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Looking back at the year in blogs

30 Dec

As I like to do at the end of every year, a few days ago I took a stroll back through all of the blogs I wrote in 2025. It’s always a fun exercise, as I review all of the events, business openings and closings, people and places that I found to share with you all. They reflect the extraordinary diversity of people, places and events we have here in Webster, and how close-knit this town is.

In the last 12 months, counting today, I posted 334 blogs. That works out to about 28 blogs every month. And thanks to the wonders of the Internet, I managed to keep up that pace even though I was in Prague for six weeks. It’s also interesting (at least to me) to note that the blogs were viewed more than 238,000 times. Fourteen of the top twenty blogs were about new businesses, the most popular one being an update on The Coach renovations — which was my best-read blog of the year.

As in previous years, my photo galleries following events like the Trick or Treat Trail and Fireman’s Parade were also big draws, and my History Bits — highlighting local history — are also still very popular.

If you’ve got a few minutes and would find it interesting, I’ve pulled out my favorite blogs from each month. My posts have run the gamut from special events to special people, new businesses to new trails. But you’ll notice that many of my favorite blogs are the ones where I share personal stories and everyday moments, the kinds of things that may not seem very exciting, but are what make our lives interesting and meaningful.

If something really strikes your fancy and you want to read any of them again, click through the hyperlink.

My two favorite blogs in January were about local history: the Irondequoit Bay Bridge and the first of my six-stop History Bit Webster Museum tour. The bridge blog was a follow-up on two blogs I’d posted the previous March when the Bay Bridge celebrated a birthday. Like those, this one about how the bridge had won an award also garnered several “likes.”

In February I caught up with a village neighbor of mine who will often hitch up her dogs to a dogsled and run them through village neighborhoods. This was a good example of a great community story which I was alerted to by one of my readers. Usually the best blog ideas come from my readers.

Jack’s Happy Hour celebrated its five-year anniversary in March. I first wrote about this nightly gathering of Brooksboro Dr. neighbors in 2022, when they were celebrating the occasion of having come together for a beverage every night for 1000 days straight. Last March they marked five straight years of gatherings. Every. Single. Night. For five years.That was definitely worth a blog.

In April, I posted what would become one of my most popular History Bits, about Willow Point Park. So many people fondly remember the old amusement park and shared a lot of memories. That month I also highlighted Webster Schroeder graduate Adam Marino, who was playing Frankie Valli in OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys.

My two favorite blogs in May were both personal reflections. I wrote about my recent trip to Prague, and how I successfully completed my first (and only) half marathon upon my return. Both were extremely memorable experiences. One of them I would like to do again. I’ll leave it to you to guess which one.

In June, my favorite blog was probably the shortest, when School Resource Officer David Herrle joined me in a dramatic reading of Mo Willems’ We Are in a Book, starring Elephant and Piggie. I was substituting at State Rd. Elementary when he happened to pop into the library and I corralled him. I love showing that police officers are fun-loving people, too.

I highlighted the WEBSTER bushes in July, the ones that welcome visitors to town on Rt. 104. They have some interesting history. I also enjoyed highlighting an unusual benefit to living in the Village of Webster when I wrote about how the Webster Marching Band practices at Spry Middle School during the summer and provides my own personal band concert.

In August, I followed up another blog idea submitted by a reader when I attended a Front Porch Pickin’ social event on Millcreek Run. I wrote a History Bit about the Forest Lawn Train accident, and shared some thoughts about some trail riding my husband and I did in Penn Yan and Waterloo, where we saw some beautiful scenery and explored some Civil War history.

I was honored to be invited to Jack’s Happy Hour again in September when the Brooksboro gang celebrated their 2,000-night anniversary. (They SAID it would be their last time, but I don’t think it was….) The whimsical Holt Rd. skeletons were back in action for Halloween, and I had to share this year’s cleverness with everyone. Also in September, I introduced everyone to young Pierson Farina and his “Returns for a Reason” initiative in which he collects returnables and donated the funds to local nonprofits.

