The Turkey Trot is soon! Have you signed up yet?

22 Nov

The 54th annual Webster Turkey Trot is approaching fast, but there’s still time to register.

The Turkey Trot, organized by Fleet Feet, is an annual Thanksgiving Day race which features a 2.5-mile fun run and a 4.4-mile race along roads and grassy fields in Webster Park. The race began in 1972, started by Webster cross country coach and English teacher Jim May as a practice run for his cross country team. It has since become a very large (typically around 4,000 runners), long-standing tradition in the Webster community.

The 4.4-mile 2.5 mile routes both start at the corner of Holt and Lake roads. Even if you’re not running the race, watch for traffic restrictions beginning at 8:30 a.m., impacting Lake Rd., Whiting Rd. and Holt Rd. Registration is open through Wednesday Nov. 26 at 5:45 p.m., and all new registrants will receive a cool tote bag. Plus, all participants receive a finisher medal.

Parking for racers can be a challenge, especially when we’re talking about 4,000 runners, but there will be shuttle buses running from Willink Middle School and Thomas High School from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Lots more information about the race, including how to register, the race routes, when and where to pick up your packet, parking information, and more can be found at the Webster Turkey Trot website.

Fleet Feet will also be running a donation drive for Webster Hope during packet pick-up. This is a great opportunity to show your support for our community and thankfulness for all of the blessings we enjoy — enough food on the table, a warm place to live, good health. To thank you for your donation, you’ll receive a Mystery Buck valued at 10 to 50% off any full-priced item in store at Fleet Feet.

Hope’s November wish list includes (these are the most critical needs, but all non-perishable foods are welcome):

  • Baking items- flour, sugar, cake and brownie mixes
  • Cooking oil
  • Canned peas
  • Canned pineapple
  • Canned beets
  • Canned potatoes
  • Pasta sauce
  • Pasta, whole wheat is NOT popular

Hygiene Products

  • Dish soap
  • Laundry soap
  • Any toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shaving cream, lotion, etc.

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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 11/22/2025)

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It’s time to help make spirits bright

21 Nov

The 12th season of Making Spirits Bright is underway, and you can help.

Making Spirits Bright is an awesome organization here in Webster which for the last 12 years has been working quietly under the radar, doing amazing things for families in need during the holidays — and this year, their efforts are needed more than ever.

The organization works with area school counselors and social workers to identify families that need assistance. Then they collect wish lists from each of the family members and begin collecting items. And unlike many other programs, Making Spirits Bright provides far more than just gifts. They also assist with winter gear, household necessities, personal care items, cleaning supplies and various other items to lessen a family’s burden. PLUS, they provide for all members living in each household, no matter their age. This includes kids, parents, guardians, grandparents, and sometimes even pets. This year, Making Spirits Bright expects to surpass 600 families helped.

The call has gone out for donations to support this year’s effort, and there are several ways you can help:

  • Sign up as a group, organization, business or family to help out. (Click here for current community list)
  • Adopt an entire family (choose the family size you’re comfortable with, two-person and up)
  • Adopt one person (any age/gender identity)
  • Purchase personal care items or other needs (here’s a suggested supply list)
  • Organize a collection drive for some of the most needed items, like toiletries, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, gift wrap, gift boxes and gift cards.
  • Make a monetary donation, which are used to purchase items on the list which were not adopted. Any donations, large or small, is appreciated. Click here for more information.
  • Help wrap gifts. Click here to see this year’s wrapping schedule and stop by to lend a hand!

Donations should be new and unwrapped (unless otherwise noted), and all items need to be dropped off at the MSB headquarters — located in Baytowne Plaza — no later than Saturday, December 6. Click here for additional drop-off locations and hours.

Drop-off locations can be found 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 11/21/2025)

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Friends of the Library say thank you to their volunteers

20 Nov

Community organizations depend on dedicated volunteers to carry out their mission. But in larger groups with many moving parts, volunteers often focus on their own projects and may never cross paths with others working in different areas.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library (FWPL) recognize that, so they make sure that at least twice a year they hold special events to bring all of their volunteers together for an hour of friendship, socialization, laughter and lots and lots of good food.

Every May this meeting/social event takes the form of a potluck lunch, with a dozen or more delectable dishes lined up along tables in the library’s community room. Every November, it’s a dessert reception; last Saturday, those tables were filled with cheesecakes, shortbreads, cookies, chocolate candies, even a cherry trifle. The event drew almost 50 volunteers from across the FWPL organization, men and women who volunteer at the book sales, in the lobby book store, manage publicity, serve on the board and more. And each one went home with a little gift to say thank you for their time and commitment.

