News from the Friends of Webster Trails

24 Apr

The current Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter popped up in my email box the other day, my quarterly reminder of how lucky we are to have this organization in our community.

I know that most of you are not FWT members, so when I get my newsletter I like to share pieces of it with you, highlights from all of the amazing things these dedicated volunteers do to make our trail system something Webster can be proud of.

One of the Friends’ main points of focus this year is the Hojack Trail, a five-mile long former railroad bed that stretches from Lake Rd. at Forest Lawn to Phillips Rd.

Recently the Friends put out a survey to residents who use the trail to get their take on how it might be improved. They received 230 responses (thank you to everyone who participated), which helped them focus their future plans.

Last year they threw their hat in the ring for part of the New York Forward Grant program to improve the Hojack’s North Ave. trail head by enhancing the crosswalk, creating a gateway feature and providing recreation amenities at the start of the trail. More recently, they’ve applied for another grant to specifically address improving the stretch from Holt Rd. to Drumm Rd., improving its subsurface, surface and drainage, and adding new plantings and signage highlighting the trail’s connections to other trails and points of interest to showcase the historic nature of the trail.

In response to the survey responses and email feedback, the Friends will also be looking at making safer road crossings, adding other historical and other signage, and improving parking. 

Efforts to improve the Hojack Trail are just a small part of what the Friends of Webster Trails are planning to accomplish this year. Here are a few highlights from the newsletter:

  • In just its first year, the Friends have created and developed the new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest with several trails, puncheons (mini-boardwalks), a kiosk, bench and parking lot. Plans this year are to improve the boardwalks, add more benches and realign some trails. Stay tuned for news about an official ribbon cutting and community hike later this year.
  • At the Bird Sanctuary Trail, several new puncheons will be added this year to make the gushier spots easier to hike through.
  • At Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve, look for a new bridge and boardwalk later this year, thanks in large part to the support of five WRNP new trail stewards.
  • Trail stewards at Finn Park will continue to cut back the multiflora rose and pick up garbage this spring. 

The Friends are adding and updating Trails at such a rapid pace, you want to make sure to check the online interactive trail map before you head out to see what’s new. And click here to check out the newsletter for yourself for more details about all of this stuff, updates on the Habitat Preservation Project and the ongoing Re-Tree initiative, and upcoming trail workdays (when they can always use some extra hands).

And by the way, if you are indeed one of those people who are still not members of the Friends of Webster Trails, please consider becoming one. Check out their beautiful new website, and when you’re there, PLEASE hover over that “become a Friend” tab and drop $10 (or $15 per family) to become a member and help the Friends of Webster Trails continue to do great things for our community.

* * *

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 4/24/2025)

Tags: , ,

Mark your calendar for this summer’s Village of Webster events

23 Apr

The first Village of Webster Wine and Food Walk for 2025 is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday May 10 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling a variety of wines and delicious bites from local restaurants. You’ll discover new flavors and meet many of our local merchants.

Tickets are on sale now. They’re $24.25, and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), then bring your digital ticket (or paper copy) to the Chicken Coop at 158 West Main Street to check in. You’ll get a souvenir wine glass and a map to guide you on your tour. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID. It is REQUIRED.

This spring’s event stops include The Coach, Annette’s Restaurant, JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar, and OHHH, LORDEE! Everything Sauces, with more to be announced soon! 

The Wine Walks are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District (BID). 

* * *

The Wine Walk is just the first in a whole list of great summer events the BID will be hosting. Here’s what’s in the works:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. This year’s Craft Beer Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

And stay tuned for more information about this summer’s big concert to benefit The Coach’s employees after the restaurant’s devastating fire in March.

It’s scheduled for Sunday June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, and will feature two bands, Leecy, Greg & Friends, and Prime Time Brass. Coach bartenders will be there to pour your drinks, there’ll be raffles and Coach-themed merchandise for sale.

Tickets go on sale May 1. More details to come in a future blog.

* * *

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 4/23/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Get your free trees, courtesy the Sierra Club

22 Apr

Now here’s a great way to beautify your property and help the environment at the same time, and it won’t cost you a thing.

On Saturday April 26, members and volunteers for the local chapter of the Sierra Club will be stationed at Webster Park to hand out free trees to the public. They’ll be stationed at the parking lot at SW corner of Lake & Holt Rds.

Your species options will include:

  • White Pine
  • Black Cherry
  • Serviceberry (aka Juneberry)
  • Bur Oak 

Planting instructions will be included. All trees are bare-root, so please bring a bag or container of water to keep the roots wet until the tree can be planted. 

The event will be held rain or shine on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Park (corner of Lake and Holt roads).

Sierra Club members will also be at Seneca Park, Northampton Park and Genesee Valley Park (near the pool) on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you find yourself closer to one of those parks that day.

This is the fifth year that the Sierra Club has held this event. Last year’s event was very successful; 600 saplings were given new homes.

The trees are free, but members will also be grateful for any small donations. For more information, email John Kastner at: johnkastner49@gmail.com

* * *

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 4/22/2025)

Tags: , ,

Elena Dilai Photography named Chamber April Business of the Month

21 Apr

Congratulations to Elena Dilai Photography, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Elena’s business stood out to the Chamber of Commerce selection committee for several reasons.

Elena has studied under some of the most respected photographers in the world. Her hunger for perfecting her craft has been recognized by The Portrait Masters who have awarded her an Associate Accreditation. Additionally, several pieces of her work have earned entrance into the finals at the Professional Photographers of America’s International Competition. She was also recently named one of the Top 100 Photographers in the World by WPE.

Elena has been recognized outside of the field of photography as well. She is an awarded professor of mathematics at Monroe Community College, including being a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. 

Elena’s work, “Enduring Spirit,” recently won the Susan B. Anthony Museum Award through the Rochester Contemporary Art Center. Currently, she’s working hard on fulfilling her “40+ and Fabulous” dream, where she is photographing women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, share with others the gifts of mature beauty and confidence.

As for community service — an important criterion for selection as Business of the Month — Elena performs leadership roles in Rochester’s Ukrainian-American community. Currently, she serves as the Secretary of RocMaidan, a nonprofit providing medical and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

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. Length of service and commitment to our community are success factors the Webster Chamber of Commerce enjoys recognizing and celebrating.

Get to know the Chamber of Commerce

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 monthly Breakfast Before Business Meeting, on Friday April 25 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Join 70-90 Chamber members, guests and visitors at this great opportunity to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. 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.)

This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area! Reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is on Wednesday April 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office, 1110 Crosspoint Lane. Garrett Wagner, Founder of C3 Advisory, will host.

The Chamber’s monthly Eat Drink & Connects are opportunities to professionally network and get further acquainted with members. There’s no fee for Chamber members to attend, and just $10 for guests and visitors. And there are DOOR PRIZES! All attendees must pre-register here.

* * *

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 4/21/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

Webster community mailbag

21 Apr

The Town of Webster invites community members to participate in a public workshop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday April 22, which will discuss the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update. Learn about the purpose and benefits of comprehensive planning, get an overview of the update process and take part in a hands-on visioning session.

The workshop will be held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr., beginning at 6 p.m. Visit Click here to visit the project website and learn more about it.

Get rid of those expired drugs

Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN), in partnership with The Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department, will hold a Spring Drug Take Back Event on Saturday April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (Look for the blue roof behind Town Hall.)

This event helps residents prevent the misuse of potentially dangerous unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications by safely disposing of them.

Drug Take Back initiatives address a vital public safety and health issue. According to the DEA, rates of prescription drug misuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. The DEA also reports that Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines — flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash — both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Residents can visit: WHENdfcc.org/events for details or to register to receive a reminder email prior to the event. No appointment or registration is necessary to participate.

Visionaries to host seminar

The Visionaries, a support group for adults with low-to-no vision, will partner with University of Rochester’s Flaum Eye Institute to present a seminar on Ageing Eye Diseases on Wednesday May 7 at the Webster Public Library.

Many of us probably know someone who’s suffering from an eye disease. Age is a contributing factor leading to glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration that impacts one’s quality of life, leading to surrendering driver’s licenses and resulting isolation. Anyone interested in more information is invited to attend the presentation.

The seminar will begin at 1 p.m.

The Webster Arboretum Association, together with local growers and local garden clubs, will host the 2025 Webster Arboretum Plant Sale on Saturday May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

A tremendous variety of beautiful, healthy plants from standard to uncommon will be available including annuals, dwarf conifers, geraniums, dahlias, tomatoes, trees, shrubs and more. It’s a great way to celebrate spring and get some live plants perfectly suited for your garden. And don’t forget Mother’s Day!

