Archive | Local businesses RSS feed for this section

JF Jones celebrates Grand Opening

22 Jun

Congratulations to Brittany Jones and her new jewelry store, JF Jones Jewelers, which celebrated its grand opening last Friday morning with an official ribbon cutting ceremony.

Several family members, friends and local officials attended the gala event. It celebrated the next chapter for the family-owned business, which has a history that stretches back to 1928 when Brittany’s grandfather, Joseph F. Jones, founded the business. It also marks the first time JF Jones has operated on the east side of Rochester, after decades — and many locations — in Greece. (Read more about the JF Jones story in this blog.)

The gala event featured a whimsical Alice in Wonderland theme, complete with a “tea party.” After all, Brittany explained, “Growing up in a jewelry store was kind of like growing up in my own little wonderland,” so the theme seemed like a natural fit.

Welcome to Webster, Brittany and JF Jones!

JF Jones Jewelers is located at 1170 Ridge Rd., next to Heart to Heart Bride.

* * *

(posted 6/22/2026)

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).

Celebrate our nation’s birthday at the Arboretum

15 Jun

Our country is marking a HUGE birthday this year, and the Webster Arboretum’s planning an equally huge party to celebrate.

For four hours on Wednesday afternoon, June 24, the Arboretum will be filled with music, dance, storytellers, games, food trucks, kids’ activities, information tables from two dozen community organizations, and much more.

It all happens from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday June 24 at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. A very entertaining variety of activities are scheduled all afternoon, so bring a folding chair for the music, and try to be there for as long as you can.

Here’s the whole schedule:

  • 2:45 p.m.: Kidet Marching Band (WCSD’s elementary school marching band)
  • 3 p.m.: VFW Patriot Guard
  • 3 to 4 p.m.: Continental Army Tent with Michael Grenier
  • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Fathers’ Night Out in the gazebo (Dixieland band)
  • 3:30 to 4 p.m.: Storytelling Circle with Ganondagan (traditional Haudenosaunee stories)
  • 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Striking Strings dulcimer group (including harp, penny whistle, flute, guitar and marimba)
  • 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Uncle Bucks food truck
  • 4 to 4:30 p.m.: Life of the Seneca with Ganondagan, a talk about the daily life of the Seneca
  • 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 4:30 to 5 p.m.: Children’s Militia Program
  • 4 to 5 p.m.: Paint-a-pot activity for kids
  • 4 to 5:30 pm.: Guided tours of the Arboretum
  • 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Dance Party with Dancing with Denise
  • 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Poetry Trail guided tours
  • 5 to 5:30 p.m.: Wildlife Rock Stars, exotic animals show-and-tell
  • 5 to 6 p.m.: Story time with Nancy Nesbitt of the Webster Museum
  • 5:30 to 6 p.m.: Flint and Steel presentation
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Flower-seed paper cutouts at the craft table
  • 5:30 to 7 p.m.: Scoops ice cream truck
  • 6 to 6:30 p.m.: Duck Derby! Purchase a duck and race them in the pond
  • 6 to 6:45 p.m.: Webster Village Band
  • 6 to 7 p.m.: Chorus of the Genesee, barbershop harmony
  • 6:30 to 7 p.m.: Story time for kids with the Webster Public Library
  • 6:45 p.m.: Firing of the musket

Plus, all afternoon, you can check out incredible art displays with Joe Altieri, play lawn games with the kids, stop by the Patriotic coloring table, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt and history trivia quiz.

See? You’re not going to want to miss a minute of this event, so plan to come early and have dinner and dessert there. (P.S. make sure to stop by the Women’s Club of Webster information table and say hi to me!)

This amazing event is being presented as a collaboration of the Webster Arboretum with the Webster Public Library (Jason Poole), the Webster Community Chest (Ginny Nguyen), the Webster Museum (Sharon Pratt) and Lala’s Gift Shop & Boutique (Lisa Schlonski).

* * *

(posted 6/15/2026)

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).

