If you love live theater, then you’ll be excited to know that all four of our secondary schools are preparing right now to stage plays this spring. Here are the details:
The fun begins on January 31 and Feb. 1 when the Willink Drama Club presents the classic hit Annie, Jr.
Based on the popular Tony-winning musical, the youth edition is a perfectly-sized adaptation for adults and kids of all ages. The spunky little orphan will warm the hearts of your entire family.
Show times are Friday Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway. Stay tuned for ticket information.
The following week, Feb. 6 to 8, Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., will present the hit Broadway musical, Hadestown. The “teen edition” of the movie is still a full-length production — a haunting, jazzy folk opera which follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. Hadestown has only very recently been released, and Webster Schroeder is the first in our area to get it.
Spry Drama Club will present the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress Youth Edition. on March 7 and 8 at Spry Middle School, 119 South Ave.
This one-hour adaptation of the beloved musical tells the fairy-tale story of Prince Dauntless’ quest to find a bride. None so far had been able to pass the queen’s impossible tests, especially the Sensibility Test.
Stay tuned for more information about this lighthearted, funny and heartwarming performance.
Finally, Webster Thomas High School caps off the season with their production of Legally Blonde the Musical from March 27 to 29 at the school, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. I don’t know the show times or ticket information about this one, either, so check back here or the district website for times and ticket information as performance dates near.
Also coming to the stage in later this year and in 2025:
The Diary of Anne Frank, Nov, 21-23, Webster Thomas High School
Willink student-run play, April 4-5 (title not yet announced)
Webster Schroeder Drama production, May 1-3 (not yet announced)
* * *
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).
Here’s your last reminder about two fun events coming up this weekend and next in the Village of Webster.
This Saturday Oct. 26, the village’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Basically, for three hours, kids (and parents) can wander the village and pop in and out of dozens of businesses, trick-or-treating. The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m., at Village Hall. It only takes a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating.
And don’t forget to stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., where they’ll be hosting their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, and then take the short walk to Lapham Park to visit Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.
* * *
This year’s Bourbon Bash takes place next weekend, Saturday Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.
Local distilleries including Black Button and Smokin’ Tails, and distributors including Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Several Village of Webster restaurants will provide food samples to complement the bourbons. The event will also feature raffles and bourbon products for sale.
Click here for tickets. They cost $33.85, which includes the Eventbrite fee.
ID is required at entry.
The Trick or Treat Trail and the Bourbon Bash are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District. Stay tuned for more information about the next big event, Winter Wonderland, scheduled for Saturday Dec. 7 beginning at 3 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).
Chances are you’ve seen the WSPS automobile driving around town. Based at the Webster Recreation Center, the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters is a group of volunteers who provide transportation for retirees and disabled residents who live within the Webster School District. They help residents get to and from medical and dental appointments, and provide rides to pharmacies, banks, barbers, hairdressers and tax preparation services.
In the last year, the all-volunteer driving force completed 4,188 trips, measuring 51,850 miles, and expended 3,907 volunteer hours servicing more than 200 of our Webster neighbors.
The volunteer drivers are the backbone of the organization; without them the service would not exist. Webster is indebted to them for their community spirit and service. These selfless volunteers are always happy to help and assist the retirees and disabled folks living in the Webster School District.
Here are a few photos from the afternoon (thank you to Dave Norton for the photos):
The WSPS currently has 64 volunteer drivers, but with the number of seniors and disabled folks in the Webster School District increasing, they’re always in need of more volunteers. For more information on how you can join the team, call 585-216-7829 or visit the group’s website. Monetary contributions are also more than welcome, and go to support the WSPS operating budget.
Here’s an easy and fun way to help!
WSPS is hosting an indoor craft sale on Saturday Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. They’re expecting more than 40 vendors, so make sure to add this one to your holiday shopping calendar.
* * *
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).
My regular blog readers already know how much I love the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). These two special events they’re involved with in a few weeks are great examples why.
