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Photos from Winter Wonderland

7 Dec

Another successful Winter Wonderland celebration is in the books, and by all accounts it was enjoyed by all. The weather was not bitterly cold, comfortable enough to take in all of the activities taking place along Main Street and in Veterans Park. There was music, dancing, storytime, crafts, cookies, hot chocolate, more music, snowmen, activities at the museum, a craft fair at the Harmony House … so much going on that I had a hard time capturing it all on digital film. And of course, the Parade of Lights was the highlight of it all.

I’ve put a few photos here but of course there’s a whole gallery more, which you can see here. If you took any photos you’d like me to add to the gallery, please email them to me at missyblog@gmail.com.

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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 12/7/2025)

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Performance Hobbies named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

5 Dec

Congratulations to Performance Hobbies, honored as the December Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Performance Hobbies has been part of the fabric of Webster for more than four decades. It dates back to 1982 when it began as TMC R/C Cars on Gravel Rd. From the very beginning it was a family-owned passion project built on enthusiasm for radio-controlled cars and the joy of hands-on hobbies. As the business grew, it moved into the Village of Webster in 1984 and then to its current home at 15 West Main St. in 1991. For 43 years, the shop has been a destination for hobbyists of all ages.

Owner Tom McCoy will tell you that the best part of his job is simple: he gets to go to work and play with toys every day. The store offers everything from R/C cars and planes to models, drones, collectibles and more. They jokingly call themselves the only “adult toy store” ion the Village of Webster — a phrase that tends to raise eyebrows until customers see the kinds of “toys” they actually sell. It’s a fun little misunderstanding that has become part of the shop’s personality and charm.

Beyond the walls of the store, Performance Hobbies has been a steady supporter of the Webster community. They participate in all Village of Webster events, support air shows and race tracks and work closely with the Boy Scouts and several local church groups. Their willingness to show up, give back, and be part of what makes Webster special has never wavered.

With four employees, decades of experience, and a genuine love for what they do, Performance Hobbies continues to be a place where creativity, fun and community meet.

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.

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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 12/5/2025)

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Remember when Santa and his elf came to shop in the village?

4 Dec

I was thinking the other day about how I love to patronize small businesses when I do my Christmas shopping, and the Town and Village of Webster offer many options to do that.

Sadly, I missed the opportunity to highlight Small Business Saturday this year, which happened on Nov. 29, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So instead, I thought I’d revisit a special event that happened LAST year on Small Business Saturday, when Santa and one of his elves visited the village to do some shopping.

For a few hours that morning and afternoon, the jolly pair strolled through the village, popping in and out of several businesses and handing out treats to the children. It was so much fun to see the children’s eyes light up when they saw Santa, and the smiles he brought to everyone’s faces.

My husband caught some of the action on video, which he cobbled together into this short piece:

I also took a lot of photos that day, which you can see in this gallery. (P.S. the elf is my daughter Erin.)

Don’t forget to shop local this Christmas and especially support our small business owners.

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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 12/4/2025)

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Details about this year’s Winter Wonderland

2 Dec

Get ready for the Village of Webster to sparkle with holiday spirit when the annual holiday fun festival, Winter Wonderland, returns to Main Street, Veterans Memorial Park and Village Hall this coming weekend, on Saturday Dec. 6.

All of your family favorites will be back for the afternoon and evening, including choir performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, cookie decorating, live music, choir performances, storytime, games, face painting, a dance party, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street.

This year for the first time, the Webster BID — who organizes the festivities — is also introducing a Community Donation Marketplace, set up in Veterans Park on North Ave. Community members are encouraged to bring donations for Webster Hope and Toys for Tots, which will be accepted all afternoon. Accepted items include:

  • Non-perishable food items
  • Personal care poroducts
  • Hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens
  • Unwrapped toys
  • Household items (blankets, pillows, sheets)

Reliant Federal Credit Union and Oaks Brands will also be at the marketplace.

Down at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St., the Chorus of the Genesee will be hosting a Craft Fair from 2 to 8 p.m. In addition to the wide variety of crafters, there’ll be live music, refreshments and a cash bar.

And while you’re in town for the festivities, make sure to walk up the short block to the Webster Museum (18 Lapham Park), which will be open from 2 to 7 p.m. with live music and your chance to vote for your favorite decorated mini Christmas tree as part of the museum’s Festival of Trees. Kittelberger Flower Cards will be on sale, and the very popular Museum raffle will also be back this year, so bring a little cash, put a chance in for some great prizes and support the museum!

