Cobblestone on Main is finally opening!

17 Apr

I’m pleased to share some very exciting news with everyone today. Finally, after months of anticipation, the new Cobblestone on Main restaurant, at 109 W. Main St., will be opening for business this Thursday, April 22.

This news has been a long time coming. The Cobblestone is the culmination of a dream for Don Bresnahan and his daughter Sarah, who are teaming up to run the new establishment. They were originally hoping to open a month or more ago, but you know how it is when you start a new business. especially a restaurant. There are a lot of unexpected hurdles, paperwork that needs to be done, approvals to be secured.

But all of that is finally in the past, and this Thursday at 4 p.m., The Cobblestone on Main will open its doors to a very welcoming Webster community.

I’m certain that everyone will be delighted and charmed by what they find. The Cobblestone on Main has a very family-friendly feel, with a homespun decor which includes things like family recipes wrapped around the candles on every table. The focus is on casual dining. “We want it to be family-friendly and date-night worthy,” Don said, to which Sarah added, “Somewhere where you can come where we do our best to remember your name and what you drink.”

There are two main dining rooms on the first floor, with a dozen tables and several booths. On the lower floor, at parking-lot level, is another, smaller room with three large-screen TVs, and a larger room which will serve as the restaurant’s event space (which is already booked into the summer months, so call early to reserve your spot). That’s enough room to sit 110 people in Covid-appropriate comfort.

Don describes the menu as “traditional American fare with a gastro-pub twist.” Diners will discover some unusual approaches to familiar dishes like nachos and chicken wings, and “bold flavor combinations.” He’s particularly proud of his chef. “He’s a creative chef who’s put a great team together,” he said. “The talent in the kitchen is very strong.”

That strength is obvious as well in the serving staff. “I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a group of people who are so passionate and excited about” their jobs, Sarah said.

“We want our restaurant to be a place where everyone feels comfortable coming,” Don said. “We want it to be an experrience when you come here.”

But more than anything, Don and Sarah are excited about becoming an integral part of the Webster community. That’s especially true after seeing the unbelievable community support they’ve received, even before officially opening.

So I guess they already know we’re all thrilled to have them here in town. But it’s worth saying, anyway.

Welcome to Webster, Cobblestone on Main. We wish you many successful years ahead.

A look inside the new Cobblestone on Main restaurant, including a peek at one of the adorable, family-recipe candle holders.

The Cobblestone on Main will hold a soft opening on Wednesday night, when Don and Sarah will host all the friends, family, vendors, and construction workers who helped them make their dream a reality. The restaurant will open to the public this Thursday April 22 from 4 p.m. to midnight.

For more information about The Cobblestone on Main restaurant check their Facebook page. They will NOT BE taking reservations, so if you’d like to check them out anytime soon, make sure you get there early or plan on waiting a bit.

And if you’d like to read the first blog I wrote back in January about this great new restaurant, click here.

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More details about Schroeder Drama’s The Addams Family

17 Apr

I just got an email yesterday with some more details about Webster Schroeder’s performance of The Addams Family next weekend.

Shows are scheduled for Friday April 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday April 24 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Of course, thanks to Covid, they can’t open up the auditorium to packed audiences, so they’ve arranged to live-stream each performance, which should be just as enjoyable as the in-person experience (plus, you don’t even have to leave your living room!).

You can purchase live-stream tickets by clicking here. You won’t even have to print off a ticket. Instead, you’ll receive an email with a StreamPass code. Simply click the code link and you’re in. Tickets are $10 each.


Here’s the awesome cast:

Gomez Addams………………………………………..Brendan Mathewson
Morticia Addams……………………………………..Lauren Farrow
Uncle Fester…………………………………………….Jake Horton
Wednesday Addams………………………………..Aydan Baier
Pugsley Addams………………………………………Michael Sofia
Grandma…………………………………………………Bridget McNamara
Lurch……………………………………………………….David Lynch
Lucas Beinecke………………………………………..Zach Gibson
Mal Beinecke…………………………………………..Theo Guth
Alice Beinecke………………………………………….Sara Kidane

Ancestors:

Maggie Anderson, Aidan Jacobs, Anika Peterson, Jack Baker, Hunter Lane, Tony Pellegrino, Liam Cornish, Samantha Morgan, Georgie Prevosti, Sydney Enright, Sam Nagar, Devon Proia, Carenza Glastonbury, Andrew Painton, Maya Richards, Amelya Harris, Ryan Parody, Tyler Young and Kenzie Harris

Make it a night (or afternoon) out (so to speak). Grab a drink and some snacks, pull up a couch, and enjoy a terrific production by some very talented high school students who’ve been working very hard to bring some laughter to all of us during these difficult days.

