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Memorial Day Parade details

22 May

Webster’s Memorial Day Parade, kind of the unofficial kick-off to the summer season, takes place on Memorial Day, Monday May 26.

Here are the details:

  • 9:00 a.m.:  All groups participating in the parade will assemble at Spry Middle School on Sanford Street. All active duty and ex-service men and women are invited to take part in the parade. Any veterans who would like to ride in the bed of an Army truck are asked to be at Spry by 9 a.m.
  • 9:30 a.m.:  Parade moves out from Spry, down South Avenue, turning west on Main Street and proceeding to Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • 9:50 a.m. (approx.): Parade arrives at Webster Rural Cemetery.
  • The Remembrance Ceremony will begin at approximately 10 a.m., or whenever everyone arrives and gets settled.

In addition to honored active military members, auxiliary members and veterans, also expected to march in this year’s parade are the Webster High School Marching Band, Boy Scouts and (hopefully) Girl Scouts, firefighters and more. Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year.

This is always a very nice parade, and the ceremony that follows it at Webster Rural Cemetery is always moving. I highly recommend bringing your children to see both the parade and the ceremony, so they might begin to understand the huge debt we owe our servicemen and women.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/22/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

18 May

I’m told that the Village Wine and Food Walk, hosted by the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday May 10, was a big success. Thanks in part to some perfect weather (sunny skies and in the mid-70’s), all 300 tickets were sold out and participants started arriving at BC’s Chicken Coop a full 20 minutes before the 4 p.m. start time to check in and get their wine glasses and wrist bands.  

Twelve village merchants participated in the walk, along East and West Main and even to Salvatore’s on North Ave., where the BID had a DJ providing dance music.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Harmony House and their restoration project.

Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

The Webster Central School District Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster. 

Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Applications are available at websterschools.org or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster, (585) 216-0001. 

Absentee ballot applications cannot be mailed into the district at this late date, but can be dropped off to the district clerk the day before the vote.  

Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the three candidates running for the three board of education seats up for election.

Grab dinner after you vote!

The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., on Tuesday May 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. (during the school budget vote).

Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork, salt potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread and a drink for just $19 (plus processing fees). Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.

Interested in learning how to clean and preserve headstones?

Webster Union Cemetery will be hosting a Headstone Cleaning Class on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm.

Participants will learn how to properly clean a headstone, and hear stories about some of our town’s founders and more colorful  residents. All supplies will be provided. Just bring rubber gloves, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.

Class size is limited. If you’re interested, email Cherie Wood at WebsterWreaths@iCloud.com.

Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Rd.

Village Parks Committee wants your opinion

The Village of Webster Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for community input on potential upgrades to Schantz Park. The park is located between Hawley Drive and State Road, and has a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment.

Residents are invited to share your thoughts on a brief form, and let the committee know what amenities you would like added to the park. And while you’re there, take a few minutes to fill out the other quick survey you’ll find there, sharing your opinions about all of our village’s other parks as well.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/18/2025)

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Concert at Harmony House will benefit Coach employees

7 May

We all know about the disastrous fire at The Coach Sports Bar on Tuesday, March 18. It started behind the bar, and despite the quick response and hard work of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department and others, the fire tore through the place, leaving this village landmark devastated. While the building is still structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage means that it will have to be gutted.

Owner Fritz Sierk is committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible. But in the meantime, all of his employees — including some who have been there for decades — are now out of work.

In true Webster fashion, our community is coming together to support those employees, with a benefit concert on Sunday, June 1 at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

The concert will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., and feature two bands:

Guest bartenders from The Coach will be serving the drinks, there’ll be a 50/50 and prize raffles, and Coach-themed merchandise for sale. The Uncle Buck’s food truck will also be there, cooking up a special menu for this event

Tickets are $20 cash, available only at the door (ATM on site) and will be first-come, first-served.Patrons must be 21 or over to attend the event. Parking is available at the Harmony House, along with municipal parking across the street.

ALSO, on Sunday May 18, Cobblestone on Main restaurant and the Mary Wee Pub are joining forces to host a fundraiser at Cobblestone, 109 W. Main St. in the Village of Webster, from noon to 3 p.m.

There’ll be raffles, giveaways, brinks and food, all for your donation of $20.