In October I featured Judah Sealy — who doesn’t live in Webster but plays every year at the Webster Jazz Festival — who landed the role of Clarence Clemons in the new Bruce Springsteen movie. I also wrote another more personal piece about my running buddies and two races we did together that month.

In November, I caught up with Fritz Sierk, owner of The Coach, for an update on his repairs and renovations. It proved to be my best-read blog of the year. I also gave everyone a behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite local organizations, the Friends of Webster Trails, when I tagged along to watch the installation of a trail counter. And I visited those crazy Holt Rd. skeletons again, who for the holiday season had been transformed into the Rockettes.

Finally, in December I posted my annual gallery of photos from the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights festivities. People love these galleries and it makes me feel good that I’m able to share events like this with people who can’t attend, especially those who now live out of state. And just a few weeks ago I wrote what might be my favorite blog of the entire year, about when a representative from Toter/Wastequip came to town and presented Pierson Farina with his very own “Returns For a Reason” toter, making his biggest Christmas wish come true.

Whew. If you’re still with me, thank you for reading this far. I hope you found it interesting to revisit some of this year’s blogs. And remember that if you ever think of something or see something that might make for an interesting blog, PLEASE drop me an email. As I said, the best blog ideas come from my readers.

Thanks again for reading, and all of your likes, comments and messages. Please have a safe and happy new year.

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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 12/30/2025)

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Discover winter hiking in Webster

29 Dec

It seems to me that this winter has already been a whole lot snowier, a lot earlier, than the last few years. Which means it’s the perfect time to get out and do some hiking on our Webster trails, ’cause as pretty as they are in the spring and fall, they’re exceptionally beautiful in the snow.

The Friends of Webster Trails has some great thoughts about doing just that. For starters, they’ve introduced their first-ever First Day Hike at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve (403 Whiting Rd.). The family-friendly guided hike will be about an hour over easy or moderate terrain. Dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.  

Please register online for this event so they have an idea of how many to expect.  

The Friends’ “Loop of the Month” for January is the Hojack Trail. For winter hiking, a flat trail is a good choice, and the newly refinished Hojack Trail is an excellent option. You can create a walk of up to five miles by including the Michael A. Johnson Trail and the John Ungar Trail. And remember—if you get tired, you can always turn around when you reach your limit.

For you really dedicated hikers, how about signing up for the WNY Winter Hiking Challenge? This year’s challenge runs through March 20 and features 32 trails. Hikers need to earn 50 points to receive a cool finisher patch, a sticker and bragging rights. Many of the featured trails are in the Rochester area, and Four Mile Creek Preserve in Webster is among them. Click here to check out their website and register.

If you’re doing a lot of hiking this winter, consider picking up a Wegmans Passport to start logging your hikes and discovering new places to hike. Passports are available at Webster Wegmans stores and through Webster Parks and Recreation. Or you can download one here.

And, the Friends remind us, don’t forget to bundle up! Winter hiking can be more challenging, so a little extra preparation goes a long way. Be sure you’re familiar with the trail, check the forecast before heading out, and allow extra time, as hikes often take longer than they do in warmer weather. Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear with good traction.

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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 12/29/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Dec

Webster Museum’s Festival of Trees

There’s still time to vote for your favorite mini-Christmas Tree at the Webster Museum’s Festival of Trees.

Nineteen beautifully decorated trees have been set up around the museum, decorated by local non-profit agencies. Community members are invited to examine them all and vote for their favorite one. Votes will be accepted through the end of December. You can stop by the museum on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday from 2 to 4:30 to see them in person, or vote for your favorite online at the museum’s website.

Also, beginning Jan. 13, the museum will introduce their 2026 Quilt Exhibit, called “Stitched Stories: A Celebration of Vintage Quilts.” It will be on display in both the museum AND the Webster Public Library.

