Tag Archives: Webster NY

Thomas and Schroeder tennis “Pink Out” to benefit Gilda’s Club

18 Sep

I only just got this press release today, but wanted to share it with you all while there’s still time for you to put it on your calendar.

***

Webster Thomas and Webster Schroeder High Schools will come together for a special “Pink Out” Tennis Tournament on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at the Webster Thomas tennis courts, bringing athletes and the community together in support of those affected by breast cancer.

Approximately 50 girls from Webster, Brighton, Pittsford, and Greece high school tennis programs will take to the courts for a morning of competition, camaraderie and community spirit, with proceeds from the event benefiting Gilda’s Club.

The Thomas tennis courts will be flooded in pink as players show their support for breast cancer survivors, those currently undergoing treatment, and the families and friends whose lives have been touched by the disease. Fans, students, families and members of the Webster community are encouraged to attend and wear pink.

“Breast cancer has touched so many lives, including members of our own community,” said Linda Vazzana, Webster Thomas varsity tennis coach. “This event gives us an opportunity to come together not just as athletes, but as a community. The girls are proud to play for something much bigger than tennis. It’s an honor to be part of an event that brings our town together for such an important cause.”

Admission to the Pink Out Tournament is free, and donations benefiting Gilda’s Club will be accepted throughout the event.

Come out, wear pink and join the Thomas and Schroeder tennis teams for a morning of great tennis and community spirit as Webster rallies together for a cause that reaches far beyond the court.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Webster Thomas High School Tennis Courts
Admission: Free — Donations encouraged
Benefiting: Gilda’s Club

* * *

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 9/18/2026)

Tags: , ,

September History Bit: Celebrating America’s 250th birthday at the Museum

17 Sep

This month’s History Bit is more like a history “chunk,” as the Webster Museum invites the entire community to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary by exploring the rich history right here in our own backyard.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, the museum will host its Celebrating 250 America Festival, highlighting Webster’s agricultural, business, educational and pioneer history, giving residents a chance to learn more about the people, places and stories that helped shape our town.

Almost two dozen displays and hands-on activities will be set up throughout the museum and (weather permitting) in the front yard, giving visitors not only the opportunity to not learn about Webster history, but also try some “old-timey” activities for themselves.  

For example, you can taste some dried apples and vote for your favorite apple variety, practice your letters on a slate in the one-room schoolhouse, peer through a stereoscope (which is kind of like a View-Master), play with some vintage toys, churn some butter and help make a paper quilt.  

The kids will especially enjoy buying penny candy at Witmer’s Variety Store (the museum will provide the pennies), getting an ice cream from the Candy Kitchen, painting a pumpkin, and joining the Children’s Broomstick Muster led by Michael Grenier, which takes place at 1 p.m.

But there’s more! At 2 p.m., Colin Scott will introduce us to Webster and talk about how Webster became Webster; at 2:30 p.m. there’ll be cake, and at 3 p.m. the kids can sit down for Story Time with Mrs. Nesbitt.  

Basically, this is a great opportunity for the whole family to get better acquainted with the Webster Museum, while having a lot of fun learning about our town’s history.  

It all happens on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. Admission to the event is free. For more information, visit the Webster Museum website.

* * *

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 9/17/2026)

Tags: , , , ,

A sneak peek at this weekend’s Mud Run

16 Sep

Most of the hay bales are in place, the pits are ready to be muddied, and the excitement is building for this year’s Mud Run, hosted annually by the Webster Recreation Center.

The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, less-than-a-mile run/walk through the Recreation Center’s fields and trails. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)

My buddy Kevin and I walked the course after our workout on Wednesday morning to see how preparations were going. And since Kevin has done the run the last two years (when I couldn’t), I wanted his help reminding me of some logistics. (He also kindly demonstrated a few of the elements so I could take some photos for the blog.)

Most of the obstacles are the same as I remember from three years ago, when I last participated — there are some climbing things, crawling pits (notably through mud), running-through things. But I’m told that this year the trail has been extended a bit at the end, with more mud and a few more obstacles (don’t worry, it’s still no more than .75-miles long).

Also new since my last time are the inflatables for the kids (there should be at least one there) AND lots and lots of colored foam to run through and play in at the end of the course. And as always, the Webster fire departments will be there to spray you down if you want. (I recommend it for the sake of your car seats. Just bring a few towels.) Plus, remember there’ll be fried cakes and apples at the end of the run, and some vendor and informational tables for you to check out.

What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)

The fun all happens this Saturday morning Sept 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. (off of Phillips). Cost is $5 per person, and the Rec Center would love it if you could register ahead of time so they have an approximate count for the donuts and apples (click here — program 301202-A). But you can show up anytime between 10 and 11:30. You might want to give yourself time to run it twice. It’s that much fun.

And don’t worry if it’s raining. You’re gonna get wet anyway.

* * *

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 9/16/2026)

Tags: , , ,

An update on the NY Forward grant

15 Sep

Just yesterday, as I walked through the village, I got to wondering whatever happened to that $4.5 million NY Forward grant that we heard so much about a few years ago.

