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Two great Village events coming up — one for kids, one for adults

19 Oct

Hot on the heels of Sunday’s blog about the Webster Recreation Center’s Pumpkins on Parade, here are two more great autumn and Halloween-themed events you’re not going to want to miss.

The first is the Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail, which will return to downtown streets on Halloween Day, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the kids! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.

The trick-or-treating will begin at 11 a.m., and the costume contest runs from 11 a.m. to noon. Don’t worry about missing out on any of the village festivities, because it only takes a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room on South Ave. and have your photo taken for the judging. The Trail continues through 2 p.m.

So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before. The Webster Volunteer Fire Department will also be out on their front apron, handing out candy (they have to scale back their open house this year because of repairs to their bay floor).

And don’t forget to turn the corner on Lapham Park and take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.

Keep an eye out for me, my camera and my PRESS hat; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)

This next village event is the annual Bourbon Bash, scheduled this year for Saturday Nov. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.

This is a fun evening out with family and friends, a chance to sample many different bourbons, paired with tasty treats from our local restaurants. Local distilleries, along with Webster Wine and Spirits, will be participating. The event will also feature raffles and bourbon products for sale. ID is required at entry.

Click here for tickets. They cost $39.19, which includes the Eventbrite fee.

The Trick-or-Treat Trail and the Bourbon Bash are sponsored by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about future village events, the Winter Wonderland celebration (with the ever-popular Parade of Lights) on Saturday, Dec. 5.

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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 10/19/2026)

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Some exciting Parade of Lights news

13 Oct

(…. Well, I think it’s exciting, anyway.) I’ve been asked to act as emcee for this year’s Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 5!!!

As most of you already know, the Parade of Lights is the spectacular climax to the Village of Webster’s annual Winter Wonderland festivities. It begins at 6:30 p.m. on East Main St., and travels west on Main Street to Fireman’s Field. All of the participants — fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything is decked out in twinkling Christmas lights as they parade by. It’s really a sight to see.

And I get to announce it all from a perch above the crowd!!!!

Sign-ups are happening right now, so if your community group wants to be involved, make sure to reach out to the organizers by Nov. 15. Click here to access the application form. And when you apply, make sure you add something fun for me to say about your group.

What I find equally exciting is that the parade organizers are asking that, in lieu of a registration fee, participating groups donate to Making Spirits Bright, to help raise funds for the amazing work they do helping the families of Webster during the holidays. Making Spirits Bright (MSB) is an all-volunteer, adopt-a-family program which provides holiday joy to deserving families in the greater Rochester, NY region. They’ve assisted more than 600 families since 2014. Every dollar donated helps them help more families.

So, get your group signed up and let’s get pumped for this year’s Winter Wonderland and the Parade of Lights, both scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5. More details to come about both.

(And yes, someone has already asked me who will be taking photos of this year’s parade, which is what my role usually is. Maybe I can do it from the podium. We’ll see.)

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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 10/13/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Oct

Got a packed mailbag today; Webster’s a busy place in the autumn.

Halloween fun for your doggy friends

Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park is sponsoring a Halloween Fun Run on Monday, Oct. 12 at Charles Sexton (North Ponds) Park to benefit local pet rescues.

For just $10 you’ll enjoy a dance party, kids’ activities, a dog costume parade, adoption event, raffles, and a one-mile community fun run.

It all happens on Monday Oct. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m. Check the flier for details. Register early for just $10, because the price goes up to $15 on the day of the event.

More community office hours

Join Town Supervisor Scialdone and other Webster representatives to talk about the local issues that matter most to you. The next scheduled Community Office Hours are Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Town Board Room, 1002 Ridge Rd.; and Monday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Town Board Room.

If you can’t make it to this one, no sweat; they’re scheduled regularly. Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the Supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

Chamber events

The Webster Chamber of Commerce’s next Eat, Drink, & Connect event is Wednesday, October 14, hosted by Howard Hanna – Webster (1930 Empire Boulevard, Suite 200). Registration is required.

