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Webster community mailbag

9 Sep

We’re going to start today’s mailbag with a look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library this month.

  • Some beautiful music is in store on Friday, Sept. 12 when the Gold & Ivory Flute Duet performs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. They play flute and piano music in styles ranging from the classical era to American pop. Registration is required.
  • This month’s community collection is picture frames. If you’ve got some you really don’t want, and could use a few others, bring them by the library and swap them out.
  • September’s Donation Station is accepting diapers to be donated to Webster NY Hope.
  • Family Fun Night on Monday, Sept. 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. will celebrate the start of Star Wars Reads Month in October with Star Wars-themed crafts and activities. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will be a Play-Doh Play Morning. It’s National Play-Doh Day, so stop by for a morning of creativity and fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • This month’s Drop-in Crafts will be autumn-themed. Stop in Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make something fun. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.
  • Children in grades 4 to 12 and adults are invited to Make it Monday on Sept. 15 from 6 to 7 p.m. This month the craft night features Perler Bead Bookmarks. Registration is required.
  • The next meeting of the Teen Library Club is Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Teens in grades 6 to 12 who like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, taking surveys and hanging out with your friends are encouraged to join. Click here to register.

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The Village of Webster’s annual September 11th Memorial Ceremony will be held Thursday Sept. 11 beginning at 6 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 28 North Ave. This is always a very nice ceremony, and will feature patriotic music by the Webster Village Band.

On Saturday Sept. 13 the Village of Webster will host a Health and Wellness Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Drive.

This free event will showcase many health-related businesses and professionals in our area. Learn more about all aspects of health and wellness, including physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health.

Also on Saturday Sept. 13, the Village will host a free shredding event from 11 a.m. in the Lattimore Physical Therapy parking lot.

This is a drive-through event, accepting paper only (staples do not need to be removed). Paper must be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags, with a limit of five boxes per vehicle.

Click here for more information about the health fair and shredding event.

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Also on Saturday, Sept. 13, there’s a pharmaceutical collection event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastway Wegmans, 1955 Empire Blvd.

Accepted Items include:

  • pills and liquid medications
  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medications
  • empty medicine bottles
  • ointments and creams
  • sprays and inhalers
  • EpiPens, sharps and syringes

Syringes/sharps must be in approved sharps containers or sturdy alternatives (two liter plastic bottles, rugged laundry soap bottles, etc.). All containers should be capped and labeled “SHARPS”.

Appointments are not required for this drive-up pharmaceutical event.

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There’s also a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off on Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 7:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Webster Highway Dept., 1005 Picture Parkway.

Residents may properly dispose of up to thirty (30) gallons of chemicals, such as paint, automotive fluids, fertilizers, household cleaners, and pool chemicals at no charge.

Registration is REQUIRED. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment.

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The United Church of Christ on Klem Rd. is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

The performance will be held at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served immediately after the performance. A CD of the readings and music will also be made available at the event. Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

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St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Fall Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, Sept. 20 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:00 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.

Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.

The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or
check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.

Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

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Looking ahead to October, the Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

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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 9/9/2025)

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You’re invited to my Prague travelogue!

5 Sep

There’s still time to register for my Prague travelogue, scheduled for this coming Tuesday Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

As many of you might remember, I spent several weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband, who’d been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with a journalism organization headquartered in the city. Being there for that much time gave us a great chance to see pretty much all of the touristy things you need to see in that beautiful city. But also plenty of time to explore many not-so-touristy things.

That’s where the title of my talk comes from: Prague, Czechia: the Weird and the Wonderful. The wonderful portion of the talk will illustrate how stunningly gorgeous the city is, and feature the most popular tourist attractions. The weird portion will highlight several off-the-beaten-track — and rather unusual — attractions. And Prague has a lot of them.

Of course, I took a LOT of photos when I was there (it’s what I do) and came home with lots of stories to tell. Apparently, the kind folks at the Webster Public Library think that others might be interested and have asked me to put together this travelogue.

Two of the “weird” things I’ll be telling you about at the talk

So if you’re at all interested in seeing some (OK, a lot) of those photos and hearing about my adventures, please join me at the Webster Public Library next Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. It’s totally free to attend but please register here so they know how many chairs to set up. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of the plaza.

If you can’t make it to that talk, I’ll be doing a second one at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. It’s part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. To register, navigate to the Recreation Center’s registration tab and click on the 55+ Programs box. Then search “Prague” as a keyword in the 55+ programs category. You’re looking for program #346940-J. If you have any problems, call the Rec Center art (585)-872-7103. They’ll take care of you.

