Tag Archives: Missy Rosenberry

July History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 4)

5 Jul

For today’s History Bit, we continue our stroll down Webster Museum’s recreated Main Street, passing Witmer’s, the Candy Kitchen and Mayor Hawley’s office, to discover nostalgic tribute to the service stations and dairies that once dotted our community.

At the heart of the exhibit is a colorful collection of vintage service station memorabilia, artifacts which pay homage to the many local garages and filling stations that kept Webster’s cars running smoothly for generations. Long before the days of self-service pumps and drive-through oil changes, town residents relied on friendly, full-service attendants at places like Furber’s Garage, Merz’s Sunoco and the Esso station at the village’s Four Corners. Mechanics knew their customers by name, and a quick stop for gas often turned into a neighborly chat. The exhibit also features photos and descriptions of many of the service stations.

Just across the display, Webster’s agricultural side gets equal billing. Before sprawling neighborhoods and supermarkets, fresh milk was delivered daily by local dairies like Webster Dairy and Forest Farms Dairy. Glass milk bottles bearing familiar names and phone numbers bring back memories of clinking crates left on doorsteps. 

Together, the memorabilia offer a window into a time when Webster was a small, tight-knit community—when you got your car fixed down the street and your milk came from just a few roads over.

Stay tuned for the next stop on our museum tour of Webster in September when we peek into a typical farmhouse and see what life was like. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on their website, or stop by for a personal tour. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge. 

* * *

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

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

(posted 7/5/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Patriotic pride on full display at Maplewood Nursing Home

3 Jul

Drivers along Main Street in the Village of Webster couldn’t help but smile Thursday morning as they passed a heartwarming scene outside Maplewood Nursing Home. A group of residents, adorned with patriotic hats and headbands, lined the sidewalk with American flags in hand, waving enthusiastically at every car and truck that drove by, soliciting honks and waves from passing motorists.

A speaker placed in the middle of the crowd of residents blasted music, and staff members and volunteers danced, sang and did their best to encourage drivers (especially big trucks) to sound their horns.

Maplewood’s Director of Recreation, Gary Sacco, coordinates these holiday mini-celebrations every year, either the day before the Fourth of July, or on Flag Day, and he’s been doing so for about ten years. They’re weather-dependent of course, but when they do happen, it’s a very special occasion for the residents and certainly the highlight of their day. Any resident who wants to attend can do so, assisted by volunteers and staff members who patiently roll their wheelchairs up the hill from the facility to Main Street and line them up along the sidewalks.

Today, the crowd of festive, flag-waving residents numbered more than 30. Volunteers, staff members and family members brought the crowd to almost 50. There were so many smiles, and the whole scene was filled with an infectious, cheerful energy that turned an ordinary morning into a celebration of community spirit that certainly brightened the day of everyone it touched.

I love this village.

Volunteer Chris Bousman got up close and personal with the cars

* * *

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

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

(posted 7/3/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Fireman’s Carnival is coming up fast!

2 Jul

We’re starting to see the signs popping up all over town advertising the 2025 Fireman’s Carnival, taking place this year from Wednesday July 9 through Saturday July 12.

This is an exciting time of year in the Village of Webster, because without a doubt, the Fireman’s Carnival and parade are among the most anticipated events of the Webster summer season. Now 88 years old, the Carnival has been making memories every year for several generations of kids and adults.

This year’s carnival will be no different, with the return of the always-popular beer tent, game booths, rides and live entertainment, great food, raffles and much more. You can check out all the details about what will be happening — and when — at the Carnival Facebook page but here are some of the highlights:

Wednesday July 9:

  • Unfortunately, because the organizers are having trouble finding enough breweries to participate, there will NOT be a craft beer night this year. But Schutt’s Apple Mill will be there with their hard cider. The carnival will be open 6 to 11 p.m.

Thursday July 10:

  • Carnival is open 6 to 11 p.m., and the parade begins at 6:30 p.m. (you do NOT want to miss the parade)

Friday July 11:

  • Carnival is open 6 p.m. to midnight, with live music by ZBTB.

Saturday July 12:

  • the Kiddie Parade returns to Spry Middle School. (Last year they tried it on the carnival grounds. It did not go well.) The parade begins at noon with registration just beforehand.
  • Carnival is open noon to midnight
  • Knight Patrol plays in the Beer Tent
  • The Zoomobile will be on hand and Rich the Magic Man will be wandering the grounds
  • Fireworks at midnight

And of course, games, rides, raffles and food every night.

