I heard some big news recently about the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market, which right now calls Towne Center Plaza its home every Saturday morning. Next season, the market will be returning to the Village of Webster.
Beginning June 12, 2027, the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market will be setting up at Spry Middle School, in the cafetorium parking lot right off of South Ave. It’ll still be on the same day (Saturday), at the same time (8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and will have the same vendors you’ve come to know and love, plus some new ones.
The parking at Spry will be much easier and more plentiful, and I’ve heard unconfirmed reports that there will be food trucks at the new location as well. (Still trying to get more information about stuff like that.)
It’s also basically going to be right across the road from me, so I’m all for the move!
As I find out more about this change, I’ll let you all know.
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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.
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You might have read a few days ago in my blog that Sweet Shenanigans bakery on East Main St. in the village has been nominated them in the Best Bakery categoryof this year’s Rochester Community’s Choice Awards.
Well, as I was going online yesterday to vote for them again (guess what? You can vote EVERY DAY!) I noticed that they are not the only Webster business included in the list of nominees, by far.
I took a quick walk through the list last night and this is what I came up with. I’ve identified them by their category, so when you vote, look for the category to find them. See if there’s a business in here that you’d like to support, and after you’ve read through them all, I’ll tell you again how to go about voting.
Beauty and Health
Joe’s Barbershop
Lattimore Physical Therapy
Burds Physical Therapy
Dining (various sub-categories)
Proietti’s Italian Restaurant
Royal Dynasty
Sweet Shenanigans
Mama Lor’s Cafe
Bill Gray’s
Charlie Riedel’s
Tom Wahl’s
Uncle Buck’s Catering
BC’s Chicken Coop
Abbott’s Frozen Custard
Bruster’s
Salvatore’s
Castaways
Entertainment and Leisure
Play-a-Latte
Kids and Education
DK Dance
Northern Hemisphere Gymnastics
St. Rita School (preschool)
Webster Thomas High School
Pets
Ruff Day Pet Resport
Services
Ace Swim & Leisure
Shopping
Orville’s Home Appliances
Heart to Heart Bride
Warren’s Decorating
Kittelberger Florist
Sunscape Farms
JF Jones Jewelers
If, as you go through the nominations, you see that I’ve missed anyone, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.
Here’s how to vote:
Go to Rochester Community’s Choice Awards and click “Vote Now.” If you hit a Democrat and Chronicle paywall, don’t worry. Just back out of that screen and hit “Vote Now” again and it should let you through.
The voting instructions are there, but basically they’ll make you register before you make your first vote, then you’ll breeze through the next time you log on.
Scroll down to the category you want.
Click on the category and the nominated businesses will show up. Just click “vote” next to your selection.
As I mentioned, you can do this every daythrough Sept. 23, so basically, you can stuff the ballot box. So log on and let’s vote for Webster!
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(posted 9/11/2026)
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One of the things I like best about writing this blog is that occasionally I discover a hidden corner of our town or village that I can share with everyone, like an under-publicized event, an unusual find, or perhaps a local resident who’s doing great things for others.
But I especially like learning about small businesses which have just moved to town, so I can help spread the word. That’s why I was pleased when Sue Mongiovi emailed me about her new photography studio, Susan Elizabeth Portraits, located at 47 West Main St. in the Village of Webster.
Sue actually opened up her new studio space in January, but she’s been doing the photography thing for a long time. Her passion for photography began 20 years ago, when she was working part-time as an assistant wedding photographer while, ironically, working full-time at Kodak. But even back then she longed to open up her own studio and leave the corporate grind behind.
In 2007 she made the leap, leaving Kodak (before they downsized her) so she could focus all her attention on pursuing her passion. For a long time she worked out of her home, until she rented her first studio in 2018 in the Anderson Arts Building in Village Gate, and then later the Hungerford Building. When that didn’t pan out, she dropped the studio idea altogether for two years. But she always kept one eye focused on the real estate listings in case the perfect property became available.
The last thing she expected was to find that perfect space in her very own village, around the corner from her Webster home.
The new two-room studio is located on the bottom floor of a small house on West Main Street. “I’ve never had anything like this before,” Sue said, “and it never dawned on me to look in my own town. I’m such a city girl. I live here, but I’ve always thought of an artist being in the city in some run-down building.”
The space is perfect for what Susan Elizabeth Portraits has become especially known for: a dress-up photo studio. There’s a small hallway for a gallery; a side room filled with fancy dresses, shoes, jewelry, tiaras, hats, and some fairy wings; and the studio space itself where Sue makes the portraits.
Girls come in with their moms (or sometimes it’s teenage friends, or even a Girl Scout troop), and explore the dress-up room, choosing whatever outfits and bling they’d like. They’re encouraged to examine all the props in the room, find their favorites, get creative and make their own magic.
