webster on the web

In recent months, I’ve written a couple of blogs in honor of the Spry Middle School building turning 100 years old. They included a History Bit I posted last September, and a more recent blog in early June when students and staff there celebrated the occasion.

But I was poking through some old blogs recently and came across this one which I wrote on March 27, 2014 which I thought would also be appropriate to re-post. I actually did feature this as a Bygone Blog back in 2023, but it’s got some fun facts which I thought people would enjoy reading again.

A walk through Webster High

I happened upon my high school library’s stash of old yearbooks yesterday, and thought it would be fun to take a look at one. I chose 1958 — not coincidentally the year I was born — and started paging through it.

Naturally, I expected to see a lot of photos of clubs and activities that would seem quaint today. But I also saw a few things I didn’t expect, and some that made me giggle.

The high school back then — or more accurately, it was called the “Webster Central School” — was what is now Spry Middle School on South Avenue in the village. The class of 1955 was the first to graduate from this “new, larger Webster Central.”

The Webster Central School District Principal that year was Mr. Robert L. Thomas. He was ably assisted by Mr. Herbert W. Schroeder who, despite being brand new to the district that school year, received a glowing review in the yearbook.

“In the brief time we have known him,” the caption reads, “we have come to believe he is also a man with a ‘Forward Look,’ treasuring what is worthwhile of the traditional while adopting what is valid of the new.”

The faculty pages included several names you might also recognize.

• Mr. Richard Batzing, previous Webster Town and Village Historian, taught 8th grade.

• Miss Esther Dunn, who wrote Webster Through the Years, long considered the most complete encyclopedia of Webster history, taught grade 7.

• Mr. William J. O’Rourke Sr., a highly respected and long-time Webster coach, led the varsity basketball team and taught Social Studies on the side.

As I continued to page through the book, some other interesting things jumped out at me.

• All of the girls looked exactly like my mother — at least from the photos I’ve seen of my mother in the 50s.

• Members of the National Honor Society all wore robes, kind of like they were in a super-secret fraternity. Maybe it was back then.

• The school had a “Safety Council.” Next to their photo, the caption read, “With an enlarged force of arresting officers patrolling, the Council promoted safety and respect for WCS in and around the school.” Can you imagine students trying to arrest students these days?

• The Senior Play that year was Around the World in Eighty Days. This week, when the Webster Thomas production of Anything Goes hits the stage with its lavish set, I thought the photos of the senior cast members and their set pieces were charming.

• This caption on the Junior High Girls’ Sports page: “The purpose of junior high girls’ intramurals is two-fold. The most obvious one is that it provides exercise for the release of extra energy.”

• It was great to see so many familiar names in the advertisers listed at the end of the yearbook, who were all there in 1958, and are still there now, including Hegedorn’s I.G.A. Foodliner, Hedge’s Nine-Mile-Point Hotel, and Kittelberger Florist. Other familiar names (but not there any longer) were Bill Gray’s Stand, Burke’s Barber Shop and Lipinski Brothers Hardware. I’m sure there are plenty more that others would recognize, but I haven’t been in Webster that long.

Finally, I learned the Webster Alma Mater. I wonder why we don’t sing it anymore? It goes like this:

Where the Ridge Road forms a border
For the lake and sky,
Proudly stands our Alma Mater,
Dear old Webster High.

Flag of WHS, float for aye,
Old Webster High, o’er thee;
May thy sons be leal and loyal
To thy memory.

When the evening twilight deepens,
And the shadows fall,
Lingers long the golden sunset
On thy western wall.

On second thought, I know why we don’t sing it anymore.

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(editorial note: apparently I spoke too soon. I got an email from Tom Pellett, president of the Webster Museum, who wrote that the alma mater is indeed still sung. He wrote:

Each year at the Webster High Alumni Banquet we close by singing the alma mater …. The tune is the same as Cornell’s and was written, I believe, by Wallace Rayfield back in the early 1900s. The “Webster High” Alumni ends with the class of 1962 as the following year (1963) was the first year of R. L. Thomas High. As you can imagine, the group shrinks a bit every year. 