SMT Mobile Notary named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

13 Jun

Congratulations to Susan Tripp and SMT Mobile Notary, honored as the June 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Tripp founded SMT Mobile Notary in March, 2024 out of a desire to make notarization services easier and more accessible for individuals who might not be able to travel to a bank, attorney’s office or town clerk. By bringing professional notary services directly to the clients, Susan has built a business centered around convenience, reliability, flexibility, and compassionate customer care. Those services include document notarization, real estate closings, loan signings and more. 

What Susan enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to meet new people and hear their stories. She likes to say, “every document has a story.” Some of those stories are joyful milestones, such as adoption paperwork or loan documents for first-time home buyers. Other times, her work takes her to hospitals or care facilities, where she helps individuals complete important documents during difficult moments of their lives. In every situation. Susan takes pride in helping provide peace of mind, and one less thing for her clients to worry about.

As a proud “solopreneur,” Susan operates the business independently and has quickly become known for going wherever her customers need her. That flexibility has led to some memorable experiences over the past two years. One of her favorite stories is when she was called to a Wayne County football field, where a coach urgently needed a certification notarized before practice could begin. Susan arrived with clipboard in hand, completed the notarization right on the field, and practice was able to continue.

“I feel incredibly lucky to do work that I genuinely love,” Susan said. “I get to help people during some of the most important moments in their lives — whether it’s buying a home, caring for family members, planning for the future, or handling difficult situations. Being trusted in these moments is something I never take lightly.”

Beyond her business services, Susan is deeply involved in the community. She serves on the board of directors for both the Webster Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the Webster Chamber’s events and Honors Committee. She volunteers with the Ontario Clothes Closet and Ontario Food Pantry, is a member of the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly, and regularly donates her time and notary services to individuals in the community who are unable to afford them, including visits to hospitals, shelters and adult living communities. 

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.

* * *

(posted 6/13/2026)

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

JF Jones Jewelers opens new store in Webster

5 Jun

The Town of Webster’s newest jeweler is also one of Rochester’s oldest.

The new JF Jones Jewelers recently opened at 1170 Ridge Rd., in the Jackson Crossing plaza, next door to Heart to Heart Bride. Owner Brittany Jones is a third-generation jeweler, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, whose shops were well known on Rochester’s west side for decades.

JF Jones is one of the longest-running, family-owned independent jewelers in the Rochester area. Its history spans nearly a century, all the way back to 1928, when Joseph F. Jones founded the business. For ten years, JF Jones Jewelers anchored the corner of Clinton and South Goodman. In 1938, the store moved to Ridge and Dewey, where it remained a vital part of the Greece community for 35 years. Joseph’s son Len and his wife Colleen took over the business in 1976 and over the next many years, moved it to several spots along West Ridge Rd. in Greece.

But now, Joseph Jones’ granddaughter Brittany has taken the reins, and JF Jones Jewelers has finally made it to the east side.

The new JF Jones shop is a beautiful, spacious, welcoming and sparkling experience. Like any respectable jewelry store, JF Jones offers a stunning variety of fashion jewelry including birthstones, bracelets, fashion rings, necklaces, watches, earrings and more. There’s a separate area in back, which Brittany calls her “bridal suite,” complete with a coffee bar, which offers a more private area where couples can choose their engagement and wedding rings in a more relaxed and quiet setting.

Brittany is very proud of the pieces she showcases, and especially proud to show off her grandfather’s original jewelry cases, which she still uses and which have a prominent place in her new shop. But what she considers her specialty, what she thinks sets her apart from other jewelers, is the shop’s ability to offer modern custom design, 3D modeling, and repurposing family heirlooms into cherished keepsakes. (For example, a widow might take her husband’s wedding band and her own, and Brittany can reshape them into something stunning — a beautiful new ring, or perhaps a necklace.)

“Every piece of jewelry tells a story,” Brittany said.

Brittany has an all-women staff, and all of the work is done on-site. Brittany herself is a Graduate Gemologist and a certified appraiser, and prides herself on her personal service.

“We want you to be our family,” she said. “You’re not just a number to us. We’ll remember your name when you come in. We keep track of all your purchases in our computer, so we remember and we can help you find something that matches something you bought before.”

That old-school philosophy has guided the business ever since Joseph F. Jones established it in 1928: do honest repair work, offer a quality product, treat people like neighbors and create cherished memories.