The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.
Participants will explore the park on a well-marked trail, completing a fun scavenger hunt along the way. Three different skill levels will be available for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an autumn-themed prize.
Cost is $5 per child, and please preregister at the Recreation website (look for program 301205-A). You can pay when you get to the hike. Sign in anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
That evening, also Saturday Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held along the Chiyoda Trail behind the Webster Recreation Center.
The kids and adults alike are welcome to this family-friendly hike through the woods of the Chiyoda trail. The loop is an easy 1.3 miles long, and includes a stop for socialization and hot cocoa.
The trail will start at the west side of the Parks and Rec building and be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible for finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path.
Participants are asked to leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., to arrive at the hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m. Please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time. Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event.
There’s no cost, but please register here so the Friends know how many people to expect.
* * *
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).
At its September Breakfast Before Business meeting, held Friday Sept. 27, the Webster Chamber of Commerce recognized 18 local businesses who have not only been successful, but have withstood countless challenges and the test of time to remain strong and viable for decades.
The Chamber presents these awards annually, recognizing businesses which have been operating for 25 years or more. They’re awarded in five-year increments, and this year included one business — Webster Union Cemetery — which has just celebrated its 200th anniversary.
Here’s a quick look at all of the honorees. A longer write-up about each can be found at this link. The photos show the honorees receiving their plaque from Past Board Chair Carolyn Montanaro.
This family-owned business was established in 1999 by brothers Kevin and Keith Burrows. They’ve established themselves as a highly respected utility contractor specializing in underground services.
Burrows Bros Inc. is also very involved in our community, contributing to various causes, including St. Rita’s Church and School, Webster Union Cemetery, Wreaths Across America, Webster Cyclones Hockey, and numerous animal rescue organizations.
Christopher’s Challenge is a not-for-profit named in honor of Christopher Costello, a young man from Webster who was suffering from leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant. It was established to increase the number of people in the Bone Marrow Registry and find suitable bone marrow donors.
Over the past 25 years, Christopher’s Challenge has paid for the typing of over 7,000 people and at least 30 have become donors. They have also raised over $80,000 to support patients and their families going through bone marrow transplants that could include their rent, a utility bill or a recliner.
John Hayes worked at Taylor Rental in Webster through high school and college as a mechanic, and graduated with a four-year degree in mechanical engineering. But he couldn’t find a job in that field, so he continued to work at Taylor Rental.
In 1999, John started John’s Sensible Lawn Mower Repair as a side gig. In 2001 he quit working at Taylor and began working full-time in the repair business. In 2014 a windstorm toppled a tree and totally destroyed the shop. But he came back strong, rebuilding the shop to make it bigger and better. In the past two years his business has doubled in volume.
Webster Interiors Home Furnishings & Design, located in the Village of Webster, offers home furnishings, lighting, accessories, flooring and design services. Over the years, Webster Interiors has sold more than 10,000 window treatments, worked on many interior design projects, and completed four Homearama projects and numerous commercial projects, both large and small.
Drabik Orthodontics opened its doors June 1994 with one doctor – Stan Drabik – one patient and big dreams. It was several years later when Dr. Drabik and his wife created their brand: designing not just a dental office, but a “lodge,” complete with a fireplace and pine walls. The idea was to convey warmth, a welcoming atmosphere, and patient-centered care. They now have two lodges, their first one one in Crosspointe Lane, and a second in Gates.
Dick Astifan acquired Lincoln Quickprint in January 1989 after a 20+ year career at Xerox and established a rapidly-growing business. After 9/11, however, the downtown picture began to change and Dick decided to downsize, leave downtown, and relocate closer to home in Webster.
When Covid hit, Dick went from full-time to an ‘appointment only’ operation, which Dick now characterizes as “part time.”
John Gabriele Jr. and Tony Gabriele Jr.Jerry ChristopherGary Evarts
Marina Auto Group is a family-owned multi generation business, which began in 1989 as Weller Motors in West Irondequoit. When the State of New York acquired the building for the construction of the O’Rourke Bridge in May, 2001, they relocated to Webster and acquired Timothy Dodge. They’ve since expanded their offerings, adding the Mitsubishi line in 2006 and Chrysler Jeep in 2009. They actively participate in various community events and organizations.
Jerry Christopher operates a State Farm Insurance agency located on Empire Blvd and has been helping Webster residents with their insurance needs since 1984. The agency offers every type of insurance including auto, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, homeowners and renters’ insurance, business insurance, and life insurance.
Jerry is deeply involved in community service. He belongs to the Penfield Rotary, sits on on boards, serves food at community events, puts on work gloves during the Day of Caring and sings at various events.
Kuk Sool Won traditional martial arts that has been active in teaching all ages and genders for 45 years. The business currently operates at three locations, in Ontario, Williamson and Wolcott. The Webster/Ontario location was built a few years ago specifically for Kuk Sool and is one of the largest in the Rochester area.
Each location actively supports the community, also offering women’s self-defense classes and senior citizen classes emphasizing safety and awareness.
Webster Pediatric Dentistry was founded in 1974 by Dr. William Salminen in a 500-square-foot suite in the basement of the former Webster Health Center on Barrett Drive. In 1982, the office relocated to the Village of Webster at 39 West Main Street where it operated until 2023 when the current owner, Dr. Lisa DeLucia, undertook a massive relocation project to open an office in the Crosspointe business park. The current office operates with 11 employees, two pediatric dentists and one orthodontist, and a state-of-the-art, family-centered, kid-friendly space that cares for thousands of children, adolescents, and young adults annually.
Fifty years ago, Family First opened for business in the home of Penfield school teacher Dick Denison. Known then as the Penfield Central Federal Credit Union, it was chartered to serve those who worked at the Penfield Central School District.
A merger with BOCES Federal Credit Union in 1984 changed the name to Penfield Federal Credit Union. By 1995 its membership included 150 schools, social service agencies, small businesses and community groups. To better serve these groups the credit union established its current headquarters at 2520 Browncroft Boulevard. Ultimately its membership stretched far beyond Penfield, leading to another name change, to Family First Credit Union.
Since then, they have opened branches in Webster, Henrietta, East Rochester, and most recently in Greece to serve members on the west side of Rochester.
Herman’s Farm Market has been a cornerstone of the Webster community since 1969, when it was founded by Gary’s mother, Judy Herman. Known throughout Rochester for farm-fresh peaches, cider, and a wide variety of fruits and produce, the market has grown into a beloved destination for locals seeking high-quality, homegrown goods.
It’s a legacy rooted in over a century of farming tradition, beginning in the mid 1800s, when Gary’ great-great-grandfather, Adam Herman, first settled in Webster. Adam’s son, Joseph Herman, became the first official farmer in the family, a tradition that would be passed down through five generations (so far).
Mike Lingle, Melissa SchmittJhn LeFroisAdam Traub, Ginny Nguyen
The mission of the Webster PTSA is to provide a powerful voice for all children, to be a relevant resource for families and the community, and to provide strong advocacy for the education and well-being of every child. The PTSA also serves as a liaison between families and the Webster Central School District, advocating for the best interests of families and students, and bringing discussion points forward to help bring about positive change.
Webster’s PTSA is very active, supported by dedicated volunteer committees who plan activities and events including Community Arts Day, a concert apparel donation drive, college scholarships to students and teacher recognition awards.
Russell P. LeFrois Builder Inc. is a third-generation company, well known in the Webster community for their long history of construction projects. They’ve included the expansion of Hedge’s Nine Mile Point Restaurant, and the original construction of the Webster Golf Club. Current projects include the Cobblestone on Main Restaurant and Town of Webster Highway Garage.
As stated in Esther Dunn’s Webster…Through the Years, the Webster community has long been, “library conscious.” The town’s very first library was established in 1881 and located in the librarian’s home. For several years, between 1895 and 1927, no library existed at all. When it started up again, it was first housed in the high school, then moved around several places before landing in the Town Hall campus, then its current location in Webster Plaza.
These days, the Webster Public Library welcomes an average of 15,000 visitors a month, and is on track to break 200,000 visitors this year. Its very dedicated volunteer arm, the Friends of the Webster Public Library, has also grown in its memberships and donations to benefit library programs.
Originally opened in 1924, Avard Whelpley and John Paul launched their first location in Seneca Arcade in downtown Rochester. For the first 65 years, Whelpley and Paul worked in partnership with most of the ophthalmology practices in Rochester, which would refer patients to them to fill their prescriptions. Up until the 1990’s, most ophthalmology offices did not have an optical boutique to provide eyewear; this is where the Whelpley & Paul offices thrived.
At their peak, there were seven offices serving Monroe and Ontario Counties. In the 1990’s Whelpley and Paul added optometrists to their staff, further expanding their patient offerings.
Whelpley & Paul currently operate four offices in the Rochester area, in Webster, Brighton, Greece and Fairport.
Harter Secrest & Emery is a full-service business law firm founded in 1894 with attorneys throughout New York representing clients ranging from individuals and family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 companies and major regional institutions.
The firm has offices in Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Corning, and New York City, with more than 125 lawyers, and their attorneys are consistently recognized by the industry’s leading law firm and attorney ranking programs, including Chambers and Partners, Best Law Firms®, and The Best Lawyers in America®.
Webster Union Cemetery is one of the richest historical sites in our town. The first burial on the grounds was Benjamin Woodhull in 1820. Since then, it has been the burial place of Webster’s first settler, Abram Foster, and many prominent Webster family members are laid to rest in the Webster Union Cemetery, including the Burnetts, the Curtices, the Fosters, the Pelletts, the Woodhulls, the Whitings, and the Wrights. Veterans from the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, War of 1812, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are also buried there.
The cemetery was established as an official burial ground in 1824. On September 6, 1851, a meeting was held to organize a society called the Union Cemetery of Webster, New York. But since this name caused frequent confusion between the Union Hill Cemetery, an official name change took place in April of 1954, to become the present “Webster Union Cemetery.”
Webster Union Cemetery held its 200th anniversary celebration in August.
* * *
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).
Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization which began 30 years ago, its mission to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last December, more than two million volunteers placed over 2.7 million wreaths at 3700 cemeteries across the U.S. and abroad.
Webster joined the effort for the first time back in 2022, when more than 300 community members gathered at Webster Union Cemetery on Saturday Dec. 17 to place 650 wreaths. Last year, Webster’s Wreaths Across America participation grew to three cemeteries — Webster Union, Union Hill and Webster Rural — and more than 1,300 wreaths, placing our little town in the top 4% in the country for the number of veterans honored.
But this year it’s going to be even bigger. Holy Trinity Church would like to join the effort. More than 300 veterans are buried there, many of them dating from the Civil War and before.
But Holy Trinity is struggling to get sponsorships for the wreaths they need, and we’re closing in on the deadline to order them. There are so many veterans there who no longer have family members to honor and remember them, and it would be great if our community could come together to help do so.
Or perhaps one of your family members was a veteran and is buried there. You can personally a sponsor a wreath for him or her and place it on the grave yourself. If you’d like to do that, email WebsterWreaths@icloud.com with the name of your loved one and your sponsored wreaths will be set aside for you.
If you can help out, click the link below to sponsor a wreath. The deadline is November 1, so Wreaths Across America has time to make them all. Individual wreath sponsorships are just $17, and $5 from each will go directly to Warm Coats for Kids, through the Knight of Columbus, to provide warm coats for Webster area kids in need.
Then mark your calendar for Wreath Day, Saturday Dec. 14, and bring your whole family out to help honor our veterans. More details to come.
* * *
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).
From the shores of Lake Ontario, I bring you a ghost story. It’s the legend of a long-lost ship whose spectral image (some say) can still occasionally be seen sailing under a blue moon.
The story hails from 1835, the heyday of lake-sailing cargo schooners. Nine-Mile Point was a natural stopping point for local shippers; the large sand bluff poked out into the lake and had a tree at the point’s end, making it easy to identify.
Angus McClone and Dirk VanWesterly were two tight-fisted farmers who had large farms near Nine Mile Point. Ship captains who docked there knew both farmers well, especially their penchant for haggling over shipping rates. Successful ship captains refused to deal with them, but there were always others who needed the money and had no choice but to agree to a bad deal.
One such captain was Hugh Bowe. His ship was called the Nilfred, and it was in very bad condition. McClone was on shore when it pulled into harbor, and – sensing that the ship’s captain would be desperate for funds – McClure negotiated a very unfair rate to have his goods shipped to Charlotte.
Adding insult to injury, McClone and VanWesterly demanded free passage to Charlotte, where they made a good profit selling the cargo. Then they demanded a free ride home. Since he’d not yet been fully paid, Bowe agreed, setting sail under a blue moon back to Nine Mile Point, furious about how these country farmers had gotten the better of him.
On the way back to Nine Mile Point, McClone and VanWesterly tucked into a bottle of whiskey to celebrate their good fortune, and soon started talking too much about how much money they’d made. Hearing this, Bowe and his crew hatched a plan. Why not kill the farmers, take their money, set the Nilfred on fire and row away in a lifeboat? The people on shore would see the fire and assume that all on board had died.
The plan went off without a hitch. The crew dispatched the farmers, found the money, and when the ship arrived back at the mouth of Four Mile Creek, the sailors set it afire, boarded a lifeboat and started paddling to shore. The schooner sailed away slowly toward the middle of the lake.
But the winds at Nine Mile Point can be capricious. They turned the schooner completely around and it started sailing back to shore, heading straight towards the lifeboat. Unable to get out of the way in time, the Nilfred crashed into the lifeboat, killing Bowe and his crew.
Then the winds changed again, turning the Nilfred completely around once more. It was last seen sailing away over the horizon, a blazing torch under a blue moon.
It’s said that sometimes, on nights of a blue moon, a ghostly apparition of a burning ship appears far out on the lake off Nine Mile Point. It moves towards the shore, and then suddenly turns around and disappears over the horizon.
Perhaps the farmers’ ghosts are trying to get back to reclaim their lands.
Discover more fascinating Webster history at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park. It’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Find out more at webstermuseum.org.
* * *
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).
Yes, it’s only the middle of October, but the Webster Museum is already thinking ahead to the holidays, and their annual Festival of Trees.
This year’s Tree Festival will begin on Saturday, Dec. 7, which is (not coincidentally) the same day as the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland holiday event. Starting that day and through the end of the year, museum visitors can vote for their favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree among 15 to 20 beautiful and creative entries. (Online voting will also be offered.)
But before that can happen, individuals, families and organizations need to step up and do some decorating! Two $25 prizes will be awarded for the trees getting the most votes.
If you’re interested in participating, call Gwen Hoffman at (585) 738-6221.
By the way, the museum is also looking for a few additional music groups willing to share their talents during the Winter Wonderland festivities at the museum.
* * *
Quick addendum to this blog: the museum has a great program coming up tomorrow (Saturday Oct. 19).
Beginning at 2 p.m., Jon Gonzalez, President of Bill Gray’s and grandson of Bruce Hegedorn will be providing an update on the redevelopment of the former Hegedorn’s Plaza and sharing a few thoughts on business in Webster, past, present, and future.
Following this talk, back by popular demand, the Palma brothers will be in to share their expertise and insight into the history and value of the items you bring in. There’s no charge for either presentation.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
* * *
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).
The Village of Webster’s ever-popular Trick-or-Treat Trail returns to downtown streets on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I can’t believe that there’s anyone reading my blog who hasn’t heard about this great event. But just in case …
Basically, for three hours on what is usually a beautiful autumn Saturday afternoon, children and their adults can wander the village, popping in and out of businesses, trick-or-treating. Full costumes are expected of course, and not just for the children! It’s always fun to see entire families dressed up, often as a common theme. I love taking photos of cool parents who get into the spirit.
The costume contest this year will begin at the same time as the trail, right at 11 a.m. But have no fear; it will only take a few minutes to file through the Community Meeting Room and have your photo taken for the judging. Then you can head out for trick-or-treating!
So grab your kids, get everyone into costumes (including you, too, Mom and Dad), then stroll through the village, visiting friendly merchants who will be handing out candy. This is a great chance to check out some of the newer businesses in town, or even some older businesses you’ve never been in before.
And make sure you stop by the Webster Volunteer Fire Dept., because they’ll be holding their annual open house, complete with demonstrations, free fire hats, and candy of course. And turn the corner on Lapham Park to take the short walk to the Webster Museum. The volunteers there always have some sort of scavenger hunt planned.
Keep an eye out for me and my camera; I’ll be wandering the streets, too, taking photos of as many kids and families in costume as I can. Then I’ll post a really big follow-up photo gallery. (Click here for my gallery from last year.)
* * *
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).
This coming weekend, you can help the Friends of Webster Trails make our natural areas more resilient by helping with the ReTree Webster effort.
ReTree Webster is a program which recognizes that Webster’s forests are under attack from insects and disease. As thousands of ash, hemlock, oak and beech die, they’re replaced by invasive and, usually, non-native trees. The Friends of Webster Trails developed the ReTree program to fight back, by purchasing or growing new trees and planting them in our open spaces.
The Friends’ annual ReTree planting event is this Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. They’ve got lots of trees that need planting and could use lots of help moving the seedlings from the nursery to the field. This would be a great family activity, a way to teach your kids about the importance of respecting nature.
Due to limited parking at the planting site, volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. the ReTree Nursery/First Responders’ playground on Chiyoda Dr. and carpool from there. Bring work gloves, shovels and tick repellent.
Hiking and a treat
Also from the Friends: the annual Hot Cocoa Hike has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Hike in the dark, with a sweet treat at the end. Bring your flashlight for a family-friendly hike through the woods of the Chiyoda trail. The loop is approximately 1.3 miles long, and includes a stop for socialization and hot cocoa.
The trail will start at the right-hand (west) side of the Parks and Rec building and be marked by lights along the way. This is not a guided event. You are responsible finding your way to the hot cocoa and back by following the marked path. So that everyone can enjoy this event, please leave your dog at home; you can bring them back to enjoy the trail another time.
This is a fun, free, and self-guided hike. Please leave the parking lot between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving at your hot cocoa stop by 8:30 p.m.
Note: Please bring a flashlight and your own travel mug. This is a carry-in carry out event. Please be sure to register so the Friends know how much hot cocoa to have on hand.
Presentation will discuss vision issues
Community members who are concerned with vision issues that might arise as we get older are invited to attend an informational talk at the Webster Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 23, sponsored by The Visionaries, a support group for adults with low-to-no vision.
Dr. Robert Ryan from the University of Rochester’s Flaum Institute will talk about making vision a health priority. He’ll explain some of the issues people may face such as macular degeneration, dry eye, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, nerve damage, and the current treatment options available at Flaum.
The talk will begin at 2 p.m. in the Webster Public Library Community Room, and doors will open at 1:45. No registration is necessary. For more information on The Visionaries or this event, contact Ed Wilkonski at (585) 441-8264.
Get your tickets now for the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash
Tickets are now available for two of the Village of Webster’s most popular events, the Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash.
The annual Beer Walk (which this year is the Wine and Beer Walk) returns to the streets of Webster on Saturday Oct. 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. Participants will wander through the village and pop into local businesses, which will be providing snacks and samples of craft beers, poured in your own personal mini pint glass.
You’ll pick up your glass, wristband and punch ticket at the Coach Sports Bar, 19 West Main. Take a photo of the map of participating vendors, and after sampling food and drinks at the Coach, continue your adventure to any of the remaining stops on the map. Bring your ID, because you won’t be allowed to start without it.
Tickets are $20 (plus an eventbrite service fee), and this event usually sells out, so click here and get your tickets today.
The Bourbon Bash has been scheduled for Saturday Nov. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St.
This popular event lets you sample lots of bourbons, along with some tasty treats. Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin’ Tails will be there, along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace. Village of Webster restaurants including The Coach and BC’s Chicken Coop will have food samples to complement the bourbons. There will also be some raffles of bourbon products. ID is required for entrance.
Both of these great events are sponsored by the Webster Village Business Improvement District. And stay tuned for more information about another fun BID event, the Trick or Treat Trail on Saturday Oct. 26.
Two great ways to support the Friends of the Public Library
The first is the Library Hats for Sale fundraiser, from Nov. 5 through Nov. 23 (or while supplies last). Dozens of handcrafted hats will be on sale, created by the library’s very own Sit and Stitch group and Friends members. They’re priced to sell and are great for gifts or stocking stuffer for that special person you want to surprise with a one-of-a-kind gift.
Of course, it’s perfectly OK to buy one for yourself, or buy one and donate it to the library’s Hat and Mitten Tree which supports Webster Hope.
The hats will be on sale during regular library hours.
The Friends will also host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. A dozen different tables will be set up, each with a different theme, offering a total of 199 hardcover and paperback books priced between $8 and $125. Many are priced between $10 and $30, attractive for collectors or those who might like to resell them.
The table themes are:
Railroads
Louis L’Amour westerns (hardcover, faux leather-bound editions)
Scotland or Scottish themes
War
books about New York State and the upstate/Rochester area
Older Fiction Books
Juvenile Books
Miscellaneous topics (two tables)
Three tables will each have two separate topics on them:
Art books and books about Music
Bill O’Reilly’s “Killing” series of hardcover books (many first printings, some signed by O’Reilly); and hardcover novels by early-20th century novelist Louis Bromfield
books about George Washington; and novels and stories illustrated by N. C. Wyeth
Make sure to get there early for the best selection. Proceeds from both sales will benefit Webster Public Library.
Spooky Luncheon for ages 55+, Thursday Oct. 31 at noon. Dress up in costume and enjoy snacks, lunch, sweet treats and fun. Register for activity #341802-A by Oct. 25. Cost is $8.
Saturday Night Live-themed Halloween Fitness Class Sampler, Saturday Oct. 26 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Try one of the Rec Center’s regularly scheduled Saturday morning classes. The instructors will be dressed as their favorite SNL characters, and you’re encouraged to do the same. There’s no charge.
Concert Apparel and Coat Drive hosted by the Webster Central School District PTSA, Saturday Oct. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Rec Center’s front patio. At the same time, you can also drop off your carved pumpkins for the Pumpkins on Parade event that evening.
Pumpkins on Parade, Saturday Oct. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. At this amazing family-friendly event, the Rec Center lines the Chiyoda Trail — which stretches for a mile around and behind the Rec Center — with brightly glowing Jack-o-lanterns. Visitors can walk along the trail and enjoy all the creativity and spookiness. Then afterwards, there’s free cider and donuts and family fun. Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.
Coming up in November and December, watch for more details about the Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 2 along the Chiyoda Trail, and the Afternoon With Santa, Saturday Dec. 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 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).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 