Tag Archives: Local business

Three spooky (and fun) Halloween events

12 Oct

I did something a little bit unnerving today. I put up my November calendar on the refrigerator.

Despite the fact that we have to accept that November is less than three weeks away, let us try to focus on all of the fun stuff still coming up in October, especially the Halloween-related events marking the end of the month. I bring you details about three of those today.

On Sunday Oct. 22, Heritage Square Museum will host their second annual Halloween Happening 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. If you’ve ever wanted to check out this living history museum, this would be a great opportunity. I recently wrote a blog about my recent visit there. Click here to see that and learn more about this historical treasure just down the road.


Pumpkins on Parade returns to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

I love, love, love this event. Now four years old, Pumpkins on Parade began was originally dreamed up by the Rec Center to give families a fun Halloween-time event to safely enjoy during the pandemic. But it has since grown to become an annual favorite for hundreds of families who hike the trail, admire all of the jack-o-lanterns and hang around afterwards for games, photos, and snacks.

During Pumpkins on Parade, the mile-long Chiyoda Trail behind the Rec Center is lined with hundreds of creatively carved, humorous, scary and downright weird jack-o-lanterns. There’s also a much shorter path for seniors and small children to enjoy. At the end of the path, in the large field behind the Rec Center, participants enjoy free cider and donuts and a bonfire, there’s 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.)

BUT the success of this event depends on community participation. The Webster Recreation Center needs several hundred carved pumpkins to make the walk amazing. So start planning out your jack-on-lanterns now, and stay tuned for more information on when and where to drop them off (usually that day or the Friday before).


The Village of Webster’s Trick or Treat Trail will be held Saturday Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Kids (and their adults) can wander through the village to and trick-or-treat at dozens of shops. I’ll be running around with my camera to try to catch as many great costumes as possible, so watch for me!

The annual costume contest will be held from 11:00 to 11:30 at Village Hall, so participants won’t miss out on any of the trail.

This is just one of the great events brought to us by the village’s Business Improvement District. To keep up to date on all these events, make sure to visit their website often.

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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 10/9/2023)

Webster community mailbag

8 Oct

So. Much. Going. On.

I’m going to start today’s mailbag with several events that I haven’t featured in a mailbag recently.

The first are the latest details about the Village of Webster’s Bourbon Bash, scheduled for Saturday Nov. 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Harmony House. Tickets are now on sale, and if this year’s event is going to be anything like previous ones, it will sell out quickly, so get your tickets SOON.

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 and are limited. Click here to get yours. Proceeds will benefit the Harmony House Renovation Fund.


This is a cool event from the Webster Museum, an Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow.

If you’re curious about the value or origin of a special piece from your family’s history, bring it to the Webster Museum on Oct. 15 at 2 p.m. and the Palma brothers will use their expertise to provide you with some insight.

Frank and Greg Palma grew up in Penfield and own the Webster Jewelry and Coin Exchange at 159 W. Main St. in the village of Webster. Frank enjoys collecting and selling antique toys, comics, advertisements, and oil cans (the older the better), while his brother Greg is an expert in gold, coins, silver, and precious metals.

Over the years they’ve assembled a museum-like collection of items that can be seen and purchased at their store. In addition to sharing their expertise identifying your special objects, they’ll share some stories from their years in business.


Speaking of the museum, the folks over there 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 right now.

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!


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).

Get more details about the school and this great event on the Facebook event page here.


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 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.


Webster NY Hope, 1450 Ridge Rd., has published this month’s wish list. It includes:

  • pasta
  • jarred spaghetti sauce
  • jars or cans of applesauce
  • diapers (size 5)
  • baby wipes (they’re completely out)
  • canned corn and beets
  • toiletries, shampoo, conditioner, deoderant
  • laundry detergent
  • dish soap

You can drop off your donations anytime Webster NY Hope is open. Click here for more details.


If you’re interested in any of these following events, I wrote about them in my mailbag last week, so click here to see that post for more details.

  • Capital Improvement Project vote
  • West Webster Fire Department and Webster Volunteer Fire Department open houses
  • Friends of Webster Library used book sale
  • Autumn special events at Schutt’s Apple Mill
  • Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center

And click here to read again about the great upcoming panel discussion about Athlete Wellness and Youth Sports.