Start off the new year with a hike!

For the first time ever, Friends of Webster Trails will be hosting a free, guided First Day Hike at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 1 at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.

This family-friendly hike will be about an hour over easy or moderate terrain. Dress in layers and have traction devices for your feet if necessary. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. 

Please register online for this event so they have an idea of how many to expect.  

Friends of Webster Trails is a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the public trails throughout Webster, including the Hojack Trail which runs through the village.

Village of Webster Christmas Tree Recycling

Curbside collection of Christmas trees will take place during the Village’s monthly brush pick up, the week of Jan. 5. Remember:

  • Live trees only, no artificial trees
  • Remove ornaments and lights
  • Do NOT put tree in a bag or cover with plastic
  • Place tree at curb by Sunday, January 4

News from Webster Comfort Care

Webster Comfort Care Home will be selling Kittelberger 12 Months of Flowers Cards from Jan. 5 through Jan. 26.

Cost is $50 and entitles the bearer to one fresh new bouquet of flowers every month for 12 months. For more information, click here. Payment accepted by cash, check or credit card. Cards can be picked up at Webster Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Women’s Club announces January meeting

The Women’s Club of Webster will host their monthly general meeting and luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 22, at Nucci’s Restaurant, 807 Ridge Rd., Webster. The gathering begins with social time at 11:15, a business meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30, followed by a speaker. This month, the Women’s Club welcomes Margery Morgan from Webster Hope, a nonprofit organization which helps Webster residents in need of assistance by providing food, clothing and emergency financial support.

Cost of the luncheon is $23, and will feature a buffet with chicken parmigiana, pork loin, greens and beans, oven-roasted potatoes, penne with sauce, and salad. Cost is $23. Please send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster by Jan. 15 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, please call Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

At the library …

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the Webster Public Library‘s January programs:

For adults:

  • Elsa von Blumen: Famous Rochestarian and Female Bicyclist — Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn about Elsa, a famous Rochestarian in the 1800s. Registration is required.
  • Salaff String Quartet Concert — Thursday, Jan. 22, 4 to 5 p.m. Enjoy a variety of music from classic to folk, performed on string instruments. Registration is required.

For Teens and Tweens:

  • Make it Monday: Snowy Pine Cone Trees — Monday, Jan. 12, 6 to 7 p.m. Teens (grades 4 and up) and adults are welcome to attend this monthly craft night. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required.
  • T(w)een Library Club — Wednesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. For grades 4 and up. Do you like books, games, crafts, sharing your ideas, or just hanging out with your friends? This group is for you. Registration is required.

For the little ones:

  • Rubber Ducky Storytime — Tuesday Jan. 13, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Celebrate National Rubber Ducky Day with stories, songs and rhymes about ducks, plus an activity and simple craft. All ages are welcome.
  • Preschool Puzzle Morning –Tuesday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by the storytime room to try an assortment of toddler-friendly puzzles.

And this stuff:

  • The Webster Library’s annual Webster-Area Preschool Fair will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet representatives from many area preschools to learn about their programs, More to come about this.
  • Zaurac’s Space Music Show — Saturday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. Zaurac (also known as Steve Fentress), will perform a live celestial-themed keyboard concert complete with cosmic-themed songs and imagery. For all ages. Registration is required.
  • The January Community Exchange is cookbooks. Bring in some you don’t use anymore, and pick up some new-to-you ones.

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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 12/26/2025)

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Your inside look at what’s happening on Webster’s trails

6 Nov

I got my digital newsletter from the Friends of Webster Trails the other day. It’s my quarterly reminder about all of the amazing things this group is doing for our community, and an opportunity to share some of those things with you all.