Winanne Messing
Eileen Brookins

Two of those volunteers received special recognition: Eileen Brookins and Winanne Messing. For many years, Winanne and Eileen were head of publicity for book sales and various other fundraisers, and they both served on the Friends’ Board of Directors before stepping down two years ago. Appropriately, each received a book inscribed with an individualized dedication recognizing their service. Once Winanne and Eileen have had a chance to read them, the books will become part of the library’s permanent collection.

And talking about the Book Sale …

These social events double as FWPL meetings, and at this last gathering, some pretty amazing details about this year’s book sales were reported.

The final figure from the most recent Fall Book Sale was an incredible $8,191.98 (including a portion of the proceeds from 70 Kittelberger flower cards sold during the sale). It’s been several years since the Friends topped the $8,000 mark, so that is a great accomplishment. The vintage book sales earned almost $3,200 on top of that this year as well. Those impressive figures can be attributed to all the donors, volunteers, shoppers and the incredible support of the Webster Community as a whole.

And did you know? Whatever books the Friends don’t sell are donated to Savers. They come down to the library, box them up and send them all over the country to other Savers locations to benefit other communities.

The Friends of the Webster Public Library are library supporters who are committed to strengthening the library and helping it provide the best service possible to the community. All of the funds they raise go directly to promote and support the Webster Public Library, its services, facilities, programs and needs. Click here to find out more about the organization and how you can become a member.

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

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

(posted 11/20/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

19 Nov

Let’s start today’s mailbag with this quick note about something happening REALLY SOON that will interest those who want to get some Christmas shopping done.

Maplewood Nursing Home will be hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar this Thursday and Friday Nov. 20 and 21.

It will feature nine vendors offering one-of-a-kind items including home goods, crafts, jewelry, knitwear, wind chimes, and much more. Plus there will be a bake sale, two raffles and an ornament donation tree. All proceeds will benefit Lap Robes for Veterans, a charity near and dear to The Maplewood; the organization donates homemade lap robes to all military veterans at the facility.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The Maplewood is located at 100 Daniel Drive in the Village of Webster. There’s plenty of free parking. This is a community event and all are welcome.

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The Women’s Club of Webster has announced details for their 31st annual Holiday Cookie Sale, scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early.

Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.

AND while we’re talking about the Women’s Club, you’ll want to make plans now to attend the club’s December meeting, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18 at the Penfield Country Club.

Santa will be the special guest at the luncheon, so this is your chance to ask him all those questions you’ve ever wondered about, like what his favorite cookies are and who pulls his beard the most. Mrs. Claus will also be with him.

The meeting will be held at the Penfield Country Club, 1784 Jackson Rd. It begins with social time at 11:30 a.m., followed by the meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30. Cost is $25 and includes lunch, either Chicken French, a Reuben or Italian Melt sandwich. All lunches also come with fresh fruit and beverages. Send your check made out to WCW with your lunch choice by Dec. 11 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Rd, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check might be late, call Carolyn at 585-265-1303 to hold your place.

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From the Webster CSD:

Families with children residing in their household who are ages birth to 5 years old are asked to help Webster CSD forecast enrollment by completing the brief Young Children Census.

You can complete the survey online at the Webster CSD website or here on an online form. It will only take a few minutes. Deadline is January 6.

This census is a young family’s first connection with the district and helps the school district keep in touch with the family as their child approaches school age. When families share their email address with Webster CSD through the census, it enables the district to notify those families when their children are eligible for prekindergarten and kindergarten registration.

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Webster Comfort Care Home’s 2025 Holiday Raffle is now open, your chance to win some fabulous prizes. (Details about what they are can be found on the WCCH website.) Tickets are one for $25, three for $60 and six for $100 (that’s a bargain!). You can click here to purchase them online. The raffle will be live through Thursday Dec. 18, when the winners will be chosen. 

Not only is this a great opportunity to win a pretty awesome Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one, but you can feel good that you’ve supported a really awesome organization at the same time.

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Here’s another reminder that Country Gardeners of Webster will hold their annual Garden Club Holiday Sale on Saturday December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive. This huge sale features fresh wreaths, arrangements, poinsettias, centerpieces and gifts that are created by hand by the club members. This is always a very popular event, so you want to get there early. Admission is free.

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

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

(posted 11/19/2025)

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Webster Thomas High School presents Much Ado About Nothing

18 Nov

The Webster high schools’ drama season officially begins later this week, when Webster Thomas High School presents Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.
 
