The 2024 Webster Museum Festival of Trees has concluded, and after counting and re-counting, the winners have been announced.
This year’s contest included 19 beautifully decorated mini-trees, from these organizations and individuals:
American Legion Post 942
Country Gardeners of Webster
Gwen Hoffman
Jack’s Foundation
Lala of Webster
Museum Volunteers
Webster Arboretum
Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters
Webster Citizens Action League
Webster Comfort Care Home
Webster Community Chest
Webster Democratic Committee
Webster Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary
Webster Garlic Fest (Wreaths Across America)
Webster Grange
Webster Presbyterian Church – Rachel Circle
Webster Quilt Guild
Webster Republican Committee
Well Field Preservation Commission
More than 500 votes were tallied in person and online, and I can tell you from personal experience, it was not an easy choice. But ultimately, the top winner really blew away the rest of the competition.
Webster Comfort CareWebster Arboretum
Taking first place this year, with an amazing 99 votes, was the tree created by the Webster Comfort Care Home. (This is the second year in a row that Webster Comfort Care took the top spot.) In not-so-close second place was the Webster Arboretum with 53 votes. Both winners will receive $25 prize money.
Two other entries were SO CLOSE to taking second that they’ve earned Honorable Mention status: Jack’s Foundation, with 50 votes and the American Legion with 47 votes.
Jack’s FoundationAmerican LegionMemory Tree
A new addition to the festival this year also proved very popular: a Memory Tree, where visitors to the museum could hang an ornament with the name of a lost loved one or pet.
The Webster Museum hosts the very popular Festival of Trees every year. Voting typically opens in early December on the day of Winter Wonderland in the Village and runs through the end of the year. It offers a great chance for local organizations to have a little fun with tree decorating, while drawing some attention to their cause. And having almost two dozen beautifully lit and decorated trees sprinkled throughout the museum makes the museum sparkle during the holidays.
Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.
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A few days ago I posted a blog with all (OK, most) of the details about this weekend’s Winter Wonderland festival in the Village of Webster. But I’d like to pull out for special attention a few things that are going on at the Webster Museum that day.
See, what I’ve discovered is that even though the Webster Museum has been around for many, many years, a lot of people still don’t know it even exists. And they’re especially surprised to learn that the museum is only about 20 steps off East Main Street on Lapham Park.
So if you’re one of those people, here’s your personal invitation to stop by the Webster Museum this Saturday Dec. 7 during Winter Wonderland. Here’s what they have going on:
The Museum’s Festival of Trees begins when the museum opens at 2 p.m. Continuing through the end of the year, visitors can vote for their favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree among 17 creative entries. (Online voting will also be available on the museum website.)
New this year, the museum will also feature a Memory Tree, where you can add an ornament with the name of a lost loved one or pet.
The Kittelberger “Bouquet a Month for a Year” flower cards will be available. For just $40, the card entitles you to one fresh bouquet every month for a year.
The holiday raffle returns with all sorts of wonderful prizes donated by Webster merchants. Cost is three tickets for $5.
And finally, you have to stop by the museum if just to see the beautiful and historic Burkardt Family Crèche in person. Each piece was meticulously carved between World War I and World War II, beginning in 1918 and completing the final piece in 1944. It offers more than a view of the nativity; it also tells a story of craftsmanship, survival, and family devotion. Read the whole story here, then see it for yourself at the museum.
The Webster Museum will be open on Saturday Dec. 7, during Winter Wonderland, from 2 to 6 p.m. It’s located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
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The Village of Webster’s annual holiday fun festival, Winter Wonderland, returns to Main Street, Gazebo Park and Village Hall next weekend, on Saturday Dec. 7.
All of your family favorites will be back for the afternoon and evening, including carriage rides, crafts for the kids, cookie decorating, live music, story time, and a visit with Santa, culminating with the always spectacular Parade of Lights down Main Street.
Everything starts at 3 p.m., when Santa will welcome children in the warm Village Hall Community Meeting Room until 5:00 p.m., when he has to leave and get ready to ride in the parade.
