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Pumpkins are parading this weekend. Don’t miss it

22 Oct

The Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade is this Saturday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

less than two weeks away, and they need jack-o-lanterns! This is a super fun family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns, and a lot of other very spooky elements. At the end of the path, there’s music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. And it’s ALL FREE and no registration is necessary.

This amazing event relies on community participation, because a LOT of pumpkins are necessary to make it really spectacular. Everyone is encouraged to carve some pumpkins to be added to the parade. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You can also join other Halloween-loving community members at a Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Rec Center will provide the pumpkins and the tools — all you need to bring is your creativity. And all of your creations will make it to the Pumpkins on Parade path.

The pumpkin-carving event is free, but registration is required for this so they can set aside some pumpkins for you. Register for program #301208.

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

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

(posted 10/22/2025)

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“Senior Inspirations” project will present seniors’ stories — artistically

17 Oct
Images from one of the “talk sessions”

I’ve written several times about the Webster Art Club, a very friendly and welcoming group of artists of all ability levels who meet once a month at the Webster Recreation Center to share ideas and support each other. If you’re a regular visitor to the Rec Center, you’re probably familiar with their work, displayed on the wall leading past the community room.

It’s obviously a pretty cool organization, but this latest project they’re working on is especially cool. Called “Senior Inspirations,” the project is a collaboration between Webster community members — specifically senior citizens — and Webster Art Club members. Each senior participant was paired with an artist, who sat down with them during “talk sessions” and asked them questions about their lives, interests, hobbies, etc. Each artist would then create an artwork based on something the senior shared. The media and style of work, along with the image itself, would be up to the artist.

The project began just a couple of weeks ago, the idea prompted by the club’s previous experience with a directed project.

Club co-president Mary Coy explained,

As a club, I noticed how inspired the club was last year as we collectively created art for the eclipse exhibit at the Rec Center center.  Some folks said they “liked having a specific project to work on.” So I thought we might try something different this year and offer the theme of inspiration.

Knowing the importance of social connection as we age, I thought about inviting seniors in to chat and share their stories. … We offered two opportunities to come in and talk with club members. Each session was one hour, and each artist was given a series of questions/prompts to encourage conversation.  It didn’t take much to get everyone talking! Lively chatter filled the entire hour, with some participants saying they didn’t want the session to end!

Mary added, “In this divisive time in society, this project brings people together and offers an opportunity for us to be inspired by others. Hence the name: ‘Senior Inspirations.'”

Diana Holzwasser, one of the seniors who participated, told me she enjoyed the experience very much.

“It was a very enlightening experience,” she wrote, adding,

I discussed the importance of family, my work life at Paychex as well as my interests. It was a pleasure to have this discussion with two of the members who will transform the information to a drawing. I’m very excited to see the results!

The talk sessions have been completed and the artists are busy working on their creations. The senior participants have been invited back for an unveiling and explanation of the artworks on Wednesday, November 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. — kind of like a reception, which will be held in that hallway where the artwork normally is displayed. Eleven artists participated in the project, so there’ll be at least 11 work of art, which will be hung alongside the club’s other works already on display.

I’ll be there. I think this is a very intriguing idea and I look forward to seeing the finished artworks and hearing the stories behind them.

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

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

(posted 10/17/2025)

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My second Prague travelogue is coming up

15 Oct

If you didn’t get a chance to catch my Prague travelogue presentation at the Webster Public Library last month, and you’d really like to, your next opportunity to do so is on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Webster Recreation Center, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

You may remember that I spent several weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband Jack, 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. If you’re at all interested in seeing some (OK, many) of those photos and hearing about my adventures, please join me at the Webster Recreation Center next Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. The program is part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. There’s no charge, and you don’t have to be a member of the Rec Center to attend. They’d like to know how many people to expect, so please register.

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.

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

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

(posted 10/15/2025)

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It’s a busy fall at the Rec Center

13 Oct

Lots of fun stuff coming up at the Webster Recreation Center which you’ll want to put on your calendar, so let’s dig in:

BINGO Night to support Making Spirits Bright, Sunday Oct. 19 at 1 p.m.

I’m honored to join Mike Petzing from Shamrock Jack’s as a caller for this event which benefits one of my favorite nonprofit organizations, Making Spirits Bright. Proceeds will help purchase large wish-list items for families to make their holiday season spectacular.

Admission is $25 for adults and $15 for children, capped at $75 per family. Fun, snacks raffle and door prizes! Click here to read my previous blog for more information.

By the way, the Bills have a bye that week, so there’s no conflict!

Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Take the family along a mile-long path around the Rec Center, lined with illuminated jack-o-lanterns, ending with music, cider & donuts, a giant slide, mini hay maze, photo booth, games and a bonfire. The event is free and open to the public.No registration is necessary.

Everyone is encouraged to carve some pumpkins to be added to the parade. Carved pumpkins can be dropped off at the Recreation Center on Friday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and/or Saturday, Oct. 25 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

You can also join other Halloween-loving community members at a Pumpkin Carving Party on Friday, Oct. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Rec Center will provide the pumpkins and the tools — all you need to bring is your creativity. And all of your creations will make it to the Pumpkins on Parade path. It’s free, but registration is required for this so they can set aside some pumpkins for you. Register for program #301208

Broadway-Themed Halloween Fitness Event, Sunday, Oct. 26 at 9 a.m.

This event is FREE and open to the public, and no registration is required. Costumes are definitely encouraged, so consider dressing as your favorite Broadway character.

Looking ahead

Mark your calendar now for an Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy music and dancing, cookies and activities. Come anytime during the event — you don’t have to be registered — and Santa will make sure to visit with everyone.

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

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

(posted 10/13/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

12 Oct

Some weeks I barely have enough ideas to fill three or four days of blogs. This is not one of those weeks.

Some days I only have a handful of items for one of my mailbags. This is not one of those days.

So in the interest of making today’s mailbag easier to compile for me, and easier to read for you (without a whole lot of extraneous information), How about this … I’ll bullet-point everything, and if you need any additional information about any one of them, click through the handy link in each listing.

We’ll start with stuff happening in October:

  • If you’re a guy who likes to sing, consider stopping by Guest Night at the Chorus of the Genesee on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. Join the guys to sing ‘a cappella’ music — you don’t need to read music! If you can sing a tune, they’ll show you the rest. No need to register, just walk on in the Main St. entrance. If you’re early, someone will meet you at the door. If you get there on-time/late, follow the signs upstairs to the rehearsal room. There’s singing until 9 p.m., then refreshments and socializing. If you have any questions, call 585.259.3590, or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com. If you can’t make it Tuesday night, feel free to show up any Tuesday night at 7 p.m. (but there’s no promise of refreshments!)
  • Did you know? October 15 is National White Cane Safety Day. The observance celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and recognizes the important symbol and tool of independence, the white cane. As the story goes, in 1930, George Bonham watched a man who was blind attempting to cross a street. The man’s cane was black, and motorists couldn’t see it, so Bonham proposed painting the cane white with a red stripe to make it more noticeable. But was he the first to think of this? Ed Wilkonski, from the Visionaries Low Vision Support Group in Webster, sent me the whole story. If you’re interested, click here.
  • Webster Health and Education Network will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.
  • St. Martin Lutheran Church will host their next Pulled Pork Drive-Thru on Saturday Oct. 18 from 4:30 p.m. until they run out. Dinners include pulled pork, salt potatoes, roll, cole slaw and cookie for just $15. Pull into the parking lot, place your order using exact payment, and the dinner will be delivered to you as you drive up in your car. Proceeds will support the church’s annual Christmas Stocking Project. St. Martin Lutheran Church is located at 813 Bay Rd.
  • Frank and Greg Palma’s Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow returns to the Webster Museum on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m. If you’re curious about the value or origin of a favorite piece, the Palma brothers will share their expertise and insight into the history and value of your items. Free refreshments provided. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

The October community exchange table will have spooky stuff — bring your old and unused spooky stuff and swap it for different spooky stuff.

The Friends of the Public Library’s Fall Book Sale takes place Oct. 22 to 25. The first day of the sale — Wednesday — is members only, and the public can shop Thursday through Friday. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Visit the Friends of Webster Library web page for hours and more information.

On Saturday Oct. 18, celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Come see amazing dancers, listen to fabulous singers and musicians, sample delicious food, and enjoy celebrating with the community. The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. and registration is required. All ages are welcome.

Teens and tweens in grades 4 to 12 are invited to a night of spooky fun on Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., with activities, treats and more. Costumes are encouraged! Registration is required.