JF Jones Jewelers is located at 1170 Ridge Rd., next to Heart to Heart Bride. Brittany will celebrate her grand opening on Friday, June 19 with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Everyone is invited to come by and welcome Brittany to Webster.

To find out more, check out the JF Jones website and Facebook page.

* * *

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 6/5/2026)

Knollwood Swim Club: a little pool club with a big heart

3 Jun

Tucked away at the end of a long dirt driveway on Shoemaker Road sits a hidden summer playground. For 68 years, the Knollwood Swim Club has served as a beloved refuge for families, and especially kids, looking to fill their sunny summer days with fun. You might easily miss the modest sign at the entrance if you aren’t looking for it, and the club is set so far back from the road that passersby would never guess the activity taking place deep in the wooded property. But for decades, Knollwood has been a happening place for kids and adults of all ages.

Even though I’ve lived in Webster for a while, I didn’t know much — OK, anything — about the club. So at April’s Community Arts Day, I took the opportunity to stop at the club’s information table to find out more, and accept an invitation to visit as they prepared for the 2026 summer season.

Finally, this week, the pool was filled and the grounds tidied up for opening day. So on Tuesday, I drove down that long driveway myself and was delighted by what I found: a large, open, welcoming area that kind of reminded me of a campground. Sara Knowlden, the club’s president, was there to greet me, give me a tour and tell me more about the club’s history.

Knollwood Swim Club first opened in 1958, and sits on 1.7 acres. The heated pool, deep enough for diving, is the focal point of the facility, but members also enjoy an eight-inch deep kiddie pool (also heated), a volleyball court, fire pit, picnic tables and a gas grill. There’s plenty of pool toys for the kids and lots of comfortable lounge chairs and umbrella seating inside and outside the fenced-in pool area. The club is membership-driven and operates as a co-op, which means that it’s run by the families. Each family is assigned to one of three committees: maintenance, chemicals or grounds. That way no outside help needs to be hired, which keeps membership costs reasonable.

One of the club’s main attractions is their swim lessons. They’re offered to members four days a week for six weeks, and are included in the membership price, no matter how many kids are in the family. On top of all that, kids can have their birthday parties there, compete in the cardboard regatta, the Knollwood Olympics and the diving contest (can you make the best splash?), and swim till dusk on Glow Night. There are water aerobics classes, family picnics, toddler storytime, an ice cream social, and a campfire and movie night. Parents even get their own adult-only “steak night,” when they grill steaks and everyone brings a dish to pass.

It’s summer fun exactly as it was meant to be. But as wonderful as the swimming, special activities and swim lessons are, the best part of the Knollwood experience isn’t the pool toys, the lounge chairs, or the diving contests. It’s the sense of family.

“Knollwood is more than just a place to swim,” Sara said. “The pool club is a community gathering place where families connect, friendships grow, and members work together to create a welcoming summer tradition.” It’s the “little pool club with a big heart.”

This Saturday, June 6, you can check out Knollwood Swim Club for yourself, when they host an open house from 2 to 6 p.m. Stop by to try out the pool or just have a look around and enjoy an ice cream. (If the weather is yucky, the open house might be changed to Sunday, so check the Facebook page for the latest details.) For more information on club features and membership, visit the Knollwood Swim Club website here.

Knollwood Swim Club is located at 1043 Shoemaker Rd. Look for the sign!

* * *

(posted 6/3/2026)

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).

Those bees at Webster Union? Don’t worry about ’em!

29 May

Under a cool, cloudy Thursday sky earlier this week, a small group gathered in the westernmost section of Webster Union Cemetery. Among them were cemetery president George Baker, a Cornell University professor, and a graduate student, all peering intently at a series of small holes bored into the soil. They weren’t there to discuss gravestones or burial plots, however. Instead, they were investigating a completely different, yet equally important, cemetery concern: bees.

Every spring for the past several years, hundreds of thousands of bees have emerged from the ground at Webster Union Cemetery, especially in the cemetery’s western section. The phenomenon begins in April and lasts several weeks, and the bees arrive in such large numbers they often form what looks like an undulating carpet, hovering just a few inches off of the ground. It’s an issue that concerns cemetery staff members and visitors alike; naturally, the sight of so many bees amassed near their loved ones’ graves makes family members apprehensive.

These particular bees, Baker knew, were called “miner bees.” But he didn’t know much about them or how big a problem they actually presented. So he reached out to Cornell entomologist Dr. Bryan Danforth, who came out to the cemetery that Thursday morning, accompanied by grad student Henry Steig, to check out the situation first-hand.

Danforth, a professor of entomology at Cornell’s College and Agriculture and Life Sciences, is an expert in bees, and is especially interested in promoting their peaceful co-existence with humans. He’s discovered that cemeteries in particular are an ideal habitat for many bee species, in part because of the lack of pesticides and the fact the ground is rarely disturbed.

Danforth confirmed that the Webster Union bees were indeed Andrena regularis (the “regular mining bee”), and a second, closely related species, Colletes inaequalis, both solitary, ground-nesting bees. They’re also known as “digger bees,” reflecting how the female will use her legs, mandible and abdomen to bulldoze out her nest, a hole reaching more than a foot deep, which branches out underground into individual tunnels and chambers in which she deposits each of her eggs. The larvae continue to develop and hibernate through the summer, fall and winter, until the adults are ready to emerge in a cloud of buzzing insecthood on the first warm day of spring. The males emerge first, poised for prime mating opportunities when the females emerge a day or so later. Once mating is complete, the males fly off and the females work on their nests.

Danforth added that miner bees are important pollinators. They’re one of the best apple pollinators in New York State, because they come out of the ground early in the spring, right when the apple blossoms are blooming.

But the most important thing — which he reiterated several times — should set peoples’ minds at ease: miner bees are NOT aggressive and DO NOT sting. They don’t want to bother people. They just want to enjoy the solitude, make some babies, dig their nests, then leave it to the next generation to continue the cycle the following spring.

Most of the miner bees at Webster Union Cemetery have already hatched, mated and moved on. But, in the next week or two, if you’re at the cemetery visiting your loved ones and see a rippling mass of bees near their grave, just ignore them. And the next time you bite into a crisp apple, perhaps you can say a silent thank-you to A. regularis.

* * *

(posted 5/29/2026)

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).

Webster community mailbag

27 May

A couple of new items for today’s mailbag, and reminders of other special events coming down the pike.

First, you may have noticed that the Village of Webster has started re-surfacing the parking lot behind Village Hall and the Fire Department. Milling began this week and is scheduled to continue through Friday. Paving will take place between June 9 to 12. While this work is being done, much of the lot will be closed (see the map), and parking lot access will be closed at Corning Park and South Ave. You’ll still be able to access the smaller part of the lot from West Main.

Next, Sage Harbor at the Baywinde senior living community on Bay Rd. will be holding their second annual bake sale this Sunday, May 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. This is a cause that’s obviously important to the staff and residents at Baywinde, but also one that has touched many of our lives.

Sage Harbor is located at 100 Kidd Castle Way, off of Bay Rd.

* * *

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will hold another one of their popular Vintage Book Sales on Saturday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the library, 980 Ridge Rd., at the back of Webster Plaza.

Shop 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; prices are firm. Proceeds from the sale support the library. 

* * *

And now, here are some quick reminders of events I previously posted about:

  • On Thursday May 28 from 5 to 7 p.m., Lala of Webster (at 38 E. Main St.) will host a “Sip, Shop and Savor” event to benefit the Webster Arboretum. Shop three floors of value at Lala’s, and choose an item valued at $15 or more to donate to The Webster Arboretum. As a thank-you, you’ll get 20% the rest of your purchases. Then take your receipt next door to Jojo’s Bistro and Wine Bar, and get 20% off there, too. Jojo’s always has live music on Thursdays, so it’s a great opportunity for a date night!
  • 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. The meal includes salad, bread, spaghetti with your choice of sauce, meatballs, ice cream, a cookie, and a drink. Cost is $12 for adults and $6 for children and can be purchased in advance (click here) or at the door. There’ll also be a bake sale and raffles.
  • 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.
  • ALSO ALSO, the Comfort Care Home is holding a Father’s Day raffle. The winner will be chosen June 14. The Grand prize is a “Thrill of the Grill” bundle which includes a 28-inch Blackstone grill, two camp chairs, and much more. Tickets are one for $25, three for $30 and six for $100Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.
  • The Webster Recreation Center is inviting interested community members to join their Fitness Focus Group, which will help shape the future of the Rec Center’s program, facilities and group exercise options. The group will meet periodically, with the goal of keeping the time commitment to a minimum. If you’re interested in participating, email Jay Verna at jverna@websterny.gov with a brief note about why you’d like to participate. Submissions are open through May 31.