I’d really love to see you there!

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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 9/5/2025)

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Wanna hear about Prague?

18 Aug

As many of you might remember, I spent four weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband, who’d been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with a journalism organization headquartered in the city.

Of course, I took a LOT of photos when I was there (it’s what I do) and came home with lots of stories to tell. I’ve already shared many of those photos and stories with pretty much anyone who’d listen. But now, I’ve been asked by the Webster Public Library AND the Webster Recreation Center to put together a travelogue and share them with everyone else.

So if you’re at all interested in seeing some of those photos and hearing about my adventures, you have two opportunities in the next few months to do so. The first is at the Webster Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. Registration is now open for that one.

If you can’t make it to that talk, the second one will be at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. It’s part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. To register, navigate to the Recreation Center’s registration tab and click on the 55+ Programs box. Then search “Prague” as a keyword in the 55+ programs category. You’re looking for program #346940-J. If you have any problems, call the Rec Center at (585) 872-7103. They’ll take care of you.

There’s no cost for either talk, but they do like to have people register so they know how many to expect.

As you can see from the title slide above, I’m calling the travelogue “Prague, Czechia: the Weird and the Wonderful.” The wonderful portion of the talk will illustrate how stunningly gorgeous the city is, and feature the most popular tourist attractions. The weird portion will reflect the fact that when you have a whole month to explore a city, it’s possible to track down some very unusual, off-the-beaten-track attractions. And Prague has a lot of them.

For example, these two things. Nope, not going to tell you what they are. You just have to come to the talk!

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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 8/18/2025)

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Don’t blink! Check out the library’s tiny art show

11 Aug

Next time you’re at the Webster Public Library, make sure to check out the Tiny Art Show set up in the main lobby next to the Community Room.

The exhibit was organized again this year by Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez. Advertising for the event began earlier this summer, when participants were encouraged to pick up blank canvases at the library and make them beautiful. Artists had all of July to perfect their work, and then bring them back to the library in August for display.

This year’s theme is “Color My World,” echoing the Summer Reading Program theme. Colleen received more than 100 submissions (so many more than the 60 she had last year) from participants of all ages, and the artists clearly took the theme to heart. The tiny artwork pieces they produced are impressive and eclectic … and VERY colorful.

Their subject matter ranges from animals to plants to scenes both abstract and realistic. They’re created with pencil, markers, crayons and poster paint. Several of them feature 3-D elements which pop from the canvas.

All this month, library patrons are encouraged to stop by and vote for their favorite pieces (you must vote in person). The display will be taken down the first week of September, so make sure to get there soon. The winning prize? “Fame and glory,” Colleen, said, including recognition on the library’s social media pages.

The photos give you a sneak peek of the mini canvases, but you really need to see them close-up and in person to really appreciate the artistry. (And you have to vote in person, anyway.) So stop by the library sometime in the next few weeks and cast your vote. (Warning: it’s going to be a difficult choice.)

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 8/11/2025)

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More than just books: Webster Library launches weekly walking club

25 Jul

The Webster Public Library has always been a hub for lifelong learning, filled with book clubs, storytimes, lectures, creative workshops and educational opportunities designed to keep your mind engaged. But now, it’s taking things a step further — literally. A new walking program is putting physical wellness on the agenda, recognizing that staying mentally sharp is easier when your body is active, too.

The Library Walking Club kicked off about two months ago and meets every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Led by library assistants Lee Cooney and Maggie Gibson, the group takes an at-your-own-pace walk around Webster. The hour-long strolls begin and end at the library and follow a route that’s manageable for all ages and ability levels. So far, that’s usually meant a walk along the Rt. 104 bike path from Hard Road to Holt Road and back.

“We aim for the least amount of traffic engagement,” Lee said. “The path is paved and for the most part reasonably kept up,” which makes it accessible for everyone. Having two staff members on hand also allows the group to spread out while still staying connected. “We do try to be mindful of everyone’s pace,” Lee added.

As the program grows, Lee and Maggie are exploring other routes to keep things fresh. For example, a few weeks ago the walk included a stop for Bruster’s ice cream, and just last week, the group explored the Hickory Bark Trail in the wooded area behind the library.

But wherever the trail leads, the goal remains simple: “Keep moving, meet new people, and have a good time together,” Lee said.