You can read the whole newsletter for yourself here on the Friends of Webster Trails website, but here are some of the highlights:

Improvements to the Hojack Trail

If you’re a regular trail user, you’ve probably already seen all of the recent improvements made to the Hojack Trail. Thanks to a large grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund, over the summer months, the Friends worked hard through the summer, resurfacing the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads. The new surface solves a lot of recurring drainage problems, and is also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

In the weeks since the resurfacing was completed, new bollards have been installed to prevent motorized vehicles from driving on the trail. Still to come: benches, kiosks, informational panels, new wayfinding signage and new plantings.

New Herman Rd. Trail

Back in August, the Friends officially introduced another brand new trail system, the Herman Road Forever Wild Forest, located on Herman Rd. east of Pellett Rd. The mature forest features two miles of easy and intermediate trails, which connect with the pink and orange trails at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. (Click here to read the blog I wrote after the ribbon-cutting.)

Trail counter program

The Friends’ trail counter program has continued apace this year. The goal of the project is to try to get a handle on how many people are actually using the trails and which trails are most popular. Knowing which trails are more heavily used, and which might then need the most care, will help the Friends target their limited maintenance funds to where they’re most needed.

The trail counting gadget is being deployed methodically across all 28 miles of trails which stretch throughout our town. The numbers they’ve seen so far are surprising. Click here to read more.

Eagle Scouts have been working hard

Here’s a quick rundown on some of the projects completed this year by our Webster Eagle Scout candidates:

  • Whiting Road Nature Preserve: Two old boardwalks were removed, new boardwalks were installed, and a new bench was added.
  • Hojack Trail at Lake Road: A new kiosk was built at the Lake Rd. trailhead, replacing one removed during the reconstruction of the trail at Lake Road.
  • Vosburg Hollow Nature Trail: The bridge over Shipbuilders Creek was replaced. It was a huge project, which you’ll read more about in another blog soon.
  • Bird Sanctuary Trail: Two benches were replaced, and a table added.
  • State Road Nature Preserve: Three new benches and a table were installed, along with three new boardwalks along the creek, and a new kiosk at the parking lot trailhead.
  • Four Mile Creek Preserve: This trail system saw some major maintenance. One puncheon section was rebuilt, another section was added, a bench was repaired, and a table was installed.

Kiosks sport new look

Speaking of kiosks, you might have noticed how the trailhead kiosks are all getting a fresh, more professional look. They’ve been newly stained and they’ll all soon include updated rules, regulations, maps and history panels.

ReTree effort

The Friends’ ReTree effort has been busy this year.

The Webster ReTree Project was begun in 2022 to address the loss of forests to insects and disease, by raising and planting a variety of native trees. Its two objectives are to improve the ecological resiliency of forested habitat and to increase public knowledge of the threats to local forest ecology. This year’s accomplishments include:

  • Potting more than 300 seedlings for the ReTree nursery
  • Planting 30 large pollinator-friendly plants along the Hojack Trail between Klem and Hard roads.  
  • Repotted seedlings as they outgrew their pots, kept the nursery weeded and watered during the very dry summer.

There was lots more in the newsletter about trail improvements made this year, including a new side trail at the Michael A. Johnson Preserve, and an extended Blue Trail and new viewing area at the State Rd. Preserve. Click here to go to the newsletter and read more about all of these great enhancements.

And don’t forget about the Hot Cocoa Hike this Saturday Nov. 8. This year’s evening hike is at Finn Park at 7 p.m., just days after the full Beaver Moon, so the conditions should be excellent! Register online so they know how much cocoa to make, and bring your own cup and flashlight.

Click here to read more about it and to register.

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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 11/6/2025)

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Great friends, great races, great fun

23 Oct

Most of you know by now that I consider myself a runner, and as part of the Webster Village Runners, I run every Tuesday night with a group of fellow running and walking enthusiasts. (We meet at Ploty’s. Join us!) I like to feature this group in my blog every once in a while, because it’s just a terrific bunch of people, and I have so much fun with them.

Occasionally we participate as a “team” at different races around town, and today I’d like to highlight two recent ones.

The first took place last Friday afternoon Oct. 17 at the Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp in Rush. Sponsored by the Rochester Rotary every year, it was called the Trail Mix 5K and Beer Fest, and took runners along wooded paths and walkways for three miles through and around this beautiful facility. And true to its name, after the race, runners were treated to a real festival, where perhaps a dozen Rochester-area breweries handed out generous samples of their beers. Plus there was live music and dancing and prizes, old friends and new. It was great.

I signed up for this race in large part because I knew it was a worthy cause, and I like to support worthy causes. I knew a little about Sunshine Camp, which is a fully-accessible residential summer camp for children with physical challenges. But I didn’t know a whole lot about it and was intrigued to think that the property was big enough and wooded enough for an actual 5k trail run. It most definitely was, and I discovered that the trails were just a small part of this incredible camp.

I learned that Rotary Sunshine is a 157-acre camp, a magical place where more than 2,500 children and young adults with special needs come to every summer just to … well, be kids … without worrying about wheelchairs, medications, or being “different.” Along the trails I ran by a tree house, climbing wall, zip line, splash pad, playground, a lake — and an actual TRAIN! It’s like a child’s magical dream, where the most fun things you can imagine are all in one place.

About 120 runners participated that day, ages 6 to 84, and the money raised through our entry fees went straight to support Sunshine Camp. I did OK (not a big fan of trail racing); I took second in my age group and came home with a medal. (Of course, there were only two in my age group.) The post-race music and beer and snacks were excellent.

Well done, Rochester Rotary. I’ll be back next year.

This next Webster Village Runners team event took place just two days later at the inaugural Boos and Brews 5K held at Charles Sexton Park last Sunday morning.

About 160 runners and walkers participated, which was pretty good given it was just the first time it was held in the Rochester area. It was a perfect autumn day and the park was in full color. Runners were encouraged to wear costumes, and there were some really cute ones. And two Village Runners got to put on some ghoul masks and jump out and scare the runners. A portion of the proceeds was donated to the Friends of Webster Trails.

After the race, runners were encouraged to meet for some socializing at the Mary Wee Pub, where owner Mark Petzing offered drink specials for the participants (thanks, Mark!). I made some new friends and even recruited a new Village Runner.

It was lots of fun, especially being with my Village Runner friends, and I’m already looking forward to next year.

Here’s a slideshow from the day:

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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 10/23/2025)

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The numbers don’t lie: we really LOVE our trails

16 Oct

Not long ago, I got a behind-the-scenes look at an important initiative being undertaken by the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). They call it their “Trail Counter Study,” and it’s an effort to determine how much our trails are being used.

I’ve been a huge supporter of the all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails for years, and I frequently hike the trails they work so hard to build and maintain. So I’ve always known that the trails are very popular.

But I had no idea just how popular.

Two years ago, the Friends purchased a trail counter — a heavy-duty, military-looking gadget which uses an infrared beam to record the number of people who cross its path. Its operation is pretty simple; basically, the counter is attached to a tree on one side of a path, it shoots its beam across to a reflector on the opposite side of the path. When someone interrupts the beam, he or she is counted.

Richard adjusts the counter

It’s a daunting project. Thanks to the Friends’ efforts, our town now boasts an amazing 28 miles of trails, stretching from Lake Rd. to the north to State Rd. south of the village. And eventually, they want to compile stats on every individual trail in the system.

FWT volunteers John Boettcher and Richard Murray are leading the project. The day I got my behind-the-scenes peek at the operation was a beautiful early-autumn day, ideal for a hike. John and Richard led me perhaps a half mile to the Green Trail at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve to where the counter had been installed days earlier. I watched as they worked together, adjusting the counter on the tree, and carefully calibrating the infrared beam so it would reflect accurately across the trail and back.

