Tag Archives: Webster Arboretum

Webster community mailbag

2 Mar

Get your mammograms here

Rochester Regional Health’s Mobile Mammogram is coming to the library.

On Thursday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Mobile Mammogram Center will be parked in front of the Webster Public Library, and will be giving out screenings every 15 minutes (that’s four women an hour).

Women must be at least 35 years of age, not exhibiting any breast-related problems, and have had a mammogram at least a year ago. No insurance is needed and no one will be turned away. Appointments are not necessary but are accepted. To make an appointment: call 833-922-PINK (between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.) or click here. The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

You want Italian for dinner, right?

Boy Scout Troop 262 will host their Famous Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Firemen’s Exempt Building, 172 Sanford St. Cost is $10 for adults and $8 for children under 10. Plus there’s a bake sale!

Eat in or take-out, your choice. So why not let the Boy Scouts make dinner for you this Saturday?

Welcome, spring!

Beat the Winter Blues at the Webster Recreation Center this Saturday, March 7, and get ready for spring by enjoying a great family-friendly community event.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, participants will enjoy indoor lawn games, competition, energy-busting activities, music, and fun. The event is free and open to the community and no registration is required.

Story Time at the Museum

The Webster Museum will host their next Story Time at the Museum on Saturday March 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The theme this month is quilts, highlighting the great collection of quilts on display at the museum right now. The program is geared for elementary-aged children and parents must remain at the museum during the story and activity.

There’s no cost and registration is not required.

Chat with the supervisor

Your next opportunity to have a chat with Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone is this Saturday, March 7 when he’ll hold his next Community Office Hours from 11 a.m. to noon at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. And if you can’t make that time, he’s also scheduled office hours on Tuesday, March 24 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the library.

Note that there is no formal presentation at these events. It’s just your chance to hang out with the supervisor, ask your questions and present your concerns. You don’t have to register; just show up.

News from the Chamber

The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday March 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reliant Credit Union, 870 Holt Rd., Webster.

Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.

There’s no cost for this event, but reservations are required.

Women’s Club March luncheon is soon

Wendy Lesko, Director of the Gathering Place Webster, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’s March luncheon meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 19. Gathering Place is a non-religious, non-profit organization whose primary mission is to provide accessible opportunities for community service, making it easy for people of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, to participate in hands-on volunteer work without long-term commitments.

March’s luncheon will be hosted by Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster. Social time begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by a business meeting at noon, lunch at 12:30 p.m. and Mr. Donovan’s presentation at 1 p.m. Enjoy a buffet featuring chicken Marsala, stuffed shells, salad and a cannoli. Cost is $19. New members are always welcome, and warm camaraderie is included at no charge.

Send check made out to WCW by March 12 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you think your check might be late, or if you have any questions, call Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

Learn about life on the ISS

The Webster Public Library will present a very interesting program on Saturday, March 21 from 1 to 2 p.m., all about Life on the International Space Station.

For more than 25 years, the International Space Station has orbited Earth over 150,000 times and hosted more than 280 astronauts. But, what does the average day from Earth’s Space Station look like? Join Dan Schneiderman to explore daily life, scientific research, and unforgettable moments from one of humanity’s greatest achievements.

There’s no cost, but registration is required.

These next three notices from the Webster CSD:

Webster CSD PreK lottery

Attention parents/guardians of preschoolers residing in Webster CSD, registration for the prekindergarten lottery is open.

Prekindergarten (preK) is a New York State-funded program designed for 4-year-olds who are not eligible for kindergarten. Each year Webster CSD invites eligible children who reside in the district to apply. Registration for the lottery is open through March 13.

To be eligible for the 2026-27 school year, children must have a birth date falling between December 2, 2021 – December 1, 2022. Please understand that these dates are fixed, and the school district is unable to make any exceptions. Families who have questions about their child’s age and eligibility for preK should utilize the district’s school age calculator found online here.

