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We won! Webster awarded $4.5 million grant

27 Feb

Have you heard the big news?

As a result of many, many months of hard work by the Webster Economic Development Alliance (WEDA) and lots of community input, the Village of Webster has been selected by Governor Kathy Hochul as one of just two Finger Lakes communities to receive a portion of the grants being awarded through the NY Forward community revitalization program. The Village of Webster and the Town of Macedon will each receive $4.5 million as this year’s Finger Lakes region NY Forward winners.

As part of the competition process, the Village worked with the Town of Webster, Webster Central School District and the Business Improvement District (BID) to submit an application outlining the village’s vision to improve the downtown business district. During the process, WEDA provided tons of opportunities for community input to gather resident opinions on what the grant money should be used for. If you attended one of these events, you may remember large maps with sticky notes you could place on the areas you thought should be improved.

Officially, the WEDA explains that “the Village of Webster’s downtown revitalization project seeks to create a thriving Main Street which seamlessly blends modern sustainability with the historic character of our community.” More specifically, a few of the projects under consideration are things like improving Veterans Park (including replacing the gazebo with a larger band shell), creating a flexible event space behind the firehouse, and various streetscape improvements in the center of the village.

The ultimate goals are to create an active downtown, enhance accessibility and walk-ability for residents and visitors, provide flexible space for cultural events, provide amenities to enhance downtown living, and rejuvenate economic development along Main Street.

The next steps will begin with the creation of a Local Planning Committee, consisting of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The committee will identify projects that most align with the community’s vision and are poised for implementation. There will be many opportunities for community input before the final projects are selected for funding, so stay tuned for those.

Upon accepting the award, WEDA Executive Director Matt Chatfield said,

The Village and the Webster Economic Development Alliance are prepared, energized, and steadfast in their desire to bolster growth and investment in our downtown business district. With the support of the NY Forward Program we are now ready to launch the next phase of our prosperous future, to be accomplished through coordination, partnership and dedication from the entire community – leadership, local business, and citizens. We are thankful for the generous support of Governor Hochul and the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council, as we work together in the spirit of cooperation to make Webster a community of choice in Upstate New York.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/27/2024)

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New Donutchew bakery offers an Asian twist on donuts

24 Feb

There’s a new donut in town. It’s called a “mochi donut,” and you gotta try one. But beware … once you’ve had one, you might never go back to your old donut shop.

Mochi donuts are one of several Asian-inspired menu items available at Donutchew, a new bakery located in Baytowne Plaza. Michael Blair, a Chinese-American, opened the shop about three weeks ago, bringing to the Webster/Penfield area some sweet treats that our area has never really seen before.

That’s not to say that mochi flour and mochi-based desserts are anything new. The confections have been wildly popular in Japan and Hawaii for years, and that popularity has been slowly spreading across the U.S.

How is a mochi donut different from your standard American donut? I asked Michael to explain, and he struggled a bit with the answer.

“You have to taste it to know,” he began. “The flour is a lot lighter and the texture is chewier. It might taste like a lighter fried dough.” While most American donut products are heavier and denser, he continued, “with these, you can probably eat three or four and you feel OK about it.”

But what really sets Donutchew’s mochi donuts apart from the rest are the wide variety of unique toppings and flavorings. Don’t expect to find glazed, cinnamon, powdered, or chocolate-iced donuts here. DO expect toppings like Oreo cream cheese, mango, Earl Gray and s’mores, and Asian-inspired flavors like black sesame, imported straight from Japan. There are even some kid-friendly options, like Cookie Monster and Fruity Pebble.

“It’s a fun thing,” Michael said. “That’s what brings people in, the fun flavors on the top and the different texture when they bite into it.”

Aside from their taste, what I find most intriguing is the donuts’ unusual design. It’s kind of like a beaded bracelet, perfect for bite-sized snacking (a theory I tested on my drive home with delicious results).

Donutchew’s mochi donuts lead a menu of several other Asian-inspired sweet treats that are hard to find on the east side, like Korean corn dogs, boba teas (with tea sourced from the family’s tea farm in China), croffles, and tanghulu.

Never heard of tanghulu? This traditional Chinese snack is fruit on a skewer — strawberries, grapes, pineapple — wrapped into rock candy, giving it a crunchy outer layer. Michael’s grandmother would make the snack when he was growing up, and she’s the one in the Donutchew kitchen making it every day now. Ask a young person about it, because it’s huge on TikTok.

