What a gorgeous day we had Monday for the Village of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade. Given the capricious spring weather we’ve been having, the comfortable temperatures and cloudless sky were a pleasant surprise, and pretty much perfect conditions for the marchers and onlookers.
I always wish there were as many people lining the streets for this parade as there are at the Firemen’s Parade in July, but I estimate there were a few thousand out there enjoying the sunny weather, young and old, many dressed in their Memorial Day finest.
This is not a very long parade, and I think some of the fire trucks turned off the route before they made it to me, but I tried to get photos of pretty much everything else.
And of course the parade is just a precursor to the nice remembrance ceremony held afterwards at Webster Rural Cemetery.
Thank you to all of the veterans, Scouts, band members, first responders and others who participated in today’s events, and who took the time to help us honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
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).
Webster’s Memorial Day Parade, kind of the unofficial kick-off to the summer season, takes place on Memorial Day, Monday May 26.
Here are the details:
9:00 a.m.: All groups participating in the parade will assemble at Spry Middle School on Sanford Street. All active duty and ex-service men and women are invited to take part in the parade. Any veterans who would like to ride in the bed of an Army truck are asked to be at Spry by 9 a.m.
9:30 a.m.: Parade moves out from Spry, down South Avenue, turning west on Main Street and proceeding to Webster Rural Cemetery.
9:50 a.m. (approx.): Parade arrives at Webster Rural Cemetery.
The Remembrance Ceremony will begin at approximately 10 a.m., or whenever everyone arrives and gets settled.
In addition to honored active military members, auxiliary members and veterans, also expected to march in this year’s parade are the Webster High School Marching Band, Boy Scouts and (hopefully) Girl Scouts, firefighters and more. Click here to see a gallery of photos from last year.
This is always a very nice parade, and the ceremony that follows it at Webster Rural Cemetery is always moving. I highly recommend bringing your children to see both the parade and the ceremony, so they might begin to understand the huge debt we owe our servicemen and women.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I’m told that the Village Wine and Food Walk, hosted by the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday May 10, was a big success. Thanks in part to some perfect weather (sunny skies and in the mid-70’s), all 300 tickets were sold out and participants started arriving at BC’s Chicken Coop a full 20 minutes before the 4 p.m. start time to check in and get their wine glasses and wrist bands.
Twelve village merchants participated in the walk, along East and West Main and even to Salvatore’s on North Ave., where the BID had a DJ providing dance music.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Harmony House and their restoration project.
Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election
The Webster Central School District Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.
Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Applications are available at websterschools.org or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster, (585) 216-0001.
Absentee ballot applications cannot be mailed into the district at this late date, but can be dropped off to the district clerk the day before the vote.
Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the three candidates running for the three board of education seats up for election.
Grab dinner after you vote!
The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., on Tuesday May 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. (during the school budget vote).
Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork, salt potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread and a drink for just $19 (plus processing fees). Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested in learning how to clean and preserve headstones?
Webster Union Cemetery will be hosting a Headstone Cleaning Class on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm.
Participants will learn how to properly clean a headstone, and hear stories about some of our town’s founders and more colorful residents. All supplies will be provided. Just bring rubber gloves, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.
Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Rd.
Village Parks Committee wants your opinion
The Village of Webster Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for community input on potential upgrades to Schantz Park. The park is located between Hawley Drive and State Road, and has a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment.
Residents are invited to share your thoughts on a brief form, and let the committee know what amenities you would like added to the park. And while you’re there, take a few minutes to fill out the other quick survey you’ll find there, sharing your opinions about all of our village’s other parks as well.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
The next stop in our History Bits Tour of the Webster Museum’s permanent exhibits is the office of W. Roy “Bob” Hawley.
W.R. Hawley was born in 1881 to George Nelson Hawley and Mae Hawley, who owned a prosperous general store. He could have chosen to take that over when he grew up, but instead, in 1910 he opened Hawley’s Hardware Store at 17 West Main St., and later moved it to the corner of Lapham Park. When it closed more than 50 years later in 1965, it was the oldest retail business in the village or town of Webster.
In addition to running his store, W.R. was also actively involved in the Village of Webster’s political and social scenes. In 1931 he was elected village mayor, a position he would hold for the next 34 years.
Among the original items you’ll see when you visit Mayor Hawley’s office at the museum are the roll-top desk which sat in his office at the back of the store, and the store’s ornate cash register.