Interested families are encouraged to learn more and register at websterschools.org/prek. 

Petitions Available for BOE Candidates

The Webster CSD Annual Budget Vote and Election of Candidates is Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School. Anyone wishing to run for the board of education (BOE) may pick up a nominating packet from the district clerk’s office, 119 South Avenue, Webster, weekdays, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Petitions must be returned to the district clerk’s office no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 20. The Webster CSD Budget Vote and Election of Candidates takes place on May 19.

Questions about candidacy or eligibility may be referred to District Clerk Heather Murphy at (585) 216-0001 or heather_murphy@webstercsd.org during the office hours noted above.

Senior Citizens Save the Date for Drama Production

Senior Citizens save the date! Webster CSD is inviting senior citizens residing within the district to come to Webster Schroeder High School on Wednesday, April 29 for a morning of light refreshments and a performance of the drama, The Outsiders.

Details and registration information will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars now for April 29 for the 10 a.m. to noon show, spread the word, and check the Webster CSD website, websterschools.org, for developing information. 

Here’s some information about The Outsiders:

Whether it’s Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s or Webster, NY in 2026, there has been and always will be “outsiders”– outcasts, underdogs, and those who are just simply misunderstood. Based on the book by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders brings the timeless and beloved 1967 classic novel of the same name to life. Ponyboy Curtis and the rest of his Greaser gang are trying to survive the hardships of growing up, all while attempting to de-escalate tensions with rival gang, The Socs. This coming-of-age tale tackles violence, heartbreak, and tragedy as both Greasers and Socs learn that nothing gold can stay.

Nothing new here, folks

The following are reminders about events which I’ve featured in my earlier mailbags. (So nothing new here if you have something else to do.)

  • The Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.
  • The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
  • The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There’ll be 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. Most books are under $20.
  • Also a reminder that the Webster Public Library program about Elsa von Blumen, is this Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.

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(posted 3/2/2026)

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).

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Webster community mailbag

18 Feb

I was considering not even posting this mailbag for another week or so, since ALL of the events I’m featuring don’t happen until March or beyond. But I’m getting very tired of February and want to start looking well beyond all this snow and ice and stinkiness.

First, here’s another reminder about a very interesting program at the Webster Public Library. It was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, but it got snowed out and has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s a presentation by local bike enthusiast Karen Lankeshofer about Elsa von Blumen, a famous Rochestarian and female bicyclist in the 1880s.

Von Blumen was a Rochesterian who, in the 1880s, raced high-wheeled bikes against horses, skaters, male cyclists, and eventually a growing number of women cyclists. Her first professional bike race was against a horse in Rochester’s Driving Park. From Rochester, she went on to race throughout the entire Eastern United States for a decade. Succeeding at the male-dominated sport at the time, von Blumen helped pave the way for other women to find the courage to break social taboos.

There’s no cost to attend but registration is required.

***

the Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters (WSPS) will be the recipient of a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser at the Webster Masonic Temple, 30 Orchard St., on Friday March 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. About 20 to 25 of the organization’s volunteer drivers will be there serving folks in our community.

Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. And while you’re there, make sure to take a chance on the raffle for a hand-carved bear. (You know you’ve always wanted one.) Funds raised will help WSPS continue to expand their service programs.

***

The Webster Arboretum will present a program about Preparing Your Garden for Spring Planting on Tuesday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m.

As important as the right plants are, they can’t do ALL the work for you. A thriving garden takes planning and care. Take a moment to plan ahead to help set your garden up for a successful season. The program will be presented by Master Gardener Wendy Mendola. There’s no cost to attend, but please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. 

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

***

The Webster Public Library’s next Vintage Book Sale has been scheduled for Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friends of the Public Library volunteers will have 14 tables of books set up in the Community Room, separated into a large variety of genres to make browsing easier. (Check out the flyer for more details.) Most books are under $20.

So stop in and grab some old bargains!