All proceeds from both events — the concert and the Cobblestone party — will go to The Coach employees. Fritz put it best when he wrote on Facebook,

The people that work for The Coach are the reason it is there and running. Insurance will do very little if anything for them, and unemployment only goes so far. I, and all the employees of The Coach Sports Bar all thank everyone who have reached out with condolences, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. We will all see you back there as soon as we can!

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/7/2025)

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Mark your calendar for this summer’s Village of Webster events

23 Apr

The first Village of Webster Wine and Food Walk for 2025 is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday May 10 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling a variety of wines and delicious bites from local restaurants. You’ll discover new flavors and meet many of our local merchants.

Tickets are on sale now. They’re $24.25, and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), then bring your digital ticket (or paper copy) to the Chicken Coop at 158 West Main Street to check in. You’ll get a souvenir wine glass and a map to guide you on your tour. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID. It is REQUIRED.

This spring’s event stops include The Coach, Annette’s Restaurant, JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar, and OHHH, LORDEE! Everything Sauces, with more to be announced soon! 

The Wine Walks are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District (BID). 

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The Wine Walk is just the first in a whole list of great summer events the BID will be hosting. Here’s what’s in the works:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. This year’s Craft Beer Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

And stay tuned for more information about this summer’s big concert to benefit The Coach’s employees after the restaurant’s devastating fire in March.

It’s scheduled for Sunday June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, and will feature two bands, Leecy, Greg & Friends, and Prime Time Brass. Coach bartenders will be there to pour your drinks, there’ll be raffles and Coach-themed merchandise for sale.

Tickets go on sale May 1. More details to come in a future blog.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 4/23/2025)

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Cookies and cupcakes and brownies, oh my! Sweet Square Bakery is open

28 Mar

The word has spread quickly through the village: Sweet Square Bakery is FINALLY open at 1 West Main St., at the Village’s four corners.

We’ve all been carefully watching this vacant storefront for months, ever since Buffalo Bleached moved out about a year ago. The prospect of having a cute little coffee shop right in the middle of town was very exciting, so much so that their first few days, the line stretched out the door pretty much the entire time they were open.

I still haven’t been able to connect with the owner, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to introduce this new Village of Webster gem to everyone.

And it is a gem. Now, I’ll be the first to say that the Village Bakery is a wonderful place for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and set up your laptop. But it’s kind of noisy and usually pretty crowded.

The new Sweet Square Bakery offers a much different ambiance, which I can only describe as quaint and cozy. There are five cafe tables which seat 20 comfortably, and every visitor is welcomed warmly by the staff members. The large front windows let in all sorts of sunshine, making the entire shop bright and airy. The display cases are filled with delectable treats including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cakes and more (ranging in price from $3.25 to $6.50, depending on the baked good) and there are several coffee options.

So basically, it’s another wonderful place in the Village of Webster for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and to fire up your laptop. And it’s right in the center of town.

Here’s a look inside; all photos are courtesy the Village of Webster.

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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 3/28/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Mar

There’s still time to sign up for this month’s Webster Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business meeting, scheduled for this Friday March 28.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests and visitors interested in investigating Chamber membership. The March breakfast will be held on Friday March 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee participates in pass-the-mic time when you’re invited to (very briefly) introduce yourself and your business.

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70 to 90 attendees. Reservations are required. Click here to do so.

Shopping and Hopping

Quilters and crafters, take note:

The Village Quilt Shoppe is participating in a Fantastic Four Shop Hop from April 3 to 5.

They’re teaming up with Fluffy’s Quilt Patch Plus, Jackie Lynn’s Fabric Center, and Sadie Quilts to offer

  • 15% off all bolted quilting fabric (1/2 yd min. cut)
  • Demos & goodie bags
  • Passport giveaway – Pick up your passport at the first shop you visit and turn it in at your last stop.
  • Grand Prize: 16 yards of fabric
  • Additional Prizes: Four 2nd & 3rd place winners, plus several 4th place prizes

PLUS, If you love this idea of a Shop Hop, then you’ll love this: The Village Quilt Shoppe is also participating in an All-New York State Shop Hop taking place throughout May and June.

