Tag Archives: Cemetery Reflections

Highlighting some great upcoming library programs

3 Apr

There’s always something happening at the Webster Public Library, tons of programs for children and adults. But today I want to highlight four special events in particular, coming up in the next several weeks.

The first is what I think will be a very interesting presentation about cemeteries by local author/photographer Jane Hopkins. The program is called Cemetery Reflections, named for the book Jane published late summer. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about it.) At the program, scheduled for Thursday April 13 at 6:30 p.m., Jane will present images from the book, especially focusing on Webster’s own beautiful cemeteries. Or, as the library blurb says, “Stroll through three centuries of American cemeteries in a video presentation of compelling images from Jane’s book, followed by a talk illustrating upstate New York cemetery art and design.”

In her email to me, Jane wrote, “Webster cemeteries are an active part of the community: there is always someone walking, tending to a gravesite, or maintaining the grounds. Cemeteries give a sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. Remembering the past gives a focus to our future.”

The program is free, but registration is required so the library knows how many chairs to set up. It’s very easy to register. Click here to do so.

Two days later, on Saturday April 15, the Webster Library will host a Special Needs Parent Resource Fair from 2 to 4 p.m. This is especially designed for parents, guardians or caregivers looking for more information about resources and opportunities in our community for children and adults with special needs. Almost four dozen (so far) agencies from all around Rochester are already signed up. Click here to see the list of participants.

Caregivers can come any time during the time of the fair and ask questions and get information. If you’re unable to attend, information about the attending organizations will be available upon request. Registration is not required unless you’d like to be reminded of the event. Click here to register.  

If you go, look for me. I’ll be helping represent the JuJitsu Buddies program offered by Strike Back Martial Arts for children on the autism spectrum.


The next Friends of the Webster Public Library book sale is coming fast. It takes place Wednesday April 26 through Saturday April 29. Gently-used hardcover books will be available for only $1, paperback books will be $.50.

Members of the Friends can shop before everyone else, on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. If you’re not a member and want a sneak peek, memberships will be available at the door or on the library website.  

The general public sale will begin Thursday April 27 from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, April 28 is BYOB (bring your own bag) Bag Sale from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m, when you can fill a bag with gently used books for only $5. The bag sale continues on Saturday, April 29 but only from 10 a.m. til noon.

Proceeds from the spring book sale directly benefit library programs, book collections and other special projects.


The very popular Volunteer Fair returns to the Webster Public Library on May 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. This great event is especially for teens and adults looking for volunteer opportunities across the Webster area.

Plenty of community groups have already signed on, but more are welcome. If your business or organization has volunteer opportunities you’d like to share, email Jennifer.paxson@libraryweb.org for more information.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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

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(posted 4/3/2023)

Webster resident reflects on cemeteries in her new book

25 Sep

I’m a sucker for cemeteries. They’re so peaceful. I love to just wander through them, enjoy the solitude, look at the epitaphs, and think about the lives they’re trying to sum up in just a few words.

So when I heard about a recent book about cemeteries written by Webster resident Jane Hopkins, I sat up and took notice. Then I started reading it, and realized that Hopkins and I are of the same mind when it comes to the power of cemeteries to touch us deeply.

The book is titled Cemetery Reflections, and it was sparked in part by a single, simple headstone. Hopkins was taking a walk in a historic cemetery in Canada a few years ago and came across the grave of a young child. The epitaph read, “Step Softly, Here lies a dream.” A much larger monument which stood nearby detailed the death of four children three weeks apart, and their father several months later. Hopkins writes in her book, “I thought about the dreams of these parents for their children, and the harsh reality that comes to many of us who experience an early death in the family.”

As Hopkins continued to wander the cemetery, she contemplated the deep grief expressed in the words on the child’s headstone. It compelled her to explore more cemeteries, perhaps, she wrote, “looking for a workable philosophy of loss and afterlife ─ including my own death ─ and how to  make it easier for those left behind.”  

The result of those wanderings is the new 206-page book, Cemetery Reflections, a visual journey through notable cemeteries, illustrated by stunning black and white and color photos. Historic poetry and beautiful prose accompany the photos, giving the book a free-flowing feel similar to what one would experience on a cemetery walk. 

You can meet Hopkins yourself and learn more about her book at a talk she’ll hold on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. in  the Gleason Auditorium at the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County, 115  South Ave., Rochester. The talk is free and open to the public.

Copies of Cemetery Reflections are available for $44.95 at Amazon.com.   

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

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 9/25/2022)