Also, the Chamber is collecting hats, mittens, scarves, gloves, and socks for Webster HOPE. You can drop items at the Chamber office (1110 Crrosspointe Lane, Suite C, Webster), or order them on Amazon and have them shipped directly to the Chamber. Just search for “bulk” hats and mittens and “bulk” socks.

Women’s Club announces October meeting

The next meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 at Bill Gray’s Restaurant, 964 Ridge Rd.

Tracy Dennis, Benefits Counselor for the Webster Community Chest, will be the featured speaker. Tracy will talk about the Community Chest’s mission and activities that address the needs of our Webster neighbors experiencing emergencies and food insecurity. 

Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Tracy’s presentation at 1 p.m.  Attendees can choose one of two lunch options, a cheeseburger or grilled chicken sandwich. Side dishes will include tater tots, macaroni salad, coffee, soda and dessert. Cost is $20. Please mail your check by Oct. 8, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, to Mary Malone, 606 Galbro Circle, Webster, 14580. 

New members are always welcome.

What’s happening at the library?

Lots of stuff happening at the Webster Public Library in October, of course.

For starters, their annual Trick or Treat Event will be Friday, Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Families are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. No registration is required.

Here are some other highlights this month

  • Drop-in LEGO fun for kids and families, Friday Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Halloween Dance on Friday Oct. 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • The Make-it Monday craft night is Oct. 19 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month’s craft is a fall button and puzzle piece art. For grades 4-12 and adults. Registration is required.
  • For adults: Un po’ di storia: Rochester’s Italian American Community in Historical Perspective. Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
  • T(w)een Halloween Night, Wednesday Oct. 28, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Activities, treats and more. Consumes are encouraged. For grades 4-12. Registration is required.
  • This month’s Community Exchange is purses and wallets.
  • The October Donation Station will be accepting non-perishable food items for the library’s Free Food Pantry.

Next book sale at the library

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host their next Book Sale from Oct. 21 through 24.

The sale begins on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m., open to members of the Friends. A Vintage Book Sale will also be held at this time for the general public.

The sale opens up to everyone on Thursday Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon. On Friday and Saturday you can fill a bag with books for just $5.

Plus, the ever-popular Kittelberger’s Bouquet Cards will be sold at the library from Oct. 21 through Nov. 3

The pumpkins are back

I’ll be posting a longer blog about this later, but mark your calendars now for the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct. 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll along the Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center through hundreds of illuminated jack-o-lanterns, then finish off your evening with cider and donuts, a hay bale maze, lawn games and more.

And if you REALLY enjoy making jack-o-lanterns, sign up for the Rec Center’s Family Carving Night on Friday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is only $5 per person, and all carving supplies, pizza and water will be included in the registration.

Clean out your medicine cabinets

Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car! 

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.​

The verrrrrrry popular Village of Webster Trick or Treat Trail will be held ON HALLOWEEN DAY this year, Saturday Oct. 31.

I’ll provide some more details about this soon, but here are the highlights:

  • Costume Contest from 11 a.m. to noon
  • Trick-or-Treat Trail, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Museum Scavenger Hunt and candy-corn-guessing contest
  • Webster Volunteer Fire Dept. open house

Museum Tree Festival

The Webster Museum is starting to plan for this year’s Tree Festival, held in conjunction with the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland festivities on Dec. 5.

The Webster Museum is currently taking sign ups to decorate one of their 20 miniature Christmas trees, which are distributed throughout the museum. You can sign up as a community organization, a school group, a family or just yourself. Trees and lights are provided. Creativity and ornaments are up to you.

Visitors to the museum will be voting on their favorites and prizes will be awarded. The museum is also looking for musical groups to perform during the festival. If you’d like to decorate a tree or volunteer your musical talents for this much anticipated event at the Webster Museum please call Gwen Hoffman @ 585-738-6221.

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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 10/7/2026)

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There are goats in them thar’ park

27 Sep

Have you seen the goats at Milton Case Park?