Plus, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting children at the Village Hall Community Meeting Room from 3 to 5 p.m., when they have to leave and get ready to ride in the parade.

Everything wraps up with the spectacular Parade of Lights which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Kircher Park and travel west down Main Street to Fireman’s Field. It’s always amazing to see all of the fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything — parade by, covered in twinkling Christmas lights.

I’ll be walking around with my camera, so if you see me, smile nice!

Here’s a link to my gallery from last year’s Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights.

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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 12/2/2025)

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Webster Museum, Chorus of the Genesee, bring music and history to the Village’s Winter Wonderland

29 Nov

Y’all probably already know about — and are looking forward to — the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6.

For those of you not yet familiar with this annual celebration, this is an afternoon and evening packed with holiday fun, including carriage rides, crafts for the kids, cookie decorating, live music, story time, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street. The Village’s Business Improvement District, who organize the festival, has some new things up their sleeves for this year, and I’ll be detailing them in another blog shortly.

But today I want to highlight two organizations who always participate in this event, but since they’re not located right in the middle of things, sometimes don’t get a lot of community traffic.

The first is the Webster Museum, which always does Winter Wonderland up big.

  • Beginning at 4 p.m., the museum will have live music and a sing-along featuring The Goodwin Family, followed by The Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.
  • The Festival of Trees officially opens that Saturday as well. Nineteen beautifully decorated miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, and community members are encouraged to see them all and vote for your favorite. They’ll be on display through Dec. 31, but if you can’t make it to the museum before then, you can also vote online at the museum’s website. (That link will be posted soon!)
  • The spectacular Burkardt Family Crèche will be on display for the month of December.  Handcrafted in Germany between WWI and WWII, it was shipped to the Burkardt family in Webster at the end of the war. You can read more about it in this blog I wrote about it two years ago.   
  • The museum’s popular holiday raffle returns this year, featuring featuring gifts and vouchers from generous local businesses. Tickets will be available at the museum through Dec. 6. They’re 3 for $5 and winners do not need to be present
  • Finally, the museum is participating in Kittelberger Florist’s 12 Months of Flowers program this holiday season. Purchase a “12 Months of Flowers” card for $50, cash or check only, at the museum through Dec 6 and receive one bouquet of flowers, each month, for 12 consecutive months. Bouquets are valued at $15 and must be picked up at Kittelberger Florist, 263 North Ave, Webster.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park (just steps off of East Main St.). They’ll be open from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 6.

The second featured organization today is the Chorus of the Genesee, who make their home at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the village. During Winter Wonderland the Harmony House will be hosting a craft fair from 2 to 8 p.m. in the main room, just steps off of Main St. During the event, the Chorus will pop up occasionally to entertain the crowds with Christmas carols. Plus, watch for an ensemble of carolers from Webster’s own award-winning Rochester Rhapsody Chorus, who’ll be strolling through the village, popping in and out of businesses and stopping along the street from 4 to 5 p.m.

BY THE WAY,

If you’re a fan of signing Christmas carols and eating soup, the Chorus of the Genesee would like to invite you to their annual Soup and Caroling night on Tuesday Dec. 23 beginning at 7 p.m. The carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, caroling at select houses and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. There’ll be free hot chocolate and an open bar for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are more than welcome.

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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 11/29/2025)

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Webster Museum is prepping their Festival of Trees

17 Nov

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but the folks at the Webster Museum have their sights squarely on the Christmas season.

In a little less than two weeks, representatives from almost 20 Webster businesses and non-profit organizations will be descending on the museum to decorate their miniature Christmas trees, set up all around the museum as part of this year’s Festival of Trees. During the festival, community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The first day you can check out the trees will be Saturday, Dec. 6, not coincidentally the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration. The museum will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. that afternoon, with live music and a sing-along with the Goodwin family at 4 p.m. and the Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about Winter Wonderland in a few days.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The ever-popular holiday raffle returns this year as well, featuring gifts and vouchers donated by our very generous local merchants. PLUS, the museum will also be selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. Tickets will be available at the museum Nov. 24 through Dec. 12.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 585-265-3308 for more information.

