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Wreaths Across America named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

9 May

Every month at the Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s breakfast meeting, one of the member businesses is singled out as “Business of the Month.” This special recognition honors member businesses for their significant contributions to the Webster community, community involvement, and active participation in Chamber events.

I always enjoy finding out who’s chosen every month, and I’m pleased to highlight each business in my blog. But May’s honoree means more to me than most, because I consider the Wreaths Across America one of Webster’s most outstanding non-profit organizations, and the force behind it all — Cherie Wood — a good friend.

Here’s what Dan Dunn, from the Chamber of Commerce’s Events and Honors Committee, read as he presented the award:

Today’s business of the month is a little different, but in the best possible way. We’re recognizing Wreaths Across America — Webster, New York, an organization that reminds us what service to a community really looks like.

Wreaths Across America started back in 1992 with a simple idea: honor and remember our veterans. Here in Webster, that mission took root in 2021 thanks to Cherie Wood, who wanted to honor her father’s service in World War II. What started with 600 wreaths at one cemetery has grown into honoring 2,500 fallen veterans across five Webster cemeteries. That doesn’t happen by accident; that happens because someone refuses to let people be forgotten.

The message is powerful: We die twice — once when we pass, and again when our name is spoken for the last time, Every wreath placed means a name is said out loud. Someone is remembered. That matters. And here’s what really stands out: this is entirely community-driven. No government funding,. Every wreath is sponsored by individuals and businesses, year after year. That’s 2,500 acts of generosity, every single year.

Cherie may call herself a volunteer, but she’s leading something much bigger. She supports active-duty families, works with Gold Star families, helps veterans find resources, and stands in honor at services, making sure families know their loved ones will never be forgotten. Then there’s Wreath Day. After the ceremony, up to 1,000 people from our community come out to place wreaths, It’s one of those moments that reminds you what a community can be when people show up for something bigger than themselves.

Cherie is also involved with … ROC Veterans, the Webster Garlic Fest, the town’s 250th celebration, and even serves as Historian for Webster Union Cemetery. She’s not just preserving history — she’s actively shaping it.

One moment says it all: a Vietnam veteran told her last year that placing a wreath was the first time in 60 years that he felt proud of his service. Think about that for a second. That’s the impact.

So today, we’re not just recognizing an organization. We’re recognizing purpose, commitment, and what it looks like to truly give back.

When Dan finished the presentation, every single business person in the room stood to give Cherie Wood a standing ovation. I have never seen that happen before.

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(posted 5/9/2026)

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

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The Village’s first Wine Walk of the summer is next weekend

8 May

The first Village of Webster Wine (and Food) Walk for 2026 is coming up fast. It’s scheduled for Saturday May 16 from 4 to 7:00 p.m.

This is always a great time to get together with friends and stroll the streets of the Village of Webster, popping into businesses and sampling so. much. wine. and lots of great snacks. Tickets are $23.18 (including the Eventbrite fee) and are available online only. You’ll need to register ahead of time (click here), and you’ll be provided with a digital ticket which you can present on your phone or print.

This event always sells out, so if you think you want to attend get your tickets soon.

Event check-in will be at Annette’s Restaurant,  (27 West Main St.). PLEASE have your ticket ready and make sure you have your ID, because you will not be allowed to proceed without showing it. At check-in, you’ll receive your souvenir wine glass and a map of the stops. From there, feel free to start wherever you’d like.

The Wine Walks are brought to you by the Webster Business Improvement District (BID). They haven’t published a preview of this stops yet, but you can check the website for updates.

Remember, participants MUST be 21+ and you MUST have your ID.

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(posted 5/8/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

3 May

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.

From the library

Here are a few events especially for seniors at the Webster Public Library:

  • 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.

Here’s a quick look at what else is going on at the Webster Public Library this month:

  • 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.

Get some flowers for Mom!

The Webster Arboretum Association’s Spring Plant Sale is back, scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.

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.

Happy news from the Chamber

Finally, this bit of happy news from the Webster Chamber of Commerce:

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)

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Mother’s Day, brought to you by the Village of Webster

2 May

Looking for a great way to celebrate your mother this Mother’s Day? The Village of Webster’s got you covered. From memorable gifts to delicious desserts to live music and dinner out, the options are … well, not endless, but plentiful.

