I often write about the Webster Arboretum, because I think it’s a hidden community gem. Most recently, I told you about the Arboretum’s June’s “Anniversary in the Gardens” party in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, and the Arboretum’s beautiful and peaceful Poetry Trail.
But those were just the most recent reasons the Arboretum got my attention. The Arboretum Association also hosts free informational programs every month and the occasional summer concert. And then of course there’s the Arboretum’s main attractions: 1.5 miles of tranquil, flat gravel trails meandering through specialized gardens, wooded groves and around a beautiful pond. There’s a gazebo (which often hosts summer concerts) and the Curry Building, a spacious lodge which can be rented out for special events.
The Arboretum is clearly a treasured local resource, but it relies on community support. Today I want to tell you about an easy way you can help support their mission and honor a loved one at the same time: purchasing a custom-inscribed brick.
The brick program has been going on for a while, but I’m not sure a whole lot of people know about it. For a donation of $75, you can have a brick engraved with your family’s name, a beloved pet’s name, an inspirational message, your organization’s name, or whatever you’d like. It can commemorate a special occasion (like a wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary or retirement) or be a memorial for a loved one. It would make a great gift, just sayin’.
Your brick will be placed along the remembrance walkway at the Arboretum, which stretches from the Curry Building to the gazebo.
Whatever inscription you choose, you can be happy in the knowledge that your message will be on permanent display, and equally happy to know that you’ve supported the Arboretum in their efforts to maintain their beautiful facility.
Click here for more information and to place an order.
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Next time you take a walk through the Webster Arboretum on Schlegel Rd., you might find yourself stopping for more than just the flowers and trees. You might just lose yourself in rhyme.
Placed along the Arboretum’s gracefully winding paths is a series of five poems, the work of area authors, posted on handsome plaques adjacent to some of the park’s most picturesque features. They’re part of the Arboretum’s Poetry Trail, a community-driven space that blends the natural beauty of the park with local literature.
Opened in May 2025, the trail was spearheaded by Rochester-area poet Ron Friedman, who worked closely with the Arboretum’s Board of Directors to determine which poems would be used, where they would be placed and how the plaques would be designed. Ultimately, 11 poems were selected from hundreds submitted the previous spring, the chosen poets reflecting a variety of ages and talents, including one near the pond, called “If I Were a Butterfly,” written by preschoolers.
The trail currently features five of the chosen poems, each printed on a handsome brown plaque. In addition to the poem, there’s also a QR code which links to a recording of the poet reading his or her work. Reading the poem along with the author is a very calming experience. (The preschoolers’ poem doesn’t have a QR code, but you can see a video of the children reading it here.)
The trail itself stretches for a little less than a half mile, winding past the pond and the smaller gazebo, and across the covered footbridge. It only takes about 20 minutes to walk its length, depending on how long you pause to contemplate each poem. Most of the plaques are placed right on the gravel trail, which makes them very accessible. They’ve been installed at natural resting points, highlighting several of the Arboretum’s most beautiful locales.
In addition to the preschoolers’ butterfly poem, the four other poems are “Messages From the Garden” by Heidi Nightengale of Auburn, “Haiku Spring” by Rachel Ikins of Baldwinsville, “She Who is Sealed is Plastic” by Karen Faris of Rochester, and “Dear Arboretum in Webster” by Bobbie Dumas Panck of Malone.
Ron has six additional poems in reserve, which are currently “on the road,” having traveled to the Webster Schroeder High School library, the Webster Library, Monroe Community College, and the Before Your Quiet Eyes bookstore on Monroe Ave. He plans to rotate five of those into the Arboretum soon, to keep the trail engaging and feature a greater variety of poets. The posts themselves will remain in the same locations.
The map indicates the approximate location of each poem (click on it to enlarge it). The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
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(posted 7/13/2026)
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Michael Grenier’s flint and steel demonstration was a hit with the kidsEven the adults got into the dance party spirit
You know how those nostalgic movies like Tom Sawyer and The Music Man often feature idyllic, turn-of-the-century scenes of Fourth-of-July celebrations? They’re sun-drenched settings with brass bands, ice cream, bustling town squares (complete with gazebos), kids playing lawn games, neighbors visiting with neighbors, and plenty of red, white and blue bunting.
