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Got my Santa list in early this year

26 Jul

So it was a hot and steamy 80 degrees outside Saturday morning, and people were out in their tank tops and shorts. Still, it looked like Christmas at Webster’s Joe Obbie Farmers Market, held every Saturday at Webster Towne Center Plaza.

It was the market’s annual Christmas in July celebration, and in addition to the market’s normal assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheeses, baked goods and more, Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to welcome children.

The jolly duo — who arrived by fire truck around 10 a.m. — didn’t seem phased by the heat, and had a busy morning, welcoming children and adults of all ages with a cheery “Merry Christmas!” as they walked by. Many of the young visitors were clearly excited to have the opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and get their Christmas wishes submitted early. Others had to be coaxed a bit by their parents, many of whom also wanted their photos with Santa. But every child walked away with a candy cane, personally handed to them by Mrs. Claus.

The festive atmosphere filled the entire market, with holiday decorations and a harpist playing Christmas carols. And while there weren’t any actual Christmas lights, the fresh vegetables brought plenty of red, green and yellow holiday cheer.

As for all the Halloween decorations ALREADY appearing in the stores, I say bah humbug! But Santa at the farm market in July? I’m always a fan.

Here are a few more photos:

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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 7/26/2025)

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It’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe

20 Jul

I was just lamenting to someone just the other day how the stores are ALREADY displaying school supplies, adding that I’m happy that at least the Halloween merchandise isn’t in the shelves yet, anyway. Then I get an email from the Village Quilt Shoppe touting all of the Christmas fabrics they’ve got in the shop.

CHRISTMAS fabrics!

I know, I know, if you’re a quilter, you have to start thinking very early about your holiday projects, so I don’t fault Vanetta and Monique for already hyping the season. And I looked at all the images of the fabrics on the email — they’re so pretty and festive that they kind of make me want to learn how to quilt.

Getting that email did remind me that I haven’t posted about the Quilt Shoppe recently, despite it being one of my favorite little village shops. Vanetta and Monique always have fun things going on. This month, for example, you can enter the Christmas in July raffle, they’ve got lots of cool classes, and they’re starting to put together their third annual cookbook. This year’s edition will feature bread and soup recipes. Bring your favorites into the shop or email them to vqsrecipe@gmail.com.

So pop in, check out the new fabrics, pick up some new supplies and enter the raffle. And if you know someone who loves quilting, consider grabbing a gift certificate. After all, if it’s Christmas at the Village Quilt Shoppe, that means the Christmas shopping season has officially begun.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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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 7/20/2025)

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Kiss Me Cookie brings sweet treats to East Main

17 Jul

“Best cookies in the world.”

Those were the first words I heard from two of the very first customers of the new Kiss Me Cookie shop at 15 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. (And only one of those customers knew the owner personally!)

That reaction has been common among the people who have discovered — or re-discovered — Kiss Me Cookie since the little bakery opened last Thursday just before the start of the Fireman’s Parade. Owner Jenelle Oliver worked feverishly for days to make enough of her gourmet cookies, cupcakes and other sweet delights to fill her display cases before the parade crowds descended. Her efforts did not go unnoticed; customers started queuing up as soon as she started tearing down the butcher block paper from the windows — even before she unlocked the door.

Many of those customers already know Kiss Me Cookie from when the bakery was located on Empire Blvd., in the little plaza across from Country Max. It wasn’t a great location. The shop was tucked back from the road, and foot traffic was pretty much non-existent. So after almost two years, Jenelle decided to make the move to her home town of Webster.

In addition to better visibility and foot traffic, the new, larger shop also offers lots more space for her thriving business.

“Business has grown exponentially in a short amount of time,” Jenelle said, thanks in large part to robust online orders, which have come from as far as California, Florida and Alaska. “With the additional space I have more room for my shipping operation.”

“I’m also participating in a lot of festivals and events, so I have more space to house all that kind of gear,” she added. Those events include this Saturday’s Pride Fest, and hopefully later this summer, the Webster Marching Band Food Truck Rodeo and the Irondequoit Arts and Music Festival. In the meantime, you can also find her cookies at Schutt’s Apple Mill, the Chai Guy on Park Ave., and both Rising Storm Brewery locations.  

You might think there must be a whole team behind this kind of success. But it’s just Jenelle, one woman with a passion for baking. As she says on her Facebook page,

You’ll see a lot of small businesses say “we” in their posts. “WE are baking fresh daily.” “WE can’t wait to see you.” “WE love our customers.” But here’s the truth: There is no “we.” It’s just me. One woman. One oven. One vision. All heart.

I do the baking, the boxing, the cleaning, the crying, the marketing, the dreaming. And yes — every cookie, every detail, every bold-ass bite of it … is made with love. From me to you. Thanks for showing up for this one-woman show. It means the world to me.

So let’s support and welcome our newest small business. Stop into Kiss Me Cookie and experience for yourself the “best cookies in the world.” It’s located at 15 East Main (the former Mane St. Beauty Lounge), and is open Wednesday through Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 4 and Sunday 10 to 2. Check out her website here and Facebook page here.

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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 7/17/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

16 Jul

Today’s mailbag is going to be a long one, so buckle up, my friends.

These first few events are coming up fast — like Thursday and Friday — so I want to let them know about them up front.

Listen to music, smell the flowers

The next free Music at the Arb concert at the Webster Arboretum is scheduled for Thursday July 17, featuring the acoustic duo  Chelsey Berry and Mark Cellura, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

These concerts are held at the gazebo, and audience members are encouraged to spread out on blankets or in lawn chairs to enjoy some delightful music, surrounded by the beauty of the arboretum. The concerts are free and open to the public, and no registration is necessary. Snacks will be available with proceeds benefiting the Arboretum.

Sip and shop

Also happening Thursday evening, a special event brought to you by Lala of Webster and Jojo Bistro, which they’re calling “Fine Tastings,” to benefit the Al Sigl Center.

From 5 to 7 p.m., sip while you shop, and shop while you sip, while enjoying light fare from Jojo Bistro and music by iSteel Music.

Lala of Webster is located at 38 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

Music at another gazebo

The Village of Webster’s Friday Night Concert series begins this Friday July 18. The first concert features the Earthtones, who play 70’s/80’s music including favorites from Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, Grateful Dead, Talking Heads, Tom Petty and others.

Upcoming concerts include:

Concerts are held at the Village’s Gazebo Park, located at 28 North Avenue. All concerts start at 7 p.m.. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a night of free music under the stars.

More information about these concerts and all the other exciting Village of Webster events coming up this summer and fall (including the Jazz Festival, Beer Walk and Bourbon Bash, Trick-or-Treat Trail and more) can be found at websterbid.com.

More from the Arboretum

The next informational program hosted by the Webster Arboretum is called “Honoring Life — One Frog at a Time,” scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.

Join Margot Fass, M.D., the “Frog Lady,” and discover the life of our friend the frog. And before you come, check out Margot’s whimsical book, Froggy Family’s First Frolic. The presentation will be held outside on the far side of the pond at the Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. There’s no charge, but registration is requested.

And even MORE music

The United Church of Christ‘s next Caring Community Concert is scheduled for Wednesday July 23, featuring Allegro, Western New York’s premier party band. It will benefit the Webster Health and Education Network.

The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. People are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if they wish. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ’s front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd., so bring a blanket and chairs. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)

The remainder of this summer’s schedule includes:

For more information about the concerts, click here.

Summer family fun from the Rec Center

This summer more than ever we need this: the Webster Recreation Center’s annual Summer Splash, scheduled for Saturday July 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the First Responders Spray Park on Chiyoda Dr.

Rich the Magic Man will be there with foam bubble fun, and free slushies will be provided courtesy Gleason Orthodontics (while supplies last). The event is free and open to all, and no registration is needed.

Old books at great prices

The Friends of the Webster Public Library will host a Vintage and Collectible Book Sale on Saturday July 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. The sale features fourteen tables of books, many with titles available for the first time. Most books are under $20. Proceeds from the sale support Webster Public Library.

In other news from the library, this month’s Community Exchange is jewelry. Bring in some items you don’t wear anymore, and swap them out for something new! And July’s Donation Station is accepting hygiene products for underprivileged and disabled seniors.

This month’s drop-in crafts tables will feature camping. Two sessions will be held, Friday and Saturday July 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No registration is needed, and all ages are welcome.

And this looks like fun: this month’s Family Fun Night is a scavenger hunt, scheduled for Monday July 31 from 6 to 7 p.m. Start in the storytime room, where you’ll get your instructions, then follow the clues on a scavenger hunt through the library. All ages are welcome and no registration is required.

These events are just a few of the great things happening at the library in July. To keep on top of all of them every month, click here to subscribe to the Webster Public Library newsletter. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the sign-up link.)

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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 7/16/2025)

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The Village of Webster’s got the “Munchies”

7 Jul

It used to be a fried chicken place. Then a pizza joint. Then a scratch kitchen. Now, the little restaurant at 9 South Ave. in the Village of Webster is serving up something completely different: empanadas — with all the fixin’s.

It’s called Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas, and even though the restaurant is less than a week old, owner Luis “Munchie” Carrasquillo is already seeing a steady stream of customers, even in this oppressive heat, when just stepping outside feels like a chore. Fans of the Munchie’s food trucks, familiar from local festivals, markets and street corners, are tracking him down at his new location, and plenty of new customers are discovering empanadas for the very first time. And from what I’ve seen, the prevailing — very enthusiastic — opinion seems to be that this is the kind of restaurant the Webster area has needed for a long time.

When Luis officially opened late last week, he was working with a limited food truck menu: six kinds of empanadas and eight sides, including traditional favorites like Spanish rice, maduros, bacalaitos and tostones, along with staples like French fries and mac and cheese. But this week, he’s rolling out an expanded menu, and also launching Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays. (And keep reading to find out about his Fireman’s Parade Day specials.)

Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas may have just opened its first brick-and-mortar location, but the brand has a long history rooted in resilience and creativity.

Luis first tried to open a restaurant in the early 1990s, setting up shop on Clinton Avenue in downtown Rochester. Unfortunately, sales were slow, and he quickly found himself in financial trouble, just days away from shutting down.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

A worker from a nearby construction crew ordered a meal for delivery. As soon as he started eating, his coworkers took notice, and they all placed their own orders. On the way back to prepare the food, Luis had a game-changing realization: if customers wouldn’t come to him, he’d bring the food to them.

He began packaging $5 and $10 meals and drove around his neighborhood, selling them out of the trunk of his car to patrons and employees at local businesses. He developed a loyal following, with customers looking forward to his regular visits. The demand grew so strong that he eventually stopped selling from the front of the restaurant entirely; his mobile method was more profitable and far more successful.

Then COVID hit. His usual stops closed their doors or no longer allowed outside vendors. So Luis pivoted once again, investing in a food truck. It needed a lot of work, but before long, Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas was officially on the road, and business has been rolling ever since.

Luis is a Village of Webster resident, so when it came time to take the next step and open his first Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas restaurant, the village was a natural choice.

“We’re home,” he said. “Webster is my place.”

He’s excited to share his passion for empanadas with the community, so keep an eye out for him at local festivals and special events. He’s already cooking up a special for this Thursday, Fireman’s Parade Day: his empanada-and-side combo, normally $15, will be just $10 that day. Individual sides will go for $5. And don’t forget to grab some fried dough while you’re at it. After all, it is carnival time.

Now that he’s in Webster, though, don’t expect Luis to sit still for long. He said,

This branding, this logo will go everywhere. By the time it’s over with, Penfield, Fairport, Irondequoit, Greece, Pittsford, all the surrounding suburbs will have a Roc City Empanada restaurant. That’s our goal in the next couple years. … We want everybody to have this experience.

We started in the city, in the middle of everything. Now we want to go out in the circle and have everybody experience what it is to eat a Roc City Empanada.

Webster is fortunate that Luis Carrasquillo has chosen our village to be the launchpad for his future success, serving as ground zero as Roc City Empanadas heats up the Rochester food scene.

Munchie’s Roc City Empanadas is located at 9 South Ave. in the Village of Webster. For now, the restaurant is open every day, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Luis can gauge the flow of the neighborhood and see what hours best suit his customers. Keep tabs on his Facebook page and website for details about the hours, when and if they change. You can also call (585) 435-6848.

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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 7/7/2025)

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July History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 4)

5 Jul

For today’s History Bit, we continue our stroll down Webster Museum’s recreated Main Street, passing Witmer’s, the Candy Kitchen and Mayor Hawley’s office, to discover nostalgic tribute to the service stations and dairies that once dotted our community.

At the heart of the exhibit is a colorful collection of vintage service station memorabilia, artifacts which pay homage to the many local garages and filling stations that kept Webster’s cars running smoothly for generations. Long before the days of self-service pumps and drive-through oil changes, town residents relied on friendly, full-service attendants at places like Furber’s Garage, Merz’s Sunoco and the Esso station at the village’s Four Corners. Mechanics knew their customers by name, and a quick stop for gas often turned into a neighborly chat. The exhibit also features photos and descriptions of many of the service stations.

Just across the display, Webster’s agricultural side gets equal billing. Before sprawling neighborhoods and supermarkets, fresh milk was delivered daily by local dairies like Webster Dairy and Forest Farms Dairy. Glass milk bottles bearing familiar names and phone numbers bring back memories of clinking crates left on doorsteps. 

Together, the memorabilia offer a window into a time when Webster was a small, tight-knit community—when you got your car fixed down the street and your milk came from just a few roads over.

Stay tuned for the next stop on our museum tour of Webster in September when we peek into a typical farmhouse and see what life was like. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on their website, or stop by for a personal tour. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge. 

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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 7/5/2025)

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Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is back for the summer

29 Jun

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.

Occasionally there are special events scheduled as well, so make sure to stay on top of the latest news at the Joe Obbie Farmer’s Market website and Facebook page for details.

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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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 6/29/2025)

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Why I love the Webster Chamber of Commerce

27 Jun

I’ve got a lot of love for the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

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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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 6/27/2025)

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NY Forward grant recipients announced

25 Jun

You may remember last year when there was a lot of news about the $4.5 million NY Forward grant 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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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 6/25/2025)

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Thank you, educators, from the Mary Wee!

24 Jun

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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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 6/24/2025)

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