The Webster Public Library Walking Club continues every Tuesday at 2 p.m. through Sept. 20. Walks are held rain or shine (“Some people actually like walking in the rain,” Lee noted), unless conditions are unsafe. The program is free, and no registration is required; just meet in the library’s main lobby. If a walk needs to be canceled, updates will be posted on the library’s calendar, Facebook page, and a sign in the lobby. You can also call 585-872-7075 with questions.

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

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

(posted 7/25/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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

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

(posted 7/16/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

30 Jun

What’s going on, Webster?

Summer is beginning to heat up, so there should be a LOT of fun and educational activities coming down the pike, but I don’t think I’m hearing about a lot of them. I don’t have the time to go out and solicit calendar items, so I rely on you all to send notices to me. If they come through my email box, they will almost certainly make it into the blog.

So what’s going on? Let me know at missyblog@gmail.com.

For today, I have reminders about three recurring events that I’ve written about before, a teaser about village events planned for the summer, and something from the Friends of the Webster Public Library (they always keep me busy).

* * *

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

* * *

The next free Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

* * *

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 9, featuring 8 Days a Week, performing songs by The Beatles. It will benefit the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. 

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. This month’s concert will benefit the Webster Public Library’s BookBox for Kids and Teens.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

Here’s the rest of this summer’s schedule:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

* * *

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.  Several tables will be set up, each with a different theme, including biographies, the U.S. Civil War, Erie Canal, birds and nature, and more. Most books are priced under $20.

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.

* * *

Finally, here’s a quick peek at what’s happening in the village this summer and beyond:

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. PLUS, many local businesses are signing up to have tables along the sidewalks on Friday for a street fair of sorts. Should be a good time.

And ….

  • Saturday, Sept. 6: Beer Walk in the Village – Beer Walk in the Village 
  • Saturday, Sept. 13: Shredding Event & Health Fair  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Oct. 25: Trick-or-Treat Trail  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Bourbon Bash  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Dec. 6: Winter Wonderland in the Village  (details coming soon)

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

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/30/2025)

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Kick off your summer of reading with the Webster Public Library

18 Jun

No one can get kids excited about reading than our very own Webster Public Library.

That commitment will be on full display on Tuesday, June 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., when the library will host its Summer Reading Kickoff Party at Charles Sexton Park (formerly North Ponds).

The annual event features games and crafts, treats, storytime with Jason and more. But mostly, this is a great chance to find out more about this year’s Summer Reading program, called “Color Our World.”

The program runs from June 24 through August 29 and is for all ages. You can participate virtually or in-person, but regardless, the same great prizes and fun await you. The more minutes you read (or listen), the more you earn. Reach milestones along the way to earn prizes and complete a full reading log to enter to win a grand prize at the end of the summer. There are even some additional challenges to earn more chances to win. 

You can sign up at the kickoff party, or stop into the library anytime they’re open and pick up a Summer Reading bookmark to get started. To participate virtually, download the Readsquared app or click here.

All ages are welcome to attend the kickoff party. There’s no charge, and no registration is necessary.

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/18/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

9 Jun

Let’s start at the Arboretum today.

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called Composting 102, scheduled for Tuesday June 17 from 7 to 8 p.m.

It’s presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola, who believes that “rinds, limbs, manure, leaves, garden clean-out, etc. are terrible things to waste!” Get started on composting or learn new methods to compost your food and garden debris. This will be an interactive discussion.

The presentation will be held at the the Curry Building at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

Rec Center highlights

There’s still time to register for the 55+ Golden Gala on Friday, June 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center.

This is a senior prom with dancing, a live band, a photo booth, an appetizer bar and a dessert bar. The event is sponsored by Kittelberger Florist, who’ll be providing flower corsages for the attendees. (Golden glam attire is suggested, but not required!)

Cost is $18 per person, and registration is required by June 10 (register for program #243001).

Webster Police will host car seat check

The Webster Police Department is partnering with the Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety to host a Car Seat Installation Check on Friday, June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Webster Police Department, 1000 Ridge Road.

There’s no charge for this service, but they would like to know you’re coming so they can have enough staff on hand. Click here to register.

Tea at Two Fashion Show was a success

The recent Tea at Two Fashion Show hosted by Embrace Your Sisters was a tremendous success, raising $47,000.

Embrace Your Sisters is a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $600,000 has been distributed to date. In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so this is great news.

The Embrace Your Sisters Tea at Two Fashion Show is an annual event, and tickets have sold out each of the last four years. So if you’re interested in attending the 2026 show, plan ahead!

***

As usual, the Webster Public Library has a ton of great programs this month, but I’m only going to highlight a few of them today.

