Archive | Local businesses RSS feed for this section

Get ready to get muddy

23 Aug

Here’s another great September event you really need to put on your calendars now. It’s the Webster Recreation Center’s sixth annual Mud Run, scheduled for Saturday Sept. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the muddiest, sloppiest, slippery-est, most fun way EVER to spend a Saturday morning.

The Mud Run is a a non-competitive, un-timed, one-mile run/walk along the Recreation Center’s obstacle course/fitness trail which loops around the back of the facility. Some of the run will be through water and mud, and there will be some challenging obstacles. (There are ways to get around the mud and obstacles, but what fun is there in THAT?)

What’s really neat about this event is that kids and their adults can do it together. As you can imagine, the kids just love to see their parents (and grandparents, come on!) get down and muddy. It’s only $5 per person, and the organizers promise that there’ll be swag, fun and food. I can personally attest that it is tons of fun. (That’s me in the photo, taken by my friend Patty.)

After you complete the run, you can get rinsed off by the Webster and West Webster fire departments (if you want). Plus, you’ll enjoy fried cakes and apples from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Herman’s Farm Market, and can check out a variety of vendor and community tables.

If you’ve never done the Mud Run, you should consider doing so. It’s a hugely fun family event that encourages kids and adults alike to get sloppy and muddy (and you KNOW how much the kids will enjoy that). It’s an easy mile which you can run or walk. The cost is just $5 per person, which you can pay when you get there, or register ahead of time for program #301202A. The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Drive, off of Phillips Rd. I’ll see you there!

* * *

(posted 8/23/2026)

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).

Tags: , , ,

Raise the Stakes for Webster Comfort Care Home

21 Aug

It’s still several weeks away, but I wanted to send out another reminder about the Webster Comfort Care Home’s 5th Annual Raise the Stakes Casino Night, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Webster Golf Club, 440 Salt Rd.

This is an exciting evening of gaming, prizes and fun while supporting a great cause. Webster Town Supervisor Alex Scialdone will emcee the evening, which will have casino-style gaming tables, a silent auction, raffles, cash bar featuring a signature cocktail and mocktail, appetizers, light bites, and desserts. Plus, everybody gets $500 in complimentary chips included with admission (additional chips available for purchase).

Tickets are $75 per person, and they’re available now. There are also plenty of sponsorship opportunities ranging from ads in the program for $25 to a Blackjack Table Sponsorship for $2,500. Click here to purchase tickets, ads and sponsorship opportunities.

Bring your friends and enjoy a memorable night with plenty of chances to win. Every dollar raised supports the compassionate end-of-life care provided by Webster Comfort Care Home.

* * *

Later in September, the Webster Comfort Care Home will be hosting their annual Their Light Shines event, a memorial luminaria gathering to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones we carry in our hearts.

For this beautiful evening of remembrance, participants are invited to purchase a luminaria and personalize it in honor of a loved one. On the evening of Tuesday Sept. 29, they’ll all be placed around the Comfort Care Home’s parking lot, and at sunset, they’ll all be lit. It makes for a very powerful and moving scene.

I’ll be bringing you more details about this in a few weeks, but in the meantime, luminaria are available for purchase right now. They cost $15 each or $25 for two. Visit the Webster Comfort Care website to purchase and personalized your luminaria, and to find out more details. (Photo courtesy “Jet” Thomas.)

Several other great events coming up in September have crossed my radar, including the annual Mud Run at the Webster Recreation Center, a Fall Fest at the Webster Public Library, a really interesting program at the Webster Museum, and the Village of Webster’s Beer Walk and Car Show.

More information to come about all of these, so stay tuned.

* * *

(posted 8/21/2026)

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).

Tags: , ,

Webster community mailbag

14 Aug

Next Town of Webster “community office hours”

Join Town Supervisor Scialdone and other Webster representatives to talk about the local issues that matter most to you. The next scheduled dates are

  • Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the  Webster Town Board Room, 1000 Ridge Rd.
  • Monday, Aug. 31 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the  Webster Town Board Room

If you can’t make it to either of these dates, no sweat; they’re scheduled regularly. Details are posted on the Town of Webster website.

