WSPS hosts appreciation luncheon for its drivers

23 Oct

The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) hosted an Appreciation Luncheon on Oct. 19 for the organization’s volunteer drivers.

The luncheon was held at the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Rd. Most of the drivers and their significant others were present, along with the WSPS support staff and board members. Also in attendance were the Webster Town Supervisor Representative Kim Doyle and Daphne Geoca, Senior Coordinator of the Webster Parks and Recreation Dept.

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.

WSPS drivers and dispatchers have provided a record number of rides through September 30, 2023. Logging 2,940 volunteer hours, the drivers gave 3,113 rides, spanning 38,240 miles driven — just shy of the organization’s record year of 2022.

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.

  • Karen Kinyon, Laure Barr, Kim Doyle and Julie Schillaci
  • Deb Gerlach, Larry Bovenci and Craig Dominas
  • Mike Donovan and Jay Watson

The Town and Village of Webster have supported WSPS for several years, recognizing the real need for the WSPS services. Several local businesses and service organizations also support the organization.

Currently WSPS has 57 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.

A big thank you to the Karpus Family Foundation which funded this year’s luncheon, and to the local which donated gifts for the drivers, including Wendy’s, Abbott’s Ice Cream, Tim Hortons, Corona’s Mexican Restaurant, Jiffy Lube, Wegmans and Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. And always a big thank you to Vision Hyundai of Webster, which subsidizes the WSPS vehicle. (And my thanks to Dave Norton for the great report and photos.)

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(posted 10/23/2023)

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Schroeder grad takes home an Emmy

22 Oct

Yet another Webster graduate is making a name for herself.

Webster Schroeder graduate Samantha Hake ’08 recently won an Emmy for her work as a producer on the National Geographic film The Flagmakers, described on the website as “an intimate glimpse into the people whose hands make America’s most recognizable icon.” (Read more about the film here.)

Samantha wrote,

As a producer, I worked on this film for over three years with Co-Directors Sharon Liese and Academy Award Winner Cynthia Wade. I am extremely proud of the beautiful and poetic film that we created, all while navigating dozens of different languages among the subjects and a raging pandemic that tested our resolve to capture compelling stories while keeping our cast and crew safe.

The film screened at festivals nationwide and was shortlisted for an Academy Award before being nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy. 

Samantha with Co-Director Sharon Liese

After graduating from Schroeder, Samantha went on to study television, radio and film at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. During her senior year at college, she was accepted into the SULA program, a Los-Angeles-based professional program initiative, where she worked at a commercial production company on Super Bowl commercials. 

After college, she met director Sharon Liese and has worked alongside her to edit, shoot and produce several projects. (Read more about Samantha’s film career on her IMDB profile.)

Samantha received her Emmy at the 44th annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards Ceremony held Sept. 28 at The Palladium Theater in Times Square. She described the experience as “truly a night of full, proud hearts.”

The saying goes, “it’s an honor just to be nominated” and it really is true. I felt so privileged to be in a room with and to be recognized by the most esteemed, ambitious, and creative filmmakers in the industry. When they announced that The Flagmakers won the award for outstanding short documentary, I know our team at home watching and our team at the ceremony all cheered together. Filmmaking is such a collaborative storytelling process and it’s an amazing feeling to share the recognition with everyone involved. 

Other projects Samantha has completed include Parker, a short documentary which, after premiering at Sundance earlier this year, was chosen as the only documentary in the Sundance Short Film Tour that screened in theaters nationwide. She’s also the co-executive producer on a new four-part true crime/cult documentary series which will be airing soon.  

In the meantime, you can stream The Flagmakers on Disney+.

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(posted 10/22/2023)

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Garlic Fest success kick-starts expanded Wreath Across America effort

21 Oct

I heard some happy news the other day.

The very moving and heartwarming Wreaths Across America ceremony will be expanding in Webster this year to two more cemeteries.

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to place a wreath on the grave of every veteran in the country. Last year, the movement reached Webster; on Saturday Dec. 17, more than 300 adults and children gathered at the official Wreaths Across America ceremony at Webster Union Cemetery to help lay more than 650 wreaths. (Click here to read my blog about that day.)