That is exactly what it felt like to be part of the Webster Arboretum’s huge America’s 250th Celebration last Wednesday, June 24. It had all those elements, and many more, including kids’ crafts, food trucks, a duck race, musket firing, honor guard, story telling, a dance party, dulcimers, a barbershop chorus, and guided tours of the Arboretum grounds. It was even sun-drenched. The whole afternoon had a classic Americana vibe, a wonderful celebration of our country’s rich history, while also highlighting our area’s own cultural and educational groups.
Organizers estimate that more than 1000 community members attended the four-hour celebration, and that’s on top of the representatives from the two dozen community groups which had set up information tables.
It all took a ton of planning, and reflected the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Wendy Mendola from the Arboretum wrote,
Jason Poole from the Webster Library, Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum, Lisa Schlonski from Lala’s and Ginny Nguyen all worked with the board members of The Webster Arboretum to bring this event to fruition. Our planning began months ago and we met regularly to bring our community together to celebrate America’s 250th and bring the Webster Arboretum to the forefront. We would like to thank the volunteers, sponsors and the members of the community for making this event a rocking success.
This was our first BIG event and we feel it went very well. We brought the community together for some good family fun.
Striking Strings Dulcimer Group
I spent the entire afternoon at the event. For much of the time I was hanging out at our Women’s Club of Webster display, but I made sure to regularly walk around the grounds, stopping by all of the information tables, chatting with the organization representatives, listening to the bands and watching the kids laughing and having fun. It was delightful to see entire families out in the field playing Cornhole together, or at the craft table painting flower pots. Watching Michael Grenier — decked out in his all-wool Revolutionary War uniform — whip a batch of young, raw recruits into shape was absolutely charming. Standing face-to-snout with a huge snapping turtle was less so.
It was all extremely well organized and so much fun, the perfect way to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Congratulations to everyone who helped pull it together, and many thanks to all of the organizations who set up tables and community members who came out to have some good old-fashioned family fun. It’s really a shame we can’t do it all again next year.
… or can we?
A thousand thank yous to Joe Altieri for most of these photos! Here’s a gallery with a few more:
The Webster Kidets Junior Marching Band helped open the event
The Webster Kidets Junior Marching Band helped open the festivities
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(posted 6/28/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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Our country is marking a HUGE birthday this year, and the Webster Arboretum’s planning an equally huge party to celebrate.
For four hours on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, the Arboretum will be filled with music, dance, storytellers, games, food trucks, kids’ activities, information tables from two dozen community organizations, and much more.
It all happens from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 24 at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. A very entertaining variety of activities are scheduled all afternoon, so bring a folding chair for the music, and try to be there for as long as you can.
Here’s the whole schedule:
2:45 p.m.: Kidet Marching Band (WCSD’s elementary school marching band)
3 p.m.: VFW Patriot Guard
3 to 4 p.m.: Continental Army Tent with Michael Grenier
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.:Fathers’ Night Out in the gazebo (Dixieland band)
3:30 to 4 p.m.:Storytelling Circle withGanondagan (traditional Haudenosaunee stories)
3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Striking Strings dulcimer group (including harp, penny whistle, flute, guitar and marimba)
3:30 to 6:30 p.m.:Uncle Bucks food truck
4 to 4:30 p.m.:Life of the Seneca withGanondagan, a talk about the daily life of the Seneca
4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.: Children’s Militia Program
4 to 5 p.m.: Paint-a-pot activity for kids
4 to 5:30 pm.: Guided tours of the Arboretum
4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Dance Party with Dancing with Denise
4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Poetry Trailguided tours
5 to 5:30 p.m.: Wildlife Rock Stars, exotic animals show-and-tell
5 to 6 p.m.:Story time with Nancy Nesbitt of the Webster Museum
5:30 to 6 p.m.:Flint and Steel presentation
5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Flower-seed paper cutouts at the craft table
5:30 to 7 p.m.:Scoops ice cream truck
6 to 6:30 p.m.: Duck Derby! Purchase a duck and race them in the pond
6 to 6:45 p.m.:Webster Village Band
6 to 7 p.m.:Chorus of the Genesee, barbershop harmony
6:30 to 7 p.m.:Story timefor kids with the Webster Public Library
6:45 p.m.:Firing of the musket
Plus, all afternoon, you can check out incredible art displays with Joe Altieri, play lawn games with the kids, stop by the Patriotic coloring table, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt and history trivia quiz.