Here’s a quick look at everything else going on that afternoon evening:
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Horse drawn carriage rides; departing from Veterans Park
3 – 5:30 PM – Scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, crafts, music performances from Rochester Rhapsody chorus and Jerry Christopher, hot cocoa and popcorn and more along Main Street
4:30 PM – Storytime with Jason from the Webster Public Library (location TBD)
2 – 8 PM – Holiday Craft Show; Harmony House 58 East Main Street. Free admission, more than 30 vendors, live music, and cash bar with holiday cocktails
And while you’re in town for the festivities, make sure to walk up the short block to the Webster Museum (18 Lapham Park) where there’ll be live music from 2 to 6 p.m., and your chance to place your vote in the museum’s Festival of Trees. The very popular Museum raffle will also be back this year, so bring a little cash, put a chance in for some great prizes and support the museum!
A few event locations are still being finalized, and when they do, the Webster BID will be posting the final details and a map online at websterbid.com, so stay tuned for that.
Everything wraps up with the spectacular Parade of Lights which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Kircher Park and travel west down Main Street to Fireman’s Field. It’s always amazing to see all of the fire trucks, bands, community group floats — everyone and everything — parade by, covered in twinkling Christmas lights.
I’ll be walking around with my camera, so if you see me, smile nice!
Here’s a link to my gallery from last year’s Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights.
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Kittelberger Florist‘s popular Bouquet a Month cards will be available through Dec. 7 at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
For just $40, your card entitles you to one fresh bouquet every month for 12 consecutive months, which you will pick up at Kittelberger, 263 North Ave., Webster. They’re available at the museum during normal open hours, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m., and proceeds will benefit the museum.
Holiday Shopping Friday Night Faire every Friday through Dec. 13. Holiday shop with new vendors every week, 11/29, 12/6 and 12/13 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Holiday Photos will be offered every Sunday in December. Click on the flyer for times.
Pancakes, Pups and Pictures on Sunday Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon. Features a Pancake Breakfast with Santa and photos. $20/adult. $10/children. Proceeds will benefit Operation Freedom Ride. Operation Freedom Ride. On-leash dogs are welcome.
An Ugly Sweater Silent Disco on Dec. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $15 and proceeds benefit the Verona St. Animal Society. Click here for tickets.
It all happens at Woofs Canine Club and Indoor Dog Park, 187 W. Main Street, Webster.
Meet “Webster’s Santa” at the Women’s Club
The Women’s Club of Webster’s December meeting and luncheon will take place on Thursday Dec. 19 at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd.
This month’s speaker is “Santa Jim” Lockwood, a professional Santa who many residents will recognize from the annual Parade of Lights and Christmas in July at the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market.
Social hour begins at 11:15, followed by a brief meeting and lunch. Entree choices include chicken French, Reuben sandwich or Caesar salad. All lunches will come with fresh fruit, coffee, tea, or cold drink. Price is $24. Send your check with choice of entree made out to Women’s Club of Webster no later than December 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585 -265-1303.
And remember, the The Women’s Club of Webster’s super-popular Holiday Cookie Sale returns to the Webster Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out, which is pretty quickly). Proceeds from the sale benefit the club’s scholarship funds and many other programs and not-for-profit organizations in the Webster community.
Families of Young Children Asked to Take Census
Parents/guardians residing within the Webster Central School District (CSD), and who have children ages birth to 5 years residing in the household, are being asked to take a brief young child census survey that will be used to forecast student enrollment for the foreseeable future.
Completing the census is a young families’ first connection with the school district. It enables Webster CSD to keep in contact with families as their children approach school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.
The form can be found on the Webster CSD website beginning Dec.1 and will be available through January 6, 2025. Families who do not have access to a computer can participate by calling Student Registration at (585) 216-0029.
A look ahead at two great library events
These two events at the Webster Public Library won’t be happening until January, but I think you’ll want to get them on your calendar early.
The library will host a Preschool Open Houseon Monday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. Registration is not required.
This next event sounds really cool, and will most certainly will fill up quickly.
It’s called the Library Fan Fest, on Sunday Jan. 19 from 4:30 to 8 p.m., an afternoon and evening of immersive literary fun for all ages. Participants can visit five different literary realms: The Dragon’s Den (fantasy), The Queen’s Ball (Regency era), The Fairytale Forest (princesses & fairytales), Mythology Camp, and the Comics Cafe (comics & superheroes). Each realm will offer themed crafts, activities, treats, and more. Visit with live animals, have a tarot card reading, learn a Regency-inspired dance, get your face painted, visit the Candy Shoppe, meet characters from your favorite fairy tales and comics, and more. Costumes are highly encouraged.