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(posted 7/28/2026)

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The Webster Arboretum’s bee population has a brand new place to call home.

It’s called a “pollinator chateau” — kind of like a birdhouse for insects — and it was built by Stephen Pietrantoni as his Eagle Scout project.

These tiny wooden houses help boost local garden health by providing a safe place for bees and other beneficial bugs to nest and rest. The project supports pollinating and beneficial insects, along with the essential pollination services they provide. Bees are among the most abundant and effective pollinators in both natural and agricultural habitats, helping plants reproduce and produce the fruits and seeds we eat.

In addition to providing refuge for native bees and other pollinators, this new site at the Webster Arboretum will promote pollinator education, outreach, and citizen science. Educational signage about the chateau is available in the arboretum’s pollinator garden. Although bees are highly diverse across the United States, many people are familiar only with honeybees and bumble bees. Bee hotels help introduce the public to the wide variety of native pollinators and the valuable services they provide.

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(posted 7/25/2026)

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Musicians just want to make music. And they especially like to make music with friends.

Those truisms are the driving force behind Todd and Kristen Baitsholts’ Front Porch Pickin’ gatherings which he holds semi-regularly at their home on Millcreek Run. I first wrote about these sessions last August, when Todd held his first one and hoped to make it a monthly event. I’m not sure if that happened (I rely on my readers to let me know if they see the sign — thank you Margaret). But for sure they were out there a few weeks ago, and thanks to much better weather than he got on his first attempt last year, it drew a larger crowd of neighbors and friends.

To be sure, when I was there, only three of those neighbors and friends had actually joined Todd on the porch “stage,” while everyone else watched from the audience and enjoyed the music. But many of them even scooted up to the porch and grabbed a shaker or tambourine or cabasa or bongos and added some percussion to the mix.

The idea for the Porch Pickin’ sessions grew out of Todd’s love of music, and love for his community.

“I like to sit around and play guitar with other people,” Todd said. “It’s a big neighborhood. There’s gotta be people in the neighborhood who like to play guitar, who wanna get together. … Good or bad, young or old, come down with a guitar.”

So he created Porch Pickin’, an open invitation for anyone to stop by, play a tune, or simply enjoy meeting new people. They start with a specific set list, but if anyone wants to come and do a song of their own, they’re more than welcome.

Todd has scheduled two more Porch Pickin’ sessions this summer at his home at 1300 Millcreek Run, on Wed. August 5 and Wed. Sept. 16. They begin at 7 p.m., and there are snacks and beverages, but feel free to bring your own.

And bring your guitar.

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(posted 7/8/2026)

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The Country Gardeners of Webster and the Klemwood Garden Club invite community members to a Christmas in July Flower Show on Thursday, July 23.

The clubs will be joined by 23 other garden clubs from around Rochester for the flower show, presented by the 7^th District Federated Garden Clubs of NY. The show (according to the flyer) will feature “festive floral displays, sparkling holiday décor, beautifully themed arrangements, horticultural specimens, educational and children’s exhibits, all with the magic of Christmas, wrapped in summer sunshine.”

The show will take place on Thursday, July 23 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Damascus Shrine Center, 979 Bay Rd. It’s free of charge and open to the public. Pictured here are just an example of the kinds of arrangements you’ll find.

So beat the heat, step into a winter wonderland and experience the joy of the holidays in a new way. Wander through beautifully-themed arrangements and gather inspiration for your own celebrations.

The 7th District hosts these flower shows every two years. This is the second time it’s been in Webster; the last one was at the Webster Golf Club in 2024. It was called “A Floral Century” and it celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Federated Garden Clubs. The exhibits pertained to notable eras of the last century, from the Roaring 20’s to Disco to the Microchip Age.   

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(posted 7/7/2026)

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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)

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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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