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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 11/19/2025)

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More happenings this week and weekend

11 Nov

This is kind of a catch-up blog today with a few events that are coming up fast (or happening right now) which I neglected to mention in my recent mailbag.

The first is a happy occasion for Lala of Webster at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. This adorable gift shop is celebrating its 7th anniversary this week, and owner Lisa Schlonski has an extra special deal cooked up for the occasion.

All this week (through Saturday) she’s giving away a FREE piece of Katie Loxton bling (worth $22 or more) when you spend at least $25. Also, when you make a purchase this week you’ll be entered to win one of several surprise giveaway bags.

So pop in this week, start your Christmas shopping, get some bling for yourself, and wish Lisa congratulations on her anniversary. In today’s business climate, seven years is commendable.

In honor of Veterans Day this week, this Saturday Nov. 15, the Webster Museum will present a talk by Tom Pellett, focused on the Civil War, called “Honoring Veterans.”

As you know, the War between the States, which began in 1863, could have separated the North and South. President Abraham Lincoln had a different idea and in his famous two-minute-long Gettysburg Address, which he presented at the dedication of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg, he shared those thoughts.

Tom has extensive knowledge about Webster veterans who fought in the Civil War. He’ll tell stories about some of those veterans, who went off to fight for the ideal that all men are created equal.

The presentation will take place at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, on Saturday, Nov. 15 beginning at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served and the museum is handicap-accessible. For more information, visit the museum’s website at webstermuseum.org.

There’s no cost and registration is not necessary.

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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 11/11/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

9 Nov

First off, this reminder from the Webster Chamber of Commerce. Their monthly meeting is normally the last Friday of the month, but has been moved up because of Thanksgiving.

The November Webster Chamber Monthly Meeting will be held on Friday Nov. 21 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The meetings begin with social time, then a buffet breakfast, followed by an informative program — this month, representatives from the Webster Business Improvement District will be filling everyone in on the latest from the Village of Webster.

The monthly meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70-90 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card to add your name to the door prize drawing.

Chamber members, guests, and visitors are welcome. Reservations are required. Click here to register. 

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • This month’s community exchange is vases. Bring in some unused ones and swap them out for new-to-you ones.
  • The November Donation Station is for the Pirate Toy Fund. Donate new, unwrapped toys.
  • The library’s Holiday Book Sale has been scheduled for Dec. 2 through Dec. 27. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes. While supplies last.
  • This month’s extra special event is an Amerks Power Play on Monday, Nov. 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Moose will be visiting the library, accompanied by a player, who will read a story, show off his hockey equipment, and sign autographs. Attendees can also pose for pictures with the player and the Moose. All ages are welcome, and no registration is necessary.

For adults

  • Community Building Circle — Friday, Nov. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Each circle focuses on a meaningful topic that is chosen by trained facilitators. There is never any pressure to speak, or to return, but our hope is that after experiencing a community building circle and the relationships that develop there, you’ll join us again as we build community together. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens

  • Make It Monday: Wooden Caramel Apples — Monday, Nov. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 to 12 and adults are welcome. Registration is required.
  • Teen Library Club — Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 to 8 p.m. If you’re in grades 6 through 12 and like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys, food, hanging out with your friends, and getting involved with your library and community, this club is for you. Registration is required.

For children and families

  • Geology Rocks — Saturday, Nov. 15, 2 to 4 p.m. Meet local geologist Fred Haynes and learn about the unique glacial geology that shaped Western New York, as well as the land forms and sediments it left behind. Fred will be set up in the main library and ready to chat with anyone who stops by his table. He’ll have samples of local rocks, fossils, and sand for you to take home, also. You can also bring along any rocks/fossils for identification. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

From the Webster Recreation Center

The next two Talks on Tuesday presentations look interesting and very Informative.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18, Jeff Taylor presents a travelogue highlighting European Christmas Markets. Christmas in Europe is a big deal, with markets that have been around for centuries. Highlights include holiday food, shopping, central squares, cathedrals and more in London, Amsterdam, Bruges, Luxembourg, Budapest, Vienna, Prague, Athens, Tirana, Ljubljana, Zagreb and Istanbul. Register for Activity# 346940-N

On Tuesday Nov. 25, Jessica Lepore and TJ Fogarty from GRAPE and NY Life Insurance Co. will present a program on Simplifying Required Minimum Deposits. Learn why it’s important to understand RMD’s and have a strategy to protect your retirement lifestyle. Register for Activity# 346940-O.