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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 10/1/2023)

‘Tis the season for farm markets

7 Oct

Farm markets have to be some of the best things that autumn has to offer. Sure, farm markets are great the rest of the year, too, when we can get a ready supply of fresh vegetables and flowers. But they take on a spectacular beauty in the fall, alive with color and holiday trappings.

Here in the Webster area we’re blessed with a great number of farm markets, within town or just minutes away. I visited a bunch of them recently; here’s a little about each one, complete with photos.

(This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but it’s a good start!)

Schreiner Farm, 490 Phillips Rd. 

I’m going to begin our tour today with one of the smallest farm markets in Webster, but also one of the friendliest.

The family-owned Schreiner Farm Market has been located at 490 Phillips Rd. since 2008. Before then, Ken and Darlene Schreiner had a farm stand at the home they owned across the road. They outgrew that and decided to build a much bigger market on the land they owned on the east side of Phillips.  

“(Ken) and I do everything on the farm, plant it, grow it, cut it,” Darlene said. Given it’s just the two of them, it’s a small operation, as you might imagine. You’re not going to find a Facebook page or even a website. You’re just going to have to stop by and check it out for yourself. 

You won’t be sorry. 



Bauman’s Farm Market, 1340 Five Mile Line Rd., Penfield 

Bauman’s is one of those markets where it’s hard to find a parking spot on October weekends. But it’s worth the effort, because the kids are going to love exploring the huge cornstalk teepee, the spooky haunted house, straw maze and pumpkin patch (all free). 

For sale right now: sweet corn, pumpkins, friend cakes, and loads of apples. 

And a huge congratulations to Bauman’s, which at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting was recognized for celebrating its 115th anniversary!



Herman’s Farm Market, 741 Five Mile Line Rd. 

Herman’s Farm Market is a 5th-generation farm known for its apples, peaches, cherries, apricots & nectarines. Before the big game, stop by for some fried cakes (which were recently decorated with Buffalo Bills blue and red sprinkles), snacks, Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters ground coffee.  



Maier Farms, 430 Phillips Rd.

Maier Farms is known for their beautiful fall displays and impressive selection of pumpkins, gourds, ornamental corn, straw bales and more, including some items you won’t find many other places. Find lots of unique gift items here too.



Mayer’s Cider Mill, 699 Five Mile Line Rd. 

I had a bit of a hard time finding out a whole lot online about Mayer’s and what the market offers, but the few sites I did find (a Facebook page here and a website here) mentioned apples (of course) and donuts, and a tasting room. 

According to an article in the Genesee Valley Pennysaver, Mayer’s is “the oldest continuously operating cider mill in New York State,” dating all the way back to 1876. That history alone is a good reason to stop by. Read the whole article here



Schutt’s Apple Mill, 1063 Plank Rd

Whenever I hear someone talking about Schutt’s, usually it’s in the same sentence as the words “fried cakes.” But there’s a whole lot more to love about Schutt’s.

There are the apples, of course. You can pick your own or select them from their abundant displays. There’s a fermented cider tasting room, weekly events and craft classes, u-pick flowers, lots of other fresh fruits and vegetables, and so many holiday decor and gift items. 

Schutt’s Apple Mill has been open since 1918 and continues to be an autumn favorite. 



Sunscape Farms and Greenhouses, 1416 Creek St., Penfield

Many of my friends swear by Sunscape Farms for their fresh vegetables. This time of year Sunscape still features an impressive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus honeys, jams and maple syrup, fresh cut flowers, fall decor, fall plants and shrubs. And don’t forget, there’s always complimentary organic lollipops for the kids at the register. 



Welch’s Greenhouses, 1271 Webster Rd. (Rt. 250)

Welch’s is not very big, but it is the closest farm market to my house, so I’m a regular visitor there, especially during corn and pumpkin season. 

Family-owned and operated since 1959, Welch’s is especially known for their greenhouses, flowers, vegetable plants and gardening supplies. They have a lot of bulk mulch and topsoil. 

What struck me more than anything when I stopped by there, however, were the mums. As far as the eye can see. That really seems to be their forte this time of year, so if you want mums, make sure to include Welch’s in your travels.



