Village Beer Walk just got better

6 Aug

Of all the special events that take place every summer in the Village of Webster, the Beer Walk is one of my favorites. It’s always a great opportunity to get together with my closest friends, wander through the village, sample some great brews, and laugh A. LOT.

This year, the walk is better than ever. It’s scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, and not only will we be able to sample beer, cider and food from local businesses, but the Webster Business Improvement District (BID) — which hosts the walk — has organized a car show the same day, on West Main St. A variety of cars will be on display, from classic cars to hot rods. Both events take place from 4 to 7 p.m.

BUT THERE’S MORE! Also that day, Sept. 6 from noon to 5 p.m., the Red Hot and Blue Band will host their annual St. Jude’s Benefit Concert. This year they’ll be joined by Sarah De Vallière and The Tug Hill Band.

The BID is calling the whole day their “Fall Kickoff Event,” a whole afternoon and evening of entertainment and fun in the village.

The car show is free, and the concert is free (but donations will be accepted). Tickets are not yet available for the Beer Walk, but when they are, they’ll be available here.

Lots of other events coming up in the next many weeks, including:

– On Sunday, Aug. 17, Kittelberger Florist will host a Summer Roots Family Event from noon to 4 p.m. at the store on Orchard St. The whole street will be closed off, because this is going to be a huge event. There’ll be live music by Yacht Club, food trucks, face painting, a petting zoo, a balloon artist, a family activity from the Webster Public Library, and giant yard games.

More details to come. Visit the Kittelberger Facebook page for more details.

– The next Friday Night concert in Gazebo Park is August 22, featuring Eight Days a Week, Webster’s favorite Beatles band. It begins at 7 p.m., and you’ll want to get there early for this one. There’s no charge. Sips & Scoops ice cream truck should be there that night as well.

– The Webster Jazz Festival returns with Jazz in the Pubs on Friday Aug. 15 and Jazz on the Street on Saturday Aug. 16. Check my earlier blog for details.

– M/Body is still offering complimentary Community Yoga & Pilates classes at Gazebo Park on North Ave., every Saturday through Sept. 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. The classes are free, but participants need to register in advance here. Bring your own mat and water. In the case of inclement weather, this class will be canceled. However, participants are welcomed to sign up for M/Body’s in-studio yoga class that runs at the same time.

Coming up this fall in the village:

  • Saturday, September 13: Shredding Event & Health Fair 
  • Saturday, October 25: Trick-or-Treat Trail  
  • Saturday, November 22: Bourbon Bash 
  • Saturday, December 6: Winter Wonderland in the Village

Details to come soon about all of these. Stay on top of things by checking the BID website regularly.

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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 8/5/2025)

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Jazz Festival details: who’s playing and when

5 Aug

Get ready to dance in the streets in a few weeks, when the Webster Jazz Festival returns.

The event will stretch over two days Friday and Saturday Aug. 15 and 16, kicking off with “Jazz in the Pubs” Friday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Six different bands are scheduled to perform at six different village pubs and restaurants, with staggered start times, so you can visit visit several (or all) of the venues for a drink and a bite to eat, and enjoy as many bands as you like. The musicians represent some of the best from the Rochester music scene, including some returning favorites and some new faces.

Also that night, the Jazz Festival Street Fair returns with vendors set up up and down West Main.

The music continues Saturday night when jazz takes to the street.

Beginning at 4 p.m., an outstanding lineup of musical entertainment will perform from the big West Main Street stage, featuring musicians from around Rochester and Upstate. There will be some tables and chairs set up, but they go pretty fast, so plan to bring your own, set them up in the middle of the street and enjoy music all evening long. Food and drinks will be available from village merchants.

Here’s the line-up for both nights:

Friday, August 15, 2025 — Jazz in the Pubs

  • 5:30 p.m.: Marvin Dolly & Mel Henderson at JoJo Bistro, 42 East Main St.
  • 6:00 p.m.: Tim Forester Trio at Cobblestone on Main, 109 West Main St.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Andy Calabrese & Peter Chwazik at Annette’s Restaurant, 27 West Main St.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Sarah DeValliere and Emily Champion at Mary Wee Pub, 2 West Main St.
  • 7:30 p.m.: Paradigm Shift at Ploty’s Hometown Tavern, 27 West Main St.
  • 8:15 p.m. Deepak Thettu & Friends at Coach Sports Bar front patio (weather permitting), 19 West Main St.

Friday, August 15, 2025 — Jazz in the Street

  • 4 p.m.: Ryan Johnson and Escape Terrain
  • 5:15 p.m.: Bill Tiberio Band
  • 6:45 p.m.: Diana Jacobs Band
  • 8:30 p.m.: Judah Sealy and Friends

The Webster Jazz Festival is an outstanding event that really brings out the best the Village of Webster has to offer. The streets are packed with people, the hanging baskets and planters are in full bloom, and after dark the street is lined with twinkly lights. There’s dancing and drinking and eating, and so much fun for friends and family. Plus there’s no admission.

To find out more about the 2025 Webster Jazz Festival, and read more about the featured bands, visit the Webster BID website.

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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 8/5/2025)

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Two Chamber networking events coming up soon

4 Aug

If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.

The first is the Chamber’s next Connect at Noon event, Wednesday Aug. 6 at the Chamber office, hosted by Webster Comfort Care Home and CA Consulting.

Connect at Noon events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities to network with members and investigate Chamber membership as a guest or visitor. Lunch will be provided. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend; the guest and visitor fee is $10. All attendees must pre-register here.

The meeting will be held at the Webster Chamber office, 1110 Crosspointe Lane, beginning at noon.

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The next event is the monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday Aug. 22 at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit with other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker. This month’s attendees will learn more about the Webster Central School District.

Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)

The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, earn visibility for your business or organization, and find out more about the Chamber of Commerce. Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

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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 8/4/2025)

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Building community, one ride at a time

3 Aug

You may remember that a few weeks ago, I participated in — and blogged about — the Webster Library’s new walking club, which meets every Tuesday afternoon. I had the pleasure during that stroll to reconnect with a fellow fitness advocate, Dave Malecki.

I first got to know Dave about a year ago, when I took part in one of his regular group bike rides through Webster. (I actually wrote a blog about that experience, too, which you can see here.) While we were walking together that Tuesday, Dave reminded me that he’s still organizing regular group bike rides, through the Huggers Ski Club.

Dave’s rides generally roll through West Webster. They’re also scheduled on Tuesdays, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and start at the Webster Public Library. The routes are flat and scenic, typically covering 12 to 15 miles, perfect for intermediate to experienced cyclists. Dave keeps things fresh by planning a new route each week. Recent rides have included stops at Herman’s Farm Market, Lake Ontario, and Whiting Road Nature Preserve.

His mission? To “promote Active Transportation here for Webster residents.”

If Tuesday mornings or West Webster don’t work for you, no worries; there are plenty of other rides throughout the week. You can find the full schedule here.  

Recent attendance at Dave’s West Webster rides have been sparse, and he’d really like to have more participants. So check the schedule, sign up (so he knows you’re coming) and enjoy some biking in this beautiful summer weather.

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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 8/3/2025)

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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)

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(posted 8/2/2025)

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Happy 100th Birthday to Ross Willink!

1 Aug

Dr. Ross Willink turned 100 years old last week, and the community celebrated.

Many people recognize the name Willink not necessarily because of the man, but because of the school that bears his name, Willink Middle School on Publisher’s Parkway. Dr. Willink served as superintendent of the Webster School District from 1968 to 1981, and when the middle school was built in 2001, it was named in his honor to recognize his years of dedicated service.

But his service to the community, and to our country, has not been confined to his work with the schools. Willink is a WWII U.S. Navy veteran and started his post-war career as a teacher and administrator in Buffalo-area schools. He was superintendent of the East Irondequoit School District from 1964 to 1968 before becoming the Webster CSD Supervisor.

Dr. Willink joined the Webster Rotary Club in August 1975, was president of the club, and has received multiple Paul Harris Fellow awards, the highest, the most prestigious way the Rotary says “Thank you” for outstanding, exemplary achievement to the needs of the world.