This year’s vendors include:

  • Annee’s Greenhouse
  • Branches and Blooms Nursery
  • Coldwater Pond Nursery
  • Country Gardeners of Webster
  • Hazelmore Nursery
  • Iroquois Garden Club
  • Mill Creek Gardeners
  • Rochester Dahlia Society
  • Tomato Queen

The sale will be held at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Webster.

And here’s another reminder that the Webster Arboretum will present a program on Thursday April 24 all about Orioles and Hummingbirds.

The presentation begins at 7 p.m. and will take place in the Curry Building. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd. Click here to RSVP and to learn about future Arboretum programs.

Learn about our cobblestone buildings

Ever wonder about those beautiful cobblestone homes and businesses that dot our town? You can learn more about them when the Webster Museum welcomes Walworth Town Historian Gene Bavis on Sunday May 18 to talk about these remarkable structures, which are scattered throughout many towns and villages in Webster New York.

The talk begins at 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. No registration is necessary and free refreshments will be provided.

* * *

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 4/21/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Community Arts Day is bigger and better than ever

19 Apr

One of my favorite community events of the entire Webster year has been greatly improved for 2025.

Of course, it’s Community Arts Day (CAD), scheduled for Saturday May 10 at Webster Schroeder High School. CAD is the Webster Central PTSA’s annual celebration of the arts, a showcase of the musical and artistic talents of our K-12 students. It’s basically a great big show-off day, a family-friendly festival with displays of art, musical performances, dance, a talent show, demonstrations and more. PLUS there are carnival games, community group exhibits, a bake sale, craft booths and lots of food. Plus, the admission is FREE.

Pretty cool, huh? But believe it or not, this year’s Community Arts Day promises to be even better than before. Organizers have been working hard behind the scenes for months to make CAD bigger, with lots more new features for community members to enjoy.

For starters, the carnival will be returning this year, complete with inflatables for the kids to climb. There’ll be twice as many craft vendors and some new community organizations setting up throughout the Webster Schroeder hallways. The Pride of Webster Marching Band Color Guard will be putting on a show, and several make-and-take craft demonstrations, for both adults and kids, will be set up in the library. And of course the “Webster’s Got Talent” talent show returns (register here to perform, deadline is May 1).

The instrument donation table will be set up again, but in a more visible location this year. Community members are encouraged to donate your gently used band or orchestra instruments that are taking up space in your attic or closets, and they’ll be handed off to students in need who can’t afford to buy their own.

But this new wrinkle is probably my favorite: every one of our schools, including the elementary schools, has been invited to provide a sampling of the dramas and/or musicals they performed this year. So if you missed seeing Hadestown at Webster Schroeder or Once Upon a Mattress at Spry Middle School, or any of this year’s performances, you’ll see a little bit of each at Community Arts Day.

I’m sure I’m forgetting to include some of the new stuff that will be happening this year, so make sure to check the Community Arts Day website or Facebook page regularly for up-to-date information.

Community Arts Day 2025 will be held at Webster Schroeder High School on Saturday May 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* * *

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 4/19/2025)

Tags: , ,

Murder and Mayhem are brewing in Schroeder drama The Café Mocha Murders

18 Apr

The Schroeder Theater Company is brewing up a steaming dose of mystery and laughs with their upcoming production of The Café Mocha Murders, which takes the stage next weekend.

Forget your average employee meeting. At The Bean Shack, things are about to get frothy… and fatal! When a raging storm knocks out the lights, it’s not just the espresso machine that goes silent. Someone’s gone and kicked the coffee grounds, leaving a whole lot of questions and a sprinkle of suspicion.

This wildly witty whodunit by Deanna Strasse is a delicious blend of latte art, caffeine cravings, and the ever-so-slight chance of, well, death. Prepare for over-the-top characters, like Soma (Aspen Russell), Ian (Evan Burdick) and Ivy (Reese Holland) who take on plot twists that’ll make your head spin faster than a barista on a Saturday morning, and enough intrigue to keep you buzzing long after the curtain falls.

The Café Mocha Murders will be presented at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., Thursday through Saturday, May 1 to 3 at 7 p.m. each night, plus a matinee on Saturday, May 3 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10. They’re available online here and at the door.  

* * *

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 4/18/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Webster’s Wreaths Across America 2024 was one of the best in the nation — again

17 Apr

The 2024 Wreaths Across America statistics are in, and we have a lot of be proud of here in Webster.

