Webster community mailbag

27 Jul

Lots of new and different stuff in today’s mailbag, plus a few reminders at the end of some musical events.

Your opinions are important

The Town of Webster is still looking for more community input as they plan to update the town’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan guides zoning, the actions of the Planning Board, informs what greenspace protections are implemented at a town level and what code changes the Town Board can implement to protect greenspace within developments…or not.

A successful Comprehensive Plan requires substantial public input and community engagement, and so far, not a whole lot of people have clicked through to the survey to voice their opinions. There’s still time to do so; the survey deadline has been extended through July 30. If you tried to take it before and found it a bit intimidating, try this much faster and easier three-question alternative. The Town will accept responses from both surveys.

If you’d like to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and why it’s important, the Webster Open Space Committee will be holding an information session on Monday Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

Euchre at the library

The Webster Public Library is starting up a Euchre Club, which will meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., beginning on Aug. 6. Experienced and brand new euchre players are welcome; if you don’t know how to play, show up at 5:15 for a quick review of the rules. Light refreshments will be provided, and you can also bring your own snacks.

Please register for each session you’d like to attend. Interest is expected to be high, so if you find that a session is full, place your name on the wait list, and as soon as four people are on the list, the library will open up another table. If you’ve registered and find you cannot attend, please cancel your registration.

Each session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30, and there’s no charge. For more information and to register, click here.

Take a test drive, win Buffalo Bills swag

West Herr Ford at 810 Ridge Rd. (corner of Five Mile Line) is hosting a Test Drive Fundraising Event on Saturday Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

For every person who registers and takes a quick test drive, West Herr will donate $40 to Webster Community Chest. If 50 people sign up and drive, that means a cool $2,000 for one of Webster’s coolest agencies.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT! Every person who test drives will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win Buffalo Bills merchandise and other prizes, including a life-sized Josh Allen stand out and an autographed football.

BUT THERE’S MORE! West Herr will also have free DiBella’s subs and soft drinks, so you can grab lunch while you’re there. If you come in the morning, you’ll enjoy coffee and donuts.

No appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and choose from a whole line-up of cars and trucks (or they’ll bring out something else off the lot if you want). Just hop in, take a short drive, return and hop out. No hard sales, no obligation. Takes about 15 minutes.

Good food to support great music

The Webster Marching Band Boosters will host their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St.

Participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza. The event will also feature artisan vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, plus a 50/50 and vendor raffles.

Guests will also get a preview of this year’s Webster Marching Band show, “In Times Of” at 6 and 7 p.m.

The boosters are still looking for more artisans, crafters, and restaurants to showcase and sell their products during the event. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, click here for the application.

Help Webster Hope help our neighbors go back to school

One good thing about school supplies hitting the store shelves already is that you can get some really good deals. While you’re out there stocking up on supplies for your kids, please pick up a few extra items for the annual Webster NY Hope community collection.

Webster Hope is collecting NEW supplies from now through Aug. 19 to stuff in backpacks for children in our community who are in need. The entire wish list is on the flyer here, but you can also see the list on the Webster NY Hope Facebook page.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster Hope during the agency’s open hours, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new backpacks filled with brand new school supplies will be handed out to pre-registered families in about a month. I’ve been at one of these distribution events, and the excitement I have seen in these kids’ eyes is heartwarming.

Music, music and more music

Now here come some musical reminders:

  • The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 14, featuring the String Brothers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These concerts are held at the gazebo, and are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
  • The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series returns Aug. 1 with a performance by It’s My Party. Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m. They’re free and no registration is needed.
  • The United Church of Christ‘s next outdoor Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 30, featuring Ruby Shooz. It will benefit the Webster Community Chest. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if you’d like. United Church of Christ is located at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
  • The Webster Village Band‘s next community concert is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Village Band Shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Rd. The theme is “At The Movies,” highlighting movie soundtracks from many well-known composers. These conc erts are also free and open to the public.

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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 7/27/2025)

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Got my Santa list in early this year

26 Jul

So it was a hot and steamy 80 degrees outside Saturday morning, and people were out in their tank tops and shorts. Still, it looked like Christmas at Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Webster Towne Center Plaza.

It was the market’s annual Christmas in July celebration, and in addition to the market’s normal assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheeses, baked goods and more, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to welcome children.

The jolly duo — who arrived by fire truck around 10 a.m. — didn’t seem phased by the heat, and had a busy morning, welcoming children and adults of all ages with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” as they walked by. Many of the young visitors were clearly excited to have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and get their Christmas wishes submitted early. Others had to be coaxed a bit by their parents, many of whom also wanted their photos with Santa. But every child walked away with a candy cane, personally handed to them by Mrs. Claus.

The festive atmosphere filled the entire market, with holiday decorations and a harpist playing Christmas carols. And while there weren’t any actual Christmas lights, the fresh vegetables brought plenty of red, green and yellow holiday cheer.