“I feel like this is their place, to let them be who they want to be,” she said. “I love watching them transform, so they suddenly feel more confident, more proud of themselves.”
Even the process of selecting the outfits is part of the experience, so Sue will make a short video to help them remember it. Once everyone is primped and proper, they move into the studio for photos. Whether her clients ultimately decide to purchase the completed portraits doesn’t seem as important to Sue as being able to provide the experience.
“I don’t want them to just come over here for us to take pictures,” she said. “I want them to have that feeling of togetherness. Two people coming in or friends coming in, having fun in here, playing dress-up. … Whether or not they buy anything, it’s more like I just want them to have this place to go, to have this fun experience.” The finished products are kind of like a bonus.
Dress-up photography is just a small part of the services Susan Elizabeth Portraits offers, which also include family and couples’ portraits, senior portraits, special event photography and more. For more information, check out her website here, Facebook page here, and find her on Instagram and Pinterest.
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(posted 9/10/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
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I’ve had occasion recently to visit several of our town and village’s small business owners. My main purpose was to solicit donations for the Women’s Club of Webster’s upcoming Card and Game Party, and of course everyone was very generous, as our small business owners always are. But it was also a great chance for me to check in on these businesses, and chat with the owners to see how things are going.
In the process, I learned about all sorts of special events and new offerings, several of which I would now like to share with you.
We’re going to start with some BIG NEWS from Sweet Shenanigans at 15 East Main St. in the village. This little bake shop is barely six months old — they only opened in April — but it has already become a village favorite.
So much so that our sweets-loving Webster community has nominated them in the Best Bakery category of this year’s Rochester Community’s Choice Awards.
The Community’s Choice Awards is a nationwide program which celebrates the best businesses and organizations across the country. Community members nominate and vote for their favorite companies in more than 100 categories. Sweet Shanigans is vying against six other Rochester-area bakeries, including some big names you will definitely recognize. And this is just the first round; if they get enough votes, their category will be whittled down to five semi-finalists, then three finalists.
Voting is open now through September 23, so log on soon to cast your vote for Webster’s very own Sweet Shenanigans. Click this link to go to the voting page, click on the “Dining” tab, then “Bakery.”
And this is the kind of thing that has made Sweet Shenanigans a favorite:
They’ve just introduced a really fun new concept, the “Shenanigans Surprise Bags.” Basically, if you’re undecided about what to choose from the delightful variety of goodies in their display cases, you can order a surprise bag. They’ll choose around eight items from the cases and the bread rack — generally a $25-$30 value — and pack them up all ready to go. Your cost is only $20.
There is a limited amount of Surprise Bags available, and they’re only offered on Thursdays.
This adorable little “Trinket Trade Box” is located outside Oh Bella, a charming boutique located at 24 East Main St.
Owner Isabella Proietti got the idea from a shop she came across in Orlando and installed hers at the beginning of summer. The idea is kind of like a Little Free Library, but in this case children can place little trinkets, toys or stickers in it, and take what they’d like. Isabella says it’s been very popular, with both children and adults alike.
It’s pretty adorable. Make sure to check it out next time you’re in the village.
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Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr. in West Webster, has recently introduced a brand new “Horse Hangout” experience for adults.
It’s part of the Barnside Social Club, a welcoming place to relax, connect, and enjoy the company of horses, without the pressure of riding, lessons, or need of experience.
The Never Say Never website explains,
Many of the horses at Never Say Never Stables are enjoying their senior years. After spending their lives teaching, carrying, and caring for people, they’ve earned a softer landing. While they’re no longer suited for regular adult riding, they still thrive on connection. They love being groomed, pampered, hand-grazed, talked to, photographed, and simply enjoyed for who they are. And as it turns out, many adults are looking for exactly that.
The Barnside Social Club was created for those who miss being around horses, dream of owning one someday, once rode years ago, or simply find peace in their presence. Here, there is no pressure to ride, perform, or know anything about horses. Just come as you are and enjoy authentic connection with these wonderful animals—and with other people who appreciate them, too. Because sometimes the best part of the horse isn’t riding.
The program offers participants the opportunity to meet and connect with the horses in a relaxed barn atmosphere. You can meet fellow horse lovers and enjoy light refreshments or BYO, depending on the event. No riding experience is necessary.
New adventures are scheduled every month. Click here for more information and to check availability.
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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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Play-a-Latte, Webster’s very own play café, is celebrating its first anniversary, and parents and kids of all ages are invited to join the fun.
Play-a-Latte, located in Towne Center Plaza (Target Plaza), is owned and operated by Richelle Acker and Kristi Phillips. It offers families a bright, kid-friendly space where children can dive into imaginative play, and a coffeehouse vibe, where parents can sip, chat, unwind and catch up with friends while their kids explore. It’s a bright, colorful, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of small-town America.