This event is for literary lovers of all ages. There’s no charge, but you must register. Registration for this event will open Sunday, Dec. 1. Click here to register.
Also from the library, remember that the Friends of the Webster Public Library will be hosting their Holiday Book Sale from Nov. 27 through Dec. 23 during normal library hours. A nice selection of gently-used books with winter themes will be available at great prices.
Two more reminders
The Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.
This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early.
The Webster Arboretum will also be there with an information table, holiday plants and a holiday raffle.
The sale is the Country Gardeners’ annual fundraiser, so think about decorating your own home, and purchasing gifts for family, friends and holiday hostesses. Admission is free.
The Webster Lions Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfastwith Santa has been scheduled for Sunday Dec. 8 (note the new date; it’s been scheduled for the first Sunday in December for years).
It will be held at Webster Schroeder High School from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Santa and his elf will be there for the children, as well as the Lion Club’s Lion. Plus, there’ll be lots of great raffle items and free vision screening for kids ages 6 months to 12 years. And of course, breakfast: pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted.
The Pancake Breakfast with Santa Fundraiser is one of the ways the Lion’s Club earns money to help those in need. This year, donations will be made to the Webster Community Chest, Webster Hope and other charities.
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A special program and new exhibit at the Webster Museum honor and give thanks to those who fought in the Vietnam War.
On Saturday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., Charles Klauck, a Vietnam veteran and President of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 20 will tell his story. Plus, attendees will also hear from the Schraders, who met because of the Vietnam War. Nguyen Schroeder escaped by jumping on a ship as it was leaving the Vietnam harbor. They will tell their fascinating love story. Other veterans are welcome and encouraged to attend the presentation to share their personal stories of the war and their service.
The program is free (donations are always appreciated) and refreshments will be served. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster and is handicap accessible.
While you’re there for the presentation (or anytime this month), make sure to check out the new Vietnam War exhibit tucked into the “toy corner.” It features two uniforms actually worn during the war. The one on the left was worn by Spencer Radnich from the US Army, and on the right, the US Air Force uniform worn by Ron Gentle. The patches are from Vietnam veteran Michael Geisler.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. You can find out more at their website here and Facebook page here. The museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. * * *
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From the shores of Lake Ontario, I bring you a ghost story. It’s the legend of a long-lost ship whose spectral image (some say) can still occasionally be seen sailing under a blue moon.
The story hails from 1835, the heyday of lake-sailing cargo schooners. Nine-Mile Point was a natural stopping point for local shippers; the large sand bluff poked out into the lake and had a tree at the point’s end, making it easy to identify.
Angus McClone and Dirk VanWesterly were two tight-fisted farmers who had large farms near Nine Mile Point. Ship captains who docked there knew both farmers well, especially their penchant for haggling over shipping rates. Successful ship captains refused to deal with them, but there were always others who needed the money and had no choice but to agree to a bad deal.
One such captain was Hugh Bowe. His ship was called the Nilfred, and it was in very bad condition. McClone was on shore when it pulled into harbor, and – sensing that the ship’s captain would be desperate for funds – McClure negotiated a very unfair rate to have his goods shipped to Charlotte.
Adding insult to injury, McClone and VanWesterly demanded free passage to Charlotte, where they made a good profit selling the cargo. Then they demanded a free ride home. Since he’d not yet been fully paid, Bowe agreed, setting sail under a blue moon back to Nine Mile Point, furious about how these country farmers had gotten the better of him.
On the way back to Nine Mile Point, McClone and VanWesterly tucked into a bottle of whiskey to celebrate their good fortune, and soon started talking too much about how much money they’d made. Hearing this, Bowe and his crew hatched a plan. Why not kill the farmers, take their money, set the Nilfred on fire and row away in a lifeboat? The people on shore would see the fire and assume that all on board had died.
The plan went off without a hitch. The crew dispatched the farmers, found the money, and when the ship arrived back at the mouth of Four Mile Creek, the sailors set it afire, boarded a lifeboat and started paddling to shore. The schooner sailed away slowly toward the middle of the lake.
But the winds at Nine Mile Point can be capricious. They turned the schooner completely around and it started sailing back to shore, heading straight towards the lifeboat. Unable to get out of the way in time, the Nilfred crashed into the lifeboat, killing Bowe and his crew.
Then the winds changed again, turning the Nilfred completely around once more. It was last seen sailing away over the horizon, a blazing torch under a blue moon.