* * *

(posted 5/27/2026)

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).

Sip and thrift at the Village of Webster’s new mocktail bar

26 May

For weeks now, word has been spreading around town: a new mocktail bar is coming to West Main Street in the Village of Webster. While everyone seems very excited about the concept, the name, Threads and Tonic, has definitely raised some curious eyebrows. It’s an intriguing choice for a bar, leaving many to wonder: what’s with the “threads” part?

Everyone will soon find out that the unusual name is actually a very accurate representation of the unique concept that is Threads and Tonic: a healthy, no-alcohol social gathering place combined with a casual vintage clothing shopping experience.

Owner Tracy Adkins found a brilliant way to blend two of her greatest passions: bartending and thrifting. With 20 years of experience in the bar industry, Tracy is widely known for her incredible homemade juices. But her talents don’t stop at the bar; her close friends have long relied on her uncanny ability to track down the perfect piece of vintage clothing for any special event.

And now, starting this week, all of Webster will benefit from Tracy’s expertise.

Threads and Tonic will be officially opening this Thursday, May 28 at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Patrons will enjoy a variety of craft mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, NA beers, specialty teas, and healthy beverage options including fresh juices. Light food items are also available. And of course, as you enjoy your mocktail you can browse some vintage threads.

Tracy describes her new place as a place where she blends “secondhand treasures with zero-proof pleasures. … We’re all about sipping on delicious mocktails while rocking unique thrift finds that scream personality. Whether you’re here for a refreshing drink or to score some one-of-a-kind threads, we’ve got the perfect mix to keep your spirits high and your style on point. Come chill with us and discover your new favorite hangout spot.”

Step inside Threads and Tonic, and you’ll find a spacious, welcoming main room with comfortable seating and a curated selection of vintage clothing racks. In the adjacent room, the bar offers plenty of additional seating, complete with a fantastic view of life passing by on Main Street.

It’s a concept that I think is going to be very popular. More and more these days, people are choosing to drink less alcohol when they go out, but still like the social aspect of going to a bar. Threads and Tonic is the perfect solution.

As Tracy said, “It’s just a different type of space where you can hang out. Plus, you can go buy something you know for a holiday or birthday, or just yourself.”

After all, she added, “Retail therapy is a thing.”

Tracy will celebrate her grand opening this Thursday morning May 28 at 11 a.m. with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Then hang around and try one of her soon-to-be-famous mocktails. Threads and Tonic is located at 20 West Main St. in the Village of Webster. Found out more on her Facebook page or Instagram (@threadsandtonic).

* * *

(posted 5/26/2026)

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).

Here’s another way to remember and honor our veterans

25 May

Hot on the heels of Webster’s Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony, here’s another great way that you can show respect for our local veterans.

It’s a project called “Stoned Cleaned,” and its mission is to clean veterans’ headstones at Webster Union Cemetery. Spearheaded by Stephen Cataldi, the project was originally a five-year volunteer effort begun in 2019. Community turnout was so massive, however, all of the cleaning was completed in 2022, well ahead of schedule.

But now it’s time to do it again.

Two headstone-cleaning sessions have been scheduled in the next several weeks: May 31 and June 14. Participants are asked to bring rubber gloves and safety goggles if you have them. Wear clothes you can get wet and a little dirty. You’ll be provided with cleaning supplies, buckets, brushes, D2 Cleaner and hoses, plus full instructions.

You’re welcome to clean any headstones, including those of friends and family members, even if they aren’t veterans.

This year’s project is being held in conjunction with Webster Union Cemetery Historian Cherie Wood and Wreaths Across America — Webster.

It all happens Sunday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to noon and Sunday, June 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (at the corner of Woodhull). Click here to sign up for either date. Spots are limited.

* * *

(posted 5/25/2026)

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).

“White Tables” in Webster honor fallen heroes this Memorial Day

23 May

This Memorial Day weekend, almost two dozen restaurants throughout Webster and the Greater Rochester area are joining an effort to honor and remember veterans who never made it back home.

It’s a project called “White Tables Across America.” In each participating restaurant, a single, small, empty table is tucked in an area apart from the main dining area. It’s set for one, symbolizing that someone is missing from our lives — a fallen service member, POW or MIA.

The table is covered with a white tablecloth, signifying the purity of the service member’s emotions when answering the call to serve. In addition to a normal table setting, on top of the table are placed:

  • a single red rose, symbolizing the blood shed to ensure America’s freedom
  • a yellow ribbon tied around the vase, representing a demand for proper accounting of those who are not with us today
  • a lemon slice, reminding us of a captured soldier’s bitter fate
  • a black napkin, representing the sorrow of captivity
  • grains of salt on the plate, representing the countless fallen tears of families as they wait
  • an inverted glass, because they can’t toast with us
  • a white candle, for the hope that all our missing will return someday.

Finally, an empty chair is placed next to the table, a seat that remains unclaimed. Fully arranged, the table is a simple, yet powerful symbol of remembrance, each element representing the physical and emotional burden of a soldier’s absence.

These small memorials — also known as Fallen Comrade Tables or Missing Man Tables — can often be found at various military facilities, museums, veterans’ agencies, public events and civic spaces. Here in Rochester, though, the effort has become more organized, thanks to the efforts of Brockport resident Sarah Fisher and her five-year old son Brax.

Sarah explained how she decided to get involved.

Last Memorial Day, I felt it was the right time to begin having age-appropriate conversations with Brax about the true meaning behind our federal military holidays. Memorial Day is more than a day off from school or a holiday picnic. It is a day to remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

As part of a Memorial Day homeschool lesson plan I created for Brax, we set up a symbolic POW/MIA White Table in our home. Afterward, I thought: why not bring this tribute into our community? That would offer patrons a safe place to pause, reflect, and hold fallen service members and their families in their hearts.

So she reached out to several west-side restaurants to see if they’d be interested in hosting a table, and ultimately set up three White Tables last Memorial Day, then five on Veterans Day. That number grew even larger this year, with 21 restaurants participating across the Rochester area. Here in Webster/Penfield, those include the Mary Wee Pub, Proietti’s, Cobblestone on Main and Flaherty’s. Even if they were a bit short on space, they made room for a table.

At the Mary Wee, for example, Mark Petzing noted, “We don’t have a lot of space here, but we’ll make room for their table. Because some things are more important.”

Sarah calls their mission White Tables Across Rochester, and she hopes to continue adding more restaurants every year. Beyond the restaurant displays themselves, Sarah’s also developed mini-homeschool lesson kits tailored for children of different ages. Participating families are paired with a local establishment to help set up their display to generalize their learning and give back to the military community.

“Our hope is to encourage meaningful conversations, foster community involvement, and help younger generations better understand the sacrifices made by our service members and their families,” she said.

Sarah and Brax spent the last few days delivering the White Table kits and setting them up at each of the 21 restaurants. (Brax insists on doing the setup all by himself.) Keep an eye out for them when you’re out and about this weekend, and pause for a moment to remember our fallen and missing service members.

Finally, Sarah shared this touching story:

Yesterday, after completing one of our White Table setups, we noticed a $20 bill left beneath the wine glass. … (I) learned that it can symbolize a quiet act of gratitude and generosity, almost like a toast to those who served and sacrificed. It felt incredibly touching to witness such a meaningful gesture and to see our community coming together in support of honoring our fallen service members. That’s what it’s all about!

If you know of a restaurant interested in becoming part of the White Tables Across Rochester effort next Memorial Day, email Sarah at ssegal11@yahoo.com

* * *

(posted 5/23/2026)

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).