From the Webster Chamber of Commerce

The Webster Chamber of Commerce‘s next Eat, Drink, & Connect event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Ryndock Realty, 1250 State Route 104.

The event is open to Webster Chamber members and prospective members. Opportunities to host an event are a Chamber member benefit, earning increased visibility for the host business. Bring a door prize to increase your business’ visibility and maybe win a prize for yourself. There is no fee to attend, but registration is required.      

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, August 25 for Webster Night with the Rochester Red Wings. First pitch is at 6:45 p.m., and two of Webster’s very own will be involved; Jerry Christopher will perform the National Anthem, and Chamber president/CEO Barry Howard has the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Purchase your tickets by clicking here, and use promo code WEBSTER26.

The Chamber’s health insurance enrollment service, rocENROLL HEALTH, is sponsoring the Village Gazebo concert on Friday, August 28. The concert will feature The Earthtones beginning at 6:45 p.m. Bring your lawn chair, relax with family and friends, and enjoy a wonderful summer evening.

The Chamber’s next monthly meeting will be on Friday, Aug. 28 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Webster Golf Club. The program will be “AI – How Your Business Can Use it Effectively.”

The monthly meetings are opportunities to network, meet new contacts, develop current business relationships, learn, and earn visibility for your business or organization. This is the largest monthly Chamber networking event within the Greater Rochester area, with 85-110 attendees. Bring a door prize for visibility and your business card, to take your chances on winning a door prize! Online reservations are required by 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 27.

Learn about composting

The folks at Color Webster Green have a pretty interesting class coming up next week.

It’s all about Backyard Composting and will be held at the Webster Recreation Center on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Participants will learn step-by-step instructions, tips for composting with limited space, how to use compost, and much more.

This is a free event and family-friendly, so children ages 8+ are welcome to join. For more information and to register, click here.

Rabies vaccination clinic

The Town of Webster, in cooperation with the Monroe County Dept. of Public Health, is sponsoring a free Rabies Vaccine Clinic on Wednesday, Aug. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Webster Highway Department, 1005 Picture Parkway.

Dogs, cats and ferrets are all welcome. Remember that New York State and the Town of Webster require proof of a current rabies vaccination to legally license your dog.

Health and Wellness Fair needs vendors

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) is looking for vendors to participate in their 4th annual Webster Health and Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 12.

The fair is designed to showcase businesses and professionals throughout our community that address all aspects of health and wellness. It will be held at Lattimore Physical Therapy, 70 Barrett Dr. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During this time, vendors will have a table where participants can learn about the services you offer and your role within their health and well-being. From 10 a.m. to noon there will also be a free shredding event.

Businesses and professionals who focus on all aspects of health and wellness, including but not limited to physical, mental, environmental, social and financial health, are encouraged to participate.

RSVP by Friday, August 21 at info@websterbid.com

Cars and beers

Save the date for this year’s Main Street Car Show and Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 in the Village of Webster.

Registration is now open to car owners who want to sign up to show off their old and/or fancy vehicles. Registration is required, and space is limited. Click here to register.  

Beer Walk tickets will be available soon on the Webster Business Improvement District website: 

From the Recreation Center

The Webster Recreation Center invites everyone to a Say So Long to Summer end-of-summer event at Rochester Challenger Miracle Field on Friday, Aug. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be an evening of games, music, food trucks, temporary tattoos, and community groups. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

Miracle Field is located at 1008 Ridge Road.

And these events are especially for community members ages 55+: (click here for more information on all of these)

  • Marvelous Monarchs Trip to the Strong Museum — Monday Aug. 24, 11 a.m. (cost $20)
  • Summer Sizzler — Wednesday Aug. 19 at the Arboretum (cost $10)
  • Salute to Seniors at Ontario Beach Park — Friday Aug. 21 (free)
  • Program on Hearing Loss and Cognition — Monday Aug. 24 (free)
  • Dave Ruch concert: The Erie Canal — Tuesday Aug. 25, 4 p.m. (free)
  • Red Wings trip –Wednesday Aug. 26 (1 p.m. game start)

And while we’re talking about the Rec Center, word has just crossed my email that the annual Mud Run is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 19.