Eight different custom-built playhouses (retail and service shops) line the walls, surrounding a “central park”-type area with picnic tables, 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.
Basically, it’s adorable.
In the last year, the play café has seen steady business, especially during the colder months when playing outside isn’t a great option. Visiting the indoor playground has definitely been a delightful experience for little ones, but Richelle and Kristi are finding that one of the best parts about their business are the adult friendships they’re making at the same time.
Richelle wrote,
We have built so many wonderful relationships with our customers and made a lot of new friends along the way. Our favorite part of the job is seeing our “regulars” come in and being able to relax and chat with them during their visit. While we recognize that it’s not always possible (or common) for business owners themselves to be present and working the “front lines,” we pride ourselves on being able to be at the play café, interacting with families and looking for ways to improve the experience.
Especially being a new business, we feel it’s important to build connections with customers, the community, and to have the day-to-day operational perspective to identify opportunities for improvement.
In the past year, Richelle and Kristi have also sponsored a wide variety of holiday events, pop-up vendor events (like Crochet Creations by KF and Abide Link Permanent Jewelry) and lots of informational specials events (like a cookie-making class, Love-2-Learn Sensory Class and Raising Readers with Elise). They’ve also already become deeply involved in the Webster community. They partner with local businesses and organizations for their supplies and special events, and have supported dozens of charitable organizations with donations of toys, gift cards, advertisements and sponsorships.
Richelle added,
In addition to having over 7,400 playtime admissions since we opened … we have also hosted 50 private birthday parties and have had so much fun adding our personal touches and making them all feel special for our families. We love being creative with the business and we look forward to expanding our services to the community in our second year. We have lots of fun ideas such as baby/toddler music classes, educational workshops for parents, and private family photo sessions/holiday photoshoots in our space.
Play-a-Latte will celebrate its one year anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 12. They’ll be open for playtime from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day (reservation are suggested). Guests that day will enjoy a complimentary dessert tray and can take photos in front of a cute backdrop. There’ll also be a basket giveaway, and anyone who shares their anniversary post will have a chance to win. Plus, all merchandise will be on sale for 50% off.
Play-a-Latte is located on the west side of Towne Center Plaza on Ridge Rd. (next to Cold Stone). You can find more information on their website, Facebook page and Instagram (Playalatte_PlayCafe).
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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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Congratulations to CA Consulting, honored as the September 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce. The business was recognized at the Chamber of Commerce’s most recent Monthly Meeting, held Friday Aug. 28 at the Webster Golf Club.
CA Consulting — owned and operated by Cheryl Adas and based on Webster — is a professional consulting firm that specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and professional coaching.
Cheryl formed her DBA in 1991 when she started consulting for various organizations in customer service. Her family had recently relocated from Chicago to her hometown of Webster. Consulting became a part-time gig when she became the General Manager of the Courtyard in Brighton in 1994 and then began her career at Xerox in 1997.
It was more than 25 years later when Cheryl decided to leave Xerox and put her consulting career into action, providing leadership training, team effectiveness, and Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement processes. She knew there were opportunities using all the skills and experience she’d acquired over the years.
Her vision for her company became “Unleashing the Power of People with Momentum,” building confidence and helping people realize their untapped, unlimited potential. Cheryl works with both start-up and well-established organizations to help them build leaders at all levels and build critical thinkers in continuous process improvement.
Cheryl loves making a difference in people’s lives, helping them to see the best in themselves and achieve their potential. Her business is primarily marketed via word of mouth and the support of her MCC Economic and Workforce Development partnership. Cheryl has helped participants realize they were leaders leave her program with their heads held high and more confidence and pep in their step. She’s helped people with challenging personal lives thinking they couldn’t spend the time in the program who found it to be lifechanging in a positive way.
In addition to being an active Webster Chamber member, Cheryl also participates in the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Roc Dog Therapy with her five-year-old Golden Retriever Finn, and the Wellness on Wednesdays senior group. She was a former board trustee and co-chair at Sonnenberg Gardens and a former vice president and board member of the Port Bay Improvement Association.
For more information you can email Cheryl at cladas1@gmail.com or call (585) 703-3469.
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. Fewer than 3% of the members are chosen annually.
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I’m embarrassed to say that this occasion almost completely passed me by. But an email I got this morning from The Village Quilt Shoppe reminded me that this cute little shop turns seven years old this week. With all the business comings and goings of late, and all the empty storefronts, I’m happy to see a village business thriving.
That’s especially the case here, because owners Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti had a very rocky start. Just three months after they opened their doors in August 2019, a water leak from the apartment above the shop came through the floor and destroyed much of their merchandise. They had to close for almost a month. Then, a year later, COVID struck — and you know how difficult it was for small businesses to navigate that.