See? You’re not going to want to miss a minute of this event, so plan to come early and have dinner and dessert there. (P.S. make sure to stop by the Women’s Club of Webster information table and say hi to me!)
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).
There’s so much mailbag stuff coming through my email these days, I really should consider doing these more often …
Our first mailbag nugget this week is an interesting look at Webster history, sponsored by the Webster Museum this Wednesday, May 6. It’s the first in their three-part History and a Cup series, taking place all this month as part of National Historical Preservation Month.
On Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m., Webster native (and former Village Mayor) Jake Swingly will talk about growing up in the village. He’ll also very likely tell you more about his beautiful home on East Main St., where his family has lived for three generations and which will be honored later this month with a historic plaque. (You can read more about that in tomorrow’s blog.)
On Tuesday, May 12, also at noon, Webster attorney Dave Corretore and his mother, Carolyn Corretore (retired Lucas Pharmacy pharmacist), will speak.
The final installment of the History and a Cup series will be Wednesday, May 20, and the speaker then is a surprise.
During these history chats, museum volunteers set up small tables, each with a plate of cookies, water and coffee. Attendees are welcome to bring a sandwich and eat lunch during the talks. The museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.
Craft Sale!
Our Village of Webster Fire Department will be holding a Craft and Vendor Sale this Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Webster Fireman’s Building on Sanford St., across from the south side of Fireman’s Field. All proceeds will benefit the WVFD.
A Matter of Balance workshop series begins on Tuesday, May 5. The seven-part series is a combination of group discussion and movement designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling, increase confidence levels and increase physical activity. Classes will be held May 5, 19 and 26, and June 2, 9, 16 and 23. Please register here for each class you plan to attend.
Rochester Oratorio Society’s Harlem Renaissance Revisited,Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Resonanz Ensemble of the Rochester Oratorio Society looks back a century and more to the Rochester region’s Golden Era, the 1920s and 30s, through a narrative program of solo vocal and choral music. Registration is required.
Lifespan’s “Together Today” Memory Cafe will be at the library on Wednesday, May 27 from noon to 2 p.m. Caregivers and their partners living with dementia are invited to attend for lunch, socializing and entertainment from local musician Chip Milligan. This is a FREE event is but registration is required.
Find out more about these events and other events and resources for seniors by subscribing to the library’s new Senior Newsletter. You’ll find the sign-up link here.
This month’s community exchange is mugs! Check those cabinets for ones you never use and swap them for something new to you.
The community Donation Station in May will be collecting new toothbrushes and toothpaste. The Webster Food Insecurity Coalition will distribute donations to Webster families in need.
The Friends of the Public Library have scheduled a Vintage Book Sale for Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will feature more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th century and the early 21st century. Some titles include first editions, early printings, and books that appear to have been signed by the author. Many include dust jackets and nearly all books are in good or better condition. Prices start at $8 and prices are firm. All proceeds will benefit the Webster Public Library.
Saturday May 9 is Love Your Library Day. Celebrate your love for the WPL with crafts, a scavenger hunt, temporary tattoos, face painting, snacks, and a storytime at 10:30 a.m., featuring some special Webster High School guests.
Mike O’Brian, the “Getaway Guy,” will present a talk on Spring and Summer Getaways on Monday, May 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.Registration is required.
This month’s Make it Monday for teens and tweens is Glass Magnet Buggles, on Monday May 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 through 12 and adults are welcome. Register here.
Outdoor storytimes have ramped up for the summer! They take place at Ridge Park, 1000 Ridge Rd., every Wednesday from May 20 through Sept. 9, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. All ages are welcome.
This sale is just blooming with beautiful, healthy live plants which are grown by local garden clubs and local commercial growers in local soil, so they’re going to grow in your garden, too. Garden Club members will also share their favorite plants from their own gardens. This is the perfect opportunity to grab a Mother’s Day gift. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
Also, next week, on Tuesday May 12, the Arboretum will present a program on Companion Planting, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Companion planting is a gardening practice where plants are grown together for mutual benefit, such as deterring pests, attracting beneficial insects, improving soil health, and maximizing space. There’s no charge, but please click here to register for this event.
