One of the most colorful signs of summer in Webster is the return of the Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market to Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy).
The market opened for the season on Saturday June 14, and will be set up every Saturday at the plaza from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October, rain or shine.
If you’ve never been to this market, you should start making it a regular Saturday morning stop. Varying with the season, you’ll find fresh breads and baked goods, pies, meats, poultry, goat cheese and goat cheese products, flavored nuts, herbs, spice blends, honey, maple syrup, jams and jellies, cider, soap and body care products, plants and cut flowers, jewelry, crafts, and of course a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.
The very popular Evening in the Park Market will also return in July to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds) on Wednesday evenings.
Starting July 16, the market will be set up at the park from 5 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through August 28. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks, so remember to pack your folding chairs!
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This outstanding organization goes above and beyond to promote our local businesses, especially through their frequently updated website and informative online newsletter. But my favorite part? The monthly Chamber breakfasts.
These monthly Friday morning gatherings regularly draw upwards of 90 business owners, making them a fantastic networking opportunity. And the breakfast itself is always delicious.
I don’t own a business myself, but I attend as a blogger, and these meetings are a goldmine for story ideas. At the most recent breakfast, I met the owners of two new businesses opening soon — Community Bank and Play-a-Latte — both of which I’ll be writing about. I also jotted down notes about half a dozen upcoming events around town for my mailbag posts. Plus, I caught up with longtime acquaintances and made some new ones, all thanks to the Chamber.
Each meeting features a useful and often eye-opening presentation. This time, representatives from the West Webster Fire Department, Penfield Ambulance, and Webster Police Department shared important summer safety tips that everyone should hear.
Oh, and did I mention I won a sweet backpack in the door prize drawing?
If you own a business in Webster, or even just do business here, you should absolutely consider joining the Webster Chamber of Commerce. There’s no downside and a whole lot of upside.
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You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forwardgrant from New York State which the Village of Webster won for improvements to our downtown business district. The grant was secured in large part to the efforts of the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA), headed by Matt Chatfield.
We received the huge grant a year ago February, and over the following months, WEDA collected proposals for projects all around our village from business owners and community members. Those proposals were whittled down to 21 projects, ranging from building a conservatory to improving Veterans Memorial Park to enhancing the Harmony House and more. Community members were given lots of opportunities to vote for their favorite projects.
I recently learned that the final winning proposals were announced about a month ago; 11 different projects which will improve local businesses, village green spaces and more.
Here’s the list:
Enhance Veterans Memorial Park for Events and Community Use ($1,100,000): Make improvements to Veterans Memorial Park that will optimize it for use as a performance venue and enhance ADA accessibility in the park.
Optimize Harmony House for Performances ($1,010,000): Update the historic Harmony House to enhance ADA accessibility and make it more conducive to performances and events, strengthening the presence of performing arts in downtown Webster.
Create a Multipurpose Conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts ($546,000): Create a conservatory at Kittelberger Florist & Gifts that can be used for retail as well as workshops and educational programs to complement the existing business. Rooftop solar panels will also be installed to enhance the sustainability of the building.
Enhance the Visitor Experience through Wayfinding Signage ($381,000): Install wayfinding signage at key locations throughout the downtown core to provide directional and locational information to visitors and to strengthen downtown Webster’s sense of place.
Create a Gateway to the North End Business District ($310,000): Enhance the connection between Main Street and the North End Business district by incorporating artistic lighting under the Route 104 bridge to create a gateway feature.
Establish a Small Project Grant Fund ($289,000): Create a matching grant fund to support smaller-scale improvements and renovations to enhance properties and businesses in the NY Forward Area.
Create a Hojack Trail Gateway ($289,000): Create a gateway at the intersection of the Hojack Trail and North Avenue to highlight the trail connection, create a sense of place and enhance safety for those accessing the trail.
Renovate Community Spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church ($255,000): Enhance the community spaces at Immanuel Lutheran Church by modernizing the spaces and enhancing comfort to increase utilization by the community.