Adjacent to Mayor Hawley’s office is the museum’s tribute to the many apothecaries and their pharmacists who have served our town.
Next to a recreated drugstore, complete with an apothecary cabinet, apothecary bottles and mortar and pestle, are biographies highlighting some of Webster’s best-known pharmacists. They include George Mason, who in 1884 built the block at 5 East Main St. and opened a combination drug and grocery store on the first floor; and Milton Case, who owned the Webster Drug Store in the 1930s and served as village mayor for several years. You can also read about Walter Weiner, who bought the Webster Drug Store from Milton Case, and Frank Lucas, who ran the Lucas Rexall Drug Store for 43 years.
Stay tuned for the next stop on our museum tour of Webster in July when we take a closer look at our town’s dairy industry. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on the website, webstermuseum.org. 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).
We all know about the disastrous fire at The Coach Sports Bar on Tuesday, March 18. It started behind the bar, and despite the quick response and hard work of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department and others, the fire tore through the place, leaving this village landmark devastated. While the building is still structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage means that it will have to be gutted.
Owner Fritz Sierk is committed to rebuilding and reopening as soon as possible. But in the meantime, all of his employees — including some who have been there for decades — are now out of work.
In true Webster fashion, our community is coming together to support those employees, with a benefit concert on Sunday, June 1 at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.
The concert will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., and feature two bands:
Prime Time Brass, a 30-piece arty band with a huge Mardi Gras style
Guest bartenders from The Coach will be serving the drinks, there’ll be a 50/50 and prize raffles, and Coach-themed merchandise for sale. The Uncle Buck’s food truck will also be there, cooking up a special menu for this event
Tickets are $20 cash, available only at the door (ATM on site) and will be first-come, first-served.Patrons must be 21 or over to attend the event. Parking is available at the Harmony House, along with municipal parking across the street.
ALSO, on Sunday May 18, Cobblestone on Main restaurant and the Mary Wee Pub are joining forces to host a fundraiser at Cobblestone, 109 W. Main St. in the Village of Webster, from noon to 3 p.m.
There’ll be raffles, giveaways, brinks and food, all for your donation of $20.
All proceeds from both events — the concert and the Cobblestone party — will go to The Coach employees. Fritz put it best when he wrote on Facebook,
The people that work for The Coach are the reason it is there and running. Insurance will do very little if anything for them, and unemployment only goes so far. I, and all the employees of The Coach Sports Bar all thank everyone who have reached out with condolences, well wishes, thoughts and prayers. We will all see you back there as soon as we can!
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling a variety of wines and delicious bites from local restaurants. You’ll discover new flavors and meet many of our local merchants.
Tickets are on sale now. They’re $24.25, and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), then bring your digital ticket (or paper copy) to the Chicken Coop at 158 West Main Street to check in. You’ll get a souvenir wine glass and a map to guide you on your tour. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID. It is REQUIRED.
The Wine Walk is just the first in a whole list of great summer events the BID will be hosting. Here’s what’s in the works:
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. This year’s Craft Beer Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. And of course, watch for blogs about the Trick or Treat Trail in October and Webster’s Winter Wonderland in December.
More information about all these events, when it becomes available, can be found at websterbid.com.
And stay tuned for more information about this summer’s big concert to benefit The Coach’s employees after the restaurant’s devastating fire in March.
It’s scheduled for Sunday June 1 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Harmony House, and will feature two bands, Leecy, Greg & Friends, and Prime Time Brass. Coach bartenders will be there to pour your drinks, there’ll be raffles and Coach-themed merchandise for sale.
Tickets go on sale May 1. More details to come in a future blog.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
The word has spread quickly through the village: Sweet Square Bakery is FINALLY open at 1 West Main St., at the Village’s four corners.
We’ve all been carefully watching this vacant storefront for months, ever since Buffalo Bleached moved out about a year ago. The prospect of having a cute little coffee shop right in the middle of town was very exciting, so much so that their first few days, the line stretched out the door pretty much the entire time they were open.
I still haven’t been able to connect with the owner, but I didn’t want to wait any longer to introduce this new Village of Webster gem to everyone.
And it is a gem. Now, I’ll be the first to say that the Village Bakery is a wonderful place for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and set up your laptop. But it’s kind of noisy and usually pretty crowded.
The new Sweet Square Bakery offers a much different ambiance, which I can only describe as quaint and cozy. There are five cafe tables which seat 20 comfortably, and every visitor is welcomed warmly by the staff members. The large front windows let in all sorts of sunshine, making the entire shop bright and airy. The display cases are filled with delectable treats including cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cakes and more (ranging in price from $3.25 to $6.50, depending on the baked good) and there are several coffee options.
So basically, it’s another wonderful place in the Village of Webster for coffee and treats, a convenient spot to meet friends and to fire up your laptop. And it’s right in the center of town.
Here’s a look inside; all photos are courtesy the Village of Webster.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
A warm Village of Webster welcome to Pittsford Bride, which recently opened at 20 West Main.
Two years after Heart to Heart Bride left the village’s four corners, it’s absolutely wonderful to see astonishing beautiful wedding dresses, flowing with elegant grace, displayed in large picture windows along Main Street once again.
Pittsford Bride Owner Oksana Budak opened her new boutique about three weeks ago, and is already making a name for herself for the individualized services she provides her brides-to-be.
Even if a customer chooses something off the rack, “We (can) do incredible custom changes to any dress,” Oksana said. “I can do a dress without sleeves, with sleeves, I can change the fabric … I can change everything.” The goal is for each bride to create a gown that works best for her body and fits her special vision.
“It will be a totally different dress, but it will be her dress,” she said.
Despite its name, Pittsford Bride is not an expansion of an existing shop. Oksana originally opened Pittsford Bride less than a year ago in the Clover View Plaza on Monroe Ave. It didn’t take her long, however, to decide that the very large space was not really what she envisioned for her boutique. She started looking around for a smaller, “cozier” location. When she discovered the newly renovated space on the Village of Webster’s Main Street, she knew it was perfect.
In the plaza, she said, the shop seemed to get lost in the mix of all the other signs and stores, and it was more a destination rather than something people would just happen across.
“Here, people are walking,” she said. “They stop, they look in the windows, they take pictures, ask me some questions. I like to see people walking.”
Although the new shop is “cozier” than the one in Pittsford, it’s still plenty spacious enough to accommodate friends and family members who want to help the bride say “yes” to the perfect dress. There’s a comfortable seating area in front, a large changing room and a display room.
Oksana calls her dresses “more couture” style, with a lot of hand-crafted beading detail. “It’s a unique collection different from other stores, for brides who want to be different,” she said. She also has a small selection of mother-of-the-bride dresses and prom dresses.
Photos courtesy Kitsul Studio, Mariah Vanhoover Photography and Kate Rasskazova
In her own words, this is what Oksana would like everyone to know about her shop:
Our Exclusive Services at Pittsford Bride
At Pittsford Bride, we are dedicated to making every bride’s dream come true with our personalized services and expert craftsmanship.
Professional Tailoring – Our in-house tailor works exclusively for our boutique, ensuring expert alterations and customizations in a short time frame. Brides who purchase their gowns from us receive special pricing and discounts.
Custom-Made Dresses – Every dress in our boutique can be personalized to reflect your unique vision. Whether it’s adding extra lace, modifying the silhouette, or changing fabrics, we can create a gown that is truly one of a kind.
Rush Orders – the bride need a dress quickly? We offer rush delivery options for brides with tight timelines.
Gowns Under $1,000 – We believe every bride deserves to feel special, regardless of budget. Our boutique offers a selection of beautiful gowns under $1,000.
Wedding Dress Rental – Our rental service includes alterations, ensuring a perfect fit for your big day.
For more information or to make an appointment, call 585-414-8779 or visit Pittsford Bride’s website.
Oksana does plan to eventually change the name of her shop, but is waiting to do so until the end of the bridal season so it’s not too confusing for her current customers. She still hasn’t figured out what that new name will be, thought, so for a little while at least, we’re going to have a gorgeous little taste of Pittsford right here in downtown Webster.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
Wreaths Across America, in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers ROC and the Gold Star Mothers Rochester, have thrown down a month-long challenge for the entire Webster community. It’s called “Mail Call! Letters From Home,” and its goal is ambitious: to collect 1,000 cards and letters from Webster to be sent to our local service members deployed overseas.
Two times a year, the Blue Star Mothers send care packages to our local service members who are deployed overseas. The service members say their favorite items are the cards and letters, even more than the toiletries and snacks. These simple messages keep them going, when home seems very far away.
One service member said he kept a young student’s card in his backpack throughout deployment. “Whenever I was scared, and didn’t feel like I could go on,” he said, “I’d take out that crayoned card, and know someone was thinking of me.”