The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
Meet the Supervisor
Supervisor Scialdone is continuing to host regular Community Office Hours, opportunities to let your Town representatives know what’s important to you.
The next office hours are:
Monday, May 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Town Board Room (1002 Ridge Road)
Tuesday, May 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Webster Public Library (980 Ridge Road)
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.
Get your tickets now for the Wine Walk
The next Village of Webster Wine Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. I will very likely be writing up another blog about this fun event in the next several days, but in the meantime, if you’d like more details, click here. If you already know that you definitely want to attend get your tickets soon because the Wine Walks always sell out.
Dinner and a vote
If you’re planning to come out to Webster Schroeder on Tuesday, May 19 for the WCSD budget vote (and you definitely should), don’t worry about grabbing dinner, because the Webster Marching Band has got you covered.
The band will be hosting their annual BBQ dinner fundraiser on Tuesday, May 19 at Webster Schroeder High School, where the vote will be taking place. Dinners will include chicken, coleslaw, potato salad, a roll and water, and will be provided by Chiavetta’s.
Tickets are $15, and you’ll want to order your ahead to guarantee your meal, since only a limited number will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone who did not reserve ahead of time. Click here to get your tickets.
More good food for a great cause
The Webster Comfort Care Home will be the beneficiary of the Webster Masonic Temple’s monthly spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Friday, June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy a full meal including: salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink (bottled water, tea, and coffee). Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. While you’re there, check out the bake sale and raffles, all to benefit the Comfort Care Home.
The Webster Masons hold a spaghetti dinner on the first Friday of every month from October through June and each benefits a Webster charity or not-for-profit organization.
ALSO from the Webster Comfort Care Home, the community is invited to their new “Yoga in the Yard” classes, which will be held on Sundays June 7, July 12 and August 16 from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration is not necessary, and there’s no charge for these sessions, but donations would be gratefully accepted.
The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd.
At the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s April Monthly Meeting, Community Bank, N.A. generously donated $3,500 to help fund the Webster Community Chest’s Meal Center. The Meal Center provides recipe-based meals to our neighbors suffering from food insecurity. This is much needed as demand has increased to more than two times the 2025 levels. Pictured (L-R) are Michael Grenier, Ginny Nguyen, Bob Fenton and Ryan Johnson.
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(posted 5/3/2026)
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).
This sale is just blooming with beautiful, healthy live plants which are grown by local garden clubs and local commercial growers in local soil, so they’re going to grow in your garden, too. Garden Club members will also share their favorite plants from their own gardens.
This is the perfect opportunity to grab a Mother’s Day gift. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
Upcoming Chamber events
The Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s next monthly meeting — complete with a breakfast buffet — is Friday, April 24 at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd., beginning at 7 a.m. The event is for members, guests and visitors who are interested in investigating a Chamber membership.
The meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. It’s the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 80-100 attendees. Bring a door prize for increased visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by Thursday, April 23 at noon.
The Chamber’s next Connect @ Noon networking event will be held on Tuesday, May 5 at the Webster Chamber of Commerce office at 1110 Crosspointe Lane. It will be hosted by Rich Marlin from Edward Jones and Kara Galante from The Steam Police. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster and are prospective Chamber members are invited to attend this event. Bring your business card and a door prize for even more visibility.
First prize ($500+ value) is a self-care bundle including WOW hair products, a gift certificate to Evie Boutique, a candle, and more in a Thirty-One Catch-All Bin.
Second prize ($125 value) includes a big bottle of Prosecco, two insulated wine glasses, wine charms, sassy sticky notes, and a soft, cozy afghan.
Third prize ($50 value) is a candle, dream pillow, sassy sticky notes, and $20 in gift cards to Lala of Webster.
Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 6 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website.Drawing will be held on May 3 at 10 a.m. Click here to get your tickets.
Good books, cheap
The Friends of WPL’s Spring Book Sale takes place Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday April 25.
The first day of the sale, April 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 Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, April 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.
Got expired drugs?
Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car!
It’s chicken barbecue time again!
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 2 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out. Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
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(posted 4/19/2026)
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).
The first is the announcement about their next Eat, Drink & Connect event. These networking events are hosted monthly by Chamber members are great opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. They’re also a chance for Chamber visitors to socialize with Webster Chamber members and find out more about the organization.
The April event will be hosted by Metro Mattress at 975 Ridge Road in Webster, on Wednesday April 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Members and professionals interested in doing business in Webster, and are prospective Chamber members, are invited to attend these events. Bring a door prize to increase your business’ visibility and maybe you’ll even win something! There’s no fee to attend. but registration is required.
The Webster Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Monthly Meeting with a breakfast buffet for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. April’s meeting (complete with a hot breakfast buffet) will be held on Friday, April 24 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The Monthly Meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. Every attendee also participates in pass-the-mic. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 80-100 attendees. Bring a door prize for increased visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by Thursday, April 23 at noon.
Arboretum presents program on lawn care
Carl Schimenti, the Urban Environmental Specialist for the Cornell Turfgrass Team, will visit the Webster Arboretum on Tuesday,April 14 at 7 p.m. to present a program on Lawn Care and Management. Learn lawn care basics such as grass type, water needs and weed control with pre- and post-emergents, fertilizing do’s and don’ts and mowing tips. Please register at thewebsterarboretum.org. This presentation will take place at The Webster Arboretum 1700 Schlegel Rd in Webster.
Musical BINGO!
The Webster Recreation Center invites community members who are 55+ to a fun and exciting “Singo Bingo” game on Friday April 17, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The game is a musical twist on the classic game of bingo. Sing along to your favorite tunes while matching song samples to titles on your Bingo card. Fantastic prizes await. Cost is $3 per participant and registration is required. Visit the Rec Center’s registration page and search for activity #141086.
The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr.
Also at the Rec Center
Here’s a look at this month’s Talks on Tuesday series:
Tuesday April 14: Golf Injury Prevention
Physical therapist Stephen Spencer will discuss golf-specific injuries and share effective strategies for prevention. Register for Activity #146940-O
Tuesday April 21: Turning 65 and Medicare Options
Jon Jordan from my Diligent Advisors will take you through the various Medicare options from the key components A, B, C, & D to coverage choices and the enrollment process.
Tuesday April 28: Gardening Pain Free
Gardening is great for the body and mind—but bending, kneeling, and lifting can strain the back, knees, and shoulders. This talk teaches simple body-mechanic tips, gentle warm-ups, and easy positioning strategies to help seniors garden more comfortably, avoid injury, and enjoy the season with less pain and more confidence. Register for Activity #146940-Q
Talks on Tuesday programs are designed for community members aged 55+, and are held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The programs are free but registration is required.
Harmony in the House returns
Plans are being made and songs are being rehearsed for Harmony in the House 2026, the annual joint concert of The Chorus of the Genesee and Rochester Rhapsody. This year’s musical extravaganza will be held Saturday, May 30 at Our Lady of Mercy High School.
More details to come about that, but there are a couple of ways you can help right now:
Buy an advertisement in the Show Program. Over 600 audience members and performers from Webster/Greater Rochester will see your ad. You’ll be mentioned on our social media sites as well. Prices range from $15 to $250 and the program will be printed in full color. Place your ad HERE or send an email to RochesterCOG@gmail.com if you have questions. Deadline for ad submissions is April 14.
First prize ($500+ value) is the ultimate self-care bundle includes WOW hair products, a gift certificate to Evie Boutique, a beautiful candle, and more in a Thirty-One Catch All Bin to help one lucky winner relax, refresh, and feel pampered!
Second prize ($125 value) includes a big bottle of Prosecco, two insulated wine glasses, wine charms, sassy sticky notes, and a soft, cozy afghan, everything you need to unwind in style.
Third prize ($50 value) is a sweet little treat! It includes a candle, dream pillow, sassy sticky notes, and $20 in gift cards to Lala of Webster for a little extra something special.
Tickets are $25 each, 3 for $60 or 6 for $100, and are available at the WCCH website.Drawing will be held on May 3 at 10 a.m. Click here to get your tickets.
Good books, cheap
The Friends of WPL’s Spring Book Sale takes place Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday April 25.