This year’s Library Trick-or-Treat event will be held Friday, Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. There’ll be a trick-or-treat trail set up through the entire library, with a spooky maze at the end. Come any time, and costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

Looking ahead to November

  • The Women’s Club of Webster‘s annual Card Party is Tuesday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Play cards or a game of your choice. Participants will enjoy Danish and coffee in the morning, and a buffet lunch. Door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Tuesday, October 28. Click here for more information.
  • Spry Middle School students and staff will host their annual free spaghetti dinner for Webster veterans, active duty service members and their families on Thursday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. It will be served in Spry Middle School’s cafetorium, 119 South Avenue, and feature a complimentary meal of spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are requested. Call Spry Middle School at (585) 216-0093. Click here for more information.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program called Bird Seed Ornaments: A Family Affair on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 9:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 135 Chiyoda Dr. Bring the family and join the members of the Arboretum to learn how to make “bird cookies,” the perfect little snack for the birds in your yard. They’re easy to make and fun to watch the birds enjoying them. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information.

Whew.

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

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

(posted 10/12/2025)

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WSPS hosts appreciation luncheon for its drivers

11 Oct

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) hosted its Volunteer Driver Appreciation Luncheon at Liberty Lodge at Finn Park on Thursday afternoon.

Based at the Webster Recreation Center, WSPS is a group of volunteers who, for 15 years now, have provided transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers, tax preparation services, and the Webster Public Library. The organization currently has 65 volunteer drivers, five dispatchers and 12 board members.

WSPS is one of those volunteer organizations here in Webster that don’t get a whole lot of press or attention, but are making a huge difference in our community. Last year, WSPS volunteers drove over 49,000 miles, volunteered over 3500 hours and provided over 3800 rides. The rides are an affordable alternative to more expensive ride options, and allow many seniors the ability to live independently. The drivers are a meaningful part of the lives of its many riders who rely on them to get them to their appointments.

Almost 70 drives, dispatchers, board members and special guests attended the buffet luncheon, catered by Proietti’s, with a celebratory cake donated by BJ’s. Every driver received a gift bag stuffed with gift certificates and won a raffle prize, all donated by generous local business owners.

65 drivers might seem like a lot, but with the number of seniors and disabled folks in the Webster School District increasing, they’re always in need of more volunteers. For more information on how you can join the team, call 585-216-7829 or visit the group’s website. Monetary contributions are also more than welcome, and go to support the WSPS operating budget.

Here are a few more photos from the afternoon, courtesy Dave Norton:

Here’s an easy and fun way to help!

WSPS is hosting an indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors, so make sure to add this one to your holiday shopping calendar.

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

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

(posted 10/11/2025)

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Join me for BINGO and help benefit a great organization

4 Oct

“B-14!”
“N-32!”
“G-60!”

You’ll have to excuse me. I’m practicing my bingo-calling skills, because they’re somewhat lacking.

OK, to be totally honest, they’re entirely lacking, because I’ve never before been a bingo caller. So I have to practice up, because just a short while ago, my friend Jamie Buss asked me to be one of two guest bingo callers at a brand-new bingo fundraising event a few weeks from now to benefit Making Spirits Bright.

Jamie Buss and Tracy Nappi are the driving force behind Making Spirits Bright, a nonprofit organization established in 2014 with one simple mission: to provide smiles for families in need during the holiday season. Over the last 11 years, Making Spirits Bright has helped nearly 600 families, mostly through generous donations from community members, who sign up to fill families’ wish lists.

But sometimes some of those wish lists go unfilled, and many include big-ticket items. That’s where this family-friendly afternoon of BINGO will come into play (pun intended).

The fun happens on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (Don’t worry, it’s a bye week for the Bills.) Participants will each get 10 games with three boards each game, a BINGO dabber, light refreshments and drinks. Winners will receive gift cards and gift baskets donated by local businesses and Making Spirits Bright supporters. You can buy tickets for some fabulous raffle prizes, and if you bring a new toiletry item, unopened cleaning supply, or gift-wrapping item (wrapping paper, ribbon, etc.) you’ll get a free raffle ticket.

Admission is $15 for kids and $25 for adults, capped at $75 per family. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

And business owners, Making Spirits Bright is still looking for event sponsors. For as little as $100 you can get some great visibility for your business, a ticket to the event, have a lot of fun and feel good about supporting a terrific organization. Click here for more details.

By the way, my bingo-calling partner in this fun adventure will be Mike Petzing. You know him as the owner of Shamrock Jack’s Irish Pub where he showcases his BINGO-calling prowess once a month.

(Great … so HE has experience. I’d better get back to practicing.)

“O-63! N-35! I-30! BINGO!” (Wait. I’m not supposed to be yelling that …..)

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

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

(posted 10/4/2025)

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Can you help? The Senior Singers need a new director

23 Sep

I’ve written several times about the Senior Singers, an enthusiastic group of older adults who meet once a week at the Webster Recreation Center to sing, socialize and perform community concerts.