Both programs will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.

Upcoming reminders …

Tickets are now on sale for the Village of Webster’s annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. Taste local and national bourbons along with food samplings from Village of Webster restaurants. Tickets are $35 plus an Eventbrite fee, and can be ordered here. This event usually sells out, so get your tickets soon. This is a 21+ event. Valid ID will be required.

The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early. Admission is free.

The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table and some large raffle baskets. Plus, their 2026 membership cards and new 2026 calendar will be available or purchase.

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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 11/9/2025)

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An update on The Coach

2 Nov

I’ve been getting questions about The Coach lately; people are wondering if I’ve heard anything about how repairs are progressing and when it might reopen. Last week I finally had a chance to stop down there and chat with owner Fritz Sierk, who filled me in on how things are going.

It’s been almost eight months since the devastating St. Patrick’s Day fire that tore through The Coach. It started behind the bar, and while the building remained structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage meant that the whole place had to be gutted. It’s been a long process cleaning it out, removing the destroyed equipment and furnishings, and drawing up the new plans, and there were several hurdles along the way, but construction finally began in earnest about three weeks ago.

The interior of the bar is still pretty much stripped down to the beams and studs, which was kind of sad to see. And you can still see a lot of fire damage (including charred beams from the last time it burned, in 1969). But Fritz’s vision of what “The Coach 2.0” (as he called it) will be like brought it back to life for me.

For starters, the bar area will be two feet bigger to accommodate larger sinks. The bathrooms “are going to be huge,” Fritz said, expanding into the former “smoking hut” space. A new overhang on the back deck will accommodate smokers, keeping them mostly out of the weather. A second, smaller, fenced-in patio will be added on the east end of the building. And perhaps most exciting of all, Fritz will be installing two garage-door windows overlooking the patios — similar to the big window at the Mary Wee Pub across the street. The pool table and darts will be back, and all of the TVs, including the four big ones on the west wall which can be used individually or stitched together as a huge screen.

In the end it’s still going to be the same, familiar Coach that we all know and love. Just a little bit better.

Architectural renderings of what the “new” Coach will look like

“I still want The Coach to be The Coach,” Fritz said. “Even though it’s new, we tried to make it comfortable, we tried to make it not too fancy. There are plenty of fancy places around.”

“You know. It’s the Coach.”

If construction stays on schedule, Fritz hopes to be open by late January. If not then, then definitely by the first weekend of February — in time to watch the Bills in the Super Bowl.

And all that work you’re seeing being done to the sidewalk in the front of the building? Don’t worry, most of it was planned, in part due to the new patio and garage-door windows. So even though it kind of looks like a mini disaster, rest assured it’s all part of the big plan and we’ll have our beloved Coach back before you know it.

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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 11/2/2025)

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Now open: two village businesses to help you look and feel better

30 Oct

Lovely You Aesthetics and Root Rituals Head Spa held their ribbon cutting ceremonies recently, officially joining the Village of Webster business scene.

Located at 82 North Ave., Lovely You Aesthetics offers a wide variety of services including bio repeels, chemical peels, micro needling, Botox, fillers, personal skin care evaluations, weight management and more. The location is a beautiful old two-story house built in 1914 which still holds much of its original charm including leaded glass, stained glass windows, and coffered ceilings. There are two treatment rooms downstairs, four treatment rooms upstairs, and two bathrooms.

photos credit Chrisom B Photography

Owner Carla Ann Scheiber held her grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Friday, Oct. 17, complete with a “happy-hour-style” open house with signature cocktails, finger foods, vendors, raffles and giveaways.

Root Rituals Head Spa’s ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on Saturday, Oct. 18. The spa is located at 28 East Main St., in the former R Salon storefront, and will specialize in scalp treatments and scalp care — a “head spa” in the Japanese tradition. Clients familiar with R Salon will find that Melissa has added some nice personal touches, including a small boutique area, an espresso machine, and a display of her own products — scalp oil, scalp scrub and scalp tonic.

About two dozen friends and family members attended the ceremony to support owner Melissa Diodato Linder as she officially opened her new business, and there was plenty of food and drink for everyone to enjoy.

Welcome to Webster, Carla and Melissa!

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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 10/30/2025)

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