Archive | Uncategorized RSS feed for this section

November History Bit: What in the world is a penny-farthing?

11 Nov

In this month’s History Bit, we honor the big bicycle with the funny name: the penny-farthing. 

If you’ve ever visited the Webster Museum, chances are you’re already familiar with the penny-farthing. It’s that old-fashioned bicycle with the big front wheel and little back wheel that sits in a case just inside the museum’s front door.  

It’s such an iconic piece of Webster history that many years ago it was chosen as the logo for the Webster Museum, and more recently, as the name for the museum’s new members and friends newsletter. 

More about that later, but first, a little history.  

The penny-farthing, or high-wheel bicycle, was invented in 1871 by the British engineer James Starley. Its name comes from the large disparity in size between the front and rear wheels, which resembled the British penny and farthing coins. This was the first efficient bicycle, replacing the velocipede or “bone shaker,” a pedal-driven cycle with wooden or metal wheels that was uncomfortable due to the lack of shock absorption. What made the penny-farthing better was its large front wheel, which allowed for greater speed.

In 1976, the Neuert family donated a penny-farthing to the newly created Webster Through the Years Museum. It was built around 1877 and was purchased by Marion’s father-in-law, Jacob Neuert for $49.50 in the 1890s. Jacob passed the bicycle onto his son, Ray, who attempted to ride it in the Webster Centennial Parade in 1940. Unfortunately, a loose tire sent Ray “over the top,” resulting in several broken toes. More recently, the penny-farthing was ridden by descendants of the Neuert family in several Webster parades.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the penny-farthing ridden in one of our parades, but its memory is being honored again as the title of a brand new members and friends newsletter penned and designed by Webster Museum volunteers. 

The Penny-Farthing, introduced in October, is packed with historical photos and stories, event notices, and information about the museum. The next issue will be published this month, then every few months in the new year. If you’d like to be added to the distribution list, email WebsterMuseum@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see last month’s edition, click here.

Stop in and see the penny-farthing for yourself at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster (and imagine trying to ride it!). The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

* * *

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 11/11/2024)

Young local dancers join the Nutcracker ensemble this weekend

6 Nov

A holiday classic is returning to the Auditorium Theatre this weekend, and once again some of our very talented local kids will be taking part.

About 45 boys and girls ages 5 to 18 from Webster’s Dancing With Denise studio will be performing alongside the full international professional Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet troupe this year, filling the roles of little snowflakes, mice, party children, snow sprites, snow maidens, and variations. It’s a rare opportunity for these kids to audition, rehearse and perform with a professional, international touring ballet company.

The Nutcracker is truly a magical show, from the bright Christmas-Eve-celebration colors, costumes and staging in the first act, to the sparkling wintry scenes in Act II, all wrapped in the beautiful music we all know so well. The addition of adorable local children makes it even more enchanting.

Aside from the children, The Nutcracker features an award-winning ensemble from Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and more. It’s marking its 32nd tour this holiday season, with stops in more than 50 cities across the country. As part of their “Dance With Us” program, the company partners with local dance studios like Dancing with Denise to cast young talent to perform onstage alongside the professional artists. This is the 16th year Dancing with Denise has had the privilege of being chosen to host this magical event. 

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet will take the stage on Saturday Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. at The West Herr Auditorium Theatre. Word is the show is almost sold out, so get your tickets soon. Click here to order online.

* * *

Preparing for the Nutcracker isn’t the only thing keeping these young dancers busy.

The Dancing with Denise Nutcracker families organized their first-ever Making Spirits Soar Project this year, creating performance care packages for each of the professional dancers.

Thanks to tremendous support from all the DWD families, enough funds were raised to purchase, create, and decorate care packages for all 40 of the Nutcracker cast members. The idea is to provide the international dancers with food and treats to give them energy and protein while they’re on tour.