But thanks to a solid core of loyal customers, they navigated both of these major obstacles and came back stronger each time. And now this week they’re celebrating seven years in business.
Vanetta and Monique have several special events up their sleeves to celebrate the anniversary, most notably, Birthday Bingo TODAY (Tuesday Sept. 1) at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. They’ll be handing out free gifts with every purchase all week, and treats for all. Plus, they’ll have a prize wheel which you can spin for extra discounts.
They promise more fun surprises all week, so make sure to stop by the shop.
The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.
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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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Located at 10 North Ave. (formerly Mabel Jane’s Vintage Shop), the new Serenity Life Creative Studio is an extension of Serenity Life Counseling Services, which already has established locations at 93 West Main St. and 98 North Ave. Owned and operated by professional therapist Mattye McKibben, the studio is the realization of her long-time vision to bring a community-driven art therapy space to life.
She’s delivered that in a big way. Step inside the new studio and you’ll find a bright, open, welcoming atmosphere, enveloped in warm tones with vibrant splashes of color. It’s an environment which Mattye says is “built around the concept of Open Studio Art Therapy, an approach that combines the freedom and joy of creating art with the presence and support of trained creative arts therapists in a welcoming, community-centered environment.”
Rather than feeling like a traditional therapy office or a typical paint-and-sip studio, we’re trying to create something that blends the best of both worlds. We want people to be able to stop in for a girls’ night, a parent-child outing, a date, a family activity, or simply an hour of quiet creativity, while also knowing that licensed Creative Arts Therapists are part of the environment should they want a deeper therapeutic experience. Our hope is to bridge the gap between clinical art therapy and everyday community life, making creative wellness feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.
The concept is simple. When you walk in, you step up to the “art bar,” peruse the menu and select an art box stocked with supplies for your favorite medium — watercolor, acrylic, clay, oil pastel, pencil sketching and more. Each box includes all the art supplies you need, with optional add-ons. Grab some paper at the Paper Bar, find a comfortable spot to work (at a table, on a couch, or you can even sit in the front window) and start creating. There are even options for “little artists,” children 10 and under.
If you don’t have your own ideas and aren’t sure where to start, you can get inspired by one of the creative ideas posted in the studio. Or just experiment. You’ve got 90 minutes to work at your own pace, and licensed creative arts therapists are on hand at all times to help with materials, offer creative guidance or provide a little extra support.
Mattye describes the experience as “an approachable way to get some emotional wellness. It’s not a clinical environment.” Rather, “it’s ‘therapy-forward,’ more an open-structure art therapy.” And who couldn’t use a little therapy once in a while, especially when family and friends are part of the fun? What a great way to relax and put life’s problems aside for just a little while.
Serenity Life Creative Studio is located at 10 North Ave. in the Village of Webster. Find out more on their website, where you can also reserve a time to visit. Or just walk in during open studio hours. You can also follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. And stay tuned for news about upcoming special events, like Ladies’ Nights and Teen Tuesdays.
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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).
It’s really kind of hard to believe, but M.O. Pasta, that great little pasta shop on East Main St. in the Village of Webster, just celebrated its third anniversary.
Since opening in Webster in April 2023, M.O. Pasta has become a local favorite for authentic, handcrafted fresh pastas, small-batch sauces, take-and-bake kits, pastries, and fresh breads. Owner Mike Oldfield built a loyal following even before launching the storefront, and that community has grown steadily over the past three years through glowing word of mouth.
And now, M.O. Pasta is getting even better.
About a month ago, Mike expanded his services next door into the former Fella’s Tattoo and Gift Shop at 7 East Main, which moved out in April. It was perfect timing, opening up a spot for Mike to start offering pasta classes and private events (like dinners and team-building classes), something which was always in his long-range plans.
So it’s not so much an expansion as it is additional space. The room is long and thin, measuring about 800 square feet. On one wall hang photos from his trips to Italy, and on the other, a collection of pasta-making tools. A handsome table extends the length of the room, long enough to sit 14 comfortably, but leaving plenty of room for Mike to stack the bags of flour he imports straight from Italy. Some day he’d also like to set up a table in the front window and make pasta, “just like you’d see in Italy.”
Mike’s already hosted several classes in the short time since the classroom opened, and his September and October schedules are already filling up. If you’re interested in joining a class or scheduling one for your friends or co-workers, contact Mike through his website, Facebook page or Instagram to check availability. Or better yet, stop into the shop.
M.O. Pasta is located at 5-7 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.
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(posted 8/25/2026)
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).
I feature the people and places and events that make Webster the wonderful community it is — and throw in some totally-not-Webster-related personal ramblings every once in a while as well.
I love it when readers send me news about the great things happening in their schools or the community, so please email me anytime at missyblog@gmail.com
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