They’ve become a well-coordinated team. Before Richard came on board as a volunteer about 18 months ago, John often found himself trying to juggle both responsibilities, doing a kind of back-and-forth dance as he tried to precisely aim the beam. By himself, it took “forever,” John said. “I’d aim and go over and move it and go back.” But working together, he and John finished the job in less than a half hour.

The trail counting project was in large part prompted by COVID. On weekends during the shutdown, John said, so many people were using the trails that “you couldn’t park your cars in the lots. They were parking along the roads. So that prompted the question, ‘How much are the trails being used?'” Knowing which trails are more popular, and which might then need the most care, will help the Friends target their limited maintenance funds to where they’re most needed.

Accurate data is also important for when the Friends apply for grants. Typically, grantors want to know how and where the money will be used, and whether it’s actually necessary. Having hard data helps the Friends make their case.

Right now the Friends only have one counter (they’re rather expensive), which they’re methodically deploying on one trail after another, usually leaving it in place for about a week to get a full seven days worth of data. They’ve already installed it near the main access points of each of our trail systems, but are still working on getting it onto every individual trail within those systems. And there are a lot of them.

The data they’ve collected so far is pretty impressive. For example, in just one week, more than 1,000 people visited Gosnell Big Woods. That’s an estimated 50,000 people a year, and even if the counter is recording both the coming and going of a visitor at a main trail head, those counts are still huge. The Bird Sanctuary Trail and Gosnell Big Woods are also seeing very big numbers, almost reaching a thousand a week at certain locations.

The counter also provides hourly data which can be used to examine the most popular times of day for trail usage. But that’s a project for a later date.

Thanks to their trail counter, there’s a lot of data pouring in, but there’s a lot more to learn. Knowing how many people use the trails is a start, but the FWT would also like to determine WHO the users are — hikers, dog walkers, bikers? Unfortunately, the counter can’t help with that stat. What the Friends really need are observers to actually sit along the trails and tally the different categories of trail users. If you’re interested in helping with this, please contact John Boettcher at john2w3b@gmail.com.

Which leads me to my regular public service announcement. If you’re one of those thousands of people who use our trails and you’re STILL not a member, please consider becoming one. It only costs $15 (individual) or $20 (family) a year, and your donation will help them continue to do great things for our community.

But better yet, become a volunteer. Join their work parties. Sit on a trail some beautiful day this fall to count and chat with hikers. Email John for more information about that, or check out the Friends of Webster Trails website for more volunteer opportunities.

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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 10/10/2025)

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Good news from the Arboretum and the Hojack

10 Sep

I got some email updates recently about two beloved Webster attractions that are back in action after undergoing some much-needed repairs.

First, the newly reconstructed Robert and Carroll Manning Bridge at the Webster Arboretum was officially welcomed back Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It took several months to complete the work, and strong support from the Webster community helped make it happen. Back in July the Arboretum set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort collected more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both the Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Several local dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ceremony, including Arboretum Board president Carole Huther, Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard, Webster Town Board Deputy Supervisor Patty Cataldi and New York State Senator Samra Brouk.

I also got notice from the Friends of Webster Trails that the work they’ve been doing on the Hojack Trail is finally done.

The Friends wrote,

Temporary orange barriers at road crossings are in place, and the trail is open to walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers. The new surface is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, as well. As always, no motorized vehicles. Up next, FWT will be adding more benches and new signage, access gates, and plantings, with that work to be completed over the next several months.

Friends of Webster Trails couldn’t have done this project without the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Funds and matching funds from a generous anonymous community member.

Click here to read more about the grant and the enhancements.

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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 9/10/2025)

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The Hojack Trail is getting better

21 Aug

It’s already one of the best trails in Webster — part of our town’s outstanding trail system — but the Hojack Trail is getting even better this summer.

Thanks to a large grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Trails Maintenance Funds, the Friends of Webster Trails has been working hard for many weeks this summer, improving the Hojack Trail from Holt Rd. to Drumm Rd.

The grant, totaling $181,086, is administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the funds are also being matched by an extremely generous member of the local community.

In addition to resurfacing the entire stretch between Holt and Drumm roads, the Friends will be adding drainage, plantings, signage and benches. The entire cost will be covered by the grant and matching donation.

“The Hojack Trail is one of Webster’s gems, and this project will make it shine even brighter for the thousands of people who use the trail each year,” said Sarah White, secretary and social media coordinator for FWT. “Each part of the project addresses an area of focus from a community survey conducted in the spring, and it enhances the trail’s connection to other parts of the community.”

FWT was founded in 1997 in large part to help maintain the Hojack Trail, so this project harkens back to those roots.

The new stone surface is expected to be completed soon (if it isn’t already). Other parts of the project will be completed over the next several months.

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

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

(posted 9/21/2025)

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Discovering the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest

10 Aug

I do believe I have a new favorite trail.

Most of my friends and acquaintances know that I’m a huge fan of our town’s trails. And when they ask me what my favorite trail system is, I invariably say it’s Four Mile Creek, which I love because of its natural beauty and the old cars that you can see along the paths.

But last week, the Friends of Webster Trails introduced me to the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest — and it is beautiful.

Last Tuesday, the Friends hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail system, which is located on Herman Rd. east of Pellett Rd. The mature forest features two miles of easy and intermediate trails, some which were pre-existing, and others which were built and improved by the Friends. They connect with the pink and orange trails at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. allowing hikers to extend their adventure. Frequent blazes and trail markers make navigating the trails especially easy.

The two-year-long effort to preserve the land and create the trail system is an incredible example of how residents, businesses, local organizations and governmental agencies can work together for the good of the community.

The 28.7-acre parcel of land was acquired in late 2023 from Gary and Judy Wood, thanks to a $270,000 Community Forest Conservation Grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), procured by the Town of Webster, and a donation in memory of Michael A. Johnson. About 35 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Judy Wood and representatives from the Friends of Webster Trails, the NYS DEC and Webster Parks and Recreation.

After a few speeches and the cutting of the ribbon, Herman Rd. Trail Steward Ben Wisniewski led about a dozen hikers on a one-mile long walk along a few of the beautiful new trails. There were a few small hills, but in general it was an easy hike that snaked through old and new forest, thick with more than a dozen varieties of trees. Small animals skittered across the path, and birdsong filled the air. It was extremely peaceful.

A well-designed informational kiosk enhances the experience, providing lots of information about the preserve and its trail system. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

The Friends of Webster Trails website has lots more information about each of the preserve’s four trails, including their difficulty and some of the natural features you can look for along the hike. There’s even mention of “hidden treasures”: a half-buried car engine, an old cistern, and a stone foundation.

So check out the website, then head on out to enjoy the new trails for yourself. And if you really like what you see, please consider supporting the Friends of Webster Trails by becoming a member. It’s only $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Your support will really help the Friends continue building and maintaining outstanding trails like these.

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

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(posted 8/10/2025)

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Friends of Webster Trails introduce new trail system

2 Aug

As a huge fan of our Webster trails system and the great work accomplished by the Friends of Webster Trails to build and maintain them, I’m always excited to share the news when the Friends introduce yet another new trail.

This Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Friends will officially open the new Herman Road Forever Wild Forest trail system. Located at 760 Herman Rd., the new preserve features mature forest and a dense, two-mile network of easy-to-moderate trails that connect to the pink and orange trails in Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The park was conserved by former owners Gary and Judy Wood with funds provided by a New York State DEC Community Forest Conservation Grant and a donation in honor of the late Michael A. Johnson.

The ceremony will begin with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. followed by a guided hike. The public is invited.

Below is a map of the trail system, which I pulled from the Friends of Webster Trails website. If you’d like to learn more about the Herman Road Forever Wild Forest, including some of the trees and wildlife you’ll find there, click here.

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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 8/2/2025)

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