Wickham Farms, 1315 Sweets Corners Rd. Penfield

Of course, no blog about farm markets is complete without mentioning Wickham Farms, the king of agri-tainment in our area. Located about four miles south of the Village of Webster, Wickham’s parking lot ALONE (not including the overflow lot) is bigger than some of the other farm markets themselves. I went by on Wednesday, when they were closed, so I didn’t have any problem finding parking. But I also didn’t get to experience the joy of watching small children as they explored what has really become an autumn carnival. 

In addition to the corn maze for which they’ve become known, the farm has a wide variety of activities to keep kids entertained for hours, including a “mountain slide,” a train, farm animals to pet, a jumping pad, singing tractor, mini golf, a playground and more. There’s also lots of food. 

Admission is required to visit the farm. Discounts are available for on-line presale tickets. For more information and to purchase tickets, click 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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 10/7/2023)

WHEN honored as Webster Chamber Business of the Month

5 Oct

Being as involved in the Webster community as I am, I’m a member of several community groups. Perhaps the one I’m most proud of is my affiliation with WHEN, the Webster Health and Education Network.

WHEN is a coalition of community leaders and residents working to empower Webster kids to grow up strong and substance-free. Founded in 1995 by Janine Sanger, who leads the organization to this day, WHEN has always been driven by a singular purpose: to advocate for and promote healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles among our friends and neighbors.

The coalition is driven by more than 60 volunteer members representing various sectors of the Webster community, including business owners, faith-based organizations, youth, civic/volunteer groups, media, law enforcement, health care providers, substance use prevention professionals, and more. Their mission: to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use among our youth, because research tells us that the longer young individuals wait to use drugs and alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life.

It’s an ongoing battle, illustrated recently as the Webster Village Board considers repealing the opt-out law allowing for a cannabis retail shop within the village limits. (One is being proposed for the old Taylor Rental storefront on North Ave.) WHEN is circulating a petition about the matter, and several members have appeared at Village meetings to speak against the repeal.

WHEN’s service to our community was recognized at the most recent Webster Chamber of Commerce meeting as the October Business of the Month. It is a well-deserved honor, recognizing the amazing work this organization does.

New members are always welcome to join. To read more about WHEN and its programs, check out the October newsletter here. and the Facebook page here.

P.S. Signatures are still being collected on the petition against repealing the village’s opt-out law. Click here to voice your opinion.

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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 10/5/2023)

Webster community mailbag

29 Sep

Let’s get right to it …..

Oklahoma!, presented by the Webster Theatre Guild, takes the stage this weekend.

Shows are scheduled for

  • Friday Sept. 29, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Sept. 30, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday Oct. 7, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

All shows will be held at Webster Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Tickets are $20, plus $2 transaction fee if ordered online), and are reserve seating. Tickets will also be available at the door. Click here for tickets.


Next, this very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to Their Light Shines, a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.


Our very own Webster Marching Band will host their 37th annual Autumn Fanfare field show and competition on Saturday October 7 at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd.

Autumn Fanfare is always a spectacular evening of storytelling through music, marching, and even a little bit of acting. There are always huge set pieces involved to move the music-story forward. This is an awesome opportunity to see what our hometown marching bad has been up to, and be impressed by the incredible amount of hard work these kids put in every year to create a show that will blow you away.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10, available at Herman’s Farm Market (741 Five Mile Line Rd.) and the Webster Recreation Center (1350 Chiyoda Dr.). They can also be purchased for $12 at the gate.

More to come about this.


Don’t forget about the Capital Improvement Project vote on Wednesday, Oct. 11

The Webster Central School District has proposed an $85 million capital improvement project that will impact all 11 schools with zero tax impact for district residents. The project will include renovations and improvements to all of the schools. The project will be voted on by the Webster CSD community on Wednesday, October 11, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School’s gym, 875 Ridge Road.

To learn more about the project and the improvements to each school, click here. You can also sign up to receive periodic communications from the district regarding the project. For details, please visit the capital improvement project news story at www.websterschools.org.


The West Webster Fire Department will hold their annual Fire Prevention Open House on Sunday Oct. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the fire station on Gravel Rd.