Cherie Wood, Wreaths Across America’s Location Coordinator for Webster, recently told me that the effort will not only be returning to Webster Union Cemetery this December, but also to Union Hill and Webster Rural cemeteries.

The good news is, that means hundreds more veterans will be recognized on National Wreaths Across America Day on December 16, 2023. The not so good news is that hundreds more wreaths will need to be sponsored in the next few months to honor those veterans.

The effort is off to a strong start thanks to the Webster Garlic Festival, held in September. Almost 100 vendors filled the Rec Center gymnasium and outdoor walkways, and an estimated 3,000 people attended. It was a very successful event, especially considering it was the first Garlic Festival held in a few years. The proceeds were shared among Wreaths Across America; the Blue Star Mothers, who create care packages to send to our deployed servicemen and women; and the Gold Star Mothers, who support emotionally and physically injured veterans.

PLUS, in addition to the money raised from vendors and admission, our generous community members sponsored 400 wreaths during the festival.

As I said, that’s a good start for this year’s Wreaths Across America effort. But we’re adding two new cemeteries this year; almost one thousand veterans are buried in Webster Rural Cemetery alone, and another 56 at Union Hill. Together with Webster Union Cemetery, we’re talking almost 1,700 veterans.

We’re going to need more wreaths.

Individual wreath sponsorships are just $17, and $5 from each will go directly to the Blue Star Mothers, who will use the funds to prepare and ship care packages to deployed servicemen and women (every dollar you donate stays in Webster). This is a great chance for families to honor their own veteran relatives who are buried in these three cemeteries.

Click here to sponsor a wreath (or several) and click here to see and follow the Wreaths Across America Facebook page to keep up on all the latest news.  

Please sponsor your wreaths by Nov. 20, because that’s when the order needs to be put in.

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(posted 10/21/2023)

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Webster Baptist Church memorial bricks now in place thanks to Eagle Scout candidate

20 Oct

The east-side entrance to the Webster Baptist Church on South Ave. is getting a bit of an upgrade, thanks to the efforts of Eagle Scout candidate Hunter Kurosawa.

For several days over the last week or so, Hunter and his team of adult and Troop 113 Scout volunteers have been installing bricks along the drainage ditch lining the side of the church building. They’ve already worked almost 14 hours over two long days and are planning at least one more before the project is finished.

There are about 200 bricks in all, but 13 of them are rather special; individually-engraved memorial bricks, purchased by Webster Baptist Church parishioners in memory of loved ones.

Hunter Kurosawa with the memorial bricks
Some of Hunter’s helpers mix concrete for the retaining wall

Hunter landed on this particular project after having little luck with other organizations. He wrote,

I was looking for an Eagle Project at the zoo, through NEQALS, and through Webster Trails. … Then I got an email from my Scoutmaster saying (Church Moderator Diana) Marchner had a project at the Webster Baptist Church. She had contacted the Scout Advisor that I am using. 

I was so happy to have a project. We went to meet her to talk about what she was looking for and I was really excited about the project. Mrs. Marchner was so nice and so happy to find someone to take on the project. It is a lot of new skills for me to learn and it is so nice to be working with Mrs. Marchner.  

Apparently Marchner feels the same way.

“I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this young man … and Scout advisors,” she wrote. “I am totally amazed at how professional and dedicated to perfection they are. I really lucked out having this Eagle Scout candidate.”

The entire project has been … well, a project.

Before even placing the bricks, the site had to be dug out, cleared of stones and leveled with gravel. Some of the stones have to be cut to size before they’re all set in place with polymeric sand and pitched at a two-degree angle to allow for water runoff.

they are using Polymeric Sand so that they can be replaced as the bricks get engraved.  Also Polymeric Sand helps in deterring the growth of weeds between the bricks. 

There have been several challenges to overcome along the way. After digging out the site, his team discovered a plastic pipe they had to remove, and found an electrical conduit needed replacing to bring it up to code. Then they had to build a retaining wall to hold the bricks in on the south edge. All before they could even begin to lay the bricks.

But overcoming obstacles is all part of completing a successful Eagle Scout project. (And learning new things like how to mix concrete and build a retaining wall.)

The memorial bricks program is part of an ongoing fundraising initiative by the 166-year old Webster Baptist Church to raise money for needed repairs and upgrades. Bricks are still available; they cost $150 each (but larger donations are more than welcome) and they can be personally inscribed. If enough bricks are purchased, the hope is to use them to build a new sidewalk leading to the front door. It’s estimated that would take about 1,500 bricks.

You might say that Hunter Kurosawa is helping the Webster Baptist Church take a step towards maintaining a strong faith community.

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(posted 10/20/2023)

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Details about three upcoming Village special events

19 Oct

The Webster Village calendar hasn’t started to slow down too much yet, evidenced by these three events scheduled for the coming weeks.

The first is a brand new event brought to you by the Webster BID, a Health and Wellness Fair scheduled for Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village Hall community meeting room, 28 W. Main St.

This is a free event showcasing all of the amazing health and wellness businesses and professionals in our community. Stop by for a few minutes, stop by for an hour and find out more about the goods and services available in Webster to keep you and your family healthy.

This year’s Village of Webster Trick-or-Treat Trail is Saturday Oct. 28.

This is an annual tradition drawing thousands of kids and adults into the village to walk through the streets and trick-or-treat dozens of village businesses. Dress up the kids — or the whole family — and come on down.

The day begins with a costume contest at Village Hall from 11 to 11:30 a.m., followed by the Trail from 11:30 to 2:30. There’s a pet costume contest as well (a judge will be walking along Main St. keeping an eye out for contestants!). The Webster Museum will have special treats, the Webster Volunteer Fire Department will host their open house with displays and equipment for the kids to explore, and there’ll be wagon rides behind Gazebo Park.

And of course, I’ll be out there with my camera trying to take as many photos of kids (and adults) in costume as possible, so watch for me.

Capping off the Village event scene for this fall, the Bourbon Bash returns to the Harmony House on Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Local distilleries like Black Button and Smokin Tails along with distributors such as Woodford Reserve, Buffalo Trace and others will be available for sampling. Village of Webster restaurants such as The Coach, BC’s Chicken Coop and more will be featuring samples of their goods to complement the bourbons. ID is required at entry and raffles of Bourbon products will be available for purchase.

Tickets are $30, are limited and sell out fast. Click here to get yours. Proceeds to benefit The Harmony House Renovation Fund.

All of these events are brought to you by the Webster BID. Check their website for more information and to sign up for a newsletter to keep up on everything that’s going on.

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(posted 10/19/2023)

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Take a hike (with the Friends)

18 Oct

My regular blog readers already know how much I love the Friends of Webster Trails (FWT). These three special events they’re involved with in the next several weeks are great examples why.

The first is a Family Scavenger Hunt on Saturday Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive.

Participants will explore the one-mile long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, looking for scavenger hunt clues. Regular scavenger hunt hikers will be delighted with the new twist introduced with this hike. (All I’m going to say is I hope you like jigsaw puzzles!)

Three different skill levels will be offered for kids aged 2 to 12, so children of all ages can participate. Everyone who completes the hike can choose an apple or mini pumpkin as a 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 a.m. and noon. The hunt will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

This hike is sponsored by the Webster Recreation Center and in collaboration with the Friends of Webster Trails and WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network. All proceeds will benefit the Friends.

That evening, Saturday Nov. 4, the Friends’ annual Hot Cocoa Hike will be held at Gosnell Big Woods Preserve (674 Vosburg Rd.).

The hike is approximately 1.3 miles long (start to finish) and will include a stop for socialization and hot cocoa. The trail starts at the parking lot and will 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.

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.

This last event is a great way to help the Friends out, and give back a little for all they do for us and our Webster trails.

The next FWT work day (and probably last one of the year) will take place this Saturday Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. The Friends will be planting native trees as part of their ongoing ReTree Project. Many hands make light work, so please consider joining them. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes, and bring gloves, water and a shovel.

For more information about the Friends of Webster Trails and all of the great trails they manage for our enjoyment, visit their website here.

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(posted 10/18/2023)

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Pumpkins on Parade needs you!

18 Oct

Bonus blog today, because this is important information, especially if you’re REALLY into creating jack-o-lanterns.

The Webster Recreation Center’s annual Pumpkins on Parade is less than two weeks away, and they need jack-o-lanterns! This is a super fun family event where participants stroll along the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center, which is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. At the end of the path, there’s free cider and donuts and a bonfire, a family photo area, and for the kids, a hay maze and roller slide. And it’s ALL FREE. (Here’s the Facebook event page for more information.)

To make this event the great success it always is, the Rec Center needs a LOT of jack-o-lanterns, so get carving! You can drop off your finished creations on the trailer parked outside the Rec Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.) on Friday Oct, 27 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Multiple pumpkins are both welcomed and encouraged. Each pumpkin gets a raffle ticket for the chance to win a Fall Themed Raffle Basket (be sure to stop inside the Rec Center after dropping off your pumpkin to fill out a ticket!)

If you have a large group interested in carving pumpkins and need some help doing so, email kkovar@websterny.gov. The Rec Center can provide SOME pumpkins but also the space to carve. This would be a great project for Scout troops or big families or school classes!

For more information about Pumpkins on Parade, visit the Facebook page here.

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

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(posted 10/18/2023)

A brief history of Barry’s corner

17 Oct

Do you recognize this corner? For many years, this building stood at South Ave. and West Main in the village, at the former home of our beloved Barry’s Old School Irish.

I still walk by Barry’s regularly, and have noticed that Danny and Jessica have finally started clearing out their old establishment for the next tenants (and no, sorry, I haven’t heard who that might be). At the suggestion of a friend, and with lots of help from Webster Town and Village Historian Lynn Barton, I thought it would be fun to take a brief walk back through the building’s history.

The building was erected around 1830 by Dr. Oliver Reynolds. He was an author and inventor, and served as Postmaster from 1834 to 1849. He was also known for his “Reynold’s Lung Restorative, Nervine, etc.” a forerunner to many cure-alls.

The building’s next owner was Robert F. Hendee, who ran a general store there with his son (you can see the Hendee and Sons sign on the earlier photo). In addition to his general merchandise, he made and sold simple coffins. He also was Postmaster for many years starting in 1873. 

The beautiful cobblestone building was eventually demolished to make room for a ESSO Service Station, operated by William Kielon, owned by Webaco Oil Co. Mark P. recently noted that the Esso station became a Cities Service station in the early 60s, adding, “I used to marvel at the ‘grease monkeys’ who stood underneath the cars that pulled into the garage, parking over the pit where the mechanics would perform an oil change and lube job.”

Later, the building became home to Living Water Plumbing, well known for the gardens, fountain and Ten Commandments just outside the front door. The shop was owned by Robert Richards, who passed away in 2009. Danny and Jessica Barry fell in love with the empty storefront and created Barry’s Old School Irish in 2011.

The rest, as they say, is history.

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(posted 10/17/2023)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Oct

Eventually my mailbags aren’t going to be so heavy to lift. But that is not today. You’ll find a mix of new items and reminders about events I’ve mentioned in previous blogs. Follow the links if you want more information about any of them.

The Town of Webster’s leaf collection will begin on Monday Oct. 23. You can see the leaf collection schedule and FAQs here.

Remember to place your leaves at the edge of your lawn, NOT in the roadway or gutters. Place ONLY leaves in the pile, not any twigs, branches, grass clippings or other debris.

The  Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is this week, Oct. 18 through 21.

Members of the Friends of the Webster Public Library can visit Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. for a first look. Membership is required and can be purchased at the door.

The general public sale will be Thursday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days; bring your own bag, and fill it for just $5.

The sale will be held at the library, 980 Ridge Rd. Proceeds from the fall book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.