The first day of the sale, April 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 Thursday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hardcover books will be $1 each and paperbacks are only 50 cents each. Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, April 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.
And don’t forget about this library event…
The Webster Public Library’s annual Diverse Abilities Resource Fair has been scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to noon.
If you’re looking for resources for your loved one with a disability, this is a great opportunity to meet and chat with representatives from several Rochester-area organizations which offer all sorts of programs and support. All ages are welcome. Registration is not required but recommended if you would like a reminder. To register, call 585-872-7075 or visit websterlibrary.org.
Got expired drugs?
Webster Health and Education Network, together with the Town of Webster and the Webster Police Department will host a DEA National Drug Take Back event on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Webster Town Court, 1002 Ridge Rd. (behind Town Hall; look for the blue roof). Clear out your medicine cabinet to help to keep Webster safe. This will be a drive-through event so you don’t even have to get out of your car!
This is your chance to safely dispose of unused, expired or unwanted medications. Registration is not required, but if you register you’ll get a reminder via email about the event. You can register and get more details here.
The Webster Health & Education Network (WHEN) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving Webster families for 30 years. Research shows that the longer a young person waits before trying drugs or alcohol, the less likely they are to become addicted later in life. WHEN works to delay, decrease, and prevent substance use by underage youth.
It’s chicken barbecue time again!
St. Martin Lutheran Church will hold its Spring Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ on Saturday, May 2 at the church, 813 Bay Road, Webster. The event begins at 4:30 p.m. and will continue until all dinners are sold out.
Dinners will include a half chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, butter and cookie, and will cost $15.
The event will be drive-through only and there will be no advance sales; first-come, first-served. Cars should enter the parking lot, follow the signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment of either cash or check. Cars will then pick up boxed dinners.
Proceeds from the BBQ will support both St. Martin’s Little Free Pantry and Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.
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(posted 4/5/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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The USA is celebrating a BIG birthday this year — 250 years — and for sure there are going to be a lot of special events planned to commemorate the occasion. But this one at the Webster Arboretum recently crossed my email box, and it looks such such a don’t-miss event that I needed to let you know about it wayyyyy ahead of time so you can get it on your calendars.
The Arboretum is planning a huge Anniversary in the Gardens event for Wednesday, June 24, beginning at 3 p.m. and stretching into the evening. There’s going to be lots of patriotic music, story times, historical talks, a dance party, ice cream, even ducks. So basically, something for everyone of all ages.
I’ll be writing more about this as the event nears, but here’s the run-down so far:
3:00: VFW Patriot Guard
3:30: Father Night Out Band
3:30: Story time with Ganondagan
3:30: Striking Strings dulcimer group
3:30: Uncle Bucks Food Truck (until 6:30 p.m.)
4:00: Life of the Senecas with Ganondagan
4:30: Dance Party with Dancing with Denise
4:30: Story time with The Webster Museum
4:30: Guided Poetry Trail and Arboretum tours (through 6:30 p.m.)
5:30: Story time with the Webster Public Library
5:30: Webster Village Band
5:30: Scoops Ice Cream Truck (through 7 p.m.)
6:00: Duck Derby- purchase a duck and race them in the pond
6:00: Chorus of the Genesee
Looks like a ton of fun, right? I’ll be revisiting this later with more details, but get it on your calendars now. The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.
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And while we’re talking about the Arboretum, they sent me this piece of news the other day:
The Webster Arboretum is proud to announce that they have been granted National Accreditation through ArbNet, the world’s only international accreditation program specific to arboreta. Accreditation is based on an arboretum’s self-assessment and documentation of its level of achievement of specific standards. The standards address planning, governance, the number of different taxa (species, subspecies, cultivars, varieties, etc.) of trees and woody plants in the collection, staff or volunteer support, education and public programming, and, for some levels, tree science and conservation efforts.
We are proud of this accomplishment and will continue to improve our collections, our standard and our commitment to upholding professional standards.
In case you needed any more proof that the Webster Arboretum is an outstanding resource and a real Webster treasure.
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(posted 3/31/2026)
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).
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.
Wendy Lesko, Director of the Gathering Place Webster, will speak at the Women’s Club of Webster’sMarch 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.
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).
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.
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.
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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.
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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!
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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 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.
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).
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
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