The Dancing With Denise students will present the care packages to the dancers during their stage rehearsal on the day of the show. (A few photos from the packing day are below.)

The Dancing With Denise studio is located at 1077 Gravel Rd. in West Webster.

* * *

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 11/6/2024)

Trick or Treat Trail, Bourbon Bash coming up

24 Oct

Here’s your last reminder about two fun events coming up this weekend and next in the Village of Webster.

This Saturday Oct. 26, the village’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Basically, for three hours, kids (and parents) can wander the village and pop in and out of dozens of businesses, trick-or-treating. The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m., at Village Hall. It only takes a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating.

And don’t forget to stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., where they’ll be hosting their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, and then take the short walk to Lapham Park to visit Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

* * *

This year’s Bourbon Bash takes place next weekend, Saturday Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.

Local distilleries including Black Button and Smokin’ Tails, and distributors including Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Several Village of Webster restaurants will provide food samples to complement the bourbons. The event will also feature raffles and bourbon products for sale.

Click here for tickets. They cost $33.85, which includes the Eventbrite fee.

ID is required at entry.

The Trick or Treat Trail and the Bourbon Bash are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about the next big event, Winter Wonderland, scheduled for Saturday Dec. 7 beginning at 3 p.m.

* * *

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 10/24/2024)

Webster community mailbag

14 Oct

News from the Friends of Webster Trails

This coming weekend, you can help the Friends of Webster Trails make our natural areas more resilient by helping with the ReTree Webster effort.

ReTree Webster is a program which recognizes that Webster’s forests are under attack from insects and disease. As thousands of ash, hemlock, oak and beech die, they’re replaced by invasive and, usually, non-native trees.  The Friends of Webster Trails developed the ReTree program to fight back, by purchasing or growing new trees and planting them in our open spaces.

A variety of small tree seedlings that are no more than 5 inches tall in square pots, with tags to identify species.

The Friends’ annual ReTree planting event is this Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. They’ve got lots of trees that need planting and could use lots of help moving the seedlings from the nursery to the field. This would be a great family activity, a way to teach your kids about the importance of respecting nature.

Due to limited parking at the planting site, volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. the ReTree Nursery/First Responders’ playground on Chiyoda Dr. and carpool from there. Bring work gloves, shovels and tick repellent.

Hiking and a treat

Also from the Friends: the annual Hot Cocoa Hike has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Hike in the dark, with a sweet treat at the end. Bring your flashlight for a family-friendly hike through the woods of the Chiyoda trail. The loop is approximately 1.3 miles long, and includes a stop for socialization and hot cocoa.

The trail will start at the right-hand (west) side of the Parks and Rec building and be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path. So that everyone can enjoy this event, please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time.

This is a fun, free, and self-guided hike. Please leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving at your hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m.

Note: Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event. Please be sure to register so the Friends know how much hot cocoa to have on hand.

Presentation will discuss vision issues

Community members who are concerned with vision issues that might arise as we get older are invited to attend an informational talk at the Webster Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23, sponsored by The Visionaries, a support group for adults with low-to-no vision.

Dr. Robert Ryan from the University of Rochester’s Flaum Institute will talk about making vision a health priority. He’ll explain some of the issues people may face such as macular degeneration, dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage, and the current treatment options available at Flaum.

The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the Webster Public Library Community Room, and doors will open at 1:45. No registration is necessary. For more information on The Visionaries or this event, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 441-8264.

Get your tickets now for the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash

Tickets are now available for two of the Village of Webster’s most popular events, the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash.

The annual Beer Walk (which this year is the Wine and Beer Walk) returns to the streets of Webster on Saturday Oct. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Participants will wander through the village and pop into local businesses, which will be providing snacks and samples of craft beers, poured in your own personal mini pint glass.

You’ll pick up your glass, wristband and punch ticket at the Coach Sports Bar, 19 West Main. Take a photo of the map of participating vendors, and after sampling food and drinks at the Coach, continue your adventure to any of the remaining stops on the map. Bring your ID, because you won’t be allowed to start without it.