For the second year in a row, Webster proved that we have one amazing community. Last year, out of 174 participating towns in New York State, our little town ranked #2 for the number of veterans honored on National Wreaths Across America Day on Dec. 14. And out of 6,621 groups that participated nationwide, Webster ranked in the top 2%. What’s particularly impressive about those numbers is that we achieved these rankings with only four participating cemeteries, AND Webster only joined the effort three years ago.

These numbers can be attributed to the incredible support from Webster community members, business owners and service agencies. Several hundred volunteers, including countless veterans, active military and first responders, came out on Wreaths Across America Day on last December to place an amazing 2,100 wreaths on veteran graves at Webster Union, Webster Rural, Union Hill and Holy Trinity cemeteries. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about that day.)

Webster’s amazing commitment to our veterans has grown every year. In 2022, volunteers placed about 650 wreaths at Webster Union Cemetery. In 2023, Webster Rural and Union Hill joined the effort and 1,350 wreaths were placed. Last year, we added Holy Trinity Cemetery, and raised our wreath total to 2,100.

Wow.

So this is all great news. But the goal this year is once again 2,100 wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday Dec. 13. That’s a lot of wreaths, but if past experience is any indication, Webster will come through again with flying colors.

Individual wreath sponsorships are just $17, and $5 from each will go directly to the Gold Star Mothers — who have lost an immediate family member in active duty — who care for veterans in need in our community.

Click here to sponsor a wreath, and thank you, Webster, for your support! And stay tuned as plans for Wreaths Across America Day 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 13 start to come together. Follow the Wreaths Across America – Webster Facebook page to keep up on the latest!

* * *

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 4/17/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster grad headlines OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys

16 Apr

The smash Broadway hit Jersey Boys is coming to Rochester this May, produced by OFC Creations as part of their Broadway in Brighton Series. 

The show tells the true story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and it’s packed with huge hits including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Sherry” and many more. It’s a fantastically entertaining show, but you’ll want to be in the audience for another reason as well: you just might recognize one of Webster’s own, Webster Schroeder 2011 grad Adam Marino, who’ll be playing the lead role of Frankie Valli.  

OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys is kind of a homecoming for Adam. If you’re a regular attendee of Schroeder musicals and dramas, you might remember him from the shows he did his senior year, when he played in The 25th Annual Putman County Spelling Bee and The All Night Strut. 

Even though Adam dipped his toe in theater while in high school, it took him a long time to really discover performing as a passion. In college he originally started studying psychology, but eventually found his way to musical theater, “on a whim.” He graduated in 2016 and hasn’t stopped performing since, doing various theatrical productions, theme parks, cruise ships, commercials, short films and concert shows.  

But one of the coolest things he got to do, he said, was to tour the country with The Diamonds for four years.  

The Diamonds have been around since 1954 and they have three gold records (Silhouettes, The Stroll, Little Darlin’). Little Darlin’ actually hit #2 in 1957 (right behind Elvis’ All Shook Up). Being able to be a part of a group with such a rich history was incredible. On top of performing in the group, I got to share the playbill, as a member of The Diamonds, with groups such as The Four Aces, The Crystals, The Lettermen, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra. 

But lately, Adam has been touring the country as Frankie Valli, a role he dreamed about for a very long time.

It all began one evening in early 2012 when the show came to Rochester. His friend Paul Urriola told him about the show and convinced him to go. 

I knew, quite literally, nothing about the show,” Adam remembered. “I sat down, and remember being like “oh my goodness, this show is about this short Italian guy who sings high.” I was immediately obsessed. I went out into my car after and tried to see if I could sing like that, and I couldn’t. I then went “I’m going to teach myself how to do that.“

If you ask anybody who talked to me for the next 10 years, it was at the forefront of my mind: “I’m going to play Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys.”

Adam finally achieved that dream in July, 2022, when he took the stage as Frankie in Jersey Boys for the first time at the Millbrook Playhouse in Mill Hall, PA. Since that inaugural performance, Adam has performed the role more than 230 times in 11 productions in Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, California, Virginia, Vermont and Ohio.  

He wrote, 

What I love about the show is it’s gloves off, nothing held back approach to the true rise and fall of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The book is incredible, and the music is timeless. Plus, as a short Italian guy with a falsetto, it’s easy to see myself in the role. One of the coolest moments of doing the show is singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” You watch all of these people hold the hands of their significant other and look into each other’s eyes. It was all of these people’s first dance songs at their wedding, the song they associate with their person, and there is something so beautiful about that. 