The Webster Rotary Club will be hosting a drive-up food drive on Saturday October 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church to benefit Webster NY Hope.

Holy Trinity is located at 1460 Ridge Rd., just east of the village. If you’re unable to drop off on the 21st but still want to contribute, you can leave your donations at Beyond Cuts Salon, 33 North Avenue, during their normal operating hours Tuesday through Saturday.

The Rochester Academy of Irish Dance parents’ association will host a Chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday Oct. 21 from 4 p.m. until gone. Cost is $15 which includes a half chicken, potatoes, cole slaw, rolls and butter.

The event will take place at 780 Ridge Rd. in Webster (by Auto Locators. Look for the elephant). More details here.

St. Martin Lutheran Church, 813 Bay Rd., has announced the dates for this year’s Santa’s Garage Sale, which will be held Nov. 2-4.

Community members are invited to donate gently use Christmas items at the church on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Then make sure to come back to shop Thursday and Friday Nov. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a great way to get rid of a lot of unused holiday decor, and pick up some new stuff for just a little cash!

The Webster Central PTSA and the Webster Teachers Association are partnering for a Concert Apparel and Coat Event on Saturday Oct. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the Webster Recreation Center.

Community members are invited to come and “shop” the gently used items for free. Donations are now being accepted, of any size (toddler through adult) of the following items in good condition: winter coats/jackets, pants, boots, accessories; concert dress attire including white and black tops, shoes, bottoms and accessories. Collection boxes are located at each Webster Central School through Oct. 26.

The PTSA will have a table at the event where you can purchase $5 student and $10 PTSA memberships, which entitle you to lots of discounts at local businesses. (Plus you’re supporting our Webster students and staff!)  

Get your costumes ready for the 2nd Annual Halloween Happening at Heritage Square Museum, scheduled for Sunday Oct. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Trick-or-treat through the historic buildings, hear spooky stories, and enjoy kids crafts and games. Halloween snacks will be available for purchase. Cost is just $5 per car, and costumes are encouraged.

Heritage Square Museum is located at 7147 Ontario Center Rd., Ontario, just about 12 minutes east of the village.

And of course we adults like to dress up for Halloween, too. The Webster Recreation Center has got you covered.

Our 55+ community members are invited to a Spooky Luncheon at the Rec Center on Tuesday Oct. 31 at 11:45 a.m. Wear your costumes and enjoy a a great lunch, snacks and lots of fun.

Registration is $8 and is required by Oct. 23. Click here to register.

Wait! There’s more Halloween fun in store, for special needs kids and adults, to benefit Rochester Challenger Miracle Field.

On Sunday Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Rec, there’ll be a Halloween party with a costume parade, games, prizes, music, dancing, raffles and face painting.

This event is open to special needs kids and adults. Admission is $10 per family.

The Webster Fall Drug Take Back event is scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Justice Court Building, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall).

This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Only pills will be accepted; please no liquids or sharps.

Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. Learn more at Whendfcc.org

Is it too soon to start planning for November? I think not.

Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up on November 2 at the Webster Public Library, and donations are hand-made caps are being accepted now.

The fundraiser is based on the popular children’s book of the same name, in which Bartholomew Cubbins had 500 hats. Right now, the library is collecting yarn for crafty people to turn into hats, and asking crafty people to make hats for the sale. Any size (infant to adult), any style, any technique (knit, crochet, felt, woven, felt, sewn), with any fiber (machine washable is appreciated, please include care information) will be accepted. If you can donate yarn or hats, you can drop them off at the library service desk this month.

The actual Caps for Sale fundraiser event will be November 2 from 5 to 7 pm and Saturday Nov 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the library. Adult hats will be $15 and children’s hats will be $10. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.

The All in For Comfort Care Casino Night is fast approaching.

Matt Molloy from 13WHAM News will emcee this fun night, which will feature gaming tables, a 50/50 roulette wheel, silent auction, raffles, cash bar, appetizers and desserts. Plus everyone gets a complimentary $500 chip.