The first is the Tiny Art Challenge, which is going on all summer. The library provides the tiny canvasses, and you provide the art supplies and creativity to make a masterpiece which will be displayed at the library.

Start by registering this month. Then, in July, pick up your canvasses and work on your art.

Deadline to return your finished pieces is Aug. 1. Then from Aug. 4 through 29, all the finished pieces will be displayed, and community members can vote for their favorite. The winning artwork will be announced in early September.

Outdoor storytimes at Ridge Park have begun!

Join Webster Public Library staff members for stories, sogns and rhymes at the Ridge Park pavilion (across from the Town Hall parking lot at 1000 Ridge Rd.) every Wednesday from 9:30 to 10 a.m. through Aug. 27.

This storytime is geared to children ages 0-5, but all are welcome. No registration is required. In case of inclement weather, storytime will be held in the library building and the change will be posted on the library’s Facebook page by 8:30 a.m.  

Here’s a teaser for other things happening this month at the library:

  • Color our World drop-in crafts, June 27 and 28
  • STEAM Family Fun Night, June 30
  • Teen Library Club, June 25
  • Program on Internet Security, June 24
  • Jigsaw puzzle competition, June 28
  • This month’s community collection: craft supplies

Click here to sign up for the newsletter to come to your email box and find out more about all of these events and more every month.

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

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

(posted 6/9/2025)

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Book performance brought the joy of reading to our district’s preschoolers

7 Jun
Jamie Palmer as Ballet Cat

Several beloved children’s books came to life on Thursday morning when Webster Schroeder preschool teacher Jamie Palmer hosted a very special live book performance for Webster’s youngest students.

More than 250 preschool students, teachers and aides — from the district’s seven Webster’s elementary schools and Schroeder and Thomas high schools — attended the performance in the Schroeder auditorium. As the audience members filed in and settled with great excitement into their seats, behind the curtain, an assortment of characters (including a toad, bear, crocodile, donkey, duck, sheep, Elephant and Piggie, Ballet Cat and more) got into their costumes and arranged their props.

Ballet Cat herself (Jamie Palmer in her bright pink tutu) introduced the performance, which featured several of the preschoolers’ favorite children’s books and authors:

  • Toad in the Road by Stephen Shaskan
  • Ballet Cat: the Totally Secret Secret by Bob Shea
  • What’s Your Favorite Favorite? by Bob Shea
  • Oh! Are You Awake? by Bob Shea
  • Elephant and Piggie: Let’s Go for a Drive! by Mo Willems
  • My Friends Make Me Happy by Jan Thomas
  • My Toothbrush is Missing! by Jan Thomas

In between books, as cast members prepared behind the curtain, the young audience members danced and clapped to songs performed by Webster Public Library (WPL) Outreach Cooordinator Jason Poole, and laughed at some pretty bad knock-knock jokes.

Brody Walrath as Lion
Sarah Painton
Maura Ugine, the “Toad in the Road”

Palmer was supported by a talented cast of WPL staff members, Webster School District (WCSD) teachers and Schroeder students. I even got to play the supporting role of Grandma in What’s Your Favorite Favorite? Other performers included:

  • WPL Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez
  • WPL Assistant Director Shana Lynott
  • WCSD Special Education Consultant Teacher Bill Ambler
  • Webster Schroeder Librarian Jennifer Strege
  • Webster Schroeder students Brody Walrath, Maura Ugine and Sarah Painton (on the drum set)
Jennifer Strege, Shana Lynott and Colleen Hernandez
My star turn as Grandma with Jamie Palmer and Bill Ambler

Thursday’s show was Palmer’s second annual preK book performance. The idea came to her a few years ago when she and Jason Poole were planning Webster Public Library visits for the district’s preschoolers. It was her first year as a preK teacher after working for several years as the Schlegel Elementary School librarian.

She said,

I missed doing book performances. I said, wouldn’t it be cool if we could do a book performance for all of preK on Schroeder’s stage. Since I’m here, it’s a big stage, and we have an auditorium that will fit everybody, that would be a fun field trip. We could celebrate summer reading with the Public Library and also the reading joy that happened while we were in preK.

You could definitely see that joy in the faces of the preschoolers as they danced and sang, laughed and clapped, and watched with delight as their favorite book characters came to life. And since there’s a new crop of preschoolers every year, you can bet this won’t be the last of these shows.

“After everyone came last year,” Palmer remembered, “they said, ‘Oh you need to do that again. And maybe you need to do two.'”

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(posted 6/7/2025)

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