***

Save the date for the next performance by the Willink Middle School Student Parent Band, scheduled for Saturday, March 14 at 7 p.m. The performance will feature special guests the Perinton Concert Band.

Tiffany DiPiazza and Matt Osiko direct the Student Parent Band. It is made up of Willink Middle School students, alumni, parents, other family members and friends. Mark Kellogg will direct the Perinton Concert Band.

More information to come about this event, but put it on your calendar now.

On Saturday, March 28 from 5 to 9 p.m., the Webster Comfort Care Home will hold a meat raffle at the Genesee Valley Moose Club in Henrietta. Advance-sale tickets are only $10 ($20 at the door), and there’ll be a cash bar and food available for purchase.

The event will feature meat, fish and seafood packages from Meat Man Dan, other raffles and prizes, and a chance to win a 5-cubic foot chest freezer from Orville’s Appliance, a $200 value. You don’t have to be present to win the freezer … or even attend the meat raffle at all. Click here to purchase freezer raffle tickets.

All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. Sponsorship packages are also available.

***

The Webster Chamber of Commerce is looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant at their office, located at 1110 Crosspointe Lane.

The additional support has become necessary as the Chamber membership numbers have grown and as more New York residents have come to take advantage of the Chamber’s rocENROLL HEALTH health insurance enrollment program.

Responsibilities will include managing incoming phone calls, mail, and email; greeting visitors; drafting correspondence; managing calendars; maintaining databases; clerical support; bookkeeping and more. Qualifications include experience with QuickBooks and Microsoft Office 365, good organizational and communication skills, among others. The schedule is flexible, from 16 to 24 hours a week, and the pay will be between $20 to $22 an hour.

Click here to see more details about the position. Submit your letter of interest or resume to: Office@WebsterChamber.com

This final note is from Webster Chamber member Embrace Your Sisters, a Canandaigua-based organization dedicated to providing emergency financial support for people with breast cancer. The organization covers 13 counties, and more than $700,000 has been distributed to date.

In the past, Webster residents have supported — and received financial support from — Embrace Your Sisters, so I’d like to share this information about one of their upcoming events, the 19th annual Tea at Two Fashion Show on May 3.

The Fashion Show will be held at Casa Larga in Fairport, and tickets are on sale now. But there are also a few other ways individuals and businesses can get involved:

  • Sponsorships – earn online, local media, and social media visibility pre-event and at the event
  • Program Ads – visible to 300+ (female/male, 25+), expressing appreciation or bringing attention to business products or services
  • Silent Auction donations – new, individual, or themed sets 

Click here to purchase tickets and find out more details about how you can get involved. More information to come about this event soon.

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(posted 2/18/2026)

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).

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Holiday celebrations in Webster continue

8 Dec

I hope you were able to attend the Village of Webster’s Winter Wonderland celebration and Parade of Lights on Saturday. It was grey, but not TOO cold, and the village was beautiful. It was a great kick-off to a holiday season in Webster that’s packed with lots more special events.

Here’s a quick look at what’s in store for these last few weeks before Christmas. (And by the way, there are only the ones I know about. If you have anything else you’d like me to put in my blog, let me know.)

The Women’s Club of Webster‘s very popular annual Holiday Cookie Sale is scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Cost for cookies is $10 per pound (cash only!). They usually sell out very quickly, so get there early. Proceeds from the sale, which is eagerly awaited by area cookie lovers, will benefit the club’s scholarship funds as well as many other programs in the Webster community.

Help the Webster Arboretum decorate their Christmas tree on Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

The tree has been installed in the large gazebo behind the Curry building. Now the community is being asked to gather and decorate it! Work with your family to create ornaments, then stop by and place them on the tree. (Please no food or seed decorations.) The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

And remember to get your copy of the Arboretum’s 2026 calendar, which they’re introducing for the first time this year. It features stunning photos of the Arboretum throughout the seasons. All proceeds will go directly to maintain the Webster Arboretum. They’re available for $24, and can be purchased online on the Arboretum’s website and at Lala of Webster in the village.