The afternoon will include firehouse tours, fire safety displays, equipment displays, live demos, refreshments and more.

There’s no charge, and the entire Webster community is invited. For more information, visit the WWFD Facebook page here.

While we’re on that subject, remember that the Webster Volunteer Fire Department always holds its open house during the village’s Trick of Treat Trail, this year scheduled for Saturday Oct. 28. Stay tuned for more information about that.


The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21.

This is always a great opportunity to stock your home library. Hardcover books are just $1, and paperback books just 50 cents.

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 in the Friends of the Webster Public Library 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. 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.


Our Penfield friends, Schutt’s Apple Mill on Plank Rd., have a couple of fun events planned for this fall.

On Tuesday Oct. 24 (one week before Halloween), Schutt’s will host their Trick-or-Treat at the Farm event from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. It’s a family-friendly night where you can walk through the orchard on a Trick-or-Treat Trail to find some fanciful jack-o-lanterns and sweet treats. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged.

This is a free event and no registration is required.

On Saturday Nov. 4, Schutt’s will host a Holiday Farm Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from 9 a.m. This is a great opportunity to support 35 local businesses while shopping for personal and gift items.

For more information about both of these events and others, click here. Schutt’s Apple Mill is located at 1063 Plank Rd.


Pumpkins on Parade at the Webster Recreation Center is back, Saturday Oct. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

This is a one-mile long trail lined with creatively and whimsically-carved jack-o-lanterns. Every year the Rec Center puts this on (this is the fourth annual), it’s been bigger and better, packed with post-trail treats, photo opportunities and more

I’ll be providing more details about this, but for now, start planning your pumpkin carving, because the Rec Center is going to need a LOT of jack-o-lanterns.


Finally, check the flyers below for details about lots of great upcoming programs at the Webster Public Library, including:

  • the Readers, Writers and Connections program for budding writers
  • Teen Library Club
  • National Hair Day storytime
  • Family Night
  • a movie matinee
  • a Halloween craft
  • line dancing for kids
  • a clay class for children and parents

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

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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 9/29/2023)

Sample new shops, win prizes in new city-wide shopping tour

27 Sep

This looks like a fun event, and just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season (well, at least for me).

It’s a Rochester-wide, nine-day shopping tour called “Shop-Tober-Fest.” I call it a tour because the event will take you around the city, sampling lots of cute shops which have lots of unique gift ideas for your favorite people.

The event doesn’t even start for another week, but already 20 local businesses, artisans and entrepreneurs are signed up. In town, that includes Farm House Fabulous (in Ontario, and the host of this new event); Lala of Webster; curated by JUSTINteriors; Kittelberger Florist & Gifts; and SoJo Boutique. Other participating shops are in Fairport, Pittsford, Brighton, Victor and downtown.

Here’s how Shop-Tober-Fest works

Buy a $5 ticket for Shop-Tober-Fest via Eventbrite and visit as many of the participating shops as you like between October 7 and 15. Your ticket will give you access to the map of the shops along with a raffle ticket for each one (sent via email after registration). Every store will be raffling off a prize of a $100 value or more and you’re eligible to win them all! But you can only enter each shop’s raffle by visiting the store in-person.

This is a great opportunity to show your love for small businesses and uncover some one-of-a-kind gifts, charming home decor items, delectable treats and more.

Best of all, proceeds will benefit the Wilmot Cancer Center.

So click here to register. Your map will be emailed to you so you’re ready to hit the shopping trail on Oct. 7!

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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 9/27/2023)

Webster community mailbag

22 Sep

Our first notice today comes from the Webster CSD.

If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming Building our Future Capital Project vote, the district is holding a community forum thcis week. According to the district, “the $85 million project focuses on providing a safe educational environment for all students with zero tax impact for district residents.”  

Community members are invited to a forum this Thursday, September 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Thomas High School library, 800 Five Mile Line Road.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more – and ask questions – about Building Our Future, including planned upgrades at all 11 schools. The Building Our Future capital project vote will take place Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School.


This very special event from Webster Comfort Care Home.

Community members are cordially invited to a Celebration of Remembrance on Tuesday evening Oct. 3, where you can light a luminaria in honor or memory of your loved one(s).