Tickets are $20 (plus an eventbrite service fee), and this event usually sells out, so click here and get your tickets today.

The Bourbon Bash has been scheduled for Saturday Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.

This popular event lets you sample lots of bourbons, along with some tasty treats. Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails will be there, along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace. Village of Webster restaurants including The Coach and BC’s Chicken Coop will have food samples to complement the bourbons. There will also be some raffles of bourbon products. ID is required for entrance.

Both of these great events are sponsored by the Webster Village Business Improvement District. And stay tuned for more information about another fun BID event, the Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26.

Two great ways to support the Friends of the Public Library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are hosting two big fundraising events next month.

The first is the Library Hats for Sale fundraiser, from Nov. 5 through Nov. 23 (or while supplies last). Dozens of handcrafted hats will be on sale, created by the library’s very own Sit and Stitch group and Friends members. They’re priced to sell and are great for gifts or stocking stuffer for that special person you want to surprise with a one-of-a-kind gift.

Of course, it’s perfectly OK to buy one for yourself, or buy one and donate it to the library’s Hat and Mitten Tree which supports Webster Hope. 

The hats will be on sale during regular library hours.

The Friends will also host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. A dozen different tables will be set up, each with a different theme, offering a total of 199 hardcover and paperback books priced between $8 and $125. Many are priced between $10 and $30, attractive for collectors or those who might like to resell them.  

The table themes are:

  • Railroads
  • Louis L’Amour westerns (hardcover, faux leather-bound editions)
  • Scotland or Scottish themes
  • War
  • books about New York State and the upstate/Rochester area
  • Older Fiction Books
  • Juvenile Books
  • Miscellaneous topics  (two tables)

Three tables will each have two separate topics on them:

  • Art books and books about Music
  • Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing” series of hardcover books (many first printings, some signed by O’Reilly); and hardcover novels by early-20th century novelist Louis Bromfield
  • books about George Washington; and novels and stories illustrated by N. C. Wyeth

Make sure to get there early for the best selection. Proceeds from both sales will benefit Webster Public Library.

What’s happening at the Rec?

Lots of fun events for all ages coming up at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

  • Spooky Luncheon for ages 55+, Thursday Oct. 31 at noon. Dress up in costume and enjoy snacks, lunch, sweet treats and fun. Register for activity #341802-A by Oct. 25. Cost is $8.
  • Saturday Night Live-themed Halloween Fitness Class Sampler, Saturday Oct. 26 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Try one of the Rec Center’s regularly scheduled Saturday morning classes. The instructors will be dressed as their favorite SNL characters, and you’re encouraged to do the same. There’s no charge.
  • Concert Apparel and Coat Drive hosted by the Webster Central School District PTSA, Saturday Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Rec Center’s front patio. At the same time, you can also drop off your carved pumpkins for the Pumpkins on Parade event that evening.
  • Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. At this amazing family-friendly event, the Rec Center lines the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — with brightly glowing Jack-o-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts and family fun. Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.
  • Coming up in November and December, watch for more details about the Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 2 along the Chiyoda Trail, and the Afternoon With Santa, Saturday Dec. 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

* * *

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 10/13/2024)

Webster Health & Education Network receives grant

11 Oct

One of the organizations I’ve gotten involved with as I’ve become more connected with the Webster community is the Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN), which recently received some exciting news.

Since it was established in 1995, WHEN has become a leader in the advocacy and promotion of healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in the Webster community. The organization works closely with the Webster Central School District, town and community resources to support drug education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to delay, decrease and prevent substance abuse among youth, because research suggests that the longer youth wait to use drugs and/or alcohol, the less likely it is that they’ll become addicted later in life.

​Aside from that important mission, one of the things I really like about WHEN is that it is truly a community effort. The coalition now boasts 146 members, representing business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals and others.

Recently, the great work that WHEN does was confirmed when the organization was awarded a $625,000 federal grant from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) under the Drug-Free Communities Support Program. The grant will allow WHEN to continue its efforts to build a safe, healthy, and drug-free community.

WHEN received their first federal grant from the ONDCP in December 2019. That $625,0000 grant, received over five years, was used to involve and engage the community to empower Webster youth to grow up strong and substance-free. The second and final grant will again be received over five years, and will begin in December of 2024 to continue and expand their efforts.

During the past five years, WHEN has expanded partnerships, provided in-person and online community resources, organized events, incorporated youth feedback, increased community awareness, and advocated for smoke-free parks and reasonable cannabis restrictions. Improving trendlines in alcohol use, vaping, and cannabis use by Webster students, as shown in recent Youth Risk Behavior Surveys, suggests that youth may be benefiting from these efforts. 

To find out more about the Webster Health & Education Network, and how you can become a part of the coalition’s important mission to keep our kids off drugs, click here.

* * *

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 10/11/2024)

RocMaidan and Webster Rotary combine forces to help Ukraine

2 Oct

Last Thursday evening, more than two dozen volunteers gathered deep inside one of those huge Xerox warehouses off of Phillips Rd. They were surrounded by packing boxes, wheelchairs, walkers, surgical equipment and shrink-wrapped pallets piled high with medical supplies, and were focused on a singular purpose: to pack backpacks with medical supplies to be shipped to Ukraine.

The backpack-stuffing event was part of continuing efforts by RocMaidan to ship desperately-needed medical supplies to war-torn Ukraine. They all-volunteer organization is constantly on the search for donations of supplies, and funds which they use to purchase supplies, then come together every Thursday evening to organize, stack boxes, pack, shrink-wrap pallets … whatever needs to be done to keep supplying critical supplies to the war-torn country.

On this particular Thursday night, the RocMaidan volunteers had help from the Webster Rotary, which provided several members to help stuff about 50 backpacks with “expendable” supplies, like Tylenol, hand-held respirators, gauze pads and alcohol. The backpacks will be distributed to places like aid stations and ambulance companies, and each will be able to save four lives.

Shipped along with the backpacks will be dozens of other large and small first aid kits, which were purchased with an $8,000 grant secured by Gene Sydor, a member of Webster Rotary and RocMaidan. These kits are designed for more immediate aid, like when a first responder has to crawl into a building to find survivors. It’s packed with materials like tourniquets and respirators, whatever’s needed to stabilize a person and get them out from under the rubble alive. The smaller kits are used to get the patient outside and to an ambulance, where the larger kit can take over.

The hope is to get all of the stuffed backpacks, plus thousands of other boxes of medical supplies, mobility equipment, hospital beds and countless other items, shipped out within a few weeks. Basically, a truck carrying a shipping container will back up to the warehouse, a dock crew comes in and they just jam in as much as they can, filling every nook and cranny.

This will be the 23rd ocean-going container RocMaidan has sent to Ukraine, each one costing them $8,900. And THAT’S why RocMaidan needs so much support from our community.

Check out the RocMaidan website to see how you can help, and if you like a good party, keep reading below for information about the organization’s 10th anniversary gala.


RocMaidan is Rochester based, all-volunteer organization founded in 2014 following the Russian invasion of Donbas and the annexation of Crimea. Over the last decade, RocMaidan has:

  • collected enough supplies to ship 22 shipping containers to Ukraine. This includes medical tactical backpacks, medical beds, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, X-ray machines, and other humanitarian aid amounting to 320+ tons to date. They also provided drinking water after the flooding caused by the bombing of Kakhovka Dam, and generators when energy infrastructure was first targeted.
  • sent or helped purchase thirteen ambulance cars and six field vehicles to evacuate the wounded.
  • organized or participated in many events with the specific goal of raising funds to support our mission. These fundraisers have resulted in over $1.3 million raised.