The Webster Village Band, directed by Andy Kittelson, will be performing their annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. This year’s program includes favorites such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “The Polar Express,” and “The Eighth Candle.” Per tradition, the band will also perform “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” narrated by Barbara Midura. 

The concert is free and no reservations are needed. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

The Webster Recreation Center will host their annual Afternoon with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. It features pictures with Santa, music, dancing and cookies. The event is free, everyone is welcome and no registration is required.

And don’t forget that the kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the Rec Center between Dec. 10 and Dec. 19. Santa will personally answer each one, and the kids can pick up their responses between Dec. 22 and 24.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, just off of Phillips Rd.

The Chorus of the Genesee will hold this year’s Soup and Caroling Night on Tuesday Dec. 23, beginning at 7 p.m. Carolers will start at the Harmony House and walk through the village, stopping to sing at several homes and businesses, then return to the Harmony House for a delicious variety of soups. The bar will be open (cash only, please) for those who want something a little stronger.

No registration is necessary. Just show up and bring your singing voice. Santa hats and sleigh bells are encouraged.

The Webster Public Library’s Holiday Book Sale continues through Dec. 27, located in front of the lobby book store. It features an assortment of used books, videos, music CDs, audio books and jigsaw puzzles all with seasonal holiday themes, while supplies last.

Also at the library, enjoy a travelogue all about the Von Trapp Family Christmas on Tuesday, Dec. 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. Did you know that the real von Trapp family (immortalized in the movie The Sound of Music) moved from Austria to Vermont? George and Carol Vorhauer took a motor coach tour to the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort and will share what they learned about the von Trapp family and their 2,600-acre property in Stowe, Vermont. Holiday refreshments will be served. 

There’s no cost, but registration is required.

The Webster Museum‘s Festival of Trees is still going on. Twenty miniature Christmas trees have been placed throughout the museum, which various Webster businesses and non-profit organizations have decorated. Community members are invited to stroll through the museum, examine all of the beautifully decorated trees, and vote for their favorite one.

The Festival of Trees runs through the end of the year, and is a highlight of the museum’s Christmas-time celebrations. The museum is also selling Kittelberger Flower Cards again this year, good for 12 months of flowers from Kittelberger Florist. They’ll be available through Dec. 12.

The 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.

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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 “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 12/8/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

18 Sep

The Webster Community Chest is selling Kittelberger Flower Cards, but you have to get on this SOON, because they’re available only through Sept. 27.

Each card gets you 12 Months of Flowers ($180 value; $15 monthly value) for only $50. They make great gifts, or grab one for yourself so you’re sure to have fresh flowers on your table all through the coming winter.  

You can also purchase a flower card and donate it to the Community Chest, and they will brighten the lives of 12 families through this coming year, by gifting them with a bouquet of flowers.

Please contact Tracy at webcommchest@gmail.com or 585-671-2060 to order your card(s) and discuss payment options.

This fundraiser will support WCC’s Women’s Empowerment Programs.

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The United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd., is hosting a special performance titled “They Live On…in Word and Song to Support Mental Health,” on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The community program will support those in various stages of caregiving and loss.

“They Live On…in Word and Song” features excerpts from Patricia Nugent’s memoir — They Live On: Saying Goodbye to Mom and Dad –paired with nine original songs by singer/songwriter Michael Jerling.

Tickets are $20, a donation to the church’s mission of supporting mental health awareness and education. Click here to get yours. For more information, email office@uccwebster.org.

* * *

Webster Central School District families are invited to join a virtual event to learn more about “Distraction-Free Learning” on Tuesday, September 23, from 6 to 7 p.m. Dr. Robert Chalwell, assistant superintendent for student and community engagement, will lead the event. Dr. Chalwell will provide a brief presentation on the New York State law, Webster CSD policy, and the district’s ongoing implementation process. There will be Q&A, as well as a chance to hear perspectives from students, teachers, and families. The district will also provide resources for parents and guardians, and raise awareness about other hot-button topics.