Opening his first bakery in the Webster/Penfield area was not Michael’s first choice. “To be honest,” he said, “coming to Webster was kind of a gamble for us.”

In my opinion there’s not much diversity here. If you compare to Henrietta, Brighton, you see a lot more Asian Americans who live out that way, which is good and bad. The good thing is, there’s a greater variety of Asian restaurants, bubble tea places in the area. But the people in Webster who enjoy that type of cuisine have to drive all the way to Henrietta or Brighton. So we thought if we could create a successful location here, that would save a lot of time for the east-side community.

So far, that gamble has paid off. They’ve already started to develop a steady clientele, and customers are telling them how much they appreciate having a boba tea shop nearby.

“The feedback has been super positive,” Michael said. “People are beginning to learn who we are. Once they learn what it is and who we are, they’re coming back.”

Donutchew is located on the south side of Baytowne Plaza, 1900 Empire Blvd., Webster, in the former Royal Dynasty Restaurant. They’re open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Find out more about them on their website, Facebook page, and Instagram (@donutchew_rochester).

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/24/2024)

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Elena Bernardi named Webster Chamber Business Person of the Year

12 Feb

Congratulations to Elena Bernardi, owner of Bernardi & Company CPAs, who was recently named Webster Chamber of Commerce 2024 Business Person of the Year.

Elena is a wife, mother, business owner, and volunteer. Over 20 years ago she made the decision to move her business to Webster. Since that time, Elena has been very active within our community. In addition to her Chamber membership, Elena is an Advisory Board Member at Canandaigua National Bank. She also serves as the Webster Economic Development Alliance Treasurer and is currently President of the Webster Village Business Improvement District (BID).

At the BID, Elena leads volunteers in a quest to make the Village of Webster businesses visible, impacting business owners and residents. Her planning and leadership have brought to Webster the recent shredding event at Village Hall, the Beer Garden, Family Game Nights, Winter Wonderland, Easter Egg Hunt, movies and concerts in the park, Jazz Festival, Trick or Treat Trail and Health and Wellness Fair.

Candidates for Business Person of the Year are nominated by Chamber of Commerce members, the winner chosen based on length of Chamber membership, business accomplishments and community service.

The next Webster Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Before Business meeting is scheduled for  Friday Feb. 23 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Business owners are encouraged to attend for an opportunity to network with as many as 90 business and organizational leaders. There’s always an informative program followed by “pass-the-mic” time when everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

The Webster Recreation Center is located at 1350 Chiyoda Dr., off of Phillips Rd. Please register here.  

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/12/2024)

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An update from Danny and Jess Barry

9 Feb

It happens to me at least once a week these days. I’m chatting with someone, and they ask me something like, “So, what do you know about Barry’s? When is it going to open again?” And more often than not they’d pass along some theory or rumor which answered their own question.

A few days ago, I determined to track down the REAL answer by going straight to the source. I called Danny and Jess and asked them to clear up the issue once and for all. Have they made any decisions on where the new Barry’s Old School Irish will be, and when it might open?

Their answer? In a word, no.

They DID tell me they “have some feelers out,” and a “lot of people looking” for the new space. But basically, Danny and Jess are not much closer to finding their pub’s forever home than they were when they closed Barry’s Old School Irish five months ago.

They get the same question all the time, of course. But they also often have people tell them, in no uncertain terms, “I know where you’re going.”

Danny laughed when he told me that, and said he responds, “OK, fill me in.”

Even though plans are still not set in stone, their hopes for the new pub haven’t changed much. They want a building they can own outright. They want it to be larger, yet still maintain the intimacy that Barry’s Old School Irish has become known for. And they definitely want to stay as close to 2 West Main St. as possible.

In the meantime, however, Danny and Jess continue to work hard promoting their new Barry’s Irish Cream Liqueur, traveling all over the state to hold tastings in liquor stores and pubs.

“We’re super thankful about how great the Irish Cream is going,” Danny said, attributing its success in large part to their loyal Barry’s Pub family, who have come out in droves to purchase it and ask for it to be stocked in their local stores. It’s folks like these, who remain loyal to the pub family, that continue to fill their hearts with gratitude every day.