None of these achievements could have been accomplished without generous community donations of money and supplies. Continuing support is critical for RocMaidan to keep fulfilling its mission to help the people of Ukraine. Their next big fundraiser is the 10th Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Saturday Nov. 16 at Harro East Ballroom.

The gala will feature News 8’s Adam Chodak as master of ceremonies; a keynote speech by Serhii Plokhii, professor of Ukrainian History at Harvard University; violin music by Oleg Krysa and Irina Lupines; a performance by American songwriter Bria Blessing, who appeared on the Ukrainian version of “The Voice”; and a traditional dance performance by Rochester’s own Ukrainian dance ensemble, Kalyna. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, plated meal, and open bar.

Tickets are now on sale for $175, and business sponsorships are available beginning at $1,000. Click here to find out more about them. If you can’t make it to the gala but would like to make a donation, click here.

* * *

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 10/2/2024)

Festival weekend continues

8 Sep

Just a quick post this morning to share some photos I took yesterday (Saturday) at the TWO festivals that were taking place.

The first one I stopped by in the morning was the Webster Garlic Fest, which by 11 a.m. was already packed with visitors, overflowing the Webster Recreation Center’s parking lot (don’t worry, there are shuttle buses from the Xerox lot across the street).

I visited the food trucks, met a king and queen, pet a HUGE tortoise, came nose to nose with some alpacas, AWWWWW-ed at baby goats in pajamas, and of course perused the more than 100 vendors booths selling everything under the sun (not just garlic).

I mean, it was so amazing and so much fun. Plus, they’re doing it all again today.

The Webster Garlic Fest is open today — Sunday — from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1650 Chiyoda Dr. Admission is only $5 and all proceeds benefit Wreaths Across America, Blue Star Mothers ROC and Gold Star Mothers Rochester. Visit the website for more information about everything that’s going on. In the meantime, here are some photos:

Then yesterday afternoon I definitely made sure to carve out some time to attend the Barry’s Irish Festival, held for the first time at Fireman’s Field in the Village of Webster.

I wanted to go not only because I knew it would be a great place to enjoy Irish music and dance and beer, but more than anything else, I looked forward to reconnecting with some Barry’s Old School friends and family members whom I haven’t seen in a year or more.

And there was a lot of that, which filled my heart with happiness. I saw faces and smiles I haven’t seen in forever, and shared SO MANY hugs. And the grounds were packed. It was like everybody in a 100-square mile radius (not just Webster) was chomping at the bit for an Irish festival. Being able to see old Barry’s friends was a delightful bonus.

From the look of things, the festival was an enormous success. Fireman’s Field was the perfect venue, offering plenty of space for vendors, a big stage for musicians, dance floor for dancers, Gaelic Football practice, Corn Hole tournament, food trucks, beer sales, the Raffle Castle … plus some new features like the very popular Battle of the Bartenders.

Despite dire predictions of bad weather, most of the day was sunny, albeit cool, which actually was pretty perfect for a festival. It gave me an excuse, for example, to wear my Barry’s Old School Irish hoodie.

Here are some photos from THAT festival:

* * *

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 9/8/2024)

Rec Center child care lets adults enjoy the facilities while their kids and grandkids have fun

26 Aug

Every so often, while I’m in the gym at the Webster Recreation Center doing my workout, I look over and see several little faces in a window, peeking out at everyone from a small room adjacent to the gym.

The room is the Webster Recreation Center’s child care space, and the kids were taking a break from playing with toys, or doing a craft or coloring. As a regular Rec Center visitor, I’ve often wondered about their child care services. Although I’ve never had to take advantage of them myself, I think it’s a valuable offering for their members. So I thought maybe it’s something I should highlight for others.

The program is actually called Stay ‘n Play, and it’s a totally FREE service provided to Rec Center members. Basically, it’s supervised childcare, provided by fully vetted and trained staff members, which parents and grandparents can use while they participate in Rec Center activities.

It’s a win/win for everybody. Children have fun playing and crafting and socializing, while their adults are having fun working out, taking part in a fitness program, or relaxing in the lounge doing some of their own socializing.

Fitness Coordinator Jay Verna said about the program, “Our goal is to create the best experience for our members and their families to live their best lives.” For the adults, that means they can better their lives by working out or visiting with friends. For the kids, it means the opportunity to play with other children, make friends, take part in inter-generational activities and more.

Jay added,

In today’s busy world, life happens, and too often parents and grandparents focus so much on the kids that they neglect their own sanity and well-being. At the Webster Recreation Center, we’re always looking for ways to better serve our community and give them opportunities to relieve the stresses of daily life. Our Stay ‘n Play child watch program allows parents and caregivers a chance to focus on themselves while our caring staff engage with their kids.

The Stay ‘n Play program is for children, nieces, nephews (and don’t forget grandchildren!) ages 6 months to 12 years. All staff members are certified in CPR and first aid and must pass a background check before being hired. It’s offered Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Please note: potty training is not required but parents, grandparents etc. must be prepared to attend to their child’s bathroom needs when called upon.)

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.

* * *

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 8/26/2024)

Thank you, McAllister Signs, from all us hikers

17 Aug

My regular blog readers know how much I love our Webster trail system, and how often I preach that we should NOT take it for granted. The Friends of Webster Trails — all volunteers — do an excellent job building and maintaining these trails, which now number more than 30 and stretch for 36 miles.

But today I have to fess up. There’s something about these trails that even I’ve taken for granted: the signage.

Whenever I hike our trails, I’ve come to expect that anytime I wonder where I am or how far I’ve come on a particular spur, right around the corner there’s going to be a multi-colored map pinpointing my exact location. Recently, I learned that we have McAllister Signs to thank.

This is the message I saw on the Friends of Webster Trails Facebook page:

That way? This way? Which way?

When you’re in one of Webster’s preserves, there’s never a question, thanks to the amazing maps from our partner, McAllister Signs. When new trails were added to Four Mile Creek, Friends mapped the trail and McAllister made the high-quality signs you see at each intersection. Thanks, McAllister!

Yes, thank you, McAllister Signs, from all of us who enjoy Webster’s natural beauty.

* * *

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 8/16/2024)

Annette’s Cafe to replace Mozzeroni’s in the village

16 Aug

The Village of Webster is getting a cafe.

Work will begin soon on the village’s newest little restaurant, Annette’s, which will be taking over the Mozzeroni’s location at 27 West Main St.

If you’re at all familiar with the Pultneyville Deli on Lake Rd. in Williamson, you already know the kind of quality, home-cooked meals that you’ll find at Annette’s, because the owner, Nan Kent, also owns the Deli. She said that her plans are to be open for lunch and dinner, offering “unique sandwiches, salads, pizzas, comfort food and a few starters. Much of our food at the deli is homemade, and we want to bring that same quality to Annette’s.”

Renovations to the old Mozzeroni’s will begin on Sept. 1. Nan said,

We are changing out the old floor, tables, paint colors and freshening up the location to give it some warmth & character. We are working on some new menu dishes in the kitchen in Pultneyville, including a retro reuben, blueberry pizza and some vegan dishes. We are also bringing a few of our best-selling sandwich items from the deli. 

She hopes to be able to open sometime in October, but added, “these things take as long as they take, so it may be November.”

As for the name? It fits perfectly with the new cafe’s small town, family-oriented approach.

Nan explained, “Annette’s is named after my late mom, who together with my dad raised five kids, and she had a hard and fast rule that we all sat down and ate dinner together every night.” 

Sounds like Annette’s is going to be a perfect fit for the Village of Webster. Stay tuned for more updates.

* * *

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 8/16/2024)