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Young artists create a garden on Baker St.

15 Apr

Do you know what our kids were doing around this time last spring? Chalking beautiful pictures on our sidewalks and driveways, turning our neighborhoods into art galleries. For a while it seemed that around every corner was a colorful new surprise — a rainbow, flower, smiley face, or inspirational message. The artwork was a welcome distraction from the stresses we were feeling from the worsening pandemic.

Well, I’m pleased to report that the artists are back. They’ve returned to Baker St. in the village, anyway. When my husband and I were taking our after-dinner walk last night, we came up Baker and were delighted to find that some artist — or artists — had chalked flowers along almost the entire length of sidewalk.

We counted more than 75 flowers, one on each sidewalk block. It must have taken a lot of time. And a lot of chalk.

This spring, fortunately, is not dawning as dismally as it did last year. Things finally seem to be inching back toward normal again. So we really don’t need the distraction as much.

But I for one am delighted to see it. Thank you, young artists.

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Webster community mailbag

14 Apr

It’s spring musical season at the high schools!

Webster Schroeder High School has announced that their production of The Addams Family will be staged on Friday April 23 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday April 24 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

They’re hoping to accommodate small audiences at these performances, but most patrons will be able to see the production live through a professional streaming service. Tickets for that will be available beginning this Friday April 16 at wsmusicals.booktix.com. Tickets are $10 each.

Some of the accommodations Schroeder Drama has made for their musical this year include a smaller cast, having no permanent on-stage set, which allows for social distancing, and having the orchestra perform from the band room. The actors and musicians have had to deal with a lot of challenges to bring The Addams Family to the stage, so consider grabbing a ticket to show your support!

Stay tuned for more details about Webster Thomas’ spring play, Cabaret, scheduled for June 17 to 19 at the Penfield Amphitheatre. (Now THAT’S a creative way to beat Covid.) All shows will begin at 7:30 and tickets will be $12. Tickets will go on sale the beginning of May.

St. Martin Lutheran Church’s Spring Chicken BBQ will be held Saturday May 1 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church, 813 Bay Rd.

The event will feature dinners of ½ chicken, salt potatoes, coleslaw, roll, and butter for $10.00.

The event this year will be drive-through only, first come, first serve, with no advance sales. Cars will enter the parking lot, follow signs, and purchase dinners using exact payment. Cars will then proceed to the front entrance to pick up boxed dinners. Dinners will be assembled according to CDC recommendations. Due to current health restrictions, pie slices and other desserts will not be available.

Proceeds will support St. Martin’s Christmas Stocking Project, which reaches more than 500 local youth in Monroe and Wayne counties.

Congratulations to Dr. Peter Pellitieri of Webster Dental Arts, who was recently named the Webster Chamber of Commerce 2021 Businessperson of the Year.

Pellitieri is a very active member of the Webster Community, a father, husband, business owner, volunteer, and philanthropist. He’s the founder and practitioner at Webster Dental Arts, located in the North Forest office park on Crosspointe Lane. He is an active member of St. Paul’s Church, serving as a lector and Eucharistic Minister. He is a member and past Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus as well a past Faithful Navigator. He is also very involved in the Kiwanis Club of Webster, serving locally as a committee member and advisor for youth and adult leadership programs including K-Kids and the Aktion Club for adults with developmental disabilities; co-chairing the Kiwanis Christmas Party, serving approximately 100 local children and adults with developmental disabilities and Co-Chair of the Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt.

The presentation was made at the Chamber’s monthly breakfast meeting and was presented by Barry Howard, President/CEO of the Webster Chamber of Commerce and Diane McClure, Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

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Some thoughts from the trail

11 Apr

I hope you got a chance to get out and work in the yard or take a walk or ride your bike — or all three — on that summer-like Saturday we just had.

My husband and I got our bikes out for the first time, hoisted them up onto the bike rack and drove down to one of our favorite riding spots, the Canal Trail. We like to park in Fairport and ride along the trail seven miles west to Pittsford. There, we rest, enjoy the sights of Schoen Place, then head back to Fairport, rewarding ourselves with a pint upon our return.

I saw a delightful addition to the trail which impressed me so much that I would have written about it in my D&C column if I were still writing it. But since I’m not, I’ll pass it along to all you fine blog readers.

It’s a project called the 2021 Poet-Tree Installation. It’s sponsored by the Village of Fairport Tree Board in celebration of National Poetry Month (April). What they’ve done is hung 45 poems in and around the village, along North Main Street and east and west of the village along the canal path.