It’s said that sometimes, on nights of a blue moon, a ghostly apparition of a burning ship appears far out on the lake off Nine Mile Point. It moves towards the shore, and then suddenly turns around and disappears over the horizon.
Perhaps the farmers’ ghosts are trying to get back to reclaim their lands.
Discover more fascinating Webster history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Find out more at webstermuseum.org.
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email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
Yes, it’s only the middle of October, but the Webster Museum is already thinking ahead to the holidays, and their annual Festival of Trees.
This year’s Tree Festival will begin on Saturday, Dec. 7, which is (not coincidentally) the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland holiday event. Starting that day and through the end of the year, museum visitors can vote for their favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree among 15 to 20 beautiful and creative entries. (Online voting will also be offered.)
But before that can happen, individuals, families and organizations need to step up and do some decorating! Two $25 prizes will be awarded for the trees getting the most votes.
If you’re interested in participating, call Gwen Hoffman at (585) 738-6221.
By the way, the museum is also looking for a few additional music groups willing to share their talents during the Winter Wonderland festivities at the museum.
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Quick addendum to this blog: the museum has a great program coming up tomorrow (Saturday Oct. 19).
Beginning at 2 p.m., Jon Gonzalez, President of Bill Gray’s and grandson of Bruce Hegedorn will be providing an update on the redevelopment of the former Hegedorn’s Plaza and sharing a few thoughts on business in Webster, past, present, and future.
Following this talk, back by popular demand, the Palma brothers will be in to share their expertise and insight into the history and value of the items you bring in. There’s no charge for either presentation.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in 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).
The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …
Basically, 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 children! 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 costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!
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.
And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to 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 and my camera; 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.)
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The dates have been finalized for all of the Village of Webster’s very popular fall and winter events. More details will be coming soon for some of these, but in the meantime, here are the dates so you can put them all on your calendar:
Shredding Event, Saturday Oct. 12 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the parking lot behind Village Hall. This is a drive-through event; volunteers will be on hand to unload your car. Paper only will be accepted, and staples DO NOT need to be removed. Paper needs to be placed in cardboard boxes or paper bags (not plastic). Limit is five boxes per vehicle.
Health and Wellness Fair, Saturday Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Hall community meeting room, 29 South Ave. This is a free event which showcases the businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness.
Wine and Beer Walk, Saturday Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. Stroll through the Village of Webster and into our local businesses, sampling beer, wine and snacks. More info to come.
Trick or Treat Trail,Saturday Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Always a great time for families. Features a costume contest, museum scavenger hunt, pet costume contest, the fire department’s open house and more. More info to come.
Bourbon Bash,Saturday Nov. 2, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 E. Main St. Sample bourbons and whiskeys from local and national distilleries, complemented by food samples from local restaurants. This is always a hugely popular event which sells out, so stay tuned for when tickets become available.
Winter Wonderland in the Village, Saturday Dec. 7 from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m. on Main St. (Maybe it’ll snow this year?) More details to come.
The best way to keep on top of these events is to visit the Webster BID website frequently, where details will be posted as they’re finalized.
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The newest exhibit at the Webster Museum shines a spotlight on the many businesses that have helped shape the Town of Webster.
Called “A Measure of Webster Business,” the main display case is packed with historical information and photographs from more than a dozen businesses which have been an important part of Webster for decades, some for more than 100 years. They include Bill Gray’s (86 years), Finns Automotive (85 years), Proietti’s Restaurant (54 years) and Empire State Weeklies (125 years).
A separate display, called “Then and Now,” looks at local businesses which are currently in operation, and what they were back in the day. For example, in the 1950s, what we now know as Abbott’s Original at the corner of Gravel and Ridge roads used to be a Carvel. The Webster Post Office was housed in the building on West Main St. which is now Arrow Kitchen and Bath. And Knucklehead Brewery in West Webster used to be Seitz’s Delicatessen.
The “Measure of Webster Business” displays are an extension of an exhibit created in May, which takes a look at historic Webster businesses through the promotional yardsticks that graced nearly every Webster household. Along with the kinetic yardsticks display, other memorabilia from local businesses, old and new photos, brief biographies and timelines for each business round out this retrospective look at Webster’s history.
The “Measure of Webster Business” exhibits will be on display until early November, so head over to the museum before then to find out more about all of the businesses which played an important part in helping our town and village grow.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
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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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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