Jude Lancy is off to new adventures

18 Jul

I said goodbye to a good friend the other day, when I visited with former Webster Village Trustee Jude Lancy, who was just two days away from a move to Oregon to be closer to her grandchildren.

So our visit was not so much a “goodbye” as it was a “so long,” and I do indeed hope to visit her in her new home when my husband and I take a trip to the Pacific Northwest some day soon. But I believe I speak for the entire Village when I say we will miss her dynamic spirit.

Jude was honored with a proclamation at the June 26 Village Board meeting, which summed up many of her achievements as a lifelong Webster resident and long-time Village Trustee. The most recent View From Main Street Village newsletter had an article which reiterated many of them:

Village Trustee Jude Lancy has faithfully served the Village of Webster for more than two decades, beginning with her appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission and continuing through her tenure as a valued member of the Village Board of Trustees from 2010 to present.

Jude has been a dedicated member and advocate of the Historic Preservation Commission, serving as the Village Board Liaison, helping to ensure the Village remains the special and beloved place it is today. She championed preserving the charm and character of the community for generations to come, while also embracing thoughtful progress and community-centered improvements that keep the hometown feeling we all know and love.

Jude’s lifelong connection to Webster — having been born on Baker Street, growing up in West Webster, and graduating from Webster High School in 1959 — reflects the deep roots and enduring love she holds for this special community.

Jude has always gone above and beyond to bring vibrancy to the life of the Village—volunteering for numerous community organizations including the Boy Scouts, the PTSA and neighborhood associations, and lending a hand at Village events.

Her vibrant presence, warm heart, and ever-ready smile have made her a beloved fixture in the Village of Webster—whether she’s leading with purpose or simply enjoying the company of neighbors in one of the many local businesses she frequents.

Hope to see you soon, Jude!

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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 7/18/2025)

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Kiss Me Cookie brings sweet treats to East Main

17 Jul

“Best cookies in the world.”

Those were the first words I heard from two of the very first customers of the new Kiss Me Cookie shop at 15 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. (And only one of those customers knew the owner personally!)

That reaction has been common among the people who have discovered — or re-discovered — Kiss Me Cookie since the little bakery opened last Thursday just before the start of the Fireman’s Parade. Owner Jenelle Oliver worked feverishly for days to make enough of her gourmet cookies, cupcakes and other sweet delights to fill her display cases before the parade crowds descended. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; customers started queuing up as soon as she started tearing down the butcher block paper from the windows — even before she unlocked the door.

Many of those customers already know Kiss Me Cookie from when the bakery was located on Empire Blvd., in the little plaza across from Country Max. It wasn’t a great location. The shop was tucked back from the road, and foot traffic was pretty much non-existent. So after almost two years, Jenelle decided to make the move to her home town of Webster.

In addition to better visibility and foot traffic, the new, larger shop also offers lots more space for her thriving business.

“Business has grown exponentially in a short amount of time,” Jenelle said, thanks in large part to robust online orders, which have come from as far as California, Florida and Alaska. “With the additional space I have more room for my shipping operation.”

“I’m also participating in a lot of festivals and events, so I have more space to house all that kind of gear,” she added. Those events include this Saturday’s Pride Fest, and hopefully later this summer, the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo and the Irondequoit Arts and Music Festival. In the meantime, you can also find her cookies at Schutt’s Apple Mill, the Chai Guy on Park Ave., and both Rising Storm Brewery locations.  

You might think there must be a whole team behind this kind of success. But it’s just Jenelle, one woman with a passion for baking. As she says on her Facebook page,

You’ll see a lot of small businesses say “we” in their posts. “WE are baking fresh daily.” “WE can’t wait to see you.” “WE love our customers.” But here’s the truth: There is no “we.” It’s just me. One woman. One oven. One vision. All heart.

I do the baking, the boxing, the cleaning, the crying, the marketing, the dreaming. And yes — every cookie, every detail, every bold-ass bite of it … is made with love. From me to you. Thanks for showing up for this one-woman show. It means the world to me.

So let’s support and welcome our newest small business. Stop into Kiss Me Cookie and experience for yourself the “best cookies in the world.” It’s located at 15 East Main (the former Mane St. Beauty Lounge), and is open Wednesday through Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 4 and Sunday 10 to 2. Check out her website here and 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 7/17/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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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 7/16/2025)

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New kindergartners invited to Strive for Five

15 Jul

The 2024/25 school year is barely over, but the Webster Central School District is already thinking about next year, and how to make the first days of school a little less scary for our youngest students.

Getting on a big school bus on that first day can be especially intimidating. The district’s annual Strive for Five for School Bus Safety program hopes to make that experience easier.

This year’s program will be held from Aug. 4 to 7 at Willink Middle School. Now in its 18th year, it’s designed for 2025/26 incoming kindergartners giving our youngest One Webster students a chance to become familiar with school buses and learn important safety procedures.

New kindergartners (no additional children please) and their parents/guardians will board buses at Willink (900 Publisher’s Parkway) at 5:50 p.m. Buses will depart promptly at 6 p.m. and children and their parents will be transported to the bus garage at 1000 Document Drive for a fun and informative safety program, then ride the buses again back to Willink.