The Village of Webster recently imported about a dozen goats to Milton Case Park to help control invasive vegetation. The park is located between South Ave. and Wood St., behind Spry Middle School.

The goats came from Kaizen Ridge Farm in Victor, and are tasked with eating their way through 11 acres of invasive vegetation clogging the park and its trails, including poison ivy, multiflora rose and Japanese knotweed. According to the Village of Webster’s September 8 newsletter, “goat landscaping” is an “eco-friendly solution … a natural way to manage land without chemicals, heavy machinery, or fuel.”

“Goats can also access hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough and efficient clearing,” the newsletter added. “They graze on unwanted plants without the need for herbicides, leaving the land healthier and more sustainable.”

The goats arrived on the weekend of September 20, and are being contained inside an electric fence. They’re expected to remain on site for about two weeks. They’ve been a draw for local residents, who’ve been stopping by the enclosure to say hi. The Village reminds everyone however, not to try to pet the goats or tamper with the fence, and keep your dog on a leash while you’re in the park.

The Village introduced their new goatscapers at a “Meet the Goats” event on the 20th, where attendees could get up-close and personal with the four-legged lawn-mowing crew. Thanks to Mary White for these photos from that day:

The goats are just the first step in the underbrush clearing chore; the Village’s Department of Public Works is planning to hire new staff this fall to help clear remaining brush and poison ivy.

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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 9/27/2026)

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Sip ‘n’ Shop this week to benefit the Women’s Club

21 Sep

Now here’s an event I want to pull out for special attention because it’s gonna be a lot of fun, AND it benefits an organization near and dear to my heart, the Women’s Club of Webster.

It’s called Sip, Shop, Savor and Support, and it’s being hosted by Lala of Webster this Thursday, Sept. 24 on behalf of the Women’s Club. It’s an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 24, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the club’s Card and Game Party on Tuesday Sept. 29. The party is one of three big fundraisers the Women’s Club hosts every year, which also include the Christmas Cookie Sale in December at the Webster Public Library, and the Fashion Show every spring.

As a thank you for your donation, shoppers will receive 20% storewide on items over $10 (excluding final sale items).

BUT THERE’S MORE! After you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for live music, and 20% off your bill when you show them your Lala receipt.

Sounds like a great date night to me.

I’ll be there through the whole event with a smile and information about the Women’s Club for anyone who might be interested. Please come by and say hi!

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

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By the way, the Women’s Club is gearing up for their October meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 15 at Bill Gray’s Restaurant, 964 Ridge Rd.

Tracy Dennis, Benefits Counselor for the Webster Community Chest, will be the featured speaker. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Tracy’s presentation at 1 p.m.

Attendees can choose one of two lunch options, a cheeseburger or grilled chicken sandwich. Side dishes will include tater tots, macaroni salad, coffee, soda and dessert. Cost is $20. Please mail your check by Oct. 8, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, to Mary Malone, 606 Galbro Circle, Webster, 14580. 

New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge! 

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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 9/21/2026)

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The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is moving!

18 Sep

I heard some big news recently about the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, which right now calls Towne Center Plaza its home every Saturday morning. Next season, the market will be returning to the Village of Webster.

Beginning June 12, 2027, the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market will be setting up at Spry Middle School, in the cafetorium parking lot right off of South Ave. It’ll still be on the same day (Saturday), at the same time (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and will have the same vendors you’ve come to know and love, plus some new ones.

The parking at Spry will be much easier and more plentiful, and I’ve heard unconfirmed reports that there will be food trucks at the new location as well. (Still trying to get more information about stuff like that.)

It’s also basically going to be right across the road from me, so I’m all for the move!

As I find out more about this change, I’ll let you all know.

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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 9/18/2026)

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Another flood sale at the Quilt Shoppe?!

15 Sep

It’s happened again, but fortunately this time it wasn’t as bad.