The grant, you might remember, was awarded to the Village of Webster for improvements to the downtown business district. It was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), and landing it was a long process involving proposals, committees, focus groups, and lots of opportunities for input from community members and business owners.

After receiving the award, more meetings and input sessions ensued to decide where and how to use the hard-won funds. Ultimately all the proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, and community members were given several opportunities to vote for their favorite ones. Last year, New York State selected 11 projects to receive the funding.

But then, I heard pretty much nothing about that money and when it was finally going to be spent. So it was with great interest that I read an article in the most recent Village of Webster newsletter which outlined the next steps.

The 11 projects which were chosen are:

  • Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use — $1,100,000
  • Optimize Harmony House for Performances — $1,010,000
  • Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts — $546,000
  • Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage — $381,000
  • Create a Gateway to the North End Business District — $310,000
  • Establish a Small Project Grant Fund — $289,000
  • Create a Hojack Trail Gateway — $289,000
  • Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church — $255,000
  • Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street — $161,000
  • Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use — $89,000
  • Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster — $70,000

According to the newsletter, on Aug. 13 the Village of Webster signed initial consultant agreements for three of those projects:

  • Veterans Memorial Park
    • Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
  • Wayfinding signage
    • Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the Village to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
  • Marketing
    • Develop a platform for information on parking, events and promotions, along with digital marketing content to promote the Village and enhance awareness of businesses.

The Village promises additional opportunities for public engagement with the projects. Stay tuned for more information.

* * *

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 9/15/2026)

Tags: , ,

Another flood sale at the Quilt Shoppe?!

15 Sep

It’s happened again, but fortunately this time it wasn’t as bad.

You may remember that back in 2019, just months after the Village Quilt Shoppe opened at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster, a water leak from the upstairs apartment came through the floor and ruined much of their merchandise. They had to close to regroup, but came back strong thanks to their very loyal customers.

Well, it happened again. Another water leak from the same apartment. This time, though, it only affected some of their fabrics. So once again, the Village Quilt Shoppe is having a “Flood Sale.” Monique and Vanetta have washed all of the affected fabric, cut it into convenient one-yard and two-yard pieces, and are selling it for $7 a yard (cash only).

So stop on down to the shop at 21 East Main St. (on the corner of Lapham Park) and grab some bargains.

* * *

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 9/15/2026)

Tags: , , , ,

24 hours. 45 students. One secret musical.

14 Sep

Webster Schroeder High School will host a fast-paced 24-Hour Musical Challenge on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. in the school auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. In an intense 24-hour sprint, a team of 45 student performers and technical crew members will learn all choreography, music, stage blocking, and technical cues before performing a complete, live musical production for the community.

In addition to the tight timeline, the title of the show is being kept strictly confidential. The mystery production will be officially revealed on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. via the Webster Schroeder Musicals Facebook and Instagram pages.

The event serves as a major fundraiser for the school’s award-winning drama program. Proceeds from ticket sales will directly support Webster Schroeder Musicals’ production of Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, scheduled for February 2027.

The mystery musical will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. Click here to order yours.

* * *

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 9/14/2026)

Tags: , , ,

Helping young people discover the joy of writing

13 Sep

I just signed up — again — for a fun program offered through the Webster Recreation Center. Unlike most of the programs you’ll find there, it doesn’t involve a whole lot of (well any) physical exertion, but does help some very special young people exercise their minds and practice their writing skills.

It’s the Recreation Center’s annual Pen Pal Program, which invites Webster 55+ folks to become pen pals with Autumn Lane (Greece Elementary School) second graders.

Remember back to the days when we would write letters instead of emails? And, as kids, how excited we got when a letter addressed to us would show up in the mailbox? The Pen-Pal Program provides that thrill for almost two dozen young people.

Here’s how it works:

  • Community members who are interested in participating first sign up through the Webster Recreation Center. Call 585-872-7103 (ext.0) to register.
  • Each participant will be assigned a second-grade student, to whom you’ll write a letter each month (give or take a week or two). The first letters from the students should arrive by the end of September. That’s when you find out who your special pen pal is.
  • Throughout the next several months, you can expect five or six more letters. In the past, my pen pal has written about things like her favorite part of school, her favorite sports, favorite colors and that she DOESN’T like to read. Once I found out about her family’s toothless dog.
  • In May, we all take a trip to Autumn Lane Elementary to meet our second-grade pen pals in person. We have a nice chat, they serve us cookies and juice, and sing songs.
  • We already have a nice cadre of adult pen pals who sign up for the program every year, but I know that the Rec Center would like to have even more adult friends! Remember, you must be committed to this program for an entire year … but it’s really easy and fun.
  • There’s no cost, just your commitment to help some students fall in love with writing.

So please consider joining; you won’t regret it.

* * *

(posted 9/13/2026)

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)

Tags: , ,

What’s happening with the Women’s Club?

12 Sep

Now that it’s September, the answer to that question is … LOTS.

The autumn season actually kind of kicked off on August 20, when 30 Women’s Club of Webster members and guests gathered on a gorgeous Thursday afternoon for a leisurely 90-minute cruise on the Sam Patch along the Erie Canal in Pittsford. Thanks to Captain Zach for the smooth ride and First Mate Bob for serving up beverages and some very interesting canal history.

The canal cruise was just the first of several special events the club is planning for the 2026/27 year. Next up is the Women’s Club’s annual Card and Game Party, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Participants can play any number of card games or, if you don’t like card games, bring a game of your choice. You can play with friends or take advantage of the opportunity to meet some new people. There are door prizes, raffles, 50/25/25 drawings and more. 

Coffee and danish will be served beginning at 10 a.m. with a buffet lunch at 12:30, including salad, eggplant parmesan, chicken French, roasted rosemary potatoes, fresh vegetables, rolls and butter, with cookies and brownies for dessert.   

It all takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at Glendoveers, 2328 Old Browncroft Rd. Donation is $45 and reservations are required by Sunday, Sept. 20. For tickets, send a check payable to the Women’s Club of Webster to Diane Miller, 428 Seneca Park Ave., Rochester, 14617. Make sure to include the names of anyone you would like to play with. 

Sip, Shop ‘n’ Savor at Lala’s

This is going to be a fun time.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Lisa Schlonski, owner of Lala of Webster, will host one of her very popular Sip, Shop, Savor & Support events to benefit the Women’s Club. Basically, this is an evening of coming together as a community to have fun with friends, meet new people, and benefit a good cause at the same time.

From 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 24, shoppers are asked visit Lala’s and purchase items worth $15 or more to be included in raffle baskets being prepared for the Women’s Club’s Card and Game Party, scheduled for Sept. 29. As a thank you, shoppers can take advantage of a 20% discount off your entire Lala purchase that evening. Then, after you’re done shopping, head next door to Jojo Bistro & Wine Bar for more discounts, live music and special appetizer and drink menus.

Details are still coming together for this terrific evening out, but put it on your calendars now.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main Street in the village.

Give blood, enjoy homemade cookies

The Women’s Club is also proud to assist once again at the American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. Women’s Club members will staff the canteen, offering donors supremely scrumptious homemade cookies, congenial conversation and a friendly word of thanks for giving the gift of life.

Walk-ins are welcome, but it’s always best to make an appointment. Log onto redcrossblood.org/give, or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767).

* * *

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 9/12/2026)

Tags: , , ,

Don’t miss the Garlic Fest

12 Sep

I spent a little time at the Webster Garlic Fest at the Webster Recreation Center this morning, which was packed with vendors and garlic-loving crowds. As always, I was amazed by the wide selection of crafts and food items, not to mention more varieties of garlic than I ever knew existed.

I was fortunate to be there to see the Garlic King and Queen open the ceremonies, assisted by Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone, and I personally met Count Snackula, the Garlic Fest’s very own garlic-loving vampire.

I couldn’t stay very long, which meant I didn’t have a chance to drop the supervisor into the dunk tank, and I didn’t try out the duck pond game. But I did wander around to check out all the booths and took lots of photos. Some of them are here, but I’ve posted a lot more to a Facebook gallery here. And if you don’t have access to Facebook, you’ll also find them on a Google gallery here.

The Webster Garlic Fest continues Saturday Sept. 12 through 5 p.m., and Sunday Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s being held at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. Parking is across the street in the former Xerox parking lot, where free shuttles will be transporting guests back and forth.

Single-day tickets are only $5, and children under 12 are free. Tickets will be available at the door, or if you buy them online ahead of time, you can sail right through the ticket lines.

Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 19, 2026.
  • Blue Star Mothers ROC NY8 (military families): Building Care Packages for locally deployed service members and helping military families in our area.
  • Gold Star Mothers Rochester (mothers who have lost a child, spouse, sibling, or parent in active duty): Helping community veterans-in-need with meals, resources, and year-round support.

* * *

(posted 9/12/2026)

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).

Tags: , ,

Hope garage sale returns next week

11 Sep

The huge Webster NY Hope Garage Sale is coming up next week, from Sept. 16 through 19, and you want to put this on your calendar for sure.

The garage sale, held at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd., Webster (just east of Phillips Rd.), is Webster HOPE’s largest fundraiser, the culmination of a year’s worth of volunteer effort collecting, sorting and pricing items. Items are clean and organized, and include a wide range of high-quality goods. They include household items, crafts, tools, sporting goods, electronics, holiday, books, games, puzzles, toys, décor, floral, baby, pets, lamps, jewelry, collectibles, small furniture, Christmas items and more. The gymnasium and another large room in Murphy Hall are set up by “department” with the different categories of goods.

Here are the details:

  • Sale begins Wednesday, September 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Preview Night, Murphy Hall at Holy Trinity Church, 1460 Ridge Rd. (just east of Phillips Rd.). Admission is $10 for this special preview.
  • Thursday, September 17 and Friday, September 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 19, 10 a.m. to noon only, everything is half-price!
  • Cash, credit cards and Venmo will be accepted.
  • All proceeds go to Webster Hope.

Webster Hope serves the needs of residents in the 14580 zip code, providing food, clothing, household goods and furniture to those in need. 

* * *

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 9/11/2026)

Tags: , ,

← Older Entries