The play follows young lovers Claudio and Hero, whose wedding plans are sabotaged by the villainous Don John, who tricks Claudio into believing Hero is unfaithful. Claudio publicly shames and rejects Hero, leading her to fake her death from grief. Meanwhile, Benedick and Beatrice, a witty pair of antagonists known for their “merry war,” proclaim their disdain for love and marriage. Their friends conspire to trick the cynical pair into believing the other is secretly in love with them. Amidst the chaos, the local constabulary, led by the hilariously inept Dogberry, attempts to uncover the truth.

Like I said, classic Shakespeare.

Here are some photos I took at one of the dress rehearsals:

The cast is led by Dominick Mangano as Claudio, Rylie Biroscak as Hero, Robert LoFaso III as Don John, Matteo Serventi as Benedick, Mia Fellows as Beatrice and Jack Dayton as Dogberry.

Rounding out the cast are

  • Jeremiah Fischer as Don Pedro
  • Lucas McCarthy as Leonato
  • Natasha Mosher as Margaret
  • Colin Ritchie as Borachio
  • Taisia Badulescu as Conrad
  • Poppy Short as Verges
  • Connor Hengelsberg as Antonio
  • Ben Sweeney as Balthasar
  • Ella Vernacotola as Ursula
  • Abigail McNett as Messenger
  • Quin Rizzo as Friar
  • Adriana Zodarecky as George Seacoal
  • Jeremiah Lauture as Hugh Oatcake, and
  • Madeline Heminway, Noah Skavienski, and Mya Almada Ferris as musicians and attendants.

The cast members are supported by crew members Kalleigh Denton, Sienna Duga, Haydin Fenner, Olivia Marinaccio, Anastasia Petukhove, Savannah Riggs, Kaelyn Snyder, Amelia Thompson, Adeline Whilden, Emelia van Wichen and stage manager Amelia Snell.

Much Ado About Nothing will be presented for three nights: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. every night, in the Webster Thomas Auditorium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Reserve tickets are just $11 (including a $1 processing fee) and are available online here. You can read more about the play and some thoughts from the director Mark Stoetzel at websterschools.org.

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

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

(posted 11/18/2025)

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Webster Museum is prepping their Festival of Trees

17 Nov

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but the folks at the Webster Museum have their sights squarely on the Christmas season.

In a little less than two weeks, representatives from almost 20 Webster businesses and non-profit organizations will be descending on the museum to decorate their miniature Christmas trees, set up all around the museum as part of this year’s Festival of Trees. During the festival, community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The first day you can check out the trees will be Saturday, Dec. 6, not coincidentally the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration. The museum will be open from 2 to 6 p.m. that afternoon, with live music and a sing-along with the Goodwin family at 4 p.m. and the Saxophone Therapy Project at 5 p.m.

Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about Winter Wonderland in a few days.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The ever-popular holiday raffle returns this year as well, featuring gifts and vouchers donated by our very generous local merchants. PLUS, the museum will also be selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. Tickets will be available at the museum Nov. 24 through Dec. 12.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 585-265-3308 for more information.

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

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

(posted 11/19/2025)

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Win great prizes, support Webster Comfort Care

16 Nov

The Webster Comfort Care Home has just announced details about its 2025 Holiday Raffle, which begins Nov. 18, and it looks pretty spectacular.

Here’s everything you need to know about what you can win:

FIRST PRIZE:

Treat yourself (and that special someone) to the ultimate night out! This basket includes:

  • Three (3) mini bottles of wine
  • $25 gift card for drinks at The Filling Station
  • $100 gift card for dinner at jojo Bistro & Wine Bar
  • $25 gift card for dessert at Dairy Queen
  • Keep the holiday magic going with four (4) passes to the Sweet Creations Gingerbread Exhibit at the George Eastman House — a must-see seasonal favorite!

This basket has everything you need for a night filled with fun, flavor, and festive cheer!

SECOND PRIZE:

Bring on the holly-jolly vibes and make your home merry and bright with this tree-themed basket holiday basket! Everything included celebrates the beauty of the season’s favorite evergreen. 

  • Festive tree-shaped serving dish
  • Tree-shaped décor
  • Cocktail and dessert napkins
  • Kitchen towels
  • Tree-print soup mug with matching sandwich cutter
  • Chicken noodle soup mix
  • BLT dip & cheeseball mix
  • Ghirardelli peppermint hot cocoa mixes
  • Winter pine scented candle
  • Frasier fir hanging sachet
  • Festive ornaments

The raffle will be live from Tuesday Nov. 18 through Thursday Dec. 18, when the winners will be chosen. Tickets are one for $25, three for $60 and six for $100 (that’s a bargain!). You can click here to purchase them online.

Not only is this a great opportunity to win a pretty awesome Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one, but you can feel good that you’ve supported a really awesome organization at the same time.

Webster Comfort Care Home (WCCH), located at the corner of Holt and Klem roads, provides free hospice care to the terminally ill of our Webster community. The dedicated staff members and volunteers there uphold the dignity and ease the suffering of its residents, while supporting their loved ones in a warm, home-like atmosphere. It’s an amazing agency that does great things for families experiencing the some of the most difficult times of their lives.

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

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

(posted 11/16/2025)

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Webster Hope launches new newsletter and updated website

15 Nov

One of Webster’s finest community organizations has just gotten better.

Webster NY Hope, the nonprofit agency that supplies food, clothing, household goods and financial assistance to those in need, has recently launched a new newsletter and upgraded its website to keep the community better informed about its work.

The newsletter, Spreading Hope, will be published quarterly, in January, April, July and October. The inaugural issue, which came out last month, included news about Hope’s annual garage sale, back-to-school supply effort and a preview of its annual Christmas adopt-a-family project. Future editions will continue to highlight ongoing programs, special events and other news about how Webster Hope is fulfilling its mission to support families in need.

Each newsletter will be four pages long and published online, although hard copies will be available at the Webster Hope office, 1450 Ridge Rd.

Webster Hope’s website has also recently been redesigned to make it more user-friendly and accessible. The updated look features a new color scheme and reorganized page structure with several links on the homepage that provide details about Hope’s activities.

The front page, which will be updated regularly, highlights current activities and initiatives. Other pages outline ongoing events (with lots of photos), volunteer opportunities, food and clothing donation needs, special projects and the annual garage sale, Webster Hope’s biggest event of the year.

There’s even a page where you can download a copy of the new Spreading Hope newsletter, and sign up to get it delivered to your email every quarter.

So check out Webster Hope’s new website and sign up for the newsletter to stay in touch with everything this incredible organization is doing in — and for — our community.

Webster Hope is located at 1450 Ridge Rd., next to Holy Trinity Church.

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

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

(posted 11/15/2025)

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Webster Public Library hosts youth author Colleen AF Venable

14 Nov

Hey, everyone, call your kids over to the screen, because they’re going to want to see this.

On Friday, Dec. 12, the Webster Public Library will host bestselling author Colleen AF Venable for a talk and book signing.

Your kids are probably familiar with Venable’s Katie the Catsitter graphic novel series about friendship, superheroes –and lots and lots of cats. Illustrated by Stephanie Yue, the series was nominated for 14 state awards. Venable’s Kiss Number 8 was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.

Venable will sign books following her presentation and Q&A session. Each registered child or teen in attendance will receive a free book for her to sign, and Rochester-based bookseller Hipocampo Children’s Books will be on site with three of Venable’s books for purchase.

The event will be held at the Webster Recreation Center on Friday, Dec. 12 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. There’s no charge, but registration is required.

Each person planning to attend must register. To register, click here or call 585-872-7075. To ensure they have enough books for all children and teens in attendance, please indicate whether you’re registering an adult (ages 18+), a teen (ages 13-17), or a child (ages 0-12). The event is expected to be very popular, so if you register but are then unable to attend, please notify the library by calling 585-872-7075.

This author event is brought to you by Webster Public Library, Penfield Public Library, and East Rochester Public Library and sponsored by Senator Samra Brouk, Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library, and Friends of Webster Public Library.

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

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

(posted 11/14/2025)

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Special Santa visit honored WWFD firefighters

13 Nov
Isabelle and her family pose with Santa
18-month old Lucy wiggled more than sat

Santa made an early stop at the West Webster Fire Department (WWFD) on Wednesday evening, bringing holiday cheer to families who came out for photos, smiles, and a little Christmas magic before the season kicks into full swing.

The visit was an early chance for children to share their Christmas gift wishes with Santa, and every child left the station with a new stuffed animal. But the evening wasn’t just for the kids. It also gave firefighters and their families a chance to take fun, holiday-themed photos — complete with their turnout gear if they wanted — which they could then use for holiday cards or to share with their loved ones. It was also a way for Santa himself to thank these dedicated volunteers for their service and the sacrifices they and their families make to keep Webster safe.

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

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

(posted 11/13/2025)

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