This non-competitive, family-friendly run is is always great wet, muddy fun that the kids especially will enjoy. The event includes fried cakes and apples from Schutt’s Apple Mill and Herman’s Farm Market and several vendors. Plus, the Webster and West Webster fire departments will be there to rinse you off with their pump truck.

The run is scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Rec Center, and you don’t have to register for a specific time. more information to come about this.

* * *

(posted 8/14/2026)

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).

t

Tags: , , , , ,

Lala of Webster named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

5 Aug

Congratulations to Lisa Schlonski and Lala of Webster, honored as the August 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce. 

I am especially pleased to share this news, and agree wholeheartedly with the Chamber’s decision to honor Lala’s as a business of the month. I’ve been a friend of Lala’s — and owner Lisa Schlonski — since the adorable gift shop first opened in November 2018. I knew back then it was an outstanding addition to the Village of Webster, offering a variety of home decor and gift items that couldn’t be found anywhere else.

That’s still the case, but in the years since the shop opened, it’s become so much more. Here’s what the folks at the Chamber of Commerce had to say about Lisa and her shop:

***

Located at 38 East Main Street, Lala’s is owned by Lisa Schlonski and has become much more than a place to shop. It is a warm, welcoming part of our community – and its story began during a very difficult time in Lisa’s life. 

After losing her husband in 2015, Lisa knew she needed a project, a purpose, and a reason to put herself back out into the world. She believed that surrounding herself with people – meeting customers, talking with them, and helping bring them a little happiness – would also help lift her up. 

Lisa began by purchasing a gift shop in Bushnell’s Basin, where she remained for two years. When the opportunity arose to open a store in Webster, she closed that location and created what we now know as Lala’s. What Lisa jokingly describes as an “expensive hobby” gradually became a successful business. Lala’s has now been open for nearly eight years and has grown to include eight part-time employees. 

The store offers unique, thoughtful, and affordable gifts, including home decor, jewelry, accessories, cards, seasonal items, gourmet foods, and products made by local vendors. And, of course, it is also a place where you can show your support for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. 

But what makes Lala’s special is the experience Lisa has created. She loves hearing why customers are shopping and helping them find something that feels just right – whether it is thoughtful, funny, sentimental, or something they did not even know they were looking for. Her goal is for every customer to feel welcome and for Lala’s to be a happy little stop in someone’s day. 

That same spirit extends throughout the Webster community. Lisa supports local makers and small businesses, participates in Village events, and created Lala’s Sip & Shop fundraising events in partnership with JoJo’s Bistro. She has volunteered at the Webster Fireman’s Carnival, including working both the hot dog stand and the clam shack, and serves on the board of the Webster Arboretum. 

And then there’s the name. 

“Lala” was Lisa’s childhood nickname because her younger sisters could not pronounce “Lisa.” Over time, the name took on an even deeper meaning: “Laugh and Love, Always.” It reflects how Lisa tries to live her life and what she hopes to teach her son – that even through sadness and difficult times, how we approach each day can make a difference. 

Lala’s is a wonderful example of how something created from a need for purpose and connection can grow into a place that brings happiness to an entire community.

* * *

(posted 8/5/2026)

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).

Tags: , , ,

Buy a brick, support the Webster Arboretum

1 Aug

I often write about the Webster Arboretum, because I think it’s a hidden community gem. Most recently, I told you about the Arboretum’s June’s “Anniversary in the Gardens” party in celebration of America’s 250th birthday, and the Arboretum’s beautiful and peaceful Poetry Trail.

But those were just the most recent reasons the Arboretum got my attention. The Arboretum Association also hosts free informational programs every month and the occasional summer concert. And then of course there’s the Arboretum’s main attractions: 1.5 miles of tranquil, flat gravel trails meandering through specialized gardens, wooded groves and around a beautiful pond. There’s a gazebo (which often hosts summer concerts) and the Curry Building, a spacious lodge which can be rented out for special events.