According to the a press release I found online, many of the poems were written by Fairport High School juniors, and others are from current and former community members. The poems were installed on April 5 and will remain on the trees through the end of the month.

What an outstanding idea to honor poetry and those who write it, especially our high school students. I would love to see Webster do something like this next year, or even later this year. How about it, Thomas and Schroeder English teachers? This would be a great project to put a spark into the end of the year for these kids.

Speaking of columns, one of the favorite ones was the Mystery of the Little Pine Tree.

My husband and I came across the little tree back in 2016 while we were riding the canal. It stood in a small clearing about a quarter mile southeast of Great Embankment Park. It was clearly a piece of chainsaw artwork, but the only identyfying feature was a date: 9-6-98.

After some research, I found out it was created by Pittsford-based chainsaw artist Dave Jewett, who carved it out of a tree that fell during the massive windstorm that blew through that day.

We enjoyed seeing the little tree each time we rode the canal path. But then, one day last year, we discovered the tree had been replaced with a much taller, much more beautiful tree, probably also the work of Dave Jewett. It’s a nice piece, but I was sad to see that our little friend had been removed.

On Saturday, I saw that the little tree was back, and that stopped me in my tracks. It’s not standing on its original pedestal — the taller one is still there — but sitting proudly beside a brand new bench at the edge of the clearing. The bench, and the new tree, and a bunch of pretty painted rocks at its base are all part of what a sign on the bench calls the “KIndness Rocks Project.”

Next time you’re down that way, walking or biking the canal trail, make a point to stop and rest a while in this peaceful spot with the strange but beautiful little carved trees. And feel free to pick up one of the rocks and pass a little kindness along in your travels.

Remember I said how we like to grab a pint at the end of our 14-mile canal ride? There’s a brand new place we can do that in Fairport, now, and it has a very Webster connection.

It’s Faircraft Brauhaus, which opened in December in the old American Can Factory on the north end of village near Iron Smoke Distillery. And the decidedly Webster connection is that the new brewery is partly owned by retired Webster music teacher Steve Landgren.

I worked for many years with Steve at Webster Thomas, and have always known him to be passionate about his brewing. I’m so happy for him that he’s been able to turn that passion into a money-making business.

And from what I saw, it should do very well. The brewpub is very spacious inside, has a nice German-themed menu, and a nice variety of German-themed beers. And the patio outside was absolutely packed with patrons enjoying the food, beer and weather. Clearly it’s already a favorite stop for others as well.

We look forward to returning after our next canal ride.

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Polar Freeze Ice Cream is open in the village!

9 Apr

The Village of Webster just got a lot sweeter.

Just in time for this weekend’s gorgeous spring weather, Polar Freeze Ice Cream has opened in the Village of Webster.

The shop, located at 16 West Main Street, doesn’t look like much yet. When you walk in, you won’t even see any tables or chairs yet (they’ll come in a few months), only a service counter and a very large menu board advertising their 20-or-so ice cream flavors, almost two dozen topping options, plus shakes, floats, sundaes and more.

Polar Freeze is actually the second location for Bianca Cruz-Lopez and her husband Josue, who up until last summer owned and operated M. Sweet Retreat in East Rochester. They had to close that shop, but they never lost the desire to serve up small town sweet treats.

I stopped in on Wednesday, their opening day, and asked Bianca why they decided to come to Webster. She said it “just felt like the perfect ice cream spot.”

Two-year old Jojo and her sister Annalilese were happy customers on Polar Freeze’s opening day.

I would have to agree. Hank’s took their awesome ice cream with them when they closed several years ago. Webster Hots has tried to fill the void, but as far as I’m concerned, the more ice cream options in the village, the merrier. And in my 20-plus years in Webster, I can’t remember ever having a dedicated ice cream shop right in the village.

I’d say we’re pretty lucky that Bianca and her husband decided to bring their passion for ice cream to our village.

Right now, Polar Freeze is open from noon to 9 p.m. every day, and this summer will be open noon to 10 p.m. On Monday April 12 they’ll be hosting their grand opening celebration. That would be a great day to stop by, say hi, and welcome them to our friendly village. You can park on Main Street or find ample spaces in the parking lot behind Village Hall.

Visit their Facebook page to find out more.

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Penfield’s Good Neighbor Day returns in May

7 Apr
Sharon Hodge, Yazmin Fernaays and Molly Rothfuss spread mulch during Penfield’s Good Neighbor Day a few years ago

As many of you know, when I started writing this blog (and until a few years ago, actually), I was a Penfield resident. So this annual event from our friends to the south has always been on my radar.

It’s the 7th annual Terry Rothfuss Memorial Good Neighbor Day, scheduled this year for Saturday May 8. The event gathers volunteers to help Penfield seniors, veterans and those who are disabled do light yard work and spring cleaning.

Projects require no more than a 3-hour commitment, and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to sign up, so it’s a great family activity.

Volunteers meet at the Rothfuss Farm the morning of the event for refreshments and to receive assignments, and then spread out around the town to complete their projects.

The event honors the memory of Terry Rothfuss, who was a farmer in east Penfield and a friend to all. He was always ready and willing to help anyone at any time. When he passed away in 2014 there was a huge hole left in the community. His friends and family wanted to carry on Terry’s legacy of friendship by continuing to help their community and inspire others to do the same.

To sign up to help or receive help, please call Sabrina at 340-8651, or email srenner@penfield.org.

Even if you’re unable to help out, the Town of Penfield and Browncroft Community Church has another way that morning to celebrate being good neighbors.

The whole community is invited to Rothfuss Park that Saturday, May 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for fun, food, and a time to catch up with neighbors. The event will include food trucks, a food drive for Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf, and fun activities including inflatables and a speed pitch. The event is free and open to the public.

Although both events are outdoors, masks, proper hand hygiene, and physical distancing are required for all to stay safe.

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Girl Scouts help spread the word about Webster’s trails

5 Apr
The builders: Martine Broikou, Leah Hurlbut and Ellie Gramowski

Just in time for warmer weather and the promise of more hikers and bikers hitting the trails, several new Friends of Webster Trails brochure boxes have been installed for nature lovers to utilize.

At the request of the Friends, Webster Girl Scout Troop 60844 built six new boxes to replace some that have been vandalized and add a few in new locations. The girls spent several hours a few weekends ago constructing the boxes, then installed four of them last Saturday morning, with help from Friends Trails Committee Chair Craig Hurlbut and Trail Steward Bud Gearhart.

The new boxes contain Friends of Webster Trails brochures, which include a detailed trail map, plus information about the Friends and how to become a member. They’ve been installed at the Hojack Trail trailhead on Van Alstyne Rd., Gosnell Big Woods Preserve, Vosburg Hollow Nature Trail and on the Chiyoda Trail.

I love the idea of having these brochures so easily available to everyone who frequents our trails. The all-volunteer Friends of Webster Trails does an amazing job developing and maintaining our town’s impressive trail system, which now includes almost 30 distinct trails stretching through more than 20 miles of natural beauty. The new brochure boxes will, hopefully, let more people learn about and appreciate these very hard-working volunteers.

If you come across one of these new boxes in your travels, make sure to grab a brochure, tear off the membership card and send it in to show your thanks and support. It only costs $10/year for one person, and just $15 per family. Or better yet, click here to go to the Friends of Webster Trails website to learn more about them and sign up as a member.

  • Trail Steward Bud Gearhart and Martine Broikou at Gosnell Big Woods
  • Leah Hurlbut does some drilling with help from Trails Committee Chair Craig Hurlbut
  • Ellie Gramowski helps Hurlbut and Gearhart install the brochure box at Gosnell Big Woods
  • Leah Hurlbut, Martine Broikou and Ellie Gramowski pose with the first box they installed, on Van Alsytyne Rd. at the Hojack Trail

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Webster community mailbag

1 Apr

I’m going to lead today’s mailbag with a few items from the Webster Public Library. They’ve always got a lot of really neat stuff going on.

For starters, when I stopped in the other day I saw that the Friends of the Library are selling some rockin’ t-shirts as a fundraiser. For $15 you can be as cool as these library staff members/models:

Coming up on April 11, the library will be celebrating National Barbersop Quartet Day by hosting an online concert featuring three local barbershop quartets. Webster is lucky to be home to an outstanding barbershop society, the Chorus of the Genesee, so you know they’re going to be a part of this. Two of the performances you’ll see that day were filmed at the Chorus’ home base, the Harmony House.

The concert will be streamed live at 3 p.m., Sunday April 11. It will also be available any time after that time to watch, but it’ll be neat to watch it live, so mark your calendar.

Here’s a brief round-up of this month’s adult prgrams at the library:

  • Favorite Cruises & Ports of Call Travelogue, Tuesday, April 6, 3 p.m.
    Webster resident John Bustard will be the guide in a visit to the British Isles, Italy, Greece, the Panama Canal, Alaska and the Caribbean.
  • Interested in Serving as a Library Trustee? Wednesday, April 7, 7 p.m.
    Learn about the basic functions and responsibilities of a trustee, and listen and ask questions of our current Board members.
  • Herb Gardening: An Online Program, Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m.
    Participants will learn the benefits of herb growing from their beauty and use in cooking, to their medicinal uses and healing properties.
  • Debt: An Online Presentation (Part 1 of the Financial Series), Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m.
    Learn simple strategies for living debt free and making smart decisions.
  • Home Ownership: Choosing to Buy Versus Rent (Part 2 of the Financial Series), Wednesday, April 21, 7 p.m. Discusses the pros and cons of owning your home ownership vs. renting.
  • Planning for Retirement: An Online Presentation (Part 3 of the Financial Series) Thursday, April 29, 7 p.m.
    Covers the basics of retirement including financial concerns, phases of saving, financial lessons and more.

These programs are all free and open to the public but registration is required. Visit the Webster Public Library website for more information and registration. A Zoom invitation will be sent (via email) the day before the program to everyone who has registered.

I have Webster Online to thank for these next few news items. If you haven’t checked out this new(ish) news website yet, click here to take a look Or you can always find a link over there on the right side of the blog. There’s a lot of great information there (and a weekly link to my blog).

Knights of Columbus moves out of Barrett Drive

After 40 years in their same location on Barrett Drive across from the post office, the Webster Knights of Columbus Center is moving.

As with many changes taking place in the last year, Covid-19 is the culprit. Thanks to the pandemic, the Knights lost a lot of revenue from community events they would normally host. The financial hit was just too much to manage, resulting in the difficult decision to move.

Fortunately, the Knights will not be moving far. Their new home will be in the old Holy Trinity School annex on Ridge Rd. just east of the village. They hope to open the new location sometime this summer and continue the great work they do for our community.

Town Board in-person meetings return

Beginning April 1 all Town Board meetings will reopen to the public — with restrictions, of course.

To participate in person, visitors must wear a mask and maintain social distance at all times. Seating will be limited inside the board room and visitors will be rotated in as necessary, based on cppacity.

Meetings will still be available for viewing live on Spectrum Channel 1303 or on the Town’s website. There continue to be opportunities for public comment during the meetings by calling 585-872-7011. Or, residents can submit comments and questions using the online Board Meeting Comment Form.

Village of Webster Board meetings are still being held via Zoom. For more information and links, visit the Village of Webster website.

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So, what have those museum folks been up to?

31 Mar

Have you been wondering what’s been going on at the Webster Museum during shutdown? In a word … lots. The volunteers there have really been taking advantage of this time to revamp, reorganize and rethink their collections and future plans. Here’s a great report from museum volunteer Kathy Taddeo:

You might expect that your all-volunteer community museum would keep working during a pandemic. You would be correct.

When the Webster Museum reopens, you will see ample evidence that volunteers have been busy. You will notice lighting improvements inside and out. You will see exhibit spaces relocated and reorganized for better historical interpretation. You will see various surfaces painted, polished and refurbished. You will see new items from our extensive collections on display in our permanent exhibits. Just as you may have noticed that the museum’s exhibits at Hegedorns and the public library have changed regularly during closure, you will notice new rotating exhibits in the usual cases at the museum itself. You may have seen volunteers as they continued to participate in community events such as the town’s Reverse Parade, the village’s Snowman Hunt and the Community Chest’s “Peep” Show.

Important and consequential work is happening invisibly as well. Board and committee meetings continue by Zoom with consequent tasks completed at home. Our volunteer webmaster continues to add new features and update favorites to the museum’s website, including photo galleries for the community to exhibit their talents. Collection inventories and document preservation continue. Collaborative research projects, plans for reopening when we can and needed estimates for building repairs are all still happening, though in new and different ways.

And planning… soooo much planning.

The Webster Museum Board has been meeting since October 2020 to initiate, design and undergo the rigorous process of self-reflection known as Strategic Planning. This process is intended to provide an organization with a structured way to examine its current philosophies and operations and align them with contemporary culture as well as with its own mission and vision for the future.

Despite the necessity of meeting by Zoom, Board Members have completed organizational and needs assessments and surveyed its volunteers and members for suggestions. Multiple extra Zoom meetings to design the process resulted in four study groups currently at work before, during and after more extra Zoom meetings to recommend actions to enhance the museum’s contributions to the Webster community. The Webster Museum Board expects this on-going and cyclical strategic planning process to take about five years.

The work of Strategic Planning may be invisible, but the results are expected to be tangible. We look forward to more visibility when it is safe to invite you back for a visit.

Make sure to check out the Webster Museum website for the latest updates on programs and exhibits.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

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