While at the bus garage, students will rotate through stations teaching them important safety elements, including:

  • Loading and unloading the bus
  • Proper crossing procedures
  • Danger zones surrounding the bus
  • Appropriate behavior on the bus
  • Emergency equipment/evacuation

Families are asked to attend the evening assigned to their particular school as indicated below, if at all possible. If you can’t make your assigned evening, you can come on another, but the district really likes to spread everyone out as much as possible.

August 4 – Plank South
August 5 – Klem South and Schlegel Rd.
August 6 – Klem North and Plank North
August 7 – Dewitt Rd. and State Rd.

Private and parochial students residing in the Webster Central School District can attend any one of the four dates. Families will receive a letter detailing the Strive for Five program prior to the event.

The program will be held outside and will take place rain or shine.

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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 7/15/2025)

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Employ-Ease named Webster Chamber July Business of the Month

14 Jul

Congratulations Employ-Ease, honored as the July Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Crerated in 2001 by Lisa Kretzer, Employ-Ease offers small business owners a more personal solution for handling the administrative burdens of having employees.

Lisa’s mission is simple: “we make it easy to employ.” That philosophy is embedded into the very name of the company. As a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), Employ-Ease assumes liability for payroll generation and taxes, employment insurances, employee benefits, and various HR necessities, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best, the work that drives revenue. With more than 38 years of experience in the payroll industry, Lisa has become a partner for her clients across industries who value both her knowledge and personal approach.

Lisa jokes that she’s “not a numbers person,” but she is incredibly organized. She finds joy in keeping systems like payroll, taxation, and insurance running smoothly, and in meeting the wide variety of people and businesses that cross her path. After her long-time employee of 21 years retired, Lisa was fortunate to find a new right hand in Katherine House, someone just as committed, detail-oriented, and client focused.

Lisa is also active in the community, volunteering at Harris Hill Elementary and Wayne Elementary, and supporting Webster Comfort Care. Her roots in the area are deep, and her commitment to helping others — both through her business and in the community — runs strong.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The next breakfast meeting is Friday July 25, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the July Business of the Month award to Lisa Kretzer of Employ-ease, who accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.

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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 7/14/2025)

Photos from the Kiddie Parade

13 Jul

Right off the bat today, I’d like to give a huge shout-out to my new friend and great photographer, Dianna McIntyre.

I met Dianna by chance on Thursday night before the Fireman’s Parade. They were with the Miracle Field contingent, and I’d paused to grab a few pictures of the group’s parade preparations. We bonded over our fancy cameras, and on a whim, I asked if they’d be interested in taking some photos for me at Saturday’s Kiddie Parade, since I couldn’t be there. Dianna enthusiastically agreed, and you see the results today.

I think the firefighters hit on a winning formula for this year’s Kiddie Parade. Due to concerns for the kids’ safety (I’m sure), last year they had the parade totally within the confines of the carnival grounds … which really wasn’t great. The paraders basically just circled the grounds two or three times.

Saturday, though, the line-up was back at Spry Middle School and the parade marched down Sanford St. to the carnival field and then around the grounds. That route allowed options for community members who wanted to watch.

There seems to be some problem with my previous blog link taking you to more photos on Facebook, so if you’d like to see more, please go directly to my Facebook page. And if you’d like to see a lot more of Dianna’s work, check out their Instagram page at photographybyjax_97.

Here are a few bonus photos Dianna took at the fireworks Saturday night:

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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).

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Photos and thoughts from the Fireman’s Parade

11 Jul

So. Many. Firetrucks.

That was the overwhelming impression I got from Thursday night’s Fireman’s Parade. In most respects, the parade was pretty much like all the others in previous years (although we had better weather than some years), but last night, there seemed to be even more firetrucks and emergency vehicles than ever, all blowing whooping their sirens. I had to look up several of the towns they came from to see where exactly they were, and still couldn’t figure out them all (Cheswold? Isn’t that in Delaware?)

As I said, the almost two-hour long parade was pretty typical as our Fireman’s Parades go, with representation from a lot of community agencies and local businesses along with the first responders. But I did see a few things I haven’t seen before.

Like how Wilbert’s prepared for the onslaught of kids with empty candy bags by filling not one but TWO wheelbarrows with suckers. I was able to get a picture for the first time EVER of the Shriners” mini-cars in their pre-parade repose before being driven around in frantic circles. And when was the last time you saw one of those little cars break down during the parade? Pulling its rip-cord repeatedly didn’t work, and it ultimately had to be towed back to the parade start.

And did you see that Kittelberger float with all the fresh flowers? What an amazing job they did, reminiscent of floats in the Rose Parade.

My friend Dave Bay from the Chorus of the Genesee — a first-time Fireman’s Parade viewer — had a few other interesting insights. He noticed, for example that the “OCD boys from Webster Northeast” had sorted their vehicles in number order; that the Penfield and Fairport fire departments have their own bands; and that vintage white fire truck looked like it had just come off the showroom floor, despite being perhaps 80 years old.