More than 50 shops throughout the state are participating. To take part, you’ll need to purchase the All New York Shop Hop Magazine, available at the Village Quilt Shoppe or on their website. In the magazine, you’ll find a Shop Hop Passport which includes all the event details including,

  • Maps to help you navigate your journey
  • A list of stores by region for easy planning
  • Shops participating in Shop Hop Sundays
  • Special Shop Hop hours so you can visit as many stores as possible
  • Exclusive patterns included just for participants  

Plus, there’s a special New York-themed fabric, which can also be purchased in the quilt shop or online, with pre-orders available now for pickup starting May 1.

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

Women’s Club announces April luncheon

The April luncheon meeting of the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday April 17 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.

This month’s speaker will be Diane S. Miller, Associate Broker with the Re/Max Realty Group, a veteran real estate agent with over 38 years’ experience in local real estate. Diane will be sharing information on the current crazy real estate market, as well as tips for people thinking of making a move, tips for those wanting to age in place safely and tips for organizing life information to reduce stress, and more.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Diane’s presentation. Cost of the luncheon is $22 and will include a buffet featuring assorted deli subs (ham, turkey roast beef, cheeses, lettuce and tomato) Country Club chips, and a cookie. Friendship and camaraderie are included at no charge. New members are more than welcome.

Send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by April 10 (FIRM) to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. She will hold your place.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, the Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.

The talk will be presented by Liz Magnanti, the owner of The Bird House in Pittsford. Orioles and hummingbirds spend their winters in Central and South America and migrate back to North America in the spring for breeding season. Learn all about these beautiful birds and how to attract them to your backyard.

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

Books books books (cheap books!)

The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held April 30 through May 3. The first day of the sale, Wednesday April 30 from 4 to 7 p.m., is exclusively for Friends Members. A Friends membership is required to attend this Book Sale and Vintage Book Sale. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.

All are welcome to attend the Book Sale on Thursday, May 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. May 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May 3 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

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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 3/26/2025)

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The Village of Webster has a new bridal shop

24 Mar

A warm Village of Webster welcome to Pittsford Bride, which recently opened at 20 West Main.

Two years after Heart to Heart Bride left the village’s four corners, it’s absolutely wonderful to see astonishing beautiful wedding dresses, flowing with elegant grace, displayed in large picture windows along Main Street once again.

Pittsford Bride Owner Oksana Budak opened her new boutique about three weeks ago, and is already making a name for herself for the individualized services she provides her brides-to-be. 

Even if a customer chooses something off the rack, “We (can) do incredible custom changes to any dress,” Oksana said. “I can do a dress without sleeves, with sleeves, I can change the fabric … I can change everything.” The goal is for each bride to create a gown that works best for her body and fits her special vision. 

“It will be a totally different dress, but it will be her dress,” she said. 

Despite its name, Pittsford Bride is not an expansion of an existing shop. Oksana originally opened Pittsford Bride less than a year ago in the Clover View Plaza on Monroe Ave. It didn’t take her long, however, to decide that the very large space was not really what she envisioned for her boutique. She started looking around for a smaller, “cozier” location. When she discovered the newly renovated space on the Village of Webster’s Main Street, she knew it was perfect. 

In the plaza, she said, the shop seemed to get lost in the mix of all the other signs and stores, and it was more a destination rather than something people would just happen across. 

“Here, people are walking,” she said. “They stop, they look in the windows, they take pictures, ask me some questions. I like to see people walking.” 

Although the new shop is “cozier” than the one in Pittsford, it’s still plenty spacious enough to accommodate friends and family members who want to help the bride say “yes” to the perfect dress. There’s a comfortable seating area in front, a large changing room and a display room.

Oksana calls her dresses “more couture” style, with a lot of hand-crafted beading detail. “It’s a unique collection different from other stores, for brides who want to be different,” she said. She also has a small selection of mother-of-the-bride dresses and prom dresses. 

Photos courtesy Kitsul Studio, Mariah Vanhoover Photography and Kate Rasskazova

In her own words, this is what Oksana would like everyone to know about her shop:

Our Exclusive Services at Pittsford Bride

At Pittsford Bride, we are dedicated to making every bride’s dream come true with our personalized services and expert craftsmanship.