Admission to everything is free, and to save money on rides, you can buy advance sale wristbands at these locations:

You’ll also want to follow the Carnival Facebook page. for more details and regular updates.

* * *

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

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

(posted 7/2/2025)

Tags: , , ,

What’s your vision for Webster’s future?

1 Jul

I’m re-posting this blog from a few weeks ago because a LOT more people need to see it and respond to it.

The Town of Webster is updating its Comprehensive Plan, and they want to hear from as many Webster residents as possible — and so far that hasn’t been many. A successful Comprehensive Plan requires substantial public input and community engagement. They’re hoping to get those through various community events forums and surveys, to gather we hope to gather feedback and ideas to help shape Webster’s Bicentennial Plan.

There’s a survey out there right now that they’d like everyone to fill out, and the deadline has been extended to July 30 to accommodate as many participants as possible.

The Comprehensive Plan, developed in accordance with New York State law, will establish clear objectives for the community’s future development while protecting its natural and cultural resources. The plan emphasizes smart growth principles including mixed-use development, diverse housing options, sustainable infrastructure, distinctive community character, improved mobility, and climate resilience.

Through extensive community collaboration, the plan aims to create a guiding document that will identify long-range recommendations for future land use, zoning, housing, transportation, economic and community development, open space preservation, and more.

You can read more about the project on the project webpage, and you can see a recap of the public meeting held in April by clicking here, where you’ll also find the survey.

* * *

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

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

(posted 7/1/2025)

Tags: , ,

Webster community mailbag

30 Jun

What’s going on, Webster?

Summer is beginning to heat up, so there should be a LOT of fun and educational activities coming down the pike, but I don’t think I’m hearing about a lot of them. I don’t have the time to go out and solicit calendar items, so I rely on you all to send notices to me. If they come through my email box, they will almost certainly make it into the blog.

So what’s going on? Let me know at missyblog@gmail.com.

For today, I have reminders about three recurring events that I’ve written about before, a teaser about village events planned for the summer, and something from the Friends of the Webster Public Library (they always keep me busy).

* * *

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

* * *

The next free Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary.

* * *

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 9, featuring 8 Days a Week, performing songs by The Beatles. It will benefit the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters. 

These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations through free-will donations. This month’s concert will benefit the Webster Public Library’s BookBox for Kids and Teens.

The UCC has been sponsoring these concerts for, like 20 years, and through free-will offerings have raised tons of money for local non-profit organizations. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. There’s also a concession stand selling soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork, and a weekly “special.”

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.) So put these concerts on your calendar now and plan to enjoy some great music for a good cause.

Here’s the rest of this summer’s schedule:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

* * *

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room.  Several tables will be set up, each with a different theme, including biographies, the U.S. Civil War, Erie Canal, birds and nature, and more. Most books are priced under $20.

All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.

* * *

Finally, here’s a quick peek at what’s happening in the village this summer and beyond:

The Friday Night Gazebo Concerts begin July 18 with a performance by the Earthtones featuring 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Hall & Oates, ABBA and more. The rest of the summer schedule looks like this:

The Gazebo Concerts are held from 7 to 9 p.m. and are free.

The Webster Jazz Fest is scheduled for Aug. 15 and 16, with “Jazz in the Pubs” on Friday and “Jazz in the Street” on Saturday. PLUS, many local businesses are signing up to have tables along the sidewalks on Friday for a street fair of sorts. Should be a good time.

And ….

  • Saturday, Sept. 6: Beer Walk in the Village – Beer Walk in the Village 
  • Saturday, Sept. 13: Shredding Event & Health Fair  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Oct. 25: Trick-or-Treat Trail  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Bourbon Bash  (details coming soon)
  • Saturday, Dec. 6: Winter Wonderland in the Village  (details coming soon)

More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/30/2025)

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is back for the summer

29 Jun

One of the most colorful signs of summer in Webster is the return of the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market to Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy).

The market opened for the season on Saturday June 14, and will be set up every Saturday at the plaza from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October, rain or shine.

If you’ve never been to this market, you should start making it a regular Saturday morning stop. Varying with the season, you’ll find fresh breads and baked goods, pies, meats, poultry, goat cheese and goat cheese products, flavored nuts, herbs, spice blends, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, cider, soap and body care products, plants and cut flowers, jewelry, crafts, and of course a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Occasionally there are special events scheduled as well, so make sure to stay on top of the latest news at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page for details.

The very popular Evening in the Park Market will also return in July to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds) on Wednesday evenings.

Starting July 16, the market will be set up at the park from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through August 28. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks, so remember to pack your folding chairs!

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/29/2025)

Tags: , ,

Help save the Arboretum bridge

28 Jun

Chances are, if you’ve lived in Webster for even a short time, you’ve visited the Webster Arboretum.

The Arboretum, located at 1700 Schlegel Road, is a non-profit park featuring incredibly peaceful and beautiful nature trails, pathways, gazebos, ponds and horticultural displays, all meticulously maintained by volunteers. In addition to its being a delightful place for a stroll, weddings are often held there, and numerous professional photographers use the Arboretum as the background for graduation, anniversary, and wedding photos.

But if you’ve been there recently, you might have noticed that the lovely — and very popular — bridge located in the park has been closed off because it’s become unstable and needs urgent repairs. Unfortunately, the repairs will be very expensive; a recent quote came in at more than $12,000, which is a sum that the non-profit Webster Arboretum Association will have a hard time managing. So they’re reaching out to the very supportive Webster community to help them out.

The Arboretum has set up a GoFundMe page to help raise enough money to bring the bridge up to snuff again. Donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated, and you can even leave them anonymously.

So if you can help, click here to go to the GoFundMe page and contribute to the rebuilding of the beloved bridge.

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/28/2025)

Tags: , ,

Why I love the Webster Chamber of Commerce

27 Jun

I’ve got a lot of love for the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

This outstanding organization goes above and beyond to promote our local businesses, especially through their frequently updated website and informative online newsletter. But my favorite part? The monthly Chamber breakfasts.

These monthly Friday morning gatherings regularly draw upwards of 90 business owners, making them a fantastic networking opportunity. And the breakfast itself is always delicious.

I don’t own a business myself, but I attend as a blogger, and these meetings are a goldmine for story ideas. At the most recent breakfast, I met the owners of two new businesses opening soon — Community Bank and Play-a-Latte — both of which I’ll be writing about. I also jotted down notes about half a dozen upcoming events around town for my mailbag posts. Plus, I caught up with longtime acquaintances and made some new ones, all thanks to the Chamber.

Each meeting features a useful and often eye-opening presentation. This time, representatives from the West Webster Fire Department, Penfield Ambulance, and Webster Police Department shared important summer safety tips that everyone should hear.

Oh, and did I mention I won a sweet backpack in the door prize drawing?

If you own a business in Webster, or even just do business here, you should absolutely consider joining the Webster Chamber of Commerce. There’s no downside and a whole lot of upside.

* * *

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

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

(posted 6/27/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

NY Forward grant recipients announced

25 Jun

You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forward grant from New York State which the Village of Webster won for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.

We received the huge grant a year ago February, and over the following months, WEDA collected proposals for projects all around our village from business owners and community members. Those proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more. Community members were given lots of opportunities to vote for their favorite projects.

I recently learned that the final winning proposals were announced about a month ago; 11 different projects which will improve local businesses, village green spaces and more.

Here’s the list:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.

All of these improvements should make our little village even more beautiful and welcoming in the years 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).

(posted 6/25/2025)

Tags: , , ,

Thank you, educators, from the Mary Wee!

24 Jun

It’s been a long school year, and these last few days, with the extreme heat, have been especially difficult. As we celebrate this last week of school, our district administrators, teachers and support staff deserve a huge round of applause, and our heartfelt thanks.

But the folks at the Mary Wee Pub, 2 West Main St. in the Village of Webster, believe they all deserve even more than that. That’s why, through this Friday June 26, if you’re a staff member at any school in any district, show your ID at the Mary Wee and your first drink is on them — and we’re talking beer, wine or well drink.

And “staff member,” by the way, includes everyone: teachers, teaching assistants, aides, bus drivers, PTs, OTs, food service, speech therapists, social workers, secretaries, psychologists, security, counselors, coaches, librarians, custodians, nurses, and administrators.

So enjoy a drink to celebrate the last days of school, with thanks from the Mary Wee Pub for a fantastic school 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).

(posted 6/24/2025)

Tags: , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →