I got an email from my friends Vanetta and Monique at the Village Quilt Shoppe the other day. It was just an update on their community volunteer projects which they send out regularly to their email subscription list. They most definitely did NOT send it out to toot their own horn about the great things their little shop is doing under the radar.
So I’m going to do that.
Most of the ladies’ email had to do with their One Common Thread project. I wrote about this great initiative a while ago, where I explained:
On the third Tuesday of every month, Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti, owners of the Village Quilt Shoppe, host a “charity day.” For four hours, a handful of crafters sit around the tables at the back of the shop, carefully cutting and sorting hundreds of small fabric squares. The squares are then assembled into individual quilting kits, which are packaged up and shipped to Honduras.
Their destination is an foundation called One Common Thread, whose mission is to help Honduran women make quilts, which they can then sell to support their families.
Here is thew follow-up (with a call for donations) which Vanetta and Monique sent recently:
Thank you so much for your continued support of One Common Thread! Last month, thanks to the incredible efforts of our many volunteers, we were able to mail out three boxes of kits. Your dedication and hard work make a significant difference in the lives of those we aim to help.
We are currently running low on 3″ fabric squares. Specifically, we have an abundance of dark colors, but we desperately need lighter and brighter shades such as yellow, orange, teal, and blues. Additionally, we can always use more black, grey, and white squares. We gladly accept both 3″ squares and fabric donations. Any contributions of these colors and materials would be greatly appreciated and will help us continue empowering other women!
Our July charity day will take place on Tuesday, July 23rd. We hope to see many of you there as we come together to support this wonderful cause.
The Quilting Divas are once again making period bags and are accepting donations of tampons, panty liners, and period pads. These items need to be individually wrapped. In addition to these products, the Divas will also accept monetary donations. Donations can be dropped off at our shoppe.
For those who may not be familiar, period bags are bags that the Divas make and fill with feminine hygiene products for the homeless. These bags provide essential items to those in need, helping to ensure dignity and health for all women.
Thank you, Village Quilt Shoppe quilters, and Vanetta and Monique, for all the good you’re doing! And if there’s anyone out there who can help with donations of fabric or period supplies, please contact the Shoppe.
The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 East Main St. in the Village of Webster. To learn more, check out their website here or call (585) 626-6916.
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The new Mary Wee Pub is slowly taking shape at the Village of Webster’s four corners. Fans of the former Barry’s Old School Irish — and pretty much everyone who loves our village — are anxiously awaiting to see what the new corner pub will be like, inside and out.
New owner Mark Petzing, of the Shamrock Jack’s family, is putting his own twist on the interior design of his new pub, and I dare say, those who knew the old Barry’s Pub would hardly recognize the place.
First thing you might notice when you walk in is that the wall separating the bar from the “bakery” area has been removed. That leaves space for the much longer bar, which wraps from the wall near the bathrooms all the way to the west wall, plenty of room for as many as 15 bar stools. There are still two bathrooms, but Mark has reconfigured them to be side-by-side, one of them replacing what many of us know as “keg alley” in the southeast corner of the pub.
Probably the most exciting feature of the new design is the indoor/outdoor seating Mark has planned for the big, north-facing front window. That window will be replaced with a garage door, which can be raised on nice days, allowing patrons to sit inside along a counter, looking out. At the same time, patrons can sit at bar stools outside, along the same counter, across from their friends. Additional high-top and lower-table seating will fill the rest of the inside space.
Even with all that, Mark has somehow managed to actually make the pub look bigger, despite having the same floor space to work with. It already seems like it’s going to be much brighter as well, with plenty of up-lit lighting fixtures, plus two big front doors and the garage door to let the outside light stream in.
True to its name, Mark says his new pub will have a “wee bit of everything.” He’ll be serving a limited menu; right now he’s thinking soups, salads, and sandwiches, what he calls, “simple, consistent, good food.” Plans are to have eight taps, with Irish favorites including Guinness, Smithwicks and Harp, and “a couple Gennys.” There’ll be three TVs for sports fans, a jukebox, and live music.
It’s come a long way in the last few months. But there’s still lots to do, and Mark doesn’t expect to open until sometime in September or October.
A inside view of the future garage door seating area
The two bathrooms are in the same corner where they were at Barry’s, but reconfigured
Mark Petzing in front of the new, much bigger, bar
The big front doors will let in a lot of light
The garden in front of the garage door seating area will be removed, and a new fence will enclose the expanded patio seating area.
Finally, about the name, the “Mary Wee.” Since the signs went up in the windows, everyone’s been talking about the unusual name.
Here’s the story, straight from Mark himself:
My grandfather is Jack, and over time everything was named after him. I always wanted to be different from my family, separate from my family but at the same time, I want to be part of my family. Shamrock Jack’s is an important part of my life.
But my grandmother Mary, I loved her. My grandmother was older and she liked whiskeys and bourbons. They would water down her whiskeys, and put a little around the rim. She’d always smile, the sweet little thing, she’d say “Oh, thank you.” And when my mom and my aunts weren’t looking, she’d say, “Mark, give me a wee bit more.”
So people ask why is it not “Wee Mary’s?” Because I want you to think about it. And it means nothing at all, but it means a ton to me. Come in and have a whiskey and I’ll tell you the story and we’ll laugh.
As work on the new Mary Wee Pub continues, stay tuned for more details and more photos from our new little corner Irish pub. And when you can finally visit and have a pint, make sure to look for the picture of Mary on the wall, and raise a pint to her for inspiring her grandson’s new pub.
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If you haven’t gotten your fill of Rochester Red Wings games this season, here’s a good opportunity to do so, at a great price.
On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.
The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; you can use the QR code on the flyer, or click here.
The Wings will be in the middle of a home stand with their cross-state rivals, the Syracuse Mets, and they’re doing really well this year, so this should be an exciting game to watch. And what a great way to spend an evening with the family.
Speaking of Sarah De Vallière, this very popular local musician will be performing a free concert at the Webster Arboretum on Thursday Aug. 22 as part of the Webster Recreation Center’s Music at the Arb series.
These concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arboretum’s gazebo, with plenty of room for music lovers to relax in chairs or on blankets, with a cooler at their side filled with drinks and snacks. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking.
BUT BEFORE THAT, the next Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 18, featuring Doctor’s Orders, an acoustic folk and pop duo playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to John Prine, and pretty much everything in between.
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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 8, 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 baked goods, pies, meats, poultry, goat cheese and goat cheese products, flavored nuts, herbs, spice blends, honey, maple syrup, 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 17, the market will be set up at the park from 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday through August 28. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks (including Firefly Nectar mobile bar every week), so remember to pack your quad chairs!
Something new this year is a Music Raffle — a raffle to help support the musical guests — with some great prizes (check out the flyer for details). Tickets will be available from vendors at the Saturday market, and the drawing will be held on July 17.
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The groups’ first collaborative food distribution effort, which took place in late March, was very successful. More than 150 cars filed through the United Church of Christ parking lot, and volunteers handed each one a shopping bag packed with all the fixings for an Easter dinner. (Click here to read the blog I wrote about the event.)
On the heels of that success, the three agencies are collaborating again to host a Summer Food Distribution event, their goal this time to distribute 175 bags of food worth about $20-$25 each.
Some of the 150 bags of food distributed in March
But they can’t do it without community support.
Organizers are asking community members to contribute food items to help fill the bags. The specific items being requested can be found on this list. Individuals can certainly choose something from the list to provide all by themselves. But businesses, organizations, families and neighborhoods can also work together and pledge to purchase all of one of the requested items (like 175 cans of baked beans) or just a portion (25 cans). Cash donations will also be gratefully accepted, as a straight-up donation or to sponsor one of the food items.
This is especially a great opportunity for businesses; your pledge/donation will be mentioned on the groups’ Facebook pages and website, along with any photos you’d like to provide of your employees with the collected food items.
Your donations can be dropped off between June 24 and July 9 at Gathering Place Webster, located at the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. (west entrance). Please DO NOT DROP OFF YOUR ITEMS OUTSIDE. Instead, email Wendy Lesko at gatheringplacewebster@gmail.com, or call her at (585) 746-1965 to arrange a time.
The goal is to hold a food distribution event four times a year: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and sometime during the summer. With the community’s help, these regular distributions will really help our Webster neighbors who face food insecurity every day.
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Congratulations to Chamberlain Septic & Sewer, honored as the June Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.
Chamberlain Septic & Sewer, located on Ridge Rd. Jct. east of Basket Rd., had its humble beginnings back in the early 1960s. In 1962, Gordon Beh was a dairy farmer who purchased a backhoe to do some drainage work around his dairy farm. Little did he know that his great work would capture the attention of his neighbors. By 1964, other farmers, friends and builders were asking him to do drainage work, install septic systems and install water services on their properties.
It didn’t take long for it to become clear that Gordon’s true calling was not milk, but mud. In 1966, he decided to leave the dairy business and concentrate exclusively on excavation work. In 1970 he officially incorporated his new business, Gordon Beh Excavating Contractors, Inc.
Gordon’s sons have been part of the business since the 1970s and lead the organization today. They expanded their service offerings with the use of state-of-the-art technology, power snaking equipment, video cameras, and confined space equipment, adding to their truck fleet and heavy machinery.
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 this Friday June 28, beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club. 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 Chair Chamber Chair Carolyn Montanaro, presenting the the plaque to Chamberlain Septic & Sewer owner Dean Beh.
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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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Mark your calendars now for an amazing opportunity to “meet” some of Webster’s earliest settlers, at the 200th Anniversary Celebration for Webster Union Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 17.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors are invited to stroll Webster Union Cemetery’s beautiful grounds and chat with some of the people who founded our town. Talk to a suffragette fighting for women’s right to vote, a 1918 Spanish flu victim, Civil War soldiers, shopkeepers, boardinghouse owners, and even a Revolutionary War spy. You’ll also have a chance to learn headstone cleaning and preservation.
Here’s a little about the cemetery’s history to whet your appetite:
Farmland was donated for the first known burial in 1817, when a Webster child needed a place to rest. It was originally called The Burial Ground, Lakeside, Union Cemetery of Webster. Since this caused some confusion between other areas near Webster, especially Union Hill Cemetery, the name was officially changed to Webster Union Cemetery in April 1954.
In 1859, Webster’s first settler, Abram Foster, was buried there at the age of 90. He was the first of many prominent families to come, including the Burnetts, Curtices, Fosters, Pelletts, Woodhulls, Whitings, and Wrights. Veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War are buried there as well.
So plan to take a stroll through history and see why this early burial ground continues to be a significant part of Webster’s past and future.
The 200th Anniversary Celebration will take place Saturday Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Webster Union Cemetery, 345 Webster Rd. (corner of Rt. 250 and Woodhull). Admission is free.
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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).
If you own a business and are not yet a member of the Webster Chamber of Commerce, you’re really missing out on a great way to help your business grow. Two events taking place in the next few weeks are your next opportunities to get to know the Chamber better and find out how the organization can support your business.
The first is the monthly Breakfast Before BUsiness Meeting on June 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the door by Chamber staff and members. Enjoy coffee, tea and juice while you network with dozens of other local business owners. (Anywhere from 70 to 90 companies are represented at these events.) A buffet breakfast will be served at 7:30, and you’ll sit at a table with seven other Chamber members to get to know them and their businesses even better. And there’s always an informative speaker — this month that will be Janine Sanger from the Webster Health and Education Network.
Before the end of breakfast, during pass-the-mic time, everyone attending gets to introduce themselves. Then there are DOOR PRIZES! (Bring a door prize when you come and you’ll get even more recognition at the meeting and on the Chamber website.)
The fee is $19, and reservations are required. Click here to reserve your spot.
The Chamber’s next Eat Drink & Connect event is Tuesday July 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pultneyville Yacht Club, Hamilton St. Extension in Williamson.
Eat Drink & Connect events are opportunities to develop current business connections and start new ones. These are great social opportunities for visitors to get to know the Webster Chamber and its members. Don’t forget to bring your business cards for the raffle, and even donate a raffle prize to earn more visibility for you and your organization.
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’d like to begin today’s mailbag with a shout-out to Webster Girl Scout Troop 60617 for their kindness and consideration for our deployed service members.
Troop leaders heard that military families in our area needed baby blankets, so they and their Scouts got to work. They crafted three beautiful blankets, which will be donated to Blue Star Mothers Rochester Chapter NY8, who will distribute them to local military families so they can surround their babies with love.
Many thanks to Troop 60617 and leader Beth Cunico.
And now, details about our upcoming high school graduation ceremonies, courtesy the Webster CSD:
Webster Schroeder Graduation
Rehearsal – Friday, June 21, 9 a.m. Seniors meet in the Webster Schroeder Warrior Stadium, 875 Ridge Road. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Commencement – Friday, June 21 at the Webster Schroeder stadium. Seniors line up at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, and procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. (Rain date Saturday, June 22, time TBD.) Live stream: The 2024 Warrior Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.
Webster Thomas Graduation
Rehearsal – Tuesday, June 25, 10:30 a.m. Seniors meet in the Willink Middle School cafetorium, 900 Publishers Parkway. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Commencement – Tuesday, June 25. Seniors line up at 6:45 p.m. in the Willink Middle School cafetorium. Procession begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to the Webster Thomas Titan Stadium, 800 Five Mile Line Road. (Rain date – Wednesday, June 26, time TBD.) Live stream: The 2024 Titan Graduation Ceremony will be live streamed here.