The meeting will be held on Zoom. You can access it here.

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The Webster Lions Club will be hosting their chicken and ribs BBQ on Thursday, Sept. 25 from 3 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) at Webster Fireman’s Field.

Cost is $20 per person (cash or check) and dinners (prepared by Bad to the Bone in Williamson) include a quarter chicken, pit-smoked ribs, mac salad, BBQ beans and corn bread. Dinners are drive-thru and pick-up.

All proceeds will support Webster Lions Club charities and to help those in need in the community.

The Lions Club’s mission statement is to improve the quality of life for visually and hearing-impaired individuals and those with diabetes. The Club also partners with Camp Smile, located in Webster, a summer day camp for children who are visually or hearing-impaired. To learn more, click here  or call 585-234-5480.

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The Country Gardeners of Webster will be holding a “Frightful and Delightful” Halloween-themed flower show on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Webster Presbyterian Church, 550 Webster Rd.

Explore floral designs, artistic crafts, an array of horticultural specimens and other surprises. Get ready to decorate your home for the Halloween season! Admission is free and there’s plenty of parking.

Take a peek at the stars on Saturday night, Oct. 4 when the Webster Public Library hosts a Star Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Jim Porter, retired Chief Systems Engineer at NASA, will be on hand to discuss, “What can you see in the night sky?” See robots demonstrated by the McQuaid IgKnighters Robotics Team, play large versions of your favorite games outside with your family or friends, and make a space-themed craft. There’ll be donuts, pizza, hot/cold cider and hot cocoa (available for purchase). You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a prize, and each attendee will get a free raffle ticket.

A telescope and binoculars will be available for use, or bring your own (that’s recommended).

This is an outdoor event held in the parking lot, and registration is required. The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd.

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The Webster Public Library and Color Webster Green will present an informative presentation all about plastics on Oct. 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It’s called Plastics & Health: What You Need To Know. Almost every bit of plastic breaks down into “microplastics.” Documentaries such as Plastic People show how these microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, mix into our soil, and end up in our bodies.

Jane van Dis, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Rochester will present on the prevalence of plastics and the effects that plastics and the chemicals inside them have on our health. This talk will address key scientific findings and offer insight into ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. A Q&A session will follow Jane’s presentation. This event is organized by Color Webster Green.

The program will be held Monday Oct. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Public Library’s Community Room. There’s no charge, but please register here so the library knows how many people to expect.

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai. Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

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The Friends of the Webster Public Library’s Book Sale will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22 through Saturday, Oct. 25. The first day of the sale — Oct. 22 from 4 to 7 p.m. — is exclusively for Friends members. Membership can be purchased at websterlibrary.org or at the door.  

All are welcome to attend the book sale on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon are Bring-Your-Own-Bag Sale days, when you can fill your bag with books for only $5. All are welcome to attend the BYOB Sale days.

Proceeds from the sale support the library. I’ll post another reminder about this in a few weeks.

* * *

The Women’s Club of Webster has announced plans for their next luncheon, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 16 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., Webster.

October’s speaker will be Ron Kampff, Vice Chair of Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester. Located in Webster, Miracle Field provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier-free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Mr. Kampff’s presentation. Attendees will enjoy a variety of Proietti’s popular pizzas, salad, cannoli and camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $19. Send your check, made out to the Women’s Club of Webster, by Oct. 9 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. If you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.You do not have to be a member of the Women’s Club to attend, but new members are always welcome!

Here’s a great opportunity to actually chat with some Women’s Club members:

The American Red Cross is sponsoring a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd., and the Women’s Club of Webster will be providing the snacks.  