The Casino Night is scheduled for Friday Nov. 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Lodge at Shadow Hill, 7259 Lakeside Rd., Ontario. Tickets are $75 in advance and $85 at the door. Click here for tickets. All proceeds benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home.

Our friends at the Webster Museum are gearing up for the annual Christmas Tree Festival.

It will be held Saturday Dec. 2, as part of the village’s White Christmas festivities. So mark that date on your calendar. But first … the museum is looking for individuals or organizations to decorate the small trees. Winners in each category will win $25 cash. Call Gwen Hoffman at 585-738-6221 to reserve your tree. Visitors to the  museum will be voting Dec. 2 through Dec. 31. Join the fun!

That’s enough for today. Check back later this week for more detailed blogs about upcoming Village events, fun family hiking adventures from the Friends of Webster Trails, and more about Pumpkins on Parade!

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/16/2023)

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News from the Friends of Webster Trails

14 Oct

I got my Friends of Webster Trails (FWT) newsletter delivered into my email box a few days ago, and finally got around to opening it today.

This most recent edition, marking the last quarter of the year, is kind a summary of everything the Friends accomplished in the last five months or so. It runs no less than seven pages, which tells you that A LOT got done. Even though I know the FWT volunteers work amazingly hard and to amazing things, but even I was impressed.

Allow me to share some of those accomplishments with you.

  • Seven successful workdays were held over the summer. These are held on the third Saturday of each month during the warmer months, each one focusing on a different trail to complete tasks like picking up garbage, clearing brush and removing invasive species.
  • The Friends hosted five family-fun trail activities, including the most recent Trees Along the Trail Challenge at Four Mile Creek in August, where hikers were encouraged to identify ten different trees along a 2.5-mile trail.
  • “Rebooted” the Wegmans Passport to Family Wellness trail booklet which will be reintroduced next spring
  • Opened the new Michael A. Johnson Trail in June, located about halfway between VanAlstyne Rd. and Drumm Rd. on the Hojack Trail. I explored this one myself; you can read about my experience here.
  • Made great progress on the new State Rd. Nature Preserve trails, including clearing a one-mile loop trail. This new system is located located on the north side of State Rd. between Salt and Harris, just east of the Arbor Creek Townhomes. You can read more about that trail here.
  • Started to plan out the brand new Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest, located at 760 Herman Rd. This 28-acre parcel was recently purchased by the Town and its trail system will eventually connect up with Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve.
  • At Four Mile Creek Preserve, the red trail near the Salt Creek overlook was rerouted, and now offers a  nice view of the valley below and the creek itself.
  • The benches on the John Unger Nature Trail have been revitalized.
  • Received some much-appreciated assistance from community volunteers at Four Mile Creek, including the Webster Thomas Cross Country team, who spread gravel, and Brody Hoffman from Troop 113, who installed several sections of boardwalk on the new orange trail.

If you’ve read this far and find yourself thinking, “Hmmm, I didn’t know there were so many trails in Webster,” what are you waiting for? Visit the Friends of Webster Trails website, download a trail map and get hiking. Now’s a beautiful time of year to explore.

Need some encouragement? Two hiking events coming up on Saturday Nov. 4 are great opportunities to explore and maybe make some new friends.

The first is especially for kids and their adults, a Family Scavenger Hunt along the Chiyoda Trail at the Webster Recreation Center. Participants will find clues scattered along the trail, and put answers on the sheet provided. Return your answers for a fun prize.

Families can sign in anytime between 10 a.m. and noon. Cost is $5 per child, and preregistration is requested (you can pay when you get there).

That evening, the annual Hot Cocoa Hike will take place at Gosnell Big Woods. This will begin at 7 p.m. and is usually a one to two-mile trek through the woods, ending with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. More information to come about that.

And finally, the PSA:

I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: we have an amazing trail system in our town, and the Friends of the Webster Trails are the folks to thank for that. If you’re a regular user of any of Webster’s trails, please consider showing them some love by becoming a member of the Friends. It doesn’t cost much (really, just $10 or $15 — check it out here) and the funds they raise go directly to making our trail system better for everyone to enjoy.

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(posted 10/14/2023)

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