The Arboretum is clearly a treasured local resource, but it relies on community support. Today I want to tell you about an easy way you can help support their mission and honor a loved one at the same time: purchasing a custom-inscribed brick.

The brick program has been going on for a while, but I’m not sure a whole lot of people know about it. For a donation of $75, you can have a brick engraved with your family’s name, a beloved pet’s name, an inspirational message, your organization’s name, or whatever you’d like. It can commemorate a special occasion (like a wedding, graduation, birthday, anniversary or retirement) or be a memorial for a loved one. It would make a great gift, just sayin’.

Your brick will be placed along the remembrance walkway at the Arboretum, which stretches from the Curry Building to the gazebo.

Whatever inscription you choose, you can be happy in the knowledge that your message will be on permanent display, and equally happy to know that you’ve supported the Arboretum in their efforts to maintain their beautiful facility.

Click here for more information and to place an order.

The Webster Arboretum is located at 1700 Schlegel Rd.

* * *

(posted 8/1/2026)

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).

Tags: , ,

Webster community mailbag

31 Jul

Christmas in July (in August)

Webster Comfort Care Home’s Christmas in July Market will be open this year to the public for the first time, on Saturday August 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The WCCH folks wrote,

We’ve had so much fun sharing our Christmas in July Market with our staff, volunteers, residents, and their families, and now we’re excited to invite the public to join us for a special shopping event!

Browse a wonderful selection of handmade items created by one of our talented former residents. While you’ll find plenty of Christmas décor and gifts, you’ll also discover beautiful handbags, dolls, and many other special handcrafted treasures. Not everything is Christmas-themed, so there’s truly something for everyone!

It was our resident’s heartfelt wish that these handcrafted items be sold to benefit the Home, making each purchase a meaningful way to honor her generosity while supporting our residents and the compassionate, no-cost, end-of-life care we provide.

Whether you’re getting a head start on your holiday shopping or searching for a one-of-a-kind handmade gift, we hope you’ll stop by and support the Home.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is located at 700 Holt Rd., at the corner of Klem.

News from the library

Here are a few August notes from the Webster Public Library:

  • The August Community Exchange is jewelry. This is a great chance to update your bling.
  • The August Donation Station benefits Rescued Treasures Pet Adoptions.
  • The local band Ivy’s Home will present a concert at the library on Monday, Aug. 3 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. They describe their playlist as “original music and covers that merge folk songwriting with the classic roots of Anericana.” Registration is required.
  • Learn All About Prehistoric Plants on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 4 to 5 p.m., when Jack Kowlack presents a fun and informative program. Are there plants in your yard that dinosaurs munched on? Did prehistoric plants look anything like plants today? Learn the answers to these and more questions. Registration is required.

And don’t forget about the library’s brand new College and Transition Fair. Its goal is to support individuals with disabilities who will no longer get support from the school system for their services; to answer the vexing question, “What do you do when the bus stops coming?”

Among the more than two dozen organizations which will be represented are colleges that have programs for people with disabilities; those offering workforce development options; a few organizations looking for volunteers; some housing, dayhabs and support options, and more.

It’s scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon inside the Webster Public Library, 980 Ridge Rd. (at the back of Webster Plaza). There’s no cost and you don’t have to register, but if you would like a reminder, click here to sign up.

These events, by the way, are just a small sampling of all the great activities for children, adults and families going on ALL THE TIME at the library. It’s too hard for me to tell you about all of them, so I highly suggest you sign up for one or two of the library’s emailed newsletters so you get all the details. Click here to sign up.

Cold beer and cool cars

The Webster BID is taking reservations now for the second annual Main Street Car Show & Beer Walk, scheduled for Saturday, September 19.

If you have a fancy or old car you’d like to show off on Main Street, click here to register. Space is limited. Tickets for the Beer Walk will be available soon on the Webster Business Improvement District website. 

This is a hugely fun event, so stay tuned for more details and plan to be there.