You may remember that back in 2019, just months after the Village Quilt Shoppe opened at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, a water leak from the upstairs apartment came through the floor and ruined much of their merchandise. They had to close to regroup, but came back strong thanks to their very loyal customers.

Well, it happened again. Another water leak from the same apartment. This time, though, it only affected some of their fabrics. So once again, the Village Quilt Shoppe is having a “Flood Sale.” Monique and Vanetta have washed all of the affected fabric, cut it into convenient one-yard and two-yard pieces, and are selling it for $7 a yard (cash only).

So stop on down to the shop at 21 East Main St. (on the corner of Lapham Park) and grab some bargains.

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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 9/15/2026)

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Happy anniversary Village Quilt Shoppe!

1 Sep

I’m embarrassed to say that this occasion almost completely passed me by. But an email I got this morning from The Village Quilt Shoppe reminded me that this cute little shop turns seven years old this week. With all the business comings and goings of late, and all the empty storefronts, I’m happy to see a village business thriving.

That’s especially the case here, because owners Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti had a very rocky start. Just three months after they opened their doors in August 2019, a water leak from the apartment above the shop came through the floor and destroyed much of their merchandise. They had to close for almost a month. Then, a year later, COVID struck — and you know how difficult it was for small businesses to navigate that.

But thanks to a solid core of loyal customers, they navigated both of these major obstacles and came back stronger each time. And now this week they’re celebrating seven years in business.

Vanetta and Monique have several special events up their sleeves to celebrate the anniversary, most notably, Birthday Bingo TODAY (Tuesday Sept. 1) at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. They’ll be handing out free gifts with every purchase all week, and treats for all. Plus, they’ll have a prize wheel which you can spin for extra discounts.

They promise more fun surprises all week, so make sure to stop by the shop.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.

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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 9/1/2026)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Aug

September is still a day or two away, but the September events are piling up, even more than they did over the summer. Looks like it’s going to be a busy fall.

It all really starts on Friday, Sept. 11, when the Village of Webster holds its annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park (Gazebo Park) on North Ave., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It’s hard to believe that 2026 is the 25th anniversary of that awful event. The Village always does a very nice job commemorating it. The ceremony usually lasts around 45 or 50 minutes and includes first responders and local and regional political representatives who offer some comments. The Chorus of the Genesee or Village Band will also be there to perform patriotic tunes.

Chicken BBQ … yum

St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday Sept. 12 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include 1/2 chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie for just $15 (cash or check only). Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s Little Free Pantry and annual Christmas Stocking Project.

St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.

Health and Wellness Fair

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) will host its 4th annual Webster Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 12.

The fair will showcase businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. It will be held at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Dr. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there’s no charge to attend. The fair will feature all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health. Pharmacists from Wegmans will also be on hand for a vaccine clinic.

During the Wellness Fair, the BID will also host a free shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot.

This is a drive-through event. Please bring paper only, and staples do NOT need to be removed. Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (no plastic), with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Webster Museum program

The Webster Museum will host their first program of the fall season on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Karen Lankeshofer will speak about the life of cycling legend Elsa Von Blumen (1865-1935). Elsa gained national attention initially for her lengthy walks, but soon caught further attention for her race against a horse here in Rochester, and a 1000-mile bicycle trek over 6 days.

Fit for the occasion, Tim Warren will be atop the museum’s penny farthing bicycle to demonstrate the skills required to operate this venerable device.

The presentation will begin at 3 p.m. It’s free to attend and refreshments will be served. The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park

Vintage book sale

The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Vintage and Collectible Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room.

There will be 14 tables with about 250 books, grouped into the following table themes: U.S. Civil War; mystery, spy and suspense fiction; travel; juvenile fiction; art; animals, birds and nature; Rochester and Upstate NY; titles published by The Modern Library; American history; poetry; medical and health; and older fiction.

Nearly all books offered are in good or better condition, many with their original dust jackets in a protective plastic cover. Some are first editions or early printings. Most books being offered were published in the 20th century, and most are priced under $20.

The sale will be held Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community room of the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd.

And these things …

Also coming up this month:

  •  Webster Comfort Care Home’s 5th Annual Raise the Stakes Casino Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. This is an exciting evening of gaming, prizes and fun while supporting a great cause. Click here to read more about it.
  • The Webster Garlic Fest, Saturday and Sunday Sept. 12-13 at the Webster Recreation Center. A “stinkin’ good time” for young and old. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Mud Run, on Saturday Sept. 19, also at the Recreation Center. This is sloppy, muddy fun for the whole family. Click here to read more about that.
  • The Village of Webster Beer Walk and Car Show, Saturday Sept. 19. The Car Show will be from 3 to 6 pm. on West Main St., and the Beer Walk will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Registrations for the Car Show are closed and no drive-up registrations will be accepted. Tickets are not yet available for the Beer Walk, but stay tuned here for more details when they become available.
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home hosts their annual Their Light Shines remembrance event on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at the home, 700 Klem Rd. Participants are invited to purchase a luminaria and personalize it for their loved one. They’ll all be placed around the home’s parking lot on the evening of Sept. 29 in loving memory of those we’ve lost. More information to come, but the luminaria are available for purchase now. They cost $15 each or $25 for two. Visit the Webster Comfort Care website to learn more.

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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 8/30/2026)

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Serenity Life opens creative new extension

28 Aug

A huge Webster welcome to the Village’s newest — and most creative — business, Serenity Life Creative Studio.

Located at 10 North Ave. (formerly Mabel Jane’s Vintage Shop), the new Serenity Life Creative Studio is an extension of Serenity Life Counseling Services, which already has established locations at 93 West Main St. and 98 North Ave. Owned and operated by professional therapist Mattye McKibben, the studio is the realization of her long-time vision to bring a community-driven art therapy space to life.

She’s delivered that in a big way. Step inside the new studio and you’ll find a bright, open, welcoming atmosphere, enveloped in warm tones with vibrant splashes of color. It’s an environment which Mattye says is “built around the concept of Open Studio Art Therapy, an approach that combines the freedom and joy of creating art with the presence and support of trained creative arts therapists in a welcoming, community-centered environment.”

Rather than feeling like a traditional therapy office or a typical paint-and-sip studio, we’re trying to create something that blends the best of both worlds. We want people to be able to stop in for a girls’ night, a parent-child outing, a date, a family activity, or simply an hour of quiet creativity, while also knowing that licensed Creative Arts Therapists are part of the environment should they want a deeper therapeutic experience. Our hope is to bridge the gap between clinical art therapy and everyday community life, making creative wellness feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

The concept is simple. When you walk in, you step up to the “art bar,” peruse the menu and select an art box stocked with supplies for your favorite medium — watercolor, acrylic, clay, oil pastel, pencil sketching and more. Each box includes all the art supplies you need, with optional add-ons. Grab some paper at the Paper Bar, find a comfortable spot to work (at a table, on a couch, or you can even sit in the front window) and start creating. There are even options for “little artists,” children 10 and under.

If you don’t have your own ideas and aren’t sure where to start, you can get inspired by one of the creative ideas posted in the studio. Or just experiment. You’ve got 90 minutes to work at your own pace, and licensed creative arts therapists are on hand at all times to help with materials, offer creative guidance or provide a little extra support.

Mattye describes the experience as “an approachable way to get some emotional wellness. It’s not a clinical environment.” Rather, “it’s ‘therapy-forward,’ more an open-structure art therapy.” And who couldn’t use a little therapy once in a while, especially when family and friends are part of the fun? What a great way to relax and put life’s problems aside for just a little while.

Serenity Life Creative Studio is located at 10 North Ave. in the Village of Webster. Find out more on their website, where you can also reserve a time to visit. Or just walk in during open studio hours. You can also follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. And stay tuned for news about upcoming special events, like Ladies’ Nights and Teen Tuesdays.

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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 8/28/2026)

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