You can imagine, then, the joy we can all spread with 1,000 cards and letters. THAT’s what the Mail Call challenge is all about.
All next month, more than a dozen Mail Call mailboxes will be placed at businesses throughout Webster. Community members are encouraged to write a personal note (or several) and deposit them in one of the boxes. If we work together, we can easily achieve that goal of 1,000 letters.
Here are some tips:
The messages can be from adults and kids.
No envelopes are needed (they add extra bulk to the care packages).
Starting April 1, look for the special “mail boxes” stationed throughout Webster. (A list of locations is below.) Drop in the card you made at home, or take a moment to fill one out while you’re at the store.
Cards and letters should be addressed: Dear Service Member.
Include words of encouragement, and how much you appreciate their service.
Include your first name and your town. The service members like to know where the cards come from.
Spread the word to the groups in your life: Scouts, businesses, schools, social groups, sports teams, churches, etc. This challenge will take all of us.
Go ahead and start now, and look for the mailboxes beginning Tuesday, April 1.
You can also plan to stop by the Webster Public Library on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a community-wide card-making event in the Community Room. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required. If you can’t make it to the library on Saturday, you can make a card/letter at home, or stop at the table in the library between Monday, April 7 and Saturday, April 12 to create a card/letter. Then drop it off in a special mailbox at the library.
Here are where all of the mailboxes will be located; they’ll all be in place by April 1.
American Legion Cottreall-Warner Post 942: 818 Ridge Rd (back entrance).
Jersey Mike’s Subs: 975 Ridge Rd.
Key Bank: 1848 Empire Blvd.
Key Bank: 980 Ridge Rd.
Lowes Home Improvement: 900 Five Mile Line Rd.
Mama Lor’s Cafe: 1891 Ridge Rd.
Pearl Vision: (Wegmans plaza) 900 Holt Rd.
Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria: 195 North Ave/ (Rt 250)
Village Quilt Shoppe: 21 E Main St.
Webster Public Library: 980 Ridge Rd.
Webster Recreation Center: 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Webster Town Hall: 1000 Ridge Rd.
All of the cards and letters collected during this special month-long event will be placed in care packages sent out in June by the Blue Star Mothers.
By the way, this project would not be successful without the enthusiastic support of the Webster Lowe’s, who donated 13 mailboxes, 13 posts, post brackets and buckets filled with cement to stand them in. And Vital Signs who made all the mailbox wrappers, and did so at a very generous discount.
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).
A reminder that the library’s Vintage Book Sale takes place on Saturday March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.
Also, all this month the library is hosting their first-ever Irish American Heritage Month Book Sale. It lasts only until everything is sold, so get there soon to choose from a selection of books about Irish history, travel, culture and folklore, plus coffee-table books, Ireland-themed puzzles and Irish music CDs.
Both book sales benefit the Friends of the Webster Public Library.
And remember that this month’s free community exchange is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one! Plus, the Donation Station benefits the library’s Free Food Pantry, and the Seed Library is now open.
Got stuff to shred?
The Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union will sponsor a free community shredding day on Saturday May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Webster branch, 815 Ridge Rd. It’s open to small businesses and individuals in the Webster area. Please bring the papers in disposable (preferably recyclable) boxes or bags.
Wine Walks return
The Village of Webster has scheduled the next Wine Walk for Saturday May 10.
These are very popular events where you stroll the village, popping into businesses to sample wines and snacks from our local merchants.
Participants must be 21 and an ID is required. More information to come, but you cal also stay up to date on the latest at the Webster BID website.
Are you a guy who loves to sing?
The Chorus of the Genesee is hosting a New Members Night on Tuesday March 25 at 7 p.m., at the Harmony House, 58 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.
Come meet the guys and join them for an evening of singing a cappella music. You don’t even have to be able to read music. If you can sing a tune, they’ll show the rest. Click here to R.S.V.P., and if you have any questions, you can call 585-259-3590 or email RochesterCOG@gmail.com.
Some additional reminders …
All of the following announcements were previously included in this community mailbag, so click on that link if you’d like any more information about …
The Webster Public Library will host its annual Special Needs Parent Resource Fair on Saturday April 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. This event is especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for community resources to support their loved ones who have special needs.
Anyone wishing to run for the Webster Central School District Board of Education may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, any weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21.
The Webster Arboretum will present the program Invasive Insects on Thursday March 20, from 7 to 8 p.m., presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM.
The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd. Music will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
webster on the web 