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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.

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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 8/26/2024)

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.

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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 8/16/2024)

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.

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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 8/16/2024)

You’re going to see a lot of repeats in this week’s mailbag, because there are a LOT of great events still coming up this summer.

Let’s begin with news from the Webster Recreation Center. Earlier this month they sent out their 55+ August newsletter, and while I won’t tell you everything that’s in (you can click on the link and read it for yourself), there are a few things I want to highlight.

The first is their Talks on Tuesday series, which is a variety of FREE lectures and presentations for adult learners over age 55. They run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday, and registration is requested. But you do NOT have to be a member of the Rec Center to attend. Click the link above to see what’s coming up.

The Rec Center’s final Music at the Arb concert is coming up Thursday Aug. 22 when popular local entertainer Sarah De Vallière takes to the Arberetum’s gazebo stage. The concert will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., and it’s free and open to the community. There’s plenty of room for music lovers to relax in chairs or on blankets, with a cooler at their side filled with drinks and snacks.

The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Rec Center at the Red Wings

This Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tom Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem. (Yes, the same Sarah De Vallière I talked about above).

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; click here to get yours.

Webster Union Cemetery turns 200

Here’s a reminder about a great opportunity to learn more about Webster history by actually speaking to some of its earliest settlers. (Well, not really. But we can pretend.)

On Saturday Aug. 17 From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Webster Union Cemetery will celebrate its 200th anniversary. Visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.

The celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.

Read more about this important celebration in this blog.

Free rabies clinic

On Wednesday Aug. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m., the Town of Webster is partnering with Monroe County Department of Public Health to host a free rabies vaccination clinic at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.

All dogs in the Town of Webster are required to be licensed with proof of a current rabies vaccination.

Support the Marching Band. Eat good food

The Webster Marching Band will host a Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday Aug. 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Fireman’s Field, 172 Sanford St.

The band promises at least 13 food trucks and vendors, more than 30 draft vendors, a kids’ play place ($10 per child), free face painting, vendor raffles and a 50/50 drawing. The band will also be offering a preview of their 2024 show, “Death of a Star,” with performances at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce Breakfast is Aug. 23

The Webster Chamber of Commerce’s next monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, is Friday Aug. 23 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. 

There’s a new location! Beginning this month, the meetings will be held at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

The meetings begin with networking time. Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m., and afterwards, every attendee will get a chance to introduce themselves at pass-the-mic time. Door prizes will also be awarded, and you can get even more recognition for your business if you bring one to add to the pot.

These events are open to the public as well as Chamber members. Cost is $19 and reservations are required. Click here to do so.

Blood drives near you

Several blood drives have been scheduled in our area over the next month. Here’s the rundown:

• Thursday Aug. 29, 1-6 p.m., Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
• Wednesday Sept. 4, 8 a.m. to noon, Bay View YMCA, 1209 Bay Rd.
• Friday Aug. 30, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Laurelton Fire Dept., 405 Empire Blvd.
• Tuesday Sept. 10, 1-6 p.m., St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd.
• Wednesday Sept. 11, 1-6 p.m., Webster American Legion, 818 Ridge Rd.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to sign up and learn more about the August and September giveaways. Or log onto redcrossblood.org.

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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 8/13/2024)

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in town for the Kiddie Parade, so I was glad to be able to attend this year’s event. The firefighters changed the route this year from the village streets to the carnival grounds, “due to concerns regarding the length of the parade and safety issues with the parade occurring on the roads.” I was somewhat disappointed with that change, because I think it reduced the audience (and the candy-throwing, which kids love to do) and perhaps even the number of participants.

So this year, the costume parade began at the carnival’s beer tent, and took three laps through the grounds, led by an eclectic and always entertaining marching band (don’t know their name, unfortunately). I took a bunch of photos, and I apologize if there are duplicates of many of the kids because I didn’t want to miss anyone.

They’re all in this gallery.

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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 7/14/2024)

I begin today’s mailbag with a fun and free family event happening at Miracle Field of Greater Rochester.

It’s the fourth annual Heroes Helping Heroes Day, this coming Saturday July 20. Local first responders will spend the day at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, carnival games, an Iron Man obstacle course, a dunk tank, the Zoo Mobile and lots more.

It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the field, 1000 Ridge Rd., Webster. If you have any questions, reach out to challengerdirec​tor@gmail.com or visit Rochestermiraclefield.org.

And now for some reminders previously mentioned in other mailbags:

Free concert at the Arboretum

The next “Music at the Arb” concert, sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center at the Webster Arboretum, is scheduled for Thursday July 18, featuring Doctor’s Orders, an acoustic folk and pop duo playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to John Prine, and pretty much everything in between.