Women’s Club meeting scheduled

The Women’s Club of Webster has announced details for its September luncheon meeting.

It will be held on Thursday, Sept. 17 at Capitano’s, 1400 Empire Blvd. The event begins with social hour at 11:15, followed by a short business meeting, lunch and a fun program.

Lunch will be a buffet including a selection of gourmet sandwiches, coffee tea and soda, and assorted desserts. Cost is $25. Please send your check made out to the Women’s Club of Webster to Kim Tauriello, 303 Phillips Rd., Webster, NY 14580, by Sept. 3.

* * *

(posted 7/31/2026)

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).

Tags: , , , , , ,

Saturday was “Christmas in July” at the farm market, complete with a visit from Santa

27 Jul

So it was, like, 80 degrees outside on Saturday, 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. As usual, in addition to the market’s normal assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, cheeses, baked goods and more, Santa was there in his big chair to welcome children, offering them the chance to get their gift requests in early. Much to their delight, he arrived promptly at 10 a.m. by fire truck, complete with lights and sirens.

Santa gave every child who visited with him some Christmas candy and a bottle of soapy bubble mix. The children had a choice of either orange, red, blue or green bubble bottles, which, Santa said, was a rather difficult choice for many of the small children. “The bubbly stuff was definitely a big hit with the children,” he wrote. “Lots of children, lots of bubbles floating around the market, lots of fun for all.” And of course there were lots of pictures with the children and their families.

Most of the booths and tents had been decorated with a Christmas in July theme, and some musicians played Christmas tunes. Santa even had a few minutes to spend with all of the market vendors, including Michelle at “The Cookie Cutters” booth, who needed a selfie.

“Those jumbo muffins looked sooooo good, but Santa needs to watch his waste line,” he reported. He left for the North Pole “with a sleigh full of fresh veggies, and a bottle of real maple syrup, for his pancakes on those chilly mornings at the North Pole.”

“The market was well attended by Christmas-spirited shoppers,” Santa added. “I didn’t spot any Grinches. It was a fun day.”

The Joe Obbie Farmers’ Market is located at Webster Towne Center Plaza on Holt Rd. (in front of Old Navy). It’s open every Saturday through October from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.

And don’t forget that the very popular Evening in the Park Market has returned to Charles Sexton Park (formerly known as North Ponds). Every Wednesday evening, the market will be set up at the park from 5 to 8 p.m. In addition to the vendors, these events will also have live music and food trucks, so remember to pack your folding chairs!

* * *

(posted 7/27/2026)

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).

Tags: , ,

A community rallies around Bauman’s Farm Market

23 Jul

I’m doing a little bit of traveling right now, but it still took no time for the terrible news about the fire at Bauman’s Farm Market on Wednesday morning to reach me.

Bauman’s, which is located at the corner of Five Mile Line and Plank roads in Penfield, is a family-run business which has been serving our community since 1908. Visiting Bauman’s for pumpkins, Christmas trees, fresh produce and fresh-cut flowers has been a tradition for generations of local families.

There’s little chance you haven’t heard the news, but here are some of the details, which I pulled from various news reports:

  • Owners Jim and Barbara Bauman had fallen asleep on the couch when they awoke around 2:30 a.m., saw an orange glow and called 911.
  • When fire crews arrived, they found heavy fire coming through the roof of the farm market building. Strong winds intensified the fire, leading to a second alarm and a multi-department response including 12 fire trucks and around 60 emergency responders.
  • The main farm market building was destroyed, but many of the greenhouses and some of the farming equipment survived. The house only suffered some melted siding.
  • No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

The response from the Webster/Penfield community has been immediate and widespread. Neighboring farm markets have been especially supportive; Herman’s Farm Market and Cider Mill has placed collection boxes at its registers. Other neighboring farms and friend have offered cooler storage, tents, equipment and other resources to help the family get back on its feet.

The Bauman family, however, has asked that people not send in donations yet. In a statement they released Wednesday evening, they wrote,

“At this time, we kindly ask that no donations be made. The greatest way you can support our family is by visiting Bauman’s Farm Market when we are able to reopen.” As the situation progresses, they’ll make additional announcements about how the public can help if their needs change.

