Tag Archives: Webster NY

Wanna hear about Prague?

18 Aug

As many of you might remember, I spent four weeks in Prague, Czechia earlier this year. I was accompanying my husband, who’d been awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to work with a journalism organization headquartered in the city.

Of course, I took a LOT of photos when I was there (it’s what I do) and came home with lots of stories to tell. I’ve already shared many of those photos and stories with pretty much anyone who’d listen. But now, I’ve been asked by the Webster Public Library AND the Webster Recreation Center to put together a travelogue and share them with everyone else.

So if you’re at all interested in seeing some of those photos and hearing about my adventures, you have two opportunities in the next few months to do so. The first is at the Webster Public Library on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. Registration is now open for that one.

If you can’t make it to that talk, the second one will be at the Webster Recreation Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 10:30 a.m. It’s part of their regular Talks on Tuesday series. To register, navigate to the Recreation Center’s registration tab and click on the 55+ Programs box. Then search “Prague” as a keyword in the 55+ programs category. You’re looking for program #346940-J. If you have any problems, call the Rec Center at (585) 872-7103. They’ll take care of you.

There’s no cost for either talk, but they do like to have people register so they know how many to expect.

As you can see from the title slide above, I’m calling the travelogue “Prague, Czechia: the Weird and the Wonderful.” The wonderful portion of the talk will illustrate how stunningly gorgeous the city is, and feature the most popular tourist attractions. The weird portion will reflect the fact that when you have a whole month to explore a city, it’s possible to track down some very unusual, off-the-beaten-track attractions. And Prague has a lot of them.

For example, these two things. Nope, not going to tell you what they are. You just have to come to the talk!

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

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(posted 8/18/2025)

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Another great Jazz Festival in the books

17 Aug

The Webster Jazz Festival seems to get better every year.

This two-day festival has been held for almost 20 years now, and somehow the organizers (our very own Webster Business and Improvement District) keep finding ways to improve it. This year’s big upgrade was having two of Friday night’s “Jazz in the Pubs” bands — Sarah De Vallière and Deepak Thettu and Friends — actually play outdoors, on West Main St.

What a brilliant idea that was. Not only was it easier for the bands to set up and gave them more space to perform, but it allowed for much larger crowds to spread out and enjoy the music, taking advantage of the perfect August weather. It also helped increase the visibility of the vendors who had set up tents along the sidewalks.

Four other bands performed at four other indoor venues throughout Friday evening, allowing patrons to more or less “pub-hop,” and I was happy to see that Annette’s, Ploty’s, the Cobblestone and Jojo were all pretty busy.

I was also very happy to see a strong presence from The Coach. Fritz had set up a beer tent on the patio, which did brisk business all Friday and Saturday night. Community members could also support the bar by purchasing t-shirts and other items which read “Stand By Your Bar.”

I’ve posted a few photos from Friday night above, but also have many others in this Facebook gallery. I’ve also included a nice selection of photos taken by my friend Mary White, who was there Friday night with her much-better-than-mine camera.

“Jazz in the Streets” on Saturday was awesome as usual. The music was terrific, the food vendors were busy, and the twinkly lights made Main Street extra charming as night fell. My favorite thing to do on this night is to just walk around the perimeter of the crowd, because it’s guaranteed I’ll see someone I know. Friday night was no exception; I was able to reconnect with a dozen friends, some of whom I haven’t seen in several years.

Oh, and of course I took a lot of photos, too. Click here for my full gallery from Saturday night.

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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 8/17/2025)

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Business news in (and near) the village

16 Aug

Good things are happening in the village.

For starters, perhaps you noticed that there’s paper up in the windows of the former Garage Sale Store at 8 West Main, AND a “for rent” sign. This is an excellent turn of events, because that empty storefront has been an eyesore for a few years. And what a waste of good retail space. I look forward to seeing what will be moving in.

Plus, signs also went up this week in the windows of the former Roc Style restaurant at 5 West Main, announcing the imminent arrival of the Main Dive, which promises “good music, cheap drinks and a full menu.” I’ll be chatting with them in the next week or two, so stay tuned for more details.

The west half of the old Jeff’s Computer Service at 1 East Main (at the corner of South Ave.) has had black plastic up in its windows for a while now. I don’t have a line on what’s happening there, but will let you know as soon as I do.