“One of the things that’s been super nice is how we’ve been able to reflect on how amazing the last 12 years have been,” Danny said, “to go over the people and moments that have happened. … People built (the pub) with us. The least we can do is return the favor.”

“We’re excited for the future.”

Whether you’re a Barry’s regular or have only stopped in once or twice, you’ll like this next bit of news Danny and Jessica passed along: the 5th Annual Barry’s Irish Festival will (hopefully) be held at the Webster Firemen’s Field, just outside the Village of Webster. They’re still trying to figure out when exactly it will be, since several summer weekend dates are already unavailable, so stay tuned for more about that.

This is great news for all of the Webster locals who have come to love the festival — and Barry’s Old School Irish. It means that later this summer, we’ll be able to raise a pint with the Barrys again … albeit down the road a bit. In the meantime, Danny and Jess hope to hold some smaller events — kind of like mini-Barry’s family reunions — so that we can all get together again as we await for news on Barry’s Old School Irish 2.0.

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Also, HUGE congratulations to Danny and Jess Barry for being named this year’s Irish Business Leaders of the year by the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Watch for their whole family marching in the parade!

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/10/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

26 Jan

The secondary schools’ lineup of spring musicals begins in just a few weeks when the Willink Drama Club presents Finding Nemo JR. on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. at Willink Middle School, 900 Publishers Parkway.

An adaptation of the beloved 2003 movie, Finding Nemo JR. tells the story of Marlin (Jeremiah Fischer), an anxious and over-protective clownfish who lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo (Harper Johnson), who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters Dory (Peyton Short), Crush (Rylie Biroscak), and the supportive Tank Gang (Jeremiah Clark, Ella Boneberg, Benedict Sweeney, Leah Schinaman, Kayla Vanderlinden, and Sierra Strelick), Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. showcases a large, energetic cast and crew of more than 100 sixth, seventh and eighth graders.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, and free for children ages 3 and younger. Tickets can be purchased online here but should also be available at the door.

Challenger Miracle Field invites the community to a Valentines Dance on Friday and Saturday Feb. 9 and 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Webster Country Club, 440 Salt Rd.

Participants ages 20 and under are invited to attend Friday night, and those 21 and older can come on Saturday. Both nights will feature dinner, a photo booth, and a DJ providing the dance music.

Cost is $10 for 1 to 2 people, $25 for a group of three or more. Click here to register. Registrations are due by Feb. 2.

Beyond Cuts Salon on North Ave. in the Village of Webster is working with RocMaidan to send relief supplies to the Ukraine.

The salon is now collecting any size bottles of Ibuprofin (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol), and cold medicines and bandages of any size, which will be added to the medical backpacks which RocMaidan regularly ships to the Ukraine for soldier and civilian casualties.

Please drop your items off at the salon, 33 North Ave., during normal operating hours.

The annual Robynpalooza Golf Tourney has been scheduled for June 14, 2024 at the Morgan’s Crossing Golf Club in Scottsville.

This tournament is in its 13th year of having fun and raising money for local charities. Last year’s event raised $18,000, which benefited the Genesee Land Trust, Webster Public Library, Human Kindness and Webster Rotary charities. Business owners are encouraged to support this year’s Robynpalooza by purchasing a sponsorship, which range from $100 to $2500.

For more details, visit www.websterrotaryny.org or call 585-678-1378.

The next general meeting and luncheon for the Women’s Club of Webster will be held on Thursday Feb. 15 at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd. Cherie Wood, Webster’s coordinator for Wreaths Across America Webster, will be this month’s speaker.

The event begins with a social mix-and-mingle at 11:15 a.m., followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. Then Cherie will speak about Wreaths Across America and other projects supporting Blue Star families and Gold Star mothers.

Lunch will feature a buffet featuring Proietti’s famous Chicken French, stuffed shells, zucchini marinara, salad, and a cannoli.  The cost is $24. Send your check made out to WCW by February 8 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

New members are always welcome.

The CDS Wolf Foundation invites community members to join a fun afternoon of bowling at the 17th annual Strikes for Abilities Bowling Party, scheduled for Sunday Feb. 25 at Bowlero Webster, 2400 Empire Blvd.

Registration costs just $250 for 5-person teams, and includes two hours of unlimited bowling, bowling shoes, pizza and unlimited soft drinks, prizes, a cash bar and raffles.

To learn more and sign up, click here.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/26/2024)

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Finns Garage is under new ownership

24 Jan

These days, it can be hard to find a mechanic who’ll do a good job at a reasonable price and not try to up-sell you on every little thing.

We were fortunate to find one of those trustworthy mechanics when we moved to the Village of Webster four years ago: Finns Automotive at 45 East Main Street. So when I got the email from owner Kevin Finn that after 20 years in business he had sold the shop, I got a little panicky.

But then I walked down there, chatted with Kevin about his decision and met the new owner, James Robinson. When I left, I was feeling much better.

Kevin and his wife Susan have actually been thinking about selling the business for the last three years and have been actively looking for a new owner most of that time.

“I felt it was time,” Kevin said, “as long as I was healthy and we were able to financially do it. … We’re looking forward to some other endeavors. For me it includes spending time with the BID (Webster’s Business Improvement District) in addition to some other volunteer work.” He and Susan are also looking forward to having more time to visit with family and friends and doing some traveling.

The shop’s new owner, James Robinson, is actually a longtime Finns Automotive customer. He brings to the business a 24-year history of working with cars, beginning when he was just 14 years old, and he studied automotive mechanics at MCC. He plans to “keep (the shop) the same as it is,” especially looking forward to working with all of the customers who have come to trust Finns to take care of their vehicles.

And as a sign of that trust, he’ll be keeping the “Finns Automotive” name.

Kevin Finn has already received a lot of handshakes and pats on the back in support of his decision, and with thanks for being a valued part of the Village of Webster business community. He’s planning to be at the shop for several more weeks, so stop in to congratulate him and say hello to James.

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

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/24/2024)

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Polished Pup joins Webster’s grooming scene

17 Jan

There’s a new dog groomer in the Village of Webster, ready to help even the dirtiest of dogs become fresh, clean, and polished.

It’s called the Polished Pup, located at 181 North Ave., next door to Salvatore’s Pizzeria. It’s owned and operated by Mackenzie Kinley who, you could say, started her business at a rapid clip.

At just 19 years old, Mackenzie’s route to becoming a small business owner was a rather circuitous one, quickly turning from a traditional college career to entrepreneurship. Shortly after graduating from Webster Thomas High School in the spring of 2022, Mackenzie went south to Coastal Carolina University to study either marine biology or forensic psychology. Quickly realizing that neither was right for her, she withdrew after just a month.

She was pretty sure back then, however, that what she really wanted to do was work with dogs. “I always loved them and grew up with them,” she said. “I knew this was a passion of mine.” Becoming a veterinarian didn’t appeal to her (“I couldn’t handle seeing them pass away and in pain”). Instead, grooming felt like a perfect fit. She started saving for her own apartment, studio and equipment, signed up for grooming school and officially opened the Polished Pup last August.

Even though she’s only been in business for about five months, Mackenzie’s already developed a steady clientele. She attributes her early success to the personal attention she gives to every one of her canine clients.

“It’s a basic thing,” she said, “but I really do care about them. … I only do two dogs a day and I go at their own pace. I tell my clients two hours baseline instead of one, to really make (the dog) feel comfortable.” Mackenzie added that she uses all natural products — shampoos, conditioners, sprays and treats — “to keep them healthy and happy.”

“I really hope that once a dog starts coming here, they never leave, they never have to go anywhere else.”

The best way to get in touch with Mackenzie and the Polished Pup is to text her at (585) 645-9200. For more information and to see lots of cute puppy photos, check out her Facebook page and website and her Instagram feed at @polished_pup.

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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.

(posted 1/17/2024)

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An update from 2 West Main

10 Jan

If you haven’t been through the Village of Webster’s four-corners recently, you may not have seen all the changes happening at 2 West Main St., the former Barry’s Irish Pub.

It’s been cleared out and opened up so much that Barry’s regulars might not even recognize it. The bar is gone and the wall between the bar and the old bakery area has been removed. The sliding door separating the kitchen from the dining area and all of the kitchen equipment are also history. The whole space looks twice the size of the old Barry’s.

The building’s owner, Greg Chambery (who also owns Maplewood Nursing Home) reports he’s had a lot of interest in the corner, but there’s nothing signed yet. Rest assured, though, he loves this village as much as we all do, and knows full well that everyone is anxiously awaiting to hear good news about what will follow in Barry’s footsteps. “I’ve got a heart for the village,” he said, “and want to make that corner something that people are proud of.”

As for Danny and Jessica Barry and their plans for opening a new pub? I haven’t heard anything about that yet, either. For now, they’ve been having great success marketing their Barry’s Irish Cream, but may very well be working in the background on securing a new pub location.

When I hear anything, I’ll let you know.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 1/10/2024)

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Fun stuff at the library

6 Jan

I give up.

There are so many neat things happening at the Webster Public Library ALL THE TIME that I’ve decided it’s too difficult staying on top of all of them. The best way to do that, if you’d really like to stay informed, is to frequent the Webster Public Library website, and “like” their Facebook page. They post on both regularly.

However, having said that, a few things in their emails always strike me as particularly interesting.

  • Topping off the list, the library has gone FINE FREE. The library’s Board of Trustees voted to eliminate daily late fines on all materials effective January 1, 2024. (They’ll still bill for the cost of lost and/or damaged items.) Additionally, there will no longer be a .50 cent charge for placing items on hold. If you still have unused WPL Hold Punch Cards, please speak to a staff member at the Check Out Desk to learn about our hold card redemption plan.
  • On January 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m., the next installment of “Tending to Life”, a series co-sponsored by the Webster Public Library and the Webster Comfort Care Home, will take place. Information on the Comfort Care house and what it provides for patients and families will be provided. All are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • The community table this month will have a Calendar Swap. Have a surplus of supplies and looking to share? Drop off your gently used, unwanted items or pick up something new.
  • Looking for more information about area preschools? On Monday, Jan. 8 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., the library will host a Webster Area Preschools Open House. Representatives from preschools and nursery schools in the Webster area will be available to chat with parents and provide information about their programs. So far, the participants include Little Learners, Rochester Christian School, Webster Central Schools pre-K, Woodside Nursery School, Positive Preschool, St. Rita’s and St. Joseph’s. Registration is not required.
  • The next Webster Business Spotlight shines on Chef Mike, the Pastaio of M.O. Pasta, as he demonstrates techniques and skills on how to make fresh pasta. Learn all about Chef Mike’s culinary journey and pro tips on how to make the best pasta at home! It takes place Monday Jan. 29 from 1 to 2 p.m. and registration is requested. Mike, by the way, is one of my favorite people. Here’s the blog I wrote when he opened up his East Main St. shop last April.
  • You like jigsaw puzzles? Need some new ones? Check out the National Puzzle Day Jigsaw Exchange, all day Monday Jan. 29. Bring your gently used puzzles to exchange for something new to you. Bring in as many as you want There are no guarantees that all the pieces are there, so swap at your own risk.
  • The Monday afternoon Sit & Stitch program is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Twenty years of fellowship, sharing and teaching folks to knit, crochet and do other fiber arts. Join them for refreshments and reminiscing, on Monday Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. No registration is necessary, and you can even bring your needles and yarn and stay a while.

Remember, these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all of the great events and programs at your very own Webster Public Library. Remember, you can find out more at the Webster Public Library website, and Facebook page.

The Webster Public Library is located at 980 Ridge Rd., at the rear of Webster Plaza.

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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 “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.

(posted 1/6/2024)

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Webster community mailbag

5 Jan

With the beginning of the new year, my email box is beginning to fill up again. Here’s the latest from my mailbag:

Woodside Nursery School will host a Prospective Family Open House on Thursday January 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the school, located at the back of the United Church of Christ, 570 Klem Rd. Meet the teachers, tour the classrooms and find out more.

Woodside will also be represented at the Webster Public Library’s Preschool Open House event on Jan. 8 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., in case you can’t make it to the school.

If you’re one of my many readers who were interested in finding out where to volunteer in Webster, here’s an event just for you.

The Webster Community Chest Volunteer Appreciation Event will take place on Tuesday Jan. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Webster Public Library community room, 980 Ridge Rd.

If you’ve volunteered at one of their events or for the Meal Center this year, or perhaps haven’t volunteered yet but have been wanting to start, this event is for you. Stop by, have some refreshments, meet the faces of the Webster Community Chest and learn more about your perfect volunteer opportunity with the organization. Please let them know you’ll be coming at webcommchest@gmail.com. (Or if you forget, just stop by anyway.)

The Women’s Club of Webster’s January meeting will be a pizza party at Proietti’s Restaurant, 980 Ridge Rd., on Thursday Jan. 18.

Festivities begin at 11:15 with a social mix-and-mingle, followed by a brief meeting at noon and lunch at 12:30 p.m. This month’s speaker will be First Vice-President Jean Loughridge, who will talk about the club and the charities it supports. Enjoy pizza, salad, a cannoli and camaraderie for $18. New members are always WELCOME!

Send your check made out to WCW by January 11 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, NY 14519. Questions? Phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303.

The Webster Chamber of Commerce has two events coming up this month, and business owners are all welcome, whether you’re a member of the Chamber or not.

On Thursday Jan. 11, the next Webster Chamber Eat Drink & Connect will be hosted by Chamber member Wireless Zone, 2157 Penfield Road (Wegmans Plaza).

Tour the new store, enjoy refreshments, Hear the story of more than doubling foot traffic and have fun working toward being a game winner. Chamber members and visitors are encouraged to attend. Please register here.

Then, coming up on Friday Jan. 26 is the next Monthly Breakfast Program meeting. Network with an many as 90 business and organizational leaders during the monthly Webster Chamber breakfasts. In addition to networking before and during the breakfast, an informative program is always planned, along with a time to “pass-the-mic” so everyone has an opportunity to be visible. Visitors and members are welcome.

These meetings are always held at 7 a.m. at the Webster Recreation Center. Please register here.

Also from the Chamber, news from the last breakfast meeting, when Marina Auto Group was recognized as Business of the Month.

Located on Ridge Road in Webster, Marina Auto Group president John B. Gabriele has led his business growth to become a significant employer in Webster, currently employing 85 people.  

Over the years, Gabriele has added to the auto industry manufacturers they represent: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Ram. Early in his dealership career, he was located in West Irondequoit as Weller Motors. In May of 2001 the State acquired their property for the construction of the O’Rourke Bridge. At that point, Gabriele made the decision to locate his business to Webster. Twenty two years later, Marina Auto is fully entwined within our Webster community.

One member business is chosen every month to be honored as Business of the Month, chosen by a volunteer committee comprised of Chamber members. The award is presented at the monthly breakfast meeting.

Pictured above: (L-R) Marina Sales Manager Tony Gabriele, Jr., Webster Chamber President & CEO Barry Howard, Marina President John B. Gabriele, General Manager John Gabriele Jr., and Office Manager Vittorio Romantini.

Finally, some notes from the Webster Central School District:

Willink Lego Robotics Team Wins Engineering Excellence Award

Congratulations to Willink Middle School’s Lego robotics team for taking first place for Engineering Excellence at the First Lego League qualifier at McQuaid Jesuit High School, held Dec. 16.

The Engineering Excellence Award celebrates a team with an efficiently designed robot, an innovative project solution that effectively addresses the season’s challenge, and CORE values evident in all they do. At the competition, Titans Traigh Schroeder, Sai Abhiram Pathaneni, Kyle Hughes, Artem Leskiv, and Andrii Kravtsiv presented an innovation project, explained their robot design, and ran the robot game three times.

This is the first time since 2019 that Willink Middle School has competed in the First Lego League qualifier. The Titans put in more than 35 hours after school to prepare for the event where they faced off against 16 teams from the Rochester area.

Community Input Sought on School District Budget

Webster CSD welcomes feedback from all district community members when planning a budget for a school district that serves 8,100 students and 1,600+ staff members. Knowing the feedback of the school district community will help the district develop a budget that reflects community input for its students. 

As some may remember, Webster CSD uses ThoughtExchange as one of its many communication tools. Thought Exchange is a collaborative, online discussion platform that is used to gain insights and feedback from the community to make decisions that impact everyone, including a proposed budget for next year. Participation is voluntary and thoughts are shared but identities are kept confidential. Participants may view and objectively rate others’ feedback. 

The community is asked to please consider participating in the district’s latest ThoughtExchange by going online to www.websterschools.org and clicking on the link for the news story “Community Input Sought on District Budget” to answer the question: What are the most important things to consider as we begin to plan for our upcoming budget? This ThoughtExchange closes on Wednesday, January 31, so please visit the website soon.

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(posted 1/5/2024)

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