Both ceremonies will last roughly two hours. No tickets are required. These are open seating events. Gates open to the public approximately one hour before each procession begins. There is ample seating for families and other guests in the stands and on the field. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early because traffic tends to back up.
Geocaching presentation at Webster Public Library
All sorts of fun things are always happening at the library, but I want to highlight this talk today because it’s being presented by my friend Gerry Sander.
On Tuesday July 2 at 6:30 p.m., Gerry will be presenting a talk called Beginner’s Guide to Geocaching.
Embark on a modern-day treasure hunt with Geocaching, the ultimate family-friendly adventure! Imagine setting out on a journey armed with just your GPS-enabled device or smartphone, ready to uncover hidden gems tucked away in both urban jungles and remote wilderness.
The adventure begins with accessing coordinates of hidden caches posted online, each waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers like yourself. With coordinates in hand, you embark on a quest to find these cleverly concealed containers, ranging from tiny film canisters to larger, more elaborate boxes. As you navigate your way through diverse landscapes, whether it’s a bustling cityscape, a tranquil forest, or a rocky coastline, you become immersed in the thrill of the hunt. Each step brings you closer to the treasure, requiring keen observation, problem-solving skills, and sometimes a bit of physical prowess, to reach the cache’s hiding spot.
It’s an exciting and interactive way to bond, explore, and make unforgettable experiences together!
Gerry is a veteran geocacher and his presentation will most definitely be interesting and informative. There’s no charge, but registration is required. Click here to do so.
There will be 178 books for sale in various categories including (but not limited to) poetry, war, history, biography and Rochester and Upstate New York, by authors including Carl Sagan, Marc Chagell and Arch Merrill. The sale will also feature authors Pearl S. Buck and A. A. Milne. Prices for some books are as low as $8 and as high as $80 but many are priced in the teens; all prices are fixed and are not negotiable. The Friends will accept major credit cards, checks and (of course) cash. Money raised during the event will benefit the Webster Public Library.
The library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.
Entry fee is $125 per player and includes golf, gift and lunch. RSVP by July 10. Business sponsorship packages begin at $200 and include perks like sponsorship signs, logo placement, and an opportunity to put your branded item in the gift bags. Click here for more information and to register.
The invitational will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Lollypop Farm Humane Society.
These concerts benefit local nonprofit organizations. The first one, scheduled for WednesdayJuly 10, will feature 8 Days a Week, and proceeds will benefit the Webster Comfort Care Home. (See the flier below for the whole schedule.)
There’s no admission, but each week the church collects a free-will offering benefiting that week’s chosen non-profit organization. The concerts all begin at 6:30 p.m., and food concessions begin at 6. The concerts are held on the United Church of Christ front lawn, at 570 Klem Rd. (In case of rain it’s moved indoors.)
For more information about the concerts, click here.
Music, music, music in the Village of Webster
Here’s another look ahead at summer in the village:
Family Game Night and Beer Garden (Saturday July 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.)
Webster Jazz Festival (Aug. 9-10), featuring the New Prime Time Funk, Judah Sealy and more.
Health Fairand Shredding Event (Saturday Oct. 12)
Trick or Treat Trail (Saturday Oct. 26)
Bourbon Bash (Saturday Nov. 2)
Winter Wonderland (Saturday Dec. 7)
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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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The rankings were compiled by the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, based on employee surveys collected from September through November 2023. Judges were looking for “dynamic companies (with) high employee satisfaction and being committed to workplace excellence.” Any business (public, private, non-profit, or government) with 35 or more employees in the Rochester metro area was eligible to participate.
In all, more than 18,000 employees from 101 companies submitted surveys. Of those, 69 companies in three categories — small, midsize and large — were chosen as Top Workplaces.
Wilbert’s Family Enterprises, located on Salt Rd., has been operating for more than 70 years as one of the largest automotive recycling facilities in New York State. In their listing on the D&C website, Wilbert’s writes that “our vision is to be the employer of choice, fostering a workplace where talent thrives. We aspire to create an environment where every employee feels valued, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.”
We are dedicated to embracing a collaborative and innovative workplace to elevate our products and services and contribute meaningfully to the communities we touch. Our success is measured not just in financial terms but in the positive influence on the lives of our employees, customers, and the community… we pride ourselves in providing quality products and service, with the help of our amazing family of employees, while continuing to give back to the community.
The Top Workplace honorees were celebrated at a cocktail reception on April 3 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. Click here to see the entire list.
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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).
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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