved wooded areas, offering an inviting environment for those seeking tranquility. Throughout the seasons, native and rare species of trees and plants enhance the landscape, providing picturesque views reminiscent of fine artwork. The harmonious integration of natural beauty with thoughtful human stewardship sets the Webster Arboretum apart as a valued resource.

Their collections include a variety of exceptional species: tree peonies, magnolias, witch hazels, and numerous mature oaks—a keystone species in the region. Noteworthy specimens include Quercus robur ‘General Pulaski,’ a distinctive dwarf curly leaf English Oak; Pinus sylvestris ’Moseri,’ a rare dwarf Scots Pine; and Pterostyrax, an impressive epaulette tree that reaches thirty feet in both height and width. A particular highlight is the Sequoiadendron giganteum ‘Pendulum,’ a striking giant weeping sequoia prominently featured in their courtyard.

Congratulations to the Arboretum, a true Webster community gem!

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Speaking of the Arboretum, here’s a great way to support them while having a delightful evening out in the village.

On Thursday May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., Lala of Webster (at 38 E. Main St.) will host a “Sip, Shop and Savor” event to benefit the Arboretum.

Shop three floors of value at Lala’s, and choose an item valued at $15 or more to donate to The Webster Arboretum. As a thank-you, you’ll get 20% the rest of your purchases. Then take your receipt next door to Jojo’s Bistro and Wine Bar, and get 20% off there, too. Jojo’s always has live music on Thursdays, so it’s a great opportunity for a date night!

Great food for a great cause

Now onto another great local resource.

The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy a full meal including: salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink (bottled water, tea, and coffee). Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. While you’re there, check out the bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Comfort Care Home.

The Webster Masons hold a spaghetti dinner on the first Friday of every month from October through June and each benefits a Webster charity or not-for-profit organization.

ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd.

Join the Rec Center’s Fitness Focus Group

The Webster Recreation Center is calling all community members to join their Fitness Focus Group, which will help shape the future of the Rec Center’s program, facilities and group exercise options.

Here’s a great description of what to expect, from Fitness Coordinator Jay Verna:

The mission of the Fitness Focus Group is to foster open communication, gather diverse member perspectives, and support continuous improvement of our programs, equipment, and facility. Through thoughtful engagement and shared ideas, the group will help ensure that our fitness offerings continue to meet the evolving needs of our community. The group will meet periodically to review ideas, discuss emerging needs, and work together to support a welcoming, effective, and community-focused fitness environment. My goal is to keep time commitment to a minimum and give the community a voice as we look to improve our fitness facility, equipment, and group exercise programming.

Community members interested in contributing can contact Jay at jverna@websterny.gov with their information and a brief note about why they’d like to participate. Submissions are open through May 31.

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(posted 5/19/2026)

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).

I’ve recently been taking a nostalgic look through all of the blogs I’ve written in the (almost) past 20 years since I began this blogging journey. I naively have been thinking that I should collect some of them into a book for my kids to read after I’m gone.

Well, I don’t know about them, but I’ve really been enjoying revisiting them, and some of them still make me laugh out loud (is it OK to laugh at your own writing?) Every once in a while I come across one which I think you all might also enjoy reading. Some of you might recognize these “oldies but goodies,” but I’ve gained so many new readers in the past few years, for most of you they’ll be brand new.

This has always been one of my favorites, drawn from my frequent walks along the bike path adjacent to Rt. 104 in the village. I originally posted it four years ago this week.

The Tale of the Wandering Box Spring

I bring you a short modern fairy tale today about loss, but ultimate redemption.

Our story begins last summer, when a lone box spring appeared in the wooded area along the pleasantly shady and tree-lined path known to local residents as the Trail of Bike. It rested comfortably along the north side of the Trail, only several feet from where cyclists and walkers would pass. It probably would have found its way deeper into the brush had a metal chain-link obstruction not halted its progress.

Clearly, the poor box spring had lost its way ‘twixt the small brick village nearby and Ye Olde Dumpstre.

One day, as I took a stroll along the Trail of Bike, I saw that some simple traveler (or perhaps a Box Spring Fairy?) had taken pity and extracted the wayward box from the wooded area, placing it on the grassy yard near the small village’s courts of tennis. Surely someone would notice it lying there and return it to its home — or at least help it finally find Ye Olde Dumpstre.