As for all the Halloween decorations ALREADY appearing in the stores, I say bah humbug! But Santa at the farm market in July? I’m always a fan.

Here are a few more photos:

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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 7/26/2025)

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More than just books: Webster Library launches weekly walking club

25 Jul

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(posted 7/25/2025)

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Santa’s coming to the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market this Saturday!

24 Jul

It may feel more like sunburn season than sleigh bell season, but that’s not stopping the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market from celebrating Christmas in July this weekend. And despite the sizzling summer temps, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special off-season appearance.

The jolly duo will be arriving by fire truck at the market at 10 a.m. this Saturday, July 26. They’ll visit with children until noon, and most certainly will be wandering through the market to check out the great local fruits, veggies, sauces, crafts, flowers and more. (Mrs. Claus might even take some treats back to the North Pole for the reindeer.) There’ll be candy canes for the kids and free Christmas in July pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. So bring the whole family — and don’t forget to bring your wish lists.

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is located at Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy). It’s open every Saturday through October from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

If you’d like to be reminded of other special events scheduled at the market, stay on top of the latest news at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page.

And don’t forget that the very popular Evening in the Park Market has returned to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds). Every Wednesday evening through Aug. 28, the market will be set up at the park from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks, so remember to pack your folding chairs!

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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 7/24/2025)

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Miracle Field’s Heroes Helping Heroes Day returns this weekend

24 Jul

Sometimes really cool events just sneak under my radar. Yesterday, though, I had the great pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with Ron Kampff of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field, who reminded me about what’s happening over there this weekend.

And this is such a cool event that I definitely did not want to miss promoting it.

It’s called Heroes Helping Heroes Day, an annual event that combines baseball, Miracle Field athletes and first responders in a fun and inspirational morning of sports and friendship.

This year’s Heroes Day takes place at Miracle Field, 100 Ridge Rd., Webster, this Saturday July 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local first responders spend the morning at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, and the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, the Seneca Park ZooMobile, a dunk tank, obstacle course and lots more.

This is a great morning of safe family fun. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking. To find out more, visit www.rochestermiraclefield.org.

About Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester  

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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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 7/24/2025)

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Stars of tomorrow are on stage this week

23 Jul

If you’ve ever been in the audience of a Webster Thomas or Schroeder high school musical, then you’ve no doubt been dazzled by the talent: powerful vocals, confident stage presence, and choreography that looks Broadway-ready. But that kind of polish doesn’t just happen. Behind every standout performance is a long journey that often began years earlier, in community productions, acting classes, and summer theater camps like Webster Theater for Youth, where young performers learn the ropes long before they ever set foot on a high school stage.

This week you have the chance to see some of those stars of tomorrow in action when the Webster Theater for Youth presents Disney’s Frozen, Jr. in three shows, Wednesday Thursday and Friday night at 7 p.m.

Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life. It’s an uplifting story of susterly love and acceptance, packed with magic, adventure and humor. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus new songs written for the Broadway production.

Almost 100 cast, chorus and stage crew members, all third through eighth graders — led by five high school-aged students directors — have been working hard for almost three weeks to bring this delightful production to the stage.

Performances will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd., on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday July 23 to 26. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children, and are available online here.

About the Webster Theater for Youth

Established in 2022, Webster Theater For Youth is a nonprofit organization created with one goal in mind: provide an immersive summer theater experience for students of the Webster and surrounding communities, run by certified educators focused on creating an enjoyable, memorable, and impactful theatrical production.

Its directors strive to create a space that accepts all young performers and provides a safe haven for them to grow, socialize, and improve their artistic craft. Productions are held to the highest standards to give students and audiences the best experience possible.

For more information, visit their website here or Facebook page 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 7/22/2025)

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You’re invited to a party!

21 Jul

Today, a reminder about a party being held this coming Wednesday, to which you are invited.

The Women’s Club of Webster is hosting the celebration in honor of the organization’s 60th anniversary, and the entire community is welcome to attend — men and women both!

The event will take place on Wednesday, July 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. It will be a casual, come-and-go-as-you-like gathering filled with fun and community spirit. There’s no admission charge, and everyone is welcome to stop by, stay as long as they want.

Guests will enjoy snacks, beverages and music, along with the opportunity to meet club members and connect with many of the local non-profit organizations the Women’s Club supports through its charitable mission. It’s a great chance to learn more about the club’s six decades of community service, and perhaps discover how you might want to get involved.

So stop in and say hi! I’ll be there at the welcome table or wandering around the room chatting 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 7/21/2025)

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Heads up! There’s construction on the Hojack

21 Jul

This is a bonus blog today, piggybacking on an email I just got from the Friends of Webster Trails.

Starting this week, the Hojack Trail will be under construction to improve the surface of the trail. While the work is being completed, trail sections will be closed to the public, and signs will be put in place.

