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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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(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)

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(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)

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(posted 5/21/2025)

Thousands of Webster high school students, their families and friends braved the cloudy, cool weather Sunday night at the Senior Luminary Walk, held at the Webster Recreation Center.

This annual event, sponsored by the Webster Thomas PTSA, Webster Schroeder PTSA and Webster Teachers’ Association (WTA), celebrates our graduating seniors with hundreds of luminaries, white bags with candles inside, placed along the entire length of the Chiyoda Trail, which almost completely encircles the Recreation Center property on Chiyoda Drive. Earlier in the day, 30 volunteers worked for an hour and a half to distribute more than 600 of the twinkling bags, each one labeled with the name of a graduating Webster Thomas, Webster Schroeder, GOAL or OWL student.

At the beginning of the trail, students and their family members were greeted by inspirational messages chalked on the sidewalk, and the Webster Schroeder and Thomas mascots (available for photo ops) before they strolled along the almost mile-long trail. One family after another would pause periodically near one of the bags, as proud parents snapped photos of their seniors. Halfway along the path, Webster Thomas English teacher Tammy Abbe cheered at the top of her lungs for each student as they passed, and handed out noisemakers to make it all even more fun.

As the students returned to the Rec Center at the end of the walk, each was handed a lawn sign to display at their home — prompting even more proud-parent photos.

This is the fifth year the PTSAs and WTA have held the Senior Luminary Walk. It began back in 2021, when we were still hip-deep in the pandemic, and special events were being cancelled one after the other. The organizations wanted to do something to make sure our seniors felt special and celebrated for their achievements. The Luminary Walk was perfect; a creative, socially-distanced way to honor them. It was expected to be a one-time event. But it proved to be so successful, it’s come back every year since.

Stacie Peters, Webster Schroeder/GOAL PTSA chair, added these thoughts:

Many families stated last night this was their 2nd child they were at the walk for and it’s one of their fav senior events. We also love how it pulls both schools together with many families knowing each other through sports, music, etc.

We are so grateful to art teachers Jack Golden from Schroeder and Todd Stahl from Thomas who designed the yard signs this year. They did a fantastic job! Dr. Benz (Schroeder principal), Glenn Widor (Thomas principal), Rebecca Saiff (GOAL Admin) & Ari Halaris (OWL Admin) were all there handing out the yard signs. We are so thankful for their support in partnering with us on this memorable event!

We are so grateful to WTA who also partnered with us, and helped us get the labels, bags completed plus student volunteers. A special shout out to Denise Warren, Linda Law, Craig Johnson, Stephanie O’Connor and Chris Wojtas. The secretaries at the Schroeder and Thomas offices are also amazing in making sure we have every student covered. We are thankful to our athletic directors Shawn Strege and Steve LaMonica for making sure the mascots are at the event as well! The students love having their pictures taken with the Warrior and Titan!

This event would not be possible for our hardworking PTSA volunteers. It is a labor of love to open bags, fill each one with sand, add a luminary candle and then place it on the trail. We definitely get our steps in during set up and take down! We also have volunteers who set up twinkling lights along the trail and chalk the sidewalk. A special shout out to lead Schroeder parents Laura Madison, Gloria Santoli and lead Thomas parents Shanna LaDelpha and Katie McCarthy. 

Mr. Snowy is always a fun treat and enjoyed by all. We probably had over 2,000 people at the event. Webster Parks & Rec director Chris Bilow is always so wonderful in allowing us to utilize the trail, letting us borrow tables and putting on overhead lights as it gets dark.

Congratulations to all the graduating seniors and good luck in the years ahead!

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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 5/20/2025)

Color Webster Green and Webster Public Library are presenting a special program all about recycling on Tuesday April 8.

The hour-long program, called “Recycling 101: Understanding Monroe County’s Recycling Systems,” will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s community room. Meagan Evans-Saurini, the Environmental Educator for Monroe County’s Department of Environmental Services will help clear up the confusion about what can and cannot be recycled, tell us more about the county’s recycling programs, how to “Recycle Right,” and provide information regarding the Monroe County/WM ecopark.

The program will be held Tuesday April 8 at the Webster Public Library, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring your questions! Please register here.

Calling all (former) Dancing With Denise Dancers

Denise Baller is celebrating her Dancing With Denise dance studio’s 40th anniversary this year, and she’s looking for help to do that.

“Miss Denise” is planning a huge 40th anniversary recital on Saturday, May 24 (and some other special events are in the works) and is asking for help from past students and families to make the milestone even more special. I’ll be writing a more detailed blog about her plans in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, If you have pictures from the studio’s history over the past 40 years, please send them to dwdmissdenise@gmail.com. Your memories will help paint a beautiful tapestry of the studio’s journey.

Stay tuned for more information, but start looking through your photos now!

Next blood drive to feature cookies from the Women’s Club of Webster

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood donor drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Road, Webster.  

Blood donors will be warmly greeted at the cantina by members of the Women’s Club of Webster, and enjoy supremely scrumptious homemade cookies to enjoy with their juice.

The whole process takes only about an hour. Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

The Friends of Webster Trails has a workday coming up this month, scheduled at the State Road Nature Preserve, 1571 State Rd. (just west of Salt Rd.).

The trails at this new preserve need some TLC, including trimming brush from the sides of the trails, removing stumps in the trail, and cleaning out some trash. There’s a variety of tasks, suitable for many skill levels.

Volunteers should bring shovels, pick axe, loppers, pruning shears, a hand saw and water. Wear long sleeves and pants, boots (State Road NP can be muddy), gloves and bug spray.

Work will last from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please click here to register.

Second Call for Trail Partners

The Friends of Webster Trails has also just put out another call for trail partners, volunteers who love our trails and would like to help maintain them.

The Friends are looking for volunteers to help with these few specific trails: 

• Whiting Road Nature Preserve Blue Trail
• Whiting Road Nature Preserve Yellow Trail
• Four Mile Creek Preserve Yellow Trail
• Four Mile Creek Preserve Red Trail
• Four Mile Creek Preserve Orange Trail

If you’re interested, contact Trail Committee Chair Linda A. Siple at lindasiple52@gmail.com.

What happening at the library in April?

For children and families:

• Egg Hunt on Friday April 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Bring the family to search for Easter eggs at the library after hours, and enjoy some craft time afterwards. Registration is not required.
• Earth Day Drop-in Crafts, Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Up-cycle materials into creative crafts to celebrate Earth Day. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required.

For teens and tweens:

• Make it Monday: Perler Beads, Monday April 14, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and up and adults are welcome. Registration is requested.
• Teen Library Club, Wed. April 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. For grades 6 to 12, registration is requested.

For adults:

• Adventures on the Appalachian Trail, Tuesday April 22, 6 to 8 p.m. Phil Arnold shares stories and video from his backpacking adventures. Registration is required.
• Mysteries in Stone: Headstone Symbols and the Graveyard Poets, Thursday April 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cherie Wood reveals hidden meanings carved in the gravestones of our colonial and Victorian ancestors. Registration is required.

This month’s Community Exchange is party supplies! Bring in your unused party stuff and swap it out for something New-to-you! And April’s Donation Station is accepting period products for NY Hope, and food, personal care and household items for Willow Domestic Violence Center.

Women’s Club announces April luncheon

The April luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday April 17 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. Diane Miller, Associate Broker with the Re/Max Realty Group, will offer tips for people thinking of making a move, for those wanting to age in place safely, and tips for organizing life information to reduce stress.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Diane’s presentation. Cost of the luncheon is $22. Send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by April 10 (FIRM) to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. 

Webster Arboretum program

The Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Curry Building. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.

Books books books (cheap books!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. The first day of the sale, Wednesday April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends Members. The public is welcome Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m, when hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Friday May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5.

And don’t forget about the Special Needs Parent Resource Fair scheduled for Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. More details about this to come, but stick it on your calendar now. No registration is necessary for this event!

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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 4/2/2025)

You’ve been hearing a lot about this month’s Mail Call Challenge, when we as a town are joining forces to write 1,000 cards and letters for our troops. (There’s more information about that in tonight’s blog.)

The Blue Star Mothers will be shipping those letters overseas in care packages this June. They’d also like to include a box of Girl Scout Cookies in each of those care packages. But right now they’re about 60 boxes short.

Girl Scout Troop 60344 is still taking online orders for cookies to send with the care packages, and are REALLY hoping you can help them meet their goal. Here’s all you have to do:

• Click here to go to the online cookie store.
• Scroll all the way down until you see this option:

• Choose how many boxes you’d like to donate (a variety will be automatically chosen for you) and then check out.

Thank you for helping our Girl Scouts fulfill their mission of service, and for bringing joy to our deployed service members.

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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 4/1/2025)