  • Professional Tailoring – Our in-house tailor works exclusively for our boutique, ensuring expert alterations and customizations in a short time frame. Brides who purchase their gowns from us receive special pricing and discounts.
  •  Custom-Made Dresses – Every dress in our boutique can be personalized to reflect your unique vision. Whether it’s adding extra lace, modifying the silhouette, or changing fabrics, we can create a gown that is truly one of a kind.
  •  Rush Orders – the bride need a dress quickly? We offer rush delivery options for brides with tight timelines.
  •  Gowns Under $1,000 – We believe every bride deserves to feel special, regardless of budget. Our boutique offers a selection of beautiful gowns under $1,000.
  •  Wedding Dress Rental –  Our rental service includes alterations, ensuring a perfect fit for your big day.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 585-414-8779 or visit Pittsford Bride’s website.

Oksana does plan to eventually change the name of her shop, but is waiting to do so until the end of the bridal season so it’s not too confusing for her current customers. She still hasn’t figured out what that new name will be, thought, so for a little while at least, we’re going to have a gorgeous little taste of Pittsford right here in downtown Webster.   

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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 3/24/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

20 Mar

Let’s start today’s mailbag with a few items from the Webster Public Library.

A reminder that the library’s Vintage Book Sale takes place on Saturday March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.

Also, all this month the library is hosting their first-ever Irish American Heritage Month Book Sale. It lasts only until everything is sold, so get there soon to choose from a selection of books about Irish history, travel, culture and folklore, plus coffee-table books, Ireland-themed puzzles and Irish music CDs.

Both book sales benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library.

And remember that this month’s free community exchange is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one! Plus, the Donation Station benefits the library’s Free Food Pantry, and the Seed Library is now open.

Got stuff to shred?

The Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union will sponsor a free community shredding day on Saturday May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster branch, 815 Ridge Rd. It’s open to small businesses and individuals in the Webster area. Please bring the papers in disposable (preferably recyclable) boxes or bags.

Wine Walks return

The Village of Webster has scheduled the next Wine Walk for Saturday May 10.

These are very popular events where you stroll the village, popping into businesses to sample wines and snacks from our local merchants.

Participants must be 21 and an ID is required. More information to come, but you cal also stay up to date on the latest at the Webster BID website.

Are you a guy who loves to sing?

The Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a New Members Night on Tuesday March 25 at 7 p.m., at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Come meet the guys and join them for an evening of singing a cappella music. You don’t even have to be able to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show the rest. Click here to R.S.V.P., and if you have any questions, you can call 585-259-3590 or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com.

Some additional reminders …

All of the following announcements were previously included in this community mailbag, so click on that link if you’d like any more information about …

  • The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.
  • Anyone wishing to run for the Webster Central School District Board of Education may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present the program Invasive Insects on Thursday March 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM.
  • The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

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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 3/20/2025)

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St. Patrick’s Day returns to the village’s four corners

7 Mar

I don’t know about you, but one of the things I really miss about Barry’s Old School Irish is how the little pub would celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The festivities lasted for days.

I’m happy to report, however, that St. Patrick’s Day has returned to 2 West Main St., at the new Mary Wee Pub.

The festivities start on Monday March 8, when the pub adds corned beef and cabbage to the menu all week long. It joins an already tasty Irish menu which includes cottage pie, Guinness beef stew, and Reubens. Nice thing about its being on the menu all week is that you don’t have to wait for St. Patrick’s Day and all the crowds to get your corned beef fix.

On Parade Day (Saturday March 15) AND St. Patrick’s Day, the pub will be open at 8 a.m for breakfast. Chef Kurt will be cooking up his own specialties, including a frittata skillet (scrambled eggs, home fries, Swiss cheese and corned beef), and a sandwich version on rye bread which will offer the option of corned beef or ham, along with the eggs, home fries and cheese.

He’s also considering putting together what he calls a “Dublin omelet” with sausage, peppers, onions, Swiss cheese served with toast.

On Sunday, the Mary Wee will open at 10 a.m., with live music from the Genny Tall Boys from 4 to 7 p.m. On Parade Day and St. Patrick’s Day proper, keep an eye out for some Irish dancers and bagpipers who’ll be stopping by.

On top of the great food and entertainment, owner Mark Petzing says to “expect perfectly poured pints, great drinks, Wee swag, traditional Irish dancing, bagpipes and shenanigans.”

Sounds like the St. Patrick’s Day that we’ve come to know and love from 2 West Main.