For the past many years, this fabulous vocal group has been led by Sylvia Vezzana, who’s recently decided to retire from that volunteer position due to family responsibilities. So the Recreation Center is hoping there’s someone out there who’d be interested in taking over.

The commitment is not huge. Right now the group meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Once or twice a year they’ll have a community performance/sing-along. There are currently about 20 to 25 members in the group, and they’re supported by a wonderful accompanist.

The Rec Center would like to find someone as soon as possible to fill the (volunteer) role, and they’ll be happy to work with the new director if the current time and day are a challenge. So if you have any experience leading a chorus, or know someone who’d like more information about this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please email Daphne Geoca, the Recreation Center’s 55+ Coordinator, at dgeoca@ci.webster.ny.us.

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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 9/23/2025)

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A preview of tomorrow’s Mud Run

19 Sep

I was at the Webster Recreation Center this morning for a workout, and since I’m not going to be able to participate in their annual Mud Run (which happens tomorrow, Saturday Sept. 20), I thought I’d check out the course just for fun. Plus, I wanted to see what kind of progress the guys were making in preparing for the muddy mess. I saw that all of the obstacles are in place — things just have to be muddied up with a LOT of water.

As I jogged along, my mind provided this running commentary:

Oh, yeah, it starts here in the middle of the field at a big starter’s gate. And then …. yep, the obstacle course. I remember that. First, slog through the mud … the first chance to get really muddy. Separates the serious mudders from the wanna-be-mudders. Not very muddy yet, though. Go over this hurdle (mmmph!), think I’ll duck under the next one. Whew. Now through the tires….

Right, the muddy tunnels. Crawl through the tunnel. A little tough on the knees, but worth it. Also not muddy yet.

Oh, boy, on my belly, under the canopy, crawl through the mud. No way to stay clean with this one. (‘Course I could have gone around… but what’s the fun in THAT?) Not muddy yet.

Run down the path. Pretty trail. Nice bridge.

Hey, this is new. It’s kind of like a string and bungee-cord maze. Gotta … step over … aargh … crawl over this one … got it. Nope. It caught me. Step over it, then under …. did it.

Oh my gosh, ANOTHER one? Ahhh, I’ll just go around this one.

Whoa, another new thing. Wonder what they call this? The “Noodle Noggin’ Knocker”? That looks like fun. And check out the mud on this one. Yeah, THIS is more like it. There’s so much sticky mud here you’ll want to make sure your sneakers are tied on tight.

That’s pretty much how my inner monologue went. It gives you a pretty good idea of what you’ll find tomorrow at the Mud Run, and you can get a sense of how much fun it will be. The whole course is less than a mile and you can get as muddy or not muddy as you like (and you can walk it if you want). And rest assured, by tomorrow morning, all of the muddy obstacles will be VERY muddy.

And don’t worry about how messy you get; at the end of the course the Webster fire departments will be there to spray you down if you want. (I recommend it for the sake of your car seats. Just bring a few towels.) Plus, remember there’ll be fried cakes and apples at the end of the run, and lots of vendor and informational tables for you to check out.

It’s a good idea to register in advance (it’s only $5 per person) and you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30. I recommend you give yourselves time to go through twice. It’s that much fun.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips Rd.

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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 9/19/2025)

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There’s new stuff at this year’s Mud Run

7 Sep

Hey Mud Run fans, I just got an update from the Webster Recreation Center about this year’s event, and there are some fun changes in store.

For starters, runners do NOT have to sign up for a specific time slot this year. Once you’re registered (here), you can show up any time between 10 and 11:30 a.m. to go through the course (several times, if you’d like!), then enjoy the rest of the festivities.

When you complete the course, you’ll enjoy fried cakes from Herman’s (yum) and apples from Schutt’s. Plus, you’ll have plenty of time to check out the informational tables of these vendors and organizations who’ll be there:

  • Webster Library
  • Align Integrative Wellness
  • MVP Healthcare
  • Webster Thomas Cheer Club
  • Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Rochester
  • 3 B’s Beverages (who will be selling beverages)
  • MVPT  (Physical Therapy)
  • Diamond Collision
  • Webster Police Department
  • Webster Fire Department 

If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy one mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there’ll be a few challenging obstacles (which you can go around if you like).

It takes place on Saturday Sept. 20 at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. from 10 to 11:30 a.m. It only costs $5 per person. Please register in advance so they know how many people to expect. Look for program #301202. Or you can call (585) 872-7103.

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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 9/7/2025)

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