Luminarias can be purchased for $10 each and will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home in its mission to provide no-cost, compassionate care to the terminally ill and their families.

The Celebration of Remembrance will be held at the Comfort Care Home, 700 Holt Rd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 3. Rain date will be Oct. 5.


I attended a recent Women’s Club of Webster luncheon recently (you’ll be reading more about them and the great things they do later), and came away with news of two upcoming events.

Their annual Card/Game Party “Fun-Raiser” has been scheduled for Tuesday Nov. 7 at Glendoveers on Old Browncroft Rd.

This always fun social event begins at 10 a.m. with coffee and danish, followed bya buffet luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The games themselves will be played from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day includes 50/50 drawings and lots of beautiful basket raffles. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets cost $40. Checks should be made out to the Women’s Club of Webster and mailed to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Deadline to order tickets is Nov. 1.

And… if you’re a regular blood donor, you’ll be glad to hear that the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the canteen cookies at the blood drive scheduled for Wednesday Oct. 11 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Building, 172 Sanford Street.

Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED-CROS (1-800-733-2767).


The next Friends of the Webster Public Library Book Sale is just around the corner, Oct. 18 through 21. Here’s the announcement:

Find plenty of treasures for your mind at astoundingly low prices during the Webster Public Library Fall Book Sale. Gently used hardcover books will be available for $1, paperback books for $.50!

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 in the Friends of the Webster Public Library 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. Friday and Saturday are BYOB Sale Days — bring your own bag, fill it with gently used books for only $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.


Also, remember that the very clever “Caps for Sale” fundraiser is coming up in November, 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 during September and October.

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. Any unsold hats will be donated to Webster NY Hope and other charities.


Finally (at the risk of making this a very library-centric mailbag), click the flyer to see what kind of fun stuff they have coming up in the next few weeks.

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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 9/22/2023)

Webster Museum, Webster HOPE host garage sales next week

8 Sep

OK, I know. I’ve already blogged about these two HUGE garage sales a few times, but they’re supporting two great organizations, and I mean … they’re really BIG!

The first is the Webster NY HOPE sale, which runs from Wednesday Sept. 13 through Saturday Sept. 16 at Holy Trinity Church on Ridge Rd.

The garage sale is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, office and more.

Webster HOPE Director Margery Morgan wrote,

It is more than a sale to us as it allows us to be together as a community. We have a lot of fun and I think that is reflected in the hospitality and laughter-filled sale days with the public.

I was never much of a garage sale person prior to our sale. But now I always check out other sales to “borrow” their sale display ideas. When you see our jewelry and picture displays you will see how volunteers take these ideas and create product displays. We have a lot of $1-2 items, a price even the dollar store can’t match anymore.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 13, 6-8 PM, Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Road. Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 14 & Friday, September 15, 10- a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Credit cards will be accepted for purchases over $50
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Donations are still being accepted through Sunday Sept. 10.

Webster HOPE serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. Just before school started, HOPE held a school-supply giveaway, and in one week set up more than 50 families with brand new school supplies, including backpacks, so the kids are ready for the new school year.

Here are a few photos of some of the items handed out:


Webster Museum Barn Sale

The annual Webster Museum Barn Sale takes place Thursday Sept. 14 through Saturday Dec. 16, at 394 Phillips Rd.

This year, one barn is overflowing with antique and vintage items and lots of stuff for the home. Some of this year’s fantastic finds include furniture, glassware, household items, toys, tools, sporting goods, craft items, holiday décor, picture frames, collectibles, framed art, and much more.

There are so many items, they fill the big barn, AND the carriage house and two adjacent barns, and even spill out onto the lawns.

The sale will run Thursday and Friday Sept. 14 and 15 and Saturday Sept. 16 at 394 Phillips Rd. Doors open at 9 a.m.  Please bring your own shopping bags and small bills!!!! 

This is the Webster Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year, so come ready to shop!

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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 9/8/2023)

Congratulations to the Village Quilt Shoppe

7 Sep

A super special shout-out today to the Village Quilt Shoppe, which is celebrating its fourth anniversary this week.

This is an accomplishment that most certainly deserves celebrating, because it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for owners Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti since they opened their shop.