Modernize Commercial Spaces at 39 West Main Street ($161,000): Modernize and reconfigure the commercial spaces at 39 West Main Street to optimize the layout, right-size the spaces for the market, and enhance accessibility to attract future tenants to the downtown core.
Transform 7 South Avenue for Retail Use ($89,000): Renovate the interior and exterior of 7 South Avenue to optimize for retail use, bringing a new business into a vacant space and adding vibrancy to the Main Street Business District.
Invest in Marketing for Downtown Webster ($70,000): Develop a platform for information on parking, events, and promotions, along with digital marketing content and print collateral to promote downtown Webster and enhance awareness of businesses.
All of these improvements should make our little village even more beautiful and welcoming in the years to come.
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It’s been a long school year, and these last few days, with the extreme heat, have been especially difficult. As we celebrate this last week of school, our district administrators, teachers and support staff deserve a huge round of applause, and our heartfelt thanks.
But the folks at the Mary Wee Pub, 2 West Main St. in the Village of Webster, believe they all deserve even more than that. That’s why, through this Friday June 26, if you’re a staff member at any school in any district, show your ID at the Mary Wee and your first drink is on them — and we’re talking beer, wine or well drink.
And “staff member,” by the way, includes everyone: teachers, teaching assistants, aides, bus drivers, PTs, OTs, food service, speech therapists, social workers, secretaries, psychologists, security, counselors, coaches, librarians, custodians, nurses, and administrators.
So enjoy a drink to celebrate the last days of school, with thanks from the Mary Wee Pub for a fantastic school year.
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Ruff Day Resort is located on Gravel Rd. in Webster, and provides dog daycare, lodging, training and spa treatments. The business specializes in individualized care, providing indoor and outdoor play equipment, dedicated lodging and play areas, paying attention to the needs of dogs of all sizes.
Ruff Day was founded by Amy Holtz, who began her canine-dedicated career as a certified dog trainer. In the 15 years since she established Ruff Day, it has grown from a family-operated business into an organization with 13 employees, enabling the delivery of comprehensive pet resort services.
Holtz and her daughter are active members of community groups and youth programs through Crosstown Alliance Church and Northridge Church. They also participate in the community outreach of RocDog, a local therapy dog organization.
The Webster Chamber of Commerce Events and Honors Committee presents a Business of the Month award to one of their member businesses at each of their monthly breakfast meetings. It’s one way the Chamber helps keep their member businesses and organizations visible throughout the Webster community.
The next breakfast meeting is Friday June27, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd. Network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders before breakfast, enjoy an informative program and then take part in the “pass-the-mic” time, when everyone has an opportunity to be visible.
Visitors and members are welcome. Please register here.
Pictured above: Webster Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve presents the June Business of the Month award to Ruff Day Resort. Sammi Datthyn, employee of Ruff Day Resort, accepted the honor at the monthly Chamber Breakfast.
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The Women’s Club of Webster held its annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon on Sunday June 1, and thanks to incredible support from the Webster community, it was a huge success.
The show, held at the Penfield Country Club, featured fashions by Chicos of Pittsford. Almost 150 women attended; many of them were Women’s Club members, but most of them were not, and had come with friends to enjoy the fashions, food and camaraderie.
The event’s success can be attributed to the many individuals who worked so hard to organize it, and almost two dozen local merchants who donated door prizes or basket raffle items.
Specifically, the Women’s Club would like to thank:
the volunteers who designed and printed the programs, came early to set up, sell tickets, take pictures and do whatever else needed to be done;
the members who collected donations from vendors;
everyone who donated the beautiful raffle baskets (we had 57 of them) and door prizes;
Chico’s of Pittsford for the gorgeous fashions, and all of the club members who acted as models;
the Penfield Country Club for hosting;
Judy Bayer, who made the beautiful dessert cookies (including dresses, purses and hats); and
our sponsors – Morgan Stanley, First Consulting, Inc., and Roc City Stampers – for cash donations and the beautiful Cherry Blossom favors.
Dina Dugan welcomed guestsAlmost 150 guests attended
The annual Fashion Show is one of three big fundraisers hosted by the Women’s Club, which also include the Card Party in November and Christmas Cookie Sale in December.