Please follow the signs and don’t enter the trail sections while the work is being completed. Yes, it will be an inconvenience for a while, but yes, our cooperation will help the Friends get the work done that much more quickly. And once it’s done, the Hojack will be even more awesome than ever.

If you’re reading this and saying to yourself, “What’s the Hojack Trail?”, you really should get to know the Friends of Webster Trails a whole lot better.

The all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails have built and constantly maintain a ton of amazing trails, which already measure more than 20 miles — and they keep creating more every year. You can view a map of all the trails on the Friends’ website. If you’re already a regular trail user, please consider showing the Friends some love by becoming a member. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $10 or $15 — check it out here) and the funds they raise go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

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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 7/21/2025)

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It’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe

20 Jul

I was just lamenting to someone just the other day how the stores are ALREADY displaying school supplies, adding that I’m happy that at least the Halloween merchandise isn’t in the shelves yet, anyway. Then I get an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe touting all of the Christmas fabrics they’ve got in the shop.

CHRISTMAS fabrics!

I know, I know, if you’re a quilter, you have to start thinking very early about your holiday projects, so I don’t fault Vanetta and Monique for already hyping the season. And I looked at all the images of the fabrics on the email — they’re so pretty and festive that they kind of make me want to learn how to quilt.

Getting that email did remind me that I haven’t posted about the Quilt Shoppe recently, despite it being one of my favorite little village shops. Vanetta and Monique always have fun things going on. This month, for example, you can enter the Christmas in July raffle, they’ve got lots of cool classes, and they’re starting to put together their third annual cookbook. This year’s edition will feature bread and soup recipes. Bring your favorites into the shop or email them to vqsrecipe@gmail.com.

So pop in, check out the new fabrics, pick up some new supplies and enter the raffle. And if you know someone who loves quilting, consider grabbing a gift certificate. After all, if it’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe, that means the Christmas shopping season has officially begun.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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

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

(posted 7/20/2025)

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An in-depth look at the WEBSTER bushes

19 Jul

Last March, I posted a blog about those big “WEBSTER” bushes adjacent to Rt.104 that welcome people to our town. In it, I told a bit about how they came about, and a little of their history, including the vandalism that almost completely destroyed them in 2010.

If you’re interested in even more and better information about that iconic landmark, read on. The most recent Penny Farthing newsletter published by the Webster Museum features a terrific article which goes even deeper into its history, and current efforts to update it:

We’ve all seen the living sign along Rt. 104 near the Bay Bridge, welcoming all to Webster. The idea for this was the brainchild of the Webster Chamber of Commerce (WCC). Planning began in 1985 and ideas included an illuminated sign and a “HOLLYWOOD” styled sign. The committee settled on a landscaped area with a living sign – the word WEBSTER spelled out with privet bushes. An early design showed the bushes planted in an arc shape with brick chips filling in around the bushes and flowers planted at the top and bottom of the landscaped area.

A permit was issued by New York State in September 1986, granting permission for the WCC to create a decorative planting on state land. Bill Teamerson of Environmental Design planted the privet bushes in the fall of 1986 and construction began in 1987. The initial project cost was approximately $2000.

By the fall of 1987, it became obvious that the privet was not adapting well and the decision was made to replace the privet with 60 yew bushes in the spring of 1988.

After six years, the flower beds were requiring too much upkeep and, in 1993, were replaced with low-maintenance decorative stone. Dick Thomas designed the sailboat and water mosaic that we see today, using red sandstone from New Jersey and bluestone from Kentucky. The ten tons of stone were carried by hand in five-gallon buckets up the hill to the site.

In the spring of 2010, disaster struck. Vandals destroyed the W bush. Replacing the bushes in the W shape was not an acceptable choice. It would take too long for the new bushes to grow and match the appearance of the other letters. Replacing all of the bushes was discussed, but the cost was prohibitive – just over $5000. The WCC placed a survey on their website asking the question – should we replace the living sign with a wood sign, or replace the bushes and repair the living sign? Overwhelmingly, responders voted to replace the bushes, repairing the living bush sign. Local radio personality Tony Infantino held an on-air “radio-thon” with WCC president Barry Howard asking for donations. Callers donated $3500 to offset the cost. The WCC donated funds and Dick Thomas donated the balance of the money needed to replace the bushes and the labor to remove the old yew bushes and replant with privet bushes. Privet was chosen this time because it was found to be more deer resistant than the yew, and the new bushes did not wither as the original privet plantings did.

Now, at the beginning of summer 2025, the WCC is working with Thomas Landscape to again update and modernize the stone mosaic. They hope to have the project completed in the summer of 2026.

Our living sign is still standing – a warm and welcoming site as we cross the bridge coming home.

If you haven’t subscribed to the Penny Farthing newsletter yet, consider doing so. It’s an incredibly interesting peek into Webster history, packed with historical photos and stories, event notices, and information about the museum. If you’d like to be added to the distribution list, just email WebsterMuseum@gmail.com. And if you’d like to see this most recent edition, 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 7/19/2025)

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