The concert will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., is free and open to the public, and there’s plenty of parking. Bring a chair or a blanket, fill a cooler with dinner and drinks, and enjoy a pleasant evening of music.

The Arboretum talks about herbs

The next program in the Webster Arboretum’s Timely Topics Walk and Talk series is coming up this week, also on July 18.

On Thursday, July 18 at 1:30 p.m., Janet Robert and Beverly Gibson will show and tell about the Arboretum’s outstanding herb garden. Beverly will discuss the origin of the garden and the variety of herbs in each of the six themed beds.

This free, educational and lively herb discussion will be held July 18 at 1:30 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd.  Visit the Webster Arboretum website to register for this free talk at the Arboretum. 

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

Music, music, music in the village

Music’s going wild this summer in the Village of Webster.

The Webster Jazz Festival comes to West Main Street on Friday and Saturday August 9 and 10 with a Super two day lineup featuring Bill Tiberio, Judah Sealy, Sofrito Latin Jazz, Prime Time Funk and many more.

The Friday Night Memorial Gazebo Park Concerts start on Friday July 19 at 7:00 p.m. That’s Beatles Week so come and celebrate the 60th year Anniversary of the Beatles’ 1964 USA tour with Eight Days a Week.

Remember, admission is always free at village events, which are brought to you by the Village of Webster Business Improvement District.

Baseball is on tap at Webster community night

On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10 click here to reserve yours.

Webster Union Cemetery celebrates 200 years

Don’t forget about this amazing opportunity to “meet” some of Webster’s earliest settlers, at the 200th Anniversary Celebration for Webster Union Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.

The 200th Anniversary Celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.

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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 7/13/2024)

Today, a heartwarming follow-up on a story I posted several days ago about the Deborah MacKay School of Dance.

In that blog, I highlighted the studio and its owner, Debbie Tiffany, on the occasion of the school’s 40th anniversary. At the time I visited, the dancers were preparing for their upcoming Encore ’24! recital, a huge two-day event which featured many of the school’s favorite performances from the last four decades.

The recital was held on Saturday and Sunday June 1 and 2, and from all reports, it was a tremendous success, as Deborah MacKay Dance events always are. But this year’s recital was extra special in one surprising, very touching way.

After most of the dances were done and the applause died down, Debbie Tiffany’s daughter Caroline stepped up to the podium. At this point in the program, Debbie would normally be backstage preparing for the finale. But Caroline made sure her mother was on stage, front and center, for a surprise announcement.

She began by telling Debbie that her teaching staff, parents, current students and former students had collaborated to create a scrapbook for her, filled with messages, memories and pictures from the last 40 years.

“Many of these messages include sentiments of what Debbie has given all of us during our time at the studio,” Caroline continued. “These sentiments extend far beyond the knowledge of dance. We have gained lifelong friendships and life skills such as perseverance, leadership and discipline.”

That moment in itself would have been special enough. But then, one by one, 40 Deborah MacKay School of Dance alumni walked across the stage, each handing Debbie a long-stepped red rose and giving her a big hug.

Jennifer Lega, a former student and now a dance parent, organized the alumni portion of the event, with help from Caroline and her husband Ken, and members of her 2003 graduating class, with whom she is still close.

Jennifer wrote,

I started gathering the contacts by creating a private Facebook group and inviting all the alumni I could recollect and then asking everyone to do the same. The group quickly grew and it was so much fun connecting again.

After getting feedback from everyone, we ultimately decided on the rose presentation, surprising her with as many alumni that could make it to the show, and the scrapbook, so that anyone that couldn’t make it could still pass on their congratulations to her. The memories and sentiments that were shared included many of the same themes of thanking her for the lifelong friendships, a second home, leadership and time-management skills, perseverance and just how special a place the studio was to them.

With so many people involved, it was hard to keep it all a secret.

“Debbie puts on a very professional show and is a part of every detail,” Jennifer wrote. “So passing any type of surprise by her is pretty much impossible. I can’t tell you how many alumni asked me Sunday, ‘do you think she knows?'”

But they managed that monumental achievement, and Debbie was indeed surprised and very much talen aback.

“I’m so grateful for the touching, thoughtful, personal tribute,” Debbie wrote. 

“I’m grateful to the alumni who  took time out of their weekend to attend, especially to the one who flew in from Colorado. How wonderful it was to see so many of them, some I haven’t seen in a long time.” 

“I have nothing but gratitude for the alumni parent who organized it. And I’m very proud of my alumni daughter who read a speech with poise and elegance.”

It was a simple, yet perfect way to thank Debbie, and show her that her students — past and present — love her as much as she clearly loves them.

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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 6/7/2024)