Finally, just down the street — not in the village, but pretty close — a new “play café” will be opening soon in Towne Center Plaza (Target plaza), called Play-a-Latte. On its Facebook page, the owners describe the café as a “place offering imaginative play, birthday parties for children, and a place for parents to relax, connect, and enjoy a quality cup of coffee.” They’re planning a grand opening celebration in September, so stay tuned for more about them.

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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 8/16/2025)

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August History Bit: The Forest Lawn train accident

15 Aug

On a quiet summer morning 136 years ago this week, the peaceful community of Forest Lawn was jarred by a horrifying crash. A deadly train accident shattered the town’s calm, leaving twisted tracks, splintered cars, and a tragic story that would be remembered for generations.

August 10, 1889 was a normal day for the Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad “stub train,” which ran from Windsor Beach to Forest Lawn every morning. It had pulled into the station at 7:50 a.m., as expected, and passengers were boarding. 

Unfortunately, it was not a normal morning for the “Thousand Island” express train, which was running almost two hours late. It normally barreled through the station at high speed at 6 a.m. But on this morning, as it thundered around the curve, the stub train blocked its path, and the engineer could do little to avoid the collision. 

The resulting crash telescoped the stub train’s coach cars, two of which were lifted off the tracks and shoved against the station house. The express train’s engine ran off into the sand and blew up. Three people lost their lives, including a young girl, and six were severely injured. 

Newspaper accounts from the time didn’t explicitly assign blame, but investigators questioned why no one anticipated that the late-arriving express train would reach Forest Lawn at about the same time as the stub train from Windsor Beach. A man should have been sent down the track to flag the train, the reports argued. Sometimes in such situations, orders are telegraphed ahead to stop at a siding, but the conductor insisted he never received any such order.

A Democrat and Chronicle article published the day following the crash noted that,

The place itself is a most favorable one for accidents. Forest Lawn is … situated on a sharp promontory. The Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg track curves sharply on each side of the station so that standing on the platform, scarcely twenty rods of track (330 feet) are visible to the west and the stretch of track between the station and the curve to the east is considerably less than that. … A flag was displayed at the rear of the stub train but to expect protection from that means would be worse than foolishness for it would give the engineer of the approaching train no time whatever in which to avert the disaster.

The Rome, Watertown & Ogdensburg Railroad (better known in our area as the Hojack) has been out of business for many years, and the train station is long gone. But while trains no longer run through the Forest Lawn neighborhood, the memory of that tragic day will endure for many years. 

(photo above provided by Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton)

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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 8/15/2025)

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Webster Garlic Fest returns in just a few weeks

14 Aug

The Webster Garlic Fest is returning to the Webster Recreation Center on Saturday and Sunday Sept. 6 and 7.

This is a great family festival for anyone who loves all things garlic, and it keeps getting bigger and better every year. Somehow, organizers have managed to squeeze 170 vendors into this year’s festival, including crafters, food vendors, distilleries, wineries, food trucks, and of course lots and lots of garlic growers. There are so many vendors that they’ll fill the gymnasium and spill out onto the Rec Center grounds. Many of them provide tastings, samples and demonstrations. (Click here for a complete list of vendors.)

But even if you’re not a big fan of garlic, there are a lot of non-garlic vendors, and plenty else to see and do. Like, you can cozy up to some alpacas and baby goats (who like to wear pajamas), and even a huge 70-year old tortoise — and they all love to take selfies. There’ll be demos, and Mr. Wally the Balloon Man will be there.

Proceeds from the Webster Garlic Fest will benefit

  • Wreaths Across America: Honoring and remembering veterans resting in local cemeteries on National Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, 2025.
  • 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.

The Webster Garlic Fest will be held Saturday Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Dr. There’s plenty of parking in the Recreation Center lot, and even more 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. Click here to buy your tickets, or you can get them at the door.

Click here for a gallery of photos from last year’s festival.

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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 8/14/2025)

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RL Thomas Class of ’65 reunion honors classmate’s legacy

12 Aug

Last Friday evening, 82 graduates from the Webster Thomas High School Class of 1965 gathered at the White House in Webster Park for their 60th reunion. As with most reunions, there was plenty of food, along with photo boards, yearbooks, and newspaper clippings spread across several tables. Inside and out, old friends and new mingled in small groups, drinks in hand, reconnecting, reminiscing, and laughing over shared memories.

But this year’s celebration was more than just a stroll down memory lane. The Class of 1965 decided to turn their 60th reunion into a celebration with a purpose.

Instead of charging admission, organizers chose to honor the legacy and passion of their late classmate, Bill O’Rourke, Jr. In place of a ticket fee, members of the Class of ’65 were invited to contribute to the O’Rourke Scholarship Fund.

Bill’s classmates responded enthusiastically, raising an amazing $6,500 to the fund, proving that even after six decades, their school spirit is stronger than ever.

Reunion organizer Bob (“BG”) Guerra observed that the amount surpassed what they would have raised through normal ticket sales. “What happens is, people just feel like my money’s not going to somebody to pay Proietti’s,” he said.

As he presented the check to Bill’s first wife Dottie, Bob noted that, “What we’re going to donate tonight will allow them to fund that program for the next six years without any additional donations. The money is going to make sure kids continue to get educated.”

“We’re making a difference in some kids’ lives.”

Bill, Jr., with wholehearted support from the Webster Central School District (WCSD), established the O’Rourke Scholarship Fund after his father, Bill O’Rourke, Sr., passed in 2006. Its original objective was to present a monetary award to a senior male varsity player each year, chosen by the athletic secretary and basketball coach; someone who reflected O’Rourke’s own passion for academic excellence and sportsmanship.

Bill, Jr. passed away in 2020, but the memorial fund remains strong. With support from the O’Rourke family, the scholarship’s criteria and amount have grown. It now awards $1,000 to a senior boy and a senior girl varsity basketball player every year.

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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 8/12/2025)

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Don’t blink! Check out the library’s tiny art show

11 Aug

Next time you’re at the Webster Public Library, make sure to check out the Tiny Art Show set up in the main lobby next to the Community Room.

The exhibit was organized again this year by Teen and Family Experiences Librarian Colleen Hernandez. Advertising for the event began earlier this summer, when participants were encouraged to pick up blank canvases at the library and make them beautiful. Artists had all of July to perfect their work, and then bring them back to the library in August for display.

This year’s theme is “Color My World,” echoing the Summer Reading Program theme. Colleen received more than 100 submissions (so many more than the 60 she had last year) from participants of all ages, and the artists clearly took the theme to heart. The tiny artwork pieces they produced are impressive and eclectic … and VERY colorful.

Their subject matter ranges from animals to plants to scenes both abstract and realistic. They’re created with pencil, markers, crayons and poster paint. Several of them feature 3-D elements which pop from the canvas.

All this month, library patrons are encouraged to stop by and vote for their favorite pieces (you must vote in person). The display will be taken down the first week of September, so make sure to get there soon. The winning prize? “Fame and glory,” Colleen, said, including recognition on the library’s social media pages.

The photos give you a sneak peek of the mini canvases, but you really need to see them close-up and in person to really appreciate the artistry. (And you have to vote in person, anyway.) So stop by the library sometime in the next few weeks and cast your vote. (Warning: it’s going to be a difficult choice.)

The Webster Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

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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 8/11/2025)

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Discovering the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest

10 Aug

I do believe I have a new favorite trail.

Most of my friends and acquaintances know that I’m a huge fan of our town’s trails. And when they ask me what my favorite trail system is, I invariably say it’s Four Mile Creek, which I love because of its natural beauty and the old cars that you can see along the paths.

But last week, the Friends of Webster Trails introduced me to the Herman Rd. Forever Wild Forest — and it is beautiful.

Last Tuesday, the Friends hosted an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail system, which is located on Herman Rd. east of Pellett Rd. The mature forest features two miles of easy and intermediate trails, some which were pre-existing, and others which were built and improved by the Friends. They connect with the pink and orange trails at Whiting Rd. Nature Preserve. allowing hikers to extend their adventure. Frequent blazes and trail markers make navigating the trails especially easy.

The two-year-long effort to preserve the land and create the trail system is an incredible example of how residents, businesses, local organizations and governmental agencies can work together for the good of the community.

The 28.7-acre parcel of land was acquired in late 2023 from Gary and Judy Wood, thanks to a $270,000 Community Forest Conservation Grant from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), procured by the Town of Webster, and a donation in memory of Michael A. Johnson. About 35 people attended the ribbon cutting ceremony, including Judy Wood and representatives from the Friends of Webster Trails, the NYS DEC and Webster Parks and Recreation.

After a few speeches and the cutting of the ribbon, Herman Rd. Trail Steward Ben Wisniewski led about a dozen hikers on a one-mile long walk along a few of the beautiful new trails. There were a few small hills, but in general it was an easy hike that snaked through old and new forest, thick with more than a dozen varieties of trees. Small animals skittered across the path, and birdsong filled the air. It was extremely peaceful.

A well-designed informational kiosk enhances the experience, providing lots of information about the preserve and its trail system. Plus, there’s plenty of parking.

The Friends of Webster Trails website has lots more information about each of the preserve’s four trails, including their difficulty and some of the natural features you can look for along the hike. There’s even mention of “hidden treasures”: a half-buried car engine, an old cistern, and a stone foundation.

So check out the website, then head on out to enjoy the new trails for yourself. And if you really like what you see, please consider supporting the Friends of Webster Trails by becoming a member. It’s only $10 for individuals and $15 for families. Your support will really help the Friends continue building and maintaining outstanding trails like these.

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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 8/10/2025)

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Penfield Yoga Therapy named Chamber business of the month

8 Aug

Congratulations to Penfield Yoga Therapy, honored as the August Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Penfield Yoga Therapy, located at 2132 Five Mile Line Rd., is owned and operated by Kaitlyn Vittozzi, a certified yoga therapist who began teaching yoga in 2014. Early on, Kaitlyn noticed something beyond just physical movement: her students were looking for deeper healing, tools they could use off the mat to feel better physically, mentally, emotionally and energetically. That insight led her to pursue additional training to become a Certified Yoga Therapist, eventually opening her own space in Penfield after subletting in Webster for several years.

Penfield Yoga Therapy offers a specialized combination of yoga and mindfulness skills for new moms and corporate professionals who are struggling with stress, physical pain and the elusive sense of balance we all seek. Kaitlyn’s mission is simple yet powerful: to help people reconnect with their bodies, release tension, and get back to doing what they love — spending more quality, connected time with the people who matter most.

Penfield Yoga Therapy is a one-woman show, and Kaitlyn has been running the business since 2019. But her impact stretches far beyond her studio walls. She volunteers with ROCovery Fitness and 13thirty Cancer Connect, and sits on the board of KMB for Answers, helping raise awareness and support for those impacted by eating disorders.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly breakfast for Chamber members, guests, and visitors who are interested in investigating Chamber membership. The August Breakfast will be held on Friday Aug. 22 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. The monthly breakfasts are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event in the Greater Rochester area, with 70-90 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a prize, too!

Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.

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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 8/8/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

7 Aug

Today’s mailbag is stuffed with reminders about many events I’ve already mentioned in the blog, but which might have slipped under your radar the first time.

This first one is coming up this Saturday Aug. 9, a “Hike Through History” at Webster Union Cemetery. This is a self-guided tour in which participants can step back in time and “meet” the some of our town’s earliest settlers. Historical re-enactors will be sprinkled throughout the cemetery to tell their stories from Webster’s earliest days. 

Hike Through History will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt 250 and Woodhull Road). Requested donation for the experience is $10, and all proceeds will be used to help repair the headstones of our earliest settlers. Read more about the event in this blog.

Take a test drive, win cool stuff

Also this Saturday, Aug. 9, West Herr Ford at 810 Ridge Rd. (corner of Five Mile Line) is hosting a Test Drive Fundraising Event 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. Every person who test drives will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win Buffalo Bills merchandise and other prizes. Plus, lunch (or coffee and donuts) will be provided.

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.

Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo

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.

Strike up the band

Our very own Webster Village Band will perform their final concert of the summer on Thursday Aug. 28 at the Harmony Park band shell on Phillips Rd. Titled “The Band Concert,” the selections will be traditional band standards, plus music from Billy Joel and Jim Brickman.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a cooler, and stretch out on the spacious lawn area in front of the band shell.

Donate school supplies

Webster NY Hope is collecting NEW supplies from now through Aug. 19 to stuff in backpacks for children in our community who are in need. You can see the entire wish 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.

Music at the Arb

This summer’s final 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.

More from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum will present their next educational program, all about Dahlias, on Tuesday Sept. 9 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will be presented by Patty Pirz, a local expert on the subject. Discover the culture, type, variety and care of the beloved dahlia. Learn how to grow and nurture these plants to their best advantage. It will be held in the Curry Building at the Arboretum, and is free and open to the public, but registration is requested.

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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 8/7/2025)

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