The Women’s Club of Webster is a lively group of women of all ages and from many different backgrounds, all dedicated to supporting cultural and educational causes through volunteering. The Club hosts luncheon meetings every month except July and August. For more information about becoming a member, call Carolyn Rittenhouse at (585) 265-1303.
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Mabel Jane’s features two rooms and more than 1200 square feet packed with pre-loved furniture, antiques and collectibles. It’s the realization of a long-time dream for owner Sharon Kruger, an extension of the Loyal Helper Group, a business which she’s owned for 9 years.
I help people downsize and move; sometimes they’ve moved to Heaven. After we get them situated, they ask, “What do I do with what’s left?” I help them find a home for it without putting it in the dumpster. We help them donate some, sell some.
And now, Sharon has a dedicated shop in which to do that.
I’ve always wanted a shop, not because I’m taking all their stuff here. That’s too much work and cost for them. But there are special pieces that you can’t necessarily sell in the month that you’re working with them, so we could bring them in here.
Sharon also takes items on consignment from the community, so there’s a wide variety of, well LOTS of stuff, and inventory turns over daily. Plus, the prices are very reasonable. Friends have actually suggested to her that she raise them, but she doesn’t want to do that. “I want my inventory to change,” she said, “and I want it to get into someone’s hands.”
The 10 North Ave. location most recently housed Mod 4 U, which specialized in mid-century modern decor. That shop closed in February, and Sharon said that people are happy to see a similar shop fill the empty space.
“Robert (Verrone) was here before,” Sharon said, “and he had some great mid-century modern. This has got that and more. And it’s not all vintage, there’s some new stuff.”
So basically, it’s like one big estate sale right in the heart of the Village of Webster.
Sharon is still trying to sort out her hours, but right now Mabel Jane’s is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and usually one other day during the week. The best way to find out when she’s there is to visit Mabel Jane’s Facebook page or Instagram (mabel_janes_), which are both updated regularly.
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The presentation was part of NBT Bank’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at their new branch located at 1075 Ridge Road (in the plaza with Corona’s Mexican Restaurant, next to Great Clips).
Donations like this are a key part of NBT Bank’s commitment to supporting the communities they serve. With each new branch opening, the bank selects a local nonprofit organization to receive a donation.
During the check presentation, Market Manager Lindsey Meyers praised the museum’s efforts, saying:
The Webster Historical Society’s passion for keeping Webster’s history alive, and the dedicated effort within the community, is really something special. Their commitment to the Webster School District and other organizations makes them a staple in both Rochester and Webster. We are honored and privileged to partner with you today.
Webster Museum President Tom Pellett expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that while there are no immediate plans for the funds, they will go a long way toward supporting the museum’s mission.
“It’s gifts like this that keep us—a nonprofit, all-volunteer museum—going,” he said. “It enables us to keep the museum open for free, so we’re always thankful.”
Also attending the presentation were Webster Museum volunteers Sharon Pratt and Deb Oakley; Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton; Webster Town Supervisor Tom Flaherty; Webster Chamber of Commerce President Barry Howard; Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce President Bob Duffy; and several NBT corporate representatives.
NBT Bank, which recently merged with Evans Bank, is expanding its presence in Upstate New York. The new Webster location is the first NBT branch in the Rochester area. When asked why Webster was chosen, Shauna Hyle, Executive VP of Community Banking, explained:
We really like the Webster community. We had a subsidiary in downtown Rochester, and many of our employees lived in Webster. That gave us some insight into the area, and we felt it was a great opportunity to re-enter this market.
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I’m told that the Village Wine and Food Walk, hosted by the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID) on Saturday May 10, was a big success. Thanks in part to some perfect weather (sunny skies and in the mid-70’s), all 300 tickets were sold out and participants started arriving at BC’s Chicken Coop a full 20 minutes before the 4 p.m. start time to check in and get their wine glasses and wrist bands.
Twelve village merchants participated in the walk, along East and West Main and even to Salvatore’s on North Ave., where the BID had a DJ providing dance music.
Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Harmony House and their restoration project.
Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election
The Webster Central School District Annual Budget Vote and Election of Board of Education Candidates takes place Tuesday, May 20 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder High School gym, 875 Ridge Road, Webster.
Qualified voters of the district who will be unable to attend the polls on the day of the vote may wish to use an absentee ballot. Voters must apply for the ballot in advance. Applications are available at websterschools.org or from District Clerk Heather Murphy, 119 South Avenue, Webster, (585) 216-0001.
Absentee ballot applications cannot be mailed into the district at this late date, but can be dropped off to the district clerk the day before the vote.
Webster CSD’s Business Department web page contains information on the proposed 2025-26 budget and the three candidates running for the three board of education seats up for election.
Grab dinner after you vote!
The Webster Marching Band will host a BBQ Dinner Fundraiser at Webster Schroeder High School, 875 Ridge Rd., on Tuesday May 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. (during the school budget vote).
Dinner includes BBQ pulled pork, salt potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread and a drink for just $19 (plus processing fees). Meals will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Interested in learning how to clean and preserve headstones?
Webster Union Cemetery will be hosting a Headstone Cleaning Class on Saturday June 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm.
Participants will learn how to properly clean a headstone, and hear stories about some of our town’s founders and more colorful residents. All supplies will be provided. Just bring rubber gloves, and wear something you don’t mind getting wet.
Webster Union Cemetery is located at 345 Webster Rd.
Village Parks Committee wants your opinion
The Village of Webster Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for community input on potential upgrades to Schantz Park. The park is located between Hawley Drive and State Road, and has a basketball court, tennis courts, baseball fields and playground equipment.
Residents are invited to share your thoughts on a brief form, and let the committee know what amenities you would like added to the park. And while you’re there, take a few minutes to fill out the other quick survey you’ll find there, sharing your opinions about all of our village’s other parks as well.
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Sheesh. You go away for a month and so much business news happens, I’m having a hard time staying on top of it.
I’ve recently found out about several businesses planning to set up shop in the village, and at least one which has moved out. I want to eventually connect with all of these business owners to get photos and more details about their plans, but in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of what I know:
Kiss me cookie is moving into the former Mane Street Beauty Lounge location at 15 East Main St. This little bakery calls itself “a boutique bakery in Webster NY specializing in gourmet cookies, cupcakes and unique creations!” You can find them on Facebook here and on their website here.
Uncle Buck’s Scratch Kitchenhas moved from their small space at 9 South Ave. to a much more spacious location at 2122 Empire Blvd. (the former India House restaurant). Hopefully this means their business is expanding and they needed more room.
But 9 South Ave. will not be vacant for long. ROC City Empanadas is planning to move in sometime soon, and hopes to hold a grand opening in June.
Finally (and this is not Webster Village — or even Webster — news) Elvio’s is now open at 1350 Empire Blvd. on Irondequoit Bay, across from K2 and Bar Bill. It’s a coffee shop and live music venue with a Portuguese-inspired menu.
As I said, I’m going to try to connect with all of these businesses in the next few weeks, so stay tuned for more information.
AND as long as we’re talking about great Webster Village business news, I recently saw that Brimont Bistro is back in business at 24 W. Main St.
In April, a severe water leak from a neighboring building filled Brimont’s basement with two feet of water, destroying everything in it. But a few days ago, owner Greg Cody posted on Facebook, “Brimont Bistro is finally back open after over five weeks being shut down after a water breach from neighbors building. We have made some menu changes and changes to our lunch service. Please visit our website for more details. It’s nice to be back to work!!!”
The Bauman family has a long Webster history, which began in 1908 when Joe and Emma Bauman bought the property at an auction. Subsequently, the property has been a farm to dairy cattle and then to fruits and vegetables. Jim and Barb Bauman have been operating the farm since 1984 and have added a bakery, twenty greenhouses, and more.
(Pictured below: Webster Chamber Board Chair Tim Shortsleeve (L) presented the May Business of the Month award to the Bauman family.)
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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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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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