As always, as I ran (sometimes literally) up and down Main Street snapping photos, I saw a lot of friends and acquaintances and reconnected with a lot of the local business owners I’ve come to know. That’s one of my favorite things about this parade; it brings out the whole community so that for one evening, we are all one neighborhood.

I also met Dianna, a very nice young lady who was walking with the Miracle Field contingent, who has kindly agreed to take pictures for me at Saturday’s Kiddie Parade, since I won’t be able to be there. So watch for that blog!

There were a couple of big gaps in between some of the marching groups, but in general the parade seemed to come off without a hitch. So well done, firefighters, and thank you for another great spectacle. See you again next year.

Click here to see a Facebook gallery of more than 250 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 7/11/2025)

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Here are some easy ways to keep up on Town and Village news

10 Jul

As you all probably know, I get most of the fodder for my mailbag and calendar items from various newsletters and emails I get from agencies around town. And I DO know that many of you rely on my blog to find out what’s happening in town.

BUT I don’t hear about everything (I was whining about that a few days ago, I think), and even if I do, sometimes the information doesn’t make it into my blog in a timely manner. So I recommend that if you want to get event news straight from the source, you should also sign up for things like the Town of Webster newsletter, the Webster Public Library newsletter and the Webster Recreation Center newsletter, all of which will be emailed to your inbox every month.

And just last week, I was thrilled to see a new source of information added to that feed: the very excellent Village of Webster newsletter.

The Village has been publishing this newsletter now for almost a year. It’s called The View From Main Street and it’s always been available online, but I keep forgetting to go to the Village website to check it out. So I was very happy to see that it will come to ME every week.

And this newsletter is very excellent, as I said. It’s always packed with information about events and new businesses. This week, for example, there are features about the Fireman’s Carnival; three new businesses which have opened or will open soon; a nice piece about Village Trustee Jude Lancy, who will soon be moving out of town to explore new adventures (and play with her grandkids); another nice piece about former Webster Village Band Director Tom Indiano, who passed away in June; plus news from the Webster Museum and about the Jazz Fest coming up in August.

Check it out for yourself. Here’s the link to the newsletter, and this link will take you to past editions. If you’d like to sign up to get the newsletter in your email box monthly, 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 7/10/2025)

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Women’s Club of Webster to celebrate 60th anniversary with community party

9 Jul

The Women’s Club of Webster is hosting a special celebration in honor of the organization’s 60th anniversary, and the entire community is invited to join the festivities.

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, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

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.

“This is a celebration not just of our organization’s history, but of the entire Webster community that has supported us over the years,” said Women’s Club president Diana Holzwasser. “We hope people of all ages will stop in, enjoy some refreshments, and help us mark this milestone.”

About the Women’s Club of Webster:
Founded in 1965, the Women’s Club of Webster is an energetic, involved and fun-loving group of women of all ages and from many different backgrounds, dedicated to supporting civic and educational organizations within the Webster community and surrounding areas.

Stop by the party to learn more, and remember, you do NOT have to be a Webster resident to join the club!

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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 7/9/2025)

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Fireman’s Carnival details and updates

8 Jul

Even in the six days since my first blog about this week’s Fireman’s Carnival, there’ve been some exciting updates.

For starters, I recently heard that the Celtic rock band 1916 will be performing on Thursday night in the beer tent, right after the parade. These guys are top-notch performers and will get the crowd rocking to really kick off the carnival.

As for the parade, there’ve been some last-minute additions to the line-up, so it promises to be one of the biggest and best ones yet. We’re talking more than 100 units, including 27 first responder agencies, including fire departments from all over the Rochester area. Look also for marchers and floats from dozens of community agencies, local businesses, local government representatives and so much more.

And of course there will be much tossing of candy, sometimes at great velocity.

The parade will line up east of town at Phillips Rd., and will kick off at 6:30 p.m., traveling down Main Street to Fireman’s Field at the west edge of the village.

You can visit the Carnival Facebook page for the latest updates as they happen, but here are the highlights:

Wednesday July 9:

  • Unfortunately, there will NOT be a craft beer night this year. But Schutt’s Apple Mill will be there with their hard cider. The carnival will be open 6 to 11 p.m.

Thursday July 10:

  • Carnival is open 6 to 11 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. (you do NOT want to miss the parade)
  • 1916 plays in the beer tent after the parade.

Friday July 11:

  • Carnival is open 6 p.m. to midnight, with live music by ZBTB.

Saturday July 12:

  • the Kiddie Parade begins at noon at Spry Middle School. Registration takes place just beforehand.
  • Carnival is open noon to midnight
  • Knight Patrol plays in the Beer Tent
  • The Zoomobile will be on hand and Rich the Magic Man will be wandering the grounds
  • Fireworks at midnight

And of course, games, rides, raffles and food every night.

Admission to everything is free, and to save money on rides, you can buy advance sale wristbands at these locations:

Aside from the chance for a few pop-up thunderstorms, the weather looks spectacular, so come on down and make some memories.

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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 7/8/2025)

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