Last Tuesday, July 22, Dr. Willink turned 100 years old, and in honor of the occasion, family and friends gathered on the 20th for a big celebration at Camp Eastman in Irondequoit. A second party was held the day after his birthday, when family, friends, and fellow Rotarians from the Webster Rotary Club hosted a party at the weekly Wellness on Wednesday (W.O.W.) meeting at Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Village of Webster.

I couldn’t attend either party, but former Webster Mayor Bll Ruoff, who was present at the W.O.W. celebration, was kind enough to send me a photo (above) and his thoughts.

The mood of the day was festive, uplifting, cheerful and very attentive, witnessed by the appearance of Don Alhart, long-time Rotarian from the Webster Rotary Club, well-known regional broadcaster for televisions Channel 13, who interviewed Mr. Willink. … Another official from the Rotary area (District 7120) was Jack Best, former District Governor and District Director who joined the assemblage to congratulate Dr. Willink; it was Jack Best who found out that Ross Willink is the only one from the thousands of Rotarians in District 7120 who is an active Rotary member at age 100.

Guests enjoyed lunch, topped off with a whipped cream-layered white chocolate cake decorated with various phases from Dr. Willink’s life story (prepared at Wegmans by a former Willink Middle School student), and an ice cream cake from the Goodie Shoppe in the Village of Webster.

The afternoon’s celebration was featured that evening on Channel 13’s “Bright Spot” segment. Click here to see that story.

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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 8/1/2025)

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My own personal band concert

31 Jul

Every summer, music seems to be everywhere in the Village of Webster — at the gazebo, at Harmony Park, in the pubs and on the street. This summer, though, it’s appeared in an unexpected place: the grassy lawn outside Spry Middle School.

For the last few weeks, sections of our very own Webster Marching Band have been rehearsing outside of Spry Middle School. Perhaps temperatures inside the building are worse than outside, or maybe it’s their “band camp,” so setting up outdoors just seems appropriate. But whatever the reason, I and my neighbors have been enjoying beautiful music, sometimes for hours on end.

For a long time it was only the drummers rehearsing in the parking lot and adjacent to the southeast corner of the school. Many of them show up early for their session and just start noodling around while they wait for everyone else to arrive. (I’ve never known a musician who can stand by an instrument without playing it. Musicians just gotta make music. At all times.) When everyone is assembled and the rehearsal begins in earnest, it’s like listening to a coordinated drum line, telling a story through rhythm, tempo and thunderous drumbeats.

But more recently, the brass section has also set up their music stands, rehearsing closer to the school’s front door, basically at the end of my street. When their trumpets are combined with sousaphones and mellophones, the strong, clear notes can be heard two blocks away, resonating throughout the neighborhood. The power of their music, the beauty of their harmonies, just blow me away. (Which is not surprising given that the band took first place in last year’s state championships.)

Unfortunately, we’re not being serenaded with entire compositions, but are only getting snippets. It seems like every day the focus is on a different, perhaps particularly difficult movement, so we’re only hearing bits and pieces of a much larger work. I suspect that much of what I’m hearing are parts of this year’s competition program, “In Times Of.” I look forward to attending the 2025 Autumn Fanfare field band competition on Saturday Oct. 4 to see and hear the whole show.

But even before that, there actually IS a way to get a preview of the program, when the Webster Marching Band offers two sneak-peek performances of In Times Of at their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St. The event will feature great food (participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza), vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, raffles…and some great music. The mini-shows will take place at 6 and 7 p.m.

So thank you for the free concerts, Webster Marching Band, and I can’t wait to see the whole show!

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

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

(posted 7/31/2025)

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A peaceful new addition to Webster Union Cemetery, thanks to local Eagle Scout

30 Jul

Visitors to Webster Union Cemetery on Webster Rd. will soon have a beautiful and tranquil new place to rest and reflect, thanks to the hard work of Eagle Scout candidate DaniLee Phillips from Scouts BSA Troop 425.

Over the past several weeks, Dani and a team of dedicated volunteers have been building a memorial garden tucked along the west side of the cemetery’s main building. Once completed, the space will feature a 12-by-12-foot patio shaded by a pergola and surrounded by flowers and shrubs. Benches and a fountain will help create a peaceful, reflective atmosphere.

The garden is both easy to find and thoughtfully set back to offer privacy. Dani worked closely with cemetery staff to choose the ideal location. “Here, it’s visible,” she explained, “but it’s hidden from Route 250, so that creates some privacy.”

The idea for the garden took root nearly a year ago, when Dani first proposed the project during the cemetery’s 200th anniversary celebration last August.

“It was a long process,” she said. “I had a lot of ideas, but I knew I wanted to do some kind of remembrance project. I chose this garden because I thought it would be a nice little touch.”

Construction began about three weeks ago. With help from family members, fellow Scouts and their parents, Dani led two major work parties that completed the patio and pergola. The final touches — planting the flowers and bushes and installing the fountain — are all that remain.

The project has also benefited from generous community support. Lowe’s in Webster offered a significant discount on the pergola materials, RT Masters donated all the pavers and deeply discounted bench delivery, and Thomas Landscaping is providing the flowers and shrubs at a steep discount.

Dani recently graduated from Webster Thomas High School and will soon head to Susquehanna University to study history. Scouts BSA Troop 425, based at Webster Presbyterian Church, is Webster’s first all-girls troop.

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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 7/30/2025)

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Meet Webster’s earliest settlers at Webster Union Cemetery’s Hike Through History

29 Jul

History will come alive on Saturday, Aug. 9 when Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd., will host a “Hike Through History,” a self-guided tour encouraging participants to step back in time and “meet” the some of our town’s earliest settlers.  

During the tour, you’ll learn about Revolutionary War patriots who fought with General George Washington, spent the winter at Valley Forge, and answered the Lexington Concord Alarm. You’ll hear about the complicated family dynamics of Elijah Preston’s family; half were on the Patriot side, half on the British side, and Elijah was caught in the middle. You’ll hear about shopkeepers, a bootleg whiskey operation, cholera epidemics, and early Webster “cures.”

Even though the tour is self-guided, participants will be able to chat with several historical re-enactors. For example, Robert Woodhull with be there. Better known these days for the road named after him, during the Revolutionary War, Robert was a member of the Culper Spy Ring responsible for reporting British troop activity. Meet the mild-mannered Webster school-marm who walked side-by-side with Susan B. Anthony to promote suffrage (and was arrested with her). These are the people who started it all, named our roads, formed our government, and fought in our wars.

Hike Through History is a time capsule of early Webster. How we began, cleared the land, endured wars, epidemics, and went on to build a town where “Life is Worth Living.” Attendees will leave with the time-honored recipe for Skunk Stew, an early Webster delicacy. Requested donation for the experience is $10. Proceeds will be used to help repair the headstones of our earliest settlers.

Hike Through History will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt 250 and Woodhull Road).

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

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

(posted 7/29/2025)

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Webster Rec Center invites everyone to get sweaty and muddy this summer

28 Jul

Been sweating a lot this summer already, haven’t we? Well, here’s a way to actually sweat with a purpose: the Webster Recreation Center’s “Sweating at Sandbar” program, a series of fitness classes held at Sandbar Park, 302 Lake Rd., which are totally free and open to the entire community.

The next scheduled programs are two spin classes on Friday Aug. 1, one beginning at 10 a.m. and the second beginning at 10:45. They’ll last about 35 minutes each. Then, on Saturday Aug. 30, there’s a yoga/pilates class from 9 to 10 a.m. You need only bring a yoga mat (if needed) and a water bottle. All other equipment will be provided.

More classes will be scheduled, so stay tuned.

Muddy fun returns to the Rec Center

I also recently found out that the annual Mud Run will be returning to the Rec Center on Saturday Sept. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

The Mud Run is the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning. It’s a non-competitive, un-timed, 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 will be some challenging obstacles. It’s always a huge amount of fun. I usually go through it twice.

Several vendors and local organizations will be attending with freebies and information, and all participants will get hot dogs and chips after the race.

Cost is just $5. I’ll write about this event again well before it happens, including registration and vendor information, but in the meantime make sure to get it on your family 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 7/28/2025)

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