Stay tuned to the Mary Wee Facebook page for updates, and if you’d like to call ahead to put in an order for breakfast, lunch or dinner to take away, call 585-236-1258. (By the way, if you’re like me and not a big fan of corned beef, a chicken sandwich and a burger will also be on the menu.)

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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 3/7/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

Looking ahead to events and warmer weather next month — and this coming summer — in today’s mailbag!

Win a pair of Beats headphones

In an effort to reach out to a younger audience and impress upon them the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) has instituted a Beats headphone giveaway via Instagram.

It’s easy to enter; just visit @WHENdfcc on Instagram, and post a picture of you doing something happy and healthy, like going for a walk, playing a sport, etc. Comment and tag two friends, follow WHEN on Instagram and share the WHEN post to your story. See more about this great giveaway on Instgram or click here.

Wednesday March 3 is the last day to enter.

Looking forward to summer!

Enough with this snow. Here’s something to help you look past all that.

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) has announced its summer lineup of Friday night gazebo concerts, beginning in July:

  • July 18: The Earthtones
  • July 25: The Sarah DeValliere Band
  • Aug. 1: It’s My Party
  • Aug. 8: The Red Hot & Blue Band
  • Aug. 22: Eight Days a Week

Plus, the Webster Jazz Festival returns Aug. 15 and 16.

The gazebo concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park on North Ave. and admission is free. Bring the whole family, some folding chairs and a blanket, and a cooler if you’d like, then enjoy some beautiful music. Check out the BID website to stay up to date on details for these and all this summer’s village events.

News from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum has a beautiful new website which is very much worth a few minutes to check out. The new design is very easy to navigate, highlighting the trails, gardens and wildlife which abound in this beautiful natural area.

Scroll down a bit to read about this year’s slate of educational programs, a different one every month through November, ranging from hummingbirds to lilacs, bonsai trees to hydrangeas.

I’ll let you know more about each of these as they get closer, but here’s what’s happening in March:

  • Invasive Insects, Thursday March 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our environment, and as scientific professionals, hobbyists, or passersby, we encounter them almost every day. But what makes a species invasive? How many are there? Learn more about them at this fascinating presentation.

The presentation will take place at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Prior registration is requested for all these programs. They’re all free and will be held rain or shine. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information and to register.

And ALSO, mark your calendars now for the Arboretum’s annual Spring Plant Sale, Saturday May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Women’s Club March luncheon will feature Webster history

Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum will be the guest speaker at the next Women’s Club of Webster luncheon, Thursday March 20 at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 2159 Empire Blvd., Webster. Sharon will speak about what life was like for women in Webster’s early days.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Sharon’s presentation. Enjoy a buffet featuring roast beef, roasted chicken, rice pilaf, pasta primavera, salad, hot mixed vegetables, hot and cold beverages and warm camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $25. Send check made out to WCW by March 13 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. New members are always welcome.

WCSD prekindergarten lottery is open

Registration for Webster Central School District’s 2024-25 prekindergarten lottery is now available online. Registrations will be accepted through Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. Children who are 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025 but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete registration, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page at www.websterschools.org/prek.

Lots to do in March at the library

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library in March:

  • Vintage Book Sale, Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.
  • The free community exchange in March is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one!
  • The Donation Station in March will benefit the Webster Public Library’s very own Free Food Pantry, located on the sidewalk right by the front door. Bring in non-perishable food items to help keep the pantry stocked.
  • The Seed Library will be open for the season on Monday March 3

For adults:

  • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday March 1, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the Emerald Isle with music from the band Merriwick, Irish tea and beautiful pictures of Ireland! Registration is required.
  • Growing Orchids in Rochester, Saturday March 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Learn about orchids and how to grow them in Rochester in anticipation of the 2025 Genesee Region Orchid Show. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make It Monday: Glass Bead Suncatchers, Monday March 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and up are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday March 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hang out with your friends and get more involved in the library and the community. For grades 6 to 12. Registration is requested.

For kids and families:

  • Flute Storytime, Saturday March 15, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Join flutist Jaclyn Breeze for a 30-minute program featuring two picture books and flute pieces. No registration required.
  • Spring Equinox Drop-In Crafts in the storytime room. Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome and registration is not required.

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(posted 2/22/2025)

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