Alas, the poor box lay there through the rest of the summer, through the cold winds of autumn and blustery snows of winter, still lost and alone. And three weeks ago, as the spring flowers returned to the trees, it lay there still, filled with water from the melting snows.

One day, the Box Spring Fairy apparently took note, pushing it closer yet to the the courts of tennis. Perhaps finally some administrator from the small village would see it and take pity.

Huzzah! It did get moved one day! The laborers assigned to trim the grassy yard moved it aside … then moved it back.

Last week, the Box Spring Fairy tried once again, flipping the box head over heels several times until it came to rest standing against the fence surrounding the courts of tennis.

Today, it is gone. A happy ending.

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(posted 5/13/2026)

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

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A hearty congratulations to three Webster Schroeder students who have been recognized for excellence on the stage.

Brodie Walrath, Lilah Kastrinos and Rory Goodwin were all recently nominated for “NYC Bound,” a competition to choose two students to represent Rochester at the prestigious Jimmy Awards in New York City. The three exceptional young actors were recognized for their outstanding performances in Webster Schroeder’s production of On the Town in February.

The Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s (RBTL) Stars of Tomorrow evaluators reviewed more than 300 individual roles this year, performed by high school students in musicals throughout the region. Nearly 200 of those students chose to be considered for the NYC Bound track. To qualify, students had to perform an eligible lead role and be judged separately from their school’s overall production. From that massive talent pool, evaluators culled the nominees down to just 40 exceptional young musical performers, including our very own Webster Schroeder stars.

The community has two upcoming opportunities to celebrate and support these talented students:

• May 8 – Stars of Tomorrow Gala: Often described as the “Tony Awards for high school theater,” this ticketed gala brings together all 200 performers and cast members to celebrate participating local students. The Webster Schroeder On The Town cast is one of 47 schools that will perform a selection from their musical on the RBTL Auditorium Theatre stage.

• May 21 – NYC Bound Competition: The 40 top nominees will compete to represent Rochester at the Jimmy Awards, with the two winners announced at the close of the evening. This event is free and open to the public.

While I didn’t get to see the final production of On the Town, I did crash one of the dress rehearsals, so I can rightfully say that I’m not surprised that these three were recognized. (You can read my blog about that experience here.) It’s been a pleasure watching them grow as actors through their high school careers. And in the case of Rory, who’s just a sophomore, I look forward to seeing him grow even more in future productions.

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(posted 5/5/2026)

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).

Time is running out to achieve the ambitious Mail Call: Letters From Home goal set at the beginning of this month to collect 1,000 letters and notes for our deployed service members.

During this month-long challenge — an initiative of Wreaths Across America Webster — community members have been encouraged to stop by one of a dozen businesses throughout Webster which are hosting mailboxes (like the one above at the Webster Recreation Center) and fill out a card with a simple message of thanks, or we’re thinking of you, or we’re proud of you. The messages will then be sent overseas this June inside care packages prepared by the Blue Star Mothers of Rochester. It’s a simple way to spread some joy to our local service members stationed abroad.

The community has already been very supportive (thank you!) and the mail boxes are beginning to fill up. But many more cards need to be written if we want to achieve that ambitious goal. Think about maybe doing some at home as a family project, or as a class project in school. Or maybe ask your church group to make cards. Let’s get everyone involved!

When you’re ready to drop them off, you’ll find mailboxes at these locations:

• American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
• Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
• KeyBank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
• KeyBank: 980 Ridge Rd.
• Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
• M.O. Pasta: 5 E. Main St.
• Lala of Webster: 38 E. Main St.
• Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E. Main St.
• Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
• Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.
• Kittelberger Florist: 263 North Ave.
• The North Bee: 27 North Ave.

And if you’ve asked yourself whether this project is worth the effort, consider this story: One service member said he kept a young student’s card in his backpack throughout deployment. “Whenever I was scared, and didn’t feel like I could go on,” he said, “I’d take out that crayoned card, and knew someone was thinking of me.” You can imagine the joy we can all spread with 1,000 cards and letters. THAT’s what the Mail Call challenge is all about.

Messages will be collected through the end of April, so please stop by a mailbox soon and spend a moment to brighten a service member’s day.

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(posted 4/21/2026)

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).