Being able to be Frankie in the first Rochester produced production is nothing short of an honor, and one of the coolest things to ever happen in my life. It really is something that I don’t have the proper words for, but it’s euphoric. I actually have met, and worked with, a couple of people who I saw in that production in 2012 in my professional career. Bringing this all back to Rochester is tremendous. I couldn’t be more excited. 

It’s one of those remarkable full circle moments that I feel only exists in the movies.

I speak from experience when I say how good this show is. Remember when Adam said the first time he played Frankie Valli was at the Millbrook Playhouse in Pennsylvania? Well, my daughter (who’s friends with Adam) and I made the three-hour drive and saw the show. We didn’t have any idea it was Adam’s first go-round as Frankie, and we were blown away. It was like the role was made for him. We’re both really looking forward to seeing it again, and seeing Adam Marino in the lead. 

OFC Creations’ production of Jersey Boys will take place May 8 through 25 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center Main Stage, 3450 Winton Place. Click here for showtimes and ticket information.

* * *

By the way, Adam isn’t the only face you’ll recognize onstage if you go see Jersey Boys at OFC Creations. Webster Schroeder graduate Paul Urriola ’12 joins Adam in the cast, playing loan shark Norm Waxman/Ensemble. You may remember when Paul played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof his senior year at Schroeder.

Paul is as excited as Adam to be doing this show.

He wrote, 

This production is so, so special to me. Adam and I saw the Jersey Boys national tour together a million years ago at the Auditorium Theatre. It was one of those experiences that started both of us down our current paths/careers. I’ve been so proud of him playing this role (and so many others!!) across the country and getting to now be in the show together after all these years just feels like a beautiful full circle moment. 

This is the first time Adam and Paul have worked together professionally. The only other time they performed together was in 2011 when they acted in The All Night Strut in the Willink Cafetorium. 

“Finally sharing a stage with Adam again,” Paul wrote, “doing Jersey Boys of all shows, under Eric Vaughn Johnson’s direction – in our home town, which helped shape us into the artists we are today –  is quite literally a dream job.”

So there’s two good reasons, Webster, to catch this show. Aside from the fact it’s just an awesome show with great music. (Or did I already say that….?)

* * *

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 4/16/2025)

Tags: , , ,

April History Bit: Willow Point Park

15 Apr

We all know Seabreeze Amusement Park in Irondequoit. It’s been around for almost 150 years, making happy summer memories for generations. Fewer, however, will remember Willow Point Park, Webster’s very own amusement park. It was in business for only three decades, but to this day it evokes very fond memories.

Willow Point Park was located on Bay Road (where Willow Point Rd. is now), a little more than a half mile north of the Empire/Bay Rd. intersection. It was a small, rather quaint amusement park, quite different from the sprawling parks that today’s kids know today. But its more intimate atmosphere was one of Willow Point’s biggest draws, especially for young families. It was also popular because, despite its moderate size, it featured many unusual attractions which were – and are – hard to find at the bigger amusement parks.

Everett DeNeve opened the first incarnation of Willow Point Park in the early 1930s. It began as just a miniature golf course, but every year DeNeve expanded it with new attractions. By 1939, he sold Willow Point to Jack Garliner, who would direct its expansion well into the early 1960s. 

In many respects, Willow Point seemed more like a summer camp than an amusement park. Throughout its almost 30-year history, its various attractions included an archery range, trampoline, batting cages, tennis, volleyball, badminton and small boats. But of course there were also plenty of traditional amusements and rides, including an arcade, a roller coaster, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, kiddie rides (which by today’s standards were especially quaint), and several other rides for young thrill-seekers.

As Garliner added and swapped out features through the years, Willow Point became a favorite gathering place for all ages. Teens and young adults would crowd into the roller rink/dance hall to see nationally-known bands, and a bingo hall added in the 1950s attracted older adults. 

Garlinger even made sure that disadvantaged children could enjoy his park. In the 1950s, he started offering “free days” for blind children one day a year and provided free lunches. Those events were followed later by similar days for children with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

In 1964, a year before he died, Garliner offered to sell Willow Point Park to the Town of Webster, with no success. After Garliner’s death, Joseph Schuler bought Willow Point in 1966, and kept it open until Labor Day, 1968. The land sat vacant for years before it was redeveloped as the Waterview Townhouse Apartments complex.

* * *

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 4/15/2025)

Tags: , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →