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Webster business bits

9 Sep

I’ve had occasion recently to visit several of our town and village’s small business owners. My main purpose was to solicit donations for the Women’s Club of Webster’s upcoming Card and Game Party, and of course everyone was very generous, as our small business owners always are. But it was also a great chance for me to check in on these businesses, and chat with the owners to see how things are going.

In the process, I learned about all sorts of special events and new offerings, several of which I would now like to share with you.

We’re going to start with some BIG NEWS from Sweet Shenanigans at 15 East Main St. in the village. This little bake shop is barely six months old — they only opened in April — but it has already become a village favorite.

So much so that our sweets-loving Webster community has nominated them in the Best Bakery category of this year’s Rochester Community’s Choice Awards.

The Community’s Choice Awards is a nationwide program which celebrates the best businesses and organizations across the country. Community members nominate and vote for their favorite companies in more than 100 categories. Sweet Shanigans is vying against six other Rochester-area bakeries, including some big names you will definitely recognize. And this is just the first round; if they get enough votes, their category will be whittled down to five semi-finalists, then three finalists.

Voting is open now through September 23, so log on soon to cast your vote for Webster’s very own Sweet Shenanigans. Click this link to go to the voting page, click on the “Dining” tab, then “Bakery.”

And this is the kind of thing that has made Sweet Shenanigans a favorite:

They’ve just introduced a really fun new concept, the “Shenanigans Surprise Bags.” Basically, if you’re undecided about what to choose from the delightful variety of goodies in their display cases, you can order a surprise bag. They’ll choose around eight items from the cases and the bread rack — generally a $25-$30 value — and pack them up all ready to go. Your cost is only $20.

There is a limited amount of Surprise Bags available, and they’re only offered on Thursdays.

This adorable little “Trinket Trade Box” is located outside Oh Bella, a charming boutique located at 24 East Main St.

Owner Isabella Proietti got the idea from a shop she came across in Orlando and installed hers at the beginning of summer. The idea is kind of like a Little Free Library, but in this case children can place little trinkets, toys or stickers in it, and take what they’d like. Isabella says it’s been very popular, with both children and adults alike.

It’s pretty adorable. Make sure to check it out next time you’re in the village.

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Never Say Never Stables, located at 906 Maple Dr. in West Webster, has recently introduced a brand new “Horse Hangout” experience for adults.

It’s part of the Barnside Social Club, a welcoming place to relax, connect, and enjoy the company of horses, without the pressure of riding, lessons, or need of experience.

The Never Say Never website explains,

Many of the horses at Never Say Never Stables are enjoying their senior years. After spending their lives teaching, carrying, and caring for people, they’ve earned a softer landing. While they’re no longer suited for regular adult riding, they still thrive on connection. They love being groomed, pampered, hand-grazed, talked to, photographed, and simply enjoyed for who they are. And as it turns out, many adults are looking for exactly that.

The Barnside Social Club was created for those who miss being around horses, dream of owning one someday, once rode years ago, or simply find peace in their presence. Here, there is no pressure to ride, perform, or know anything about horses. Just come as you are and enjoy authentic connection with these wonderful animals—and with other people who appreciate them, too.
Because sometimes the best part of the horse isn’t riding.

The program offers participants the opportunity to meet and connect with the horses in a relaxed barn atmosphere. You can meet fellow horse lovers and enjoy light refreshments or BYO, depending on the event. No riding experience is necessary.

New adventures are scheduled every month. Click here for more information and to check availability.

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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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(posted 9/15/2026)

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Play-a-Latte celebrates one year anniversary

7 Sep

Play-a-Latte, Webster’s very own play café, is celebrating its first anniversary, and parents and kids of all ages are invited to join the fun.

Play-a-Latte, located in Towne Center Plaza (Target Plaza), is owned and operated by Richelle Acker and Kristi Phillips. It offers families a bright, kid-friendly space where children can dive into imaginative play, and a coffeehouse vibe, where parents can sip, chat, unwind and catch up with friends while their kids explore. It’s a bright, colorful, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of small-town America.

Eight different custom-built playhouses (retail and service shops) line the walls, surrounding a “central park”-type area with picnic tables, all encouraging imaginative play. There’s also a fenced-off area for very young children, a party room, and a separate sensory room: a quieter, calmer space with muted lighting, fidget toys and sensory tiles and boards. Plus, there’s plenty of comfortable seating for parents and grandparents, and a nice variety of refreshment options for both adults and children.

Basically, it’s adorable.

In the last year, the play café has seen steady business, especially during the colder months when playing outside isn’t a great option. Visiting the indoor playground has definitely been a delightful experience for little ones, but Richelle and Kristi are finding that one of the best parts about their business are the adult friendships they’re making at the same time.

Richelle wrote,

We have built so many wonderful relationships with our customers and made a lot of new friends along the way. Our favorite part of the job is seeing our “regulars” come in and being able to relax and chat with them during their visit. While we recognize that it’s not always possible (or common) for business owners themselves to be present and working the “front lines,” we pride ourselves on being able to be at the play café, interacting with families and looking for ways to improve the experience.

Especially being a new business, we feel it’s important to build connections with customers, the community, and to have the day-to-day operational perspective to identify opportunities for improvement. 

In the past year, Richelle and Kristi have also sponsored a wide variety of holiday events, pop-up vendor events (like Crochet Creations by KF and Abide Link Permanent Jewelry) and lots of informational specials events (like a cookie-making class, Love-2-Learn Sensory Class and Raising Readers with Elise). They’ve also already become deeply involved in the Webster community. They partner with local businesses and organizations for their supplies and special events, and have supported dozens of charitable organizations with donations of toys, gift cards, advertisements and sponsorships.

Richelle added,

In addition to having over 7,400 playtime admissions since we opened … we have also hosted 50 private birthday parties and have had so much fun adding our personal touches and making them all feel special for our families.  We love being creative with the business and we look forward to expanding our services to the community in our second year.  We have lots of fun ideas such as baby/toddler music classes, educational workshops for parents, and private family photo sessions/holiday photoshoots in our space.  

Play-a-Latte will celebrate its one year anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 12. They’ll be open for playtime from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day (reservation are suggested). Guests that day will enjoy a complimentary dessert tray and can take photos in front of a cute backdrop. There’ll also be a basket giveaway, and anyone who shares their anniversary post will have a chance to win. Plus, all merchandise will be on sale for 50% off.

Play-a-Latte is located on the west side of Towne Center Plaza on Ridge Rd. (next to Cold Stone). You can find more information on their website, Facebook page and Instagram (Playalatte_PlayCafe).

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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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(posted 9/7/2026)

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CA Consulting named Webster Chamber Business of the Month

4 Sep

Congratulations to CA Consulting, honored as the September 2026 Business of the Month by the Webster Chamber of Commerce. The business was recognized at the Chamber of Commerce’s most recent Monthly Meeting, held Friday Aug. 28 at the Webster Golf Club.

CA Consulting — owned and operated by Cheryl Adas and based on Webster — is a professional consulting firm that specializes in leadership development, team effectiveness, and professional coaching.

Cheryl formed her DBA in 1991 when she started consulting for various organizations in customer service. Her family had recently relocated from Chicago to her hometown of Webster. Consulting became a part-time gig when she became the General Manager of the Courtyard in Brighton in 1994 and then began her career at Xerox in 1997.

It was more than 25 years later when Cheryl decided to leave Xerox and put her consulting career into action, providing leadership training, team effectiveness, and Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement processes. She knew there were opportunities using all the skills and experience she’d acquired over the years.

Her vision for her company became “Unleashing the Power of People with Momentum,” building confidence and helping people realize their untapped, unlimited potential. Cheryl works with both start-up and well-established organizations to help them build leaders at all levels and build critical thinkers in continuous process improvement.

Cheryl loves making a difference in people’s lives, helping them to see the best in themselves and achieve their potential. Her business is primarily marketed via word of mouth and the support of her MCC Economic and Workforce Development partnership. Cheryl has helped participants realize they were leaders leave her program with their heads held high and more confidence and pep in their step. She’s helped people with challenging personal lives thinking they couldn’t spend the time in the program who found it to be lifechanging in a positive way.

In addition to being an active Webster Chamber member, Cheryl also participates in the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Roc Dog Therapy with her five-year-old Golden Retriever Finn, and the Wellness on Wednesdays senior group. She was a former board trustee and co-chair at Sonnenberg Gardens and a former vice president and board member of the Port Bay Improvement Association.

For more information you can email Cheryl at cladas1@gmail.com or call (585) 703-3469.

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. Fewer than 3% of the members are chosen annually.

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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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(posted 9/4/2026)

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Happy anniversary Village Quilt Shoppe!

1 Sep

I’m embarrassed to say that this occasion almost completely passed me by. But an email I got this morning from The Village Quilt Shoppe reminded me that this cute little shop turns seven years old this week. With all the business comings and goings of late, and all the empty storefronts, I’m happy to see a village business thriving.

That’s especially the case here, because owners Vanetta Parshall and Monique Liberti had a very rocky start. Just three months after they opened their doors in August 2019, a water leak from the apartment above the shop came through the floor and destroyed much of their merchandise. They had to close for almost a month. Then, a year later, COVID struck — and you know how difficult it was for small businesses to navigate that.

But thanks to a solid core of loyal customers, they navigated both of these major obstacles and came back stronger each time. And now this week they’re celebrating seven years in business.

Vanetta and Monique have several special events up their sleeves to celebrate the anniversary, most notably, Birthday Bingo TODAY (Tuesday Sept. 1) at 1 p.m. and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. They’ll be handing out free gifts with every purchase all week, and treats for all. Plus, they’ll have a prize wheel which you can spin for extra discounts.

They promise more fun surprises all week, so make sure to stop by the shop.

The Village Quilt Shoppe is located at 21 E. Main St. in the Village of Webster, at the corner of Lapham Park.

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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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(posted 9/1/2026)

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Serenity Life opens creative new extension

28 Aug

A huge Webster welcome to the Village’s newest — and most creative — business, Serenity Life Creative Studio.

Located at 10 North Ave. (formerly Mabel Jane’s Vintage Shop), the new Serenity Life Creative Studio is an extension of Serenity Life Counseling Services, which already has established locations at 93 West Main St. and 98 North Ave. Owned and operated by professional therapist Mattye McKibben, the studio is the realization of her long-time vision to bring a community-driven art therapy space to life.

She’s delivered that in a big way. Step inside the new studio and you’ll find a bright, open, welcoming atmosphere, enveloped in warm tones with vibrant splashes of color. It’s an environment which Mattye says 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 concept is simple. When you walk in, you step up to the “art bar,” peruse the menu and select an art box stocked with supplies for your favorite medium — watercolor, acrylic, clay, oil pastel, pencil sketching and more. Each box includes all the art supplies you need, with optional add-ons. Grab some paper at the Paper Bar, find a comfortable spot to work (at a table, on a couch, or you can even sit in the front window) and start creating. There are even options for “little artists,” children 10 and under.

If you don’t have your own ideas and aren’t sure where to start, you can get inspired by one of the creative ideas posted in the studio. Or just experiment. You’ve got 90 minutes to work at your own pace, and licensed creative arts therapists are on hand at all times to help with materials, offer creative guidance or provide a little extra support.

Mattye describes the experience as “an approachable way to get some emotional wellness. It’s not a clinical environment.” Rather, “it’s ‘therapy-forward,’ more an open-structure art therapy.” And who couldn’t use a little therapy once in a while, especially when family and friends are part of the fun? What a great way to relax and put life’s problems aside for just a little while.

Serenity Life Creative Studio is located at 10 North Ave. in the Village of Webster. Find out more on their website, where you can also reserve a time to visit. Or just walk in during open studio hours. You can also follow the studio on Facebook and Instagram. And stay tuned for news about upcoming special events, like Ladies’ Nights and Teen Tuesdays.

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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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(posted 8/28/2026)

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Even more to love from M.O. Pasta

25 Aug

It’s really kind of hard to believe, but M.O. Pasta, that great little pasta shop on East Main St. in the Village of Webster, just celebrated its third anniversary.

Since opening in Webster in April 2023, M.O. Pasta has become a local favorite for authentic, handcrafted fresh pastas, small-batch sauces, take-and-bake kits, pastries, and fresh breads. Owner Mike Oldfield built a loyal following even before launching the storefront, and that community has grown steadily over the past three years through glowing word of mouth.

And now, M.O. Pasta is getting even better.

About a month ago, Mike expanded his services next door into the former Fella’s Tattoo and Gift Shop at 7 East Main, which moved out in April. It was perfect timing, opening up a spot for Mike to start offering pasta classes and private events (like dinners and team-building classes), something which was always in his long-range plans.

So it’s not so much an expansion as it is additional space. The room is long and thin, measuring about 800 square feet. On one wall hang photos from his trips to Italy, and on the other, a collection of pasta-making tools. A handsome table extends the length of the room, long enough to sit 14 comfortably, but leaving plenty of room for Mike to stack the bags of flour he imports straight from Italy. Some day he’d also like to set up a table in the front window and make pasta, “just like you’d see in Italy.”

Mike’s already hosted several classes in the short time since the classroom opened, and his September and October schedules are already filling up. If you’re interested in joining a class or scheduling one for your friends or co-workers, contact Mike through his website, Facebook page or Instagram to check availability. Or better yet, stop into the shop.

M.O. Pasta is located at 5-7 East Main St. in the Village of Webster.

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(posted 8/25/2026)

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

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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!

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(posted 8/23/2026)

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

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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.

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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.

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(posted 8/21/2026)

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

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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.

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(posted 8/14/2026)

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

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t

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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:

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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)

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