Blood donors will be warmly greeted at the cantina by members of the Women’s Club, and enjoy supremely scrumptious homemade cookies with their juice.

The whole process takes only about an hour. Appointments are not required. Donors should feel free to just drop in. For more information about the blood drive, please contact Katie Houtat 585-353-9964.

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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 “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 9/18/2025)

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Good news from the Arboretum and the Hojack

10 Sep

I got some email updates recently about two beloved Webster attractions that are back in action after undergoing some much-needed repairs.

First, the newly reconstructed Robert and Carroll Manning Bridge at the Webster Arboretum was officially welcomed back Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

It took several months to complete the work, and strong support from the Webster community helped make it happen. Back in July the Arboretum set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort collected more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,

Constructed in 2017, the Carol Manning bridge has become an essential part of the community landscape. In addition to its aesthetic value, the bridge holds significant symbolic importance to the arboretum, having been funded by community contributions and named to honor two long-term benefactors. For the volunteers who maintain the arboretum, the bridge is regarded as a key emblem of Webster, extending beyond its function as a physical structure.

The bridge holds considerable importance for both the Webster Arboretum and the surrounding community, serving as a notable location for photographs during weddings and other events. It is possible that images of the bridge are displayed in homes throughout the area.

Several local dignitaries attended Wednesday’s ceremony, including Arboretum Board president Carole Huther, Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard, Webster Town Board Deputy Supervisor Patty Cataldi and New York State Senator Samra Brouk.

I also got notice from the Friends of Webster Trails that the work they’ve been doing on the Hojack Trail is finally done.

The Friends wrote,

Temporary orange barriers at road crossings are in place, and the trail is open to walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers. The new surface is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, as well. As always, no motorized vehicles. Up next, FWT will be adding more benches and new signage, access gates, and plantings, with that work to be completed over the next several months.

Friends of Webster Trails couldn’t have done this project without the grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Trails Maintenance Funds and matching funds from a generous anonymous community member.

Click here to read more about the grant and the enhancements.

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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 “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 9/10/2025)

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The Arboretum bridge is back!

4 Sep

Good news from the Webster Arboretum today. That beautiful bridge, which for some months has been closed as it underwent repairs, is back in business again, thanks in large part to the generosity of the Webster community.

Back in July I wrote about how the Arboretum had set up a GoFundMe page to help the non-profit Webster Arboretum Association raise the estimated $12,000 needed to reconstruct it. That effort raised more than $6,000 alone, and the donations are still coming in. The folks at the Arboretum are incredibly grateful for that support.

The newly refurbished bridge will be re-introduced to the Webster community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at noon. All are welcome to attend and take a walk across the beloved bridge.

The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd., Webster.

More news from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Bonsai, on Tuesday Oct. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by award-winning bonsai artist Mark Arpag, who will speak on the art of growing, developing and refining bonsai.

Mark has won national awards for his Eastern White Cedar, Balsam Fir and Larch and has a passion for native bonsai and stones. He’s especially interested in shohin bonsai and bonsai display. He has a large and fine quality collection of shohin bonsai as well as larger size trees.

The Arboretum expects a sell-out crowd for this presentation. It’s free to attend, but you need to register. Click here to do so.

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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 “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 9/4/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

27 Jul

Lots of new and different stuff in today’s mailbag, plus a few reminders at the end of some musical events.

Your opinions are important

The Town of Webster is still looking for more community input as they plan to update the town’s Comprehensive Plan. The plan guides zoning, the actions of the Planning Board, informs what greenspace protections are implemented at a town level and what code changes the Town Board can implement to protect greenspace within developments…or not.

A successful Comprehensive Plan requires substantial public input and community engagement, and so far, not a whole lot of people have clicked through to the survey to voice their opinions. There’s still time to do so; the survey deadline has been extended through July 30. If you tried to take it before and found it a bit intimidating, try this much faster and easier three-question alternative. The Town will accept responses from both surveys.

If you’d like to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan and why it’s important, the Webster Open Space Committee will be holding an information session on Monday Aug. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Webster Public Library.

Euchre at the library

The Webster Public Library is starting up a Euchre Club, which will meet every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., beginning on Aug. 6. Experienced and brand new euchre players are welcome; if you don’t know how to play, show up at 5:15 for a quick review of the rules. Light refreshments will be provided, and you can also bring your own snacks.

Please register for each session you’d like to attend. Interest is expected to be high, so if you find that a session is full, place your name on the wait list, and as soon as four people are on the list, the library will open up another table. If you’ve registered and find you cannot attend, please cancel your registration.

Each session will be held from 5:30 to 7:30, and there’s no charge. For more information and to register, click here.

Take a test drive, win Buffalo Bills swag

West Herr Ford at 810 Ridge Rd. (corner of Five Mile Line) is hosting a Test Drive Fundraising Event on Saturday Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to benefit the Webster Community Chest.

For every person who registers and takes a quick test drive, West Herr will donate $40 to Webster Community Chest. If 50 people sign up and drive, that means a cool $2,000 for one of Webster’s coolest agencies.

BUT NOT ONLY THAT! Every person who test drives will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win Buffalo Bills merchandise and other prizes, including a life-sized Josh Allen stand out and an autographed football.

BUT THERE’S MORE! West Herr will also have free DiBella’s subs and soft drinks, so you can grab lunch while you’re there. If you come in the morning, you’ll enjoy coffee and donuts.

No appointment is necessary. Just walk in, and choose from a whole line-up of cars and trucks (or they’ll bring out something else off the lot if you want). Just hop in, take a short drive, return and hop out. No hard sales, no obligation. Takes about 15 minutes.

Good food to support great music

The Webster Marching Band Boosters will host their 9th Annual Food Truck Rodeo on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fireman’s Field on Sanford St.

Participating trucks include Bruster’s, Eat Greek, Macarollin, Mr. Squeeze, Rob’s Kabobs, Roc City Sammich and Tuscan Wood Fired Pizza. The event will also feature artisan vendors, a kids’ play place, face painting, plus a 50/50 and vendor raffles.

Guests will also get a preview of this year’s Webster Marching Band show, “In Times Of” at 6 and 7 p.m.

The boosters are still looking for more artisans, crafters, and restaurants to showcase and sell their products during the event. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, click here for the application.

Help Webster Hope help our neighbors go back to school

One good thing about school supplies hitting the store shelves already is that you can get some really good deals. While you’re out there stocking up on supplies for your kids, please pick up a few extra items for the annual Webster NY Hope community collection.

Webster Hope is collecting NEW supplies from now through Aug. 19 to stuff in backpacks for children in our community who are in need. The entire wish list is on the flyer here, but you can also see the list on the Webster NY Hope Facebook page.

Supplies can be dropped off at the Webster Public Library, or at Webster Hope during the agency’s open hours, Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The new backpacks filled with brand new school supplies will be handed out to pre-registered families in about a month. I’ve been at one of these distribution events, and the excitement I have seen in these kids’ eyes is heartwarming.

Music, music and more music

Now here come some musical reminders:

  • The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 14, featuring the String Brothers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. These concerts are held at the gazebo, and are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. The Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
  • The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series returns Aug. 1 with a performance by It’s My Party. Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m. They’re free and no registration is needed.
  • The United Church of Christ‘s next outdoor Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 30, featuring Ruby Shooz. It will benefit the Webster Community Chest. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if you’d like. United Church of Christ is located at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
  • The Webster Village Band‘s next community concert is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 7 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Village Band Shell at Harmony Park on Phillips Rd. The theme is “At The Movies,” highlighting movie soundtracks from many well-known composers. These conc erts are also free and open to the public.

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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 “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 7/27/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum 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. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

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.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

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. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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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 “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 7/16/2025)

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 “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)

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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.

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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 “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)

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