Just three months after they opened their doors in August 2019, and just days before the Village of Webster’s White Christmas celebration, disaster struck when a water leak from the apartment above the shop came through the floor and destroyed much of their merchandise. They had to close for almost a month to regroup and restock. But, determined not to lose their dream shop, they persevered and survived that early setback.

Then COVID struck, and they had to close again for three more months. But thanks to a very loyal customer base, the little shop on the corner of East Main and Lapham Park is going strong, and Vanetta and Monique continue to live their dream.

They’ve featuring lots of anniversary-celebration events this week and weekend, including

  • 25% off full price merchandise (some exclusions apply)
  • Free gifts (while supplies last)
  • A trunk show on Friday Sept. 8 featuring Charlie’s Daughter, Lydia Middaugh
  • A special wool class on Saturday, Sept 9
  • a raffle and other specials

For more information about any of these events, call the shop at (585) 626-6916. Or just stop in and say hi. They’d love to see you.

AND BY THE WAY … Vanetta and Moinque have compiled a cookbook. The email I got said,

Our first Village Quilt Shoppe Holiday Cookbook is ready for the printers. We are going to take pre-orders to ensure we order the right amount. The price of the cookbook will be $19.99 or three for $49.99. Please note all the proceeds will go to the Webster Food Cupboard. The more we sell, the more families will have a nice holiday dinner. If you are interested in purchasing one or more of our Holiday Cookbooks, please give us a call. They make great holiday gifts!

Pre-orders will be taken through Sept. 30.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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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 9/7/2023)

Where are you going, Barry’s Runners?

6 Sep

The (hopefully temporary) loss of Barry’s Old School Irish at the Village of Webster’s four corners means something different to each one of us.

For me, it means that I won’t have one of my favorite watering holes walking-distance away, close enough to head down on a whim. It means the loss of Saturday traditional Irish music sessions and Irish entertainers every Friday night. It means I won’t be able to fist-bump my good friend Danny Barry again for quite a while.

But probably more than anything these days, the loss of Barry’s means that my weekly running group, Barry’s Runners, will have no place to call home, at least for a while.

Barry’s Runners is a social running group that has met every week (yes, even through the winter) at Barry’s for more than seven years. In the beginning we met on Tuesday evenings until the Barrys decided to close that day, so for the last year it’s been Wednesdays. We gather at the pub at 6 p.m., and take the requisite before-run group photo before breaking into small groups to head out on our chosen routes. Some will run just a few miles, others as many as four, along village streets, the bike path, and nearby trails.

But now the pub is going away, at least for a while. But Barry’s Runners is not abandoning Barry’s.

At a strategy meeting held after a recent run (around my fire pit with plenty of beers in hand), the assembled runners agreed on a few things. The easiest decision was probably that we would continue to be known as “Barry’s Runners.” Figuring out where we’d begin our weekly runs and where we’d land afterwards was more difficult.

My friend Meredith had given the question much thought and came up with an elegant solution. Beginning next week, Barry’s Runners will meet every week at the gazebo at Veterans’ Memorial Park on North Ave. By popular demand, the runs will be moving back to Tuesday evenings, but still begin at 6 p.m. After the run, everyone as a group will decide where to head for refreshment, perhaps sampling a different Webster bar or restaurant every week.

On Tuesday we held our last Barry’s run from the pub, in honor of where we began. To express our club’s commitment to Barry’s Old School Irish and to thank Danny and Jess for their support over the years, we presented them with a wooden plaque after the run, which we hope they’ll consider hanging in their new location, whenever and wherever that may be.

I think I speak for all of Barry’s Runners when I say we hope that will be soon. Running from the gazebo in the middle of winter is not something I’m looking forward to.

We invite everyone to join us any week you feel like meeting some new friends and getting a little exercise. We have a wide range of ability levels; some people run faster and farther, others (like me) less so. And we always have walkers. More often than not a few of the runners even bring their kids and/or dogs in strollers.

So, beginning next Tuesday Sept. 12 at 6 p.m., meet us at the gazebo on North Ave. You’ll be welcomed with open arms and big smiles. You can follow some of our adventures on the Barry’s Runners Facebook page, so check that out, ask to join the page, then come and be a Barry’s Runner!

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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 9/6/2023)