In the meantime, since most of the greenhouses survived, they plan to continue farming and wholesaling, and are considering setting up a temporary pop-up farm stand.

Here’s the whole statement from the Bauman family:

Tonight, our family experienced a heartbreaking loss as a fire completely destroyed our farm market. Our hearts are heavy, but we are incredibly grateful for what matters most; everyone is safe.

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and all of the first responders who responded so quickly and worked tirelessly throughout the night. We are beyond thankful for your courage, professionalism, and dedication.

Webster, West Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Irondequoit, we are also grateful for the overwhelming support, prayers, and kind messages we’ve already received from our community. They mean more to our family than words can express. Right now, we are taking things one step at a time and assessing what comes next. We appreciate your patience as we work through the days ahead, and we’ll share updates as we are able. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts.

* * *

(posted 7/23/2026)

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).

Tags: ,

Creativity as therapy at the new Serenity Life Creative Studio

19 Jul

It was sad to see Mabel Jane’s Vintage Shop close its doors at 10 North Ave. not too long ago. However, it’s nice to know that the storefront won’t stay empty for long, and will soon welcome a new, art-focused proprietor to the village.

The new shop — which will be more like an art studio — will be called Serenity Life Creative Studio. It’s an extension of Serenity Life Counseling Services, which already has two locations at 93 West Main St., and 98 North Ave. Owner Mattye McKibben is working hard to renovate the space so she can introduce it to the Webster community in August.

I asked Mattye to tell me more about her vision for her new studio, and she sent me something so detailed and perfect, I decided I couldn’t write it any better. Here’s what she wrote:

* * *

Serenity Life Creative Studio is built around the concept of Open Studio Art Therapy—an approach that combines the freedom and joy of creating art with the presence and support of trained Creative Arts Therapists in a welcoming, community-centered environment.

Rather than feeling like a traditional therapy office or a typical paint-and-sip studio, we’re trying to create something that blends the best of both worlds. We want people to be able to stop in for a girls’ night, a parent-child outing, a date, a family activity, or simply an hour of quiet creativity, while also knowing that licensed Creative Arts Therapists are part of the environment should they want a deeper therapeutic experience. Our hope is to bridge the gap between clinical art therapy and everyday community life, making creative wellness feel approachable, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

The studio is staffed by a team of licensed Creative Arts Therapists from Serenity Life alongside Studio Peers whose role is centered on hospitality, customer service, and helping artists have a wonderful experience. We often say we’re blending clinical care with hospitality. We want people to feel genuinely welcomed from the moment they walk through the door.

The heart of the studio is what we call our Art Bar. Instead of walking up to a traditional bar to order a drink, guests walk up to the Art Bar to order creativity.

Artists browse our Studio Menu and choose from curated creative experiences like watercolor, acrylic painting, drawing, clay, seasonal collections, and more. From there, our Studio Peers and Creative Arts Therapists help personalize each experience by recommending projects, customizing materials, suggesting creative add-ons, or helping someone discover a medium they may never have tried before. Every creative box is assembled specifically for that artist before they settle into the studio to create.

The Art Bar is designed to make creativity feel approachable. Instead of wondering what supplies to buy or investing hundreds of dollars before knowing what you’ll enjoy, everything has already been thoughtfully curated. Guests simply choose an experience, and we take care of the rest. For parents, it also means all the creativity without all the cleanup. Families can enjoy creating together and leave the paint, glitter, clay, and mess with us.

It’s also where so much of the conversation happens. Questions are asked. Ideas are shared. Kids excitedly choose their next project. Friends compare what they’re making. Parents discover new activities to enjoy with their children. It’s less like checking out at a store and more like being welcomed into a creative community.

Beyond the Art Bar, we’ve intentionally designed the studio to feel less like a classroom and more like your favorite neighborhood coffee house crossed with a cozy library and an inspiring art studio. Warm lighting, books, comfortable seating, music, coffee and tea, vintage furniture, and thoughtfully designed creative spaces encourage people to slow down, linger, and enjoy being together. We want it to feel calm, welcoming, and restorative—not rushed or crowded.