If you’re looking for a unique gift, start at Lala of Webster. Lala is an adorable gift shop at 38 East Main Street, whose shelves are full of great ideas for Mom, from fashion to jewelry, personal care items to home decor, “I-love-my-pet” stuff, “I love-my-wine” stuff, and so much more. What I especially like about Lala’s is that the prices are reasonable. It would be a great place to bring your kids shopping if they want to get something extra special for Mom.

Jojo Wine & Bistro is right next door to Lala’s on East Main, a great place to take Mom to lunch or dinner. They have live music on Thursday nights, too, in case you want to celebrate Mother’s Day early.

And Jojo is just one of the great restaurants in the village that would make for a memorable Mother’s Day dinner. They include:

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, there are even more options. Check out my Village Directory for more ideas.

If you’re planning a Mother’s Day brunch, make sure to get your breads and sweet treats from the Village Bakery & Cafe (44 E. Main St.), Sweet Square Bakery (3 W. Main St.), or the brand new Sweet Shenanigans bakery (15 E. Main St.). And never forget The Goodie Shop (83 North Ave.) for hand-made candies, cookies and Mike’s famous three-layer ice cream cakes.

I’m sure I’m forgetting something, so let me know if I need to add to these lists. There are just so many great village businesses it’s hard to highlight them all.

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(posted 5/2/2026)

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

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Reconnecting with Play-a-Latte play café

30 Apr

One of the things I like best about attending the Webster Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Breakfast Buffet meeting is that I get to reconnect and check in with dozens of Webster-area business owners whom I have gotten to know through my blog.

At the April meeting, held last Friday April 24 at the Webster Golf Club, I had the pleasure to sit next Richelle Acker, co-owner of Play-a-Latte play café, located in the Towne Center Plaza on Ridge Rd. (Target plaza). Richelle and her sister Kristi Phillips opened the adorable little play space last September, and of course I wrote a blog about it. But I haven’t been back even once since then, to chat and see how things are going.

Apparently, I’ve missed out on a lot. Judging from what Richelle was telling me about the programs they’ve created and community connections they’re making with neighboring businesses, she and Kristi seem to have really settled into their business and found their groove.

If you’ve never been to Play-a-Latte yet, you really ought to pop in just to see what it’s all about. The bright, kid-friendly space features custom-built playhouses (retail and service shops), surrounding a “central park”-type area with picnic tables and ice cream cart, all encouraging imaginative play. There’s also a fenced-off area for very young children, a party room, and a separate sensory room: a quieter, calmer space with muted lighting, fidget toys and sensory tiles and boards. Plus, there’s plenty of comfortable seating for parents and grandparents, and a nice variety of refreshment options for both adults and children.

It’s basically a great place for parents to unwind with a beverage while their children are exploring, pretending, learning and making new friends.

And that’s just a start. Richelle and Kristi are always coming up with fun and creative new programs for young children and their caregivers. For example, in May there’s:

  • Love 2 Learn Sensory Class, Monday May 4 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Forty minutes of structured sensory activities, music and take-home craft followed by playtime. 
  • Live Puppet Show, Saturday May 16 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. A fun and educational live puppet show for ages three and up. Featuring the “Move & Groove” show by Grace & Grins Puppets, which includes music and dancing. Ticket also includes playtime after the show. Adults are free.

Click here to find out more and purchase tickets for any of these events. Play-a-Latte play café is located on the west side of Towne Center Plaza on Ridge Rd. (next to Cold Stone).

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(posted 4/30/2026)

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

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Welch’s Greenhouses: Still growing after 45 years

29 Apr

Now that the weather is finally becoming more spring-like, we’re all beginning to think about planting some flowers and vegetables. When you’re trying to decide where to find a nice selection, remember that Welch’s Greenhouses, on Webster Rd. just south of the village, has got you covered — and has for decades.

Welch’s owners, Bill and Laura Vendel, are celebrating a pretty big anniversary in 2026: 45 years of offering high quality plants and garden supplies to the greater Webster community.

The garden shop’s history actually goes back to 1959, when it first opened as a specialized nursery, growing tomato plants for local farmers to supply area canning factories. When those factories closed, the greenhouses transitioned into the retail garden center we know today, offering flowers and vegetable plants for home gardeners.

Bill and Laura Vendel purchased Welch’s in 1981, and since then have continued to expand its footprint and selection of home gardening plants and supplies. They’ve added two greenhouses and much more retail space inside — about 20,000 sq. feet, by Bill’s estimate, packed to the gills with vegetable plants, flowers and hanging baskets; plus bulk topsoil, gravel, mulch, grass seed, sand, and more. Just about anything a home gardener might need.

Bill and Laura have carved out their own niche in Webster’s crowded garden center scene, where their small, family-run business puts personalized service first.

“We try to make sure people feel comfortable,” Laura said, “and I treat everybody like they’re my friend…. People come back because they get that feeling. They see a familiar face and they get to say hello. When you go places, I don’t think you get to do that very often.”

Bill and Laura also take special pride in being a starting point — a first job — for local youth. Many former employees now stop by with their own children, completing a circle of community support. As Bill puts it, “We’re proud of the fact that we’ve been able to give back,” reflecting on the generations they’ve served.

Welch’s Greenhouses is located at 1271 Webster-Fairport Rd. (Rt. 250), less than a mile south of the village. Stop by, grab some spring flowers, and congratulate Bill and Laura on their anniversary.

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(posted 4/29/2026)

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

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A quick update on The Coach

23 Apr

If you’ve passed through the Village of Webster recently, you’ve likely noticed that renovations to the The Coach Sports Bar are still a work in progress. Both the inside and outside have a ways to go before the taps start flowing again at the popular local hangout.

It’s been more than a year since the devastating St. Patrick’s Day, 2025 fire that tore through The Coach. It started behind the bar, and while the building remained structurally sound, the heat, smoke and water damage meant that the whole place had to be gutted. Owner Fritz Sierk was originally hoping that he’d be able to reopen in time for the Super Bowl last February (which he fully expected the Bills to be playing in). Clearly, that date came and went as unexpected delays and construction hurdles kept pushing the reopening date down the road.

But things are finally nearing completion and Fritz says he hopes to open in a “couple of weeks.” And when he finally does, the wait will most definitely have been worth it.

Some of the highlights of the new space include a larger, more comfortable bar space with better lighting; a large overhang on the back deck to accommodate smokers, replacing the old “smoking hut” which had to be removed to enlarge the bathrooms; a small, fenced-in patio at the east end of the building, providing additional seating; a 140-inch LED wall replacing the four huge TVs on the west wall of the seating area; and there are two new “garage-door windows,” very much like the one at the Mary Wee Pub across the street.

But Fritz is especially proud of those new bathrooms. They’re much larger and completely updated, and feature individual rooms with doors, rather than stalls.

Fritz is really looking forward to showing off the “new” Coach to the community.

“I’m excited to finally open,” Fritz said. “It’s been long enough. The place is just amazing. It’s certainly not the old Coach but I think it’s got enough personality to be good. I like the openness, the ‘Mary Wee’ windows, the soffit around the bar … and the bathrooms are incredible.”

In the end it’s still going to be the same, familiar Coach that we all know and love. Just a little bit better.

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(posted 4/23/2026)

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

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Webster community mailbag

19 Apr

A few new offerings in today’s mailbag, and some reminders.

The Webster Arboretum Association’s Spring Plant Sale is back, scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 8 a.m. to noon.

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. 

There’s no fee to attend the Connect @ Noon events, but registration is required.

And now, some reminders …

The Webster Comfort Care Home‘s Mother’s Day Raffle is still going on.

  • 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)

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Ryndock Realty named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

18 Apr

Congratulations to Ryndock Realty, honored as the April Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Ryndock Realty, located at 1250 State Rt. 104 in Ontario, is owned by Sylvia Ryndock, who received the award in honor of her commitment to her business and her community, and her service with the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

It was a deeply personal turning point in her life which inspired Sylvia to start her business. In 2013, after being diagnosed with cancer, Sylvia was inspired to pursue a long-considered goal of obtaining her real estate broker’s license. Following an arduous 16-month battle, she emerged with a renewed perspective: “You never know how long you have on this earth.” This realization motivated her to fully commit to building a business grounded in personal service, education and purpose.

The Chamber values community service, and Sylvia lives a life of contribution to others. She serves as Director on the Webster Chamber Board and is a member of the Marketing & Communications Committee. She volunteers with the Wayne County Business Council and Genesee Valley Aglow International, and she and her husband Mark lead New Breed Fellowship. Sylvia also volunteers to prepare taxes for seniors, leads a jail ministry, supports women through her own Begin Again program, and hosts the Mobile Mammography Center at her office.

Through her breast cancer and personal loss experiences, Sylvia communicates a depth of compassion, resilience, and understanding through her Realtor and community service work. These experiences translate into personal and professional support of her clients and community.

Congratulations to Ryndock Realty for being chosen for this well-deserved honor.

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. Less than 3% of the members are chosen annually.

ABOUT THE WEBSTER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Webster Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization that provides support, networking opportunities and education to its members. They foster collaboration among business, community and government to promote Webster’s economic vitality and quality of life. The Webster Chamber is the voice and catalyst of business. Working together, the Chamber delivers a strong community of choice. rocENROLL HEALTH is owned and operated by the Chamber, offering health insurance enrollment throughout your lifetime. This service began in 1938.

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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 4/18/2026)

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Village of Webster’s newest bakery will open Friday

14 Apr

If you love baked goods, you’ll be very excited to learn that Sweet Shenanigans, the Village of Webster’s newest bakery, is set to open its doors this Friday April 17.

Sweet Shenanigans, located at 15 East Main St., is owned and operated by Brittany Butler and Kyle Babcock. They’re basically taking over the space recently vacated by the Kiss Me Cookie bake shop. There are still a few final touches to finish up, one last inspection to sign off on, and an outdoor sign to install. Plus, they have to do a LOT of baking, but they’re just about ready to go.

It helped that their new shop was pretty much a turn-key operation, given its recent history as Kiss Me Cookie. They had to make a few electrical adjustments, and get some more commercial equipment like coolers and freezers, and some more display cases. But in general, it did not take them much time to bring everything up to snuff.

Brittany and Kyle both have backgrounds in baking and food service. Brittany has been baking for 15 years, mostly out of the house, often distributing through local bakeries and restaurants. But, she said, “We kind of got to the point where we’re like, yeah, we should do this for ourselves. It’s fun!”

They started seriously thinking about making the leap about three years ago. But finding the right place proved to be a challenge.

“We looked all over the Finger Lakes” Kyle said. “We had a couple decent places lined up — one in Macedon and one in Geneva — and they just fell through. … (Then) this place opened up in Webster, and we jumped on it.”

“We kind of just fell into it,” Brittany added. “I just so happened to be looking at the right place at the right time on the right day on the internet.” So it was if fate led them to our little village, and they couldn’t be happier. The response from residents and neighboring businesses has been “great,” Brittany said. “Everyone is so lovely. Everyone’s been so welcoming, so supportive. It’s been fantastic.”

Brittany and Kyle have a clear vision for carving out their own niche among the village’s bakeries, starting with a signature line of artisanal breads.

For example, “We’re going to do salty bread,” Kyle said. “People look for that. A nice sturdy solid loaf topped with sea salt.” They’ll also be baking up a variety of pastries, like danishes, turnovers, cookies, cannolis, peanut butter bars, cinnamon rolls, their own version of Pop-Tarts, and other “fun stuff.”

My husband and I are particularly looking forward to sampling Sweet Shenanigans’ Czech kolaches, which we first discovered on our trip to Prague last year. Think sweet, brioche-like yeast dough filled with fruit, cheese or poppy seeds.

Sweet Shenanigans is located at 15 East Main Street, two doors down from the Village Quilt Shoppe. Their sign hasn’t been installed yet, but in the meantime, look for a shop full of sweet treats and smiling faces, and follow your nose to some delicious baked goods. Their regular hours will be  Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can connect with them on Facebook, Instagram (@sweetshenanigansbakes) or TikTok. Call 585-478-3603 or email sweetshenanigansbakes@gmail.com.

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(posted 4/14/2026)

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