At its heart, though, this is really about connection.

We’re intentionally creating a place where generations naturally share the same creative space. On any given afternoon, you might find grandparents creating with grandchildren, friends gathering for a girls’ night, parents and children spending intentional time together, teenagers sketching after school, or someone simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and a watercolor set. We believe making art side by side creates conversations and relationships that don’t always happen in everyday life.

Webster has so many wonderful restaurants and gathering places, and we wanted to contribute something different to our community. We often joke that instead of meeting friends to grab a drink, why not meet them to order some art? Our Art Bar is our take on a modern gathering place—a creative destination where people can celebrate birthdays, meet after work, enjoy a date night, or simply unwind together. It’s another option for people looking for meaningful ways to connect outside the traditional restaurant and bar scene, including those embracing alcohol-free lifestyles or simply seeking a slower, more intentional way to spend an evening.

Ultimately, we’re trying to create something that doesn’t really exist in our area—a true fusion of hospitality, creativity, and clinical expertise. Our hope is that creativity becomes the common ground where hospitality, community, and emotional wellness naturally meet.

We’ll be hosting several community “Get to Know Us” events throughout August before officially opening around the start of the school year. During this introductory phase, visitors will be able to explore the studio, experience the Art Bar, and enjoy discounted creative boxes as a way of getting acquainted with the space. We’ll also be gifting a limited-edition keepsake to our first 100 artists as a thank-you for being part of the beginning of this journey.

* * *

Here’s a selection of photos Mattye sent showing part of the building process and her vision of what the studio will look like when it’s all done.

Check out the Serenity Life website to learn more and pre-register in their system. Pre-registering is the best way to receive studio updates, invitations to their opening events, and be among the first to hear when reservations become available.

* * *

(posted 7/19/2026)

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).

Tags: , , ,

M&T Bank named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

17 Jul

Congratulations to Ariane Ring and M&T Bank, honored as the July 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce.

Established 165 years ago and headquartered in Buffalo, M&T operates 933 branches across 13 states, serving individuals, families, and businesses through retail banking, business banking, commercial services, leasing, wealth management, and private banking. And while M&T is a large organization, what stands out about the Webster branch is how personal and community-focused their work truly is.

The Webster branch, located at 935 Hard Rd., is led by Ariane Ring, Commercial Branch Manager, who has been with M&T Bank for nearly 14 years and has served the Webster community for the past five and a half years. Ariane currently manages a team of seven employees, and together they work every day to help customers with their financial needs, goals, and long-term plans.

M&T’s purpose is simple but meaningful: to understand the individuals and businesses in their neighborhood, so they can create the right opportunities for the people they serve. That mission is clearly reflected in the way Ariane talks about her work. She says the best part of her job is the ability to connect with customers, learn more about their stories, and help them achieve their financial goals. That kind of relationship-based service is exactly what makes a business an important part of the Webster community.

Ariane is also active beyond the walls of the branch. She enjoys giving her time to organizations such as United Way and The Center for Youth, showing the same commitment to service in the community that she brings to her customers every day. Ariane sometimes jokes she “fell into banking.” She originally entered the field while working toward her MBA part-time. After starting at Bank of America and completing her degree, she realized she truly enjoyed banking, but wanted to be part of an organization that was more community-focused. That led her to M&T Bank, which she describes as one of the greatest blessings of her career. As she put it, “It’s funny how you always end up where you belong.”

Ariane added, “The most humbling part of my role is that I get to wake up every day and do what I love, and that’s help people.” She finds it especially rewarding to work with small businesses, and “be a part of their journey. … to see them grow over the years and get to know their families, be privy to their life events.”

That’s a great reminder that the best businesses are not just defined by products and services, but by people who care about where they work, who they serve, and the community around them.

Congratulations to Ariane Ring and the entire team at M&T Bank!

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 7/17/2026)

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).

Tags: , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →